Stampin' Mommy of Four

Mummy Madness

2011-10-30T20:18:00.001-07:00

This "mummy" just fight go mad! Working full time and keeping up with 4 busy kids is exhausting! But somehow, I found time to whip up a cute card and candy to give the kids' teachers for Halloween.

Here is the mummy card....

I just tore and sponged strips of paper and glued to a card base. Then I ran the whole thing through my Big Shot with the Top Note die. I used some punches to make the eyes. Fun, huh?

And I needed a mummy candy to go with it...

They are Hershey bars wrapped in white crate paper! I glues some google eyes on cardstock and glued them onto the candy. Then just wrap it up! Done!

Have a happy Halloween!!!

Valentine in September?

2011-09-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

Why not?! If you can do Christmas in July then it must be Valentine in September. Makes sense to me!

I attached different ribbons to the card background. Then I punched hearts out and lifted that piece with dimensionals. It is an easy technique that is perfect for using scraps of ribbon!

I know that I am a very sparatic poster these days. I am working full time and trying to keep up with my own kids. Stamping has taken a back seat. I do miss it and hope to find some "me" time soon! (Maybe I will stay up past 9pm!)

Thanks for stoppin' by!

Can't get enough buttons!

2011-08-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

I am pretty sure that I could use this Button Buddies set on every single card!!! I am already hoping for Button Buddies 2 in the next catalog!

I went back to my old light tent with no lights for this picture. It is annoying because I only have enough light in my room between 9 and 10am. It is not too convenient!

Happy stamping!

Quilling

2011-08-29T18:19:00.001-07:00

Does anyone still read this? I have been thinking about quitting blogging. Anyone want to talk me out of that?

Any who....I really like this card in person. But the picture is BLUH!!! The card is Kraft color and then I used quilling for the design. It was featured in the Stampin' Up! demonstrator magazine this month and it looked so cute that I had to give it a try right away! I like the flowers....which hard to see in the pic. They are made with an 1/8 of an inch thick strip of paper. I rolled it, glued it down and added a rhinestone. Easy!

Anyone have some picture tips for me? I have tried all different ways of using my ott lights. And my pics look worse than when I didn't have any light at all. Help!!!

Making a Splash!

2011-08-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

I have several cute cards stamped that I really want to share. I took pictures. But the pictures look terrible!!! I can't show them to you! Hubby is gonna play around with my lights and see if he can get things working better. In the mean time, I have a 2 page scrapbook layout to share.

Here is a closer look....

A good lesson for you scrappers out there- Use patterned paper to break up the pictures! Sometimes I will be flipping through a magazine or surfing blogs and see a layout that I like. But then I think "I don't have enough pictures for that." Or maybe "I don't have enough horizontal pictures for that." Use paper!!!

A little birdie says "Thank You!"

2011-08-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

I made this card quite a while ago. I CASED it from a card in the Stampin' Up! catalog. I liked that the patterned paper layers is lifted up and the bird is flat against the card front. That caught my eye (strangest thing, right?) and so I had to make my own version!

I am leaving it short and simple today!

Happy Stamping!

Here's to good friends!!!

2011-08-04T21:14:00.000-07:00

I still can't figure out my new lights. My pictures are blurry. But hopefully you get the idea anyway. Another card made with Button Buddies...I just can't get enough of this stamp set!!!! I stamped the flower image in Old Olive. Then on a scrap, I stamped it again in Pumpkin Pie. I cut out the vase and popped it up. Add some super cute flower shape buttons and viola!

And I am sitting here reflecting on some amazing friends that I have! One friend, in particular, is on my mind tonight. No matter the miles between us- she always makes me smile! I hope that everyone has some friends like that!

A break from the chaos...

2011-08-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

I had no idea that it would take me so long to get back to my blog! I beg your forgiveness! Let me explain (or just scroll down to the pictures)...

First, you know the usual list of chores that you come home to after vacation. Six people sure do make a lot of dirty laundry! And then there is the grocery shopping, unpacking and regular house work. This was made even more difficult since my parents came over the day after we got back (to celebrate my birthday) and we went out with friends the following night (more celebrating and repacking the kids for grandma's house). By Saturday, I was just plain exhausted. I slept in, slept through a movie with the kids, took a nap later and went to bed at 9.

Next, the kids started school this week past week. So we had to go to Open House at the school on Monday. This is not like any other Open House I have ever been to. It is stressful, crowded, irritating (why so much darn paperwork?!!!) and just plain chaotic! We had to bring so many school supplies for each of the 4 kids that we had to make multiple trips to the car in order to carry them all in. Crazy, right? And then I had to send the kids to their first day of school on Thursday. It is the first year that all of the kids are in school. Laynee is in Kindergarten, the twins are in 1st grade and Kyler is in 2nd grade. I am the super sappy mom that cried like a baby the day before school started, on the playground when I dropped them off and all the way home. I may cry all over again as I type this! I remember when they were all babies (4 in diapers at the same time!), I would dream about the day that I would "retire" and get to send them all to school. And now that the time has come, I desperately wish that they could be babies again.

Finally, my week became busier (and I cried some more) because the twins had their birthday on Saturday. They turned 6. How can that be right?!!! 6???? All day long I kept thinking "I remember exactly what I was doing at this moment 6 years ago." I remember it like it was yesterday! So we started the festivities on Friday. I brought cupcakes to school. (The day before I make 6 dozen ice cream cone cupcakes. I learned a very important lesson: When the directions say to only fill the cones half way- they really do mean it. So I had to toss 2 dozen cupcakes that oozed batter everywhere and had to send my hubby out for more cones.) On Saturday, their actual birthday, we had an entire day of fun. We made pancakes for breakfast. We opened a whole ton of presents (I think I went a wee over board.). We gave them everything they needed to redo their room to make it more of a big girl room. Since they couldn't agree on a theme (The twins are nothing alike.) we went with half the room in a ballet theme (Makenzie) and half of the room in a rock star theme (Danika). Then we went out to lunch, the bookstore and to make pottery. Finally, we went to dinner with their grandparents and home to open a ton more presents.

The rest of this week doesn't look any less chaotic. I have 2 doctor appointments, Kyler has an orthodontist appointment, Laynee's birthday is on Wednesday and all the girls are having a swimming birthday party on Saturday. Wowzer!

Can you see why I haven't had time to post (or stamp)? I actually have a bunch of cards made, but haven't taken the time to photograph them. My husband even got my ott lights and a smaller (more practical) light tent for my birthday. I am excited to try it out.

Now on to the stuff that you actually come to my blog for. First I have the most simple card that I have ever made. And even though their is a lot of white space and only one layer- I still love it. It is still cuter than any store bought card (in my opinion). And I made it using my new favorite stamp set: Button Buddies.

And now, because I feel so guilt about not blogging in so long, I have a little scrapbooking lesson/challenge for you. It is OK to make a scrapbook layout WITHOUT any pictures! It really is! After all, we scrapbook because we want to document our family's story. Any sometimes the story doesn't have or need a picture. So try it! Challenge yourself to make a layout without a picture! Maybe you want to talk about a goal you made, a big decision that you made or feeling you had about a change in your life. I have some examples of recent layouts that I made without pictures.

This one talks about my obsession with couponing. I could have used a picture if my stockpile, coupons or a store. But I didn't have any good one- so I relied on some fun embellishments. And I think they look much better than a picture would.

I turned 30 a couple of weeks ago. I got a little sappy about it. (Big surprise, right?) Being in Disneyland on the big day helped to distract me though. But I also thought it would make me feel better to document all the amazing things I got to do during my twenties. There are lots of different pictures I could have used. In fact, I could have made an entire scrapbook about the subject. But I didn't have time! And I had way to many things to include to have room for pictures. So I made a list and skipped the pictures. After all, a lot of those pictures are on previous layouts.

Wowzer! My twenties were awesome! I graduated from college, did lots of traveling, discovered stamping and scrapbooking, made incredible friends, married my high school sweetheart and had 4 beautiful children. It was so much fun to list it out!

So there is. The longest post you will find on my blog! I will be back soon!

At a loss for a title....

2011-07-21T21:44:00.000-07:00

One of the hardest things about blogging is coming up with a catchy title. I thought and thought. I thought so much that it hurt (didn't take that long) and then gave up.

The card is super simple. The pin wheel stamp is in the set Sweets for the Sweet. I love that set!
The bottom paper strip is actually inside the card.
I cut the pinwheel images out and popped it up.

I just got back last night from a family vacation to Disneyland and the beach. The kids had a blast! And I am just a big kid when I get in Disney! I celebrated my 30th birthday while we were there. Doesn't get better than that! I took over 800 pictures. Don't worry. I won't post them all- but maybe a few!

New To Me

2011-07-14T14:34:00.001-07:00

The stamps that I used for today's card are not new to the catalog. They are just new to me. I have wanted them for a while and while I was placing a big order, I decided to take advantage of the SU! new hostess program and get them! The stamps are Elizatheth and Oval All. Even the scallop oval punch is new to me. I LOVE punches so I am certain it will be used often! The DSP on this card is new to the catalog (Beau Chateau andFirst Edition). And the card itself is a CASE of my upline's!

I just love the safety pin from the Vintage Trinkets!

If you want to order any of these product, just shoot me an email at sears1130@gmail.com!

I hope my fellow demonstrators are having fun at convention. I can't wait to hear all the exciting announcements that they make at convention!

I'm Not Lion!!

