Happy 9th Birthday, Alexandria!

Just a quick post to share the fun card that I made for my daughter, Alexandria's 9th birthday tomorrow! I can't believe she's 9 already...where does the time go?

We're waiting until Jim gets home to have her birthday party, but she's super excited to be able to open her gifts tomorrow from her grandparents and me. Hey, who wouldn't want to have two parties with cake and presents at both? :)

I'll post the supplies I used soon...

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

May all your wishes come true

I had a bad migraine today, but I'm feeling much better this evening so I decided to make a quick card.  My friend and co-worker requested that I re-create a card for her Mom that I made last Fall.   Her Mom is looking for some birthdays cards to have on hand and liked this one and asked if I'd make her a few different ones, this being one of them.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Bird on Branch 97981-K (Inkadinkado), Branch with Large Leaf F-2424 (PSX), 'May all your wishes come true' (See D's - Inque Boutique)
Cardstock: Teal (Bazzill), Soft Sky (SU), White (Staples)
Ink: Blue Bayou & Soft Sky (SU)
Tools: Heat Tool (to curl ribbon with), 1/8" Dimensional Squares (EK Success)
Embellishments: Sheer White Ribbon (Michaels)

SFYTT - May All Your Wishes Come True

Well, I got the 4th challenge card done for February...just in time, seeing as how the cut off is tomorrow.  Nothing like cutting it close, eh?  lol  :)

Here's the sketch that I followed by Jen del Muro of i{heart}2stamp:

I've had fun playing with these sketches for a little bit while I've been able to.   Crafting is such great therapy for me and I seem to go to my happy place when I'm in my studio.  I'm still in a horrific amount of pain, but I do have times when the pain isn't quite so bad, so that's good.  It just depends on how the nerves are being affected, I guess.   I still haven't got a straight answer about what's going on with me.   But, I went in last week and had a bunch of bloodwork done, so those results should be back shortly, so we'll see what those results bring.  I need to go back to the hospital tomorrow afternoon to have an EKG as they want to rule out that it's not my heart that's causing the problems.   I can type at the moment, but my writing is getting atrocious!  I just don't have any strength in my hands and have lost a lot of mobility in my hands and am still have paralysis from time to time.  It's pretty bad, as I can't cut my own meat anymore, or even break open a  banana to peel it!   I feel so pathetic!   I was in bed today until 3 pm with a headache so bad that I couldn't get out of bed.  Luckily, Jim was able to stay home today to take care of our youngest daughter, who's also home sick with a cold and fever.  Not much fun here around the Mutch household lately!  I just want to get back to work and get back to normal routine!  Ok, I don't mean to bellyache...just wanted to give a quick update on me for those of you who have been asking.  Thanks for thinking of me!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: May Your Wishes Come True (See D's - Inque Boutique)
Cardstock: Lime Green (Bazzill), Flat White (Staples), Teal (CRS), Chocolate Brown (CRS)
Ink: Memento - Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)
Touch Markers: 14-Vermillion, 36-Cream, 64-Indian Blue, 175-Lime Green (ShinHan Art)
Tools: White Gel Pen (Signo), Circle Custom Cutting System (Creative Memories), Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Scalloped Punch (SU)
Embellishments: Teal Decorative Ribbon (Dollarama)

Mojo104 Sketch Challenge

This is a card that I made for my friend, Germaine, who's in our local stampin' group. She likes cupcakes, so I thought I'd go with that theme for a fun birthday card for her and participate in the current Mojo Monday sketch challenge while I was at it.

Here's the Mojo sketch that I followed.
Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Cupcakes (See d's - Inque Boutique), All Kinds of Happy Collection - Happy Birthday (Imaginisce)
Cardstock: Ivory (Staples), Chocolate (CRS)
Patterned Paper: "Home Sweet Home" dots/light blue paper -Wild Asparagus (My Mind's Eye), Olive Green (Creative Memories)
Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Vintage Sepia (VersaFine)
Touch Markers: 0 - Colorless Blender, 11 - Carmine, 18 - Peach, 29 - Barely Beige, 42 - Bronze Green, 95 Burnt Sienna
Tools: Sponge (SU), Scissors, Classic Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders)
Embellishments: Olive Green Grosgrain Ribbon (Michaels)

You're on my mind

We've been away a lot lately or doing work around the house so I haven't had a chance to play much, but I took the opportunity tonight to make a card. I kept it simple as the basement is pretty strong smelling right now from the oil based floor paint that we used in our storage room today. I've got a melon head right now from the fumes, so I think I'll call it a day and seek refuge upstairs where the fumes aren't as strong!

