birthday hairballs

So today I'm supposed to be designing cards for my last card class of the year happening this Friday.  What am I doing instead? 

Watching Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel.  

I am stamping during the commercials.  But instead of Christmas cards, I stamped a thank you card that I needed 2 weeks ago.  Can you say procrastination?

Yes, it did take me all day.  I'm a slow stamper anyway but show a movie I haven't seen before and I'm a whole lot slower.

So you might think that I'd show you the card I just made......... but no.   I want her to see it before I put it up here.  Not that she reads my blog but you never know. 

So I'm going to show you a birthday card I made a few weeks ago. 

Giggle Greetings and Dictionary background.  Crumb cake, pool party, pear pizzazz, whisper white and watercolor paper.  Soft suede, black Stazon, crumb cake and crisp cantaloupe inks.  Big shot, argyle embossing folder, chalk talk dies, aquapainter. 

See the groovy frame around this cute little kitty?  I was on Wendy Weixler's blog and she had done this.  I thought it was so neat!  Just lay both your framelit dies on the cardstock and run it through the Big Shot one time. 

It did leave a line from the inner framelit but I just turned it over and ran my bone folder over the line and it disappeared.  Magic!

My friend has cats which is why I choose this stamp.  I tried to color the kitty similar to hers but I had a heck of a time.  He is still kinda cute. 

I inked up just the image first with the Stazon.  Then cleaned the stamp and inked up just the words for the banner. 

Then cleaned the stamp and inked up the other words. 

Okay, one more thing before I go.

Grace laid out and separated her candy from Halloween so we could check it and she left this note for us to see in the morning.  Yes, Dad has a bit of a sweet tooth.  He is like a Hoover. 

Alrighty then, thats it for today.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  I love when you do that.

Blessings, b. 

coming around

I'm trying to find a new rhythm.  Ever since school/work started again I haven't been able to get a new routine down.  Something is always coming up. 

But things are settling down and so I hope I'm coming around. 

I have lots of pics to show you.  August was an incredibly busy month, and not just for stamping.   So lets catch up a little shall we?


I had my regular club meeting.  This is one of the cards we did.

Giggle Greetings and Dictionary sets.  Crumb cake, choc. chip and watercolor paper.  Crushed curry, crisp cantaloupe, sahara sand and black Stazon inks.  Dotted scallop ribbon punch, summer starfruit ribbon, neutrals buttons, aquapainter and Sweater Weather DSP. 


I just love this card!  I copied the design from a card on page 82 in the main catalog.  My base measures 5 1/2" x 3 3/4".  The banner extends to 4 1/4" so it still fits in a regular envelope.

I used the lids of my inkpads and my aquapainter to color in the kitty.  I know Summer Starfruit isn't one of the colors in the Sweater Weather DSP but I didn't have Crushed Curry ribbon and well heck, I really didn't think anyone would notice.  Did you? 


Lets see, what else happened......

We had an archeological expedition in my backyard. 


Just kidding.  We finally trenched for sprinklers.  I'm surprised you didn't hear me whooping it up in the next few states.  I've wanted grass so llllooooonnnnnnggggggg.

(The tent was mine and Grace's reading cave this summer.  I got her to read the first 3 Harry Potter books.  Yes, I hooked her!)

Then this happened.  Again, I'm surprised you didn't hear me jumping for joy. 

Then this one went back to school. 

Then we had to take this one back to school.  I miss her already. 

Then this one became a TEENAGER!  Holy Moly!

Headline numbers (retired), Dictionary and This and That rotary stamp.  Bermuda bay, versamark, smokey slate and whisper white cardstock.  Bermuda bay, basic gray and whisper white inks.  This and That washi tape, clear embossing powder, big shot, Alphabet press embossing folder, rhinestones, bermuda bay ribbon, chalk talk die and white gel pen. 

This is Grace's birthday card.  She really liked it.

I embossed the numbers with clear embossing powder.  I first stamped the number in versamark, then in bermuda bay and stamped.  Then sprinkled the embossing powder and heat.  Simple!

The white spots are me squishing the lid of my white ink pad and taking a really wet aquapainter, picking up some ink and then flicking it onto the cardstock. 

To get the smokey slate mat, I just freehand cut around the tag. 

