Nine Year Old Boys: How to...

...let them stamp!

I've been a cub scout leader (Bears) for a couple months now and just now had to start planning the den meetings. So this week, one part was I had them make a thank you card! I thought the timing is good enough- how likely is it that 9yr olds have sent a thank you to everyone who gave them a gift for Christmas?? But my dilemma was HOW to let them stamp their own cards without me freaking out over my supplies........ My smart husband pointed out I could do the same idea as is Wish-RAK. I stamp the images and provide the card base, the glue stick and the colored pencils (crayola variety) and let the boys put it together however they want. Brilliant!

And then I was even MORE excited than ever that I own Scout Stamps!!! Hooray! LOL!

So here are the items I prepped a head of time. I had options - they could choose one of two scout images, one of several colors of card base, and one of three thank you words, punched out.

Supplies: Stamps: Scouts At Play (long retired), Sock Monkey, Pocket Silhouettes Ink: Basic Gray

Paper: Misc above Accessories: Word Window Punch, 1 3.8 inch circle punch, 1 3/8 inch square punch

Unfortunately I couldn't attend yesterday, or I would show some finished projects. My own little guy has a fever... but from the other leaders it sounds like the boys enjoyed making their cards! Yeay!

WOJ Valentine!

Amazing... I got a challenge done the same morning I saw it! Whooo!

This card is for the Whiff of Joy weekly challenge - to do a Valentine card. Now, so far I've only used this image for Valentine cards! I had colored this image a week or so ago, so I just used her! (That's why it was done so quickly!)

Supplies: Stamps: Melinda Blowing Kisses (Whiff of Joy) Ink: Black Paper: White, Rose Red, Summer Sun & Buckaroo Blue (retired) Card stocks Accessories: Blender Pens & Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Round Tab Punch, Mat Pack, Fresh Fav Buttons, misc ribbon

autumn?

I have been very busy, but no stamping! I did get this page done yesterday. The photos are only 3 1/2 months old so that's nice. I'm hoping to do another two pages with this set but we'll see if I get a chance! LOL Again with the dark photos...and the glare doesn't help either. O well! One day the snow and rain and gray will go away... I think. But go a head and click on it to see things better...! Supplies: Stamps: Taffy Alphabet, Tag Time (retired!) Ink: Pumpkin Pie & Garden Green Paper: Garden Green, Pumpkin Pie, Sahara Sand & Close to Cocoa card stocks Accessories: Twill Tape, EE Buttons (retired), Linen Thread, Wide Oval Punch, Mini Glue Dots

Priceless Sketch!

This is a late post for a few reasons. One, I read a book yesterday. LOL! Which means I neglected, oh, everything else. So I had to get some things done and spend some serious one-on-one time with my now-napping daughter. And two, since she fell asleep I have been busily planning my upcoming workshops! Keep your eye on my side bar if you want to attend any!

I really wish the sun would shine! But until it does, I'm sorry, but we'll just have to deal with dark photos. When I tried to brighten it in the editing program it made the colors weird and hot. So you might want to read the "recipe" to know what these colors are! And trust me, its really pretty!

This card comes from Lauren's Saturday Sketch. The paper I used just retired, but Stampin' Up! has a new one that's the same pattern (Parisian Breeze) but different colors. Also very pretty! And the new one is specialty paper - textured and cover-weight card stock! Can't wait to try that!

Supplies: Stamps: Priceless Ink: Bravo Burgundy Paper: Bravo Burgundy & Pink Pirouette card stock, Parisian Summer DP (retired) Accessories: Oval Punch, 1 3/8 inch circle punch, Dimensionals

Whiff of Joy Wednesday...plus!

Yep, "plus"! That means I've got lots of things going on here with these Whiff of Joy cards!

First, a card that will end up a birthday card. (I have a surprisingly lot of birthdays coming up!) I used Jen's Saturday Sketch to Try (tho I did alter it - I left off the greeting on the bottom. But I might add it in the end...) and I also used last week's Whiff of Joy Challenge for Greens and Purples! And yes, it took me an entire week to get it done! (hmm...turns out Wednesday comes early in Europe...) Anyway, this card was fun to put together. Shouldn't have gone so random with the red/pink hearts, but its ok. LOL!

