Monday, December 31, 2007

Thankful Thoughts


I am so thankful for creative outlets and friends that appreciate creativity as well!
I have made many new friends this year, one of whom has a father that had bypass surgery today -- and he is now out and recovering nicely! I am thankful for that. I made this card for Wonka's dad, Freddy, who likes horses and the color blue. Tomorrow is his birthday!

Stamps:
Horses by Inkadinkadoo, sentiment by CTMH
Paper: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa, Cosmo Cricket and Basic Grey DP
Ink: Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Sage Shadow, More Mustard, Bliss Blue
Accessories: charm, twine, brad, paper piercer, cutter tool, photo corner punch, stitched ribbon, dimensionals, aqua brush
Techniques: watercoloring, piercing, distressing

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Thinking about Resolutions

Our family went to see the new National Treasure movie yesterday. What fun that is! Good action, excitement, a fun storyline and history (somewhat altered) to boot. We loved the first one and this one was equally enjoyable for all. One of the neat things about these two movies is that they inspired me to learn a little more about the history of our country. After the first movie came out, we made a family trip (not because of the movie; it was already planned) to Washington D.C. I had never been there before and it still is one of my favorite trips we have made. It was really interesting to see all the things we had seen in the movie and have seen in the news on TV for years. My favorite place of all to visit was a surprise to me -- The Ford Theater - where Lincoln was shot. The museum in the basement just fascinated me. So many things about that story that I had never taken the time to read about. And that is where the new National Treasure movie began - the Ford Theater, with Lincoln being shot.

Well, what does all this have to do with resolutions? One of the main parts of the story in the movie revolves around the Resolute Desks. There are two twin desks - one in the U.S. and one in England. I had never even heard them called that, although I was aware of the desks - there is hardly anyone my age or older who hasn't seen the picture of John Jr. peeking out of the door under his father's (JFK) feet. So today I did some digging. I thought first about the term resolute and what it means: "firm in purpose or belief; characterized by firmness and determination"; "stood resolute against the enemy"; "faced with a resolute opposition"; "a resolute and unshakeable faith." That certainly fit what world leaders do when they sit there and make decisions about their country's future. I thought that was where the name probably came from. But I did some more digging.

The desks were actually made in 1879 by order of Queen Victoria from wood that was recovered from the HMS Resolute - a decommissioned British vessel. One desk sits in Buckingham Palace (which I have also been to!) and the other, as a gift from the Queen, in the White House. Read more about them here. There is also a great picture there.

That got me thinking about New Year's Resolutions. We have all made them. We have all broken them. And I decided that was because, at least in my case, I wasn't "firm in purpose or belief"; I didn't "stand resolute against the enemy"; I didn't have "a resolute and unshakeable faith." It was almost as if when I made the resolutions, I knew I would break them. It's so easy just to say "Oh, well, that's how it goes." But there are some things I need to stand firm in and be serious enough about - just as the decisions for our world leaders as they sit at those Resolute Desks.

So, rather than making resolutions, which I tend to break or forget about after a month, I resolve to be resolute in a couple of areas in my life that I have not been --- really. The first one is to become as healthy as I can. Not to lose weight, not to be "skinny" (like that will ever happen - or should -- I was born a pear and will remain a pear -- no cinnamon sticks here!), not for looks or others' approval, but just to be healthy and try to prevent some of the diseases that seem to overtake us in our later years. I read somewhere that for every 15 minutes you walk, you increase your life by 15 minutes. In 15 minutes, I could hear my son play a trumpet piece, or listen to a song he has written. I could fix my daughter's hair one more time, and I could talk to a friend on the phone (or surf the net!). I could read an article my husband has written and talk to him about it. I could play with my dogs or watch the snow fall. That's a lot to miss out on...

As far as card-making goes, I will have to walk a lot, since you know I usually can't make a card in under an hour! haha!! I will need lots of 15 minute increments for my cards! So here is my inspiration in becoming resolute about getting healthy. I had fun making this --

Stamps: Dolly Mama; Image a gift from Joycelyn (Stamps'nCoffee)
Paper: Whisper White, DP by Stamping Station
Ink: Basic Black, Green Galore, Lavender Lace, Lovely Lilac, Gable Green, Almost Amethyst, Barely Banana, Yoyo Yellow, Creamy Caramel
Accessories: dotted ribbon by Pebbles
May you resolve to be resolute about something in 2008!

