patterned paper, pumpkin pie & papertrey...

Hi all!
Hope your day is off to a great start! Can you believe that it is the last day of July? Where is the time going?

As you can see...I did make it into my stamp room yesterday...but I did not get much accomplished. Once I was ready to clear off a spot on my table to stamp, I got a call from Josh. He informed me that he was just in an accident (WHAT!). He works for a rental car company and was in one of their cars. Luckily he did not get hurt/and it was not his fault. That sent my stamping mojo right out the window (Kids!)

I have been wanting to use this My Mind's Eye paper that I received as a gift from one of my friends. I finally decided to break open the package and cut it up. It went nicely with SU's Pumpkin Pie cardstock. I also had to use my new scalloped punch...I have a feeling I will be using it quite a bit, lol!

Have a great day...thanks for visiting my blog!!

Supplies used (SU! unless noted): Papertray (PTI) stamp set; Pumpkin Pie/Aqua Mist (PTI) cardstock; My Mind's Eye Patterned Paper; Chocolate Chip ink; Chocolate grosgrain ribbon

indoor lighting...

Happy Wednesday...the half way point, yeah!

I have been so busy this week that I haven't really had any quality time in my stamp room *sad face* I do hope to get in there today! But with Ashley's wedding quickly approaching in October (and in between invitations/favors/reception decorating/showers/and all the other stuff I am forgetting (argh!) ...I am sure there will be days I have nothing to post (and I am sure you won't want to hear my anxiety crazed stories, lol!)...just giving you the heads up.

So when I got home from work yesterday, I wanted to start working on my indoor lighting lesson...and since I didn't have a willing model (see photo to the above)...

I grabbed this cutie (see below)...Thankfully this guy didn't mind that I snapped 40 pictures of him in every room in the house so I could practice my white balance and ISO settings.

Here he is sitting on my living room couch...doesn't it just make you smile?



Hope your day is Wonderful!
Thanks for visiting!!

*4x6 frame freebies (about halfway down the post), get it here



*And Happy Birthday Nate!!!!!*

quickie...

Today is another quick post and a quick card...I whipped this one up last night, since I didn't have anything new to post. It took me about 5 minutes to make. I wanted to try out my new scallop punch, which will be available in the Stampin 'Up! Fall & Winter Collection. I am happy to report I like it!

Ashley had fun with her friend Lindsay last night...they did make some progress on the invitations (Ashley thought they would be done last night, lol!). I told her that was an unrealistic goal. I don't think she realized how much work is involved in making that many (at least the cutting and scoring was already done for her).

I hope your Tuesday is Terrific! Thanks for visiting!!

Supplies used (all SU! unless noted): Spiral Bouquet (PTI) stamp set; Fall Flowers Designer paper; Whisper White/Old Olive cardstock; Chocolate grosgrain ribbon; Chocolate Chip ink; Scallop punch.

card trio...

Hi all! Did your Monday arrive too fast like mine? I hope your week is off to a great start.

Today will be a quick post...I have a few things to do before I leave for work today.

Ashley's friend (and Maid of Honor), Lindsay, will be coming over tonight to help assemble invitations...she also just got transferred to Texas, and will be moving there on Friday. I wanted to make her some cards to take along, in case she wants to write to her friends (or mom). I cased one of my own cards from a few weeks back (since time was an issue). I just made them in different colors, so there would be a little variety. I hope she likes them.

Enjoy Today!
Thanks for visiting!

Supplies used (SU! unless noted): A Beautiful Thing/Warmest Regards stamp sets; Whisper White/Chocolate Chip/Ruby Red/Lemon Tart (PTI)/Summer Sun (PTI)/Berry Sorbet (PTI); Soft Sky; Lemon Tart (PTI)/Berry Sorbet (PTI)/Soft Sky/More Mustard/Chocolate Chip/Ruby Red ink; Chocolate/Lemon Tart (PTI)/Berry Sorbet (PTI) grosgrain ribbon; Stardust Stickles (unknown) on flower centers

another thank you card and random ramblings

TGIF!!!

