Sunday, March 30, 2008

Haven't Forgot You!

I have been lax at updating the blog this week. Hubby has been on 1st shift all week and it's hard to get to the computer. I have also been working on my submission for the spring edition of RubberRoad Adventures.

Yesterday hubby and I went for a long walk by the lake. It was 43 outside and the sun was just shining. Great day to get out. Also went to dinner, and caught a movie 10,000 BC. My new favorite line from that movie: "If I let you go....Promise not to eat me" That's what the hero told the saber tooth tiger when he freed him from a pit. It was a good movie.

Look what I found in my yard yesterday



Looks like Spring has arrived in Ohio. We also have lots of gold
finches coming to visit the bird feeder on our deck.

Well I'm off to visit mom. Plan to do some stamping today so I can get the blog updated with new artwork

Stamping Trails

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Friend Card

The words on this card is stamp that my friend Kat gave me for Christmas.
This is the first time I've stamped with it. Pretty nice!
Cardstock: Lavender Lace, Creamy Caramel, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Creamy Caramel, Lavender Lace, Old Olive, Jet Black StazOn
Accessories: paper doliy, white gel pen, velvet rick rac, silver hardware, pop dots
SU stamps: Be Happy, Linen background, Circle of Friends.
I pulled out the hardware box to use with this card. I purchased it at Archivers
several months ago and had not used it yet. Don't know what I was waiting for!
I think I was born with hording gene. Or a collecting gene.
I'm making a real effort to use my stuff!
We are getting rain now. Suppose to turn to more snow overnite. Hoping it doesn't. Me and hubby got woke up last night at 1:18 am. The tornado alarm that the city of Brunswick has turned on. The sieren is just around the corner from our house and it's really loud! Stayed on for 5 minutes before they got it turned off. Then it went off again an hour later. I'm beat!!!! So I'm off to grab a shower and get to bed. Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday!!!!!
Stamping trails.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Techno Challenge # 10


Time for another Techno challenge. Thanks Mary Jo! This was fun to work with. I had a little bit of trouble making the arrow, but in the end it worked.
Stamp set: Pretty Amazing
Cardstock: Bravo Burgundy, Mellow Moss, Apricot Appeal, Very Vallina
Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Mellow Moss, Jet Black StazOn
Accessories: Mat Pack, pop dots, yellow gem stone, Apricot Appeal marker
You can view Mary Jo's site at http://technostamper.blogspot.com/
Been busy with work since the long weekend. I got a little bit behind due to being off on Friday, so the pass few days I've been getting to work at 7 and leaving at 5. Ten hour days....YUCK! I'm not as young as I use to be and it's pretty darn hard to work those long hours. I did enjoy getting to stamp this evening.
My daughter Sarah is home for a few days. We went to Fashion Bug this evening, and Hallmark. I bought her a new purse and wallet. A late Easter gift.
Stamping Trails!!!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Rubber Road Adventures


I keep forgetting to share with you that I am
a designer for The Rubber Road. You can view artwork
from some wonderful stampers. Just visit
www.rubberroadadventures.com
Lots of talented artists contribute to
this site.

I have a submission in this edition for a
stationary kit made from a paper
mache book, and parchment paper.



Sunday, March 23, 2008

Happy Easter


I "hop" everyone has a wonderful Easter! No stamping today. Maybe I'll get a chance to finish up some submissions I'm working on later today.

Strange Easter. Since I made turkey on Good Friday I wanted to make homemade Turkey noodle soup today. Have to go back to work tomorrow and didn't want to make it when I got home. So....I made that this morning, baked a cake, and made deviled eggs. John doesn't like turkey so right now I have a small ham in the oven and making mash potatoes to go with it. We have lots of dinner options in the house. Anyone that stops over should be able to have plenty to eat.

I'm waiting for my daughter Sarah to come home. I haven't heard from her yet today, but when we spoke a fews days ago she told me she would be coming home for dinner.

I did go visit mom for lunch. I brought her some of the soup and the deviled eggs. She was very happy with that. Pushed her around the home. We call it doing laps. Can't wait till the weather warms up some then we can go outside. We also put a puzzle together.

Gotta run and check on the potatoes. Again have a very Happy Easter!!!

