Sue's Cricut and Crafts

25th of January - Winning Cards!

2012-01-25T19:17:00.004-06:00

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Today is the 25th of the month, so looking at the entries and votes...

Terry D.

Your Christmas Card Challenge entry got the most votes!!
I'll post a picture here of your prize. It's in the mail to you!

Congrats!!!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Vote for Your Favorite!

2012-01-21T22:46:00.003-06:00

Did you get too busy to enter this month?? February's challenge is coming!

Come on and vote for your favorite card in this month's challenge.
Scroll down to the post, and click on the card to vote!!
Voting closes January 24th.

THANKS so much!
**Christmas is coming! Tee Hee!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

January's Challenge Is Almost Due!

2012-01-18T22:28:00.004-06:00

Only 2 days left to enter your cards!!!!! Click HERE for a direct link to the post!

Remember, you can enter
until midnight the 20th...
voting runs from
the 21st to the 24th, with
a winner announced on the 25th!!!

How, you ask?? Directly under the post, is an advertisement.
Directly under the advertisement, you see a little blue froggy looking character in an oval box.... click on that... it says Add a link. When you click on it, you'll see the html box pop up to enter your cards!

I can't wait to see them!!!!!

****Remember, I am not NOT eligible for prizes.... but I put in the first linky to get things rolling!

Your comments are always appreciated!~*~ ~*~ ~*~ *~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

January New Occasions Catalog Stamp Camp Candy Project

2012-01-09T22:46:00.003-06:00

Here's a quick post showing the candy project I've designed for our January Stamp Camp! It holds 4 Hershey's Nuggets... just enough for a gift.

The embossed hearts also show a technique I used a few years ago in a craft fair.

Please enjoy!!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

January New Occasions Catalog Stamp Camp

2012-01-09T04:35:00.005-06:00

This card is one of two projects of mine we will make January 14th at our Occasions Mini Catalog Stamp camp. Robin will have 1 card, and 2 treat projects, and so will Kathy!

I LOVE the scented embossing powder! This card uses the Cherry. It lasts a LONG time!!!

Another project will post later this week. Chocolate, anyone??

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

The 2012 Christmas Card Challenge! January

2012-01-05T00:00:00.006-06:00

Here it is!!! The FIRST 2012 Christmas Card Challenge for January.

Please refer to this POST by clicking HERE for all the rules and regs for participating in this challenge. (They're easy!!)

Post the above logo on your blog, and link back to this post so when people click it, they can go right from your blog here, and so on and so forth.

OK.... so here it is!

January 2012's challenge is: Ornaments!
Make your 6 cards including ornaments, post it to your blog, and use the linky (at the end) in this post to link back here.

Remember you have until midnight on the 20th with voting starting on the 21st through the 24th! The winner will be announced on the 25th.

Here are my two pictures for this Challenge. I really LOVE these ornaments!
Christmas trees and the ornaments are some of my absolute favorite things at Christmas time, and here's a chance that on Jan. 5th your tree is still up and you're looking at some ornaments! Ours is! We're taking it down a little later this week. :)

I used the Cuttlebug to emboss the background red paper with Musical Flourish, and then Cherry Cobbler ink to highlight the embossing. White, red, and green rhinestones highlight spots on the ornaments. I used the Ultimate Crafter's Companion to tie the bows, and DCWV paper from the Merry Christmas stack at the bottom.
Did you stamp your envelopes? I did, but didn't take a picture. Next time!!

SO.... write up your card/inspiration etc. and include your post above in the linky!
GOOD LUCK!!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

My Sister's Birthday Card

2012-01-04T07:00:00.003-06:00

My sister Gail is CRAZY for purple! How could I not have a purple birthday card for her? As I've been crafting, I found out she also loves the heat embossing and the smooth surface it leaves... so I took the new Stampin' Up cupcake image and some Elegant Eggplant craft in with clear embossing powder, and had a good time! I used red glitter paper to cut out the cherry, and 3 markers to give some pink frosting accents; Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, and Regal Rose.

It's difficult to see, but the matted purple piece is popped with dimensionals, and so is the hand-cut cupcake image.

Happy Birthday, Gail!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Design Team - Open Call!

2012-01-03T07:53:00.003-06:00

Have you decided it's time to become part of a Design Team?

Do you LOVE creating things, and don't know what to do with them?

This is a fantastic opportunity to take care of both of these issues you're having!
1. Become part of an amazing Design Team.
2. Donate your creations to people who desperately need help!

The Lime Light Design Team is currently having an Open Call for Design Team members. We are a charity based DT, donating all of our creations to helping others. Take a look at our Blog, and come and join us!

As a LLDT member, you have the unique opportunity to use your creative abilities to helping people less fortunate than yourself - AND gaining great satisfaction in the process due to the gratitude we receive from these projects.

Take a moment and follow one of the links I placed in the above post and add your application to the list.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Gift Card Holders, and a Story!!

2012-01-01T19:31:00.004-06:00

So here are two gift card holders I made for gifts for my parents.... to put gift cards in.
The thing is, these are the SECOND gift card holders I made for them.... the first ones were STOLEN! They were placed in a blue mailbox near our house, and when they envelope got to my sister, it was taped shut, and a horse Christmas card was in it.

A couple of things.... 1. I sent along a $50 gift card in one of them, and my sister was going to put a card from a local restaurant in the other one. 2. I would NEVER send a horse Christmas card!!!

Next.... I spent 1 hour 10 minutes on hold with the post office when we discovered this (before Christmas).... and they were SUPPOSED to call me by the 29th after they "investigated". I've had no return phone call, but I do have a "case number".

I'm about to go to our local media to get some action. I've heard of two other incidences like this... one in Alaska where an entire bag of mail was left on the side of the road, and things opened and stolen out of it. Don't these people realize it's a federal offense to steal from the mail?????

Well..... above you have a picture of the two newest gift card holders I made. I'm sorry I didn't take pics of the first set.... they were SO pretty!!!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

The 2012 Christmas Card Challenge! Introduction

2011-12-31T18:58:00.004-06:00

I want to take a moment to introduce to you a Christmas Card Challenge I'm sponsoring on my blog for 2012!!

Are you a crafter and want to make your own AWESOME Christmas cards but get so busy after Thanksgiving you don't have enough time to get them finished? Well - if you stick with me for ALL of 2012, you'll have cards to spare for the neighbors, your co-workers, and your entire Christmas Card list!

Here are the "Rules".

1. This 2012 Christmas Card Challenge will take place from January to November 2012.

2. DATES: The 2012 CCC will post here on Sue's Cricut and Crafts on the 5th of each month. You will have 15 days to get your cards prepared! The cards are due on the 20th, with voting (YES there will be voting) starting at midnight of the 21st. Voting will continue until midnight of the 24th of the month with the prize awarded on the 25th. **Prize(s) discussed later.

3. You will make 6 cards all duplicates. You will have 66 cards at the end of the 11 month challenge. IF you need more, please go ahead and add to your monthly total and post that on your blog when you submit your cards in the Linky at the bottom of the post.

4. You will submit one picture (or more) of your cards, with one in front, and the others behind it to show your 6 (or more) cards.

5. PRIZES!!!! One prize will be awarded each month based on the number of votes received on each card set submitted. (I am exempt, not able to win prizes for my own challenge.) The winner and the prize will be announced here on the blog on the 25th of each month.

6. You can use any company's products.

7. You can use any Christmas product! Die cuts, Cricut cuts, stamps, patterned paper, embossing (heat or dry), etc. Your imagination is your limitation.

8. To be eligible for the prize, you must have your submission in on deadline (or earlier) and it must follow the theme set for the month.

9. Use the Linky post at the bottom of the page and follow the directions to link here to be eligible for prizes! They'll be worth it!

Well, that's about it!! If there are anymore informational items I need to post, or questions that need answering, I'll do that when they come up!

I sincerely hope you will join me for this project in 2012!!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

THANK YOU!

2011-12-31T10:16:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to send out this BIG THANK YOU to all of my blog readers and people that have left wonderful comments on my blog this past year.

I have a new project coming in which I hope you will join, and we have Lime Light Design Team news coming tomorrow!!!!!

Lots of things planned in 2012!

Again, Thank you so much for your comments and stopping by the blog to take a look at my work. I appreciate it more than you can possibly imagine!

Your comments are always appreciated!
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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

2012 CD Case Calendars - My Annual Project/Gifts

2011-12-31T08:00:00.001-06:00

These 3 months are among some of my favorites.

I don't know how October always ended up being the most elaborate in the past... it's not even my favorite holiday, but I have some awesome Cricut Carts with very cool Halloween things so that's how they got so busy. This year I wanted to keep it simpler... and it still turned out pretty cool! (IMHO) I found these adorable Cancer Ribbons at Michael's, and decided to include them on the October design. Did you notice that the spiderweb has black flecks on it?

I bought this Happy Thanksgiving stamp many years ago, and "lost" it! I searched everywhere for it, and finally remembered where I'd put it. Now I am always sure to keep it near, it's so SO pretty! I love the calligraphy type work on it.

This design took me over a week to complete. Mom and Dad had already left to go back home, and I needed to get these finished. I cut some striped Christmas paper I had for "wallpaper" behind the tree, and then made the fireplace. That's what took all the time! I then embossed and inked them and used the month for the fireplace grate. The stockings are Stampin' Up ink and punch in Brilliant Blue/Daffodil Delight, Riding Hood Red/Glorious Green, and Glorious Green, Riding Hood Red. Even with the fireplace design, I still had to include the Christmas tree! They were cut in half, and placed on the edge then the branches, lights, and stickles to finish.

I hope you've enjoyed the 4 posts including this year's 2012 calendars!

I'm already working on the designs for 2013!!!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

2012 CD Case Calendars - My Annual Project/Gifts

2011-12-30T15:00:00.002-06:00

Here are the next 3 months. Why am I posting them in 3 month increments? Experience. At the beginning, I would post all 12 months in one, and the labels section doesn't allow for as many characters as I needed, so I've broken them up into different sections, and don't have that problem any more.

I wanted to add some more flash to my July design this year, so I got out my Stand and Salute cart and found fireworks!!! We used the Cuttlebug and embossed the USA piece, and I added blue stickles to the country cut-out. It's only cut in white, and the red background shows through nicely for the red stripes. :)

I went crazy this summer over this color combination! I was playing one of my Facebook games, and came upon this color combo. LOVE it!!!
Turquoise, Yellow, Purple, Melon, and Peach. My dear friend Melissa LOVES the pineapple drink, so here it is!!! LOVE it in these colors!

Martha Stewart leaf punch makes up the border for September, and I found this stamp set from Stampin' Up on ebay. I watercolored them and inked the edges of the Decorator's Label punch. LOVE the falling leaves!

The last 3 months will post tomorrow morning! They are my favorites of all 12!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

2012 CD Case Calendars - My Annual Project/Gifts

2011-12-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

Here are the next 3 months for the 2012 calendars.

I like to use the small Studio G stamps I got a few years ago to highlight the holidays in each month.

I also used the Ultimate Crafter's Companion to make the double bows on the April calendar, and Mom used it to tie the bows we put on the June calendar.

I really LOVE the Walk in My Garden cart. I use it so often and love the larger flowers as a single focus.

Here we used vellum to cut the flower pieces and stickles to highlight the flower center.

I am posting the next 3 months this afternoon!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

2012 CD Case Calendars - My Annual Project/Gifts

2011-12-29T15:00:00.007-06:00

Here are the first 3 months of the CD case 2012 calendars.

