Start Small

I'm a little later in posting today because when I opened my Yahoo e-mail today (which almost all stamping e-mail goes to) I had received about 8 of each group message (for a total of 154) that was sent after I logged out last night. Yikes! That is crazy!

Here is my card for the Vintage Section swap that I'm in. Not too long ago I read on another blog to start small when you aren't sure what you'd like to do with a card. That is what I had to do with this card. I started by making the Statue of Liberty in ATC (Artist Trading Card) size which is 2 1/2 x 3 1/2. After which I actually did a little copying from the IB&C. I loved the way it showed the flag in the back ground so I went with it. One of the comments that I've gotten on it is that it is very patriotic. Yes, the colors of blue and red do put that vibe out there but I've sponged around the edge and into the Brocade Blue center of the card and it really gives it a vintage feel in real life, almost like an old postcard. Materials are...Stamps: Liberty for All. Ink: Brocade Blue, Real Red, Mellow Moss, Sahara Sand, and Bashful Blue. Card Stock: Real Red, Brocade Blue, Sahara Sand, Night of Navy, Whisper White, and Watercolor Paper. Accessories: Aqua Painter, Dimensionals, Linen Thread, 1/16" Punch and Sponges.

I am going on a field trip with Kyler today to our fair grounds. They are going to learn about agriculture. He is very excited (what kid isn't?) and loves it when I come with. They have another field trip next week to release the Salmon they have raised in their classroom. I'll try to go to that one too. I love that I can do that with my kids.

Have a great stamping Thursday everyone!

Mmmm...Godiva!

I'm so spoiled! Todd brought me home some wonderful Godiva chocolate in a cute little tin. When I finally finished it I decided I should see if I could alter the tin in some way. What I came up with was this cute little thang. Even if I don't know what to do with it...it is still cute, right? The only thing I don't like about the picture is that my Swarovski crystal in the middle did some moving around and it looks a little silly. I did move it back though and now it looks great! I used the Polka Dots and Paisley's DP, some grosgrain ribbon, and Prima Flowers. No stamps where inked for this tin. The top said Godiva Chocoiste as well so I covered that with paper as well.

My friend Jennifer asked about Jon's golfing when we were chatting last night so I just have to share with you. Between the 45 mph wind gusts and some not nice teammates he had a horrible afternoon. I just felt so bad for him. He is not going to quit the team but just was really overwhelmed. So, we talked about perseverance and about how not to treat people so hopefully that will help him a little. I thought I'd share a picture of him in his golf 'uniform' and of course, he is being silly! I think he is so cute!

Well, you guys have a wonderful Wednesday and I'll see ya tomorrow!

Busy Day!

Have you ever had one of those days where you wonder how you fit it all in? That was me yesterday. Somehow I actually had time to eat and sleep yesterday. Last week I had said I wasn't feeling well just before my conference and what wonderful thing did I find in my mail when I returned home? An RAK from Dawn Griffith! What a fun Regal Rose and Chocolate Chip donut card she made! I do believe the Close to Cocoa polka dot paper is from the designer series paper called Au Chocolat in the Spring Mini. On the inside, layered very cute, it says Better get Better. Thank you Dawn! I do feel much better now!

A really neat thing happened for Jon yesterday. He made the JV golf team for today's match (meet?). He is so excited and so am I. Hopefully the wind will calm down a little today. The golf team wears Khaki pants and the team polo shirt. Well, he didn't have Khaki pants so we went at 8:30 last night (after my meeting) to find some. And, we did! I was so excited! They fit very well and look great on him. He is excited that he gets out of school at noon today but understands that he has to get his homework from his other classes. He's really growing up...neato!

I hope you all have a terrific stampin' Tuesday!

It's a beautiful thing!

Don't you just love it when you receive new stamping 'stuff' in the mail? I do! I got two boxes while I was away. One was from Creative Xpress with some new embossing folders in it. The other was from Paper Pretties. It had my card class in a box contents. Oh, my goodness, ladies! Everything is absolutely beautiful! I have never used Bazzil card stock before and it is beautiful! So today between work, exercise, and kids I will NEED to be playing with with this kit! Is that ribbon and paper absolutely yummy?!

I also have a swap with Land That I Love that I need to design so I guess I need to get on the ball, huh?

Have a marvelous Monday!

Holy Smokes!

Wow, you guys! 98 comments! Never in a million years would I have guessed I would get 98 comments! Guess ya like the blog candy, huh? I had my husband choose the number and he choose 37. Alright....the winner is....drum roll please...you'll find out after this commercial message!





Just kidding! The winner is...

Jackie said...

I love all cards, I used to only make and look at SU cards, but recently I have grown to use other stamp companies things. More cards are always a plus :)

Congratulations Jackie! If you would please e-mail me privately and provide me your address I'll get this out to you this week!

From the comments I guess everyone would like to see more of...well, everything! I will continue to do my best providing you guys with a variety of things and will try to throw in a few tutorial's every now and then!

I just have to tell you guys that I had a great time at my conference. I am very happy to be home, though. Believe it or not one of my favorite things was a children's music trio called Go Fish Guys. It is great music for kids that won't drive you parents nuts! That is their tag line not mine...cute, huh? Neat thing is that they have a shortened CD on their site with some songs that you can download! Here is the link...Go Fish Guys. You'll see the link for the CD at the bottom of the page. The 10 Commandment Boogie is so fun!

Again, thank you for all the kind comments...y'all made my day!

Blog Candy!!!

