Tuesday, October 31, 2006
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Monday, October 30, 2006
GREAT NEWS
1) We are finally getting a puppy. He is a lhasa-poo and is coming from Missouri, and he will fly in 3-5 days from now. He is so cute. I am super excited. He is only 6 weeks old and this is a picture of his adorable little self. I love his reddish color. What can I say, I am a sucker for redheads. We are going to name him "Dobby" - our little house elf. We are HP nerds!
2) I am teaching a class on how to make Christmas Balls in Dec. (I will post a picture of them later this week - I learned how to make them last year from texasjodylynn).
3) Hobby Lobby is opening close to me (the first one in AZ) on Nov 6th
4) We are at 62 subscribers to this blog and will reach post 100 soon, so there will be a celebration in the near future, which will include me shopping for prizes *YAY* The main drawing will come from the first 100 subscribers to my blog. There will be one sweet prize pack for them, and then a second prize will be awarded to a random comment poster on post #100, so stick around cause this action is coming SOON!!!
Okay, so maybe not all that exciting for all of you, but super duper cool to me *smiles*
Sunday, October 29, 2006
DO you miss me yet?
M dressed up as a pirate, as per E's request. J was a shark. They looked just so darn cute. E was my little witch. She was so excited. I made her costume. I am completely sewing challenged, so this was a big deal to me. I just used a body suit on top, but the skirt was what I made. It turned out fabulous!!!!
There was lots to do at the party. They had an area to eat, and these huge sub sandwiches. They had a play area, with all sorts of games: A bean bag toss, a balloon popping one, a fishing one, a donut eating one, and one called the cake walk, which is where every kid walks around in a circle on this little squares and when STOP is yelled (or music turned off) they all stop and a color is called and if you are on that color you get to choose a cupcake. It was a really cute idea (that is what the cupcakes above were for). Of course, my kids chose to eat the brightest orange and messiest ones *sigh* Oh, and there was even a hayride complete with spooky scenes set up for you to hayride past. E insisted we go on that one, and she had a lot of fun with it.
After that, all the kids went "trunk or treating" which is where we adults all have our cars lined up and the kids trick or treat at each car. M and I decided to give out full size candy bars, which was so exciting to a lot of kids. It was great! I enjoyed watching everyone's costumes and M took E around. J stayed with me and drank some water. He was sugared out and tired out.
We went home and the kids enjoyed choosing out some candy to eat before bed. They both were super excited. I got M to take a picture of me with them, because somehow I never make any of the pictures -- and afterall, I was wearing my cat ears. After a good teeth brushing, we tucked the kids into bed to go to sleep.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
SC 94 - Really cool way to make a card.
This card uses the "Blue Frost" spectrum pad from SU (which in case you were wondering, does not look all that nice when you accidentally drop it face down on your laptop keyboard.) I also used the SU hostess set "Warmest Regards" which I am currently in love with, and "All Through the Year" which is seriously so versatile. Oh, and cannot forget the "Canvas" background stamp. You will definitely have to take a look at the Sketch Challenge page to see how it opens and stuff. I used two way glue pen and dazzling diamonds on the snowflakes and eyelets in the center because ever since I bought the silent setter from ProvoCraft, I have no reason not too -- it is glorious. I really am happy with how this one turned out and I really hope that my DDSS likes it.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Holiday Spice Cake in a Jar
Here is the recipe:
Holiday Spice Cake Mix
In the jar:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¼ tsp baking powder
1 ¼ tsp baking soda
1 ¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cloves
½ tsp ginger
½ tsp allspice
1 ¼ cups white sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
In a medium bowl combine all ingredients. Mix. Place in a 1 quart glass jar. Attach a recipe card with the following ingredients and instructions:
ADD INS:½ cup butter, softened
1 ¼ cups buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
Cream cheese frosting (optional)
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, empty Holiday Spice cake mix (from jar). Add butter, shortening, buttermilk and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on low until combined. Beat 2 minutes on high speed. Add eggs and beat two minutes more. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire racks. Frost with cream cheese frosting if desired.
