Fa La La and Merry Christmas to All

I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas! I also wanted to thank you all for visiting me, for all the lovely comments, your support and friendship during the short time I have been blogging. It is very comforting knowing such caring people really do exist. Wishing you and your families all a festive joyous holiday season. I will return after the New Year and have already decided it will be a better year:) I started my countdown to the New Year months ago!

I thought I would share my this year's Christmas tree thanks to Kathy! Knowing I had not planned on putting one up this year she had this one shipped to me and the best part is it's live and can be planted in the spring outside.

One last share before I sign off and get packing. Here is a card I made for a swap (no peeking Cin!) using one of my favorite clothing Lasting Impressions template.

Nettie

Quick Holiday Card #4

Hello,here is another quick card I created this weekend. This one like the first one was made from the Hampton Art stamp set that I picked up for cheap over the weekend at Michael's. The double sided cs is called "Mistletoe Kisses" and from the Webster, winter wonderland collection. I stamped the word on ivory stock then cut the ornament out to display reverse paper. This card is 4 3/4" squared.

With the help of muscle relaxers, and lots of ice my leg is on the mend today. A little stiff and sore but I can walk almost normal.

Thanks for stopping by and have a creative evening.

Quick Holiday Card #3

Good Evening, yet another quick hoilday card. This one was created using Lasting Impressions cs, Cuttlebug "snow" folder, Ellison cut and emboss "snowflake" die, Nestabilities and a Sizzix embossing folder. For proper placement of wording I removed it from the folder and hand embossed the wording. I just love how delicate the snowflake looks. After laying it out it looked somewhat dull and a bit too plain so I added a splash of color with the red button and ribbon. Completed card took less then 10 minutes.

Thanks for stopping by, I am off to nurse a leg with ice that I screwed up in an attempt to toss a TV. My hubby's brother is having a super rough time dealing with his loss. The two of them did everything together so I thought I would have him over to help me with some projects, this being one of them. The TV was much heavier then the pair of us thought, it really was deceiving. In an attempt to get this moster off of him going down the stairs I strain the front of my thigh and it broke into the worst charlie horse ever. It was quick a spectical watching me jump around in an attempt to get out of pain. I think I may have pulled a muscle because I can not lift leg and the charlie horse is still there.... Is there a doctor in the house. I have already put mother on alert in case I can't get out of bed. Wish me luck!

Have a wonderful creative evening:)

Quick Holiday Card #2

Hello two post in one week, that is a record for me lately. This is another quick card I made over the weekend. I really did not like this Lasting Impressions template until Kathy insisted she saw a card made with this template and it looked really good. I used the new "Limeade" cs from Lasting Impressions and decided to leave the tree plain rather then jazz it up so the mail demons wouldn't tear it up hopefully. The brown buttons sit lower then the image so they should travel safely through the mail. The stamp is from the CHF "Kim Hughes" collection.

Enjoy your evening. I plan on turning on some Christmas tunes and attempting to get some cards made. That's the plan BUT what I actually will get done is another story. It has been a tough couple of days at work which has been leaving me exhausted!


Added tip- I flip my cards inside out to further protect any embellishments when mailing. Just make sure you put a note inside telling them to flip the card. To my horror I went over to one relatives house only to see my pretty card being displayed inside out. Their defense was "it looks pretty both ways"!!! LOL

Good Evening, I finally had a few minutes in my craft room this weekend. I have been real stressed over the fact I am going to wind up sending out "store bought" holiday cards this year. I know in light of the year I have had, it would be quite understandable but it still doesn't lessen the guilt. I frantically decided to get myself in high gear and create some easy last minute cards. All this week I will be showing some of the 10 minute holiday cards I created.

The first card was created with a new set I purchased this set while doing some first and last minute Christmas shopping and it's by Hampton Art. I really think the button which was in an assortment bucket purchased from Flower Factory makes the card. I added an embossed holly leaf and some ribbon to finish it off. Completed card is 4.75" square.

Have a great evening and thanks for stopping by.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time to reflect on people and events you are grateful for, but this year, with so much bad news you would think that I have very little to be thankful for. Let me tell you, I have MUCH to be thankful for in fact, my list is almost endless. I am sure if you take the time today to stop and reflect you too will have much to be thankful for.

