Queen of Sparkle

well...mahybe this is something I want to do again....

2011-02-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

It has been a LONG time...but I think I want to do my blogging again! So...hang in there and I will start posting some of my wonderful creations....some of my silly photos....and some of my usual yapping!!! Can't wait to get started!

Stampin' Up! is retiring some good stuff!!!

2009-06-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

WOW! The Stampin' Up! retired list is out! I am going to attach it and hope that you find something you like. You can drop me an e-mail or you can go to my Stampin' Up! website and complete an order there! Take a look at the list and remember! You only have until the end of the month to get what you can't live without...and then - THEY'RE GONE!!!! Click on the link above and check out what you don't want to miss!!!

2009-05-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

Want this badge?

This is some new stuff I have stumbles on....It looks glorious! I can't wait to try it!!!
I have been busy getting the girls settled and preparing to send one off to Spain. It's been an emotional and difficult few weeks....maybe things will settle down soon.

Check out the Shimmerz site! This stuff looks awesome! Here's their blog: http://shimmerzpaints.blogspot.com

Be sure to look at their scrapping and altered items. There are some really beautiful things!
I'll be back soon with some of my own creations!!!

I'm Coming Back!!!!

2009-03-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

I quit blogging for awhile at the request of the dear-old-hubby...it drove him crazy. Then school started and THAT has proven to be a mess...then I decided to do national boards again...what was I thinking? Well, they are done on Tuesday (for the most part) and I have decided that I would like to blog again. I enjoyed sharing my inky creations as well as my crazy antics on my blog....so....hang in there...I am coming back SOON!!!!!

July 4th

2008-07-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. How are you? Things here have been quite hectic. My sister and her hubby came to visit and while they were here, her hubby had a massive M.I. He is in the hospital and is recovering nicely. However, our house has been busy with people in and out and us just trying to keep the home fires burning!

Here is the current promotion from Stampin Up! I think you will like this one!!

HODGEPODGE HARDWARE DISCOUNT
Dates: July 1-August 10 (or while supplies last)

Promotion Details:

The following Hodgepodge Hardware finishes are being offered at a special 25% discount:

Aged Copper Hardware (105532): Originally $27.95; NOW: $20. 96

Antique Brass Hardware (105531): Originally $27.95; NOW: $20.96

Pewter Hardware (105515): Originally $27.95; NOW: $20.96

These finishes will be retiring, so get them while you can! Also, if you haven't heard...SU has a new product line called Decor Elements. They are vinyl stickers (think Uppercase Living) for your walls or wherever else you can think to put them. Click HERE to see the Decor Elements brochure. I just ordered my own Decor Elements and can't wait to see what other ones will be available!

I hope you all have a happy, healthy, and safe July 4th! I will post again when I can and hope to have time then to include pics of Ali's great project!!!

oh boy oh boy

2008-06-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

Check out the SITS blog! They are giving away a Brighton Bag! WOWZER! I will post tomorrow the pictures of Ali's fabulous class. It was TOO much fun! Then on Saturday, I went and saw "Superior Donuts" at Steppenwolf - FOR FREE!!!! It was really fabulous. The reviews are slowly coming in and they seem to be pretty good!!! You should go and see it. Great show! Ok. Off to finish Ali's book. I will probably take pics tomorrow and post it then. Wait until you see it! It is something else!!!!! Thanks for looking!!

funny link

2008-06-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I am getting ready for my class with Ali Edwards! I can't wait!!! It is going to be so much fun! Anyway, I was cruising some of my blogs this morning and I came accross this give-away. I think the stamps and sayings are hysterical! Check it out if you get the chance! Here is the link. I think you will smile when you see them!!

I will post tomorrow what I made in class today with Ali....YAY! I can't wait! My creative hero!!

Two Posts in One Day!!!

2008-06-18T21:10:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! I wanted to let you know about a place where I go for some inspiration...they come out with a monthly e-zine that is full of great ideas. They are called: Sheetload of Cards. This is a link to their June E-Zine. It is focusing on the $1 stamps...admit it! We all see them and buy them!!! (Right now, JoAnn's has the funniest bunch...I couldn't pass them up!) Anyway, check it out...I think you might enjoy their e-zine. Oh - and if you like that, here's a link to their blog. It also has some great ideas!

Ok. The next time I post, I promise I will have something creative for you to look at! AND, it won't be weeks until I post!!! LOL!

Thanks for looking!

Home Decor

2008-06-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

Wow! SU has done it again! They have announced a new product line and it is called Decor Elements. Here is a brochure announcing the product. It is beautiful! Have you ever seen wall words? They are vinyl letters that are put on your walls, windows, doors, etc. They are beautiful!! (Some of you may know them by Uppercase Living and Wall Words to name just two companies out there.) The cool thing is that they coordinate with our stamp sets! Check out the brochure! You will love what they are showing...AND, in July, I will offer a 15% discount on all Decor Elements items! Be sure to check it out! I can't wait to get my order in!!!!

I have been lazy......

2008-06-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

Hello! I have been lazy and loving every minute of it! YAY! Unfortunately, this means that I have not been blogging. I am going to try and change that right now!

First of all, I wanted to share a photo from our almost-weekend in Michigan:

I say that ALMOST weekend since we were there only 30 hours before this nasty storm blew in (The lake doesn't look that bad in the picture...but believe me - it was awful!!) and took out the power. We waited around for a few hours and decided to head out. Consumer's Energy said that it could take up to four days to get the power back. YIKES! No bathroom for four days???? Oh my. No water???? Time to go home!!! :) It was fun while it lasted....

This is a photo of a card from one of the "Dauber Divas"....I saw this last month and I wanted to share it with you. It is with my new favorite set - "Always". Initially I didn't like this set. However, the more I get to using it, the more I really really like it. Notice how the diva used a rub-on? It is a great card! (If you are the creator of this card, let me know! I can't remember who made it!!)

I have some new creations that need to get photographed before I can share them with you. I will make that a priority tomorrow...I promise!

But...I have some other things to share with you, too! The retired list from Stampin Up! is available and all you have to do is click here! If you want the dormant list (these stamps will not be in the fall idea book but are still available for purchase) click here!

AND, today Shelli (owner of Stampin Up!) announced a new product line! It is going to be awesome...it is a popular item right now and it will match our products....it's in home decor! Any guesses out there???? Keep checking back for more info on this!

Well, I am off to bed. I am tired today and have lots to accomplish tomorrow.
Thanks for checking in. I promise it won't be so long until the next post!

WOW! IT'S JUNE!

2008-06-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.....I only have two more half-days of school and then "school's out for summer"!!!! (cue music) It's finally here!!! YAY.

Today was stamp club....we met at Barb's. The FOOD was wonderful and the stamping was fan-tab-u-lous! I hope everyone had as much fun as I did.

We used the new sneak-peek stamp set "Fresh Cuts" for one of our projects. Here it is: I absolutely love, love, love this stamp. I don't know if it is something different from my usual style and that's why I love it or if it is just a really great stamp set...maybe a little of both! It is a really great, versatile set! I think this card above could use some BLING! What do you think

This card is a sample I made using the new stamp set. Isn't it cute? I am so wild about this set! Let me tell you!!!

On a different note....Genevieve begins her internship at the theater tomorrow. She is excited and willing to "get to it"! Madeline is still pounding the pavement...although she had an interview with a bank last week that looks promising. Emma still has one week of school...and then it's SUMMER VACATION for her!!!

Well, I am off to Borders to check out the magazines and books with Gen. I hope you enjoyed looking at my cards. I have more to post and will try to do just that when I am finished with school.

Thanks for looking!

hmmmmm.....

2008-05-20T19:08:00.001-07:00

Well, it has been over two weeks and I am just now posting. I resisted posting because I was sure that I would have lots to say - later. Only...I really don't have much to say. I am totally unmotivated to show you all of the neat things that I have been working on...I am totally unmotivated to show you all of the great pics of the girls....I am totally unmotivated. My family says it happens every year at this time....I can't wait to be done with school and have the summer stretching ahead of me. Maybe they're right...after all, they live with me! *snort* I will post later in the week - PROMISE. I have pictures of projects from club...and I have pictures of prom...and I have pictures of Biscuit. I need to get posting! Have a dry, wonderful evening. Thanks for looking - come back soon.

PS Here's a sneak peek coming in June....I won't say anymore. It's more beautiful in real life than it is in a photo.....You will love it!

It's May!

2008-05-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

It's May and I just remembered that I didn't show you MY finished projects from my weekend CKU adventure! So...here are two pictures of my album that I made with Ali! It was a wonderful experience, reminding me to try new things in my crafting...This is the first page of the album.

I chose to do the album on my three girls. So the first page was an introduction into the album. The overlay is by Heidi Swapp and it is a clock face. Too cute. The next picture is of Gen's first section. I just love the picture of her on the left. All of the pictures, as a matter of fact, are great!

OK...now on to some gorgeous things I saw at the Dauber Divas meeting last Monday. The first picture is a layout that was done at SU Regionals. I couldn't attend this year and this is one of the creations that I missed making. The alphabet used here has been on my "to get" list for one year now. This layout has put it on the "next thing I order" list!!! LOL!

And this card was done by one of our divas. Isn't it beautiful? It uses the flower fusions (felt flowers) and jewel rhinestones and brads....and RUB - ONs!!! Isn't this fantastic? I love this card! This layout/design would be great on a scrapbook page!!! As soon as I identify who made it, I will gladly give them recognition! Maybe it was made by Valerie? or by Debbie? or by Pam? I just don't really know who made it. But thank you - whoever did! Because I LOVE it!!!

