Wish You Were Here ... And Were Rain

Well, happy Monday everyone. I hope your weekend was fantastical!

And yup, we do need rain here ... lots of it. Soooo, if you have any that you're not using, feel free to send it my way.

Today's vintage-inspired card was created for SCS's Sketch Challenge, SC225. For a look at the sketch I followed, clicky HERE. To go straight to the SC225 photo gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo.

I used DP from a long discontinued Daisy D collection, some vintage trim, and some Kaiser Craft pearls. My image was stamped on ... something old ... then sponged with Distress Ink.

Easy-peasy and ready to serve in ... oh, say, twenty minutes. For all the heart-poundin' product info, check out the Supply List, below.

So, I was hangin' out with Sheila this Saturday, and our conversation turned towards pregnancy and motherhood:

"I just don't share the enthusiasm some new parents have for babies," Sheila said.

"I hear ya," I responded.

"In fact," Sheila continued, "After spending a whole afternoon with Barb and her two brats, my Fallopian tubes tied themselves!"

Yikes! That gotta hurt!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Riding Hood Red" by Stampin' Up!; "Dark Chocolate" by Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: Unknown Collection by Daisy D's; Unknown Vintage Something or Another
  
• Stamp: "Wish You Were Here" by Diva Impressions
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!; "Old Paper" Dye Ink by Ranger Industries
• Accessories: Vintage Lace Trim; Self-Adhesive Pearls by Kaiser Craft
• Tools: Foam Dimensional Tape; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive
  

A-Tisket-A-Tasket, A Candy-Free Basket ...

Happy Monday, race fans! And happy "Sorry Charlie" day! I don't know about you, but this means that I'll be making Tuna Casserole tonight. Sorry, DH.

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's card was created for a recent SCS sketch challenge ... which I completely forgot to post. Sorry, Charlie.

I used DP from DCWV and Cornish Heritage Farms on SU card stock, a couple of swiped paint sample cards from Lowe's, some blue metal photo corners, a scrap of satin ribbon, and three or five old buttons.

The Easter basket was stamped on "Stampers Select" card stock using "Indian Corn Blue" dye ink. I threaded the buttons with skinny strips of DP, and mounted the whole shebang on two die-cut paint sample cards. Easy-peasy!

So yesterday was Palm Sunday and, because he wasn't feeling well, I stayed home with Sheila's son, Reid-the-Wild-Child.

When Sheila finally returned home carrying palm branches, Reid asked what they were for.

"People held them over Jesus' head as he walked by," Sheila explained.

"Whaaaaat?!? The one Sunday I didn't go, He showed up!?!"

I. Kid. You. Not.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Stampers Select" by Papertrey Ink; "Kiwi Kiss" by Stampin' Up!
• Designer Paper: "Nana's Nursery" Collection by DCWV; "MochaChica" by Cornish Heritage Farms
• Stamp: Easter Basket from "Hoppy Easter" Set by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: "Indian Corn Blue" Dye Ink by Close to My Heart
• Accessories: Metal Photo Corners by Provo Craft; Paint Sample Cards; Vintage Buttons; Faux Rhinestone Sticker by Close to My Heart; 1/8" Satin Ribbon
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Nestabilities Large Scallop Square Die by Spellbinder's; Foam Dimensional Tape; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive; "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
  

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

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

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

Yikes, That's Gotta Hurt!

How exactly does one get and keep a green bough in their heart ... and survive?!? Sounds kinda messy ... and I'll betcha the singin' birds won't be the only things to come!

I kid, it's a lovely sentiment and I lurve that distressed-lookin' font.

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers:

Today's card project was created for Splitcoast's current (SC217) sketch challenge. For a look at the sketch I followed, and all the challenge deets, click HERE.

In order to get all three nests in, I had to create a larger card. This measures 5" x 7" and that puts me w-a-y outta my 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" comfort zone.

The nests were stamped with Chocolate Chip dye ink, then colored in with Copic markers. I used Koh-I-Noor Woodless pencils blended with Gamsol to color the eggs.

For the rest of the details, check out the supply list, below.

Soooo yesterday, Sheila and I went to the Library ... me to pick up books, her to drop off.

"I have a complaint!" Sheila said to the library-lady.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Well, I borrowed a book last week and it was just terrible!"

"What was wrong with it?" asked the librarian.

"My gosh, it had way too many characters and there was no plot whatsoever!"

The librarian nodded and said, "Ahh, you must be the person who took our phone book!"

No, seriously!

