Saturday, October 03, 2009

BLOG CARNIVAL - My Digital Studio

Welcome to the Stampin' Addicts Blog Carnival! We are going to keep this party going all month so you don't need to worry if you can see everything today! If you bookmark my blog, it will be easy to find me again . . . just a suggestion! LOL

I just LOVE Stampin' Up!'s new softward, My Digital Studio! There is SO much you can do with it! One of my favorite discoveries so far is how easy it is to use MDS to create and store sketches! I have been collecting sketches from scrapbook magazines and books for years and I am so excited to find that I can save each sketch as a template in My Digital Studio and use it over and over again! Want to see an example?


For the purposes of this post, I created my own sketch from a scapbook page I saw on page 78 of Stampin' Up!'s current Idea Book and Catalog. I could have also used someone else's sketch to recreate in MDS, but wanted to make sure I didn't violate any copyright laws! Here is a page created with my template:




Cool, huh? Want to see another?



It was SO EASY to create these pages once I had the template created and saved!

So are you convinced that you need your own copy of MDS? LOL If not (or even if you are) you need to check out the following links to see the wonderful creations my fellow blog carnival participants came up with!

DMDezign
Yapha
Willysgirl
Hollylogic
Lyssa
Lilysinkpad
StampinShell
JulieA
lovetostampandscrap
Melina Stamps!
BroncoMom
Britney
S1itcher46
Kelli
Scrapbookmamma




Thanks for stopping by and please visit again!

Friday, October 02, 2009


Starting at noon EST on Saturday, October 3, Stampin' Addicts will be hosting a Blog Party that will be done carnival style (this is new for us!).

The links will be posted here in this post instead of linking in a circle and each blog will have a sidebar button that will link back here to the master list of blogs. Each “Party Blog” will showcase different ideas on how to use MDS. You’ll see how to use MDS to plan traditional stamping projects, how to create hybrid projects (that use both traditional and digital features) and how to create completely digital projects. We have all had such a blast getting ready for this and we can’t wait to show you how incredible My Digital Studio is!

The party starts this weekend and keeps going until November 1st so you can come back as many times as you want during October. Be sure to join us as we celebrate the launch of Stampin’ Up!’s My Digital Studio

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Big Event


Well . . . my only kid is a married man. Man? Oh my goodness . . . how did that happen? LOL

Saturday, September 05, 2009

A Finished Album!

And not just finished, but converted to video format for the web!

My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up! ROCKS!!!

Heard the Buzz??

Just in case you live in another world (or have been reeeeaaaallllly busy!), Stampin' Up! is introducing a FANTASTIC new product . . . My Digital Studio! Yes - digital scrapbooking!

I must admit, I was skeptical. I thought I would never go digital and I was a bit disappointed that SU! decided to enter that market. But I was wrong! Look what I just did . . .That was my very first attempt at digital scrapping . . . it took less than 30 minutes and I didn't even read a manual. Totally easy! And I imagine it will get easier and faster as I practice. What do you think???

Oh yeah . . . since I splashed their faces across my blog, it is only fair to give y'all a link to Julie's and Holly's blogs! Say hello to Julie at Julie's Stamping Station and give Holly a shout at Ink Paper Stamps! Tell 'em I sent ya!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

While you are waiting . . .

I might as well give you some fun stuff to look at!

Check out Paula's instructions for the Faux Alligator Technique. Cool, huh?

Blog? What Blog?

Oh YEAH! I have a BLOG!

What do a 3 weekends out of town + one weekend with house guests + 2 unbelievably busy weeks at my 'day' job + a pending kitchen remodel + the need to start (and finish!) my Convention Swaps equal? If you guessed NO BLOG POSTS, you are absolutely right!

But I have been stamping. Really. Here is the messy desk picture to prove it!

My normal stamping spot is in our sunroom but this time of year, especially a year with record high temps, it is just too hot in there! So I've been picking stuff up and carrying it to a little library table in our living room . . . as you can see, NOT the ideal place to stamp! LOL What a MESS! (And those baseboards really need painting, don't they?!)


The good news is I am making progress on my swaps . . . I have signed up for 8 organized swap and I'm happy to say I'm either done or have a significant start on all but 1 of those. I would LOVE to show you the projects I have done . . . but then that could potentially ruin the surprise for other folks in those swaps.

Once I settle on some 'general' swaps . . . I post some of those so you have something pretty and fun to look at, okay? In the mean time . . . here is a little hint at some cards that might become general swaps! Crappy picture, but I just snapped quick shots of stuff that is propped on my mantle . . . be on the look out for better pics soon!

