Monday, December 31, 2007

My New Year's Resolution

Today, I am taking some time.....to clean up my "totally out of control" craft space. I promised my friend Kim that I would post a picture of what my messy area looked like (she thought I was kidding, but as you can see---I no kid!)



The problem: Generally, I make a card and I start out on this little artist desk in my bedroom and then take the card with me all over the house and finish it in parts. If I work at night, I usually just do a little stamping and coloring at this table (yep, I just push the mess back and make a tiny space to work) and then work on the rest of the card on the floor.

Since I have little time to actually make cards, I hate taking the extra time to clean up the area. So I don't! But now it is getting tough to find things!

I promise, the rest of my house is pretty orderly (well, as neat as it can be with three kids!) but I just have some kind of problem with my craft space--it is my New Year's Resolution is to get this under control.

I have tons of stamps/paper/stuff that I no longer use or want and they are going to get sorted out (I will be listing them on here for dirt cheap) and then whatever is left will be listed on here to whoever wants them (just pay shipping!)


Step one: Organizing and sorting.....Wish me luck! Here are the stamps that I already had sorted out for purging....but I will be adding tons more!
I think the job will be pretty easy once I have this part done. Wish me luck...

If you don't hear from me in 24-48 hours, send a search party in after me!
HAPPY 2008!

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Ok----NOW the Crafts n' Things February issue can be found in stores. (I had posted earlier about this before it was on shelves but now it really IS at stores!!)


What a treat---when I was home in PA visiting my family, I ran out to get some groceries and, like every good crafter, stopped at Michael's on the way. Well, it was there-----AND it was at the grocery store too.

So, I think it is safe to say that it is everywhere now! lol! What a treat for me to be able to go pick up a copy for my parents! Woohooo! (Sorry, this is my first time being published so I am shouting from the rooftops!)

Here is a look at one of my cards in the issue:



Pick up your copy for all the details about this card and to see all the other fabulous cards AND projects in this issue. There are a lot of cool things in this one!

My @#$%^@ Day

After a full day of travel.... My 2.5 year old daughter woke up in the middle of the night last night (of course!) My husband and I were both exhausted and we played the game for a little while...(you know, the "lie-perfectly-still-so-that-the-other-person-thinks-that-you-are-sound-asleep-and-finally-gets-up-to-get-the-crying-baby" game) I lost--and only because I knew he had to work today so I took pity on him.

Poor Lauren was running a fever and ran a pretty high one for most of the day today.

I was delighted when out of the blue tonight she said "I want qitos (taquitos)"...and since we had none in the house...I piled the two little ones in the car to run to Walmart to pick some up.

On the way there, I hardly even realized that the "Princess Bride" was playing on the DVD.....the car was quiet as they were mesmerized by the "man in black"...when all of the sudden my son shouts, "Take that you son of a ditch!"

Oopsie....I forgot about that line (even though he got it a bit wrong, thank heavens!). I didn't dare tell him OR laugh....just kept on driving along (making a mental note to remove that movie from the car!)

After a long day of laundry and snot--I finally got some stamping time in tonight. Most of what I worked on I cannot show you just yet, but I did do this quick card for the My Favorite Things sketch on Splitcoaststampers.




Materials used: stamps-My Favorite Things (Princess Birthday); ink-black; cardstock-celery, white, basic grey (LilyKate); circle punches (SU!); gemstones (the Paper Studio); fibers; dimensionals (SU!); Copic Markers; Stickles-gold, icicle.


Check out the sketch on SCS in the MFT forum (http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/) and play along!


Change of Plans: Gina K's release party will be held this Saturday night from 7-10 p.m. (central time zone). I announced previously that it was going to be on Tuesday night, but the time changed---hope to see you all there!!


I will have a sneak peek posted on Saturday and some blog candy to help kick off this GRAND release---seven NEW sets! Check out Gina's blog for more sneak peeks and giveaways! (http://blog.ginakdesigns.com/)


And just in case I don't post tomorrow...HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Thankful....

I am so tired after a day of traveling. As my son likes to say---"we took two drives and two planes."

All I have to say right now while I am recovering is that traveling and children are a toxic mix (for all involved!)

I just wanted to pop in and say thanks so much to all my stamping friends who sent me the most wonderful Christmas cards and gifts. I opened a lot of them tonight when I picked up my mail--- I still have to send out personal thank yous tomorrow but I just wanted to post this quick picture of the cards:


How lucky am I?


I will be back tomorrow night with some STAMPING...woohoo....and updates!


Hope you all had a wonderful holiday!


Hugs!

Saturday, December 22, 2007

One last post....

before I go! I just couldn't resist, I had to post a picture of my son's suitcase:



He packed it himself.


Unfortunately, he unpacked the clothes I had ALREADY packed for him and repacked only the essentials---his spiderman sweatshirt and the entire contents from his train table (the tracks are glued down so he couldn't include them--bummer!) and one power ranger.


Fortunately, I went back into his room to add something I forgot and discovered his "repacking" before it was too late!


Happy times!

Friday, December 21, 2007

When Life Gives You Lemons...

