Make Mine Stamps

Clean and Simple 10 Minute Card

I'm frantically looking for my new In Color Pads.  They have disappeared and I didn't realize it until I reached for them today.  So....I'll have to pray about this and see if God can find them for me -- just color me frustrated and clueless at this point!

I had an idea in my mind and wanted to create it in Cherry Cobbler but when I went looking for paper, Melon Mambo and Regal Rose were together -- very pretty combination.  I wasn't certain what Regal Rose would bleach down to and here's the result.

The basecard is Melon Mambo.  I cut the Regal Rose layer and stamped it in Melon Mambo ink with En Francais.  Nothing says love like the French, right? 

Next, I used an aqua painter that I keep filled with bleach to color the image from Water Color Trio.  I stamped the panel, repeating the process three times.  Now I am wondering how it would look to try just second and third generation bleach stamping, but I didn't think of it while sitting at my table.  Something new to try....  It bleached down to Very Vanilla so I stamped my sentiment on a textured Very Vanila panel in Melon Mambo Ink and punched it out with the Large Heart Punch.  This sentiment is from Well Scripted.  Once my heart was punched, I added it to the basecard with dimensionals.  Simple and it took about 7 minutes!  I like those every now and then.

Still working on the cards for the Ronald McDonald House event on August 7.  I am very fortunate that I have stampers who are helping as well.  A HUGE SHOUT OUT to Pat Palmer and Francie Holdren for helping to put the kits together, and for their donation of some fabulous cards.  I'll be showcasing some of them later this week.

If you love Designer Series Papers like I love Designer Series Papers, read on.  I'm doing a Paper Share!  How's that work?  I'm ordering all of the Designer Series Papers that Stampin' Up! is offering in the new Idea Book and Catalog and am offering them in 6x6 shares.  You'll get 96 pieces of 6x6 paper, along with a template that will show you how to create six cards using only one piece of DSP, but you will have to add solid color cardstock as well.  The cost is $25 and I've only got two shares left.  This does not include the Printed Pattern Packs, but I'm doing a share with them as well for larger pieces and the cost is the same.  If you are interested in the details of either share, please email me and I'll give you the details.  I've ordered the paper, am anxiously awaiting delivery, and once I receive it, I'll turn the shares around and get them sent within 5 days, if not sooner.  That's a lot of paper to cut!  But, you'll have a piece of every designer series paper and that includes the specials too -- it's a fabulous deal if you like DSP and don't want to buy it all yourself.  Shipping, if you aren't local, will be via priority mail and is $4.90.

If you haven't committed your calendar date of August 7, consider joining us at the John McIntire Library in Muskingum County.  Our goal is 1,000 cards for the Central Ohio Ronald McDonald House and we are already well on our way with the donations we've received to date.  No stamping experience is necessary...all supplies provided...door prizes...ages 16 and up only please.  Card kits will provide everything you need and if you need to learn, we'll be happy to show you how to stamp and make some great cards for a fabulous cause!  Come when you can, leave when you must -- we'll be working from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and we'd love for you to share your talent with us for this very worthy cause!

Have a blessed day!  See you tomorrow!

Good Intentions....Don't Always Happen!

Last week, on Thursday, I started feeling kind of yucky.  Then on Friday, it was a full blown stomach flu complete with body aches.  No purging of the body, just intense tummy cramps that kept me down and bowled over all weekend.  It was Tuesday before I really started feeling good. 

During that down time, I didn't check email, I didn't eat, I didn't do laundry -- I just vegged and tried to stay alive.   Trust me when I say I just got behind the eight ball.  Today, I've decided to give myself the remainder of the week for a BlogCation and I'll be back with a vengeance on Monday.  I apologize -- I've got tons of ideas to try, but the domestic goddess in me, the one who is Thom's wife, feels that the laundry and housework has to come first.  However, next Monday, The Angel Whom Is Called Desi graces my home and my afternoon will be my own.

Have a fabulous weekend and a glorious Father's Day!  See you Monday!  God Bless!

Blogger's Challenge - Father's Day Cards

It's Friday and that makes me so happy!  I spent a couple of days this week with a stomach bug that was giving me fits and I'm hopeful it is over.