Monday, June 22, 2009

We Have A Winner!

As determined by Random.Org, the big winner is . . . .


jessgos1313!

for submitting the following quote:

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty" - Maya Angelou

Isn't that a great quote?! I'm going to keep a copy of it to help me remember there are better things to come when I'm going through one of those not-so-pleasant periods of change.

Jessgos1313, please contact me at comekastamps@hotmail.com this week with your contact information so I can arrange to send you your goodies! And I almost forgot . . . as a Follower of my blog, you will receive DOUBLE the goodies, as promised!




Friday, June 19, 2009

Lovin' the Quotes!

I am so glad that I asked for people to post their favorite quotes to be entered for my Blog Candy! It is so much fun to read them! Have YOU posted an entry for my giveaway? If not, CLICK HERE FOR MY BLOG CANDY POST!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

BLOG CANDY!

Well . . . I DID promise!

I have a stash of current In-Color cardstock - 30 half sheets pre-cut and ready for you to turn into cards! Want 'em? To enter, simply post your favorite inspirational quote in the comment section of this post. Please include your email address so it will be easy to contact you if you are the winner. Apologies to my international sisters . . . I can only mail blog candy to US addresses at this time.

Want a bonus? If you are a follower of my blog, I'll DOUBLE the number of sheets to 60! (In other words, you ought to sign up to follow my blog! LOL)

Enter before noon on Sunday . . . I'll draw a random entry on Sunday evening and announce the winner on Monday!

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Stampin' Addicts Bon Voyage Blog Hop!

Welcome to Stampin' Addicts Bon Voyage Blog Hop!

You have just arrived from The Stampin' Bunny where you enjoyed Rhonda's creations featuring the set Pretty Amazing and are now at
Port of Call #24! This stop will give you a quick look at Seeing Spots, one of the most versatile sets Stampin' Up! has every produced!

Seeing Spots (115058) is retiring! Get it while you still can!




















The first two cards use a One Sheet Wonder (OSW) . . . if you are not familiar with the OSW technique, it is a TOTALLY easy way to make a lot of cute and simple cards FAST! In addition to Seeing Spots, these cards feature Curvy Verses & Think Happy Thoughts stamp sets, Regal Rose, Kiwi Kiss, Close to Cocoa, and Chocolate Chip ink, Regal Rose,
Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, and Very Vanilla paper. I've embossed the kiwi paper with my Big Shot for a little extra texture and added a little 'bling' with some rhinestone brads. Final touch was to add some grosgrain ribbon! Whatcha think?


Next up is my favorite project! I really went out of my comfort zone with the color choices and I'm so glad I did! Who would have thought that Perfect Plum, Really Rust, Certainly Celery, and Sage Shadow would look so great?! This card again features Seeing Spots in the center of the flower. I've added a couple of die cut daisy's from my Big Shot and finished it off with a Filigree brad. The sentiment is from Fast & Fun Notes which is another 'must have' set . . . even if you only use the sentiments!




Finally, I made a cute little gift bag! These are also 'out-of-the-box' colors for me . . . Basic Gray, Perfect Plum, Certainly Celery, and Sage Shadow. It does have a rhinestone brad and a bit of ribbon but I still think it would be great for a Father's Day gift or other masculine gift, don't you? This bag was sooooooo easy - check back next week for directions and for links to the bag that Lyssa made that inspired this one.






I hope you've enjoyed your visit here at port of call #24. Please come back after the tour is over for more information on these projects (I'll also have some BLOG CANDY!). Your next Port of Call is #25 with Sharon's blog, Trails and SNAILS for a look at Frames with a Flourish. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

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Click here for Port of Call #25
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Miss something?

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Click here to go back to Port of Call #23
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One announcement before disembarking: the tour links are only active through 11:59 pm Tuesday June 16; after that, many hostesses will post more details on projects you see today. Bookmark your favorite stops now--on return visits, you'll bypass customs & immigration and go straight to the fun!




Want to learn more about Stampin' Addicts - the best source on the web for Stampin' Up! ideas and inspiration? Click HERE!


Thursday, June 11, 2009

Hop! Hop! Hop!


I am SO excited to be a part of another Stampin’ Addicts blog tour! These are so much fun and feature great projects from extremely talented demonstrator friends of mine. You remember the awesome Parade of Papers tour last month–this new ‘farewell’ tour will feature all retiring sets from the Spring/Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog. I’ll be stop #24 and featuring a super cute stamp set!

