My favorite flowers!

For many years, I have drooled over the beauty of a good hydrangea. Blue ones to be specific! They were the flowers that I chose for our wedding, and to this day I still love the classic look of hydrangea. I've even planted a bush in our flower bed, it struggles. It's on the south east corner of our house, in the shade, because I'm told they like shade. Although I don't know that it really matters, sun or shade. Anyway, it gets pretty beat up by our south winds here on top of our hill. When the weatherman says it's gonna be a bit breezy, we batten down the hatches, cuz that means very WINDY up on our hill. We've started a windbreak to the south, which is a little sad, because we have an awesome view to the south....but what do you do? If we ever want to enjoy it outside in the spring, we need to block some wind!
So, when I saw this card in the new 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog - I had to have it. It's a Level One Hostess set, so contact me to book a workshop and you can have your own beeee-uu-tee-ful hydrangea stamp. That really cool DSP - yeah, that's new too. Newsprint - and I'm in love with it! I used it on yesterday's card (still waiting to see if any of you caught onto my subliminal message -or picture - in that card). Just think starting TOMORROW (tomorrow, I love you tomorrow, you're only a day away) you too can order from the uber awesome new catty!!!
Back to the card - I stamped it on Crumb Cake (Kraft) and colored it with watercolor crayons. It gives it a nice soft feel against that bold vintagey newsprint. I Like it!

Alright - off to finish wedding programs and thank yous....

New Catalogs!

Hey there - wanted to let you know that the man in brown came and delivered a ton of new catalogs to me! If you want one, please email me or call me to get your own copy in your hot little hands!
And, for those of you who are not in one of my Stamp Clubs, I'll let you know how you can get a FREE copy of the Catalog!!!!

Later Gator!

Jen

Enjoy the journey, baby!

I fell in love with the little tricycle image in the Pedaling Past set as soon as I saw it. But, it took me a while to figure out what I would ever do with it. So, I didn't buy the set, right away. After some browsing on Splitcoast, and some creative thinking, I realized that this set could be pretty versatile. And, I was seeing bicycle cards all over the place - they are trendy. I reconsidered. You see, I don't usually buy too much for trendy clothing, I'm kind of a classic clothing wearer - things that don't typically got out of style. For instance, my classic turtleneck sweater in 16 colors, but the most worn one is black. And that is why I have 3 of them. In black. Anywho...so, I feel that I can purchase a trendy type stamp set every now and again....I need to have some trend to me! Also, when purchasing stamp sets, I try and go with sets that can be used on cards and in scrapbooking. Cuz, you know, I scrapbook a ton. That's why I show you so many pages on the ol' blog!!!! :) I swear, someday I will send the kids to grandma's for a weekend, and do nothing but scrapbook. (are you reading this, Mom???)

OKay - back to my card....I got the Pedaling Past set, and it's become a new fave of mine. New babies, graduation, retirement, thank you....the list goes on. I AM getting my pennies out of it!

Plus this card is so stinkin' cute! And that little trike - wow, I can't wait to find Aubrie a little pink trike. She'll be 'pedaling past' her brothers all the days!

Anyone notice my subliminal message on this card??? Leave me a comment with your guess!

Bright Hellos...

Today's card makes me feel all cheery and happy! This beauty has sunshiny colors all around! The lemons making up the scallop edge are fresh and fun! I stamped them in that great new Daffodil Delight yellow (my new fave yellow!), then I added some crystal effects to the sections to make them look super juicy.

Pretty cha,cha,cha wouldn't ya say?

Gotta go -typing with one hand while nursing, and she's kicking at my typing hand making it difficult!

Please pray!

I usually try not to get into too much personal stuff on the ol' bloggo - but I need to reach out this time.
Years ago, I was a nanny in Wilton, CT. A family I never had met welcomed me into their home, where I lived with them for 2 years. I took care of their two boys, and grew to love them like they were my brothers. They were adorable, and we sure had a lot of fun. I felt as tho I was part of their family for those two years, and for a time after until we lost touch. They took me on family trips, they showed me a life I would have never have seen, along with some beautiful parts of the country that I got to tour because of them. There were many memories made. Recently, thanks to technology, and Facebook, Julie - the mother - and I were brought back together and have reacquainted. She informed me that her oldest son had passed away in June of 2009 - on her birthday. A day that will now be celebrated in a new way for her. I was shocked, and for days after discovering this was very heart-stricken. I was feeling the sorrow that they had likely felt and had pushed through. This past weekend, on Father's Day, they lost their other son. I don't know all of the details yet, but I'm once again feeling that pain in my heart. Those boys were all too young, 22 and 21. While I know that God has a master plan, it just doesn't seem fair. I am thankful that those 2 adorable boys were a part of my life, and I feel honored to have known them. I may have not known them as the men they grew to be (they were 4 and 6 when I nannied them), but their young souls touched me in a great way and their family helped mold me into the person I am today. For that I am ever greatful!
RIP Timmy!!!! Please take the time to pray for his parents. They only have each other now to lean on and be strong. And remember to take time to enjoy what you have today!