Sew, I wanted to make a thank you note for my mother in law to thank her for the wonderful gift (Singer Sewing Machine!) Well, for those of you who actually read this blog, you probably saw my horrific attempts at sewing on yesterday's post.

Well, being the strange bird that I am, I thought---"Wouldn't it be fun to make a card out of that mangled mess?"

Sew, I did! I made a thank you note for my mother in law that I am sure she will get a kick out of. I used that piece below and the "ruined" flower piece that I also mangled. I just added the Thank You sentiment and a button, distressed the orange layer and whola!

"When life gives you lemons.....you have to make lemonade" (or you end up with a whole lotta rotten lemons!)


I actually like this....the sewing gives it such a neat look! Maybe I won't try to fix the sewing machine after all! (kidding, I will!)

This next card was a quick one I did for Gina K's sketch challenge this week. I used her cute crab in a bucket for the design. I didn't have too much time to do a card but wanted to get one in.



I think I managed to screw up the sketch but ---what else is new?
Materials used: Stamps-Gina K Designs; cardstock-vanilla, red, SU! designer paper; ink-red, black; brads; Copics; dimensionals (SU! version of pop dots); tab punch (SU!).

I have some VERY exciting news to share with you (very soon!) but first, I am taking a week break from stamping (gasp!) and blogging. We are getting ready to travel for the holidays and everything is really hectic. I am just going to veg and hang out with my kids and family!

Upcoming events:

January 5--get ready to see SEVEN awesome new sets at the Gina K. Designs release party in the Gina K forum on Splitcoast Stampers (http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/) at 7 p.m. (Central time zone). Hope to see you there!

January 9- My Favorite Things stamps release party in the forum on Splitcoast Stampers. More details to be announced soon!

I will be back after next weekend with some sneak peeks of Gina K Designs new releases...and blog candy!!! (to help celebrate my fun news!!!)...until then.....



Have a wonderful holiday!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Sewing for Dummies Part II

New rule: If you are really a dummy, maybe you should not be sewing.

Ekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk................This is what happens to dummies! (I am saying this jokingly, I am not a dummy at all, I am just not a seamstress---YET!)



I had designed a sympathy card for my sil and I went to use my very new sewing machine and it went completely haywire on me. I tried re threading it (didn't work) but that is where my knowledge ends. Up until now, I have gotten by with the few tips my mil taught me....now I am gonna have to actually read the book that came with it! (Gasp!)

I did the one line of stitching (omgoodness!!) All the other mangled messes on this cardstock are the attempts to fix the threading....no use.
I gave up and designed this instead:



I wanted to make a card to let her know I am thinking of her and I love this sentiment from Stampin Up! The background growths are stamped in choc chip and lightly sponged around and I added some white gel pen highlights. The front image is colored with SU Markers (chocolate chip and mustard.) After edging the main part in brown, I attached it to the sentiment piece using dimensionals (SU! version of pop dots). I added pearl accents to the flowers and pierced along the top (instead of sewing!)

Materials used: Stamps-Stampin' Up! (Garden Silhouettes, Small Sayings); Cardstock- mustard, cocoa, vanilla; ink-choc chip, mustard; paper piercing tool; pearl accents (K & Company); dimensionals (SU!); white signo gel pen (SU!); sponge.

I hope she likes it.

I also wanted to share a quick bag I altered and used my sewing machine for (before it's demise).



I picked up these bags at Target--I loved the size and colors (olive and a burgundy color). I used this tree sticker from Westrim Crafts (Paper Bliss). All I had to do was sew the back two panels together to match the colors in the tree. Then I adhered the tree to the mats and then to the bag and added the hemp and button closure.

Whola! Easy and cute!

Thanks for stopping by!

Blogaversary Candy Winner

Random.cara picked number 101 this morning before school.

Congratulations to Heather B who wrote, "Happy 5k blogaversary! I love reading your blog - you always make me laugh! Have a great day & Merry Christmas!Heather B."

Please email me your snail mail address so I can get your goodies out to you!

Thanks everyone for the sweet notes---You rock!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Sketch Challenge Card

Fun news!!! My ornament project was chosen as part of the Holiday Carnival over at Craft Critique. (http://www.craftcritique.com/) Check it out! They are featuring tons of cool projects for the next few days.

Not so fun news: My two submissions were not picked up by Cards Magazine. Boohoo! Back to the drawing board.


Well, I actually did the sketch challenge on SCS today. I haven't had time to do anything lately besides prep for Christmas and my son's birthday. After a crazy wild party last night, I decided I would do a little stamping just for me.

This sketch was fun. I used the layout and just tweaked it a bit (cause I do not follow directions well!)

The images are from My Favorite Things (Winter Blast) http://www.mftstamps.com/. I stamped them and punched them out. The bgs are all embossed using the snowflake embossing folder in the cuttlebug. I added sparkles to the sentiment and snowflakes with my Sakura gellyroll pen. I also added twinkle stickers (a muse) to the snowflakes. The images are colored with Copics and Stickles are enhancing the snow areas.

Lots of sparkle on this...irl!

I just found out that my sweet sister in law lost her father. Keep her and her family in your prayers.

Last chance to enter to win blog candy...Random.cara picks tomorrow morning (Thursday).

Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Five Years Old

Today, my sweet, energetic, creative son turns 5! Boy, the years have flown by.

In gratitiude for all the hard work I have done preparing for his little birthday celebration AND for the past five years of unrelenting love, my son gave me a gift---

ON MY FRONT DOOR:



Aren't I lucky? Actually, he first tried to blame it on Lauren (2.5) who was armed with a crayon. But evidence pointed to Ben who was (after all) holding the pen, and oh, and he can write!


After he realized that I had him cornered...he gave me a big hug and said "I love you, Mom."


For some reason, this worked....probably because today he turns five and I know his crazy behavior will not last forever and because I have Mr. Clean magic eraser which takes almost anything off anything and because I didn't want to harm him first thing on his birthday!


I am sure he will do something else incredibly dumb tomorrow and we can go back to time outs as usual---but not today!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Sewing Tips from the Amateur

I have received a few comments and a few more emails regarding sewing on cards.

As I said before, I am clueless and am just learning. I have had my sewing machine for a whopping 2 days but I will let you know the tips my mother-in-law told me (and she IS an expert sewer):

1. First, make sure the tension is set correctly for cardstock. Play around with the settings until you find a setting that works well. On my sewing machine (Singer) it is right between 4-5.

2. Second...use the edge of the presser foot as a guide. The presser foot (and I could be spelling this totally wrong) is the piece of metal that holds the paper (or material) down. Push your cardstock through keeping an eye on the presser foot. If you line up the edge of the cardstock or material with the edge of this, it is much easier to sew a straight line.

3. Make sure you do not stitch too fast...the hardest thing for me is keeping an even pressure on the petal. And, I actually stop before I get too close to the edge and go very slowly for the last few stitches.

4. If you are sewing a box shape to create an edge around an image, here is what you want to do to get a sharp point at the edges. First, stitch the first side. As you get to the end of the cardstock, stop pushing on the petal. Turn the needle handle toward you so that the needle goes into the cardstock (if it is in the air at this point). Then raise the presser foot with the lever in that back of the machine. Turn cardstock the way you would like to continue sewing (the needle keeps the cardstock from slipping and you are able to pick up right on the same line). This produces nice results when done correctly.

If you look at the following card, you can see where I stitched the corner correctly (bottom left corner) and where I did not (upper left corner). Still learning...and sometimes I forget!

I think sewing on cards is beautiful and does not have to be perfect. So I used my imperfect sewing to make this card.



I stamped the image from Gina K. Designs (Got Snow? set) http://www.ginakdesigns.com/ and then stamped it again. I colored the sledding scene and cut it out and applied a layer of clear embossing powder on it.

On the other image, I colored the edges of the sledders (in case you can see them) and the background. The sky was sponged. I added liquid applique for the snow and some dazzling diamonds for some shimmer. I added the sledding cut out to the background using dimensional stickers. Finally, I added the snowflake brads and a tiny twinkle sticker to the center of them.

I attached the image to the bayau cardstock and stitched the edges. I did mess up a bit and stitched too far from the edge on one side so I simply trimmed the side and then the image to make it appear like I am perfect (haha!).

The sentiment is stamped and I added some sparkle over the words using my Sakura stardust pen. The background is Basic grey. I used a glue pen to go over areas of the snowflakes and added more dazzling diamonds.

This card is a lot more sparkly in real life but oh well. Hopefully you can get the idea from the picture.

Here is a close up of the main image so you can see the sparkle and stitching better:


Materials: Stamps--Gina K. Designs (Got Snow?); Ink-brilliance black, bayau blue; cardstock- bayau blue, white, red, basic grey dp; dazzling diamonds; clear embossing powder; twinkle stickers (A Muse); snowflake brads (Paper Studio); silver brads (SU!); Copic markers; Sakura stardust pen; liquid applique (Marvy); sewing machine, dimensionals (SU! version of mounting tape).


Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to add your comment to the blog candy post below.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Sew, do you like it?

I am frantically preparing for my son's fifth birthday (Tuesday) and still finishing up all the Christmas shopping (yipes!). While cleaning the other day, I had my son pick up all his toys and put them where they belong. He did a great job. I was floored when I came downstairs from dusting our bedroom that the whole downstairs was picked up. This is a BIG DEAL in our house!

Well, I figured out how his toys got picked up so quickly (not so much put away as put in another location!) I was sort of freaked out when I went to find a pot!




After yesterday's post stating that I had received a new sewing machine, I felt that I had to show a little stitching on a card (PRESSURE!) I am not good at this so be gentle on your critique.

My husband wanted a special card for Christmas (that was his list...that was it!) More pressure! lol!

I pulled one of my favorite House Mouse stamps for this because it is just so durn cute. The image originally has the mice on a nice vine of different berries...but I just turned them all into greenery and added red stickles to make it more Christmasy! I also added some icicle stickles to give the leaves some shine.

I stitched the two back panels--the red and the decorative paper and it wasn't too bad. I went slowly so I wouldn't stitch right off the card but once I had the foot pressure down--it was easy. Whew!

