Friday, January 30, 2009

one of a kind...


Happy Friday!!!!
I know I say this every week...but I am so glad the weekend is here!!! Can you believe that January is almost over?? Boy, that went fast!
I pulled out one of my dusty Stampin'Up! sets "One of A Kind" which I haven't used in such a long time (poor stamp set!). I then paired Raspberry Fizz with Basic Black and it is really a stunning combo, I must say!!! I stamped the flower image on white, Raspberry Fizz, and basic black, and then cut out the different parts to piece together and pop up with a dimensional. I also added some of my new PTI black satin polka dotted ribbon (I am a ribbon addict!!! I definitely have a problem, LOL!).
Thanks for visiting~Enjoy your weekend!!!!
Supplies used (SU! unless noted): One of A Kind/Polka Dot Bkgrd stamp sets; Fresh Snow (PTI)/Basic Black ink; Whisper White/Basic Black/Raspberry Fizz (PTI) cardstock; Black Satin Dotted Ribbon (PTI); Scallop Edge Punch/Small Circle Punch

Thursday, January 29, 2009

hello friend...


Howdy,
I have been busy trying to learn Photoshop CS3 (a friend of ours let me download it onto my computer, hooray!!!). I have to say the learning curve from Photoshop Elements 5 to CS3 is a little steep (for me anyway). None of the tools are in the same spot, the shortcuts are different, and me being a creature of habit (and 40 years old, lol!), it is taking a little getting used to. I am excited about the possibilities, because this version ROCKS!!! So please be patient with my edits...I will get it figured out!!!
I just had to get the new set Fresh Alphabet by Papertrey (I {heart} alphabet stamp sets...especially when they are acrylic~and I can see where I am stamping). This one is really nice!!! Simple and a nice size for cards...I see some personalized cards in the future. I also used my new Fresh Snow ink pad, which I really like too!!! This card took a while to finally come together, but after playing around with different layouts, I was finally happy with this one. I added a Stampin'Up Felt flower and Olive button (which matched the PTI Raspberry Fizz and Ripe Avocado nicely).
Thanks for visiting~Enjoy Today!
Supplies used (Papertrey Ink unless noted): Polka Dot Bkgrd (SU!)/Paper tray/Fresh Alphabet; Ripe Avocado/Raspberry Fizz/Pumpkin Pie (SU!)/Whisper White (SU!) cardstock; Ripe Avocado/Fresh Snow ink; Ripe Avocado Stitched Ribbon; Felt Flower & Button (SU!); Scallop Edge Punch (SU!)

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

just because...


Hi friends...
I hope your Wednesday is off to a great start...I just love the half way mark, because Friday is right around the corner *smile*
Today I am off to work, then to Ashley's to work out (I have been so bad this week!). I also missed "The Biggest Looser" last night (had a meeting), and Mike is busy tonight and Thursday, so I may have to watch it without him.
Okay enough rambling...This Remember stamp set designed by Lisa Johnson is one of my favorites lately!!! I just love this poppy image. I paired Ripe Avocado and Ocean Tides together (thanks to Dawn's recent post), and I must say it is a really pretty combo!!!
Supplies used (Papertrey Ink unless noted): Remember/Floral Frenzy stamp sets; Ocean Tides/Ripe Avocado/Whisper White (SU!) cardstock; Choc Chip (SU!)/Ocean Tides/Ripe Avocado ink; Ocean Tides Grosgrain Ribbon.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

friends to the end...


Hi Everyone...
I hope you had a wonderful Monday:) I had it off, so of course it was great! Mike and I spent the day together just running some errands, getting lunch and grocery shopping, (we live such an exciting life, huh?).
I also had a couple of hours in my stamp room, so of course that made me happy! I wanted to break out some of my new Papertrey Ink paper and Ribbon. I bought the Fresh Snow ink pad, and I have to say it is AWESOME!!! Really a bright white (LOVE IT!). I also got some of the polka dot satin ribbon (another fav!). I had to try out my new ink pad, so I decided to stamp this daisy from the Floral Frenzy set onto some pure poppy cardstock. I added some Crystal Effects to the center of the flowers to give it some shine. I was happy with the finished product *smile*
Enjoy today~Thanks for visiting!!!
supplies used (all Papertrey Ink unless noted): Floral Frenzy/Mixed Messages stamp sets; Pure Poppy/Basic Black (SU!)/Whisper White (SU!) cardstock; Black/Fresh Snow Pallette ink; Black Satin dotted Ribbon; Crystal Effects (SU!)

