If You See My Mojo, Would You Mind Sendin' it Home?

'Cuz it took off a couple of days ago and hasn't been seen since! And, since there's nothing worse than 'forcing it' ... I'm not. After all, we do this for fun ... don't we?!?

Okay, if you've been following my blog for awhile, you know I periodically show off pix of my darlin' babies ... meaning my bee-you-tea-full orchids. Oh, and my totally weird banana trees. If you're interested, you can see more FLora + Fauna photos in my blog labels, or search for "flora" in the search box, above on the left.

So, in the spirit of a stamp release party, presenting Miss May:


Miss May is a gorgeous young phalaenopsis orchid and the newest member of my large family of purple orchids. I love Miss May's soft lavender/white coloration ... isn't she purty?!?

My DS and DIL sent this beauty to me from Wisconsin for my birthday ... and let me tell you, she was sooooooooo happy to see that her new home was in the sub-tropics! And since it's monsoon season down here, her happy state should continue until say, November. After that, not so much.

Soooooo, yesterday afternoon I called my friend Barb to leave a message in her voicemail. Instead, I got Barb.

"Hey, what are you doin' home?" I asked.

"Wellllllll," she explained, "when I was driving to work, I took a wrong turn. And then I just decided to keep going."

Hey! Maybe that's what happened to my mojo!

~Stampin' hugs,

Kraft "Best Blossoms" Redux ...

Happy Hump Day, stampers! This week's flyin' by, huh?!?

Today's card was created for SCS's "Clean and Simple" challenge, CAS16. This week, the challenge was to remake one of your own cards. For all the challenging deets, clicky HERE. To go straight to the CAS16 card gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my cards, clicky right there on the photos.

So, this ^ is my do-over of this card:

This ^ card really did need a make-over ... it's just way a l'il too busy. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but the execution? Ummm, not so much.

As you can see, I eliminated the patterned paper, the too-large bow, and the excess leaves. I also eliminated the sponged-on white ink around the edges of the focal image.

What I did do was swap the kraft mat for a mat cut from a book published in 1897, and stamped a sentiment. Otherwise, these cards are identical!

For all the mind-boggling product info, check out the supply list, below.

Sooooooo, this weekend, the DH and I went downtown for dinner. We decided to take a stroll through the nearby park to 'walk it off.'

So after we'd walked forever a bit, we sat on a bench to rest and almost immediately could overhear voices coming from a secluded spot behind us.

"Omigosh," I whispered to the DH, "he's gonna propose to his girlfriend!"

Not wanting to eavesdrop at such an intimate moment, I nudged the DH and said, "Whistle and let that couple know that someone can hear them."

"Whistle?" the DH asked incredulously, "Why should I whistle? Nobody whistled to warn me!"

Yikes!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Kraft" by Papertrey Ink
• Other Paper: Vintage Book Page Published in 1897
• Stamps: "Best Blossoms" Set by Stampin' Up!; Sentiment from "Bella Blossoms" by Stampin' Up
  
• Ink: "Vintage Cream" Hybrid Ink by Papertrey Ink; "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; "Cranberry" Dye Ink by Close to My Heart
• Accessories: 5/8" Chocolate Brown Satin Ribbon by May Arts
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Nestabilities Die by Spellbinders; Foam Tape; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
  

All the Good Card Shapes Were Taken ...

by the talented Caardvarks Design Team!

Today's card project was created for the Caardvarks "Shape Up" challenge. For all the challenge deets, clicky HERE. And while you're there, take a look at the DT's cards ... wowza, not only is the talented team huge, it's hugely talented! By reason of sheer numbers, all the good card shapes were taken ... like that taco-card ... so I decided to make a boring shirt-card {*yawn*} for my dear FIL.

The card is pretty simple ... and pretty simple to put together, too. I created my shirt using less than one sheet of DP from Cosmo Cricket's "Get Happy" collection and stamps from Close to My Heart and Hampton Art.

After I cut out my shirt-card, I added some vintage buttons from my half-vast button stash.

TIP: Using a guillotine cutter, slice super-skinny strips of your DP to create "thread" for your buttons. It creates less bulk than real thread or floss and always matches your project!

For all the exciting shape-shifting product info, check out the supply list, below.

So, this past Sunday, Sheila was working with her Sunday School kids preparing them for their First Communion. Father John assisted her, instructing the kids to cup their hands to receive the Host when he said the words, "God be with you."

After Church, Reid-the-Wild-Child called me and pleaded with me to come over to watch him practice for the big day.

I think his exact words were, "'Auntie, you HAVE to get over here RIGHT. NOW. 'cuz I'm your favorite-est godson and you love me," or maybe it was, "get over here RIGHT. NOW. before Mommy eats all the Sunday donuts!" Either way, I had to go ...

