I LOVE FLOWERS

Oh, the weather is so gorgeous here - high 70s and not a cloud in the sky!!! I am going to be working out in the yard today planting all my beautiful flowers -I can't wait until they all bloom, my yard will look so pretty!! Sorry to rub it in for those of you still having nasty weather BUT I LOVE SUNSHINE and miss it soooo much from Florida!!!! So, I am really happy!!!! Today's card is made with flowers and spring in mind. I used my Just Celebrate stamp set which I really like because it has sooo many options! The base of this card is Kraft card stock which I layered with So Saffron Prints paper from my small pack I received for a Hostess gift - gotta love it!! I used my corner rounder and rounded the corners of all my papers for this card because I wanted the softer look it brings. Then I faux stitched all around the outside layer, adding the Rose Red Prints dp, which I tore before adhering. The image is stamped in brown stazon on Whisper White card stock, then layered that on So Saffron card stock and Kraft card stock. I stitched around the So Saffron Layer, inked the edges of all three layers with Rose Red classic ink, then sponged the same color ink all around the image. The flowers are colored in with blender pens and Stampin' Write markers. Lastly, I added two build-a-brads with the centers punched from another piece of the So Saffron dp. So, this is today's tribute to Spring - I am outta here and going out to the sunshine - smooches!!! And, don't forget, tomorrow is BLOG CANDY TIME!!!!!

NOT MY FAVORITE....

but hey, here it is!! I don't know what it was about this one, but I just could not get it right no matter what I did. So, I quit playing with it and decided that they can't all be great. I think it must be because of the 64, yes 64 shots I got yesterday- yikes!!! I was tested for a ton of different allergies and each one requires the prick of a needle so my arms look like pin cushions, not to mention they are all angry and red because of the allergens I was injected with! I also had my sinuses X-rayed AGAIN to see what else needs to be done so that I can live without having a sinus infection every other week....gosh, 41 and already falling apart, LOL! Anyway, on to the card - I used my Zoofari set for this one because I have only used it once and thought it was time to break it out again. I do like this set, but it is hard to find stuff to do with it! So, I decided on an any occasion card because we can all use those, right??!! I also used my slit punch to create the scalloped border. I will leave the recipe below - everything I used is SU! though, no rubbadultery today - LOL!! Enjoy your weekend, I am having a bunch of family over tonight for a barbecue so I best get myself to the kitchen and start getting stuff ready. The weather is beautiful here today - high 70s and not a cloud in the sky, I love it!!
Card Recipe:
Paper - More Mustard card stock, Night of Navy card stock, Whisper White card stock, Jersey Shore Designer Series paper
Stamp Sets - Zoofari, Lots of Thoughts
Inks - Black Stazon, Stampin' Write markers, Night of Navy classic stampin' pad
Accessories - Ticket Corner Punch, 1 3/8 and 1 1/4 Square punches, Slit Punch, Night of Navy brads, Mat Stack and paper piercer, Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon, sponge

Well, here it is Friday again - this week flew by for me!! It just seems like it was really busy but when I think about it, I really did not do much - LOL! I spent a lot of time in my stamp room though - I am lovin' that!! The kids were both back in school so I actually had time to myself! This no working thing is really working for me *wink*. Okay, so today I made a card using the Always stamp set which I love. This bird is so very pretty and I can see myself using it for all kinds of projects! I am sending this one to someone very special in my life but I can't tell you who because I know she reads my blog! So, here are the deets: The base of this card is Bordering Blue card stock which is not a color I use a lot, but I have decided I like it! The next layer is the Porcelain Prints Designer Series paper - isn't is beautiful?? I used my Ticket Corner Punch on the corners of the dp and then added Old Olive brads to the four corners. Then, using my coluzzle, I cut a circle out of Brocade Blue card stock and stamped the branches from the Always set on it in Brocade Blue classic ink. I then added some dazzling diamonds for a little pop. After adhering that to the card, I added a piece of ribbon from the Ribbon Originals District pack - I totally love this ribbon and have gone through about three packs already!! The image itself is stamped on Very Vanilla card stock in Sage Shadow classic ink and then stamped again in the same color and cut out. I popped it up on dimensionals to give it some depth, added some dazzling diamonds, and then mounted the Very Vanilla on to a piece of Sage Shadow card stock. I used my Corner Rounder punch to soften these two pieces of card stock, then sponged the edges with Sage Shadow classic ink. I also added some paper piercing to the corners. I punched out photo corners in Sage Shadow and Brocade Blue card stock using my Photo Corners punch, added some vintage antique brass brads, did some paper piercing, and adhered in the corner of the card. The sentiment is stamped on Sage Shadow card stock - I actually used my Basic Black stampin' write marker to color the stamp because I wanted the sentiment to be two lines instead of the one long line it is on the actual stamp. I then added a piece of Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware and I was done. I really do like the way this card turned out because I was going for soft and pretty, and I think that I accomplished that - is that conceited to say??!! I just mean it turned out the way I wanted it too - LOL! Anyway, I hope you all have a fantastic weekend, I am off to the doctor about these dang sinuses!!!

