I Otter Be Stamping!!

Wicked!

2010-09-06T21:38:00.003-04:00

Who's seen it?!?!? I was so excited when I heard Wicked was coming to town! So excited...I invited myself to go with my friend Tamra and her family! LOL! Well worth the money! I can't wait until it comes back again!

Kit~ Witchy Woman by Britt-ish Designs, Limelight by Connie Prince, and Wizarding Magic a ScrapMatters colab

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

2010-08-27T22:27:00.001-04:00

I participated in the Speed Scrap at Gotta Pixel tonight. Really like how this turned out! Baseball is still in "full swing" (no pun intended) at our house! Seven more weeks to go!

Mommy Kisses and Bumblebee!

2010-08-09T20:37:00.008-04:00

I removed this picture from my sidebar...on accident I might add...so I had to scrap the picture. I LOVE this picture of Gavin. This was taken after a Halloween photo shoot! LOL!

Kit (Mommy Kisses page) Makulay by Nathan Designs and doodle border by Lindsay Jane
elements and alpha(Bumble Bee page)Candy corn by {WG Jaye}
Papers and ribbon from various unknown

New blog design!!

2010-08-09T14:52:00.001-04:00

Only took me two hours...but I did it!!

New Favorite!

2010-08-06T17:17:00.002-04:00

I think every time I finish a page, it becomes my new favorite!! No exception here. I just love these pictures!!

Kit ~ Magic Moments by Laurie's Scraps

Otter

Don't let the bed bugs bite!!

2010-08-04T10:01:00.004-04:00

I still say this to my kids...sometimes they will even say that when I am headed to bed after a night of work. LOL! I knew I had to have this kit by Ellie Lash!! I love her cute little images!!

Lauren liked to escape from her crib when she was younger...this is where we usually found her...in bed with Gavin.

Kit~ Goodnight Bedbugs by Ellie Lash

Otter

My Heart

2010-08-03T09:02:00.003-04:00

So I'm learning a ton about Photoshop elements! I found the CoffeeShop website with all her cool actions to apply to photos. One of my favorites is the Bakery Glazes. I used the blueberry glaze on these photos. They put just a subtle hint of color to your photos. So cool!!!

Kit~ Dear Daddy colab from Sunshine Studio Scraps

Otter

Give me a head with hair...

2010-07-31T11:34:00.003-04:00

These are some of my favorite pictures of G. He was only about four months old when these were taken. He always looked so much older because of all that hair!! I was constantly being told that he was too "pretty" to be a boy. I didn't want to cut his hair so young, but I didn't want him to get a complex either!! I waited until he was six months...LOL!

Kit~ May Meadows by JennCK Designs

Otter

Disney...again?

2010-07-29T15:57:00.003-04:00

So I said I got all my pictures on CD so I didn't have to scrap just Disney pictures...well that lasted only a few weeks. I found this site... MouseScrappers.com and have be totally inspired by everything there. I've found new designers that have specialized Disney kits perfect for those Disney pictures!! It makes me want to go back to WDW NOW!! Here's one I'm talking about. There are two different kits used on this page, both with the Monters Inc. theme!! Perfect!!

Kits: Monstrosity by Britt-ish Desings
Monster in My Closet by LaurieScraps
Otter

Apples, apples everywhere

2010-06-10T21:34:00.003-04:00

So I broke down and ordered archival CD's of all my pictures that I had uploaded to kodak gallery! 2591 Pictures!!! I now have access to all those pictures to use in the scrapbooks. I was getting might tired of looking at Disney and baseball pictures!! These are some of my favorite apple orchard pictures from Jillian's trip to Lynd's Fruit Farm.

Kit:Fee Jardine - She'll be Apples
Template: by Bella Gypsy~ I'm With the Band

Otter

Dirt bikes...

2010-05-30T15:26:00.007-04:00

When you grow up with a mom who works for an orthopedic surgeon...one of the first lectures you get is about motorcycles and dirt bikes. The lecture goes something like this..."DON'T EVER LET ME CATCH YOU RIDING A MOTORCYCLE!! DO YOU WANT TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO TO YOU?" She then proceeds to pull out an x-ray of a person's leg that has more metal than bone.

I myself tempted fate once when I was 13...on a mini that only went about 20mph. Gavin on the other hand, seems to like the thrill. Our neighbors have a yearly get together at Buckeye Lake. They've set up a "track" on their property where the kids and "adults" can ride. They seemed to all have a blast...I was happy standing back and watching!!

Template by Tiny Toes Designs

Papers and elements by Summer Driggs's kit Courage

Otter

2010-05-29T12:22:00.003-04:00

So far everything that I have done has been with the use of a template. This was my first attempt at doing it myself!! Takes a little getting used to the different layers. I love this baseball kit called "Batter Up" by Just So Scrappy. I have TONS of baseball pictures so this will be put to great use!! Thanks for looking!!

Otter

Everyday Challenge

2010-05-17T16:04:00.003-04:00

It has been been almost six years since Jillian was diagnosed with diabetes. She's become a very independent girl. She knows more about her disease than most adults know. Yet there is still the everyday challenge of regulating her blood sugar. 10-12 finger sticks a day...sometimes more depending on the day. You'll hear very little complaining from Jillian. She knows it's what she has to do to live a long happy life!

Page made using
Heart to Heart kit by SuzyQ Scraps
Template freebie from Chrissy W

Otter

A new venture...

2010-05-13T21:35:00.003-04:00

You know those ideas that float around in you head for years? The ones that you say..."one day I hope to try that", but then eventually you forget all about it. Flash forward a couple of years...someone comes to you with a "proposition" and all those ideas spring board back to the front of you head!

That's what happened in this case. Digi Scraping has always intimidated me. Especially if it involves more than..."add your picture here". My niece is graduating from high school. She asked if I could make her announcements, but only wanted a single layer, with not a lot of embellishments. That got me thinking about the digital world. A few purchases later...lots of freebie downloads, and Photoshop elements....I was hooked!! This has been so much fun!! I've come to love templates! I think I've watched/read every tutorial I can find!!

Papers by Merkeley Designs: haunted
Brad by Jeanne Marie Scraps
Alphabet freebie...source unknown

Otter

Brad Bracelets!!

2009-11-16T22:00:00.003-04:00

These were the big sellers at my craft shows! So easy to make! My friend Donna showed us how to make these at one of our annual retreats. I think we all flocked the local LSS to buy brads!! SU! Build a brads work great for these as well! I'm not even sure if they still carry those or not!! Think of all the fun brads you could make with the new i~top brad maker from Imaginisce!!! I got mine from eP!! For those interested I found a great tutorial from this blog!!!

Otter

Three down...one to go!

