Fear

It's something I live with every day. Oddly enough, I never realized this until recently.

I'm afraid of heights.
I'm afraid of disappointing people.
I'm afraid of failure.
I'm afraid of people not liking me.
I'm afraid of my kids getting kidnapped, hurt or killed.
I'm afraid of new situations.
I'm afraid of living up to my own expectations.
I'm afraid of change.

I'm just afraid of too many things.

And it's got to change.

They may not seem like huge fears but each one of them prevent me from doing things that I wish I had the courage to do.

So... to start off the New Year I decided to tackle one of my fears. Change. I've been wearing my hair pretty long for a while. But I've always envied the women who could pull off short haircuts. I've never been able to do it. But I found a great stylist and knew if anyone could do it right, she could.




So I chopped off a good 6 inches. You should have seen the mess of hair on the floor. My girls kept commenting on just how much there was.

I know many of you have seen this picture already, so you don't have to comment. :) I think I am mainly doing this for me. To document the fact that I can overcome a fear and I can make a change and actually survive it.



Here's to a New Me in the New Year. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!
xoxoxo

The last batch

 

This is the last of them. For a while I hope!! I did enjoy making them all but since I left it for the last minute it was quite stressful getting them all done in time.

The first one was for her librarian, the next was for her guidance counselor, her teacher who likes Green & Blue. Then my other daughter wanted some for her teachers. When I gave them out yesterday, I got some good feedback. I hope they can use them.

I'd list all the products like usual, but it's just like the previous notepads. All products PTI. Except for the actual notepads inside. I got them for a steal! Paid $5 at Walmart for two 6 packs (which gave me 24). Then I got an additional 24 notepads for free at Office Depot since the cutting machine didn't cut them exact. But I think they may still be usable....

I have a few Christmas projects almost ready to share this week. If the girls allow me some free time I'll get them done to show you all. Thanks for stopping by! Each and everyone of you make me smile!!

First try with my new Silhouette

See that pretty light pink design at the bottom of the notepad? It was cut out with my new Silhouette. I've only played with the machine a few times but I am smitten!! I added some Raspberry Fizz rhinestones to jazz it up, a damask image and a pretty little bow. I don't know about you, but I always seem to have a mile long list of things to do. And for some reason the list never shortens no matter how much I get done! So I figure if the package that has my dreaded errands in it is pretty to look at, I might be a little bit more apt to pull out the list and actually get the things done.

Stamps: PTI Damask Designs, Take Note
Ink: PTI Sweet Blush & Raspberry Fizz
Paper: PTI Sweet Blush, Raspberry Fizz & Vintage Cream
Misc: PTI Vintage Cream Satin Ribbon, MS Heart border punch, pop dots, Silhouette



I made another one for my friend that asked me to make her some notepads for her son's teachers. Not sure if it's too frilly for her, but I tried to keep it less than mine. I added flat back pearls instead of rhinestones, some buttons and a scalloped edge. I hope she likes it.

Stamps: PTI Take Note
Ink: PTI Raspberry Fizz
Paper: PTI Sweet Blush, Raspberry Fizz & Vintage Cream
Misc: PTI Vintage Cream Grosgrain Ribbon & Pink Buttons, MS Heart border punch, flat back pearls, pop dots, Silhouette

You're Probably Sick of These...

but I had to make a few more for a friend of mine. I still have to make some for my kids' teachers. And all I wanna do is play with my new Silhouette!!

Sorry I don't have time to list the supplies individually right now. If you have any questions, just let me know! Off to make more teacher gifts....

Stamps: PTI Take Note, Damask Design, Turning a New Leaf & Friends til the End, Impression Obsession notebok stamp
Ink: PTI Rasperry Fizz, Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, Summer Sunrise, Dark Chocolate, SU White Craft ink, Not Quite Navy,
Paper: PTI Raspberry Fizz, Blue, Aqua Mist, Vintage Cream, Summer Sunrise
Misc: PTI Ribbons & Button, MS Butterfly Punch, pop dots

Birthday Card by my 7 year old

I just wanted to share this card with you all because I thought it was so CUTE!!