When I got there, I found Sheila in her kitchen using a tiny cookie cutter to create the "Host" out of white bread.

"You've lost it." I observed.

"Whatever," she sighed, "I'm not in charge here anymore."

"Okay, Mom," Reid demanded the second she finished making the bread thingies, "first, I'll be the priest and you be the kid!"

Reid carefully explained to Sheila that she had to kneel, bow her head, think of Baby Jesus, and then cup her hands to receive the Host.

Never one to skimp on details, Reid put on his Batman cape ... while Sheila got down on her knees.

Then, holding the bread-Host-thingie in a most priestly way, he said in a solemn voice, "God will get you."

Omigosh, my sides still hurt!

~Hugs,

• Designer Paper: Snappy/Twist & Shout Sheet from Como Cricket's "Get Happy" Collection
• Card Stock: "Stamper's Select" White by Papertrey Ink
• Stamps: "Love," and "thinking of you" by Close to My Heart; "DAD" from Hampton Art's Mini-Alphabet Set
• Ink: "Cranberry" Dye Ink by Close to My Heart
• Marker: "Cranberry" by Close to My Heart
• Accessories: Vintage Buttons
• Tools: Tag Corner Punch by Stampin' Up; Glue Dots by Mini-Glue Dots; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 6 1/2"
  

Tri-Shutter Birthday Greetings:

TGiF! And welcome to the first day of your long holiday weekend!

Today's fun card project was created for SCS's "Try a New Technique" challenge, TLC221. For all the challenging deets, including instructions on how to make your own Tri-Shutter card, clicky HERE. To go straight to the Tri-Shutter card photo gallery, clicky HERE. To see the ginormous view of my card, and you should, clicky right there on my photo.

Paper hoarders crafters, you need to create a card like this! It looks complicated but it's embarrassingly easy. It's all in the scoring ... and just two long cuts ... and so quick and easy you'll never want to make a regular-shaped card again!

My card was created using "Double Mates" 90 pound card stock from WorldWin in "Coffee Brown," and less than one sheet of double-sided designer paper from the "Bloom" collection by My Mind's Eye.

I stamped my images, added some sparkly glitter brads from KI Memories, die-cut some coordinating flowers, and punched out ten butterflies.

I'll be honest: it took less than an hour to create this card ... and four days to get a decent photograph of it! All the angles makes it ... ummm ... difficult to photograph. And now I have two photos I can't decide between. Just pick your favorite and clicky on that one.

The really neat thing about this card is that it folds up to fit in a regular A2 size envelope. Here's a lookie at the card folded up, ready to mail:


Why not give this project a a try sometime over the weekend ... you'll be glad you did! Oh, yes, you will!!

For all the heart-pounding product info, check out the supply list, below.

So, last Sunday, Sheila and her family, including Reid-the-Wild-Child, and my table-for-two family, went to the Baptism of our friends' new baby together.

During the service, it was obvious that Reid-the-Wild-Child was entranced with the proceedings. His mouth was shut and his eyes were wide-open, glued to all the details of the event.

As is normal, the minister stood at the Baptismal font, and quietly spoke while pouring water over the infant's head.

Suddenly, the good-Reid-timer ran out as Reid-the-Wild-Child loudly asked, "Why is he brainwashing the baby?!?"

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me; I hope you enjoy your holiday weekend! And sometime this weekend, why not spend a moment reflecting on, or praying for, those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Vintage Cream" by Papertrey Ink; "Coffee Brown" Double Mates by World Win
• Designer Paper: "Bloom" Collection by My Mind's Eye
• Stamps: Sentiment from "Sincere Salutations" Set by Stampin' Up; Flowers and Stems from "Daisy Crazy" Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" and "Kiwi Kiss" Dye Inks by Stampin' Up; Palette "Cote d'Azure" Hybrid Ink by Stewart Superior
• Accessories: Sparkly Glitter Brads by KI Memories
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Nestabilities Die by Spellbinders; Stamp-a-Ma-Jig by EK Success; "Flowers" Dies by Provo Craft; Perfect Layers Tool by Stampin' Up; Craft Knife by Olfa; Scor-It Board by Hammonds; 1/4" Circle Punch by Stampin' Up; Butterfly Punch by Martha Stewart Crafts; Foam Tape; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive; Glue Dots by Mini-Glue Dots
  

B.Y.O.S. ...

And B.Y.O.B. while you're at it!

Today's card was made in a flash using this fun "girlfriend" stamp from Unity Stamp Company, sunshiney designer paper, and a strip tease from Cosmo Cricket's "Hello Sunshine" collection.

