Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Something funny!

Here is an email I got this morning and I wanted to share it with all of you! Enjoy!

Subject: THE GOOD NAPKINS

My mother taught me to read when I was four years old (her first mistake).

One day, I was in the bathroom and noticed one of the cabinet doors was ajar. I read the box in the cabinet. I then asked my mother why she was keeping 'napkins' in the bathroom. Didn't they belong in the kitchen?

Not wanting to burden me with unnecessary facts, she told me that those were for 'special occasions (her second mistake).

Now fast forward a few months - it' s Thanksgiving Day, and my folks are leaving to pick up my uncle and his wife for dinner. Mom had assignments for all of us while they were gone. Mine was to set the table.

When they returned, my uncle came in first and immediately burst into laughter. Next came his wife who gasped, then began giggling. Next came my father, who roared with laughter. Then came Mom, who almost died of embarrassment when she saw each place setting on the table with a 'special occasion' Kotex napkin at each plate, with the fork carefully arranged on top. I had even tucked the little tail in so they didn't hang off the edge!!

My mother asked me why I used these and, of course, my response sent the other adults into further fits of laughter. But, Mom, you said they were for special occasions!!!  

Have a great Wednesday!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Change it up Tuesday #3

It's time for my weekly "Change it up Tuesday" post. I chose an older card this time around. I found it to be a little difficult as I have a very small amount of Designer Paper to choose from. I did find this striped paper from the Summer Picnic pack and had to go with it. It turned out cute - I just wish the stripes on the paper were smaller. Enjoy!




My old card - "Flowers for you" (details are located HERE on SCS)








My Change it up Tuesday card - "Flowers for You - Take 2" (details are located HERE on SCS)





If you would like to play along leave me a comment where your cards are located or if you upload to SCS use keyword CIUT03. For fun, I will pick a winner on Monday night (8/3) from those commenting (with card or not) and I will send you my Change it up Tuesday card. Have fun and I can't wait to see your creations!

Monday, July 28, 2008

Blog Candy Winnings!

I won some more Blog Candy! I posted a comment on Laurie Wilson's blog - Clearly Delightful about two weeks ago and I was the winner! HIP HIP HORRAY! If you get a chance check out her site, she has some very cute things on there. So, my goodies came in the mail today and here they are:



Thanks Laurie - I love your site and I can't wait to play with my new things!

Swiftly Created Challenge #3

Tegan set up another color challenge over at her blog Swiftly Created - and boy was this a BIG one. Here is the picture she choose - love the umbrella, just not the six colors - WOW! 

Colors include: Groovy Guava, Certainly Celery, Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise and Going Gray

I had this idea to weave the colors, but I just couldn't get it to work out the way I wanted, so I created my own striped paper and added the strip across the middle for the sentiment. I think it turned out ok - nothing spectacular. Sorry the picture is so dark - it's overcast here today. Enjoy!

Stamps: SU Short & Sweet              Inks: Basic Black
Paper:Groovy Guava, Certainly Celery, Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie, 
Tempting Turquoise and Going Gray
Accessories: Ribbon, Dimensionals and adhesive

Friday, July 25, 2008

Friday Morning

Today we got to sleep in a bit, but it just wasn't enough for Ben. I went to get breakfast ready for them and when I came back in the room this is what I saw. So I ran for the camera. Hope you have a great Friday!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Thankful Thursday - #4

For my "Thankful Thursday" post - I am thankful for:

"Containment"

Our fence finally went up this afternoon! HIP HIP HORRAY! It took three days because of an equipment failure, but today is the day. I am so excited that now we can let the kiddies out and have no fear of Ben making a mad dash to the playground. THANK YOU for "Containment"!

Feel free to leave a comment on what you are thankful for - I would love to know. Until next time, take a moment to think of something you are thankful for, then smile.

Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration #17

It's been a pretty slow week - crafting wise - otherwise it's been hectic around here. I did have a few minutes this morning to make a card for Kristina's Color Inspiration #17.  The colors this week are very vintage, just like the dress she pulled them from.