This is the project Mom and I do together every year. When they come to visit after Thanksgiving, among all the other "stuff" we do the week they visit, we put together these calendars as gifts for family and friends. I like to think of it as a gift that "gives" all year 'round. I also have some very special people that I don't see as often as I'd like that receive these as special gifts because of my eternal gratitude for something they did, or their continuing friendship.

I use lots of Cricut Cartridges on these calendars every year as well as lots of my Martha Stewart punches and Stampin' Up ink, punches.

I use the vertical hearts cut from the Love Struck cartridge every year. I look at all the different designs, and always end up coming back to this one. It's a favorite!!!

I lent out one of my Cricut carts I wanted to use for this, so I found some stamps I'd bought on our travels, and used some very cute stickers I found. They shine and sparkle very nicely in the sunlight!

Stay tuned for the next 3 months tomorrow morning!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Christmas Cookies and Candy 2011

2011-12-29T10:42:00.007-06:00

Here are some of the cookies I baked and decorated for Christmas this year. I have 2 recipes from Taste of Home I've used over the last few years quite successfully. The Sugar Cookie recipe is posted on the blog under the label Recipes. The gingerbread is a recipe called Butterscotch Gingerbread Men. They're delicious!

I also dipped pretzel rods, made 2 batches of fudge for the first time, made the haystack cookies, and dipped raisins, peanuts, and pecans in chocolate. At the bottom of the post you can see the gift boxes I put together for the neighbors.

Click on a picture to see it enlarged!

Here's Mamie Eisenhower's Million Dollar Fudge recipe which I added pecans. I also made a microwave fudge with walnuts.

These are the dipped pretzel rods, with a Stampin' Up punch and stamp decoration at the top.

Here's a picture of one of the gift boxes I put together. There were 4 in all for the neighbors.

I really LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas !!!!!!!!!

Your comments are always appreciated!
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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Christmas Cards 2011

2011-12-19T18:14:00.003-06:00

As LONG as the calendars took this year to make, I was thrilled that my Christmas cards, though VERY cute didn't take near as long to make! I made 29 (yes, a weird number) and they are all sent. Delivery should come soon!!

This one is a little more special for Mom and Dad... extra rhinestones, extra ribbon, etc.

Using variations of background reds/greens, and different patterned paper at the bottom, this is what the cards looked like.

Even my husband got in the act and helped me with address labels, stamps, and return address labels! What a shock! THANKS for the help, Bennie!!!

Your comments are always appreciated!
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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Our House at Christmas

2011-12-18T19:02:00.006-06:00

Christmas time is by far my most favorite time of the year - everything looks so beautiful lit up and sparkly with lights and icicles hanging from so many houses!

The last few years we haven't had a tree for so many reasons!!! I missed the sale at Hobby Lobby - there weren't any left!!! I had a baby kitty that would be too much trouble with a tree... We'd just barely moved into the house and weren't ready for a tree.... BUT this year, we have our tree!!!!! I blackmailed my husband into getting it early, and I'm so SO happy I did! It's a 9 ft. Montana Fir. I'm sad that the lights are all white, but he's enjoying it that way. I suppose I can let him have ONE concession! :)

Here's the mantle to the fireplace. I'm slowly adding little touches to this every year, so it's a little different than last.

Here's the dining area with the sugar plum lights and my Precious Moments tree on the table.

Here's a close-up of my Precious Moments tree. It's been with us a long time... and is the best of my Christmas Tree collection.

This is a view of the bar. Mom gave me the bear dragging the tree, and the jar with lights and potpourri in it... they're perfect next to my Scentsy pot!

Here's the table and lamps at our entry. I had the two candlesticks and candles first and then found the nativity scene, and Mom and I found the garland which I wrapped in lights and used a bow on that left side.

Of course, I had to add a picture of my 3 babies under the tree!!! I took about 20 of these, trying to get the best of all 3, but this is one of the better ones. I'm going to keep trying! You can see Hank's back farthest away, Sandy's back in the foreground, and of course Witchy Poo trying to see what's going on!

I hope you've enjoyed this view of our Christmas decorations - it's just a small glimpse and I had to share my favorite time of the year!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Absent Lately???

2011-11-23T07:52:00.004-06:00

YES, it's absolutely true - I've been so busy working on my newest project, I have been neglecting the blog.

Will this last? NO NO NO!

1. New projects will be overwhelming Sue's Cricut and Crafts soon!

2. There is a new year-long project starting on this blog in January!! (Stay tuned for participation information!!)

3. Crafts are taking place - just not ready for their debut!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Birthday Card for Dad!

2011-11-22T23:17:00.002-06:00

Dad's birthday was back at the beginning of the month!!
I made and sent this card which he did receive ON his birthday.

I hope he liked it!

Lots of Stampin' Up products here... the embossing folder, the window die, the Birthday stamp set... Bashful Blue background paper, daffodil yellow for accent... and of course, I had to use some Stickles!

This is the inside view of the window piece on the front of the birthday card.

I had lots of fun with the layers and colors on this piece for the inside of the card. Same colors, and 3 punches!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Five Question Fridays! November 11, 2011

2011-11-10T22:34:00.003-06:00

1. What's the last thing you spent too much money on?
Oh... I have a weakness for Williams Sonoma! I bought some AWESOME measuring cups and spoons. :) I'll probably go back and get some for Christmas gifts! I always spend way too much on crafting supplies, but I always use them!

2. What celeb chef would you want to make you dinner?
I get to pick only one?? I'd love to have Bobby Flay cook dinner for me - but then I'd love to cook WITH him! I'd really love to sit and talk with Alton Brown. He's really amazing! I'd also love to meet Ina Garten. I find her pretty amazing - I'd love to have a kitchen and butler's pantry just like hers! It's one of my dreams!

3. Where do you hide things when visitors pop over or do you let them see the real deal?
Thank goodness my husband is very neat... so people can pretty much pop over and the house is presentable. :)

4. Who is your oldest living family member?
My father is our oldest living family member right now. He just turned 74 and is doing very well - retired, working hard when he wants to, enjoying himself, traveling.... all the fun stuff you get to do when you're retired and have planned well.

5. What is your favorite DQ treat and/or Sonic drink combo (ie: cherry vanilla dr. pepper)?
OH! I so miss my medium twist DQ cone. Sonic? HAS to be a Strawberry Limeade! YUMMMMMM

Your comments are always appreciated!
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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Housewarming Party Thank You's

2011-10-28T20:00:00.000-05:00

We had our housewarming party a few weeks ago, and I made these cards to thank our guests for coming. We had a wonderful time, and were so happy our friends and neighbors could stop by.
I had a blast cooking... and my husband took care of the beer, water, and sodas.

We're ready to host/hostess another party soon!

I used lots of techniques on this card...
watercoloring, burnishing with inks, doodling, marker coloring, stamping... so much fun!

The trees in our area are just starting to turn their lovely fall colors so I had a good time with the leaves.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Five Question Fridays! October 28, 2011

2011-10-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

1. Do you prefer cotton, silk, or flannel sheets?
I prefer cotton sheets - high thread count. We were gifted with some very good quality sheets and have learned that 1. they are worth the cost (wear and tear) 2. they feel so SO good 3. they seem warmer in winter, and cooler in summer though I don't understand quite how that works. I tried silk sheets, and they were too slippery.... and flannel sheets... can we say STICK!? :)

2. What time zone are you in?
We are in the central time zone.

3. What is your favorite part of the holiday season?
Baking! Decorating! Cooler Weather!!! There are so many things I love about the fall holidays... Halloween - love all the costumes and candy! Thanksgiving - so thankful for what we have, and I love to cook a full Thanksgiving luncheon even though it is just for the two of us. Christmas... Christmas Cookie baking, Christmas trees (I have a collection.) SNOW!!!

4. What is your favorite "wintry" drink? (It doesn't have to be an "alcoholic" drink!)
Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate with a small peppermint stick melted into it. YUMMM!

5. In your opinion, what is the worst job in the world?
Hmmm tough question! Garbage collector, mortician, medical examiner... those are a few in my opinion. They are definitely a calling.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Stampin' Up Club Cards October, 2011

2011-10-27T23:41:00.005-05:00

Monday night - Stampin' Up Card Club!!!! My upline Kathy Douglas always does a FANTASTIC job with choosing cards and projects for us to make every month. We have a great time chatting and crafting! I always learn something from her!

This first card uses the Build a Blossom stamp set and coordinating punch. LOVE LOVE LOVE them so much!!! What great fall colors! What did I learn this month?? Embossing vellum looks like you used white embossing powder... without the mess! SO SO cool!

This is a door hanger! Unfortunately this one won't get hung because I can imagine kitties here trying to get it. SO it will go on my wall in the Cricut room.
Isn't this a lovely fall piece? It uses the scoring board so well!
Two pleated medallions, a large scalloped circle and the huge Stampin' Up buttons from the Holiday Mini. Each Card Club member was able to pick and choose colors for each part of the design.
LOVE that scrolly sentiment set!!

Here's the same piece showing the ribbon loop for hanging.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Wedding Card Variation

2011-10-27T21:42:00.005-05:00

One of my husband's coworkers got married a week ago, so we sent some gifts and I made this card. The silver background paper came from the wrapping paper I used from Bed Bath & Beyond. It's so pretty! I added the bride and groom hearts and a new stamp set from Stampin' Up (Petite Pairs). It worked so well as you can see - piece on the front with a matching sentiment for the inside. Love this new set!!!

I used the debossed side of a cuttlebug folder and a silver pen to highlight the scallops.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Heartfelt Creations Design Team Submission Pieces

2011-10-21T18:41:00.007-05:00

I was selected as a finalist for the Heartfelt Creations Design Team just two weeks or so ago. These are the cards I submitted for the DT call. We find out very soon who is selected - I hope I make the team and if not, I'll still use their stamps - they really are amazing!!

Mom loves irises so I took the large background stamp and the oval to make this piece using the Spellbinder Die to cut the iris pieces behind the popped pieces.

Here's a view of the same card from the side so you can see the dimensional aspect of the card.

Dimension in extreme close-up! I sent these cards in so I've stamped more of the iris pieces to make one of these to send home. It's an involved piece, so I'll take pics and write up a tutorial.

I really like Shasta Daisies, so I had some fun playing with the Daisy stamps and Daisy Spellbinders Die.

Here are the daisies in full summer-bloom colors!

I just had to make something for Christmas since I'm always happy when that time of the year comes around. It's been pretty chilly here the last few days - really puts me in the mood!

Here's another holly piece using the stamps and dies together.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Chinese Characters

2011-10-21T05:14:00.002-05:00

The school campus I moved to for this year has a partnership with a school in China! Ren He Jie school children (about 10) and five of their teachers came to the US to visit. The started their trip in New York, made a few other stops, came to spend a week with us, and then went on to California.

It was really amazing!

We decorated the school in lots of red, and I remembered the characters on my Cricut Cart. I cut them at 4 inches with the shadow, mounted on white cardstock, laminated them and had them in the hallways along with the other decorations.

I'm definitely making more for the next visit!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Five Question Fridays! October 21, 2011

2011-10-21T04:55:00.005-05:00

1. Where do you escape to when you've had enough?
My escape is my craft room. I have my recliner there, my TV where I can watch Pride and Prejudice, and my Cricut and stamps. It's a good escape.

2. What shows are you watching this fall?
Dancing with the Stars! I also like Whitney - she's fun and has no filter.

3. What was the longest roadtrip you've ever taken and where did you go?
The longest road trip (as an adult) I was ever on was my honeymoon! We were actually gone a total of a month - 1 week in Vegas to get married and have the families meet; 1 week to drive 'cross country to Orlando stopping along the way to see attractions; 1 week in Orlando to see the parks - Universal and Disney; 1 week to take a cruise to the Bahamas and drive back home. We had a FABULOUS time, but came back exhausted!

