I'm still alive . . .

Just a quick post to say "hello" and let you know that I'll be posting Friday! I've been busy in a wonderful way!!! Work is good, but coming home to my new baby is even better. Bilbo Baggins has definitely decided that I'm "ok"! He has some challenges; I think he might have been living in a cage - because he doesn't know about heights, or how to jump or about falling off of things. But he's so good-natured and he's learning quickly! He follows me from the living room (where he hid under the couch for a week) to my bedroom talking to me all the way. He even stayed with me in the bathroom this morning while I blow-dried my hair! He still doesn't come into the family room, even though I've explained that the entire house belongs to him - everything but the closet - that belongs to the clothes. *wink*

So - I work tomorrow (getting off early) then have an adventure planned for tomorrow night. Friday I've promised to help out at church in the morning and have a lunch planned with my dear friend Joanne. Then I'll come home and photograph some things I've made recently and put up a real post! I've got the weekend to relax with my new best friend - and scrap and post (and eat black-eyed peas). I have been peeking at your blogs from work (where it's a no-no to comment) and hope to catch up this weekend.

Missing you . . . but loving my sweet kitty!
Hugs!

Introducing Mr. Bilbo Baggins

This photo could have been so much better, but Bilbo is still so skittish that I turned off the flash and all the sounds on the camera. Still, he was a little alarmed that I was pointing something at him! Today was the first day he came out of hiding - what a great Christmas present! I still haven't touched him - but he did roll around and cuddle my foot. LOL He purred!! I think it's going to be alright. I'm sure the turkey had a wee bit to do with his happy state!

I will post better photos as I can get them; not using the flash made the coloring all wonky - he is actually gray and cream colored - absolutely beautiful! He's 8 months old and already 15 pounds. He will be a very large cat. He has a snowy undercoat - and you can see hints of it on his tummy.

My Christmas was low-key but just what I needed. Tomorrow will be Open Stamping - I always love having the day with my friends!

Hugs!!

Refrigerator memo pad

Somewhere in the garage, in the many boxes of Christmas things I haven't gotten out (and probably won't now with the little kitty around) there is a lovely seasonal memo pad for my refrigerator. I would have left the other one up but it ran out of paper! So - time for a new one! I used Close-to-My-Heart Mistletoe papers, and Waltzingmouse stamps. The label is a Spellbinders (I've lost track of what number label but the stamps are compatible - gotta love that!). I put magnet on the back of it and slapped it to the front of my refrigerator! Back in business!

Well, the good news is that the kitty is still here and still alive. I've cleaned the litter box, and have noted kitty chow outside the bowl. The small catnip mouse I left around has moved (a little) from it's original location. There are gray fluffs of fur on the comfy chair in the front room. But I haven't seen him in days! Do you think he'll ever love me? Somehow I feel even more lonely with him here than before! (oh my, now that sounds tragic!) I don't mean that - I do have faith that he'll come around eventually.

Julie Marie - please come make sweet kitty noises so he'll come out!!!

Christmas Tree with Liquid Pearls

Not a very clever title for the post, I'm out of ideas! This card was made with Basic Gray paper and Close-to-My-Heart stamps (Heartfelt Christmas). I used New England Ivy ink, and paper-pieced the pot from a red-dot scrap.
The pearls are three different colors of my new liquid pearls. These are SO easy to use!

Well, I have a new kitty (I think!). I brought him home yesterday afternoon and saw him for about 2 minutes before he disappeared! I'm thinking about naming him Bilbo Baggins - because he slipped the ring on his finger and became invisible! I know he's still here because there are footprints in the litter box. . . but seriously - he was pretty traumatized by the whole day. Once he's calmed down, I'll try to get a photo and you'll begin to wish you'd never asked me for one! *wink*

Have a good week, try to enjoy the preparations and especially take time for those you love! Hugs!!

A Tisket A Tasket . . .

At the Stupendous Stampers Unit meeting last weekend I made this little treasure! It's a basket - the papers I used are the Close-to-My-Heart Mistletoe. This basket used an entire 12"x12" piece of paper but it can be scaled down to anything divisible by three. I want to make a tiny 3"x3" one because I just KNOW it with be so adorable! My CTMH upline, Joanne, had this project as a little holiday treat for us! Thanks Joanne!!

I won't whine about my week - but it's been difficult. I've had two root canals on the same tooth. It's not over yet. The infection is pretty bad - the tooth is getting pushed out of the socket by the inflammation and I'm a little scared that I'm going to lose this tooth. So, given my good excuse, I hope you'll forgive my absence this week.

My big plans for this weekend?? I have an appointment to meet a rescue kitty. Yes, it's been a year since I lost my last two cats - and I promised myself a year pet-free to be sure I really wanted another cat. I do. There is something about their love - their antics - the purring . . . I really miss having my friend at home to meet me when I trudge in from work. Wish me luck - I am waiting for one that is the right "sighs". ;-)

What have you got planned? I hope you have some time to enjoy your loved ones and appreciate your good health! (seriously!)

