Is Not Bloggin' the New Black?!?

Hey, there you are! I hope you're enjoying "Sylvia Plath Day." I know I am ... and I plan on stickin' my head in the oven just as soon as I finish this post! Seriously ...

ONward H-C-Ms:

So, once again I'm posting a paper bag album I have listed on eBay. If you'd like to see the listing, for more pix of this project ... or my kewl auction template, click HERE.

Okay, so obviously, that ^ is the cover ...


And this ^ spread is pages 2 and 3 ...


^ Pages 4 and 5 ...


^Pages 6 and 7 ...


^ Pages 8 and 9, and ...


^ And, finally, pages 10 and 11.

Being that the holidays are upon us, I have hundreds of cards to create ... not to mention gifts and paper bag albums. A girl's gotta have $$ for the holidays, right?!?

Ummm, none of which is going to leave me a lot of time for bloggin'. Sooooo, unfortunately, I'll be posting infrequently at best for awhile. But I see I'm not alone here ... many of you have either emailed me, commented, or posted on your own blogs that, for at least the time being, bloggin' has to take a backseat to other obligations. And no one has to tell me how much time photographing, editing, uploading, posting, and return-comment-blurfin' takes! WoWzA, who knew?!?

Which raises the question: is NOT bloggin' the new craftin' trend?!?

Okay, for all you Sheila-junkies, here's a true ditty:

I stopped by Sheila's this weekend for a sec ... and basically watched her run up and down stairs, out to the garage, and back and forth to her laundry room.

"Is this a bad time, Kiddo?" I asked.

"Oh, no, just hang for a few minutes while I run this load of laundry upstairs."

About halfway up the stairs, her phone rang.

So, here comes Sheila runnin' back down the stairs to answer the phone.

The man on the other end of phone said to her, "Hi, Mrs. L.; we're calling people in your area today and would like to know if you would help us by participating in a brief survey."

Without missing a beat, she told them, "Sorry. I'm BUSY, survey your own briefs!"

Seriously ... outta the mouths of blondes! I'm definitely gonna be using that one too ...

~Hugs,

Trick or Treat?

Hey, there you are! I hope you're enjoying "National Nut Day" ... I know I am. But when you're truly nuts, everyday is a holiday ... heck, some days I even make popcorn and blow up balloons!

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's card project was created to match the paper bag album I'm currently selling on eBay. If you'd like to see the listing, you can click HERE. If you'd like to check out the post in which I've blogged about this spooooookkkkky album, then click THERE. If you'd like to celebrate being nuts, click EVERYWHERE!

I promised my eBay buyers that I would reveal on my blog what "treats" I'd put in to each of the three large pockets of the album. And a promise is a promise, soooooo ...

Pocket #1: Contains this ^ Halloween card. It can be used as a gift card if you intend to give the album away ... you know, being that Halloween IS one of the major gift-giving holidays of the year and all! Or you can mail it off to your mother-in-law ... or simply leave it in the pocket and forget you ever laid eyes on it. Embellished A2 envelope is included. Retail value: $47,000.00.

Pocket #2: Contains a set of 10 brand-spankin'-new acrylic stamps, "Boo to You." Which is the title of the album too ... see how it all falls perfectly into place?!? The set contains the cutest l'il Halloween stamps including ghosts, spiders, bats, jack-o-lanterns and all manner of other spooky Halloween icons. All of which are tucked into a hand-stamped and embellished 'treat' bag. Retail value: $4.99 ... five years ago. If you can find it, it's prolly lots more than that now.

Pocket #3: Contains a r-e-a-l-l-y spooky-kewl post card from Boston's Granary Burying Ground. Umm, the photo on this post card is prolly the oldest and most frightening grave stone I've ever laid eyes upon. I kid you not.

Text on the back of the postcard reads, "Here Lyes the Body of Elizabeth Cushion, Died November 24, 1689." Photographed by Patrick Ruth. Retail value: 12.5 gr., Eye of Newt.

Okay, I feel better now that I've upheld my end of the bargain.

Soooo, I still have house guests so it's pretty crazy around here ... oh yay, w-a-y more than normal-crazy. I'll post just again as soon as I can. I apologize to all of you who've been commenting here ... I just don't have the ... oh, say, 5 hours it takes to return-comment-blurf right now. I'll make it up to y'all by double-entry commenting on all of your blogs ASAP, okeedokee?!?

