curious g

MFTWSC56

2012-01-28T15:12:00.000-08:00

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hi again! there's another awesome MFT sketch up for the week- find all the details here!
the sewing machine is hard to get to with all the purging & packing going on around here lately- thank goodness for white gel pens- made faux stitching fun & easy!

here's a peek at the inside:

i popped up lots of layers on this one using Jody's fab boosters: the background panel, the doily & flag sentiment, and cutie PI spa girlie:

here's a close up of the main image too- after coloring with copics, i added a thin layer of liquid pearls over top of her robe pocket, robe edges, belt and slippers to make them shimmery like satin- it's a little blown out in the photo, but i really wanted the effect to show:

it's so nice to have another valentine made- MFT sketches make it so easy & fun!
thanks for looking!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

deets:
stamps: MFT's Spa Day, MFT's More Essential Sentiments
ink: memento tuxedo black, fired brick distress ink (tim holtz)
paper: XPressIt Blending card, hot fuge scalloped note card (stash), Pink Lemonade cardstock (POP-Tone), BoBunny dp(crazy love 6x6 pad) and Making Memories dp (old 8x8 pad stash)
accessories: copic markers, opal liquid pearls, dk brown baby brads (stash-old MFT kit), opaque white gel pen, MFT's open scallop doily duo die, MFT's first place award ribbon die, jody boosters

MFT WSC Sketch55

2012-01-25T11:17:00.000-08:00

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hi there everyone! MFT's Wednesday Stamp Club sketches are continuing this year! YAY!

here' s my card for sketch 55! hope you'll play along- these sketches are so awesome & really help inspire! there's also this great video posted by Joanne all about bow tying on cards- so way cool and so helpful! this sweet & simple valentine is for my daughter- hope she likes it! bbs! xo

^o^

card inside:

deets:

stamps: MFT's Bunch of Hearts Flopsey

ink: memento tuxedo black, fired brick tim holtz distress ink

paper: fossil scalloped notecard (stash), bazzill white cardstock, pink lemonade cardstock (Pop-Tone brand), Making Memories dp (old line from stash)

accessories: MFT's layered heart dienamics, cb embossing folder, copic markers, TCP's cream seam binding, Jody's boosters

Back2School Week!

2011-08-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

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Goodness our Summer flew by this year! this past monday, was my daughter's first day of 1st grade- i'm in still in shock LOL! this card is for my daughter's teacher, to thank her for a great first week! i'm sorry for the bad pics-i had to photograph with my phone & rush out the door!

Taylor (of Taylored Expressions) posted an AWESOME Back to School card- i loved it so much that i purchased the stamp AND totally CASEd her fab layout! i think it turned out so cute & hope Mimi's new teacher will think so too!

here's how i finished the inside:

chocolates and a bouquet of flowers complete the gift!

here's some pics of my big girl's first day from earlier this week:

every time i look at these photos i'm blown away- she's such a big girl now! back 2 school also means that her birthday is right around the corner on Labor Day weekend!

here's the card deets:
stamps: Taylored Expressions School A la Carte, MFT's Typewriter Alphabet (used on the banner), and MFT's Thanks a Bunch (inside sentiment)
ink: memento tuxedo black
paper: MFT cardstocks (banana split, jellybean green) Bazzill cardstock (dk blue scrap), patterned papers are Crate paper (School Spirit collection)
accessories: copic markers, copic spica pen (gold), MFT felt, MFT die-namics (Notebook Edge, Perfect Bracket Edge, Stacking Stars, Banner Strip Die), glossy accents, Jody's dimensional boosters, hero arts bling strips.

thanks so much for looking!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

Gettin' Halloweeny!

2011-08-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

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OMGosh- Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps has a fantastic Halloween release today and posted a fun challenge yesterday! i was lucky enough to win 5 adorable new spooky stamps during the sneak peeks-WooHoo!! i ordered a bunch too- they are awesome!! if you play in the challenge- YOU can win a stamp from the new release too! i can't win twice of course- but i still had to join in the spooky fun!

i pulled out a KKS Halloween image from last year, Fred & Ginger (from the Moonlight Whispers line), and some Basic Grey Eerie patterned paper scraps too. i colored the image with copics (drew in bite marks on her arm too- i saw that on someone's card & loved it!), and added lots of stickles to her dress. Glossy accents were painted on her lips & his hair to make them shine! i used up a few strips of Heidi Swapp black bling/border jewels that i've had in my stash forever. i popped the image on top of a small dizzy doily dienamic from MFT. a sentiment from Kimmie's Halloween Sentiments and some gorgeous handmade roses from I AmRoses finished it off! here's a close up of her sparkly dress:

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the inside is another sentiment from the set mentioned above, and the little jack-o-lantern accessory stamp that comes with Fred & Ginger:

please click image to enlarge

i think it turned out so cute! now i need some bubble mailers to make sure it can go out & not get damaged! i so love halloween stamps- can't wait for all my new KK goodies so i can make more fun & spooky cards (insert spooky laugh here)
thanks for looking! be back soon- tomorrow is back to school!

deets:
Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Fred & Ginger, Kimmie's Halloween Sentiments
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Bazzill basics cardstock (dark red, raven black), scalloped black notecard from my stash, Basic Grey dp (Eerie line)
Accessories: Copic markers, MFT dizzy doily duo die-namic, Heidi Swapp jewel borders/bling from my stash (discontinued), purple mulberry roses & small black rose buds from IAmRoses, stardust stickles, glossy accents, Jody's dimensionals

MFT WSC29-another great sketch!

2011-07-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

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hi everyone! i had time to play this week with MFT's Wednesday Sketch Club! all the details can be found at this post on the MFT blog- check it out & play along- it's another awesome sketch!

i stamped the sweet PI girlie (Being Cute Is What I Do) 3 times to paper piece her- once on xpress it blending cardstock, again on some Basic Grey patterned paper to piece her bohemian-style shirt, and a final time on a stamped denim texture from MFT's Well Worn Greetings set to make her jeans!
she's colored with copics. i added a little tiny heidi swapp bling flower to her shirt too. i pierced some holes around the image before i mounted it to a double mat. the new file tab dienamic was perfect for my sentiment! i used the little open scallop strip die on some cork and the upsy-daisy die for a fab flower embellie! can ya tell that i love my dienamics?! i also jazzed up some cardstock scraps for this one using cuttlebug embossing folders.

anyway- it's such an awesome, easy sketch that i'm going to use again & again! you should totally go & save this one too!

deets:
stamps: MFT's Being Cute is What I Do (Pure Innocence line), MFT's Well Worn Greetings
ink: memento tuxedo black, CTMH Spring Iris (sentiment), tsukineko yellow dauber duo
paper: XPress-It blending cardstock, MFT cardstocks (Fossil, SnoCone, Hot Fudge), Basic Grey patterned paper (Out of Print 6x6 pad), MFT cork sheets (temp out of stock), fossil scalloped notecard (my stash from an old MFT kit)
accessories: copic markers, cuttle bug embossing folders (swiss dots, polka dots), heidi swapp mini bling flower, MFT dienamics (file tab, upsy-daisy, little open scallop strip)

thanks so much for looking!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-03T17:10:00.001-07:00

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& Happy Canada Day to all my friends who celebrated this weekend too! i hope everyone is having a fabulous, long, chillax, celebration weekend! just wanted to pop in with a cute card & {{GIANT HUGS}} for all! see you again soon!

stamps: Taylored Expressions Uncle Sam
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Ranger Distress Ink (Faded Jeans), red cat's eye ink pad (sponging on sentiment)
paper: XPress It Blending Cardstock, MFT wild cherry cardstock, Bazzill dark blue cardstock,
Bo Bunny (Liberty 6x6 pad), Bazzill dark blue cardstock (my stash), red scalloped A2 card (my stash)
accessories: copic markers, colored pencils, stickles (star dust), MFT dienamics (stacking stars, first place award ribbon), nesties, star brads (Making Memories), buttons (stash), 1mm silver cording (PizzazzAplenty), dimensionals
-g
^o^

MFT WSC26 & July Guest Designer Entry!

2011-07-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

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WooHoo! i'm so excited that i had some crafty time today and got to play in MFT's Wednesday Stamp Club. Sketch 26 is just awesome- find the sketch at this post!

It's also time for MFT's July Guest Designer Contest- with a chance to win free goodies & play along with the amazing DT for the next release!! All the deets are at this post on SCS if you want to join me in the chance to win! Since this card fits the 'touch of texture' challenge- i'm gonna enter this card- gotta love a 2fer ;)

i needed a card for my husband's grama- who will turn 91 in early August- this sketch was the perfect reason to get it done & now it's finished with plenty of time to spare!

The rose image is from MFT's Inspired by Flowers (set 2) & it really did the work for me- this rose is so gorgeous, no?!

i stamped the image in brown ink on a cream paper panel. i cut out the image with a nestie, and sponged all around the shape (while it was still in the die) using some ranger distress ink (tea dye). i loved how it looked so much that i didn't think it needed any further coloring! the sentiment 'LOVE' is part of a longer sentiment from the same set- i just inked up the part i wanted.

i didn't have a cream pearl flourish, so i colored one with a copic marker (E51 egg shell),
a little lace, a pretty doily dienamic, some nice papers, sponging & a simple sentiment finished off my card. i so hope Grama will love it!

here's a peek at the inside: i think MFT's leafy flourish die is gorgeous!!

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deets:
stamps: rose & sentiment is from MFT's Inspired by Flowers (set 2)
inside sentiment is from MFT's Make the Date (discontinued)
ink: Memento rich cocoa, Ranger distress ink in Tea Dye (sponging on rose and sentiments)
papers: MFT cream paper panels, MFT hot fudge cardstock, patterned papers are Pink Paislee (Butterfly Garden collection)
accessories: MFT dienamics: leafy flourish, decorative doily, first place award ribbon die, sweet stack labels, circle nestie, MFT lace (discontinued), jody's dimensional boosters, scor-tape, ink dauber, kaisercraft white pearl flourish, copic marker, cream scalloped card base from my stash.

thanks so much for looking! i'll have a cute 4th of July card for you shortly!
{{BIG HUGS}}
-g
^o^

happy father's day!!

2011-06-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

sending {{BIG HUGS}} to Dads everywhere today!

My sweet daughter altered a plastic bucket with her artwork & filled it with all sorts of fun toys she hand picked for her Dad (a water balloon launcher, water balloons, beach balls, squirt guns, pool goggles, hershey kisses, rubber duckies, light up toys & more!) she had to give it to him the second they woke up this morning LOL!

here's the card we made that you can see in the photo above. it was inspired by all the MFT DT teasers that used the fun, new First Place Award Ribbon Set- you can find the list of blogs & be inspired too here!

once Mimi & i saw the teasers, we HAD to have this set & of course we used tons of our new fave--liquid pearls ;) Mimi chose all the papers & totally had fun building her award ribbon with me- she loves this fun set as much as i do & i just LOVE that!

here's the inside:

we think this purple cardstock is just gorgeous!

deets:
stamps: MFT First Place Award Ribbon & Die set, inside sentiment is from MFT Pure Innocence Heart Stripes
ink: memento tuxedo black
paper: Xpress-it blending cardstock, MFT cardstock (grape jelly, black licorice, fossil), pattern papers are BoBunny (Blast Off 6x6 pad)
accessories: ranger liquid pearls (buttercup), jody's dimensional boosters

we have lots of cooking to do today (and apparently lots of water balloons to fill)-DAD has requested quite a dinner so i better get crackin'!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

teacher gifts, K graduation, center step card & more!

2011-06-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

this is a photo heavy, jumbo-long post- so fill up your beverage & hang out for a bit!

hi friends! i hope all is well! i finally have a few minutes to catch up & share some time with you! is it just me or has the last month or so just blown by in a total blur?! i'm still spinning!

i made an altered clipboard & a thank you card for my daughter's teacher as an end of the year gift. i was one of the room mom's this year & i loved every minute that i got to spend with Mrs. McClain and Mimi's class- all of the kids touched my heart-love 'em all!

please click images to enlarge

this set was so fun to make! once i colored the images (to match one of my daughter's uniforms) i adhered everything to the clipboard with mod podge-- man, i forgot how cool that stuff is! i know this photos's a little blurry- i was lucky to even get a pic snapped before i had to rush off & deliver it on the last day of school-the glue was barely dry! LOL

here's the inside of the thank you card:

deets:
stamps: MFT Pure Innocence You Make the Grade
inside card sentiment is from: MFT Pure Innocence Apple for You
ink: memento tux black
papers: XPress Blend-it cardstock, MFT cardstocks (banana split, wild cherry), Scenic Route patterned papers (all are from the Appleton line)
accessories: copic markers, mod podge (glossy), asst colors of mini ric-rac (from stash), MFT baby brads, nesties, clipboard (target), jody's dimensional boosters

here's the card i made for my daughter's kindergarten graduation:

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this turned out so cute- no?! gotta love that Fred Bear!! inside we tucked a game stop gift card & we also gave her a Nintendo DSi XL as a gift! she was a super-happy, Pokemon lovin' girl ;)

deets:
stamps: MFT Fred Bear Graduates, the year is made from the MFT Typewriter Alphabet, mini tag, sentiment & embellies were created using MFT's Notched tag die & stamp set
ink: memento tuxedo black
paper: XPress blending cardstock, scalloped green notecard (stash), Bazzill dark blue cardstock, MFT banana split cardstock, Crate patterned paper (from School Spirit 6x6 pad)
accessories: copic markers, MFT twine, MFT baby braddies, button, Jody's dimensional boosters

here's a shot of my sweet graduation girl- just after she received her diploma:

then i had an AWESOME birthday weekend in Disneyland, CA with my family- it was the best!

we love the teacups!!

now back to cards!! LOL!
Fabulous MFT designer Frances Byrne (StampOwl on SCS) recently posted this amazing tutorial on how to create a center step card- i was so inspired by her gorgeous creation- that i made my mother-in-law's birthday card early- WOOT!

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i was inspired by Frances' colors and butterflies and started right away! i FINALLY took the plunge into trying my hand at LIQUID PEARLS. I've been drooling over fab liquid pearl projects by stamp heroes Sankari Wegman and Danielle Lounds for a long, long time & have always been afraid that i would ruin my cards if i messed up! well- i'm now a liquid pearl maniac & am putting them on everything LOL! if you've been wanting to try them too i'm telling you- totally go for it- it's really fun!! :)

side view of the center step card:

close up of the mega-shimmery stickle wings & glossy shoes!
here's the inside of the card:

deets:
stamps: MFT Pure Innocence Butterfly Kisses
inside sentiment is from MFT Pure Innocence Heart Stripes
ink: memento tuxedo black
paper: MFT cardstocks (bubble gum, fossil, hot fudge), Basic Grey patterned paper (Sweet Threads 6x6 pad)
accessories: copic markers, copic spica glitter pen (mint) stickles (diamond), liquid pearls (buttercup), glossy accents, MFT dienamics (butterflies, rolled flower (out of stock), doily duo), nesties, jody's dimensional boosters, MFT felt

ok- there's more to share but dear daughter wants to swim, swim swim LOL!
so for now...

"That's All Folks!"
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

welcome baby girl!