Hugs!

More packaging

This one was a nifty way to gather up some "small" items that might otherwise get tossed out in with the tissue paper! I love these little tins - and usually fill them with small nugget chocolates wrapped in matching papers. I love how the snowman looks like he's throwing a kiss! Mwah!

This weekend just FLEW by! Zzzzoooommmmmm. I have started the (hopefully) last card design for my Christmas cards this year. I'm about half-way assembling this batch of 18. I'll post one as soon as I can get a photo of it. So, I'm listening to carols, and running loads of laundry while I put these cards together. It's really a lovely way to spend the evening!

Hugs!

Card and tag

Happy Friday!!! I've got a crazy-busy weekend planned but it will be fun stuff with dear friends! I created these two things with the papers found on my desk - the tag on the front of the card can be pulled out (hello message!) and inside the card is a little dry-embossed paper slot to hold a gift card. I honestly don't know most of the sources, but the white-dots-on-red paper was in a holiday paper pack from Stampin' Up.

What fun things do you have planned for this weekend? I've got a CTMH Unit holiday party, and a work holiday family event, and then the Outreach Committee at church is hosting the coffee hour to support the Blood Drive that will be going on. Sunday evening there will be a concert at the church that should be excellent - my church has excellent acoustics and music performed in there is astounding.

Hugs!!

Wrapping Packages

I think I've figured out why it's taking me so-o-o-o long to get my Christmas gifts wrapped! *grin*

This paper was a pretty faintly striped ivory roll of a "natural" feeling paper. It stamped up pretty good, I think! There were some spots where the stamps sat on top of the stripes - but most of the time, the ink went on beautifully. I used New England Ivy and Chocolate inks (Close-to-My-Heart) and one of the newest WaltzingMouse Stamp sets. I also used a WMS label set to make the frame on the Spellbinder Label #1.

My days have been full and fun - lots going on, but any of us can say that right now! I actually had to send myself to time out on Sunday because I was trying to shop and got "Seriously crabby". Go-straight-to-your-corner-young-lady-and-think-about-what-you've-done crabby. After a nice lunch and some Christmas music, I felt better and was able to go try again. It's amazing what a nice lunch can do for you.

Have a fabulous Wednesday (Hump Day!).
Hugs!

Happy Hanukkah!

I had it in my mind that Hanukkah started today - but the first candle was actually lit last night on December 1st. So, I'm late. (what else is new?) I try to make some Hanukkah cards for my friends who celebrate this holiday - it seems like the right thing to do!

This card uses a Stampin' Up image that was embossed with detail black embossing powder then colored with Close-to-My-Heart marker (Spring Iris) for the candles, Creme Brulee for the flames (with a bit of stickles!) and a gold Signo gel pen for the candlestick. The image was left in the nestability after die-cutting and sponged with Vanilla Cream ink. The sentiment is another CTMH set stamped in black ink. I think the design paper was Yellow Bicycle. I saw it months ago and the color just said "Hanukkah" to me so I've been saving it.

Work has been wild-busy this week - but that means that here we are - Thursday evening and it's the first time I've looked up! Yes, I'm pretty tired but it's also very satisfying - I'm getting a lot accomplished. I'm looking forward to the weekend to get my Christmas cards moving - - -

I hope you're having a wonderful week. Can you believe it's December already?? Ne meither! (that's from "My Father's Dragon" - my DD and I say that to each other all the time) *grin*

Hugs!

Gloria

This project was inspired by Ashley Cannon Newell (here). I love how it turned out - so festive! The white is actually white felt - and so is the green on the top of the tag! The tag pulls out and there is a gift certificate at the bottom of it. It was easy to create (with Ashley's great tutorial - Thanks Ashley!) The sentiment is from Everlasting Life - a new Close-to-My-Heart set this winter.

I had the most wonderful Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving! I flew out to Boston to be with my DD and her beau. I walked around the town, slept in late, ate w-a-y too much and then we got in the car to go "over the hills and through the woods" to Brian's family's in Connecticut. This was my first time to meet most of them (I don't really count the 5 minutes at the Senior picnic at the BU graduation 2007). His family is just delightful! I fell in love with them, just like my daughter did three years ago.

Look at this precious couple!She is so happy!

I am so happy!

We have a lot to be thankful for.
Hugs!

Masculine birthday card

I was just going through the images that my daughter left on the camera when she was here earlier this month and found this card! I made this the night before (with great pressure!) for her grandfather's 90th birthday. I used pattern papers from PTI but did some enhancement with stamps and CTMH bamboo ink. The sentiment is from a Close-to-My-Heart set; I just love that one, and it pretty well sums up my FILs approach to life. He has never waited for things to happen - he goes forward and creates it! He liked the card, but he was so funny - he was enchanted with the ribbon ("it's soft and fuzzy - like corduroy pants").

