The Crafty Chiks Playground

Long Week!

2008-05-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

I hope you've had a good week. For me, it's been a long week! I started my weight training again to help build strength in my legs and, gosh does that just wipe me out! We are supposed to start our really long runs tomorrow out at a trail they made from an old railroad track. We went there every weekend last summer since it's so convenient not to mention a very pretty place to run as well! There are all sorts of animals out there (not just the men on bikes either!) I've seen deer, rabbits, different birds etc.. It's a great place to take your mind off of things as well! I have a lot on my mind these days! Closing down my show at work is not as easy as just walking away one day! I've got mountains of stuff I am hoping to accomplish so I don't leave her in a lurch wondering what's going on! They interviewed my potential replacements this past week as well. That meant for a bag of mixed emotions for sure! I was happy to say goodbye to stress but not happy to be saying good bye to my friends, my babies, my life at the school. I took a picture of something creative I did at work while waiting for programs to process so I can do what I have to do for report cards. Take a look! LOL!

Can you see it?! I was bored and had to do something with my idle hands! LOL! Aaaah what insanity will make you do sometimes! LOL! (I hope my boss doesn't read this because I'm sure he'll say "could you be filing"!)

So the other day I was at the grocery store ( my least favorite place around) and I searched high and low for everything on my list (which was conveniently left in the car!) and proceeded to the check out. Do you ever get into the longest line just so you can read the interesting articles in the magazines that are just not worth buying - sort of "rent" them while you wait type scenario?! LOL! Anyways, that would be me standing there checking out the pictures of how Angelina Jolie is the only woman I know of who could be pregnant with twins and still look gorgeous! If that were me they'd have hit me with a stun gun and put me on exhibit at the zoo! "Hey Mom look at the new hippo"! LOL! Anyway, while standing there I was noticing on the "help yourself" line that no matter what you put up there to scan that, if you hesitated, the computer would state, very loudly mind you, "please move your_____" to the belt". HHmmm can you imagine how funny it would be if you put certain items up there "Please put your pigs feet on the belt"? Huh? Say what?! The secret would be out of the bag for someone when it would say "please put your pickles, ice cream and pregnancy test on the belt"! Oooh what a way to tell the neighborhood! LOL! Note to self: don't go to self serve aisle when purchasing female hygiene items! LOL! How fast would the men around you scatter when they hear "Please put your chocolate, tampons, Midol and hammer on the belt"! Oooh that could make for one bad night! LOL! Anyway, have a great weekend! Mine will be fun (not!) while we dig through boxes in the garage!

Until next time....

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

2008-05-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

I hope all have a fabulous Memorial Day weekend! I thought I'd share pictures of the military guys in my life! The picture below is of me (I'm a 13 year vet of the Air Force too just chose not to wear my uniform), my 4 brothers and my Dad. The 2 brothers in white hats are retired Navy, the guy in blue is a recruiter in NC and the one in the sailor uniform is actually stationed in Iraq right now! I also included a picture of my Dad when he was younger and in the Coast Guard! The next picture is of my DH (or hunka hunka burnin love!) and of course, my son who is in the Navy and stationed in Guam! I have pictures of my maternal Grandfather who was a doctor in the Army Air Core and was stationed in India! Military seems to run in our blood I guess! LOL!

Enjoy!

Another Productive Night!!

2008-05-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

Could it be that my DH is coming home tomorrow and I'm on a roll to finally accomplish my goals for the week in 2 nights?! Nah, that couldn't be it! LOL! It probably is a good part of it though!

I'm finally getting some pages done now that have been waiting patiently in the pile! At a local scrapbook store I got paper that had the name of Breanna's High School printed on it! How cool is that as a start for her High School years scrapbook?! The pictures came out pretty cute! I had taken several of her after the first day of school and we had fun just playing! I got them printed off at a Kodak machine at 4 to a sheet at 2"x3" and they fit perfectly across the bottom. I don't know if you can see it but I also stamped "rebels" in between with SU Versamark and the Jumbo Outline letters. I thought the colors were a little "not so girly" so I added flowers to make it more "girly" for her! I'm pretty pleased!

Now to find the paper I cut to start her science fair pages.......

Leave me a note and tell me what you think of this one - is it girly enough for a girl?!!

Enjoy my creations.....

Card Making Kick Tonight!

2008-05-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but sometimes I get in a slump of being too tired or too stressed to sit down and make new creations! Well tonight was not one of those nights! YEAH! Though I have had plenty of them lately I knew I needed some cards tomorrow so I sat down and my creativity kicked in! I'm pretty pleased with how my cards turned out! Take a look and see what you think!

One of our band teachers at school has decided to join the Army band Core. I'm proud of him for making a tough decision with the world situation being what it is! I made him this card to let him know I wish him good luck! The paper is all SU, the stamps are from Paper Trey! Love that set!

I actually made two of this one - exactly the same! One is for our school nurse. She is the strongest woman I know. She has SO much on her plate of life yet she comes to work and can still smile as she takes care of the smallest little "boo boo's"! The second one is for a kindergarten aide who very recently had major surgery and, thank goodness, is on the road to recovery! While I can't talk to her as much as I'd like, I thought I'd make her a card to let her know I was thinking of her! The solid color paper and ink are all SU, the printed paper is from one of those scrapbook bundles and the ribbon is from my winnings on a blog candy!

I made this card for another kindergarten aide who recently became a U.S. citizen! She's such a happy person and is always smiling! That gave me the perfect idea for a card to congratulate her! Not your typical congratulations card but it's "her"! The paper and ink are SU and the stamp is an old Heidi Swapp stamp I've had for a while!

Okay, now I'm off to bed! I actually have a day off tomorrow but am going in anyway. The kindergarten is putting on a Memorial Day celebration and my "little friend" is playing the part of Yankee Doodle! She's the cutest and giggliest Yankee Doodle ever!

Enjoy my creations.........

Candy is Dandy........

2008-05-21T03:22:00.000-07:00

but "Blog Candy" is better! LOL! It's sugar free, calorie free, fat free..... LOL!! This announcement fits right in with my "lifestyle change" and my marathon training (which my lovely cold set back a few days!)!
Go visit
http://lildebstampscrap.blogspot.com/

She is giving away some awesome goodies! While you're at it visit her EBay store she has some cute stuff in there too!

Good luck!

I've Been Busy....

2008-05-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

Yep, I've been busy! My friend Chantal had a birthday recently and I made her a card to celebrate it! I had seen some really pretty, but expensive, flowers at Michael's that were light colored and looked like they had been stamped! When I saw them I thought "hey I can do that"! LOL! I just took one of the flowers from the SU Pretties kit, my SU Baroque Motifs swirly stamp and some SU Ruby Red ink (to match the cardstock) - stamped it and voila I had a flower just like the expensive ones at Michael's!! In case you're wondering I used the SU designer paper "Ginger Blossoms"!

I also decided to make her one of my "mother's bracelets". I used all sterling silver beads and Swarovski crystals in her son's birthstone color. The heart shape letter beads spell out *M*O*M*. She was really excited to get it, especially since it came from her son!

Her table is so neat and uncluttered isn't it?! It's always that way! No matter how hard I try my house just doesn't look as neat as hers!

Well, enjoy my creations!

Until next time...........

Out With The Old.....

2008-05-18T07:28:00.001-07:00

And in with the new! It's that time of year for me to get my new running shoes! My other shoes are a little worn out - poor baby's! I can still wear them casually (good thing at the price I paid too!) but for training it's time for a new pair! I decided to go with some Adidas brand this time for a couple of reasons.

One - the pair I got sent proceeds to support breast cancer research (I'm a big advocate seeing as I was so close myself - long story!)

Two - they're pink! (Did you read that Vanessa?!!)

Three - when you run long distance and it's warm weather face it - your feet sweat! They stink! This pair is ventilated not only on the top with mesh material but the bottom has ventilation holes as well! Down side to the bottom holes? Don't run in puddles or wear them when it's raining! Ask me how I figured this one out! LOL! I still like them though! I also like the larger toe spread since I have wide feet! Okay, maybe that was TMI but it's one thing I have to look for! LOL! So now my Mizuno's are resting comfortably in the closet and the new Adidas are on the steps always ready to go!

Here's my Mizunos now 392.60 miles, two fun runs and one half marathon later!

My new girls, laced up and ready to go (okay they've already gone.... almost 10 miles but that's only because of my nice snotty cold I picked up in Ohio!- Adidas (gotta come up with a catchy title for these now! LOL!)

In honor of my purple babies I'll have to work on some purple projects when my friends come over today!

My Special Friend - Prayer Request

2008-05-14T14:49:00.000-07:00

It's not easy to work in an elementary school without getting attached to a few hundred of them! LOL! Then along comes a special few who drop by every day to give hugs, wave and knock at the windows or tackle you for a hug as you walk across the cafeteria! Something so wonderful about 25 kids with arms open wide begging for hugs! LOL! Anyway, you do meet a really special one once in a while too! For me, this was my little friend "Adria"! A gorgeous little girl with a giggle that defines "infectious"! She is just the sweetest little girl for more then just her cute smile, this little girls attitude towards everything makes all your "troubles" seem so much smaller! Adria is a survivor of stomach cancer who, has had it return for a second round. To look at her skipping down the hallway just waving and smiling to everyone you'd never know the paths her shoes have gone in the past! Okay, you can tell she's really special to me! If she can handle that, what can't "I" handle? Well, with Mom's permission, I have a picture of her to put up and a special request! If you're so inclined could you please pray for Adria, and her family? I know this is taking a lot out of everyone so they sure can use the extra prayers! Thanks in advance!

Here we are - she's the cute one on the left!

Long Time No Blogging - lots to blog about too!

2008-05-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe how long it's been since I blogged! I have had so much going on it's not funny! This is a busy time of year at school so that's got a lot of my time but there's more! We found out, 100% for sure, that we're moving! Those details are keeping me going too! We're going to be stationed at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio. They are sending my DH back to get his master's degree! It's a huge compliment to him as they only selected 6 people Air Force wide! I'm so proud of him I could bust! So that's the big news, let me back up and fill you in all the other little details! The last week of April we had company for 3 days, going out to eat and other activities that didn't allow for computer time! Then we had our family reunion in Charlottesville Va and had some family members come back and spend the next week with us too! This was my sister-in-law who is a great photographer and works free lance for a magazine like BHG in China. She left to go home Saturday afternoon but I took off for Dayton Ohio early Saturday morning and just got home late last night! I went house hunting up there! What fun! I did squeeze in a little time for Michael's since I had a 50% off coupon that I couldn't let go to waste - right?! I got lucky and found some great houses so now the hard part! I have to pick one! Then the harder part - choosing the details! Too many options that would all be awesome but you can only have so many bathroom faucets and countertops and cabinets! LOL! I've also started my hard training for the Marathon coming up in September! Well, we're in "phase 1 -no sugar"! That's not an easy task for a person with a big sugar tooth! LOL! I just have to work on my endurance but the souvenier I brought myself home was a nice snotty nose cold! Energy? What energy! LOL! I feel it all being sucked right out of my body! LOL! I saw today in the school job opportunities that my job was posted too! Lots of phone calls coming in about it! I hope they can start soon! I have "stuff" I need to do! LOL! Gotta get ready for the purge/garage sale coming up fast! I'm sort of chatty today but I guess that's because I'm so over due for a post! Enjoy my family reunion picture I'm sharing!

Hale Et Al Family reunion! There was more then just the "Hale's" there! That's the valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains behind us while we were at Monticello.

New Header Photo!

2008-04-26T11:43:00.000-07:00

It's Springtime so it's time for the birdie to go and flowers to go up in it's place! Here's another "Breanna Original" for my header! She took this picture in my Grandmother-in-law's garden last year! I really liked it so it's the header picture....for now! She has so many great selections to choose from I might have to change it again! LOL!

Enjoy!

Single Layer Card

2008-04-25T03:58:00.000-07:00

Hi,

One more camera phone picture to upload and my DH will be home! YEAH! I can't wait! Almost 19 years of being together and I still hate when he's gone! Like a sad puppy in a window! LOL! Anyway, here's an idea I had in my head for a while and thought I'd give it a try! What do you think?!!