Teachers Notepads

I made a couple more notepads for the girls teachers. The first one is for the Music teacher. I used my Quickutz music notes die, which I think will become obsolete very soon since I purchased a Silhouette machine!!! I found some music paper at my LSS and inked the edges.

For the Coach's notepad I wanted to keep it low key so it's pretty plain. I figure most PE teachers don't prefer bling and ribbon. ;-) I made the baseball by stamping only a part of the dotted circle that comes with the Take Note Set.



I'll be wrapping them up in these clear plastic bags that I found at Hobby Lobby. I also have some tiny bells and some pine with holly twisty things that I will be adding. And some tags that I made. I'll show you the finished gift bag when they are all finished.

Music Notepad:

Stamps: PTI Take Note
Ink: Versamark Sepia
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream & Pure Poppy, SU Creamy Caramel, misc music paper
Misc: PTI Button, Cream Ribbon, misc twine, QK notes die

Coach's Notepad:

Stamps: PTI Take Note
Ink: SU Not Quite Navy, Ruby Red
Paper: PTI Pure Poppy& Select White, misc sports paper, misc navy blue cardstock from my stash
Misc: Nestabilities

Holiday Things To Do

 

The month of December always has me running around with tons of things to do. So while I was making some notepads for teachers and friends I decided to make one for myself. I tried a few different techniques with this pad. I layered buttons, added pearls and I used a strip of tacky tape and sprinkled with some Martha Stewart gold glitter. I also masked the "Holiday Planner" stamp and used it with the "Things to do stamp".

I added some of the girls fake snow to give it a nice wintery affect. We rarely get any snow so this is the best we're probably gonna get.

I have a few more of these notepads to share. Stay tuned! (And stay warm. It's been FREEZING here lately!)

Stamps: PTI Take Note, Holiday Button Bits
Ink: SU Old Olive & Ruby Red
Paper: SU Old Olive, Ruby Red, Chatterbox patterned paper
Misc: Flat back pearls, MS Glitter, PTI Buttons, pop dots, EK Success Punch

A Quick Card

 

I was able to sneak away for a half hour this weekend. I was going absolutely crazy with the girls home 24/7 for NINE days. I feel so bad whenever they are home and I go stamp. But I really needed a break. I made this card and went back downstairs refreshed.

Just an FYI if you ever use the new PTI pigment ink with the Kaiser Rhinestones. Let the ink DRY first before putting them on. I was in such a rush, I didn't even think about it. Until I picked up the card to take the photo and the rhinestone slipped off the flowers. I had to re-glue them all with Crystal Effects. S'okay cause it gave me a few more minutes of quiet time. ;)

Stamps: PTI Floral Fusion & Turning a New Leaf
Ink: PTI Sweet Blush Raspberry Fizz, Martha Stewart green chalk ink
Paper: PTI Sweet Blush, Raspberry Fizz, Vintage Cream
Misc: CB Swiss Dots folder, Kaiser Rhinestones, pop dots

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #19

 

So yesterday I had the grand idea to move around the upstairs rooms. Both my girls got different rooms and I got a room with lots of natural light. Everyone's happy! Or so I thought. My youngest woke up a few times during the night and I ended up sleeping with her on her twin size bed. Tight quarters, let me tell you! So while I was awake at 3am I came up with my card for Dawn's color challenge. Sleep deprivation has it's privileges. ;)

Stamps: PTI Holiday Button Bits, Background Basics Text Style
Ink: Versafine Sepia, PTI Raspberry Fizz
Paper: PTI Aqua Mist, SU Pale plum
Misc: PTI Aqua Mist Satin Ribbon, Spring Moss & Raspberry Fizz buttons & rhinestones, EK Success Punch, pop dot

Teachers Holiday Gifts Part 1

I think I am really slow to catch up to what most people get excited about immediately. Michelle Wooderson has been making these little altered notepads for quite some time now. I thought they were cute but never had the desire to make any, even when PTI came out with their own stamp set to coordinate with this project.



