Christmas Cards

Around the holiday's, I've started taking cards in to work to sell. This one using PTI's "Believe" was a favorite.

I started by stamping Santa onto Kraft Cardstock, colored using Watercolor Crayons and an Aquapainter, and then cut him out. I love that you can *see* the white when colored!! Two sizes of Spellbinder Nestability ovals were used for the mats. Santa is popped up with dimensionals. Tied off with a red bow. I wasn't sure I'd like the 5/8" ribbon at first, but as always, I was wrong!!! The swirls in the background are Rhonna Farrah. I channeled Piney a little using Whisper White Craft ink to the edges.

There ya have it!! I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season!!

Before you were Born

I've had a stack of pictures sitting on my stamp desk for a long time now. When I scrap I have no rhyme or reason to my pages. I don't like to do theme books, focus on one child at a time, or go in chronological order. One time I might grab Christmas photos from a year ago...the next time it might be these from my Son's first days...almost EIGHT years ago.

As I look through my albums, I've noticed that there are many more pages dedicated to my daughters or a combo of all, but there are not many of just Gavin. He's noticed too, so I may have to make up for some lost time!!! So out of fairness, I created this two page layout.

I used Becky Higgins new sketch book. I still haven't had a chance to look at everything in there yet, but what I have....I LOVE!!! I always mention to people that I have a hard time NOT stamping on scrapbook pages, but here I did not bring out one stamp. I did use Whisper White Craft ink (aka Pine white), so that counts right? The letters were cut using the Cricut font Opposites Attract. I was unable to complete the journaling at this time because my printer is on the fritz!! As soon as it starts being nice the white box will have

I dreamed of you, I imagined you, I prayed for you. Now that you're here: I hope for you, I love you and I thank God for you.

Well it's about time to start the school pick up runs!! I hope everyone has a fantastic day and weekend!! Thanks for looking!!!

Elzybells!!!

Are these not the cutest little images!!! I am in love!!! I usually don't go for small images. I like my main focus to take up a lot of space on a card, but I could not resist Elzybells!!

For this card I used my Spellbinder Nestabilities purchased from Ellen. I love love love the Nesties!!! She is stamped on Shimmery White, and colored her with Copics. My next purchase is going to be the Spica Glitter pens. For this one I just highlighted some areas with my Sakura Stardust pen. Designer paper is from last years SU! Holiday Mini. I believe it is called Holiday Thyme.

It's starting to feel like winter here!! 23* F as I type!! I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving!! Stay warm!

Stamps: SU! Snowflake Spot, Elzybells, Amuse

Cardstock: SU! Bashful Blue, Ballet Blue, Shimmery White,

Holiday Thyme DS Paper

Accessories: Copic markers, Nestabilities, Ribbon

Ink: Versamark, Palette Noir

It is already starting!!

Neighbors are putting Christmas decorations out!! I am not there yet!! Don't we still have a major holiday to get through first?!?! That got me thinking. Thanksgiving dinner is always a great family get together. Our table is always decorated with some sort of festive holiday arrangement. I love the colors of fall...dislike the cold that comes along with it...but love the colors.

I threw together these cute little tins for a recent craft show. Wouldn't these be adorable as place settings around the Thanksgiving table??!! A little name tag could be added. Maybe use the SU! Word Window punch.

The tins are showing up all over the place now. I purchased these from Nichole's store, but Starlitstudio is also carrying them. The brown satin ribbon was also purchased from Cindy at Starlitstudio.

Let's all give thanks this year!! Good family, good time, good friends, and good food.

Stamps: Fall whimsy, Elegant Flexible phases

Ink: Ranger, Cranberry Crisp

Cardstock: Whisper white, Cranberry Crisp

Accessories: Ribbon, Burlap String, Tins, Scallop punch, square punch, Copics

AND THE WINNER IS....

Number 17 Momsnack (Nancy S)

picked by random.org

You are the first offical winner of "Otter bits" Thank You all for your participation!! I hope you check back often!!!

Nancy send me your snail mail addy and I'll get your box off to you ASAP!

Otter Bits!!!

Can I say WOO HOO!!! What perfect timing for my first ever blog candy...

affectionately now know as "Otter Bits"!! eP has asked me to be an eP friend!!! Holy Wow!!! This is exciting!! Thank you Joy and Daisy for exposing my little twig of the Web!!! Eclectic Paperie is such a fun store. They are always adding more to please their customers!! I said before, and I'll say again...I sign my paychecks over to Joy and Daisy!! Right now I am addicted to Glimmer Mist. I just ordered two more bottles this morning!!!

