Summer Starfruit Hello

On Friday, June 1st, the new Annual Catalog is making its debut.  I wanted to show you a card I designed using one of the new 2012-2014 In Colors.  Five new ones, Gumball Green, Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals, Raspberry Ripple, and Summer Starfruit, are being added; they are absolutely gorgeous and I love them all!  I paired the new Summer Starfruit with the Island Indigo, which is one of the 2012-2013 In Colors.

Stamp Sets:  My Friend, Starburst Wheel; Ink:  Island Indigo, Summer Starfruit; Card Stock:  Summer Starfruit, Island Indigo; Accessories & Tools:  Blossom Punch, Fancy Flower Punch, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, 5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Tempting Turquoise Brights Brad, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

To make the matching ribbon, I used my brayer and applied Summer Starfruit ink to the Whisper White Organza Ribbon.  I apply color to both sides to be sure to cover all the ribbon.  It is a quick way to color your ribbon and a whole lot less messy than dying it.

If you don't have your copy of the new Annual Catalog, let me know.  You can e-mail me and I'll be happy to send one out to you.

Framed Friends

Over the past couple of days I've just been a busy little thing.  I've even spent time with family and enjoyed a fish fry on Monday.  Yum!  I love spending time with my sons and their families but they sure do wear me out.  :-)  A very noisy,  happy bunch are we!

I've been working on more projects for my display at the Crafters' Gift Boutique.  I've had this 'friends' frame for some time but just couldn't decide what to do with it.  Once I learned to make flowers, it wasn't hard to figure out.  I didn't need a lot of embellishment for this frame as it had a nice design to it.

The flowers are made from Soft Suede, Bashful Blue, Very Vanilla card stock and the leaves I used are punched from Lucky Limeade card stock using the retiring 5-Petal Punch.  I sponged the Very Vanilla and the Bashful Blue with just a hint of Night of Navy Classic Ink.  A Lucky Limeade Brad from the Sale-A-Bration Everyday Enchantment set but it no longer available.  The flowers add just that little bit of dimension to the frame.

Flowered Frame

Wow!  I can't believe how much I've gotten done in the last two days.  I learned how to make flowers.  I have two sets of cards done as well as a single card, a set of coasters that are one coat away from being done and I just finished up this pretty picture frame.  All are headed right into the Crafters' Gift Boutique.  It's amazing that I've accomplished so much since I've been spending as much time as I can with my boys.  I've had such a good weekend.

The flowers are made from the 2011-2013 In Colors Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade and Pool Party Card Stock.  I was surprised at how easy they are to make.  I just kept putting off giving them a try.  Silly me!  Now that I mastered the technique, I know I'm going to be making more as well as learning how to make some of the other flowers I've seen.

The new Annual Catalog debuts this Friday, June 1st.  If you'd like a copy, contact me and I'll send you one.  You are going to love all the new product!

In Memory of Lance Corporal Larry Dean Borschel

My oldest brother, Larry, served in the United States Marine Corps for two years.  On December 9, 1965 he was killed in Vietnam.  He was only 20 years old.  I'm so proud he was my brother. 

Here is a beautiful picture of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.  My dream is to some day visit and see his name.

Please remember all those who gave their lives for this country and those who have served and those who are now serving in the military. 

Semper Fi!

Memorial Day Tribute

Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalms 61:1-2

KJV

Memorial Day Tribute

Happy Father's Day

Here is a card I designed using My Digital Studio.  Well Worn Designer Series Paper and the All In the Family Stamp Set, both of which retire as of May 31st.  I'm really going to miss Well Worn.

Stamp Set:  All In the Family; Inks:  Early Espresso, Basic Black; Card Stock:  Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Well Worn Designer Series Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Neutrals Soft Suede Brads, Decorative Label Punch

Now I'm off to play Fishdom H2O with my two grandsons who are visiting today.  Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.

Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!

A friend is taking me out for pizza tonight after a stop at the Crafters' Gift Boutique.  I have been cleaning and organizing my craft area so I really need the break and I'm looking forward to it.  When I get back this evening, I plan to make up a couple of the ideas floating around in my head.  I really think it's time they found their way to paper and ink.

