Oh...I dared!

This is another bargin shopping result!  I choose the colors for this card from last weeks Play Date Cafe Color Challenge PDCC15.  So the bargins are:

1. The stamp set: 15+ images for $1 - that's right one dollar (I am the bargin hunting queen)!  I've seen cards made with this bird image awhile back and always loved it, so I snatched it up when I saw it. 
2. The ribbon: $1 for 4 yards.  Pretty good deal and I've been noticing tons of cards with BIG bows on them.  I thought for a buck, I'd give it a try.
3. The designer paper: a 24 page pack of Making Memories paper.  Not my favorite prints (again refer to Rob's motto) but workable for me.

So like I said, I dared...and it's FABULOUS!!!

Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, Ballet Blue, MM DP

Inks: Versamark, More Mustard, Wild Wasabi, Ballet Blue

Stamp Set: (I'll find the package and edit this post - check back)

Accessories: satin ribbon, gold brads, gold EP, H2O pen, blender pen

Bargin Shopping

I am a firm believer, that if you can't get something at a discount, don't get it.  I love great deals!  When I shop on a clearance rack, I get the rush from finding a great deal.  With that being said, there are a few exceptions. 

My husbands motto with clearance shopping is "If it's on the clearance rack, it's there for a reason."  I largely dissagree with this motto, but sometimes it rings true.  For example this card here.  This was inspired by the MoxieFab Tuesday Trigger picture and the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge at The Sweetest Thing.

I found the FABULOUS fabric velvet ribbon on clearance at Hobby Lobby.  I bought a spool with 8 yards of this stuff for $2.97.  It was regularly $4.99 a yard!  Great deal eh?  No let's look at the image.  I found a clear rubber stamp set of 6 with cute sayings for little girls (I won't mention the name of the company) for only $1.  Now I am tradtionalist when it comes to my stamps.  I lean more toward the wood blocks as opposed to the clear block stamps.  I have continued success with the wood blocks, and hit or miss with the clear rubber for clear block stamping but I thought I'd give it a try at such a great deal. 

This stamp set was a MISS.  Not only did it not stamp the image well, I had to be Hulk Hogan to get it off the plastic sheet!  I thought I did everything right, I evenly inked, lined it up over the paper ( a bonus with the clear block), I even used a stamp pad to stamp on.  Nothing I did got it right.  Perhaps that's why it was on the clearance rack...hence Rob's motto.   Oh well.  Lily's Valentine is done and she'll love it!

HOLY'N TOLEDO!!!!

In the words of my Grandpa Ben...HOLY'N TOLEDO!!! (how convient it was for him when we moved there) I WON ON MOJO MONDAY'S!!!! I am so shocked!! I wasn't even sure if I was going to submit my card, I didn't like it that much. Since free time hasn't been my friend, and I was unable to create another, I went ahead and submitted it and I WON!!! It just goes to show you that you are your own worst critic. Make sure you always get a second opinion before you scrap something. With this win, I have been given my choice of a Verve Stamp set!  I have been coveting many of the sets there, and decided on the 'Because of You' set since Mother's day is around the corner.  Make sure you check out their stamp collection, I love 'Up, Up and Away' too (it was a tough decision). This is the card that won, and here is the orginal post.

Trapped

All snow and no school makes Kristin a trapped mom...I haven't been able to get a moment to get into my creative spot. BOTH girls will be taking a nap today so I can get some things done! Wish me luck!

New look?

Hi everyone...please be patient with me. I'm trying a new look for my blog. I've opened an ETSY site and wanted them to coordinate. It's unfortunate that I'm not very computer literate...

Spring Flower Fun

I love the snow. Nearly 8" we got here. It's so pretty and clean and white. I'm over the snow. Nearly killing the girls and I on the highway with truckers hitting patches of ice. Spring needs to come, no more death defying trips for us thank you. This is for hoping for no ice, just fun, snowman snow. Or get rid of winter completely and give us spring.

Spring Flower Fun
Cardstock: Almost Amethyst and DSP, CLose to Cocoa, Whisper White, Garden Green
Inks: Close to Cocoa, SU! markers: Almost Amethyst, Pumpkin Pie
Stamp set: Spring Solitude
Accessories: non-su! silk flower, white gorsgrain ribbon, scallop edge punch

Good Neighbors

This is a new stamp set from Sale-a-bration at SU!. It's a cute house collection. Kind of country kitchy, it's cute. It's for the SCS SC266 card sketch and I've been trying to download it on my gallery there for hours. Oh well... I did eliminate the bottom circle, it seemed too much going on for me.