The tour will run from noon on Saturday, June 13th to midnight on Tuesday, June 16th. After that, the ship will depart, so be sure to bookmark your favorite sites to return to later for instructions and patterns for the projects. Unlike other blog hops, ours are FREE to view and participate in, and highly professionally organized, with no dropped links and 100% participation. You will not be disappointed! Mark your calendar so you don't miss all the creative fun!



Saturday, May 16, 2009

And the Blog Candy WINNER is . . .

Thisisthesouth2!

Please send me your contact information so I can send you your goodies! My email is: ComekaStamps@hotmail.com

Sad you didn't win? I have tons of soon-to-retire paper so I'll be doing another give away soon!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Photo Friday and Last Call for Blog Candy!!

This is my 'baby boy' Rowdy . . . Isn't he a sweetie?

Today is your last chance to be entered into the drawing for my blog candy! I'll be sending one lucky winner an assortment of DSP, cardstock, and hardware . . . see THIS POST for details on how to enter! Don't forget . . . you will get a 'second chance' entry for adding yourself as a Follower of Sparkle Happens!

And two more things before I forget . . .

First, I promised a link to the inspiration for this card feature on the blog hop post . . . Click HERE to see the original on Michelle Sturgeon's Blog. I just LOVE her card, don't you?

While you are there, make sure and check out all her other wonderful creations!





And finally, I promised to explain a One-Sheet-Wonder on my Parade of Paper blog post . . . and it is coming, really, it is! I'll have two great examples to show you in a day or two!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Manchester for Mother's Day

As promised! Another project featuring Manchester DSP . . . this time a Mother's Day card. And yes, I should have posted it BEFORE Mother's Day so it could have inspired you but then my Mom might have seen it before she got it in the mail. You wouldn't have wanted to spoil her surprise, now would you? LOL!

Well . . . I LOVE this card! As soon as I saw folks using the Big Shot Pennant Die to make crisscross pocket cards, I KNEW I had to have that die! Sadly, this is the first one I've made but it will NOT be the last! Whatcha think?

Don't forget the blog candy! See HERE for detail on how to be entered into the drawing!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

And some more different . . .

All Supplies from Stampin' Up! Stamps: Wanted. Paper: Sahara Sand, Pacific Point, Riding Hood Red DSP. Ink: Not Quite Navy, Bravo Burgundy. Accessories: Top Note die, Jumbo Eyelets.

Yes, I DID promise more projects that feature Manchester DSP . . . tomorrow! I promise! Have you ever fixed a yummy dinner and then had to eat the leftovers for 5 days? Not so yummy after awhile, is it? LOL Tomorrow's post will feature the card I made for my Mom for Mother's Day. Hopefully, you will think it is worth the wait!

For today's card, I really tried to get out of my own 'box' . . . I've had these stamps since I got them free at SU! Convention '07 but I've just not used them much. And this is the FIRST time I've EVER used Pacific Point, aside from the Make & Take projects I did at the SU San Antonio Regionals . . . it is just not my color! To help it become more 'me' and to help give it a bit of an aged western look, I sponged and distressed both the cardstock and the DSP. Well . . . I'm not doing any happy dancin' about this card, but it isn't horrible either! Just wait, you are gonna love the card tomorrow! Promise!

Oh yeah . . . don't forget the blog candy! Leave a comment on THIS post to be entered into the drawing! And for a second entry, sign up to follow my blog! Don't know how to follow? Just click on the 'Follow' button in the right hand column!

Monday, May 11, 2009

And now for something completely different . . .

All Supplies from Stampin' Up! Stamps: Always. Paper: Bella Rose & Raspberry Tart DSP, Pirouette Pink & Riding Hood Red CS. Ink: Riding Hood Red classic. Accessories: Pretties Kit

First of all . . . THANK YOU!

The Parade of Papers was a huge success . . . thanks to all the great folks who took the time out of their busy weekend to visit those of us participating! I am especially thankful for all of you who left such kind comments . . . those comments made me wish for more hours in the day to STAMP! LOL I also owe a big 'Thanks!' to the other 23 participants with a special 'shout out' to Yapha who did such a good job on coordinating the whole shebang!

Now, you might have just looked at the pictures on my last post BUT if you read carefully, you might have noticed that I have a couple more Manchester DSP projects to share . . . but not today! LOL Today, we need something a bit different! What do you think of this card that uses Raspberry Tart & Bella Rose DSP? It was totally simple, aside from dying the flower, but I think it turned out pretty cute!

