Wake Up; It's "Vintage-Little-Girl O'Clock!"

Hey, there you are! So nice of you to swing by today!

Today's card project was created for no-good reason ... well, I'll add it to my stash, but I just love using this stamp from Diva Impressions.

I stamped the clock girl on Kraft card stock using black archival ink and mounted her on a flower image cut from vintage-inspired patterned paper from Daisy D's. The "buttoned" trim was also fussy-cut from this paper. If you'd like to take a look at this kewl discontinued paper, clicky HERE. It looks real though, doesn't it?!?

For the rest of the delicious ingredients, check out the supply list below.

So, I was hangin' out with Sheila last night while the DH's went out night fishing ... for fish, not for night. Confused?

"Reid, I need you to go out back and bring me the broom." Sheila said.

"Aww, Mommy, don't make me go out there. It's dark."

Sheila smiled reassuringly and said, "Reid, you don't need to be afraid of the dark. Your Guardian Angle is out there and she'll look after you and protect you."

"Are you sure she's out there?" Reid asked.

"Yes, I'm sure," Sheila answered, "and she's always ready to help you when you need her."

Reid contemplated this for a minute and then went to the back door and cracked it open.

Peering out into the darkness, he called, "Guardian Angel? If you're out there, would you please hand me the broom?"

Jess so's ya know, that didn't happen ... yet.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink
• Patterned Paper: "Forget-Me-Not" Collection by Daisy D's
• Stamp: Diva Impressions
• Ink: Archival Ink by Ranger; "Chestnut Roan" Fluid Chalk Ink by Clearsnap
  
• Accessories: Metal Photo Corners by Provo Craft
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Circle Die by Spellbinder's; Cuttlebug "Swiss Dots" A2 Embossing Folder by Provo Craft; Foam Dimensional Tape; Scotch ATG 714; "The Ultimate" Glue by Api
  

A Color Combination Not Worth Repeating:

Happy Monday ... and happy "I'm in Control" Day! Right. Hey, isn't that a brand of adult diapers? Well, maybe not ... but it should be!

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's card was created for SCS's weekly color combination challenge. This week's challenge, CC211, calls for Pretty in Pink, Baja Breeze, and Kiwi Kiss. While I really love these colors individually, I'm really not lovin' 'em together. And I prolly won't be pairing 'em up again anytime soon. Like never. Ever. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but they look kinda ... ummm ... terrible ... together. Guess that's why they call it a "challenge," huh?!?

For all the challenge-like deets, clicky HERE. To go straight to the challenge gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo.

The kooky layout is mine ... and I did a l'il bit of paper piecing on the flowers. {Yawn}. For all the colorful ingredients, check out the supply list, below.

So, this weekend I had the bad luck pleasure of taking care of Sheila's son, Reid-the-Wild-Child, for a few hours. I'm still recoverin' ...

"So, Reid," I said. "Has Mommy taught you all your numbers?"

"Yup!"

"Good for you! So tell me, what comes after three?" I asked.

"Four," Reid answered.

"What comes after six?"

"Seven!"

"That's fantastic, Reid! Mommy did a really good job teaching you your numbers," I said enthusiastically.

"So, what comes after ten?" I asked.

"A jack!"

I. Kid. You. Not!

And, if you don't mind, I must say, "Yay! men AND women UCONN hoopsters! Big East Rulzzz!" Thanks for lettin' me get that outta my system ...

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Close to My Heart
• Stamp: "Pattern Flowers" by Hero Arts; Sentiment by Close to My Heart
  
• Ink: "Kiwi Kiss" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Rhinestones by Me & My Big Ideas
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Large Classic Rectangle Dies by Spellbinder's; Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil; Gamsol OMS; Foam Dimensionals; Scotch ATG 714
  

Patchwork Punch Project ...

Happy Friday ... at last!

Today's card was created for SCS's "Clean and Simple" challenge, CAS07. This week, the challenge is to use punches. For all the challenge deets, clicky HERE. To go straight to the CAS07 gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo.

This "Embossed Quilt" card was a CASE of a CASE of a CASE of a CASE of a CASE ... at least that's how far back I tracked it. Now I don't even remember where I started! And I have no idea who actually invented the technique; if you do, please let me know so I can post the proper credit.

I used a 1 1/4" square punch to punch out nine squares of designer paper, then pieced them together on card stock. Using the largest die in the "Labels One" set, I cut out my patchwork, then ran the die-cut through the 'Bug using the "Perfectly Paisley" embossing folder.

I stamped some "stitches" on the paper seams, then adhered four threaded vintage buttons. I stamped my sentiment, die cut it, added some brads, then mounted the sentiment panel to my card using foam tape. Finis!

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

So, Sheila and I were hanging out with a couple of our girlfriends and the talk naturally turned to shopping ... and shoes ... and men.

"Men are like fine wine." Sheila proclaimed.

"Whaaaaaaaaaaat?!?" We were stunned!

"Let me explain," Sheila said. "They all start out like grapes, and it's our job to stomp on them and keep them in the dark until they mature into something which you'd like to have dinner with."

Say it, Sistah!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Stampers Select" by Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: "Trendy" Collection by Jenni Bowlin Studio
• Stamps: Stitches from "Hemlines" Set by Paper Salon; Sentiment from "Season of Friendship" Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Outdoor Denim" Dye Ink by Close to My Heart
• Accessories: Vintage Buttons; DMC Embroidery Floss; Brads
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Labels One Die by Spellbinder's; Cuttlebug "Perfectly Paisley" A2 Embossing Folder by Provo Craft; Double Ended Tag Die by Spellbinder's; 1 1/4" Square Punch by McGill; Dimensionals; Scotch ATG 714
  

Hello, Pretty (Old) Bird ...

