ATC Recruits Needed...

Christmas ATC Swap CLOSED!!!!

Looking for a few good stamper's to recruit for a Christmas ATC Swap I'm hosting...

Any volunteers willing to sign-up or do we need to draft you stampers?! *wink*

You will receive back 10 to 12 ATC's... one of these being your own. I encourage all participants to make a dozen ATC's to safely ensure upwards, but not to exceed twelve members participating in our swap. *wink*

ATC requirements:

1. Size: 2 1/2 X 3 1/2 inches with two or more layers.

2. Embellishments: no less than one and upwards of three.
(ex: ribbon, rhinestone, eyelets, clips, etc...) If using "torn" paper as an embellishment... You will be required to use an additional embellishment.

3. Stamps: ANY rubber stamp vendor, but Christmas related.

4. Please sign and number each of your ATC's. Adding a blog or dating (optional), however not required.

Mail requirements:

1. Print or write out a label with your full name, Christmas ATC swap and qty. enclosed. Affix label using a clear packaging tape to a sandwich sized Ziploc baggie. This will protect your ATC's from the elements.

2. Clearly label a regular manilla or bubbled mailer with your own mailing address as the recipient and my address (provided in a private e-mail once you've joined) as the sender. When adding postage to your package DO NOT use any metered strips... only regular postage stamps adhered to your mailer please. My postal carrier ALWAYS weighs my baggie of ATC's and return mailer, giving me a postage price and then ADDS the stamps to the mailer for me. *wink*

3. Absolute Deadline: All ATC's will need to be mailed by or on Tuesday; September 18th, 2007 in order for myself to receive them timely, swap and resend to all of you by no later than Tuesday; October 2nd, 2007. I must request that if you can not full fill this part of the obligation, then you might want to reconsider your commitment.

Resources: You can find an easy step-by-step tutorial ------> HERE... questions or concerns e-mail me (under contact) -------> HERE... or view examples (including my first) -----> HERE...

To join this swap, you must send me an e-mail (view my complete profile... click and to the left under contact). As confirmation that I received your e-mail, you will see your name listed below and I will e-mail you back with my address. I hope I covered everything! Let me know if you have any questions!

Group 1 Participants:

1. Anne Sanborn

2. Bette Moreau - Received 8/27

3. Mary Anderson

4. Elizabeth Royalty

5. Harriet Skelly

6. Tami Wood

7. Asela Hopkins - Received 9/10

8. Kristina Lewis - Received 9/14

9. Lynette Neus - Received 8/27

10. Rhiannon Christianson

11. Emily Montenaro - Received 9/6

12. Dana Seymour

Group 2 Participants:

1. Anne Sanborn

2. Lisa Banks

3. Michelle Buschur - Received 9/14

4. Angela Dasner - Received 9/15

5. Kristina Lewis - Received 9/14

6. Rhiannon Christianson

7. Sarah Bertolino

8. Cheri Mosgrove - Received 8/27

9. Kimberly Gajewski

10. Allison Filo - Received 9/6

11. Lynette Neus - Received 8/27

12. Tracy Clemente - Received 9/15

13. Bette Moreau - Received 8/27

Hurry... not many spaces left and we wouldn't want you to miss out on all the fun! If I don't here from you... you might just be receiving a draft notice via e-mail requesting your participation, so hop-to-it and sign-up!!! *wink*

It doesn't get any easier than this! DO NOT feel inadequate or decide against participating due to names posted. ALL of these incredibly wonderful ladies would agree that we've experienced many firsts, will and still do... so if this is your first time making an ATC... you go girl! *wink*

*Edited 08-16-07- Group 1 has been filled! *flabbergasted, speechless, overwhelmed* HOWEVER due to the overwhelming response... a Group 2 has been added, so h-u-r-r-y to get in on the fun! There will be no more groups added! *wink* I just couldn't bear to write the Dear, John letters! *smile*

**Edited 08-17-07- Sarah Bertolino of Suki's blog has just been added to Group 2. If my blogging friends wouldn't mind mentioning our Christmas ATC swap within a new post... it'd be much appreciated... we need FIVE more wonderful ladies!

***Edited 08-18-07 - Cheri Mosgrove and Kimberly Gajewski have both been added to Group 2 as of this evening. This will be Cheri's "first" ATC and I'm so honored that we're going to be the lucky recipients! *wink* Kimberly's from New England?! ONLY THREE more spaces... Do I hear_____ going once, going twice... sold to_____?! *wink* Hope to share something stamped tomorrow!