I have lots more to post! Some projects from club and some creating that I have done "on the side"! Hopefully I will get to it later today or tomorrow. Right now I have been busy with laryngitis! ha ha! How can you be busy with laryngitis you ask? Well...I have been busy trying NOT to talk...for those of you who know me, you know that's a difficult task!! ha ha!! Come back soon!

It's been a long, long time....

2008-04-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. There has been so much that has happened, I don't know where to begin! First of all, two weeks ago today, we were headed into Chicago to pick-up Madeline and her roommate. With Aunt Mary, Hannah, and Sarah following us, we were going to drive to Milwaukee and see Genevieve in Shakespeare's "A Winter's Tale". It was fun, fun, fun! Anyway, we were on I-94 and Stoney Island and our van quit running. Yes, indeed, it just STOPPED. I couldn't believe it. John was able to coax the van to the shoulder and there we sat. Luckily for us, Aunt Mary was right behind. Emma and I got into her Toyota and we went ahead to Milwaukee. Madeline and Ashley couldn't go....and John had to stay with the van. We were all sad that our plans didn't go as we had hoped, but at least Em and I got to go....Thank heavens that Aunt Mary was right behind us...

We got to Milwaukee, grabbed a bowl of soup, and headed to the theater. We enjoyed the play very much - Gen was awesome...even made some of us (who shall remain nameless) cry! The play was very, very good. Afterward, we took Gen to dinner and then headed home. It was a a quick visit but it was nice to see my oldest Biscuit! Here is a picture of Gen and I at the restaurant:

John was towed by IDOT to a less congested and safer spot...where he waited for 1.5 hours for a tow truck to show up. The van was towed and for nine days they worked on it. Many dollars later, the van is running better than ever. We debated fixing it but decided that we would go ahead because we will eventually pass it on to John and purchase something newer for me. For now, I have wheels again and all is right with the world!

The next weekend (which was last weekend), I was supposed to head to Milwaukee to see Gen receive an award. Missed it. Emma and I decided to head to Chicago and have a late birthday celebration with Madeline. We had a blast!! First of all, it was raining. SO, I decided not to take my camera with me. BIG mistake. It may have rained Saturday afternoon, but it was beautiful on Sunday and I missed many photo ops! boo-hoo. But we sure had fun!

On Saturday, late evening, we headed to the Grand Luxe Cafe for dinner. We got a window seat which, according to the girls, is no easy feat. It was a blast!!! The food was good but the company was the best! We laughed our heads off - about what? I don't know. We just laughed the evening away. We headed over to Borders for a magazine run and then went back to Madeline's dorm/apartment. We watched The X-Files in total darkness and scared ourselves silly...at least some of us were scared - EMMA! We passed out into comas about 1AM.

When we woke up the next morning, we visited for a bit and then headed out "on the town". The weather was wonderful! It was cool but not too cool...and SUNNY!!! We ran a few errands and then headed over to a few stores that we rarely get to visit - Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and Paper Source to name our three favorites. We had soup at the Soup Box. It's the place where Rachel Ray went for Under $40 a Day, her food network tv show. Yummy soup and reasonable, too. I recommend you go there if you haven't yet had a chance. Em and I thought we'd be home by 3 or 4PM but we never made it home until 8PM that evening. It was so much fun...We were both up until 1AM working on our school work, but it was worth every sleep-deprived moment the next day. The only thing that would have made the weekend perfect was having Genevieve there with us.

Well, that's what's been happening over the last two weeks. This past weekend was Prom Central - first TF South's prom and then Munster's. Emma was invited to go this year and she looked lovely...but I'll save that for my next post. It will not take me so long to update next time, I promise! Thanks for looking!

Creative Corner

2008-04-05T19:10:00.001-07:00

Well, here is a card that I made...I used the Pretties kit from SU (which I have almost exhausted!). I colored in the white flowers with SU markers. I used Bashful Blue and Apricot Appeal as my colors. The scallop edge was done with the corner rounder.

Once I finished this card, I decided that I didn't like the SMILE on it - the font or the crooked placement! ha ha! SO....I went ahead and did another card. Here it is:

I really like this one but the Ranch dressing in the background doesn't really "go" with it! HA HA! Come back again! I am finishing an Easter Scrapbook and will take some pictures of it! Thanks for visiting!

A Night at the Museum

2008-03-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to share the photos of our "Night at the Museum"!!! I have lots more from CKU that I want to share, too...but I can't wait for everyone to see these! This is a photo of Madeline, Emma and Ashley - Madeline's wonderful roommate. We had just had a "picnic" dinner at their dorm/apartment and then headed out to the Museum of Natural History.

This is a photo of Emma when we got into the museum. We were in line for the Mythic Creatures exhibit. I thought it was okay...it didn't grab me like the MAPS exhibit did, but it was good.

After we saw this, the four of us headed out into the museum. We went straight to the freight elevator to be lifted to the fourth floor/attic of the museum. This is where the collections are stored. Our first stop was the shop. This is where they make the displays of the exhibits as well as fix anything that is broken within the museum.

It was like any typical workshop. Nothing new and/or exciting...but there were LOTS of tools! We then proceeded to the "design loft" that was up above the shop. There were lots of cubicles like these: This is where the exhibit workers created/worked on the coming/existing exhibits. It was very interesting to see what was there. In one little conference room there were two people who were talking about the upcoming Aztec exhibit. It will be 10,000 square feet of Aztec ruins, etc. It looked and sounded wonderful. Here's a fun fact: They have their exhibits planned through 2011! Holy cow! I don't know what I am doing tomorrow let alone through 2011!!!

Next we moved on to the Art Department. This is where they make the models that are used in the museum. It was very interesting. Many of the workers in this department have art degrees from The Art Museum in Chicago.

This is a photo of the hallways that we were "running around". They went on forever and luckily they had maps posted at all of the 'intersections'. LOL! There were offices and hallways leading to more and more storage areas. It could be a creepy place at night!

This is a picture of the book bindery. This woman made each of us a bookmark. It is too cool. She showed us the fonts and told us how the books are stamped before they are bound. Book restoration is a biggie at the museum...I would like to try restoring a book or two...

Then next photos were taken during our favorite part of our visit to the museum. We were in the BIRD section and we got to hold TONS of birds and bird objects!!! The last photo is Madeline poking fun of me...As most of you who know me know that I am afraid of birds (thank you Alfred Hitchcock). This was a fun section for me, but I was not interested in holding anything. The girls went wild! They loved holding it all. In this room there was also a man who was skinning an owl. It had run into a high tension wire and they were going to stuff it and keep it in their collection.

Isn't she funny???? This is a photo of the Botany section. Emma is standing by one of the HUNDREDS of cabinets that house the pressed plant samples. At the end of the Botany hallway, we were able to create a sample of a pressed Queen's Anne Lace plant. Too cool.

These were my favorite photos from the museum. I have so many more - too many to share on-line. It was such fun. After about 4 hours of being "behind the scenes" we ventured into other parts of the museum. The greatest thing was that most of the exhibits were empty because everyone was still wandering around...many people had left. By this time it was 9PM. This photo is one of me looking through the "eyes" of a fish...it was very goofy looking looking through their eyes! I am grateful I am not a fish! HA HA!!

This is one of the last photos of the evening...it was taken in the African section of the mammals. I thought it made a pretty backdrop for a picture. After this we headed to the parking garage and dropped Madeline and Ashley off at their dorm/apartment.

This "Night at the Museum" was wonderful. We were delirious with exhaustion that night and the next day but we had so much fun! I hope you have enjoyed looking at my pictures and come back again soon. I have been busy creating and will share some of my things soon. However, it's back-to-school tomorrow....but it's only for 8 more weeks and then we have summer vacation! Thank heavens I am a teacher!!! Yahoo!!! Thanks for looking.

Long Overdue

2008-03-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hello! I have so much to share with everyone! Where do I begin? I never got a chance to show you some of the CKU projects that we made! Here is the frame we made with Tim Holtz:

As you can see, I had him sign the front of it in white ink! Too cool. The three big squares are going to hold photos. I have one of my favorite dog (that would be Biscuit...aka: Bailey), one of my three girls in a canoe, and one of John and I. It is going to be too cute!!

The first day we were there we created a complete (one layout short - which we did at the evening crop!) 6X6 album FULL of techniques and new product. Here are Ali Edward's pages:

She took basic office supplies and had us create these two wonderful pages. It was an inspiring layout....quite possibly my favorite!

Next is Tim Holtz's layout! I am an original Tim-Groupie and I have to say his pages did not disappoint: I absolutely love the clock stamp and wish that it had been available for purchase. Finding it now is difficult, to say the least. Isn't this a wonderful layout? You can't tell real well but the transparencies on the sides of the pages are adhered with aqua paint. The pages go together well.

Next came Kaiser Company. They are based in Australia and we created these sparkly pages:

You can't really see the glitter but it is really something! Of course, these pages just sparkle and I love showing them to everyone!! Their papers are really a great quality. I would like to work with more of them.

And finally, we have a layout from Making Memories:

This layout uses the large grommets (I am a fan) and the line called NOTEWORTHY. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this line of papers and product. I think it's the teacher in me - that love of school supplies, etc. It is really pretty and I purchased a Noteworthy kit at the CKU Bookstore. I can't wait to use it!

I have lots more to share - Ali's project and a 6X12 book we made from Luxe Designs...awesome! Be sure to check back soon! I will try and post more later!!! I am going to have fun on my last day of spring break! Until then....

Theresa

Photo

2008-03-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

Oops! This photo should have gone with the next post! It's late...I'm tired....and I don't know what I did! YIKES! Enjoy it anyway!!! :)

Photo

check this out!