Good Neighbors
Cardstock: Soft Sky, Pretty in pink, Ruby Red DSP, Certainly Celery, Close to cocoa, Garden Green
Inks: Soft Sky, Pretty in pink, Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery, SU! markers: Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red
Stamp Set: Good Neighbors, Simply Said
Accessories: Cuttlebug polka-dot strip folder, white gel pen, non-su! stiched ribbon

Camera down...

I would have posted these things sooner, but the camera was down for 2 days. So here it goes! I created this one based on the SSSC54 sketch challenge over at 'The Sweetest Thing'. I love her blog! She does amazing work! I wasn't able to post this there in time, but wanted to show off my work ;). This also goes with the SCS Thursday Limited Supply challenge LSC258, I've Been Framed. It's not exactly a frame, but it's a decor item. This is made to hang on the wall or it could sit in an easel, and I think it will go in my kitchen. I love the colors and the quote. Sweet and simple!


Love Many Things
Cardstock: So Saffron, Close to Cocoa, Soft Sky, Whisper White
Inks: Chocolate Chip, SU! markers: So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery
Stamp Sets: Garden Silhouettes, Sage Advice
Accessories: Cuttlebug embossing folder, SU! scallop edge punch, Cricut Accents cartridge, white gel pen, non-su! oragne grosgrain ribbon, 6" square wood board.

Why? They ask...

When I was in my hometown this weekend, I had several people comment on my blog (they loved it of course;)), but had many questions for me. I thought I'd take the time to answer some of the questions while my creative juices are drained.

Why do you 'craft' things? - It's called CREATE. It keeps my brain from turning to mush. I don't get much adult interaction during the day, so instead of being a couch potato, I create! It's also an outlet for me - the more I create, the better mom & wife I am. Besides, there is only so much butt wiping, laundry and toilet scrubbing a girl can take.

Do you sell your cards - Years ago, I had a fairly successful business making cards for various boutiques and invitations for people. I started doing this when my oldest child was 3 months old. I got so busy creating for other people, that it took time away from my family, so now I only do requests from old clients and friends. But...I just opened an ETSY account, it doesn't hurt to put my creations out there, right?

Do you sell your cakes? - A couple of people asked if I sold my cakes - I'm not that good of a baker (click here for evidence of that)but I make a killer cupcake and awesome cookies. I can never say no to family or friends, or if someone makes me an offer I can't refuse!

Are you getting paid? - No...my husband wishes.

Why do you blog if you're not getting paid? - This is something I can do to keep me accountable to my creative side. Life gets in the way of good intentions, this keeps my intentions a priority. Although...is cleaning a priority?

Mojo Mishap

I'm not thrilled with this Mojo attempt. I'll try again later, but I thought I'd share. It has entirely too much happening, perhaps mimicking my life!

Mojo Mishap
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Ruby Red
Inks: Basic Black, su markers: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Ruby Red
Stamp Set: Love Matters
Accessories: CriCut circle,hearts & scallop; scallop border punch, Cuttlebug folders, white gel pen

Back to therapy

We went out of town this weekend to my hometown of Perrysburg Ohio. It was a fun trip! We stayed at the French Quarter (fun Holidome) that my children loved. Reminised high school theatre and caught up with my freshman english student teacher Deb Drew and European BFF Anne Sluhan over Pomegranete Martinis (yum!). Had a pool party with dear friend Carrie Faber and her family, and visited Anne's amazing aunt and son Maryanne Sluhan & Jon Sluhan. All in all a fun filled weekend!
Now that I'm back home, I can continue my creative therapy! I had originally created this card for the Play Cafe color challenge, but realized that I forgot a color. My mind isn't back from it's trip, better luck next week!

Cherry on Top
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Orchid Oppulence, Basic Black, Rose Red, Whisper White, Rose Red DSP
Stamp Set: Goody-Goody Gumdrops
Inks: Basic Black, SU! markers, Pumpkin Pie, Orchid Oppulence, Rose Red
Accessories: non-su black polka-dot ribbon, scallop punch, 1 3/8 & 1 1/4 circle punches, black eyelets, Crystal effects, white gel pen, Cuttlebug Swirl

I just can't stop!

I'm addicted to these Taintor-tude cards! They are full of sass and fire, just like me! Here are 2 more I made last night after the girls went to bed. Now I just need to start sending these out to people so they don't collect dust in my card box!


Handle on Life
Cardstock:So Saffron, Taken with Teal, Petals & Paisley DSP,
Accessories: Cuttlebug Houndstooth, SU! orange grosgrain


Dancing Nuggets
Cardstock: Soft Sky, Bordering Blue, Ruby Red, non-su DP
Accessories: Cuttlebug polka-dot, non-SU! yellow polka-dot ribbon

What? Me? Retro???