I am off to work today...which is kinda messing me up, lol! Here is a card I made last week while I was in the Thank You card making mode. I used my For a Friend (hostess set), which looks great with any flower image popped up with a dimensional (in my opinion). I like the simple lines and less is more look.

Well since I work today, I had yesterday off...I had quite a productive day. I weeded the front yard, cleaned/organized my fridge (check out the picture). Since I am taking a photography course...I photograph everything these days, ha ha!

and made a yummy blueberry coffee cake (which I am sharing the recipe...yum!). I learned how to make this from my grandmother. She always had something yummy in the house to serve with coffee (we are Swedish). growing up, I lived almost next door to my grandparents and my "Mor Mor" (grandma in Swedish), always included me in the kitchen (which she knew her way around I might add). I am so thankful she taught me how to bake and cook. I hope you enjoy the recipe.

Blueberry Buckle

Mix together and set aside (for topping):

1/2 Cup Sugar

1/3 Cup Flour

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 Cup Butter (softened)

Mix together:

3/4 Cup Sugar

1/4 Cup Butter (softened)

1 Egg

Stir in:

1/2 Cup Milk

Add gradually:

2 Cups Flour

2 tsp Baking Powder

1/2 tsp salt

Fold in gently:

2 Cups Blueberries

pour batter into a greased square pan (double recipe for 13x9); sprinkle topping evenly over top; bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes; let cool; enjoy!

I always feel good when I get lots accomplished. Enjoy your weekend!

Supplies used (all SU! unless noted): For a Friend/Polka Dot Bkgrd stamp sets; Whisper White/Pumpkin Pie/Bordering Blue/Chocolate Chip cardstock; Chocolate Chip/White (craft) ink; Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon; Flora Doodles (Petaloo)

Kristina's Color Challenge...

Hi all!

I visit Kristina's blog on a regular basis (that girl is so talented!). Each week she posts a color inspiration...well this week I actually had some time to participate. Aren't these colors so pretty together? That dress is awesome too!

Here is my sample for this week's challenge. I will definitely be using this color combo again!

On a side note...I am so thrilled...because I found my dress for Ashley's wedding yesterday...Ashley was out shopping at Kohl's and called me and said there were a few possibilities and they were on sale (is that not a reason to shop?). Well after trying on a few, I settled on a Vera Wang design (which was on sale). I think it will work out nice...boy am I glad that crossed off my check list.

Okay, I have today off, since I am working tomorrow...organizing/cleaning out my fridge is on the agenda.

Thanks for stopping in! Enjoy your day!!

Supplies used (all SU! unless noted): Petals & Stems (Verve) stamp set; Whisper White/Regal Rose/Rose Red/Sage Shadow cardstock; Regal Rose/Rose Red/Sage Shadow ink; Pomegranate ribbon; Corner rounder/Small Circle punches

another thank you...

Hi friends!

I am so confused with the days this week...probably because I had Monday off, and I am switching days off with Ashley this week, so I will be working Friday. It doesn't take much to get me confused, lol!

You may remember that Ashley asked me last week for some thank you cards...here is another version I made for her. I used my Women of Life set from Papertrey. I have been loving this color scheme (from Kristina's blog challenge)... I think it looks so nice together.

This week I am learning about focus in my Photography class...I hope I have time today to do my assignment. Hopefully I will post it later in the week.

It was so good to get back on my elliptical machine yesterday...I won't even tell you how long it has been since I have used it (an I had to have that thing, lol!). I figured that on the nights that I don't walk with Ashley I will spend 20-30 minutes on the elliptical. Mike gave it a try too...he said it was really boring...he did do a mile at least (ha ha!), I guess you have to work your way up, lol!

Have a super day! Thanks for visiting!!

Supplies used (all SU! unless noted): Women of Life/Papertray (both PTI); Certainly Celery/Soft Sky/Pumpkin Pie/Very Vanilla cardstock; Certainly Celery/Pumpkin Pie/Soft Sky ink; White gel pen (dots on center of flowers); Soft Sky double stitched ribbon

stamp painting...

Howdy all!

I hope your day is off to a great start...it feels like Monday to me, since I had yesterday off. I did get most of the paper cut for Ashley's invitations, I am just waiting for the man in brown to deliver the rest of my paper. While I was cutting and scoring away, I thought to myself "what did I get myself into", but now that it is almost done, the assembly will be easy. They will be nice once they are completed (I cannot wait to post them).

