Thursday, January 31, 2008

RAK request

all images © SU! 1990-2008


RAK = Random Act of Kindness


I have a good friend who has been going through a rough time. Her birthday is next week and I know it would bless her socks off to receive some birthday cards with encouragement! If you have an extra card and wouldn't mind sending it to her email me and I'll give you her address.

Supplies for card:
Stamps: Fundamental Phrases set, Très Chic background stamp
Paper: Kraft, Soft Sky, Whisper White card stock
Ink: VersaMark pad
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Fine Cosmo Glitter, Purely Pomegranate double-stitched grosgrain, linen thread, Vintage brads, Bulk Sticky Cuts Letters, Stampin' Dimensionals, Coluzzle Cutting System, Boho Blossoms punch, 1/16" Circle punch


happy stampin'
Susan

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Love Note

The Souper Stampers made this card last Friday. This is a really fun card to make because the inside is accordion folded which allows lots of room for embellishing! The scoring directions were in the recent SS magazine for SU! demos - but I adapted the scoring a bit so I could use my Scor-Pal tool. Being able to score with the S-P made it so much simpler to make multiple cards.

The Note of Love sentiment is a new Sale-a-bration stamp set, Lots of Thoughts, which I just love. I think it is my favorite set in the SAB catalog. All of the SAB sets will be available Friday - February 1st! Oh - did you know that all the SAB stamp sets are die-cut? Yep, no trimming needed just pop off the rubber and stick it to the maple block. How cool is that?? {SAB = Feb. 1 - March 15, 2008. For every $50 retail purchase, earn 1 FREE SAB stamp set. Email me if you do not have a Stampin' Up! demo}

all images © SU! 1990-2008

Since I didn't really have a large heart stamp, I had to improvise by masking a couple of flower petals from the stamp set Pick a Petal. It worked out quite nicely as you can see on the inside picture below.



all images © SU! 1990-2008

The other stamp sets used are Priceless, Wonderful Words and Time Well Spent. There are also a couple of rhinestone brads, which don't show up at all in the photo.

Our next stamp camp will be Friday, February 22 - with Sale-a-bration in full swing, you don't want to miss out on the fun!

happy stampin'

Susan

Monday, January 28, 2008

Friday night girls

photo lifted from Kelly's blog


I just read my friend Kelly's blog and wanted to share it with you. Hop on over to read the entire post about Friday night stamping. She is such a sweet person, and her girls are just like their mom. I love reading Kelly's blog because her heart is at home with her children and she works so hard to be a good mom and wife. You'll enjoy her postings too.

a little love

This is a 3x3 note card. Punched with the scallop punch and stamped using the heart image from Time Well Spent. It is quick, easy and just the right size to give for Valentine's day. Or it could be attached to a lovely Valentine gift.




images © SU! 1990-2008



You could bling it up with glitter, or layering of cardstock. But I liked it nice and simple. Easy peasy. It's always good to have a plan for those last minute cards.



happy stampin'

Susan

Sunday, January 27, 2008

permission to skip this post

Seriously, this is not a crafty post.
I've been thinking a lot today. It was not my best day - but in the grand scheme of things, it really wasn't a bad day either. Sometimes I smile and say, "Life is taking over." which really means I'm stressed by something bigger than normal.

I really try to not be negative because I was brought up by such a negative parent. And it has really affected the way I look at everything. I didn't even realize the extent it affected me until my kids were old enough to point out when I was being negative or critical about things. That's a real eye opener when your kids start pointing out the uglies in your bag. And it's a constant struggle to avoid thinking negatively, and most days I fail.

So anyway, back to the original intent of this post. Today I barely escaped a meltdown. Actually, I think I had a private meltdown in my mind that I successfully avoided showing to the world {which in this case would mean my family}. The worst part is that nothing really spectacular brought it on. I think I am just that stressed.

