A Sweet Little Chatterbox

Here is the Sweetchips dress by Crafty Secrets that I made for my other great-niece (disclaimer- the title "great-aunt" makes me sound much older than I really am.) This one I paired up with Chatterbox PP which I thought was perfect for a sweet little dress. It is impossible to see but I paper pierced a little flower pattern on the collar and the pocket. The rick rack is some that I had in my stash and the little "applique" flowers came from a longer strand of "ribbon" from MM Dyeable Ribbons. I colored the centers of those little fabric flowers with a Copic marker to coordinate with the colors in the PP. The tiny little buttons are from my stash and being the detailed- oriented fool that I am, there are threads through those tiny holes. When I cover any chipboard with PP, I love to use my Basic Gray Precision File Kit to smooth the edges of the paper. I feel like it gives it a more finished appearance.

Here is a peak of the inside of the dress. The photo is from Baby Sidney's Baptism (aren't they sweet when they are sleeping- lol)! I cropped the picture with a oval punch then matted it with a scalloped oval punch. The little monogram was made with PTI's Borders and Corners Monogram Edition and Trajan Monogram. I then punched them out with SU's 1-3/8" circle punch and matted it with the Scalloped Circle Punch. The flowers are felt from Prima and their centers a Bazzill brads. All ribbon including the little green leaf vine in the bottom right corner is May Arts. The verse is from a Crafty Secrets Sticker sheet and the ribbon border was simply stapled then folded in little "pleats" using glue dots to hold each loop. Well, my dad is coming for a visit tomorrow (actually today) to help DH lay laminent in little Rachel's room so I'd better say good-night in case they need my help -lol! It's ALWAYS a Stampin' Good Time! Take care!

Sweet Chips= Sweet Gift

This is the first of 2 altered Sweet Chips dresses that I made for my great-nieces. Aside from the toy gifts that we gave them I wanted each of them to have something homemade and special for their first Christmas. These little chipboard dressed by Crafty Secrets are so sweet (hence, the name) and are a very easy project to pull together. Although I didn't have a specific dress from my childhood or my DDs closet to copy, I did keep the elements often used in little girls' dresses in mind. The papers used are PPs from MME with coordinating Bazzill CS. While I had a little difficulty matching the red with one of SU's and I ended up using Palette Moulin Rouge, SU Bordering Blue went perfectly with the blue-gray shades of the PP. The little lady bugs are from PTI Little Lady. 2 stepped stamped, heat embossed with clear EP, then cut out and adhered to the dress. It is difficult to see but I free-handed some faux stitching at the hem of the dress to make the lady bug appear to be in flight. The rick rack on the pocket was originally white but I colored it with my Stampin' Write Bordering Blue marker to make it "work." Oh, I almost forgot the adorable little vintage hanger is from Crafty Secrets, too. I think it just makes this project!

The dress opens up so that you can continue to alter it from the inside! On the package it even explains how to make it into a mini album, but my time resources were runnin' slim by this point and I decided to KISS (keep it simple stamper.) The little monogram is a PTI combination using Borders & Corners Monogram Edition and Trajan Monogram- this is such an awesome font! The flowers are Prima with Bazzill Brad centers and the rickrack border is May Arts. The quote and ladybug charms are from my stash and I have NO idea who makes them! Such fun projects that were MUCH appreciated by the little girls' mommies! I will share the 2nd dress in my next post. Well, it is a rainy stormy Friday here in Rocket City. DH is at the walk-in clinic for a bad cold that just will not go away and I'm chasing youngest DD around with a tissue constantly (she starts antibiotics today in preparation for her ear tubes week after next.) I'm ready for my family to be well. It's ALWAYS a Stampin' Good Time. Take care!

Lady Bug dress recipe:

Stamps: PTI- Little Lady, Trajan Monogram, Borders and Corners Monogram edition

Paper: PP- MME, Bazzill CS

Ink: Bordering Blue, Ruby Red, Stampin' Write Marker in Bordering Blue

Accessories: Clear EP, rickrack, Crafty Secrets Sweet Chips, Bazzill brads, Prima flowers, circle punch, scalloped circle punch, ladybug charms from stash

Introducing...

Just a quick post to introduce everyone to my dear friend Dianne's new blog "Art by Hart." Dianne is a Certified One Stroke Painting Instructor that takes this technique truly to the next level. You will, also, find some watercolors which is a new undertaking but she took to like a duck to water (no pun intended, well... maybe), as well as, rambling regarding her many pets and family stories. Dianne is, also, a paper crafter and has combined her 2 talents by adding One Stroke designs to scrapbook pages that has become a popular class at a lss. I am so proud to share her talents will all my blogging friends!

Teachers' Treat Bags

Since these have been delivered to their recipients, I felt I could now share them on my blog. These are the goodie bags that I made for my DDs teachers (primary teacher, her assistant and speech teacher) to go along with their gifts. The bags and images are all PTI (Holiday Treats), as well as, the white Stampers Select CS. The ink is Palette Bordeaux and Landscape. The matting and ribbon are Purely Pomegranate. These were oh so simple to make and they were much appreciated. I have to apologize for the photo. As usual, these were being made at the last minute and I barely had time to snap a quick photo. Unfortunately, after I shot the pic, I left the camera laying on my craft table and didn't have it for the Christmas program at school! Totally BUMMED! The kids were so... cute and I was so proud of Rachel. She did just what she was suppose to do although she didn't sing very loudly. She sings all the time around the house but if she realizes anyone is listening she will become embarrassed and stop. Since I don't have a photo of her during her program, I thought I would share one with some "bling" she received for her birthday. She actually wore this ensemble (necklace, bracelet, ring and clip-on earrings) the entire evening!She is definitely a Girly Girl! I hope to have time to post some more Christmas projects tomorrow although being the Saturday before Christmas I will be pretty busy! One thing that I am doing for ME tomorrow is attending a 5 hour crop at my lss with some good friends- yea!!! It's ALWAYS a Stampin' Good Time! Take care!

Cat's PJs ATC SWAP

I'm not feeling too well tonight so just a quick post. This is my offering for the Cat's Pajamas ATC SWAP hostessed by Tracy Clemente. This was a pretty simple design in comparison to alot of my projects but I liked the clean look of it. My Cuttlebug was put to good use for this with the snowflake embossed background and the little die cut chipboard snowflake covered in a matching die cut Soft Sky snowflake. The vibrant red and light blue are one of my all time favorite color combos! The "ice" is Stardust stickles and the soft blue polka dotted ribbon is May Arts. Hope everyone's holiday preparations are going well! I'll have to share about Rachel's Christmas program at school soon. It's ALWAYS a Stampin' Good Time! Take care!