Monday, January 26, 2009

digi cd calendar...


Hi all...
I am excited to have today off...whoo hoo!!!! I decided to take a long weekend, since Mike and my anniversary was on Sunday (the weekends are really busy for him being a pastor and all). So we are going to spend the day together, which will be nice.
This weekend I did some digi scrapping (which I have not done in a long time!!!). It was a little rusty in the beginning, but once I got started I was having so much fun!!! (I have the sore neck to prove it).
I purchased these 2009 CD Case Calendar Templates from Janet Phillips (who has started a great website called the Daily Digi, btw...check it out!), she just recently closed her store over at Scrapbook Graphics (so sad about that!!!). I have purchased so many of her templates and I am really gonna miss them!!!!
I realized that January is almost over, so I needed to get working on them. I finished up until the month of August. I think they will make a nice addition to my desk at home and work. That is one thing I love about digi scrapping, you can print as many copies as you'd like. I hope to get them printed today, and bring them to work on Tuesday.
It was really fun going through pictures, but I always have a hard time just choosing one, LOL!
Have a Terrific Day, and thanks for visiting my blog!!!

Friday, January 23, 2009

Valentine Week...day 5


TGIF my friends!!! I am so glad it is the weekend!!!!
Here is my #5 card for Valentine Week. I decided to try another bright one. I really do like Papertrey's Summer Sunrise and Raspberry Fizz together (kinda reminds me of rainbow sherbet ice cream, yummy!). I cut out 2 of the hearts and popped them up with pop dots to give the card some added dimension, and of course I had to add some ribbon.
Mike and I celebrate our 23rd anniversary this Sunday...it is hard to believe that we have been married so long (I will keep him). Not sure what we are going to do to celebrate...but luckily for him I am a cheap date...I am happy sipping coffee and watching a movie, LOL!
Enjoy your weekend!
supplies used (SU! unless noted) Happy Hearts/Paper Trey words (PTI)/Spiral Bouquet (PTI) stamp sets; Raspberry Fizz (PTI)/Summer Sun (PTI)/Choc Chip/Whisper White cardstock; Raspberry Fizz (PTI)/Summer Sun (PTI)/Choc Chip ink; Summer Sun Polka Dot Satin Ribbon; Scallop Edge Punch

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Valentine Week...day 4


Hi all...
Here is card #4 for my Valentine Week...I am a frequent reader of Dawn's blog, she makes some really pretty cards. One thing I love about her cards is her color combos...so bright and cheery. I tried my had one, and was pretty happy with the outcome.
I am hoping to get my Papertrey order today...I ordered some of these, and hope to make something fun for Valentine's Day...my brain has been turning and I have a few ideas for them. (hope they turn out like I have them pictured in my head, LOL!).
Have a great day today!!!!
supplies used (SU! unless noted): Riveted/Itty Bitty Backgrounds/Mixed Messages (PTI)/Wedding Day (PTI) stamp sets; Whisper White/Only Orange/Choc Chip/Raspberry Fizz (PTI) cardstock; Choc Chip/Only Orange/Raspberry Fizz (PTI)/White Craft ink; Choc Chip Grosgrain Ribbon; Scallop/Circle/Circle Scallop punches

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Valentine Week...day 3

Howdy...
Here is card #3 for Valentine Week, I used the stamp set Happy Hearts from SU! which has gotten a lot of use by me over the years. I think this tall heart image is my favorite in the set. I used Pure Poppy and Sweet Blush ink and cardstock from Papertrey Ink, and it is such a pretty Valentine combo!

Are you doing anything fun for Heart Day? I may try to think ahead and plan some sort of love themed meal...we will see how ambitious I get, lol! I do think Valentine's Day is such a fun holiday...because who doesn't like getting a card???