As a child, (I was 13, my sister was 9) my family along with my grandparents did a 2 week trip around the states - Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri.

I remember this trip quite well and took my husband to visit Fenton Glass in West Virginia this past summer on one of our "shorter" road trips.

I guess I'm the road-trippin' queen!!! One to two big trips a year, and then smaller ones every couple of months. Rather drive than fly!!!

4. Do you plan on taking your kids to Disney World?
We don't have children, but we will definitely go back to see it again. LOVE Epcot and Animal Kingdom.

5. What is something people would surprised to know about you?
I started score-keeping baseball when the Brewers were in the World Series in the early 80's, worked with my college baseball team, score kept men's night league for about 15 years, and worked as the scorekeeper for a Yankee farm team in 1995.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Such FANTASTIC News! **Updated

2011-10-05T15:14:00.004-05:00

What a week this has been!!! I'm so thrilled to announce two wonderful things!
1. My purple card took a first at the State Fair. AND I found out the Advent Calendar did too!! Two firsts!!! (Unlike previous fair's I've entered, this one gives only ONE first, second, third per category, and a sweepstakes prize for the division.) I'm THRILLED!!!!!

2. I have been chosen as a Semi-Finalist in the Heartfelt Creations Design Team search!! There's still another round to work through... but even this is SO exciting! I'm THRILLED!!!!!!
Wish me luck on this one... I REALLY would love to join this team of amazing crafters!

Such good news....
AND a dear friend of mine is in labor at this minute!
Quite a day!!

Thanks so much for letting me share!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Study of an Iris - Layers and Layers!

2011-10-03T12:00:00.002-05:00

I bought this stamp and Nestabilities die set at the CKC show in August and have been playing with it for awhile now. Some of the samples they had at the show were completely stunning!

Here's a completed Iris piece in yellows. I stamped 6 images and ended up using 5 of them for this piece. I used burnishing on the base to give it a blue background... the colored the irises and greenery with my Stampin' Up markers. Gotta LOVE those Stampin' Up Dimensionals! They really help keep the layers separate.

Here's another view of the same piece from the "bottom".

Here it is all finished - So Saffron paper as the background - another Heartfelt Creations Nestabilities die behind it in purples to compliment the yellow. The top piece is a Cuttlebug die and a Stampin' Up retired stamp for the sentiment. I really like purples and yellows together.
It's difficult to see, but I sprayed the iris piece with some yellow Glimmer Mist to help it glow. Unfortunately, you can only see this in person.

Here's the card again from the side. Now to figure out how to get all those layers in an envelope! :)

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Stampin' Up Club Cards August and September 2011

2011-10-02T23:30:00.002-05:00

We made 3 cards on our August Stampin' Up Club Night!!!

This card uses two types of embossing - the swirls are from the Texturz Plates, and the other is the oval Designer Frames. This comes in a pack of two with a rectangular frame as well as the oval.
We used lots of techniques! Stamping (of course), embossing, tearing, inking, punching! It's a lovely card in person.

This card uses a color I'm not so thrilled with generally - River Rock - though the more I use it... I think it's growing on me! The background piece was a very interesting technique using our E clear block!! WTG, Kathy! It looks AMAZING!!

Hello, Doily! I loved this stamp from the moment I saw it... and even more every time I use it. It's heat embossed along with the sentiment in white. The trick?? Layers of powder! Don't just apply the powder once - keep pouring it on 3 or 4 times to get really good coverage.

Here we have our September cards. LOVE all the colors on this card!!! So fall-ish! I'm sad that the Build-a-Brad has retired... I really LIKE those!

This card again uses the Texturz plates to add the detail on the blue piece. This card was so much fun to make!! You'll recognize that I used the technique on one of the music cards (below). Stamp the background - clear emboss the piece (here, a leaf) and then use the sponge daubers to ink the piece with 2 colors. It's really amazing!!

Your comments are always appreciated!
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Stationery Box Refills - A Very Special, Specific Request

2011-09-28T12:00:00.007-05:00

My dear friend Antonio requested a set of cards to refill his Stationery Box I made so long ago. He requested black and white as a color theme, and I asked if I could use blue as an accent color. Black and white look so classy together... I like the combination but needed something for a little color.

Why all music themed? He spends much of his time away from work at his music. He is an amazing pianist, and sings beautifully. I've asked him before why he's not on stage... it's a good answer, but I still think he should reconsider. At the school for our Christmas program we played together for the performance. It was fantastic!

Here they are... 20 cards with a variety of techniques including a new one I've discovered recently!

These two have embossing glitter in 1 and 3 colors respectively. Indigo blue, and the second card has Antique Copper, Honey Comb, and Goldenrod.

The shadow card is a new technique we played with at Stamp Club last night. This one is going to be fun to work with! More details later!!

There they are - all 20 cards!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Two Cards - Thank You / Birthday

2011-09-27T23:23:00.004-05:00

I had two cards to make recently. I got my first order on the Stampin' Up site! I was THRILLED!!!!! SO, I sent this card out to my customer. I hope she likes it!
This new embossing folder is called Tiffany. I know it's going to get lots of use! It's so pretty!

This card I made for someone who LOVES the water, and the color yellow. Lots of different techniques here: watercolors, markers, stamping, punches, layers, etc. Never thought I'd use this stamp as much as I actually do... so THERE! You never know, do you?

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Tulsa State Fair Entries

2011-09-17T20:32:00.005-05:00

Today was turn-in for the 2011 "Tulsa" State Fair! I have a total of 3 entries, but one must be turned in next Saturday... and I need to bake it Friday night.

Here are pictures of the two projects I turned in today.
The first one is a "basic card". I used lots of techniques here...
Heat embossing, matting, marker coloring, buttons, 3D elements, embosslits.
Most products on this project are from Stampin' Up.
For cardstock, I used:
Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White, Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight.
Markers used:
Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Lucky Limeade, More Mustard, So Saffron,
I also used Elegant Eggplant Craft ink and clear embossing powder for the
embossing on the main piece, and the inside as well.

Here's the inside of the card. The 3D piece is the lattice die from Stampin' Up, and the butterflies were cut with the Embosslits die in the cardstock colors listed above.

Here is my Christmas piece. This one took me about a month to complete! At first I thought it was way too busy, BUT as an Advent Calendar, the person using it will have an entire month to look at it, so with lots of details, it won't get boring! When I get it back, my parents will take it back to Wisconsin with them, and it will go to my sister Gail. I know she'll LOVE it!

This bow was made on the Bowdabra with wired ribbon I got from Hobby Lobby.

Here you can see the Stampin' Up Matchboxes stacked in sets of 3.
I used Debbie Mumm paper for the top and bottom as well as the red and green glittered striped paper for the sides. The small circle cut-outs are also from the Debbie Mumm Harvest & Holiday's stack.
The button pieces - holly & ivy, hat & mittens, snowflakes, and snowman all came from Hobby Lobby in the Christmas aisle.

All the rest of the items are from Stampin' Up!

I used a new technique using Glossy Effects, reinkers, and Dazzling Diamonds glitter. You can see it on each individual number from 1 - 24, the poinsettia, and the bells.

Here you can see one of the stockings from the new Holiday Mini... I really LOVE those stockings! I heat embossed it, used the Ballet Blue marker for accents, and a rhinestone in the center of the snowflake.
Here on box #7 you can see one of the snowflakes using the glossy effects, a blue reinker, and the dazzling diamonds. They're so sparkly!

I used the glossy effects on the poinsettias as well. I know my sister will LOVE this!!!

I also embossed the green stocking and used the Daffodil Delight marker to add some accents to it.

Each box was filled with either wrapped Hershey's Nuggets (even dates), or red peppermints and green spearmint candy (odd dates).

As I said, I turned these in today... so we will see how I fare in the ribbons. I really worked hard and put a lot of thought into these two items!!! Hopefully they will realize it. :)

Your comments are always appreciated!
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Happy Birthday, Colin Firth!!!! Sept. 10, 1960

2011-09-10T08:00:00.004-05:00

OK, so WHY am I making this post??? Because I really LOVE Colin Firth! I've seen almost every one of his movies, and as some of you know, I watch Pride and Prejudice every weekend! Yes, EVERY weekend (unless we're traveling).

Why do I love CF so much??
1. He's a Virgo!
2. He's just 8 days younger than my husband.
3. He's a wonderful actor.
4. He's Mr. Darcy!!

Today, my girlfriends are over crafting all day, and guess what's playing on the TV..... Pride and Prejudice!!! :)

"Think what you're doing, Lizzy. You'd be a simpleton indeed if you let your fancy for Mr. Wickham lead you to slight a man of ten times his consequence." That told her! :)

Happy Birthday, Colin!

Your comments are always appreciated!
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Five Question Fridays! Sept. 9, 2011

2011-09-09T06:42:00.003-05:00

1. What ringtone do you have on your cell phone?
I have a kitty meowing on my cell phone! You should see people LOOK when they're not used to it! LOL "Where's the cat?" they ask. It's a long story, but I'll ALWAYS have a kitty meowing ring tone!

2. What is your favorite memory from this summer?
Our wonderful, WONDERFUL trip to Williamsburg, VA! Historical city, Chesapeake Bay cruise, seeing the Cole, quality time with my parents who can travel with us, Historical city, driving through tunnels, Jamestown settlement, and Yorktown Victory Center, Historical City, fantastic time-share, quality time with husband, and SWIMMING!!!

3. Paper books or e-books?
BOTH!! I love, LOVE, LOVE my Nook, but also read paper books.

4. If you could have one home upgrade what would it be and why?
Granite counter tops in my kitchen... swimming pool, sun-room, circle drive... I can't just stop at one! :)

5. When was your first serious boyfriend/girlfriend?
Sorry, can't talk about that one.

Your comments are always appreciated!
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WAY WAY TOO CUTE!!!!!!!

2011-08-15T11:12:00.002-05:00

I just had to post this! It's way too cute!
**Can't understand a word they're saying, but who needs words when there's kitties???
Enjoy!!

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Same Card.... Tweaked!

2011-08-13T14:20:00.003-05:00

This is EXACTLY the same card as the one below from the Holiday Mini Preview post... tweaked!!

What did I add?
1. complimentary colors on the top binding, toe and heel pieces
2. hangar loops
3. a bottom hearth piece
4. black, yellow, and orange stickles
5. names on the stockings!
6. green glitter glaze pen on the green stocking
7. more Close to Cocoa sponging around the edges and on the brick embossing.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Christmas Mini Preview!

2011-08-13T01:11:00.003-05:00

I would LOVE to say that this was my original idea, but it is not... I can't remember where I saw it... a blog, a website like Splitcoast, etc. Ever since I received this set, I knew a fireplace would be a great backdrop for the stockings!!!

I have just a little more tweaking to do on this card before I'm completely happy with it, but still love how it looks!!! Stickles... names on the stockings... coordinating colors on the heels and toes, etc. This is definitely a work in progress!!

This is the inside view with the sentiment from another stamp set available in the Holiday Mini.

There are so many awesome new Christmas stamp sets available in this new mini... it's going to be GREAT!!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Color Obsession!!! Oh NO!

2011-08-10T01:01:00.003-05:00

So I was playing a game over on Facebook the other day and I kept hitting the bonus round! When it started, to move you into the new window, a screen-like piece closed and opened into the new area. The colors were AMAZING!!! I couldn't believe the bright, beautiful colors! I wrote them down, and stamped the colors from my SU pads as close to match what I saw.

