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

Officially National Flag Day...

On June 14th, 1777 the United States of America flag was adopted

and originally refered to as the "Stars and Stripes!"

RED is for hardiness and valor

WHITE is for purity and innocence

BLUE is for vigilance, perseverance and justice

"The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun."

Long may you wave...

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

Pindot PJ's ATC...

Surprise...

I know... it's not my usual weekend post! *wink*

It's official... yesterday was the last day of school at AES! AES gave the children a celebratory "ice cream sundae" party for winning the 2007 "School Of Excellence" award!!! While third grade waited in line... Mrs. K took my hand and proceeded to tell me how she was looking forward to my being her room mother. That's still two years away... Then imagine my surprise when Mr. W inquired if it would be too soon to sign me up to be his room mother for sixth grade! I guess my hubby was correct... no break in sight... maybe by seventh grade?! I love the children and our school staff are just incredible people! Extremely dedicated with all the extra hours they put in... long after the teaching day is finished at AES! Have a fun-filled and safe summer everyone!

Okay... now back to stamping! *wink* I loved my "Sweet Baby Girl" card so much... that I decided to make it into an ATC (Artist Trading Card) for one of two swaps that I'm currently involved with deadlines for next week. The other ATC started out of the gate at a good gallop. However... I became inundated with ideas boggling my brain to agree on an avenue of completion! Thus... grinding halt! *wink* My friend, Mary seems to be leaning towards this lil' ATC for her swap. We'll see... she might possibly be swayed by the next ATC that comes along and change her mind?! *wink*

I'm contemplating hostessing an ATC swap of my own for the end of July! The theme being Christmas in July. There will be NO stamp restrictions. If your interested in participating you can post a comment to this post or e-mail me from "view my complete profile." There's no time like the "present" to try something you've been wanting too! *wink* If you don't sign-up... you might be getting an invitation via e-mail! *wink* It's all FUN and NO PRESSURE... Don't be shy!

You can find a supplies list for Pindot Pj's ATC ----> HERE

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

A Special Graduate...

As we all know it's difficult to find correctly proportioned graduate images and sentiments with elegant qualities. Thus... how my "iris fold" graduation cap came to be.

Simply "black and white"... This is a card that I designed and made many times for others to give to those "special" graduates in their lives.

Our family friends, Pete and Mel have a special son named Travis that will be graduating high school on June 22nd! Our family has had the honor and privilege of watching this wonderful "old soul" grow-up into a fine youngman.

Travis has so many fine qualities, such as his gentle patience with children, wonderful humor not to mention his willingness to lend a helping hand.

It's not always been easy for Travis to sit and learn from a book. However, he's excelled and absorbed "hands on" learning at the knee of his grandfather and father in the finished carpentary field. Travis is musically accomplished when it comes to playing the piano, banjo and guitar... whether with the church band or with family and friends.

We are so proud of you! We look forward to celebrating more of life's milestones with you. Much Love Always...

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

Challenging Chihuahua...

Talk about "challenges..." Life seems to be full them... don't you think?! *wink*

It's been really busy around here lately with chaperoning field trips, spring concerts, award ceremonies, Father's Day luncheons with the close of another school year?! *shakes head*

Third grade was a "challenge" in many ways this year. It's an awakening to us as parents that our children are truly growing and blossoming into something other than a young child. Introduction of more homework, tougher topics and change of emotions to name a mere few. Even though we will ALWAYS consider our children our "babies" no matter how old they become!

