Creative Expressions by Stephanie

~Pretty cards~

2007-07-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

Yup, more RAKS. Am I feeling loved yet...yup :D The top card was created by Melissa W. I really like how this one turned out. Love the color combo too! Thanks Melissa!!!

Below is a RAK from Nancy Y. She must have used the spritzer for the background which looks really good close up. Such nice spring colors, perfect for this warm weather. Thanks Nancy!!!

~more RAKS~

2007-07-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

This adorable lady bug card was sent to me for my birthday from Becky G. Thank you!!! I love all the details she put into this. Not sure if you can see too easily but there is paper piercing and the little lady bugs are embossed. It is just too cute!

Below is a birthday card from Joy B. I really like the simple yet elegant look. Thanks Joy!!!

~RAKs~

2007-07-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

I got this cute Birthday RAK from Nancy over at Nancy's Creative Mess. What a nice surprise! Thank you Nancy!!! I really like this stamp set but have a hard time finding new ideas for it so welcome this card with open arms.

This card was a birthday card from Michelle V. This is my first sample of pick a petal & I love it!!! I thought it was sooo neat how she used the petal to make leaves.

~Birthday gifts~

2007-07-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

I got these gifts from my hubby and children. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the picture for my new living room! I also like the scrapbooking cart & hand made paper pkg. Not shown is a clip on light for my lap top. I also got a neato wood buring/scrapbooking kit from my momma with a gift card and a gift card, sandals and top from my sweet MIL. Oh and a top from my Gramma (my MIL's mom). I still have gifts coming...gotta love stretching that birthday!!! I have lots of cards to share too:)

As for our oldest daughter...looks like she will be having surgery Aug 1st. She is happy and sad about it. She is dying to get back out there and play basketball so wants her knee fixed but doesn't look forward to the surgery/pain/recovery (not like I would either). Of course she will be well looked after.

~Thank you RAK~

2007-07-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

I bought a stamp set from Karen and with it not only did she send this beautiful card but a set of 4 similar cards and envies as a gift...how sweet!!! I love how she stamped the mulberry paper, I have never thought to do that before. Thanks again...it was a very kind surprise to add with my pkg!

~Neat idea from Canada Day~

2007-07-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

Many of us are parents and I thought this was the neatest idea for entertaining kids...perhaps at a birthday party, family gathering or just for fun. You see her digging in the sand...well there was a person near by who kept sneaking in these HUGE floppy coins by where she was digging. Well when she found one she would run up to this table and trade it for a prize. The prizes were just tiny party favor type prizes but she thought it was the COOLEST thing ever and was hooked on staying.

~The Celebration Give Away Winner is...~

2007-07-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

I used Random.Org to draw a name...

Quilt Nut said...
happy early birthday Stephanie! hope you have a fantastic day :D
Thursday, 05 July, 2007

So Email me with how you would like it...plain, natural glazed or chocolate stained

Based on the response I decided this would be a good give away to repeat. So watch for it every so often;)

As for my birthday is was great!!! My mail box was flooded with tons of crafty cards and I was spoiled all weekend. You see in all my upcoming posts.

~Celebration give away~

2007-07-04T21:19:00.000-07:00

July 7th is my birthday and I really have been lacking in posting due to yr end stuff and just how busy summer gets (yes, I will be posting more regular soon) so my origional intention was to post some candy when I hit 20k but now I am passed that so we'll call it a b-day celebration!

The give away is for the custom built shadow box style ribbon holder that my dear hubby makes (pictured below) (ribbon not included).

To see details of size look down the side toward the bottom. To enter...just leave a comment and check back Sunday to see if you won;) You can post it on your blog too (if you want)...the more comments the merrier plus it will help me decide to repeat this give away or not when I hit another mile stone.

Ohhh and I just discovered that Allison shares my same b-day so if you haven't gone over to wish her a happy birthday make sure you do so by the 7th...she has a blog give away going on too.

~New Look~

2007-06-22T22:51:00.000-07:00

Ohhh My Gosh...I am soooo excited!!!

Are you checking out all the diff ways you can set this up...I am sooooo lovin' it!!!!

Okay first...yes, I haven't been blogging much...sorry & I promise I will make it up & you will be very happy;)

Sooooooo my exciting news...my new living room!!! We got a very versatile sectional chair and ottoman, do you see you all the neat ways to do it...so far we have a new look every day (lol). Our old sofa was in need of replacing and we really weren't getting far as me and my hubby have 2 diff tastes but we both REALLY like this :D

Some days I felt I would be 80 before seeing a new sofa then voila :)

I will show something crafty soon promise;)

Ohhhhh, I also have to give a little credit to my sweet friend who said mirco fiber was awesome...I REALLY wanted leather and he REALLY didn't and without Janet's expressing how much she liked micro fiber I may not have warmed up to the idea so much. Thanks Janet!!!! She also has another fab ribbon share going on...so go check her out click here.

~Father's day~

2007-06-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

Okay so I still have one card to add. Our oldest made the top card and let the youngest help her with the wrap paper. Our youngest is sooooo into glitter right now...it's cute. The younger two used Marie's tutorial for the shirt folding (a few posts back). We went sofa shopping this weekend and should have a new one by Thurs...I'll take pics and share;) I WILL get into my stamp area soon so I'll have some artsy stuff to share soon. ohh and some super yummy blog candy coming too;)

~Have you ever suffered from travel sickness~

2007-06-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

Okay so first...sorry for the lack of posts. Things are sooo crazy here! My oldest has all her huge yr end projects due, final exams coming up and to ice the cake has seriously injured her knee (we have an emergency apt with a surgeon this week). Our middle daughter is busy busy with field trips and last min projects too. Then our youngest has had specialist apt (for her walking...or lack of walking properly), the activeness of a 3 yr old and she has had a fever and been sick the past bit.

Sooooo, that brings me to this post. I suffer HUGE from motion sickness until 3yrs ago :D I can now navigate, read, help the kids...it is awesome!! So, today when we were driving to our daughter's appointment (it was over an hour drive) I was thinking that I should share my findings with you all.

It's called transderm, it is a small patch that fits behind your ear...can last for 3 days. They are a bit pricey, I pay about $6. CAD for one (they come in a pkg of 2). I don't know about you but if you are that sick you'd pay anything to feel better at that point (so way nice to not go there at all). I love these patches (unfortunately kids can't use them), I keep one extra on hand and only use it for longer drives, it doesn't cause drowsiness...it is soooo amazing! They keep it behind the pharmacy area and it is in a tiny yellow box. Here is a link to tell you a bit more.

I hope this helps at least one of you!

