Welcome to the Reed Ranch!

Sweet Valentine Treat Box

2012-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was my February Stamp-a-Stack and I've still not shown you all of the featured cards... so stay tuned....

In the mean time I wanted to share with you the darling little Pop Up Sweet Valentine Treat Box I had the girls make for their Make n'Take.... think it was a hit! Well, at least the M&Ms were....

And talk about Sweets.... look at the darling brownies Shelly brought... just a little red gummy heart sure makes for an easy fun decoration!

and here's some homemade Macadamia Chocolate Bark that Pippa made... yum!!!!

My bathroom scales are going wack-o... wonder why????

Red Red Red and then some Red

2012-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here's another very cool card from Dawn..... using Real Red, Cherry Cobbler and Riding Hood Red... who knew they'd all go together so well...

Quite a bit of white space was left on this card so the heart could become the highlight! It started with Real Red Card Stock and the Heart Framelits. Cut one Real Red heart. Flowers were punched from scraps of Riding Hood Red and Cherry Cobbler Card Stock using the Boho Blossom punch. Some of the Real Red heart was purposefully left showing through to get all three reds on the main image.

Tombow all-purpose glue was used to attach some of the flowers and then a few others were attached with Stampin' Dimensionals. Add some Dazzling Details in the original and Cherry Cobbler colors and some Basic Pearls and Rhinestones randomly to the center of each flower for some glam. Next make the score lines every 1/8". Another cut was made on the card front with the next larger Heart Framelit and the heart full of flowers was placed on the inside of the card to show through the top. A third, and the smallest, Heart Framelit was used to cut out the Real Red Glimmer Paper heart which was attached at the end of the scoring. The sentiment is from P.S. I Love You and is stamped in Riding Hood Red ink.

This card is 5 1/4" square and will fit in a Medium Square Envelope.

You've heard of putting a round peg into a square box?

Guess it would be sorta like that...

putting a red heart into a square envelope..

hee hee hee

Valentine Ripple

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

You know I'm a heart person..... and love anything that even resembles a heart... could be made out of paper or wood or ribbon... or even food!!! Put it in a heart shape and I'm there!

So when I saw these Valentine Ripple Heart Boxes from Kay Sha... couldn't help but share them with you...

They're made using the new Embosslits Die, Scalloped Heart of Hearts. Not only does it emboss hearts but it also cuts your scalloped heart to fit your punch heart pieces. It always makes a big impression on any heart project.

Another favorite highlight is the Simply Scored Scoring Tool!! I hope you get this tool because you can do more with 3d projects with ease and control.

TO DO THE RIPPLE EFFECT ON THE EDGE OF THE HEART:

Take a 1-1/2" x 12" cardstock (I used the Very Vanilla on this project), then score them at 1/2" interval on one side and 1/2" interval on the flip side starting at 1/4". Then cut the cardstock at 3/4", length-wise, getting 2 pieces. Fold the scores to get ripples.

You will need to cut the cardstock in halves again by hand... if you are not confident about cutting them by freehand... you may use your cutter (but it will be hard since you already scored them). Don't worry about an uneven cut.

Take your Scalloped Heart and glue one side of the heart with glue gun then position your rippled cardstock to go clockwise around the heart. You may need to do this process half side of the heart at a time since the glue gun dries fast. Remember to position the ripples close to the edge of the heart and position ripples apart from each other. Positioning these ripples around the edge of the heart may need practice, so be patient. Don't worry, it's not as hard as it looks.

Apply glue gun onto the tip end of the heart and the valley end of the rippled edge of the heart onto the box.

OTHER SUPPLIES USED:
Big Shot Die:
- Bitty Box Envelope
- Embosslits Die - Scalloped Heart of Hearts

Punch:
- Small Heart

Paper:
- Glimmer Paper- Silver
- Glimmer Paper- Red

Just a reminder...

only six more days until Valentine's....

are you ready???

You're My Type Love Note

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Literally.. You're My Type... and ya couldn't make this Love Note card without it!!! And I hear the ol' typewriter is making a comeback.... so if you're lucky enough to own this set, you can make darling cards like Dawn Tidd...

You'll need to get the Music Notes Standard Wheel along with it... I know all those Music Teachers will adore it too!

Riding Hood Red Card Stock paired with Basic Black Card Stock are the colors used in this card. A couple of strips of Music Notes were rolled on Whisper White Card Stock and the Small Heart Punch was used to punch out four hearts. A tiny slit was cut right over the paper holder bar on the typewriter and the tip of the heart slipped in.

The typewriter layer is backed in Basic Black Card Stock. Another strip of the Music Note image was put on top of a piece of Riding Hood Red DSP from the Regals Pattern Stack. Three more hearts were added to the typewriter image.

The sentiment was pieced using "love" from Fabulous Phrases and "note..." from You're My Type. Finally, all of this was attached to the Riding Hood Red card.

Funny thing is, I still have an old typewriter just like this... bet some of you do too!

Happiest Birthday

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

I didn't want to overdo it with all Valentine cards at SAS this past weekend... so here's a birthday card the gals made... I just love the paper flowers made from the boho punch pieces...

I'm especially set on trying to have something inside the card as well ... gives it a nice finished and competed look. Often what I'll recommend is not not tape the piece down, until you're really ready to use it as a birthday card. Otherwise it could make a darling Thank You or Friendship card too....

Watch for more SAS cards to come this week!

Ellie the Pink Elephant!

2012-02-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Tell the truth... are you grinnin' just about now? Especially when you see this darling little Ellie the Elephant made into a Valentine note card... isn't she adorable?

I hid the piece of birthday cake and candle with a whimsical heart punched out of the glittery red card stock ... and matched the dots on the balloon with the new red glitter glue.

and a peak inside...

I had a second "matching" card for the gals to make

using the little 3x3 note cards... must have taken at least

three seconds to make this one... front has the

heart punched out... glue the sparkle heart inside

exactly in the window of the heart...

add stamped sayings on the front and voila...

done!

...and a blurry peak inside (sorry about that).

If you were here at Stamp-a-Stack,

you'd have one of your own about now!

You Suit me to a Tea

2012-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

OK so I think this might be the winner.... seems to be favorite of the girls who were at Stamp-a-Stack on last night.... let's see what happens today when the rest of the crew shows up... think they'll agree??? Do you???

Made with the new Tea Shoppe Stamp Set in the new Mini Occasions catalog... I embossed the tea cup with versa mark ink on the Pool Party card stock. After cutting it out, along with cutting the two sizes of Framelit Dies, I used brads to connect them top and bottom only. Then I strategically placed the tea cup on the outside so it would reveal the message inside the labels once it's twisted up and around... and don't ya love the hint of tea bag too...

Both versions are made with the FREE Sale-a-Bration DSP

as well as the FREE matching brads...

That alone should win your vote!!!

Who doesn't like FREE????

February Stamp-a-Stack

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Well I'm so excited as tonight several gals are coming on over for my February Stamp-a-Stack... it actually is scheduled for Saturday, tomorrow, but because I had such a great response, I offered Friday night to anyone who wanted to come and get a jump start... So I got a few takers...

I'm excited about the cards I created.... and hope they will all like them too. I posted my feature Love Birds card back on January 5th when I first sent announcement about the class... click here to revisit that link and see those cute little Love Birds!

Of course with Valentine's next week, several of my cards have the "romantic" kind of look to them... good not just for Valentine's but for weddings or anniversaries... or just a special day for a special someone! I thought my Love Birds were going to be my favorite.. but not sure now.. there's too many I just adore.

Here's a sneak peak of another one of the cards.... dedicated to my dear friend Carol.. from the infamous Quilters Retreat in Maine!!! Do ya see why? Don't these hearts look like little pieces of fabric ready to quilt! Just precious...

Can't wait to see you guys tonight.. and the crew coming tomorrow too... yippeee my favorite time spent with my stampin' buddies!

Happy Groundhog's Day!

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania??? Me neither.

On Groundhog Day, a groundhog in the small town of Punxsutawney emerges in the morning to a throng of onlookers. If he spots his shadow and returns to his hole, it means winter will last six more weeks. If the groundhog does not see his shadow, an early spring is sure to come!

I'm hoping for Spring.. but think it could be six more weeks of Winter... at least here in sunny California that means it will be 65 degrees average instead of 75 degrees average.... we're just spoiled. And I'll bet Punxsutawney Phil is also spoiled with all those visitors tossing peanuts at him....

....what an exhausting day for the poor little guy.

You are Loved!

2012-02-01T06:00:00.001-08:00

Welcome to February! I could repeat myself for the umpteenth time and tell you how amazed I am at how quickly the time passes and the days are flying by... so I won't.
So let's get focused now on Valentine's Day... the "love holiday" ....after all, it's the magic element that defines each one of us... God created everyone with three needs and desires... and the cool thing is, no matter who you are, he fulfills each one in us:

1. We need to be loved by someone (God)
2. We need some one to love (God)
3. We need something to look forward to (being with God)

Here's a great card that I decided looks slightly vintage yet funky... love the pearl placement along with ribbon scallop edge..... it reminds me of what a picnic table would look like on Valentine's! ... and, I can't wait to have a picnic with God... won't that be cool!!!

