Another beautiful card by a friend . . .

My friend Jen Coleman (also a CTMH consultant) made this card for me last week - isn't it pretty??? Jen is an awesome artist - her scrapbook layouts are so cool and she has great organizational skills. She's being dragged into card making - although I'd say she's got the hang of it! Both the green piece and the sentiment are on pop-dots - raised up a bit.

Close to My Heart papers are Let's Get Together. Colors are Cranberry, Breeze, Garden Green, and Buttercup. The sentiment is from Dainty Thoughts (I believe).

Boutique Borders

Inspired by CTMH consultant from California, Karla Kroese - I made my card "my own" by changing the colors, the Boutique Border I used, the ribbon, and by adding MORE BLING! I think everyone should have this border set - now that I know what to do with it!!! Karla's card was a real eye-opener for me. She lined up the boutique borders and made it look like old wall paper! Isn't it amazing? My first try was free-hand (eeuuuuuu!) Second try the solid lines were too close together to fit the border in between (that was cute!) Third try, the lines were so far apart that they looked lonely! Last try was nearly perfect. So - to save you some time - try measuring it out before you begin. (Tee, hee!)

Close to My Heart Boutique Borders, Tickled Pink, Say it In Style. Colors were Crystal Blue and Sweet Leaf and the flower "rolling" and sentiment were Twilight.

Update on the Open Stamping day . . . We had a nice turn-out for Jone's birthday celebration! Coca-cola cake is YUMMY!!!!! How did I live so long and have never tried it before?!?! Woe is me! Thanks Pam for bringing such a sweet treat! Everyone had interesting things to work on . . . I spent the afternoon messing up the card above (described in too much detail already!) and drooling over everyone else's work. Some days are like that! Know what I mean?

Have a great week. Oh! And wash your hands. A Lot.

Gift Bag

A quick and easy gift bag - using an element from a card front! (Card previously posted). I added Amore papers and a bit of the new Fancy Cuts Borders. In a few minutes people will start arriving for the monthly Open Stamping day at my place! It's always so fun to gather with friends and play all afternoon. I am so blessed to have these people in my life!

Birthdays . . . MORE Birthdays!

Amore papers, Friendship's Flight, and some water paints called Twinkling H2O's.
This card is for a dear friend's birthday that is TODAY! She should have the card in her hot little hands. If not, I'm sorry about the spoiler!!! (go check your mailbox Jone!). Jone loves dragonflies. So, I do too. ;-)

Funny story for today: I was chatting with Joanne today and she was describing what we've all either done, or nearly done! She stopped by the house between errands to drop off some items and pick up something else. While in the house, she couldn't find her day planner (with lists - Joanne is BIG into lists), and remembered setting it down in the trunk of her car. Then, she couldn't find her keys and . . . well, you can imagine! This has happened to her before with much bother . . . so she had hidden a spare set of keys in the house. Only, "where oh where are they??" Time to accomplish the errands passed, and Joanne gave up all hope of being able to go finish her tasks. She puttered around and accomplished good things (like tidying up the craft room); naturally, that's when she found the spare keys! Oh JOY!

Only to go out to the car and find her keys still hanging in the lock of the trunk.
True story!
(I'm so glad I'm not the only one!)

Brown birds

This is one of those cards that really does look better in real life. It's a big card, too - 6 1/2" tall by 6". I used a CTMH set called Free Spirit. There are two birds in that set looking opposite directions. I stamped them onto a piece of B&T paper from the Amore papers - so that the brown side would be up, and mounted them on a piece of cocoa cardstock. The definitions of Hope, Peace, and Joy are from a Christmas set! Behind that panel is the script from Airmail. The border on the right-hand side is one of the Boutique Borders. The branch is one of the new CTMH rub-ons. I was inspired with the card design by Kristina Werner although my card is much "earthier" than her happy one. Mostly because I was in a brown mood. Hope you like it!

Sneak Preview! Technique page 4/09

At the monthly "Open Stamping" day at my house our little group spends the first 15 minutes of our afternoon creating a 6 x 6 technique page to add to our technique books! We've been doing this for quite some time now - and the books are pretty cool!!! This time I'm giving a sneak preview of one of the Animal Crackers papers from the new Summer 2009 Close To My Heart catalog - as well as teaching one of the techniques that is explained in the new book. Fun, fun, fun!!!

