Loving This Layout

When I saw this card on Maureen's blog the other day I totally fell in love with the layout.  My thoughts  immediately turned to a Valentine's Day card and thus today's card was born LOL!  Seems fitting I case one of Maureen's creations after she graciously cased one of mine last week when I was the featured stamper on SCS.  So, this one is in honor of you, my friend :)

I also knew I wanted to use this Precious Memories DP I got at Michael's a few years back when they were clearing it out at 30 cents a sheet!  I actually bought every piece they had in stock and did the same at another Michael's a few week's later when I discovered they had it on clearance as well - double score!  What can I say, I love this DP!

I punched the top, embossed the heart and added some bling to it, used some sheer silver ribbon and rounded the corners of the panel.  To finish things off, out came my favorite "I love you" sentiment stamp by Wordsworth.  Just love the script on this stamp and it worked perfectly with the card.

I will definitely be using this sketch again as I already have a few other ideas in mind, so thanks again, Maureen!

Thanks for popping in for a visit today, and a special thank you to all of you who blessed me with a featured stamper case last week (((hugs)))!!  It was a fabulous way to start the New Year :)




What's In It?
Stamps:  Wordsworth
Paper:  Precious Memories DP, Pretty in Pink, White
Ink:  Black
Accessories:  SU Border Punch, Corner Rounder, Scalloped Heart Nesties, 5/8" Sheer Silver Ribbon, Bling, Dimensionals

Love Times Three

Just loved the sketch Verve Diva Charmaine posted for this week's sketch challenge.  Such a fun sketch with a myriad of shapes you can use in lieu of the oval if you want to.  I opted to go with my lacy square nesties.

I pulled out some fun K and Company DP I found at Michael's.  Unfortunately the row of hearts that is upright ended up begin covered up by the ribbon so you get the look at the upside down row LOL!

I used my scalloped heart nesties die to punch out a heart in Red Rose, Regal Rose and Pretty in Pink and placed them on the diagonal with the last one getting a touch of bling.  I just "love" (no pun intended) the script of this Rubber Soul stamp as well as it's small size.  It was the perfect fit for that empty bottom corner :)

In keeping with my recent crimper phase, I decided to use it on the horizontal panel for a bit of dimension and added some white ribbon to finish things off.  I am thrilled with how this turned out and now just have to decide who to give it to :)

Have a fabulous day and thanks for sharing a bit of yours with me!





What's In It?
Stamps:  Rubber Soul
Paper:  Red Rose, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, K & Company DP
Ink:  Black
Accessories:  Scalloped Heart and Lacy Square Nesties, Crimper, 3/8" White Grosgrain Ribbon, Bling, Dimensionals

I'm Stylin'

I was wonderfully blessed to receive this award from Carrie this week.  Check out her blog, The Artistic Avenger!  You'll be blown away as she does some amazing work and is often one of Nancy Riley's iPicks.  In addition, my wonderful blogging buddy and fellow Punchkateer, Colleen, over at Dietrich Designs,  just gave me this award yesterday!   A huge thanks to both of you :)  Since I got it twice, I'll share 16 things instead of eight.

First the details of the award.  Upon receipt of the award you need to :

1.  Thank and link back to the person/people who gave you the award (done and thanks again, Carrie and
     Colleen)
2.  Share 8 things about yourself (I'll do sixteen as I got the award twice)
3.  Pass it on to 8 bloggers
4.  Contact the 8 bloggers and let them know you have given them the award.


So here we go.  Sixteen things about myself which I hopefully haven't mentioned before.

1.   I am not a trendy girl.  Don't jump into fashion trends and am slow to pick up on stamping trends too.

2.   I qualified for the British Columbia Track and Field championships in the discuss and javelin in 12th
      grade and placed fourth in discuss and eight in javelin.

3.   It will be my 15th wedding anniversary on Canada Day (July 1st)  Great way for hubby to never forget
      the date (ended up being July 1st because I couldn't book both the church and reception location on June
      29th).

4.   I teach the Grade 5/6 Sunday School class at our church.

5.   Since I don't have an opportunity to compete in sports any more, I have taken to competing against
      paper and love it when I master a colour combo or a sketch!  

