You're a Rock Star, Baby

Ok, I know what you're thinking. "Are we on the right blog???"

'Cause this is *really* different for me! That's what made it so fun! (And stressful, I admit it.) When I saw this stamp set (A Little Something, Level 3 Hostess, Spring/Summer 2009), I had this idea, and it wouldn't leave me alone! I just needed to work outside my comfort zone, I guess! It's good for this aging stamper to try something younger and cooler . . .

Anyway, this is my entry in the Swappers Anonymous Catalog Preview Swap! And those SA Sisters, well, they ROCK! So this card was a tribute, as well as good for me. :-) I used *all* kinds of hardware here, you might have noticed! It just kept asking for more! I couldn't help myself. And yes, there is black glitter all over the place. And did you know that there are only 10 whole flowers on 2 sheets of this pattern???? Yeah, who woulda thunk? So some people got slightly different--but equally cool--flowers on their cards.

And the ribbon?? Why that's just a little technique called fraying. I had to use my reading glasses to do it, but a true artist sacrifices, right???


Actually, I look really cute in them. For an old lady.

I am hoping my swaps arrive today (Wednesday), so I can see all the fabulous stuff my sisters sent me! Have a Rock Star Day!

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Stamps: A Little Something (hostess)
Paper: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Raspberry Tart DSP
Ink: Black Craft
Accessories: Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Tombo Multi Glue, Chunky Glitter Essentials (black), Large Star Punch, Basic Black 1/4"Grosgrain, Clips Assortment, Metallic Eyelets, Rhinestone Brads Ice, Jumbo Eyelets--Pewter, Cropadile, Dimensionals

Give me something NEW!!!

I am so ready for new stuff! It's almost new catalog time--my box is due *soon*. Meanwhile, here is some stuff I pre-ordered. :-) Doesn't it just make you feel *warm* inside????

You know I love die cut stuff, and this is the new Sweet Stems Embosslit, available in the Spring Summer Catalog. The Embosslits cut and emboss AT THE SAME TIME! Who doesn't love a one-step wonder???? I made two flowers--one in Perfect Plum and one in Regal Rose. Then I mercilessly chopped up the Rose flower to make "buds" on the Plum one. :-) Gardening is all about the pruning . . .

Where did I get that fabulous paper, you ask??? Why IT'S NEW, TOO! The Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper is in the new catalog, along with lots of other yummy new stuff, but I don't want to bore you . . .

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Stamps: Hugs and Wishes
Paper: Kraft, Perfect Plum, Regal Rose, Raspberry Tart DSP
Ink: Perfect Plum Craft (sentiment) and Classic (for sponging)
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Clear Embossing Powder, Stampin Sponge, Dimensionals

Goodbye, Mr Crabby!

Another great set, gone with the retirement list! If you want it, get it soon! You can order from my website linked in the sidebar ------------->


This is a fun card that I think works great for a masculine or teenage boy card. I have a hard time figuring out how to make funny cards, so this one felt GOOD!

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Stamps: Crab & Company, A Little Birthday Cheer
Paper: Kraft, Real Red, Watercolor Paper, Not Quite Navy DSP from the Patterns Sampler Pack
Ink: Black, Real Red, Not Quite Navy, Creamy Caramel, Basic Gray
Accessories: Aquapainter, Word Window Punch

Wishing for spring!

Can you tell I'm trying to cheer myself up with these cards???? :-) I hate icy roads, although I love the snow on the ground and in the mountains! Real winter usually only lasts till the end of January here, so I'm hopeful that will be the case this year. Nothing cheers me up like the tips of those daffodils and crocus peeking up through the frozen mud!

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Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly
Paper: Whisper White, Perfect Plum DSP
Ink: Perfect Plum
Accessories: Curly Label Punch, Silver Brads, White 5/8" Grosgrain, Slot Punch

What's old is new again

Just a quick card to show you a sample of the NEW texture plates coming from Stampin' Up! for our Big Shots! The sandwich is on your MPP.

A Fond Farewell

I'm always sad to see some hostess sets go. This one--Organic Grace--has become a standby for me the last several months. It just adds a little touch of elegance. This is another Card Buffet card for January. Now that I look at the photo, I wish I had turned that focal point dragonfly *just* a touch to the side. LOL Oh, well! Next time!

Stamps: Organic Grace, Best Yet
Paper: So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Washington Apple DSP
Ink: So Saffron, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, White Gel Pen, grosgrain ribbon

Urban Thank You

I bought this paper purely because I loved it, not with any particular project in mind. I just think it is so elegant! Because so much of the Designer Series Paper is retiring, I'm using *LOTS* of it on cards these days! This is such a simple card to make! And who doesn't need a few thank you cards on hand? We'll be making this card at Card Buffet this week.

Stamps: Thank You Kindly
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Not Quite Navy, Urban Garden DSP
Ink: Not Quite Navy
Accessories: White Taffeta Ribbon

Back to the old schedule

My family has had a wonderful holiday. Dh was on "forced vacation" because the whole company shuts down over Christmas. He managed tons of "honey-do's," setting up the Wii, moving furniture around, cleaning up some of the winter debris left when the snow melted.


The two oldest girls were not running to school and choir and play rehearsal. It almost felt like when they were little, and we spent our days reading and playing and singing and . . . But now it's over. Sad reality, in the form of schedules, homework, month-end close, ACT, play rehearsals, icy roads, and getting up early, has stolen our little family togetherness time. To tell the truth, I think the girls are glad to go back, other than that getting up early thing. :-)

This only affects *you* because I'll be back on a posting/creating/swapping schedule! Here's something I made to help me quit missing those important birthdays!





You can find the details on how to make one here on SCS. Now I just need to get cards in it, and put names on the dates!

Stamps: Eastern Blooms
Paper: Old Olive 12x12, Haiku DSP, Whisper White (for printed calendars)
Ink: Old Olive
Accessories: Bind It All, Old Olive 5/8 grosgrain