Today, we are to share Father's Day cards.  Not many people know that my own father died of lung cancer when I was but a babe (8 months old to be exact!).  And I was fortunate that my mother married my DAD!  You've read the saying that "Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad."  It's true.  I vividly recall that before I had my mastectomy, I was working one day and my father called me at work.  He didn't normally do that and I knew something must be up.  He was so choked up with emotion he could barely talk, but he said to me, "Tam, I love you.  If I could do this for you, I would do it in a heartbeat."  And I knew he would have done it for me if he could.  His tears made me cry and when I got off the phone, I thanked God that he gave me a dad who loved me that much. 

The story, as I've heard it told, is that my dad and my mom were dating and my dad was playing with me, holding me above his head.  He looked up at me and said, "Ask your mom if she'll marry me.  You need a dad."  I think it's true, but if it's not, it's a great story anyway!  Love you, Dad!

Here's the card I did:

I know I've used this set tons of times, but I love it.  I started with a base of Soft Suede. 

I stamped the image in Garden Green, Wild Wasabi, Summer Sun and Soft Suede.  However, some of the grasses are second generation stamping to give you a contrast between light and dark.   The flower stems are all done in Garden Green and I'm getting used to the new color families to figure out what works best with what.  Love Wild Wasabi with Garden Green -- gonna be a favorite combo, I can tell!

I cut my stamped image into four equal pieces and then mounted the squares on Wild Wasabi.  I mounted this piece onto Summer Sun (sorry to see this go!).  Next, I wrapped the Soft Suede polka dotted ribbon around the layer (dots down as always) and tied the cheater knot on top.  This entire panel was adhered to the basecard.

Finally, I used a retired stamp that I will always keep in my stamping closet because I love it so much -- the word, the font and how pretty it looks on cards.

I used Soft Suede and the Horizontal Slot punch to create the cattails.  I'm not sure who to credit with this idea, but I love the cattails with this set and think this is adorable. 

This weekend, if you are close to Zanesville, you need to attend the Gordon Mote concert at Licking Valley High School.  The concert is Sunday at 4 p.m.  Gordon is the premiere studio pianist for all the Christian and Country stars in Nashville.  He's an award winner and the most unbelieveable part is that he has been blind since birth.  The man is a marvel on the keyboard.  He can sing as well and his witness is very inspiring.  It would be a fabulous way to spend your Sunday afternoon.  Tickets are only $10 and I'm telling you, this concert is worth much more than $10!  You'll love the setting too -- very small and intimate and I can't wait to see and hear him play and sing some of his new songs.  He is da bomb!

If you want to hear some of his music, check out this link:  http://gordonmote.com/bio.html

Even if you can't come to the concert, check Gordon's web site out at gordonmote.com  You won't be sorry -- I guarantee it!

God Bless!  Fill your weekend with faith and family!

So Proud!

Well, I spent yesterday at the University of Findlay with Andy as he competed for a four year full scholarship.  I am in total awe of that fact that he even earned the opportunity to compete for this award.  Many of you know that in his high school class, there was only one (1) girl and yesterday, there were 20 girls and only 2 boys!  We were told during his college visit that it is pretty much 4 or 5 gals to each guy.  What are the odds?

At any rate, we should know today or tomorrow if he wins this scholarship.  And it won't matter to me if he doesn't -- I'm proud of him and his accomplishments.  Here's the card I made for him just to let him know how proud I really am.

On the inside, I used a sticker quote that reads, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life you've imagined.  Henry David Thoreau"

And of course, I got lost coming home.  It's the darned sugar towers -- I am never certain whether I take that exit or not.  And I'm supposed to.  Thankfully, I was able to call Thom and he could get me home.  I'm grateful that he is always able to get me home when I'm lost.  The man is a wonder and he always has my back.  I think that is just one more reason I love him.  He doesn't even get flustered -- he just calmly asks me where I am and then he pulls out his map and tells me how to get home.  No yelling or recriminations about how I can get lost going to Findlay -- just "here is what you need to do."  And God was working with me yesterday too because I didn't have cell service when I called Thom originally, but for one reason or another, he tried calling me.  I couldn't call him, but I could get his call (how weird is THAT!) and after he was able to give me directions, I had no network until I was 20 minutes from home.  GOD IS GOOD! 