Supplies

Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White Cardstock
Riding Hood Red Ink
Polka Dot Stamp Set

You Are Loved Stamp Set (from the current Mini Catalog)

Accessories
Decorative label punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch

Basic Jewels

Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon

Hope I see you at the Banquet Table!

Happy Chinese New Year!!

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

OK so I'm a bit late... what else is new? Obviously I'm not Chinese and don't celebrate their New Year, but when I saw this adorable little gift box, couldn't help but want to share it with you guys.....

Would love to make some of these for our international group at work.... bet they would be blown away.... but I better start now if I want to have them read for NEXT year... gosh look at all that detail!!! But well worth it!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Talk about Out-of-the-Ordinary!!!

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

There's just one more picture I saved for last to share ~

This could be my very favorite.
I can't even imagine what it would be like to be this mama....

Six adorable blessings (and probably one incredible daddy!)

Family photo

....and I miss mine.
xoxo

Out-of-the-Ordinary... Take II

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

More out-of-the-ordinary.... I mean these are crazy!!!

The longest traffic jam in the world recorded in China .

Its length is 260 kilometers... that's about 161 miles to you and me!

Gibraltar Airport is one of the most extraordinary airports around the world

Paris computer games store. In fact, the floor is absolutely flat.

In the city of Buford (USA) lives just one person.

He works as a janitor and as a mayor.

Autumn camouflage

Haus Rizzi - Germany.

Lena Pillars. Russia , the Lena River.

Banpo Bridge in Seoul , South Korea.

Favelas of Brazil . The boundary between wealth and poverty.

Lost paradise in the Indian Ocean . Isle of Lamu.

Balcony of floor 103 in Chicago.

View of the sunset from inside the wave.

This is a unique geological phenomenon known as Danxia landform.

These phenomena can be observed in several places in China .

This example is located in Zhangye, Province of Gansu .

The color is the result of an accumulation for millions of years

of red sandstone and other rocks.

In northwestern Montana , USA . The water is so transparent that

it seems that this is a quite shallow lake. In fact, it’s very deep.

Airport in the Maldives is located on an artificial island

in themiddle of the Indian Ocean

This lighthouse guard in Mare, France, must be one

of the most courageous people on the planet!

Not everyone will have a smoke in such weather, and in such a place!

Photo of storm in Montana , USA , 2010

Skyscraper-Crescent Crescent Moon Tower ( Dubai )

Heavy fog in Sydney , which enveloped the whole city

The river above the river: Magdeburg Water Bridge , Germany.

Morning Glory - kind of clouds observed in the

Gulf of Carpentaria in northern Australia.

I'm gonna use some of these as my computer Desktop or Screen Saver!

Out-of-the Ordinary places

2012-01-28T06:00:00.001-08:00

Someone from our photography group at work sent these photos around which are really cool... pictures of out-of-the-ordinary places around the globe....

There's so many I'll share these the next few days to get us through the weekend..... dream a little and just imagine yourself there!

The world's highest chained carousel,
located in Vienna, at a height of 117 meters.

Emerald Lake in the crater of an extinct volcano.

Tongariro National Park - NewZealand.

Restaurant on a cliff on the east coast of Zanzibar.

Depending on the tide, the restaurant

can be reached both on foot and by boat.

Office of Selgas Cano in Madrid

Desert with Phacelia (Scorpion Weed).

Flowering once in several years.

Balloons in Cappadocia.

Dubai. The view from the skyscraper BurjKhalifa. T

he height of buildings is 828 m (163 floors).
And this is the view looking down

And the view looking down...

These trees grow in the forest near Gryfino , Poland.

The cause of the curvature is unknown

The border between Belgium and the Netherlands in a cafe.

Twice a year in the Gulf of Mexico about 10 thousand

stingrays swim from the Yucatan Peninsula

to Florida in the spring and back in the fall.

In the resort town of Skagen you can watch

an amazing natural phenomenon.

This city is the northernmost point of Denmark,

where the Baltic and North Seas meet.

The two opposing tides in this place can not merge

because they have different densities.

In the Chinese province of Shandong is a

bridge across the Gulf of Jiaozhou.

The bridge length over 36 km is calculated for eight car lanes,

and is the longest sea bridge in the world.

Day and night. The monument in Kaunas , Lithuania

An unusual tunnel in California 's Sequoia National Park

This statue, created by Bruno Catalano, is located in France.

Is this all they had left after they gave us their Statue of Liberty???

Elegant Bird

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Another one of the new items in the Occasions Mini is the Elegant Bird Bigz Die... here's a simple yet "elegant" way to use the die.... created by Carol Gilmore!

It's a pretty large punch so you have to really manuver it to fit on your card... but it does fit on a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card!

Thanks Carol for this gorgeous card!

11 Things

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

My friend Lori tagged me in her post at work, so thought I'd share this with everyone... here I am, playing along!

11 facts about me:

1~ I could easily become a total homebody.

Yet I love going out and being with family and friends.

2~ I love to take casual drives up the coast then stop and

take prayer walks along the beach.

3~ I hate mushrooms...

why do people eat fungus?

4~ I love to organize. Clean, not so much,

but I will get sidetracked from any project just to organize things

(like junk drawers and the things at the bottom of my purse)

5~ I love our grandson, he's a blessing and

the best thing that's happened to us

(of course next to our own boys).

6~ My husband and I met on a blind date

and were married less than 5 months later

(we've been married now over 40 years and

they said it wouldn't last!).

7~ We never plan on moving.

Our ashes will probably be scattered in the back yard.

8~ I dream of reuniting with my siblings.

I miss them terribly.

9~ I love Friday nights with my husband ~

it's drive-through dinner and movie night.

10~ I never went to kindergarten.

I know, deprived childhood.....

11~ I love going barefoot.

Now, I am supposed to answer these 11 questions from Lori....

1- What is your favorite season?

Fall. I love it when the leaves change colors

and when the air turns crisp and cool.

I love thunder and lightening storms and

listening to the rain on the patio tin roof.

2- What is your favorite food?

Chocolate. I have a total sweet tooth,

and my bathroom scale does not thank me.

3- Name 3 things on your bucket list.

1. Ride a bicycle built for two.

2. Travel to Italy.

3. Complete every stamp and craft project

I've bought and have stuffed in my cabinets

4- What is your favorite quality about yourself.

I've lived long enough now to not worry about

what other people think about me.

5- What is your least favorite quality about yourself.

Being indecisive.

6- What is your favorite thing to do on a lazy day.

Watch a little HGTV, or catch up on a good book.

7- Name your favorite brainless tv show.

What Not to Wear

8- What is your favorite quality in a friend.

Being REAL. Life is too short to be someone you are not.

9-What are three things you love about your spouse?

He is never idle and is constantly doing something

(in other words he's not lazy),

his willingness to help others,

he's trustworthy and dependable.

{oops, that's 4}

10-What was the hardest part of parenting for you?

Letting go, letting them grow up! I wish they could stay little forever!

This is a great saying I recently came across that says it all:

I am not your friend, I am your parent.

I will flip out on you, stalk you, lecture, drive you insane.

Be your worst nightmare, and hunt you down when needed.

But it's because I love you.

When you understand that,

I will know you are a responsible adult.

You will NEVER find someone who loves,

prays, cares, and worries for you more than me.

11-Do you prefer dress up or casual? Stay in or go out?

I do like to dress up on a rare occasion but

I am usually a casual kinda girl.

Stay in or go out? I've have to say stay in.

There you have it.

Nothing too exciting, but that's me, and I'm happy with it!

Have a fantastic day, whether you are dressing up to go out, or staying in!

You only live once, do whatever your heart desires!

xoxo

Dangling Heart!

2012-01-25T06:00:00.001-08:00

Do your ears hang low.. do they wobble to and fro? .... Remember that song? Well when I saw this "Dangling Heart" not sure why I thought of that song.. Does your heart dangle low.... does it wobble to and fro?... oh well, sorry...

Seriously.. this is a darling card, again Debbie came up with the brilliant idea:

She stamped the heart image 6 times, cut out with the Heart Punch, scored in half and glued half a heart at a time to each other. Before gluing the last heart, she added Baker's Twine in the center and then glued the last heart on top of the twine. Because the open circle on the card is positioned far from any cardstock edges, she had to hand-cut the circle with an Exacto-knife.

