Paper Ink-Pressions: July 2007

30 July 2007

Paris In New Hampshire...

A day of play...

Finally... nice enough weather to take a little trip over to Kimble Island on Asquam Lake today. This is the very lake that On Golden Pond was filmed with Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn. *wink*

Last summer during our two weeks of swim lessons we met three generations of the nicest women from Paris, France. Jenny and myself became fast friends... our ties that bind... our love of a homemade craft! Even though our crafts are different. Jenny's the most beautiful seamstress and quilter you ever met. Jenny's mom sat poolside knitting the most intricate Christmas stocking for her granddaughter Sophie! *wink*

My friend, Jenny and her family have been visitiing here in New Hampshire for years, in a cabin inherited by her grandfather or maybe that's great-grandfather... *rubs head to stimulate memory*

Sophie's going to love playing with Jenny's two daughters and nieces! I'm going to enjoy my wonderful friend's company... it will be a long winter before we next meet!

Off to make a fresh blueberry cake for our hosts! Not the Paris you thought.... *wink*

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

26 July 2007

Something Old, New & Borrowed...

However... it's NOT blue! An old cliche... my title... I know! *wink* Last December my girlfriend's (and SU! demonstrator) hubby, Alan gave me a ringy-dingy about throwing my gal pal a "40th" surprise cake n' candle party and could we make it?! Who could say no... even if it was the weekend before Christmas!!! *wink* Let's just say... there wasn't much time for creative leeway!

After a time of rummaging through this and that... I'd decided to build our gift around Deja Views Fresh Print "Plum Stripes" 12 X 12 purchased from Stamping Memories. *wink* Wanting to incorporate chipboard within my design, a Hero Arts letter r was quickly stippled, stamped with co-ordinating dots, glittered and accented with a piece of SU! Cranberry Crisp stitched grosgrain. A piece of scallop punched Bazzill cardstock serves as the "ribbon jar" tags base. Little flowers were punched and arranged with SU! Alphabits set. White dot accents were added with a Sakura gelly roll pen.

Photographed to the right is the "topper" of the ribbon jar. The floral center is a Queen & Co. GIGA-normous green swirled brad. SU! Certainly Celery scalloped circle was stamped using SU! Paisley background in VersaMark. Flower petals held dimensionals for extra POP-UP! *wink*

Let's just say... it appeared to be the "talk of the party" where gifts were concerned?!" I will edit and add the giftbag with tag and card. While photographing... it began to rain! *insert eye-roll here*

The cliche you ask... Well it's last year's project, new to my Bloggyland visitors and borrowed back to photograph for your viewing pleasure.

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

24 July 2007

A Muse News...

Yesterday I went to pick-up the mail and look at what was hiding within all the usual gar-ba-ge! *wink*

A Muse announcing the arrival of the new Fall and Holiday

products...

84 New Images

4 New Notecards

8 New SHEER Ribbons

Now for the good part?! Are you listening... do I have your attention yet? Okay, here's the scoop FREE Shipping on all orders over $50! Effective now through August 15th! This offer won't last! Where are you going? I'm not finished... you'd think there was a stamp sale somewhere! *shakes head*

For those few remaining. New Hampshire has a special guest visitor! I don't think I can spill the beans just yet... so here's a teenie weenie clue! It involves my friend Mare and I on another one of our adventures! *wink*

I wish I could stay and chat. However... I need to write out my wishlist of new A Muse items. I wish I had more m$ney is at the top of that list! *smile*

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

Notecard photo credits to Tracy of Eat, Sleep, Stamp and Ribbon photo credits to Kristina of Balance

21 July 2007

Dragonfly Dilemma...

Does life always seem to incorporate a lesson?! *rolling eyes* Never mail a creation you've not duplicated or photographed prior... as the postal service promises to deposit it within the blackhole with all other missing mail! *wink* Lesson learned... until I experience a lapse of memory!

