Soooooooo Spoooooooooooooky!

Okay, maybe not soooooooooo spooky ... more like so-so spooky?

So today is "National Mud-Pack Day." In honor of the day, I went to the spa for a mud-pack. I looked great for a couple of hours but then the mud-pack fell off ...

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers:

Today's spooky card project was created for no good reason using these cute stamps from Simply Chic. All the images are popped up on dimensionals, including the sentiment. Here's a closer look for those of you who are hearing impaired:


Yup, I DID cut out the sentiment three times! Now that's spooky!

TRUE Story:

I went to the Village yesterday to pick up some books at the library.

While there, a guy walked in and glanced at the encyclopedia volumes stacked on a bookshelf.

"'S'cuse me, but what are all these books?" he asked me.

"Oh. Those are encyclopedia's," I answered.

"Really?" he asked, "Someone printed out the whole CD?"

Seriously; who could make this stuff up?

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; DCWV; Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: Rusty Pickle
• Stamps: Simply Chic by Provo Craft
• Ink: Archival Black by Ranger
• Accessories: Stickles by Ranger; 1/8" Satin Ribbon; Witch Eyelet
• Tools: Dimensionals; Mini-Glue Dots

Up Schlitz Creek Without a Paddle ...

Hey, there you are! Allow me to be the first, perhaps the only, person to wish you a happy "Poisoned Blackberries Day!" Which doesn't sound good at all, but, I don't write 'em, I just repeat 'em! My advice? Don't take blackberries from strangers today ... or from your friends.

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers:

Today's card project was created for my cousin-in-law's birthday. He's a fisherman AND he lives on Schlitz Creek! Seriously. The creek feeds into the Indian River, which is part of the Intracoastal Waterway. The DH goes up there to fish with him all the time and let me tell you: the fishin' is good up Schlitz's creek!

I used my Stamp-o-Graph to position, stamp, color, and restamp my vintage "Uptown" stamp. I love these old woodcut-style stamps; lots of detail and very unique ... but they're getting really hard to find anymore.

I colored my "Schlitz's Creek" image using Koh-I-Noor pencils, blending with Gamsol and a paper stump. The sentiment, from Close to My Heart's May Stamp-of-the-Month, was embossed with copper embossing powder on Vintage Cream card stock.

Using a rectangular Nestie, I cut out an opening on my card front, and mounted the stamped focal image on foam tape inside the card.

Finally, I tied on some vintage cotton twine and ... finis! Easy-peasy-up-Schlitz's-Creek-breezy!

So, the DH got home r-e-a-l-l-y late last night. I waited up and by the time he came home, I was stompin' mad!

"Okay, Mister, what's your excuse for coming home at this hour?"

"Oh," he shrugged, "I was out golfing with Bob."

"Right," I snapped, "at 2 a.m?!?"

"Duh, Deb," he answered, "we used night clubs."

What I put up with ...

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; Papertrey Ink
• Stamps: "Canoe" by Uptown Rubber Stamps; Sentiment by Close to My Heart
• Ink: Archival Black by Ranger; Versamark Watermark
• Accessories: Copper Embossing Powder by Copper Kate; Vintage Twine
• Tools: Koh-I-Noor Woodless Colour Pencils; Gamsol; Blending Stump; Die-Cut Machine; Spellbinder's Dies; Heat Gun; Dimensionals; Scrap Fusion PA
  

Further Adventures in FLora & Fauna ... Please Hold the Fauna

Last week, our intrepid hero ... no. Wait. Never mind. Greetings H-C-M's and welcome to another edition of FLora & Fauna Day!

Last week, I posted a photo of my future bananas ... well, guess what? The future is now ... for my banana tree at least. One week ago today, this ^ banana pod looked like THIS. And I'm sure you noticed that it looked like that in much sunnier weather ... today's pretty gray and gloomy. Anyway, what a difference seven days makes to a banana pod, huh?!?

This humongous pod is gonna give us a LOT of bananas ... it looks like we've got 33 of 'em already, and more than half of the pod hasn't popped yet. There's anywhere from 30 to 60 of the l'il yellow rascals still hidden away in the pod. It's really hard to know for sure just by looking ... up ... 20+ feet. But I DO know this much for sure: 60 bananas are about 53 too many for two people ... one of whom is not a banana-lover.

Of course, everyone down here grows their own bananas, so I don't even have anyone to dump gift them on! If any of you want some all-natural, organically grown, fresh bananas, c'mon down! But hurry; bananas aren't the best keepers, KWIM?

Now for my second FLora and (Hold the) Fauna presentation, allow me to introduce you to Mademoiselle Kitty:



Mme. Kitty is very shy ... and just started to bloom again after two long months of pouting. My orchids can be so temperamental! And it's not like I don't give 'em lots of water and orchid food, 'cuz I don't ... but I DO tell them I love 'em every time I push 'em outta my way. I kid ...