2009-11-15T22:27:00.002-04:00

Craft shows that is!! Only one more left this season! I've been utterly surprised by my success this year. I am never very optimistic going into these things, but what is a few extra dollars in the pocket! Surprisingly it wasn't cards that I sold. LOL! Only one pack of cards went in the past two shows, and it was this one! This was the third card I did for my stamp class. Niki Estes posted a gingerbread card on her blog using the holly leaf image from PTI's Holiday Tags 2009. I loved the look of the red and green on kraft paper! This was my favorite card from the bunch! Guess someone else thought so as well! LOL! Can you see the sparkle on the berries!! Gotta have a little bling right!?! Spica glitter pens are my favorite!!

Otter

Glittery Snowflake

2009-10-26T09:52:00.003-04:00

Here's another card for my stamp class tomorrow! I love the simplicity of this. Score lines were created with my Scor-pal. It adds so much to a simple card. Susie B. had a baby card similar to this posted on SCS and I loved it!! Thanks! I can't wait for tomorrow! I love stamping with friends!

Stamps: PTI
Cardstock: PTI stampers select and Spring Rain
Ink: PTI Elegant Evening
Accessories: Marvy Snowflake punch, Scor-pal,CB embossing folder, Square punch and Dazzling diamond glitter from SU!

Otter

New Stamps!

2009-10-24T10:58:00.004-04:00

It's always great when you get something new!! Pink Cat Studio released some new stamps this past week! So cute and different from many that are out there! I'm using this cutie from their Itty Bitty Christmas set for a stamp a stack that I'm hosting. I'm going for quick and simple! Is anyone else addicted to the Spica Glitter pens!?! LOVE THEM! I couldn't resist adding some bling to her dress. Remember you can click on the picture to enlarge!! Hope you enjoy!!!

Stamps: Pink Cat Studio and PTI (background)
Ink: Momento ink, versamark dazzle
Accessories: Copic markers, Spica glitter pens, nestabilities, ribbon and scallop edge punch

Otter

Baseball paperweight

2009-10-15T17:14:00.002-04:00

Just a quick little gift I made for the kids baseball coach. Our neighbor has been their coach this season and he is truly fabulous. I know how hard it is to coach school age kids. I coached a 4th and 5th grade girls basketball team when I was in high school. Steve did fantastic work with these kids. You could really see the difference from beginning of the season to the end.

I used the largest Nestibility circle to cut the card, and then used the die itself as a pattern to trace the "stitching". I purchased the paperweight from Starlitstudio. They come in a pack of two! Cindy links to instructions on her blog. Thanks for looking!

Stamps: PTI and Gina K
Ink: PTI Smokey Shadow and True Black
CS: PTI Stampers Select White
Pen: Spica

Otter

Yahoo for MISH!!!

2009-10-13T10:19:00.003-04:00

Did you all see the sneak peak of Michelle Wooderson's new stamp set being released by Papertrey Ink this month!!?? If only it could have come a few weeks sooner!! I love making these little notebooks! What a great set this is going to be in my stash!!

Otter

Craft Show Season

2009-10-08T14:34:00.007-04:00

That time of year is upon us. My first show is this weekend. I didn't get as much done as I would have liked, but here is one thing I am pretty proud of. It really isn't that much, but here in Buckeye town...I hope they are big hits! Our local Camera shop has a scrapbook section that had these limited edition Quik-kutz dies. I don't think the Varsity letters are LE, but the Buckeye leaf and Buckeyes sure are!! I was soooooo excited when my friend sent me the link to these! Made a special trip out that same day! These are little post-it note holders. Great to throw in a purse or bag!!

O-H-I-O!! Go Bucks!

Digi Scrap and Scrapblog!!

2009-09-11T12:45:00.003-04:00

I am patiently waiting for my pictures to get here! There was NO WAY I was going to print 300 pics myself. Meanwhile...the girls over at Eclectic Paperie informed me of a site I have never seen or heard of before. Scrapblog.com I spent some time over there this morning, just to pacify!! It worked!!

Otter

Summer has come and gone

2009-09-05T11:15:00.005-04:00

It kept me away from the blog, but now that things are semi back to normal, I'll be back as well!! I thought I'd show you a little of what kept me occupied!!

Do you notice all the different teams. There are three there, and one more that I didn't get pictures of. Baseball started in May and went through the end of July. The first week of August we left for vacation, and spent a wonderful eight days here...

There is another two baseball teams that started as soon as we got back...but only last for about seven weeks!! Schools back in session now, and life can return to that semi-normal state!! I hope you all enjoyed your summer as I sure did!!

Otter

Happy Birthday Joyful!!

2009-05-27T23:10:00.006-04:00

It's your special day Joy!! OCL is releasing a special set called Hangin' Loose with Kona. This set will only be available at eclectic paperie A little birdy told me that Joy loves Kona! Well as a birthday surprise to Joy, eP is going to release this set a day early so we all can celebrate Joy's birthday!! Isn't he cute! Make sure you scoop him up while you can! He's only going to be around for a limited time!!

Happy Birthday Joy!! I'll miss you this August!! I'm sure someone else will invade your table space!!

Otter

Nine years ago...

2009-05-19T22:57:00.002-04:00

Otter

Nine years ago this mintue I was starting out on an adventure. An adventure in parenting. Anxiously awaiting the birth of my first child. It started with a trip to Chipotle for the "last meal" before the induction...not knowing it would be over 36 hours before I'd eat again, I probably would have chose something better!! LOL! 25 hours of the most enjoyable labor...ha ha ha, He was finally here. Happy Birthday G!! Love you!

Baby Showers

2009-05-12T15:58:00.004-04:00

Once again I am finding LOADS of gals at work having babies. Seriously during the 10years I have worked on this floor there has always been at least one person pregnant. My latest baby shower gifts have been so fun to do! Little onesie t-shirt!! Iron on transfers make them super easy to do! I've found it best to stamp the images the night before to let them dry completely prior to coloring with Copics. You can even personalize them, as seen. Just remember that you do not stamp with alphabets onto the transfer. They'll be backwards when you iron them on. Stamp directly onto the t-shirt. I used PTI's hybrid ink. Enjoy!

Otter

Toothless Grins!!

2009-03-23T16:43:00.004-04:00

I now have another toothless child in the house, so I need to work on her layout...but here's Gav's. Pictures are about two and half years old! Slow scrapper here. I used Tim Holtz new Distressed Stickles on the chipboard "t". LOVE THEM! I've had them forever and decided I should start using those things that are taking up space! I'm patiently waiting for Spring. The cold stuff can go anytime!

Otter

Spots

2009-03-06T14:47:00.005-04:00

I have spots on the brain. Empty spots...from the previous post...OOPS!

I love this picture of Lauren. I was glad the flash wasn't turned on! Perfect place at the perfect time!

It is hard to see, but there are "spots" stamped all over the piece of Yo-Yo Yellow cardstock.

Anyway...now that I've figured out my new computer...I hope to have more posts again! Have a great day!