Here is a side-ways photo of the dangling heart:

Did ya see red rhinestones? She just used a red permanent marker and colored the Rhinestone Jewels...really! She also sponged the edges of each and every layer on the card with Cherry Cobbler Ink and a Sponge Dauber:

The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes and stamped on a banner cut from the Petal Cone Die. She added a red colored line of Rhinestone Jewels also:

Supplies Used:

Cardstock: Whisper White
Inks: Cherry Cobbler, VersaMark
Tools: Paper Doily Sizzlit's Die, Houndstooth Textured Impressions Folder, Petal Cone Die, Full Heart Punch, Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sponge Dauber, Paper Snips
Stamp Sets: Take It To Heart, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Accessories: Rhinestone Jewels
Misc: Red Permanent Marker

You can dangle my heart anytime with this card!!!

Sale-a-Bration begins!

2012-01-24T20:13:00.000-08:00

Well today begins Sale-a-Bration with Stampin' Up! It's a great time each year when SU offers special stamp sets and accessories for FREE with any purchase of $50 order.... woo hoo!

Also since the new Occasions Mini Catalog started in January... it's pretty easy to come up with a $50 order! I'm excited about the new Hearts and Label Framelits & Edgelit Dies... I've never worked with anything like them before since their metal and the other embossing tools I've used are the plastic folders... someone told me their similar to "Nest-a-bilities"... sorry I don't know who makes those.. but regardless I do love the Stampin' Up version of the metal dies... so of course I had to get them all.

They come in a plastic folder similar to the other Embossing Folders... and they're taped to a piece of cardstock to keep them from sliding around ... but Debbie Henderson came up with a brilliant idea to use Magnetic Sheets to keep them in place!

Here's the Label Framelits Dies....

and the Edgelits Dies:

and lastly the Hearts Collection Framelit Dies:

Cut the Magnetic Sheets so they slide right into the envelopes, snap them shut and you have instant organization and storage all in one! Don't peel the paper backing as your Magnetic Sheet will become sticky if you do!

I'll be showing off my new Dies at my

Stamp-a-Stack on the 4th...

I know you'll want to order some for yourself!

Sweet

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Just too cute ... doesn't this remind you of going to Spring Prom in high school... or maybe one of the gazillion times you were a bridesmaid in your friend's wedding..... thinking you'd never be the bride!! Oh I remember those days!

Linda Aarhus made this Sweet card.... the paper is just charming!

Ernest Hemingway sums it up

2012-01-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

"Before you act, listen.

Before you react, think.

Before you spend, earn.

Before you criticize, wait.

Before you pray, forgive.

Before you quit, try."

Happy Birthday Geoff!

2012-01-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Yes another birthday.... today Geoff is hitting the half way mark.... like the 50 yard line.... yippeee... but that is so hard to believe.. Geoff is my brother in law... but more like a brother to me over these past 20+ years I've know him.... he is an incredible husband to my sister and father to my nephews. He loves God with all his heart and soul and mind and strength and his life shows it.

He'll give you the shirt off his back and even iron it for you (inside joke)... He's a great cook and bottle washer... landscaper and house painter... yep.. he's your complete do-it-all guy... all the while giving God the glory!

Geoff I love you so much...

you are a gift to me!

welcome to the top of the mountain.... it's all down hill from here!

S.H.M.I.L.Y!!!

xoxoxoxo

Happy Birthday Martha!!

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

So my dear dear long time childhood bestest buddy girl friend is celebrating her xx birthday today!!! ... Martha is a dear friend.... and I love it that we've recently reconnected again... yes we "grew up together" as our dad's were in the Navy together... but then as we each got married, our time grew apart but not our hearts, and our lives got busier with having kids and raising our families..... We kept in touch but never had an opportunity to really reunite... until this last year and I'm so grateful... it's like we never skipped a beat!

Martha you really are a part of my heart... I love you dear friend.. have a Fantastic Birthday .... May your day be filled with love and laughter, and your year ahead be filled with gifts from God!

and nanny nanny boo boo... you're as old as me now!!!

Mary Mary Quite Contrary....

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

How does your garden grow?????

Well mine doesn't.... guess that's cuz I don't spend enough time outside to plant one or take care of it... but honestly I am missing working in the yard! I use to do that all the time when the kids were younger and I was home with them all day... loved mowing the lawn.. but I digress....

I've been thinking of starting a flower garden. Even if it's just in a planter box or a few pots on the patio. Generally Jerry has a vegetable garden each year... he orders seeds from Burpee catalog and gets his little wooden stakes and chicken wire all ready before they arrive and then plants the seeds and waters... of course the most exciting part is watching the bunnies come and nibble away on all his produce... out comes the beebee gun and he sits on his porch swing just waiting for those little critters to gnaw on his cucumbers... wait.. I'm digressing again...

Back to my flower garden... I found a cool website that teaches you all about Bulbs and how easy they are to grow and take care of...... it's called

Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done.

The site is really easy to use and there are funny videos from three different characters. They each show you different ways to use and incorporate bulbs into your home and yard. I got a kick out of Marcy the Super Mom.

They have several sections with bulb charts and planting tips, FAQs and there's even a Garden Guru where you enter your home location and it tells you what bulbs are best for your area.... Plus they feature some photos with inspirational ideas... here's a few:

Go check it out... and check back with me in the Spring...

I'll tell you how my garden is growing!!!

If all else fails, I'll just print out these photos and display them...

I think they're kinda cool!

Goin' to the Chapel!

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

This Saturday my friend from work is getting married.... I'm so excited for Monica and the new life she and Mik will begin very soon!

So it got me thinking about wedding cards... here's a darling card I found made by Patty Bennett using the Love & Laughter stamp set in the new Mini Occasions Catalog... I love the soft curvy line created with the new Adorning Accents Edgelit Die and matching Embossing Folder too!
Look at some of the pretty accessories that make this card special

STAMPIN' UP! SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS CARD:

Love & Laughter stamp set
Wedding Words jumbo wheel
Baja Breeze 3/8" Pleated Ribbon
Attic Boutique DSP
Adorning Accents Edgelit Die
Adorning Accents Embossing Folders
Antique Brads
Basic Pearls

Congratulations Monica....

can't wait to see you walk down that aisle!!!

I wonder if your dress is gong to look like this one!

Heart to Heart Flower

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

I think I stayed up way too late last night... no, I don't "think".. I know I did!... Whew just having too much fun stamping every night getting ready for Stamp-a-Stack! And look what I found on Linda Fisher's blog... I'm gettin' so many ideas I have to start sorting them out.... but I do love the look of this flower... made using the one of the hearts from the heart punch!

Just use your stylus to cup each punched heart to

break down the fibers of the cardstock.

Then pull the layers apart, stagger and stack

each heart until you get the fullness that you want.

I have seen a cards made using the

Decorative Label punch for a sentiment….

I LIKED it! It only works with small images.

Peeking inside ~

The images are from the stamp sets

Field Flowers and En Francais,

both stamped using Old Olive Ink.

Elementary Elegance

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Not much longer until the start of Sale-A-Bration! Sale-A-Bration is one of the best times of the year and you'll hear more about it as we countdown the days. The Sale-A-Bration(SAB) brochures are available now, so if you did not get one and would like one be sure to let me know.

You're going to love how Stampin' Up! coordinates their punch with a stamp set. In the SAB stamp set Elementary Elegance the frame coordinates with the Curly label punch. Look what Sharon Burket created:

Isn't it elegant? See how embossing the ink brings out the details in the frame image. The Happy Birthday sentiment is also from this set and I think the font is perfect.

Here are the supplies she used to make this card:
Stamps: Elementary Elegance (Sale-A-Bration brochure)
Ink: VersaMark
Paper: Baja Breeze, Whisper White,Cardstock Vellum
Punch: Curly Label
Big Shot: Perfect Polka Dots TIEF and Beautiful Wings embosslit
Ribbon: Baja Breeze seam binding
Extras: Basic Pearls, Silver embossing powder

Let me know when you want to schedule your

Sale-A-Bration stamping party...

you'll be amazed at all the free products you'll earn...

and even more for hosting a party!

With overflowing love

2012-01-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Talk about overflowing love .... Doesn't it just tickle your fancy to see this itzy bitzy envelope overflowing with hearts!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Real Red

Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red, Pretty in Pink,

Brights & Subtles DSP stacks

Tools/Accessories: Big Shot, Framed Tulips embossing folder,

Scallop Envelope die, Tasteful Trim die, Full Heart punch,

Heart to Heart punch, Modern Label punch, Word Window punch,

basic rhinestones

I have a feeling I'll be copying Rita Wright and making a bazillion of these....

Rue Des Fleurs

2012-01-14T06:00:00.001-08:00

Sharon's been keeping me entertained.... look at this elegant journal she made using the Rue Des Fleurs stamp set with a vintage theme!!

The front journal was stamped with the watch/umbrella, masked, and stamped again using the En Francais large background stamp and crumb cake ink.

Tiny, clear rhinestones were added to the umbrella and watch fobs.

A butterfly from the Kindness Matters Stamp Set was colored and attached to the focal image / tag using a dimensional.