Here is a close up of the image and some stitching:


Materials used: mouse stamp (House Mouse); cardstock-red, white, Basic grey dp, olive; Nestability dies; stickles-christmas red, icicle; copic markers; white brads; heart punch (SU!); felt love word; dimensionals (SU! version of mounting tape); sewing machine (wooohooo!).
Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to enter for the blog candy (below!)

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Blogaversary Candy!!!

Woohoooo!!!

What a fantastical day--First, my sweet SCS friend, Cindy Haffner, was selected for the dirty dozen. For those of you who don't know, the dirty dozen is a group of people who do outstanding work and are selected to design for a special gallery on SCS (http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/). Congrats Cindy----I am so happy for you!

Next, I received an honorable mention for my journal project from THE Nichole Heady (Papertrey Ink) for her monthly Gueststar Stamper competition. (http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2007/12/honorable-menti.html) There were such beautiful projects highlighted on her blog today and I was overjoyed to be in the company of such superstars!

Finally, my mother-in-law is here for her Christmas visit and her gift to me----a new Singer sewing machine...so funny! I cannot sew AT ALL but she gave me a lesson today and had me sewing (on cardstock!!!) in no time!

I have a quick card to share---was in the birthday mood and I thought a little bling might be in order!



Materials: Stamps--My Favorite Things (Make a Wish); Cardstock--white, choc chip, SU dp; ribbon (SU!), Copic markers; circle scallop punch (SU!); stickles-gold (Ranger); gemstones (? cannot find the package right now but will list when i do!).

Just a fun card!

Finally- In celebration of my Monthaversary of blogging (AND reaching 5,000 hits!!), I have some blog candy. Thank YOU all so much for visiting and sharing some of yourself with me. I read every single comment and appreciate the feedback so much!




One lucky winner will receive:

1. A package of Petaloo flowers

2. A pastel Bag 'O BUTTONS by The Paper Studio

3. Neutral Ribbon Scrap Pack by The Paper Studio

Just post a comment on this blog before Thursday at 7 a.m. (central time) and I will pick the winner via Random.Cara.

Good luck and THANK YOU!

Thursday, December 13, 2007

MFT Sketch, sort of!

Just a quick card today as I have Christmas cards coming out of my pores tonight!

This card was for the My Favorite Things weekly sketch on Splitcoaststampers. My friend Jen designed the sketch and I, in my true fashion!, made a couple of slight alterations because I just cannot seem to adhere to a sketch to save my life.

This card features the set "Boho Blossoms" from MFT. I really like the sharp contrast of the black and vanilla. I stamped the small black heart in the center of the large one and added some gemstones and Sakura stardust jellyroll pen to the heart for more sparkle.

Hope you like it...


Materials used: Stamps-My Favorite Things (Boho Blossoms); cardstock-black, red, vanilla, SU! dp; ink-red, black; gemstones by Paper Studio; Sakura stardust jellyroll pen; Nestability die.


Update on the hiney, I mean hernia. I had my appt with my surgeon today (I call him my surgeon because I really feel a bond with anyone who sees me in my underwear--thank goodness I shaved my legs this morning!!!) Although my Ct scan shows that I have a hernia, he feels that we can wait on surgery (since that brings on its own problems) until I am in a lot of discomfort. Whew! This was good news to me since I am feeling pretty good right now and I have more abdominal holes than the paper guy at the shooting range.


Thanks so much for all of your comments and prayers! So appreciated.


Also, I wanted to post a few things about the ornament below. I have had a lot of emails asking where I got the tin---I purchased mine from Papertrey Ink (http://www.papertreyink.com/) but I have heard you can also purchase them from Oriential Trading Co. And the image is colored with Copic markers.


Thanks for stopping by!


Blog candy coming SUNDAY--my monthaversary and celebration of 5,000 hits! Woohoo! THANKS TO YOU!

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Ornament Time

I have wanted to make an ornament since I saw Nichole Heady's that she made for a reveal last month. However, I wanted to use a scene to make one and I thought I would put my own twist on the ornament.

I have seen many ornaments made from these tins since she did hers (-cause it is a great idea!) but I wanted to make my scene inside a little bit more dimensional than just having it flush to the back of the tin.

Here is what I did. I punched a circle from my Basic Grey dp and adhered it to the back of the tin like this:


I used my Nestability dies to do this (as there is one the exact size!) but if you do not have them you can simply trace the lid of the tin to create the circles.

Then, I stamped the image I wanted to use -from Gina K Designs "Got Snow?" set- (http://www.ginakdesigns.com/) and colored it in. I added a layer of clear embossing powder to make it more sturdy. Then I added some liquid applique for the snow. (Caution: you only need to dab it....it really puffs up with the heat tool). Then I punched another circle (using Nestability dies) out of a acetate sheet.

I adhered the image to the acetate like this:


Then, I flipped the acetate over and applied Scotch mounting tape (two layers) on the bottom and dimensional stickers (again, two layers) to the top of the image. You want to avoid putting tape anywhere you can see through!
Here is what it looked like at this stage:



Then I placed my acetate circle inside the tin and it gave the snowman scene great dimension because it was not right up against the background.