Here is the whole family of Polar Bears!

My First Bella Card

I received my first order of actual Bella Stamping "Bella" stamps. I owned a couple of stamps from the company but not any official Bellas. Don't get me wrong I had admired many beautiful Bella creations but was not ready to start "collecting" another line of stamps. The weekend of the 8th (following the Bella Ball) Em had a "free shipping" offer that pushed me over the edge (I'm a sucker for free shipping.) All along Bella had reminded me oh so much of my youngest sister Lee. Not only does Lee act like a Bella, she looks like Bella (figure, hair, smile- she has it all)! When I showed my new order to my 10-year-old DD she said "That looks like Aunt Lee!" Need I say more! Anyway, I started out with stamping Bella in Palette Noir on PTI's wonderful white CS. Next, I cut the image out and embossed it with rectangle Nestablities. I used a Zig fine felt tip pen to "ground" her, then I began coloring her in using Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol. The color inspiration came from these 2 fabulous PP from K & Co. Next, Bella needed to sparkle so I added CE to her boots, and Stardust and Tutti Frutti Stickles to her shopping bags and headband. I cut a scalloped mat out of Opal Opulence CS and attached it to the card base. The ribbon is a combination of some I had in my stash. She is much more sparkly than the photo allows. In fact, I cropped her in PS for a more up close shot and it would not download here or on to me SCS gallery. Not sure what is going on there! Well, I hope my sister likes her card. It was nice to take a break from making Christmas themed projects. Never fear though, they are still going on in the background and I hope to share them with you little by little. It's ALWAYS a Stampin' Good Time! Take care!

Savvyshoppella recipe:

Stamps: Savvyshoppabella

Paper: Orchid Opulence, PTI white CS, PP- K & Co.

Ink: Palette Noir

Accessories: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, various ribbons from stash, Zig fine tipped marker, Prismacolor pencils, Gamsol, Stickles, CE

My First ATC's

Guess I've been living under a rock, but until recently I had never made an ATC! In all actuality, between my scrapbook layouts, my cards, altered items etc. I was simply afraid that I would love these too and add, yet, another item to my list! Well, I received an e-mail stating that Tracy Clemente at Eat, Sleep, Stamp was hostessing an ATC SWAP featuring The Cat's Pajamas stamps and since I love TCP stamps, I decided to check it out. In reality, Tracy was hostessing several SWAPS each featuring a different line of stamps. I was so... excited to see Elzybells included that I signed up for 2 SWAPS- Elzybells and, of course, The Cat's Pajamas. What a fun experience this was! Will I sit down and make these cute little cards "just because"? Probably not, although I do see making them into an element on a card or layout. Will I participate in another ATC SWAP? Most definitely! The cards I received were top notch and definitely are inspiration for future projects!

My first ATC features my fav. Elzybells stamps. Girls with Tree was the first one I purchased because having 2 DD, I love everything featuring 2 girls! I started by stamping the image with Adirondack Pitch Black on to PTI White CS then colored the image with Copic markers. Once I finished coloring, I sprayed Glimmer Mist Snowflake in the air and waved them through it a couple of times. I have found by doing this you do not get "glops" of the liquid on your project. Next, I added Liquid Applique to the ground for snow and to the trim on the hat and coat. I then took Pretty in Pink CS and cut out an oval using my Cuttlebug and Nestabilities. The little snowflake image on the PiP CS is from PTI Holiday Treats which I stamped with Versamark then heat embossed with Hologram EP. I tied a tiny little piece of ribbon around the framed image and adhered it to a piece of Old Olive CS. Finally, I made the little Christmas tree light bulbs with my Quickutz out of Old Olive, Certainly Celery and Purely Pomegranate CS and colored the ends with a bit of gold Zig Painty pen. I will save my The Cat's Pajamas ATC for my next post. I need to get some rest. Rachel has to go to the ENT in the morning for chronic ear infections (we've already had tubes once.) It's ALWAYS a Stampin' Good Time! Take care!

Recipe for Elybells ATC:

Stamps: Elzybells Girls with Tree, PTI -Holiday Treats (snowflake)

Paper: Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Purely Pomegranate, PTI white CS

Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, Versamark

Accessories: Hologram EP, Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Copic markers, Liquid Applique, Quickutz, Zig Painty marker, ribbon

Okay, Technical I'm Not...

I have been so envious of all the beautiful blog banners out there and here my poor blog was NAKED. I had been shopping around, looking in to different blog banner designers and let me tell you, there are some really talented folks out there. Decisions, decisions- who to use, how much money to spend, the actually design itself... Well, lately I have had to do some self re-evaluating. Namely how do I organize my time and what are my priorities. My blog is just for FUN (isn't that what draws us all into the wonderful world of paper crafts?). While I would love to be able to say that I have been published (still working on that) or have a couple of design teams to my name (other than my lss), I realize that with all of the wonderful, talented, and creative folks out there, we can't all achieve these goals. That being said, I decided that it would be FUN to attempt something new. So, yes, Mrs. Technically Inept decided to give digital scrapbooking a try starting with my own blog banner. And, yes, I did accomplish the 2 things I set out to do- create a color banner that suits my personality (notice the little birds for those that know me) and to have fun learning a new skill. Is it unique to me? No. Anyone that wants to spend a couple of bucks at The Shabby Shoppe and a little time reading instructions can "create" a banner just like mine. But I like it because I know what hurdles I jumped to figure this sucker out (even computer geek rocket scientist husband was impressed.) Anyway, enough of that chat and on to today's project. With Christmas just around the corner (oh my goodness) I decided to share a little ornament that I did a while back when my computer was sick. I started with an oval paper mache ornament that cost about $1.00 at Michael's and covered it with the new MME Christmas PP. I used my Basic Gray Precision File Kit to file the edges so the sides and front had a nice finished look. Next, I punched out an oval of Glorious Green CS and sponged the edges with Chocolate Chip Classic Ink. Then I paper pieced the wonderful Santa from PTI's Believe using coordinating MME PPs. I added Liquid Applique to his beard and hat and some Cinnamon Stickles to the trim on his rob and hat. Finally, I topped it off with a beautiful piece of green May Arts ribbon (I can't seem to complete a project without ribbon- teeheehee.) Thanks for listen to me ramble on about my new banner. Please remember to take time for yourself this holiday season- you are so... worth it. It's ALWAYS a Stampin' Good Time! Take care!

