spring is in the air

Another couple projects from my Friday evening stampin' meeting w the lovely and talented Micki - these 2 craft projects were easy peasy ones - both container wraps, the mini one (still - surprise!) holds a mini Kit Kat bar, while the larger one wraps a microwave popcorn ... 'til I get the munchies, that is!

See the printed bird on top of the popcorn bag? It's from a new promotion from the back cover of CTMH's spring catty - part of an 18-pc set of clear plastic shapes you earn from every $200 cumulative CTMH purchases when you join their Connections Club.

All CTMH items provided at the stampin' club meeting, the tulips on the candy holder are from their March Word Puzzle stamp set - a monthly offering that to date provides 22-26 themed stamps per month ... and I want 'em all ... sigh ...

pretty in pink

Right you are, Mary! Pat, Mary and I were sitting at this month's stampin' meeting while making the STINKIN' CUTE teacup card pictured at left and Mary guessed it'd be on my blog by morning! Mary and Micki share hostess duties and this month Micki led us in making 6 different craft projects including the 2 pictured here. Both use some awesome Asian-inspired DP from CTMH. We permanently closed our cup cards to have them hold a single-serving tea bag, and used an inchie stamp to decorate the tag. It could just as easily have been made to open and contain a sentiment inside. Cute, eh?! I work with a fellow tea drinker who'll be on the receiving end of this cutie on Monday.

The 3D egg card was uber quick to pull together and the egg folds flat for mailing purposes. We made use of a Cuttlebug at that card station and polka dotted the background. Hmmnn ... I may try using this technique on a pear shape that I have on hand!

All CTMH products - stamps: Post Marked; papers: Unfrogettable DP

a quick b'day post

I've stopped by for an uber quick post this a.m. 'cuz it's my allotted time to be getting ready for work and I'm STILL playing! I didn't finish this card last night and needed a b'day card when I meet friends for supper after work. I'd picked up some used Glam Girls (LOVE 'em - all of 'em - thanx, Crystal!) a few weekends ago and thot I'd do a little paper piecing today for Barb's b'day card - this one's using the current Paper Craft Planet sketch challenge - sk022109. I'll have to stop by later to check the others' creations as it's high time I was MOVIN'! See ya later!

stamps: Glam Girls III; paper: My Mind's Eye 29th street market (I've been hoarding - LOVE it!), Ellen Hutson's A1 Natural White and SU's River Rock cardstocks; ink: Tri-C watercolor markers; accessories: SU's stampin' glitter for her glasses

peace

I generally lean toward yellow gold jewelry but as I was trolling thru blogs one evening recently I happened upon Jen del Muro's blog post where she included a picture of the necklace she'd picked up for her friend Susan's birthday. My curiosity got the best of me so I headed to the gal's Home Studio Etsy shop. She offers altered Scrabble tiles, pocket mirrors, magnets, and more. I ordered the pendant and chain pictured below - it was my Dad's standard phrase in greeting and ending conversations with family and friends, and I thought it'd make a nice Christmas gift for my sister (I know; I'm thinking WAY ahead, but I like to pick up gifts thruout the year when I spot something that makes me think of someone).


I made the card pictured above to accompany the necklace gift (and think I'll get another one - this time for myself!), based on MFT's MFTSC69 sketch on SCS. I inked the edges of the black cardstock w silver ink and some of the flecks of silver scattered about. Thanx for stopping by today - catch ya later!

stamps: n/a; paper: Paper Paradise's black, SU's Vellum and Whisper White cardstocks; ink: ColorBox's Cream White, Olive Pastel, Smoke Blue, studio g's silver; tools: Cuttlebug w D'vine Swirls embossing folder, Marvy mega heart punch, QuicKutz Squeeze w dove and Eliza font set

so much for predictions ...

Such is life, eh?! We'd originally planned to hold my son's family birthday party on Feb 15th, were asked to postpone to today, and then weather predictions called for 4-8" of snow today between 7a-7p so again we're postponing ... eventually he'll receive this card.

