Forget Me Knot Nonsense

A Sentimental Journey with May Arts Ribbon

2012-02-10T09:38:00.000-05:00

A sentimental journey....May Arts Ribbon's February challenge conjurers ups such sweet images and emotions. May Arts sent four ribbons and you had to use all four on your project. My journey began the moment I laid eyes on the ribbon selection- I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it- I wanted to create an old fashion lingerie envelope. I knew I probably wouldn't be tucking it into my dresser just yet though so I wanted to make it yummy enough to sit out for the month of February! The idea at first was to use plain fabric to make the envie but as I was looking through my stash I came across this wonderful vintage linen from my Mother in law. I am not sure if it is one she or her mom had made but I suspect it is. (A lesson learned late- ask all your questions now before it is too late- there are so many questions we wish we knew the answers to!) I hand sewed a plain fabric onto the front to make a pocket so not to destroy the linen piece. The linen simply flips over to form the flap. I made a heart pin to attach on the front but it can be removed and used as a piece of jewelry. The front is decorated with all four ribbons as well as some vintage buttons and a cute gold floral pin that just so happened to be laying around out on the cutting table while I was working on this project (like it was meant to be!). I made a card using all four ribbons as well, this time using Stampin' up doily stamp.

So here is my Valentine sentimental journey, inside I will tuck away a picture of my mother-in-law, a note about the linen, and maybe some small treasures. Oh, and the Valentine part, the heart of course but also my mother in law's birthday was Feb 14th.

Thank you May Arts Ribbon.....

I should have posted this one on Superbowl Sunday....

2012-02-09T05:44:00.000-05:00

This card was for my oldest son's birthday back in July of last year. His birthday fell on the day our local village celebrates the 4th with fireworks so I made him this fireworks and beer card. The beer can is cut from wrapping paper that I picked up in a garage sale- I just knew it would be perfect for some male cards! I simply cut out the can, layered it on some card stock and cut that out and the focal piece was created....easy breezy....

Stay tuned, my younger son's birthday was a week later and yes, he too, received a beer card.......

Time for a Warm Mug of Cocoa......

2012-01-23T17:18:00.000-05:00

Based on the sketch for CPS 252 this card was created using a wonderful Inky Antics stamp, Marshmallow Friends by Tammy DeYoung. I received this stamp set, along with two others, from Jackie at Inky Antics. Not only did she send me these sets but she introduced me to a new family favorite game, Pictionary! Thank you Jackie!

I am also using this card for the January challenge at Papercrafts Connection- there is nothing like being last minute...

And on the subject of thank yous, I won this pack of Authentique paper and twine from suburbNgypsy. The two sided paper is beautiful! I have not yet made anything from it (bad me!) but I need to get the thank you out. Please check out the suburbNgypsy blog- she makes amazing creations!

This could be a first for me...

2012-01-22T14:18:00.000-05:00

The OWH Stars and Stamps blog posted sketch #105 this morning and I made the card already today! Usually I never even get the sketch done....good intentions but time is one thing I definitely do not have good management of!
Off to work on some other projects......

A Huge Thank You to Scrap-Mart

2012-01-21T12:59:00.000-05:00

This December I was one of the grand prize winners st Scrap-Mart and I won this wonderful
Spellbinders package. I could barely contain my excitement- what an amazing group of dies! And look- some exclusive Scrap-mart ones! These are extra special!!!! I can not say enough.... but I will say this Scrap-Mart Rocks!!!!!
So go on over and check out their site- they carry amazing products (at super prices!). Tell them debb sent you!
Now excuse me, I need to go die cut something.....
debb

Twirling Chicks

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Twirling chicks....yes, seriously, they twirl...this is a spinner card. An experiment of sorts, if I made it again I think it would be more effective with just one twirling or maybe one twirling and two stabilized on the bottom as stoppers.... Can you tell I just think and babble to myself as I write...lol...

I won a gift certificate to DeNami Design and selected these chick stamps along with a couple of others- (and as long as I was ordering... I might as well buy a couple right?). I really loved the way the chicks are tumbling and thought why not try a spinner card- and why not try a circular one - I am sure it has been done before and I probably should have searched for some instructions but that is not me...I just like to make it up as I go...lol...

And one more shout out to Copic Markers- I won this one from their ten days of giveaways. Woo hoo....love my copics!!!!

Fashionably Late... in many ways....

2012-01-19T19:15:00.000-05:00

Always behind....or fashionably late...yep that's me! I could not help the play on words on this cards as it serves double duty... I might use it as a belated birthday card...or it may go on a scrapbook page that befits the theme...but it also refers to all the bloggy thank yous I need to post about, beginning with this one! I won this stamp set over at Lisa Pace's Antiquated Collection facebook page and am sending a big thank you out to Lisa and Pink Persimmon for sending it to me!
Go on- check out the links- the stamps are amazing!

I can not believe I am going to show this but here is my craft room.....

2012-01-09T09:20:00.002-05:00

I know. I know. I know. What a mess- but the potential is here! Let me tell you a story....This room was my sewing room. It is approximately 35x15 and was expanded on our house 20 plus years ago. It is in fact, the original house, turned into a garage then we added on as part of the house. Complicated I know. But the people who built our house over 70 years ago first built this part and lived in it while they built the house. When we purchased the house 27 years or so ago this room was the garage and breezeway - complete with a dug basement and hardwood floors that were rotting (can you image hardwood floors in a garage- not a good choice for the northeast!). And the garage was deep and long - sometimes I miss it but that is another story.....!
My sewing business ... this was the room I used for it. It once housed all my sewing machines - industrial and regular, hundreds of bolts of fabric, dresses, dress dummies, a 12' by 4' cutting table, and general chaos. Then after 15 years or so, I decided I was over that.... hmmm... sold off all the industrial machines and all the remaining fabric bolts.I did it slowly but it was the end of an era....

But I still had tons of stuff from other hobbies, lol and it was still my room right? Wrong....bit by bit inch by inch in they came... a couch here, a chair there, a desk, newspapers, magazines, boys! There is currently a huge leather couch , two wing backs, a long coffe table thingy, a roll top desk and tv, etc in here. And lots of windows - can you say no wall space?
My space got smaller and smaller but I was still taking up too much of the room - after all this has turned into "the" room in the house- we live here and in the kitchen (which L's off of this room- it blends...).
The cutting table was cut down (in several steps- it is traumatic- I love my big table!) it is now 8'x4'. I built wood panels to disguise it (see those two unpainted ones- we turned it last year so I needed more panels built - have not painted them yet!) For Christmas of 2010 I asked for lumber so I could build the space in the closet. Previous to this, all this mess was out in the room and visually it was a nightmare. My storage is a great combination of garage sale finds (I never meet a shelf or cabinet I did not like!). So in Jan and Feb 2011 I built the bottom part of the closet, the two new panels for the cutting table and the very messy wooden cube shelf on the back side of the cutting table (the one with all the baskets). this shelf has still not found it's proper home- it was going on top of the cutting table but it cut off too much natural light from the room so for now it is sitting on the floor in back of the cutting table. I then jigsawed my garage sale pieces into the closet- on top of the shelves. They are still not filled and organized as I want them but I will get there eventually...The closet is supposed to be my paper and ink area- stores my paper, inks, etc. The cutting table top is supposed to be clear (not!) for my paper cutter and big shot. Under the cutting table is all sorts of storage - not well organized but I am trying. The picture with the panels off is showing bead storage and the bottom shelf are sizzix dies. I am adding a book shelf divider (comes out into the room) to the space between the two closet doors because I need more storage. One thing you can not see is in the rest of the room where there are not windows, there are cabinets (dressers) with drawers that store stamps - even the TV is on one- we bought this danish modern bedroom set at an estate sale (put a bid on it for the end of the sale and got it! $100 for a desk, three dressers, a bed, a corner desk, a desk and a nightstand!). I love danish modern - or the 60's - very practical furniture and clean lines- excellent storage- it does not look like bedroom furniture- more like built ins- sort of!.
My oldest son moved out this year so I moved my sewing machine cabinet into his bedroom - just finished that project in Nov- painting the room etc. BTW we were able to use the danish modern bed frame in his room now!
Did I mention what a huge purge I had to do to get to this point- it was so sad. My recycling bin was full for weeks - I got rid of so many magazines, old papers, books, cards, etc. I think everything is a project and save too many vintage items I know will be great in a project but out they went. The church got lots of stuff for their white elephant sale and the local salvation army was 'gifted" items too. I still have a lot of organizing to do. But, says the optimist, I will get there!
Did I mention the bad part of all this stuff? This is the main entrance to our house - we never use our front door (and our living room is neat and clean!) so this is one of the first things guests see- along with the kitchen which can be very messy at times! We do live in our house....
Still with me? Whew- I am worn out. But I do have a few concluding remarks
-I am a hoarder of craft stuff-lol!
-I am cheap (hence the mish mash of storage)
-I am disorganized
-I need to use my products more!
-I love my junk!!!!!!

I had better push the publish button before I chicken out!
debb

Last Year's Valentine....

2012-01-08T08:10:00.000-05:00

....so I guess I am slightly behind in my blogging! I found tons of pictures I never posted last year- do you think I will be better this year...hmmm... we will see!