Friendship

This card was in my head when I woke up this morning. I've only had that happen a couple of times in my life - although it is the most amazing feeling and it's what keeps me trying! It wasn't exactly like this - in fact, the image I was creating in my dream was with stamps I don't have. But, you know me, "Little Miss Improvise"! I hope you like it - I'm happy.

I had a wonderful day! There was a baptism at church this morning, and one of our dear friends who moved to Cape Cod last year was in town visiting grandbabies - so it was a delight to see him. I've done some crafting, lots of yard work, and basically had a perfect day. I think I'm ready to face the new week.

Meet Chloe!

Meet my friend - Chloe Berge. (The car, silly!)

This is a photo of Chloe's first encounter with the Police. This officer (doesn't he look thrilled?) is actually posing for me after doing a tremendous service - he etched the vehicle identification number (VIN) into each window of the car. This is one of the things they say can deter auto theft. Chloe was a spring chicken when this photo was taken. She's a fine vintage wine now! (150K miles). My local friends know that one of my favorite scrapbooks is my Chloe book. I have "Chloe's first bath" and "Chloe's first oil change" and Chloe goes here and there pages. I realized that it was a way to document some of the things that didn't fit into other types of scrapbooks. It's random with the only common thread this precious little green bug. I have a long commute to work every day - so Chloe and I spend a lot of quality time together.

Congratulations on the New Job!

This card was for my friend Kris - to let her know how excited I am that she landed the job she wanted! Some of the little flowers are on pop-dots - so in real life, this card has a lot of "dimension". The buttons were made using clear buttons. I don't think I'll be buying many more color buttons! You can make anything you want with clear ones!!! I used Stickles (glitter glue) on the border piece that is Juniper colored. It sparkles!

Busy Saturday! I actually slept in until 7:30 this morning! What a treat! But, once out of bed I flew into action. Today was the hazardous waste roundup and I didn't want to miss it! I cleaned the garage - loaded Chloe (I'll have to post a photo of Chloe - to properly introduce you) and D@%* it but she wouldn't start. So, on the battery charger, back into the house to fiddle around for a half-hour and then off to dump the evil stuff. I've also done grocery shopping, and paper/stamping shopping, and have been to Costco to stock up on water, I've brushed the cats, I've made home-made beef chili (it smells heavenly!) and I'm getting ready to disappear into my craft room for awhile. I love days that somehow come together! Wish they happened more often.

Alert! A Sale . . .

I'll post artwork later today - - - but wanted to get this update here as soon as possible for my local friends! A family that goes to my church casually mentioned that a friend of theirs owns a Paper business - but sadly, that the place is going out of business. I learned that they are clearing out their inventory for the most part (some exceptions) and that discounts are 40%. I made it over there today and "WOW" I wish I had known about this place before!!!! There is a silver lining to this one, though. They will re-open in the fall as a teaching studio. Also, they plan to continue an on-line store (but it will be mostly focused on the paper stuff).

If you can - get by there soon and pick up some wonderful, unusual items at great prices.

Here's a link to their web-site: Paper Studio

Just one more Easter card?? Please?

This card could easily be modified to be a Mother's Day card, or a Birthday card, or a Thank You card! You just replace the eggs (flowers, or buttons maybe?) and change the greeting! I think what I love about it most is that it's not the "traditional" Easter pastel colors. The colors in Emporium (the paper) are some of my very favorites! Oh - did you notice that the layout posted yesterday from my weekly planner looks a bit like this card? ;-)

Easter Egg Hunt Weekly Planner Page

True confessions! Only the bottom photo is from 2009, the other one was a couple of years ago - same theme, a dear friend of mine, Rachel, helping "hide" the eggs for the nursery kids! We missed Rachel this year - she was at college back East. I also see (for some reason, a photo of a photo shows up ALL the flaws!) that the printer is running out of ink! Sorry for the distorted colors on the photo . . . but, remember! Improving my photos was one of my objectives for doing this blog ;-)

It's Thursday already! Oh My. I've had a wonderful week - and there were a couple of humorous moments. For example, yesterday I was having one of those days where my mouth was w-a-a-a-y ahead of my brain. Ever done that? I was talking, and heard myself say the stupidest thing. (I give myself credit for hearing it!) I was able to correct it right away; that was kind of funny, but the really good one happened about 11 o'clock when I'd already had enough coffee and should have been fully functioning! I turned to a co-worker and asked if our upcoming meeting was scheduled from "Noon to Noon Thirty"? I kid you not. I actually said it, then I heard it, and then I snorted! The two of us laughed out loud over that one. I'm so blessed to have coworkers who haven't tried to have me committed (yet)!

