Happy Halloween!

Can't believe we are already so far into fall!! I had a GREAT Halloween-y weekend! It started on Friday with our school's annual Halloween Carnival ... what a blast! We had a wonderful turnout and everything ran really smoothly. This is probably the 13th or 14th time (maybe 15th??) my friend Holly and I have put this carnival together. We're still not tired of doing it ... yet!! The costumes were great, the people were happy and good times were had by all!

On to this spooky card ... I couldn't resist making at least ONE card with my super-fave Halloween set - Best Fiends. One of the BESTEST Halloween sets EVER made by SU (in my humble little ol' opinion). This kinda got away from me ... didn't turn out quite how I had planned, but I got 'er done, anyway!

Stamps: Best Fiends
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Night and Day DSP
Ink: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Cobbler, Bashful Blue, Perfect Plum, Crumb Cake, Sahara Sand, Pear Pizzazz, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Circle Cutter, Spiderweb Textured Impressions Folder, Bat Punch, Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Sponge

And, as promised, here I am in my Maleficent costume! I have been dressing up in my Wicked Witch of the West costume for years and years (still love it, in fact!), but I couldn't resist buying this costume (which is crazy for me, since I have always made all of ours!). It was on a super-duper sale from the Disney Store online, plus it had FREE SHIPPING!! It arrived Friday morning just in time for me to be able to wear it to the Carnival. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't scare too many kids with it ... in fact, so many of them were excited to see me as a character that they recognized. It was really fun! Now I have TWO costumes I really like, so it's gonna be hard to choose which one to wear from now on!! Sheesh!!

One more dramatic pose ... my daughter took these pictures for me ... I don't really like having my picture taken ... but I thought that this costume was just too cool not to share it. I have to admit that my vertical challenged-ness almost made it so that this costume was too long (in actuality the hemline is supposed to fit about mid-calf). I was just glad that it wasn't dragging the floor too much - with my arms down at my sides it was dragging a little, but it seemed to work out well - just had to be careful going up and down the stairs - coulda been a Evil Queen Wipeout!!

The Big 5-0 for Kathy!

One of my mostest BFF's, Kathy, is celebrating her 50th birthday today. I started to make a creepy-ish Halloween card for the sketch challenge over on SCS this morning (SC304), when I got the giggles. As I stared into the dark and dreary skull image I was about to stamp I thought it would make the PERFECT card for Kathy to help her celebrate such a milestone ... so that is what I did!! Happy (Creepy) Day, my friend!!

I am gearing up for our annual Halloween Carnival at the neighborhood elementary school. ANOTHER one of my BFF's (Hey, Holly!) and I have been putting this carnival on for years and years (I know it is well over 10!). I totally LOVE it!! I even ordered myself a new costume this year (I have been the Wicked Witch of the West forEVER - will probably still wear it at some point this weekend), but I am really excited for my new look. I'll post a pic for ya on Halloween!!

Have a spookalicious Day!!

Stamps: From the Crypt, Best Fiends
Paper: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Night and Day DSP
Ink: Basic Black (Craft and Classic)
Accessories: Spellbinders Classic Oval Large and Small (S4-110 and S4-112) Nestabilities, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Black Twine, Bat Punch, Spider Web Textured Impressions Folder, Vintage Brad, Paper Distressing Tool, Clear Embossing Powder, Dimensionals

Computers and Friends ...

I know many of us hate to admit that some of our bestest friendies are people we have met on the 'net ... but it's true, RIGHT?? I feel so fortunate to have made so many great friends and met so many awesome people during my journey on the WWW!

I made this card a couple of weeks ago for Dawn's F4A challenge over on SCS. The challenge was to make an "ode to the computer" of sorts, and this is what I came up with (don't really have "computer-y" lookin' stamps, so I kinda made my own image with punches).

A couple of other things ... first of all, can I say I LOVE VERIZON??!!??? After my phone fiasco at Disneyland, I was sure I was TOAST and was gonna hafta revert back to my old phone (a Blackberry, which is a great phone ... but I love my new Droid oh-so-much!). Needless to say, they took GREAT care of me and I am a happy Droid user once again!! WOOHOOO for VERIZON!!

Second ... I am tryingtryingtrying NOT to be a LEMMING!! I have had SOOO many people ask me if I am on Facebook ... when I tell them "NO!" I am met with shock and then given a BUNCH of reasons why I should just join. I have to admit my resolve is waning, BUT I still haven't gone there. I went so far as to start the sign up process a few days ago, but then cancelled the whole thing, deactivated the account and just backed out. Two of my kids are even workin' on me ... HELP!!

Happy Sunday! The fall colors here are simply beautiful! I may just go on a little hike later this afternoon (if it's not raining!!)