My Digital Studio

Yes, I'm on a roll once again with Stampin' Up!'s® My Digital Studio (MDS).  I really should be designing and making my swap cards for tomorrow night's meeting but I just had to make page two of Nic's graduation.  When I told him I was going to do another page using this photo, he commented that he didn't smile.  I'm not sure what he was doing, but it definitely wasn't a smile.  He is just too cute for his own good!

This marks the end of my use of My Digital Studio for a while.  As I shared yesterday, I have so many other things to get done, that I'm not going to have time to just sit at the computer and play with MDS.  And, to add to all that needs to be done, my oldest son and his youngest son will be here this weekend.  They will be here for the week and I know I'll be spending as much time with them as I can.

June 1st is a big day for Stampin' Up!® with the launch of the new Annual Catalog.  Let me know if you'd like one and I'll be sure it gets into your hands.  You are going to love it!

Nic's Graduation Day

Last Friday my five year old grandson, Nic, graduated from preschool.  He is such a character.  He loves to talk and he tells such great stories.  He loves school and is looking forward to starting Kindergarten this fall.  He is growing way too fast!

With a digital camera and My Digital Studio (MDS), it is so easy to take a picture and design a scrapbook page while the event is still fresh in your mind.  I'm so glad I took advantage of Stampin' Up!'s® 30-Day Free Trial of MDS.  You can, too.  Just visit my online store by clicking the coffee pot at the upper right.

Tonight I'll be working on some new cards.  I've committed to a couple of swaps and there is a new Llama Blog Hop scheduled for next month.  Along with all of that, I plan to be at the Crafters' Gift Boutique on Saturday.  My summer is shaping up to be busy, busy, busy!

My Digital Studio

Three of the most important things in my life are my wonderful and handsome sons.  This picture was taken many years ago, but I just had to show them off in their tuxedos.  With their busy lives, I don't get to spend as much time with them as I would like but I am so thankful that the good Lord allowed me to be their mother.

I used one the of Designer Templates available in My Digital Studio.  I changed the background to River Rock but have yet to learn how to change the colors on the embellishments.  Little by little I'm getting the hang of it.

My oldest son will be home next week and I am so looking forward to seeing him again.  It has been over a year since I last saw him.  If all goes according to plan, he will be bringing his two sons with him.  I can't wait to see them!  I hope to have a new picture of my three together along with bunches of others with my grandsons.  I'm so excited!

My Day of Rest and Worship

His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.

Therefore, I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.  Is not the life more than food and the body than raiment?  Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.  Are ye not much better than they?

Matthew 6:25-26

KJV

For All You Do

Today's is a short post.  I've been battling a headache so haven't wanted to do much.  My Digital Studio makes it easy to design a card when you don't feel like being at the craft table.  Here is today's MDS effort.

Tomorrow is my day off, so I'll see you Monday.

In Colors Bouquet

These are the flowers I made for my display at the Crafters' Gift Boutique.  The little flower pot is not part of the display but the containers I'm using are already at the Boutique.  They are clear crystal that I have embossed.  Since tomorrow is the kickoff of our local Farmer's Market, I'm trying to get as much done today and tonight that I can.  I have to be there at 7 a.m.  Ugh!

Stamp Sets:  Mixed Bunch, Just Believe; Inks:  Gumball Green, Raspberry Ripple, Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit, Primrose Petals; Card Stock:  Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, Island Indigo, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade; Accessories & Tools:  3/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Blossom Punch, 1/8" Lucky Limeade Organdy Ribbon (retired), Pearl Basic Jewels, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Mini Glue Dots

Simple but cute.  I think this is something I'm going to add to my Card Buffet options.  Now I'm out of here to get more projects finished up for tomorrow.

I Need Your Help

I have three stamp sets that were given to me but I don't know the names of the sets.  If anyone can tell me the names, I would greatly appreciate it.

Only Two Weeks Left to Shop the Retired List

There are only two weeks left to get retiring products before they’re gone! Be sure to place your order as soon as you can.  There are hundreds of products that are only available for two more weeks.  And, accessories and Definitely Decorative products are only available while supplies last!  Don't delay.  Click the coffee pot at the upper right and order online today!

Gumball Green Trees for Father's Day

Today was the first chance I've had to get my fingers in the ink of the new In Colors.  I didn't have a lot of time so I kept the card very clean and simple.  But, I wanted to give you a peek at the beautiful new colors that will be available in the new Annual Catalog on June 1st.  I love the new colors and the new Classic Stampin' Pads.