6.   I love working out, always have.  One of my New Year's resolutions is to ensure my work out time
      doesn't get bumped by family, life or anything else.

7.   I hate mingling events as I'm not into small chit chat (cocktail parties just about kill me LOL!).  Would
      much rather sit and talk with a few people and get to know them at a deeper level. 

8.   I love to learn new things - be it information, how to do something, how something works etc. 

9.   Don't like people who play games.

10. One of my favorite memories of my ball playing days was hitting home runs over male center fielders
      heads - oh yes (insert evil grin)

11. I love to make puzzles but only indulge in it over Christmas (we made three 1000 piece puzzles and two
      500 piece puzzles over Christmas)

12. I hate to cook and am not good at it either (thankfully my hubby is!)

13. Love to eat vegetables.

14. I am an extremely practical person.

15. I am a straight shooter and wish I could be more diplomatic at times.   

16. I have been told more than once I should have been a boy.  These comments have come at times when I
      have been excessively competitive in sports or very direct in my communication style -- especially when I
      am defending or standing up for something or someone I care deeply about, when someone is playing
      games and I call them out on the table, or when I'm cheering (aka yelling) on the sidelines of my son's
      soccer games.

      The flip side of my personality is that I am a very helpful and encouraging person.  Love to build people
      up and help them succeed and/or accomplish things they never thought they could do or be.  In addition,
      once I'm your friend I will go to the ends of the earth for you (you just have to endure the odd "shoot-
      from-the-hip" comment now and then LOL!). 


The eight people I'm passing this award on to are as follows:

1.  Maureen - Buttons and Bling 
2.  Christine - Christine Creations
3.  Brenda - Benzi Stamps
4.  Emily - My Little Slice of Bliss
5.  Dawn - My Stamping Thyme
6.  Christina - Sea Glass and Sentiments
7.  Stacy - Twinshappy
8.  Andrea - Ewen Style

Have a great day and I'll be back tomorrow with a post.

CAS Valentine's Day Card

I tripped across this sketch over at Lucy's Cards and had to play along, especially since I need to make a few Valentine's Day cards and this one makes itself :)  Extra bonus - it's CAS!

Finally got to use the smallest die in my heart nesties, popped up the third one and added some bling to it, used Dawn's fabulous Signature Greetings from PTI for the sentiment, and rounded the bottom corners to sync with the curves on the hearts.  I struggled for a long time as to whether I should add the bling by the sentiment or not and ended up going with it but am still undecided as to whether I like it or not.  wondering if it takes too much away from the bling on the heart.  What do you think?

Short and sweet today as I have lots to do.  Have a fabulous weekend!





What's In It?
Stamps:  (PTI) Signature Greetings
Paper:  Real Red, White
Ink:  Black
Accessories:  Heart Nesties, Bling, Dimensionals

Inkspirations Color Challenge #52

So nice to be back into the Inkspriations challenges again, though I must admit the peach colour in this combo was giving me some serious grief!   Maybe it is because I had to substitute the colour and it wasn't a good fit, but regardless of the cause, I showed that colour who was boss by minimizing how much of it I used on the card.  Yes, I know, it a sad state of affairs when one has battles with paper, but it's always fun when you win LOL!

I combined this week's sketch with an old Cardabilities sketch.  I wanted to use the sketch, as is, for a Christmas card as it was already made for me, but ran out of time so it will be on the shelf for next Christmas for sure.

Out came the lacy circle nesties and some punches to create the focal image. I Swiss-dotted the center circle and used my French Script background stamp on the red portion for a little texture.  Mind you I just noticed I put the script upside down on the card - ugh!  Still working out the stamping  kinks LOL!   A crimped horizontal panel for some dimension, a bit of ribbon with a bow and a birthday sentiment in lieu of the brads up top and I was good to go.  Still a slow process making a card, but it is wonderful to be stamping again so I can live with it LOL! 
 
The rest of the Design Team has some great inspiration to get you going on this week's sketch.

Cindy Kirsty Makeesha Renée Brandi Carrie Helen Ilina Lee-Anne Marisa

In addition, each week Keesh will select a winner and an honorable mention and post their cards on the Inkspirations Challenge blog.  We'd love to see your card featured, so come and join us this week :)

Have a fabulous weekend :)

What's In It?