ANOTHER thing you might have read in my last post was a mention of blog candy! Did you catch that one? LOL SOOOOOO . . . leave me a comment on THIS post and you will be entered into a drawing for some blog candy. Want TWO chances to win? Add yourself as a Follower of Sparkle Happens and I'll put your name in twice! Unfortunately, I will only be able to mail candy to those in the U.S. - maybe someday I'll be able to afford to include the rest of the world but until then, accept my sincere apologies. The picture to the left shows the assortment of DSP, cardstock, chipboard, and hardware I'll be sending to the lucky winner! I'll draw the name on Friday evening and announce the winner on Saturday, so be sure to comment by 5 PM on Friday!

Friday, May 08, 2009

Parade of Papers Blog Hop!

(OPPS! You missed the big event! The links have been removed from this post because the Blog Hop ended at 12 AM, May 11, 2009. Please enjoy my projects and contact me if you would like more information about the other participants!)

Welcome to Stop #13 on Sta
mpin' Addicts first ever Blog Hop! Each stop along our Parade of Papers tour features projects made with Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series Paper (DSP) created by 24 different Stampin' Up! demonstrators. There is an amazing special on Designer Series Papers this month - buy 3 get 1 FREE - and we are throwing a parade to celebrate!

My projects all feature Manchester D
SP. My first thought on this paper was that it would make wonderful masculine projects but, when you look at my projects, you will see that it is great for girly stuff too! Manchester features the colors Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke, Kraft, and Very Vanilla. Don't you just love that combo?




May is, of course, National Scrapbooking Month so my first project is a 12 x 12 scrapbook page. I've been
holding on to this picture for years, just waiting for inspiration . . . and I finally found it with the color scheme and style of the Manchester DSP! Yes, that really is me in the picture . . . and yes, I know. But I'll bet you were cuter 23 years ago too! LOL!

All supplies from Stampin' Up! In addition to the DSP, I used Baja Breeze textured cardstock and classic ink, Always Artichoke cardstock and marker, On Board Timeless Type chipboard letters, and the SU! Exclusive Top Note die with my Big Shot.




Next up is another scrapbook related project . . . this time a mini brag book!
I used my Big Shot along with the Top Note die to cut my chipboard, DSP and cardstock. I then used my Crop-A-Dile to punch holes in everything, added Jumbo Eyelets in pewter to the front and back cover, then pulled everything together with a book ring. The front and back covers feature the DSP, Very Vanilla cardstock, and On Board Timeless Type chipboard letters, which I dyed using Baja Breeze Classic ink. A bit of Baja Breeze ribbon gives it a finishing touch!

And . . . My name is Earl. Really, just like on TV. Except we are not at all like that Earl! Really. Not at all. LOL!

How about a card or two? If you saw Wednesday's Sneak Peek, you saw my Father's Day card and I'm sure you will agree that Manchester DSP is great for masculine cards. Well, this card is very girly!
Now . . . I am not normally thrilled with 'odd' colored roses but - oh my goodness! - I love how this turned out! It reminds me of Waverly fabric. For this, I did a One-Sheet-Wonder (if you aren't familiar with that term, check back next week because I'm going to explain) using the set A Rose Is A Rose with Baja Breeze and Always Artichoke classic ink. The sentiment is from All Holiday stamped in Artichoke and the ribbon is Baja Breeze double stitched grosgrain. I really wish you could see this in real life . . . the pic just doesn't do it justice!

My next card was inspired by a card I saw on Michelle Sturgeon's blog, Come Stamp With Me. (I'll post a link to her blog next week 'cause I want you to see her great stuff!) Even though this is very simple, the DSP makes it striking . . . again, the picture just doesn't do it justice! In addition to the DSP, I used Kraft, Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke, and Very Vanilla cardstock with Always Artichoke classic ink. The stamps are from Thoughts & Prayers and All Holidays. Finally, I used the oval scallop punch from the Occasions mini catalog, along with the Large Oval punch.

So . . . Whatcha think?


Want to see more cards?? Check my blog next week! I had so much fun with these, I created more projects than I could use for the blog hop and you are not going to want to miss them!
And there just might be blog candy involved . . .




I ALWAYS try to save the best for last! This group of projects are my absolute favorite. And the best part? They were SO EASY! I think I'm gonna have to plan a party so I can make favors! LOL! Again, they all feature Manchester DSP.

The
Just For You basket was cut from the SU! Exclusive Basket and Blooms die using my Big Shot and features the large oval punch, the scallop oval punch, and Baja Breeze ribbon. The stamp is from Oval All using Always Artichoke classic ink.

The pillow box is cut from the Pillow Box die and uses the oval punches. The stamp is from Great Friend using Baja Breeze classic ink.