Thursday, December 27, 2007

I Can't Believe It!


I can't believe I am saying this. I never thought I would. I was so sure of it.
But I am really starting to like using acrylic stamps. WOW! I am shocked. A year ago, I would have said "No way. Never. Nuh uh. Nope." But thanks to my friend, Stacy, and Michaels $1 clear stamps, I am getting the hang of it and liking it. EEK!
And I have found out that all polymer isn't the same! Some brands stamp so much better than others.
I made this card with a Close to My Heart set called "Snow Friends." This was for a challenge some friends and I have each week. This week we were to use designer paper for our background. I love this little snowman -- and he has a bunch of snow friends!
Stamps: Snow Friends by CTMH
Paper: DP by Reminisce, Bashful Blue, Blue Bayou, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White
Ink: Blue Bayou, Bashful Blue
Accessories: sm. oval punch, word window punch, dimensionals, snowflake brad (The Paper Studio), sponge dauber

We are supposed to get another inch tonight, but I bet we won't!

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Birthday Greetings

Yesterday was one of my SCS friends' birthdays. I also have a friend at my church whose birthday was yesterday. In a way, I think it would be hard to separate the celebrations. Maybe I would go to having a half-birthday celebration! Everyone knows it's more fun to celebrate twice as often! :)
A group of us made cards for our friend Deb, and made sure they didn't have anything to do with Christmas. So we chose a color scheme of black and white and here is what I came up with:

I was inspired by the sketch of this gorgeous card.

Today is another friend's birthday! I remember when she was younger (she is the daughter of one of my good friends) she made the comment that she didn't want any of her presents wrapped in Christmas paper! So I tried to make something a little different for her.
I also made this card for last week's Featured Stamper Challenge, and was inspired by the layout of this card.

Happy Birthday to all of you who celebrate birthdays this week!

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas Friends!

What a wonderful day! My whole family was at my house for Christmas -- the first time in about 23 years! It was a lot of fun with great times, great food, great gifts and lots of fun! I hope you had a great day today too!

We are having nice big fluffy flakes come down right now - perfect for the end of this day. Here is an easy snowflake card I made in various shades of blue.

Stamps: In the Spotlight, So Many Sayings, Happy Winter
Paper: Brocade Blue, Night of Navy, Cool Carribbean, Glossy White
Ink: same as above (minus White) plus Taken With Teal and Blue Bayou
Accessories: scallop punch, circle punch, word window punch, slit punch, Martha Stewart snowflake punch, Zig Painty

Merry Christmas!!

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Peace on Earth


HERE is the sketch for this week. I love the five circles, although you could also use squares or another shape!

Stamps: Peace on Earth
Paper: Whisper White, Bravo Burgundy, River Rock, Bazzill Gray, Basic Grey Figgy Pudding DP
Ink: Black Stazon, Sage Shadow, Bordering Blue, Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Silver Dress-ups (corners), photo corner punch, Zig Painty, circle punch, scallop punch, silver brads, olive organdy ribbon, dimensionals, sponge

1 Corinthians 13 - a Christmas Version
Source unknown

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

Merry Christmas and lots of love to you and yours!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

At Christmastime, have a happy & big heart!



The Advent Virus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anonymous via email
WARNING……WARNING: ADVENT VIRUS
Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:

A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
A loss of interest in judging other people.
A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
A loss of interest in conflict.
A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)
Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
Frequent attacks of smiling.
An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Please send this warning out to all your friends. This virus can and has affected many systems. Some systems have been completely cleaned out because of it.

Merry Advent!!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Some quick (for me!) Christmas cards....


This is one of my favorite sets of all time! So I made some Christmas cards with it last night. I don't like to mass produce, or even make 2 of the exact same design, so I made about 8 different designs, all similar but slightly different. Here are two of them going out to some SCS friends this week! The card on the right has stickles around the leaves and in the center of the flowers.