A little background, for those who may still be reading, since fall 2005 we have dealt with some type of serious health issue in our family. First, my son suffered through quite an ordeal with surgeries and post-op infections, and physical therapy. It really ruined his senior year of high school, and he has a permanently deficient knee because of it. Not long after he had finally recovered and was back to "normal", my mother suffered through a series of illnesses, broken bones, cancer, surgeries, mental confusion and rehab facilities. As my mother was coming out of her problems, my husband's mother became seriously ill and is hospitalized as I type. My husband and I are the main caretakers of our parents. If they are healthy, they don't need too much from us -- but since 2006 they have all been very dependent upon us for a variety of needs.

So, today as I was trying to maintain control over myself - so as not to add more stress to my husband's life at the moment - I was thinking about everything. Not really the "why" because I think we all realize life is not fair. It is not smooth sailing and we need to be extremely grateful for those times when things are going well, instead of lamenting about all the things that do not go our way. As I was thinking I kept remembering Ali Edwards' blog about choosing a word to define your life for the year. Sort of an alternative to a new year's resolution. You can read one of Ali's original posts about her word by clicking HERE.

Anyway, here is a bit about what Ali is promoting, mainly for her life, but also for anyone who wants to participate:
"Last year I began a tradition of chosing one word for myself each January
- a word that I can focus on, mediate on, and reflect upon as I go about my
daily life. Last year my word was something I wanted to bring into my life in a
more tangible way. My word was play.
I thought a lot about play and what it means to me. I tried to incorporate it more into my everyday and on my adventures out in the crazy world. For me, it was a lot about living without fear - about being more open to experiences with an attitude of playfulness. The word play found its way onto many scrapbook pages and into many stories I told throughout the year.
Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2007?"


Today I decided that I did need to choose a word. One that would help me focus on what is important and in turn allow me to put away those things that are not important. A way for me to sort things out rapidly and make a decision instead of trying to wade through the guilt and feelings of obligation to literally everyone. So here is my word:

BALANCE

There, I said it. It's out and public. I am going to seek balance this year. I firmly believe God will walk beside me as I go through stressful times. I know balance is one of His principles, as well. So I am going to do my best to concentrate on finding the balance in my life. Between what I have to do, what I should do and what I want to do. There has to be room for all of those, but without tearing my spirit down in the process.

With balance, I hope to become a healthier person too. I have gone many, many years without taking care of myself. I need to learn how to take care of myself without becoming selfish. So, if you are interested in choosing a word, come walk with me through this year as I hopefully learn how to balance my life without too much of a struggle.

This is another quote taken from Ali's blog:
"Your own word is something that can live just beneath the surface and called
up when you need it or you can create some sort of reminder that is right in
front of your face daily. It can be a guide, a gentle or stern reminder, a
theme, a focal point - really any of the above and more."


Ali has several other posts on her blog dealing with choosing one word. The list of words people have chosen for 2008 can be found HERE.

Also, I realize there are many, many people who go through much more stressful times than I have outlined here. Really, I am not whining. I am thankful for what we have - I can truly say we are a blessed family. And my heart aches for those who are struggling, and for those who suffer to a much greater degree. I read some really amazing stories of families that endure unbelieveable heartaches ... and my heart goes out to them.

And, sorry for the serious tone. I will post something fun later today.
Susan


Altered letter

I love altering things. It is so much fun to take something and add your own touch to it; or better yet use it in an unexpected way. I've had this papier mache letter for quite a while ... not as long as I had Santa {see post below} but it's been sitting on my hutch waiting on me to decide which paper I would use to cover it. I finally decided the other night I wanted to put the M in my bedroom, which is painted gray. I had an unopened pack of Uptown papers from SU Fall/Winter catalog which would work perfectly.



The paint is Lilac by Making Memories, and the ribbon is Celery wide grosgrain by SU. Here is a close-up of the scallop punched flower. The center is the only stamped image on the whole piece.



I want to add more embellishments, but I don't know where. If you'd like to offer suggestions I am all ears. I don't want to overdo it, and it looks ok as is, but I'm thinking I could add something more to spice it up just a bit.

I also found a wonderful blog this morning called I {heart} 2 stamp. She has wonderful stamped projects, and a weekly card sketch. It's all lovely and very creative!