And finally, the box was cut with the new Matchbox die from the SU! Occasions mini catalog and features flowers from the Pretties Kit that were dyed with Baja Breeze ink and attached with a Rhinestone brad. And, oh yeah, that IS chocolates in the box!


(Sorry, Links have been removed . . . contact me if you want help finding the other participants. Believe me, you will be happy you did!)

For more information about Stampin' Addicts and the blog hop, click HERE.

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Sneak Peek!

So . . . last Friday, I told you about the Parade of Papers Bog Hop, 'member? How would you like a little sneak peek at what is coming? Well . . . since you insist! LOL

All Supplies from Stampin' Up! Stamps: All Holidays Paper: Kraft, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla, & Manchester DSP Ink: Always Artichoke, Baja Breeze

This card, like all the project that will be featured on the Parade of Paper, use Stampin' Up!'s awesome Designer Series Paper . . . all my projects will use the paper Manchester. Don't you just love these colors together?

I would really love to share more of my projects but then, you wouldn't have anything to look forward to on Friday, now would you?! Soooooooooo . . . check back on Friday morning so you won't miss the fun! Want to know more about the Parade of Paper Blog Hop? Read about it HERE!

Monday, May 04, 2009

Butterfly Card

All Products from Stampin' Up! Stamps: Oval All Paper: Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Riding Hood Red DSP & Cs, Whisper White. Ink: Riding Hood Red, So Saffron.

Do you ever see something so cool that you just HAVE to figure it out right THEN? Well, yesterday I was blog 'cruising' and happened upon THIS post on Krissie's blog and immediately started trying to figure out how to recreate that butterfly! Isn't it amazing? I will probably continue to fine tune my version but overall, I'm pretty please with it! Whatcha think?

Sunday, May 03, 2009

Vasculitis Awareness Week May 3-9, 2009


There are so many worthy causes and a lot that can be gained by sharing information and supporting important research. I'm going to take a break from the fun craft stuff to share a cause that is important to me because Vasculitis is a disease that has touched my family. Let me share our story . . .

At 17, my son began losing weight - no one thought much about it because he was just a bit chubby and the weight loss seemed to begin about the same time he joined the track team and began training to throw the discus. A couple of months later, he had what everyone thought was probably Mono - he had all the symptoms but the tests showed no Mono. But since his energy level seemed to return to normal, no one thought much about it. In the meantime, he continued to lose weight. A few months later, he started complaining of pain in his ankles . . . and then the pain spread to various other joints. And the fatigue seemed to come and go. He finally reached a point where he was suffering from joint pain, fatigue, a high fever that would spike at night but subside by morning, AND stomach pain with nausea . . . but still, the symptoms were vague and intermittent. His doctor ran lots of test and told us lots of things he DIDN'T have . . . then referred us to an infectious disease specialist. Who told us we might be looking at Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and we should see a Rheumatologist. Who told us he definitely did not have JRA but she found a new symptom . . . blood in his urine. So we were referred to a urologist. During the 4 month period while all these tests and specialist visits and so on where taking place, Drew finished High School, turned 18, and moved into a dorm to begin his freshman year of college. By the time we got the referral to the urologist, he had lost a total of 80 pounds and could barely walk up a set of steps. He could barely open a bottle of soda. Then, a new symptom . . . his fingers began turning ice cold which cause unbelievable pain. At that point, I took him to the ER and luckily, they admitted him. Eleven days, one hospital transfer, 2 biopsies, and dozens and dozens of other medical tests later - we finally had a diagnosis of Pauci-Immune Necrotizing Cresentic Glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease) and a few days after THAT, we had a diagnosis that was the underlying cause of the kidney disease AND the joint pain, weight loss, fatigue, etc . . . Drew was diagnosed with Microscopic Polyangiitis or MPA, for short. I won't go into all the details but I am happy to say that today, he is in remission and has fully recovered kidney function.

So, what the heck IS Vasculitis? THIS article will give you a better answer than I ever could. Oh yeah . . . Dr. Gregory House (you do watch House, right?) LOVES to suggest Wegner's, Churg Strauss Syndrome, or any number of other forms of vasculitis while solving his medical mysteries.

Alrighty! I've bored you enough for today BUT I may post some other info or links about the topic later this week . . . feel free to ignore them if you would rather just see my stamping projects, okay?

Saturday, May 02, 2009

Brenda's Challenge

Challenges are a great way to improve your crafting skills! I have to admit that I've not participated in many until recently but I've learned that they are perfect for giving you that inspirational 'spark' you need to get started on a project. Brenda (she is on my blog roll - check it out HERE) is hosting a set of demonstrator challenges for the month of May (If you are a member of the SCS demo forum, you can read about them HERE - If you aren't a member, ask me how you can BECOME a member!)