Two paper daisies were layered together (one was downsized by overlapping three petals and gluing in place). A new 8mm pearl was affixed to the center of the top most daisy, and ribbon ‘leaves’ were created from always artichoke seam binding, pulling a thread in the middle of the ribbon to evenly gather and scrunch.

The edges of crumb cake card stock were distressed, and after layering the tag onto crumb cake and pear pizzazz card stock, she punched a hole using a crop-a-dile tool and layered vintage lace, un-pleated ribbon, and narrow grosgrain to form a tag ‘pull’.

Friend was stamped using early espresso ink, and punched using the designer label punch. After sponging with lucky limeade ink, additional accents were added with a marker to match the early espresso ink.

One of the coolest things about this journal is the gusseted pocket inside the front cover!! Front, back and inside flaps of the journal were covered with confetti cream card stock and sponged with lucky limeade ink too.

Just too darling to give away...

but what good would that do....

if we care we must share!!!

Make Mine a Double!

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hey, it's not what you're thinkin'.... it's about bows... not drinks.... although sometimes making bows could drive one to drink!! But here's a detailed tutorial Created by You from Sharon Field on how to make a double loop bow Finger Tying Method... or for a triple loop, simply wrap the ribbon around one more time (of course if you had one of my bow tying stands my hubby makes you could use that instead of your fingers)

hee hee hee....

The Double Loop Bow tying technique is a little tricky at first, but once you master it, you will find it a quick and simple way to tie an elegant bow… on your very own fingers!

Double Loop Bow Finger Tying Method Tutorial
Simple Supply List for the Double Loop Bow:

5/8” Satin Ribbon (a wider ribbon is easier to use when you’re first learning this technique)
Ribbon Scissors
Paper Snips

Step by Step Pictures for Double Loop Bow:
I work with the ribbon on the spool, so there is very little waste. I’ll be using my right hand to tie the bow on the fingers of my left hand I begin by placing the spool to the left of my fingers, and pulling the tail across two fingers on my left hand. If you are left handed, you will want the spool to the right of your fingers, and the tail would be pulled in the opposite direction… but there the dissimilarities end.
Working with the tail of the ribbon, wrap the ribbon around your fingers two times, so there are two complete loops on each finger. Here’s a photo of what it will look like… although there is a tail from the spool and the end of the ribbon, neither forms a complete loop…

Now, spreading your fingers slightly, you will tuck the loose tail of the ribbon between your fingers where the “V” is formed on your hand. I’m working with a longer than normal tail so that I can exaggerate the photos and clearly display what I’m doing. In reality, you probably wouldn’t want to spread your fingers this far apart… I’m just trying to make the photo depiction as clear as possible.

Notice the tail of the ribbon goes down through the V, and back up towards your finger tips.
Next, you will wrap the tail of the ribbon back over the loops on your fingers as shown in the photo below.

The next step is to wrap and tuck the tail of the ribbon in the small loop formed when you went through the V. I generally have more involvement from my thumb when tying the double loop bow, but for the sake of the photo, I’m keeping it out of the way

Cinch down the ribbon to tighten it… but not all the way…. This is the back of the Double Loop Bow…

After slipping the double loop bow from your fingers, you will want to manipulate the ribbon to ensure it is neat and tidy on the front before tightening the knot the rest of the way.
Of course, the tail is longer than I would normally have worked with… just because I wanted to be able to show you full detail. Normally there is very little waste when tying this bow! Now all there is left to do is to attach the bow to your card… When attaching the bow, I generally prefer to use three mini glue dots (or more for wider ribbons)... one behind the knot, and one just to each side of the knot… keeps it from moving or slipping undone!

Drinks are on the house!

Apothecary Art

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

The new Occasions Mini catalog that began last week has a gob of great ideas and new stamp sets and accessories. Here's another great card created by Debbie Henderson.... I just love learning from her!

Apothecary Art is a new stamp set that coordinates with the new Labels Collection Framelits....these two items are just awesome! She stamped the image on Very Vanilla Cardstock in Not Quite Navy Ink and used the framelits to cut out the shape.

The 3D flowers were created with the largest sized flower on the Boho Blossoms Punch. She cut 3 for each flower, poked a hole in the center with the Paper Piercer, scrunched up 2 flowers and inserted a Brad in the center. Fluff up each flower to your liking. Glue them in place using a Stampin' Dimensional.

For the ribbon make a triple bow and glue it in place with Sticky Strip over the stamped image. Glue the flowers and ribbon once this layer is glued on the card front.

The sentiment was stamped in Not Quite Navy Ink on Very Vanilla Cardstock and punched with the 1" Circle Punch. Use Not Quite Navy Cardstock as the 2nd layer punched with the 1 1/4" Circle Punch and embossed with the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder. Layer the sentiment with a Stampin' Dimensional and glue in place.

Card Supplies:

Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Baj Breeze
Inks: Not Quite Navy
Tools: Big Shot Machine, Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder, Label Collection Framelits, 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Sticky Strip, Ticket Corner Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals
Accessories: Brads, Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon
Stamp Set: Apothecary Art

I wondered why they named this stamp set "Apothecary Art" ... so when I Googled the definition of apothecary.. then it made sense... apothecary was a pharmacist or shopkeeper who stored things in little jars or containers/cabinets that often were labeled and nestled together to be put away or stored..... ... just like the stamp set of labels... they progress in size from large to small or small to large... .... pretty sweet! And I know you're gonna love them... cuz I do!

Statement of the Heart

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

to love what we do

and share what we love,

as we help others enjoy creativity

and worthwhile accomplishments

in this we make a difference!

- Statement of the Heart

That's the Stampin' Up Motto.. not sure I've ever shared it with you guys.. but it really does say a lot and reflects what us Demonstrators truly believe.

Then when several of us local "orphan" Demonstrators got together to form our own support group, we named ourselves the Rubba Sista's and altered our motto to be:

to love what we do

and share what we love,

and have a BLAST doing it!

I'd love you to join our group too... let me know if you wanna:

1) stamp with your best friends,
2) learn cool neat techniques from each other,
3) earn free products and
4) dream every day of what you're going to create next...

....then you must call me and become a Rubba Sista!!!

We'd love to have you!!!

White on White

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

I just love this crisp and clean look of white on white...

Sharon Burket created this sweet card... and you will too
if you come to my February Stamp-a-Stack that is!

Using two Big Shot dies; the Perfect Polka Dot TIEF and

the Beautiful Wings Embosslit.

We will also use the new die Adorning Accents Edgelits which is in the new Occasions Mini catalog and also the Adorning Accents TIEF more coordination of products. I love that!

The Edgelit cut the beautiful edge and then the Adorning Accents TIEF embossed the curve. The Edgelit is about 6" long . I love that it can make this beautiful curve. The Edgelit can be positioned such that you can cut it straight or angled like she did on this card.

She used the stamp from the Elementary Elegance set featured in the Sale-A-Bration catalog. Love this font! Remember you can earn that set for FREE with any $50 order!!!

All the butterflies were cut using Card Stock Vellum which is heavier than regular vellum. The embosslit cuts it out perfectly. The butterflies are attached with Stampin' Dimensionals.

To keep it all white she accented with basic pearls, but I think the Rhinestones would look great too!

Motion Stamping Technique

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

You've heard of motion sickness? Well this is motion stamping!!!.. but it won't make you sick.. in fact it could cure you of everything.. cuz stamping is the best medicine of all, right???

Debbie Henderson showed this technique on her blog... so wanted to share it with you... explains perfectly how to give action to a stamp design! You can use this with any type of stamp that would show slow motion.. such as an animal, vehicle, toys, etc.

Here she uses the "D is for Dog Stamp Set"

Supplies Needed:

Cardstock
Ink Pad
Stamp of choice

Step 1: Ink your stamp and stamp to the right of your cardstock piece. In this sample, I created a square that measures 3 1/2" x 3 1/2". I turned my cardstock piece so that it sits diagonally and used Soft Suede Ink to ink up my dog image.

Step 2: Without re-inking your stamp, move over about 1/2" to the left of the stamped image and stamp again. By not re-inking you are stamping a less ink-intensive image.

Step 3: Repeat Step 2 to create a 3rd stamped image, this one even lighter than the other two. That's all there is to "Motion"! Quite simple huh?

Here are the remainder of the supplies used:

Supplies for card:

Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Whisper White, Crumb Cake Soft Suede
Inks: Soft Suede, Craft White
Stamps: D for Dog, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Tools: Edgelits *NEW*, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch
Accessories: Rhinestone Jewels, 1/2" Stitched Poly Poppy Parade Ribbon

Doesn't it look like this dog is actually moving on the cardstock layer?

I can almost see a happy dog wagging his tail as he strolls on by!

Recipe for New Year!

2012-01-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

RECIPE FOR A PROSPEROUS, PEACEFUL YEAR

Take twelve, fine, full-grown months, see that these are free from all old memories of bitterness, rancor, hate and jealousy; cleanse them completely from every clinging spite: pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed as much as possible from the past.

