Not just another stampin blog...

Inactivity Explained...

2009-11-04T10:41:00.003-07:00

Well, it's been awhile since I've posted on here. I've still been having my monthly stamp clubs but that's about it lately.

We found out on Sept. 1 that our world as we knew it has changed. Our 14 year infertility drought is now over and we're expecting a baby (the kind that comes in 9 months this time!) in May of next year.

Check out my healthy journey blog on the right for the details!

Designing D's Secret Sister Gifts

2009-08-11T12:36:00.004-06:00

It's been some time since these have been sent out but thought I'd share the rest of my SS items. We made 6 items: 1) a friendship items w/flowers (the flower watercan shown here), 2) a box we hadn't made before (shown here), 3) a birthday card (shown here), 4) an item used with something around the house (I used these drawer pulls I picked up at a old country store and never used), 5) a scrapling and 6) an ATC, I think my all time favorite technique is watercoloring and Hello, I'm from the Beehive State!. My SS liked brown, green and pink so I thought the Bella Rose paper fit so well. The last three items are below, hoped she like them!:

The Old with the New

2009-08-08T12:08:00.003-06:00

Well, I was able to spend some time at the Stampin' Up Convention with my Stampin' Addict sisters (great ladies, hi!) and a little more motivated to start stamping again. I'm hoping to have more posts and pictures to show. Some will be from what I made a few months back (has it been that long?!) and then I'll post some of my convention swaps, so here's the first:
This is a frame I made for my friends, Clint and Mel. They just had their 2nd baby and after a few complications, were finally able to take her home. I used some old DSP and sets since she really likes green with the new in-colors and ribbon. I thought it turned out pretty cute!

Oh Poor Neglected Blog

2009-07-08T12:16:00.002-06:00

Big apologies to my blog groups for my inactivity. It seems my priorities and time have temporarily been diverted. Where is my time going to lately? Getting off my fat butt and getting in shape. And it's about time. If you want to read the boring and long winded details, look here: http://iwasaskinnykid.blogspot.com/

I still have my stamp clubs and (gasp, so soon!) convention swaps I need to get to and so I have a lot of things to show you, it's just planting my hiney down and working on them and getting them posted. Stay tuned...

Animal Stories Waterfall Card

2009-06-25T05:00:00.003-06:00

Another club/SS challenge project - a birthday card. Our June club theme was baby/wedding but gave them the option to turn this card into a birthday one if they chose. This used SU's new paper Tall Tales and new stamp set Animal Stories. I wan't sure if I would be happy with this paper but it is ADORABLE! (I'm SOOO happy to see more things in the new catalog for little boys!!! So much more now to use for scrapbooking)

Animal Crackers Gift Box

2009-06-23T13:30:00.000-06:00

This box served two purposes. We made this for my June stamp club. And it also is the 2nd of the Designing D's Secret Sister challenge: To make a box we haven't done before.

My sweet friend Vicky made this from the directions on the Scor-Pal website for Easter and put a cupcake in it. The original directions requires using a piece larger than the standard 8 1/2 X 11 sheet. Since I was cutting 20 for my clubs, I readjusted the scoring and cutting to fit the 8 1/2 X 11 sheet. The dimensions aren't at even numbers and took some time to adjust! Unfortunately, I didn't write down the specs or leave one unassembled so I would have to figure it out all over again if you want the directions, sorry!

This size probably wouldn't fit a cupcake but for a baby gift, it would be cute to fold a onesie like a little flower to put inside.

Bon Voyage Blog Candy Winner

2009-06-23T13:00:00.000-06:00

This summer has proved to keep me from my blog and craft room! Many apologies for posting this so late! I appreciate all who visited during the blog hop and left such amazing comments!

The winner is:

Bev Dahl said...
I love your little gel card! I haven't tried that yet but will now!visit my blog at http://bevsdahlhouse.blogspot.com for inspiration!

I'll be contacting you!

"I Spy" Game Tutorial

2009-06-17T14:46:00.005-06:00

I'm so glad you all told me the official name of this game. I had no idea what to call it! I'm not a big tutorial poster so this will be very primitive. (Also, as far as I know, I have not seen one of these made with SU products. It's fun to come up with something unique and I'm happy that so many like it. Just asking that if you decide to duplicate this idea, use it for workshops or to sell, please make sure to give credit where due and direct them here. Thanks!)

What you will need:

Textiles: Clear Shrink Paper (Shinky Dink), Thick Felt, Thick Plyable Plastic

Inks/Colors: Colored Pencils, White Stazon Ink, White Craft Ink, White Embossing Powder

Accessories: Sizzix Scallop Circle Die and Machine, Sewing Machine, MicroBeads, Circle Cutter, Cropadile, Ribbon

First, stamp your images with StazOn ink on rough side of shrink paper. I chose white as my images were bold but if you have line art, I would use black. Then color them in with colored pencils, cut out and bake to specifications on your shink paper instructions. Remember the pieces become 1/3 of the original size so be care not to use images that may be too small or too big.For the blog hop I was limited to the set I was using. I only have about 16 pieces here but I've seen these games that have 30 to 50 so go for it!

I then used my circle cutter and cut out two large circles of the plyable plastic. (I recycled a bag from a comforter I just bought). Then machine stitch (very close stitch) your two pieces of plastic together leaving an opening to put in your shrink pieces and microbeads. Don't over fill with the microbeads as you need to leave room for the pieces to shift and move easily.Next, stitch your circles completely shut. This was a challenge as the microbeads kept creeping to the opening. You may have to stitch a bit, take it off to shift the pieces away from your needle and start again. As you can see by my oh-so-wonderful sewing, I had to do that several times and even stitched around it again just to make sure it all stayed inside.This is the point where I stopped taking pictures of the process but the rest is fairly simple. I cut two pieces of felt with the circle cutter at exactly the same size that the plastic was cut. (I'm thinking you could use craft foam as well). I then stamped on the felt with white craft ink and heat embossed with white embossing powder. The felt I had was very thick and as long as you keep your gun moving, it won't hurt your felt a bit.