Happy Sunday!
debb

Blue Jay

2012-01-03T15:30:00.000-05:00

Another year, another chance to send birthday cards out- Maybe this year I will send them all and on time- but not likely! This card is for a March birthday- one would think I am ahead of the game right? Too bad I haven't yet made the Jan 9th card yet!

OWH S&S sketch 101 ....

2011-12-30T16:39:00.000-05:00

This card is made with Authentique papers and is based on sketch 101 at OWH S&S. I love this sketch and will be using more of it. I must add though that those triangles are near impossible to cut- I resorted to using a Spellbinders die - geometry not being my thing...lol!

Putting on the Ritz PPA Challenge

2011-12-12T11:15:00.000-05:00

Paper Pal Arts is having a challenge entitled "Puttin' On The Ritz" along with some amazing blog candy. Go check out the wonderful DT cards for some great eye candy (and while you are there stroll thru the entries - I will be back later to do that- rushing today!). Anyway... I loved the challenge and decided to enter- I must admit my original idea did not work but the point is to try things out right?. The spellbinders tag (the black) was gold embossed with a sentiment and then covered with Crystal Effects. Well the crystal effects dulled out the sentiment too much so I had to come up with a different plan- hence the ovals on top. The gold oval and gold rim around one of the layers is a gold paint pen. The card has all sorts of shimmer and shine added to the paper and flower, as well as dimension but it doesn't show up in the photo. Elegant card...don't you think?

Dad's Birthday

2011-12-10T05:40:00.000-05:00

This week we celebrated my father's 81st birthday. Friday night we got together and had dinner and cake, presents and gabbing.... I of course, being a last minute person, made his card and present on Friday. I found the digital on my computer (by Ginger), colored it with my copics and wanted to play with that fab new technique I saw on Tim's tags- you know the one where you stamp, emboss, dye, and emboss again? Well, I failed! Apparently my ink pad was simply not juicy enough to hold the embossing powder (or I waited too long). The result, however, was pleasing to me and I decided to leave his technique for another day and go with the direction my work was taking me. Sometimes you never know where you will end you when you start done the creative road....

I did not take a picture of his gift- which was peanut brittle - but let me tell you - I found the cutest jars in the dollar store for gift containers this year. Must be time to get started on them- after I finish my Christmas cards!

Turning cards into cookies.......

2011-12-03T17:43:00.000-05:00

Just wishing I could turn cards into cookies- presto magic and all..... But did you know that if you send cards to Love/Valentine cards to Operation Write Home but Dec 10th, Archway cookies will match them up with boxes of cookies and send them to the troops! If we all make a couple this weekend and get them in the mail on Monday or Tuesday, they just may make their goal!

Did you also know it costs a lot of money to send cards to the troops. I can turn cards into money too. If you are a card maker you know that you always have those cards you never send to anyone. You know the ones- you made it for a challenge and it really doesn't seem like the right card to send or you are sooo in love with it it is hard to part with it? Maybe it was a prize winner and you have been hoarding it for inspiration...

Well., I took some of those cards at a recent craft supply sale (it  could be anywhere, this is just when and where I thought about doing it)  and "sold" them for (choking here..) a dollar a piece for a donation to  OWH.

Let me tell you, it was a bit hard to part with them but I knew it was  ok and for a good cause (and besides, my hoard is getting overwhelming).

Did it hurt, yes, a bit. But why should they sit here in a box when they can be turned into money for a really good use. I wish I had thought of it sooner, I put them out late in the sale. But I would like to encourage others to try this - get out those class cards you never send, the challenge cards, the card you are hoarding and see if you can raise a bit of money. See if anyone in your office or church would like them, or better yet," sell " (for a donation) to another stamper/card maker- some people love ideas to CASE.

Today's photos are some of the card designs I sent in the package to my OWH shipper today. I sometimes have a hard time with OWH cards and here is a prime example. The theme of love / valentine calls for some pink cards (in my opinion) and these are definitely not a color and style that is "me". But I am not making cards for me when I send to OWH. I am making cards for the troops to send to their loved ones. I will post some more later that are a bit closer to my style but still meet OWH needs. Then I am going to paint, glitter, grunge, and mixed media something to death to get my creativity out!

Thank you, a little late...

2011-11-26T05:00:00.002-05:00

I received this surprise prize package in the mail earlier this month from Christie and her Pretty Paper Book Blog. I have been remiss in getting it posted as I had planned to 1- make a card and 2- wanted to start blogging again before I posted so someone would read about it -LOL! Well, I have done a bit of posting- not as much as I would like and I am doing more paper playing than I have done in months but alas, no card or layout yet with these beautiful papers and stamps. But I do want to send a sincere thank you out to Christie - I will get busy soon! (Have I ever mentioned I am probably the world's slowest person- do they give out prizes for that?)

Thankful to Authentique.....

2011-11-25T17:57:00.003-05:00

I received this wonderful prize package from Authentique Paper in the mail on Wednesday and of course it was killing me that I needed to be cleaning and cooking for Thanksgiving instead of being able to play with this wonderful bundle of goodies! But today is my day and I got to play! Their papers are so yummy -lots of fun! I made this card based on their November sketch challenge and I played with their company name as the sentiment on my card. "You are authentique" - a cute saying that could work for various occasions! (I simply punch their name from the bottom of one of their die cut sheets). Thank you Authentique for this wonderful package!

2011-11-24T05:31:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Gratitude...

2011-11-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

I have loaded this card up to the Papercrafts Connection Flicker Gallery for their Thanksgiving inspired designs-thankfulness and gratitude. I have so much to be thankful for! However, I am not going to go into all that right now- as I suspect you really just wish to see the card....

I was in the mood to experiment with a transparency sheet- a "paper" I have not mastered at all! I used some alcohol ink refills on it- hoping for some cool effects but it just never seemed to dry so I am not sure what I should use to color it in the future. I was trying to color an entire sheet- while some of the color took, I wiped away most of it, leaving this awesome yellow color. Oh well, I will try something else another day!

Since I had this sheet and this awesome color, I die cut the transparency and used my heat gun on it to scrunch it some- this was a cool effect that I did like and will continue to do- as soon as I learn to die the paper!

I used an SU impression folder, a spellbinders die, embossing powder, card stock, and, of course, a transparency sheet.

Sometimes it's hard to stick with the challenge....

2011-11-19T15:38:00.002-05:00

So the challenge over at Tiffany's Doodles is Sparkle and Glitter -TD18. I did have every intention of doing a sparkly and glittery card until I went to my digi file and saw the sunflower. I love sunflowers! And it does seem like the perfect time of year for them... so a sunflower it is. Now I had a hard time with sparkle and glitter with the sunflower so I chose elegant and classy sparkle- velvet ribbon and a tiny bit of sparkly bling in Autumn colors (thanks to my copics!).
sometimes quiet subtle elegance is all you need..... (I wish I had some-lol!).

I missed the deadline so I might as well play with the photos....

2011-11-18T19:06:00.006-05:00

I had intended this card for a black white and a splash of orange challenge over at The Play Date Cafe but as usual, I never got it photograghed and posted. Soooo.... I am going to use it as an experiment on this blog. I have a hard time figuring out how to properly edit my pictures to make them sharp on the blog- do I re size, sharpen, which program works best, etc. So here they are, all but the very first raw one of the camera (which I am sure you do not need to see all the dust and my computer screen in the background).

Number 1 - almost raw off the camera except a quick crop in Microsoft Office Picture Manager.
Number 2- edited in Picasa to the best of my ability.
Number 3- edited in Picnik (part of Picasa)
Number 4- after the edit in Picnik, I re sized it to Web, Small in Microsoft Office Picture

So what do you think? I will not be able to tell until after I upload these. I am hoping I can see a difference. My brother loaned me this great Canon Rebel camera (old to him but millions times better than my point and shoot!) and I am trying to improve but I confess there is a lot of user error!

Thanks for putting up with my experiment and my ramblings!

Don't worry- this card is G-rated

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Here is the birthday card I made for my friend, Deb ( I mentioned her birthday in my last post).
I wanted to carry the pennant theme on to her card as well so added the two pennants into the design. The top one has a pair of earrings tied onto it so it is a bit hidden. I love to include handmade earrings on cards- makes a small gift to go along with the card without being too over gifty (works real well with thank you cards, thinking of you, etc!).
The bottom picture is the inside of the card- I just had fun penning her a bunch of wishes along the leaves. And yes, the card is hot pink on the inside as well, not red like the photo turned out! My brother loaned me this wonderful camera to take cleaner pictures but it is proving that user error is a big part of my picture taking problem!

Please do not read this post unless you are over 50!

2011-11-14T17:29:00.006-05:00

We have a ladies dinner group that meets about one time per month to go out to dinner, chat, gossip, and just generally share our friendship- oh yeah, and eat dinner and dessert! This is a group of us who met while our children were in school- we did PTA together for many years and realized we needed to continue our friendship long after our children have left high school (most are out of college even!). We have celebrated many occasions and one such is when the "baby " of our group turned 50 last week. I made her this banner to hang over her in the restaurant. (Inspired by the Championing Award Medallions Challenge in the Moxie Fab World ). And I made these yummies as a take home goodie for everyone: they are deliss! Just some melted white chocolate drizzled over Rice Chex, pretzels, and peanuts (and actually anything else you can think of!)