Now I'm off to create the March desktop wallpaper calendar ... just for you. Have a great weekend!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Dark Chocolate" and "Kraft" by Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: Jenni Bowlin Studio
• Stamps: Nest, Sentiment, and Bird all by Oxford Impressions
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Natural Jute Twine
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Nestabilties Die; Cuttlebug "Swiss Dots" A2 Embossing Folder; Copic Markers; Koh-I-Noor Woodless Pencils; Gamsol OMS; Dimensionals

Embellishment Pile-Up ... But No One Was Injured or Kilt

Happy Thursday all and one! So today being "National Pistachio Day," I thought I'd create a green card. Yeah, that's a lie.

I actually created this card for Splitcoast's "Ways to Use It" challenge, then forgot to post it. For all of the challenge deets, you can clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of the card, clicky on the photo.

Since the challenge called for "piling" up embellies, I chose to pile all kinds o'stuff on my ribbon. So, if you're keepin' track of these sorts of things, I've got two layers of ribbon, and nine layers of flower parts.

TIP: Thread your button holes with thin strips of matching patterned paper ... I use a guillotine cutter so I get nice skinny cuts ... they look kewl and they'll always match your project!

If your interested in knowing what I used to make this thang, check out the supply list, below.

Soooooooo, yesterday Sheila asked me to run down to the hardware store with you.

Seems she found a broken vise grip in the trash (me? I don't even know what a vise grip is ... well, I do now ... but I digress). Anyway, her DH's birthday is coming up, so she decided to buy him a new vise grip for his birthday.

So we stroll into the hardware store and Sheila asked a salesclerk, "'Scuse me, do you have any heavy-duty vises?"

"Well, no, ma'am," he replied. "I gave them all up for Lent."

Give it a minute; it'll grow on ya ...

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Kiwi Kiss" by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Lily Kate" Collection by BasicGrey
• Other Paper: Vintage (1942) Dictionary Pages
• Stamp: Tag by Time to Stamp
• Ink: Staz-On Solvent Ink by Tsukineko
• Accessories: A Pile of Prima's; Grosgrain Ribbon; Vintage Buttons; Natural Lace Trim; Button Brads by Making Memories
• Tools: Die Cut Machine by Provo Craft; "Distressed Stripes" A2 Embossing Folder by Provo Craft; Flower Punch by McGill; Flower Dies by Provo Craft; Edge Distresser; "Threading Water" Border Punch by Fiskars; Dimensionals

May You Have Enough ... Stamps!

Okay, so the stamp doesn't really read this ... but it should!

The stamp, by Close to My Heart, doesn't credit the author of this sentiment, but I really do prefer it this ^ way.

Now here's the real text:

I don't think you need me to tell you how I created this card. But if you're interested, you can check out the supply list, below.

So, yesterday Sheila got this idea that she HAD to go shopping in Boca Raton. We took I-95 southbound and weren't driving for 10 minutes when we had a flat tire. Scary stuff. Sheila eased the car over to the shoulder, go out, and opened the trunk.

Okay, this next part seems unbelievable but ... she took 2 cardboard men out of her trunk, unfolded them, and stood them at the rear of the car facing oncoming traffic. They looked soooo life-like except that ... they were dressed in trench coats exposing their nude cardboard bodies to oncoming drivers.

To my surprise, cars start slowing down looking at the life-like men. And of course, traffic starts backing up. Everybody is beeping their horns and waving like crazy. We were laffin' hysterically the whole time until ...

A Florida Highway Patrolman pulls up behind the car. He got out and started walking toward us. And ummm, you could tell right away that he wasn't thinking this was funny.

"What's going on here?" he barked.

"My car has a flat tire." Sheila answered.

"Well, what are those obscene cardboard men doing here by the road?" he asked.

Sheila responded, "Hellooooo, those are my emergency flashers!"

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Tangerine Tango" by Stampin' Up; "Vintage Cream" by Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: Stampin' Up
• Stamp: "Treasure Life" Set by Close to My Heart
• Ink: "Spiced Marmalade" Distress Ink by Tim Holtz for Ranger Industries
• Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon, Antique Copper Photo Turns, Brads, and Frame Hangers by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Edge Distresser; 1/16" Circle Punch by McGill; Scotch ATG 714

Goin' Green ... A Fifteen Minute Project

Hey, there you are, happy *Two Tips Tuesday!

Today's card was created for SCS's "Limited Supplies" challenge. This week the challenge called for using the color green ... and limited supplies ... to create your card. For all the challenge deets, clicky HERE. For the humongous view of the card, clicky on the photo.

This card was created in a New York minute: I stamped my sentiment with Versamark, then embossed with white powder. Using dimensionals, I mounted the sentiment on a die-cut, paper pierced a border, then added some key-ute! chipboard stickers.

TIP: Create a paper-pierced border in seconds using repositional tape and a die. Here I've used the third smallest die from Spellbinder's "Label 1" collection to create my pierced border.

TIP: If you don't already have one, don't bother investing in a paper piercing tool ... use a push-pin instead!