Well, the big excitement last night was that I got to attend a pre-release private showing of the new Harry Potter movie! Wow, that was fun! My employer actually had two theaters reserved for just us - and the children of all ages came dressed in their favorite character and house colors! The movie was great, even if it meant that I didn't get home until nearly 11 PM.

So - good thing I have today off! I'll probably need a nap this afternoon ;-)
Happy Friday!

Sympathy Card

Thank you all so much for your encouragement about the "other" sympathy card - you are such sweet and faithful friends! I kept "fiddleing" with this until finally - at the midnight hour - I got what I wanted. This card is for a dear friend at work - she is my age and lost her Mom. While her Mom wasn't in perfect health, the loss was still unexpected! Not that it's ever easy to lose your Mom.

I feel like I knew this gracious, independent woman and that a sympathy card needed to be just right to honor her passing. Her daughter (my friend) is gracious and independent, too - and so beautiful. So - soft and beautiful. I felt like this card was finally good enough.

I used Close-to-my-Heart papers and the wildflower stamp. The French writing stamp is from Stampin' Up. The sentiment tab is from Nina Brackett "Lovely Shelf". Then, with layers, distressing, Tim Holtz distress inks (antique linen and chipped sapphire) chalk ink (warm brown) and CTMH ink (Cocoa and Olive) lace and ribbon - Whew! What a list!

Today was the 2nd day of teaching 8th grade math for my DD. My heart is soaring - she has found her place in the world! She has had (already!) so many of those moments of joy - when the light bulb comes on, or the students are so excited about the learning that they are actually having fun! Yes, and she's been caught-in-the-act of being an excellent teacher! She is putting her heart and soul in the job and is the happiest I've ever seen her!

This is how it's supposed to be - that you do something you truly love so it doesn't even feel like work, it feels like a blessing. I can't begin to tell you how much it has lifted my spirits!

Hugs!

Just a Note (Thank You Note)

This card was the result of some papers already out on the table - that happens to me a lot! When I start with some, then I'm inspired to use them in a different way and the whole thing can get out of hand! When we had the beautiful black/white/beige papers called Silhouette I think I didn't use anything else for about a month!

Anyway - it's CTMH paper and stamps. I used Lagoon ink, and Baker's twine that my dear friend Karen (Baker) sent me! Awesome stuff!

The weekend was once again too short! I went to battle yesterday with the HUGE overgrown bush on the front corner of my house and . . . the bush won. LOL I'm covered in scratches! I will have to wear long sleeves this week or people will think I'm trying to tame wild tigers.

Today I scrapped with a close friend and enjoyed every minute of it! I made a little scrapbook for another friend to give her DGD . . . I like it! I took photos, but to be honest, I don't get much from layouts without any pictures or journaling on the page - they seem so blank somehow! Maybe I'll post just a couple of them later in the week - we'll see how I feel after sleeping on it.

Have a wonderful Monday!
HUGS!

Alert!

Trader Joe's alert !
The Candy-Cane Joe-Joe's are here!!!
YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

Sympathy

Another sympathy card. This one is a little too "pretty" for my tastes. I may not keep it (I mean, not send it). But it was part of the {just try something} process I was using last weekend! Close to my heart papers, the stamped image is a Papertray Ink one. The cocoa circle under it was dry embossed with the wood grain CB folder and inked with cocoa ink to give it more depth.

Well - news from the home front - my DD went to meet the Superintendent and sign paperwork on Friday. The plan was to shadow the math teacher a couple of days next week then wait in the wings until the baby comes. But, life does have it's little surprises ( ! ) and the teacher went into labor while Kristen was at the district office. She immediately went over to the school and began orientation with the rest of the 8th grade team. When I talked with her last night she was excited and exhausted. Oh to be so young and brave!

Hope you're having a perfect weekend! I'm off to visit everyone and be INSPIRED!
Hugs!

Inspired again!

This card was "inspired" by Laurel Seabrook (I couldn't find her post - I think she has it out for publication!). I fell so hard for her card that I ordered the PTI stamps and dies so I could make it! Oh my! Everyone KNOWS I am not Laurel Seabrook! Just a wannabe!

I used Close-to-My-Heart inks and papers (the brown check is the back side of the blue check), and changed up the theme from "birthday" to "Thank You" (because I needed a TY note). This was actually VERY quick to make and I'll be going to it again and again - very cool!

So - update on life; one of my favorite things about having my DD home last week was that at (my) bedtime, she would crawl into my bed and we would chat until my eyes closed! Gosh, I miss her! She's only been gone about 36 hours and I'm already counting the days until I get to Boston!

In this hectic build-up to the holiday season - it's good to take a few moments to remember the simple things that bring us pleasure. Closeness to loved ones tops the list - every . single . time .

Hugs!

