My Stampin' Spot

Big Thank You

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hey there peeps! Good morning to you! I'm happy to be stopping by this am! We turned out to have a little bit of a crazy weekend...my baby (all 25+ pounds of him;) fell off the bench at church. He cried and cried and cried...and finally about an hour after we got home from church I decided I had to take him to the dr. He was "off" and I can't handle that! So, I took him in and we actually got to see our regular pediatrition--which was a tremendous blessing! He told me that Max had a concussion! Wow, from falling of a bench that isn't very high at all! So, I've been on serious "hold me Mommy" duty!

I am happy to report that he is getting better and better as the hours go by! He is finally getting to feel a bit more normal to me. The dr. told me it could take up a to a week to have him back to "normal"...so we're thankful for the progress we've made thus far! I tell you what, I am SO thankful for a great pediatrition!! He has made me feel so calm...I sincerely appreicate that!

So, on a lighter note, here is another part of the card order I'm working on! I'm just about finished...products are new PTI goods...delicious colors, don't you think!?

It's been a while since I've done one layer cards...but it sure does feel good!!

Thanks for stopping by today...hold your babies close and give them an extra squeeze today! Make it great!

Thank You

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! I hope you are doing well!! Did you have a great weekend!? Ours went super fast...but it was great! And here's to a great week of excitement!

These two cards are part of an order I am working on...and I'm loving them! I got some new PTI goodies and have really been enjoying them! I used the circle die and stamps...LOVE them!

And here is the raspberry fizz version!

I hope you have a great day...take care and I'll be back tomorrow! I've got more fun to share!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Cheery Day!

2012-01-27T10:31:00.000-08:00

Hey there friends! I hope you are doing great! I am loving that I had to drop the blindes because the SUN is so bright today! I love that great big yellow ball in the sky! Here in Seattle, we really love seeing it in the winter months...as it seems to hide most of the time!;) I drew the color inspiration for this card from the sunny day we are having...and the layout from Dawn McVey. I have loved her design style and bold color choices for several years now...love, love, love her.

The UPS man brought me some new goodies...and let's just say I'm glad to have a bit of time to play! It is so amazing what a bit of creating time does for this momma!! I've been working on a couple of orders of cards--and I'm really enjoying the creating process!! Don't you love those days!?

I used some of my new PTI goodies on this card...you'll be seeing a lot of new PTI goodness in the coming days! I feel like using these stamps "takes me back" to just ink and cardstock...and it makes my heart so happy! I know that sounds silly...but I think most of you understand what I mean!?

I have a favor to ask of you, my dear creative friends! A Lot of you know about my love for Red Fred Bodoni and his Jolly Troop...he's been in my sidebar for a while now!! You'll note that in my new profile photo, I'm joined by a sweet little bird...her name is Yvette.

She is part of the Jolly Troop...that I love so much!

Anyway, my brother is the creator of this Jolly Troop and is just oozing with excitement about these wonderful birds. He is working on getting some things in NYC going...and is participating in the 3RD Ward Open all for a really wonderful opportunity! Might you take a second and vote for him? You can simply click here, and be taken right to the link to vote...it would mean so much to me!! If you have a few extra mintues, and you'd like to learn a little bit more about the Jolly Troop, go here....

Thanks so much for stopping by today!! I hope you have a fantastic cheery day!!! See you tomorrow!

Happiness...

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Hello friends! I hope you are having a great week! I've been busy getting back into the groove of our "normal" routine...after the week of craziness! I feel better about a clean house, laundry cleaned and put away...oh, it feels good!

And speaking of feeling good, I got some new stamps from Gourmet Rubber Stamps...and they are SO fun! Today is the 25th, which means you get to look at the new stamps too!! If you head over to the GRS blog you can see the full set revealed! I took a look at this new Diner's Club set and I was so excited! I love this rainbow...isn't it great!?

I paired it up with some fun Echo Park paper--and isn't that a fun sentiment!? The clouds have been glitified...and it felt great to get that glitter going again!

I also used some glitter here, but I know you can't see it in this photo! I wanted to keep this one clean and crisp...I know my kids are going to have a bunch of fun with these stamps!

I hope you have a great day!! Be sure to take a peek at the other girls blogs...all sorts of fun to be seen today!! I'll be back with more fun!! Thanks for stopping by...make it great!

You make my day brighter!

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! Thank you for your comments and well wishes with our crazy weather! I'm happy to report that we got our power late Friday night...and it made us so happy! I have some friends that are still without power and I am so happy that it isn't snowing/icing anymore! We felt so blessed to be able to handle the storm the way we did!

Funny thing, I made this card before the power went out...ha ha ha!! It's a little cutie made with some new Lawn Fawn stamps I picked up from the one and only Amy...love that girl!!

I have to say how thankful I am for the simple things this week...and I'm so happy that my kids get to go to school this week!;) I'll be back tomorrow...take care and see you soon!!

Missing You...

2012-01-20T19:34:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! I hope you are all warm and safe! We, here in the Seattle area, are having CRAZY weather! So, the kid's didn't have school at all this week (well, about 4 hours Tuesday, which my kids didn't attend). The snow finally stopped, and now the rain has begun. They say all our snow will be gone soon, as it's warming up a bit outside. BUT right as we were heading to bed last night, the power went out! And, it's been out all day and might be out for a few more days! Let me tell you how thankful I am today for a fireplace that heats our home well, and a GENERATOR! I am so thankful we went ahead and got our generator, andgot it all ready for "just in case!"

It has kept us warm, the fridge on and running, and our life pretty normal today! Thank goodness for for generators! We've had a long no-power stretch...and thankfully we're all set for this storm!

I just wanted to share this card...I love this map paper from October Afternoon! Isn't that fun paper!? Of course, I love all of their paper...how can you not!?

Hope you are doing well in your little part of the world! Hopefully I'll be able to check in tomorrow...take care and make it great!

More CupCards To Go!

2012-01-17T19:45:00.000-08:00

Hello dear ones! I feel like I should be saying "Merry Christmas!" We have been experiencing what my husband has termed, "Snow-magaden!" The weather people have been talking about a big snow storm...and we've been waiting! We've been holding our breath that we'd have some SNOW! My kids were really disappointed this morning while they learned that there would be school today--just delayed a couple of hours. Then, IT came! We've had a lot of really good snow today! The perfect sledding weather! So, I feel like it is finally really winter! My kids came in from playing with frozen little cheeks and couldn't stop chattering about how much fun they had...good times!!

I'd like to share a couple more Valentines with you! These are were made with my CupCards To Go Kit, Hugs and Kisses! I'm serious...I LOVED working with these products! Sonda does a wonderful job gathering up supplies, wouldn't you say!?!

I hope you had a great day! We learned tonight that there will be no school tomorrow...and the sky is full of beautiful flurries again tonight...I love it!! Take care and I'll see you back here tomorrow!!

Cup Cards to go Valentine Kit!!

2012-01-16T19:27:00.000-08:00

Good evening friends! I hope you had a great day...my kids were off school and we got SNOW! They played outside until they were as frozen as a popsicle!! We had good sledding snow and great snowman snow...and frosty lives on!

Tonight is the time to run over to Cupcards ToGo and pick up your valentine kit! This kit is FANTASTIC and am confident you will LOVE it as much as I did! You can take a stroll through the gallery and see all sorts of beautiful and inspiring samples from the design team!

I've got a bunch to share, but will take a few days to get them all posted! So, here are a couple of my valentines! I'm so excited to have so many finished up already!

I used my top note die from SU to make this fun little quilt...

And had fun with this awesome pink paper...you'll love it!!

See you tomorrow with more fun Valentines! Take care and sleep tight!

Gourmet Rubber Stamps Challenge

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! I hope you are having a great weekend! We are so excited about a day of resting and being together! I hope you have a great one too!!

Today is a fun day...the Grourmet Rubber Stamp design team has a challenge every month. Today our challenge was to make a Valentine Tag. I had a fun time with this one! I love this little princess image! She has been a favorite image since I first got her! She is part of the A Little Love stamp set. Isn't she cute!?

My daughters both can't wait until they get to use this tag as their new bookmarks! They are so funny...I guess I'll be busting out a few more of these littles! I used nestabilites to cut the labels...and some polka dot Crate Paper for the backing!

Be sure to take a peek at the other design team girls blogs to see all the great tags they have created!! You can stop by the GRS blog to get the full details!

I'll be back with some fun tomorrow! It is time for the new Cup Cards to go kit to be released! You'll love this kit! It's a great buy and will be a huge boost in your Valentine cards this year! I've really had a GREAT time with the whole kit!!

I'll see you tomorrow, take care!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hey there friends! Happy Friday! I'm excited to share with you today! I've got this little Valentine number to share with you...and it just happens to be my first time using Smooch Spritz! I LOVE it! I had a plain white doily and I used some Spun Sugar and oh my word! Can you say danger?! I loved the soft shimmer it has...and it dried so fast! I have been terrified of mists/sprays...thanks for letting me admit that...but I will be afraid no more! I love the look, don't you!?

I used the Gourmet Rubber Stamps Weekly Recipe #16 sketch for my layout...and now have a start in my Valentiene's day stash! I used the Vintage Valentine stamp set, (the Lizzie Anne linei by Groumet Rubber Stamps. My patterened paper is from Pink Paislee and isn't it dreamy!? I also used my 3D flower die from Sizzix for my rolled flower!

I am finishing up on my Cup Cards to go samples!! I'm excited to share them with you! Tomorrow I'll have a few little sneak peeks for you...and you can also stop by the CC2G blog to see more great work!!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I appreciate you taking the time! Make it a great one!!

See you back here tomorrow!

I'm Cuckoo for you!

2012-01-11T21:56:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! I hope you are doing well! This week has proven fast and furious! I've got an almost 4 year old in my houes that is proving to give me a run for my money! She is darling and wonderful and thoughtful and sweet, and VERY demanding this week! Anyone else have any small peeps like that!? Oh, I could squeeze her little face off, she is so cute! And then in the same breath, she stresses me out! Anyway, some of my days this week, I've felt a bit crazy...and when I saw the sentiment I used on this card...it was time to get inky!!

These cute images can be found in the Diner's Club Set, Sealed with a Kiss. I think they are super fun...very whimsical! I thought this paper collection from MME went well with these images!

I hope you have a great week! Take care and make it great! I've been working on some fun things to share with you all!! I got my kit from Cupcards To Go...and I've had so much fun!! Go on over to the blog to catch glimpses of what is to come! Stay tuned for all sorts of fun....

Be Mine

2012-01-09T21:28:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! I had a a super hard time with this photo...my camera is really playing tricks one me right now! Sorry it's a bit dark!!:) I wanted to share this little quick number...I was inspired by a card I saw on pinterest....and come to find out the original card was made by my sweet and SUPER talented friend Maile Bells! She is such a sweet girl...we met up at CHA in 2010...she is super cute, sweet and can we say "it"!? Anyway it made me happy to see that the card that inspired me was hers!