2008-03-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

I have taken the girls back to school and spent the last two days in Milwaukee...Check back soon and I will share some of my CKU creations as well as some of my own things that I have been working on!

OK...now to leave you with a little prize....Go to this website:

http://www.terriconraddesigns.typepad.com/

This is Terri Conrad's "Feather your nest", post, and win! contest. I guarantee you will love all that is posted there! Check out the cool papers and the great ideas. Leave a comment and maybe you will win! Let me know what you think!

Remember - come back soon!!!

More CKU!

2008-03-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of Margie (in the background is a picture of her 21-year-old daughter!). Margie works for Making Memories. She is demonstrating their new die-cut machine called THE SLICE! Let me tell you....I WANT ONE OF THESE! It can run for one hour without being plugged in...it cuts images up to 4"....it will retail for $149 and the discs (yes, it runs on discs!) cost approximately $39 each. It is really something. Margie gave away 8 of these babies! No, I did not win one. I wanted to, but she just didn't call my name....boo hoo.

This is a picture of me with Stacy Croninger at the Meet-N-Greet on Wednesday. She is the editor of Papercrafts magazine. She is one of the nicest women. She walked us through two card sets at the first crop on Thursday. The cards are adorable and she did a great job. I missed meeting her basset hounds!!! LOL!

This is a picture of MICHELLE from Kaiser crafts. Her projects were spark-a-licious. She and a partner run a kit business, too. You can find their stuff at this scrapbook store. She is part of the scraptique kits of the month. I have to say that their kits/products were beautiful. There was lots of bling (no wonder why I liked it!) and lots of innovative ideas in their albums. I would like to see more of their things, that's for sure. Well, I have to hit the hay. I will continue to post until you have seen every aspect of CKU that I have photos of...it was a great weekend and I hope I can go again. Check back soon!

CKU! CKU! CKU!

2008-03-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

This was TOO fun!!!! I have so much to share with you! First of all, let me tell you that it was fabulous beyond compare. It was three days of non-stop crafting! I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! And to think that I was able to meet two of my creative heroes - Ali Edwards and Tim Holtz. Here are photos with me at the Wednesday Meet-N-Greet:

Don't I look like a NUT in these pictures???? Let me say that both Tim Holtz and Ali Edwards were wonderful! They were kind and patient....they would probably have bought me dinner if I had asked!!! LOL! They were great! Ali signed my book and Tim signed my project that we completed on Saturday. Oh man...it was great!

The Meet-N-Greet was pretty low key. There weren't a TON of people but there were enough that kept everyone busy. All of the vendors and the artists/designers were there. They had tables set up with their projects. Here is a sample of Tim's stuff:

This sand on his layout is made with Ultra Thick Embossing Powder and pearl-ex and all kinds of things...he is going to make this a tutorial on his blog in May. This picture doesn't do it justice!

I didn't take pictures of Ali's things. I guess because all of her stuff is on her blog! Here is a link to Ali's blog. Check her out - you won't regret it. She is the most thoughtful artist I have ever known. She is always thinking!

Wednesday was only the beginning! I was up at 6:30 AM the next morning (too excited to sleep) and got my day started with mini-technique-classes. We created a 6X6 mini album that we can put all of our pictures from CKU into. I haven't taken photos of that yet but I will! You will want to see that for sure!

Well, Genevieve is due home from school any minute. I have to get ready for her homecoming! I will post more stuff later - either tonight or tomorrow...for sure. I have so much to share!!!

Thanks for looking!

FINALLY!!

2008-03-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

Well everyone...tomorrow after work I am leaving for CKU-Chicago! I can't believe it...I will meet two of my favorite artists: Ali Edwards and Tim Holtz. Life is good. When I get back and have a minute, I will update with pictures (of course) and some of our creations. Wish me luck!

Is it March already????

2008-03-02T08:10:00.001-08:00

I can't believe that it's March! Where did February go? And how about January? Before you know it we will be hot and sweaty and ready for the winter again! Today it's supposed to be 48 degrees! I think that will put us into the spring mood!!!

Yesterday I traveled to Wisconsin for club/workshop. It was so much fun! We laughed our heads off and created...and ate, of course. Our theme was glitz and glitter...no surprise there! We created three cards...Here's the first one:

This card reminded us how wonderful Dazzling Diamonds are...that sparkle you get from them is awesome! Who doesn't love it???? Unfortunately I forgot my liquid glue at home and we had to use glue sticks...well, the ladies were wonderful and "went with the flow"! We managed to get the glitter to stick and to look very sparkly anyway. Here is the second card:

This one used the sticky hearts from the demo bulk-order...I am addicted to the sticky letters..I wish that SU made ALL kinds of shapes: circles, snowflakes, shamrock (although as Jeanne pointed out yesterday, stick three hearts together for a shamrock), birds, stars, etc. Wouldn't that be fun? I used the chunky glitter from the occasions mini...it sticks like a champ! Here's a variation on the original:

(The white chunky glitter is much prettier in person....)

Finally, here is my third card. It is a direct case from Jacki on Dauber Diva night...(Love that card, Jacki!) It is too cute and so easy to make. I used chipboard and some of SU's fine glitter to cover it. Don't you love that background stamp? I love the scratchy look it gives to the paper...I can really see using this background with a lot of things!

I am not really loving the pictures today...I think I had my light positioned in a funny space...but re-do them? No way! I want to get them out there so you can see them!!!

Next month is 3-D items! WOW! I have my little beady brain working hard on those!!! I have some great ideas already. Let me know if you want to join us...we would love to have you.

Well, I am starting to get ready for CKU. I will be going on Wednesday, March 12th. I am going to meet two of my creative heroes - Ali Edwards and Tim Holtz. I can't believe it. It will be four long days of creating but I guess I can do it (lol). I haven't even started gathering my materials yet. I guess I should get going, huh?

Well, thanks for looking and check back soon. I have several other things I wanted to post but haven't yet had a minute to do so! I will try and get those up later this week....

names

2008-02-22T20:38:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting thought:

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
0
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

http://howmanyofme.com">How many have your name?

I found it rather hard to believe that anyone would actually have your name! But, I guess it happens! Go figure! Check it out and see if anyone has your name!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T19:04:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Sorry I have been gone so long...the days turned into two weeks and yikes! Valentine's Day has come and is almost gone...go figure. I have been busy working in my scrap room but am getting nowhwere. I vow to never buy another piece of paper...then I realize that I love paper and am a paper-a-holic. NO WAY can I stop buying paper!!! I have to get that room under control!!! I am including a few pictures of some things that we did at Club. This first one as a little cello candy sack. It is so cute, who could eat it? This is a picture of the little heart tins that we decorated with rub-ons and paper. Then we filled them with Valentive M&Ms. Too cute!

This is a card I made showing the versatility of those crazy rub-ons. I have become totally addicted to them! I have always liked rub-ons but I didn't really realize how versatile they really were until I started using them regularly. They are too cool! If you haven't given them a try, order some NOW! You won't regret it!

This is an acrylic card that we made at club. I thought it was so pretty! I hate to send it out....

A great thing for an acrylic card would also be the rub-ons. (Are you catching the theme here??) Wouldn't it be great to see some rub-ons on the acrylic? I can't wait to try it.

Finally, here is a picture of my fantastic first order from the new catalog. As you can see, I saved my pennies and replaced the crop-o-dile that I lost somewhere this fall...I also purchased every glitter that SU makes! Look out club girls - we will be creating some glitter-icious stuff in March!!

Finally, this is a picture of Biscuit and me. I am so tired anymore...that job is killing me. BUT, the good news is that we are off on Monday...so I will have a chance to recharge my batteries.

I still have some photos of my DH's heart book that I was making him for Valentine's Day. However, it is almost finished and since his birthday is on Saturday, February 16th, I thought it would be a great chance to give it to him then. Once I finish it, I will post pics so you can see it. Some of the pages are better than I thought and others are not as good as I thought. It's still cute, but it's much different from what I pictured in my head.

Well, thanks for looking. Come back soon. I will have lots of new things to add to the blog and I can't wait for you to see them!

Sell-A-Brate with me!!!!

2008-02-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

It's that time! And what time is that??? It's time for FREE STAMPS! And this year's Sale-a-Bration sets are really something! There is a little bit for everyone! Check it out and be sure you look through the entire catalog....you don't want to miss a thing! Click on the catalog and it will take you directly to the Stampin' Up! on-line catalog so you can see everything there is to offer. If you see something you can't live without, contact me and I will gladly take your order!

Now on to some crazy stuff!!! Today we got 8 - 10" of snow! It was something else. And here's the crazy part...both my school district and my DD's district (the only kiddie at home) HAD SCHOOL! It took me 30 minutes to drive 4 miles! As I was walking in the door, they announced on the intercom that there would be no bus service this morning. WHAT?@#! I couldn't believe it. I still want to know WHY IN THE WORLD WE WERE EVEN THERE???? I had no students first hour...I had one student second hour...and three students third hour. School was cancelled after fourth hour and we teachers were allowed to go home at 1PM. Go figure. I still get mad when I think about it...now I am trying to focus on the fact that we had an "early quit" and it was Friday! YAY! That's pretty wonderful!

I will be posting some pics this weekend of projects that I have been working on. My heart book for DH is coming along...S-L-O-W-L-Y...but it's coming along. I have club tomorrow (hey girls!!) and the projects that we are making are FUN! I will post those after club. So be sure you check back here on either Saturday or Sunday!

Wherever you are, enjoy your day. I know that I am going to do just that!

Time is Flying!!