2011-05-03T13:29:00.000-07:00

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hi everyone! hope this post finds you well! i wanted to quickly share a card i made for my daughter's music teacher this week! she's expecting her first baby any day now! so exciting! of course i quickly reached for the darling MFT a la móde set Oh Baby!, some girly girly paper & got to work!
i stamped, embossed and colored the image onX-press It blending cardstock if you haven't tried this paper yet- you HAVE to get some- i so love it for copic markers! i stamped & colored the big bear twice & popped it up on some of Jody's awesome boosters (note to self: i need to order more asap!) i used some sweet twine & a couple of buttons from my stash to finish it off & i stitched on this one too (note the zig zag on the polka dot paper)- i'm still so scared when i sew on my panels but i still give it a go every now & then!

inside the card was finished off with some of the scraps and i cut my stamps apart a bit so i could use the 'So' from one sentiment with the 'Happy for You' from another:

My daughter & i bought some receiving blankets and a washable Gund bear for the baby and wrapped it up with this card on top of the package! it really turned out cute! we are so excited for baby Kate to arrive! i sure hope to see you at the MFT release party tonight on Splitcoast at 5pmEST-it's gonna be tons of fun!!! i still have a few things to upload & share so i'll try to get to them soon!

deets:
stamps: MFT a la móde set: Oh Baby!
ink: memento tuxedo black, embossing ink, spun sugar tim holtz/ranger distress ink
papers: Xpress it blending cardstock, MFT bubblegum cardstock, scalloped fossil notecard (from an old MFT kit), patterned papers are from My Mind's Eye, Fine & Dandy, Tickled Pink line
accessories: copic markers, circle nesties, ink dauber/blender, embossing powder, Jody boosters, twine (it's either MFT or TCP- i had a length sitting lose on my desk LOL!), buttons, sewing machine & thread.

thanks for looking!
{{BIG HUGS}}
-g
^o^

recooping

2011-04-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

one of my super low sodium dinners: 2 oz grilled chicken tenders (no skin/fat, no salt), 1/2 baked plain sweet potato, a small serving of polenta, 6 grilled asparagus spears, 1tsp yummy balsamic glaze (Fresh & Easy-you NEED some!) 228KCal,62.5mg sodium total!

hi everyone! just wanted to update you all-i know i've been MIA a few weeks. on march 16th i had a severe gall bladder attack in the middle of the night. thankfully the attack subsided, but a constant pain was lingering. within 3 days, my eyes yellowed & i still had belly pain so the hubs rushed me to the dr. my bp was high like 155/90 and the dr sent me straight on to the er- by the time i got there, my bp was skyhigh at 195/100 & i was freaking out! they admitted me right away. 2 days later, i had surgery (an ERCP) to remove a gallstone blocking my common bile duct (why i was so yellow) and the following day, i had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove my gallbladder so this can't happen again! i'm so thankful that it was something that could be treated, and i was home from the hospital 4 days later. i'm not quite 2 weeks post-op and am healing well! needless to say life's been on hold for a bit while i recoop! i was sent home with bp meds and check it 2ce a day- but thankfully it's staying down & i haven't needed the bp meds for a few days now. i'm asking for continued good thoughts & prayers that my bp will stay normal. i'd hate to need constant bp meds at 42! i am also on a self-prescribed low salt/low fat diet & my surgeon was very pleased & thinks most of us need a lot less salt in our diets. people with high bp are retricted to no more than 1500mg of salt per day- if you start checking labels you're in for a shock! (i'm now eating less than 800mg/sodium per day)
i just want to remind you that life is precious & to take good care of yourself & remember to tell everyone in your life that you love them every single day. this hit me completely out of the blue- i've had no prior gallbladder/stone issues EVER!
i have been coloring some images & making some cards, as soon as i have more energy, i'll photograph & post them. the hubs bought me a May 1st copic certification class here in Vegas with Jennie Black as a get well present- he's the best & i can't wait!! i;ll be back soon!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
xo
^o^

MFT-WSC-Sketch9

2011-03-07T14:53:00.000-08:00

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i cannot believe it's MARCH!! sheesh! it's been too long since i've had any creative time- i've been busy being Dr Mom around here for the last month and a half! so glad i got to play along this week!
MFT's Wednesday Stamp Club is now a weekly sketch and they ROCK!
Find all the details in this post on Kim's blog & please join in!

i had so much fun with this one- how i LOVE MFT's á la mode collection- these girlies are so sweet & fun! i'll definitely be using this sketch again- it's such a great design!

here's the deets:
stamps: MFT's á la modes: Time to Celebrate (temp out of stock) & Birthday Girl (sentiment on card front)
papers: XPress Blend-It cardstock (you need this when it's back in stock!), Fossil cardstock, Echo Park pattern papers (little girl collection)
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Summer Sky (edging/sponging), Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Wild Honey (sponging)
accessories: copic markers, nesties (circle) MFT's simply scallops die-namic, MFT ribbon, MFT princess pearls, ticket edge punch, divine twine (TCP), espresso scalloped card base (from an old MFT kit in my stash), Jody's dimensional boosters, glossy accents

here's a closeup of the glossy accents on the yummy frosting- it's super thick & shiny:

& a look at the inside. i LOVE the simply scallops die-namic & the sweet sentiment is one of several that come in the Time to Celebrate set.

thanks for looking! i sure hope i can get more stampy time soon!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

hi everyone!

2011-03-07T14:43:00.000-08:00

WHEW! it has been FOREVER since i've blogged. we've had a crazy time around here- first, my daughter & i were very sick in January with a terrible cold/cough/bronchitis that held on for almost 3 weeks. in February, the hubs finally caught our bug, but he let himself get so run down that he ended up with walking pneumonia! he's way better now but he's still fighting the last of it off. Now today my daughter has yet another runny nose/headcold/allergies coming on- ugh! (didn't help that a friend stayed for a sleepover this weekend & was sneezing & coughing- LOL) needless to say, i'm definitely looking forward to Spring 'cause we've had a tough ride this winter!! brb with my MFT WSC Sketch post! sending wishes that you & yours are staying HEALTHY!!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

MFT WSC2- better late than never ;)

2011-01-20T18:29:00.000-08:00

hello again! this past week, MFT's Wednesday Stamp Club offered up another amazing sketch challenge! Please join in & play along- it's never too late!

i needed a card for my nephew's upcoming 7th birthday (does anyone know where the heck the time goes- sheesh!) and this sketch was just what i needed to get it done! i just love how it turned out. it was totally inspired by the dozens of amazing cards my fellow MFT friends & fans have been uploading to the MFT WSC galleries on SplitcoastStampers (search for MFTWSC1, MFTWSC2,etc..)- totally rockin!!

if you don't have this stamp set- it's great for ALL the kids in your life (young & old!!)-it's MFT's Little Loveosaurus. i am a huge fan of Clarie Keay's (ENABLER ALERT: her Etsy shop is: jellypark). Clarie's digi's and paintings are uber cute and i'm hoping MFT will keep releasing more of her adorable images as stamps! i so <3 'em!

please click images to enlarge them!

The sentiments are part of this cute set too, and MFT's dies made embellishing this one so easy & fun- i can't make ANY project anymore without pulling out several of these awesome dies- i so LOVE LOVE 'em!!

thanks so much for looking! it's only like 7:30 but i'm off to bed- i'm desperately trying to fend off a really nasty viral cold & cough that my daughter has had for the past 11 days--ugh! i'm so sick of being sick this year (one of the joys of young kiddos, right?!)

here's the deets:
stamps: MFT's Little Loveosaurus
ink: Tim Holtz' Distress Ink-Clear Embossing Ink Pad, Memento Tuxedo Black, Cat's Eye Lipstick Red
paper: MFT's X-Press It Blending cardstock, MFT's cardstocks in Wild Cherry, Berrylicious (both are temp sold out), Sassafrass Lass patterned paper (Monstrosity line), Bazzill (raven black)
accessories: MFT Die-namics (Star Border, Stacking Stars), Nesties (Circle & Small Labels), American Crafts Zing! Embossing powder (Opaque/Powder blue), Jody's dimensionals and sticky dots , ivory linen thread (TCP), best glue ever (MFT)

see ya soon!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

Happy 2011/MFT WSC1

2011-01-09T11:31:00.000-08:00

hi & happy new year! hope this post finds you well! we are back from an amazing New Year's weekend in the deep snow. we went to Bryan Head, UT- MAN i am SO glad we don't live in the frosty freezy-freeze cold anymore (we grew up in Maryland)- but it sure was great fun to visit Utah! it was our daughter's first real snow trip- so we went sledding, snowshoeing and tubing at the slopes. we enjoyed tons of hot cocoa and made snow angels & a mini snowman too! the hubs enjoyed some snowboarding & i had a blast in the hip-deep powder playing with my family! here's a couple quick shots i took of where we stayed-the Grand Lodge at Byran Head- it was so pretty! i'll post more pics as i download & edit them!

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school started again last week, but of course, my daughter caught a bad cold/cough (such timing i tell ya!) so i kept her home for a couple of days- but even a sickie kiddo couldn't stop me from enjoying some Wednesday Stamp Club fun!

This year, MFT's WSC will have a weekly sketch to help make it easier for everyone to play! i LOVE LOVE the MFT DT sketches- they always rock- so i had to jump in! You can find all the deets and play along in this post on the MFT blog. PLEASE play with us- everyone is so fun & friendly at MFT!! You can find the MFT forum on Splitcoast too- if you're not a Splitcoast member, sign up- the inspo & resources are amazing!

OK- on to the stamping! here's my first card. i stuck to the sketch with this one and made a super fun valentine using MFT's Game Night Spinner Die & Stamp Set Duo & MFT's You Spin Me (additional stamps for teh Game Night set). the sketch helped this one come together so quickly! & the spinner really spins on this one- super cool right?!

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here's a look at the inside- simple but finished:

deets:
stamps: MFT's You Spin Me (Addtions for Game Night)
paper: MFT fossil scalloped notecard, MFT pink bubblegum, hot fudge and wild cherry cardstocks, Bo Bunny patterned papers (crazy love collection)
ink: CTMH Holiday Red
accessories: MFT Die-Namics: Game Night Spinner Die & Stamp set duo, MFT Die-Namics Scalloped Scallop, cuttlebug embossing folder, tim holtz sprocket gear, tim holtz long fastener, martha stewart heart punch, jody's awesome boosters, glossy accents, corner rounder

i was so excited about this sketch, i made a second card! i've had this little PI cutie colored & all cut out just sitting on my desk for sometime, so i finally put her on a card! i thought it would be cute to have it rain candy hearts. i will totally be using this fab sketch again & again!

click images to enlarge them

here's the inside of this one:

deets:
stamps: MFT's My Umbrella (Pure Innocence)- temp sold out, MFT's You Spin Me (Addtions for Game Night)
paper: MFT fossil scalloped notecard, MFT's pink bubblegum, fossil and wild cherry cardstocks, cosmo cricket patterned paper (the boyfriend collection), sei pattern paper
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, CTMH ink pads in: holiday red, spring iris, honey, bubblegum, spring breeze
accessories: MFT Die-Namics: cloud trio (temp sold out), hearts a plenty, button quartet, layered label, copic markers, cuttlebug embossing folder, glossy accents, TCP linen thread, jenni bowlin valentine mini bingo card, martha stewart silver metallic mini ink pad (silver lining on clouds), quickie glue pen, jody's awesome boosters.

thanks so much for looking!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

MFT Relase Day Hop & Shop!

2010-12-01T18:45:00.000-08:00

Please click image to enlarge

Hi & Welcome to the MFT December Release Hop & Shop!
There are tons of amazing projects for you to enjoy and MFT is giving away some awesome blog candy if you comment along the way! the hop starts back on Kim's Blog- if you didn't start there- go on back & catch up- you don't want to miss a thing!

All the new products are available right NOW, in the MFT store in the Brand Spankin' New category.

Tonight, i'm sharing the newest WTG-From the Bottom of My Heart! She's so fun to paper piece! in addition to the main image, this set comes with the sweetest heart chocolate box and heart balloon images, as well as several fab sentiments & mini ones too :)
i know you will love this set as much as i do!

i stamped WTG onto some patterned paper to paper piece her dress, and twice more onto an MFT perfect paper panel. after i colored everything, i cut out a set of arms/heart and pieced everything together into one image.

i love MFT's die-namics-they make perfect embellishments for any type of crafting project and they cut almost every material you can think of- so so cool! my card uses the new Hearts-A-Plenty die-namic, the Button Quarte t die-namic, the Framed Greetings Die and Stamp Set and the Perfect Bracket Edge.

the gorgeous, wide, crochet ribbon is from MFT's exquisite Crochet Ribbon Collection, and the music note paper comes from MFT's digi paper Take Note Collection.

here's a peek at the inside-i used one of the sentiments from the set:

Your next stop on the hop is Jody and she ALWAYS has something amazing-i'll race ya! ;)

MFT Teasers Day5-CS about Love, Release Day Countdown is on!

2010-12-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

i can't believe we're at the 5th & final day of teasers for MFT's December release already, but do you know what this means? it means the release is happening TONIGHT- WooHoo!!

Be sure to check Kim's Blog for the full list of participants for today's teaser posts!

Plan to come hang out & shop with me tonight! The party's right here in the MFT member company forum on Splitcoast starting at 8pm EST/5pm PST. We'll chat, see more great projects and even play to win prizes until 10PM(EST) when the store opens & we can all go SHOPPING!

for my final teaser card, i used the soon to be released Clearly Sentimental About Love. CS sets rock- you can make beautiful projects very quickly and there's a broad selection of them available. the fonts on CS sets are gorgeous too- have a look:

please click the photo to enlarge

i used MFT's amazing felt and my new favorite Hearts A Plenty dienamic. MFT felt is very high quality- it cuts beautifully! i used the Open Scallop Border dienamic here with an MFT cork sheet (unavailable) for texture. The pearls are MFT swarvoski princess pearls in black- love them!
Even though you can't tell in this photo, there are double stacks of boosters under the sentiment- it's lifted 1/4" off the black- i love that look!

Stamps: Clearly Sentimental about Love
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink (Frayed Burlap- sponging)
Papers: MFT paper panel, MFT cardstock in Wild Cherry, Black cardstock (bazzill), Basic Grey patterned paper (Olivia)
Accessories: Nesties, MFT Dienamics (Hearts A Plenty, Open Scallop Border), MFT princess pearls, MFT cork, MFT felt, dimensionals.

here's a peek at the finished, blank inside with lots of room for a love note:

i also have a WTG card to share with you- but you'll have to wait until later-sorry, teasing is too fun! ;)

{{GIANT HUGS}} to Kim, The MFT Lady, for allowing me the honor of participating on the Dec. Temp Team- it's been over the top awesome!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE my MFT, the entire DT and all my fellow junkies (old & new!)-can't wait to 'see' you all tonight!!
-g
^0^

MFT Teasers Day4-Heartfelt/Inspired by Love

2010-11-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

hi & welcome back for another day of MFT teasers!
can you feel the excitement? the big release day is almost here! Yippeeee!

be sure to check out Kim's blog for a full list of participants for today's teasers- you don't want to miss a thing!!

i have some more peeks for you today!
first up is the adorable Heartfelt

please click on the image to enlarge it

isn't she just the cutest? & she is SO fun to color!! my mom crocheted me so many wonderful hats like this when i was little! i made an easel card so i could stand it up on my desk & see her all the time until i mail her ;) -she makes me super happy!

i cut up my daughter's outgrown, red, corduroy dress to use with my Hearts A Plenty, button quartet and little open scallop strip dienamics on this project. the thick, heavy fabric needed to be shimmed and i ran it through the cuttlebug several times, but the dies cut it beautifully! Here's a tutorial to create an easel card by the fabulous Beate! i love standing cards!

Stamps: Heartfelt (to be released Dec 1)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers: MFT Wild Cherry Card stock, MFT cream paper panels, brown card stock, Making Memories patterned paper
Accessories: copics, nesties, embossing folder, MFT swarovski crystals, stickles (cotton candy), pink sparkly fluff, cotton candy twine (tcp), MFT Dienamics, Jody's boosters

next up for you is Inspired by Love.
This set is filled with gorgeous, romantic images that you'll reach for over & over. these images can go totally vintage or clean elegance, or a mix of both! SO fabulous!

please click photo to enlarge image

i CASEd some design and elements from this masterpiece by Susan Liles. i was also inspired by the dozens of amazing sentiment cards that the entire MFT Design Team have been creating. i've been dying to try a card like this for a long time, and i'm thrilled with the results! you so NEED this set!!

i embossed the heart on MFT creme paper panels- their weight gives the embossing extra depth and richness-it looks amazing in person. my sentiment (1 of 2 in the set) is stamped on vellum and put on top of a sponged nestie shape. the cherubs are stamped on vellum and popped up. The gorgeous faux crochet border dienamic and MFT's swarovski pearls were a perfect finish!

Stamps: Inspired by Love (to be released Dec 1)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink (Stormy Sky)
Papers: MFT Jellybean Green card stock, MFT cream paper panels, Basic Grey patterned paper (Capella), vellum, silver/grey card stock, black cardstock
Accessories: nesties, MFT's swarovski pearls, MFT faux crochet border dienamic sewing machine, embossing powder, clear embossing ink, heat gun, Jody's boosters

thanks so much for looking! i'm so enjoying my time with you all!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^0^

MFT Teasers Day3- Adorable New PI's

2010-11-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Yippee!! Today is the day the Dec team gets to share teasers of the newest, soon to be released Pure Innocence cuties! i adore the entire line of PI stamps, and these 4 new images are definitely all MUST haves! i have 2 cards to share with you today so let's get right to the cuteness:

First up is Pure Innocence, Love You With All My Heart

click images to enlarge

isn't she just precious? she comes with the 3 of the sweetest sentiments and 4 tiny extra sayings that can fit inside the heart she's holding- how i LOVE that! since this valentine is going to someone out of town, i chose to stamp 'Miss You' inside her heart. i also used the soon to be released Hearts A Plenty dienamic, along with a couple of others-the button quartet and the little open scallop strip. the music paper is digi-paper from MFT's Take Note collection. Simple, sweet and sure to make you smile- that's what i love so much about PI's!!

i added some glossy accents and a bling closure to her shoes-my daughter has an identical dressy pair:

here's the inside: can't get enough of my dienamics!

Stamps: Pure Innocence Love You With All My Heart
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, CTMH dye ink in Hollyhock (sponging)
Paper: MFT creme paper panels, MFT fossil notecard, MFT wild cherry cardstock, MFT Take Note digi-paper, October Afternoon patterned paper (Modern Homemaker)
Accessories: copic markers, MFT swarovski crystals, MFT Dienamics (Hearts a Plenty, Button Quartet, Little Open Scallop Strip), nesties, cuttlebug embossing folders, glossy accents, cotton candy twine (TCP), dimensionals.

next up, is the super sweet Pure Innocence, Splish Splash

click images to enlarge

Isn't he just super cute splashin' with his little pup-EEK! i just love him and he's fun to color!
lately, i'm enjoing making tent cards! Here's an awesome tutorial from Beate on Splitcoast, if you'd like to try one! i had to include my Cloud trio dienamic, and i also used the Small Scalloped Border, and the button quartet dies. In addition to the sentiment that i used, the set comes with the 'Splish Splash' words too. i think it's such a positive & perfect message to include on a card that sits out on a desk/shelf for someone to enjoy!

here's a side view:

Stamps: Pure Innocence Splish Splash
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Rich Cocoa
Paper: MFT paper panels, vellum, white and brown cardstock scraps (for base and button), My Mind's Eye patterned papers (True Blue)
Accessories: copic markers, MFT Dienamics (Button Quartet, Small Scalloped Border), nesties, MFT skinny ribbon (retired) glossy accents, Jody's dimensionals.

thanks so much for looking! i sure am having fun on the MFT Temp Team this month- hope you're lovin' everyone's eye candy- i know i sure am! be back soon with more YAY!!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

MFT Teasers Day 2

2010-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

please click on the photo for a larger image!

hello & welcome to Day 2 of MFT Teasers!
There's so many awesome creations for you to check out-so after your visit, please head over to Kim's blog for the full list of participants!