I tried to keep them to 41 cents to mail, so they are pretty simple~

Stamps: Paint Prints, Sanded, Short & Sweet, Small Script
Paper: Mellow Moss, Whisper White, Rose Red, So Saffron, Always Artichoke
Ink: same as above (minus white)
Accessories: oval punches, eyelets, stickles, round tab punch, distressing tool, paper piercer, brads, dimensionals

My son comes home for Christmas break today! At least, that is the plan now. The plan WAS for him to come home yesterday. (He attends college in North Carolina.) He got to the airport and they had cancelled his flight due to mechanical failure. We were all disappointed, to say the least, but thankful the mechanical failure was identified before the plane took off! No other flights yesterday, so they put him on one today. They are having rain and wind issues there, so we are praying that all goes well and he can get home today! We miss him!

Friday, December 14, 2007

The New Stampin' Up! catalog is almost here!

This year Stampin' Up! went to two catalogs: Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer. The Fall/Winter catalog will be retiring at the end of December, although many sets will be still be available. Check out the retiring stamps sets at the Stampin' Up! website. I wanted to show you the gorgeous new cover for the Spring/Summer catalog. It certainly doesn't seem to me like Spring is anywhere close (we have 4 inches of snow and temperatures in the single digits!), but I am excited to see the new stamps and accessories. Contact me if you would like to order anything from the retiring list or to find out how to get a new catalog FREE!

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat!

Do you know that song? There are so many wonderful Christmas songs and CDs available! I don't think the one from my title would fit in that category, but it came to mind today as I was writing this. My favorite (today - tomorrow will be a different one!) would have to be Michael Buble's Christmas CD that opens with "Let is Snow." That is such a fun arrangement, rivaled, I think, only by Gloria Estefan's! I hope you can take some time to listen to some wonderful music today!

Today our challenge was to make a white-based card. Here is mine:

I love this set I just got that is made by Rubber Stamp Tapestry. They have some wonderful designs. The stamps are tiny and on small pegs, but it goes fast! I made the wreath in about 5 minutes!
Stamps: Wreath by Rubber Stamp Tapestry; sentiment by Studio G
Paper: Whisper White, Purely Pomegranate, Handsome Hunter
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Forest Foliage, Glorious Green, Sahara Sand, Encore Gold
Accessories: round tab punch, tag punch, photo corner punch, gold dress-ups (glitter circles), Cuttlebug EF

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

My mousie is a star!

We have a winter wonderland! Thankfully just snow and not much ice. Prayers to all those in KS and OK who are without power -- we experienced that last Christmas for over a week -- 4 inches of ice on everything! I don't want that again!

Here is the card I made for this week's Featured Stamper Challenge. I cased this adorable card of Charlene's.

I changed images and colors and the number of layers. The star and tree are all sparkly with glitter (which of course never shows up like you want it to!).

Stamps: House Mouse by Stampabilities, So Many Sayings
Paper: Basic Grey Figgy Pudding DP, Whisper White, Mellow Moss
Ink: Ruby Red, Barely Banana, Mellow Moss, Gable Green
Accessories: photo corner punch, word window punch, sm. oval punch, stitched ribbon, dress ups (gold glitter corner circles), glue dots, aqua brush, green and crystal glitter glue

Stay warm!!

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Warm Mittens!


Today's SCS Challenge keyword is appropriate for our town this morning -- IC=icy! We have an inch of ice everywhere and I can't even get out of my driveway; it's like a skating rink!

So this morning's Inspiration Challenge was perfect, as our piece was full of warm-looking mittens: CLICK HERE.
Stamps: Happy Winter, Short & Sweet (snowflake), Hero Arts Mitten
Paper: Bashful Blue, Ruby Red, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White, Basic Grey Figgy Pudding DP
Ink: Ruby Red, Bliss Blue, Craft White
Accessories: scallop punch, circle punch, round tab punch, red brad, paper piercer, grosgrain ribbon
The design ended up a little too busy for me, but swirling snow and sleet and ice make for a busy time on the roads!

Now to begin decorating the house! It's December!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

In honor of my friend.....