I was going to wait until I hit 10,000 visitors but I just can't! Since I'm going to be gone for a few days I thought it would be fun to give a little candy away. You will be receiving the SAB set Happy Harmony, some eyelets, some die cuts, file folder labels, and some cute ribbon I found at Michaels on Monday. What fun, huh?

Now for the rules. You may enter once a day Thursday through Saturday. I will choose a number from the total number of entries on Sunday morning and post the winner here.

When you post tell me what you'd like to see on my blog. More SU! cards or projects. More non-SU! cards or projects, more scrapbook pages, tutorials or maybe less of something. Don't just say that my blog is fine...let me know what you'd like to see! Easy schmesy, huh?

If there happens to be more than 100 entries by Sunday morning then I'll add something extra in so make sure you tell your friends to post!

***I had originally said the contest is Thursday through Saturday but so many of you are already posting that I'll extend it to include today, Wednesday!***

Another Triangle Trifold

My friend, Janel, let me borrow the set Hip Hip Hooray the other day. Since I've gotten it I've wanted to use it for a triangle trifold card. I could almost envision it. Yesterday I sat down and put my vision to paper. I just thought this little guy is so cute. There is also a set of girls that I would like to make a card with. Anyway, here is what I used on this card. Stamps: Hip, Hip, Hooray. Ink: Stazon Black, Real Red, Mellow Moss, and Bashful Blue. Cardstock: Pool Party Designer, Night of Navy, Whisper White, Brocade Blue, and Whisper White. Accessories: Red Grosgrain Ribbon, blender pen and some Stickles on the cupcake.

Please check back later today as I will be posting a blog candy contest for y'all to comment on while I'm away. Just a reminder I will not be posting Thursday until Saturday.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

NEW!

New today...you can subscribe to my blog! If you see what you like and want to be notified of when I make updates to the blog go to where it says 'subscribe to my blog', enter your e-mail address, and you'll be all set! Just e-mail me with any questions you have! :0)

FORE!!

I would like to introduce you to teeoffabella. When Jon started playing golf it inspired me to try this little cutie. The best part is that she was so easy to make. I used my Bloom Dots embossing folder in my Cuttlebug for the background on the Eggplant Envy. On the Mellow Moss is the Print Pattern BG Stamp. The coloring on the bella is just with markers and the grass is done with a blender pen and some ink pads. I did go ahead and Stickles the hat as she HAS to have some bling somewhere! Oh, and the FORE! is hand written. I just went to Michaels yesterday (I don't go very often because it is about 45 minutes away.) and found some cute argyle type of ribbon that I want to use with my next teeoffabella card.

I have finally gotten the cold that has plagued everyone else for the entire winter. I'm hoping that it won't last long and that I'm not too sick for this weekends festivities. I've got plans to do some stamping today so keeping it low key will definitely be a good thing!

Have a terrific Tuesday everyone!

It is done!

Yahoo! I got the notebook done for my friend yesterday. I want to show it to you but first I must tell you about where we are going. Thursday - Saturday we will be at the Northwest Christian Education Conference. It is at a big church called Overlake in Redmond (about 2 hours away). In total there will be four people attending the conference. Carol and I Thursday - Saturday and Kelley and Ann on Saturday. I do think I'll make little notebooks for Ann and Kelley, too. In total we will be attending 20 one hour education blocks on anything from games to how to teach kiddos about Jesus. On Thursday Carol and I will be taking pre-conference intensives which are two hour classes...one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We are done at 3 p.m. on Thursday and we are going to meet our husbands for dinner at Claim Jumper. I'm excited because I get to see Todd during the week and 'cuz I get to try out Claim Jumper. I hear the food is great and the portions are HUGE!

Okay, onto the artwork. I made this notebook with the same idea as the notebook I showed you yesterday. I really liked the flower so I went ahead and used it again but added an On Board Accents flower on the bottom to take up a little bit more room on the bottom of the notebook. For her name I used an On Board Lower "c" and covered it with paper. Big Deal Alphabet provides the rest of the name. I've very pleased with how well the name fits in that area. Finally, some grosgrain ribbon to segment the notebook and I was done. Very easy (once I figured out what I wanted to do) and I really like my results. On the inside is a little pink stickie from Accents and Elements Little Reminders that says This Belongs To just in case she sets it down and forgets it somewhere. I may add some Stickles on the flower but I don't want it to get all over her so I haven't decided yet. So...do you think she'll like it? I'm very excited to give it to her! Just to clarify here is what I used to put this together. Stamps: Office Accouterments and Big Deal Alphabet. Paper: Notations DP, Whisper White. Ink: Tempting Turquoise and Certainly Celery. Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon, On Board Accents, On Board Simon Lower, and Sticky Tape.

I will not be posting Thursday - Saturday and I will miss you all but I'll make sure I'm back on Sunday!

Have a wonderful Monday!

Sunday surprise for my boys!

This morning Todd and I got up early, got ready for church, and then got the boys up early. We then went out to Perkins for breakfast before church. It was a fun surprise and not something we do very often.

Now, onto our stamping project for the day. I made this yesterday to use for note taking when I'm at my conference Thurs - Sat this week. The recipe is...Stamps: Office Accouterments. Cardstock: Notations, So Saffron and Whisper White. Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip, and Certainly Celery. Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread, Round Tab Punch, Dimensionals and Hodgepodge Hardware. Now, I wish I could say I came up with this myself but alas, I did not. As a SU! demo I receive a monthly magazine called Stampin' Success. And what was on the front of the April issue? This lovely journal. So, yes, I copied it. Speaking of copying...the scrapbook page I showed you yesterday is also from the same magazine.

I hope you all are enjoying your weekend and I'll see you tomorrow!