Using a SAMJ, I stamped my image three times on white card stock, then again on scraps of designer paper. After I paper-pieced the funky girlfriends images, I added my strip tease, a scrap of designer paper, a ribbon, and finis! Easy-peasy and ready to serve in ... oh, say ... 25 minutes.

For all the gory product details, refer to the Supply List, below.

Sooooo, Sheila's DH, Ken, owns a glass company and he's currently running an ad for an experienced glazier.

"Well," I offered, "with so many people out of work, you shouldn't have too hard a time finding someone."

"Let's hope," Ken answered, "a good glass man is hard to find." Well, I let that go ...

But while we were hangin' out, he took a phone call from a man who said he had over 10 years of experience.

"Fantastic!" Ken said to the caller, "Where have you worked as a glazier?"

"Dunkin' Donuts," the man responded.

Yeah, he didn't get the job ...

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me; you rock!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: "Hello Sunshine" Collection by Cosmo Cricket
• Other Paper: Strip Tease from "Hello Sunshine" Collection by Cosmo Cricket
  
• Stamps: Unity Stamp Company
• Ink: "Tuxedo Black" Memento Dye Ink by Tsukineko
• Accessories: Ribbon, Unknown
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Nestabilities Dies by Spellbinders; Cuttlebug "Swiss Dot" A2 Embossing Folder by Provo Craft; Stamp-a-Ma-Jig by EK Success; Foam Tape; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
  

Nothing Says "Thank You" Like Paper-Pieced Trees:

Happy Stump Day hampers!

Today's card was created for my 'thank you' card stash using stamps from Unity Stamp Company. This funky tree stamp is from Unity's "Fresh Beginnings" kit. I'm not sure where the sentiment stamps came from but I do believe they're Unity stamps as well.

To my card base, I adhered a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of patterned paper from Cosmo Cricket's "Hello Sunshine" collection. Using my trusty Stamp-a-ma-Jig, I stamped the tree image twice right on the patterned paper; then again on scraps of paper from the same collection. I paper-pieced the tree tops onto my card, stamped my sentiment, and tied a ribbon around the card. Finally, I adhered the whole shebang to my card base. Easy-peasy!

If you wanted to spend more time, you could paper-piece the l'il birdies, too ... but I chose not to; maybe next time.

For the rest of the exciting product info, please refer to the Supply List, below.

Sooooooo, I was hangin' out at Sheila's when her DH came in and mentioned that their wedding anniversary was coming up.

"So, my dear bride," Ken started, "what would make you happy for our anniversary?"

"Hmmmm," Sheila answered, "I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 200 in about 3 seconds."

"A scale it is then!" Ken exclaimed.

Even though it was a joke ... Sheila is nowhere near over-weight ... she smacked him, told him to get his own dinner and to sleep on the couch. Ah, hah! She's working on a car after all!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Stamper's Select" by Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: "Hello Sunshine" Collection by Cosmo Cricket
• Stamps: Tree Stamp and Sentiment by Unity Stamp Company
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: 1/2" Twill Ribbon by Cosmo Cricket
• Tools: Stamp-a-ma-Jig by EK Success; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive; Scrap Fusion Adhesive by Ivy Scraps
  

You're the Apple of My Eye ...

Okay, so what the heck does that actually mean, anyway? I once asked my eye doctor, and he just laughed at me ...

Today's card project was created for no-good reason using this uber-cute stamp from Stampin' Up's "Farm Fresh" set. Well, I do love this ribbon and wanted to use it Right. Now.

For the rest of the amazing product info, check out the Supply List, below.

So, this weekend the DH, who's a computer repair techie, got this call:

DH: "So, what's the problem?"

Customer: "There's smoke coming out of the power supply."
DH: "You'll need a new power supply."
Customer: "No, I don't! I just need to change the start up files."
DH: "Sir, the power supply is faulty. You'll need to replace it."
Customer: "No way! Someone told me that I just needed to change the start-up and it will fix the problem! All I need is for you to tell me the command."

So, it's 10 minutes later and the Customer is still adamant that he is right. The DH is getting frustrated and fed up:

DH: "Okay, okay. We don't normally tell our customers this, but there is an undocumented DOS command that will fix the problem."
Customer: "I knew it!"
DH: "Just add the line "LOAD NOSMOKE.COM" at the end of the CONFIG.SYS. Let me know how it goes."

Then, 10 minutes later, the customer calls back:

Customer: "It didn't work. The power supply is still smoking."
DH: "Hmmm, what version of DOS are you using?"
Customer: "MS-DOS 6.22."
DH: "Okay, that's your problem there. That version of DOS didn't come with NOSMOKE. Contact Microsoft and ask them for a patch that will give you the file. Let me know how it goes."