Cut these months into 29, 30 or 31 equal parts. This batch will keep for just one year. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot in this way), but prepare one day at a time, as follows:

Into each day put
twelve parts of faith,
eleven of patience,
ten of courage,
nine of work,
eight of hope,
seven of sacrifice,
six of justice,
five of kindness,
four of rest,
three of prayer,
two of meditation,
and one well selected resolution.

To ensure success, put in about a teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.

Pour into the whole love ad libitum and mix with a vim. Cook thoroughly in a fervent heat; garnish with a few smiles and a sprig of joy; then serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness, and a Happy New Year is certain.

And here's something to think about:

Flexible people never get bent out of shape.

Fashionable Heart Embosslit

2012-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love this new Embosslit. What's not to love? You get 5 different sizes of hearts and they are all embossed. The largest heart is embossed with a houndstooth pattern! Truly adorable and a must have. This new little die ranks pretty high up on my list, right there with the Beautiful Wings embosslit so you know this is the real deal.

Sharon Burket created this card....So cute, right? She layered 3 of the hearts with Stampin' Dimensionals on Sahara Sand card stock then used Perfect Polka Dot TIEF ..... be sure to check out the Real Red strip. Do you see it ?

Do you see it now? Yes, little embosed hearts! This is part of the new Adorning Accents TIEF. It is a 3 pack of 3 different edges. Two of the edge designs just so happens to coordinate with the Adorning Accents Edgelits die. This kind of coordination just tickles me and there is even a stamp set that has an image that coordinates too.

This Occasions Mini catalog is just filled with this kind of thoughtful products. All the coordinating products makes crafting much easier and more fun too. If you do not have your own copy of the Occasions Mini catalog let me know and I will send one to you.

Should Old Acquaintance Be Forgot???

2012-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever made something awhile ago and now forget how to do it? Well that's the story of my life it seems these days... I came across this darling card and knew it looked familiar... Like an old acquaintance I had forgot!!!... It's just using the watercolor technique to make some darling paper pansies with the butterfly punch...

So here's the tutorial once again from The Paper Stamper, Kathy Schweinfurth...

Supplies Needed

Butterfly Punch
Refill inks (I use Elegant Eggplant and Daffodil Delight)
White cardstock (shimmery or plain works, too)
AquaPainter
Small water spritzer
Thin-tipped marker (I use Elegant Eggplant)

1. Punch out two butterflies from White Cardstock with butterfly punch and place on folded paper towel.

2. Spritz water a few times onto butterfly.

3. Dip AquaPainter into ink. Gently touch on edges of butterfly allowing it to go into the water. Ink will begin to spread and swirl. You may need to spritz again to get it to spread. You can outline the edges a little darker, if neccessary.

4. Add yellow ink to center.

5. Allow to dry or speed up the process with a heat gun.

6. Using a fine-tipped marker, draw lines in center starting from the middle of the butterfly and shooting out toward the edge.

7. Roll top and bottom part of butterfly around a thin paint brush or pencil. Then, flatten out a bit.

8. Layer butterflies - criss-cross - and put hole in the centers.

9. Fasten with brad (I use mini gold brads, but any coordinating fastener will do).

Here's to Auld Lang Syne!

Love Birds - February SAS

2012-01-05T06:00:00.001-08:00

So now that we're into the new year.... I'm getting my cards lined up for my February Stamp-a-Stack on the 4th. Of course we'll be making some Valentine cards so think this one is a must!! Look at these adorable Love Birds....

Looking closer ~

A couple more hearts on the inside ~

So in four short weeks... February 4th...

this card could be made by your very own hands!!!

Just email me at:

reedranchrod@yahoo.com

Bookmarks for Bookworms!

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

So, is reading more going to be one of your New Year's resolutions? If so, you'll enjoy using these darling bookmarks made by Rita Wright.... aren't they just adorable?

You can make them using giant colored paper clips (you can get from Target). Use your Fun Flowers Sizzix die and Boho Blossoms punch to make the flowers. The Subtles glimmer brads are used as the center flower. The flowers are made here using Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder and Lucky Limeade cardstock.

You can create an entire garden full of paper clip

flowers for all those bookworms you know!

Bringing in the New Year!

2012-01-03T06:00:00.001-08:00

To celebrate the New Year, we took a few days off and went out camping to the desert... haven't done that in some time so it was a real treat. David and Holly purchased a trailer this past summer, so we've been waiting for a great opportunity to camp with them.. and this was it!

The weather was amazing... in the low 80's during the day and not a hint of wind... that was the best part as that wind can ruin any good camping time out in the desert. And of course it was Brayden's first camping trip ever... like a true REED, he loved it... although his first night sleeping in the trailer was a bit confusing but regardless, he played and played and played all day long like there was no tomorrow.

The Dezans joined us too and it was just perfect... the twins, David and Jenna were the perfect playmates and examples for Brayden on "how to camp" in the desert.... and the "big boys" brought all their toys too.... not just motorcycles, but remote control airplanes.... here's Brayden with Barb and the kids... watching the "show"....

These pictures crack me up as he's sitting in the middle

of the desert having a great time just sitting on his own little chair...

watching all the action!

Jerry tried to get Brayden on the Quad.. but he just wouldn't have it...

But he did love sitting on daddy's motorcycle...

as he was much more familiar with that..

like I said.. a true REED!!!

Remember, he's only 18 months old...

can you imagine what it will be like

when he's 18 years old!!!!

Here's a cute family shot....

The Dezan's gave Brayden his Christmas gift...

it was a darling wooden farm barn complete with animals

and of course he loved it!

It opens up to see all the animals inside..

and even had "sliding barn doors"...

And of course where else but the desert is the perfect

place to practice your golf swing....

Of course there was lots of time to relax and look cool

in grandpa's sunglasses...

... and have some of his favorite cherry tomatoes in the camper...

and just hanging out with David and Jenna....

and snackin' on some pretzels....

and finally just as we're packing up to head home,

Jerry finally at least gets Brayden to sit on his motorcycle...

and the hardest part for us all was saying goodbye...

but we made some wonderful memories and

can't wait to do it all again soon!

PS I Love You

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

OK so I know you're ready to get on with the next stamping event... and that would be.. Valentine's Day!! Sorry as much as I also hate blazing too fast through the holidays, just couldn't help but want to share with you some ideas I'll be using on my cards for my February 4th Stamp-a-Stack.

This card is actually made to look like a tag itself... using tags on it too! Mike Funke created it.. using the new PS I Love You set in the Occasions Mini Catalog which starts tomorrow!!!... Remember too it's Sale-a-Bration beginning January 26th so you'll get a chance to earn FREE stamping sets and accessories with your orders of $50.

Using the Modern Label punch as a tag you can create this darling card!

Stamp Sets -

P.S. I LOve You Wood Mount (125460 - Occasions Mini available January 4)

Ink -

Real Red Classic Ink (103133)
Real Red Stampin' Write Marker (100052)
Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker (100071)
Garden Green Stampin' Write Marker (100080)

Paper -

Whisper White Card Stock (100730)
Real Read Card Stock (102482)

Accessories -

Real Red 1/4'' Grosgrain Ribbon (109034)

Tools -

Extra Large Tag Punch (119866)
Large Tag Punch (119876)
Word Window Paper Punch (119857)
Modern Label Punch (119849)
Crop-A-Dial (108362)

Putting It Together Tips:

Using markers is the fastes way to create multi-colored impressions, but it's very easy to place color on the stamp where you don't want it. Use a Blender Pen to easily remove unwanted ink from the rubber.
Always stamp your image first, and then punch it out for perfect image placement every time!
To thread the ribbon through the tag, fold the ribbon in half crosswise and then again lengthwise to create a nub that fits through a 1/8'' hole. To get this look, feed the ribbon through the hole from the front of the tag.

************

Your imagination is your only limitation!

Happy 2012

2012-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

We hope this year brings us closer together

to all our family and friends....

Time is Precious and Life is a Gift

Let's not lose another minute to treasure the

blessings God has given each one of us!

Love ~ Jerry & Gail

365 Days

2011-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

Goodness.. this is amazing punch art card... wish I would have seen it before Christmas...

"The Reason for the Season"

by Nancy Dawson

but hey now it gives me nearly 365 days to get busy

and make some for next year...

Have a wonderful last day of 2011...

May your year ahead be filled with love and laughter!

Tea Shoppe for Two

2011-12-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a great new card made by Debbie Henderson with the new Tea Shoppe stamp set from the Occasions Mini catalog.... which begins January 3rd... and of course I'll be making a similar card using this set at my February 4th Stamp-a-Stack at the Reed Ranch!!!... be sure to sign up soon!

She used the new "Framelits" and the largest of the "Labels Collection" to make the card background layer. All you do is keep the folded cardstock on the inside of the framelits and once your cut is completed, your fold is still there! She also chopped a little bit off the bottom to make it flat and added a layer of "Gold Cardstock" with the next size down in the "Framelits".