And now for the part you will only want to read if you are over 50.......
Based on our last dinner's discussion, I also made these cute little favors:
After much discussion I decided everyone needed samples of Poise Pantiliners (instead of regular Maxi Pads). See how educational a dinner with a bunch of old hens can be?
And, yes, laughing can be good for your health - although it may be a bit dangerously damp!

A Homemade Christmas

2011-11-13T06:09:00.007-05:00

Mom gave me this fantastic Hero Arts stamp as a gift- knowing I would LOVE it- and I do! however it has been sitting here for almost 2 months waiting to get inked! Silly me! When I saw the prompt for the challenge at Pals Paper Arts (PPA119) I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. A fashion holiday prompt- what could be better for a person who used to be a dressmaker! Anyway, the stamp and the prompt quickly led to the saying (sincerity and pun intended)- "wishing you the simplicity of a homemade Christmas". The saying is computer generated- I WISH I had a stamp saying that, I think I would use it all the time for Christmas!

Today is a good day to start blogging...again....

2011-11-12T06:52:00.004-05:00

This is the card I created using the sketch for CPS 243. This is a very literal interpretation the sketch isn't it! I had this paper out and somehow I felt it lent itself well to the clean lines of the sketch.

The Classroom EHWCMD04 sketch challenge

2011-10-07T04:41:00.003-04:00

The CLASSroom had several challenges going for World card making day and I could not resist the sketch- what a great one! Here is my interpretation of it! Ok, so the sentiment got moved a bit but things like that happen.....

Tuesday Trigger....

2011-10-06T11:17:00.008-04:00

This is my first Tuesday Trigger attempt. Oh, I think, every week, I am going to do the challenge and soon enough, the week has past and I do not get it done. However, I did it this week! I think the title of the trigger, Treat Yourself, was speaking to me - I need to treat myself to some creative time! More on my resolutions to myself at a later date.... I will stick to the trigger for now... I was inspired by the delicious food and thought of good times with friends, as well as being inspired by the colors.

So it's been a while...

2011-04-08T13:52:00.006-04:00

I know, silence is golden - sometimes! But in this case, it means a huge time spam of non creativity and now it is hard to jump back in to blogging mode. But I do need a little help spreading the word on a fundraiser I am in! I promise to get back to card making soon and will diligently post to my blog. I miss it, sigh....

ok enough of that and on to business...

I entered a tuxedo into a fundraiser and my charity of choice is Operation Write Home. 100% of the proceeds will go to OWH so I am hoping you can help spread the word. Here is a link to the fundraiser- Tuxedo Fundraiser.

The jacket is decorated with lace, ribbon, buttons, fabric, and flowers. The ultra suede flowers were cut with sizzix dies ( Tim Hotz Tattered Florals and a sizzix lilac). The bits and bobs were dyed, stamped, and altered with alcohol inks, glimmer mist, and fabrico (now called versa something).

ps- check the fundraiser photos on facebook- they are sooo much better than mine!

Sunny Yellow Birthday (in denial of the snow we had on Monday!)

2010-11-12T07:03:00.002-05:00

A little sunshine is in order here and I do believe we are in for 3 or 4 days of it! Yeah! I hear it may even reach 60 tomorrow - double yeah! We had snow, sleet, and rain on Monday and it was not pleasant- much to early for me! I was out shopping with Mom and we looked out the store window and there it was.... (and may I say- snow was not predicted- sleet and rain yes but snow no!)...about 2" of accumulating slushy snow- ugh! Needless to say we headed home (without my stop at Michaels- boohoo). Oh well......
I have been in a flurry of busy-e-ness here... well flurry for me...I am a bit of a slow poke! I have been trying to pick a kitchen paint color (remember last Sept/ Oct- and I do mean 2009- when I started this project in the family room...I did mention I am a bit slow right)... well I do believe a decision has been made and I will paint the kitchen a shade of gold- sort of. There is much controversy over the color I finally picked (a 360 degree turn from where I thought I was going last year with green and a splash of terra cotta)) - it is an awful color in truth but the swatch looks great in my kitchen so I am going to try it! I am currently describing the color as three day old baby pooh - sounds delightful right! But honestly, the swatch looks good in the kitchen, we will see when all the walls are done.... I am nervous I must say - I am also in shock that I choose a shade of gold- where that choice came in I will never know.
Enough babble for today - I am currently making earrings and must get back to them.... they are due at a friend's house by 1 o'clock! I did mention I am last minute as well as poky didn't I?????

The hardest type of card.....

2010-11-07T05:45:00.002-05:00

The hardest card to make, the sympathy card. And harder yet, a sympathy card to send to a male. But it seems as I need a lot of them so I am posting this card with hopes that it will inspire you when you need to make one. I seem always reach for green for my sympathy cards - usually a lighter green than this but I felt this would do for a masculine one.

On a lighter note, I received my very first blog award! I am soooo excited! It will take me a bit of time to think about my post and publish it but watch for it! Thank you so much DesigNeAl!

Quick and Easy Sunflower....

2010-11-05T07:42:00.002-04:00

With the rainy dreary days we are having here in upstate NY, I feel the need for some sunshine and this sunflower card is going to have to do! The stamp was a garage sale find (I forget the manufacturer), I just inked it up with two different inks and I love the simply impact of it. Some DP and a little sewing and distressing and done! Sometimes simple is best (especially when you need a card like right away!).
Joe arrived home from CA late last night and is still in bed - lazy bum! Off to wake him up to see if he is going into the office today....

Reaching back....

2010-11-03T10:39:00.002-04:00

Okay, maybe only back to August but it seems like eons ago! The card I made for our 24th anniversary. Check out those fabulous numbers....leftovers from a package of stick on house numbers - very thin plastic...love it!
Speaking of eons ago, our church fair back in Sept was wonderful- sunny weather, great crowds, and marvelous volunteers made the day a huge success. Makes the months of work soooo worth it..... That was September's reason for not blogging, creating, and not doing anything other than the necessary (and sometimes even that!).

It's a great day to start this blog back up.....

2010-11-02T07:46:00.005-04:00

Hello from the world of non blogging! I missed you all! I will fill in tidbits of my missing life here and there over the next couple of weeks but I do have to share my one startling discovery of my hiatus - I get a lot more accomplished when I am not on the computer BUT still not as much as I should!!!! Goes to show that I am truly just not as productive as I should be (insert a giant LAZY and DISORGANIZED here). I am trying to kick it into high gear but failing miserably... Ha, see, the more things change, the more they stay the same!
Ok so I bet you all are thinking well if she was not on the computer then at least she was busy making cards or some other project, right? WRONG. During that time period I barely made a card or touched my beloved paper. Sad, I know....

The card above features a great digi by Creative Mind of Sylvie. Love her talent!

Election Day! Don't forget to get out there and vote!

See You In September...well...maybe October....

2010-09-08T06:18:00.003-04:00

Busy busy busy- that describes my September. Good busy though so no worries..... I will see you all late September or the very beginning of October -
Be good while I am away!
debb

Vroom Vroom Vroom...

2010-08-28T12:18:00.003-04:00

Cupcake race car digi by Limited Runs Stamps. I won this stamp a quite a while ago and have had it colored up waiting for my nephews birthday which we are celebrating today! Yummmmm

You've heard of dating in the dark???......

2010-08-26T08:04:00.004-04:00

Strange title? Have you seen the show -I have not but I have seen the previews... seems a bit ludicrous to me! But, I have been stamping in the dark! Last week, I went to another SU technique class and the power went out! I was one of the fortunate ones who had already heat embossed my image so I was good to go! It was an adventure- cause as if 50 some year old eyes are not bad enough, try it without much light! A fun night, not to be forgotten - we all had a good time regardless!
The techniques were bleach and reflections. The reflection card sample did have glitter to "ice" the edge of the pond but I choose to leave it off since these will got to OWH.

please note - not my original designs but class cards

Just Art or a Christmas Statement?

2010-08-24T05:55:00.000-04:00

Santa on ledger paper-yep it's a statement...but don't worry, it's not aimed at you or the world....just the hubs. I had this ledger paper out (used it on the bird card and I am not very neat so it did not get put away right away!) and this new Christmas stamp that I bought in a garage sale last weekend and the idea just screamed at me to make a card as a warning to the hubs. You see, every time I buy something, whether it is for me, the house, or a gift, whatever, he always asks what it costs - that is the first thing out of his mouth, he can not help it! I can come home super excited because I found the perfect item for someone and he never shares in the joy, simply asks what it costs! I get such joy buying something for others. Now I have to say, I am rather cheap, never buy anything not on sale , and at that am always looking for a bargain so I just do not get it. And if you know me at all, you know I love a garage sale buy best of all and yes, I do give gifts to others from garage sales -it's somewhat of a family tradition - my family that is, not his- we all get a charge out of doing it!
So fair warning honey- Christmas season is coming and I am going shopping.....Yippeee!!!!

Howdy Partner

2010-08-23T17:46:00.001-04:00

Howdy Partner! This cute digi is a freebie from Stef aka Glitterbabe and is a color challenge over at CDAC. Hurry though, the challenge is almost over!

