MIL Birthday

I started out experimenting tonight using my new Essential Glue Pad with some acrylic stamps I hadn't used before. Okay, I've only used my few acrylic stamps like once playing around! LOL! I wanted to use the glue pad with some flock I had using a rick-rac stamp. I didn't remember that the white SU flock would pretty much be clear when actually applied.

In order to see the flock I had to look at the card from the side. I went with it and put a black velvet ribbon between the two rows of flock. I continued to put my card together and after 5-10 minutes I noticed that the flock was coming off. So I brushed it all off and just continued. This is what I ended up with:

I am pretty happy with this. I wanted to use my Once Upon A Time Mat Stack I purchased from Michaels. I kept looking at this lovely paper and finally bit the bullet and bought the 4.5 x 6.5 pack (on sale.) I also used some of my prima stash. Well, I hope she enjoys this card!

Stamps: Sincere Salutations, Curvy Verses; Paper: Bashful Blue, Basic Black, DMWV's Once Upon a Time; Ink: Bashful Blue, Basic Black; Accessories: Giga & Mega Scallop oval punch, Ticket Corner punch, Black Velvet ribbon (from Archivers') and some Primas.

I've Been Tagged!

Well Cindy Lou Who tagged me! I've enjoyed reading everyone's 7 personal tidbits and didn't expect to be tagged, but Cindy snuck up behind me and got me! LOL! So here goes. . . . .

1. I was born in Covina, CA but have moved so many times growing up I don't feel like I have roots anywhere, so I am "perfect" ;-) military-family fodder. Home is truly whereever we are currently living!

2. I spent 3.5 years in the Army Reserve while I was going to college and in the ROTC program. Then I was on active duty for 6.5 years as an Army Transportation officer. My brother Wade is currently a Warrent Officer (pilot) for the Army and my other brother Calvin is in the Nation Guard. My sister is just finishing up her Army training and will be shipping off to Korea for her first duty assignment. Would you believe that our parents met in the Navy?????

3. I am 5' 10.5" tall and my DH is 2-3" taller than I am. In a pinch I could wear his pants, but I'd have to use a belt to keep them up. I would hate to wear them though since they would be ever so slightly too short! Yes, I have long legs! (Anyone want an inch or two?????)

4. I am the eldest of four kids. My birthday is May, next oldest is Wade in August, next is Calvin in October, then came my sister Cori in December. I've always thought it was neat how our birthdays are in order of birth.

5. I have an associate's degree in Christian Counseling, bachlor's degree in Psychology and my master's is in Family Psychology with an emphasis in Family Therapy. My current job is SAHM with my almost 4 y/o son. Believe it or not, sometimes I sit back scratching my head and think, "what do I do now?"

6. I am not a a creative person at all! I love stamping because I can finish a project in a "relatively" short time (an hour or so. . . . .) as compared to my cross stiching days; some of those projects are still unfinished! With all the resources on the internet you don't have to be naturally creative you can CASE, (and give proper credit of course!) I have been a Stampin' Up demo for 6 years and love it because I can show people that if I can do it anyone can!

7. Although I don't have an alcohol or drug problem I think I may have an addictive personality! Just think about it, chocoloate, stamps, SCS and blogs. . . . . . I can never get enough!

Since the tagging has been going for awhile and I think so many of the bloggers I could list have already been tagged I think I'll just let you pick from my list of blogs to the right. If you see a blog you haven't visited before check them out!

April's Class Projects

Well, it is that time of the month again! ;) Yes, time for my monthly class. So far I have two people RSVP'd to attend. For our projects I have selected a Crayon Resist and a Diagonal Tri-Fold.

The Crayon Resist is soooo very simple. Directions can be found on Splitcoast stampers in their resource area. I used Cameo Coral, Blush Blossom and Basic Black for this card. I also used both the large and small oval punches. I popped the small oval on the inside and used the large oval to cut out the top layer so you can see it, and used Stampin' Dimensionals under the small oval. The scanner made that part look strange! My inspiration for this card came from Julie at Rubber Room Ramblings.