I used all SU Products including the stamp set - "Embrace Life"! The paper is Taken with Teal, Bashful Blue and Whisper White. I didn't have all the matching inks so I used Sky Blue ink and black! I scribble colored the flowers with the Taken with Teal marker though! The corners were done with the ticket punch. I still like how it turned out and can see more being made....soon!

Stamp Camp April 27

2008-04-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

Well if you're anything like my you're a very curious, impatient, gotta know, have it now type of person! Instant gratification that is! That being said, I am posting a few pictures of the things we're making at this Sunday's Stamp Camp! I have a couple of other things still in the works but, for now enjoy these pictures! Sorry about the clarity but my DH is still gone so I took these photos with my phone again! Don't forget you can click on the pictures to get a better look too!

This is a "gate fold" card. It uses the set "A Little Birdie Told Me"

This is a candle holder we'll be using the new Stampin Up "rub on's" with! These are so versatile as to the surfaces you can put them on! The pink paper is in there just so you can see the rub-on better!

If I had to choose a favorite I think it would be this one! This is a "Z-fold" card using a hostess stamp of a "Plumeria"! I just love how elegant you can make a card with this stamp. If you look closely the first layer has a brushing of silver on it too! I can't wait to show you how simple it is to do that!

This card is made using the little note cards that come from SU complete with envelopes! There are 3 different colors and I chose to use the Kraft color. Since the picture isn't the clearest, you can't see the pink "ty" behind the thank you words! It's much prettier in person!

Well, I hope you're planning to be at my house on Sunday! I'm looking forward to seeing you and so is my personal baker! I hope you like chocolate as she found a new brownie mix to try!

Talk to you all soon!

Thank You Tree Card

2008-04-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, remember I said in my last post "bless the inventor of the camera phone"?! Well that being said, I am uploading a picture of a card I made tonight. It's a thank you card using some new stamps I just got yesterday from "Paper Trey Ink", an online stamp company. The set I got was for Father's Day and I just loved the trees and the compass that came with it so stay tuned for more from this set! Anyway, I made this card as a "thank you" for my administrators at school. This week is secretary appreciation week and they took us out for lunch! It was a very nice and leisurely lunch that we all enjoyed! I decided to make them this card to thank them for being great people to work for/with! If you notice I used all SU products (stamps being the exception) but I bet you can't guess what the tie was made from!! You know how you get clothes sometimes and the tags are attached with a string instead of those annoying plastic things?! Well, I saved one thinking I might have a use for it and voila! There it is in action! LOL! So Breanna will be happy as I recycled something on "Earth Day"! I hope you can see the card well enough in the picture to enjoy it!

I'm a little chatty tonight as I drank some tea a little later then I should have and can't sleep right now! LOL! The caffeine is killing me but my tummy feels better for having drank it!

Here I Am!

2008-04-22T19:28:00.001-07:00

The funniest thing keeps happening to me! The other day I was walking down the hallway at work and saw this lady I knew! When I walked into my office I'll be darned if she wasn't walking out! Now it was really getting weird when I started seeing her at my house...... LOL! It was ME! LOL! Seriously, things have been so crazy busy between home and work I was running into myself coming as I was going! What kept me so busy that I haven't been on here, have missed a swap I really wanted to do and more?! Well at work it's not only report card time but we're deep into winding down the 07/08 school year AND winding up (yep - winding UP!) for next school year already! After printing over 1,000 report cards, doing untold numbers of audits and filing out the, well you know - I'm still going strong! I haven't even been running as I've had a mystery pain in my side that is aggravated by running. This pain is baffling the doctors as they x-rayed my pelvis and did an ultrasound and found nothing! Weird thing is though.... the pain is in my left side under my ribcage! I'm thinking like a real estate agent here perhaps but, isn't location everything?! I have gotten some good drugs (hello valium!) off of it but, well, I took two and let's just suffice it to say... not doing those anymore!LOL! I'm dealing with it as best I can while the doctors look up their anatomy books to decide what to do next (my elbow x-rayed perhaps?!) My DH is out of the country this week too and took my camera with him, well okay he took the family camera with him so I haven't been able to take any pictures unless I used my camera phone! Bless the inventor of that little baby! So anyway, that's me for the last week or so! Crazier then usual but still here! LOL!

Cute Drawings

2008-04-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

Not many know this but, I have a brother, in the Navy, who is currently serving in Iraq. He's been there since December last year. He has missed a few holidays already and a couple of other important dates as well! Valentine's day was one of those but a couple of the kindergarten classes at my school wanted to "share the love" and they made him a bunch of Valentines! They were SO cute! Well his birthday is coming next week so I asked them if they would draw him some pictures! These little children are SO talented! I scanned a few of the pictures they drew in to share since they are SO cute! Each child had to draw a picture of themselves with the birthday person. Since they don't really know what he looks like they all made their own interpretation of him in their pictures! So, being in a multi-cultural school you can only imagagine how unique each adorable picture is! LOL! Here they are below!

A friend of mine's daughter did this one!

This little girl's is very talented! He can even read the writing in a mirror!

Yikes I hope he doesn't burn his head being so close to the sun!

My personal favorite here! Do you think they saw him first thing in the morning?! LOL! This is probably closest to his likeness as he is bald and works out on his muscles a lot! Gotta trim those nails though!

He'd probably like to be nice and tall like they drew him in this one! He's one of the shortest in my family! I'm taller, not by much though, then he is! LOL!

We Have Cupcakes!

2008-04-04T16:32:00.001-07:00

One of my friends from school has a baby who is turning the BIG "1" tomorrow! I remember when she first said "I'm pregnant"! Well we were talking in the teacher's lounge one day at lunch and she saw a magazine with cupcake pictures on it. One thing led to another and, after a few conversations, she decided she'd like for me and Breanna to help her make Cookie Monster cupcakes and an Elmo cake! I wish the coloring had been darker but they really turned out cute! She's so cute and so fun so making these with her was a blast! Take a look at how cute they turned out!

Making these sure did make me miss not getting to make these sort of cute cakes and cupcakes for my kids any more! Maybe I can talk Breanna into a Barbie or Princess themed party.........................LOL! I doubt it! LOL!

Cherry Blossoms in D.C.

2008-04-03T02:37:00.000-07:00

I was thinking yesterday, no pain involved here either! Here I am in D.C., it's Cherry Blossom Festival time and we have yet to go! We're hoping my brother can come up the last weekend of it and we'll see it for, what may be, our last time! When we went last time it was gorgeous! Sunny, a little cool but nothing beat the flowers! So here are a few pictures from a couple of years ago

My DH took this great picture and I just love it! We have it as our screen saver too!

Here's a close up!

The festival is set up all over with lots of events and, is it ever PACKED! This is the only shot of the lake/pond we could get! Sorry but we're in it (the "Polo pals"! LOL!) and blocking it but you can see some of it - just enough to tease! Doesn't it make you feel warm?!

I added this shot of the White House too. It's another picture in our screensaver too. It's beautiful and both my DH and daughter claim to have taken it! LOL! They had their own cameras and were taking pictures of everything! There is actually a fence around the WH but you just have to stick your hands and camera through to get a shot "bar free"! LOL! It was also taken a little later in the year as you can probably tell by the flowers!

Still Scrappin'

2008-03-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

I'm still scrappin'! It was another crazeee day at work! Still plugging away putting student information in, working on report card stuff, catching up on audits, meeting myself coming as I'm going.....! LOL! You know, normal day to day routine type stuff! LOL! Anyway, to relax and feel better about having some "self accomplishment" today I finished up 2 pages and started another!

Here they are;

This one is from another of Amy's "ricettas". I like how they're different and incorporate more then the standard squares and rectangles that I seem to be stuck on! Anyway, my son Michael went through a dye stage and in this picture he wanted to see if blondes really did have more fun! I tried it once too and no, they don't! LOL!

Here's another one of Michael. I used a chipboard precolored word for the word "Smile" that I picked up at Michael's for $2! Great deal as I used the words again in another LO too! I also used the 2 star punches from Stampin Up to get the stars. If you punch the small one, then center the larger one over it you get a perfect cutout from the stars for a different look! This picture is of him playing with those old cheap cups you used to be able to get at gas stations. He was the apple of my Dad's eye when he lived with them while I was stationed in Korea. Best buds - that's my Dad's foot in the foreground! LOL! You wanted to know that right?!

Tiny ballerina - or not! LOL! Here's Breanna at age 4 at her dance class and another picture of her showing her silly side about it! Needless to say she didn't go any more after that set of classes ran out! Here's an idea for you to try sometime, at Target, in their dollar spot they have rhinestone tatoos once in a while. I used one of those, in a heart shape to surround her face and add another element to the space! I really like it! Oh and more of my little dots too! LOL! I really like those things!

My Mizunos Are On The Move Again

2008-03-31T03:19:00.000-07:00

Yeah Me! I've been quite lazy lately, why? I don't know! I went out with a friend to the mall yesterday and maybe it was because I admitted it out loud, or maybe it was because she asked why not and I answered "I've been lazy"! Either way I got a move on again this morning! It's amazing how good it can make you feel to get your exercise first thing! Besides, running first thing in the morning means it's dark and I don't have to shave my legs! LOL! Anywhoooooo - YEAH ME! A girls gotta toot her own horn sometimes! LOL!

Have a great day!

Spring Flowers Class - Sneak Peek!

2008-03-30T05:29:00.000-07:00

If you're on the fence, so to speak, about signing up for my "Spring Flowers" class here are some sneek peak pictures to push you over the fence! LOL! These are just a couple so far..... Enjoy!

We'll be using the "Jumbo Outline Letters" here along with one of the flowers from the tin

This one looks a little off as I didn't know how to photograph it to show it's best side (so to speak!) We'll be using punches too on this one as part of the front is actually a "peephole" to the inside showing off the flower!

Stay tuned for more pictures and sneak peeks!

Details of a Busy Week

2008-03-30T04:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy week at work! I felt like doorman for a revolving door at school! We've had more kids coming and going then at the beginning of the year! I come home totally wiped out, so bad if you're one to watch "my Mizuno" counter it hasn't moved...!LOL! I actually called home on Monday and told my DH that I wasn't making dinner but taking Breanna out to eat and would bring him home something! I don't know how he does it like this every day - crazy! We also had to get ready for his birthday so we did some much needed shopping to get a few last minute items we wanted to get for him! I had taken my friend Esther with me and showed her where to get the coolest cigar boxes ever - CHEAP! If you have a tobacco store near you pop in and ask if they sell their boxes! They really package those things in the neatest boxes! The same applied to Tuesday, Wednesday Breanna had plans to do something with "that boy" so Brian and I just ate whatever stroked our fancy (read that as cereal for me and Ramen for him!) Thursday, aaaah dinner on Thursday! LOL! Ever have one of those periods of time where you're better off feeding your family PB&J sandwiches? The meal I attempted that night was nothing short of horrendous! LOL! Burned the chicken, soupy mashed potatoes but the carrots turned out okay! My poor family! LOL! I hope it picks up this week! LOL!
I do have some projects I have been working on though! YEAH! I've gotten some scrapbook pages finished and some cards too! See what you think and..... tell me! LOL!

This one is following a "ricetta" from "Amy" - she has great layout ideas and I knew I wanted to do this one for my honey! It really showcases his accomplishment!

This is an old one I am finishing up of my oldest daughter. It's before I had my son and I won't say how long ago that was! LOL! You can see I'm still loving the little "dots"! They seem to work perfect for everything! I used SU's jumbo outline letters for the letters l-e on "playtime". I just love that set as it is so versatile!

On to the cards!

I used the SU set "Tart and Tangy" along with the coordinating papers for this card. I love the bright colors of this paper they're so "clean" looking! If you're a retro gal you'd love these too as they totally look "50's-ish"!

This stamp set is from the SU set called "Always". I love how the flowers are made to go into the bird like that. There are other stamps in this set that are really versatile to both card making and especially scrapbooking.

Here we are with another "Tart and Tangy" card. I can't remember the name of this set off right now but will edit this post later with it! Edited - The words are part of a Stampin Up set called "Smarty Pants"

I used old DP from SU on this one and a kitty sticker I got from Michael's dollar bin! The kitty is SO cute! I had to use him for a card for kids and, more dots!