Then, take your Sizzix die and cut the scallop out of the middle of one of the felt circles for your front piece. I found the center of my felt circle by folding it two ways and marking on the back where they intersect. Then found the center of the die by measuring two ways and making a mark.

I then printed a list of the "I Spy" items on cardstock and cut a piece of the thick plastic to the size of my list. I placed the end of a piece of ribbon about 6 inches inside the list and used the heat gun to melt the edges together.

Take your back piece of felt, fold in half and cut a slit just large enough to fit your list into.Next, sandwich your plastic pouch between the two felt circles, insert the other end of ribbon attached to your list and sew together making sure that you stitch a bit further out than you stitched your plastic pieces together. That is important as you will then use your cropadile to punch holes on the outside to lace your ribbon - be careful not punch into the inside of the pouch and lose all the beads! (The pieces may slide as you sew so use pins if needed! And make sure to keep your list free of the needle so you only sew in the end of the ribbon)

Punch holes along the edges with your cropadile, then thread in your ribbon using a whip stitch. Tie the ends on the back and Voila! All done!

Bon Voyage Blog Hop Port #18

2009-06-13T00:30:00.005-06:00

Hi all - thanks for stopping in! If you were following the Stampin' Addicts Bon Voyage Blog Hop (a highlight of stamp sets SU that will be retiring from their 2009 Spring/Summer Catalog), the tour has ended. Hope you were able to get some great inspiration!

The set I chose is "Life's A Breeze". There is a coordinating wheel that is also retiring called "Something Fishy". I love this picture of my little boy when we traveled to California and he was still a baby... And had to scrapbook it!

Paper: Basic Gray, White, Real Red and Night of Navy Prints DSP, Ink: Real Red, Night of Navy and So Saffron, Accessories: Star and various circle punches, dimensionalsI still get very fascinated by gel cards! This one was made with a pocket so you could pull out a card to write on.

Paper: Bashful Blue, Mellow Moss and White, Ink: Bashful Blue and Chocolate Chip, Accessories: Circle Scallop and various circle punches, Circle Cutter, Chocolate Ribbon, hair gelThis is an idea I've had rolling around for awhile. It is one of those toys that kids can play with (hopefully for some time!). There is a list of items that they need to search for and they can shake and spin it to find each of the items. This particular one is quite easy but would be great for little ones who are learning shapes and colors.
This is the view of the back. I cut a slit so the list could be hid behind when not needed. I will post a tutorial of this after the hop so come back after the 16th.

Ink: White Stazon, White Craft; Accessories: Scallop Circle Sizzix, Circle Cutter, Cropadile, White Embossing powder, Shrink Paper, Riding Hood Red Ribbon, Felt, Colored Pencils, Heat Gun, MicrobeadsAnd on to the Blog Candy fun! Want to win this vinyl art Decor Element? First post on YOUR blog a link to MY blog with a little blurb about the blog hop and this specific post. Then leave me a comment here including a link to your blog. Comments will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on June 16th. Then check back on Wednesday to see if you won! One entry per person/blog.

Back in the Saddle and Just in Time...

2009-06-12T15:11:00.004-06:00

For another Blog Hop! Stampin' Addicts are saying Bon Voyage to the stamp sets Stampin' Up! is retiring. The "Tour" will begin tomorrow, June 13th at noon and continue through midnight, June 16th. Come back tomorrow to see which set I chose and a chance for some blog candy!

On another note, many apologies for my lack of blogging lately. I spent nearly a week and a half gutting my stamp room and reorganizing. Let's say it hasn't had that kind of attention in over 3 years! Found a lot of things I thought I lost and others I forgot I even had! It is certainly fun to play with my stamps now that I know where everything is!

Sizzix Baskets Die Tool Box

2009-05-26T05:00:00.002-06:00

Another idea gone well...I saw a flower box made from the Baskets and Blooms Sizzix die and thought - Tool Box for Father's Day! I was hoping I could find some little tools that some store might have been capitalizing on Father's Day but no go. So I raided Jackson's little tool set for props! The paper is Parisian Summer and the stamps are from "All Holidays" and the "Sanded" background on Creamy Caramel CS. I really liked how the jumbo eyelets complete the box!

Circle Cutter BBQ Grill Master Card

2009-05-25T05:00:00.002-06:00

Sometimes I have an idea and it actually turns out!! I cut two circles out of black CS and then textured the front with the Sizzix SU Texturz. The saying says "It's Time to Party with the Grill Master" from the Only Ovals set and then when you open the card it says "You're One of the Good Ones" from the Smarty Pants set. Great card for all manly grill masters in your house!

And Many Mower Father's Day Card

2009-05-24T05:00:00.002-06:00

Apologies for the blurry photo! This is the first of our May stamp club projects. I've seen so many cute cards with this set. And did you know you can emboss on felt, yeppers, you can!

Jackson's Preschool Graduation

2009-05-23T17:00:00.001-06:00

What is wrong with me? I mean Jackson still has another year of preschool and I sobbed through his preschool graduation like a little baby. His teacher was also emotional and the graduation march song just got me going. I think I'll be passing out when he actually graduates from kindergarten, high school and oh my, college! (note to self: bring paper bags and smelling salts). I wish I had a pict with his teacher but only remembered to bring the camcorder to the program. There's always next year!

Sweet Slumber/ All in the Family

2009-05-22T15:35:00.005-06:00

I finally finished the teacher gift for Jackson's preschool teacher, Miss Angie. These items included (starting at the top, clockwise): a water bottle with drink mix, a first aid kit, a notebook and pen, a box full of 3X3 notecards, a jumbo paperclip, a bag tag and the thank you card to Miss Angie. And all these items fit so cute in the storybook box.