I'll try to make it back soon with something else to show you.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Fresh Bloom (Stampendous), You're on my mind (Queen Kat Designs), Memoirs (Inque Boutique)
Cardstock: China Red Linen (CRS), Jet Black Linen (CRS), Flat White (Staples), Cardstock Vellum (SU)
Ink: Jet Black (StazOn), Memento - Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Carmine Touch Marker (ShinHan Art Int'l)
Tools: Paper Piercer, Piercing Mat, 1/8" Dimensional Squares (EK Success), Scissors

Unconventional Teacher Appreciation Card

Well, I think this is the most unconventional Teacher appreciation card I've ever made, but it just seemed fitting for this teacher. My youngest daughter just adores her Grade Primary teacher. She's the most wonderful teacher, who truly cares about her students and it's such an honor to have to give our children the best academic start possible.

So, you're probably wondering, ok, but what's the reason behind the shoes! Well, this teacher always looks nice at school and presents herself in a well-put-together manner. Apparently, she's mentioned to the class before that she likes shoes, or perhaps it's just that my 5 year has noticed that her teacher wears nice shoes. I'm not sure...

Now, onto the funny part...nearly every time we're out at the mall, if my daughter spies some nice shoes, she wants to buy them for her teacher. I've never bought any for her, partly because I don't know what size she wears, but mostly because I think it would just be weird to buy someone else shoes! lol :) Anyway, my daughter feels so strongly about buying her teacher shoes that it usually brings her to tears that I won't buy any! Kinda sad, but funny at the same time.

Anyway, I figured this story would bring a smile to this teacher's face and it'd be something that she would remember about my daughter. :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Frou Frou Shoes (Inkadinkado), Tres Chic (Inque Boutique)
Cardstock: Rose Weave (CRS), Flat White (Staples), Jet Black Linen (CRS)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Patterned Paper: Beau Jardin Blush (Bo Bunny)
Tools: Black 3D Pop Dots (MultiCraft Imports), Heat Tool (to curl tied ribbon)
Embellishments: Sheer White Ribbon (Michaels), Onyx Black Rhinestones (Craft Scrapbooking)

Hey Pussycat

I had fun making this masculine anniversary card for one of my co-workers. Their anniversary is on the weekend and she wanted to give him a card that used the pet name, 'pussycat' that she has for him along with an image of a cat. I really like this cat stamp and thought it would go well with this retired patterned paper from SU.

I spent a long time last night finding the 'purr-fect' font that I wanted, then when I tried printing it off today, my printer decided not to cooperate! Arg! :( So, I ended up having to write it out myself. Anyway, I think it turned out ok with having to write it myself.

Well, I spent the day watching my friend's little girl. I'm not used to watching toddlers anymore as my girls are 5 and 7 years old now. But, she was good as gold. We went for a long walk over to some stores and checked out all the pretty flowers along the way. I think she had fun, but was ready for a nap after lunch. My legs are sore from the walk, I think I'm ready to go put up my feet, too.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Flourished Cat - See d's (Inque Boutique)
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip (CRS), Ivory (Staples)
Ink: Rich Cocoa - Memento (Tsukineko),
Patterned Paper: Au Chocolat (SU)
Tools: Classic Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Custom Circle Cutting System (Creative Memories), Cuttlebug, 3/16" mini glue dots (SU),
Embellishments: Antique Copper Brads and Sentiment Frame - Hodge Podge Hardware (SU), Antique Brass Iron-On Studs (Stuff by Hillary Duff - Michaels)

Altered Coffee Gift Box

Sorry I've been MIA again for a while...my schedule is starting to slack off a bit now I'm down to about 45 hours per week as apposed to 75 hours per week. But, the house has taken quite a beating so I've been trying to get it back in order along with trying to get some much needed rest. The house is much tidier now and I'm feeling a lot more rested now, so I finally got a chance for some crafty play time. :)

The altered cigar box that I'm sharing with you today is one that I made for my brother for his birthday. We don't exchange gifts anymore for our birthdays, but I just wanted to give him a little something and I thought coffee might be in order, since he loves coffee as much as I do. :)

Here's an angle view of the cigar box that I altered.

Here's a top view.