Santa Ornament Recipe:

Stamps: PTI- Believe

Paper: Glorious Green, Shimmer White, PP- MME

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Palette Burnt Umber, Versamarker, Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker

Accessories: Oval paper mache ornament, Basic Gray Precision file kit, Hero Arts rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals, White Liquid Applique, Cinnamon Stickles, Dazzling Diamonds, Sakura Quickie Glue pen, May Arts ribbon

Merry & Bright Ways to Use It Challenge

Can things get anymore hectic? Well, we all know the answer to that but it truly exceeds my imagination at this point! Still working frantically on Christmas projects- sure that not all of them will be completed and trying to prioritize! Do I have time to make a card today? No! Could I resist the Ways to Use It Challenge over on SCS? No, again! When I bought this Collage Merry & Bright stamp by Hero Arts, I had a monochromatic card in mind. Mind you, I had never made a monochromatic card but I so admire them when others post them on their blogs or SCS galleries. So when I saw today's challenge to make one, I had to play. The makin's of this card are pretty straight forward. It's difficult to see but there are tiny pink rhinestones among the swirls on the main image and a larger pink rhinestone in the center of the snowflake brad. The Cuttlebug Swirls have been "sparkled up" with a paint brush and some Stickles. Well, oldest DD is painting a Nativity Scene and seems to need some help so off I go. It's ALWAYS a Stampin' Good Time! Take care!


Recipe for Monochromatic Card:

Stamps: Print Pattern, Hero Arts Collage Merry & Bright

Paper: Whisper White, Purely Pomegranate

Ink: Purely Pomegranate

Accessories: Cuttlebug, Swirl Embossing Folder, Stickles, snowflake brad (Hobby Lobby), Purely Pomegranate satin ribbon, Heidi Swapp rhinestone, A Muse rhinestones

Sweet Miss Daisy meets Jacksonbelle

Whew! The holidays are leaving no time for stamping for fun which was something I desperately needed today. It just so happens that 2 ladies I greatly admire in the stamping world offered up some awesome challenges this week so I took a much needed minute to PLAY. With time being so very precious, I decided to combine the 2 challenges on to 1 card. This sketch is from Anna Wight aka Sweet Miss Daisy. Kind of went "outside the box" with this one and used an oval for the main image instead of the sketched rectangle. Next, I used Daisy D's PP from Lindsey Botkin's (aka Jacksonbelle) Product Spotlight from her Member Company Forum. The stamp is one I purchased the other day at a lss, The Rubber Stamp Lady, by Eat Cake Graphics. So often the little girl images by this company have the frizzy, fly away (no pun intended) hair that matches my DD, Rachel! Of course, I have a soft spot for those! I covered the snowflake with Baby Blue Stickles and added some silver Zig Painty doodling, some silver Encore distressing and some retired SU Silver cording to give this card the Christmas sparkle I love! Unfortunately, the photo does not do the shimmer justice! Well, off to work on Christmas projects I hope to share with you soon! It's ALWAYS a Stampin' Good Time! Take care!

Recipe for Snowflake Girl card:

Stamps: Eat Cake Graphics, sentiment PTI Holiday Treats

Paper: Real Red, Garden Green, PTI white CS, PP- Daisy D's

Ink: Palette Noir, Encore Silver

Accessories: Zig Painty Pen, Baby Blue Stickles, Coluzzle, oval punches, Prismacolor pencils, Gamsol, silver cord, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Birthday, Rachel!!!!

This weekend was so busy with my youngest DD turning 4 on Sunday and her Backyardigans birthday party with 6 of her little friends on Saturday. The December meeting of our SU technique club was Sunday afternoon and we had a yummy cookie swap as part of the festivities. To top it all off, my DMIL & DFIL were in for the birthday and we traditionally have the girls' pictures made with Santa while their grandparents visit so that made a trip to the mall and dinner out on Sunday. It was a marvelous weekend, but boy did I ever crash on Sunday night. Last night older DD spent the night with a friend that, also, homeschools (we will have to play catch up tomorrow with lessons) and younger DD went to pre-school. That meant I had to entire morning to myself. Wasn't sure exactly how to act- turned, and out of habit, looked for the kids a couple of times. I actually got some last minute Christmas shopping done AND got to go to a lss a browse at my leisure!! I guess I should have been home making some Christmas gifts that I have plans for BUT I can do those while the girls sleep! So instead, I thought I'd share a card I made a little while back using Flourishes stamps and Cosmo Cricket Wonderland 8 x 8 paper. This card is pretty straight forward. One interesting detail is the photo corners. Do they look familiar. They are actually the tops of the Christmas tree from this Flourish Christmas set embossed in gold. Not the best picture in the world. I have requested one of the fold-up photo cubes for Christmas. A new camera would be nice but I'm currently using the "big" Christmas gift to make this post- lol! It's ALWAYS a Stampin' Good Time! Take care!

Stamps: Flourished Christmas Paper: Cosmo Cricket- Wonderland, Gold embossed paper (unk), Vellum, Brushed Gold CS Ink: Versamark, Close to Cocoa Craft ink, Chocolate Chip Accessories: Gold EP, Clear EP, sponge, May Arts ribbon, Circle punches, Stampin' Dimensionals, Creative Imagination velvet brads

And the winner is ...

Meg!!!! Who said: "Congrats on your 5000th post! I Love to browse through the blogs for all the awesome ideas. There are some very creative people out there and boy, do they give me inspiration. You are so very creative and I love your ideas...I am so glad you are back online! Chat with you soon! Meg" Thanks for the sweet comment, Meg! I'll get your blog candy out to you early next week! Thanks to all who left a comment. Comments were a bit slow on this one but I'm crediting to the fact that I've been out of touch so much due to my computer and the fact that everyone is so very busy.Today I am going to leave you with a quick post before taking my DD to preschool. This is a simple card using my beloved Hero Arts Christmas Doves. All PP is Chatterbox which I love to use with paper piecing. The wings on the birds are stamped and pieced, as well as, the little ornaments which have a layer of CE on them to give them texture and shine. It's ALWAYS a Stampin' Good Time! Take care!



Recipe for HA Doves card:

Stamps: Hero Arts Christmas Doves, PTI Believe sentiment

Paper: Old Olive, PTI white CS, PP Chatterbox

Ink: Old Olive, Palette Moulon Rouge, Ruby Red and Old Olive Stampin' Write markers

Accessories: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, Embossing Folder, ribbon from stash, Copic Spica gold pen, CE

Techniques: Paper Piecing

Celebrate with Elzybell

Sorry, I'm so late with this post! It's been an ultra busy day. The first time that I saw Elzybell, I feel in love with her right away! Not only is she so... cute but having 2 DDs, I have a tendency to be partial to girl images- teeheehee! Here I decided to combine 2 Elzybell stamps to make a little tree trimming scene (this idea was completely inspired by this card on the Elzybell blog) and pair them up with Basic Gray PP. The ornaments were cut from the PP then used the Cracked Glass technique to give them the look of the glass antique ornaments that I love so much.