On today's card I wanted the white to stand out...it seems like when I use my white craft ink pad, it isn't as bold as I would like it sometimes, so I decided to pull out my acrylic paint and brush and paint the stamp. I was really happy with the result, and it dried pretty fast too.

Hope your Tuesday is Terrific! Thanks for stopping by!!

Supplies used (all SU! unless noted): A Beautiful Thing/Mixed Messages (PTI); Whisper White/Kraft/Chocolate Chip cardstock; Chocolate Chip ink; White Acrylic Paint (Michael's); Nestabilities Squares; Chocolate grosgrain ribbon

many thanks...

Hi all...I am so excited that I have today off:D I took it off so I can start cutting the paper for Ashley's wedding invitations...can you believe it is already the end of July? She wants to mail them out some time in late August, so it is time to get started! I also have to do a couple of errands to run, but I did make some process on my ever growing to-do list over the weekend! That felt good! I just love crossing things off! I even had a few moments yesterday to update my blog.

Remember last week...when I said that the ABC news team asked Josh some questions? Well, we saw him on the news...They even said his name, which he thought was pretty cool:D I am happy to report that they didn't get any footage of me in the background in sweating my walking gear, lol!

I finally had an "ah ha" moment with my photography class over the weekend! I think I figured out how to work manual without my instructions! I still have tons to learn, but it was nice that it finally sunk in!

Today's card is similar to one I have made before, but I just love this layout! Ashley needed several thank you cards, so I whipped up a few designs for her on Friday. This one is for the guys (hope it isn't too girly).

Have a terrific day! Thanks for visiting!!

Supplies used (all SU! unless noted): Lots of Thoughts stamp set; Whisper White/Old Olive/Bashful Blue cardstock; Summer Picnic designer paper; Pumpkin Pie/Bashful Blue ink; Nestabilities squares/scalloped squares; Orange striped ribbon.

my organic card...

Happy Friday...
It is finally here!!! yeah! Here is a card I made a few days ago. While I was putting it together, Ashley was sitting in my craft room with me, and said it looked organic. I suppose it does (and it is green, lol!).

I have so much to do today, I hope I get it done! I keep telling myself...one job at a time! I also want to get some stamping done (I think I will do that first for an hour or two or five, lol! the housework will always wait for me).

Randomness...
last night Ashley and I were getting ready for our walk and Josh said he wanted to come along (and ride his new bike). So the three of us were walking having a great time, sweating (108 degrees at 6:30 pm) and talking. We turned the corner where we walk by the back of their old high school and we saw a news van in the parking lot...I joked that we were going to be on tv. Well, they saw us waking up the street and the reporter and camera guy were walking toward us (all I could think of was...I look horrible in my workout clothes and my hair is tied up and sweaty). Am I vein? They wanted to ask us questions about graffiti. I politely said I didn't want to be on tv (surprisingly I do not like to be the center of attention). Of course Josh said he would answer the questions. He is such a ham! So I am not sure when it will air, but if you are in the Phoenix/Chandler area and get Channel 15 news...you might see Josh giving his opinion on teenagers and graffiti. We laughed the rest of the way home from our walk...now that we are related to a famous person and all!

Enjoy your weekend!!!

Supplies (all SU! unless noted): Text Box (PTI) stamp set; Whisper White/Old Olive/Kraft Cardstock; White (craft)/Old Olive ink; Olive Grosgrain Ribbon; Notch punch; Crystal Effects (on leaves)

this weeks color throwdown...

Happy Thursday!

I hope you are having a great day so far! I am so ready for my day off tomorrow!! I have a to-do list a mile long and just cannot seem to make any progress on it *argh!*

I did make a couple of cards yesterday, but was feeling very uninspired...so when I was doing my daily blog check I saw Tracy's blog with this week's color throwdown (Pumpkin Pie/Cool Caribbean/Barely Banana). I have to admit, when I saw this color scheme I had my doubts, but it does look really nice together...so fresh! There isn't much stamping involved, but I really like the simplicity of it;D

I also got Lesson 3 completed and posted in the class gallery...whew! that felt good. I am learning so much about my camera! So Fun! I am hoping it will become easier the more I do it, because it takes me a few minutes to meter and get the settings right before snapping a picture. Luckily my family is pretty patient with me! I have been taking pictures of things around the house...this is my cookie jar that houses my favorite WW snack...Tootsie Rolls (9 rolls = 2pts).