I added Daisy Ds snowflake transfers to the front of the tin and then added the hanger. (I originally saw Nichole punch a hole in the top of the tin with a cropadile but I could NOT get mine to work so I went with plan b.) I adhered the ribbon with hot glue and made sure the lid slid over the edge of the ribbon for added security. Finally, I added the bow and whola--finished product!


This was really easy and a cute Christmas ornament. This scene really brings back childhood memories for me.
I will let my (almost!) five year old son play with this when he gets home and let you know if the hanger is durable. He breaks everything so it will be a good test!!!
Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Memories Journal and an Elf (or two)

What a fun mail day! I received lots of beautiful Christmas cards--some from my stamping buddies (THANK YOU!) and also received two packages from my Elves! I was "Elfed" twice in one week from anonymous friends on SCS. Here is a peek at my goodies. Elves (both of whom are from Minnesota!--hmmmm!)--thanks so much!!



I have a quick project to show you today. I have been working on mass producing some monogram cards as gifts but I wanted to share this.

My baby sister is expecting her first child in the spring. I wanted to make her a little "special" gift for Christmas - a journal. She has embarked on the most exciting journey of her life...I wanted to help her remember it.

Since having my second child, I have kept a little notebook downstairs in my kitchen. I keep it handy to jot down funny things my kids say or other milestones that come and go. Because I took up scrapbooking when my oldest was 8, there were so many things I realized I forgot to write down. In fact, when working on her baby book I was even guilty of "making up" some of the details because I just could not remember and figured she would never know!!(Oopsie..she knows now!)

Keeping a journal handy helps me capture everything. I found this red journal at Borders (on clearance for $3--gosh, I hope my sister isn't reading this!!!) I thought it would be perfect for the job. I used my Papertrey Ambassador Monogram set and Borders and Corners to create the monogram piece. I adhered a strip of SU! designer paper behind it and done!

I added a little bookmark created from Spiral Bouquet. The simple embellishment is the sparkles from sakura stardust pen I added to the petals. (Doesn't show in the photo--boo!) I wanted to keep it flat because it would be in the book!


I hope she likes it!

Materials used: Stamps-Papertrey Ink (Ambassador Monogram, Spiral Bouquet, Borders and Corners); cardstock- red, black, vanilla, su dp; ink-red, olive, black; sakura stardust pen; brads (SU!).

Some fun news: My friend Ashley Bowen is having the grand opening of her online stamp company - Treehouse Stamps- tomorrow night (Wed) at 8 p.m. The website can be found here: http://www.treehousestamps.com/.

Congratulations Ashley!

Thanks for stopping by!

Monday, December 10, 2007

A Christmas Photo, Christmas Gifts Part III and DT Call

YIPES! Yesterday it was my goal to get our Christmas card photo done. NO EASY task with three children: one who likes to undress herself as soon as she is dressed, one who gets dirty the second he is dressed and one who takes FOREVER to get dressed!

But finally we did it. I managed to get three photos taken. Usually I take about 25 but yesterday, since I was short on help (my husband was working) and patience, I took three. Here is the one that won't be gracing our Christmas cards.


Don't make fun of Lauren--she was born in Louisiana and is just prepping for her bright future at Mardi Gras (gasp!)

Well, I posted yesterday about my cards appearing in Crafts n' Things and since then I have had several emails from people not being able to find it. The issue is the February one (they publish every other month) Subscribers are getting thier issues now and I just received my copy today! (I will be sleeping with it for a few nights, I am sure!) I will let you know when I see it in stores. Sorry for the premature posting...just very excited.

My post for today has been taken hostage!!!! I created a cute way to present a pack of cards and after my husbands prodding, I decided to submit it this morning for publication and it was accepted five minutes later. Woohoo. So...I had to flounder to get something else ready.

Here is another gift set created with Ambassador Monogram set from Papertrey Ink (http://www.papertreyink.com/). I decided to create a background using the Borders and Corners set. I love the fun color combination and the hip look of it.


For the monogram part, I simply stamped the border and then stamped the monogram inside on blue cardstock. I punched it out with my circle punch and then punched out the larger brown circle with the larger circle punch. For added interest, I placed a brown word window punch underneath the circles and adhered it with brads.

I packaged up the set in a clear box tied with tulle. Love the look of this. I will be adding a gift tag later!








Materials used: Stamps-Papertrey Ink (Ambassador Monogram, Borders and Corners); ink-chocolate, soft sky, celery; Cardstock-choc chip, soft sky, celery; brads (SU!); circle punches (SU!); word window punch (SU!); corner rounder (Creative Memories).

My friend Michelle Rodgers is having a design team call for her store, "Stamper's Dream." Details can be found on her blog: http://michellerodgers.blogspot.com/. Check out her store listed on the right---she has awesome stuff!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Yipeeee!!!

Fun news! I just heard from a stamping friend that my VERY FIRST cards in publication are now actually published.

I am featured in this month's issue of "Crafts n' Things" magazine! Woohoo! I am so excited. (Now you know, If I can do it, YOU can do it too!)

Special thanks to my friend Rae who taught me how to create a publication resume in blogger. If anyone needs help doing this, let me know! (Check out her blog http://simplyrae.blogspot.com/ if you want to see an extremely talented cardmaker-blows my mind what she puts together!)

Have a great night!