Hope you have a great one!! I got some fun new goodies that I'm busy working with so I can show you some "love"...oh the fun!! See you soon!! Thanks for stopping by!

Love you to my core

2012-01-05T22:52:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! I hope you are doing well. I am doing great...loving 2012 and the things I'm being able to accopmlish! I had some creative time yesterday and it felt SO good...I've always said that creating is my "therapy" and I was REALLY past due! It felt good to get my hands inky...and just create!

I made this little number...with some fun Paper Smooches stamps...I love that sentiment! It is totally something that you'd find coming out of my mouth! I am sorry the photo looks so dark...my camera was playing tricks on me with the white space...and it's killing me!!

I have some fun news...if you look up at the top left corner of my blog you'll see a new blinkie! I was asked to join the Cup Cards {to go} team! I was a guest designer for them this summer..and the kits I've used are super wonderful! I'm all sorts of excited to be joining this fun team and hope you'll enjoy the fun with me! The kits I've purchased have always been quite stellar, so this should be a great time!!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care and make it great!

Celebrate!

2012-01-04T22:27:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! I hope you are doing well! I was really happy to get a few minutes today to take part in a challenge! It's been WAY too long since I've thrown myself into a challenge! I love that there are so many fun ones to participate in...but today I chose the Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger !

So, here is the photo that I used as my inspiration! Isn't that an awesome quilt! Cath always does such a great job finding inspiration to share! So, I used some fun Paper Smooches stamps...

I was inspired by the colors and the numbers of course...so here is the first birthday card of 2012!

I'm going to refresh my resovle to send more cards. I did up my sending this year, but I have a bunch of stamps in my desk...hoping that I can get even more cards to the mailbox this year!!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care and make it great!

I loved you...

2012-01-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! Happy New Year!! I hope that you all had wonderful holidays...we sure did! I was reading my post that I made during hte holiday and noticed that I didn't tell you where we were! We drove to Star Valley, Wyoming for the holiday! It was freezing, wonderous, white and full of family! We sure had a wonderful time!

And now that we are home, I've done mountains of laundry, put all the decorations away, organized the kids drawers and closets...I'm ready for another vacation!;)

I've got a little something to share from the new Diner's Club set, Sealed with a Kiss. I wanted to go for a classic look...and I love the light pink with the bold black ink and ribbon! I used two images, one for the background and one for the sentiment.

I am getting my mind ready for Valentine's Day...the house decorations are starting to come to my mind...oh, the fun, the fun!! Take care and see you back here tomorrow!

Bicycle built for two!

2011-12-27T09:02:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! I hope you've had a wonderful holiday! We are really enjoying our holiday! We are enjoying the snow and FREEZING weather! When we arrived the temperature outside was below zero and it's stayed right there...and oh, it's so fun! We've been on the snowmobiles, shooting potatoes from the potato launcher...eaten more deliciousness than we do in a given year...it's been wonderful! I hope your holiday has been great!!

Today the Gourmet Rubber Stamps team are showing you some of the fun images that can be found in the new Diner's Club set! I think you'll all love the images...it was difficult to choose which one to start with first!

I decided on the bicycle built for two...isn't it great!? And paired up with this great paper...perfect!

I hope you get a chance to check out the other design team's blogs...and have a bit of fun! I'll be back after the new year...hope you have a good time ringing in 2012!!

Take care, thanks for stopping by!!

So Loved!

2011-12-21T22:24:00.000-08:00

Good morning! I am happy to be stopping by to say hello and share a little fun! I apologize for my lack of posting, but I'm hoping that I'm not alone in being a bit busy! I had a great birthday--got very spoiled and had a fun fun day! It's so fun to have my kids so excited for my birthday...makes me happy!

So, I wanted to let you all know that AMY was the winner of my birthday blog candy! I contacted her and her fun stuffs are on their way! I'll be posting more candy soon...so watch for it!

I've got a bit of clean and simple for you today. I looked at the Clean and Simple Sketch 171 and loved it! I took a few mintues and came up with this little number...and it made me happy!

I hope you have a wonderful week! Getting ready for the big holiday...Take care, enjoy and I'll be back on the 27th with a little preview of the new Gourmet Diner's Club set! I took this same layout and changed it up a bit...so I'll be back with that post on the 27th!

Merry Christmas to all of you and hope you enjoy the rest of the season!

Some Fun...and some Candy!

2011-12-16T15:52:00.000-08:00

Hey friends! Wow, it's 3:11 and I can't belive where today has gone! I was fully intending for this to get posted early this am and well...sick baby didn't think that was a good idea! I got home from a little get together with some of my friends last night and Max woke up shortly after I got home. He was up until after midnight and was all sorts of sad! So, this morning consisted of running to the dr., and getting baby all taken care of. He has a bit of a "wheezing" cough again, that seems to be what happens when he gets a cold of any sort! Long story shorter, he is doing better this afternoon and I have a chance to sit and get this posted!

So, I'd like to introduce you to Flower. This is one of the things that I've created the past few days! This owl, is my daughters and her name is Flower. She was so excited to choose what colors she wanted and make her just so. She thinks that this little owl is pretty much perfection in fabric....it makes my heart really happy! I made a couple sets of 3 different sized owls for two gifts we will be sending in the mail tomorrow...and then my girls needed one! I wish I could have saved them for under the tree, but it was KILLING them to watch me make them for their cousins...and they were so excited to get them! They've taken them everywhere and sleep with them too...I love it!

This is Fluffy. She is my little Ruby's delight. She chose these great fabrics (Thanks Jill!) and even chose a bit of super soft minky fabric for the back. I wanted to show you what the back was like, it is the lower photo. Yep, this is what is floating my girls boats right now! I'm thinking there will be many more owls coming...I've decided they are great for birthday party gifts...I'll be sharing more, I'm sure!

I got the pattern for the owl from stubbornlycrafty. I used my printer to enlarge the template I downloaded, and this owl is made with the template enlarged to about 130%. I ended up making 4 different sized owls, but I think this is my favorite size!!

I'll share the gifts we sent next week...they are really fun too! Now, onto some birthday blog candy! I've picked a few of fun items to share with one lucky commenter! I am including a Northridge Media Stamping magazine, (I've got a project published in this one...), a pad of Queen Bee papper from Pink Paislee, some Maya Road rubons, a bottle of Smooch paint and some of my FAVORITE double sided sticky sheets! Because this is Birthday Candy, how about you comment and tell me about a memorable birthday you've had? I'll choose a comment at the end of the day Sunday, the 18th and announce the winner Monday morning in my post!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Sorry I'm later than I wanted to be...but Mommy Duty trumps it all, doesn't it! I hope you have a wonderful weekend getting all ready for the big weekend ahead!

Happy Birthday!

2011-12-15T05:52:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! I hope you are doing well! Today is the day for the GRS design team challenge! Our challenge today was a color challenge and I loved this one! I love pops of color, and the orange in this one really makes me happy! It's nice to use a fresh color combination after a bunch of more traditional holiday colors! I'm excited to share a little bit of what I've been up to, along the gifting lines...I'll have a fun post tomorrow, so see you soon! I'll be posting some blog candy...my birthday is coming and how better to celebrate that with some fun for you too!?

So, here is my card for the challenge, I used a couple images that I really love, the birdhouse stamp and that birrthday wishes stamp...they both really make me happy!

I hope you'll take a second and look at the other dt cards--it's always a fun treat! You can find links to their blogs on the left hand side bar! And check the GRS blog for the full detail and the fun image we had for inspiration!

Have a merry and bright one...see you tomorrow for a peek at what I've been up to and a bit of blog candy!

You make life sweet!

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! I hope you are doing well! I have a little bright happy card to share with you today! I've been sewing a bit the past few days and have decided one goal I have for 2012 is to spend a little more time sewing! I've got two little girls that I'd love to sew more for, and all sorts of projects that I don't want to be afraid of! (Do you have any of those!?) So, here's to a few more sewing projects next year!

I was cleaning my desk and found this paper that made me happy! I have been in holiday card mode, so seeing these colors/patterns made my heart happy! And the butterfly, what a fun little something! The sentiment is from Paper Smooches...another heart happy occasion!

I hope you have a merry and bright one! Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you soon!!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends, happy Friday! I'm hosting the Weekly Recipe, over on the Groumet Rubber Stamps Blog. I went with the clean and simple route...I have decided that I REALLY love this jingle bell! It's one of the images in the new Diner's Club set, "Let's Celebrate." Isn't is super fun!? I tied it up with some twine and added a little sentiment from the Season's Greetings stamp set.

I hope you have a chance to play along with the sketch! If you'd like to add your card to the challenge, you can share you link on the GRS Facebook page!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful (productive) weekend ahead of you! I'm hoping to get those last few items crossed off my list of things to do...we'll see how that works out! Take care and be merry and bright!

A Merrry Little Christmas!

2011-12-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! I know I've been absent, but 'tis the season for lots of things going on! I've been crafting and creative, but not with paper as much as other things! I wanted to share a couple of things I worked on yesterday! I've been making gifts, wrapping gifts, and really enjoying what this season has brought thus far!

I purchased a few unfished wooden pices at Hobby Lobby when I was away at Thanksgiving (I WISH I had a Hobby Lobby to frequent!!). I had them up near my desk and have been thinking about what fun things they might be used for! I saw a little "Have yourself a merry little Christmas" sign and my lightbulb turned on and here is the result! It makes me so happy!! It is housed on an easel in my kitchen and makes me smile every time I look at it!

I painted the wood white, let it dry and went to work on deciding what vinyl I wanted to use! I use my silhouette software and the "Artisan Pattern" to create the red background. Isn't that a FUN background!? I just layered the black over the red...and now am dreaming of what fun plaque I'll make next!

Next, I created one of my favorite Christmas time quotes! It is from a wonderful talk by Elder Neal A. Maxwell, one of the wonderful men that was a leader in my church. I am going to be giving several of this little tiles, along with a copy of the talk from Elder Maxwell, to several friends this season. I love this quote, and I actually my a 12x12 one for me! It's so important to remember this!!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Holiday Season! I love this time of year, and the sweet memories I have associated with it! My kids are feeling the "magic" and it makes my heart just bubble with excitement! Have a wonderful one!!

I'm hosting the GRS weekly recipe sketch tomorrow, so stay tuned!! Thanks

Oh Christmas Tree

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! I hope you are all doing well! I hope you've been had a great weekend and a good start to this week! I have to tell you, this weekend my girls and I had a completely new experience--we got food poisoning! I started to feel really wrong before I went to bed Saturday night, (after eating out...) and ended up sleeping on the floor in the bathroom that night! My little Ruby (3) came in at 2 and joined my party, then Lucy (7) came in at 5 and joined Ruby and I in all the excitement! Oh my....it was terrible! The good news, we all woke up yesterday feeling MUCH better, a little weak, but MUCH improved! What a crazy weekend it tuned out to be!! I hope you had a better one!