Thanks for visiting today and happy stampin'

Susan

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Priceless

I could get really sappy here ... but let's not go there today, ok?
I've been working on cards for Valentines day and this is one of my favorites. The only stamp set used is Priceless. I found the template online here via the challenge forums at SCS. And -- it just so happens this card works for Notimetostamp's weekly challenge to use a scalloped edge on a card and for SCS new technique challenge using a heart pocket. So I'm covering a lot of bases here!





To view all the New Technique Challenge cards click HERE.

To view all Notimetostamp's Challenge cards click HERE.

Supplies:
CS: Barely Banana, Rose Red, DSP, Confetti White
Ink: Pomegranate, Saffron
Accessories: Fiskars scallop scissors, ribbon, regal rose marker, pretties kit flower & rhinestone brad

happy stampin'
Susan

Monday, January 21, 2008

From the Heart

I should share about the special edition Valentine kit from Club Scrap. Especially since I blogged that I was waiting for it to arrive -- It came and It's awesome! Need I say more? Well ... if you insist... seriously, I am dying to cut into these papers and make something really neat-o. But I must restrain myself and wait because CS is holding an online event to scrap this kit. I am going to try my best to scrap along with them, although I realize it won't be easy to have time alone, uninterrupted, in front of the computer. The instructions will stay online after the event, so really, I can scrap it at my leisure if I so choose.
Here are the contents {although I have to say, this photo doesn't seem to do the kit justice, it looks like so much more in person}:

And I just had to get the coordinating unmounted stamps, right? I mean I do have a cool storage system for unmounted stamps and it would be a shame to let it collect dust, right? Right.

I have my stamps trimmed and TIOAO glue applied, ready to stamp at a moment's notice. I guess I should also include the description of the kit from the CS site, just so you know what a great value this is:

This extraordinary kit includes all three side orders, with enough
supplies to create 20 unique cards, 10 layouts, and enough embellishments to
spread the love
to all your friends and family. Kit includes: (8) 12x12 Prints,
(8) 12x12 Plains, (2) Sheets of Printed Tags, (1) Sheet of Cut Aparts, (1) Fiber
Pack, (1) Embellishment Bead Assortment, (1) Stencil, (1) Winged Heart Stamp,
(20) Scored Cards and Panels, (20) Envelopes, (15) Photo Mattes, (1) Idea Recipe
Card, and (1) Newsletter.
Join our very own Tricia Morris for an Assembly Line
Online Workshop event with the From the Heart Kit on January 31, 2008.

There is still time to order and receive the kit before the online event. If you're planning to scrap online with CS - comment me so I can be watching for you, and you for me! The website for the Jan. 31 event is: Club Scrap Chat. Go to the ALSB event forum and look for "From the Heart."

happy stampin'

Susan

"Try for Free" offer



I found this Scotch Tape Runner at my local Walmart with a full rebate. I just wanted to alert all you papercrafters who go through adhesive like crazy, to look for this tape runner with rebate. You can see the rebate form inside the packaging - it is clearly marked, and reads "Try for Free" - so make sure it's there before you buy, or it won't be free! Now, off to the dentist - boo!

happy stampin'
Susan


Sunday, January 20, 2008

Is it January already?

Really? Well, guess I should take down my Christmas decorations then! Before I do, I must show you what I spent my afternoon working on Thursday, otherwise referred to as the DAY OF THE BIG SNOW.














See him? It's Santa. Yes, I know Christmas is 340 days away, but you must understand, this Santa has been naked and waiting on me to decorate him since October 2006! I could not make him wait any longer.





He is covered in Cosmo Cricket paper, edged with inks and mod podged to the wood. I bought some rub ons to add, but couldn't decide if they would enhance or detract ... so no rub ons for now. I'm getting ready to pack him up today and thought I should share before next year.

happy stampin'
Susan

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Tear it up - Challenge # 18


all images copyright SU! 1990-2008


Well, it's not the CPS sketch card, maybe I'll get to that later. This card is for Sharon's {notimetostamp} challenge to use torn paper. I must confess, it is not a new card, and the stamp set, Balmy Breeze, is retired. But - it does match the challenge, and it has not been posted online anywhere before, so it's almost as good as new. My stamp clubbies will probably remember it. It is a fun technique that I learned from Pat's TJ newsletter, but I'm terrible at remembering names. If you know the correct name of this technique, will you post it? {edited: the technique is called Ripped Marble - thanks Pat! : ) }
Thanks.

