Buzzin!

Today is super quick. I've got a sick kid (AGAIN!) and a big old to-do list... This is my take on Jen's Saturday Sketch to Try. I love this happy card! Supplies: Stamps: Buzzin By Ink: Basic Brown, Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Certainly Celery Paper: Apricot Appeal, Close to Cocoa, Tangerine Tango, Very Vanilla Accessories: Blender Pen, 1 3/8 inch circle Punch, EE/N Buttons (retired)

couple more...

There is sun today, but there is also a good 3 inches of snow still on the ground from yesterday's "winter-like snow storm". That's what the weatherman called it. So I got the laundry going first thing this morning and after browsing the weekend's sketches and such, completed three cards! Yeay!

The first fills the OCC Color Challenge, and the Whiff of Joy sketch! Woohoo! I did have the girl colored already from a previous week, so that helped. But it was nice that she was already in such similar colors for the OCC!

Supplies: Stamps: Willow with Hot Cocoa (WOJ) Ink: Black Paper: More Mustard, Not Quite Navy, Bashful Blue Prints DP (retired) Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pens, Scallop Edge Punch, Clear Buttons, Linen Thread

And the second card is for Julee's Mojo Monday #80. I did it the same day she posted it! Yeay! lol! oh, I'm lacking the ribbon...nuts....

Supplies: Stamps: Welcome Little One (retired) Ink: Certainly Celery Paper: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, White card stocks, Banbury DP (retired) Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8 inch Circle Punch, SS Brads, Jumbo Brads

Baby Boy

My aunt called the other day to ask if I could make a card for a baby shower she is attending. SURE! Only…I didn’t know what she would like. Here are the two cards I made, and she’ll have others that have been already made (and probably posted) to choose from…!

Supplies: Stamps: two Cute (retired) Ink: Ballet Blue, Yoyo Yellow Paper: Barely Banana, Bashful Blue, Whisper White card stocks Accessories: Fresh Fav II Button, Linen Thread

Supplies: Stamps: Puns from the Past, Noteworthy (retired), French Flair Background (retired) Ink: Versamark, Bashful Blue Paper: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Barely Banana Accessories: Black embossing powder, Heat tool, White Grosgrain Ribbon

Completed Scrapbooks, here I come!

Back in the day I would drop off a roll of film and have it fully scrapped within a week. Well, now I have two kiddos and many more things going on and that just does NOT happen. Plus the part about me having digital "film" actually takes more effort...you have to choose (and edit) the photos you're going to scrap, instead of just dropping the thing off and hoping something good is on there, lol! A few weeks ago I "found" this section on SCS about a monthly scrapbook goal challenge. I am all for that, since I'd really like to get um, something like caught up... lol. I already put a counter, at the bottom of the side bar here, trying to keep me going...but I'd only done 3 pages total in Jan-Feb. So pathetic, lol! Now that I have three books to work on (ours, his, hers) and everything else is busier, I am waaaaaay behind, and I don't like that fact. You've noticed that I no longer do it all chronologically, I just pick some pictures and scrap THAT! That's making it easier to get done, but harder to put into the books. ho hum... So anyway, when I saw something that would motivate me to accomplish a set number of pages in a month, I dove right in! I committed to 8 pages for the remaining three weeks of March and last night I GOT IT DONE!!! That's right, I did it! Most scrapping I've done for myself in AGES, but hey, I am EXCITED! So here are the 4 pages I did last night, plus a sneaky peek to the Occasions Mini with a page I did last week: ENJOY! (even tho the pictures are LOUSY! It is snowing hard today, it was 31* when I took my son to school and there are WORMS out....???? can someone explain to me how they can move in these temps??) Supplies: Stamps: Taffy ABC ~ Ink: Lavender Lace, Elegant Eggplant Marker ~ Paper: Lavender Lace, Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant ~ Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, White Organza Ribbon
Supplies: Stamps: ABC Lower, Tag Time (retired) ~ Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Green Galore ~ Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore, Whisper White ~ Accessories: Spiral Punch, Black Buttons
Supplies: Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore ~ Accessories: Black Buttons Supplies: Stamps: Taffy ABC, All Gods Children (retired) ~ Ink: Basic Black ~ Paper: Sahara Sand, Whisper White ~ Accessories: Black Buttons, Black Gingham Ribbon Supplies: Stamps: ABC Lower, Choo Choo (NEW!) ~ Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Yoyo Yellow ~ Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White

Sketching!