I'm Not Old but I May Be Vintage!

2010-08-18T07:09:00.003-04:00

I fondly remember dial, corded phones (one per house), black and white TV (my bedroom tv was B&W until 2 years ago!), and cursive writing. Does this make me old? I think not! Vintage perhaps (think cute and nostalgic...) but defiantly not old! My children may disagree....
This wonderful image is a freebie for a short time from Nana Vic's Digitals and is available for and at her challenge over at Crafter's Digital Art Center (CDAC). I am brand new to Nana Vics but let me tell you I am in love with her art! Go on - go check it out!

Nana Vics Digital, Spellbinders, SU sentiment stamp (letters are visits when friends are apart), SU cardstock, Distress ink, copics, memento ink, and rest misc stash....

Tiger Tiger in the night......

2010-08-17T07:38:00.003-04:00

This beautiful tiger was a freebie a bit ago from Jessica Lynn Original. Isn't the digi beautiful! Such talent! Naturally I am late in getting it made..... but on the other hand....I am early since it's for a December birthday!
The tiger is colored with copics. I did realize after putting the card together that I should have colored the area of the artist's info to help blend it but did not want to go in after it was glued together to fix it. The sentiment is a rub on and I loved the contour of it with the digi.

Sometimes the sketches morph......

2010-08-16T19:19:00.002-04:00

...especially when you are not paying attention! But honestly - it did start as Kazan's sketch 59 at 2 sketches 4 you...and basically the sketch is still there- look closely....
SU punches for the bird and the frame.
Today was a great day- time to play and a bit of work done- it usually doesn't work like that! I am determined to get some paper time in every day this week!

Paper Pretties

2010-08-09T18:59:00.002-04:00

The mid week throw down at OWH S&S was to use patterned paper on your card. No problem here, I have lots! I had just recently purchased a paper pack for $1.49 at Tuesday Morning and thought it would be fun to see how many cards I make from the pack- well I'm bored with that now but believe me there are a lot more to go!
I'll get back to the pack later but for now I feel the need to go vintage, shabby,inky and/ or glittery... It's been a bit since I've been there...

Floral Roses....

2010-08-05T18:32:00.003-04:00

Just some floral rose cards I made for OWH. The rose is an older three step Dream Impressions stamp, the sentiment hero arts, SU ink, the punches are ek sucess and marvy and nestabilities, and the ribbon and paper are from stash.
Ok I think I am all caught up with what I had previously photographed! Sometimes things get lost in my card photo folder (not to mention all the cards that get lost mixed in among the mess while waiting to get photoed, or finished, or whatever......). Mission Organization- where are you????

Class cards...

2010-08-04T09:54:00.003-04:00

Thought I would show a bunch of cards that have been made at SU classes. None of these are my original designs but want to show them for inspiration and so I can have a place to keep the design ideas in case I want to use them! Some are already in a box to OWH so thought I should get them posted before I forget about them!
I went to a technique class last night and we made the ones below using the ink and iron and wax paper resist. Oh and ignore the cards propped in the background- those were just sitting there in the light box and I did not move them!

Love this one with the SU grass stamp- wish I had that stamp! The cattails were done with a punch!
This is one of my favs! It's not going to OWH because it's not an A2 card so lucky me, I'm keeping it!

A valentine Easel (can you tell it's been a while since I did that one!)

Some cute baby cards- the onsie one was the inspiration for one of the OWH cards I had my friends do at my OWH mini party.
And lastly, a grad card...
There may be more hanging around here waiting to get put together - I will post when I find them! Hope you find a bit of inspiration in them!

August Snowman

2010-08-03T08:01:00.002-04:00

First- if you receive a Christmas card from me- stop right now- I don't want you to see the prototype for my cards! Ha too late! I do think this will be my card this year- perhaps a bit of tweaking but it's looking like this will be the one.
This card was made for the OWH S&S midweek throw down- the theme was Christmas in July. I am liking the snowman theme this year - it's a more wintry greeting than a traditional Christmas card but sometimes you have to mix it up! The stamp is by SU and is colored by copics, the snowflake is a Martha Stewart punch with a pearl sewed on it, the ribbon was wired ribbon from stash (just pull that wire out!), the papers are mixed- some SU, the white is Georgia Pacific, and some unsure, I used nestabilities to cut the dk blue rectangle, and a cuttlebug impression folder for the swirls. I have not decided on the saying for the inside of my cards yet- after all I need to leave some surprises!
I think these will also make great OWH cards - not limited to Christmas but holiday, winter, thank you, thinking of you too! Now to get going on lots of them - I think I need to order some paper.....

The Other Birthday....

2010-08-03T05:30:00.003-04:00

My husband shares a birthday with my brother-in-law. So last Friday was his birthday also. We have a local burrito bar restaurant, Bombers, that gives you a free giant margarita on your birthday. It seems to be a ritual around our area that on your birthday you go and get one.. My children both did it on theirs and my brother-in-law decided he should too. Sooo his card of course has a giant drink on it!
The funniest part is that his card is still here, I have not given it to him as I have not seen him- if it gets any longer, I keep it till next year (I'll just claim he doesn't remember getting it because he drank so much- LOL!).
The margarita is hand cut and colored with copics with a bit of glitter on the top of the glass...
Cheers!

Candy Sighting...

2010-08-03T05:14:00.002-04:00

Go to Jessica Lynn Originals for a great blog candy to win some of her wonderful stamps- sooo cute! Be sure to check out her free digi and challenge there, and vote on her fabric design!

Candy sighting....

2010-08-01T06:36:00.002-04:00

Jak Heath has the most amazing blog candy - run on over and check it out!

Wishes for the Hubster's Birthday...

2010-07-30T07:12:00.000-04:00

Wishing the hubster a day of rest and relaxation on his birthday today! The chair is a digital from The Digi Shack. I printed two and cut them out and pasted them to the card stock- cause I am sure that he would only be happy if I was sitting right along with him! Actually this is a scene right out of our side yard and the hubs love to sit here. I hand wrote the words around the edge of the paper because I have no computer skills! I would love to learn how to do this on the computer!
Can you catch my one obvious mistake on the card ? Yep, that's right- I tore the top paper for the sky line when in reality I should have torn the bottom (ground) one. Oh well, I've never claiming to have proper "prospective" - haha!
Off to spoil the hubs for the day- maybe two.....

Boo Moo Wooo....

2010-07-28T08:21:00.002-04:00

Good Morning! Are you ready for Halloween- lol! I bought a SU stamp set at a garage sale this weekend and since it was sitting out on the desk - I figured I would stamp it and see what it was like. Cows and holidays- hmmm.... oh well, something different....
The card is based on this week's sketch at OWH S&S.

Many Thanks....

2010-07-25T19:43:00.004-04:00

Karen of Feline Creative sent me this wonderful blog candy a couple of weeks back (did I mention I am have not been blogging and needed to catch up with thank yous???). A huge thank you! I am really looking forward to using the xyron machine with the cards I am going to make, as well as the wonderful envelopes and the lacing cards (oh the ideas I have for this make my head spin-which shall I choose?????) I promise to be more creative over the next couple of weeks than I have been in the last few so I can use my goodies.
Thanks to a 20% off sale at Scrapmart (sorry, it's over), the other day I ordered some more refills for my copics so now I have refills for all but 5 of them (ok so I only have 40 markers but I am getting there!). I spent one afternoon refilling those that needed it so I am ready to color!!!! I have to remember to be careful though- have you ever overfilled one and had it drip on your project (naturally this only happens when you are almost done!)
So... what more could I need to play---- well how about this.... a very special digi of my precious kitty Taffy! Yes, that's right Taffy is now a star in her own right (she always thought she was- this just goes to prove it!), Sandy, of It's A Colorful World (and OWH fame) has gifted me with the most wonderful candy- - Taffy in digi (do you get the candy pun???). I am uploading Sandy's card she made with the digi (cause that's right folks- I have not been doing much- and besides- Sandy is a much better artist than I so I'll show you hers!) But wait... I am saving the best for last! Sandy is generously sharing the Taffy digi as well as some other beloved pets- with you too! Just go to her blog to download them - how awesome is that!!!! If this worked correctly if you click on Sandy's card, it should take you to her blog post of Taffy .... A giant thank you to Sandy from me and from Taffy!
So - there's a little bit of catching up with thank yous and a bit of catching up with life.... More to come this week- I promise.....

OWH Mid Week Challenge with Ward's Digis....

2010-07-25T16:50:00.004-04:00

This week's OWH S&S mid week challenge is being sponsored by Ward's digis- and he is providing two free digis for you to use! I chose the car digi for my card and colored it with copics for my card. Sorry for the poor pictures - I need to figure what the problem is but that is for another day....

Hello there.....

2010-07-24T22:54:00.004-04:00

It has been so long since I have blogged! I just need to say hello! I hope to catch up soon- I owe some thank you posts and maybe I will get to make/ post a card or two this week! Any who.. this card is for this week's sketch challenge at OWH. I am a bit late but since I have gotten very little done, I'm saying better late than never....

Steve is 21 today.....