2011-07-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE the cute sentiments that come with the images in the Under the Big Top set! So cute! I think this will make a great kid bday card and I love to have a stack of those for all the parties the kids get invited to!

This is one CRAZY week!!! I am looking foward to scrapping with a friend tonight while my kids are at vacation bible school!

Bling!

2011-07-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

I have another card using the new Button Buddies stamp set for you today. Only I didn't use any buttons! You don't HAVE too. The images are pretty even without the buttons. Instead, I stamped the flowers a few extra times on white cardstock and punched out the centers. I attached them to my card and added a little bling. It is another simple, white, one layer card. They are my fave these days!

I am still recovering from yesterday's crazy busy day! We had summer movie (super cheap movies at a movie theater about 45 min from us), errands, piano lesson, dance class, vacation bible school and a huge shopping trip for birthday gifts for all 3 of my girls. We are painting and decorating the twins' room for their gift and it is far more complicated, time consuming and expensive than just buying toys!

I am hoping that once we finish this project- I will be able to focus my attention on decorating my stamping studio. It is very functional, but has NO decor! It is hard to be creative while staring at empty white walls.

I am gearing up for another busy day of a dentist appointment, dance, vacation bible school and a date with my hubby to watch the All Star game!

Celebrate!

2011-07-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

I almost didn't get the Under the Big Top stamp set because it requires coloring and that is not my strong suit. But the images were too cute to resist! I love any stamp set that comes with useful sentiments! Plus, it had paper to match! I started with a card using the image that looked the easiest to color...It is hard to tell in the picture- but I dry embossed the white paper.

I have to be off to piano lessons, dance class and vacation bible school. Summer is not as relaxing as I envisioned! But we are making lots of happy memories!

Happy stamping!

Button Buddies

2011-07-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

My very favorite stamp set in the new catalog is Button Buddies. All the images are created to add a button to them. Papertrey has similar sets and I have longed for SU! to have one. And now they do!!! And it is AWESOME!!! I must warn you....I am in a clean and simple mood. Lot's of white space.So simple! But who wouldn't smile when they received this? I challenge you to leave some white space! It can be hard to do- but liberating!

Sweet NEW stamps!!!

2011-07-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

I got my 1st order from the new catalog about 24 hours ago and I have only stopped stamping to eat and sleep! These stamps are so fun! They are exactly what I needed to get out of my summer stamping slump! My favorite set so far is Button Buddies. I will show you a card with that set tomorrow. This card is my assistant's favorite card. Makes sense since she is 4!

I love having paper to coordinate with stamps! It just makes it easier to put together a card! And these colors are just so fun!

What is your favorite new stamp set?

My 1st Birthday Card!

2011-07-04T06:54:00.000-07:00

We will be celebrating/mourning my 30th bday in Disneyland in a couple of weeks! I thought that Disneyland would make me feel you and forget the fact that my 20s passed in a blink of an eye. (I was so busy graduating college twice, getting married and having 4 babies!)

About a week ago I got my 1st bday card in the mail. Guess who is was from?

Stampin' Up!!!! And even more exciting? The card said that they were giving me an extra 15% off of one item during my bday month! So I got a smokin' deal on a stamp set from the new catalog! I guess this is just one more perk of being a demonstrator!!! Yay! (By the way, did you know that Stampin' Up! is having a promo right now where you can sign up to be a demo and get an awesome starter kit with stamps and accessories for just $99? Great deal!!! Email me for more info!)

Here is the card....

I just love the bright colors paired with all the white space! And it is hard to see in the picture- but there is a rhinestone for the dot on the "i." I love it! Thanks Stampin' Up!

Thinking snow....

2011-07-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

The high today in Phoenix? 118 degrees!!! YIKES! And to think that it was a cloudy day! You can all laugh at me for living here now. I will return the favor when you are shoveling snow in January! Speaking of snow....

I thought it might cool me off. And if you know me at all- you know that I am addicted to snowman images! At Christmas, I decorate my entire house in snowmen. My husband used to joke that our kids wouldn't know about Santa. They would grow up thinking that Frosty brought the gifts. So when I saw this set in the new catalog- I knew it had to be mine. You will see more of this guy!

Did you place your 1st order from the new catalog? I did! I am especially excited to get the Button Buddies stamp set! I LOVE buttons!

Have a happy 4th!

Having one of those days....

2011-06-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

I was all ready to post earlier- but for some reason or another we didn't have an internet connection! And then when we got that cleared up- my computer wouldn't show me any of my pics and so I couldn't upload. But I was relentless and so I have a card to show ya.

I am pretty sure that I was the last one out there to buy the Aviary set. I remember everyone getting excited last year when it came out. I was like "Why all the fuss? That isn't cute." But then I started to see some cards made with it. I even got to use it at a class. And what do you know? Now I think it is cute and had to order it for myself! Please tell me that happens to you too.

It is a very simple card, but I think the pearls make it special.

More on my day.....I discovered that I have lost my coupon binder. If there are any avid couponers out there- you know just how important the binder is. It is almost like losing a kid. I called stores and checked everywhere. I am to the point that I know I need to start a new one. (I guess that is a difference between the coupon binder and kids. I can replace the binder. But replacing one kid with another is generally frowned upon.) So I am off to work on coupons even though I would rather be stamping.

On the mend....Finally!

2011-06-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

I can finally "see" the light at the end of the tunnel with this eye surgery! I am still uncomfortable, but each day is a tad better than the last. I have 2 cards that I want to show you- but it is cloudy and I can't get a picture. I don't have lighting in my stamping studio. :-( I am sure you are getting sick of my digi layouts- but I have nothing else to show! So here are a couple 1 page layouts from my DC trip...

I have been working on this vacation scrapbook while recovering and I am almost done! Which is good sense we are leaving for a family vacation in 3 weeks! Ha ha!

Do a little stamping for me today! With both of your eyes open! :-)

Nothing can keep me from my stamps...not even blood.

2011-06-21T19:11:00.001-07:00

I was lucky enough to get to spend yesterday morning in the hospital having surgery on my eye. You're jealous right? 24 hours later and I still can't see out of my eye. It is swollen, watery and so scratchy! And I am one big baby about pain. So I have spent a lot of time in bed. While laying around, I came up with a card idea. I decided "I will make it when I feel better." But I just kept thinking about it. Finally, I couldn't wait any long and went to the stamp room. So now imagine me stamping and gluing (with just one eye open) while my eye is watering and bleeding on the paper. It was a disaster! Definitely not a keeper! But the design was very cute and will definitely be remade when I can see!

In the meantime, I have another 2 page layout for you from my trip to DC. When I was in college, I dreamed of being a Federal Court judge. (Keep in mind that you have to be appointed to the position by the President and so it is not an easy job to get!) I took judicial class and constitutional law classes. I even worked for the Judiciary Committee in the State Senate as well as a lobbyist for the State Supreme Court. I loved it. But after college, I got married and started having babies. The dream of law school and being a judge were replaced with dreams of staying home and watching my babies grow. Good decision. But I was so stinkin' excited about seeing the Supreme Court when we went to DC. And it was no let down. It was easily the most beautiful building I have ever been in. It was all marble! Marble floors, staircases and pillars. Awesome! So the visit was deserving of 2 pages in my scrapbook!

A closer look at page 1....

And page 2....

I smile whenever I look at these pictures! And this is another simple layout for paper scrappers!

Well I am going back to tending the my drippy eye!

I'm Back!!!

2011-06-19T18:05:00.001-07:00

We are back from our back East trip! We had such a fun time and I am a little sad that it is already over. I get post trip depression. I get post holiday depression as well. My husband thinks I am weird, but I have my fingers crossed that I am not the only one who experiences this!

Our trip started in Washington DC. I LOVED it! I love the old time charm that the city has. I love that you can see the Washington Monument all over the city. I LOVED the museums and the Supreme Court! While I was on the trip- I was already planning my scrapbook. So as soon as we got home- I got to work. The tough part is sorting through the 700 pictures that I took! My first layout is about our tour of the capitol. I used the same template I used for a layout last week- as I wanted to showcase lots of pictures on the one layout.

A closer look at the 1st page...

And the 2nd page....

More trip layouts and some stamping will be coming your way soon!

Cherish

2011-06-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share one last project before I leave on my trip!

I am constantly asked by my blog readers to make more 2 page scrapbook layouts. Well, this one is for you...A close up of page 1....

And a close up of page 2....

I love that it has 10 pictures on it!

You know that I LOVE digi scrapping. I can't wait to scrap our trip using one of Stampin' Up's digi kits! But I know that many of you prefer to paper scrap. This layout would be a breeze for a traditional scrapper as well! Choose a fun (but not too busy) DSP for the background, another 2 others that coordinate for the paper strips. Use border punches on the thin strip for each side. Add pretty stamped flowers with buttons. For the title, stamp the letters with you favorite alphabet and cut each letter out in the shape of a square. Mat them on some darker cardstock and put them on the layout using dimensionals. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Go scrap! I am going to go take a million pics to scrap when I come back! Stay tuned!

Hooty

2011-06-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

So I have a cute card for you today that I CASED from Tami. But the pictures really aren't so good! I am having some trouble with lighting in my stamp room these days! But hopefully you can see how darn cute this guy is. The owl punch is new to me. I think I am the last stamper out there to get it!

Then you open the card...

He is just peeping out of the hole in the front! Can you see the clouds? This has always been one of my favorite techniques.

