claying around

Hey there!  Just a few things today.

First of all, I know my photography skills are lacking but trying to get a good pic of this card was obviously beyond me.  Lookee,

Banner Greetings and This and That Rotary stamps.  Pistachio pudding, strawberry slush and black Stazon inks.  Sahara sand, whisper white and strawberry slush cardstock.  Window frame framelits, big shot, this and that washi tape, fun flowers die, corner rounder,  vintage faceted buttons and white bakers twine.


It really does look much better in person.  It looks so washed out here.  I got this color combo off of one of the new Color Coach cards. 

The Sahara Sand cardstock is the old textured stuff.  NOW, we carry each color family in the Core-dinations cardstock which is textured.  I'm going to get me some of that..........but I don't have it yet. 

I'm improvising ;)

 Now this looks easy enough, right?  There is a little trick you need to do to ensure that the white panel is straight on the front.  Check it out,

Die cut what size window you want.  This piece is 2" x 3.5" and uses the 2nd framelit from the middle.  Now here is the trick; lay your window on the cardfront so that it is even and where you want it to be.  Use a pen or pencil to mark 2 of the points. 

Now you can lay the framelit on there and it will be placed right where you want it.  Its an extra step but will save you from pulling out your hair because you cut it and it isn't straight when you line up the holes.  I speak from experience.

Isn't that flower pretty?  I had a groovy idea for this.  I was just going to use a few layers of cardstock but I wasn't getting the effect I wanted, so I got my handy dandy forgotten brayer out and colored some plain white tissue paper. 

TaDa!  Strawberry Slush tissue paper!  The bottom layer is the Strawberry Slush cardstock, then plain white tissue and then Strawberry Slush tissue.  A Strawberry Slush flower (from the same Fun Flowers Die) and a vintage faceted button. 

You can see where the tissue wrinkled and didn't get the ink.  I thought the white streaks looked cool. 

Kind of like the gray streaks in my hair.  I keep telling myself they look cool. 

Okay, so a few weeks ago I got the new Simply Pressed Clay.  BUT the molds were on backorder.  The molds came on Monday and Grace got busy. 

Awesome!  I really do like them.  The buttons are harder to deal with but so worth it.  Grace found if she put a small amount of clay in the freezer for a few minutes she could work the button molds easier.  I put the clay in the mold first and then froze the whole thing for about 10 min and it worked great. 

I don't have many reinkers so we took a small amount of clay and just pressed it into the ink pad and worked the ink in.  Worked great! 

She got crafty and swirled inks.  This is Strawberry Slush and Crisp Cantaloupe. 

They dry pretty quickly.  Although we've had some pretty dry weather the last few days.  They recommend you let them dry for 24 hours.  We let them go about an hour.  I haven't made anything with them yet but I got ideas.

Try them out, its fun!

Today I thought I would cat-proof the cat's favorite veggie box.  During the winter when I didn't have anything in there (except pine trees) she decided it was the best place to go potty.  OY!

I had added a bunch of soil to that box and mixed it well but between that and the fact she likes to lay in there, almost all the onions I planted croaked.  So I fixed her wagon today. 

I added even more dirt and planted carrots.  I'm wondering if that is what is wrong with my tomatoes too.  The leaves are still curled.  I've tried less water but its been almost 100 everyday and the soil is dry in the evening when I check it.  So I'll have to hope the volunteer yellow pear tomatoes do well.  Darn cat! 

Okay, one last thing.  I've discovered the movie Pitch Perfect.  19 loves it.  She is forever quoting it during regular conversation.  Grace has watched it too and so I had to see what it is all about. 

Yes, I now love it too. 

Whats funny is my entire family will make fun of the fact that I like Glee (poor Cory Monteith) and really, that is what Pitch Perfect is.  Kind of.....sort of.  Who knew Anna Kendrick could sing?

Anyway its cool.  Enjoy.

Thanks so much for stopping by and sticking around.  I love that you do that. 

Blessings, b.

p.s. All you people at convention, have extra fun for me.  I will miss being there. 

friendly box

Hey everyone!  Well, did you do the Week In The Life last week?  I know, I didn't supply very much inspiration around here.  Sorry about that.  I was so pooped every night that I never got on here to post anything. 

I did get my Week In The Life done though.  Well, I got all the pictures and documentation done.  This week I'll be putting it all together.  I got alot better about getting the camera out.  AND, I found the secret to getting shots of my family.............turn the sound off on the camera.  They never knew a thing!  Sometimes, (not often enough) I come up with a good idea. 

So while you're waiting for me to get that together, I have a project idea to show you. 