Did anyone see the Biggest Looser last night??? I cannot believe that Joelle did not get voted out!!! I am happy for her partner Carla, though:) that show is addicting!!!

Thanks for visiting! Enjoy today!!

supplies used (SU! unless noted): Happy Hearts/Rustic Branches (PTI) stamp sets; Pure Poppy/Sweet Blush (both PTI)/Whisper White cardstock; Pure Poppy/Sweet Blush (both PTI) ink; Sweet Blush (PTI) Grosgrain Ribbon

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Valentine Week...Day 2



Happy Tuesday!

Here is my card #2 for Valentine Week. I have seen so many cute tree stamps lately and really liked this one that Kristina Werner used...since I didn't really have anything that looked close to it...I scoured my stamp room for something similar, and decided on Rustic Branches (along with some heart images from various stamp sets). This was a super easy card, and I love the simpleness of it, (I may give his one to my hubby for our anniversary on Jan 25th).

Have a terrific Tuesday!!!

supplies used: (SU! unless noted) Rustic Branches/Wedding Day (PTI)/Cause for Celebration/Small Sayings stamp sets; Pure Poppy (PTI)/Mellow Moss ink; Pure Poppy (PTI)/Mellow Moss/Whisper White cardstock; Pure Poppy Grosgrain Ribbon

Monday, January 19, 2009

Valentine Week...


Hi all...
Happy Monday, I hope you had a terrific weekend. It was in high 70's here all weekend...so gorgeous!

I was able to make it into my stamp room, so that always makes for a great weekend *wink*. I made a few Valentine's Day cards, so this week will be "Valentine Week". I am slowly but surely using up my "hoarded" patterned paper. I have to say this was one of my favorite patterns, probably because it is pink and brown, one of my favorite color combos (I only have a small square left)...SUCCESS!!

I am off to work today...not a long weekend for me.
Enjoy Today!!!

supplies used: (SU! unless noted) Priceless/Mixed Messages (PTI) stamp sets; Pretty in Pink/Close to Cocoa/Cool Caribbean/Whisper White cardstock; Cool Caribbean/Pretty in Pink/Sahara Sand/Close to Cocoa ink; Love me designer paper; Brown Taffeta Ribbon

Friday, January 16, 2009

raspberry valentine....


Happy Friday...
I am so happy the weekend is here!!! I am finding that my job is really cutting into my hobbies, LOL!
I finally starting to make my Valentine cards, after all the thank yous I needed. Valentine's Day cards are so much fun (I think!). Who doesn't like to get cards (remember in elementary school)? I used my new Raspberry Fizz paper (which is an awesome Valentine card color, btw!), and a few SU! stamp sets for this super quick card. I popped up one heart with a dimensional and added some Stardust Stickles to the little flower on the hearts.
Enjoy your weekend!!!!
Supplies used (SU! unless noted): Priceless/One of a Kind stamp sets; Raspberry Fizz (PTI)/Choc Chop/Whisper White cardstock; Raspberry Fizz (PTI)/Choc Chip ink; Rasperry Fizz Grosgrain Ribbon; Scallop Punch; Stardust Stickles (JoAnn's)

Thursday, January 15, 2009

loving this card layout!


Hi friends...
Today's card is a case of a case (Copy And Share Everything). Remember my post from last week? I originally cased this card from Lauren, and here is my "take 2" version. I really do like this layout, I think the circles just give it a cool look. I used another one of my favorite sets "Floral Frenzy" by Papertrey (side note: New Releases today!!!).
Yesterday was so unproductive! Have you ever had one of those days? I usually go into work late on Wednesday, so I had my to-do list written and ready to go. Unfortunately my family didn't know that my list was a mile long (they had other plans for me)...anyway, I didn't get much done...oh well, it will still be waiting for me today.
Enjoy today!
supplies used (SU! unless noted): Floral Frenzy/Mixed Messages (both PTI)/Itty Bitty Backgrounds stamp sets; Whisper White/Night of Navy/Mellow Moss/More Mustard/Ruby Red cardstock; More Mustard/Ruby Red/Night of Navy/Mellow Moss ink; Circle Punch; Summer Sunrise dotted ribbon (PTI)

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

a thank you tent topper...