Stamping Trails.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Egg

This just came in the mail today. Thanks Connie!
Connie wrote she was sorry the card was late for Easter.
You were just in time!
This is just a lovely card. So simple but
really stands out.
My stampin buddies have way to much talent!
We woke up to Easter snow! Four inches of snow to be exact. Skip went out and ran the snow blower. I want to go out and make a snow bunny with the snow. Needs to warm up just a bit before we can do that. It's too cold for the snow to pack well.
Stamping Trails!

Friday, March 21, 2008

Layered Rub On's


Thanks to my friend Kat I have plenty of SAB Rub On's. Now what to do with them?
I was working on a card earlier this week using Faux Dry Embossing Technique, then got to thinking........
Since the Rub On's came in Black and White I thought I could layer them.
First I adhered the black image to Not Quite Navy cardstock.
Next I cut the same image and layered over the black image,
but when I adhered it I moved it just a bit.
This created a nice shadow effect.

I enjoyed my day off. I made a turkey dinner that we ate at 1:00. I know sounds silly to have turkey today, but this way we can eat left overs all weekend and I'll be able to make turkey soup on Sunday. I'm also planning to make a small ham. Son John doesn't like turkey. Me....I love the stuff!

Me and hubby went to Archivers today. I needed to use my 30% off, and free cardstock coupon. Since my friend Lisa enabled me.....I had to have the bird set. (see card in previous post). I was good...my total was 17.87. I need to start watching my pennies. My stamping obsession is way out of hand!

Stamping Trails to you!!!

Oh I forgot.....We also went to Sam's, and bought a kite! Yes I said a kite! There is a large field behind the nursing home my mom is in. When the weather gets better we are planning to take her out so she can watch us re live our second childhood by flying a kite.


Thursday, March 20, 2008

Cards from Friends


Finally made to the end of the four day work week. Looking forward to having three days off!
I really need a break. Hope you enjoy the cards that my friends
have sent to me this week. I'll have some new cards to
share soon. I plan to stamp up a storm over the weekend!

This first cute little bunny card is from Debby. Nice work Deb! Love the bent little bunny ear. Just to darn adorable!


Next two cards were made by Lisa. I have just got to get that bird set! Thanks for enabling me Lisa!!! River Rock cardstock is so pretty. I think Stampin'Up! should just keep this color and add it to the naturals family.

The next
"Little Stinker" was made by
Kat. This card was one of her obscure holiday creations. The skunk is just to cute. Wish I had purchased this one. I may have to borrow your stamp set Kat so I can make my own little stinker cards!

Last card was made by Debbie. This was another obscure holiday card for Butterfly Day.

Thanks for all the fun cards! Just love it when my mail box gets happy mail!!!

Happy Stamping.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Amazing!


Okay this is my new favorite set! Isn't it funny how we
move though stamp sets. One week it's this, the next week
it's something else. There are just too many wonderful stamps out there!
It's a shame I don't have enough money to buy them all!
Cardstock: Bravo Burgundy, Apricot Appeal, Mellow Moss, Very Vanilla
Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Apricot Appeal, Jet Black StazOn
Stamp sets: Amazing, Canvas Background
Accessories: Bravo Burgundy Marker, 1/8 hole punch, pop dots, aqua painter, crystal bling brad
I stamped the butterfly twice, colored in then cut just the wings. I layered them together
with a pop dot. Next I stamped the butterfly again on the flower, then added the wings on top of the stamped image using another pop dot.
This layout is one that my friend Debby posted to my yahoo group. Thanks Deb!

Okay only two more working days till the long weekend. Can't wait!!!!Training classes are burning me out fast and I need a break. Don't get me wrong. I love to train but it hurts my brain!

Happy Stamping!!!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Techno Challenge #9


Another great challenge from Mary Jo! You can view her blog here
http://technostamper.blogspot.com/
I was a bit daunted by this challenge. I took one look at the design and just thought too hard.
Not so! I just followed Mary's directions and the card came out wonderful!
Cardstock: Perfect Plum, Mellow Moss, Very Vanilla
Ink: Mellow Moss, Perfect Plum, Jet Black StazOn
Stamp set: Amazing
I stamped the humming bird, cut him out then popped him by the flower using a pop dot.