Stamps: Amuse (sentiment), SU French Script Background Stamp

Paper: Red Ridinghood Red, Baja Breeze, unknown Peach colour

Ink: Black

Accessories: Lacy Circle and Circle Nesties, Stampin' Up! Large Flower Punch and Five Petal Flower Punch, 3/8" Circle Punch, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Crimper, 1/4" White Grosgrain Ribbon, Black Half Pearls, Black, Button, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Cherishing Mojo

So nice to be able to play along with Julee's Mojo sketch this week, especially since it is a contest week and Julee in her generosity allows each winner to select a Verve set of their choice.  Don't have to ask me twice if I want to participate as I'm always ready for some more Verve!!

The sketch had me in a fog for a few days but today the heavens opened and I was able to come up with a concept (told you my mojo was not playing nicely this week LOL). 

I found a scrap of this fun polka dotted DP and it was the springboard to the card.  I knew I wanted to go with a heart in lieu of the circle so out came my scalloped heart nesties, on to which I stamped a Hero Arts heart flourish image with Versamark.   In  hindsight, I should have probably clear embossed it, but too late now :)  The sentiment is from the Michael's $1.50 bin (still not sure why there is a 50% increase in price when it comes over the border - can you tell it is a pet peeve of mine LOL!) and I dressed it up with some black half pearls and a button with a baker's twine bow.  Now,  just have to wait and see if the power that be (aka Julee) decides it is worthy to be one of the winners this month.  Hint, hint Julee:  it's my birthday month....sorry, couldn't resist :)

It is so nice to be back  into a routine again.  I'm going to be working really hard at keeping my craft area neat and tidy this year, so feel free to ask me how I'm doing any time - I can use the accountability and I promise I won't get mad at you :)  In addition, I'm going to make sure I get my exercising in no matter what.  I've been doing Billy Blanks' Tae Bo DVDs again and just love his challenging work outs.  That mixed with some Nordic Track work outs and I should be able to minimize the flab factor - darn aging thing!

Thanks for popping in today.  Have an absolutely fabulous day :)




What's In It?
Stamps:  Hero Arts, Studio G
Paper:  Black, Real Red, Recollections DP, White
Ink:  Black, VersaMark
Accessories: Heart Blocks Embossing Folder, Scalloped Heart Nesties, Black Half Pearls, Button, Baker's Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Color Dare 91

Color Dare 91

Tempting Turquoise

Pear Pizzazz

Tangerine Tango

This wonderful mix of colours Riley has come up with this week made my mind turn to Spring.  The bright colours reminded me of flowers and that was all the excuse I needed to make a flower card LOL!  Will definitely be looking it often as I watch the snow fall outside!  Thankfully, rain is coming tomorrow so it will last just long enough for the kids to enjoy some sledding down the hill at the school.

I paired this week's colours with an old Technostamper sketch as it was perfect for creating a flower scene.  Out came my Verve Many Blessings set and to work I went.  I stamped an extra flower of each and cut out the middle layer to pop up for some dimension, used some ruffled ribbon for grass, added a few butterflies and half pearls, and voila, my spring flowers emerged :)  A wonderful reminder that Spring will come.


The rest of the Team has lots of inspiration for you.  You can check out their creations here:

• Glenda Wyatt at Paper, Scissors, Rocks 
• Heater Prince at Princess Scrapper Stamper
• Joan Jeffery at JJ's Creations
• Melissa Hubert at My Paper Obsession
• Nance Lempinen-Leedy at Canopy Crafts
• Riley Fitzgerald at Stampin' With Riley  (our leader)

We'd love you to join us!  Simply create a card using this week's colours and add your card to InLinkz on the The Colour Dare Blog.  If  you are uploading to a public gallery, please make sure to use the keyword CD91.   Each week, Riley will select a Featured Stamper and showcase your card on her blog.

What's In It?
Stamps: (Verve) Many Blessings
Paper:  Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise
Ink:  Tempting Turquoise, Only Orange, Certainly Celery
Accessories:  SU Border Punch, 1" Green Grosgrain Ribbon, Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch, Half Pearls, Dimensionals

White Wedding Wishes

Happy New Year everyone :)  It seems like forever since I've been able to stamp and blog and I have missed it and you!!