I've got pictures of RAKS I've received to share and I hope to be able to get them posted tomorrow.  Sorry I've been MIA, but it should be better now.  Having some issues with my hands, but I'm hopeful I can work through them.

In the meantime, have an awesome, God-filled day!  See you tomorrow!

Start to Finish Stamping - Card 3

I did find some time to stamp yesterday (Mr. Brown brought me a box!) but I made my card for Blogger's Challenge for Friday.  That means you are getting to see Card 3 from the Start to Finish Stamping Library Class.  This one is basically a case from a Stampin' Success magazine published for demos (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS PUBLICATION!).  I made it an A2 card, used different colors, and tweaked the design the tiniest bit, but basically, it is a CASE of a Stampin' Up! card.

The basecard is Ruby Red and the other colors are Ballet Blue, Certainly Celery and Crushed Curry.  This one was done with the Circle Circus stamp set.  Everyone seems to love this set and when I first got it, I wasn't inspired.  But it has really grown on me, and it is very versatile.  I guess Stampin' Up! does know a few things!

Just in case anyone wonders, I got the name for this class "Start to Finish Stamping" from a demo group to which I belong.  I didn't check out their class but thought this would be a good name for a class that involves talking about tools, how to efficiently and accurately cut cardstock and some basic stamping guidelines. 

I need to go pack for the class and will pray tonight that I remember everything!  I'll double check before I leave tomorrow too -- nothing worse than not having something you need and having ten class participants know that you screwed up! 

By the way, if you love the neutrals carstocks that Stampin' UP! offers, we were informed today by a demo who had spoken with the Home Office that the neutrals cardstocks are going to be packaged differently in the new catalog.  You'll save some dollars if you order your neutrals (page 159) prior to the new catalog debuting.  Currently sold in packages of 40, these neutrals cost $0.1875.  In the new catalog coming in July, they will be offerred in packages of 24 and will cost you $0.2291.  Knowing that, and knowing there are new colors with all their corresponding accessories, not to mention new stamps and other new toys, it might be worth thinking about.  At least you've been warned.....

See you on Friday with Blogger's Challenge!  It's Mother's Day Cards -- I'm excited already!

God Bless You!

Oops! I Messed Up!

I realized at about 2:30 a.m. this morning (when I woke up with my regularly scheduled hot flash!), that Monday is not the correct date for my Library Class.  The correct day is Tuesday, May 4.  I knew the date was May 4, but I seriously did think it was Monday.  So...if you are thinking you might want to take this class, check your calendar for Tuesday, May 4!  Start to Finish Stamping -- you'll be taking 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper and you'll be doing all of your cutting yourself.  I'll show you how to figure your measurements and we're going to be doing something cool in this class -- but you won't know what it is unless you take it!  So, call the John McIntire Library and get signed up -- 740/453-0391.  This will be a great refresher course for those of you who haven't used your supplies in a while, or for those of you just getting started.  Also, if you are a scrapbooker and would like to know how to use your supplies to make cards, you would definitely benefit from this class!

See you again tomorrow -- I hope to stamp something this afternoon!

What? You're Pregnant?

One of Andy's past teachers, Karen, is pregnant with her second child.  She and her husband, Troy, have one other child, Shelby, who is 17!  Yep, you read that right -- 17 and driving!  I think this baby was a surprise but is also very much welcome.  Karen has been a great influence on my son, as well as a huge help to him by "tutoring" him when he was struggling with Math.  As a result, Andy has always gotten great grades.  Because I love babies, because Andy is graduating and because she is just a really nice gal, I crafted a scrapbook for Karen and Troy and their new baby.  Here are the first four pages.  

I love the color palette and think it looks very much like a boy.  I'm putting these pages into a Z fold accordion album and all the pages are 9x9.  I like this format because it isn't hidden away in an album, but is meant to be out and about where people can see it, touch it and comment on it every time they enter the room.  After all, we scrapbook to preserve sacred memories -- why not keep some of these pictures out where folks can see them and adore them NOW versus when you drag out your albums.  I also like this format because I like to be able to say that I finished an album (there are eight 9x9 pages) in less than 8 hours.  