Spring Colors

Happy Saturday morning everyone! It is already a beautiful day here today. It is supposed to be up to 64 degrees...woohoo!

But you guys don't care about that do ya? You just want to see some stamping, huh? Alright! Here we go. This card is made with Bodacious Bouquet. I got this set some time ago and haven't used it until now. I really like the bold image...it just stamps so nicely. Stamps: Bodacious Bouquet and Words of Wisdom. Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Tempting Turquoise, and Whisper White. Ink: Certainly Celery, Tempting Turquoise. Accessories: 3/8" White Organdy Ribbon.

And the last item from our stamp club is a 6X6 scrapbook page. And, yes, I did it again. Used the same color theme for two projects...oops! I try to follow the holidays and such on the calendar but honestly, I just didn't have anything St. Patrick's Day to make that type of page. So, I went with a springy type of theme instead. I think this page would be better for a younger child's pictures but I wouldn't be shy about putting my almost 9 y/o son's picture on it. Stamps: Cute as a Bug and Big Deal Alphabet. Cardstock: So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, and Tempting Turquoise. Ink: Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron, Certainly Celery. Accessories: Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, Cutting Mat, and Hobby Blade. A note on the Cutting Mat and Hobby Blade...Love them! Top quality and the mat...the perfect size for any project!

When I placed the club order on Wednesday I added a 5X5 Art Journal onto it. I plan to alter it this weekend so I can use it as my notebook for the conference I'm going to this next week (more on that later!).

Have a wonderful Saturday!

It's Friday...It's Friday!

Hello, everyone! In case someone hadn't noticed I love it when it is Friday! Todd comes home, I get to sleep in on Saturday and everything is good. What are your plans for this weekend? The weather here is supposed to be in the lower 60's for the weekend so we will get to be outside just a ton. Yay! Next week is spring break here and only one day are we supposed to be plagued by rain. That should make it nice for the kids!

Onto the cards. This little cutie is 4X4 and is just the perfect size to send someone a quick note. Supplies are...Stamps: Polka Dots and Paisley. Cardstock: Mellow Moss, Regal Rose, So Saffron, Whisper White, and Petals and Paisleys Designer Paper. Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware, Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, and Paper Piercing tools.

I just realized I didn't take a picture of the other card or scrapbook page so I'll do that today and post those tomorrow. Sorry about that.

Have you noticed any changes on the left hand side of my blog recently? I've added a photo album of Spring Mini projects for you non-blogging visitors and for those of you that blog I've jumped on the 'badge' wagon. Click on it and see what it is...it is pretty neat! I'll be adding a couple of more photo albums over the next week so keep your eyes open for them!

I hope you all have a fantastic Friday!

**Edit. Beate's comment reminded me that I CASEd the center flower part from her wonderful Triangle Trifold card that I showed you about a week ago. Thanks, Beate!**

Alright, lets get going this morning! Stamp club was on Tuesday and we did some really neat stuff. I want to share with you this morning a card from Crab & Company out of the Spring Mini. This set is so cute! There are lots of possibilities with this set...from birthday's to Christmas you can make it all! Clearly you can see that this is a birthday card. What is different about it is the the Real Red piece of cardstock opens from the left and then the Bashful Blue underneath opens from the right and inside it says...a pinch to grow an inch. It is very cute and really not so hard to make. Here is what I used to make this card. Stamps: Crab & Company, Sandy Shells Wheel. Cardstock: Ballet Blue, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Real Red. Ink: Stazon Brown, Real Red, Creamy Caramel. Accessories: 1/8" punch, Markers, Red Gingham Ribbon, and stickles.

And, I'll show one more. I call this one Punchy Butterfly. This was a really simple but cute card made with three of our punches. The large and small oval punches and the word window punch. The idea for this came from my friend Pammella. She made a card like this at a stamp class that she went to in Hawaii. Stamps: Polka Dots and Petals (Spring Mini) and Curvy Verses. Cardstock: Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac, Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, and So Saffron. Ink: Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac, and some Close to Cocoa (on the butterfly body). Accessories: Both Oval Punches, Word Window Punch.

I'm doing a butterfly rotation at Sunday school (and how a butterfly can teach us about lent) and I think this would be a great thank you card for the teachers when we are all done. Since they are so easy to make I'll have to do it for sure!

Okay, everyone...kiddo is up so I must run. Once again, I have a busy day in front of me.

Have a great day! :0)

Fun Stuff!

Guess what? I received another Blogger RAK in the mail yesterday! Seriously, do you guys know how much fun that is? I love getting mail just for the sake of getting mail. This card came from Dawn at Dawn's Stamping Thoughts. Dawn's blog is the first one that I check every day. I love her creativity and she is just simply a very nice person. This card is really neat because the little saying on the inside...it hangs gold cord! When you open it up is is hanging in the center of the card...FUN!!! Dawn used the Polka Dots and Paisley stamp set, cool caribbean cardstock and I love the way the black cardstock just pops on this card! Thank you so much Dawn...you made my day!


The next picture is the swap card I made for stamp club last last night. I felt very lazy just making a one layer card but the more I looked at it the more I liked it. The flower is from the spring mini and is called Office Accoutrement. Thank you is from Much Appreciated. That color? Elegant Eggplant...isn't it pretty? And, the fabulous ribbon is from my ribbon share through Jody Morrow. She is doing a Prima share and more ribbon shares as well which look like great fun.

Today I hope to do some pleasure stamping (read: not for business purposes) and get some RAK's made so I can send them out tomorrow.

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

How come?