Hi there ... and happy "Make Up Your Own Holiday" day. I've decided that today is "No Cooking" day at my house. So, if the DH is reading this, guess what Honey?!? No breakfast this morning! And, ummm ... no dinner tonight, either. Dang, I jess love the holidays ...

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's card project was created for the Caardvark's sketch challenge. For a look at the sketch I followed, and all the challenge deets, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo.

I paired this kewl patterned paper from Close to My Heart's "Perfect Day" collection with this cute l'il bird graphic I clipped from a children's book published in 1899.

These gorgeous bird-themed stamps, from Oxford Impressions, are available HERE. These stamps are beautiful, v-e-r-y affordable, and made from deeply etched red rubber. And Suzanne, the owner, is the bestest!

I added my bird-like stamped images, some vintage buttons, and popped the bird graphic up on dimensionals. Finally, I stamped "hello" on a l'il tag and attached it to the ribbon with jump rings. For all the product info, check out my supply list, below.

So, yesterday, I popped in on Sheila and discovered that Reid-the-Wild-Child had found three kittens ... and had convinced Sheila that he should keep them. The l'il devil's got talent, I'll give him that!

We peeked out the window and saw Reid playing "church" with the kittens. He had them lined up and was preaching to them. So cute!

A few minutes later, we heard the unmistakable sound of v-e-r-y unhappy kittens. We looked out and saw Reid "baptizing" the kittens in the pond.

"Stop that right now!" Sheila demanded. "You'll drown those poor kitties!"

Reid look up and without missing a beat hollered back: "They should've thought of that before they joined my church!"

Little devil ...

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: "Perfect Day" Collection by Close to My Heart, Available HERE
• Other Paper: Vintage Graphic
  
• Stamps: "Bird Nests" and "Eggs" from "The Bird's Nest" Set by Oxford Impressions; Sentiment from "Simple Little Things" Set by Papertrey Ink
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; "Juniper" Dye Ink by Close to My Heart
• Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon; Vintage Buttons; Jump Rings
• Tools: "Zig Zag" Border Punch by Martha Stewart Crafts; Dimensionals; Scotch ATG 714; "The Ultimate" by Api

What's the Story, Morning Glory?

Happy Hump day everyone! Oh, and a very happy "National Pecan" day and "National Waffle" day. I don't understand why can't they just settle on one; they must have run outta days ...

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's card project was created with an acetate transparency I created. If you're interested in taking a look at the entire sheet, clicky HERE. If you purchase any of these transparencies, let me know that you saw it on my blog, and I'll throw in some fun freebies, okeedokee?!?

I ran my transparencies through the Xyron machine then adhered it on top of a page from a vintage (1950), dictionary.

I mounted that on "Blue Bayou" card stock, created a black mat with a vertical orientation, and adhered it to my "Kiwi Kiss" card base. I trimmed 1/2" off the right hand side of the card and attached a scalloped edge punchie.

I stamped my sentiment and finis! So quick to create, it qualifies for the coveted title of "15 Minute Project!"

So Sheila's son, Reid-the-Wild Child, came home yesterday with a big ole' shiner.

"Well, Reid," Sheila said, "I'm terribly ashamed of you! Fighting with your best friend is a terrible thing to do!"

"But he threw a rock at me first! Soooooo, I threw one at him."

Sheila glared at him and said, "When he threw a rock at you, you should have come straight to me."

"What good would that have done?" Reid moaned. "My aim is much better than yours."

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Blue Bayou" and "Kiwi Kiss" by Stampin' Up
• Other Paper: Vintage (1950) Dictionary Pages, Personal Collection
• Stamp: Sentiment from "Say it in Style" Set by Close to My Heart
• Ink: "Black Soot" Distress Ink by Ranger
• Tools: Ticket Corner Punch by Stampin' Up; Simple Scallops Border Punch by Martha Stewart Crafts; Xyron Adhesive Machine; Dimensionals; Scotch ATG 714
  

Diligence is the Mother of Bingo ...

Or something like that.

So, today is "National Chocolate Covered Raisins" day and I have a tip for you: DO NOT eat chocolate covered raisins from anyone who owns a rabbit!

ONward H-C-M's:

This card was created for no good reason ... I just wanted to play with these fun stamps. Nothing particularly notable about this project, but if you'd like to know more about the products I used, check out the supply list, below.

So, I was hangin' out with Sheila when she had this conversation with the DH:

"Sheila," Ken started, "the car is knocking. Did you fill it with regular or premium gas?"

"Oh, who knows," she answered.

"You probably got the cheaper gas," Ken said. "That could account for the engine running so rough."

"No, the gas wasn't cheaper!" Sheila insisted.

"Well, how much did it cost?" Ken persisted. Silly man ...

"It cost the same as always," Sheila answered. "I bought the usual ten dollars worth."

Duh.