And for all of you who've been e'ing me asking what Sheila's up to, I offer you this:

We had plans to go to the Green Market yesterday but when I went out to my car to go pick her up, I noticed that ... um, my interior car lights were on. So, of course my battery was dead.

I went back inside and called her to tell her I couldn't pick her up.

"No problem," she said, "I'll be right over to pick you up."

When she arrived in her huge Hummer, I asked if she'd brought her jumper cables so we could charge up my battery. She hadn't. No biggie, but then I made the mistake of suggesting that she push my car with her tank car.

I think my fatal error was telling her that because my Camaro had an automatic transmission, it needed to be pushed at a speed of at least 30 mph for it to start.

She said, "Okeedokee!" and hopped into her tank car ... and drove off. As I sat there, I wondered what the heck she was doing. Oh yeah; I found out soon enough.

After a minute or two had passed, I saw her in my rear-view mirror ... coming at me at about 40 mph. As I quickly jumped out of my car, I realized that I shoulda been just a teensy bit clearer with my directions. Yeah, don't ask, it's a mess. A "total" mess ... but no one got hurt.

I tells ya, it's always somethin' ...

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics
• Designer Paper: Unknown
• Ink: Creamy Brown Fluid Chalk Ink
• Accessories: Vintage Anagram Letter Tiles; Grosgrain Ribbon
• Tools: MS Spider Punch

Something New, Part Two ...

Hey! Is it just me, but have you noticed that poetry is my strong suit? Nah, me neither ...


So happy Monday all and one! Did you know? Today is "National Brandied Fruit Day" ... kinda like a liquid fruit-cake ... with a built-in buzz. Ipso facto, MUCH better than a fruit-cake!

Since I don't have a card project to show you, I thought I'd show you this paper bag album I created. This ^ is, obviously, the cover ...


This ^ spread is pages 2 and 3 ...

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.

There's lots more to see (like the back cover and the album inserts), of this album on eBay. If you'd like to take a look, clicky HERE. And if you'd like to bid on it, I promise not to try to stop you!

I have out-of-state house guests this week, so I'm not sure how much creatin' or postin' I'll be getting to, but I'll do my best, okeedokee?!? Plus I promised on my eBay listing that I'd reveal the super-secret-surprise "treat" contents of the three paper bag album pockets on my blog. 'Course, NOT doing so could constitute the "trick" part of "trick or treat," but ...

Soooooooooo, this weekend the DH and I drove up to St. Lucie County to visit some friends we haven't seen in for-evuh.

As we were about to leave Palm Beach County, we saw a large sign that read, "LAST CHANCE FOR $3.25 GAS!!"

We still had more than a quarter of a tank left, but figured we'd take advantage of this opportunity to fill-up the tank.

As the DH was getting his change from the attendant, he asked, "So, how much IS gas in St. Lucie County?"

The attendant replied, "$3.10 ..."

Seriously.

~Hugs,

Yay! It's "Gaudy Day" ... Do I Win?!?

Wooohooo, it's "Gaudy Day!!!" This ^ card is my official entry ... prolly could be gaudier, but it's a damn fine start, wouldn't you say?

ONward H-C-M~s:

Today's card project was created for Allison's "Suggestive Sunday" blog challenge. This week, Allison's challenge required the creative use of punches ... or something like that. I read punches and kinda zoned out from that point forward.

My pine cones (yup, that's what they're supposed to be), were created with a pear punch ... and fern and pine bough punches. 'Course I haven't used the fern and pine bough punches in a particularly creative manner ... I just clipped into the fern fronds to try to create the appearance of needles. The only truly "creative" punch-use was creating the cones using the pear punch. But you can't have pine cones without branches and whatnot, sooooo ... there they are.

I stamped my snowflakes on my card base using glue then poured sprinkled Crystal Snow over ... umm, everything. ALL of the snowflakes are glittery but the ones on the left-hand side of the card look bare. IRL, they're sooooooo stinkin' glittery, I almost can't stand it. Just a light thing, KWIM? But those pine cones? They're buried in Crystal Snow! But first, I sprayed them with Artists Spray Mount Adhesive.