How come when you have so many things planned in one day it never goes how you want it to? I had a ton of things that I really wanted to get done yesterday and didn't. Work is busy right now with Easter coming up. SU! is busy. VTM...well, I'm trying to make that busy. Then here is the kids schedule for this week. Jon doesn't start school this week until 10:45 and then Kyler has all half days this week so is done as 12:20. Sheesh! So, today, because I'm still not quite ready for stamp club I will rush around to get everything in.

Because of the above and a meeting that I forgot about last night I don't have a card or project to share with you...I'm sorry. Starting tomorrow I will be putting up one or two of the stamp club projects each day.

I just want to share something with you that I have read before. It is the saying...we may not have it all together but together we have it all. I put that in a card to Todd this weekend and if you think about it...it is so true! While, as a couple, we don't do everything right I know that without him I'm not 'together'. Life is more difficult and not nearly as much fun when he isn't around. So...even though you may not have your life or your relationships all together, it just doesn't matter. Keep going and keep loving. Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much. Ever wonder where my blog name comes from? Well, that is it!

I'm done with my philosophy for today. Thanks for bearing with me for a moment! I hope you all have a fantastically productive Tuesday!

I Am Blessed!

Gosh, yesterday was such a nice day! The sun was out, the temperature was in the 60's (as it is supposed to be today...windy, but 60's). And, I got another Blogger RAK! Cindy Keery who has a very fun blog at imagine.dream.create. made me another set of watermarks! I hired Cindy (at a very reasonable rate) to make my first set of watermarks for me a couple of months ago. My watermark is my name with the copyright info on the pictures that I post. I absolutely love the one that I have but this new watermark...beautiful! I'm going to post a bella card today and I hope I choose the right watermark (dark or white) so that you can see it. It has my name with the copyright information along with a really neat flourish behind it. BEAUTIFUL! Go check her out!

Now, onto my bella. Say hello to frizzybella. This little lady is so cute. (Haven't I said that about all of them?) I do love her frizzy hair but I love her hip outfit more! The cute boots and sleeveless sweater. Who wouldn't love those bags? Tres chic! For this card I used Frizzybella and Small Sayings. Cardstock is Certainly Celery, Blush Blossom, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, and Petal Patch DP (Petal Patch is retired paper...sorry girls). Inks: Basic Black. Accessories: Dimensionals, Markers, Stickles, Swirly Clip, and Grosgrain Ribbon. The layout and image is from my friend, Jennifer. I think it is a perfect layout for Bella's.

Unfortunately it doesn't look like you can see my new watermark all that well on this card. Shoot! I'll make another Bella today and try again.

I have a very full day today so I must be off.

Merry Monday to everyone!

Woohoo!

Yay! I got a blogger RAK! I joined an RAK list with other Blogger friends from SCS. The idea, of course, is to send and receive RAK's to people on the list. Once received we post the RAK and a link back to the senders blog. Whew! Did you catch all that? Anyway, here is the card. Note: Even though my watermark is on this I did not make it. The copyright just needed to be on there in order for me to post it. This is from Beate. It is called a trifold card and it is absolutely gorgeous! She used Polka Dots and Paisley stamp set, the matching designer paper, and cute black polka dot ribbon. Beate has an awesome blog with cards, tutorials, and other fun things. You must check it on a daily basis! Beate's blog is Fresh & Fun.

Yesterday, a friend sent me the link to this wonderful illustrated song. It is the song I Can Only Imagine. When you click on the link it will take you to a page where you can distinguish you download speed then it is onto the song. I hope you like it!

Have a great Sunday!

*Insert Witty Title Here*

Good Saturday morning to everyone! I have a neat card to share with you today that I received in a swap that I participated in. It is made by Angela Kienzle. The stamp set is called Noble Deer and she also used It's Your Birthday for the sentiment and Cheesecloth for the background on the Night of Navy. Cardstock looks to be More Mustard, Night of Navy, Whisper White, and Watercolor Paper. It seems she used Watercolor Crayons for the coloring (which is fantastic by the way!). This is really a fantastic guy card!

I'm so lazy today I bet everyone can smell the lazy from where you are at! It is 10 a.m. and I'm just now off to shower. Then a little cleaning and then some serious stamping.

Hope you all have a super Saturday!

Spring is a comin'!

I know that many of you have just been dumped on with the snow recently but look what started peeking up in my dirt pile that I call a garden...yep, that is right...flowers! I am so not a gardener that I don't even know what kind of flower it is. I know tulips will come up later. And I have a Hollyhock bush that we transplanted into this area (that secretively I hope doesn't survive the transplant...shhh...don't tell Todd!). What is so neat about this particular flower is that it is all open and pretty during the day and then at night it closes itself right up. God is so good to show us a peak of the future pretties, isn't he?

This Bundle of Joy card is something that I received in a Spring Mini Swap that I participated in a little while ago. It is so stinkin' cute! I love that giraffe! The label on the back says that Jan McGowen made it and I think she just did a fantastic job! I'm not sure but I'm going to bet that she made the rectangle with her square punch just by punching out one of her squares moving the punch up or down a little and then punching again until she had the size she desired. It really is a neat way to use your punches.

I'm working on a Crab & Co. card for my stamp club and today I'm going to play with another Bella or two but only AFTER I write my Children's Message for this weekend. I really need to get it done because if I want to add any pictures for the screen I need to get it to the pastor today.

Today is Friday so that means I'm a happy girl...Todd comes home for the weekend today! Everyone say yahoo! with me! Good thing is he will be home earlier than usual today bad thing is...it is for a doctor's appointment. Hopefully the doctor will tell him nothing is seriously wrong. Prayers please!