Ok...on to the Otter Bits. I have a little question for you. Since it was one of the questions that eP asked of me, I would like to know what your favorite Halloween Treat is? For me, I can't resist Reese's Peanut Butter cups. Especially since I found the pumpkin shaped ones for Halloween. For some reason I always like the shaped ones better. So what is your favorite? Leave your answer here on my blog. This will be open until 9:00 am on Monday. WOO HOO!! Hope you like this assortment of bellies in the cute little chipboard box!!!

Everyone Loves $$$$

So why not spruce it up a little bit!! These cute little gift card holders were made for a coworker. Easy peasy to do. Take an envelope and fold it in half. I prefer SU! Whisper White Envies...because they have a flat flap, not pointed. Cut the flap along the fold. Seal the left side. The right side remains open for you to tuck a gift card or money into the envelope. Wrap a ribbon length around the envelope and place stamped image over ribbon. Tie at the side. Super fun and super easy!!

I used the Merry Christmas Wheel on both the front and the back of the envelope. I made a mask for the unsealed flap so I could stamp a sentiment. I suppose I could take a picture.

I have to say...this is my very first Penny Black Stamp...Lana don't send me to the corner!!! I purchased this from the ever wonderful Joy and Daisy at Eclectic Paperie. I noticed the other day that eP loaded more Penny Black stamps to their store!! I might as well send them my paycheck. Images were colored with Copic markers, also available at eP!!

Blog Candy tomorrow!!! Woo Hoo!!!! I have my first Craft Show this weekend!! Wish me luck!!!

Stamps: Penny Black and SU

Ink: Ranger Archival and SU! Real Red

Cardstock SU! Real Red and Whisper White

Accessories: Copics and Cindy Ribbon, Sakura Stardust pen

Altered Plans!!

So I said I'd get blog candy posted for 10K hits...It will be coming later this week!!!

I have been busy this week!! My first craftshow is coming up next weekend. This is a Dollar Store frame, redone with Basic Grey Fruitcake papers. I love doing these frames, and always love the results when finished!!!

Stay tuned...blog candy will be here by the end of the week...First to come up with a catchy name!!

Saint Nicholas

I am not a vintage type person, but I absolutely fell in love with the Vintage Christmas set from Crafty Secrets!! I had the pleasure of watching Lisa Zappa whip out her creations!! That girl is sooooo fast!! I was so in awe of what she was doing. Her use of patterned paper and ability to use what is given, and make ANYTHING look shabby, completely amazes me!! I stamped a few images from this set before we left the retreat. I am now *patiently* waiting for my order from eP!!!

This layout is largely inspired by LZ. She was using Martha Stewart glitter to the edges of her image. I have yet to get on the Martha craze, but I thought the Micro beads would work as well. This is also my first attempt at the Cracked Glass technique. Had I realized it was so easy, I would have tried sooner!!

Thanks LZ for your constant inspiration!!! Love Ya!

I'm getting awful close to 10,000 hits...Blog Candy may be in order!!!

Stamps: Crafty Secrets and SU!
Ink: Palette Noir, Old Olive, Cranberry Crisp, Close to Cocoa, Blush Blossom, Whisper white
Paper: Old Olive, Cool Caribbean, Whisper white Basic Grey Fruitcake
Accessories: Cindy Ribbon, Brads

The BEST thing in the world!!!

OK friends...you know when you are digging around in your purse or wallet, and you find an unexpected treasure...aka MONEY$$$$ Isn't that one of the best things in the world!!!!! That's what I did!!! I found money from a stamp club member that I forgot I had!! Woo Hoo!! The order had already been placed, packaged and delivered, so in my eyes...this was FREE CASH!!! (at least I could put it in my account and not have to figure what percentage was staying! LOL) Anyway...I digress.

I went shopping at eP!!! Copics are on their way!!! Not the mass quantity that was available at the retreat, but, I am so excited!!!!


This little guy is so cute!! Whipper Snapper has some very cute images. I stole this from Lana!! That girl can color!! She had a box of stamped images that she just picks from to color!! Amazing idea!! I am sooooooo copying that!! Remember you can click on the picture to see the image larger!! Have a great day all!!!

Stamps: Whipper Snapper, Stamps by Judith, Paper Trey

CS: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Lovely Lilac, Whisper White

Accessories: Copics, ribbon, scallop punch

FORE!!!

Over the next several days I'll be posting cards I made as I was



"practicing" with the copic markers. All images were colored with the fabulous choice of colors in the post below!!

This little hedgehog has become one of my favorites. Since we live on a golf course, I am always looking for "golf" stamps. HB used this little guy for her image swap at the retreat. I have since *begged* Joy and Daisy over at eP to add this little guy...I think I begged enough!! LOL!! Don't you all go and snatch them up until after I get my order placed!!!

