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

Give Thanks ... Or Cash ... What's Easiest for You?

Hey, guess what?!? Today is my most favorite day of the whole year ... it's "National Dessert Day!" What's not to like about today?!? Well, yeah, the calories, and the fat, but otherwise ... what?

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's card project was created for my Turkey Day card stash, so if any of you are on my card list, you should leave now. Or close your eyes, one.

I stamped my image on Vintage Cream card stock, and colored it in with Koh-I-Noor pencils blended with Gamsol.

I used my spiral punch to create a mat, then used dies to create my sentiment. I matted the whole shebang to the card base using DP from Daisy D's, punched and pierced a photo corner, and tied on some twill ribbon. Easy-peasy-pumpkin-squeezy!

So, in honor of "National Dessert Day," Sheila and I attended a weight-loss seminar.

Not surprisingly, the group leader was extolling the merits of the program's prepared-food products. She raved about the rich, delicious flavor of the imitation chocolate fudge and the non-dairy pops, assuring us that we could eat them without the least fear of ruining our diets.

Sheila raised her hand, and when the speaker acknowledged her, Sheila volunteered, "And they're even better when you spread peanut butter on them!"

That's my girl!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: "Gypsy Harvest" Collection by Daisy D's
• Stamp: #H140 by Great Impressions
• Ink: "Timber Brown" Staz-On by Tsukineko
• Color Medium: Koh-I-Noor Woodless Colour Pencils
• Accessories: Twill Ribbon
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine and "Olivia" Alphabet Die Set by Provo Craft; Photo Corner Punch by Stampin' Up!; Spiral Punch by Stampin' Up; Mat Pack by Stampin' Up!; Paper Piercing Tool by Making Memories; Dimensionals; Scrap Fusion PA by Ivy Hollow; Gamsol by Gamblin; Paper Stump by Dick Blick

PS: Just a few hours left to vote in Y.ou K.now Y.ou R.ock's "Background Muzak" challenge. Hurry over and vote ... someones whole future depends on *it!

*I kid ...

Button, Button, Who's Got the Button?

Geez, just when I was gettin' used to yesterday, along comes today! And just when you were gettin' used to yesterday's card, along comes today's!

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's card was created for Allison's "Suggestive Sunday" blog challenge. This week, Allison challenged us (you to Sistah Sledge), to create a paper project using buttons. Never saw that comin', didcha?

I stamped my focal image on white card stock using Distress ink, matted it, and mounted the whole shebang on a torn-edge piece of Kiwi Kiss card stock. I stamped the kitty, then punched it in the head. Hah! Just seein' if you're payin' attention! I punched the stamped kitty out using a round file tab punch from SU.

I tied some grosgrain ribbon around the piece, adhered six vintage buttons, tied some Kiwi floss to my knot and finis! Hey, don't my buttons look just like l'il tires?

So, yesterday Sheila asked me if I'd like to run to Barnes & Noble with her and her son, Reid, the p-r-o-b-l-e-m child I told you about earlier this week.

Once there, Reid bolted and we started browsing the bestsellers. Several minutes went by and there was no sight of the p-r-o-b-l-e-m child.

"Umm, Sheila, where's Reid? Do you think we should go look for him?" I asked.

"Yeah, I guess. Reid!" she called out. Then louder, "Reid!"

Just as we spotted her son in the next aisle, we bumped into a B & N employee.

"Pardon me, ma'am," he said, "but most folks come here because they already like to read. No sense wasting your time trying to convince them."

Seriously. No. REALLY, seriously. I mean it this time.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Raven" by Bazzill Basics; Stampers Select by Papertrey Ink; "Kiwi Kiss" by Stampin' Up!
• Designer Paper: NONE ... again
• Stamps: "Hocus Pocus" Collection by Close to My Heart; "Party Punch" by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: "Spiced Marmalade" Distress Ink by Ranger; "Black Soot" Distress Ink by Ranger
• Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon; Vintage Buttons, Personal Collection; Embroidery Floss by DMC
• Tools: Round File Tab Punch by Stampin' Up!; The Ultimate Craft Glue by Api; Scrap Fusion PA by Ivy Hollow; Mini Glue Dots
  
  
  

Thankful ... That It's Friday

Hey, there you are! So guess what ... today is Virus Appreciation Day. And while I don't love viruses, I do appreciate the extra work they bring in for the DH. Who, by the way, can fix your computer anywhere in the whole-wide-world remotely. That's just soooo kewl, isn't it?