Inspiration Colors:
Rose Red, Regal Rose, 
Sage Shadow and Whisper White




My card is pretty simple this time - shabby chic is what they call it I guess. I stamped the background flowers with my NEW SU Boho Backgrounds stamp set on and with Sage Shadow. I then layered the Regal Rose and the scalloped Rose Red strip (which I did with my NEW SU scallop punch - those who have it, don't ya just LOVE it!). I had initially used my white Unigel Pen (NEW too!) to put little dots on the scallops, but then I covered them up with the bling. I thought it gave it a little extra - what do you think? Finished it off with the white ribbon. 

It was fun to use all my NEW things on this card - Brad, if you are reading this, it really isn't that much NEW stuff - just needed NEW stuff.


Enjoy!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Change it up Tuesday #2

For today's "Change it up Tuesday" I chose my card titled "Birthday Hugs" from my SCS gallery. When I first made this card it was so time consuming - those dots took forever to stamp - so I thought that I would try to tackle it again and see how long it would take me. Wouldn't you know, that I sped through those dots and the card was completed in about 5 minutes! I like how it came about this time as well.



My old card "Birthday Hugs" 
(details are located HERE on SCS)










My "Change it up Tuesday" card "Birthday Hugs - Take 2" (details are located HERE on SCS)

** Note for Tegan: send an email to nottus_2@yahoo.com with your info and I will send you my "Change it up Tuesday" card from last week for leaving me a comment. Thanks! **


If you would like to play along - please leave me a comment and let me know where your old card and your "Change it up Tuesday" card are located or if you upload to SCS use keyword CIUT02. For fun, I will pick a winner on Monday night (7/28) from those who comment and I will send the winner my "Change it up Tuesday" card for playing along or just leave me a comment for a chance to get the card. Have fun and I can't wait to see what you all create.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Swiftly Created Challenge #2

I love a good color challenge and when I saw that Tegan was doing one I knew that I wanted to play along. You can find all the information for her challenge HERE.

Here is the picture she chose. After careful contemplation, I decided that the colors closely resemble these Stampin' Up! colors:

Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery,
Sahara Sand, Basic Black
and Whisper White


Combining those colors with my CC Designs stamp set - Summertime Fun, I came up with this card. Enjoy!

Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration #16

This weeks Color Inspiration (#16) was so exciting. The colors that Kristina chose were perfect for me to use my new stamp set by CC Designs - Summertime Fun

Inspiration Colors:
Certainly Celery, Soft Sky, Pumpkin Pie and Very Vanilla

I had fun with this card, it's a two picture card!


I used the Soft Sky as the base and stamped those cute little fishes all over it. Then I added the "it's summer" from SU's Everyday Flexible Phrases and Day-to-Day Flexible Phrases. If you have either of these sets then you know that there is not an "it's" in the bunch. I used a mix of stamps and my Stamp-A-Jig to get the word just how I wanted it. It was time consuming, but not nearly as time consuming as figuring out how to do the slider. Boy - that was a tough one, but I got it figure out and this is how it looks and ENJOY!

Card Front

Card Front with slider pulled.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Thankful Thursday - #3

For this week's "Thankful Thursday" post - I am thankful for:

"Fun in the Sun"

I love a sunny day - almost as much as my two kiddies do! I am also thankful that we got them this little pool. They have so much fun and I do too just watching them!

Feel free to leave a comment on what you are thankful for - I would love to know. Until next time, take a moment to think of something you are thankful for, then smile.

Triple Play Challenge

Over at Stamp Something there is this interesting challenge called the Triple Play Challenge. I thought that I should give it a try, since I am always looking for an excuse to make something. Basically the challenge is to use three colors, three layers and three embellishments. This is the way I interpreted it.

Stamps: SU Basket of Fun
(FYI - this is one of the first sets of stamps I got)

Inks: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum and Mellow Moss

Paper: Pale Plum, Basic Gray and Very Vanilla

Accessories: 1-3/8, 1- 1/4 and 1 inch Circle Punches, Rhinestones, 
Ribbon, Dimensionals and adhesive

Thought it came out very classy - what do you think? I will be back later with my weekly "Thankful Thursday" entry - so stayed tuned.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Birthday Sketches with my new STAMPS!

I played with my new Lizzie Anne Designs stamp set, Happy Birthday, and came up with not one, not two, but three cards using them. Now granted I had a little help with the layout, since Lizzie Anne is having a Birthday Celebration and part of it is a Sketch Challenge with three designs to choose from. I couldn't help myself - the stamps were so adorable and we're just calling me saying "hey, just one more - you know you want too". I am such as sucker for stamping! So, here they are in all their glory! 