Today i'm excited to share the newest upcoming MFT Flapper Doodles set,
Cheers to a New Year! Aren't they fun? These girls certainly know how to bring in the New Year in style! i just LOVE 'em! i thought they would totally love celebrating in classic MFT pink & black ;) The Decorative Doily and Faux Crochet Border Dienamics really helped to pull my designs together elegantly and quickly, and i just love how the set turned out!

here's a closer view:

here's the inside- i used another sentiment from the set:

details:
Stamps: MFT Cheers to a New Year (avail Dec 1)
Paper: vellum, pink and black card stocks, Basic Grey patterned paper(from the Basics white pad), Fancy Pants flocked overlay
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: copic markers, spica glitter pens, MFT ribbon (retired), MFT swarvoski crystals, MFT decorative doily and faux crochet border dienamics, Jody's boosters, vellum adhesive.

thanks for looking!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^
PS- i highly recommend X Winery's 2009 Carneros Chardonnay- it's delightful!

MFT Teasers Day 1- Tweeny Teen

2010-11-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

please click on photo to view a larger image

hello & welcome!! i am honored & thrilled to be a part of MFT's temporary design team this month! Can someone pinch me please 'cause i still think i'm dreaming!!

Starting today thru release day, Wed. Dec 1st, me, a bunch of my dear friends & fellow MFT fanatics (aka the MFT junkies) and the incredible MFT Design Team members will be bringing you teasers to get you inspired & stamping with us!

Please check out the MFT Blog each day for a list of participating designers and be sure to mark your calendar for the big release party on the 1st in the MFT forum on Splitcoast Stampers- i'd love to chat with you & share in the fun. MFT release parties ROCK and EVERYONE is welcome!

For my project, i worked with the sweet, soon to be released
Tweeny Teen- You Give Me Wings set.
Tweeny Teens are part of MFT's adorable and beloved Pure Innocence stamp line. As soon as i saw this sweetie, i knew she would be the focal image for a project for my daughter's room!

i started by saturating my plain wood clock base with turquoise blue glimmer mist until it had a deep color and tons of glimmer.

i used my cricut machine and MFT's Bling 'Bers template to cut out the shadows of the key numbers. After cutting, the numbers were then stamped on using MFT's Bling 'Bers stamp set and purple ink. of course they needed some bling too!

Because it's a small clock face, i decided to make flowers for the other numbers using MFT's Flower and Leaf Trio Dienamic . MFT's felt adds lovely texture, and MFT's princess pearls made pretty centers!

next, i stamped the image and sentiment onto an MFT white paper panel. i colored with copic markers, and cut the image out. A thick coating of stickles on her wings and a touch of spica glitter pen on her pant cuff seams added even more bling to the mix! the sentiment was stamped and cut with some pinking scissors.
here's a closer look (click on photo to enlarge it):

oooh--spy the pretty heart under the sentiment? it's a peek at part of the new, soon to be released MFT Dienamic Hearts a Plenty & it's another MUST HAVE! i pierced around the heart and i just LOVE how it looks!

The Jumbo RicRac Dienamic was used to embellish the face as well.

The image was popped up slightly using dimensionals, but the clock movement severely limits how tall you can layer images on a clock face-you may have to whittle away some wood to get enough clearance!

i had a ball making & sharing this project with you! i'll be back tomorrow with another project and a peek at more MFT goodies that will be available soon! thanks for visiting!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

Details & MFT product images for your reference:
Stamps: MFT Tweeny Teen You Give Me Wings, Bling 'Bers
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink in dusty concord
Paper: MFT Perfect Paper Panels, MFT Grape Jelly Cardstock, Bazzill textured cardstock (raven black)
Accessories: copic markers, copic spica pen (silver), stardust stickles, Tattered Angels glimmer mist (turquoise blue); small, round, wood clock base by Walnut Hollow (purchased at Michael's); clock movement kit by ArtMinds (purchased at Michael's); MFT felt, MFT swarovski crystals, MFT swarovski princess pearls, MFT Bling 'Bers template, dimensionals, cuttlebug, cricut, make the cut software.

MFT December Temp Team!!!

2010-11-26T09:22:00.000-08:00

WooHoo!! i am on cloud nine this morning- the official post went up on the MFT blog-check it out!

i cannot wait to see what all my amazing friends & fellow MFT junkies have in store- they are all incredible... and i've been having a blast creating too- there are so many fantastic, new MFT sets being released & i so can't wait to share!! my first post will go live very very soon!!
EEEEK!! too fun!!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

MFTWSC DressUp/i {heart} embellie gellie!

2010-10-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

click photos to enlarge

MFT's Wednesday Stamp Club theme for this week is let's play dress up! find all the info & awesome inspiration in this post on the MFT blog!

i am still LOVIN' inking up my MFT tiny town halloween set- the images are just so cute and color up so FAST (good for when you have a ton of halloween cards & projects to make!)

side track/note: my fun Halloween star decoration made for last week's WSC, that used this same stamp set, won the gift certificate prize- YAY! my daughter & i were so thrilled & excited! You can bet we're so gonna spend it quick on some fab new MFT goodies releasing later this week!! YIPPEEE! thanks to Kim for offering such great weekly challenges & fab prizes. LOVE LOVE MY MFT!!

do you see all those teeny 3mm rhinestones on the card? i used a new product MFT is selling called Embellie Gellie to pick each gem up & place it on my card exactly where i wanted it. i think it's the first time i had 0 frustration and 0 lost tiny gems! LOL! You have to have some of this stuff- it's like magic! seems like one package will last forever too! love it!

here's the deets and some more pics:
stamps: MFT's tiny town halloween
sentiments are from MFT's Trick or Treat with Who's That Girl
ink: memento tuxedo black, memento paris dusk (accent ink)
papers: MFT cardstocks in Sour Apple and Orange Fizz; card base is an MFT black scalloped notecard (from a past MFT kit); Bazzill purple and Raven cardstocks, pp is Cosmo Cricket (Matilda paper pad)
accessories: copic markers, 3mm topaz rhinestones (from Pizzazz APlenty), best glue ever, Jody's awesome dimensional boosters

the tiny images are popped up- here's more pics:
click pics to enlarge

thanks for looking! hope you're having a great start to the week!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

Kraftin'Kimmie Challenge47

2010-09-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

please click images to enlarge them!

Hello again!!
Kraftin' Kimmie's challenge this week is a fun color combo-orange, green & purple- perfect for more Halloweeny crafty goodness! here's the link to read all the details and join in!! i couldn't wait to ink up my new Pumpkin Miles stamp & play! in fact-i just love all the fun, new stamps at Kimmie's store-you gotta go check 'em out and have some stampy fun! YAY!

here's a closeup-these Miles images are so fun to color!
click photo to enlarge:

here's the card deets:
stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie Pumpkin Miles (illustrated by Steven Leary) inside sentiment is from Kraftin' Kimmie's Haunted House
ink: memento tuxedo black
paper: GinaK 80lb. pure luxury white cardstock, colored cardstocks & patterned papers (echo park) are from the awesome Fright Night project pantry kit (from Taylored Expressions)
accessories: copic markers, nesties, cuttlebug embossing folder, black scalloped note card (from an MFT kit, made by The Paper Cut), ribbon & rhinestones (also from the TE Fright Night kit), Jody's awesome boosters
Thanks so much for looking!
{{BIG HUGS}}
-g
^o^

MFTWSC092210-Boo Time!

2010-09-28T13:38:00.001-07:00

please click images to enlarge them!

WooHoo! another week is flying by and this week's MFT Wednesday Stamp Club had another fun challenge! This week- it was to make a scene- find all the details here & play along!! we are in full halloween card & decor making time at my house- and it is fun FUN!

i picked up these metal stars at the local Target dollar spot not long ago & when the WSC challenge 'to make a scene' came up this week- it was a perfect opportunity to embellish one of these babies!!

i LOVE this new MFT set- Tiny Town Halloween- it is perfect for scene making & little treat bags!

here's some close ups & a look at all the dimension:
please click images to enlarge

details:
stamps: MFT Tiny Town Halloween

paper: Gina K 80lb pure luxury white cardstock, bazzill cardstocks (purple & orange) pp is cosmo cricket (matilda paper pad)

ink: memento tuxedo black, tim holtz distress ink in stormy sky

accessories: copic markers, nesties, cuttlebug embossing folder, MFT dienamics (cloud trio and star border), ribbons (are from the TE fright night project kit), MFT felt, Jody's awesome boosters, pinking scissors, best glue ever, wide purple ribbon is from my stash (roll bought at Michael's over a year ago LOL!)

thanks so much for looking! i so hope you'll play along too!!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

ps- my cold has turned into full on tonsillitis- so i'm trying not to talk much as i'm super horse & scary sounding LOL! i haven't been to the gym for my morning cardio for 10 days now but it'll be there when i'm feeling better, right?!
i have to share a super sweet pic of my daughter looking especially cute & ready for her day today:

i LOVE it when she let's me give her piggytails but they never stay in for long, sigh! she totally LOVES her new halloween decoration too :)

MFT WSC9.15-Seeing Stars!

2010-09-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

click images to enlarge

MFT has another awesome Wednesday Stamp Club challenge up this week- it's all about stars- find all the details in this post & play along! i've been sick since last week, but i had to play along with this fun theme!

here's a close up taken in the sun so the color's a little better:

i don't have the star nesties...yet ;) so i made my own stars in illustrator, printed, cut them & then traced onto cardstocks. the jpg's are below if you might need some stars too.
note to self- next time draw shapes in Make the Cut and have my cricut do the work for me- DOH!!

i had fun making my own patterned paper with the tiny T-Rex image from MFT's Wyatt and His Wagon- you can't help but make the 'rawr' noise each time you stamp him (hope it's not just me!!).

my MFT dies, cork, felt & adornments made embellishing this card easy and the dies always work great! i glued on a toothpick to turn the MFT banner die shape into a pennant flag!

i have a 7 year old nephew and a big-kid hubs ;) who would love this one- gonna have to flip a coin to see who gets it!

deets:
Stamps: MFT's Wyatt and His Wagon, the RAWR sentiment on the flag is from MFT's Little Loveosaurus
Ink: Memento tuxedo black, Memento Rich cocoa
Paper: MFT cardstocks in Jellybean Green, Sour Apple and Wild Cherry; GinaK 80lb white pure luxury, Basic Grey PP (basics white paper pad)
Accessories: copic markers, krylon gold leafing pen, MFT Die-Namics: Banner Day die, Jumbo Ric Rac Die and Star Border die. MFT princess pearls (black), MFT cork, MFT felt, dimensionals, colored pencil, toothpick, Best Ever white glue (temp sold out at MFT.)

Here's the JPG star files for you- right click the images & save them to your computer:
smaller stars for decorating:

card base shape:

thanks for looking- i'm off for more tea- cross your fingers that i don't lose my voice- it's been a rough few days already!
Please join in the WSC fun with us if you get a chance- i'd love to see your creations too!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^0^

EDIT: OOPS! so sorry, i forgot a look at the inside (told you i was under the weather!) here ya go:

it's been a long time!

2010-09-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

sorry about that- lots going on during our first 3 weeks of school!
Labor Day weekend our sweet baby girl turned 6!! SIX?! holy cow this kiddo's getting to be so big now! we had a big party for her just this past weekend & i have lots of pictures to drag off my camera & share but i haven't been feeling well enough. the past few days have me fighting a terrible cold- my sinuses are so swollen that it hurts to touch most of my face!i have zero energy which is a total bummer because around here, MOM really can't afford to go down! needless to say, not much crafty time happening at my house! ugh!

i never shared my 1st week of school/thank you teacher gift/card, so here it is:

click image to enlarge

MFT's super cute apple card template and a sweet school themed MFT Pure Innocence stamp made this one so fun to create!!
i set the card on top of a bag of yummy truffles (just for HER to enjoy) and i used some fun school book MFT digi-paper to wrap a chocolate bar for her kiddos (So they didn't eat hers LOL!) YUM! it all turned out really cute and my daughter's teacher just loved it!

Here's all the deets:
stamps: MFT's Pure Innocence line, You Make the Grade
sentiment on chalk board is from MFT's Pure Innocence line - Apple for You

ink: memento tuxedo black, clear embossing ink

paper: ginaK pure luxury heavy weight cardstock, bazzill red cardstock (textured) MFT cardstocks in wild cherry, sour apple, jellybean green, MFT school collection digi papers

accessories: copic markers, white embossing powder, MFT felt & MFT rolled flower dienamic, MFT glittered garnishes, cuttlebug & embossing folders (swirls and swiss dots), glossy accents, MFT Caramel Apple template.

Here's the inside:

my daughter dictated the words then signed it.
i'm telling you i am beat just from this easy post- so i'm off to make more hot tea & rest a bit! hope to be back soon!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

Kindergarten Day 1-pics & projects

2010-08-31T13:18:00.000-07:00

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whew! it's been a while since i posted! so much has happened in the last few weeks- let's see if i can catch everyone up.
Aug 12-16th we were in Michigan for Grama's 90th birthday celebration! family friend and pastor Fr. Jim held a lovely mass for Grams on Saturday afternoon, followed by an amazing party & private feast at a local Italian restaurant. it was great to see everyone! Sadly, we could only stay a few short days so we could get back home and get prepared for school to start! thankfully, the Eastern time zone really helped us get a jump start on getting to sleep by 9!
Aug 23rd was a big day- it was the first day of school! we can't believe Mimi's starting Kindergarten this year!
here's another pic of our big 5 year old girl (& her birthday's coming up fast too!) with her Dad on her big day:

OK- so not long ago MFT released another adorable set called Emma with her backpack
One of MFT's amazing designers, Christina Fischer, made these ADORABLE projects for back to school!
i had some scraps of some of the same papers so i cased Christina's fun back-back tag & card and made a set for my Mimi:

here's the tag:

here's the card:

i think they turned out so sweet and Mimi loved them!
the uniform even matches one one of my daughter's- a blue plaid skort and a yellow polo! ca-ute right?!

here's a peek at the inside & the enve too:

deets:
Stamps: MFT's Emma with her backpack
MFT's banner day alphabet (for 'mimi' on tag)
Ink: Memento tuxedo black, tsukineko canary yellow ink dauber (accent on tag)
Paper: GinaK heavyweight pure luxury cardstock, MFT white scalloped notecard (card base), bazzill blue cardstock, October afternoon patterned papers (from the Boyfriend and Fly a Kite paper collections)
Accessories: Copic markers, nesties, MFT swarovski crystals, heidi swapp flower jewel, dimensionals, nametag holder (office depot)

thanks for looking! hope you're all having a great week as most of the school kids are back in session!
{{GIANT HUG}}
-g
^o^

get well tent card

2010-08-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

please click images to enlarge

Beate posted yet another fun & inspiring tutorial and video on Splitcoast- this time it's a tent card! i HAD to try it- look how cute Beate's sample card is! i've been meaning to make a get well card for a friend for quite a while so it was a perfect time to try out a new card type!
here's the side view:

this was so fun to make & i so hope it will cheer up my pal. i'm sending it along with some herbal teas and lots of love.

deets:
stamps: A Cuppa, by The Cat's Pajamas
paper: thin wood paper (TCP)bazzill white cardstock (orange peel texture), GinaK heavy-weight cardstock (sentiment) pattern papers are from October Afternoon (Fly a Kite paper pad)
ink: memento tuxedo black, colorbox cat's eye lipstick red (accent on sentiment)
accessories: copic markers, circle nesties, buttons, TCP linen thread ,
TCP flower button die, MFT felt, MFT cork, dimensionals (to pop up PJ on the edge of the frame), sewing machine

thanks for looking! a back to school post coming later today!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

KKSC40- guy birthday card!

2010-08-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

click image to enlarge

the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps blog has a new challenge up to make a guy or a boy birthday card & you still have lots of time to join in!

my sweet hubs LOVES to surf. in Costa Rica a few weeks ago- he spent almost every day surfing! here's a pic before he hit the waves one afternoon in Esterillos Oeste:

so i used the adorable Surfing Miles to make a fun birthday card that will be perfect for him when his birthday rolls back around!

i used my own 'go to' layout so it came together quick & easy. don't be afraid to re-use layouts that you love- it saves time and you'll always like the results!

here's a peek at the inside:

click image to enlarge

deets:
stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps:
Surfing Miles, Kimmie's Mermaid Sentiments (inside card),
Kimmie's Beachy Sentiments (card front)
ink: memento tuxedo black
paper: dk blue bazzill cardstock, ginaK pure luxury cardstock (white, heavy weight) patterned paper by Me & My BIG ideas (destination paradise pad)
accessories: copic markers, nesties, MFT jumbo ric rac die-namic, MFT cork, TCP cut ups-flower buttons die, TCP linen thread (ivory), dimensionals

thanks for looking! hope your week is off to a great start!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

WSC8410-another fun sketch!