TIP: Man, don't ever spray Artists Spray Mount Adhesive anywhere indoors! You know those non-stick craft sheets? Yeah, it's not non-stick when it comes to Spray Mount Adhesive ... honestly boy and girls, it took me longer to clean up the spray adhesive mess than to make the pine cones, make the card, photograph the card, or edit my photos ... and it's still stuck to my hands. {Sigh} Good times!

The sentiment, maker unknown, was stamped in Versamark, heat embossed with "Moonlit Forest Glitz" powder, and mounted on dimensionals. And that's all folks!

So, yesterday Sheila came over all agitated and asked me to go to Publix-Where-Shopping-Is-A-Pleasure with her.

"What's wrong, Kiddo?" I asked.

She thrust a box of animal crackers at me and said, "See this? I bought this box of animal crackers and look! It says right on it, "Do not eat if seal is broken."

She reached into the box and sure enough ...

Seriously.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics
• Designer Paper: None (AGAIN! Why do I hoard this stuff? Why?!?)
• Stamps: Snowflakes from "Snowflake Serenade" by Papertrey Ink; Sentiment, Unknown
• Ink: Versamark; "Creamy Brown" Fluid Chalk Ink by Clearsnap
• Accessories: "Crystal Snow" by Stampendous!; "Moonlit Forest Glitz" EP by Comotion
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Spellbinder's Die; Pear Craft Punch by Punch Bunch; Pine Bough Craft Punch by McGill; Large Fern Craft Punch by Punch Bunch; Golden Heavy Gel Medium; "Palette" Glue Stamp Pad by Stewart Superior; Black Dimensionals; The Ultimate Craft Glue by Api; Artists Spray Mount Adhesive by 3M

Can't Help it I'm Fall-Fall-Fallin' ...

Hey, there you are! And not a minute too soon 'cuz it's "Dictionary Day" and I wanted you to read my post and try to find all the misspelled words. Can you bare it?!?

ONward H-C-M:

Today's card project was created for no good reason using one of my most favorite stamp sets. So, if you've seen it used before here, you're now officially excused. But go straight home.

I loaded my stamp with Versamark, then tapped on dye ink, and stamped my fall images. I sprinkled on clear embossing powder and heat set with my gun ... hey, did I ever tell you I won a quick-draw contest? Prolly not ... 'cuz I didn't.

Using Versamark, I randomly stamped my card stock with this cute l'il leaf image, tied on some natural jute twine, made a jute twine bow, and finis!

So, last night, I popped in for a quick visit with Sheila.

Her DH was sitting in 'his' chair reading The Palm Beach Post.

He turned to Sheila and said, "You know, honey, I think there might be some real merit to what this article says: that the intelligence of a father often proves a stumbling block to the son."

"Well, thank heaven," Sheila responded, "at least our son has nothing standing in his way."

Seriously.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: NONE (Shocking!)
• Stamps: "Fall" Stamp from "The Seasons" Collection by Hero Arts; Small Leaf by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: Versamark; "Spiced Marmalade" Distress Ink by Ranger; "Autumn Terracotta" Dye Ink by Close to My Heart
• Accessories: Natural Jute Twine
• Tools: Heat Gun; Clear Embossing Powder; Dimensionals

Time for Y.K.Y.R.'s Halloween "Rock the Cover" Challenge!

Hey, there you are! So, today is, among other things, "White Cane Safety Day." I'd like to go on the record right now and state firmly and emphatically that keeping white canes safe is a top priority of mine. Wait. No. That's not right. It's keepin' white CANDY canes safe that's a top priority of mine ...

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers:

Being that it's the 15th of the month, it's also time to post up another Y.ou K.now Y.ou R.ock challenge! This time around, we're asking that you create a card inspired by an album/CD cover of your favorite Halloween-ish musical group. I chose The Smashing Pumpkins' self-titled CD:



And here's my take:


I stamped my images, two from the "Crow About" Collection by Green Pepper Press, and the bare tree by Victorine Originals, twice ... once on my card stock base and once using Versamark on matching card stock.