This is my last harvest.  I ended up with 8 pumpkins this year.  The garden just didn't do so well this year.  My tomatoes have been limping along.  Those yellow pear ones are from a volunteer plant from last year.  I think I only got 6 zuccs all summer and no bell peppers.  The aphids tried to kill the watermelon but it is now coming back.  A little late though.  I think I'll empty the dirt in my boxes and start fresh.  I'll be planting onions and carrots in November. 

Alrighty then, I still have lots more stampy projects to show you.  I'll be getting right on that. 

Thanks so much for stopping by and hanging out.

Blessings, b.

peach blanket?

Happy Sunday!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I was busy here.......and it was hot.  Blech!  I'm not ready for summer.  But right now, it is 5:54 on a Sunday evening and it feels pretty darn perfect outside. 

I wanted to show you what I planted this weekend but first I have a card to show you. 

Up Up and Away and Teeny Tiny Wishes sets.  Crumb cake and whisper white cardstock.  Pumpkin pie, early espresso and black Stazon inks.  Sunshine and sprinkles DSP, corner rounder and black marker. 

This is almost an exact case of a card made by Jen Nelson.  It is so simple and fun.  I've been wanting to use this DSP and this was the perfect card for it.  I never have enough birthday cards. 

You can see where the faux stitching is a little wonky on 2 of the corners.  Thats because after I already did the stitching I decided I wanted to cut down the panel a little more.  Oh well, I still think its cute. 


This came the other day.

One of the things that held me back from ordering it before was the price.  Now that it is only $19.95 I had to get it.  I haven't opened it yet though.  I'm really computer challenged and I figure I'll need a weekend or so to figure it out. 

Ok, now for a little gardening news. 

I still haven't gotten all the veggies planted.  I wanted to put in some bug killer first and let that work.  So yesterday Grace and I went to the nursery.  I got so excited over all the plants I never even made it inside to get the bug killer.  OY!

But look what is already blooming in the backyard

This is one of the seeds the birds planted from last years plants.  It has 18 buds on it.  Aren't those birds helpful? 

Anyhow, this year I decided I'm really going to get my yards done.  I can afford to buy the plants but I can't afford the labor to get the yard ready.  So if the heat doesn't kill me then hopefully I'll at least lose a few pounds and get a pretty yard to boot. 

I started in the front yard.

This is a Mesa Peach Blanket.  It looks just like the inside of a peach!  I'm telling you, the people that come up with these names are just so clever.

Lots of Gerberas.  I just love these.  I got them in different colors too.

Sweet Broom.  This smells pretty good. 

I still have alot more planter to fill.  Oh yeah, I also got a few African Boxwood.  The front yard whooped me today and I didn't get anything done in the backyard.  But I've got ideas. 

Alrighty then, thats it for today.  I have more stampy stuff to show you too.

Thanks for stopping by and hanging out with me and listening to my stories. 

Blessings, b.

ch ch ch changes...........

 What a crazy 2 weeks I've had.  Okay, week and a half. 

First, we moved 18 into her dorm. 

Yes, we have smiles here but it got ugly.  A few hours later I left her there.

 By herself. 

Without me. 

I have to say it was probably the hardest thing I've ever done.  The car ride back was not pretty.  Not pretty at all.

But Skype is a beautiful thing.




Then later in the week Grace had a birthday.

...........sigh..............

I made her a card. 

Storybook Friends, retired number set and polka dot background stamps.  Crumb cake and watercolor paper.  Whisper white craft, black Stazon, crumb cake and soft suede inks.  Stitched grosgrain, wooden buttons, aquapainter, jewelry tag punch, and linen thread. 


I just love the Storybook Friends stamp set.  They are so cute and remind me of first grade when we read the Dick and Jane books.

Yep, I'm that old.

I love these wooden buttons too.  And the ribbon?  That is new this year.  I think its called Stitched Grosgrain.  For some reason the white makes me think of shoelaces. 

This puppy just makes you smile doesn't it?  I only used Soft Suede here.  I just layered on color as it dried.  It doesn't look so great up close but at regular distance it seems to blend more.  Or maybe that is just my old lady eyes. 

Alrighty then.  Today was the first day in I don't know how long that I didn't have to go somewhere or do something.  So I didn't.  It was nice. 

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Oh, in case you were wondering, a whole week has gone by and 18 seems to be doing just fine.  I, on the other hand, am taking longer to adjust. 

Blessings, b.

creepy crawly

I meant to post yesterday but things didn't go as planned.........as usual.  Today I have a card and a story.  I'll do the card first.