Christmas Gifts Part II

As promised...here is one Christmas gift I am really excited about! I love the idea of giving personalized stationary for gifts. Lucky for me Papertrey Ink. just came out with this monogram set that I ADORE. This has made my Christmas a bit easier.

Here is one gift I created using Papertrey Ink Ambassador Monogram set, Monogram Borders and Corners set and Spiral Bouquet--I just think they all work so beautifully together. (I have another monogram card using these sets but in black and white--a few posts back!)

The circle border was stamped on white cardstock and then I stamped the monogram. I used my SU! circle punch to punch it out and then punch a larger circle in caramel. I used the circle scallop punch for the final border. The background caramel is embossed with the flowers in Spiral Bouquet. I rounded the corners and added the ribbon and brads.

Now, the fun part. I wanted to create a pretty presentation for this gift so I used a clear box I purchased from Clear Boxes.com and I created a beaded handle (that matches the caramel in the card). Using my cropadile, I attached the handle through the top of the box. I added the cute little tag to let the recipient know that these were handmade.


Hope you like it! It was very easy and I think it makes a very special gift.

Thanks for stopping by!

Monday CCEE Challenge and FS Challenge

Hello everyone! It is time again for Monday's CCEE challenge I do with a bunch of gals from Splitcoaststampers.

This week we had to make a card for a fellow SCSer, Lazy Lizard! Once a month we pick someone on the site who has an interesting screen name and make cards for her. Obviously this week we had to do a card with a lizard (and if possible, a lazy lizard). Oh and one more requirement--there had to be a snowflake on it!?!!? Crazy, I know! (Who thinks these things up anyway?)

Well, this particular challenge was certainly a challenge for me as I have NO LIZARD STAMPS! (eeek!) So, I was forced to draw my lazy lizard.

Lucky for me, I had these pretty snowflake stamps from Papertrey Ink for the background (or this could have taken all day!) (http://www.papertreyink.com/) I drew the lizard on the rock (cause he is lazy laying in the sun). I brayered the background and punched a circle for the sun. I brayered the sun in bannana and then edged it in mustard. I applied gold stickles to the sun to make it a hot sun---to make the lizard more lazy! Then the dreaded snowflake part--figured I would use the same colors to stamp some snow in the background--a true Texas Christmas! Each snowflake has a dab of gold stickles in the center.

The sentiment is from Gina K (Punchy Words) and i used my word window punch to just pop it out. (http://www.ginakdesigns.com/). This challenge was a challenge but it was fun! Hope you like it Liz!


The second card is my card for the SCS featured stamper challenge--because the featured stamper is my friend Charlene (who is also part of the CCEE group of gals!) Here is my card:


Materials used: Stamps-Papertrey Ink; Ink-choc chip, caramel; cardstock-choc chip, caramel, very vanilla; rhinestones (the paper studio); sheer ribbon; corner punch (SU!); cropadile.


Here is the card I got my inspiration from:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/666131?cat=500&ppuser=39689

Congrats Charlene--you rock!

Tagged!

I was tagged by my friend Frances (StampOwl on SCS) http://stampowl.blogspot.com/

The rules of the game:
Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, we all want to know them.
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

7 things about me:
  • I am one of eight children (yep, 8!)
  • I LOVE bread and butter pickles, right out of the jar!
  • I have a black dot in the iris of my left eye (not the pupil, silly! You have no idea how many people have told me I have "something" in my eye!)
  • One of my favorite groups when I was younger was "Wham!" (as painful as this was to admit, even worse--I still like them!)
  • I am night blind (I wear glasses only for night driving otherwise my vision is perfect)
  • I sucked my thumb until I was eleven.
  • I am not a morning person. If I didn't have kids (or a job!), I would sleep until 10 every day!

Now I have to tag seven people:
Alli Miles http://allistamps.blogspot.com/

Dawn Lusk http://dawnanewday.blogspot.com/

Kim Reid http://kraftinkimmieskorner.blogspot.com/

Rae Barthel http://simplyrae.blogspot.com/

Carole Burrage http://motherslittlehelper.typepad.com/mothers_little_helper/

Kim Van der Sanden http://www.mftstamps.blogspot.com/

Shannan Tuebner http://withfeathersandsequins.blogspot.com/

Have fun! B back later with some cards!

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Christmas Gifts Part 1

I had a great day today making a gingerbread house with my son and then taking my older daughter to the mall to start some Christmas shopping. (yipeeee!!). I didn't get too much done but it was fun having time just with Cara.

Tonight I want to share two Christmas gifts I have been working on. I am still not finished the one I was talking about yesterday but it will be coming soon!!

The first gift is a hot cocoa holder. The container was one I purchased at my local craft store for $2. It was super easy to dress up. All stamps are by Gina K. Designs (www.ginakdesigns.com). The dp is by basic grey called figgy pudding. (love it!)


Materials used: jar; Stamps-Gina K Designs (penguin, festive labels); ink-brilliance black, markers -red, olive (SU!); Copic markers; cardstock-basic grey, vanilla, chocolate chip; white gel pen; nestability dies, tag punches (SU!); chocolate grosgrain ribbon (SU!); cropadile; dimensionals (SU!); hemp.

