Let's Get Together

I've been meaning to play with this stamp for a while now...you know how it goes. You get a stamp and think you're gonna use it right away and you set aside, but then it kinda gets buried for a bit until you remember you have it!

I recently got some Crayola Sketching markers and thought I'd try them out. They come in a pack of 24 and in some really nice colours. The best part is that I got them on sale at DeSerres for only $5.95! An awesome deal for 24 markers! :)

Well, I just realized what time it is! I have to go get the kids from school in 1/2 hour and I haven't had lunch yet. Gotta go grab a salad and then get some stuff done before I head to work tonight.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Birdie Quartet (Inkadinkado), Flourish (DGI), 'Let's Get Together' (Studio G)
Cardstock: Avocado Flat (CRS), Ivory (Staples)
Patterned Paper: Classic K McKenna (K & Company)
Ink: Cranberry Crisp (SU), Jet Black (StazOn), Crayola Sketching Markers
Tools: Horizontal Slot Punch (SU), Oval Custom Cutting System (Creative Memories), Sponge (SU), Aqua Painter (SU)
Embellishments: Lime Green and White Satin Polka Dot Ribbon (Michaels)

All is safe and sound

Good Mornin', just a note to let everyone know that we fared well last night. As expected, just a lot of rain, but no flooding in our area along with a fair bit of wind. I think they clocked them at about 90 km/hr. The hurricane was down-graded to a tropical storm late last night.

We have a fair number of leaves in our yard, but no downed trees limbs or branches which is usually the case when these tropical storms pass through. I did hear on the radio, however, that one of our hospitals downtown suffered some damage to their new roof and subsequently some water damage and flying debris inside, but nothing major. Someone also called into the radio and said that his neighbour woke to find a tree in his yard had fallen over onto his car. That really sucks. Hopefully the damage wasn't too bad, but more importantly that there were no human injuries and that's what counts most. Material possessions can be replaced, people can't. Anyway, if you're interested, here's an article about the storm in our Provincial newspaper.

Well, I just wanted to check in to say we're all fine here. Gotta go grab a cuppa Joe and some breakfast...sleep was more important this morning before I took the kids to school so I didn't get a chance to get a bite to eat yet.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Ooooh, Pretty Pearl Brads...

I've been looking around for a while now for some pretty pearl brads to use on different projects, but I haven't found quite what I was looking for. Then, my friend, Catherine showed up tonight with a RAK for me. Aren't they gorgeous! I love them! Thanks so much, Catherine! You're such a sweetheart! :)

So, my card tonight is one that was designed completely around the gorgeous brad in the centre! I don't think I've ever designed a card around an embellishment before, so this is a first. My Hubby, Jim is laughing at me at how excited I am over a crazy embellishment! Yeah, I've probably lost it, but I'm ok with that! lol :)

Well, I think it's time to call it a day. Here's hoping that we wake up to calm surroundings with Hurricane Kyle passing through. I think we're gonna miss the majority of the storm in our area, just a little wind and rain, but hey we're used to that! We'll see. Tomorrow marks the 5 year anniversary to the day that Hurricane Juan hit and pretty much devastated the area. So many people were without power for days and some even for weeks, not a great time. We lost many trees and beautiful parks. Let's hope this one is nothing like that one. I hope everyone out there stays safe.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Doodle This (SU), 'Happy Birthday' - All Kinds of Happy Collection (Imaginisce) Cardstock: Pale Plum (SU), Cream (Staples), Vellum Cardstock (SU)
Ink: VersaMark, White Gel Pen (Signo - SU)
Embellishments: Pearl Brad (K & Company), Sheer White Ribbon (Michaels)
Tools: Cuttlebug, Classic and Scallop Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Decorative Corner Punch (Creative Memories), White Opaque Embossing Powder (Stampendous), Heat Tool

Lauren's mytimess07 Sketch Challenge

I don't do many card challenges, but I saw this one today on Lauren Meader's blog and I really liked the sketch, so I thought I would give it a whirl. So, this is my take on her idea. Thanks for the inspiration, Lauren! :)

You can check out Lauren's card sketch here. She does such amazing work...her mind must be just a flurry of ideas with all the beautiful things that she comes up with! I'm always excited to see what new card, altered item or paper craft she's done each day.