Well, now to help me celebrate my return to blogging (yea! new computer) and my over 5000 hits, I would like to offer up some yummy goodies! I didn't have time to take a pic of the stash but I will do that tomorrow. It does include such things as Sweet Chips Chipboard Little Folding House by Crafty Secrets (this is too cute), May Arts ribbon, Heidi Swapp distressing tool, a journal to alter and some really cool epoxy stickers to name a few things. How do you win these goodies! The winner will be randomly selected from all that leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday evening around 10pm EST (ie after Beth's kids are in bed.) If you would like, please share with me why you blog or like to check out the blogs. I guess my favorite things about blogs would have to include the friendships I have made and all the awesome inspiration (both creative and emotional) that is out there in Blog World. It's ALWAYS a Stampin' Good Time. Take care!

Elzies Trim the Tree recipe:

Stamps: Elzybells Deck the Halls, Snowflake Seranade-PTI, A-Muse sentiment

Paper: Orchid Opulence, Shimmer White, PP- Basic Gray Dasher

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Palette Noir, Versamark, Old Olivec

Accessories: sponge, UTEP clear, silver cord, Stampin' Dimensionals, Copic markers, Copic Spica glitter pen, Word Window punch, Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, self-adhesive pearl,retired SU corner punch

Here's a Pinch...

...to grow an inch- an "inchie" that is! When I saw Judith Mara's article "Invasion of the Inchies" in this winter's edition of Paper Creations," last month I had to give them a try! I felt that PTI images would be just the thing for these little creations. So I made 3 of them combining Text Box with Basic Gray Stella Ruby and was instantly thrilled with how quick they came together. My mother's birthday was last month so I decided to use them on her card. I have been so busy with other projects (no time for "me" stamping) that was the last opportunity that I had to play with them. Well, imagine how excited I was when I saw some really talented paper crafters were recognized on Ellen Hutson's blog (Debbie Olsen, Cindy Lyles , Sharon Harnist , Michelle Wooderson, Trudee Sauer ) featuring "inchies" and their wonderful ideas to use them. Who knows, you may see some of these little 1" x 1" squares inching their way on to my Christmas cards-lol. I had this card completed when my almost 4-year-old DD decided to add her own touch to the bottom right hand corner with my Signo Gel pen. My first thought was to tear the panel with the "inchies" off and redo the card base (Sage Shadow tone on tone using Linen BG stamp.) Instead, I felt that the mark actually looked a bit like a stitch so I took a leaf pattern from my Bassill stitch templates and used my Bassill paper piercer (I'm liking this new paper piercer better than my old MM ones- it has a fat, wooden handle that is easy to grip and comes with reusable carrying case) to create the faux stitched leaves. Wasn't sure what I thought of it at first but it is starting to grow on me. Well, I'm going to go grab a nap before I have to go to work this evening. Remember to stop by tomorrow for the announcement of some treats. It's ALWAYS a Stampin' Good Time! Take care!

Recipe for PTI Inchie:

Stamps: PTI- Text Box, Paper Trey, Linen BG

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow, Handsome Hunter, PTI white CS, PP- Basic Gray Stella Ruby

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow, Regal Rose

Accessories: adhesive pearls, Copic Markers, rose ribbon, Bassill stitching template, paper piercer, Signo white gel pen

Techniques: paper piercing

Back in Bloggin' Business!!!!

Yes, it's ME!! Contrary to popular belief I didn't fall of the face of the earth nor have I become a groupie stalking the homes of some of my favorite stampers. I have, in fact, been waiting patiently for DH to finish building our new computer and here it is... It works wonderfully and is oh, so FAST. I noticed while I was gone, so many folks continued to stop by and check on my blog that I have moved past 5000 visits. I want to wish everyone a great big thanks for stopping by! To show my appreciation and to celebrate my own little milestones, I will be offering some most yummie blog goodies this coming Monday so be sure to stop by. While I've been away I have been quite busy and have so much to share with y'all! I decided as my first post back I would have to show you the name frame that I made as a gift for my Great-Niece's baptism (yes, I know you are thinking-"She's much too young to be a GREAT aunt.") Anyway, this is a little name frame that I put together for her. This is one of my favorite personalized altered gifts to make. They are truly personalized yet not too difficult or time consuming (and time gets more precious each day) to make. Just a few details about this. First, the stamp set featured is SU Garden Whimsy. I'm so glad this set didn't retire! I have found so many versatile uses for it from cards to scrapbook pages to home decor items such as this. The butterflies on the top of the paper were first stamped with classic ink pads, then I stamped then again with Versamark on vellum and heat embossed with clear EP. I then cut the embossed images out and adhered them with a tiny amount of Sakura Quikie glue pen applied only to there bodies. It's hard to see in the photo but if gives the wing a 3-D look. Do you see the tiny little ladybug charm hanging from the "K." I made that myself by stamping the ladybug from the stamp set in black Stazon on shrink plastic, punched it out with the Scalloped Circle punch, then punched a hole in the top with a standard hole punch. Finally, I stuck that baby in the oven for a couple of minutes, let it cool, added a silver ring and Voila! a coordinating charm! Has SU ever carried shrink plastic? I think it is too neat! Well, that's all I have for this post but please remember to stop by Monday (I have to work Sunday at the ER) to see how we are going to Celebrate! It's ALWAYS a Stampin' Good Time! Take care!

Recipe for Name Frame:

Stamps: Garden Whimsy, Big Deal Alphabet

Paper: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, PP Cutie Pie, Vellum

Ink: So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Rose Red, Certainly Celery, black Stazon, Stampin' Write markers Rose Red, Certainly Celery

Accessories: Chipboard "K"- unk, Magic Maters, Blue Gingham ribbon, Fairy Tale Ribbon Originals, shrink plastic, Scallop Circle punch, standard office punch, silver brads, Circle Rhinestones in Ice, spiral clip- unk., Clear EP, Stampin' Dimensionals

Techniques: Heat Embossing

Congratulations!

The girls are finally in bed. It has been a hectic weekend. My GS troop went camping Friday night and while only 19 of the 23 girls were able to make it, I was pretty frazzled when I returned home last night. I have to send out big thank-you's to my assistant leaders, Mrs. Laura and Mrs. Susan and the parent volunteers Mrs. Jennifer and Mrs. Kathy. With out them by my side, I would probably be posting without a single hair on my head-lol! Kidding aside, I think it went pretty well. It was our first camping trip with only our troop so it definitely was a learning experience. The girls are young enough to still think the everyday chores such as preparing food and cleaning up afterwards is still a treat.