I find myself obsessed with these colors lately! The combination is so pretty... Here they are:
Melon Mambo
Tempting Turquoise
Daffodil Delight
Lovely Lilac (retired)
Peach Parfait

Aren't they an amazing combination of colors??

Here I was playing with them... thought they'd make delicious ice cream treats!

Here's a finished card using the above image.

Here are Baby Wipe Butterflies (check out the Lime Light Design Team link below or on the right) using the same colors.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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What a Silly Kitty!!

2011-08-10T00:39:00.003-05:00

This is Sandy. He's also known as Sandy Panda around the house just because he's so cute...

One evening, I was sitting at the dining room table doing some paperwork, and he just decided he had to join me. He just sat there for about 10 minutes....didn't try to come up on the table at all... I'm pretty sure he was waiting to be served some food. :) LOL

Silly Kitty!!

He's the kitty that disappears when people come over... can't be found anywhere... big chicken!! So since he won't be sociable... he gets his picture here, so you can see my Sandy. :)

Your comments are always appreciated!
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How FUN are these?? Need for Speed!!

2011-07-11T05:39:00.005-05:00

This stamp set is called... Need For Speed!
How FUN are these images! :) We have so many young men in our family, I just had to have this stamp set!

I used a variety of techniques on these images... burnishing, inking, marker, watercolor... and the scallop circle for the clouds. :)
The sky is inked with Bashful Blue in each piece, the 'roads' and water under the speed boats are water-colored, and each vehicle uses the Stampin' Up Markers.
I took shots of the pieces close-up so you could see more clearly. As always, just click on an image to enlarge it.

I am using these for EVERYTHING!!! A Design Team project, Cards for Soldiers, Birthday Cards, Get Well Cards, etc. The possibilities are endless!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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New Catalog Stamp Camp, June 8, 2011

2011-07-11T05:28:00.003-05:00

Here are some of the NEW In-Colors for 2011 - 2012. I featured Island Indigo, Pool Party, and Calypso Coral in my 2 cards for this event. There are two more: Wisteria Wonder, and Lucky Limeade. Also featured are NEW stamp sets, and one that will retire at the end of August.

The Just For You image is from a set called Tagtastic! The ribbon lace border is a frame technique used as a highlight.

This stamp set was the very first one I ordered from the new catalog... Delicate Doilies. It's SO pretty!!! The images look just like tatting to me. The small piece in coral coordinates with the Doily Triple Layer punch.

Here's the inside of the Doily Lace card - It uses the Lattice Die to make the pop-up piece, and the Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die to make the butterflies.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Birthday Cards and more...

2011-06-08T16:05:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday Mom!!!
Yes, a little late, but I will be seeing her soon, so I told her she had to wait for her cards... but it will be well-worth her waiting!! :)

The inspiration for this card came again from Jeannie Phillips. She's an amazing card designer from Alabama - and had some beautiful card designs on her blog.
All the background papers and cardstock are from Stampin' Up. I do love the Martha Stewart punch that makes grass!! Perfect for a flower pot base. :) The flower cut is from Walk in My Garden.

Stampin' Up has come with some new (AWESOME) punches!!! The center flowers here are from the Triple Blossom Punch. I used Daffodil Delight and Concord Crush for my colors... I do love purple and yellow together!! The ribbon is also 5/8" satin in Daffodil Delight. Rhinestones seemed the perfect addition for the flower centers.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Father's Day, 2011

2011-05-31T12:33:00.003-05:00

Our upline Stampin' Up Demo Kathy had this card for us at our May Stamp Club... it was SO SO CUTE! I was "done" for the night before this optional card came up, so I got the measurements and put some together this week.
When I got home, and looked at Splitcoast, I found the version Kathy used as her inspiration... but felt that it was WAY too busy!! The one Kathy came up with was MUCH better... and I just added the grass from my MS punch.

I know my sister will be thrilled with this when she sees it... she LOVES the heat embossing and the shiny surface it gives! :)

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Set of Commissioned Cards... Graduation, Thank You's

2011-05-30T14:17:00.003-05:00

So what do you do when your nephew is graduating, your husband requests a graduation card, and the school colors are brown and white?? BROWN AND WHITE!!! Who has such colors as school colors!!!!
After some serious thought, this is what I came up with... simple, because it's for our nephew... and in brown and white.
It's a pretty straightforward card, except I used a bookmark tassel I'd purchased for making bookmarks, cut it down, and popped two circles to hold the tassel. I also added two rhinestones to the front for some interest.

here's the inside view of the card.

This is another requested card from our librarian at school. She needed one for someone who was quite artistic. I loved this layered look so much! I used Pacific Point, Black and Vanilla carstock for this card... Pacific Point ink, and the Elements of Style stamp set.

I saw this card on Jeannie Phillips website a LONG time ago... and always loved it!! I needed a card for a horticulturalist, and thought this would be perfect. I used the first cut from the Walk in My Garden Cricut Cart to cut the daisies - making many, many layers. The one daisy in the inside is a little darker yellow cardstock. All pieces are matted and inked with Early Espresso and Black. The leaves are inked in Wild Wasabi and Early Espresso.

I'm not so sure I want to give this one away... it's really something in person!!

Here's the interior view... you can see a little of the flower inside as well as the identical matting from the front. Gotta LOVE the ladybugs crawling on the leaves!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Birthday Flowers!!!

2011-05-30T12:39:00.003-05:00

These very GORGEOUS flowers came for my birthday from my very favorite Uncle and Aunt!
They were waiting for me at the front door when I came home, and smelled SO SO good! Those two pink roses smelled even better than they looked! The vase is so pretty too!!! Plaid designs of pink, purple, and white! It will get a spot on the dining room table for sure!

The entire bouquet was all shades of purples and pinks! SO pretty!!!!
Thanks, Aunt Nancy and Uncle Paul!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Stampin' Up Club Cards April and May 2011

2011-05-30T11:40:00.004-05:00

These three cards are from our April Stampin' Up Card Club meeting.

On this first card, we used the seam binding to tie the bow. It's so nice to work with... a very soft material... tie, crumple, etc. The leaves are from the Bird Punch, and we also used the Itty Bitty Punch Pack for the flower centers as well as some teeny tiny pearls. The background comes from the Square Lattice embossing folder, color spritzed with Early Espresso.

The base is the label punch with the 1/2 circle punched out of the top.

This card uses some new DSP, and the beveled windows. It's my fault the window wasn't lined up on the paper correctly... it really looks so pretty! The window really highlights the design beautifully!

Of the set of 3 April cards, I think this one is my very favorite! We used the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder for the background and inked the edges. Then... one of my favorites... the Top Note Die!!! We cut two - one from crumb cake, and one of our stamped images... we used 3 just for the top piece! 1. the En Francais background stamp, 2. the Medallion stamp, and 3. the bird stamp from the Nature Walk set offered in the Occasions Mini. We also crumpled some seam binding and used one of those very gorgeous brads as an embellishment.

Now you might know that I'm not a big fan of anything green (although that's been changing lately)... but when we made this card this past Monday.... WOW! It's one of my new favorites! I know I'll be reproducing this card very often for lots of occasions!

The stamp set: Vintage Vogue!! Colors: Rich Razzleberry and Always Artichoke! What an amazing color combination! We also stamped the sentiment in Very Vanilla craft ink, and allowed it to dry without embossing. A little accent with Razzleberry satin ribbon, and it's an amazing card!!

This amazing card was a technique I've always wanted to try but either didn't get around to it, was a little hesitant to try. It's an alcohol technique on glossy paper! We used 2 reinkers... a retired blue, and retired purple (Brocade Blue and Lavender Lace). Lightly soak a cotton ball, drop 2 colors of ink, and a little silver shimmer paint... then swirl all over the glossy card stock!
After it dried, we embossed with silver embossing powder, stamped and matted the image... and you've got a really GORGEOUS card!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Two Commissioned Cards!

2011-05-11T00:57:00.003-05:00

I had 2 commissioned cards this week! I find it so exciting! I like working within tight parameters - BUT in the same way getting to be creative at the same time.

First, a birthday card for a lady that gave my mom our absolute FAVORITE Christmas candy recipe... Angel Food! Mom has to make lots every year since 1. she gets lots of requests for it, and 2. if she doesn't she get's yelled at! :) This also makes a wonderful surprise for me in packages during that time of year.

This first card is a combination of lots of techniques. I again used a cased image from the Kitchen Sink Crew - {Thanks, Lynn!!} The roses on the front of this card are Kitchen Sink Stamps. Don't know what they are?? Check 'em out!! They are fantastic stamps! I also used my newest Cuttlebug embossing folder for the background, and 2 cardstock and ink colors... Pretty in Pink for the card base, and Melon Mambo for the frame.

The inside of this card is ALL Stampin' Up! I used my new lattice die to cut the inside 'pop-up' piece... and the Sizzlits die to cut all the butterflies in Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, and Lovely Lilac (ret.) I just LOVE the color combination!!! Diamond Stickles added the perfect touch of sparkle!

This second commissioned card is for our school librarian. We had a Will Rogers "impersonator" come talk to the 4th graders this week, and they were very impressed with his knowledge of the man and his life. He really did a fantastic job!!!

I used my Cricut for this card - the Old West cartridge. I bought it about a year ago knowing I'd have need of it at some point, and here was my opportunity. :)

The framed piece is the negative cut from a Stampin' Up die - more to come on the inside!

Here you can see the 'positive' cut from the Stampin' Up die as an area for a personal message. I had a great time with these cuts from my Old West cartridge!!! Thank goodness for 5 x 7 cards!!! Otherwise it all wouldn't have fit!

I used different techniques with Close to Cocoa ink... sponging, burnishing, and marker highlighting.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T00:33:00.003-05:00

Here are samples of 2 cards I cased from the Kitchen Sink Crew.
LOVE how they look like the flowers are lying on a surface....
I made a few variations of these for Mother's Day cards.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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One Sheet Wonders - Thank You Cards

2011-05-07T23:11:00.008-05:00

We just finished up our state testing this week, and had many volunteers from the community come to help us monitor testing in each of the classrooms. I made these
cards to send as Thank You cards. They gave up part of their day (or in some cases many days) to help us out at the school. These were just a small token to show how grateful we were that they could help us out.

Our principal, the other test coordinator and I each wrote a small note of thanks in the cards, and I delivered them Friday... and have just a few more to deliver this week.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Teacher of the Week April 18 - 22, 2011

2011-04-23T14:04:00.003-05:00

I generally don't talk much about my job/career here on my craft blog, but I wanted to share this. It's a great pat on the back we really need... especially since we found out just yesterday that our school is one of 14 that is being closed in the district I work in. What will happen to us?? I don't know. Ya veremos, like my husband always says. :)

Teacher of the Week is something our principal began this year... it's been really GREAT! Each week, the TOW gets their name on the MB in our lounge, and we get to write comments about that particular colleague.

This week was my week as Teacher of the Week. I loved all the comments so much! They mean very much to me - I really try to be a resource of ideas and materials for the teachers on my campus... and help the kids as much as I possibly can.

Click the picture for a screen-sized view.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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2 Special Cards; Confirmation & Sympathy

2011-04-21T12:00:00.004-05:00

I had these two cards pending in addition to some other projects I'm working on... and had to get them out in the mail!

My cousin's wife was just confirmed this past Sunday, and this is the card I sent.

here's the inside view. I embossed both crosses with black embossing powder. The cross on the front got some color added with my SU markers, and the cross on the inside was ornate enough to need no other embellishments.

