Snow Day!

I have this need to try and make a card each night so I can have something to post each day. Sometimes I know exactly what I want to make, most times I don't. This was one of those times when I didn't. But I decided I wanted to use my embossing folders for snow flakes and snow day. Both are from the Ellison line of die cuts. The paper is Stampin Up Purely Pomegranate and Pretty in Pink. The white card stock is from Paper Trey Ink. And, the brads are from Queen & Co. The ribbon is May Arts that I got from Ben Franklin. And, of course Purely Pomegranate Ink from SU.

Storage Idea #1

I thought I'd start a storage idea post. Starting with what I use to store my brads, beads, snaps, cheeky flats, and other adornments I use on my cards. Thanks to Ming, I use the boxes pictured above. They are great for such items and the compartments can be made to accommodate different size items. As you can see I keep skeins of thread in them too. You may not be able to tell from the picture, but each one has a lid that locks so you don't lose your items when moving it around. And, where you may ask did I get them? None other than Target! And, you can find them for less than $5.00 each along with the sewing items.

Something Old, Nothing New!

So time got away from me last tonight and I didn't get anything new made. However, I do have something old I made to share. In looking at it I can see I've evolved somewhat; well at least I hope I have. :D And, even so, I still like it for the most part. When I first started making cards, I used almost all stickers, punches, textured card stock, and rub ons. And, I found the best stickers and rub ons and even some envelopes and premade cards were on the internet from companies in the U.K. Specifically, I like http://www.docrafts.co.uk/ a lot. From there I found a great number of stockists; the U.S. equivalent of online craft suppliers. Not all will sell or ship to the United States, but some good ones do. Anyway, the card above is made mostly from stockists products except for the shoe punch and the brads.

Golden Pumpkin!

I've had this pumpkin stamp for sometime now and have wanted to use it, but have been stumped as to how. I labored over this card for some time and even did the pumpkin on orange paper with the gold embossing powder but just didn't like it at all. So I redid the pumpkin on black paper with the gold embossing and like it so much better. The picture was hard to get considering I wanted to get the effects of the embossing powder in the picture. I wish I could remember where I got the un-mounted stamp from, but have not been able to. If I do, I'll go back and add it. In the meantime the supplies are very simple. SU-Black CS, Gold Metallic Ink and Embossing Powder, and Word Window Punch. Other items are from Michael's.

2007 Powhatan Festival of the Grape!

Saturday was the annual Powhatan Festival of the Grape and my first time to attend. My dearest friends Terry, Katie and Carol & I went together. Even though the weather for the previous days had been nothing but "much needed" rain it cleared up to an absolutely beautiful day for the festival. And, oh gosh did we have such a great time. I'm fairly certain this will be an annual event for us and we'll most likely get more girl friends to join us next time. We also met our friend Pam out there as well. The music by Steve Bassett was great too! And, of course, the wine was smooth! Gotta thank Katie for being our DD and getting us there and back safely.

Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival!

Each year Smith Mountain Lake has a wine festival in September at Bernard's Landing Resort; usually the last weekend. And, each year we make sure we don't miss it. It is truly a great time and we have so many friends in the community that it just makes it even better. Rich and Jen, Maw (Linda) and Buster live at Bernard's Landing and they always have a crowd and welcome all with open arms and lots of food and beverage! And, my dear friend Charlotte has a beautiful house on the lake as well; which is where we stayed this year. The weather could not have been more cooperative and the ride over to Bernard's on Brian's boat was awesome as well. I've posted a picture of Bobbi and me (on the left) at the festival and one of the full moon from Charlotte's balcony that Brian took with his camera.

Friday Frustration!

So my new camera takes awesome pictures and very briefly I got a look at them on the computer using the card reader. When I was doing so and trying to rotate one, the program locked up and I had to shut it down. I then went to the scanner/printer to download that way and nothing. Tried to download them using a card reader again and nothing. Put the card back in the camera and I got "card error." Which meant the card had to be reformatted and I lost all pictures I took. I got some good ones of Bella and Rikka with Brian holding them too. But I can take more. And, the card pictures actually turned out great too. Oh, well. I'll make some cards this weekend and post when I can. In the meantime I thought this picture of Amber, me, Bobbi and Jill on our May Myrtle Beach trip was very nice. It's an annual thing we do and what a great time. As long as no one does anything to get hurt!! Little inside joke for my peeps!

Office Thanks!

I made this card to give to a colleague and his wife. They were so kind and thoughtful while Bella and Rikka were sick and she sent him to work with 4 doggie cookbooks to let me look over. I kept them longer than I should have though. But everyday he'd ask me how they were, and even now he'll ask how the babies are doing. But his wife was apparently worried about them a lot.