happy stampin'
Susan

CPS

This is a great site for card sketches. Need a card but have a creative block? Hop on over to CPS {Card Positioning Systems} for a sketch. New sketches post on Sunday. Here is the sketch from last week:


If I can carve out a few minutes when I get home from work tonight I am going to try out this sketch. My hope is that I will be able to make at least one new card a week using CPS ideas. Past sketches can be found here.

happy stampin'
Susan

Friday, January 18, 2008

oopsie!


I didn't see Steph's tag until today. Isn't she sweet? Steph has been on a card making frenzy the last couple of weeks. She has done an amazing quantity of work! Be sure to check her out - I think I am not supposed to list her in my top 10 because she tagged me ... but then again, who's going to complain?? Ok, here are my top 10 in absolutely no particular order:
  1. Stephanie
  2. Sharon
  3. T!m
  4. Cathy
  5. Jan Tink
  6. Debbie
  7. Joan
  8. Donna
  9. Ali
  10. Stef

Thursday, January 17, 2008

snowflakes






Today is a snow day! Living in the south, it may be the only one of the season, you just never know. We embrace the snow fully. Schools close for only 2 inches of the white cold goodness. -- and I love it!




This is the view across the street to my mother's house.






... a portion of my backyard





Snow flakes. by Emily Dickinson
Snow flakes.

I counted till they danced so
Their slippers leaped the town,
And then I took a pencil
To note the rebels down.
And then they grew so jolly
I did resign the prig,
And ten of my once stately toes
Are marshalled for a jig!



and this is my hot chocolatey breakfast! yum!
{don't tell anyone, but I made double chocolate chip muffins too!}




happy stampin'
Susan

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Umounted Stamps

Our topic of the day: Unmounted Stamps {UMs}



I am sharing this because I absolutely did not know how to best use my UMs. After doing some research, trial & error, I found what works best for me. I am also sharing because before redoing my UMs I had them all dumped in a drawer, didn't have a clue what stamps I had, where they were or how to use them!



Although I do have clear acrylic stamps, most of the stamps I use are etched rubber and wood mounted. I prefer these stamps for a couple of reasons. First, etched rubber stamps are more durable and meant to last. Second, they are ready right out of the box. No searching for a block mount when you want to use it. Clear stamps have come a long way in quality and durability since their introduction, however, they are still not as durable as etched rubber and do not usually leave as crisp an image as you can achieve from quality rubber stamps. However, as you are probably well aware STORAGE can be a HUGE problem with wood mounted stamps!!



Today, I thought I would share my tips for using and storing UMs stamps of the clear and rubber variety. Clear stamps are simple, they stick to almost any slick surface and don't need any prep before using. Rubber UMs, however, need a little prep work before you can start stamping with them.



For rubber UMs I started with the HALO system first. I mounted one set of stamps with this system and was frustrated at all the goo and sticky that got on my scissors when trimming. You may be a fan of HALO, and I don't hate it, but I felt there must be a better way -- either that or give up buying UMs. After reading on message boards, and asking unmounted stamp fans their favorite ways to use UM's almost everyone suggested using Allene's Tack it Over and Over glue {TIOAO} and acrylic blocks. What a blessing to learn about this glue from the stampers on the Club Scrap Chat forum!



With TIOAO you brush a thin coat of glue on the back of the rubber stamps and let it dry completely. I let mine dry overnight if possible. Just squirt a little glue on the rubber and spread it evenly over the stamp all the way to the edges with a disposable foam brush like so:





Once dry the stamps will stick to slick non-porous surfaces just like acrylic stamps. woot! My next task was to find a good storage system that worked for me. Lots of people use binders - which makes perfect sense because they will fit right on a shelf and are handy to grab and flip through to find the stamp you need. I, however, am of the out of sight, out of mind variety and forget that I even have binders on my shelf! Maybe that's why I am such a clutter-bug? If I can't see it right in front of me, the chances of me using it are slim to none.