LOL! Not I, other people, of course! Nice to be back to sketches, I must say. Its snowing again tho, so the photos are not so great. ...we were wearing shorts Friday and Saturday...

First I did the OCC Sketch. Very simple card but I like it. I think its a great wedding card. And it uses my latest Wish-RAK'd image!

Supplies:

Stamps: To Have & To Hold, Fresh Cuts

Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Black, More Mustard Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Kraft & White card stocks Accessories: Wide Oval Punch, White Taffeta Ribbon, Blender Pen

Then this is Jen's Saturday Sketch To Try. Definitely love how this card ended up! Very simple again, but very nice. To get the flower color, I just stamped off the Rose Red ink once for a lighter shade. Jen is also offering a sweet Whiff of Joy stamp as blog candy for participating in this sketch challenge! Can't pass that up! LOL!

Supplies:

Stamps: God's Beauty

Ink: Rose Red, Always Artichoke

Paper: Always Artichoke, Rose Red, White card stocks

Accessories: Fresh Fav II Buttons, Linen Thread

Whiff of Joy!

Despite more computer problems, this is my second post today, so be sure and scroll down!
The current WOJ Challenge is a green card! I think this one works well! My only issue is that my Blender Pens are running dry so I tried the Aqua painter. Note to self: Do NOT use on regular card stock! oy! The card stock buckled so bad!
Supplies:
Stamps: Melinda Blowing Kisses (WOJ), Best Yet (retired) Ink: Black, Always Artichoke, Close to Cocoa refill, Pretty in Pink refill, Old Olive refill Paper: Certainly celery, Always Artichoke & White card stocks, Banbury DP (retired) Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, 1/2 inch circle punch, Aqua painter
And they released new WOJ stamps yesterday! Be sure and check them out and try some of the DT's blogs for blog candy! LOL! I entered Jaqui's HERE!

Workshop!

I had a workshop this weekend, so here are two of the projects I showed… First, this card turned out fabulously! Actually, I browsed Beate’s blog for some inspiration, can you tell? Hee hee! Supplies: Stamps: Congrats Ink: Chocolate Chip Paper: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, & Kiwi Kiss card stock, Urban Garden DP Accessories: Pretties Kit, White Organza Ribbon, Wide Oval Punch, Jumbo Brads Second, this tag – it’s a very simple idea but another way of using your stamp supplies. Just add it to a gift and you’re good to go! It would work well for a masculine gift, especially if he’s a camper! LOL
Supplies: Stamps: Under The Stars Ink: Chocolate Chip, Versamark Paper: Ruby Red, Creamy Caramel, Always Artichoke cardstocks Accessories: Star Punch, Red Hemp If you are in need of any supplies, let me know. I’m submitting this order Friday!

My boy

I just wanted to show off some of my son's stamp-artwork. He is very creative in every aspect, and he loves to make cards. Here is a card he recently designed for my brother on a mission:

Here is his version of my popsicle card (click HERE to see mine, which originally came from Patty’s blog!)

And his very own ice cream sandwich card, completely his own concept!

Isn't he cool? LOL!

Two cards

My kids are sick, one is on antibiotics, so I'm not getting a lot of work done right now.

So! This first card is part of the blog candy I offered a couple weeks ago, but you can only see part of it. I had fun playing with this new set. It is sooo pretty! The white words ended up not as great as I envisioned, but hey, its alright. LOL

Supplies: Stamps: God's Beauty Ink: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White craft Paper: So Saffron, Close to Cocoa, Mellow Moss Accessories: So Saffron wide Poly-twill ribbon, Mat Pack, Dimensionals

This second card is a late birthday card from Sandra, off SCS. I think its a fun idea and I have all but the word stamps! Might have to try this sometime!