I am MOST thankful for having such a wonderfully, intelligent, talented, supportive daughter and SIL without them the last couple of months I may have fallen hard but with their love and support they wouldn't let me.

I am MOST grateful for all the LOVE and Support of all my stamping, embossing and blog friends who have helped Kathy and myself to get through some of our most difficult times and those that hung in there with us and continue to as we struggle to move on.

For support of my family and for giving me the space I need but knowing they are there if I need them.

I am thankful for having a job in these tough economic times.

I am grateful for each new day. It brings new hope and new challenges with things to be learned. I love challenges!

I am thankful for the person who invented coffee. I would be non-existent without it.(Wink)

I am thankful for having a memory to remind me of all the "NO SHOWS" or "I'll Call You Back" people. (BIG GRIN)

I am thankful for my endless stock of supplies and paper without which I would not have been able to share this quick card I whipped up this morning.

I hope you too have much to be thankful for and enjoy this special time with your family and friends....and don't eat too much...

Bad Blogger Lately

First, I am so sorry for not posting lately. I have been busy tackling some needed home projects and the rest of my time has been spend recovering. This work doesn't agree with my aging out of shape body! Before hubby died he installed some ceramic tile in the entire downstairs of the house however, he only got around to grouting one small room and a closet. Since he used a mixture of a couple different grouts I had him mark it down and during the cleanup after his death, it was no where to be found. I finally decided to bit the bullet and go for it, as luck would have it I was able to match his grout perfectly! I had apprehensions about doing it since, I never ever grouted before but decided how hard could it be? It is SUPER easy and check out the awesome job. Hubby would have been proud, look at how perfect the joints are. I can't believe I only completed the foyer. No wonder he didn't finish! I then decided the foyer needed a coat of paint so I painted that also.

The only thing I have created lately is the pretty poinsettia picture frame to hang on my freshly painted wall. I purchased this beautiful frame at a discount house and just added some velvety poinsettia flowers and SEI "Gingerbread Flower" scrapbook paper. This looks really nice hanging on the wall but I photographed it on the floor to eliminate the shadows from the glass.

I know not much to share but I wanted to stop by and let everyone know I did not fall off the face of the earth.

Have a great evening and stay warm.

Two-fer Night

Good Evening! I thought I would share a couple of super simple cards I whipped up this evening.

I should be grouting a floor but this was so much more fun:) . Stay warm and have a wonderful evening.

"Joy"
Lasting Impressions cs
Linen white cs
K & Company Holiday stickers
Ribbon shimmering teal
Nestibility Tag


"Snowflake"
Yellow cs
PP unknown
Lasting Impressions cs
Hero Arts wording stamp
Ellison cut & emboss snowflake die
Nestibilities rectangle

Cuttlebug Snowflake folder
button, blue crystal, Sticklers

Poinsettia Christmas

Today's share is another card I created yesterday. For this card I stamp the image onto wheat cs from LI using black ink, then embossed with clear ep. The images were colored in to match the PP from K & Company using Copic markers. I cut then out using Nesties. I used Unity's "Bitty Christmas tags" set but any tiny poinsetia would work. I embossed bottom of the card using CB 'Swiss Dots" folder. I stamped wording using Colorbox "warm red" chalk ink. I just love how it adheres to any surface it is one of my favorite inks to use. I think I like it because the pads are so juicy.

Have a great evening or good day if you are getting this in the morning:)

A Unity Holiday

Good Morning It's such a chilly dreary day I decided to pull some stamps out and see what I could come up with. At first, I thought I would work on a birthday card for sis but instead wound up making a couple of holiday cards using one of my favorite Unity sets. I really like the paper I chose for this card. It has a real nice shimmer to it and comes from The Paper Company "Snowflake Diamond". I think I might finally have a bit of stamping mojo back.

Other Supplies include
Unity - "Bitty Christmas Tags"
Lasting Impressions "Morning Glory" cs
Linen cs
1/4" rick rack
matching thread
Cuttlebug "Snowflake" folder
sewing maching
Versafine black ink
Copic Markers
Crystal 3D

Thanks for stopping by have a super day!

Happy Fall

Hello from sunny Ohio where temperatures were in the high 70's today. It is really hard to believe that it is fall. I spent 9 hours raking and mowing leaves this past Saturday and by night fall had a leaf free lawn. It's a good thing I took pictures or no one would believe me because when I woke up last Sunday, I wanted to cry all the leaves returned! Too bad it is not hunting season or I would shoot a landscaper who promised to do them and never showed.


