Red Velvet Sneakers

Mom's birthday presents

2010-02-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

And that means MORE RED! I was sooo stoked to find just the right red fabric I wanted to make these bags for my mom. It started a couple of years ago when I made her an eye glass case that would also have an outside pocket for pencils when she was working at school. She needed a new one, that was red.

I also decided to make her a matching bag because just one little eye glass case is not enough. The fabric I got is two layers of fabric with the batting already pre-quilted between. That makes it a bit pricier but not really when you figure you are getting two fabrics and the batting. But if you use a coupon for a store, that makes it even more reasonable. The big bag has an inside and an outside pocket. No pattern just sewed the top edges over then sewed it up both sides. I made the handles by turning the edges over too. All straight line sewing, no measuring.

This is the bonus bag. I had seen on several blogs that ladies were making rag quilt purses. I used the scalloped square die for the Big Shot and cut out all the pieces. I needed 27 of them for this bag. Yes, the Big Shot cuts through the quilted fabric like buttah! then I just did straight line sewing to put it together. The cool thing is the scallop edges helped me keep everything lined up straight. I have made a quilt before and the corners did NOT match. This was way easy! Another great thing is she can reverse it if she is not a big fan of the rough edges, the inside is smooth and pretty.

Total time to make all these items was 2 1/2 hours. I was on a tight deadline so I could get them mailed and to her for her birthday.

I have just enough fabric left over to make another one and I did pick up a yard of a different fabric. If I can find the time, I'll whip them up and show them off at my Stampin' workshop Thursday if anyone wants to come to my house.

Because I LOVE HIM!!!

2010-02-01T09:48:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is still two weeks away. 14 days to be exact. Or is it 13 since you don't count that day? Well, I do know today is February 1. Today I gave my sweety a little gift. I cut out 14 milk cartons using the new SU die from the occassions mini. Then I used a little gift, from that sweet guy I like, and made letters to go on the milk cartons that spelled out a little message. Of course I was cheesy and replaced the O's with hearts. It is Valentine's!! Then inside each carton are two of his favorite chocolates, Recees peanut butter hearts and Dove caramel's. I also wrote a note for each day with a different reason why I love him. 14 days to tell him I love him. It was not expensive, it's not even that fancy (I stapled the tops with the ribbon so they were easy to open and not destroy) but I hope he will smile every day when he reads my notes and eats a sweet and knows that he is the BEST GUY IN THE WHOLE WORLD AND I LOVE HIM WITH ALL OF MY HEART!!! Even if it is cheesy. :)

Neighbor gifts early!

2009-11-30T06:22:00.000-08:00

We usually wait until the week of Christmas and bring our neighbors homemade goodies. Some years it was Christmas cookies that we decorate. Soooo much fun! Other years it has been homemade bread and homemade jam. But it is always very close to Christmas when life is a little busy. Last year my hubby said, "Why can't we do this sooner?" So this year we are! We are doing it tonight! We made advent calendars from mini muffin tins. I got the idea here. Then I added a bit to it. Inside each muffin cup is chocolate and a strip of paper with a kind activity. "Make someone's bed." "Give your dad a hug." and so on. Small things kids can do.

You might also notice there are only 24 muffin holes. What do you do on Christmas? Well, the numbers are off, the chocolates are gone. Take the ribbon off and make muffins!!! We included a homemade (the kids loved pouring in the ingredients) cranberry ginger muffin mix.

I did change a little from the original. I used business card magnets. Cut them to 2x2 and since they were sticky, just put the paper right on. Oh and since I did not buy the Wilton pans, I had to punch holes with my giant crop-a-dial. Boy was my hubby impressed!

The kids are stoked to go delivering to the neighbors tonight. And since I made 8 of these, a few other people might see them on their doorsteps too.

All things red for my mom

2009-11-25T10:45:00.000-08:00

My mom loves red!!! So here is an early Christmas gift for her. (80 ornaments!)

My dear friend Becky sent me a link for this beautiful wreath - so not my original idea! http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/crafts/page/2/Oh and a red gift for dad!

This is a tag I made for a tag swap with my girlfriends the other night. What a great night of stress relief with those fabulous ladies. Punches used were the large oval, large heart, three flower punch, star punch and martha stewart branch punch.

This was my second tag. Inspired by my wonderful husband. You can't see it but the dress is a beautiful sparkly red with Spica pens!

Happiness!

Happy Thanksgiving! I'll be back tomorrow to post the Christmas gift we are taking to our neighbors. More homemade goodies.

At least this one is not blonde.

2009-07-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, it is another mermaid girl BUT a different stamp company AND she is not blonde. Actually this little cutie comes from All That Scraps and she is a digi image. They send them through e-mail and you can print as many as you want. Easy Storage and no smoodges. BUT I thought I could layer and the images are in this block that does not let you layer and then print. Someone told my to try photoshop but I have not yet. For now I did the old fashioned scissors for each of these. Also, I used a laser printer and not ink jet. I'll have to try the ink jet to see how it react with the copics. Yup, used those to color everything. Old SU ric rac, SU brads and paper too and a little crytstal effects for the pearls though I wish I had liquid pearls. Hmm.

I hope to post my workshop cards after the girls come to play tomorrow night. But no promises since I have to go see my brand new niece who will be born tomorrow and oh yea, that vacation thing. Life is crazy!

She's always blonde!

2009-07-22T11:00:00.001-07:00

Seems like I have a hard time finding time. Three kids home for the summer means lots of cleaning and lots of hungry tummies, all the time, for both! BUT, I do stamp on occassion with some dear friends who lend me their stamps. These are from

Pink Cat Studio. I stamped several images to bring home and color. I grab my copics and images and color for about 10 minutes at a time when I am procrastinating on either feeding children or cleaning house. Are you seeing a trend here? This time I also used my Spica pens that have glass flecks to create the shimmer. Can you see it in the first photo?

Then of course, the girls I color always end up being blonde. Can't imagine why. *giggle** We just have more fun. I will have more of these pictures to share as Kylah was kind enough to share her stamps with me. (She entered some cool contest and won free stuff with her beautiful artwork! You can see the deets on her blog.) And I promise to not make them ALL blonde.

Try something new

2009-07-17T05:38:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I have slowly slipped in the Copic world. I tried to resist but now I am having so much fun. I get a couple at a time and slowly build a collection. If you are not sure what copic markers are check out this blog. http://ilikemarkers.blogspot.com/

Basically a REALLY cool marker that I love to color with. The card above was one of my first attempts. I have ben playing and practicing since and love them even more. You might see some more samples to come. My only problem is, most of the people I color are blonde! Imagine that. I forget they can be other colors. :)

The second picture are scissor charms I made for a stamping group. I took the SU designer brads and drilled tiny holes in them with my hand drill then put them on those cool jewelry strings I got from Michael's. Cute way to mark your scissors when everyone else has the same ones!

Still a secret

2009-07-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

Remember, this is still not a blog post. I am not updating my pathetic blog. BUT... I will show you some pics of things I made. :) These were thank you gifts for teachers. Some were the kids teachers and some were teachers in the schools that had VERY kindly helped me with some of my teacher recertification hours. I made the bread holders usuing the cute BS basket die and making it longer. I really can't wait to show my club girls how to make it. STINKIN' CUTE! Then I decorated them of course!!! Wish I had taken pics of the cards but who had time to think with all the baking I did to fill the stinkin' cute baskets. I hope they liked them. Even if they did not like the bread, the baskets were way fun!

Remember, don't tell anyone I am sharing pics. :)

shhh....

2009-07-15T06:50:00.001-07:00

This is not really a post. Nope, it's your imagination since it has been so long. :) Here is a two page layout for the scrap class I was teaching. The letters are Cuttlebug dies and the buttons are from Walmart. The Orange dots that are drawn are soufle pens I found and are just a little puffy when you use them. Really fun!

If you promise not to tell anyone I posted I might have another one tomorrow. Shhhh!

What? Not sharing?

2009-03-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

Where did those promised posts go? Out the window! I should know better than to promise anything regarding this blog! Life just gets crazy and well... a girl has to prioritize.

So have I been stamping? YES!!! My messy desk proves it!
It started with the name tag I made for my weekend away. I went to Stamp New England with some fabulous crafting friends. If I took ALL my crafting friends we could have filled the place ourselves!!! The flower is a SU Big Shot die that I used and made one for each of the gals from Keene.

These are the fabulous gals. We stamped and ate and laughed and did I mention laugh? Oh it was divine!!! Well of course I had to stamp up a swap before I left so I could get in on the goodies from the other gals and since it was not all Stampin' Up! (I know you are gasping!) That would be the card at the top. Love that Elzy Bell stamp.

Of course there were gifts for those fabulous girls above. I made each one a different three drawer set made with the new matchbox die. Two drawers were filled with chocolates and one drawer had a monogramed keychain for each girly that I soldered.

Then for dear roomie for the night I made up a little toiletry package with chocolates that matched the pink! LOVE when that happens!!!!

When I got back from the weekend I had a workshop to plan for. The idea had been perculating for some time but I just had to put it all together. Being the last week of SAB I went crazy! SAB stamps, paper and ribbon. Not to mention the butterfly die I am in love with!!!!

See? I have stamped. So much that I have no time to take pics and upload them here!!! Actually there is even more but this is long enough.

Now this week I have my scrapbooking workshop (that page will come later) and a card for a friend that I can't share until AFTER I give it to her. I'm such a tease! But leave me a note and remind me to post again. I might get it together. :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-16T17:35:00.001-07:00

I'm not even a little Irish. But the boys seem to be having fun with the holiday at school so we did Peppermint patty (get it?) treats for their classmates and pins for the teachers. My friend Marilyn found and gave me the idea. The original is WAY cute at the top.

