Sunday, August 31, 2008

Gift for Baby Isabella



Recently, my SIL gave birth to her eighth and final child . . . she had a girl and named her Isabella. I felt like I wanted to send her something, but what do you give the mom who has everything she needs for baby? I thought about diapers, but this caught my eye on a couple blog sites (MaryJo and Lauren M) I saw and I felt inspired to make my own. Babies go through onesies so often, I figured she could always use some. I thought also for sure I had some tins to make the little carriage, but alas, I apparently have used them all, so I came up with this idea because I had these cute little plant pots from IKEA hanging around on my desk. I think it worked out perfectly!!! What do you think? Hope she likes it!!!

Stamps: Baby Moose (Hanna Stamps) Paper: DCWV Pale Pinkish Purple, Neenah Solar White Ink: Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: Pink Twill (thanks Jody), Pale pink flowers (Michaels wedding section), Prima Flowers, pink buttons (SU), swarovski crystals, gem brads (SU), Prima leaves (colored green with copic marker), one pkg. Gerber onesies, plant pot (IKEA), cellophane

Saturday, August 30, 2008

MOJO MONDAY - Challenge #50

I snuck in a little stamping time yesterday before the ultrasound, and managed to play around with my copics some more (I think my coloring is really starting to improve) and some new stamps that I picked up at JoAnn's the other day in their $1 clear stamps section. I thought they were awesome because they came with a sentiment and an image that went with them.

This is a just because card for a friend. This would be super cute to give with a cello bag with some cookies in it, topped with the matching two scoops paper. The layout is from Poetic Artistry Mojo50 sketch, and sorry it is a little more yellow than it is in real life, I will try to rephotograph sometime.

Stamps: $1 Bin - JoAnn's Paper: SU Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Wild Wasabi, Not Quite Navy, Neenah Solar White, Basic Grey - Two Scoops Ink: Onxy Black Versafine Accessories: White Polka Dot Satin Ribbon, Paper Piercing Tool, White Gelly Roll Pen, Sewing machine, white thread, copic markers, colorless blender, clear embossing powder.

Friday, August 29, 2008

ULTRASOUND

Here are some shots of our little guy in my belly from the ultrasound today:





HSC32 - 3D Item Challenge . . . Motorcycle Ride Journal

I love my SCS buddies! I get so inspired by them SO often! Seriously, you could not have a better set of friends. This time it was my friend Cyndi who inspired me. I created this project with her in mind and then promptly sent it off to her. I really hope she likes it.

Cyndi goes on long motorcycle rides with her hubby and I thought that this would be the perfect way to keep track of places they had been together -- the book is about 6x6 I think (if I remember right) and you could easily put pictures inside on the white pages, with journaling beside it. I used the set Route 66 by Hanna Stamps, and created this for Vicki's challenge to make a 3D project. The image was colored with prismacolor pencils and Copic markers. The heading was made using my SU punch, and some white letter stickers that I had on hand in my drawer of wonders -- aka, stuff I have bought and never used on a project, but I had to have. LMBO!

Stamps: Route 66 (Hanna Stamps), Motorcycle Tracks (Unknown) Paper: GP White, Wild Wasabi, Basic Black, License Plates Paper (UPC Code: 9570703600) Ink: Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: SU Punch Convex Square, Black brads, burgundy 5/8th inch grosgrain, white letter stickers (Alpha Pals by American Crafts), Bind-it-All machine and black rings.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

I'm BACK! Disneyland Triple Slide Show

We had such a great vacation! M took an extra day off this time, so we had both Friday and Monday and it just made the trip so much more relaxed. We took it slow and easy since I am pregnant (usually we push ourselves and do like 12+ hour days at Disneyland). I apologize in advance for the marathon length post you are about to stumble into . . .