I am so loving this!!! These retro/vintage sassifies cards are too fun! Here are few more I made for the Moxie Fab challenge. I'm not going to put the supplies down, they're limited and mostly non-SU!. However, if you're interested, leave me a comment and I'll let you know what I used.

You have NO idea...
This defines my late 20's(sorry mom). I looked all innocent, but was the devil in disguise!


Fire Hazard


For Cristy
My girlfriend Cristy is the Volunteer Queen of Perrysburg. She is always roped into something, this is to remind her it's ok to say 'no' sometimes.

Moxie FAB!!!

I just found this fantastic website called Moxie Fab World. I'm not fully informed with all they do, but I've seen some FABULOUS creations there (hence the name Moxie Fab). There is a challenge they are hosting there that has me all a twitter, if I did that. It's called the Taintor-tude challenge. It's a challenge based on Anne Taintor's work. You may not know the name, but you know her creations! They are sassified images and statements that make you laugh, blush and cheer. Check out one of my favorites here. I have been so inspired, I have been collecting images and quotes on line all day for my creations! Here are a couple I did today after the girls went to bed. I'm not sure which ones I'll submit for the contest, I'm sure I'll make many more before the due date!


Coffee
Caffine...good...
Card stock: Garden Green, Blush Blossom, Bordering Blue, whisper white, non-su dp
Inks: Bordering Blue
Stamp set: Simple Stripes
Accessories: non-su buttons, delphinium grosgrain ribbon, Cuttlebug embossing folder


Birds
This image cracks me up!
Card stock: Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, Pretty in pink, non-su dp
Accessories: retired SU ribbon, ice circle brad, primo flowers, Cuttlebug Polka-dot


Secret Admirer

I love this image and the quote is funny.
Card stock: Bashful Blue, Lovely Lilac, So Saffron, non-su dp
Accessories: Olive grosgrain ribbon, fire circle brads, Cuttlebug folder,

update...

Hi ladies!
I received a few comments on the card I made last night, thanks for all your kind words! I also was asked 'how-to' questions and realized I forgot to add the links in my post. So, now if you read my post from yesterday, you will see the links to the challenges which has complete detailed instructions on how to make the card folds and more beautiful samples made. Enjoy!

Trying new things...

My new Cricut arrived this afternoon! My husband is fearful I may only emerge from my craft room when I need to potty. He's probebly right.

Lily and I spent 4 hours playing with our new toy. She was so eager to make things for everyone she knows, but most things are made for her grandparents. We cut out random flowers, swirls, leaves and shapes for her to play with. She really wanted to tackle the Tinkerbell images, but I thought I should save those for when I'm a bit more knowledgeable.
After Lily went to bed, I decided to tackle the SCS Color challenge CC252 Pretty Mambo Blossoms and combined it with yesterday's technique challenge TLC257. It took me entirely too long to complete this card, but part of it was playing with the Cricut. I've been disapointed with my craftmenship and creativeness with my card creations these last 2 weeks. Hopefully it's just because I'm out of practice. No practicing tomorrow until I get my house in order!


Card Stock: Pretty in Pink, Pink Passion, Blush Blossom, Vellum
Stamps: Canvas, French Script, Sincere Salutations
Inks: Pretty in Pink, Blush Blossom, Versamark
Accessories: SU! retired Razzle Berry glitter, Heat-n-stick, glue pen, Pretties kit, primo flower, non-su beads, Cricut Accents

tap...tap...tap...

I am waiting...for an arrival...from the brown shorts man...it's too cold for shorts...for my new CriCut...and Jukebox...and 5 cartidges...I'm still waiting...tapping my fingers...

Using up DSP

Thank goodness for todays Clean & Simple challenge on SCS! I had to make a card using DSP - what a great excuse to use up my paper stash! This is an old DSP that I bought when I was a demonstrator. I had made up a gift box for anyone that signed up under me that had the paper and coordinating stamp set. It obvoiously wasn't much of an incentive, because I still have the paper and stamp set. It's not very inspiring either, hence these boring cards. Oh well. Now I'm using it up!
I don't even think I'll put the details on these.

Mojo Monday First

This is my first Mojo Monday, ever I think! Checking out their blog, I love the card sketches they produce. Too cute! Well, here is my attempt for Mojo Monday 123. I would have loved to make a round card, but I don't have a circle cutter (yet!)
I also used the SCS Inspiration Challenge IC216 from Saturday. I fell in love with the bedding! I want the duvet for my bedroom - it has all my favorite colors! I feel a Trading Spaces weekend comin' on!

