Monday, December 31, 2007

a little bird told me...


Isn't this the cutest stamp set? This is one of the stamps that will be available in Stampin'Up!'s new spring and summer collection. At first I didn't really look twice at this set, but decided to order it. I am glad I did!
I stamped the bird image on SU's new designer paper (Ginger Blossom) then cut him out and popped him up with a dimensional. Can I just say..."I love this new paper!"
I hope you have a safe New Year's Eve. Mike and I are just staying home and watching movies (I don't know if we will make it to 12pm, lol!). I have a list a mile long of stuff to get done today and tomorrow! I hope I can get it all done.
supplies used: (all SU) A Little Bird Told Me stamp set; Ginger Blossom DP; Purely Pomegranate/Whisper White CS; Chocolate Chip ink; White Grosgrain Ribbon

Friday, December 28, 2007

Cuttlebug questions...

I have received several requests on how to emboss with the small CB dies and not get an imprint on the card front.

I didn't really have much trouble, but I will tell you how I did it:
I cut my card stock for my card front.
Then I ran it through the cb (I used plates A/B/*Paper Here*/B), then repeated on each side.
I did however have the edges of my square (embossed image) flatten out a bit, I just took the die and placed it over the embossed image again and squeezed with my hands.
Stamped images, added ribbon, adhere to card base.
Hope that helps!

Papertrey meets Cuttlebug

Happy Friday!
I needed a quick thank you card for someone at church, and have been wanting to try this technique by Sharon Johnson using the small Cuttlebug dies. You run your card stock through your Cuttlebug 3 times...then stamp. I really like how it turned out! And so very easy! I then used my Papertrey stamps to stamp in the squares and add a greeting. You cannot see in the picture very well, but the snowflakes have glitter on them (love the bling!)

I am looking forward to stamping over the weekend! I have a long weekend with the holiday falling on Tuesday...Love that! Enjoy the weekend, and I'll be back on Monday morning.

supplies used (SU unless noted): Butterfly Kisses/Holiday Treats Stamps (Papertrey); Whisper White/Soft Sky CS; Soft Sky ink; Soft Sky double stitched ribbon; Star Dust Stickles; Cuttlebug small embossing folder


Thursday, December 27, 2007

a case of a case...


Remember a few posts ago I uploaded a card just like this one but in blush blossom? I wanted to try it with the traditional Christmas colors (plus I needed a quick card for my office Christmas party last week), I must say I really Love this layout! I cased Kristina Werner's original card (Love her blog!)
Sorry for the Christmas card post...I didn't get any substantial stamping in over the holidays, and I am back to work today.
I am anxious to ink up my new rubbah, and dig into my new stuff this weekend!
Happy Thursday!
See you back here tomorrow!

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Pomegranate Spiral Bouquet


I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

I got lots of goodies (including some nestabilities and a new Papertrey set...thanks mom!). I am looking forward to making some cards with my new stuff. Mike got me this (which was on my list, I can't wait to load it up with all my favorite songs). Now that the holidays are over, I am back to my walking schedule, it will be nice with my new ipod (since Ashley moved into her new apartment, I don't have my walking partner anymore).

This was one of the first cards I made with my new Papertrey Spiral Bouquet stamp set, I forgot to post it.


I really love this set! Especially the word stamps, they are so elegant.

Oh well, Ashley and I are off to go shopping today (her gift cards are burning a hole in her pocket, lol!), I hope the stores aren't too busy!

Have a great Wednesday!

Supplies (all SU unless noted): Spiral Bouquet stamp set (Papertrey); Purely Pomegranate/Whisper White/Kraft CS; Purely Pomegranate/White craft ink; Pomegranate ribbon

Monday, December 24, 2007

Oh Christmas Tree...

