Stamp Pretty

So sorry for my absence....

2011-11-26T16:47:00.000-05:00

I guess I just needed a break or ran out of things to say. (I guess that one is hard to believe). Then, a few days ago, I got locked out of my google account and couldn't get into my blog. Well, I am set now and expect to be much more regular about posting. I take my hat off to those of you that manage to post daily and keep it interesting. Speaking of interest, I have been spending a lot of time on Pinterest. I am a very visual person and I enjoy having a place that I can keep the cool stuff I find on the web and share it with friends and family. If you haven't checked Pinterest yet, you really need to try it. It doesn't take long to become addicted! Okay now for some cards:

Supplies all from Stampin' Up!
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, Not Quite Navy and Whisper White. Ink: Basic Black and Night of Navy Classic. Designer paper is retired "Green Tea". Stamps: "Fifth Avenue Floral."

Supplies:

Cardstock: Stampin' Up!'s Early Espresso, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, and Whisper White. Stamps: Retired incentive stamp (mouse in cup), and Delightful Dozen stamps. Ink: Early Espresso and Pumpkin Pie. Retired DSP, "Autumn Vine". Stampin' Write Markers. Generic brass star brads.

Supplies All from Stampin' Up!

Cardstock: Not Quite Navy and Whisper White, Designer paper is Paisley Petals . Stamp is from "Four Frames" which fits the Decorative Label punch. Ink is Not Quite Navy. Accessories: Bashful Blue grosgrain ribbon. SU embossing folder Finial Press.

Thanks for visiting!

My first fried green tomatoes...

2011-08-31T16:24:00.000-04:00

My daughter Carol gave me some beautiful Brandywine tomatoes that were still green so I decided to try making some fried green tomatoes. Now I had never tasted these so I was taking the word of the southerners I know that they were a real treat. The green tomatoes were so pretty I had to take a photo. I found a highly rated recipe on the web and started cooking. (or should I say frying?) Fried foods are not seen too often at our house so you can believe me when I tell you, I went through a roll of paper towels, draining and blotting these babies off. Truth be told, they were delish and we totally enjoyed them. The other photos show the tomatoes after frying and some of my tomatoes I have canned. Note to self: plant fewer cherry tomatoes next year. Thanks for checking in at my blog. I will have some cards next post.

If you would like to try this and have some green tomatoes, here is the recipe I used .

Ingredients

1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 medium-size green tomatoes, cut into 1/3-inch slices
Vegetable oil
Salt to taste

Preparation

Combine egg and buttermilk; set aside.
Combine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, cornmeal, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl or pan.
Dredge tomato slices in remaining 1/4 cup flour; dip in egg mixture, and dredge in cornmeal mixture.
Pour oil to a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch in a large cast-iron skillet; heat to 375°. Drop tomatoes, in batches, into hot oil, and cook 2 minutes on each side or until golden. Drain on paper towels or a rack. Sprinkle hot tomatoes with salt.

3 Cards from my last workshop...

2011-08-19T15:53:00.001-04:00

Last weekend I had a workshop focusing on sponging and reverse masking. We made three clean and simple cards using those techniques. We all had such a good time making these, I will definitely do another workshop using sponging.
First is a simple birthday card. Sorry about the glare on the black cardstock. Black does not photograph well. I always seem to get a glare. I used painter's tape to mask off the edges of the sponged area. Make sure you get some of the "sticky" off the tape first by putting it on your clothing or an old tee.

All from Stampin' Up! Cardstock: Basic Black, Very Vanilla. Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes, Petite Pairs. Ink: So Saffron, Cajun Craze and Basic Black. Ribbon Black and White checked Gingham (Ret).

Next a super-simple thinking of you card. You could use different colors of ink to suit your taste instead of the pinks. I think this would work really well in the sunset colors. Painter's tape used again.

Supplies all from Stampin' Up! Cardstock: Whisper White and Certainly Celery. Stamps: Autumn Days and Three Little Words. Ink: Perfect Pink Pirouette, Pretty In Pink and Rich Razzleberry. Basic Rhinestones accents.

This last one is a sympathy card. I think it is very serene and calming. I used torn paper to do the masking for the hills. Another clean and simple card.

Supplies all from Stampin' Up! Cardstock: Whisper White and Wisteria Wonder. Stamps: Just Believe and Thoughts and Prayers. Ink: Perfect Plum and Elegant Eggplant. Basic Pearls accents.

Monster 'maters....

2011-08-05T14:57:00.000-04:00

The garden has turned into a jungle! I can hardly turn around in there.

The cherry tomatoes especially have gone wild. Note to self: next year, only plant one cherry tomato. It is not the size of the tomatoes that makes them monsters but the vines have taken over three trellises. The good part of dealing with the jungle. Maters, beans and carrots. Yum!

Butterflies in the grass.....

2011-07-26T00:15:00.000-04:00

I have to name all my cards that I photograph for my gallery so there will be some way to organize them if I need to find them again. I've noticed that some stampers seem to come up with such clever names for their cards. Me, not so much. So here is another card with a lame name "Butterflies in the Grass"

Supplies all from Stampin' Up! Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Pretty In Pink, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White. Ink Old Olive, Basic Black, Pretty In Pink, and Cherry Cobbler. Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Butterflies in Flight, and sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes. Ribbon- Old Olive Satin 5/8 inch. Punches: Word Window and Modern Label, and Scallop Edge Border.

I made pesto yesterday...

2011-07-20T22:46:00.000-04:00

I had a lot of basil in the garden and I just didn't want it to go to waste. I love pesto but DH doesn't so I put it in mini muffin pans and put it in the freezer. Then I popped them out and stored the individuals servings in a zip-lock bag. I am growing Summer Long basil and the leaves are tiny so it took me a long time to pull 4 cups worth off the cut bunches. So worth the effort though, and the kitchen smelled so good all day. I love the smell of basil! Here is a pic of the basil before I made a big mess in the kitchen.

I also made zucchini relish this week. I got a kick out of the fact that everything except the onions came from my garden. My zucchini plants, the two of them, look like they are about finished for the season, so I cut them back and I will remove them in a couple of weeks. We sure have enjoyed the zucchini! I got 14 jars of the relish put up for the coming year.

I will post a card for you tomorrow. I haven't touched anything from the new Stampin' Up! catalog yet, and there are a lot of cute stamps and some great new colors. I just need to carve out a little crafting time. Take care and thanks for visiting.

Super simple little card...

2011-07-11T22:12:00.000-04:00

I call this one Cupcake Shoppe. Super easy, just a little coloring, and a bit of cutting. Another card from my last Stamp-A-Stack.

Supplies: Stampin' Up! Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, and Whisper White. DSP Candy Lane (retired). Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes, and Perfect Punches. Sentiment is an incentive stamp. Ink: Basic Black Punch: Round tab punch. Stampin' Write markers: Pink Pirouette, Pretty In Pink, More Mustard and Crumbcake.
Red Stickles for the cherries.

Garden update....

2011-07-10T21:05:00.000-04:00

The garden continues to thrive and I am still enjoying the work despite the extreme heat and humidity we've been having lately. I usually go out early before my coffee and breakfast and try to get most of the work done before it gets too uncomfortable out there. Knowing that I've grown most of the plants from seed gives me a great deal of satisfaction.

After all the work of starting my first year garden I am finally getting to the best part of vegetable gardening. The harvest! Cucumbers and tomatoes right from the garden.

I made my first batch of pickles. Bread and Butter pickles with thin sliced onions. I enjoy canning but it is even more enjoyable using fresh produce from your own garden.

The garden has been consuming me but I promise to post another card tomorrow. Stay tuned and thanks for looking!

Large prints...

2011-07-03T11:21:00.001-04:00

on papers are a problem for cardmakers. A pattern that looks beautiful for a scrapbook page is often too large to use to make a card. A solution for using up your scraps of large print papers is to use the paper itself as the focal image. Just add a sentiment and some ribbon to complete. Not only does it look pretty, it is really quick to do.

Inspired by this card by Connie Collins
Fabulous Friends

Supplies all from Stampin' Up!
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, and Whisper White.
DSP Greenhouse Gala.(retired)
Stamps: Four Frames.
Embossing folder: Finial Press.
Ink: Chocolate Chip. Ribbon: Chocolate Chip Satin.

Adding to the mix....