Okay, your wondering letter d... dream, dots and a dragonfly? This was created for a recent alphabet swap and lost via the postal service. I assure you that I'm making restitution to the recipient with some extra goodies! *wink* This wasn't the only mail issue we've been experiencing of late. *face of irritation* The recipient doesn't frequent my blog... so I feel confident sharing all the details.

Card base consists of SU! Chocolate Chip cardstock with a layer of SU! Ruby Red cardstock embossed using a Cuttlebug A2 Spots & Dots embossing folder. A pierced border of distressed SU! Marigold Morning cardstock was added. A lowercase d was traced and cut from SU! White Confetti cardstock. SU! Aida background stamped in SU! Creamy Caramel classic ink onto the lowercase d. The small fern from PaperTrey ink Text Boxed randomly stamped with SU! Certainly Celery classic ink. How appropriate to choose the dottie dragonfly from Inkadinkados Little Critter set of repositionable stamps. After stamping and trimming the dottie dragonfly... the LI dot embossing template was used to randomly dry emboss the dragonflies inner spots. A dragonfly word by Stamp Oasis was stamped in SU! Chocolate Chip classic ink. Dream from PaperTrey ink Text Boxed was stamped onto a piece of stippled twill with SU! Ruby Red classic ink. Accessory used was a Rob & Bob Studio metal clip ease clip... which appears to have been retired! *sad face* It's no wonder we're forced to HOARD!!! *cheshire cat grin*

I feel it worthy to remind everyone to support your local stamp stores. Most "local" stamp stores are what we, here in New Hampshire like to refer as "Mom & Pop" stores. Meaning just that, own and operated by non-corporate America trying to make ends-meet (or meat) like the rest of us. *wink* The majority of our local stamp stores can and will custom order to meet our needs as long as your a regular customer. Don't get me wrong... I too enjoy SAVING a dollar and purchase from Michael's, Target (so wish one were closer) and on-line stamp related vendors. Our local stores only have so much square footage, however they're personable and willing to help. Besides... how many times have you run back to one of those larger stores and they still haven't re-stocked that item you've driven back several times for?! Gas, time and pollutants all cost us $ and health. *wink* There's enough to go around for everyone... trust me! This is merely food for thought... *A wave going out to Bette & Liz*

My dragonfly will be taken the USPS again tomorrow... What are the chances of him taking a detour again?! I think I might try "confirming" his flight plan!

I'm off to enjoy a bit of sunshine... rumor has it we're expecting rain for Tuesday! *extremely sad face* Be sure to stay-tuned... I have more to share. *wink*

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

18 July 2007

Bloomin' Up Shakers...

For a special bouquet of thank-you's... that is! *wink* When I started creating this card I only needed three... no problem-o! However... I find that it's blossomed into TEN!

An organized tackle came into play...

Step 1. Card base of SU! Pretty In Pink cardstock cut to 4 1/4" X 11 1/2" stamped with Outlines Dot Background Sm in SU! Classic Rose Romance ink.

Step 2. Cut SU! White Confetti cardstock and distress edges, emboss cardstock with Cuttlebug A2 Thanks embossing folder and stipple with SU! Classic Creamy Caramel ink.

Step 3. Cut SU! Certainly Celery cardstock, distress and pierce with Lasting Impressions SG 100 Stitching Guide.

Step 4. Stamp A Muse Tiny Bee in VersaFine Sepia, glitter wings with PSX Diamond Sparkles; set aside to dry and then punch using 1/2" circle punch.

Step 5. Stamp SU! Polka-Dot Poisies on SU! Pretty In Pink cardstock using SU! Classic Rose Romance ink. Punch middle of poisie. Punch two 1 1/4" circles from SU! Pretty In Pink cardstock and clear acetate, adhere acetate to the back of your stamped image. Using Scotch foam tape cut and adhere pieces; leaving no spaces for your Crystal Tiny Glass Marbles to escape. *wink* Simply start assembling your card! Easy-Peasey!

