make 'n take card

Our lss offers a free make'n take on Wednesday mornings {Hey Steph!!}. I rarely get to go because I work on Wednesday afternoons which means the morning is full with homeschooling. A couple of weeks back, I actually made it to the m'nt and here is the card:



I fell in love with the patterned paper - the flowers and dots are one double sided sheet - but resisted the urge to buy any. I have more patterned paper than I will probably be able to use in my lifetime! Any other hoarders out there? Holla!

If the card looks a little unfinished it's because it is! I chose to omit the sentiment stamp on the front. I believe it said "love" stamped in white ink, and I wasn't sure I would need a lovey-dovey card anytime soon. I'll stamp it with something appropriate when I need to mail it. There is also a black tee-tiny tag on the ribbon knot - see it now? The sample card had the year written with white gel pen on the tag ... I thought that was a really cute touch. Of course, as you can see, I left mine blank again - not knowing the actual occasion when I will use this card.

happy stampin'

Susan

Life is good, indeed

I love this quote block. "Life is good." Yes, it is. I stitched a little stem on the flowers, it's subtle, but adds a bit of texture. Today's share uses a retired Stampin' Up! Simply Scrappin' kit. These kits are fantastic, if you've never tried one you should!

This is a layout I made at the last GIRLS NIGHT OUT! I look forward to these nights, too bad it's only once a month. Anyway, I am notorious for not getting a lot of work done at crops - probably because I'm too busy talking and snacking! lol. This month I managed to squeeze out 3 layouts. Pretty good for me - but pitiful compared to my bff Joan who made a mega amount of memory frames of her new grandson to give as gifts.

The layout showcases my dear daughter - I've said it before, but I love myspace.com because the kiddies are always taking pictures of themselves to post on their profile. If not for that I can't imagine that I could ever get my teens to pose for mom to photograph -- especially on their job! So, I take what I can get and these days I have plenty to choose from!

all images © SU! 1990-2008

Here is a closer look at the scallop border on the bottom photo - it's made with my new Martha punch! I love it. Not only do you get the lovely scalloped edge, it embosses too. Adorable. The flower trim beneath is a 12" sticker which I clipped to go around the pattern paper circle.

I still haven't done my journaling ... this is the toughest part for me. Everything I think of sounds silly or cliche ... I think I should take a class on how to journal! And -- I have a better photo of the last layout of my youngest son, but my camera and computer are refusing to communicate this morning so I can't get it uploaded. I promise to repost soon.

happy stampin'

Susan

teens + noise

Teens and noise go hand in hand - and we have 3 teens in our house so you know what that means! Thank goodness I work in a library where I can find peace and quiet. I found this set of stickers on the clearance table at my LSS. They are made by Bazzil, but my Stampin' Up! papers coordinated beautifully.

I could use this quote for either of my boys - they are very lively indeed. Our boys are the entertainers du jour. They seem to always be ready for fun. What I appreciate most about them and my dd is that they are all very creative in their own ways. I just happened to have these recent photos of youngest ds that my daughter made, so I decided to scrap them with the quote.

Again - the photos don't show up well on blogger - gotta find out why ... I think it may be the file size {even though I do reduce the file before uploading} it gets all pixilated. I am going to retake photos of the layout and try to get a better one. But until then I'll have to share this cr*ppy photo of my layout:

© SU! Simply Scrappin Kit: Friends & Flowers {retired}

I'm going to work on journaling too. That is the most difficult thing for me to do on layouts.

happy stampin'

Susan

Oh Hello!

You must think I forgot about blogging! Well, not quite. There have been a lot of things going on around here and most of them are not pleasant! But, I am quite happy to report that life is looking up. I'll fill you in on some of the news, but won't bore you with too many details.

First, I want to share a card by Stef Hamilton. I won blog candy from her and she included this oversize tag card with a note. I thought it was just an awesome card and of course I wanted to share it here!

I have no idea about any of the supplies, so we'll just count it as eye candy for today! Stef is a designer for Papercrafts magazine - and an attorney - and a cancer survivor. She's pretty awesome from what I have read. Her blog is a very interesting slice of her life. Go check her out - and tell her I sent you!