2011-06-29T13:10:00.000-04:00

I know this is supposed to be a crafting blog, but I've already added the food storage and garden, so humour me. I joined Weight Watchers yesterday after a lot of encouragement and a little arm twisting from my younger sister, Chris. I hope you won't mind the occasional post about my weight loss journey. Food is involved so maybe you won't mind so much. Here is today's breakfast. Looks good, doesn't it? Cottage cheese, fresh strawberries, blueberries and Kiwi nicely arranged in a little bowl. So fresh, so healthy, so little! Actually, along with my morning coffee, it was very filling and tasty. Thanks for indulging me, I'll post a card later.

What do you know, I'm posting a card...

2011-06-26T15:27:00.000-04:00

Here is another of the cards we did at the Stamp-A-Stack. I saw a similar card in the big Idea book and catalog and I just changed it up a bit. I love the purple with the green. The stamp set is retiring on the 30th of this month so I made sure I got it before it is gone!

Supplies all from Stampin' Up!
Cardstock: Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Certainly Celery, Whisper White and Basic Black.
Designer paper from Subtles Patterns Paper Stack.
Stamps: "Chic Boutique".
Ink: Basic Black.
Tools: Mat Pack and piercer.

Time for some pictures of my garden...

2011-06-25T01:51:00.000-04:00

This project has been consuming me since I started the seeds indoors a few months ago. It is so much fun to watch the plants getting so big and starting to produce.
East side of garden enclosure

My little zucchini plant

Square Foot Garden plot

West end of garden

Cukes and greens for dinner

One of my Stamp-A-Stack cards...

2011-06-22T23:25:00.000-04:00

Saturday I am having a Stamp-A-Stack at my sister's home in Silver Spring. This is one of the cards that the ladies will be making. There will be five designs and they will be making two of each for a total of 10 cards. I will post the others after the workshop. I like for them to see the cards first. Thanks for looking!

All supplies are from Stampin' Up!
Stamps: "Upsy Daisy", "Because I Care", and A to Z.
Cardstock: Early Espresso, Whisper White and Very Vanilla
Ink: Early Espresso
Designer Paper: Delicate Dots (retired)

What I've been up to ......

2011-06-15T13:27:00.000-04:00

After the holidays last year, I did some soul searching and came to the conclusion that my life needed more balance. I was tired of the chaos and haphazardness of my daily life and felt a need to simplify and organize my home and thoughts. One area of need for us was preparedness. Although we have been blessed and not had a major natural disaster in our area that affected us, I wanted to be as ready as I could be if we did have an extended time that the electricity is off, or our food supply was diminished. Inspired by my daughter I started to work on an "extended pantry" Shopping at sales for items, storing, organizing, dating, and rotation of these items was first on the list. Canning, dehydrating and learning about cooking from food storage was next. I am not going to expound on these subjects as there are so many wonderful blogs and websites available that say it much better than me. I will show you a photo of part of my pantry area which is downstairs in the basement. I'm not finished, as it is an ongoing project, but I think I have a good start.

I'm back......

2011-06-14T16:52:00.001-04:00

and so sorry I was gone for so long. I had a little burn out and just needed to regroup and recharge. I hope I still have some readers. Before I tell you what I have been up to the last few months, I want to make sure you don't miss out on the latest from Stampin' Up!

In order to make room for all the new products coming in July, hundreds
of stamp sets, accessories, and home décor products are retiring! These
last-chance items are only available June 1-30, so click the links below to
get your favorites before they’re gone.

Christmas cards in January

2011-01-02T22:18:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year, everyone!
Now that Christmas is over, I am posting some of my Christmas cards from the Holiday Happenings class. Sadly, I got sick before Christmas and sent out very few Christmas cards this year. I can't decide to keep them for next year or send them out this month. It seems like I should be thinking about Valentine cards and January birthdays instead.

Supplies all Stampin' Up!
Jolly Holiday designer paper pack. Old Olive, Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, and Very Vanilla cardstock. Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents. Cherry Cobbler seam binding ribbon, and the Contempo Christmas stamp set. Thanks for looking!

Family Holiday plans.....

2010-12-22T12:16:00.000-05:00

Click on picture to enlarge

Graphics from the "Deer Friends" collection by
Mary Fran at NitWits Collections

Fall theme thank you....

2010-11-18T22:10:00.000-05:00

I love the colors of fall! I find myself reaching for them a lot. This is a simple design that could be altered to fit a lot of thank you occasions by changing out the small leaf embellishment. I am going to try that and will post when I do. Feel free to copy my design and give it a try.

Supplies: Stampin' Up! "So Many Thanks" (single) leaf from "Day of Gratitude" set. Crumb Cake mat, Pebble textured (CB embossing folder) cut to 3 3/4 x 4 3/4 in. Very Vanilla for Image cut to 2 1/2 x 3 1/4 inches. Cajun Craze mat cut to 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches. Ink: Stampin' Up! Early Espresso. Striped Ribbon from American Crafts. (Thank you, Susie!)

Sending hugs.....

2010-11-05T17:16:00.000-04:00

I think the best kind of card is one that is totally unexpected, don't you? Such a nice thing to get something in the mail besides advertising or bills to pay. Here is one of those all occasion cards that we need for just those times. I really need to stamp some more of these.

Stampin' Up! products: Very Vanilla and Early Espresso card stock. Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes and Elements of Style set. SU rub-ons, Pretty In Pink button, Dotted pattern paper from the Subtles Designer Series Paper pack. Inks: Early Espresso, Pretty In Pink and Crumb Cake. Medium Jewelry Tag punch. Other supplies: embroidery thread, brown satin ribbon and Spica Glitter pens.

Love this little cutie....

2010-11-03T21:07:00.000-04:00

I love this little girl digital image! She is so much fun to color. She also reminds me of my youngest granddaughter, Olivia, so of course I had to get her. I think the background could use a little color and my chalking is so pale I don't even know if you can see it. I finally bought the Copic air brush starter set but I haven't had time to give it a try yet. If you know of any air brush tutorials, leave me a comment and thanks for visiting my blog!

Supplies:
From Stampin' Up! Basic black card stock, Apricot Appeal Patterns paper. Black checked gingham ribbon, Modern Label and Word Window punches. Apricot brads. Happy Birthday stamp from "Teeny Tiny Wishes" set. Other supplies: Emma and the Butterfly digital image from "Fred She Said", Copic markers, Nestibilities dies. GP white card stock.

Halloween.......

2010-10-30T21:47:00.000-04:00

Not something we do at my house anymore but I couldn't resist sending at least one Halloween card. As long as it is not scary, I like it, and of course there is the candy. I am proud to say no candy has crossed my threshold this year. I stopped pretending I was buying it for the treat or treaters and decided to spare myself the temptation of having it around. So here is my little card share for the eve of Halloween.

Supplies:Stampin' Up!: Lovely Lavender (ret), Whisper White, Blasic Black, and Always Artichoke card stock. 1 inch and 1 1/4 inch circle punches. Stamps SU's Autumn Harvest, Hello there sentiment is from "Goody Goody Gumdrops" (ret), and the Happy Halloween stamp is from "All Year Cheer III" (ret). Green Vine is from a Sizzix die and the embossed square made with a Nestibilities die.

I also used the same stamp set to make this for a Splitcoast challenge to scrounge around in leftovers and scraps to paper piece a card. I really had fun with this one! The paper is retired "Autumn Vine" designer paper from Stampin' Up!

Supplies:All from Stampin' Up! Card stock: Naturals White and Basic Black. Designer paper, Autumn Vine (ret.) Stamp sets-Autumn Harvest and the sentiment is from "Day of Gratitude"

Just a couple more days....

2010-10-29T19:47:00.000-04:00

and the Holiday Happenings Blog will be open for those of you who are registered. I will be emailing each of you the blog address and instructions on how to sign in. You do not have to start on Nov 1, you can start anytime after Nov 1 so there is no sign up deadline. The blog will remain open and the tutorials will be available until Jan.1. Remember that you can use the tutorials with supplies you have on hand if you like. You will need Stampin' Up!'s Contempo Christmas stamp set and the Jolly Holiday designer papers, as well as the other products on the supply list to make the cards look exactly as shown.

Stampin' Up! is having a terrific promotion for several Christmas products and one of them is the combo of the Contempo Christmas stamp set and Jolly Holiday papers here. If you haven't ordered your supplies for the Holiday Happens class you can save 20% and have everything delivered right to your door.

Coming November 1st

2010-10-23T22:34:00.004-04:00

Are you ready to make some fabulous Christmas cards?