Monday, October 23, 2006
REMINDER TO SELF
1:20 pm
Arrowhead Mall
*check*
I went and got pictures of the kids done today for Christmas cards. They turned out really cute! I am quite excited. I was really worried because the kids were nuts and so hard to get to sit still for a second. I felt like I was chasing one and then chasing the other and then the first one again, and then the second -- over and over again. Anyway, I will post the pictures in a minute or two or twenty . . . the kids need me, they are *fighting* so I will be back later.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Playing With Paper
I also used this opportunity to use some of the Tim Holtz Frostz Mosaicz that I got in a kit when I helped out for the Creating Keepsakes Convention in Phoenix. I love the look of them, and have been hesitant to use them, but I just took the plunge. Tell me what you think???
The circle is stamped with SU "Linen" background. The snowflake is from SU "Cold Play" and the sentiment is from SU "Warmest Regards" which is a hostess set, so if you are not a demonstrator, quick, book a workshop so you can get it. It is awesome. Oh, and the little bit of white rick rack as a scarf was an afterthough, and I think it works. It just needed something more. The hat was just cut out freehand out of chocolate chip cardstock and the face and buttons were drawn on with a brown sharpie (thanks Jody). Finally, all the faux stitching was done with an SU marker, chocolate chip.
Working on stuff for Super Saturday.
Here are the things that you will get to see soon:
Holiday Spice cake jar and tag - 10/24
card box and christmas cards
glass etched votive holders
a yummy recipe page
christmas 2,4,6,8 box
christmas balls (super easy and fun)
glass etched decoration
christmas mini star book scrapbook
Phew, so that should be all next week-ish . . . thanks for checking in on me. I appreciate your comments and subscriptions (I think we are at 55 now- ever pressing onward to 100). See ya a little later with a new upload.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Fall Has Arrived
I got the Doodle bug again
Is Wednesday hard for anyone else? HUMP DAY - I swear it is the toughest day for me. I always feel overwhelmed by what I have not accomplished and what needs to get finished to survive the weekend, and often will just disregard all of it and just veg in front of the computer and stamp.
This is a stamp from JoAnn's $1 section. A dear friend of mine, Jen, told me it looked like a face, so this is my attempt to make it look less like a face by adding some doodles. It was fun to try. . . the background is stamped with the little star from retired Shapes and Shadows. Then I dotted in the middle of each one. The wavy stitching was done on my sewing machine -- very cool. I added the gingham and the brads both for interest. All in all I think it is a funky little card, and I am totally in the swing of designing Christmas cards for the year -- two days in a row! WOOHOO!!!!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
'Tis the Season for Stampendous Joy
Okay, so I am finally giving in and starting to work on Holiday cards. It is mid October now, so that is totally legal right??? Basically, I was inkspired to start working on them because on Saturday on my mommy time, I found the most perfect stamp that I think I want to use on my Christmas cards this year. I wanted them to have a more religious theme to them, but I was struggling to find a stamp that would work, and I found this one from Stampendous.
The main image is watercolored using a blender pen and the lid of the close to cocoa ink pad. I only used that one ink pad to watercolor, but as you can see there was great ability to shade with it. I used my glaze pen on the star to make it pop (you cannot really see that in the picture, but in real life it looks snazzy). The faux stitching was done using a chocolate chip marker and piercer. The SU "Linen" stamp was used to stamp the background in creamy caramel. Then I tied the ribbons (creamy caramel gingham, chocolate grosgrain, cream grosgrain) and stuck it all together. The "joy" sentiment is from SU "Small Script" which I think they retired, but I could not resist because I thought it would be perfect for this card. All in all, it came together rather nicely. I am excited to play with this stamp some more.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Boss' Day
I used SU's "Set Sail" because I don't have any masculine sets that are current. Good info for me though for Fathers Day -- clearly I will need one. The colors are creamy caramel, ruby red, and not quite navy. The neutral paper is confetti cream. The ribbon is American Crafts Elements ribbon. The bottom has some linen thread double tied. The sentiment is from SU "Much Appreciated." Oh, and I paper pierced the edge of the caramel layer for interest. I think it turned out pretty good for a masculine card. Happy Boss' Day. Don't forget to thank your boss for a job well done.