Hey friends...the week is half over!!!! Are you ready for the weekend? I am!
I have been wanting to try one of these tent topper cards for a while, last week I was reading Mish's Papertrey Challenge blog post, and she gave the dimensions of hers...so I decided to cut up some paper and give it a try. They are pretty fun to make! I needed some more thank you cards (I seem to use those the most). I am still on a mission to use up my "hoarded" patterned paper, so I pulled out some of my Ginger Blossom paper (retired SU!), and coordinate it with my new Papertrey Remember stamp set. I have lots of paper left to use up (I know I have a hoarding problem)!!
Enjoy your day!!!
supplies used (SU! unless noted): Remember (PTI) stamp set; Groovy Guava/Ruby Red/River Rock ink; River Rock/Groovy Guava/Whisper White cardstock; Ginger Blossom Designer Paper; Guava double stitched ribbon; Fire Brad

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

sweet pea...



Happy Tuesday!

Here is a quick card I whipped up for a friend. I just love these little pea pod's from the Green Thumb set by Papertrey Ink. I added some eyes and a smile with a black fine tip pen, which I think makes them so cute! It is hard to see from the photo, but I added some Crystal Effects to the peas, which makes them look pretty real.

Yesterday I had a dentist appointment (had to get a crown...yuck!). No one warns you that once you turn 40 things start falling apart *gasp!!!*

Enjoy Today!!!!

Supplies used (SU! unless noted): Green Thumb (PTI) stamp set; Old Olive/Certainly Celery ink; Certainly Celery/Old Olive/Whisper White cardstock; Bali Breeze Patterned Paper; Olive Grosgrain Ribbon; Crystal Effects

Monday, January 12, 2009

birthday card for my niece...

Hi all!
Hope you had a nice and relaxing weekend! I was happy to get some time in my stamp room on Friday!!! *smile*

Today is my niece, Allison's birthday *Happy Birthday Allison!*. Here is the card I made for her. I am still LOVING my Raspberry Fizz paper from PTI, so I used it for the base of the card. I am on a mission to use up my retired patterned paper this year (this is from Valentine's day 2 years ago). It is hard to see from the photo...but I cut out and colored a cake image and popped it up with a pop dot to give it some dimension.

I read an online article here about backing up your documents and photos, even if you have an external hard drive. I have heard so many horror stories of people getting a computer virus, or their hard drives crashing (including external ones) and losing everything on their computer. I have been wanting to upload all my stuff to Mozy for a while, and I am happy to report I started the process on Friday. It was pretty painless and inexpensive and well the piece of mind is great too! It will take about 2 weeks to fully back up all our stuff (I have lots of pictures and digi stuff that takes up tons of space). Once it is backed up, it will automatically back up any new stuff on a daily basis, and as long as my EHD is plugged in, it will back that up as well. It is a great feeling to know that it will do it automatically, because, well I forget! Just wanted to pass the info along, because I have heard people say, it is not if...it is WHEN it happens.

Have a great Monday~Thanks for visiting!!!!

Supplies used (SU! unless noted): Eventful stamp set; Raspberry Fizz/Whisper White/Tempting Turquoise/Old Olive cardstock; Choc Chop ink; Pretty in Pink/Tempting Turquoise/Pink Passion/Old Olive Markers; Love Me designer Paper; Rose/Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon; Scallop Punch

Thursday, January 8, 2009

my craft space...

Happy Friday!!!

I had a request to show my stamping space, you ask...I deliver.

Here is the view from the door of my stamping room. My Hubby put up shelves that line one wall (isn't he sweet!).

I store my SU! cardstock in clear magazine type containers (available from Stampin'Up!), by color family (*note I keep any scraps that are card front size or larger filed right next to the full sheets). The baskets hold my tools, such as my heat embosser, brayer, embossing tray, stampin' wheel handles. Watercolor crayons, markers, watercolor paper. I keep my finished cards in one of the large covered baskets and file them by category. It is hard to see from the picture, but I keep my buttons, brads and eyelets in a stainless steel magnetic spice rack that is mounted on the wall (source Lowe's).