Suddenly, Mme. Kitty is throwing lots of teeny-tiny blossoms ... but she refuses to let me get a good photo of her. She's very shy as I mentioned. Anyway, here ^ she is in all her bright yellow splendor.

BONUS FLora!

For my third and final FLora & (Hold the) Fauna presentation, please allow me to introduce to you the LARGEST. FLORIDA. AVOCADO. EVER!




This is by far the largest homegrown avocado I've ever seen! For that matter, it's also the largest store-bought avocado I've ever seen. If it came from a store ... which it didn't ... but if it did, it would still be the largest store-bought avocado I'd ever seen.

This lovely Green Goddess measures a whopping 8 inches long, (more or less ...), by approximately 6 inches wide. It weighs over 2 pounds ... which is ... ummm ... HUGE ... by FL avocado standards, anyway.

Yup, you're lookin' at about a half gallon of Guacamole! And while I'm generally quite modest, I can tell you without fear of contradiction that I make THE. BEST. GUACAMOLE. EVER! It's a gift ... and yes, a burden ... but definitely true; I cannot tell a lie. About guacamole-making.

So, if you're planning on comin' down for some banana's, be sure to get here pronto for the Guacamole. Si, Senorita?

Well, boys and girls, that's our FLora & (Hold the) Fauna show for today. I'll be back tomorrow with a project for you to CASE ... provided I don't OD on Guacamole.

Thanks for swingin' by to see my FLora ... maybe next time I can alligator wrestle some FL fauna for you to see!

~Hugs,

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow ... at Your House

I'm sending lots of snowy wishes your way ... 'cuz I know how much you Northerners l-o-v-e snow. But that's not the only reason. The other reason is that today is "National Good Neighbor Day," and I'm just tryin' to be a good neighbor!

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's card project was created for Allison's "Suggestive Sunday" blog challenge. This week, Allison challenged us to create a paper project using a snowman. I'll bet you didn't see that coming, huh?

I stamped my image on Vintage Cream card stock, and colored Mr. Snowman in with Copic markers. Notice my intricate and subtle shading here ... LOL! Right; the Copic's and I are barely speakin' these days.

I embossed my background card stock, added some red Stickles to his buttons and drew a horizon line with a black pen. The red patterned paper is actually half of an A•Muse "Kitchen" note card and I die cut some funky green 'trees' to embellish the note card paper.

There is a ton of super-fine snow glitter on this card and no matter how many different photos I took, I could NOT get it to show up ... nor the Copic W1 shadow under the snowman ... just let's pretend you see 'em, okeedokee?!?

Easy-peasy-snowman-easy!

So, the DH is building a hurricane-shutter-storage-box-thingie and asked me if I wanted to run down to the local Home Depot with him. Never one to miss an opportunity to get free paint sample cards and Formica chips, I agreed.

While the DH was talking boards with the nice man in the orange apron, a guy walked up and said, "S'cuse me, but I need some four-by-twos."

The clerk said, "You mean two-by-fours, don't you?"

The guy said, "I'll go check," and walked away. He returned a few minutes later and said, "Yeah, I meant two-by-fours."

"Alright. How long do you need them?"

The man paused, then said, "A long time. We're gonna build a house."

Seriously; I was there! Completely true ... the unadulterated truth. Hey, I can't help it if funny things happen all around me ... all the time ... can I? It must be a funny-karma thing ... plus my name, Deb, means "she who causes laughter everywhere she goes," in ... some other language ... I think.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; Papertrey Ink
• Patterned Paper: A Muse Kitchen Note Cards
• Stamps: Snowman by Gina K. Designs; Sentiment by Papertrey Ink
• Ink: Black, Archival by Ranger; Cranberry, Close to My Heart
• Accessories: Copic Markers; American Craft Pen; Shimmer Brad by Making Memories; Stickles by Ranger; Super-Fine Glitter by Stampendous
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Cuttlebug A2 Embossing Folder; Spellbinder's Dies; Cuttlebug Die; Dimensionals; Scrap Fusion PA

Three 15 Minute Projects ='s Three Thanksgiving Day Cards

Hey, there you are! Did you know that today is National Comic Book Day?!? Well, it is ... now go forth and admit that you still read comics. I would, if I did, but I don't ... so I won't. Even if I did ... which I do.

Today's trio of Thanksgiving cards were created as samples for a card customer. This particular customer likes her cards two ways: plain or simple ... or both. She chose another sample for her T-day cards, so I'm sharing the rejects with you today. Yes, you're worth more than card rejects but they're not really rejects ... just unwanted. Totally different ... I think.

I stamped my floral images, from the now-retired "Blossom Blocks" set by Close to My Heart, and my sentiment from "Say it in Style," CTMH's May Stamp-of-the-Month, with dye inks on Vintage Cream card stock. I added some v-e-r-y simple embellishments, including those cute button punchies and SU's new Mini-Library Clips.

Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes ... each.

So, yesterday, on my way to the Village, I waited in stopped-dead traffic for 30 minutes ... why? I'm glad you asked! I waited for a large and lovely flock of peacocks to cross the road ... and I couldn't help but wonder: why did the chickens peacocks cross the road ... and ... why don't I keep my camera in my car?