Well, let's get started. The class fee includes admission to my invitation only Classroom blog, the measurements and clear instructions for five cards and one bonus item. I have includes PDF files to download print for your convenience too. These are my exclusive designs that will not be seen on my regular blog or in an online gallery until after the Christmas Holidays. You can work from the online instructions or print out the PDF files to keep. The classroom will remain open and the files will be accessible until the next online class. You will be able to comment or ask questions in the comments sections and I will monitor the blog daily so I can respond promptly. This is my first online class and I am very excited about it! I hope you are too.

If you would like to join this class please use PayPal to pay via StampPretty@aol.com or email me if you prefer to send a check. On receipt of your class fee, I will send you the link to get into the classroom.

Here is the link to the supply list:

Supply List

2010-10-14T23:10:00.001-04:00

Fall is really here. It is getting colder and I can see the beginnings of the colors on the leaves of the trees around here. This weekend we leave to spend some time in the Poconos and I am hoping the rain that is forecast for the week won't be so much that we can't spend time walking and enjoying the lake at the resort.
Now that there is a chill in the air, I am getting the urge to start some holiday cards. This is the first of my Thanksgiving cards. I think something is off, but I can't put my finger on it. I probably will re-work this one, but I like these colors. The sentiment is a 2005 SU stamp, but I don't know the name. Thanks for visiting my blog.

Supplies:
Stamps-Autumn Harvest from Stampin' Up!
Card stock SU's More Mustard, Very Vanilla, and Basic Black
Ink. Basic Black and Early Expresso
Ribbon: 1 1/4 inch Striped Grosgrain from Stampin' Up!
SU's Natural Hemp Twine
Pumpkins colored with Prisma Pencils and Gamsol

Bling time.......

2010-10-11T11:49:00.001-04:00

Here is a little peek at a card I made for my granddaughter Lauren. I wanted lots of Bling on this one. The stamp is from Outlines Rubber Stamps and I clear embossed it on glossy white cs then sponged it with Stampin Up!'s Lovely Lavender, Summer Sun and Concord Crush Classic ink. Then I cut it apart and elevated parts with Stampin' Dimensionals. The base card is Crushed Curry with a Concord Crush mat.. The jewels are Stampin' Up!'s Basic Rhinestones. Thanks for looking!

Just a simple card to share..

2010-10-06T01:25:00.000-04:00

A simple note card using some of my favorites Stampin Up products, Pocket Silhouettes stamps, Cherry Cobbler and Confetti White card stock, Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler ink, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, and the pin from Vintage Trinkets. Thanks for looking!

Sneak Peek

2010-10-06T01:17:00.000-04:00

Holiday Happenings Online Class

My first online class, more information coming soon!
See Supply List Below

Supply List

2010-09-22T15:26:00.000-04:00

You will need the following Stampin' Up! supplies to complete your class. You can order these products and have them shipped right to your door from my Stampin' Up! website
You can also call me to order.

From the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog:
119847 Ornament Punch
117159 Jolly Holiday DSP
118734 Contempo Christmas Stamp set(wood) or 120594 (clear)
119246 Basic Rhinestones
104332 Snail Adhesive
119690 Cherry Cobbler cardstock
100702 Old Olive cardstock
121045 Basic Black cardstock
101650 Very Vanilla Cardstock
119669 Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink pad
102277 Old Olive Classic Ink pad

From page 21 of the Holiday Mini:
120992 Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon

Don't forget that you can substitute similar products for these if you wish. You may already have some of the basics so be sure to check your stash before ordering.

I want to share a "first"

2010-09-10T15:38:00.000-04:00

I know I am behind the times, but I just recently discovered the art of the Zentangle. What is it? "creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns" This is something you can do while you sit in the dentist's waiting room or when you need an afternoon break. It is relaxing and helps you to focus and it is just plain fun to do! You can learn all about it here: zentangle.com There are lots more sites and tons of online images if you want to see some amazing art work. My example is just my first baby step. I made it into an easel card for my daughter's birthday. I wanted to give her something really original. (She thought I stamped it, go figure!) Anyway, I hope you will check out the Zentangle site and maybe give it a try.

Supplies all Stampin' Up!:

I used my black Stampin' Write marker on Whisper White card stock, then mounted it on Real Red card stock with Dimensionals and then on a Basic Black mat.

Finally, something crafty to post...

2010-09-01T23:10:00.000-04:00

This is the card I made for my brother-in-law, Dave for his birthday. Of course, he is a fly fisherman. I thought he would get a kick out of this and I was not disappointed. The inside is finished and the belt goes all around the back. It opens in the center.

Supplies:
Stampin' Up! card stock: Crumb Cake and Soft Suede
Stampin' Write marker, black, Lattice embossing folder
Brown enamel brads and two pewter lacing brads

I haven't abandoned my blog.....

2010-08-24T22:34:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry that it has been so long since I posted something crafty. I am working on some cards and I will post them soon. This summer has gone by so fast! Today was the first day of the new school year here is our county. Remember when they used to ask us, "what did you do on your summer vacation?" Well, I didn't do a lot but we did have a house guest. This is Toby, my brother-in-law's little dog. We had the pleasure of caring for him while they traveled to Paris and Budapest this past month. Isn't he a little cutie?

Well I don't suppose I can blame him for my lack of creativity, but I felt like I had to post something here for your entertainment. Okay, now everyone say awwww........ Now if that one didn't do it, how about this one?

I promise some new creations soon. I have lots of new stamps and some gorgeous new paper from Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Mini. Until then, thanks for visiting!

2010-08-03T19:36:00.001-04:00

I have been busy cleaning out closets and getting stuff boxed up to give to charity. Good for them and good for me. Several boxes were picked up today and it feels so good to get this accomplished. Although there is so much more to go, at least I made a good start. I did manage to finish a card during one of my many breaks. This one could be for a wedding or an anniversary.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up!'s Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede and River Rock. Stamps: Stampin' Up! Whimsical Words and Fifth Avenue Floral. Ink: Soft Suede and Blushing Bride. Accessories: Mat Pack and Paper Piercing Tool. Little Leaves Sizzlet

I think it is going to take forever....

2010-07-26T21:49:00.000-04:00

for me to use up my Stampin' Up! retired products. That is okay, though. I love the new products but I am still enjoying my old favorites and using them to make cards to sell. Here are a couple of cards I finished up tonight.

Supplies all from Stampin' Up!
Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Sage Shadow. Stamps- "Forest Friends", sentiments from "Vintage Labels" Ink: Basic Black. Designer Paper from the SAB "Welcome Neighbor" pack. Basic Black Stampin Write marker. Scallop edge punch, Round tab punch. "Perfect Polka Dots" embossing folder. Black gingham ribbon.

A special shout out to my sister Carol today...

2010-07-18T19:02:00.000-04:00

and a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her. I couldn't be with her today but her friend took her out to brunch at her favorite Lewes, Delaware restaurant (at least for brunch, anyway) Sending lots of hugs, love you, girl!

I am preparing for a little workshop that I am having tomorrow. My projects are finished, now I just have to clean up the big mess I made in the stamp room. I won't share what we will work on tomorrow but I have another card to post tonight. I've seen a lot of cards using the ornament punch as a vase and always meant to
do a card using it, but haven't gotten around to it until now. I am always way behind on trends, lol. Here is my version. A simple card, but with lots of texture.

Supplies all from Stampin' Up!:
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, River Rock, and Very Vanilla. Ink: Old Olive, Not Quite Navy, and Cherry Cobbler. Stamps: "Pocket Silhouettes", "Sanded" Background stamp, "For All You Do", and "Fourteen Phrases". SU Ornament punch, Finial Press embossing folder, and Linen Thread.

Something in the vintage style....

2010-07-10T21:58:00.000-04:00

I have had this stamp set for a while but I am just getting around to using it. Wendy Janson's card inspired me to make this one. You can find her card here

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Vintage Vogue
Cardstock: Old Olive, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
Ink: Elegant Eggplant and Old Olive
Accessories: Stampin Dimensionals, Clear Rhinestone Brads,
Scallop Trim Border punch and some ribbon from my non-SU stash

One for the guys....

2010-07-04T14:51:00.000-04:00

I missed a friend's birthday so I wanted to make him something special. Although there are a few things I would change, I am pleased with how this one turned out. I am not very adept with the brayer, so I used sponges for the sunset blending.
Thanks for looking!

Supplies:
Stamps: Stampin' Up!'s "Autumn Days" and "Teeny Tiny Wishes"
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, and Early Espresso.
Ink: So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, More Mustard, and Cajun Craze.
Markers: More Mustard and Tempting Turquoise.
Accessories: SU Hemp Twine, and sponges.

Baby Kangaroos.....