I actually was able to start on a card this evening and have some UTEP items "cooking" in the freezer so I thought I would take this time to randomly select...... Number 20- Melissa at
What Do You (Th)Ink? Melissa said her favorite Christmas embellishment is....
" My favorite Christmas embellishment is anything with sparkle - glitter, rhinestones, anything to shine!" I am so.... right there with you, Melissa! If you would, please e-mail me your postal address and I'll get your goodies to you! It was so much fun reading everyones' contribution to this post. I don't know when I've ever personally felt so much Christmas spirit this early! Here' s hoping I don't fizzle out too soon. I love this season and ALL it stands for! I do have several cards to share and hope to have some posted by tomorrow. So... It's ALWAYS a Stampin' Good Time! Take care!

Blog Candy Giveaway and Christmas Goody

I am so excited to be posting my 100th blog post. I can't express how much I have learned from and been inspired by this wonderful blogging community. In order to celebrate this milestone, the details regarding some blog yummies are at the end of this post! But first things first, I've been busy working on some Christmas cards to help me decide which to mass produce for the family Christmas card. At the rate I'm going, several folks are going to be surprised with some one-of-a-kind Christmas cards! The sample for this evening is a combination of my beloved Papertrey Ink stamps (Snowflake Serenade) and Paper Salon (Snowday collection)PP and chipboard shapes. I started this card with a Paper Salon PP base that is a tone on tone shimmer paper and layered it with a blue Paper Salon snowflake print. I folded the top right corner to show-off the beautiful shimmery paper and add balance to the chipboard tree. The tree is covered with the shimmery white PP. I cut this out with the stripes going at an angle. I felt this made it look more like a decorated tree. The snowflakes are stamped with Versamark on vellum then embossed with white tinsel EP (I'm slowly replacing my collection of EP and hiding it in the kitchen cabinet.) I then cut out and adhered it to the card with a Sakura Quickie Glue pen. The ribbon is some retired navy organdy by SU (retired????) and the ribbon slide follows a tutorial by Nicole Heady . Finally, the "Peace" sentiment is stamped with Versamark and embossed with the same EP as the snowflakes. As usual, the photo does not do the bling and shine on the baby justice!

Now for the fun stuff! To show my appreciation for all the wonderful folks that are kind enough to stop by my blog, I would like to offer up these goodies. This mix right now includes 3 sets of Michael's 1.00 clear stamp sets with 2 acrylic blocks, 2 Sakura clear Stardust pens, 3 1.00 rubber stamps from Michael's. I will, of course add some yummy ribbon from my stash, as well as, some Primas - you never know what else may find its way in to the mailer. Just leave me a comment on this post regarding what your favorite Christmas embellishment is and I will include you in a random drawing on the evening of Sunday, November 11th once I get the kids to bed! It's Always a Stampin' Good Time! Take care!

Technical Woes Finally Coming to an End

Well, DH has finally decided to build a new computer. He built our last one and it has served us well for many years. So my computer hardships will soon be over. Until then I hope to head over to my friend Dianne's soon (hopefully, this evening) and post some of the fun Christmas projects that I have made recently. Also, I noticed that this is my 99th post so be on the look out for some blog candy with my 100th post! Thanks for stopping by. Take care!

A Weekend Scraping Retreat and Some Time with the Internet

I have a quick moment with computer access so I wanted to upload a couple of the cards that I made this weekend at Ruth Mountain Inn in Arab (big "A" pronounced with a long "a" sound and has emphasis on the 1st syllable), AL. Being short on time I will describe the weekend in one word for now "Wonderful!" This cute Santa is from the awesome PTI collection. I used liquid applique for his beard and white furry trim. His tag is a Cuttlebug die.
The images and sentiment for this card is from Creative Obsession. I colored him using my Prisma colored pencils and Gamsol. The sentiment is not attached yet because I wanted to add some of the Queen & Co. mini brads before attaching w/ Stamping Dimensionals. Thanks to everyone for stopping by. Take care!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Recipe for Santa Card:
Stamps: PTI Believe
Paper: Mellow Moss, PTI white CS, PP- Daisy D's Snowflakes & Holly
Ink: Black Andirondack, Moulon Rouge Palette
Supplies: Hero Arts bling, Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, twill tape, Stampin' Dimensionals, ticket corner punch, Liquid Applique, white ponpom ball

Recipe for Mouse Card:
Stamps: Impression Obsession
Ink: Black Palette
Paper: PTI white CS, Old Olive, PP Daisy D's Snowflakes & Holly
Supplie: Stampin' Dimensionals, Gamsol, Prismacolor pencils, Diamond Stickles, Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, May Arts stripped red ribbon, red ribbon unknown.

Missing All My Blogging Friends

We are still having computer woes at my house. DH is trying to decide what we need to do about a new computer- if you don't know engineers like to research things-lol. DD had an ancient Dell in her bedroom that was used for games, etc. so DH moved it in to the study and hooked it into the internet. The software is Windows 98 and it ask if you want to "debug" a gazzillion times a day (this is NOT an exageration)! Anyway, I can look at my e-mail but not reply or sent and I can look at blogs but often cannot leave a comment. As for this, I am not sure it will post even as I type because I have tried several times before. I do have some cards to share and I am hoping to visit a friends soon so I can get some photos posted. Thanks to all who have continued to stop by my blog! Y'all are wonderful! Take care!

Crash & Burn

Our computer completely crashed today. I will post as I can. Hopefully, it will not be too long before we are up and running but at this time looks like a new computer.

Hello, Sweet Pea!!!!

. This is a quick baby card I made for my husband to take to a co-worker who recently had a very sweet baby girl. The main image for this is Sweetpea from Lockhart Stamp Company colored in with Stampin' Write markers that coordinate with the Little Girls PP ( Regal Rose w/ Creamy Caramel layered on top of it, Ruby Red, Garden Green, and Sage Shadow.) This is such a sweet 8 x8 paper kit from Cosmo Cricket! The main image and the mat are punched with Marvy Uchida punches. The layout for the card is last weeks sketch challenge at SCS- these are fun, beautiful and perfect when you need to put together a quick card. I did twink it a bit because in the sketch the main image is shown as a square. I felt the circle with the scalloped edges softened the layout a bit- perfect for a baby girl card. All edges have been sponged with Chocolate Chip ink. I used my craft knife to cut out the little flowers on the lower right hand corner to act as a "photo corner" then added some faux stitching and a little brown velvet brad in the left hand corner for balance. The ribbon is Chocolate Chip 5/8" grosgrain. The next few days will be very busy. Besides the Thursday GS meeting, the Simply Southern Scrapbook Convention is coming to my home town this year. It will take place this Thursday, Friday and Saturday (October 4th -6th.) I am assisting my upline teach 2 classes and she and I are taking 1 class and participating in a crop together. I am so... excited about that because she and I rarely get to craft for fun together! And I can't forget the vendors on Friday and Saturday!!! So I may not have time to show cards or pages BUT definitely stay tuned. I will be offering details for blog candy in honor of World Card Making Day on Thursday evening.