Fortune smiled on me as the winner of blog candy from Store More Stamps! I actually won the complete starter system just as I was investigating UMs on the CS chat boards. Wow! All I had to do was stick my UMs that had TIOAO applied to the back to the inserts that came with the system:



If the stamps came with an index sheet I just placed it on the other side of the insert and slid everything into the clear sleeve protector that comes with the inserts. If there is no index sheet, I quickly stamp one on white cardstock. I keep the index sheets facing forward so I can easily see the stamp images:

The storage sheets are 8x8 and coated on one side, plain cardstock on the reverse. I like this system for two reasons:
  1. The storage box is compact and holds a lot of stamps.
  2. The box sits out in my room and I just flip through it to see what stamps I have.

You can see how the Store More Stamps system works in these photos:

The storage system on my shelf


Close up ... see how I can just flip through the sheets?


Clear stamps stored on a sheet.

Nice and easy. Well, this has been long, but hopefully helpful. Please share your storage tips for UMs too. I'm always eager to learn more!

happy stampin'

Susan

Blog Candy Winners

Winners!! Email me with your snail mail address so I can get the subscription cards ready.
  1. Dorothy said...
    I love to organize. My favorite find was a 3 shelf spice rack at a garage sale. I painted it black to match my stamo room decor and then bought Memoray Makers little plastic bottles which fit perfectly. I have filled the bottles with buttons, colored staples, beads, etc. and it looks so pretty with all the colors. I am always looking for organization things for that room and I find the best stuff at garage sales. I also buy bouquets of flowers at Michaels on sale, take them apart and store the flowers in long regtangular clear containers (also gotten at garage sale). I have them in the shelf and the colors of the flowers are so pretty and lively and I can see all the colors without having to open a box or something. Thanks for the chance to win!
  2. Kathy W said...
    When I started to organize my space, I first made notes of where I use certain products. That way I could make sure to have materials close and not have to search in a cupboard across the room. I'm a big fan of baskets, so I bought tons of various sized baskets to house glitter, embossing powder, adhesives, buttons on cards, etc. I also like glass jars for ribbon and primas; very colorful and easy to spot. Thanks for the chance to win.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

things ...


some very random things on my mind today:

  1. I found another great new blog, and she has an AMAZING STAMP ROOM -- so go check out Tami's bcre8tuv blog.

  2. Inkadinkado is an AWESOME stamp company! I purchased 3 sets of clear alpha stamps recently and they are all so stuck to the backing I can't get them off. Now, here is the awesome part: I emailed the company today at 9:13 am informing them of the problem. At 9:15 am -- two minutes later -- they emailed me back and said I would receive replacement stamps in 7 days! How's that for customer service?

  3. Debbie Olsen ROCKS! If you don't believe me, go check out her last 2 blog posts. I'm over the moon with her projects.

  4. I've been playing with my blog. I now have an official web address: http://www.stampinsusan.com/. There is a transition period, so you may have to continue using the blogspot address for a day or so ... but it was working last night! woot. I hope to add more stuffz to my blog to make it even more fun! {ok, so maybe fun is not quite the right description for my blog ... whatever!}

  5. Google offers a calendar to embed on blogs. Ok. Great. But how do I get it to show my stamp dates instead of just reading busy? help.

  6. FedEx is delivering my CLUB SCRAP special order From the Heart kit - complete with coordinated unmounted stamps - today!!! I can't wait to look at it, smell it, rummage through it ... I hope I am home when it comes!

  7. I love my new clear stamp storage system from Store More Stamps. I am going to photograph it and show you how it works. Soon. promise. cross my heart.

  8. Ugh. We have to drive 35 minutes to the orthodontist today. Then I have to go in to work at 5 pm. Long day ahead ... with no stamping in sight!

  9. My best bud is getting out today for a Dr. visit so I hope she has time to drop in a store and let me shop vicariously through her! sad, huh?

  10. I need a new 2008 kitchen calendar. Maybe I can find one while we're out today.
  11. Hey - what's for dinner?

Thanks for visiting! I'll be back to post a picture next time!!

happy {non}stampin' day

Susan

Monday, January 14, 2008

Happy Heart Day!