~Neato Masculine card idea~

2007-06-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

Okay so this does not come from me, but it is sooo way cool I have to share! If you go to Marie's blog she has this supa cool easy...supa easy tutorial on how to fold a shirt...a paper shirt! So click here, check it out, check out her other stuff & give it a whirl. You will be soooo surprised by just how easy it is. It looks way cool with pattern paper!!!

Thanks Marie!!!

~work in progress~

2007-06-09T16:43:00.001-07:00

This is the begining of my DVD tin acordian book. I am using a simply scrappin' kit from SU. This one will feature all the grandparents and great grandparents for our girls. I am still searching for photos and have to get some printed off so it may be a week or so before you see the finished project! Not sure if I am stamping or not tonight...my wonderful husband is taking me out on a date :D

~Looking for~

2007-06-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

I am looking for SU's stamp set called Netherlands. If you have this set & are willing to part with it or know someone who has it please Email me.

Thank you!!!!

~More candle fun~

2007-06-07T20:37:00.000-07:00

All products SU except the nice smelling candle and the ribbon (which was from Michaels). I am really enjoying how easy is is to jazz up a candle. Unlike the other candle, I made this one more like a sleeve...so when I want to burn it I can slide it off to put it on another ;)

~Gel Card~

2007-06-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

This is the card I decided to do for club night by request. First thing I thought was for sure I was using Fishy Friends...secondly I thought I knew I had seen this tutorial before somewhere. Yup it was SplitCoast and Beate had done up a cute and easy one using the same set...lucky me! Here is the link to scs for her fab tutorial and so you know who to give the credit to here is a link to her blog...she's pretty amazing, go check her out.

Thanks Beate!!! We all had fun making this card!!!

~making my day~

2007-06-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

For what ever reason I felt like I had a super long day. Then I went to the mail box & SURPRISE I got this RAK from my DIVA girlfriend Yvette. I was in love with this card when I saw it on her blog and how very sweet of her to send it to me before her travels. Click here to go visit her blog. So now that my day was lookin' up I happily thought about the yummy trout we were going to have for dinner & guess what...that was a treat from my friend Stefanie. How sweet hey. It cooked up soooo nice on our BBQ and the kids devoured it, yup none left (good thing I dished mine up first).

So a HUGE thank you to both of you!!!

I can't give you the link to Stef's blog as she doesn't have one yet (*hint*hint*).

~CASED Candle~

2007-06-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

Does this look familiar??? It should...if you flip to page 112 in your SU catty you will see the same candle! Well okay my candle is a little taller and lighter but otherwise identical. Very rarely do I CASE something exactly but I really liked this look & only had about 20 mins to play. I somehow found myself booking a candle party (Thanks Nicki!) so decided to let this one go as part of a door prize (yes mom you could possibly get this pretty candle). My party isn't until June 25th. Would you believe this will be my first home party! I had my club tonight and we did a gel card...will share that tomorrow (I still need to take a picture).

~Early driving lessons~

2007-06-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

We were invited out by friends to join them on a 3hr harbour tour. It was a good time, there were 10 of us...well 11 including the Captian. Our middle daughter stuck by him asking every question possible about driving a yacht then about an hour in he asked if she wanted to drive. Her eyes just lit up!!! She was soooo excited, it was cute! Thankfully he stayed quite close (not sure how much I'd trust a 9 yr old to drive). We saw 3 big cruise ships close up & just a beautiful view of the harbour. It made for a very nice evening out. Considering there were 6 kids total it was really quite relaxing too. Below is a pic just showing how close we really were to the big ships (and let me tell you they create some super sized waves). This was a tour based out of Granville Island, BC.

*I am almost finished decorating a candle...will post it Monday.

~Love this set~

2007-05-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

I really like this set (Lovely as a tree, SU). It is so versitile and can be used for so many diff style of cards. This is not the best photo. I was actually going to show a shaker card as well but that one really needs to be retaken so it is coming soon. This card and the shaker card was made when me & my friend Stefanie got together for a night of stamping. We both did 10 of each card and swapped 5 of each. We probly could have got a lot more done but we were having fun & being more chatty than being serious stampers;) I used watercolor wonder crayons for the tree. Sorry for the lack of posts lately...things have been so super busy around here.

~Look what I came across...~

2007-05-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

BRAND NAME SCRAPBOOKING AND CARDMAKING ITEMS FOR SALE!

Janet has a huge load of assorted brand new card making and scrapbooking supplies including: stamps, prima flowers, and many other items from suppliers such as Making Memories, Karen Foster (snap alphabet stamps and various other items ), Bo Bunny, K&CO, Queen & Co, Doodlebug, Maya Road to name a few. Please email her at stampsnspice@shaw.ca for a list. the prices are below retail and she can ship out. Click here to go to her blog...she has photos of some of the products.

She has some very nice stuff and awesome prices!!! I have been very happy with everything I have got to date! So go check it out while she still has stock ;)

~Masculine card~

2007-05-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

I have no clue why...well maybe because I have 3 girls but I really struggle with masculine cards. I made this card for my step-dad. I made matching wrapping paper too. Similar style to the gift a few posts back but diff colors. This card took a bit to make, more so cuz I struggled with what I was going to do. I am really happy with the color combo. I am aslo becoming a huge fan of basic grey!!! Hehehe, not to metion hodge podge hardware;)

~Rak from Yosha~

2007-05-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

I got this lovely RAK from Yosha. Isn't it sooo pretty! Thank you Yosha!!! She is having blog candy right now. So go on over, check her blog out & enter for some yummy candy! Click here to go to her blog.

~Gina is offering Blog Candy~

2007-05-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

Click here to go enter!

~liking the new designer paper from SU~

2007-05-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

I made this card for my dear sweet Baba's birthday. She is my dad's mom and for what ever reason as I was making her card I found myself reflecting back. I haven't seen her in around 9yrs...way too long! I was just thinking back to when us as kids would go to her house and she would always feed us way to much food (so I sent some cookies I made for her too), then she would tuck a $5. bill in my hand like it was a $100 bill. She had a way of making me feel so special. Now why did I put Baba on her card...well when she lived in her house I used to address the card to Baba instead of her first name, she would always happily tell me how the mail lady said there was a letter for "baba" and she knew instantly who it was from. It makes me so happy to that just putting "baba" on the front made her day! Okay enough with the sappiness. I used the oval punch (SU) to make the big flower, & my Cricut for the name (I used the designer series SU 6x6 pkg to make them).

~Lovin' my Cricut~

2007-05-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

Okay so last night was a wash for re-organizing my craft area, I finished adding the rest of my ribbon and then sat on the couch with my hubby and got caught up in the show he was watching so I never made it back to my stamp area. I had a birthday party to take our youngest to at noon today, so at 11:30am (yes I sleep in on weekends) I quickly made this card. I made the Y with my Cricut...I love my cricut...esp for the alphabet! I did some heat embossing with clear to give the words and monogram some shine. I am glad this card came together so quick...lucky too or I would have been late!