 
Stamp Steps:  Lovely As a Tree, Christmas Lodge, Delightful Dozen; Inks:  Gumball Green, Midnight Muse; Card Stock:  Marina Mist, Naturals White; Accessories & Tools:  Labels Collection Framelits, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Stampin' Dimensionals

Father's Day is not all that far off so I'm getting some cards and gift items made up to take in for my display at the Crafters' Gift Boutique.  Stop in when you're in the neighborhood.

What Is A Workshop, You Ask?

A Stampin' Up!® Workshop is a creative event you host at your home or at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe, where you invite your friends to enjoy an exciting project demonstration provided by a Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator. When you host a Workshop, you'll see new project ideas, learn different techniques, make a project, and have fun with people you enjoy--all while earning free products based on your Workshop's sales.

As a Hostess, you'll choose a date for your Workshop, then invite your friends and family into your home, or over to the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe, to stamp and have fun with you. I will help you make it the perfect event for you and your friends!

You can expect to make beautiful projects like this at your Workshop. You and your guests will find that it's easy to unleash your creativity when you have your own personal creative coach there to guide you. Plus, with new products being introduced frequently, there’s always something new to see and learn about!

Contact me today to schedule your very own creative Workshop.  Whether you host it in your own home or bring it to the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe, you are guaranteed a time of fun and creativity.

Happy Mother's Day

Honor Thy Mother

Another Photo Transfer Canvas

I know I said I'd have some new projects to share with you but I've not taken pictures, yet.  I took a fall yesterday so I've been mostly babying myself while the stiffness and soreness goes away.  In the meantime, here is another of the frozen fog canvases.  It needs its finishing touches but is still a beautiful picture.

I'm Taking The Day Off!

That's right.  I'm having my morning coffee, enjoying the sunshine and waiting for my Stampin' Up!® order to arrive.  I want to play with my new In Colors card stock and new Classic Stampin' Pads.  Tomorrow you'll get to see some of the new things I've been working on.  I know, I've said it before.  :-)  It will happen, eventually.  Have a great day everyone!

My Precious Mom

As promised, here is the picture of the very first Photo Transfer Canvas that I did.  I was invited to participate in a class that a friend of mine was hosting.  It was so much fun and now I can take any photo, transfer it to canvas and embellish it in any way you want.  I actually have several in progress and will share them as they are completed.

While Mom is no longer with us, she is thought of daily and missed so much.  I have many fond memories of all we did together.  I am blessed to have had such a mother.

If you have a photo you would like transferred to a canvas, I would be happy to discuss details with you.  Just e-mail me for information.

A Study in Black and White

Today I'm sharing one of the Photo Transfer Canvas' that I love to make.  This is a photo I took of a tree covered with frozen fog.  The original photo is actually a color photo but I have a love of all things black and white so that's how I had it printed.  I plan to do a transfer of the colored one, eventually.  What I showing you today is the before photo.  I still need to do some embellishing but have yet to decide what I want to add.  I'll be sure to posted the finished work once it's done.

Tomorrow I'll share the very first Photo Transfer Canvas I ever made.  I do take orders for custom made canvases.  If you'd like to know more, please feel free to contact me via the e-mail address listed above.

Daffodil Delight Matchbook Post It Note Holder

Okay, so I haven't got anything new to share with you and I'm back to the matchbooks and it's the last one I will be able to share until I make more.  Relax, I don't have any plans to make more for a while.  I have some new things I'm working on and can't wait to get them done so I can show them off.

Actually, I have been creating but it is with my grandsons.  Zac and Nic were here on Friday and they wanted to make one of the Petite Purses for their teachers.  Nic had already experienced using the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine but Zac, he was amazed when the little was all cut out when he ran it through the Big Shot.  The one thing I didn't do was take a picture of their creations.  They were really cute.  I have yet to hear how their teachers liked them.

Stamp Sets:  Triple Treat Flower, Sincere Salutations; Ink:  Wisteria Wonder; Card Stock:  Daffodil Delight, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Fancy Flower Punch, 5-Petal Punch, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Antique Brad, Jewels Basic Rhinestone

Remember, come May 31st the Triple Treat Flower stamp, Sincere Salutations stamp set and the 5-Petal Punch will no longer be available for purchase.  If you like them, if you want them, click the coffee pot on the upper right and you'll go to my online store.