2010-08-08T23:35:00.000-07:00

it's the first week of a new month (who can even believe it's August already?!) which means MFT's WSC has another great sketch challenge posted by Cindy & Frances-Yippeee! i LOVE their sketches! they are so inspiring i often find myself using them in tons of other projects- you gotta give them a try! You can find all the details this post on SCS. FUN as always!! i rotated & flipped this one to fit my image- hope you'll play along!

i just LOVE these new á la mode cling stamps from MFT- this one is so sweet & sassy with her camera! i had some fun 12x12 strip scraps with the polaroid on it (cosmo cricket, the boyfriend line)- just screamed for this one! i kept this one super simple so the image could take the spotlight. this one will even fit in a regular A2 envelope- that's very rare for me LOL! the sketch pulled this one together in no time and i think it turned out way cute!

here's a closer look at the coloring and the inside:

click images to enlarge

i just love the sentiments included in this set too!

here's the deets:
stamps: MFT á la modes Picture Perfect
ink: memento tuxedo black, catseye dark brown (edging around image), catseye lipstick red (edging around punched sentiment)
paper: MFT fossil scalloped notecard (base), ginaK pure luxury heavyweight cardstock, patterned papers are all cosmo cricket (the boyfriend line)
accessories: copic markers, 1.25" scalloped circle punch (EK success), dimensionals

in other news- dd was back at pediatrician this week for a bad case of swimmer's ear on the other side! our first 10 days back from vaca she was on amox and drops for her other ear- poor thing can't swim for ANOTHER full week (& this kiddo lives in the pool!) we'll be traveling to MI for Grams 90th birthday party next weekend and then back to school will be in full swing- we start full day kindergarten in 2 weeks!

thanks so much for looking!
hope you've had a great weekend!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

MFT WSC728 Mimi'sTeaParty

2010-07-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

please click photo to see more detail

i made a framed wall hanging for my daughter's room as my MFT Wednesday Stamp Club project. hope you'll play along-there's still plenty of time!

this started as an idea for a much simpler door knob style hanger, but as the scene started coming together, i found that i couldn't stop myself! thankfully, i had one last white 4"x6" dollar store frame in my stash!

i started by stamping all the images from MFT's Tea Party (Pure Innocence) onto perfect paper panels with memento tux black ink. i stamped the little girl twice so i could pop up an arm.

the little teddy that i placed in the tea cup comes from MFT's Cart Full of Friends (another Pure Innocence set, may be temporarily sold out).

i stamped the table 2 more times- once onto some Basic Grey patterned paper (olivia), and again on the wood grain patterned paper from MFT's Sheltering Tree digi paper pack.
i also stamped a third chair/PI girl onto the wood grain paper.

i colored everything with copic markers, then paper pieced all the bits (the pp table top, the table legs, the chair, the girl's arm) onto the paper panel images using a quickie glue pen. i then cut all the pieces out. i added a touch of bling to the shoe buckle (tiny swarovski crystal) and some spica pen on the heart & her hairclip.

i drew a floor onto a scrap of the wood grain digi paper using a colored pencil & ruler and cut that out too.
i started playing around with the pieces & figuring out how i wanted to place things. i used a piece of patterned paper from MFT's Chocolate Kiss paper pack as the main background.

since i was already down the rabbit hole, i figured i might as well hang out for a while- so i created a window for the scene using my mechanical pen & a ruler on a paper panel. i then doodled the hills & tree in the window with my mechanical pen, and then colored it in with copics.

the finished window really pulled the tea party/dollhouse scene together so i started gluing things down (i used Ranger's glossy accents to adhere all but the girl to the background- she's popped up on Jody's awesome dimensionals). the MFT ruffled ribbon (note the yellow ribbon is from the July WTG VIP kit) as a curtain to frame it all was icing on the cake!
i backed it with a scrap of brown cardstock to help support it in the frame. the glass was removed from the frame so the ruffles wouldn't get squashed!

i wanted to personalize this for my daughter, so i got out my new MFT banner day die-namic and created a name banner with scraps of the patterned papers and some MFT banana split cardstock (i think it's temp out of stock). i used memento paris dusk dew drop and the new MFT banner day alpha to stamp the letters. i pierced holes and used white embroidery floss to string the pennants together. i LOVE this die and alpha-- so stinkin' cute!

i had a bit more of the ruffle ribbon so i made ruffly (is that a word?!) flowers out of it by just curling it around a paper circle & securing it with hot glue. some buttons made perfect centers! one button was colored with a violet copic marker since i ran out of purple hearts- worked great!

i cut a strip of scrap MFT sno-cone cardstock with my MFT scalloped scallop die-namic and added a stamped row of cupcakes & cookies to it with memento rich cocoa ink. i thought this was perfect for finishing off the bottom of the piece. i LOVE these tiny sweets- they make me smile!

my daughter was so excited when she saw it all finished! we'll be hanging it in her room tomorrow!
if anything isn't clear or you have any questions- please let me know!

i thought it might be fun to share the little window with everyone so here's the JPG for ya:

to download it, simply control+click on the image (on a Mac) or right click it and save it to your computer. so sorry i colored it in before i scanned it- i'll try to remember that for future doodles!

here's the supply list all in one place:
stamps: MFT Tea Party, MFT Cart Full of Friends, MFT Banner Day Alpha
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Rich Cocoa, Memento Paris Dusk (dew drop)
paper: MFT perfect paper panels, MFT carstocks (banana split, snocone) MFT Sheltering Tree digi paper pack (wood grain pattern used), MFT Chocolate Kiss paper collection (pink splatter pattern used), Basic Grey patterned paper (Olivia line)
accessories: copic markers, MFT die-namics (banner day die, scalloped scallop die), MFT ruffled ribbon (yellow from vip collection), MFT swarovski crystal, spica pen (violet), buttons (my stash), frame (my stash), Jody's dimensionals.

thanks ever so much for looking! hope you're having a fun weekend!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

KKSC39 (aka solarcaine please!)

2010-07-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

the amazing Michele Boyer is hosting at the Kraftin' Kimmie challenge blog-the samples were so fun that i had to play along!

for my card, i used Kraftin' Kimmie's Beach Bum Miles stamp, and i totally HAD to case/scraplift Andrea Murdock's sunburned buns on Miles- so dang cute- i couldn't refuse!!

i adore Kraftin' Kimmie stamps-they are whimsical, fun and just super cool! they make me smile whenever i see one!! i have a few waiting for me to ink them up, but there's TONS more on my wishlist! :)

this one came together very quickly once i picked the main color- blue! i fanned through my patterned paper pad & as soon as i saw the fishy paper, i knew it was 'it'- the reddish-orange fishies perfectly match Miles' sunburn LOL! i also was happy to play with my new wave die from TCP.

i also used a favorite MFT WSCsketch from Frances for inspo on part of this layout (specifically the semi-circles with the bow/button). this sketch totally rocks & i hope you'll try it out too!

if you look close, one little fishy on the front is popped up. he's hiding a water splotch mess. it's blaringly obvious to me, but it taught me that i didn't need to throw it out or freak out or start all over- just try to fix it & move on. my nephew is going to love this funny card anyway ('bum' humor is all the rage when you're 6 LOL) and i doubt he'll even notice my mistake anyway!it even looks worse in the photo than in person. i point this out to remind you to not be so hard on yourself too- mistakes will happen & it's really ok!!

the inside has lots of room to write a note:

deets:
stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Beach Bum Miles .
the sentiment is from Kimmie's Beachy Sentiments
ink: memento tuxedo black
paper: mft perfect paper panel, mft cardstocks (snocone, berrylicious), bazzill cardstocks (yosemite blue and a darker blue), patterned paper is from Me & My BIG ideas (the destination paradise pad)
accessories: copic markers, nesties, TCP wave die, TCP divine twine, buttons from MFT summer collection & my stash, dimensionals, glossy accents

thanks for looking! this was fun!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

YAY for MFT-let's have CAKE!! WSC721

2010-07-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

please click photo to enlarge

mr. mailman finally delivered my new MFT goodies yesterday-hooray!!! so even though it was past the deadline, i HAD to play along in MFT's WSC for the past week! you can find all the details & join in at this post on Splitcoast.
the challenge was to create a card or project featuring a banner! of course, i used my brand new MFT dienamics on this one-so so fun!!
and how i LOVE LOVE my new á la mode girl and Banner Day die- aren't they just adorable?! eeEEK! all my new goodies me so happy!!

here's more pics & info:
stamps: MFT á la modes Birthday Girl
ink: memento tuxedo black, tsukineko ink dauber in canary (edging)
paper: MFT perfect paper panel, MFT espresso scalloped note card, MFT cardstock scraps in: sour apple, bubblegum, banana split & berrylicious; Bazzill cardstock (blue Yosemite and white-orange peel textured), patterned papers are Basic Grey (Olivia)
accessories: copic markers, spica pens, sakura glaze pen, nesties, cuttlebug embossing folder (polka dots), MFT glitter garnishes, MFT felt, MFT die-namics (rolled flower, banner day die, open scallop border), TCP linen embroidery thread, ranger glossy accents, Jody's white dimensionals

note: adding embellies to the open scalloped die was inspired by 2 recent projects: one of Jessie's cards -where she used little brads & Nancy's awesome card that uses buttons- i just love this look! thanks for the inspo!!

here's the inside:

click images to enlarge

closer look at her sparkly details. there's glaze pen on the cupcake too-mmm looks like a choco chip cupcake:

here's a side view for dimension- i love the flower-so pretty & the rolled flower die-namic makes it so easy:

thanks for looking!! hope your week is going great!!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

TGF saturdaySketch28

2010-07-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

please click image to enlarge!

hello again! i've been a busy bee the past few days- no? i'm lovin' it!! really i'm desperate trying to keep myself busy while i'm waiting for tons of new goodies to arrive in my mailbox!!! has anybody seen mr. mailman? can you please send him my way? LOL!

this weekend there was another great sketch posted on the Club Anya blog. Pam's fab sketch is a classic 'go to' design-- so it was a no-brainer to play along!

i LOVE this Creeper Crew Thursday stamp purchased from The Greeting Farm and couldn't wait to practice coloring with her- so this was the perfect chance!! my 'Monday' and 'Wednesday' stamps should be here soon! they're just too cute, no?! i also used other TGF stamps in this card (sentiment is from Roll Call and the pattern stripes are from the amazing scrapbooking stamp set called Spotlight). if you don't have any TGF stamps- you MUST check out their digi's- they are way cute,very affordable, and then you can play along straight away!!

here's more pics & info:
paper: MFT espresso scalloped notecard, Bazzill blue cardstock (color name is yosemite), white cardstock, patterned paper is an old creative imaginations line called caution girl (i still love it!), bubblegum cardstock (inside card)

stamps: TGF CC Tursday, sentiment is from Roll Call kit, background pattern strips (on the blue cardstock) from the Spotlight kit
ink: memento tuxedo black
accessories: copic markers, spica pens (on Thursday's shoes & belt buckles), nesties, 1.25" scalloped circle punch, creative imaginations skull brad (from caution girl line), heidi swapp cherry photo corner (card inside), thick foam dimensionals (Thursday and the sentiment are popped WAY up!)

a look at her sparkly sneaks (don't know why spica is so hard to photograph!)

click pics to enlarge them!

a peek at the inside- just lots of room for a note:

thanks for looking! hope you're having a great start to a new week!!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

berries for M.O.M.

2010-07-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

click on images to enlarge

hello again! well, the postman still hasn't brought my new MFT goodies but thankfully Jody at MFT has created these AWESOME berry templates to help distract me while i wait! can i just tell you- these are FUN FUN FUN to make!!
even cooler- is that Jody has this amazing tutorial up on her blog showing how to cut these templates using a Cricut machine & a piece of software called Make the Cut (Jody is a MTC affiliate so link via her blog!) i am brand new to Make the Cut- so this tut could not have been more perfect to help me out!
i LOVE that my 1st gen cricut can cut this intricate template quick & easy and saved me the time & frustration trying to handcut! YAY!
like Jody's example, i used the MFT sunshine dienamic and felt to make the green tops for my strawberries- LOVE 'em!! Jody's instructions & assembly photos that come with this template set ROCK too!

my sweet mother-in-law's birthday is coming up so i'm sending her this set along with a Border's gift card (her fave store!) my berries are filled with 2 hard candies, but a handful of skittles fits nicely too!
i'm totally going to be making tons of these berries & baskets- who wouldn't LOVE to get one of these and the cricut makes it so quick & easy!!!
here's more pics & details:

Basket & Berry Deets:
berry basket & berries template: MFT's Berry Ensemble
paper: MFT redhot cardstock, Bazzill kraft cardstock
stamps: MFT In the Background (Stephanie Fizer)
ink: Memento rich cocoa
accessories: Tiny Bubbles cuttlebug embossing folder, MFT sunshine dienamic and felt, red buttons, TCP ivory linen thread, 1/4" scor-tape, MFT ruffled ribbon (from the Who's That Garden Girl VIP kit)

quick note: after the basket template was cut with my cricut, i simply stamped all over it using the In the Background stamp with cocoa ink-i love how it turned out and it could be stamped any color!! quick & cute!

card close:

card inside:

card details:
stamps: MFT's In My Garden Jolinne, In the Background. inner sentiment is from MFT's Love You Jolinne (temp sold out i think)
ink: memento tuxedo black, memento rich cocoa
paper: MFT perfect paper panel, MFT white scalloped notecard (from the WTG VIP kit last month), MFT redhot cardstock, Bazzill white cardstock (orange peel texutre) Cosmo cricket patterned paper (Garden Variety paper pack)
accessories: copic markers, MFT baby braddies, MFT buttons, nesties, sewing machine, thread, TCP ivory linen thread, Jody's dimensionals

card notes: i cut my dp into pieces and left a gap between them on the cardfront to allow some of the red to show through & give the eye a resting area since the paper is so busy!

sorry these photos aren't the greatest- my light tent is out on loan!
thanks so much for looking! hope you're having an awesome weekend!
Costa Rica link here
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
xo
^o^

105º@9pm -oh yeah, it's hot!

2010-07-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

please click image to enlarge

i'm not even kidding about the current temperature here in the high desert this evening! whew!
my friend & fellow MFT junkie Chris creates awesome projects! i noticed that she posted some super cute cards on her blog lately that feature some fab digi stamps from a company called Shirley's 2 Girls. Chris recently joined their DT, and i had never visited this company before, so i went & checked 'em out! turns out they have lots of cute digi's and a fun challenge going on too-funny enough the theme is 'heat' and 'hot'-- and since we're definitely staying inside with the AC blasting this weekend- i downloaded a couple images & played along! you should check 'em out & join in too!
i love this whimsical tea digi & it was great fun to color! this one really came together very quickly and i think it's pretty cute!
thanks to Chris for awesome inspo & enabling!

card deets:
digi image & sentiment: Tea Scandal by Shirley's 2 Girls
paper:MFT fossil scalloped notecard, Bazzill orange cardstock,
GinaK PureLuxury 80lb white cardstock (i print digi images on this)
ink: distress ink in spiced marmalade (edging/sponging)
accessories: nesties, cuttlebug swirls embossing folder, SU ticket corner punch, copic markers, pop dots, buttons, twine, MFT glittered garnishes (Spring collection)

thanks for looking!
if you're looking for my Costa Rica post- it's here!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

CostaRica July2010

2010-07-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

click photos to enlarge images
you can't tell- but those are a family of scarlet macaws flying overhead- taken on a beach in Esterillos Oeste, Costa Rica on one of our 14 magical vacation days. what an awesome adventure we had! i journaled only a bit-here's some of my notes:

from our hotel in San Jose
costa rica day 1- july4th we stayed in SanJose overnight- rented a car & got lost driving on skinny, treacherously curvy roads through small communities. we had to turn around when a giant split in the road made us stop altogether! the 1.5 hour trip took us almost 3 hours- what an adventure!
once we arrived to our hotel (Los Suenos) we hand fed an iguana at the restaurant while we waited for the rest of the family to arrive.

part of the road from San Jose to Los Suenos

looking out over the pool at the Marriott, Los Suenos

the view from Hotel9 on Playa Jaco

day2- awesome day at the beach with the kids- we made a local friend, Carlos, age 8 from San Jose- we boogie boarded and dug holes the sand. Carlos was so sweet and had a wide smile on his face every moment! the sand at Playa Jaco was tiny pebbles and bigger rocks- but the water was super warm!
the afternoon found us in Esterillos Oeste to watch the boys surf in rougher waters- but the shells on the beach, soft sand and warm water were amazing!! i got quite badly sunburned but what a fabulous day!

day 3 we hung at the hotel pool most of the day while the boys surfed Playa Jaco again. then we took a quick afternoon trip with the kids to Neofauna- a privately owned butterfly, frog & snake zoo. we got to drive our truck thru some water and up a windy mountain road thru the hillside. the kids got to feed a monkey some plantain slices & i met a very friendly & beautiful parrot. the endangered Blue Morpho butterflies at the farm were breathtaking and something we'll never forget!

other highlights of our trip include an over 4km hike through the rainforest to a waterfall. we saw tons of poison dart frogs and lizards but the hike was by far our family's most difficult to date.

if you're interested in seeing some of my family photos from the trip-feel free to check them out here

we had an amazing vacation and have all returned recharged and rested- something we haven't felt for quite some time! if you ever get the chance to travel to Costa Rica we highly recommend it & we hope to get back there someday! this week we're trying to get back into our work/summer day routines and i'm looking forward to some crafty time very very soon!!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
xo
^o^

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM!!!