1 hour later:

Customer: "I need a new power supply."
DH: "Oh. So, how did you come to that conclusion?"
Customer: "Well, I called Microsoft and told him about what you said, and he started asking questions about the make of the power supply."
DH: "And?"
Customer: "He told me that my power supply isn't compatible with NOSMOKE. So, I'll be bringing it by for a new power supply, if that's okay with you?"
DH: "Sure, bring it by anytime."

Hangs up. Turns to me and says:

"Duh. Remind me to over-charge him."

He didn't though ...

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Textured Card Stock by Bazzill Basics; "Stamper's Select" White by Papertrey Ink
• Stamp: "Farm Fresh" Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Riding Hood Red" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: 5/8" Ribbon, Unknown; Silver Metal Hinges and Brads by Close to My Heart; Silver Ball Chain
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Provo Craft; "Distressed Stripes" Cuttlebug A2 Embossing Folder; Sanding Block; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive
  

Clean and Simple? You Tell Me:

Happy Monday, Stampers! Hope your weekend felt like a week!

Today's card was created for SCS's Clean and Simple challenge, CAS14, "Let's Rock and Roll." For all the rockin' challenge deets, clicky HERE. To go straight to the card photo gallery, clicky HERE. As always, clicky on the photo for the ginormous view of my card.

While the Rock 'n Roll Technique is certainly fun, and creates a really kewl effect, I find that I always stain my wood mounts. And since I'm way too anal, I then spend hours sanding the stains off my wood mounts. Do you do this too?

I'm also wondering how "clean and simple" this card is ... I'll upload it to SCS anyway, but it seems to be a bit busy for a CAS card. Whaddya think?

TIP: Try doubling up on your foam tape to add even more dimension to your stamped images. This is especially effective when you have more than one cut-out image on your project.

For all the rockin' product info, check out the Supply List, below.

Soooo, this weekend Sheila needed a birthday present for one of Reid-the-Wild-Child's little friends. And, of course, she needed my help. So, off we go to our local Wal-Mart to find a cheap nice birthday gift.

As we were wandering aimlessly through the store, we heard the intercom come on:

"I have a customer in hardware who needs assistance at the paint counter."

Then, a few minutes later, we hear the intercom come on again and, in a tentative voice, we hear a woman page:

"I have a customer by the balls in the toy department and need assistance."

We weren't the only ones in the store who cracked up ... and of course, THEN we had to go to the toy department to check it out shop!

Never a dull moment ...

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "New England Ivy" Card Stock by Close to My Heart; "Vintage Cream" Card Stock by Papertrey Ink
• Stamps: "Bella Blossoms" Set by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: "New England Ivy," "Sunflower," and "Autumn Terracotta" Dye Inks by Close to My Heart
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Nestabilities "Labels One" Die by Spellbinders; Nestabilities "Long Rectangle" Die by Spellbinder's; Foam Tape; Sanding Block
  

happy birthday ... and many more ... presents!

It's finally Friday!

Today's card project was created for my birthday card stash featuring this beautiful "presents" craft stamp from Stamps Happen by Janlynn. I love the jaunty line of presents on this stamp and thought it would be perfect for paper-piecing. Clicky HERE to purchase this affordable and versatile craft stamp.

I simply stamped my image on 2 1/2" x 4 1/4" piece of designer paper from October Afternoon, then stamped the image again four more times on scraps of paper from the same collection. Finally, I cut out all the packages and adhered them over the original stamped image. Easy-peasy! And there's so many different looks you can create depending upon the patterned paper you chose to use.

I stamped my sentiment on my card base, tied on a buttery-soft satin ribbon, and finis!

Sooooooooo, last night the DH and I went over to Sheila's for barbecue ... her speciality. Yum!

When we all sat down for dinner, Sheila said, "By the way, I met this really horrible, rude man downtown this morning. Funny, but right away I knew he was a troublemaker. He started to insult me ... and he used really bad language. He even threatened me!"

"Omigosh, Sheila, how did you meet this guy?" we all asked.

"Well," she said, "we met by accident. I hit him with the car. But enough about me, what's new with you guys?"

{In the interest of full-disclosure, I actually knew about this ^ before dinner ... in fact, the DH and I were invited to dinner to help diffuse the situation ... and so's I could bring my husband-softening homemade strawberry shortcake.}

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day here. Have a great weekend!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Vintage Cream" by Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: "County Fair" Collection by October Afternoon
• Craft Stamps: "Presents" from the Tara Reed Collection by Stamps Happen by Janlynn; Sentiment from the "Birthday Whimsy" Set by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: "Tuxedo Black" Memento Dye Ink by Tsukineko
• Accessories: 5/8" Satin Ribbon; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  

A Card & A Nugget Tin for a Spa ....