The stamped images are from a new stamp set called "Tea Shoppe" and embossed with "VersaMark Ink" and "Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powder". The tea cup is hand cut and notice the and additional "Gold Brads" to the centers of each flower. She used the "Decorative Label Punch" for the sentiment.

Do you like the little doily that sits under the tea cup? That was cut with the "Paper Doily Sizzlit" which is also a new item.... but only used part of it for the card. She accented the doily with 2 branches from the "Bird Punch" cut in "Gold Cardstock".

Card Supplies:

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Gold, Cherry Cobbler
Stamps: Tea Shoppe
Inks: Cherry Cobbler, VersaMark
Tools: Bird Punch, Paper Doily Sizzlit, Labels Collection Framelits, Decorative Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals
Accessories: Gold Brads

Hope it's your "cup of tea" !!!!

Quilt Clocks and Cards

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Jerry has been working on some clocks he's making for the Sandy Rivers Quilting Retreat in Mercer Maine... the idea will be to have the background on the face of the clock to be an actual quilt fabric square either pre-made or personally made by any of her quilters, perhaps to match something they are making for themselves....

We found some great ideas on an Amish clock and cabinet making site.... but think the background was just either painted to printed on paper... so that gave me the idea to make a pattern from SU paper and emboss it to give it a quilted look... but I just found this idea on Karen Barber's blog... so she's done all the work already... made with these awesome Designer Series Paper from Stampin' Up and emboss the square with the Wallpaper or Square Lattice Embossing Folder...

Here's her instructions.... You start by making a bunch of one inch squares.... You need four of the DSP, four of the Early Espresso and eight of the vanilla. Then you cut all but the four corner vanilla squares in half from point to point crosswise. Start in the middle of SU's grid paper andmake your star by using the lines on the grid paper to keep things straight. Then you trim the edges, you have glued your quilt right down to the grid paper and just cut the entire pattern square out. Then choose an emobssing folder and run the whole thing through your Big Shot to give it the quilted appearance.

Hey I can even use the metal arrows from

SU for the clock hands!!!

Think it'll work???

Christmas Day

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful Christmas Day... the weather was our typical "summer-like Christmas weather" as it must have been at least 70 degrees. We had our church Christmas Eve service the afternoon before, so we were able to sleep in a little and then started the day with a nice walk down Crocker Road.

Spent the morning putting together some veggie trays and deviled eggs to take up to Holly's folks as we were invited to have dinner with them up in Fontana. Holly's brother Brian and his wife Charlotta, who just had their baby this past summer, had her parents visitng from Sweden so we were delighted to meet them and spend time all together as family! So Brayden's cousins name is Mattis.... he's five months old now and just as sweet as could be!

And here's Charlotta's parents with Mattis..

Don and Darleen are amazing and made it so special for everyone to be there! They prepared a wonderful dinner of both lasagna to please the Italian side of the family... and traditional turkey dinner for the "traditionalist"!!! Of course there was no lack of sweets in the house either... goodness!

Did you notice what the napkin said... look closely....

I think she knew I was coming!!!

We arrived just before Holly and David.. so were tickeled to see Brayden walk in the door all dressed up for the special occasion!

Darleen had us each hunt for an ornament with our name on it on the tree....

plus she even gave us each our own stockings filled with goodies and treats...

and lottery cards!!!

Here's Holly still trying to find her ornament...

I found mind...

And the boys trying to find their's...

Allen, Jerry and Brian

Mattis spending some time with his Great Grandma Angie...

She celebrated her 90th birthday on Christmas Eve!!

It was so fun to watch Brayden when he arrived....

he has a pretty good routine down ~

so he had to show me what he does....

First give both the dogs their treats....

Next, go up stairs to grandma's room where th bird is and feed him some Cheetos...

And don't forget to get one yourself... hee hee hee

Next find the kitty in his cart in the bathroom...

Gotta finish that Cheetos before he goes back downstairs

and mom sees the evidence...

Looking in the mirror... Did I wipe it all off my face????

Peeking through the upstairs banisters...

Now Grandfather has BOTH his grandsons...

couldn't get him to be any happier than this!

And a great shot with Grandma too....

These are just tooo precious!!

Darleen and Angie in the kitchen getting more food ready!

Brayden entertains himself playing ball on the coffee table...

Here he is patiently waiting for dinner..

Here's Brayden with the birthday girl...

Brian and Charlotta got Brayden a "circus tent" to play in...

Here's Darleen inside with him showing him how to get in and out...

I think he looks like a magician ... making a ball disppear!!

Now you see it....

Now you don't!

Next came a rocking horse from Grandma and Grandfather...

he latched on to this one really quickly!

Another very special gift Darleen got us "moms" were sort of matching t-shirts...

the matching part was they all said "Grandma" in some language!!

Someone's getting ready for a nap.. think Mama's gonna convince him...

Here's two darling blankets Darleen made for her grandsons...

a frog blanket for Brayden...

And a duck blanket for Mattis....

Yep.... he took a really good nap...

and now up in his pj's ready to play some more!

Looks like he's saying..

Did Santa come again while I was sleeping????

Merry Christmas everyone...

and to all a good night!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Like a whirlwind, Christmas has now come and gone! It's amazing...all that preparation and planning... and in a snap it's over and done! But what a wonderful time we had with everyone.

Christmas Eve was spent at the Reed Ranch. Allen and The Banners came over, Jerry's sister Janet, as well as David & Holly and of course Brayden. We had some great Mexican food for dinner... I made my traditional beef and chicken enchaladas, served with beans and rice.

And like most toddlers, Brayden loved to put the black olives on his fingers.... he wasn't especially into eating them mind you, but loved it when I sucked each one off his fingertips!

Brayden was just too cute as he of course didn't even understand that there was even anything in this bag Claire was trying to get him to open. He was more interested at first in chasing Frisco, Allen's dog under the dinner table while everyone finished up eating...

Of course had several trays of candys and cookies

sitting around for all to enjoy throughout the evening...

Evidence of Santa....

and we all finally move down to the room with the gifts!

I think David was just as excited to experience Brayden's real first Christmas.... warms my heart to really think about this and how as a parent now you really appreciate and understand the holiday so much more as you see your own kids learns the traditions and enjoy the festivities! What a great legacy to pass down through the generations!

Finally Brayden gets back to the gift bag from Claire to find it was full of plastic animals ... he really loved the zebra and giraffe!

Janet made some great knitted blankets for everyone...

Here's Geoff and Claire all ready to cuddle up in theirs!

Caleb and Rebekah had come over earlier in the afternoon and dropped off gifts for everyone... blankets must have been the theme of the year as Rebekah made each one of us a special blanket... here's Allne with his.... perfect festive red with Snowflakes..

I know this doesn't look like much, but Jerry was tickeld to get this new start of a plumeria plant from the Banners they left sitting on our front porch....

Here's Holly sporting her new big bag I gave her...

seems pretty tickled with it!

Here's the gift we got Brayden.... notice how Jerry decorated it with homemade Grandma and Grandpa Snowmen ornaments?

And it was the perfect find... a riding ABC train

complete with train bells and whistles!

Think it was a hit!

As promised, after openeing gifts, we had dessert...

and had our birthday party to Jesus

Did you notice I finally did get my tree decorated...

with only ONE ornament which was really needed.

Thanks to Modern Technology

2011-12-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's 6:00 am December 26th... if you think I'm really sitting here typing this to you.... guess again.... thanks to modern technology, and the fact that I'm now officially out of all the Christmas bags and wrapping I bought three years ago.... I'm really standing in line at Walmart with Carol... we'll be going to breakfast at some point perhaps ...... then maybe on to Target or Cost Less.... who knows, maybe we'll run into you there!

Of course I'll have pictures this week of our Birthday celebration to Jesus...

complete with cake and ice cream!!!

It was a wonderful time spent with family and friends!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Luke 2 ~ The Birth of Jesus

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

***********

May you have a wonderful celebration today of the birth of Jesus!

12 Days of Christmas

2011-12-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Every year for the past, oh 18 or so, I've been doing "The Twelve Days of Christmas" with my sister and the Banner Boys..... they get a little gift each day beginning Dec 13th to countdown the 12 days before Christmas. Sometimes the gifts have been "family" focused.. sometimes I've purposely numbered them and make them open "in order" so each person would get something specifically for them... food, or should I say "junk food" being the most popular with Caleb and Noah, like trail mix or licorice.. but think Claire has enjoyed the Christmas decorations and treasures the most....

Well this year, they pulled one on me when I took them their gifts last week... there they had 12 gifts for me!!! .. so it's been a treat each morning as I open one and think of them and the love expressed in return....

Here's the batch of gifts just sitting there enticing me each morning..

Here's Day One... I received this beautiful notebook...

With the best message written inside...