Here is a card I made almost two weeks ago for the SCS Featured Stamper Challenge. I can't believe I haven't uploaded it here yet! My friend, Shelly, aka papermoon04, was chosen and I made this card in her honor:

HERE is her super cute card I chose to case.

I loved the little window that her Frosty was peeking out of. But my Santa was too big for that layout, so I turned it around to fit the image.
I changed stamps, colors and background, and added charms where her three snowflakes down the side were and added a couple of layers.

Stamps: Yuletide Montage (retired)
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: Black Stazon, Real Red, Blush Blossom
Accessories: Cuttlebug EF, snowflake charms, ribbon, dimensionals, tag punch, slot punch, aqua brush
Techniques: watercolor (Santa)

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Well duh!!

Thanks to Sharon in NE for pointing out that I left out the link to the inspiration piece!! Check it out below!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Inspiration Challenge


As many of you know, my favorite challenge is on Saturday! And this was no exception. Here is the inspiration piece we were to look at. I had fun making this card -- I love that Basic Grey Color Me Silly paper -- hard to find now.
Stamps: Think Big, Little Layers
Paper: Basic Grey Color Me Silly DP, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Only Orange, Black Stazon
Accessories: oval punches, tag corner punch, big brads, dimensionals

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

I woke up this morning to our first snowfall that has stayed more than a couple of hours. It's not much, but I think winter is coming now! Last week we set record-high temperatures with 70's and finally a high of 82! Pretty amazing for November in Nebraska!
Yesterday's SCS Limited Supplies Challenge was to create a snowflake card using neutral colors (browns, black, grays, white) and a hint of color somewhere, with limited layers and embellishments. I chose Purely Pomegranate and black/white. Here it is:

Making this card was definitely more relaxed than the twenty minutes I spent in Target at 6:30 AM on Black Friday! Now I remember why I don't usually shop on that day! Eesh!!! But I did find my "bargain" that I was looking for (shhhh....can't tell you what it was as the recipients might be reading this!), so I guess it was worth it (???)!!
The main panel snowflakes are embossed with Black Sparkle Embossing Powder. I will probably add some satin Pomegranate ribbon before I send it out, but couldn't use that on the challenge, as I had already used too many punches! :)
Stamps: Short & Sweet, Stampabilities (large snowflakes)
Paper: Basic Black, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White
Ink: Black pigment, White Craft, Purely Pomegranate
Accessories: round tab punch, oval punches, cutter tool, Black Sparkle EP, dimensionals
Techniques: embossing, distressing

Friday, November 23, 2007

Another Wasabi and Pink!


I love this color combination -- this flower is from one of the new Stampin' Up! hostess sets, Time Well Spent. I can hardly wait until January for the rest of the new catalog!
Stamps: Time Well Spent, sentiment by Studio G
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, unknown DP
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose
Accessories: round tab punch, Wasabi stitched ribbon, aqua brush, Stickles, ticket punch
Techniques: watercolor

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Pretty Wasabi...

Pretty is right! I love this color combination! Our challenge today was to make a Christmas card using Pretty in Pink and Wild Wasabi. I chose this retired Stampin' Up set called "Merry Christmoose." I love the moose carolers!

The sentiment is double stamped for a shadow and to give it more color. The snowflakes are stamped in craft ink and then embossed with Iridescent Peacock EP (sparkle doesn't really show in the photo). The pink boots, and some of the scarves and hats are all sparkly too, as are the notes, but of course, you can never get all the sparkle in the picture!

The moose all love to sing carols -- their favorite one is "It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmoose" - as you can see --- but they also like these lyrics that the Whos sing from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" --
"Welcome, Welcome,
Fah who rah-moose!
Welcome, Welcome,
Dah who dah-moose!"

As you can see, they are in a snowy winter wonderland tuning their voices for the big Carol Contest later next month.....

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Today's Inspiration Challenge...

Honestly, who wouldn't be inspired by anything from Coldwater Creek? I aboslutely love their clothes -- and would have a whole closet-full if I could! I love this jacket that was our inspiration piece this morning:
Here is what I came up with. All images are stamped in white embossing powder and then chalked. The ribbon is wired so it can stand up. Until today, this set hasn't seen ink in ages! It was one of my first sets I purchased after I became a demo thirteen years ago~although I have used it since then~ :)

Stamps: DD Grapes
Paper: Basic Black
Ink: Tombow Embossing ink
Accessories: Pastels, ribbon, heart charm, white EP

Friday, November 16, 2007

Today's Limited Supplies Challenge....

