Create-a-Purse Punch?

Sonya Tourville made these darling little purses... and can you see what she used for the base of the purse???? it's the Cupcake bottom turned upside down from the Build-a-Cupcake Punch .. how creative is that??? They should call it Create-a-Purse punch instead!!!

She also used the Neutral Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack with some Red Glimmer Paper.

Now why can't I think of things like this???

Notably Ornate Thanks!

Take a look at this beautiful card that Patty Bennett created...  it brings together many things from the Stampin' Up Catalog... can you name all the different accessories without peaking???

OK so if you need to peak... here's the listing:

STAMPIN' UP! SUPPLIES IN THIS CARD:



•Notably Ornate stamp set, pg 125,
•Curly Cute (thank you), pg 149
•Vanilla Cardstock, pg 169
•Basic Black Cardstock, pg 169
•Newsprint DSP, pg 175

•Fun Flowers Die, pg 39 Occasions Mini catalog,
•Basic Black Satin Ribbon, pg 191
•Decorative Label Punch, pg 30 Occasions Mini
•Finial Press Embossing Folder, pg 214

•Antique Brads, pg 187

Makes ya wanna sing a song of thanks!

Easter Egg Flowers

Easter is fast approaching and you may enjoy these cute little Easter egg flowers to add to your your cards... definitely  quick and simple to make!




I'll show you how to make the full tulips at my Stamp-a-Stack in May... you won't want to miss it!

Thanks Valita for your great ideas!

Oh Sew Sweet!

The Stampin' Up! Mini Catalog only has one month to go... it expires end of April.. so you still have time to get some of the darling "Sew Sweet" items...

Scrunch up a piece of the "Sweet Stitches Designer Fabric" and glue it here and there. Do you like the "Sweet Stitches Designer Fabric Bards" that match the fabric exactly? Cute!

Doesn't the measuring tape look so real? Just stamp it on "Daffodil Delight cardstock" and then stamp it again on "Silver cardstock" and cut out just the end of the measuring tape and layer it over the yellow. Just add a brad to the end for a little bling:



Card Supplies:

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Silver
Stamp Sets: Sew Suite, Hodgepodge Happiness
Accessories: Brads, Sweet Stitches Designer Fabric, Sweet Stitches Designer Fabric Brads
Inks: Early Espresso, Watercolor Pencils
Tools: Big Shot, Framed Tulips Impressions Folder,
        Boho Blossoms Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Blender Pen

Darling and just so easy.. even for me who can't sew a stitch!

Happy Birthday Noah!!!

Oh Happy Day.. and another year closer to getting that driver's license.... think it will happen soon Noah???

Wishing you a blast on your birthday! Love Life and Live Large!

I thought about getting you some special treats for your birthday... like... "Hot Pockets"....
want some??? hee hee hee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkUbqmS9TWI

I love you with all my heart. Seriously.

Grandma Gail

The Dash in Life

So many of us have heard the poem about The Dash in Life.. here's that same poem set to music and pictures.. it's very moving.. and I hope will help you to stop and Be Still today and consider God and the life he's given each of us....

Dedicated to Judee Pepper With All My Love

Click on this link to view:

The Dash In Life

And here are the words:

The Dash by Linda Ellis




There was a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

From the beginning to the end



He noted that first came her date of her birth

And spoke the following date with tears

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years



For that dash stands for all the time

That she spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved her

Know what that little line is worth.



For it matters not how much we own;

The cars the house the cash

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.



So think about this long and hard.

Are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left

That can still be rearranged.



If we could just slow down enough

To consider what's true and real

And always try to understand

The way other people feel.




We'd be less quick to anger

And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we've never loved before.



If we treat each other with respect

And more often wear a smile

Remembering that this special dash

Might only last a while.



So when your eulogy is being read

With your life’s actions to rehash

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?



Cuz that dash stands for all the time

That you spent alive on earth

And only those who loved you

Know what that little line is worth

Fun Flowers meets Love Letters

Patty Bennet's been at it again...  
Check out this fun combo - the Fun Flowers Big Shot die and the Love Letters Designer Paper - all from Stampin' Up!. Don't you love the combo of Cherry Cobbler with the cream & black?

 

You can use your bone folder to "curl" the petals a bit...

like you're curling "curling ribbon".

Happy Spring!

So Spring has Sprung!!! And here in Southern California we're sure getting a bunch of rain these past two days.... much needed definitely. I can't wait to watch the blossoms bloom and grass grow.