But we had to make a few changes since I knew the kids would want to help. We did about 80 of them for the three classes and the kids all helped. I think theirs turned out pretty cute too and they were very proud of them! Love punch art with kids!!!

Lovin' my BS!

2009-03-12T15:54:00.001-07:00

Swap #2 is more with the big shot. Got the cutest daisy die. It has three sizes on the one die. The ribbon is a new one from SU that I think is soooo yummy. But it comes with an orange ric rac one too and I am still working on how to use that one. I think it will stretch my brain and that could be good. Not much stamping but I like the graphic look of this. The dots at the bottom came from two sources. The green edge came from a circle punch and the pink ones are the flower centers of the biggest flower.

The swap was an original idea but these happy flowers are totally cased. I apologize for not knowing where I got the idea. I move too fast some days to remember much more than my own name. :) I gave some to a dear friend hoping to cheer her day.

My swaps

2009-03-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

I recently did a swap and thought I would share my work. I did three and will be posting them today and over the next two. Then hopefully Monday I will have a cute treat to share. My kids are working on making them for classmates so when they finish assembly you will get to see them.

This card used the butterfly die with the BS. LOVE IT!!! Instant gratification. Paper in, roll through and up pop the cutest little butterflies! I used a versa marker on the edges and dipped in dazzling diamond EP and heat set. The body is a corsage pin with our silver duo beads and I snipped off the end and used crystal effects to hold it. The leaves were another BS die with a little sponging. The flower button has a silver brad and then the senitment is from the last page of the catty. I saw it on several samples in the catalog and thought it was a rub on. I was so happy to see it as a stamp! Oh and did you see the pretty satin ribbon? Lots of little details.

See you tomorrow for another swap. I am going to go get some vitamin D in the sunshine!

sneek peek and more snow

2009-03-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

The kids are supposed to be back at school after a week of vacation. I actually like snow, BUT, I want them to get out of school before July and I AM NOT JOKING!!! I heard before today's snow day, the last day of school will be June 25th. That makes me sad! I want them out so we can go have fun swimming and camping! UGH!!!

I am actually working on a double scrapbook layout today so those pics will be coming. And I had hoped to share my three swaps I just made but they are not to the swappers yet and I don't want to ruin surprises. So just a sneak peek of one of my swaps and some snow pictures of the kids.

Enjoy the snow. It really is beautiful, peaceful and lots of fun to play in. My mail lady reminded me Spring is in 17 days.

Are you feeling sick?

2009-02-28T09:45:00.000-08:00

Lots of my friends and family have had the winter bugs that bring sniffles and illness to their house. I designed a little goodie to give to my sweet sickies.

This uses the new yummy designer paper that is cardstock weight. Happy DAY!!! And new big brads, new edge punch, and stamps. The brad is metal and connects to the magnet to make a beautiful hidden closure. The box at the bottom is for the tissues to sit in and put some cough drops in there too. Then I picked up a deal on some Avon chapstick with the sweet hearts. The club girls seemed to enjoy making this but I don't think any of them will give it away. Hmm, is that good or bad?

Yellow streak sounds bad.

2009-02-27T03:56:00.000-08:00

Those adorable bees make yellow a great color and I have had a grand time playing with them. As I searched my photos of things to share it seemed I had a bunch with the color yellow. Not like me but I think I was in a sunny mood. Not sure if you can see the gold sparkle on the beehive.

My yellow mood may have started with these. I took a stuffed pasta class. YUMMO! We learned to make our own pasta and the filling and now I want a pasta machine. Oh dear! A friend that took the class with me laughed because everyone had petite little ones and mine were ENORMOUS, in comparrison. I like big things, what can I say?

It really is Yo Yo Yellow!

2009-02-26T13:26:00.000-08:00

I have a brand new pack of YoYo Yellow because I never use it. I am not a bold Brights kind of gal. So I grabbed it to use for a template. After I started sponging and stamping, it was not so bad - Ok, I actually liked it. And so did the gals. Admittedly, the adorable Bees help a lot. Not to mention the yummy candy inside.

I am catching up slowly on things my sister told me to post. Don't tell her she is right, it goes to her head. :)

Have a great day and hope you find sunshine too.

Scrappin' Up!

2009-02-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

My scrapbook style is pretty simple. I like clean with minimal stuff. Mostly a black page with pictures and small little titles or stories below. I think it comes from looking at my mom's books as a kid so there is a whole nostalgic side to it. Besides, I look dated enough in the photos, I don't need to embelish it. :)

Here is my challenge. I have a new club that started last month and it is a scrapbooking club. Some of these gals are serious pros! Talk about intimidated! But I love a challenge and I love to create so I jumped in with both feet! The blue layout was my first month. I thought it was ok, cute mittens using a cuttlebug folder. But the gals were done in record time! I tried to add more this month without it feeling cluttered. I did not want to lose the pictures. How did I do? I will admit, I kind of like it. Imagine that. :)

I'll try to be back tomorrow with pictures of last month's stamp club items. My sister, I mean my downline keeps reminding me to share those.

Sneak peek of the goodies

2009-01-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

My new clubs are starting this week and I am so excited. I know, I am always excited. But they let me stamp with them anyway. I like to make them little thank you gifts and well, I love to stamp. This one was super easy. I will give dimensions later, I have to finish getting ready for tonight and clean up the mess I made while I finished them. They are all made from current designer papers, yummy ribbons and laminated so they will last. In there is a note pad to make Wish Lists and sticky notes to mark their pages. Yea!

A tutorial brought to you from the Wise One and the Young One

2009-01-19T06:59:00.001-08:00

Ok, I am not that young BUT that is what my dear friend Marilyn calls me. So I call her the Wise One. There might be a few years of age difference between us but when it comes to stamping, that does not seem to matter. We love to share ideas!

We got our new catties and her keen eyes went to the projects faster than mine. She was scoping out page 27 and those adorable hanging treat baskets. She asked if I knew how to make them and I was clueless. Since she had the die for it listed on that page, she got to work. But then she was stumped. When I stopped by to check her progress she handed me what she had made so far and the die. She was half way there, just needed to double it. Marilyn was kind enough to let me play with her die over the weekend while I had sick kids and so I give you my first, simple tutorial, brought to you by the Wise One and the Young One. :)

Start with 1/2 sheet of 12x12. Cut into 3x3 squares. You do not need the entire die covered. Just enough to round off the tip of the star and I try not to waste.
You will need 6 of the squares and then roll them one at a time through your BS (that I got for Christmas from my awesome hubby). I found that more than one gave me cuts on my creases.

Then use your coluzzle to round off the top from crease to crease. I used the fourth circle counting from the outside in - cause that is what Marilyn told me to do. :)

Once you have all 6 peices cut, use sticky stip on the tabs and attach three in a row and the first and the last together in a circle. Do this twice to create two of the cups made from 3 peices each.

Then attach two flat sides together with sticky strip. Punch a hole near the top to put the ribbon through and you have an adorable hanging treat basket.

No wedding and I gave away the "friends" I made

2008-12-31T08:53:00.001-08:00

My hubby and I had a date all planned this morning. We had a wedding to attend just outside of Boston at 10am this morning. We left plenty early with the babysitter at home with the kids. But since we were only going 35 to 40 miles an hour with the snow, we decided to turn around. It was not safe and we were not sure we would even make it on time! I was pretty bummed but happy to be home safe and out of the storm.

The bonus is I have time to blog. This is my second semi-paper craft project. Go ahead and copy, it is not my original idea but leave yourself plenty of time as each step has some drying time involved and letters are not always available. I used scrap 2x4 and cut them to size using my hubby's chop saw. It makes me nervous and I did not worry about being exact - good thing I like the uneven look! Then I stained the block (let them dry), painted letters (let them dry), Martha Stewart modgepodged them (let them dry and I love that stuff!) and then glued it all together, then they dry some more!!! Not the fastest gift but I loved the way they came out so much I made some with our name. Ummm, no those pics will have to be later. BUT that is the new SU designer paper coming in the January catty! Almost like Christmas waiting for that. Only 18 more days. Best part is I don't have to shop or wrap!I think my friend liked them even if they were after Christmas. And I have ideas for more words as soon as I see the new designer papers!

I'm headed out to watch the boys snowboard! Have a great day!

I'm not a pure paper crafting kind of gal

2008-12-30T05:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over but I am still finishing a few crafts. Not to mention I saw some new ones over the holiday that I had to try!!
Back in June I asked my hubby for a soldering kit from Simply Swank for my birthday. He wanted to get me something heavy duty from HD but I really wanted the kit with all the supplies. Well, not a whole lot of the perishable supplies came with the kit. I had to order more copper tape at the least. I did get the solder from HD for a better price and since Gregg is in the optic industry with glass, he was able to get me some with minor scratches that are not noticable to me but not good enough for them. Now I am all stocked on supplies and smokin' - literally, you should see the fumes! I have not revealed this new hobby before because I was keeping it a secret from some friends. We do a homemade ornament swap and I knew back in June I wanted to use it for that. And here is the ornament I made.

I have done a few other things to. For all the guys in my family, I made monogram keychains like this one. It is a long story but one got screwed up and now I have an extra with MT. Are those your initials? I need to give it to a good home. Leave a comment and let me know. I will send it to the first MT that responds. Guess that is pretty specific blog candy. :)

This final one is for a dear friend who is very kind to my little girl and I thought the stamp would remind her of Mak.