As many of my friends know, I collect giraffes. I rec'd this darling image (and several others!) from my friend, Stacy (twinshappy). It fit perfectly with a card I wanted to make to send today. I added tiny hearts from So Many Sayings to fit the challenge.

Stamps: Loads of Love, So Many Sayings, CTMH
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Rose Romance (retired), Whisper White, HL DP
Ink: Basic Black, Rose Romance (retired), Baroque Burgundy (retired), Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Word Window, Coner Rounder, Round Tab punches, dimensionals, aqua brush

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Today's Challenge - an inspiring fall card

I love the Saturday Inspiration Challenge. I am usually able to stamp on Saturday mornings, and I love seeing all the different ideas from one picture. It's reminds me of when I was in grade school and we did our Creative Writing Fridays. We were all shown the same picture from the newspaper and then had to write a story about it. I loved hearing everyone's ideas -- all good -- and so very different and creative! Here is the card I made today:
Stamps: In the Spotlight
Paper: Really Rust, Soft Sky, DP is "Picket Fence" by My Mind's Eye
Ink: Blue Bayou, Really Rust, Cool Carribbean, Certainly Celery
Accessories: flower punches, dimensionals, sponge dauber
Here is the piece we were given to inspire us:

I kept the same color scheme and overall flower theme. Hope you are inspired today!

=====================

Yesterday was my son's birthday. He turned 19. I can't even believe that. He was just a little kid like.....yesterday! Anyway, I made him a fun juvenile card. I guess I don't want him to grow up -- or at least grow up and leave home. But, I know it happens eventually, and since he is already living thousands of miles away while he goes to college, and he has his own apartment, he has, in a sense, already left. So here is his birthday card for this year, made for Friday's SCS "Follow the List #5" Limited Supplies Challenge. We were to use animals or critters, any paper, only 2-4 layers, and no embellishments! The edges of the Designer Label punch are colored with Elegant Eggplant to give the illusion of one more layer, but still staying within the 2-4 layer guidelines.
Stamps: A Happy Hi (SU retired), It's a Jungle Out There (MFT)
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Almost Amethyst, Basic Grey DP
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Basic Black
Accessories: Designer Label punch, dimensionals

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Today's Color Challenge...


Here is a card I made for today's Color Challenge.
Wild Wasabi
Ruby Red
Soft Sky
I am looking for different fast and easy Christmas cards and this one was definitely that! All panels are raised on dimensionals.
Stamps: Clearly Defined by Printworks
Paper: Whisper White, Bazzill Black (textured), Ruby Red, Soft Sky, Ruby Red
Ink: same as above (Basic Black)
Accessories: organdy dotted ribbon, dimensionals

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Today's Featured Stamper Challenge....

Today's Featured Stamper on SCS is jpmayo -- Jimmi Mayo. I cased THIS CARD. Thanks for twinshappy (Stacy) for the gorgeous ribbon! I wanted to use the ribbon without covering up a lot of the DP, so I decided to put it on the corners. I changed colors and the layout slightly.

Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks, So Many Sayings, Jumbo Wheel Rough Texture
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Really Rust, Glossy White, Basic Grey Mellow DP, Old World Mat Stack by DCWV
Ink: Really Rust, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Designer Label punch, Large Oval punch, Chocolate Satin ribbon, dimensionals

Friday, November 2, 2007

Happy and Flat!

Goodness! What could that title be about? Well, it's about the SCS Limited Supplies Challenge for today: making a flat holiday card that costs only 41 cents to mail. Here is what I came up with:
The stamps are from a retired set and retired jumbo wheel. The So Saffron piece is stamped with a star from In the Spotlight, but it's really light in the photo. I used the Designer Label punch again to make the frame around the main image.
Stamps: Happiest of Holidays, In the Spotlight, Poinsettia Jumbo Wheel
Paper: Purely Pomegranate, So Saffron, Always Artichoke
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Barely Banana
Accessories: Stickles, burgundy organy ribbon, Designer Label punch

I love my Designer Label punch!