2008-01-23T17:36:00.000-08:00

Hello! It has been a long while, hasn't it? Here's what I have been up to:
This is the Field Museum of Natural History. This past Sunday, January 20th, was the coldest day yet (this winter anyway) in the Midwest. We thought we would dress warmly and head to Chicago to the museum...after all, who else would be there in this terrible cold???? WRONG! It was very crowded! We got there around 2PM and stayed until closing. We went to see this exhibit:

It was an interesting exhibit, that's for sure. They had maps from 300 AD! They had a map from Lewis and Clark...they had all kinds of maps. Some were as big as a dining room table....or a wall...they were really something else. We enjoyed the exhibit and would urge you to go. Even if you don't enjoy history or you find it boring...I think you would still enjoy these maps. There are all kinds of maps - some by Lincoln and Jefferson...it was really something.

This is a picture of Emma and John outside the museum. Silly Emma - she wouldn't trade beauty for warmth - no hat!!! It was really cold. On the way home Em borrowed John's hat and admitted she should have had one of her own!

Here's a pic of Em and I posing by a wall of hieroglyphics. I find Egyptian history very interesting...so my first stop is ALWAYS to the Egyptian archives! This wall was really colorful...can you tell we were posing like the hieroglyphics? LOL!

We came home to a nice crock-pot dinner and then we finished taking down the tree...as we watched the Packers lose, of course. (Not a cheese-head so I didn't mind!)

Monday was spent with Connie and stamping. Here's what we made:

This is a coaster-calendar. If anyone out there in cyberland wants to make one, contact me and we will get a class going. I am going to offer a class at the end of this month...however, there hasn't been any interest so far! Each month is different and is very cute. I am going to leave mine on my computer desk so I can always have the date close at hand.

Well, I have to write a quiz for English tomorrow. If I am lucky, I will get some stamping and scrapping in there, too. I am making a heart book for my DH for Valentine's day. It is really pretty so far and I will post pictures when I am done! Thanks for looking!

It's the 16th already!

2008-01-16T04:28:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile...I have taken both girls back to school and Em and I have returned also. It has been quite an emotional two weeks. Taking them back this time was harder than ever...maybe because I know that their days "at home" are truly numbered. It was tough. Check out what my name means...I thought this was too cool.

Creating? Not happening. I still have the Christmas tree up and am trying to work on that...Tune in soon...maybe I will have lots to share then.

What Theresa Means

You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.
You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.
You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.
You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.
You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

It's Here!

2008-01-02T17:59:00.000-08:00

The Spring/Summer Collection from Stampin' Up! is here! Take a look at it on-line here. If you would like a hard copy (one you can drool over!!) contact me and I will be sure you get one! I am off to mark-up my copy!!!!

Happy New Year, one and all!!

2008-01-01T10:05:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! This is what we woke up to today! Isn't it beautiful? I am going to venture out and take some close-up shots of the trees and the piles of snow...I love the snow! Don't you?

Here are some pictures of how we spent our New Year's:

This is a picture of Em and two of her friends...she went to a party last night and then had five girls come over and spend the night. They are now playing the Wii!!! The BEST Christmas present in the world!!! (hee hee - can you tell what I got???)

And of course...what's an entry without the Biscuit???? Here she is! My little pumpkin! She is too cute for words. Yesterday as my DH and I awaited the new year, she slept on the back of the couch and snored like nobody's business! YIKES! This little puppy can snore!

And here we are playing SET. This is the most fun card game in the world! It is easy to play and really gets your mind going. We started playing this when Gen was in first grade. It is for all age groups and is a LOT of fun! Check this game out. You can play it online to get a taste of it here. They have a daily puzzle you can try and there are also other games to play. We stumbled on this game when the girls were little and we still enjoy playing it now.

Well, I am off to enjoy the start of my new year...I have made several resolutions - mostly craft related. I hope you have enjoyed your holiday season and check back often to see what I am up to! Until next time...

2007-12-29T16:35:00.000-08:00

Isn't this funny? Check out your personality!!!

The Recipe For Theresa

3 parts Naughtiness
2 parts Superiority
1 part Whimsy

Splash of Passion

Shake vigorously

What's" the Recipe for Your Personality?

Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-25T10:17:00.001-08:00

I hope your day is filled with love, laughter and those you love. Merry Christmas everyone!

HOLY COW!

2007-12-16T08:27:00.000-08:00

Has it really been two weeks???? I have been really busy...with work and trying to get the house in order. Everyone who knows me knows that housekeeping is not high on my priority list! LOL! I try, but it seems so mundane to me...not my cup of tea. Anyway, with new demands at work it has been very, very busy for me. So...on to what's been happening!

First we had our first snowstorm and it was lovely! Here is my favorite pic:

What can be better than Biscuit in a snowstorm???? Isn't she a dumpling?

Then yesterday (Saturday) Gen came home from school. We were going to head into the city today (Sunday) and have lunch "under the tree"...which means the Walnut Room at Marshall Field's (it will never be Macy's to me....) and a peek at their windows. Well, Madeline had to work today and so at the last minute, we decided to head into Chicago and meet Madeline for DINNER under the tree. We sent Madeline ahead to get us a pager...and that way by the time we got there, we had an hour wait. Not too bad...the wait has previously been 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours! YIKES! The food was yummy and we ate until we were stuffed. The four of us shared two desserts: the Frango Mint Cheesecake (my fave) and the Martha Stewart Gingerbread Cake. They were both really delicious! I don't know why we didn't take a picture of THAT!!

First of all, here is a picture of the three girls at the piano is the "waiting" area - one of many! Sorry it's blurry. I was the photographer, holding purses and coats and bags...AND trying to take the picture!! LOL!

This is a photo of the tree in the Walnut Room. It is decorated with Martha Stewart ornaments and surrounded by a glittered village. For those of you that are familiar with her line at Macy's/Marshall Fields, you will know that the ornaments she has created for them are of glittered houses and churches, etc. They are very vintage-y and absolutely adorable!

Here is a close-up of the glitter houses. Aren't they something? Knowing how I love bling, these decorations were right up my alley! I would love a village like this in my house!!!

This is a picture that Emma took of the wreath on the window. We were seated right there. Unfortunately, we didn't have a seat near the tree this year, but sitting where we did allowed us to look at the beautiful snow coming down.

Little did we know, but a snowstorm had hit Chicago! After dinner we looked at the windows (which had a Nutcracker/Chicago theme this year) and walked to Nordstrom's Rack (or whatever it's called). We were covered in snow. It was snowing very heavily. (Of course I didn't get any pictures of that!). Then we all hit the wall. It was about 9PM and we just couldn't "go" any more. We decided to call it quits and head home...after giving Madeline a ride home, of course. It took us 30 minutes to drive her to her dorm! I couldn't believe it!! The roads were terrible. We made the decision to take Lake Shore Drive to I-94, hoping that would be clearer than the back roads. Well, it may have been clearer but a 40-minute drive took 1-1/2 hours! It was a nightmare. Thankfully we made it home, safe and sound.

It was an adventure and we all had fun...but not a drive I care to repeat. We had a blast and I am very glad that we managed to have dinner under the tree. This morning we woke up to about 7 or 8 inches of snow. YIKES! Emma was scheduled to take her driving test for her license today. Needless to say, THAT was cancelled! (You are all safe on the roads for another week...)

NOW...on to crafting! I have lots of things I want to post, but am running out of time to do so. I have to get this house in order first and then I will return with some pics of what I have been up to...creative wise. So, check back often...and this time, I mean it!

Have you been reading other blogs? Tim Holtz is taking blog-land by storm! He has created some of the most wonderful tags for Christmas. Be sure to check him out! You will not be disappointed.

Thanks for looking and check back soon!

December 1st already! You know what that means...

2007-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Stampin Up! is getting ready for its Spring-Summer collection by announcing its retirement list. I am losing some of my favorite stamps...but I am sure they will be replaced by NEW favorites! To be sure you don't miss out on some of your favorite stamps, click here. Stampin Up! has also redesigned their website. (Or click on the link to the right!) It is much more user friendly and has many more samples. It is really quite nice!

I will be back later with some pictures of Christmas cards that I have been making. These used only paper and no stamps. Hmmmmm...interesting concept! Be sure to check out the new SU site and the retired list. I would hate for any of you to miss out on a stamp set you really love!

Funny

2007-11-29T16:18:00.000-08:00

Isn't this the funniest thing ever? Try it out! What's your blog name? Let me know.

Your Elf Name Is...

Grumpy Mc Flurry

What's Your Elf Name?

WOW!

2007-11-26T18:54:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone! I added a Feedblitz Subscriber to my blog! Look to the left! If you want to be notified when I update my blog, fill-in your e-mail address and as soon as I publish a new post, it will notify you! Holy cow! Let me know if you like this...if not, I can always delete it.....aaaaahhhh, the joys of cyber-space!

Thanksgiving

2007-11-26T18:21:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving this year was one of the best! We laughed our heads off and acted silly, in general. I planned dinner for 2PM but never served it until 4PM. I don't know what my problem is...it seems that as I get older, it becomes more difficult for me to "stay on schedule"!! But, there were TONS of appetizers (just ask anyone who was here!) and we all got a chance to visit. I think (at least I hope) it worked out all right for everyone...

After dinner we cleared the table and made two crafts! The first one was this glittery snowflake:
My snowflake was hairy and silly looking...this is a picture of Emma's and Madeline's...much nicer than mine! We then made glittery ornament balls. That was messy, but fun! Unfortunately I can't get a good picture to show you those.

On Friday morning, Gen and I headed out for some deals! We didn't get any...ha ha! We tried, but it seems that we were always just missing what we went for. We did manage to spend a big chunk of change, so I am quite close to being done with my Christmas shopping this year. (YAY! More time to enjoy the season!!) On Friday after shopping and Saturday after the movies (we saw "Dan in Real Life" and I loved it!) I made some Christmas cards.