Oh, and in other news, Mr Brown (aka UPS) will be coming today to drop off a bunch of paper, some stamps and oval punches. YAY! I am pretty excited because I need to cut and prepare for Super Saturday which is only a few days away . . . YIPES!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
I got GOOD MAIL!
Today was a pretty good day all in all. It started off with me getting my "Slumber Parties" order from a fellow SCS'er. It was so generous of her. She included a great card, and a tin that was decorated with designer papers. Inside the tin was a hodgepodge of metal -- brads, hodgepodge, buttons, eyelets, basically all sorts of coolness. She also sent a couple of gag gifts, which were too funny! She is a riot! I cannot believe how sweet she was to send the extras in my package.
After I got the mail, I went out for my mommy time. I went to Lowes because I needed to return my fan (the one we got was missing pieces) and get a replacement. I also got a curtain rod for J's curtains (hooray, he will finally have a topper over his blinds), and a yummy hot chocolate candle, and a plant pot and soil to replant my aloe vera (because it is in this tiny pot and is really struggling.) After that, I went to The Creative Quest and bought two stamps and a glitter pen (which I needed for Super Saturday next Saturday). Then I quickly drove back from Glendale to Avondale, and met DH and the kids at Claim Jumper for a late afternoon lunch. It was great. Lots of fun! My kids are so funny, but we lived somehow. When we got home the kids were super tired, so they went to bed early and now at 9 pm, still have not woken up, so I think I am going to let them just sleep the night through, if they will. I think they need extra sleep.
Which brings us to now . . . what to do, what to do . . . I worked on a card box (box to contain cards as a gift) and N O E L letters for my wall, but they are not quite done (soon, I promise I will show you them soon.) I think I am going to go through my sample drawers soon and pick out samples (christmas ones) for Super Saturday and maybe first stamp a little gift bag . . . anyway, it is only 9 pm, so I might be back if I am bored again! See ya!
P.S. We're at 52 subscribers -- when we get to 100 there is gonna be some partying!!!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Are you SUPERSTITIOUS?
But first, here is a brief history of Friday the 13th, and why it is scary to some.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Winners got their prizes. . .
Inside was some primas, some chipboard, nail polish, gum, chocolates in a tin, tissue, and ribbon. I think that was it. That is all I can remember. Anyway, hope that the girls liked it. I will send prizes again when we get to subscriber #100 -- but we have a bit of time to wait before then . . . or you can shock me into action . . . whatever you all like *grins*
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Color over Alcohol Inks
The second card was made using the same colors of alcohol inks, but less blending solution -- which made it much deeper and richer. I stamped the leaves from SU "Autumn Leaf Prints" in really rust ink. I layered this on a background, stamped with canvas background stamp, and sponged on the edged. These were both layered on really rust cardstock. I wanted to distress more on this card, but I cannot for the life of me find my Heidi Swapp paper edge distresser -- so I might just have to pick one of those up again *sigh*
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
CALLING ALL YOU TECH SAAVY PEOPLE
Hugs and thanks in advance!
Yummy Crescent Rolls
SWEET POTATO CRESCENTS
Rebecca Bailey, Fairbury, Nebraska
2 packages (1/4 oz. each) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees F)
1 can (15 oz.) cut sweet potatoes, drained and mashed
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp salt
5 to 5 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup butter melted
Punch dough down; divide into thirds. Roll each section into a 12 inch circle; cut each into 12 wedges. Brush with butter. Roll up from the wide end and place, pointed end down, 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise unti doubled, about 40 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees F for 13-15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks. Yield: 3 dozen.