Supplies: Stamps: Melinda Blowing Kisses (Whiff of Joy) Ink: Black Paper: Certainly Celery, Orchid Opulence & White card stock, Sweet? DP (very old, retired) Accessories: watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pens, Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon

Now this card is for a little boy who just lost his grandmother. He's a very young boy, but I thought maybe getting some mail addressed to him would brighten his day. And I LOVE this new WOJ image I just got thru Wish-RAK! Isn't he sweet??? I just love him! The card also works for the OCC color challenge from two Saturday's ago- to use two shades of blue and a neutral. Is yellow a neutral? Or brown? LOL!

Supplies: Stamps: Oakley in Bathtub (Whiff of Joy), Sock Monkey Ink: Black, Brilliant Blue, Baja Breeze Paper: Baja Breeze, Pacific Point & White card stock Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pen

So, there's some fun little cuties. Have a wonderful day!

A note...

I have done some updating on the side bar there --> that you'll want to take note of. I have links for the brand new stamp products and catalogs!

I am starting my new Stampers Club March 15th! If you are not on my email list and want to know more about the clubs and classes I am offering thru the coming year, send me an email or leave a comment and let me know.

Today's card is for a friend who is having a really rough time. I wanted to keep it calm, but still pretty. I think it turned out nicely.

Supplies: Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes Ink: Close to Cocoa Paper: Close to Cocoa & White card stock, Apricot Appeal Prints DP (retired) Accessories: Taupe grosgrain ribbon (retired)

Tags & awards - finally!

Yes, I am FINALLY getting around to posting these things!

Heather awarded me with this I Love Stamps award and gave it to 5 people, so I presume I do the same. :) ...and I pick people who love stamps. Hmm. That should be easy, its the narrowing down that's difficult!

1. .........Can you just browse my link list on the side and call it good?? That counts? Oh I'm so glad! *grin*

Then she also tagged me with this, and I'm supposed to share five things I'm addicted to and five things I "really, really do not like"...

So, Five things I am addicted to?

...such a strong word, "addicted".

1. Like Heather, I am addicted to my kids. Because even when I get a much-needed, much-welcomed break, I miss them. And I'm so happy to be back home with them! So I think that qualifies.

2. My husband. I really do need to be *with* him! And if I'm not, he gets plenty of calls and instant messages. LOL!

3. This computer. Holy moley, I spend waaaay too much time here! Blogging, blurfing, browsing... I tell ya...! It was down one day this past week and that made for One Long Day. Its a good thing I have kids to keep me MOVING! LOL!

4. Stamping! I do so love stamping. I like to make cards for people, send cards to people, scrapbook, tho I don't do nearly enough to call it anything CLOSE to 'addiction', and I love browsing for stamps.....liiike....in my brand new Stampin' Up! catalog!....!!!!

5. I suppose we'll go with.... snacks! Not food, because I'm really not a food person. But snacks. Crackers, chips n salsa/dips, treats, granola bars, you know, SNACKS!

And two things I really really do not like...

...tho this is easier than the above...

1. I do not like stress. About anything. Just so you know. *wink*

2. I do not like to clean. I like to have a clean house but I don't like the process. Especially the bathrooms. Any takers?

Oh wait, I forgot to tag people.... 5 people, you think? Ok...

Kari Lyn

Chelle

Eve

Susan

Sherri!

Old Birthday Challenges

As in these sketches are weeks old, but I never got to try them...and since I liked them, I finally used them! And I needed more birthday cards!

First, this was one of Lauren's Saturday Sketches...from before Christmas. Fun huh? Yep. The one stinky thing about the new catalog is that they retired all the new papers I "just" got. (you know, a couple months ago, but haven't used much!) That was a little sad. So I used some! LOL. This cupcakes set is a lot of fun too! I think this one turned out really nice.

Supplies: Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes Ink: Black Paper: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink & White card stock, Banbury DP (just retired) Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pens, EE/N Buttons (just retired)

Now a sketch from Jen's Saturday Sketches, also weeks ago (tho not quite as far back). This uses the same set as above, but I think this will work better for a boy. Especially a young boy.