Here is a fast, fun little ATC sized card I made for my husband's lunchbox. You can find out more informaiton on this challenge HERE. The background is Polished Stone (tutorial HERE). I love my new Designer Label punch -- I just got it last week and can't believe I thought I wouldn't like it. It makes great sentiment labels and is easy to layer.
Stamps: So Many Sayings
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Tempting Turquoise, Lovely Lilac, Glossy White
Ink: Encore Gold, Elegant Eggplant, Taken With Teal, Tempting Turquoise
Accessories: Designer Label punch, Ticket punch, Small Oval punch, sponge dauber, dimensionals, organdy ribbon
Techniques: Polished Stone, Sponging

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Halloween Boo!

We are in the throes of "Fiddler on the Roof" --- my daughter is in it, my husband plays trumpet in the pit orchestra, and I do whatever needs to be done for the kids (about 85 of them!) at rehearsals and performances -- plus also play keyboard in the pit. We opened last Thursday night, have two performances today, one tomorrow and the closing performance on Monday night. It's been a lot of fun and a lot of work, but I love to see the high school kids thrive on performance and acting!

So -- I got to stamp today for the first time since last week. I love the SCS Inspiration Challenge. Here was today's art work to inspire us:

Here is what I came up with. I brayered and sponged the background in different colors, double stamped the hat and then cut one out, attaching it with dimesionals, added the mesh for a little fence, and embossed the sentiment with three different powders that I combined. It's going in the mail today!


Stamps: Cat and Hat by Inkadinkadoo, sentiment by House Mouse/Stampabilities
Paper: broom handle, spider web and orange DP by The Paper Studio
Ink: Real Red, Really Rust, Creamy Caramel, So Saffron, Black Stazon
Accessories: Magic Mesh, twine, brayer, sponge dauber, circle punch, and Iridescent Ice, Black Sparkle, and Sunsplash EP
Techniques: brayering, sponging, masking

Sunday, October 21, 2007

A List of Limited Elegance


Taking a break from posting the "five cards" - 2 more to go later this week!

This is a card I made for a Limited Supplies challenge. The list included one flower stamp (inked once, stamped as many times as you wanted), one sentiment, one swirl stamp, and punches, paper, and ribbon. All of that was to equal a quick and elegant card.

Here is what I came up with -- navy is one of my favorite "elegant" colors. The swirl is hard to see, but it is down the sides of the Night of Navy base. I used the swirl from Delight in Life.

Stamps: Happy Harmony, Delight in Life (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Night of Navy, Bordering Blue, WWhite, DCWV Old World Mat Stack
Ink: Night of Navy
Accessories: large oval punch, cuttlebug (Thanks, Shelly!), heat gun (to curl ribbon), square punched gems, silver organdy ribbon

Friday, October 19, 2007

# 3 - but a different sentiment!

Here is the third card I made in the "15 minutes or less" birthday category -- I had made one like this that said "Celebrate" and then mailed it, and had forgotten to take a picture. So here is its twin -- but this one says "thank you" of course! I made this one today for a SCS friend to thank her for sending me some of those cute clear topped tins. The DP matches So Saffron and Rose Red - not a combo I would have normally put together!

Yes, the ribbon is too low, but what can you do once the glue dots have stuck? (They tear my paper when I take them up -- tried that! haha)

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Happy Brithday to You #2

The background looks loopy -- like I was on a roller coaster or something when I took this! But here is the second "15 minutes or less" card for birthdays!
Stamps: The Fine Print, sentiment by Penny Black
Paper: Yoyo Yellow, Real Red, Brilliant Blue, Whisper White
Ink: Brilliant Blue
Accessories: Hobby Lobby ribbon, Paper Frills by Doodlebug (scallop edge)

Monday, October 15, 2007

Happy Birthday to You~

I never seem to have enough birthday cards on hand. And, as you know, if you have read my blog this past week, I take too long to make one card! So I decided to come up with 5 different birthday cards that I could make it 15 minutes! That is less time than it would take me to go to the nearest store that has cards (which would be Walgreen's -- not a lot of choice there...). So here is the first one. It is even already in the mail! Watch later this week for the other four!