I heat embossed my images with "Ultra Deep Snow Fall" embossing powder, cut out the images, trimming closely, then used a million slivers of dimensionals to pop them up over the original image.

TIP: Always save the ... well, 'holes' left when you finish a packie of dimensionals. Use these leftovers to create itty-bitty dimensionals for use on smallish projects.

Finally, I added some grosgrain ribbon, and punched out some leaves with a craft punch. Easy-peasy-crows-make-my-tummy-queasy!

If you'd like to participate in this month's Y.ou K.now Y.ou R.ock challenge, and I'd LOVE it if you would, simply create a card inspired by an album/CD cover from one of your favorite spooky groups!

Post a photo of your inspiration CD cover and your finished card on your blog, and leave a comment on Y.K.Y.R.'s October 15th blog post letting us know. We'll do the rest!

If you don't have a blog, well, don't let that stop you! Just let me know and I'll get your photo uploaded to our gallery. If you'd like to post your creation on SCS, please use Keyword YKYRo4. And remember to provide photos of both your card project and the inspiration CD cover.

To get you started, here's a couple of quick suggestions: The Smashing Pumpkins (duh), Cheap Trick, or The Black Crows. The only requirement is that your musical groups' name reflects some aspect of Halloween, KWIM? Consider: costumes, trick or treatin', skeletons, graveyards, black cats, ghosts, witches, spells and potions, and so on.

The best way to track down a CD cover image is by doing an image search on google.com. When you arrive on the site, click on "image search" in the upper tool bar and type in your search query. Easy!

You have until midnight, Friday, November 7th, to post your card; voting will begin a 12:01 AM on Saturday, November 8th. Jewels and I can't wait to see what kind of spooky kewlness you brew up!

Soooooo, coincidentally, and while we're celebrating "White Cane Day" together, I've got to share with you a snippet of a conversation I had with Sheila:

"Say," I asked Sheila, "what would you do if you caught your husband with another woman?"

"Another woman with MY husband?" Sheila asked. "Well, let's see; I'd break her white cane, shoot her guide dog, and call a cab to take her back to the institution she escaped from."

And this is a girl who could do just that ...

Seriously.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; DCWV
• Designer Paper: NONE, Shocking, huh?!?
• Stamps: "Crow About" Collection by Green Pepper Press; Large Bare Tree by Victorine Originals
• Ink: Versamark Watermark by Tsukineko
• Accessories: Embossing Powder by Comotion; Grosgrain Ribbon
• Tools: Heat Gun; Leaf Craft Punch; 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 ...

And Now, Something Different for Your Viewing {DiS}Pleasure:

Hey, there you are! And best wishes for a glorious "National Peanut Day!" Now, I could say, "is that a peanut, or are you just glad to see me," but I've decided to take the high road today. Just don't get used to it ...

ONward H-C-M's:

So today, just to shake things up, I thought I'd share something different with you. Before I started bloggin', I used to create these vintage-inspired paper bag albums on a pretty regular basis. Once made, I'd fill 'em with vintage ephemera and list them on eBay. And, apparently, I still do as this album is listed on eBay, too! If you'd like to see it on eBay, click HERE. Or, you can stay right here and see most of it!

As always, you can clicky on the photos to see a larger image.



This spread ^ is pages two and three of the album;

This spread ^ is pages four and five;



This spread ^ is pages six and seven;


This spread ^ is pages eight and nine;



And this spread ^ is pages ten and eleven!

Soooooooo, this past Saturday Sheila asked me to help her take her litter of golden-retriever puppies to the veterinary clinic for inoculations and worming.

As the look-alike pups squirmed over and under one another in their box, I wondered how the vet would be able to tell the treated pups from the rest. As soon as the Doctor turned on the water faucet and wet his fingers, I knew that he intended to moisten each pup's head when he had finished.

After the last pup was treated, Sheila leaned towards me and whispered, "Gosh, I never realized they had to be baptized!"

Seriously.

Hey, anyone want an adorable golden-retriever puppy? They've got all their shots, are wormed, and baptised!

~Hugs,


PS: Only a few hours ... alright, I lied, more than a few hours ... left to vote for your favorite card on Y.ou K.now Y.ou R.ock's "Background Muzak" challenge. G'on over and show some love to some of our fellow stampers ... you'll be glad you *did!