Have a super day! Thanks for stopping by!!

Supplies used (SU! unless noted): Polka Dot Bkgrd/Papertray (PTI) stamp sets; Pumpkin Pie/Barely Banana/Cool Caribbean cardstock; Pumpkin Pie/Cool Caribbean ink; Felt Accent Flowers/Ice Brad; Orange Stripped Ribbon

another one

Happy middle of the week everyone!

This will be a uneventful post...nothing to exciting happening at the moment. Just the usual stuff: work, family, Ashley's wedding plans, etc.

I am planning on some time in my stamp room today *smile* Ashley needs some thank you cards.

I also hope to get a decent picture for my "Oh Shoot" lesson 3 post. I was playing around in manual mode last night...I was totally in the dark (really I was, the lighting was awful, lol!), I haven't even read my class notes yet. Once I figure it out, I will post my picture;D

I hope I am not boring you with my Petals & Stems set...but when I get a new stamp set, I kind of go a little overboard with it. For some reason it looks as though my squares don't line up...but IRL they do (trust me). I sure will miss soft sky and groovy guava! I have to make sure to place my SU! order soon to stock up so I can hoard it, lol!

Enjoy your day, and thanks for visiting!

supplies used (SU! unless noted): Petals & Stems (Verve) Papertray (PTI) stamp sets; Soft Sky/Groovy Guava/Whisper White cardstock; Groovy Guava/Soft Sky ink; Square punches/Corner Rounder punch; Double Stitched Sky Ribbon

another verve card...

Well we survived another Monday!
I am so glad I am over that hump!! I was so unmotivated yesterday, and when I got home I had lots of stuff that needed to get done. Oh well...today is a new day!

I made this card for my best friend Sue (hope she isn't reading today!). Her birthday is 7/18 and I think she is going to be 29 just like me *wink* I used my new Verve set...which I am having fun with I might add!! I paired it with my Paper tray set (love those acrylics!). Hope she likes it;D

My photography lesson this week is turning the camera to manual...I am a bit scared, lol! I hope I have time to read the material today, so I can start some of my practice shots. It is so nice to have a digital camera...I cannot imagine using film, having to wait to get it developed, and having to throw out the bad pictures. I love the instant pictures and the delete button is my new best friend, lol!

Be sure to check out the Papertrey website today...it is that time of the month again:D

Supplies used (SU! unless noted): Petals & Stems (Verve)/Papertray (PTI); Lemon Tart (PTI)/More Mustard/Whisper White cardstock; More Mustard/Chocolate Chip ink; Summer Sunrise Polka Dot Ribbon (PTI).

monday, monday....

Here we are again...back to Monday.

I made this card for Ashley's birthday;D I used my new set from Verve. I am having a lot of fun with this one! I was glad to get a few minutes over the weekend in my stamp room. While reading Tracy's blog the other day, she used this color scheme: Regal Rose/Pretty in Pink/Whisper White/Sage Shadow. I really like these colors together, so soft and pretty.


I hope you all had a great weekend. My just flew by! Friday I finally used my new shopping bags from Envirosax I wasn't sure how I would like them...but I am happy to report I LOVE THEM!!! I got double the stuff inside the bag and they are very durable so you can really load them up (the check out girl even said they were cool). I think I am going to get another set, since I did need to use some of the plastic bags.


Saturday night we went to Benihana to celebrate Ashley's birthday. We had a lot of fun;D and ate way too much. Then we came back home for some cake and presents. I think it was a success. I posted a fun picture from the restaurant of the birthday girl...she is crazy!


I tried to take some of the pictures with the aperture setting (I am weaning myself off auto, lol!). I am happy to say, this one was not on auto! After I cropped and added some photo actions (just found out about these and love them!). I was happy with the end result. Now I just need to get motivated to do some scrapping!