2010-07-08T08:43:00.005-04:00

Steve is 21 today- a day he has long been waiting for! (Me too for that matter- will his car insurance be cheaper now???). Hard to believe how old our boys are now 23 and 21 - WOW! Must be time to get those scrapbooks finished of their young years -LOL!
This card's image, Beer Monster, was a freebie from Pollycraft. I based the card layout on the current sketch challenge on their challenge site. I knew the minute this image was offered, it would go on his birthday card!

Happy Birthday OWH Blog Tour.....

2010-07-02T15:00:00.001-04:00

Hi all! Welcome to my blog and the OWH blog tour ! Just a quick post of a HB card. The words stamps are by EK Success and the cupcake by True (Trudy Sjolander) and Clear Dollar Stamps.
How is that for a quick post on this tour!
Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful holiday weekend!

23 and so carefree.....

2010-07-02T09:53:00.002-04:00

Mike turned 23 yesterday. And no, he did not get a motorcycle for his birthday! And no, he does not own or ride one- but he does like them so I used this SU stamp for his card. I did not like the finished card but oh well-I did like the motorcycle stamp- and I stamped it on a piece of leather I cut from a torn leather jacket he used to wear (a word of advice- never buy a soft subtle leather jacket useless you are going to be careful with it!).
I think I will stamp off more of these motorcycles on leather and make some OWH cards with them-only a different card design. I bet there are a lot of guys that would like them!

Dads and fishing......

2010-06-20T05:00:00.001-04:00

Love this digi by Phindy's Place. It just so reminds me of when my guys were little- boy did they love to fish! My Dad would take them out and they loved it. Somehow it was always more fun to go with Grandpa than with me (might have have something to do with the awesome snacks he would take, or the stop at the restaurant afterward- spoiled beasts!). Anyway this is one of my favs.
The sketch is from OWH Stars and Stamps this week- go check it out. My card is posted there as a sample. Join us in the fun!

Dad's Card

2010-06-19T20:25:00.002-04:00

Just a quick posting of Dad's Father's Day card. I can not remember who makes the stamp (I purchased it on ebay a few years ago). I used distress inks and embossing powders on glossy card stock to make and color the image. Oh and my new fav- my Tim Holtz Vintage Market sizzix alphabet! A bit of DP, some eyelets, an oval nestabilities and done! And not a moment too soon- now I am off to make the hubster a card!

Card Night...

2010-06-17T19:11:00.003-04:00

Here are the cards we did last night- well I should say- they did! Carol, Deb and Judith (aka Mom) went to town and put these together! The pix is poor, I know, and I did cover up those cute little onesies but what a great job they did! They stamped and punched, colored and glued their little fingers off. Meanwhile, I hunted for stamps, punched flowers and eyeleted...???
I must say I had no idea how much could get done in a couple of hours but they rocked it! The onesies were too time consuming, I did learn that (a least for a project like this) but the other kits went together quickly. We did not complete all the kits I cut so they are just going to put aside for next time. At least now I have a better idea of how to get things organized- thanks to you three guinea pigs!!!!
Now to just get a package together to ship to OWH....Okay...a bit later...
debb

Love Song

2010-06-16T10:49:00.004-04:00

Somehow Georgia keeps coming to mind..... but... in this case let's just think of love. I thought the song title and the sentiment sing just worked together so sweetly. Great anniversary, I love you card! The digi is from Tiffany's Doodles- isn't that the sweetest lil' ole' bird! I colored this with colored pencils because I wanted to keep the colors soft and muted (and water coloring never works with my printer ink!). The sing sentiment I can not remember for sure whose it is but perhaps TAC - whoever it is, I love it. I also used a SU and Martha Stewart (flower center) punch, nestabilities, distress inks, silk flowers from stash, vintage music book, and stash paper, brad, and ribbon.
The sketch is based on this week's sketch #22 at Paper Sundaes.

The Mailman Only Knocks Twice.....

2010-06-15T19:20:00.006-04:00

....'cause the third package was delivered by other means (gotta love them all!).
I feel like the luckiest, most loved person in the world! Look at all these gorgeous goodies delivered to me.
The lovely mini cupcake scrapbook candy comes from Nicolette of Beyond Scrappin - it is the most adorable little scrapbook and will soon contain pictures of a young ones' birthday!
The HUGE pile of paper comes from OWH S&S blog by way of Sandy - along with some stickers and a very coveted red rubber OWH stamp! Love it! BTW - tomorrow night I am having a quick get together with some friends to stamp some OWH cards- hope to put a small dent in this pile of papers! We are going to work on the green first....just wait- I'll post some pictures of the finished cards. This is a trial run since these will be the peps that help me organize a bigger card party (they may not know that yet!...baawhaawhaaw....!!!)
The third picture is a bundle of delicious candy from Creating Keepsakes. There is a wonderful copy of a special issue mag- Fast & Fresh Scrapbooks, three 12x12 scrapbooks and two 12x12 scrapbook kits! Wowzer!!!! I think I will be busy for a long time....
A giant thank you to one and all... I am so grateful...
I hope to be back tomorrow with a completed card that I was working on....but I keep getting distracted...silly me....

Camel Love....

2010-06-06T21:21:00.004-04:00

Isn't this the cutest camel? It is a free digi from Cheryl at Don't Worry... Be Scrappi. She has a few camel digis - go check them out- then go make some cards for OWH! The sentiment is computer generated - hope you get it- it took the hubster a bit to understand it (of course it is night time and he was having difficulty reading it as he still had his "outdoor glasses" on meaning- old glasses, kinda yellowed and not bifocals). Guess this means we are getting old...
I based the card on the current sketch at the OWH Stars and Stamps.
Oh yeah... guess what... I finally sat down and printed a bunch of the digis from the blog hop- so now I can sit at night and color- yeah! I still have some more to print but at least I got a start on them! There were so many wonderful ones offered! Thank you all you generous and talented people!

OWH Memorial Day Weekend Blog Hop....Winner...

2010-06-05T16:21:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Katherine of My Magical Inky Tour for being the winner of my blog candy! I have left a note on her blog as well as sent her an email.

Katherine said...

This card is awesome - I love the little star, the oval cut out - I have no idea how to use nestabilities! I also love the handwritten sentiment - must have been written by a true artist! lol

And lastly giving us till Friday to get through this blog hop is truly a good idea, I think I've been going since before lunchtime, and I would doubt that I am even halfway through!

May 31, 2010 6:15 PM

I want to thank each and every one of you who left comments (and continue to leave them!!!) on my blog. I treasure each and every one of the comments and all you wonderful peps who leave them! Thank you - you are a part of my creativity and inspiration!!

All that Glitters...

2010-06-05T06:00:00.002-04:00

...usually does not photograph well....this is a stunning card on IRL! It's for the mid week challenge at OWH S&S blog. The challenge was to use gold on your card- as you can see- I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly! I have had this paper that I picked up at a garage sale that I have been wanting to use- it is the most delicious pattern of metallic gold and brown- and you know what? It is actually wrapping paper! Yes thank you Hallmark (and the garage sale!). It is so beautiful!!! I simply glued it down to some card stock to give it a bit of heft and it works wonderfully. Add to that a bit of gold ribbon left from a Christmas package (I simply removed the wires on the edges), a hat pin with some added acrylic beads (all garage sale!), some sizzix dies (the 3 pc sign and the numbers 50), card stock, a couple of cuttlebug embossing folders, and a gold leaf pen (the edge of the sign) and I was done....
A thought about the hat pin - in retrospect I realized I should have snipped off the point on the end - in case the beads come unglued- which may be likely. OR perhaps I should have put an earring back on the end...things to think about for the next one....any expertise would be appreciated!
I left the inside blank so the card could be used for an anniversary or a birthday. This one will most likely not go in the OWH box just because I am unsure of the glue on the pin. If it hangs around here long enough, I will be able to tell whether or not it will hold up....

Home is Where the Heart Is.....

2010-06-04T07:10:00.004-04:00

Home is where the heart is... how true.... I made this card rather quickly last night (meaning in under 2 hours!) - hurray for me! It is based on this week's sketch # 19 for OWH S&S. I wanted to try Karen's pinwheel technique (shown here at the OWH S&S blog) as well as use this SU paper from a pack my Mom recently gave me.... My thought was to make a pinwheel and then cut it into a shape. The problem was, I the paper made me think of the saying home is where the heart is so I really wanted to put homes in the center of the pinwheel and the scrap I had had the homes straight on so I couldn't cut them on a diagonal (And I am too cheap to cut into a whole new sheet for this tiny center!).... see where I am going here? Yep, not pinwheel! So instead I did a patchwork/log cabinish pattern and cut the heart... The pinwheel will get tried later....
The paper is SU, with the exception of the pink dots, the heart a sizzix die cut, and the sentiment hand written (because it would have taken me another two hours to search thru for a saying, rubs ons, or a stamp!)
So do your cards morph like mine? Do you start with an idea and build from there? Or do you completely plan your entire card out in your head? Or are you more like me and pick up a piece of paper or stamp and just see where it brings you (in my case usually hours and hours later!)
I still need to print of the digis from the weekend hop so I can get busy on them! I tend to think to do it at night when I want to sit and color in front of the TV but by then the hubster is usually on the computer! Must learn to plan ahead....