Supplies: Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes, Cupcakes wheel Ink: Basic Black Paper: Pacific Point & White card stocks Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pens, 1 3/8 inch circle punch

Ok, have you SEEN the new Stampin' Up! catalog??? Well you SHOULD! I am sooo excited about new stamp sets, (some that aren't even anything like what I usually go for!), the new papers and holy moley, the new accessories! Oooo ribbons, buttons, brads, oh my! LOL! I cannot WAIT to get going with the fun new things!

Want to book a workshop? Great! Give me a call and we'll get you scheduled! You'll get a free catalog, free hostess goodies and a night of fun! Plus Sale-A-Bration is coming soon....!!!

Little Valentines!

My computer was down all day yesterday or I would already have mailed these. (needed the address) These are what I am sending to Julie's mom (read HERE) to give to the Children's Hospital. They're just little 3x3 notes, but perfect for kids. Three of the designs are also what I'm sending to school with my son to give.

Also, I was able to get a fair amount of stamping done in the last two days, so I have posts ready! Hooray! One way or another this is going to become a regular occurrence again! LOL!

A color challenge!

I haven't played along with the color challenges on kwerner's blog in months! Last night I saw there was a new one and I wasn't past the deadline, so I put this together today. The colors are not ones I would have used together so this is a good chance to make me stretch! LOL!

Its another birthday card for another sweet friend, and I think she'll like the colors. I just hope I didn't use this stamp for her already! I use this one a lot for freind cards....it just looks dreamy to sit chatting face to face with a friend. One day it will be warm again and we have better chances to DO that! haha!

Supplies: Stamps: Time With You (retired), Sending Happy Thoughts Ink: Basic Gray, Ruby Red Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Pretty in Pink, Ruby Red & White card stock Accessories: Word Window Punch, White Taffeta Ribbon, EE Brads, Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pens

A new holiday!

Yep, Valentines is coming! Such a fun holiday to create for! And plus, I really like conversation hearts. Here is my first completed project, but I have *many* to get working on. You should know, this is a packed post, so try to stay with me!

First, my card. I got this sweet image thru Wish-Rak yesterday and obviously wasted no time playing with her! I colored three of them but only completed one actual card. LOL! I also used the Whiff of Joy Weekly Challenge sketch for the design- because I had a new WOJ image, of course! The card is a 5x5 square. I think she makes a perfect lovey valentine! And the sparkle is so much fun!

Supplies:

Stamps: Holidays & Wishes, Melinda Blowing Kisses (Whiff of Joy) Ink: Black, Chocolate Chip, Rose Red Paper: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink & White card stocks, Loves Me DP (retired) Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pens, Fire Square Rhinestone Brads, Chocolate Taffeta Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 2 way Glue Pen

Now, since I'm finally getting my Valentines started, I want to remind you to head over to Julie's blog to see how to help her mom out collecting hand-made valentines for a children's hospital. I will post mine this week, I hope! Lots of blog candy available, plus brightening the day for a sick child!

Then, while we're talking about helping people out (not to mention more blog candy!) see Jen's blog for a big thing she's doing, asking for us to donate cards to international students. I'll be mailing off a few cards for her when I get Julie's valentines out...

And then just if you like blog candy, you better go over to Bev's blog and see what she has to offer. All kinds of fun things going on! Don't miss any of it! LOL!

Finally!

I am tellin' ya, its been forever since I got to stamp! I feel quite out of the groove. So here is ONE card that took three different "sits" to put together! It comes from Jen's Saturday Sketch to Try, and I altered it a tad.
Supplies: Stamps: Scouts At Play (retired), Best Yet (retiring soon!) Ink: Basic Black, Close to Cocoa Paper: Sahara Sand, Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White card stocks Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pens, 1 3/8 inch circle punch, Crimper, Rock Star Card Elements kit
I'm not holding my breath, but I am hoping to get some more stamping in tonight....!

Funky birthday

At least I think so... :) I needed a card for a friend who is just a little more funky and edgy. Flowers (at least any I own) just wouldn't work for her birthday! She is also a super busy mom so I thought this image was great for her, and the dots on the DP really seemed to speak to me. (the flash sure hit that brad right, didn't it??)

