Think Spring!

I never thought I was a flower person, but here I went and bought the new Build a Blossom Stamp set and punch! Sheesh! Guess what - I am in love....

This is a card we made at Stamp Club in January. I really like how you can turn paper into a dimensional flower and really have it LOOK LIKE A FLOWER!!!

Gotta run, shower, feed family, then off to Girls Night Out - which really should be Girls Day Out, as the festivities begin at 3 already! Massages, facials, stamping, wine tasting.....swoon! It'll be a heavenly day....

TTFN

Sweet Silky Stems....

This month's technique at our monthly Stamp Clubs was the Faux Silk technique. I love the softness this adds to a card - and while you can't see it real well in the photo above, to touch and feel it, it does feel like silk. This is a pretty simple technique that can be applied in multiple ways. If you'd like to learn several techniques, contact me to join my Monthly Stamp Clubs. I have three clubs that meet in three different locations, Defiance, Denison and Schleswig. We are constantly laughing, learning, chatting, having fun - so why not get yourself included! Oh, I forgot to mention - we typically EAT!!!

Here is the complete card that we did:

We also made another card and a gift bag with this same tech.

Okay - I better get a move on - I've got 60 make and take packets to make up for our Girls Night Out Festivities tomorrow night!!! Oh the fun we will have....

Oh Baby!

Hi there folks! It's a sunny day at the Arkfeld ranch today....my kids might say something different, as Aubrie just bit Alex in the butt - which sent Alex into a fit of tears. Secretly, I wanted to high five Aubs - Alex is constantly in her face, taking toys away, blah, blah, blah. Just a little self defense on her part!

Anyway.....I have an adorable little baby card to share today. (Please nevermind the fact that it's unedited - I didn't want to take the time to lighten and brighten today!) This card was a bit time consuming, but well worth my efforts. I hand stamped each of the pennants from Party this Way in Early Espresso, and hand cut. Then I stamped them again in Pear Pizzazz and cut out the centers to layer them up - that was much easier cutting! I punched holes in the corners of each pennant and strung some twine thru. The ribbon was yo-yoed simply by gathering one edge with some thread and a needle. It was a little tricky, but super cute. I just love the seam binding ribbon - it's so easy to work with, light and springy!



I die cut the letters with the Naturally Serif Die and attached those to the ribbon with glue dots.


Then, to finish it off, stamped Congratulations from the Occasional Quotes hostess set. Had I been thinking, I would have stamped that a bit lower to be lined up with the polka dots.....oh, well. It's done!

Hope you enjoy!!!!

Later gators!

Sew Suite for you....

I hesitate on purchasing this set. But, with a little twisting of my arm, I bit the bullet and got it! And I have been having fun with this one. Super cute. I'm hoping that I can use it later on some of Aubrie's scrapbook pages. Oh, wait....who am I trying to kid. Actual scrapbook pages - ya right.

I made this card recently at a couple of workshops that I've done. I think everyone has like it!



Don't be afraid to cut your wide striped grosgrain ribbon in half. You'll be glad you did. It'll fray - that's okay - it's a great look.




Also - I recieved this:




from Kelli over at http://kellistampinpad.blogspot.com How cool is that! I'm feeling like a super stamper now!




When you receive this award you are to:


1) thank the person who gave this award to me and link it back to their blog

2) share 8 things about myself

• I love all things crafty - in all mediums. Fabric, painting, clay, stamping, paper - you name it.
• I drink a small pot of coffee EVERYDAY. I have a 4 cup coffee maker - and I anticipate my coffee every morning. With cream and sugar. I recently switch over to Truvia instead of sugar. I was okay with it, but really missed my sugar taste. It's just not the same.
• I love snow. Oh, wait - maybe you already know that about me. Well, in case you didn't - now you know.
• I prefer a good grilled steak over chicken anyday. I'm a red meat kinda gal.
• I enjoy a good beer with my hubby while we make supper together and have our daily catch ups (as long as the kids are cooperative).
• My fave movie of all time: Steele Magnolias. It might be a tear jerker, but after you watch it a hundred times, you begin to appreciate the humor and don't even think about crying. My fave line from the movie: "I smiled at the son-of-a-bitch before I could help myself" --Ouisa
• I enjoy being outside - gardening, and sometimes just soaking up the sun. We plant a fair size garden every year. This year we'll hope for a little more time to actually enjoy the garden goodies. I also like to plant lots of flowers!
• I'm a professional procrastinator! If you need any pointers on procrastinating, let me know.....I work best under pressure!
  

