Just Peachy

The graduation is over!  Dani has a signed diploma and her party was a hit so all is well at the Hawkinson house.   The graduation was nice.  Dani gave a good speech--not too long, not too short.  Her classmates giggled and laughed out loud at some of the memories of their years together.  I was touched by the support of her classmates knowing that Dani was scared to death of getting up in front of everyone at graduation.  There were lots of smiles and encouraging glances and high fives and pats when she returned to her seat.

 The weather Saturday wasn't hot, cold or raining so I was excited that our guests could be outdoors and not confined to the house.  We had a great turn out.  It was nice to see old friends and family come out to celebrate with us. Dani did great.  She is not a social butterfly by any means, but she conversed and made small talk like a champ!  :)  We have been cleaning up from our party and attending 6 other parties this weekend.  So needless to say, there has been very little time for stamping.  I actually opted for going to bed early instead of stamping last night.  Ohhhh say it isn't so!!  LOL

I did take a few minutes this afternoon while Evan napped to stamp a card for Krista's Cards & Things Challenge this week.  It's a bright color challenge.  Just right for spring!

I  mounted my little Hello, Blossoms a la carte stamp just to ink it up for this card.  It's in the mid 80s today.  It feels like a bright cheery flower kinda day.   I think this card would brighten anyone's day....  it's just peachy!  LOL

 

Love & Care

Good morning, posting quickly this morning before Evan's speech therapist arrives.  I love early morning appointments. *groan* Although today, I'm pretty excited.  Evan has refused to sign for milk, cup or thirsty. Pulling you by the finger to the kitchen and standing in front of the cupboard w/ the cups and screaming was his way to get a drink. Signing milk is a HUGE improvement.  As he gains signs, our life and his gets so much easier.  I know his therapist will be thrilled when I tell her.  I'm not holding my breath that Evan will show her.  He is 2--he does things in his time not ours!  LOL

 Krista's got a brand new challenge up over at Cards & Things.  If you love the purples this is the challenge for you.  Go over and play along!  :)

Here's my card for this week.  I used the new Level 2 hostess set, Love & Care,  from the Summer Mini.  I have a special recipient in mind for it.  A sweet lady from our church is turning 99 on June 2.  We are going to shower her with cards.  99  years of good health is something to celebrate!

How do you know when you officially live OFF the beaten path? When you need to use MDS to make signs directing your guests to your house.  What can I say, I live in southwestern WI where the cows outnumber the people.  :)

Red Roses

It's funny how different sisters are.  My sister, Laurie loves the outdoors and getting dirty. She doesn't pretend to have the patience for cardmaking and scrapbooking.  *gasp* How can we even be related? She doesn't like the color combination pink/brown which is my favorite, but rather she prefers red/black.  Now I think there is a time and a place for red and black--this card is one of those times.  :)

This is for my sister, Laurie.  It's bright. It's classy. It reminds me of my sister.  ♥

I popped up and cut out.  I actually added another black layer to hide the backside of my button and brad.  I can't have any dirty card insides.  LOL

Here's my big vintage brad.  It really puts a nice touch on this card. This from a girl who said she would never like anything vintage. Oops!  Who knew?

A little watercoloring with Riding Hood Red and some Always Artichoke leaves and hummingbird. I'm getting better at cutting out this little guy!

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--

Two Shades of PINK- Quilted Card

 There are two shades of PINK at Krista's Cards & Things Challenge Blog this week.  These are the types of challenges that make us pink lovin' gals grin. 

I have a workshop coming up and I know that a couple of the ladies are quilters.  I do not quilt and well I knew I wasn't going to wow them w/ my abilites with fabric. I thought I would try my hand at "paper quilting".  I went online and Googled quilt patterns.  Omgosh, I would love to do a whole mess of different cards.  There are so many amazing different patterns to try.  I had a hard time deciding, so I chose more of a beginning design for me. 