All CTMH products: Emporium papers, Easter Eggs, Butterfly Wings, Say it in Style, and Friendship Blessings.

Thanks!

We celebrated my friend Katie's birthday during one of our monthly "Open Stamping" days! I received this LOVELY card from Katie - isn't it elegant? I knew you would agree! So - can't keep a beautiful card like this to myself, can I? Thanks Katie!

About today: It was another beautiful day in paradise. The weather was fabulous and work was productive and interesting. A very good day! In the evening I saw friends for a short visit, and came home to relax with my cats and a delightful glass of Treana (a California wine that is 55% Voignier 45% Marsanne). My closest friends know my current favorite wine is Voignier. I'm "mellow" now and ready for bed! Hope you had a wonderful day, too!

Happy Easter!

First, let's talk about this little card (4 1/2 x 4 1/2") - I used all CTMH products except for the ribbon and "dew drops". It's pretty self-explanatory! I like the contrast of the white daisy pigment puff flowers with the shiny, small tight little flowers . . .

Happy Easter! I hope your day was just what you wanted it to be! Highlights from my day? I'm an avid observer of children on a mission - an egg hunt mission that is! I was "in charge" of the egg hunt today and what fun!!! One precious girl (about 3?) found an egg (plastic ones, containing toys, not candy) and plopped down (fancy dress and all) on the grass, and opened the egg and began playing with her toy! It was the cutest thing!!! Another one about the same age, took one of the eggs to an elderly woman in a wheelchair who was enjoying coffee hour and presented it to her with the statement "this is for you to take home and decorate your house". When do we stop having that innocent pure joy and become so greedy? I'll post my weekly planner page with photos from the egg hunt as soon as I get it finished!

Blessings!!

Easter Blessings

I just love this card! I saw one similar on Heather Nichols blog - pine is here. The colors were different, and the dots, and the shape of the bunny - but the basic idea was the same and it is so sweet!

The Desert Sand paper was "texturized" with the Speckled background stamp with Chocolate ink. (I think I was confused when I built my ink pad tower!). My bunny's eyes are itty bitty brads. The rest of it is pretty self explanatory! Because the card base is Desert Sand, I added a piece of Unforgettable B&T paper with the pink side up on the inside so I can write a message. Scalloped the left-hand edge of that also.

All Close to my Heart except the ribbon and the bunny tail. Stamp sets: Speckled and Spot On Background stamps, Say it in Style, Friendship Blessing and Serendipity.

Story for today: I've been going to bed early (exhausted!!) this week - but the flip side of that is that I'm up earlier! I actually arrived at work at 6:15 this morning AND I'd already had breakfast! Now that's a switch!!! By 7 AM (my first meeting of the day) I'd plowed through a LOT of work - what a great way to start Thursday! (I do not plan to make this a habit, however!) I stopped by the account's office after work - trembling with fear. But, I'm ok. The changes I made in withholding last year were enough, and I'm not needing to write out a big check. Hope you were also fortunate this "tax season".

Bird-day Cards!!! (tee, hee)

Copied from Kathi!! I needed a Birthday card that wasn't too "girly" - and these Emporium papers were just the thing! I stamped the bird on the back-side of the paper and cut him out . . . same with the wing and tail! Like Kathi's original, I popped them up on pop-dots to give it dimension. I forgot about the trio of brads (?) or dew drops (?) in the lower right-hand corner. Does it look too bare? The greeting "Happy Birthday" just wouldn't fit on the front of the card - so I've saved it for the inside.

All Close to My Heart products: Bird Basics, Emporium Papers, Olive and Cocoa inks.

About my day - I attended a one-day college course today on Federal and State hazardous materials management law. It was 8 full hours, taught by a lawyer, and I am SO proud to say that I stayed awake for the entire day! I even took notes and made a "to-do" list for tomorrow. Whew! Now I'm home for the evening and can r-e-l-a-x! Ahhhhh.

Birthday cards!