FRIDAY

We drove to Anaheim, arrived around 2 pm. Had a quick lunch at El Pollo Loco (aren't we classy?) and then checked in to the hotel. We relaxed for a half hour or so and then headed off to California Adventure. We headed over to Soarin' Over California, to check if J was tall enough and we discovered he was! What a happy surprise. It opened up all sorts of new options for us since he had FINALLY reached 40 inches. We got a fast pass for that ride, and then headed over to the Jumping Jellyfish. J had never been able to go on it before and was super excited. It was fun. After that, it was time for the Pixar Play Parade and we managed to snag an AWESOME spot on the far end of the parade route. I got some great pictures and we were even sitting in the shade which was just lovely!!! We somehow convinced the kids to go on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. In hindsight, I probably should NOT have gone on that. I worried for about an hour afterward until I felt the baby kicking again. It scared J so bad and E did not even scream at all. She was so brave!!! We went on Monsters Inc. and then it was time to go on Soarin' using our fast passes. We had such a great evening! My feet were a little sore from wearing my sketchers flip flops, so M looked up where I could buy some crocs (I could not find mine before we left) and we went to a sports authority store and I got a pair of pink classic ones for only $20. YAY! They felt SO much better!!! I would highly recommend these for walking around Disney!!




SATURDAY

We slept in till 8:45 or so . . . I love hotel black out curtains. Usually at home, my kids wake up at like 7 am, or earlier. We had a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, and then got ready and headed to Disneyland. The pace felt so relaxed and happy! We went on a bunch of our favorite rides (Autopia, Pooh Bear). We got a chance to see the Indiana Jones show that we did not get to see last time. J even was chosen to be a helper, and at the end of the show, one of the girls who was hostessing, chose us to go on a search for the stones to help Indiana Jones (it was like a private guided tour since the other people who were chosen quit half way). It was cool cause it lead us around to all the places where the show was happening throughout Adventureland, and at the end, J got to shake Indiana's hand and he said "I remember you" -- it was super fun for him. We went on splash mountain using a fast pass for the first time with J and when we got off it, he said, let's go again! He loved it!!! We went over to the Jedi Training Academy show and by some miracle, both of our kids were selected to be padawan learner. They both got to fight Darth Vader (they call him Dark Vader) and they both got a certificate at the end of the show saying that they had participated. Super fun!!! And what luck??? We left and went to dinner at California Pizza Kitchen (M had never been there and he enjoyed it). After dinner, we rested for a bit and then we went back to Disneyland in time to watch fireworks and ride a couple more rides. It was a great day! I was SO tired at the end of the day!





SUNDAY

We decided to take Sunday nice and easy and have a beach morning. We ended up making to to the beach by 12:30 . . . after sleeping in, having breakfast, lazing around our hotel room (due in part to my lack of motivation to get ready to go) and driving there. We went to Huntington beach for about 2 hours. M had fun playing with E in the water and J and I had fun splashing at M. J is usually scared of the waves and this was fun for him -- he had a good time. Then M, E, and J made a sand castle and played in the sand a bit. They had lots of fun! I only have a total of two pictures from the beach because my camera battery decided to die right when we got there. One happens to be a butt shot of M, so we will leave that one out and just post this cute one of E! Ooops - oh well!!!

After the beach, we headed back to the hotel, got showered and de-sanded and dressed and went to Disneyland for the evening. It was fun but crowded, I was surprised. We went on a few rides and ended up going back to the hotel well before close because we were all tired and felt like crashing. I guess all that fresh ocean air and being in the sun sucked the life out of us!

MONDAY

We woke up around 8 am and got breakfast, got dressed and ready for the day and after checking out, headed to Disneyland! We planned to stay only till noon or 1 pm. We knew we wanted to go build light sabres with the kids. We also HAD to go on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters because it broke down the night before and we could not go on it and it is one of our favorites. We also managed to catch a bit of the show at the Golden Horseshoe, shoot a round at the shooting gallery and go on Pirates of the Caribbean to end the time we spent at Disneyland. On the way home we stopped at The Old Spaghetti Factory. M really liked it and it was a relaxing place to have lunch before we headed on home. We got home by 9 pm, which is really not bad at all. Overall, I think this was our best Disney vacation so far.



Friday, August 22, 2008

Disneyland Again . . . and HSC31 - My First Hanna

Today for the challenge on the Hanna Stamps forum at SCS, Candice challenged us to use our first Hanna set we got. For me, it was "But I Need It" -- no surprise there eh? LOL! I seriously LOVE buying stamps!!! It is an addiction. They are just SO fun to play with! But you are here reading this blog, so I am SURE you already know!!! *giggles* Hope you will get some time today to dig out your first Hanna and create! What? You don't have a first Hanna -- well there has never been a better time to own one . . . browse on over to Hanna Stamps and get your collection started!!!