Birthday Sketch #1



Birthday Sketch #2













Birthday Sketch #3



Let me know which one is your favorite by leaving me a comment. I am partial to #2, I think because it was the first card made with the new stamps, but I really like them all.

Enjoy!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Change it up Tuesday #1

I would like to introduce "Change it up Tuesday". What I am proposing with this is that you take a card from your blog/SplitCoastStampers Gallery (here's MINE) -wherever as long as it is your creation - and make a new card by only changing the colors used.  Same stamps and layout, just a different colors (card base change is optional). 

I thought that it would be fun to try and that the results could prove to be surprising.  So, without further ado . . .



My old card "For the Bride" (details are located HERE on SCS):






My "Change it Up Tuesday" card "For the Bride - Take 2" (details are located HERE on SCS):  







If you would like to play along - please leave me a comment and let me know where your old card and your "Change it up Tuesday" card are located or if you upload to SCS use keyword CIUT01. For fun, I will pick a winner on Monday night (7/21) from those who comment and I will send the winner my "Change it up Tuesday" card for playing along. Have fun and I can't wait to see what you all create.

Monday, July 14, 2008

I won some candy!

I was so surprised when I opened my inbox the other day and found a note that I had won some blog candy. See, playing along does pay off - eventually. Lizzie Anne Designs is turning 2 and to celebrate they have tons of giveaways and many challenges to participate in. I had seen their stamps on many cards and have thought that I needed to get some - they are all so cute! So, in waiting for the new ones to be released, I decided that I would indulge myself and try to win some and sure enough I got picked! Now, granted that my name was a second chance drawing because the first person did not claim her prize (thank you non-prize claimer), but I still won a stamp set from Lizzie Anne Designs!

Well, today I opened my snail mailbox and found my NEW stamp set - Happy Birthday (the stamp set name - although it was like it was my birthday)! I was so excited! Not only was it a wonderful surprise that it came so quickly, it was one of the sets on my list and in the package was a really cute card made by Katie, who's web-page hosted the candy I won. Thanks Katie! Here is a picture of my winnings!


Well enough rambling, I am off to make a card for the Birthday Sketch Challenge with my NEW LIZZIE ANNE stamps.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Julie's Sketch Flip #3

I wanted to do Julie's Sketch Flip (#3) again since I thought that the last time I did it was so difficult and I felt that I owed it to myself to try again. So off I went and this is how it turned out. I found this one to be so much easier - could be the first time is always the hardest, but once you've tried the easier it gets, right?

Stamps: Fun & Fast Notes and Cowboy Kid

Paper: Mellow Moss, Night of Navy and Whisper White

Inks: Basic Black, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel and Night of Navy

Accessories: Dimensionals and adhesive


It so happens the the colors I used will also work for Julie's Color Concoction #18 - Mellow Moss, Night of Navy and Whisper White. I submitted a different card for that. If you would like to see it visit my SplitCoastStampers Gallery or click HERE.

Enjoy all the cards!

Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration #15


I love the colors for this weeks Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration -  #15  to be exact. I, along with almost everyone who participated this time, thought of FALL! 


Color Inspiration Colors: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Really Rust, Certainly Celery and Whisper White


For this standard size card I chose to use SU Thoroughly Thankful stamp set - so perfect for the colors chosen.  I used Close to Cocoa as the base and stamped the little leaves.  I only wanted them to be the background on part of the card so I left the bottom 1/3 blank.  Then I layer the Certainly Celery, Really Rust and Chocolate Chip Poly-twill Ribbon. Next I stacked the pumpkin squares up with deminsionals.  Pretty simple and really cute!

Enjoy!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Thankful Thursday - #2

For my Thankful Thursday entry - I am thankful for:

NAPS!

Which are too few and far between. Too bad this one has occurred at 5:20 p.m., which means that I am going to have to go wake him up or he won't sleep tonight. Poor thing was so tired when we came in from Alexa's gymnastics class that he crashed right on the floor as we got in the door. 

Feel free to leave a comment on what you are thankful for - I would love to know. Until next time, take a moment to think of something you are thankful for, then smile.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Results. . .