Give it a minute ... it'll grow on you.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: "Honey Pie" Collection by Cosmo Cricket
  
• Other Paper: Vintage (1897) Ephemera, Personal Collection
• Stamps: "Bingo Card" and "Bingo Daub" by Vickie Enkoff; Sentiment by Melanie Sage
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Color Medium: Fluid Acrylic Paint by Golden
• Accessories: "B" Sticker by Cosmo Cricket
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Nestabilities Dies; "Threading Water" Border Punch by Fiskars; Photo Corner Punch by Stampin' Up; "Curly Label" Punch by Stampin' Up; Dimensionals; Scotch ATG 714
  

Stick It! ... A 15 Minute Project

Happy Monday everyone; hope you had a fantasticalish weekend!

Today's simple card was created for SCS's "Ways to Use It" challenge, WT210, "Stuck on You." For all the challenge deets, clicky HERE. To go straight to the "Stuck on You" gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo.

This card couldn't be quicker to CASE! I adhered a 4" x 4" piece of patterned paper to my card, base, stamped my sentiment, and added three quilled daisy stickers. Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!

As you know, Sheila teaches a Sunday School class at our Church and occasionally, I'll drop by for a visit.

Yesterday, a little boy arrived at Sheila's class late. Sheila asked him if anything was wrong. He said no, but he was going to go fishing until his Dad told him that he needed to go to Church.

Impressed, Sheila asked the boy if his Dad had explained to him why it was more important to go to Church than to go fishing.

The boy replied: "Yeah ... Dad said he didn't have enough bait for both of us."

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Stampers Select" by Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: "Trendy" Collection by Jenni Bowlin Studio
• Stamp: Sentiment from "Heard from the Heart" Collection by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Outdoor Denim" by Close to My Heart
• Accessories: Quilled Daisies Stickers by Provo Craft
  

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year ...

If you're a college basketball fan. If you're not, omigosh, what do you do all winter? And what do you watch on TV?!? Anyway, thanks UConn, you made me smile ... again!

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's card project was created for SCS's Sketch Challenge, SC220. For all the challenge deets, including a look at the sketch I followed, clicky HERE. To go straight to the challenge gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo.

I stamped my sentiment, by Verve Visual, on a matted die-cut from October Afternoon's "County Fair" collection using die ink.

I embellished my card with some Cosmo Cricket chipboard painted with Distress Crackle paint, punched vintage (1897), text into a doily lace border, layered five butterfly punchies, and punched out three medium and three small Sakura punchies.

TIP #1: When shopping in home or paint stores, grab some paint sample cards. They make for sturdy and colorful punchies.

TIP #2: Create butterfly "antenna" by looping a bit of twine. Pinch the twine together and glue down; I used half of a mini-glue dot to adhere.

Soooooooooo, yesterday, after Reid-the Wild-Child fell into the pond ... for the third time ... Sheila was ready for a vacation. As she hustled him off to clean up and change his clothes ... for the third time, it was apparent that she was not too happy. Kids + Ponds = Trouble.

Later, we heard a commotion in the back yard.

With a heavy sigh, Sheila called out, "Are you out there wetting your pants again?!?"

There was dead silence for a moment. Then a deep, masculine voice answered meekly, "No, Ma'am, I'm just reading the meter."

Have a great weekend! And, if you're interested, UConn plays Texas A & M tomorrow. And Thabeet goes on ...

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Dark Chocolate" by Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: "County Fair" Collection by October Afternoon
• Other Paper: Text from Vintage (1897) Book, Personal Collection
• Stamp: Sentiment from "Thankful Blossoms" Set by Verve Visual
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; "Chestnut Roan" Fluid Chalk Ink by Clearsnap
• Color Medium: "Broken China" Distress Crackle Paint by Ranger
• Accessories: Chipboard by Cosmo Cricket; Brads; Jewelry Cord by The Beadery
• Tools: "Doily Lace" Border Punch by Martha Stewart Crafts; "Butterfly" Punch by Martha Stewart Crafts; Corner Rounder Punch by CarlaCraft; Small and Medium Sakura Punches by CarlaCraft; Glue Dots by Mini-Glue Dots; "The Ultimate" Craft Glue by Api; Scotch ATG 714

PS: Just heard that MADONNA's renting a house not too far from here. I don't expect to run into her in the grocery store or anything, but just in case, I'll be packin' the Celebrity-Sharpie ...

Thank You for ... Stuff

Hey, there you are! Happy Thursday ... and happy "Poultry Day," too. Since we're all struggling to make ends meet, why not share the wealth and give a deserving someone the bird today!

ONward Hoarding-Card-Maker's:

Today's card project was created using spring-like stamps from Stampin' Up, a recycled ribbon, some eyelets, and a cute l'il Sizzlit die.

I stamped my images using die ink and my trusty Stamp-A-Ma-Jig. I laid the strips out on my card base, set some eyelets, and wove some 1/8" satin ribbon through the set eyelets.

I stamped my sentiment then cut it out using a Mega Curved Rectangle die and matted it on a larger die-cut. I adhered a card stock swirl die-cut behind my stamped sentiment, and finis!

For all the deets, refer to the supply list below.

This thank you card is going to my dear MIL who kindly knitted me some way kewl kitchen towels. In fact, she carefully wrapped the towels in tissue and tied on the blue satin ribbon you see on this very card. Thanks, Mom!

I showed this card to Sheila yesterday and we naturally got to talking about our mother-in-laws. I'm not including my end of the conversation 'cuz I adore my MIL.

"She's a horrible woman," Sheila stated of her MIL.

"What?!? How can you say that?!?" I asked.

"Okay, she makes her own yogurt. Wanna know how? She puts a pint of milk on the table and stares at it!"