2010-07-01T13:44:00.002-04:00

What is cuter that that? I have had this set for a while but I've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to use it. Baby cards, shower and after the fact. Too cute, don't you think?

Supplies:
Stampin' Up!'s "Build-A-Roo stamp set. Bashful Blue, Pink Pirouette, Naturals White and Early Espresso cardstock. Basic Black ink. SU Square Lattice embossing folder. Satin ribbon from my ribbon stash.

Something old, something new.....

2010-06-27T22:54:00.000-04:00

something borrowed, something blue. Okay, I fibbed about the borrowed. I made this cute little card with two Stampin' Up! stamps. "Lace" background, and "Nice and Easy Notes", that is the old since they are both retired sets. The new and the blue is the Marina Mist cardstock and ink. Such a pretty blue! The ribbon is from SU too. Border was punched with the Scallop Edge punch. The image was colored with Copic markers.

I have another tonight. This one is in the vintage style, also made with a retired stamp, Garden Collage. The sentiment is from a current set, "For All You Do". I used Crumb Cake (Kraft) cardstock, Basic Black cardstock, the circle punches and Basic Black ink from Stampin' Up!. I also used some newsprint patterned paper, a vintage button, some distressing ink and teal ribbon from my scrapbooking stash. Thanks for visiting and for commenting!

The three S's......

2010-06-23T19:36:00.001-04:00

One for Samples, one for Selling, and one for Sending. Oh yeah, one more this time. It's my prototype. Not the best of the bunch but still okay to send. I really dislike making more than one of each card, but I am trying to make myself do it for practical purposes. I am happiest when I am creating without a plan, not keeping track of supplies and not thinking about making more of the same. Do you always make more than one of a card design?

Supplies:
Card stock: Stampin' Up! Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla and 4 of the 5 new '10-'11 In Colors- Pear Pizzazz, Concord Crush, Peach Parfait, and Poppy Parade. Twill ribbon, button from my button stash and SU Linen thread. Stamp- Flight of the Butterfly inked with the In Color markers.

The storage "issue"

2010-06-19T16:50:00.001-04:00

As with any collector, ahem, I mean stamp artist, storing stamps is always a problem at my house. The basic idea is to acquire the stamps and supplies and have them assimilate into the current stash without taking up more space or calling attention to themselves. Yes, you know exactly what I mean, admit it! Unfortunately that means that sometimes you can not find things. (has anyone seen my Bow Easy?) Lately I've noticed that I use the same sentiments or greetings because they are handy and then I come across something that would have worked much better. Unfortunately it was buried with a stamp set. I recently started pulling the word and sentiment stamps out and writing the set name on the side of the wood block. I wanted to have them out where I can see them easily. I took some of them and arranged them in this wooden box and hung it up on the wall so I can see them at a glance. I wanted them to look nice too. The box is an old cassette case I took half of the wood dividers out of. Think this will be a solution?

I doesn't get any easier than this....

2010-06-18T22:17:00.000-04:00

Hi all, I've been away again and I am sorry to say, neglecting my blog. My suitcase has been in use a lot this summer. I still haven't had a chance to play with any of the new stamps or paper I pre-ordered from the new catalog. I think I will go into stamping withdrawal if I don't get some ink on my fingers soon. I have a few cards partially finished so I decided to work on completing those this weekend. Here is one that I found in the "card starts" box. Just a little advice, never get 3 packs of your favorite paper. After two, you start to overdose. I still have...TA DA..."Raspberry Tart"! Yep, still have some, so you get to look at it again, lol!

Supplies: All from Stampin' Up!
Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Rose Red, and Basic Black SU cardstock. Fifth Ave Floral and Best Yet stamp sets. Raspberry Tart designer paper (retired). Ink: SU Basic Black and Rose Red.
Thanks for looking,

Sorry, it's been a while...

2010-06-05T21:58:00.003-04:00

since I posted. We have been back from vacation since last Friday. This whole week was spent taking down drapes, putting things out of the way and moving furniture. Friday we had all the windows in our house replaced. All twenty of them, and an 8 foot sliding door. Then today, DH decided to paint my craft room. I had picked out the color a couple of weeks ago, sort of a light "Mellow Moss". Very restful, hope I don't fall asleep in there! It looks really nice with the white trim on the new window and door. When it is all finished, I will post some pictures. I mentioned to DH that some crown moulding (or molding, I looked it up) would look nice. Lol, maybe then I could call it my "Stamping Studio"
Here is a card I made using the "Black Magic" technique. I need some more practice on this one.I had the worst time photographing this card. It looks much better IRL. I think the black paper causes the glare. I included a close-up of of my second try with the flowers to show the technique. I am going to teach this on Monday to my "Grace Stampers". Thanks for looking!

Supplies: Stamps-Kind and Caring Thoughts, White Craft Ink, Water Color Pencils, White gel marker, Whisper White and Basic Black card stock, all from Stampin'Up!.

The beach is so relaxing,,,

2010-05-25T22:17:00.001-04:00

I'm having a great time at the beach. We walked on the beach early today and the wind was really whipping up the waves. So beautiful, even with a few showers later in the afternoon. My sister Chris and I have all our card making stuff spread out on the dining room paper. Happily there are other places to eat, lol! Today, we celebrated my birthday and Chris gave me a French manicure. I never want to do dishes again! I am too lazy to upload any pics from my camera but I do have a card to post. This is such an easy one, no brayer involved, just a couple of sponge daubers. We are working on some Black Magic technique cards tonight and I'll post those soon.

Supplies:
Stampin' Up! Naturals White card stock. DSP from the clearance rack at SU. Lavender Lace, Really Rust, Basic Black, and Mellow Moss Classic ink. SU sponge daubers. Lovely As A Tree stamp set.

Going to the beach for a few days...

2010-05-22T00:24:00.000-04:00

What to pack? I hate this part. I "need" everything but then use about 1/2 of what I pack. Bathing suit, beach towel? Oh, that is not what I am obsessing about. What CRAFTS should I take? How much paper, ink, tools? What if I need my Big Shot? Ack! I think I will just throw as much as I can in a bunch of tote bags and load up the Jeep. Thanks goodness we are driving and not flying there. (I haven't packed a single thing and we are leaving Sunday.(Shhh) This is my current favorite card....

Supplies:
Stampin' Up!Basic Black and Very Vanilla card stock. Old world map paper and striped ribbon from my scrapbooking stash. Collage stamp from Inkadinkado. Colored with Stampin' Pastels. Ink used is SU Basic Black and Walnut distressing ink.

Oh, I forgot I had that....

2010-05-14T00:50:00.000-04:00

Don't you love it when you find old supplies or stamp sets that you forgot about and you remember how much you loved them when they were new? I have been digging around in my stash again and found some neat sets to stamp with. I found the Stampin' Up! "Sun Ripened" set and I made this with it.

Supplies:
Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Handsome Hunter, Basic Black and Sage Shadow card stock. En Francais background stamp and the pear is from the retired Sun Ripened set. SU Natural Hemp Twine. Stampin' Write markers.

Here is another one I had fun with. Why not look for some of your neglected stamps or supplies and show them some love by making something pretty tonight. Thanks for visiting!

Supplies:
Stampin' Up! Naturals White, Certainly Celery, Really Rust card stock. Polka Dot paper- Chatterbox, Measuring tape twill ribbon. Stamps: Butterfly-Hero Arts, sentiment SU Elegant Greetings (retired), Friends background stamp- Inkadinkado

A belated Happy Mother's Day to all of you...

2010-05-10T22:13:00.001-04:00

I hope that it was a great day for you and your family. Don and I visited his Mom at the rehab facility and we had a nice visit with her. I made this card for her using one of my favorite stamp sets.

Supplies all from Stampin' Up!
Upsy Daisy and Well Scripted stamp sets
Very Vanilla, So Saffron and Really Rust card stock.
Kaleidoscope Designer paper
Very Vanilla grosgrain ribbon
So Saffron, Versamark, and Really Rust Classic ink
Iridescent Ice Embossing powder

Thinking of you cards...

2010-05-03T22:59:00.004-04:00

are so handy. I love that you can add any sentiments you wish when something comes up unexpectedly. I think you could use this one for a ton of occasions. Well, maybe not sympathy, wedding or new baby. Anyway, I still think they are handy.

Supplies all from Stampin' Up!
Darling Dots stamp set. Very Vanilla, Pretty In Pink, Regal Rose and Real Red card stock. Red dotted paper from Pattern Paper hostess gift. Not Quite Navy Classic ink. SU's Piercer and Mat Pack. Very Vanilla grosgrain ribbon.