Here's a few picts of some of the items alone. They turned out so fuzzy but I was in a hurry to take them before we delivered the box! It would be totally out of character for me to actually finish ahead of schedule!

Blog Candy Winner!

2009-05-11T14:25:00.001-06:00

A huge big thank you to all who visited this weekend and left such kind comments! I wish I had stamp sets for you all! I usually don't post tutorials but there were many requests so come back and visit again and I'll put up some instructions for your favorites.

And the Winner IS:

Jyll said...
Cute projects! This is a fun parade!!
May 8, 2009 7:30 AM

I'll be contacting you!

Parade of Papers Stop #4 - and Blog Candy!

2009-05-08T02:00:00.003-06:00

This was stop #4 of 24 of the Stampin' Addicts Parade of Papers blog hop. What a fun one! Hope you all were able to visit the blogs and get some fantastic ideas!I chose the textured Sweet Slumber paper and had so much fun with it! All supplies for each project are listed below their photo.

Supplies: Paper - Riding Hood Red and So Saffron CS, Sweet Slumber DSP (Saffron Squares page), Vellum, Transparency; Stamps - Blooming With Love; Ink - Riding Hood Red, Versamark; Punches/Dies - Sizzix Manhattan Flower Impressions, Square Scallop Punch; Accessories - Sponge Dauber, White Embossing Powder, White Satin Ribbon
Supplies: Paper - Close to Cocoa and Riding Hood Red CS, Sweet Slumber DSP (Mulit Dot page), Transparency; Stamps - Hugs and Wishes, Just Jawing (cherries) ; Ink - Garden Green, Versamark, Basic Brown; Punches/Dies - Sizzix SU Backgrounds I Texturz, Wide Oval Punch (cut a little larger); Accessories - Sponge Dauber, White Embossing Powder, Chunky White Glitter, Crystal Effects, Dimensionals, Riding Hood Red Striped Ribbon
Supplies: Paper - Whisper White, Baja Breeze and Old Olive CS, Sweet Slumber DSP (Baja Plaid page); Stamps - A Little Somethin' (Hostess II) ; Ink - Baja Breeze, Old Olive Marker; Punches/Dies - Sizzix Pennant Bigz (scallop circle), Scallop Edge Punch, SU Backgrounds I Texturz; Accessories - White SatinRibbon, Clear Button, Linen Thread, Baja and Old Olive Flower Fusion

Supplies: Paper - Riding Hood Red and Whisper White CS, Sweet Slumber DSP (Stripes page); Stamps - Schoolbook Serif Alphabet; Ink - Riding Hood Red; Punches/Dies - Circle Cutter Plus; Accessories - Still working on this one!

Supplies: Paper - So Saffron CS, Sweet Slumber DSP (Baja Dots page); Stamps - Cheep Talk; Ink - Versamark; Punches/Dies - Sizzix Cherry Blossom and Little Leaves; Accessories - White Embossing Powder

Supplies: Paper - Vellum, Whisper White, Baja Breeze and So Saffron CS, Sweet Slumber DSP (Baja Clouds, Saffron Clouds and Baja border pages); Stamps - Nursery Neccessities; Ink - Baja Breeze, So Saffron and Pacific Point; Punches/Dies - Sizzix 3-D Star, Scallop Edge Punch, Large Star Punch and Scallop Circle Punch; Accessories - White SatinRibbon, White Signo Gel Pen, Lots' n lots' of diapers
Would you believe I made all of this out of ONE pack of DSP and with sheets and scraps leftover?! No joke - you can get a lot of mileage out of these!

All of these projects will serve multiple purposes. Mother's Day needs no explaining and it was another card I swapped with my club. The birthday also needs no intro but I needed to make some up for my SA Sister's and blog buddy birthdays (coming, I promise!). Thank you's always needed and after having a birthday, I have a lot of thanking to do! The Teacher Storybook Box is a work in progress where I'll be putting together a teacher gift for Jackson's preschool teacher (check back soon to see the whole kit!). The Flower Watering Can and little 3X3 cards are for a Secret Sister challenge for my Designing D's (wondering which one you are?!) And the diaper cake is for one of my club ladies who just had a baby boy (Surprise Julie!).
And on to the Blog Candy fun! Want to win these stamp/notecard sets?

First post on YOUR blog a link to MY blog with a little blurb about the blog hop and this specific post. Then leave me a comment here including a link to your blog. Comments will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on May 10th. Then check back on Monday to see if you won! One entry per person/blog.

Watercolor Heartfelt Thanks

2009-05-06T00:55:00.000-06:00

One of my cards I swapped with my club ladies in April. DSP is Walk in the Park.

Wicked For Good!

2009-05-03T05:00:00.002-06:00

We saw Wicked last Tuesday and... lemons, and melons and pears, OH, MY! I had goosebumps through the whole thing (someone tell me that burns calories)! Between the costumes, the music, the set, the acting, the singing, the comedy and the storyline with all the moral decisions for the characters, my mind was spinning! We had never seen it nor knew much of the story (as I didn't want to know so it would be more exciting). What a cool production! I so appreciate such wonderful talent.

Some of my favorite lines:
Glinda: That's right you just take that one road the whole time. Uh-huh. No problem...Ok buh-bye...Oh I hope they don't get lost, I'm so bad at giving directions.
Galinda: I don't understand why you can't just teach us history instead of always harping on the past
Elphaba: Oh stop your crying! You want to see your Auntie Em? Ugh. What kind of girl takes a dead woman's shoes? Were you raised in a barn!?

Parisian Breeze Designer Paper

2009-05-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

I LOVE this paper! It is so versatile and I just keep coming back to it, card after card!