I'll be back tomorrow with another craft using paper, kinda. I love cards but I like projects better and using paper to do them. This one involves a 2x4 from HD, my husbands chop saw and sander and a little Martha Stewart. Curious? Welll I hope the recipient loves it!

Have you counted your blessing?

2008-11-27T03:14:00.001-08:00

I got up early this morning and actually enjoyed my time on the treadmill rockin' out to my tunes and thinking about all the things I am grateful for. I am sure lots of you are counting your blessing as well. I won't bore you with the entire list but I will share a few pics from our summer vacation which is one of my most cherished times this summer. Being with my family, camping and being at the ocean. Does not get much more perfect for us! Today we have both my parents and Gregg's parents. What a great treat!

Yuck! Chocolate milk?

2008-11-23T13:54:00.000-08:00

I might have mentioned before that I dislike chocolate. I think it smells like stinky feet. But... I love the color! I made this very cool milk carton holder after I got the pattern from Inkling Idaho. LOVE IT! That would be so fun to fill with little things like chapstick, candy, jewelry, gift card, hand lotion and lots of other Target dollar spot stuff, and if you get the tutorial from her, there is a fun little trick she teaches you so you do not have to disturb the bow on top to open it.

Oh and I wanted to give credit for that adorable little turkey. This blog is where I found the original that I CASED.

I'm here.

2008-11-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

I did mention I would never be a faithful blogger but some of you gals are sweeter than candy about sending notes of support. You just rock! So this post is for you! And maybe a few more, let's not get too crazy!

I had my last club workshop of the year last night. **Sigh** December is just too crazy so we will start fresh after the holidays and if you are interested in joining us, let me know - as long as you like to eat and laugh, oh, and stamp of course!!!

I started by making thank you gifts for my gals. They are so much fun to be with. I made the box using the scallop envelope die with the Big Shot (waiting for Santa to get mine, yipee skippeeeeee!) and then used overhead projector sheets to make a simple top. I stamped them, sponged them, made matching cards and even put chocolate wrapped in ribbon on the bottom. I was very happy with the way they turned out and I think the gals liked them too.

Next, if they agreed to sign up for our club starting in Janurary, they got another gift! Yea, love presents! I made them all zipper pulls. See my previous post for the original. All of them were different ribbons. Then I used overhead projector sheets again to make clear pillow boxes with the BS (happy little thing!) so they could see the color. I closed the box using the same ribbon as the pull. I think the gals liked those too and they could make more themselves as gifts.

I don't have pics of the projects we made as I gave my samples away but I will make more and post those later. I also showed lots of samples I made with the pillow boxes and we thought of lots of things you could put in them - candy, chapstick, jewelry, money, USB stick and more!!!

The last sample I shared was this cute little mini pizza box (thanks Avril for the dimensions!) and the MOST adorable turkey I CASED from another blog. Still looking for where I found that - will get back to you on that one. But I thought I would make them for my parents and in-laws since they are the only ones coming for Thanksgiving this year.

Ok, that was a lot. Try for more tomorrow but don't hold your breath!

Twas the night before Halloween...

2008-10-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

and all through the house, the kids were running and screaming and bouncing off walls!!! Nope, no excitement here. We have a Ninja, Indiana Jones and a princess.

Tonight we made little treats for their classmates. I found my inspiration here http://danniesdesigns.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/10/halloween-peppe.html

but we totally simplified so they could be done almost completely (I just cut the paper strips) by the boys for their classmates. For Mak we did strips of Halloween paper around mini playdough since that was a non-sweet treat.

The boys were pretty proud of their creations and I am always happy when they do it themselves, I think they learn so much more.

Oh, my bed is calling! Let me go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So much to make, so little time!

2008-10-28T09:49:00.001-07:00

Seems I am always finding new stuff to CASE and thought these two were too cute not to copy and share with everyone! They use the Top Note die. I have the die, just not the machine - YET! :)

This little cute jacket pull IS an original idea. Imagine that! Used a clasp from Michael's, a ribbon end tab from M's too and then one of our cute filigree brads. How happy! Yes, I know the ribbon is retired, but I still love it and think it adds a nice little touch to my black fleece.

I have a workshop tonight and a ton of fun things to share with them. I will share with you later in the week. Just not tomorrow. I have a ton to do including all three kids going to the dentist and a wonderful college roommate of mine is swinging through and I have not seen her in 12 years! So excited to spend time with her!!! Today I have been up since 3AM today and still I can't find enough time to get everything done! I am not moving slowly either - I am a zippy little chicky but won't be if I go much longer!

Have a great day, even IF there is snow!

I'll never be faithful.

2008-10-23T01:49:00.000-07:00

Amy asked if my blogging fingers were broken. Umm, no. But let me tell you how I work. Have you read the book, "If you give a mouse a cookie."? I FINALLY get to stamp and make something I REALLY like enough to post. Can't find the camera. Search for camera, end up doing the dishes and getting food for a child. Find the camera, it's too dark for a picture, wait until morning. Do laundry, bathe a child and feed the other two again. Daylight, take picture, sit at computer, "M-O-M!!!!" Go feed child, help with potty and do dishes. Forget where I put the camera again to hide from little fingers. Search and decide to clean the office. FINALLY, wake up at 4AM and find time to post. Ahhh.
I have to say that I do love to stamp and find it an incredibly wonderful stress reliver and LOVE all the fun stuff. But when it comes to finding time to blog. I will never be faithful and regular. Unless I blogged everytime my children ate! OH MY!!!

Hope you enjoyed the cupcakes, I am a bit obsessed!!!!!

Do you want anything?

2008-10-08T13:48:00.001-07:00

I have the nicest friends. They call me from Achievers (happy scrapbook and paper crafting store that I would love to wonder around all day) in Salt Lake and asked if I wanted anything. Ummmm, everything! My mind went blank. All that potential and I could think of nothing.

On a happier note, I have eye candy for you. How cute are these little guys? I saw them on Splitcoast in the gallery http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1083818?si=file%20punch is the apple idea and http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1054178?si=scallop%20square%20bat is the bat I copied. The apple and orange are super easy. I punched ten round tab punches, folded them in half and adhered one on top of the next and then the last two together. The bat is the scallop square punch cut in half and then little slits to fold back for the ears.

Have a great day.

Ewe are sooooooo cute!

2008-10-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

I know, that was way too punny! I'll stop now. :)

Is this not the cutest? I admit I stole the idea from another card I saw but now I can not find the site, will have to backtrack and let you know. I am really punch happy lately. Tune in tomorrow for another instalment of the punches.

That is one funny looking pumpkin!

2008-10-06T12:13:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday! No stamping for me over the weekend. It was World Card Making Day on Saturday but at our house, it was paint the house day! We got it done and it is a huge relief. But I did manage to stamp a little today, with a sick little three year old. Just a little cold but NEEDY! Do you know how hard it is to stamp with someone in your lap and you can not see your workspace?

I started out making a simple card with the halloween rub ons, while on the phone with a friend. I told her it was the new punch. She said, "Oh, the big oval?" Umm, no, the big circle. But I could use the big oval. I made one and it looked funny, kinda like a pineapple. BINGO! See, no mistakes, just new ideas.

My work could be better but not on a day with an attatchment with big blue eyes, blonde hair and a runny nose.

Evil conspiracy!

2008-10-03T10:42:00.001-07:00

Ever say you did not like a stamp set and then... you HAVE to have it? I did not like the tree set in the new holiday mini. My sister tried to convince me that I needed it. I resisted. Then I went to a demo class with the cutests projects including this one using the tree. It is a conspiracy to force me to buy the tree because I like what they make and then when I get it, I won't know what to do with it. EVIL!!!

I love this box. It is CD cases that interlock to form the sides. You could put pictures in there or stamped images like the tree everyone is making me think I need.

Here is the website for the ink pad holder in my previous post. http://rebelinker.blogspot.com/2007/10/inkpad-holder-for-6.html

Let me know if you make one.

stamping related

2008-10-03T02:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a total whirlwind with a crazy "to do" list! So no stamping but other stuff to share.

On Tuesday a kind friend called and said M's was selling their 8 1/2 x11 wire paper racks for $5!!! So I ran and got one while she held them. Soooooooo nice! Since then I have been filling and labeling. I really like it, just wishing I had two. I know, I should be grateful for what I have!

Then the other thing I need to finish is an ink pad holder. This is a VERY rough one! My sister gave me a blog that she found. I promise to share it later today when I find it again. You make it from foam core and use hot glue and since I had some I gave it a whirl. I need to try that again though! Not as easy as I thought it would be. But love the concept! It will do until one day I can justify a wood one in a finished room.

Thanks for the love!

2008-10-01T16:04:00.000-07:00

Hey there! A BIG HONKIN' thank you to the three people who read my blog and told me you missed me. It's nice to be missed. :)

Nothing dramatic or catastrophic, just LIFE with 3 kids, a hubby and a few little things that keep me busy too. I did not think many would notice if I did not blog, there are plenty of great ones out there to find. BIG kudos to those fab gals who do post everyday. They are the bomb!

I actually have been cleaning out my stamp area and moving things around. No, still no lights. :) Getting really creative though! My desk is piled high with stuff I am sorting through. My sister even commented, "How can you stamp?" I don't. So today I cleared a tiny little hole and decided I could only use current stuff I found on my desk. My favorite way to stamp is stuff from the scrap pile.

This little black plastic bracelet was in a two pack at the dollar spot at M's. Thought I would do up a little Halloween motif. Best part is if do not like it, I can scrape it off and do another since it is just rub ons.