Snowy - Starry night

Sometimes when I have a hard time creating something I fiddle around and just do anything! Does that happen to you, too? This was the result of one of those days - where I felt like my Mojo had disappeared and I really needed to be making a sympathy card and a thank you card but I kept pulling out holiday stamps! I absolutely LOVE this card! It is "uber" simple - the stamp is white embossed on a pattern paper from my stash. I didn't even pop-it up so it's completely "mail-able" for holiday cards. Inside I placed a pretty white paper to write a personal note . . . Can you go wrong with navy blue and white? I didn't think so!

My DD went home this morning. SO sad. We had a wonderful visit - sorry I was gone so much but I treasure every moment with her actually HERE! I shared her this time with her father's family - it was her "Farfar's" 90th birthday celebration last week (the reason for her trip!). I was invited and try as I did to talk him out of it ("you can see me anytime") he wouldn't hear of it! So, I went. And it was absolutely wonderful! I had a great time - the other guests were gracious and kind. He enjoyed himself and treated us all like royalty! It was a birthday party to remember forever!!!

While I'm sharing - my DD got a long-term substitute teaching position yesterday! Talk about an exciting day!! We were so thrilled - it seems like a wonderful school with great colleagues for her - she will be teaching 8th grade math which is her absolute favorite! The experience will look good on her resume - and so one never knows where this will take her. Thank God for this opportunity!

So - with that, and with gratitude for my own job, I will close. Have a wonderful week, dear friends.

Hugs!

PS - I don't know WHY the first paragraph is underlined - I've tried everything to make it go "away"! If you know, please let me in on the trick!

Still here . . .

I've been enjoying a rare visit from my darling daughter and haven't had any time to craft until today. My mojo was slow in returning and then she took off with my camera tonight (just out with friends) but I should be able to post some new art tomorrow.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are ready for the new week!
Hugs!

Jack-O-Lantern

It's been awhile since I've carved a real pumpkin! I have been making the craft-type ones and have a little collection that I set out - very handy, but not quite the same. It was kind of fun, actually. I roasted the seeds and they turned out delicious!

Happy Halloween!

Yoga

I gave a small token of my appreciation to my Yogini tonight at Yoga class - it has been 6 years since I discovered Yoga - she has been in the room the whole way - and has been my life-line.

These cards turned out so nice - the first time I tried to use these new stamps, the result was just "ok". This time I pulled back and let the stamp stand on it's own beauty - a more CAS look than my usual, and I love it.

I photographed it before I added a small charm with the symbol for "ohm". It's gone now - so you'll have to take my word for it - a little circle about 3/8" in diameter was attached at the center of the bow by an interesting safety pin that I re-purposed from a recent clothing purchase.

These are the fabulous Yoga stamps by American Art Stamp that I got a few weeks ago. I stamped them in Momento Tuxedo Black on Kraft cardstock - drew the frames by tracing the outside edge of the largest nestie (like a recent post) and colored them with my new pencils and OMS (odorless mineral spirits). I used a variety of sentiments as you can see - some from Who's That Girl (their yoga stamp set) and others from PTI and Waltzingmouse Stamps.

And, yes, I did copy Curt O'Brien's wonderful little gift box (again). So handy!

Have a wonderful weekend, dear friends! Let me know what your favorite part was - what did you treasure most about this weekend?

Fall Tree

I was just playing around with stamps and colors - taking a break from the Halloween and Christmas projects! This card just happened and I kinda like it. The stamps are from PTI. I used some outdoorsy design papers and a bit of twine. I tried to create some ground and a little definition around the tree with the Copic marker.

I am so very glad that tomorrow is Thursday. I had a diagnostic test regarding my tummy yesterday that did not go very well (I don't know the result yet - but the test was awful!). I'm thankful to be back on an even keel and looking forward to a weekend when I can truly relax. I'll be going to the new Yoga studio again Friday after work . . . so with any luck I'll be "blissed" and sleep wonderfully! I received more HUGS in the mailbox that I want to share with you . . . but it will have to wait until tomorrow as it's past my bedtime already.

Namaste.

Thanks to You

This card was a quick thank you note for a colleague who went 150% the other day at work - who needed to know that the effort was appreciated. I loved how fast it went together. I used kraft cardstock, outlined the largest rectangle nestability on the outside of the die using a black micron pen, and stamped the Waltzingmouse Stamps images on Close-to-My-Heart Olivia design papers and cut them out. The flower is on 1/8" foam adhesive - so just barely popped up. The "Thanks to YOU" image was from another WMS stamp set.

So - Sunday was amazing as well - every weekend should be so wonderful! When I am queen, they all will be. I had toyed with the idea of going to the 5 PM church service Saturday night - but got so engrossed in the craft room that I missed it! So, I set my alarm to attend the 8 AM service - but hit the snooze one too many times and slept through that one as well. I showered and at the last minute pulled on a new blouse - a little surprise from my usual Sunday casual. There was a reason - apparently. I had completely forgotten that I was an usher today for the 10 o'clock service - but God knew. I enjoy ushering (Oh please, don't let Bill read my blog - he'll schedule me more often!!). I love greeting my church family and having a role in the service - however small.