This project is for the Color Challenge - Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, and So Saffron. I 'started' this in my head yesterday but the only color I had settled on so far was Saffron . . . as soon as I read Brenda's challenge, I was good to go!

The picture really doesn't do the tag justice (if I may say so myself! LOL) . . . the saffron layer is embossed with polka dots using my Big Shot and the cupcake is very popped up in 3 different layers. And what you can't see is the back that is covered with Riding Hood Red DSP . . . you saw my previous post about the awesome DSP special, right?

Well, off to get ready for the Birthday Party! Hope y'all are having a great weekend!

Want to know more? Click on the link to my Stampin' Up! Website in the right column!

Friday, May 01, 2009

Parade of Papers!


BOLO (Be On the Look Out) for a Parade of Paper Blog Hop to showcase each of Stampin' Up!'s beautiful Designer Series Paper packs. On May 8th and continuing ONLY through that weekend, I am part of a group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators from Stampin Addicts who are hosting a virtual tour through our blogs. Each blog will showcase a different package of the fabulous Designer Series Papers from Stampin' Up! and will also link to another blog participating in the Parade of Paper Blog Hop. You may start at any post, stop and pick it back up later, or visit all of them in succession. You will eventually wind up back at the blog where you started.

Just like Cinderella at the ball, however, all the fun ends at midnight on Sunday, May 10th. The tour will be over and the blog links will be broken. So check back here on Friday, May 8th at 8:00 am when the Parade of Paper Blog Hop links go active and join in the fun by clicking the links to visit all of our blogs. We hope you will be inspired by all the creative projects and beautiful scrapbook pages and cards.

NOTE: Some blogs may have additional contests or blog candy. Each will show off our expertise with one particular package of DSP, as well as give you a little taste of our personalities and our blogs. You can find all of us in the chat threads at Stampin' Addicts, a great site for demos and non-demos alike!

Thursday, April 30, 2009

I love Rose and Tracy!

Nope . . . I've never met either of them but I love 'em just the same! How could I not? They are following my blog!

Want a share of my love (and eternal gratitude) too? Find the 'FOLLOW' button in the right hand column and click it! You DO want to make my day, don't you?

And Rose and Tracy . . . if you will send me your snail mail address, I'll send you a card! Seriously, I love you guys!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Sweet Bees


I just love bees! I love to watch them and I love what they do for us . . . you know, make fruit and veggies! The minute I Stampin' Up! released a preview of this set, I knew I HAD to have it. So, why, you ask, is this the first card using this set posted on this blog? It is worse than even that . . . this is the first card I've MADE using this set even though I've had it for months. *hanging my head in shame* Oh well - better late than never, right?! Aren't the bees just the sweetest? And pink bees - even better!


The layout for this card is actually a CASE of one of my own cards. See the card to the right? That was one of my SU! Convention 2007 swap cards. For today's card, I added an extra layer and used texture plates on the So Saffron and the Pretty-in-Pink layer - the texture doesn't show at all in the photo which is a shame because it really gives it some extra pizazz. I also tied paper 'ribbons' on to the tags. What do you think of my changes?

Monday, April 27, 2009

Check Out My Blog Group!

When I first started to get serious about blogging, I decided I would designate certain days for certain types of posts . . . I've not been great at following that plan but I'm gonna try to get back to, starting today!

So . . . today is Make a List Monday! WooHoo! My list for today is my Blog Group! (Yeah . . . you can see the list in the right hand column, but if I put it in a post, the list will get noticed for sure!)

So, what is a Blog Group, you ask? Well, this group was formed so we could offer encouragement and motivation to other stamping bloggers . . . we all want to improve our blogs, improve our stamping, and get more exposure on the internet. Pretty cool, huh? Check 'em out! You will see some amazing stuff!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

I did a Color Challenge . . . well, kinda.

My previous post might clue you in as to one reason why I've been MIA . . . what I didn't tell you is that I've also been busy with a neighborhood garage sale, I'm making the wedding invitations, save-the-date cards, and thank you notes, and I actually have a job that I show up to every weekday! Notice I didn't say I had been Spring Cleaning or catching up on laundry - I AM a very honest person, after all! *snort* Anyway . . . it was high time for me to stamp something!

A couple of weeks ago, I 'discovered' Jaron Winder's blog - if you don't know who Jaron is, it probably means you are not a Stampin' Up! groupie (or maybe a VERY NEW groupie)! So, in case you DON'T know, Jaron is a huge personality with tons of creative energy who has been a major part of all the SU! events I've attended. Sadly, he is no longer an employee of Stampin' Up! and I'm really gonna miss seeing him at Convention this summer BUT I'm looking forward to seeing what his next big thing is!