We have become real Martha Stewart fans since she has added such a great craft line at Michael's. Armed with my 50% off coupon, I was able to purchase 16 cards with envelopes and glitter to make these:

and these:

Although they are very sparkly, we decided we preferred the simple stamped ones that I made after I made the Martha ones. Here is a sample of them:

There is no glitter on my JOY card, but it is really pretty IRL. I hope that all of the recipients of any of the cards like them! They were fun to make...Oh, by the way, the Martha glitter (in case you wondered) is awesome! It goes a long way and it gives great coverage! I won't hesitate to purchase it again and again.

Well, the two older girls got back to college and Em and I went back to school today. John is back to work tomorrow and now the candy-cane-countdown begins for Christmas break. (Only 19 more days of school left for Em and I!!!!) I have lots more to post (regarding Thanksgiving and some holiday creations...) so be sure to tune in soon! I hope your turkey days were wonderful!

The Adventures I've Had!!

2007-11-18T18:57:00.001-08:00

I have been very busy...and am sorry to say, I have very few pictures to show for it...Last weekend I went to visit Genevieve. It was so much fun! I saw her play - which I didn't really care for - and we visited and had fun - in general. I went to the greatest stamp store called Creative Pals. It is located in Brookfield, Wisconsin. It is a wonderful shop! The woman that was working was very accommodating. The selection was awesome and I had so much fun shopping with my daughter that I could barely contain myself.

I returned from my weekend with Gen and settled in to a very stressful weekend at work. That could be another blog - completely! LOL! But, my reward at the end of this past week was to visit my daughter Madeline. Emma was away at a speech meet so I was able to visit Madeline by myself. We went out with the roomies for lunch at this marvelous Thai restaurant...the food was yummy. Then Madeline and I went and visited another store. This one is called The Paper Source. This store was something else! It is three floors of goodies...one floor is better than the next. Their selection of paper and ribbon is wonderful! I could barely contain myself. I bought quite a few Christmas presents and some fun things to create...the store was as great as Madeline said it was! After that we watched the Festival of Lights parade down Michigan Avenue. It was cold but fun. We saw Corbin Bleu from "High School Musical". I guess he was the Grand-Poo-Bah of the parade. After that we shopped for Christmas presents a little more...then we headed out for dinner. We got back to her apartment at 10PM and I got home around 11PM. I was DEAD TIRED! It was a lot of fun, but walking in the city can be exhausting!

THEN...on to creating! This first card was done with glossy paper, versamark, pomegranate ink and chocolate chip ribbon and card stock. I really love this card. It is very festive looking in person. This second card was made on shimmery white paper. (You can't tell from the scan...I should have taken a picture. But I am too lazy and tired! LOL!) I used Pomegranate ink and paper. I added pink crystal bling to the flowers and the center of the medallion. I think it is a weird card, but I have to tell you that I really like it. I think it is so simple that it's cute. I hope you like it too!

This final card is a take-off of a card we made at club for one of our members. One of our members is having a baby and we made our last stamp club meeting a baby shower for her. It was so much fun! Anyway, I tweaked it a bit to make it for a teacher that I work with. She had a baby girl last week! I water colored the baby's clothes in Groovy Guava and Pomegranate. I added pink bling to the blue scallop. I wanted to add a Guava ribbon but I can't find mine right this second. (If you saw my stamp room you would understand!) Anyway, I hope she likes it.

I have created a few other things that I need to post so you can see them. However, with Thanksgiving only a few days away, I am not thinking that's going to happen. I have an action-packed week and the girls are coming home (Tuesday and Wednesday) so I will be especially busy those evenings. I will try, but don't hold your breath!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I am sure I will have some Christmas things (hint-hint) to post and share with you!

2007-11-11T17:26:00.000-08:00

This is Terri Conrad's invitation to "play along" on her blog. She is a creative and inspiring artist who is also the creator of Webster's Pages...some of the most wonderful scrapbook papers I have ever seen. Check her out. She is giving away lots of goodies in her countdown to Christmas! Here is her blog: Terri Conrad's blog. I think you will all like something you see!!! Here are some of her creative endeavors, too! Check it out...I don't think you will be disappointed!

Oh - I have had the most marvelous weekend! I will come back later and tell you all about it! AND, I have some projects to share! YAHOO! Come back and visit!!!

Has it really been that long???

2007-11-04T09:53:00.001-08:00

Here's where we went: To my sister's house!!!!!! Em was off on Fall break and John and I took Friday off so we could travel as a family! (Of course, the two older girls are at college so that didn't work for them!!)

Here's John being silly on the ride down!!!

And here is the BISCUIT coming too! Doesn't she look thrilled????

This is Ashley, my youngest niece (not so young anymore!!) with her baby ANNA! What a cute, funny kid! She is a doll-baby!

This picture is of my sister and her oldest daughter (on the left) Denise and Emma. Denise lives in Evansville, Indiana and came in for the morning to see us before we left for home. Look how tall Emma is!!! Here is a photo of Denise, my sister Sue, Jordan (Ashley's son). He is such a good boy. The picture to the right and bellow it is Anna in her Halloween costume! Isn't she a cutie???

So...this is where I have been. It took us about

5-1/2 hours to get there and we stayed until about 1PM on Sunday. It made for a nutty week because I didn't have time to get prepared for school, etc. But it was well worth the trip. We had a marvelous time!

When we got home, I headed up to Chicago to get Madeline. She had all of her bone testing done to determine the problem with her back. We should know more by the middle of this week.

Check back with me later this week. I have lots to share with you from Stamp Club to some wonderful projects I have been making! Thanks for looking!!

I have been busy!

2007-10-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

Hello! So much has been happening...I don't know where to begin. First of all, I celebrated my 50th birthday with my daughter who turned 21! Emma was our designated driver...need I say more???? Here are some pictures from our "evening" out:

This is us at the beginning of the evening:

And here we are at the end of the evening:

All I can say is that it is a good thing we had a designated driver! YOWSER! There are a LOT of pictures in-between, but per my DH request, I have not posted them! It was fun and we did behave...essentially. LOL! We had a great time! I hated to see Gen return to school...

The very next day (after Gen returned to school) we had our Diva Meeting. Here are some beautiful cards made by Jackie:

Jackie is also knows as "hpyscrpr2" over on SCS. Her cards are absolutely beautiful! She takes her time and sees to every detail. There were more cards in this series, but I am saving them for club....or maybe a class. I haven't decided yet! The swaps were awesome! I will post some pictures soon. I think I misunderstood the idea behind the swap...but I was allowed to swap anyway. Next month is going to be a punch swap...with a twist! Wait until you see it.

Later in the week, Madeline and I (and Em) spent the night in the emergency room of Children's Memorial Hospital. Madeline has had a terrible back ache and Tuesday night it became unbearable. Right now it is looking like she has a broken vertebrae. OUCH! We will know more when we go and visit the ortho-man! I will keep you posted! So that's where I have been...

Check back in a few days...I have some wonderful Halloween things that I made last week with some stamping-diva-friends. I think you will enjoy them! Thanks for looking!!!

My Swaps!

2007-10-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

Hello again! I here is a picture of my swaps for tomorrow night's meeting:

They are little containers filled with candy corn and nuts...I used coluzzle, my scallop punch, and shimmery white paper. They are really cute! I hope everyone likes them!

Now I am off to work on school stuff :(

Hopefully I will have more to post tomorrow or Tuesday night! Thanks for looking!

I'm Old!!!!

2007-10-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

Here is where I have been:

It was a birthday I had been dreading for one year....and guess what? It came and nothing in my life changed! WOW! I can't believe it. I still put my pants on one leg at a time...I still go to work every morning...I still come home at the end of the school day (or later). NOTHING changed.

My dear hubby (forever known as DH) and my dear daughter (little Emma) made my week very special. (The other two girls did also...but they are away at school so they made me happy by staying AT school and concentrating on their studies...and calling and e-mailing and texting me....that works!) Anyway, my DH took the week off from work so he could celebrate BIRTHDAY WEEK! And what a week it was! Everyday was something special. There were gifts everyday and cooked breakfasts and unlimited computer time and UNINTERRUPTED computer time and so on....My birthday was awesome. It started with a birthday breakfast...and and flowers and a majorly bling card. (The card was glitterized - naturally - and flocked...oh, so sweet!) The bouquet was HUGE and very beautiful (roses and lilies and everything else!) Then it was off to work. When I came home, we headed to Bass Pro for dinner. DH assured me I would enjoy it and I did! When there, DH and DD gave me beautiful hand-made cards...here they are:

This was a card from my three beautiful daughters! It is so funny and cute...and on the inside:

They have gotten me a VERA BRADLEY PURSE! They didn't order it because they wanted to be sure it was the correct color and style, etc. But this is it - only in PINK!!!!

Here is the card from my DH, with a little help from Emma:

And on the inside:

My hubby got me a CAMERA!!!! YAY! A DIGITAL CAMERA!!!! I was so surprised!! What a blast! Now I can quit scanning my cards and projects and instead take pictures!!! Now you will really be able to see the BLING!!!

The next day there was a gift certificate for the local scrapbook store...then there was a raspberry torte cake (yum). That was Friday...I had a HORRIBLE day at school and was whining and crying and wanting to throw things around the house...John decided that instead of ending the week on Saturday, I needed my FINAL gift (there's more????) right then and there...and here it is:

A ZOOM LENS for my 35mm camera! OH WOW! (I included a pic of the digital so you can see it...too cool!) I have wanted a zoom lens for my 35mm forever...it is something I have talked about. BUT...to get both a digital AND a zoom? Oh my lucky stars! My hubby treated me like a million bucks! He was so generous and kind....can I say more good things about him? What a surprise! I am so excited to think about all of the great pictures I will take with BOTH of my cameras. I can honestly say that I feel like a Queen.