A "challenge" I faced was... after being room mother the past two years, not to mention a regular volunteer at our daughter's school in years prior... I was going to take a sabatical from being room mother this coming fall. Well, lets just say that Mrs. S cornered me with the help of Mrs. B... all I remember is Mrs. S walking off to her meeting letting me know that she would be looking forward to having me as room mother next fall! *deer caught in headlights moment* OMGosh... what just happened!!! Well, when I explained to my hubby, as best I could what transpired that afternoon?! Dave gave me a hug and told me that I better resign to being room mother for the next five years! Long story, short... this is a mere blip of some "challenges" I've been faced with lately... besides not having enough time to stamp! *wink*

During Sophie's April vacation we scored two of these cute Pocket Pet Chihuahua wood mounts by Rubber Stampede. We decided on another friendly mother and daughter card-off! Sophie finished her card timely with some guidance and instruction on "measure twice and cut once!" *wink* I must admit that I did fall behind a bit and our darling daughter would occassionally inquire "How's your Chihuahua card coming along Mom?!" *wink* Well... I had made a decision on my color combination, layout and accessories... I just lacked time, SO what's new!

Sophie has an artistic eye... not to mention that she's very creative! After choosing her patterned paper, Sophie chose her other colors and embellishments accordingly. Then choosing Karen Foster "casual" snap stamps for her sentiment... CUTE!

I look forward to more years of Sophie and myself stamping together! I just hope that I'll be able to actually stamp! *wink* Now to light the fire under her to get her Father's Day cards designed and ready. *wink*

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

Sweet Baby Girl...

You may remember my excursion to the CK Convention in Manchester with with my friend Mary back on May 18th? This lil' A Muse jammies wm stamp was found in the clearance aisle at AC Moore... happy to say that I was lucky enough to find one for Mary and myself! *wink*

As usual... I find myself behind on my own cardmaking for family and friends. *rolling eyes* This card was created in honor of our nephew's new baby daughter, Elisabeth Lauren's birth. As I always say, "better late... than never!"

Square card base consists of Bazzill romance cardstock layered with Bazzill petal cardstock stamped with Outlines Dot Background Sm in Versamark. Striped paper border is by Anna Griffin, layered with SU! apricot appeal grosgrain and embellished using two Making Memories button brads. Punch a scallop circle of Bazzill romance cardstock using a Marvy Uchida punch, pierced and mounted with dimensionals. A Muse jammies image is stamped in SU! Basic Brown and watercolored using SU! Watercolor Pencils and blender pen. Jammie buttons are accented with a Sakura White Glaze Pen.

Easy-Peasy!

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

June

Cardmaker's Calendar

14th Flag Day

More formerly known as National Flag Day.

This day commerates the adoption of the flag of the

United States of America!

A great day to send a veteran or current service person

a Patrotic card of support!

17th Father's Day

Most of us have doting grandfathers, uncles or close friends

who've inspired or guided our lives. Why not take the opportunity

to wish someone close to us a Happy Father's Day!

A handcrafted card will convey to that special someone their

meaningful place in your life!

21st Summer Solstice

Better known as the First Day of Summer.

Some people feel that summer begins Memorial Day; or

when the kids are out of school. Astronomically speaking,

however, the first day of summer falls on June 21st during the Summer Solstice

when the Earth's axis tilts most towards the sun,

creating the longest period of daylight all year.

Take advantage of the longer evening of daylight by inviting

your stamping friends for a Solstice Stamp Fest!

Serve summery drinks, burgers on the grill and set-up some tables for stamping.

Here's to a wonderful summer.... CHEERS!

Ideas from INKAnews

Freedom Isn't Free...

Please take a moment this Memorial Day to remember those who have fallen or currently defend our freedoms with their very lives so that you and I can express...

FREEDOM of Religion
FREEDOM of Speech
FREEDOM of Choice

Not to mention the FREEDOM to follow our own paths in everyday life!

There are not enough words to express our gratitude, however we will hem you in our prayers... One thing our family does every Memorial Day is to place urns of RED, WHITE & BLUE on my father-in-laws grave, who was a Pearl Harbor Veteran. My own Dad a Vietnam Veteran, his Father a World War II Veteran and my Mother's Father a World War II Veteran. We're truly proud of our families forefathers service to Our Great Nation!

Tomorrow we'll enjoy a BBQ to start off our summer season. Here in New Hampshire our motto is "Live FREE Or Die..." I think that says it all.

