Red, Red Rose

This is a set that I LOVE! And it has been oh-so-neglected for oh-so LONG!! Y'know how it is when a new stamp set comes out? Ya use it and use it and use it ... then put it away for "later" ... and it gathers dust ... and MORE dust ... and MORE DUST???

I figured it was time to dust this baby off!! "Fifth Avenue Floral" ... remember how we all went GA-GA when this thing came out??? Sooo many beautiful ways to use it, too!! This popped-up version takes a little time, as you hafta cut it out several times and pretty much cut it all apart to create the layers.

I've been trying to decide what my "style" or "look" is ... y'know how some people create stuff and you can spot it in a "lineup" right away? Looking at my stuff I have decided a few things:

I LOVE to add a three-dimensional image

I LOVE to put a piece of ribbon on there ... almost ALWAYS it ends up horizontal ... (which, oddly, I DIDN'T do on this card ... but I put a strip of horizontal cardstock, which is essentially the same "feel" right??)

I LOVE to put sentiments in an oval or circle ...

This card pretty much says it ... and I have a LOT of cards that do the same. GOTTA try to change it up, I guess!!

Weekend starts TONIGHT!! YAY!!

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Short & Sweet
Paper: Real Red, Barely Banana, Cherry Cobbler, Patterns DSP
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Scallop Trim Corner and Border Punches, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Itty Bitty Buttons, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch, Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon, Large Oval Punch

Sunshine and Rainbows ... and BIRTHDAYS!!

Do you remember turning 8? Boy, I sure do!! I got a new, beautiful dress ... white with a blue satin ribbon sash. It was beautiful!! (Okay, it was actually a hand-me-down from my cousin ... and I didn't get it "for" my birthday, but I sure did LOVE it!)

It was kind of a big deal for me turning 8 ... it was the year I was baptized. And let me tell ya, it was a BIG FREAKIN' DEAL!!! Birthdays when you are a kid are super special ... the parties, the cake, the presents ... seems to have lost it's charm now that I have gone WAYYYY into the double digits!! Parts of me still feel like I'm an 8-year-old little girl, though. I still get a thrill watching Bugs Bunny/Road Runner cartoons; still LOVE the Merry Go Round; still LOVE a huge bouquet of brightly colored balloons; still LOVE a big ol' chocolate cake ... aahhhhhhh ... some things will NEVER change!!

This is a card I made for my sweet little cousin, Kate. She is turning 8 this week. And it's a BIG FREAKIN' DEAL!! It's so fun to watch children and see the joy in their faces over such little things ... we could all take a lesson from them, couldn't we??

Have a marvelous day!!

Stamps: Petite Pairs
Paper: MANY Miscellaneous Retired DSP's from SU, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Ink: Elegant Eggplant
Accessories: Cricut Celebrate with Flourish AND Everyday Paperdolls, MFT Rainbow Die, Large Oval Punch, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Large Oval Punch, Rhinestone Basics, Sherbet Button, Purple Gingham Ribbon, Paper Piercing Tool/Mat, Dimensionals

FAMILY FRAME KITS!!!

Okay, okay ... because you ASKED, I've decided to break down and DELIVER!!! Kits for making this FAMLY FRAME are now available!! Here are the deets:

$25 - includes all parts/pieces - cut out, punched, embossed and stamped - needed to complete the Family Frame (of course you will need to provide your own family photo ... which is what goes in the "blank" black square!). You will also receive some instructions and a photo of the finished project to use as a template. This price INCLUDES shipping.

$35 - includes everything listed above, but also INCLUDES the FRAME!!

If you are interested, use the link on the sidebar to the left to email me with your order. Please be sure to include your PayPal email address so that I can send ya an invoice. That's pretty much it. Easy peasy, right??

And now ... I made this card with a set that was oft-overlooked in the catalog last year by me. UNTIL I saw a WONDERFUL card done by someone else that pretty much enabled me ... or brainwashed me ... into knowing that I MUST have it!! Funny how that happens ALL THE TIME, right??? Sheesh!!

Stamps: Happiness Shared, Watercolor Trio
Paper: Early Espresso, Rose Red, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, First Edition DSP
Ink: Basic Black Craft, Early Espresso, Watercolor Wonder Crayons
Accessories: Large Oval Punch, Oval Cutter, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Always Artichoke Seam Binding, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Folder, Pearl Stickers, Pop-Up Glue Dots

Savoring the Moment ...