My weather was beautiful - so the yard work and even some cleaning in the garage were such a joy! Normally I'd be "melting" - but today was perfect!
I've got just a couple of details to handle then it's off to bed! I'm ready for the new week!

Hugs!

Count Your Blessings!

This card is performing double-duty - I will use it next Sunday for the technique of the month (stamping on glossy cardstock) and am entering it in the Stamp Simply weekly challenge of which the theme is Thankfulness. I like it when something can be used twice! It's like "recycling"!

Edited to add: I skipped over the requirement to SAY what I'm thankful about! I love being able to go into my craft room and create something with the things available. I love yoga class, sleep, and feeling strong again. I love a day when I get to "talk" with my DD (I miss her so much!). There are a thousand things every day that I'm thankful for - I love my blog-friends and seeing all the amazing things you create, too. I guess this short list probably fits the bill.

First I should update about the Yoga class - I know I gushed about how much I enjoyed it - but the "good night's sleep" - well, that's something to write home about! I slept 10 hours. Really! And I awoke feeling full of energy,joy, and was able to move pretty much right away.

What a delight today has been - as I have spent it mostly in the craft room (with a lovely interlude to Skype with my DD and enjoy her new hairstyle and other ramblings!) I'm well over half-way creating the Phase 1 of my cards for the holidays; 35 Christmas cards in one design. The limiting factor this year (there is always something that limits the number of cards for any one design) is the red buttons. And I thought I had enough red buttons to last the rest of my life! Guess not. (giggle)

After church tomorrow I do need to run a couple of quick errands, but then I get more time to play! Hope you have a great Sunday.

Hugs!

Ta Da!

My very first House Mouse project! This was one of the many images that Curt sent to me - I colored it up with color pencils and OMS (odorless mineral spirits). The photo makes the image look washed out - it wasn't super strong in real life but it was more "substantial" than it looks here! LOL

I also copied the little box that Curt created. It has enough room inside to tuck a treasure or two - I'm sure I'll be turning to this design again and again!

Well - I tried Yoga at a new studio tonight. My favorite Yoga instructor (Linda) was teaching there and urged me to come give it a try. I'd follow Linda anywhere - she's that good. This studio is lovely and the class was excellent. It felt just right. I felt strong again, and left the class feeling the bliss. I will sleep tonight. So very happy.

Namaste.

Another wonderful gift!!

Can't we all benefit from a "mailbox hug" now and then? This was a second delightful surprise in my mailbox in a two week period! I know, I know - right about now you're wishing you were me! Me too!! LOL

This gift came from Karen Baker. She used some tapes on a card recently and I commented that I hadn't tried them yet. She remembered my comment and sent this generous selection of delightful tapes (some paper, some cloth!) and a beautiful card! I am just thrilled - I love Karen's work! I hope that I don't hoard them forever, but instead, use them to create something worthy. (no pressure)

It's Thursday evening - I have another weekend set aside for my own mental health - and that just seems so extravagant. Luxurious. Indulgent. Well, I will do a few chores and some yard work - but the weather is going to be "heavenly" (low 70's) so being outside will be a relief after being cooped up all summer long! I hope to get a good running start on my 100+ Holiday cards this weekend. My list has grown every year - and I keep a scrapbook of the cards and annual letter that goes out to close friends and distant family. It's kind of fun to look back and see what my style was in 1999 . . . if you know what I mean! Do you make cards for the holidays? (I use the term Holidays because I make about 95 Christmas cards and some Hannukah cards, too)

Hugs!

Metal Challenge

On Friday my friend Deb Neerman posted her entry for the Stamp Simply challenge of the week. She wrote:

This week, Sharon has us rockin' with "hard rocks!" Think metals and stones as added elements for your project including metallic pens, metallic papers, rhinestones, gold, silver, and diamonds. Feel free to use copper, rubies, emeralds, pearls, etc. Use these types of beauties to embellish and enhance your rockin' creation!

I decided that I could make a card with "metal" and this is the result! I was amazed that the silver embossing photographed to look like silver and not just a gray swirl. Hmmm, I wonder what I did differently?! If you know - give me a clue!

Hugs!

Sympathy cards

Another sympathy card, and I didn't have much time to pull it together, either! I went for subtle - so the Verve image was stamped in Chocolate ink right over the patterned paper (in my stash, no idea where I found it). The image shows up, but just barely. I like the effect and it's even prettier in person.

It's been a good weekend! I enjoyed Yoga class Saturday morning, came home and cleaned up the craft room and stamped a bit. Today after church I've stamped more while the laundry goes. Pretty laid back - just what I needed!

Namaste.

I had a dream . . .

