Hoppin' Right Past Valentine's Day:

Is it Monday again already?!? Time sure flies whether you're havin' fun or not, huh?

Today's card project was created for the Color Throwdown Challenge #77. For all the challenging deets, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on it.

This weeks color choices were Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, and Elegant Eggplant ... I struggled with this all week and finally settled on this design. Not one of my favorites but I s'pose they can't all be.

This card is a kinda-sorta CASE of a card in SU's new Occasions Mini Catalog ... at least as far as the Chocolate Bunny stamp and the Little Leaves die. The rest, not so much.

For the rest of the certainly-elegant-breezy product info, check out the supply list below.

Sooooooooo, this weekend Reid-the-Wild-Child had his friend, Brittany, over for a play date. Sheila and I were hangin' out in the kitchen; she was baking cookies for the kidlettes and I was not helping.

"Those kids are awfully quite." I pointed out.

"Yeah, you wanna go and check on 'em for me? That is, if you're not too busy not helping me?" Sheila asked sarcastically.

So, off I go to eavesdrop on the l'il buggers. They were playing "wedding," and the wise-beyond-her-years Brittany was prattlin' off:

"Listen, Reid: you have the right to remain silent, anything you say will be turned around and used against you, and you have the right to have an attorney present. And you can't kiss the bride today, because she has a splittin' headache."

{*Sigh*} ... they grow up so fast, don't they?

Thanks for stopping by ... hope you have a great day! And if you have a minute, hop on over to my friend Anne's blog for a look at her absolutely brilliant portrait. Anne sportingly reposted it on her blog at my behest. An astounding representation ... truly breathtaking!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Unknown Scrap
• Stamp: "Chocolate Bunny" by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: "Baja Breeze" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (Retired) by Stampin' Up; Sharpie Paint Pen
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle and Circle Dies; "Little Leaves" Sizzlits Die by Stampin' Up; Swiss Dots A2 Embossing Folders; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE.

The Color Red. And Hearts.

Happy TGiF!

Today's card project was created for the Caardvarks "Red Heart" challenge to use the color red. And hearts. For all the challenging deets, clicky HERE.

This card also qualifies for this week's Stamp Simply card challenge ... to use the color red. And hearts. For the 4-1-1 on the Stamp Simply challenge, clicky HERE.

Because I used digital paper on this card, the project qualifies for the Fab 'n' Funky Challenge #8, to use a digital image or sentiment. For all the digi-deets, clicky HERE.

My card uses stamps from two drastically different Stampin' Up sets, but I think they look pretty neat together. The patterned paper is a digital file and I created a beaded stickpin to attach to my yummy satin ribbon.

For the rest of the lovely product info, check out the supply list, below.

Soooooooo, yesterday afternoon I was hangin' out with Sheila when Reid-the-Wild-Child came home from school.

"Guess what?!?" Reid asked us.

"What?" we answered.

"I learned how to make babies today in school!"

Sheila flipped. I haven't seen her face go so red since ... at least Monday!

"What? What?!? I'm callin' that school this instant and readin' them the riot act. How dare they?!?"

"So, Reid, tell me, what did you learn about makin' babies?" I asked.

"Oh, it's easy, Aunty: all you do is drop the 'y' and add 'i e s.'" he replied.

Oh, sure, we knew that.

Thanks so much for stopping by today ... have a great weekend!

• Card Stock: "Chocolate Chip," "Real Red," and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Patterned Paper: Digital File from My Sweet Tater
  
• Stamps: Tree from "Branch Out" Stamp Set (Retired) by Stampin' Up; Hearts from "I {Heart} Hearts Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" and "Real Red" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: "Chocolate Chip" Satin Ribbon by Stampin' Up; Stickpin and Beads from Stash
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangular Die; Small Heart Punch by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  

Let the Games Begin!

Happy Thursday, race fans!

Today's super-simple card project was created for the "Stamptacular Sunday Challenge," #43, to create a 'pop-up' card. I decided to create my card using the uber-popular "Easel" card format.

For all the challenging deets, or to join in on the fun, clicky HERE to visit the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge blog.