3) pass this award to 8 other individuals that I have recently discovered

4) leave a comment so that they can pass along the recognition!

Thanks Kelli for the award!

Some day's ya got it....

...some days ya don't!

CAUTION - HEAVY PICTURE POST! - CAUTION

So, it all started when I saw this card on Betsy Veldman's blog. I've been following her blog for years - she's a genius - of course she is - she's a fellow Iowan, and a Paper Crafts Go to Gal! She has it going on! I loved the card she created - so I thought that I would try to make a duplicate with Stampin' Up! product. Well - that proved to be quite a challenge. Like, an ALL day challenge! UGH! Here was my first attempt....



It's alright. Just not all that striking.



I do love the little bees that I used - so cute. For this card I used the Sale-a-Bration set Sweet Stems - for the stems and bees, and the Cheap Talk set for the flowers. I just didn't feel satisfied. Back to the drawing board - about 6 more times! Then I came up with this.





It's a little better. (ya - my photog skills were lacking and I cut off the top of the card. Again, (in my best Randy Jackson American Idol voice) it's just aw-ight dawg. But this one is probably the best one of the bunch. I think I need to go back and add a heart or some other image between the flowers as Betsy had done.

Really the only non-SU thing on this card is the felt and baker's twine. I am having a hard time using my baker's twine. I don't know why. I see it used all the time and love the look, but it just doesn't seem to speak to me when I use it?????

I couldn't find "the right" buttons for the center of the flowers, so stamped some (from Button Button). Looking back, I wish I would have heat embossed them with clear ep. I did pierce the center holes for authenticity. Also, I used my Versamarker on the inside of the button to give it some real feel.

I want to show you that I SERIOUSLY had to try, try again with this card:

So there you have it! Some days you just don' t have it going on!

Geez - it's been so beautiful here in Iowa - in the 50's which is unheard of for February in Iowa! Now the weather gal just said that we'll have THUNDERSTORMS tomorrow with winter returning on Monday with a vengence! Really. I was getting used to the idea that spring was right around the corner!

Okay - must get to bed.....

aren't you glad you stopped? Do you ever not have it going on? Do you give up or push thru it???? Leave me a comment...

I've fallen....

....but I'll get back up! I know, I KNOW - I promised that I'd blog more in 2011. This month has been horribly crazy. I've dealt with three sick kids - one who was sick twice! And now I'm just getting over the flu, that I had for 3 days! ICK! I'm so ready for spring so I can open up the house and air this place out. Since I started staying at home, we've rarely had sick kids, and in fact I've been healthier than normal, but this month has been full of germs. For two weeks now, I really haven't spent a whole lot of time in my stamp room. I did stamp some Valentine's tags that Will colored for his preschool treats and, have had a couple of workshops, with quite a few more coming up. PLUS - a big GIRLS NIGHT OUT at the Boulder's Inn in Denison on February 26th. If you are attending - we'll be making a cute little something, something that involves CHOCOLATE! If you aren't signed up to attend, well, it sounds like you may be out of luck. I spoke with the organizer this morning and it sounds like the hotel is booked up and they've had to call in a 4th massage therapist just to be able to handle all of the massages going on! It'll be grand fun. I've also got a big event in Sioux City on March 5th to prep for. So, I'll be spending a bit more time in my stamp room over the next weeks!
But for now....I'm off to bed! Gotta get some rest while I can....sorry - no goodies to show today. Hopefully I can get a photography session in tomorrow!
TTFN

How NOT to Cook Your Big Shot

We all know that the Big Shot is smokin' hot.....but peeps - DO NOT DO THIS!!!!!

Sweet Sunday Sketch

Wow - it's been so long since I took part in a sketch challenge. And ya know, with being snowed in and all, I thought I'd have the chance to get a TON of stamping done. Especially since Andy was here to help with the kiddos. But, guess what I got to spend two days doing instead? TAXES! Oh the joys! Anyone else put off getting their tax stuff together? Eww! and UGH! In the midst of it tho, I decided that I needed a break and whipped up a card for Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch. It felt so good to challenge myself a bit.