Card Stock: So Saffron, Soft Sky, Ruby Red, River Rock
Ink: So Saffron, Soft Sky, Craft White
SU! markers: Ruby Red, So Saffron, Sahara Sand, Gable Green, blender pen for Soft Sky
Stamp Set: Garden Silhouettes, Short & Sweet, Polka-dot & Paisley backgrounds
Accessories: non-SU! buttons, scallop punch, 1" circle punch, Soft Sky stitched ribbon, white ep

It works!!!

I have been fighting with my serger for the last 6 months. Frustrated that everytime I would thread it, it wouldn't work correctly. A typical sewing event went like this: cut pattern, start serging, the stich wasn't right so I turn knobs, still doesn't work, re-thread, start serging, the stich wasn't right so I turn knobs, still doesn't work, cuss, throw things, give up and use my regualr sewing machine. Last weekend I had to make a snuggle blanket for the girl I was doing a shower for and 2 long-awated ones for my girlfriend Jodi and her new son. I started with Vanessa's and ran into the same problem with the serger I had been having for months. I was frustrated and ready to toss the thing away! Finally I decided to do some troubleshooting with a local repair man, hoping that he would be willing to talk me through the repair instead of having to take it in. Can you believe all the problems were because I didn't put enough torque on the thread as I threaded it? Serenity now....at least that problem is solved! So I was able to whip up Jodi's blankets in MINUTES!!! Fabulous! Now I've decided with my new found functioning mahchine, to work on the pettiskirts I gave up on 6 months ago. Wait till you see them!!!!

Insomnia impares judgement

So, since I couldn't sleep last night, I thought I'd do the SCS Card Sketch Challenge SC264. It was posted early, so I thought I'd try to bust it out. Not a good idea. I took the colors from the striped DP and went from there. It's a bit carnival-ish. Better luck next week!

Card Stock: Elegant Eggplant, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Garden Green, non-su DP
Inks: So Saffron, SU! markers; Garden Green, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, Elegant Eggplant.
Stamp Sets: Canvas, Spring Solitude
Accessories: Argyle embossing folder

More simple...

This is my second card for the SCS CAS50 challenge. A simple card using teal. I choose a light teal, Soft Sky. I love this stamp set. Too cute! It was super easy, so I made 2.


Card Stock: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky
Stamp Set: Goody-Goody Gumdrops
Accessories: blender pen, Dazzling Diamonds, glue pen, polka-dot strip folder

Polkadot Palooza!

Can you tell I like Polka-dots? It's more than a bit overwhelming. Oh well! This was my first card for the SCS Monday challenge, Clean and Simple cards, CAS50. This is not a clean card, but it was simple!

Card Stock: Whisper White, Soft Sky, Chocolate chip
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, SU! markers: Creamy Caramel, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Apricot Appeal, Close to Cocoa
Stamp set: Very Punny
Accessories: polka-dot folder, non-su scallop square punch, white gel pen, non-su brown polka-dot ribbon

Had some creative time...

I had a few moments of creative time today and got 3 things done, although only one card! First, I made this card for today's SCS Color Challenge, CC254. We had to use Bashful Blue, Ruby Red, Suede and a neutral of our choice. I chose Chocolate Chip as my neutral and I don't have Suede so I used Close to Cocoa. I found this dp in my stash, it was a gift from a secret sister last year. This wasn't my favorite color combo, probably why this card isn't that inspired. Well, at least I got to do some things.

Card stock: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Close to Cocoa, Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip & non-su dp
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue
Stamps: For a Friend, Birthday Banter (both retired)
Accessories: Delphinium blue grosgrain, non-su white grosgrain, sponge daubers

TONS of NEW retired InColor stuff found! UPDATED

Hi Everyone!
I have re-organized my creatin’ space and found a box of NEW, never been used 2007-2009 InColor items, unmounted stamp sets and papers. I have a few other things I’m listing that have been used; all items will list their conditions. If you would like to see the condtion of all the items CLICK HERE. I am no longer an SU! demonstrator and these things were purchased for that business. I will have these things listed on SCS and on my blog until January 25th. Please send me a personal message or e-mail me anything you would like. I will ship USPS First Class or Priority, which ever you prefer.

