Red, White and Blue

This is going to be a crazy week!  Monday morning is here and I am off and running.  I will apologize now if I'm a little quieter than normal, but I'm working on setting up a garage sale, Riley's softball practices and games and Evan has an appointment to find out if Wisconsin Early Autism Program will accept him as a new patient.  Vacation??? 

Here's a quick MDS page I did for the Late Night Stampers challenge this week.  I couldn't think of a great title for the page.  Looking at it now, it's kinda dorky!  LOL  Oh well...nauti--nautical.  It's punny, right?!  :)



Bold Butterfly

Can you believe we are over halfway through June already?  I have been busy busy since Dani's graduation.  Oh good news, she got her student ID for Carthage College.  She's officially going!  I'm so excited for her.  (In September, please refer me back to this post).

Riley Kate's doing well in softball.  I love to go to the games, but need to find a repellent for GNATS!  If you have something--anything that will repell them, please leave me a comment or shoot me an email.  Evan and I spend the whole game swatting, smacking and complaining about gnats.  Okay Evan really doesn't complain much, but I am mentally hating on them the entire game. 

Here's something that I am not hating on.....  Krista's new sketch!  I love it!  It always excites me when I have to think outside the A2.  If you want to play along this week, here's the link to Cards & Things Challenges.

 

 I decided to stop hoarding my Love Letter dsp.  It's retiring in a couple weeks and I wanted to pull it out and use some before all the new dsp comes out.  There's a lot of beautiful dsp on the way and I think Love Letter is too pretty to get dusty on my shelf.
Plus I LOVE polka dots!

I went a little further than the sketch and made my card into an easel card.

I wanted a card that would catch your eye.  I think a BIG BOLD Cherry Cobbler Butterfly popping off the front of the card might help. 

Simply for the Birds

Tomorrow is the big day, I meet with the school district about Evan going for a few hours a week.  I am having the worst time thinking that I have to send my baby to school at 3 years old.  *sigh*  Hopefully all goes well tomorrow and some of my fears are put to rest.

I decided tonight to make a bright cheery card to offset my glum mood.  I love this dsp, but I can't for the life of me remember what it is!  It was in a mini w/ a tropical set. 

It's bright and definitely a summer card.  :)

Here's a close up of the image--aren't they so cute?



Watering Can Quilt

This month, Mary Jo Price-Williams asked me to be a guest designer on the Late Night Stampers group.  Well to say I was honored would be a bit of an understatement.    What a great group of stampers! 

Mary Jo sent me a list of the month's challenges and this week we are focusing on water.   The first place my mind went when I thought of a water project was that I would like to do a watering can quilt card. 

I don't know where these ideas come from, but here it is:

Next time, I plan on "stitching my quilt" BEFORE I emboss it! I am guessing it wil be A LOT easier.  *giggle*

Sail Away Double Flap Cards

It's time to start thinking about Father's Day. I have Terry's card made, but now for the present.  Hmmmm?  I don't have a clue what to give him this year. He hasn't mentioned anything.  I know that he loves it when the kids get him a big bag of peanut M&Ms, but I would like to do a little better than that.  Terry is such a great dad.

Here's his card:

I made a mask for the moon using the 1 3/8" circle punch, then I sponged baja breeze and not quite navy in the background.

Here's the flaps opened:

Stamp: Sail Away (123013)

Dsp: Nautical Expedition (122343)
Ink:
   Baja Breeze
   Staz On-Black
   Not Quite Navy
Cardstock:
   Not Quite Navy
   Cherry Cobbler
   Whisper White
Accessories:

Baker's Twine (123125)
1 3/8" circle punch
sponge

Here's Grandpa's card:

Stamp: Sail Away (123013)
Dsp: Nautical Expedition (122343)
Ink:
       Early Expresso
       So Saffron
       Daffodil Delight
Cardstock:
      Early Expresso
      Whisper White
      Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:
       Baker's Twine (123125)
       1 3/8" circle punch
       sponge

I had to alter the dimensions of these cards.  The sail boat was just a little bit big for the dimensions that I got from Dawn's Stamping Thoughts a couple years ago.  I added 1/8" onto the the flaps and the piece of whisper white that I stamped the image on.