Good trade, huh?!?

Ahhhhhhh, a hot tub! I've always wanted one and since we have THE perfect spot for one in our pool enclosure, this luxury item has been on my "wish list" for a very long time. And prolly would have remained on it forever if it weren't for Freecycle!

I'm a member of my local Freecycle group and last weekend another member posted that they had a "like-new Leisure Bay Spa" to give away. I responded, and surprise! we were the lucky recipients ... pretty kewl birthday present, huh?!?

And it turned out to be just like-new ... complete with all the chemicals, hook-ups, manuals, an underwater light-show feature, AND aromatherapy samples! And it perfectly matches the color of my walls! {No, my walls aren't black, they're "redwood," but this is the best photo I could find.}

If you don't know what Freecycle is, go to Freecycle.org and check it out. I joined Freecycle years and years ago and have received some much needed items and have freecycled some unwanted items to others. Freecycle's mission is to reuse and to keep things out of landfills by swapping items among members. Membership is totally free and there's sure to be a group in your area.

Today more than ever, why buy if you can get what you want or need for free ... or throw something away when you can be giving your unwanted items to families who do want 'em?!? For more info on Freecycle, or to join your local group, clicky HERE.

While Freecycle is completely free, a thank you card and a l'il gift is always appropriate. And whens the last time you created a Nugget Tin? Can't even remember, right? Three years ago, they were the. hottest. paper-crafting. gift. Now, not so much. But since I had all the necessary supplies on hand, this seemed to be the easiest, and fastest, little "thank you" gift.

TIP: I purchase my hinged Nugget tins HERE ... and pay just $1.05 for each. If you want to purchase larger quantities, they're even less. I think that's the lowest price you will find for these tins, but if you know of a lower price, please feel free to share your secret!

For the rest of the exciting product info, check out the Supply List, below.

So, here's someone you want working for you:

Last night, Sheila and I toddled over to the Mall at Wellington Green so she could buy some Clinique face stuff. As she was signing the receipt for her credit card purchase, the clerk noticed that she hadn't signed the back of the credit card. The clerk informed her that she could not complete the transaction unless the card was signed.

"Why?" Sheila asked.

"Because," she replied, "I need to compare the signature on the credit card with the signature you just signed on the receipt."

So Sheila grabbed her pen, signed the credit card in front of her, and slid the credit card back to her.

The clerk carefully compared that signature to the one Sheila had previously signed on the receipt.

"Okay," she finally said, "You're all set; they match."

Duh.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Stamper's Select" White by Papertrey Ink; "Kiwi Kiss" by Stampin' Up!
• Designer Paper: "Bali Breeze" Collection (Retired) by Stampin' Up
  
• Other Paper: Avery White Mailing Labels
• Candy: Hershey's Nuggets
  
• Stamps: "Holiday Treats" and "Limitless Labels" Sets by Papertrey Ink; "Trendy Trees" Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Cote d'Azure" Hybrid Ink by Stewart Superior; "Kiwi Kiss" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; Versamark Watermark Ink by Tsukineko
• Accessories: Fine Detail White Embossing Powder by Stampendous; Jump Rings; 5/8" Satin Ribbon; "Nuggets" Tin by Speciality Bottle
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Nestabilities Dies by Spellbinders Paper Arts; 1 1/4" Circle Punch by EK Success; 1/16" Circle Punch by Fiskars; Stamp-a-ma-Jig by EK Success; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive; Foam Tape
  

Happy Sideways Big 'b' Birthday:

Happy "Leprechaun" Day, race fans!

Now, please be veddy careful today as leprechaun's will be flittin' about with reckless abandon. And you wouldn't want to accidentally injure one as you will have terrible luck for the next six years. I know this 'cuz exactly six years ago today, I had an unfortunate accident with a leprechaun. Just a little heads-up or, in this case, a head's down ... 'cuz you are one of my most favorite people in the whole 3rd dimension!

Okay, then, today's card was created 'cuz I found this really neat ribbon in my stash and built this card around it. I'm pretty sure I got this colorful confection from Bonnie ... and I can't believe she would part with this kewl ribbon! So, thank you soooooooooo much, Bonnie, 'cuz I seriously {heart} this ribbon!

Since the most exciting thing about this card is the rockin' ribbon ... and since I don't know anything more about the rockin' ribbon than how wide it is (5/8"), I'll move on. But, for the rest of the absolutely fabulous product deets, check out the Supply List, below.