Thought I would post a picture of our Christmas tree...I love having the tree up! and looking at all the ornaments. They have such sentimental value to me!
It is also fun to have the gifts start piling up. Josh and I are both kind of "snoopers", as hard as I try (I really do like to be surprised), I just cannot help but look at and shake my packages. Mike and Ashley are so good, they just wait until Christmas. Mike has learned to hide my gifts until Christmas Day, that way I am really surprised.


Have you read the book "Love Languages"? my love language is gifts...I LOVE to give and receive gifts. as I get older, I am really enjoying the giving of gifts! It is so fun to shop for that special something and package it up all pretty and see the expression on the recipients face when the unwrap it! I don't know about you but I am starting to get a little excited for Christmas!

Have a very Merry Christmas!

See ya back here on Wednesday!


Friday, December 21, 2007

Our Digi Christmas Card

(Photo Removed for Publication)Well, only 4 days left until Christmas! Last night Ashley and I made our annual Christmas cookies...it is funny that even though my kids are 21 and 18, they still like to decorate cookies (we will do the decorating this weekend). I am glad that we have that tradition...I remember baking at Christmas with my mom and brother too (he always put way too many sprinkles on the cookies, lol!). It is good to know that Ashley and Josh will have great memories of cookie making also!

Can you believe my nugget tins arrived last week (those things had been on back order for quite some time), When I got home from work and they were on my doorstep, I had to whip some up. I think they make such a nice presentation!

Like I said last week, this year I didn't stamp my Christmas cards...I have been learning Photoshop Elements from Jessica Sprague's classes (which are great, btw!), so I decided to digi scrap our family Christmas card. I was pretty happy with the results, although Mike really wasn't loving his picture (oh well, better luck next year *wink*). I was surprise how fast it came together and then all I did was upload to Shutterfly and I had my cards in about 3 days...Wow! so easy!



Have a Wonderful weekend, and Merry Christmas!


I will see you back here next week with some more stamping projects.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Papertrey Purse

Today is our Christmas Party...boy, I am getting excited for Christmas!!! Last night Fed Ex delivered a big box from my mom, with all our presents...Josh and I were under the tree last night just looking and getting excited (we are the snoopers in the family, lol!). He has one package that he thinks is a boomerang (I don't think that is what it is)...He will just have to wait a few more days to find out*wink*

Isn't this the cutest thing? Nicole Heady from Papertrey Ink, had a tutorial last week for these cute purses made from the boxes that her stamp sets are packaged in (they are also for sale on the website). Well, since I have several Papertrey sets, and I kept the boxes (I tend to hoard stuff like that, lol!), I had to give it a try. You just cut the box in half then insert your paper and add the straps. I used the Wintergreen paper from SU! (which I love!), for mine. It would hold cards and envelopes perfectly. I plan to make more of these in the future, what a cute way to package a gift!
Supplies used: Papertrey clear box, SU! Wintergreen DP, SU Vanilla wide grosgrain, SU! Ice Brads

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

a total case!

Well, I am in the final Holiday stretch...I think I am just about finished with everything! Today I am going to wrap and assemble the gifts for my co-workers/bosses, we have our Christmas lunch tomorrow at work from 12-2. It should be fun! My bosses really spoil us! (They are the best), and I am not trying to get brownie points here...they really are the best!

this card is totally cased (copy and share everything) from Kristina Werner, I just changed the colors (she is very talented I might add). I just LOVE her cards and her blog!

I really like the layout, and the sparkly ornaments...btw, it looks way better irl.

supplies used (all SU unless noted): Hung up on the Holidays/Holiday Treats (Papertrey); Blush Blossom/Very Vanilla/Close to Cocoa CS; Blush Blossom/Close to Cocoa ink; Vanilla grosgrain wide ribbon; Heat & Stick Powder; Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

warmest wishes

This year I did not make my Christmas cards (gasp!). I put my new digi skills to use and created a photo card (will post later). I then realized that I needed some cards for my office Christmas party, so Friday I made some of these (pretty fast and simple card). I am really liking the color Sage Shadow from SU! these days, I have to say that in the past it was not really one of my favorite colors, but I have looked at it with new eyes, and LOVE it now. It also included my favorite chocolate wide ribbon, lol!