BEATE'S INSPIRATION CHALLENGE

Good mornin'! Well, after spending most of yesterday miserable with sinus issues, I do feel better today - yippee!! It's a good thing since I promised the kids that I would take them shopping after school today! They are really excited about it, so I don't want to disappoint them. So, today I want to share the card I did for Beate's inspiration challenge. I am in love with the colors of this dress!!! I really enjoy doing this challenge because it really makes you step out of your comfort zone - at least for me, LOL! So, I decided to do a square card because well, they are my favorite AND I happen to know Beate likes 'em too *wink*. So, the base of this card is a piece of 4.5x9 inch Pumpkin Pie card stock folded in half. The next layer is Brocade Blue card stock on which I used my Ticket Corner punch. Then, I took a piece of So Saffron card stock and cut it into two equal triangles and adhered them to the card and faux stitched all around the edges. I then stamped the big flower from Friendship Blooms (an SAB set) in Pumpkin Pie classic ink all over both pieces and highlighted them with my white gel pen. The image is mounted on Pumpkin Pie, Brocade Blue, and stamped on So Saffron card stock. I added four Brocade Blue brads to the corners of the outside layer as well as some faux stitching on the inside layer; I also used my Ticket Corner Punch. I stamped the flower on Naturals White card stock, cut it out, colored it with my stampin' write markers, added a Fire Circle Rhinestone brad to the center, and popped it up on dimensionals. Then, I inked up one of the smaller flowers using my stampin' write marker since there are three flowers on the stamp and I only wanted to use one. I stamped them on either side of the big flower, then stamped them again on Naturals White card stock, added a Brocade Blue brad to the center of each, and popped them up on dimensionals as well. The sentiment is from the Much Appreciated stamp set, stamped on Brocade Blue card stock in black stazon ink, and punched out with my Large Oval Punch. I then added a piece of Hodgepodge Antique Brass Hardware and was done! I was going to add some ribbon, but honestly did not think it would enhance the card any so I left it off. What do you think? Inquiring minds want to know - LOL!!! I hope you all have a wonderful day - I am off to drink some coffee and blog hop - whoohoo!

YOU MAKE MY DAY AWARD

Hi again!!! I don't why I am so blessed, by I thank HIM everyday that I am!!! I received this award from four wonderful ladies! Aren't they sweet??!! They are Cami at Stamp a Little Love Baby , Cheryl at God and I on the Railroad Tracks ,Denise at Stampin' with Denise, and Diane at ddnjoys2stamp. I look forward to these gals blogs EVERYDAY because they are all so very talented and I just love to see what new and beautiful things they have come up with! So, right back at ya girls - thanks so much!! And now, I have to nominate ten that make my day (only 10????!!!) Okay, here goes:

Tabitha at Zippity-do-dah
Cheryl at Engineered Expressions
Jen at Coconuts
Joan at AJCreations
Deb at Stampin' on the Mountain
Rose Ann at Paper Delightz
Angie at Chic'nScratch
Lauren at Groppi Girl Blogs
Denise at Paper Ponderings
Julie at Stampin' with Julie

I could let this list go on and on - there are so many fabulous and talented scrappers and stampers out there that I take great pleasure at looking at several blogs everyday!! So, if you haven't visited any of the ones I have listed, get on over there and see for yourself how fabulous these ladies are!!!!

HAPPY HUMP DAY!!

Here it is, Wednesday again - the time is just flyin' by!!! thanks to all of you who left such sweet comments for me yesterday on my new blog look - it means a lot that you care enough to let me know!! And, for those who asked - that picture was taken at Christmas when my oldest son Zach was home visiting from the Naval Academy - that is why my smile is soooo big, I had all my chicks back under one roof, at least for a little while! Today I have another altered item to share with you. It is a giant clothespin! It can be used to hold a card, a recipe, or a picture - that's why I love these, they are so versatile! I covered the front and back of the pin with Summer Picnic Designer Series paper - this paper is from the Occasions Mini catty and will only be available until 31 May and then POOF! it is gone so if you have not gotten yours yet, well, what are you waitin' for??!! I then used my 1 3/8 inch circle punch and punched out three circles using Ruby Red card stock on which I stamped the apple from the Tart and Tangy stamp set, also from the Occasions mini and also will be Poof! gone. I then punched the apples out of another piece of the Summer Picnic dp with my 1 1/4 inch circle punch and popped them up on dimensionals. Lastly, I added a piece of Rose Red grosgrain ribbon and I was done! Sometimes I do paint the clip first, but this one I left natural and I like it. I am sending this to another friend so I hope she likes it too!! Now, I would like to draw your attention to my counter - I have gone over 20,000 hits - you all ROCK!!!!!! So, guess what? Yep, I will be offering blog candy - whoohoo!!! I will be posting it Monday because I am going to do something a little bit different this time and need time to prepare....curious??? Teehee, gotta wait!!! Have a marvelous Wednesday - smooches to all of you!!!