The second project is another gift holder. This one is a basic mason jar purchased at a craft shop. What I wanted to "test" out on this project was the "waterproof" labels that Gina K sells at her store. (Oh...come on, ya'll wanted to know if they actually absorb ink and make it waterproof too, right?)

Seriously, I have been wanting to test out these labels for awhile but when you decorate a wine bottle with one---you don't get to test it because you generally are giving it as a gift.

Here is the top of the jar:


Sooo....I stamped the penguin (by Gina K Designs) and cut it out and colored it. After I decorated the rest of the jar, I decided to test out the waterproof-ocity of this label. So I took the jar and ran it underwater....


After I dried it, this is what it looked like. Amazing...........Wow...the possibilities!


Materials used: Mason jar; stamps-Gina K. Designs (penguin, punchy words); ink-brilliance black, markers-red, olive; waterproof labels (Gina K. Designs); scalloped punch (SU!), Copic markers; button; red thread; snowflake punch (Martha Stewart); red grosgrain ribbon (SU!); circle punch (SU!).
Thanks for stopping by! I am going to feature a few other fun Christmas gifts (one I am super jazzed about) in the next few days. And, because I have hit the 5,000 hits mark (wow!), I am going to have some awesome blog candy at the end of the week--stay tuned!

Friday, December 7, 2007

I Am One of THOSE Moms!

I am working on some cool Christmas presents that I want to share but cannot because my youngest is in my bed with an ear infection. So instead, here is a useless story:

I am officially one of “those” moms. The Christmas season is upon us and in my normal do-everything-the-last minute fashion—I haven’t even begun to think of Christmas shopping. Never mind that I have three children, seven siblings, seven in laws, my parents and fourteen nieces and nephews AND we are traveling across the country for Christmas….no problem. Ohhh…and I didn’t even mention my husband's family (oopsie!)

Every year it is the same story and I really don’t sweat it. My kids are pretty easy.

My 11 yo daughter submits a list to me and either has a list of gift cards on it or some other easy-to-find items. She is always thrilled with whatever “Santa” brings her.

My son’s list this year was short and sweet….well, not sweet, but short. His letter to Santa was “Dear Santa, I would like you to bring me a sword because I am good.”

Lauren (2.5 year old) does not care. She has her thumb and blanket so she is happy. Secretly, she is probably wishing that Santa’s elves abscond with her brother but otherwise she’s good.

So I don’t stress. Here is the neurotic thing. A friend and I took our kids to Chuckie Cheese. When we got there she asked if she could sneak out and purchase this HOT toy called “Fuzz Love” because there was a big sale at Toys r Us and her son (who is friends with my son) wanted it sooo badly.

Sure…no problem. Now I checked out this toy before….this is what it looks like:




And this is the write up---

· The more LUV you give, the more surprises you'll get! (I like this! I wonder if it works for adults!)
· When you pet me, my eyes open and I grow! (Hmmm…so this is a male toy.)
· I come with little Fuzz babies - which will you get? (I have my own fuzz babies so this is of little interest to me.)

· Talk to me and LUV me, and I will give you many surprises! (THIS peaks my interest…unless it is referring to the fur babies.)
· Collect all colors! (Yeah, make your parents buy you every one at $90 a fuzz.)

So these toys are retailing for over $80 dollars on Amazon and other online retailers….and the sale price was $30….hmm….good sale.

As my friend was leaving to go get hers I shouted “Grab me one if they have an extra.” Why did I do this? Well, I was panicked that this would be the “in” toy that my son would want and never mention until he says his prayers on Christmas eve and then tells me that Santa promised him he would get one. My son is like this. So I could see this happening.

So now I have this fuzz love creature living in my closet. It is sort of creeping me out…it randomly comes to life and, if you ask me, it is not at all cute. Definitely not worth the money it is going for.

Maybe I will sell it on eBay…or maybe I will pet it and see if it gives me a new Scor Pal or something. I LIKE surprises!

I will let you know if it works!

Blog Candy Winner!

Hi everyone!

Thanks again for playing---Random.Cara selected the number 16....Rae---"#16 Me again, for being a subscriber! ~rae"

This is the first time I know who the winner is!!! Congrats Rae!

Winners from the previous two blog candy contests still have not contacted me with their mailing info (and didn't leave any way to contact them). If these prizes are not claimed by next tuesday....they will be offered again.

So, if you know the winners--please have them contact me!

Thanks everyone! Have a great weekend!

Thursday, December 6, 2007

A Few More Release Cards and Scan Update

Hi Everyone! Thanks so much for your well wishes and for sharing your own stories with me. I did find out the results on the scan today---yep, another hernia. Turns out I have a direct inguinal hernia so that is gonna have to get fixed. I am hoping to put it off until after the holidays. I go for my appt next week. (I am gonna try to bribe the doctor to add a little lipo in there as a Christmas gift--wish me luck!)

I wanted to share two more MFT cards I did to help promote the new releases. All sets are now available at www.mftstamps.com. The first card features the set "Icing on the Cake." I used the scalloped rectangle stamp and sentiment to create a cute and EASY valentine card.