I am back again tonight...

2010-04-30T21:22:00.005-04:00

This time with peacocks! I am using my soon to be retired Sage Shadow card stock for both of these cards. It might not be one of your favorite colors but I think it rocks with the Nouveau Chic Designer series paper from Stampin' Up!

Peacock #1

Supplies:
Stampin' Up! Sage Shadow, Very Vanilla and Basic Black card stock. Nouveau Chic Designer paper. Sage Shadow Classic ink. Paper enhanced with the Stampin Up Color Spritzer. Oval and scalloped oval dies from Nestibilities,

Peacock #2

Supplies:
Stampin' Up! Sage Shadow, Very Vanilla and Basic Gray card stock. Nouveau Chic Designer paper. Sage Shadow Classic ink. Paper enhanced with the Stampin Up Color Spritzer. SU corner rounder punch, Paper piercer and mat pack. Small flat back pearls.

Time to start thinking...

2010-04-30T20:34:00.003-04:00

about cards that can be used for Father's Day and the "Guy birthdays" coming up. I used this shore bird stamp again. It is one of my favorites. I wish I could remember where I got it so I could give credit. More cards coming, I have been inspired to make more cards to sell, thanks to my sister Chris who is taking them to her salon. Thanks for visiting. If this is your first time here, leave me a comment and your link to your blog so I can visit you. :)

Supplies:
Stampin' Up! card stock and DSP. Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla, and Really Rust card stock. Printed paper from a Patterned Paper pack hostess gift. Chocolate Chip Classic ink for the image and to ink sponge around the torn tag. I used the Crimper for texture, 1 1/4 inch punch, 1 3/8 inch punch and the 1/2 punch. Some generic brown check ribbon finishes it off.

Quick thank you card....

2010-04-20T22:07:00.003-04:00

Sometimes you need a card that doesn't take a lot of time but still has that warm cozy handmade look. I think this is one of those designs. You can change the paper and to give it a totally different vibe. Pull out some paper and make one tonight. How about it?

All supplies from Stampin' Up!
Card stock: Very Vanilla and Tempting Turquoise. Basic Black Classic Ink. The cute little stamp is an incentive stamp. I used the Scallop Circle punch and the 1 1/4 inch circle punch and some Old Olive grosgrain ribbon. Designer paper is from the "Flock Together" pack.

Mellow Moss and Handsome Hunter .........

2010-04-17T12:49:00.002-04:00

Two more Stampin' Up! colors that will be retiring in July. I am not sure how I will get along without Handsome Hunter. This one has been my "go to" Christmas tree color and I have used it a lot. We made this card at this month's Grace Stampers club and everyone thinks this is a winner for a nice masculine card. I would classify this one as very simple to make. Make sure to allow enough time for the craft ink to dry on the vellum. You can use the heat gun to speed the process along but be careful not to curl or scorch the vellum. Thanks for visiting!

Supplies:
Paper: Mellow Moss, Handsome Hunter, and Whisper White card stock, Vellum paper,
Ink: Stampin' Up! White Craft and Handsome Hunter Classic.
Stamps: Background from SU's "Sprinkles" set, sentiment from SU's "Kind and Caring Thoughts" and the leaf is from an old Club Scrap unmounted set.

Ode to Orchid...

2010-04-12T18:20:00.002-04:00

I thought because Orchid Opulence is retiring from the Stampin' Up! Colors that I would make a tribute card. Not than I ever cared much about this color, but now that it is not going to be available come July, it suddenly seems so pretty! Anyway here is my simple but oh so Springy little "Ode to Orchid"

Supplies all Stampin' Up! Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly set. Ink: Basic Black and So Saffron Classic. Card stock is Orchid Opulence, Barely Banana, and Whisper White. Designer paper Shades of Spring. Butterfly punch. Mat Pack and piercing tool.

Spring is really here..........

2010-04-10T02:22:00.007-04:00

All the signs are here. The daffodils are waving their golden heads in the wind. The dogwood trees are white and fluffy and the woods went from brown to a mass of green buds on the trees in just a few days. Ah yes, and then there is all the POLLEN! Excuse me while I sneeze. Still and all, I think this time of year is perfect.
Just have a photo to share tonight. If it is Spring in your part of the world I hope you are enjoying it too!

It seemed like a good idea at the time...

2010-03-30T16:07:00.004-04:00

Making some Easter cards to send, let's see, I need about ten, no, more like fifteen or twenty. Maybe not such a good idea after all.

Here is a close up of one of the finished cards. Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies all Stampin' Up!
Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, and Certainly Celery card stock. Cottage Vine Designer paper. Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry, and Certainly Celery Classic ink. Certainly Celery twill ribbon (ret) Stampin'Dimensionals to pop up the Flowers which I sponged with the ink. Stamps from the Fifth Avenue Floral and Abundant Hope sets.

I have been working on my taxes....

2010-03-26T22:02:00.002-04:00

and I need a break! I hate tax time and every year I say I will keep better records and then I don't. So after a miserable afternoon of finding and organizing paperwork, I decided I deserve a little respite in blog land. Here is another card from my last workshop. Thanks for looking!

Supplies all Stampin' Up!: So Saffron, Bermuda Bay and Whisper White card stock. Designer paper from the Sweet Pea Designer Paper Pack. Stamp set is from "Celebrate Everything" I used Bermuda Bay and Basic Black Classic ink. Large and small SU Star punches, sponges, SU So Saffron brads and crimper.

Finally a card to post...

2010-03-26T00:42:00.004-04:00

This was one of my March workshop cards but I just never got around to photographing it until now. I had a lot of fun showing my stampers how to make the "Faux Suede" flower and leaves. If you haven't tried this technique there is a tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers. Our Stampin' Up! card stock works so well for this. Jackie Topa has a tutorial on her blog so go over and check it out. Thank you Jackie, for sharing so many cool ideas!

All supplies from Stampin' Up!
Pretty In Pink, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Rose Red, and Old Olive card stock. Pretty In Pink grosgrain 1/4 inch ribbon. Crimper, SU Circle punches, Bone folder, and Pinking Hearts border punch. Stamp set is "On Your Birthday". Ink Chocolate Chip Classic.

New blog background.....

2010-03-21T20:32:00.002-04:00

Still working on it. I made this background with Stampin' Up's My Digital Studio. I'm not sure I like it. Back to the drawing board, my laptop, that is!

Bear with me........

2010-03-20T16:54:00.001-04:00

I wanted a change and boy did I get one! I totally messed up my blog layout and now I am struggling to rebuild it without losing any content. Stay tuned.....

How the days do fly by....

2010-03-12T23:47:00.003-05:00

It has been awhile since I posted but hopefully things will slow down a bit soon and I can get organized enough to have some sort of posting schedule. I think that may be the answer, assigning tasks to everyday of the week. My mom always washed clothes on Monday and we could be sure we would be having homemade soup for dinner that night. She grocery shopping on the same day of the week and had an "ironing" day too. I think that her "schedule" gave our whole family a sense of structure. Nowadays, we seem to be going in so many directions at once, we hardly enjoy the moment we are living. But, alas I digress. I took a short walk down memory lane, not a bad thing. Anyway, here is my little card.

Supplies: All from Stampin' Up! Paper from the Welcome Neighbor Designer Paper Pad. Stamps: Whimsical Words both SAB 2010 choices. Sage Shadow, Basic Black and Whisper White card stock. White gel pen for the dots and a little machine stitching.
Thanks for looking!

Oh no, not again.....

2010-02-24T22:49:00.003-05:00

Oh boy, I am sweating out tonight's weather report. I drove to my sister's Delaware home to visit for a couple of days and now they are calling for snow again. Someone mentioned ice and possibly 5-7 inches of snow. Now that doesn't sound that bad considering that we had more than 36-40 inches of snow with the last storm in Maryland, but not being able to easily drive home makes me nervous. So say a little prayer that this one is not going to amount to much.
I have a little card share that uses some of the free items you can earn during Sale-A-Bration. The photo is a little washed out, but this card is a cutie. (in my humble opinion) Thanks for visiting!

Supplies all from Stampin' Up!:
From the Sale-A-Bration catalog; Good Neighbors SAB stamp set. Welcome Neighbors Designer Series Paper Pad. Whisper White and Basic Black cardstock. Basic Black ink. Stampin Dimensionals, Pinking Hearts Border and Word Window punches. "A Note for You" stamp from a retired set, Sweet Little Sentiments.

Dreaming of Spring.....

