A Colorful Christmas

This card uses the mytimess3 sketch from Lauren; I had a difficult time with this one as well. I am a circle person, so the squares throw me off. I took the cue from Lauren's sample and offset the snowflake stamp on the squares. I know you don't see alot green and purple snowflakes, but I love this color combo.

The papers are all PTI except the Old Olive which is from SU! You can see the snowflake embossing folder, it adds so much texture. Don't you love the yummy stitched ribbon; also from PTI!

The snowflake stamps are from Verve, the sentiment is from PTI Mixed Messages. I used nesties to make the squares as well as their mats.

It's my first Christmas card for this year. I gotta get cracking on them soon! I think I know which set I am going to use, it's just a matter of find an easily recreatable design and color scheme.

Cody and Duke went shopping for a few toys yesterday morning and Cody ended with a high priced toy without Duke even paying attention. He chose something for over $20.00 when his allowance is only $7.00 per week. Ha! AND, they rearranged the entire store; they couldn't find a darn thing!!

A Little Chocolate Pick Me Up

Made this for our new sitter and gave it to her at the end of the first week with Cody. The dp is from basic Grey, Blush Collection, sheet is Boyfriend. I love it! I used textured cardstock for the belly band. All stamps from MFT; the ribbon is an RAK from Allison; and I used a Prima fancy on the note card. BTW, those were the last of the giant bag of nuggets that I bought for such gifts.

Duke and Cody are going to do a little shopping this morning while I attempt to sleep in. We'll see how that goes. LOL

Hope you are having a great weekend.

Floral Coasters

Made these super quick for a friend of Duke's who dropped by the other day. The flowers are PTI Garden of Life. I just stamped them in the colors of the glass on the coasters themselves.

We went to dinner at Olive Garden last night and ended up running into the daughter's of a friend of ours that passed early this year. It was nice to see her and know she is doing well.

Yellow Daisies

I used PTI Floral Frenzy, the Swiss Dots embossing folder from Cuttlebug, and my beloved Threading Water punch plus some yummy ribbon also from PTI.

Ad production and proofing are really time consuming and without all the sugar and caffeine, I'm not sure I'll make it. Just kidding! Hopefully, we'll have a good system in place before the end of the week.

Have a Hoot

Since my mom is a fan of owls, I decided to make her a card with an owl...am I clever or what? LOL Anyway, this card uses a sketch, but I'm not sure from who. And yep, that's the new PTI Pure Poppy color, so pretty!

Finally finished a big project at work only to start on yet another. They keep me busy for sure. Seems like there is always something else that needs my attention. The girls are starting to use me more, which is a good thing.

Cody stamped with the same set, I'll have to post his work soon...too tired tonight and the file is quite large.

Cody has been bringing home tons of homework and I am beginning to wonder if he's actually in 2nd grade, good grief. I think he has more than I did when I was in high school.

I have Labor Day off, so I'll be enjoying a long weekend soon enough...yippee. Of course, I have to get ready for the satellite internet installers, so that means actually cleaning my house so I'm not embarrassed to have someone enter it.

More Office Accoutrement

I used the SU! Office Accoutrement set once more for this card. You can also see the CHF Lined Paper backgrounder on the Groovy Guava base. The dp is Making Memories. I'll put the sentiment in the front once this card has a recipient.

Ok, so I am on day #8 with no caffeine and minimal sugar. Time for us to change our eating habits before they affect the boy beyond what they already have. My withdrawal headache has ceased and I am glad to be free of the addiction. We will start walking at the school track before dinner a few days a week.

A Little Lady SFYTT

I was able to participate in Jen's SFYTT for this week, another great sketch. I used PTI Little Lady for the image panel. The dp is K & Co. Berry Sweet.

I tried to get some stamping time in yesterday and on Saturday. I have been trying hard to have most of my posts ready for the week by Sunday. I have a few days ready, and hope to get near my stamping table at least twice this week.

The office will be rather busy this week as we start production of our five publications. I have been told that it gets a little crazy and tensions run high. I am hoping that all the work being put into being organized will have helped at least a little as these deadlines approach.

Some Birthday Wishes

I used Lauren's Saturday Sketch #2; this one was easier for me than the previous one. I used Really Rust, Night of Navy, Always Artichoke, PTI Kraft, and dp from Basic Grey Boxer. The main image is from SU! Office Accoutrement and the sentiment from PTI Mixed Messages. And, the background image is from Cornish Heritage Farms.