My dear friend from High School's mother died recently, and I made this card for her. Lots of pastel marker work, some Stickles highlights, and some pretty purples finished out this card for her.

Your comments are always appreciated!
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Stampin Up Club Cards - February 2011 and Tax Free Stamp Camp!

2011-04-20T12:00:00.003-05:00

The first two cards are from our February Stamp Club meeting! I had these on my work table and just HAD to show them off!! Kathy does such a great job with techniques and tips and tricks for us!! THANKS, Kathy!!

Gotta LOVE SU's bird punch... it's so versatile!

This is a fantastic technique... Color Resist!

Now for the Tax Free Spring Stamp Camp!

We met this past Friday night, April 15th... for a GREAT night of fun, stamping, and projects!!

Isn't this bunny absolutely adorable? He was lots of fun to put together, and makes an adorable basket for small candy!

We used the Blossoms Punch for this card - Dogwood flowers! The browns and greens are perfect together for this pretty, pretty card!

This milk carton is cut from a Big Shot die - with thick window sheets!

And now... last but not least! A Spring Banner! Here you see mine on the wall in my Cricut (Craft) room. Patterned paper, pastel solids, letters, and pink ribbon.... what a pretty project!

Your comments are always appreciated!
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"Hankie, the Hamburger Beggar"

2011-04-19T22:34:00.004-05:00

So my husband decided he wanted hamburgers from McDonald's instead of Fuddruckers (as I suggested earlier).... so he made a quick burger run, and we sat down to watch the newest Harry Potter movie.

Hank smelled the food, and just HAD to investigate!

"Hamburgers are bad for kitties!"

Hank wasn't dissuaded so quickly!!! He was really ready to pounce for a bite of my husband's burger!!!

"HEY! I told you! Hamburgers are BAD for kitties!!"

and finally, Hankie gave up... poor kitty!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Birthday Cards

2011-04-02T04:04:00.003-05:00

Here are two birthday cards I made recently.

I've been having a good time taking 'old' stamps, and using them with new punches! It seems to give them new life, and makes the cards more interesting.

I'm also LOVING the new ribbon technique! Tying bows on cards doesn't always fit with the style, but running this line of ribbon really adds something elegant to the card. I find myself using it QUITE often! Plus, you can use those small ends that can't be tied into bows, and don't fit around the card bases! :) What a great way NOT to waste the ribbon!!

I really LOVE my Kitchen Sink roses stamps! They fit perfectly for any occasion!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Waterfall Video from the Smoky Mountains

2011-03-27T21:37:00.003-05:00

I took this video of one of the many, MANY waterfalls we saw while in the Smoky Mountains.

I LOVE THE MOUNTAINS, AND THE WATERFALLS!

I have LOTS of pictures of our trip on the next post... keep scrolling!
Thanks!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Spring Break 2011 - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee!

2011-03-27T20:22:00.007-05:00

We spent the week of Spring Break 2011 in Gatlinburg, Sevierville (Severe ville) and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee which are all right in the Smoky Mountains!
I LOVE THE MOUNTAINS!!!!

Here's a view of the outside of our timeshare... the property was gorgeous!!!

Here's the view off our back porch... look down, there's a stream!

Here' the inside view of our cabin in the woods. All the modern conveniences, but SO beautiful in the mountains!!!
I LOVE THE MOUNTAINS!!!!!

Here's my husband... we drove through here every day... even in the spring with the trees just starting to get their leaves, it was SO pretty!!

The Great Smoky Mountains. It had rained that morning, and we canceled plans to go into N. Carolina - but instead drove up to Clingman's Dome that day. It was TOO foggy to see anything!!!

OH, the waterfalls!!!! The were everywhere! Driving along the road it was a surprise to look over, and there was a waterfall just back in a little recessed area.

This is a place called "The Sinks". It's very dangerous, so no swimming! It was a really amazing place for listening to the water, and taking pictures. Why is it called The Sinks? Because on the left, where the water drains from the stream, there's a huge hole... a meander, and then the stream makes a 90 degree turn!

Another view of The Sinks...

OH! Another waterfall!
I LOVE THE MOUNTAINS!! AND WATERFALLS!!! :)

I walked a long distance for this one down the road... it was WAY back, and this is even a telephoto shot!
I LOVE WATERFALLS!

I LOVE THE MOUNTAINS!!! (Have I said that yet??)

Here we are, trying to get to Clingman's Dome - it was closed! The first day we drove up, we found out that it was closed... but couldn't see anything because of the fog. The 2nd time we drove up, we found out that it was closed until March 31st!!! We were too early! :(

This is a picture of Cades Cove. It's an 11 mile drive right in the midst of the Smokies...

He never moved!!! We took the picture, and drove past him... and a family drove right near and took a picture with the kids in the foreground...

Well, here I am! One of the FEW pictures I like of myself....
I LOVE THE MOUNTAINS!!!!!

We spent one day in N. Carolina at the Biltmore... what an AMAZING place! It was totally worth it... Thanks to Dad for allowing me to have his Audio tour! It wouldn't have been the same without it!!!
You can see my parents in this picture... the are walking towards the mansion/castle.. in a blue coat, and brown/white vest.

Here they are! Mom wanted to go to this restaurant called Bullfish. Food was GREAT! Service was FANTASTIC!!

I'm so happy they are able to come with us on our trips.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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The Liebster Blog Award!!

2011-02-20T11:07:00.004-06:00

The Liebster Blog award is given to bring new blogs to light. It's a great way to share blogs that might not otherwise be seen or ones you want to share with others.

As a recipient you must share the love and pay it forward by:

1. Creating a post where you blog about the Liebster award & reveal your 3 - 5 blog picks.
2. Let them know you chose them
3. Copy & paste the blog award on your blog
4. Have faith that your followers will rally & show their crafty love back out to those you awarded
5. Have fun !

I am pleased to honor 3 - 5 others to bring awareness to other wonderful blogs!

1. Sonya at Appel Quilling Garden
2. Shirley at Okieladybug's Scrap N' More
3.Mary at Kreates Kards

Please check these sites out and give them some love. Their blogs are full of creativity and talent. Thank you all for sharing this talent and giving me inspiration.

Sue V.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Branson Regional Stampin' Up Swap Card!

2011-02-18T12:00:00.004-06:00

This is the swap card I made for today's Stampin' Up Regional Event in Branson, MO! I ended up with 53 of them! I can't wait to see what the other demonstrators have for swapping!

I used two stamp sets, and only 4 inks for this card!
Stamp Sets:
Awash with Flowers
Thanks for Caring (2011 Occasions Mini)
Ink:
Concord Crush
Regal Rose
Wild Wasabi marker for the leaves
Going Grey for the flowers.
Punches/Dies:
Sizzix Embossing Folder; Framed Tulips
Sizzix Top Note Die
Decorative Label Punch
Ribbon:
Victoria Crochet Trim 5/8 "
Stampin' Dimensionals
Glue Dots

The flowers are stamped with the Concord Crush and Regal Rose inks, and the Sympathy piece punched with the Decorative Label is double inked with both colors.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Five Question Friday!! - February 18, 2011

2011-02-18T04:53:00.002-06:00

1. Have you worn the same outfit more than one day in a row?
Yes, I have. 1. Only when the clothes are clean, and 2. Only when I'm doing something completely different from the day before. :)

2. If you had to choose any LARGE city to live in, which would it be?
HOUSTON, TX!! I lived there for 2 years, 2004 to 2006, and LOVED it! So many activities... Broadway shows, top restaurants, AWESOME Chinese food, lots of cultural activities, and the traffic, but that never bothered me. :)

3. Fly or drive with the kids on vacation?
Drive! When I was a kid, we always drove for vacations, and now, though we have no kids of our own, we still drive everywhere in the states.

4. What is your idea of "spring cleaning"?
Hmmmmm 1. Clean all the windows; inside and out (one story house). 2. Wipe down all the blinds with a weak bleach solution. 3. Run the Kirby with the shampoo attachments around the areas that need some deep cleaning. 4. Sort through boxes and make donations to Goodwill - get rid of things we haven't used/don't need. 5. Vacuum the mattresses.

5. What is the best book you have ever read?
The Mummy by Anne Rice I can't tell you the number of times I've read this book.
Wait Til Helen Comes - a children's book I always read to my classes... it's a ghost story, and they LOVE it!

Your comments are always appreciated!
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Two Requested Baby Cards

2011-02-09T23:50:00.003-06:00

Hey there!! Here I am, still snowbound in Okielandia!! SO many days with schools closed, and I'm just happily playing around my craft room.

When Mom was here in December with our yearly calendar project, she had a chance to look through some of the cards we made during club this year, and LOVED the quilted card. Click HERE for the link to the original card. Not so strange that she'd love it since her thing is making actual quilts (and winning awards for them).

Since she had a shower to attend in April, she requested one card of each.. a girl and a boy card. With Sale-A-Bration going on, I was able to get the baby bear stamp set free, and found some very pretty pink shaded and blue shaded papers in the catalog. I also got the Welcome Baby tag as part of another Sale-A-Bration set!

I love it when a plan comes together!!! LOL

SO, here are my 2 cards, with views of the insides as well.

I used Pretty in Pink cardstock, Lap of Luxury DSP, White Organza ribbon for the bow, the Top Note Die, and the stamp from the Punch Bunch set in the Sale-A-Bration catalog. I also embossed the edges of the card with Framed Tulips. Both cards carry this detail; The Top Note quilt piece was embossed with the Swiss Dots folder, Going Grey marker to make stitches, and Champagne Mist to make the quilted piece sparkle.

The inside of the card is a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock clipped on the corners with the Scallop trip border and inked with Pretty in Pink. The bear is colored in pinks and burnished in Creamy Caramel(ret.) and Close to Cocoa(ret.).

Here's the boy card - very similar to the girl card, except with Pacific Point cardstock, Blueberry Crisp DSP, white satin ribbon colored with Pacific Point ink.

Since it was a card for a little boy, I made it a little less fussy - the bear is colored with shades of blues, and burnished with the same colors as above.

I'm not really into the Build-a-Bear anything... but I saw this stamp set, and knew with all the babies coming up, this would be just perfect in cards!!!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Sympathy Card

2011-02-07T00:24:00.005-06:00

I found out this afternoon that a lady that did me a great favor many years ago passed this past Saturday.

I put this card together for her son and daughter-in-law. They were high school classmates I see infrequently, and I wanted them to know how much I appreciated her gift to me.

inside the folded over Top-Note die, I wrote a message for my classmates.

SO many details on this card! I used two Sympathy stamp sets from Stampin' Up, the Build-a-Blossom stamp set from SU, Diamond Stickles, a damask embossing folder (Sizzix), the Top Note die from SU, and an old corner punch I've had for quite a long time.

Ink colors used: Concord Crush, Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Tangerine Tango.
Markers: Barely Banana, Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst, Apricot Appeal.
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Almost Amethyst, Concord Crush, and a SU envelope

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Cards for Soldiers 1/8 to 1/28

2011-02-03T17:54:00.003-06:00

The theme for this Cards for Soldiers was 'Scrap your Stash'... with blues, greens, and purples since we already finished and got our Valentine's cards out.

I have these finished, but since we're snowbound here, I'm not sure when they'll get in the mail! They'll go out as soon as possible for sure!!

I really LOVE the happy birthday cut, and the cupcake just went perfectly with the background papers I had, so here again we have similar cards.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Stampin' Up Club Cards - January 2011!