2010-07-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

please click photo to enlarge

Today we are celebrating Kim's special day with a huge birthday bash!

Lots of my fellow MFT junkies, the amazing MFT design team, and so many of her fabulous friends are participating to show Kim how much we all love & appreciate her!

Kim is the owner of My Favorite Things, one of my favorite places to shop and hang out! She is always encouraging and inspiring, and her fun products & customer service are second to none! Not to mention she's kind, generous, has a great sense of humor, and is just an all-around cool person! i so hope i get the chance to meet her in person someday & give her a giant hug!!

Here's the linked list of participants, but make sure to visit the MFT Blog too!

Wishing you a happy & blessed birthday Kim!! You're the best!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
"Let the Wild Rumpus Start!"...WooHoo!!

stair step card deets:
stamps: MFT Fred Bear has a Birthday
MFT Pure Innocence Birthday Princess (1 of the sentiments)

ink: memento tuxedo black, memento rich cocoa

papers: MFT paper panels, MFT Chocolate Kiss patterned papers,
MFT espresso scalloped notecard, pink prism cardstock,

accessories: MFT DieNamics (sunshine, jumbo ric rac), MFT cork,
MFT felt, MFT earth girl button, copic markers, glitzy glitter, twine nesties, 1.25" scallop circle punch, Jody's red line sticky dots

here's a 3/4 view:

please click photo to enlarge

eclipse

2010-07-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

click photo to enlarge

my dear friend Kayla and i went to the midnight showing of Eclipse late Tuesday/midnight Wednesday. it was a birthday gift for both of us (my birthday was a few weeks ago, her's was last Friday) and it was great to spend some quality time, and see our fave characters! if you're a Twilight fan, you gotta go see this movie NOW!

Kayla is Native American on her Mom's side, so of course, she's Team Jacob. i on the other hand am totally Team Edward (even when werewolf boy takes off his shirt LOL) so of course i had to make her a Jacob/Eclipse birthday card!

the card inside:

click photo to enlarge

here's the card supplies:
STAMPS: Joseph digi stamp from The Greeting Farm,
Sentiments from 2 MFT sets: Fairy Sweet Jolinne and Pure Innocence Birthday Princess
PAPER: digi image printed on Gina K's luxury white (120lb) cardstock, MFT espresso scalloped notecard, MFT jellybean green cardstock, cream cardstock scrap (inside), patterned paper is from October Afternoon (Thrift Shop paper pad)
INK: memento tuxedo black
ACCESSORIES: MFT dienamics (scalloped scallop), MFT cork, MFT felt, copic markers, nesties, twine, MFT earth girl button, dog bone clip (from local scrapbook store), pop dots

here's the whole gift package (Twilight colors of course):

inside was the Eclipse movie companion book, Twilight the graphic novel, a Jacob bookmark, another book, some homemade bath salts and some other goodies!

thanks for looking!
only 2 more days until we leave for vacation- YAY!!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

There She Goes Challenge-stair step card

2010-06-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

click on image to enlarge it

hello everyone! i'm back with another fun challenge card! this time, it's for TSG60-a Stair Step card! this is another type of card that i'd never tried before! 2 in one week- WooHoo- how i love learning new things!

some of my very favorite clear stamp sets are from There She Goes- you HAVE to check them out (some faves are Loads of Fun, A Woman's Place, Domestic Goddess, Tastes Like Chicken- betcha totally burst out laughing) this time, i'm using the lovely What's Up Buttercup set

Beate at Splitcoast has another amazing tutorial on how to construct the stair step card base and her tutorials are so awesome with full photos & a complete video too- like she's in the room making it with you- just love 'em!

anyway- i kept it pretty simple & straightforward since this was my first attempt at this card and i really enjoyed it. these would be awesome at any dinner party- they can go from whimsical & funny to wedding elegant and i love anything someone can stand up on their desk for a bit and think of you for a bit after you send it- way cool!

deets:
STAMPS: What's Up Buttercup by There She Goes
PAPER: Banana Split and Snocone cardstocks by MFT, Brown and kraft cardstocks by Bazzill, MFT creme perfect paper panels, patterned paper by October Afternoon (Fly a Kite)
INK: Memento rich cocoa
ACCESSORIES: Canary Dauber by Tsukineko, 1 1/8" circle punch, nesties, EK Success daisy chain slim edge punch, Copic markers, Gold Copic spica, Clear star gelly roll pen by Sakura, dimensionals, heavy twine (hardware store)

other info:
images were all stamped in rich cocoa onto MFT creme paper panels & cut or punched out and adhered with dimensionals.

more pics:
close up of the glittery shine from the glitter pens:
please click photos to enlarge

the card opened from the side:
please click photos to enlarge

the csrd folded up ready for an envelope:
please click photos to enlarge

this is another card that i encourage you to try- it's fun and makes a very cool presentation!
thanks for looking!

in other news the hubs has successfully passed his blue belt test for jiu jitsu- he rolled for 3 hours with over 20 dudes straight! he is covered in brusies and mat burns & sore as heck, but we couldn't be prouder of him!!! he rocks the mat!

hope you're having a great weekend!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

summertime & the livin's eas(el)y!

2010-06-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

please click images to enlarge

hello again friends! hope this finds you well. there's lots of info & pics on this one, so please grab a beverage and hang out a bit!

today i made my first ever easel card. it was prompted & inspired by this adorable creation by Cindy Haffner a few days ago (while you're visiting her blog take some time & enjoy it- there are tons of things to inspire & amaze you!)
from Cindy's blog, i went to check out Beate's amazing reference tutorial on creating easel cards in all sizes.

i just so happened to have some super-cute, new, summery stamps from Kraftin'Kimmie and her blog has a fun color challenge up for this week too (BLUE, YELLOW & TAN)-so i knew it was a perfect opportunity to ink up these cuties & try something new! YAY! of course i used lots of MFT goodies too!

here's supply info:
STAMPS: Florence and her shell accessory, Sandcastle accessory is from the Jack stamp- all from Kraftin' Kimmie-Moonlight Whispers line, sentiments are from Kimmie's Beachy Sentiments set

INK: Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Rich Cocoa

PAPER: half of an MFT fossil notecard, MFT perfect paper panels, MFT cardstocks (banana split & berrylicious), Bazzill kraft cardstock.

ACCESSORIES: MFT die-namics (jumbo scallop), MFT cork, copic markers, heavy twine, MFT earth girl wooden button, misc. beachy charms from my stash, Fiskar's threading water punch, hot glue gun (to ensure button will never fall off), dimensionals, 1/2" scor-tape

THE DEETS:
1. prep:
i stamped Florence, her shell and the sandcastle images onto MFT paper panels in black ink. The images were colored with copic markers & cut out.
i stamped some additional shells in cocoa ink on a scrap strip of kraft cardstock.
per Beate's awesome instructions, i made a horizontal, standard card sized easel base (5.5"x8.5" cardstock piece scored at 4.25" and 6.375" longways)

2. main panel:
i took half of an MFT fossil, scalloped notecard and used it as my front panel base. i added a blue mat, and a strip of yellow cardstock. i cut out my cork scallops using my MFT jumbo scallop die-namic steel die in my cuttlebug. this is a standard size, horizontal card base so the measurements are simple & it comes together quickly!
once the paper layers were created, i stamped the sentiment onto the main panel, added my little shell and sandcastle accents, and popped up Florence into a comfy spot using dimensionals.
this whole front panel was then attached to the easel card base using 1/2" scor-tape.
next i wound the twine around the entire card front, added a big wooden button and some fun summer charms (a flip flop & a sun) to a jump ring that i then threaded onto the twine. a simple knot tied it all into place. i was worried over time the charms & button might get too heavy so i hot glued the button down to ensure a good hold. the twine also adds a nice texture to the inside of the card since it wraps all the way around.

3.the inside of the card:
is a simple blue mat with a sweet sentiment added in black ink.
the bottom of the inside panel is the section of kraft paper stamped with the brown shells. to the kraft, i added a layer of yellow cardstock that i edge punched using my fiskar's punch.
a thin strip of cork above the shells, provided just the right amount of height in order to help prop the card open when it's standing up- you could do this with a larger embellishment or even a few more layers of cardstock- anything that helps to keep it open will work great.

these pics will make this more clear:

here's the card closed & ready to go into an envelope:
click photo to enlarge

here's the card open, showing the full inside:
click photo to enlarge

here's a side view of the card standing open, propped up on the bottom inner layer:
click photo to enlarge

whew! it's much easier to show you than tell you LOL!
thanks for hanging in there with my long winded explanations.

this card is really way cool and if you've never made one- do yourself a favor and try it- it's sure to make you feel good and i can't wait to see how my sis-in-law likes it when she gets it in the mail...though i'm a little worried she's going to request a bunch of them for her friends ;)

thanks for looking!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
xo
-g
^o^

clownin' around

2010-06-21T16:49:00.001-07:00

please click to enlarge photos!

we're still feeling silly from the circus clowns this weekend so we broke out the face paints & had some fun today! i think i need to find more summer activities for us to do- this stuff is hard to wash off ;) but it sure was fun!

some tags, a card & barnum's funundrum (lots-o-pics)

2010-06-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

click images to enlarge

i have several things to share with you today!
one of my favorite crafty things to do is take a small little gift, wrap it, and add a quick tag. i especially like to surprise the little people in my life with these gifties, but it makes kids of all ages so happy to unwrap a little something- even if it's a .50c candy bar or a new box of crayons. people seem to enjoy the tags too. i always add enough ribbon so the tags can hang somewhere- a doorknob, a dresser drawer pull, over a chair back, etc. they are fun to make, and a great way to use up scraps, practice new techniques and coloring ideas- so everyone wins!
these are some tags i made the other day to surprise 2 special little boys i know- and what little boy (or girl) doesn't love some cute robots?!

Stamps: MFT Bunch of Bots and the teeny weeny heart on the top tag is from MFT's Love Machine sentiments from these sets too
Paper: Creative Cafe tags, MFT cream paper panels, MFT Robot digi paper
Ink: memento tuxedo black
Accessories copic markers, MFT dienamics (cloud trio die) nesties, pop dots, ribbon (michael's)
Other: wrapping paper is from target

up next is a card for a dear friend's daughter who recently graduated from high school. it's a 'girlie' version of the recent graduation card i had made for our little brother.
click images to enlarge

it's almost identical, except i used lots of bright yellow (her school color) a thicker twine and a big flower that i custom colored to match with copic markers. you NEED this set if you have any graduation events in your life- now or later! in fact, you NEED all 3 Fred Bear sets- 'cause he's so adorable!!
STAMPS: MFT Fred Bear Graduates
PAPERS: MFT paper panels, cardstocks (MFT banana split, bazzill), basic grey patterned paper (from june bug paper pad)
INK: memento tuxedo black
ACCESSORIES: copics, nesties, MFT dienamics large scallop, pop dots, MFT cork, MFT earth girl button, thick twine (home depot)
here's a look at the inside too:
click images to enlarge

the circus is in town this weekend too! here's a few pics from Barnum's Funundrum:
click images to enlarge

finally- sending very happy father's day wishes to all the awesome dad's out there! hope you're having a wonderful weekend!
thanks for visiting!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

For Taylor

2010-06-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

click image to enlarge:

two posts so close together? that hardly EVER happens around this blog!

my good friend Taylor is pregnant with her first daughter (due very soon- YAY!) she's a wonderful Mom to two other little boys (ages 5 and 2.5!) i made this cute card for her today to go along with a jumbo box of diapers, wipes and some other newborn items. even though it's very simple & straightforward,i really had fun making this one! i guess it's just anytime you think about a friend having a new baby, you just have to smile, ya know?!

stamps: MFT Baby Bump

paper: MFT fossil note cards, MFT perfect paper panels, pink, black and cream cardstocks, basic grey dp (basics white, and kioshi 6x6"paper pads), scrap of scenic route paper (black polka dot)

inks: memento tuxedo black, spun sugar distress ink

accessories: MFT dienamics (scallop scallop and jumbo scallop), MFT cork, MFT felt, copic markers, polka dot cuttlebug embossing folder, MFT ribbon, MFT mini pink safety pin (adornment), pink plastic pacifier charm (unknown manufacturer, was in my stash), dimenstional boosters (from Jody-these rock!)

some interesting notes:
the image was stamped several times. i altered the white dp with pink distress ink to color it, then i stamped the main image right onto it. WTG's legs & sidewalk were stamped onto a paper panel, colored with copics, cut out and pieced onto the dp image.
Her shirt and shopping bags were pieced from the other patterned papers.
i just love how cute it turned out- it's colorful and artsy & i dig it!
i fed the mini safety pin through the tiny pink plastic pacificer charm and pinned it right to the ribbon. it is such a cute touch- you should try pinning something on your next card!
i LOVE MFT's cork, felt & dienamics and i can't say it enough- i LOVE LOVE LOVE 'em!

the inside is very simple and has lots of room for me to write a note

to accompany the card, i packed a jumbo baby gift bag with a sweet, pink travel swing, a super soft teddy bear rattle blanket, some one piece pj's and onesies, a big box of diapers & a case of wipes too.
i can't wait until baby Gwen is here!!
thanks for looking!

if you're looking for my Yo-Heave-Ho pirate card post- please click here- i'm having some issues with Blogger today!
{{BIG HUGS}}
-g
^o^

Yo-Heave-Ho

2010-06-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

click on image to enlarge.

this card was made for one of my daughter's good friends & preschool classmates, Seamus. he turned 5 a few weeks ago and had one of the most amazing pool parties i've ever attended- over the top awesome! Seamus LOVES pirates, so how could i not use this super cute set!

the card layout is a recent sketch from Mojo Monday i couldn't refuse the round one because i totally LOVE to make round cards!

stamps: Aargh! Piratey from The Cat's Pajamas
paper: MFT perfect paper panels, red (MFT), kraft, orange peel texture white, black cardstocks (Bazzill)
inks: embossing ink, memento tuxedo black, CTMH goldrush (used on little skulls on kraft cardstock), stazon (used to stamp on the twill)
accessories: MFT scalloped scallop Dienamic,twill ribbon (MFT), black embossing powder, heat tool, nesties, cropodile, Jody's dimensionals

here's the inside (click image to enlarge):

to go along with our theme, we packed a cardboard treasure box full of loot including some cute pirate swim trunks, a felt pirate hat, a pirate card game, pirate pencils and some Pirate's Booty- one of our fave snacks! he loved it!
thanks for looking!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
xo
^o^

MFT WSC519 WaterBaby

2010-05-27T06:46:00.000-07:00

click image to enlarge

hello everyone- it's been a while since i've posted here! i've been very sick with bad allergies and a terrible headcold for almost 3 weeks! feel like i might be turning the corner this morning- but it's windy and cold again today so we'll see how we do (please think good thoughts- it's been really awful!)

MFT's WSC for last week was to watercolor an image- i'd never done that before (other than played a little with some pencils and blender pen- but that's not a water brush!) coincidentally, i had also ordered some ingredients to start experimenting with homemade bath bombs. the idea for a cute bath set hit me the moment i saw my brand new Pure Innocence cutie from MFT- this one is Lather Rinse Repeat- isn't she just adorable in her tub of bubbles?! you gotta love that sweet rubber ducky too! ca-ute!

all i had on hand was a Strathmore watercolor pad so i stamped the image on a piece of that using Brilliance graphite black ink. i used clear embossing powder over the ink and heat set it well to ensure my watercolors wouldn't run the image. it really worked great! i made a few of these to have some extras on hand.

i had a set of Winsor & Newton watercolors that i got on sale at dick blick years ago (the little tiny half cakes in a box-it was around $10 for the set and comes with mixing wells and a brush) i dug those out & got to work mixing & coloring. i have to say i was hesitant to put the first swatches of color down, but then i just let go & started to play and not worry about it (you can always stamp off and emboss more!) the process was relaxing and fun and it forced me not to rush things. very zen. very cool. totally give it a go!

here's a closer view:

click image to enlarge

this card is straightforward but some things to note:
i used a ticket corner punch (SU) on the image & on the mat.
patterned paper is by Basic Grey (kioshi line)
i popped up the little ducky in his puddle that i had painted separately.
i used an MFT Fossil note card for the base, and some MFT glittered garnishes for embellies. Ribbon is from MFT too.

here's the inside:
just a simple white emboss of the sentiment.

click image to enlarge

the bath bomb bag is an MFT gusset bag
i cut a label with my nesties, and stamped the same PI image using a light brown ink for a lightly colored 'watermark' effect:

click image to enlarge

the back of the label has some instructions and the sweet ducky image from the same stamp set.
the instructions i simply typed up (i used the Cheri font it's a free download) and printed out & added to the bag:

click image to enlarge

if you're looking for supplies or starter kits, try Bramble Berry

Bath Bomb Recipe
ingredients:
1 part citric acid
2 parts baking soda
fragrance if desired (i used an oil blend)
colorant if desired (i used lilac la bomb colorant- it's an fd&c based dye in a glycerin base)
witch hazel in a spray bottle (you need several spritzes)
something to mold with- ice cube trays, plastic easter eggs, plastic ornament molds or soap/candle making molds, sand molds- anything!

directions:
mix the citric acid & baking soda thoroughly in a large bowl.
sprinkle fragrance (i used .5oz for 1 lb. citric acid/2 lb. baking soda-see note below*) over dry ingredients and mix well.
add colorant and mix well (to your liking- i used a quarter of the small bottle of colarant) again.

here's the tricky part:
while stirring the mixture spritz some witch hazel over the bowl- like 6 pumps or so and incorporate it well. you don't want to dump in a bunch of liquid or it will start fizzing on you. just a light spritz at a time, 6 times in a row. i needed about 4 sets of short pumps to get the mixture to clump together & hold it's shape in my hand- it will vary based on your temp/humidity. basically if you pick it up and can mold it in your hand like damp beach sand you're done- start packing it into your mold right away. over fill the mold, press it together (if using the ball ornament mold) let it sit a minute or two, then release the mold (one side at a time on the ball mold- gently tap & lift off one end of the mold, then the other) set to dry on some wax paper for about 2-3 hours.
enjoy!