If you've been in a coma ... or abducted by aliens ... and haven't heard about this quick and easy technique, here's a quick tutorial:

1. Score a 4" x 8" piece of card stock at 4" and again at 6";
2. Fold on score lines;
3. Cut a 4" x 4" square of card stock;
4. Cut patterned paper into two 3 7/8" x 3 7/8" squares (you can eyeball this - you just want to create a l'il margin ... or not, your choice);
5. Glue one 3 7/8" x 3 7/8" square of patterned paper to the bottom front of the scored and folded 4" x 8" card stock;
6. Adhere the remaining 3 7/8" x 3 7/8" piece of patterned paper to the 4" x 4" piece of card stock;
7. Adhere the 4" x 4" piece to the front fold even with the bottom edge of the card stock;
8. Adhere a brad, button, or other raised thingie to the bottom to create a "stop";
9. Embellish with stamped images, ribbons, flowers, punchies, stitching, or whatever your heart desires; and,
10. You're done!

These are really easy to assembly-line and they fold up perfectly for mailing in a regular A2 envelope. These cards are so easy to make that with just a little help ... especially in the cutting department ... the kid-lettes can make some too!

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

Sooooooooo, Sheila and I were talking yesterday about how addictive games on the Internet can be.

"Oh, please, I know. I've been playing them w-a-y too much," Sheila said.

"What makes you say that?" I asked.

"Well, right before I start dreaming at night, a blue strip appears with the words 'Loading ... Please wait.'"

Oooohhhhhh. Well, maybe she is playing 'em too much ...

Thanks so much for stopping by today ... have a great day!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Rose Red" and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Cosmo Cricket
• Stamp: "Holiday Best" Hostess Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Rose Red" Dye Ink
• Accessories: 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon; DMC Embroidery Floss; Heart Clip-Thingy; Clear Button by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Spellbinders Dies; Scallop Trim Border Punch by Stampin' Up (Free with $50.00 Purchase!); Stampin' Dimensionals; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up

We Do Chicken Right!

Happy Stump Day, Hampers!

Today's card project was created for no good reason ... but I s'pose it would be appropriate to use for Valentine's Day or as an anniversary card. No worries, I'll get rid of it somehow!

The card DOES qualify for a challenge or three though! Little Red Wagon's challenge today is to use hearts. You can check out this challenge HERE. This week's Crazy 4 Challenges challenge is to use a pink color scheme; you can read all those deets, HERE. Finally, the Crafty Cardmakers challenge this week is Hearts and Romance. For all the challenging deets for this challenge, clicky HERE.

I stamped my image in fabulous-fun-flirty "Melon Mambo" dye ink, die-cut it, triple matted it, punched a scallop trim border, added some ribbon, and attached a simple knot bow. Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!

For the 4-1-1 on all the exciting products I used, check out the supply list, below.

Sooooooooooo, yesterday afternoon Sheila and I teamed up to do a bunch of errands. You know, the usual bank-dry-cleaner-grocery-store run. A bonus: Sheila drove, so I saved gas!

As we were heading for home, Sheila decided to stop and pick up a bucket of chicken for dinner. I stayed in the car and while waiting, a mutual friend of ours spotted me and toddled over to yakkity-yak.

We were going on and on and only noticed Sheila when she got in the car. And then Sheila had to get all caught up with our friend, too. Twenty minutes later, we drove off and headed for home.

We were {this close} to home when a State Trooper came flyin' up behind us. He flashed on those annoying lights and squawked his ear-splitting siren at us ... the universal signals for "pull over, you're about to get a very expensive ticket."

The State Trooper walks up to the driver's side, bends down, and hands Sheila a bucket of chicken. I think, 'OMG, she must she must have put the bucket on the roof of her car and forgot about it!'

But Sheila says:

"Oh, no thanks, Officer, I just bought some."

Thanks so much for swinging by today!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Chocolate Chip," "Melon Mambo," and "Very Vanilla" Card Stocks by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Stampin' Up (Retired)
• Stamp: Club Scrap
• Ink: "Melon Mambo" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: "Chocolate Chip" Grosgrain Ribbon by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangular Die; Corner Chomper; Mini-Glue Dots; Scallop Trim Border Punch by Stampin' Up; Perfect Layers (Retired) by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals by Stampin' Up; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE.

Hey! Who Wants a Sandwich?

Happy Tuesday, race fans!

Today's card project was created for SCS's Sketch Challenge, SC264. For all the challenging deets, including a look at the sketch I followed, clicky HERE. To go straight to the SC264 card gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky anywhere on the photo.

I used digital files to create the patterned paper on this card and a font-a-licious rubber stamp that my BFF sent me long-time-ago.

For the rest of the exciting product info, check out the supply list, below.