Here is a card I made to share this evening. You can see I still am way too stressed to really create but enjoyed playing with some of my favorite colors. Template and paper is from Lasting Impressions and I embossed the leaves using a new CB folder that I have not played with yet.


I just want to thank everyone for hanging in there with me. Things have been a lot tougher then I thought they would be. My life had settled into a routine of sorts and now I have to re-invent a new routine to get myself going again which is not really happening with so many projects that need my attention. I suppose if I took a few weeks off of work it would be but that is not an option right now because of my bosses health and how much he relies on me.

Have a GREAT evening and thanks for stopping by.

I've Gone Batty!

Just kidding but I truly feel like I am ready to go batty! This cutie was created using a new Lasting Impressions template and some of their new paper. For the panels used LI tangerine paper emobssed them using Cuttlebug folder and mounted them to black before adding to front of card. The moon I cut using circle Nestie and wording created using a "monster" font. Aged edges and panels using Colorbox warm red and tangerine and Versamark black inks with a sponge. To finish off I added some bat eyelets that I have had forever!

I forgot to mention in yesterdays post that I also trimmed an overgrown HUGE hedge that spams the entire length of the front of my house and is about 3' acrossed. I am so pleased to see my front door again. Maybe I will take pictures when I am done with the leaves. Today I have a meeting with a roofer/remodeler, fun fun!

Have a fun filled day and thanks for stopping by.

I'm back but....

Struggling with my stamping. I have lost my stamping mojo or it may be I have just replaced it with the NEW frenzy to reclaim my house and declutter it. In the past couple of weeks I have taken on installing new outdoor security lights. I knew my years of being in the electronics business would come in handy:). I have braved a weakened roof to clean the gutters out. I have had a new hot water tank and furnace installed just in time for snow fall. It looks like tomorrow I will be taking on my most dreaded chores of raking leaves because a landscaper that has promised over and over to do them is a no show. The thing I am finding most irating since the death of my hubby is promises by people to show up to help and they don't show. I just don't get why people would bother to offer if they are not going to show up. I finally have cleaned out a space big enough to pull my car in the garage, something I have not been able to do for years. I have new garage doors coming on Tuesday. I originally had hoped to wait until spring to get them but opener is shot and since my doors are wood and newer ones are steel, opener is different and price was right so I should be locked in for the winter. I also in addition to working full time, have managed to do all the yucky probate paperwork in the last two weeks and switch over titles and stuff. I just wanted to share with all my loyal blogger friends what I have been up to.

Now the card! I can not for the life of me sit down and create anything. I am struggling perhaps because of guilt about all the other things that need to be done first. This cute turkey is a real old Penny Black stamp and saying is from Judith. The background papers are actually paint chip type samples that I swiped from a counter top dealer at a local Home and Garden show. I wish I could get more, super neat texture and crinkle pattern to them. The turkey was colored with Copic marker, After stitching around edges, background was mounted to a piece of country blue card stock.

Any one have any ideas to get my mojo back? What does everyone do when they get in a horrible slump? Quick before I sell all my stamps!

Enjoy your evening and thanks for hanging in there, only wish I had more to share with you all, I could take pictures of my pretty new lights!

Winner

The winner of this special giveaway is Meredith
Please email me so I can get your goodie package mailed.

Crafty Math Chick said...
Hi Nettie,

I never know the perfect words to say at times like this, when bad things happen to good people, but I wanted you to know people are thinking of you and keeping you in their prayers.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My husband is in the military and try to live every day we have together to the fullest (which usually means less stamping) because... you just never know...

I know you do not know me, but I am happy to listen if you ever wish to vent. You can find me on SCS. Thank you for the creativity and inspiration you have shared with all of us.

Best Wishes,
Meredith
Crafty Math Chick

September 14, 2008 10:16 AM




Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

19 Timestamp: 2008-10-12 22:47:36 UTC

Special Thanks

To all those that mailed cards or sent emails. You all will be included in the givaway for the thank you candy and I have assigned a number next to your name. This number will be used for random number generator. Thank you for your comforting caring words.
Becky -98
Julie P-99
Helen- 100
Vicki - 101
Sherrie & Andy B -102
Allison F- 103
Tina W - 104
Pamela C -105
Rita J - 106
Donna L. -107
Cin -108
Shelly W -109
Jamie S - 110
Shirley R -111
Wendy -112
Marlene - 113
Barbara L -114
Phyllis G -115
Nancy S -116
Hedi -117
Brenda L -118
Mary M -119
Margaret, Grace, George, Darcie & Phylis-120

Thank You All!