He's fanatical about HSM - has the CDs and DVDs, collects posters and the teen mags whenever he spots one w the principal players from the movie. The initial delay meant I was able to pick up the latest DVD for the party, but with the 2nd delay we decided to give it to him today. He's watching it now as I post this card, which he'll receive hopefully at the next scheduled get-together (I'm not gonna jinx it by saying the date aloud, LOL!). The card's based on SCS' sketch challenge #216.

stamps: studio g's series 25; paper: SU's Ghostly Greetings DP, CM's red, SU's Whisper White cardstocks; ink: StazOn's Jet Black; tools: CM's circle cutter

how addicted to blogging are you?

77%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

10 Reasons to Buy Rubber Stamps

1. It helps keep the economy going. It is our patriotic duty to support rubber farmers, lumber mills and rubber stamp shops.
2. It is less expensive and more fun than psychiatric care.
3. I'm participating in a contest - the one who dies with the most rubber stamps wins.
4. They keep without refrigeration, you don't have to cook them to enjoy them. You don’t have to feed them, change them, wipe their noses or walk them.
5. Because I'm worth it.
6. When the Big Earthquake comes, all the rubber stamp shops might be swallowed into the ground and never be seen again.
7. Stress from dealing with the Rubber Stamp Control Officer (aka DH) made me do it.
8. It's not immoral, illegal, or fattening. It calms the nerves, gratifies the soul, and makes me feel good.
9. Buy rubber stamps now, before your DH retires and goes with you on all your shopping expeditions.
10. A stamp a day keeps the doctor away!

Shout Out to Sheetload

There's only a handful of online mags that I devour religiously. This one, Sheetload of Cards, provides not only sketch layouts but tips to efficiently mass produce those sketches - a t'riffic idea for Christmas (or whatever holiday, for that matter) cards. This month's issue is now available - see the February '09 issue at this post - and they also have a link on their blog to the archive of past issues. Check 'em out! This month they're offering blog candy, folkes!

an Irish blessing

May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.
~ Irish blessing

My first St Patty's Day card of the season, this was Saturday's make-'n-take at CAM (link at right). Geoff 'n I stopped in after dropping Garrett off at school to put in some extra work on a project, and before we headed to Sports Authority and Target. We both made cards - mine's at left. Geoff was pleased to see Ms. F at CAM - she was one of his speech therapists and has since retired. I think he found it strange to see her in unfamiliar surroundings; he acted kinda sheepish! Both my guys are artistic; Geoff's forever drawing and Garrett's taking classes toward a degree in graphic design.

Love, friend 2 friend

This card's for our next-door neighbors, using the Jacksonbelle Embellishments Tuesday JBE038 sketch challenge. I thought I'd put a cat sticking its head out of the letter "o" but instead used a Cat's Pajamas stamp - the kitty cupid - with the inside sentiment: Love ... having you 4 neighbors! and popped up the heart inside the letter "o" using dimensionals.

stamps: SU's Love You Much, The Cat's Pajamas' I Love Mew; paper: Basic Grey's bittersweet DP, Shabby Chic Crafts' digi freebie download, SU's Whisper White cardstock; ink: StazOn Jet Black, Tri-C watercolor markers; tools: SU's Heart to Heart and unknown mini daisy punches

treats for my guys

I usually make something crafty and leave little presents for my guys on holidays ... last year's PJ pants didn't go over all that well so this year I picked up a HSM3 book for Geoff and the Batman Begins DVD for Garrett. But you have to get at least a little bit crafty too, y'know?! So I made little treat bags - red gummy fish, Hershey's hugs 'n kisses for Geoff and sour patch pieces for Garrett.

I've discovered a new (to me) crafty blog - if you're not already a fan of Shabby Chic Crafts, check 'em out! The "you ROCK" graphic was a freebie from them. Thanx, Albert & Veronica!

stamps: n/a, graphic from Shabby Chic Crafts; paper: SU's Real Red and Whisper White; tools: SU's Heart to Heart punch; other: unknown treat bags

gettin' mellow w polka dots

I think the greens and blues in this designer cardstock are serene and so's the headless yoga gal (which I won during Toners' blog-o-versary last month - whoo hoo! thanx again, Toni! and speaking of blogoversaries, mine's fast approaching) ... so I'm sending it to one of my BGFs who's at home recovering from appendicitis. There's generally no "cure" other than surgery to remove the appendix which she had last weekend, so I'm hoping for a speedy recovery. After all, we've got a scrappin' date a week from Friday - she's gotta be better in time to go with me to THAT, right?!