San Diego - Next....S'vimv'ear!

2009-05-01T05:00:00.000-06:00

Remember this commerical from the 80s? Pay attention please! Tank you... Umm yeah, and I'm not showing you mine, the beauty in the video is much more appealing!

Jackson was a bit gun-shy of the water this time after taking a full dip a few days before. And yes, it warmed up that day and my bro and I took in some boogie boarding. We were the only ones out playing in the waves WITHOUT wetsuits - pansys! Thanks for the fun time Curt and Mary! Hope to see you in the fall after Jr is born! (And please pick a name or I'll have to keep calling him that!)

Trendy Trees Thanks

2009-04-30T21:52:00.000-06:00

Trendy Trees is a fun set to play with. The possibilities are endless! The DSP is Urban Oasis.

San Diego Day 3 - Sea World

2009-04-28T05:00:00.005-06:00

We actually spread Sea World out over a few days. So much more enjoyable with a 2 and 4 year old. My brave niece took on a big kid ride! Good job Millie! Jackson loved the Journey to Atlantis ride, his face was priceless even though he wanted to keep riding it! Oh, and the weather really started to warm up.

{Stamp Blogging Groups Disclaimer: Apologies for my picts of our latest trip to San Diego. I have family that view this blog as well so these are to update them with the latest. And I haven't taken a trip for so long so hope you'll endure my indulge! I will post stamp projects on the days in between, promise! Seriously, I should be scrapbooking these pictures - 2 birds, 1 stone - Someday I'll get it}

Punchy Texturz Ladybugs

2009-04-27T05:00:00.004-06:00

My mom who swears up and down she is not crafty had the idea to make ladybugs like my bunnys from Easter. Simple card but a favorite. The wings were put through the polka dot Texturz die and then topped with crystal effects. And BTW - Happy Birthday MOM! I love you!

San Diego Day 2 - A little warmer but not that much...

2009-04-26T05:00:00.006-06:00

These ocean sunsets make any amateur photographer look like a pro!Jackson's first time in the ocean and it was cold! Us tourists can't resist, even if it's just wading in a bit... And the Californians knew to keep their distance... Chasing the waves for a time before he slipped and got the full experience. He immediately was saying "BLECH, blech, blech, this water tastes yucky!"Good times!

{Stamp Blogging Groups Disclaimer: Apologies for my picts of our latest trip to San Diego. I have family that view this blog as well so these are to update them with the latest. And I haven't taken a trip for so long so hope you'll endure my indulge! I will post stamp projects on the days in between, promise! Seriously, I should be scrapbooking these pictures - 2 birds, 1 stone - Someday I'll get it}

Cheep Talk Hello

2009-04-25T05:00:00.003-06:00

Birds are all the rage lately! Broke out the crystal effects this month. They are on the heart and bird.

San Diego Day 1 - I Will Not Eat them in a Tree...

2009-04-24T05:00:00.007-06:00

Looks like the Doc Seuss was at a Childrens Beach in San Diego...I will not eat them with a duck, Sam I AM, now let me be!My Beautiful Niece, Millie. Can you believe she's only 2 - yes, very tall parents!My wonderful boys This was our first outing when we got into SD. It was cold and windy and I was wondering if Utah followed us there. There is a beach that was built for kids but then the sea lions came and made it their home. Gorgeous views.
{Stamp Blogging Groups Disclaimer: Advance apologies for my picts of our latest trip to San Diego. I have family that view this blog as well so these are to update them with the latest. And I haven't taken a trip for so long so hope you'll endure my indulge! I will post stamp projects on the days in between, promise! Seriously, I should be scrapbooking these pictures - 2 birds, 1 stone - Someday I'll get it}

Matchbox and Petal Pizazz

2009-04-23T05:00:00.001-06:00

This is an April club project (see, I actually posted it in the same month!) Our theme was Mom's Day but I made it so they could use it for any occasion. I love the Parisian Breeze DSP!

It's my birthday and I'll SMILE if I want to...

2009-04-21T15:10:00.004-06:00

Today is my 35th birthday and it's been a good one so far! It actually started a week ago when my hubby, Jackson and I headed to San Diego for a week of no stress. We did Sea World and the beach and just had a blast with my baby brother and his gorgeous wife Mary and their cutie patootie little girl, Millie. They even made me a cake (which I don't get very often due to my husband's egg allergy) and got me a gift card for my new I-Touch I-pod (birthday present to myself!). And after a fun week, we came home last night and some of my Swappers Anonymous buds had sent me birthday cards and my mom had bought some beautiful flowers! So great! So here's a fun video of how I feel today! Wouldn't it be great to just break out in song and dance whenever you feel like it?!

@ Yahoo! Video

YOU SMILED, didn't ya?!!!

Matchbox Messages Occasions Mini Swap

2009-04-20T05:00:00.001-06:00

These are the swaps I made from a 3X3 and regular swap I was just in. We divided up all the sets in the new mini and I'm hoping to post some of my favorites that I received soon.

Secret Sister Gifts All Together

2009-04-18T05:00:00.000-06:00

Just a pict of the little cards I had with each gift for each day and all the tins put together!

Secret Sister Easter Gifts Day #3

2009-04-17T05:00:00.000-06:00

Another item she was wanting was a spiral notebook that would hold up in her purse. So I made the cover to this notebook with Urban Garden DSP paper pack she was liking without anything that might catch and pull off. (and found a cool origami "bookmark" or corner in my rose search) I really like how the Manhattan Flower Texturz looks on the front. And I put in an elastic strap that can be pulled around the back of the notebook to keep it closed when not in use.