ALL ITEMS are new, unopened 2007 InColor
Blue Bayou Classic Ink Pad - $5
Soft Sky Classic Ink Pad - $5
Purely Pomegranate Classic Ink Pad - $5
Wild Wasabi Classic Ink Pad - $5
River Rock Classic Ink Pad - $5
Groovy Guava Classic Ink Pad - $5
Wild Wasabi striped grosgrain ribbon 10 yds - $8
Soft Sky double stitched ribbon 15 yds - $5
Wild Wasabi double stitched ribbon 15 yds - $5
8 1/2" x 11 Purely Pomagrante paper 24 sheets - $5
8 1/2" x 11 Blue Bayou paper 24 sheets - $5
8 1/2" x 11 Soft Sky paper 24 sheets - $5
8 1/2" x 11 Groovy Guava paper 24 sheets - $5
8 1/2" x 11 Wild Wasabi paper 24 sheets - $5

Groovy Guava Classic Ink refill - $2

Designer Series Paper Blue Bayou - $8
Designer Series Paper Groovy Guava- $8
Designer Series Paper River Rock- $8


ALL ITEMS are new, unopened 2008/09 InColor

Tangerine Tango Classic Ink refill - $2

Kiwi Kiss Classic Ink pad - $5
Tangerine Tango Classic Ink pad - $5
Riding Hood Red Classic Ink pad - $5

ALL ITEMS are new, unmounted,
Petals and Paisleys Designer Series paper - $9
retired Punches Three stamp set - $10
retired So Many Sayings stamp set - $10
retired Perennial Favorites stamp set - $8
Priceless stamp set - Asking $25 or trade for NUM Branch Out

NEW items
Simply Sent Card Kit 2006 Friendship Shapes - all supplies to make 10 cards: 4 stamps, 2 markers, 3 ink spots, precut paper, 12 envelopes, 8 sheets mini dot adhesives, 2 sheet dimensionals, blue gingham ribbon, certainly celery grosgrain ribbon, instructions, 2 samples. The samples were made for demonstration and not out of the supplies from kit. – Asking $20, will entertain offers.
1” circle punch – new in package - $8
Mauve Mist, new, opened but not used FULL re-inker - $2
Petals and Paisleys Designer Series paper, new unopened 12 sheets double sided - $9

These items are lovingly used
retired Stippled Stencils - $4
retired Big Blossom - $9
retired So Very - $5
retired Lexicon of Love - $4
retired On The Spot background stamp - $9
Quick Kuts Die Cutter with alphabet set 4 die storage sleeves, 3 foam backers, & instructions. Asking $20 will take best offer

Redemption

I am the Queen of Cakes! I have re-claimed my kingdom and title!
After many failed attempts, I finally conquered my quest. I was begining to think I was crazy, with my coconut shells, 'galloping' along with my trusty blond squires as I attempted to perfect the Holy Grail of baking...Fondant.

Since this is a documentation of all my things creative, I am sharing with you all my failed attempts and triumphs. This way my girlfriends will know that I am only human and make LOTS of mistakes before I get sugary perfection. Below are the photos of the mishaps, the finished pieces and the lessons I learned.
COOKIES
Before...don't forget to add the vanilla, but they will still taste good if you use enough powdered sugar.
After...yum. Don't refridgerate your iced cookies. The icing gets white spots all over it.

CUPCAKES
Before...cupcakes don't need 30 minutes to cake at 325. Anyone that tells you that is crazy. Also, don't try to multi-task your baking. They tell you to cook on the center rack for a reason.

After...Marshmellow Fondant is very pliable, fairly tasty and easy to make. NEVER buy fondant unless you are making a standing figure. Also wear food safe gloves before adding food coloring and kneading. Especially if you are going out for drinks 2 hours later. You will have brown palms for a while.

CAKES
Before...I thought that using the chocolate modeling clay would be a great idea for making the figures. I was wrong. The chocolate was difficult to work with and crumbled easily. Also once it dried, it was hard and VERY brittle. Every time I looked at it a finger or arm would fall off. I'm sure there is a way to make this work, but I haven't found a website that exlains the tricks to me.

And after...I learned to use fondant for making figures, but to stabilize the body so the weight of the head doesn't smush the body. Also, Wilton Fondant is ick, ick ICK! NEVER use it if you plan on it being eaten.


For those of you that would rather buy their cakes and cookies, I'm glad you can afford it. For the few that would rather bake than buy, but don't have the time, call me and we'll work something out.
All in all this was a fun week getting all this together. Some headaches, but I think that Elizabeth caused that with all her screaming.

Joker of cakes

So. For some reason I am having a terrible time with creating these cakes. I 8" round and 15 cupcakes are to be created for the shower in 2 days. I have burned the cupcakes and singed the cake. I'm not sure what is happening, but I know it's not my fault...

By the way, my new show premiers on the Food Network tomorrow...'Kulinary Kalamities with KrzyKramer'. It's sure to be a big hit.

Cake boss, I am not.

So. Chocolate modeling clay tastes good. I've eaten all my mistakes. I have comsumed 21 oz of chocolate/white chocolate so far. I don't feel good. Pants are tight.
I think my house is too cold to use modeling chocolate. It gets too hard to fast and breaks apart. I will try to use regular fondant tomorrow and hope for better results. I'll post a photo of my chocolate creation later. After I've cried myself to sleep. And digest...