If you'd like to learn more of the history behind Memorial Day... click here! Wishing you and yours a safe and fun Memorial Day!

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

Shane's Wish...

There's been a lot of buzz around bloggyland about a seven year old named Shane the past month or so. If you haven't heard about Shane, click here to learn more.

Who could refuse... I've been meaning to mail off a card for a some time now! I managed to work this card into my schedule today and it's off to Canada tomorrow! I pray he achieves his dream.

I stamped my Joann's $pot cupcake image on SU! White Confetti cardstock, then punched it out using the giga scallop square. I proceeded to cut out the frosted layer and applied Barbara Twombley's ultrafine Angel Dust glitter and added the watercolored cherry with dimensionals. After rummaging through my paper I came up with the silver "ridged" cardstock for the liner... LOOKS just like the real McCoy! Pierce and set aside.

I chose SU! Ballet Blue for my card base. The SU! Green Galore cardstock was embossed using the Cuttlebug A2 Happy Birthday embossing folder, swiped with SU! White Craft ink using a sponge and embellished with three coordinating mini brads. A border of SU! Marigold Morning cardstock layered with SU! Real Red grosgrain ribbon and pierced on either side of the ribbon. The majority of layers adhered using dimensionals.

I hope you'll consider creating or purchasing a card (your local dollar store) to send Shane and help to make his WISH COME TRUE! What a minor request to fulfill! *wink*

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

Zebra Friends ATC...

I've been wanting to try my hand at making some ATC's (Artist Trading Cards) for quite some time now. After perusing some of my favorite blogs one evening... I noted that Taylor of Taylored Expressions was hosting an A Muse ATC Swap with openings still in Group 2. Well without hesitation... I dashed off an e-mail inquiring of position availability?! Mind you it was around 9:30 PM EST or later. Off to bed I went. I figured if it was meant to be then I would hear back from the lovely and talented Taylor soon enough. Well who would've thunk the very next morning I'd find an e-mail from Taylor? I sat with my coffee pondering what in the world had I done to myself!!! I hadn't made ATC's before... what was I going to do now that I committed myself?! *shakin' head* Well, Anne... you better get started, so here we be with my "zebra friends!"

I started with 10 2 1/2" X 3 1/2" cards of SU! Basic Black cardstock. Second layer, consists of SU! Pretty In Pink cardstock embossed using my Cuttlebug A2 Swirls embossing folder mounted with dimensionals to the black card base. After punching out 10 scalloped ovals using my Marvy Uchida "Giga" punch... I embossed the "leaping zebra" by Rubber Soul using Judi-kins "black diamonds" embossing powder. Then added the bird image watercolored in SU! Bliss Blue & Ballet Blue Classic Ink with blender pen (image appears a brighter blue than in real life). The grass was "doodled" in using the same watercolor technique as the bird, but with SU! Certainly Celery & Old Olive Classic Ink. Mini punched flower was adhered with book binding glue and a geniune Swaroski crystal for embellishments. My A Muse criteria was met with the "Friends were flowers" sentiment. My final touch was achieved by using a white gel pen to dot the corners of my cards.

I sure hope none of the recipients are dissappointed in these mini creations of mine. I would like an invitation to do another ATC swap in the future. These were fun to create once you got past the anxiety of what to create and never having created one! *wink*

Mine are in the mail as of today! I look forward to sharing my ATC's from this swap with all of you...

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

A Shop Until We Drop Experience...

After waiting patiently a whole year... it was off to another Creating Keepsakes Convention in Manchester. Mary met me in Capital City at our agreed rendezvous point, from there I drove to Manchester's Radisson Convention Center.
We arrived early at the convention to find out that the parking garage was full. We had to find another parking garage within the city walking distance. Let's just say that I was slightly irritated, but got over it when we found another parking garage with an attendant.