It seems like every time I have to run down to the Village, I am accosted by the same panhandler, who always asks me for $1.00.

So yesterday, totally exasperated (prolly 'cuz I sat in peacock traffic for a half an hour), I asked him sarcastically, "Why do you ask me for $1.00 every day? Why not ask me for $100* and be done with it!?!"

"I didn't think it wise to put all my begs in one ask-it," he replied.

Seriously.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink; Speciality Card Stock
• Stamps: Close to My Heart
• Ink: Close to My Heart Dye Inks
• Accessories: SU Mini Library Clips; Raffia; Double-Ended-Curly-Ended-Swirl-Thingie; Embroidery Floss
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Spellbinder's Dies; Button Punch; Dimensionals

*That was a rhetorical question ...

My Cornucopia Runneth Over ...

Well, stamping card makers, we finally have a day we can call our very own: "Festival Of Latest Novelties Day!" Seriously, if there's a group of people who want/need/buy the latest 'novelties' more than stampers and card makers, I'd like to know who that is. So, in honor of the Festival, I will be pre-ordering all the new Spellbinder's dies today*!

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's card project was created using one of the latest novelties Cuttlebug embossing folders, "Pumpkin Harvest."

I used my Koh-I-Noor pencils to color in my stamped cornucopia, blending with Gamsol, then added some dimension to the image using the "plumping" technique. I added some glittery Stickles to the ears of corn, and a Copic marker (W1) shadow, both of which you can barely see. But pretend you do ...

I stamped my CTMH sentiment on Vintage Cream card stock using a stamp from Close to My Heart's September Stamp of the Month. Check it out HERE. I framed the sentiment in an antique copper index frame, matted my card stock with DP from Daisy D's, and shortly thereafter, finis!

So, I spoke to Sheila today ... always an adventure:

"So, how's your Mom been lately," I asked.

"Not good," Sheila answered. "She's got chronic frontal sinusitis."

"WoWzA, that doesn't sound good," I said. "Where did she get that?"

"Reader's Digest. Last month's issue."

On a serious note, be sure to check out Cammie's blog for the most. amazing. blog. candy. give-away. ever!

When you read Cammie's post you'll understand why she, and dozens of other stampers and bloggers are donating to this phenomenal give-away! Be sure to check it out and enter for your chance to win over $1,000 in kewl prizes!!

I will be donating this ^ card to The Artman Home in Pennsylvania in honor of World Alzheimer's Day. Make someone's day ~ send a handmade card to an Alzheimer's caregiver you know ... there's no better time than right now!

Seriously.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: DCWV; Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: Daisy D's
• Stamps: Sentiment by Close to My Heart; Cornucopia by Outlines
• Ink: Archival Black by Ranger
• Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon; Antique Copper Index Frame and Brads; Stickles
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Spellbinder's Dies; A2 Embossing Folder; Koh-I-Noor Woodless Pencils; Gamsol; Copic Marker (W1); Dimensionals; Scrap Fusion PA

*I wish ...

It's National Checker's Day!

Say, do you have a Checkers restaurant near you? If so, get thy self down there and get a free meal today! It's not advertised but just do what I did ... order your meal, then when the cashier tells you how much you owe, tell them that today is National Checker's Day and that according to your attorney, all Checkers' meals are free for the askin' today. Yum, the only thing better than Checkers is free Checkers! And free checkin' ... that's pretty kewl too.

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers:

Today's card project was created for no good reason 'cept that I found this image on my work table all ready stamped, embossed, and distressed. Bein' that I never look a gift horse in the mouth (dangerously yucky), I assumed that the Goddess of Card Making wanted me to use it. So I did.

Isn't this DP gorgeous?!? I'm soooo in love with this new patterned paper from Close to My Heart! This is from the brand new "Perfect Day" collection and you can get it HERE. And you should ... 'cuz it's soooo pretty! I know you'll be thankin' me later for enabling you now.

For the rest of the deets on this card, check out my supply list, below.

So, my friend Sheila is helping out her uncle in his bakery this week. No, thank goodness, she doesn't bake, but she does know how to work the cash register.

Yesterday morning, a gunman burst in and demanded all the cash. As Sheila nervously handed over the cash, she noticed the rolls of coins in the back of the register.

"Do you want the rolls too?" she asked.

"No," said the robber, waving his gun. "Just the money."

Seriously.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics Kraft; Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: Close to My Heart, "Perfect Day" Collection
• Stamps: Hero Arts; Sentiment by Papertrey Ink
• Ink: Clearsnap Dark Brown Fluid Chalk Ink; Versamark; Close to My Heart
• Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon; Vintage Cotton Twine; SU Jumbo Eyelets; Frame Hanger; Metal Index Holder: 7gypsies; Stacked Word Sentiment; Clear Embossing Powder; Distressing Tool
• Tools: Crop-a-Dile; Heat Gun; Circle Punch; Dimensionals; Mini-Glue Dots

Autumn Leaves are Leavin' Trees ...