It is hard to believe today marks 1 month since I arrived home from work to find my husband dead. I can not begin to thank you all for the love support and condolences received. The cards, emails, comments have meant the world to both Kathy and myself.

This month has been a whirlwind of emotions, thoughts and activities for both myself and Kathy as you can imagine. She came to stay with me for a few weeks and together we accomplished much that needed to be done. It was sad to see her leave and I think that is when it hit hardest. Knowing I am now alone, in a huge house that has many started projects (none completed) that I must somehow get done myself. In addition to the major renovation and normal household items I am also faced with liquidating a huge amount of electronics which is stored in both my 3 car garage and his mother's house. My husband and I had an electronic manufacturering company that we ran for 20 odd years before closing it down in the early 90's much of the larger items wound up here. His dream was to start a small machine shop out of here but because of the amount of stuff brought here he was unable to move or get it together.
Organizing, tossing, and assessing what I must do has kept me busy from morning to night. Things I thought one day we would work out together have now become my responsibly. I am taking it as the next chapter in my life that I must now face alone.

Sure wish I had a STRONG man around here right about now! My body aches from boxing and moving stuff to the point of total exhaustion!

Two nights ago, being a bit depressed I sat down to create a card. This was my first real card attempt since hubby's death. I wanted to make a thank you card to give away with some blog candy for all the amazing love and support shown to my daughter and myself during this most difficult time. I am including those that emailed and sent cards, in addition to those that posted comments and will do a "random" generator later today or early tomorrow. I must email numbers to those that sent cards and emails first.

Here is what is up for grabs

Thank You card
Stampin Up Simple Gardenia stamp
Lasting Impressions assortment of 5 1/2 by 8 1/2 cardstock
Lasting Impressions "Central Park" 6X6 scrap pad
See D's Birdhouses stamp set
Magnetic Poetry word stamp kit "Love and Romance" includes 86 rubber stamps
Spellbinders Nesttabilities "Nest 02" complete set of scallops and squares

Thank you AGAIN you guys are the BEST!

For my regular followers it is with a sad heart I tell you I will not be posting for a bit. What was to be a fun filled evening to celebrate my mother's 70 th birthday turned into a much more somber evening. I arrived home from work to find my husband dead. Autopsy results will be in Monday but all indications point to a aorta aneurysm.

Please leave some love on Kathy's blog for the lose of her dad.

Showing Some Unity Love

Good Evening I hope everyone had a creative day. I decided to join in on this week's Unity challenge. This week's challenge is being hosted by Latisha from A Busy Little Craftee Bee. Her challenge was to make a square card with scallops. After experimenting and not liking yesterday's card, I hit the drawing board and came up with this card.

If you haven't used Unity stamps before I love how easily they ink and are great for paper piecing like it this card.

For this card I used the cake from Unity's " Simple Pleasures" set. The patterned paper is from

Reminisce "Sweet Spots". I added a little red rick rack and a rub-on from Lasting Impressions to finish it off. The card is 4.25 squared.

Thanks for stopping by enjoy your evening.

Fall Cards

Happy Wednesday, today I thought I would share a couple of swap cards I made for a dry embossing group I belong to. Today we woke up to temperatures in the low 40's. It seems like fall is just around the corner. I have a few trees around us that are in full color and some have lost their leaves entirely. Can you say way too early, where did summer go?

Card 1 -I used Lasting Impressions oatmeal, ivory and polka dot willow and LI templates
Card 2- I used Spellbinder's leaf dies, stamp Firecracker Designs by Pamela, and paper is Reminisce "Golden Leaves"

Stay warm and have a wonderful evening.

A Birthday Card for a Special Person

I can not believe it is only Tuesday, talk about a week dragging. Tonight's share is a Birthday card I made for a special person (can't tell you who because she visits this blog!) but she is out of the country so it's safe to post it. She will not get it until she arrives home. I wanted to share with her and you the joys of using embossing paste. This is only the second card that I used paste on and I do love it. The template has since been discontinued I'm so glad a great friend gifted this one to me. The paper used is all Lasting Impressions. Other supplies used to create include clear dollar stamp, Nesties, Cuttlebug folder, tweed ivory ribbon, button and a couple of orange crystals.