Soooooooo, on Saturday night, Sheila and I, together with our respective DH's, went to a l'il meet and greet at Jill's. For irregular readers of my blog ... and you know who you are ... Jill is Sheila's psychotic younger sister.

When we last left Jill, it was on the heels of her infamous "Rolls Royce" date. Since that 'terrible' night, she's been seeing Jack. According to Jill, Jack is very bright, terribly funny, and drop-dead gorgeous. All this, PLUS he has the soul of a poet ... and miracle of miracles, the guy actually has a job!

On Saturday night we were summoned to Jill's to meet Jack ... you know, 'cuz he might be The One. Tee, hee ... Jack and Jill; now that's poetic!

We arrived and after the obligatory air kisses, introductions, and cold drinks, Sheila and I were dragged into a corner by Jill.

"What do you think, isn't he dreamy?!?"

"Oh, dreamy. Just dreamy." Sheila replied.

"So, please, would you two go talk to him and make him feel welcome? The guys are kinda ignoring him."

So Sheila and I engaged Dreamy Jack in small talk. After the "whaddya do, who do ya know's," the conversation lagged for a bit. But Dreamy Jack grabbed the ball and ran with it:

"So. Ladies, has this ever happened to you? You're like hungry, so you make a sandwich. And then, ya know, you get tired, so you put the sandwich down in front of you and then you put your head down and like, fall asleep."

"And then, when you wake up, the sandwich is like stuck to your forehead, but you're so out of it that you don't realize it. So, then, you like, go make yourself another sandwich."

We both just stood there, dumbstruck.

"Yeah," he continued. "I go through bread like crazy."

And at that very moment, Jill called from the kitchen, "Hey! Who wants a sandwich?"

Eeewwwwwwwww!

Thanks for stopping by today! May all your sandwiches be headless ... and vice versa.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Real Red by Stampin' Up
• Patterned Paper: Digital
• Stamp: Inkadinkado
• Ink: Real Red Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accesories: Grosgrain Ribbon by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals by Stampin' Up; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Die; Small Heart Punch by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
  

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE.

And the Envelope Goes to ...

Happy Monday, Stampers ... hope you had a great weekend!

Today's card project was created for the "Everything Old is New Again" challenge. This week's challenge was to create a card using an old background stamp as the predominant image. Oh, and no patterned paper allowed. For all the challenging deets, or to play along, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky right there on the photo.

This card also qualifies for the current Stampin' Royalty Challenge, SR3, to create a one-layer project. For the deets on this challenge, clicky HERE. LeAnne turned me on to the Stampin' Royalty challenge blog and they've had some really fun challenges so far. Check 'em out ... especially you Canadian stampers as all of these gals get inky in beautiful British Columbia.

I created this card using this o-l-d background stamp from Peddler's Pack and a n-e-w sentiment stamp from Stampin' Up's 'Well Scripted' stamp set. This stamp is one of a set of six and is available in SU's new 'Occasions Mini Catalog.'

Using a Post-It note and a rectangular die, I created a mask and applied it to my card base using Safe-Release painter's tape. I stamped my fern backgrounder over the masked card base using dye ink, removed the mask, and stamped my font-a-licious sentiment. Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!

For all of the a-mazin' product info, check out the supply list, below.

Soooooooo, this Saturday I was hangin' out at Sheila's, unwillingly participating in another Sheila reorganization project. Don't even get me started ...

Anyway, the mail came and Sheila asked me to get it and throw it on the counter. When I returned, she asked if there was anything 'good' in her mail.

"I didn't look." I answered.

"Why not?" she asked, "I look at yours."

Ohhhh. I did not know that.

So off she goes to see what's 'good.'

"Hey, lookie this! A letter addressed to Ken marked 'Personal.' And there's no return address. Let's open it!"

"Oh, no, not me ... you're on your own here. I'm just an innocent bystander." I said.

"Doesn't this look like a woman's handwriting to you?" she asked, studying the envelope.

"Ummm, well ... I don't know. Maybe. But that's not the point."

"The hell it isn't!" she said and tore the envelope open.

As I watched her speed-read through the letter, her faced turned bright red. And her eyes kinda popped out ... and then that vein in her neck started jumping around.

"That devious, conniving, sneaky, old witch! How dare she!! How DARE she!" Sheila exclaimed, tossing the letter to me.

"I'm still not reading this, Sheila. It's none of my business ... it's even slightly illegal."

"Stuff it, Counselor. Read the last sentence!" she demanded.