This one I'll be putting in my stash for a Graduation Card - I think I'll have a few to go to (and this is the most prepared I've been in YEARS! But, the evolution of this card started with the DSP - and then I just went with it! It's how I start most of my cards - with DSP. How and where do YOU start your cards? What gives you inspiration? I'd love to hear - leave me a comment. I love this paper - unfortunately it's not SU - it's from October Afternoon. But everything else is SU. I die cut the pennant with my Silhouette....sweet Silhouette! The sentiment was die cut with my Big Shot and some nestie dies. While I love my Silhouette - I have to say, it's much quicker to cut something with my Big Shot!!!!






Recipe -
Stamps: Word Play
Paper: Kraft, Not Quite Navy, October Afternoon DSP, Poppy Parade, Kiwi Kiss, Very Vanilla
Ink: SU Markers

Remember when....

Don't these two stamps just GO together??? That truck is from the Countryside stamp set. The images in this set are so nostaligic looking - and fun to color. I know Copics are the "IT" marker to color with, however, with a little practice you can achieve a similar look with your Stampin' Up! markers, some watercolor paper and a blender pen. It's not all that hard. I know a lot of people start with the lightest colors, but I'm an opposite type of colorer. I start with the darkest, shadiest spots and drag my color to the lighter areas, so that I don't over saturate my light areas. I can always go back and add color to the dark areas if I need to. The water color paper does allow you to remove color if you need to, but I want that to be a last ditc effort.



Isn't that truck a beauty? Andy and I are always talking about how we wish we had our Grandfather's old pickups. I don't know what Andy's Grandpa had, but my Grandpa had an old Chevy (I think) that was white with a big red stripe down the side. For some reason I want to sa it was a '57, but I could be wrong. And it was a stick shift on the floor. I remember that it even had a choke throttle that he'd have to use once in a while. I loved tooling around the countryside, checking crops in that pickup. Usually the dog got to ride in the cab with us too! Ahhh, the memories!



I opted to use clear embossing powder for the sentiment. It just really made that sentiment POP on the Kraft paper (aka Crumb Cake).

Pretty sweet - huh!

Recipe:

Stamps: Countryside, Word Play
Paper: Kraft, Watercolor Paper, Greenhouse Gala DSP
Ink: Jet Black Stazon, Versamark
Accessories: SU Markers, Blender pen, Clear EP, heat gun, Vintage Trinkets
Techniques: Watercoloring

The Bird.

Not that kind of bird, you silly! The kind of bird that sits on a branch and sings so pretty. Like the Cardinals that grace us daily with their beauty, and send my boys running to the window, "Look mom, your favorite ar-di-nal." That would be Alex, who doesn't use a "c", "p" or "t" at the beginning of the words that need them. It takes me a while to figure out when he wants a piece of "oast" in the morning for breakfast. But he's cute, and this just adds to his cuteness. Although, he scares my favorite bird off on a daily basis, I love them, and I love the look of this bird on a branch. So peaceful. So tranquil. Ahhhh, like a warm day in the spring. I'm ready for a warm day in the spring. And I can't believe it. Usually I really like winter. But, I can't be out playing in the snow much this winter, as it's too cold to take Aubrie out. Will loves to play out in the snow (like me!) but won't go out by himself. And Alex doesn't like to go out without Andy. So, we're usually all cooped up in our house, growling at each other by, well 8:30 in the morn! Oh well, spring days will come soon enough.


Let's take another look at this card. Hmmm. What's missing. Umm. Color. Oh. And DSP. Yep. And a button or two. How about that! I did it. Almost a single layer card. But I had to go and throw that ribbon in there. And some dimensionals. They are popping up the card front. But, how about that textured paper? It's kinda rocking this card wouldn't ya say?

So clean. Very simple. So elegant really.....swoon. I think I'm in love!

Feel free to comment. I'd love it if you would.....

Are you ReADy? Cuz it's time....

It's one of the funnest times of the year in my book! SALE-A-BRATION! How could you not love it? Earning free stamp sets and accessories - it makes my heart go pitter patter! There are three great ways to earn FREE products:

1. Spend $50 and earn one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice.
2. Host a workshop of at least $300 and earn one FREE Sale-A-Bration product in ADDITION to the awesome hostess benefits.
3. Join my Stampin' Up! team during Sale-A-Bration and get 15% off your Starter Kit. PLUS!, get a bonus bundle filled with over $50 in FREE products!