Enjoy your day! Thanks for visiting!!





Supplies used (all SU! unless noted): Petals & Stems (Verve)/Papertrey (PTI); Regal Rose/Whisper White/Pretty in Pink/ Sage Shadow cardstock; Pretty in Pink/Regal Rose/Sage Shadow ink; Square Punches; Pink Grosgrain Ribbon (Michael's)

practice shot...

Happy Friday!
I am sorry to report that I do not have any stamping to share today *sad face* I have just been preoccupied with other stuff this week.

I thought I would post one of my practice shots from my photography lesson on aperture. I collect Willow Tree figurines, and decided to snap some pictures of them with an open aperture. I love how the background gets blurred to bring attention to the focal point. I know I still have lots to learn, but I have been looking at photographs with totally different eyes.

Mike has today off, since he has been working M-Th 10 hours per day, that way he saves a little $ on gas. So I am sharing my day off with him;D Maybe I will take him out for lunch. Then back home for some stamping time! I have several cards I NEED to make today!

Make sure you check out the sneak peaks from Papertrey on Nichole's blog...the July stamp sets look really fun, I think I may need to buy one or two (or all of them, lol!)!

Have a terrific weekend!!!

my july digi desktop...

Hi All...
Thought I would post my July desktop;D You can download one for free here. They are so easy to make, just open in PSE or other photo program and drop you picture behind it. I used a picture of my cute kids...just converted the original to Sepia tone, since the original photo would not match the background.

I am still having printer issues...so I decided to take a break from trying to figure it out! Yesterday I got an email from the bank stating that there was some unusual activity in our checking account. I immediately investigated and noticed several charges for online gaming websites. Luckily I caught it, because they said there were several more charges in pending status. I had to cancel my debit card (which is the pits!) and wait 5-7 days for my new one. The bank is monitoring our account and depositing the charges back to us. I am trying to rack my brain of my recent purchases (not sure if that is how it happened?)...I am usually pretty careful with online purchases. I am glad it all worked out!


I was also able to finish my 2nd lesson in my Oh Shoot class. This week it was on Aperture. I am learning a lot and having a lot of fun practicing different things with my camera...who knew taking it off auto would be so fun! The best thing about digital cameras, is that you can just delete the bad pictures (which I do quite often). I am also thinking of buying some photo actions for PSE...I really didn't know much about them until Candice (our instructor) gave us a website and discount to buy some. They seem pretty cool and who can resist a sale? You can find them here if you are interested

Have a great day! Thanks for visiting my blog!!

petals & stems gift set

Happy Wednesday everyone...
There is nothing like computer issues to get me in a bad mood! We had to replace our printer yesterday, and since I have a Mac laptop, I always have trouble getting it to play nice with the other computers/printers on the network. I am the type of person who will work on something until I figure it out...well I had to take a break from it last night because I was getting really frustrated! Hopefully I will have a fresh set of eyes to look at it today! It is probably something really easy too!

Here is the gift set I made for Ashley's gift card/candy... (I used a new stamp set I got from Verve)we celebrated her birthday at work on Monday. Of course I had to make everything match;D I used the template by Diana Gibbs (who is in my sideline, I might add)for her box in a bag, she is really talented and makes really great projects!

Today I am hoping to catch up from my relaxing/movie watching weekend...lots of housework...not sure if I will get to the grocery shopping though...looks like it will be grilled cheese for dinner.

Enjoy your day...thanks for stopping in!!

supplies used (SU! unless noted): Petals & Stems (Verve) stamp set; Soft Sky/Basic Black Whisper white cardstock; Designer paper in Soft Sky; Basic Black/Soft Sky ink; Slit/Tab/Notch punches; Black Ribbon (Michael's)

22 years ago....

Ashley Megan was born at 4:50 am on July 8, 1986, she was 7lbs 11oz (7-Eleven just like the store). Can you believe that she is 22 today? All I can say is that I am glad I am not aging, lol! I can hardly remember the days when she was little like this...but I do remember she could talk up a storm (some things never change, lol!). What a fine young woman she has become! I am so proud of her and love her lots! We are going to celebrate her birthday as a family this Saturday at Benihana that should be lots of fun;D I will of course have pictures to post next week. Happy Birthday Peep!