~Whoohoo ribbon~

2007-05-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

I am still in the re-organizing process but stopped to post this. My darling hubby made me a double ribbon holder. I still have some ribbon to add from the swap Janet did. Plus some fiber type spools. This is a mix from the dollar store, swaps, Costco, Michaels, Stampin' Up! and gifts. The big question...do I need anymore ribbon??? The answer is YES of course. By the time I am done I will still have about 2 empty rods (hehehe that would be lonely *wink *wink*). My goal is to tidy my stamp area a bit tonight....I have a 8" space to create in, everything seems to be out and not put where it belongs. Have a super night!

~Matching gift wrap and card~

2007-05-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

I made this for my friend's daughter who just turned 4. I really like this set...am a little sad to see it go and won't be parting with mine;) I really enjoy making matching cards and wrapping paper when I can. It's a little had to see on the post but the card has a ton of dazzling diamonds added to it...what little girl doesn't like sparkles! Have a super weekend!

~One day left...and some exciting stuff~

2007-05-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

Linda is offering Blog candy but hurry there is only one day left Click here.

Cindy is having a SU Stamping Party Click here for details if you live in BC and may want to go.

Janet got an awesome deal on a ton of craft stuff Click here find out more and see the beautiful Mother's day gift she made.

These are some exciting events and opportunities so make sure you don't miss out!!!

~Look familiar~

2007-05-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

I finally used that set I got from my consistancy counts!!! Bad huh, ohhh well. I really do like this set... and love my chocolate ribbon from Janet. I made 10 of these cards for RAKs and b-day clubs I belong too. I hope everyone enjoyed the card I created for my stamping friends!!!

~So my daughter snuck in my stamp room...~

2007-05-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

...and this is what she did. Thankfully it was my oldest daughter and she is pretty good in that she can take it & put it back before I even notice. She knows browns & pinks are my fav (lol, at least right now). I must say I was a wee bit impressed as sometimes I am one to make suggestions to how she does her stamping. So what's inside the pkg's... Some funky bamboo style place mats, pretty flower candles and a decorative bowl to put the candles in. Ohhh, and she started an awesome picture for me, I'll share when it's done;) My middle daughter also made a pretty cool pic that I will share too.

~pool #2~

2007-05-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

Yup, we had to get a new pool. Sadly we went to put up our old pool this yr (we've had it for 4 yrs) and it had a crack down the side. Soooooo off shopping we went and this is our new pool. It is actually the same size (18ft round) a bit different style...now to fill it & heat it (no one likes a cold pool, right *wink *wink).

~Note cards~

2007-05-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

I made these note cards for my sister's darling children. The animal one is for a 15yr old boy, the middle one a 11yr old girl and the butterfly one a 7 yr old girl. I hope they like them!!! I couldn't believe how quickly they came together. Hope you had a super weekend!

~Club night card~Happy Mother's Day~

2007-05-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

We made this card for club night using emboss resist on color cs. It was a fun card to make and I have such an awesome group of ladies for my club. I must say I really enjoy those nights!!!
Thanks to you all!!!
*hugs*

Also....

Wanted to wish all the mom's out there a wonderful Mother's day!!!!

~Bella time winner is...~

2007-05-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

This is the banner I made for Linda. Hmmmm, looks much better on her blog. Click here if you want to see. I want to thank you all for helping make her birthday so special. I got 2 winners though Random.org and they are...

Angel said...
You're such a sweet friend! I'll wish her a great b-day now!

and...

GinaP said...
Hey Steph! I am so glad you posted this - I didn't check Divas to see it was her birthday! I also learned through this that you make banners?! Girl, you better email me - I NEED ONE!! :)Thanks for posting the birthday thing - I hope Linda's surprised!Hugs!

Sooooo, I need snail mail addy's so I can mail your bella images out. (yes Gina, I'll Email ya).

~Fairy amazing and bella time give away~

2007-05-09T21:24:00.000-07:00

I made this fairy amazing bella card for my sister's oldest daughter. She loves fairies and I thought this Blush basic Grey paper screamed her! I also used my versa marker to add bling to all the flowers adding iredesence ice embossing powder. I also added it too her hair flower and flowers on her dress. I had fun making this card & hope she likes it as much as I enjoyed making it for her!!!!!!

Today is my DIVA girlfriend Linda's Birthday. Happy Birthday Linda!!! You should pop on over to her blog and wish her a happy birthday click here. She also is quite creative offers a lot to check out and a sneak peek of upcoming stuff for the July catty. So in to help celebrate her birthday I am doing another round of bella image give aways. Hmmmm, maybe I should RAK her a banner. Linda, if you would like a banner I will make you one as your Birthday gift.

**To enter you just leave a comment her, then click her link have a quick browse and wish her a happy birthday. I want to flood her in box with birthday wishes for every 25 comments I will choose a winner. The winner(s) will get 6 inked bella images (diff ones from the last round) and a card from me.

Have a awesome day!!!

ETA: I will draw the name(s) at 1pm PST time Friday May 11th.

~Birthday card for a friend~

2007-05-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

I made this card for my friend Cindy's birthday. All is SU except the pattern paper which is Basic Grey (Stella Ruby if memory serves me correctly). I used old olive cs & sponged the background to age it a bit.

~Another Mother's day card~

2007-05-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

I so-oo-oo love the Tulip SU set. Of course I love Tulips so that probly helped in that department. This is a simple basic card but I did use the frayed ribbon tech again it is soooo supa easy & give a whimsical look to your project. Mother's day card #3 still coming;)

~Dazzling Chipboard~

2007-05-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

I made this card for my niece Tia. She is turning 7 soon. I had fun creating this card, although it was time consuming. I did the frayed ribbon technique for the first time. I really like this effect. Wanna know what else I am likin' ...jazz'n up the chipboard. I used craft ink to ink up my SU chipboard and then used iredescent ice emboss powder. After I added my prima flower I decided I needed something for the center so I used an SU clear button to do the same technique. Ohhh, almost forgot I used a silver flower brad and jazzed it up too so it matched. Now it is on it's way to to her in London, England.

~Digi Scrappin'~

2007-05-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

My digi scrappin' aunt made this for me. She makes some pages here and there for us. This time she made one of each of the girls. I took our youngest to a kinder sized carnival & the lady who painted faces was amazing! Speaking of amazing my aunt also does all her own family pics in digi scrappin' and makes some pretty phenominal pages that would blow your mind to see!!! She is trying to teach me (being the wonderful aunt she is) my only problem is trying to find the time to play around and get the hang of it.

Thanks Auntie!!!