****Edited 08-18-07- Allison Filo of Stampin When I Can from Calgary, Alberta, CANADA is on board our Christmas ATC fun-ship... Welcome my friend! ONLY ONE more spaces... Will anyone be hollering B-I-N-G-O!

*****Edited 08-19-07- Tracy Clemente of Eat, Sleep, Stamp has joined in all our fun... so S-T-A-R-T your ATC's ladies and keep your eyes on the checkered flag! *wink*

*Edited 08-29-07 - Bette, Cheri & Lynette's wonderful "I Kandi" arrived Monday for our Christmas ATC Swap! I debated... HOWEVER, did you really think I'd hold out on NOT PEEKING?! Hello... *LOL*

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

Recruitment poster of "Rosie the Riveter" from the 1940's.

Muffin Anyone?!...

No time to stamp... *insert sad face*

Yesterday, was a day of household obligations. Stripping beds, laundry, baking... you get the idea! *wink*

While my muffins were baking... I was chit-chatting with my friend Gail of A Dragonfly Garden via internet. Another wonderful and talented soul with an awesome sense of humor! Since beginning this journey of mine blogging... I consider myself blessed to be able to converse and meet such wonderfully talented women, whether it be in person or over the internet. *a wave goes out to Gail* So glad to be "cookin' up" more than just muffins, but friendships as well here in Bloggyland! *wink*

Blueberry Muffins:

3/4 C. milk
1/2 C. veggie oil
1 egg
2 C. all-purpose or whole wheat flour
1/3 C. sugar
3 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1 C. fresh blueberries or drained canned blueberries or 3/4 C. frozen blueberries, thawed and drained well.

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease bottoms of 12 medium muffin cups, 2 1/2 x 1 1/4 inches, or line with paper baking cups. Beat milk, oil and egg. Stir in flour, sugar, baking powder and salt, all at once, just until flour is moistened (batter will be lumpy). Fold in blueberries. Divide batter among muffin cups. Sprinkle with "raw" sugar if desired. Bake until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Immediately remove from pan.

Serves: 12 muffins; 195 calories per muffin

Personal modifications: Double recipe above. Add at least 1/2 C. more blueberries. Fill cups right up to top. Turn oven down slightly by 25 degrees. Recipe is NOT sweet, so adjust your sugar if you desire a sweeter muffin... if not adding sugar to tops.

Recipe credit: Betty Crocker's Cookbook... personal modifications by A. Sanborn

You'll find the muffins on the counter next to a fresh carafe of coffee... won't you join me!

As always, I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

The Traveling Stampers...

Where to begin...

Yesterday was an adventure of epic proportion! *wink* I found myself traveling down I-93 to meet my dear friend, Mare in Capital City... at our regular rendezvous point. It's here that we'd start on our latest adventure! Or what we refer to as a road trip! *wink*

It all began with Mare's involvement with the A*Muse A*Palooza! Leading her to be-friend Tami Wood of Minnesota, a certified A Muse instructor. Tami, a New Hampshire girl herself, would be coming home to visit and was interested in meeting Mare! Being the generous soul she is, Mare extended an invitation for me to join them. Besides... I generally serve as chauffer on our excursions. *can you say... lucky* A decision to meet at The Paper Tree was agreed by all.


Upon our arrival, *slightly ahead of schedule* we were greeted by The Paper Tree's proprietor, Michelle at the door! What a delight... so friendly, accommodating and joined in our excitement of all the "oohs and ahhs!" We agreed whole heartedly that we'd be making a return trip to see our new friend Michelle in the near future!

Tami arrived shortly with her wonderful mother, Ellie. Hugs of excitement were exchanged. It was as though we'd all known each other forever... We chit-chatted over shares of our work, exchange of more chit-chat and a make n' take prepared by Tami! Tami has incredible ideas and an abundance of talent... has definitely earned the recognition of being an A Muse design team member too?! It's all about the talent or lets say it should be... We think you rock babe!!!! *wink* If we'd only thought of it sooner... we'd have extended an invite to our friend Elizabeth of My Paper Trails to join us! *sorry... sad face* Know that you came-up in conversation while "oohing and ahhing" over your cyclist ATC babe (my fav) *wink* Tami was wishing she were still here at the end of September! *wink* We wrapped things up with a wee bit of shopping and photo opts with our new friend Michelle! Packing everyone and everything in my jimmy, we prepared to meet Ellie at AC Moore. Couldn't see Ellie making the trek back for Tami. Besides... we were headed in that very direction! *Cheshire grin* There was a gift exchange going on in my vehicle during the "dipsy doodling" ride over to the Mall of New Hampshire... sure hope Tami won't mind traveling with this catawampus woman on her next visit?! *wink* Sadly... it was time to part company at AC Moore. However, we'll keep in-touch via e-mail, phone and relay of person to person. Now to get Tami set-up with her own blog... Blogger's FREE! *wink*