2011-02-03T17:49:00.002-06:00

Even though I've now become a Stampin' Up demonstrator, my upline Kathy is still allowing me to come to the monthly club. YAY!! She's always got great ideas for us... and we have a great time!

Here are the cards we made for January. New fun stamp sets, and lots of great techniques!

Click on her name to email her and find out about GREAT Stampin' Up deals and product!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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2 Parties in One Day!!!

2011-01-23T08:31:00.005-06:00

TWO parties in one day!! I think that's more than we've gone to in the past year! :)

The first one was a 2 year old's birthday party, which his Mama commissioned this banner. I used the Winter Woodlands cartridge for the lettering, ran them upside down through my Xyron, used my new (thank goodness I ordered it!) black Cosmo Stampin' Up glitter for each letter, then ran them back through the Xyron again to adhere to the banner. It wasn't difficult by far, but time consuming! WHEW!

Why these particular colors?? The party was themed for kids (obviously) with one of Ryker's favorite cartoons... Yo Gabba Gabba. After Shawnda showed me the characters, I tried to match the background papers to the characters.

:) Definitely worth it. She's a great friend that really appreciates my 'stuff'!!

Here's a closeup of one of the letters... the glitter showed up pretty well!!

Ryker's Momma is crazy for cupcakes... so here's the card I made for his 2nd birthday. It's from the Create a Critter cartridge.

I'm so excited to say that I FINALLY found a Happy Birthday cut on the Cricut I really like! I'll be using this one often, for sure!!

So later in the afternoon, we attended my husband's boss's Retirement Party. It was very well put together, and I was happy to finally meet him! Every time I went to the office, he was either busy on the phone or not there. They had a great PowerPoint over his years of service, and though I only had a hint that he liked to fish, I found out at the party that he REALLY LOVES to go fishing!!! This card turned out just perfectly!!!

After finally figuring out the Easel card technique, I really like it! It's a card, but also a nice display to look at!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Valentine Cards for 2011

2011-01-19T23:36:00.006-06:00

Here's a few of the Valentine cards I made as samples for our Valentine Stamp Camp. One of the sets is on special until just this next week (January 24th, 2011). It's a great special with the stamp set, patterned paper, and a set of free bitty buttons with purchase.

The following cards use a selection of stamps from the Filled with Love set that's featured in the sale. This set has lots of versatility for Valentine cards, Wedding cards, Anniversary cards, etc.

This Love set comes from the current catalog - Love You Much.

This new stamp set comes from the new Occasions Mini, and is called "Valentine Defined". It's got so many parts to the set... SO cute!!

I really love the bleeding hearts piece from this set! It colors easily with the markers, and stamps GREAT!!

This card uses the same "Valentine Defined" set, but I re-purposed an easel card base for this! LOVE the grass with heart tops! :) I also stamped that on the envelope for this card.

This stamp and punch combo is one of my all time favorites!!! It's called Build a Blossom. You absolutely want to get the two as a set!

Click on over to my Demonstrator site on the right to find these stamp sets! **If you order the clear stamps, don't forget the blocks! I can help you with the sized you'll need!

Thanks so much for looking!!

Your comments are always appreciated!
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Husband's Checkbook Cover

2011-01-18T18:59:00.003-06:00

I'm not sure how many of you are aware that my husband (who spoils me quite well) does not support my hobby of stamping and Cricut paper cutting.
He's not violent, but he does like to yell sometimes about it.

Imagine my complete shock when he REQUESTED.... yes, there it is again, requested a checkbook cover after he saw the one I made for my dad!

He's got a good collection of cowboy boots since he dresses western style most of the time, and he did find me when I was living in Texas!!!

Here's the checkbook cover I made for him.

**and a closeup of the front.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Valentine Stamp Camp

2011-01-17T22:15:00.005-06:00

This is one of the two projects I presented at the Valentine Stamp Camp we had this past Friday evening. Kathy, Robin and I each had one card and one project for our group to make. It's a take off on a wedding card I like to make.

This card uses the new Love Letterpress, white embossing powder, and 4 punches. It also uses Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, and Riding Hood Red cardstock. The inkpads for this project are Riding Hood Red, Versamark, and Bravo Burgundy.

It opens to an area for the sender to write a message, but closes for everyone to view the card, but only the recipient to read the sentiment.

This was my first project as a Stampin' Up Demonstrator. Our card club is pretty advanced in techniques, and everyone seemed to really like it. We got some wonderful comments.

Your comments are always appreciated!
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They MUST Have Been Cold!

2011-01-17T21:55:00.002-06:00

So I just have to show off my very cute, adorable, 'mostly' cuddly kitties.

It's not really so strange to find Hank and Sandy curled up together, now that Sandy's a bit older, and they've worked out their pecking order, it's not really so strange.

BUT!!! To find the baby (Witchy Poo) curled up with the two older kitties... now, it MUST have been pretty cold to find them doing that!! Especially since Hank just screams... very loudly when the baby gets near him!

Notice the very smart Hankie keeps his eyes closed when the camera flashes so he doesn't get 'shot' in the eyes... the other two dumb bunnies haven't figured that out yet.

But I do love them!!!!!

What kitties I have!! :)

That Witchy Poo is a cuddler!! He cuddles up with me, Hankie (when he's not screaming, hissing, or growling at the baby), Sandy, and even my husband. He's a good cuddle baby!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Five Question Friday!! - January 14, 2011

2011-01-14T08:00:00.003-06:00

1. What movie could you watch over and over again and not get tired of?

LOVE this question!!
Pride and Prejudice 1995, Colin Firth; I watch it every weekend, holidays when I'm not working, and when I'm crafting. This has been going on since at least 2008. NO, I don't have a problem! :)
Xanadu - 198?, Olivia Newton-John; My sister and I watched this almost every day after school for a LONG time! Every once in awhile I'll get out the DVD.
James Bond - From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, etc. etc. Gotta LOVE the Bond marathons!

2. What's your biggest pet peeve right now?

People that don't keep their word. Seems so easy for people to tell you they're going to do something, and then just forget, or make an excuse. Granted, some excuses are valid, but some are just lame.

3. If you had to describe your best friend in five words or less, what would you say?

She is fun, smart, generous & kind.

4. If you did not have to worry about money or go to school what would you do for a living?

I'd be a philantropist... I'd help people, and spend my days crafting and shopping. I'd also be cooking in some capacity. I'd also see what I could do about helping the kitties... finding homes, making sure they're taken care of. I'd also travel - a Travel Blog?? What FUN that would be!!

5. What is your one "splurge" item, that you will always buy, no matter the cost?

Kitchen Toys!!! That's what my husband calls them ;) I got 2 new 'toys' for Christmas... an electric fry pan, another AeroGarden since my first one died, and I just got at attachment for my Kitchen Aid! I know, some people won't understand, but I'm having WAY too much fun playing in my kitchen!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Disappeared?!? No, I haven't!

2011-01-13T23:08:00.003-06:00

My last post was January 2nd!! It's been so crazy busy around here, I haven't even had time to pay attention to all my projects.

Work has been busier than usual, AND we've been planning a Valentine Stamp camp since I recently became a Stampin' Up Demonstrator.

I have some GREAT pictures to post over the weekend.

Stay tuned!

Your comments are always appreciated!
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Birthday Card for my Sister!

2011-01-02T13:01:00.003-06:00

My sister Gail's birthday is at the very beginning of January,
and since I now have the opportunity to order Stampin' Up sets
early as a demonstrator, I fell in LOVE with this Build a Blossom set
and punch.

I know it's absolutely going to be my go-to stamp set for lots of occasions,
and even scrapbooks!!!

Can you tell her favorite color is purple?? It always has been purple, and she tells me all her desk accessories and things at her office are purple too! :)

I stamped the base of the flower in Lovely Lilac, and then Elegant Eggplant for the top layer of the 2 Step Stamping. I also used the Teeny Tiny wishes set (LOVE that one too!) for the sentiment on the front.
The pink flowers are stamped in Pink Pirouette, and Pretty in Pink for the top layer. The center of the flower is my go-to color, More Mustard.
The leaves were stamped in Certainly Celery and Wild Wasabi.

This is the inside view of the card.

You can order this stamp set from my Stampin' Up website starting January 4th, 2011, or contact me to order! Click on Shop Now at the top to browse products and place your order!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Cards for Solders 12/10 - 1/7/2011 Valentine's Cards!

2011-01-01T17:16:00.003-06:00

Now that the holidays were over, I could again work on my CFS project!!
When I checked the messageboard, the theme was Valentines. I immediately thought of the KSS 3 step Hearts and Roses stamp set! How perfect.... flowers for Valentine's day!!

I've included the recipe at the end of the post. Please enjoy!!

Here are the color recipes for the Roses.

The Red Roses
Step #1: Riding Hood Red
Step #2: Cherry Cobbler
Step #3: Purely Pomegranate
Step #4: Rich Razzleberry

The Pink Roses
Step #1: Pink Pirouette
Step #2: Pretty in Pink
Step #3: Pretty in Pink stamped 2x
Step #4: Melon Mambo

The Leaves:
Step #1: Certainly Celery
Step #2: Wild Wasabi
Step #3: Old Olive

The Hearts:
Step #1: Real Red
Step #2: Riding Hood Red
Step #3: Rich Razzleberry

I also took one of my rose flower wheels, and with the Pretty in Pink, ran the wheel over the entire sheet before I cut it. You can faintly see the pink designs in the white spaces.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Starting out 2011 with a Checkbook Cover for Dad!

2010-12-31T23:24:00.003-06:00

I sent Mom a checkbook cover for Christmas, but thought Dad wouldn't be too excited about one... until I found out that she changed hers over for the new one, and Dad's is now all taped and barely holding together.

This will fix that problem!!
It's already in the mail, Dad!!
:)

Here are the color recipes for the stamped items:
Light Brown boots:
Step #1: Desert Sand off 1x
Step #2: Desert Sand
Step #3: Potter's Clay
Step #4: Rich Cocoa off 1x
Step #5: Rich Cocoa
I then re-stamped step 5 with Tuxedo Black.

Dark Brown Boots: I used an unusual recipe for these since Dad's got a pair of boots that aren't black... aren't gray... Hmmmmm :)
Step #1: London Fog off 1x
Step #2: London Fog
Step #3: Potter's Clay
Step #4: Tuxedo Black off 1x
Step #5: Tuxedo Black stamped twice, full strength.

Longhorn Steer:
Step #1: Desert Sand off 1x
Step #2: Desert Sand
Step #3: Rich Cocoa off 1x
Step #4: Rich Cocoa
Step #5: Tuxedo Black

Cowboy Hat: I used Stampin' Up inks for the hat...
Step #1: Crumb Cake
Step #2: Soft Suede off 1x
Step #3: Soft Suede
Step #4: Close to Cocoa
Step #5: Chocolate Chip

Your comments are always appreciated!
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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Blog Hop Winners Announced!

2010-12-30T16:26:00.002-06:00

Click on the Lime Light link at the right
to see the winners for our Blog Hop!!

It took awhile, but it was worth the wait..
2 grand prizes, and 7 runners-up!

Watch in January for our first project of 2011!

Your comments are always appreciated!
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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Christmas Gifts - Checkbook Covers and Bookmarks

2010-12-30T00:58:00.004-06:00

A few months ago for our Stampin' Up Card Club, our Demo Kathy had these checkbook covers for us to decorate. She also had some samples of the bookmarks she'd made for us to look at.
My first though (along with some of the other girls) was 'What GREAT gifts!!'
So this is what I came up with:

This set is for my cousin's new wife Olga.

