My First Bloggers RAK...

Recently I joined the SCS Bloggers RAK Club and this is my first RAK... isn't it beautiful!

I went to the PO to pick-up our mail and amongst all the usual flyers, catalogs and the like was this lovely card from Kristin who's blog is Artfully Inking. If you've not heard or been to Kristin's blog... I encourage you to do so when you find yourself with a little extra time on your hands. *wink* Kristin has a wonderful eye for color combinations, designs, drawing and most everything stamping related. Be sure to look amongst her blog archives.

I'll describe for you a little bit of my card... Kristin used one of my favorite sets Stampin' Up! In Full Bloom done in a nice aray of pink and burgundy with an appropriate tab with the word happiness... Kristin if by chance you read this... would you please e-mail me the link for the tutorial on your glossy specialty paper for viewers?! Then some final touches added were the hardware and ribbon. Kristin's kreation held the loveliest note that did indeed bring me happiness... thank-you! I appreciate all your time to make this beautiful card... love it!

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

On Wings Of Butterflies...

Recently one of my blog viewers sent me an e-mail with a special RAK request for her mother. It seems that this special mother is going through a change of season in life. Being creatures of habit... change can be difficult, unsure and down right scary at times. My own reasons for having faith in our "Heavenly Father!" It touched me how G recognized and truly appreciated her mother seeing her through her own seasons of life.

Appropriately enough... Stampin' Up! Nature's Secret "butterfly" stamp with the words believe, faith, hope & trust seemed very fitting. I needed cheery colors to bring prospects of sunshine to its recipient. How fitting to use our daughter Sophie's favorite color... pink combined with my own love of greens... paired with brown. My design holds many meanings for me, but it's up to you to find what meaning it holds for you... "on wings of butterflies!" Just need to add a note of encouragement...

Supplies List: Just For Fun "Circles" Background, Stampin' Up! Rose Red, Pretty In Pink & Vellum cardstock, Bazzill Bling Green (shimmer thus the bling), Stampin' Up! Green Galore, Rose Red & Chocolate Chip Classic Ink pads, Xyron 250 Create-A-Sticker, Barbara Trombley's "Ultrafine ANGEL DUST" Art Glitter, Low-temp Glue Gun, Accessories: pink, green and brown brads & dimensionals.

What an honor to bring a ray of sunshine, the prospect of a smile or inspiration to someone in need... thank-you G for the opportunity. I wish all of you the best in your own season of life... As you may know, we're never alone... "Everyone we meet is fighting a battle of some kind... "

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

PURR-fect Name...

While my people weren't looking... I took the liberty of pawing the keyboard.

I want to inform you that I no longer hear kitten, hey you or kitty, kitty? Now I hear Miss Moxie or Moxie. Not quite sure what "moxie" is... might have to paw through one of Sophie's books while she's away...

However, this will have to wait until I've gotten in a sufficient catnap!

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

*Sophie wrapped Miss Moxie in the down throw from the couch... where she happily napped until photo time 18th of March '07.

HaPpY cAkE n' CaNdLe DaY...

SuRpRiSe...

I'd like to invite all of Bloggyland to come and celebrate a couple of special ladies birthday's with me! The first lady is a blogging friend of mine Asela. I start most mornings off with a cup of coffee and Asela's blog... when I'm not experiencing computer software issues! *wink* The second lady is my friend Michelle D who I had the good fortune of meeting through SCS. These two ladies are not only incredibly talented, inspirational, kind and just beyond words... simply the bestest girlies anyone could have the honor of knowing even if it's via e-mails and snail mail!

I wish you both a day as special as yourselves! Here's hoping that you have a fun-filled day with your families doing whatever it maybe that you enjoy?!

In the meantime... have a piece of cake and enjoy the celebration!

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

All My Troubles Led To Fluffles...

This card comes to you via means of GREAT frustration...

Okay, as you may remember I was having techinical difficulties with my Corel Photo Album 6 program... just decided to take a break in the middle of a string of uploads. Well, after some of you making much appreciated software recommendations... I went with Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0! I'm sure that if you are a computer genius (which I'm NOT) then it's a wonderful piece of software technology! I can honestly say that I have NO IDEA how this photo got here, but let me just say... THANK-YOU God for your divine intervention... Now if one could just figure out how to erase the reader card using this program... I'd be back in business!

Now keep in mind it's actually March 20th today, not to mention it was mailed timely! *wink* What can I say... Murphy's had a lot of influence in my life! *grin* I decided that it was high time I started creating with all the things I was collecting... can you relate? Everything used to create this card was new with the exception of my Marvy Uchida scalloped circle punch and the Stampin' Up watercolor pencils. I'm guessing that might categorize me as a potential hoarder?! *wink*

Without further a do... as there is more catching up to do...