Here is another card I made using one of my Papertrey Ink stamp sets (Green Thumb). I really like the simplicity of just the flowers and the sentiment in the middle. I used some of the soon to be retiring in-colors from SU! I will sure miss a few of those! Soft Sky and Wild Wasabi are some of my fav's. I have to make sure to order an ample supply before the end of this month!

I hope you have a great day and thanks for visiting!!

supplies used (SU! unless noted): Green Thumb (PTI) stamp set; Wild Wasabi/Blue Bayou/Whisper White cardstock; Blue Bayou/Wild Wasabi/Soft Sky ink; Wasabi double stitched ribbon; Oval Nestabilites

weekend recap....

Happy Monday...it is here already!

I hope you had a great relaxing weekend! I had a great one! I made blueberry pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream for breakfast (the red white and blue breakfast), then after I cleaned up, Ashley and I headed off to As You Wish to paint some pottery. It was a lot of fun;D We are going to go once a month. Our projects will be done today, so I will post them this week.

Of course I had to take my camera with me so I could take some pictures (so glad my kids are used to this, lol!), But I forgot to change out my lens. I had my 50 mm lens on, so everything is pretty close up.

After pottery, I watched some HGTV while Mike napped, then we had lunch and watched a few movies. One which was pretty good was The Bucket List. It kind of made me think of making a list like that...I know a trip to Italy would be on it!

Saturday, Mike talked me into not doing any housework and to relax by the pool with him...so that is what I did. His philosophy is that on holiday weekends you need to relax...okay, now when does my house get cleaned? I am not going to stress, because sometimes you just need to let it go (I cannot believe I am typing that, lol!). We went out to lunch for some yummy Mexican food (I ate way too much), and watched the movie Fool's Gold (okay...not that great).

Sunday was church and our usual family lunch, nap, laundry and Mike and Nate watched some history movie (I was updating to old blog).

Boy the weekend just flew by...already time to go back to work. At least my favorite show is on tonight, Jon & Kate Plus 8 (on TLC)

I stamped this card last week with my SU! set Always. I really love the heart image in this set. I used some of the in-colors from spring-summer 2008 catalog that will be retiring soon...I sure will miss soft sky!

I hope your Monday is Marvelous! Thanks for visiting!!

Supplies Used (all SU!): Always stamp set; Soft Sky/Blue Bayou/Chocolate Chip/Whisper White cardstock; Soft Sky/ Blue Bayou/Chocolate Chip ink; Chocolate Taffeta Ribbon; Small Circle punch

happy July 4th...

Happy Independence Day Everyone!

I hope you have something fun and exciting planned to celebrate;D

Ashley and I are off to As You Wish this morning (I hope I remember my camera!), after I make blueberry pancakes for breakfast...yum! Then we will probably all hang out at home. I am not sure if Mike and I will go to the fireworks tonight (we are getting to be old farts!), I don't like all the traffic, people, heat (112 degrees for today).
However, I am hoping to get some photography practice in this weekend! Hopefully my family will cooperate, lol!



I love these polka dotted boots in Papertrey's Green Thumb stamp set, and don't you just love the sentiment? You can deal with anything if you have the right shoes...(that is for sure, lol!). I wish I lived somewhere so I could justify having a pair...I would look pretty silly wearing these here in the desert...don't ya think? Of course I used Berry Sorbet (love that color!), and Wild Wasabi. The color combo kind of reminds me of a watermelon;D

Enjoy you long weekend! Thanks for visiting today!!

Supplies used (SU! unless noted): Green Thumb (PTI) stamp set; Berry Sorbet (PTI)/Wild Wasabi/Whisper White cardstock; Berry Sorbet (PTI)/Wild Wasabi ink; Wasabi Double stitched ribbon

miss you...papertrey style

Are you ready for the long weekend? I am so happy that Ashley and I have today off:D A 4 day weekend...Glorious!

I needed a "Miss You" card last week, and pulled out my papertrey stamps. The Mixed Message sayings fit perfectly inside the large flower of the Women of Life set. And like I warned you I am on a berry sorbet kick these days (paired with Kraft...I really like the combo).