I scrap with a scrap map I've developed myself and I love this system.  It takes about 45 minutes to cut all the pieces and label them -- then, I just follow the map to put the pages together.  Once they are done, I start embellishing and deciding how I want the photo mats, etc.  Every book is different, dependent upon whom I am gifting the book too.  I really enjoy doing these books and always hope that the recipients enjoy the book as much as I enjoy creating it.

In picture three, the verse reads "Children are a gift from God." and I stamped this on the front of the vellum, using my heat gun to speed the drying process.  On the back of the vellum, I stamped the parent/baby hands and I love how this came out.  In real life, it looks great but it didn't come through the photo that well.  However, if you click on each photo, they will enlarge.

In picture four, the verse reads, "Making the decision to have a child is momentous.  It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.  Elizabeth Stone"  Isn't that the truth?

I'll show you the next four pages and the completed book tomorrow.

Now, the winner of the Sketch Challenge goodies is.....can you hear the drumroll?...Francie Holdren!

And the winner of the Color Challenge goodies is...drumroll still sounding!...Laura Natalie!

Since they both entered so many times, random.org made the decision and I'll be delivering their goodies this week.  Thanks so much to all who participated.  I'll be sending all of our cards to the Ronald McDonald House this week as well.

Have a fabulous Monday!  God Bless!

Animal Crackers

Well, this is one of those cards that was definitely better in my head, but it isn't too bad!  I suppose I could send it to one of my nephews and they would love it.  I used a sketch challenge, but it was from the previous week (I think) and now I can't find the information on where I got the sketch -- it's just as well as I probably won't use it again.  And, because I've been stamping so much for other "causes," my own stamping just isn't getting the time it needs for me to be really happy with what I'm designing. 

I started with a base of Soft Suede and layered on a pierce of Crushed Curry which I put through the Big Shot with the Dotted Embossing Folder.  I used a small sponge to sponge on some Soft Suede and when you see it in real life, it appears to be "hairy", which is kind of what I was attempting to create.

I stamped my focal image in Soft Suede and colored it with my markers, using Apricot Appeal, Soft Suede and Dusty Durango.  I layered on pieces of the Razzleberry Lemonade DSP and then matted the focal image on Dusty Durango and adhered it to the basecard with dimensionals.  As I said, it's okay, but not one of my favorites. 

Here's a promotional note:  If you haven't already purchased a "cutter", go for the Fiskars Unit!  I have two and I've noticed that my line markers (the reason I bought these cutters) are disappearing.  I know I could draw the lines back in with a permanent marker, but I didn't know if this would stay either.  So, I took pictures of my cutters (which I use ALL THE TIME!) and sent them to Fiskars Customer Service via email.  I received an email in return, within 2 days, noting that their products are warrantied for life and they SENT ME TWO NEW CUTTERS -- free and I didn't even have to pay shipping!  I have the Deluxe Portable Trimmers and I am now a FISKARS customer for life.  They didn't even ask me to return the old ones -- the first of which I purchased at least four or five years ago and the second is less than two years old.  How great is that?  From now on, if there is a FISKARS product out there that fits my needs, I'm buying it.  I will definitely keep supporting a company with this kind of fabulous customer service!

If you're keeping count, I'm at 200+ on the 3x3's and I'm trying to do at least 20 per day.  My goal is 400 and I need them done by next weekend so they can be delivered on Monday afternoon (March 29 -- my birthday!).  I generally make more on the weekend than throughout the week, but this weekend, I'm designing and cutting cards for my Monday Card Club.  I think I have eight to ten ladies coming and I need to make certain I have some WOW! projects.  So, I had better get cracking on those cards....

Here are some of the 3x3's that I've made thus far.

When I donate cards like this, I try to use my retired cardstock and supplies first.  I had a bunch of Pink Pirouette cardstock left so I have several different designs in Pink.  Plus, after you have made about 20 of these, you get tired of the design and need to move on -- no matter how many you have to do, if you've seen it 20 times, you get bored with the design very quickly. 