Dear Diary: Today I used the grocery money for a new stamp set, seven new ink pads, a new stamp scrubber, two 6 x 6 packs of DP, and four bottles of Crystal Lacquer. I am sooooo dead.

Hey, there you are! So today is "Dear Diary Day" ... do you keep a diary? I think bloggin' is a lot like keeping a diary ... a diary that's accessible to everyone on the planet, but still, a diary of sorts. Because I care, I'll share with you the single most important thing I learned about keeping a diary: lie through your teeth 'cuz the truth hurts ... mostly you.

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's card project was created for the Stamping Challenges to Love "Just Add Leaves" challenge. So I did.

All of these stamps are from Stampin' Up's new "Seasonal Whimsy" collection ... a must-have set IMHO.

I used dye inks from Close to My Heart, did a little paper piercing, then cut out the larger leaves and mounted them on dimensionals.

Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 35 minutes ... as for the photography? Ummm, that took two days ...

Thanks so much for swingin' by! Have a great Monday ... provided that's possible.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink
• Stamps: Stampin' Up! "Seasonal Whimsy" Set
• Ink: Close to My Heart
• Tools: Paper Piercer; Dimensionals; Scrap Fusion PA

Is That a Dead Fish Hangin' From My Tree, or is it Just Glad to See Me?

Hey everyone, welcome to FLora and Fauna Day! And may I be the first, and possibly only, person to wish you a very happy International Banana Festival day! Who knew?!?

Now tell me, doesn't that look just like a dead fish hangin' there? But it's not ... it's a newly hatched banana pod. And, since it is International Banana Festival day, I thought I'd show off my new, kinda-gross-lookin' banana pod!

Sooooooo, ummmmmmm, there ^ it is!



Now for my second FLora and Fauna Day presentation, allow me to introduce you to Wanda! Wanda is a Vanda orchid, which are known for their amazingly long roots ... which I totally forgot to photograph for you. Wanda's roots are white, pretty, and hang down about 3 feet or so.

Kewl roots aside, look closely at Wanda ... doesn't it look she's part flower/part bug?!? Seriously, look at those bugged-out eyes! Or is it just me seein' bugs? Hmm, I'll bet you're thinkin', "Yeah, I'll have whatever she's takin'," aren't you? See, that's one of the things that I love about you!

So, that's the show for today; I'll be back tomorrow with a project for you to CASE.

Thanks for 'swingin' by to admire Wanda and my future bananas!

~Hugs,

Speaking of Simple Things ...

Happy Cartoon Day boys and girls!!

And more GOOD news!! Today is "National Punch Day!" You know what that means: you can go out and buy as many punches as you want today! And not a minute too soon: I've got a long list of punches I want need!

ONward H-C-M's:

True story: this card is pictured in the dictionary right next to the word "simple." Is too!

I stamped my ginormous "Well Worn Words" backgrounder on kraft card stock, then wrapped some natural twine around the stamped image, though a double-clippie-thingie, and adhered the ends on the back.

I stamped my sentiment on a kraft card stock scrap, die-cut a scalloped edge mat, punched out five 1/4" circles, added some teeny-tiny screw head brads, and finis!!

Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes! Is too!

Well, guess what? While cleaning out my studio I discovered an almost-new Scotch ATG 714 adhesive gun! That's funny ... I already have one ... but suddenly, I have two ... why, it's like a craftin' miracle!

Anyway, I've listed it for auction in my eBay store for .99 ... that's right, ninety-nine cents! It's missing it's instructions but there's a kewl video available at Framing Supplies and tons more info available by searching "Scotch ATG 714." If you've been wanting needing an ATG gun, you might want to go and check it out: HERE.

Thanks so much for spending part of your Cartoon Day with me; you rock!

~Simply,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; Papertrey Ink
• Stamps: Backgrounder by Stampin' Up; Sentiment by Hero Arts
• Ink: Staz-On Solvent Ink by Tsukineko
• Accessories: Double Spiral Clip Thingie; Natural Jute Twine; Screw Head Brads
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Nestabilities Dies; 1/4" Circle Punch; Scrap Fusion PA; Dimensionals

I Can Stop Any Time I Want!

I just love this stamp! Did I mention that before? Come Fall, I find myself using it over and over. Don't worry; I can quit usin' any time I want ...

This is a super-simple design to CASE. I used a stamp positioner to stamp my sentiment on a strip of pumpkin-colored card stock, then distressed the edges.

I loaded my loverly old stamp with Versamark, then tapped on Close to My Heart dye inks in "Sunflower," "Garden Green," and "Hollyhock," and embossed with clear embossing powder. I cut out the image, and a scallop edge mat, then mounted the image using dimensionals.

Lastly, I added some metal arrow photo turns and some terracotta brads ... easy-peasy and ready to serve in just ... 22 minutes!

So, the DH went to the doctor the other day for his annual physical. In passing, he mentioned to his doctor that he had a song stuck in this head ... and had for a couple of days. I hate it when that happens ...