Secret Sister Easter Gifts Day #2

2009-04-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

One of the items she was hoping for were wine glass charms. I had bought some jewelry making supplies after Convention last year but never got around to making anything with them. But I did get to use Shrinky Dinks which is so fun! A lot of this was experimentation but I thought they turned out cute. I punched out flowers from the Trio Blossoms punch and made embellishments from those as well. And more Kawasaki Roses.

Secret Sister Easter Gifts Day #1

2009-04-15T05:00:00.002-06:00

This is Day 1 of the gifts I gave my Secret Sister. I covered 3 tins in the colors of her craft room - Rose Red and Cameo Coral. I included a punch she hadn't yet bought and her favorite candy. Among the flowers she likes is the gardenia and the rose. I tried to make a gardenia out of paper and it was a big flop! But I found several tutorials on folding a Kawasaki Rose. It took me several days and enormous mounds of paper to finally get it down - but now I can fold one on the spot!

Secret Sister Easter Swap - Day 3

2009-04-15T05:00:00.001-06:00

This last day was a real whopper! I have never made a milk carton box and this is so great! And look at all the fun things inside each milk carton! Thank you Easter Bunny! And my Secret Sister? - Angie Pegram! How awesome are you?! Thank you so much, you are amazing!

Secret Sister Easter Swap - Day 2

2009-04-13T05:00:00.002-06:00

What a cute address book my secret sister made for me! She must know the fixation I have for ribbon! Don't even want to mess it up by writing in it!

Amazing Easter Message

2009-04-12T05:00:00.002-06:00

Hope you all are enjoying your Easter Sunday. This beautiful video is done with one of my favorite religious artists - Liz Lemon Swindle.

Secret Sister Easter Swap - Day 1

2009-04-11T05:00:00.000-06:00

This has been so fun. I'm involved with a fun group who organized this swap. We each were given another sister to make 3 gifts for to be opened on Fri, Sat, and Sun this weekend. Here are picts from my sister for the Day 1 gifts she made for me. I love this bunny made from the top note die! So stinking cute!

Hopping Down the Bunny Trail

2009-04-10T05:00:00.002-06:00

Another club swap...I saw the Parisian Breeze paper and had to use it as a background. The ears on the baby bunnies are the medium sized heart in the Heart to Heart punch and then cut in half. And SU needs to bring back Liquid applique because it was so perfect for the Bunny tails. First card I've made without ribbon, buttons or brads in a long time...

Oval Frame Easter Card

2009-04-09T05:00:00.001-06:00

This was one of my swap cards for my March clubs. Surprise, surprise - I had a need to use the gingham ribbon which is now retired. Sigh...

Yummy baskets

2009-04-08T05:00:00.001-06:00

I found these baskets at the ProvoCraft outlet and they had been sitting for nearly a year. These ended up being a club project in March and a way to showcase the ribbon, the paper and the Yummy stamp set from Sale-A-Bration.

Hoppy Easter!

2009-04-07T05:00:00.001-06:00

I haven't watercolored in some time and the images from An Egg-cellent Easter were perfect. And the new corduroy buttons, love them!

An Egg-cellent Easter Tree Eggs

2009-04-06T21:31:00.003-06:00

I saw this card on a fellow blogger's (Kryssi's) blog and thought is would be cute with the egg from an Egg-cellent Easter. Not as cute as hers but thanks for the inspiration Kryssi!

Oval Scallop Frame Card

2009-03-26T05:00:00.001-06:00

This is the last of my February projects, and now I can start posting my March projects. {Ohh, beloved tax season.} I used the Oval Scallop Frame Sizzix die. I really like this color combination.

Spring Flowers Card

2009-03-23T05:00:00.002-06:00

These are everywhere in blogdom but I love it. I thought it went so well with the "Thanks a Bunch" stamp and so loved the idea. Sadly, I wanted to use bright colors on this card (which is so not like me). And for the first time, SU doesn't have any DSP in the current catalog that is brights (except Pink Flamingo but I wanted a variety). So I used the Summer Picnic paper from last year. Which really should still be available since the Tart and Tangy set is in the current catalog. Can you tell I have a hard time with change? Really, I don't start to like some things until I've looked at it for a year and then it retires. Oh, well...

Juntos DSP Occasions Book

2009-03-21T05:00:00.002-06:00

This is the other project I did for my church ward ladies night. There were several who preferred a book over an organizer box. It was quite an involved project as there is chipboard in each page and everything is sponged, but we had fun!

Bella Rose Card Organizer Box

2009-03-19T05:00:00.001-06:00

This is a card organizer I did for my church ward ladies night. I used the Birds w/ Leaves and Flower; and the Build a Flower Set #2. Inside are the index cards with the months to write on birthdays, anniversarys and such to organize their cards.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T05:00:00.002-06:00

I made these pins for each of my club members last year. I just barely had my blog up and going a year ago so here they are now! I guess I should wish my blog a happy 1st Birthday!

Tulipe Bigz Thank You Card

2009-03-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

This card was a club project from February. I always have a theme each month and February is Thank You (January is Valentine). I saw a card in a magazine that used lacy paper and thought I could make up something using the Sizzix. So I cut out several of the Tulipe's and adhered them to cardstock, then cut my pieces for the card from there.

Cherry Blossom Embosslit Dance Cards

2009-03-13T11:36:00.002-06:00

My niece, Allyson, was recently in a high school ballroom dance competition. She is kind of new to the ballroom scene and did great with little experience she had. But her love is ballet and she is a beautiful dancer. In fact, she teaches ballet and asked that I make some cards for her students. I used a retired dance stamp set and used the new embosslits and texturz for the Sizzix which I LOVE!

Coming up for Air...

2009-03-09T12:36:00.003-06:00

A little over a month and tax season is over! Yea! I'm hoping to post some new projects sometime this week! My sincerest apologies to my blog groups, I'm going to try and make the rounds soon!