ONE OF A KIND

***ETA*** I received this award from Denise - thanks girl, you make my day too! Check out her blog, she rocks!!!

Hi all! What do you think of my new blog header - isn't that sunset gorgeous!! One of the perks of living here! So, yesterday was a great day - my husband took the day off so we could hang out which was really nice! Nothin' special, ran some errands, and had lunch out, but just to catch up was great! I am glad he is home at least for a little while! So, today's card is made with the stamp set One of a Kind which I adore and will never part with no matter how much they may try to retire it!! It is just a wonderful stamp set! What I love about it is you can use so many of our punches with it - that's how I made all the flowers. Cool, huh? So, the base of this card is Ruby Red card stock layered with dp from the Ginger Blossom Designer Series - looovvve it!!! The flowers are mounted on Ruby Red and Mellow Moss card stock. All of the papers are punched with my Ticket Corner Punch. I added four Mellow Moss brads to the corners as well. The flowers are stamped in Ruby Red classic ink on Whisper White and then colored in with my Stampin' Write Markers. The large flower is punched out using my Circle Scallop punch and the smaller flowers are punched out using my Boho Blossoms punch - awesome! In the center of the big flower is a build-a-brad which contains some more Ginger Blossom dp in the center. The next smaller flower has a rhinestone brad in the center, while the two smaller ones have Ruby Red brads. They are all popped up on dimensionals. I then added some Certainly Celery narrow grosgrain ribbon (I got away with the lighter ribbon because of the colors in the dp) which I accented with my Ruby Red Stampin' Write Marker. The sentiment and the small flowers are stamped right on the Mellow Moss card stock in Ruby Red classic ink. So, there you have it - simple but I like the way it turned out! Hope you all like it too!! And, please don't forget to pop over to Christie's blog and leave her a comment so she knows some bloggin' love!!! She is giving away awesome blog candy and is very talented - you won't be sorry! Smooches to all of you!!!

ANOTHER ALTERED FRAME

***ETA*** - I have a good friend Christy who is probably one of THE most talented people I have ever met. Well, she just recently started her blog called Pretty Paper, and is offering blog candy with some of her fab creations - you don't want to miss this, so please go on over, welcome her to the bloggin' world, and get yourself entered! You will want to bookmark her site because if you stop by everyday, she will give you an entry for everyday - cool, huh? Really, get on over there!! Show her some love gals!!
Good morning all - hope you had a fabulous weekend! Mine was busy. I got to crop on Saturday night with some wonderful gals, which was totally fun, but on Sunday I was really tired and not feeling like doing much of anything! So, I cleaned up my stamp room, putting back everything I had packed for the crop and reorganizing some things. I keep my stamp room pretty organized, but I had been madly stamping so there were paper scraps and stamp sets everywhere - LOL! But now, it is back to normal, which makes me feel better. I hope to create something in there this afternoon! Today I have another altered frame I want to share with you. I used my Garden Whimsy stamp set on this one with my Western Sky Designer Series Paper - yummy!!! I love the soft looks of this dp so I played that up on this frame. The flower in the lower corner is made using my Circle Scallop Punch, and my 1 3/8, 1 1/4, 1, 3/4, and 1/2 inch Circle Punch. I then added a build-a-brad to the top which has a small flower from the dp punched out in the middle. The white flowers are from the Pretties Kit and I stamped on them in Sage Shadow classic ink using my Garden Whimsy flower stamps. The big flower has a half pearl in the center, while I used rhinestone and vintage brads for the smaller flowers. The inside of the frame is a piece of Sage Shadow card stock which I stamped the big butterfly on. I then stamped it again on Whisper White card stock in Sage Shadow classic ink, cut it out, and popped it up on dimensionals. I added some stickles for a little bling. The sentiment is also from the Garden Whimsy set as well as the small ladybugs. I did add some highlights with my white gel pen. I am pretty happy with the way this turned out - I made it for a friend, and I hope she likes it! Well, off to run some errands and weigh in at WW - wish me luck!!

PLEASE CHECK THIS OUT - ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A DEMO!

Hi all! Just a quick post tonight, I will have a project for you to see tomorrow! I just joined a list for those of us who have blogs that are exclusively Stampin' Up! and there is also a list for those who do a lot of Stampin' Up! but also include other brands. It is a good way to get your blog out there, especially if you are a demonstrator. Please go to http://www.stampjourney.com/ and send a note to Kathleen letting her know you are interested! You can also find the link to sign up on my side bar. She is a very nice gal, extremely talented demo, and has a great blog herself! Let her know that you found her link right here *wink* Now, time to go to bed - LOL!