I know it resembles the other Thanks card, but I got new May Arts ribbon from Ben Franklin and wanted to show it off. I love the colors. I used a part of my SU Delight in Life set and a Hero Arts Stamp from Memories Galore. The paper is SU Close to Cocoa, Purely Pomegranate CS & Ink and PaperTrey Ink white CS. The pink brads are from Michael's.

Oh, and I bought a new digital camera but don't have a memory card for it yet. The one I bought for it doesn't work in it like it indicated it would. So the picture is still from my original digital. But I think the lighting is better, but not perfect.

Boston Legal Bummed!

So, I was in my studio last night frantically trying to make as many cards as possible before 10:00 p.m. (when Boston Legal starts) and was in the house in time. However, Boston Legal would not be shown due to special coverage on the SoCal fires. So a mad dash back out to the studio to crank out a few more! These two were made using Ming's SU Season of Joy Stamp set. I've got to give that back to her on Friday so I'm trying to get as many made with it as possible.

Still working on my lighting! Took the picture this morning before I left the house. Put the cards on the trunk of Barby!

Items used:

SU-Season of Joy, Purely Pomegranate CS & Ink, Mellow Moss Ink, Very Vanilla CS, Handsome Hunter CS & Ink, and Circle Scallop Punch. Other: Misc. Paper and brads from Michael's, Ribbon from May Arts at Ben Franklin,

Purely Pomegranate Birthday Wishes!

My mom called me Sunday and asked if I'd make 2 birthday cards for friends of hers celebrating their birthday's on November 4. One I already had in stock, but this one I made last night. I recently bought the stamp from Michael's and wanted to use it. It's a lot like the Thanks So Much stamp that I did earlier in my postings. But it's made by Inkadinkado. And, I worked on numerous settings with my camera last night and I think I may be getting better. Of course, I took so many and don't recall what setting I used for this picture. Isn't that just smart? And, of course one part of the ribbon is not facing the right direction in the photo. I'm blonde what can I say.

Items used:

SU-Purely Pomegranate CS & Ink, Pretty in Pink CS and Close to Cocoa CS.

Other: PaperTrey Ink white card stock. Ribbon, stamp and brads from Michael's.

Piece of Cake!

My PaperTrey Ink order arrived Saturday while I was out of town boating with friends! Which was an awesome time by the way. Yay! And, even though I felt like ick on Sunday I managed to make a card; not my best. But a card nonetheless. Still working on my lighting too for pictures. Anyway, this set will, without a doubt, be one of my favorites I can just tell. It's got such diversity. If you want to see more images of cards with the 30 piece set go to the PaperTrey Ink website.

Items used:PaperTrey Ink stamps. SU-Close to Cocoa CS, Very Vanilla CS, Pretty in Pink CS, Pink Tafetta Ribbon, Flowers border stamp, Mellow Moss ink and Close to Cocoa marker, Chocolate Chip Ink, Dazzling Diamonds, Signo Gel Pen. Other: Happy Birthday embossing folder, Sizzix flower die cut, Spellbinders Nestabilities Rectangle die, Colorbox Pixie Dust Ink and brads from Michael's.

Travel Posts!

I'm trying to determine what would make my blog even more interesting and make folks want to come back repeatedly. I've had a thought of journaling my travel experiences and sharing pictures from those places on here. For instance, it all started in 2004 with my first trip abroad to Turks & Caicos. In 2005 it was two weeks in Australia and in 2006 to Ambergris Caye, Belize. This year's winter trip is going to be to Tamarindo, Costa Rica. My traveling side kick for the first 3 years has always been my dear friend Katie. This year Bobbi and Jilly Bean will be going and Brian will join us the last 4 nights of the trip. Needless to say, each year has brought many great memories and some funny tales to tell. So if you think you'd be interested in reading and seeing pictures of those travels be sure to leave me a comment.

Holiday Mode!

I guess I'm in a Winter Holiday mode as it seems I want to make holiday cards and not much else! Or, could it be I only have Ming's Season of Joy stamps for a short time! Yes, that could be it! :D So I made another card last night using it; and I do love that set! I'm definitely going to purchase it soon as it's only available until November 30. So if you want one too let me know before then. Everyone have a great weekend! I'm going boating one last time for the season!