I just love Sunflowers and know it's so popular with many of you... so in honor of Spring.. here's a couple darling cards you can copy... thanks to Helen Borer!

So what'z your favorite flower for Spring?

It's a Polka Dot Birthday!

Now I ask, what SCREAMS birthday more than colorful polka dots? And when they are contrasted with a black background, they are even more dramatic and fun! This darling idea came from Gretchen Barron... another amazing SU Demonstrator!


She created this dynamic duo with circle punches, lots of them, using the 3/4", 1" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches. Just start punching out circles from Real Red, Certainly Celery, Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight and Pumpkin Pie cardstock scraps (it's a great way to use scraps). Then just attach them randomly to Basic Black cardstock with a bit of SNAIL adhesive.



Use the Big Shot and the Square Lattice Impressions Folder to do the Embedded Embossing Technique

The stamp set is Bring on the Cake from the Occasions Mini Catalog. Other supplies used include Sticky Strip Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals and a sparkly Glitter Brad.



Use the Word Window Punch on the inside of the Gift Card Holder to punch the opening for the all-important Gift Card (oh yeah, what would a birthday be without a Gift Card). Add more polka dots on the inside of the Gift Card Holder as well as a Whisper White layer to allow for a personalized and hand-written message.



The Gift Card Holder was created using a base of Real Red Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 11". You score at 4.25, 8.5 and 10", folding on each of the Score Lines. Line the inside of the Gift Card opening (created with the Word Window Punch) with a small scrap of Daffodil Delight cardstock so you get that little "pop" of color and contrast. The entire "flap" of the Gift Card Holder is secured down using Sticky Strip adhesive but be sure and don't apply adhesive to the inside of the slot where the Gift Card Holder goes (from the voice of experience!).



The crowning glory on both the gift box and the gift card holder are 3" strips of Pumpkin Pie Cardstock with multi-colored jumbo scallops created with the 1" circle punch and topped off with a colorful bow created from 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon. How cute is this! For the box, a different color of ribbon was used on each of the 4 sides.
















I love the way this set turned out. It's very festive looking and yet not so juvenile that it would work for any age or even gender for that matter.

It's just plain fun! And isn't that what a birthday should be all about?

Really Cool Sayings

My friend Darlene sent me these really cool sayings.. maybe you guys have seen this before, but I thought they were great... and worth repeating here... just take a moment to soak them in....

A birth certificate shows you were born.

A death certificate shows you have died.

A photo album shows you have lived.

'Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet

is fighting some kind of battle.'

A sharp tongue can cut your own throat.

If you want your dreams to come true, you mustn't oversleep.

Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.

The best vitamin for making friends...... B1.

The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.

The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge..

One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.

If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished.

One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

Your mind is like a parachute...it functions only when open.

The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime!

It is never too late to become what you might have been.

Life is too short to wake up with regrets..

So love the people who treat you right..

Forget about the ones who don't.

Believe everything happens for a reason.

If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.

If it changes your life, let it.

Nobody said life would be easy,

they just promised it would be worth it.

Playing with Colors

We are really Playing with Colors on this card... created by Chat.... it's More Mustard, Melon Mambo and Chocolate Chip. Who would'a thought you could pull these colors together but in the end it worked out well. Notice the textures on the background and main panel.... it really gives alot of character to a card.

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Punch Bunch, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Whisper White, More Mustard, Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Melon Mambo
Accessories: grosgrain ribbon, button, pearl, hemp
Tools: Big Shot, Square lattice EF, scallop circle, circle punches. modern label, window punch

Probably would make great colors for a wedding too....

Monica are you listening???

Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails!

Check out this darling Baby photo frame project made by Michelle Surette... do you recognize all those different stamp sets? And check out that little Owl punch shows up again!! He's just too cute everyone he goes!

If we were playing Jeopardy.. the question would be....

What are Little Boys Made out of?

Here Comes Peter Cottontail!

Yes... before we know it that little white bunny will be leaving it's evidence behind.. and I'm not talking about wabbit pellets... it's nearly Jelly Bean Season!

Here's a couple more idea's for Easter Treats too

Can you name all the Jelly Belly flavors???

Better start practicing!

Tips & Techniques: Views of Vellum

Not sure if any of you have ever used the Vellum papers from Stampin Up!. They are wonderful.... and create such an elegant look...

Here's a couple of ideas from Debbie Hendersen of cards she made using the Vellum cardstock with the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set. Some great tips and techniques to learn...