Hello Sweetpea Recipe
Stamps: Lockhart- Sweet Pea, PTI- Paper Tray
Paper: Very Vanilla, PP- Little Girls by Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Stampin' Write markers- Regal Rose, Creamy Caramel, Ruby Red, Garden Green, Sage Shadow, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Velvet brad- Creative Imaginations, paper piercer, Mat Pack, Chocolate Chip 5/8" ribbon, sponge, craft knife, Stampin' Dimensionals, Scalloped circle punch, circle punch

Can I Make it to Nap Time????

Yes, it is!!! That is my entire stock of embossing powders, glitter, Fun Flock, and mirco bead on my table ala Rachel!!!! Already informed DH that most MUST be replaced immediately and a childproof method of storage developed. Trying hard for "laugh instead of cry" routine but the tears are real close to coming!!!!!

Merry, Merry Penguins

Took a quick moment to post yet another Christmas card. I'm not particularly in the Christmas mood (don't want to rush glorious Autumn along) but I am playing to see what design I would like to use for mass production for my Christmas card list- you can't start too soon! I made this card the other day but forgot about it with all the chaos of last week and this past weekend. Anyway, these little penguins are called Penguin Games and they are from the Penguin Pals line by Stampendous. I colored the image with Copic Sketch markers then added Fun Flock, pompoms and Dazzling Diamonds to the image. My PP are Paper Salon that I won at the auction held by The Rubber Stamp Lady (lss) a few weeks ago. The bottom light blue paper is the reverse side of the plaid run through my Cuttlebug in the snowflake embossing folder then I added some Dazzling Diamond to some of the snowflakes with a Sakura Quickie Glue pen. The trim is by MM and the little gem brad is SU Ice brads. A pretty quick and straight forward card! A Stampin' Good Time to All!

Merry Merry Penguin Games card recipe:

Stamps: Merry, Merry, Stampendous- Penguin Games
Paper: Barely Banana, Shimmer White, PP- Paper Salon
Ink: Night of Navy, Adirondack- Pitch Black
Accessories: Copic markers, Cuttlebug, ribbon-MM, Ice round brads, Circle punches, Dazzling Diamonds, Sakura Quickie glue pen, Fun Flock, white pompoms from HL, red line sticky tape

O Christmas Tree

Yahoo! Yesterday was a happy mail day. I received my O Christmas Tree set from Flourishes. If you recall, I went on and on about how much fun I had "playing" with their set Cake Decorating 101. Well, they did it again with this Christmas tree set! The versatility of both of these sets, allows for all kinds of creative inspiration! This needs to be a quick post, so I will just hit some of the highlights of this card. First, the sparkling garland is stamped with Cranberry Crisp ink then filled in with the same ink using a blender pen. To make it shine, I placed a drop of Diamond Stickles to each little bead. The star on top was stamped first in Gold Encore then colored in with a gold Copic Spica pen (love these pens.) I then masked it so that it "rests" on the peak of the tree. The tree skirt was stamped with Bravo Burgundy on Chatterbox paper then cut out and adhered to the bottom of the tree. For ornaments, I stamped the image, colored it in using Stampin' Write markers and the Copic Spica, cut it out then covered it with Crystal Effects. Finally, the sentiment ornament was made by first stamping on to Shimmer White them punching with the 1 1/4 circle punch. Then I punched out the 1/4" circle from a piece of gold CS then punched that out of the sheet with at 1/2 circle punch to make a "doughnut." The gold "doughnut" was then attached between the sentiment and an Old Olive 1 3/8" circle punch. Last, using the slot punch and the same gold GS, the base of the "handle" was punched and adhered to the sentiment circle. DH is working late so I have to get DDs ready for bed. Thanks for stopping by... Take care!

O Christmas Tree card recipe

Stamps- O Christmas Tree- Flourishes

Paper- Old Olive, Shimmer White, PP- Chatterbox

Ink- Old Olive, Cranberry Crisp, Bravo Burgundy, Stampin' Write Markers in Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Gold Encore

Supplies- Gold Copic Spica, Diamond Stickles, Blender Pen, Circle Punches, Slot punch, Crystal Effects, Zig Painty (gold end- around the edges of the Shimmer White CS), ribbon

Long Time No Post

I'm back! It has been so... long since my last post (almost a week)! I can't remember when I have gone this long between sharing a card with y'all! Between my DSIL's visit (wonderful), regular chores which had been neglected far too long and homeschooling I have had no time for myself! I noticed that many bloggers posted that they were having a difficult time posting regularly in the summer with the kids home and would be back on schedule was school started back. My life is about the opposite. During the summer I could stay up late and work on projects. Now I have to be fresh in the morning. Homeshooling is a wonderful journey but you can't let the kids get the upper hand by being tired- lol! Anyway, I made this card today as a favor to my dear friend Dianne. Her SIL retired today and she needed it for her gift and was unable to make it herself (Dianne is remodeling her craft space, also, so I know what it is like not being able to get your hands on the supplies you need.) Since I was on a bit of a time crunch, I fell back on a tried and true layout. The color inspiration for this card is from Memory Box PP- Homespun (Bashful Blue, Ruby Red, So Saffron, and Certainly Celery.) I selected PTI's Greenthumb for my focal image and Faux ribbon for the sentiment. Both the sentiment and flower pot are stamped in Palette Burnt Umber. I used the masking technique for the flower stems. My Cuttlebug was used with both my Nestabilities to cut out the main image and the Ruby Red scalloped rectangle that mats it and the ribbon slide for the sentiment. The ribbon is Bashful Blue taffeta by SU. I can't wait to hear from Dianne in the morning to see if SIL liked it. Please everyone pray for my patience and sanity tomorrow. DH's car is in the shop and I will be home with the kids with no transportation. I could drop him off at work and keep the van but picking him up after work would be difficult because I do not have an I.D. to get on the Arsenal where Marshall Space Flight Center is located. On a more positive note, maybe I'll get to stamp tomorrow! Until then, Take care!