Otter

More Holly Cakes

2008-12-08T11:57:00.001-04:00

Have I told you that I love this image? It happens to be the Stamp of the Month over at Ellen's store!! Check it out! She has an adorable little kit put together! Enjoy!

Otter

I've missed everyone!!

2008-12-05T17:55:00.004-04:00

It's been a long time...are you still out there?!? LOL! Hustle and Bustle of the upcoming Holidays I am sure! I have managed to sneak in some stamping! Over the next couple of days, I'll show you some cute little Holiday 3x3 cards! They are so fun and easy to make! This one was inspired by one seen on SCS. It's starting to get really cold here...hope you all are staying warm! (no comments MOM!)

Otter

Tired!

2008-11-21T10:54:00.003-04:00

Not of stamping, just tired! I was one of the crazy fans at the midnight showing of Twilight last night. Great movie. It did the book well. There were a few things I would have like to see included, but I guess when you are trying to fit a 500 page book into a 125 page script...some things will get left out. Hopefully I'll be going again on Sunday with my niece. I'm am sure there are parts of the movie that I missed due to the chattering, oohing and ahhing that were taking place during the film...myself not included!

I wish I had something that was Twilight related to post today, but I don't. This is a simple Christmas card. I made a similar on for Valentines last year, using the Hearts CB folder rather than the Ornament. I love the ease of this! I colored the ornaments with Spica Pens, so they really sparkle...similar to Edward...ahh...

Otter

Holly Cakes

2008-11-17T10:57:00.002-04:00

Hi all! I hope you all had a great week last week. We had a nasty flu bug going around here. I had at least one kid home from school four out of five days. Thankfully that is finished. There was snow on the ground this morning. I REALLY dislike the snow!!! I REALLY dislike the cold!!! I REALLY dislike this time of year. The only bright spots are the upcoming holidays. A time to gather with family and friends.

Making Christmas cards for myself never gets accomplished, but I always seem to have a good business making cards for others. I have a great stash already done. This is just one! I love this Lockhart Holly Cupcake. I am finally using my stickles. Yeah! Enjoy and stay warm!

Otter

Friday Friend! ME!!!

2008-11-07T09:36:00.006-04:00

Imagine my surprise when I got an email from Taylor!! She chose me as Stamp a Sweet Impressions Friday Friend!! Yahoo! I'm not one of the most well known stampers in the blogasphere, so I am extremely honored!! You can read more about it HERE

I couldn't let this day go without something new to show you!! Guess what I've been playing with! Yep...SASI stamps.

I love this little guy!! Does anyone else have trouble leaving the cherries alone? I HAVE to either use a glaze pen or Stickles on them. I find myself a little sad if there is no cherry to embellish! LOL! I paper pieced the cupcake liner to match the pattern paper. I hope you all enjoy! Thanks again Taylor! I can't wait to see what is coming next from SASI!!!

Otter

Birthday Cuppie!

2008-11-04T19:51:00.003-04:00

I have a new addiction... Stamp a Sweet Impression Stamps by Taylored Expressions. So cute! I MUST have them all!

The pattern paper is a free pack of MME from Archivers. The colors of the paper were a perfect match for PTI cardstock. Yahoo! Throw on a few dew drops from Ellen's store, SU! stitched ribbon, and you've got it! Enjoy!

Otter

Super Simple!

2008-10-28T09:57:00.002-04:00

I made a set of these cards in no time at all. The new "Holiday Tag Collection" from PTI works great for something like this. There are so many different styles of tags to choose from. I am so glad I bought this set!

Otter

A Little Bit Longer...

2008-10-24T22:03:00.003-04:00

I am not sure if many of you know that Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers has Type 1 diabetes like my Jillian. We were listening to their new CD today...well everyday, but I have never paid attention to the words before. The last song on the CD is titled "A Little Bit Longer" I caught the last verse and had to rewind to listen to the whole song. Needless to say I was in tears after...here are the lyrics. Just sharing a reflection of Nick's struggles, as well as all other afflicted, with Juvenile diabetes. Thanks Nick.

A Little Bit Longer

Got the news today
Doctor said I had to stay
A little bit longer
And I'll be fine
When I thought it'd all been done
When I thought it'd all been said
A little bit longer
And I'll be fine

Chorus:
But you don't know what you got
'Till it's gone
And you don't know what it's like
To feel so low
Everytime you smile or laugh you glow
You don't even know
No no
You don't even know

All this time goes by
Still no reason why
A little bit longer
And I'll be fine
Waitin' on a cure
But none of them are sure
A little bit longer
And I'll be fine

Chorus x2

So I wait 'till kingdom come
All the highs and lows are gone
A little bit longer
And I'll be fine
I'll be
Fine

Otter

Another BIG GAME!!

2008-10-23T13:57:00.004-04:00

Yes I'm talking Buckeyes again!! There's a big game this weekend with Penn State. While I appreciate JoePa's vivaciousness at the age of 80 something...He doesn't need another Big Ten Championship, or National Title!! HA!

At my retreat this past August, Pine taught us how to solder. I had already purchased all the need supplies from Ellen, but had never used them...or tried once, and that project LOOK HORRIBLE!! Well I tried again after my lessons, and I have to say...I AM GETTING BETTER!!! I found this OSU paper at my LSS. This is the only design on this paper so image my surprise when I found that it fit the 1" square punch!!! There must be over 200 of these images on this sheet of 12x12!! I tore apart a Buckeye bracelet for the bead at the bottom. I suppose I could have made more, but that would have taken too long!! I love the way they turned out!!

GO BUCKS!!!

Otter

More than just Bandaids

2008-10-19T12:21:00.002-04:00

I've had these tins FOREVER!! Gift cards fit perfect. I also figured, similar to the purses, that packs of gum, chap stick, nail polish etc...could fit inside. I had some left over scraps from the purses I made, and they fit perfectly. I am quickly falling in love with this Lockhart image, available from Ellen Hutson LLC. You can find the link on my sidebar. Enjoy!

Otter

Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers...

2008-10-17T16:53:00.003-04:00

Is that how that tongue twister goes? I wonder if that one was written by a stamper? Just a quick little card I whipped up a few weeks ago for my niece. I'm on a PTI kick lately!! Matter of fact...I just unpacked a new box with this months releases!! WOO HOO!!

Otter

Velvet Branches

2008-10-15T16:08:00.004-04:00

I am really loving Heather's Rustic Branches Set. I can't wait to get my hands on this months release! This is another card using her first set. I had so friends send me multiple colors of velvet ric rac...a long time ago. I have been hoarding that stuff!! It is gorgeous! This green color is a perfect match for SU's new Kiwi Kiss. I may have to purchase more!! Hope you enjoy!

Otter

Stationary box Purses

2008-10-09T19:02:00.003-04:00

So I am in super stamp mode. I have a craft show this weekend, that I THOUGHT was next weekend!! I even took a vacation day next week to prepare...but NO it is this Saturday! Crud! Needless to say Saturday is going to be busy. I have to go to the show all day, and then to work all night. Nothing a little caffeine won't fix! LOL!