And as you can see, I've got a bunch of Tangerine Tango left (or did have!) along with two spools of the ribbon -- put that stuff to good use!  Did you know that you can do two strips of Whisper White cardstock at a time through the new scalloped trim punch?  I'm getting very good at that....

Now, I know that I promised to use my color challenge of Perfect Plum, So Saffron and Mellow Moss today, but you'll have to wait until tomorrow.  Blogger's Challenge is a Spring Theme so I used the color challenge for tomorrow's card and knew I wouldn't have time to create a new one today for posting tomorrow.  Especially since I probably spent an hour trying to design a card that is in my head, but it just wouldn't come out my fingers.  So...I'll keep trying and let you know if it ever emerges.  I will love the card if I can create it, but it may just stay a vision in my head.

Here are the prize packages for the Color and Sketch Challenge and at this point, I don't know which is which.  There will be a few things added to each stack, but this will give you an idea of what is up for grabs.  Tomorrow is the last day for postmarking your entry!

                  Click on the pictures for enlargement, but there are brand new stamps sets (never mounted), unmounted rubber sets (they have been used unmounted with clear blocks), rub ons, punches and a large stack of 6x6 Designer Series Papers that need to find a new home in your craft room.  What would you do with these play things?

Okay, that's it for me.  See you tomorrow for Blogger's Challenge.  We have an event for Andy this evening for National Honor Society and I am rushing trying to get a few things done before we leave.  My back is giving me some trouble and although it is back in place, riding in the car is really bothering me.  Thank goodness Thom is driving tonight!  Tomorrow, Andy and his dad will be at the University of Findlay to attend their Health Science Day.  Because I know I cannot make that 3.5 hour trip EACH WAY in the car, no matter how comfortable the car, I've given them a list of questions.  I've already done the tour and I'm not really impressed.  However, it is his decision.  My heart is at Baldwin Wallace but we'll see what he decides.  (Under my breath, I'm praying God directs him to Baldwin Wallace -- it's closer and I think it's a much nicer place -- seems more like a college and not a glorified high school!).  Again I say:  It is his decision.  Can you tell I'm trying to convince myself to shut my mouth and let him make his own decision?

Hugs to you and a blessed day as well! 

Thank You Help Needed Please!

I've got to make thank you notes for the Bride-to-Be to send for her shower gifts.  They need to be simple for a variety of reasons, but the biggest one is for ease in mailing and to keep the cost to one stamp.  If I start to layer, the cards may need additional postage.  Plus, I'd like to make more cards so keeping them simple will help -- I've gained a couple of commitments for Tuesday night and will only be able to work on these on Wednesday and Friday.  Thursday, I have a class and it will be too late for me to work on them when I get home.  Can you please cast your vote?  I'm willing to change them up a bit, but keep in mind that when I add layers, ribbon or brads, I increase the risk of these cards costing more to mail.  Also, each card has either been done on Shimmery White cardstock or has been shimmered with homemade shimmer mist and they all glisten beautifully.  Thanks! 

   This is Card #1

This is Card #2

This is Card #3

This is Card #4

This is Card #5, and the Thank You is inside with a small stamp that resembles the stamp on the outside of Cards #1 and 4.

If you click on the pictures, they will enlarge and you can see the embossed detail.  Thanks so much!  I cannot decide so I'm asking for your help.  I'll let you know which card wins and which card I end up making! 
 
 

I'm coming back!

What a couple of weeks it has been!  I have bad news and good news!  The bad news?  I was mis-diagnosed!  I don't have Osteo-Arthritis or Fibromyalgia!  The good news?  I have Carpal Tunnel!  So, even though I don't have pictures ready to post this a.m., I will post a new card this afternoon and I'll actually be stamping, with braces, later today!  I say Praise the Lord!  No drugs and I just couldn't tolerate them anyway so this is fabulous news for me!  The braces make this so much more bearable but typing is slow and I have to be careful of how much activity still as I only got the braces yesterday.  However, what a difference a day makes!

Thank you all for your prayers -- I am so very blessed to know so many Christian women who put me on their list and again I say, "God is good!"  I will see you this afternoon and I'll be blogging regularly again for the remainder of the week as long as the creative juices are still flowing!

Have a fabulous day!