Here's my dimensions (bottom to top of card)
base: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4
whisper white: 4 x 5 1/4
dsp: 4 x 1/2 (2)
big flap: 4 1/8 x 3 3/8 (score on the 4 1/8 side at 1/2" ending dimensions 3 5/8 x 3 3/8)
small flap: 3 5/8 x 3 1/8 (score on the 3 5/8 at 1/2" ending dimensions 3 1/8 x 3 1/8)
whisper white for image: 2 7/8 x 2 7/8

Happy Stamping!

Country Boy

May is National Scrapbooking Month.  I wanted to start the month on the right foot with a scrapbook page.  I'm excited.  I bought the pictures of Evan I had taken at Sears so I can scrapbook them using My Digital Studio.  I can't believe he's 2 1/2 and I have never gotten his pictures professionally taken.  I thought it would be hard to get him to cooperate, but he did really well.  I sang "The Wheels On the Bus" and he grinned.  I'm don't know if anyone else was grinning at my singing, but Evan loved it and I love the pictures.  I especially love these with the bare toes.  Nothing cuter than little feet!

My Country Boy....

Challenges:
LNStampers: Show your Colors--Patriotic Theme
Sudsol: Scrap 59

God's Opinion Baby Quilt

It's crazy how quickly the years pass.  I cannot believe that my daughter is a high school senior.  I am excited for her to strike out on her own, but my heart aches at the thought of letting her go off on her own.  Dani told me a few weeks ago that a girl in her senior class was expecting a baby.  I was young when I had Dani, but this girl is only seventeen and how quickly a little one takes over your life and you are forced to grow up. I was happy to hear though that this girl was going to have her baby with the support of her boyfriend.

 Yesterday, Dani came home and told me that Ashley's water had broke and that she was on total bedrest at an area hospital.  She was just 24 weeks along.  My water broke at 33 weeks with Riley Kate and I thought I was going crazy after 2 weeks in the hospital.  I was 25 years old then and knew how hard it was for me to lay there.  Oh this poor girl.  My heart immediately went out to her. Such a grown up situation with a potential for such heartbreak. 

 Today, Dani came home and told me that this afternoon, Ashley had a baby girl, Madisyn. She said that mom and baby were doing fine. Dani didn't have any details, but I know that little family needs prayers.

I snuck away for a few minutes this afternoon and made a baby card.... 

I absolutely love the sentiment--

Southwestern Wisconsin

This week's challenge at Late Night Stampers is to do a project on 'Where you Live'. I went through the Stampin' Up! catalog and I didn't see any Packer or cheese sets.  Although I did see one little beer stamp and a cow, but it wasn't a Holstein. Obviously this was another good reason to use My Digital Studio.  :)

 I went outside and took pictures while Evan napped. Yep, these are what Lafayette County, Wisconsin looks like today.  :)  It had snowed earlier in the morning and was still pretty cloudy.  There is nothing prettier than a fresh snow over the countryside.

About my photos....

Top:  This is the view from our deck look down over the valley.

Bottom Left: My favorite little tree by the garden. 

Bottom Middle: Rosie (sheep) and Ringo (the naughty pygmy goat)

Bottom Right: Our barn.  The home to about 15 barn cats, 1 horse and 1 lazy dog.

Blue, White and Silver Christmas Postcard

Last year, I bought the Winter Post stamp set. I used it for one card. I was determined to use it for this weeks challenge over at LateNightStampers. Challenge 99 is to make a card using blue, white and silver. I must admit, I haven't used silver in a LONG time. I bet it's been a couple years. I had forgotten how pretty it is.

I stamped the Postcard image w/ Encore silver and I embossed it w/ clear embossing powder. It made the words 'pop'.

Notice I made my quilt background using all the different bashful blue dsp in the subtles stack (the stacks are must haves).

No card is complete w/o a little bling. I may have gone a little overboard w/ my bling, but I love the sparkle! :)

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Winter Post

Cardstock: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, Brushed Silver

Ink: Bashful Blue, Encore Silver

DSP: Subtles Stack--Bashful Blue

Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Northern Frost, 1 1/4 square punch, whisper white satin ribbon, rhinestones, glue stick, embossing powder, heat gun, glue dot

Naughty or Nice?