This card is a little bit loud and busy, even for me -- but I still think it works somehow. I experimented some more with the coloring on the image using copics, this time using a plastic palette and the colorless blender to pick up the color and feather it across the image in layers. I was really pleased with the result of this because it felt just like watercoloring with my aquapainter and I totally plan to use this technique again! Here is a tutorial from the "I Like Markers" site on this technique! I also used my clear Spica (speek-a) pen on the black bag, and over the plastic flower embellie (see close up photos below) and that added LOTS of sparkle!

Stamps: But I Need It (Hanna Stamps), Things Hanna Would Say (Hanna Stamps) Paper: Basic Black, Neenah Solar White (I am loving this paper -- you need to get some), Black Polka Dots by The Paper Studio, Pink Girly Paper - by Rob & Bob (I think) Ink: Versafine Onyx Black Accessories: Fiscars Scallop Scissors, SU Word Window Punch, Sewing Machine, Black thread, black grosgrain ribbon, clear embossing powder, Spica Clear Glitter Pen, Spica Black Glitter Pen, Heidi Grace Plastic Floral Embellishment, black brad, Foam Mounting Dots (under the main Hanna image).

We are off to the happiest place on earth again for the weekend . . . it may be our last time before the baby arrives, but we shall see if we can sneak in an October trip. I admit it, I am a Disney addict, I just love the feel of the place and we have such fun, happy family memories there!!! Anyway, have a wonderful weekend and we will see you back here on Tuesday with some pictures from Disney (assuming I don't forget the camera). *waving*

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

It's the Little Things . . .

So I noticed one of my friends at church had a birthday this week, and I decided to take her a little treat! We are not super close buddies, but just have met and interacted a few times, so I thought it would be a nice surprise. Plus, who doesn't love a little attention on their birthday???

Anyway, I saw Jody's tutorial on how to make a Boxy Bag on her site, and thought I would try it out. It was SUPER simple and the results are cute!! I took it to my friends door yesterday afternoon and she was shocked and I think she liked it. It wasn't much, but it just had some lifesavers and a lemonade flavored lip smackers in it -- but you know, it is the thought that counts -- the little things! I wished her a Happy Birthday, told her to have a good day and I was off to continue my errands, run to the post office, etc.

Weird note on karma -- M would say it is all a bunch of baloney, but when I got to the post office, there was NO-ONE in line at all, I just walked up -- and when I left like three minutes later, the line was at least 8-10 people deep, backed up out the door. Someone up there was looking out for me!! Seriously, the post office with two crazy kids in tow is not fun with a line up like that! I was so thankful that I got there when I did.

SO, my challenge for you today is to do something nice for someone. Make someone's day a little brighter!!! The world is full of enough negative, so try to counter balance it with your positive actions. Seriously, you could do anything -- just take a friend a little treat, or it could be even more random than that -- like doing something nice for your grocery checker in line. It's sometimes feels weird cause it is a little out of our comfort zone, but it is easy and fun! It made me feel happy! YOU CAN DO THIS! Then, report back here, I would love to hear your stories!!!

Stamps: SU Family Phrases Paper: Pixie Pink, GP White, Making Memories Maddie Narr Stripe Ink: Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: Tangerine Square Brads, Clear Round Swarovski Crystals, Prima flowers - yellow and pink, Marvy Uchida Mega and Giga Scalloped Ovals, Fiscars Punch, Pale yellow ribbon (from my stash), red line adhesive tape, clear baggie.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Christmas Creations . . . Springtime Hanna?

So I had a realization last week . . . I am due to have my baby boy Dec 15th, which gives me exactly 4 months before I need to be completely and totally prepared for Christmas because I will have a newborn in the house and I know I won't be getting anything done after that. Scary, because that is a short deadline. EEEK! Anyway, I decided to start working on some Christmas Projects and I came up with this card using the Springtime Hanna in a different way. I am still learning on the copics -- I feel like this one just looks colored in so to speak, like any markers could have done it . . . but I shall keep trying!