Bird, Button, & Bridge...

2010-06-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

Say What? Yep, bird, button, and bridge - score pad that is. It is hard to come up with titles isn't it? I have had a need to do a vintage feeling, distressed mish mash card for a bit and this is what came about. I used sizzix dies for the bird and the leaves, an SU scallop circle punch for the flower, a bit of old lace, an old button, a dictionary, a bridge score pad sheet, a bit of DP, and inks to create this card. I just love the bird- that sizzix die rocks! And the flower, I wish you could see what the paper originally looked like- plain powder blue - amazing what a few stamps and a bit of ink will do!

I know I need to answer some comment questions from the OWH hop- I am sorry it is taking me a bit- I will get to you, I promise. Remember, I'm poky...unless I have a deadline...which I never do... which is why I have become poky... I used to be efficient....life changes...

On a completely different note- does anyone know where I have stashed my soldering iron? I can not remember where I put it (yes, it's somewhere here in this room!). I have an experiment/project I did that needs to be soldered and I can not find it - must be in one of these 100 or so boxes of treasures I have stuffed here and there....

Aloha and other matters....

2010-06-02T18:17:00.004-04:00

Aloha!Long time no blog- I don't know how you all do it but between the holiday weekend (not that we do much), and the OWH S&S blog hop, I am exhausted! And while some of you unnamed people out there (Sandy), got mega amounts of cards made over the last couple of days, I confess to schlepping it. I did get two done (okay, one was started prior) but that is it! BTW- It can take me all day (some times two) to make one card! Silly right! And then you can imagine what happens to the house which I ignore....(except for yesterday - I did strip the kitchen floor- took me ALL DAY! I know, I'm poky but it was a big, dirty job!). Enough blabbering I know... I get distracted...
Back to the card....this is based on CPS 169. I used a TAC stamp (palm trees) and an Inkadinkadoo stamp(shirts), Nestabilities, copics, distress inks, DP, letter stickers, and an office brad doohickey for interest (okay really just because it was the right color - that never happens!).
Don't forget the blog candy is open until Jun 4th until 9pm......

OWH Memorial Day Weekend Blog Hop....

2010-05-29T08:00:00.006-04:00

Welcome to my blog and the Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps Memorial Day Weekend Blog Hop! If you arrived here from Gale's beautiful blog, then you are in the right place! If you just happened to stop by and would like to join us in the hop, just pop back to the beginning here, on the OWH Stars & Stamps Blog and follow along!

Card dets: I am sooo very excited to have at last purchased the star cuttlebug folder! I have been wanting this one since I first saw it and just have not been out to the store to find it (and apparently I have not done much on line shopping lately either). The flag stamp is by Art Impressions. The ovals cut outs were done with nestabilities, the card stock is SU and Georgia Pacific (white). The little star is from fun foam (kids section of the craft store), and the sentiment is hand written.

Memorial Day - a day for picnics and family, a day to remember, a day to give thanks, a day of hope....I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our troops, veterans and military families for their service and sacrifices. My hope for those of you reading this blog and hopping along is that you will grab some inspiration along the way and join with us! I got involved with OWH on their Fall 09 hop- it was my first intro to them. I happened to stumble across the hop and followed along. I was inspired by the stories, the care, and the dedication. While I have no family members currently in the service, I am so touched and thankful for each and every service person and their families. Their sacrifice for myself, my family, and our country is something I can never repay them for. I can however, support them in my small way by making these cards and sending them to out OWH shippers so they get to our troops. Read the stories and thank yous from the troops and you will realize how much it means to them to have a handmade card to send home to their loved ones. Send a card and thank you to one of the heros and brighten their day! Want to know more? Check out the Homefront blog and OWH website.

Candy alert! I have some candy for one lucky reader- a few 4x6ish papers, some ribbon ,some flowers and probably a bit more when I get it all together to send! While I would love for you to follow, subscribe or bookmark me, it's not a requirement- simply leave a comment by Friday June 4th (by 9pm est) and I will draw one lucky winner. USA only. Hoping this will give everyone a chance to do the whole hop by then. Winner will be announced on the blog by Monday June 7th- I will try to contact the winner by email but please check back in case I can not reach them. Good luck!

Your next stop on the hop is Stacy's blog. Wait till you see what she has for you ....Happy hopping!

Ps -if you have questions about OWH, just ask!

debb

Lavender Blue, Dilly Dilly....

2010-05-28T05:30:00.000-04:00

I needed some quick cards for two people who were in the hospital (yes, I said were- I am late as always!). I had purchased this Rubber Stampede lavender stamp second hand and think it will be a well used one! I can see it for birthday, get well, thank you, thinking of you....and you can not beat the 75 cents I paid for it.

Yes, I am still here...

2010-05-27T21:29:00.003-04:00

If, by chance, the world were flat, I may have fallen off the edge... But - since we know otherwise -let's just say life is busy!
Turtle stamp by SU.

Wink Wink Ink and the OWH Mid Week Throwdown

2010-05-17T21:20:00.004-04:00

Wink Wink Ink has generously donated this adorable digi for the midweek throw down at OWH Stars and Stamps blog. The digi is available in either colored or as a line image. Since I can not print color, I chose the line image and colored it with copics. I love this image!

Thank you to our Troops on Armed Forces Day!

2010-05-15T22:10:00.004-04:00

Edited to note: Yes, the words are an SU wheel! Sorry for not stating it in the post! The thank you sentiment and text box are also SU. Go buy this wheel (if it's still available)- it makes wonderful quick hero cards!!!! Plus I saw a new SU wheel being offered in the Summer mini that will also be perfect to use!

A huge shout out and thank you to our troops on Armed Forces Day! Now I am late as usual (have you missed me?) and saw this OWH challenge around 7:30 tonight so I had to rush to do these four cards and get notes written in them for our heros. I needed the push to write these- I stink at note writing - I find I never have the right words to express myself but none the less, I AM VERY GRATEFUL! Thank you to each and every one of our troops and their families!!!!!

Wild Thing.....

2010-04-29T10:12:00.005-04:00

OWH S&S has a wild thing challenge going on. I have been wanting to use this wonderful freebie zebra digi that I got from DesigNeAl. Isn't it wonderful??? So the top card is the one for my wild thing entry and the bottom one was an extra. I thought about putting the words " Congrats on Your New Stripes" on the bottom card but thought that might be too limited for use by the troops (and does one send a congrats card on new stripes? I do not know...). Anyway, I digress as usual.... I love the Wild for you stamp- from the dollar bin at Michael's... Lots of possibilities for this one!

OWH S&S Sketch Challenge

2010-04-29T10:02:00.003-04:00

Just a very quick post to get this week's OWH S&S sketch challenge posted! The apples are cut from a note card that I bought in a box of cards at a garage sale. I thought it made a cute and quick focal piece! A quick cut of the scissors, a bit of ink on the edges and it's ready to apply to a card! What's in your stash of store bought ???? Take a look....

Paradise.....

2010-04-29T09:42:00.003-04:00

Paradise - the word describes my week last week! Okay many of you are conjuring up a vision of tropical vacations, exotic drinks and long walks on the beach.... but no, that was not my week (well except for the long walks on the beach, more about that in another post,...). I mentioned the hubster was on vacation and that was the last you heard from me for a bit. We did go away - but only for two nights - the rest of the week we lounged, we gardened (ahem- he gardened- I watched!), and we relaxed. Okay- he relaxed- I pretty much live in the state of relaxation most of the time..... It was wonderful. Following that, my brother and his wife came up for a visit from Sunday till today and it was wonderful to see them. They stayed at my sister's (thank goodness because if you read into the above - you can tell I did no cleaning last week!) We packed in a whole bunch in a couple of short days and they got to visit all the family in the area (except for the hubster - who was no longer in the state of relaxation as it was back to work for him with a lot to catch up on from a week off!).
So, you ask, did I have anytime to make any cards or anything else creative? Well, I did make the paradise card and I have been working on a couple of others that I hope to get posted next!
Missed you all!

Dandy Candy being offered at Crafter's Kitchen!

2010-04-17T11:35:00.002-04:00

Jak Heath is offering this wonderful candy on her blog.... Hurry go check out the details!!!!

Happy Mail and more Golfers for Dads....

2010-04-16T16:50:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was a happy mail day! Look at these wonderful goodies sent from Bonnie Rose of A Life Unrehearsed... Let me tell you how much fun it was to receive this package- It was like each item was specially chosen for me - tons of wonderful stamps that I LOVE!!!, paper that could not be more me, some of those wonderful felt embellies that Bonnie Rose made (and I am so going to copy!), and adorable notebook (I love little (or big!) notebooks!) and the most adorable note card! I am in heaven- thank you Bonnie Rose!
So today was supposed to be a stamp day (a reward for doing a lot of cleaning yesterday -well deserved wouldn't ya say?). Notice I said supposed to be.. sigh... It's almost 5:00 and the most I have done was finish up these two golf cards that had already been laid out. i am slightly mad a t myself for allowing me to get distracted and I know I am going to regret it because... beginning at 6:30 tonight the hubster is on vacation for one week... I feel that very little stamping will be happening but I am going to try!!!!!