For the second card, I went to Julia again for inspiration with her Diagonal Tri-fold card. I used Old Olive, So Saffron, Shimmery White and Oxford Designer Paper. I used the Photo Corners tutorial from Splitcoast. The brads are just the Stampin' Up! gold; it is difficult to tell in the scan. IRL the Oxford paper matches better than the scan shows!

Here is the card open:

I wish I could figure out how to make the pictures "clickable" so you can click and enlarge them. I know that it has something to do with the HTML, I just don't know how to edit it so it will work. I'm not doing anything different than the other pictures that will click to enlarge. Hopefully one day (soon) I'll figure it all out!

Okay, my brain is fried and I have to get up in a couple of hours to get Troy to school, so I'm done for now.

My Basic Grey!!

Well, my box from Cindy (My Inky Fingers) arrived today so I HAD to play! ;) I used my Basic Grey paper pad and my Giga Scallop oval. I also used my mega scallop oval that I received as a Christmas gift from my MIL. I picked this stamp, (Hello sunshine) from my Hobby Lobby; I just love that phrase! I also got to use the velvet green ribbon I picked up from Michael's. THe only Stampin' Up! is in the Creamy Caramel and Old Olive cardstock and inks! I finally used some of my Hydrangea Primas from Leslie's share! Wow, I've never done a card quite like this before!

I went and left the camera in DH's car so I had to use the scanner for this. It came out a little darker than IRL. I think it still needs something (mostly in the top right corner) but I couldn't figure out anything except the paper piercing.

I made two of these; I hope the recipients enjoy them! :D

Today is our anniversary!

So I have been wanting to try one of those one layer cards that I have been seeing all over the place. This is what I came up with:

I just love this set, Summer by the Sea. I have used this same stamp several times. I sure hope David doesn't get sick of it! LOL!

It is difficult to tell in the picture, but I started with Very Vanilla cardstock. I punched a large Scallop Circle to use as my template and stamped the image using Basic Brown. I used Pure Art Pencils to color in the image and a stump with mineral spirits (European brand of Gamsol) to blend the colors. Yes, I know, I need to work on my coloring some more! I used one of the says in the Summer by the Sea and used my More Mustard marker (using my Stamp-a-ma-jig) to place the top two lines on the front of the card and then I used the second two lines on the inside. In case you can't read the words it says, "Joy is not in things," and the inside, "it is in us. ~Richard Wagner"

Since it is going to my DH, I didn't want to add any ribbon or "foo-foo" stuff. I think he'll be happy with this. (He'd better be!) ;) LOL! If you want to see more one layer cards you can check out the gallery at split coast. Here are some I found by using "OLC" (One Layer Card): http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?si=OLC&limit=

Happy stamping!

EDITED: DH paid me the highest compliment today. He thought I had bought this card and was shocked, (I haven't purchased a card in at least six years!) I told him to check the back, (I had stamped my name on the back claiming it!) *beaming*

Sympathy Card for Wes

Our basement is now 99% finished, we just need the top counter-top to come in and have Wes install it. I learned yesterday that our contractor is experiencing some troubling times with the death of an aunt and an extremely serious accident with his best friend. I thought a sympathy card was in order.
My inspiration for this card was from a card on Jen's blog, (thanks Jen!) I used the colors she did and the Print Pattern, (even edged the Print Pattern with Chocolate Chip marker.) I paper pierced one row where the diamonds come together around the main image and then used my white gel pen on the paper piercings to draw a little attention to them. I started the main image using the Ink Wash technique from Pat's Technique Junkies (link to the right), using SU's Basic Brown. Perhaps I waited too long but it didn't wash very much. Next I used sponge daubers to add the Garden Green and Night Of Navy (staying in the Earth Elements color group) to the sky and grass. Then I edged around using Creamy Caramel and then some Close to Cocoa for some aging. Mounted the top layer onto Creamy Caramel which I then mounted on the main card. Of course I stamped a little on the envelope.

Over all this was a very simple card. I hope it can bring him a small amount of comfort during this incredibly difficult time.

April's Stampin' Class

I will have my monthly stamping class on Tuesday, the 24th, at 6:30pm and the morning class on Wednesday, the 25th, at 10am. I'd love to have you attend, just drop me a note and let me know you'll be here!