Medallion and Fabulous Phrases stamps.  Crumb cake, vellum, whisper white and old olive cardstock.  Whisper white craft and black Stazon inks.  Big shot, lable framelits, fun flowers die, little leaves die, paper doily die, hemp, bakers twine, tissue paper, brights buttons, polka dot embossing folder, 3/4" and 1" circle punches.


Isn't this a cute little box?  Final measurements are: 3.5" x 3.25" x  1.5".

I was going to exchange a punch for a customer and it came right before we went to Oregon.  Since she was so patient, I decided it would be nice if I made it pretty before I delivered it.

Here is how you make the box:

I used my handy dandy Simply Scored Tool.  Now, you don't have to have this to make the box, it just makes it quick and easy.

On the 8.5" side you need to score it at 1 1/2" and 7".  On the 11" side score it at: 1 1/2", 4 3/4", 6 1/4" and 9 1/2".

Then snip into the folds.  I forgot to take a pic of that step.  Here, let me see if I can label this.  Hold on.................

Cut on the white lines.  Although I'm sure you'll cut them straighter than my sad lines here.

If you want to stamp on your box, now is the time to do it.  You can't see it here but I stamped the Medallion in white craft ink on what will be the top of the box.  Grab that Medallion stamp while you can, its being retired.

 Take your most awesome Tombow Multi Glue and put the sides together.  This will be the bottom.

Then glue your lid together like so.

I used a 1" circle punch to punch out a place to grab whatever is inside.  You'll see that the punch fits very snuggly inside here.  I had to punch this little notch so I could get ahold of the punch to take it out.  I hadn't done it yet on this pic but I punched out a notch on the lid too.

Side angle

I got lucky that the punch fit just perfectly.

Then I made a cute little tag to go with it.  I cut the doily out of tissue paper.  Then I just ripped (gently) the overhang.  I left it like that because............well, I don't really know why I left it like that. 

This label was the 3rd in from the middle framelit.

A view from the top. 

View from the side.  It is a sturdy little box and didn't take long to make it.  I hope my friend liked it. 

Alrighty then, I've got to get dinner going.  I'm so glad Week In The Life is over.  I love when its all finished but it is a bugger to get done.  I'll show you when I get it done. 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Blessings, b.

turkey owls

Hey there!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  We went down to the in-laws house for a yummy turkey dinner.  I'm still full.

I have no Thanksgiving day pics.  I know.........you're disappointed.  Me too. 

There were only 9 of us for dinner.  We decorated gingerbread houses.  That has become a Thanksgiving day tradition.  We leave one for Gramma, one for Uncle Danny and take one home for us.  Grace gave us a little concert on the flute.  So cute!  I wish I had taken a video.  I'll have to learn how to do that. 

I do have something stampy to show you today though.  Can you believe it?  Earlier in the week I had made a couple of Thank You cards.  They should have been received by now so I can show you. 

Woodgrain and A Word for You sets.  Soft suede, more mustard, crumb cake, old olive, cajun craze, early espresso, whisper white, pumpkin pie, basic black and bashful blue cardstock.  Black Stazon and crumb cake inks.  Big shot, top note die, owl punch, fun flowers die and dimensionals. 

Its a turkey owl!  Isn't he cute? 

I sent these as a thank you for a couple of online orders I got.  I think they were friends because they both ordered the owl punch.  I wanted to make a card using the punch so they would have an idea that they could copy and since it was close to Thanksgiving I thought it appropriate to turn him into a turkey.  HA!  I crack myself up.  Its probably been done a million times but humor me here. 

I cut off his little ear tufts and used the Fun Flowers die to make feathers.  I couldn't resist giving him some baby blue eyes.  I think he's adorable.  Gobble...Gobble!

Oh yeah, and the top note?  Just cut out a top note then turn it sideways and run it through the machine again.  You'll get this groovy square.  Gobble.....Gobble!

Alrighty then, thats it for today.  I have some more craftiness up my sleeve to show you later.  I hope you're getting geared up for the December Daily journals.  Come on........get ready. 

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I appreciate it more than you could ever know. 

Blessings, b.

thinking of you

Howdy folks!  I hope everyone had a fantastic day. 

Several weeks ago I heard some bad news from one of my stamping buddies.  She has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. 

Now this lady, I met through stamping.  She is also a demo.  One of the best things about this hobby is the wonderful people you meet.  And she is definitely one of the best people I know. 

She is very generous with her time.  She is the SU! lead at the Ronald McDonald House.  She is always adopting orphaned demos.  She has always been there when I needed advice or butt kicking.  She has been an inspiration to me in many ways.

One of the best ways we cardmakers show love for one another is, to send a card.  So a few weeks ago I made one for her. 