I'll be using this card for either my mother or my aunt, who share birthdays on September 16th. I am not that close with my mother, but recently, steps in the right direction have been taken. I am hoping that our relationship can be repaired.

Changito Birthday

This card uses a sketch from Amy R for this week; really versatile sketch. I just remembered using a changito for Amy's last sketch as well.

The image is Changito and the dp is K & Co. Berry Sweet. I love all the vibrant colors in this particular sheet. The whole pack of dp is quite bright and busy. And, the brads look a little crooked in the photo, but they are straight IRL. Oh, and I finally made the switch to PTI White cardstock...it really is as good as you hear! I just love it.

Our satellite internet will not be installed until September 2nd...wahhhh! Ah well, we've done without it this long that a few more weeks isn't going to hurt. It's just that I tend to be a tad impatient!

Acetate Box

This is the box that nearly killed me...I suppose it's simple enough to make, but I did it wrong TWICE and then it took me nearly an hour to put on the top and bottom. Whoa, it wore me out! It's not all that pretty, but I am proud that I finished it! I love boxes and bags, but it seems like my measurements are always a bit off which makes it difficult when assembly time comes around. I'll have to attempt it again with better acetate, mine is too thin and flimsy.

I am approaching 7500 hits....can anyone tell me the difference in hits and visitors? My blog counter is showing the visitors and not the hits; but when I look at Blog Patrol, it gives numbers for both. I am lost trying to understand the difference. Allison and Anessa will have to look over me, I'm a tech 'tard.

So anyway, I'll be offering some blog candy toward the end of the month...stay tuned.

ETA: We just ordered satellite internet, hopefully I will be off dial-up next week. Woot! Woot!

Just Because

I used Mojo sketch #49 for this card, not so sure I like it...the card, not the sketch. I was just not feeling it and it shows. Ah well.

We are getting a gift basket together for one of my co-workers who just had surgery; the whole office is pitching in. I will post the few things I made to go in the basket later in the week.

Cupcake Congratulations

I got this cupcake stamp a few weeks ago while at HL; they were having 1/2 off stamps. Well, this one caught my eye and I decided to bring it home with me. It is made by Stamps Happen, designed by Tara Reed Designs.

I had to make a long card as the image itself is quite long and won't all fit on a standard sized card base. I used my Threading Water punch as well as some DCWV dp. The ribbon is from Offray and really pulls together the colors and all the dots in the image.

I got the bulk mailing out today, so we are expecting lots of calls later this week and next week. Hope we can get some new sales out of it.

Cody is starting to have spelling and reading homework. He has 12 words to memorize for the week and a chapter to read in his book each night.

Explosion of Flowers

This card uses the sketch challenge at Our Creative Corner for this week. I used PTI Garden of Life with Orchid Opulence, Real Red, and Old Olive inks. The ribbon is Offray and the felt flowers are American Crafts...just a few days late for Allison's challenge to use felt.

I have been a little under the weather over the past week. I had been running a mild fever at times throughout the day and just felt horrible. Then, yesterday my fever ran its course and I have felt great ever since. Don't know what the issue was, but I am thankful that it has passed.

Best Wishes for Birthday Fishes

This uses Lauren's MyTime Sketch #1 (they are issued every Saturday); I wasn't sure about it, but since the sketches are meant to challenge you, I attempted it. I didn't use rounded squares, but instead substituted the ovals. I thought about it and I came up with a fish bowl of sorts for the circular element. The fish are from PTI Pond Life; the sentiment is from Pond Life Sentiments; I hand wrote the Best Wishes because my white ink pad isn't white enough. I'll have to get the re-inker soon.

Cody is excited about going to the sitters house today; she has some yorkies and poodles; he loves animals. And, he rides the same bus home and he's just a few mintues away from home.

Just Because Daisy

I used Jen's SFYTT for this week, another great sketch! The stamps are from PTI Floral Frenzy. The dp is Basic Grey, cardstock is SU! Chocolate Chip and I used PTI white for the image. I tried about 5 times to sponge the panel to "age" it to match the distressed paper, but it just didn't work out. I'm just not good at distressing!

My interviews went ok yesterday, but I really wasn't that impressed with either person. Then, I got home and had a message from a lady that was interested. I ended up giving her a call and found out she lives just down the street from me! I went to meet her and ended up spending about two hours with her and her family. She has a mentally handicapped daughter and she raises dogs. I just felt so at home and comfy with her. And, the upside is that Cody didn't want to go home.