Here's the inside, as everyone always seem to curious as to what I put inside my altered boxes/containers! lol :) If you haven't tried this coffee from the Second Cup, you really should! It's delish!
With working all the extra hours I've been working, the money has come in handy for bills, but I also wanted to treat myself to something new, so I went out and bought myself a new Making Memories paper trimmer. OMG, this thing cuts like a DREAM! It's awesome! I've wanted this for a year and this is the first time that I didn't feel guilty in the least about buying myself something worth $70! Granted I used a M's coupon for it, so I got it for a lot less, but it was worth every penny. Beautiful straight cut and such smooth edges. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a new paper trimmer.

Here it is folded out to be full size. Isn't she a beauty? lol :)

Here it is folded down to half size.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Chai Latte - See d's (Inque Boutique)
Cardstock: Chocolate (CRS), Flat White (CRS)
Ink: Vintage Sepia (VersaFine)
Pattered Paper: Au Chocolat (SU)
Embellishments: White Cigar Box (Michaels), Caramelo Coffee (Second Cup)

Floral Embossed Thank You

We're having another snow day today. The roads were just too messy after our snow, then, freezing rain that we got last night, so they cancelled school for us, along with most of Nova Scotia, I believe. So, the girls and I have been passing the day away with board games, crafty cardmaking time and Drag-o-Sang Chinese tea party time. Drag-o-Sang tea, you say? What's that? Is it a new type of tea I should try? Well, no, that would just be the word of the day that my five year old daughter has made up! She says that it's tea that dragons like to drink, but it's good for us, too! Funny, eh? I thought it was cute! :)

This is the card that I made during our crafty time while trying to keep the girls out of my good supplies! I I decided to pull out my embossing gear as they're always amazed to watch the powder work it's magic, plus I don't seem to heat emboss very often, so it's high time I play with it, I guess! lol :)

Ok, gotta go get supper ready and find out if tonight's school dance is a go, or not. The kids sure are gonna be disappointed if it's cancelled, too. It's so cute to see all the little kids dancing. I kinda hope it still a go, too. :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Bold Carnations - See d's (Inque Boutique), Thank You - Clear Design Messages (Hero Arts)
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette (SU), Wild Wasabi (SU), White (Staples), Lime Green (off a recycled envelop)
Ink: VersaMark
Tools: Scallop Border Punch (SU), White Embossing Powder (Stampendous), Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy (SU), Embossing Tray, Paint Brush

Coffee Gift Bag

This is another one of the gifts that I have on the go for little Xmas gift ideas. I finished this one yesterday and have several more to make, but they'll all be different colours. I got this idea from Catherine, she has the directions to make this cute little coffee gift bag on her blog. I just altered the design of mine a wee bit. So, thanks for the idea, Catherine, it's being put to action! lol :)

This is the little bag of ground coffee that's inside. Catherine told me about this coffee and how yummy it was, so I had to try some! You know, us coffee fanatics have to stick together! lol :)

This is a side view of the gift bag.

I have a couple more posts to make, so stay tuned... :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Chai Latte - See d's (Inque Boutique)
Cardstock: Chocolate Weave (Bazzill), Ivory (Staples)
Patterned Paper: Holiday Phrase - Teri Martin (Creative Imaginations)
Ink: Vintage Sepia (VersaFine), Cranberry Crisp (SU), Creamy Caramel (SU)
Tools: Oval Punch (Emagination Craft Inc.), Terrifically Tacky Tape (ProvoCraft)
Embellishments: Chocolate Brown Ribbon (Michaels)

Happy 7th Birthday, Alexandria!

Wow, I can't believe it, my baby turned 7 years old today! It hardly seems possible, where does the time go? It seems like such a short time ago that she was just a baby and now she seems like such a little lady. She's growing up so fast...I just wish I could press pause every once and a while to enjoy this time. Well, not the attitude stage...that I'd fast forward through! Ya gotta love school for being a place where they pick up the attitude! lol :)

This is the card that I had to make her last night after I couldn't find the one that I had made her originally. I hid it so she wouldn't find it...but I wasn't supposed to hide it from myself, too! Arg! So, I was up til about 1:00 AM throwing this one together. Oh well, she was so happy to find it in her lunch bag today during recess time. She loves surprises and when I went to pick her up at the end of the day it's the first thing she said to me, Thanks so much for the card, Mum! I love it! Ahhh, that was well worth the lack of sleep on my part! :)

This is the inside of the card.