A Word for You and Sincere Salutations.  Crumb cake, whisper white, lucky limeade and vellum cardstock.  Black Stazon ink.  Polka dot embossing folder, big shot, fun flowers die, neutrals buttons, linen thread, 3/4" cirle punch, scallop square duo die and dimensionals. 

While you got the supplies out, you might as well make a couple right?  Thats what I was thinking anyway. 

These are 4.25 x 4.25.  I used the bigger of the scallop squares from the die.  I really like these.  I know its alot of white space but I wanted them to be kind of simple. 

I embossed the vellum layer to mimic the card base.  It makes me think of a gardenia.  The leaves are just the biggest flower in the die that I cut up. 


Alrighty then, the lesson to learn here is; don't wait for bad news to send someone a card.  Let people know how you feel. 

Love them?  Let them know. 

Sorry about something?  Let them know. 

Thankful?  Let them know. 

Miss them?  Let them know. 

Things are alot easier to say in a letter/card.  And if its in a pretty handmade card, then all the better. 

So go ahead, make and SEND someone a card.  I dare you to make someone's day.

Blessings, b.

pockets and piercings

Howdy folks!  Hot enough for ya?  I'm not sure exactly how hot its been at home although, I've heard its very hot.........my poor veggies.

I happen to be in New Mexico, in an adobe house with no air conditioning, and I can tell you for sure, its very hot here.  Tonight though, we've had a lovely thunderstorm and things have cooled off a little.  I do love thunderstorms. 

Its funny because at home it gets really hot.  100-106 is not unusual in the summer.  But when the sun goes down, it cools off.  Not here.  It is still 93 at 9:00 at night.  What?!  We are drinking so much water that we slosh.  No kidding..........

No pics until I get back.  My computer won't bring up the internet so I'm borrowing for now. 

I DO have pics that I brought with me on a flash drive.  17 had to teach me how to use it.  So here we go. 

Here is another card I made up for my card ladies.  Super cute!

A Word for You set.  Lucky limeade, island indigo and whisper white cardstock.  Black Stazon ink.  Corner rounder punch, big shot, fun flowers, scallop border punch, brights patterned prints dsp, polka dot embossing folder, 5/8" brads, white taffeta ribbon, 3/4" circle punch and dimensionals.


A pocket card!  Pocket cards are so much fun.  this one measures out 4.25x4.25.  Its just like the one I made 17 for her birthday. 

I cut 3 layers of the flower and embossed just the top one.  Then I fluffed it up. 

I got the color combo from the Color Coach.  Love that thing.  The pullout measures 3.75 x 3.75. 


Let me know if you need more direction on how this was made. 

We also had a right of passage this week.  Grace got her ears pierced. 

She has been asking to do it for a few years but chickens out every time.  Well one of her friends got hers done right before school got out and that gave her the courage to "git er done".  She told me that if she wanted to chicken out that I had to make her do it.  Yeah, right.

She stuck it out all by herself and TaDah!  Cute little diamond looking earrings.  She has taken very good care of them and we haven't had any pain or infection.  Yippee! 

Alrighty then, they just started a movie.  Rango.  Looks cute. 

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I hope you're in a nice cool place with enough water to make you slosh. 

Blessings, b.

back in the saddle again...........

I'm kinda, sorta, feeling like things are evening out somewhat.  I don't know how long this feeling will last so we'll just ride it as long as we can. 

I was putting things away today and realized that I never showed you 17's birthday card I made.  Its so awesome how could I forget?  Hmph....

Woodgrain background.  Crumb cake, whisper white and POOL PARTY cardstock.  Whisper white ink.  White taffeta ribbon, 5/8" silver brad, scallop border punch, 1/2" circle punch, dazzling diamonds, 2 way glue pen, tissue paper, big shot, fun flowers die and a Scrabble piece. 

I love it!  This turned out to be 4.25 x 4.25.  See that cool blue color?  That is one of the new In Colors, Pool Party.  It is almost the exact color of the sheets on her bed.  HA!

You can't tell too much but, I used the 2 way glue pen to add glitter to the brad.  Its really sparkly!

See the ribbon pull?  This piece comes out and you write your message of love on it.  Well, thats what I did anyway. 

I had picked up an extra Scrabble game at a yard sale thinking it would be nice to keep in the trailer.  BUT we discovered it was missing tiles.  No problem, I'll make cards with them.  You can see I changed the number using a fine point Sharpie.  Its probably been done a million times but, I thought I was so clever.

I used the Fun Flowers die with tissue paper.  I have no idea how many layers there are.  With the tissue paper you can cut a ton of layers with one swipe of the Big Shot.  Quick and easy!