~Happy Bithday Cindy!!!~

2007-05-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

Cindy is celebrating her birthday today so if anyone want to send wishes along her way click here.

~Our Daughter made this!!!~

2007-05-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

Our oldest daughter not only free sketched this but water colored it!!! This was her favorite spot when we went to Hawaii. The Lagoon was crystal clear and so beautiful. She began this at school and brought it home to finish...it didn't even finish drying when I snapped the picture. I am absolutely blown away, she is flourishing in her artistic side so much. I just had to share. Once the school is done with it we are getting it custom framed & putting it up in our house. I am now thinking I may just have to get her to make us some more art for our house!

~it's here, it's here!!!~

2007-05-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

Stampin' Up! has released the retired list of stamps for the current catty. They will be gone forever after June 30th, 2007!!!

Click here to see the list by page number or click here for the list by stamp set name

You don't want to see the list of sets I still want...lol, better yet my husband doesn't!

Click here for the May Palette O' prints Special and here for the paper swatches.

I really like the new paper coming out.

Lots of excitement for May & June!!!

~One of Three Mother's Day Cards~

2007-04-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

This is the first of three Mother's day cards I am making. I used the polished acetate technique for this one. LOVING my new ribbon...Thanks Janet!!!

I can post my Mother's Day card as all three check my blog and my momma's (my mom, hubby's mom & a special someone who is just like a mom to me) can have fun guessing which one is for them.

~Chocolate Chiffon Cake~

2007-04-29T21:35:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Chiffon Cake

2 1/4 cups flour
1 3/4 cups white sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup crisco oil
7 egg yolks
3/4 cup cold water
2 tsp vanilla
Beat above until smooth
*** Beat the 7 egg whites in a seperate bowl add 1/2 tsp cream of tarter & beat until peaks hold firm
Fold in beaten egg whites into the egg yolk bowl in small amounts. Add 3 squares of grated unsweetened chocolate (use smallest grate setting) (Fold in-Do not beat)
Bake @ 325 deg in a tube pan (don't grease) for one hour, when baked turn upside down over a bottle ~ leave hanging till cool.

Icing

4 Tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
Cook the above in a pot on stove top until thick, then cool
1/2 cup hard margarine
1/2 cup crisco
(beat both for 4 mins)
add
1 cup of icing sugar
beat until well blended
add flour mixture and beat again
add
2 tsp vanilla & food coloring
Beat until fluffy & Ice your cake
(this is not an overly sweet icing & works very well with the Chiffon Cake)

I got this yummy recipe from my wonderful Mother-in-law Pat...Thanks Mom!!!

So now I am passing this amazing recipe on to you, enjoy!!!!

~The winners are...~

2007-04-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

Yosha said...
YES!!! Finally found the contest while it's running!!! I usually come by a day after it's closed!!! Thanks for being so generous with the images!!!

Cheers Yosha

and...

Lisa said...
YEAH.... Bella Bella bo Bella... banana fana fo fella.. me my mo mana ... BELLA.. Oh Do I need bella's I only have a few and don't have many of the ones you do.. I'll sing again if you pick me... LOL

Plus... (this one was not a random pick...but from my fan mail ( so I guess the secret is sweet emails *wink*wink*)

Anonymous said...
Oh Boy!!!- It's Bella time again!!! Yipppeee-Pick me-Pick ME!!!! Thanks for having such a fun blog!! Hugs Kay Mespelt

Soooo ladies I need your snail mail so I can get them off to you!

~Bella~Time~Give~Away~

2007-04-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!!!! I know it's kind of a late post but just leave a comment & I will pick 2 people using random.org. Each of those 2 people will get 6 bella images inked on cardstock for them to create their own bella cards and maybe help them decide which bellas they would like. I will draw a name Saturday at 8pm PST.

~Birthday Tri-fold card~

2007-04-26T20:48:00.000-07:00

This is the card I made for my hubby's birthday. He had fun trying to figure out how to open his tri-fold card. I am so-oo-oo LOVING my Basic Grey pattern paper that my dear sweet friend Janet got me. Thanks Janet!!! I can't wait to try some of the others. This one is from Stella Ruby.

~little love note~

2007-04-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

I made this little note card for my hubby and tucked it in his travel bag to surprise him while he is away. It is his Birthday today (yes I still have to make his card) but we will celebrate Friday as he will come home late Thurs.

Supplies used: true thyme note card, a textured stitched scrap from my wonderful sister Jade, cranberry crisp stitched ribbon, Kanji SU stamp, cran crisp classic ink pad, true thyme classic ink pad, ticket punch SU, sponge, paper trimmer.

~I have been tagged~

2007-04-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of our youngest feeding my girlfriend's horse.

Well seems a few people have tagged me in the past few days I guess there is no running...So 7 things about me....

**Wonder Woman was my idol (I even had the costume when I was a kid, I still have a fridge magnet of her )
**I despise cigarette smoke and don't like being in the company while people are smoking (sorry to offend anyone, my mom smokes and some of my friends but it is something I just can't stand being around)
**I never dreamed I could be so happy (I really can't complain (okay yes there are always little things that would be nice to have or change) but looking at the big picture, we have 3 fairly healthy children and I have a such a phenomenal relationship with my husband that just makes me feel so fortunate).
**I love horses...they are so-oo-oo beautiful
**I love doing little things to "make" someone's day (It just makes me feel so good knowing I added a smile to someone's day)
**I used to overhaul and repair aircraft engines (yes you could have flown on something I have fixed, lol... yes it is still okay to fly;)
**I love African art...(I have a ton of it & always want more)

As for who I would tag...I really have so many favs and most of them have been tagged already. But what I would really like is for everyone that comments to tell me one thing about you. I would really enjoy getting to know you all a bit better. Thanks!

~A RAK from my sister~

2007-04-23T20:11:00.000-07:00

Isn't this such a pretty card. I really like how my sister used the SU spring punch for the scattered flowers. She had made this card for Easter and then left for a trip to India and had forgot to post it....so-oo-oo it is a belated Easter card. One thing I noticed was she just used small bits of ribbon on the sides instead of a full strip. Good thinkin'. She also embossed the basket. It was a very nice surprise in my mail box!

Thank you Jade!!!
(wish you lived closer so we could stamp together)

~The bella image winner is...~

2007-04-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

stampin_melissa said...
Super cute card! As for the Bellas. . . . . *waving hand wildly in the air* ohh, me! Pick me! ;)
Friday, 20 April, 2007

So Melissa if you could please send me your snail mail I will get your bellas on the way!

***Hope you all had a super weekend, keep watching for regular bella image give aways!

ETA: So sorry I completely forgot that I was picking 2 winners so the second one is....

Steph said...
Ohhh.....another chance at Bellas. I'm so excited. Thanks for sharing the card you made too. I can't wait to make some bella cards sometime!