CPS 162

2010-04-14T17:37:00.004-04:00

My entry for CPS 162 - think the sketch is a keeper - I have a bunch of ideas rolling around my head for it!

Brown and Blue Birthday Boy

2010-04-11T17:04:00.004-04:00

OWH S&S mid week challenge is brown and blue- could it get more perfect??? Love those colors! Anyway.... I used an adorable image from Phindy's Place - this little guy so reminds me of my boys when they were young - so cute! (And I wouldn't mind if they picked up a tool or two nowadays either- just saying....).
Now to be honest, I was going to look thru my eyelets/rivets for a screw like one and add it to the card but I forgot and snapped the photo so it is a bit more naked than I had planned but some days are like that aren't they...... (and yes, I am too lazy to add it now and re-photo it!).
Have a great day.....
debb

edited to add- did you ever have one of those forgetful moments? I do all the time- LOL! I wanted also to say thank you to Donna of Donna's Den (and Cards for Men!) for this wonderful Phindy Digi. I received it as candy from her a bit ago! Thank you Donna - Now off to find my mind....

Prarie Fairy is Having a Design Team Call

2010-04-11T15:13:00.004-04:00

Prairie Fairy is having a design team call and she is offering this free image for you to give it a go!

And To Think It's Only Wednesday!

2010-04-07T16:59:00.003-04:00

Guess what? It's Wednesday and I have my OWH S &S challenge card done. Not only that- it's photographed and about to be posted...Quick grab a thermometer-something must be wrong with me! (and no, for those of you skeptics out there, it is not last week's card- it's current!).
The image is a digi stamp by Sassy Studio Designs and the sentiment is a portion of a dollar stamp from Michaels. Always check these dollar stamps out ladies - sometimes just a portion of them is just perfect for what you need even if the whole stamp isn't. In this case the whole stamp says You Rock My (picture of a world). I knew I would use you rock ( a lot!) so I picked it up.
Maybe, just maybe, I can get another challenge done this week....my intentions are always there...

Goodies.....

2010-04-06T17:25:00.005-04:00

See the delicious yummy blog candy I won from Waltzing Mouse Stamps? Who needs the Easter Bunny when you receive packages like this in the mail? Thank you Claire! And yes, you should be seeing a wonderful card made with the goodies here but alas, I have not completed it (Do you ever have cards that sit half finished? Yep, that's me- debb the procrastinator!). Good thing Easter comes every year!
I did however make these two cards last night. So that's what you get to see instead! Now tell me to get some energy and do a challenge tonight- ok? It's been a bit.....

Tiffany's Deer Candy

2010-04-06T06:16:00.002-04:00

Tiffany of Tiffany's Doodles has a set of deer digis to give away! Her fawns are so cute and here is the perfect opportunity for you to win some of your own - simply go to her blog and enter her candy for a chance to win! Of course, you could also visit her store and purchase some - they are adeerable! (PS while you are at it, visit her blog, Tiffany's Garden and check out her great tutorials, digis and freebies she has posted- (she is very generous!)

Always behind....

2010-04-05T10:52:00.007-04:00

Always behind... yep that's me! I admit this sketch at OWH S&S had me stumped for a while, but I selected the papers on Friday and put it together Friday night and then never photographed it and posted it! But because I have not done much lately, it's posting anyway, a bit late!

And speaking of OWH, here are some quick cards for those tweens in their lives. They are made with stickers! ... not my typical card but cute and fast and sure to please a young girl.

2010-04-04T08:15:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter!
Have a wonderful day...

CPS 160

2010-03-31T09:05:00.003-04:00

This card is for this week's challenge at CPS 160. I love the simplicity of the sketch and the card- something that is often hard for me to do. I do realize that to be true to the sketch the card should be a hare taller (haha) but this is what felt right to me so I'm sticking with it....That's my story......

This Little Bunny Is Saying Hi.....

2010-03-30T21:06:00.002-04:00

Does this say sun-shiny Spring to you? It does to me and with the dark dreary raininess (new word, I know) of today, I need a little sunshine. The image is a digi from Phindy's Place. I made this for the challenge at Other Lovelies - the challenge being to use an Easter animal in a card. This little bunny of Phindy's sure fits the requirement - isn't she a cutie? Love her and her little chick....

Bliss...

2010-03-30T08:19:00.003-04:00

Bliss... the state I am in because I had the time and took the time to make two cards in the last two days -one of which I can not post yet :)! It feels so good to have some time back! This card has no destination yet but I think it will be the perfect anniversary card for the right couple or who knows- perhaps another occasion will come up and strike me as right for this saying. The card is made from some odd pieces- the green floral piece is a piece of floral ribbon, I just trimmed the edges to the flower shapes and glued it on. I love that it gives the card some different texture and interest. The large flowers are from a spray I had on my front door for years - a bit of distress ink makes them look perfect for this project, the music is from old sheet music and the remainder of the card is from stash... I am trying to use sayings- I have tons and never quite know what to do with them but I am liking them oddly cut and applied to the cards.....
On another blissful front... this past weekend I participated in a craft supply sale. I must say I spent about three times what I made but that is the fun of it! I did sell some large pieces (paper storage, magazines, etc), so I am slowly cleaning out. I never seem to be able to part with supplies even though I should! I was able to purchase some paper (silly I know!), some eyelets, some stamps (again with the silly), lots of embellishments, a sizzix alphabet, and lots more I can not remember.... FUN FUN FUN and bargains to boot....my fav!

All My Friends Are Getting Old.....

2010-03-27T07:32:00.002-04:00

Another 50th birthday this past week. I am not sure how it happened but suddenly my friends and I are getting old. LOL! Oh well, it's better than the alternative, as they say.... And we are young at heart!
This digi is from Stitchy Stamps and is one of my very favorite images. I have had this one colored for a bit waiting for the right recipient. The text is computer generated and says, "It's not the age that matters, it's the mindset" and on the inside it says "think young - happy birthday" Now I admit the card gave me a fit because I had a hard time picking out paper to go with the copic colors, and I only had a tiny bit of time to throw it all together (and lastly because my mojo has disappeared as I am swamped with being busy with other things!). BUT, at least I got to do a card! This weekend I hope to get more done- as of 2:00 today, my mega busy past three weeks should come to a halt and life should resume to normal- hooray!!!!

Thank You and the Blog Candy Winner

2010-03-23T10:12:00.004-04:00

Wow what a hop! Thank you to all of you wonderful hoppers who stopped by. I was thrilled by all the comments and will bask in that for weeks to come!
I had a terrifically busy weekend so did not get to do most of my hopping until Sunday night (I was working at an estate sale so was gone from the house from 6:15 to 7ish each night Friday, Sat and Sun). Needless to say I was exhausted but determined to get the hop completed Sunday evening. I have revisited a lot and still will continue to visit to make sure I did not miss anything! So many terrific and talented bloggers!!!!! I loved it... definitely need to consider making the time frame longer next year to be able to take it all in and not feel the rush!

No, this is not the OWH prize! Just a silly tease because I have not had any crafty time lately! Just a gift (a large bottle of wine) for a fiftieth surprise birthday party that we went to Sat night (yes after the estate sale- may I say I did no dancing!!! Too tired!). The wine was purchased and put in one of those mylar gift bags at the wine store and it wasn't very pretty so I simply added some dollar store items, 2 glasses, a basket, some raffia and bows, placed it all in a gift bag and made a cute red and purple tag with nesties and sizzix and it looked much better!

Okay, have I teased long enough????.... The winner is........

Jan Hunnicutt!

Jan - contact me with your snail mail and I will get the package out to you

Have a wonderful day!
debb

Spring OWH Hop....

2010-03-20T06:00:00.009-04:00

Welcome to my blog and the Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps Spring Hop! If you arrived here from Windy's beautiful blog, then you are in the right place! If you just happened to stop by and would like to join us in the hop, just pop back to the beginning here, on the OWH Stars & Stamps Blog and follow along!
The theme of the hop is Spring /Thinking of You... Well, let me just say - I am sure thinking of Spring! Here in my neck of the northeast, the first of the spring flowers are beginning to poke thru and some will actually bloom in the next week. And, although the grass has not yet greened up, it is sure to happen shortly. In the meantime, I hope you will grab some inspiration from this Spring hop!

My first card is made with a digi print freebie available on this post on the OWH S&S blog. It is from Fred, She Said and isn't it a beauty! I colored it with copics, cut and framed it with nesties and finished the card up with some bits and bobs from my stash. The sentiment stamp is Hero Arts.

My second card has only one stamp on it. The flower and leaves are sizzix dies, while the Hero Arts sentiment is stamped on a SU punch. The edges were sponged with Antique Linen Distress ink- one of my favs! Nothing says Spring to me like pink and green - sweet hope of things to come....

And speaking of sweet hope- how about a bit of candy? I have included some 6x6ish papers (I cut them down from 12x12 - see this post here....), a bit of ribbon and some buttons, maybe more if I have time. Just a few goodies to make some Spring cards.... What do you have to do to enter? Just leave a comment by Sunday evening at 9pm EST. I would love it if you joined me as a follower or a reader but that is not a condition to win. USA addresses only, sorry. I will announce the winner by Tues eve so be sure to check back! I will try to notify the winner but best to check in case my email doesn't reach you.I got involved with OWH on their last hop- it was my first intro to them. I happened to stumble across the hop and followed along. I was inspired by the stories, the care, and the dedication. While I have no family members in the service, I am so touched and thankful for each and every service person. Their and their families sacrifice for myself, my family, and our country is something I can never repay them for. I can however, support them in my small way by making these cards and sending them to out OWH shippers.

