Fun Times in Phoenix

Today laying out in 77 degree weather by the pool I am wondering why we live in North Dakota. Yes I love the seasons, but winter that seems to last forever just weighs on you after awhile. Since we have been here we have be relaxing and enjoying the warm sun. Yesterday we spent 8 hours at the Phoenix Zoo, which the kids loved. I would recommend it to anyone.....The kids had a blast seeing all the interesting animals, some we have NEVER seen in ND and MN. We raced paddle boats and watched monkey's inches away from our face. I have never been in a monkey cage before! VERY COOL! Went to an animal talk which we learned a lot about Owls, Tortoises and a Tree Frogs. Even heard on the news today that one of the giraffes had a baby yesterday, we must have missed it! The kids had so much fun they got up this morning and wanted to go back.....it will be on our to do list for next year!

Today was more of a restful day as we shopped a little, hung out at the pool, went roller blading and tonight are dining with friends. We hope to make another return to the spot (Westgate) where the super bowl took place as we went last year as everything was being built. Ashton enjoyed dancing in the streets that had water that set to the music, needless to say she left soaking wet....we hope to make another return as the weather is beautiful and we will be prepared! I get to do some shopping while the kids have fun.....

I thought it would be fun to update everyone on the happenings in Arizona. Hope everyone is having fun Stamping and creating wonderful things....can't wait to catch up with you when I return.



Happy Stamping!

Vacation Time

I just got the sweetest card today.....This person always seems to surprise me! She is a dear friend, whom I love to have coffee with and she is a huge inspiration to me. She is also my upline (aka my boss)....Shelly. She sent a very thoughtful card to wish us well on our trip, I just had to share. Something this nice can't go unnoticed.

Happy Heart

Today as I am busy packing and going through everyone's summer things, I'm excited to know in 24 hours we will be in the air on our way to SUNNY Arizona. I'm not just excited about the warm weather; I'm also thrilled to see my parents again. We haven't seen them since Christmas....moving closer to them, has been hard having them gone so long. Usually we saw them once or twice a month, now we could see them every day if we wanted. It is a big switch. They won't be back to ND until May, so we will treasure this visit in more ways then one.

I am posting a couple cards I made earlier this month. I made them for my display board for Treena's Open house. I thought I would share since I don't know if I will have time tonight to sneak downstairs to stamp. If I don't have time tonight, I won't be posting anything new and exciting for about 2 weeks. I am sorry....but a girl needs to relax every now and then.

Sunny Arizona here we come......

Project Supplies: Friendship Blooms Stamp Set, Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink and Basic Black Ink, Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink, Whisper White Cardstock, Certainly Celery Prints Paper, Tempting Turquoise Marker, Mat Pack, Dimensionals and Rhinestone Brads.

Project Supplies: So Many Scallops Stamp Set, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Old Olive and Whisper White Cardstock, Certainly Celery and Bashful Blue Ink, SU Circle and Scallop Punches, Dimensionals and Glitter

Life Happens

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."- John Lennon

Project Supplies: Tart & Tangy, Full of Life Stamp Sets (Occasions Mini: March 1st-May 31st), Whisper White Cardstock, Hostess (Level 1) Designer Paper, Metal Edge Tags, Old Olive Ribbon & Marker and Real Red Ink & Marker

So Sweet

Thought I would share my three new creations tonight. I had fun opening and playing with all my new designer paper......I still have two unopened packages. (I'm saving that for tomorrow.) I have now another list of things I need, so I will be placing another order this week before we leave on vacation.....I'll have another surprise when I return. (Yeah!!)

Project Supplies: Birthday Whimsy & Lots of Thoughts Stamp Set, Brilliant Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi and Whisper White Cardstock, Jersey Shore Designer Paper, Mat Pack, Stickles and Dimensionals.

Project Supplies: Big Bold Birthday & Lots of Thoughts Stamp Sets, Jersey Shore Designer Paper, Wild Wasabi Ribbon, Brilliant Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White and Wild Wasabi Cardstock, SU Brads, Dimensionals, Brilliant Blue Maker, Scallop & Circle Punch, Corner Rounder, Mat Pack, Bashful Blue, Brilliant Blue and Wild Wasabi Ink.

Project Supplies: Lots of Thought, Little Pieces and So Many Scallops Stamp Set, East Coast Prep Designer Paper, Scallop & Small Circle Punch, Wild Wasabi Ribbon, More Mustard, Tempting Turquoise and Whisper White Cardstock, Wild Wasabi and Ruby Red Ink.