I am still having trouble finding my stamping mojo! Even my scrapbooking mojo is tough to locate. I hate these dry spurts! I will keep looking for the mojo! But my husband and I are leaving this week on a trip to Washington DC and New York City! I have never been to either place and so I am just bursting with excitement. A Government teacher just HAS to go to DC! And a lover of the theater MUST see Chicago on Broadway! But at any rate....don't be surprised if you don't hear from me this week.

Happy stamping!

Nashville!

2011-06-03T16:02:00.000-07:00

I seem to be missing my stamping and scrapping mojo! YIKES! I sent 3 hours last night playing with pictures and paper. It was a disaster! And then this afternoon- I threw this layout together in about 10 minutes!

I had the BEST visiting my dear friend in Arrione in Nashville. I love country music so Nashville is the perfect fit for me! And I love Arrione- so it was the perfect get away! Next time I am going to bring my hubby!

This page would be easy to CASE for those who paper scrap as well. DSP can be the best embellishment!

I'm one sappy mommy!

2011-06-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of school for my kiddos. I am still not certain if I am happy or sad. I am excited about sleeping in, not having homework and not having to pack lunches. But I am such a sappy mom that I cried a bit today because the kids are growing up way too fast. When Danika's kindergarten teacher broke down crying (for the 2nd time this week), I just couldn't help but join in. How can it be that I have a 2nd grader, 2 1st graders and a kindergartner?! Sigh..... Let's not cry again, Jamie!

I have been so busy with all the end-of-year parties, talent shows and graduation that stamping had to be put on the back burner. Then when I went back- I had stamper's block!!! I am still struggling! But then I realized that I never showed you a card that I made for my MIL for Mother's Day.

I just love these colors- Poppy Parade and Daffodil Delight. Such happy colors. I made an oval frame with my Big Shot and then just set it on the white cardstock and sponged the Daffodil Delight on. I got the idea from a stamper on Splitcoast. I popped one flower up and used ribbon to add dimension. I just can't stand a flat card! By the way- I am loving this stamp set! I have used it on the cards in my last couple of posts. It is called Awash with Flowers.

I am not sure that I ever shared my good news regarding Stampin' Up! I was going to have to give up my demonstrator status as I hadn't been able to have a workshop since before my illness. Well, after Stampin' Up! heard about my medical problems, they helped to make it possible for me to keep my demonstrator status! Yay!!!

Since I am suffering from Stamper's Block, I am going to try and focus on scrapbooking. Cross your fingers that I will have some layouts to show tomorrow!

Spring Flowers

2011-05-26T20:19:00.000-07:00

I made this card a few weeks ago when I first got the stamp set. I have gotten better with the stamps since I made it, but I still love the colors and simplicity so I thought I would share.

On Mother's Day, my MIL got me a bouquet of spring flowers. I loved them! Such pretty colors and they live much longer than roses do. A couple of days later I moved them to the kitchen counter for more sunlight. The next morning, I noticed that the vase was drying in the sink. What happened to my flowers?!!! Turns out that my dear husband thought that I put the flowers on the counter because they were dead. Never mind that they didn't look the least bit dead!!! So anytime I get the chance, I tease him about the pretty spring flowers that used to be!

I had a fantastic trip and I am looking foward to getting back to stamping!

A purse that doesn't break the bank...

2011-05-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how much money you can spend on a purse! I would NEVER pay what some are willing to pay! First, I really don't care what is "in." I have my own style and feel no need to copy the in crowd. Also, I am afraid of commitment. I like to change purses when I see something cute. When you pay hundreds of dollars on a purse, you can't just get a new one a few months later! That being said, I bought a purse that was much more than I wanted to spend. But it is gorgeous!!! Meet Big Buddha...

It is big enough for my usual purse stuff plus my camera and kindle. And it still doesn't feel stuffed. And it is soooo soft! It is my new best friend.

So, you ask, what does this have to do with stamping? I made a cute purse from paper! And it definatly will not break the bank!

Isn't it cute?! I used this template. And it opens up too. I filled it with these notecards...

I made this special treasure for a friend. She moved to Nashville over a year ago and I am flying out there to see her tomorrow!!! I am so excited!

Setting the house on fire in the name of stamping

2011-05-18T16:56:00.001-07:00

So I was using a glue gun today to make the flowers on my card when the glue gun suddenly burst into flames! I screamed and jumped a mile. Luckily I was wise enough to unplug it and the fire died down. The only damage are some blisters. It could have been far worse. But I was right in the middle of making my card and I needed hot glue to finish. So I actually run to Wal-Mart to grab a new one. What do you suppose are the odds of two of my glue guns catching on fire?

The good news.....I think the card came out nice!
I love the little ribbon flowers! I have been wanting to make these for some time now.

So was it worth the fire?

Become a fan of my Facebook page!

Where oh where has my mind gone?

2011-05-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

I am having one heck of a scatter brained day! And I mean more than the usual!

Today two of the kiddos had water days at school. I did a terrible job getting them ready! Kid #1: No towel or sunscreen. Kid #2: No towel, sunscreen, water bottle, sand pail, backpack or clothes to go over her swimsuit. Plus, she was wearing her sister's swimsuit and so half of her bum was sticking out! Water day was a big fail for mommy!!!

Then, this afternoon- I got all the way to the kids' school (15 minute drive) only to realize that I took the wrong vehicle! A super small car does not cut it when picking up 6 kids! I had to make a 30 minute round trip to get the right car.

I think I should just call it a day and go to bed before I cause anymore havoc!

Now on to the stamping....
I made this card at least a week ado and it is a CASE of one that I found on Splitcoast. And being the scatter brain that I am, I didn't not save the link so I could share who made the original :(

I am off to search for my mind. Let me know if you spot it.

Finally....

2011-05-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the gifts for teacher appreciation week (which was last week)! It took me forever! I actually made 4. And after working on them for nearly a week, I finish and wouldn't you know it? I forgot to send them to school with the kids! Ha! They have waited this long, so what's another few days!

I do like the way they turned out! (But note to self- you don't want to make these next year. Once is enough!)

It is also finally Friday! The kids will be gome in a few minutes and we can start our weekend of fun with some swimming!

Good News Email!

2011-05-11T09:00:00.001-07:00

I was running around on Monday like a chicken with my head cut off- when I got the best email! Cards Magazine wants to publish one of my cards in their October issue! I am so excited. I have had 3 other cards published- but it has been a long time. I am especially proud since I have only gotten back to stamping for about a month. Now I know many of you are getting published every month and are not all that impressed with this. But I don't get published often and so you can't rain on my parade!

The card I am showing you today is one of the first cards I made after my long break. I CASED it from Kristina Werner. Of course, he card is way better than mine! I miss the times when Kristina worked for Stampin' Up! but I still love her stamping style.

This was a super hard card for me to photograph. I punched a circle in the front and added 3D butterflies to the inside.

I am still working on the teacher gifts. But I took a break and spent about 10 hours (so far) working on pictures, videos and scrapbooks for my twins' Kindergarten graduation. I am already getting a bit emotional. I am a cry baby when it comes to this sentimental stuff. So back to my work.....

I may be a tad biased.....

2011-05-08T17:48:00.001-07:00

....but my kids are the cutest kids EVER!

I have lots of really fun pictures from this portrait session. They take forever to load to this blog so if you want to see them check out this link.

This has been the perfect Mother's Day. I had a date night with the hubby last night. He took me shopping!! This morning they all made me breakfast and gave me flowers and super cute hand made cards. Then I got to go to the salon for a sassy hair do. And finally, we went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner! I am tired and full. But I am going to pick up my stamps right now and get inky! I hope that you all had a special Mother's Day and that you are also getting some time to do those things you love.

Welcome Spring?

2011-05-06T19:48:00.001-07:00

It was 100 degrees today and we spent the afternoon in the pool. (Which is why I have a sunburn tonight.) And so I have to laugh at this card...I made it a few weeks ago. Spring only lasts 2 weeks around here. I missed the window of opportunity to post it and send it to someone!

The stamp is from Papertrey Ink and everything else is SU!

I have spent the past 3 days working on making teacher gifts. I intended to bring them in this week for teacher appreciation week. But I ran out of the red sticky tape! I guess I will just have to appreciate the teachers next week! But seriously, next year when I want to make elaborate teacher gifts for 4 sets of teachers- someone pinch me. 3D paper crafts take me forever. Oh well. They are super cute and I will post as soon as I find some sticky tape.

I probably won't have time to post this weekend. Tomorrow is dance class, Mother's Day lunch with my in laws and date night. And I am getting my hair done and going out with my kiddos on Sunday. So happy Mother's Day!

Live, Laugh & Love

2011-05-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post with another one of the cards that I made at Diana's class. I love simple so this is perfect for me.

I am tired, sunburned and subbing again tomorrow. I am calling it an early night. But I did place an order for some new stamps and I can't wait to play with new goodies!

New card with old supplies

2011-04-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

I was organizing some supplies and I found this circle scallop card. I can't remember what SU! called them. But I LOVED them when they came out. Even though the colors (Groovy Guava and some kind of blue sky color) retired, I couldn't get rid of these. When I found them, I was giddy excited and HAD to make a card right that moment. The organizing took a back burner!

I am missing my stamping time while substituting! It is a good thing that I made tons of cards last week!

Forget Paris

2011-04-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

I loved the movie Forget Paris. I laugh until I am in tears every single time I watch it.

So this is another card from the 10/10/20 class I took last week. It is very simple but so pretty. And it will be the perfect card for my dear friend who was a french teacher. Now I just have to remember to send it.....in January. No problem.