Your next stop on the hop is Cynthia's blog. Wait till you see what she has for you to see....Happy hopping!

Ps -if you have questions about OWH, just ask!

debb

Name Tag....

2010-03-16T15:38:00.005-04:00

I had picked up this sign last year to put in my room but since I have painted the room and gotten a new couch (well new to me - a cast off from someone!), it no longer fit in. Not being one to discard anything (is this a fault or a virtue?), I still have it (and a few more!). Now mind you it was only $1.00 at the Christmas Tree Shop when I purchased it so it should have easily been relegated to the church rummage sale box but NO- it might have a use! Do you get the picture of what my basement looks like LOL! Anyway I am glad it was still around. I thought it would make the perfect name placard for a newly expected baby girl. I painted the sign with a mixture of acrylic paint and alcohol ink to tone down the dark stain. I cut a piece of coordinations card stock with my new SU punches and sanded it a bit to give it a slight distressing. I simply applied some K and CO chipboard letters ($.99 on sale!) for the baby's name, added a few flowers and gems, a bit of glimmer mist and glitter and viola! An adorable sign for the baby's room.... Quick and easy....
I know you are dying to ask- what did the sign say before the transformation? "Simplify" I thought if I put it in my room I would be motivated to clean up, clean out, discard. Ha ha!! Nope, it didn't work for me!

Odds and Ends....

2010-03-11T19:25:00.004-05:00

Here is a box and card I made for my girlfriend's birthday. I added some 6x6 paper and candy. Check out the DP -just what was needed for a touch of spring. This was my first attempt at one of these boxes - I had received a completed one and wanted to copy it. It was fun and I am sure we will get together to make some more now that I have it patterned out. I foresee a girls day at play soon....
Here is a pix of some blog candy I won from If The Card Fits.... My plan was to make some cards from the kit prior to posting it but as you can see......life is interfering...and I have not gotten them started! I had better at least get this pix up before I delete it from the camera! It is a fantastic kit and I can tell there are a lot of possibilities in here...And yesterday I received this wonderful bundle of goodies from Card Patterns.
How much fun will I have with this bundle of deliciousness? A LOT! It is like they hand picked the stamps for me- what a great selection- and so very me....

Spring at Over Lovelies.....

2010-03-10T09:08:00.005-05:00

Spring is the challenge at Other Lovelies this week- and yes, I know this is the last day (in my defense- these have been made just not photographed and blogged!). The cards were actually inspired by the tulip photo at OWH S&S. (Yes, the same photo that inspired the card in the previous post). I really want Spring!
The pansies stamp (Hero Arts) was water colored using SU markers and cut out. The leaves are a sizzix die. The printed paper is vellum and I love how it picked up the color from the yellow underneath. A simple but Springy for the OWH box - yes, that's right- still the Feb one! I must get it sent this week- full or not!!!

And speaking of Other Lovelies, a long overdue shot of the prize I won for entering one of their challenges. See all the goodies - won't you join us????

A Colorful Challenge from OWH S&S

2010-03-04T10:16:00.004-05:00

First, let me just say, the yellow saying and butterflies are not that yellow IRL and do blend into the card nicely! I get so frustrated sometimes with the photographs but I do not know how to correct it so it its balanced correctly- oh well! I did do most of this card last night - what a fun day! I finished it up this morning and am popping it up here. This is for the color challenge at OWH Stars and Stamps. Just look at those beautiful tulips! And yes I realize the colors in the photo are more primary however, as an artist (and I laugh when I say that!), I am taking creative license because this is what it inspired in me. And you may have guessed, primary colors are not what I tend toward!
Have a wonderful day!

Woo Hoo- Another Card Today!

2010-03-03T19:01:00.003-05:00

This card is for the sketch challenge at OWH Stars and Stamps Challenge blog and guess what? I finished it before the deadline! Very unusual as of late! Must be I am not doing any cleaning/laundry/dishes because I sure have been busy otherwise! But happiness trumps housework in my opinion and I am happy to be creating. The large daisy was purchased stamped and cut at a garage sale- what a cute find! And it worked out perfectly for this card- IMHO. I have a few more in some other colors so I need to create more cards with them. Wish I had the actual stamp - I love it! I am thinking I need to search for a digi like it- wouldn't it be great in all sizes? I will keep my eye out!
Maybe, just maybe, I will work on another card tonight.....hmmm.....

CPS Challenge # 156

2010-03-03T14:43:00.003-05:00

This card is for CPS 156. I always love the CPS challenges but often do not get time to enter so I am thrilled to be able to this week! I flipped the sketch so I could use this sizzix bird die as it came right to mind when seeing the sketch. Can't you almost hear the bird chirping? There is nothing like the birds singing on a warm Spring day to bring happiness to the heart....

Just Skating Along.....

2010-03-02T05:26:00.003-05:00

Hoarding- a disease that has come to the attention of TV viewers everywhere. We crafters thought we had a well guarded secret with our stashes but apparently the word is out and we have been found to be hoarders. But I am sure we will have the last laugh -after all, if there was a catastrophe tomorrow - my safe room would be stocked full of canned goods, bottled water and craft supplies (only kidding folks - I am not one to plan ahead so don't show up here to take refuge! you would be sadly sorry...).
Suzanne over at Other Lovelies challenges us this week to use something from our hoarded stash. This challenge was a bit tough for me because I had so much to choose from! But trudge on I did and with some thought, I selected some coveted stash to work with. My first selection was a piece of this fab salt paper - that's right folks-salt. It was an experiment gone bad a couple of years ago and yet I loved the effect so hung on to this piece. And yes, the texture you see on the paper is grains of salt - it wasn't supposed to stick to the paper but as usual I was experimenting without directions and this was the result. Anyway, the paper is cool and very textural. And, it looked perfect for this skating pix-thoughts of snow and ice... The other hoarded piece in this card is the vintage purple and lace trim. I only have a small piece of this so it was hard to cut (I have no idea why, I have boxes and boxes of other trims!).
The digi on this piece is from Phindy's Place, the ice skates are a sizzix die, the scalloped punch, SU, and the stamped sentiment is Hero Arts.
Now a couple of thoughts to leave you with- see the wrinkle at the top of the card (the pink paper)? that is there for two reasons, the first is that I need to glue the pieces to the salt paper with crystal effects because apparently nothing else sticks to salt. This in turn, created a wave in the paper 'cause it was very wet. The little wave appeared on the top because I was cheap and hoarding and the pink paper is actually a scrap left from cutting a large sizzix die out and there was hardly any edge left on it. When the paper waved from the saturation, that tiny edge decided to wave too. Such is life! Now, did I really need to use scrap, could I not have possible used a complete piece? Of course I could have, but I am cheap and hate to throw out even the scraps. Someone help me!!!
Now to leave you with a tip to stop hoarding - go read my post here- it has helped me - no really it has, I am not afraid to cut the 6x6 pieces so I am doing less hoarding....!!!

Prima Candy

2010-03-02T04:30:00.000-05:00

That's Right! Prima is giving away two more AMAZING prize packages in conjunction with our BIG SECRET!
We want EVERYONE to have a chance to win so we are changing the rules a bit.
Please copy this write-up and link us on your blog, Facebook, or any other site that you frequent (please follow their TOU).
Then post here with a link to your blog, Facebook or site post for your chance to win BIG with Prima!
One US and one International winner will be chosen on Thursday, March 4th, 2010
And we are getting closer and closer to revealing our secret-it won't be long now!
Just a couple more days of suspense!

KAH-Wink-E-Dink Challenge

2010-03-01T08:53:00.003-05:00

KAH- Wink-E-Dink offered this digi as a freebie for a challenge and here is my card for it... I love these little raggedy guys! They make such a cute couple I thought this was an adorable anniversary card but the image could lend itself to many occasions! The image is colored with copics.
A quick upload and run back to those chores....see you all later.....

A Card Day at Last....

2010-03-01T07:46:00.004-05:00

Guess what I did on Sunday? I spent most of my free time that day making cards- yahoo! It has been a bit since I have been able to grab a bit of time. This is the first card I finished up. I actually had one made in time for the OWH S&S challenge but never got it photographed and never stamped Happy Fathers Day inside. So I finished that one and made three more for the box. And yes, the Feb box will be mailed in March, oh well... But boy did it feel good to be playing in my stuff....
My MIL got out of the hospital on Thursday and is temporarily in an assisted living facility to gain her strength back. She looks so much better and is making great progress. I am not sure how long she will stay there, she has an amazing amount of determination and really wants to go back to her house. We joke/worry that any day now we will get a call that she's gone AWOL and will find her at her home. You have to love and admire that kind of determination in someone, although sometimes, from our point of view it is pure stubbornness! I hope I am as strong as her at 88!
Ok, off to do today's long chore list... I hope to be back later with another card from yesterday....