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

Sooooooo, on Sunday, we went over to Sheila's for BBQ; yum!

Her ribs were delish and her DH asked, "What did you marinate this in?"

Sheila immediately launched into a long, drawn out explanation about how much she loves him, treasures her adorable children, and how life wouldn't be the same without him.

We all sat, spellbound, while Sheila just went on and on. Finally, she looked at each of us, then turned to her DH and said, "Wait. Did I misunderstand you? Ummm, what did you ask me, Ken?"

Ken repeated his question. "Ohhhhhhhhhh," Sheila said, "I thought you asked me if I would marry you again!"

So, Ken asked, "Well, would you marry me again?"

"Vinegar and barbecue sauce." Sheila answered.

I. Kid. You. Not!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Kiwi Kiss" and "Pacific Point" by Stampin' Up
• Stamp: "Cute & Curly" Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: Versamark Watermark Ink by Tsukineko
• Accessories: White Detail Embossing Powder by Stampendous; Chipboard Stickers by Christina Cole for Provo Craft
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Nestabilities Dies by Spellbinder's; Curly Label Punch by Stampin' Up; Heat Tool by Marvy Uchina; Paper Piercing Tool; Dimensionals

*I just made that up ... 'cuz I jess loves me some alliteration. But since it actually is a good idea, I'll try to come up with Two Tips next Tuesday, (wait for it ...) too!

You're a Hoot ...

Hey, there you are! Happy "International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day!" In honor of the day, I tried a dog biscuit and you know, they're surprisingly delicious ... and nutritious!

Today's card project was created for SCS's "Way to Use It" challenge. This week, you had to use stripes in your card. So I did. For all the challenge deets, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of this project, click on the photo.

A few details: the tree branch was fussy-cut from DP, the owl and the sentiment are mounted on dimensionals, and the leaves were glued down at their bases only.

For a change, I took a photograph of the interior of this card:

Inside, the branch and leaves were paper-pieced on Image Plus 110# card stock.

This weekend, Sheila and I teamed up to run errands and stuff. I was kinda surprised when I saw her dog, Trixie, in the car but whatever.

We were barely out of the neighborhood when we were pulled over by a Palm Beach County Sheriff.

When Sheila asked the officer why we had been stopped, the Sheriff pointed to Trixie.

"Ma'am, does your dog have a license?" he asked.

"No way, Officer," Sheila said, "Trixie isn't allowed to drive!"

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Tango Tangerine," "Baja Breeze," and "Kiwi Kiss" by Stampin' Up; Image Plus, 110#
• Designer Paper: "Mocha Chica" Collection by Kim Hughes for Cornish Heritage Farms
• Stamps: "Pretty Birds" Collection by Kim Hughes for Cornish Heritage Farms
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Decorative Edge Scissors by Fiskars; Key Tag Punch by Stampin' Up; Leaf Punch by Martha Stewart; Stylus by Fiskars; Dimensionals

Rose Red + Kiwi Kiss + More Mustard =

This.

Happy Thursday all and one, and may I be the first to wish you a happy "National Chocolate Mint Day?" NOW we're talkin'! 'Cuz any day with 'chocolate' in it is a happy day in my book! And I know y'all feel the same way ...

Today's card project was created for SCS's "Color Combination" challenge. For all the colorful deets, clicky HERE. As always, clicky on the photo for the ginormous view.

I created my flower ... and I use the term "flower" loosely ... by punching 1 1/4" circles out of old dictionary pages, added a center, lotsa l'il punchie-thingies, and card stock leaves.

The sentiment is from Stampin' Up's "Cute and Curly" set. For the rest of the blah, blah, blah, check the supply list, below.

This is true:

Sheila's DH hired a painter to paint their house. Yup, you paint your house in the winter down here ... it's a heat/humidity thang. Anyway, Ken was really happy with the job the painter had done.

"You did a great job," he said and handed the man a check. "Also, in order to thank you, here's an extra $80 to take the missus out to dinner and a movie."

The painter thanked him and agreed to do just that. Later that very same night, the doorbell rang and lo and behold, it was the painter.

"Hey, buddy, what's the matter, did you forget something?" Ken asked.

"Nope," replied the painter. "I'm a man of my word. I'm here to take your missus out to dinner and a movie just like you asked."

Seriously; I was there!! And Sheila really wanted to go but ...