I have a little fun to share--another little fun Stick Chick! She is all sorts of glitified...and her tree is also red fluffed! I used some fun MME paper and red and white twine! My sentiment is from the Oh Christmas Tree stamp set.

I'm sharing this card over on the Gourmet Rubber Stamps facebook page today--we've been doing 12 days of Christmas cards...go check out the fun!! Thanks for stopping by! Take care and I'll see you soon!!

Wishing you...

2011-11-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! Wow, today is already Wednesday!? We got home from our trip, I've done mountains of laundry, unloaded bags a plenty, and even gotten our Christmas decorations up and running...it feels SO good! I've been in heaven listening to my ALL time favorite Christmas album, the Hotel Cafe presents Winter Songs! Let's just say that I LOVE it to pieces and really count the days until we can listen to it! It brings back wonderful memories and I love reliving them through this great album! Do you have one of those albums?!

So, getting to my card for today. I used my cute little stacking doll image again...my little Ruby is having so much fun with her! She is from the new Diner's Club set, Let's Celebrate! I decided to make her into a fun birthday card. My sentiment is from the Banner Birthday set, one of my favorites...such a fun birthday greeting!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you have a great week and I'll see you back here soon! Make it great!!

Joy to the World!

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! Did you have a great weekend!? We took to the road this weekend and in several places along our way, there was snow! My kids started talking about Christmas and it made us super excited! Time is moving right along and I think it is time that I better start thinking a bit harder about Christmas! I've got my lists made, some of them even checked twice!;)

So, here is a bit of some Christmas cheer for you all! I pulled out this Christmas tree stamp--it's been with me for just over 10 years! It is one of my all time favorite Christmas images and it's been a few years since it's met any ink! I got it at Impress, way back in the day! But, even though it's old, it's a great classic image and I'm sure it will stay with me for another 10 years!

My paper is from the new Crate Paper Peppermint Collection...it is simply divine! I adore the combination of colors and the prints are so lovely! I tied it up with a bit of twine...yes, I'm loving it right now! I also added a little aqua mist button and my Joy to the World is from PTI.

Happy Monday to you. I hope you have a wonderful week! I am thankful for you and for your sweet comments and friendships...thanks for stopping by!

Thanks!

2011-11-17T22:41:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! What a crazy fun week! You know those weeks that have each square on your calendar full--so much you can't read it very well!? Well, this week's been one of those! Happy that everything went as planned and happy to have it all done...and happy to have a week a head of me with nothing other than enjoying my family on it!

I wanted to play along with the Play Date Cafe Challenge (#107) this week...and I loved that colors! This is such a fun combo! I loved that orange was to be used as a "splash"...that wording made me eager to accept the challenge and create something! I wanted to use some of my new Echo Park polka dot paper...um, delicous! Oh, and I used the Sweet Sunday Sketch #143 for my layout of my card! Look at that, two challenges in one card...it's been a while since I've done that!

I used my Chit Chat stamps from Paper Smooches...and I also used some of my new twine! I just got an order of a bunch of colors and let's just say I'm smitten! I LOVE it...so much fun!

Thanks for stopping by friends! Take care, have a wonderful weekend and see you Monday!

Hello There!

2011-11-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! How are you all doing? I hope you are having a great week! Today is Wednesday- and it is an note worthy one! My baby turns one today! I am so amazed at how fast time flies! My husband is going to be gone this evening, so we had cake and opened a few gifts last night. Want to see some fun!? This is my Max...and he is one of the happiest children I've ever seen! Really, he is happy like this all day long, every day! Even when he is sick, he is happy like this! I love this photo...showing a few of his MANY big boy teeth!

And he was a little standoffish at first about his cupcake--let's just say that that didn't last long! He ate most of his cupcake and sincerely enjoyed each bite!

Thanks for letting me share!! I can't believe a year has gone by--it's been a wonderful one! Going to 4 kids has been a leap and well, I'm just doing my best to stay a head of the game!!

Because today is Wednesday, that also means that today is the last of our card making class at the elementary. I'll miss my fun little class--we've had a great time together! I'll pass on a couple of the things we'll be making tomorrow!

So, onto today's card!;) I LOVE this new MME paper...isn't it all delicious!? I have to say that I am simply stuck on it! I love the color combinations, the patterns, I love it all! I used the Splitcoaststampers SC358 for my card--and pulled out a few PTI stamps! Isn't it fun to pull out stamps you haven't used in a while...like getting together with old friends!!

I hope you have a wonderful day! Thanks so much for stopping by! Take care and make it great!!

Give Thanks

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! How is your week going!? We're doing our best to be on the "up", but my two little ones are still not quite as well as I would like! I'm a tired mommy the last few days...hoping today brings wellness and that tonight's rest will be a good one!

Today is a fun day, the Gourmet Rubber Stamps Design Team Challenge! The photo above was the color inspiration for our team color challenge. Isn't that a great photo!? I love the bits of deep blue and rust...perfect!

So, here is my take on the said, DT color challenge! I pulled out some of my favorite fall images, you can find them here and here, from the GRS store. Oh, and I even used some liquid pearls on my festive pears...fun, fun, fun!

I hope you get a chance to check out all the other design team work! They are all so great!! Thanks for stopping by today! I'll be back tomorrow...with a couple of challenges to share!

Take care and make it great!!

With Gratitude

2011-11-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning! How in the world can we be approaching mid November!? I am loving this season of thanksgiving...we are having a great time writing down the things that we are thankful for. I love watching my little Ruby take her leaf and write down what she is thankful for--I'll have to take a photo of our Thankful Tree. We've been writing down what we are thankful for on paper leaves, and then tying them onto some branches in a vase on our table. Of course, her first thankful leaf was "treats." She loves candy, and her sweet things!

Anyway, today's card. We made this yesterday at our after school card class. The kids all got so excited about the leaf...I dusted off my paper crimper! That thing has been around for ages--it doesn't get to play much but when it does, it sure packs a punch!

The sentiment is from the Paper Smooches, Chit Chat set...and I love it! It was fun to listed to the little kids say, "what's a gratitude!?" Glad to be able to talk to them about what they are thankful for! There will be about 14 smiles on teacher/principal faces tomorrow....so fun.

Thanks for stopping by friends! Make it great and take care!

Thanks, Thanks, Thanks!

2011-11-08T21:25:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! I hope you are all doing well! We are all finally doing a bit better, Max's ears are much better, and has had a few teeth (yep, plural!) pop up in the last few days! I can't believe that my baby is almost 1 year old! How fast times flies...I am so thankful for the joy my babies have brought to my life!

So, meet today's card. I told you that I loved this thanks stamp, right!? I love, love, love it! I've had some fun with this one! I think this is my favorite stamp from the Chit Chat set!

I love this color combo--espresso brown, tangerine orange and crushed curry! We've been noticing the leaves and lack of leaves on the trees the last few days...they were my inspiration!

Hope you have a great day! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Thanks so much!

2011-11-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Happy Monday! I don't know about you, but I was SO happy to get an extra hour of sleep yesterday--I can't believe that my kids got the memo to sleepin! I feel like a new woman! I was dreading the "falling" back, because I knew my kids would wake up crazy early, thank you kids!

I've got a fun little number to share with you today. I used the Sketch from Card Patterns last week for my layout. I used my new Chit Chat stamps from Paper Smooches...and let's just say that I love this thanks stamp! I made a few cards with it...and I love it! So, here is my card! I also used my Alphadot stamps, to spell out my You Rock!

Hope you have a great day and keep warm! We're starting to have some really chilly weather-which I LOVE-but wow, it's getting cold!! Yea for this wonderful time of year...thankful for so many blessings! Thanks for your kindness...I'm thankful for that too!!

Merry Christmas!

2011-11-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! I hope that you are all doing well! I am happy to be sharing with you today! My baby is getting better, which leaves mommy a little more time to geto some things done! As many of you know, I am teaching a card making class at our elementary. I've got 13 kids ranging in age from kindergarten to 3rd grade! We're having a wonderful time! We've been making a few sets of cards to send into the card drive that Jennifer McGuire is holding right now, Cards that Care. We are making cards to send to some Elderly Folks in Nursing homes! The kids in my class love this idea and we're really having fun!

I love seeing how these kids feel while making their cards--they get so much satisfaction from making their special cards and adding their name and how old they are. It's so fun to see the sparkle in their eyes, that they are doing something specail for someone else! It's great!!

So, here is a card that I've made to add to the collection that I've got to send in. I used stamps from Gourmet Rubber Stamps Season's Greetings new Diner's Club set, Season's Greetings.My paper is a from Echo Park and a fantastic green from PaperZone!

Thanks so much for stopping by today friends! I've got the Christmas Gifting bug right now...my lists are getting checked and made...I LOVE this time of year!! Take care, have fun and enjoy the ride!!

Winner!!

2011-11-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

Hey there friends! I didn't mean to drop off the face of the planet this week!! My little baby has been not feeling well, and now I finally know why!! He has a double ear infection and bronchioltis! He is finally doing much better today, and is sleeping...YEA!!!

Tanya--you are the winner of my Trick or Treat hop!! Thank you all so much for you sweet comments! I love hearing what you think!! Feel free to keep that coming!;)

I'll be back later today with a card--I just wanted to get this posted before it got too late in the afternoon!!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! Happy Halloween to you all! My kids are so happy to finally have this day arrive!! We'll be partying at school, then off to Trick or Treat at Daddy's work! My kids love trick or treating at my husband's office! Hallways lined with open doors, and large bowls of candy...it's awesome!

Today is the first Groumet Rubber Stamps Blog Hop! We're doing a Trick or Treat hop--treats included!! Each Design Team member will be giving away some "treat" on their blog today! So, be sure to stop by all the other blogs! The list of blogs will be at the bottom of the post!

I used a couple fun Stick Chick images--this is the Hallow's Eve image! I used some spooky Basic Grey paper, a bit of black tulle, a little felt pennent, a beautiful purple button...and of course some purple stickles glitter! The Hallow's Eve sentiment is from the Lizzie Anne "Hallow's Eve" stamp set.

This image is the Trick or Treat Stick Chick stamp, isn't she fun!? I paired her with black, gray and purple...perfect for a spooky candy filled night! She has also been glitified...with Black Stickles! The Trick or Treat image is part of another image from the Lizzie Anne line of stamps at GRS, called Trick or Treat.

I hope you enjoy the Blog Hop! Be sure to leave a comment here before November 2nd. I'll announce the winner of some great treats on Thursday November 3rd. Have a fun safe night...Happy Halloween!!

Here is the list of the other Design Team members that you'll want to stop by....everyone has some fun blog candy to give away!!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a great one and I'll be back tomorrow with some Christmas Card fun...wow!!!