As I was walking out of Marie Callender's with my mom yesterday after a little lunch (we always stop for a bite to eat after she goes to the doctor ... Marie Callendar's is right on our way!), I noticed a little patch of flowers along the sidewalk. Purples, yellows, oranges ... it made me realize that we don't have much more time to enjoy them before we are into the cold grayness of winter. There are things I love about winter (freshly fallen snow, the holidays, curling up in front of the fireplace with a good book), but being COLD is not one of them!!

I am trying to appreciate more and more the time I get to spend with my mom as well. Gone are the days of her putting my hair up in rollers on Saturday night for church on Sunday morning ... long sessions of trying on dance costumes she was making for me for the umpteenth time to make sure they were going to fit ... shopping trips for new school clothes ... coming home to the smell of beef and homemade noodles and mashed potatoes (starchonstarch .... soooooo good!). I am amazed at how quickly the years have passed, But I am totally grateful that I have the opportunity to pay her back, in any small way I can, and take care of her some for all the years she has taken care of me ... physically, emotionally, spiritually. She has always been the greatest example of selflessness of anyone I have ever known. While doctor's visits and trips to the hospital are NO fun, being together with my mom is a priceless gift. I am so happy to have her as part of my life. Love you, Mom ... (I know she will never actually see this, as she practically doesn't even know/care how to turn a computer ON, but it feels good to acknowledge my gratitude for her, anyway).

Enjoy the weekend, friends!!

Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Lots of Thoughts
Paper: Old Olive, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Pink Pirouette, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist
Ink: Old Olive
Accessories: Triple Layer Blossom Bouquet Punch, Large Oval Punch, Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Assorted SU Buttons, Pop-Up Glue Dots

Bring On the Butterflies!!

For many of you, the fact that I have a "thing" about butterflies is no secret. And for those of you who don't really know that ... check out the link on my sidebar to the right (the one that says "for details ....). I just love 'em!!

WIth that in mind, I have a couple of cards to share ... and a sad little story. First off is this crazy spend-way-too-much-time-with a-Stamp-a-Ma-Jig card. Even when I use a 'Jig I can STILL screw it up!! (Those butterflies are DEFINITELY strategically placed so as to hide my GOOFS!!) I seem to also have a "thing" lately for Crumb Cake (aka Kraft) cardstock. It pretty much goes well with EVERYthing!!

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases, Baroque Motifs
Paper: Whisper White, Crumb Cake
Ink: Poppy Parade, Indigo Island, Wild Wasabi, Concord Crush, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Itty Bitty Circle Punch, Rhinestone Stickers, Whisper White Satin/Organza Ribbon, Square Nestabilities, Pop-Up Glue Dots

And this one is an exercise in layers ... I've been seeing a lot of similar types of cards floating around for the past few months ... I REALLY like this idea. In fact, I just may hafta try it again!!

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases
Paper: Perfect Plum, Marina Mist, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla, First Edition DSP
Ink: Perfect Plum
Accessories: MS Double Loops Border Punch, EK Success Diamond Lace and Dotted Wave Edger Punches, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Little Leaves Sizzlets Die, Marina Mist Taffeta Ribbon, Pearl Stickers

And now ... my sad story. As you can see, I use the Beautiful Wings Embosslits die ... a LOT!! Well, while I (well, actually my daughter) was cutting out some butterflies for the class I did last weekend, the die fell on the floor. Now, mind you, my floor is fully carpeted. Guess what?? The die just plain ol' BROKE!! Right at the hinges!! Do you KNOW how hard it is to use an Embosslits die in a Big Shot when the two sides are not physically connected??? Good thing my daughter was almost done!!

The good news to this story is that I called Stampin' Up on Tuesday and another one should be arriving here today ... YAY!! MORE butterflies!!

Weekend is almost here ... DOUBLE yay!! This has been a long week ... my mom spent about a day and a half in the hospital (no worries, she is back home recovering and resting), which means that I ALSO spent a day and a half in the hospital. Sooo happy that we live close enough together that I am able to help her out when she needs it!!

Falling Leaves ... and Freaks!

It's time for my FAVORITE time of year ... FALL!! And the Freaks are doin' it in style, baby!! You should have just come from the splendiferous blog of Gretchen Barron ... WOWZA!! Her style is sooo wonderful, don'tcha think??








For any of you have are regular followers here, you know I've been playing a LOT with framed art ... particularly ones that have letters on blocks in them, like this one!! Being such a "FREAK" about Halloween, I KNEW I was gonna create this quite some time ago. And given my blog name, it's pretty appropriate, don'tcha think??










Lookie my Witchipoo!!! I {{heart}} witches!!