Items used:

SU-Season of Joy, Handsome Hunter CS & Ink, Very Vanilla CS, Real Red CS & Ink, Pretty in Pink CS, SU Mat Pack, Dimensionals, Whisper White Tafetta Ribbon. Non-SU: Queen & Co. Brads, Rob & Bob Studio Holiday Slab from Michael's, Green Ribbon and Color Box Frost White Ink from Michael's. And, my paper piercer set.

Playful Puppies!

Click to play Make your own Smilebox

I realize my babies (Bella & Rikka) are really not puppies anymore, but because they play like puppies and look like puppies, I think they will always be my puppies. And, too many times when friends come over they aren't totally themselves with regard to playing. So this past Monday afternoon I caught them on video in the backyard going full force in their play. I actually got 3 video's of them. So it would seem that they are totally 100% now. Enjoy!

Season of Joy!

This card came from inspiration I got in an ATC from the last SU Downline Meeting. I borrowed Ming's stamps, but I may just have to purchase this one too. It's a die cut set and is so nice.

I used:

SU Season Of Joy Stamp, Handsome Hunter Ink and CS, Real Red CS, Word Window Punch, Real Red Ribbon and Very Vanilla CS. Other items: K&Company Patterned CS, Frost White Color Box Pigment Ink and Dauber all from Michael's. Can you tell I love that place? And, Target has quite a nice selection of card making items too.

No Photo Improvements!

I'm pretty disgusted still with my pictures! I guess I'll buy one more natural light and see if that helps and I may just bite the bullet and buy another digital camera as well. Brian has an Olympus I think, and it takes great pictures. Anyway, here is a card I finished last night. I struggled with it 1/2 way through and didn't know what to do with the lower half once I got the top half on. So, it's okay.

I used:

SU-Cold Play Stamps, Snow Border Stamp, Handsome Hunter Ink and CS, Sofy Sky Ink and CS, Scallop Circle Punch, Dazzling Diamonds and Dimensionals. Other items: PaperTrey White CS, Ribbon, eyelets (Making Memories), 1/16 hole punch and Crop-A-Dile from Michael's.

Photo Improvement?

Last night I went to Michael's to use the 40% off coupon my colleague (Debbie) so graciously gave me. I used the coupon on a Crop-A-Dile that I've been jonesing for so long. And, especially since Ming got one for her birthday. I guess you could say I had CAD envy!! :D No longer! But, since yesterday was also payday I splurged and got an Ott-Lite! Which happened to be marked 40% off as well. These lights are great as it's one of the most natural lights you can have in a lamp. So I set it up last night and took a picture of the FABULOUS Halloween Card Ming made for me! Isn't it an awesome card? And, I think given how dark the papers are that the light really helped me in getting a better picture. Plus, I think I've come to the conclusion that zooming the camera for the cards is not a good thing. So when I make a card tonight and get a picture I'll see if all the things I'm doing now to take better pictures holds true.

My space!

In July of this year I had my 12X20 shed converted to a studio. The items in the shed were moved to another one I had brought to my property, which you can see behind my studio. I could not be happier with how it all turned out. And, I absolutely love the time I get to create in there with my friends as well. Yesterday two of my very dearest friends came over to do just that. What a nice day it was. Both days were beautiful, but I spent most of Saturday doing yard/house work so I could play a little yesterday. Ultimately I want my backyard to be an oasis for me and all those who visit. It's a slow process, but it's coming along. Since building my house in 2004 it seems like my back yard has been torn up and hopefully I'm done for a while in making changes. Until I add a bigger bathroom suite on though! My house and the studio are most definitely a labor of love and a dream come true!

Fun Friday!

Click to play Make your own Smilebox

So I don't have a card to post, but I do have a small video clip to share. Last Sunday several friends came over for what was most likely the last time in the pool for the season. It was more of a jump in and don't stop swimming cause it was a tad bit chilly. But it was nice that's for sure. Katie brought her puppies, Kosmo and JJ over and we just drooled over them! Plus they were plum tuckered out after having a full day with all of us. Katie said she had to wake them up that night to make them go out and take care of business. They are precious and she's so in love with them! The clip above is Bobbi loving them and me trying to get them on video to hear the little noises they were making. But I don't think it came over. Still, it's just cute! Be patient, it's a little slow to load.

Simple-Not So Simple!

I'm so frustrated with the pictures of my cards I just don't know what to do! I guess the next step is to buy a really nice light to see if that helps. I tried taking a picture of the card above outside in the sunlight and inside with various different lights and it still turns out not too good. But I wanted to post it cause I got my SU order yesterday. Which was a total surprise since it wasn't scheduled to arrive until sometime today. I haven't even told Ming yet; she will flip! Love the stamp sets and paper and ink I got. And, I got Ming the caddy for her SU inks for her birthday! One day I'll get one too! Anyway, although this card is simple in looks, it was much more time consuming as I had to emboss the stars without ruining my paper and then get my glue just right for the glitter. Still not perfect like I'd like, but it's okay. Like the lopsided star? Usually, that's what my tree ends up looking like. Haha!