Yikes! I hope Sheila's MIL doesn't read my blog! And now Sheila does too ...

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Indian Corn Blue" by Close to My Heart; "Stampers Select" by Papertrey Ink; "Tangerine Tango" by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: Butterfly from "Hoppy Easter" Set by Stampin' Up; Bird and Sentiment Stamps from "Spring Solitude" Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Indian Corn Blue" Die Ink by Close to My Heart
• Accessories: White 1/8" Eyelets; 1/8" Satin Ribbon
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Mega Curved Rectangle Dies by Spellbinder's; Sizzlit "Swirl" Die by Sizzix; Crop-A-Dile by We R Memory Makers; Stamp-A-Ma-Jig by EK Success; Dimensionals; Scotch ATG 714
  

A Green Card ... In Dark Brown and Cream

Happy Hump Day girls and boy ... hey, Curt!

Today's card project is a v-e-r-y late entry in SCS's "Ways to Use It" challenge, WT207, "Frugal Finds." I made this card at least two weeks ago, but forgot to post it. Better late than never, right? For all the challenge deets, clicky HERE. To go straight to the "Frugal Finds" gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo.

My funky frugal find is the corrugated cardboard blocks I used on the card. This textured cardboard piece was packed around the sides of a sleeve of card stock I'd ordered.

The shimmery lattice boarder and dove(s) were created by using Glimmer Mist in "Jazz Blue" on cream card stock. My stamps are by Stampington & Co. and the kewl cord is from SU. The dove punchie, the "No. 3" stamped image, and the egg tag have all been layered for extra dimension. For the rest of the card details, refer to the supply list below.

So, last night Sheila and I hooked up with some of our crazy girlfriends. Instead of hanging out in someone's kitchen, we decided to meet in a local diner ... so we could drink coffee ... and eat pie ... but that part's a secret.

Eight of us were seated around a large table when one of the girls noticed that the salt shaker contained pepper and the pepper shaker was full of salt.

"Okay, we're all pretty smart people, how can we swap the contents of the bottles without spilling anything AND using only the implements at hand?" our friend Barb asked. Geesh, who invited Barb? I kid ...

After much debate ... and yummy pie ... we finally came up with a brilliant solution involving a napkin, a straw, and an empty saucer.

We called the waitress over to dazzle her with our solution.

"So," Barb said, "we couldn't help but notice that the pepper shaker contains salt and the salt shaker..."

"Oh," the waitress interrupted. "Sorry about that." She unscrewed the caps of both bottles and switched them.

Duh.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Vintage Cream" and "Dark Chocolate" by Papertrey Ink
• Other Paper: Packing Cardboard from Papertrey Ink
• Stamps: "Clearly Impressed" by Stampington & Co
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!; "Vintage Cream" Hybrid by Papertrey Ink
  
• Accessories: Bling by Glitz Frosting; Natural Cord by Stampin' Up! "Jazz Blue" Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Nestabilties Die by Spellbinder's; Dove Punch by Martha Stewart Crafts; Lattice Border Punch by Martha Stewart Crafts; Dimensionals; Scotch ATG 714
  

Let's Rock 'n Roll:

Happy Tuesday, happy "Submarine Day," and a very Happy St. Paddy's Day to all. Before you go out submarine diving, be sure to stop off for some green beer ... makes the submarine diving go that much easier.

So, for today's card project, I decided to revisit an old stampin' technique: Rock and Roll. I'm pretty sure you all know how to do this but if you don't, here's how: ink up your stamp in your lighter shade of ink, then roll the edges in a darker ink. Then stamp. Easy-peasy!

I stamped my flower image after inking it in "Sunflower" ink and rolling the edges in "Autumn Terracotta" dye ink. I over-stamped my l'il flowers using "Cranberry" dye ink, then popped on some red Crystal Pearls. All these yummy inks are available HERE.

I'll bet you're thinking that this card is kinda "Fall-ish." Really, it's more "Drag-like." Read on:

So this weekend Sheila and I went shoe shopping. We loves us some shoes!

Somehow, as I was trying on some really cute strappy sandals, the shoe salesman got his tie stuck in the shoe. Of course, I didn't know this, so I walked off to the mirror to check-out the strappy-sandals-view. When I got to the mirror, I finally noticed him crawling behind me; I was dragging the poor guy by his tie!

"Oh, lookie, Deb," Sheila said, "he wants to go home with you!"

Umm, turns out he didn't ... but the strappy sandals did! And when the DH saw what I paid for the l'il darlings, back they went ... together with this card.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink; Stampin' Up!
• Stamps: Large Flower by Inkadinkado; Small Flower from "Season of Friendship" Set by Stampin' Up!
  
• Ink: "Sunflower," "Autumn Terracotta," and "Cranberry" Dye Inks by Close to My Heart
• Accessories: Crystal Pearls by Mark Richards

Don't Fear the Talkin' Turtle ...

Hey, there you are! Happy Monday!

So, since today is "Everything You Do is Right" Day, this card was created perfectly! And seriously, how could you go wrong when you follow the perfect directions Gina K. posted on StampTV?!? I love this adorable lady and you'll love StampTV. Gina has posted several card-making and technique videos ... for the directions for this fun "woodgrain" background, clicky HERE.

My super-simple take on this fun technique was created with card stock, my Scor-It board, and two ink pads.

I stamped my images, by Cornish Heritage Farms, using dye ink and colored the talkin' turtle in with dye ink and a blender brush. For the complete list of supplies I used, please see the supply list, below.