Isn't this little mouse a cutie? Normally I do not like mice ... and that's the beginning of the story about how we ended up with 7 cats! But, I'll spare you the details. This mouse need not worry... I like him.



This is one of two card samples I have ready for Souper Stampers on Jan. 25th. I have more ideas in my head, but I fell behind with my mother-in-law's illness and haven't gotten them on paper yet. Originally this card did not have the scallop circle, and it looked a little blah. I've seen a lot of cards with circles and since I love scalloped edges, I thought I'd try it and see how it looked. I cut the scallop circle with my wonderful, don't know why I didn't buy one sooner, Cricut machine. I definitely like this version better.
The gate fold is easy to create using the Scor-Pal. There are so many different ways to use the Scor-pal tool and I want to try them all ... but so far, I've just had time to make cards with a couple of different folds.
Don't forget to post a comment below on no blogie to enter for blog candy. I'm giving away two 6 month subscriptions to Creating Keepsakes magazine.
happy stampin'
Susan

Sunday, January 13, 2008

new bloggity

I found an amazing new blog today: Kim Hughes - Paper Hugs. She posts projects just about every day, and gives great papercrafting tips along with fun facts ... very funny. Stop by and visit her ... tell her I sent you!

Also, don't forget about the blog candy I'm offering. Comment with an organizational tip at this post: no blogie.

I do have a valentine card to share with you. I will either post it later today or tomorrow once I get a decent photograph of it. Stay tuned.

happy stampin'
Susan

fav new show

Wow - two posts back to back ... I'm good! I have to share the quote of the week, from my new favorite TV show, Celebrity Apprentice. Are you watching this show? It's hilarious. All the celebrities have such confidence ... some are super arrogant, some not; some work well within the teams, others think they need no one else. That makes for very interesting project assignments. The Don had a great line this week when he was deciding who to fire. He was talking to Nadia.

"I know a lot about sports
and athletes
and about everything."


See what I mean? Love it!
happy stampin'
Susan

Saturday, January 12, 2008

no blogie

I've been absent this week and my blog has been silent. My husband's mother, Sylvia, has been hospitalized so all our energy has gone into being at the hospital and keeping family members informed. I am happy to say that she is doing better, although still in the critical care unit. She scared us more than once this week, but I am encouraged that she is improving. Thank you for all the prayers. Keep them coming! I am convinced that the prayers sent up on her behalf are the reason she is doing better.

I had to postpone the Catalog Release Party. I am looking at rescheduling for Friday, Janary 25 -- when I can confirm that is a good date I will send everyone on my email list the information.

Of course, I haven't had time to be creative this week with everything else happening, so I have nothing to share with you today. Maybe I'll get cracking on a new project soon ... until then, I thought I could share a few fun sites for you to browse if you have a few spare minutes.

This is a great scrapbooking article about finding inspiration from book covers -- I think it could translate to cards as well: Inspired by Book Covers

Big Picture Scrapbooking is hosting a free book club during 2008. Each month there will be discussions about the current book. I was so excited to see this opportunity! I love a good book and fortunately for me, the January book, A Thousand Splendid Suns, is one I just finished so I'm ahead of the game for a change, lol!! Sign up here: Big Picture Reading Room

Big Picture also offers the following free classes or projects:
January Layout a Day Class
Kid Perspective
All About Me mini book
People, Places & Things

Oh - I almost forgot about BLOG CANDY!!! How could I forget something so important? Well, anyway ... I am giving away two 6 month subscriptions to Creating Keepsakes magazine ... I got them free w/ a purchase, but already subscribe, so why not give it away, right? So, here is how it goes, I will pick 2 names randomly from the comments left on this posting ... this one ... if you post elsewhere, I can't track it down. So make sure you post in the right place. When you post you must tell me your best organization tip for keeping all your craft stuff neat and orderly. That way I can take your best ideas and use them to clean up and organize my space!!! Ok, and one more rule ... no tips that say "put things back where they belong" ... if I did that I wouldn't have a problem, now would I??? I'll pick the winner on Wednesday. Oh yes, to be sure that I can reach you either sign in or leave an email address in the post. TIA!