It's All About Details

"We think in generalities, but we live in detail"- Alfred North Whitehead

Today's card was inspired by something I saw in Splitcoast mixed with an article out of my Stampin' Up Success Magazine on details. The detail I am showing off is Dyeing Ribbon with markers. Something I have never thought about, but wow....turns out really cool. It is hard to really see the ribbon in the picture, this card looks so much better in person. (I'll be making a dozen of these to have on hand for Birthday's) To dye ribbon use either tip of the marker to color the ribbon. You can create a pattern in any color to add custom details that coordinate with your project. I used my pumpkin pie marker to dye the edge of the white ribbon, very easy to do. To get a clean line when coloring just the edge of the grosgrain ribbon, turn the ribbon over. The edge of the ribbon is raised on the back, or wrong side, of the ribbon, allowing you more control as you ink the ribbon.

Project details: Birthday Whimsy stamp set, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White and Tempting Turquoise cardstock & Ink, Cuttlebug, Bali Breeze Designer Paper, Dimensionals, Gold Cord, Yellow Stickles, White Ribbon, Pumpkin Pie Marker and Window Punch. Card size is 5 1/2 x 5/12

At Last....It's Here!

Yesterday my Stampin' Up package arrived, Yeah! I was so excited!!!! I didn't get to stamp last night or I would have had to sleep in the dog house. (Brrr....) I don't think that would have gone over well, since I didn't cook or even bake a cake for Matt. Luckily I had made heart shaped cup cakes the day before and we had some left over. The kids sang Happy Birthday, I couldn't even find candles. Yeah, not my best moment! I am planning a party on Saturday for Matt so I hope to redeem myself!!! I am cleaning and organizing today, so again no stamping! (I'm pouting)

Matt did surprise me yesterday with 2 dozen roses!!! He is always so thoughtful!!! The funny thing was, I got home yesterday from Ashton's school and was in this funk. He called and said did a delivery arrive. I'm like no; I should have opened the front door to check. Well, he came home and there were flowers sitting outside on the porch....FROZEN! Who leaves flowers outside in North Dakota weather? It has been below zero this week more times then not! So, here is a picture of the roses I tried to revive. I placed them in warm water and cut the ends.....still looking only so, so today. Matt was so not impressed, I'm sure I'll be getting fresh ones later in the week.

Happy Valentine's Day

Well the big day is here....Valentine's Day. I sometimes wonder what all the hype is about. I've been busy making cards, valentine treats for school and baking. I just helped out in Ashton's classroom all afternoon, with the twins (They had a huge Valentine's Day party).....it went pretty good, besides the fact that Aiden and Adison ate almost a whole bag of suckers. They will probably end up in the dentist's office in a week with a toothache!

Today is not only Valentine's Day; it is also Matt's birthday. I struggle with this every year....I have great intentions of making a wonderful dinner, kicking back and relaxing, but after a stressful morning working out, getting Aiden to Baseball, rushing Ashton off to school and finishing up the game I made for the party. My head hurts, I have coke in hand....I'm ready for a nap. I hope to pull myself together in the next 30 minutes and start working on dinner plans. On another note I am also waiting for the UPS guy to arrive with my Stampin' Up package (it is scheduled to deliver today)....a sweet treat to myself. I've been waiting for weeks as my "friends" rub it in my face that they have already gotten their stuff. I hope it is worth every moment of anticipation. So, as I sit here and begin thinking about our dinner menu....maybe I'll just have Matt bring something home, how romantic is that! Even worse, what kind of Birthday is that......I better pull myself together quick!





Project Supplies: Always Stamp Set, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Purely Pomegranate and Berry Bliss Designer Paper, White Embossing Powder, Chocolate Chip Ribbon (from the Holiday Mini). I stamped the white craft ink on the Purely Pomegranate card stock and then embossed with the white embossing powder. Such an elegant look!

Creative Expressions

I woke up Sunday morning, packed the suburban (-20 degrees outside) and drove to Fargo to spend a day with a dear friend. The kids thought for sure I was moving out as it took me 7 trips back and fourth to clear out the entry way of boxes, totes and scrapbooking suitcases. I made it to Fargo before lunch and after "Moving" into Kim's house we immediatly starting crafting. Our first project was the St. Patties purse. The little leprechaun is created by Stampin' Up punches. It took us a little bit to figure out the hat, but after breaking out the martini's it finally all made sense.