Before leaving the mall... a call for the largest triple berry smoothie offered by Orange Julius was in order for the road trip home... can you say YUM-O!!!! We set forth for our next stop being Capital City! Traveling right along... we noted an accident on the off ramp to the seacoast?! Breathing a sigh of relief and counting our blessings that we weren't headed home in that direction! After reaching the toll booth to exchange our $.75 and have a nice day with the toll booth operator. What did we find... ONLY ourselves in (weekend tourist) grid lock traffic on the otherside, crawling in the direction of HOME!!! *missed photo opt... oops* (Shank's mare would've been quicker) Being a true Yank, my patience was limited. Mare, we're taking a different route! *NH secret... if we told you, then we'd have to kill you... LOL* After limping along, we saw the route needed to get us home at a faster pace than that of a snails. It was clear sailing again! *thanks Dad for all the back roads as a kid... not to mention sense of direction*

Mare offered to toodle around Capital City with me while running a few errands... who'd ever turn down her wonderful company... not me! We found ourselves straying into Mike's. Each of us scoring a newly released Martha Stewart bat paper punch! While agreeing whole heartedly her spider punch was a bit gruesome for our taste. I bet Mike's will be all sold out of the bat punches by the end of today... care to make a wager?! After depositing Mare back to her vehicle and exchanging hugs... I was headed up the dusty trail towards the hills of home.


On the drive... I reflected on the preparation for this day, it's speedy comings and goings... and leaving a fond memory in it's wake?! I busy myself with everyday life 'til our paths cross again my friend. *sigh* I sure hope you enjoyed your virtual road trip with us?! Stay tuned... my partner in crime and I will be heading out again the end of September!

In the near future you will note a new addition to my blog labels, possibly referred to as "blog reviews!" Unless I come-up with a better label... *wink* Stay tuned...

Edited 8-12-07 - You can read my friend, Mare's road trip post ----> HERE! Tami, honey please note that I "fixed" your name after posting your comment... my TYPE A personality wouldn't allow me to leave it incorrect! *wink*


As always, I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

Petit Eiffel Merci...

Time sure flies... even when your NOT having fun! However, it's fleeting when your in the company of a good friend! *wink*

Hard to believe a week ago tomorrow, my friend Jennie and I were off for a day of shopping. I told Jennie to make a list of places she wanted to shop? We began our adventure with the Etc. Shoppe. I scored a pair of Eddie Bauer and Talbots shorts in like new condition, a large ribbon jar and vintage oak recipe file to name a few of my goodies! *wink* Next on her list was a quilt shop and then it was off to Wal Mart and Longview Farm for some fresh veggies for the evening dinner. We decided on a couple of grilled Panini's for lunch and sat on a park bench for some wonderful conversation. Before we knew it... it was time to head back to the dock as Jennie's husband, Yvon was arriving from Paris!

This was a "simple" thank-you card designed in honor of my friend from Paris, France. When Jennie arrived she brought beautiful gifts of a Paris tee and red enamel on metal dish for Sophie and me. Decidely enough... I don't do simple well! *wink*

You will note my choice of France's flag colors, paisley and the Eiffel Tower in my card design. The brown was not in anyway to insinuate that France is dirty, but rather olde and nostaligic... PLUS I have an issue with white! *wink*

A dream of mine is to someday visit the beautiful city of Paris with my family before I expire. Dave, my husband noted my love of the Eiffel Tower when he was admiring Jennie's card.

A special thank-you to both of our Mum's for watching our children, which allowed us a wonderful day spent together.

Supplies Used: SU! Real Red, Ballet Blue and White Confetti cardstock, SU! Paisley background stamped with VersaMark, A Muse Eiffel Tower image colored with SU! Watercolor Pencils, Mike's $pot "thanks" stamp. Accessories: May Arts Red and Cream striped ribbon (Stamping Memories)

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

Rockin' Bloggyland...

Attempting to play a little catch-up! You can imagine my delight to know I rock more than just my hubby's world! *wink* These wonderful friends of mine... Mare, Sue and Lorrietori nominated me for the rockin' girl blogger award! Just so you know, my friend Mare posted her's in invisible ink! *wink*
Somehow, someway Mare's post disappeared?!

There are so many wonderful and creative blogger's out there that haven't been tagged because their yet to be discovered! *wink* However... if your reading this.... consider yourself TAGGED as a rockin' girl blogger by me.