My main stamping surface is a 6 foot table we purchased at Sam's club. I use my SU! craft mat to stamp on and keep my work surface clean (plus I can cut and score right on it since it is self healing).

I keep several tools at arms reach in little pails, such as my ribbon scissors, rubber cutting scissors, and basic scissors, bone folder, pens, pencil, aqua painter, blender pen, foam paint brush, stamp cleaner, Crystal Effects, craft glue, snail adhesive, sticky strip, Dimensional's (pop dots), glue dots, stamp-a-ma-jig, craft knife and my stardust stickles.
Right next to my stamping table are my two paper trimmers (Carl and SU!). I usually cut right there or move them to my table if there is room on it.














Left: this stores my adhesive, hole punchers, glitter, embossing powder, brushes, paint, Modge Podge, sponge daubers, dimensionals, twine, scissors, extra cutting blades are kept in the drawers - source Target. Middle: storage shelf baskets have my cuttlebug dies and envelopes, crates hold alterables, book storage. Bottom: my SU! stamps are sorted by category, bins hold templates I want to try, patterns, my patterned paper filed by color.









Left: my acrylic stamp storage
Middle: SU! ink pad storage
Bottom: re-inkers (source Ikea)









Left: punch storage (spice rack) - source Lowe's. Middle: ribbon storage (SU!) Bottom: my computer desk.
So that is it...where I spend a lot of my time. Hope you enjoyed the tour:) Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email if you have any questions (remember if you leave a post make sure to include your email address so I can respond).

Have a wonderful weekend!!!!

remembering to thank you...


Hi Friends,
It's Thursday...hope your hangin' in there, Friday is around the corner *yippee*

I am still inking up my Remember stamp, lol! I cased this layout from Lauren Meader, you can see her post here . I read her blog every day, and well, I think she is one of the most talented crafters around!! She can whip up a template for just about anything. And of course I had to use some of my new Raspberry Fizz ribbon, ink and paper, because I LOVE it! This layout comes together really quickly, so this would be a good one to mass produce. I cut out one of the flower images and popped it up with a pop dot to give it some dimension. I think I am almost done with my thank you cards...hopefully onto Valentine's Day next week :)

Enjoy today!!!
Thanks for stopping by!

supplies used (SU! unless noted): Remember (PTI) stamp set; Very Vanilla/Choc Chip/More Mustard/Old Olive/Raspberry Fizz (PTI) cardstock; Choc Chip/More Mustard/Old Olive/Raspberry Fizz (PTI) ink; Raspberry Fizz Grosgrain Ribbon; Dimensional; Circle Punch

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

another thank you and my project 365...

Howdy...

The week is moving right along. I hope you are having a great one.

Last night was the premiere of "The Biggest Loser" I really LOVE watching that show!!!! It reminds me of when I joined Weight Watchers a few years back and lost 25 pounds. It was so awesome to reach my goal, and I really enjoy seeing others do the same. Plus it really motivates me to keep up with my recent goals (remember...I don't make resolutions, lol!).


I am still working on my Christmas Thank you cards and still using my new stamp set, "Remember" by Papertrey Ink (hope you don't get bored). One thing I love about Nichole's stamping style is how it is simply elegant. She makes such beautiful cards and some of my favorites are when she uses stamps to create background paper. I gave it a shot with this card. I also attached one of my new Nestabilities tags to the front, and of course used one of my favorite items for some bling on the brown flower image.


Have a terrific day, and thanks for visiting!!!!

Oh yeah...I started another blog (can you believe it?), I am gonna try a project 365 this year (when you take a photo a day for a year). Not sure how far I will get...but it is fun so far. If you want to check it go here.