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-14T05:00:00.002-07:00

Hope you are all having or will have a great day!

Last night, after his prayers and songs, Jackson and I were chatting before I said goodnight. He had his little Valentines party at preschool earlier and this conversation then commenced:
Jackson: It's February, huh, mom?
Me: Yeah, Jackson, what kind of things do we celebrate in February?
J: Hearts?...
M: And what else?
J: Valentines? ...
M: Yep, and presidents...?
J: Presents?!!!
M: No, presidents like on the penny Miss Angie gave you. What president is on a penny?
J: {with much gusto and no hesitation} CHUCKEE CHEESE!!

I laughed so hard the gummy bear I stole from his Valentine stash just about went up my nose. Good times...!

What makes blogging so fun...

2009-02-13T14:00:00.007-07:00

...is the great friends I have! I just love viewing all my blogging buddies blogs and getting such great inspiration and love the feedback on my own site! I'm a bit late in posting these awards but...
This award comes from my gorgeous single days best friend Wendy. She got married and moved to Florida so long ago and we used to have some fun times together. But she's got some talent so check out her blog!
And this one is from Lisa, one of my Swappers Anonymous sisters! Although I haven't been able to participate in any of their swaps lately, it sure is fun to look at what they've been doing!
So, I'm not sure what the rules are for these awards but all who come visit me are welcome to place these awards on your own blogs if you haven't already! I know you all have amazing blogs!
Side note: I work for an accounting firm and so please accept my apologies in advance to my blog groups. Although I do not do taxes, I do the prep work before the taxes and so I will be a bit slow in the blogging world until April 15th!

Happy Heart Gift Box

2009-02-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

I love this project. I CASE'ed this from my friend Vicky (yes, lot's of casing this month). The one she made for me had homemade chocolates in it and she used the "Sweets" stamp on hers. I can't believe the Polka Dot background went on the dormant list - WHAT?!! Especially with the new Texturz dies with the polka dots. Can't hardly wait to get and use mine! And the ribbon is retired, so sad...

Love You Much Hugs & Kisses

2009-02-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is a card I made to swap with my clubs. I love using felt with the Sizzix and so had to put it in there somewhere! (It's the red circle if you can't tell!)

Love You Much Valentine

2009-01-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

So sad this tree wasn't in the new catalog. This was a club project CASE'ed from my friend Becky. I do love the new hearts punch!

Going through template growing pains

2009-01-24T19:22:00.007-07:00

Sorry to everyone visiting lately. I'm making some changes so hang in there... it will all be fixed soon! This is frustrating!!!!! Does anyone know how to change a template in blogger wihout losing your widgets? And if there isn't a way, how do you save your widget info and bring it back into the new template! I need Blogger for Dummies!

Picking one that fits me is so hard. Aargh!

Happy Heart Lip Balm holder

2009-01-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is one of my club projects. I found these Coca Cola lip balm in real red, rose red and vanilla so they matched well!

Love You Much SA Swap

2009-01-19T19:09:00.003-07:00

Thought I was dead?! Yeah, me too! Too much to do, so little time. So I'm back with the latest...
This is a swap I did with the Swappers Anonymous group on SplitCoast. The hearts overlap each other and hold themselves down. Then it can be opened with enough space to write a little note. I was fairly happy with the way it turned out.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T12:30:00.002-07:00

Time to get back to work! I have a swap, my clubs, and two card classes to prep for this month. I think I've had enough time off from stamping! Wishing you all a Happy New Year (and to all my blog buddies, apologies for slacking last month!) Now to get planning!

Beautiful Season - Beautiful Message!

2008-12-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have a very merry Christmas!

A Season of Hope - Our Jackson turns 4

2008-12-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

I have had many ask me why I was playing Christmas music on my blog right after Halloween. Why? That music has so many messages of hope and gratitude and I would play it all year if I could get away with it. And Christmas 2004 was my husband and I's Christmas of hope. We had been married nearly 10 years and all attempts to grow our family were unsuccessful. Around Labor Day that year, we were called into our social workers office to find out our greatest dream was to be fulfilled. A birthmom had chosen us for her baby boy due on December 29th!!! Now I totally understand that 9 months of carrying a child is long and uncomfortable but those were the longest 4 months of our lives!! (And with a chance she could change her mind in that time, every day slowly ticked by). Halloween came and went I could hardly wait to start playing Christmas music when in the years past, Christmas was very meloncholy. It is very much a holiday for children and we sat by year after year with no children to share it with. I didn't care that he was due after Christmas, it was truly a Christmas to look forward to. As Christmas was a week away, we got even a better surprise. Our beautiful, sweet birthmom wanted us to have our baby by Christmas so with all things developing great, she was going to be induced on the 20th! Well, Jackson was as excited for Christmas that year as much as we were! We woke up on the 19th of December - 4 years ago tomorrow - to another phone call to find our birthmom had gone into labor. And a long labor... he was born around 5 PM! Because it was a closed adoption, she had the 2 days in the hospital with him all to herself and we went and got him on the 21st. That was a spectacular day and I will write more about that on the 21st. I really wish I could post a picture of our birthmom with Jackson. She was so sweet and they both looked like angels! (it was a private adoption and confidentiality is so important.) She never waivered in her decision to place him in our family.
So now I see very common ordinary placed things and think how lucky we are. We were at a movie the other day (sans Jackson) and I was noticing the booster chairs in a corner for children. Something so simple brought a smile to my face - we actually have use for those! And at one time, the high chairs at a restaurant. And I can venture into the baby department of any store and smile instead of wanting to cry! So Happy 4th Birthday Jackson! You have blessed our lives and family in so many ways. You are such a thoughtful and happy boy. Please don't ever stop the random nearly hourly "I love you Mom" 's. I AM your mom and you ARE my son and I love you! Truly a witness to all those who hope.