Merry Christmas!

2011-10-25T12:51:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon!! I'm a bit later in posting today--and I'm posting "live"! My baby has been sick and as most of you know when your 11 month old baby is sick, everything else has to wait!! I'm glad to be getting this posted before too long!!

Today is a preview day of the new Diners Club stamps from Gourmet Rubber Stamps! You can take a peek at the whole set, Seasons Greetings, over on the GRS blog! I am really to get going on some fun Christmas projects...I LOVE this season!! I've got lists of Christmas gift ideas, projects I want to make around the house...and I'm trying my best to hold off on the Christmas music...but I'm not sure how long I'll be able to last!!

I love this little ornament image! I colored it in with copics then paper pieced the inside circle with some yummy green polka dot paper. My fun festive paper is from my new Holly Jolly Christmas pad from Echo Park! I LOVE new paper! I grabbed a couple new Christmas stacks from Ellen's store last week! (I LOVE that she is close enough that I can choose local pick up and go see her!! I LOVE her!!)

I'm also excited about participating in a new card drive! The kids in my after school card class really look forward to who we will be sending cards to! This session we'll be joining Jennifer McGuire again and contributing to Cards that Care. We'll be making Christmas cards to send to some elderly folks in nursing homes! How fun is that!? Thanks so much Jennifer for giving us a way to spread holiday cheer!!

So, take a peek at the new Diner's Club stamps over on the GRS blog, check out the other DT girls that are listed on the left sidebar--they ALWAYS do such great work!! Have a great one and stay tuned....more new stamps and fun coming up!!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I appreicate it!!

Happy....

2011-10-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there friends!! We are all so excited for this weekend!! No school, grandma and grandpa arrived last night, daddy comes home today (after being gone for 13 days!!) we are going to have a great weekend!!

I'm hosting the weekly recipe sketch over on the GRS blog today...take a peekie and play along! Here is the card that I made to go along with the sketch!!

I am finding these little stick chicks quite a funny little halloween bit...they make me laugh!!

I hope you get a chance to play along with us!!
Have a great one...happy fall....where ever you are!!

boo!

2011-10-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! Happy day..today is my daughter's last soccer game! Now, yes, we've enjoyed the season, she's done great and really loved every second...but it will be so nice to have a small break from running around!! You know what I mean, right!?

I had an idea that was brewing in my mind...and this is kind of what it turned into! I used some designer paper from SU, punched them into squares and attached them to a card front--then sent that card front through my big shot with my top note die, and I got this lovely black and white quilted note!
I used some SU dies for my letters, and cut them out of black cardstock. I've rediscovered my love for this great MS glitter...it's chunky and soft, like tinsel! I used SU heat and stick powder to get my glitter adhered...and then attached my letters with dimensional adhesive!

Working on my stuffs for card class this week! We're going with an "owl" theme this week...and I'm so excited!! Oh, the fun, the fun!! Stay tuned....

Thanks so much for stopping by! Take care and see you soon!

Tick or Treat!

2011-10-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning and happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend! We had a great relaxing one! With Dad being out of town, we just kicked it and stayed close to home and it was great! We've been having some beautiful weather...I LOVE the slight chill in the air, it makes my heart so happy!

This card was one we made at the card class last week. The kids thought the skull was really cool--and even better that it was green!;)
The images are both from the Lizzie Anne line of stamps over at Gourment Rubber Stamps! The skull is here, and the sentiment is part of this stamp!

Good luck this week--hope you have a wonderful one! Take care and see you soon!!

Love

2011-10-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! Happy Friday! Can you belive we're already to mid October!? Wow, how time flies! We're having a geat time watching the leaves changing--every time we are in the car, my daughter starts naming the colors of the leaves on the trees we are passing. I've been listening to, "green, red, oragne, purple..." it's so much fun!

I've got another little something to share today--inspired by the Sweet Sunday Sketch this week.
This great little love bulb is from Pape Smooches. I paired it with some delicious Cosmo Cricket paper...yum!!

Thanks for stopping by friends! I'm working on fun projects to share for my card class...I'll have some fun to share next week! Have a great weekend and see you soon!!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! I love, love, love these little pumpkins! I've been having so much fun with this image! Can you look at them with out smiling?!! This will be one of the cards we make today in our after school card class! This one is my daughter's favorite...

Thanks a bunch for stopping by! Take care and see you tomorrow!!

Sweet Sunday Sketch!

2011-10-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! I hope you are doing well! I had a super produtive Monday--don't you love that!? I am all ready for my first card making/paper crafting class at the elementary this year! The session will last 6 weeks, so you'll be seeing what I've come up with for my class of k-5 grade kids! I'm really excited for this session!

So, one of the cards we will be making is using this SUPER cute pumpkin...this isn't the card we'll be doing, but I had to make several cards with these pumpkins today...because I LOVE them! I am loving this great sketch from Karen Giron!! It was the Sweet Sunday Sketch #138...and I love the diagonal lines! It's been a while since I work on a diaganol!
I used some fun American Crafts Halloween paper--that brings SUCH great combinations of colors--to the spooky Halloween season! I love the bit of auqa--yum! I colored the pumpkins, from the Halloweenies set, with copics, added some twine and then (because I LOVE this sentiment found in the Sugar Rush set, thanks Kim!!), added a little "Hey Sugar!" This little number will find it's way to the mail box soon...and make my friend smile!!

I've got some fun cards to share--I get so excietd before teaching a class!! My daughter, who will be attending the class as a 1st grader, came home and with great excitement said, "oh my, my friends are going to LOVe these cards!" It always makes me happy to teach classes...love the magic when hands meet stamps meet ink!!

Have a great one! Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Hey Sugar!

2011-10-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there friends! Happy Monday morning to you! I have to say a thanks to those of you that are here today! This momma has been in full time momma work this week---and some things have to give when we are really hopping!! I was thankful for time to relax and unwind this weekend--and I have a little something to share!

I've loved this acorn image from Paper Smooches for as long as it has been around! I'm sad to admit that I'm just finally getting to play with it...it is so perfect! It, like all of Kim's images, is a prefect amount fun! I made a couple different projects with it and they make me happy!! It can be found in the Falling for You stamp set.
I went looking for "autumn-like" paper and pulled out this great stack from Basic Grey--yum-o-rama! I love the muted colors, the browns, oranges, blues...it's just a great combination of colors!! And paired up with a smashing acorn--it's happiness on paper! I pulled the sentiment from the Sugar Rush stamp set...which is a perfect sentiment for me! I have been known to call most people I come in contact 'Sugar'....and I'm always calling my girls 'Sugar'...I LOVE it!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today friends! I'm back into blogging this week...thanks for being patient and understanding when Mommy duty trumps everything else!! Have a great one...and see you tomorrow!

I've been working...

2011-10-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! Hope you had a great weekend! We sure did!! It was uplifting, encouraging and made me want to be a better me! We listened to a total of 8 hours (my husband listened to 10!) of council and direction from our church leaders! And I have to say, the weekend flew by! I've got my list of things I want to be better at--and not being a drill sargent for my kids is on my list!

We've been in-between effective reminders of what my kids are expected to accomplish in a day. With all the "fun" that goes on in our house everyday, my kids know that they need to contribute to the well being our home. None of them enjoy playing in a mess, not having clean clothes in their closet/drawers, or not having anything to eat their breakfast on or with! So, they know that have to lend a helping hand in making our home function smoothly! So, enter the scene our new chore chart! I'd seen a few ideas that I liked--and didn't want to spend much $ on the project. I saw a chart that I really liked here, but knew that I could make it with out having to leave my house for anything!
So here is what I did! I took an old white/magnet board and put it to work! I made frames and my kids names with my Silhouette. I wanted everyone to have their "own" look, while putting everyone on the same board. My son is pumped that his font is "star jedi", my little Lucy's is "banana split", and Ruby's is "playful". They all picked their colors and fonts and then I put my trusty Silhouette to work!

Not all of the magnets--or responsibilites need to be done every day, so I left a space on the left hand side for us to keep the responsibilites that aren't currently being done--like taking the garbage out and such.

For the magnets, I used my trusty clip art and placed them on slides in Powerpoint. I love powerpoint for the fact that I can put the pictures anywhere--where in word i can only put them on "lines"...just a little FYI. So, we got all the clip art pictures and then printed them up. I used a 1 1/4" circle punch to cut them all out and then attached them with Mod Podge to a clear-flat pebble. I didn't have quite enough pebbles at my house, so that is the one thing that had to be purchased.

After the Mod Podge dried, I used my hot glue gun to attach a heavy duty magnet to each pebble!

Everyone is REALLY excited about this new way for seeing what they need to do. My 3 year old even is really pumped about getting her jobs done! So, here's to a little work and a lot of fun!!

I've got some paper fun to share tomorrow...see you then! Thanks for stopping by!!

Gourmet Rubber Stamps Weekly Recipe #2

2011-09-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! Happy Friday!! I think this week felt like a very, very long one!! I am happy to have a wonderful relaxing weekend to look forward to! We are preparing to listen to uplifting and edifying talks from leaders of our church. The broadcast is a world wide broadcast and one of my two favorite weekends of the year! My kids are all sorts of excited, we have some great traditions linked with this weekend and we are all really looking forward to it!

I’d like to introduce you to my take on the GRS Weekly Recipe #2! Taylor did the recipe for the week and I have to say I’m a fan! I used some fun “spooky” papers and paired them up with one of my favorite Halloween images of all time! This Skull is available from GRS—for only $4.50! Really, one of my all time favorite for this time of year!

I also have something for little spiders right now…I’ve got a bag of them on my desk and they are sneaking their way into—or onto rather—everything these days! I used Versamark to stamp my skull and then added black embossing powder and heat set it…and it is shiny and lovely in real life!

I’m excited to get this little number into an envelope and out to send some spooky cheer!

Take a peek over on the GRS blog today to check out the weekly recipe and add your take to the sketch!!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care and have a great weekend!!

Get on your boots!

2011-09-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! Happy Wednesday to you all! This week feels like it’s gone by really fast—I guess I’ve gotten a lot acccomplished, YEA for that! I hope that you’re doing well!

I’ve got another little something to share from GRS today! I love, love, love this boot image! I think they are so fun! They are another image found in the Tart and Spice Diner’s Club set.

My sweet daughter was SO excited to see me pull out my purple glitter! She understands that most things are better with glitter applied! And with purple glitter, none the less! (Purple being her favorite color...)

Have you checked out the GRS site yet? The gallery is filing up with really fun things! Take a peek…if you dare!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great one!
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HOOooo to you!

2011-09-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! I hope you are all doing well! I’m really happy to say that we’ve been enjoying our first few “Fall” days! We have had some crazy warm/humid days and I’m really happy to have weather cool enough to warrant crock-pot meals with warm fresh bread and the like! Yea for boots, jeans, sweaters and long sleeves!! I’m just sayin’, I LOVE Fall!