The birthday that I have been dreading was the most wonderful and surprising birthday ever. I am so fortunate to have such a loving family...even without all of the gifts.

OK. Now, I am off to stamp. I have some swaps to make and I am going to create ten projects before I buy another thing! I will be posting away and hope you will tune in to see what I have done. Thanks for looking!

WoW!

2007-09-30T21:21:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I have been busy!!! This weekend Emma and I created her invitations to her birthday party. Now...for those of you who know us, Em turned 16 on August 22nd. However, her sisters were leaving for college during that time (on the 20th and 21st to be exact) and it was too difficult to plan a party, get ready for school, and get the other two back to college. So, we postponed her party. We are having a Halloween party!!! Here are the invitations that we created:

It's hard to tell in this picture, but all of the little pics are colored with glitter pens. They sparkle like crazy...and the Halloween garland also sparkles - because if it doesn't have bling, what's the point???? The spider on the end of the garland has a purple jewel for a body. It is too cute!!!

Can you see the cool jewel???? Emma designed the card herself. The inside has all the information regarding the party. We spent the evening yesterday making them. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Tune in tomorrow (maybe Tuesday) to see what I am up to...I have plans for creating and will share as soon as I am done....also, check out the RUSTY PICKLE blog. They are giving away OODLES of stuff to launch their blog! Check it out....who knows? Maybe you'll win! Thanks for looking!!

Here are some creations!!

2007-09-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone! I cannot believe it has been one week since I blogged! Once I get my classroom up and running I will be better at this...at least I hope so! LOL! Here is a picture of one of my favorite cards! I got the set for free from Stampin Up! and I absolutely love it. I think it is one of the most versatile sets I have ever gotten! And of course, I used Ruby Red with Old Olive...two of my absolute favorite colors!!
Now I am going to show you some of my Dauber Diva creations...I didn't participate in the swap this month...with the BBQ and school starting, I didn't have time to create. BUT, here are some wonderful pictures of the creations of the divas! This one was done by Jackie B. She makes beautiful and detailed cards...every month. I am sure many of you know her from Splitcoaststampers...Her name there is Hpyscrpr2. Check out her work...it is awesome!

The next card is from one of the divas, but I don't know which one! There was no name on the back...so, if you are out there and recognize your card, give me a shout out and I will be glad to give you credit!

I am lucky to belong to such a talented group of stampers! They do inspire me every time we meet! Well, that's all for now. I am off to do school work. I will have Emma's Halloween Birthday invitations to show you soon....like in the next few days! We have been creating these for awhile now....we need to finalize the invitation now, so we can get them out in time! Thanks for looking!

2007-09-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

...I got this off of Sande Kreiger's blog!! It is killing me!! I think it is hilarious! Try it and link back to me! It is too funny!!!!

Let's see what your Rock Star and Gangsta names are!!!!

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car), Chico Venture

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie), Pistacio Chocolate Chip

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name), T-Grd

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal), Red Guinea Pig

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born), Marie Hammond

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first), Grdth

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink), The Black Root Beer

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers), Walter Carl

9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy), Cinnibar Dove

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ), Emilia Carl

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter), Rose Rawlings

12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower). Winter Lily

13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Watermelon nightgownie

14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree), Egg Maple

15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”), The Stamping Snowstorm Tour

Isn't this funny????? Ok. I have to type up the cars for the BBQ!

I am gearing up!!!

2007-09-13T05:17:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I wanted to post one of my creations before life became too hectic this weekend...I am running the BIG BBQ dinner sales at my daughter's high school and this weekend is the big kick-off selling weekend...I am swamped! To top it off, I threw my back out and have been unable to walk too much. YIKES! Bad timing....

Anyway, here is one of the cards that I created...

It's hard to tell on this scan (I really need to start using a digital camera, don't I?) but the butterflies are 3-dimensional and coated in - guess what? GLITTER!!! I used Dazzling Diamonds, the best (in my opinion) glitter in the world!!! The background is stamped with the swirly stamp from the set and the card stock edges are rubbed with ink. I was very happy with it. I hope you like it too!

Tune in soon and see my favorite card from my card-making session...it uses Wild Wasabi and Rose Red.....two of my favorite colors! Have a wonderful weekend....

Hope You Like It

2007-09-09T15:39:00.000-07:00

WOW! Two posts in one day! Fantastic! Here are the little 3X3 note cards that I made on Friday at my open swap. I was trying to use two new sets that I hadn't used yet...These little cards gave me lots of ideas for big cards...keep watching! You just never know when they will "pop up"!

I am especially fond of the stuck on you card with the ribbon! I think it is very 'fallish' and it is something I would tuck into a lunch box or a jacket pocket!

I hope you like them! Come back soon!!

How Time Flies!

2007-09-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

I have been gone a long time!! Getting my class up and running as well as helping with the BBQ dinner at the high school is more than I can take for the start of the year! Well, yesterday was a real day of surprises! I met Christine at a Stamp and Scrapbook Expo....we had so much fun!!! Here are the make and takes we made : We only did the free ones!!!!

The "Thanks a Latte!" was done at the booth of the Chicago store "Stamp on In" . I was happy to see this set in person because I have seen it all over the place...but have not seen it in person! The second card (Thinking of You) was done at a store from Michigan that was showcasing corner punches. That was fun. You can't tell but the trees are colored with the glittering chalk and then I put diamond dust (real glass glitter) on the trees also. You know me...there is never enough sparkle! The third card was done at the Archiver's booth. I think I did this one at the CK convention in St. Louis in April.

It was fun! There were tons of demos...my favorite one was the one from Gary Bullen (I don't know how to spell his name...he is a distributor!). Anyway, Damien was demonstrating these:

You can't tell from my lousy scan but these are the new COPIC markers. His demonstration was so awesome, I had to have a few. They were $4 each, so they are not cheap. However, the versatility and the wonderful ability they have to color is phenomenal! He also created these with the refills...

You cannot tell from my scan/picture how wonderful these are. I have seen something similar done with Tim Holtz's alcohol inks. But the fact that you have this ability with the markers' reinkers just thrills me! I am ga-ga for these things. I bought the colors that I use a lot - red (of course), green, orange purple, pink, yellow, and blue. Afterward, I had wished I had gotten brown. That would have allowed me Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas coverage (no pun intended!). The good news is, the store in Chicago (on Clark) called "Stamp On In" carries these markers. Although he doesn't sell them individually, he will special order them for us one at time. SO, I can go in and order my brown...and whatever else I think I need too! YAY!

The Expo was fun. Christine and I were there until almost 3PM. We surveyed the surroundings and bought what we can't get from our favorite - SU...We sure wish SU was on the acrylic (or unmounted) bandwagon. Although, we understand, support and respect their decision to stay with mounted until they can find an alternative that continues to supply us with their wonderful, crisp images. Enough said on that.

The ride home was exciting for me! I ran out of gas on highway 294! I couldn't believe it!!! My DH had to leave work and bring me both $ and one gallon of gas to get me to a gas station...Oh what a day I had! Lesson to be learned: Never leave home without gas in the car and/or HIDDEN money in the pocket!!!

Be sure to "tune in" later. I have some cards to post. Friday I had open stamp at my house. It was fun to see the ladies! I managed to make a few 3X3 cards and they are TOO cute!! I will post them later! Thanks for looking!

Look what's happening!

2007-08-31T18:28:00.000-07:00

Hello! I have been busy trying to get my classroom up and running! I am hoping to stamp my little heart out this Labor Day weekend...then I will have something to show you...

In the mean time, look what's coming up: World Card Making Day! It is right around the corner! Stampin Up! is a major sponsor of World Card Making Day and is offering a fabulous special that weekend! Check out this flier and tell me what you think:

Stampin Up! is offering 20% off their Simply Sent card kits from October 4 - 8 to help celebrate this great new day! Give me a call if you are interested in purchasing any of the wonderful kits...I will be ordering some for myself, so it won't be a problem.

I would like to have some activity for this special weekend...but it is the night of the Speech and Debate BBQ dinner and I know that I am going to be swamped that weekend....But we'll see. There is still some time to make plans!

Check back soon...I know I will have some great stampin' stuff to post shortly! Have a great weekend!

2007-08-26T17:19:00.000-07:00

Hello, again! I have been very busy since my last post....My oldest daughter returned to college and the very next day, my baby turned 16! (The same day the oldest turned 21!!! How crazy is that??) We spent the birthday in Chicago...we saw a movie (Becoming Jane; kind of slow in spots but interesting, nonetheless) and had a picnic dinner with Madeline in her dorm. It was so hot I couldn't bear the thought of eating in the park, as we had planned! It was a wonderful evening and we had a blast.

The next day I returned to school. We had meetings until 3:25 and it was a crazy, busy day. At a little after 3PM, someone came on the P.A. system and said that there was a tornado headed for us and to take cover. Well...Emma was at home (and Biscuit, too!). I knew that I had to get home! I asked the janitor if he thought I could make it and he told me I was nutz! He thought I should take cover. I didn't. I made it home. The whole way on the radio they were saying "Abandon your vehicles! Leave your mobile homes! Take cover NOW!" But I kept driving...I made it home in one piece but the power was out. At first it was fun. We gathered candles and watched the storm. Poor Bailey was terrified!!! It was an adventure. But about four hours into it, it started to get difficult. The hot water was running out...what about bathing? I couldn't do laundry...we couldn't read - Emma had the only flashlight! Well, it calmed down a bit and I went to Target and bought another flashlight. Then, it was fun again! I could read and futz around the house. After much thought, we devised a way to shower...that worked out okay. Then we went to bed early (10PM....after the summer hours we kept, 10PM is EARLY!!!). After midnight, our power came back. Everything switched on and all was well with our household...except the basement! We got about 3 - 4 inches of water in the basement!!! I forgot that while Em and I were having an adventure, the sump-pump (?) quit working! Luckily nothing was ruined but it sure is messy down there.