So I am substituting in the class that I student taught in. It is kinda weird going back but a fun weird. It will just take up some of my stamping and blogging time this week. We shall see....

You crack me up

2011-04-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

We were all cracking up here- thanks to the dog! The kids spent time coloring hard boiled eggs this afternoon. They were diligent and very careful. The eggs looked great. So we head out to grab a quick dinner. When we came back- there were only 4 eggs left in the carton. I was perplexed. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a purple egg sitting in the grass right outside the door. The darn dog got the eggs!!! He ate 7 hard boiled eggs (shell and all). Yuck!!! And he is a small dog! I have banished him to the backyard for tonight. I don't want multi color poo in the house!

I have a simple Easter card for ya....

I colored the chicks with some copic markers. I am still not too good with those things. But, from time to time, I have fun pretending I am an artist.

Happy stamping!

Easter Basket

2011-04-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

I have an Easter card for you tonight. I LOVE holidays. But Easter cards? I don't send them- so I don't make many. But I saw a cute Easter basket card on Andrea Walford's blog that I had to CASE.

Of course hers is far better. I loved her eggs, but was far to lazy to make them. Maybe next year. Ha Ha! I did add some Easter grass and a fun flower. The pies were part of the basket die so that made it real easy. Have you noticed that I can't stop making these flowers? I am addicted.

I thought I would share something that is not stamp oriented. I am an avid coupon shopper. I never shop without a stack of coupons and a well mapped out list. I have been doing this for over a year and I have saved my family thousands of dollars! Our grocery budget before couponing was $115 per week. (This did not include health and beauty products.) Now my budget is $30-$40 per week and this includes absolutely everything! For a family of 6! Who wouldn't want to save that kind of money?! It has allowed us to do more fun family activities. So do you coupon? Are you crazy like the couponers on the new TLC Extreme Couponing show? I am not crazy like they are but it is fun to watch. Do you want to coupon? Check THIS site out. Click on the beginners tab and get started!

Sorry for the commercial break. Back to your regulary scheduled show tommorow!

Never too old.....

2011-04-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

to be goofy!

This is one of the 10 cards that I made at my upline's 10/10/20 class on Monday. She is super talented so you best take time to check out her blog. You'll be sorry if you don't!

When I saw this card I thought "This one is so ME." I love the colors and the simple layout. Plus, I got lots of practice using the stamp-a-ma-jig thingy. That thing used to drive me crazy. I got rid of mine! But after a little separation, I can see being friends again.

The saying makes me think about my impending 30th birthday in July. When you are 16- 30 seems ancient. You think that by that age you will be wearing depends, using a walker and checking into the nursing home. Now that I am a few months from turning 30- I think 30 is young!!! And I intend to be goofy on my birthday. We will be in Disneyland with the kids! That always makes me feels young!

Enough blabbering. My DVR is full of good shows that are calling my name!

Troublemaker

2011-04-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

I made a 3x3 card a few nights ago. I thought it was simple and cute. I wanted to post it- but I could NOT get a good picture. I tried different lighting, different times of the day, different backdrops, etc... Still no good!!! After about 50 different pics, I decided to give up and just show you the best of the batch. Then the darn picture wouldn't load on to my blog! I finally have the card to show. But keep in mind that it is much prettier in person!

I just love making these fun crumpled up flowers.

Everything is SU! except the sentiment. It is from a set by Papertrey. I love their little sentiments with cute fonts.

Ok, I best publish the post before the pictures disappear! Happy stamping!

I may be going batty!

2011-04-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

Right after I got sick in October, my hubby started joking that I had a "broken brain." The week after I got out of the hospital I insisted on going to the pumpkin patch. (Apparently, I had asked about the pumpkin patch repeatedly while in ICU. But I cannot confirm that.) While we were at the pumpkin patch, Scott took a picture of me holding a sign that said "Gone Batty." It seemed appropriate! There is a point to all this. When you see my card, you may think that I really have gone batty.....

Yes, I made a Halloween card. It is not a card I had saved from October. I really sat down and made this a few nights ago. I do have my reasons (beyond just a broken brain). And I hope to share my reasons another time soon. It's a cliff hanger!

Sweet & Simple

2011-04-17T20:15:00.001-07:00

Just a clean and simple card for you today.....

I couldn't get the pictures to turn out the way I wanted but I am too lazy to retake them! Speaking of pictures- Almost all of the pictures on my blog are not loading. I don't know how to fix it. Does anyone have any ideas?

I am off to have dinner with my hubby. We are having brownies. That's it. And I am not joking. :)

Sending a Smile Across the Miles

2011-04-16T21:08:00.000-07:00

As you may have noticed, I haven't stamped in ages! Between my health, school, student teaching and family- stamping was put on the back burner. So sad! But I am so excited to be back! I am done with school and an official certified teacher. I have been stamping all week and enjoying myself so much! Here is a card that I made (with the help of my 4 year old). It is a hybrid Stampin' Up! and Papertrey card. The stamp set and a couple of the buttons are Papertrey. The paper, ink and the yellow button are Stampin' Up!

I want to thank you. I had so many of you send emails to let me know that they missed me and were praying for my health. It is hard to believe how much people you have never met care about you! I have always loved that about stamping. It is like we have our own club and the secret hand shake is the thud of a stamp on an ink pad.

The only thing changing about my blog is that I have decided to give up my Stampin' Up! demonstrator status. I LOVE the products and the company. But I have come to realize that I like to stamp so much more than selling. Workshops and classes made it impossible to just stamp for fun. I loved my business, but I am ready to move on. The good news for you is that I will have more time to stamp for my blog. :)

Enough talking.......go stamp!

Gone Batty

2010-10-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this Halloween card! It helps that the stamper is one of the most talented artists that I know! And it just so happens that she is my upline too! You have to check out Diana's blog.....and be prepared to be in awe!

First, I LOVE the textured background. I am just on a texture kick lately. And then I love the little pops of color that add so much! I especially love the little light! I am not positive, but I am guessing that she made it by sticking the eraser end of a pencil in the ink and then onto the stamped image. Cute!

Are you ready for Halloween? The 6 of us have our costumes! And I think we are picking one up for the dog too! So my husband and I are going as Fred and Wilma. My son is going as an astronaut. The twins are going as a rock star and a cheerleader. And the youngest is going as a Ladybug. They also have to dress up for a literacy parade at school. So Kyler will be Ralph S. Mouse. Danika is going to be Angelina Ballerina. Makenzie is going to be Pinkalicious. So as you might guess...we have costume pieces all over the place!!!! Anyone got a creative costume?

For Your Viewing Pleasure......

2010-10-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

I absolutly LOVE making Halloween projects. So you can imagine my disapointment about not being quite ready to stamp yet and it is already October 21st! But since I have to host a Kindergarten Halloween party next week, I WILL stamp soon! I insist that they have cute, hand made treats!

Since I haven't been stamping, I decided to show you some amazing cards I got in a demonstrator Holiday Mini swap quite a while ago. Today's card is amazing!!!! It was made by Barbara Pirk.

I love how she blended the various colors to create the sky. And you probably can't see in the picture, but just about all the black is embossed.

I love how it is a 3d card. So unique!

The Kindergarteners will definatly NOT be receiving cards like this!!!

Thanks for stopping by.

I have not vanished.....

2010-10-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

.....I have just had to take a break to take care of health problems (and spend time with my sweet kiddos on their fall breaks). I won't bore you all with the details but if you are really curious (and want to say a prayer for me) you can read my personal story HERE.

Just know that my fingers are itching to do some stamping! It's gonna be real soon too. You know I can't resist Halloween stamping!

Where oh where has my stamping time gone?!!!

2010-09-15T02:21:00.000-07:00

I think that my kids may be responsible for the missing stamping time! Between dance, piano, soccer, gymnastics, girl scouts, boy scouts, their school, my volunteer time, MOPS, bible study, and my own schooling-- I am so incredibly booked!Then there are weeks like this one where I also had to figure in an orthodontist appointment, an audiologist appointment, and an IEP meeting. And can you believe that I spend nearly 2 hours every day doing homework with my children? The oldest is only in 1st grade!!!! Oh well! I love my life! Even when it is CRAZY! It is everything I always wanted to be able to do with my children! The only thing missing is my sacred stamping time!

So a couple of nights ago, I forced my eyes to stay open long enough to make a digi layout about my girls dancing at the Diamondbacks baseball game.

And a little sad news......it looks like I am going to be loosing this blog :( I just can't afford to pay the hosting fee. Hopefully I can figure out how to transfer everything over to a blogger account that is free. I am bummed though!

Tote-ally cool special!

2010-09-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

If you have been thinking about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator- now is the time to sign up!!!! For a limited time, when you sign up you will receive this super cute tote in addition to your starter kit!

So if you want to make some extra cash or if you want a discount on your own supplies, shoot me an email and I will be happy to answer any of your questions!

Just a little note.....

2010-09-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

At my last MOPS meeting we decorated composition books. Since my favorite Southern Belle couldn't be there, I decided to decorate a notebook for her. The project is so simple. All my projects are these days due to my serious lack of time!!! Today I had car pool, conferenced, volunteering at the school, shopping, library, a kid doctor appointment and loads of homework for myself and the kids. So I made and photographed this project in a total of 10 minutes!

I really cannot get enough of these cute buttons!!!! The sentiment is from the Apple Blossoms hostess set.

And of course I had to decorate the back of the album with more of that yummy paper that was in the summer mini...