I’ve got a little number to share with you from GRS! This fun owl image is from the new Diner’s Club set, Tart and Spice! Isn’t it a great image!? I think it’s a keeper for sure! I pared it up with some fun “fallish” colors and a clean layout…

I know the kids in the afterschool card class are going to love this image…stay tuned for much more of it!

Have a great day friends! Thanks so much for stopping by!!!

Just a little somethin'...

2011-09-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

So, I've been having a hard time this week....I'm still in a lot of pain (are you aware of the fact that your lower back is involved in EVERYTHING you do!), but am feeling improvement at times! I was sitting on the couch doing the ice/heat bit and thought 'well at least I could be doing something while I sit here!' I had seen this fun little idea a few days ago and my brain got to thinking! I went through my Halloween paper/embellishments and found everything I needed...isn't that the best feeling!? Following in my 2011 goal, "use what I have!"!! I found that I'd picked up fun stickers/rubons and they were just waiting to be used!!

So, here is one of two parts of my Halloween bouquet! I've had these jack-o-lantern cubes for years and I'm so happy that they finally have found their purpose!
And this is the second part of my bouquet! Each little "lolly" is different and has it's own special little place in the pot! Just about all of my supplies are from American Crafts--a couple pices of polka dot paper from Bo Bunny and a few randoms, but the bulk of it all is from American Crafts.

I put each "lolly" onto a bambo skewer. I painted them black and then swirrled them up with little strip of orange vinyl. I put them in a little piece of styrofoam...and then added a bit of orange basket filler! (or easter grass say my peeps!) I did back most of the sticker/rubons with a circle or oval of cardstock too...then tied everyone with some fun ribbon! Here are a few of them up close...

I must admit, this making me a super fun home decor item made me REALLY happy! It came together so fast and easy--thanks so much AC for the coordinating products that I love! I hope you enjoy it too! Hey, you've got all you need laying around your house to make one of these up...I'd love to see it!

Take care and thanks so much for stopping by!!

Boo!

2011-09-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! My baby got sick on Monday night--I've been down with my bummer of all bummers bad back!! I've had problems with my lower back since I was in college-but I've been able to keep it in check most of the time. It's been a while since I've felt like I do right now...but I'm hoping to get back in control asap!!

I've got another fun little Stick Chick to share with you today! I pulled out a few scraps of paper from my last year Halloween stash...love this collection!!
I hope to be able to get up and going today..we'll see how my back cooperates with that idea!!

Take care and thanks a bundle for stopping by!!

Hi!

2011-09-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there friends! Happy Monday to you all! Hope you had a great weekend! We had a little bit of furniture rearranging in our house which really entailed organizing WAY more than I was ready for...so big mess is mostly cleaned up and put back together...but I know what I'll be doing all day today!! I am also really excited to finish my fall/halloween decorating around the house! i know, I know, I'm a bit early! However, we have some REALLY fun decor that I love, so I'm taking charge and putting it all up!! My kids are getting costume ideas flowing...so fun!!

I'm excited to share a few new images with you today, they are From the Stick Chick line, from GSR! This little Girl with Spider, image is a super cutie...don't you agree!?
I am really loving purple in my spooky creatins this week...it makes me happy! The patterned paper is from Basic Grey--and I used last week's Sweet Sunday Sketch for my layout! I used some AC letter stickers for my sentiment...just wanted to have a fun little note to send, just because!!

Hope you have a great one...take care and see you tomorrow!

Gourmet Rubber Stamps Blog Hop!

2011-09-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I'm excited to share some fun new stamps and some fun news!! Gourmet Rubber Stamps is a new stamp company! Deep etched red rubber stamps---yummo! There are loads of great stamps--serveral different lines of stamps--something (or lots of things) for everyone! We've got a new "Diner's Club" with some great images--for those of you who want to have your stamps come to your mailbox every month! There are singles, sets, and I know you'll love what you see! Pop on over and take a peek...lots of fun to be seen! I'm really excited to report that Lizzie Anne Designs is liscensing several of their images to GSR, so you will be still be able to purchase several Lizzie Anne sets!

This card is featuring a couple of images from the new Diner's Club set, Tart and Spice! I am realy getting excited for my fall decorations to make their way into our house--this weekend for sure!! I found a large stash of Halloween goodies to play with--and am excited to get going on some fun things for our house with my goodies!

I loved this color palette--this patterned paper is delicious--spooky and a bit eerie! I think these boots could be one of my favorite images in this new Diner's Club set! I love the paper paired up with this ribbon--perfect!! (Maybe the witch that will wear these boots has tights like this ribbon!?)

This next card, a bit more bright and cheery--thanks to some fun American Crafts paper! I love the purple/orange/black combo! I used some fun seam binding that I picked up this summer--I love that stuff! I colored in my pot of bubbling goo--I love the frog in this image! I've had a bag of plastic spiders hanging around my desk-since last Halloween!!!--and am happy that it is time to bust them out!

I hope you take a look at the GSR site, visit the blog and check out the design team's blogs! There is a lot of fun stuff going on and we don't want you to miss it!

Here is a list of the GSR Design Team!

Pam Hornschu

I'll be back tomorrow with more fun new stamps!! Take care and thanks so much for stopping by!

Trick or Treat!

2011-09-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! I hope you're having a great week! Already half way over...how time flies!:) I've got another fun little "Halloweenie" to share with you today! I've been going through my Halloween stash, and found some fun Bo Bunny stuff...this little label is one of them! The trick or treat and the pumpkin are printed on the label--I added Frankie and the bat!

I have to admit, I LOVE the Bo Bunny polka dot papers..they are simply delicious! I love their texture looks, how it feels in your hands, and the colors are fantastic! Go Bo Bunny!!

Thanks a bundle for stopping by...I appreciate you sharing some of your day with me!

Happy Birthday

2011-09-13T21:36:00.000-07:00

Hey peeps! I'm in serious need of BOY birthday cards! I need "boy"and "men" type cards! We've got a bundle of birthdays upcoming that need some happy mail! So, I'm on a quest for some masculine cards to start piling up on my desk!

This little monster, yes he's from Paper Smooches, the Falling for You set to be exact! I thought this little monster would be great paired up with this fun echo park paper..isn't it a great plaid!!?

I'm in the mode for masculine birthday cards...stay tuned!:) These tend to be a bit challening for me, so it will be my quest in the next few weeks!

Thanks for stopping by...take care!!

Boo!!

2011-09-12T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! I have no idea where yesterday went...it went by with a crazy amount of crazy of crazy. Do you ever have days like that!? My dearest three year old daughter has taken my life by the reins...so I'm doing my best to hold on and not fall off the bucking bronko!! She keeps me trying really hard to remember how important it is for this momma to be patient...I've got a bit to learn on that end I think!

So, here is a little fun nubmer, again I LOVE this Halloweenies from Paper Smooches!! Kim does such a great job with these images--and I also LOVE the sentiments in each set!! Way to go Kim!!
I paired this guy up with some spooky paper--and boy, let me tell you how much I LOVE adding purple to Halloween! That is one thing that makes my heart really happy!!

I hope you had a great weekend--and that your week is shaping up well!! Take care and I'll see you soon!!

Happy Birthday!

2011-09-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good moring friends! I've got a special card to share today...this is my darling daughter's 7th birthday card! She turns the big 7 tomorrow, is in first grade and one of my favorite people to hang out with! Speaking of hanging out, I am taking her to the new American Girl Doll store tonight for dinner, and some fun birthday shopping! We are really excited!!

This fun little chickie is another cutie from Paper Smooches. Yes, I've been having a GREAT time playing with these little beauties! She is from the Chubby Chums stamp set. The Happy Birthday is from the Birthday Buddies set.
I used CPS #234 for my layout. I have a big new pile of papers...and these just made my heart SO happy!

Thanks a bundle for stopping by! I appreciate you taking the time!! Have a super weekend and I'll see you back here Monday!

Hey Cute Ghoul!

2011-09-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! I hope you are having a great week! It feels like this week has gone really fast, that's what happens when the first week of school starts after a long weekend! We've had great success with the new school classes and the kids are really thinking this year is going to rock! YEA!

So, this my dear friends, is one of the new Paper Smooches "Halloweenies"! Isn't this ghoul just super fun?! At the Paper Smooches Crop, (held by Ellen Hutson) we made a really fun card using this cute witch! I loved her, all the way down to her striped tights! I paired her up with some great new spooky paper and a little MS punch spider! Oh, the spider web image is also in the Halloweenies set! I can confirm that this girl is going to get her fill of ink, in the next month!
I thought I'd share some fun from the crop I mentioned above! I've had a fun bloggie friend named, Amy (who I'm sure you all know!!) for quite a while now. We have figured out that we lived sort of close to each other--and finally got to meet face to face! It was so fun, to walk into the room and know that cut little face of hers! So, here we are, with her friend (and great shopping companion!) Lauren.

Here we are on the squishy couch--me, Kim Hughes, Becky Olsen and Amy! ETA**Thanks Becky**

And here I am with dear Ellen! She is such a gem!! She is a fantastic teacher, a crack up and one of the kindest people ever! I am so excietd to have gotten to know her and I can't wait until next time!!

Alrighty, I'll be back tomorrow friends! I've got some fun new products that are just screaming to be used...stay tuned!! And as always, thanks so much for stopping by!!

Let the Good Times Roll!

2011-09-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!! I can't belive it's been over a month since I posted last! I am happy to report that we had a wonderful summer! We had some great time with cousins/grandparents and lots of friends along the way! I did my best to help my kids really enjoy their summer, and from the things I've heard, they loved it!

Yesterday brought with it our first day of school! That means, third grade, first grade and even preschool! They all had a great time at school and slept well last night! I have to say that with the house quiet, my baby sleeping...it was finally TIME!! I had a great time with some new Paper Smooches stamps!

I made a few cards for the kids to give to their teachers tomorrow, along side a fun little something pretty! I have been working with some new paper--new stamps and I've had so much fun! It's been a while, so here are three cards all in one post!;)

I used the apple from the Falling for You set, and the "let the good times roll" comes from the Perpetual Bliss set.

I had such a great time meeting Kim Huges, the designer of Paper Smooches stamps, at a crop at Ellen Hutson's warehouse last weekend. I had so much fun!! I'll share some fun photos of our fun at the crop tomorrow! I've got a fun post to share about my fun with Ellen and friends...

Thanks for stopping by friends...I appreciate you taking the time! I am happy to report that my hand is completely healed! I don't have any pain in the creating process right now and I'm so happy that I'm finally all healed up!!

I'll have a bit of blog candy in the next couple of weeks! Take care and I'll see you tomorrow!!

Thank you Craft Critique!

2011-07-31T21:50:00.001-07:00

Hey friends! I just wanted to pop in and say hello to you all! We are in the midst of a wonderful bunch of memories being made...and we are having a great time!! I wanted to share something really fun with you all. I've posted before about the startings of some exciting things with "Red Fred Bodoni" and his Jolly Troop...