Project Supplies: Bag and background scallop cut out with a Cricut Expression. Leprechaun-Small Tag, Word Window, Oval, 1 3/4 circle, Scallop and Small Circle Punch, Googlie Eyes, a little blush (make up) Black Marker, Small non SU Heart Punch, Piece of Yellow Paper cut by hand to make buckle, Retired All Seasons Stamp Set (Clover) with Versa Mark ink and Green "LOVE" M&M's from Wal-mart.

*Note the LARGE Martini Glasses in the Crafting Chaos. Kim has a way with Martini's...The Apple Martini she made is from T.G.I Fridays.......Yummy!

************************************************************************************* After finishing up our St. Pattie's projects we started working on some baby gift sets that Kim wanted to complete. She got one set done and an ABC block box, which turned out really cute. The gift set included a surprise box, covered mint patties, gift card and candy bar holder and a rubber duck.

*************************************************************************************
Kim surprised me with this cute Minnie & Mickey Mouse box filled with goodies....So as I drooled over how cool her Cricut Expression was and how I want this Mickey & Friends Cartridge. (I have a regular cricut, which doesn't cut stuff out as big as I would like.) Now I have another thing that I just HAVE to have.....Valentine's day is right around the corner. (Hint, Hint)

I cut out bags, boxes and of course more Mickey and Minnie stuff for Ashton. I plan on making a couple scrapbook pages that I would like to frame and put in her room. So, I had more fun playing around with that then I did anything else.....I did make a few things that to this day we don't know what we would use them for, VCR Cover???, Small Crayon Box.....I wonder if the Martini's had anything to do with it.......we sure had a fun day. (Thanks Kim)

Friendship Blooms

I went downstairs and started cleaning my craft room and pack up for the weekend, the next thing I know.....I made a card. It was bothering me that I haven't used my Friendship Blooms since it came in the mail, I wanted to add something new to my display board for Treena's open house. I saw a saying yesterday that must be true with me...."A clean house is a sign of a lazy stamper". I would never allow my house to look like my craft room does most days. It's like I need to have chaos running in one area of my life and for some reason....I can't clean it, I just add to it by dragging out more ink pads, paper and stamp sets. I did realize I need a new Stazon Black Refill, as you can tell the black almost looks gray on the top two pieces and really dark on the bottom. Always something! It looks much better in person, but at least you get the idea.

Project Details: Basic Black, Whisper White, Rose Red and Pretty in Pink Cardstock, Friendship Blooms (Sale-a-Bration Stamp Set), Black Brads, Dimensionals, Rose Red and Pretty in Pink Markers

Couldn't Help Myself

Looking through my Paper Crafts Magazine yesterday I spotted a cute little Easter Surprise Card I just had to try. I sometimes feel I am constantly doing the same things, so I thought this was a little out of the box for me, why not try it. My challenge to myself was to use current Stampin' up papers, which after looking I don't have many on hand. I'm still waiting for my HUGE order to arrive, I hope any day!!!) So, this card was more of a challenge then I thought it would be. Plus the twins got up early from their nap so they were also invading my space, asking to stamp and pushing buttons on my cricut, which was about putting me over the edge. Today has just been one of those days, Thank God It's Friday! I'm excited about the weekend ahead.....I have some fun things planned with some dear friends, plus Monday is my day off. YEAH! Every stay at home mom needs one day off a week, it should be a law! I always come back refreshed and ready to deal with the challenges ahead......At this moment I'm thinking 2 more hours until my weekend begins!

Anyway, back to the Easter Card: If you don't get the Paper Craft Magazine and you're interested in trying my "Easter Challenge" here are the directions.....

Chick

1) To make each chick, punch circle from cardstock
2) Adhere eyes punched from Cardstock, I used a black marker
3) Cut beak from Cardstock; adhere

Card

1) Make card from cardstock. Cut block from cardstock to fit card front.

2) Cut slightly smaller piece from cardstock.

3) Cut egg; adhere to piece

4) cut piece two, with jagged line along egg. (See figure A) Adhere bottom piece to block along side and bottom edges. Adhere chicks.

5) To make brad tracks, cut two 1/16" slots in block (See figure B) To attach top egg piece, insert brads through piece and tracks; spread prongs horizontally so pieces slide along tracks. (See figure C) Note: Insert brads when egg is closed for correct positioning. Staple ribbon loop to top of piece.

6) Stamp or print Easter saying on cardstock, trim and mat with cardstock. Adhere.

A: 5" Square x3 and 2 B:1/2" Down and across, make 1 1/2" slit both sides.

C: Just shows how to adhere brads into slots.