Thanks for listening!

More Christmas....

I know you guys are going to think I've lost my mind posting Christmas cards...I promise I'll have something new soon! This was another publication reject!:


This one uses the Home for Christmas set, which I really like, but I struggle trying to come up with ideas for. It's been stamped here on watercolor paper then colored with watercolor crayons and a blender pen. I love the nostalgic look of it, but I'm always at a layout loss with it. I offset the focal point with some eyelet ruffles, which are super easy to create. Simply punch a long strip of paper with your eyelet border punch, then run it along the edge of your bone folder several times to loosen up the fibers of your paper, making it more pliable. Then adhere to your image by ruffling it as you go! Easy peasy!

Hope everyone had a great Father's Day! We spent the day at my parents' house, playing softball and having water balloon fights! I may have come home with a small injury - which plays into the fact that I'm not in as good of shape as I used to be! While throwing the ball to home to try and get my sister out, I think I pulled something in my shoulder. How is that possible? In my head, I'm still as young and spry as I was in 1992 when I graduated high school!!!! Good Lord....anyway - the weather cooperated with us, Aubrie was a good little girl, and got used to other people holding her (which was a nice relief!), and the rain held off until dark. FYI - if you aren't is Western Iowa, it has rained nearly every day for 2 weeks. We've had over 10 inches of rain in that time - Mother Nature is wreaking havoc with us this year - first all the snow, now rain! Someone needs to make nice with her I think - maybe I need to send her some sunshine cards!

Okey Dokey peeps - I want to remind you of my promotion this month - place a $50 order, and you can pick any item at half off! That's right! You've got 9 days left to take advantage of this! Don't delay! Contact me to place your order!

That's all for today - until next time - happy stamping!

Christmas in July - err - J:ne!

....hello?....is anybody there.....oh, yeh - there you are! Why, hello! Sorry for my absence. Summer is in full swing here, and it's anything but lazy summer days! If I'm not chasing two little boys, or picking up after them, or feeding them, I'm nursing the littlest one! And I'll tell you what - she's got Mama wrapped around her finger! How could you not be?

Look at this cutie!


She's been having a bit of a growth spurt here lately, wants to nurse every hour during the day and every two at night....makes for one tired mom! I manage tho, and just thank the Lord that I've got healthy children, and I feel so blessed that I'm able to stay at home with them while they are growing. They may aggrevate me, but darn it, I love them so!

And, in between round the clock feedings, I did work on some stuff for publication here lately. I can show you what didn't get accepted:



Yep, that's right - a Christmas card! Do you know how hard it is to create a Christmas card in June? Publications work about 6 months in advance, so hence the snow dude. This call was for cards that were stitched and incorporated fabric.

I wanted to go for a warm, homespun look on the card, and feel that I acheived that. I hadn't ever stitched on a card before, so had to play with my tension a bit to get it right. It had been a while since I've sewed - last Halloween - but it is like riding a bike! The stitching on this card is really hap-hazard. On purpose. I. Like. It.

I was smitten for these mittens in this fabric! I just used some Jolly Packs of fabric that I had on hand.

Alrighty - I must be off....I made a Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake that needs to be finished up, and I also made some Key Lime Cupcakes that need frosted! It's Andy's birthday today - hence the double cake day! I was dying to try the Key Lime Cupcakes, and since Reese's PB Cups are one of his favorites, I had to make that too......no wonder I can't get this baby weight to disappear! ~UGH~

You're a Star, Dad!

First off, I don't want anyone to miss my special promotion I talked about in this post. Thanks to all of you, I could be on my way to Alaska next spring - I'm keeping my fingers crossed!! And I hope that all of you can really help me out! Thanks!

On with the show:


When I started this card, I really had no idea where I was going with it. I didn't have a sketch to follow, I just knew that I wanted the 'dad' portion to look just the way it does here. So, I made that portion first - and the card just took off from there.

Guess what? I love this card. It's so bright, has plenty of manliness to it, it's all dad! And you know what else? It was super easy. I used the All-Star stamp from Sporting (which is retiring), along with my Stamp-a-ma-jig to line it up, stamped it on Kraft (soon to be Crumb Cake) in Night of Navy. The chipboard 'd's were inked up with Pumpkin Pie Craft Ink. The star, punched from Night of Navy and distressed with White on the edges to make it stand out a bit more. It kinda got lost otherwise. And the patterned paper - Travel DSP. You like? You can find this card on my Etsy shop!

Happy Saturday!

Finally Friday!