Speaking of joining my team,

WELCOME JEANNA BAXTER!!!!

Jeanna joined my team this morning. She's taking advantage of the wonderful deal on the Starter Kit - it's 15% off! Plus an additional $50 in free goodies! This is a great time to become a demonstrator!!!

I would like to take a brief minute to tell you why I LOVE this opportunity. First off, I was in a dead end job that I didn't really LOVE. It was a paycheck. I did love the people that I worked with, but the earning and growth potential was nill. Then came the day that our babysitter announced that she was moving away. Her sister was going to take over, so all was fine. Until the day came that her sister decided that she WASN'T going to take over. I had two weeks to find a sitter. I called numerous sitters - 18 to be exact. They were all full, and the one that thought she MIGHT be able to SQUEEZE in both boys (Aubrie wasn't in the picture yet) was going to cost more than what I made. SO, we took a pencil to our finances, and wow - Stampin' Up! was going to bail us out. With a little more Stampin' Up! work, and eliminating daycare expenses, lunch expenses, travel expenses, things were going to be just fine! And they were/are! Now I enjoy my kids (most days!), get to see them grow, and was able to see the day when Aubrie first crawled, when she first stood, etc. These were things that I missed when my boys were in daycare.

But almost more than that, I really love the relationships that I've made with some of my customers. They are more than just customers, they are friends. And I even feel that I've helped form friendships among my customers. I've got 3 different groups of girls that meet every month, and I SO look forward to seeing them every time. It's great to get together with people that have the same interests as I do. We laugh - sometimes so much that we cry, or snort!

Stampin' Up! is more than a JOB - it is truly an opportunity! Where else can you do something that you REALLY LOVE to do? Now I get to go to a job when I want and I love to do it! I also can grow my business to the level I want - it's not a dead end job.

Want to learn more? Contact me!

Back to Sale-A-Bration....

I love helping YOU earn free products, so contact me, and we can set up a workshop for you and your friends. Don't know anyone that likes to paper craft? It's not big deal - there are so many people out there that THINK they don't like to craft, but once they get their fingers a little inky, they discover that it's quite easy and so much fun. Contact me and we'll get a workshop set up for you. I have just a couple of dates left, so do hurry!

I'll be back later with some projects for you to ohhh and aahhhh over.....things are looking a little better around here. Alex is off the couch, but looks about 5 pounds lighter today! My poor little buddy! Guilty, I will confess that it was kinda nice having him sick Sunday and Monday - the house was much quieter than normal. This was his first time with the stomach flu and he was a pretty good little patient.

TTFN!

Winner Day!

At the last minute, Kathy pulled in with the correct answer to my mysterious card in this post.

Kathy said: The paper strip that the flower magnet is on is really covered metal. :)

She is RIGHT - I covered a small piece of metal sheeting with DSP, and voila - I could stick my magnet onto the card!

Kathy, I will get your prize package into the mail for you - it's sure to contain glitter, so don't let Karen near it!


I would write more, but, after spending all night up with a sick child, who not only kept us up all night, but also christened our bed, I'm just not feeling very witty, or much like sharing today.... so, I'll go back to my routine of helping the crying baby on minute, then helping my poor buddy with his duties, and repeat!

Here's to a better day tomorrow!

Cupcake Celebration!

Helloooo!! Is anybody there??? I think my comment button is broken? Did anybody read this post where I'm giving away blog candy for a correct answer...
or how about this post where I introduced my Monthly Card Kits....

For those of you that did order card kits, I'm in the process of packing them up, and will get them in the mail at the end of the week! Hope you'll love them, and would love to have you post pics back here to the ol' bloggo!

On with today's program....back to my fave stamp set - Crazy for Cupcakes....I heard on the Nate Berkus show the other day that cupcakes could get pushed out this winter by tarts. Seriously, tarts? I don't know that you could cute up tarts they way you can cupcakes. I'm just gonna pretend that lady didn't ever say that. Speaking of the Nate Berkus show....I don't watch a lot of TV - usually because I can't stand the excess noise anymore (there was a time when I'd have to have the TV on FOR noise, then I had 3 kids....)...I stumbled onto the Nate Berkus show one afternoon, and HOLY COW! This guy has some FAB ideas, seriously FAB! I am really tempted to take some pics of my house and send them to him to get a little bit of major help! I just don't know which room I'd start with. I wonder if he'd come and do a whole house makeover. Cuz I really need it. There was one time when I considered myself a good decorator. Then I had 3 kids. And they brought with them mountains of toys. And laundry. All I can say is, my poor house! Someday it will be glorious again! When the toys go away!