Cake Boss, here I come!

Ok, so you know those fabulous tv shows featuring crazy awesome cakes? Well, Lily & I are addicted to them. I love how they create such beautiful things, only to be gobbled up for some wonderful occassion.
I must admit, I love to bake. Everything. Cookies, cakes, candies, it probably explains my weight gain...Since the arrival of my first daughter, I make it a point to create her birthday cake every year, and now I'm hooked. Every year the creations became more elaborate, with her 5th birthday decorated with hand made chocolate butterflies and caterpillars. I've got all the tools, spatulas, spinning trays, cake/cupcake pans, icing tubes, tips and papers. You name it I have it. Usually I only used wholesale bought buttercream (the same they use at Kroger, the wholesaler is around the corner from my house). It has a good flavor that kids (and Rob) like, comes in a HUGE 5 gallon bucket and is shelf save for 6 months.
Now with that being said, I love the look of those cakes on tv. The modeling and fondant is so beautiful. I've never liked the taste of fondant, it's pretty nasty. it's like eating a slab of Crisco with sugar added. Ick. I considered just making the pretty cakes Lily likes for her and let her discover the nasty-ness herself, but who wants to be dissapointed on their birthday with a gross cake? Until now...
I am co-hosting a baby shower this weekend and ofcourse offered to make the cake and cookies. I've been doing a little research and found this AMAZING site filled with great information, including a marshmellow fondant recipe. Hummm... I'm not a marshmellow fan, but others are, so I decided to make it today to sample it. OMG!!! is all I have to say. It's tasty, easy to make and did I say tasty? I am so excited now to create the goodies for the party this weekend! It was really easy, I'm now a fondant making queen! Now they did say it's not the best for modeling, but they also have the recipe for making modeling chocolate!! I whipped up a batch - tastes like a tootsie roll!! I know I'm going to have to beat Rob off with a stick for the rest of the week with these tasty goodies around. I'll post the final results on Sunday so you can see the yummy-ness!

Lily's Creations

As I created my cards this week, I had a curly headed shadow peeking over my shoulder. On Friday, Lily had a snow day and begged me to make some cards. So I gave her some paper, crayons and markers and some stickers. She was not at all pleased with me. She wanted to make 'mommy cards' using stamps and the 'special' glue tape (snail). I gave her a stamp and her kid stamp pads and thought that would be the end of it. After about 5 minutes and 5 cards, she again said she wanted to make 'mommy cards' with me. So we used one card layout left over from a stamp camp I did a few years back. She loved the colors and using the paper crimper! Her creation is on the left, mine is on the right. We went thru step by step, I showed her how to do it, and she did it all herself. Did I mention she is 5?

After we made this card, she seemed to be satisfied, for about 15 minutes. She came back wanting to make another one. Since it was snowing out, I thought this was a great, easy card for her to make. She used blender pens, punches and a big background stamp too. I think we'll be doing this a lot more together now!

Inspire, not copy

This card is for the SCS Inspiration Challenge, IC214. This week’s inspiration comes from the fun Etsy store Groovy Inclinations. The artist is Mindy Wilson from western Montana. Her digital prints stem from illustrations and photos combined with alterations with a graphic program and her own painted textures. I choose the print Jelly Bean Soup for inspiration for this card. I do need to remember that it's supposed to 'inspire me', not to copy it. I made this card 3 time before I thought it was passable. I'm still not sure if I like it. I'm going to try a different print later today.


Card Stock: Whisper WHite, vellum, Soft Sky
Stamp Set: Embrace Life, Petal Prints
Ink: VersaMark, Craft White, Soft Sky, Basic Black marker, VersaMarker
Accessories: White, copper, black, non-su gold EP, sponge dauber

Scraps

I decided to use only scraps for this card. Every item came from my scrap bins of paper and ribbon. The strip of DSP Petals & Paisley inspired the color combination of this card. The only thing not froma scrap pile are the buttons.



Card stock: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Apricot Appeal, Taken with Teal, DSP Petals & Paisley
Stamp set: Spring Solitude, Circle of Friendship
Ink: Certaily Celery, Craft White
Accessories: SU! markers, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Chcolate Chip, Taken with Teal, Tempting Turqouise, yellow buttons, white EP, turqouise grosgrain ribbon

For Rob

I made this Valentines card for Rob, he's not a mushy guy. Just a guys guy. So I created a simple card with some elements I had made for another card I took apart last year. I love this color combination, simple and classic. I had to use 2 different verbage stamps to get the passage. I used the 'you' from the Short & Sweet set with a BB marker. This card took me all of 10 minutes to make.