Supplies: Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks, Happy Everything, Canvas (retired) Ink: Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie Paper: Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive Accessories: EE Buttons, vanilla grosgrain ribbon

Hmm...What could I make YOU?

Not a trio of outfits, that's for sure! Altho I do have a photograph of myself, similar to this one...Hmmmmm......I see some scrapping in the making...... ANYWAY! I saw this on Andrea's blog and I wanted to play along to win something...but, you know, it is *always* better to give than to receive! LOL! So, here's the details: The first five people to respond to this post (and follow all the other rules) will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

• 1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make for you!
• 2. What I create will be just for you.
• 3. It'll be done this year.
• 4. You will receive *something* I make for you! What could it be...? cards? an album? a receiving blanket? Cookies? ....that's about all I make! lol! You'll just have to wait and see, won't you?
• 5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Yeah, there's a catch.You must re-post this on *your* blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who participate with you. The first 5 people to post this game on their blog and leave a comment telling me they did will win an amazing homemade gift by me! Let's keep the chain of love going around!! And have some crazy fun doing it!

Incomplete!

This page does not yet have a title...but it will! And no, your computer (nor your eyes) are fuzzy, the photos are. Yes, I am scrapping blurry pictures! They really are *that* important! LOL This was a lucky chance for our kids to meet President Cheryl Lant, our church leader over the children's organization. We didn't know this was going to happen, so we didn't have our camera...these pictures came off a phone! lol! The layout is based on a sketch found on SCS, and its full of retired items! lol! But I'm happy with the page... now if I can just think of a fitting title and get the journaling done.... haha! Supplies: Stamps: none, yet? Ink: None, yet? Paper: Naturals, Cranberry Crisp (retired) & More Mustard card stocks, Treehouse DP Accessories: Cranberry Crisp Stitched ribbon (retired), Neutral Buttons (retired), Linen Thread

Winter Scrap

In spite of everything this week, I got some scrapping done! Just a little bit, but there is definitely more to come! LOL! I think these photos were even taken this year (2009) so that's exciting too! LOL! Supplies:
Stamps: Taffy ABC, Swirling Snow? Tilda - Magnolia Stamps Ink: Baja Breeze, Pale Plum Paper: Pale Plum, Baja Breeze, Barely Banana, Whisper White card stock, Winter...? DP (retired) Accessories: Snowflake Big Shot Die!!!, Watercolor Crayons, Blender Pen And here are a couple close-ups of the details, including the snowflake die done with the Big Shot! Fun, huh??

and this adorable little girl image... (sorry about the very weird lighting, don't know what happened there!)

And a funny story...Not sure exactly who "taught" my daughter how to make a snow angel, but she moves her arms and legs as she should, and also shakes her head back and forth really quickly too....makes me laugh every time!

Scouty Thanks

Last week we took the Cub Scouts to meet with a distinguished scouter. THey needed to talk to someone who had been a cub scout "long ago" and this man joined cubs nearly 50 years ago, that's good enough! I really thought we needed to send him a Thank You note for taking time out of his life to meet with our boys, so here's what I made...

And *this week*, the boys all signed it!

Supplies: Stamps: Scouts at Play, Nature Hike Wheel, Canvas background (all retired!) Ink: Old Olive, Basic Gray, Chocolate Chip Paper: Creamy Caramel, Old Olive, Not Quite Navy & Very Vanilla card stocks Accessories: Watercolor Pencils

New Favorite

There are still plenty of stamp sets on my wish list and I hope to be acquiring them VERY soon. In the meantime, this set has bumped up to my favorite! Its a Level 1 Hostess set and originally I got it to make me stretch. :) But I seriously love how pretty it is and how easy it is to use!

This particular card is for a double challenge on SCS with Verve stamps. Julee makes fabulous stamps but I really love the sketches she does, so I thought I'd check out the Verve forum for the first time in much too long. So this was a sketch, with a color challenge of any pink, any red and any green. I wasn't sure how to use those colors together to start, but I LOVE how this turned out!