This is 2-sided designer cardstock and I used three different coordinating sheets, inspired by Caardvarks' polka dot challenge. There's a bit of muted polka dot along the base of the card and the matted strip along the left side. Isn't that textile print under the image just WOWZA - I love the print and have been hoarding the stuff. I've a cute "get well" poem on the inside, and dropped off the card on my way home from work yesterday so now I can post it!

stamps: MFT's Serenity Now; paper: A1's Natural White, My Mind's Eye's 29th Street Market cardstocks; ink: StazOn Jet Black, Tri-C watercolor markers

looking for v-day inspiration?

The gals at Craft Critique are compiling lists of links to Valentine's Day cards - see link one and link two for more info. Have you bookmarked this site yet? They also provide critiques of all things crafty - so stop by and browse for a spell! Tell 'em SueB sent ya!

school V-day party treats

My eldest son's class is having what sounds like a super party today. The classroom's providing hot dogs and sloppy joe's for lunch and having an ice cream sundae bar. We parents were asked to donate chips, pop or toppings for the sundae bar. We sent in Cheetos, Doritos (nacho flavor, natch' - makes for t'riffic nachos!) and caffeine-free diet cola yesterday.

Geoff 'n I made valentine treats for today. He used Shrek valentines for his classmates and teacher/teacher aides and I snuck in this treat for him.

stamps: n/a; paper: My Mind's Eye 29th Street Market and SU's Real Red and Whisper White cardstocks; tools: SU's Heart to Heart punch; other: Wilton 3x4" treat bags - it was enough to hold a small treat, 3 red spice drops and a handful of M'nMs - I picked these up at Meijer (50 bags for $1.99)

happy v-day to ME!

I rec'd this card in the mail today from my eldest son, made at school. We got a note in his school bag earlier asking us to send a single postage stamp to school ... and now I know why!

I'd almost included a photo of the envelope too; it was so cute. He included a picture of an flying angel near the spot normally reserved for return addresses. What d'ya think? Was he saying he thinks his Mom's an angel?! Awwww ...

ribbon enabler alert

Just a quick "heads up" to share that Amy Rysavy of Prairie Paper & Ink blog fame has over 200 yards of ribbon available for blog candy - so run, don't walk, over to this blog post and enter to win! Good luck!

mini heart punch candy

I've started purchasing some Fiskar and Martha Stewart border punches with my 40% off coupons from Mike's on at least a monthly basis ... but would you be interested in winning one? Check out Christine's blog post by Monday, February 16th!

Christine's started a new site for her scrapbook retreat - click here for more details!

I can't help myself ...

I've a stampin' buddy whose daughter has collected frogs for quite some time. Altho' she's probably just about frog'd out, I can't seem to help myself ... any time I see what I consider a cute frog I have to either pick it up or forward links to my bud Pat. Well, who doesn't love Debbie Mumm, eh?! This one's for Lindsey, based on papertrey ink's dot-to-dot sketch challenge. I used complementary DP from the Debbie Mumm collection and cut and popped up the main image's rectangle background, the l'il froggie, and the heart punches.

stamps: PAPERTREYink's Green Thumb, studio g's series 26 (inside sentiment); paper: Creative Imaginations' Debbie Mumm DP, Colormates' Dark Autumn Red, Deep Outdoorsy Olive cardstocks; ink: StazOn's Jet Black; tools: heart handheld punch, dimensionals

a Cuttlebug Valentine

This weekend's make-'n-take at CAM (link at right) was this Cuttlebug-inspired Valentine made from a few embossing folders and two hearts from a store membership Accucut die. CAM carries a LARGE selection of Accucut dies; some are available for anyone to use while others are reserved for store club members - their explosion box die is one of these, and FWIW, makes the boxes way easier to assemble!