Yikes! In mortal fear, I did. And read:

"Dear Sheila: When you've finished reading this letter, please remember to give it to my Ken. And please give my darling grandson a great big hug and a kiss for me. Love, Mom."

Uhhhh, ohhhh, busted ...

Thanks so much for stopping by today ... hope your day is fantastical!

• Card Stock: "Very Vanilla" by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Verboten!
• Stamps: Fern Background Stamp by Peddler's Pack; Sentiment from "Well Scripted" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Always Artichoke" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
  
• Accessories: Twill Tape by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangular Die; Safe-Release Painter's Tape; Post-It Note
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  

So, a Turtle Goes to New York City ...

TGiF, Stampers! Please say hello to the cover of my 'True Love' paper bag album.

Today's altered art project was created for sale on eBay, but the project qualifies for the Pal's Paper Arts "Anything But a Card" challenge, PPA26. For all the challenging deets, including a look at the Pals' a-mazing samples, clicky HERE. As always, for the ginormous view of my photos, clicky right THERE on the photo.

This vintage-inspired Valentine's Day-themed paper bag album is jam-packed with authentic vintage ephemera ... I don't do copies. In this particular album, most of the ephemera dates back to 1925. Over the past 7 years or so, my albums have been purchased by Doctor's, Lawyers, and Indian Chiefs. I estimate that I have over 150 of these vintage-inspired albums scattered all over the world. Which is kinda cool to know ...

Okay, enough with the ancient history:

This ^ spread is pages 2 and 3 of the album;

This ^ spread is pages 4 and 5;

This ^ spread is pages 6 and 7;

This ^ spread is pages 8 and 9; and,

This ^ spread is pages 10 and 11.

If you're so inclined, you can see several more detailed photos of this album by visiting my eBay store. To see all the pretty pictures, clicky HERE and be whisked away on an exciting journey of discovery!

Bawdy Alert:

My friend Karen is one fun chickadee with a great sense of humor, and I hope she doesn't mind, but I'm gonna share with you the entire contents of an email she sent me today:

"Deb, Thought for the Day:

After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says, 'W T F.'"

OMG, it's been right under our noses the whole time!

Soooooooo, Reid-the-Wild-Child called me after school yesterday 'cuz he was thrilled to see his jokes on the Web. Here's what he said:

"Aunty, since you were so nice to help me get famous and have my own TV show, I'm gonna give you one last joke for free."

"What? Whaddya mean ... you think I'm gonna pay you to put your jokes on my blog?!?"

"Do you want the free joke or not?"

"Sure, why not ... as long as you promise that it's the last free joke." I answered.

"Yeah, it is. Okay ... so, a turtle goes to New York City and he's lost and he's in a really bad neighborhood. And then he gets mugged by a gang of snails."

"The cops asked him what happened, and he said, "I really don't know, it all happened so fast!"

WTF!?!?

Thanks so much for stopping by ... I hope your weekend is fantastical!

~Hugs,



If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE ... not that this project would inspire you to ask me about stamping ...

Hah, Hah, Hah ... Gag, Gag, Gag

Welcome race fans! And a very happy National Hugging Day to you! Please consider yourself hugged ...

Today's card projects are the result of my failure to follow instructions. Or my failure to read the instructions ... or both. Ö!

I created this ^ card for my nephew's upcoming birthday and Splitcoast's Clean and Simple challenge, CAS50, to use teal, white, and one other color. You see where I'm in trouble already, right? Unless black doesn't count as a real color? Does it? Is it?

So, since I blew it on the challenge entry, and wasn't really thrilled with the idea of sending this girly-man-colored card to a little boy, I started over ... and created this one:


Now this manly train, I dig! I can only hope that a 7 year old boy who loves primary colors ... and trains ... will too. 'Cuz I'm not makin' another one!

For the 4-1-1 on the ton of product I used to create these cards, check out the supply list, below.

Soooooooooo, Reid-the-Wild-Child thinks he's the funniest kid in the world ... and that he should be on TV. All this week, he's been begging me to post his two newest jokes. This kid has a notebook full of jokes he's saving for his TV show. Seriously.

So, being that Sheila hasn't said or done anything particularly interesting and/or incredibly stupid in the last 24 hours, I'll bow to a force greater than my will: Wild-Child Pleading, Whining, and Non-Stop Jabbering. Presenting two jokes ... and I use the term loosely ... from Reid-the-Wild-Child's Comedy Show and Traveling Circus:

Reid: Aunty, know why you can't see the Invisible Man's Mother & Father?