If you get a chance stop by Kathy's blog and leave her Birthday wishes. Her Birthday is the 18th.

Have a great day. Thanks for visiting today.

Christmas Gift Card Holder and Tag

It is late here so this post will be quick. I finally got my stamp room cleaned, YEAH! I feel so much better I feel. Creating in a clean room is so much more fun.

I created this Christmas tag and gift card holder using one of my new Unity sets " Bitty Christmas Tags". I just love how well Unity stamps ink up!

I used some polka dot lime green paper (unknown) that matches the ribbon perfectly. Colored the stocking using Copic Markers"lipstick red and new leaf". Added some stitching and a big red button to complete. After I took pictures (which sorry for quality) I will try to get better pictures up tomorrow I thought it would be nice to cut a slot in the envelope and pull the tag through so it can be hung from a tree.


Have a great morning. Thanks for stopping in.

Starving Artistamp's Blog Candy

Not sure when contest ends so hurry over to Starving Artistamp's Blog for your chance to win one of the DoodleFactory Halloween sets up for grabs. If you haven't stopped by Kathy's blog in awhile you have to stop over and see the B00-tiful card she made with one of the sets.

Teachers Gift Set

Saturday at last! I made this gift set for Allison's challenge. This weeks challenge centered around back to school. What teacher wouldn't love to receive this note card set consisting of 8 note cards with matching envelopes. All templates and paper are from Lasting Impressions.

This is being gifted to a talented embossing TEACHER so she can tear it apart and share the love with many others to pass on to worthy teachers!

Little note.... I haven't posted in a few days because (hiding my head in shame) lost my camera on my crafting table! Time to clean, that was the final straw!

Have a great day and if your not doing anything hop on over and help me.

Thanks for popping in.

Want to Win A Cricut Expressions

Who doesn't?

Here is info for emtering, tell them I sent you:)
Host : The Secret Is In The Sauce
URL : September is Saucy - Cricut Expressions!
Prize: A Cricut Expressions
End Date : 30 September 2008

Lil Pumpkin

Good Morning! Today's share has it all except of course, the kitchen sink! It has stitching, scallops, circles, rectangles, dry embossing, stamping, designer paper, distressing, buttons, and ribbon. Need I tell you it was not a quick card! I think this is the first card I made in awhile that did take more then a few minutes. This card even caused me to clean up a bit, notice I said a bit! I lost the pumpkin I had embossed for the center of the circle and rather then just make another I start putting things away in a futile attempt to find it. I still could not find it so I ended up making another. I just adore this pumpkin paper that came in a Halloween scrap pad that I purchased years ago. Stamp is from Hero Arts.

I seem to be drawn to fall colors lately I think it is because we are already seeing colors on the trees change. Fall is in the air we even had a 40 degree morning a few nights ago, can you say BRRRRR. It definitely is way too early!

I hope you enjoy my bright and cherry pumpkin card today and thanks for stopping by.

Chocolate Delight

Fair warning to dieters... You might want to skip this post! This Chocolate Chocolate Triffle is heaven in a bowl. It is made very similar to the "Red, White & Blue" triffle I previously posted but I wanted to change things up and came up with this recipe. This one is good for when the prices of fresh fruit are sky high or when you just need a double CHOCOLATE fix!

Recipe

1 large box chocolate instant pudding
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup milk
1 14oz. Carnation Condensed Milk
1 10 oz container heavy whipping cream
1 Pint container heavy whipping cream
1 13X9 Family Size Brownie Mix (Don't burn them... that's another story!)
1 small dark chocolate candy bar- Shred or curl for topping
sugar to taste about 6 Tablespoons

Directions
Prepare brownie mix according to package directions, cool completely. Cut into 1" squares.

In a large bown combine pudding mix, milk, water and condensed milk. Mix Until smooth.

Whip smaller container of whipping cream until stiff adding about 2 T of sugar. Fold into pudding mix until no streaks remain.

Whip remaining whipping cream adding about 4 Tablespoons of sugar, just to taste sweetness until stiff.