This week's challenge over at Late Night Stampers was to use a picture in your project. Well...I think this one says it all... "Have you been NAUGHTY or nice?

Remember Santa is watching! ;)

Project was made using SU!'s My Digital Studio

Royal Blog Tour Candy

First of all thank you for visiting my blog. I really appreciate everyone that took the time to participate in the Royal Blog Tour, but I especially appreciate those who took the time to leave such nice comments about my projects.

I didn't choose a stamp set for making fancy cards and gifts, but I rather choose a stamp set that was more me. No...not stinky....silly! LOL I wasn't sure if my projects would be as appreciated as those that were absolutely stunning. Thanks for making this simple girl feel like she was part of the big league! ♥

Now on to the good stuff-----

My blog candy winner:

Eva said...
I loved the ideas you came up with using these stamps. The colors were cheery and bright and would make any one feel better.Evamcguiree224@gmail.com

Congratulations Eva! Send me your address and I will get the Happy Moments set out to you this week.

Royal Blog Tour-Name the Path Clue #6

Now you have all the clues. Have you named the paths? If

you have, go to www.theroyalblogtour.net and click on Jester Play and enter to win a prize. Good Luck! :)

Royal Blog Tour-Name the Path Clue #5

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Greeting Card Kids Halloween Tin

Hostess Club is rapidly approaching again and it's time to think about what to give my hostess, Carol. Well Carol told me awhile back that she loves Halloween. I love it too---you doesn't love a holiday that is centered around candy---CHOCOLATE!

I just purchased some nugget tins and well her's a perfect use for one.
Oh and the black dsp on the belly band has spider webs on it. (too bad they don't show up in the picture!)

Recipe:

Stamps: Greeting Card Kids

Ink: Vintage Violet (retired), Pumpkin pie, More Mustard, Blush Blossom, Old Olive, Basic Black

CS: Old Olive, Vintage Violet (retired)

Paper: Watercolor Paper and Halloween Night DSP(retired)

Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Circle Scissors, Scallop Circle #2 die, Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain, dimensionals, aqua painters

Would you like to win $400 with of Stampin Up! Products?

Late Night Stamper Founder Sherrill Graff is playing a great game today. Collect 20 clues found on various Late Night Stamper blogs and be entered in a drawing to win a $400 Stampin' Up! shopping spree. Don't delay...she'll be drawing a name soon.

My clue is...My Digital Studio on page 181 of the 2010-2011 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog. It is the greatest thing since sliced bread! :)

Now, collect the other 19 clues, and get your chance to win that $400 shopping spree! Turn your answers in to Sherrill at sherrillgraffatistmpnv@aol.com

Here is a list of other blogs where you can find clues:
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http://latenightstamper1.blogspot.com/
http://latenitestampinwithsherill.blogspot.com/
http://latenightstamper-stampandscrap.blogspot.com/ http://parttimepapercraft.blogspot.com/
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http://kraftingjems.blogspot.com/
http://www.elizabethloves2stamp.com/
http://www.lauriesrubberroom.blogspot.com/
http://guneauxdesignsbybeverlypolen.blogspot.com/
http://www.denisefoor.blogspot.com/
http://www.ilinacrouse.blogspot.com/
http://createnstamp.blogspot.com/

Greeting Card Kids

Over the weekend, Riley Kate and I went to the apple orchard and bought a bushel of apples. We spent most the day Saturday (and half the night) making and canning applesauce. It was a lot of fun to spend the day with Riley Kate. I will be sad to see her go back to school Wednesday. She is good help. We canned 25 pints of applesauce and OHHH the mess we made. :) Sunday, I cleaned the kitchen and started canning again. I had another 5 gallon bucket of tomatoes that needed to be preserved. I packed all the canned goods downstairs this morning to my root cellar--35 quarts and 7 pints of tomatoes plus the 25 pints of applesauce. The shelves are filling up. It's a good feeling.
BUT... I need a break from canning. It was so hot in the kitchen--I started to think about how nice it would be to spend some time in the basement in my Stampin' Room.
When I got Evan down for his nap--I ignored the mess that I should have been cleaning up and headed right for the basement! :)

I ordered the Greeting Card Kids set from the new 2010-11 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog. I just couldn't resist the cute little kids. They remind me so much of the cards that we received when I was a little kid. They are so sweet and simple.