Anyway, you all have a FANTASTIC FRIDAY!

Another Box

I made another box the other day. This one is with the Friends and Family Simple Scrappin' Kit which is a level one hostess item. This was the birthday box that went with yesterday's card. Inside was a couple for a Simply Scrappin' kit of her choice. She loved it! This box is much brighter than the other one that I made but very cute IRL. I used So Saffron, Regal Rose, and then Cool Caribbean flowered paper. I used the stamp set Bodacious Bouquet to stamp extra flowers on this box. After is was all done and assembled I used Stickles and just put little dots of glitter on the inside of the flowers all over the box. It really had a nice affect. I just love the the kit are good for so many things...not just scrapbooking! My friend told me that she doesn't often leave cards and such out but with the card and box she was going to leave them out in her craft area. How cool is that?!

Well, the kiddos are up so that means I must get moving. Have a great day everyone!

Another Bella

I just love these Bella's so much that I made another one the other day. This one is a birthday card. I used several different Bella's and then used my square punch on a diagonal. This is a great way to make an image smaller but still get a good portion of the image to show. It is also SC113 on SCS. Project supplies are as follows. Stamps: Bellas, Small Sayings. Paper: Rose Red, Petals and Paisleys DP, Taken with Teal, Old Olive, Whisper White. Accessories: Cuttlebug and Bloom Dots Embossing Folder, Word Window Punch, Square Punches, Stickles, and Dimensionals. Even though you can't really tell in this picture the middle Bella and the drink are popped up. There is Stickles on the present, birthday hat, cake, and drink. I love this card. It is such a happy feeling card. The receiver loved it too!

My stamp club is on Tuesday next week. Has everyone gotten their swap card going? We didn't pick a theme so you ladies get to choose what you'd like to do! You all are so talented I know I will love each and everyone of them!

I'm off to plan another card! I hope you all have a Terrific Tuesday!

It's a Bella Day!

Remember a couple of days ago when I said I was going to create with my new Bella images? Well, today is the day I'm going to share one of them. Often, it is hard to stamp with something other than SU! because it is my business but when I first saw these CUTE Bella stamps...I knew I had to have some. I LOVE the sass this girl has. Some people have called her tipsy. Personally I think she is just CUTE!!! Here she is ladies...Cosmobella! Here is what this card is put together with. Stamps: Cosmobella, Warm Words. Paper: Cool Caribbean, Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Whisper White, and Petals and Paisleys designer paper (love this paper!). Inks: All of the same as the above plus, Creamy Caramel, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, and Sahara Sand. Accessories: Silver Brad, Grosgrain (from my Texasjodylynn share), and Stickles for bling on the brad, drink, belt, and flip flops.

I did create another card with my Bella images last night but it is the birthday card I told you about yesterday and I want to wait until it goes to the birthday girl. I have to tell you though...I LOVE the card. It is one of my favorites and will be hard to give away!

I have to share a link with you guys today. It is called When It's All Been Said And Done. My friend Dawn had this on her blog yesterday and I just think it is fantastic. I hope you all will check it out!

Have a Terrific Tuesday everyone!

My Creative Mess

Good Monday morning everyone! I just thought it would be fun to show you what my desk looks like when I'm trying to create. It is a mess! The 3-ring binder on the left has project ideas, color combos, designer paper color lists, and sketch challenges from SCS printed out and all are placed in page protectors. It is my go to book when I am struggling with something. Do you see the little squares? That is something that I'm working on for a birthday gift. One of my good friends has a birthday tomorrow so today I'm sitting down to make something just for her. As soon as I know she has it...you guys will get to see it. And sorry about the lighting...I don't turn on all the lights until the kiddos are all up.

I think, after my doctors visits last week, I have my stomach under control and I'll be able to start exercising again (back at square one but at least I'll be doing it, right?). I really want to loose the 5 lbs that I'm unhappy with before Todd's graduation in May. Should be easy enough but right now I hear a chocolate eclair calling my name! I also need to get some work done at church and I need to call or e-mail Whitworth today to see if the have the book list available yet for my classes this summer. I'd like to get a head start on that but not too far as I don't want to forget what I've read. Hmmm...I think it is going to be a busy week!

I hope you all have a fantastic Monday!

Guest Artist

Today, is the first in our series of Sunday Guest Artists. Today, I'd like you to meet Kendra Giles. Kendra is an amazing stamper and such a fun person! Check out this incredibly cute Tickled Pink card. Kendra used her Cuttlebug for the background, a scalloped circle punch, and some fun ribbons to pull this card together. That is what I appreciate about Kendra. She is able to pull together her artwork with just the right touches. You can see her blog here.

Thank you, Kendra, for allowing me to feature you today! I only have one other person waiting in the wings so if you'd like to be a featured stamper just leave me a comment!

Have a super Sunday everyone!

Best Bar Codes

I am totally loving the new sets in the Spring Mini! Yesterday I played with the set Best Bar Codes. When I ordered it I wasn't sure I would like it very much because that type of stamp is not something I usually get along with. With the inspiration from Mytime on SCS I made this card. I'm not sure it all matches up nicely (the flowers and the steam) but I love the colors and the layout. Here is how it came together. Stamps: Best Bar Codes, Like it a Latte (steam), and Petals Jumbo Wheel. Paper: So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Petals and Paisleys DP from Spring Mini. Accessories: Grosgrain and some stickles (that I didn't add until after the picture so use your imagination!). I don't make or have many get well cards so this will fit into my collection well!