I'm not crazy about this card but it was in my head to do so....it's done! Now it's back as it needs to be redone differently! I just need to figure out how! LOL! It's coming....stay tuned! LOL!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted! I am on Spring Break here and decided to go see my Dad for a while! It was a very nice visit too! I have lots of pictures of things I did get finished to post too but will do that later after our Easter dinner at my friend Vanessa's house!

I hope you are having a great Easter or, that you had a great Easter! Here are a few pictures of our Easter here in D.C.! Don't let the gorgeous sunshine fool you though....it was cold!!!

Here's my handsome honey and I after church! He's not mad he just claims the sun was in his eyes! LOL! Notice it's not in mine! LOL!

Here's my youngest daughter and me - notice no sun there either! LOL! I think I should make him take those pictures over again don't you?!

Okay now here's the funny bunny's idea of Easter gifts for me! LOL! I can't stop laughing when I think of it! I have a tendency to take extra Splenda when I'm at Starbucks! I might need it! Well, apparently the Easter Bunny thinks I shouldn't be so........ look at what he got me! LOL! Oh that was too funny! If you look at the red tin in the back, Breanna made me a gift! She made me the magnets with letters that spell out "LUTM", translated - Love You The Most! What a sweetie!!

More Fun!

2008-03-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

Note - the first posting of this had to be deleted due to spam! Darn creeps!

Woooo! I'm having so many fun days lately I almost don't know what to do! LOL! Sunday my friend Vanessa and I ran the Washington D.C. St Patrick's Day 8K race! It was cold, it was windy, I was thinking "we're totally crazy for doing this...." but, we had SO much fun anyway despite it all! Big waves to Vanessa you're an awesome running partner! Poor Vanessa is seriously going to have to consider weights in the hem of her pants next time as she had a hard time running in the wind! It's one time I'm glad I have a little weight on my body I wasn't as easy for the wind to blow around! LOL! We did it though! We both finished in good times too! YEAH for us!! Enjoy the pictures we took before, during and after! LOL! I guess you can tell who the "scrappy runners" are huh?! LOL!

This is just before the race. We're smiling now because we're warm! Starbucks is good for more then coffee sometimes! It's where we waited for the race to start. Don't we look "cute" in our matching tees?! We had matching glittery hair scrunchies too! Vanessa is such a great friend! I had a ton of fun with her!

Here we are enjoying our run mid way and smiling despite the huge cold windgusts in our faces! True scrappers huh!

We did it! Here we are still smiling at the end! Actually I think the smiles were frozen on our faces by then! LOL! We were glad to be done! LOL!

Now, on to the next race.........

Another Fun Day!

2008-03-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

If only I could have these kind of days more often! It is Read Across America week and the kids were challenged for reading several books! If they read 3500 books the principals had to wear their jammies to school! Well, being the team players we are, a couple of us in the office wore ours too! Don'tcha think we look happy?!! This is me and my "chingoo" (Korean for friend) Robin! She's so sweet! I love her jammies with all the coffee cups on them! Mmmm love my java too! Iwas a big hit with Sponge Bob on my jammies! They were, of course, quickly confiscated by Breanna when I got home! LOL!

Tagged.....I'm "It"!

2008-03-04T15:04:00.000-08:00

I've been "TAGGED"! I'm "IT"! LOL! I've seen this "tag" going around on the different blogs I follow and thought "how interesting"! Now I think "wow I have to figure our 7 wierd or interesting facts about myself - tough job"! LOL! Hmmm I've been tagged by my friends Nardi and Danyelle - thanks guys! So do I list only 7 now, or should I list 14?! I think I'll stick with the 7 for now! LOL! Okay first - the rules (there are always rules right?! LOL!) I have to post back to the people who "tagged" me, then post on 7 more blogs to let them know they've been "tagged"! Well, sit down and brace yourself for some soulbaring interesting (or not) tidbits about myself!

1. I am a woman (no shocker there!) that doesn't like chocolate or ice cream (I see
your jaw drop open there!)

2. I have almost 14 years of military service in the Air Force - thats active duty,
active Reserves and inactive Reserves!

3. I am the only girl in my family - right smack in the middle of 4 boys! They're
all either still active duty military or retired military too! (no, I wasn't
spoiled either - really!)

4. I LOVE fast cars (see previous post), wait some of you already know that.....
especially my BFF Cally who was with me when I got my last ticket - oops!

5. I hate grocery shopping with a passion! Let me loose in a mall all day or a
craft store and I have a very active imagination but, put food in front of me
and I'm stuck for ideas! LOL!

6. I am a crafty person - name it I've done it! Macrame animals, cake decorating,
making beaded jewelry, quilting (I'm even published in a book as a quilt
tester!), painted windows and wall murals, and am a paper crafter but, I can NOT
gift wrap worth a darn! I stink at it actually! I love the person who came up
with the "gift bag" idea! They ROCK!

7. I've lived on 3 different continents, have traveled to 19 different countries,
I've moved over 30 times in my lifetime!

Okay I think I'm good for now but let me think of some others who need this "tag" too! I choose,

Amy

Vanessa

Those are the only ones I can come up with right now that haven't already been tagged! Have fun girls!

Dreams CAN Come True!!

2008-03-02T17:08:00.001-08:00

It's Sunday here but, for me, it was "funday"! WOO HOO! I had a dream come true today courtesy of "that boy's" Dad!! Don't worry it's all innocent! His Dad has a 2002 metallic red corvette that makes my heart just race with the thought of ever driving it! Heck just talk about it or, hold me back here, put the key in my hand and you should get the paramedics on the line! Can you say major heart palpitations?! LOL! Well today I don't know what was going faster - my heart or the corvette! I GOT TO DRIVE IT!!!!! I went by to pick "that boy" up to go to the mall with Breanna and asked if there was anything I could do for him since Chantal (his wife and friend of mine) was gone and he had been having foot trouble! I was thinking maybe run to the store, bring something back.....! LOL! Totally not expecting that, this dream, would happen today! He told me, "matter of fact yeah I do" and said "it's a nice day to drive the vette"! My thoughts at the time were, OMG tell me he didn't just hint that I could drive it......... he did! HE REALLY DID! I didn't hesitate to park my car and jump right in and off we went! I wasn't even thinking as I left Breanna and that boy home alone! If you know me that is "big"! LOL! LOL! Anyway, little excited here can you tell?! LOL! Here are a couple of pictures of me and "the CAR"! LOL!

This is at my house when I went to show Brian and get my camera - had to have pictures!

Here's proof I actually got to sit in the drivers seat! I'm in love!!

I'm sure I fit the profile of a total dork as excited as I was but, heck, I sure was a happy dork today! Thanks Clay for an AWESOME Funday!

Free Stamps - Time's Running Out!

2008-02-25T15:16:00.000-08:00

Don't forget the good deal on getting a FREE stamp set for every $50 you spend in product is almost over! The last date to order is March 17th! Let me know if you want to see a Sale-a-bration catalog or, better yet, purchase a Spring & Summer catalog for yourself for only $10. It's full of great ideas!

Contact me at - savo3@cox.net

Desert Friendly Photo Album

2008-02-24T19:21:00.000-08:00

I was E-chatting with my brother and he was telling me how sand gets into everything over in the desert! He's been in Iraq for 3 months now and I thought maybe he could use a little cheering up! I took an Altoid tin, this was before my goof up order on Papertrey - totally my fault for being a little too quick on the "oh what the hell button" on my mouse! I wanted a different tin but those worked out to my advantage anywhooo, I primed this one too so it wouldn't be shiny for him to have out there too! I made it into a photo album of pictures of our family! I thought this will either cheer him up or maybe, make him happy he's so far away from such a goofy bunch of people! Well, everyone but me of course! LOL! I finished it tonight so take a look at it and tell me what you think! I don't think sand will get into this one!

Here's the outside! I used Modge Podge to adhere it to the tin

I put a picture of his wife and kids on the inside and the rest of the pictures are on an accordian folded piece of cardstock (close to cocoa from SU!) The "Our Family" stamp is an old one I got a couple of years ago from 7Gypsies.

First side of photo album;

Second side of photo album;

My only regret on this is that I didn't have a picture of my oldest brother and his kids in there too! He wasn't able to make it for Thanksgiving this year. I will have to add to it later when I get a good one of him!

Thanks for looking!

Call Me Bologna.......

2008-02-24T19:11:00.000-08:00

Call me bologna cuz I'm on a roll here tonight! I went to my blogger friend Amy's site and saw the neatest tutorial on how to make floral stones into magnets! Too cool I thought but.... I needed something to put them in too! I had ordered the wrong tin from Papertrey last time I placed an order - or so I thought! What was a blunder has now turned into the "perfect container" for my magnets! I love how these turned out! I also had the chance to use my new Air Force stamps too! Love it! The AF one is going to a friend and the other two are going to my future hostesses of upcoming Stampin Up parties! I'm giving them away whether you did a book party or an "In-Home" type party! If you want to be a recipient just let me know! Take a look at them;

USAF magnet tin

Inside of USAF magnet tin - can you see how I got the stars & stripes in there too!

Showing off SU's new "Ginger Blossom" designer paper and "Embrace Life" stamp set

Here's the inside of the "Embrace Life" magnet tin

These magnets were insanely easy to do! I did another set but need to do one more thing before I post it! Stay tuned I have more.....

Classes Coming Soon!!

2008-02-23T11:50:00.000-08:00

It's time to mark your calendars for more classes! YEAH! I'm really excited about these too!

Class Schedule
Pre-registration is a MUST to make sure I have enough products for everyone!

Mar 14 6:00 -? – PMS night! What is that?! Pizza, Movies and Stamping! It’s an opportunity to eat pizza, watch a good movie and, of course, stamp! I’ll have make & takes and you’ll be able to use any of my stamps or toys to create your “one of a kind” creations! You only need to bring your cutter, paper and your adhesives! $10 per person
Mar 30 2:00 - ? – 6x6 album in a night! This is an opportunity to put together a fast album of a special event or a special person(s) in your life! This class includes *6X6 linen ring bound album, *paper kit, free use of my stamps and tools. You only need to bring your cutter and your adhesive. Let me know which album and paper kit you want, I will be placing the order soon $40*!
Apr 13 2:00 - ? – Spring Flowers Workshop. Create cards and gifts with flowers being the focal point! These will be perfect for Mother’s Day gifts! Class costs include the “Build a Flower” kit which comes in a great “alterable” tin! $13* (cutter and adhesive not included)
Apr 27 2:00 - ? – Stamp A Stack. Come join the fun and make a “stack of cards”! Bring your adhesives only as I’ve done the rest of the work for you! $10

* (if you can’t make the class but would like to take advantage of this good deal let me know and I will put your kit together for you!)

Here is a "cutter and tape" picture so you can see what I mean! I used Stampin Up's sticky tape for the picture but you can bring whatever you have!

Don't be shy and sign up for your classes today!!

My Email to sign up - savo3@cox.net

What A Cutie & More!

2008-02-23T11:26:00.000-08:00

I jsut love these pictures of Michael! He was such a cutie pie! Well, okay he still is but, I just loved the baby version! I had to get some nice pictures done before I went to Korea (I am prior AD Air Force) for a year and he actually cooperated! YEP! He sure did! I struggled with this layout as I glued it all down before I was 100% in love with it!

The duck was an "afterthought" - what do you think of it?

This wasn't the only thing I have accomplished lately! Miracles of all miracles has happened this week! What am I talking about?! I wish it were the act of my magic fairy but, alas, no matter how hard I wished she never came through! Okay, really what am I talking about here?!! I can see the carpet on the floor of my crafting room!! I like to think of it as carpet preservation, insulation of sorts..... my husband likes to think of it as a "mess"! He's so crazy though! He just doesn't understand! LOL! Then again he's one of "those" and has been caught polishing the top of our chrome trashcan because it had fingerprints on it....! LOL! That's a whole other story though! Before you ask though, no - I have never had to ask him to pick up his socks or to put the toilet seat down! Lucky girl I know!! So, now to clear off my desk where a lot of it wound up! LOL! A girls work is never done! LOL!