My first nominee in no particular order...

Rachel of Hope Stamps Eternal - Rachel starts every post with a thoughtful quote. Rachel's candid sense of humor, not to mention her talents for some out of the box creativity! It wouldn't surprise me if she becomes a daily routine for your blog hopping enjoyment.

Rochelle of Impressions - Rochelle is a blogging friend... true! However, her talents for coming up with some incredible color combinations... not to mention fast delivery of a card just about daily on her blog?! Definitely qualifies her as a "rocking" girl blogger!

Faith of Stampin' With Markie's Mom: - Faith has some incredibly dimensional eye-candi she's creating over on her blog! Faith has an incredible eye for color combinations when it comes to patterned papers! Keep your eye on Faith!

Simmy of Come On Get Stampy! - Simmy's blog title lured me in and her humor and wit kept me entertained! Simmy will keep you abreast visually of all the new SU! goodies. If you've not paid her a visit... I'd click and go!

Noel of Paper Passion & Pixel Mania - Noel drew me in with her blog's name... Once I saw her beauty shine through her incredible layouts and her thoughtful journaling within her posts, well let's just say keep your lens focused on Noel!

If your looking for "new" untapped & talented blogger's... Allison of Stampin' When I Can does an incredible job of keeping everyone in Bloggyland informed of Tutorials, Blog Candy Offers, Challenges and the list goes on! *wink* Thanks Allison... not sure where you find the time?!

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

Blueberries By Request...

It's blueberry season here in New Hampshire. Last Sunday afternoon I picked four quarts of blueberries to make old-fashioned blueberry cake... not to mention pancakes, cobbler and muffins! *lip-smacking delicious*

New Hampshire weather has taken a turn to hot and humid the past couple of weeks. So early tomorrow morning our family will be off to pick eight quarts... or two buckets of high bush blueberries. Blueberry season in our area won't last much more than another week or so. *insert sad face*

This recipe is a tried and true family favorite of ours, however I'm uncertain of it's orgin?! I'm always on the hunt for another blueberry recipe to add to our own repertoire of recipes. *wink*

Old-fashioned Blueberry Cake:

3 Tbsp. Shortening

1 C. Sugar

1 Egg
1-1/2 C. Blueberries
3/4 C. Milk
1-3/4 C. Flour

2 tsp. Baking Powder

Cream shortening; add sugar, beaten egg and milk. Sift flour and baking powder and add. Stir in blueberries. Batter will be thick. Bake in shallow greased pan in moderate oven at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.

Serve while hot with butter or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Double recipe for use with oblong pan.

Makes a light, moist cake for breakfast consumption. Enjoy....

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

August

Cardmaker's Calendar

5th American Family Day

A great day to spend time together crafting - take out

your stamping paraphernalia and have fun! Working

together on a family project like a vacation

scrapbook will make the finished piece a more

cherished family heirloom!

5th Friendship Day

Do we really need a reason to send a

rubberstamped card to a friend?

10th S'mores Day

Appropriately placed in August... campfire primetime.

Origin of S'mores dates back to the 1920's.

It's believed that the recipe was first discovered by

the Girl Scouts! S'more folklore suggests that it got it's

name by the campfire... after eating one,

young children chanted "gimme some more!"

27th School's In Session

What better way to start the school year than with chocolate

and a handstamped note of encouragement...

for the teacher!

Ideas from INKAnews

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

A Star Spangled 4th...

Fourth of July - Independence Day... Birth of a Nation, flag, anthem, parade, fireworks, picnic, barbeque, family and friends... Patriotic pride!

Happy Birthday AMERICA!

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

July

Cardmaker's Calendar

4th Independence Day

July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain

and Democracy was born. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate

that freedom and independence with parades, fireworks, barbecues,

picnics, and family gatherings.

Happy Birthday America!

7th Chocolate Day

Chocolate is America's favorite flavor.

I hear it said that "chocolate" is officially a vegetable... it comes from the Cacoa tree

found in rainforests! Need anyone say more...

Eat and stamp your day with chocolate!

15th Ice Cream Day

In 1984, President Reagan proclaimed July to be National Ice Cream Month...

the third Sunday of July is officially Ice Cream Day!

So whether it's real ice cream or a handstamped card... it will always

bring a smile to one's face!

22nd Parents' Day

As a child's first teachers, mentors, and role models, parents shape the character

of those who will help to build the future of our Nation.

On Parents' Day, we honor America's mothers and fathers and celebrate

the values that bind families from one generation to the next

and help define us as a Nation.

... lovely day to send a stamped creation celebrating our parents!

Ideas from INKAnews