Have a Super Tuesday!

Supplies used (all SU! unless noted): Merry & Bright/Holiday Treats (Papertrey) stamps; Sage Shadow/Close to Cocoa/ Whisper White CS; Wintergreen DP; Sage Shadow/Close to Cocoa ink; Chocolate wide grosgrain ribbon.

Friday, December 14, 2007

another forgotten card...

I am so thrilled to have my packages mailed and on their way to CT and GA *insert happy face*. Today I just have a few small packages to take to the post office, and I think I will be DONE! (although I think that, but it seems that I still have to run into stores right up until Christmas eve for something extra). Does that happen to anyone else or is it just me?

I said that I wouldn't post another True Friend card for a while...but this one was hiding in my camera (I had a few of those this week, lol!).
Josh let me start using his new Nikon D-40 camera (which is similar to the Cannon Rebel that I want). I re-took this photo with it, but I still have a lot to learn!!!

Well I hope you have a Fabulous Friday (and weekend), and I will see you back here Monday morning bright and early.
Supplies (all SU!): True Friend/Polka Dot Bkgrd stamps; Whisper White/Purely Pomegranate/River Rock CS; Purely Pomegranate/River Rock ink; Pomegranate ribbon

Thursday, December 13, 2007

another punch added to my growing collection...

Well I didn't accomplish my goal of getting all my out of state packages mailed (bummer!). the last two things I was waiting for were delivered yesterday, so that was good news. I did make it to the UPS store, but it was to buy some bigger boxes. I think I may have it complete by tonight (*fingers crossed*). The clerk at the store said that it would take 7 days to get to CT, so I have a couple days to spare, lol!

Here is a card a made a while ago. I also made something to go inside my mom's box...but since she reads my blog, I can't post it just yet. I don't want to spoil the surprise. I will post it next week once the package arrives to her.

I ordered the SU! flower punch last month...can I just say "I (heart) Punches!" I used some more of my DP that I ordered last month (this one is Cutie Pie, which I think is my new fav). This card came together pretty fast, but I was stressing about the ribbon...I think it needs the wider ribbon (which I don't have yet...*sad face*), I just used the thinner ribbon and called it a day.


Have a Terrific Thursday!


Supplies (all SU!): On the Spot/Absolutely Fabulous Stamp Sets; Cutie Pie DP; Whisper White/Wild Wasabi/Pumpkin Pie CS; Pumpkin Pie/Purely Pomegranate ink; Flower punch; white grosgrain ribbon

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

I forgot this one...

Happy Wednesday!
My goal for today is to get all my out of town gifts packaged and off to the the UPS store...unfortunately I am still waiting for a few things to arrive in the mail that need to be included in some of the packages, so that may put a snag in my plan...oh well, trying not to stress too much. Can you believe that there are only 13 more days until Christmas?

I am so bummed I didn't have time to use my new SU goodies last night...the laundry took priority (sigh!). I hope to get some stamping time in on Friday...My designer paper is just waiting to be opened and used.


This picture was sitting in my camera (forgotten...gasp!). I made this card a few weeks ago for my SIL Kyong, her birthday was November 25th. I took out my old standby Happy Harmony (I love those flowers!).


Have a wonderful Day!


supplies (all SU! unless noted): Happy Harmony/It's All Good/Papertrey stamp sets; Ruby Red/Choc Chip/Kraft/Very Vanilla CS; Ruby Red/Choc Chip/ Old Olive Ink; brown taffeta ribbon;Circle punches

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Just Dashing

Although this year I created a digi photo card as our annual Christmas card, I still wanted to create some stamped cards for the holidays. SU! had a special last month, if you bought 3 packages of DS paper, you got the 4th one free...let me just say, I bought quite a bit (don't tell Mike, lol!). I have quite the stash now. I really like this Dashing paper for Christmas!