The doctor asked him which song.

The DH told him it was an old song called, "The Green, Green Grass of Home."

Suddenly serious, the doctor told the DH that it sounded like 'Tom Jones Syndrome'.

"What?!? Are you kidding?" the DH asked, then, " ... is it rare?"

"Well," his doctor replied, "it's not unusual."

Seriously.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; Papertrey Ink
• Stamps: "Lexicon of Love" by Stampin' Up!; "Falling Leaves" by Alias Smith and Rowe
• Ink: Versamark Watermark; Dye Inks from Close to My Heart
• Accessories: Arrow Photo Turns; Terracotta Brads from Close to My Heart; Clear Embossing Powder
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Nestabilities Dies; Heat Gun; Paper Distresser; Dimensionals; Scrap Fusion PA;
  
  

Who's Afraid of the Big, Brown Tag?

So, allow me to be the first to wish you a happy "National Play-Doh Day!" Play-Doh: like currency for the kindergarten set ... don't leave home without it!

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers:

Today's paper project was created for the "Tag You're It" blog challenge. This week, Anne and Sam challenged us to create a tag using a monochromatic color scheme. It doesn't get any more boring monochromatic than brown, brown, kraft, and brown!

My no-stampin' tag was created using gallons of walnut ink, my back-asswards Cuttlebug embossing folder, and some metal edged tags.

I layered the tags so that the embossed patterns matched up, punched out three butterflies, tied on some walnut ink stained string, and finis! Down and dirty, quick and easy!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch:

This neighborhood used to be such a nice, quiet boondocks ... usually the only excitement we have is when someones horses escape ... or the infrequent Polo-pony-napping.

But just yesterday, a couple of kids in the neighborhood were arrested; one was drinking battery acid, the other was eating fireworks.

They charged one and let the other one off ...

Seriously.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink
• Ink: Walnut Ink
• Accessories: Metal-Edge Tags; Cotton String
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; A2 Embossing Folder; Butterfly Punch; Corner Rounder Punch; Dimensionals

All the Good Blog Post Titles Were Taken ...

So, hey, happy "Stay Away From Seattle Day!" Strange ... I thought all the lunatics were in Washington, DC.

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers:

Today's card project was created for Allison's "Suggestive Sunday" blog challenge. This week, Allison challenged us to use silhouette stamps on a card. And in so doing, I discovered something startling: I have w-a-y too many silhouette stamps!

After the dust settled, I chose to use this silhouette stamp ... stamping my image and sentiment on Kraft card stock with Versamark. I heat embossed with an ancient jar of "Topiary" embossing powder ... which I "discovered" around the same time as I realized how many silhouette stamps I had. Does this kinda thing happen to anyone else?!?

I ran the stamped and embossed sentiment partially through a paper crimper, added some eyelets, and knotted some dark green twine through the openings. I added the sentiment piece to my card base using dimensionals for ... ummmm ... dimension!

I punched out some l'il tiny circles and adhered them to my stamped and embossed foliage and finis! Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!

TRUE Story Alert!

My friend Sheila invited the DH and I over for dinner last night. While the guys went out to the garage to ooohhh and ahhhhh over power tools, I went inside to help Sheila prepare dinner.

In the kitchen, Sheila had a huge pot of cold water on the stove and was busy chopping veggies for a salad.

"Would you like me to start the pasta water, " I asked.

"Oh, no, not yet," she responded, "Not 'til I'm done with the salad."

"Oh, okay," I said.

"But just as soon as I finish the salad, we can start the water and leave the kitchen," she continued.

"Ummm, o-KAY, Sheila ... but why leave? Isn't that kinda dangerous?"

"Duh, Deb, everyone knows a watched pot never boils!"

Seriously.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill; Papertrey Ink
• Stamps: Cornish Heritage Farms
• Ink: Versamark
• Accessories: Embossing Powder; Eyelets; Twine
• Tools: Heat Gun; Crop-a-Dile; Paper Crimper ; Circle Punch; Black Dimensionals

Grateful for Fall ... Who? Not Me!

Why? 'Cuz Fall in South Florida means two things: tourists ... and hurricanes. I can't decide which is worse. LOLO, I kid, it's easy to decide which is worse: tourists.

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers:

Today's card project was created using fall-like-ish images from Close to My Heart and Hero Arts.

I loaded my leaf image using Versamark, tapped on dye ink, then heat embossed with clear powder. Rinse, lather, and repeat. I stamped my sentiment in the same manner.

I embellished the card with silver hinges, brads, grosgrain ribbon, and a ribbon slide, and popped my sentiment up on black dimensionals. Easy-peasy-almost-too-easy!

Sooooooo, I went to the mall with my friend Sheila yesterday and as we were walking back to the car, I noticed a huge dog walking toward us.

"Wowza," I said, "look at that dog with one eye!"

Sheila covered one of her eyes and said, "Where?"