Well, the Jolly Troop few to Chicago to attend CHA last week, and they had a great time! I was over the moon excited to read my update from Craft Critique today...I couldn't believe that my brother's name was there in the post title! My brother told me about meeting Sarah Moore in line while getting lunch and I was thrilled to know that he met her! I have been a long time subscriber to Craft Critique and really enjoy the things they post!

I want to thank Sarah for posting a great little ditty about the Jolly Troop and about my brother...it makes a sister SO happy to see other people love this stuff!! I hope you'll flap on over to Craft Critique and then over to the Jolly Blog and check out all the excitement!

I'll be back with some fun soon...thanks for stopping by! Oh, and Cath, thanks so much for the shout out on Moxie Fab...that was a FUN surprise!!

I love you...

2011-07-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey friends. I've got one more card to share with you using this weeks color combination...I think this one might be my favorite...I love the clean feeling...
Hope you are doing well! Be back next week, then off for a few weeks...have a good one!!

Happy Happy Birthday

2011-07-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! I've got another post for you today! I haven't used this woodgrain stamp in a while...and it was calling my name...and I sure think it's a great stamp!
I paired it up with some scallops, tulle and a pearl...I'm loving wearing pearls lately....they are calling my name these days!

Hope you have a great one!! Take care!

Summer Card Class

2011-07-13T21:10:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! My name is Jeni Allen...this is my blog where I share what I've been making lately...nice to meet you! I am happy to be stopping by today! I have to admit, my hand is posing much more attention than I anticipated! I thought that I'd be ready to be right back into the swing of things, and let's just say I'm learning that I was mistaken about that!:) I need to take a break...from doing much with my hand! It is hard not to be able to do what I love to do/need to/want to do! I'm going to take about 4 weeks off...I'll have something to share for a couple more days--and then I'm going to "Summer Break" until mid-August.

I wanted to participate in Kristina and Jennifer's card class, and I spent a little time today at my desk...and here is what I made!

Designer Series Paper, cardstock, and Espresso Ink from Stampin' Up!, Damask and Merci stamp from Shabby Green Door, button from PTI, versamark ink, clear embossing powder.

I've got a couple more cards to share with with combination, I had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the challenge! I am really enjoying the class...I'll be out of town for the next week, so I won't be able to play again"live" but I'll definately use the color combos and sketches that I have to make some fun when I come back from my break!

Thanks for understanding friends...and thanks for being patient while my old hand heals up...

Friendship...

2011-07-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

Good morning and happy Friday friends! We are just plugging along, really enjoying a wonderful magical summer! I've been doing my best to help my kids "feel the magic" of summer time! I have such wonderful memories of summer--I want my kids to have these wonderful type of memories too!

I've got another card to share today, from the CupCards To Go Summer Kit! I wanted to try my hand a a simple pleat in my cardstock--there was a tutoriatl on SCS a few weeks ago and I thought it looked fun to try! It was, and I'm sure I'll be doing more of it in the future!

This card was made for the challenge for the month, to decorate the inside as well as the outside of the card!
And now for the inside of the card...

Have you popped over to CupCards To Go yet? The designer gallery is full of great inspiration!!

Thanks for stopping by friends...take care and make it great!

CupCards To Go Sketch!

2011-07-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! How is your summer going!? We're really having a wonderful time thus far, today we finally had a warm enough day to water-slide, snow-cone, pic-nic and lay on the grass!! I'm really loving it!

I've got a card to share with you today, that I made using the CupCards To Go monthly sketch. So, here is the sketch...
And here is my card! I FELL in love with this pretty paper! I loved the colors, the pretty white flowers...so I wanted to keep my card pretty simple and love on that paper a bit! I added some espresso cardstock, white leaves die cut from a SU die, pearls, and the fun flower that also came in my Summer Kit!

I hope you have a gerat day today...take care and I've still got a few things to share with my Summer Kit, so stay tuned!

Thanks for sharing a few minutes with me!

Friends..

2011-07-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hello dear ones! I hope that you are all having a great weekend! We have had a few hic-ups...but on the whole we are enjoying! I've got a card that I made with my Summer Kit, from Cupcards To Go...to share today!
I loved this paper--it's from Cosmo Cricket and I love it's color combination! I used a bit of tulle, some buttons and the rub-on from the kit. Oh, and don't forget how much I LOVE the large scallop die from PTI...I love good tools!

Have a great one! I'll be back to share more tomorrow...take care!

It's July!

2011-07-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! Happy July 1st! Can you belive it!? Summer, is here! Well, almost here. In the Northwest, we don't really count on "summer" to start until after the 4th of July, so almost!

July brings so much fun, and one of those fun things is being a Guest Designer for CupCards To Go! I received a Summer Kit! It is full of wonderful items and I know you'll all love it and have as much fun as I've had!
I love these little envelopes..aren't the fun!? I really loved the assortment of items...this particular paper had me at first sight!

And speaking of the Summer Kit, that will be avaliable for purchase starting at 6 pm PT tonight, this is a photo of the FREE floral bag that will be slipped into the Summer kits purchased today! So, make the move, and purchase it the kit today!! Aren't these flowers so fun!?

I hope you have a great one...I've got some really fun things to share this week! I'd love to share the fun with you! Thanks so much for stopping by!! We've invited some friends over to participate in our cooking class today...if it all turns out well, maybe I'll snap a photo or too!!

Celebrate!

2011-06-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

Hello dear ones! I'm posting a bit later than normal today...but that is due to our 100% enjoyment of the summer days!! We were given an 11 1/2 lb box of strawberries today that needed to be dealt with today..so now we have red fingers, a few red stained dish towels, and several jars of delicious freezer jam to make our strawberries last into the winter!! Super duper!

I'm all sorts of excited to be able to finally use my right hand enough to get a few fun cards/projects going! As you can see from the little graphic here, I'm taking part in Kristina and Jennifer's summer card camp..SO fun! There is all sorts of excitement involved in the class, my creative juices are flowing...it's great!!
Here is the card I made to go along with this week's color challenge...delicious colors don't you think!?

We've got an enormous amount of birthday cards to send this summer, so I thought I'd start my challenge off with a birthday card...I love this sentiment from Paper Smooches!:)

Thanks for stopping by...hope you have a great one!!

Love it...

2011-06-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey all, how are you doing?! I am so happy that the summer days are finally setting in around here. We thought that summer would never come! I've had a fun time playing with "summer-time" papers! I'm all about bright bold colors right now and I love this combination of colors from Cosmo Cricket!
I was browsing through my latest Paper Crafts Magazine and I saw a card that inspired me! When looking at the two, it really isn't anything like the card that inspired me, but isn't it great to have things that get your mind going? That is why we all love magazines and such, right!?

Hope you all have a great one! We are off to basketball camp with my daughter today, the library, and hopefully a fun time making a good treat! Thanks for stopping by...take care and see you tomorrow!

Did you hear the news?

2011-06-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends, happy Monday! Wow, we might really have a summer here!! The past couple of days have been fantastic weather..we just might get to the splash park this week!!:)

I'm guessing that many of you have heard some sad news, Lizzie Anne Designs is closing up shop. It's hard to think that this company won't be around anymore! You can read all about the details here. I know both Tricia and Meridith personally and they are both such great girls! I love them both and am so happy to have been able to work with them...I've been with them since the beginning and it's been a great ride! I've grown so much as a designer over this time...it's amazing what happens after 5 years!

So, if you have a wish list that hasn't been fulfilled yet, head on over to the store to get those stamps you love, before you won't be able to get them anymore!

On a bit happier note, I have some fun news to share too! I am going to be the guest designer for the month of July over at CupCards To Go! I was send a wonderful kit FULL of delicious items to play with!
I've got a little sneak peek to share...the kit will knock your socks off! It's full of great pretty things

Hope you have a great week!! Thanks a bundle for stopping by and take care! I'll have a couple more bits of fun to share...see you soon!!

Thank You!

2011-06-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! Happy first day of summer vacation! My kids are finally out of school and we are really ready to enjoy a relaxed (if mommy can relax;)) summer schedule! My son is already up sweating at basketball camp, the girls are enjoying lounging in their jammies just a bit longer this morning...and all is well!!

I have a little funsie to share today! This GREAT Thank You single is one of the new LAD singles for July...isn't it awesome!? I 'm 100% positive that this stamp with have a long life span on my desk! It's a great size, fantastic font and endless fun!
I had a few pennants left over from my congrats card a few days ago and used them to make this card, that was inspired from a sketch in Paper Crafts! The paper is Cosmo Cricket...love, love, love it!!

Happy summer days to you and yours...I've got more fun from the new LAD Summer Celebration...see you soon!!

June DT Challenge

2011-06-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! Today is the Lizzie Anne Designs, DT challenge day! Tricia challenged us to create a card based on something we will be doing this summer! So, one of the things my kids are excited about is doing cooking classes!

We are going to have a weekly class and we're even going to aim to record it, so they can watch it back! We are all really excited about it! I pulled out an older set, In the Kitchen, for this challenge!
I used some fun "kitchen-ish" paper, don't you think!? My ribbon is Bo-Bunny...and buttons from PTI!

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to stop by the LAD blog, to see what everyone is up to...it's bound to be inspiring! Make it great!!

Being Your Friend...

2011-06-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! I am happy to be here sharing again today! It feels so good to be able to spend a little time creating...there is just something about making something that brings me such joy!! I wasn't able to spend quite as long as I wanted..but YEA, I was productive!

So, today Lizzie Anne Desings is previewing the new mix set! Look at the whole set...it's HUGE! There are so many stamps in this one, it will keep you busy and be perfect for all your summer projects!
I had a hard time deciding which stamps to get to first...but I decided to start with the ice cream!
I used the sketch that Meridith posted here, for my layout. I used some great Cosmo Cricket paper...happy are we?!

I hope you have a great day today!! Thanks so much for stopping by! Take care and make it great!

Congrats!

2011-06-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! I am happy to be able to share today! I was able to spend a little time at my desk yesterday, and it was so great!! It's been a while, and while after having so much time away, all it takes is a sketch, some great new supplies...and a contest?! I was thinking about what type of card to make this and thought I'd throw a congrats on it and post it to the Gallery Idol contest!
The paper is some yummy Cosmo Cricket, Social Club paper...some PTI pennant dies and Dawn's fantastic Signature Greetings stamps!

We're making our "Oh what will we do in the Summertime!?" list today...my kids are excited to be getting out of school soon...just a few more days! And hopefully we'll have some warm weather that will bring on trips to the pool, jumping on the tramp with bubbles and the hose...and eating a lot of frozen treats!

Thanks for stopping by! Tomorrow is a fun preview day for Lizzie Anne Designs....stay tuned!

Fill this day with JOY!