Do you dream about card designs? I do, but usually I'm not able to remember the details - just some key part of it. From one dream, I remember the Waltzingmouse Star. I just had to use the star on top of a Christmas tree. This is a HUGE star folks. LOL So - the tree took a bit of fiddling. Finally I opted for felt - it seemed "heavy" enough to hold up that big star! It had to be folksy to account for the strange proportions. I stitch the edges of the tree loose, and when I adhered them to the cardstock, I pulled them in just a hair towards the middle so the center would open up - I tried to get a photo where you can see the dimension.

I hadn't used my sewing machine in awhile and had forgotten how to wind and load the bobbin. After a few miserable tries (thank goodness I've learned to practice on scraps of cardstock) I got it going. Now I've promised myself to use it more often so I can remember! Lastly, I used one of the PTI impression plates but I stacked it into my cuttlebug loosely so the impression is faint. I love the effect.

I can't believe it was last Monday when I posted - shame on me! I have been visiting and soaking in all your creativity though. Last night was a flurry of activity - strangely, my inspiration mostly came from cleaning up the table enough to find a work space! What are your plans for the weekend?

Hugs!

Surprise in my mailbox!!!

Recently there was a fabulous challenge going on that I wanted to jump into and I e-mailed my friend Curt O'Brien to ask if I could use any other stamps for this challenge since I didn't have any House Mouse stamps (yet!). Curt replied that I needed to use House Mouse stamps and he would send me a couple of images so I could join in the fun! Look what I found in my mailbox!!!!! This darling box (carefully wrapped in a protective bubble wrap bag)!!
Check out the details! I love the silver on the magnifying glass and that the lens is shiny with glass! The larger photo didn't quite capture it so I was careful to grab a close-up!
This shows the box starting to open - the luscious ribbon (chocolate - of course) slips off and the lid lifts up . . .
A couple of images?!?!!!! I don't think there was one design in the pack that didn't have two stamped images. I asked Curt if this was because he knew that if I only had one, I would never be able to give it away? His reply was that he likes to have two so when he messes one up he has another try! Oh my goodness - I can't imagine Curt ever messing anything up!
To top it all off - this lovely fall card - with a sweet note. I am truly blessed - and to think that 2 years ago I didn't really even know what a blog was! Now I have dear "blog friends" all over the world. Friends that make me feel warm and fuzzy - loved. I am honored by this gift and I will treasure Curt's artwork! I couldn't wait to share them with you so that you can oooooo and aaahhhh over them, too.
By the way - I will most likely be posting some cards with these House Mouse images in the very near future! ;-)

Hugs!!

Sweeeeeet!

Trick or Treat! These little tubes were quick and easy - but so cute! I used Close-to-My-Heart stamps and inks, and tied the tags onto the tubes with black tulle. The back of the tags say "a boo-tiful night".

It's been a busy Saturday morning - and I'm off to curl up in a soft place for awhile. Lots of things still planned for the weekend, but one of the most important was taking time for me. Right now "me" wants a nap!

Hugs!

Happy Birthday!

This fun card was inspired by Vicki Wiznuik (here). I re-created it as closely as I could but I used the Magic Moments papers (retired). The larger dot border is from Circle Around, the candles are from Candlelight. I love how Vicki let the candles fall off the popped-up focal piece - so interesting! I'm happy with this card and it didn't take long at all!

It's Thursday night already. I'm usually just dying for Thursday night to get here, and I'm not complaining - just surprised that it happened so fast! Tomorrow will be busy, too, and I love it when I'm busy! Then, the weekend and our weather is finally beautiful - the highs are only forecast to be mid-80's. Hooray!

What fun things do you have planned for this weekend??
Hugs!

Something for Card Making Day - a day late.

I didn't get to stamp on National World Card Making Day - but I sure wanted to! I finally got into the craft room today and made this simple card - I like how it turned out! It uses the CTMH Olivia papers (5 x 1" strips) on a base of Barn Red cardstock and then popped up for dimension over a card base of Bamboo. The sentiment (PTI) is embossed with Cocoa embossing powder and sponged with Bundled Sage (Tim Holtz distress ink) with the Spellbinder die still in place (to create the white edge). The butterfly was punched from a Martha Stewart punch that I finally bought - it's lovely, isn't it? I'm sure I could have used a few products from other companies if I'd actually tried!!! LOL

Interesting weekend - let's just say that I'm ready for the new week and hoping for a good one. I have certainly enjoyed visiting everyone's blogs and seeing all the creativity flowing - you are absolutely amazing!!! I have saved so many things to my inspiration folders that I really don't need to make anything new ever again, I can just copy you! ;-)

Have a good week!

Yoga!

Just a quick post tonight - I enjoyed a wonderful Yoga practice this evening and am feeling so relaxed and happy. Ohm. I haven't been for a couple of weeks now - the last time I did Yoga I did something to my knee (the one that had surgery) and it really set me back. So, I've been babying it and praying (a LOT) and today felt that I was strong enough to try a modified practice. It was good and I am filled with gratitude.