Day Two was a beautiful pair of bling earrings from World Market...

I wore them to work that very day!

Day Three... I was Queen of Christmas!

And got my very own Tiara!!

too cute...

Day Four was filled with goodies...

Christmas emery boards, Kleenex and best of all

some awesome lip gloss!!

Love it!....

Day Five... some wonderful sock booties... love the dingle balls!

I wore them at Jerry's Bunco Bash that night!

Day Six was filled with accessories to with stamping...

pearls, bling and purple flowers and sparklie butterflies!!

I must admit the cards that she included with each gift was just as special..

All with a wonderful expression of love and gratitude.. xoxoxoxo

Day Seven I followed the Star...

the beautiful Card matched the gift..

a silver star wall hanging ornament....

On the Eighth Day of Christmas... was it a partridge in a pear tree?

No it was some beautiful glass mirror bird ornaments...

On the Ninth Day... it was picture perfect...

because it WAS a picture frame!

Like a shining star... complete with bling!

Now we're up to Ten Days.... and Ten Christmas pencils,

note pads and Santa pen... wish I had opened

them Saturday to use at Bunco night..

no worries, just will use them next year!

And look at this card...

think that's the Queen of Christmas in that Hammock??

On the 11th day of Christmas....

got some wonderful shower gel and a Starbucks card!! woo hoo!!!

And look at the daring box it all came in!

And the last day, the 12th, which was today,

I received a cool herringbone scarf...

and another darling card!!

Claire (and Banner Boys).. thank you sooo much for all the 12 Days of Christmas gifts... it was fun to "experience" what it feels like...

but most of all thank you for being the best Elf ever and expressing

your love and gratitude to me!

You are the best gift I have!!

xoxoxoxo

Q-ute Reindeers and more!

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is amazing... look at how Donna Centamore used the letter "Q" from her alphabet set to create these adorable Reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh....

And she even took it a step further... and made a baby card.. who would'a ever thought of this...

And take a look at this Vintage Christmas card she created with the antique lace and pearls!!!

and talk about unusual Christmas trees... take a look at this.. using the radish from the Homegrown set...

Her challenge was to create a Christmas Card using no traditional colors or a non traditional object. WOW!!! She hit it out of the park on this one!

Lattice Fold Wreath Ornament

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Now that yo've learned how to maike the Lattice Fold Ornament... Lynn takes it one more step and makes one into a wreath!
You are going to fold the Lattice Die cut just like you did for the other ornament, then you are going to cut out the middle. See below where you cut with the red lines. Do this after you have folded and glued the loops together to make it easier to assemble.

Once they are cut, you can put them together. The wreath only uses three lattice shapes so it pops up a little bit when they are all together. (The other one used four.)

Once they are together, fold back the outside ovals so the center bumps up, but the wreath lays flat. make a second one and glue it to the back to make them stronger and to be more 3-D.

You can color your Rhinestones with a permanent red marker
right on the sheet and then put them on the wreath.
Put your bow and string on. and you are ready to decorate the tree!

Is that genius or what????

Thanks Lynn!!!

Lattice Fold Ornament

2011-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Lynn Pratt came up wit a darling Lattice Fold Ornament using the Lattice Die and Big Shot.

Here is how to make one:

Using the Lattice Die on the Big Shot, you will need to cut out four shapes. Each one will be scored and folded the same way. Score like shown below. Cut to the center on the bottom side. Fold them up like shown on the right. The red lines are folded to the top.

Using the Two-way glue pen, stick together the center ovals like shown on the left. Then just stick your next one right to the edge oval and keep going with all four. Use the 2-1/2" Circle punch for the red circle in the back. This helps add some stability to it.

Use the Lace Ribbon and Striped Grosgrain for the back, and then just use Sticky Strip to add another circle to the back of that so you don't see it all glued together. Add a string and your ornament in finished!

I love this one!

Christmas themed Birthday

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's puzzling what to do with those birthdays in December... you want to make them special as birthdays are, and still don't drown out the fact that it is Christmas season... so here's a card that combines them both... inspired by Julie Trevett and beautifully created by Linda Fisher... what team work!

It’s a trifold card featuring one of the Designer Frames mounted with an image from the Bells & Boughs stamp set. Together they are decked out in Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Whisper White with a splash of gold.

Looking closer, you can see that a few punched hearts replaced some of the “berries”. The image was stamped twice. Once on Whisper White and then again on Old Olive, both times using Always Artichoke Ink. The Old Olive leaves were then snipped out and placed at the corresponding places of the leaves stamped onto the Whisper White.

You have to untie the ribbon to be able to

open up the card to view the inside.

A single heart rests in the middle of the leaves.

The perfect finale to an amazing creation!

Bunco Bash!

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday night we had our Annual Bunco Bash to celebrate Jerry's birthday... it started a few years ago when I wanted to "surprise" him.... and it somehow has turned into a yearly tradition!

Had a great bunch of friends and family come and join in the festivities... I only got a few shots of the Bunco players... and of course Brayden was there entertaining us all... we had gobs of great food as everyone brought something to share...

We didn't waste any time getting started....

as you know I had very expensive prizes

ready for the winners!

Every time I saw Evie she was laughing...

think she had the best time of everyone!

Noah's already anticipating his final score...

isn't looking too good...

Geoff and Allen are at a match off...

Cameron and Zak even got into it!

Dennis and Dave... dueling it out...

Darleen even taught Brayden to roll those dice!!

Martha's concentrating way too hard...

Now Jerry's concentrating way too hard....

Brayden was happy just roaming around with his snacks...

But as the evening grew on

he really got tired but just wouldn't quit...

Claire's hoping to get a smile out of him...

Walt and Allen.. were they having a contest...

Who can keep their hand up the longest??....

Pam and Barbara... keepin' them rolling...

Brayden and Daddy.... just hanging out...

I way trying to tickle him to get a smile...

Brayden found my Santa brooms and starts to sweep...

What round are we on now???

Where is that travelling Bunco man?

There she is again... still laughin'

See.. told ya...

Pam and Svend are pretty serious here...

Noah's trying to get some more "W's" on his scorecard...

Brayden's still sweeping...

Stacy's watching for some more Bunco's...

After all was said and done... it was Sheryl who won Most Bunco's with total of four, Doug had most Wins and guess who ended up with most Losses?? Yep.. Noah!Travelling Bunco went to Stacy....

After most everyone had left... Brayden was still hanging in there with us.. it was also Darleen's birthday so she and Don stuck around to the end while we all chatted and celebrated some more.

Tried to get some photos of Brayden

with Grandfather Don....

you can see how tired little Brayden is....

Claire got him interested in her Christmas

light bulb necklace as it was holding his interest...

well for awhile at least...

I think this one's funny..

he's pretending he isn't interested..

but look at him still eyeballing the necklace....

Oh and wanted to show you the wonderful quilt that Carol made for Jerry... remember she's the one who we visited in the Fall back in Maine at her Apple Farm and Quilt Retreat....

It was another very fun birthday celebration for Jerry...

and we all had a blast!

See ya again next year!!!

Christmas Bells

2011-12-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Who woulda' thought that Christmas bells could be created out of the Blossom Petals Builder punch... oh my! Well Linda at least thought it... look at this...

Just snip off the scalloped edge of the large petal. Use your oval punch for the underneath inside of the bell look. Use Brushed Gold paper and Gold leaf pen for contrast on each bell. Of course the sentiment was stamped then heat set with clear Embossing Powder.

Looking a littler closer ~

Inside ~

At this angle you actually have a better view

of the 3D effect that the bells have.

Snowman in a Tux!

2011-12-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Frosty better watch out for this guy.... he may become very popular.. and what a handsome snowman he makes...

Kinda reminds me of Bing Crosby singing White Christmas!

Pine Cone Tutorial

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Linda Fisher has some great ideas this week... so wanted to share some with you... and this Tutorial on how to make pine cones is fantastic!!! Makes me wanna go up to Palomar to the cabin and pick some more acorns and pine needles to go along with it for a great decorative display!!!

Step 1

Using Crumb Cake punch six scalloped ovals. Using Crumb Cake Ink distress the edges on each end of the ovals. Using Early Espresso Ink distress again the same edges on each end of the ovals, restricting to just the very edge. As pictured in the first oval below.

Step 2

Cut each oval in half and snip off the outside bottom edges. The width of your pine cone depends on how much of the outside bottom edges you cut off. If you want a small more narrow pine cone, trim off more.

Step 3

Make tear shaped snippets in the valley of each scallop. As pictured in the third scallop.

Step 4

Using your Mat Pack – on the BACK side of each scallop,work a stylus over each and every scallop WELL. You need to break down all the fibers in these areas.

Turn over and you can see how it begins to take on the resemblance of a pine cone. On this side push your stylus in at the base of each one of those tear drop shaped cuts….

watch your pine cone pop up with a 3D effect. The more you push in with the stylus the more 3D you’ll have.

