Thursday, May 28, 2009

2009 Grad cards...

We had a couple of graduation parties to attend this year. And since 2 of them were from the same school, I made two of this card: It was really simple and easy to create ( we love those right!) I only had a few strips of Elegant Eggplant left, and just used some silver embossing powder to do my stars and sentiment. I stamped the large star on Summer Sun, and cut it out. The set was In the Stars, which is now retired.
The overall design is clean - which you all know I'm quite partial to!
That's it for today - taking care of a sick kid for the second day in a row...seems like a never ending happening around here!
Jen



Tuesday, May 26, 2009

I'm sure you thought that I've forgotten about all of you right? Well, not in the least! It was a crazy weekend (thankfully a long one!) and I actually did not to one bit of stamping until tonight! Although, I did spend my Saturday making invitations with my Aunt Judy and Cousin Ashley - for Ashley's upcoming wedding. Yet, that still didn't involve stamping!!! So, I was more than happy to sit at my craft table tonight and actually create something! Here's what I did:
This is a little "different" for me -and I really like it! I actually had one person in mind when I made this card. My sister Megan. She's 15 and just decided to give up her horse, Doc, for several reasons - mostly tho because he was hard for her to handle. I need to tell you the story of how Megan and Doc came to be. Megan has always wanted a horse, for as long as I can remember. She would write it on her Christmas list year after year. She saved her money, and saved her money and SAVED her money! About 5 years ago, the father of one of Megan's friends was in a bad car accident. The school that Megan goes to had a fundraiser for the family. Megan was quite young at the time, and asked my parents to give some money. Which they did - they sent their money back to school with Megan in an envelope. That night Megan asked my mom how much money they gave. Not to miss the important learning opportunity, my mom explained to her that it didn't matter how much was given, just the fact that giving something within your means was what mattered. End of story?....Well, the next night my mom received a phone call from the wife of the man injured. Apparently, Megan had also given some money - all of her "horse money". The couple knew that it was too much, and realized that it was probably her horse money (everyone knew Megan wanted a horse!). My mom told the gal that they couldn't give Megan the money back, because Megan wouldn't understand. Well, long story short, a friend of the injured man happened to have a pony that they didn't neccessarily want/need. They offered to "pay it forward" to Megan. She was ecstatic! She named him Doc. Her and Doc have seen some interesting times. Doc has been known to throw her off, and she has been injured, but never seriously. What I really want to express tho, is what an outstanding young lady Megan is. She's always looking out for others, doing good deeds. And she's only 15! I hope that someday she writes a book - she's got a lot to tell. (she's even graced the stage of Jay Leno!) I can only imagine what she will do in years to come. And with Doc, she has done what she knew was best for Doc. He needed someone that had more time to work with him. Someone that was stronger to control him. She knew that he needed more that she could offer right now. So, she took it upon herself to call the person who gave her Doc, and asked if they would take him back. I know it was a terribly hard decision for her to make. Yet, she made the right decision. She's just that kind of person - always looking out for others. She's a great gal. So, if you ever run into Megan Mitchell from Western Iowa - you best get to know her or you'll miss out on the opportunity to have a great friend in the world!
I love you Megan!
Jen

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Too Cool tote!

I really adore Becky Robert's blog. She comes up with THEE cutest things. Sometimes she has free tutorials for the stinkin' cute things she makes, and other times she has tutorials for a small fee. And either way - they are always ADORABLE! I think she's probably worthy of SU's Artisan Award! Anyway - here is one of the items she has a tutorial for on her blog:
It's really adorable in person. There is a pocket on the front and one on the back to hold 2 envelopes each.
Her directions include these note cards - you simply pull up on the scallop portion, and it reveals a blank card to write on! Or stamp on! When you open up the little tote, there is a handy note pad that is velcroed in so that you can easily remove it and take it with you if you need to. Also, a third pocet to hold the 4 envelopes needed.
Here is a better picture of the inside, when opened up. She also includes a pen in her tote that she decorated. I couldn't find any really cute pens in our Wal-Mart store (and that doesn't surprise me! The joys of living in small town Iowa!).
So what do you think? Isn't Becky brilliant!!!
For my tote, I broke out all kinds of retired paper. The green is Wild Wasabi, the blue is Blue Bayou - and I'm really not quite sure what the name of the DSP is....I thought is was a great way to use up the old.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