Anyway, these are little Stationary Box Purses that Nichole Heady shared on her blog. They are so simple to do. For these I used different papers by Basic Grey, along with Lockhart and PTI stamps. I was so excited to find that inchies will fit in the center of the JustRite Stamper circle!! Hmmm...that gets me thinking! I figured these could be used for gift cards, lipstick, nail polish, etc...anything girly!

Otter

What season is it anyway?!?!

2008-10-06T08:48:00.002-04:00

So I can't decide if it is time for Halloween or Christmas! I usually just make whatever, with no rhyme or reason. LOL! Today it is Halloween! This little kitty is from an old CTMH set. I don't even know if it is still available. There are four stamps in this set. A ghost, an angel, a witch and a pumpkin. They are so fun and easy to color. Enjoy!

Otter

Joy and Happiness

2008-10-04T23:22:00.006-04:00

I loved this PTI set Snowflake Serenade as soon as I saw it. It fascinates me how no two are ever alike. As I was "patiently" waiting for Pine's new Rustic Snowflake set to arrive, I made this card with a Piney influence. I challenge you to find something Heather made that does not utilize white pigment ink. Like identical snowflakes, I'd bet it doesn't exist. (OK I found a few...but not many!) I can't wait for Rustic Snowflakes to get here!

Otter

Witching you a Happy Halloween

2008-09-26T10:48:00.003-04:00

Another Halloween card today. This one uses the new Spooky Sweets Two set from PTI! What a great set to create just about anything with! All those kids treats for school, cards, tags you name it! We're off her shortly to see a new family member. Our niece had a baby last night! I get to snuggle with babies every night at work, but when it is family...it's different!!

Otter

Rustic Peace

2008-09-22T16:57:00.003-04:00

By now many of you have seen Piney's stamp set "Rustic Branches" that she created for Papertrey Ink. I contemplated for a long time not to use the set and leave it in the autographed box!! LOL! I thought...would Pine want me to do that?!?! HECK NO!! She'd want to see what everyone was up to with her first stamp set. So "Rustic Branches" is no longer clean!! Such a fun set to work with. So Pine!! Love it Piney! Congrats again!

Twilight Anyone?

2008-09-18T10:53:00.010-04:00

"Do I dazzle you?" Has to be my favorite quote from the book. Last week during the computer outage thing, I started reading a new to me book series. After much encouragement, I picked up Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga. OMG!! I am in love! It took me approximately 5 days to finish all four books. Who cares that it was suppose to be written for teenagers. We are always teenagers at heart right?

There is an ongoing feud between a group of friends. The feud is who has the "right" to Edward. I had to throw myself into the mix!! Taylor's stamps could not have come at a better time! I'll have figure out a way to make Edward "dazzle"!!

Huge Apology and a Winner!

2008-09-18T10:53:00.002-04:00

My two days without Internet, turned into 10 days of waiting and calling, and waiting and calling, and waiting and calling. You get my picture. I was ready to throw in the towel and cancel with this company all together! Anyway our service is now up and running. So now I can pick a winner for the blog candy!! Sorry for the delay! Random.org picked

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

11 Timestamp: 2008-09-18 14:57:11 UTC

Brenda said...
Congrats on your 100th post...you go girl!! 'Love your gift card holders! Thanks for this chance to win sweet candy!
~Brenda H

Brenda if you could please email me your address, I'll get your package in the mail!!!

Hang with me! Please!

2008-09-10T01:16:00.003-04:00

Hang with me!! My Internet is down!!! Well actually my computer! My laptop is broke therefore no wireless! I'm sneaking in right now!! Don't tell! I'll draw a winner for Otter Bits tonight!! My DSL will be operational at 7pm!! Sorry for the delay!

One more day for Otter Bits!!

2008-09-07T19:23:00.005-04:00

You still have one more day to get in the drawing for Otter Bits. See the post below!!!

I've had some request for Halloween cards. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I am a SUCKER for anything Halloween. For this card I use an stamp from Inky Antics. If you are like me you have tons of scrapbook paper just sitting in your craft room. I am on a mission to use what I have. (at least that is what I am telling myself) We won't count the box I just got from eP last week! Anyway this is old SU! DSP, before they went double sided! I am so glad that all their paper is now double sided!

100 posts!!!

2008-09-05T11:41:00.006-04:00

It only took me a year and a half to reach, but I did it! This is my 100th blog post!! Yahoo! It's time to celebrate! I put together a box of "Otter Bits" for you all.

What's in there? In honor of my new job, I've made this round of Otter bits baby themed. There is fun flock, ribbon, notecards, pre-cut note pads and baby embossed card stock. All for you to enjoy and create your own cute baby things!

Now in an ideal world, I would have something baby related to show you today...but I don't.

I am in Craft Show mode, therefore, everything lately has been holiday related. Today I have these cute little gift card holders that my friend MY, or Michelle, showed me. They use one peice of double sided paper cut to 4.25 x 11, scored at 3, 5.5 and 8 inches.

The notch is cut using a circle punch and the word widow punch.

A gift card will slip easily inside! So easy! I love them! Gift card holders were a "big" item at last years show, let's hope the same goes this year!

So you want in on the Otter Bits? Just leave a comment on this post and on Monday, I will use the Random Generator to pick a winner.

O-H-I-O!!!

2008-09-01T15:57:00.003-04:00

Game one is over!! 1-0 baby!! I am a little disappointed that Beanie Wells got injured!! He can't catch a break. He was hurt the first part of last season as well. Jillian, my middle DD, is nicknamed Beanie. She loves when she hears his name called on TV! LOL. Anyway, on to the post. I can't believe that I haven't posted this before. These are the party favors I did for my nieces wedding. They had a Buckeye theme. My SIL made...I don't know how many Buckeyes. The bag topper was made using a retired SU! sets Simply Circles and Artfully Asian. Computer generated text. I love how they turned out, as did the Bride and Groom!!

Eight and Half Years Late!!

2008-08-31T16:14:00.004-04:00

I am FINALLY done with my son's Birth Announcements. He just turned eight in May. Better late than never right? I know I procrastinate...but NOT that bad. A co-worker recently had a baby, and I made her announcements for her. I made a prototype for her to see. Being that her little guy was not yet here...I used Gavin as a demo. I love how these turned out. I got a chance to use my sewing machine again. I'm getting better!! I love how the Just Rite Stampers can be used for so many different themes and ideas!! The possibilities are endless!! This idea was inspired by Debbie Olson. I just LOVE her blog!!

Three dozen are completed and ready to be dropped in the mail on Tuesday! YES they have the correct information. The only thing Jenn needs to do is add the picture!! I sure hope she likes them!

Thanks Girls!