This set went to my nephew's wife Alex... she LOVES
daisies, and the color turquoise!

This set is for my sister Gail. She loves flowers and
always has cardinals out her door where she feeds them.

Sunflowers?? Has to be for Mom!!! She also sews constantly
so I thought the buttons would be lots of fun.

This set went to my Aunt Nancy... she loves kitties too!!!
and I also know how she loves purple.

I sure hoped they like the checkbook covers and bookmarks!!!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Our Christmas Mantle

2010-12-21T14:36:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to show the mantle in our living room all decorated for Christmas!

I love Christmas so much! It is far and away my very favorite time of the year.

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Sympathy Card

2010-12-21T13:23:00.005-06:00

I got notification from Mom that my aunt's sister-in-law had just passed on this last Saturday, so I set out to make a sympathy card for her.

I used the new Build-a-Blossom set and punch from Stampin' Up as well as a stamp set called Close as a Memory.

inside view - I used Concord Crush to color the Organza ribbon, and added a line of pearls at the bottom of the satin strip. The bottom paper is from the In Color 6x6 stack in Blushing Bride. The accents on the flower are stamped in Poppy Parade on the Blushing Bride paper. I curled the edges of the flowers in a fan type shape to add some dimension.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Extended Blog Hop!

2010-12-18T11:43:00.002-06:00

WONDERFUL news!

I just heard from our fearless leader Gracie, that our blog hop is being extended until midnight on Sunday! (December 19, 2010).

Keep on hopping!!! I am thoroughly enjoying all your comments, and compliments on my work, and I'm looking forward to stopping by all your sites as well!

Two posts down you'll see the directions, and link to the next stop on the hop!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

THANK YOU!

2010-12-17T23:05:00.002-06:00

Thank you for participating in our Lime Light Charitable Design Team Blog Hop!

I loved reading every single comment, and as Gracie posted over on the team blog, our winners will be announced on Monday!

I'm so excited to hear more of your comments on my blog and projects... and in time, to check out all your blogs!

THANK you again!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Lime Light Charitable Design Team OFFICIAL Blog Hop!

2010-12-17T19:05:00.000-06:00

Greetings to those hopping from the Lime Light Charitable Design Team blog.

Welcome to Sue's Cricut and Crafts blog. My name is Sue and for the past 2 1/2 years I've been posting my Cricut creations and other crafts on this blog. Early on in my time with my Cricut, Gracie from the Imagine That blog asked me to write some articles for beginning Cricut users, and it took off from there!!!

I do love my Cricut, and when my husband and I bought our house last year, one of the rooms HAD to be my Cricut room! It was an absolute requirement.

I wanted to join in on a Design Team, and Gracie asked if I would be a member of the Lime Light Design Team. I started as a regular member that first year, and have been so honored to stay on since and take on some extra duties (training director, etc.) In Oct. 2008 we completed our first project as a team: cards & bookmarks for soldiers. We have gone on to do many things, as you saw on our team blog. I'm always excited to get to visit our new team members blogs and get to know them every year... what amazing talents they ALL possess! I hope you can get a good glimpse of some of their best work on this hop.

The team members are contributing product & some absolutely gorgeous creations to the winners of this blog hop. Some of those products were donated from their LSS and other sources. I want to thank Making Memories for the gorgeous paper (it's all two sided or specialty paper), embellishments and kits.

I am donating a stamp set from a company I love SO much, Kitchen Sink Stamps. I use them along with my Cricut to create some projects that get WOW's when I show them!

That's not even the tip of the iceberg if you've watched the slide show in the announcement post. The ladies on this team are so selfless, and you'll get a good taste of that as you hop through the blogs.

You will be continuing on to Tropic Luv, Cards in Paradise -- and you are in for a treat!

SO, take a peek at my Cricut and Craft creations, leave a comment on this post, and become a follower on this blog (and each blog you visit tonight) to be eligible for our awesome prizes!

There is a time limit, so don't wait too long!!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Cased Card Challenge! KSS # 30

2010-12-17T00:05:00.005-06:00

The latest Kitchen Sink Challenge is to 'case' a card, and make it your own.

My card (below) is dated December 2010, but I actually made it this past summer when I first received this stamp set... (I could have Christmas all day, every day - I love it that much!)

I liked this card from the second I saw it, and used a few more colors. I LOVE red and green for Christmas, but I want colored lights!!!

Here is my cased card. I hope you like it!! Click HERE for a tutorial I wrote on all the different colors of lights using Stampin' Up inks!!

Your comments are always appreciated!
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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

2011 Calendars; Part 3 of 3 - and an AWESOME Blog Hop!!

2010-12-15T17:53:00.005-06:00

So here are the last 4 calendars for 2011! I hope you've enjoyed the previews as much as Mom and I had making them!!

It took me a long time to decide what to use for the September calendar... Labor Day, school starting,... and I already had a patriotic theme for July, so I went back to my ever favorite Hello Kitty cart, and found this adorable cheerleader. Why is she in purple and white?? Kiel Raiders, of course!! Purple and white were our colors, and they were GREAT school colors!

I have absolutely no idea why, but October, which isn't really my most favorite month always turns out so elaborate... I really loved the idea... the black iron gate with a path going up to the castle in the background, with a craggy old tree near the entrance. Martha Stewart's web punch works perfectly behind October!!

Three cartridges to complete November's calendar... Designer's Calendar, of course, Celebrate with Flourish, and the Thanksgiving cartridge... That Harvest Blessing at the top was not so much fun... so many small, teeny tiny, itty bitty, teeny tiny pieces!

Doesn't the December calendar look like it was a TON of work?? Not so much!! The actual difficult piece on the entire calendar was the Merry Christmas! We've got the trees down to a science now, and they went together lickety-split! I added snow this year to the trees.... know what it is?? Flower Soft! That's the greatest stuff!! We also die-cut the stars, and they pop up since it's two pieces together.

BLOG HOP NEWS.....
See the next post below this one for details on our coming blog hop... just 2 days away!!
OR, click on the link below to check out how the hop is going to work.

Your comments are always appreciated!
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ *~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

December 17th Blog Hop, with AWESOME Blog Candy!!

2010-12-14T22:10:00.001-06:00

As you can see by the title, the Lime Light Charitable Design Team (of which I am a card-carrying member since the very beginning!) is having a blog hop this Friday at 8PM.

We want you to get to know us and what we do as a team, so we are having a blog hop so that you can visit the various team members' sites.

We also have a couple of the top Cricut bloggers on the net -- Everyday Cricut and Pink Cricut, that will be stops along the way. The team came together a few years ago because of our love of Cricut, and we wanted to give you a couple of bonus's as these sites are top notch when it comes to Cricut creative inspiration.

At 8 PM CST on Friday, we'll be posting the instructions on how you get from blog to blog and what you need to do when you get to each blog (COME TO THE LIME LIGHT BLOG FIRST FOR INSTRUCTIONS).

All simple stuff. Now, here's the fun part. We'll be giving away some very nifty prizes, including a grand prize stash worth over $150. And because I can't wait, I'm giving you a peek at the prizes. So sit down, take a look at the goodies, and then join us Friday at 8 CST for a fun time!

Your comments are always appreciated!
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ *~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

2011 Calendars; Part 2 of 3 - and a Blog Hop!!

2010-12-14T21:17:00.005-06:00

Here are the next 4 months...

I actually struggled with May the most! It's my very favorite month, but the 'page' just didn't look right. After adding some details, it ended up looking just fine!!!

The Happy Mother's Day Cut is from the Mother's Day cart, and Designer's Calendar cart for the May cut... We used the Martha Stewart Butterfly punch and a double bow to tie all the colors together. Can you see the daffodils in the background?

June definitely means Father's Day!! Three carts used on this page! Designer's Calendar, Wild Card, and Handy Man from the Cricut Lites. I didn't use my white pen as I meant to on the Happy Father's Day - there just wasn't time. Next time!!!

The July calendar used only 2 carts, but LOTS of techniques!! I used Designer's Calendar and Independence Day carts for the cuts, a double bow, and the color spritzer from Stampin' Up to spray red and blue speckles on the Freedom cut. We also used red stickles to highlight some of the hearts on the USA cut. Can you see the stars on the background??

August... Ah, summer!! How we look forward to the summer, and the swimming pool! As a kid we LIVED in our neighbor's swimming pool... what great memories!!
The August cut came from Designer's Calendar. The pool and Splish Splash came from the H2O Lite cart. I also used my Spellbinders Nesties to cut the background out of blue sparkle cardstock. No holidays in August to highlight, so a sun stamp right at the beginning!! Can you see the 'waves' in the background?

More info. on our Blog Hop on the 17th! It's COMING!

Click below on the Lime Light blog link to see Gracie's post about our upcoming event!!

Your comments are always appreciated!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ *~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

2011 Calendars; Part 1 of 3 - and a Blog Hop!!

2010-12-13T12:06:00.007-06:00

Here are the first 4 months of 2011; Jan., Feb., Mar., and April - These calendars have become an annual project for Mom and me. It takes us about a week to get all 20 of these calendars assembled though I start cutting and organizing in October. I've even got an awesome organizational system to keep everything straight.

We used lots of techniques with these calendars! Each calendar page (except October) uses a stamp wheel based on the theme of the month.

January's calendar consists of cuts from 3 cartridges: Designer's Calendar, Wild Card, and Celebrate with Flourish. We used Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, Nestabilities, and Martha Stewart's newest snowflake punch. January includes snowflakes with Versamark ink on the background.

February's Calendar has cuts from 2 cartridges, Designer's Calendar, and Love Struck. The double heart punch is a Martha Stewart edge punch, and the background is inked in Versamark with the Candy Hearts wheel. When we had this finished, it just seemed to need something, so we added a bow to each calendar... then it was just right!

March's calendar page is cut with Designer's Calendar. The medallion is edged with a Martha Stewart PATP punch set. Since the bluebonnets bloom in Texas in March, I just has to use one of my newest Kitchen Sink Stamp sets - Bluebonnets! The background Versamarked image is a Stampin' Up wheel; called Field of Daisies.

April's calendar uses 2 catridges; Designer's Calendar, and Celebrate with Flourish. Isn't that the cutest Easter Basket? I stamped the Chocolate Bunnies with my Stampin' Up stamp in Chocolate Chip ink, and took a bite out of his ear with my Nestabilities scalloped punch. The background is inked with an Easter Egg wheel. Can you see them?

BLOG HOP!!!
Stay tuned for a very special Blog Hop - coming soon! More information as it becomes available.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Two Birthday Cards...December Birthdays!!

2010-12-10T19:22:00.005-06:00

In October, my cousin Jon married a girl who was in the process of finishing her Ph.D in music!
When the Cricut cartridge 'Quarter Note' was announced, I knew I had to have it!!! When I actually saw the images, I decided we'd be there on Thanksgiving to get it! SO, after our Thanksgiving lunch, we got ready to hit Michael's. There wasn't as big of a line this year, because they announced on Facebook they were opening at 4:30... so we could beat the rush.
We got in, and even though I'd called a few days earlier, the Quarter Note carts were nowhere to be found!!!! After asking around, they brought them out, and I grabbed the first one!

Here is my first card using this new cart... the background note paper comes from a Christmas stack I got at Hobby Lobby.

Here's the inside of the card, the treble clef cut from the Quarter Note cart, and the Top Note die from Stampin' Up works perfectly for the sentiment, and space to write!!

The two stamp sets used here I received from Kitchen Sink stamps at the Houston event, and since our nephew lives in Oklahoma, and has ridden for the rodeos, this presented itself as the perfect birthday card for him.