I {heart} this bear!

and I {heart} this sketch too! I found this sketch over at Jen del Muro's blog: I heart 2 stamp.
And, I had borrowed this set from my good friend and great customer Kris....I was dying to use it! I came up with this card....
This guy was a lot of fun to color - I used watercolor paper and SU markers. It's one of my favorite way to color these days. The markers blend really well on the watercolor paper, and you can even remove some color to acheive highlights. Speaking of markers - don't forget about my chance to win your own set of markers! See the link to the right of the page - yeah - that's it, up there at the top! I used a rub-on on my twill ribbon for the sentiment. That's a good way to squeeze in a sentiment if you are running short on room, and you know me, I can't/don't usually have a project that doesn't incorporate ribbon! This set in on my wish list! Along with several others....however, I'm waiting to see what's gonna come out on the Last Chance List. That will be posted on June 1st! It's right around the corner....I can't believe that we'll be getting a new Stampin' Up! catalog in just a little over a month! I'm still drooling over the one that I've got! And some of the DSP I will be horribly sad to see go. But, I know Stampin' Up! will have PLENTY of other goodies to fill my wish list and to long for!
Thanks for stopping by!
Jen
Recipe:
Stamps: Under the Stars
Ink: Stazon Jet Black
Paper: Kraft, Always Artichoke, Manchester DSP, watercolor paper
Accessories: Twill ribbon, Chit Chat rubons, 1 3/4 punch, Circle scissors, SU markers (Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Really Rust, Always Artichoke, More Mustard) Retired Hodgepodge Hardware

Monday, May 18, 2009

Name that frame!

I told you that I would show you the bridal shower gift that I had made: I made them a framed piece of art with their name and an Est. 2009. I apologize for the bad photo. I was having a hard time finding a place in the house that didn't reflect horribly in the glass. Of course, I could have just taken the glass out of the frame, but noooooooo - I'd rather make things difficult on myself.

I love to do these name frames - they are one of a kind gifts, can be made for any age group, and everybody usually likes them. Hopefully Vicki and Travis like this also!

I did use Hodgepodge Hardware that is now retired - this set was antique brass. I really miss the pieces and colors of the old sets (but still like the new!) These darker sets work good for manly items, and for people who have a bit of a rustic taste.

Just about everything in this are retired. The two things that aren't - the stamp set (Taffy Alphabet) and the ribbon (Mellow Moss). I was using up my oldie but goodie stuff!
Thanks for taking a look!
Jen


Sunday, May 17, 2009

More Bridal Showers...

I had a bridal shower to attend this weekend, so was in need of a card of course. The bride's wedding colors are red and silver, so I tried to incorporate that into my card. I love to use the retired set, Blooming with Happiness, for showers and such. The dress is just so stinkin' cute!
Here was the creation!

I also used my new Nestabilities dies for the oval and scalloped oval that I layered it with. It was the first time I used them, and I think I'm gonna love them. They work great with my Big Shot, and I like to have the variety of sizes that come in a package.

I used silver embossing powder to emboss the image, then colored in the flowers with my Stampin' Up! markers. It was one way for me to get some silver in the card. I was really wishing that I'd had some silver paper while assembling this card. The gray strip was embossed with my Big Shot too, using SU exclusive Texturz Plates.

Stop back tomorrow for a look at the gift I made her!

Jen

Recipe:
Stamps: Blooming with Happiness
Paper: Very Vanilla, Basic Gray, Riding Hood Red, Rockabilly DSP (polka dot paper)
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Big Shot, Nestabilities Oval and Scalloped Ovals, SU Markers, Silver embossing powder

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Round and round...