I cut squares that are 3/4" x 3/4".  You may not be able to tell, but squares are a mixture of DSP (Blushing Bride and the retired Sweet Pea) and cardstock. I glued all the squares down onto a piece of scrap cardstock.  I cheated and I added the Rose Red triangles last. I didn't want to risk gaps and thought when I ran it through the Big Shot to quilt--emboss it--you would never be able to tell.  :)

I added a birthday sentiment from the set On Your Birthday and a satin bow with a button and linen thread in the center.  I found a couple quilting pins in my stash and inserted through the backside of the bow under the button.  If I were to send this card, I would probably snip off the sharp points of the pins. 

Hint for making perfect tails on the end of the cardstock w/ the sentiment---a square punch!  Try it--it works PERFECT!  :)

Sweet & Sour Nuggets

It's Sunday and I'm ready for Monday.  Weekends are just crazy around our house and more so this weekend. Last night, Terry's pain finally got to him and he asked me to take him into the ER.  He has been complaining of stomach pain now for a couple weeks. I was relieved to find out that it's nothing too serious.  He has a hernia and will need surgery to repair it.  I'm not excited about him needing surgery, but I'm glad it is somewhat of an 'easy fix'. 
We walked into the ER at 11pm last night and walked out this morning at a little after 4am.  Dani babysat Evan and Riley Kate who were both fast asleep when we left.  Needless to say, Evan thought nothing of being up a little before 7am.  I'm too old for all nighters-it is official.  LOL

Today, I made a door prize for Wednesday's workshop.  I bought these nugget tins (also my test tubes) through SeasideCrafts Bulk Buy group.  They make some pretty prizes.


This is a simple prize. 

Recipe:
Sweet & Sour Speciality DSP, Rose Red CS, Eyelet Border Punch, Afterthoughts (hostess set), Rose Red ink, Very Vanilla CS and Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Rhinestones. 

Peach Pear and Daffodil Hostess Gift

I just couldn't stop making these cute little cards. The Gala Greenhouse  DSP is definitely growing on me.  I wasn't sure what I was going to do w/ the great big flowers, but I think I figured it out.  :)

Here's the hostess's six cards.  Again I didn't attach all the scallop circles so she could customize them anyway she would like.

This is my first time using the Peach Parfait.  It makes pretty little flowers.  They remind me of springtime.

A matching little test tube filled w/ more of those white M&Ms.  The taffeta ribbon is a must have!  It is so easy to work with. 

It's so bright! These are definitely not winter colors.  :)

Baja/Celery Hostess Gifts

This all started w/ a simple CASE. This card was totally inspired by Angie Juda. She shared this card (well almost-I think I used a different color for my flowers) this week.  I loved it!  I wanted some simple, but pretty cards to give to my March Hostess Club Hostess.

 

I made my hostess 6 cards, but only attached one of the scallop circles.  Just in case she would like to use a different sentiment for her cards, she could always use the scallop circles for tags. 

I added a little test tube w/ white M&Ms.  I think this is so stinkin' cute!  Omgosh...  Is it okay that I get this excited about stamping?  LOL

Here's everything packaged up and tied with Pear Pizzazz ribbon.  Sweet!

A Little Something Sweet

Happy Thursday!  It's a very overcast day in Southwestern Wisconsin. The local weather channel has predicted some freezing rain overnight tonight.  I could complain about that, but I have decided that winter storms mean more stamping time for me.  I'm preparing for Hostess Club on Tuesday and a workshop on Wednesday.  :)  I'm excited.  I enjoy getting together with all the other stampers.

Wednesday, I'm doing a workshop for a nice group of ladies. 

Here are the gifts for anyone that books a party with me.   They are simple, but everyone loves chocolate right?! (Plus I really need to get the chocolate out of my house--it calls to me!)

