Masculine in Mind!

This is a card I created Sunday in preparation for the Birthday-Stamp-A-Stack I offered. It turned out okay. It's hard to create masculine themed cards I must admit.

Petal Pizzaz!

Now this stamp set is awesome and I truly feel it will be around for quite some time. All of these cards were CASED. Can't help it, they are, IMO, just such great layouts and colors. Although, the Mellow Moss and Riding Hood Red was my color combinaiton idea.

Pocket Silhouettes!

I hope this set stays around for a long while because I think it's very versatile.

Stampin Success!

For you SU Demonstrators, I hope you got yours this month. As usual, it's full of useful ideas and it also included the Occasions Mini Catalog which will be in effect April 1. It's loaded and I know already I want Forest Friends! Anway, here is a card I just had to make immediately upon reviewing the magazine. Of course it's CASED because I liked it so much.

Brian's Valentine Card

So this is the card I gave Brian for Valentine's Day. Yep, it's cased...sort of. I did actually take various stamps from my SU sets to make the heart though. And, it actually does look like one I made last year. I liked it a lot and so did he. He gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers that he picked up from the local florist, which is a nice contribution to the local community. Of course, the card said Happy Anti-Valentine's Day cause he knows I'm just not that into the celebration that comes along with it. But he did take me to the seafood restaurant Friday night, which IMO, was better than going out Saturday night with every other human from the community. Not that I don't like my community folks, just not so many at one time is all I'm saying. He also gave me the coolest little Valentine's Day present; which I'll post a picture of tomorrow. It's a Wonder Woman metal bracelet. Too cool since I've said for years my goal is to be Wonder Woman and sometimes I feel like I am. Now I'll be even more invincible since I have the bracelet which for sure makes me that much closer to being Wonder Woman right?

Rustic Rooster

When I first saw this stamp set from Stampin Up I just knew I had to have it. I really don't know why though as I'm just not as creative with stamps like this as I am with simpler ones. However, here is my first attempt at making a card with it and without casing. I think I really will need to find some to case as this just doesn't do much for me. But it lends some interest to me, so here it is.

CD Case Project!

Even though I have a huge amount of blank paper CD Cases they just aren't quite like the one I've made here. I actually think I like the one I made better. In this post you'll see the front side (decorated) and the back side of the CD Case (slightly decorated) as well as the back opened. I am thinking about doing this at Ming's workshop this month. So easy and yet so nice, especially for picture card CD's you may share.

Not quite cased!

On this card I started out to CASE, but changed it up a bit as I didn't have all it took to duplicate the one I'd seen. But I actually like mine a lot as well. Everything but the sentiment is Stampin Up.

A serious case of casing!

As a Stampin Up Demonstrator I am privy to many card ideas from sister demonstrators. As well as from the Stampin Up Idea Book and Catalog. So, as time for creating is precious and minimal, I have cased a lot lately. A lot of times I'll change up the colors, but I will definitely copy the lay out. Here are a few of my casings!

Bizzy Times!

It's probably like that for most of you as well, incredibly bizzy! I know how to spell, I just like my version of the word better. Anyway, on the 17th I went to Bob and Terry's for some great food and good time with them and other friends; like I said before one of my most favorite things to do. Sunday, the 18th Brian and I went to Bobbi & Loren's wedding at the Boars Head Inn in Charlottesville, VA. So very, very nice. I'll share pictures soon of that. The 24th I performed a wedding ceremony for some friends, which was very nice too. And, also on the 24th Brian had his annual Winter Chill Out Party at Tobacco Company in Richmond, so I went to that. I've posted a picture of us while there. Sunday, I had the first meeting for the stamp club group; which was way fun. We're very excited about it! I've posted a picture from that too. And, later Sunday friends came over for dinner and some chatting and relaxing in the hot tub. This Saturday I have a downline meeting; which I look so forward to and am helping Terry clear some things from her office. So as you can see it's been an incredibly bizzy month so far and that doesn't even count going to work, yoga and the gym or lovin on the puppy girls. But I truly do love having lots of things to do and wonderful friends to share good times with.

Kindness!

I made this card in early December in anticipation of Valentine's Day. I know a bit premature hunh? But I'd gotten tired of holiday cards and was ready to play with the new set I'd ordered from Stampin Up called Love You Much.

Photos from Bali, Indonesia!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

As promised, here is a very small amount (91) of photos from my Bali, Indonesia trip. I took over 300! It truly was a great trip and I would recommend it to anyone looking to experience the Bali culture.

I'm Back!!