I am off to get my zzzzzzz. Another big day tomorrow. I have MORE class observations. I am going to be done with school and have my teaching certificate in March!!!! Oh I can't wait!

Eat Something Cute

2010-09-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

I am not so certain that I should have passed Kindergarten. I mean, I CAN'T color!!! Definatly not in the lines! But since I desperatly want to earn my Kindergarten diploma, I have been practicing some coloring. It took FOREVER and there are some little issues with staying in the lines.....but otherwise I am kinda proud. I guess it doesn't hurt that the stamp set is so darn cute that is doesn't matter how you color it, it will look yummy!

I used the Birthday Bakery set. It is a hostess set which means I got it for FREE! Did you see the sentiment? It said "If you are what you eat, eat something cute." I stamped it in stazon ink on watercolor paper and colored it with a ton of different inks and an aquapainter.

So today my gorgeous girls danced at the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game. They did it a couple of weeks ago, but today they actually danced right on the field! In front of lots of people! I was impressed! And proud.

Now who wouldn't be proud of these cuties?!!!

Happy Stamping!!!!

And the obsession continues.....

2010-09-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

another Halloween card!!!! Once I start making them, I can't stop! I also get carried away making Halloween treats. That will be coming soon!

I used the same stamp set as yesterday and make a super simple and clean card....

I really wanted the senitment to go all the way across the card so I used markers and stamped multiple times to make it work.

Happy Labor Day to everyone! My family is going to the Diamondbacks game to watch my three girls dance again. So fun!

Wicked

2010-09-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

I absolutly LOVE making Halloween cards. I don't know why! I hardly ever remember to send them to anyone and yet each year I feel so drawn to make dozens of them! So this is the first of what will probably be many!

I am so bummed I had to use this retired Halloween paper! The new paper is so darn cute and I was bummed that I forgot to add it to my order!!! But this old stuff is still fun. I love the ribbon treatment. I just put some sticky strip across the paper and then bunch up the ribbon slowly from one side to the other. Simple and fun.

Everytime my kids look at this card, they giggle. So funny!

Hope you are enjoying your Labor Day weekend!

Bright Blossoms

2010-09-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

I had exactly 10 minutes to stamp today (when I was supposed to be doing my homework. he he he). So this card is super simple. We all need simple cards sometimes!

The card is 4 1/4 x 4 1/4. The stamp set is a hostess set called Apple Blossom. The colors are Pumpkin Pie, Pacific Point, Poppy Parade, and Pear Pizzazz. That's a lot of P's!!!

I guess I really NEED to get back to my homework! BOO! Hope everyone else is getting some stamping time!

Friends

2010-08-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

I had a little open house on Friday night. I had a great time stamping with "old" and new friends!!!! (Even if you girls couldn't share and didn't listen to directions!!! lol)

This is one of the cards that they made....

I made a similar card a few weeks ago. This card is super simple. The clouds were sponged using a punched scallop circle as a mask. The stamp set is Season of Friendship (which is going down as one of my all time favorite sets!). And you have to love the little pearl for the bird's eye. The colors are Not Quite Navy, Pear Pizzazz, and Chocolate Chip.

I am sorry that I can't post daily. With my school work, volunteering at the kids school and starting a new job soon- my time is maxed out!!! I will do my best to steal some stamping time a few times a week. I have some new stamps on the way and I can't wait!!!!

Don't forget about my scrapbook class and class by mail kit!!!

Happy stamping my friends!

First Day of 1st Grade

2010-08-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

I finally found 15 minutes in my crazy schedule to make a scrapbook layout! I am about 6 weeks behind in my scrapbooking. And that stresses me out! I know it is crazy since most scrapbookers are years behind!!! I like to scrap current pictures because then I can remember the stories and details behind the pics. I often tell people who are stressing about being behind to just start scrapping current pics. Maybe one day you will go back and catch up- but if not- at least you will have the stories and pictures from current events in the albums! Something is always better than nothing!

My son started 1st grade last month in a brand new school. I wanted to do a simple page with lots of room for journaling and this is what I came up with.....

Paper scrappers- This would be easy enough to create with SU! supplies!!!!! I think I would use the celebrations or Playdate DSPand the spiral border punch. Use strips of the pattern papers instead of the ruler and pencil and then add photo mat and paperclip a tag. The title can be printed from your computer or stamped with one of the alphabet set. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy!!!

Now don't forget to check out THIS post to learn more about my upcoming scrapbook class and class by mail kit!

Happy scrapping!

Mini Backpack Scrabook Album Class!!!

2010-08-28T03:09:00.000-07:00

I am just so darn excited about the first class I will be offering since rejoining the Stampin' Up! family!!!! You won't want to miss this one! Check out the cute mini album we will be making.....

This cute mini backpack scrapbook album is designed to help you preserve a snapshot of your child's life. This 6x8 album holds 18 different page layouts featuring a variety of different themes including family, friends, school, hobbies, and other interests. With a uniquely designed "binder" interior and fun kid-like page elements, this scrapbbook album is a one-of-a-kind keepsake!

You will also get to pick if you want to make a Boy Album (made withe Play Date Designer Series Papaer) or a Girl Album (made with the Lap of Luxery Designer Series Paper)!

Class Info:

Date: Friday, September 24th

Time: 7-10pm

Cost: $25 if you pay by September 7th. $30 if you pay after the 7th.

Last date to pay and register: September 14th. Class size is limited and may fill before this date.

What is included: Instructions and ALL supplies needed to make the album and 18 scrapbook layouts! You will also be given access to a video tutorial so you can recreate the project at home if you wish!

What you need to bring: Everyone must bring their own snail adhesive!!! If you do not have snail, please let me know when you are registering and we can add it to your class fee. I will order it and have it at class for you.

Live out of town? Can't make it to class on that date? No worries! I am offering the class as a Class By Mail kit!!!!

Cost: $25 plus $5 for shipping

Last Date to Purchase: September 14th at 9pm MST

Shipping Time: Orders will begin shipping on September 24th

What is included: PDF file with complete instructions, including pictures and diagrams, for assembing the album and the 18 layouts. The PDF will be emailed to you. You will also receive a link to a video tutorial! In the mail you will receive all the consumable products necessary to complete your album and layouts.

What you will need to provide: adhesive (snail, sticky strip, demensionals, and glue dots), a paper cutter with scoring blade, and crop-a-dile.

If you are a demonstrator and interested in this class, please email me at sears1130@gmail.com.

So are you as excited as I am?!!!!

WARNING: This stamp may cause weight gain!

2010-08-26T14:16:00.000-07:00

So the other night I was using the Sweet Scoops stamp set and made several cards as possible make-and-takes for my Open House tomorrow night. After stamping so much ice cream, the next day I HAD to take the kids to the brand new Baskin Robbins in our area. YUM!!!!! We used to live down the street from a Cold Stone. But when we moved here, we were so sad to discover they didn't have any ice cream shops! So of course I was doing a happy dance when the Baskin Robbins opened this week! I already got my frequent visitor card. ;)

I used a texture plate agin on that white layer. And I just couldn't help but use more of the Island Oasis DSP. Do you have this DSP and the Sweet Scoops stamp set yet? Well you are running out of time!!!! The Summer Mini ends at the end of this month. So email me or just click on the Shop Now link.

So excited for my Open House tomorrow night!!! (And I am serving ice cream!!!)

Cute Christmas

2010-08-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty crummy day today. But stamping and Glee at the end, make it seem a little more bearable!

Here is another sneak peak of some new DSP and stamps that will be available starting September 1st in the Holiday Mini catalog!

I tried to color the mittens with ink and a blender pen. But I am not exactly good with the coloring! I should probably just claim that the kids did the coloring! ;)

Happy stamping!

Not your average milk carton!

2010-08-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

I love making cute little treat containers for friends, teacher and the kids' classes! So when I saw the milk carton Big Shot die, it was love at first sight!!!! I made this first one for the hostess of my workshop last Friday.

I couldn't help myself....I had to make another one of those paper flowers with circle punches! (I also HAD to taste test the M&Ms I put inside. I am all about quality control!)

This carton really matches the card I posted a few days ago....

Now who wouldn't want to get this fun little ensemble?!

So I am a little nervous! I am working on my last 2 classes to get my Secondary teaching certification. Tomorrow I am starting a new practicum and it is in an Economics class. Me? Teaching high school Economics? I know about as much about Economics as my husband knows about stamping!!!! Crazy!!!! So keep your fingers crossed for those poor students! (Unless you can't stamp with your fingers crossed. In that case- maybe cross your toes!)

Ask and you shall receive! It's an SU! scrapbook layout!

2010-08-21T01:39:00.000-07:00

So I have received numerous emails and comments asking for a Stampin' Up! scrapbook layout. As you know, I have gone to digital scrapbooking (SU! has awesome software!), but it was fun to actually play with paper again. This layout was the make-and-take at my workshop last night. Hi Stephanie!

The layout is 6x6. I love small layouts as they are easy and fast! All my albums are 6x6 now and I love how they fir nicely on the bookshelf and are small enough for the kids to flip through. The layout uses the Island Oassi DSP and Sweet Scoops stamp set that can be found in the summer mini catalog. Have you ordered your's yet? You are running out of time as the summer mini ends on August 31st! So click on the Buy Now buttong on the left side and order today!

The colors on this layout are Sahara San, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, and So Saffron. The DSP made it easy to pick colors! I also used a couple of punches- the tab and the designer label. How does one live without punches?!!! I had the girls cut out their ice cream scoops and pop them up with demensionals. Cutting was not a fan favorite! Sorry girls! Next time, ALL punches!