So, this weekend Sheila and I were hangin' out together and I happened to mention: "I never want to live in a vegetative state where my life becomes dependent on a machine and my only sustenance comes in the forms of fluids. If, God forbid, that ever happens ... and I'm a total vegetable, promise me you'll pull the plug."

She got up, unplugged my computer, and threw away my wine.

Witch ...

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink; Stampin' Up!
• Instructional Video: Gina K. Designs, "StampTV"
  
• Stamps: April 2008, Stamp of the Month, Cornish Heritage Farms
• Ink: "Sunflower" Dye Ink by Close to My Heart; "Vintage Cream" Hybrid by Papertrey Ink; "Dark Brown" ColorBox Fluid Chalk Ink by Clearsnap; "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!
• Accessories: Hemp Jewelry Cord by The Beadery
• Tools: Scor-It Board by Hammond; Die-Cut Machine; Nestabilities Dies by Spellbinder's; Dimensionals; Scotch ATG 714; Blender Pen by Dove
  

Happiness Always ...

Beware the Ides of March and while you're at it, beware Friday the 13th! Man o'man, today is shapin' up to be a real loser, huh? Well, at least it's Friday ...

Today's card project was created for SCS's "Color Challenge," CC209, calling for Rose Red, Always Artichoke, and Basic Black. For all the challenge deets, clicky HERE. To go straight to the challenge gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo.

And speaking of photos, this card was just impossible to photograph accurately. To color-adjust the Rose Red, I had to reduce the intensity of the sponging ... which actually came out quite nice. You'd never know it by lookin' at my photo, but ... well, you'll just have to trust me that the image panel is almost beauteous IRL. In checkin' out the SCS CC209 gallery, I noticed that I'm not the only one having problems photographing this color combination ... not that there's anything wrong with that.

I colored my stamped image using reinkers and a water brush on Fabriano watercolor paper ... the yummiest watercolor paper for stampin' in the land! I sponged the image with Rose Red and Toile Pink inks, double-matted it, tied on a satin bow, added a key charm, then mounted the whole shebang on my black card base. The sentiment was stamped on a scrap of watercolor paper, lightly sponged, then double-matted.

Soooo, yesterday I went to Publix-Where-Shopping-is-a-Pleasure and decided to get some seafood.

After I'd asked for a half-pound of mahi mahi, the nice and pretty clerk picked one out of a pile and set it on the scale. It weighed precisely eight ounces.

Impressed, I asked, "How did you know?"

Looking very pleased with herself, she declared, "I'm psychotic."

And so am I ...

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Stampin' Up
• Watercolor Paper: Fabriano
• Stamps: "Aranculus" by PSX; Sentiment "Happy Harmony" Set by Stampin' Up
• Inks: Archiver's Black by Ranger; "Toile Pink" Hybrid by Stewart Superior; "Rose Red" by Stampin' Up
• Reinkers: Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Ribbon by May Arts; Key Charm
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Nestabilties Large Square Dies by Spellbinder's; Sponges; H20 Brush by Zig; Perfect Layers Tool by Stampin' Up; Scotch ATG 714;
  

Spring Is Sprung, the Grass is Rizz ...

I wonder where the butterflies birdies is?

Happy Thursday all and one ... and speakin' of birds, happy "Alfred Hitchcock Day!" If I were you, I'd be v-e-r-y careful today ... especially around birds.

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's card project was created for SCS's "Clean and Simple" challenge, CAS05. This time up, it's a color challenge: use blue and green in your clean and simple card creation. For all the challenge deets, clicky HERE. To go straight to the Clean and Simple card gallery, clicky HERE. To view the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo.

I stamped my notebook page and the envelope with Close to My Heart's "Outdoor Denim" dye ink (available HERE), cut them out, and adhered them to my card base.

My $1.00 sentiment stamp also came with images of grass and a bee, but I masked those out and stamped just the phrase.

I punched out and adhered seven l'il flutterbies, mounted my sentiment on dimensionals, and finis! So easy, even I a child could do it! Refer to my supply list, below, for additional product info.

So, last night, Sheila and I decided to do some (mostly), window shopping at the Wellington Green mall.

"May I try on that dress in the window?" Sheila asked the sales associate at a designer boutique.

"Go ahead," the clerk replied. "Maybe it'll attract some business."

She didn't. Dress in the window ... or buy the dress. Why? 'Cuz we're broke Recessionestas!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Stampers Select" by Papertrey Ink; "Kiwi Kiss" by Stampin' Up!
• Stamps: "Large Bold Envelope" by Alias Smith & Rowe; "Notebook" by Coffee Break Designs; Sentiment by Katie & Co for Studio G
• Ink: "Outdoor Denim" Dye Ink by Close to My Heart
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Nestabilties Die by Spellbinder's; Butterfly Punch by Martha Stewart Crafts; Dimensionals; "The Ultimate" Craft Glue by Api

It Takes a Village (Idiot) to Make an Accordion Fold Flower ...

So, I saw the directions ... if you can call three photos and three sentences, "directions," for this accordion flower in the new Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration catalog and thought to myself, "Self, you can do that!"

Well, after two hours, three youtube videos, and one 12 x 12 sheet of designer paper, here it is. Maybe I'm accordion-fold-challenged, but has it taken anyone else that long to make one of these things? Mine looks a little beat up, huh? Well, that's 'cuz I beat-up on it! And it's not even cute ...