Ok, I've gotta run...gotta go to work. :(

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Spring Solitude (SU)
Cardstock: Pale Plum (SU), Eggplant (Bazzill), Cream (Staples)
Ink: Eggplant Envy and Pale Plum (SU)
Tools: Classic Circle and Scallop Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Decorative Corner Punch (Creative Memories)...to make the top of the tag
Embellishments: Plum Floral 5/8 " Grosgrain Ribbon (Michaels), Gold String (Dollar Store), Pink and Clear Self-Adhesive Bling

Note to Self...

I received some 'happy mail' yesterday from my online stampin' friend, Cindy Vernon. She's a sweetheart herself and has what she calls, 'Heart Candy' offerings on her blog, like blog candy. I entered and this is what I won. A cute little a.muse personal stationary stamp set. Thanks so much, Cindy! I can't wait to start playing with it! :)

Can you believe it, these are my first ever stamps from a.muse. I think I'm gonna have a lot of fun with this set. I can see many little projects dancing in my head...but I think those who know me will think I should take advantage of the 'note to self' stamps and use it to make myself reminders! Yes, my memory is absolutely terrible! It really is frustrating for me since I had an amazing memory before I had my kids. I could remember most anything. I worked in many offices and I was always 'on the ball.' Now, I can hardly remember what what I did yesterday! I forget about important appointments even though I have two calendars where I post information. Do I need to resort to stamping the info on my arm? lol :) Seriously, I think it's time to look into some brain training exercises or meds to see if I can make it better again! Sometimes I just feel like I'm going crazy cause I can't remember things? Does anyone else feel like this?

OK, that's my ramble for now. I'm gonna sneak in some crafty time before I have to go to work again tonight. Hope everyone is having a great day!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

My first floral arrangement

Well, it's starting to get colder here, so I figured I had better bring in my pretty plant before the cold kills it. That left my newly painted porch with an empty corner, so I thought I'd try my hand at making my own floral arrangement...this is my first one ever, so don't laugh! I really kinda like it, but does it need something else or does it look ok? I need opinions, I'm about as far from a Florist as you can get! lol :)

I bought the flowers at Michaels today, most of their floral dept is 50% off so I got a really good deal, then I used a 50% off coupon for the dark brown ceramic vase. A screamin' deal if I do say so myself! lol :)

Well, I'm gonna finish watching the Season Premier of Grey's Anatomy and then call it a day.

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)

Caregiver Appreciation

This is a card that I made to give to a special caregiver in honour of the awesome work that she does as a caregiver for Alzheimer's patients. Cammie has started a landslide of appreciation recognizing these wonderful Caregivers and it hit especially home with me. You see, Cammie lost her Grandmother due to complications from this terrible disease this past Summer and I also lost my Grandmother to Alzheimer's a year and a half ago. I was very close to my 'Gram' my whole life and found it very sad to see her in her the last few years as she wasn't the woman that I grew to know and love. But, I miss her dearly. I have the upmost of respect for people that are able to provide care for and are able to deal with the constant challenges that arise with patients of Alzheimer's. They deserve so much more appreciation than they get, I think! It's not an easy job and one that certainly should be commended!

Like I said, Cammie (Carolyn King) started an appreciation contest that just grew to absolutely huge proportions. You can read all about it here. You just make a card to give to an Alzheimer's Caregiver to say thank you for the wonderful work that they do. Then, leave a comment on Cammie's blog and mention a bit about it on your blog and you could win over $1000 worth of crafty goodies from a ton of kind hearted crafty souls.

Lauren Meader and Susan Liles are two wonderful ladies who donated cards or projects to the cause. The following are three exceptional companies who have stepped forward offering lots of crafty goodies. They are Verve Visual, Scor-Pal and The Cat's Pajamas. Please check out their sites for some wonderful goodies or some creative inspiration! You won't be sorry! :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: 'Grateful' - Small Script (SU)
Cardstock: Jet Black Linen (CRS),
Patterned Paper: Purple Flourishes and Mauve Paper (Creative Memories) ...sorry I don't know the exact names of these. :)
Ink: Black Onyx (VersaFine)
Embellishments: Black and White Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (DeSerres)
Tools: Circle Custom Cutting System (Creative Memories), Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder

A New Hairdo

So, I decided to go get my hair done yesterday for a bit of a change. I've been growing my hair out to be in an inverted bob, it's almost there, it just needs to be a bit longer on the sides, but it's coming. I'm not sure if you can tell in the picture, but also got some red highlights put in my hair. I really like them, but I'm rather disappointed cause Jim has made it quite clear that he hates them. He says that I'm too old for that sort of colour. It's not like I'm that old! I'm only 34! At least I didn't dye it blond and look totally different! Anyway, it's my hair, so he doesn't have to worry, eh? lol :)

Well, I'm gonna call it a day, but I'll get in some crafty time tomorrow, so stay tuned...

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Best Wishes Brenda and Tim

My childhood friend, Brenda, is getting married next Saturday and this is the card that I made for their special day. Their wedding colours are red, white and black so I thought I would make a card that incorporated those colours. I'm really looking forward to celebrating with them and it should be a great time. Tim is in the Navy and Brenda became an RCMP Constable a few years ago, so their should be quite a few people in uniform there, as well. I'm so proud of her and her accomplishments and I'm so happy that she found a great guy to spend the rest of her life with. I wish them all the best for a wonderful day and a happy life together.

Well, I'm enjoying a day off today, but I have house work that's calling me, so I better get on to that.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Silhouette Couple 94965-O (Inkadinkado), Ornate Flourish 96129 - J (Inkadinkado), Textured Best Wishes (Hero Arts)
Cardstock: Jet Black Linen, Flat White, China Red Linen (CRS)
Ink: Onyx Black Archival (VersaFine)
Tools: Cuttlebug, Birds and Swirls Embossing Folder, 1/8" Dimensional Squares (EK Success)
Embellishments: Black Grosgrain Ribbon (Michaels)

Porch Reno Pics and a New Purse

I just remembered that I forgot to post a pic of my finished side porch now that it's done. I painted the walls a nice taupe colour and installed a new modeled taupe/brown tile flooring. I can't post a before pic, cause it was just too darn ugly! It was all white walls, but had a old beat up wall board half way up the wall. The flooring was an old lino floor that was cracked and had curling edges. Now, doesn't that sound lovely? lol :) Seriously, it like a whole new porch and I love it. I bought this new plant, too, which makes it seem so welcoming. I love plants and this one looks pretty hardly, so hopefully I won't kill it! lol :)

I bought this unfinished, pine coat rack and stained it with a nice American Chestnut wood stain to match the door frame.
Here's a shot of the new oak door frame that we bought and I stained. Purdy, eh? I'm becoming quite the little handy woman! lol :)

I also had to share this great find of mine the other day. I just 'had' to bring it home, how pretty is this? Now, I just need somewhere to go to use it! lol :)

Here's a closeup shot of it. Isn't it gorgeous?

Well, I just got called into work, gotta get the kiddies from school in a few minutes and then I'll have to go get ready for work.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Cherry Blossom Sympathy

I thought I'd play with some two step stamping today however my branch is still a bit off, but not too bad, I guess. This is an unmounted stamp, but it's rubber not clear. I kinda wish it was clear, though as it would have been a lot easier to line them up. Oh well, can't have everything! lol :)

For the rose layer underneath my stamped image, I used a beautiful ornate flourish stamp that I have. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the patterned paper that I stamped it on. It looks just like a solid rose colour from a distance, but if you look at it up close, you can see a lot of fine detail. I think I got it at Michaels, but my memory is escaping me...can anyone tell me where I can get a new memory? lol :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Cherry Blossom, Solid Cherry Blossom Branch & Ornate Flourish (Impression Obsession), 'With Sympathy' - Sympathy Sentiments (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Rose Weave (CRS), Chocolate Chip (Bazzill), Cream (Staples)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Rose Romance & Baroque Burgundy (SU)
Patterned Paper: Dusty Rose (?) Sorry, I can't remember who makes this.
Tools: Oval Custom Cutting Templates (Creative Memories), Edge Distressor Tool (CTMH)
Embellishments: Chocolate Satin Ribbon (Michaels)