And this broomstick makes me all kinds of happy ... the broom bristles are actually created with the owl punch (shut UP!) and the new Simply Scored tool. Saw this idea somewhere else a while back and just HAD to make one of my own!! And the Candy Corn Witch??? Nichole Bair did an awesome swap recently with that great idea in there!! LOVE it!!

Stamps: Dark and Dreary, Wicked Cool, House of Haunts (Bats were created with Spooky Bingo Bits in MDS)
Paper: Frightful Sight DSP (printed from MDS), Cajun Craze, Old Olive, More Mustard Whisper White, Regals Patterned Paper, Basic Black
Ink: Old Olive, Cajun Craze, Basic Black, White Gel Pen
Accessories: Serif Essentials Bigz Dies, Spiderweb, Perfect Polka Dots and Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Folders, Wide (Large) Oval Punch, 1" Square Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Petite Pennants Builder Punch, Rhinestone Basics, Old Olive Scalloped Ribbon, Whisper White Bakers' Twine, Linen Thread, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals, 11"x14" Picture Frame

Thanks to my good friend, Kim Smith, for loaning me some fun stamps to play with (I am woefully understocked when it comes to fall/Halloween stamps this year ... WEIRD!! I'm gonna hafta FIX that!!) Hugs, Kimmie!!

After making this card with my "borrowed" stamps, methinks they are gonna find their way into my own private stash VERY soon! (Don't worry, Kimmie ... I WILL give yours back ... eventually!)

Stamps: Gently Falling, Petite Pairs
Paper: Very Vanilla
Ink: Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Peach Parfait, More Mustard, So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede, Early Espresso
Accessories: Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon, Pearl Basics, Dimensionals, Sponges

And last, but not least ... a medallion for the fall. More thanks to Kim (again!!) for teaching me how to make these medallions. Not as hard as you would think. Actually kinda fun!!

Stamps: Day of Gratitude
Paper: More Mustard, Pool Party, Spice Cake DSP
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Simply Scored Tool, Lace Trim, Triple Layer Blossom Punch, More Mustard Button, Linen Thread, Stripes and Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folders, Early Espresso Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Next?? Go check out Connie Babbert!! She is a stampin' GENIUS!!!

Cupcakes and Birthdays ...

Who DOESN'T love 'em a good ol' cupcake??? Seriously??!!?? I can eat just about any ol' kind of cupcake and be happy!! So, there ya have it ...

I really like how this card turned out ... the only really tricky part was the ding-dang linen thread that the banners are hanging on ... getting them to be the right lengths when they are taped behind the little banner flags is tricky ... but perseverance pays off!!

Stamps: Create a Cupcake, Sweet Shoppe Lower Alphabet
Paper: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, SU Cottage Wall DSP (Retired)
Ink: Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Early Espresso
Accessories: Build a Banner Punch, Create a Cupcake Punch, Diamond Lace Border Punch, Large Oval Punch, Word Window Punch, 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Folder, Happy Birthday Embossing Folder, Pearl Stickers, Linen Thread, Basic Pearls, Pop-Up Glue Dots

AND ... just a quick reminder that the Control Freaks Blog Tour is a-comin' ... be sure to check back on Tuesday to see what the Freaks are up to (hinthinthint ... the Tour is usually up and running the night before, so if you're restless, check back MONDAY night!!)

Guilty ... Again ...

If you can indulge me one more day ... I couldn't help myself!!! I've had soooo many things staring me in the face just BEGGING to be used, and this little stamp set is one of those things. Another case of "rubbahdultery" ... I know, I know ... it's not Stampin' Up, but the paper and ribbon are!! As are the punches and embossing folder ...

I knew as soon as I had seen this image that I HAD to make an anniversary card out of it ... just couldn't HELP myself!! This is some retired (OLD) DSP of Stampin' Up's called Chocolate Chip ... I lovelovelove this!! My friend, Cheryl, says it reminds her of Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" ... you know the scene where she is at the polo match in the brown/cream polka dot dress?? I {{heart}} that movie!!

Looks like I'm gonna hafta find my craft room under the piles of paper/stamps/punches and ribbon. I'm having a class here on Saturday morning and MUST have some room for my friends to CREATE!!

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!!

Stamps: Rain or Shine by Unity
Paper: Chocolate Chip DSP (retired), Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Wide Oval Punch, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Oval Cutter, Brown Pearl Stickers, Dimensionals

Winnie the Pooh

I have always had a soft spot for Winnie the Pooh ... I cannot count the times or hours my kids spent watching the Pooh cartoons when they were little ... we ALL have a bit of a soft spot for Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, Kanga, Roo and the Gang! Which is why this card makes me happy ...