I'll update you on all the happenings around here in the post below - to keep the card seperate from the details.

happy stampin'

Susan

Life update

Ok, I promised to update my ol' bloggity with details - but not too many - to let everyone know what has been going on and why I have been MIA. Most everyone knows that my mother and mother-in-law have experienced serious health issues over the last year and a half. That has not changed. My mother should be coming home next week from rehab. We pray that goes well, but for the moment both moms seem to be stable - which is such a blessing.

Last week, however, an accident happened to our friend, Eric. He is the son of one of my BFF's and the BFF of my youngest son. Our families are very close and our kids have known each other since birth.

Eric was out on his scooter {not motorized} and took a tumble. He was a little shaken, but got up and walked on home with a scraped shoulder. Within an hour or so he developed a terrible headache and signs of a concussion so his parents rushed him to the ER. At 10 pm his mom called me from the ambulance - they were being transferred to a larger hospital. By midnight Eric was undergoing brain surgery -- and it was his 16th birthday - can you believe that!

The neurosurgeon said Eric hit his head in the weakest spot and caused an artery to burst. He had uncontrolled bleeding in his brain. During surgery, the Dr. stopped the bleeding and drained out the extra blood. I am so happy to tell you all that he is recovering nicely at home. There do not seem to be any lasting effects from the injury or surgery. He does have a long recovery ahead before he reaches 100%, and he will have some restrictions for about a year --- but we are all amazed and so thankful that he is doing so well. God is good!

Here are a few photos of the boys at soccer practice about 2 weeks ago. My son is wearing the green t-shirt, Eric is wearing gray and Eric's brother, Ethan is in black.

Why is it that teenage boys try to not look at each other? I guess they are too cool.

happy stampin'

Susan

ps - go {{hug}} your kids!

A couple of fav blogs

I have several blog subscriptions ... ok, many blog subscriptions ... which means each morning in my email I am greeted with superb inspiration by some awesomely crafty ladies! Today, I wanted to share 3 of my favorites with you:

Paper Hugs : Kim Huges has really nice designs, some contemporary in style; but best of all she shares a tip with each blog post.

KWerner Design : Kristina is a graphic designer {for my favorite stamp company, btw}. Her designs are just that: graphic & clean. She also offers color challenges and uploads a video regularly on her blog.

The Pioneer Woman : I am totally addicted to Ree's blog. Amazing ability with photography, cooking and she has wicked writing skills as well. You won't be sorry if you spend some time browsing this blog. Absolutely my favorite. Ree offers a few of her photos to download and print, along with some really delicious recipes. I guess ranching works off the calories! Maybe I need to buy a ranch, lol!


Lastly, since I have no card or layout to share today I thought I would share another photo of one of our silly kitties. Little Mister kitty likes to lounge in his feed bowl. I don't know why - but it is kind of cute:

Don't forget about Girls Night on Friday!!

happy stampin'

Susan

Birthday Balloons

This card is made using a recent Sale-a-Bration set. I love this set - even though at first it was not one of my favorites. Often I have to see examples made by other stampers before I really warm up to certain stamp sets. My stamp shelves tell me that I prefer florals and alphabets! It's a good thing those shelves can't talk and tell my hubby how much they cost!

all images © 1990-2008 SU!

The balloons were masked as I stamped and the strings were just drawn in. I think this card could work for a male or female - it seems pretty gender neutral to me. And, for once, that may be a good thing!

happy stampin'

Susan

Girl's Night Out!

Friday, April 11th is our next Girl's Night Out.

This month we will be working on our own projects, so bring whatever you have - cards, scrapbooks, altered items, etc. Please bring a snack to share as well. We'll have a great time, that's certain.

EMAIL ME if you need directions. There is no charge.

happy stampin'
Susan

phooey on all you enablers out there

... you know who you are!! I found a stamp set that I just HAVE to order! Oh me, oh my, why, why, why do you all have to make such beautiful cards and tempt me so? Don't you know I have not even a shred of self-control when it comes to stamping?

And just to encourage you and hopefully drag a few of you along on my journey to obtaining all the rubber stamp sets known to mankind ... I'm going to show you a few of these beauties. Let's see if you feel the same way I do about the set called Bloomin' Beautiful.