Seriously.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink
• Stamps: "Fall" by Hero Arts; Sentiment by Close to My Heart
• Ink: Versamark Watermark; Close to My Heart Dye Inks
• Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder; Silver Hinges; Brads; Grosgrain Ribbon; Ribbon Slide
• Tools: Heat Gun; Spellbinder's Dies; Scrap Fusion PA; Dimensionals

Rockin' to Background Music ... a 15 Minute Project

Monday: a truly dreadful way to spend 1/7th of your life ...

Hey, boys and girls, it's that time of the month again! Head on over to Y.ou K.now Y.ou R.ock for the full deets on the "Background Music" challenge ... and to see who rocked August's "Heavy Metal" challenge!

Today's 15 Minute card project was created as a sample for Y.ou K.now Y.ou R.ock's September challenge. This month, our theme is "Rockin' to Background Music."

Create your rockin' entry using a stand-alone background stamp. Feel free to add embellishments but use a stamp that really doesn't need any, KWIM?

I stamped my background image using Staz-On solvent ink, matted it, added some gold charms and rhinestones, and finis! Quick and dirty easy ... just the way I like 'em!

TIP: To adhere tiny charms without using messy glues, simply cut your mini-glue dots in half, then apply to your embellies ... easy-peasy!

Anyway, yesterday I had this crazy urge for sponge cake. But I wanted to make a real sponge cake ... so I borrowed all the ingredients.

Yum!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Stampin' Up; Papertrey Ink
• Stamp: Club Scrap
• Ink: "Timber Brown" Staz-On
• Accessories: Gold Lock and Key Charms; Gold Rhinestones
• Tools: Scrap Fusion PA; Mini-Glue Dots

Not Just a Challenge; It's Dinnerware, Too!

Happy Sunday boys and girls, hope you're not dealing with the before, during, or after-effects of Mr. H. Cane Ike.

Which reminds me, did you know that there's actually a technical term for a sunny, warm day which follows two rainy days? Yup: Monday.

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers:

Today's card project was created for the Stamping Challenges to Love. This weeks hostess is my friend, Annapurna ... who chose an inspiration challenge for her theme. Here's Anna's inspiration piece:



My entry is super-simple; I stamped my flower image twice on teal card stock and embossed with gold powder. I used a Stamp-a-Ma-Jig to position the text above the flowers and cut the piece out with a Nestie's die.

I wrapped gold cord around the purple card stock, added some metal photo corners and finis! Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just ... 30 minutes!

Just a reminder: today is the last day you can vote in the Y.ou K.now Y.ou R.ock "Heavy Metal" challenge. Head on over and vote, it'll only take a sec, and show some stampers some stampin' love, okeedokee?!?

Quick, TRUE story to share with you:

Some of you know that the DH is a computer tech and if you didn't ... well, you do now! Anyway, last night he took a call from a customer:

"... OK, press the control and escape keys at the same time. That brings up a task list in the middle of the screen. Now type the letter 'P' to bring up the Program Manager."

Customer: "I don't have a 'P'."

"On your keyboard," the DH said.

Customer: "What do you mean ?"

The DH: "'P' on your keyboard."

Customer: "What! I'm not gonna do that!"

Seriously.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; DCWV
• Stamps: Stampin' Up!
• Ink: Versamark Watermark
• Accessories: Queens Gold Embossing Powder; Metal Photo Corners; Gold Cord
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Stamp-A-Ma-Jig; Die; Scrap Fusion PA; The Ultimate
  
  

Two Hearts as One ... Ribbon Sold Separately

So, how's your Cartoon Day workin' out so far? Mine's okay but it could be better: I'm havin' a heck of a time finding a Rocky & Bullwinkle that's not a rerun ...

ONWARD Hoarding-Card-Makers:

So, I'm really in love with the detail in this kewl Inkadinkado background stamp; it looks just like lace. Oh, and I love the name, "Inkadinkado," too, don't you? Hey, poetry!

In fact, I purposefully buy stamps from Inkadinkado jess so I can say, "Oh, this old thing?!? It's an Inka-Dinka-Do!" So, that's my excuse for buying Inka's. My rationale for buying Stampin' Up rubber is that they're, "investment stamps." I have excuses for other brands that I pull out when necessary.

I stamped both of my images with Staz-On solvent ink, then double mounted 'em, wrapped a grosgrain ribbon around the middle and thru a metal double-heart brad.

In order to make my background fit on my mats, I trimmed off a strip and used it on the inside of my card:

See?

TIP: Always save your trimmed off strips! If you're not thrilled about using them on the inside of your card, you can also use them to embellish your envelope. Not for you? How about using the excess stamped images for punchies, brad washers, photo corners, faux photo turns, and, of course, tiny mats!

So, hey, I hear we're getting a professional baseball team down here! The word is that the new team will be called "Humidity." I like it! Now disgruntled fans here in Florida can say, "It's not the Heat that's so bad, it's the Humidity."