Thanks again for stopping by. I just may try to post again tomorrow. Wouldn't want to become an overachiever. :)

Stamping for boys?

2008-09-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

I don't have a lot of masculine stamps. I do have tool stamps but that does not work for 10 and 15 year old boys. So I went basic and kind of a wallet theme since they wanted money. These were super easy and I even made the envelopes. That is one large open end envelope cut in half and designer paper used to top and close it. I did not want too much work since I don't think these will be kept, but they had to have a little cool factor. Hope it goes over well with my sweet nephews! Such good boys!

What is my thing with birds?

2008-09-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

I am actually not a bird fan. They freak me out. BUT, look at my two projects from last month's workshop. Geez, I did not even realize it until after. Even I can admit they are way cute. And maybe I do like owls a little. Just not in person.

I have my projects finished for the Halloween class coming up and I REALLY love them! No, I am not just saying it so you will sign up. But if you do want to come, see the post below and sign up ASAP.

Halloween Class coming soon, sign up NOW!

2008-09-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

I am doing a Halloween card and project class, and you are invited!

The class is Friday September 26 from 4-7pm
You will get to make 4 cards and 2 projects all with a Halloween theme.
That will give you great projects to give away or keep as a model to make more!
The class fee is $20 for the 6 projects you make and take with you.
I need all sign ups by Monday the 15 and that is coming quick.

I just ordered NEW stamps, NEW paper and NEW ribbon for our GREAT projects so call or e-mail me to sign up or ask any question and maybe even get directions, it won't be at my house.

I want a Big Shot, do you?

2008-09-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the first day customers can order the new Stampin' Up! Big Shot from Stampin' Up! Hip Hip Hooray! I have played with the very cool dies that make adorable projects and they are sooooooooo cool! In honor of this cool tool I am offering some great specials. These are limited to tomorrow, September 2nd ONLY, until midnight EST. First day special for anyone who reads my blog.

Check out the brochure available here. http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/BigShot_Cust_US.pdf

Here are the three specials.

1. Buy either of the Starter kits offered (one without and one with the fantastic bag) and you will recieve

- FREE SHIPPING!

- a level one hostess stamp set

- $15 of free merchandise for the kit without a bag

- $20 of free merchandise for the kit WITH the bag

(Check out the hostess benefits page in the adorable new catalog with the scalloped edge)

2. Order just the Big Shot machine that comes with the multipurpose platform and cutting pads so you can start cutting right away (assuming you have some dies) and you will recieve the premium crease pad FREE to make those dies with scoring marks precise and clear.

3. Purcahse $75 of Big Shot accessories such as the bag, dies or cutting and crease pads and get your choice of an 8 1/2 x11 pack of assorted cardstock FREE.

It may be a little early to discuss Christmas presents (or birthdays or anniversary gifts work too) but palnning ahead is always beneficial.

E-mail me as soon as possible to get your goodies right away!

Kirsten

New neighbors?

2008-08-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

We tried to go meet the new neighbors last night. We made Banana nut muffins and they were even still warm when we went over. And I made this card so they could remember our names. But no one was home so we just left our treats and hope that they will find them before the critters do.

Do you remeber my wall decor that I put up a while back and it says "family"? Well I was still uncertain how I felt about it but I have gotten several good comments on it and wanted to know where I got it, they love it! Even a guy friend of my husband (these are manly men NOT into deocrating) mentioned that he was impressed it was straight and it looked nice. Well ladies, if that was not a glowing endorsement, I don't know what is. If I can get a manly man to like it, must be a great thing! Try one ,they are soooo easy! Even I got mine straight and I am blonde!

"Stinkin' Cute" she says!

2008-08-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

I think I might of mentioned my love of bags before. I love a bargain even more. Well, combine the two, a little crafting and I am a happy little camper. My sweet husband gave me some alone time at Michael's last night. Have not been in a while so I wandered around and of course checked out the clearance area. I found these cute canvas base of a bag with no handles that you can decorate yourself and add the handles you want. Then of course I wandered over and found the handles and found heavy duty wire ones on clearance as well and that is when I had a great idea. I bought a bucket of cheap glass beads and put them on the handle. Actually, Makenna had to help me, she insisted I needed her help. The beads don't match but i love the eclectic look! When I finished and held it up Makenna declared in a loud voice, "Stinkin' cute Momma!" Oh my, the child has spent too much time with her mother! But I totally agree.

The best part is I can change the handle, change the beads and make it all different! Gregg says I look a little silly carrying it around the house as I clean today. :)

Oh and yes, it is heavy but who cares, it is stinkin' cute!!!

What? Stamping?

2008-08-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

I needed thank you cards for the VERY patient and VERY kind swim instructors the boys had this summer. And of course I had to whip out the kiddo stamps. I love these. Then I made homemade dry cocoa mix and put it in a mason jar that I decorated. (sorry, forgot that picture) Why hot cocoa for swim instructors? Well, it was a VERY cold and rainy summer and those poor guys FROZE in the pool. Thought they could warm up with this. Topped the jars off with mini marshmallows and chocolate chunks. Hope it was good, I was not taste testing! YUCK!

Stamping?

2008-08-12T05:51:00.000-07:00

Remeber those three kids and cute husband I am always talking about? Turns out those three kids keep me pretty busy when they are all home in the summer. And it turns out I still like spending time with that cute guy I married. All that does not leave a lot of stamping time this summer. Honest, I am not holding back, I have barely stamped. Instead we have been incredibly busy. We have had LOTS of fantastic visits from friends, trips to fun places and tons of fun with family!

So do I have ANYTHING stamping related? This was a card I made for a swap I went to. It uses one of the new hostess sets we can get in the catalog.

Then of course. There was the Stampin Up! convention in Salt Lake, no I did not go. I wish! but LOTS of new stuff was revealed including the new catalog which I got last week and passed out to all my gals! I even spiral bound mine and it makes me happy!

My wish list is pretty long (see all those tabs sticking out that mark the stuff I like?) A lot is from the accessory department. That stuff makes me happy. Good thing there is a SUPER great sale on some of the brand new sets and that will help the stamp budget for sure!

One really cool new toy (did I mention how much I love toys?) is the new BIG SHOT! Stampin Up! teamed up with Sizzix to make a machine that does big die cuts. And small ones too. But I like BIG! It is WAY cool! And I REALLY want one but may have to wait for Santa on that one. My first workshop with the new catalog will be the 29th and I am stoked to play with the new In-colors and papers! YUMMY!

Until then I suppose I will keep myself occupied on vacation. We are headed to Boothbay, Maine tomorrow and we stay for a week! Actually an island just off the Harbor and we will be camping. My in-laws are even coming to visit for a few days which will be so fun but they will stay at a hotel. My kids are bouncing (literally) with excitement.

School starts a week after we get back and Seminary the week after that. So things will be pretty busy. I am sorry if I don't blog much. I guess I should have just taken the summer off. Hopefully I can get back to my happy papercrafting soon. Hope you are enjoying your summer!

Last night's workshop

2008-07-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

Here are the goodies we made last night at our monthly club workshop. We used lots of retiring items.

I have to say, I stamp with the nicest and most lovely group of ladies! Absolutely Fantastic fun to be with!

Oh, I think I might see some sunshine out there! Sending everyone out to play!!!

Rain, Rain here to stay, seems like every single day!

2008-07-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

A lot of people are not happy about all the rain we are having. I would like to be able to take my kids to swim lessons I paid for but it could be worse. (Although they do have them in the rain, my guys are not willing.) But... you have to make the best of it and I certainly have. Some cleaning out and organizing led to a clean desk, for the moment. Which then got my stamping mojo back in high gear. That and a workshop I have tonight.

This is also my birthday present. My mom gave me a Gift Cert at TJ Maxx (such a happy place!) and I had intended to get a dress. Well, not an easy thing to find in a modest style. One day in my hunt for a dress I walked by an end cap in the home goods area and saw several different styles and colors of these desk top organizers. You should have seen me with them all layed out on the floor trying to figure out which ones I wanted. I ended up going with the two matching ones. Even though they are a little off white they still look good in the dark (only two little lamps until my cutie gets a moment to put in an overhead light). But they look so nice and not junky. OH! That desk is a happy place!

Here is a teaser of a door prize for tonight. We are making something similar. Post those pics tomorrow. For this I thought it could hold the names and then I would give it away too as a door prize.

Stay dry and have fun stamping!

Will Gregg notice?

2008-07-18T09:45:00.001-07:00

Stampin Up has a new line just coming out. They call it Decor Elements. Basically wall stickers. My mom used to do stencil borders around a room or put up wallpaper borders. I don't like either, don't tell her I said that. I also like white walls since I grew up with LOTS of wallpaper! Anyway. These are really pretty cool. They have words, quotes, flowers and more coming. I got this one obviously. It was super easy to put on in about 5 minutes. I did not check for level and just winged it. Gregg would be so frustrated with that. :) I am curious to see if he will notice when he gets home. With my luck he might read my blog today - hi honey!

The great part is... totally removable. So for renters or upset hubbies they can come right down. Just don't plan on being able to use them again, they are a one shot deal.

For now they come in chocolate and white with more styles and colors coming soon they said. I really like the one I got. I am a minimal decorator and more function than form - probably something to do with three kids? So this is great. I think it is a little distinct and fun with out big commitment or a lot of time. Go to the SU website to see the full brochure or ask me for one. They are pretty popular and I have recently found several at other companies and happy to report the SU pricing is better or equal to others and I like what they had to offer.

Come on over to touch and see in person, just don't expect the house to be clean or quiet!