Place a glue dot in the center of five of the pieces, leave one without – this one will be put on last.

Now layer one on top of the other. With the last piece in place, just kind of pinch the bottom together and adhere with another glue dot so that it stays together at the bottom.

Now just sit back and play with it. I take my pick and lift different edges upwards…..anything you like that will give it some realistic shape.

Dazzling diamonds added on the edges might be a nice touch.

Now just nestle your pine cone in with

some leaves and a ribbon and your set!

Tis the Season!

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is weird.

What other time of the year do you sit

in front of a dead tree and

eat candy out of your socks?

Ten Days and Counting!!!

Happy Birthday Jerry!

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's the love of my life's birthday today... yes Jerry is starting the clock at the beginning of a new year today.... can't wait to see what God has planned for you hon! It sure seems this year went by quickly...

The best thing of course that has happened to us is having Brayden in our life..... as Brayden and Jerry seem to already have this unique and very special relationship... Jerry adores him and of course it's a mutual feeling... I could never have imagined how what kind of a grandpa Jerry would be and he's surprised me immensely... he loves Brayden with a passion, you can just see it in his eyes and of course watch when they are together... and when Jerry is not around when Brayden's here... he's constantly trying to find him and pointing to his pictures on the wall... the rides on the lawn mower, the fun at the train park, the "jumping" on the stairs and who can forget the famous talking vacuum hose... sure sounded a lot like grandpa!!!

Another very special thing about Jerry is his love to create and build, especially when it comes to woodworking.... he's always making something or has an idea for this or that... I love it when I just happen to mention something I've seen or like.. and sure enough a day or two later I come home and there it is on the kitchen table; he's not only heard me, but he's already made it for me!

I know there's a gazillion other things he does constantly that I'm hardly aware of nor mention my gratitude..... like mowing the lawn, changing the oil, fixing the sprinklers, patching the roof, charging the batteries, cleaning the BBQs, repotting plants, changing light bulbs, recycling my unrecycled bottles and cans, fixing leaky kitchen pipes, dust moping the wooden floors while I'm at work, killing snakes, killing mice, killing spiders, killing ants, cleaning pool filter, picking oranges, fixing fences.... I could go on and on... and that's not to mention running a successful business from home, helping our neighbors and friends, and working on both our boys home projects too.... whew!

Honey I love you so much and don't tell you enough how I appreciate what you do and what you mean to me. I'm so glad God ordained our days together before time ever began!

May your day be filled with love and laughter and

your year ahead be filled with gifts from God!

S.H.M.I.L.Y!!

Secret Santa Swap

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Well we had a wonderful time on Saturday at my December Stamp-a-Stack... it was a full house and there certainly was a buzz in the air! Everyone brought great treats for Santa.. but we actually didn't save much for him... as we did a pretty good job of sampling everything just to be sure they were acceptable.. hee hee hee...

I had made five cards for the gals, they would make two of each so they'd be able to have one to give and one to keep and use a template to make additional cards if they chose... all pretty unique if I do say so myself... and here they are...

First a flip flop card... using pine cones and some holly berries on one side and

and flip it over to find Dasher on the other...

My favorite quilted stocking card....

perfect size to fit a gift card inside...

like any perfect stocking would have!

Joy to the World!

Taught the girls how to make the paper ribbon...

can be used in so many ways...

just love it!

As promised, and thanks to my BFF Carol,

Hark the Herald Angels Sing!!!!

Amazing that these precious angels are all made by

using punches.... now that's something to sing about!

With Welcome Christmas into Your Heart as the sentiment,

couldn't help but stick a few hearts on the inside....

Then we have little Frosty the Snowman...

well at least his head....

Just the right size to once again use as a

gift card.... he's just so sweet!

Kinda hard to see his top hat against the black tablecloth...

now that's better... all made from the Top Note Die Cut...

Here's some of the snacks I was able to get a shot of before we devoured them!

And the awesome gals who came and created....

Karen

Laura

Lisa

Chris

Paula and Mo

Judy

Susan

Kendra

Shelly and Linda

Pippa and Rindy

Michelle

Cheryl

Jean and Margaret

We also did a Purse Swap and I can't believe I didn't take any pictures!!

Probably cuz I was so intent on stealing that zebra purse from Paula.....

oops...

And most importantly... here's the reason for the season...

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Christmas in the Park

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Old Poway Park again hosted it's Annual Christmas in the Park.... so the kids came down and we took Brayden to all the festivities. We arrived a bit late as Santa had already arrived by train to greet the children.... but we weren't too worried about that as Holly had tried a few days ago to get Brayden to go see Santa.. didn't work out so well... think 18 months is still a bit young.

But the Park was alive with excitement; carolers roamed the Park dressed in their 1880 "period" costumes; Mayor Emery gave his Opening Welcome and Tree Lighting as if everyone were all standing in the Square watching back in the day; of course the lights were beautiful, the smells were terrific of hot chocolate and funnel cakes and kettle popcorn; the train whistle and steam sounds were constant, there was a wonderful old fashioned penny organ player playing Christmas carols, craft vendors selling their goods, there was a petting zoo and face painting and even horse drawn hay rides...

Regardless, our highlight and purpose of going was for Brayden to ride the train with Grandpa! And that he did. Jerry had the 7pm shift working as Engineer, so about 6:30 before he had to go check in, he whisked Brayden away for a jaunt around the park in the old time steam engine locomotive....

Notice the reindeer antlers headband?

Ready to get on board!

Waiting to go....

And they're off!

Here they come for round two....

Now it's time for Grandpa to get to work...

Brayden's wanting to get back on with Grandpa!

Bye bye Grandpa!

The Park looks so different at night with all the beautiful lights lit up...

Still waiting for Grandpa to come back!!!

The end of a very fun evening!

Bye Bye Grandpa... see ya at home!

A Gob of Goodies!

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Jenny from Stamping Moments came up with a great set of cards, tags and gifts perfect for a special friend for Christmas... and I love that she used the "blue" shades of color... take a look:

The color combination is Pool Party and Island Indigo.

The stamp sets are Serene Snowflake, Petite Pairs &

Delightful Dozen for the sentiments.

The lacy border punch makes a very pretty handle for the basket.

The square gift box is perfect for a tall candle as well.

And check out how easily she decorated a glass bauble

ornament for the gift box ....

with curls of designer paper!!!

The insert keeps the bauble from bouncing about.

Love it Love it Love it... think I better go get

some of those glass ornaments and get busy!!!

Love the Layers

2011-12-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not talking about layers of of clothing we all have to wear during this cold weather.. or layers of you-know-what we gain during the holidays... but I'm talking about all the layers of paper and accessories used on this simple and easy holiday card made by the Queen herself, Lynn Put...

She used the Wreath for All Seasons stamp set then starting with a bravo burgundy card base and added a soft suede panel embossed using an SU embossing plate. She added a row of white scallops and a designer paper piece and then stamped the wreath in old olive, the berries in bravo burgundy. To finish off she added ribbon, two buttons and some iridescent Stickles to the berries.

Who woulda thought that Soft Suede

would make such a great Christmas color!

Vintage Card of Love and Laughter

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Who would'a thought of using neutral colors for a Christmas Card.... Barbara Anders, that's who... She's not an SU Demonstrator but is active on the SplitCoast site.

what a great "vintage" card for a "vintage" holiday....

Christmasa Cardinal

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Birds are in now... I guess at least... and I must admit I'm liking them more than I use to.... seems they're finding their way into my home as well... fake ones I mean... not actual real ones fluttering around or anything....

So here's a cute Christmas Cardinal card I found on The Paper Stampers site....

Pretty unique how it's made with the Bird Punch....

I actually think Cardinals and Blue Jays are pretty much alike.. except for color of course.. .so guess you could make the same bird using Bashful Blue....

But then would it be a Blue Christmas Cardinal Without You??? hee hee hee

Pearl Harbor Day

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Remembering you dad on this special day in history...

love you and miss you every day!!

xoxox

always your little girl

Chocolate Chip Brownies!

2011-12-06T06:59:00.001-08:00

These are just too simple to make and you're gonna love them... easy peasy... Patty Bennet made these and created the recipe.. I can't take credit!

Use the Betty Crocker Supreme Bars mix .... add some Reese's peanut butter chips to part of the pan and some Heath Toffee pieces to the other.... ooooooooohhhhh my yum!

the Reese's chips and the Heath toffee pieces are sprinkled on the brownie batter, then the Chocolate Chip cookie dough part goes on top:

after baking:

Here is the recipe she made for her digital studio page...

but just update it with the Reese's chips and the Heath bits!

Make it Yourself Gifts

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a few make it yourself gift ideas.. thought they were simple and cute....

Chocolate never needs an explanation....

Snowman topper on some brads or the jingle bells...

who wouldn't love that??

Candy Cane Santas... made with the Top Note die cut...

Starbucks gift packet:

and easy to make too... thanks to Becky for sharing!