Supplies: Stamps: God's Beauty, Pocket Silhouettes Ink: Mellow Moss, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red Paper: pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, White card stocks Accessories: Spiral Punch, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Stamping Sponge (for the butterfly), Fiskars Zingz

Blog Candy Winners!

Good Monday Morning! lol! And curses to Daylight Savings Time! Blah! My kids got themselves up anyway, as always, but you can see they're still pretty tired while choosing winners...!

Oooo, what did he pick??

And which did she pick?!

Here you go.....!

My son drew the winner of Prize #1 - Free Card Class goes to: Carolyn!

My daughter drew the winner of Prize #2 - Cards & things goes to: Megan!

Thanks to all of you!!! I'll be in touch!

Birthday cards!

This year I received so many birthday wishes! Lots of birthday cards in the mail and many online notes, hee hee. Today I wanted to show off the stamped cards I got. Other people's ideas are often the source of inspiration, so ENJOY!

This one is from my mom! Isn't it great?

Supplies: Stamps: Artfully Asian ~ Ink: Mellow Moss, Basic Black, Vintage Violet ~ Paper: Mellow Moss, Vintage Violet, Very Vanilla card stocks, Apricot Prints DP ~ Accessories: Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware, Vintage Violet Stitched Ribbon

This is from Kitty, thru Splitcoaststampers! (SCS)

Supplies: Stamps: Sock Monkey, Holidays & Wishes Ink: Basic Black Paper: Bella Rose DP, Riding Hood Red, Close to Cocoa & White card stock, Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon

From Pia, thru SCS!

Supplies unknown

From Linda, thru SCS!

Supplies Unknown

From Tina, thru SCS!

Supplies: Stamps: Unknown Sugar Nellie image, Sincere Salutations ~ Ink: Black ~ Paper: Pink Pirouette, Old Olive & White card stock, Ginger Blossom? DP ~ Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Markers, Rhinestones

From Janet, thru SCS!

Supplies: Stamps: True Friend, Birthday's Count ~ Ink: Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal ~ Paper: Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal, Close to Cocoa & White card stock ~ Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, Celery Grosgrain Ribbon

Wow do I feel loved! :) Thanks ladies! And thanks to every one else who sent wishes my way!

Blog Candy ends tonight...!!!

What happens when...?

...you leave the younger child unattended near your craft stuff? This does:

And why was said child left unattended? The elder one was being put in time out, of course! Yep, its been one of those lovely winter days, again. The kind where I did take them out to play, but its so cold (and wet!) that they only last for so long...so they're still grumpy and wild with cabin fever... argh!!!

Now, if you can imagine this card the way it was when I walked away....Then you might see Sharon's fun sketch, combined with the wonderful Cinema Challenge.

Beate is having her team rotate coming up with the sketches, hence Sharon's sketch this week. And the Cinema Challenge was Singin' In The Rain. I LOVE that movie!! I think it is SUCH a happy movie and so fun. I seriously laugh out loud every time I see "Make 'em Laugh". I drive my kids crazy with the "Good Mornin'" song and hey, I'm a goof who LOVES to literally dance in the rain. What's not to love? hee hee!They also asked that you use a water element. Well, I was going to use crystal effects on the bubbles and puddles...but I didn't get to. *wink* Oh well, I tried! LOL

Supplies: Stamps: Oakley in Tub (Whiff of Joy) Ink: Black, Gable Green Paper: Gable Green & white card stock, Martha Stewart DP Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pens, computer for words

ETA: don't miss the blog candy below! Time is running out!

Mojo Thursday!

(Be sure and scroll down to see the blog candy!)

Yep, I'm reading for spring! As I'm typing this (not the day it's posting) I have three windows open, am wearing short sleeves and it is fabulous! ...snow is supposed to be coming this week tho, so we'll see how long it lasts...

So here is a fabulous, warm card for Julee's Mojo Sketch 76. I really like her sketches- they're easy for me to work with! ...however, I wonder if I over-thought this card...lol!