I'm back from my trip to Bali. What a great experience it was. I enjoyed it and got some great pictures which I'll post in a SmileBox soon. I haven't had an opportunity to make anything card wise and hope to get to do that this week. In the meantime, I thought I'd share what Bella and Rikka did with one of the Christmas presents I gave to them. This is the 2nd bed they've owned and the 2nd one they've torn to shreds. They must get truly bored when left alone too long. I was in Bali and Brian ran some errands the day they did this. Glad it was on sale at PetSmart when I got it.

Last of the Holiday Cards!

Here are some of the Holiday Cards I'll be sending out. I hate to show them before my circle of friends and family gets them, but I really want to post them. Like I said in the post before this, I'm working on Valentine's Day cards now. Plus, I've got a special project to do for my Stamp Club Group which starts in January.

This n' That

Some of my friends have said they check out my blog to see what I'm up to. Well, I haven't done too much posting specifically about that sort of thing. So I thought I'd provide a little update.

Let' see.....Thanksgiving was so nice. I made an incredible spaghetti sauce (thanks to Ray) and we had dessert and a movie (Wall-E) at Ming and Ray's. Plus we got to see her mom, dad, grandma, sister and brother-in-law which was very nice. We stopped by Eugene and Beth's after that to see their new home; which is way cool. That truly was a nice visit as well. I also got a workout in at the gym which was only occupied by one other person. Had the whole place mostly to myself.

On Friday, 12/5 a whole bunch of us got together for Jill's birthday and went to River's Edge Bistro, which was very festive. Ming and I spent the night with Jill and Kelley came over for some girl talk as well. Saturday I had Madelyn and Barbara up for my last Holiday Stamp A Stack and that was also so very nice. I put up the tree and the candles in the windows. Brian and I put the wreath on my turret which is beautiful. Since it was so warm here last night, (60 plus) I put the lit garland around my door. So all that is done.

As usual I have Yoga on Thursday nights and I'm trying to fit in some visits to the gym too.

Bella and Rikka still haven't mastered the puppy door Brian installed. Actually, Bella was traumatized by it Monday night when we made her go through it. She still seems to be off kilter and I'm really not sure why. Don't get me wrong, she's eating, drinking, piddle and pooing as well as playing, but she seems to want more attention than normal. Hmmm..wonder if she can sense it's about time for me to go away for a week or more. Anyway, they are doing well.

This weekend I plan to go to Walkerton to buy some of the Brunswick Stew that will be on sale at the Fire Department and hopefully get to see Ming, Emily and Ray while there. Saturday evening I plan to go to Terry and Bobs for some great fellowship at the barn. One of my most favorite things to do actually. I'll be making cards to send out for Christmas this weekend too; yes I'm late.

Brian flies out very early Friday morning for Texas. He bought a vehicle from there and is driving it back. I get my hair cut tomorrow; thank goodness. Monday the puppies go to the groomers. And, next week is my last week at work until January 5th. So I've got two payrolls to do, bonuses and tax preparations to complete. My company Christmas party is at The Hotel Jefferson next Friday. I leave for Bali on the 23rd. I can hardly believe it. Plus, I'm really pumped about all the new Stampin Up things in the very near future. I've been working on Valentine's Day cards actually and am looking forward to the stamp club that I'm also starting in January.

Oh, and way cool news. Brian and I are going to the Adirondacks in February for his birthday for a weekend of snowmobiling. Even though I hate cold weather, this should be fun. Check it out; it's in Old Forge, NY. http://www.oldforgeny.com/

Okay, I guess that's about it for now. I'm sure I've forgotten something.
And, how about some new cards?

Beautiful Avery!

I just have to share with you the newest addition to the "river clan" who was born in August. Scott and Elizabeth (I performed their marriage ceremony-my first) were blessed with a beautiful little girl and they named her Avery. I'm sort of honored as I offered up the name to them in March when we were at Ming and Ray's for dinner one evening and they liked it. Actually, another friend of mine named his daughter the same but about almost 4 years ago. So this little Avery has a name sake. Maybe one day they'll meet. The first little Avery is adorable too.

Overdue post!

Gosh, I feel bad I haven't posted in over a week, but there has just not been enough time. Too much to do with only 3 weeks left of the year for me to do them in. That's because the first of the third week of December is going to be spent mostly on my getting ready to go to Bali, Indonesia on the 23rd. I can hardly believe it's approaching. Anyway, I haven't made too many new cards, so I'll continue to share with you ones I took pictures of from Regional.

Oh, and today is my nephew's 15th birthday and I haven't even sent his card. I did make it though. It will be sent tomorrow for sure.

Jen's SWAP & My CASED

The card on the left is what my Upline made for SWAPS to take to the regional we just attended in Virginia Beach. They are yummy! Because I didn't have all the supplies to make it exactly like hers, I substituted and mine is on the right. Jen always does impressive cards.

Regional SWAP & Cased!