Stamps: For All You Do, Baroque Motifs, Crafty Taglines (There She Goes)
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Blushing Bride, Basic Gray
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Blushing Bride
Accessories: 2 1/2" Scallop Circle Punch, Extra Large Circle Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Decorator Label Punch, Bitty Punch Pack, Corner Rounder Punch, Perfect Polka Dots, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Pearl Stickers

Flap It To Me, Baby!

Do y'all remember "Laugh In"? (If not, then I am feeling pretty darn old!!) If so, then the title of this post will make at least SOME sense to ya!

It was once again my turn to hostess the Free for All challenge over on SCS today. I LOVE making flap cards ... my mom gave me the most gorgeous card for my birthday (even though it was "store bought"). It was a tall, thin flap card. Very nicely done ... and ever since then I have been hankerin' to make a flap card, so here ya have it!

Yesterday was one loooonnnnng day!! Took my daughter to school, ran to the middle school to teach a western line dance, came home and cleaned and did some laundry .... THEN ... had my stamp club over, put the post for the challenge together and got it going over on SCS ... THEN ... cooked a German feast with my daughter for her to take to school this morning to share with her German class for extra credit (she had BETTER get a stinkin' "A" out of that class, I tell ya!). Sooo glad the weekend is almost here!!

Stamps: Happiness Shared, Because I Care
Paper: Crumb Cake, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla
Ink: Basic Black, Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight, Pink Pirouette, Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Folder, Always Artichoke Seam Binding, Large Oval Punch, Pearl Stickers, Smooch Pearlized Illuminate Accent Ink, Paper Distressing Tool, Dimensionals

It's Beginning to Freak A LOT Like Christmas!

I know, I know ... just TEN more weeks 'til Christmas!! Can you STAND IT??? Every year it seems to come around faster and faster ... BUT at least the Freaks got it goin' on!! You should have just come from the blog of one of our newest Freaks, Renee Van Stralen ... AWESOME, isn't she??

I love making framed art. I also love making wreaths out of unexpected images and shapes ... hence, the "ornament punch" framed wreath you see here. Sadly, I used up all of the red glimmer brads I had left, so it looks like I'm gonna have to buy MORE, right???

Stamps: NONE
Paper: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Old Olive
Ink: Very Vanilla
Accessories: Ornament Punch, Petals a Plenty Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Glimmer Brads, Join in the Cheer Die, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Frame

Next, I am moving on to a kinda non-traditional card. I LOVE the Woodgrain background stamp!! It is so much more versatile than I had originally thought (and of course I bought it anyway). It is one of my faves, for sure!

Stamps: Woodgrain background, Tags for Christmas, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
Ink: Early Espresso, Always Artichoke, Riding Hood Red
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Decorator Label Punch, Northern Frost Die, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals

And (finally!) I made this quick little card. I just think the Santa Belly tag stamp is sooo stinkin' ca-YOOT!! Had to use it, baby!! Now, I just gotta go finish putting up my Halloween decorations ...

Stamps: Tags 'til Christmas, Winter Post
Paper: Basic Black, Shimmery White, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Accessories: Large and Small Tag Punches, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Whisper White Satin/Organza Ribbon, Silver Fox Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink, Silver Brad, Dimensionals

Next on the list is the ever-amazing Liz Scultz!! Be sure to check out HER fabulous Christmas projects by clicking on the link ...

Over Already???

I can't believe I am already back home!! Where on EARTH did the time go?? We had sooo much fun!! I have LOTSA photos to share, but first I wanna share this card that a made a couple of weeks ago.

I first need to give a "shout out" to my BFF, Cheryl for her inspiration in helping me make this card. Not ONLY did I HAVE to buy this stamp set after seeing what she made with it, but I ALSO had to use her layout for inspiration in creating my own card. Lookie her wonderful card here:

Cheryl's Beautiful Birthday Card

I actually used some Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink in the center of the big flower and on the leaves in the little background strip, but the shimmer didn't show up in the photo. It really DOES look purdiful in real life.

Stamps: Happiness Shared, Fabulous Phrases, Woodgrain background
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso
Ink: Basic Black, Early Espresso, Always Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Photo Corners Punch, Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Circle Cutter, Small Oval Punch, Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink (Illuminate Top Coat), Dimensionals

Other than the interminable drive home yesterday, our Disneyland trip was a success ('cept for the death of my phone! Gotta go to Verizon this morning and do some SERIOUS begging! I feel like my right arm has been missing for DAYS!! But I digress ...)! We had sooooo much fun!! (Can't you see it on our faces?? Isn't my nephew's "Mad Hatter" hat da BOMB??? It sure helped in keeping our group together as he was MUI-EASY to spot in a crowd!) I opted for the "hat solution" for my scary hair, too! It was very misty most of the time we were there (a bit of light rain here and there). Didn't hamper our fun ONE BIT, but it did a number on my hair, I tell ya!!




