Winter Wonderland 2008

This photo was taken from my back deck today and I wanted to share the peacefulness and serenity that it captures of new england this time of year.

I've been absent from my blog and my card making for several weeks. The holidays just came way to quickly for me this year and there just wasn't enough of me to go around to get everything I wanted to do completed. Although I wasn't able to make Christmas cards this year for family or friends, I did want to take a minute to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a safe, healthy, and Happy New Year!

Kreativ Blogger Award!

I was nominated for an award by one of my stamping sisters.

Thank you Judy for the Kreativ Blogger Award!

Trick or Treat

Halloween....my favorite holiday! I was so excited that it was time once again to make Halloween cards.

The background was made using Old Olive, with a layer of Basic Black and the perfect piece of designer paper called Wicked Stripes from Creative Imaginations. I also used some Whisper White and decided to use a color duster with Old Olive ink to soften the brightness of the white paper. A piece of purple paper from an unknown source was used to frame the white...just something that was in my scrap bin. LOL

All the stamps used are from Stampin' UP except the little greeting which is from a clear stamp set from Storage Units, Ink & More

Inks used were black Stazon, Old Olive, and Only Orange from Stampin' UP

Also used for the card were my Nesties, dimensionals, and a piece of black magic mesh

I have the Halloween bug now....so more Halloween cards will be coming soon....

Mr. Snowman

I know it's only August, but I had joined a challenge swap where someone sent you an image and you had to make a card using that image, then send the card back to them. I actually LOVE snowmen, so it was fun to make it....even in August!

Stamps: Both images by Stampin' UP

Ink: Black Stazon

Paper: This card was made with all miscellaneous papers that were scraps I had. I always feel good about being able to use some of them up.

I also used a couple of snowflake eyelets, little red buttons, a variety of markers, and my large square and scalloped Nesties

Bee Trio

Well, I just got my new scallop border punch from Stampin' UP and wanted to use it right away because I couldn't wait for it to arrive! The bottom scalloped row on this card was done using the punch. This card was made for my neice, Melanie, who was recently in an accident. I don't suppose the card will make her feel any better, but hopefully knowing it's being sent with lots of love and healing wishes will.

Stamp: Bee Trio by Stampendous

Ink: Black Stazon

Paper: Making Memories designer paper,watercolor paper, Lovely Lilac

I also used my Nesties around the main image, 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon by SU, white brads, 1/2" circle punch, Diamond Stickles for the wings, various SU markers, and the Spots & Dots Cuttlebug embossing folder. And let's not forget the new SU scallop border punch!

WISHING YOU A SPEEDY RECOVERY MELANIE!

Wishing you Blue Skies

Some of my favorite pictures of my kids were ones taken on the beach. Children love the beach, and I always loved watching them interact and play...saying they were going to dig their way to China with their little plastic shovels in the sand!

Stamps: Background image is called Canvas by SU, and the main image and the greeting are both by Inkadinkadoo

Ink: Black Stazon, Close to Cocoa

Paper: Brocade Blue, Close to Cocoa, Rose Red, and watercolor paper

Also used were watercolor pencils with a blender, white Signo gel pen for the faux stitching, Nesties, and ribbon by American Crafts.

Silly Old Bear.....

This is an image I've had forever and have never used it. It sits up on my shelf and I smile every time I look at it because I love these mellow little Classic Pooh characters. It was time to ink them up and share this silly old bear with all of you....

Stamp: Classic Pooh Friendship by All Night Media

Ink: Black Stazon

Paper: Always Artichoke, watercolor paper, and Terra Cotta Paisley designer paper made by Creative Imaginations

I also used my nesties, antique copper brads, watercolor pencils, blender,horizontal slot punch, and a fabulous piece of green checked ribbon from a local store.

Popsicle Card

I know many of you have seen these popsicle cards made before but I think they're so cute that I just had to make some for myself to send out. I decided to post it just in case some of you haven't seem them yet. This card was cased from another blogger, Rochelle, who made several other flavors of popsicles by using other colors of SU card stock and images.

Whisper White and Only Orange (SU) were the colors of paper used to make this card along with Only Orange ink. The stamp is from the "Tart and Tangy" set also from Stampin' UP!