Surprise!

Many of you that know me, know I hate surprises. I hate secrets and it drives me crazy not knowing. I admire anyone that can go 9 months without knowing the sex of your child; I of course had to know the moment it was humanly possible to know. (Lucky for me I had about 20 ultrasounds with each of my pregnancies, so I got to check and double check to make sure there were no surprises.) I've gotten a little better about this over the years, as a child Christmas was more like torture, all these neatly wrapped surprises under the tree....I would sneak upstairs after school and try to peek into the packages. My mom wised up and started using everyday boxes to wrap my gifts, I then would resort to shaking the gifts.....it never ended, not knowing what was inside drove me crazy. So, this is what brings me to today....Surprise "Peek a Boo" Boxes! (and a short walk down memory lane)

I have added the instructions to make these boxes under "my link" section. They are fun to make and a great way to surprise someone in your life!

You Make Me Happy!

"You make me happy"....I love that saying. It is a short little phrase that says so much. It makes me think about everything, I have to be "Happy" about. I was sure happy today that the weather was nice and the kids could play outside for awhile, burn off some of that extra energy they have been storing. They got to go sledding in the backyard and play on the swing set, while I watched all warm and cozy from my craft room. I have a perfect birds eye view of the backyard....I love it. This summer it will come in handy, when I'm not working in the yard that is. I have tons of outdoor projects planned....one more thing I have to be "happy" about, a yard that needs landscaping. Oh, the fun I'm going to have!!! Another thing that makes me happy is a cup of coffee with a friend. (Now I am sad, missing my friends & Hodenate's) On a lighter note I am happy to be heading downstairs to stamp some more......Enjoy!

It's Fixed

After having one of those days....I wandered downstairs to my craft room to fix my 3x3 that haunted me all night until the wee hours of the morning. Anyway, here is my new revised 3x3 that I am going to use for Make & Takes at Treena's Open house next Monday in Lisbon. I'm also working on some extra special things that I will not post until after her Open House......

Here is another Birthday card I made with my sale-a-bration set So Many Scallops, gotta love it. I also used Bali Breeze Designer Paper, Metal Edge Tags and my new wide Old Olive Ribbon.

Manic Monday

It is 11am and I am already tired and stressed. Had to help my brother out this morning and drive him to the "court house". It was a new experience, let me tell you. Came home and the kids were all out of sorts, Dad was home with them this morning and they were off schedule a little! I thought I better post my 3x3 Scallop card before the day gets away from me.

Project Supplies: Purely Pomegrante cardstock, ink and stitched ribbon, Cutie Pie Designer Paper, Scallop and Cirlce Punches and I can't forget Basic Black Ink.

Sunday Morning Project

Since everyone in the house was up early this morning, Ashton and I decided we better finish decorating her lunch sack for school. They are exchanging bags at their Valentine's Day party on the 14th, her job was to decorate it and fill it full of goodies. Well, I helped her get an idea and she just went to town. She is getting pretty crafty and boy is she getting good at Stamping....I did help her with the hearts a little as I think my close to coco stamp set is going dry. (Time to buy another re-fill) It was her idea for the ribbon and she picked out all the colors, pretty cute. It is fun to be able to have a "built" in stamping buddy. Adison gets a little jealous and next thing you know she is downstairs stamping and digging through stuff on her own.....(Pretty Cute)

Project Supplies: Lunch bag, Close to Coco, Regal Rose Whisper White Cardstock, Stazon Black and Close To Coco Ink, Retired Stampin' Up Ribbon and Paper. Oh, I can't forget the window punch to make the handle and for added bling, Glitter!

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

Time to Sale-A-Brate!

Well, sale-a-bration in upon us once again....another exciting time of year. What can be more perfect then buying things that you love and getting something free. Yup, every $50 spent during Sale-a-Bration (Feb. 1st-March 15th) you get a free Sale-a-Bration stamp set. If you haven't gotten a catalog I have one under the link section on this web site. Anyway, I just got an e-mail that makes me smile even more for all my friends that are on the fence about becoming a hobby demo, like me. We'll Stamin' Up is offering during Sale-a-Bration 20% off the fee to sign up, so it is only $159 to get $330 in Stampin' Up stuff for free. Yeah! Then to make it even sweeter you also get to pick a free stamp set valued up to $47.95 for free. Again, this is a perfect time to sign up if you are a regular stamper looking for a great way to save money on your stamping. Contact me for more details, but I was so excited about this....I just had to share.


Happy Stamping!