In a glass bowl or triffle bowl place 1/2 the brownies, 1/2 the pudding mixture, 1/2 the whipped cream. Repeat layers. Top with shaved or curled chocolate candy bar.
Refrigrate leftovers, like there will be any!

Servings 12 Calories about a Zillon!


Enjoy your Sunday I am taking my dessert to a picnic in an isolated bag of course!

Have a SWEET day!

Happy Holidays

Hello and Happy Saturday. I still have not tackled cleaning my stamp room. It seems like every time I walk into it I pick up something else and start playing. I hate it because it is really over due for a massive cleanup. Anyone have any free time this weekend and feel energetic?

For this card I used a color combo that normally I would not think would work but it is perfect together. I went with Lasting Impressions "cashew dots" and "avacado bold stripes". I first created the tree using LI software then embossed and mounted it to a scalloped rectangle "Nestie", then added a matching button. I wanted to make it an all Lasting Impression card so I went with a gold brass sentimetal to complete it. I really am not happy with the sentimetal they seem to rust easily and turn colors. Does anyone else that uses them have any tips or problems with them?


Time to go shopping for dinner and party makings for tomorrow. Enjoy your evening and thanks for popping in!

Hi!

Just wanted to say hi and I couldn't think of a better way then with this bright and cheery card. If you are going away for the long weekend I wish you safe travels.

For this card YES, another dry embossed card!:) I used Lasting Impressions cone flower (L953). The paper is also from Lasting Impression seaside checks and black polka dot. I dotted the flower centers with a white marker. Other supplies include Swiss Dot Cuttlebug folder, 1/4" black rick rack and a couple of tiny black buttons that I really didn't care for so I added some black 3D glossy paint to center. I almost forgot the stamp is from Penny Black and I stamped it using white Colorbox ink then embossed using seafoam ep.

These colors work so good together, don't you think?

I also wanted to alert everyone that Blog Candy is coming up real soon.

Thanks so much for stopping in and have a great day!

Multi Purpose Challenge Card

Hello! Tonight's share is two-fold well maybe actually three-fold. The third being I got to use one of my favorite sets. Unity has a challenge posted this week to pick a card from a Design Team member and case it. I chose to case Maren. For my card I used S.E.I "Black Orchid" paper and since this card has a nice fat bow on it I'm entering it into Allison's Suggestive Sundaychallenge.

To create I did not have any matching dew drops for the card so I cut tiny circles from matching stock and placed it underneath a clear dew drop. After allowing it to dry I mounted both on to a button that I colored to match using Copic marker.

Thanks for stopping by. One more day to go this week, can you say HAPPY!

Dry Embossed Holloween

I have to share a DUMB guy story with you all but first let me share another card quite similar to yesterday's (same layout) only all dry embossed. I used the same color scheme and papers but pulled my brass out for this one. Which do you like better? I also cut the wording for this one out using a new Halloween Cuttlebug folder.

Now on to this story you will love. First a little background I do not own a cell phone.... I see jaws dropping, how could anyone live without one? ME:) I love my quiet time as I commute back and forth to work. That is when I dream up all my creative ideas. I run a local readymix company and today the weather was rainy so I sent home all the guys with the exception of 2 drivers and the mechanic. The mechanic has been with the company awhile. I recently hired a new driver (2 weeks ago) who was not one of the guys working today. His name is Marlon!

Now on to my story for today. I received a phone call that the boss needed me to pick him up from dialysis and take him home so having to leave unexpectedly I told the mechanic to answer the phones and take messages. I was gone a little longer then expected. The boss decided he was hungry and took me to lunch. When I returned I was greeted with "Oh thank heavens your back" Puzzled I asked "WHY". A driver had returned and was paid in cash. They could not figure out what to do with the money so my ace mechanic says "I called Marlon". I said to him "Why the HELL would you call someone that has been with company less then 2 weeks" OK You will love his response Are you ready......
"He was the only one that would answer the phone".!!!! So then trying not to laugh to hard at them I asked where they found his number? In the phone book just below where bosses cell phone was!! Is that not FUNNY!

OK, I am off to nurse this headache I have had all week (wonder why) see above:)

Thanks for stopping by.

Trick or Treat Unity Style!

Good Eevening I made this card before finding out Unity has this adorable set up for blog candy. If you want a chance at winning your own "Little Monster" set hop on over to Brooke's blog quick! To create this quick card I used two Unity sets "Little Monsters" (witches hat)and "Flirty Flowers" (decorative circles).