The other day I also made some bag tags for my ladies' orders.  I was inspired by a tag I saw in PaperCrafts magazine.

A word for You and Woodgrain background.  Crumb cake, melon mambo, pretty in pink and LUCKY LIMEADE cardstock.  Black Stazon and whisper white inks.  Dotted ribbon punch, big shot, beautiful butterflies die, neutrals buttons, linen thread, 1/2" circle punch, 1/8" black taffeta ribbon and felt. 

Aren't they cute?  Check out that green huh?  That is another new In Color, Lucky Limeade.  It looks like Old Olive and Kiwi Kiss had a love child.  Its a color I can see myself using a bunch of. 

I sewed the button on the butterflies using a needle and the linen thread.  These would make really cute hair clippies for Grace.  I'll have to try that. 

Alrighty then.  I completed my veggie planting on Monday and I have a big garden post coming up for you.  Grace has been my assistant and I need to go through all the pics. 

Thanks for stopping by and hanging out.  And thank you to everyone who has shown interest in buying the retired stamps.  I'm so happy they are going to good homes. 

Blessings, b.

Let me introduce...............

California's newest licensed driver..............................(drumroll please)

Robin!

(and the crowd goes wild!)  I am so proud of her.  She actually got her permit last July 21st.  Her permit expires this July 21st.  She didn't get much (any) driving done this school year because homework just kicked her butt. 

So, since school has been out we've been practicing.  In less than a month she has had 2 behind the wheel lessons and missed a week of driving when we were in Iowa and she still pulled it off.  WooHoo!

Now I have to pay for more insurance ;(

Did everyone have a nice 4th of July?  Even though it was hotter than you know where, we had a productive yet fun day. 

My veggie boxes were completed.  I even bought a few plants to go in them but as of yet haven't had a free morning to plant them.  I'll be updating you when I get things going.  I know you're waiting on the edge of your seat ;)

We also gave the dogs a bath and gave Codie a hair cut.  Took me 3 days to complete that.......long story.

Most years we go to a local baseball game.  This is the A division of the Padres baseball team.  Its close to the house and its a really nice field.  There are no bad seats.  I love baseball. 

Of course they have a big fireworks show afterwards.  So fun! 

Anyhow, I still haven't gone through all the Iowa pics.  It seems everyday there has been something going on that takes my attention. 

Tonight I'm supposed to be designing for a class tomorrow night.  Nothing like waiting until the last minute, eh?  I think I'm broken.  All I've really done tonight is get 2 projects halfway done.  I need 4.  I know what the next 2 are going to be but am having the hardest time coming up with ideas.  I think part of the problem is that I've seen the new catalog and have ideas for those things.   Problem is, I don't have those things yet.  Oy!

Lucky for me, I don't have to work tomorrow so I'll have time to finish everything.  Maybe I'm just better under pressure.  Here's hoping. 

Okay, I can't leave you with no stampiness at all.  Here are a few cards I made for some friends at work that I won't be working with next year. 

Retired word set, sorry don't remember the name and Woodgrain background.  Crumb cake, very vanilla, Not Quite navy and old olive cardstock.  Crumb cake and early espresso inks.  Neutrals buttons, hemp, cork sheets, Springtime Vintage DSP, dotted ribbon punch, fun flowers die, big shot and dimensionals.

Alrighty then, this old lady is going to bed.  Hopefully I'll be bright eyed and bushy tailed in the morning and knock out the next 2 projects.  KaPow!

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I'll have more stampy goodness to show you after tomorrow. 

Blessings, b.

fun flowers x 2

Monday already. 

Who watched the wedding?  I DID!  Kate's dress was so pretty and she looked comfortable with what she was getting into.  I mean she's had 9 years to think about it. 

I loved the trees in the chapel. 

I thought it was interesting that Will doesn't have to wear a ring.  Hmm.......

I kept thinking Diana would be so proud. 

I'm supposed to be stamping tonight.  I have a class on Thursday and of course I'm not ready.  I had an idea.  I tried it.  It didn't work.  I give up for tonight. 

Besides, Dancing with the Stars is on.  Kirstie is my fave this time around.  I know she won't win but she cracks me up.  I also really like Ralph.  He is such a nice guy!

Tonight I thought I'd show you a couple more cards I've made lately using the Fun Flowers Die.  I know its not in the Summer Mini Catalog but you can still order it.  At least until June 30.  But, I think it will be in the next big catalog.  I hope so anyway.

Woodgrain and So Happy for You (SAB).  Crumb cake and early espresso inks.  Not quite navy, Crumb cake and very vanilla cardstock.  Springtime vintage DSP (occasions mini), Fun flowers die, big shot, neutrals buttons, hemp, crumb cake seam binding, sponges, cutter kit, corner rounder.