 I can hear you thanking me now. 

Reason to Smile and A Word for You set.  Baja breeze, whisper white and crumb cake cardstock.  Whisper white craft ink and Black Stazon.  Woodgrain embossing folder (YES!), big shot, white taffeta, vintage clear buttons, label framelits, white embossing powder, white bakers twine. 

This was the card I made for my MIL's birthday.  "85 and still alive" is her rhyme this year.  She makes up a new one every year.   

I used the Reason to Smile set.  It will only be available for 3 1/2 more days.  For only $5 you don't want to miss out. 

See this button?  That is from the new catalog.  They remind me of my gramma's door handles.  Love them!  But they are plastic, not glass. 

Also see that blue twine?  I just used my ink pad.  I smooshed the lid and then added a few drops of water.  Then put some white baker's twine in there and let it dry. 

Now my favorite part.  See that way cool embossing folder?  That is in the new Holiday Catalog.  I so love this!  I've been waiting for something like this to come out.  You'll be seeing alot more of it from me. 



Okay, now for my story:

On Wednesday, Grace and I went to Target.  We went to get my dad some pants and shirts.  While I was deciding which ones to get, Grace was running her hands up and down the pants hanging on the rack. 

All of a sudden she jerks her hand back saying "Ouch! Something poked me!"  I looked at her hand and it had just a drop of blood coming out. 

Of course I start thinking someone put a needle full of something in there so I tell her to keep squeezing it to keep it bleeding.  I took the pants and was pressing on them looking for something sharp and didn't feel anything. 

Then I shook them (they are still on the hanger) and I see something on the leg.  Want to see? 

My phone takes cruddy pics. 

This guy was about 2 inches long and TOTALLY freaked Grace out!  She starts crying and I put ice on it.  Then run out to the aisle looking for help.  We were in the very back corner of the store.  I flag down a guy and lets just say 20 min. later we were at the hospital.........with our little friend.

She is actually laughing here.  She was on a jittery high because she was so relieved.  The dr. had already seen her and decided that she was going to be okay.  It was apparently similar to a bee sting.  Had the scorpion really meant to sting her it would have been much worse. 

The hospital released the scorpion.  They aren't kidding about that Hippocratic Oath. 

Anyway we are extremely thankful that she is okay.  God was and is truly watching over us.  Plus she has the best "What I Did Over Summer" essay story ever! 

Alrighty then, we are kind of watching the opening ceremonies for the Olympics.  My dad keeps switching the channel. 

Thanks so much for stopping by and checking in. 

Blessings, b.

they keep getting older

Howdy!  Busy busy busy, that's what I've been.  I have been trying to play catch up with Project Life and I finally finished Week In The Life from April.  All those extra spots for decoration are a pain.  I may think of another plan for next time.  I didn't bother taking pics of the finished week.  I figured it was old news. 

But in current news, 17 turned 18.  {big siiiiiiiggghhhh}  and in a few weeks she'll be moving out to go to school. 

I'll think about that another day though. 

We seem to decorate a little more every year. 

A Word for You, Up Up and Away, classic numbers (retired).  Crumb cake, pool party, whisper white and pacific point cardstock.  Pacific point, whisper white craft and black stazon inks.  Brights patterns DSP, big shot, label framelits, white embossing powder, polka dot embossing folder, 3/4" circle punch, 2 way glue pen, dazzling diamonds, white bakers twine.


I amost didn't post this because it is by far not my favorite birthday card I ever made.  BUT, I figured maybe it would inspire you to make something.  Sometimes we can see a card and take away a part of it to create something new. 

I need some new white embossing powder.  This stuff is really grainy.  You can see where I swiped the 2 way glue pen on the edges of the label to catch the dazzling diamonds.

See those polka dots there?  I inked up the pokey side of the polka dot embossing folder with white ink and used it as a stamp.  Its very subtle but broke up the empty space just enough. 

Our family (mainly The Hubs) has gotten obsessed with disc golf.  18 got a new bag and a few new discs for her birthday and so after dinner we walked over to the park to play. 

She also a Henna Kit.  So now all us girls are tatted.   This is mine.

18's

Grace's

So there ya go.  Also this week, my kitchen has been rebeling. 

It hasn't even been a year and the igniter went out again.  What the heck!  Its back together now.  We are becoming experts. 