Gotta love that Top Note die for the inside area of the cards!! I fussy-cut the hat, and popped it with the SU dimensionals.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Five Question Friday!! - December 10, 2010

2010-12-10T16:09:00.007-06:00

1. Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
We open our gifts Christmas Eve... When I was a kid, we always opened gifts on Christmas Eve at Grandma Smasal's house, Christmas Day (early) when Santa came at our house and then at Grandma Wagner's house. When our out-of-town relatives came around the 29th or 30th, we had gift opening again!

2. What is your favorite Christmas cookie (or candy)? I love 2... Haystacks which I make every year are to die for!!! YUMMMM and my Mom's Angelfood candy. She makes the best, melt-in-your-mouth angelfood candy ever!!

3. What's the worst Christmas gift you've ever received?
I don't know.... I know I've gotten some stinkers, but I block them, and don't remember... I only remember the BEST ones! :)

4. Christmas song that you love? Andy Williams - A Song and a Christmas Tree (12 days of Christmas) from the red album is my very newest favorite found on an old album (CD) I had from a kid... but also, I love the Christmas Holiday song from his green album.

5. How many trees do you put up?
This year, no big trees, BUT I have a Precious Moments tree figurine from Mom, a large lighted Precious Moments tree, a Christmas Tree with a Santa, and a new LED tree for the coffee table, and a big tree in the yard with Santa popping out!! SO, how many is that?? 5 trees!!! * I collect, and LOVE Christmas trees! :)

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Stampin' Up Club Cards - October 2010

2010-12-09T16:32:00.003-06:00

YES, I know I'm posting these later than I should, but I wanted to post these since they're SO gorgeous!!!

No, this card is NOT leather!! It's actually the Peach Parfait cardstock, embossed, and inked. When I got home, I got out my copper brilliance ink, and added some of that for some shimmer on the card.

Isn't it so SO pretty?

This is a VERY cool project - it's a checkbook cover!! It comes as a clear plastic piece with all the flaps and pockets you need for holding your checkbook register and duplicate checks, and can be decorated any way you wish!!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

November Stamp - a - Stack!

2010-12-08T19:13:00.004-06:00

We had our November Stamp - a - Stack to make Christmas Cards - YAY!!! Kathy came up with some awesome designs and color combinations (as always!!).

The wreath for this card is from the Hostess Set punched with the 1/2 inch punch, and the scalloped edge punch. The bow is made from two hearts punched from red paper, and a brad in the center.

I LOVE purple!!! This card with the purple, green, and gold accents is SO perfect!

We had fun watercoloring the scene for this card! I bet the snowmen want to come in and warm up with some hot chocolate!!

This simple but elegant card is so pretty and sparkly up close! We sprayed the cardstock with the shimmer paints, and added sparkly rhinestones for even more bling!

Gorgeous!!!!! Can you see the white snowflakes in the background?

This is the Dasher stamp... I never looked at before, but I'm paying attention to it now!!

I hope you've enjoyed our Stack! We made 2 of each card for a total of 12 cards.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

They are FINISHED!!!

2010-12-06T14:15:00.002-06:00

With Mom and Dad visiting this past week, we were able to get the 2011 calendars FINISHED!!

They are better than the 2009 and 2010 calendars. I'll be posting them starting soon.

I used lots of the new cartridges released this past year!! Thank goodness Provo Craft had their designers create lots of great designs for the seasons and celebrations throughout the calendar year!!

Each page is full of designs and cuts from my Cricut Expression!!
Check back soon to see the new year's calendars!
It's become quite a consuming yearly project.

Your comments are always appreciated!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ *~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Five Question Friday!! - December 3, 2010

2010-12-03T05:52:00.004-06:00

1. What's on the top of your holiday wish list and why?!

Electric Fry Pan - so I can again cook our favorite fish recipe. The cooktop I have at this house doesn't keep a constant temperature.

AeroGarden - so I can keep growing my own herbs for cooking; my first one died. :(

I also want another Salad Shooter. The one I received many years ago from my favorite Uncle is on its last legs.

2. What is your favorite Christmas gift from the past?

I can't choose just one-there are so many wonderful Christmas memories!

3. If you had life to do over, what would you be when you grow up?

A pharmacist

4. When do you put up your tree?

No tree this year :( - new baby kitty in the house, and he's quite rambunctious! Maybe next year. It usually goes up 2 1/2 to 3 weeks before Christmas.

5. What is your favorite Holiday?

Christmas!!! I have fond childhood memories of Christmas, and I do so love all the Christmas light displays.

Your comments are always appreciated!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ *~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Design Team Search! Come Join a GREAT Team!

2010-11-10T22:23:00.003-06:00

Do you see all the GREAT projects done on the design teams around the internet and think, "I could do that! I want to do that!"

Well, here's a chance to join a GREAT team that does good work all around the United States.
We've done projects for the Holocaust Museum, cancer survivors, Ronald McDonald houses in Tennessee, raising money for playground equipment through our creations, and so MANY more!

Our Design Team Leader Gracie is currently taking applications for the Lime Light Design Team. The applications run from November 11 through November 21, 2010 for the next calendar year's team.

Our members skills and abilities range from semi-beginners in paper crafting to the professional level. We're looking for positive, motivated crafters who want to make a difference with their craft!

Check out the Lime Light Design Team's website for more specific details on how to apply for our great team!

Your comments are always appreciated!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ *~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

First Christmas Card for 2010

2010-11-04T22:39:00.002-05:00

When the Stampin' Up Christmas Mini catalog came out, I just knew I had to have this stamp!!! I played around with it for awhile, and then started with the vintage colored inks, and that was it!

The background is stamped in Old Olive, the Joy is colored in darker with the Old Olive marker, and the 25 is colored in darker with the Mellow Moss marker. To highlight the poinsettias and bells, I stayed with the Earth Element colors More Mustard, Summer Sun, etc.

After trimming it to leave just a little border, I inked it with Brilliance Gold and Silver inks to help it shine, and added red Stickles to all the berries through the piece.

I had some Purely Pomegranate satin ribbon that tied nicely into a bow, and matted the stamped piece with some olive cardstock. The holly paper came from HL.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Hot Chocolate and a Chat KSC #29

2010-11-04T21:18:00.005-05:00

The Kitchen Sink Crew Challenge for the beginning of October is Monochromatic! I'm totally all over that! I work very often in monochromatic tones, and the new set I got in the mail yesterday was PERFECT for this challenge!

I used Makiko's technique of sponging the edges on the Nestabilities piece.
For the hot chocolate, I used the following colors; 1. Desert Sand, 2. Pearl Beige off 1x, 3. Rich Cocoa off 1x, and for step 4, I inked the bottom with Rich Cocoa, and the top with Moonlight White Brilliance.

That Moonlight White really makes the top look like whipped cream!!

The cookies were stamped like this; 1. Desert Sand, 2. Rich Cocoa off 1x, and 3. Moonlight White off 1x so they would look frosted.

The peppermint stick; 1. Moonlight White Brilliance, 2. Rhubarb Stalk, 3. Ladybug Red.

The background is from the "Once Upon A Time" DCWV stack.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Five Question Friday!! - October 29, 2010

2010-10-29T22:21:00.002-05:00

1. If you could be a fly on any wall, which would you choose?

I'd LOVE to be a fly on the wall of - not any one place specifically, BUT I'd like to be there when some people make weird decisions so I could hear what they were thinking... and how they justify their craziness. :)

2. Do you budget your Christmas shopping or just get it done without budgeting?

I try not to budget, but in the past 2 years have made many Christmas gifts for family, so I guess that is a form of budgeting. Special people always are given a little extra without regards to money, but as per their requests/wants/needs.

3. What is the craziest fad diet you have ever done?

It had to be the grapefruit diet. I didn't like grapefruit as a kid, but discovered the Ruby Reds as an adult, and took advantage. It didn't work, of course... anyone who knows me can tell I'm not a dieter!

4. Is there a TV show that you have seen every episode/season of?

M*A*S*H - I've been CRAZY for that show... oh, seems like FOREVER!!! Gotta LOVE Alan Alda as Hawkeye. At the beginning of the show, with just a few words and the opening shot, I can tell you a synopsis of the episode. I use a lot of the lines from the show in daily life, AND when the boxed set came out on DVD, I was surprised to find 1 episode I never saw. My husband couldn't believe I know the show so well, but after 8 years, he just asks... "What's this one about?" :)

5. What one song always pulls at your heart?

Lady in Red from Chris DeBurgh - for very special personal reasons from college! :)

Your comments are always appreciated!
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ *~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Five Question Friday!! - October 22 (on the 23rd)

2010-10-23T22:02:00.002-05:00

1. Who is the better cook, you or your spouse?
I am DEFINITELY a better cook than my husband! If he cooked, we'd have noodles, hot dogs, and frozen food!

2. How often do you talk to your mom?
I talk to Mom quite often... some times it's 3 - 4 times a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. It depends what's going on, or if something exciting has happened that I just need to share with her.

3. Are you adventurous in the kitchen or stick to the recipe?
I always stick to the recipe the first time I make something, and then I deviate using more of what we/I like, and fiddle with amounts. At school this past week they served something I'm trying tomorrow with no recipe. We'll see how it turns out! I'm sure it will be good!!

4. Is your second toe longer than your big toe?
Yes - just by a little bit!

5. Do you dress up for Halloween? (Bonus question: What will you be this year?)
I wish that when I dressed up for Halloween they had such great costumes as they do now! I suffered from lack of imagination as a kid... and ended up as a ghost every year. :( Not very imaginative, but we still got candy! Now I enjoy watching all the kids dressed up.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Kitchen Sink Crew Challenge #28 - Part 2 Matchboxes

2010-10-22T22:51:00.003-05:00

I bought the matchbox die this past month, and finally had time to play with it today while I'm enjoying our vacation time.

I used the 3 step Pumpkin stamp set and dimensionals to help the pumpkin vine trail down the side of the matchbox stack. I got my new Memento inks today in the mail, Thanks, Maria, and I had to play!!

Here's a better view of the top of the matchboxes. I used Cantaloupe, Tangelo, and Tangerine SU ink to stamp the pumpkin, and 3 colors of the Memento ink to stamp the vine: Pear Tart, Bamboo Leaves, and Cottage Ivy for the tendrils. I really love that sparkly pumpkin cardstock from DCWV, and had a few 'scraps' to use. This project was perfect! I think I'll add a few pumpkins popped to the base.

Here again is a better view of the top pumpkin and vine trailing over the edge. It really is cute! I think I'm going to send this one to my Mom. She'll LOVE it!!

Your comments are always appreciated!
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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Kitchen Sink Crew Challenge #28

2010-10-21T19:19:00.004-05:00

I'm entering this card into the KS Crew Challenge this time. Makiko's Trick or Treat Challenge sounded like way too much fun, and I LOVE using my new pumpkin stamp set!!

At the Houston workshop, Makiko provided us with cardstock that was already 'colored' around the edges. I wouldn't call it distressed since this looks much more refined, and I like the style very much.

Connie, one of the other KS Crew members told us how she made her very, very pretty bows! I've been playing around with those since we got back, and found a way to make them, too!

Here is the inside view of the card.

I used lots of inks since the pumpkins are some lighter, and some darker - as you know, no pumpkin is ever identically colored!!

One trick I did discover - when stamping the faces, I used a double stamping of More Mustard to get the background 'yellow', and then the black face on top. It really gave the look of depth.

I used some of my DCWV paper for the sparkly pumpkin background and used the Pumpkin Harvest embossing folder on the other side.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.