2011-06-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! Wow, how did today turn into June 10th already!? You know when you're not quite all together in your "groove," time has a way of running away with you?! I've been recovering well from my surgery. BUT it isn't qutie as fast as I wanted it to be...isn't that just how it goes sometimes!?

I'm still having a bit of pain in trying to do anything really, so I'm being patient and trying to take it easy and not do too much. Being the mom of 4 very busy little peeps isn't really what I'd say taking it easy is! Luckily we've had some great friends helping us out...I am SO thankful for good friends!
So, I'm sharing this card for today...Fill this day with Joy! I'm working on this in my every day. As I mentioned earlier, being the momma of 4 little peeps keeps me busy and some days I feel like a drill sargent! I'm really sincerely trying to make a conscience effort make each day great. I have a wonderful Mother that talks me off the edge on many a day;), "remember they only have one childhood Jen, make it wonderful!" So, I'm off this summer to fill every day with JOY!

Have a wonderful one..thanks so much for stopping by! Take care!!

Thinking of You!

2011-06-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! I've got another bright bit of sunshine to share today! We enjoyed a wonderful bright and happy weather day yesterday...sunny days are on their way!
Here's to hoping the sunny days are heading your way too! I hope you have a great one!!

Thanks So Much!

2011-06-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! I am happy to report that the surgery on my right hand went well...and I am recovering as well as expected! I've got a brace on my hand that allows for more movement--but the computer is something that still brings pain when I use it! So, this will be short and sweet!
We feel like maybe summer has found us here, in the PNW! We were even warm enough to get the fans out! The bright colors in this card for my friend sure make me think of summer, shaved ice, flip flops and big oversized beach towels...and with just a couple more weeks of school...we are counting down to the lazy days!!

Thanks for stopping by! Make it great and enjoy!!

Surfer

2011-06-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! Welcome to day number two of the new June singles...please meet Curtis, the Surfer. I shared yesterday a sweet something about my niece Shelby. Curtis is Shelby's husband and a WONDERFUL addition to our family! We love him to pieces. He is so great to Shelby, and everyone else for that matter! And not that we judge him by this or anything, but his grandmother makes THE BEST buttermints I've ever tasted! A definate bonus for us!!

We hope to get out to the Island to go visit them before they are finished with school...we've been given an open invite!
Don't you love the design of Curtis' board!? Echo Park Summer Days paper...all the way! I can't wait to see how Curtis does on this new board...fun, fun, fun!

Hope you have a great one friends. Thanks for stopping by!

Aloha!

2011-06-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Aloha...what a wonderful word! I've got some great memories associated with that word!! I was so excited with I saw this fun Hula Girl! She is a new single, avaliable today from LAD! Check her out here!!

When I saw this lovely lady, I had someone in mind to send my first card to! My sweet niece and her husband are currently living in HI and are enjoying many an "Aloha"! I love her to pieces and am so thankful for the wonderful woman she has become...she is an awesome friend!! Anyway, (LOVE you Shelby!!), I saw this new single and knew I needed to send a little something to Shelby!
So here is what Shelby found in her mailbox! Shelby is tall, blond and beautiful....so I made my Hula Girl fit that description! Isn't she cute?! I paired her with some Echo Park Summer Days paper, you can find that here if you don't have any yet!

You'll see that the Hula Girl has a Surfer companion being released today as well, Curtis will be introduced tomorrow! (love you too Curtis!!)

Hop you have a great one...thanks for sharing a few with me and thanks so much for stopping by!!

Happy Happy Birthday!

2011-05-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there friends! Happy Memorial Day to you, here in America! It's great to have G.G. and Grandpa here over a holiday...we are so glad they can be here with us right now!!

Can we talk about how great the colors of this new Echo Park Summertime paper are?! It is literally my favorite paper right now...I am kind of stuck on it!
The Happy Happy Birthday is from PTI and I used all sorts of ink...gotta love the rainbow paper..SO happy!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Enjoy the ride

2011-05-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! I hope your day is going well! Today is my big (not really so big...but...)long awaited day! Hopefully after today my right hand will be on it's way to feeling better and no more pain! I'm having surgery today...so my posting will be a little less...well, I've scheduled 3 posts a week...for a couple of weeks. I'm hoping it won't be too long before I'm back at it! The Dr. told me to expect a fairly quick recovery...so here's to hoping!

I wanted to share a little something fun today. It's been quite a while since I started making cards--and I love this portion of my day! Today I pulled out some new Echo Park paper...YUMMY! I had so much fun, you'll see a bit of it over the next few posts. I made a set of cards for a sweet friend of mine, so here is the first one!
The colors are bright, bold and so happy...I think I'm ready for summer!! Have a great one..I'll be back to report on how things went and I'll chat later! Take care and make it great!!

You Rock!

2011-05-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there friends! How is the world in your neck of the woods!? I hope you are all safe...and sound! There are some crazy things going on in the weather these days...good luck to all of those who have had the crazy weather and storms!!

I'm popping in quickly to share this slightly masculine card...I've been using the Tweens and Teens stamp set quite a bit lately and it is SO fun!!
I paired the image with some fun American Crafts paper...love those bold colors!! I'm pretty happy about the masculine card today, they tend to be ones that challenge me A LOT!

Have a great one!! Take care and see you soon! Thanks for stopping by and sharing a few moments with me!

Hello There!

2011-05-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! Hello There! Today's card is one that we made last week in our after school card class. It was funny, I asked the kids if there was anything that they really wanted to do in our last class, "the owl" was a the top of each of their list!! This little owl has had more costumes...but today she is just being who she is, an owl! It was fun to see the kids all make their cards "their own!" Some of the owls turned into one-eyed monsters and aliens! It was so fun to see them all being so creative!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you have a great one!!

Thank You

2011-05-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! I hope you've had a good weekend! We have enjoyed some great baseball games, a bit of sun, a little rain, and some WONDERFUL fresh green!! I love this time of year, the trees are all busting with awesome fresh bright green foliage right now...so beautiful!!

I'm having a little bit of fun today--going into my daughters kindergarten class to do a little card class today! My daughter is beyond excited...and I'm thrilled too! We'll be making a couple of different cards today. These two--they will each be making one of them. We are going to be participating in Stephen's desire to send cards to all deployed military troops! I'm so excited for the soldiers to open these cards! They are all made just as the kids like them. Some follow the example as close as they can, some just do whatever floats their boat!

They all love the idea of sending cards to soliders...it's been great to be able to be part of this great idea!
Here are both versions--

If you are interested in joining in the fun and sharing your handmade cardsl--go here to learn how you can be involved!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I've got a bunch of stuff to share the next few weeks...I'm having surgery on Thursday!! My right hand has been having car-pal tunnel type symptoms for 8+ years! I've finally gotten so fed up with the pain I just have to get it taken care of!! So, I'll be out of comission for a few weeks, but I've got stuff lined up to share, so hopefully the scheduled posts will work as they should!!

Take care and make it a great one!

Exciting News!

2011-05-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! I hope you are doing well!! We've had some wonderful sunshine days...the flowers are blooming, the trees are sprouting beautiful bright green buds, and the birds are singing in the trees! It's amazing how a few beautiful sunny days bring out the sunshine in everyone!

I've got some exciting news to share with you today! I have the wonderful opportunity to be working and "in the nest" with a wonderful new adventure! I've had a button in the sidebar for a while now...and I'm so excited that great things are happening! I'd love for you to take a few minutes and meet some of the most wonderful birds around! I'd love for you to meet Red Fred Bodoni and the Jolly Troop! This welcoming friends have found their way into my heart! They all have a little something special that they want to share and are gearing up for some GREAT things a head!

I'm excited for what lies ahead with these feathered friends...like this...some fantastic designers are working on some paper for us all to enjoy! The paper will avaliable for download first off, and then printing will happen, to say I'm excited doesn't give enough expression!! I can't wait to have these patterns in my hands! So, here is a taste of the Red Fred line...

And then here are a few samples of our celery eating, favorite green bird, Algernon! Aren't these patterns delicious!?

I'd love you to take a second of your time...and you'll be excited that you did...promise...to take a looksie around their "nest" and see what they've been up to. There are fantastic photos of the many travels they have taken, landmarks they have been, we even found Yvette in Paris! There is so much to enjoy...I hope you'll take a second and take a peek!

Have a great day...enjoy the sunshine in your part of the world!!

Happy Bark-day!

2011-05-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! I just wanted to pop in today and share this card we made last week at the afterschool card making class! Today is our last class, and I've got some fun planned for the kids!!
The images are Paper Smooches, from the Birthday Buddies set. Perfect for kids cards, don't you agree!? They all thought this dog was SO cute...way to go Kim!

Hope you have a great one! I'll be back tomorrow sharing what we were up today at class!! Take care...enjoy the sunshine...and make it a great one!

You Rock!

2011-05-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey, good morning friends! I hope you are doing well! Did you have a good weekend? We had a sunny almost warm-outside day Saturday...and buckets of rain yesterday. Springtime in Seattle...it's awesome!

I'd like to share a little something we made at our card class last week, that was another HIT with the kids! I had this paper and was thinking of what to pair it with...and thought it would be fun to use my paint splatter stamp, from the "Treasured Trinkets" mix set, and the Tweens and Teens set..together! The kids LOVED this card and requested we use the paint again...and again!! I'm really having fun making things that are fun and simple enough for the kids to enjoy...I'm kind of sad that our last class is already upon us this week!!

Hope you have a great one...take care and make it great!!

LAD Design Team Challenge!

2011-05-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! I hope you are on your way to a great weekend! We are hoping for a great baseball game this morning and some fun around the yard...maybe even gettting the garden planted! Speaking of gardens...our peppers just popped their heads out of the dirt...SO fun!!

For the Design Team Challenge, we were to use this photo as our inspiration for a color challenge. Isn't it great room?! Love the soft colors with the dark contrast of the legs of the furniture!!

I was inspired most by the art on the walls...love those colors!! So, here is the card that came form this inspiration! The images I used are from the "It's good to be Queen" Monthly Mix, one of my favoirtes, for sure! I used some Cosmo Cricket Delovely paper..just simply yummy paper!!

I hope you have a great day today and a wonderful relaxing weekend!! Be sure to hop on over to the other DT girls blogs today...it's always SUCH a treat to catch all inspiration from these girls!!

Make it great!!

Thanks so much

2011-05-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! My thanks today goes to the people at blogger who fixed some problem...a problem even getting into the site! I'm sure several of you had a bit of frustration with this too? Glad things are better...back to normal? We'll see!

I have a little something to share today. This week in my after school card-making class, we made a couple of cards for a very specific purpose. We are making cards to send to Stephen. He is a young boy with a goal to send thank you letters to every actively deployed service member of the U.S. Military! I told the kids about this and they got all sorts of excited! It was so great to read the notes that were written inside each card. The kids understand how great it is that brave men and women work hard to keep us safe...and I'm so happy to be a small part of saying thank you to them!
We used the Circle Circus stamp set from stampin' up, and Mixed messages from PTI. We used a bunch of circle punches...and had a lot of fun!!