2008-08-30T11:11:00.004-04:00

I received this wonderful award from my Hoot-a-rific friend Heather!! I call her Hooty or Hoots!! You can check out her blog HERE Thanks Hoots!!

I was also tagged a few weeks ago by another awesome blogger, Keri at Pink Lemonade
Her tag requires six random thoughts...this one was tough for me! Probably why it has taken me so long to respond!! Let's try.

1. Since today is the season opener for the Buckeyes!!! O-H!! (you respond with I-O!) Of course you would know that if you were a Buckeye fan!

2. What bad habits do you have? For me, not so much now, but when I was younger, anytime I was on a ball diamond, I'd spit on or lick my fingers! I know gross. It was like I was doing that subconsciously. A friend sat one game and counted the number of times that would happen in an inning. I can't remember the number, but I remember being embarrassed!!

3. The Olympics really got me missing Volleyball. I played four years of Varsity in college, and really miss it!

4. Do you ever start typing things and your fingers work faster than your brain. We do all computer charting at work, and often times I find my self typing something from work. For instance. If I want to type the word difficult or available...they often come out difficulty and availability. Those are two words I write often at work.

5. I wish I were a better gardener!! I HATE pulling weeds, therefore...it never gets done!!

6. GO BUCKS!! Had to start and end with that!! I'm crazy I know...but not as bad as my Brother and Sister in law!!

Now to tag other people!! There are sooo many out there it is too difficult to choose. If you read this consider yourself tagged!! How about that!!

New Store!!!

2008-08-26T16:06:00.001-04:00

Well not really...but my good friend Cindy opened a NEW and IMPROVED Starlitstudio!!! You'll find the link on my sidebar!! The store looks great Cindy!

Back from the Retreater!!

2008-08-20T11:11:00.003-04:00

Another retreat has come and gone! This one was no less memorable that last year!! That's what happens when you get togeter with 20+ of the bestest friends!!! Pine and HB did a fantastic job with this year's retreat. I am so grateful for each of them! To top it off we got to celebrate with Pine as her first stamp set was released through Papertrey Ink!! Congrats Piney!!! I'm already looking forward to next year!!

Progression Page

2008-07-22T21:29:00.002-04:00

It's been awhile since I showed a scrapbook page. The 8 1/2 x 11 portion of this page was made at a Stampin' Up! Regional that I attend a few years back. I personally like 12 x 12 pages better, so I converted the page.

Jillian has always, since a small age, loved having her picture taken. You pull out the camera, and she smiles!! Still does, 5 1/2 years after these pictures were taken.

Man I need to pull out my pictures to work on new pages!! I miss this!

Welcome to the Neighborhood

2008-07-18T14:12:00.002-04:00

We have new neighbor across the street. I used the PTI set Boards and Beams to create this little welcome gift. I love the ease of the nugget tins. I should probably stop hoarding them...ya think?

Coloring Fun...

2008-07-12T09:40:00.003-04:00

I was just wanting to color the other day, so I picked out my patterned paper and matching Copic Markers, and colored. Nothing special and for nothing specific...just for fun. Basket image is Anna Wight's available at Whippersnapperdesigns.com Enjoy!

FORE!!!!

2008-07-07T18:07:00.004-04:00

I found THIS cute little pattern on SCS for these golf tee holders. Actually my Mom found them. Anyway, I thought they'd be perfect as little birthday add ons and Christmas stocking stuffers. When I searched with the word "Golf" on SCS, I found a card using the CB embossing folders to make the texture of the golf ball!! So ingenious!! I hope you aren't tired of seeing this paper yet!! Still using up scraps! LOL!

I just noticed I'm over 25K hits!! Woo Hoo! I'll have to get up some Otter Bits!! Thanks to all of those that stop by!

NSR...Is anyone else excited about The Bachelorette Finale tonight?!?! I like both, but I SOOOOOOO want her to pick Jesse!!!

Hip Hip Hooray!!

2008-07-01T15:12:00.003-04:00

I've been wanting these stamps from All That Scraps for a LONG time. Remember my infatuation with monkeys?!? I used up some left over scraps of DS paper. This is by MME Tres Jolie line. I colored the with copics. I am so glad I swiped my mom's button box before she moved! Thanks MOM!

Clearly Creative Blog Hop

2008-06-25T17:01:00.002-04:00

I have to say when I read Nichole's challenge for this month's blog hop, I was a little intimidated. In the past transparencies and I have NOT gotten along. If anyone can clue me in on how NOT to get fingerprints I would truely appreciate that! LOL! I decided to try one more time. I am not good with an exacto knife or free hand cutting so I knew I had to use the transparency as my card base. My layout was inspired by a beautiful snowflake card made by my friend Sue. I would love to show you Sue's card, BUT SHE DOES NOT HAVE A BLOG!!!! UH UM MISS SUE!!

I stamped the little sailboat image from Bitty Baby Blessings in Brilliance ink and colored with my copics. I believe it was Niki who had this color combo on her blog. I LOVED it. Aqua Mist, red and white...who would have knew!! I debated whether to put the tiny baby face on the sail. I let my kids vote...two to one they said no faces. I can always add them later. I even fired up my ancient sewing machine!!! This was F-U-N!!

Wedding Wishes

2008-06-25T14:54:00.003-04:00

ETA...I will be participating in the bloghop this evening, so please come back!! I can't wait!

Life throws curve balls at you and the past few weeks have been no exception. My mind has been different places at different times throughout the past two weeks, I think I am still searching for it!! I did manage to get a few things done in the stamp room! I HAD to have PTI's Grid line Guide stamp set. I will say...it will take some practice. I took Nichole's advise and tried on some scratch paper first. I probably should have continued to "practice"!! This was a card I made per request of a co-worker.

Quick notes

2008-05-31T14:08:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone. Quick post today. I'm running on fumes. Work was busy busy busy last. I' going on about three hours of sleep. There are toothpicks holding my eyelids up!!!

This cute little card is a 6x3. Bevie Pearl the challenge queen issued the 6x3 inch card challenge several weeks back. I made up a small card set using different sentiments. This size card will fit into the standard size mailing envelope. These are a quick and easy size.

Hope you all are having a great weekend.

It's about time!!!

2008-05-28T17:00:00.005-04:00

It is finally here!! PTI's Blog Hop!! This is my first time participating, and I hope you all enjoy!

Let me start by saying that this card is being saved for my best friend. Suzy and I have been friends since we were 5 years old. I HAVE BEEN WAITING AND WAITING (and I'm still waiting!!) for her and husband to have children. So Suze if your reading this...you know what I'm gonna say!!

My post earlier this week was my original design, but I felt the scoring wasn't visible enough.

I then had the idea to try something different. Using my favorite new tool...the Scor-pal...I added score lines to the onesie from the Bitty Blessings stamp set. I-Candy Shimmery chalk (a perfect match for the new Lavender Moon IMHO) was rubbed onto the score lines. I have feeling that I am going to have to stock up on the 6x6 paper pads from PTI. I find myself reaching for these colors all the time!! More so than my SU! colors! I wish I had yellow fun flock. I would have loved to make the little ducky fuzzy!! I hope you all enjoy!! I'm sure I'll be busy "hopping"!