A scallop punch and corner rounder was used, along with a popsicle stick that I was lucky enough to get from my neice so I didn't have to buy an entire bag of them. (Thanks Kelly!)

Inside the card I put in a white insert and simply stamped "Happy Summer" on it.

Journal

I have a little journal book that I use often but it had the ugliest cover on it! Every time I saw it I told myself that I needed to make a new cover for it. Well......I finally did and even laminated it so it would be protected in my pocketbook. I'm pretty happy with how it came out, and it looks sooooo much better than it did before! LOL

I used some heavy card stock designed by Brenda Walton at K&Company for my background, then cut two squares of Stampin' Up cardstock, More Mustard and Garden Green to use as layers. Black Stazon ink was used to stamp the image on to Whisper White card stock, then colored in using a blender and watercolor pencils. I added some small dragonfly stickers then added the words "Be Happy Every Day" with a stamp from Hero Arts.

The main image is from a Stampin' UP retired set called "All That's Nice".

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Reid is 1 year old!

We've had lots of birthdays this month! Little Reid turned a year old and this is the card I made for him in honor of his "big day". Reid is just the cutest little red headed guy who has one of those great big contagious smiles!

I wanted to make a card that showed the age he was celebrating on the front and went through tons of stamps looking for what I thought was the perfect one. I finally dug through some images that were given to me and knew right away when I'd found it!!! A cute little teddybear holding a frame that I could place his age into. A BIG thanks to my stamping pal Candy, who had given this image to me a while ago.

Stamp: Darcies

Ink: Black, Tempting Turquoise

Paper: Really Rust, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, designer paper by K&Company

I also used various colored pencils and markers, along with a piece of rainbow twine made by Lehigh. I cut out the center of the frame and backed it with card stock I ran through the computer so I could get the perfect size "1". I also did the same thing for the personalized greeting. A sponge dauber was used with Tempting Turquoise around the edges of the greeting to add a bit of color.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE REID!

The Ladybug

I just love little ladybugs and couldn't wait to finish this card so I could post it to show all of you. Using the bright red rick-rack I think was the perfect thing to finish off the card, don't you agree? :)

Stamps: Itty Bitty Backgrounds (SU), and the greeting is from My Sentiments Exactly

Ink: Black Stazon

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red, all from Stampin' UP!

This was really a fun card to make! I used circle and oval punches to make the ladybug, and added a couple of black brads for the antenna. The wings were stamped to match the red background paper using Itty Bitty Backgrounds. Then I decided to do some paper piercing, but I still think it's that piece of bright red rick-rack that gives the card a bit of pizzaz! Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Happy Birthday Jocelyn!

Jocelyn's birthday is always a special day but this year she claims she isn't counting them anymore! Here is the card I made for her this year to help celebrate her special day.

Stamps: Terific Tulips,Warmest Regards

Ink: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Versamark, Certainly Celery

Paper: Very Vanilla, Whisper White,Pale Plum, Certainly Celery

I also used Iridescent Ice embossing powder, Birds & Swirls Cuttlebug embossing folder, and a piece of organdy ribbon to finish it all off.

Sometimes I want one of my cards to simply "sparkle" and the Iridescent Ice certainly did the trick for this card.Unfortunately, it doesn't really show it in this picture.


I hope you had a wonderful birthday Jocelyn!!

Happy Father's Day!

I've been really busy with lots of family events this month so it's gotten me a bit behind on blog posting. I'll be sharing some of the cards I made for the events during the next couple of weeks with you.

This card was made for Steven using a House Mouse image. He loves to golf every chance he gets so I thought this would be a great card for him this year.

Stamps: House Mouse image by Stampabilities, greeting image by Stampin' UP

Ink: Black Stazon, Brilliant Blue

Paper: Brilliant Blue, Whisper White, Basic Black, Ballet Blue. All by Stampin' UP

Also used on this card were various colored pencils,orange brads, photo corner punch by SU, and some blue & white gingham ribbon from Michael's.

I hope all dad's everywhere had a wonderful Father's Day!

Chocolate IS the answer!

Oh boy...isn't that statement the truth! Each day about 3:00 in the afternoon while I'm at work, I start to feel like I NEED CHOCOLATE!!!!!