Stamps: Penny Black and SU!

Paper: Brocade Blue (SU!) MME Pattern paper

Accessories: Ribbon, button, Sewing Thread

and machine, Copic Markers and Circle

punches

COPIC HEAVEN!!!

This is what I had the opportunity to play with at the retreat in Chippewa Falls!!! Could you imagine. Definitely sold me!! If you didn't already know that Joy and Daisy from eP rock....THEY DO!!!

College Football!!

The first game of the season is this weekend!! Of course I have to work!! Bummer!! Living in central Ohio you can't help but be sucked into Buckeye fever!! I never got nervous watching high school football, but OSU is different. I literally get butterflies every week. It's crazy!! I didn't even attend Ohio State.

The saying goes...Once a Buckeye...always a Buckeye!! So is true for my Uncle living in North Carolina. His children have never lived in Ohio, but are TRUE BUCKEYES!! This was a frame that I made for Chandler' new room. LZ did a great toot for us a year or so ago. The Buckeye and block O in the corner is a recycled Christmas ornament that my mom made. Buckeye items, around here, fly off the shelves. I have several more frames in the work for an upcoming craft show! Hope you all enjoy!

Back from the Land of the Missing!!

Between work, end of summer, and start of school, things have been a little hectic. Not to mention sneaking in a little respite vacation. I had the fantastic opportunity to spend a weekend with some of the most fabulous friends anyone could ask for. Pine put together the most awesome retreat!! I have never laughed so hard. There were many late nights spent with achy sides from laughing so hard. Classes, tutorials, AWESOME food, relaxation, friendship, laughter, crying, and FUN!!! What more does a girl need?!? Thank you to all that made this retreat special!! Oh and did I mention...Copics?!?

More Scrapping!!

I had a few more minutes to complete a page...or two!! I am not a big double layout person, but knew I wanted all of these pictures scrapped. I also don't like to crop pictures. My whole album would be 4x6 pictures if I could make it work!!

I used Halloween paper from one of the Su! mini's last year. The name is escaping me right now. I hadn't even opened the pack!! Booglie eyes was a must have set for me!! I hardly ever send Halloween cards, but have an attraction to halloween sets!! You can never have too many.



This layout was a sketch from Sketches by Suzy. I recently found her site and can honestly say I will be back!! Close up of individual pages!!

Stamps: Booglie Eyes, Headline Alpha, Bold Alpha

Paper: Lovely Lilac, Pumpkin Pie, Water color, DS

Ink: Palette Noir, Various to Watercolor, Craft White

Child Labor Laws

Do they really exist? Not in the Hollett household!! I guess I should be thankful that my kids like to help with chores!! Lauren's favorite is emptying the dishwasher. I snapped these pics when she was a little over two. Let's hope she is only this helpful when she reaches those teen age years!! LOL!

Stamps: Karen Foster Snap stamps

Paper: Creamy Carmel, MME

Ink: Palette Noir and Very Vanilla

Accessories: Grosgrain ribbon, Loopy Brads, Sewing thread

Tag You're IT!!!

Camilicious Tagged me!!! Here's the rules...

Here are the rules...
* I must post 7 random things about me
* Tag 7 other bloggers to do the same.
* Post rules and the bloggers I tagged here.
* Leave tagged bloggers comments on their site so they know they've been tagged

Ok...Seven things

1) I am a Triplet
2) I HATE Seafood!! (sorry QC)
3) I'm a lemming...but aren't we all in the crafting world!!
4) Being a nurse was not my first choice...I wanted to be a Mortician
5) I LOVE Broadway Musicals
6) I blew out both knees, requiring surgery...one at age 13 and one at 14...no more basketball for me!!
7) I get to drive 8 hours in a car with NAVYWIFE!!!

Who am I going to tag..

1) Suze Midnight Inspriations
2) Stevie Paper Bits and Ribbon Pieces
3) Kendra W. Paper Dreams
4) Beate Fresh and Fun
5) Lana!!! Oh wait she doesn't blog!! YOU SHOULD!!!
6) Zappy Shabby Chick Junk
7) Debbie Olsen Thinking Inking

Happy Birthday Dad

My Dad turned 60 this week. We had a surprise birthday party this past weekend. He has been retired for a few years, anxiously awaiting his move to Florida. Unfortunately it is going to happen sooner than later. My mom is retiring this year, and they will be moving this fall. I know, I know...a free place to visit...but I kind of like having them near by. You never know when I might need an egg, some dish soap, or a babysitter!! Alas they are leaving. I thought he might appreciate something new for their Florida home.

Summer Snowmen?!?