NOVA Shoe Box Swap

2008-02-18T14:14:00.000-08:00

What a great Sunday! We went to church early because I had some great plans that I didn't want to miss out on! I was able to participate in a "shoebox swap"! What, do you ask, is a shoe box swap?! Well, my shoe loving heart was sad that it has nothing to do with shoes!! It does, however, have everything to do with making some awesome cards designed by other talented ladies! We knew ahead of time how many other people were coming, created one card for an example (the smart ones made directions - don't ask which one I was as it was my first!) and then cut supplies to share with everyone. We all then made one of everyone else's using that person's supplies! Great concept right! This was perfect to fill my card basket for upcoming shows! Check out the slide show below to see them all!

If you're looking at this and see something you like, let me know! Everything was made with items (including tools)from the current Stampin Up Catalog!

P.S. mine was the gray pocket card made with the sailboat stamp set!

Enjoy!!

BESTEST Valentine EVER!!!

2008-02-14T02:43:00.000-08:00

I just love my kids! Despite all the frustration and moments where all you can think is "OMG what were you thinking.....were you even thinking...". They sure are good at turning around and just making you feel warm, fuzzy and very loved! I went to get my cup for my coffee and look at what I found! LOL! How can you not feel the love when you find something like this!

My daughter was actually crafting behind my back! I love it! She looks just like me too doesn't she?!

Valentines Day Recycle

2008-02-14T02:38:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's day! I wanted to give the girls in my office something for today. They all like chocolate and I needed a lot of them so I came up with this idea! One of the girls has a little 9 month old baby who is still eating baby food. Baby food doesn't seem to come only in little jars anymore, now they come in the coolest little plastic containers! HELLO POSSIBILITY! I love these things and have a huge bag of them!

I used everything SU except for the sticker on the top of the flower. I found a good deal at a fabric store for Valentines and it was a perfect match to the colors of the candy I had alredy picked out! What luck! I hope they like their little gift!

If you've done any recycling into a great craft project let me know! I'd love to see it and post a link on my blog!

New Cards!

2008-02-14T02:25:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally finished up a few cards I had started recently. I must make mute cards a lot because sometimes, they just don't speak to me! I just couldn't figure out what they "needed"! LOL! Anyway, here are 3 cards I fnished up last night!

I used SU everything for this one and I am pretty happy with how it turned out too! I don't use the Designer Paper as often as I should! I think things are on a verge of change with these! LOL!

I made this card to give to a friend of mine at work! She's SO sweet and when she came back from New Orleans recently she brought me a small gift. This card is her "thank you"! I like to make the card and write on it with a post it note, that way they have the card as a little gift too! I really like this one!

This is my first attempt at paper piecing! The rhino was stamped on DP and then cut out and placed on a pop dot! I bet you'd never think I cut it from the other side of the paper I used as a background for the "celebrate" card above! I just love how SU does that with their paper! It's so versatile! Anyway, this was my mute card! It didn't speak to me and I'm still not so sure I heard it 100%! The words were my stopping point! What do you think? Oh, and I also limited myself to only SU on these cards!

So let me know what you think! I love feedback!

Look What I Got!!

2008-02-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

YEAH!!!! I'm so excited! I got one of those wonderful "Blog Awards" today! OMG! It totally made my day! Nardi in Australia thinks I have an excellent blog! Lookie below

Isn't it great! The rules of the award are to pass it on to other excellent bloggers so, I am nominating two other blogs I read as often as I can below Since DH is pacing for the computer with DD on his heels, I want to reserve the right to post more later! Don't forget to visit these great blogs!

Thank you again Nardi!

Amy

Vanessa

PIF - Let's Have Some Fun!

2008-02-12T02:47:00.000-08:00

PIF?! What does that mean?! It means "Pay It Forward"! It also means fun, freebies and sharing! YEAH! Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Pay It Forward - Blog Candy
Nardi, a really cool Stampin Up demo from an awesome, warm and fun place - Australia, offered some Pay It Forward blog candy for the first three bloggers to leave a comment and I just happened to be one of them.

In return, I am to Pay It Forward (PIF) on my own blog. Hence here I am...

If you want to join in the fun:
1. You need to have your own blog so that you can then PIF.
2. Then be one of the first to comment on this blog post and I will send you some blog candy.
3. Just remember to PIF on your blog and send out a little something to the first 3 people who comment on your blog.
And the cycle of PIF will continue to bless and brighten one another's day. It is that simple!

So on your marks, get set....POST!!! First three to the comment box will need to start stalking their mail boxes! ;o) The surprise will be all yours.

Wanna play?!

Wanna visit Nardi's blog too?! Here ya go....

www.cardbynard.blogspot.com <-- I tried for a hotlink but it was being crankier then me this morning! Just cut and paste this into your browser and it will work for you!

Mail Call........

2008-02-12T02:42:00.000-08:00

Who wouldn't want mail to come in these little cuties! My daughter is so crafty too! When she's in the mood, as only a mother of a teenager can relate too, she'll craft with me! The difference between her and I, at times, is she'll complete a project first! LOL! This is no exception as I'm waiting for the "right thing" to finish mine but here are pictures of Breanna's mail boxes she made AND already gave to her friends! We filled them with candy and red nail polish! A girl needs red nails on Valentine's day right!

Here are the fronts;

Here are the sides;

Drop a line and let her know how she did! Maybe it'll encourage her to craft with her Mom more often!

Neat Idea

2008-02-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

I have a Dad who is hard to buy for - don't we all have someone like that in our lives?! Holidays stress you, birthdays etc.... what do you get them especially when they can buy it for themselves if they really want it right?! Well, a band teacher who works at the same school as I has a business on the side that was the best idea yet! He has a business for videography of special events such as weddings etc. I have the plans, right now to have him put pictures on a DVD of my parents through the years and each of us children! There are 5 of us, I was cursed, I mean blessed with 4 brothers and I have pictures of all of us at different stages of life that would be an awesome DVD for my Dad to watch! I lost my Mom 3 years ago so including pictures of them at different stages of their marriage would be great! I also asked him to help me repair a photo that I had glued into a picture frame of a calendar I had planned to give my Mom the same year she passed away. It was my favorite of my 3 kids and I thought it was ruined! He saved it and I am so grateful as he did an awesome job! So I thought I'd share this awesome idea with you as I'm sure he can help anyone even through the mail! So if you're looking for a good, no make that great gift idea, then check out his website at http://www.beltwayvideo.com/index.html - tell him Michelle sent ya!

Give it a thought, or two!

Okay John, there's the plug I promised! You really did a great job and I am thankful!

Framed!

2008-02-08T13:59:00.000-08:00

I feel like saying "It's here, it's here" again! Why?! This time I would be referring to the weekend! OMG! This had to have been the longest week ever! One of my duties is to do report cards and all it entails short of giving the actual grades! The computer entry, the printing, the reprinting, the reprinting, the reprinting.....yes I meant to say that 3 times! LOL! It can get pretty hectic at times! I also have many other things that keep me going and today, I was smart, I wore tennis shoes (Fridays are casual) and good thing as I felt like "Michelle, the human yo-yo"! I really do love my job, don't get me wrong, I do! I just love being with the kids and the interactions there! The hugs, waves, and "Hi Ms. Hale's" all make it worthwhile! Anyway, on to the most recent project I have done! I have been wanting to make one of these frames and this week I had the opportunity! It's School Counselor week and we have one of the most awesome counselors around! I made her this frame with her name on it and the Bella I ordered because it reminded me of her! She's so fashionable and it looks just like her! She's also my mentor for my running adventures too! I got so many tips for my marathon from her (she's run 5 and is trying to qualify for Boston!) and I wanted her to know how much I appreciate all the stuff she does for me as a friend and a co-worker! Take a look and see what you think!

Here's the frame from a distance so you can see the whole thing! I don't know what I used (I used scraps mostly) except the ribbon is retired SU ribbon, the background was a neat stripe I probably picked up at Michael's, I got the stickers from JoAnnes, the flower from Target Dollar Spot and added a MM square brad to it. I also use the 1" and 1 1/4" circle SU punches and both the large and small tag punches too! I LOVE SU punches! They are simply AWESOME! The alphabet stamps are from SU but have been retired and the stamped image is actually called a "Bella" and I ordered it from a company in Canada that has some really cool images to stamp! I guess I knew most of what I used! LOL!

Here's a close up of the Bella -

I, of course, had to do a card for her! Here's my take on a "Super Counselor" card!

The frame is actually one of the kind that comes with a mat precut for a child's sports pictures - individual and team! I like how it turned out - what do you think?!! Leave me a message! I love to read them!!

It's Here, It's Here............

2008-02-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

Sale-A-Bration's finally here! YEAH!!! Don't forget for a limited time you can get extra stamps for EVERY $50 you spend in product! How great is that?!! If you make a qualifying purchase you not only get your purchase but you can get a hostess set, free merchandise AND the extra free stamps! WOO HOO! You have to love a good deal like that! The best thing about the Sale-A-Bration stamps is they come pre-cut for you to just pop out and get stamping within minutes of opening your new box of treasures! Look below to see what I mean;

This is what it looks like before separating the rubber parts;

Here's what I mean about the stamp being pre cut and ready to pop out!

Another little hint for your rubber part of the stamps when they come like this. You can carefully cut that part that you popped the "positive" part out of to creat a "negative" stamp to use! This creates more stamps for you to play with!

Let me know when you're ready to place an order - just email me at savo3@cox.net

More Stamps For Your Money!

2008-01-28T07:20:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't want more for their money - I'll raise my hand too! Well guess what?! For a limited time Stampin Up has an offer you can't ignore! Read more about it below;

Get Ready for Sale-A-Bration

February 1-March 17, 2008

Our Sale-A-Bration promotion gives everyone a reason to celebrate!

Promotion Details:

Customers: For every $50 purchase you make, you will receive a free Sale-A-Bration product! Don't forget we carry scrapbook "must haves" too!

Hostesses: In addition to our regular hostess benefits, hostesses will receive a free Sale-A-Bration stamp set for workshops that reach $300 or more.

Recruits: Anyone who joins as a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration can choose any stamp set--a value of up to $47.95--from the current catalog.

Do I have your interest?! Let me know if you'd like to see a catalog! Better yet, let's schedule a party so that you AND your friends can all take advantage of this great offer!
If you don't live near enough to see a catalog (The Sale-A-Bration mini catalog is available for viewing on February 1st) or would like to place an order - no problem as Stampin Up has direct shipping available!

Want to see what else is available? Go to WWW.StampinUp.Com

Baby Stars

2008-01-24T02:24:00.000-08:00

Well, what do you think?! I'm not quite sure it's "there"! It could just be me but I keep looking at it thinking "what's wrong with this page"! Okay, maybe I'm being critical and I need to let it go! LOL! I did this page for a counselor at my school. She's going to a baby shower and one of the things they were asked to do was to creat a scrapbook page around a poem. This one is about a moon so I put it amongst the stars! Is there really ANY way to put vellum to paper and have the adhesive NOT show?! LOL! I did discover that by taping my vellum to another sheet of paper before heating the embossing powder that it helps it not to curl from the heat! Tape, however, does melt! LOL! So let me know what you think! I really loved the input on my cards!

More Valentines!

2008-01-21T18:30:00.000-08:00

I was playing around with my "stuff" while I watched Prison Break with my DH tonight! We love that show and can't wait for the DVD to come out! Anywhooo, I made a couple of Valentines to share with you! One I really like and the other, well, I just couldn't come up with anythint else to go with it - I need input please!! Oh, it needs to stay all Stampin Up products as I'd really like to show it at my Open House this weekend!

Here they are!

I like this one;

I'm not too sure about this one......

What do you think it needs?!!

Fun Challenge

2008-01-21T11:31:00.000-08:00

I had a friend give me a challenge recently! She had a glass plate from an air freshener and wondered if I could do something with it! Soon as I saw it I knew exactly what I could do with it! If you look below you'll see what I did

Before;

After;

I made it into a picture frame that will go on my desk tomorrow! I used a flower from the Stampin Up Pretties and colored it with my Purely Pomegranate ink pad and added beads with my Crystal Effects for the center. The words are from the Stampin up Set called "Wonderful Favorites". I really like this set as it suits both cardmaking, scrapbooking, altering (obviously :)!) etc! It has the words "wonderful" and "favorite" in big script writing and then it has family member suggestions like "mother", "son", "daughter" etc.... to include extended family members like aunts, "in-laws"! I see lots of possibilities to cut down on my journaling here! My handwriting stinks to this was a worthy investment for me! I also used some of our new double sided designer paper called "Ginger Blossoms"! If you look a few posts back you can see what a full sheet looks like!