And here I am doing one of my favorite things!!! (Actually, this was Amelia's treat and I was only using it to pose for the picture. She claims it was VERY yummy!) There is SOOO much snacky food in Disneyland ... I coulda come home as big as the Goodyear Blimp!!





Amelia was VERY happy we got the chance to have a pic taken with Pluto ... he is one of her all-time faves!! (Notice the hair again??? No hat, but I DID opt for ponytails!! Haven't worn THOSE forever! Too much wet in the air for any "real" chance at a good hair day!)


Here we all are looking very "bugged"! Actually, we were waiting to go into "It's Tough to Be a Bug" over in California Adventure (cute 3D movie experience). Gotta love how ya look in those funky 3D glasses, eh?



And here is a photo my nephew took of me and my darling daughter ... we have so much fun together! I feel so blessed that my daughter is one of my bestest friends!! (Love ya, honey ... mwah!!!)

Wish me luck with the Verizon dudes ... I am hoping that they have pity on me!!

Greetings from Disneyland!

We are once again at one of our most favorite places on earth ... this is actually the SECOND time I have been here this year with my daughter (we went last January during CHA). This time around we are with my sister-in-law, niece, nephew, friend and my friend's daughter. My feet are alREADY achin' ... and we are gonna be here two more days (but I LOVE it here).

Sad, but true tale ... my phone met a most unfortunate end today ... I am HOPING against all odds that it will make a miraculous recovery by morning (keeping my fingers crossed). Miracles DO happen, right???

This is a page I finished up on the way to Anaheim (we drove). My dear, sweet mother-in-law had her 80th birthday party a couple of weeks ago. Doesn't she look AMAZING??? She is one of my best friends. What a blessing she has been to the lives of so many ... I count myself incredibly fortunate to be part of her family. I hope to look HALF as good as she does by the time I am her age. She is my inspiration, in more ways than I can count!

Guess I am going to head off to bed ... another long day of fun going on tomorrow ... just hope I can keep up!!

Layout created using My Digital Studio

I Know, I Know ...

... it's NOT Spring!! I made this card for CC292 (Pink Pirouette, Real Red, Pear Pizzazz) over on SCS ... and although the colors were screaming "Christmas", I just couldn't bring myself to go there yet (and my BFF Cheryl is already starting on a countdown 'til Christmas ... 11 WEEKS!! Aaack!!) But, I digress ...

I am SOOOO not ready to go there (although I have to admit that I actually bought my first official Christmas gifts last night ... YIKES!). So, that is why this card looks so Spring-y. I kinda stumped myself on the Pear Pizzazz panel ... couldn't find a ribbon that looked right. Glad I was talking to my good friend Deb on the phone while I was creating. She is the one that suggested trying a little sewing (not like my sewing machine was already all set up and sitting about 12 inches from me or anything!!). Thanks, girl ...

Well, believe it or not we are headed out of town for the Happiest Place on Earth today. Yes, I DO mean Disneyland!! I SOOO love it there!! There are going to be SEVEN of us in a minivan all the way to Anaheim!! (Three adults and four teens.). I can't WAIT!! It truly is one of my most FAVE places on the planet! I will take some pix and share a few with ya ...

Stamps: Silhouette Sentiments
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz
Ink: Basic Black, Real Red, Pink Pirouette, Pear Pizzazz
Accessories: Wide Oval Punch, Glimmer Brads, Elegant Bouquet Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Sewing Machine

Oldie but Goodie ...

This is without a doubt one of my all-time, most-FAVE Stampin' Up sets ... ever ... period. I love grapevines in the fall (my back fence is covered with 'em!) ... and I love juicing/bottling the juice. It is sooo yummy and one of the easiest things to "put up" (as my Grandma would say). Plus, y'all already KNOW how I feel about fall ...

As for the "wet stamping" technique (which I used here for TLC294 over on SCS) has been something that has always eluded me, though ... can't ever seem to get that "watercolor-y" look to work for me. It either looks like I didn't spray it at all (which I did ... LOTS), or I spray so much that the ink just swims on the paper. Not quite sure what the perfect formula for this is (as I have tried it over and over and over and OVER!). I had originally tried masking an oval on the front of this card, but that didn't work out either (hence, the raised and cut-out version of the oval). Oh well ... I like the stamps so much that I don't really mind.

AND I got to use my "Groovy Grape" cardstock/ink on my "Gorgeous Grape" card!! How COOL is THAT???

Have a lovely fall day, wherEVER you are!!