* fragrance note: these were HIGHLY scented bombs- truth is they came out too strong for us and too big! i've been breaking them into quarters & using just a small piece at a time! still works great- just don't get the pieces wet when you break them up!

also- i don't recommend using these for young kids- fragrance free ones would be ok, but lots of fragrance or certain types of oils can cause some stinging in little eyes or in any little scrapes or cuts!

whew- that was a bit longwinded eh?! lol! thanks for hanging in there!
need to take more meds & make a quick thank you note before school is out today! hope to be back soon!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
^o^
-g

rockin' teacher card

2010-05-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

please click image for a larger view!

i made this card for a teacher at my daughter's school (she's not my daughter's primary teacher, who got the magic card) but this teacher helps out and does a lot of activities with my daughter's class, so i thought it would be nice to remember her for teacher appreciation week too. this particular teacher is super cute and fun, with amazing style so this cheeky rockabilly girl from the greeting farm was the perfect stamp choice.

i stamped her onto an MFT perfect paper panel with memento tuxedo black ink & colored her in with copics. i had to add a little belly button bling too with a tiny swarovski crystal i also added some glossy accents to her shoes so they looked 'patent leather'. found some oldie but rockin' paper with skulls & cherries (creative imaginations, caution girl line) in my stash that was perfect to put behind the cut out, popped up image, along with some silver metal star brads.

here's a peek at it upside down so you get a better look at the glossy shoes & dimension: please click to enlarge images!

i cut the card base out of black cardstock with my scalloped nesties, and the circles were also cut out with nesties. i paper pierced small holes in each scallop along the card base and finished off the inside with a simple white cardstock scalloped circle, and an awesome 'You Rock' sentiment from MFT's Tweeny Tween Rock On/Pure Innocence set:

Ms. Jen totally LOVED it (i was so glad!) along with the gerbera daisy plant we potted for her. i am lovin making these little round cards- you gotta try some!!
thanks for looking!

in other news, we are all sick at the same time with insane allergies and headcolds (from the allergies no doubt)- Mimi got it first, gave it to me, who then passed it along to the hubs, so now within a week or so we're all runny nosed (& at other times congested), itchy eyes & throat, sickie sounding people! i'm the hand washing drill sergeant around here LOL! thankfully none of us are running fevers, or feeling too bad- but i so hope it'll warm up & everything will stop blooming soon- LOL- NEVER thought i'd wish for the 100's+ ;)
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

SIStv i will miss you so

2010-05-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

it's sad that SIStv is closing down forever on May 15th. many SISters, including myself, have definitely felt this was coming for quite some time. if you wanna a last peek at my scrappy gallery there- please check it out quick LOL!
i will forever be thankful for the friends i've made there and for the awesome challenges, classes & tutorials SIS offered. i began a total newbie and loved the creative challenges and supportive environment- i took risks and expanded my skills and fell in love with all sorts of crafting. i'll always remember the Project Catwalk in 08/09-an international scrapping contest filled with incredible talent & inspo. i will forever be blown away by the fact that i made in thru weeks of challenges and into the top finalists of that competition, out of hundreds of fellow contestants. (i completed Round 3 of the finals and my last week projects are some of my very favorite creations ever!) i will truly miss everyone at SIStv. i wish nothing but blessings and happiness for Jeanette and her family as she lets go of SIS and starts following her next dream! farewell and thank you SIStv xoxoxo

happy mother's day!

2010-05-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

to all the wonderful Mom's-even those of just furry babies!!
{{GIANT HUGS}} and wishes for a wonderful day! Love Ya Lots!
XOXOO
-g
^o^

love how this card turned out- it was so fun to make!
i used MFT's Mother's Day stamp set (set is partially available as digi).
i stamped it twice using momento tuxedo black on perfect paper panels. i colored the background with copics. i also stamped it a third time onto some lovely BG paper (from green at heart paper pad). i cut out the dress from the patterned paper and Quickie Glued it to the background colored image. The other image was colored with copics too & then the arms & flower pot were cut out and glued on top of the paper dress- toughie to cut but so CA-UTE and the dimension is way cool!
i busted out the glaze pens and played around on this image on top of the coloring- the flowers were textured with white, greens on the leaves, and clear, white and yellow on top of the pot to make it look like real ceramic. i LOVE how this turned out! tiny princess pearls were glued to the tiny flowers around the image. i used some deep brown cardstock to mat it. i popped the whole image up using the awesome white boosters from Jody i stitched BG papers to the background mat & adhered the panel to the MFT fossil note card.
some gorgeous MFT ribbon and a tiny button finish it off.
here's a closer peek at the image details:

here's the inside:

the sentiment and tiny flower were stamped on a creme paper panel scrap. more of the cardstock & BG paper were stitched together and added as a base.

thanks for looking! i have some other projects from this week posted below so please scroll down to see them!
i have a few other things still waiting for me to blog too but i have to get ready to go out for our Brazilian Churrascaria celebration this afternoon! the hubs birthday is today too so we've got lots going on today!
see ya soon!
{{HUGS}}
-g
^o^

teacher week project 2

2010-05-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

if you're looking for my magic card post it can be found here!

please click image to see the detail

hello again! i'm back with another teacher appreciation week/Mother's Day gift that i created this week and it's one of my favorite gifts to give- bath salts! who doesn't enjoy a long, hot, relaxing soak in a tub when they get the chance? (...and for us Mom's with young kids, those baths are few and far between!) i love to mix my own bath salts- it brings out my inner medicine girl and helps to soothe the body & mind. LOVE that! i shop for my bulk salt making supplies at the San Francisco bath salt company. my empty jars come from all over- ball jars from Michaels (but hot glue the small inner lid to the ring so it can't separate anymore & get lost), but i also have a few of these awesome 16oz squared jars from MFT- i especially love these because MFT's label stamps fit them perfectly, there's no lumpy printing on them, and if my kiddo drops one it's plastic so no worries!

for this gift, i used MFT's Time for the Bubbly label set- it's perfect for when i make my own gifts, but it's also great for any pre-packaged purchased items or gift cards too- remember almost anything can be dressed up with stamps & pretty papers!)

i stamped my label image twice on MFT perfect paper panels, and again on some gorgeous Basic Grey patterned paper (from the Lemonade collection- one of my all time favorite paper lines- this particular paper is called Dandelion.)
i carefully cut out the background 'wall paper' area from the patterned paper stamped image (including the top bubbly border).
From one of the thick paper panels, i cut out only the tub/WTG's legs/the rug- and colored it with copic markers. because the paper panels are so nice & thick they add instant dimension when glued on top of the patterned paper. that left one more plain stamped image on a paper panel to use as the 'base' to piece all the other cut outs on -the floor of this piece was colored with copics to look like wood. the words 'bath' and 'salts' were stamped on scraps of the paper panels, trimmed and inked with quick swipe from a pink petunia dew drop! the bubbles were made using white opal liquid pearls. the finished label was then cut out & mounted onto some pink cardstock. the little scoop is held on with a pink rubber band under the lid.

i added a heart border with a Martha Stewart punch to another cute paper from the Lemonade collection to go around the sides of the jar. i used red line tape to adhere it. then i put the label on the front. a nestie cut shape of the Dandelion paper, a ribbon and button bow finish off the lid:

The bath salts inside are geranium and honeysuckle.
here's my mix:
1 cup of Dead Sea salt (from Israel)
1 cup of Utah Red Sea Salt (from the Great Salt Lake)
1 cup of Epsom Salts
10 drops each of 2 essential oils.
Mix all thoroughly.
Add 1 or 2 generous handfuls to very warm/hot water right under the tap and allow to dissolve. soak & enjoy!
makes appox 25oz of salts (enough for a large jar and a couple of 5oz bags)

{{BIG HUGS}}
-g
^o^

teacher week project 1 (photo heavy post)

2010-05-07T13:21:00.000-07:00

click on these images to enlarge them:

this week was teacher appreciation week so there were lots of projects to be made. we potted favorite flowers into pretty planters for several teachers- tulips for my daughter's teacher, as well as one of Kathy's amazing magic cards- her amazing tutorial can be found at this thread on Splitcoast Stampers it's project two in the thread. This card was quite difficult for my skill level and took a long time! DD's teacher absolutely LOVED it, so it was totally worth staying up half the night for a couple nights creating it, LOL!

ok so you start with an image. i chose the adorable Apple for You, a favorite PI image from MFT. i stamped it on a perfect paper panel (MFT) & again on acetate. i used black brilliance ink- i stamped and set the images aside to dry overnight (note-i've had terrible luck trying to use brilliance ink and coloring images too soon- you really have to heat set this ink or be VERY patient & wait for it to dry thoroughly before coloring.) while the ink set, i went about building the base. my finished card size is 5.5" square. i cut 2 different patterned papers from Cosmo Cricket (Boyfriend and Fly a Kite paper pads) one is cut at 5.25 square and the other is 5 inches. in the 5.25 piece, i cut out a center window using a scalloped nestie. the inner piece is adhered to the 'frame' paper using mounting tape around 3 outer sides, leaving the top open (without tape). the entire window/backer mat is then adhered to the yellow card base using foam mounting tape and again, you leave the top open without tape. the next day, i colored my image on the paper using copic markers. leave lots of white space around your images. i then over-layed my acetate stamped image on top of the colored paper image so they line up. you staple them together, trim them, then decorate the top of the tag to hide the staples (trimming as needed to fit in the base- be sure to carefully read the tutorial steps- Kathy does an amazing job of explaining every detail!) Basically, the acetate part of the tag slips in front of the patterned paper, and the colored paper image goes behind the sheet so when you pull the tag from the top, it magically changes from black & white to color- so super cool- check it out:
OK- here's the base card again:

here's the magic tag starting to pull up:

EEK- here it is! the tag pulled all the way:

then you push it back down & it's back to black & white- so cool!!
of course- the recipient can always choose to display the whole tag in the front window too:

the front is finished off with one of my very favorite sentiments ever (also from the Apple for You set) a couple of red baby braddies and mounted on some red cardstock (also MFT).

here's a view of the whole tag with the acetate separated:

close up of coloring:

here's a look at the inside:

more of the patterned paper, the other sentiment from the same stamp set, and a lovely die cut shape using the brand new MFT Die-Namics scalloped scallop die- i LOVE this new die and can't wait until my other ones arrive! you NEED these!!

whew! that was a lot to post!!
i have so many other things to share with lots of pics, but they'll take several posts over the next few days. this year, my sweet hubs birthday falls on Mother's Day so it's a double celebration weekend for us- so i hope you'll forgive me if it takes me a bit to get everything up! it takes me forever to upload & write it all- sometimes longer than the projects LOL! is it just me?!
anyway- here's a quickie 'sneak peak' at some projects.

collage made using Shape Collage a free mosaic making software!

i'll be back with more soon!
{[GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

WSC 4.28.10-just in time!

2010-05-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

please click images to enlarge.

hi again! this week's WSC is all about KISS (Keep It Super Simple!)-all the deets are on this MFT blog post and boy did this one ever come in handy!
i need to have 45 Mother's Day cards finished & delivered to the state Veteran's home by next weekend so they can be distributed to all of the wonderful ladies on Sunday! could never happen without a super simple card-especially since this week kicked off with an extremely stressful start! anyway- these are little cards that pack a lot of heart- i really wanted each veteran Mom to have something special that she could display and not have it take up much room (the residents have a hospital room set up, with 2 people per room and a shared bathroom)- a little 3x3 inch card seemed just perfect.

i used MFT's heavyweight cardstocks in bubblegum, snocone, banana split and sour apple for the bases. all the scraps from making the bases were cut using the new fantastic MFT DieNamics scalloped scallop die with the cuttlebug--oh how i loved using up all those scraps & man i am LOVIN' this die & can't wait to order the others at the big release party tomorrow night (from 5-7pm Pacific Time--please come hang out with the whole MFT gang & my fellow junkies on the MFT forum at SCS) i was lucky enough to get this die in a VIP kit i ordered a couple of weeks ago! so so cool!
anyway- i used some of my favorite Scenic Route patterned papers for backgrounds. i stamped a beautiful sentiment from MFT's Clearly Sentimental about Mothers onto creme perfect paper panels and cut them out. i inked the edges with a soft blue cat's eye ink, punched a hole in each sentiment strip with the good 'ol crop-o-dile and tied a small ribbon knot. 2 sweet MFT glittered garnishes finish off each card (i LOVE these and will be refilling my stash immediately- i panic that i will run out LOL!) super simple and easy to 'assembly line'.

The inside is finished off with the sentiment from another fave MFT set- Mother's Day (digi only available here)-you'll see more of this set later this week as i'm using it for another card
i have only a few more left of these minis to finish off and they'll be ready to deliver!
thanks for looking!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

teacher thank you- a perfect CASE !!

2010-04-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

i awoke at almost midnight this morning, panicking that i need a quick thank you for my daughter's after school computer class teacher-TODAY! i knew i wanted to use Apple For You (from my beloved Pure Innocence line from MFT) for most of the teacher thank you's this year, but my brain was still sleeping so i hit the SCS galleries to find some quick inspo ideas & found this completely perfect card to CASE by the amazing Lisa Henke (current Splitcoast Dirty Dozen design team member, fellow MFT junkie and MFT guest designer and all around super awesome crafty-girl!) i mean come on- it even uses the same stamp! no brainer, right?! so i got busy stamping & paper piecing & pulling it together- i simplified it by adding my sentiment to the inside & not using the punched border paper layer so i could go back to bed quicker LOL!
the card is very small- approx 3.75x3.25"and the base was cut from kraft cardstock using Nesties (labels three)- i think it's so sweet- huge thanks to Lisa for her awesome card- you totally saved the day for me and taught me a fun new embellishment technique (LOVE the thread over the ribbon- way way cool- that's the best part of CASEing someone- the learning!!)

stamps: MFT Apple for You

ink: memento tuxedo black

color: copic markers

paper: kraft cardstock, Basic Grey patterned papers from Kioshi 6x6 pad, MFT perfect paper panels (cream)

accessories: ribbon scrap, TCP ivory linen thread, vintage button, dimensional boosters & red line sticky dot (Jody's fantastic dimensionals and sticky stuff!), quickie glue pen, nesties, 1/8" scor-tape.

quickie deets: stamped the image twice onto the cream MFT paper panel with memento ink. stamped the dress onto the purple kioshi patterned paper. cut out the patterned dress, cut out the arm, hands and apple from one of the stamped images. colored all images with copic markers. using the quickie glue pen, assembled pieced image, then cut out final image. card base was made using nesties by cutting a pre-folded card base, with the edge of the nestie overshooting the top of the fold slightly. the image was popped up on the card base after i added ribbon to the base with scor-tape. i rolled several lengths of thread over top of the ribbon, knotted it and secured it thru the button. i also added a red sticky dot to hold the button down (forever- these red dots rock!) more patterned paper & the simple sentiment finish the inside:

ready to take RIGHT THIS MINUTE ;)

thanks for looking!
{{BIG HUGS}}
-g
^o^

MFT Earth Day

2010-04-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

hello & happy start to another week!
my awesome new MFT stamps arrived last Friday- just in time for the weekend! the WSC challenge this week was to make an Earth Day themed project! Kim's Giving Tree project is fantastic- check it out & play along with us! The brand new Sheltering Tree stamp set and digi paper collection made this super fun! i was also inspired by Mel's amazing work in her fabulous new box template-love it!

paper: kraft cardstock, sheltering tree digi paper collection, MFT banana split cardstock

inks: memento tuxedo black, CTMH stamp pads in Cocoa, Chocolate, New England Ivy

accessories: copic markers, lots of pop dots, nesties, paper piercer, TCP linen thread, buttons

this one's pretty straightforward & fun to do- i just stamped the images with colored inks onto the digi papers & cut them out.
The tree & squirrel are on the woodgrain, the owls are on the yellow checkered paper.
i cut the round card base using my nesties (overcut slightly on the edge folded card base to keep the shape together). i added copic marker to the stamped images, and used pop dots for lots of dimension. the digi papers built the background sky & ground.
a happy button sun finishes it off along with some pierced holes around the edge of the card!

here's the inside:

and a better peek at the dimension:

thanks for looking!
{{GIANT HUGS}
-g
^o^
xo

such a sweetie!