Working ahead is a good thing right? Craft fair season is just around the corner...and I am usually a procrastinator!!! Not this year!! (I'll believe it when I actually see it!! LOL) I made three sets of these cute little guys...all in different colors. This set is Buckaroo Blue and Vintage Violet.

I recently got this set in a trade. I have wanted Cold Play for so long. I tried and tired to get the actual circles to work and had a horrible time, so I decided to try just the faces. I really like the way that this turned out. I stamped the faces and hats in Pallete Noir ink. The speckles on the Blue set was stamped in Pallete New Canvas. This ink is a fantastic alternative to Craft White. Less mess is always good in my book!!! Hope you enjoy as well!!

A Fond Farewell

Alas June is upon us. June marks the end of the 2006-2007 SU! Idea Book & Catalog. With the end of this catalog comes the ever dreaded Retirement list. I am sad to say that MY all time favorite set is on "that list"!! Several of my club members have commented about Roses in Winter. I am trying to push them over the edge. *club girls if you are reading this....YOU NEED THIS SET!!* Is that subtle enough?!? LOL!

For this card, I stamped the main image on Shimmery white. I have a tendency to hoard that paper!! I don't want to use it, it is so pretty!!! I stamped the large rose in Pretty in Pink ink. The key to using this stamp set is the smooshing....Stamp your image and without lifting you stamp from the paper, turn the stamp a quarter turn. I believe it was Jeanne S who taught that on SCS. I can't get SCS up right now to know for sure. The quarter turn feathers out the image making it look fuller. I did that for each layer of the rose. The second and third layers were done using Regal Rose ink. Creamy Carmel ink was sponged to the edges of the scallop. I love that distressed look.

Out of curiosity...What stamp set are you most sad to see go? Roses in Winter...I bid you adieu.

Teacher Gifts

What I failed to mention in the post below, was that the Thank you cards were made for Gavin's teachers this year. The most info I could get from a seven year old was "yes" when asked if they liked them!! LOL!! Boys!!

I was so tickled with how the packaging came togeter. Each teacher got two of each design. I packaged them in Papertrey Ink card boxes. Eight (not so embellished) cards and evelopes fit like a glove. I can see my self ordering more boxes!! (After I run out, or maybe before I run out of the 30 I already have!!)

The Queen of CASEing!!!

I admit, I don't think I have ever had an orignal idea. As I sit here and look at the cards I've completed in the past several weeks, I think to my self, "Someday, you will be worthy!!" Every single one of them is CASEd!!! Valerie, Mish, Debbie, Beate, you name it, it's there!!!

Now I know CASEing is acceptable, but my downfall comes from the fact that I hardly change anything!! I can't think like that. I see something, a color combo, a stamp set, a layout, etc. I try to copy it exactly. Now sometimes I'll be bold and change the color of pattern paper I am using, but not usually!!



If you are an insane blog reader like I am, then you will notice that these cards are CASEd from non other that Val from Cal!!! I loved the concept of doing the same "design" and "theme" for each card. Valerie mentioned that she used a strip of Old Olive cardstock on each of her cards. Guess what the first thing I grabbed was...Old Olive. Now I could have picked any number of colors, but didn't (read said line above...my brain doesn't work like that!!) I have a feeling I will be using this layout again in the near future!!!

****A note on CASEing...We all do it...even if we try not to, but one thing to remember...Give credit where credit is due!!! Val I love ya!!****

Beate's Challenge Revisited!!!

I seem to need some inspiration from Beate in order to stamp. Not really, but I always fall for her challenges!! This by far, is not my favorite thing I have every stamped, but I think it came out OK. The Lockhart strawberries are the Stamp of the Month at Ellen Hutson LLC. Check out the little kit she has all put together.

I used True Thyme for the card base, then ran a piece of Sahara sand through my "faux cuttlebug" aka Sizzix. DTP with Tim Holtz distress pad. The patterned paper is from the big MME pack found at Costco. I added three Primas with distressed brads to finish it off.

I am quickly falling in love with the Palette Hybrid inks. NO BLEEDING what so ever!! If you look at the close up of this pic, you'll see that my color leaves nothing to be desired. I tried coloring with reinkers and an aquapainter. Either I need help, or I need to choose a different paper. But make note...the Hybrid Ink DID NOT bleed!!! So far, every paper, with every medium I have tried so far, has given superior results!! Joy and Ellen both carry the essential colors in their stores

Guess what? I already have something ready to go for tomorrow. Don't fall over and faint. I know what you are thinking...two posts in a week, something must be wrong!!

Happy Birthday Gavin!!