Supplies List: Stampendous! Grasshopper Fluffles & Mini Mod Blossom, Stampin' Up! Riveting (Hostess Level 1-2006-2007), Stampin' Up! Watercolor Pencils (set of 24), Making Memories Cheeky 12 X 12 Abby Stripe, Bazzill Aztec & Dahlia cardstock, Cuttlebug Bloom Dots, Stampin' Up! 1/2", 1 1/4" Circle Punches & Designer Label Punch Box Punch, Marvy Uchida Scalloped Circle Mega & Giga Punches & Accessories: MayArts ribbon, wiggle eyes, floral brad, white gel pen & dimensionals.

i.e. Marvy Uchida is home link where as Mega & Giga link to the actual punches for sizing and viewing. I've provided the links for your viewing or shopping needs, however if you find that it's truly not necessary for these links (as it's a bit of work to provide this feature) then please post me a comment. Much appreciated. *wink*
Well... until I figure out how I got here...

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

We interupt this blogcast...

to let you know that I'm experiencing technical difficulties with my Corel Photo Album program when I attempt to download new photos off the camera card?! Everytime I've attempted to download a "patch" that this program alerts me to... it won't take and complains of a 'handle' issue that I need to call about. I'm thinking I need to visit Best Buy and just purchase and download Corel Photo Album software again. This is a relatively new computer and this software came installed, need I say more?! *wink* If anyone knows of a better software for photographs that's user friendly for dummies and non-techy computer genius' please e-mail me.... otherwise I'd take any assistance to fix my problem... I have cards to upload for your viewing pleasure and blogging to be done...

Back to our regularly scheduled program soon...

I' Rish You A Happy St. Pat's Day...

As you all may remember... my friend Mary

of It's All About The Journey and I went on a Blogger's Shopping Spree. If you remember correctly I mentioned that I like to check out the card section?! Well... we happened to see a little card with a brassiere. I told Mary that I would be making my own version of the card with my own sentiment. However, I don't own a brassiere stamp, so I used a little ingenuity. I know, I know... I thought the same thing... it appears to be a brassiere for a woman from Silicone Valley! *wink* J & J needs to come up with a good support bandage with a little wire... then I'd be in seventh heaven! If J & J is need of some collaborative help on this project... just give me a "ringy-dingy!" *spoken in my best Lily Tomlin voice*

I was looking through my FeedBlitz confirmations recently, which total more than forty-five subscriptions from viewers that have subscribed to my lil' ole blog. So in honor of you incredibly wonderful ladies that frequently visit... "I' Rish to "THANK-YOU" for your support!" Now, to figure out a way of knowing when you come to visit. *wink*

Supplies List: Stampin' Up! certainly celery, garden green & vellum cardstocks, Bazzill parakeet cardstock, Reminisce Stroke of Luck shimmer paper, Stampin' Up "retired" Victorian Lace Background, Marvy Uchida scallopped circle punch, McGill heart punch, Mayarts shimmer dbl. sided ribbon, gold brads, shamrock "bling" and Stampin' Up! Paper Piercing Mat set.

If you decide to make a brassiere card and add it to your own blog, I hope you will post a link for me to view? It's always appreciated when credit is given where credit is do. *wink*

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

Easter Basket Greetings...

It's been really busy around here with Girl Scout cookie booths at the beginning and end of the week, veterinary vacinations for Miss Moxie, studying for upcoming tests (Sophie), snow storms... you get the idea... *wink* I'm sorry that I've neglected to create, post and visit with you, but I know that friends always understand. So without further a do...

Easter falls on April 8th this year.

I apologize for the poor photography skills... this card is nicer in person. I did attempt to take another photo this morning outside, but it was windy and quite chilly. Just not able to get a truly good photo. This card was a design from last year... however, it was truly difficult to keep up with the supply and demand. This card required a lot of cutting, punching and piecing. I did make these in several Easter color combinations.

My design started with Stampin' Up lavendar Lace layered with Stampin' Up barely banana cardstocks stamped in Stampin' Up! lovely lilac using Serendipity Stamps Easter Fun Background.

A touch of rickrack was added using Hero Arts Ribbons Set by stamping rickrack in Stampin' Up! certainly celery and adding Stampin' Up! lovely lilac speckles. Not only am I considered a basket case at times by my friends (wink), but I am a longtime fan of Longaberger products. This is a genuine Longaberger - Card Basket Stamp that came directly from The Longaberger Store located in Dresden, Ohio for visitors. This is a retired item that is no longer available... Some cutting and assembly required along with adding brads for the swing handle. Eggs were punched from Stampin' Up! pretty in pink, bashful blue and certainly celery. Speckling was done with coordinating Stampin' Up! colors. Easter eggs were tucked in amongst real Easter grass, basket is added to the card front using dimensionals.

A family tradition of ours is to have an Easter egg hunt with my Dad and our daughter, Sophie in the lead. My husband with camcorder, Mom as cheerleader and me with my camera... bringing up the rear. Our traditional dinner always consists of a ham, petite peas with pearlized onions to name a few dishes. If you have a favorite Easter tradition I'd love for your to share.