*I received a request/post from Dawn a few days ago for info regarding the wedding invitations I made for my daughter. I do not have any way to get the info to you, so please leave a comment with your email address or email me directly. I have the info ready to send*


supplies used (SU! unless noted): Remember (PTI) stamp set; Raspberry Fizz (PTI)/Very Vanilla/Choc Chip cardstock; Raspberry Fizz (PTI)/Old Olive/Choc Chip/Very Vanilla (Kraft) ink; Raspberry Fizz (PTI) Grosgrain Ribbon; Nestabilities tag die (PTI); Stardust Stickles (JoAnn's)

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

new stuff...

Hi friends...

I hope you all got back into the swing of things yesterday after all the holiday mini breaks. It was hard waking up at 4:40 am yesterday, but hopefully each day it will get easier (NOT!), I guess it will be good to get back to the regular routine, I am quite a creature of habit.


I was so excited to use my new Papertrey Ink stamp set "Remember" designed by Lisa Johnson. I used some of my Christmas $ to buy a few stamping items *smile.* I also got the Raspberry Fizz paper and ribbon, and I must say I LOVE it!!!! I have also come to realize that I am addicted to flower stamp sets (I think that is all I buy, lol!). This one is pretty versatile though and has a lot of images. I am hopeful to start adding some more masculine stamps to my collection (but they aren't as fun!).


Enjoy Today!!! Thanks for visiting my blog!


Supplies used (SU! unless noted): Remember (PTI) stamp set; Old Olive/Whisper White/Choc Chip cardstock; Raspberry Fizz (PTI)/Old Olive/Choc Chip ink; Raspberry Fizz grosgrain Ribbon (PTI);Dimensional used to pop up main flower

Monday, January 5, 2009

a fun friday...


Hi all...
I had the pleasure to meet up with, Shelli, one of my blog readers this past Friday...we have been emailing back and forth for a few months now, and even though she also lives in Arizona...she is 2 hours away from where I live. What a surprise when she emailed me last week to let me know she would be in Phoenix on Jan 2nd. We met at one of my favorite spots, and had a great time actually talking face to face *smile* (of course we had to snap a photo with Shelli's cell phone). I have met so many awesome people through my blog and other blogs that I read. Isn't that so cool how in this day and age we can have so many friends all over the place.

Shelli brought me this cute little bag she made (so cute!)....thanks Shelli!!!! She filled it up with some really yummy caramels (that I have almost polished off-de-lish!!!). I think I am gonna case this idea for some Valentine gifts.

While I was chatting with Shelli on Friday, she asked me to post some pictures of my craft space, so I was busy cleaning up and re-organizing my space this past weekend, and photographed some pictures to post...hopefully I will have them edited and up by the end of the week. I know how much I enjoy seeing other stamping rooms/spaces :0) --stay tuned.
I am back to work today after having 5 days off (a little rough, lol!), but it will be nice to get back into the normal routine (although I could really get used to being home!).

Enjoy today, and thanks for stopping by!

Friday, January 2, 2009

true friend thank you...


Howdy!
I hope your first day of 2009 was great!
I have set a few goals for myself this year (I don't do resolutions)...thought I would post them here, so I can look back at them:
1. Get back on track with my exercising (went to pot planning the wedding in October)
2. Challenge myself with my photography and keep learning my camera.
3. Try to send out (at least) one card every week (for encouragement, thanks or just because).
4. Organize (which I love to do...I am weird I know!).
I have seen this card sketch on SCS several times and decided to give it a try (I am trying to use my patterned paper up...so I can buy more, lol!). I used the Designer Series Paper from SU! Wintergreen (which I loved! it is retired now). I was pretty happy with the final outcome, so I am sure you will see this sketch again *wink*.
Okay...I am off to do some of that organizing (#4). Thanks for visiting!
Enjoy today!!!
Supplies used (SU! unless noted): True Friend stamp set; Always Artichoke/Soft Sky/Certainly Celery cardstock; Always Artichoke ink; Soft Sky double stitched ribbon; Scallop/Square punches; Wintergreen designer paper

Thursday, January 1, 2009

it's 2009!!!!

I want to wish you a very Happy New Year!

And a special thank you for visiting/commenting on my blog throughout the year. I have made so many great "online" friends this year and I am thankful for all of you!

I hope 2009 is your best one yet!!!

Enjoy today!!!!