I used my ColorBox ink pad to smudge edges and highlight all of the embossed pieces - and it went oh-so-perfectly with the plum ribbon, don't 'cha think?!

the deets? ink: ColorBox Dusty Plum; tools: Cuttlebug w script texture, swiss dots, and textile texture embossing folders; accessories: kewl 2-sided ribbon - plum on one side and brown on the other (the inside sentiment's stamped in brown - oh so matchy-matchy)

king of my heart

I'd already made a Valentine's Day card for my sweetie but this one's a t'riffic match for him too. Maybe he'll get two valentines this year. Or maybe this can hang out 'til he's done something especially sweet and deserving of another card, eh?! He hasn't played chess in ages but I still immediately thought of him when these dies were released last month - the crown and chess piece are new dies. I hesitated to buy them 'cuz I didn't know how often I'd use them after making a card for PB ... and today Pat L remedied that situation by using it for today's subject - a masculine card. Thanx, Pat!

Today's QuicKutz Club meeting projects were this card and a 12x12" scrapbook page. Well, the lovely and talented Pat L KNOWS I haven't made a large scrapbook page in ages and teased me about that at the meeting; I usually end up making a couple cards from the materials and today was no different ... but that's another post!

no deets on this baby except for the kewl DP - it's graphic 45 2-sided; I've long since forgotten the QuicKutz alphabet sets! Thanx for stopping by!

nat'l wear red day

Friday was National Wear Red Day, to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke. The university I work at particpated and many of those wearing red gathered in our Great Court when a crew from WJRT-TV stopped by for a photo opportunity. Some of the highlights of the day:

• fundraiser - my buddy Pat participated in a committee that sold pins and paper hearts
• food - our cafeteria services folkes dressed our PBD mascot in red and served red foods
• the Great Court atrium was decked out in red
  

For more info on National Wear Red Day, click here. Click on the photo to link to WJRT-TV's video.

always my valentine

I love this stamp set and was geeked to see a matching wheel in the latest catty - I picked it up tonite so had to ink it up right away while watching the latest episode of Lost! And it's another late post too ... sheesh! I kept it simple for today's card - just a two layer one using my fav color lately ... tho' I've gotta admit I've seen lots of cards I'm lovin' lately in Pacific Point too. Mercy Kerin of Lord Have Mercy blog fame may be responsible for me having to pick up supplies in that "in" color. I love the punches of blue in her cards posted here and here and here!

stamps: SU Always, Always in Bloom; paper: SU Kiwi Kiss, A1 Natural White cardstocks; ink: SU Kiwi Kiss, StazOn Jet Black; accessories: SU 2-sided 3/8" satin ribbon

Celebrate!

It's Susan's birthday tomorrow so I made this card to celebrate, using what methinks is my first sketch challenge from Mercy Kerin's blog - her MTSC27 sketch challenge. I don't think this stamp had seen ink yet - it's the largest in the stamp set and I tend to shy from using larger images. Don't you love this DP tho'? It's called Green Distressed, and I recall that when I first spotted it I'd hoped it'd match my blog, thinking it'd be nice for a background to a new banner ... NOT! It's a different green altogether, with a lot of swirly blues running thru it. I'm lovin' bright greens lately.

I pieced the cupcake's paper liner, added the blue and green sprinkles to the frosting, and had I left myself more time, would've added a bit of "frosting," but I tend to procrastinate, which is why it's 11:30 p.m. as I'm posting this before hitting the hay!

stamps: Inkadinkado's Birthday Cupcake; paper: Little Yellow Bicycle's Nita Bella Collection DP, CTMH's Outdoor Denim, SU's Whisper White cardstocks; inks: StazOn's Jet Black, Tri-C watercolor markers; accessories: unknown ribbon; tools: CM's oval cutter, Martha Stewart border punch

It's Groundhog Day

... and I'm hopeful this card's going to be a thank-you note for Punxutawney Phil! According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow this a.m. there will be six more weeks of winter weather, and if he doesn't see his shadow there will be an early spring. After Phil emerges from his burrow on February 2nd annually, he speaks to the Groundhog Club president in "Groundhogese"(a language only understood by the current president of the Inner Circle). His proclamation is then translated for the world. There's a countdown on the official site of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.

I dunno about you - I'm going on faith and prepared this card and matching mini album in advance! It's a make-'n-take from a CAM (link at right) QuicKutz club meeting that I hadn't posted earlier. I was a slacker and got my stamps out yesterday but just drew some sketches and played on the PC.

Don't let me down, Phil!