I discovered that River Rock goes great with Spring Flowers DP -- only because my desk is a mess and those two were in a pile I was sorting though! I couldn't find the middle for this flower in my stamps (like I said - messy desk!), so I used my friend Holly's (Toy) idea of a pencil eraser (in Chocolate Chip ink). The flowers are stamped off once with Cameo Coral, then I added Stickles for some shine -- They look kind of funky here, but I like how they turned out IRL!

Stamps: All by Stampin' Up! Heartfelt Thanks, Watercolor Joy Wheel, Short & Sweet
Paper: River Rock, Very Vanilla, Spring Flowers DP, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Cameo Coral, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: ribbon, oval punches, Stickles, dimensionals, slit punch

Sunday, October 14, 2007

A Flower for You

Today's SCS Featured Stamper is my friend Tammy, known as stampertammy. She just sent me a darling giraffe Halloween card, which you can see HERE. She knows I collect giraffes and sent me this for my collection. He is so cute in his little witch's hat!

I cased THIS CARD of Tammy's for today's challenge. Here is mine:
I changed colors and the sentiment, but kept the layout and images the same. I don't have a spiral punch, so I used my Rolodex punch, and also substituted cardstock photo corners (Thanks, Stacy!) for the chipboard.

Stamps: Vases in Vogue
Paper: Bashful Blue, Rose Red, Whisper White, Rose Romance (retired), POP Rose Red DP
Ink: Basic Black, Rose Red, Bashful Blue, Sage Shadow
Accessories: photo corner punch (from twinshappy!), oval punches, brad, dimensionals, paper piercer, aqua brush, Rolodex punch
Techniques: watercolor, piercing

Saturday, October 13, 2007

A challenge completed.....

Help Fight Cancer
Powered by Smilebox
Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Please read Lauren's blog HERE for details on this challenge!

Friday, October 12, 2007

Cards to Cheer and Nothing to Lose

Today's Limited Supplies Challenge, "Nothing to Lose," called for no hardware, designer paper, or ribbon -- basically so that the card can easily be mailed for 41 cents. Why? Because we are making cards today for those who have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer (or any kind, really). Read about the challenge here.It even involves maybe getting a free stamp set from My Favorite Things, so check it out!

I just got this set, "Refuge & Strength," and thought it would be perfect for today's challenge! I made it very simple, but really like how it turned out. I finally got my 15 minute card!!
Stamps: Refuge & Strength by Stampin' Up!
Paper: Whisper White
Ink: Rose Red, Basic Black

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

I am Glue!

My friend, Dawn, had this on her blog, and you know how it is -- you have to see what you are!






What scrapbooking item are you?




You are GLUE! You are the adhesive that keeps things together. You go through life helping others. You stick to people and try to keep people together. You like it best when you are surrounded by people and able to help them. But Glue Beware - in your efforts to keep everyone together and with you, you sometimes overlook yourself and find it hard to keep yourself together. Don't neglect personal time in your overwhelming need to socialize and help others.
Take this quiz!

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Today's Color Challenge....

...was River Rock, Basic Gray and Basic Black. I ended up really liking this combination. Here is what I came up with:
Stamps: The Art of Life, Rough Texture Jumbo Wheel (background on River Rock and Gray pieces), Vases in Vogue (sentiment)
Paper: Textured Black and Gray by DCWV, River Rock
Ink: Basic Black, Sahara Sand
Accessories: organdy ribbon, pearls, oval template, sponge
Techniques: sponging (edges)

Sunday, October 7, 2007

An Elephant Never Forgets!


This little elephant is here to say: Don't Forget to Get Checked!

I made him for today's Featured Stamper Challenge. Sweet Miss Daisy (AKA Anna Wight) was the FS, and I chose this card to case.

This little elephant is from a set by My Favorite Things. It's a cute set and has lots of possibilities!! And a giraffe!! More with him this week!