Hope you have a super weekend! I am excited to go watch all three of my girls dance at the Diamonbacks baseball game!

So easy, a 4 year old can do it!

2010-08-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

At my workshops I am always telling my customers just how EASY stamping is. Well today my 4 year old prooved me right! She made this card BY HERSELF!

Sorry the picture is blurry. But seriously, isn't my Laynee going to be an amazing SU! demonstrator one day?! I loved watching her use the Big Shot. When it got to the part where it was actually cutting the paper, she would always say "Hard part!" and then use both hands and puch it thru.

Well she was doing so well, that I let her help me finish some swap cards!!! She did the glitter!

And once again, this is the same layout that I have used the past two days.

I used a polka dot texture plate on the white layer. I was asked how I make the impressions so deep. I wanted to share my answer in case anyone else is wondering. All I do is add 2 pieces of scrap cardstock (excellent way to use that leftover Yo Yo Yellow!) to the sandwich. It makes it a little tougher to roll through the Big Shot, but it makes such a nice deep impression!

So do you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that DSP and cute snowman?!!! Can you see that the DSP has glitter on it?! It is AWESOME!!!Well I am teasing you a bit because these products won't be available until September 1st. The stamp set is called Cute Christmas and the DSP is Candy Lane. Put it on your must have list!

And didn't Laynee do a good job on the glitter?! She did it for 21 cards! I now have an assitant!!! Wooo hooo!

Thanks for stopping by!

Same Layout, New Card

2010-08-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

I loved the layout I used on yesterday's card so I decided to just keeping using it! No reason to start from scratch every time!

The colors are Not Quite Navy, Pacific Point, Sahara Sand, and Very Vanilla. I used brand new DSP (can't remember the name!), Curly Verses stamp set, and a bunch of punches for the flower. I also used a texture plate on the Vanilla layer.

If you aren't totally sick of it, I have another card to show you tomorrow with the same layout! What can I say? I was on a roll!

Stamping for my Sanity

2010-08-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

A lot of my friends told me that when the kids were all in school, I would have so much "me" time. Well they lied! Ha ha ha! My days are so full with car pools, dance, piano, gymnastics, school volunteer hours, kid homework, my homework, classroom observations, orthodontist appointments, speech therapy, etc, etc, etc! Yikes! I have never been busier!!! Some days I love it. Other days, like yesterday, I just want to cry if I have to drive another mile!!!

So today I allowed myself to stamp BEFORE doing my homework! It is a benefit of being an adult! ha ha ha! But I needed some stamping time to find my sanity! And it worked!! And I ended up with another adult beverage card. Hmmmm....wonder what's on my mind......he he he.

I used my Big Shot and a texture plate on the white layer. The stamp set is Cheers to You and the DSP is Island Oasis.

Super simple!

Now back to my newest obsession (and waste of my 'me' time)....Glee!

Happy Stamping!

Cheers!

2010-08-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

Now that all my kids are in school and my weeks are filled with carpools, homework, classroom volunteering, dance, gymnastics, and piano- I live for the weekends!!!! Family time! Sleeping in! And a LITTLE less busieness! So this card is perfect for a Friday evening!

This stamp set, Cheers to You, is not a new set. But when I got the new Island Oasis DSP from the summer mini, the umbrellas reminded me of this stamp! Try to ignore my terrible coloring. It is just not one of my talents. But I did want to try and show you the Crystal Effects that I put on the drink to make it look more real.

I am off to enjoy my family. Have a happy weekend!

We all scream....

2010-08-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

...for ice cream!!!! Seriously, for dinner tonight I had French Fries, Coke, and Chocolate Peanutbutter Cup ice cream! It is called the "Busy Mommy Diet"! Now don't these ice cream scoops make you crave some ice cream?

It is a super simple card using the Sweet Scoops stamp set and the Island Oasis Designer Series paper from the Summer Mini. The colors are Sahara Sand, Old Olive, Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise, and Pumpkin Pie. The combo just screams "HAPPY" to me!!!

Time for this busy mommy to get some sleep! Happy Stamping!

Button Love!

2010-08-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

As I have mentioned before, I love the pretty buttons in the new catalog. So when I saw this card by the very, very talented Kimberly Van Diepen, I knew I had to CASE it! I usually change more on a CASE, but the card was so darn perfect to start with that I only changed a few things. I did one last flower blossom and button. I also used slightly different buttons and different thread.

It is a simple card to make. I sponged the Kraft cardstock with Chocolate Chip ink. Then I stamped the blossoms from the hostess set Apple Blossoms in Whisper White ink. Finally I punched out the sentiment and added the buttons with linen thread. Done! And who wouldn't want to get a pretty card like this?!!!

Paper Rose

2010-08-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

I love making paper flowers! So when I saw this tutorial for paper roses, I knew I had to try it. And I have a feeling you will be seeing more of these flowers as it was very easy! Plus, I need practice to make mine as good as the sample!

After I rolled my paper flower, I put some 2 way glue on the tips and added Dazzling Diamonds for a little sparkle.

And of course I HAD to use some of those AMAZING new pearls!!! I LOVE them!

The stem and the sentiment come from a hostess set called Apple Blossom. And the colors are Peach Parfait and Old Olive.

Ever since getting my stamping order, I have been on a stamping roll! I have tons of cards just waiting to show you! So come back!

A Season of Friendship

2010-08-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

I have always had a love for this stamp set. But, can you believe that I never owned it?! Now it is all MINE!!!! (Although, if you want one, you can totally order one!)

So here is my newest tree creation....

I used some new buttons, new pearls, new DSP for the bird, and a new color- Pear Pizzazz.

The colors on the card are Pear Pizzazz, Pretty in Pink, Not Quite Navy and Chocolate Chip. And the card came together so easily with the fun bird punch!

I had such a wonderful weekend with my family. I even got to stamp every day! But Monday is on its way! That means carpools, classroom volunteering, dance, piano, gymnastic, curriculm night and so on! I am actually really loving this crazy season of my life!!!!

Sweet Celebration

2010-08-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

Playing with all my new goodies has been super fun! My favorite new stamp set is Sweet Scoops from the Summer Mini! It is so yummy!

The DSP, Island Oasis, is also from the mni and I LOVE the colors! They are so bright and happy! The colors I used are Crumb Cake, Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise and Pumpkin Pie. I cut each of the scoops of ice cream out and adhered them to the card with demensionals.

We will be using these same products on the make-and-take at my Open House on August 27th. And we will be having an ice cream bar!!! Stamping and sweets!!! Does it get any better?!

I think I need to go get some ice cream now....

New Goodies in the House!!!!

2010-08-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

So I waited, rather impatiently, for the UPS truck to show up with my first Stampin' Up! order since rejoining as a demonstrator. It finally showed up around 6!!! I did make a card with some new stamps, but by that time it was way too dark to photograph it and share with you tonight. You will have to wait until tomorrow!

As I was unpacking my new goodies, I got to thinking that there are a lot of neat things that have changed with SU! products since I quit 16 months ago! So here is my Top 5 Favorite New Things about SU!

1. THE CLEAR STAMPS!!!!! I love that they are still rubber- so they have the same awesome image quality that I love about the wood block stamps. But it also has the convenience of clear stamps- it is much easier to place where you want it and they they are easier to store. AND- they are more affordable!!!!

2. The new colors!!!! I used to NEVER use any of the Bold Brights and now that Stampin' Up! has redone their colors, I am IN LOVE with the Brights!!! Honestly, there aren't any colors now that I wouldn't use!

3. The buttons!!! I love the new style of buttons!!! They are so much prettier than the old buttons! I love the flower shape ones. So cute!

4. The pearls!!! I love that SU! now sells packages of the flat back pearls. I LOVE them! I used to have to buy a whole Pretties kit just to get more pearls (because I use them A LOT). An added bonus, the peals have adhesive backs! SWEET!!!

5. In color markers!!!! Last time I was a demonstrator, I remember how frusterating it was to not have markers for the In Colors. Stampin' Up! listened!!! (Sadly, my markers are on backorder. But they are coming and that makes me real happy!)

I spent time today going through my cardstock, markers, and ink to remove the retired colors. My stamping studio is close to being finished!!!! I promise to post pictures soon!

Happy Stamping!!!

Inspiration in a Box

2010-08-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

So the last couple of days while, while the kids have been in school, I have been working to decorate and organize my stamping studio. I have such a nice space in this house and I am having fun making it MINE. So I was having trouble deciding on a color combo for my room. That is, until I saw this......

I found this box at Bed, Bath and Beyond and I instantly was in LOVE!!!! So I am now using this box as the inspiration for my stamping studio. And the colors are Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip! So YUMMY!!!!

And since I loved the box so much, I decided to use it as inspiration for a card too.....

I know it is super simple, but for some reson I am in love with this card!

The card is 5 1/4x 5 1/4 again. I stamped the Medalion stamp twice- once in Chocolate Chip and once in Baja Breeze. Then I just cut the center circle out of the Baja Breeze one and put it on dementionals. I added a Chocolate Chip button and linen thread. The banner was made by cutting a thin strip of Baja Breeze and using my photo corner punch on each end. Then I added a bunch of demensions (some two high). To finish it all off I did some sponging with Chocolate Chip ink.

Now I think I NEED the Medalion Decor Element for my stamping studio!!! Pictures will be coming soon! Progress is slow is since the kids only go to school for a few hours a day. Not much ME time yet!