Flower pot card recipe
Stamps: PTI's Greenthumb and Faux Ribbon
Inks: Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Ruby Red, Certainly Celery, Palette's Burnt Umber
Paper: Certainly Celery, Ruby Red, PTI white CS, PP- Memory Box- Homespun
Supplies: Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Ticket Corner Punch, Copic Spica pen-clear, paper piercer, Bashful Blue taffeta ribbon, Heidi Swapp brown brads, Stampin' Dimensionals

Where Does the Time Go?

Hello, All! Yes, I'm still here but time to myself has been, well let's say, extremely limited! Girl Scouts, Technique Club, taking DD to Birmingham (over 2 hours away) and back, working at the hospital and a 2 day PALS certification (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) not to mention keeping up with homeschool lessons and Rachel has left me zero time to create anything. I'm probably real close to a "meltdown" but my DSIL is coming for a visit and the house (which has been neglected during this time) must be cleaned! So instead of a card, I thought I'd show you a few more of my organizational ideas in my new space. This little bookcase was made by my DFIL for my hubby many years ago and it has certainly stood the test of time! On this shelves I keep my albums, idea books, ribbon and embellishment containers, die cut machines and dies, sewing machine and Xyron and unmounted stamps.

My unmounted stamps (either clear polymer stamps or unmounted rubber stamps are kept in standard (not slim) CD jewel cases and then are labeled with my label maker. The holder is 2 Case Logic (I believe) CD holders that I pay under 8.00 each for at Staples. Above the shelves DH helped me to mount peg board. The particular peg board that I chose is Bulldog brand that can be purchased at Wal-mart. You can get 4 panels of the plastic peg board (the amount show here) and many accessories for 25.00 plus you can add on panels and purchase extra accessories. We took in to consideration that I would probably want to add more panels when we decided on where to put this on the wall- heeheehee, DH knows me only too well!

I have not purchased any extra accessories other than the long ribbon holder in the upper right hand corner and the 2 wire baskets hanging from it so I really think the starter kit is a pretty good value. My dear friend Belinda has used the classic sheet of pegboard like you purchase at home improvement centers, as well as this, and she states that this is MUCH easier to hang. I have found it is a great way to keep supplies and embellishments where I can see them and therefore, and much more apt to remember to use them. Well, I really hope to stamp tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for me-lol! Take care!

Technique Club Project

Our monthly Technique Club met this evening with the topic "Tools Don't Count." This is a joke between our group meaning the tools we purchase are non-consumables and we can use them again and again and therefore, should not be subtracted from the stamping budget (similar concept men use when purchasing a new tool to finish a project that they are doing.) I have a friend whose husband won't start a project unless it justifies the purchase of a new tool- lol! Anyway, this is the project that I demo'd. I hadn't actually lost my mojo when I tried to make this card but I'll tell you it was mighty tired and weary!!!! So I relied on the talented Beate Johns to inspire my SU creativity. You can find her card here that gave my mojo the will to stamp on... Anyway, this card measures 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 but the folded card actually only measures 5 1/2 x 3". We used the perforated cutter from the Cutter Kit so the last 2 1/2" can be removed and used as a bookmark. Not a new idea, but new to everyone in the Technique Club which was neat. The other tool that this card features is the Color Spritzer Tool to add the Chocolate Chip speckles on the Sahara Sand panels. This tool went over very well, too. The card is pretty straight forward and that was good since tonight's club met on a "School Night." Heading for Birmingham tomorrow so may not have time to post. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and remember to Take Care!

Bookmark card recipe
Stamps: Garden Silhouette, Heartfelt Thanks
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Blue Bayou, Sahara Sand
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Blue Bayou, Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write marker
Accessories: 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, 5/8 Chocolate Chip ribbon, Kraft taffeta ribbon, Mat Pack, paper piercer, Color Spritzer Tool, Cutter Kit, Circle punches, slot punch

Storage for SU Tools

It's been a few days since I shared an organizational idea that I am using in my newly transformed space (which I am loving, by the way)! Picture this: 3-year-old DD off taking her nap, 10-year-old DD working on schoolwork with Mom right by her side to answer questions BUT still able to create her paper crafts- ya can't beat it! That is exactly how our afternoon went today. Now, mind you, that is not always the case but it certainly makes you appreciate the harmonious moments so much more! Anyway, back to organization. This 3 tiered rack is made by Plaid (I think originally for bottles of their paint) and can be found out Hobby Lobby* for 29.99. Of course, I waited until a 40% coupon week and paid around 18.00 for mine. I am able to fit ALL but my largest SU brand tools in this caddy! Granted I do not have all of the large punches (though I'm working on it) and will possibly consider getting another one as my SU punch collection grows. But for now, this works perfect for me. The clear removal trays are so roomy that I can fit 2 Stampin' Scrubs, 2 Stampin' Mists, and a Stampin' Mist refill in 1 tray. I decided to feature this organizational find because my friend Chris just didn't believe me about the Stampin' Scrub fitting (lol- Chris- I love ya)! I have an extremely busy day tomorrow with Girl Scout meeting and Technique Club workshop afterwards but I'll have a new project to share tomorrow evening. 'Til then Take care!

*Funny 3-year-old DD story: Rachel was watching Nick Jr. the other day and the Holly Hobby movie was on. For those of you who remember Holly Hobby from your childhood, she is no longer the long dress, sunbonnet wearing girl of our day. She is much more modern wearing jeans and cute tops and long wavy hair has replaced the braids. Anyway, I tell Rachel that it is time for her nap and she replies to me "Not yet Mommy, I'm watching the Hobby Lobby movie." Where does this child spend a lot of time?!?

Have a Cool Yule!

How cute and funky is this! When I received the Polar Holiday set that I won from Toni Armstrong's blog Moved to the Mountains, I knew that the Mod "Winter Garden" by Autumn Leaves would be a perfect PP for the images. This polar bear ice "fishing" for a gift is so cute! For this card, I stamped the image on Shimmer White CS then ran it through my new Nestabilities embossing die. Those dies are everything that they say they are and I cannot wait to get more! What little bit of coloring was done quickly with Copic markers, then I "grounded" the little guy by making snow drifts with a black fine tipped pen. It is difficult to see on the pic, but I added some white Fun Flock to give some dimension to the snow drifts. The PP is a combination of a funky snow flake design and a stripe that I mounted on Whisper White CS and ran through my Cuttlebug with the snowflake folder. The big red snowflake is chipboard (not sure who it is by) covered with a red & white floral from the same line. I used my Basic Grey Precision file set to give the edges a "finished" look then I painted it with Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds. Sentiment is stamped in black on Shimmer White then matted on Soft Sky cut with scalloped punch. Thanks so much for this fun stamp set, Toni! You rock! Take care!