My oldest is Seven today!! Man this past year has really flown by. Seven years ago today I was writhing in pain!!! 25 hours of pain, to be exact. He finally decided to make his entrance into the world at 8:02 pm, by C-section. The party is over...the cake and ice cream are devoured...the new toys are being put to good use. Happy Birthday my sweet boy!!!

Beate's Challenge!!

Yes I am a sucker for Blog Candy...especially when it comes to Beate's Candy!!! My stamping HERO!!! Beate posted a challenge layout for her blog candy. This time for 200K hits!!! Can you believe it!! I can...she's amazing!! Anyway, here is my take!!

Images are by Papertreyink!! I am so in love with Nichole right now!! I wait with baited breath each month to see what she comes up with next!!

Ice Stickles were applied to the butterfly to make her shimmer. I big HUGE shout out to Valerie Stangle. She posted to her blog a bow tying video...I am now tying perfect bows!! Yeah Val!!!

Remembering the Locks

I am very partial to "furry" kids. All of my children were born with gorgeous heads of dark hair. My son had hair, that according to my hairdresser, "girls die for!" She informed me that she tell girls wanting perms or color to wait until they are 12-14 years old, so they have *mature* hair. Why did she tell me this? Because at 10 months Gavin could have had a perm. His hair has always been so thick. I joke with him and tell him that we called him Elvis for the first six weeks of his life, because he had so much hair. Including the mutton chop side burns!! These pictures were taken at only Five months...so you can see where we were headed. I love this layout the moment I saw it. It is one of Becky Higgins Sketches. I love how she shows different interpretations of the same sketch.

Gavin will be seven in a few weeks...my how time flies....

CD case used for Ink pads

I have had several emails and queries as to what my inkpads are stored in. It is a CD case by Caselogic. 48 SU! ink pads will fit into one case. The case sits on it's side. 4 Jewel Cases are need to separate and hold the ink pads in place. I purchase this from HERE. They seem to have the best price. Fast shipping also. Hope this helps.

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!

I am in tears right now!!!! I don't know who you are but I truly LOVE YOU!! Why am I crying? Because I have the most fabulous friends in the world!!! You see, I was invited to go to a stamping retreat in August. A group of friends went last year, while I stayed at home and looked at pictures. I have been saving to go this year because I vowed to myself that I was not going to miss going a second year in a row!! I received and email from Piney today...

I just wanted to let you know that your retreat fee has been paid for you by one of your shistahs (and don't ask, because I won't tell you who it was )

See!!! Don't I have the most wonderful friends. She told me not to ask, so I won't but I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU!! I wish I could thank you properly!!! You know who you are.....Please feel my arms wrapping around you very tightly!!!!

Note to Self....

do not attempt one of these at a large scale stamp camp!!! They take entirely too long!!! I think it was the cutting that got everyone. They "frame" is really quite simple to make. Of course you can find a great tutorial for these Diorama Cards on SCS.

For this, I used Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue and Almost Amethyst, just like Beate's toot. Stamping was done with my all time favorite stamp set, Natural Beauty. I don't know why that is my favorite. I can't decide if it is because of the images, or because it was given to me at my first Regional as a demo. I love to watercolor these images. Watercolor Wonder Crayons and an aquapainter is all you need. Well...at least that is my medium of choice.

Cute as a Bug!!

That's my little Lauren. I can't believe how chunky she was!! Double chin and all!! She is so tall and thin right now, you wouldn't believe it was the same person!

For this layout I used one of the SCS Scrapbook Sketch Challenges. Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, and Yo-Yo Yellow were used, as well as retired DS paper, from the Sweet collection. I had the ladybug left over from Lauren's first birthday invite, seen here. I only wish I would have done the title a little different, but oh well. Can't change that now. Can you tell I'm still having fun with mom's Cricut?!? I hate to see it go!! The Joyful one is fixing that problem for me though!!

Back to work tomorrow!! It will not be a fun day. Monday's are always rough, not to mention that we are short staffed right now, and I have to work by myself !! Maybe there weren't very many babies born this weekend! A girl can dream right?!?

Too Cute....

to not Scrap!! This is one of my favorite pictures of my kids. See....same picture over to the right!! Gavin was such a *lovey dovey* baby. He still, at almost seven years old, loves to snuggle. I guess I have to take them when I can...they grow up way to fast.

This layout was made at the SU! convention in 2005. I hate having NEKKED layouts in my albums. I can say, "this one took me no time to finish!!" Unlike my previous post!! I hope everyone has a Fantabulous weekend!!

Slowest Scrapper in the Universe!!