For this card, a trip down memory lane . . . I was recalling my childhood days, when my mom and grandma would dress me up all pretty for church in December, and how it was a big deal every year to get our Christmas dresses. I thought Hanna would look gorgeous in a Christmas dress!!! It just sort of clicked as I was looking through my Hanna sets, and thus, this creation was born! Hope you like it and this card inspires you to see some of your Hanna sets in a new way!

Stamps: Springtime (Hanna Stamps), SU Fancy Flexible Phrases Paper: Real Red, GP White, Paper Pizzazz - Christmas Plaid Ink: Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: Green Satin Ribbon (purchase at Hanna Stamps site), gold brads, sewing machine, white thread, copic markers, gold cord, SU 1 3/8 & 1 1/4 circle punches, diamond stickles (on shoes, belt and bow)

OH, and last but not least -- DO YOU HAVE AN XPEDX STORE NEAR YOU???? I got some awesome deals on the weekend. I went in to get some Neenah Solar White (since HRR says it is her fave, I thought I would give it a try) and all their scrap stuff (stamps, embossing powders, punches - fiskars squeeze punches even, embossing templates by Spellbinders, Chipboard) was on CLEARANCE!!! Yes, run, don't walk, to your nearest STORE and see if they are doing this at your store too! I scored 7 stamps (by Wordsworth, Stampendous, Penny Black, Rubber Soul, and Hero Arts) for $19 -- which is a STEAL! I might have to go to their other store nearby!!! Oh and if you see lots of new stamps this week, that is why . . .

Friday, August 15, 2008

HSC30 - A Sketch and Halloween Challenge

Okay, I admit it, my card sort of stretches the Halloween theme, but technically this scarecrow does come in the Hanna Stamps Trick or Treat set AND he is kinda scary right? Hehehe! I just loved this sketch (I turned it to fit Mr. Scarecrow) and had much fun creating this card!!!

I was playing with my copic markers again, and in this case, I don't think I did too great on the coloring, but I did learn some things about using the colorless blender, so it was not all a waste! Anyway, hope you like this card! Happy Friday -- now go play the challenge!!!

Stamps: Hanna Stamps Trick or Treat Paper: Old Olive, Cranberry Crisp, Whisper White, Melissa Frances - Wesley, Mustard Moon - Green Floral, Daisy Bucket - Astor Park Collection {Clay Street - reverse side} Ink: Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: Clear EP, Copic Markers, Sewing Machine, white thread, SU oval punches, brown rick rack, creamy caramel buttons

Thursday, August 14, 2008

SC189 - Autumn Pumpkin Riley Moose

Autumn is coming . . . at least I hope Autumn is on the way! I am done with the hot summer temperatures here in the desert and I am looking forward to some cooler weather and most especially to Halloween.

I made this card for the sketch challenge on SCS yesterday (SC189). I added a layer for my image, rather than making my image be on the main panel, I think it looks better like this. I tried the other way, but none of my images worked quite the way I wanted it to look. This is my second attempt at coloring with the Copics. Please be patient with me as I learn. I used a marker to marker technique, which you can read about if you click on those words. The finished look reminds me a lot of the look you get with prismacolor pencils and odorless mineral spirits. It is a little softer, a little less bold. I think it worked well on Riley since he is so dark. Can you believe it? I have decided already that I need more browns to work with. I colored the prima leaves and one of the flowers with my copics for perfect matching (I love matchy matchy). Oh and I stitched with orange thread on the edges of the card and around the image. I thought orange would be a fun way to change things up a bit. Hope you like him!!!

Stamps: Riley Pumpkin Patch, Amuse "Hello Pumpkin" sentiment Paper: GP White, Old Olive, Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie, Daisy Bucket Designs - Astor Park Collection (Clay Street) Ink: Versafine Onyx Black Accessories: Clear EP, Nestabilities ovals, brown brads, prima flowers, prima leaves, copic markers, copic colorless blender, stitched skinny ribbon, brown button Techniques: Marker to Marker blending

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

COPICs, The Learning Curve, and Booty Bella

Guess what came in my mail yesterday? Yep, you guessed it, my COPIC CIAO markers that I ordered from Hanna Stamps. I ordered one of each of the 5 sets she has. I really loved how they were organized seasonally! FUN! So I immediately began to color . . . and I was surprised by how much of a learning curve they have, I mean, I had heard that they did take some learning, but WOW! I threw out at least a full page of images that did not look right when I colored a spot on them, so I tried again. But, I am proud to say, I finally managed to get an image to look decent enough for it to adorn a card. YAY! This is the stamp I refer to as Booty Bella and it was the first time I managed to get her inky! Here are the sites that helped me to figure out coloring with these babies:

http://ilikemarkers.blogspot.com/
and
http://ellenhutson.typepad.com/

Without those two sites, I would never have figured it all out. Ellen's site had great tips on how to color with the markers as well as a whole assessment of different inks and how they work with the copic markers. Super useful stuff. The I Like Markers blog is all about copics and there is TONS to learn on there. I know I will keep learning as I play! Anyway, on to my card!

I saw today on SCS that in the Stamping Bella forum, they had a sketch challenge going (and we know I can't resist one of those). I followed the sketch for this card. When I put the image against the card stock, the image popped and the card stock seemed to just blah away. It needed something to make it stand up and say hello too, so I sponged the edges of the creamy caramel and then I stitched with the sewing machine and white thread around the edge. Oh and about the image, I tried a few of the inks I had, but none seemed to produce a crisp enough image with no smudging, even with heat setting, so I decided to emboss it and I was pleased with the results.

The other cool thing on this card, when I was looking for the perfect prima flower, I could not find just the right color, so I decided to color them with my markers. It made them looks almost fuzzy, but they match perfectly!!! I was so excited about that. So how do you think I did on coloring? Any tips???

Stamps: Stamping Bella Paper: Stampin' Up, Creamy Caramel, Whisper White Ink: Versafine Onyx Black Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Copic Ciao Markers, Dotted Organdy, Prima Flowers, Clear Dew Drops, SU circle punches

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Pound Cake & Verve Stamps

It's time for a yummy and super indulgent recipe and a card! Sorry I totally disappeared this past weekend, I just kind of needed some "me" time, so I took it. M and I have been watching the Olympics like addicts. We start watching and then just can't stop. We found ourselves up at 12:30 in the morning watching swimming and such . . . you totally lose track of time.

Thanks to all of you who participated in my sketch challenge in the Hanna Forum on Friday. It was fun! There is still time if you have not finished your card -- so upload away and lets see what you can make.

This card uses a new set I purchased called "Feeling Groovy" from Verve Stamps. For the most part, it is a sentiment stamp set, but it has two flowers, one of which I used on this card. I found that last time I did a verve sketch, I used non verve stamps, and apparently that was not cool because not too many people commented on it. I colored the flowers in using my aquapainter brush and the lids of my ink pads.

Stamps: Feeling Groovy (Verve Stamps) Paper: Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant, Taken With Teal, Old Olive Ink: Versamark, taken with teal, old olive, elegant eggplant Accessories: Gold Embossing Powder, aquapainter, gold cord, sewing machine, white thread, SU 1 1/4 and 1 3/8 circle punches, cuttlebug, swiss dots embossing folder.

Do you like pound cake? Who doesn't right? It is SO fattening and bad for you, but hey, once in awhile won't hurt. Besides, if I have to gain baby weight, you all get to gain pound cake weight, and the winter is coming, gotta save up the fat to get through right?!?!?! Here is a yummy recipe from the PBS site "Everyday Food."

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

1-½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 bar (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
3 cups sugar
6 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
Nonstick cooking spray

For best results, bake these cakes at least a day before serving. Store, wrapped in plastic, for up to three days at room temperature, or freeze for up to three months.
  1. Preheat oven to 350°. With an electric mixer, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar; beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla. With mixer on low, add flour and salt in two additions, beating until just combined.
  2. Generously coat two 8-1/2 x 4-1/2 x 2-1/2 inch loaf pans (1-1/2 quarts each) with cooking spray; immediately pour in batter (pan will seem full). Tap pans on work surface to eliminate any large air bubbles.
  3. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out almost clean, 60 to 75 minutes (if the tops begin to brown too quickly, tent with aluminum foil).
  4. Cool 10 minutes in the pan. Turn out the cakes; cool completely, with top sides up, on a wire rack.

Friday, August 08, 2008

HSC29 - A Hanna Stamps Sketch Challenge

Today I am in charge of posting the Hanna Stamps Challenge in the forum on SCS. I decided to post a simple sketch that you can dress up really easily. You can add layers and make it really snazzy! Sketch was inspired by this card (I found it a long long time ago on SCS). Here is the sketch and my card!



Stamps: Riley Surf (Hanna Stamps), Things Riley Would Say (Hanna Stamps) Paper: Prism Vibrant Teal, Prism Papaya Puree Dark, Prism Nautical Blue Dark, SU Whisper White, Arctic Frog 209 - Teeny Polka Dot Bikini: By the Sea Ink: Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: Thin Stitched Orange ribbon, SU 1 1/4 and 1 3/8 inch square punches, Prismacolor pencils, sansodor, blending stumps, sewing machine, white thread, waterfall stickles.

Anyway, hope you get some time to play and upload your creation . . . when you do, remember to use keyword: HSC29 and that will make it easier for everyone to find it and leave you lots of comments!! Happy Friday! Have fun stamping *smiles*

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Long Awaited U/S Photos

Good morning. I had the weirdest thing happen last night, I woke up with a leg cramp -- that is the first time that has ever happened to me during pregnancy and it was intense, quite a shock. Apparently this pregnancy comes with all the bells and whistles and I was really missing out on all the fun with my other two. Anyway, I slept like a baby until then, so I am in a great mood today! YAY!

My scanner has been giving me problems for awhile (I need to get my hubby to fix it) and I decided to take matters into my own hands and go to Kinko's yesterday to scan the ultrasound pictures. I have a couple from my first ultrasound (7 weeks) and a couple (not very clear) ones from my second one at 20 weeks (you all know how little water I had had and how that afternoon went so that explains that).

(8w1d)



(19w4d)



This one shows his boy parts (above) ---------- This one looks really smooshed (above)



This one is the 4D Technology -- shows the babies head and spine, we like to call it the "my precious" shot because our baby totally looks like Gollum from Lord of the Rings! Hilarious!!!


Wednesday, August 06, 2008

HANNA STAMPS: Baseball Mini Set

So I made this card a long time ago using a sketch from Poetic Artistry and wouldn't you know it, I totally forgot to upload it to my gallery and blog. Silly me! Anyway, thought I would share it with you now.

The baseballs are done with little buttons with the shanks cut off. Sentiment was made using Karen Foster Design Snap Stamps - Small Casual. Hope you like it! Happy Wednesday! I have almost made it to 500 posts on this blog, so I thought I would do a giveaway when I reach that goal, so stay tuned for blog candy (it has been a long time . . . )

Stamps: Baseball Mini (Hanna Stamps), Karen Foster Snap Stamps - Small Casual Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip Ink: Onyx Black Versafine, Timber Brown Staz On, SU chocolate chip Accessories: Baseball buttons (jessejamesbeads.com), Prismacolor pencils, blending stumps, sansodor, sponges, SU slit punch, SU word window punch, Corner Punch, brown polka dotted organdy, paper piercing tool, white Inkssentials Gel Pen, Sewing machine, brown thread.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Verve Sketches

So I am in love with all the Verve Stamps sketches that they have been posting for their anni-verve-sary celebration. I think sketches are my favorite type of challenge anyway (with color and inspiration as a close second), but Julee is a total layers girl and her sketches show that and are SUPER fun to work with. I loved how the two sketches I chose today had a triangle pointing inward to the image, that is something I never would have thought to put on there, but that works and looks pretty cool!

I still don't have a lot of Verve stamps, mostly sentiments, but I decided to play along using some other images that I had pre-stamped and/or pre-colored lying around. It was fun! My desk did not even get that messy! YAY! Anyway, hope you like what I did! Happy Tuesday!

AVS04 - Riley Moosemas!

Stamps: Christmas Tree Riley (Hanna Stamps), Things Riley Would Say (Hanna Stamps) Paper: Real Red, Paper Salon Ornamental Holiday: Green Stars, American Crafts - The Goods: Wrapping (both sides of the double sided page) Ink: Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: SU 1 3/8 and 1 1/4 inch circle punches, SU gem brads (green), Sewing machine, white thread, Prismacolor pencils, sansodor, blending stumps.

This one was some images that I got sent to me to play with. I loved this set but neglected to purchase it, and this was my first time playing with the images in it. I paired it with one of the bats from Hanna Stamps new Trick or Treat set and the card kind of just came to life. Frank was watercolored using the lids of my ink pad and my aquapainter. I used a bunch of inks blended to watercolor him in (not sure if you can see that, but it is how I added shading, etc.)

AVS04 - Happy Fright Night

Stamps: SU Best Fiends, Trick or Treat (Hanna Stamps) Paper: Bo Bunny Press: Fright Night Stripe, Textured Black card stock, Green Galore, Lavendar Lace (sponged with Orchid Opulence), Whisper White Ink: Onyx Black Versafine, Black Staz On, Only Orange, Elegant Eggplant, Orchid Opulence, Lavender Lace, Green Galore, Going Grey, Wild Wasabi, Close to Cocoa, Real Red Accessories: Sewing Machine, black thread, white thread, black polka dotted organdy, Swarovski crystals, SU slit punch (to create scallop).

Oh and if you have not seen the previews to the Beautiful You set, go see them -- I love sentiments and this set is going to be adorable!!!

It Happened Again . . .

someone spewed stamp stuff all over my desk . . . I promise to post again as soon as I can get myself dug out. Does this ever happen to you???? We'll call it "creative chaos."



Be back when I escape from the mountain of clutter!! Hopefully I can stamp something fun a little later this afternoon!!! (note my new Verve stamps there, waiting for me to play with them -- I got them yesterday.)

Monday, August 04, 2008

Freaky Monday - Birthday Designer Bag

Okay, I know you have all heard of Freaky Friday, but today is freaky Monday for me. Seriously!! EEK! It all started when I woke up early to create a little treat bag for my friend who had a birthday yesterday. She was driving home with her kids yesterday, and I knew I would see her today (I am babysitting her kids all this week), so I wanted to have something for her today. I saw these cutest little bags on Cami's blog, and so I made one for her. I needed to run to the store to fill it with some chocolate (I had lip gloss, and gum already in it), so I ran out the door.

I am a confessed arachnophobiac (is that a word) - ew I hate spiders. When I was outside locking up, there was a HUGE spider on my wall of my house (ironic since the bug sprayer guys were here just last week). When I say huge, I mean HUGE! I live in the desert and this thing was brown, hairy and his butt part was like dime sized huge. EW! Anyway, I decided I needed to "take care of it" so I ran back inside and got one of my heavy heeled Dansko clogs and came back out. I smashed it once and then it was on the ground with legs all bent out of shape and still moving, so I smashed it again and guts splattered. EW! Anyway, I have a mega weak tummy right now because of the pregnancy so I started to *gag* and then dry heave. YUCK! I dropped the shoe in the door and then locked up and went on my way. So I am shopping around the store and what song comes on their normally nice elevator music station -- Ghostbusters theme -- IN AUGUST! Seriously -- creepy! I finish shopping, come home and relate the story to M and he laughs and I start to rinse the guts off the heel of my shoe and the *gagging* and *heaving* begin again. At this point M thinks it is hilarious because it is just a spider smushed, but oh well. Anyway, I learned my lesson, spider crushing is only for my hubby from this point on. What a weird freaky morning!!! Hope you are having a better start to your day today!! Happy Monday!

Paper: Pink Passion (for the base you can't see, and the gum packet cover inside), Scribbled Stripes by Pebbles Inc., Yellow Polka Dots by Making Memories, Yo Yo Yellow Ink: Versafine Onyx Black (for sentiment inside on gum) Accessories: Large Flower, green gingham, tiny green flower gem, SU tab punch, small SU circle punch, cropodile