First Day of Grade 5 and 6

I can't believe the first day of school is here already...the Summer went by so quickly this year. I can  remember my Mum saying that once my brother and I were in school, how fast the time went by. Well, I can relate. My girls are in Grade 5 and 6 this year and I have no idea where the time has gone. It just seems like yesterday when they were one of those little primary students, standing so shyly in line, awaiting the new adventure of school and a whole new routine. Now, they tower over those little ones...Alex nearly as tall as some of the teachers!

The girls were both excited and nervous this morning.  They were happy that they'd be able to see all their friends again, but unsure of what the new school year would bring.  I assured them that they would do just fine and would have a great year.  Oh, I almost wish I could go back to the time when elementary school was my biggest stress in life...those were the days.  So carefree, but I guess the kids do have more to worry about these days in an age when bullying seems to be so rampant.  The best you can do is teach your children right from wrong and hope that they chose the right path and treat others how they would want to be treated.  I have two very kind-hearted girls, whom I've taught to be good to others and to surround themselves with people who make them happy and treat them well.  Life is too short to surround yourself with those who are not nice and bring you down.


I hope you all have a wonderful day and please remember to drive slow around school zones. :)
 

TSC46: Inspired By A Song

  

We have a bit of a different theme for you this month over at The Stampsmith Challenge blog.  This month, we're asking you to create something from being "Inspired By A Song."  Our theme was suggested by our Guest Designer this month, Maria Green.  Welcome aboard, Maria!

I used a photostamped image from the Mon Amour stamp sheet by The Stampsmith, a few different frames, mirrored cardstock and a couple of pewter wedding embellishments in the small mirrors.  I stamped/heat embossed all three frames and cut them out inside and out with scissors...yes, this took a while...then I added the mirrors in behind.

Can you guess what my song inspiration was? If you guessed 'Mirrors by Justin Timberlake', you're right!  :)  This is such a beautiful song, I'm not sure I've done it justice in my card, but this is the design that I had in my head, so I went with it. 

I hope you decide to play along in the fun!  I look forward to seeing what song inspires you.  Best of luck in the draw!  :)

Cheers,

TSC45: World Traveller

It's challenge time again over at The Stampsmith Challenge.  The theme this month is 'World Traveller' and was suggested by our Guest Designer, Paula Tidman.  This is Paula's final month with us, but we've loved having her on board with us. Please pop on over to her blog, as well and show her some love! Now, get out your stamps that pertain to travelling and get creative! 

For my World Traveller collage, I used the post mark, Paris map and Bon Voyage sentiment stamps from the Paris stamp set and the Eiffel Detail stamp all by The Stampsmith.

Please remember to use at least one stamp by The Stampsmith in your creation in order to be eligible for the draw.  One lucky winner will receive a gift certificate in the value of $21.00 to be used at The Stampsmith store!  I can't wait to see what you all come up with.  Best of luck in the draw!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)
 

TSC44: Shabby or Vintage Grunge Challenge

'Shabby Chic or Vintage Grunge' is the new challenge theme for July. Both are very popular styles and perfect for showcasing your Stampsmith favourites. We'd love for you to play along and share your projects with us this month. So, choose your preferred style 'Shabby or Grunge' and join The Stampsmith Challenge with a chance to win $21 of gorgeous stamps of your choice from The Stampsmith.

The beautiful, Audrey is accepting an award in this fabulous photostamp and the sentiment stamp on the side, "You Go, Girl!" comes from the Say It Like It Is stamp set, both by The Stampsmith.

 Alexandria, 11 years old, with her teacher, Mr. MacDonald.

My oldest daughter, Alexandria just received an academic achievement award at school and this is the card I made for her, as well as being my Design Team sample for this month.  On the front of the card there's a little folder that opens up when you remove the paper clip embellishment. On the inside of the little folder it reads, "Academic Achievement Award - Grade 5 Science."  I'm so proud of Alex and all her hard work this year.  Wow, it's hard to believe we're into Summer vacation for the kids already...where did the school year go?

I look forward to seeing all your shabby or vintage grunge creations! :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)
 

Happy 50th Anniversary, Mum and Dad!

I've been very bad at posting on here lately.  I've haven't created much in the past few months, but I do have a few cards to share with you in the next several posts that I've made for some special occasions lately for family and friends.

I'm so very proud to share that my parents recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.  I think this is remarkable milestone and I wish them many, many more happy years together.

Here's a view of the inside of the easel card.

A few close ups...this one is my Mum and  Dad on their honeymoon.

This is a beautiful verse that I found online and thought it would be really nice inside the card.

A closeup of the embossed, 'Best Wishes' sentiment at the bottom of the card.

Here's a picture of the cake that we had made for them.  I love the way they can print a picture on edible rice paper and add it to the top of the cake - so cool!

Check back soon for the next challenge theme for The Stampsmith Challenge for the month of July!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)
 

Happy Birthday, Mum!

This is the card I made for my Mum's birthday.  My Mum is such a kindred spirit, she's more than my Mother, she's my best friend.  I love you very much, Mum!  Here's to many, many more happy birthdays!

Thanks for stopping by! :)
 

Happy 90th Birthday, Cecil!

My father-in-law celebrated his 90th birthday last week and this is the card that I made him. Cecil is such a sweet man and is in such fabulous health for his age. I think he'll be with us for many, many more years to come.

Here's the inside of the card.  The picture of him was taken back in the early Spring with the beautiful Miramichi River in the background.