I have written here before how I often neglect some of my other "toys" because I am primarily a Stampin'-Up-Only kinda gal ... many demos are ... but that does not mean I do not like/have/use OTHER stuff (what my BFF Jan would call "rubbahdultery"). And in this case it is not actually stamps, anyway. I really like being able to combine stamps, diecuts, ribbons, and embellishments to come up with a finished product. It also helps me to feel justified for spending all the CASHOLA I have for all the nifty cool toys ... er, TOOLS ... I own!! AND I have been dipping into my AMPLE stash of retired (old??) patterned/designer papers ... makes me happy. So there ya have it ...

This is for my little cousin, Sarah. She is turning 5 this week. I remember being 5 ... I loved wearing dresses and playing with dolls. (I guess I have to admit that I STILL do!) I miss my kids being little ... sigh ...

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases
Paper: Basic Black, More Mustard, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Patterned Paper (retired)
Ink: Basic Black, White Gel Pen
Accessories: Cricut Pooh & Friends and Robotz (for the font) Cartridges, 1" Square Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Daisy Punch, Rich Regals Buttons, Whisper White Baker's Twine, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Large and Small Oval Punch, Dimensionals

Safari Fun-ness!!

First and foremost ... ta-da-ta-da-ta-da-TA-DA-TA-DA!!! I FINALLY finished making the wedding announcements on Saturday!! Yippy Skippy!! HOOOORAAYYY!!! Hallelujah!! ManyManyMany thanks to Becky (mother of the bride), Hannah (the bride), TJ (the Groom), Denise (the Groom's Mother), Kacie (the Bride's Friend), Whitney (the Groom's Sister) and Amelia (the card-designer's daughter - as in MY daughter!!) for helping me assemble all the parts I had been making the last two weeks. I had between 6 and 8 slaves, er, I mean HELPERS for NINE HOURS on Saturday helping assemble the darn things. SOOO happy we were able to get 'em done!! I will post a photo of what we made in another week ... I promised Becky I wouldn't post anything until they had a chance to mail them out and people had a chance to actually get 'em first (I am pretty sure most of those 560 people don't even know this blog evem EXISTS, but I wouldn't wanna ruin ANYone's surprise!!)

Soooooooooo .... I FINALLY got to make a card today ... Just. For. FUN!!! I've been thinking about this card for DAYS (saw something similar on another blog, but can't find the link now!), but haven't had two seconds to make it. It was so much fun to create just for the sake of creating ... and I'm sending this to my little cousin, Joshua. He is turning 3 years old. Happy Birthday, Little Man!!!

Stamps: Up, Up & Away
Paper: Early Espresso, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Basic Black, Whisper White, Sarah DSP (retired), Good Morning Sunshine DSP (retired)
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Create a Critter and Celebrate With Flourish Cricut Cartridges, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Pumpkin Pie Button, Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches, Notched Corner Punch, Dimensionals

A Case of the Sillies ...

I have been working on a HUGE batch of wedding announcements for almost two weeks ... what do I mean by HUGE?? Try 560 on for size ... I think I am going a little bit BONKERS ... but I'll get to that in a minute ...

I needed to make 8 cards for a swap I am doing with my upline/sideline and some of our friendies that we have been hanging out with at Stampin' Up Convention the past couple of years. Trying to squeeze that in between the wedding invites AND a book review I had to do last Thursday for my book group ("The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" - READ IT!!) ... not to mention the GAZILLION hours I had to spend at work this week getting stuff ready for our accountant so we could file corporate taxes ... but I digress .... AGAIN ....

So this is the card I came up with for the swap ... which was inspired by the LAST card I posted here on my blog ... similar, but different, I guess ... but, I am STILL getting off track ...

I was chatting with my Besties on the Dirty Dozen chat thread on Splitcoast this past week ... telling them that I had punched SOOO many dang belly bands for these wedding invites that my hand/wrist/arm had had it and I had reverted to punching the buggers out with my FOOT!!! Seriously!!! I was goaded with many comments along the lines of "Boy, would I like to see THAT!!" Hence, the Case of the Sillies took over and I made this dorky video ... which I HONESTLY can't believe I wasted 10 minutes of my life on ... but I guess I needed a break!!! Enjoy ...



Stamps: Christmas Lodge, , FrameIt, Petite Pairs
Paper: Island Indigo, Pool Party, Whisper White
Ink: Island Indigo, Early Espresso
Accessories: Word Window Punch, Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Snow Burst Textured Impressions Folder, Northern Frost Decorative Strip Die, Rhinestone Basics. Whisper White Satin/Organza Ribbon, Dimensionals

Come Join Me!!