A really big card and a really big girl!!!

2010-08-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

This card is 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 with a really big paper pieced kite!

I am still trying to decide if I like this card. It really isn't my style, but it is fun to try new things and take a risk!

So I made the kite by tracing and cutting out pieced of the Slumber Party DSP (retired). I made a sky background by punching a circle scallop out of scrap paper and using it as a stencil to sponge on Baja Breeze ink. The string of the kit is some rope that was in a mini ages ago with Riding Hood Red bows. Here is a closer look....

So today was another big birthday at our house. My youngest, Laynee, turned 4 today. Seriously, the first day of school and 3 birthdays all within a weeks time has made me an emotional wreck! We have had lots of fun celebrating! Although I won't lie, I am relieved to have a month off of birthdays!!! lol

So here is my Laynee when she was just a few days old...

and today at age 4....

Ok I am off to bed. I have to go have an argument with the kids' principal in the morning :(

Simple Flower Barrettes

2010-08-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

I made these cute little flower barrettes several months ago and I came across them last night and I thought I might show them to you. (Because I still haven't stamped.)

Stampin' Up! used to sell these flowers in this pink and white combo. Now they just sell them in white, but you can use reinkers to dye them any color you like! Then I justed added one of those yummy chocolate chip brads that were in a mini a few months back. I hot glued the whole flower on to a plain barrette purchased at Wal Mart.

So I am very anxiously waiting for my first Stampin' Up! order to arrive. And it's a BIG one so I am super excited!!! And since I have a lot of new things on the way, I have been working little by little to get my stamping studio organized so I can spend more time stamping and less time looking for stuff! I want to hang some things on the wall and then I will take some pics and show you.

Family has been keeping me busy.....over the weekend we had a gymnastics themed birthday party for all three of my girls....it was so FUN!!!

And then tonight the girls all started their dance classes....

And then tomorrow is my BABY'S 4th birthday!!!

There is always so much fun going on in this house!!!!

Happy Birthday! Cha Cha Cha! Ooooh la la!

2010-07-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

Today, my sweet twin girls turned 5! My kids' birthdays are always bitter sweet for me. I am happy to spoil them, celebrate and see their smiles but I don't want them to grow up!!!! They are my babies!!!! Just look at how sweet they were...

and still are.....

So between the first day of school craziness, shopping, wrapping, baking 4 dozen cupcakes for their classes and entertaining these munchkins, I have had NO time to stamp. It's killing me!!!!

But don't get too worried because I still have one last card to show you that I made last week...

I like the clean look of the bright birthday banner on the white cardstock...

I CASED the card from one I saw on the front cover of Card Style magazine. I just hand drew a pennent shape on the cardstock and then traced it a few more times. That silver cord was super hard to work with!!!! In the future I would use colored floss or string. So much easier!

I am off to get some shut eye so I am ready (as I will ever be) for a 5 year old birthday party tomorrow! Thanks for stopping by!

A Bird for You

2010-07-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the super late post again. Today was my kids' first day of school. My oldest is a 1st grade, the twins started Kindergarten, and my youngest started preschool last week. This has been such an emotional week for me! I haven't stamped all week either. No good!!!

But I still have a card for you that I made last week. It's super simple and I am not totally sure if I even like it!

I really like the bird punch! SU! has come out with some super fun punches in the last year!!!

Well I am off to make all the lunches and get some sleep so I can do this whole school thing again tomorrow!

Christmas in July

2010-07-27T01:42:00.000-07:00

I know that it is hard to think about Christmas when it is only July (and well above 100 degrees here in Arizona) but I have found that it is so much more enjoyable to make a few Christmas cards every month then to wait and be rushed in December. And everyone LOVES getting home made Christmas cards!!! They get so many cards that the ones that stand out are the home made kind. They come with more love!

So I have a super simple card for you today. Simple cards are perfect for making in bulk! You could make 10 of this card in a half hour!

The colors on this card on Pacific Point, Baja Breeze and Old Olive. The stamp set is called Snow Swirled. I think this set is a MUST HAVE! The images are so pretty and the seniment is one of my favorites!

Since my card was so simple, I decided to add a little ribbon and rhinestone bling to dress it up.

Click on my Shop Now button at the top if you would like to purchase the supplies needed to make this card!

Happy stamping!

Up and Running!

2010-07-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

I am now officially an SU! demonstrator again!!! You can click here to see my SU! website where you can place an order!

Now I just wish I was a little more technically savy! I cannot get rid of the darn "x" next to my pic on the side bar! Is there anyone who can help?

Sorry I don't have a project for you today, but it has been a LONG and emotional day and I just didn't have time to blog! So I will be back tomorrow morning with a fun and simple Christmas card. See ya then!

Scrappy Sunday

2010-07-24T23:00:00.000-07:00

It should be no surprise to any of you by now, that I LOVE digi scrapbooking!!! I love it for lots of reasons but mostly I love that I am able to scrapbook from bed while watching TV! I have even been known to scrapbook in the car! I am more up to date on my scrapping than I have ever been which allows me the ability to share even more stories in my albums. I am very curious about Stampin' Up's digital software and downloads. I have not gotten to play with it. Maybe someone can answer a question for me: Can I purchase the downloads and then use them in Photo Shop Elements? That would be awesome!

So here are some of the more recents layouts, including a few from our Disneyland trip earlier this month....

Now I realize that many of you do not digi scrap. But maybe you can use these layouts for inspiration and just replace elements with SU! products. That is how I designed all my SU! pages! And I promise to make some SU! pages soon. I am just waiting to get some currect DSP.

Enjoy your Sunday. I am going out to make some memories that are sure to be in a scrapbook layout soon. We are riding the lightrail, going to a baseball game, and seeing a Wiggles concert afterwards. Fun stuff!!!

Simple Teacher Gift

2010-07-23T23:00:00.000-07:00

I had an hour to myself today! I had just gotten back from school supply shopping and so I had school on the brain. I decided to whip up some simple gifts for the kids' teachers. So I made each teacher 6 monogram notecards. Then I stuck them in a cello bag with ribbon and a tag. It was easy peazy lemon breezy!!!

So I called Stampin' Up! today to see if I could get my demo ID yet and they said they haven't processed my paperwork yet. I guess they are running behind due to convention. Don't they know how anxious I am?!!! lol

Love Affair with Ribbon!

2010-07-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

I guess my stamping has a bit of a soap opera going on! I have left buttons and gone back to my love affair with ribbon. I know I am being silly (probably because of a lack of sleep!). Anyway I am LOVING this card!!! Am I allowed to say that about my own work?

Ribbon presents!!!! I was inspired by a card that Kristina Werner made a while back.

They were super simple to make! I took a square piece of Kraft cardstock and used my large square punch to punch 3 gifts. I put snail around the square and then just placed small scraps of ribbon across the openings. I know that all the ribbon is not SU! But it was the perfect chance to use little scraps and so I used what I had! After that I used demensionals to attach the Kraft cardstock to a piece of Chocolate Chip. I then attached that to the Kraft cardbase. I added some bows to the top of each gift. Viola!

And a greeting on the inside...

My twins are celebrating their 5th birthday next week and I am thinking one of them will be getting this fun card. If I can part with it.......lol

This would be fun with other shapes of punches too. I am thinking hearts, flowers, arrows, etc

Don't forget to become a fan of Stamping Mommy of 4 on Facebook!

Happy Stamping!

Flower Trio

2010-07-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

I love the color combo of Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive! So I used it again!!!

This card did involve a bit of cutting, but I think it was so worth it in the end!

I stamped the flower and leaves from the set Petal Pizzazz set (awesome set!!!!) several times. Then I cut them out and adhered them to the card with pop up dots. Then some Old Olive buttons and linen thread completed the look. I really didn't have room for a sentiment on the front so I just put it inside the card.

I am a bit shocked. NONE of the cards I have made this week have ribbon on them!!! What is wrong with me?! I think I may be having an afair on my ribbon with my buttons!

Fresh Cut Paper Flowers

2010-07-21T00:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was so fortunate to get to spend 2 completly quiet hours in my stamping studio! My husband took the kids swimming and left me with my favorite rubber friends! I made a few things, but this one is my favorite....

I cannot get enough of these fun paper flowers. So I apologize in advance if you are already sick of them!

When the Fresh Cuts stamp set first came out, I was in LOVE with it! I was going through my stamp sets and attempting to get organized and out of boxes when I came across the Fresh Cuts set. I haven't used it in ages! And yet, I still love it!!! You may see more with this one!

A few details on the card: The card is 4 1/4 x 41/4. The colors are Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive. The flower was made using 4 different size circle punches. You crupple up the circle and then attach them with a brad in the center and decorate with a button. The leaves were made with the jumbo bird punch. Let me know if you have other questions!

Thanks for sticking with me and visiting my blog after all of this time. All of your sweet comments and emails have meant more than you know. Please be sure to become a fan of Stamping Mommyof 4 on Facebook!

Now I am off to school pick ups and drop offs, school registration, school shopping, and an orthodontist appointment. Ahhh....the exciting life of a mommy!

You've Got a Friend in Me!!!

2010-07-20T03:10:00.000-07:00

Did you gals see Toy Story 3? In my house it is all Toy Story ALL the time!!! We have the books, clothes, shoes, toys, stuffed animals, and even the Mac and Cheese! So now every time I see the word "friend" I start singing the You've Got a Friend in Me- the Toy Story theme song! And that brings me to my frind card....