Another random thing about myself... I really dis-like the color pink!!! Oh, yeah... won't wear it! I've noticed I'm continually grabbing for this color lately (keep scrolling) probably because the recepient's enjoy this color so much?! *wink* Yeah, sounds good... that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!! *LOL*

I Anne, promise to step away from my Cuttlebug and the color pink in my next creation AFTER my next blog post! *wink* My Cuttlebug made me do it! As much as I'd enjoy staying and visiting with you... I need to get crack-a-lackin on finishing up these blooms before they wither!

So, without further a do.... "So long, farewell... (in my best Julie Andrews voice of The Sound of Music) or maybe "Shake-it up baby, now... twist and shout" (in my best Chubby Checker (?) voice)

Be sure to all comeback now, ya hear (The Beverly Hillbillies) *wink*
I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

17 July 2007

Slippers of Thanks...

As you may remember... I was involved in a few ATC swaps?! Well, my last swap of ATC's was "You & Me Friend" which was designed for this great group of gals... The Creative Embosser's.

Our friend, Joanne opted to organize, sort and mail (out of pocket) all participants ATC's! Well, I'm one that I couldn't let her do that without sending her a special "matching" thank-you with a bundle of goodies... *wink* I guess the best way for me to describe Joanne's friendship... "is like a tattered and frayed pair of slippers... comfortable and hard to part with!" Never mind her incredibly fun sense of humor! *grin*

Modifications made to this card are the Cuttlebug A2 Textile Texture embossing folder, SU! Fancy Flexible Phrases "thank-you" and ribbon.
You'll certainly be in need of an umbrella

if you live in New Hampshire this week! *sad face*

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

16 July 2007

Friendly Game of Tag...

I was tagged earlier by my friend Sue of Trusting In The Lord For All Things and again by another blogging friend... Elizabeth of My Paper Trails. I met Sue through the SCS RAK group and Elizabeth started leaving comments on my blog... the rest as they would say is history! *wink*

It's my understanding that I'm suppose to post 7 random things about myself...

1. My greatest supporters are my husband and daughter when it comes to rubber stamping.

2. I'm a private perfectionist with an analytical mind who doesn't see myself as others do.

3. I look forward and enjoy yardsales.

4. I don't accept compliments well; when complimented by others.

5. Stamping is my addiction... a costly one at times.

6. Writing of any kind has always been a challenge for me.

7. Always find myself wishing for more TIME!

Consider yourself "tagged" if your reading this and would like to play along on your own blog! Please be sure to post me a link so I can enjoy what you've chosen to share about yourself with the rest of Bloggyland. *wink*

Thank-you to both Sue and Elizabeth for inviting me to play a game of tag. If you've not visited either of these wonderfully talented ladies... simply click-on their blog links provided within this post. If you'd like to learn 7 random things about these friends of mine... then click-on their names! *wink*

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

14 July 2007

We interupt this blogcast...

to let you know that if you scroll to the bottom of my blog

you'll find that I've added a "guestbook" for all my visitors

to post a photo (optional), country or state you live...

along with a comment if you choose! I enjoy reading all of your comments

and enjoy learning where everyone that visits my blog lives. For

all of you who've taken your time to sign my "guestbook"

Thank-you!!!

Won't you please be kind and sign...

Back to our regularly scheduled post...

12 July 2007

Add Another Candle...

Last week it was Dad's birthday... today it's Mum's special "cake n' candle" day! *wink* Other persons to celebrate is Bill Cosby the actor/comedian, George Washington Carver who studied the peanut and according to historians... Julius C'sar the Roman Emperor all celebrated a birthday today... or would have!

What can I say about Mum's... the care provider of the family, keeping constant vigilance over us from the day we're born until the day one of us leaves this Earth. I feel that Oprah has said it best... "Being a mother is the toughest job!"