Me: I give up.

Reid: 'Cuz they're trans-parents!

Reid cracks up for ten minutes. Hah, hah, hah. Then:

Reid: Aunty, know why the policeman gave the dog a ticket?

Me: I give up.

Reid: For double barking.

Reid cracks up for another ten minutes. Hah, hah, hah. Then:

Reid: Aunty, will you put one ... or maybe just two ... more of my jokes on your blog?

Me: What blog?

Hey! Know what? If you have your fingers on the wrong keys, "Hah, hah, hah" becomes "Gag, gag, gag." I find that incredibly profound ... Hah, hah, hah. Gag, gag, gag.

~Gygs,

• Card Stock: "Whisper White," "Taken with Teal," and "Pacific Point", (Retired), Card Stocks by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: "Choo Choo" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up; Sentiment by PTI; "Right on Track" Wheel by Stampin' Up
• Ink: ""Baja Breeze," (Retired), "Basic Black," "Garden Green," "Pacific Point," (Retired), "Pumpkin Pie," "Riding Hood Red," (Retired), and "Taken With Teal" Dye Inks by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Oval Dies; Stampin' Dimensionals by Stampin' Up; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
• Jokes: Furnished Free of Charge by Reid-the-Wild-Child
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE.

A Hybrid Valentine: Saving Energy One Card at a Time ...

Happy Stump Day, Hampers!

Today's hybrid card project was created for SCS's Sketch Challenge, SC263. For all the challenging deets, including a look at the sketch I followed, clicky HERE. To go straight to the SC263 card gallery, clicky HERE. To see the ginormous view of my card, clicky THERE on the photo.

This sketch is a good one and I really enjoyed using it this week. It looks like you did a lot of fussing with the card, but you didn't. Or is that just me? Either way, I'll definitely use this layout again.

I used digital files to create the patterned paper and inked up two of my most-favorite-new-stamps, added some ribbon, a tiny tag, and three l'il rosy-red bling-dots. Easy-peasy and saves energy, too ... I think. Does it?

For all the half-natural, homemade goodness, check out the supply list, below.

Soooooooooo, yesterday I was hangin' out with Sheila and her sister, Jill. Jill was paging through an old issue of Cosmopolitan ... she likes to take the quizzes. And oh! she just "adores" their "fact-finding." To wit:

"So listen to this: according to Cosmo, men say the first thing that they notice about a woman is their eyes." Jill reported.

"Oh, yeah?" Sheila countered, "And I say the first thing that women notice about men is that they're a bunch of liars."

Check. Mate.

Thanks so much for swingin' by today; I really appreciate it!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Whisper White" by Stampin' Up
• Patterned Paper: Digital, Unknown
• Stamps: "Love You Much" Sentiment Stamp from "Well Scripted" Stamp Set (Page 19, Occasions Mini-Catalog), by Stampin' Up; "Love" Sentiment from "Tiny Tags" Stamp Set (Page 28, Occasions Mini-Catalog), by Stampin' Up
• Dye Ink: Stampin' Up
  
• Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon by Stampin' Up; Rose Red Flat-Back Pearls; Embroidery Floss
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Oval Dies; Medium Jewelry Tag (Page 11, Occasions Mini-Catalog) by Stampin' Up; Doily Border Punch; Stampin' Dimensionals by Stampin' Up; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size; 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE.

Something Old, Something Bluish, Something Purple, Something Newish ...

Happy Tuesday, ISF's!

Today's card project was created for Allison's brandy-new card challenge, Everything Old is New Again. The challenge is to create a card with a stamp that hasn't seen the light of day for some time. For the ginormous view of my card ... as if this view isn't big enough ... clicky on the photo and be taken away on an exciting viewing adventure!

I recently discovered this stamp wedged between a shelf full of vintage primers* and the wall. It's safe to say that this stamp has been among the missing for at least 5 years. I purchased it new and it's dated 1993 ... so it's definitely ... old.

I used the sketch from Stamping 411's Saturday Sketch Challenge, SSC134. For all the challenging deets, and a look at the sketch I followed, clicky HERE.

For all the mind-blowing product info, what I can remember, that is, check out the supply list, below.

Soooooooo, last night I spent an hour or so listening talking to Sheila on the phone while she complained about her hair, her wardrobe, and her weight.

"Get real, you are not overweight. At all." I pointed out.

"I'm fat and we both know it. Listen, do you know that when I sit in the bathtub the water in the toilet rises?!?"

I did not ...