Swimming and berries!

2008-07-17T07:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the most perfect summer day. We did swim lessons, berry picking and then swam in the pool of a kind friend in the afternoon. The kids loved it! Carter learned to swim under water, Makenna has decided she likes doing cannon balls and Owen is becoming more willing to get his face wet.

Today is the last class of swim lessons but we have signed up for another session. Keep that ball rolling. The boys swim teacher has been incredibly patient and I wanted to give her a simple thank you. It was the boys idea to give her some berries, I just made it cute. No pattern, just whipped it up. My favorite way to play. Even if the desk is still a mess. Some day but not when it is is hot and sunny! Those are berry picking and swimming days!

Hope you have a great day too!

busy summer and more cake!

2008-07-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

Wow this summer is flying! The family and I have been having such a great time. We have been swimming, traveling and seeing a lot of friends. It has been terrific with a lot more to come too. The kids have not said they are bored yet!

With all the family stuff going on I don't get much time to stamp. I did aquire two new desk top organizers for my desk and I am really hoping to get a moment to clean up that desk and take a picture! Way cute!

The cake above is made from white towels for a wedding gift. Very simple but beats wrapping it. :)

Well I am off to make a card to go with the cake. At least this cake only took 10 minutes! My kind of cake!

Stay cool!

All done and soooooo tired!

2008-07-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

The pictures do not do it justice but this is HUGE cake!!! The bottom is 16 inches across, the next is 12 then the top is 8. A standard b-day cake is 8 just to give you an idea. There are 12 batches of cake mix, 3 dozen eggs, 9 batches of frosting and WAY too much fondant. Hope she is happy tomorrow!

Speaking of tired. Took this yesterday. She had a long day and I came in and found her like this it was too cute to resist!!!

Where'd she go?

2008-07-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

I post 100 of these things then I disapear. How silly of me. Well, it is summer and I have the mommy excuse on top of that. Lots of swim lessons, kid adventures and a little cleaning out has kept me pretty busy.

The cleaning bug bit me and I have been slowly going through each room and closet. By the time I finish I will have to start over again but I am enjoying how good it feels at the moment.

Speaking of the moment, I am making a wedding cake. Pics of that later. It is a three teir cake for my sisters best friend, and my friend too. I keep saying it is the last one ever. We will see.

Not a lot of stamping going on. Hoping to stamp at some point in this great long weekend. Happy 4th of July! There are a couple of projects I want to finish but it will all depend on getting the cake done today.

Here is a little bit of stamping I did. These were little treats I made up for the sweet gals who came to my Tart and Tangy class. At the last minute I added the scallop around the water bottle neck and the belly band around the bag of goodies. I could not stop!The gals were really focused on getting things done but I thought a little salt and a little chocolate would help. They seemed to enjoy them and I had fun making them look cute!

Have a great holiday weekend with your loved ones. I am THRILLED to have Gregg home for three days and already put him to work helping me!

100 posts and a tag!

2008-06-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

This is my 100th post. Not hard to believe if you know me in real life! But just as I went to post today I checked comments first and Leslie had tagged me! My first time ever. Thank you for the tag.

I am supposed to list 7 random or weird facts about myself and tag 7 other people. So here goes.

1. I HATE chocolate! Yup, and they let me stay in the girl club anyway!

2. 6 is my favorite number. Born 6/26/76. and maybe because no one else ever picks it! Poor 6.

3. I have a hard time seeing in the dark, especially transitioning from light to dark and that is how my husband ended up holding my hand on the first date because it was dark walking out to a quarry to watch fireworks.

4. I think fireworks are romantic because we went and saw them on our first date. Before that I could have cared less about them but now I really love to see them, and hold hands with my sweety!

5. I wanted to be Secetary of Education when I grew up. Combine teaching, law and politics. Sounded good to me.

6. I cried so much the first time I got a B+ on a test in college I was hysterical on the phone with my mother and dumped my date for the night. I got an A in the class anyway.

7. I am a BIG planner, but having three kids has made me way more flexible.

That's it. Now to tag others. Almost all the blogs I visit have been tagged. I'm not exactly the first. :) So I searched for some blogs and thought I would share. Enjoy!

1. http://stamplikecrazy.blogspot.com/
2. http://mystamplady.typepad.com/my_stamp_lady/
3. http://canyousayaddictedtostamps.blogspot.com/
4. http://mylittlecreativeescape.blogspot.com/
5. http://stampwithheather.typepad.com/
6. http://www.jademingmeidesigns.blogspot.com/
7.http://memystampsandi.blogspot.com/

Are you a sparkly kind of person?

2008-06-27T04:52:00.000-07:00

I am! I love bling! Oh! Jewelry, new shiny kitchen stuff and shiny stamping accessories! Well my dear friend who is NOT a sparkle kind of gal must REALLY love me because she made me this incredible box and matching card (of course with hand dyed ribbon to match!) for me! Eeeee! She said there was glitter EVERYWHERE! Now she will think of me and laugh everytime she finds more in her stamping room! HA!

It was a FANTASTIC birthday. My sweet husband surprised me with a HUGE carrot cake from my favorite bakery in town. (Too bad they spell their name wrong. It should be Kirsten's Bakery, NOT Kristen's Bakery!) Those lobster rolls I mentioned were ENORMOUS last night! I could not finish mine but my 8 year old bottomless pit finished his and had room for ice cream! It was just a great night. Plus I have something to look forward to still, my presents are still coming. The post man is not always accurate with delivery times but some things are worth the wait!

Well the Tart and Tangy class is tonight. I am way excited now that it is all prepped. I did not realize until I started that I was prepping 100 cards and ten boxes. Geez!!!! But I got it all done, organized and even made goodies for the ladies! Eeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Have a fantastic day and if you hear bouncing, that's just me on a sugar high from the cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

It's my birthday!

2008-06-26T05:05:00.000-07:00

Thirty-two years ago today George and Bonita had an 11lb 13oz. baby girl! Yup, an overachiever from the beginning.

Since it is my birthday I thought I should make a list of things I am thankful for. I have been incredibly blessed in 32 years and I am reminded more and more of that when I look around me! You don't have to read my whole list, but you might want to make your own.

- I know I am a daughter of God and my Heavenly Father loves me very much!

- I have an incredible husband that is the perfect balance for me and he tells me every day, several times a day, that he loves me. Even on the phone from his office with people around!

- Three fantastic kids that are healthy, smart and a lot of fun. They teach me everyday about something new and make my life so much better!

- A wonderful family with a brother, sister, parents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins on my side and my husbands.

- Friends that are there with me through everything and love all my qualities, even the nutty ones! And they are THE most fun to laugh out loud with!

- Hobbies, time to pursue them, the friends they have brought me and a husband that lets me enjoy it all.

- A home that is safe, conforting, enjoyable and happy.

I could go on of course. And I think I will in my journal today. It overwhelms me how much I have to be grateful for and really makes this a special day not because it is about me, but because I have all of you!

Now that I got all sappy, I am going to party! Well, not yet though. I still have all the usual swim lessons and errands of the day. But tonight we will all go to Kimball Farm for Lobster rolls, waffle fries and ice cream! YUMMY!!! I think the fam enjoys it as much as I do!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Challenge #2

2008-06-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

The second challenge I took on from the same blog as above was "black, white and..." I was already in the blue from the other card and just kept going. Not sure if all the layers and detail translate well in the picture though.

It's my birthday - almost

2008-06-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

I am the kind that still loves her birthday! Yup, proud to be 32, almost! And I am ALSO one that

likes to drag it out as long as possible. My actual birthday is Thursday, June 26. And one awesome stamper has already sent a card. I thought I would share her talent with all of you.

More challenges ahead, and I don't mean the kids, this time.

2008-06-24T17:09:00.001-07:00

I have taken on two more challenges from fellow bloggers. I can't link you to the blog since it is a password protected area so I thought I would post the pics here for the general public. The picture below was the inspiration for this card. In Real life it looks more vanilla and the blue butterflies are little more vivid. Oh, well, back to photography class!

Can you see the difference?

2008-06-21T17:17:00.001-07:00

I stamp so fast sometimes that I sometimes miss a detail. With three kids I don't get a lot of time. Only later I go back and notice something was off or missing. It's like one of those puzzles in the Highlights magazine in the doctor' office. Can you find the difference?

Blogger challenge

2008-06-21T10:04:00.000-07:00

Raise your hand if you blog hop? I have a list of about 25 blogs I check on a pretty regular basis. Sometimes it is less than a 30 second visit. Maybe like some of you here. :) Check out the new stuff and if it inspires you enough, you stay a little longer and look around. Then you start checking out their favorite blogs and suddenly you lost an hour! Ooops, dinner? Oh well. That is how I found KWERNERDESIGNBlog. Her latest entry has the most inspiring colors! Then I looked back through others and was so excited at the color ideas.

This color combo instantly made me think of argyle!!! I went through several other styles too trying to find one I liked. My favorite is at the top of the page here. Funny part is, I made that with scraps and stuff I found on my desk. That is usually the best card, the ones that I did not think about. Just can't let my brain get in the way of creativity. :)

Try her challenge out for yourself.

Now where did I put those tweezers?

2008-06-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

The SU tool kit comes with a great pair of tweezers that I used to make this fun little tag. I wove the ribbon around a 1 inch square piece of paper and then added the bow on top to make it look like a fancy present. I used this same technique for a card before but there were a lot less squares this time. The only problem is I can not find my tweezers now. Grrrrr!

ETA:

I'm sorry you have to look at this sideways. That is not how I took the pic or how it looked in the preview but no matter what I do it will not go up right so I hope no one's neck hurts! Sorry!