This week's color challenge over at Krista's Cards & Things Challenge Blog was a perfect excuse to use my new stamps. I thought immediately of the little girl w/ the Christmas tree when I saw the colors.Here's my card!

She makes me smile when I look at her. Awwwww!!!

Card Recipe:
Stamp Set: Greeting Card Kids
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black
Stampin' Write Markers: Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi, Real Red
Accessories: Real Red Striped Ribbon (retired), 2 way glue, dazzling diamonds glitter, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Scallop Square die, Big Shot, Circle Scissors Plus, Non-SU scallop square and pearls

Tribute to Mary Brown

My inbox is FULL of card samples from stampers all around the world. I should be in a support group of some kind. I have 1000s of jpegs of cards that are just too pretty to delete and I just never seem to find the time to move.

A couple weeks ago, I decided that I was going to CASE one of my favorite stampers, Mary Brown. My inbox has over 100 cards of Mary's to choose from. Mary makes the most incredible cards. Every morning before the kids wake up, I check my email. Mary Brown's are always the first to be opened. :) Thank you, Mary!

These are Mary's 3 cards that I decided to CASE. Aren't they beautiful?

The first one uses the Punched Posies set from the Summer Mini that just expired--CORRECTION (Thanks, Juliana) the mini doesn't end until the end of August. You still have a few days left to order from it!

I had to have the Punched Posies set. I love any set that incorporates punches so I don't have to cut everything out by hand. :)

The second card uses one of my favorite new sets, Just Believe.

I wasn't sure about the new in-colors, but now I'm pretty sure they are fantastic. :)

This card, I changed Mary's sentiment to suit my needs. My sentiment is from the Just Believe set. The GORGEOUS stencil is Folk Flowers. There is a second stencil in the set that is just as beautiful. They are a definite must have! You can find information about the stencil here.

Elements of Style Desk Calendar

It's a rainy Sunday morning in Wisconsin. I'm glad. Now I am not tempted to head outside. I need to get a few projects made before Tuesday for our Hostess Club. Yes, I am a procrastinator! There should be some sort of support group for us. Everyone would be late to every meeting though. LOL

Anyway, my first project of the day is for my Hostess. I have used this layout before, but revamped it a big and made it into a desk calendar. Expect to see a few more of these on my blog. I love the little drawer and I know that I will be making these for family as the holidays near. :)

Recipe:
Stamps: Elements of Style

Cardstock: Kraft, Always Artichoke, Real Red, Basic Black and Whisper White

Ink: Real Red, Always Artichoke, Basic Black

DSP: Newsprint

Accessories: Scallop corner and scallop punch, fire rhinestone brads, signo gel pen, basic black stampin' write marker, dimensionals, mat pack and paper piercer, aqua painters, circle scissors plus, always artichoke grosgrain ribbon and dimensionals

Ketchup--Food or Fingerpaint

Evan has a new love--ketchup. Ketchup makes all foods worthy of eating. Without it, few foods will make it into this toddler's tummy. Evan loves to dunk his fries and hamburger in ketchup.
He loves to run his finger through the ketchup and lick it off. BUT most of all, Evan loves to fingerpaint with the ketchup. He made a lot of abstract art on his highchair tray during lunch today. Some moms would say he's simply playing with his food, but how can you be sure? Picasso could have gotten his start w/ ketchup art. LOL

Shameless product plug......
Do you like the colors I used? I didn't think of it on my own. (yep, I'm strong enough to admit this. LOL) I used the COOLEST NEW TOOL that Stampin' Up! has in their 2010-11 Idea Book & Catalog--The Color Coach! It is awesome. I would highly recommend to everyone that does any kind of scrapbooking, papercrafting or cardmaking.