Cool Yule card recipe:

Stamps: Polar Holiday by The Cat's Pajamas

Ink: Pitch Black (Adirondack), Brocade Blue

Paper: Shimmer White, Really Red, Soft Sky, PP- Autumn Leave's Mod Winter Garden, PTI white card

Supplies: Nestabilities die, Copics, Black pen by Zig, Fun Flock, chipboard snowflake, BG Precision Files, Dazzling Diamonds, Crystal Effects, scalloped punch, square punch, Cuttlebug, Stampin' Dimensionals

Using Rubber Checks

No, I've not surpassed the limits of our bank account to pay for my hobby (passion/addiction.) This is referring to a program that a lss, The Rubber Stamp Lady, has been offering this summer leading up to their 10 year Anniversary Celebration. This entire past week they've been showing so much appreciation to their customers with special make & takes, prizes, discounts, contests and MORE. For the past few months for each pre-taxed dollar you spent, you were given a "rubber check" dollar. On Saturday, we all gathered for an auction where the currency was, you guessed it, our earned "rubber" money. What a fun time we had!! Peggy and the rest of the rubber stamp ladies gave us all the makings of a real auction-a live auctioneer (that kept us all entertained), wonderful refreshments, a real live "Vanna White" to display the goodies and #'d paddles to identify bidders. And the goodies were TDF- Quickutz alphabets, a Revolution, Technique Tuesday collections, a pail of Stampendous products, complete kits from Art Impressions- a total of 51 "prizes" valued at 2200.00. That's awesome for a privately owned store! Now my collection of "rubber" checks was small potatoes compared to some of the ladies there (I had around 250.00) so my expectations of what I'd take home were not huge but I did have my eye on about 4 items. And low and behold, I came home with 2 out of the 4 items. Below is a picture of my "loot"- 2 paper and embellishment packs from Paper Salon! The one with the pink bow (all of the prizes were wrapped beautifully- you know
how we paper crafters LOVE a beautiful package) is the Snowday collection. It included one piece of each PP from the collection in 12 x 12, some beautiful winter motif chipboard with frames, coordinating CS stickers and alphabet CS stickers and a set of the new Paper Salon acrylic stamps "Make it Yours." The package with the green bow had all of the same except it is from the Ornamental Holiday collection and the included a chipboard alphabet with frames. How wonderful is that! DH asked so... how much did you spend on it- well, just 185.00- teeheehee- all in RUBBER checks. Of course, then he wanted to know how I came to own the Rubber checks and I had to 'fess up BUT I would have purchased those products anyway and this was such a nice way to be thanked for my patronage at the store. Sunday they had the actually Birthday party at the store with tons of prizes, contests, and games. DD and I spent a wonderful afternoon together and although, I didn't win any prizes I still got to take home some treats at 10% savings. I love "saving" money- lol. Hopefully, I'll have time to post again later with a card. 'Til then- Take care!

Oh, yeah- At a later post, I'll tell you about the wonderful fund raiser for charity from the Rubber Stamp lady!!

A Day to Myself....

A wonderful blissful day full of scraping and stamping....

I'm so not kidding! Once Upon a Scrapbook, my lss had their all day crop Saturday and I was able to go! Not only do Delores and Karen have a super store chocked full of goodies but they are super sweet and feed us so.... very well! Both ladies are super cooks and have totally spoiled us! Ordinarily, I would have taken this opportunity to work on scrapbook pages but Friday was such a hectic day that I didn't have time to get my photos together. In all honesty, I had quite a list of cards I needed to make so I used the opportunity to work on those. This is the Halloween card that I made to send to several friends and family members. I made 6 of these so it took up a great deal of my time. The main image and sentiment are both A Muse. I colored the little trick or treaters with my new Copics but they are so tiny it is hard to see any shading or detail although I did attempt to add some. The PP is K & Co. and that includes all the candy treats. I cut a whole bunch of those from a piece of 12 x 12 paper (the time consuming part of this card but the finished affect was worth it to me.) I matted the main image with a piece of black Sugar Coated paper by Doodlebug- totally fun stuff! Then I finished it off with some SU ribbon. I felt that the corner lacked a little something but didn't want to add anymore embellishments so I gave the corner some character with my corner rounder- a little trick that I've been using a bit these days. The crop was from 9 am - 9pm but I left a little bit after 5. What!!! your saying, why in the world would she leave this blissful situation early. Well, you'll have to catch me on the next post to find out the fun reason why. Until then, Take care!

Happy Haunting card recipe:

Stamps: A Muse

Paper: Pumpkin Pie, purple cs-unk.source, Doodlebug Sugar Coated, PP- K & Co.

Ink: Pitch Black (Ranger's Adirondack)

Supplies: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black and Black Gingham SU ribbon, oval punch, scallop oval punch, Word Window punch, corner rounder, Copic markers, Stampin' Dimensionals, Cuttlebug

Sneakin' in Some Stampin' Time

I actually was able to sneak in a quick Autumn thank-you card in between chasing after Rachel and helping Mary Elizabeth with her studies. Just have time for a short rundown on a few of the deets. The main image is the new Pumpkins in Wheelbarrow stamp from Lockhart Stamps. It is colored with both Copic Sketch markers and Copic Spica markers to some sparkle (IRL the sparkle looks much better and more clean.) I am still getting used to my Copics and wish I had more time to practice. The faux stitching is from CTMH Simple Stitches and the sentiment is Inkadinkadoo. I, finally, got a chance to use my Mellow 6 x 6 PP from BG. I love that line! I have an order of the 12 x 12 collection that I will be getting in my hot little hands on Saturday (all day crop at lss) so I can't wait!!!

Now, on a quick look at my organizational and storage feature. Today, I'd like to show you how I store ribbon that I purchase by the yard. Each ribbon is wrapped around a 1 3/4 x 3 Cropper Hopper ribbon card, then stored by color in a divided plastic container that I purchase from Lowe's for around 3.50. I've been using this particular method for quite a while and it works very well for me. I have just added more containers as my ribbon collection grows. Right now I'm up to 4 very full containers. Anyway, I can see the colors very easily and it is a relatively cheap storage method. Gotta run to the mall. Oldest DD is a Junior Bridesmaid in a wedding this fall and she and I are going shopping with her Grandmother for a dress with"the only specifics for the dress are that it is mostly solid (without a print) and that it is in the brown family of colors (chocolate is perfect) " so wish us luck! Take care!