Duke was off visiting some friends of his yesterday and will not likely make it home before 5:00 pm today. Hopefully, I can pull this dinner off all by myself.

Berry Sweet Birthday

This is the birthday card I made for one of the ladies in the Birthday Club in the scrapbooking group that I belong to. I loosely used a sketch from Amy R for this one.

The stamps are from PTI and Technique Tuesday. I added JudiKins Diamond Glaze to the sundae cup. The card base is kraft, the dp is K & Co Berry Sweet. The cardstock matches the paper much more closely IRL.

Sweet As Honey

I used another Verve sketch, this time AVS07. The stamps are PTI Honey Bees; the dp is K & Co. Berry Sweet. You can also see that I used my beloved Threading Water punch again; love that thing.

I am hoping to interview a few people to sit with Cody after school and non-school days. My other sitter totally flaked on me, haven't heard from her in over a week.

So glad the weekend starts soon; I need some rest. Of course, between the cleaning and the interviewing, I'm not sure where the rest will come in. Maybe in the form of a nap...ahhh. Of course, I hope to get some more stamping done and ready my posts for the week.

Stampendous Bee

I used Verve sketch #AVSo7 for this card. I found this adorable stamp in my most recent trip to HL, I originally saw Lynn use it. I used some K & Co Berry Sweet dp with some bright cardstock from SU! The image was colored with copics and then I pierced around it using the mat pack.

Jason, Duke's son, is celebrating his birthday on Friday; we're having a little dinner for him on Sunday. Hopefully, he won't be called into work and can actually relax for the weekend.

Cody lost a tooth at school yesterday; the front one on the left. His teacher gave him a cute little wooden box shaped and painted in the form of a tooth. I took pictures, but haven't edited them yet.

Hello Friend

This is Verve sketch #8, awesome sketch. I used PTI cardstock in Plum Pudding and Lavender Moon and the image is from PTI Birds of a Feather.

The school orientation was great; it was done differently this year than in years past. We participated in a scavenger hunt of sorts and had to introduce ourselves to all the new faculty as well as tour the homeroom. Loved it! I signed up for the PTA and am excited to help the school in its many fundraising events and endeavors.

A Sketch For You To Try

This is my take on Jen's SFYTT challenge from Saturday. I used stamps from MFT and American Art Stamps. The dp is from The Paper Studio, the cardstock is from SU! and PTI. You can see that I also used my beloved Threading Water punch.

Have you all been enjoying the Olympics? I have been watching when I can and have enjoyed the men's swimming stuff the most. I became a fan of Michael Phelps in the last Olympics and he has been "tearing it up" this time around. Hope he takes home lots of gold!

I have been crazy busy with work, getting ready for a massive mailing this week. Finally whittled down our list and getting it out later.

We have orientation at school today too; don't know why they didn't do it BEFORE school started. Anyway, that is about 3 hours long. FUN!!

A Weekend Sketch Challenge

This is my take on Lauren Meader's saturday sketch challenge. I used stamps from MFT, cardstock from PTI, the dp is K & Co., and the buttons are from my stash.

I am happy to say that I was able to participate in a few of the sketch challenges I have seen this week; I loves me some sketches.

Cody has his first full week of school today; he is looking forward to seeing his friends every day. He sits next to his "girlfriend", Savannah; so that is the highlight of his day.

Love

Here is my take on Amy R's sketch challenge this week. I got this new stamp (along with a few others) at HL yesterday since they were 1/2 off. Our HL doesn't have all the latest and greatest, but it looks like the store is being revamped and they are stocking more popular items.

Forgive the horrid photo, I had to upload from my PC since Duke sucked my laptop cord into the vacuum cleaner a few weeks ago. I borrowed a power cord from work until I could get one, that one has since bit the dust and I am waiting for mine to arrive any day.

I was hoping to find some fall/ winter clothes for Cody during my excursion yesterday. Although we found some jeans, as luck would have it, none were in his size ANYWHERE we went. I did manage to find myself some dresses and shoes, some things I am in dire need of. And best of all, they were super cheap!

Cakeabella

I think that is her name, she is colored with copics and I used an AtYou Spica glitter pen for the frosting. I pierced above the sentiment and above the dp.

Going shopping later today at HL and Ross, hoping to find some great deals. And, back to the grocery store.

Much Love

I used K & Co- Berry Sweet paper with SU! Rose Red cardstocl. The image stamp is PTI and the sentiment is from MFT.