We surprised the girls yesterday with a flight on a Cessna 172. Jim took them up with our friend, Phil, who owns the plane for about a 20 minute flight around the Annapolis Valley. They were beyond thrilled. In the plane, there are two seats in the front and the back is one solid seat where both the girls sat. It's pretty confined quarters. Jim got lots of pictures and a few videos of them so I could see how they liked it. As we were leaving the airport Alexandria made an announcement that it was the best birthday present that she could have ever got! I'm so glad they had fun. :)

Natalia and Alexandria in front of Phil's Cessna plane.

All buckled in and ready to go...

Alexandria with her headset on, grinning up a storm!

Natalia doing her COMM checks...

Well, that's all for now. I'll be back tomorrow with another card to share. I can't share it until then since I don't want Jim to see it yet! Yes, I know he peeks! I say he's a 'closet card admirer,' even though he won't admit it! lol :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

In Time of Sorrow

I thought I'd play with these beautiful Bold Carnations today from Inque Boutique along with a sympathy sentiment from Impression Obsession. These are the kind of cards that I like to have on hand, in case you're in need of one. Normally, don't feel like making one when I need one or my mind's just not in to card making, but I know the person would appreciate a card truly from the heart and they know that you took the time to make it yourself.

For the carnations, I stamped once with black ink and then moved the stamp over so little to the side and stamped again, giving the flowers an appearance of a slight highlight of gray. This is one very large unmounted rubber stamp, and I didn't have a clear acrylic block big enough for it. So, I actually used half of the clear case that it came in for a stamping block. You just have to be careful to press all over the stamp to be sure you get a clear impression as the case is a bit flimsy. But, work with what you've got, eh? lol :)

Well, I'm going to try to get in some crafty time later tonight. Gotta go grab some lunch before I have to pick up the kiddies from school. :)

Thanks for stopppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Sympathy Sentiments (Impression Obsession), Bold Carnations (Inque Boutique)
Cardstock: Jet Black Linen & Goldenrod Linen (CRS), White Flat & Avocado Flat (CRS)
Ink: Black Onyx (VersaFine)

May all your wishes come true

I never seem to make many extra birthday cards to keep in my stash, so here's one for the cause. I thought about the idea for this card today while I was brushing wood stain on new coat rack and the trim around my door frame to my porch upstairs. We're still in reno mode here... and I guess I kinda went mindless and crafty card thoughts took over! Could be worse, eh? lol :)

I have a bunch of running around to do tomorrow and then the kids start school the following day. It's so hard to believe that the Summer vacation is over already. I'm not really sure where the Summer went, but we certainly got a lot done around the house. So, I'm glad about that.

Well, I think I'll go have a little snack and actually go to bed early tonight. Wow, perhaps I'll be in bed before 11 PM! That's just crazy talk! lol :) Hope everyone has a great night and I'll be back soon!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Bird on Branch 97981-K (Inkadinkado), Branch with Large Leaf F-2424 (PSX), 'May all your wishes come true (See D's - Inque Boutique)
Cardstock: Blue Bayou & Soft Sky (SU), White (Staples)
Ink: Blue Bayou & Soft Sky (SU)
Tools: Heat Tool (to curl ribbon with)
Embellishments: Sheer White Ribbon (Michaels)

Red and Black Mothers Day

So, I still can't find a beautiful Mother's Day card that we made at a SU workshop a few months ago. I hid it somewhere so that my Mum wouldn't see it while she was visiting or watching the kids for me as she always comes into my stamping rooms to see what I've been doing lately. Well, apparently I hid it quite well, as now I can't even find it! Guess I have a really good head start on next year...that's if I ever find it! lol :)

So, this is the one that I made to replace it. Actually, this one is for my Mother-in-Law and this one is for my Mum. My Mother-in-Law really likes red and vibrant colours (she's French...need I say more! lol), so I thought I'd make her one that incorporated the colours that she likes. My girls really like it and they think she'll really like it, too. I hope so! :)

I'll be back later tonight with another creation...possibly a Mother's Day gift for my Mum...I just have to decide what to make her! Any ideas?