Changing minds!!

2008-05-25T12:57:00.003-04:00

I had originally made this card for the upcoming PTI blog hop but....changed my mind. It just felt it didn't meet the challenge requirements enough. So here you have it!! I have another one already made for the hop so I'll be back later this week!!! Enjoy!

Graduation Season

2008-05-21T13:42:00.002-04:00

With the end of another school year fast approaching, so are the request for graduation cards. Living in a suburb of Columbus, there are MANY local school districts with in range!! This was for a friend in Westerville.

I have never attempted a Mishy Criss Cross card. Quite fun and much easier than anticipated. There is a tutorial on SCS for the criss cross card. Look in the resource section.

Pretty simple here. I used Karen Foster Snap stamps for the front lettering. I sure wish I would have gotten all sizes of those stamps! I love them for custom phrases!!

I hope everyone enjoys!

Challenge

2008-05-19T13:30:00.005-04:00

I don't usually get a chance to participate in challenges, but today was different. Lauren M. posted a challenge on her blog this morning along with a sketch!! I LOVE sketches!! This on immediately went into my sketch book.

My son's birthday is tomorrow, as well as his baseball coach. I used the same sketch and colors for both cards.

It's always fun to see how different stamps make the same sketch look completely different.

For Gavin's card I just flipped the sketch to a horizontal layout.

Birthday Chick!

2008-05-17T10:34:00.005-04:00

Good sunny Saturday morning all! It has been gloomy here all week, but now the sun is shining!! It is not the 80 degree weather that I sooooooo desperately need, but at least there is sun!

This is just a little birthday card I did for my daughter to take to a birthday party. The image is one of the calendar chicks by Stampendous, available at Eclectic Paperie. You can find the link on the side bar. Remember you can click on the pictured to enlarge the photo! I say you must...to see the sparkle!!!

Hope the sun is shining where you are!! Enjoy your weekend.

Feel Better?

2008-05-13T09:51:00.005-04:00

I got a "Parcel" in the mail yesterday. New stamps from Pink Cat Studio!! I have seen this cutie on many blogs!! Her name is Lily, but you have the option of personalizing her if you'd like, (Which I did!! Jillian LOVED that) Of course now she thinks this set is "hers" There is a little boy name Billy and he is just as cute!

Of course I had to use the nurse hat first. These are fun. It's just like having paper dolls again!! Obviously masking is required. I use Eclipse tape from either eP or Ellen. I love love love this tape!! I have the big roll and it doesn't ever seem like I will run out! Hope you enjoy!

Summer Sun on a Gloomy Monday

2008-05-12T09:23:00.003-04:00

I am sooooooo ready for summer. It's ugly here today. Gloomy, gray and cold. Only 50 degrees!! Where is the sun, where is the heat?!?!?

Maybe this will cheer me up. Another card using PTI stamps. Layout is none other than Michelle Wooderson's. I am sooooooo excited that I get to see her in August!!

I hope it is sunny where ever you are!! Enjoy! Have a great day!

PTI obsession

2008-05-09T09:33:00.003-04:00

So how many of you earned the Papertrey Ink anniversary set? Ashamed...I'll admit I met my quota long before February rolled around. Nichole showed us this card using the anniversary set "Simple Little Things". It was love at first site for me. I love the look of the clear embossing. I took this card one step further. I used a sponge dauber with Whisper White Craft ink and went over the embossing. It makes the embossing pop out that much more. The piercing was done with an Ornare piercing template available at Ellen Hutson's store here. Only a few more days until we get to see the next installment of PTI madness!! I can't wait...can you?

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-04T17:08:00.003-04:00

A quick little card, using one of PTI's new sets, Women of life. I am really loving their colors. I have since ordered the matching ribbon. This one uses May Arts ribbon, available from Cindy at StarlitStudio. Off to work. Everyone have a great day!

Mission Control

2008-04-25T18:33:00.005-04:00

Mission Control...this is Otter. Secret Stamping mission is completed!!

My good friend BP sent several friends a stamping secret mission. Everyone had something different. BP is the best challenge organizer!! Thanks BP!

Tag Book Tutorial

2008-04-19T11:35:00.019-04:00

Remember this post. This is the long overdue follow up. Here is what you need...

2 matching patterned 12x12 sheets of designer paper
1 patterned 12x12 sheet of coordinating designer paper
2 sheets of coordinating cardstock, either 8 1/2 x 11 or 12x12
2 pieces of 6x6 cardboard, chipboard, mat board, etc.
Sticky strip or strong adhesive of choice.
Hole punch or Crop-a-dial
matching ribbon

Your first step will be to cut a 7 inch square from both of the matching designer papers. Adhere one 7 inch square of DP on to each piece of 6x6 cardboard/chipboard/mat board.

Miter the corners and adhere inward covering the cardboard. Here you can see one mitered, and one not.

Next cut a 6 inch square from the solid piece of cardstock and score 1/2 inch, flipping it over each 1/2. Your score lines should appear opposite, meaning the first would be a valley, the next a mountain, etc. Clear as mud?

Cut off 1 inch of the fold

Fold this one inch piece in half and punch a hole through the middle. This is your template. Put aside and save for later.

Accordion fold the now 5x6 inch scored cardstock. Punch three holes in the 3 mountain side using the template you created in the above step. With your Crop-a-dial you could do all three at once. (Four mountains go on the inside of the book)

Put ribbon through the holes

Adhere the binding onto the inside of your cardboard

Cut two 6 inch squares from the coordinating DS paper and glue to the inside of the cardboard, covering the binding. At this step I also adhered the ribbon to the inside of the covers so that it was hidden.

Use the remainder of the cardstock and DS paper to make 2 1/2 x 5 inch tags. Punch a hole in the top and put in matching fiber or ribbon. Adhere these tags inside the book.

Covers can be decorated ad lib. SU! Simply Scrappin' kits work great for this project. There are plenty of supplies in one kit to create this. Try it out!! Be sure to post a link here for all to see! Thanks for looking!

Baby Blue

2008-04-19T10:13:00.003-04:00

Hi all! Something from the archives. I've been working on party favors for my niece's wedding, so card stamping has been put on the back burner! I'm almost done.

This card is one made using GinaK's "How Sweet it is" stamp set. I am falling in love with Kraft cardstock. I just realized last night I am down to a few sheets!! ACK!!! I know Pine would not like to hear me say that! Hope you all enjoy!

I'm working on some Graduation and Mother's day cards after the bag toppers are complete!! I'll be back later this weekend! Have a great day!