We had a birthday party for him and this is the sign that was outside the church where we had the party.  He was pretty surprised about the party.  We drove the 5 hours to Jim's hometown the night before the party, stayed in a motel for the night and showed up at Jim's Dad's place two hours before the party...just enough time to get him ready.  I think he was still in shock here in the picture!  lol  :)

A special thanks again to the many people that made this party a success.  We couldn't have pulled this party off without you. Also, thank you to those who attended the party in celebration of this special milestone.  I know Cecil was honoured that you all attended and he had a great time after he got over the shock!

OK, stay tuned, I still have a few more cards to show you...

Thanks for stoppin by! :)
 

Congratulations, Deric and Amanda!

Our friends, Deric and Amanda recently tied the knot down in Mexico, hence the starfish and shells on the card.  Unfortunately we couldn't make it to the wedding but this is the card we gave them with their wedding gift.  The ribbon on the brides dress represented the colour of bridesmaids dresses.

Here's a picture of the happy couple on the beach in Mexico.

I had to include this picture of Amanda standing in a window, just because I love it so much!  What an awesome backdrop to such a stunning bride.

The inside of the card has a wavy pocket where I tucked in the gift of money...again I forgot to take the picture before I signed the inside of the card.  Oops!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)
 

Happy Birthday, Gracie!

This one was for my youngest daughter's sweet friend, Gracie for her recent birthday.  Can you guess what the birthday theme was?  The Monster High characters are so funny...they're like Barbie opposites!  I had these images leftover from my own daughter's invitations last year, so I thought I'd use them up.  I hope Gracie liked her card.  :)

Here's the inside of the card...I forgot to take the picture before I filled out the inside.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)
 

TSC43: Altered Cigar Box

 

For the challenge this month over at The Stampsmith Challenge site, our new Guest Designer, Paula Tidman has challenged us to create some art using the theme 'Alter it - Boxes, Bags or Books.'  My features an image of the lovely, Lucy.   I just love this image...she looks stunning and not at all silly like your normally remember her!

Here's a bit of an angle to better show you the gorgeous lacey pattered paper and hardware on the box.

Yes, I know this next image is upside down...I just wanted to show you a view of the back of the cigar box, so you can see the pretty sheer, gathered ribbon that's around the three sides over top of the lacey patterned paper.

I hope you decide to play along in the fun!  I can't wait to see all the different altered art!  Just remember to use at least one stamped image by The Stampsmith in order to be eligible for the draw.  :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)
 

Natalia's 'Before and After' Dresser Makeover

My youngest daughter has been asking for a bigger dresser for quite some time, so when I recently saw this dresser on Kijiji for a screamin' deal, I had to buy it!  It was a stained dresser with half the handles either missing or hanging off...not very pretty at first glance.  But, I saw the potential as it's a very solid piece, so I bought it with the intention of repainting it and sourcing some new hardware for it.

This is what it looks like now...

Natalia loves bright colours, so we agreed on this gorgeous turquoise colour.  It's called 'Taking the Plunge' by Dulux paints.  I removed all the hardware, primed it and then applied the turquoise melamine paint.  This is the first time I've ever painted with melamine paint and I've got to say, I really like it.  It covered so well that one coat was almost good enough, although I added another coat for added durability.

As you can see from all the Eiffel Towers, Natalia loves the Paris theme of her room and she absolutely loves her new dresser...I love the fact that I got it so cheap!  If you know me, then you know how much of a bargain hunter I am!  lol  :)


Thanks for stoppin' by! :)
 

Happy Birthday, Angela!

I created this card using a fun, retro, photostamped image of two ladies at a hair salon from the Those Were the Days 1950's stamp set by The Stampsmith.  I made this card for my friend, Angela, who's celebrating her birthday today.   I'm happy to say, this was before our time...but cute, nonetheless.  Happy Birthday, Angela!  :)

I don't normally decorate the inside of my cards, but I wanted to use more of this fun paper and the coordinating journalling cards, so added a little more inside the card.

Here's the rest of the stamp set...funny, eh?

Thanks for stoppin' by!  :)
 

TSC42: Tic Tac Toe Challenge

We have a fun "Tic Tac Toe' challenge for you this month over at The Stampsmith Challenge blog.  I opted to use a picture frame to incorporate the metal into my project, but you're welcome to do a card or whatever strikes your fancy.

Here's the Tic Tac Toe board...simple choose a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row and work with those three elements.  I chose Metal-Manly-Distressed for my project. A metal frame stand, manly image and design and a distressed crackle finish on frame.  In case you can't read the quote, it reads:

A question that 

sometimes drives 

me hazy: am I or 

are the others crazy?

~ Albert Einstein

Remember each project that contains at least one stamped image by The Stampsmith will qualify for the random draw for a gift certificate to The Stampsmith Store valued at $21.00.  I'm excited to see what everyone comes up with for this challenge since they'll all be so different. 

Happy creating!  :)
 

TSC41: Black and White with a Splash of Colour Challenge

It's challenge time again over at The Stampsmith Challenge blog and this time we're challenging you to create something using "Black and White with a Splash of Colour." 

I used lime green as my splash of colour, but feel free to use any other colour that you like, or several other colours.  Just be sure the bulk of the card is black and white.  Use at least one image by The Stampsmith to be eligible for the draw for $21.00 towards The Stampsmith Store online.

Here's a close up of the gorgeous couple from the Mon Amour stamp sheet.

I hope you decide to play along in the fun.  I look forward to seeing what you all come up with!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)