How long does it take you to design a page? This one took me FOREVER!! Well, not really, but it was an all day adventure!! I knew that I wanted to do something with a circle. That was the easy part. The hard part was deciding what to do *with* the circle. I started by putting Prima Flowers all the way around. Didn't like it. Then I thought I'd try ribbon. Liked that even less than the flowers. Then I thought, I'll put the title around the circle...ok what is my title going to be? {insert Jeopardy music here} Two hours later I had a title. Now to stamp it...which alphabet do I use? Do you see where this is going? Aha!! Mom's Cricut is still here, just waiting to be used. (Subliminal message to my mom...You really don't want to take the Cricut to Florida with you!! Leave it for Jennifer!!) Finally 10 hours later...yes I said 10...the page is done!! Michelle Wooderson told me a few days ago that she got 30 pages done on a weekend scrapbook trip....HOW!!! LOL!!

I love taking close up shots of the kids. These pictures were taken at the play ground this past fall. It was a beautiful, crisp sunny day. The morning was spent picking apples, and then off to the play ground for some fun. Lauren always gets this look on her face as if she is wishing for or dreaming of something. She is a sweet little girl, with such a gentleness about her.

She's Home!!

Here's the phone conversation that took place on Wednesday night...Jillian~ "Mom, I look different!" Me~ "You do? What did you do?" Jillian~ "You have to wait until I get home!!"

Well knowing full well what she had done I couldn't picture it in my mind. When Den and I went to Jamaica for our honey moon, I had my hair braided. I knew how long it took to get done, and could not *imagine* Jillian sitting there that long. Now mine were the type of braids that are like little french braids. Jillian looks like...for lack of a better word...

MEDUSA!! My mom said she did well for about 10 minutes, but then got upset. She started fussing and then out of now where 3 more girls showed up. Her entire head was done in 15 minutes!!

ETA...3 hours and 44 braids later...She is back to her self!! Had to be done in about 10 shifts but they are all out. I now need to take her to the salon for a trim and DEEP DEEP condition!! Her ends are HORRIBLE!! (but her kinky curly hair is kinda cute!!)

Missing Jill...

She's cruising the Caribbean right now!! Yes my 4 1/2 year old is on a cruise without me!! My parents are the brave ones...taking her and my almost 5 year old nephew on a 6 day cruise. This picture was taken 2 1/2 years ago on her second birthday. This is typical Jillian. My mom said "Jenn, there are full length mirrors at the end of the bed, so you can only imagine what she is doing!" How did she go from this...to such a girly girl!

Stamps: Best Blossom and Simple Type Alphabet ~ SU!
Ink: Rose Red and Old Olive ~ SU!
Cardstock: Rose Red, Cameo Coral, Old Olive ~ SU!

It feels good.....

to be scrapping again. I haven't been able to for so long. I sat down the other night and pulled these pictures out. The colors in Jill's outfit totally reminded me of the colors in the Island Blossom Scrappin' kit. Yes, I opened one finally. It was hard, but I did it! I flipped through some old SU! catalogs for a layout to use. This one was from the 2004-2005 catalog. Did I mention...CASEing is good?!?

To Go Where Gnome Has Gone Before!

I have to say that I have never really looked at this set. I've seen some wonderful artists really make many spectacular cards with these little guys, but I just don't get them. I keep thinking about the "enchanted" gnomes in Harry Potter's garden. So why then, you ask, did I venture to the Gnomeville? A wonderful friend from work is hosting a workshop on Monday, and she fell in love with these little guys. I have to say that they have kind of grown on me.

For this card I use one of my favorite tools, the Color Spritzer from SU! I love the effect this gives...a little messy, but I love it just the same! Sage Shadow Card stock for the base of the card, paired with Handsome Hunter for the mat on the main image. The Su! ticket corner punch was used to the corners. I have such a hard time leaving the edges of an image "naked" I had to sponge some color to them with Handsome Hunter ink. My Berry Special Gnome was colored with WWC, my coloring tool of choice. Hope you enjoy. GiGi if you are looking, I hope you are excited!!

Long-Time Friend

I love this retired SU! set. Long -Time Friend was in last year's Spring Mini. It is one of those sets that will never leave my collection. I LOVE every image!!

It is VSW again. Our VSN has become a weekend long event. This weeks hostess is Pine aka Heather Nichols. This is my take on one of her sketches. Patterned Paper is by Wild Asparagus. I love the country feel to this. The image is watercolored with WWC's. I distressed the edges of the Old Olive piece with a distressing tool. Saves my fingernails!! LOL!

1000 Hits!!!!

Well sometime while I was working today, my blog received it's 1000th hit!!! Who'd a thunk!! Thanks all for checking in on me!!! If only I'd have more time to update!!! Do you think we should celebrate?!?

It's Clean!!!!!