Sidetracked? Oh yeah . . . back to stamping! Jaron posted a color challenge on his blog . . . and the card posted above is based on that challenge. UNFORTUNETLY, it is not the card I had in my head when I started! Oh my . . . this one just took on a life of it's own! First of all, I messed up on TWO of the colors! I didn't go back and look and remembered that one of the colors was Bashful Blue - WRONG! I was supposed to have used Soft Sky. Oh well. THEN, I wanted DSP but didn't have Old Olive - so I used Kiwi Kiss instead. Bet you would not have know, if I hadn't told you! LOL Secondly, I didn't intend for the card to be distressed but I messed up a bit while trimming the vanilla Top Note piece. I couldn't find my sanding block so I grabbed my pumice stone out of the bathtub - Nope, I do NOT recommed it! I ended up 'over' distressing the DSP so I just did everything else to match. Did you notice the distressed hardware? I did THAT on my back steps! LOL

Sorry to talk your ear off . . . I guess I'm just excited to be back!

Life Comes at You Fast . . .

Cute couple, huh? That is Drew, my son, with his fiance, Sarah. Yup, my only child is getting married!

As you might imagine, I've been on a roller coaster ever since he called to tell me the news a couple of weeks ago. I mean, just who IS this girl that wants me to share my baby?! LOL! I did manage to convince him to bring her down (we are currently living 9 hours apart) for the weekend so I could AT LEAST meet my future daughter-in-law!

Like every mother, I just want my child to be happy, healthy, and safe . . . their visit confirmed what I had been hearing through the phone. He is unbelievably happy. Not only that, but she appears to think that he is wonderful. How could a Mom not love someone who makes her son so happy AND shares her own high opinion of him? LOL About the healthly and safe bit . . . I guess now I have TWO kids to worry about!

Friday, April 10, 2009

When in Doubt . . . CASE!


So, I needed a card NOW! And it had to be pretty . . . and I had to not stress about the design . . . and it needed to be purple! Luckily, while 'cruising' my blog list this morning, I came across THIS card on Lisa's Blog (Lisa is one of my Blog 'Peeps' . . . check out the SU Blog Group in the right hand column!). Perfect! Obviously, I changed the colors and I added some 'poppin' pastels' to the base, but I used Lisa's great design and it gave me just what I needed! Thanks Lisa!

As to WHY I needed a card . . . I'll be posting more on that in the coming weeks! Oh my goodness but life comes at you FAST! Stay tuned . . .

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day!


No . . . I'm not crazy. Well, maybe only a little! Let me explain . . .

My husband bought me flowers for Valentine's Day BUT they were in the form of a rose bush to plant in the yard. This week, I have my first beautiful bloom and I wanted to share! Isn't it gorgeous?

In the Mood!


All Supplies from Stampin' Up! unless otherwise specified. Stamp Set: Great Friend. Paper - Kiwi Kiss, |DSP Patterns - Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla. Ink - Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze. Accessories: Baja Breeze double-stitched ribbon, non-SU glitter.

In the mood to stamp, that is! I rushed home for lunch today to stamp this card . . . I even took an early lunch! Yes, I am in a Stampin' Up! frame-of-mind, for sure! Why such a 'stampy' mood, you ask? Because I am making plans with my Sparkle Peeps to attend the Stampin' Up! annual convention in August! WooHoo!

I know some of you are familiar with Stampin' Up! and their awesome events . . . the energy is amazing and the creative talent is unbelievable. It is hard for me to imagine a better 'vacation' for me and my girlfriends! (If I'm imagining a vacation for my HUSBAND and I however, that involves Italy! LOL) If you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator I HIGHLY recommend attending convention! If you are NOT a demonstrator, I HIGHLY recommend you contact me to find out how you can BECOME a demo, so you can go with me! LOL

So . . . do you like the card? It uses a brand spankin' new set from the mini catalog and I just adore the butterfly image! I must confess that I 'cheated' on this card a bit . . . because I stamped it on my lunch break, I used non-SU glitter (because it was sitting on my shelf left over from a Christmas project) instead of the 'good stuff' (which is in a drawer somewhere and would have required some effort to find). I'm still happy with how it turned out but I'll make sure I have the prettier stuff handy for my next glittery project!

Monday, April 06, 2009

One More . . .