So I scrounged through my stash yesterday. Surely I had something that I could use instead of buying the stamp set. I found a few things, but my completely neglected SU alphabet set was just crying to be used. So I pull out my stamp-a-ma-jig and was able to just barely fit "notes". I cased the sentiment from Michelle. I'm not 100% thrilled with what I made, but the alone (aka kid free) time was very therapeutic. So much so that I put in an order for the Take Note set today. Hee hee!



Inside I covered up that upper part where the notepad company name is. Love, peace, joy seemed fitting while writing holiday notes. :)

So now I have one down and 11 to go!!

Stamps: PTI Holiday Button Bits & Borders & Corners: Circles, SU Defining Alphabet
Ink: SU Old Olive, Ruby Red
Paper: SU Old Olive, Ruby Red, Chatterbox Patterned Paper, PTI White
Misc: PTI Pure Poppy Buttons, Red Line Tape, pop dots, Copic Marker R29, EK Success Scallop Punch, Nestabilities, cheap-o notepads cut in half at Office Depot

Quick Thank you Gift

 


Another quick thank you gift that I whipped up last minute. Gotta love those PTI clear boxes the sets come in!

I made this for a friend who helped me out when I needed an extra set of hands during our Halloween party.

I've been trying to catch up on things. I'm REALLY hoping to be able to share some scrapbooking projects in the new year. I have gotten away from it, but I really need to get back to it. I'll still be making cards, but I'm hoping to start scrapping some of the thousands of photos that I have.

Cards for my Momma

I found some time today to make a few cards for my Mom. Hi Mom! I have about a dozen others coming your way.

Mom needed some feminine Birthday cards and I was only happy to help out. I love making feminine cards! I stayed with basically the same color combo just because it was much easier and made things go quickly.










Rose Birthday Card:
Stamps: SU Fifth Avenue Floral, PTI Damask Designs
Ink: SU White & Old Olive, Ranger Tattered Rose
Paper: SU Old Olive, PTI Sweet Blush, PTI Sweet Blush Bitty Dots patterned paper
Misc: White EP, MS Ribbon, pop dots

Butterfly with Button Card:
Stamps: PTI Floral Fusion, Birthday Basics &
Ink: SU White Craft Ink
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, Sweet Blush & Raspberry Fizz, SU Old Olive, PTI Sweet Blush Bitty Dots patterned paper
Misc: PTI Raspberry Fizz button, SU Certainly Celery Twill, CB Butterfly Die, pop dots

CAS Butterfly Card:
Stamps: PTI Damask Designs
Ink: SU Old Olive
Paper: PTI Sweet Blush, SU Old Olive
Misc: CB Swiss Dots Folder & Butterfly Die, SU Certainly Celery Twill, pop dots, flat back pearls

3-D Rose Birthday Card:
Stamps: SU Fifth Avenue Floral, PTI Birthday Basic
Ink: SU White & Old Olive, Ranger Tattered Rose
Paper: SU Old Olive, PTI Sweet Blush, PTI Sweet Blush Bitty Dots patterned paper
Misc: White EP, MS Ribbon, pop dots

Holly Jolly CAS

I decided for my 4th and final swap spot I would do a Clean And Simple card. It was really super difficult for me not to add any embellishments!!

 

Of course, mid way through I ran out of the Red Satin ribbon. Luckily I had some velvet ribbon that matched perfectly with the Old Olive.



Stamps: PTI Holiday Button Bits
Ink: Memento Black, SU Old Olive
Paper: PTI Pure Poppy & Select White, SU Old Olive
Misc: PTI Vintage Holiday Button Mix, misc ribbon from stash

PTI Swap #5 Sketch #1

Happy Halloween! I didn't expect to be able to post a new card today, but last night we had "Family Movie Night". While the kids watched Monsters and Aliens, I was able to put together my cards. It was SO much fun rummaging through all of the gorgeous buttons. I've never been a huge fan of buttons and crafting but PTI has forever changed that!



At first I tried the buttons alone, but then got the idea to use the Guidelines 2 set as little ornaments and used the buttons for more pop.

Each button was carefully selected for size, color and texture. I am going to have a difficult time parting with my beloved buttons. ;) Oh well I can always buy more.