Only three more working days this week. Looking forward to that 3 day weekend. It's suppose to go up to 50 today with lots of rain. I'd rather have the rain than snow at this point, but they have also issued flood watches. All the snow we got recently is now melting and with the added rain the ground can't absorb anymore.
I got some happy mail. Three new cards. I'll share those with you tomorrow. For right now I need to run.

Happy Tuesday, and Happy Stamping!


Monday, March 17, 2008

2x2 Basket



I made this cute little basket yesterday. It is little. Only 2x2 inch square. Very simple cross over basket. I found the directions on Nancy Mergan's blog. If you'd like to make one check out her blog http://www.papersmiles.blogspot.com/



I used Bordering Blue, and Sage Shadow. I punched Sage, and Blue with the scallop punch and layered them together. Stamp set is Bunny Love it's retired now.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!! Think Green.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Got My Camera Back

Sorry I haven't posted anything since Thursday. My son John took my digital camera with him when he went to visit his cousin. So I didn't have anyway to upload artwork. I asked him why he took it and he stated that he didn't know I used it. LOL So I explained that yes I do use on most days to update my blog. He was selling some stuff on Ebay and needed it to take some pictures. He won't be taking it again without checking with me first. Kids! Gotta love them.



I was recently in a swap on a group list that I'm the "Mom" on. The swap was for cards made using Faux Silk Technique. You can find out how to do this technique by checking out the Resource section on Splitcoaststampers. The first grouping of cards were made by: Cheryl Parker, Kimberly Johnson, and Tammy Howell. Sorry ladies I didn't see names on the other two cards.



Second grouping designed by: Hewitt Hulse, Pam Miller, Joyce Spear, and me. Again one card I can't give credit to as there was no name on it. Great job on the cards ladies!






I have been going though the stamp room this morning clearing out some cards. My room is being overrun with them. I came across a card made using the soot technique. really liked how this one turned out. Think I may need to break out another candle and make another card. I haven't used this technique for some time now. With all the cool techniques out there (and seems like more and more turn up) I sometimes forget to use some old favorites.

Happy Stamping!

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Busy Stamping


Hi all. I've been stamping, but I can't share what I've been stamping. Been working on submission calls for magazines. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have some stamping projects to share with you.

While cleaning up the stamp room I came across last year's St. Patrick's Day card that two of my friends created together. Really like the look of iris folding. I still have yet to try it myself.

Only 6 more working days till a three day weekend!!! This is one happy gal!!!

Happy Stamping

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Techno Challenge #9



Thanks to Mary Jo for another great Techno Challenge. You can view her blog at:
http://technostamper.blogspot.com/
I had fun with this one. While looking around my stamp room I found it was a mess yet again from the last binge of stamping. So I thought why not add some more mess. So I pulled out the embossing powder. Holographic hights embossing powder to be exact. I have a heater vent right above my desk in the stamp room. I thought I would be quick and pour the powder on the cardstock before the heater kicked back on. Well guess what? That darn heater popped on before I was done so now my desk sparkles really well! Oh well what's a little glitter. Hoping I can get it cleaned up before the kitty decides to create some artwork of his own.

Stamp set Pun Fun. Colors: Barely Banana, Green Galore, and Bashful Blue.


So on Monday my sleep was messed up. And on Tuesday I woke up cause I had to run to the bathroom. I decided to go back to sleep, and didn't wake up till 7:00, and I have to be at work at 8. YIKES!!! So I made a mad dash around the house to get ready. Of course the weather didn't help. I had to scrape the windshield. Did I also tell you that it was very foggy? It was. I could barely see the stop signs on the road I travel.

Happy Stamping!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Long Day!


I had such a long day yesterday. I got up at 5:30 guess I'm not use to the time change yet. I stopped at the bank on my way to work. Worked till 5:15, then stopped and picked up dinner for me and mom, went to the nursing home, had dinner with mom. Next I stopped at Pat Catan's on the way home. Glad I did! I got the new Big Bite from Crop-A-Dial. There price was 34.00 plus I had a 25% off coupon so I got a good deal!!! After that it was a stop at the grocery store, which......got me home at 8:20 pm. I was beat when I got home!



Remember When....is a card I designed on Sunday. This was another card that was designed around the ribbon. The green velvet ribbon is so pretty. Looks good with the brass hardware slide. The stamp set is from See-D's. Colors used: Bravo Burgundy, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, and Creamy Caramel. I have a thing lately for making square cards. I guess it's really....no I won't say it...yes I will...I just can't stop myself.....