So - it seems fitting to share my most recent card! I found these amazing stamps (there are 5 all together) at American Art Stamp. I bought them all. This was the first one I got wet - it's "Side Angle Pose". I used the pattern paper from the Close-to-My-Heart Grace paper pack and the top piece is the backside of a design paper from CTMH Magnifique - I stamped and colored right on the design paper. The coloring is a bit amateurish - I should have opted for pencils and OMS instead of markers. But, I was impatient. Next time.

Namaste.

Better get Better!

We're taking a short break from Halloween to bring you a Get Well card! I needed one to send to a friend . . . I had a lot of fun making this one using TCP (The Cat's Pajamas) stamps. Papers are from Close-to-my-heart! All from the You Rock pack. The purple dots are the back side of the blue dots. Fun, huh?!

It was a good day at work today - busy, busy - just the way I like it! Not much news except that I'm really enjoying my DD's new blog - I'm getting to see photos of her without waiting an eternity for her to send them to me! :D

Have a Happy Hump Day!

Haunted House

So, this card is a little exaggerated . . . LOL! But what fun!! I enjoyed putting this one together - the haunted house was stamped twice - once on the design paper and then on the other side of it and mounted on black cardstock before I trimmed it out. Then popped up for dimension. I used yellow stickles to illuminate the window. It's a little weird - next time I might just paper piece yellow paper into the window.

We said our final good-byes to Sister Pat at church yesterday. The service was heavily attended - she was beloved. We held each other and openly wept. Pat's biological family was small, and more composed than her church family managed to be. Yet, the day was also cathartic as we acknowledge that she is now at peace and in the arms of our Lord.

It's Sunday - my weekends are too short! But, today will be wonderful - my friends are coming over this afternoon to scrapbook with me. I always enjoy their company so much - today, doubly so.

Hugs!

I called this one "Happy Jack"

This card appeals to me because it's so simple! I did paper piece the "Jack" with the Close-to-My-Heart Olivia papers (therefore, the new Sunset color), I think everything else is quite self-explanatory!

Happy Thursday!!! I got home earlier than usual - started the day early and actually left on time. Traffic was light (perhaps because I was earlier?) and I had fixed dinner and eaten by 6 PM - that's usually when I walk in the door if not later. Wow - I could get used to that schedule!

I hope your week has been good - I hear about lots of rain (we even had some here!). There are always things to be done, fun things and "gotta" things - our assignment is to find the joy in all of them.

Hugs!

Halloween pumpkins!

What an original title. Sorry - I'm not up to speed tonight. Tired.

This card was a serious case of a card posted by Julie Ebersole here. I think Julie had design paper with the funky black border, but we can imitate that, huh! The pumpkins are from my new Waltzingmouse stamps set (see last post) and the writing on the background is a PTI stamp. I used an embossing folder to create the orange piece (inked it up with Goldrush to get more definition on the Sunset cardstock). The card is Pear.

Wednesday - maybe the best I can say about today is that I had BUCKETS full of rain last night and today at my house - perhaps over an inch!! I won't need to worry about watering my plants this week!!! I am thankful for a roof that doesn't leak, too.

Namaste.

PS - my DD has started a blog - it's food-related. If you are interested, you can find her here at http://joyful-foodie.blogspot.com

Halloween cards!!! HOW FUN!

This fabulous card was designed by Kate Whelan HERE. I was so smitten with it that I ordered the stamp set from Waltzingmouse stamps the next day. They got here Saturday and were the first thing I got to play with after I finished the fence! I've been enchanted by them - there will be a few more Halloween cards coming; I have some IDEAS!

But, about this card - I need your advice! I stamped the bats and blings on the focal image cardstock and used the heat gun to help them dry completely. I then rubbed the piece with a dryer sheet (supposed to remove static cling). I used Versamark and black embossing powder and the powder stuck very stubbornly to the bats. I used a tiny paint brush to help the stray powder scurry away - but that risks brushing my witch and she's so awesome! What tricks do you know for reducing the stray embossing powders?? Do I need to stamp the bats and leave them overnight to dry?

Another cool thing about this card - the bubbles and the magic coming out of the wand were white embossed, then colored over with dye ink markers - - - less than perfect results. I've ordered 4 copic sketch markers, I think the alcohol based copics will work beautifully! If it does, I'll re-post the next version of the card. Otherwise, the card is pretty straight forward.

Materials: Close to My Heart inks and paper; Gypsy, Pear, Black. VersaMark clear for embossing with CTMH Black and White embossing powders. The underneath "ribbon" for the purple and orange are TAPES, with the thinner ribbon put over them (I don't know where the ribbon is from - I am a terrible ribbon hoarder and buy it everywhere I go!). Waltzingmouse stamp set.