Card stock: Soft Sky, Basic Black, Kraft
Stamp set: Garden Silhouettes, Lithograph, Warm Words, Short & Sweet
Ink: VersaMark, Soft Sky, Basic Black
Accessories: SU! marker Basic Black, Clear & white EP, sponge dauber, neutral buttons, non-su ribbon

Challenge me!

It has been forever since I did a SCS challenge. I love doing them, they help me think outside the box. Here is the one I did for the Tuesday Color Challenge, CC252, Bermuda Celery Hunters...cute title. I don't have Bermuda Bay, so I used Taken with Teal instead. I used the owl from Goody Goody Gumdrops - my new fav - and since I think he's so preppy, I used classic preppy patterns in the background.

Card stock: Certainly Celery, Taken with Teal, Handsome Hunter, Whisper White, DSP Certainly Celery
Stamp set: Goody-Goody Gumdrops, Pasley
Ink: Taken with Teal
Accessories: SU! markers, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Taken with Teal, Handsome Hunter, Going Gray, blender pen, fire brads, retired velvet ribbon

Embrace Life

Here is one I made just for fun, but I had trouble with my embossing. It looks like I have speckles, but it's just the white gel pen I used on the stamped image.

Card stock: River Rock, Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery
Stamp set: Embrace Life, Sage Sayings, versamark
Ink: River Rock, Chocolate Chip, Certaily Celery
Accessories: White gel pen, white grosgrain ribbon, retired brown ribbon, sponge daubers, white embossing powder.

Friends having fun!

My neighbor Karla likes to be creative, but with 2 boys and a full time job, has little time for it. She came over for a 90 break from the family and we did a little creating together. This was her first time stamping with me, and she's only ever been to 1 SU! party...poor thing! I gave her a crash course, and we'll be getting together again soon!
These are just 2 of the 7 we made together.
Olive You - I'm also using this as my sample for the SCS monday Clean & Simple challenge CAS48.

Card stock: Whisper White Stamp set: Olive You
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: SU! markers, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Always Aritchoke, Real Red, non-su red crystal.

Love U Always - I made this for a stamp camp at least 3 years ago, but Karla like it and wanted to make it.

Card stock: Whisper White, Rose Red, Green Galore, Gable Green
Stamp set: All About You, Too Terrific Tags
Ink: Rose Red
Accessories: Small tag punch, white grosgrain, red gigham, silver cording, silver brads, non-su red organza ribbon

Not picked..

Thank goodness, she didn't pick this one! It's cute, but I love what we did instead!



Card Stock: SU! Certainly Celery, Barely Banana, More Mustard, Whisper White, DSP (retired)
Stamps: SU! Goody, Goody Gumdrops, Polka-dot, Warm Words
Accessories: SU! scallop, 1 3/8" 1 1/4" punches, white gel pen, non-su ribbon

Shower Invitation

Here is the shower invitation I created. Vanessa likes polka-dots and the baby's room is green, ivory and chocolate brown. I plan on making the party to match the invites, so it will be adorable! I'm not into the typical baby stuff for showers, I like a bit of sophistication!


Card Stock: SU! Chocolate Chip, Certaily Celery, Whisper White, Very Vanilla, non-su ivory shimmer
Stamps: Goody, Goody Gumdrops
Accessories: Cuttlebug polka-dot, SU! scallop, 1 3/8", 1 1/4" punches, SU! font casual, non-su ribbon

Getting the juices flowing...

I have recently re-designed the configuration of our basement. I installed storage shelving, curtians, cleaned and extended my office/creative space. It's now a fun place to be again, so I'm gettin' busy with creating! Here is the first of several cards I whipped up this week. I had 2 great reasons for making these cards. First, I had an order for some generic baby cards, and second, I volunteered to help host my neigbor's baby shower (I can never pass up planning a party)! I made up a few sample invitations and what I didn't use for the shower, went to my customer! Talk about killing 2 birds....

Card Stock: SU! Barely Banana, Chocolate Chip Whisper White and Almost Amethyst
Stamp Set: SU! A Little Love & Polka Dot
Accessories: SU! scallop, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" punches, non-su ribbon

No, I'm not dead...

It's been forever since I posted, and nearly as long since I've created anything new! This last year has been crazy!

We have all done a bit of traveling. Michigan for Rob and the girls, Lily even spent a week alone in Petoskey with her grandparents. Florida for Elizabeth’s first birthday in Disney, spring training and a short girlfriend’s weekend trip for me early summer. I went to Seattle for my brother’s 40th birthday celebration and the SheRox tri-athalon with my mom and sister this fall. Of course a few trips to Perrysburg for baseball, visiting, and packing my parents up for their recent move to Bradenton, Florida.