Sooooooooo, yesterday afternoon I was hangin' out in Sheila's kitchen when her DH brought the mail inside.

"Hey, guess what I heard today?" Ken said.

"Oh, goodie, gossip! What?"

"I heard that our mailman has seduced every woman on our street but one!"

"Hmmmm," Sheila said, "I bet it's that stuck-up Jessica next-door."

Yikes! Time for me to split!!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Textured Black, Textured Purple Card Stock by Bazzill Basics; Stamper's Select White by Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: Scrap of DSP from "Bali Breeze" Collection (Retired) by Stampin' Up!
  
• Stamps: Simply Chic Flexible Stamps by Provo Craft
• Ink: "Tuxedo Black" Memento Dye Ink by Tsukineko
• Accessories: "Hip" [unDRESSED] Self-Adhesive Chipboard by BasicGray; W-a-y Kewl 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Unknown
  
• Tools: Slit Punch by Stampin' Up!; Sanding Block; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive, Scrap Fusion by Ivy Scraps
  

An All-American Chick ... A 15 Minute Project

Happy Tuesday, boy and girls!

Today's card project was created for no-good reason using this uber-cute stamp from Imaginisce's "Fairest of Them All" collection.

I stamped the l'il birdie using Outdoor Denim dye ink on Stamper's Select card stock from Papertrey Ink, then die-cut the stamped image using a Nestabilities Labels One die.

I adhered a strip of Glitz Frosting, tied on a striped grosgrain ribbon, and added a cute heart-shaped eyelet. Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!

For all the patriotic deets, check out the Supply List, below.

Sooooooo, this weekend Sheila, her crazy sister, Jill and I were hanging out when Jill, who is unmarried, mentioned she was anxious to have children.

"Ummm ... wouldn't it be a good idea to have a husband first?" Sheila asked.

"Maybe," Jill replied, "but I want to have children and I want to have them while our parents are still young enough to care for them."

Now there's a plan!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Navy Blue Textured Card Stock by Bazzill Basics; "Stamper's Select" White Card Stock by Papertrey Ink
• Stamp: "Bird" from the "Fairest of Them All" Collection by Imaginisce
• Ink: "Outdoor Denim" Dye Ink by Close to My Heart (Available HERE)
• Accessories: Glitz Frosting by Glitz Design; 1/8" Heart-Shaped Eyelet, Unknown; Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Unknown
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Nestabilities "Label One" Dies by Spellbinders Paper Arts; Crop-A-Dile by We R Memory Keepers; Foam Tape
  

Craftin' with Kraft ...

So, being that it's "Eat What You Want" Day and my birthday, this post will be short so I can get back to eatin' what I want!

Today's card was created for SCS's "Ways to Use It" challenge, WT217. This week's challenge called for the use of Kraft card stock. For all the challenging deets, clicky HERE. To go straight to the Kool Kraft card gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky right there on the photo.

For all the heart-stoppin' product info, check out the Supply List, below.

Sheila ... and her certified-crazy sister, Jill, will be joining us tomorrow. For now, think on this:

The first testicular guard was used in the sport of cricket in 1874; the first sports helmet was used in 1974.

Imagine that: it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brains could also be important!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Kraft Card Stock by Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: "Autumn" from the Gretel Collection by Cosmo Cricket
• Stamps: "Best Blossoms" Set by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!; "Cranberry" Dye Ink by Close to My Heart; "Vintage Cream" Hybrid Ink by Papertrey Ink; "Frosted White" Chalk Ink by Clearsnap
• Accessories: 5/8" Chocolate Brown Satin Ribbon by May Arts
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Nestabilities Die by Spellbinders; Stamp-A-Ma-Jig by EK Success; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive; Foam Tape
  

I'm Thinking of Something Round & Pretty:

Well, it's just another manic Friday ... wait. No, that's wrong. Here's what it is: it's another fun-tastic Friday!

Today's card was created for SCS's "Clean and Simple" challenge, CAS13. This week, it's another sketch challenge. For all the challenging deets, clicky HERE. To go straight to the CAS13 card gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky right there on the photo.

To create this simple card, I simply punched out pieces of designer paper, in this case, MME's "Bloom" collection. I love this collection so get ready to see too much lots of it here!

TIP: If you're like me, it kills you to make that first cut into a sheet of gorgeous patterned paper. For this project, I punched my 1" circles out of the preview sheet in the front of the package. You get to use the paper without actually using the paper; a dream come true for paper hoarders ... like you ... and me.

I simply mounted my DP punchies on 1 1/2" card stock punchies, stamped my sentiment, and mounted the whole shebang on my purty white card stock. Oh. I used my SU "Word Window" punch to create a l'il seat for my sentiment block, adding to the "circular" effect I got goin' on here, KWIM?