My Beautiful Granddaughter!

Yesterday my oldest granddaughter left her teen years behind.  She is now twenty.  I still find it hard to believe that I have grandchildren that age.  Her oldest brother is twenty-one.  Sigh... when did my babies grow up and start having babies of their own?  I'm so proud of each and every one of them.

Since I have an overnight guest, I'm not going to have time to create tonight at the craft table.  Nic wanted to come and stay with Grandma so he is laying on my sofa watching "Raiders of the Lost Ark."  He's my five year old and loves to chat.  Always on the go, it won't be long and he will be up and doing something other than watching the movie. 

Today's project is another My Digital Studio (MDS) page.  I've been trying to get pages done of all the photos stored on my laptop so I can move them to a flash drive and get them off the computer to make room for more pictures I need to scan.  I'm trying to get albums put together for gifts this Christmas and MDS makes it so very easy.  I love it!

If you'd like to know more about My Digital Studio, just let me know.  The more I learn about it, the more I think everyone should own it.  But, that's just my humble opinion.

My Day Of Rest And Worship

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.  The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

James 5:16

KJV

Petite Purse Nic Style

Yesterday, my five year old grandson, Nic, spent the morning with me.  When he saw the Petite Purse I had made, he asked if he could make one.  Of course, I said yes.  He picked out the card stock he wanted to use, then I showed him how to build his 'sandwich' for the Big Shot.  You should have seen his eyes light up when he cranked that handle and it did all the work of cutting out the purse for him.  He had fun punching out the circles and liked to watch them fly through the air.  He is such a character!  So, without further comment, here is the Petite Purse Nicholas Chance Reed made for his Ben 10 alien parts.

Card Stock:  Pacific Point Brights Patterns Designer Series Paper, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Wisteris Wonder, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight; Accessories & Tools:  1/2" Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack Flower, Jewels Basic Rhinestone (colored with permanent marker), Mini Glue Dots

He had so much fun that he has decided that he needs to spend the night with Grandma on Sunday.  I have a feeling I know just what he is going want to do besides order pizza!

My Digital Studio

Now that I have My Digital Studio up and running again, I thought I'd play around a bit with it.  Since I can be lazy and sit in an easy chair using my laptop rather than sit at the craft table and make my usual mess, it makes creating so much fun.  Oh,don't get me wrong, I love getting ink all over my fingers and making paper come to life.  But, with My Digital Studio design software, beauty is just a mouse click away!

Give it a try.  Stampin' Up!® offers a 30-day Free trial.  You are going to love it!

No Get Up And Go!

Once again I've been fighting a cold and congestion and it has really sapped my energy.  While I've been trying to keep up with my posting, today finds me with no ambition and no new creations.  My speed has dropped to zero and my mileage is really making itself known today.  Never fear, I'll be back in fine form, eventually!

Magnetic Bookmarks

Being an avid reader, I usually have three to four books going at the same time.  One in the living room by my chair, one in the bedroom, one in my handbag and yes, one in the bathroom.  I know, TMI.  :-)  Needless to say, I go through lots of bookmarks.  Some get mangled in the process while others just simply get lost.  So, I'm always looking for new bookmarks.  I love being able to make my own.  These are some I"ll have in my display at the Gift Boutique this Saturday.

Making these bookmarks was the perfect way to use up the scraps left over from other projects.  Of course, I did save some for myself.

If you are local, be sure to come down to the Gift Boutique this Saturday and say hello.  There will be lots of talented crafters showing their products.

Stampin' Up!'s New Demonstrator Starter Kit Is Here!

Our new Starter Kit is available starting today.  Now you can customize your Starter Kit for only $99.  Each kit contains a business supplies pack valued at $65.  It's just what you need to start your Stamping Business.  The new, flexible kit, lets you can choose $125 worth of any of our high-quality traditional or digital products to create a kit valued at over $190.  And, your kit ships for free!

With a lower price and the ability to customize your kit, now is a great time to become a Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator. 

I would love to have you on my team so click on the image below or the Join My Team tab on the menu bar, for more details.  I you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me or call me at the number shown above.  Don't wait to start your own Stamping Business!