2010-04-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

please click image to enlarge

i couldn't refuse this sweet pinto pony digi stamp from the greeting farm- i saw a tiny part of her in a recent pre-release sneek & i knew she'd be one i had to have! it just screams 'girlie' card so i had to make one right away LOL! i'm not sure if it'll be a birthday or a 'just because' card so i kept the sentiment off the inside until i decide!
i do need to find a better paper to print my digi's on- my current stack of heavy-weight paper prints beautifully, but the copic markers tend to bleed on it. my printer ink dries too fast to try & emboss it- so i'll just have to keep experimenting! i'd love any paper suggestions!
i colored her with copics, and of course she had to have some sparkly spica red put on her bows too. the glitter pen doesn't seem to photograph well, so i took the card out into the full sun so you can see some of the shine- please click image to enlarge it:

i cut her out with a new nestie (labels nine).
i used an MFT Fossil note card as the base (i just love these!) and added a pink cardstock mat, some Scenie route dp (black polka dot from the Surprise line) and a scrap of an ancient CTMH 'tea time' paper that i've had forever. a quick bow (MFT white saddle stitch ribbon) with a button finished it off.
this image is so sweet & whimsical- really makes me smile! i think she's just adorable! thanks for looking!
hope you're having a great start to the week!
{{BIG HUGS}}
-g
^o^

*edited PS- Ooopsie! forgot to give you a peek at the inside- silly me!! -{{HUGS}}

happy friday!

2010-04-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

hope the kick off to your weekend is in full swing! it's 8:30 & we're all just about ready for bed LOL, but i wanted to share a quick little card i made today. i tried to make a shaped card with my new nesties and 2 out of the 3 scallops cut correctly, but one didn't. it was still cute & i couldn't bring myself to throw it out, so i added a previously colored PI girl that was decorating my desk & made a sweet mini get well card. anyone that i may send her to will totally overlook the fact that this card has a mistake and will feel all the love in it (at least i hope so!)

the inside is very simple:

thanks for looking & have a great night- off to bed to try & get over this headcold! ooh- but quick deets first:
stamps: Better Get Better (MFT Pure Innocence)
ink/deets: she's stamped on a perfect paper panel in memento tuxedo black, colored with copics.
her hands were stamped twice, cut out & glued on top of the bear for dimension (they are tiny little things!)
paper: MFT Red Hot cardstock, Bazzill kraft cardstock,
pp is Garden Variety mini deck from Cosmo Cricket
other: MFT baby braddies, Michael's ribbon, Stampin' Up! corner punch & scallop circle punch, Big Scallop Rectangle Lg nesties (s4-255)

ok- off i go! big soccer game in the morning- hope the nyquil doesn't keep me too groggy! ugh-i 'better get better' soon! night all!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
xo
^o^

a new MFT WSC

2010-04-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

please click photo to enlarge

There's a new April Showers theme challenge up for MFT's Wednesday Stamp Club- there's still almost a week left for you to join in & play along too- so please go check it out!

i am battling one fierce allergy-induced headcold- it kept me up almost all night long last night. i hung out in my crafty space and took my mind off it by stamping & coloring into the wee hours!
(on an icky side note- i even tried a sinus cleanse with a squeeze bottle of saline & it didn't help much at all- just miserable!)

i stamped one of my beloved Pure Innocence stamps- My Umbrella for this one onto a MFT perfect paper panel with memento ink, colored her in with my copic markers (i'm learning every time i use them-they are really fun to experiment with!) & cut her out. i had to make her boots match my daughter's pair, and there had to be a rainbow too, right?! ;)

i found a fun raindrop patterned paper in my stash from Bella Blvd (called April Showers even!)for the rainy sky, and a fun patterned paper scrap from the K&Co Girl Scout Specialty paper pad laying around (this particular paper pad has bright fun colors & patterns- Mimi is a Juliette Daisy this year so i was happy to find this paper!)that was perfect for a flowery, hilly 'ground'.
i added some cute baby braddies to the corners too.

i made some fun puffy clouds out of my newest nesties- the large scallop rectangles (great deals on ebay if you're looking for some!)- i then added some bumpy swiss dots with a 'bug embossing folder- oh & every cloud needs a silver lining right? so i drew one around the edge of each cloud with a krylon metallic paint pen. they are popped way up in the sky with thick pop dots. my sweet PI is double popped up so she's up in front of the clouds on the top, and her feet are grounded on the bottom. i just love how this turned out!

inside is fun too, with more clouds, the same fun papers and the 'happy spring' sentiments are stamped from another PI set called My Basket of Eggs.
a line from in Just- one of my favorite poems by e.e. cummings finishes the inside.

here's the whole poem for you:

in Just-
spring when the world is mud-
luscious the little
lame balloonman

whistles far and wee

and eddieandbill come
running from marbles and
piracies and it's
spring

when the world is puddle-wonderful

the queer
old balloonman whistles
far and wee
and bettyandisbel come dancing

from hop-scotch and jump-rope and

it's
spring
and
the

goat-footed

balloonMan whistles
far
and
wee

-e.e. cummings

speaking of Spring- i am LOVING my Picture Spring online workshop with Tracey Clark (founder of Shutter Sisters)i will post all my shots from the workshop after it ends & i've had a chance to edit & adjust everything.
hoping i can get a decent night's rest tonight- i'm beat!
thanks for stopping by!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
xo
^o^

WSC for this week

2010-04-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

i had time to play in MFT's Wednesday Stamp Club again this week and am so glad i did because Cindy & Frances gave us an amazing sketch to work with- YAY! You can read all the deets & see the sketch here and please play with us! Cindy is one of my very favorite designers in the whole world- i can visit her blog and be inspired every day! Recently, i saw a patterned paper combo she used in this fab card during last week's MFT April release, and i just love LOVED it so much! i knew i had these same papers so i made a note of the combo & today decided it was a perfect time to CASE her awesome paper combo too (hope she doesn't mind!)

i stamped the sweet PI girl on an MFT perfect paper panel, colored it with copic markers, added some sweet baby brads and cut her out. she was popped up onto a scalloped circle nestie cut shape (also popped). i used my new fave patterned paper combo which is from the Basic Grey sugar rush paper pad (6x6), and some gorgeous blue & a very light yellow cardstock that i had in my stash. the card base is MFT's fossil scalloped notecards i've had these sweet tiny heart brads forever-how perfect they were for this one! i used scraps & nesties to cut the small hearts for under the shaped button and on the inside, as well as scraps for the strip along the bottom. fiskars scallop punch was used on the blue strips.
here's a peek at the inside:

i really had fun making this one and just love how it turned out- my daughter called dibs the minute she saw it- that made me so happy!! thanks for looking!

go galaxy!!

2010-04-10T19:59:00.000-07:00

today was Mimi's first soccer game! she plays on team Galaxy in a local youth soccer league- they won 12-4 over the SpeedKickers & it was so fun to watch all the little kids in a 3 on 3 game- they are just adorable & impressive to watch on the field! i had a great time cheering them on! here's a shot of the hubs & daughter right before the start:

they're so awesome!! to celebrate, i made my daughter a card that we gave her after the big game:

i didn't have a soccer or even a sports image in my collection, so i downloaded this adorable Soccer Anya digital image from The Greeting Farm (they have adorable rubber and digi stamps-i'm lovin' them!!). i enlarged the image quite a bit in Photoshop (the finished card size is 6x6) & printed it out on heavy weight (67lb) vellum. i colored it with copics in the galaxy team colors (orange-y yellow & black). i've had this sheet of patterned paper in my stash forever from an old kit sorry to say i didn't write down the manufacturer-but it's cute, no?! the heart is stamped from one of my favorite MFT stamp sets called Bling 'Bers- it's fun to fill these images with crystals (i used the team colors again!) i sponged on some light blue ink for the sky too- it's hard to see in the pic.
here's the inside-

just some scraps of the same paper & a sentiment from the same Bling 'Bers set. just quick & fun for the kiddo's big game! we spent a wonderful day together! thanks for stopping by!!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

where the heck did March go?!

2010-04-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

LOL- it's been a while! we've been crazy with oral surgery, a fabulous trip to NYC, joining a soccer team, signing up for school next year and at least 20 other things i can't remember at the moment! i will have a long picture filled NYC post soon- but i have over 10 gazillion photos to view & edit first ;)
it's been forever since i had even a moment to create something but i stayed up late last night & caught up on the last MFT WSC challenge which was to make a patchwork card (i'm only 2 days late- could be worse right?! the challenge was so fun & used up some scraps- LOVE that!
click images for a larger view!

i stamped Jolinne (Fairy Sweet) on an MFT creme paper panel, paper pieced her dress with some Basic Grey Sugar Rush paper scraps, colored her with copic markers and added the fabulous glitzy glitter to her gorgeous wings. i also added a clear swarovski crytal to her necklace. i cut her out & popped her up up up on top of a cute green nestie shape. i patchworked a bunch of BG Sugar rush scraps with my sewing machine to the yellow banana split cardstock (also by MFT), and added my favorite hoarded embellies- the glittered garnishes (From the Spring adornments-here'a link you'll want them too LOL!)

popped way up:

& a closer look at the sweet fairy girl:

inside:

for the inside, i used more scraps- a piece of the patchwork i had left after sewing and the yellow and the green- i added the boarder with my Fiskar's threading water punch. I used a circle punch to make a hole to hold a little gift card. i love how this one turned out & i think i'll pop a little target or visa gift card in it & send it off to my sister in law- the sweet image makes me think of her!
OK gotta run need to pick up a refill propane for the grill and some steaks- Momma's busting out some Blue Moon ale (or chardonnay depending on how the afternoon goes!) & getting her grill on tonight! Woo Hoo!

top o' the mornin' to you

2010-03-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

please click images for larger view:

Happy St. Patrick's Day! it's still late tuesday night here, but i wanted to have a happy card up & posted for you to enjoy bright & early as you start your day!! someone catch that leprechaun for us- we need some good luck & wishes for Mimi's surgery tomorrow morning (thurs)! people pics coming soon! have fun today! we'll be having green milk with our breakfast and maybe some green eggs too!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
xoxo
^o^

interesting deets:
i was inspired by the amazing free templates on MFT created by the awesome Kathy Daume (i have 2 of her template cards in progress but got crazy inspired & sidetracked by this project LOL!)
i took a 5.5"x5.5" dk green cardstock scrap & made a shamrock template on it using heart punches- i punched & lightly tacked 3 XLG hearts down & then traced around them, & drew in a stem. i cut the whole shape out and removed my hearts. i punched some smaller hearts out of the blingy cardstock to add in the middle as accents (a la Kathy's awesome ideas)- and wa la- a cute shamrock 'tree' for my 4 leaf clover girl to stand under!! so simple & super sweet- no?!

The image is stamped several times- her shirt & pants are paper pieced, and her arms, clover and even her feet/ground are layered a second time for some fun dimension.

supply info:
Stamp is 4 Leaf Clover, Pure Innocence line from MFT.
Ink: Memento tuxedo black, cat's eye dark brown (accent)
Papers: Sour Apple cardstock (base) and cream paper panels from MFT, Bazzill bling (emerald city) and dark brown and dk green cardstocks
Patterned Papers: Sassafras Lass, Fawnd of You (from Life is Beautiful line), Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety mini deck (6x6) papers
Other: Copic Markers,Spica (Copic glitter pen) marker, pop dots, Marvy Uchida heart punches (sizes large & xlg)

quick card

2010-03-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

hi again all! i forgot today was a friend's birthday so i put together a quick card this morning using MFT's Who's That Birthday Girl set- it is the cutest set ever (includes darling number candles, extra cake layers & awesome sentiments too, but my friend is turning 40 & i worried she might be a little sensitive so i opted to place a few regular candles on top of my cake!)

here's the deets: i used bazzill bling (from the sugar daddy pack- the dark brown) for the base and then some of the way cool Basic Grey Nook & Pantry papers for layering & paper piecing (i use the 6x6 paper pads for cards.) the edges of the base & bottom layer were distressed using a small razor blade. i added some of the awesome lace fabric ribbon from MFT's bakery blend ribbon nest (you need this ribbon nest!) and sewed around the background layer with my sewing machine (please don't look too close- it's crooked but i'm trying LOL!)
i stamped the main image twice on creme paper panels & colored with my copic markers. her dress was stamped onto the flower patterned Basic Grey nook & pantry paper, cut out & glued to the main image. the candles were stamped & cut out and added to my main image. her hands were colored, cut out & added on top of the cake in the main image (a la MFT designer Joanne B's awesome paper piecing tutorial video-here) the flames are accented with a copic spica pen (but it doesn't show). once fully assembled, i cut out the main image with my nesties and used the die as a stencil to sponge tim holtz tea dye distress ink around the edge-i love this look! the main image panel is adhered to the card using thick pop dots:

here's the inside:

this is just simply a trimmed creme paper panel a liner distressed with the same tea dye distress ink and a strip of scrap paper from the card front. i LOVE these sentiments in this set & had to use 2- just too fun!
anyway- thanks for looking & i hope you're having a great Wednesday afternoon.
asking everyone to please keep us in their thoughts- we go for our pre-op visit with the dentist tomorrow, and the pediatrician exam/sign off for surgery on friday- hope both appointments go quickly & easily for my sweet girl. thanks so much!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^
xo

MFT WedStampClub

2010-03-09T17:18:00.000-08:00

Cindy & Frances posted an awesome sketch challenge for this week's Wednesday Stamp Club over on the MFT forum at Splitcoast Stampers. i totally went WAY out of my comfort zone and sewed on my project- AcK! i don't know what i was thinking LOL! i'm going to need serious practice to get better at this- but it was fun to do! the amazing MFT DT & forum friends can totally rock some stitching & piercing wizardry (check out this recent post on the MFT blog to see some!) - i'm a long way from this amazing group... but i'm learning, right! it was good fun on this freezing, rainy Vegas afternoon with my sweet, stuffy-nosed-kiddo hanging out drawing pictures in the crafty space with me!

My Sunshinny Day, Pure Innocence girl is red-cheeked from chasing butterflies all afternoon! she is so sweet- i love her & am so glad to have her in my 'collection'-you'll love her too!

deets: i stamped her with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on a creme MFT Perfect Paper Panel, that i had pre-cut and embossed with my scalloped circle nesties. she was colored with copic markers.
the card base is MFT Banana Split heavyweight card stock. The PP is Basic Grey: Monarch (from the urban prairie line) and i layered my pp strips on top of the bright, happy MFT Sour Apple.
i sewed with my machine using a lime green thread (gutermann 02776)
i distressed the edges of all the papers.
i added some canary tsukineko dauber-duo to the edge of the scalloped circle to help it stand out. i punched some butterflies with my Martha Stewart 3 in 1 classic butterfly punch, and glued only one wing down for dimension using a quickie glue pen. I kept them white so they wouldn't draw much attention away from the adorable image. the whole image panel is adhered to the card with lots of thick 3M foam dots- 1/4" baby- i love the dimension!
i used some of the gorgeous, silky MFT birthday bash ribbon, and 4 (i hoard these you know!) yellow MFT glittered garnishes to the corners.

i finished the inside with scraps of the sour apple cardstock and pp.
i cut another circle nestie out,stamped the sentiment, and inked up the edge with more canary ink dauber. i used my fiskars threading water punch & the larger punched out butterfly (couldn't throw it out you know!)
thanks so much for looking! gotta run dinner to the office for the poor hubs who's working late for us!!

You can find all the MFT cardstocks, adornments, awesome stamps & accessories here!
xoxo
-g
^o^

major mft love

2010-03-03T23:29:00.000-08:00

in order to occupy the hubs tonight while i shopped & chatted online at MFT's March Release party on SplitcoastStampers, i bought him a new video game & made a card to go along with it:
(please click image to see it larger)

i used MFT's digital robot stamps- Robot 1 and Robots2. i resized the images in Photoshop and printed them out on my inkjet printer. i cut the pair out with my scalloped circle nesties, and the baby robot i just trimmed out close with some scissors. i stamped a tiny heart on them all using a teeny heart stamp from MFT's Love Machine set & then colored the images with my copic markers. i popped up the little robot 'girl' between her 'parents' with pop dots. i think she's so super sweet! i used MFT's robot digi-papers and a licorice gate fold card which made this super easy- it was just a matter of print & trim papers to fit the base! LOVE that!

inside i used more of the fab digi papers & my nesties. The heart is repeated again, and i used a favorite sentiment from the Clearly Sentimental about You set. a metal Tim Holtz sprocket gear embellie was just perfect too! the hubs really loves his card & bought me lots of goodies at the party tonight- he works so hard & spoils us rotten!

i made my daughter a sweet little love note today too- i just love to tuck these into her lunch or attach them to a small treat or toy:
i used MFT's Valentine Flopsey, a heart punch, cardstock & patterned paper scraps, and my martha stewart heart border punch! i colored flopsey with markers. sorry it's a bit blurry pic-this was like a 10min quickie thing before i picked her up from school and she loved it ^o^

we're busy with pre-op appointments for her for the next couple of weeks- she goes in for oral surgery soon- not to worry it's just some fillings & crowns, but she's only 5 so they'd rather put her to sleep & do the work rather than have her try & sit still in a chair for several long visits and cause her all that anxiety & trauma. she has cavity prone enamel but we're gonna fix 'er up & in the long run, she'll be just fine and have a beautiful smile! {{GIANT HUGS}}

2010-02-09T09:57:00.001-08:00

My sweet and uber-talented friend Patricia nominated me for this awesome blog award. I was lucky enough to take Heidi Swapp's Year to Remember online class with Patricia, then i got to meet her in real life at a ScrapETC event, and now i get to hang out with her in classes & on the boards at Scrap In Style TV. Her amazing business Pillows 4 Me has made several super cute pillows for us-so toally be sure to check out her store!
i have NEVER won any award before and i'm super excited to get to pick some of my favorite inspiring blogs.....
Cindy
Virginia
Chris
Julie
Wendy
Gretchen
Patter
Lisa

And here are the rules for the nominees:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the award logo art and place it on your blog.
3. Link the person’s blog who nominated you for this award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 Kreative Bloggers.
6. Post a link to the 7 you nominated.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs to let them know they have been nominated.

here's some things about me some people might find interesting (or not LOL!)
i love being a wife & Mom (been married 18 years, Mom for 5.5!)
i love to cook and make especially tasty authentic Italian dishes
i like to dye my hair pink
i love the cure and have been a fan since i was 14
i love the moon and stargazing (Cassiopeia is my favorite constellation)
i love hiking and collecting small natural objects while i walk (rocks, leaves, acorns etc.)
i love fireflies and butterflies
in addition to scrapbooking, cardmaking and stamping- i love to draw, paint and take pictures!

into the thick of it!