CK Kits: The Return
Monday, October 09, 2006
Finally: CK Kits
Saturday, October 07, 2006
CC82 - Olive, Celery, Red
This card uses SU "Print Pattern" to create an argyle background. I also used my black gelly roll to make faux stitching. The background is stamped with a cute decoration stamp I got at JoAnn's in their $1 stamp area. The old olive was an idea I saw in the SU Idea Book and Catalog. First you fold the paper on itself and then pierce and stitch it. The sentiment, "Seasons Greetings" also came from JoAnn. I love it! I think it is such a pretty sentiment.
When I got back, I decided that this just wasn't enough . . . I wanted more from this card, so I pushed it . . . I like some things about the final one, but others I just wish I left alone . . . but, that is how it goes. The decoration ended up bleeding (the old olive part) and did not look as pretty. I used crystal effects and glitter on top, which helped, but still not as pretty as the original. Thanks for viewing my struggles as a stamper. I feel like this is the place to share both my success and my failure.
Friday, October 06, 2006
TLC 84 - Black and White
But, today is Friday, and it is my goal to complete all of the weeks challenges today. We shall see how it goes. I am in a stamping mood.
The first card I created today uses only black and white. It was the technique lovers challenge (TLC) on splitcoaststampers from Monday. The background was created by using the alcohol inks blending solution with black staz on ink refill. I chose the staz on, because the classic black SU one tends to have a more purple color when diluted at all. I wanted it to stay true black and white. I stuck that background on a layer of white, using black brads (in the corners, hard to see) and then stuck the white layer on the black cardfront. The tag uses all sorts of fun toys. First I used my Lasting Impressions frame template to dry emboss the black paper. Then I used my white gelly roll pen (because a card would not be an Amanda card without it) to outline the dry embossing to make it pop more. Then I layered the tag on a white paper tag. I used Doodlebug design inc. Sew Easy Expressions rub on stitches around the edge. I have just been waiting for the perfect chance to use those. Finally, I embossed the spider in black, but him out and layered him on top of the tag. Then I added the google eyes with Ranger Inkssentials Glossy Accents (similar to SU's Crystal Effects -- I was all out and needed some, so I picked this up). Then comes the only part of the card that is not exclusively black and white. I stapled the ribbon (with silver staples - *shock*) and then adhered the tag to the card. My final touch was to write "Boo" at the bottom using my gelly roll pen. Too cool cause I actually don't hate my handwriting so much on this card!!!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Just to let you know....
A Mess, my stamps are a mess....
Today, SU "Bugs and Kisses" just happened to be the one on top, calling my name, so it got a little more use. I have been playing with my alcohol inks and made this blue and green background, and when I grabbed this set, I instantly could imagine the bugs embossed in black on this background. SO, I did it. I think it turned out cute. It's a very simple layout, but it works. The background was created by placing a round magnet on the paper and then dotting around it using the gel pen. Really simplistic, but I think it worked out well.
Anyway, must go now . . . M wants me to pick up X-Men 3 and the kids want The Little Mermaid -- so after calling around to the stores in town, I think I have found some of the best prices . . . have a good Tuesday! Oooh, and I am sending out packages to my two winners today -- sorry it took me so long to send them -- hope you like them *smiles*
Monday, October 02, 2006
Glazing it Up!
The effect they have is very subtle. It is like faux embossing with a pen. I really like the freedom this gives you (much more so than regular clear embossing powder.) I used the pens to make this baby card. The bunny is faux embossed using the pens on the outline. I also did the pads and insides of the ears in pink and then glaze pen. I also used both a white gelly roll and then the glaze gelly roll on top on the "Congratulations" across the bottom. I really like the effect. (Sorry it is so hard to see -- if you click on the picture and look at the bigger version you might be able to see a bit better). The bunny parts are popped up a little using glue dots. The background is done using SU "Pretty in Pink" reinker and the alcohol inks blending solution and applicator tool. I also stamped linen in the background directly behind the bunny and pink layer. I decided I needed to have some baby cards on hand because lots of people around me are due in the next few months.
Oh, and just for the record, I don't mind if you all comment. In fact, I am what my friend Jen calls a comment "ho." I need them, I want them, oh baby, oh baby! I read each and every one of them. They are the highlights of my boring mommy day. So, if you have a second -- tell me what you think. *smooches*