Stamps: Gorgeous Grapevine, Kind and Caring Thoughts
Paper: Concord Crush, Watercolor, Very Vanilla (inside)
Ink: Perfect Plum, Concord Crush, Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive
Accessories: Oval Coluzzle, Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Pearl Stickers, Corner Rounder Punch, Dimensionals

Cooler Temps are a-Comin' ...

... at least that is what the forecast says. We have been having the LOVELIEST weather. The past couple of weeks have actually been HOT (we have been hovering in the upper 80's - nearly 90, actually). Today the weather is reported to be much cooler with a high of only 65. Time to drag out something a little warmer to wear.

And I have been relegated to taking a photo of my card with my phone ... AGAIN!! I did this card for SC301 over on SCS yesterday, only to discover that my husband had driven my lovely camera to work with him (inadvertently ... we had been at a family party for my mother-in-law's 80th birthday the night before - she doesn't look OR act a day over 60!). Someone was supposed to bring the camera into the house ... but "someone" forgot ... not EVEN gonna name names!!

Soooo ... back to the card ... not super thrilled with this one. I'm starting to feel like everything I make looks the same. I am feeling uncreative and repetitive. Guess some days - or weeks! - are like that.

True confession - I went and taught a high-low aerobics class last night to a bunch of sorority girls up at the University of Utah. What a blast!! TOTALLY had an 80's flashback (for fun the girls dressed up in leg warmers with shorts over leggings, bright colors and BIG earrings. It was a RIOT!). Haven't done aerobics like THAT in AGES!! Good times ...

Have a lovely fall day, wherEVER you are (and if you happen to live in Australia and are having spring, enjoy THAT, too!!).

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Day of Gratitude
Paper: Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Early Espresso, Pumpkin Pie
Ink: Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, More Mustard
Accessories: Small Oval Punch, Glimmer Brads, Paper Piercing Tool/Mat, Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals

It's Official ...

... Halloween is on its way!!!! I spent the better part of Saturday cleaning my house ... AND putting up my Halloween decorations!! I SOOO love Halloween. It just makes me all kinds of happy. I love the fall colors, the crispness in the air, and the smiling little faces that come to my door in their cute little kitty-cat and Spiderman costumes! (I do confess ... I dress up as the Wicked Witch of the West every stinkin' year!!)

This card official kicks of fall-ness for me!! It was the third and final sample I created for F4A32 (the "Hole in One" challenge I have mentioned in the last couple of posts). The weird thing is that it has been close to 90 degrees all week!! It felt soooo strange being out on my front porch putting up Frankenstein and spider webs in such warmth. Indian Summer for SURE!!

Spent a lovely day on Sunday with my family. Got a lot accomplished over the weekend, which always makes one feel good ... and makes Monday a WHOLE lot easier!!

Stamps: Got Treats, Wicked Cool
Paper: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze
Ink: Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard
Accessories: 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Circle Cutter, Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Spider Web Textured Impressions Folder, Small Oval Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Paper Distressing Tool

Happy World CardMaking Day!!!

What could be better than a whole DAY dedicated to making CARDS???? Seriously??? This just makes me all KINDS of HAPPY!!

Soooo....today I am sharing another sample with you that I made for my F4A Challenge on SCS yesterday (the name of the challenge - "A Hole in One" - was my clever way of encouraging people to make a popped up frame ... or any sort of "hole" with an image on top of it or behind it!

I have always LOVED this stamp set. I just barely got it the other day and couldn't wait to get ink on it!! New stamps = happy stamper!!

Stamps: For the Bride, Wedding Sweet
Paper: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Blushing Bride
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Folder, Large Oval Punch, 1 3/8" Square Punch, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals, Pearl Sticker

Drat and DOUBLE Drat!!

I can't find the battery charger for my camera ... I have looked and looked and looked (and I SWEAR that I ALWAYS put it away in the same place ... we've all heard THAT before, right???)!!

Sooooo....I have been forced to take pix with my cell phone ... don't get me wrong - I {{{heart}}} my cell phone, and it has a pretty darn good camera on it. It's just that it doesn't quite do it for me in the photo department ... especially when it comes to what I wanna post on my blog!! (I AM picky ... you deserve to see the very best, right???)

This is one of the samples I made for the F4A challenge I hosted today on SCS (F4A32). The challenge was to make a "hole" or a popped-up frame sorta thing on your creation (hence the name of the challenge - "A Hole in One", get it???)

I got this stamp set yesterday, and I have to admit I am in LOVE with it!! Now if I could just find that battery charger ...

Stamps: Style Beautiful
Paper: Marina Mist, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla
Ink: Pacific Point, Early Espresso
Accessories: Decorator Label Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Pearl Stickers