So the card in the picture on the left is the one I swapped for at regional and the one on the right is the one I made. I did not have all the necessary items to make the one like I received so I did the best with what I had. Well, now I have everything to make it except the Chocolate Chip DP, which is scheduled to arrive on Monday. :D I think it's an absolutely beautiful card.

Doggie Door and Deck!

I just had to show off Brian's handy work. He did such an incredible job at building Bella & Rikka's deck and installing their puppy door. Now, I just have to train them to use it. And, even though my whole back yard is securely fenced, I still need to fence in their area and put a pergola of some type over it as well. I don't want them venturing out into the yard or near the pool (currently covered) while I'm not home. And, I don't want to chance anything flying or crawling in there. It really is an awesome piece of work.

Regional Ideas!

So here are some of the pictures I took at the Regional I attended in Virginia Beach last Saturday. Fabulous aren't they.

Peeps!

Many times I mention Ming's and Katie's name in my posts and I know I've posted pictures of them before. But these were taken recently at Joani & Arm's Halloween party (friends and neighbors of mine) and I think they turned out pretty good. The first one is of Ming, Me and Katie. I think you can figure out the second one. Haha!

As promised-Regional Swap!

This is the SWAP I took to the Virginia Beach Regional this past weekend. It really was nice to attend this event as it re-energized me and I'm so pumped about all the new things we learned. Just so little time it seems to share it all; but I eventually will. For those demonstrators who can't attend Convention I strongly encourage you to go to the closest regional . You really do learn a lot and come away with a lot of ideas. And, OMG, it was so exciting that Shelli Gardner was there as well. What a neat surprise. Oh, and I'll post some pictures from the Regional soon so you can see some very inspiring projects.

Snow Swirled!

Snow Swirled (combined here with Season of Joy) has got to be one of my newest favorite SU sets with regard to theme; Christmas. The set is so versatile and I'm even using it for my swaps to take to the SU VA. Beach Regional this Saturday. I'm so looking forward to that. I have since modified this card a bit though. I did not stamp on the part underneath the squares, I just haven't had a chance to take a picture of the new card. And, I'll post the Swap card soon.

Happy Owlloween!

Once again I used punches to create this cute candy treat pack. The SU Top Note BigZ Die from Sizzix was used for his head and circle punches for the eyes and the small oval punch for his nose. Don't you just love the Halloween energy that abounds! Or, could that be effects from the candy corn? Haha!

And, today is my friend Cory's birthday. He and his wife, Amber, are temporarily living in Spain, so it's a bummer we won't get to celebrate with them this year as we've done in the past. Hopefully they will be back soon though.

Along Came A Spider...

We made these in our most recent Downline Meeting and OMG, isn't he the cutest. And easy peasy. You can probably determine he's made from all punches. Oh, and there is a York Peppermint Patty in between the two scallop circle punches.

Let It Snow-NO, not really!

Not yet anyway. I was especially looking forward to a little cold weather as I now have a hot tub, but since I've had a head cold for almost a week now I've really not been in the mood to get in it. Nor am I sure it's the best thing when one has a cold. However, that has not dampened my holiday card making mood as most of the card creators I see are doing as well. I love this set and just got it recently. The colors are not traditional, but I still like it a lot.

Jolliest Time of The Year!

I so love this set! I just got it yesterday and made all three cards last night. I am missing my creative mo- jo lately (probably because I have a head cold) and absoluetly CASED each one. I plan to use them for my October Stamp Class. I really need the Always Artichoke for the Tree one though and will most likely order AGAIN!

Ray's Birthday Card!

And, here is the card I made for Ray's Birthday. Yep, his birthday is three days after Ming's and the same day as his best friend, Griff. Ray happened to be out of town on business the day of his birthday, but he and Griff apparently celebrated very well on Saturday out on the river on Ray's boat and pier. :D

Ming's Birthday!

First let me say when I first typed the title to today's post it converted it to Hindi! OMG, it was too funny. I panicked and realized I changed something in error last week and quickly corrected it. Whew!!

Anyway, Ming's Birthday was Sunday and this is the card I made for her. I CASED it from one I'd seen on the SU Demonstrator site; I absolutely love the Regal Rose color. This has got to be one of my all time favorite layouts and color schemes.

On Saturday, Denisha, her son (Jacob), and Ming and Emily came over to the house/studio so the children could play in my yard and the adults could make cards and just have a nice time creating. Which we did! It was so nice and watching Emily and Jacob play was quite entertaining as well. I look forward to doing that again. Oh, and my sister's birthday was Saturday. And, Ming's husband's birthday is tomorrow along with three of my other friends. January of those years certainly was a busy month. I've got quite a few more friends who have a birthday this month as well.