 I used the little For You stamp from the Punch Bunch Sale-a-bration set.  This little stamp is my favorite of all the SAB stamps this year.  I think it's adorable. I used my Garden Green and Real Red Stampin' Write Markers and inked the stamp directly.  I cut out the image w/ the 1 3/8" circle punch and mounted it on a Garden Green scallop circle.

I made a small hole just big enough to get my ribbon through.  Going from the back of the scallop circle I inserted both ends of the ribbon and slide the ribbon over the test tube.  I cinched the ribbon and tied a quick knot.  Clip your ends.  Easy Peasy!  :)

 

Yummmmm.....  it looks good enough to eat!

Perk UP!

Sorry about being so quiet lately. It's been a long couple weeks around our house.  My husband, Terry has been home more.  This is his slow season at work. I can't wait for spring--I really hope things pick back up for him.    Evan is sick. It's nothing serious--just a cold, but he is a needy boy when he's sick.  I'm not complaining...it's nice to have him want to be in my lap snuggling.

I have been focusing more on my weight loss.  My new loss total for 2011 is  **drum roll please** -27.6.  I'm so happy!  It's coming off and I'm feeling good!  I have been participating more at Sparkpeople.com and have decided to become a co-captain for one of the teams there.  I have even noticed some of my Stampin' friends are making their way to Sparkpeople.  If you do decide to join, please look me up.  My login name is WendySue72.  :)

Now on to the good stuff....STAMPING! Krista has a new color challenge over at her Cards & Things Challenge Blog.  It's a fun one.  You should definitely play along w/ this one... 

I finally pulled out my Morning Cup set.  I fell in love w/ this set immediately.  I love hot tea on chilly mornings or a some hot chocolate w/ marshmallows.  I will miss my tea when the weather warms up.  BUT I will not miss the cold weather.   LOL

Using my AquaPainter and Classic Ink Pads I did a little watercoloring.  I must admit, I REALLY enjoy watercoloring now.  I think I'm even improving.  LOL



Riley Kate's Valentine

Here's a quick little Ghirardelli holder I made for Riley Kate for Valentine's Day. 
She is all about Valentine's Day and L-O-V-E.... 

I paper pieced the little girls dress and bow.  I love her in little polka dots!

BBQ Hamburger

Today, I wanted to add a recipe for the cookbook that the kids love. BBQ at our house is always a hit. In fact over the years, I don't know if there has been a party that I have taken BBQ to that I wasn't asked for the recipe. 

My mom found this recipe when I was little, it was called BBQ for a Crowd in her recipe box, but in mine it's just Mom's BBQ.  ♥

I'm so excited.  I purchased some more digital downloads for My Digital Studio.  I got the Play Date dsp. Isn't it CUTE?!  And.... the owl punch.  OMgosh, I couldn't wait to use him.  He is so sweet!  He's just sitting there on the corner of my page looking all fancy w/ his dsp vest.  :)

Mom's BBQ
2# ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1 TBSP flour
2 TBSP sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 cup water
2 TBSP vinegar
1 cup ketchup
1 tsp mustard

Brown ground beef with onion and celery in a large skillet. Drain. Over a low heat, add ketchup and mustard, chili powder and salt. Stir well. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer until flavors are blended about 20-30 minutes. 

Big Box

Evan has been having such a good time playing in the new freezer box.  Terry cut it in half, added a door and a window.  Who knew a box was the best toy ever? :)

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.

Fancy lil' Cupcake

I love cupcakes.  I love to make them.  I love to decorate them.  I love to EAT them....yes, that is probably my FAVORITE thing to do w/ cupcakes.  I knew when the Occasions mini came out that the Create A Cupcake set and punch were definitely coming to live at my house.  

Isn't this just the cutest little cuppy cake? 

Kiss Valentine CASE

I happened across this super cute Valentine when I was exploring.  The original stampers name is Brenda (Qbee).  It was a great way to use some of the great products in the Filled w/ Love promotion and give a little kiss to those you care about without being too forward.  ;)  That's definitely a win-win. 