Nature - Something of the Marvelous

I really like this saying and thought I'd pair it with a simple stamped background of the same repeated stem silhouette. I didn't want to overdo it, just keep it a simple card with a bit of sparkle, but I'm left wondering if it needed a little something else. Do you find that at times you feel that way about a card? But, then when you add that little something extra, it actually turns out to be too much or not needed after all. So, I thought rather than mess up my card, I'd just leave it be. I did add Diamond Stickles over the stem leaves, but they didn't photograph very well. I tried an angle shot to get a better view of them, but it's still not a very good pic. Sorry about that! lol :)

Well, we're all starting to come around here. The girls stayed home from school today and we all took it pretty easy. Alexandria will be ok to go to school again tomorrow, but I'm still not sure about Natalia. She's still running a fever even though I've been giving her 8 hour Motrin on a regular basis. I was hoping she'd be ok by now, but it seems to have hit her a lot worse. She's the only one who's voice is affected with a funny scratchy tone to it. I hate to admit and if I didn't feel so bad for her, I think it actually sounds really cute. My little raspy-voiced girl. lol :)

Well, I'm gonna go grab a little snack and call it a day.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Stem Silhouettes (SU), Marvelous (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Jet Black Linen, Flat White (CRS)
Ink: Eggplant - Pigment (Hero Arts), Onyx Black (VersaFine)
Tools: Diamond Stickles (Ranger), Matte Finish Spray Sealer (Americana) - for a sealer coat over the pigment ink.
Embellishments: Sheer White Ribbon (Michaels)

Butterfly Window

You know school's back in for sure 'cause we're all sick here in the house already! Man, ya gotta love the germs associated with school! Saturday morning we were hit with high fevers and colds all around. But, I got the girls off to bed early tonight in the hopes that they'd get a good nights sleep tonight and maybe ok to go to school tomorrow. I'll have to see how they're doing in the morning. Sniffles are one thing, but I won't send them with the fevers.

I got a bit of crafty time in tonight and decided to play with some more butterflies. I know, I know, I'm gonna try to lay off the butterflies for a while. I can't help it though, I just love them so much! lol :)

Well, I'm gonna call it a day and go get some rest, I'm trying to kick this cold, too.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Butterfly Wishes (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Jet Black Linen, Flat White, Rose Weave (CRS)
Tools: Corner Punch (EK Success), 3/4" Square Punch (Emagination Crafts Inc.), Scissors (Honey Bee)
Embellishments: White Sheer Ribbon (Michaels), Black and White Gingham Fabric Brads (Dollarama)

Birthday Butterflies

This is a card that I made for a birthday party that my oldest daughter is attending tomorrow for a little friend of hers who's turning 6 years old. I wanted to make a pretty, girlie card and I think she'll like it. Alexandria thought it was very pretty and wanted to keep it herself! lol :)

Here's a close up of the vellum butterfly that I watercoloured.

Ok, this is a short post, I have to run out to go buy the birthday gift and do a few errands.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: 'happy birthday to you' - Sentiments 1 (Impression Obsession), Large Butterfly and Dragonfly (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Rose Weave (Bazzill), Mauve (The Paper Company), Vellum (SU)
Watercolour Wonder Crayons: Ballet Blue, Bravo Burgundy & Elegant Eggplant (SU)
Ink: Jet Black (StazOn), Purely Pomegranate (SU)
Patterned Paper: Soft Butterflies (?...not sure what the dp is actually called or who makes it)
Tools: Circle and Scalloped Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug, Ticket Punch (SU), Aqua Painter (SU)
Embellishments: Pink Bling

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Tuesday is my Dad's birthday and this is the card that I made up for him. He's very into nature, so I thought I'd go with this bird and leaf theme. I really struggle with masculine themed cards like many others, so I pondered for a while and I came up with this layout and I'm quite happy with how it turned out. I sponged the outside of the main stamped image and for the blue and celery squares in the background, I used crumpled up Saran Wrap to distress them to kinda give them a masculine look. Hee! Hee! I just had a thought, I could tell him that they reminded me of when I was a little girl and I was playing with PlayDoh. If he hadn't shaved for a day or so, I would always ask him to make beard prints in the PlayDoh! Oh, the funny things ya remember, eh? So, he'll get a kick out of his 'beard prints' card! lol :)