And a detail shot so you can see the dotty strip across the bottom!

Supplies:Stamps: Sending Happy Thoughts, Unknown Tilda-Magnolia Stamps

Ink: Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Black Paper: Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery & white card stock, Apricot Prints DP (retired), Sarah DP (retired) Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pens, Stamping Sponges, Eastern Elegance Rub-ons (retired), Moss Grosgrain Ribbon

ETA: yeah, TODAY we woke up to 4 inches of snow.......it's gotta end sometime tho, right? LOL

Time to Celebrate!!!

*** This blog candy is now closed! Thank you! ***

(BLOG CANDY!)

Guess what today is?! My BIRTHDAY! Love birthdays! haha! But on top of that, its also my five year anniversary as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator! (-yes my start date was my birthday- great gift, I must say! lol!)

So! I wanted to share the joy with all of you, my wonderful friends, family, customers and virtual friends who say nice things! hee hee hee!

I have TWO giveaways! WHOO HOO! To enter to win, you just leave one comment on THIS POST. This one. Not the other ones. (Unless you like the other project and want to say something about it... I like that too... But that won't get you entered!) Then I'll have my kids each draw a winner and I'll post them on Monday!

The first prize: See these cards? In the coming weeks I'm going to be holding a class where we make 35 cards out of these supplies and more (...that have yet to arrive). We'll use the new, dreamy Bella Birds paper, new accessories, new ribbons...its gonna be great. Anyway, I am charging $16 to attend the class, but you can come for FREE! (But if you live too far away I will either mail you the supplies or make them for you and mail the completed cards! You pick!) The second prize: See this? Yup. You can have it!

(two little stamps, Fiskars Zingz, and 5 cards handmade by me!)

So, leave me a comment and be sure and check back on Monday!!! Now I'm going shopping!

March Stamp News

Happy March! Lots of fun going on!

Sale-A-Bration is still running, thru March 31! Are you getting free stuff? Remember, a $50 order (before tax/shipping) allows you to choose something free from the Sale-A-Bration brochure (found on the sidebar on my blog), a $300 workshop does too!

There is still time to join my Stampers 10-Club, if you’d like to budget out your purchases. First order is due March 15th! (I will be in touch with those of you who have joined already!!!)

I have a workshop on March 21, let me know if you need directions to come!

I have a fun lots-of-cards class on the 27th! (RSVP and $16 fee due March 20) (details on the blog!)

And finally, the newest promotion from Stampin’ Up! It’s a sneak peek to the new Occasions Mini in case you’d like to get some of these cute Easter sets early! There are three sets and a wheel that you can choose. (see the sidebar for more info!)

Finally, check out THIS super cute card!

Supplies: stamps: Pocket Silhouettes Ink: close to Cocoa, Regal Rose & Always Artichoke markers Paper: Certainly Celery, Lavender Lace, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White card stocks Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Subtles Brads, Celery Grosgrain

Isn't that clever?! Got the idea straight out of the magazine Stampin' Up! sends their demonstrators every month.

If you would like to get ideas sent to you monthly (and even more online every single day!) now is a great time to sign up!!! During Sale-A-Bration you get the whole starter kit for 15% off PLUS choose any stamp set from the catalog as a bonus!!! Everything you see on page 14 for only $169! You can join just for the discount, or if you're interested in starting up your own fun business!

Be sure and contact me if you have any questions!

Challenge & Design Team chance!

You know I *love* these Whiff of Joy images, and Katherine is having the WOJ challenge (for the last two weeks!) be part of a chance to be a guest designer on her team! Ack! Yes, I would LOVE that!!! Unfortunately, these two weeks have been more than a bit nuts (as you noticed!) so this is the best I have. I was hoping to make a few cards with the required sketch and pick my favorite....haha, guess this is it! Supplies:

Stamps: Willow with Hot Cocoa

Ink: Black

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust & White card stock, Autumn Vine DP (retired)

Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pen, Chocolate Grosgrain Ribbon, Clear Buttons, Natural Hemp