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Greetings Galore and Solid Florals (Impression Obsession), Circle Border from Lil See-D's Treasures Assortment (Inque Boutique)
Cardstock: China Red Linen (Bazzill), Flat Black (CRS)
Tools: Scalloped Circle Punch (Marvy Uchida), 1/8" Dimensional Square, VersaMark, White Opaque Embossing Powder (Marvy), Embossing Buddy (SU), Embossing Tray, Heat Tool (Marvy Uchida)
Embellishments: Black and White Polka Dot Ribbon (Dollarama), White Brad (Making Memories)

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

This card kinda screams to me, 'Cinco de Mayo*', so I think this one will be for my sweet, Mexican friend who has a birthday coming up in a couple of weeks.

*Cinco de Mayo is a time to get friends and family together for spicy, Mexican food, chilled and refreshing drinks and mariachi music to dance to. (I copied the above info and pic from eVite.com where they have some neat online invites that you can send.)

My Friend, Paulina is celebrating her 40th birthday, so it's a definite need to have a little fiesta! I can't wait, we'll be dancin' like no one's watchin'...a bunch of dancin' fools, I'm sure! lol :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Cardstock: China Red Linen (Bazzill), Flat White (CRS), Tempting Turquoise (SU)
Stamps: Flourishes - Nightingale (Inque Boutique), Flower and Circle Border from Lil See-D's Treasures Assortment (Inque Boutique)
Tools: White Gel Pen (Signo - SU), Circle Scallop Punch (Marvy Uchida), 11/2" Circle Punch (Creative Memories), Wavy Line Scissors (Provo Craft)
Embellishments: Red Grosgrain Ribbon (Michaels)

With Sympathy Dove

This is one of the sympathy cards that I made for each of the three brothers of my friend who just passed away. We'll be leaving Wednesday morning to go to Cape Breton for his funeral. From here, it's about a 5 hour drive one way, so it's going to be a long day as we have to drive all the way back home that night...it'll certainly allow for a lot of time to think. Seems as though I've done a lot of that over the past few days. I keep breaking down and crying. I thought I could deal with working tonight with the public, but apparently I wasn't ready... I tired to put on a happy face for everyone asking me how I was doing, each time I rang in their order. But, then I looked up at my next customer and he looked like he could have been a twin to my friend who just passed away. Needless to say, I lost it, I tried to maintain some sort of composure while I quickly rang in his small order, but thank god I was working on the speedy line tonight, and there wasn't anyone else in line after him. Then, as I was crying, I told my supervisor that I needed to go home. I'm sure they all think I'm crazy. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. Thanks for listening.



Supplies:
Stamps: Nightingale (Inque Boutique), 'With Sympathy' - Greetings Galore (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Blue Bayou and River Rock (SU)
Tools: Corner Rounder Punch (SU)
Embellishments: Blue Brads (Making Memories)

With Sympathy Dove

I dropped off my daughter at school this morning to learn some sad news, the only Secretary at her school suddenly passed away on the weekend, so I wanted to make a card to give to her family. She'll certainly be missed at school as she did so much to make everything run smoothly. All the children thought very fondly of her, so I know things will be a little quiet over there for a while. May she rest in peace.

Supplies:
Stamps: Nightingale (Inque Boutique), Greetings Galore (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Sky Blue (Bazzill), Teal (Bazzill)
Patterned Paper: Bohemia - Bluebird "All Boy" Dragonfly/Blue (My Mind's Eye)
Tools: Scalloped Circle (Marvy Uchida), Circle Custom Cutting System (Creative Memories), Corner Rounder Punch (SU), Scissors
Embellishments: Sky Blue Wired Ribbon (Michaels)

Shades of Blue are Back!

Ahhhhh, sweet shades of blue!!! I decided to resort to my old ways this morning and surrender to some shades of blue again...sorry guys, but you knew it wouldn't be long before I caved and used blue again! I got my fix...I feel so much better, now! lol :)

Seriously, this card almost gives me a feeling of calmness about me. Is that weird? Probably yes, but regardless, I'm happy with how it turned out! The design for this card brewed in my head late last night as I was laying in bed, unable to sleep, but too tired to make a card...so I had to put it into action this morning during some R & R stampin' time. :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Nightingale (Inque Boutique), Butterfly (Anita's - Sugarloaf Inc)
Cardstock: Sky Blue (Bazzill), Navy-Turquoise (Bazzill)...can you tell that I don't know my Bazzill colours? lol :)
Patterned Paper: Bohemia - Bluebird "All Boy" Dragonfly/Blue (My Mind's Eye)
Tools: Scalloped Circle (Marvy Uchida), Circle Custom Cutting System (Creative Memories), 1/8" Dimensional Squares - for butterfly