My friend, Jennifer, sent me some Bella images and I got them yesterday. They are so fun and cute! I'm going to be playing with those for a little while today. Can't wait to show you tomorrow!

Have a super Saturday!

Sketch Callenge

Yesterday, I worked on sketch challenge 113 from SCS. Although it looked like a fairly easy sketch I found it a little more difficult than I anticipated. The idea was for the diamonds in the center. I used the Spring Mini set Glorious Gifts, Fine Lace and Sincere Salutations stamp sets on this card. Cardstock: Whisper White, Eggplant Envy, Lavender Lace, and Mellow Moss. Inks: Eggplant Envy, Lavender Lace, and Mellow Moss. Accessories: Brads and square punches. That is it ladies. It is a pretty simple card.

Today I'll be working on some RAK's and maybe some thoughts for March's stamp club.

Have a fantastic Friday everyone!

VeggieTales Dove Nominated

I thought all my VeggieTales friends might think this information is intersting!

VeggieTales Worship Songs Nominated for Gospel Music Association Dove Award!
Bob, Larry and Crew at Big Idea Secure Coveted Nomination...

VeggieTales Worship Songs has been recognized by the Christian Music and Trade Association as a standout in Children's music for 2006 as it has been nominated in the Children's Music Album of the Year category.

The 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be presented on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 (8:00-10:00 pm CST) at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN.

Just a reminder that this CD is availabe to earn for FREE when you host a qualifying Home, Book, or eShow. An extra CD (up to $10.99) is my way of saying thanks for your business and is in addition to all the wonderful host benefits VTM's has for you!

WAIT A MINUTE!

How could I possibly forget?!? Today is the first day of SU!'s...

SPRING MINI!!!

It is also the first day of the March Special!!! If you don't have a Spring Mini in your hot little hands click on the Spring Mini link above AND the March special (you can click on that link to see what the special is all about) is fantastic if you LOVE everything in the Spring Mini like I've been hearing lots of people say they do (I know I love it all!)!

Okay...I'm done enabling you all now!!! Back to your regularly scheduled day! :0)

Mean Moms

Due to a medical test yesterday that had me down more than I would have liked I have no artwork for you today...sorry, guys. But, for all you moms...

Mean Moms

Someday when my children are old enough to
understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will
tell them, as my Mean Mom told me: I loved you
enough . . . to ask where you were going, with whom,
and what time you would be home.

I loved you enough to be silent and let you
discover that your new best friend was a creep.

I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours
while you cleaned your room, a job that should have taken 15 minutes.

I loved you enough to let you see anger,
disappointment, and tears in my eyes. Children must
learn that their parents aren't perfect.

I loved you enough to let you assume the
responsibility for your actions even when the
penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.

But most of all, I loved you enough . . . to say
NO when I knew you would hate me for it.

Those were the most difficult battles of all. I'm
glad I won them, because in the end you won, too.
And someday when your children are old enough to
understand the logic that motivates parents, you will tell them.

Was your Mom mean? I know mine was. We had the
meanest mother in the whole world! While other kids
ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast.
When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches.
And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was
different from what other kids had, too.

Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all
times. You'd think we were convicts in a prison. She
had to know who our friends were, and what we were
doing with them. She insisted that if we said we
would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.

We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve
to break the Child Labour Laws by making us work We
had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to
cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, empty the trash
and all sorts of cruel jobs. I think she would lie
awake at night thinking of more things for us to do.

She always insisted on us telling the truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time
we were teenagers, she could read our minds and had
eyes in the back of her head Then, life was really tough!

Mother wouldn't let our friends just honk the horn
when they drove up. They had to come up to the door
so she could meet them. While everyone else could
date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait until we were 16 .

Because of our mother we missed out on lots of
things other kids experienced. None of us have ever
been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other's
property or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault.

Now that we have left home, we are all educated,
honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean
parents just like Mom was.

I think that is what's wrong with the world today.
It just doesn't have enough mean moms!

The simple made pretty.

I need to post my little stamping project for you guys tonight rather than in the morning. My friend, Angela, and I went to a Beth Moore event this weekend and discovered an amazing singer named Travis Cottrell. Yesterday I downloaded his newest CD from iTunes and made a copy for Angela. Of course, you know I couldn't just give it to her in a plain 'ole CD case so I decided to decorate the inside piece a little. I tried hard to make it more her colors but I just don't work well with Earthy type of colors so I hope that this will be okay. The name of the CD is 'Found'. I couldn't get the stamping of his name straight enough for my standards so I had to leave it off. Here is what I used...Stamp Set: Sweet Shapes and Whimsical Alphabet. Cardstock: Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant. Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Pretty in Pink, Lovely Lilac, and Pixie Pink. Accessories: Clear CD Cover. See, so you can take something that is plain and boring and turn it into something that is pretty and special to not only the person receiving it but also the person giving it.

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

15 years ago

Well, 15 years ago I had a beautiful 6 lb 10 oz baby boy that we named Jon. What a cutie he was! WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED?! I hope you all know me well enough to know that I'm totally just kidding. I really love having teenagers. I enjoy his enthusiasm, his willingness to try new things, his love for God, his sweet personality, his sense of humor, and of course...I believe he is the cutest thing! His latest love is Golf so I wonder what he'll be getting? So...this is a shout out for Jon...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Last night, after finishing my swaps, I made a card with Doodle This from the Spring Mini. If you are in my stamp circle and haven't received your copy yet...please let me know! Anyway, I combined Doodle This with Rebecca designer paper and this is what I came up with. You'll see that they layout is very similar to yesterday's card as it is what I tend to do with larger images. I also used the Linen BG stamp and then stamped the flower over that for the background. I used the Level 1 hostess set, Riveting, for the Thanks So Much sentiment. I thought it would provide good contrast with the large square. I cut the ribbon a bit shorter after I took the picture though and it looks much better. The cardstock colors are just Regal Rose, Whisper White, and Sahara Sand. Rose colored gingham rounds out the card. The picture really doesn't do this card just...it is very nice in real life.