Thanks for the challenge Chantal.....got any more?! LOL!

Karen Day Wants To Say......

2008-01-19T06:16:00.001-08:00

"Purple Monkey Dishwasher"
http://karen-day.blogspot.com

Valentine's Day Cards

2008-01-16T02:34:00.001-08:00

Valentine's day is getting closer and closer.... so with that in mind I made up some great new cards! I used traditional colors and non-traditional colors in these cards! Stampin Up has a great Valentine's day offer that you can't pass up - I didn't! Take a look below;

The adorable elephant below is from the SU Valentine's special. It could go either way - boy or girl! It's so cute but I have other ideas for that elephant! Can't you just see him as a "don't forget" type card or a children's congratulations type card or even for a lunch box love note! My daughter and I trade those back and forth so I think she might be getting one soon with him!

I used a "Level 3" hostess set I recieved as a gift from Stampin Up (a benefit of being a demo btw!) for the flower and the butterfly. If you look closely the butterfly is actually cut out and placed on the card with a "pop dot" type adhesive! I used the words from the Valentine's day set to make it a Valentine's day card! I love purple so I'm really please with how it turned out in the non-traditional Valentine's day colors!

Enjoy my ideas and let me know if you'd like to place an order for that special! It's so versatile beyond Valentine's day so stay tuned - you'll be seeing more!

Valentine's Ideas

2008-01-16T02:22:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Valentine's day is less then a month away - wasn't Christmas just last week?! LOL! I was home "ill" yesterday with a lovely bladder infection (these rascals hurt btw!) so I took advantage of my time, that I wasn't sleeping of course, and made some neat altered items for Valentine's day! I think it's true one woman's trash is another woman's treasure! A couple of co-workers were nice enough to give me some of the things I used! Tell me what you think?!

If you look to the left of each decorated item you can see it's humble beginnings! I used the new SU Valentine's day set for most of it and several of SU's great cardstock, inks and ribbon! I also added some flowers from the "Pretties" kit. If you want to know the names of everything just let me know and I'll send you an email!

I really like how they all turned out! It was my first time using "Stazon" ink on glass (Starbucks bottle) but I really had no problems at all! I did find out that if you don't like how something comes out that Stazon, when used on glass, it can come off with just plain alcohol! Now I wish my daughter were young enough to take these to school for her teacher, sigh! Instead I'll be giving these away at my "Open House"!

I hope I inspired you!

Scrapbook Page Possibility

2008-01-15T06:29:00.000-08:00

I noticed a similarity in pictures that I thought you'd get a kick out of! I think it's a scrapbook page in the making here! LOL!

Breanna age 4

Breanna age 14 (and a very important "1/2" I am not allowed to forget!)

Boy I can't wait till she figures out now I posted BOTH pictures of her! LOL!

Kitchen Aid Love Affair

2008-01-15T06:02:00.000-08:00

Well, if you know me you know my daughter Breanna! If you know Breanna, you know she loves to bake! For the past few years this little girl has begged, yes begged and even tried bribery, to get a Kitchen Aide! Well one "Black Friday" shopping trip later I caved and made a purchase of one that was less then the Ipod she got for her birthday 6 months ago! I only paid $105 for this new object of her affection! I love to bake but don't eat all those sweets anymore and, she does so I have pretty much handed down my wooden spoon with the understanding I may borrow it back once in a while! LOL! Here are some pictures of her with her newest bestest friend!

Can't you almost hear her saying "Hey Mom I figured out what this tool is for....Aaarrggh"!

She can just crack herself up sometimes! (I'm probably dead meat for actually putting this one on here when she finds out!)

She really does love her new baby! I should post a picture of the look of disbelief on her face when she opened the box telling her it was waiting for her at home (we were in Wisconsin for Christmas!)

Aaahh the fruits, I mean the chocolate chip cookies of her labor! She made these for a friend of mine at work! She told Breanna she had to make her something with her new KA the last time they talked on the phone so, Breanna using any excuse she can to bake, came through on her promise! I see only 7 cookies here.....where are the other 2 dozen?! If the chocolate under the tape she put on with a note for "Ms Tane" was any indication, that means my child is (hopefully) sharing the rest with her friends and didn't have any for breakfast! LOL!

More Scrapbook Pages!

2008-01-14T02:21:00.000-08:00

I am getting close to the bottom of my "almost there, not quite done" pages! I have a pizza box that fits my 12x12 pages perfectly - don't laugh too hard! This was the perfect way to keep them from getting bent and they actually survived the trip from Germany like this! LOL! Anyway, I got a bug and finally finished three more pages!

Enjoy

This is Breanna and her "MiMi"! She loves cows (don't tell I said that!) and when we used to stop at a rest stop between Illinois and Wisconsin they always had the prettiest flowers! Couldn't resist a picture just for "why not" reasons! LOL! Did you see the leaves on the flowers? It's the corner punches from SU's corner punch! Neat huh?!

Here's Michael in 8th grade. He doesn't look happy does he?! Remember I said he doesn't like his picture being taken?! Some things never changed as this is one of the last school pictures I have of him until he is a senior! Long story there! Can you tell I am trying to stretch the pages for him - one per page (so far!) I wanted a little something different on here too so I used some neat colored paperclips and I used the SU corner punch again for my arrow! I really like the versatility of that punch!

Here's one of my favorites of him! Isn't he just the cutest in this one! I just love the expression on his face - so innocent! He only played baseball one year and I should probably say he only filled his glove in the outfield with sand for one year! LOL! He had no interest so we didn't push it beyond that! Do you think I have it too busy for one picture?! It's the only one I have of this so I'm stretching it for his album which is 12x12! I really like how using the piercing tool and template from SU made a difference on the strips though - gave it that little something extra!

Friend Card

2008-01-10T02:34:00.001-08:00

I actually even finished a card last night! I was on a big roll! I finished a card that I am sending to a friend in Florida! She is just the sweetest person ever! I have known her for years via the internet and even got to meet her once! I made this card to add to a package of goodies I have been stockpiling for her - someday, and hopefully before the shipping gets outrageous, I'll get it in the mail! I hope you like it!

My 3 Kids - In Paper!

2008-01-10T02:24:00.000-08:00

I am trying to keep up with my scrapbooking goal 2008! I completed 3 layouts I started a while ago (won't say how long ago...). They've been sitting waiting patiently for the "right bling" to go with them! I hope you like them as much as I do - finally!

This is Jessica, my oldest, when she had no hair! I titled it "Bald is Beautiful" but let me tell you - she's got gorgeous hair now! Nice and thick! LOL!

Michael used to hate, I mean H-A-T-E getting his picture done professionally! He'd cry and cry and it wouldn't be worth the picture so this is one of the very few pictures I have of him, that was done professionally, when he was a baby! Not much has changed in taking pictures either and he's 20 years old (oh, he doesn't cry though! LOL!)

Here's my baby Breanna, I had started this one a long time ago but I knew I wanted "something" to make it right! Well a friend gave me some flowers and I found some rhinestones and some of SU's pearls from their pretties kit - perfect mix and exactly what I wanted for it! Nice, soft and all girl!

I'm thrilled on how they all turned out! I hope you like them too!

New Picture

2008-01-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

Do you like my new picture I just put up?! It's the one on the top of my blog! My 14 year old daughter took that picture while we were in Wisconsin recently! She has such a good idea for some awesome pictures! I wish you could see her whole album! Anyway I hope you like it!

Great Valentine's Day Offer

2008-01-06T15:15:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day Bundle

January 2 - January 31, 2008
January is a sweet time at Stampin' Up! In addition to a brand-new catalog full of stamping and crafting treats, we have two special offers we know you'll love.

Customers:
Make quick and cute Valentine projects for your loved ones using our exclusive Valentine's Day Bundle and receive a free spool of Regal Rose 5/8" grosgrain ribbon.

Hostesses:
Hold a workshop of $350 or more and choose any one stamp set from our Spring-Summer 2008 Preview Brochure FREE (up to a $29.95 value!)!

Item Description Price

11089 Happy Heart Day stamp set $20.95

109052 Real Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon $7.95

102757 Medium cellophane bags $4.50

109056 Regal Rose 5/8" grosgrain ribbon FREE! ($7.95 value!)

111903 Valentine's Day Bundle $33.40 (a $41.35 value!)

New SU Designer Paper

2008-01-06T15:01:00.000-08:00

Lookie! New designer paper to use in all of your crafting projects! These are two sets I was able to pre-order and they are just gorgeous! These also have stamp sets that coordinate with the patterns beautifully! Just think of all the possibilities! If you're in the D.C. area, or plan on coming here around the time of the Cherry Blossom festival - we have paper and stamps that will coordinate beautifully with your pictures! Just think of the envy people will have when they see your scrapbook full of great cropped memories!

They're laid out almost like quilt blocks aren't they?! The top one is called "Ginger Blossoms" and the bottom one is called "Bali Breeze". Each piece of paper is double sided and you get two of each design. That means you get 12 sheets of paper for only $9.95 making each sheet only approx .83 each! Not a bad price when you look at it that way! If you want to see more be sure to go to www.StampinUp.Com and browse their catalog!

New Catalog!

2008-01-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

The new 2008 Spring & Summer catalog is finally out! YEAH!! There are so many great new stamp sets, designer paper, punches and more for you to "play" with! I finally got my hands on some (long UPS delay!) but it's here and I'm more then ready to share! Take a look below for a sneak peek at some of the new things that I just got! Valentine's day stamps, Celebration stamps, a neat ruler that is awesome to use for scrapbooking with "scraps" called "Perfect Layers" (this is an awesome toy that I did break in already and just LOVED it!), new ribbon etc.... take a look and tell me what you think!

p.s. want your own catalog to drool over?! They sell for only $9.95 (plus S&H)and it's full of great ideas! Just let me know and I'll order one for your very own!

Wisconsin Holiday Visit

2007-12-30T16:35:00.000-08:00

Doesn't just looking at this picture make you cold?

We're home from Wisconsin now! A day late and more then "a" dollar short, but we're home! The picture above is from the front door of my in-laws house and is the reason we're home late! We were freezing our hineys off in this snowstorm! It waited until Friday, the day we were supposed to leave, to show up! We got somewhere around 8" all together. We got to the airport to leave and wouldn't you know it the airport closed down! They told us our flight would be the first one out but, wouldn't you know it, as soon as we get through security they cancelled our flight!Shheeez! We wound up having to spend the night at a hotel (lucky we got a room!) the next day we took a shuttle to Chicago to catch an earlier flight then they originally told us. We had to fly through Minneapolis to get back to DC! Funny how that system works! We got home around midnight Saturday worn out! It was an awesome vacation though. My husband has the best family - how they all get along is beyond me but they do! I hope you all had a good Christmas holiday too!

Happy Holidays

2007-12-22T05:38:00.000-08:00

This gorgeous picture was taken by my sister-in-law of the fence line at my MIL's house 2 years ago!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season enjoying however your friends and family celebrate it! We're off to my husband's hometown in Hartford Wisconsin. My husband is #3 of 8 children and since this is a family tradition of going home for 7 of them AND their families, it's going to be a house full of fun, food and frivolousness! It's something we always look forward to! We'll be back in a week, fatter, happier, and full of the love of our families! I am also looking forward to seeing my brother William. William's wife's family lives about 35 minutes away! I am so happy to be able to say that now as, for a while, he didn't know if he'd be able to get his leave! He is an Air Force Recruiter in Asheboro NC and I am so proud of him! He's the best recruiter ever! Reshaping our military future one recruit at a time!

Happy Holidays to everyone, "see" you when we get back!

Another Fast Gift

2007-12-20T16:59:00.000-08:00

This is actually a repost but I wanted to show you one more time - just in case you needed another idea! These little guys were made with York Peppermint Patties, the largest SU punch and the next size down - 1 3/8 and the 1 1/4 I believe were the sizes. Just layer them and for the nose I just cut a scrap of orange into a rectangle and then cut corner to corner. The eyes and mouth were done with a marker! I put them into a small baggie (another great SU product!) and then made a bag topper! I usually just measure 1/2 inch larger then the top of the bag I am using and the height depends on the actual stamped image size! I hope you enjoy these!