Stamps: MFT
Paper: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Rose Romance (retired), unknown striped DP
Ink: same as above plus Basic Black
Accessories: grosgrain ribbon, stickles, aqua brush, brad, photo corner punch Techniques: watercolor

I have changed the background color of my blog for this month to help remind all my women friends to get checked during October!!

Saturday, October 6, 2007

It's just not meant to be.....

..... a 15 minute card is not in my vocabulary today. Someday maybe. But it wasn't today! I did trim off 15 minutes though, from yesterday's time! Does that count? :)

Here is my card for today's Inspiration Challenge:
And the piece that inspired it:
It looks so soft and cuddly!

Friday, October 5, 2007

Designer Paper - I love it!

What a busy week -- It seems I am saying that a lot lately! I need to remember how to say "no" !! Every feel like that? I like doing too many different things and then I get asked to do something else and I say "yes!"

So, I was so glad that today's challenge was supposed to be quick! "Quick and Easy Cards with Designer Paper." Well, I have a ton of that! In fact, that is my big weakness. I love patterned paper and I have enough to last a lifetime! It's the solid cardstock I keep running out of. Although part of the challenge was easy -- and I agreed with that, "quick" is not in my card-making vocabulary. I just think about the layout and position and embellishments way too long. But here is what I came up with:
I had used this paper in another card and it took 5 minutes to make (that one, not this one). This one is a much easier layout and it took almost an hour. And it shouldn't have -- I only stamped one little circle!

I think tomorrow I will give myself a 15 minute time limit. Come back and see if I made it!

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

A Mother's Love


A mother's love is strong enough to reach clear across thousands of miles -- this card is going to my son, who is in college. We all miss him around here. He is so full of life and has such a great sense of humor. He keeps everything in perspective and makes everything fun~ even when it's really not!

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, horses by Inkadinkadoo
Paper: River Rock, DCWV Old World Mat Stack, Very Vanilla, Blue Bayou
Ink: Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Bordering Blue (clouds), various inks for watercolor
Accessories: Blue Bayou stitched ribbon, hand cut cloud stencil, slit punch, dimensionals, ticket punch, aqua brush
Techniques: watercolor

I made this for today's SCS Color Challenge: River Rock, Blue Bayou and Chocolate Chip. Love these three colors together -- I didn't like River Rock when I first saw it, but you just have to find good colors to go with it!

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Doggone It's Your Birthday!


I made this card today for a friend who is having a birthday soon -- she has just moved and I thought she needed a fun, simple card! I cased this card from this one by Jenn Balcer's daughter. Jenn was the Featured Stamped on SCS today. I love this dog image from Penny Black. He just looks so huggable.
Stamps: The Fine Print (sentiment), Penny Black
Paper: Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black, Whisper White, unknown DP
Ink: Basic Black, Real Red, various dye inks for watercoloring
Accessories: Frame Frills by Queen & Co., Stickles, Offray ribbon, dimensionals, glue dots

Friday, September 28, 2007

Candy is Dandy~ and so are my kids!


I made this card for today's Limited Supplies Challenge: using Halloween images for non-Halloween cards -- and for yesterday's Ways to Use It Challenge: Food.

Stamps: All About U, Cheesecloth, Alphabits, candy corn by Hero Arts
Paper: Yoyo Yellow, Only Orange, Slab DP, Whisper White
Ink: Only Orange, Basic Black, Yoyo Yellow
Accessories: paper clip, dotted grosgrain ribbon, jumbo white eyelets, wave template, 1/4 " circle punch

My friend Stacy inspired me today to use up some of my scraps and to send a card for Bre'Anna, a little 9 year old girl who is recovering from brain cancer surgery. She sounds so sweet and resilient!

You can read about her story HERE.

My kids were born adventurers. They get that from their father, who is an adventure seeker. Here are some recent pictures of my family on their adventures (I stayed home to stamp, of course!):
This is my son hanging on a cliff at where else? Hanging Rock, North Carolina. He spent Labor Day there with some friends and just had to send me a picture that he knew I would squeal about. His Dad squealed too, but only because he was jealous!

This is my darling daughter (above), getting ready for her rapelling trip down a 30 ft. cliff in Vedauwoo, Wyoming. She gets this desire from this guy (my adventurous husband):

Who knows what they will do next?