*I think.

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
  
  
  

Make Like a Tree ... and Leave

Hey, there you are! So tell me, how are you plannin' on spending "Moldy Cheese Day?" I'm gonna invite some friends over to help me celebrate ... Lord knows I've got enough moldy cheese to go around. And dear, sweet Sheila volunteered to bring some rotten old wine ... woohoo, sounds like another rip roarin' good time!

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers:

Today's leafy card project was created using a bucketful of Versamark, a truck-load of gold embossing powder, a tired leaf stamp from Rubber Stampede, and an over-used sentiment from Close to My Heart.

Pretty self-explanatory, no? Check the supply list, below, for info on the products I used, okeedokee?!?

ONE TEENY-TINY TIP: Use an old ruler to keep your lines straight and pen steady while edging with Leafing Pens.

Because Thanksgiving is right around the corner and in an effort to better understand American Indians and their culture, I did some research on the Internet and thought I'd share my findings with you ... 'cuz I {heart} ALL of you Big Lots! Oh, goodie, shopping!! No. Wait. Ignore that last bit.

Okay, it seems like a long time ago in America, there were basically three Indian tribes: the Apache, the Cherokee, and the Fa~Kari.

According to my research, the Cherokee Indians spent some time traveling looking for the ideal place to settle. They ultimately chose a lush valley and named themselves 'Cherokee', which meant "valley" in their tongue.

Similarly, the Apache tribe searched for a place to settle and after some time chose a hilltop, calling themselves "Apache', which meant "hill" in their language.

In the same fashion, the Fa~Kari tribe searched for a place to settle and finally stopped on top of a mountain. Indian legend has it that they looked at each other and said: "Where the Fa~Kari?"

Who knew?!?

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; Papertrey Ink
• Stamps: Sentiment by Close to My Heart; Leaf by Rubber Stampede
• Ink: Versamark Watermark
• Accessories: Gold Detail Embossing Powder; Gold Eyelets; Gold Metallic Fiber by DMC; Krylon Gold Leaf Pen
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Spellbinder's Dies; Heat Gun; Crop-A-Dile; Dimensionals; Scrap Fusion PA

I Look at This Card and Wonder: Why Do I Buy Designer Papers?

'Cuz I hardly ever use 'em ... meaning that besides hoardin' all that other stuff, I'm now hoardin' stuff I don't use! I'm seriously thinkin' about writing a book, "The Hoarding Paper Crafter: Myth, Mystery, and Motive." Whaddya thin'? And coincidentally, today is "American Tag Day" ... yup, I'm hoarding tags too ... and so are you ... and I know you know I know!

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's DP-free card was created as a sample for a card customer ... who, {*sniff*}, unceremoniously rejected this card.

I stamped my sentiment on Vintage Creme card stock using dye ink from CTMH, tied some gold metallic fiber around it, and mounted it on textured card stock. I laced five gold eyelets with more of the same fiber and adhered the panels to my card base.

I stamped my leaves with Versamark and heat embossed 'em with Fine Detail embossing powder. I cut them out, colored the leaves with Twinkling H2O's, applied a coat of gold Perfect Pearls, and 'set' the P.P.'s with a clear finish spray fixative. {*breathe*}

I mounted the leaves to the card using l'il slivers of dimensionals and finis!

So, I don't think I mentioned this before, but two or three weeks ago Sheila asked me to go with her to visit a psychiatrist about her "problem" son. Let me just say her son is w-a-y more than a "handful," KWIM?

"You are far too upset and worried about your son. I am going to give you a prescription for some tranquillizers that I want you to start taking regularly," the shrink told her.

Yesterday, I went with her again for her follow-up visit to the psychiatrist. As soon as were were in the door, the shrink asked, "So, have the tranquilizers calmed you down any?"

"Oh, yes," Sheila answered. "They do wonders for me!"

"And how is your son now?" he asked.

"Who cares?!?" she replied.