Happiness is...

2008-12-09T21:30:00.007-07:00

...knowing that people actually view my blog and leaving sweet comments! Thanks to Twila for this nomination! Her blog is also worthy of such an award!

The rules:
1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.
2. Link the person you received the award from.
3. Nominate 5 other blog.
4. Put links to those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls you've nominated

I have some great blogger friends who are so faithful to always check up on me the most often and also have super creative ideas on their blogs. So I'm awarding this to: Melissa Sauls, Jackie, Karen from PA, Jennifer Scull and ScrabbySue.

Thanks to all for visiting my blog! Your comments really make my day!

Awesome Christmas Display a few miles from my house

2008-12-01T10:29:00.005-07:00

Pause my tunes on the right side to enjoy!

So December is my month off. Off from all classes, workshops and clubs. I get burnout about this time of year and need a little break. I won't have a lot to post as far as stamping goes but I will post any handmade Christmas cards I receive throughout the month.

This video is from the Holdman family who puts on a super cool animated Christmas display every year. We are so fortunate to live close by to enjoy it. This year, the display will be put on in a different location as they live in a gated community and the neighbors asked to have their privacy this year. Can't blame them - the line of cars to view the display is sometimes so long! We're hoping that display will be up so we can go view it for family night tonight. A link to the Holdman Christmas Display website is here. All donations he receives he donates to the Make-A-Wish foundation. Enjoy!

SA Christmas Card Swap

2008-11-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

This one was made by Sharon Bridwell. Gotta love the felt snowflakes!

SA Christmas Card Swap

2008-11-25T05:00:00.001-07:00

This one was made by Stacy McCain. I borrowed her idea for the striped ribbon on one of my club projets. Cute card!

Another SA Christmas swap

2008-11-22T05:00:00.002-07:00

This swap was done by Lisa Dallas from the SA group. I didn't realize it was a gift card holder until I took it out of the plastic envelope and it popped open. How cool is that?

SA Christmas Card Swap

2008-11-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

I love this card made by Paula Wright. Everything just falls together so well. The photo came out kind of fuzzy, sorry Paula!

While I'm away...Blog Awards!

2008-11-17T20:18:00.010-07:00

Wow, I mean, WOW! I've been so busy that I haven't had time to play on my blog. And I come back to my first ever blog award and I get two! So exciting!

This one I was nominated by Kathy , Kelly and Tracy. They all have some awesome blogs and ideas so go check them out!

The rules that go along with this award are:
1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to their blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees.

And this one I was awarded by Paula and Gina These came from my awesome SCS Blogger friends. They are too good to me. I'm going to send both to the following ladies:

Julie
Vicky
Wendy
Julie
Go check out their blogs!

Snow Swirled Vellum - Last Stamp-A-Stack

2008-11-14T05:00:00.004-07:00

How I wish SU would add adhesive rhinestones, as I'm in love!

Deer Friends - Another SAS

2008-11-13T05:00:00.003-07:00

He has a little crystal effects on his red nose - he's so sweet!

Another Stamp-A-Stack

2008-11-12T05:00:00.004-07:00

Sometimes, you wish things wouldn't retire, like organdy ribbon! Since I'm actually not selling product during the stack - I can use whatever I like!

Holiday Lineup - Christmas Stamp-A-Stack

2008-11-11T05:00:00.003-07:00

This was is a CASE, although, sadly I don't remember where I saw it! Love it! I hope I made the coloring easy, just markers!

To You and Yours - Another Stamp-A-Stack card

2008-11-10T05:00:00.003-07:00

I love this little cottage stamp. Makes me feel all cozy!

Top Note Santa - Christmas Stamp-A-Stack

2008-11-09T15:42:00.006-07:00

For those in my church ward, I will be posting the cards all week that we will be making this Saturday. This first one, I found made as a little gift basket. I thought it would be cute as a card.

This standad 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" card uses a lot of punches: the Big Shot Top Note Die for his face and mustache (cut right in the center of a white piece, then cut the top note piece again a few inches down) mount on a blush card base, the large oval punch for his eyes and eyelids, the 1 3/8" (mouth and eyebrows - can't really see them but they are there), 1" (nose) and 1/2" circle punches (pupils), and the scallop edge punch for the fur on his hat. The paper is whisper white, black, blush (face), pink pirouette (mouth) and riding hood red. Sponge around most of the pieces and assemble.

Rudolph Bling

2008-11-09T05:00:00.002-07:00

One of my club girls, Kendee, made this card to swap. I love the rhinestone she used for Rudolph's nose. Fabulous!

Last Club project

2008-11-08T05:00:00.002-07:00

We made these ornaments oblong instead of round. It was a big hit.

These pieces were cut from a Big Shot ornament die. It's so great because it cuts 4 of the circles on one die but it will also cut 4 sheets of paper at a time so you can cut the whole ornament out in one pass!

Another Stamp Club project

2008-11-07T05:00:00.001-07:00

So I saw this card off a fellow blogger group buddy's blog - Melissa Sauls and decided to CASE it for my stamp club. Turns out she CASE'd it too so hopefully someone will get credit for this great tone-on-tone beauty.

Big Shot felt snowflake - Stamp Club project

2008-11-06T05:00:00.004-07:00

Would you believe I found felt in Baja Breeze?! And the Big Shot cut through that as slick as snot - Oh my gosh, did I just say that?! (Thanks Mom). Anyway, the swoop card seemed to be such a hit so I decided to use it for one of my stamp club projects.

ETA: I'm spoiled because I live near the ProvoCraft outlet. They were selling sheets of very thick felt and they just happened to match our SU colors!

Scallop punch turkey - Gobble, gobble!