Today, I'm off to Costco. Costco trips at my house are a big deal as we only go about every 6 weeks and spend a bundle while we are there. This week shouldn't be so bad though because I don't have as much as normal to get.

I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday!

Long Notes Birthday

Jon's birthday is tomorrow so I made this card with that in mind. I'm not sure if it is guy enough or not though so I may, or may not, try again later. Sorry about the blurred image. I really dislike my camera...with it did a better job! The striped paper is from the Dots and Daises designer paper that is in the Spring Mini. I used a Cool Caribbean Long Note (also from the Spring Mini), Taken with Teal, Old Olive, and Whisper White cardstock. I used Taken with Teal, Old Olive, and Stazon Black ink. No ribbons or girlie stuff allowed on this son's card! This layout is very loosely based on the sketch challenge for the week on SCS.

Today I just have a few last details to get done on my swap cards and then they can go in the mail. Hopefully they wont get to the hostess late. They are due by the first so I'll probably have to mail them priority. Why, oh, why do I wait so long to start them?

Have a great stampin' Monday everyone!

Ribbon!

I just have one question girls...who does not like ribbon? I LOVE ribbon and because of that I got myself into a ribbon share that Jody hosted. It was so much fun to get the box and open it up with all the beautiful colored ribbon. I got two shares of her ribbon. One solid and one striped. FUN stuff! I do believe that every single color I now have matches something SU! Jody currently has a polka dot ribbon share going on...go check it out!

Today, after church, I'll be doing my swaps up so I can get them in the mail tomorrow. I'll also be making a couple of cards just for you guys so stay on the look out!

Have a super Sunday!

Awwww...

I love baby stamp sets. They are always so cute with the baby sized images that they have. Well, the Spring Mini has the CUTEST set. It is called Bundle of Joy. It is great for making congratulation cards as well as for making announcement cards. Also in the Spring Mini you will find something called Long Notes. Long Notes are 6 5/8" X 3 1/4" cards in Cool Caribbean, Sahara Sand, and So Saffron. These are really fun and you cannot make this size on your own because you would need a piece of cardstock larger than what SU! sells. They also come with envelopes. All of that...just to show you a quick card I made with the set. I wanted it to be really simple, but cute looking. I think I managed that task!

Hey you guys...I only got one positive response to being a guest stamper on my blog. You don't have to have your own blog. Just the ability to send me a JPEG image through e-mail. I'll take the rest from there. I'm thrilled Kendra agreed to do it because I know you all will LOVE her work and she is the nicest person! All you have to do is leave a comment...easy schmesy!

Tonight...I'm off to church to run a VeggieTales Family Fun Night. We will be playing games, doing a little art, watching the movie Moe and the Big Exit, and of course having some snacks! I have about 20 people, children, adults and four youth helpers coming. If you are reading this and wanna come I'd love to see you there!

Also, on the VeggieTales front...a special!! Book and hold a qualifying home show, catalog show, or e-show and receive an additional VT CD ($10.98 or less please) of your choice! This is in addition to the already great hostesses benefits that you will get from VTM! You can go to my VTM website HERE to check it all out. This offer is good from today until Easter. Please keep in mind that VeggieTales gifts made great Easter Basket stuffers. Easter is April 8th this year!

Well, I may not post tomorrow as I am going to a Beth Moore event at a local church. That combined with my want to sleep in a little in the morning may make it so I don't have time. I hope you have a great stamping day!

Happy Friday!

I can't believe it!

Just goes to show you have the weather can change on a dime...it snowed here last night! We went from having basically no snow to have enough to have to shovel again! Arrgh! Jon is going to hate that!

ANNOUNCEMENT
Would you like to be a featured artist on my blog? I'm going to start have a guest stamper each Sunday. The cool part is that anyone can be that guest stamper and you don't have to have a blog! If you'd like to be featured on a Sunday just post a comment over the next couple of days telling me that and I will put you on a list and just pick one at random from that list. Won't it be neato to see your work on my blog? FUN!!!

Okay, onto the artwork for the day. I made another criss cross card last night. I've been thinking about it since I made the first one a couple of days ago. I made this one for the tag we play on one of my yahoo groups...so if you are part of the SUAngels group this could be going to you! The stamps and the designer paper are from the Spring Mini which will be available March 1st. My stamp club group should be getting theirs shortly (even though I still don't have mine!). If you'd like a copy either e-mail me and let me know or just go online March 1st and take a peek! So, the paper is: Petals & Paisley Designer Paper, Rose Red, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, and Whisper White. Ink: Matches the cardstock. Accessories: Ribbon Originals Sweet Shop, Ribbon Originals Flirty Ribbon (still available 'til the end of February!), and a brad. I just love the spring feel this card has. I left the inside card blank for the sender to be able to write what they would like. These are soooo easy ladies...try one!

I'm going into work today to get ready for the VeggieTales Family Fun Night that I'm hosting on Friday night. Lots of fun! I also have to put together some information for Sunday School and that is a little more time consumer so I thought that maybe I could be more productive there. Also, if you came to my Pampered Chef party a couple of weeks ago please know that the orders are here, packed up and ready to have custody transferred to you! If I don't get a hold of you first please contact me and let me know what works best for you!