SERIOUS bag issues!

2008-06-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm back. Miss me? We had a great time camping but coming back and the last week of school has made everything a bit chaotic! What else is new? :)

But you did not come here to hear all that, you want some stamping stuff. Let's start with the workshop. These are two of the cards I did and I also threw in the popsicle card, everyone needed that for summer birthdays. So cute and easy. I recently saw a double popsicle on a blog that I will case when I get time. Oh I am funny, like I get time!!!!

Now for the bag issues. Not purse issues. I have very few of those and I am VERY picky. But bags, I could adopt a million! They all need good homes and are so much easier than animals. My husband should be grateful. Tee hee!!!

This bag is a copy from the cover of a Stampin' Up! publication available to demos called "On Stage". I knew I wanted it as soon as I found it! So I grabbed the bag from my stash, the felt flowers, buttons and ribbon are all SU items I already had. Well... Except the pink ribbon. I HAD it, and used it! I gave up hoarding. So I put out an SOS to my SU sisters and one of them was VERY generous and GAVE me the ribbon I needed. I returned the favor by making her a mini version of the bag with the leftover ribbon. You can see it on her blog here.

This second bag is from Michael's curteousy a 50% off coupon from JoAnn! It SCREAMS "Take me to convention and use me to swap!" But alas it did not come with the airline ticket, and free babysitting services tucked into any of the adorable pockets. I bought it anyway to give it a good home. Besides it was the last green one in a sea of pink ones and I felt sorry for it. :) But it makes a great project bag. When I am working on a project, like this little tag I did for my swap this month, I like to put all the stuff into a basket or bag and carry it with me so I can work on it any spare moment I might get.

Retiring Stamps!

2008-06-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

The list of retiring Stamps is available in either alphabetical order or by page number (my preference for going through the catty) and available on the Stampin' Up! website.

If you would like to place an order before items are gone on July 31st let me know. And don't forget that the Mini catalog items disapear on June 30th.

Do these look like fish?

2008-06-10T14:05:00.002-07:00

I think my dad will get it. He is Mr. Fisherman. I thought it was kinda retro. And green since I reused the petals I took out of the laser cut notes to make the fish. Can you see? Anyway I have one Father's Day card done and one to go. Gotta make one for that sweety of mine!

Another version

2008-06-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

Usually there is more than one version of what I create for a workshop. Either I don't like the way something came out and I change it or I have a new idea. This time I liked it the very first time I made it (see that sample after Thursday) so much that it inspired me to make these. LOVE these laser cut notes. They look fantastic and are so fast and simple to make. Plus accessories are always fun to add. I got the preview stamp set and the notes were just $5 (June special) but now I will NEED more notes! Shucks. :)

Why do I have other things besides stamping to do?

2008-06-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

Don't people understand I NEED to stamp? Gracious. They want me to do silly things like get cars inspected, take care of children, keep the household running and food, what is up with that demand? Not to mention just a little bit of heat with humidity in our little neck of the woods. Yeesh!

Someday... I will get back to stamping. I did mange to plan my projects for our workshop on Thursday. And since you can not simply make what you need, there must be creative juices flowing, I got started by picking up my desk a little and found a bench I had colored and lost. That ended the cleaning and began the creating. Get back to cleaning later. Doesn't this place look cool to sit? I mean the cool refreshing kind of cool.

Off to make lemonade!

Three spots left for my class on June 27 for the Tart and Tangy stamp set and the sign up deadline is THIS Thursday.

Wrong pictures

2008-06-05T03:44:00.000-07:00

I spent a lot of yesterday baking! I made a cherry pie with lattice crust, a chocolate cake, with chocolate frosting and candybars and gummy worms and last but not least, a spice cake with cream cheese frosting, white chocolate curls and a dozen buttercream roses on top. And do I have pictures? NO!! I was too busy trying to get all of that done and a casserole AND clean up after myself! Geez. But it was all for a good cause. It was a potluck dinner and a pie and cake auction for the boy scouts. Lots of laughs and fun. The limit was $25 and I am proud to say my cakes immeditately got bid for $25. The pie was only $23, guess I better work harder! :) Actually a lot of the items maxed out and that was terrific for the scouts earning money for camp!

So what DO I have pics of? A gift I gave away. A very kind friend has been generously helping and encouraging me to keep my teacher certification. And I wanted to say thank you. This is what I made her. I did not give it very well. The little kid in me gets too excited. So I just ran up to her and handed it to her. Silly me! that whole presentation thing gets forgotten when I spent so much time on the gift.

We go pick up the atomic blue Honda today. So no stamping planned. (who knows what can be done when not planned - bad!) Upcoming projects SHOULD be a birthday card for Makenna, Father's Day cards for my dad and honey and a workhsop with three cards next week. Yup, three, could not decide so they all go in, again. :)

And just in case you are interested, look at the next post down for the Tart and Tangy class. I now have 6 signed up and spots are filling fast. The sign up deadline is the 12th.

Have a great day!

Tart and Tangy Class offered

2008-06-02T10:45:00.001-07:00

I have finalized the date and details of my Tart and Tangy class.
See this post for the pictures of the terrific projects.
The class will be Friday, June 27th at 6:30 at my home. Only 8 spots are available since that is what will fit at my table. It is first come, first serve so sign up quick. Deadline to sign up will be June 12th and payment is due by then. There will be an additional $5 fee for anyone signing up after that.

The class will include all the card stock and paper to make the adorable box and 2 each of the five cards for a total of ten. It will also include the Tart and Tangy stamp set and three markers (red, olive and pumpkin). The price is $35 due by June 12th. If you have those color markers you may substitute but must do so by the June 12th sign up deadline.

IF you have the stamp set you can stiil join the class for a $23 class fee with cardstock and markers included.

To make class move as quickly as possible I ask that you bring your own scissors and adhesive of your choice. Everything will be cut, scored and packaged for you. All the samples will be available to see and touch and you can move at your own pace.

If you have any questions please leave a comment, e-mail or call me.

ETA: There are 3 spots left at 10am on 6/6
And there are envelopes included with the cards!

Crafter's yardsale

2008-06-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine and I are having a HUGE crafty yardsale this Saturday at 8am at her house. We are both BIG stampers and crafters and it was time to clean out, to make more room for more stuff. :) We will have stamps, papers, accessories, magazines and more! Even a $10 Sizzix machine! I will not be posting a list of items on my blog or in e-mails. That takes more time then I want to put in and I do not want to run to the post office. Our plan is to take everything out, plunk it down and sell it cheap so it does not come home with us! We will be putting an ad in the local paper too.

If you would like directions feel free to e-mail or call.

Challenged

2008-05-28T06:13:00.001-07:00

A friend and up-up line, Cindy, put a challenge out on her blog. She gave us a sketch and we had to come up with a card using the basics of the sketch. It is a VERY popular thing to do and really gets the creative juices flowing. Here were my two attempts at a three panel card. Mine were quick since Sunday was absolutely beautiful I could not stay inside very long.

White out!

2008-05-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

Did you ever play with white out? I mean the liquid kind? That was me! Addicted to all things paper and pen related - still. So here is my modern take on my high school boredom.

Yummy!

2008-05-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

This is a total CASE. (Copy And Share with Everyone) I got it from another blog and since my tags are due this month I totally thought it fit. What a great idea for a kid's B-day! Now I just have to go get the sticks and put them together and they are done.

Oh, I got this one done because I had popsicles in the frezer so I had Mak eat one so I had a reference. All in the name of art!

More Tart and Tangy

2008-05-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

I just REALLY love this set. And now that it is hanging around until the end of June I am even happier. I want to do a class where you come to my house, I have everything cut and prepped and you get to make all the cards and the cute holder. There are just two problems. I can't decide which set to make (I have two adorable options) and I need to find time. That is probably the biggest issue. Just as soon as I work out the calendaring, I will get back to you.

I can't take credit for this adorable little set, it was created by another amazing stamper but I did make it all by myself. The box is darling and the cards are a secret little cheat! More info at class.

Have a great day!

Justified!

2008-05-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever bought something and tucked away "just in case"? Or you "think" you might need it later? I did. I bought a SU set for soccer several years ago when it was being retired. My boys at that point never even thought about soccer but I thought "one day". Guess what? I am sooooooooooooooooo cool! I bought it, tucked it away and today as I was thinking I should make thank you notes for the coaches I realized I had the perfect set! Oh yea, SCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE for me! So I did the happy dance. Even better, I knew where it was and found it easily. Oh it is such a good day.

Here are a few pics of the boys playing since you asked. :) Ok, you didn't but you were going to.

And since you all were sooooooooooooooo nice and did not leave any comments or e-mails to remind me to post my stuff, I didn't. Actually, I am still working on what I thought was a very simple card. Grrrr, it is not working how I thought it would in my head so we will revisit that later. In the mean time, I had to whip this out today in the 15 minutes I had. Yup, honest it took that long becuase I had to run out the door. It is a hidden message card. Can you see how the message slides to the front when you open it? Here is the tutorial I found for it. How cool is that, she is from NH too. I left her a comment, you could too.

Guest stampers

2008-05-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to find a moment to upload these pics of the G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S cards the club gals up north made me. I told you I made them presents. Well here is what I put in their little TP tubes.

I was so excited to give them away! Well they surprised me and gave me a beautiful box filled with wonderful cards they made for me. Not that I could ever really use them. :) They are just for looking and enjoying. I was soooooooooooo impressed! They are such good stampers. I am glad I did not see these before the workshop or I would have felt intimidated.