I made each of the ladies in my Hostess Club one of these little Valentines.  I think they are a pretty sweet group. 

Sweet Treats

This is a very sweet little cupcake box that I found the tutorial for on Becky Robert's blog. However, I didn't have any cupcakes made to put in so instead----REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS!  These are my favorite candy so I know I have to give this away Tuesday night at my Hostess Club.  It cannot stay here or it will be an empty box in no time.  :)

I have two sick kids.  This is the first time in a long time that the kids have had a stomach bug.  The first time for Evan. :(  I'm hoping not to catch it.  I feel bad for the kids, but I don't want it either.  lol 

Mini Magazine Holder Dimensions

This morning, I posted a Mini Magazine Holder.  This holder is for standard A2 cards.  It will EASILY hold a half dozen cards and envelopes.    I received several requests for dimensions for the holder. 

I took a couple minutes while Evan napped this afternoon and drew up a pattern for the top and bottom of the box.  Sorry nothing fancy.

You need a piece of card stock for the top of the box that is 10 1/2" x 5 3/4"

Score at 4 1/2" from each end of the 10 1/2" side.

On your 5 3/4" side measure up 2 1/2" from the bottom and mark it.  Then cut at a diagonal to 1" from each score line.

Cut a piece of card stock for the bottom of the box that measures 6 1/2" x 9 1/2".

Score 2 1/2" from all sides. 

Cut on dashed lines (shown below) and assemble the box.

I strongly recommend SU! Sticky Strip.  :)

 

Decorate as desired!



Sweet Little Valentine

This week I participated in my first Chat & Challenge on Sudsol.  It was a lot of fun to chat w/ the ladies. Christyne, who led the chat, gave us this cute little sketch to use to make a card. 

Okay, I drew out the sketch on a piece of paper.  I do that now so I don't forget what I'm SUPPOSED to be doing when I get down in my craft room. I sometimes get a little distracted and find myself coming back upstairs when Evan wakes up w/o my sole purpose for going down untouched. (sigh) Maybe it's because I'm getting old. 

Anyway, where was I--oh  yes, I took the sketch downstairs and you won't believe it.  It took on a life of it's own.  I was just staring at the sketch and my hands were punching borders, adding rub ons , dsp and ribbon and voila...finished.  BUT it doesn't look much like the sketch.  Hmmmm...what happened!  LOL  

Oh well.  I think it turned out pretty cute.  Thank you SU for the cute rub ons. What a nice Valentine's Day gift  and thanks Christyne for the sketch it really was my inspiration. ♥

  

This is a little bitty valentine only about 5" x 2 7/8".  On Valentine's Day, it just the right size to put in one of my girls' lunchboxes along w/ a little chocolate.  

Here's an MDS card I made this morning showing how you can use the distressed dsp on standard size cards not just scrapbook layout.   Cardmakers--MDS is for you too! 

Mini Magazine Card Holder

Hostess Club is next week and I wanted something special for my hostess.  I know that she LOVES Not Quite Navy.   Now those of you that follow my blog know I haven't used NQN in a long time.  I pulled out my Color Coach (LOVE that tool) and found some complimentary colors. I chose Baja Breeze, because I had an idea what I wanted to do for her.  :)

I wanted a clean and simple card that she could use for almost any occasion.
Using my Upsy Daisy set, I stamped the flowers once in Baja Breeze then inked my stamp with Not Quite Navy moved it over just a hair and voila... 
I added a little strip of NQN dsp and a kraft taffeta ribbon.  :)

I made her 6 notecards and then I decided that you just can't be handing out cards without a holder....

I made her a simple little mini magazine holder to match her cards. 

My first Biggest Loser weigh in was last night. I was down -2.8#.  I'm hoping in the 12 weeks to be down 30#.  I guess I will have to spend lots of time STAMPING!  :)

Have a great Friday!