Fast Gift

2007-12-20T03:11:00.000-08:00

Do you ever need a fast gift, maybe just a little something to give someone?! How about a large Hershey bar made into a "card"! I can't remember where I learned this but I have used it so many times and the recipients just love it! If you're lucky, these larger Hershey bars cost $1 each or 10 for $10 at the local grocery store or drugstore (here in Va I find them at CVS)! So here's a list of what I used to create mine;

1- large candy bar
1- scrap of paper that measures 6.75" x 8"
1- scrap of paper that measures 5" x 8"
Any embellishments to suit your gift giving purposes

I usually leave the original wrapper on the bars but take the larger scrap and wrap it around the chocolate bar and tape! Next take the smaller piece and wrap it around the middle - here you could layer as many pieces as you want too! Next just embellish! Easy as that! Below are a few pictures of the ones I made recently

Enjoy;

My daughter gave this to a friend for a birthday card. I used my Cuttlebug for the letters and if you look closely I stamped "Happy Birthday" in Versamark for the greeting!

Here's a batch my husband took to work today to give his co-workers. He gives something chocolate every year. I used Stampin Up's gift wrap (another neat option!) and 2 old SU sets for the images. My DH is a Chief in the Air Force so the Indian Chief was perfect for his! I also used words stamped in Versamark for the greeting again!

Here's a close up of one from above;

Just think of all the people you could give one of these to now! Enjoy!

Fun Website

2007-12-20T03:07:00.000-08:00

I remember when my children were younger how they used to ask me everyday "Is it Christmas yet?"! I'd get to the point where I'd want to answer every "Momma,...." with "No, it's not Christmas yet, ......? I guess someone else got the same reaction but came up with a neat idea - you know kids sometimes won't believe you but will believe someone else right?! If this is you, then try this website!

http://www.isitchristmas.com/

My daughter showed it to me the other day and I thought it was hilarious!

Happy Thursday!

Christmas Wish Lists

2007-12-01T05:48:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again, hustle and bustle of shopping for just the right gift for everyone on your list! Now, the big question, what do YOU want to see wrapped under your Christmas tree for yourself?!

With Stampin Up's large selection of quality stamp sets, paper packages and all those wonderful accessories I bet you'd love it if your significant other, family or friends, were to surprise you with some of these great toys! Better yet, how about a gift certificate for use with the new catalog coming out in January?! My DH is really good about getting me exactly what I want (I know I am VERY lucky that way!)! All I have to do is walk up to it or point it out in a catalog and say "I want THAT"! LOL! Send me your Christmas wish list, have the person(s) you want to purchase these items for you contact me and "voila", it'll show up under your tree or in your stocking!

Let me help with the wrapping as well, for every Christmas gift order I receive I will wrap it in Stampin Up's exclusive (and gorgeous!) wrapping paper! How's that for a deal?! LOL! In the past I have received many gifts wrapped by the store so I know my DH looks for these good deals too! LOL! Tell them to hurry and place the order so I can get it back in time!

This is a great idea for you to give your friends as well!

I'm looking forward to helping fulfill your Christmas wishes!

Contact info;

Michelle - SAVO3@COX.NET
Email subject line - SU Christmas Wish List
Stampin Up Website - WWW.StampinUp.Com

Happy Holidays!

Out with the old - In with the new!

2007-12-01T05:22:00.000-08:00

Well I hate to say this, really I do, but Stampin Up has put out it's bi-annual "retirement list". I already checked it out and there are not as many as I had originally anticipated yet, there are some good ones going away!

For the list;

http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/US_Retired_List_ALPHA_1207.pdf

This means only one thing......MORE NEW SETS!! YEAH!!!! Now I hope you're as excited as I am because 1 January we'll have new toys to play with WOO HOO! As a demo I have seen a preview of the upcoming sets, papers, punches and toys. Let me be the first to tell you "OMG they're awesome!!" I could practically hear my wallet groan and smell my credit card burning as I flipped every page of that preview! LOL! The ideas are just too numerous right now of what I want to do, what I want to share with all my stamping friends! Let me know if there are any preferences of classes you'd like to see too! I love a challenge and would love even more to be able to share! New year, new ideas! I'll be waiting for your input.......

2008 Goal

2007-11-29T18:18:00.001-08:00

I have had a few minutes to think about what my goals are for next year - craftwise that is! I have to do a lot of mindless filing at my job so my mind tends to wander and think of things that are more fun! I really need to work harder on my scrapbooking! I have SO many pictures and SO many supplies that I really should get a game plan together! If you have any ideas or suggestions of what works for you to keep up with your scrapbooks send me an email (savo3@cox.net) and I'll post them here to share with everyone else! I am putting up pictures of pages I made with all SU items that I bring to show at my parties I do! I hope you like them as much as I do!

Here is my DH at his first marathon - I used the real red 12x12 paper, brilliant blue paper and whisper white paper. The stars are from the hostess set (only available until 31 December!) "Perfect Presentation"! I mounted the words separate so I could just use the star and in this page I embossed the stars for a little extra "oomph"! LOL!

Here is a page of myself at my job - it's true I really do love my job! I love working with the children and this page just shows it all! (Can you believe that's me in the cow suit?! Long story there!) I used the brilliant blue, yoyo yellow paper and the letter "I" is actually the word window punch! Cool huh?!

This is my eldest child - Jessica. I used the "In Color" "Groovy Guava" and chocolate chip paper and ink (are you hungry yet?!!) The stamps are part of the "Baroque Motifs" set. I hope they don't retire it as I just love that one! I also used the flower punch in the sky blue color paper! I love that combo!

This is true - Michael is my favorite son! LOL! He's so handsome in this picture I just love it! His Grandfather takes gorgeous pictures of the kids - such a talented man! I used the stamp set "Loads of Love" - just the tree! I also used two punches (can't have enough of those and cool new star is coming out in January!) I used the small tag punch and the horizontal slot. I used the hemp fibers to give it a little something extra! The papers I used were Blue Bayou 12x12 and the chocolate chip again! Love that page and that boy! I also inked up some of the SU chipboard letters for this! I am very pleased with them and will be getting more! There are also small brads in the corner of the pictures if you look close!

This last page is of my youngest, my baby! She does make me smile, laugh, cry, proud.....etc... all my kids do though! I used pink passion, tempting turqouise and yoyo yellow paper and the letter "b" is a chipboard letter that I just inked up! It took the ink very well - better then I expected! I used the typeset letters and the
1" circle punch to pop them out and the stamp set "Pick a Petal" for the flower

I hope you like the pages! Let me hear your scrapbook plans for next year! I like knowing my "road of good intentions through life" isn't a lonely one! I know I'm not travelling it alone! LOL!

A Little Christmas Fun!

2007-11-28T02:25:00.000-08:00

I haven't been blogging much lately so I apologize for that! I should have more pictures tonight to post though! In the mean time here's a little fun for you to have and to share with your friends!

Your Elf Name Is...

Pixie Fruit Cake

What's Your Elf Name?

The funny thing is I really do like fruit cake! LOL!

Reply with your name - let's have some fun!

I'm Back!

2007-11-25T09:59:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted! So much has gone on in that time but hopefully things will slow down a bit now! I am done with report cards for this quarter and let me tell you I am SO glad! I haven't been this nervous about report cards since I was in school myself! It's such a long, tedious and draining process with everything you have to do! It's done though - thank goodness! I am also done with my craft show I was in at my church. It all came together at the very last minute and unfortunately, right now, I don't have pictures to post! I have some that I still need to upload though! I do have pictures of my classes though and of the items we made! I just love doing these classes however, the day after a huge craft show makes me sort of tired during the class! LOL! Let me tell you about the craft show though! It was great! I had help from my daughter Breanna and my friend loaned me her trays and a tiered dish holder to display and WOW did I have a great table! I went in to the show thinking "did I make enough" "I should have done more" and "how will I fill the space"! LOL! Oh I laugh now but when I got there, despite having it all set up as I created so I'd know where to put stuff when I got there, I had SOOO much stuff I ran out of space! LOL! All that worrying for nothing! I had created scrapbooks, cards, coffee tins, hot chocolate tins, trail mix tins, calendars, post it note holders, paint cans with different items in them, kids coloring kits, candy holders, Busy Woman's Fudge bars, lunch boxes of different sizes and more neat things. I was down to "bare bones" in about 2 hours! All the worrying I did that I wouldn't have enough, that nothing would sell etc. and Breanna and I had to at least sit there until close to time for the fair to be over! I did quite well, covered my costs and a little more so I can't really complain! I did a class the day after wards that was my biggest class yet too. I had 7 women over for the "Merry & Bright" class and it was so much fun! They got the stamp set and we created 4 different items with the stamp set in a variety of ways! Again no pictures as I didn't even think of it! I'm bad I know! Next time! I do have pictures from my November Stamp Camp though! I had a couple of friends from work there and we had a blast! Poor Paula though, she made the most hilarious "S'More Man" card ever! I wound up giving her my sample but couldn't help but have fun with hers! Well, I'm off to get those pictures, clean my crafting room and get ready for another craft show. This was my back up in case I didn't do well at the first one! This one will go as well I hope! Be back soon!

November Stamp Camp Friends

November Stamp Camp Projects

Paula's Poor "S'More Man" LOL!

This little guy was created completely with SU punches and papers! I used cardstock colors - Night of Navy, Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip (hungry yet?!) Pumpkin Pie, Staz On white ink and the stamp set "Snowflake Spot". I love this set as it is another timeless one I will be able to use for years! I don't know how long it will be available though so if you want it......hurry as the book expires 31 December! The punches we used were the square punches and the large word window punch. I wish I could take credit for this really cute card but, of course, I found it blog surfing and can't remember which one I saw it at! If you know, let me know and I will happily give credit where it's due!

Busy, Busy, Busy Crafting!!

2007-11-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

I've been quite the busy crafter lately! If you could see my kitchen table I'd say it was nothing short of a miracle! LOL! I have been finishing up/fine tuning some projects I had at only 90% done and am happy with the final product. I have some new projects I started and finished tonight! The main one was to see what I could do with the cutest snowflake box I got at the Dollar Tree today! I went with a friend, Chantal, who is so much fun to spend time with! I think working is cramping my style here with my crafting and spending time with my friends! Anyway, she mentioned that she'd like to see what I came up with for this box! It has 5 cards with stamped envelopes to match, a note pad and some chocolates wrapped to match the paper. I hope I didn't let you down Chantal!

I was also able to finish a couple of other projects for my craft show. The first one is using the "Always Artichoke" DP from Stampin Up along with the "Noble Deer" stamp set. My goal was to make some "Manly" type gifts. I really like how this turned out! I only made two but am thinking, maybe more?!

I also had purchased these really neat note pads from Target a while back. I like how they have the rubberband to keep it closed - especially in my purse! I also tried using the Stampin Up glue "Crystal Effects" and some beads for the flower center! I was pleased with how it turned out!

Now I have a question for my readers - what do you think would be a fair price for each of these? I have an idea of what "I" think they're worth but would love some input! I'll be waiting!

Cute Chicken Card!

2007-10-31T19:08:00.000-07:00

Take a look at my newest creation I did last night! This chicken has GOT TO BE the CUTEST ever! I love it! When I saw the words that went with it - I had to have it! You're "with me" on that one right?! Look at how cute my card came out! I don't know why the picture of the inside came out blurry but you can tell what it says!

These three cards are just ones that I have been making for the upcoming craft bazaar I am in! I really like these and with a couple of small exceptions (green ribbon, B&W paper and the colored brads) they're all made with Stamin' Up items!

I am sort of a pack rat with craft items at times too! If I find a good deal I buy them and put them back for those "just in case" moments - KWIM! So stay tuned for more items that are coming from the "just in case" collection! LOL!