All Supplies from Stampin' Up! Stamps: Font of You. Paper: Manchester DSP, Cameo Coral, Kraft, and Very Vanilla Cardstock. Ink: Always Artichoke. Accessories: Stampin' Pastels

One more Font of You card before I move on . . . I really like how the tiny 'smears' (applied with a Qtip) of Cameo Coral pastel soften the look of what otherwise would be a masculine looking card. I don't think that Cameo Coral gets much 'respect' from most stampers but it has always been one of my favorite Stampin' Up! colors. On this card, I think it really makes the main image POP! What do you think?

Sunday, April 05, 2009

April Showers?

All Supplies from Stampin' Up! Stamps: Font of You. Paper: Manchester DSP, Baja Breeze, and Very Vanilla Cardstock. Ink: Not Quite Navy. Accessories: Rhinestone Brad & Double Stitch Ribbon

Not a cloud in the sky today but I had to pull out the umbrella anyway! I just love this image from the stamp set Font of You. Okay . . . I love ALL the images from this set. It is kind of hard to see in the picture, but the 'top' of the umbrella is cut out and 'popped' up.

I have one more card using this set and this DSP that I am going to post tomorrow . . . after that, I will move on to something different. I promise!

Friday, April 03, 2009

Whole Latte Love!


All Supplies from Stampin' Up! Stamps: Font of You. Paper: Manchester DSP, Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke, Kraft, and Very Vanilla Cardstock. Ink: Chocolate Chip. Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware & Double Stitch Ribbon

I was DETERMINED to stamp something today! Between my love of coffee and my love of 'letter' images, me falling in love with this image from 'Font of You' was a given. I just love this coffee mug! Do you recognize the layout? Yup! This card was inspired by the card Cheryl sent me last week! Thanks again Cheryl!

Equal Time for Chas

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a pic of our kitten Rowdy . . . my Mother told me I should post a picture of his brother Chas also. Since both Rowdy and Chas were born on HER living room floor, I figure she had a right to ask! LOL

Here you go Mum!

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

How Cute Is THIS?

My friend Cheryl sent me this adorable card! Isn't it the cutest? It was a 'You Go Girl' kind of card because she knows I've been working my tail off at the gym most every day for the last several weeks. Yeah, that is right . . . I've been doing cardio instead of stamping! On the other hand, Cheryl, who is the ultimate multi-tasker, reminded me (in so many words) that I CAN do more than one thing at a time . . . for example, I can stamp AND exercise on the same day. LOL Maybe I'll even attempt exercise, stamping, and laundry! What do you think? It is worth a shot!

Thanks Cheryl!

Friday, March 06, 2009

This probably needs some explanation . . .

My husband and I took an weekend trip to New Orleans and 'points beyond' in 2008 and I ran into this cutie in the women's restroom of B & C Seafood in Vacharie, Louisiana. I HAD to snap a picture even though my 'inner naturalist' was a bit troubled! I shared a seafood po'boy and a big bowl of gumbo with Jeff . . . oh man, were they good! We later learned that Alton Brown visited B & C's on his Feasting on Asphalt 2 trip . . . don't remember it from the Food Network show but it was featured in the companion blook.

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

I love Brown!

I love when Mr. Brown (that would be my UPS man, in case you don't know!) leaves goodies on my doorstep, to be exact.

Oh . . . and I also love what was in that box!

There were Stampin' Up! goodies in the box, of course. I'm most excited about my new texture plates but there are some cool new stamps too! You can be sure that I'll be posting some cool new projects using my new goodies very soon!

Monday, March 02, 2009

Another Simple Card

All Supplies from Stampin' Up!: Stamps: All Holidays Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, Raspberry Tart DSP Ink: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss
Simple seems to be my theme lately, doesn't it? Simple or not, I love this card because the Raspberry Tart paper is gorgeous!

March Is . . .

  • Women's History Month
  • National Kidney Month
  • National Nutrition Month
  • Music in Our Schools Month
  • Mending Month
  • Reading Month
  • Red Cross Month
  • World Blogging Month
  • Urology Month
  • Earthquake month
  • Foot Health Month
  • Humorist are Artists Month
  • National Furniture Refinishing Month
  • National Frozen Food Month
  • National Noodle Month
  • National Peanut Month
Whew . . . I'm not sure how I'm gonna wear that many ribbons! LOL

Sunday, March 01, 2009

A Happy Sunday Card

All Supplies from Stampin' Up!: Stamps: Best Wishes & More Paper: Riding Hood Red, Ballet Blue, Very Vanilla Ink: Riding Hood Red, Ballet Blue, Not Quite Navy
Hope y'all are having as happy and relaxing a day we are having here!