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Very Vanilla" by Stampin' Up; Textured, Unknown, Scraps
  
• Designer Paper: Something Bluish, Unknown; Something Purple, Unknown
  
• Stamp: Something Old
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Color Medium: Various Markers
• Accessories: Ribbon, Unknown; Something Newish: Ribbon Slide from "Styled Vanilla" Hodgepodge Hardware Set by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Dies; Stampin' Dimensionals; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

*Ahh, you noticed I usually photograph my cards in front of a shelf full of vintage primers. Yes, I do love me some vintage primers! And yes, this is the shelf that eats stamps ...

Eat This Card ...

Happy Monday, Stampers ... and a happy Martin Luther King Day to you, too! Hope this means you have the day off ...

Today's uber-bright card project was created for the Pals Paper Arts Inspiration Challenge, PPA25. For all the challenging deets, or to play along, clicky HERE.

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

Soooooooooo, this weekend I Wild-Child-sat so that Sheila and her DH could attend the annual Museum Gala. Dressy Balls are not my thing ... neither is babysitting Reid for that matter. But I'd rather do the latter than the former. And so I did.

The Wild-Child was jabbering away like a tree monkey when Sheila and Ken entered the room, all dressed up and spiffy-lookin'.

When Reid saw Ken in his really-good suit, he piped up, "Daddy, you shouldn't wear that suit."

"And why not, Kiddo?"

"'Cuz you always have a bad headache the next morning after wearing that suit!"

See that? They do notice ...

Thanks so much for visiting today ... have a great day!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Unknown, Uber-Bright Scraps
• Stamps: Candy Stack, Unknown (Unmounted); Sentiment, PTI
• Ink: Memento "Tuxedo Black" Dye Ink; "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Color Medium: Copic Markers
• Accessories: 5/8" Satin Ribbon; Vintage Buttons; Embroidery Floss
• Tools: Die Cut Machine; Dies; Loop Edge Border Punch; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive, both by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

1 15 Minute Project ='s 3 Challenge Entries

TGiF Stampers!

Today's colorful card project was created for the Color Throwdown challenge #75. This week's challenge called for Garden Green, Rich Razzleberry, and Mellow Moss ... three colors I would never have thought to combine ... 'cuz I'm chicken. For all the challenge deets, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo.

Since I used the new SU bird punch and my sentiment is from SU's new Whimsical Words stamp set, the card also qualifies for SCS's Ways to Use It challenge, WT252, "In With the New." For all the details, clicky HERE. To go straight to the WT252 card gallery, clicky HERE.

And for my third challenge, it's back again to Splitcoast Stampers for WT253, "Where's the Birdie." For info on this challenge, clicky HERE. To go straight to the WT253 card gallery, clicky HERE. If you like bird images, you have gotta check out this awesome card gallery!

And to think I swore I'd never be one of those kinda challenge players ...

The hardest thing about this project was photographing it ... you've prolly noticed my below-par photo. The card itself was created in less than 15 Minutes.

I used the new Stampin' Up Extra-Large Two-Step Bird Punch, available in the Occasions Mini-Catalog, to create my focal point, then stamped the sentiment, a free-with-a-$50-purchase Sale-a-bration item, in Garden Green dye ink. A bit of embossing, a lot of dimensionals, and finis. Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!

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

Soooooooo, last night was my mostly-irregular Girl's Night Out. The usual cast of irregular characters often includes Sheila's psychotic fun sister, Jill. Jill is very attractive, single, and a dating machine. Seriously, you need a scorecard to keep track of who's who when. We live vicariously through her ...

"So, how was your blind date last weekend?" our friend Barb asked Jill.

"Omigosh, Barb, just terrible! He showed up in a 1932 Rolls-Royce!"

"Well, what's so terrible about that?"

"He was the original owner."

Those of you keeping score (hi Chickies!), please scratch this player ...

Thanks so much for stopping by today; I really appreciate it. Have a fantastic weekend!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Stampin' Up
• Stamp: "Whimsical Words" Sale-a-bration Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Garden Green" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Oval Dies; A2 Embossing Folder; Extra-Large Two-Step Bird Punch by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Purchase Stampin' Up products online 24/7 ... click HERE to shop!

A Day Late, A Dollar Short ...

Happy Stump Day, Hampers!

Today's card project was created for Pals Paper Arts' Sketch challenge, PPA24. For all the challenging deets, including a look-see at the sketch I followed, clicky HERE.