That's my girl!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; Lasting Impressions; Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: NONE, see what I mean!?!
• Stamps: Sentiment, Unknown ... dang unmounted stamps; Leaves, Stampcraft
• Ink: "Autumn Terracotta" by Close to My Heart; Versamark Watermark
• Color Medium: Twinkling H2O's
• Accessories: Fine Detail Embossing Powder; Perfect Pearls; Gold Metallic Fiber by DMC; Gold Eyelets
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Spellbinder's Dies; Crop-A-Dile; Scissors; Krylon Clear Finish; Dimensionals, Scrap Fusion PA

3 Spooky Pumpkins Sittin' on Tree Wrap:

I kid you not! Which raises an interesting question: "where the dickens did I get a huge roll of Tree Wrap?!?

The label reads, "Protect Your Trees from Bark Damage Due to Animals, Insects, and Winter Frost." Oh yeah, I need to worry about protecting my trees from winter frost in South Florida! So, I'm fairly certain that I didn't buy this stuff; but where did it come from? And when? I tells ya, hoein' out the old studio has turned up some veddy interestin' stuff!

And lest we forgot, today is "National Frappe Day!" Which is NOT French rap, okay? According to my dictionary, a "frappe" is a frozen, fruit-flavored mixture that is similar to sherbet and served as a dessert or appetizer. In that case, I'll take one of those ... to go, 'cuz:

ONward H-C-M's!

I stamped the spooky l'il pumpkins on kraft card stock which was previously stamped with a SU canvas backgrounder, then added some shadows using a Copic marker (W3). I wrapped a length of the aforementioned Tree Bark Wrap around the card and added a natural jute fiber thingie ... I was goin' for the look of a sheath of wheat. Pretty sad, huh? But jess look at the great texture of that Tree Wrap, huh?!?

I die cut the cute l'il spiders using a 'Bug die, then mounted them on dimensionals.

TIP: To raise the spiders up enough to create the look of real spiders, use double-mounted dimensionals, then gently fold the l'il legs. Eek! Real spiders make me scream like a l'il girl, but for some reason, the paper ones don't seem to bother me nearly as much ...

I mail out a lot of Halloween cards, so this one's goin' in my card stash. And, as a bonus, this card is now fully protected from animals, insects, and frost!

So this weekend, the DH and I had a few of our friends over for hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. Our friend, John, was sitting with Daniel, admiring the sunset.

I overheard Daniel ask John, "Have you read Marx ?"

To which John answered, "Yes, I think it's the wicker chairs."

Seriously.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics
• Other Paper: Tree Wrap by Gardner's Delight: Proudly Protecting Your Trees For 3 Generations!
• Ink: Archival Black
• Stamps: Simply Chic, Stampin' Up! Canvas Background Stamp
• Accessories: Natural Jute Twine; Yellow Stickles
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Cuttlebug Die; Copic Marker (W3); Black Dimensionals; Scrap Fusion PA

PS: The Y.ou K.now Y.ou R.ock "Background Muzak" voting poll is open! Head on over and vote for your favorite entry!

PPSS: Hey, guess what?!? My BFF has claimed responsibility for the Tree Wrap! Seems she sent it to me about a year or so ago in a packie o'treasures. Phew, that settles that mystery!

Now, let's move on to the origins of the box of porcelain doll parts marked, "Made in Germany." Anyone?

In Gratitude ...

Why doesn't someone create a stamp that reads, "In Debt?" I'd buy it*!

Say, today is "National Come and Take It Day" ... and you might as well 'cuz I'm not usin' it; I only hoard it ... that's my job.

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers:

Today's card project was created for my T-Day card stash using SU's "Upsy Daisy" stamp set ... a set I dearly love.

I gold embossed the image twice, then cut out sections from one image to adhere over the original image using dimensionals. This is a variation of the "Spotlighting" technique.

For the deets on the original spotlighting technique, the uber-talented Beate Johns has created a tutorial just for you on Splitcoast. Clicky HERE to view Beate's tutorial.

See? Easy-peasy!

So, yesterday Sheila talked me into going to hear a local dietitian speak on "Eating, Dieting, and Permanent Weight Loss."

"The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here, years ago. Red meat is awful. Soft drinks erode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. Vegetables can be disastrous, and none of us realizes the long-term harm caused by the germs in our drinking water."

"But there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and we all have eaten it or will eat it. Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?"

While I watched in amazement, Sheila jumped up, waved her arms, and shouted out, "Wedding cake!"