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's card project was created for Allison's "Suggestive Sunday" blog challenge. This week, Allison's theme is "Harvest."

I stamped my fall harvest wreath positioned in my Stamp-o-Graph, then colored the image using Koh-I-Noor woodless pencils, blending with a paper stump and Gamsol.

Once I was happy with my coloring ... like that ever happens ... I over stamped the image using "Timber Brown" solvent ink.

I cut the fall harvest wreath out with a craft knife, then mounted it on my card stock base using dimensionals.

Finally, I stamped my sentiment using a Simply Chic alphabet stamp set and solvent ink, then cut out and adhered each letter individually.

I know this wreath looks like a time-consuming job, but it ... was.

Hey, so yesterday, I went for my yearly physical exam.

After the usual eyes, ears, nose, throat, blood pressure stuff, Dr. Prettelt had me do some coordination tests. He even wanted to watch me walk to check my balance.

Then Dr. P. asked, "Deb, can you jump on one foot for me?"

So I walked over and jumped on his foot.

Was that so wrong? Right. I didn't think so either!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink
• Stamps: Fall Harvest Wreath, PSX; Alphabet, Simply Chic, Provo Craft
• Ink: "Timber Brown Staz-On
• Color Medium: Koh-I-Noor Woodless Pencils
• Accessories: Dimensionals; Scrap Fusion PA
• Tools: Scissors; Craft Knife; Stamp-O-Graph; Gamsol; Creative Mark Paper Stump

Up Schlitz Creek Without a Paddle ...

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

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What I put up with ...

~Hugs,

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

My Cornucopia Runneth Over ...

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

ONward H-C-M's:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seriously.

~Hugs,

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

*I wish ...

Enjoy Simple Pleasures ... A 15 Minute Project

Happy Friday, everyone!

Today's "15 Minute" project was created in a flash using die cuts and an easy-to-color image from Hero Arts.

I stamped my image on Xerox 110# card stock, then colored it with Koh-I-Noor pencils, blending with Gamsol.

I matted the stamped image using black dimensionals on dark brown card stock cut with a Large Rectangle Die. I also die cut two brackets from the Cuttlebug "Olivia" alphabet set and used my slit punch to create a scalloped edge.

Finally, I applied two antique copper metal photo corners; to keep them from floppin' around on my card, I clipped the prongs off and glued them down to my card front.

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

Thanks so much for sharing part of your day with me; have a great weekend!

~Hugs,


Card Stock: Bazzill, Xerox 110#; Stamp by Hero Arts; Ink: "Black Soot" Distress Ink by Ranger; Color Medium: Koh-I-Noor Woodless Coloured Pencils; Gamsol by Gamblin; Paper Stump by Creative Mark; Dies: Large Classic Rectangle and Large Scallop Rectangle by Spellbinder's; Bracket Die: "Olivia" Alphabet Set by Provo Craft; Metal Photo Corners: Unknown, found in Mt. Photo Corner; Slit Punch: Stampin' Up!; Die Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Adhesives: Scotch ATG 714, Black Dimensionals, Scrap Fusion by Ivy Scraps, and "The Ultimate" by Api

Predicting the Future ... with Greeting Cards!

Well, not exactly. But this is the very last card project I created before coming down with pneumonia. So, I mailed it to myself! And guess what? I feel better!

Ipso facto: a handmade, stamped greeting card will definitely make you feel better. And will give you fresh breath and strong, shiny hair, too!

And the iron lung reference (see post below), was a joke. I am, and have been, breathing just fine all by my lonesome. Anyway, I'm terribly sorry for the misunderstanding ... I DO have a strange sense of humor, huh?!?

This cute little card was created using an ancient (1996) matchbox stamp from Crafty One/Limited Edition, and a slide drawer-type match box:

I stamped my image on Funky Vintage designer papers from Making Memories, then cut everything out, gluing the "comforter" on to the match box. I colored my Teddy bear with Koh-I-Noor pencils, blending with Gamsol and a paper stump.

I stamped my sentiment on Bazzill card stock, cut some mats using rectangle and heart-shaped Nestie dies in the Cuttlebug, and tied some funky fiber around the fold.