For the antique brass iron-on studs, instead of ironing them on I used a little square of terrifically tacky tape to hold them in place and it works like a charm. I think they fancy up the card without making it look girlie. You wanna add a little embellishment and these seem to do the job. I found these in the clearance section at Michaels a while ago and I got two packages of 30 pieces each for $2 each. A screamin' deal! I think they're normally 3 times that price. Ya gotta love a great deal! :)

Well, I have company coming so I need to tidy up the house a bit, so I should get going for now. I have to work tonight so I won't get in any more crafty time again until tomorrow...unless I work like crazy and get my housework done before I have to go to work, that is! So, off I go like lightening! lol :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Natural Beauty (SU)
Cardstock: Slate Blue, Navy Blue Linen, Celery (Bazzill), Cream (Staples)
Ink: Walnut Stain Distress Ink (Tim Holtz - Ranger), Jet Black (StazOn)
Watercolour Wonder Crayons: Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, Apricot Appeal, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy (SU)
Tools: Terifically Tacky Tape (ProvoCraft), Aqua Painter, Sponge (SU), Saran Wrap
Embellishments: Antique Brass Iron-On Studs (Stuff by Hillary Duff - Michaels)

Photo Manipulations

I had to share these pics that my friend, Diana, altered this afternoon for me of my girls. I like the sepia one but I really like it in black and white with just a hint of colour. Diana does such a nice job, she the friend that also did the photo manipulations of the girls for me of Alexandria as a fairy on a mushroom and another as a fairy on a daisy. She also did one of Natalia riding a Pegasus up in the clouds. So cute! You can see these pics down further on the left hand sidebar of my blog. Thanks so much, Diana! You're such a sweetheart! :)


Well, the girls each had a wonderful first day at school and we just finished supper and I think they're ready to conk out!. They had a pretty full day with lots of stories of their fun day at school. I was a bit worried about Natalia starting Grade Primary, but she did great. Jim and I have had visions of conduct notes being sent home because of our little class clown who doesn't like to follow directions... anyway, let's just hope the good behavior keeps up! lol :)

I'll be back later with something crafty to show you. I'm feelin' some alterin' comin' on! lol :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

First Day of School

Ok, here I am with pics of my little ones on their first day of school for Grade Primary and Grade One. I still find it hard to believe that both of them will be in school Monday through Friday from 8:25 AM until 2:30 PM. They're both in the Excel Lunchtime program this year, so they stay at school to eat their lunches and play or do activities for the remainder of the lunch time. I plan to go back to work to work days, but I think I'll enjoy a few days at home to get some tidying done first before I start to look for another job, preferably an office position where I can utilize some of my computer skills again, but mainly so that I can get off my feet from having to stand on those concrete floors for 6 to 8 hours, cause they kill me!

Could this smile be any bigger? lol :) Alexandria in the gym at school for a first day of school assembly. She's in Grade One this year. Doesn't she look all grown up in her sweet little Asian top?
Natalia outside her classroom with her friend, Georgia, who also lives across the street from us. They're both in Grade Primary this year and very excited.

Deep thoughts by Natalia sitting at her classroom desk. She was all smiles this morning when I left. So much nicer than having it be hard for me to leave cause she's crying. Surprisingly there weren't any little ones crying this year. I think when Alexandria started Primary last year, about 3 or 4 kids were crying as their parents left them for the day.

So, over the next couple of days I'm gonna get to work and go through the girls dressers to get rid of clothes that they've outgrown and organize them. Such a good feeling to have neat and tidy drawers, I just wish they'd stay like that! My girls tend to like to go through their drawers... searching for that perfect outfit to wear and disrupt everything! Yup, not so tidy anymore! Oh well, it could be worse. lol :)

Then, I have to go through their closets and clean them up. My girls idea of cleaning their room is to shove everything in their closets or under their beds. I guess they've assumed the way of thinking 'Out of sight, out of mind!'

Lastly, I need to seriously purge some toys with both of them out of the house. It's just way to hard to do it while they're around. Something that they haven't played with in ages and you try to get rid of it and they act like you're destroying their life! lol :)

Well, I'm really rambling here. I'll leave ya for now and post a card pic later on.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

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)