Realization

2008-04-09T09:39:00.002-04:00

My parents have been in town this week, cleaning out the last few things from their condo. While here, Mom asked me to stamp some images for her, so she can color on her cruise to Rome. Yeah right!! I'll be curious to see how much spare time she has! LOL!! Anyway, while stamping images from a multitude of companies, I realized that not all are created equal. Some company's stamps are so much easier to get a crisp image with. Even with a light touch. I've never really noticed a difference before, maybe because I've never "multi-stamped" this quantity before. Just a thought that was running through my head as I was stamping.

Hang in There!!!

2008-03-28T08:27:00.004-04:00

My friend Mish is celebrating her one year blog anniversary this month and is giving away lots of prizes. Today she's hosting a fun scavenger hunt and she's asked me to help her out. If you want to play along and be entered for the prize drawings, check out her blog HERE. There are 13 questions that you have to answer correctly. Mish has selected 13 of her blogging friends, including me, to each post one of the answers to her questions. So if you're playing along, you've come to the right place.

So let the fun begin!! I have always had a *thing* for primates!! It started way back in my childhood. My dream has always been to spend time with Dian Fossey or Jane Goodall. I had/have an extensive collection of gorillas, apes, and monkeys. Everything from stuffed animals, magnets, clothes, dishware, etc... Do you see where I'm going? I HAD to have this stamp!! It is by Whippersnapper. Don't you love him?!?!?

In honor of Mishy's blogaversary, I decided to use one of her layouts. Mish has always been an inspiration to me. I had the pleasure, a couple of years ago, to spend a weekend with her. She is just as sweet IRL as she comes across on her blog!! I soooooo hope she gets to the retreat this fall!! So for those of you on the scavenger hunt...I have lucky number 13!!! I'm not going to come right out and say it, but you can find the answer somewhere in this post!!!

Good Luck!! Have fun monkeying around!!

Baubles!!!

2008-03-26T17:17:00.002-04:00

Baubles seem to be all the rage right now! I love that they come in so many colors. these are acrylic baubles from Starlitstudio. I like the uniformity of shape. Cindy has a great selection of colors. I don't have any of the dew drops...yet...so I can't compare. One thing I did hear was that you can customize the clear baubles with your copic markers!! Doesn't that sound fun.

I'm digging deep!

2008-03-22T10:55:00.006-04:00

I am going back into the files to find some things that I haven't uploaded. All of the recent things I've made have been the hurry up type...therefore no pictures. Things like birthday cards, Easter baskets, etc...all made and out the door the same day! This is a little tag scrapbook I made at a retreat back in August!! We are going again this year and I CANNOT WAIT!!!! For this book, you use two pieces of mat board for the cover. My mom was and X-ray tech before she retired, and she gave me a box of thin cardboard that came with her films. I cut two pieces 6x6 and covered them with the DP. I used paper from a retired Simply Scrapping kit by SU!. Actually the whole thing uses pieces from the SS Kit.

The binding is an accordion folded piece, with ribbon through it to keep the book from flopping around. On the inside there are eight tags where you can put pictures, journaling or embellishments. What ever you choose.

I was really quite surprised how easy this went together. Let me know if you'd like to see a tutorial and I'll see what I can do! Remember you can click on the pictures to see a closer view. Thanks for looking!

Blizzard 2008

2008-03-17T09:41:00.009-04:00

Ok I don't know if it can official be coined a "blizzard". We didn't have the required wind speed or decreased visibility for the proper amount of time, but in all sense of the word...it was a blizzard!! No fun driving home from work during the first round, that's for sure.

Here is looking out my garage door. This is after/during the first round. If you add another 10 inches to this, you will have our total.

This is as far as my car would make it into the driveway. My neighbors were kind enough to help me dig out so I could get it in the garage. The last thing I wanted to do was shovel after working a 12 hour night shift!!

After it was all said and done...we had a fantastic time playing!!! Here are the girls...and dad enjoying a fun trip down the cart path hill!! Not a very steep hill, but it work great for the girls first time sledding!!

Dennis giving out free sled rides!!

Before any of you ask...Gavin was down the street playing with friends. He would have much rather had snowball fights with them, then to sled with his "little" sisters.

Bunny Hugs!

2008-03-11T08:48:00.002-04:00

I have wanted this Inky Antics image for a very long time. Imagine my surprise when it was a choice for a door prize last August! Someone must have been thinking about me! I had to use several different copic markers to get the right "shade" of orange. Alittle Piney influence on the Kraft paper. Speaking of Pine...check out her latests blog post!! I am in total awe!!

Birthday Wishes!!

2008-03-03T12:39:00.004-04:00

Like many of you, I assume, my patterned paper "collection" is OUT OF CONTROL!! When deciding what colors to pick for images, I always find the paper I want to use first. Too many times I have colored an image, only to find out I have no paper that matches. Lessons learned I guess.

For this card I used GinaK's "How sweet it is! " set. This piece of cake is becoming one of my favorites. Do you see how the ribbon is a perfect match? That is because I used the Copic markers on them as well. I started with solid white grosgrain ribbon, then used the broad tip on my Copic sketch markers to color the ribbon. What I love about this tip besides the matching part, is that it acts as stiffener. It makes adding adhesive to the ribbon much easier. The ribbon can be *worked* so that it softens and ties a nice bow. The matching brad...you guessed it...colored with a Copic as well.

The layout for this card is a case of a card that Pam Hooten did a year of so ago. I have used it many times for different occasions. You can see her original card here. Thanks Pi!! I love the little clippy sentiment!! Enjoy!

Speed Stamping!!

2008-02-28T16:25:00.002-04:00

A group of online friends had a speed stamping weekend. Five card layouts were posted and as LZ would say...we were to "Get 'er Done"! I decided to make four of my five layouts with Bella's. I chose my colors for this card based on my patterned paper, although hard to tell. The orange in the paper is covered by the image. I LOVE these color together!! Copic markers were used to color Bella! Have a great rest of the day!! Enjoy!

Facelift

2008-02-25T18:33:00.003-04:00

I Otter Be Stamping needed a little face lift! My good friend Bethie so graciously obliged!!! Freckled Fun Designs is awesome to work with...I told her what colors, theme, and font I wanted...and PRESTO!! Awesome Bethie!!! I love it!! Thank you so much!! Need your own blog face lift? Click the "Got Freckles" logo on the right hand sidebar!!

Chunky Glitter

2008-02-24T21:01:00.003-04:00

I FINALLY got to go to an upline meeting. It has been several months of conflicts. Finally I got to go...and I am glad I did. Mel had chunky glitter for us to play with. SU! brought this out with their new catty. I have to say...I like it! Mel posed a card challenge to us, using sticky cuts and chunky glitter. Winner would receive a pack of Metallic Brushed Gold Cardstock. Woo Hoo!! I won!!