Today Ashley and I are headed to IKEA to looked for centerpiece ideas for her wedding reception. The flowers were kind of expensive and I know that we can come up with something equally beautiful that is less expensive (and will last longer than flowers). I will let you know how we make out:D Then we are heading over to As You Wish to reserve a spot for the two of us this Friday ($4 painting). While we were watching our new favorite show on Monday night (Jon and Kate Plus 8), the girls went to make pottery. We both thought "hey lets do that this week" we haven't been there in a couple of years and it should be fun! I love being creative!!!

I was able to finish my first lesson on shutter speeds and thanks to Ashley (who was my subject), posted it in the class gallery last nigth (whew, that felt good!).

*Edited note* Mike read my blog yesterday and Todd's Birthday is on 7/13 not 7/6 (I got mixed up with my late grandfathers birthday)...sorry Todd!!!

supplies used (all SU! unless noted): Women of Life (PTI)/Mixed Messages (PTI) stamp sets; Whisper White/Kraft/Berry Sorbet (PTI) cardstock; White (Craft)/Berry Sorbet (PTI)/Certainly Celery/Creamy Caramel ink; Berry Sorbet (PTI) grosgrain ribbon; slot punch

Happy Birthday Todd....

Howdy...

Mike's brother, Todd will be celebrating his 40th birthday on July 6th. Since we live so far away I have to plan ahead so cards/gifts get to our family on their special day. Here is the card I made for Todd. I had some cardstock laying on my table and thought the color combo looked pretty good together...so I decided to go with it. I was pretty happy with the end result...a guy card that came together pretty fast.

Supplies used (All SU!): It's Your Birthday/Let's Party (retired) stamp sets; Wild Wasabi/Soft Sky/Blue Bayou/Whisper White cardstock; Wild Wasabi/Blue Bayou ink; square punches; double stitched wasabi ribbon

I was able to read through my lesson in my Oh Shoot class yesterday...and all I can say is "whoa" my brain is definitely going to be stretched! Luckily we are having a class chat tomorrow night, so I can ask some questions. We are learning about shutter speed, and I think I have the fast shutter speed down...cannot seem to get the right effect with the slow shutter speed. Ashley said she would be my model today (isn't she nice?). I need someone to run or jump, so I can catch the motion. So I thought I would practice last night (so I know what I am doing when I have my model). Here is one of my pictures with a low shutter speed...it didn't turn out the way I thought, but it was still kinda cool;D

And this is what my craft table looks like these days. Can you believe it took me about 2o minutes to figure out how to change my lens? Once I got it, it was pretty easy...I was just afraid of breaking something.

Enjoy your day and thanks for visiting my blog!

friendship makes my heart happy...

Whew...I am tired today! As you know...my new favorite show is Jon and Kate Plus 8 well last night Ashley talked me into staying up to watch it with her (of course she doesn't get up at 4:45 am!). *oh yeah...random note* Nate (Ashley's Fiance') is from Lancaster Pennsylvania, and his sister lives on the same street as Jon and Kate isn't that cool? (I want to go and visit them! So Kate can be my new BFF, lol!). I am going to need some extra coffee this morning.

There was a slight glitch with the uploading of our Oh Shoot lesson, and the assignment didn't post until later in the day, so I was unable to do my homework *sad face* I hope to get caught up today! Plus my new lens arrived in the mail yesterday *happy face* So I will hopefully have some pic's to post this week.

I had not used my Always stamp in a while...and found it buried under a pile of other stamps (I think it was feeling lonely)...so out it came, and got inked up. I am just warning you I am on a Berry Sorbet kick lately...I LOVE that color! I also had to use my new square nestabiliets;D

Thanks for visiting and have a Terrific Tuesday! It is a short week this week...hooray;D

Supplies used (all SU! unless noted): Always stamp set/Friendship Blooms (retired); Kraft/Whisper White/Berry Sorbet (PTI)Cardstock; Berry Sorbet ink (PTI)/Creamy Carmel/White (Craft) ink; Kraft Taffeta Ribbon; Nestabilies (squares); small circle punch