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

E-A-R-T-H Our Home...

This week AES is on spring break. Monday was a gorgeous day that reached a high of 87 degrees. Sophie and I did a little shopping in the morning and soaked up the sun by afternoon with a nice walk.

Tuesday brought a us a little cooler weather, but still very nice for walking to our local PO. We decided to grab a large trash liner (should've grabbed 2) to take with, for picking up roadside trash. *insert sad face* It's amazing how people "don't" think prior to tossing something out their car window!? Things like cordless handset, colander, ball of waded duct tape to name a few!? Sophie wanted to know why people just couldn't wait (like our family) to empty their cars upon arrival to their destinations?! Very good question... I guess they don't care if "our home" EARTH is dirty and nasty looking?! Would you throw trash all over your house and yards? We all share a responsibility somehow, someway for this global warming we're experiencing all over the EARTH! Instead of everyone pointing fingers it would be better for the world's scientists to band together and educate our world's people that you can't keep a home when you choose not to do maintenance, but this should be "common sense" to everyone?! A homeowner fixes the leaky pipes, roof, etc... Cause and effect... doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this one out!

As a family we've decided that EARTH DAY isn't just April 22nd, yet EVERYDAY for our family. No we're not radicals... we just want to do our part and take pride in caring for "our home!" I've heard it said that it only takes 30 days to form a "new habit," so what do you say?! *wink* Some of the things we've chosen to do are changing out our lightbulbs from the incandescent to energy saver florescent. Regular maintenance of our vehicles. Recycle our plastics, aluminum and glass. Use canvas or recycled bags for groceries and other shopping (some places will give you upwards of 3 to 5 cents off your bill per bag). Organize our trips for water, shopping, extra curricular to one day if possible when in that area to conserve on gas and polluntants in our atmosphere. If you have a great conservation idea we'd love to hear it and even adopt it as one of our own! *wink* Remember this is our weblog to post our perspectives and reflect.

Without further a do... Sophie and I chose an EARTH or "recycle" fun & friendly face-off between mother and daughter! Our challenge included a limited supply. Sophie came up with a wonderful idea of "Queen Earth," which is precisely how we should treat our EARTH... as a queen! I came up with "our home!" I have to admit that I have zero artist capabilities, so the tag looking thing (with embossed swirls) with bread tag (our home) as it's door resembles a house! *wink* This little project of ours was fun and interactive as mother and daughter... not to mention benefiting our EARTH!
I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

A Lil Birdie Told Me...

I've been tagged... not once... BUT twice! What an honor to have my good friend Mary of It's All About The Journey and friend Rochelle of Impressions deem my blog worthy of being one of their favorites?! Honestly, they're both wonderful blogger's that you really shouldn't miss. I assure you that you won't be dissappointed in your visit.

Now I must choose 5 of my favorite bloggers... HOWEVER... I was tagged twice, so doesn't this mean I can choose 10 of my favorite bloggers?! This is NOT an easy feat...

I enjoy visiting regularly...

1. Stamping Mathilda... Godelieve

2. Hop Art Studio... Asela

3. Ink Something!... Kristine

4. Sentiments by Denise... Denise

5. Teeny Tiny Cabin... Claudia

All of these blogger's as well as many other's I view... have incredible talent not to mention inspirational!

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

Laundry Tip 101...

While my people are out sunning themselves... I figured I'd try my paw at this computer thingy again...

Did you know that people watching could be so exhausting... well it can! It appeared to be a comfortable spot just my size for sprawling out for a good cat nap!

I think I hear someone... sorry to run, but now to act cat-usual so my people aren't suspicious!

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

*Miss Moxie decided that watching Mom fold the family laundry was exhausting work that deserved a catnap until photo opt 12th of March '07

It's officially Earth Day... so do something positive to benefit our Earth today!

Not Just Another RAK...

What a flutter of sunshine this brought to my day! It came with the loveliest note from Kristine... Thank-you for all your kindness.

Kristine's blog is Ink Something! Prepare to be wowed by the incredible talent this lovely lady has for thinking outside the box... not to mention the inspiration she shares with her readers. Take a few extra minutes to peruse Kristine's Archives. I assure you that you won't be disappointed, but rather amazed!

I want to apologize to Kristine for being tardy in posting her beautiful creation that I was fortunate to have flutter into my life! We've been enjoying your card since its arrival. I LOVE it Kristine!

I'll describe a little bit of my card... Kristine used Stampin' Up! DD Bold Butterfly with my favorite Stampin' Up Certainly Celery, Lavender Lace & Old Olive. How creative to fill in her butterflies wings using Stampin' Up! Paisley Background. Not sure if you can see the Photo Corner (not the same technique Kristine used) accent that is done using Stampin' Up! Square Punches and the Cuttlebug A2 Textile Texture embossing folder?! A final touch of my all time favorite stitched ribbon! Thank-you for touching my day in such a positive way...

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

Back On My Horse...

Life really has a way of being demanding at times, as I'm sure you already know! Just to give you an idea as to my where abouts?! The upheaval began when Sophie caught a severe case of the flu that had me awake for over 24 hours (not to mention the mountain of laundry disinfecting, etc...), Nor'easters on a weekly basis, Easter and Birthday shopping... never mind the dreaded TAXES with owning a small business. Didn't leave me much time or desire to attempt any stamping. *insert sad face*

Now that I'm back on my horse... I have things to share and catching up to do! So without further a do...

I found these cute carrots at our local $ollar store. How cute would these be for Sophie to give her classmates?! As you all know that visit my blog regularly, I have been on a real punch kick! *wink*

Start with ivory cardstock! You will need the following punches... Stampin' Up! Small Oval (2 ears), 1 1/4" Circle Punch (2 front/back of head), 1/2" Circle Punch (2 cheeks), 1/4" Circle Punch (nose) and 1/4" Square Punch (teeth). Using Stampin' Up! Creamy Caramel stipple your heads (1 side only), ears (both sides) and cheeks (1 side). Edge all of these pieces front and back accordingly with Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip. Stampin' Up! Close To Cocoa and Aida Cloth Background were used on the front and back of the ears and cheeks. Stampin' Up! Pretty In Pink Cardstock, Stampin' Up! Rose Romance classic ink and Fine Lace Background were used for the nose. Cut a small slit in your square and gently turn them up slightly for dimension. Not pictured: Using your 1/4" Karen Foster Snap Stamps stamp recipients names on the back of the largest circle. Accessories: include brown brads (eyes), ribbon (girls) and dimensionals. Begin the task of assembling!
I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

Wishing you and yours a special Resurrection Sunday!

*Hope they won't be late for Easter Sunday Service... it seems they left behind a chick or two!

April

Cardmaker's Calendar

1st April Fool's Day

Let your humor run wild with gags

and pranks!

7th "No" Housework Day

Two internet sources confirmed it...

this is definitely a day to celebrate! How about You?

8th Easter

There's still time to stamp Easter Cards

and all the accessories needed to make your Easter

table colorful and festive!

25th Administrative Professionals Day

Express your thanks to those people who handle the

details and make your workday easier.

Ideas from INKAnews

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.