For all the gory details, refer to my supply list, below. Oh. And, if you want, I can also refer you to all the youtube videos, too.

So, about three months ago, Sheila and I and the DH's went out to dinner at this new Chinese restaurant in town. Sheila fell in love with the elegant calligraphy on the hand-written menu and umm, "borrowed" it to take home. She spent the next several weeks knitting a sweater with Chinese characters down the front.

Last Saturday night, we all went to a cocktail party to celebrate our mutual friends twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. Since the weather was really cool ... and the sweater really did look fantastic ... she decided to wear it.

Liang, who is Chinese and lives next-door to the happy couple asked where she got the symbols.

"From a menu," she admitted.

"Do you know what they say?" he asked.

"Ummm, no ... and now I'm afraid to ask," Sheila said, "but tell me anyway."

"Cheap, but good," he responded.

Yikes!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Ripe Avocado" by Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: Stampin' Up
• Stamp: Sentiment from "Simple Little Things" Set by Papertrey Ink
• Ink: "New England Ivy" by Close to My Heart
• Accessories: Natural Jute Twine; Wooden BBQ Skewer from Publix-Where-Shopping-is-a-Pleasure; Vintage Button
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Tag from "Tiny Tags" Set by Provo Craft; "Threading Water" Border Punch by Fiskars; Stylus by Fiskars; Circle Punch by Punch Bunch; "The Ultimate" Craft Glue by Api; Scotch ATG 714

The Easiest Birthday Card. Ever.

Hey, so it's "Festival of Life in the Cracks" day! Here in South Florida there's a ton of life in the cracks ... but mostly they're fire ants. What's in your cracks?

Today's extra-super-simple card was created for SCS's "Limited Supplies" challenge. This week's challenge, LSC210, "On Your Mark, Get Set ..." is to create a card in a nano-second. Or less. For the challenge deets, clicky HERE. To go straight to the challenge gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo.

To make my card in a flash, I stamped my "Party Cat" image on a vintage dictionary page, matted it on card stock, then stamped my sentiment and mounted it on dimensionals. And that's ummm ... it. Although I did distress the edges of the card stock ... a bit.

No one said it had to be beauteous; just quick! Do I win?!?

Sooooooooooooo last night, Sheila made me go to the Walk-In Clinic with her. And Reid. The Wild-Child. Why? 'Cuz the l'il darlin' swallowed a magnet.

"He'll be fine," the Doctor promised Sheila. "The magnet should pass through his system in a day or two."

"But, how can I be sure?" she pressed.

"Well," the doctor suggested, "you could stick him on the refrigerator. When he falls off, you'll know."

I. Kid. You. Not.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Hollyhock" by Close to My Heart; "Dark Chocolate" by Papertrey Ink
• Other Paper: Vintage (1950) Dictionary Page
• Stamps: "Party Cat" by Lost Coast Designs; Sentiment by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Ummm, No ...
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Nestabilities Dies; Perfect Layers Tool; Dimensionals; Scotch ATG 714

It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's an ATC!

So, happy Monday! And happy "Panic Day" too. I don't know about you, but everyday is "Panic Day" for me ... 'cuz around here, it's always something.

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's project was created for SCS's "Ways to Use It" challenge, WT208, create an ATC ... also known as an "Artists Trading Card." Anything goes with ATC's except that they must measure 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" ... no bigger, no smaller. But otherwise, it's an artistic free-for-all!

For all the challenge deets, clicky HERE. To go straight to the SCS WT208 gallery, clicky HERE. To see the ginormous view of my ATC, clicky on the photo.

I created my ATC on sturdy mat board, hoarded from my altered art/mixed media days. These babies will hold a small building! I added some patterned paper, some stamped (and paper-pieced), images, clip art, three itsy-bitsy buttons that I threaded with super-thin (jess like me .... hah!), paper strips, a clip, and attached a stamped tag with embroidery floss.

For some dimension, I didn't glue down the l'il birdies tail. And that's it, girls and boy. It doesn't get any easier than this!

So, this weekend Sheila and I went to an arts and crafts fair. We had to take the Reid-the-Wild-Child with us, but he actually behaved pretty well ... for a Wild-Child.

Reid lurves dinosaurs so we had to stop for a week minute and admire an adorable dinosaur project.

The artist leaned across the table and said to Reid, "Hi there! My name is Cassandra. Can you say "Cassandra?"

"Cassandra," answered Reid. "Can you say pachycephalosaurus?"

Yikes!

~Hugs,

• ATC Base: Mat Board
• Designer Paper: "Mocha Chica" Collection by Kim Hughes for Cornish Heritage Farms
• Stamps: "Pretty Birds" Set by Kim Hughes for Cornish Heritage Farms; "Egg Tag" by Stampington & Company
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Binder Clip by Making Memories; DMC Embroidery Floss; Mini Buttons; 1/8" Eyelet
• Tools: Crop-A-Dile

Hey, Tweetie, Nice Crown!

So today is "National Frozen Food" day! In honor of the day, I'll be preparing a lovely frozen pizza for our dinner. Unless I can talk the DH into going out ... then the heck with National Frozen Food day!

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's card project was created for this weeks SCS's Sketch Challenge, SC218. For the challenge deets, or to look at the sketch I followed, clicky HERE. For a look at the SC218 Challenge Gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo.

I've also linked this card to the Cardvaarks "Critter Caard" challenge. For all the critter-like challenge deets, clicky HERE.