Take care and hug someone today!

happy stampin'
Susan

Friday, January 11, 2008

New Catalog Release Party

{Rescheduled tentatively for Friday, January 25}

For anyone living w/in driving distance, I'm hosting a New Catalog Release Party on Friday, January 11. The new Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog will be available for a special price of $5.
Open House with free make-n-take -- 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Souper Stamper Party -- 6:30 pm, cost $8.


Email me if you have questions, or need directions.

Monday, January 07, 2008

This is fun

Obviously, there are a lot of others with my name out there ...

HowManyOfMe.com
LogoThere are
3,762
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?


I put in my kids names too, just for fun. My youngest son shares his name with only 52 other people, my daughter shares her name with 820 others and my oldest son, having one of the most popular first names in history shares his name with 11, 646 people! Our last name is shared with 947,575 others ... wow, probably lots of cousins I've never met!


In other unexciting news, I went to the Y this morning. Yep, I'm gonna try to take better care of myself this year. My goals are reasonably low for someone who is a couch potato! I hope to build my stamina without injuring myself! So, tyoday was a good first day ... tomorrow is another day.


happy stampin'


Susan

Sunday, January 06, 2008

New projects are available

Visit Stampin' Up! online to view the January projects ... very nice! All projects use new stamp sets and accessories ... I've already fallen in love with the felt flowers! One of the projects is this great scrapbook page:


all images SU! 1990-2008

The stamp set, Always, is already on my list to order. I LOVE the bird image!

happy stampin'
Susan

Saturday, January 05, 2008

altering things

It's so much fun to alter an item! When altering, you take the ordinary and turn it into extraordinary! All you need is a basic idea ...

Since we've all been taken over by colds in our household {all 5 of us at once}, there are a number of medicines sitting out on the kitchen counter. We've been through one bottle of cough medicine and half-way through a second one! Since the bottle has a unique triangular shape, I thought it would be fun to alter.



First, I washed it thoroughly ... very thoroughly, and I took the dosage cap from the new bottle so it had never been used. I was able to pull off most of the label, which left sticky film behind, but that's ok because I'm just going to put more paper over it again.


Here is the finished bottle next to the original:

The tag was cut with Tags, Bags and Boxes cartridge by Cricut. You can see it reads, "Happy Pills." On the reverse side is written, "Take 2 Tbspoons daily." I filled the bottle with chocolate covered sunflower seeds from Cracker Barrel, but are also available online HERE .... but I didn't have the seeds until after I took the photos, so you can't see how cute they actually look in the bottle!



The embellished flower is from Target's dollar spot, and the paper and wide grosgrain ribbon is by Stampin' Up!



'
I made it with a great friend in mind who recently received a job promotion. There will be days she will need a few "Happy Pills!" I think she will like it.

Here is another post I read today with a wonderful idea for altering a Truffle box from Harry & David: Jan Tink's blog. There is a Harry & David outlet here in town, I may need to see if they have any truffle boxes left!!

happy stampin',



Susan

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Quick Links for the New Year

I wanted to quickly share a few links that are inspiring to me. Maybe you too?

Photojojo -- photography blog dedicated to helping improve your photography skills. They have some tips for the new year up now.

Tim Holtz -- awesome, amazing, inspiring! Tim announced that he is going to put up a new challenge each month. What a great way to learn from a master.

Ali Edwards -- she chooses an inspirational word to focus on for the year. Click to read more and find out Ali's word for 2008. I think this is a wonderful way to refocus yourself in the new year.

That's all for now... I'm off to the vet w/ one of our dogs.
Susan

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

You're not getting older ...



Sunday was the BIG 18 for our daughter -- how exciting! Would I want to be 18 again? Probably not, but it is certainly a fun time of your life. We had to postpone her surprise party on Sunday because we all had/have colds and sniffles. But, we were able to manage an early New Year's Eve party -- which worked perfectly! Here are a few pictures showing highlights of the evening:


Ellen and Kevin - he took her away for an hour so we could prepare



Loading up on wings and things!



Beautiful girls! Stephanie, Elaine & Erin

Pastor Lane and Eric

Emily and Tyler