The next day was Emma's first day at school. She began her Sophomore year without any difficulties. I, on the other hand, had problems from the minute I entered my school building! We only had partial power. We stayed until 1:30 in meetings - where there was partial power - and then were dismissed. It was a difficult day. I went into my classroom....and couldn't really see anything. It was too much. I headed home in the hopes that power would be restored and I could work on my classroom on Saturday. Well, I went in and worked for a few hours. All the power was back and all was well. I returned today with NO LUCK! My swipe key will NOT work!!! I am slightly panicked as I must begin teaching tomorrow (Monday) and my room is not ready and I left all of my teaching stuff in my classroom! YIKES! I hope I can wing it, just fine!!! Now, on to some great stuff!!

We had our Dauber Diva meeting last Monday and it was inspiring! Here are two cards from some of the Divas. The first one is made with the True Friends set and the Apple Cider Designer Paper, too! Isn't it beautiful? It was made by Tami and her work is outstanding! I feel a CASE coming on!!!!

This cute holiday set was made by my friend Julie! She used the Merry and Bright set and the Season of Joy set...along with Old Olive, Whisper White, and Designer Series Paper - Rose Red. Isn't it cute? These large paper clips are the hottest thing right now...they make great bookmarks and are wonderful to slip in someone's lunch or pocket...just a little something! They would also be good for a new teacher gift! How cute is that???

Well, I hope that you have enjoyed this post! I will be back later in the week with some things that I have been working on! I can't wait to share! Keep me in your thoughts tomorrow...when I welcome my new class. - amidst the mess!

2007-08-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

I have been busy with my girls....We took Madeline back to school today. Loyola is awesome when it comes to getting everyone and everything into the dorm! We pulled up and three RAs came with carts, they literally jumped into the car and unpacked us. They told Madeline to register at the desk and told me to park my car. They waved and said "See you in Room #507!" And off they went! I parked, got lost (no shock there) and then headed to the dorm. Madeline's room is unbelievable! She has three wonderful roommates. One bedroom was HUGE and the other one was tiny...the roomies suggested all sleeping in one room and putting their desks in another. Great idea. They have it set up awesomely! It is going to be so nice! To think she is only two blocks from Water Tower Place....WOW! I feel some happy weekends coming on!!!Tomorrow we take Genevieve to Milwaukee...then it will be a quiet house for me!

Here is a picture of a card that I made. I am using all new stuff!! It is made with the Love and Joy set from the Holiday mini catalog. I used TWO dimensionals to attach the 1" punched "merry" circle. And then I attached chocolate taffeta ribbon. I hope you like it!!!

WOW!

2007-08-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

I have been MIA for far too long!!! All of our girls were home from school and my DH had some time off from work...we headed north to the woods. I took some stamping and books to read....but did neither! We went to the beach and hung out there...we went shopping in Holland....and just hung out at "the place"! It was wonderful! We got home late last night and spent today getting organized and trying to get the girls ready to go back to school. On Monday we take Madeline back and on Tuesday we take Genevieve back...we are going to be busy!

Now, I may not have a card to show you, but I do have a contest that ends tomorrow! Somebody is giving away a free TV...and a high-tech one at that! Check it out here! It is being sponsored by BEST BUY and you can check out the details at their website! Wouldn't it be wonderful to win one of these great TVs???? Good luck to all of us!

Check back in a few days and hopefully I will have something fun to post! It is the girls' birthdays next week, too! (Gen and Em share a day!!) I need to make cards for them! You only turn 21 and 16 one time!!!

Only 57 more days!!!

2007-08-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

It's here! National Card Making Day! It is being sponsored by many companies, but Stampin Up! is sponsoring BIG TIME! There are going to be lots of fun things to do and create...I am probably going to have a stamp camp that day, too! It will be a blast! Check it out here. Watch the Stampin Up! website for more information to follow!!

Until then, here's another "new" card from the Dauber Divas....

Isn't this a pretty one? I have got to get my hands on these new wheels! I am starting to see how versatile these wheels really are!! Enjoy! I am creating this afternoon, so please check back later (maybe tomorrow) to see what I have posted! Thanks for looking.

Home again! Part 2

2007-08-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we were off with family having fun in the sun! And what fun we had! We all got a sunburn (even with applying and re-applying sunscreen) but had GI-NORMOUS fun! As soon as I get pictures, I will upload them! Today I am off into the city for more fun there! Can't wait! Until I leave, however, I am going to stamp and have some fun! Hopefully I will have something new to upload!

Until then, here's a picture of me as an M&M!!! I am in the mountains, enjoying the cool breeze and gentle spray of the rushing water! (Can you tell I am hot????) Don't you love my diva-crown???? It glitters!!!!! LOL!

Home again!

2007-08-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Emma and I returned from moving Genevieve to her apartment in Milwaukee and let me say this....OH MAN! It was exhausting! We didn't get home until around 5:30 yesterday and then I had a crop at the LSS...I came home early - about 10:30 - because I was just too tired to move. I told Genevieve she could get someone else to move her next time! (hee-hee) If Emma hadn't come, I don't think she would have gotten moved so efficiently or so quickly...if you can call two days QUICKLY!!!

I also have wanted to post about a book I finished. I am a fan of "The Kite Runner". When I saw this book I knew that it would be a great read....However, I was being frugal...HAH! (Cheap is more like it!!) and didn't want to buy it unless I had to! Well, lucky for me my friend had it and loaned it to me. I spent three glorious days, savoring that book...it is beyond wonderful! I love, love, love it! It made me grateful to be born a woman in the United States. Great book. I laughed and cried and worried and thought about the plight of others in less fortunate situations than I....what more could you ask for in a book??? If you are looking for something to read, this is the book for you!

Now you know why I haven't been stamping! I am going to be away from the computer for a few days, but am hoping to make some projects while I am busy doing other things! So, check back in a few and hopefully I will have some new things posted! Until then, here is a pic of a card from our diva dauber swap. It was created by Valerie; it is "gaw-juss" darling! I love the colors (Certainly Celery and So Saffron is one of my favorite and often used combinations!!); and that wheel!!! I didn't really care for it until I saw this card! Hmmmm....it may have to go on my next order! Enjoy!!!!

August, already???

2007-08-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that it is August already! Where has the summer gone? Soon I will be back in school and working hard at teaching all of those little angels....sigh......

Well, on to better things!!!

Here is a card I made using mostly new items!!

I used SU's PRICELESS set and the scallop punch. Then I used the two new blue papers (I can't remember both of their names!!! YIKES!) and double-stitched Sky Blue ribbon (which I love!!). I hope you like it! Keep watching! I am going to start posting some of my creations using the new Pretties kit! It is well worth the price; it is a great value! I love it!! I think once you see all of the things you can do with it, you will love it too!!!

2007-07-24T16:31:00.001-07:00

And THIS would be why I haven't posted on my blog in one week!!!!

HARRY POTTER!!!

This is a picture of Colleen (Professor Trelawney) and Bret...

This is Emma as Tonks...I don't know what she's doing to her face, but that's my Emma!!!!

Here is Madeline as Madame Maxine. She is standing with Grant, a Ravenclaw student!

And finally we have Hannah as Bellatrix, Ryan as Lupin, and Liz as Luna. Liz/Luna even had radishes for earrings!

Needless to say, I spent all of last week getting ready for the big party! We made decorated wands that were bought at Ollivander's (hee hee)....and played a "Guess Who I Am?" game. We also ate Potter-inspired food (Pumpkin Patsies, Cauldron Cakes, and Mouse cookies to name a few!). It was tons of fun!!! At 10PM we went to Borders to join in the festivities there. It was a blast! Colleen entered the costume contest and according to us and everyone around us, she should have won. We got our book around 1AM and the rest, as they say, is history!
I spent the weekend trying to recover from the party! And then I have been at a special education conference for the last two days...But now I AM FREE!!!! I am creating this evening and doing little else - finally!

Now, on to the good stuff!!! BUT, before I upload some of my creations, I would like to upload a few creations that are from the Dauber Divas...The first one is created by Babette. She really pays attention to detail...

The next one is from Jacki...I really like this size of card...I need to make more of them!!!

And a final example of some of our new stamps comes from Melissa. I love the colors and I adore the stamp!! I love animal stamps.....

Well, I am off to make some of my own creations! I apologize for being gone so long, but I have been busy...Check back soon to see some new stuff!!

Finally!

2007-07-17T21:11:00.001-07:00

Here are two of the little "fry" boxes we made at our second-to-last stamp camp of the year! As you can see, we used the designer paper for each one and embellished it with a daisy-punch flower (boo-hoo; I will miss that punch!) and a colorful brad. It was a cute little project.

Be sure to tune in tomorrow! I will be showing you some of my new creations! I hope you like them!!

Holiday Mini

2007-07-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! The Holiday Mini is here! ALL of the stamps are die-cut! You just peel, stick, and stamp! WOW! There are lots of new things you are sure to love! It's got wrapping paper and ribbon...tag sets...chipboard...Thanksgiving sets...and more! There is something for everyone! (I LOVE the snowflakes!) Check it out here and let me know what you think:

http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Holiday_Mini_07_US.pdf

Happy Looking!!!

I've been missing!!