A couple of things: I paper-pieced the tree branch, crowned the l'il birdie with a GrungeBoard crown, and add some sparkly Glitz Frosting. For the complete product list, see the supply list, below.

So last night, Sheila and I dragged the DH's out to a seminar on marriage, "Keeping Your Love Alive." Oh, yeah, it was real easy getting the DH's to go ...

At one point, the instructor declared, "It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other."

He addressed the men, "Can you name and describe your wife's favorite flower?"

Ken leaned over, touched Sheila's arm gently, and whispered,"Gold Medal-All-Purpose, right?"

I. Kid. You. Not!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Dark Chocolate" by Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: "Mocha Chica" Collection by Kim Hughes for Cornish Heritage Farms
• Stamps: "Pretty Bird" Collection by Kim Hughes for Cornish Heritage Farms
• Inks: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; "Lime Pastel," and "Chestnut Roan" Fluid Chalk Inks by Clearsnap; "Landscape" Palette Hybrid by Stewart Superior
• Other Color Mediums: "Cobalt Teal," "Titanium White" Fluid Acrylic Paints by Golden; Sharpie Markers by Sanford
• Accessories: Button Brads by Making Memories; Bling by Glitz Frosting; GrungeBoard Crown by Tim Holtz Idea-ology
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Nestabilities Large Classic Rectangular Dies by Spellbinder's; "Diamonds in the Rough" Cuttlebug A2 Embossing Folder; Ticket Corner Punch by Stampin' Up; "Stamp-A-Ma-Jig" by EK Success; Perfect Layers Tool by Stampin' Up; Scotch ATG 714; Dimensionals

A Tiskit, A Tasket, Some Tulips in a Basket ...

Hey, race fans, happy Thursday. And speaking of racing, this is gonna be a fast post ... I'm running out of hours in the day and have about 73 projects spread out on my work table. And what's worse, the hurrier I go, the behinder I get ...

Today's super-simple card project was created for Splitcoast's color challenge, CC208. This week, the challenge called for a card created using Pink Passion, Kiwi Kiss, and Chocolate Chip. For all the challenge deets, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo.

So, yesterday afternoon Sheila and I decided to splurge and treat ourselves to lunch at our favorite restaurant. Just doing our part to help the local economy, you know ...

After the waitress took our order, we headed to the Ladies Room. After washing our hands, we placed our wet hands under one of those hot air hand dryers.

Someone had taped a handwritten sign over the dryers: "Please push button and listen for a short message from Florida's Governor Charlie Crist."

Have a great day ... and be sure to check for a message from your state's governor in a ladies room near you!

~cHeERs!

• Card Stock: Stampin' Up
• Stamp: Hero Arts
• Ink: Chocolate Chip Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Color Medium: Copic Markers
• Accessories: 3/16" Eyelets
• Tools: Border Punch by Martha Stewart Crafts; Crop-A-Dile; Perfect Layers; Dimensionals

Crimped Pocket Envie ... Carrot Included

There you are! So, today is "Holy Experiment Day" ... does this mean we're supposed to experiment with holy things or are we to experience feeling holy? Yikes, another religious controversy!

Today's paper project was created for SCS's "Technique Lovers" challenge, TLC 210, "Crimped Envelope Pocket Card." This really kewl technique was created by one of my very favorite stampin' peeps, Theresa at Crafting the Web. Yay, Theresa, you go!

To visit Splitcoast Stampers and see all the challenge deets, including the instructions for creating your own Crimped Envelope Pocket Card, clicky HERE. To go straight to the SCS Crimped Envelope Pocket Card gallery, clicky HERE. To visit Theresa's blog ... and be prepared to be blown away by Theresa's gorgeous projects ... clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my Crimped Envelope Pocket Card, clicky on the photo above. Phew, that's exhausting!

For my pocket envie, I used a 70# Kraft A2 envelope and also hand-drew a l'il paper carrot to tuck inside with the card. I must warn you though, that forcing a thick Kraft envelope through your crimper might cause it to explode. Yup it will ... and ummm, it did! But boy-oh-boy, is it ever cute when you pull the top off the pocket and all the carrot "leaves" jump out!

For product info, refer to the supply list, below.

And now something from the "You Know You're In Florida When ... " files. Yesterday, the DH and I went to look at carpeting. While we we're poking around, a cute 20-something flagged down a salesman and asked for help in choosing carpeting for her first apartment.

"Do you know how big the room is?" the nice-carpet-man asked.

"Yup," she said. "It's 22 flip-flops long by 18 flip-flops wide."

Seriously!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Tangerine Tango," "Glorious Green," and Kraft by Stampin' Up
• Envelope: Kraft A2 "Brown Bag" Envelope by The Greengrocer
• Stamps: "Hoppy Easter" Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Spiced Marmalade" and "Pine Needles" Distress Ink by Tim Holtz for Ranger Industries
• Accessories: Green Raffia
• Tools: Die Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Nestabilities Dies by Spellbinder's; Paper Crimper, Deceased, by Marvy-Uchida; Sharpie Marker; Glue Dots by Mini-Glue Dots; Scotch ATG 714; Guillotine Paper Cutter by Tonic Studios; Stamp-A-Ma-Jig by EK Success

Gettin' Down and Dotty ... a 15 Minute Project

Happy Tuesday and happy "National Anthem" day. If you're interested in knowing what version of the National Anthem I love-a-bunch, click HERE. It'll give you the chills, baby, the c-h-i-l-l-s!