Howdy folks - I 've got a super quick post today - am working on somethings for publication and some new goodies to go on my Etsy shop. Here I created a cute little card with those favorite bikes of mine....I need to ink this set up more often. I just haven't had much time to play with it yet.....:( Anyway - this one was to be for a color challenge and a sketch challenge, and I didn't get it posted in time....oh well. I had the card done in time - does that count?

Anyway, the colors in the card a little different, but I have to say, I kinda like the combo. I would have never used it otherwise - it's Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay, Kiwi Kiss, and Summer Sun. I challenge YOU to see what you can do with these colors.

Alrighty folks - back to the drawing board, or feeding Aubrie - which ever comes first.

ttfn -

Jen

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Cindy G - you have won a $15 gift certificate!
Tara B - you have won the package of DSP!

I will put these in the mail to both of you! Thanks to all who entered my little contest! Now, a new incentive for all of you!

I am fairly close to earning an Alaskan Cruise for 2 through Stampin' Up! This is based on sales and recruits - and it's a great benefit for us Stampin' Up! Demonstrators. Just one of the many perks that we get. Now, I can't earn this cruise with out my dear and faithful customers - it's because of you that I earn this. And now, I need your help....but, I'm also going to make it worth your while!!!!

Here's my promotion for the month of JUNE:

- place a $50 order from me, and pick any one item at half price. Yes - that's right half price. So, think about this - you've wanted a high ticket item for a long time now, but haven't splurged on yourself - now is the time to do it! This would be a great time for My Digital Studio!
- place a $150 order from me, and pick THREE half price items, plus earn hostess benefits. What could be better?

Well, if I DO earn that cruise, for every $50 order you placed, your name will go into a hat for the following:
- (1) $100 Stampin' Up Gift Certificate
- (1) $50 Stampin' Up! Gift Certificate
- (1) $25 Stampin' Up! Gift Certificate
This will be announced in July if I do earn the cruise!

Orders must be placed thru me - call me or email me to place your orders. You can also place your orders thru my website, but your half priced items will have to be emailed to me so I can order those, as this discount is only available thru ME!

I will let you know that now is also the time to order plain paper packs, as the price is going to slightly increase with the next catalog. Might as well stock up while you can.

Have you ever thought about doing something that you really love? Are you currently in a situation where you'd like to earn some extra money, but don't want the commitment of a second, part time job. Would you like to set your own hours, get discounts on the products you already love, and earn other bonuses? Here's the deal:

You can be your own boss for as little as $99! What a great investment!

Mini Starter Kit Promotion
Promotion Dates: June 1-30, 2010

Promotion Details:
Potential recruits can join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator for just $99 when they purchase a special Mini Starter Kit.

Mini Starter Kit
All items below are recommended, but a new recruit can substitute a like item of equal or lesser value.

Item Description Price
117050 Watercolor Trio stamp set (wood-mount) $22.95
118571 I {Heart} Hearts stamp set (clear-mount $18.95
118486 Clear-Mount Block C $6.95
116978 Homemade single stamp* $8.95
100730 Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11") $8.50
119706 Brights Collection assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")* $6.95
115656 Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
119667 Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad* $5.95
115658 Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
100814 Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
119261 Basic Black 1/8" taffeta ribbon* $6.95
121620 Color Coach* $14.95
104332 SNAIL Adhesive $6.95
Retail value of products in kit $124.90

*Sneak peek items!

The Mini Starter Kit also includes the same business supplies that are in the standard Starter Kit; no alternative selections can be made for business items. Contents are listed below:

Getting Started DVD
Getting Started Guide
Guest Invitation Postcards (100)
2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog (8) plus a box of 2010-11 catalogs shipped seperately
Summer Mini Catalog (8)
To My Hostess Envelopes (10)
Recruit Folders (5)
Recruit Brochures (20)
Hostess Brochure (20)
Hostess Benefits Form (10)
Customer Order Form (50)

Contact me if you'd like to join my team or just to learn more!
I can vouch for the fact that this is a great company to work with, I now have the opportunity to stay at home with my 3 children, am no longer working in a dead end job, and simply LOVE what I do. I get to meet new people, and I have a blast teaching others how to paper craft. It's truly a blessing!

Alrighty - that's it for today - and thanks to all of you!

One Last Chance!!

It's time! The last chance lists are here. Time to say good-bye to some stamp sets and accessories. But don't be sad, that just makes room in the new catty for NEW stuff! That being said - you do NOT want to be left wishing that you had gotten a certain stamp set, accessory, or some of the retiring paper/ink colors. So, the time to get them is NOW! Especially if it's an accessory that you want, because when they are gone, they are GONE. I'm sure you want to see the lists, right? Well, here you go (click on pics):

I'll be back later with the results from my contest!!! Oh, and yet another deal that will knock your socks off!!!!!!!!!