2010-02-15T17:35:00.002-05:00

I played with the pretty papers in the Sweet Pea stack last night. I was trying for a cute "Spring" card for a make and take for my workshop next Saturday. I like the card, but it took too much time to put together. I guess this one will go into my samples basket. I think I'll make at least one other to send.

All Stampin' Up! supplies on this one:
Stamps: Hello Again. Card stock Whisper White, So Saffron, Pretty In Pink, Old Olive, and Bashful Blue. DSP from the Sweet Pea Stack. Ink: Old Olive and Chocolate Chip. Ribbon 1/4 in grosgrain Pretty In Pink. Buttons from SU Fresh Favorites II. String to tie on buttons. SU Round Tab Punch.

Everything old is new again....

2010-02-13T23:36:00.005-05:00

It really is when you have a huge paper and card stock stash! I have been digging this weekend. While hubby is out digging in the snow, I've been digging in my old supplies again. I found this beautiful Club Scrap card stock that was embossed with black. When I got this card stock in a monthly scrap kit, I had no idea what to do with it, so there in the paper storage it has sat, sad and neglected. I decided to see what I could do with it. This brightly colored card is way out of the box for me, but I like it. I used the long rectangle Nestibilities to cut the window on the front of the card. I rediscovered a pretty butterfly die with matching embossing folders and I embellished the butterfly with a black Spica glitter pen. The sentiment is from Hero Arts.

Thanks for stopping by. Leave me a comment and add your blog address and I will come visit you. Have a great weekend :)

It's a blizzard.....AGAIN!

2010-02-10T16:28:00.008-05:00

Well this certainly is unusual for us! And, it is getting dumped on top of what we already have so it is really a big mess. I promise to post something crafty next but I just have to share these photos of the snow. These were taken from the big sliding door in my craft room. There is about 40 inches of snow on the patio. I think the deck support will give you some perspective. What I couldn't capture is the gusting wind and the huge swirling flakes that have been falling not stop all day. The second photo is the best I could do.

It's a blizzard!

2010-02-06T15:11:00.004-05:00

It really is. For the second time this winter we have more than two feet of snow. So far we have been lucky. The electricity hasn't gone off and I have my Internet connection. We won't be trying to drive anywhere, that is for sure. How can something that is so pretty be such a pain in the patootie?

Don shoveling the deck so it doesn't collapse because of the weight of the snow. The snow is up to his mid-thigh. This is not normal for Maryland's winters. Well, I guess it is a good reason to stay inside and work on some projects, maybe watch a movie or two. If it's cold and wintry in your part of the world, stay safe and warm.

It is snowing again...

2010-01-30T13:50:00.008-05:00

There is no place we have to be so it is great! We only have 4 inches so far, so that is very manageable. It is a good excuse to stamp, surf the blogs, and update my blog. I promised some Valentine cards and so here you go!

I think this one is my favorite so far. I made this one with In Colors.
All Stampin' Up! supplies on this one:

Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Crushed Curry card stock, and Razzleberry Lemonade DSP. Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink. Stampin' Up!'s "I (Heart) Hearts" stamp set.
The(friend to friend) stamp from Teeny Tiny Wishes. Full Heart, Heart to Heart punch, and Movers and Shakers Heart die, Rich Razzleberry Polka dot ribbon and of course Stampin' Dimensionals. I use SU's Petals-A-Plenty embossing folder to emboss the heart.

Really simple and all Stampin' Up! supplies:
Real Red and Whisper White card stock, Asian Artistry Hostess stamp set. Old Olive and Basic Black Classic ink, Small Heart and Scallop Border Punch, Mat Pack, piercing tool and Stampin Dimensionals.

As always thanks for visiting.

Use it or lose it........

2010-01-20T20:41:00.005-05:00

Another card done with old supplies from my stash. The sand dunes and shore birds are unmounted rubber and I have no information about them recorded. If anyone recognizes them, I would love to credit the manufacturer. I just used some torn card stock, Basic Black ink, and sponged the edges with Close To Cocoa ink. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up!'s Season of Friendship. Thanks for lookin'!

Another "Nothing New Allowed" card

2010-01-16T17:41:00.004-05:00

I am keeping my resolution to use up scraps and older supplies every Monday. I forgot to post this one. I used some Bazzill card stock, some Stampin' Up! Very Vanilla card stock, Light Unto My Path stamp set (retired from SU)with Chocolate Chip ink and a Cuttlebug embossing folder. The image is elevated on Dimensionals. Very simple card, but this image remains one of my favorites.

I got a big box of Stampin' Up goodies this week. My first Sale-A-Bration order! I love getting free merchandise with orders! Check out my SU website and see all the wonderful new products. I am working on some valentines for my upcoming workshops, but I won't post them until after the workshops. Thanks for visiting my blog!

I have a birthday card to post tonight...

2010-01-04T22:06:00.004-05:00

I have decided to make every Monday a "Make Something with Scraps" day. My friend Diana had a birthday today and I made her this card using some retired Stampin' Up!Green Tea designer paper and Baja Breeze card stock which is also retired.

Complete Supply List:
Stamps: Stampin' Up!'s Fifth Ave. Floral and Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: SU Basic Black and Not Quite Navy Classic
Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Baja Breeze, and Naturals White
DSP: Green Tea
Light blue fibers from my stash
Black glitter pen

Thanks for visiting!

It seems like Christmas.....

2009-12-28T01:34:00.002-05:00

went by in a flash. All the prep and anticipation, then all over so quickly. Do you feel that way too? While it was wonderful to relax and unwind this weekend, I wish it could last longer. I guess the next best thing is to try to keep that warm fuzzy feeling all year long. I want to share a photo of some cute Christmas treat holders I made with Stampin' Up! "Dashing" Designer paper which is retired, Old Olive card stock, and the Holiday Best stamp set, a hostess set. I also used the Scallop Circle punch and the 1 3/8 inch punch. I think they would be really nice for a dinner place marker or in a little bowl on your desk or table. Each one has a yummy Ghirardelli Chocolate square in it.

I may be.......

2009-12-19T14:36:00.003-05:00

in the midst of Christmas preparations, but I have a birthday card to post. I forgot to post this one I made for my sister Chris back in November. I used Stampin' Up's Fifth Avenue Floral and Sincere Salutations stamp sets, Kiwi Kiss and Whisper White card stock, Raspberry Tart designer paper, Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon, Rose Red and Basic Black ink. I also used Nestibilities to make the ovals.

There is a good reason....

2009-12-11T23:57:00.004-05:00

God gives us children when we are young. After a day of Gingerbread house makin', tree trimmin', and cookie bakin' with my granddaughter Olivia, this old girl is just worn out. I wouldn't trade it for anything though. Tomorrow we are going to craft and make some Christmas gifts. I better get to bed so I will be ready to go again in the morning. I hope you all are enjoying the preparations for the holidays too!

Happy Thanksgiving.....

2009-11-26T00:29:00.002-05:00

Wishing all of you that celebrate Thanksgiving a safe and enjoyable holiday. My wish is that everyone has something to give thanks for, and that you will take a moment to reflect on your blessings and give thanks to our Creator. I have so many things to be thankful for, and the people I've met through my stamping and blog are definitely on that list. God bless and happy Thanksgiving.

Who comes up with these ideas?

2009-11-19T23:00:00.005-05:00

Some people are so creative. I learned how to do this folded card on Dawn's Stamping Thoughts. Clicking on the link will take you to the video. Thank you so much for the video, Dawn and Georgia Giguere for the design! You need to make this card, it is serious fun! Mine was a big hit at the last workshop. It got "loved" a lot and the tree's trunk even got lost. I guess I need to make another.
Supplies used: Stampin' Up!'s Kraft, Whisper White, and Ruby Red card stock. Merry Moments Designer paper, Hemp twine, Garden Green Classic ink and the Season of Joy stamp set.
Here is a side view, now go, go watch the video and make the card!

Some more Christmas cards...............

2009-11-10T21:33:00.004-05:00

This one is one of the workshop Make-N-Takes for this month. My Stampin' Up! "Dasher" stamp is really getting a workout lately. I love this little guy! No glitz this time. All supplies from Stampin' Up!. I chose the casual colors of Ruby Red, Kraft and Basic black card stock. A little strip of the Holiday Lounge designer paper gives it some pizazz. The ribbon is Kraft Taffeta. I used a white gel pen to add some faux stitching and some doodley-dots. The little Christmas greeting is from a retired set, "Best Yet".

This one is so simple. All I used is Stampin' Up!'s Real Red and Whisper White card stock. Christmas Cocoa Specialty designer paper, and the Ornament Punch, all from the Holiday Mini Catalog that you can see here.