This first card is by Carol Millay. I saw it on a board for Stampin' Up! demos. Isn't this just gorgeous? I absolutely love it! From the striped ribbon to the beautifully colored hydrangeas ... the designer paper, everything is just "wow." Now, I don't know Carol. But if I find she has a blog, I will post it here so we can all go drool over her creations.

all images © 1990-2008 SU!

Next are a few cards from SplitCoastStampers with links to each designer's gallery. I want to be sure to give full credit to everyone.

This card is by Sharon Johnson, aka Notimetostamp. Sharon is one of my favorite stampers - she has a wonderful blog too. You can find her blog by following the links in her SCS gallery.

all images © 1990-2008 SU!

Next, is a card in teal by Hudlap. I don't know -- do you think she lives in Iceland? She has a flag on her profile picture. That's pretty amazing. I wonder if hydrangeas grow in Iceland?

all images © 1990-2008 SU!

This next card just wows me too. I love the softness of the blue, and the different hues of the flowers - just like in real life. I also love the daintiness of the scalloped edge - and did you notice? It's done on Kraft cardstock - not traditionally considered soft or dainty! The designer of this card is Kthaman.

all images © 1990-2008 SU!

I'm going to post a couple more cards, but leave out the commentary {if possible} so this post won't grow any longer. Just know that I am completely in love with all the cards posted here!

all images © 1990-2008 SU! By Musikel.

all images © 1990-2008 SU! By Anniehl.

all images © 1990-2008 SU! By ChristineCreations.

all images © 1990-2008 SU! By Markie's Mom.

I hope you have enjoyed viewing my obsession with this stamp set. The next time you see it here it will be my own creation {'cause I'm getting ready to order it tonight!}

happy stampin'

Susan

CPS # 58

I enjoy using sketches to make cards or scrapbook layouts. It takes some of the work off my little brain - if you're over 40 and have children, you'll understand! Card Positioning Systems has weekly sketches on their blog. Head on over and check them out - you can look at all the previous sketches too if you're in need of more ideas.

This week I really liked the CPS #58 sketch. One because it had a large area for stamping, and two because the corners were rounded only at the bottom. The circle accents threw me a little, but I modified that part and voila! I have a card to share.

all images © 1990-2006 SU!

The stamped images are from the retired SU! set Serene Sunflower. I am in denial over that set being retired - what were they thinking??? It's actually one of my very favorite sets, and there's nothing like it in the SU! catalog now. I mean - they have tons of flowers. Doodled flowers, Roses, Sketches of flowers ... but this set is so different and versatile - I miss it muchly {can you tell?}. The sentiment was partially inked from the Faith & Hope stamp set.

The stamped images are part of a one sheet wonder I made last year. I had just a little less than 1/2 sheet of cardstock left over and it was plenty to make 2 cards. The second card is below and has nothing to do with the sketch.

all images © 1990-2008 SU!

I love the sentiment on this card. It's one of my very favorites because it is so encouraging. We may not all be as self-sacrificing as Mother Teresa, but we can all make a difference on our own way.

happy stampin'
Susan

Sketch Challenge

Happy April Fools Day! Don't let anyone pull one over on you today!

It's time for another Demo Sketch Challenge on SCS. You, however, can play along too! I'll post the sketch below and my layout based on the sketch. As usual, I have to make changes, so I took a couple of liberties with the sketch. Never mind that I drew the sketch ... when I started working with the photos, there were a few things I just had to work around.



Here is the sketch:





If you play along, post on SCS or on your blog and link here in the comments. I'd love to see what everyone comes up with!



This is my layout based on the sketch. You've seen these photos before:

You can also view it in my gallery at SCS by clicking HERE. Sometimes the gallery picture is a better quality than blogger -- but it's the same picture! Isn't that weird? Must say something about the processing of photos by blogger.

Well, if you try it out be sure to let me know. I wanna see!

happy stampin'

Susan

Interesting ...