These cards were made by Jacky using a scrapping kit I don't have and now TOTALLY NEED!

Monica made several and the one on the far left has the coolest closure. Not showing you, I need to share that little trick at a workshop.

Stephanie made her own Hodegepodge and showed two totally different styles and I love love them both!

Last but certainly not least is my new downline and my very talented sister! Holy Moly! The girl got on a roll and just kept going. She is totally making me order those two sets that have been on my wish list forever. That is a good sign of a good stamper!

Well, I guess that is just about enough for the day. I have more to post another time. Some cute soccer pics, my dad with no mustache (shocker since I have NEVER seen hime withouth one in my WHOLE life) and I am working on a cool technique. It is G's B-day so I may not get to finish but look back here tomorrow or send me a comment to remind me! :)

Happy Birthday to my Sweety!

2008-05-14T05:09:00.000-07:00

Today is Gregg's birthday! I'll be making him seafood stuffed haddock and roasted potatoes. For dessert it will be brownies alamode (Breyer's only of course). But don't ask about presents. Number one he reads this and number two, he has given us no ideas of what he wants. I'll have to go wander around his favorite stores and if I come home with a big screen he will be thrilled. No I said if, not when. :) Sorry Gregg.

So what is with the heart? That was a Mother's day gift from Carter. He told me he found it on the playground last week and since it looked like a heart, he thought of me. Then he painted it by himself. I melted!

Mom Rocks

2008-05-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

I saw this commercial this week and totally loved it. The one I saw ended with two diamond solitaire earrings - my dream! This is for all you moms out there. You rock!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAaHTypIZhE

It's not Christmas!

2008-05-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

You would never know it if you looked in my craft room. I have been a busy little elf. I have some terrific gals I stamp with "up north" in my home town where my family all live. My sister got it all started and I came up each month to do a workshop. They are terrific gals and some have been with me nearly as long as I have been a demo. I am really going to miss our monthly get togethers. But things change and the price of gas (oh heaven's) and it means the hour and a half drive just was not working. Kate actually just became a demo so that the gals would still have their monthly outing and that worked out for everyone.

I wanted to make them little thank you gifts. This is the packaging for those gifts. I had so much fun making them. Can you believe that it is all formed around a TP tube? Actually, I am waiting for one more TP tube so I can finish the 5th TP box. Boy those rolls have a lot on them. Good thing Mak is still potty training!

You will have to wait until after Friday to see what is in them. Let's just say everyone loves jewelry. :)

And this bright happiness is a little Thank you for my sweet sister. Every month she would sort and deliver all the orders so that I did not have to make another trip up there. She took care of backorders, mess ups and whatever else happened. But don't tell her there is a little something else going in there. Shhhh!

Jewelry and stamping, how fun!

2008-05-06T07:10:00.001-07:00

I am back! Off the meds and feeling back to normal. I have had to do some catch up with house work and errands but I still managed to squeeze in some stamping. Making up some cute May workshop projects and was inspired to make these. Just earring parts from M's and jump rings. The bling is courtesy SU. Those are rhinestone brads. I will have more jewelry ideas on me at the workshop this month. Soooo fun!

100 cookies and steroids

2008-05-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

Rumor has it that Steroids, the medically prescribed ones, make you grumpy and hungry. Let's preface that with I am not normal! :) Stop laughing! Anyway. For me, they make me jittery, edgy, and loose my appetite - so far. FINALLY, an ailment to help in the weight loss department. I so deserve that break!

My mom asked me to make a few dozen cookies for the memorial for my Wonderful Grandma on Saturday. I was happy to help. Umm, I made 100. Maybe more, I lost count. I forgot how many a batch made so I made four batches of dough and just kept going until they were done. I made chocolate chip so I would not be tempted to eat them. My favorite cookie is my mom's sugar cookie with no frosting. But I LOVE cookies, as long as there is no chocolate. And I really like chocolate chip cookies, with no chocolate chips. You know, the ones you scrape from the bottom of the bowl and there is no chocolate left so no one will eat them, I will.

so here I am with 100+ cookies, not wanting any of them and a total case of the jitters. No wonder I NEVER did any kind of drugs! :) I sooooooo need off these meds, fast before I publish any more crazy blogs!

Want a cookie?

Medicine, my love, hate relationship

2008-05-02T02:27:00.000-07:00

A BIG thank you to everyone that called an e-mailed in concern. You guys are really wonderful. I am doing much better. A second medication with a steroid has helped tremendously. So much that I could walk to the boys first soccer practice last night.

Oh did I laugh!!! It was wonderful to see them run around and have 8 kids clustered around one ball all kicking at once. It is micro soccer so there must have been 50 or so teams with only 8 kids on each team and they all fit on one field sideways. Perfect!!! My boys made me proud - no soccer stars yet but great effort and that is all I wanted to see. :)

My family and I have been laughing about the side effects of the steroids with a hairy chest, deep voice and gaining a ton of weight but so far the only thing I have is the shakes in my hand and I actually have lost three pounds in the docs office scale. Probably from all the swelling. :) But I always feel funny on medication so while I am grateful for the relief, I am anxious to stop taking it!

I am hoping to be posting some adorable new stuff from another swap later today. Thank you so much for your patience with my lack of posting and being so personal.

Have a great day!

Mystery Virus

2008-04-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

I have not fallen off the blogging planet but I am dealing with a mystery virus that has attacked my joints acting like extreme arthritis. It has made it painful to walk, do much with my hands or hold and open just about anything. My terrific husband has been incredibly helpful, I would be in big trouble without him. The docs have taken lots of blood and are running tests for a host of fun causes but nothing is conclusive at the moment. The hardest part is being limited and that includes not stamping. :( I am hoping the new medication I started today will show some good results quickly and then I will be back to stamping and blogging.

Thanks so much for visiting and I will hopefully be up to stamping and blogging again real soon!
Kirsten

Just when I said I wouldn't, I did

2008-04-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

Yup, I did say posting would have to wait and here I am. I'm not trying to keep you on your toes, I just had a moment and thought I would post more cute stuff from Saturday.

Here is a 3-D WOWZER swap I got from Kerin Sylvester. It is an awesome CD tin (the best part is I have some already!) that she decorated.

I know how you feel, really I do!

2008-04-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

My kids with their cousins and a few more to make a fun 8th birthday party for Carter this week.

I have a few (ha, ha, that number is all relative) favorite blogs I like to visit most days. They are a little bright spot and when they are not updated it is a little bummer. And MOST days I have my routine and schedule. That routine enables me to keep general order and accomplish one or two things that I like to do, not just have to do everyday like post to the blog, or stamp (hardly ever both in the same day), see a Friend or deep clean a spot. This week has had absolutely NONE of that!!! The kids are home from break and it has been a constant run of play dates, birthday, and people coming to the house. As we speak there is one crying, one asking for more food and one wanting to know when the play date is today! I have been grateful for gorgeous weather to play outside but NOTHING else has gotten done. I need them to all go away for one day and I could be superwoman and clean top to bottom. Then the good mom kicks in and reminds me cleaning won't matter but being with them will. Someone tell that to my guests on Sunday! :) And if you happen to be at my house this week, just pretend not to notice the dirty windows and floor and piles of clean laundry not folded and put away.

Well, that was a fun rant. You probably skipped it just looking for the goodies. I have lots of them from the weekend as promised. Let's start with this. This card is what I did for my WOW card. Do you think it was worthy?
This was a book I bought at the dollar spot at Target. I took it apart and modified it by adding the envelope pockets and then making it pretty then I gave it away as a birthday gift.

You'll probably see me next week and if it is before Sunday then you can really be shocked. I hope you are enjoying nice weather where you are!

It all started so simple but then...

2008-04-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

I am stamping like mad this week. In between all the other weekly craziness I have been stamping up a storm for these 3 wow swaps I have due. And if you know how I create, just coming up with an idea can take a while. There can often be several different prototypes before I am satisfied with something. Here is how the wow card swap started. Basically a wow card needs to have some moving part or involved detail that takes it a up a notch . So I wove ribbon around a piece of CS. I thought it looked cool but then of course it was not enough so I just kept going. You will have to wait for those pictures later after I swap.

The other two swaps are 3-D. That means something other than a card or scrapbook page. Here are some good examples from the class I told you about the other day.

I forgot about these!

2008-04-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

I have been busy this week and there is no sign of slowing down for a while. This week I have two workshops, the kids all school show, a class at Keene State and 3 WOW swaps due Saturday at a honkin' big fun Spring Fling! Did you get all that? :)

I actually have lots of things to post after the weekend so I do not spoil any surprises BUT I found some things I made at a class that I forgot about and thought you might like to see them. If you are a touchy feely person like me, they will be at the workshops this week, provided I remember!

Here is the first one. Love the bright colors. The clipboard is SU but the paper pad is not. All other paper, ribbons, stamps, etc are all SU! So pretty. One of my 3-D wow swaps was inspired by this. How was that for a hint?

The Birthdays of FABULOUS ladies!

2008-04-11T10:25:00.001-07:00

Today and tomorrow happen to be the birthdays of two fabulous friends of mine. Happy Birthday to Avril!! And Happy Birthday to Marilyn tomorrow!!

I got a stamp a little while ago and have been waiting for just the right occassion. I do a lot of cakes but have to say I would much rather paper craft!!!! So in honor of these fab ladies how about a card with a picture of me giving them a cake? Is that cheating?