Other supplies in case you didn't guess already include Lasting Impressions cs including pumpkin, grape,sunflower yellow and LI buttons. The moon was cut out using a circle die from Spellbinders.

Have a great evening I am going to try and get a very similar one that is dry embossed made now.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Scrappy Happy Hello

Welcome to my Monday! I was all gong ho to tackle and conquer my overflowing messy stamp room but instead went straight to bed with another migraine. I found out a fellow employee who only recently became ill died of lung cancer Saturday morning. So, I decided to turn a crappy day into a scrappy day! I don't do scrappy well but waking up feeling better decided to venture in and see what I could get accomplished when I came across these Heidi Grace chipboard embellishments. I also had a new set of Unity stamps "Flirty Flowers" that I had to put away. There is always tomorrow to clean :)

Other supplies include
Colorbox old rose, olive and country brown ink
LI lined paper and avocado button
Fiskar scallop punch
Here is what I came up with enjoy and have a great Tuesday. Thanks for popping in!

Cased Birthday Card

Hubby's Birthday was yesterday and while checking out blogs I came across Dawn's awesome Frankie Tutorial. If you have not seen it you must check it out! I instantly thought this is perfect card to give him for a couple of reasons. A.) It was super quick to make B.) I didn't make him one yet because I was stumped and the big C.) He is in need of some major dental work and his gift was a dental certificate to get it done. Perfect Right? Inside I used the purple paper to make a pocket and the slotted SU punch then slipped in the GC.

Mine is slighty different then hers instead of cutting the hair I used some decorative scissors I have that worked well and made it even quicker to create. This card takes less then 10 minutes to make, how nice is that?!

I have to thank Dawn I got off super easy on this one!

The wording is rub - ons and the paper is by Lasting Impressions.

I am off to finish off my fresh Blueberry pie that is in the oven. Yummers.

Birthday Card for Mom

I started my day with every intention of cleaning up stamping room since things are everywhere. It is way over due for a massive clean up. I started winding up this roll for ribbon that I have had forever and decided it needed to be used right now! I hate that!

Mom's birthday is coming up and I did need to make her a card anyhow. I also just got an order of Unity stamps that were calling me so I created this very special card for her. This stamp is geared more to the scrapbooker then the stamper and challenged me to make it work for a card instead. I decide to make it legal size measuring 9 1/4 " x 4".

Stamp set used from Unity UK-167* Greatest Of Friends. Paper was Lime Green (LI). Bazzil Turquoise. These are not colors I normally would put together but they perfectly matched the ribbon from Michael's. I used Colorbox "frosted White" then went over it with seafoam embossing powder. I cut out a tiny picture of mom for center of flower using a 3/4" circle punch. Other items include Prima flowers, brads, Fiskar scallop punch.

Now I really really need to gear myself up to clean the room, anyone want to come and help?

Thanks for stopping by, have a super evening!

My Cuttlebug Folder Storage

Evening! I know I am only a day late. My step son's birthday was today and I only have one more to go this week. My hubby's is tomorrow and my diet starts on Sunday from eating all the Birthday cake!

I thought I would share how I store my Cuttlebug folders since I now have 34 and a few more on the way. This is nothing super fancy but works pretty darn well. You could easily fit 50 in here and still be able to flip through them. The rack is definitely homemade and if I am not mistaken it was made by Kathy in her woodworking class at school. It is funny that all girls and boys were required to take a semester of Home Economics and Woodworking. Kathy passed woodworking with flying colors and almost failed Home Economics! You would never know it though today being the cooking diva she turned out to be.

It measures 11" L and 4" D and has plenty of room for two rolls of the standard folders. The newer border folders fit perfectly in the center and you can easily flip through to find the folder you want to use. Before I found this abandoned rack and put it to use I stored them loosely in a wire basket. To keep track of which ones I have. I cut the tops off the packaging, tossed the rest punched a hole in the corner using a standard paper punch and put them on a chain. You could easily substitute a jump ring.

How does everyone else store their folders? I am sure others would love to hear, post away!

Thanks for stopping by- Enjoy your evening!