Last night while Mike was watching football, I mounted all my new SU stamps (from the preview catalog), now I just need to find some time to use them...Let me just say the new Designer Paper is so PRETTY! I cannot wait to use it!

Have a Terrific Tuesday!

Supplies (all SU): Merry & Bright stamp set; Dashing DS Paper; Real Red/Very Vanilla/Old Olive CS; Old Olive/Certainly Celery markers; Black ink; Vanilla/Olive grosgrain ribbon; Circle/Scallop punch.






Monday, December 10, 2007

Jen's Saturday Challenge

Happy Monday...
I hope all of you were able to cross off items on your to-do lists over the weekend. I made some good progress (yeah!). Christmas cards done (dropping in the mail this am, tree decorated, gifts done (some even wrapped), I still need to get my out of town gifts wrapped and packaged and off to UPS...(my goal is to have it done by Wednesday). I even had time to color Ashley's hair yesterday...which came out AWESOME if I do say so myself...I will post some photos later in the week

I even made some time to stamp (needed some stress relief, lol!). I read Jen Del Muro's on a regular basis, and I decided to try her Saturday Challenge. This is my take on it.

Have a wonderful Monday!

supplies (all SU!): In the Spotlight/Priceless/Absolutely Fabulous Stamps; Kraft/Choc Chip/Not Quite Navy/Whisper White CS; Choc Chip/NQN ink; Chocolate Taffeta ribbon; Flower punch/Sm Circle punch

Friday, December 7, 2007

forgotten stamp set...

I am so glad it is Friday! Although my weekend will be cram packed with activities. Mike and I are going to dinner then shopping (to finish the Christmas list). I hope to decorate the tree, and get the cards in the mail, and maybe start wrapping some packages. I always have good intentions for the weekend (my lists are a mile long), so I am not going to put too much pressure on myself *wink*


This week while I was looking through my ever growing collection of Paper Trey stamps, I came across the set Text Box by Papertrey (which I haven't really used much), so I decided to make a card (inspired by Nicole Heady, she is a genius!) using that set. I think I need to use this set a little more frequently.


Have a wonderful weekend! And I will see you back here on Monday ;0)


*I have my SU pre-order (spring and summer collection) being delivered today...yippee! can't wait to get my hands on the new stuff! (Is anyone else hoping the stamps are pre-cut like in the holiday mini?).


Supplies: Text Box stamp set (Papertrey), Old Olive/Pumpkin Pie/Apricot Appeal/Whisper White CS (SU); Old Olive/Pumpkin Pie/Apricot Appeal ink (SU); Olive grosgrain ribbon

Thursday, December 6, 2007

I love my scallop punch!

Happy Thursday...(the weekend is almost hear...yippee!). I felt very productive yesterday...I took the day off from work (since I had a dentist appointment). Now I am about 90 percent finished with my Christmas shopping. I did a lot online and Ashley and I did some last night after she got home from work. I also made some return address labels for my Christmas cards, printed off my annual family newsletter, and now all I need to do know is address the envelopes, buy some stamps, and mail them out (note to self, put a note on the calendar to start this stuff MUCH earlier next year!). My tree is still naked, and we don't have our outside lights up yet but it will get done eventually. Hopefully by the weekend!

I even had some time to work on a stamping project that I will post next week, so stay tuned.

Here is a card I made a while back when I first got my scallop punch. I was on a scalloped punch kick. I really love the new in-colors from SU, I am going to have to stock up on the paper and ink refills before it retires this summer! I don't know what I will do without Soft Sky (but I felt that way about Cool Caribbean last year, and I like the Soft Sky way better)!

Enjoy your day!