Stamps: both images made by A Muse

Ink: Black Stazon

Paper: All paper by Stampin' UP. Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate, and designer paper from the Cutie Pie series.

Also used were various colored pencils and markers, along with the Cuttlebug embossing folder called Swiss Dots, Marvy Giga and Mega oval punches, and Wild Wasabi stitched ribbon also from SU.

I hope you all had a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Be Happy Every Day!

I've decided to post the following 3 cards here on my blog. All 3 were going to be published by Rubber Stamper Magazine. The artwork had already been done by them and the cards were ready for publication. Then it was announced that the company was going to be sold. So now I'm going to publish them myself on my blog! LOL

I've always liked images with alot of detail so maybe that's why this one really called out to me... I just love all the different plants sitting on the ladder.

Card #1

Stamps: All images by Hero Arts

Ink: Black Stazon

Paper: Whisper White, Mellow Moss, Perfect Plum

Also used were plum colored eyelets, Square Steps corner punch (retired SU)along with various colored pencils, watercolor crayons and aqua painter.

Everything's better when shared with a friend

How true...everything's better when shared with a friend! This is the 2nd card that was chosen by Rubber Stamper. The little girls remind me of my sister and I when we were little...we always wore dresses and one of us was always toting a cat around!

Stamps: Floral Background, And Everything Nice, both from Stampin' UP!

Ink: Black Stazon, So Saffron

Paper: Whisper White, Lavender Lace, So Saffron, Certainly Celery

Also used was a punch made by Fiskars to punch the left side design, various SU watercolor crayons and an aqua painter.

Tea Time

This little bistro table with the teapot and cups just looks so inviting. Let's just pull up a couple of chairs and have a cup of tea!

Card #3

Stamps: The table image is from Great Impressions, background stamp is the Houndstooth background by Stampin' UP!

Ink: Black Stazon

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pink Passion

I also used various markers, punches, and 1/4" black grosgrain ribbon, all from SU.

Happy Birthday Sweet Lily!

I can hardly believe my grandbaby turned a year old on Mother's Day! The year has gone by so quickly and it amazes me every time I look at the baby pictures I posted here on my blog when she was born. It doesn't seem as though it was that long ago when she came home from the hospital and we had to make a mad dash to the store for premie clothes that were still too big. And here she is now...standing,taking those few little baby steps, chattering, and always giggling.

Here is the card I made for her birthday. It's not at all what I'd planned, but I like the way it came out.

Stamps: SU retired Kids at Play, word stamp from Darcies

Ink: Black Stazon

Paper: Whisper White, Lavender Lace, miscellaneous designer paper from an unknown source (don't we all have a mountain of stashed paper?)

I also used my Nesties,brads,a piece of purple gingham ribbon,along with various colored pencils and SU markers for color. I didn't have a number "1" stamp image in the right size so I made it on the computer and just ran a piece of card stock through the printer....worked perfectly!

GOD BLESS YOU SWEET LILY, HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY!

A VERY SPECIAL DAY!

Our family had a very important day this past Thursday, May 1st, and this was the card I made for the special event. I selected this beautiful soft color as it matched the dress the baby wore.

Stamps: Floral Background by Stampin' UP!, the saying is made by Paper Inspirations and was a gift from Nancy, a stamping friend of mine.

Ink: Almost Amethyst, Black Stazon

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Almost Amethyst

I also used 3 pearl embellishments and some organdy ribbon just to add a bit of elegance to the card.

I cannot even begin to express how happy we are to have this precious child in our family. I thank all of our friends and family for their support throughout this journey that at times felt like it would never end. We have all been blessed, and my baby finally has her baby girl.

New "IN COLORS" coming!

WOOHOO!

Here's a sneak peek of the new "In Colors" for Stampin' UP! coming for 2008-2009.

Take a look at the Kiwi Kiss and the Tangerine Tango....what yummy colors!!

Pink Pirouette

Riding Hood Red

Tangerine Tango

Kiwi Kiss

Baja Breeze

Pacific Point

What do you think???? Leave a comment and let me know which one is your favorite!

Gardeners Know....

This is probably my favorite A Muse stamp, I finally had to order it directly from the manufacturer as I could never find it in the stores!

Stamps: Flower Stand-A Muse, and the saying (which I also love) is made by a fabulous stamp company,Lockhart Stamp Co.