~Sportingly,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; Papertrey Ink
• Stamps: "Lace" by Inkadinkado; Sentiment by Vickie Enkoff
• Ink: "Ultramarine" Staz-On by Tsukineko
• Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon; Entwined Hearts Brad
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Nestabilities Die; Scrap Fusion PA; Dimensionals
  
  

I Gotta Stop Wearin' Shades Whilst Card-Making ...

See why? Just a teeny bit bright, huh?!?

Hey, guess what?!?! The DH brought me home the cutest l'il puppy! It's a hybrid mixed breed: a Spitz + a Chow Chow. So, technically, Puddles is a Spitz-Chow ... which 'splains why he's throwin' up after every meal.

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers:

Okay, is it just me or are all the new Cuttlebug embossing folders messed up? I've got four new ones; of the four, two were manufactured bass-ackwards ... or upside down and inside out ... something. But not right; I hope all of your folders work properly!

Today's card project was created bass-ackwards for my cousin's birthday and she just lurves bright colors ... being a Floridian and all.

I ran the yellow card stock base through the 'Bug using one of the "Just My Type" folders. Yup, it debossed the front instead of embossing ... so, I flipped it around and ran it through again. Looks kinda kewl with the embossed edge on both the outside and the inside of the card.

I layered on some pumpkin card stock and stamped my flower image using "Broken China" Distress ink. I cut it out and added to my card base using a glue dot, leaving the petals free for dimension. I tied a turquoise ribbon through a metal flower that my BFF sent me, then adhered it to the stamped flower using a 1/4" dimensional.

I added a ribbon at the card stock seam and tied on three yellow ribbons for bows. My sentiment, from Close to My Heart, was stamped in the same ink and cut out in the 'Bug, then glued down with a glue dot just under the ribbon.

Hope you're not lookin' here today, Kath ... 'cuz this isn't just your birthday card, it's your gift, too!

So, I've been thinkin' ... why is it that all the instruments seeking intelligent life in the universe are pointed away from Earth?

~Wondering,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink; Bazzill Basics
• Stamps: "Alpha Flower" by Limited Edition; Sentiment by Close to My Heart
• Ink: "Broken China" Distress Ink by Ranger Industries
• Accessories: Metal Flower, the Bestest BFF in the Whole, Wide World; Grosgrain Ribbon
• Tools: Cut Machine; Cuttlebug "Just My Type" Embossing Folders; Nestabilites Die by Spellbinder's; Dimensionals; Glue Dots; Scrap Fusion PA

Autumn Leaves ... and the Blog Candy Winner!

I'm ahh-live! But you already knew that, didn'tcha?!? Thanks so much for all your comforting words, and your prayers ... and most of all, those hurricane jokes! Now I need you to pray for all those in harm's way in coastal Texas and Louisiana.

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers:

Today's card project was created for no good reason using my new (old) favorite stamp and some vintage patterned paper from Scenic Route.

I loaded my fallin' leaves stamp with Versamark ink, then tapped on three inks from Close to My Heart: "Sunflower," "Garden Green," and "Hollyhock." I covered my stamped image with clear embossing powder and heat set.

I adhered this kewl old DP to my card stock, added some ribbons, and two threaded buttons.

I double matted my focal image and finis! Easy-peasy and ready to serve in say ... oh, let's say ... 30 minutes!

Okay, so before the DH knew what hit him, I got in to his face and asked him for a number between 1 and 47. His answer? Number 25. Comment number 25 reads, "Hope things are calm there and that you do not get the worse of it," left by Char-the mad shopper. So congrats, Char, email me your snail mail addy, and I'll get your new stamps out to you ASAP. Thanks everyone for entering!

So the other day, as the DH and I we were shuttering up the Old Homestead, my neighbor came over and told me, "I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost me four thousand dollars, but it's state of the art."

"WoWza," I answered. "What kind is it?"

"Twelve thirty."

Despite all the jokin' around, I'm truly saddened to recall the memories of exactly seven years today. We will never forget; please don't let your children!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink
• Patterned Paper: Scenic Route
• Stamp: Alias Smith and Rowe
• Ink: Versamark; Close to My Heart
• Accessories: Sinamay, Grosgrain, and Satin Ribbons; Old Buttons; Embroidery Floss
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Nestabilities Dies; Clear Embossing Powder; Heat Gun; Dimensionals; Mini-Gun Dots

Call Me ... It's the Best Way to Find Out if I Still Have a Phone!

Hi boys and girls!

Today's card project was made using a humongous background stamp from Stampin' Up, and a vintage photograph of my sister-in-law. Won't she laugh and be soooo excited when she sees this?!? Ummm, prolly not so much. Especially since I didn't even mentioned it to her ... And I cut it up to fit my frame-thingie! So I decided to keep this info on the down-low ... it'll be our l'il secret, okeedokee?

Anyway, nothing too exotic about this card; you can see the supply list, below, for more info on the card.

One fun thing to note: the rotary dial on the telephone charm really turns!