My stamp room that is!! I need to learn not to explode when I stamp!! Maybe it would stay this way!!!

The ink pads are stored in a CD case by Case Logic. 48 pads in one.

Paper racks are wire cubes from Target!! Shelves were added using cable ties!! This was painstakinly horrible!! My fingers are raw...but so worth it!!

Swaps Swaps and more Swaps

I always procrastinate!!! These are going out tomorrow!! The new SU! spring mini is FABULOUS!!!! I could spend my entire commission (the very little it is) on this catty!! I wasn't thrilled with the winter mini, but this one certainly makes up for that!! This is largely inspired by Yvette on SCS. I love this color combo!! Not really "springy" but you know...shows versatility right?!?

Stamps: Doodle This, and Warm Words

Cardstock: Ruby Red, More Mustard, Choc. Chip

Ink: Stazon Black, Very Vanilla Craft

Accessories: WWC, Aqua painter, Cindy ribbon

Baby Showers

Remeber a couple of posts back, I mentioned there are many babies being born around here? There are still more to come. My SIL is throwing a baby shower for her SIL. She is doing a sports theme shower. For some reason...sports theme baby shower invites are non existent!! Everything store bought she could find were for birthdays. Thankfully when you have a stamper in the family...they can save the day!! I am really pleased with the way this Waterfall Card turned out. There is a great tutorial on SCS for this type of card.

New Banner!!!!

OMG!!!! Beth Silaika!!!! You totally rock!! I swear girl, you need to go into business!!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!!!

Does She Still Exist?

No I did not go extinct!! LOL!! That is what you call for lack of a better term...a "blog break", but make sure you read that as..."too much work and not enough time". Couple that with snow days all last week, and you have my life!! LOL!

So for some reason there seems to be a lot of babies being born around me. I have been at my job now for almost 8 years. In the 8 years that I have been there, there has not been a time where someone HAS NOT been pregnant. It must be something in the water. My dear friend Lynn had a little boy a few months back. Her nursery is aquatic theme, with blues and purples.

Stamp sets: Fishy Friends, Simply Circles, and Everyday Flexible Phrases

Cardstock: Lavender Lace, Cool Caribbean, Barely Banana, Natural white

Ink: Black Stazon and Versamark

Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Ribbon,sponge and eyelets

I made a matching framed art piece for her to put in the room. The picture isn't the best, but you get the idea. Do you see the little charm in between the first two photos. That is the same Starfish that is stamped on the card, but instead, I stamped in on Poly shrink.



This was a frame that I purchased at the dollar store. For the mat, I simply flipped it over. The reverse side had a somewhat glossy finish. I stamped the circles first in versamark, and then took my brayer and brayered ink over top the mat until I got the desired result. The versamark ink resits the colored ink, leaving behind "bubbles"!!! Easy Peasy!!

Just for fun!!

Ok Suze and Bethie....this is for you!!!


A - Available or Taken: Taken
B - Best Friend: My husband, Dennis...sometimes...after that...Suzy
C -Cake or Pie: ICE CREAM, BABY!
D - Drink of Choice: Diet Coke
E - Essential item you use everyday: electricity....it powers the essentials....computer, cell phone, tv, microwave, etc...I like this Suze!!
F - Favorite Color: pink
G - Gummy Bears or Worms: Neither!!! Can't stand them!! And besides, they rot your teeth!!!
H - Hometown: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I - Indulgence: Reese's peanut butter cups
J - January or February: January, New year, new start!!
K - Kids & Names: Gavin, Jillian and Lauren
L - Life is incomplete without? Chocolate
M - Marriage Date: July 26, 1997
N - Number of Siblings: 1 brother here...another with Jesus
O - Oranges or Apples: Apples
P - Phobias or Fears: something happening to my children
Q - Fave Quote: "life is like a box of choclates...you never know what you are going to get!" Forrest Gump LOL!
R - Reason to Smile: my kids
S - Season: SUMMER BABY! BRING ON THE BEACH! I hate the cold!!
T - Tag 3-4 People: Well I think I am the last to respond so everyone has already been tagged...do we start a second round?
U - Unknown fact about me: I am a triplet
V - Vegetable you don't like: most of them!!!
W - Worst Habit: laundry piling up!!!
X - X-rays: My mom's an x-ray tech...does that count?
Y - Your Fave Food: Choclate...there seems to be a theme going here!!
Z - Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

A Higher Education

Sunday we had a small family party for my brother, Jim. It was a fun little get together at a local family run restaurant. Great food and atmosphere. The Nutcracker is set up like a 50's diner. Last year they had a fire that pretty much destroyed the place. Our little town of Pataskala banned together and raised a large amount of money to help rebuild The Nutcracker!! It really is a great restaurant.