Stay tuned. Tomorrow the LAD design team will be posting our fun monthly design team challenge cards...it was a fun one!

Hope you have a great day! We have sunshine here today...it is SO beautiful when the sunshines isn't it!? Make it great!!

Vintage Birthday...

2011-05-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I've got another installment of what we made for our class yesterday. I pulled out some Vintage Birthday...I havne't had this set out for a while, and it's full of so much fun!!
I had a page of this great balloon paper! The kids thought this was really fun too...that always makes me feel good..when they just LOVE the things we create!
I hope you have a great one! Thanks for stopping by and make it a great one!!

You Rock...

2011-05-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon friends...I just wanted to pop in quickly and share one of the fun things we'll be making in our card class today!

I used Joslyn's sketch for the week, over on the LAD blog, and then used the Little Monsters School Days stamps sets. The patterend paper is from American Crafts-Travel line, and cardstock is from SU.
I hope you have a great one...take care and thanks a bundle for stopping by!! Make it great!!

Happy Spring

2011-05-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends. I hope you are doing well! I've got a Happy Spring card that is really tryingn to boost my mind into thinking brighter colors and butterflies are on their way! I guess we all know that spring in Seattle is equal to rain...but really. I'm busting out the flip flops and my kids are dying to get into shorts and capris...come on warmer weather!!

The stamp I used today is from the Spring Mix, Follow Your Dreams. Butterflies make my heart happy...I added a few that I punched with my MS butterfly punch.
I used Kendra's sketch from last week as my starting point...gotta love a good sketch!! Thanks for stopping by, make it a great one!!

You Rock!

2011-05-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! Happy Monday! Wow, May 2nd...and we had a sunny day yesterday! Maybe we'll get another one here...we've had some not so warm spring weather, it doesn't feel like May at all! Hope that the sky is kind to you and yours...where ever you may be!!

I've got a fun something to share today, I love this guitar! It is from the Tweens and Teens set, from LAD. I love that it's just fun!! I have been known to use this phrase once or twice in my day...;).
I have also rediscovered my love for Hambly screens...and acknowledge the fact that I don't have near enough of them!!

Hope you have a great day! Thanks so much for stopping by...You Rock!

New LAD Singles!

2011-05-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! I hope you are having a great weekend! I am just popping in quickly to say hey and share some fun new stamps from LAD! These are the new singles for the month of May...favorite jeans...aren't they great!?
Hope you have a great one...take care!! Thanks a bunch for stopping by...

Birthday Wishes

2011-04-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! Good morning to you! Are you into baseball season yet!? My son's first game got rained out on Wednesday night, and then last night it was sunny and we were all sorts of excited! We were a bit surprised at how cold it was...really surprised that it is almost May and we would have been better off with full winter gear!!

So, I've got a fun little number to share with you! I paired up this cute number block with some fun October Afternoon papers! I also added a fun little birthday sentiment, from the Birthday Banner Sixlets set.
I hope you have a wonderul weekend! We are heading to a wedding recption tonight and then hope to enjoy some relaxation this weekend!! Make it great!

Just a little something...

2011-04-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning peeps! I'm back today, with another little something we made in our class yesterday. You know those things that have been around FOREVER?! I had a butterfly sitting out on my desk yesterday and it got a little bit of ink--making a bit of an outline--on my scratch paper. My daughter saw this and went nuts! I pulled out some of my "glossy" paper from SU and we went to town!

I can't believe how much the kids enjoyed this one...so simple but it brought a huge BANG for the kids at the card class! All the glossy paper...they begged for it again next week!
We put the cardstock butterfly on the glossy paper, used a sponge to add color to the glossy paper...and there you have it!:)

Hope you all have a good one...see you later!

Hello There!

2011-04-27T13:42:00.001-07:00

Hey friends! Happy Wednesday! Hope you've had a great week! I know I say it a lot, but where do the days go? I guess with 4 little ones in my house, my days are bound to go quickly! We are all doing well-thank you for the well wishes about little Max. Thank goodness for Drs and good moderen medicine! The two perscriptions that we are using are really helping Max a lot! Does anyone have any seceret tricks to helping a blocked tear duct!? ;)

I'm teaching another class at the elementary today. With Teacher Appreciation week next week, we are making a couple of things for the kids to give to their teachers. First up, we'll be making this card.
I love having my daughter around, she saw this paper and loved it!! It's been in my little or no use pile and she pulled it out and we're using it all up today...YEA! I used several PTI dies on this one, and PTI stamps too. I made the little flower...it's made of scuply polymer clay! I had a lot of fun making them...maybe a little blog candy coming...;)

We are making a little covered post-it pad for the teachers also. This just hold one regular square post-it pad. We are using little basic grey magnets for the closure...LOVE those things!

The outside dimensions--which you can figure out easy enough--but I have them so why not share. The cardstock is 3 1/4 x 7 1/2. I scored it at 1 1/2, 2, 5, and 5 1/2. Just to save you a little guess work! These have been around forever--but revisiting is fun isn't it!?

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you have a great one! I'll be back tomorrow with a couple more things that we are making today! We've got our first baseball game of the season tonight...fun, fun, fun!!

Hello!!

2011-04-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. My name is Jeni Allen!:) I have been in full time "Mommy" mode this past week. It has been a very eventful last few weeks...and our crazy isn't over yet! Max and I spent a large amount of time on Tuesday at the Children's Hospital in Seattle. He has a spot of something on his face that has stumped the Dr's at our Dr. office(all 3 of them). So, we went and were happy to learn that it wasn't anything serious--just inflamed Exema. He had a infection in it...and it looked terrible! I have to say, being 5 months old, he has had more perscriptions than my other kids have had in their almost 8, 6, and 3 years of being!

So, I've got a little something to share! This was one of the cards we made last week at my little elementary school card class. I love the fresh and clean of it...I think that with spring whispering somewhere..."whitespace" is really calling my name!!
The girls loved the paper and little lace border...they all loved the butterflies...they all loved it!

I'm off to the dr. today to chat about my hands...they are hurting...I'll keep you posted when I have a bit more to share...thanks so much for stopping by! I'll have some fun to share next week! Have a wonderful Easter this weekend! See you Monday!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! TGIF, huh!? I'm happy that the week has been a good one. I look forward to a little less going on...but is that really possible!? I found myself folding laundry today and thinking to myself...how fast the day goes when you've got things to do and little people to care for! I'm thankful for the time that I have right now to sit and feed my little Max...I am enjoying it so much! Yesterday was spent making some delicous cupcakes for a church function...my friend called and asked me and 10 other ladies to make 2 dozen cupcakes for a dinner for the women in our stake. We had a great time celebrating being women and such and enjoyed delicious cupcakes for our dessert! Mine were a triple chocolate recipe...but the one that I fell for tonight was a lime/lemon one...oh my word! I tasted the best cupcake I've ever had...last night! I know that is saying a lot, but there was lemon curd in the cupcake for cryin' out loud!! Perfection in my opinion! Then after I got home, I whipped up some cinnamon rolls for my husband to take to his early moring class-he teaches the youth in our area scripture study at 6:00 am every day! So, yesteday I was thankful for my Bosch, dish soap and rubber gloves! I used them over and over and over again...and enjoyed every second of it! Sorry to be so long winded...but now onto the main reason you've come to visit today! Today is the LAD design team challenge. We were challenged to make an Easter card...and I just LOVE these little eggs! They are in the Spring Mix...aren't the super!? I cut my grass with my silhouette, then cut each egg out and glued them down...and added a bit of bling to a few of them! I love the clean white space on this card..feels so good!! Be sure to check out the LAD blog today too...and check out the fun things the other girls are up to! I hope you have a great day!! Enjoy your weekend...where ever you may be! Thanks for sharing a few minutes with me!

Birthday Fishes

2011-04-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! Here's another card class project for you! We had SUCH a great time yesterday! I love working with these kids thare are SO excited to be in the class! They all enjoyed the projects we made, we ran out of time we were enjoying ourselves so much!;) Good thing we've got 5 more Wednesdays to go! The theme of the class today was "Birthday" and the kids loved these Paper Smooches images! I happen to love them too...so it was fun all around! Hope you all have a great one! I'm finishing up some cupcakes that I hope are as good as the reviews have been!! I was asked to bring some to a church function tonight...triple chocolate...yum! I'll let you know how they turned out! Take care and thanks for stopping by!

Chevron...love

2011-04-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning all! I've been bitten by the "chevron" image bug! It's everywhere these days...isn't it!? Today is the first after school card class of this session, and my daughter and I are really excited! There is something SUPER fun being in a room full of kids that are excited to create! We'll be making this little number here... I was inspired by a card in the latest issue of Papercrafts for this one. I pulled out a rick rack die from PTI and went to town!! My happy birthday stamps are Paper Smooches and in a font I simply LOVE! I used crushed curry, pacific point blue and rich razzleberry for the colors on this card...oh, how I love these colors! I'm off to finish getting all preped for the class this afternoon...thanks so much for stopping by!! I appreciate you taking the time, make it great!!

It's good to be Queen!

2011-04-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning! How are you friends? We made it through a week of Spring Break, with a bit of fun every day...and a sick little Max. He is almost finished with his medicine...yea for medicine that makes those little ones feel better! I do have to say that he is a wonderful baby, even when under the weather. He just wanted mommy to hold him so that is what last week was mostly full of! He is almost 5 months old and I just can't believe how much he is growing and changing! He's laughing out loud now, it is in complete honesty, the best sound to ever touch my ear drums! We are all in love with him and so thankful for the blessing he is in our famiy! I wanted to share a little something, this card was inspired by the LAD sketch challenge this week. I was looking through some of my older stamps and came across the Mix from last April, "It's good to be Queen." I don't think these images had seen ink until yesterday...and let's just say it was love at first ink! I used some delicous Crate Paper, a mat die form PTI, some tulle, pearl topped pins, and there you have it! I've seen the pins for a while...didn't know quite what I thought about them and then found some a few weeks ago while roaming through a random store. I had them on my desk and they were actually the staring point of the card today...and I have to say...you'll be seeing more of them! I'm working on a few final projects for the card class I'll be teaching at the elementary school on Wednesdays for 6 weeks, starting this week. My daughter is over the moon excited adn we're having a lot of fun getting the projects ready for the kids to make! Thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate you taking a few to share with me! Have a great one!!

Happy Bird-day!

2011-04-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I've got to be brief today...but wanted to pop in and say hi! I took Max to the dr. yesterday and learned he has an ear infection, eye infection and a skin infection! So, I'm on nurse mommy patrol... Enjoying more Paper Smooches fun...hope you have a good one! Thanks for stopping by!