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Kiwi Kiss" and "Rose Red" by Stampin' Up; "Mustard," Unknown
• Other Paper: Vintage (1942) Dictionary Pages, Personal Collection
• Stamps: "Spot On Backgrounds" Set by Close to My Heart; "Cute and Curly" Set by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: "Rose Red" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; Versamark Watermark Ink
• Accessories: Crystal Pearls
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; "Curly Label" Punch by Stampin' Up; "Labels 2 Dies by Spellbinder's; 1 1/4" Circle Punch by EK Success; 1" Circle Punch by Martha Stewart; Small Flower Punch by EK Success; 1/4" Circle Punch by Stampin' Up; 5/16" Circle Punch by Provo Craft; Stylus by Fiskars; Dimensionals

Hoppy Easter ... "Clean and Simple"

Happy "National Battery Day!" So, I thought I'd tell you what my favorite battery operated gadget is: my hurricane-stash-itty-bitty color TV! All 3 inches of it! And you thought I was gonna say ... something else, didn't you?

Today's card was created for SCS's new "Clean and Simple" challenge. This week, the challenge called for the use of one button. Just one. Not two. One. For all the details of the challenge, clicky HERE. And for the ginormous view of the card, you can clicky on the photo, above.

This simple l'il card needs no explanation but I did want to mention how much I love this old stamp set from Stampin' Up. The images are so fun and spring-like ... so I'm warnin' you, you're gonna be seein' more of this set. Oh. The set is l-o-n-g since retired, originally offered in 1998, and is called ... ready? "Hoppy Easter." Didn't see that comin', didcha?!? For the rest of the deets, check out the supply list, below.

Soooooo, on Sunday, the DH and I attended Church and after, decided to stop by Sheila's Sunday School class.

The cutest l'il girl was wearing a particularly pretty dress and, as she sat down, Sheila said, "That is a very pretty dress, Melissa. Is it your special Sunday dress?"

"Yes," Melissa answered, "and my Mom says it's a bitch to iron."

I. Kid. You. Not!!!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Stampers Select" by Papertrey Ink
• Other: Blue Paint Sample Card from Lowe's
• Stamp: "Hoppy Easter" by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: "Indian Corn Blue" Dye Ink by Close to My Heart
• Accessories: Prima Flowers; Vintage Button; DMC Embroidery Floss
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Cuttlebug A2 Embossing Folder; Nestabilities Dies by Spellbinder; Dimensionals

Celebrate You ... or, You; Celebrate!

Hey, there you are! So, today is "Champion Crab Races Day" ... and if you have crabs, I hope they're all champions. Or win races ... something ...

Today's card project was created fast using stamps from SU's "Party Hearty" set and more of that yummy Riding Hood Red grosgrain ribbon.

I stamped the sentiment, from Papertrey Ink, on card stock then ran it through the 'Bug with a die from the "Tiny Tags" collection. For all the blah, blah, blah, check out the supply list, below.

Soooooo, on Sunday Sheila and I went downtown to an art show at the Norton.

One piece was a huge canvas that was black with yellow blobs of paint splattered all over it. The next painting we looked at was a murky gray color that had drips of purple paint streaked across it.

Sheila walked over to the artist and said, "I'm sorry, but I don't understand your paintings."

"I paint what I feel inside me," explained the artist.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh," Sheila said, "You should try Tums."

I. Kid. You. Not.

~Hugs!

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; Close to My Heart; "Stampers Select" by Papertrey Ink
• Stamps: "Party Hearty" Set by Stampin' Up; Sentiment by Papertrey Ink
• Ink: "Riding Hood Red" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; "Indian Corn Blue" Dye Ink by Close to My Heart
• Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Nestabilities Large Classic Circle Die by Spellbinder's; "Tiny Tags" Die by Provo Craft; Embossing Folder by Provo Craft; Dimensionals

Imagine ... That

Happy Monday! So today is "Do A Grouch A Favor Day." How kewl is that? So, do me a favor ...

Today's card was created using a chipboard heart, a bit of natural jute, some unidentified patterned paper, and a Heidi Swapp clear stamp. Oh. And acrylic paint, Crackle Medium, and white embossing powder. Easy-peasy! For all the deets, check out the supply list, below.

So, this weekend Sheila and I went to her son's soccer game. While we were walking through the dozens of soccer fields to find Reid's game, Sheila noticed a girl standing by herself on one side of a playing field.

Sheila walked up to her and asked if she was all right. The girl said she was. Later, however, we noticed that the girl was in the same spot, still by herself.

Approaching her again, Sheila offered, "Would you like me to be your friend?"

The girl hesitated, gave her a v-e-r-y suspicious look and said, "Okay."

"So," Sheila asked, "Why are you standing here all alone?"

"Duh," the little girl said with great exasperation, "I'm the goalie!"

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Dark Chocolate" by Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: Unknown
• Stamp: "Imagine" (duh) by Heidi Swapp
• Ink: Versamark by Tsukineko
• Accessories: White Detail Embossing Powder by Tsukineko; Natural Twine; Heart-Shaped Chip Board by Cosmo Cricket
• Tools: Crackle Medium by Delta; Fluid Acrylic Paint by Golden; Photo Corner Punch by Stampin' Up; Heat Gun; Dimensionals