Trusting you all had a fabulous Christmas and were able to have a little down time amidst the busy season.  We hosted a small group this year - my wonderful in-laws (really, they are fabulous and I love them to death) and my mom.  My brother and wife were hosting for her family so they came out after Christmas for a visit.  Lots of great food cooked by hubby (I was a very busy sues chef!), puzzle making (looooove puzzles and only indulge in them over Christmas), playing and competing on the Wii with the kids, jammie days and some wonderful family time.  Then it was on to visiting friends we don't get to see very often over the course of the year as they live a bit further out.  Love friendships that you can walk back into after months of  not seeing each other and it's as if time has never passed.  That being said, today I am blissfully enjoying some quiet, alone time in my stamp room - oh happy, happy, joy, joy LOL!


I had a fabulous beginning to my New Year this past Sunday when I discovered I was this week's Featured Stamper over on Splitcoast Stampers!!!  So many wonderful stampers have CASEd (copy and share everything) a card and it has been so wonderful seeing their creations and being able to leave comments and thanks for all those who are participating this week.  

Today was a slow start as my mojo is still on vacation LOL!  Rather than battle with DPs for the panels, I opted to go with a white on white card.  Yes, a total wimp out, I know, but that is about all I could coax out of my tired little creative gene this morning.  I shamelessly used my Swiss Dots crutch, and created a wedding card by using this fabulous sentiment from Verve's Because of You set.  A leaf from Verve's Dream Big set, a touch of bling to fill in the sentiment panel, and some ruffled, silver ribbon brought it all together.  Nothing too fancy, and not even sure I like it, but it is a start and I look forward to getting back into the swing of stamping. 

Sweet Michelle just told me my card qualifies for this week's Moxie Fab challenge so I'm adding the link and a picture of the inspiration piece - this gorgeous wedding cake!  A white wedding card for a white wedding cake - perfect :)  

Thanks so much for popping in today and I look forward to sharing a wonderful 2011 with you :)




What's In It?
Stamps: (Verve) Because of You, Dream Big
Paper:  White
Ink:  Black, Silver
Accessories:  Labels 14 Nesties, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, 5/8" Sheer Silver Ribbon, Silver Brads, Silver Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Poinsettia Christmas A La Verve

Hi everyone!  It's good to be back, if only for a short while, as there is still lots going on in our neck of the woods.  All our company left yesterday and now we are off visiting friends we don't get a chance to see very often over the course of the year.  Yesterday the kids and I managed to sneak off to see Disney's Tangled and we all loved it.  A cute chameleon, a fun horse called Maximus, Rapunzel and Ryder (aka Eugene) were fabulously animated and brought us some very funny scenes.  Best part - a happy ending as only Disney can do :)

Okay, enough blabbering and on to my card.  This is the last Verve December sketch and Verve Diva Teresa Kline was the designer.  Love the simplicity of the sketch and since ornaments and holiday decorations are to be used as this month's inspiration, I decided to go with poinsettias as I had the perfect Basic Grey DP.  I tend to shy away from DPs with large images but this one stole my heart and I quite like how it worked on the card too.  Rest is pretty self explanatory.

Thanks for popping in and I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.  Hope to be back sooner than later as I miss my stamps, posting, and all of  you :)   Thanks for popping in today!




What's In It?
Stamps:  (Verve) Richest Blessings, (SU) All In A Row
Paper:  Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke, Real Red, Basic Grey DP
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Black
Accessories:  Label 16 Nesties, 5/8" Brown Satin Ribbon, Gold Half Pearls, Dimensionals

O Holy Night

O Holy Night is my favorite Christmas carol.

It stirs me to the core every time I hear it, and even more so after my son's group did a God rod performance to it a week ago.  In addition, one of the music pastors at our church sings it at our Christmas Eve service from the very depth of his heart and makes me cry every year.  Not tears of sadness but tears of great joy and awe at the precious gift we have been give.

Have a blessed Christmas and may that holy night that occurred so many years ago touch you in a new way this Christmas and in the year to come.

Blessings,