I found this on Cheryl's blog and I was curious to find out what color I am. I think it's a fairly accurate picture of me too. Try it and find out what color you are, then come back and link in the comments so we can all see.

you are seagreen #2E8B57

Your dominant hues are cyan and green. Although you definately strive to be logical you care about people and know there's a time and place for thinking emotionally. Your head rules most things but your heart rules others, and getting them to meet in the middle takes a lot of your energy some days. Your saturation level is higher than average - You know what you want, but sometimes know not to tell everyone. You value accomplishments and know you can get the job done, so don't be afraid to run out and make things happen. Your outlook on life can be bright or dark, depending on the situation. You are flexible and see things objectively.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Die Cut Blooms + Rub-ons

I've been playing around with new Stampin' Up! products again. Actually - I was playing with these about 2 weeks ago ... but I haven't shared here yet, so I am pretending like it's new!

I made this card to participate in a Paper Piercing challenge on SCS. You can CLICK HERE to see all the submissions for the challenge to use piercing on a card. Some are quite fancy!

The mug has rub-ons added to it. It's cute, especially if you wanted to use the mug as a gift holder. I'm not sure I would do another mug with rub-ons because I don't think they will be permanent, especially after being washed. It's cute, but that's about it. I was hoping the rub-ons would be permanent ... but it was worth a try.

all images © 1990-2008 SU!

A closer look (below) at the piercing around the card. Stampin' Up! has a wonderful little Mat Pack template that works beautifully for piercing or spacing eyelets and brads, etc. It allows you to quickly make your marks and keep them even - that's a huge plus!

all images © 199-2008 SU!

I also like the additional texture piercing gives cardstock. It takes it a step beyond plain, yet it can still be subtle.

happy stampin'
Susan

I'm back with a card share ... finally!

Sorry for the silence! It's just been crazy here. My mother has been in & out of the hospital for 4 weeks now. Yesterday we moved her to a rehab facility to help her continue to improve. We are hoping she can return home - but the Dr. isn't being very optimistic. Let me just say, it's been more than stressful!

This card share is from our March Stamp Camp. It uses a set from Sale-a-Bration, which is no longer available. But I believe you can easily adapt the saying by using a different stamp. You can't actually see the stamping anyway -- but on the inside of the note it reads "Hello." We used a turquoise marker to omit the "s" on the end of "Hellos" and stamped. Then we stamped the envelope to read "Have a great day" using the same marker omission technique.

The letter is a Sticky Cut Letter - which just loves to stick to anything, especially cosmo glitter. I have to say ... this card is absolutely adorable in person. The photo looks good, but the card is over the top. I think anyone would love to receive this in the mail or attached to a package.

all images © 1990-2008 SU!

The colors are really all turquoise even though the letter h appears more blue in the photo. The card is a Stampin' Up! Scallop Note card. I dyed the taffeta ribbon to match. If you missed my video below be sure to check it out. I wanted to show you how I dry my ribbon in a hurry!

I still haven't drawn a name for the blog candy. I wasn't home much at all with my mother's problems, so I am extending the candy until later this week. Go comment on THIS POST to win.

happy stampin'

Susan

It's Spring!

Yes, I realize I missed blogging about spring on the first official day - which was yesterday - but better late than never! Things are beginning to bloom and turn green. Spring is probably my favorite season - then fall. Summer - eh, it's hot!

This weekend is also Easter! And I made a little Easter card just for fun! My kids are too old to dye eggs now - so I had to make an Easter egg of my own.

It's not easy to see in the photo, but I used a technique called Cuttlebug Smoosh {I think - if I have it wrong, comment me and I'll correct it} where you ink up the C'bug embossing folder. It leaves ink in the depression of you paper. I used white craft ink and then embossed it with clear ep - so the egg has a bit of a shine to it. It's actually cool because the raised areas do not have embossing, so they are matte - just adds a little different look. After I made it I thought a little glitter would have been really neat ... but I didn't go back and try to add it. Someone special is getting this Easter card in the mail.

Here are photos of one of our {many} cats enjoying the spring morning. Isn't he a beautiful kitty? Look at his elegantly curled tail - ha!

Yes, I'm talking about you Mr. Kitty.