My Mizunos Are Back On Track ;o)

2007-10-29T03:12:00.000-07:00

YEAH! I'm so glad to say that I actually got to go out running this morning and my iliotibial band barely squeaked I was able to do 2 miles of no hill running and did it feel good! I've been stretching my legs a LOT more and I think it helped a ton! I can say, on the other hand, that my time off was well spent! I'll be posting lots of pictures, maybe even one of those slide shows to show what I've been up to! I got accepted into a craft show so now I'm pumping out the goodies! Stay tuned!

Storage Ideas

2007-10-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

I was asked today at my class how I store all my punches and other items related to my stamping. So here is my Ikea shoe storage turned "punch holder" as well as marker holder and "knick knack" storage!

The ink pad storage is actually 2 antique sewing machine drawers I found in a store up in Wisconsin last summer. I found the set of drawers at TJ Max and just love it as it's great for storing all sorts of "things"! I found the other storage boxes are from Ikea also. I love all their stuff since it's so versatile!

The room looks like it's a neat organized area doesn't it?! He he he - don't let the pictures fool you! If you could see behind me, around me, beside me etc... you'd know what I mean! LOL! I have good intentions of cleaning it up this week!

Enjoy!

Fall Frenzy

2007-10-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

Today was my "Fall Frenzy" class! We had so much fun, then again spending time with friends is always a lot of fun! Here is a picture of 3 of the items we made today. The snowflake card has a little "bling" on it in the center of the biggest snowflake. The calendar is actually a 4"x6" photo holder with tear off calendar pages and the last one is a "money holder"! I love these 3 things as they're all great gift ideas for Christmas!

Enjoy!

Nice To Be Appreciated!

2007-10-18T02:31:00.000-07:00

In our school system this week is "Custodian Appreciation Week". It's great to have time dedicated to appreciate those people who don't get what they deserve for all that they do! I know ours at my school (like it's MY school ;0) )! They really work hard and tend to get some grief at times! Anyway, I volunteered there and at Breanna's school to make cards of appreciation. Here they are, one actually fills a challenge so I'll be posting it again on the SCS site later! I hope you like my cards!

I love the colors blue and brown together! I used Chocolate chip, sky blue and natural cardstock. My stamp comes from the Office Accoutrements set and the words are part of the "In Appreciation" set. Don't you love the ribbon trick in the center of the flower too? That is the neatest trick I picked up on another person's blog! If you want to know how to do it just email me!

This card is one of my favorites as I just love that little flower! Believe it or not it is the scallop punch with the 1' punch circle for the center. I glued the circle to the scallop and then snipped the indentions up to the circle and Voila! Flower! I used close to cocoa, pink passion, natural card stock, the paper is our Old Olive designer paper that you can get in lots of different colors too. Itty Bitty background stamps and the In Appreciation stamps. I also used the ticket corner punch, my wonderful mat pack and the small horizontal punch where I threaded the old olive ribbon!

This card is the one that fulfills the requirements for a challenge. I made the regular card and then cut 1" of cardstock off the front, put the Halloween designer paper on there, made my rectangle to hang over and there we go! I used black, river rock cardstock and the Halloween designer paper that is double sided. The stamps are from "Carved and Candlelit", and my words were cut out with the big window punch!

I have a confession on this card...... I used a paper that I bought a while back that isn't SU! Okay, I'm not a purist but 98% of me is! LOL! I did use SU's real red and brilliant blue cardstock, my wonderful mat pack, and the corners I hand cut but SU has a punch I am seriously deliberating over that can do the same much easier!

I hope you like my cards - let me know which one YOU like best!

Planner Fun!

2007-10-15T02:26:00.000-07:00

This was the weekend for my "Holiday Planner" class. 3 ladies came over for the fun and "fun" was what we had! I really enjoy sharing all the neat things we make with my friends! For one person in particular, she has made more of these planners then I have! I think she's caught the "stamping bug"! Enjoy the picture and I hope to see yours in the next class photo!

Homecoming

2007-10-15T02:20:00.000-07:00

Breanna had her homecoming dance last weekend. She looked SO pretty! I let her go with a couple of her friends from school and, from what I hear, they had a great time! We had a great time too as we went to eat at a favorite restuarant "Macaroni Grill" - amazingly enough we walked right in with no waiting! Then while the kids were at the dance we parents went out for a drink (I had coffee!) at Chili's! Enjoy the pictures of the kids!

Holiday Planning

2007-10-12T04:34:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about Sunday's class! Our holiday planners are going to be beautiful. Here's a picture again so you can see it one more time!

It's not too late if you'd like to join me! Just call or email to confirm your seat!

Anniversary Card

2007-10-04T16:47:00.000-07:00

18 years ago I met the man who changed my life for ever!

So I made him this card to commemorate the big day! It's not our wedding anniversary but the day we met! He thinks I'm a little silly for remembering all of our "little" anniversaries but hey, they're important to me!

I used the SU set "Baroque Motifs" set, brilliant blue ink and cardstock, whisper white and Night of Navy cardstock as well as So Saffron designer paper! Oh and I used the pretty white taffeta ribbon as well as one of the fire gem brads! He should feel pretty special since that's the first one I could part with! LOL! I slipped the card into his day planner! I think he liked it as he emailed me to thank me for asking him out first! I guess a girls got to do what a girls got to do! LOL!

Enjoy!

Holiday Glitz - Just for YOU!

2007-10-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

Holiday Glitz!

Click the words above to see more information about the Stampin Up special mentioned below!

Stampin' Up! is getting geared up for the holidays with a little glitz and glamour!

It's hard to believe that October is here already, but the great news is that with the new month comes a new promotion from Stampin' Up!! From October 1st until supplies last, you can purchase the Holiday Glitz Kit. Each Holiday Glitz card kit makes 15 cards and includes:

Pre-cut card stock and Designer Series paper to create beautiful matchbook cards (15)
Whisper White Envelopes (15)
Rhinestone brads (15)
Real Red zigzag ribbon (15)
Full-colour instruction sheet (1)
How can you get this exclusive kit? You have two options:
1) Purchase one of the following holiday stamp sets, which co-ordinates perfectly with the kit and get the Holiday Glitz card kit (110286) for the special price of $34.95 each, or
2) Purchase the Holiday Glitz card kit (110286) for $39.95 each with no additional purchase required.

Here are the qualifying stamp sets (click on the name to view the set):

109234 - p. 45
Snowfall $32.95

106786 - p. 36
The Snowflake Spot $28.95

107612 - p. 36
Flocons piquetis $28.95

109266 - p. 35
Big on Christmas $25.95

110359 - p. 5* (Holiday Mini Collection 2007)
Love & Joy $32.95

Don't forget, this Holiday Glitz kit is only available while supplies last, so be sure to place your order soon before they're gone for good! Please e-mail me for more information or to take advantage of this fabulous promotion! What a quick, easy and glitzy way to get started on your holiday creations!

Holiday Season Classes

2007-10-01T02:28:00.000-07:00

Classes for October and November 2007 Sign up now at savo3@cox.net
(pre-registration is best to reserve your seat - and make sure I have enough supplies purchased!)

October 14 (3:00) – Holiday Planner class - Is this the year you promised you were going to get organized for Christmas? With your “Holiday Planner” you’ll be able to keep that promise!
$10 please bring your own “sticky tape” and tape runner (can be purchased from me with advance notice) and cutting system.

October 21(3:00) – “Fall Frenzy” - In this class we’ll be creating Fall/Halloween cards and treats. Learn how to turn a simple bag into a great “trick or treat” holder, make cute Fall/winter cards and a great Christmas gift idea.
$10 please bring your own “sticky tape” or tape runner (can be purchased from me with advance notice) and cutting system.

November 4 (3:00) – Photo Album in a Lunch Box – “what is that?!” We’ll be making a unique photo album to give that special someone in your life. This accordion type album is the perfect way to show off those cute pictures and keep them safe all at the same time!
$10 please bring your own “sticky tape” or tape runner (can be purchased from me with advance notice) and cutting system.

November 11(3:00) – Stamp Camp – Cards, cards with a craft and a twist! You’ll be creating several cards with a winter theme as well as a gift/card organizer to use all year through! What’s the twist?! ***Just ask!***
$12 please bring your own “sticky tape” or tape runner (can be purchased from me with advance notice) and cutting system.

November 18(3:00) –“Merry & Bright” Stamp Camp – We’ll be focusing on winter cards and unique gift ideas all using the “Merry & Bright” stamp collection.
$20 – price includes the stamp set! Please bring your own “sticky tape” or tape runner (can be purchased from me with advance notice) and cutting system

***Here's the twist - I have a brother who is in the Navy and has just been activated to go to Iraq. He left yesterday to begin training for his new duty assignment. He actually leaves December 5th for a year long tour over there. I am going to ask everyone who participates in this class that if they are willing to make at least two cards (all supplies provided by me) to send to his unit for them to use while they're over there, I will discount your class by $2 IF I get to keep the 2 cards you make! They all have family and special occasions in their families too and won't have access to purchase cards to commemorate these events. My goal is to at least give them cards, stamps provided, to help! It's the least I/we can do for these people willing to give so much for us!***

I Should Be Cleaning But.....

2007-09-29T06:33:00.000-07:00

Okay my dear sweet beloved husband has been gone for 8 long, long, long (did I say long yet?) days and is finally coming home today! I really should be cleaning but I found the coolest "thing" on another blog! It's a "creative" test and apparently I'm a little on the creative side! LOL! Surprise! Try it out to see how creative you are too;

You Are 83% Creative

You are an incredibly creative person. For you, there are no bounds or limits to your creativity.
Your next creation could be something very great... Or at least very cool!

How Creative Are You?

Somehow I don't think my honey will care how creative I am when he sees my creative mess all over the kitchen when he walks in the door! Gotta get moving here!

Meet Frankie!

2007-09-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

Now introducing the cutest little guy ever - Frankie the Treat Bag!

I went to Michael's a little while ago and saw these small lime green bags and just knew they were meant to be "little Frankies"! I used several of Stampin Up's papers, black, white, and grey as well. My ink choices were ballet blue, black and pixie pink. I also used the spiral punch, small oval punch and the large word window punch. I thought the "bolts" would look better with the eyelets and his nose is actually the "negative" spots from his bangs!

I hope you like him!

p.s. - Frankie is one of the cute items we'll be creating at my "Fall Frenzy" class in October! Stay tuned for dates and more info!

Coolest Snail Ever!

2007-09-28T17:32:00.000-07:00

I am a lucky demo! Why do I say that?! Well I have an upline who has the best ideas! I don't know where this one came from but, look at it! How cool is that snail tape runner?! We learned to make this at a meeting at her house this week. She had some other great ideas out for us to look at but this was our "make and take"!

It was made from one of the ID badge holders from Office Depot. I'm sure you can tell how to make it just by looking but what about those stamps?! I have been able to avoid the big flower one.....but not for much longer! I love the little circle too! It says "Rubber Stamper . 365 Days" around it and "stamp, stamp, stamp". All you have to do with it is clip it (the flower part) to your pocket or apron and the tape can be pulled out on the string part! No more losing your tape in a pile of paper!

I love it, don't you?!!

Holy Triptych Cards

2007-09-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

Hello, I had time to stamp some cards with a friend today! I was so excited to do these since they are ones I have been wanting to do for a while! I was lucky my friend was willing to come over and be my "guinea pig"! It was great to be with her again as she left our school and moved to another one so I don't get to see her as much!

The first technique we did was one I found online at another ladie's blog and she called it "stained glass window" technique! So pretty yet so easy! You simply emboss your design on vellum paper (we used silver embossing powder) and then flip the vellum over and color in the background with colored pencils or markers! We did the colored pencils and the effect was a lot softer then the markers! Beth did the Holy Family and I did the Angel - notice her angel had blonde hair like her and mine had dark hair like me!! LOL! I think we were trying to make a statement! LOL! Hers is probably more true then mine!

Beth's

Michelle's- sorry about the shine!

The next techniques we used was watercoloring with Stampin Up's ink pads and the aqua painters and their watercolor paper. She (Beth) did the Angel and I did the Holy Family

Michelle's

Beth's

Home Again!

2007-09-17T05:03:00.000-07:00

We're home! YEAH! We had a blast at the marathon and really enjoyed something else we don't get much of - time alone! Here are a few pictures of the weekend.

This is the "Nutter Center" where we picked up our race packets. They had our bib number, literature, a patch, my tee shirt and some other little things in it.