If you ladies see this first, you know what will be on your doorstep just as soon as I finish posting this! :)

Feels like spring

2008-04-11T04:35:00.000-07:00

This stamp set makes me so happy. I really enjoy coloring and this theme of having time for others. I actually stamped the bench about 8 different times on watercolor paper and colored them all a little differently. I am slowly making each one into a card. I am sure you will see the others soon. This park bench looks so inviting.

Nice weather means no blogging

2008-04-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

This is a pic of Makenna and Fran on Tuesday. It was so beautiful that after lunch we set up the chairs and hammock and enjoyed a warm afternoon together!

I had the nicest e-mail from a kind friend checking on me today. She was worried about me because she had not seen a post in a while. It was so sweet and I felt bad that I had not posted. I have lots of things I have stamped but the beautiful weather has had me outside with the kids. I know the rainy weekend is coming and I am trying to soak up as much warmth and sunshine as I can after a VERY long winter!

Here is a variation of a card I made for a friend and posted earlier. This one is a little more 3-D with the pearls and cut out butterflies. The ribbon is SU specialty ribbon and I love the velvet look with the pearls.

The weather does not look like it will be able to hold out another day for tomorrow so there will probably be posts again. :) Is that good or bad news?

Let there be light!

2008-04-05T06:17:00.001-07:00

There are lights in the basement! Lots of them, but none in my little studio. Those will come next but that means shutting down the room for a few days. Sacrifices!

Ok, the snow did not last long so I am back to stamping spring time again. The flowers are from the Doodle set. I cut them out and curled the petals back then stuck them to a glue dot with bling in the middle. Do you see the clouds in the sky? Used a scallop circle as a stencil and lightly sponged with white to make the contrast. A little too uniform, will have to work on that.

Not an April Fool's joke

2008-04-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

When I saw the snow this morning I was not happy and a friend suggested it was a really bad April Fool's joke. I am not laughing. I made a card to go with the dark feelings and actually like it for a masculine card. Do you think a masculine card can have bling? Now that I put the sparkly brads in the giant eyelets I want to do more. Layers of accessories, what could be better?

For my friend.

2008-04-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine is spending some unexpected time in the hospital this week. I feel bad especially since it all started on her birthday and I did not even remember it was her birthday. So I put together a little care package to take to her tomorrow and thought I would show you the stuff from it that I stamped. She is a stamper too so I know she will enjoy it.

K.I.S.S.

2008-03-31T16:10:00.000-07:00

Keep It Simple Silly! That would be the theme today. Sometimes I like to go over the the top but most of the time I like clean and sweet. Hope this works for you too.

Oopsies can always be fixed, at least in stamping!

2008-03-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

I was trying to make a very simple card. No ribbon, little stamp and easy to replicate. Well I stamped the sentiment crooked. Hmm, how to fix that? Guess what is under the ribbon. :) I was more careful the second time I stamped it. Even with just a little ribbon I think this is simple and could be appropriate for a lot of occasions. Oh and if you have not heard me say it before,I REALLY LOVE the taffeta ribbon! Ties so nice, absolutely gorgeous and makes you scoff at organdy, even if it is on sale for $.25 at Walmart.

MINE!

2008-03-28T09:56:00.001-07:00

I have a two year old, can you tell? Sometimes with the three kids they play great but if any one of them is tired or grumpy, forget it! The toy wars begin. MINE!!!

So what does this have to do with MY scissors? Once in a while I get to go to a fabulous event with other SU demos. Guess what? We all have the same supplies, go figure. So it starts to get crazy trying to figure out whose stuff is on the table. In the past I have used a permanent marker or address labels to mark my stuff. Both cheap and effective. BUT, I like fun so I took another step. I found the key chain part at Michael's in the jewelry department. I had to take them apart to get them on the scissors and then put them back together. Not too bad but the tips of my fingers were a little sore. Then I looked everywhere for something cool and unique to put on for a charm. Mostly I looked in the bead department. But after a couple of trips to Michael's I started to look through my own stash. I love metal accents and found these brads and eyelets I had bought a long time ago. There was no way to get them on the jump ring though. Until... I remembered the little hand drill my hubby bought me a year ago for Christmas. The coolest thing!!! I think he got it at Michael's but here is what it looks like. http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_craft-hand-drill.aspx
I used it to drill a hole in the little brad or eyelet and then put the jump ring in the hole. I love the little tinkling noise it makes and the words are perfect for stamping.

You may not have to worry about identifying your stuff from others but it still looks cool and makes my husband not want to borrow my stuff. Now, how can I do this to my snail adhesive and my bone folders? hmmmmmmm...

P.S. Yup, two posts in one day. Guess you can thank the snow for that!

Over the top spring.

2008-03-28T08:45:00.002-07:00

I can not believe there was enough snow to cancel school today. It is almost April! I don't mind the boys being home, the three play pretty well and I can get a little stamping done.

I went over the top with bright colors and flashy stuff this time - a lot going on. Probably in rebellion against the snow! Do you see the ribbon slide from yesterday? I am still working on cards for the other items but first I had to design my workshop cards for the month. Really like them - but then I always do, no sense in sharing something yucky!

Hoping you all enjoy your snow day if you have one and if you have daffodils and tulips popping up, don't tell me!

Over the top spring.

2008-03-28T08:45:00.001-07:00

Yummy, Yummy hardware!

2008-03-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

I love the Hodgepodge hardware from SU but I REALLY love the stylized silver in the current mini. Makes me so happy! The details are awesome and very cool to color. Yup, I said color! Someone asked me the other day what Crystal effects were for. Well, use it like a glue, use it to make things shiny or... mix it with reinker and color the new hardware. Here are some samples. I will try to get some cards made up using them ASAP! At the moment my nicely organized stamp area has been boxed up and squished into the center of the room so Gregg can run wires for lights and such. My working area is cramped to put it mildly. And of course that is when I want to stamp the most, when I can't get to it!!!

This is the ribbon slide. Looks so pretty on the gorgeous SU ribbon!

Before and after.

The shape fits the punch label exactly so no more guessing. So happy.

We love hand-me-downs!

2008-03-25T12:40:00.001-07:00

A dear friend Ann offered us some clothes her girls had grown out of. I was THRILLED!!! I love it when others share. ALL of the stuff my kids outgrow go straight to my sister who has two little ones. It is the best kind of recycling! As soon as we got in the door Mak wanted to go through everything and try it all on. She is such a girl. Then she wanted her picture taken. It is begining to sound like "When you give a mouse a cookie"!

So here she is! Thrilled with new stuff. Not sure if I will ever get her out of the ballerina outfits!

Promises, promises.

2008-03-25T04:54:00.000-07:00

I know I said I had a cute Easter post for you but I got overwhelmed with all the other things I had this weekend and forgot all about blogging. Actually that and it took me days to read all the comments left for my other posts. Ha, Ha, Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!! Sorry, I am off the floor now.

I thought I would share my Easter creation but I gave them all away and the only one left is the one Mak has been carrying around so it is a little tweeked. Plus I just had to show off the Easter pic of the kids. I love it when they are all cleaned up. Carter and Owen are just so stinkin' handsome and we all know the yellow puff in the middle loves a dress! Hope you had a good Easter!

Lots of new stuff!

2008-03-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about all the stuff I have to post. If I was smart I would save it and slowly dole it out and not have to keep coming up with new stuff so often but then that would not be my style. So here is everything all at once, well until tomorrow and did I mention the cute Easter post I am planning in my head? Oh I get way too excited!!!

This the card of the day. I was cleaning out and found vellum metal edge tags which are retired. So I tore out the vellum and now that makes them current! HA!!!

This tag is for a totally open tag swap I do each month. The theme was masculine and this is a retired set I bought and stuck away because I knew I would want it someday. Well yesterday was some day. And do you see the yummy giant brad? Happily set with a Crop a Dile!

The last one here is the basket I made last night. Jill is awesome and does all the prep!!!! I REALLY love basket weaving, makes me soooooooooooooo happy! She says she is planning more, yea!

I got the day off and I am up anyway - why is that?

2008-03-21T02:53:00.001-07:00

The kids have the day off from school and that means I have no seminary to get up for but someone forgot to tell my body and I was wide awake at 5am. I can't post a pic of my card yet because I need more light so that will have to wait until this afternoon.

Like some of you I have been making my grocery list for Easter dinner. This year it is just us and Gregg's parents. My kids are not too happy about that. We usually have around 25 people and lots of kids. But the whole gang will be down in a month for Carter's baptism and I will do all the cooking for that!

Speaking of Easter, it is really stinkin' early and I found out why. I found this info on another blog.

Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is Mar. 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar Calendar that Hebrew people used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on the chuch Calendar. Based on the above information, Easter can actually be one day earlier (Mar. 22) that is rare.

Here is Interesting Information:

This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! Only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above.) None of us have ever, or will ever see it a day earlier!

Here Are The Facts:

The next time Easter will be this early, (Mar. 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now.) The last time it was this early was 1913. If you are 95 or older, you are the only people that were around for that! The next time it will be a day earlier, Mar. 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now.) the last time it was on Mar. 22 was 1818.

Looks like our guys will be doing the egg hunt in the house, not outside in the snow and mud because it will just be WAY too cold! The official start of spring did not bring warm temps yet.

Well as soon as the sun is up I will post a card pic and a pic of the basket I made at class last night. A real basket this time.

Just for fun

2008-03-20T02:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just need to play with your stamps instead of trying to design something that is reproducible for a swap or a workshop. That is this card. I had seen lots of samples with people cutting it apart to make it look 3-D. I used watercolor paper but when I cut it out there was a white edge becuase the paper is so thick. So I colored the edges. Can you see that? It made it look better I think.