Being Mary's first visit to the convention... I steered her towards her current addiction of A Muse stamps at Ink About It's booth. Let's just say that Mary did the most damage to her wallet at Lori's booth, not once, but twice in one day! By the looks of my photo, I'd say that my wallet was crying "uncle" too!
* wink* While Mary was shopping I enjoyed chatting with Lori, owner of Ink About It. It appears as though we're in for another road trip to Westford, MA before snow flies again! I think we better start saving now Mary! *wink*

The lovely Jenn Shurkus of {creative chick} was over seeing a free make & take at the Ink About It booth from 1:00 - 4:00 PM! I enjoy Jenn's blog where she share's her everyday happenings, family and friends... not to mention her stamping talents! Jenn's a geniune delight... just look at her cute self with her A Muse-A-Poolza Tee! I wish Mary could've joined us in conversation, however she was slightly busy with her second round of shopping for A Muse schtuff! *wink* I'm SO not photogenic! I'm trying out my new look, do you like it? I literally had the majority of my braces removed after seven years the day before convention. Thus the reason for the ridiculous smile... I forgot how to smile, so bear with me! *wink* I shouldn't be answering photographer's questions during photo opt... sorry for the horrid photo, but Jenn and Mary are looking great! Jenn's friend Melissa of {highly entertaining} was the official parking meter feeder for the day... so we didn't get her cute self into our lil' photo opt! *insert sad face* A wave goes out to Jenn and Melissa. Sorry to say we didn't have all day to stalk "near famous" stamping celebrities... when there was major shopping to be done! *wink*

You'll notice that I scored myself a new BIGZ Sizzix letter S die along with a Sizzix Texturz - Starter Kit for embossing with brass stencils from companies like Dreamweaver and Lasting Impressions. You'll note the delicious ribbons, jar of teensy weensy Primas, Junkitz 6 X 6 pad of supah cute papers! It's not as though I needed any of these things... shhh... don't tell anyone I said that... especially my hubby! *wink*

The gorgeous Daisy Cow was purchased after much debate from a new company Purple Daisy Designs of Pennsylvania. This company is owned and operated by two very lovely Mennonite mother and daughter team! I wish I could remember their names... I've already poured over the catalog from cover to cover and made out my first order to call in! *wink* I'll need to see if Mary is ready to place an order with me... she forgot to return for her dragonfly with matching paper punch! *grin* I truly hope that Purple Daisy Designs reconsiders coming to the CK Convention next year... we're closer than Missouri! *wink* No offense.

I didn't get a chance to photograph my fifty dollars of SEI, Basic Grey... just to name a few of the sheets of paper Mary enabled me into! Mary forced me into places like Embellish It! (first photo on Mary's convention post), SEI, Rusty Pickle that were loaded with scrumcious paper! Not a place to take a paper addict, which Mary insists that I am... a paper addict that is! *ROFLOL* I only purchased 6 of each paper design?! You be the judge!


There were so many glitzy things to see that it boggled the brain! I couldn't leave without enjoying an apple green ribbon-licious smoothie and conversation with the wonderful proprietor of this booth. I can't remember her name or company, however they hailed from North Carolina!

After seven hours of seeing everything there was to see. Mary and I took a few photo opts of our own, which you can see here. Mary had lots more bags than me?! We thought we'd make it look good for our blog viewers if I took her bags too! *grin* We decided that we couldn't come this far and not take a trip AC Moore and Michael's, where we scored more ribbon, stamps and punches! *Yikes*

What a FUN-TASTIC day we had shopping together! What do you say Mary, want to go together again next year?! *wink* We already have a shopping spree planned for June, so stay-tuned ladies to hear of our next adventures!

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

Birthday Bird On A Branch...

I'm in love... with my lil' birdie that is! As a rule I don't do cute, but who can resist his lil' 'rounding' personality?!