For any of you that are in Salt Lake (or locations close by!) ... I am having a class on Saturday, September 17, and would LOVE to have you come!!! Let me know by THIS Sunday if you'd like to join in the fun!! (Please note: the "blank" spot in the frame is where you can put a photo of your fam!!)

Create with Connie & Mary

I'm am soooo excited to announce that I have once again been asked to be a Special Guest Designer for my two good friends (and fellow Control Freaks) Connie Babbert and Mary Brown. They have a wonderful website called, appropriately "Create with Connie and Mary", and they are currently warming up to offer y'all their Holiday 2011 Edition of super-wonderful and faBOO projects! Check it out:

Create with Connie and Mary

The project I will be creating for them is using the stamp set I used on this card - Christmas Lodge (my project will be offered on their website during week 5 ... October 16-22). Can I tell ya how much I LOVE this stamp set???? Seriously!! It's GOJUS!!! There will be a LOT of great projects in this Holiday 2011 Edition. You will NOT be disappointed, that's for sure!! And if you sign up NOW, you will receive the Early Bird price of $29.95 (which is $5 of the regular subscription price).

(And I can't BELIEVE it's only the first week of September and I have ALREADY created a Christmas card!!!! Yeee-IKESS!!)

Stamps: Christmas Lodge, Petite Pairs
Paper: Night of Navy, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Night of Navy
Accessories: Snow Burst Textured Impressions Folder, Circle Scissor, Snowflake #2 Originals Die, Northern Frost Decorative Strip Die, Rhinestone Basics, Word Window Punch, Whisper White Satin/Organza Ribbon

Flowers for Labor Day

Looking back at my last few blog posts I see I have been using (a) a LOT of red, white and blue and (b) all my cards are for DUDES!! Sooooo .... I guess it was time to throw some flowers back into the mix!!

This card is ALMOST red, white and blue ... sorta ... 'cept it's purple ... I have been loving my Crumb Cake lately, too (that sounds like it SHOULD be some yummy food, doesn't it??). At least this way it has fewer calories!!

I have been workingworkingworking on some wedding invite stuff for a dear friend of mine (actually, they are for her daughter ... who is ALSO a dear friend of mine ... I have known her since the day she was born!). I am making 560 criss-cross pockets with belly bands ... and I am going absolutely BONKERS!!! I will be MUI-HAPPY when these critters are OUTTA here!! Guess I should quit typing and get back to work!! Sheesh!!

Stamps: Fabulous Florets, Tiny Tags
Paper: Crumb Cake, Poppy Parade, Concord Crush, In Color Patterned Paper, Sweet Slumber DSP, Whisper White
Ink: Crumb Cake, Poppy Parade, Concord Crush
Accessories: Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Pearly Swirly Stickers (unknown), Tag Punch, Pop-Up Glue Dots

Strippin' ....

Hehehehe!! I KNEW that post title would get your attention!!! (I really shouldn't be typin' these things up when I should be sleepin' instead!!

I hate when I get in a rut ... you KNOW what I'm talkin' about ... when everything you make seems to look the SAME as everything else you make??? I've really been making an effort lately to try and shake up my layouts ... I seem to revert back to a similar looking layout all the time. Which is what inspired this card. I used this as my sample for the Free for All challenge I hosted over on SCS today ... Crossing Strips. Pull out all those paper strips you have been saving in your scrap pile ... c'mon, now!! I KNOW you have 'em!! Pieces you just can't BEAR to throw out 'cause you MIGHT be able to USE 'em?? Go for it. Remember when Egon tells the other "Ghostbusters" not to cross the streams??? Fuhgetaboudit!!! CROSS 'EM!!

The challenge is basically to use paper strips and cross them over each other to create some sort of pattern for your card ... I think this one may stretch some WAAYYYY out of the zone, but that's what I'm hoping for. There are already some really fun and creative ideas showing up in the gallery. Check it out!

Crossing Strips F4A80 Challenge Gallery

I'm giving this to my nephew, Dan. He's turning the big 3-0 tomorrow ... I remember 30 ... sorta ... maybe ...

Stamps: Family Reunion
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Not Quite Navy
Ink: Rich Regals Patterned Paper, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Limited Edition DSP
Accessories: Large and Small Star Punches, Wide (Large) Oval Punch, Stripes Textured Impressions Folder, Rich Regals Button, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Paper Crimper, Small Silver Brads, Paper PIercing Tool/Mat, Dimensionals