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's 15 Minute Project was created for Splitcoast Stampers new "Clean and Simple" challenge. This weeks challenge, CAS04, "Accenting with Dots," called for a clean and simple card ... and, not surprisingly, dots! For all the challenge deets, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of this card, clicky on the photo.

I stamped my dotted border stamp on Stamper's Select card stock with Pacific Point dye ink, stamped my sentiment with the same ink, and added a dotted Prima flower, a Pacific Point blue flower punchie, and a Pacific Point blue brad. Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!

BAWDY ALERT! The following Sheila story contains adult language and may not be suitable for children, small pets, or linguists:

Sooooo, this weekend the DH and I had dinner with Sheila and her family.

We knew going in that Sheila was cooking venison, but they had decided not to tell Reid-the-Wild-Child, what kind of meat it was ... 'cuz he loves Bambi and all. However, if he guessed correctly they would be honest with him.

Naturally, the l'il bugger was eager to know what kind of meat was on his plate, so he begged Sheila's DH, Ken, for a clue.

"Well," Ken said, "It's what Mommy calls me sometimes."

Reid-the-Wild-Child grabbed my arm and screamed, "Don't eat it, Aunty, it's an asshole!"

I. Kid. You. Not.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Stampers Select" by Papertrey Ink
• Stamps: "So Very" Set by Stampin' Up; Dotted Border, Unknown
• Ink: "Pacific Point" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Dotted Flower by Prima; Brad
• Tools: Dimensionals; Flower Punch by McGill

Funky, Fun, & Frugal Finds:

Ahhhh, alliteration ...

Hey, there you are! And happy "Old Stuff Day!" Now, if you have any old stuff at your house that you don't want anymore, jess let me know and I'll make arrangements to take it off your hands ... 'cuz I jess love old stuff! When I go out, the DH never knows what I might come home with. Especially 'road side' stuff. Why, I can see something, assess it's worth, and come to a screeching halt in seconds ... all at 45+ mph! I know, it's a gift.

And if anyone has an old Hoosier they don't want, well, lucky you 'cuz I'm ready to take it off your hands!

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's old-lookin' card was created for SCS's "Way to Use It" challenge. This week's challenge, WT207, is "Frugal Finds." For all the challenge deets, click HERE. For the ginormous view of this card, clicky on the photo.

I'm also linking this card to Michelle's "Stampers Dream Dreamy Challenge." To check out the SDDC5 challenge deets, click HERE.

My funky frugal find is the corrugated cardboard I used on the bottom panel of my card. This piece was packed around the sides of a box of card stock I'd ordered. I'd planned on using it in a project sooner or later; the Splitcoast challenge was the perfect opportunity to do so.

For all the card info, check out the supply list, below.

So, today I thought I'd share this quick l'il video with you. If you're under 35 or so, you might not get this but ... watch anyway:

BTW, I'm liquidating my eBay store inventory and closing up shop. If anyone would like to purchase wholesales lots of paper, and other fun mixed media goodies, drop me a quick note and let me know what you're interested in. Trust me, you'll get a good great awesome buy!

To check out my eBay store, clicky HERE. Thanks!

Later!

• Card Stock: "Dark Chocolate" and "Vintage Cream" by Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: "Forget-Me-Not" Collection by Daisy D
• Other Paper: Packing Cardboard from Papertrey Ink
• Stamps: "Just because" by Papertrey Ink; Flower Silhouette by Club Scrap
• Ink: "Vintage Cream" Hybrid by Papertrey Ink; Versamark by Tsukineko
• Accessories: Dark Chocolate Embossing Powder by Comotion; Twill Ribbon; Waxed Linen Thread by 7gypsies; Jump Ring
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Tag Die by Provo Craft; Nestabilities Dies by Spellbinder's; ATG 714; Heat Gun; Dimensionals

Blog Candy for Your Computer ... The March Desktop Calendar:

EDITED TO ADD: If you snagged this calendar prior to March 2, you'll want to replace it with this ^ one. There was some pixel-messiness goin' on with it and it's been cleared up.

And there's just a few left, so grab yours now! LOLOL, I kid; there's at least 50 left ...

So here it is ... my St. Paddy's Day gift to you ... 'cuz you're pretty and nice and everything. And Irish.

Because of the size of this wallpaper, and the limitations built into the "Minima" style blog, the above view is distorted. You really need to click on the image to see if you want to take it home with you. I use the calendar as my desktop wallpaper, but you can print it out and hang it on the wall in your studio. Or, stick in on your 'fridge ... or, put it in your gym locker, or tape it to the ceiling over your bed so's every morning you'll know exactly what day it is ... just in case you're not sure what happened the night before.

Here's how to snag it: click on the image, and when the new window opens, right-click on the image and choose "save," or "save picture as." Remember where you saved it, then find the image on your hard drive. When you finally find it again, right click on it and chose, "set as desktop background." And, ta-dah!

If you have any problems getting this to fit your screen, I'll try to help you but remember: I don't know what I'm doing. This fits on my computer screen perfectly as is, but if it gets all wonky on yours, I'll prolly have to email you the file.

And don't be afraid if it looks like it's missing a line or a number, 'cuz once you download it and send it to your desktop it looks perfectly fine. Must be some Photobucket and/or Blogger image glitch and/or trick.

See you tomorrow my pretty and nice imaginary friend!

~Hugs,