Plus ...

Lisa C. ~Stampin in Southern Maryland ~was the ever so sweet one to let me know, so I will also RAK her.

So now I need your snail mail address ladies, Thanks!

~Last animal print frame~

2007-04-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

This is the last animal print frame we did. Still haven't quite figured out what we are putting in the center but hopefully when that part is all done and they are up on her wall I will take one last pic of them together.

***Don't forget the birthday bella give away in my post below!

~Birthday Bella~

2007-04-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

I made this Bella card for my girlfriends daughter. The ribbon is from Michaels, Bella from stamping Bella. Otherwise pretty standard if you have any questions I will be happy to answer.

***Happy Friday to help make your weekend I will choose 2 random people who will get 6 bella inked images.

So leave a comment, I will announce who gets the bella images by 8pm PST Sunday.

Don't forget to check out Janets Variety Share below.

~Variety Share~

2007-04-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

Janet from Seasoned Stamper is proposing a new share. It is for the Prima Chip board letter sets...CUTE! CUTE! CUTE! Plus a Big Box of Blooms share..., Isabelle's secret share, Essentials 2 share are beautiful large flowers.... gorgeous! Lastly, will be the accents share. these are the tins with all the little bits and pieces. there are over 175 items in each tin including brads, rhinestones, buttons, flowers and ricrac. She will allow you to choose on a first come first serve basis... and really you cannot go wrong.

So...hop on over there and go check out all her fab photos of it all along with the details! Click here.

~Yvette's Banner Birthday RAK~

2007-04-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

This is the banner I created for my Diva friend Yvette's birthday. I had fun making it. Yvette made it so-oo-oo easy to create.

She is sharing her creations plus the other crafted gifts she got. Click here to go check it all out.

~RAK from Rhonda~

2007-04-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

I got this beautiful blogger RAK (Random Act of Kindness) from Rhonda aka Quilt Nut Creations. When you have a chance go check her blog out. She does such a variety of crafting including some very beautiful quilts!

Thank you Rhonda...I LOVE getting mail like that!!!

~Zebra Frame~

2007-04-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

After this we have one more animal print frame to do. I have a cute birthday bella card in progress may be able to post it later today if not first thing tomorrow.

Have a super day! The sun is shining and we are off to the Horse Rescue for a field trip.

~double tiger frames~

2007-04-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

We bought these frames at the dollar store and the scrapbook paper at our local craft store. Black paint for the edges and mod podge to adhere and seal the paper. My oldest daughter pretty much made these 2 frames herself. She is getting so excited about making her room accessories herself for a unique looking room!

~our new playground~

2007-04-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

Okay this was not built easily...we had so many problems missing parts, nothing labeled est. We were so happy once it was done...and so were the kids. This playground was a Spring gift for the girls from my dad. Me and my youngest picked up sand today for the sand box part but won't be putting it in till my hubby figures out how we are going to make a lid for it (should be fun...not). We actually don't have too much more work to do on our yard, just to set up the pool and some other small stuff like still needing caps on our Allan Blocks then I think we are pretty much done for this year (thank goodness, it was a ton of work doing all that yard work).

~Happy Birthday Girlfriend!!~

2007-04-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Jana!!! Here is the card I made you last night...it will be on it's way Monday morning. I can't wait to see all your pictures from your birthday get away.

Jana (My Diva girlfriend and blogger buddy) is away in Barcelona for her birthday but is keeping her blog updated so go on over, wish her a happy birthday and check out her creation using her new toys from Pipoos! Click here to go to her blog.

Supplies used:
Textured blk cs (can't recall from where)
Blk classic ink SU
Cosmobella stamp
Watercolor wonder crayons SU
blender pen
dazzling diamonds SU
2 way glue SU
snail adhesive SU
polka dot ribbon Costco
Primas
Gem
Crystal effects SU
Scallop oval (Cindy)
CM oval cutting system
fiskars cutter
blk marker SU
real red cs
cuttled bugged happy birthday (Cindy)
White Craft ink SU

~addition to room~

2007-04-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

Here is our next addition to her room. We are making 3 frames this style with different animal prints. We are debating putting animals in the center. These are taking longer than I thought, by the time I paint the edges, mod podge it, sand it, mod podge it again...it was quite a while. So I only got one done after the corkboard project. She is going to try to do another tonight while I work on Jana's card;)

~Room make over in progress~

2007-04-13T23:14:00.000-07:00

My oldest daughter is changing her room to a jungle type theme. We have been gathering things here and there since Christmas and are getting near done. This is a cork board bought at Wal-Mart and then she got some animal print scrapbook 12x12 sheets of pattern paper. We used mod podge to adhere it to the board and to coat it after. I helped her but she did do a good portion of it. We used less than one full 12x12 sheet...which was surprising as it is a big cork board. Next we are working on 2 tiger print frames plus 3 other animal prints square frames. We are hoping to have it all done by the end of the weekend. I must say I was very impressed how the seems connected without being too obvious. Now I need to get working on Jana's very belated birthday card;)

~Happy Birthday Yvette~

2007-04-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

Yvette my DIVA bud from Yvette's Cyber Spot is celebrating a Birthday today. This is a good time to check out her art work and pass along birthday wishes at the same time;)

Yvette, I hope you have an awesome birthday!!! Your card is on it's way...probly will be a wee bit late. I am RAKing you a banner for your birthday, so you need to email me with some ideas of what you would like or if you would like me to surprise you!

~Did you know~

2007-04-12T18:47:00.000-07:00

Did you know my husband hand crafts these shadow box style ribbon holders? All the information can be found to the side further down.

I love mine and this all started with me admiring others and some left over wood from our crib. So my ribbon holder is actually made from our youngest daughters crib! This one full of ribbon is a picture of Cindy's full of her pretty ribbon. They are also good for storage of wheels & lever punches...neato huh.

So why am I telling you all this...well my wonderful husband has offered to support my blogging milestones by offering a ribbon holder as blog candy, whadda sweetie!!!

I will offer a ribbon holder as blog candy for all my bigger milestones...starting with 50,000. It is my thank you for coming by often & not running away if I didn't post a craft that day...with summer coming and a family of 5 I may not be able to craft as often but will always post something for you too see. It is also his thank you for keeping me happy with all your wonderful and sweet comments!

If you already have one...yes you can still win one (even if you already have 3 *wink* *wink*)

So keep coming by and I will keep giving away ribbon holders for my milstones. This was the biggy I have been hinting about;)

~Quilty Info...by Cindy~

2007-04-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Let's get Quilty: Some Tips to Get Started!
Reported by Cindy Keery

Wouldn't you love to learn to create beautiful quilts that your family will cherish for years to come? I've recently taken up quilting because I have this desire to make something long lasting. I am a stamper at heart and always will be, but cards only last so long. Plus you can't stay warm with a card.Here are a few tips I've learned along the way in my quilting journey. If you're a quilter please feel free to leave a comment on this post with your favourite tip or recommendation. I am by no means a quilting expert, but I definitely have a passion for it!