Supplies: Stamps: Sending Happy Thoughts, Minivanabella (Stamping Bella) Ink: Black, Taken with Teal Paper: Kraft & White card stock, Loves Me DP (retired) Accessories: Word Window Punch, Soft Subtles Brads, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pens, Flirty Ribbon (retired)

Birthday Challenge!

What, you can't tell that's a birthday card? *wink* Of course it is! Now the dilemma is deciding which of my up-coming birthday girls would like it best. I created it with one person in mind, but when I was done I realized the colors and image are perfect for somebody else. HMMM! (and for those wondering, on Monday I got 3 cards mailed, of the 5 that I ought to have had...)

Anyway, this card uses the OCC Saturday Sketch. I used the Scallop Edge punch along the bottom of the front of the card, which is why it looks funny. I used Stampin' Spots to color the flowers and stems, which is why that didn't work out so well. LOL! But I still like it.

Supplies: Stamps: Upsy Daisy Ink: perfect Plum, Mellow Moss Paper: Mellow Moss, Pale Plum & Whisper White card stocks Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, White Grosgrain Ribbon

Another Sympathy Card

So yesterday it warmed up all the way to 19*. That was an improvement, but the forecast called for a low of 21* so I was a little less than prepared. And we got at least 6 more inches of snow. And yes, I'm tired of it already. (its barely January!) Its kind of a drab day, so here's a sympathy card. I have happier cards to come, so we'll just hope for that!

This one uses Lauren's Saturday sketch tho, so I had to post it. I kept it simple because I needed more of a masculine sympathy card. I think it works.

Supplies: Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes, Warmest Regards (retired) Ink: Tangerine Tango, Close to Cocoa Paper: Tangerine Tango, Kraft, Certainly Celery, Very Vanilla card stocks Accessories: 1 3/8 inch square punch, circle cutter

Better days are coming! I get to go to yoga now...! finally! LOL!

ETA: If you want to use your card making talents to brighten the lives of children, here's something to look into for Valentines. Check Julies blog and go from there!

Mamma Mia!

It is too cold!!! Online it said the low for today was 21*. On the drive to school the van said it was 10*! HELLO!!!! Oh how happy I was to see no children outside playing- its tooooo cold!!! Anyway, I am slowly getting back into the groove of stamping. I have half a dozen cards that NEED made (and mailed! last week!) so I'm using sketches and challenges to get them done. Here is a birthday card for my SIL (that'd be today and I JUST photo'd this before loading it) PLUS I took inspiration from the Cinema Saturday challenge for the colors and the general feel.
The Cinema Challenge was Mamma Mia!, which fortunately we rented a few weeks ago so I've seen it! LOL! I also just got this sweet Stamping Bella image thru Wish-RAK and thought she'd be perfect in a watery blue. So there you have it! I am hoping to get three more done today, before the mailman comes...haha!
Supplies: Stamps: Eloise Greengrass (Stamping Bella) Ink: Black, Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink, Certainly Celery, Barely Banana Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery & White card stocks, Island Blossoms SS Kit DP (retired) Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Blender Pens, Chunky Sprinkles Glitter, 2 Way Glue Pen

Happy 2009!

I am home! Theoretically, as of Monday, things will return to "normal". I would like to say that I will go back to posting about 5 times a week, and that is a goal, but we'll see, won't we?! haha!

Unfortunately, today I am sharing a sympathy card for a friend. I had limited supplies, and used retired stamps, but I think it will work well for her.

Supplies:

Stamps: Just Like You (retired), Trees Three (retired) Ink: Mellow Moss, Pale Plum, Bashful Blue Paper: Mellow Moss, Pale Plum, Whisper White Accessories: 1/16 inch hole punch

Did everyone have a safe, fun New Year? We had a great time keeping kids up much too late. And I'm still paying for it, I tell ya. I'm too old to be up that late...LOL! And they're too little to have their bedtime *that* disrupted, darnit! haha!

Anyway, I love the new year because it motivates me to re-evaluate and make new plans and get going on them! So, some stamping New Year's Resolutions?

• Scrapbook at least three times a month!
• Post something new roughly 5 times a week
• Be done with Christmas cards before Thanksgiving!

What will you do?