2007-07-15T11:48:00.001-07:00

Sorry I have been gone so long...we got Gen back to school and my new goodies from SU came in...needless to say, I have been drooling over everything. But about the time I sat down to create, Madeline had seven of her friends from college pop in and take the house by storm. They are all really nice kids and they just needed a place to sleep! They came into town for the PITCHFORK music festival. It sounds like it is fun! crowded and hot...but fun. Anyway, I have been busy trying to keep up with that stuff! BUT...I did manage to finish something for Genevieve. It is a card tin, decorated and filled with cards for her at college! I hope she likes it!

I will be back tonight with some posts of the new goodies from SU! The stuff I have gotten is fantastic!!! Wait until you see it. You will want it all!!!

Sorry about that!

2007-07-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

I haven't had much time to create OR to post...Genevieve has come in for the weekend and we have been busy trying to get her set up for her apartment in Milwaukee...And of course, what would a trip home be without a trip to the woods??? I will create something new and post here ASAP....I PROMISE! Thanks for your patience! I will be back as soon as I can!

A twist

2007-07-03T13:14:00.001-07:00

Hey, everyone! How are you? Happy Fourth of July - EARLY! I have been wanting to show you this card we made in club...it was a make-n-take kit that I tweaked a bit...

The recipe called for us to take the chipboard flower and use regal rose (or was it ruby red???) craft ink...that was okay, but I really wanted to do something different. SO, I used lumiere (boo hoo - I will miss that stuff!) and some Cool Caribbean (sp) reinker and that's how I colored the flower! I hope you like it! Later tonight or tomorrow I will have some awesome samples from the new catalog! I have made a few and the Diva Daubers have been hard at work! Wait until you see these cards! You will love them!

Time for a creation!!!

2007-07-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

I have been avoiding doing work around here (i.e. paying bills, doing dishes, etc.) so I thought I should post another creation!! I hope you enjoy it...
This was made with my Bella stamp...I used my Cuttlebug on the little strip (by the stripes) and added my BLING to the swirly stamp! I LOVE MY BLING!!!!

I've been TAGGED!

2007-07-01T18:16:00.001-07:00

Wow! I never, in one million years, thought it would happen to me! Thanks Jen! This is so fun...

Here's how it works: I have to post seven random facts about myself and then "tag" seven other people! I will then leave them messages on their blogs to let them know I "tagged" them! Please do likewise....Here goes:

1. I have been married to my best friend for 26 years and we still act like newlyweds!
2. I wasn't afraid of flying until I had my children. Now, I have to give myself LIQUID anesthesia (aka: alcohol) to get on a plane...and then it's "iffy"!
3. I am a Special Ed teacher by day and still feel like I am "faking" it...It doesn't really feel like a job - it's fun and and I get paid and I am sure that they made a mistake and are going to realize how much fun I have and fire me...most days, anyway! ha ha!
4. I love the outdoors. I enjoy riding in our canoe and being outside in the cool, cool forest. It's fun to look for wild animals and see how many you can spot when you are in the woods.
5. I am completely addicted to stamping and scrapping. There are very few people I know who breathe, eat, and sleep the paper arts like me. :(
6. If I could, I would have TONS of pets...rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, dogs, and cats. Right now I have a dog (my little Biscuit) and a cat. The cat is really my daughter's cat...
7. I am a people watcher. I enjoy watching the world walk by my window! When out in public, I am content to sit with a soda or an iced tea or water and watch and imagine what everyone is up to!!!

Here is who I am "tagging":

Jacki at: http://www.creativemaniacs.blogspot.com/

Jenalyn at: http://www.stampersgonewild-jen.blogspot.com/

Emily at: http://www.stampingexpressions.blogspot.com/ Emily doesn't know me, but I lurk on her site! Her blog is WONDERFUL!!!

Kurtis at: http://www.stampinkub.com/ This is a GUY stamper! That's amazing! His tutorials are really great and so is his stamping!

Rose at: http://www.papercraftingfun.blogspot.com/ Again, I am a lurker, but let me tell you something! Rose sure can stamp!!

Rebecca at: http://bellacarta.typepad.com/ I am a LURKER...Rebecca has some interesting stuff on her blog...Lots of variety! YAY!

and finally, Jenni at: http//stampinjenni.blogspot.com Can you say "LURKER"???

As you can see I am really new to this blog thing. But, I am so honored and excited that Jen picked and tagged me! Awesome! This is fun!! Enjoy!!!

Personality DNA

2007-07-01T16:56:00.000-07:00

Check this out! It is a personality test! I saw it on someone else's blog (sorry - it was before I was a blogger and I don't remember who it was!) and loved it! Give it a try! It's pretty fun!

Let me know "what" you are!!

Here it is!!

2007-07-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

Here is the new catalog! Can you believe it? As of 2PM CST, you will be able to view the catalog at the Stampin Up! website! If you would like your own copy, please let me know and I will get it to you ASAP!! Check back later for some new samples I have completed!

A New Look

2007-06-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

Do you like the look of my blog? I got creative (with a LOT of help from the ladies on SCS) and changed the whole look of my blog! As most of you already know, the colors match the new IN-COLORS from Stampin Up's new catalog! I am WILD about Wasabi and Pomegranate!! (I really like them all!) Let me know what you think!

2007-06-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

Dublin: Day 13-14

Here is a slideshow (be sure to view it as such!) of my daughter's hike in Ireland. I am showing you these pictures because they are BEAUTIFUL! She said that when they reached the top of the cliffs she was speechless and overcome with the beauty of it...Any of you that know Genevieve know that she is RARELY speechless!!! LOL! I hope you enjoy the pictures. Oh - by the way - Genevieve is the one in the pink coat!

I'm Back!

2007-06-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

Well, it took me awhile but I am back! Yesterday the catalogs came in...I spent the entire afternoon, the evening, and most of this morning and afternoon drooling over everything! This catalog is fabulous!! There is something for everyone! I didn't post because I have club tomorrow and I wanted to surprise all of the ladies! I can't wait for them to see it! YAHOO!! They are going to love it!

Here is a simple card done with my favorite retiring set, Mixed Bouquet. I didn't add a sentiment because I want the card to be versatile. I will add the sentiment when I decide to use the card. I don't know if you can tell, but I used Dazzling Diamonds on the flowers! First I used Heat-and-Stick (love that stuff!!) and then the Dazzling Diamonds! I hope you like it as much as I do!

Waiting...

2007-06-26T20:40:00.000-07:00

I am still waiting for my new catalog!!! I thought for sure I would have it in my hot-little-hands by now...I don't know how much longer I can wait!

No stamping today. I have been busy being busy...didn't get much done but was busy just the same. Tomorrow FOR SURE! I have to get ready for our last stamping club meeting of the year. It is on Friday and I can't wait!

I will have pictures for you tomorrow - I promise!

2007-06-25T13:00:00.001-07:00

I have been away playing in the woods! I got some beautiful pictures...of course they are not here with me now! and I had a wonderful time..riding the canoe, walking in the woods, cleaning the cabin....OK, maybe cleaning the cabin wasn't so fun but at least it is done now. (hee hee) I am going to stamp and scrap this afternoon and will be uploading my creations then! Maybe even a picture or two! Thanks for looking in! I have to go and check the mailbox....maybe my catalog is here!

It's happening!

2007-06-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

It's true! The SU! catalogs are starting to arrive! The frenzy on SCS (Demo side) is hysterical! I checked it out this afternoon...it's become a habit now...and when I saw that there were 400+ people on-line, I knew that a catty had been received! It's in La Mirada, California...It seems one catalog made it to their house today - the demo copy. Wow! I can't believe it! Somebody talked with DS and was told that the complimentary copies of catalogs went out to demos on June 20th with the hopes that they would be received by June 25th and June 26th. (That would be Monday and Tuesday of next week!)

So, everyone....get yourself ready! The catties are coming! The catties are coming!

It's a fact!

2007-06-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

Well, today is a busy day for me. I am off to the doctor and then hitting the scrapbooking hot-and-heavy! I have to finish a scrapbook by tomorrow for a woman who wants it for her Granddaughter's wedding shower this weekend. It is taking much longer to complete it than I ever thought it would...but once it's done, STAMPING TIME! Can't wait!

Attached is a list of the retiring accessories. Don't get too worked up about it! Much of what is retiring just needs to be "re-configured"...And anyway, won't it be great having so many new accessories? Personally, I cannot wait! See you all soon!

2007-06-20T06:29:00.001-07:00

I have finally figured out how to upload photos...I am going to try it with a card that was inspired by this card (left and below) on SCS by "Luv2Stamp&Scrap"...I absolutely LOVED the way the swirls came off the center panel onto the background!

I tried to make this card and mine looked old and grandmother-ish....It wasn't at all as beautiful as this one! (Probably because I didn't have the correct colors and I substituted More Mustard and Handsome Hunter!) Now there's nothing wrong with being a grandma, but it's not a look I was going for this time!

SO...I switched up the colors (I used Very Vanilla and Purely Pomegranate cardstock, with Purely Pomegranate and Wild Wasabi ink...). When I finished it, I liked it but it was missing something. It didn't take me long to determine that I needed some BLING on that card! (What else is new?) So, I added the medallion (which was embossed with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder) and a new SU Ice Bling Brad!

I like it! Tell me what you think!

This is it!

2007-06-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

Well...Here it is! My own, real-life blog! I have played with a blog on MySpace for awhile but have great difficulty navigating that site...it was recommended by a stampin' sister (Thank you Jacki!) that we give blogging a try...so here I am! I am going to do my best to update this blog regularly...and post ideas and cards and scrapbook pages....I want it to be inspiring for you and me, too!

Well, thanks for looking! I will see you soon!