Tri-fold Birthday

Today is David's birthday so I *HAD* to have his card done today. :D I have wanted to try out the tri-fold card on Julia's blog for quite a while, so this was my motivator. The card I ended up with is not the card I envisioned! Isn't that always the case? ;) Here is a tip for you if you decide to try this card and stamp on the front. Choose a stamp that looks good if it is turned a quarter turn! I know! It is a no-brainer, but I was going to use the Knobbly Gnomes but when I got to stamping that part I came to a screetching halt! Sudden panic! What stamp set do I have (besides flowers of course) that can be turned a quarter turn????? This is what I came up with!

My scanner washed out alot of the color on the white layer. I had sponged some Garden Green, True Thyme, some Creamy Caramel (in the center) and a hint of Ballet Blue. The vine is stamped with Olive Green StazOn, and the monkey using Timber Brown. The white layer(s) are shimmery white. (I am really loving the shimmery white card stock, WHY did I wait so long to start using it?????)

Here is the card open. As you can see, my monkey "swung" to the side. The designer paper was a holdover from the original idea of using the Knobbly Gnomes, but being that it is masculine, (and in the attempt NOT to hoard it any longer) I wanted to keep it. I am trying to incorporate more designer papers into my card making.

Stamps: Monkey Business, Cheery Chat;

Ink: Olive Green and Timber Brown Staz-On, Ballet Blue, Garden Green, True Thyme, Creamy Caramel, Bordering Blue (stamped off) and Almost Artichoke;

Paper: Ballet Blue, Almost Artichoke, Shimmery White and Oxford Designer Paper

Bow Tying Tutorial

I just watched Taylor's video tutorial on bow tying. I am just NOT a bow person, but she makes this look so easy! Thanks Taylor! If you want to see how to make a bow to attach to your cards or scrapbooks check out her tutorial!

http://tayloredexpressions.blogspot.com/2007/04/bow-tying-video.html

BTW, check out her blog, she's just awesome! :D

CASE of Paper Pleasing Ideas

I needed a masculine congrats card for a friend that is getting promoted to Lieutenant Colonel (Army.) Congrats JEP! I was inspired by Julie's card.

I used the Ink Wash technique (from Technique Junkies) using Close to Cocoa ink pad, then brushing Chocolate Chip marker around the edges. I used some silver and gold ink sponged onto the ballet blue base card. I used shimmery white c/s for the eagle base, (you can kind of see the sparkles.) The blue on the white is stippled. I disstressed the edges of the shimmery white and it really caught the ballet blue that I stippled on. All products are Stampin’ Up!

Julia's Sewing Tutorial

Julia has posted a wonderful tutorial on her blog. I am NOT a sewer, in fact I don't even own a sewing machine! But if I did, I'd definately pull it out and try this on a card (or two.) :D If you look at the card she sent to me you can see that she sewed on the card, not once but twice! (Top left corner and bottom zig-zag.) So she really does sew her cards!

I apologize that you can't click on the pictures to make them larger. Well, some of them you can, but others just don't accept the click. I'll have to try to find someone at blogger.com to see why. It is frustrating to me when you want to see something up close, but can't.

Great Mail Day

I saw the postman put a flat package in the mail box so of course I had to go running outside! :D I had received my grand prize blog candy from Cindy at My Inky Fingers. If you recall yesterday's posting, I mentioned Cindy's blog, (just awesome cards AND she has a store you can purchase craft "stuff" for incredible prices! Yes, I am getting two giga scallop punches and some Basic Grey from her very soon!) Anywho, I was incredibly fortunate to be the grand prize winner and won a Cards magazine.


I have never seen this magazine before. Perhaps because we were in Germany for three years and when we got back I was happy with my Rubber Stamper and Take Ten mags. Let me tell you, this magazine is just incredible! I love how the cards all look "doable"! They give directions too! I like the style of cards, fresh and simple, (they aren't too artsy for me.) I guess I have something I can add to my gift wish list, this magazine! ;D

Cindy included a card! Woo-hoo! *Yippie Dancin'* I love Cindy's style of stamping, in fact between her and Julia they are inspiring me to step out of my SU comfort zone and start adding designer paper to my errr, *looks to make sure DH isn't reading this* stash!