All Supplies SU: It's All Good/On the Spot stamp sets; Groovy Guava/Soft Sky/Whisper White CS; Groovy Guava ink; Guava Ribbon

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

true friend...take three

Our family is really into the show"Beauty and the Geek" the finale was on last night...usually everyone comes over for dinner on Tuesdays (Beauty and the Geek) and Thursdays (Survivor/Office) to watch our favorite shows together. It is a lot of fun! We were all happy that Dave and Jasmine won! We may even have to try LARPING-not! It is a great show, if you haven't seen it you should give it a try next season. It is so great to see how the "beauty's" and "geek's" really transform. It is pretty neat!

Okay on to the stamping...
This is my last post using my True Friend stamp for a little while, lol! I was on a roll with this stamp set. I have just noticed that I really like the color Sage Shadow. I have never really liked that color before, but with Chocolate Chip cardstock I think it looks Marvelous!
This card is pretty much the same layout as yesterday, I just switched out the Designer Paper and colors. I think I like this color combo the best (this week anyway).

alrighty, I am starting to stress about Christmas...20 more days and I have so much to do...argh! hope to cross some of it off my list today!

Have a great Wednesday!

Supplies: (all SU) True Friend/Riveting (retired hostess)/All in a Row stamps; Mellow Moss/Choc Chip/Very Vanilla CS; Wanted DP; Choc Chip/Mellow Moss ink; Circle punches; Brown Taffeta Ribbon


Tuesday, December 4, 2007

another true friend card

Happy Tuesday...
Here is another card inspired by yesterdays post. I am really loving my True Friend stamp set...maybe it will make it into the new SU catty for Spring in Summer (I have my fingers crossed)
I am anxious to get my new 2008 SU Catalog! I am getting tired of all the old stamp sets...time for some new ones.



Our tree is up...yeah! not decorated but at least it is up! Ashley is coming over one night this week to help me decorate (much more fun to decorate with someone, instead of alone), I don't know about you, but I LOVE going through my ornaments...it is like walking down memory lane. Most of them have some sort of special memory. It is fun to pull out all the ones the kids made when they were little (although, most of those don't go on the tree...Ashley and Josh think they are dorky, but it is fun to go through them). I even have ones from my grandmother (who passed away 13 years ago), that remind me of my childhood. And all my snowman (I heart snowmen) from my mom (she gets me new ones every year, and it is like a surprise pulling them out of the box). So I am looking forward to going down memory lane with Ashley and Josh this week. Now I just need to get my cards mailed and shopping done!

Supplies: (all SU) True Friend/All in a Row/Riveting (retired)/Noteworthy (retired) Stamps; Really Rust/Whisper White/Chocolate Chip CS; Apple Cider DP; Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon (retired); Circle punches

Monday, December 3, 2007

my kind of sewing

I hope you all had a great weekend! I knocked out about half of my Christmas shopping (I love online shopping!), I was hoping to get the tree up too, but Mike is still struggling with his back, and Josh was not around this weekend to help me lug the huge thing in (yes, we have an artificial tree...you know living in Phoenix and all...it's a dry heat!). Maybe one night this week? I am hopeful, but it will get done eventually, right? on to the stamping...

A while back Beate Johns made a card similar to this one. I really love how she uses the All in a Row stamp set (stitching) on her cards (she makes some fantastic cards!). I had to try one for myself, and since it didn't require a sewing machine I was pretty happy, lol!

I am not much of a stamp-a-ma-jig (stamp positioner) fan, I usually eyeball it, I just don't like to take the time to find the tool, and fiddle with it, but with this stamp you really need to use the positioner to get straight lines. I am still learning how to line it up (I think I am stamp-a-ma-jig challenged *wink*). I do like the look of this stamp set (it is like real stitching).

Supplies: (all SU) True Friend, Noteworthy (retired) All in a Row stamps; Really Rust/Chocolate Chip/ Very Vanilla CS; Designer Paper; Really Rust/Chocolate Chip/ Old Olive ink, Chocolate Chip Grosgrain ribbon (retired); notched punch; vintage brad