To keep reading Cindy's fab report click here and head on over to Craft Critique!

~Happy Candy Mail~

2007-04-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

I got this c-u-t-e cow card from Cori along with all these yummy goodies. Now what to create...hmmm. Gotta LOVE mail like this:)

~Craft Critique~

2007-04-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard of Craft Critique yet then you are missing out and will want to click this link to go check it out...CLICK HERE.

There is a Bind-it-All by Zutter Reported by Debbie Olsen

...featured there right now. They constantly feature all different craft products with reviews and samples of it's abilities.

I find it a nice "buyers guide" as well as good for lots of tips and ideas.

Go check it out, you'll be glad you did!

~Faux Chipboard~tip~

2007-04-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

Could it really be that easy...well it is! It is even easier if you have a Cricut or a Cuttlebug! If you don't no worries it may take a wee bit longer but saves you $$ in the end and you can do it with any of your stamps!

Okay so for mine I just cut 4 images of the same size in my Cricut and inked the edges (not needed), you then glue them all together and tada...faux chipboard!

You can also do this with any stamped image and scissors. You stamp the image 4 times then cut out close to the image and glue them all together.

**once done you can emboss, leave as is, mod podge est. you decide, make it your creation!

Have fun I can't wait to see some of what you come up with!!!

~Our Gazebo~

2007-04-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

TaDa!!! Our new gazebo!!! I was so-oo-oo happy we got this new addition to our deck! As you see the houses are fairly close to each other and because we are so high it gives a real fish bowl feeling. Now with our new gazebo it has sun shades aka privacy shades...whoohoo!!! Now if we would like to enjoy being outside without everyone peering in on us we just close a side or two! I am such a happy woman!
~Faux chipboard tip coming soon;)

~Modern Grid with a step up~

2007-04-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

Okay so I think people are getting the impression that I am all about the bling...well as I do love bling it is the doodles that step this card up;) Check a couple of posts down to compare:) It adds that little something extra ;)

Here is a copy of my Tech page as promised :)

Modern Grid

Supplies needed:
Water color pencils or markers
Light colored cardstock
Fine-tipped sharpie
Black permanent ink
Ruler, stamps, pencil

Directions:

*Stamp images randomly on cardstock.

*Using the pencil & ruler, mark lines at one inch intervals along both the horizontal and vertical edges.

*Draw lines from one side of the cardstock to the other side, up to the edges of the images, but not through the images.

*Complete all the lines on the cardstock until grid is complete.*Using markers or water color pencils to color images.

*Color squares in a random pattern~approximately one quarter of the squares. You may finish your project at this point…or continue.

*** Use the sharpie to add doodles randomly to highlight the images and the squares.

Finish card as desired.

~~~~~~I will try to get a picture of our gazebo and a faux chipboard sample and tip up by tomorrow.

~Bella~Winner~is~

2007-04-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

Wife2TJ said...
Great blog candy! I don't own any bella images. My favorite thing about easter is the spiritual part of it. I am definitely going to enjoy going to church tommorow morning with my husband. I love spending it with family, but as everyone lives so far away it will be just me and my dh this year.

Plus I will RAK Blog Hore with some bella images too (6 images)

BlogHore said...
Aside from the chocolate, my favourite thing about Easter is writing the notes (or hints) for my daughter's Easter hunt. In our house (a tradition I carried with me from when I was growing up), the Easter Bunny (EB) leaves a gift and a note in the bedroom. The note will say something like "every night when you have a bath, you are SUPPOSED to throw your dirty clothes here"....and then in the laundry basket there is another note with a clue about where to look next. It takes the entire night but I have so much fun with it.Happy Easter!!!

**So ladies I need your snail mail address.

**** Keep watching for regular bella image give aways & don't forget the biggy coming at 50,000 hits!!!

Hope you all had a Happy Easter!!!

~Modern Grid~

2007-04-07T22:11:00.000-07:00

This was a fun modern card to create. This will be my club night card (almost). I am adding one key thing to step it up a bit...can you guess??? Check back tomorrow and not only will I show it with the step up but will add the typed copy of my technique page for you!

***Don't forget the bella candy draw is Sunday at 7pm PST...scroll two posts down to enter!

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

~More Dirt???~

2007-04-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

Today we had our sod delivered and we were just finishing leveling it all...whoohoo right? WRONG...we soon discovered we needed more top soil...not just a bit 6 more yards!!! Yikes do you know how tired of shoveling & hauling we were by this point...so far we had already done 7 yards of top soil, 3 yards of gravel and 6,000 lbs of Allan blocks...so to haul more dirt was not a delightful thing to hear(I wanted to sneak in and stamp instead). We were however lucky to even find a place open to deliver us more soil and our oldest daughter was an amazing help doing it all. The younger two had a blast playing in the dirt. We put a very full day in today as we started bright and early and finished at 9pm with a break for dinner. The lawn was basically finished by 6pm then in the evening we put up a gazebo. I did no way shape or form craft at all but I am planning a neato modern project for tomorrow to share with you all;)

****bella candy open for 2 more days, scroll down one post to enter!

~ Bella~luscious~time~again~

2007-04-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

Bella time again! More of Bella-luscious...mmmm. We are still supa busy trying to level our back yard before we set up a new play structure and our pool, should be done this weekend...whoohoo!!! So I decided this was a perfect time to offer up some more bella images as promised.

I will send you one of each image stamped on cardstock so you can make some bella cards too! I will RAK you a card along with your inked bella images. Now once you have a chance to play with these cuties you can get them from Stamping Bella, so you can create more.

To enter you just tell me your favorite thing about Easter. Have a fab Easter long weekend!!! ***Watch for regular bella candy and when I get 50,000 hit the biggy;)

~~~I will draw a name this Sunday at 7PM PST time:)

~Doodle Happy card~

2007-04-04T21:03:00.000-07:00

I had fun creating this card too. It is similar to the previous card yet different.

Supplies used:

Polka dots & paisley stamp set SU

Regal rose cs

Regal rose classic ink

sponge

cricut

mini monograms cartridge

Black classic ink

Black cs

polka dot pattern paper (not sure where from)

Snail adhesive

Doodle this stamp

gamsol

prismas

stump

Primas

Gem (aka my bling)

~Happy Bella~

2007-04-03T20:12:00.000-07:00

I had fun creating this card. I am working on a similar card but it is still needing something...maybe tomorrow.