Here's a peak at the goodies tucked inside the drawer:

The tiny teddy and the little book are part of the stamp but you could certainly add more fun little things to make your little sickie smile. Like penicillin ...

Now that I'm startin' to feel like my middle-aged old self again, I expect to get back into the swing of things soon: participating in my sweet friend Allison's weekly challenges, lots of e-ing with my pal, Annapurna, return-comment blurfing, admiring everything Jewels creates, stalking SCS, and visiting your blog.

THAT should keep me outta trouble for a while!

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

~Hugs,


Card Stock: Bazzill, DCWV; Designer Paper: Making Memories, Funky Vintage "Lizzie Collection"; Stamps: Matchbox Marvels by Limited Edition/Sentiment: Papertrey Ink; Dye Ink: Distress Ink "Black Soot" by Ranger Industries; Color Medium: Koh-i-Noor Woodless Pencils; Fiber: Unknown; Die Cut Machine by Provo Craft; Dies by Spellbinder's; Gamsol by Gamblin; Paper Stump: Creative Mark; Adhesive: ATG 714 and "The Ultimate" by Api

Burn Baby, Burn ... A Blog Challenge Entry

Today's card project was created for Allison's "Suggestive Sunday" blog challenge ... yup, late again! This week, Allison challenged us to "burn" part of our project ... yippee, we're playin' with matches! Or, as in my case, wood-burning tools.

I heated up my very old (and lonely) friend, Walnut Hollow's Creative Versa-Tool, and burned my sentiment into adhesive-backed cork using Walnut Hollow's "Hot Stamps" alphabet set. I bought this alphabet set on clearance at Joann Fabric in Royal Palm Beach for $2.97!! 'Cept this was some time last year, so don't y'all go rushin' out to Joann's clearance rack. I also grabbed the "Hot Numbers & Punctuation" set for the same price; which is a huge mark-down from their normal price of $26.00 ... each!

I stamped my focal image on Bazzill Kraft card stock using Staz-On ink, and die cut a little cork frame to fit around the image. I colored the image using Koh-I-Noor woodless color pencils, blending with a stump and Gamsol (OMS).

I distressed a card stock mat, attached three copper brads, glued down a little lasso, and I was off to the rodeo!

Jess so's ya know: things are gonna be a little crazier than normal around here for awhile as I have a houseful of company ... all of whom want to do the Florida-Tourist thing. So far, we're planning on Lion Country Safari (a must-see ... the giraffes alone are worth the price of admission), several beach days (to my favorite super-secret-almost-private-pristine beach), all manner of fishing (Lake Okeechobee, the IntraCoastal and the Gulf Stream), a day with the Loggerhead turtles, another day in Coconut Creek to see what's the haps at Butterfly World, a possible trip to Universal up north in Orlando (just received an amazin' resident package deal ... this one's gonna be hard to resist), a swampy (with all the attendant swamp-like critters), day in the Everglades, and Lord knows what all else! Please pass the All-SPF 120.

And, on top of all of the aforementioned festivities, we're happily celebrating the fact that our 8 year old, heretofore non-fertile banana tree FINALLY set fruit! EIGHT YEARS! We thought we were headed straight for Guinness and the new world record, but the not-so-little lady outfoxed us at the last minute. I swear, we've done everything short of romantic weekends in the Bahama's to get this baby to bear fruit! If anyone's interested, I could post a photo. Lemme know ...

Thanks for a fun challenge Allison; I see a whole new direction for me using wood-burning-tools and hot stamps!! And thank YOU for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Card Stock: Sorbet by CutCard Stock, Kraft by Bazzill; Stamp: Comotion Rubber Stamps; Ink: "Timber Brown" Staz-On; Color Medium: Koh-I-Noor Woodless Colour Pencils; Gamsol by Gamblin; Stumps by Creative Mark; Brads: Unknown; Designer Paper: "Wanted" Collection, Cosmo Cricket; Cork: Karen Foster; Fiber: 7gypsies; Walnut Hollow Creative Versa-Tool; Walnut Hollow Hot Stamps; Electricity: Florida Power & Light :-); Die Cutting Machine by Provo Craft; Die by Provo Craft; Distress Tool: Heidi Swapp; Adhesive: ATG 714; Dimensionals: Black Hexagons (Obtained in a Sticky Swap)