Back on track....Crazy for Cupcakes....it is one of my faves, and I love it colored brightly, I love it colored softly....here, I'm going for BRIGHT! I picked the colors up from a Moxie Fab Color Challenge over on the Moxie Fab Blog . I think I love the way Tangerine and Rose Red just go together so well. Bright, but not overly bright. Just fun.



I really like this card for the fact that I've paired some Jackie O houndstooth with the whimsical cupcake stand. Class and whimsy....ah, such joy!

So, let's celebrate folks. How about by using that little comment button below there. Yah, that one. Just click on it, type in a fun comment. It's not so hard. You'll feel so much better when you do!!!

Adios!

Grandma's Garden

Doesn't this water pump just take you back? Probably before my time in all actuality, but I just love the images in the stamp set, Countryside. And, they pair so well with the print from the new DSP in the Mini - Springtime Vintage. This particular pattern in actually my favorite - it's already about gone *gasp*!

Oh - and the Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding ribbon - ummm, to die for! And in Baja Breeze too!!! It's so easy to work with even I can tie a real bow with it. Who'd a thought??

The Vintage Brads seem to go with this stamp set and paper like bread with peanut butter and jelly!

Thanks for popping in today people!

Oh - and don't forget about my Card Kit of the month - see Saturday's post.

Til next time....

Stuck on my Card...

You remember the other day when I mentioned that the new Fun Flowers die was getting a lot of playtime in my craft room?? Well, it seriously does!!! My other dies are going to start a protest, I swear!!! Here I've used it again...and this card does double duty...not only is that a cute little flower, but it's also a magnet. Really - it is! Wanna know how I got it to stick to the card? I dunno if I should reveal my little secret???



Let's play a little game, shall we?



Alright... You look at my pics, and leave me a comment tellling me how YOU think I attached it. Of all the correct answers, I will pick one to win a little blog candy!!!

So, get to commenting peeps!!! The answer and winner will be announced on Sunday!

NEW! Monthly Card Kits!!!

I have had several people ask if I could do a Stamp Club by mail. Well, yes and no.... My monthly stamp clubs do some projects that are a little more intricate than what I can do via mail. I like my clubs to be hands on, and where I can really devote my attention. However, what I can do are simpler (but not too simple) cards by mail. So, for the next 12 months, I will offer a card kit each month. Here are some of the details:

• Each kit will debut on the 15th of the month. I will take orders on kits for 10 days, then will close orders. All kits will be sent out First Class Mail by the 1st of the next month.
• Each kit will contain all of the supplies needed to complete 8 cards (2 of each design), cut and scored.
• If a card has an item that needs to be die cut or embossed, I will do that for you.
• For any item that needs to be punched, you will need to punch yourself. Punches are not included in the kit.
• Each kit will be centered around one stamp set, not included.
• All embellishment items will be included except glitter. ie: ribbon, buttons
• Step by step instructions will be included for each card.
• A list of items that are needed will be listed in case you need to order them - such as stamp sets, punches, ink pads, etc.

So, without further ado:

Here is this month's card kit:

This kit revolves around the Stamp Set - Valentine Defined

Helpful items:

Full Heart Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, 1 3/4" Oval punch; 3/4" Circle punch, Modern Label Punch

Basic Black, Riding Hood Red, Crumb Cake Stamp Pads

Black Marker
Sticky Strip, Glue Dots

Price $20 +shipping

Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Bright Fun!

Here is a super QUICK card to oogle over. Really, there is not much to it. I cut the zig-zags out of felt. (Remember what I said about felt earlier in the week!) I attached it with Tombow glue, but you want to be sure to let the glue dry first, then apply the felt. Otherwise the felt soaks up the glue, and you'll have an icky looking mess. Then I attached buttons with more spots of Tombow. Stamp your sentiment and voila! DONE!

Cute, simple, bright!

Gotta go peeps....wait for a big post tomorrow.... must run to put the finishing touches on it!

Ta-ta!