What were we celebrating? My brother received his Master's Degree in Teaching. We are all very proud of him. I had no idea what his school colors were. I'm going to wager a bet that he doesn't either! LOL Anyway, this is what I came up with...

I love the large SU! alphabets. This one is Letter Press. I used Night of Navy craft ink for the letters. I like the way the craft ink covers better with these solid stamps. Yes, I meant to stamp the letters crooked. I can never get them straight, so I always go for the "MOP's" look *Messy on Purpose* I wasn't sure that I still had this little graduation cap stamp. I found it in my craft sale box!! I think it has now found a permanent position on my retired stamp set shelf!! LOL! Celebrate from Wonderful Words was stamped across the letters in Gold Pigment ink. Heat set of course to avoid smearing. Did I tell you, I'm impatient...I don't like to wait for things to dry!! Enjoy!!

Love is in the Air

A whole week!!!! Sorry everyone!! Not a lot going on here this past week, so I am not sure what happened. There seems to be so little free time. I was sure that would change after the holidays.

Guess what I am working on now? Valentines Day Cards!! Last year I took cards to work to sell for $2 a card. I am working ahead this year. Here is the first idea. This was inspired by one I saw on SCS.

I love the block background stamp from the Sweet Shapes set. The different shades are all done with the texture of the stamp. Very cool if you ask me!! Real Red, Pretty in Pink, and Basic Black, cardstock and inks were use on this card. The horizontal slot punch works great for creating a hole for the ribbon embellishment.

Love is in the air...but where's the chocolate?!?

Let's get together and STAMP!!!

Last evening I was fortunate to participate in and evening of fun that involved several of my closest friends. The interesting part of this get together, is that it was all done on line with women from all over the country!! Not only has stamping brought me the enjoyment of creativity and creating, but also undeniable friendship.

I was able to complete 10 cards in 2 hours. What has always worked best for me is making 2-3 cards from each design. Using an assembly line style makes the process fast. This was one of those cards.

What's better yet, is having a card to CASE. For those that don't know, CASE stands for Copy and Share Everything. This card is a Triple CASE. LOL Kendra sent me a card for my birthday, using this same layout. She in turn CASED the lay out from Michelle. That's what fun about stamping. Inspiration is always there somewhere!!! Coloring with SU! markers makes this super fast and easy to finish.

A "Balmy" January day!!!

Can you believe it hit 65 degrees here yesterday!! It's January!!! Where's the snow? Where's the cold? I probably should be careful what I ask for!! Last thing we need is a snow storm like those hitting Denver!!

My brother celebrated his eighth wedding anniversary last month. I always try to come up with something that isn't to "foo fooey" when giving a card to him. I wanted something elegant, but it also needed that masculine touch. The brads offer up as a perfect embellishment for this. I even whacked 'em a few times with my hammer to give the card even more texture.

I have this fantastic little book that is called, The Cookie Cutter Collection by Simply Sentiments. There are 201 different card templates in this book. I used this book to draw inspiration for the layout. Cardstock is SU! of course!! I am such a snob when it comes to cardstock. More Mustard, True Thyme, and Very Vanilla were used. The designer paper is by Crate. Heartfelt Thanks is one of my favorite SU! stamp sets to use. It is one of those sets that gives you perfect results every time. I don't know if this card is perfect, but I certainly like the way that it turned out!! I hope you do also!!

Happy New Year!!!

ETA... I guess the picture was not showing for some reason. I believe I have it fixed!! Sorry about that!

I feel so Blessed to be here for another New Years celebration. As I look back on the past year, I can honestly say it was not all that fantastic. I look forward to 2007 bringing better times for all.

Did I tell you that I love these Cuttlebug embossing folders?!? Here's another one!!! Valerie Stangle creates the most fantastic and easily CASEable layouts!!! I often find myself drawing inspiration from her. It amazes me how she makes simple look so AWESOME!!! Her name is written all over this card. Not only is this a Val layout, but she is also the inspiration behind the embossing. If not for seeing her fantastic creations, I probably never would have invested in these folders!!! My bank account thanks you Val!!! On a good note...I did not have to purchase the Cuttlebug machine!! They work with my Sizzix and adapter!!! Yahoo!! Completely justified...Right?!?

Chalks were used to highlight the embossed areas this time. I like the softness of the halos left around the embossing. The new SAB set So Very has so many possibilities. Whether you use it as a focal point or a sentiment, it is sure to be a pleaser!! Here I chose to pair it with Petal prints (which I might add, goes fantastically with this Cuttlebug folder!!)

To each and every one of you....Have a Happy and Blessed 2007!!