Alrighty then.  I have other stampiness to show you soon.  AND a garden update.  You are on the edge of your seat aren't you? 

Thanks so much for stopping by and hanging out. 

Blessings, b.

home again

Hello people!  I hope you all had a wonderful Easter.  We were gone.  I had hoped to get some posts scheduled to go up here but I ran out of time.  And everytime I'm gone more than a few days, it takes me forever to get back in the swing of things.  I'm just now coming up for air.

So where did I go?  Oregon.  Beautiful Oregon.  There is moss on all the trees and there are daffodils EVERYWHERE.  On the freeways, in the city, in the middle of nowhere..........its like the daffodil fairy just sprinkled Oregon with daffodils.  Speaking of the city......whoever designed downtown Portland was on something.  OY!  It would take us 3 tries everytime just to get somewhere.

We checked out a few colleges for 17.  I'm trying to gear up for the separation.  I don't know if I can handle it................

Here is one of the projects I was hoping to get up for you:

 
Apothecary Art and Elements of Style.  Crumb cake, daffodil delight and whisper white cardstock.  Black Stazon, daffodil delight, old olive and crumb cake inks.  White satin ribbon, big shot, label framelits, polka dot embossing folder, pearls and dimensionals.

I don't remember if I showed you this one or not.  Its basically the same as this one:

What I wanted to show you was the "fake-out" on the ribbon.  Lookee:

Run some tape across the middle of the base.  My precious Tombow Multi Glue does not work well for this.

Lay some ribbon on top and make the ends cute.  Its hard to see here but I cut them into fishtails.  I'm don't know what others call them, so fishtails it is..........for now.  I cut the base a 1/4" shorter so the ends could go off the edge and they would still fit in the envelope.

Then cut 2 pieces of ribbon, about 2 inches long.

Put a little tape on the end and fold it over. 

Put a little tape on the flat piece and then stick the loop on there.

Are you beginning to see it?

Wa La!  Instant glamour, and you didn't use a whole bunch of ribbon.

Okie dokie, its time to get dinner started.  I'll be working on my Project Life for March this weekend and hopefully getting some things planted.  I feel very behind. 

Thanks so much for stopping by and checking in.

Blessings, b.

Simple is as simple does.......

......and I'm pretty simple.  But you knew that already ;)

Hidey Ho!  I hope everyone is having a super duper Wednesday.  

Today I want to show you a gift I made for Mother (my MIL) for Christmas.  I have the best MIL in the world.  She never has a bad word to say and will do anything for you.  She sends out lots of cards and so I make her a little set to have on hand every once in awhile. 

But then she always sends me one of the cards as a thank you.  Its really weird getting your own card  in the mail.  Kinda like when you fill out the reminder card at the doctor's office and a year later you get something in the mail with your own writing on it?  Yeah, anyway..................



Simply Soft (hostess set) and Fabulous Phrases.  Crumb cake and whisper white cardstock.  Black Stazon, regal rose, melon mambo, daffodil delight, old olive and tangerine tango inks.  Brights patterned DSP, scallop border punch, aquapainter, bakers twine and dimensionals.

Sorry about the dark pic.  I made her a set of 5 with different sayings on them.  These were super fast and easy to put together.  See?  Simple.

You know if you say simple enough times it starts looking and sounding weird. 

Simple......simple.....simple......simple

I really like the yellow one.


 

I like the pink too.  If I remember right these were a smaller size.  I think 3.75 x 4.5.  I had stamped the flower and words first and then sized the card around it.  I like the white space. 

I colored the stem and leaves with an aquapainter and the old olive ink.  Now, if I had a nice old olive marker, I would have just used that.  But mine has been a little too well loved.

You can kind of see here where I fluffed the scallops so they weren't laying totally flat.  It gave some more dimension.  It was the first thing you want to touch. 

Okay, for those of you watching Downton Abbey with me, I have a question;

In the first episode of season 2 you see Sir Richard threatening Lavinia in the garden.  In the 2nd episode she tells Mary what she did and why.  So okay, Lavinia isn't such a bad person.....I guess.

So here is my question:  Why was Sir Richard threatening her?  Lavinia said he was threatening to tell Mary all about it but, why?

I'm thinking there is something Sir Richard wants from her and if she doesn't do it then he would tell Mary her story. 

What do you think? 

Thanks for stopping by and keeping me company.  You're such good friends.

Blessings, b.