The background was made with a CB embossing folder and some silver wired ribbon from my scrapping stash. I accomplished the faded effect on the embossing by putting a piece of chipboard in the middle of the folder, causing it to embossing deeper where the shape was placed. Easy-peasy!
I'll have some more to post tomorrow. Thanks for visiting!

2009-11-01T22:35:00.001-05:00

I spent the afternoon work on a few Christmas cards for tomorrow's stamp club. They have several layers and I had a lot of cutting to do. I like what I designed, but I am really drawn to the clean look of this very simple Christmas card. Navy and green and white is one of my favorite color combos.

Supplies, all from Stampin' Up!
Stamps:Patterned Pines Hostess level 1 set and Season of Joy set
Ink: Handsome Hunter, Mellow Moss, Basic Black
Card Stock: Whisper White, Old Olive and Night of Navy.

I will post the other cards after the workshop. Right now I need to go clean up all the mess I made in the craft room. My creativity level is directly related to the amount of mess I make!

A cute little project share......

2009-10-31T21:30:00.002-04:00

I had a little crafting time so I made myself a little customer Rolodex. I've got my customers on the computer and in Stampin' Up!'s Customer Manager, but sometimes I just want to look up a phone number or address without turning the computer on so I made this for myself.

I used the Stampin' Up! Rounded Label punch to make the alpha dividers of of various SU cardstock, stamping on the A-B and so on. I made a sunflower with Summer Sun card stock, Chocolate Chip card stock and the Scallop Circle and the 1 and 1/4 inch punch, Little Leaves Sizzlet and my Big Shot. The polka dot paper is from the Day and Night Designer paper pack. The polka dot ribbon is out of my scrapping stash. I am thinking this would be a cute Christmas gift. What do you think?

I love this technique!

2009-10-25T23:36:00.003-04:00

You know how sometimes you find something that you are so tickled with you just can't stop sharing about it. Well, this is one of those things for me. This might be something you already know how to do, but for those of you who don't, I am going to hook you up with a really great video at Tami White's Blog that show you how to make this. Ta-Da, Diamond Crimped Background!
Here is my card: (sorry about the blurring, this one is tough to photograph)

Supplies: Stampin' Up!'s "Blooming Beautiful" stamp set, SU's Very Vanilla and Close to Cocoa card stock, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Copic markers, crimper and Stampin' Up! Dimensionals.
Now... run over to Tami's and learn how to make this background!
Stamping With Tami

Another card to share....

2009-10-23T01:27:00.003-04:00

This is the Autumn Tag card I made for the workshop last Saturday. I am going to repeat the workshop on Monday Oct 26th. This is a workshop for the Silver Spring Stampers group. Looking forward to seeing you!

Supplies:
Stampin' Up!'s Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Basic Black and Really Rust card stock.
Bright Blessings Jumbo wheel, Leafy Glade Background stamp (retired).
SU's Classic inks: Really Rust, Old Olive, Basic Black, and More Mustard.
Versamark ink and neutral fibers.

Pop-up Gift card holder

2009-10-19T00:21:00.002-04:00

This month my class projects were Holiday related. I love this neat little pop-up gift card holder. Note that the shimmer doesn't show up on this photo. I learned how to make this at Linda Heller's Stampin School I think this makes such a cute presentation.

Closed with the "belly Band"

Side view

Supply List all from Stampin' Up!
Dasher stamp, Short and Sweet sayings stamp, and the Sassy Sparkles jumbo wheel. Also used the Old Olive, Whisper White and Rose Red card stock and Classic ink. Scallop Border punch, Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, Versamark ink, and Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint. A Mini Glue dot holds the gift card.

Cards for the guys....

2009-10-01T21:41:00.002-04:00

are always the toughest ones to design. I am drawn to pretty florals and soft colors so it is hard not to make to make them too girly. I think this monotoned card is very tailored and crisp and just the thing for a man's birthday. I used some Stampin' Up! Basic Gray Patterns Pack paper, Whisper White card stock, the Petal Card Big Shot die, an embossing folder, and some white twill ribbon. Inside, I used the paper left over from the die cut and some hearts punched with Stampin' Up's Heart to Heart punch out of Real Red card stock.

I have a card to share tonight....

2009-09-24T22:29:00.003-04:00

I want to share a card I made for my brother-in-law Dave with you. I have been trying to use card stock and paper that has been around awhile so I pulled out some very unique card stock from Club Scrap. I also used the Stampin' Up! "On Your Birthday" set and some SU Natural Hemp Twine. Thanks for stopping by!

A thrift store find.......

2009-09-22T17:21:00.002-04:00

When you are a crafter, everything relates to you in that way. When I found this rotating CD storage rack, I immediately saw that it would hold a lot of my unmounted stamp sets. I am steadily unmounting my favorite retired stamps and putting them in CD cases to free up space in my Iris cards and in the craft room. This $3 treasure will hold 80 sets of unmounteds. It is so nice to have them so handy too! Keep your eyes open, Stampers! You never know what you might find.

Black and bling all over...........

2009-09-13T17:36:00.003-04:00

The glitter addiction seems to be still going strong. This one is black but has black Spica pen glitter on the petals of the flower. The photo doesn't show it much because it is subtle. I really like black but this is a lot of black even for me. I did another "Bring on the Bling" class last Friday for the Silver Spring Stampers (that makes three in a row)and used some of the same cards I've already posted. I did do one new one and I will post that tomorrow. I still need to photograph that one. I think I am starting to get over the glitter stage now, at least for the time being. I am not promising anything!

Supplies: Stamp: Penny Black, Cardstock Stampin' Up! Shimmery white, Basic Black, and Real Red. Accessories: Big Shot, Cuttlebug embossing folder, and black and white checked ribbon.

A slipping and sliding.........

2009-09-09T01:01:00.004-04:00

birthday cake card. I love this little stamp set from Stampin' Up! This one is a keeper! Who doesn't love birthday cakes? I think the slanted mats add to the illusion of the cake layers sliding. What do you think? Does it, or does it just look wrong, lol?

Supplies all from Stampin' Up!
Stamps sets: On A Pedestal and It's Your Birthday. Card stock:Pretty in Pink and Close To Cocoa. Ink: Pretty In Pink, Close To Cocoa, Real Red, and Chocolate Chip. The brown designer paper is from Candy Lane which is retired. Punches: Scallop Circle and 1 3/8 Circle punch. Crystal Effects on the cherries.

Zucchini Relish recipe.....

2009-09-03T20:28:00.002-04:00

As requested, here it is. If you are not familar with canning procedures, please check out this site to learn everything you need to know.
Fresh Preserving

ZUCCHINI RELISH
Ingredients:
8 cups chopped zucchini (approx. 10-12 med)
4 cups chopped onion (approx. 4 -5 med)
2 cups chopped sweet green peppers
2 cups chopped sweet red or yellow peppers ( I used one cup of each)
8 TBS salt 8 tsp celery seed
7 cups sugar 4 tsp mustard seed
4 cups cider vinegar
------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------
Combine zucchini, onion, green , red and yellow peppers. Sprinkle with salt.
Cover with cold water. Let stand for 2 hours. Drain veggies, pressing out
liquid. Combine remaining ingredients in a stock pot and bring to a boil.
Add veggies and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour hot into hot jars , (following
water bath method of canning rules) leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Process 10 min in the boiling water bath. Makes about 8 pints.

Yummy....

2009-09-02T22:10:00.005-04:00

My friend Carol, who is a fabulous cook gave me her zucchini relish recipe and I made some! This is not just for hot dogs, it tastes great as compliment to grilled salmon and just about any meat. It is a sweet relish and so good.

Fresh zucchini or green squash, lots of onion, green, red, and yellow sweet peppers. Lots of chopping for sure! I had to chop the ingredients by hand because the food processor was making the mix of vegetables smaller than I wanted. I was looking for some crunch to it and it turned out just right. So worth the work! I will definitely make this again.

Finally a card to post.....

2009-08-27T17:34:00.003-04:00

Sorry I have been a slacker lately in the creative area. I am so behind on housework and paper work and (insert more whining here)! Anyway, I have wanted to try one of the neat Trifold Shutter cards that I've been seeing out there and my sister Chris and I sat down and worked on them Tuesday. Here is my first attempt. I used paper from my scrapbooking stash for it in case I messed up. I am stingy with my SU designer paper since I need it for my classes and I need to use up some of this other printed paper any way.