Cindy, thank you so very much for your generosity. I can't really express my thanks at these wonderful gifts you so willingly shared!

Alcohol Polished Stone

We had a friend of ours get promoted today so I needed a card. This friend is male, sooooo. . . . . yes, I had to do a masculine card. I really enjoyed doing the Polished Rainbow from the current Technique Junkies newsletter, but I wanted something more masculine than any of my current Spectrum pads. Sooooo . . . . . *Pat would be SO proud of me!* I improvised! I used my alcohol inks and my Distress pads to make a card for Todd. I started with glossy white c/s and took a cotton ball and put some Blending Solution on first then one color of alcohol reinker. I wanted the card to have an aged feel so I used Butterscotch, Caramel, Giner and Espresso refills.

The above picture is the glossy c/s after I finished applying the alcohol inks with plenty of Blending Solution.

After I finished the alcohol inks I added silver mixative. It is really difficult to show the silver, but those grayish patches are actually silver.

After I let it dry I stamped it using StazOn ink and Stampin' Up!'s It's About Time stamp set. As in it's about time you got promoted! LOL! (In the Army, an anual list comes out in the fall and you wait until your number is up and get promoted on the first day of that month. So we have known since early October that Todd was "promotable" he just had to wait for April to roll around.) ;)

After I stamped the c/s I used the Distress Inks to edge around it. I was trying to get an aged feel. The Distress Ink did not want to dry so I let it sit overnight, rather than use my heat gun and risk waking up Troy. *anticipates finished craft room* In the morning it STILL was not dry so I used the heat gun to help set the ink. I then finished the card and ended up with this:

I layered the glossy onto Really Rust, then onto Basic Black as the main card. I used Vintage brads in the corners.

I don't know if he'll notice, but I set the hands to April 1st, his official promotion date, even though he pinned on in a ceremony this morning. Congrats Todd!

Belle Papier RAK Thanks

A while back I commented on Julia's blog. She does just the most gorgeous cards! I just LOVE her style! Anyway, I commented that if she needed I could take the card off her hands (or something smart-alicy similar.) Well, imagine my surprise when she took me up on her offer! OMG!!!!! I never imagined she would take me seriously, even though I was serious about wanting that card! Julia, thank you so very much for sending me this gorgeous card! I had it sit on my kitchen island for several days, now it sits in my office for me to oggle!

You can click here to see this card on her blog. I took a picture of it rather than scan it because of all the detail she lavishes on her card. The ribbon is tied through the top of three eyelets. The petals of the flowers on the top layer have glitter, (you can see some of this in the picture.) She has actually sewn along the top left corner and the bottom (zigzag) of the card, (YES, real sewing not faux!) The copper brad in the lower left balances the ribbon and tag along the right top. I'm thinking that the tag is one of the Cuttlebug tags? It looks similar, so now I have some inspiration for those CB die tags that I bought!

Checking out Julia's blog is really encouraging me to try to work with designer papers (DP). I see so many doing this but I just don't know how to put the DP with some other design elements to make them all click. I am watching and learning. I took the first step and purchased some Basic Grey paper from Cindy (Stampalicious - My Inky Fingers) (shhhh, along with a giga scallop square and oval). They haven't shipped yet, but they will soon! ;) (And speaking of Cindy you must check out her blog too! That vintage look that I love!)

Thank you so much Julia! I can't tell you how incredible you gift me is!

Blog Candy Thanks

Not to long ago I won some blog candy from Stephanie. I received her gift in the mail this past week, but with everything going on I haven't posted it until now. Her blog candy was a sheet of buckles that she had traced for me. I have been wanting some buckles that I can use the Technique Junkies Hammered Hardware technique. I'm sure these will work perfectly! ;) She was so sweet to send a card using Stampin' Up!'s Doodle This set! Wahhhh, I want this set so much! And, get this, she sent me two stamped Bella's! I don't have any Bella's and have wanted some, but each time I go to the website and start looking to buy I chicken out figuring that I would never be able to do them justice. Now I have my very own two to play with! *beaming* Thank you so very much Stephanie!