To create this look, you'll first stamp the flower image with "VersaMark Ink" on "Vellum Cardstock". Using the "Masking Technique", stamp the image twice. Sprinkle with "White Embossing Powder" and set with your "Heat Tool". Once embossed, flip the vellum over and color the flowers with "Stampin' Write Markers" on the backside. This creates an opaque color. For your next step use a "VersaMarker" and color the center of both flowers and sprinkled with "Irridescent Ice Embossing Glitter". Again, use your "Heat Tool" to set.


Supplies used:

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Vellum Cardstock
Inks: Early Espresso, Stampin' Write Markers, VersaMark, VersaMarker
Stamp Sets: Fifth Avenue Floral, So Happy For You (SAB)
Tools: Bird Punch, Scallop Border Punch, White Embossing Powder, Irridescent Ice Embossing Glitter
Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon

Here's another idea

Can you figure out how she glued the card front without the adhesive showing? First lets talk about the card. Stamp the flower 3 times by using the "Masking Technique" with VersaMark ink and embossed with White Embossing Powder. Highlight the outside edges of the stamped images by using a shade darker ink than the background layer. To achieve the look on this card, use the Concord Crush Stampin' Write Marker". The cardstock color is Perfect Plum layered over Whisper White.
 


Now for the instructions on the vellum layer. By scoring the "Vellum Cardstock" a 1/4" on each edge, you can add "Sticky Tape" to the length of each edge and adhere the cardstock to the card without the adhesive showing! When you stamp on vellum, set aside to dry completely so as not to smudge the ink. You can also gently use your "Heat Tool" to dry it a little faster but be careful not to burn the vellum! The sentiment is from the Curly Cute Stamp Set.

Notice the black button from the Neutrals Buttons collection? Just plop down a Pearl Jewel in center!
Card supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Perfect Plum, Vellum
Stamp Sets: Fifth Avenue Floral, Curly Cute
Inks: VersaMark, Basic Black, Concord Crush Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories: Neutrals Buttons, Pearl Jewels
Tools: Corner Rounder Punch

Can't say ya didn't learn something today!

Luck of the Irish?

So today is St Patty's Day... I'm not much into "luck" but do believe that wishing one well and good luck is just by pure chance or coincidence... and I'm not into counting on  coincidence but rather into God and pure confidence... that he's the one in Control.... makes it a whole lot easier to sit back and relax and accept the facts.

But hey, didn't mean to get so deep and philosophical with you guys today.. guess it's the way my week has been going....

Regardless... I do believe the SAB set with the little shamrock leaf in it is pretty cute.. so here's my attempt at a "good luck" card... wonder if SU will ever make a stamp that says "there's no such thing as coincidence"... now that would be cool.

Happy St Patrick's Day... now go get a Shamrock Shake!!!

Shirley Goodnest and her daughter Marcy

Just needed to share this story with you today....    Shirley & Marcy

A mother was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school. He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe. So she had an idea of how to handle it.

She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her. The neighbor said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.

The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor girl he knew. She did this for the whole week.

As the two walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week. Finally she said to Timmy, 'Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?'

Timmy nonchalantly replied, 'Yeah, I know who she is.'

The little girl said, 'Well, who is she?'

'That's just Shirley Goodnest,' Timmy replied, 'and her daughter Marcy.'

'Shirley Goodnest?' Who the heck is she and why is she following us?

'Well,' Timmy explained, 'every night my Mum makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!'

The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make His face to shine upon you,

and be gracious unto you;

the Lord lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace.

 

May Shirley Goodnest and Marcy be with you today and always!

In Memory of Judee Pepper

It is wiith deepest sorrow and heavy heart I am so sad to let you know that our dearest friend Judee Pepper passed away late Sunday night. Many of you know Judee suffered a brain aneurysm last Monday and unfortunately never regained conscientiousness.

Pam, Kendra, Evie and I were able to visit her in the ICU at Grossmont Hospital  on Thursday. We were able to say our goodbyes and express our love to Judee. It was difficult to see her but the best thing we could have done... for the original Rubba Sistas to be together one last time, to treasure the times we had in our short time together.

We are still in shock and disbelief, but know that God has determined the exact places and the days we live. Judee was such an inspiration and blessing to so many of us. We will miss her infectious giggle and limitless generosity. She taught us so much about life..  and we aim to honor her by imitating her very nature of love, patience, kindness and gentleness.

Please be praying for her family to be comforted.

Judee I miss you so much already and am so grateful to God 

for bringing you into my life.

Words cannot express my sorrow .... I love you with the love of the Lord.

Meet me on the north corner of Glory.. can't wait to see you then.