For this card, I used an old Sketch of Beate's. The flower is from the Sticky Cuts sheet. A note of caution...this is not two sided!!! You must stick the white layer down to your card first (using adhesive of choice), and then peel of the red liner. I made the mistake of putting on the white glitter first. I ended up picking black glitter out of the white!! I don't think the white would have shown on the black as much. Enjoy!!!

Just Hatched

2008-02-21T16:33:00.006-04:00

Since we recieved about 5 inches of snow in less than 3 hours, I shut myself in my basement and played with a few new things!! I know that's no where near the quantities alot of you see...but here in central Ohio...that's like 12 feet!! LOL!

I just love this little chick from Stampendous. To color the egg I used the technique Painted Pearls. Beate has a great tutorial for this technique HERE. I have one Aquapainter dedicated to Future Floor Wax, that way it is always available. The chick itself is colored with Water Color Wonder Crayons and an aquapainter. I'm not sure about the white outline. I wanted to hopefully make her "pop" alittle, but I'm not sure I achieved that. LOL!

How about a sketch for you to try!!! This one was given to me by Keri during a VSN Weekend with several friends. Thanks Ker!! This card was Cased from Keri's original. I told Keri that working nights has affected my stamping mojo...original ideas are just not flowing freely. LOL!! I'd love to see your take!! Feel free to post a link in the comments!

Make a Wish!!

2008-02-11T12:38:00.001-04:00

When GinaK announced that her newest Stamp for a Cause set was going to benefit JDRF and the ADA, I knew I *had* to get it. My sweet little Jillian was diagnosed with diabetes alittle over three years ago, at the tender age of two. So young to be afflicted with this horrible disease. Even being a nurse, did not prepare me for the plan that lie ahead. I've learned alot in the past three years. Most importantly I've learned that my little "Jillybean" is one tough little girl. She makes me so proud.

Now to the card...

These images from "How Sweet it is!" are sooooo fun to color. I wanted something bright and cheery. I love how this one turned out. I used my copic markers. I just got a "few" more from Joy and Daisy. The icing has some sparkle to it, from the Spica Pens, but that doesn't show very well. The sentiment on this card is from the "Birthday Turtle" set by Inky Antics.

Enjoy, and please make a wish that they find a cure for diabetes!!!

I got nominated for an award!!

2008-02-11T02:14:00.000-04:00

I feel like I'm at the Grammy's!! My good friend Beth Silaika nominated me for this...

Thanks Bethie!! If you need watermarks or banners for your blog or other postings...she is the gal to go to!! She does amazing work!!

62 Hearts!!!

2008-02-08T12:48:00.000-04:00

Sixty-two 3x6" pieces of cardstock, sixty-two pieces of patterned paper, sixty-two punched hearts, and sixty-two tied bows!! That's what it took to get the kids school valentines finished!! Kristina Werner showed these cute little valentines on her blog. She stamped hearts and cut them out...I opted for even easier...punched hearts!! I hadn't done 3x3 cards prior to seeing her post. I love them!! So quick and easy!! I hope you enjoy!

2008-02-06T10:39:00.000-04:00

I'm sooooo tired of rain. I know it's not the severe weather some of you experienced yesterday. My heart and prayers go out to those affected by the storms.

I am going for bright cheer colors today. This is a card I made using the "My Friend Ronnie" line of stamps from Inky Antics. Joy and Daisy carry her at eP. She was so fun to color. I have not been able to put my copic markers down. They are by far, my color medium of choice now. I am having alittle stampers guilt though...my solid image stamps are being negleted. Anyone else feel that way? After I added the present, I thought it looked like Ronnie was *dreaming* of gifts. LOL

Oh well...off to the first round of school pickups!! Have a fantabulous day!!

Paper Hearts

2008-02-02T22:49:00.000-04:00

I soooo love this little image by American Art Stamps. I received her from an image swap with friends. We have done this every so often to "try before your buy"! I don't know if it is helpful or detrimental to my budget?!? LOL!! I colored her using copic markers. The patterened paper is sprayed with Glimmer Mist purchased from eP! Of course that is difficult to see in the picture. Ribbon is May Arts purchased from Cindy at Starlitstudio

What is everyone going to do for the game tomorrow? Will everyone be stamping? I have a class to teach. I am going to wager a bet that most mom's will come solo!!! My DH is watching a rerun of the '72 Dolphins in the Superbowl. Obsessed, I tell ya!! He has been rooting against New England all season!! To be nice...I will end this post with Go Giants!!

Major Milestone

2008-01-22T19:35:00.000-04:00

Can you guess what happened in our house today?!? I love this little purse idea that Nichole at PTI showed us. It uses the stationary boxes. They are just cut in half. SO INGENIOUS!!! Nichole posted a tutorial here. I can see many many uses for these purses. I know Jillian loved hers. How about filled with little lip glosses and nail polish for birthday gifts. A mini
composition book fits great also. (I'll show you that tomorrow) Perfect for gift card holders. I also tried Hershey nuggets. Twelve will fit sitting flat!! Woo hoo!! The possibilities are endless.

Happy Heart Day

2008-01-19T20:25:00.000-04:00

Almost one month down in '08!! Valentines day is fast approaching. I have been in crank out mode to get Valentine Cards done. I have been totally inspired, as of late, by Cami's use of sewing. I am pretty sure she uses the Janome Sew Mini...well I am not so lucky to own one. My sewing machine is circa 1950 something. The bobbin winder won't work, its HUGE, the tension is horrible...and I don't know how to fix it! It belonged to my Grandma, so of course I cannot get rid of it.

So why am I talking about sewing? Because that was my intent with this card. I wanted to stitch two pieces together, but couldn't get the silly sewing machine to work. I opted for faux stitching. It is really hard to get the pieces to stay in place!!

I guess I should start watching the adds at Hancock Fabrics!!

Two Tags and a Card

2008-01-15T13:42:00.000-04:00

Did you all read Michelle Wooderson's blog the day she posted about a little game of tag? A challenged was posed, and here is my take.

I used PTI Piece of Cake stamp set. I finally opened my textured cardstock from SU!! What the heck took me so long!! I always feel like I need some sort of background. The subtle texture of the cardstock, takes away that need. I only wish it was sold in 8 1/2 x 11.

The patterned paper was one that I NEEDED!! It is really sparkly in person. I hated to cut it, but alas...the new years resolution to use what I have. Aren't all paper crafters hoarders?!? It's OK to replace what you use right? That doesn't go against my resolution? On that note...I NEED more textured cardstock....

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-11T16:15:00.000-04:00

Only two weeks late, but who is counting!! I wish everyone of you a fantastic 2008!! For me, I am starting a new job in one week. I am very excited!! What does 2008 have in store for you?

Christmas Cards

2007-12-14T12:12:00.000-04:00

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

2007-11-30T10:06:00.000-04:00

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!!!

2007-11-24T09:43:00.000-04:00

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!!

2007-11-08T13:12:00.000-04:00

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....

2007-10-15T09:26:00.000-04:00

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!