Items used for the above card:

SU-Handsome Hunter CS and Ink, Ultimate Metallic Gold Ink, Wondrous Gift Stamps, Many Merry Messages Stamps, Romantic Red Glitter, Embossing Powder (Gold), glue, and the corner ticket punch. Other items were PaperTrey's white card stock. Without a doubt the best white card stock!

Thanks So Much!

I made this card Friday evening, but because my weekend was non-stop and I had to take off Monday to regain some energy, I'm just now posting. I tried to make something last night and it just didn't work out like I planned. Earlier in the year I bought all these great Sizzix die cuts to make a fabulous Halloween Pop Up card; turned out a bust! I was so disappointed. But I'm going to check out the site again for the instructions and see what I'm doing wrong. But more than likely I'm going to stick with my SU Halloween cards. In the meantime below is what I used to make the card above.

SU-Close to Cocoa Ink, Delight in Life Stamp, Close to Cocoa CS and SU Ribbon. Misc. items are the Color Box Pigment (frost white) ink, PaperTrey White CS, other card stock and brads from Michael's. And, the most important stamp is the Hero Arts Thanks stamp. Love that stamp and the inspiration for the card is posted at the Memories Galore store locally.

My Beautiful Mini-Schnauzer Babies

Well, finally I've gotten some great pictures of my precious babies to share. Rikka and Bella are sisters born on 9/5/05 and they are without a doubt the sweetest, most precious puppy dogs I've ever had. They are so good with people, albeit, Bella is a bit reserved when it comes to children. They are always excited to see friends come over to the house and love to be held and doted on. They DO NOT like to swim as most dogs do though and they will have nothing to do with my pool. And, I'm glad actually. They don't mind boat rides though. They had an unexplained illness for about a month starting in August and have finally gotten much better if not totally cured. The pictures above are while they were not at 100% so they were not groomed like they normally are. Although, the nicest things about Mini-Schnauzers is that they don't shed, they don't have an odor and they are hypo-allergenic. These two are both solid black and you can hold them against you when you have a white shirt on and never know it when you take them away from you. Anyway, they are the loves of my life! And, Brian's too! Rikka is the one with the bigger ears and a more pronounced face, while Bella's ears are always down and she has more of a sweetheart face. Love my girls!

Ming Dynasty!

Well, Ming's birthday is tomorrow and she's off today and tomorrow spending time with her sister who is here from Washington State. So, hopefully I'll be safe in posting this card, which I think I plan to give her for her birthday. She lives WAY in the country and doesn't have the best access to the internet and hopefully she won't have time to go and look. I'm still on the fence though about giving it to her. I am just not so sure how much I like it or how much she will like it.

Items used to assemble:

SU-Doodle This Stamp set, Close to Cocoa and Very Vanilla cardstock. SU-paper piercing template and SU Dimensionals were also used. The other papers are from The Paper Company which I purchased at Michael's along with the brads and Gold Cording. The sentiment is from The PaperTrey (Borders and Corners) and the little flowers I made using my Provo Craft flower die cut. Oh, and the ink is a Gold Pigment ink that I heat set to prevent smearing while working with.

October Birthday Frenzy!

I have so many friends who have birthdays in the month of October it isn't even funny. And, my sister's birthday is tomorrow as well. If my grandfather were still with us we'd be celebrating his 94th on the 24th too. My grandmother, his wife, is still with us and she'll be 91 in January. Anywho, in my mad dash to get several cards done by Friday I was able to get this one made last night before Boston Legal came on at 10:00. I had to miss last weeks due to having to make card fronts, and I sure didn't want to miss last nights as I'm seriously addicted to that show. Luckily I was able to Tivo the season premiere episode and watch it Monday night so I caught up pretty quickly. Love me some Tivo! So I scrambled to make this one.

I used the following items to assemble this card:

Color Box Pink Pastel Fluid Chalk Ink. SU items: Chocolate Chip Ink, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla, Purely Pomegranate, Sage Shadow Card Stock, Delight in Life and Hugs and Wishes Stamp Sets, Word Window Punch, and the Paper Piercing Template. I embossed the Purely Pomegranate piece with my Fiskar's Embossing template called Filigree. The brads are from Michael's and I used my Prismacolor markers for the flowers.