Unfortunately, I'm a day late in posting this project, but I thought it more important to post up the Craft Talk video (see post below), yesterday. For those who prefer to click your way through Blogdom, you can see the video by clicky-ing HERE.

As I was editing this photo I realized that a lot of the product I used on this card is retired Stampin' Up! Oh well, the Very Vanilla card stock, Soft Suede ink, and the uber-kewl Scroll Border Punch are still available from Stampin' Up. The thing is ... the border punch can't be purchased ... it's a Sale-a-bration freebie.

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

Soooooooo, Sheila is checking out parochial schools in the area. She wants Reid-the-Wild-Child to have a more "pious educational experience." No, I don't make this stuff up. Frankly, who could?

So, naturally, Sheila is visiting these schools during regular class hours to check things out. Yesterday, she wanted company and so, naturally, I was dragged along, too. Not that I had anything useful to add to the conversation, with the possible exception of saying: "Good Lord, why am I here" repeatedly.

We parked the car and were heading for the school when we passed the School/Church rectory. It was then that we noticed a elderly Priest tending a flower garden.

Sheila, sensing a brown-nose-moment, had to stop and ask after the flowers.

"Father," she cooed, "these flowers are absolutely gorgeous! They look as though the cold hasn't bothered them one bit!"

"Why, thank you. Yes, they seem to be doing okay with the chilly weather," said the Priest, "but sadly, they suffer from a disease known as the 'Black Death.'"

"Oh, my, sounds serious. Just what exactly is that, Father?" Sheila asked.

"Nuns with scissors."

Which shall be the name of my new craft/religion blog ...

Thanks so much for swinging by today. Hope your day is ... heavenly!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Baja Breeze (Retired), Riding Hood Red (Retired), and Very Vanilla Card Stocks by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: Bare Tree and Bird Images from "Branch Out" Stamp Set (Retired), by Stampin' Up
• Ink: Riding Hood Red (Retired), and Soft Suede Dye Inks by Stampin' Up
  
• Accessories: 1 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (Retired), by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Scroll Border Punch by Stampin' Up (Available as a Sale-A-Bration Gift - FREE with a $50 Purchase); Corner Rounder Punch by Stampin' Up; Perfect Layers Tool (Retired), by Stampin' Up; 1/8" Star Punch; Stampin' Dimensionals; SNAIL Adhesive
• Finished Size: 5" x 5"
  

A L'il Craft Talk ...

Saw this on YouTube and thought of you:



Thanks for stopping by today; hope your day is craft-tastic!

~Hugs,

B Mine ... and No One Gets Hurt

Happy Monday, Stampers. Hope your weekend was fantabulous!

Today's 15 Minute card project was created for SCS's Clean and Simple Challenge, "Valentines," CAS48. Never saw that comin' didcha?!? For all the Valentine-type deets, clicky HERE. To go straight to the CAS48 card gallery, clicky HERE.

I also participated in Stamping 411's Color Challenge #105 for my color combination. This week's color challenge was to create a kid's card ... or one that kids could easily create ... using this fab color combination. I really love this particular color scheme ... so bright and happy ... perfect for a cold, gray winter's day ... or a cold, gray kid! For the 411 on the Color Challenge, clicky HERE.

I stamped the "B," die-cut it, then double mounted the image on card stock. I stamped "Mine," then added three lengths of 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, and finis! Easy-peasy ... and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!

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

Sooooooooo, this year Sheila's DH decided that he needed to eat healthier ... and have breakfast every morning no-matter-what.

Since this was Ken's first weekend home since the New Year, the DH and I couldn't wait to see how his new diet was going. We got our chance this weekend:

"How's the breakfast thing going?" I asked Ken.

"Well, I'm doing oatmeal and I hope I develop a taste for the stuff. It sure goes down rough!"

"Really?" Sheila asked, "how long are you cooking it?"

"Oh, are you supposed to cook it?" he asked.

Just between you and me, I happen to think this was a really cagey move on Ken's part to get Sheila to get up with him and cook him his breakfast every morning. If so, it's working!

Thanks so much for swingin' by to visit today!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Stampin' Up
• Stamps: All Stamps from "Just B" Set (Retired) by Stampin' Up
• Ink: Stampin' Up Dye Ink
• Accessories: 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Die; Perfect Layers Tool (Retired) by Stampin' Up; Stamp-a-Ma-Jig by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals; SNAIL Adhesive
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  

And Many More ... L'il Party Hats!