Recently I became involved with a great group of gals! I needed to come up with a __ Card for a _____ I took part in. I know, I know... I have very little time as it is to do things like updating my blog! *chuckle* My blog may be experiencing lurkers. I'll be back to fill-in the blanks at a later date. *wink*

Anywho... this cards design began with my Coluzzle for the bird. Provocrafts Cuttlebug A2 Happy B'day embossing folder. Stampin' Up! Aida, Paisley, Weathered & Just Vine stamps. Stampin' Up! old olive, ruby red and marigold morning cardstock. Stampin' Up! more mustard, ballet blue, night of navy, really rust, creamy caramel, chocolate chip and Versamark ink. Stampin' Up! Slit Punch, Paper Shapers triangle and heart punches. Stampin' Up! apricot appeal grosgrain ribbon. Accessories: brown brads and dimensionals.

I think that spring has finally sprung!

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

Adventurous Day In The City...

There was a write up in the Union Leader about a traveling Dinosaurs exhibit at the SEE Science Center. Our daughter, Sophie has always had a love for dinosaurs from a young age. Who could think of a better rainy day activity during school vacation?! *wink* So Friday AM we set off for the Amoskeag Millyard! Upon arrival we enjoyed the old architecture of the mill building inside and out. Our lil' adventure started with the Dinosaurs exhibit, which held such dinosaurs as the Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Phterodons... just to name a few!

It's not always easy for a non-professional photographer to catch the perfect photo on camera. Especially when you have so many people. So without further a do... here's a few photos for your viewing enjoyment! *wink*


My hubby, the "eldest" child!
Sophie's all time favorite... the Ankylosaurus!

All of the dinosaurs on exhibit contained an animated skeleton. This is one that the children could manipulate using a control panel.

Mock archeological dig, metal plate rubbings, educational movie, etc...

Off to the next level for some "hands" on science, mechanical puzzles and the World's largest permanent LEGO exhibit of the Amoskeag Millyard installation on a minifigure scale! All I can say is... AWESOME!!! This LEGO set-up of Amoskeag Millyard from 1915 was built using approx. 3 million bricks! Approximately 8,000 minifigures! It took more than '10,000' person hrs. to complete! All of the lego bricks used, once were available in sets to the public. Another fun fact... If all the LEGO bricks used in this project were lined up end to end, they would reach from the SEE Science Center to the Museum of Science in Boston and back! Absolutely mind boggling! Photos snapped just don't do this as much justice as in person. *wink*

Without further a do... A blip into the second leg of our adventure!

Amoskeag Millyard lego project photo snapped from "stairs!"
Amoskeag Millyard 'train' yard. Operating train with camera displaying the 'inner' set-up on a monitor for viewers!
Note the back of the trolley... this was operating throughout the display!

What millyard wouldn't be complete without it's own river?

A mock version of the real inside of the 'textile' mill!

The LEGO Amoskeag Millyard contained it's own carnival, church, farmlife with garden, lamp lit bridge, clock tower, etc... If you'd like to learn more then click here. If you'd like to see more... then you will need to take a little trip. *wink* This is a wonderful day trip for the family that still allowed us to do a sit down restaurant for lunch, trip to AC Moore's and some ice cream all before calling it a day! We sure hope you enjoyed your blip into our day?!

What can we say... other than it was a real 'hair raising' adventure *wink* Click on any of the photos to enlarge for details.

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

May

Cardmaker's Calendar

5th Scrapbooking Day

A national event that combines all the best of creative

scrapbooking activities, sales, classes, crops, weekend workshops

and much more!

8th Teacher's Day

A wonderful way to show a special teacher a little

deserved recognition or extra appreciation with a handstamped card

attached to a favorite dessert or chocolate as a thank-you!

13th Mother's Day

Most of us have doting grandmothers, aunts or close friends

who've influenced our lives. Why not take the opportunity

to wish someone close to us a Happy Mother's Day!

We don't need to look very far to find

someone who would be delighted with a

Happy Mother's Day greeting!

28th Memorial Day

Originally called Decoration Day, a day of remembrance

of those who have died in our nation's service.

Flowers and small American flags are traditionally placed on graves

of fallen soldiers that fought to defend our freedom!

Ideas from INKAnews