Ink: Black Stazon

Paper: I used all Stampin' UP! paper, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi, and designer paper from the Afternoon Tea series.

Also used was a SU corner rounder and Photo corner punch, white Signo gel pen, Cuttlebug embossing folder called Swiss Dots, various colored pencils and markers, a piece of dotted ribbon from an unknown source, Nesties, along with dimensionals to raise up the main image.

Being Neighborly....

I've had this stamp for years and it's never seen ink! I thought it was time to see what I could do with it....

Stamps: Being Neighborly (Current Critters) by Uptown Designs, the wording is by Hero Arts, the background is called Flannel Plaid by SU

Ink: Black Stazon, Real Red

Paper: Real Red, Garden Green, Whisper White

I also used my wonderful Nestabilities, various colored pencils and markers, horizontal slot punch by SU, and ribbon bought at Michael's.

I just love images of little mice. Isn't this one just adorable hanging out in a soup can? :)

Spring Daffodils

One of the early signs of spring here in New England, vibrant yellow daffodils! Even though spring has arrived (date wise anyway!) we still aren't seeing any peeking through the ground yet. On Easter, my daughter gave me a pot of daffodils which I've been patiently waiting for them to open. I couldn't believe it when I woke up this morning and saw how many had opened up over night....I love these beautiful shades of yellows! Hmmm.... yo-yo yellow and summer sun????

Thanks Jocelyn! :)

Sleeping Under The Flowers

I don't even want to think of how many stamps I actually have, but for as many as I do, the House Mouse images are still some of my favorite! I just love these sweet little mice... My cards always have ribbon or embellishments on them. When they don't, I always feel as though I haven't really finished the card. But I decided to keep this one simple, with just a couple of layers and the corners punched with SU's ticket punch.

Stamps: House Mouse - Sleeping under the flowers

Ink: Black Stazon

Paper: Whisper White, Always Artichoke, Lovely Lilac

I also used the ticket corner punch, watercolor pencils with a blender, and a Copic Spica glitter pen.

A True Friend

A good friend had a birthday this week and I decided to make her card using a stamp set that I hadn't even inked yet. I hope she liked the card as much as I enjoyed making it for her.

Stamps: Boho Backgrounds, True Friend

Ink: Close to Cocoa, Really Rust, Black

Paper: Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, SU designer paper from the Outlaw series

I also used a piercing tool, Color duster, Ribbon (unknown manufacturer), and SU's Scallop Punch, Ticket Corner Punch and Rhinestone brads.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIMBERLY--- I HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOUR DAY!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

I always thought that St. Patrick's Day was a fun day where everyone should wear green whether or not they were Irish! :) I don't have very many stamps suitable for this holiday because I make so few St. Patty's Day cards.

Stamps: Lucky You - retired Stampin' UP!

Ink: Garden Green

Paper: Whisper White, Garden Green, Afternoon Tea designer series from SU

Also used to make this card were daubers, circle punch, SU scallop punch, and a sewing machine.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!

Thoughts of You

This is the card I was telling you about on my last post. I used the owl without any words, and decided to use words that had originally been attached to another stamp, on the bottom of the card....see, it worked out great!

Stamps: Just Celebrate, All in a Row

Ink: Black Stazon, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel

Paper: Kraft,Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, designer paper from the SU Afternoon Tea series

Also used were silver brads, dauber, Aqua painter,jumbo Marvy circle punch, mega Marvy scallop circle punch, some wonderful new SU 1/4" chocolate chip twill ribbon, and a flower ribbon slide from the Hodgepodge hardware.

I'm happy with how this little owl card came out and can't wait to use more of the images from this set!

Just Celebrate!

This is one of the newest stamp sets from Stampin' UP! available in the Occasions mini catalog. The set of 8 is called "Just Celebrate" and I love each of these cute little images. I just wanted to share what I decided to do with this set.... first of all can I say I simply love it when SU cuts out the images for us...just pop them out and mount it on the wood block...it's sooooo easy!!! I decided to cut the words away from their image. This way you don't have to stamp the words with the image, or you can change which words you'd like with each of the images. Notice I mounted the words I cut away on the tops of the blocks... it's like having two stamp sets... 8 images, and 8 word stamps! The first card I made using this set was with the owl image, but I used the words "thoughts of you" from what used to be connected to the butterfly image. Try it.... :)

Elzy - Think Spring!