Long list of supplies:
Textured green Bazzil cardstock, SU Perfect Plum and Whisper White cs. SU Fifth Avenure Floral, On A Pedestal, It's Your Birthday, and Itty Bitty Buds Stamps set
Stampin Up's Mat Pack and piercer. Stampin' Pastels. Anna Griffin printed stripe and floral papers. Nestibilities. Happy Birthday on front of card from My Sentiments Exactly. Thanks for visiting!

I'm addicted.........

2009-08-23T19:51:00.002-04:00

to Farm Town at Facebook! That is why I don't have anything new crafty thing to post yet. I will have to come up with something by Monday or Tuesday because my sister Chris is coming to stamp with me. Until then, if you are on Facebook and play Farm Town please ask me to be your neighbor. My farm name is CathyRose and my Facebook name is Cathy Richardson. See you there....it is so much fun!

Ring Ring....... hello?

2009-08-17T11:31:00.006-04:00

I have more Bling for you! Here are the last two cards from the "Bring On The Bling" classes. I still have a few specks of glitter turning up and I made them a week ago!

Supplies: Stampin' Up! Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, and Old Olive CS. Cottage Vine designer paper, Old Olive Classic Ink, Heart to Heart punch, Scallop Edge punch. Dazzling Diamonds glitter, white gel pen, Stampin' Dimensionals,

Supplies: Certainly Celery and Lavender Lace cardstock. Stamps SU Simple Sketches (retired) Itty Bitty Buds, and Teeny Tiny Wishes. Certainly Celery, Lavender Lace and Basic Black ink. Lavender satin ribbon. Glitter effect made with Versamark ink and SU Iridescent Ice embossing powder.

Wow, 10 days went by in a blur.......

2009-08-17T01:14:00.003-04:00

At least it sure seems that way. I had some surgery on my leg and the discomfort is distracting me from my crafting and computer time, lol. I want to post a card that I made using things from my stash of scrapbooking and card making supplies. I love digging through the boxes and storage cart drawers and finding things I forgot I had. I have vowed to use up some of the older stuff! Here is the card. Thanks for visiting my blog today.

Stamps: Butterfly- Hero Arts, Friendship Background stamp from Inkadinkado

Another glitzy card.....

2009-08-06T23:34:00.004-04:00

I think this one is my favorite. In spite of having some bling, it still is clean and simple. I am also going to make this one without the glitter too.

Supplies:
SU Whisper White and Rich Razzleberry cardstock; Sincere Salutations stamp, Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink; Nestibilities oval and scalloped oval dies; SU Dazzling Diamond glitter; Two Way glue pen SU; Cuttlebug embossing folder; Big Shot die cut machine

Bring on the Bling...

2009-08-06T12:58:00.004-04:00

Here is one of the blingy cards I had my Grace Stampers make last Monday. Our class was about having fun glitzing up your cards with glitter and embossing powder. Our first card uses Stampin' Up! Dazzling Diamonds glitter. The glitter is held on with clear packing tape applies behind the punched out shapes. Easy, fun and not so much mess! The whole card front is elevated with Dimensionals to give it some definition.

Supplies:
Stampin' Up! Heart to Heart punch, Real Red ink, Regal Rose card stock, Heard From The Heart stamp, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, White get pen, and strip of DSP- Raspberry Tart (retired).

I've been busy creating....

2009-08-01T15:20:00.013-04:00

food, not cards, lol! I having been canning. I never have before. My DD got me interested and I started to research and became intrigued. The first thing I attempted was grape jelly. It is so easy and DH likes peanut butter and grape jelly.

Then I made some homemade salsa and processed that. I like that I can adjust thespices to our taste. Here is the salsa.

Friday I went to my daughter's house and we shopped at the Amish farmer's market for fresh fruits and vegetables. She is very lucky that the market is just a couple of miles from her. I am hoping she will decide to have her own garden next year. She certainly has the room and she also has forced labor, ahem, I mean two helpful children to share the work.
I got these peaches from the market and made some peach preserves. They are so good this time of year.I wound up eating two of the peaches. I just couldn't resist them. Because of that, I didn't have quite enough for the recipe so I had to send Don out to the farm stand to get a few extra peaches, lol.

I also made a big pot of beef vegetable soup and put it up in quart jars for us. I don't like canned soups so it will be nice to have these on hand. One more photo, the vegetable soup.

My next project is to put up some potatoes, peeled and cubed, ready to cook. I have about 25 lbs of red potatoes sitting in the kitchen waiting for me. If you are still reading, thanks for indulging my enthusiasm and looking at the photos. I'll keep you posted on my adventures in canning and I'll have some cards to post tomorrow.

Clean and simple.....

2009-07-28T20:07:00.000-04:00

Maybe too clean and simple. I think I may try this design again and add something else to pretty it up, but I'm keeping this one just like it is. I love the tree stamp in the Thoughts and Prayers set by Stampin' Up! It is such a great set and I know I will be using it over and over. I love sets like that!

Supplies:
Confetti White, Mellow Moss, Perfect Plum and Whisper White card stock. Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers, Teeny Tiny Wishes. Stampin' Up's Modern Label punch, Word Window punch, Big Shot Texture Plate, and Stamp-a-ma-jig. Pearls are from my scrapbooking stash.

Getting ready....

2009-07-23T11:48:00.000-04:00

for a craft fest! No, not a workshop, just my sister Chris coming to stay this weekend. We are planning to stamp a bunch of cards to replenish our card stashes. We haven't had a chance to do this in a while so I am looking forward to it a lot. I have new stamps that haven't seen any ink yet and I've been itching to use them. I do have a card to post today using the new Bermuda Bay In Color. Hope you like it!

Supplies: Stampin' Up! Bermuda Bay, Crushed curry, Whisper White,and Basic Black card stock, Bermuda Bay and Basic Black ink. Stamps: SU's Heard From The Heart and Eastern Blooms. Two SU background stamps, Pretty Petals and Sprinkles. The turned back corner is held by and eyelet. Flowers are popped up on Dimensional. Thanks for looking!

Cute little hats card....

2009-07-20T21:52:00.000-04:00

This is the card I made for my sister Carol's birthday. She is definitely one of a kind so I wanted to make her a special card. Her birthday was Saturday so now I can post this.

I got the directions for making the card here: Dawn's Stamping Studio
Dawn has a bunch of terrific videos for wonderful projects. Check out her site!
I changed the card a little for my own purposes and theme. I used Stampin' Up's Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay, Basic Black and Whisper White card stock. I stamped the flowers with the flower trio from the One Of A Kind stamp set and punched them with the Boho Blossoms punch. Some white grosgrain ribbon, a pearl, and some faux stitching done with a white gel marker finished it off.

Rich Razzleberry.......

2009-07-19T20:36:00.000-04:00

I love this color! This is a card I made for a demo swap. I only had to make 11, so that wasn't too bad. Making several of the same card is not my favorite thing to but I got 10 really nice cards back so it was totally worth it!

Supplies: Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, and Very Vanilla card stock. Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, silver brads, and some Rich Razzleberry polka dotted ribbon.

A little Post-it note holder.....

2009-07-12T00:22:00.000-04:00

I almost forgot to post this one. I love making these little Post-it note holders. They are so easy and so cute.

Supplies:
Stamps- Hero Arts butterfly and SU Upsy Daisy stamp. Paper and ink: SU Pretty in Pink and Basic Black. Black eyelets and ribbon from my stash.

Tea Party...

2009-07-08T21:47:00.000-04:00

Designer paper, not as in drinking tea and eating cakes. I love this pretty paper. This is another card made with the Stampin' Up! Tea Party designer paper pack.

Supplies for this card:
Basket of Tulips stamp from A Flower For All Seasons stamp set. Card stock is Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, and Whisper White. Tea Party double sided paper, pink brad, and Slit punch all from Stampin' Up! Pink Satin ribbon from my stash.

A little thank you card...

2009-07-07T23:22:00.000-04:00

for my mother-in-law. She gave me a lovely gift for my birthday that meant so much to me. I'm happy with it, but I have noticed that the majority of my cards have rectangles on them. I am going to have to get out of that rut, lol! I think all the cards I am working on now are that way too. After I finish this batch, I am going to make an effort to use some other shapes! Here's the card.

Supplies for this card from Stampin' Up!
A stamp from A Flower For All Seasons and sentiment from "The Mini Note Kit" from the last catalog. Basic Black ink. Tea Party DSP. So Saffron, Confetti White, Almost Amethyst and Whisper White card stock. I also used some Organza ribbon (scrap stash) and Copic markers