I know it is super simple, but finding my mojo might take a few days! Plus, simple cards come in real handy sometimes! I am IN LOVE with the butterfly embosslit for the Big Shot!!!! Here is a closer look at the butterflies...

I have always been a Flat Back Pearl Junkie so I was super excited to see that they are selling them alone (instead of just in the pretties kit) and with adhesive backs! Those are 2nd on my wish list (after the new DSP)!

In other news, today is my baby's first day of preschool. She has been counting down the days since her sisters went last Fall. So needless to say there were no tears for her. She grabbed the teacher's hand and left without even waving to us! Here are a couple sweet pictures of my Laynee getting ready to leave for preschool....

Don't you just love her dress?! I had it made from someone on Ebay several years ago. The twins wore them to preschool as well. Handmade- with love- is always the way to go! Am I not right?!!!

Coming Out of Retirement Project

2010-07-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

So I sat down yesterday to stamp for the first time in months. And this is what I ended up with...

.....a treat box made with the Scallop Envelope Big Shot die. I find it amusing that I sat down to stamp and ended up creating something with absolutly NO stamping!!! The original plan was to use the apple image from Tart and Tangy and make a "Welcome Back" gift for a teacher. But I got side tracked making a fun flower with circle punches!

Now I did not invent this box. But here are some quick instructions in case you have never made one:

1. Using the Scallop Envelope Die cut out 2 envelopes from cardstock or the thick specialty Designer Series Paper.

2. Trim the bottom flap of both envelopes to 1/2 inch.

3. Put sticky strip on the back side of all three of the flaps on one of the envelopes.

4. Attach the the ouside flaps of the second envelope to the sticky strip.

5. Decorate!!!!

Now I feel like I have to apologize for using DSP that is retired. The thing is....I don't have ANY current paper. But that shall change soon! I sent my demonstrator paperwork in and as soon as I get me demo ID, I will be ordering some of the beautiful DSP in the new catalog! I LOVE DSP!!!

I hope you enjoy my Coming Out of Retirement Project!!!! More tomorrow!

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Taking the plunge!

2010-07-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

After much thought (and a few arguments with myself) I decided to take the plunge and sign back on with Stampin' Up! The deal was hard to pass up. And sadly, ALL my kids are in school this year. I am still going to school but I only have 2 classes left. I think I actually have time for a hobby again! So Stampin' Up! will be a hobby for me. I am planning to teach some classes (maybe one a month) and do some workshops. Plus, I am thinking about some fun electronic tutorials I might be offering. But I am not going overboard this time!!!! So please call me out on it if you notice my calendar getting full!!!

So I sat down and attempted to stamp today for the first time in months. It is sooo hard to get back in the swing of things! I will start posting pictures tomorrow. But I will warn you that I am going to be using DSP that is retired. I don't have ANY current DSP yet!

Thanks for all the support!

P.S. I would love it if you became a fan of the Stamping Mommyof 4 Facebook page!!!

Hmmmmmm.......

2010-07-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

So I am thinking about possibly signing back up to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Have I lost my mind?!

Scrappy Sunday

2010-04-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

Again I apologize for being a terrible blogger. School and family are really consuming my time. I never have time to stamp anymore :(

I did finally get a chance to do some digi scrapbooking yesterday while I was a passenger in the car! Love digi scrapping!

Scrapbook Saturday

2010-03-27T01:06:00.000-07:00

I have been sick for over a week! Yuck!!! I am so ready to feel better, but it seems my body has other plans!

Here is a scrapbook layout that I made last week to document my daughter, Makenzie's, love for ballet.....

Super simple seems to be my style these days!!!

Have a great weekend!

A Spring Birdie!

2010-03-23T01:33:00.000-07:00

I made this card so long ago but never could remember to photograph and blog it! I hope it was worth the wait! lol It is a super simple 3x3 card made using the new Bird Punch and the sale-a-bration DSP. I forgot to photographer the inside, but I stamped the sentiment "Happy Bird Day." He he he

Scrapbook Sunday

2010-03-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

A simple layout about my 4 year old's piano recital...

I am noticing that I am really addicted to these one picture layouts! Whatever works and gets the story told!

More Butterflies

2010-03-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

My card today is just like the card I made last week. I just took away the rhinestones and added more butterflies. I was trying to make the card cheaper to make so that I could make it in bulk for birthdays in my bible study group.

Scrapbook Sunday

2010-03-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

School and kids have made it very difficult for me to keep up with my scrapbook the past couple of months!!! But I finally got a layout made!

It's super simple! But I think it lets the photos shine.

Butterfly Fly Away!!!!

2010-03-08T02:31:00.000-08:00

My 4 year daughter, Danika helped me to make this card for a birthday party we went to on Saturday. Danika is a Hannah Montanah fan and so we couldn't stop singing Butterfly Fly Away while making this card!!! It is still stuck in my head!

I love this card but it was NOT my idea. I CASED it from the very talented Andrea Walford. I just changed the papers and colors a little bit.

Here is a close up of those super cute butterflies that I cut with my big shot and my new butterfly embosslet (from the mini catalog)...

This card was so easy to make that I am going to make a bunch more just like it so that I am stocked up on female birthday cards!!! It will be a good rainy day project for me and my sweet girls.

Have a fabulous Monday!

Trendy Flowers

2010-03-05T10:29:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I haven't posted in so long. Well I guess I can believe it. It has been insane around my house these past 2 weeks! My kids have had so many doctor and specialist appointments! Plus I have been doing my classroom observations for school. I have been running around all day and sleeping like a rock all night. No stamping time for me :( The card I have today, I actually made nearly 3 weeks ago and it just took this long to get it photographed and posted. But I love the card so I think it is worth the wait!

Everyone has been making various versions of these little paper flowers and so I had to try it out myself! I am in love! You can expect to see more of these bad boys!!!! I made mine using patterned paper from SU! and 4 different sized circle punches. Then I just crumpled the paper really good and then stuck them together with a brad in the center. I added a cute button for some decoration but you could just leave it with the brad. I also added some leaves with my oval punch. Here is a close up.....

I love the curvy look of my sentiment. It is a set new to me from the SU! mini catalog.

Hope you all have a great weekend! I am looking foward to some down time. Maybe even some stamp time!

Scrapbook Saturday

2010-02-19T23:56:00.000-08:00

I had a very dear and sweet friend move away about a week ago. She is just one of those people that made friends with everyone she met. Her leaving was sad for so many of us! So we had a surprise going away party a couple of weeks ago. And the special gift that we gave her was a scrapbook with photos of ourselves and family. Then after I printed the layouts, each girl wrote a message on their layout. (That is why I left so much blank space on each page!) I used the same kit for each page so that it would coordinate (one of my favorite things about digi scrapping!). Here are some of the layouts from the album....

After I finished all 12 of the layouts, I uploaded them to Costco to print. I chose to print them 8x8- my very favorite scrapbook size! The gals wrote goodbye messages using a SU marker. Worked like a charm! Then I put the layouts in a hot pink album from Michaels. It is the Recollections brand and I got it for &8 with a Michaels coupon! This was a fairly simple gift to put together and it was so special and meaningful for my beautiful friend!

Sealed with a Kiss

2010-02-15T13:07:00.000-08:00

I just had the BEST weekend!!! I got to spend an entire day alone with my sweet husband and we got to take the kids to Flagstaff for a mini vacation. So much fun!

So did you gals go to the Daily Digi Blog and get all those cute Valentine digi freebies? I sure did!!! They were super cute!!! So here is a layout made will all free stuff!!!!

I have a very full week with lots of school work that must get done.....so I am not sure how much time I will have to stamp or blog. Be patient with me!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T11:36:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed a fabulous date night with my husband last night and then a family overnight trip today. What a fun weekend!!!

I have a cute and simple valenitne to show you today that was one of the make and takes at my Stampin' Up workshop a couple weeks ago.....

That new little heart border punch is pretty cute!

I don't know if I have mentioned it, but I have been taking a photography class as my local community college. I thought I would just show you a couple of the pictures I took for my homework last week.

XOXO

2010-02-11T00:35:00.000-08:00

A fun little Valentine that I made using a stamp I got for $1 at Michaels.....

I am super busy and stressed with my school work. And sadly, I must say goodbye today to a very special friend who is moving. I have a feeling today is not going to a good day :(

Valentine Treats for the Teachers

2010-02-10T00:54:00.000-08:00

I love to send little holiday treats to my kids school teachers as well as the piano teacher and the dance teacher. My love language is gifts so I am always sending gifts to others!

This year I really didn't get as creative as in previous years. You have seen this project on my blog before! But it is cute and simple so I decided to use it again! I use the big shot Top Note and small brown paper bags (from Michaels) to make a fun treat bag to fill with chocolate!

The hearts are from the stamp set Love You Much and the words are from my brand new Well Scripted stamp set. Both are SU! sets. The ribbon is from Michaels and was only $1.

We are off to buy a new (and much needed) TV today and then I have class this afternoon. I don't see any stamping time in my day :( I got my SU order but 4 things were on backorder. And they were the things I was most looking foward to getting!!! :(

Season of Friendship Valentine

2010-02-08T13:12:00.000-08:00

I re photographed some cards to show ya!

The card I have for you today is one of the make and takes from my Stampin' Up! party from a little over a week ago. My friend, Jill, did a great job with the make and takes. She knows that I love the Season of Frienship stamp set!!!

I was excited to try one of the new punches! And of course I ordered it!!! And my order is in and Jill is bringing it to me tomorrow. I am so excited and can't wait to get stamping!!!