Lily started ‘big girl’ school and loves Kindergarten! She impresses us everyday with her growing knowledge and is always asking questions. She is very dynamic and
entertains us often with her ‘Lily-isms’ and singing; she is rarely quiet! We are also amazed about how mature Lily can be at times, it can be hard to remember her as a little one. She defiantly knows her mind, and her teacher calls Lily a ‘future CEO’.

This year started off a bit rocky for our youngest, Elizabeth. Acid reflux and difficulty with breast feeding led to many sleepless nights for all of us. She grew out of it by summer and loved being outside playing and exploring. Now Elizabeth is a toddler, learning new words, walking and is very independent! She likes doing things for herself like eating and turning the pages in books, although she still allows us to read them for her, for now. She is giggling all the time and enjoys playing with her big sister and chasing the cat.

I spent most of the year just taking care of the kids, Rob and the house. It has been crazy how busy I am just doing those things. I am amazed at how some of my
girlfriends are able to juggle a job with being a mother. Now that school started for Lily, I spend lots of time with homework and volunteering in her class. I haven’t been focusing on my MaryKay business and hope to be able to next year part-time.

I don't sell Stampin' Up! products anymore, but ofcourse still buy them. I am still passionate about being creative, so I have decided to change the focus of my blog to all things creative. I get my hands into a little bit of everything and I'd like to share that, life experiences, as well as card making here. So I hope you enjoy, if you actually read this.

Happy Holidays!

Life is crazy!!! We have been trying to establish a good schedule for us all, so far.... Anyhoo, we've been getting ready for the holidays, baking, Christmas cards (no creations, newletter instead) cleaning, you know the drill. Here is a little photo montage for the holidays, so enjoy!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Our little pumpkin

Well, she's finally here! It's been a while since I updated this so here it goes...

Elizabeth Grace was born October 3rd at 8:00 am. via c-section, she was 9 lbs 10 oz (a little smaller than expected) and everything went as planned. However, if anyone tells you that a c-section is easy (yes Cristy, I'm talking to you:)) hit them for me. It was the scariest experience! Obviously totally worth it and the recovery time is a piece of cake, but the actuall surgery, yikes! Check out all our photos from the first week here Anyhoo...It's been a bit tougher than expected balancing both kids, the house and my business. Motherhood as eliminated all my free time, so I haven't been doing any card making or MaryKay.

BUT... I have just finished my yearly projects for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. If you haven't heard of them, they are a FABULOUS restaurant chain based here in Columbus. THey used to own Mitchell Fish Markets and Mitchells' Steak Houses, but Cameron sold those concepts off last year to Ruth Chris' Steakhouses and another company as well. Now he is focusing on creating new concepts to open, so far my favorite is Marcella's - YUMMM. Check out all I did for them HERE. It took quite a bit of time to create the items for the 15 current stores and they already have me slated for more for next year. I will be decorating my house for the holidays this weekend and life will slow down hopefully enough that I will be able to actually make my own christmas cards this year. I promise to update you on my creations as soon as I do them.

Hugs and thanks for all your well wishes!

Why I haven't been creating...

Don't get excited... the baby hasn't come yet. I was hoping my doctor would have scheduled a c-section for me sometime soon, but no such luck. My cervix is thin but won't open due to the scar tissue from multiple past procedures. That was a plus earlier in the pregnancy, but now... not so much.

Although I am not diabetic, the baby is now apparently 8 lbs, 12 oz (mini amazon) now, but it could be a pound either way, so she could be 9 lbs 12 oz, or 7 lbs, 12 oz. (if I'm lucky). I still have 4 weeks to term, and at this stage babies generally gain about 1/2 lb+ a week so she will probably be a 10 lb + baby. My doctor is unwilling to induce early or decide to do a c-section until we get closer to the due date due to possible complications.

I am very huge, very uncomfortable, and VERY ready to have my body back. I am still on limited activity, but have been doing everything short of jazzercise if it means I will go into labor. I haven't been doing much of anything creative, just trying to get my house in order before the baby arrives.

Rob has been a HUGE help these last 2 weeks and continues to make me sit or lay down all the time. He has put up with a lot from this pregnancy. Overall this is easier than Lily's pregnancy, but the last 2 weeks have been difficult and we are bummed that we could have 4 more long weeks (at least I am). As long as we are all happy and healthy at the end, it's worth it.

I promise, I will TRY to get to creating soon. I miss doing all the SCS challenges as they keep my mind thinking outside the box. Please be patient...I will return!!!!