For the rest of the mind-blowing product info, check out the Supply List, below.

So, last night I was hangin' out with Sheila and her family when Reid-the-Wild-Child asked her DH:

"Daddy, are you the boss of the house?"

Ken replied, "Yes, I am the boss of the house."

"Oh," Reid said, "Did Mommy tell you that you can play boss tonight, Daddy?"

He gets it ... Sheila's soooo proud!

Have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day all you mothers!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: "Bloom" from the "Bloom & Grow" Collection by My Mind's Eye
• Stamp: Sentiment from "Trendy Trees" Set by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Ummm ...
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Long Rectangle Die by Spellbinder's; 1" Circle Punch by Martha Stewart Crafts; 1 1/4" Circle Punch by EK Success; Word Window Punch by Stampin' Up; Foam Dimension Tape; Scrap Fusion Adhesive by Ivy Scraps
  

You Make Me Happy ... Most Days

Happy Thursday, race fans!

Today's super-simple card was created with Designer Paper and chipboard flowers. My collection of chipboard appears to be procreating because every time I open my chippy-stash, there's more of 'em! I decided it was time to disrupt the breeding, hence today's project. Fascinating, huh?

I covered my chippy flowers, and created stems, with patterned paper from the one, the only, Cosmo Cricket! This particular paper comes from the "Hello Sunshine" collection.

I stamped my sentiment, from Close to My Heart, available HERE, and mounted it in a label holder from Stampin' Up's "Hodgepodge Hardware" collection. I die-cut some flowers from card stock, threaded some buttons with DMC embroidery floss, created a border with a Martha Stewart punch, and finis! So quick and easy, it's practically illegal!

So, Sheila's mother-in-law has a birthday coming up. Last night, I asked her what they were planning on getting for her.

"Nothing!" Sheila answered.

"Well, that's cold," I responded.

"No, it isn't ... not really. Last year, we bought her a v-e-r-y expensive cemetery plot and since she still hasn't used it, I'm not getting her anything this year."

I. Kid. You. Not!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: "Hello Sunshine" Collection by Cosmo Cricket
• Stamp: "Make My Day" Set by Close to My Heart
• Ink: "Real Red" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!
• Accessories: Metal Label Holder and Brads from "Styled Silver" Hodgepodge Hardware Collection by Stampin' Up; Buttons by Making Memories; Embroidery Floss by DMC
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Provo Craft; "Flowers" Die by Provo Craft; "Flourish Accents" Die by Spellbinder's; Zig Zag Border Punch by Martha Stewart; Glue Dots by Mini-Glue Dots; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive; Foam Dimension Tape

You're Invited ... to a Tee Party!

Happy Hump Day, stampers!

Today's birthday card was created for the DH's bestest friend and golf buddy ... I'll bet you didn't see that comin', huh?!?

Using my SAMJ, I stamped the golf tees and golf balls on PTI's "Stamper's Select" card stock. Using SU's "Riding Hood Red" dye ink, I stamped the l'il party hats and my sentiment and adhered them to the card base.

I colored the tees with a Carmine Red (R37) Copic marker and tied on some grosgrain ribbon. Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!

For all the magnifico product deets, check out the Supply List, below.

Sooooooooo, last night I sat with Reid-the-Wild-Child while Sheila ran out. I plopped down next to the Littlest Rascal on the coach in front of the TV.

Reid was watcing some kooky game show, of all things, and was totally engrossed.

The game show host asked one of the players, "Which national company has the slogan, 'Come fly the friendly skies'?"

"United Airlines," the contestant answered.

"Which national company has the slogan, 'Don't leave home without it'?"

"American Express."

"Now, players, tell me which company uses the slogan, 'Just do it'?"

Reid jumped up and yelled, "MOMMY!!"

Have a great day!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Stamper's Select" by Papertrey Ink; "Riding Hood Red" by Stampin' Up!
• Stamps: Golf Ball and Tee by Vap Scrap; Sentiment from "Party Hearty" Set by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: "Tuxedo Black" Memento Dye Ink by Tsukineko; "Riding Hood Red" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Other Color Medium: Copic Marker R37
  
• Accessories: 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Nestabilities Dies by Spellbinder's; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive; Dimensional Foam Tape
  

Spotlight Technique ... Sorta

Happy Tuesday, all and one!

Say, whatever happened to these kewl Prima "Paintables?" They were popular for ... oh, say, 2 hours a while back, and then completely disappeared. I found this lone 12 x 12 piece in my stash, and decided to finally do something with it.