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

Blogger's Shopping Spree...

Yesterday was the day that my blogging friend, Mary of It's All About The Journey and I planned to meet for a stamper's shopping spree. Mary is the bestest! We started our trip off with JoAnn's. I purchased a couple of Cuttlebug Stamps & Tiny Tags 2 X 2 dies at a 40% savings! Now I ask you... who could refuse such a deal?! *wink*

Then it was off to Scrappin' Soul Sisters for my first time. Just think... how many times I've been by there and missed it... nevah again! See you on my next trip to the Capital City Jackie! *wink* It's always nice when an entrepreneur is warm and courteous. Not to mention so willing to be photographed with a couple of blogger's. If you ever find yourself in NH this is a must on your list of things to do! Yes, I'm obsessed with ALL stamping related items. I purchased papers like Bazzill Bling, Reminisce double-sided paper with shimmer, Fiskars Heidi Grace words paper (Mary grabbed herself a piece or two... thinking I was going to buy it all, not to worry my friend... I'd share with you) all one can say is YUM-O paper Jackie! *wink*

Then it was off to see my good friend Karen (no lil' Griffin to greet me) and her wonderful Dad, Pete over at Arts Plus! I usually have to stop an visit when I'm in the area. Mary was in need of a couple of Easter themed stamps... who could resist Inkadinkado's Buy 2 Get 1 Free Easter stamps... not Mary! *wink* Let's just say that her hands were so full they kept falling all over the floor. I'm not quite sure why I'm always told that I'm an "enabler?"

If that's not enough shopping for you... then it was a quick trip to Michael's where I was "enabled" right into purchasing a boxed set of Die Cuts With A View Embossed themed cards with envies by my friend Mary! I have to admit it was a phenomenal price for what you get... never mind with a 40% off coupon. I didn't realize that Michael's $pot contained acrylic sets... WHEN? So much trouble... yet so much fun! *wink*

Mary and I finished up our day of fun with the last trip being Target. I wanted to purchase something in the card/wrapping section I'd seen on a previous trip. Mary seemed to love them too... supah cute! Mary inquired what I planned to do and proceeded to purchase herself a package too! Then we decided to browse the card section. Something I usually like to do, to see where the card industry is headed compared to us stamper's... FUN. Let's just say that FABRIC is becoming big in the world of pre-made cards ladies! Stay tuned to our blogs to see what we are doing with our Target purchase... We decided that it would be fun to post what each other makes with our like items for your viewing. More than likely over a weekend... we both burn our candles at different ends! lol....

This ended what was becoming a hectic week on a phenomenal note! I agree... it seems as though I've known Mary forever. Mary even brought me an SU! set of stamps. Here's to more fun times, lots of laughs and wonderful memories.

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

St. Patty's Upon Us...

Just when you thought you wouldn't be needing any of your Valentine related items... *wink* It's hard to believe that it's already March 1st!

Sunday afternoon while setting up a day to meet and shop with my friend Mary of It's All About The Journey I designed this lil' creation. Mary and I discovered that we both frequent the same lss, live within an hours radius of each other... so what fun to get to know a fellow NH blogger. Mary this is the ribbon I was telling you about... *wink*

The design for this card started with this delicious ribbon I found in Michael's $pot, which paired nicely with this gorgeous Bazzill cardstock. Using the Stampin' Up! Slit Punch for the scalloped border... I then ran my ribbon through my Xyron 250 attaching it to the scalloped border and then paper piercing a dotted border along the scalloped border. You can view details more clearly by clicking on the photo to enlarge. Shamrock leaves were made using two different sized heart paper punches and then stamping the smaller hearts with Stampin' Up! Aida Cloth and the stem was freehand. Of course, then came the Cuttlebug... (Provocraft really needs to come-up with MORE A2 Embossing Folders... holidays, paisley, etc...) After applying certain layers in a sequential order I used chocolate brown brads and layered the shamrock with dimensionals. Tada!!!

Well... you better get crack-a-lackin' on your shamrocks ladies... it will be here before we know it! *wink*

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

March

Cardmaker's Calendar

9th Cabin Fever Day

The groundhog said that spring would come early

this year - create cheery cards to send stating

that spring is just around the corner!

11th Daylight Savings Day

Celebrate the return of longer days with plans for

your springtime garden. Carry the theme by stamping

invitations to your friends by going plant shopping!

17th St. Patrick's Day

Whether your into the corned beef and cabbage...

everyone loves to celebrate the spirit of St. Patty's Day!

Share a bit o' blarney with the "Irish" in your life

with a hand stamped greeting card!

20th Earth Day

We can be green in yet another way this month

by embracing the preservation of our planet:

purchase recycled papers whenever possible, use scrap materials

in a thrifty manner... by spreading the word - it's good to be green!

22nd Goof-Off Day

The perfect day to abandon household chores

and spend a few hours stamping!

Ideas from INKAnews