Last year my husband ran the marathon just 2 minutes over his goal time of 4 hours. Well I thought I'd help him in his training - it's the least I could do anyway! Here is a picture of us preparing for our big day! LOL! Notice no signs of force to make him hold that spoon! LOL!

Here we are freeeeezing in the early morning just before the full marathon runners took off! It was a gorgeous day - you can see how beautiful it started off as with the sunrise just behind us!

Here I am back in the room 13.1 miles later! I was thrilled to be wearing that medal as it is proof I achieved my big goal - finishing! I even beat another lady who came with us that is experienced in running marathons so that made me feel really good too!

We did pretty good, if I must say so myself, in finishing our runs! I finished my 13.1 miles in 2 hours 27 minutes (not my official chip time as I'm still waiting for that) and Brian finished his 26.2 miles in 3 hours 42 minutes!

Now off to my next challenge........

Off & Running

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

Well, I'm as ready as I think I'll ever be! We leave today for the Air Force Marathon! I can't remember being this nervous about anything except childbirth - they both include pain! LOL! There is one bright side though! To know me is to know I am a BIG Starbucks lover and guess who is one of the sponsors of the Marathon! OMG! Yep, you're right if you guessed it STARBUCKS! How awesome is that! Here's a picture of where we'll be doing our run - wish us luck and I'll "see you" when I get back!

New Cards!

2007-09-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted anything here! I thought I should probably show that besides working and training I have been dabbling in some fun stuff too! I made these "cool" snowflake cards using all SU products except the tiny little red crystal in the middle of the red snowflake! I love this grey paper as well as the "embossing" technique you can see in the grey and silver card! Take a look!

There is a lady at the school where I work as well who should probably be wearing a superwoman cape as, in addition to being a kindergarten aide and mother of 4 with 3 being tripletts, she also works a part time job at Target (Tarjhaayyyy!)! The other day she took a pair of pants, that I got the wrong size in, to her Target and exchanged them for me! How nice was that?! Well to thank her I altered a mini notepad to give her as a "thanks"! It doesn't hurt that she was telling me she was looking for ideas for "thank you's" for their room moms too! I wrote my thanks on the inside!

Station Break/Stamp Sale

2007-09-03T03:28:00.000-07:00

We interupt this blog for a "Station Break"! Anyone remember those comments coming out of the TV a long time ago?! Well, anyway.... take a look at these great stamp sets you can get at an even greater price! I think I'd like one of each....

Fall Frenzy Promotion

Spend $30 in regular priced merchandise and qualify to purchase one of each of the six promotional stamp sets at 30 percent off!

Item Page # Description Discounted Price
105355 26 Bitty Boos Too $12.57
109284 29 Haunting Halloween $13.27
107383 30 Thoroughly Thankful $16.07
109373 108 Autumn Fest $16.77
109421 91 Elementary Essentials $19.57
110366 17 Stem Silhouettes* $22.37

*Holiday Mini Collection 2007

Hurry as the offer ends September 28th!! Now back to our regularly tuned program.......

Stamp Camp Friday!

2007-08-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

Take a look below to see all the fun and exciting items we'll be creating this Friday night at my rescheduled "Stamp Camp"! We'll also be creating a 12x12 scrapbook page with a theme of "family" so don't forget your picture(s)! I'll be showing you some of the new stamp sets that are in the "Holiday Mini" coming out September 1st!"

Get ready for the Fall with this treat holder! The pumpkins can be made either with or without faces!

Your friends and family will enjoy getting these Fall cards when you create one for each of them!

Ever need a fast, easy gift tag to go with that gift bag?! How about this cute idea?

Here is our big project for the night! We'll be getting ahead of the shopping game when you make this project! It's a "Holiday Planner" and is perfect for organizing your holiday shopping!

Outside

Inside

Stay tuned for the 12x12 scrapbook page! Don't forget to RSVP!

My Goal Reached = Your Gain!!

2007-08-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I did it!

I used to think I'd have to be all shades of crazy to try what I have done (hence the picture I posted!) but I just went over 200 miles in my training for another big goal - the half marathon! I have the achey legs to prove it and my Mizuno's aren't so pretty any more :( but that's okay! I think I need to celebrate! So here's my offer.......

For 2 weeks, starting today, August 26 - September 8, place a Stamping' Up order over $25 and you will you will receive 20% off one item of your choice! Just call or email me to take advantage of this great deal! Stay tuned for more good deals as I get closer to my next goal!

Open House - Sneak Preview!

2007-08-15T18:27:00.000-07:00

Only 3 more days until my Fall/Winter Open House! I've got so many ideas to share with everyone as well as the new and totally awesome products from Stampin up! I hope you've made plans to come this Saturday, August 8, anytime between 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Just to entice you a little more, here's a sneak preview of one of our "make & takes" we'll be creating together! Hope to see you on Saturday!

Pick A Petal - Believe It Or Not!!

2007-08-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

I love the new pick a petal set and have had some fun with it! I saw the following cards and had to do them myself! I love the versatility of this set and how you can use it in SO many different ways!

In the card below I used the flower centers for the eyes, the big polka dot petal for the nose and the mouth is half of another petal that has the word "smile" on it! I used a piece of my "Palette of Prints" for the shirt and the words are from the "Three for You" punch set, which is the special this month by the way (can you say "free cards" with purchase"?!) I used the mat pack and a paper piercer as well for the shirt!

I just loved this idea! It's so pretty! The flames are actually the solid petals if you look close you can see it! The candles are scraps from my "palette of prints" that I got a while back and the words are from another set that's in the new catalog as well! It's one of those "timeless" sets that you can use over and over and it never goes out of style!

Well, that's my fun for now! I hope you liked them!

Party Time!!!

2007-08-09T13:54:00.001-07:00

It's party time today! I'm about to leave to hold a party at a Stampin' Up customers house! This is a party for a little girl to celebrate her birthday with friends in a fun way and, what can be more fun then a Stampin' Up party?!! Here's a picture of what we'll be making tonight - 4 cards and 2 candy holders! I tried to stay in her color preferences with the pinks and purples but added other bright colors! It is summer after all! I like to work with children so I'm really looking forward to this!

August Newsletter

2007-08-06T03:34:00.000-07:00

My August newsletter is out - YEAH! It's packed full of information on how to get Stampin Up's new products for your very own! Check it out and see what works best for you! With Christmas coming I know I need to get going on all those hand-made and personalized gifts my friends and family have come to expect! Come to one of my classes and let me help you get ahead on your "list of good intentions"!

If you're interested in getting on my mailing list it's never too late - just let me know and I'd be happy to send it to you!

My Inspiration....

2007-08-03T03:32:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Brian at the end of the marathon last year. If you look closely he looks like he's not even touching the ground! I hope I'm that light on my feet - can you feel my self doubt yet?! LOL! He ran this one in 4 hours and 12 minutes missing his goal by 12 minutes and is the big reason why we're doing it again! LOL!

Correction - Brian ran this marathon in 4 hours and 2 minutes! I guess when you've run that far 10 minutes makes a BIG difference! LOL!

It's Official......

2007-08-03T03:16:00.001-07:00

Well if I was in doubt before, I can't be anymore! What am I talking about?! My dear sweet husband signed us up for the Air Force Marathon in September! Am I nuts - probably, but I guess I can look back on it and say "hey I did that"! Brian will be doing a whole marathon while I am only doing a half <-- read that as I will be running across the finish line but can't guarantee I'll be running the whole way! LOL! I will be giving it my best shot though! I used to run a lot of 5k and 10k races when my two oldest children were babies, hopefully I still have it in me! LOL! Wish us luck and pray for us!

Here's a link to the site if you're curious....are interested in joining me..... :)

http://www.usafmarathon.com/

Supporting My Habits......

2007-08-01T03:39:00.000-07:00

Stampin Up brought out their new catalog in July and OMG does it have some awesome new items in it! Now I get to see the preview for the Holiday Mini they have coming out 1 September. I hope you're reading this as "I'm in big trouble here"!! LOL! I decided I need to support my habit by dabbling in some of my other passions a little more....okay, fine, my boss found out about my jewelry making habit and made a request (works out to my advantage here)! I made her a sterling silver and Swarovski crystal anklet. I'm adding a picture of a second one I did at the same time since she didn't specify if she wanted dark or light colors! I did both!

Here's the dark one (which she chose). It has dark blue, light blue and clear AB crystals and, of course sterling silver everything else including the clasp and is on a 49 strand wire;

This is the lighter one she didn't take - it's for sale now for $40 plus S&H. Contact me if you're interested! This one has soft blue Swarovski crystals as well as my favorite sterling silver "noodle tube" beads!

Sorry about the fuzzy picture but my card was full after taking this picture!

I also do special orders including, but not limited to, Mother's bracelets, regular bracelets, necklaces, earrings...the list goes on! Let me know if you're interested!

Funny Thoughts & More.....

2007-07-27T03:45:00.000-07:00

Have you ever watched a show or gone to an event where they say "Today's event sponsored by......"?! Well for some reason while I was out solving my world's problems, aka daily run, I had this thought go through my head "Today's run sponsored by Chantal's carrot cake"! LOL! Good thing no one else is out when I go or they'd have wondered what was up as I caught myself laughing out loud! Chantal is my new friend who held a Stampin Up party last night - great show by the way! One of the good "bennies" of being a demo is going to your shows and having all the goodies they provide at your fingertips - literally! LOL! Chantal sent home a big ole slice of her carrot cake and, well, I should be a magician as I made it disappear! LOL! She is also a Pampered Chef consultant if you're local and looking for some great cooking items! Check out her website and see what her August specials are -

www.pamperedchef.biz/chantalscuisine

I'm obviously better with my "cankle" issue since I'm back in my Mizunos again! YEAH ME! I am about 50+ miles behind in my training because of it but, hey who's counting! I had fun being "laid up" and my craft room shows it! I have been busy up there and have even completed my first newsletter! If you'd like to have a copy for yourself just email me and I'd be happy to send it to you. Just be sure you're willing to accept attachments as it's a "word document"!

I'm off to work now as my contract is starting again for the new school year - let the fun begin!

One Last Card

2007-07-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

This card is SO cute! I just loved how it turned out! I used the small circle punch and the flower punch (the legs are a flower that I cut apart). I used the "Happy Birthday" from "Voila" for the sentiment! The background has "Itty Bitty Backgrounds" with "Versamark" ink. I hope you like it!

On a Roll Here!

2007-07-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

I had a hard day at play today! I took one break to go add a new addition to my scrapbooking family though! I bought a new Fiskars cutter from Costco and let me tell you - it cuts sooo good! I don't know why I waited so long! LOL! It helped me to finish up the layouts I did below!

This one is a picture of my husband at his last marathon. He ran it in 4:12 - that's 26 miles! I used a star stamp from a Christmas hostess set (embossed in white) and you can't tell but there is more red on the background using a stamp from the new punch box set too! I love that set! LOL!

3 guesses who this is! LOL! I love my job, what more can I say! I guess you would have to in order to wear that cow costume! The kids loved it, the school earned over $200 so it was well worth it! I used a variety of different stamp sets on this one.

This is my oldest daughter, Jessica. This picture of her makes me think of the phone calls I get from her where she says "I had a good day today Mom"! She doesn't smile near as much as she should! Doesn't she look happy here?! Her Grandfather is an awesome photographer and he took these pictures. He also took the picture of Michael that I love so much. I used the "Baroque Motifs" for this one too! I think I'm going to wear that set out fast! LOL!

Embossing Fun

2007-07-25T10:18:00.002-07:00

Have I mentioned lately how much I love the new Stampin Up set called "Baroque Motifs"? Well I have two more new cards below that I broke out the embossing gun and powders, as well as some of the new hardware in the Fall & Winter catalog! The new gemstone brads are gorgeous! Take a look!

The gemstone brads come in two shapes - square and round. The square ones seemed to fit this one best! I also did some "dry embossing" on this one. Stay tuned there'll be a class for this one soon!

My daughter says she doesn't care for the words on the front of this one - what do you think?

I didn't have the right color brads for this one so I solved that problem! I took some of the plain pewter ones, dipped them in black embossing powder and voila - black brads!

Don't forget to leave a comment and tell me what you think!