TGiF, Stampers! Was this the longest week in the history of man ... or is that just me? Either way, I'm glad to see Friday roll around!

Today's card project was created using stamps from Stampin' Up's "Party Hearty" set. This set is available HERE ... and it's the cutest. stamp. set. ever!

This birthday card couldn't be easier to create! Cutting out all the l'il party hats will slow you down some, but otherwise a super-quick project.

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

Soooooooo, Sheila needed someone 'responsible' to stay with Reid-the-Wild-Child last night, and with her DH out of town, guess who got the job!?!

Reid decided he wanted me to read with him and he dug up a Hans Christian Anderson book.

"Aunty?" Reid asked, "Does m-i-r-a-g-e spell marriage?"

"No Reid, it doesn't." I sighed. "But it should."

Thanks so much for stopping by today ... I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Very Vanilla and Riding Hood Red (Retired) Card Stocks by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Scrap, Unknown Manufacturer
• Stamps: "Party Hearty" Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: Riding Hood Red (Retired) Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Red and Blue Grosgrain
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Spellbinders Dies; A2 Embossing Folder; Stampin' Dimensionals by Stampin' Up; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

It's Sale-a-bration! Spend $50.00 in Stampin' Up product and receive the FREE gift of your choice! Click on the Sale-a-bration icon in my right side-bar to choose your free gift. Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE.

Two 15 Minute Projects ... 'Cept One Took 4 Hours

Happy Stump Day, Hampers!

Today's 15 Minute card project was created using stamps from Stampin' Up and some 1 3/4" card stock punchies.

I stamped all my images on Whisper White card stock using dye ink from Stampin' Up. I stamped the flower spray image twice and layered them for a little dimension on the card. I added some brads from my stash to four of the images and finis! Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!

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

Soooooooooo, yesterday I was hangin' out at Sheila's helping her "organize her spice collection." I kid you not. And did you know that you can check online to decipher the age of your spices? Yeah, me neither ... and may I just say that this step added hours to what should have also been a 15 Minute Project. And I wonder why I only have 15 Minutes to create a card?!?

Her DH was busy packing for a business trip and Reid-the-Wild-Child was bouncing off the walls as per usual.

By the time we got through "Rosemary, Dried, June '09," Ken came into the kitchen, suitcase in hand, to say goodbye.

"Reid," he said, "I'm trusting you to take good care of your Mom and be the man of the house."

Comprehending the gravity of the situation, Reid said seriously, "In that case Dad, I'm going to need the remote."

We're still gigglin' on that one ... The Great Spice Project of 2010? Not so much ...

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

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bermuda Bay, Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango, and Whisper White Card Stocks by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: Floral Images from "True Friend" Stamp Set; Cupcake Image from "Party Hearty" Stamp Set; Sentiment from "Heard From the Heart" Set All by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Tangerine Tango" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up (Retired)
  
• Accessories: Brads, Unknown Manufacturer
• Tools: 1 3/4" Square Punch; Stamp-a-Ma-Jig by Stampin' Up; Paper Piercing Tool by Stampin' Up; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up; Dimensionals by Stampin' Up
  
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  

Blog Candy for Your Computer ...

Happy New Year, Stampers ... I hope 2010 proves to be your best. year. ever!

Today's digital project is a l'il gift from me to you: a scrappy desktop calendar for your computer. This wallpaper was created in Photoshop and sized to fit your 1024 x 768 screen. However, it will work on smaller and most larger screens.

Here's how to snag it: Click on the image, and when the new window opens, right-click on the calendar and choose "save" to your computer. Once it's lost somewhere on your hard drive, navigate to the image, then right click on it and choose, "set as desktop background." So easy, even I could do it!

Soooooooo, this weekend Sheila's son, Reid-the-Wild-Child had several of his noisy l'il friends over to play. Sheila invited me over to help her keep her sanity ... hah, as if I know anything about keeping sane!

After four hours of screaming kids, the LAST thing I wanted to do was go with Sheila on the drive to deliver all of 'em back to their homes. But I went anyway. What a good friend am I ...

On our way to drop off Whining Child #1, a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a huge Dalmatian.

The kids started to discuss the dog's duties: "They use him to keep crowds back," said one. "No," said another, "he's just for good luck."

"I know!" said our very own Reid-the-Wild-Child, "They use it to find the fire hydrant!"

Dang, I shoulda known that ...

Thanks for visiting and have a great week!

~Hugs, Deb

• Digital Papers and Elements: mITSYBELLE Designs