This is not the greatest picture, but I wanted to show you the variety of the buttons on the cards. (Remember you can click to enlarge the photo.)

Well, we are off to buy a new Hamster. Since Fluffy's untimely passing the girls have been bugging me for another one. I'm hoping to be able to post my fourth and last swap card (for this round anyway) tomorrow. And guess what it has on it? That's right! More buttons!!! Heehee!



Stamps: PTI Holiday Button Bits, Holiday Treats & Guidelines 2
Ink: SU Old Olive & Whisper White, PTI Raspberry Fizz
Paper: PTI Raspberry Fizz, Aqua Mist & Sweet Blush, SU Old Olive
Misc: PTI Vintage Holiday Buttons, EK Success Punch, dimensionals

PTI Swap Sketch #2

We were given a couple of sketches for our swap. I did the second sketch first because I am just backwards like that. ;)



 

I tried my best with the supplies that I had on hand. I ran out of cream ribbon so 3 cards have pink ribbon. (Hope that's okay Chris!) I colored the Sakura flowers with a Copic marker. Why I didn't just use the Sweet Blush cardstock, I had no clue. Guess that's what happens when you don't have much time to stamp. I tried to squeeze this project into a very busy week. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Happy Halloween!

Stamps: PTI Damask Designs
Ink: PTI Sweet Blush, Martha Stewart Chalk Ink
Paper: PTI Sweet Blush & Vintage Cream
Misc: Flower punch, ribbon, flat back pearls, copic marker

Gingerbread Tag Card

I am in LOVE with this cute little man!! I stamped him in Versafine Sepia then sprinkled with some clear embossing powder to give it an icing effect. Then I added the buttons & popped him up on the tag.

I made the mini Gingerbread patterned paper out of SU's Old Olive cardstock and ink. I used PTI's Holiday Treats stamp set which has a mini Gingerbread man.

I just adore this stamp set!! I apologize in advance to everyone because you will be seeing lots of cards using it in the future. Hope you are having a fantastic day!!

Stamps: PTI Holiday Button Bits, Holiday Treats & Text Background
Ink: Versafine Sepia, SU Old Olive & Creamy Caramel
Paper: SU Creamy Caramel, Old Olive & plaid DSP, PTI Sweet Blush
Misc: Ribbon, twine, ric rac, tag (all from my stash), MS mini heart border punch, machine sewing, dimensionals

PTI October Blog Hop

For this month's blog hop, I decided to do an Advent Calendar. I've never done one before and it was SO much fun! I absolutely loved playing with the Holiday Button Bits set. The Holiday mix Vintage buttons are just so lovely. I really enjoyed going through all of the buttons and finding just the perfect color and size.

I also used some images from the Anniversary set. The stars and the mug both spoke "holiday" to me. I went with a color combo that used the buttons and had to add some hot pink, my daughter's favorite color. Here are some photos:


{You can click on the images to enlarge}







I hope you are all enjoying the Hop! I can't wait to see everyone's creations!!

Stamps: PTI Holiday Button Bits, Everyday Classics, On My Couch
Ink: PTI Sweet Blush & Raspberry Fizz, MS Chalk Inks, SU Old Olive
Paper: PTI Sweet Blush & Raspberry Fizz, Misc Holiday paper from my stash
Misc: PTI Sweet Blush Satin Ribbon, Vintage Buttons Holiday Mix, dimensionals, chipboard letters from Target, circle punch

Button Snow Man

I ordered PTI's newest release "Holiday Button Bits" stamp set. But it feels like it is taking forever to get here! I absolutely fell in love with it. I cannot wait to get my hands on it. It is motivating me to do some housework around here. If I get it all done, then when the box arrives I can play guilt free!!!

In the meantime, I had an idea to use some buttons with PTI's Made of Snow set. I stamped the hat, face and arms. Then added the buttons. Isn't he cute? I can't wait to get the new set. Oh wait, I said that already. LOL! Just a bit anxious.

{you can click to enlarge}
 

{sorry for the picture, it's been raining here for a while}


Stamps: PTI Made of Snow
Ink: Palette Noir, SU Old Olive
Paper: SU Navy, Old Olive, PTI Select White
Misc: SU Certainly Celery twill ribbon, Stickles, Basic Grey Buttons, twine, SU Plaid DSP, glue dots, dimensionals

Earrings & Gift Box

Happy 25th PTI Lovers!