I Love Your Blog Award

Today I had a pleasant surprise when I got on my blog. I found out I was awarded a Blog Award from Sue at Sue's Stamping Stuff. You made my week Sue I am so glad you enjoy my blog. Thank you Sue for Brightening my day!!!

RULES:
I have to pick 7 of my favorite blogs and…
1. The winner can put the logo on their blog
2. Link the person you received your award from
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls or boys you’ve nominated.
So here I go:
#1 Oh My Cuppy Cake I love Jennifer's blog check out her adorable cards . She is so talented.

#2 Kathy's Pretty in Ink Blog I always enjoy browsing Kathy's blog. Her use of color amazes me. My very talented daughter who has some pretty must see tutorials!

#3 Just Julie Her designs are an inspiration to any card designer. He cards have awed me for many years, even before blogging. A super person and great friend.

#4 Crazy about Mini Albums Peata is a master at mini albums. Lots to be learned from her blog and always tons of contest.

# 5 Lori's Stamping Spot
A very talented lady with some great tutorials.

#6 Wishing I was Stamping
You will love Kelly's blog not only is she very sweet and talented but check out all the awesome photos from her families alpaca farm.

and # 7 is: Heidi's Blog When I first started doing dry embossing which was not long ago, Heidi's designs most inspired me to continue. She is a master at it!

Pumpkin Patch

Good Evening. I seem to be in the Halloween mode this week. For this card I created the patterned paper using LI software and L9325 brass template. After embossing all of it, I layered it on to some linen black cardstock. I then layered it on to some LI "old lace" cs. I added an upper layer that I embossed using my "Swiss Dot" Cuttlebug folder. The circle wording was stamped on LI cs using black ink then punched out. I picked up this stamp in a dollar bin at local craft store knowing It was looking for a new home I snatched it up:) I inserted a dry embossed pumpkin into the center. I completed it by adding a strip of LI striped cs, tad of ribbon and buttons. Card measures 5.25 sq.

Anyone else make any Halloween cards yet? Leave me a link I would love to see.

Enjoy your Thursday and thanks for stopping by. Tommorrow I will share how I store my Cuttlebug folders since I have quite a large collection.

Best Witches

Good Evening or Morning depending on when you are viewing this. I still have not made the Birthday cards I need but I sure am having fun playing with some Halloween templates.

Before you have to look at this somewhat ordinary card. I have a super pretty one to share tomorrow only because I started it and then took some drugs for my neck and didn't want to screw it up so decided to wait.

This one I am sharing tonight I did a couple of different things with. I created it with the LI software and did a double on the hat to layer it for depth. I also used the "large dots " LI template to add dots to the hat before printing it out and then embossed them. Once I embossed the entire image I then colored wording, dots and spider with glitter markers for an added sparkle. To finish it off I did edging using a fine black tip marker and added 3D black paint to the dots.

All products used on this card are Lasting Impressions.

I hope you enjoy, thanks for stopping by.

Little Monster Take 2

Just a quick share on a card I whipped up this evening. The lime green paper is new from Lasting Impressions and I love the softness but brightness of it. I paired it up with some ballet blue cs from SU.
Supplies include... LI template, buttons and thread,Unity stamp "Little Monster", Cuttlebug "Argyle" folder, Rectangle and scalloped rectangle Nestabilities and striped limeade ribbon from Catan's.

The completed card is 4" square.

Altered Giant Clothespin & Calendar Coaster

Let's just start by saying I must be the biggest procrastinator yet! I have a long list of to make cards for family members so what do I pull out? You guessed it, some other goodies that I have been dying to play with! A good friend of mine sent me a giant clothespin and Kathy acquired the snowman template at a recent Lasting Impressions sale that I have been wondering what to do with. I thought it was ugly and at first told her I didn't want it. Boy am I glad I took it now,it fits perfectly onto the giant clothespin. Both gals made me do it, that's my excuse for today's project and share. This would make a wonderful desk accessory. I made it two sided so that you could display the monthly calendar on one side and important days to remember on the other along with a little pocket for notes or gift ideas.

Once I received this clothespin I went searching for ideas and found this terrific tutorial at Craft Critique

These would be a great gift make a matching set for each month. What do you think?


Supplies include: Lasting Impressions brass stencils, button, thread, software and paper, Giant clothespin, acrylic paint (for sides and top), 4x4 coaster (med wt.), calendar, Cuttlebug "snow" folder and ribbon.