It's Hip to be Square!!!!!

Happy Stamping.

Monday, March 10, 2008

What's in a Face?


I've seen this grumpy cute face posted on many blogs. I don't know who was the first to create this card, but who ever you are thanks for thinking out of the box. How cute is he?! Just love him.

Stamp set used Pick a Petal, Sincere Salutations. Background was added using dot standard wheel. Colors Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, Jet Black StazOn. The pupils were added using StazOn and a clean new pencil eraser.

Weekend is over. I didn't do much. Only went outside once to go to the grocery store. Weather just wasn't the best to be going out and about. They have got the roads cleared now, but I just heard we are expecting some more snow today. Not as much as over the weekend, but at this point I'm just plain tired of snow!!! I'm also not to awake as we also lost an hour due to the time change. Wish I could just go back to bed, pull the covers over my head and sleep till spring!

Happy Monday!
Happy Stamping.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Bunny Nugget Boxes


I made these yesterday for some of my friends. Are they not just to adorable? I can't take credit for the design. I found them on Angie's blog. Want to make one? Visit her blog at http://chicnscratch.typepad.com/stampinacademy/2008/03/bunny-face.html

Angie also has another tutorial on how to make just the nugget box. The box holds three nuggets.

I changed mine just a bit. I added white dots to the eyes using a white gel pen. I also added a pink nose using a marker.

SNOWED IN!!! Oh my gosh did it ever snow here! It started on Friday afternoon and then just kept right on coming down. Skip was outside yesterday for 3 hours just plowing away. He also plowed two of the neighbor's driveways and side walks.


The picture is the back of the house going out the garage door. Look at how high the drift is! I haven't seen this much snow in a very long time.







The last picture is a view from the side of our house. I can't believe I let my hubby take a picture of me in my jammies! Really can't believe I'm putting in on my blog! Nothing else to do today but stay inside and stamp!!!

Happy Stamping.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Techno Challenge #7



I'm a bit late in the week for Mary Jo's techno challenge, but I wanted to play! You can see the challenge here http://technostamper.blogspot.com/

I used an retired SAB set from a few years ago, Canvas background, and the new Blooms and Bulbs wheel. Colors used Lavender Lace, Creamy Caramel, Old Olive, and Very Vanilla. I also used some "Bling" brads the I picked up at Pat Catan's. Just love it when I can use my STUFF!!! Trying to put the goodies to good use instead of them hiding in the drawers!

We have lots of the "white" stuff on the ground. It's suppose to keep up through the weekend. Guess I'll have lots of time to stamp!

Happy Stamping

Friday, March 7, 2008

Kiss the Toad!!!


Blarney Toad that is. Just having some fun with this card. I wasn't going to make Saint Patrick's Day cards. However I kinda got my arm twisted into making one. And the party who twisted my arm knows just who you are! Card on the way this weekend!!!

The toad was from a 1.00 stamp set from See-D's. If you want more info on there stamps check out this link www.inqueboutique.com

Kiss the Blarney word I had to print from the computer. The lips were from Micheal's last year dollar bin, and they have been colored using red Stickles.

I've been keeping away from stamping and the computer for the last few days. I pulled a muscle and have been in pain! I'm really against getting older. There really should be some kind of law against it. Anyway I pulled the muscle on my left side just above my rib cage. Ouch!! I had to still work and it hurt to sit, stand, walk and breathe. I did take 1/2 vacation day today. Just so I could lay down and put some heat on it. And what am I doing? Stamping. I'll never learn.

Happy Friday!!!
Happy Stamping.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Happy Mail Day!


Lots of cards in the mail yesterday! Thanks Lisa

First grouping is Easter goodies. The ribbon is wrapped around cardstock punched using the tab rounder punch. To cute! Love the little monkey. Okay speaking of monkeys I should have told you this on the post below when I shared some facts about me. My brother nicked named me monkey when I was a baby. Instead of singing baby face you have the cutest little baby face he sang monkey face.



Next two cards are for Easter and St. Patty's Day. You are on the ball Lisa! I haven't even thought about an Easter card yet.



Cute little pig card made using different size punches. You guessed it...National Pig Day



Butterfly Day! Love this one!