...that's typically what brothers do right - go round and round with each other. One minute it's crabbing at each other, the next they are hugging each other. Life is interesting with two little boys in the house!
Here is a page I created that shows the boys happy with one another. This is another page that started as a 6 x 6 page, converted into a 12x12 page. The 6x6 page:
This was SUPER simple - punched 3 circles of different sizes, crumpled up a strip of paper, and adhered the word 'brother' that had been die cut with the Big Shot - Billboard font. I attached that to a 12x12 page:
It still needs some work - like a large title that will wrap around the turquoise ring and large green circle. I will use the large green circle for journaling. The large circles were all cut using the Circle Scissors. I tucked in a picture of Alex, and later will duplicate this page for Will's scrapbook and change out that picture with a picture of Will.
I think the page looks a lot better in person - but don't they all???
Enjoy the day!
Jen

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Sweet Sunday Sketch 17!

Okay - this is going to be a very quick post, so I'll apologize up front! My contacts are on the fringe of driving me over the edge. That surely means it's past my bedtime, and they need a break! Well - I HAD to get Karen's Sweet Sunday sketch done, and I needed to come up with a card for a workshop, so I killed two birds with one stone. HEre is her sketch:
And this is my card:
The hostess wanted to learn how to use the wheels, so I thought this was a really cute way to put them to use! And I just love the cupcakes! She also wanted a lesson on watercolor crayons...so, put those to use too....I was just conquering all kinds of things with this card.
Thanks for checking it out!
Jen
Recipe:
Stamps: Crazy for cupcakes, cupcake wheel
Ink: Black, Stazon Jet Black
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Baha Breeze DSP; So Saffron, Whisper White
Accessories: White Taffeta Ribbon

Monday, May 11, 2009

April Showers bring May...SHOWERS?

Well, they do in my neck of the woods - of the bridal variety that is! My mom, Aunt Patricia and myself are hosting a bridal shower for my cousin Ashley. Remember when I posted this favor box I had made a sample of? Yeah - that's the same wedding. Anyway - co-hosting this bridal shower meant that I was in charge of invites. So, they go a little something like this:



A little bling:

A little embossing:
And viola! Yippy skippy for invites! I really am liking her choice of colors. Although skeptical at first - they are just nice bright happy colors! Very pretty together!
Recipe:
Stamps: Blooming with Happiness (retired); Hugs & Wishes
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Tempting Turquoise, Very Vanilla
Ink: Stazon Jet Black
Accessories: Big Shot Embossing Plate, E. Eggplant ribbon, glitter



Saturday, May 9, 2009

Another Page to see!

Really, I'm not avoiding posting my scrapbook pages - really! With the weather finally turning nice, it's time to be in the great outdoors and enjoy it! And that just puts me further behind on my indoor chores. Like laundry, and dishes, and scrapbooking. I'm sure you all understand.

And, I do have a page to show you. It's not a page I've done recently - I actually did this page back in March and made a duplicate for a workshop I did. This is a progressive page - one that I found on Andrea Walford's site. We started out with a 6x6 page, that everyone made. Then I showed them how to convert that page into an 8 1/2 x 11 page, and lastly how to convert THAT page into and 12 x 12. Here's the jist of it:

Thanks for checking it out!
Jen

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Mojo - on Thursday!

Well, it was time for me to buckle down and do this week's Mojo Monday sketch challenge - since I was running out of time! And, since it is Thursday already! The weeks just fly by anymore. I need to figure out how to survive on 4 hours of sleep...
So, this is what I came with:
I finally broke down and ordered Sweet Slumber Specialty DSP - holy cow - this pack of paper ROCKS! I have a feeling I'll be making several things with this paper shortly.
And since I haven't used any glitter in a while - I just had to use a teeny bit here!
Recipe:
Stamps: All Holidays
Paper: Baja Breeze; Sweet Slumber; So Saffron
Ink: Baha Breeze
Accessories: So Saffron ribbon (Saleabration), Dazzling Diamonds, Scallop Edge punch


Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Sweet Sunday Sketch 16!