Don't forget there is blog candy being offered a couple of posts down. Just comment me and I'll draw a name Sunday.

happy stampin'

Susan

Rainy Day

Saturday was a rainy day, which is really great because we need the rain so bad. The best thing is that the rain held off enough for Lane to play soccer. I sat in the car with my camera trying to sneak a few pictures. This is one of my favorites:


The reason I was sitting in my car was so he wouldn't notice me taking pictures. He's a teenager, you know! Finally I ventured out when the drizzle stopped and managed to get a few more action shots.

Our team won 7 - 3, I think. There was some discussion about the score between our boys, but we think that is the correct one. The team is 2-0 and at this point they feel no one can beat them. Well, we'll see what happens next week!

Oh yes ... there is a new Stampin' Up! promotion. Order specific stamp sets and get the coordinating wheel FREE! Click the Promo link over there ----> in the margin for details!

happy stampin'

Susan

Thankful

I need to take a moment today. Talk about a grateful heart! I am so thankful that God watches over us and protects us at every turn - even when we don't know it God is protecting us. Yesterday, after I got to work I heard a loud bang outside - my husband (who had just dropped by to see me) said it sounded like a car backfired just outside the windows. Well, we looked and no cars were out there, except mine.

When I got ready to leave work last night, my front tire was flat. I called my hubby to come pick me up and when he got there he said, "Come look at this!" My tire had blown out! There was a huge gaping hole in the side of the tire.

Now - things like that happen, I know. But here is the part I am so thankful for: I had gone to visit my mother at the rehab hospital yesterday afternoon, so going to work I was driving on I-85 at 70 mph. My work is only a few miles off the interstate. Had my tire blown while I was on the interstate it could have caused a terrible accident. I can't imagine what could have happened if that front tire had blown at 70 mph on a busy interstate. I may not have been typing this today ... or any day.

I am so thankful to God for protecting me and keeping me safe. His blessings are many!
This is the passage that came to mind this morning:

Exodus 15: 1-17, "Then Moses and the children of
Israel sang this song to the Lord, and spoke, saying: "I will sing to
the Lord, For He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He
has thrown into the sea! The Lord is my strength and song, And He
has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My
father's God, and I will exalt Him. "

happy stampin'
Susan

This is so much fun!

WHEW! I have been trying to get this video to post since FRIDAY! ugh. I don't know if the problem was blogspot or me! I have a hunch it was on my end ...

I am (was) preparing for stamp camp tonight and wanted to take a minute to share a really fun tip about dying ribbon. I love ribbon! I especially love Stampin' Up! taffeta ribbon because it is soft, supple and easy to dye. Tonight, at stamp camp, we are using Ivory taffeta ribbon dyed with Tempting Turquoise reinker. If you are impatient like me, it's hard to wait on anything to dry. So I found a great way to speed up the process. The only supplies you need are a coffee mug and a heat gun. Take a lookie:

Now, isn't that fun? The mug and heat gun make a very tiny tumble dryer for the ribbon. It dries quickly. Try it next time you have ribbon to dye.

AND - don't forget the BLOG CANDY in the post below!!!

happy stampin'

Susan

Sketch Challenge for March 15

There is another sketch challenge up today in the demo forum of SCS. The sketch is above, and my layout is below. Feel free to play along - you don't have to be a demo to play along with us!

I have no idea why ... but the layout is actually clearer in my gallery on SCS. CLICK HERE TO VIEW. Go figure!

If you have a membership to SCS, you can upload your sketch there and link it here in the comments so we can take a lookie! SCS memberships are FREE - so if you don't belong yet - what are you waiting for? Get over there and sign up! There are tons of great ideas waiting on you!!





Supplies: Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Whisper White cs, Cutie Pie Designer paper, Pretties flower kit, rhinestone brads and clear button.



happy stampin'
Susan

RAK blessing

I have a good friend who is going through a rough time. She recently had a birthday and received 42 cards through a RAK request on the ClubScrapChat.com forum. It was such a blessing for her! I have tried to thank everyone who participated, but just know this ... if you have ever participated in a RAK you were a blessing to that person whether you ever heard from them again or not.

Here are the cards she received. Isn't that just fantastic?

Several were from Canada, and the Netherlands. She was just blown away, as was her mother. She saved all the envelopes so she could remember where the cards came from. A couple of people even enclosed small gifts. Thank you if you participated, it was a beautiful thing to do.

happy stampin,

Susan