{you can click on the image to make it larger}

I made a pair of earrings for a friend as a birthday gift. I tried to make the earrings look like they were hanging off of the branch. I thought that would look cute.

Of course, me being me, I waited until the very last minute to do this. I was able to make them and create the gift box all in under 45 minutes. Why do I torture myself like this?! I was in such a rush to get out of the house on time that I had my little girlie hold the gift outside and took a quick picture before we dashed into the car.

I hope to make a few more pairs of these for ME. Isn't it funny how you can create all sorts of things for people but never for yourself? So this weekend I will make myself something special. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Stamps: PTI Floral Fusion & Fancy Flourishes
Ink: PTI Summer Sunrise & Chocolate, Versamark
Paper: PTI Summer Sunrise, SU Brocade Blue
Misc: SU Irridescent Ice, half back pearls, SU retired Ribbon, Cuttlebug Butterfly die, Martha Stewart Butterfly punch, handmade earrings and of course PTI's clear box recylced to become a gift holder

More PTI Swap cards!

 

In our PTI Swap over on SCS we had the option to do some Clean & Simple (CAS) cards. I chose 2 spots. I love CAS cards but I had a difficult time keeping mine simple without being boring. For the first card I used the Fall to Layout #55. You can see the sketch here. I used to branch and flowers to create my own patterned paper. I had a difficult time deciding on what colors to use. So I tried to keep it simple. :)

Stamps: PTI Floral Fusion
Ink: SU Whisper White & Old Olive
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, SU Old Olive & Certainly Celery
Misc: SU Certainly Celery Twill Ribbon, PTI button, dimensionals

This next card I am not too crazy about. Since I have such a love affair with pink, anything that doesn't have enough just doesn't look right to me. ;) Again this card was a CAS sketch found here.

I have one more set of cards to show you. I'll get those up just as soon as I can. Have a great day!

Stamps: PTI Floral Fusion & Everyday Classics
Ink: Palette brown, PTI Sweet Blush, Versamark
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, SU Chocolate Chip, PTI Summer Sunrise
Misc: SU Top Note Die, dimensionals, Clear EP

Channeling Dawn McVey

Well, my interpretation anyway. :)

 

So I HAD to have PTI's Exclusive CHA set. Paid almost 2x the amount of a regular full size PTI set. Have I used it since? Maybe once. So I broke it out today and played around. I love the little flower image up top that I was able to make my own patterned paper with. They are just such sweet little flowers.

Those buttons up there? They are covering a mistake. I used my temporary tape to hold my paper onto the base so I could glue it on straight. Well, when I removed the tape, off came a layer of the cardstock. Ack! Torn paper was not the look I was going for here. So I grabbed some Sweet Blush buttons that were just sitting on the desk and viola. Not sure if it makes the card look too busy but I think I like it. Thanks for taking a peek today. Hoping I can get another card done tomorrow while the kiddos are in school. :D


Stamps: PTI Floral Fusion
Ink: PTI Sweet Blush & Summer Sunrise, Versafine Sepia
Paper: PTI Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush, Vintage Cream & Summer Sunrise
Misc: SU So Saffron Ribbon, PTI Cream Button & Sweet Blush Buttons, Stickles, Flat back Pearls, EK Success border punch

Mojo Monday #103

Boy this sketch was a tough one for me. So tough in fact, that I left it until the very last minute. I think I am just squeaking in on the deadline.
{you can click on the image to enlarge it}
 


One thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to make a mostly all white Christmas card. I used some Aqua Mist for the matting just because I knew all white wouldn't photograph well. Especially at 8pm at night!!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Be back soon with more Christmas cards.

Stamps: Verve Ornamental Christmas & Grateful Elegance
Ink: Versamark
Paper: PTI White & Aqua Mist
Misc: Silver EP, SU Ribbon, CB Swiss Dots folder, Scor-Pal, dimensionals

Recipe Swap

One of my all time favorite recipes is Ina Garten's Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes. Even my picky eating girls love it! It's so tasty and such a great comfort food. It only takes a few minutes to whip it together. The girls love to help me make it. It tastes much better the next day after the pasta soaks up the dressing, but it rarely lasts that long in our house!