Okay, so the DSP and the words aren't available anymore.  You can improvise right?  I really liked this card.

Woodgrain and A Word for You sets.  Crumb cake, not quite navy, pear pizzaz and very vanilla cardstock.  Early espresso and crumb cake inks.  Fun Flowers die, big shot, hemp, dotted ribbon punch, corner rounder.

Geez!  Almost all the same colors.  I'm telling you, I have an addiction to Crumb Cake. 

Alrighty then, we start state testing tomorrow and I'm going to need extra rest.  I get to do the 6th graders. 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Blessings, b.

catching up.....

Howdy,

I can't believe a week has gone by already since I've been on here!  Children  have been hogging the computer with homework again.  Darn kids!  And I've been so pooped at night that I'm just too tired.  Last week was so crazy busy that I've been doing a bunch of catching up on everything.  Laundry, grocery shopping, bills, cleaning, and TAXES.  UGH!!  I can honestly say that I hate doing taxes.  Not that our taxes are super hard or anything, its just........taxes.....ugh.

But, I do have some stamping goodness to show you.  About a month ago I had actually stamped quite a bit.  I just never showed you all of them. 

I think this was the January issue.  Everything was white on white with splashes of color.  So I thought I'd give it a try. 

No stamps!  Whisper white cardstock.  No ink!  Vintage wallpaper embossing folder, Fun Flowers die, big shot, neutrals buttons, pear pizzaz seam binding, embroidery floss and dimensionals. 

This was so easy to make!  I wasn't sure I would like it, the white on white deal, but I do.  I think it would make a nice wedding card.

You can see that it sticks out from the base but not enough that it would need extra postage.  At least I don't think so.  I didn't mail it to anyone. 

I thought the green ribbon would kinda look like leaves.  I love this pear pizzaz color, its so juicy looking. 

So, I'm all ready for someone to get married.  Anyone?



Alrighty then, let me show you a little of what has been sucking all my time and energy the last few weeks. 

Odyssey of the Mind. 

We started it in October and it has been alot of fun.  Well, until crunch time came.  Then me and the only other mom that helped out were dog tired.  Trying to get 7 little girls on the same page with you is like trying to wrangle kittens. 

Last weekend we had our competition in Palm Springs.  It was the regional competition and there were several schools there.  Several teams from several schools. 

Our theme was Full Circle and we had to put on a play.  It was a great play except.............the key part of it........got forgotten in the hallway and so we didn't solve our problem.  Oh well.  

We learned alot and I told her if she wanted to do it next year that I would know better how to help out.  The other mom and I were like the blind leading the deaf. 

All in all, the girls had a super fun time.  I so enjoyed being a part of something she'll remember for a long time.  I have lots of great pics to scrapbook.  We still have an ice cream party next week with a slide show.  She is so excited. 

Okie dokie.  Thats it for tonight.  They keep looking at me and asking what I'm making for dessert.  Do I look like Betty Crocker? 

Thanks so much for stopping by. 

Blessings, b.

Thank yous

Hey, so did you watch the Oscar's last night?  I didn't see any of the movies up for awards, well, except for Toy Story 3. 

But, I love to watch and see what people wear.  Which is weird because I'm no fashionista.  (You can stop laughing now)  My daily uniform is jeans/capris, tshirt, zip up sweat jacket and tennies.  I guess I'm interested to see how whacked out people dare to be.  Things seemed pretty tame last night though.  I loved what Hailey Steinfeld wore.  So pretty. 

Anyway, I do have some stamping to show you. 

I made some little Thank You bag tags.  See?

No stamps!  Crumb cake, not quite navy, pear pizzazz and very vanilla cardstock.  Crumb cake ink. Springtime Vintage DSP, Fun flowers die, big shot, the larger scallop square from the scallop square duo die, hemp, misc. buttons. 

I'm still loving the Fun Flowers die.  I'm so glad I bought it.  I found a bunch of felt in the hall closet the other day and I can't wait to make some cute felt flowers with it. 

The scallop square is 3" and the crumb cake is 3 1/2" square.  Perfect size for a little thank you tag. 

From this angle you can see how much it pops off the tag.  I think its pretty cool. 

Alrighty then, I've been thinking about the Artisan Award lately.  I don't know if I want to try entering again.  I did get named a finalist last year and that was pretty cool.  I'm just not having many ideas and its only a month away.  Of course the more you stamp the more ideas you get.  I guess I should get stamping and decide if I will enter or not.  Hmmm..................

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I {heart} you.

Blessings, b.