2010-01-09T19:23:00.000-08:00

hello and very happy belated {{GIANT HUGS}} and all my best wishes for 2010!!
it is my prayer that the Lord will continue to bless you & yours, and that He will keep us all healthy, safe & well.

the holidays started off with me being quite ill- i got sick the day before our Christmas vacation and am still fighting off a lingering eye infection. despite feeling crummy while out of town, i had an amazing Disneyland vacation with my family- the whole park was so beautifully decorated and we made incredible memories with our daughter & nephew. i was thrilled that some of the family flew from Detroit and met us in California. super cool Christmas gift. i promise to post some pictures soon- unfortunately, my computer decided to crash & burn the first week of '10 too- the logic board fried beyond repair. i went without a computer for several days which made bill paying impossible for the first week of the month- but what'cha gonna do, right?! :) yesterday the hubs brought home a new computer, so i'm typing this post with our fabulous new MacBook Pro and man is it saaa-weeeeet! LOVE it! totally worth the hassle ;)

even bigger news to share is that in the last 2 days, i have fallen down what seems like the bottomless rabbit hole- the dreaded (cue the Darth Vader March music)-total scrap room overhaul! ACK! scary but true. it's been hard to find what i'm looking for & i've finally just had it with bins falling on me, the piles everywhere, tripping over things, total chaos and disorder. for the holidays, i gathered supplies up & had to go elsewhere in the house just so i had a sane work area! so i just finally decided & have put EVERYTHING creative on a back burner for as long as it takes to completely sort, purge and get a better system in place. sadly, this means i have to put a stop on my beloved Scripts, Noel Mignon & Jenni Bowlin project kit purchases for a while, but i have so many piled up- it's really more than i can handle. i really want to USE my stuff instead of just COLLECT MORE stuff. you know what i mean?! my daughter's teacher has said that she will happily take any supplies off my hands (she has no idea what she's in for LOL!) and i'd love to send my friends anything they might be wishing for or needing too- so let me know & i can pack you up some goodies k? for the past 2 days, i have made a bigger mess by sorting & boxing up EVERYTHING in the room according to what it is & how it's used: all 12x12 cardstock in one box, patterned paper in another, all stamping supplies together etc-every single thing is being grouped & sorted this way. then i will purge each group and i mean REALLY purge (today i took a sterilite bin full of rub ons & purged down to less than 5 total packs that i'm keeping- i mean business!) it is a huge project but i'm totally excited and inspired by just the thought of an organized, well functioning creative space! anyway- if you don't hear much from me for a while- not to worry, i'm just gonna be on the floor upstairs purging away & building some shelves :) be back with photos soon!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
g
xo
^o^

thank you veterans

2009-12-07T13:20:00.000-08:00

today was a wonderful day. my dear daughter and i gathered up our 177 handmade holiday cards and headed to the local veteran's home to spread some holiday cheer- on Pearl Harbor day no less! it was wonderful to spend some time with the residents, most of whom are old enough to be WWII vets. it's such a great feeling to be able to say thank you in person to some of our heroes. many seemed so happy that we were visiting. they all loved the cards, but they loved my 5 year old even more (she was quite shy at first, and never quite got up to giving out hugs, but thankfully she was polite & seemed to enjoy passing out the cards.) i'm so thankful that we were able to spread the spirit of Christmas and brighten the resident's day- even for a minute. they have filled my heart with love and gratitude. Thank you to all the residents and staff of the Nevada Home for Veterans. You've made our Christmas very special this year indeed. God Bless and keep you all.

here's the bin of cards ready to deliver:

one lucky resident got our special wiper card!

here's an assortment of the cards:

supplies: Share the Joy snowman cling stamp set by hero arts, snowflake circle cling stamp by hero arts, Penguin stamp from the Cool Yule set by My Favorite Things cuttle bug embossing folders (swiss dots, stars, snowflakes), colored pencils, blender pen, stickles, petite scalloped oval (Sm) nestabilities, some ribbon & embellishments/some card bases/ DP by Making Memories (Mistletoe line) cardstock, ribbon, pop dots, glue dots

supplies: Polar Bear stamp from Cool Yule set by My Favorite Things, scalloped circle nestabilities (large), cuttlebug, zig marker (platnum), colored pencils, blender pen, some ribbon & embellishments/some card bases/ DP by Making Memories (Mistletoe line), DP also by Basic Grey, cardstock, ribbon, pop dots, glue dots

smile (05)

2009-11-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

i delight in the magic of my five year old!
for homework this week, we spent some crafty time & made masks out of paper plates. we used some paint & glimmer mist, a sharpie marker, a pair of scissors, tape and string- so easy & fun! it got even better when we started playing with them! this tiger's either very silly or very hungry- i think i'd better hide!
{BIG HUGS}
-g
^o^

a day in the life (prompt04)

2009-11-06T13:47:00.000-08:00

yesterday was another busy day for us- school, cranium kids, errands, dinner, homework, bath & more. while dd was at school, i picked up 'Aliens in the Attic' on dvd, wrapped it and made a cute note tag- she loved her special surprise when we got home! the hubs has been working long hours so she's been kind of bummed. anyway- in my usual rush to try & get dinner on the table, i opened up the cabinets to see what i might fix & happened upon my old recipe book. i pulled it down and one of my Mom's recipes fell out! i smiled as i picked it up & re-read one of my childhood favorites that my Mom lovingly typed up-'broccoli for gab'. the paper is so worn & torn from heavy use over the years, and i could clearly hear her voice in my mind as i read over the directions. i checked the fridge & was happy to find that i had everything i needed to make it for dinner. it turned out great and was such a nice memory & celebration of my Mom too. it's such an old comfort food for me- just what the hectic day & my nerves needed. the upcoming holidays are the time when i miss my parents the most. although we enjoyed this dish at holiday meals, we had it often, all year round. here's the recipe to share. my hubs loves it & he doesn't even like broccoli ;)
i hope you enjoy it too!
{{BIG HUGS}}
-g
^o^
click to enlarge & then control+click to 'save as' to your computer:

Credits:
gift note tag made with My Favorite Things Snow Bunny stamp set, colored pencils, momento black ink.
digital recipe card file is part of House of 3- Recipe card printable kit ($3.00)
rounded corner frame on top photo by House of 3 too.

a few cool places for inspo (prompt03)

2009-11-05T15:28:00.000-08:00

thought i'd share a short list of just a few fun & crafty places online!

Suzi Blu's Les Petit Academy i took the first Petit Dolls class and i've been hooked ever since. Suzi is an amazing artist & teacher and it makes my heart happy when i can register for her online classes- come & give something new a try- her classes & workshops are affordable and good for the soul! You will create something incredible and will LOVE your results. if you can't swing a class, you can check out & subscribe to her awesome video posts on Suzibluetube-she's got lots of art journaling technique & tips & more! Oh and her blog is A Lovely Dream ;)

My Favorite Things has become one of my most favorite manufacturers for cool, new stamps. They have a big DT that is over the top incredible- you have to check out their gallery on Splitcoast- but be warned you may have to start something crafty almost immediately!! If you're not a Splitcoast member- it's free to sign up-they have incredible tutorials and galleries <3

a daily must-read/stop on the net for me is the Hero Arts blog--go feast on the eye candy right now!

Artchix studio has tons of cool crafty goodies from jewelry/charm making supplies to awesome collage sheets! they have a great gallery and tutorials too! Altered art heaven!

for scrappy kits- you have to check out Noel Mignon- her kits are jam packed with all the latest & greatest products and then some! these kits are a serious value for the money and not a single one has ever disappointed. Online forum, online challenges- amazing DT- you need to check it all out!

i can't wait to see all the different kind of 'lists' my fellow Blogging for Scrapbookers (see sidebar too) classmates have posted!

i'm thrilled tomorrow is Friday as it means only one more day & then i'll get a chance to catch up around the house & have a bit of down (crafty?!) time. YAY!
night all! see you soon!
{{BIG HUGS}}
g
^o^

the letter (prompt-02)

2009-11-04T15:50:00.000-08:00

digital brush for rounded corners by house of 3

i got a letter the other day from my doctor reminding me that they have not yet received the results of my screening mammogram, and that if i hadn't done so already, to please schedule one. my eyes froze as several lines leaped from the page before me "...please understand that we cannot be responsible for missing a diagnosis of breast cancer..." i'm still getting chills. i need to have this test done of course, and i've just been putting it off. i am afraid. i have been through a heck of a lot of major medical stuff, and i dread even the possibility of having to deal with more anytime soon, so my mind starts running away with crazy ideas. i get so worked up & anxious, and i can't even start considering thoughts of the 'C" word or i'll just freak. i didn't used to be such a worry-wort. i'm hoping my family will go with me so i won't feel as alone or so terrified, and hopefully it really won't be such a big deal. but first, i have to pick up the phone. ...to be continued...

blogging for scrapbookers-01

2009-11-03T08:12:00.000-08:00

i'm joining in a day or so behind in Shimelle's latest online class Blogging for Scrapbookers- it's not to late if you'd like to jump in with us! over the next three weeks, Shimelle will be sending out prompts. i like that it can be as simple or involved as time will allow- especially as we enter into the holiday season. some days will just be a quick blog update, others a little more involved with photos/more in-depth writing to go along with a post, and some days will be an all-out crazy post of memories/inspo & photos PLUS a scrapbooking/crafty project to accompany it! i'm really hoping to blog more often and improve my story-telling/writing skills a bit! i'm also looking for a boost of fun topics to write about! sometimes i find starting a new post very intimidating so i'm also looking forward to the blogging confidence boost! best of all-there are hundreds of classmate blogs to follow along with and be inspired by throughout the class & beyond- i LOVE that!! so come on & play with me!!
{{BIG HUGS}}
-g
^o^

more to share

2009-11-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

here's some pics from our Halloween festivities! hope you all got a chance to relax and enjoy some sweets today! we went to an over the top birthday party this afternoon (at a local ranch complete with pony rides!) and are now trying to settle into our 'normal' routine tonight for back to school tomorrow morning (wish us luck-between the sugar, the time change and all the parties we're way off our'normal routine' around here- LOL!!) i've also thrown my back out somethin' fierce & am going to take some pain meds to knock myself out (& pray it's better in the morning!) be back soon!
{{BIG HUGS}}
-g
^o^

our Halloween started with a trip to a bird preserve for a presentation of 'Birds with a Spooky Reputation'- ravens, crows, owl and vultures.. oh my! we were hoping to see some of these spooky birds up close but we only got to meet them via a great lecture, photos, exhibits & recorded sounds. We did however get to spy some ducks & egrets thru the viewers & take a nice walk around the ponds!

next up was our carving of the jack-o-lantern (& roasting the seeds of course!)

here it is lit up on the porch- so cool!

tried to take a shot of the outside of our house but had the wrong lens

we put webs in every corner of our living room last week- spooky fun!

then we all got dressed up & headed out to meet friends for trick-or-treating!

we enjoyed spaghetti and 'eyeballs' for dinner-they were tasty!

with some leftover scraps & rubs from my noel mignon kit, Mimi helped me make a bookmark & decorate a small pumpkin scented candle!
pumpkin bucket stamp from Trick or Treat with Who's That Girl stamp set by My Favorite Things

back of little tag:

busy week- ready for Halloween fun today

2009-10-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

hi again! it's been a crazy week- i've had to sew a costume, prep & help with a pre-K class party, a girl scout costume party, school trunk or treating, a teacher conference, house decorating and now tonight is the big night-HALLOWEEN!! ;) Thankfully, Noel Mignon had a jam packed Halloween kit for sale and an amazing message board filled with fantastic ideas and tutorials from the design team!! They so saved my sanity & helped me get some fun crafty time in- LOVE IT!

our daughter has changed her mind about what costume she'd like to wear this year at least 5 times. First it was Ninja Turtle (Raphael is her fave), then it was a fairy, then it was the giant alien robot from Monsters vs Aliens, tinker bell- you name it. one day she came home and requested to be princess leia from star wars. cool! so i told her that i would sew her costume. i've never sewn a dress, let alone a princess leia one- but i figured i'd give it a go. i found a pattern from McCalls on ebay (circa 1981), took it to my local Hancock fabric store where they gave me amazing support & tips, and i just dove in. it came together very quickly and easily- i couldn't have picked a better 'total newbie' costume pattern (thank goodness!) she's worn it 2 times already this week - for the girl scout party and her school party. it's holding up great & i think she looks super cute!

ok- here's just a ton of pics- this morning we are going to the Bird Viewing Preserve at 10am to learn about 'Birds with a Spooky Reputation'- Ravens, Vultures, Owls & more- we'll get to see some of these birds up close too- cool! then it's back home for pumpkin carving & spooky meal prep before the big evening out! i'll try & post as we go today, or else i catch up in pics later!

Wishing you & your families a safe & fun Halloween!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
g
^o^

Virginia's amazing haunted house tutorial & Noel's Boo Bucket Ideas:

House Designed and step by step tutorial by Virginia Tillery
all supplies from Noel Mignon's The 31st kit except for wooden birdhouse, black acrylic paint, white paint pen & ball point pen (used on windows).
Boo Bucket ideas from Noel Mignon. my card in the Boo Bucket uses a digital stamp image 'The Boo Crew' from My Favorite Things.
these were given to my daughter's school teacher- she LOVED them! {{GIANT HUGS}} to Virginia & Noel for the total hook up- luv ya!!

my decorated trunk for the school 'trunk or treating' parade:

my little Princess Leia complete with mini-buns (she has barely enough hair but i LOVE them!)

OK more to follow very soon- i'm late to get dressed EEK!

my daisy girl scout

2009-10-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

my dear friend Kayla is a brownie troop leader for her daughter and a wonderful bunch of girls. this fall, when my daughter turned 5, i registered her as a daisy girl scout. since there aren't any daisy troops near us, we signed up as an independent Juilette (i am her leader). Kayla has invited us to join in with her troop whenever there are appropriate meetings/special events and activities-we even get to wear her troop numerals on our uniform-- How cool is that!!! i love that my little girl and i have been 'adopted' into this amazing group of girls and their lovely families. last night, troop 355 held their Investiture and Rededication ceremony/award ceremony/Juliette Low's birthday party. it was our first ever 'official' girl scout event-and it was fantastic! here's tons of pics. Sweet Mimi's heart was overjoyed-she adored every minute of being with the older girls and starting her journey as a girl scout. i'm still beaming!! hope you're getting ready for an awesome weekend!!
{{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^

ready for her first ever Girl Scout event!

good friend and sister scout:

Getting ready to start the meeting:

opening the event/the Girl Scout Promise/Law

singing a song:

celebrating Juliette Low:

Investiture Ceremony (she received a boquet of daisies, her beginning certificate, and she was presented with her official Daisy Girl Scout pin! she was also awarded several other patches & awards YAY!)

the friendship circle:

the beautiful birthday cake in honor of Juliette Low

yum!

mmm mmm good!

2009-10-19T17:04:00.000-07:00

WooHOO!!it's a new seasonal treat featuring my favorite vampire! it's chocolate and EDWARD!!{swoon} you can find one at a walgreen's near you! {{BIG HUGS}}
^o^
g

lunchtime fun

2009-10-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

my sweet girl often requests that i bring her lunch when i pick her up from school. last week, she requested an all fruit lunch which made me happy! a favorite blog that i visit often, belongs to my online friend Wendy. her blog is the amazing Wendolonia she makes wonderful bento lunches for her family that she almost always photographs & uploads- you must check her space out! i have been the lucky winner of bento boxes and accessories that she's given away so i've been packing them often- it is so fun! this one is pretty boring but i loved all the bright color!

since it's so close to Halloween, i made a treat holder & a quick ATC as a surprise for her afterschool too. there was a cute diaper pouch folding tutorial that i saw on splitcoast (they have all kinds of amazing tuts-check 'em!) i made mine with an 8x8 square.

suppies: basic grey (eerie), heidi swapp flower and giant brad, staz on ink, skull stamp from MFT"s Ghoulish Label Set
so easy peasy to make & she LOVED it (i put in a fruit roll up, a chewy mini granola bar & a push up pop)
here's the ATC:

supplies: pumpkin treat bucket stamp from MFT's Trick or Treat with Who's That Girl also the drippy goo from the label set (credit above) and the bats are from MFT's Too Cute to Spook set (sold out right now), patterned paper (? sorry totally can't remember LOL!), colored pencils, Dove blender pen, chipboard letters & rick rack (from The 31st-Noel Mignon kit!)
Ok- off to make chili! {{GIANT HUGS}}
-g
^o^