2008-11-04T23:48:00.005-07:00

Tonight during stamp club, we were discussing the cute peppermint patty spiders and I was going to make some Santa's off of my fellow SCS blogger friend - Twila's blog. One of my girls, Kendee, said "Wouldn't it be cute to make a turkey?" And I said, Oh my Heck, Yes! and we made one up right there on the spot. Isn't he adorable!!!?

ETA: His beak and wattle are flowers from the old Spring Bouquet Flower punch

Swappers Anonymous Christmas Swap

2008-11-04T10:54:00.003-07:00

There is a group of SU Demos on SplitCoast Stampers with a disease. Ok, so it's just that they can't stop swapping and I'm a sad participant. But, Oh, the things they come up with - WOW! I'm going to post several of their swaps in a few days. This is the one I came up with.

Ohh, Halloween

2008-11-01T11:45:00.003-06:00

What a sad day for me. I've been quite sick with the flu and didn't get all our costumes finished. Jackson's was completed about 1/2 hour before his preschool party on Halloween Day. We never knew how much all our friends enjoyed our costumes as we had many say how they look forward to seeing what we come up with. I think I was the most sad of all. But Jackson had a blast!

November "Other" Card Class

2008-10-27T05:00:00.000-06:00

A preview for my "outside" SU November card class. Better get signed up!

Shelli Demos Place Settings - Pause my tunes!

2008-10-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

Short commercial alert! Even more reason to love our Big Shot! You can view the supply list here . Now which idea to do first... Pause my music to get inspired!

I saw this link on my new friend, Kelly Taylor's blog and wanted to get it up here. For hours I couldn't figure how to get it to link and even emailed a few ladies (thanks Diane and Amy!) and realized I was making it harder on myself than it was. Sheesh! Lesson learned...

Our Senses

2008-10-24T05:00:00.004-06:00

The other day Jackson and I were talking about his five senses. I would ask him what his nose is for and he would say "smelling!" And so we went through all the rest successfully, but then we got to the "feeling" sense. I asked him what our fingers and hands were for...and he said..."Cutting paper!". Oh dear, what a legacy I'm leaving with him. This photo was taken yesterday. Jackson and my husband like to go ride their bikes on the Provo River trail. Isn't it pretty?!

Blog candy shout out

2008-10-23T19:54:00.002-06:00

So this time it's not from me but...
Jennifer Love is offering a $25 gift certificate to All That Scraps here
And... the Shimmerz Blog is offering a set of 5 new Shimmerz waterbased paints here
Go check it out!

Stamp-A-Stack

2008-10-23T05:00:00.003-06:00

I do a stack for my ward church group every other month and these are the cards they will be be choosing from. I've seen a lot of these tree cards up on everyone's blogs - quite a popular set! And they get to make the owl - a very popular card I'm finding! And because I have a few Spanish speaking ladies, I'm offering two of the cards to be stamped in English or Spanish.

"Other" Card Class

2008-10-22T12:18:00.002-06:00

These are from the other card class I do outside of Stampin' Up! I promised a few of the ladies I would have the samples up since they weren't able to complete their cards. I have to say this is a super fun group that comes to these classes. I love just chatting with them all!

Past Years Halloween - 2004

2008-10-21T05:00:00.001-06:00

This was a few months before Jackson was born. Obviously, we were clowns but that kind of scares people without even trying to be scary!

Stampin' Up! Stampers Showcase

2008-10-20T05:00:00.003-06:00

This card was displayed on the demostrator website in their Stampers Showcase. Unfortunately they didn't show the coolest part. It's a magic card so when you pull up the tab the little trick-or-treaters are colored. And I had to be tricky to get the parts from "All in the Family" to match up perfectly. It was a lot easier than you would think.

Past Years Halloween - 2007

2008-10-19T06:00:00.001-06:00

Last year's costume's were envisioned so well but then we found they needed much explaining. Hopefully some will get it but we were Alice in Wonderland, the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter. I had a hard time finding fabric to make Jackson's cat outfit and ended up just spray painting it! So this year, Scott said no fairy tales. Working on this year's as we speak!

AMAZING!

2008-10-18T05:00:00.001-06:00

This is Julie I's creation. It's one of the flip cards where you keep flipping it and it has a new scene with each flip. I know she's going to kill me because this isn't complete. There is a witch that is flying on top of the moon but I didn't get to finish it and then "misplaced" the witch. But seriously, WOW!

Past Years Halloween - 2006

2008-10-17T05:00:00.001-06:00

Just missing the lion - he was out trick or treating with Toto! (Yes, I do have a lot of fun making our costumes!)

Another Club Swap

2008-10-16T05:00:00.001-06:00

My club ladies swap cards and this is one that I made to swap. SU's halloween paper is so great!

Past Years Halloween - 2005

2008-10-15T05:00:00.005-06:00

This year we were dressed up as Betty, Barney and Bamm Bamm. Jackson was by far the cutest!

Club Swap

2008-10-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

I saw this made up as a gift bag header but turned it into a card and added little feet. Again, top note die, you are amazing!

Spooky Spiders

2008-10-13T05:00:00.000-06:00

Well, these little guys are crawling all over demo websites everywhere but I just love them!

Princess Party

2008-10-12T05:00:00.001-06:00

It's official, Jackson has now been to a princess birthday party. As you can see by the photo above, he wasn't much into the princess / prince scene. We made Ally a magic pumpkin coach and put her gift inside. And we are still wearing the glitter... and probably will for days!

Basket die

2008-10-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

These are the little baskets I made for everyone in the shoebox swap as a little thank you.

Shoebox swap great finds

2008-10-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

The top picture are some super cute ideas from a super cute girl - Erin! You are the best. And then I won the frankie box from Paula in a doorprize. Aren't the eyeball candy perfect?! (There was candy in the top note package but when you're on a diet, the temptation is too much! Still have the eyeballs though!)