Supplies used:
Polka dots & paisley stamp set SU
Fiber
Really rust cs
Really Rust classic ink
sponge
cricut
mini monograms cartridge
Black classic ink
Black cs
polka dot pattern paper (not sure where from)
Snail adhesive
Sistahoodabella stamp
gamsol
prismas
stump

~Family Fun???~

2007-04-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

Leveling our yard. Okay well not quite sure if the rest of my family would call it family fun but I was so impressed that our oldest daughter was happily helping. The younger two played in the mud most of the time. My middle daughter did help shovel for a bit {which is a lot cuz she is small}. We began this on Saturday, including picking up all our supplies and getting stuff delivered though out the day. Sunday had a bit of down time as it rained heavy all morning and most of Monday was gone to us waking to blankets of snow falling till about 2pm. We are hoping to complete this by the long weekend. So if the crafting is a little low this week you now know why. It is supposed to be sunny and warm today so hopefully I'll get lots done!

~A Patra Creation~

2007-04-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

My 9yr old daughter made this card for a friend with a card kit she got from my mom at Christmas. All my girls LOVE to craft!

~The~Bella~Luscious~Winner~is...~

2007-04-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

Melissa said...
Stephanie-I really like the new banner but I would agree that a solid would probably look best. ~Melissa

plus.....{decided to pick two winners}

Peggy Maier said...
I really like the stripes - different & eyecatching! Plus it's easy on the eyes. Thanks for a chance to win!

So if you could both send me your snail mail I will get those off to you.

**** I would also just love to RAK everyone, but that would be a TON of work so instead I will offer it much more often {maybe even weekly}, this way you all have a excellent chance to win:)

Thank you for all your input....most of you said stripes, so for now I will keep them (Cindy has a BIG smile now...lol).

~Bella~luscious~treat~take~two~

2007-03-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

Bella time again! Do you see all those Bellas...don't they just look Bella-luscious...mmmm. We are supa busy trying to level our back yard before we set up a new play structure and our pool, so I decided this was a perfect time to offer up some more bella images as promised.

I am hoping you noticed the new banner I made, plus the pattern stripes on the side. So-oo-oo if you tell me which one you think would look best~a solid color on the side OR the current stripes??? then you will be entered.

Cindy was ever so kind as to help me give my blog a bit of a face lift, thanks Cindy! (click on her name or on her watermark link off to the side to enter her blog candy too, hurry it ends on the 1st).

I will send you one of each image stamped on cardstock so you can make some bella cards too! I will RAK you a card along with your inked bella images. Now once you have a chance to play with these cuties you can get them from Stamping Bella, so you can create more.

I will draw a name Sunday April 1st at 7pm PST.

~My Cutie pie~

2007-03-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

Okay I just had to share. This is my cutie pie, she NEVER lets me do her hair and a while back I saw these rollers which reminded me of when I was little (ohhh ya, my mom not only put these rollers in my hair but I slept in them all night to have curls in the morning) and I just had to buy them. So she discovered this package the other day and said she wanted them in so she could have curly hair (awwww). Typically if she comes to me asking for a pony tail it is out within moments of putting it in! Not only did she ask for them in but she let her sister do it! When she asked me I was busy making lunch so told her she would have to wait, she was so eagar to have theses in she brought them to her 9yr old sister to put them in and kept them in for 4hrs! Unfortunately her hair was still wet so no curly after picture...maybe another day!

~Bella card for a new found friend~

2007-03-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

I made this bella card for Janet aka Seasoned Stamper. I went to her house to get my primas from the share she was doing. Oddly enough I met her via phone and online when she found me from blogging and ordered 2 chocolate brown ribbon holders. We had been chatting off and on ever since. So seeing as she was only a 45min drive away it was the perfect opportunity to meet. I am happy I did. She is just as sweet in person!

~Sparkle~

2007-03-28T20:03:00.000-07:00

My 3yr old had a play date this morning they were playing so amazingly well that I was able to make this card. I was thinking the entire time how I needed to have this extra little one more often (*wink*wink*).

Supplies used:
Choc chip cs SU
word window punch SU
cosmo bella stamp
sparkle SU stamp
choc chip ink SU
confetti natural cs SU
Sponge SU
Pattern paper (Costco)
Mini Monograms Cricut Cartridge
CM circle cutting system
mini bling
mini primas
2 way glue SU
Dazzling diamonds
snail adhesive
Prismas
Gamsol
Stump

~New straight hair~

2007-03-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

My middle daughter was a wee bit envious about all the time I spend braiding her sister's hair so I happily spent an hour tonight straightening it! She has a ton of hair, way more than her older sister and it is much tighter curls so it is also prone to being frizzy way too often. She is so excited to show her new do off at school tomorrow.

~A Whole Lotta Braids~

2007-03-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

So you could say crafting was on a back burner this past weekend as I spent a ton of time doing a whole lotta braids! This is my oldest...I have been braiding her hair since she was 2yrs old. So I suppose you could say I have a wee bit of practice. This time I didn't keep track but last time I did her hair we counted 243 braids and it took me 12hrs to do (and believe it or not I am quick). Her hair is super long and fairly thick. The nice thing about all this work is she can now leave it in for the next 2 months and just get up and go. I usually do both older girls hair like this in the summer, makes things so much easier for summer time fun!

~Ribbon Share...anyone~```

2007-03-25T21:03:00.000-07:00

Okay isn't this just stunning!!! Janet from Seasoned Stamper is hosting a Ribbon Share for sheer organza ribbon plus sheer polka dot organza ribbon. You can see full details and more pictures on her blog by clicking here.

~Cupcake box~

2007-03-24T23:23:00.000-07:00

Isn't this an adorable cupcake box? I had fun making it and made it fairly quickly. I used pattern card stock for the box (can't recall where from), SU markers to color the cupcake and almost amethest ink on a sponge for the top of the flower. I made the box with my Cricut using boxes bags & tags cartridge and the cupcake using doodle charms cartridge...lovin' my Cricut!!!!

~Bling Candy Winner~

2007-03-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

is.....

InspiredByInk said...
Favorite thing about spring??? Tulips and daffodils! We can FINALLY go out and play in the yard! woo hoo!thanks for sharing.bobbie

So Bobbie Email me your snail mail & I will get your bling off too you!

I used this link to choose a random winner.

*This is something that is inexpensive and hard for a lot of people to find, so when ever I am in the store & they have one in stock I will grab one to share...so if you didn't win, don't worry it will be back!

I enjoyed reading all the Spring comments...I can't wait for the rain to mellow out a bit so the sun can shine!

Have a super weekend!

Happy Mail RAK

2007-03-23T17:47:00.000-07:00

What a super nice way to start my weekend! I got this beautiful card from Rachel Hope at Hope Stamps Eternal. She wrote the sweetest message inside...totally made my day!!!