And this card is from Kat. Like the beads used for the stem of the flower. The colors on this are just screaming SPRING!!!!! Thanks Kat. Hope it gets here quick! It was 60 on Monday, and now the temp is dropping and it's raining. Should make for a fun ride to work. The rain is suppose to turn into freezing rain.



Happy Stamping!

Monday, March 3, 2008

Tag I'm It!

I was tagged by good my friend Debby http://debbysstampinheaven.blogspot.com/

I'm suppose to share 7 random facts about me. Then I'm to tag some other blogger friends so here goes.....


1. When I was 17 I kissed Tom Petty at a after concert party. He and the band played at the Ohio theater during the Damn The Torpedoes tour.

2. My brother and I both played guitar and in junior high we had our own rock band. We played for pep rallies, spring concert, and school dances.

3. I first learned how to craft in 4th grade. We had wood shop and the first thing I ever made was a pig that I gave to my mom and she named it Elvis. (I still have the pig) Of course I also learned how to knit in the same class. I gave it up when I found out that crochet was much quicker.

4. The best friends I ever had are Lisa and Connie. We all met in Guam when our hubbys were stationed there. Love ya gals! Through them I also met my newest best friend Kathy. Love ya too Kat!

5. I really get motion sick. I can't sit in the back seat of a car. When I was younger I had to roll the window down and threw up in front of the court house. YUCK Even on a ferry boat ride I had to be in the front of the boat looking at the horizon to avoid getting sick.

6. Along with playing the guitar I also played violin from 4th grade through my senior year. I still pick it up and play every once in awhile. My brother Tony used to tell me it sounded like a cat getting its tail pulled every time I practiced.

7. The first Thanksgiving after me and hubby were married we were living in SC. When I cooked the turkey I didn't take the extra stuff from the cavities. Of course we had other Navy guys over for dinner. Boy was my face ever red when hubby did the carving and found the "extra stuffing inside!

Hope you enjoyed reading some tidbits about me!

Now for the rules and who I am tagging.The rules: Link to your tagger and post these 3 rules on your blog. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.


Kimm http://ephesian25stamps.blogspot.com/
Dawn http://dawnsstampingthoughts.typepad.com/
Amber http://www.sassystamper.typepad.com/
Melissa http://stampingthroughthetulips.blogspot.com/
Caroline http://www.craftincaro.ca/
Cindy http://imagine-dream-create.blogspot.com/
Becky http://www.lakeshorestamper.com/

Another Monday




I just can't believe how fast the weekend goes by! Drat!!! I have a new training class coming in today. Wish me luck! I hope it's better than last week's class.

This card is a total case. I got one from my roomie last year VC Rocks. I just love the way the white craft ink looks on the kraft cardstock. I never would have thought to do that before. The pocket is from Pockets and Pieces.



Thanks to my yahoo friend Debby. She posted this info to my yahoo group. I really enjoyed reading it. Hope you will to.

Easter this year is: Sunday March 23, 2008

As you may know, Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 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 our Roman calendar.

Here are a couple of things you might be interested in:

Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) but that is pretty rare.

This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!). And 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 (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).

The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!


Happy Stamping!

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Dabbling with Watercolor


I was playing a little bit yesterday. I should say late last night. I hadn't been feeling well so I took most of the day to nap or to read. Didn't really start to perk up till much later.

Anyway......I was playing with the watercolor wonder crayons and came up some ideas. For the Merci card:

Misted Brayer Roll

I scribbled Always Artichoke, Elegant Eggplant, and Rose Red on a report cover. Next I misted Confetti White cardstock with water and also misted a brayer (with the hard rubber attachment). Next I rolled the misted brayer over the report cover to pick up the crayon scribbles then rolled it over the misted cardstock. I repeated this a few times till I got the color I was happy with. The flower image is stamped with Jet Black StazOn then colored with the crayons and blended with an aqua painter.



Misted Sponge Dauber

The next one is done using my new favorite stamp set Always. I stamped the heart with Jet Black StazOn and let it dry. Next I colored some of the image with More Mustard crayon. I misted a sponge dauber lightly with a mist bottle, then used a circular motion on the area I colored to soften the look. I repeated this with Elegant Eggplant and Always Artichoke crayons. Just love the nice soft look of both of these cards.

Happy Stamping