Have a great Thursday!

A Delightful Box

Good morning everyone! I'm excited to show you the project I made last night. I belong to a couple of yahoo groups and one of them, Karen's, lists a Sunday Stamp Camp Project. It is posted to help us with new ideas for stamp camp and workshops. I've never made anything that was posted before but I've kept every idea that Karen has posted. Well, I'm so happy that I made this box! It is really easy, doesn't take much time at all, and so cute! This first picture is a close up of the box top. I realized after I made the box I should have made the bottom a different color but...oh, well! I love the way the solid color drapes on the printed paper!

The top was made with a 12x12 piece of designer paper from the Sell A Bration (SAB) Simply Scrappin' Kit, Just Delightful. I had plenty left over for another project. ALL of the papers and embellishments are from Just Delightful. The stamping is from the coordinating SAB set called Delight in Life.

And finally a picture of the box all finished and together. No, it is not floating. It was just easier to get a picture of it up a little higher so I set it on a stamp box!

I'm looking forward to making this with the hostess Simply Scrappin' Kit called Friends & Flowers, as well!

So, I hope you like this box. I do believe when I do my Mother's Day Stamp Camp that we will be making a box like this!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Criss Cross Applesauce

I'm so excited about this card! I have always wanted to try a criss cross card...they look so neat. I also knew that I'm not really very talented in the cutting department and that I would ruin lots of paper trying to get it right. If nothing else...I know myself well! This weeks Technique Lovers Challenge (TLC) on SCS is the Criss Cross Card. I figured this would be a great way for me to learn how to make them. I did, indeed, ruin some paper before I figured out the correct way to cut it but once I did *insert smack in the head smiley here*. They really are very easy! You can let your creativity shine with these. So here is what I used. Stamp set: Because of You. Cardstock: Rose Red, Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal, Close to Cocoa, and Shimmery White. Ink: All the Same as the cardstock. Accessories: Brads, Sweet Shop Ribbon Originals, Apricot Grosgrain. I wanted to use some glitter on the flowers and the ladybug but I think the shimmery white is enough. I'm just thrilled with how this came together. I think the outside of the card looks like a tuxedo...silly, huh? So, this is it...this is the swap card. I hope they all like it (and I hope I have enough of the Sweet Shop ribbon for all the swap cards!).

Have a terrific Tuesday all!

1st Try!

Here is my first try at the swap card I'm making. I'm using the set Because of You. This is based on my friend, Jennifer's card. The colors are the same and a couple of other things. I do like my first try but I think the white panel is a little too wide and if I make it just a might bit smaller it will balance it out a little. The little ladybug on the flower is something Jennifer did...isn't it a cute idea?! I'll be working on this some more today so that I can have it all done and ready to go. Stamps: Because of You. Carstock: Rose Red, Gable Green, Whisper White. Ink: Stazon Black, Close to Cocoa, Rose Red, Cameo Coral, Barely Banana, Marigold Morning, Gable Green, and Bashful Blue.

So, guess what I finished up yesterday? I finished up and transmitted our taxes. So glad I'm done with that! I'm happy to say we are getting money back...everyone all together now...YAY!!! I know, I know, we should make it so we get that money through out the year and now loan it to the government but we don't, so we are just happy!!! Oh, and did you know you have one extra day to prepare and file your taxes this year? Up, you do. I don't recall why but the IRS extended the deadline by one day...aren't they generous? :0)

I hope you all have a marvelous Monday!

Why Would I Show You This?

Today I'm showing you a pile of trimmed rubber. Because trimmed rubber means new stamp sets and new stamp sets means exciting stamping! Yesterday I got all 19 of my swap cards stamped , put in clear envelopes (I do this to protect them.), and then put in the envelope to be mailed on Tuesday. And, everyone...why is that good? Because that means I'll have neato, new stuff to show you next month! Woohoo!

Today, I have to start planning my next swap card for the Walk Through The Catalog -- the Nature section. I choose the stamp set Because of You. My friend Jennifer did a really cute card with this right after I got it this summer so I may have to just tweak her idea a little and make it my own...please Jennifer?!

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my little goofy post today!

Have a great Sunday!

Guest Artist

Remember yesterday when I said I might have a guest artist? Well, she said yes! Woohoo! I'd like to introduce you to Amber Porter and her blog called Ramblings of a Sassy Stamper! Her blog is relatively new but I'm telling you ladies...you should be checking it daily! I want to show you a cute, cute, cute, card she made with Polka Dots and Paisley from the Spring Mini. She used Rose Red, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White Cardstock and Inks. The accessories she used are grosgrain ribbon and brads. This fun set is available March 1st!

Also, stay tuned all my VeggieTale Mom lovers...a spring special will be coming soon!

Hope you all enjoyed our guest artist! Have a great Saturday!

Keep It Simple!

Sometimes a simple card is exactly what you need. It's good to know that we can craft a card that looks great but doesn't take forever! I sent this to a friend of mine who is turning 70 today. She definitely lives the saying...live well, laugh often, love much! The set is Spring Gifts...who is ready for spring? ME!!! Cardstock: Mellow Moss, Very Vanilla, Pale Plum. Inks: Mellow Moss, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Regal Rose. Accessories: Word Window Punch and Organdy Ribbon. That is it! That is all there is to it. Hope you like!

I'm hoping tomorrow to have a guest stamper to feature. She has been doing some of the cutest stuff with the new stamps from the Spring Mini. Can't wait for you all to meet her!

Have a fantastic Friday everyone!