Gotta fly; hurricane watchin' is a full-time job!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Cut Card Stock
• Designer Paper: Close to My Heart
• Stamp: "Well Worn Words" by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: Distress Ink by Ranger
• Accessories: Brown Stencil Letters; Silver Metal Corner Adorners; Vintage Telephone Charm; Embroidery Floss
• Tools: Die Cut Machine; Nestabilities Die; Tag Maker; The Ultimate Glue; Scrap Fusion PA
  

It's Time for Some Blog Candy!

Happy Sunday, boys and girls!

Ahhh, the sights and sounds of Fall in So. Florida! It's ... well ... electric!! And when it comes to electricity, ya might as well use it before ya lose it!

Close your eyes and drink it in: the buzz of table saws biting through 1/2" plywood, the whir of drill bits grindin' into concrete, the steady beat of falling hammers ring through the air ... the sweet scent of fresh-cut wood ... the feelin' of controlled panic is practically palpable!

And, then, the child-like wonder of living in a completely encased structure ... kinda like that scary cave you bravely explored when you were 8 ... minus the wide opening. Or, that tree fort you built one summer then realized too late that you'd forgotten to add windows. A dark and cozy love-nest, soft, quiet, candle-lit, with only one way in or out ... till the final screw is set. Then ... trapped.

Now, the wait. For the force of 4 million jack-hammers to start pounding away at your heavily mortgaged home ... keepin' an ever watchful eye to make sure the place isn't fillin' up with water. And then, you brave a sneak-peek out through the 1/2" peephole ... just in time to see your entire grove of mature fruit trees go sailin' by. Good times, I tells ya, GOOD times!

Yes, my dear imaginary friends, these are the sights and sounds of Fall in the tropics (sub-tropics for all you perfectionistas). And, as I fondly gaze around at my landscape, I can't help but think, "I hope my house is still standin' in this spot next week ..."*

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers!

'Cuz I'm so busy battenin' down the hatches (and we have 30+ oddball-sized hatches to batten ... together with lots of other w-a-y fun preparations), I thought it was time to give away some Diva Impressions rubber stamps. Not that one has anything to do with the other, but when do I ever let logic stand in my way?!? Right. Never.

I have four*~* bee-you-tea-full, brandy-new, deeply etched, unmounted, red rubber stamps from Diva Impressions to give away! And I'll add one more to the winner's packie prior to shipping. *~* So, five. Math: not just a good idea, it's the law!

And, since we're expecting a v-e-r-y important visitor, (Mr. H. Cane Ike), I'll leave this up until I'm back online ... after I get my power back. Knowing F P & L, that could take awhile! So, just keep entering every day until I post again** letting y'all know I'm back in action. DH.org'll chose a winner then.

THE DEETS: If you subscribe to my blog, or have your blog linked to mine, you can enter to win these stamps twice a day ... giving you lots o' chances to win! Even if you don't subscribe or link to my blog, you can still enter once a day. As always international visitors are welcome to enter ... I'll ship anywhere mail is haphazardly delivered.

Remember to check back to see if you've won. If I don't have power and can't get back online, just keep on entering! I'll have DH.org draw a number when I DO have power ... whenever that might be. And who knows, we may not get clobbered***!

So, go forth ... enter many times, and good luck!

And wish good luck on us, too! I jess hate searchin' all over the neighborhood for parts of my house ...

~Hugs,


*Really, I'm not THAT fussy; standing intact in any spot works ...

**I've got a couple of post automatically scheduled for the middle of next week jess so's you don't die of boredom visitin' my cob-webby ole blog! I'm not r-e-a-l-l-y back 'til I announce a winner, okeedokee?!?

***We are sooooooooooooooo due to get clobbered ...

Happy Fall ... Like a Happy Meal with Less Calories!

Happy Cartoon Day, boys and girls! Hope you're not spending your weekend boardin' up your house like you-know-who ...

Today's card project was created for no good reason ... I just wanted to stamp the trees image. I love this image, but unfortunately, don't recall who manufactured it. It's an unmounted stamp so it's origin will remain unknown.

I stamped the image by first loading my stamp with Versamark, then loading it with "Spiced Marmalade" Distress ink, then stamping on Vintage Cream card stock. Using my heat tool, I embossed with clear embossing powder.

I stamped my sentiment, from Close to My Heart, using "Pine Needles" Distress ink, then cut the sentiment out with my Nesties.

I added some die-cut ovals, twill ribbon, brass letter charms, and brass brads, and finis!

Be sure to check out the Y.ou K.now Y.ou R.ock blog to see all the "Heavy Metal" entries and vote for your fav!

Off to finishing reading my book about anti-gravity ... I just can't put it down!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; Papertrey Ink
• Stamps: Trees Image, Unknown; Sentiment from Close to My Heart
• Ink: Versamark Watermark; Distress Inks by Ranger
• Accessories: Twill Ribbon; Copper Letter Charms; Antique Copper Brads
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Nestabilities Dies; Clear Embossing Powder; Heat Gun; Dimensionals; Scrap Fusion PA