Seriously.

And hey, today is the last day to get your entry in for the Y.ou K.now Y.ou R.ock challenge, "Background Music." Julie and I can't wait to see what you've created!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; WorldWin
• Stamps: Sentiment by Papertrey Ink; Images by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: Versamark
• Accessories: Detail Gold Embossing Powder; Metallic Embroidery Thread by DMC
• Tools: Die Cut Machine; Spellbinder's Dies; Heat Gun; Dimensionals

*Which is why I'm in debt in the first place ... see how it all just falls nicely into place?!?

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

They Say It's Your Birthday ...

So today is "Name Your Car" day ... I've named my car "You Dirty-Lazy-Insolent-Hunk-of-Rusted-Metal-and-You-Smell-Bad-Too." Whaddya think, too long?!? I could call it, "YDLIHRMYSBT" for short. Yup, that's much better, isn't it?

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers:

Today's card project was created to go into my birthday card stash. Once I start making holiday cards, I tend to forget about all of my October, November, and December birthdays. This year, I'm ready ... birthday-card-wise at least.

I stamped my images using 'Chocolate' dye ink from Close to My Heart, then die-cut them in the 'Bug. I covered the card stock base with beautiful designer papers from Close to My Heart available HERE.

I added grosgrain ribbon to cover the seam, added my metal thingies, and finis! So easy and quick, it's practically illegal!

Soooo yesterday, Sheila and I went to the mall together.

Sheila spotted an expensive fur coat and said, "This year, I think that I'll buy my birthday present instead of asking the DH to shop for me."

I agreed it was a good idea, then she went on to say, "I think this fur coat would be perfect, too."

"But Sheila, some poor, dumb, helpless creature has to suffer so that you can have this coat," I replied.

"Don't worry," Sheila responded, "he won't get the bill for weeks."

Seriously.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: Close to My Heart
• Stamps: Stampin' Up!
• Ink: Close to My Heart
• Accessories: Antique Copper Brads and Photo Turns; Antique Copper Ribbon Slide; Jump Rings; Grosgrain Ribbon; Antique Copper Photo Corners
• Tools: Die Cut Machine; Spellbinder's Die; Cuttlebug Die; Scrap Fusion PA

Boo to You Too ...

Happy Magic Circles Day! I'm standing in one right now! Try it; it's magical!

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's tag project was created for Sam and Anne's "Tag You're It" tag challenge. For all the deets, including a look at the sketch I followed, click HERE. I must say, it's very challenging creating a tag using a sketch ... not a lot of space to work with, KWIM? 'Course the magic circles helped ...

I cut out my tag with a Long Rectangular Die, then soaked the tag overnight in 2 gallons of walnut ink.

I ran my Kiwi Kiss card stock through the 'Bug using the "Spiderweb" A2 folder, stamped my spooooooky l'il ghost on white, and cut out a pumpkin from some old Daisy D's patterned paper.

I stamped my "Boo!" sentiment in black Archival ink, die cut three bats and a spider in the Cuttlebug and mounted the whole shebang on dimensionals. I added some vintage rick-rack and lots of funky fibers and finis!

So today, I watched an ant climb a blade of grass. When he reached the top, his weight bent the blade down to the ground. Then, twisting his thorax with insectile precision, he grabbed hold of the next blade. In this manner, he traveled across the lawn, covering as much distance vertically as he did horizontally, which both amused and delighted me.

And then, I had an epiphany, a moment of heightened awareness in which everything becomes clear.

Yes, hunched over that ant on my hands and knees, I suddenly knew what I had to do: quit drinking before noon.

Seriously.

~Cheers,

• Card Stock: White, Papertrey Ink; Kiwi Kiss, Stampin' Up!
• Patterned Paper: Daisy D's
• Stamps: Ghost, Ghost Face, and Sentiment by Simply Chic
• Ink: Black Archival by Ranger, Walnut Ink Crystals
• Accessories: Vintage Rick-Rack, Personal Collection; Eyelash Yarns, Lion Brand; Orange Peel Stickles
• Tools: Die Cut Machine; Spellbinder's Dies; Cuttlebug A2 Embossing Folder; Cuttlebug Dies; Dimensionals; Scrap Fusion PA