We took Cody to dinner last night for his birthday and let him choose his own gifts this year. Of course, he wanted to stay up til the wee hours, but since he has a whole day of school today, there wasn't much playing once we made it home. But, there is the weekend!

Thanks a bunch for stopping by and brightening my day with lovely words. Hope you all have a great weekend.

Billy Thanks You

Another quick post!

This is the final Billy thanks card for this week, I swear it. I apologize if you have become bored with them. Again, I used the same papers and stamps, just changed up the layout.

Quickie Post

Here's another thank you card, in fact, I made four of them. I think I just have about four more to make.

Cody's big day is tomorrow, I still haven't made his card. Gotta get that made tonight.

He got ready for school in record time this morning; hope this means we are off to a good start for the year.

You Rock

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"This is another version of the Thank You card I am sending out. I used the same papers, but changed the layout.

Finally got all the laundry done last night; I have no idea where it all comes from. I guess none of the housework really ends, huh? I am hoping that the week goes by fast; I never know where the weekends go. I suppose I should spend time doing more, but I find it difficult to "get out" of the house.

I may start walking with one of my co-workers after work; just to get some exercise in. I am going to start moving in an effort to lose some excess weight, hoping it will make me feel better. It sure can't hurt. Anyway, it'll probably be just two days a week to start.

Thanks A Million

I made two of these as the Thank Yous I will be sending out to those people that attended his party and/ or bought him a gift. The kiddo really raked in the dough and already has plans to leave it in his piggy bank to help us "be rich". Too cute. It's so funny that he's a stingy little guy with his money; yesterday he wouldn't purchase a single thing without asking how much it was and how much money he would still have if he bought it. However, when I told him I was buying him a few school clothes, he was just putting stuff he liked into the cart. Oh, the differences between mom's money and his own fortune.

Unfortunately, with the tax free weekend, there was hardly anything left anywhere we went. Thankfully, he has plenty of summer clothes and there's still plenty of summer weather left, so we're good. I just have to get some jeans and khakis in the fall with some long sleeved shirts.

Here is the side view of the nesties bookmark for some of you that had questions. I used a piece of cardstock folded and then placed the fold just under the scallops so that there would be a hinge. Then, cut the larger nestie and adhered on the top. Easy peasy!

I wish I could have spent a little more time in bed this morning, recovering from such a full day gets harder as you get older.

Nestabilities Bookmark

This is a bookmark I was commissioned to make with my co-worker's granddaughters picture (I am certain that my punctuation is not correct in that sentence). Anyway, the picture is one of those plastic bookmarks from school pictures and is not practical in usage. I have Basic Grey magnetic snaps as the closure.

Our day at Nascar Speedpark was just perfect! All the kids were VERY well behaved and seemed to have a great time. And, even my family showed up for us and actually participated in a real way.

We were exhausted by the end of the day, but it could not have been more perfect. We'll be taking Cody's birthday money to help us get some school clothes today. We have a tax free weekend this weekend for clothes, computers, and school supplies. With our local sales tax at nearly 10%, this is a significant savings at the cash register.

I'll catching up on all my favorite blogs later today or on Monday. Thanks so much for all the lovely comments and well wishes.

Ciao Bella

I love this Basic Grey Sugared Papers, so beautiful. I bought the 6x6 pad and hopefully can go through the scraps alot faster than the 12x12. The layers look crooked, but they are not.

We're heading to the theme park sometime in the morning and hope to arrive around noon for some fun before the cake and ice cream.

I had been a little sore during the day after my spill in the driveway. I am hoping that I am not feeling the effects later today because it'll be a long one. I will load up on ibuprofen before we leave, that should help. Thanks for all the well wishes and concern. I think I'm more embarrassed than anything.

Oh, I used Mojo Monday #44 for this card.

Bookmarks

I made these in the wee hours of the morning for my co-workers parents.

The last 12 hours have not been good to me. Last night, I got stuck in my driveway. Now, I do not have a flat, paved driveway by any stretch of the imagination and most times you need to have a 4-wheel drive to get up. But, for whatever reason, I could not get up the blasted thing to save my life.

Then, this morning, I slipped on a rock and fell to the ground after landing on the rocks and the metal structure under which I park my Jeep. Not pretty! Cody was scared and ran to get Duke; who happened to hear my scream and was already outside making sure I was ok. I have to give him props as he wasn't laughing; I am almost certain that if the tables were turned, I would have been.

The only good thing about all this activity is, it can only go up from here.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you all have a great weekend.