As you know - I'm a fan of Karen's sketch challenges...and this one I really loved. I had on my craft table, the package of rub-ons, Bright Delight, and saw the perfect opportunity to use some of them up. I really like the quirkiness of the owls, and thought they would be adorable looking at each other. The phrase "You've got a friend in me", seemed to be the perfect fit - it's almost as one owl is saying that to the other. My only other choice would be for one owl to say something like, "Hey babe, you wanna dance?", and the other say, "Whhhoooooo, me???" Yes, it's late, and I am a bit dilusional!
I really did very little stamping - just the branch - SERIOUSLY! Just the branch! The rest - rub-ons! It was super easy. I did break out the stamp-a-ma-jig for placement of the branch and owls - just so I could be sure to fit the owls in well. Once I got the hang of pulling out that handy little tool, I just can't let go! It is a lifesaver - well, really a brainsaver. It just takes the guesswork out! Even my border and sentiment are rubbed on! Too cute - eh?

Recipe:
Stamps: Cheep Talk (branch)
Ink: Kiwi Kiss
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, Whisper white
Accessories: Bright Delight Rub-ons - what?? no ribbon? *gasp*!





Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Yes, I am alive!

And, looky - I have a scrapbook page to show you. Amazing - right! This is one of my favorite pages to date. I cut apart the argyle pattern from a retired Stampin' Up! package of DSP - Prestwick. I then backed each diamond with black, and continued that diamond theme on the opposite side with one lone diamond. I broke up the argyle pattern by adding a few circles to the mix.
These pictures happened to be taken last summer as Alex was learning to crawl. He was so cute this day - turning into a handsome little guy!
I know this isn't much for the day, but I will have more this week. Just keep in mind that my scrapbooking skills are in the making. I laugh when I look back at my beginning scrapbook pages and see just how novice (?) they were - maybe amateur is the more appropriate word. And my pages haven't progressed all that much. I think it's like cardmaking - the more you do it, the more your own creative style develops. I like very simple pages that really showcase my photos (no matter how bad they are). To me, scrapbooking is about the memories of the day, and less about all of the accessories on the page.....
That's it for today - thanks for stopping by!
Jen

Monday, May 4, 2009

I know what your thinking!

Your thinking that since I gave myself the challenge of showing you lots of scrapbook pages this month, that I've just given up - right??? I actually did a scrapbook page over the weekend (Friday night/Saturday) for the workshop I did on Saturday. And I will post it - I just haven't taken the photo yet. In fact, I haven't completely unpacked my goods from Saturday's workshop. It was so nice outside this weekend, warm, sunny, no breeze - and I really needed to get a lot of stuff done outside, so I took advantage of it. I made hay while the sun shined! The boys and I were outside yesterday at 8 am, planting sweet corn, pulling weeds, cleaning up flower beds, playing baseball. We even made a trip to town to go to the park. It was a great day. Although - I realize why I typically like to use naptime as my stamping time - by body is feeling the wrath of some physical labor!
Anyway - I will be back with some goods to show you!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Happy May Day!!!

I can't believe that it's MAY 1st already!!! Where does the time go? May 1st means that this is also the first day of National Scrapbooking Month! I think that automatically makes my goal for the month to show you as many scrapbooking pages as I possibly can! This will be a little tough for me, but I think I can do it.

This also starts the new promotion from Stampin' Up! If you click on the picture below you can see all of the wonderful offerings they have to offer....such as: buy three packs of Designer Series Paper and get one free! This includes the Specialty paper - and that stuff is awesome; cardstock weight, textured, some has glossy images! Also - get your hands on a brand new stamp set that won't even be offered until JULY! How awesome is that? Jumble Alphabet - a nice mix of fonts and sizes. And, even better - sign up to become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator yourself for just $75! No need to worry about layoffs, you can work around your own schedule, and you get product at a discount! There is no better time to sign up than now!

So - since it is National Scrapbooking Month, I'd like to ask - where to do you get your scrapbooking ideas from? I really like Pagemaps.com for layouts. But other than that ??? I have to admit, I don't do a lot of scrapbooking - even tho, that is the sole reason I started with Stampin' Up! I wanted to get my supplies at a discount and scrap all of my boys' memories - I just didn't realize all of the other great things that can be done with paper!

This month, I vow to you, my faithful blog readers, to show at least 3 scrapbook pages a week. Yikes - that's a big commitment! I feel like I'm shunning the cardmaking, decor crafting person inside of me....I know I can do it tho!!!

Okay - I'll be creating some pages tonight in the quiet hours at my house!