Materials used: Stamps-MFT (Icing on the Cake); cardstock-white, red; ink-red, black; cuttlebug and textile folder; ribbon; Nestability dies; punch (SU!); heart punch (Creative Memories); dimensional sticker.

The second card features the set "Baby It's Cold Outside"--I know...how many cards am I going to do with this set? I couldn't resist!!! I used the digital papers that are available (and cheap!) at MFT. I love the silver details on this and the sentiment "Chillin" going across the top. And guess what? The design of this was an accident. I stamped the top words without measuring (duh!) and when the final word cut off the edge, I didn't like it so I folded the corner over. Then I figured, what the heck, I sniped the cardstock on that corner to follow the fold. And I LOVE the look of it. Sometimes mistakes are our friends!

Materials: Stamps-MFT (Baby It's Cold Outside); cardstock-white, black, digital MFT paper; ink-black; copics; stickles-crystal; liquid applique; brads, ribbon (May Arts); slit punch (Stampin' Up!).
Ok...that is it for now. I have to get a few assignments done and some sketching done (details later!) I will post the blog candy winner tomorrow (Friday)!
Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

MFT Challenge for YOU!

Hi everyone! I am hosting a challenge tonight along with my friend Jen del Muro for the My Favorite Guest Designer contest (which is part of the MFT new release party on Splitcoaststampers.com. Here is the ATC (Artist Trading Card) I created for the challenge:

Removed for Publication

And here is the card that I made using the ATC:


Removed for Publication

Check out the MFT forum on Splitcoaststampers (www.splitcoaststampers.com) and join in the fun. You have 24 hours to play along!!!!

This card also features the new digital papers that My Favorite Things has on their site. It is very neat to be able to print designer paper from your printer!





Materials used: stamps-MFT (Rain or Shine); paper-black, white, MFT digital paper, red; ink-brilliance black, red; brads; ribbon; eyelet; hemp; copics; stickles-crystal; white gel pen (SU!) dimensionals (SU!); nestability dies.


And on to some sad news. One of my dearest stamping friends recently leaked a photo of me on SCS. Carole Burrage has always been one of my confidants but now.....I don't know....I think this might have strained our relationship. I am contacting the authorities but in the meantime, I guess you all can see what I am referring to since it is "out there"... Sigh!


Carole, ya know I love ya! Check out Carole's blog for a real treat! She is uber talented and such a sweetheart (except for this incident)!

Night everyone! Don't forget to enter to win the MFT set (two posts below!!!)

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

I am Old

Despite the fact that I know I am on the young side, tonight I am feeling old. Earlier today I had to have a ct scan (nothing major just checking on a pain that was assumed to be a hernia but i don't think it is?!?) and I had to drink TWO huge containers of that Stuff (aka...watered-down-gatorade-with-a-dash-of-toothpaste-and-a stick-of-chalk-thrown-in-for good-measure). Yummy...the test was a breeze compared to choking that stuff down (and keeping it down!) and it is now winning the battle to escape my body--so this will be short....

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Dinner Conversation: (to make matters worse)

Ben (my almost five year old): When are we going to light that lighty thing (candle that he put in the middle of our table when we were decorating.)

Mom: Oh, how about when your brother from California visits.
(Ben has two "imaginary" brothers--one lives in California (not sure why!) and the other lives in heaven. The numbers of brothers and locations change but usually these two are the constants.)

Ben: Oh, well....he is dead. He really really died.

Me: That is a shame. Why did he die?

Ben: He was too old.

Me: How old was he?

Ben: 24

Cara (my 11 year old takes this opportunity to pipe in): Haha...mom and dad are WAAYYYY older than that.

I lost my appetite. (again!)

I have two cards to share with you tonight. They are both sneak peeks at two new releases from My Favorite Things (http://www.mftstamps.com/).
They will be available for purchase tomorrow night after a kickoff party on Splitcoaststampers (http://www.splitcoaststampers/) from 9-11 p.m. EASTERN time. Hope to see you there!!!

This card is made using Icing on the Cake (there are tons of images in this set---I just ran with the cupcakes, since that is what I have to do to if I ever want to get one in this house!) The cupcakes have a shiny cherry (red stickles) and the background paper is the digital paper now available at My Favorite Things. (Yes, I finally downloaded some--what fun to print dp out of your printer!) The card opens at the top using my easel design (two word window punches to create the opening!)

Materials used: MFT-Icing on the Cake; cardstock-turquoise, white, digital dp from MFT; Ink-pretty in pink, red, black; ribbon (SU!); circle punches (SU!); word window punch (SU!; stickles-crystal, red; copics; prismacolor pencils; dimensionals.




This card is made using the new set called "Rain or Shine." You will see more at the release party . There are lots of cool greetings and other elements to this. I applied a layer of crystal effects over the rain coat for a neat shine (irl!) and there are crystal stickles on the raindrops.

Materials used: MFT-Rain or Shine; cardstock-pumpkin pie, banana, white; ink- black; ribbon; button; dimensionals; copic markers; crystal effects; thread; stickles-crystal; nestability dies.


Have a great night! Don't forget to post below for the chance to win the new MFT mini set "Baby It's Cold Outside." The winner will be drawn on Friday morning!!!