Yesterday I told you that I had a dilemma for the "Kid's Card" swap that is occurring tonight. Well, here was the problem. I wanted to use the Rocket from the SU Pun Fun set so bad and I was having a crafting block on to how I wanted to use it.  Well, after just forgetting about it for a while and making something fun - see post below - I finally got two cards accomplished. Which do you prefer?


Choice #1 - Shaker Card - this has little mirco-beads that makes a maraca sound as you shake it.


OR






Choice #2 - Slider Card - the rocket moves up the card as you pull the tab.







Well today I thought that since I am unsure of the level of craftiness my fellow swappers will have, I needed to make an easier card. So here is the winner:

Stamps: SU Ahoy Matey
Cardstock: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Whisper White and Summer Sun
Inks: Basic Black, Summer Sun, Real Red, Ballet Blue, 
Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip
Accessories: 1 3/8 inch and 1 1/4 inch Circle Punches, 
Blender Pen, Dimensionals and adhesive

Just a note - I punched through the base color so that the "Ahoy Matey" is on the inside of the card when open.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Procrastination . . .

I was in my craft room trying to create a "Kid's Card" for a shoebox card swap tomorrow night. I had no inspiration, so I just sat down and this baby came out. I absolutely love this card and I hope you do too. I did get the "Kid's Card" done, but I have a dilemma. Look forward to the next post and you will see what I mean. In the meantime I hope you enjoy this one.


Stamps: SU Big on Spring

Paper: Sahara Sand, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White and Real Red DSP

Inks: Black Stazon, Regal Rose, Old Olive and Rose Red

Accessories: Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Rhinestones, Dimensionals and adhesive

Monday, July 7, 2008

New Outside Furniture

We, well - Brad and his Dad, also spent the Holiday Weekend putting together our new patio set. Wanna see it? It is all wood and the chairs have a wicker pattern for the back and seat. I absolutely love it! We have yet to get an umbrella for it, so hopefully we will find one soon as we have no trees for shade yet. We also got a couple of chairs and a table for the front porch as well.  Can't wait to take advantage of those cool summer evenings!

Holiday Fun!

So no card making was done over the Holiday Weekend, yet there was a whole lot of fun that was had.  Here are a few shots from the festivities at my Dad's.

Uncle Gary & Dad grilling!

"Knock Down the Cats" game

Water gun fights!


BUBBLES!!

And, of course, the FOOD!
Thanks to these very special guys for all the FUN!
Uncle Donnie, Uncle Gary & Dad

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Thankful Thursday - #1

I am hoping to post every Thursday something I am thankful for. This segment will officially be called "Thankful Thursday". So, with that said, here is the first thing I am so thankful for.


Of course the first entry has to be of the three most wonderful people I am lucky enough to share all my days with. I am thankful for my hubby - who puts up with all my antics and loves me no matter how awful I look - and those two adorable little ones that love me unconditionally.  Thank you for making each day special!

Feel free to leave me a comment on what you are thankful for - I would love to know. Until next time, take a moment to think of something you are thankful for, then smile. 

Found - Blog Candy Offered!!

Nikki over at Bunny-Zoe's Blog has Blog Candy up for grabs and not only is it for one person, but far three. Her site is super cute and there is so much to see, so go check it out!

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration #14

It's that time once again! Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration #14 has been revealed.  The colors she chose this time made me want to try to do a very classy wedding card.  So, here's my take at it.

Color Inspiration colors: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Whisper White, Ruby Red & River Rock


For this standard size card I took a strip on Going Gray and my SU Tagger's Dozen set (I'll be sad to see it go!) to make the strip in the center and surrounded it by two strips of Basic Black. I stamped the wedding cake image from the SU Fun & Fast set and used Ruby Red and River Rock to give it a little color. Then I layered all the squares of various sizes with deminsionals on top of the card. I added the "Mr & Mrs" in Whisper White at the end.  I am not so sure that I like it, but I thought that it needed a little something in the corner. 

Let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Something NEW from Stampin' Up!


Stampin' Up! is now offering wall art! Decor Elements consists of wall art made from vinyl used to decorate your home or where ever you want to use them. They are self-adhesive and can be used on walls, mirrors, windows, the possibilities are endless. The great part about these is that they are removable, so you can change them as often as you like without the cost and labor of painting! You can click HERE to see what's available in this line.

Please contact me if you have and questions and/or if you would like to place an order for these NEW items.