Using a Tim Holtz "Fragment," I lightly traced a square with a pencil. Then, using Distress Ink re-inkers, I water colored the details in the square and erased the pencil lines. I adhered the Fragment over the water colored square using Crystal Lacquer, tied on some twill and a scrap of ribbon, added four brads, and finis! So easy, even I a child could do it!

For all the gory details, check out the Supply List, below.

So, this weekend, Sheila's family and mine attended the wedding of a mutual friend. After the ceremony, Sheila asked Reid-the-Wild-Child if he understood what he'd just witnessed.

"Yup," Reid answered. "The woman in the fancy white dress upgraded to a new man."

When Sheila asked Reid to explain, he replied "Well, she went down the aisle with an old man and came back with a young one!"

Hmmm ... strangely, the kid makes sense!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink
• Other Paper: "I.O.D. Paintables" by Prima Marketing
• Ink: "Spiced Marmalade," "Dried Marigold," "Scattered Straw," "Dusty Concord," "Peeled Paint," and "Shabby Shutters" Distress Dye Inks by Ranger
• Accessories: Gold Twill Ribbon by Provo Craft; Lavender Satin Ribbon by Michaels; Brads by American Craft; "Fragments" Chip by Tim Holtz
• Tools: Ticket Corner Punch by Stampin' Up; Zig Water Brush; 3-D Crystal Lacquer by Sakura; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive
  

Hello L'il Birdie ...

Yippee, it's Monday again! Hope your weekend was fab-you-low-so!

Today's card was created for SCS's "Sketch Challenge," SC226. For a look at the sketch I followed, clicky HERE. To go straight to the SC226 card gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky right there on the photo.

As you can see, I flipped the sketch upright. Then I added some weird fun punched borders, stamped and paper-pieced my l'il birdie on a metal-edged tag, and sanded the dickens out of the DSP.

For all the fascinating product deets, check the Supply List, below.

So, this past Saturday I was hangin' with Sheila when her mail arrived. She ripped open her dentist's bill and went crazy when she saw the huge balance due.

"I'm callin' that yo-yo right now," she proclaimed.

Of course, I had to follow ... it's like a train wreck ... you can't look away.

"I'm beyond shocked!" Sheila complained. "This invoice is three times what you normally charge."

She waited a minute, then slammed the phone down.

"What?" I asked.

"He said that because I screamed so loudly last time I came in, I scared away two other patients."

Yikes!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Stamper's Select" by Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: "Bali Breeze" Collection by Stampin' Up (Retired)
  
• Stamps: L'il Bird by Imaginisce; Sentiment by Papertrey Ink
• Ink: "Cote d'Azure" Hybrid Ink by Stewart Superior
• Accessories: Metal-Edge Tag by Making Memories
• Tools: Tag Maker by Making Memories; Slit Punch by Stampin' Up; 1/4" Circle Punch by Stampin' Up; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive; Foam Dimensional Tape; Sanding Block
  

I Thought I'd Lost My Marbles ...

And I did ... but then I found 'em again!

This strange-looking card was created for SCS's "Technique Lovers" challenge, TLC218. This week, we were challenged to create backgrounds using reinkers and marbles. So I did. And that's when I went looking for my lost marbles ... but, as you can see, I found them!

For all of the instructions to create your own "marbled" background, clicky HERE; to go straight to the "marbled" card gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky right there on the photo above.

See that l'il bit of ribbon up there? Yeah, I thought I could sneak this bad boy into this weeks' SCS "Clean and Simple" challenge ... but once it was all together I realized that nothing about this card was either clean or simple. And then I forgot to remove it before taking my pix ...

So, while this technique was fun ... and definitely different ... I don't think I'll be adding this technique to my "go-to" technique list. It's a little too messy, a little too busy, and a little too ... ummm, ugly.

For all the earth-shattering product info, please check the Supply List, below. You'll be glad you did. Right.

As much as this pains me, I must admit that Sheila hasn't said or done anything particularly funny ... or interesting, in the last two days. Stay tuned: I'm hoping for a big weekend!

Thanks for swingin' by and have a great weekend!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Close to My Heart; Papertrey Ink; Stampin' Up
• Stamp: "Delight in Life" Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink and Reinkers: "Indian Corn Blue" Dye Ink by Close to My Heart; "Spiced Marmalade" Distress Ink by Ranger; "Peeled Paint" Distress Ink by Ranger
• Accessories: 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon; Faux Gemstones
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Nested Bird Die by Spellbinder's; Labels One Dies by Spellbinders; Large Classic Oval Die by Spellbinders; Heart Punch by EK Success; Ticket Corner Punch by Stampin' Up; Foam Dimensional Tape; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive