Christmas with Sparkle

Christmas is coming, and that means my Christmas Stamp a Stack is right around the corner. My theme for Christmas this year -- SPARKLE! I am in love with some of the new (and the old) SU options to make things glimmer, and sparkle is simply my favorite accessory! While preparing for this class, I had a long stretch of being in pretty unreasonable pain, and sitting for a long spell of designing just wasn't working out, so I relied on the design talents of other amazing cardmakers for my designs. Usually designing is my favorite part of this process, but it is so wonderful to know that when it is not an option, there are so many great resources out there for help -- Splitcoaststampers.com is my favorite place to go to be inspired! Thankfully, I started on new medication this week, and am feeling MUCH MUCH better, so I'm hoping that the streak continues and I'll be back to my old stamping self again soon!!

Anyway, here are the designs I have so far for my Christmas Stamp a Stack...I have a box of goodies arriving today, so that I can work out one more card before class next weekend.

This first card uses the Medallion stamp to create a wreath image in Old Olive. I used Frost White shimmer paint, mixed with rubbing alcohol in a mini mister to create the shimmer, and our new Dazzling Details glitter to add sparkle to the berries.


This card (design courtesty of JanTink) uses the Snow Burst embossing folder, the Scallop Square Die, The Northern Flurry snowflakes, and the Ovals Die (mask) for the Bigshot. I sponged the oval in Marina Mist, stamped the image in Night of Navy and added touches of Frost White Shimmer paint directly to the image with a makeup applicator. Of course Rhinestones finish of the sparkle!

This one sparkles! I love using non-traditional colors for Christmas cards - and this one is certainly non-traditional, with Blushing Bride, Early Espresso and Soft Suede. I embossed the tree image from Christmas Lodge in Irridesent Ice embossing powder, and added halfback pearls for just a little extra shimmer!

And finally, my favorite! I love this fabulous snow friend from the set "Snow Much Fun" ...isn't he the cutest! I added Mica flakes to the bottom for a snowy sparkle, and Dazzling Diamond glitter to the snowflakes and the snowman himself...and a ton of Rhinestones for his sparkly buttons!

Well that's it, off to bake some brownies with my daughter, and wait for my package to arrive so I can get one more card ready for class :)

Have an awesome day!

BOO!

I finished making treat boxes today for Lauren's class for Halloween. We haven't done any Halloween crafts the last couple of years, as my kids have been off track during the month of October, but this year Lauren starts back to school on October 31st, so obviously - must have treats! She and I searched quite a bit to find the fun project we liked best, and this is what she picked - I found the template for these on a great blog www.chicnscratchlive.com . The blog is filled with tons of fun tutorials for projects like these! Lauren helped with punching, emossing spider web heads, etc. so it was a real team effort and I think they turned out pretty cute! Now to get busy with Christmas Cards!! I still can't sit for very long, so projects are going slow, but I have a few ideas in the works for my Christmas Card class, should have pictures ready next weekend so hopefully I will find time to share them!

For those of you that read my last post about my health and are waiting for the update here, I am happy to say that everything is fine! I do not in fact have cancer! Doctors tell me that my bone marrow is "unusual" and "unique to me" in that I do indeed have a decreased bone marrow signal, but funtionally this is not causing any effect on my blood/ plasma production etc. So it is not cancer, and it is not harmful! I am still on medical leave however, related to my Fibromyalgia and ongoing back and body pain. It has been a long couple of months, and although my muscle spasms have decreased with not sitting for extended periods, I still am struggling with quite a bit of pain. I think the best I can hope for at this point is learning to tolerate the pain to the best of my ability, and working through it finding strength where I can, as it seems this is just all part of who I am and what my life will include. I am hoping to return to work on November 1st - keep your fingers crossed for me that all works out and I can remain strong and positive through the challenges that life brings!

Upcoming Class Selections

Hey there everyone! Yep, six months...that seems about right. I haven't given up entirely on the idea of a blog...it just does not seem to fit in the reality of my life at this time! But I may as well pop in every so often and share what I can and keep you updated on my life!

Life lately has been weird at best, medical challenges that have kept me from being my best. I am currently (momentarily) on medical leave due to back pain and muscle spasms that make work more challenging than it should be, hoping to have resolution to this particular problem SOON! Also had a scare around here recently, as my MRI showed that there is a possibility that I have Multiple Myeloma. I have to tell you, this has been altogether terrifying and life changing - even to have someone tell you that you MAY have cancer is some pretty scary stuff. Right now, everything seems okay. I saw the oncologist last week, and his feeling is that "most of the time" MRI's that look like mine do not turn out to be cancer, and that I have no reason to worry... so I am going about life doing my best not to worry. But with this new and added concern to my life, needless to say, things have been crazy and stressful. If you are already in the know and praying for me - you have no idea how much I appreciate the prayers and support I have received in the last couple of weeks. And if this is news to you -- I am really OK! But I appreciate any prayers and positive energy that you may wish to send my way! This has been an excellent reason for me to rethink many things in my life, and to prioritize in new ways. I have spent time in the last two weeks talking to people I have not talked to in years, and re-establishing friendships and relationships that mean alot to me and I had let get away from me. I have had more people than I can even count tell me that they love me and are praying for me, so even if there is nothing wrong with me at all, my life is so much better today than it was last week, and if anything is wrong - I have a whole lot of people standing by to support me and my family if we need them! I have had a bunch of tests and find out more for sure at the end of the month, and while I trust and am confident that everything will be just fine, once that bug is in your ear, it is hard to get rid of it and go back to life as it was!

Since I have a Stamp a Stack coming up in August, I have been trying to use some of my free time while on medical leave to design cards for my class. I came up with 8 designs to use, and my class participants will choose their favorite 5 to complete in class. My creative juices have been a little stifled, maybe due to stress - I relied a lot on Splitcoaststampers for inspiration and ideas when designing! At any rate, here is what I came up with -- Participants in my Stamp a Stack will be selecting cards based on the card number assigned:

#1 - Simply Soft
First is a card using two new Hostess sets, Simply Soft and Perfect words. I used Island Indigo, Pear Pizzazz and So Saffron on this card, and layered markers and white gel pen for coloring, with a little sponging around the edges. Class participants can choose from a variety of sentiments in the Perfect Words set for front sentiment.

#2 Zoo Review
This card is in response to customers request for more masculine/ gender neutral cards - I personally would be happy with all flowers and butterflies, but whatever - I guess we should send cards to guys sometimes too. This uses the new Zoo Review set, and the Family Reunion set. I think customers will love that they can personalize cards to whomever they would like using this set! and I love the animals in Zoo Review. Used the Big Shot for Houndstooth Background and Sizzlit buttons. Blender Pens and Watercolor crayons are used for coloring.

#3 Thanks Pocket Card
This is a pocket thank you card using the Hello, Doily stamp. It is heat embossed (twice) in Whisper White on Basic Gray and then Real red cardstock and scallop punched. I had a lot of fun making this one, however some of my customers have mixed opinions about heat embossing!

#4 Kindness Matters
I wish I could get a better photo of this! This card uses the GORGEOUS new set Kindness Matters - $8.95 are you kidding me! I will SO get my money's worth from this one! A little "First Edition" DSP, lace ribbon and watercolor - sigh. I love it, hope my customers do as well.


#5 Field Flowers Thoughts
This card uses the beautiful new set Field Flowers and First Edition DST. I can't even say how much I love this set. I think it might be my new favorite. And this color (calypso coral)- LOVE it!! YUM! I paired it here with Cherry Cobbler and Soft Suede. This set involves 2-step stamping. I will be offering customers an alternate "birthday" outside greeting for versatility in class for this card.

#6 Fabulous Florets
Another new favorite set for sure - Fabulous Florets - I have had SO much fun with this set! I used it here in fun tropical colors (Melon Mambo, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight and Old Olive) and paired it with the new set Pursuit of Happiness for the wonderful sentiment. Class participants can choose from pursuit of Happiness or Delightful Dozen as sentiment options for outside of card to personalize this one.

#7 Delicate Doilies Birthday
Here's a fun one - This uses the new fabulous set Delicate Doilies - I can see MANY fun cards with this one! and the Happiest Birthday Wishes hostess set, as well as the new Lace Ribbon border punch. I used the gorgeous new In Colors - Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Island Indigo and paired them with Riding Hood Red.

#8 Sail Away
Finally I used the Summer Mini set Sail Away for another Masculine set. I FINALLY got the Teeny Tiny Wishes set to use for greeting choices for this card - I LOVE the versatility of this set, and I know it will be a standout favorite at my stamp a stacks!

Okay - that's it for cards for today -- off to clean up my messes and make some lunch. Hope everyone has an amazing day!!

Class participants, please be sure to email your selections to me at kpaisley1@gmail.com by Friday evening! Thanks! :)

New cards to share...

Finally! Sorry for the lapse, I just have not had much to share. My mojo was in hiding for a while, and I just never had anything I was excited enough to blog about. In fact, it really seems like lately the only time I take time to be creative is when I have a class planned. I have been working on some cards for a Stamp a Stack coming up on March 13th, so I HAD to get something made, might as well share it!!

I think that the Occasions mini catalog was just what my mojo needed --I loved nearly everything in it! And yes, that means I bought nearly everything in it, and plan to get the rest as soon as possible! AND since it is Sale-a-Bration, I got a few new things for free as well. With all the new stamps, tools and papers I am surrounded by right now, I found a few things to get my creative juices flowing. As a matter of fact, I ended up with 11 cards I like, and now the hard part is to choose which 5 to use for my Stamp a Stack. Feel free to let me know your opinion if you have one! Of course, since have made 12 cards so far, maybe I will just plan a second class in April, and do them all :)

Anyway, here are the cards that I thought were cute enough to share.

I just love the new Create a Cupcake stamp set and coordinating punch. I combined these with the adorable Ice cream parlor designer paper available through SAB, and some fun Melon Mambo pom pom trim. I love the fun colors of this card.


This next card uses the beautiful new "Bliss" Sale a Bration set. The color combo here is Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride, Pink Pirrouette and Very Vanilla - I love these colors together! I was inspired by the challenge site Colour Q -- I love following along with these challenges, and often find new favorite color combos as a result!


Unfortunately, I have found a real need for Sympathy and Get Well cards lately, so I have designed a few that will work well for these needs. Great thing in designing these for classes, if if participants don't need sympathy cards, a thank you or thinking of you would work just as well. I think this is my favorite new set - called Nature Walk from the occasions mini catalog. I hope to find more time to play with this set and really share it's beauty and versatility. I love every stamp in this set! I used Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso and Naturals Ivory - I love this combo.

I actually purchased 2 new "sympathy" sets, this one (Thanks for Caring) from the occasions mini, and Thoughts and Prayers. I have needed a good sympathy set for quite a while, and with these two, I know I will be able to make all the sympathy and get well cards I need for a while. I love this one, which uses my new Framed Tulips embossing folder as well as my new eyelet border punch to accent this set. I also used the Springtime Vintage Designer Paper, which I just LOVE!


Keeping with the same color combo and stamp set, I designed a second sympathy/get well choice.

This is a simple design, but I love this poppy stamp from the Sale a Bration set Punch Bunch, and this color combo (Rich Razzleberry and Wild Wasabi) is a favorite of mine.


Using the same "Punch Bunch" set, the Owl Punch, and the Ice Cream Parlor SAB paper, I created this cute thank you card. I love this little owl, he makes me smile.

I always find a need for more masculine cards, and think this one (using Thoughts and Prayers) works well for masculine, and would work with nearly any sentiment. I know it is pretty simple, but I really like it a lot.

Here is another birthday card, using the new Bring on the Cake set. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this set. I can't believe how many good stamps are in one birthday set! I used the Ice Cream Parlor paper, ribbon and button on this card - Can you tell I really like this paper - I love each and every piece, and need to make sure I earn more SAB goodies so I can get a couple more packs!

Using the same design as the Sympathy card above, I created this card using Baby Blooms and the Springtime Vintage paper. I think this card would be lovely for Mothers Day, Birthday, Easter...anything really.


And Finally, I created this birthday card using the Aviary set - finally got around to buying it! I love this set, and can see me using it a ton. I also love this color combo - Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzaz, Tempting Turquoise and Black.

Okay, that's it for now. I really do hope to check in again soon, since I hope to get back to creating just a little more regularly. Now I am off to decide which cards to use for my class...

Checking in...

I know it has been a while. I guess I am not doing so well on meeting my blogging goal! Sorry to those of you who have stopped by to find nothing new! Life has been crazy - which is nothing new around here! I can't believe October is over, what a whirlwind...and now on to the even crazier holiday months!

I have been preparing for my "Grateful" stamp a stack, which is next weekend! I am finishing up the prep this weekend, thought I might as well share the cards we are doing with you. I find you can never have enough thank you cards, and I know most of my customers feel the same...


This is my favorite card for the class, of course...it is butterflies! This card is in Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz and Cherry Cobbler - love this combo. I used the Beautiful Butterflies big shot die, Vintage Wallpaper and Elegant Lines embossing folders, and scallop trim punch. The focal butterfly is embossed using Baroque Motifs, and sponged in coordinating inks. I love the pearls for accent too.


This next card is a simple but lovely card using the new French Foliage set - I really love this set! I used a clear acrylic block to stamp the shadow square behind the sentiment, and stamped the gorgeous images in cominations of Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip and Crumb Cake.


As you may know, I LOVE fall colors. And I am REALLY in love with CAJUN CRAZE, as my favorite new fall color. Here paired with Chocolate Chip and Old Olive I love the fall feel to this card. The design for this card was inspired by one I saw on Create with Connie and Mary, a blog I love to visit for inspiration.

Obviously when I saw the "Paisley Prints" set in the holiday mini, I HAD to get it and the coordinating wheel, and how cute are those paisley leaves! AND I am reaching the point that I simply can not make a card without using an embossing folder -- I do love my Big Shot!

This card uses the Days of Gratitude set, with River Rock and Early Espresso. I love this color combination, and how striking the colors are when paired together. I added just a touch of Cajun Craze for accent with the Ribbon Border punch.

Finally we are doing this card made with the Just Believe stamp set. Another new favorite! Colors here are Early Espresso, Marina Mist and Daffodil Delight. A little masking/ sponging and walla!

I hope the participants will enjoy making these as much as I have enjoyed planning them... I probably should get back to cutting kits for the class, I have 15 participants making 15 cards each - thats a lot of cutting to get done!

But before I go I wanted to share ONE MORE card :)

My daughter Lauren (age 7) did some creating with me this weekend, and when I was photographing my cards this morning, she wanted me to take a picture of her card as well. She is my crafty girl! I think she did a pretty good job with this one - won't be long before she is better than me!



Well, that is all for today! Have a Happy Halloween, and I will check in with more fun stuff soon!

Christmas is Coming!

Christmas is my FAVORITE time of year - I love everything about it! I especially love making cards, decorations and gifts to share with everyone that I love. And it is coming! I went a little overboard this year buying stamps and accessories - the SU Holiday Mini catalog and I are VERY good friends, there was just WAY WAY too much cute stuff and I bought it all! Tinsel, Glass Glitter, Stamps, Die Cuts and Designer papers... So I have been playing a bit (time permitting) and have just a few cards to share with you today. These are the 5 cards that I have selected to use for my upcoming Christmas Stamp a Stack on October 17th. At least I think these are the 5...I keep changing my mind! I still have room in this class, so if you are interested in attending let me know! I will be accepting registration until September 27th.

I apologize in advance for the poor photo quality - every time I have the opportunity to take pictures, it is late and dark...this was the best I could do!

This first card uses Greeting Card Kids - I love this set! And I love Cherry Cobbler, my new favorite SU color. And don't you LOVE the new lace ribbon!


This card uses the new set Jolly Old St. Nick - I think this set may be my Christmas favorite this year...I love every single stamp in the set and have enjoyed making adorable cards with ALL of them!


This set, using the ornament punch and coordinating stamps I love for the color combination..Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette and Certainly Celery - these colors just make me happy!


This card uses the new level 2 hostess set, Peaceful Season - I just love the elegance of this set. Hard to see the colors clearly here, but I love the Rich Razzleberry, especially that ribbon!


This card uses Tree Trimmings and the new greeting set Bright Christmas, paired with the Jolly Holiday Designer paper and some rhinestones for a little sparkle!

See....I did come back :)

I told you I would! I am really proud of myself, as I have been sticking with my goal of regular stamping and although I wish I could do even more, at least I am doing something!

Mostly I am working on ideas for upcoming classes, this always keeps me on track, so making sure I have something scheduled will keep me in my scrap room for sure! I have an "Asian Inspiration" stamp a stack coming up, and have been designing asian inspired cards for the last couple of weekends. I love all things asian, and have made quite a few that I really like -- now the difficult part will be narrowing it down to the 5 I think will work best for a SAS! That is always the hardest part for me! Since I have really only been stamping stuff for classes, and since blogs are boring without photos, I guess I will give you a little peek at a couple of the asian cards I have designed. If you have an opinion, share it! Maybe it will help me decide if these two should make the cut for the class...

Although I rarely use retired products for classes, for my asian SAS I found that in order to get a variety of cards, I needed to - we only have a couple of current sets that are truly "asian" available at this time - however I have dozens in my collection, so I had a great time playing with some old favorites!

This first card uses the set Dream Gardens, as well as retired Background Bamboo II and sentiment from Essence of Love. The techniques used here include embossing, masking, and brayering. I saw a number of cards using this set with similar brayer techniques that helped to inspire this card over at splitcoaststampers.com - I love finding inspiration there!


This next card uses the Retired stamp sets Asian Artistry and Embrace Life, and sentiment from Fabulous Phrases. I used Watercoloring and a Paper Lantern technique which adds an asian flair in my opinion - I love the Rich Razzleberry, Pink Pirouette, Pear Pizzaz color combo!



Thanks for looking :) Have an amazing day!

UPCOMING CLASSES

I've announced the dates for several upcoming classes for the rest of the year - hope to see some of you there!

All of my classes will be held at ROUND TABLE PIZZA located at 10054 Bruceville Rd. in Elk Grove, CA

The following classes are $40 to participate, we will make 15 cards with envelopes. Lunch (pizza and soft drinks) is included in the fee.
Classes start at 1:00 pm, and you can stay until you are done or until closing time!
All materials are provided, you bring your own ADHESIVE, and a sharp pair of scissors if you have them.

Classes are as follows:

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11
Christmas Stamp a Stack - GET AN EARLY START on your Christmas cards!
Registration and payment due by August 28th

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25
Asian Influence Stamp a Stack- my take on asian inspired designs, a personal favorite!
Registration and payment due by September 1st

SUNDAY OCTOBER 17
MORE Christmas Stamp a Stack - Better really get to those Christmas cards now! Cards will not be duplicated from previous class, you are welcome to attend both
Registration and payment due by September 15th

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 6
Grateful Stamp a Stack - the perfect time of year to make thank you cards, fall colors, thanksgiving and all year thank you cards.
Registration and payment due by October 5th

I am offering a $10 discount for anyone who wishes to attend all 4 classes and registers by August 28th!

Wanna come? Email me at kpaisley1@gmail.com to register and get payment info

Space is limited to 1st 15 paid participants :)

I am designing cards like a fool for all these classes, but I don't want to spoil the surprises, so I won't share just yet....but maybe I will give a little sneak peak before classes begin, since I am so excited with all my fun new stuff, I want to share!!

My SCRAPPY SPACE

Since I have not posted since we moved to our new home, I never shared with you my new scrappy space - I thought I would share some photos of my wonderful, fabulous, fantastic room that I really really love! (and hopefully will start using a LOT more!!)

Of course my ONLY requirements in moving to a new home were that I wanted my own craft room - one with a closet and a door. My new room does NOT have a closet, or a door, or even WALLS... but I love it anyway, and you make do with what you have! It is much better that what I had before, and I have been able to take the time to make it exactly the way that I want it. It functions beautifully and I have plenty of storage space! And yes, someday maybe I will move to a space with a door, but this keeps me very happy for now. The home we moved to has a large loft area upstairs that I have claimed as my space - there is only one full wall, and then the rest of the room has half walls above the entryway and stairway, and one wall is all window - it's a nice open and airy space, but designing a room without walls made things interesting - I am used to going "up" for storage ideas etc.

Here is the work area where I scrap/ stamp etc. We used JETMAX cubes from Michaels to create the Desk support, and my husband installed countertop purchased from Home Depot to create the L shaped Desk. As you can see, I put the computer in my scrap space - which means I have to share with the kids! I may decide to rethink that at some point, but for now I enjoy having them share my space with me :)

I have storage on the wall around the window for punches and for primas/ flowers, and on the windowsill for buttons and doodads. I have lots of drawers under the desk for storage as well. It's hard to see in this photo, but I used rain gutter from Lowe's for ribbon storage - I LOVE this better than any ribbon storage I have ever used before!


I had my husband help me to create a standing height work space here - we cut a pair of JETMAX cubes in half to make the space taller, and mounted the countertop above that. I use this space for paper cutting, and using my BIGSHOT for die cutting, which I prefer to do standing up. There is lots of room here for paper storage, and the drawers house my dies, embossing folders, etc.

This is the one full wall in my room - I still need 3 more JETMAX cubes to complete my storage unit - I have all of my goodies in here! And I love that I can label what is in the drawers and everything is out of sight, NO CLUTTER! I recently unmounted all of my stamp sets, and they are in the Univenture binders sitting on top of the shelf unit - I am amazed at how much stuff I fit in such a small space!!


My husband helped me to get creative here too - since the JETMAX cubes are smaller than the width of the countertops, it bothered me that there was empty space between the cube and the wall - he helped me to create a "door" at the spaces where the desks come to an open end to finish it off and close up the space. But since is it a door, I can access the space for storage.


We created this rolling accessory cart to slide into this space and make it perfect useful storage while hiding an ugly clutter mess! This was part of an old broken craft table that was on the way to goodwill - we repurposed it, it fits perfectly to hold my stickers, rub ons, etc.


He also helped me to build this hidey space under my main scrap/ stamp space so that when I am in the middle of working on a project or page, I can set it on the pull out and slide it under the desk to keep my workspace clean without having to really put anything away - I can put quite a bit of stuff on here to keep it out of sight, then pull it right back out when I am ready to get back to work!

Hope you enjoyed the tour of my space! I'll be back soon :)

Back to the blogging world....at long last!

Hello to my friends, and to anyone else who may happen upon this post and share my thoughts! It has been such a long time since I have ventured into blog land, but I am finally ready to get my feet wet and maybe even jump back in! Yes, you read correctly...it has been a year and a half since my last post. And a very interesting, busy year and a half it has been. I won't even attempt to catch you up entirely, that would be silly. But a few important things are worth explaining.

As my posts before I disappeared indicated, we moved, and at about that time life got pretty crazy around the Paisley household! We are all settled now, and quite happy in our new home, living happily and sharing our space with my mother in a beautiful neighborhood. Kids love it! But in addition to moving my life took a few strange turns, and as a result my scrapbooking and crafting really took a back seat in life. So I did not just stop posting, I really stopped scrapping. I have done a few things, and have tried to keep up here and there - but I have done very little photo taking, developing, scrapping, purchasing, etc. during this time, and am just now really getting back into the swing of my absolute favorite fun thing!

Back in February of 2009 I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Of course, I knew that there was SOMETHING wrong for some time before this, but around the end of the year in 08 it became evident that I had a real medical challenge, and this is what the doctors found. It has taken a bit of time and some trial and error with medications etc. to get me on a good path to feeling like myself. A few months after this diagnosis when medications did not really resolve the problem, and when symptoms continues even when inflammation was better, it was determined that in addition to RA, I also suffer from Fibromyalgia.

I know that many of you may appreciate the challenges of chronic pain and chronic fatigue, and may even suffer some of these challenges yourself. It has been a long road for me, but I am happy to share that I have found ways to control my pain through dietary changes that have allowed me to minimize medication needs and feel well most of the time. There are still struggles, but I am finally feeling consistently well enough that I am able to enjoy my hobbies again, and to appreciate those things in life that I love most, to spend quality time with my children and family, and to be present in my days every day! (well at least almost every day!)

So now that I CAN enjoy my hobbies, I really want to begin to share them again. I can't guarantee that I will be back to frequent classes, posts, design teams, contests, etc... but I am going to try challenging myself to at least twice monthly posts and that means I need to make something to share at least weekly! AND I am scheduling classes again, which always makes me happy.

So keep a watch out for new things, I promise it wont take a year for the next post! But if I am not always timely or on top of things, just know that I am trying!!

I did have a Stamp a Stack recently, so I thought I would share a couple of the cards that we made in that class, as I don't have much else to share right now...



STAMP SETS: Elements of Style, Because I Care
INKS: Brown Stazon, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze
PAPERS: Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight, Confetti Cream
ACCESSORIES: Top Note Die, Lg Oval Punch, Oval Scallop XL Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Sponge Dauber, Daffodil Delight 1/8" ribbon, Blender Pen, Dimensional Adhesive

STAMP SETS: All A Flutter, Fabulous Phrases, Friends 24-7
INK: Marina Mist, Elegant Eggplant, Soft Suede, Brown Stazon
PAPER: Soft Suede, Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, Sahara Sand, Perfect Plum
ACCESSORIES: Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Distressing Tool, Modern Label Punch, Bashful Blue Ribbon, Early Espresso Ribbon, 1 1/4 Square Punch, Dimensional Adhesive

Well, that's all for today - I will check in again soon (really!)
Have an amazing day!

I know, I know...

It is completely RIDICULOUS that I have not updated in two months. I apologize to any of you that have stopped by to check in and found me seriously slacking!! The truth is, I have not had anything scrappy to share. I have not even been IN my scrap room since October, and sadly did not even make Christmas cards this year. It is pathetic really. I have intended to update often, but when I sit down to check in everything I think about typing feels like whining....and I don't want this to be a place where people come to listen to me whine!! But I guess I better update so you don't forget that I am here altogether.

Things have been a bit challenging around here lately - I won't go into great detail, but just know that I have been a bit preoccupied. Sadly when I get stressed and overwhelmed I tend to go hide in my corner (and eat!!). But 2009 is here, and this is going to be a MUCH better year! I am determined to make it so.

The big news for 2009 - we are MOVING! In order to survive our economic challenges and save money, and in order to provide the best possible lives for our children and our family, we are combining households with my mother. We are so truly blessed to have her in our lives, and as difficult as the last few months have been, we are really excited to have this opportunity. We expect to start the moving process sometime this month, so I may be scarce for a while longer. My mother purchased a bank owned home that is big enough for all of us and affordable enough that we can share expenses and stay afloat in this crazy economy! The house needs a bit of work, and I will spend the next year (or ten) trying to give it the personality that I can see hiding in the bland and ugly of it (lol) so that will keep me busy! And my husband promises that within the next few months we can convert part of the garage space to a scrap space for me... which means it may be a while yet before I get to do any serious scrapping! But I am looking forward to a designated scrap room soon! I will have to let painting and decorating a house fill my creative needs for a while I guess, and I hope to share the photos (once I have the AFTER photos) as we go...I will get to really test my creativity as I attempt to make this home mine with a $0 budget!

The kids are all doing great, and we all had a lovely Christmas. They have really enjoyed having time off from school the last couple of weeks, and have learned the real art of being lazy it seems!

I hope that the new year is finding all of you happy, healthy and prosperous, and I hope that you will come check in on me periodically as I hope to get back to sharing soon...really!

I do have a layout that I created before going in to hiding that I never shared...this was a layout that I completed for the Scrap Whispers challenge...I will leave you with it...have a lovely weekend!

Quick update...

Has it really been two weeks since I checked in with you all? Wow...time flies. I was gently reminded by my lovely friend Shirley (Hi there Shirley!) that I was lagging. So I will do a quick check in and bring you all up to date. Sadly there has not been a lot of scrappy time around here, but I do have a few projects to share. Mostly I have been spending my time running crazy with these kidlets! We have been working hard at getting my oldest son back on his game with school - we had a rough few weeks but I am so happy to say that finals are over and he lived through his first quarter of 8th grade and actually pulled up his grades to A's and B's!!! Way to go Christian!...and he reported this morning that he plans to keep it on track and shoot for all A's next quarter - I am so glad to have my son back!!
My nine year old has his 4th grade Mission project due this week and we have been working on that - I love doing crafty projects with the kids, and we were encouraged to work on it together, so we are having a great time! But wow is it a time consuming project!
Lauren is getting so excited for Halloween! I can't wait to take pictures of her adorable costume! Grandma made it, and she is going to be a butterfly - it is simply stunning! She is so anxious to be able to wear it! And I am really looking forward to being able to scrap it!

Now on to the scrappy stuff... I did complete some items for the Tour De France Contest over at MonAme Memories. Last week's challenge was to complete a project for Breast Cancer awareness. We were asked to alter a Bra in any way that we chose -- and then of course in order to be coordinated and have a little fun, we were to make matching panties. Of course, like many of you my life has been touched by Breast Cancer, and I wanted to make something really special for this contest. And since we are talking about Breast Cancer awareness before I share my project I want to remind you to get your yearly mammogram - don't wait! I would also like to encourage you to click HERE to go to the Breast Cancer site, and please click to donate a FREE mammogram! It only takes a moment, it is free, and it may save someone's life!

Here is my project:


I decorated the bra and boy shorts in fall colors with silk flowers, rhinestones and ribbon. I added an adorable little owl pin and the tag reads: I'm here to support you. I have no idea what to do with this little ensemble now that it is done! But may someone living with Breast Cancer or a Breast Cancer survivor will see my project and know that I made it to support them...and maybe they will smile.

For this week's project, we were asked to create a mini album using the theme "Thankfulness" as our inspiration. Now I have to tell you, as busy as this week has been, trying to get a mini album done was REALLY a challenge for me. But I was determined to do this! And I am so glad that I did. We have faced some difficult times recently, and it has been really hard for me not to be focused on the negative. Really hard. So taking the time this week to focus on the things that I am thankful for was really a blessing for me. I do have so much to be thankful for, and no matter what challenges life throws at me, I KNOW that I am truly blessed. I do plan to add a few more pages to this mini - since I have much more that I am thankful for, but here is what I got done for the contest:



I used primarily Making Memories papers, chipboard, journaling notebook and stickers for this album along with some miscellaneous ribbon, buttons and lace, felt alphabet by American Crafts and some prima flowers. I wish the photos were a little better - but I always do! I am so pleased with how this album turned out - it makes me smile!

Well, that's it for now - I gotta go get back to work on my (I mean Ethan's) Mission project. Have a WONDERFUL week, and I hope to have something fun to share soon!