My own Mum is always generous with lending a helping hand when I seemingly need it most! For instance... spending quality time with our daughter during the summer while I work or lending me her vehicle when mine's in the shop... never mind the occasional "surprise" meal on a day that you truly couldn't think your way out of a paper bag by dinner time! *wink* Mum's truly know the meaning of selflessness, which we can only understand fully once a Mum ourselves.

Supplies List: SU! Rose Romance, Basic Black and Pretty In Pink cardstock, SEI "Penelope's Potpourri" adorned dots double-sided 12 X 12, VersaMark ink pad, Outlines Dot Background Sm, Xyron 250 Create-A-Sticker, Barbara Trombley's "Ultrafine ANGEL DUST" Art Glitter, AC Moore $pot ribbon, Sakura Gelly Roll "white" pen, Kandi-Tool pearls and paper clip.

Modifications made to this card include the use of black cardstock with white piercing and paper clip. The love of a mother is like a butterfly.

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

08 July 2007

You & Me Friend...

These ATC's were created for a special group called "The Creative Embosser's," which I'm fortunate to be a member. *wink*

Staying true to using some of my "new" purchases... I couldn't resist these precious Lockhart Slippers purchased from Ellen Hutson, LLC! The image paired nicely with the Basic Grey Stella Ruby - Ladies Book Club paper purchased at Stamping Memories. *wink*

This wonderful group of ladies reminds me of a comfortable pair of slippers... Thus my company innersoles "you & me" came to be. *wink* Being unable to resist my new Marvy Uchida Giga Scalloped Rectangle Punch... it reminded me of a "Welcome" mat. Each slipper is accented with a Bazzill cardstock bloom and ivory pearl!

I sure enjoyed swapping with these lovely ladies. I sure hope everyone in this group was inspired enough to join another ATC exchange soon?! Liz of Stamping Memories was inspired by my ATC enough to inquire with Lockhart Stamp Company about carrying their line of images! *wink* I'm anxiously awaiting! Sending a wave out to Liz and Bette! *smile* Hope everyone has a nice week!

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

06 July 2007

Not The Number, But The Person...

Today's my Dad's ____st birthday! *wink* Other persons to celebrate is President George W. Bush our 43rd US President and Sylvester Stallone the actor today.

Every year my Dad says "that he doesn't celebrate anymore birthday's or 29 and holding!" I feel that a birthday is very special... It's not the "number" we celebrate, but the actual person that has graced our life with their "presents!"

I always refer to my Dad as my "White Knight!" I can't remember a time when my Dad wasn't at my side... whether it was as a child with bronchial asthma, my pregnancy with our daughter, broken down with a flat in below zero weather on the interstate or even the time when a water pipe broke and left our bathroom flooded... just to mention a few! Miraculously... my hubby was always at work. *wink*

In the past fourteen months my Dad was diagnosed with diabetes and even treated for cancer. In life there's ALWAYS a blessing to be found no matter whether it's a positive or negative situation in our lives... we just need to look for it! I assure you... it's there... *wink*

Dad's card started with a color combination of SU! Ballet Blue, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Sahara Sand cardstock. SU! Sahara Sand stamped with SU! Cheescloth in SU! Chocolate Chip and stippled with SU! Creamy Caramel became the base of this card. A layer of SU! Old Olive stamped with River City Rubber Works "happy birthday background in VersaMark was distressed with a Heidi Swapp distresser found at AC Moore. Moving right along... a strip of SU! Ballet Blue was run through my Ellison BigShot using a Cuttlebug A2 tiny bubbles embossing folder. Fisherman image of SU! Angler and Dearest Dad sentiment (punched using SU! Word Window Punch) of SU! Fancy Flexible Phrases stamp sets are stamped on SU! Sahara Sand cardstock using SU! Chocolate Chip stippled with SU! Creamy Caramel classic ink. Accessories include Doodlebug mini teddy bear brads, hand tied fly and SU! Cranberry Crisp stitched ribbon.

Here's to the celebration of memories past, present and future! *wink*

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