I've finally found some time to play with one of my new Elzybell stamps called "Flower Girl" from the Friendship collection of A Muse! Here in New England we wait what seems like forever for Spring to arrive... I guess I'm trying to hurry it along by starting to make some spring cards. LOL

Stamps: A Muse, Endless-Designs

Ink: Black Stazon, SU Creamy Caramel, So Saffron, Cameo Coral

Paper: SU So Saffron, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White, Darling Doodles and Groovy Guava prints, both designer paper from SU.

Also used: Purely Pomegranate stitched ribbon, designer scissors called "Wave", 1/16"circle punch, ticket corner punch, photo corner punch, Marvy Mega square punch, Marvy Giga scallop square punch, SU yellow brads, Stardust Stickles

I've been on an awful stamping slump lately, but I think the creative juices are starting to flow again. Thanks for stopping by, I will have more to share soon!

STAMPIN' UP! SHIPPING COSTS

Stampin' Up! Shipping Costs

Effective April 1, 2008, Stampin' Up! will make a change to their shipping costs. With the overall increase in the economy, increases in postage, transportation, gas etc., we've all noticed increases in most everything we use and purchase each day. Unfortunately shipping is also affected by these increases.

Currently the minimum shipping charge on an order is $3.95 (or 10% which ever is greater). As of April 1, 2008, this will change to a minimum of $6.95 (or 10% which ever is greater).

While this should not impact most hostesses, as they currently pay the 10% shipping charge because of the larger orders, it will impact the occasional small orders that individuals place.

Please be assured that I will continue to offer to combine orders whenever possible if it will impact the overall shipping cost. It's my goal to continue providing the best service that I possibly can to you.

Criss Cross Valentine

I decided to make a criss-cross card for a Valentine swap I'd joined, and also wanted to use up some of the designer paper I've been hoarding, although a couple of peices certainly didn't make a dent in the mountains of paper I have!

Stamps: Party Punch, Holiday and Wishes, Happy Heart Day

Ink: Real Red

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Mellow Moss, various designer paper from unknown manufacturers

I also used paper piercing tools, red brad, stickles for the stamped flower image, corner rounder, red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals, red sticky tape, various watercolor crayons, blender pen, paper flower made by American Crafts.

Just Monkey'n Around

I was determinded to make a card using this cute little monkey this weekend. This stamp, given to me by a good friend, sits on a shelf over where I stamp, and smiles down on me all the time...

Stamps: Manufacturer =Great Impressions, Hero Arts (greeting)

Ink: Black, various SU markers

Paper: Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Taken with Teal, So Saffron, Whisper White, Rose Red
Designer paper - unknown manufacturer

Also used were brads,ticket punch, sponge daubers, and paper piercing tools. It's difficult to see in the picture, but Close to Cocoa ink was sponged on both pieces of white paper to tone down the brightness of it.

Garden Whimsy

I decided to challenge myself in making a card this week. I decided to make a card using just two colors, including the ink! Being crazy about this years SU "in colors" I decided to use Groovy Guava and white.... ONLY! I had no idea, not a clue, zero, zippo, nada for ideas when I started out...

Stamps: Garden Whimsy, Mini Mates

Ink: Groovy Guava

Paper: Whisper White, Groovy Guava, Groovy Guava prints designer paper.

I also used a Marvy circle scallop punch, SU's scallop punch, Signo white gel pen, "wave" designer scissors, SU dimensionals, and Star Dust Stickles to add some pizzaz to the butterfly.

I was satisfied with how my challenge came out.... what da ya think?

True Friend

I decided to not put a greeting on this card as I'm in need of several cards for swaps right now and not yet sure which swap this will be used for. Easily added would be a small greeting at the bottom of the card...

Stamps: True Friend

Ink: Versamark, Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi

Paper: Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate and SU's Darling Doodles designer paper

Also used was an antique brass buckle from SU's Hodgepodge Hardware and some stitched Purely Pomegranate grosgrain.

I just love the "In Colors" that Stampin' UP! came out with for this year. I wish they had been brought in as permanent colors instead of temporary ones.