Happy Monday! I took a "mental health" day-off today. I've been so stressed worrying about a close friend, that I really was a mess myself. I had anticipated this happening and scheduled a vacation day for today. It's a good thing, because I really struggled getting going today. The good news, is that I know what to do to make myself feel at peace - when I'm in need of calm and meditation, I turn to my stamping. It seems like there are a LOT of April birthdays - so I spent some time today making some pretty cards. This one was cased from Julie Ebersole, PaperTruffles but as usual, my stamps are not the same as those she used. I also used a clear button with dots on it - and rubbed the dots with Hollyhock ink to turn them pink - then backed the button with Cream Brulee paper. Easy way to make the p-e-r-f-e-c-t button! I'm pretty happy with the card!

CTMH stamps were Tickled Pink (you're going to want this one!), Friendship Blessing, and Say it in Style. Colors were Cream Brulee, Holllyhock and Cocoa. I used a white opaque pen to make the small dots in the small Hollyhock flowers.

Joanne's Birthday

My dear friend Joanne, the sister I never had, enjoyed a busy day on Saturday (4/4) her 49th Birthday! I was there for most of it - but I have to admit I'm a LOT older than Joanne and couldn't keep up with her!!!!

This is the page I scrapped for my weekly planner this week. I used the Daydream Papers, you can't tell from this awful photo, but the banner is popped up about 1/8" from the background paper. It looks really cool in real life. I also doubt you'll get a good enough view of Joanne in the bottom right photo - but she does have the cutest dimples in the world!!!!

Joanne & Kris

The Stupendous Stampers Unit meeting was today - I always love getting together with my unit sisters to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and just be together. These people are family to me!

Here is a photo of Joanne and Kris studying something together! (Joanne's hair is still wet! She is usually just getting out of the shower when we arrive for our meetings :-)


Another person whose cards I ALWAYS try to copy is Kris Massey! She definitely has a style of her own! Kris' cards are always appealing, well-balanced, the right colors, and she uses touches of techniques that I've learned but forgotten in all the right places. It never fails that when I'm in a card swap with Kris, I try to come home and imitate her cards!! Once in a great while, I'll be in a card swap with her and we practically make the same card! (Only hers' are always better, darn it! One of these days . . .) Kris - YOU are such an inspiration to me! Update! (4/8/09) Kris got the job she really wanted!!! YIPPEE!!!!!

Joanne - on the other hand, is the sister I never had. Joanne is such a life role model. She is ALWAYS positive and happy, caring and polite. This woman has the biggest heart in the world! Her busy life with 4 children, a job, a husband, and Girl Scouts, would not leave any time for a mere mortal to create cards - but then, Joanne never sleeps! I Love you, Joanne.

I'll post art tomorrow - promise!

Tickled Pink!

Ok. First things first - this card was inspired by Lisa Stenz. Lisa is another awesome artist whose blog I visit often.

I have a funny story to tell you about this card, however! It's made with the new Tickled Pink stamp set (more following) and the Dainty Thoughts. I have been in such a rut making cards with the four new spring colors (Creme Brulee, Sorbet, Tulip, and Juniper) that I took one glance at this card and picked up my Tulip ink pad. Nope. Too dark. Let's try Sorbet. Hmmm. Too orange. What color did she use?????? (Well, the Tickled Pink promotion uses Blush - do you think, maybe???)

My Mom (God rest her soul) used to say that I would never cease to be amused if I could laugh at myself. Thanks Mom.

Here are the two cards I made.



Isn't the blush option SO much prettier?!?!?!?

Ok, now for the dish on the new promotion! Tickled Pink is for National Scrapbooking Month! It is a stamp set, paper, embellishments, and instructions kit to make four 12 x 12 pages! And let me tell you, they are b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l! If you don't believe me, check out Lisa's layouts on her blog!

So between April 15th and May 31st you can get this kit free with a $60 order of CTMH stamps. Check out the link on the right hand side for all the fine print (please!).

It's almost Friday - hang in there!

Delivery of the Goodies!

So, on Monday I delivered the Anniversary treats to my co-workers! What fun that is!!!
I started the tradition when I started this job - it's been so rewarding to take at least one day a year to thank my co-workers for all that they do to make my workplace so wonderful! The list of which people to "visit" with plates of brownies or boxes of cookies has grown to be quite expensive, actually - but they are totally worth it!!!!!

This was the scrapbook page for my weekly planner this week (sorry about the glare!)
Keep in mind - one of my goals with the blog was to get better at photography! I'll learn someday when I'm not so rushed!