This is really such a beautiful card, not sure if the picture does it justice...even my husband commented on what a nice card it was!

Thank you so-oo-oo much Rachel for starting my weekend off in such a delightful way!

~Rustic Paisley Frame~

2007-03-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

Ohhh my gosh I just LOVE this paper! I was at the local scrapbook store (they have a ton of pattern paper), and when I saw this I knew it would be perfect for this frame. Not only that but the name of the paper was Rustic Gem Collection-Jade Paisley...my sister's name is Jade & we both love paisley! So how could I go wrong. She recently decided to surprise my girls with 2 DVD movies and a CD so I thought this would make a nice surprise back. Karra is their last name and for the inside I just cut out bits from the pattern paper that was left. I used my Cricut to cut her last name (luv my cricut), after the first coat of mod podge I sanded all the edges then applied the ink to the wood & edges, then put another coat of mod podge. I had a lot of fun making it. Next I am going to make one to go with my oldest daughters room;)

Supplies used:
paper trimmer
paper snips
snail adhesive
sponge
mod podge
paint brush
cranberry crisp classic ink
cranberry crisp card stock
Cranberry crisp stitched ribbon
Always artichoke marker
Cricut (with printing press cartridge)
sandpaper
plain wood frame
Rustic Gem Collection-Jade Paisley pattern paper

The picture really isn't doing it justice:(

***Don't forget Bling Candy is still open for one more day***

~More Bling Candy~

2007-03-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have had such a busy week and just arrived home from dinner at a friends when I checked my blog and saw it is magically at a new milestone of a number...so to celebrate I am giving away more bling!

To enter all you need to do is tell me your favorite thing about Spring!

I will draw a name Friday at 7pm PST time.

***When I hit the 50,000 mark I have a super sweet blog candy in mind that you won't want to miss;)

~Doodle This card~

2007-03-20T20:04:00.000-07:00

For some reason this pic didn't come through too clear, sorry. Everything was SU except the patterned paper (I can't recall where it is from). I am not adding all the details tonight as I am keeping this quick...lots of things to do. However if you have a question I will be more than happy to answer.

~link for Blog Candy~

2007-03-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

Jeanna at Stamp Time Somewhere is celebrating her blogging success with some yummy blog candy!

Click here to go directly to her blog...and good luck!

~Cricut Poster~

2007-03-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

This is another project my daughter had due this past week. She used my CM cutting system to cut all the circles and my cricut to die cut the title (george and printing press). This was a poster about movies in the 60's.

Funny I sometimes wonder what she would do with out all my craft stuff...lol.

for anyone that loves fairies and/or has children

2007-03-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

I just have to share this with everyone as it is just too sweet of a site! My girls...yes all of them have been having a blast creating thier own fairies. They even created homes for them. There are also games and other fun stuff to do. I have to confess I even was playing too...I made 3 fairies (one to resemble each of my girls). Click here to go directly to the Disney Fairy site.

Have fun!

{not sure if there is anything really for little boys as I have 3 girls so we were just playing with the fairies, but you can take a peek and see}

~Apple Banana Cinnamon Bread~

2007-03-17T22:23:00.000-07:00

Apple Banana Cinnamon Bread

Ingredients:

1/2 cup shortening

2 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 bananas, mashed

1 medium apple, grated or diced small

1 pinch of salt

1 pinch of cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 cups flour

***Topping:***

1/2cup brown sugar

3/4 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Blend shortening, eggs, sugars and fruit together. Mix salt, baking powder, baking soda and flour together; add to fruit mixture. Bake 45 min. in greased and floured loaf pan at 350 deg.

*For Topping: Combine brown sugar, nuts, butter and cinnamon together in saucepan. Cook until sugar dissolves. Spread on top of bread and continue to bake 10 to 15 minutes longer. After the first 45 min., and you add the topping and continue to bake, check with a toothpick. It may take a few minutes longer or less. This bread freezes very well.

***I altered this a bit in how I baked it...I put it in a 9x13 pan and it cooked a little quicker so I added the topping sooner as well. It is really yummy and was a good twist to the regular banana bread.

Enjoy!

~Check out this amazing guy stamper~

2007-03-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

His blog name is Stampin' Kub click here for a link to his amazing blog. You will be blown away with the way he presents his artwork. It looks so professional the way it's photographed. I really enjoy his artwork and find it inspirational too! He is already listed in the top 100 stamp sites. So go have a peek, you won't be dissapointed!

~Faux Wood Treasure Chest~

2007-03-15T20:47:00.000-07:00

Okay this gives a new meaning to Faux Wood. This took me and my oldest daughter approx 4 hrs to make. It is much more difficult than it looks. First we started with a shoe box (for size 9 shoes [not a small box]). The hardest part was trying to get the adhesive to stick to the glossy box...grrrr. For adhesive we used double sided sticky tape (LOTS) plus some packing tape to secure parts of the lid. We used really rust SU card stock, then did the faux wood technique on it. I was searching for a tutorial on it as it had been a while since I had see it & I also wanted to show my daughter. Cindy decided to come to my rescue and gave me the link to Gina K's video tutorial. Thanks Cindy! This is actually one of the easiest techniques out there and gives great results. The other part that took quite a bit of time was punching out the brackets (used a Ritz cracker box for that) and getting them to stay in the box with those tiny brads and thick layers of cardboard. I also used black craft ink & clear glossy embossing powder to give the bigger brad a look that would work with the small blk brads.

Supplies used:
Shoe box
Double sided sticky taped and packing tape
Really rust card stock SU 12x12
White craft ink SU
Black craft ink SU
Black classic ink SU
Chocolate chip classic ink SU
Black marker SU
ruler
Black brads SU
Aged copper brad (can't remember from where)
Clear emboss powder SU
Heat gun SU
Hemp Twine Natural SU
Round Tab Punch (from the SU Spring mini...I am loving this!!!)

This was for her Humanities class and she still has to create an aged map and other things you may find inside an aged treasure chest.

So what do you think? I am sure she would love to read some comments on all her hard work!

What really impresses me is that she seems to associate any of her school projects with my stamp stuff and keeps blowing me away with her results!

~More Happy Mail~

2007-03-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

More happy mail...today was a good mail day! Oddly enough this one is from my sister (the one I made the butterfly card for a few posts back). What a c-u-t-e bear card, I have this one too I am sure, I'll have to go dust it off...lol.

My sister is into all types of crafting...sewing, binding (see the little note pad she made, it has our fam pic on it, not the clearest pic but you get the general idea)...back to her talents... silver smithing, stamping, painting, collaging, drawing and writing. This is some jewery she has made me click here.

Thanks Jade, Love ya!!!