Stamps: PTI Fancy Flourishes & CHA Exclusive set
Ink: SU Old Olive, Tim Holtz Distess inks
Paper: SU Old Olive & Certainly Celery, PTI Sweet Blush, Martha Steward Plaid Patterned paper
Misc: EK Success punch, Machine Sewing, MS White Twill Ribbon, PTI Button, twine, Becky Higgins font, SU Tag corner punch, CM Corner rounder

Special Birthday

 


So what do you think about my new card stand? It's a Floral Frog that I got off of ebay for a steal. I love how Dawn McVey's cards look on top of hers. Plus, now I can take pictures outside and let the natural light do all the work.

I tried making a CAS birthday card for a new friend of mine. I recently met her and we hit it off right away. I wanted something special, but not over the top. I rarely give my cards to non-card makers so I often wonder people's perception of this whole hobby. I'm just hoping it doesn't look like my daughter made this in her elementary art class. ;)

Stamps: PTI Friends Til the End, Background Text & Damask Designs
Ink: Versafine black, PTI Raspberry Fizz
Paper: PTI Sweet Blush & Raspberry Fizz, SU Certainly Celery & Old Olive
Misc: CB Swiss Dots folder, PTI Raspberry Fizz Swiss Dots Satin Ribbon, PTI White Button, Liquid pearls, SU Top Note Die

Just sittin' here

 
{you can click on the picture to enlarge it}

I didn't really like the new PTI set, On my Couch, when it was first released. I thought it was a useless set. But after seeing some really cute cards, especially Amy's, it kind of grew on me. So a swapping friend of mine, Chrissy, graciously offered me some images to play with. Last night while dh and I were watching tv I colored some couches and chairs in with my copics. It was SO much fun! I made a couple with Polka dots and one has a plaid design. I'm going to make a couple more with some teeny tiny pattern, not sure what yet though. I have so many plans for the images that I have, I just may have to break down and buy the set!

And I also had SO MUCH fun going through my PTI buttons and finding just the right button for the pillow. At one point my hubby looked over at me with all of the buttons laying across my lap. I was happily sifting through them and oohing and ahhing. He just rolled his eyes at me. Heehee!


Stamps: PTI On My Couch
Ink: Memento
Paper: PTI Summer Sunrise & Select White, misc blue cardstock
Misc: Copics, PTI Summer Sunrise Satin Ribbon, PTI White Button, DMC thread #742, Nestabilities ribbon die, dimensionals

Melon Thanks for PTI Swap

 
{you can click on the image to enlarge the picture}

I bought some PTI Melon cardstock quite a while ago. I thought I liked it, then I didn't. But now I think I do again...Maybe. I think the key is to match it up with the right colors. Not sure if I achieved that but here it is. This card is a case of one of Dawn McVey's cards that you can see HERE. I left the tag off because I wanted to keep things simple. I guess I'm still trying to find my style. {Sigh} But I'll tell you, I am just happy to be stamping again!!!! Keep an eye out for my next PTI Swap card. Coming soon!

Stamps: PTI Text Background, Fancy Flourishes & CHA exclusive set
Ink: SU Certainly Celery & Old Olive
Paper: PTI Melon Berry & Vintage Cream, SU Old Olive
Misc: SU Old Olive grosgrain ribbon, twine, paper studio button,EK Success Punch

Penny black swap #2

 

Here is my second swap card. I was trying to make the flower look like those echinacea flowers. I still need tons of practice with my Copics. I have the toughest time figuring out where the color needs to be darker vs. lighter. I just need more TIME in the day!!!

Stamps: Penny black
Ink: Memento Black, SU Certainly Celery
Paper: PTI Summer Sunrise, SU Certainly Celery, Regal Rose & dsp
Misc: SU Certainly Celery Twill Ribbon, paper studio button, twine, MS buttefly punch, Copics, stickles