So, I love to be busy! I've had a full and fun day and I'm ready now for Tuesday - bring it on! Hope you're having a good week.

Hugs!

Another Baby Girl on the way!

I had fun playing with this card - even if it did take me HOURS to complete it! LOL It should have been a 30 minute card. I used the clear embossing over a stamped pattern, then sponged color over the clear embossing. I like the effect of the partial words showing through the sweet little animal characters. I'm not sure where I got the white paper with the dots, but the stamps are Close-to-My-Heart and the inks are Honey, Sweet Leaf, and Baby Pink. The writing underneath was in Bamboo.

It's Friday (after sleeps)! What a week - I've been dragging . . . and am not quite sure how I got through this week. I have a fairly low-key weekend planned with (I hope!) some time to spend in the craft room - AFTER I finish staining the fence (that simply MUST get done this weekend!)

Namaste.

Triple Play stamps - another possibility

This was inspired by Tresa Black - she created a "Fabulously Artsy" card recently to show off ways to use this new stamp set! I copied her - as much as I could. LOL There may be one detail I should admit to - with my card I used a piece of CTMH daisy white cardstock, and covered it with the Tim Holtz distress ink in "Spun Sugar" to create the pale pink background. The images were stamped over that with CTMH Cotton Candy and then accented with the white pen.

I had the strangest morning - it reminded me of one of my frequently recurring nightmares! I set my alarm for 45 minutes earlier than I needed today so I could shower leisurely, perhaps fix a hot breakfast . . . and leave for work a little early. I had a teleconference webinar today and wasn't confident that I could manage logging into both things - so I wanted lots of extra time to figure it out! LOL Well, I really don't know what happened - I got up on time, and showered about the same as always. By the time I got into the car, the dash board clock indicated that I was actually running 15 minutes LATE! Oh No!!! I dashed into the office with just enough time to throw down my things and pick up the phone to dial the number. I was still trying to log onto the computer when the chairperson for the committee asked me to introduce myself to everyone. I'm lucky I remembered my name!! Holy cow.

How was your day?

More Birthday cards!

This one uses the corner doily stamp from the Close-to-My-Heart current Triple Play special - where you can get three (3) mini-albums and a wonderful stamp set all for $5 with a purchase of $40 in stamps. It's a great deal as the mini-albums are adorable and this stamp set is terrific! After photographing the card, it occurred to me that the ribbon of leaves should have been going the other way (pointing up). Hmmm. Well, we can fix that!

Hope your weekend is going great - I'm over 1/2 way finished with staining the wood on my new iron/wood fence. I'm thrilled with the look - I picked a great color (natural). Check out this little mid-way photo (unstained is on the left).
Have a wonderful Sunday, dear friends!

Namaste.

A Happy Birthday MAN card!

This weekend my mission (that I accepted gladly!) was to make 14 birthday cards, one of which must be masculine. I created this interesting offering! I thought I'd share and delineate the reasons I think it might be "okay" for a MAN card.

1. Distressed
2. Neutral - woodsy colors
3. No ribbons, bows, or buttons (or bling - yikes!)
4. Simple
5. To the point.

I think the papers are from Basic Gray - the sentiment is Close-to-My-Heart from the set that has ALL the birthday greetings in one set - the colors of ink were Cocoa and Olive. I regret that CTMH retired the textured cardstock (the little band of cocoa paper that I sanded to reveal the white core) because it always added so much interest to a project.

I'm SO glad it's almost Friday - what a long (short) week!! LOL Why are the short weeks so difficult? Do we really work harder - or is it just that we enjoyed the long weekend SO much that we are craving more time off? Do you have any fun plans??

Hugs!

Ippity Flowers

A second card from my new Ippity stamp set - this one with flowers and the repeating sentiment . . . It's prettier in real life (I think). The yellow gingham is distressed with some Cotton Candy ink (one of the new CTMH colors) so it blends and coordinates nicely with the Blush cardstock.

Work was good but I really, really didn't want to get out of bed this morning! I must have hit the snooze button 4 times! YIKES! Well, I made it through the day and am finally home. Just a few little loose ends, then I can settle down with a book - I'm feeling the need to be lazy tonight.

Hugs!

Be Still

I finally had a chance to play with the new Ippity stamps I bought from Julie Ranae HERE.

I fell in love with the stamps in this set - this is really a very simple card - the tree was inked in CTMH Brown Bag, the things in the tree are open and fine-lines so it was easy to color them. This ribbon is one that I've been hoarding for awhile - and while I was thinking "brown" when I went to the ribbon "wall" I picked up this ribbon first.

The weekend was wonderful! I enjoyed "down time" and "stamping time" and I did yard work (which I actually enjoy, to be truthful) and did gobs of laundry. For one person, I don't know why there is so much of it! LOL

Hope your short week flies by quickly -
We will be back celebrating the weekend soon.

Namaste.