Sharing the Love.....(Give Away Item #1)

I think I've kept you wondering long enough. The "random" Stampin' Up Box Give Away is happening April 30th, the items in the box will be reveled throughout the month. I've had a lot of questions, mostly from friends....wonder what is wrong with me. Well, I thought this would be something "FUN" to do, mixed with just trying to be nice. I enjoy stamping so much....Just wanted to Share the Love

Give Away Details: I will ship this box anywhere in the USA, my cost. (Outside of the USA I will give you a $4.60 credit toward the cost of shipping it to you.) I hope that makes sense and is fair to everybody!!! If you have questions or problems with this, leave your comments here!!!

Item #1: Hostess Stamp Set A Little Bit of Happiness!

Here is the Scrapbook page I was staring at yesterday and just couldn't complete. I added a bit more to it tonight. I still feel it is missing something, but if I don't pick up the pace my kids will be 30 years old before my scrapbooks are complete! (This page is of us taking our Twins to their first Minnesota Twins Game in 2006) After stressing over this page I gave my daughters room a second coat of paint and purchased three more Cricut Cartridges off E-bay. Today was very productive, can't wait to share pictures of her room!

A Little Bit of This and That

Today was one of those weird days, around lunch time I got so motivated I decided to get my oldest daughters room painted. She had a sleepover this weekend and I think a tornado must have passed through at some point, it was such a disaster....I started to help her clean and the next thing I know I had a paint brush in hand. I couldn't stand looking at her bare walls anymore. I've been waiting to hang pictures up because I wanted to paint. We've had so much going on, I've been putting it off. So, to my disappointment this evening I didn't get her room back together as it still needs one more coat of paint. To cheer myself up I headed to my craft room to play around a bit. I had a half done scrapbook page that I wanted to finish, which I stared at for a half hour before pulling out my stamps and making these two cards. I hope you enjoy!

Project Supplies: Sassy Suzie Stamp Set, Wild Wasabi, Basic Black and Whisper White Cardstock, Wild Wasabi Designer Paper (Hostess), Cuttlebug with Dotted Embossing Folder, Black Stazon and Markers.

Project Supplies: One of a Kind Stamp Set, Berry Bliss Designer Paper, Basic Black, Regal Rose, Soft Sky and Whisper White Cardstock, Black Stazon Ink, Regal Rose Stamp Pad, Stamping Sponge, Regal Rose Ribbon, Ticket Punch and Dimensionals. (This card looks SOOO much better in person....my lighting is so bad tonight, hard to see the designer paper)

A Little Over Heated

I haven't posted for a couple days due to our "New" house falling apart. Yesterday the phones didn't work, our back up furnace needed a new electrical board and the Anderson Window guys were here sealing up a few (10) gusty windows that we have been dealing this winter. I guess that is what happens when you buy a new house, you have to get all the "tweaks" out. I then watched my girlfriends two kids while she worked....needless to say I crashed yesterday at 7pm. This morning I awoke to what I thought was the Bahamas......it was over 85 degrees in our house!!! After I slightly panicked, I called my husband who told me to shut the breaker off. (easy fix until you need heat?) Needless to say I entertained the Electrician again today, while he worked (the kids napped) and I whipped together this scrapbook page. I had fun digging through the boxes of pictures....I'm excited to get back at it. Tonight I get to take off the swim suit and sunglasses and come back to reality.....my dreams of the Bahamas have left and our house is back to normal.





Project Details: Retired SU Wildfowl Stamp Set and Designer Paper, Chocolate Chip, Basic Black, Brilliant Blue, Real Red and YoYo Yellow Cardstock, Cricut (Lettering), Zyron (Gluing) and Hodgepodge Hardware. (Can't see the holes in the target, which I thought was a fun touch....or maybe it was all the heat going to my head!)

Birthday Hugs & Wishes

"Some of the best creative work gets done on the days when you feel that everything you're doing is just plain junk." ~Julia Cameron

I found this quote tonight as I was reading through my Memory Makers Magazine, trying to get inspired to start scrapbooking again. All of our pictures have been tossed in a box since we moved late last year, I think it's time to dig them out!!! Anyway, today I had a lot of things going on so I didn't get to spend hours in my craft room creating.....so tonight I share with you one card I made with my new Stampin' Up Felts for Miss. Hannah! (Matt's little sister....Happy 20th Birthday).

Project Supplies: Baroque Motifs & Hugs and Wishes Stamp Set, Basic Black and Whisper White Cardstock, Old Olive & Basic Black Ribbon, Flower Fusion (Felts), Rhinestone Brads, Glue Dots and Mat Pack.

Gratitude

"Appreciation can make a day, even change a life."~ Margaret Cousins

Tonight I made a little "Gratitude" box that I am going to give to my cousin, Dorinda. She is very deserving of this little box filled with various thank you cards. The thank you sayings came from SU's Much Appreciated 4 Pc. Stamp Set, which is very fun! As always I love the Tart & Tangy which is a blast to work with, the coordinating Summer Picnic Designer Paper....how can you go wrong? I just hope she enjoys this gift set as much as I do!!!

What you will need to make my Gratitude Box:

• 2 pieces of cardstock cut 7 1/2 x 7 1/4 inches (for the box)
• 1 piece of coordinating cardstock cut 6 1/4 x 3 5/8 inches (for lid)
  1 piece of coordinating cardstock 8 1/2 x 1 inches (for strap, if you would like to add one....I did not add a stap to this box)
• 2 1 inch circles (optional)
• 2 brads
• sticky tape, cutter, scoring blade
• Assorted cardstock/ images for decorating (I used Tart & Tangy & Summer Picnic Paper)

Step 1: Score your box pieces at 1 1/2 inches on each of the 7 1/2 inch sides. Score again at 1 1/2 inches on the 7 1/4 inch side.

Step 2: Cut along the scorelines on both pieces as shown. (Note: it’s better to cut UP from the bottom as this will reinforce the bottom of your box).

Step 3: This is important! On the piece you designate as the back piece (you choose), you will want o cut a 1/16 inch strip off the top (the side that isn’t scored) as this will ensure that the box fits snuggly together and lines up properly.

Step 4: Apply sticky tape to the flaps and fold under to make each 1/2 box.

Step 5: Line the 3 inside edges of the front piece with sticky tape and slide them together. I position the pieces together so they line up properly, then smooth them out from the inside.

Step 6: Score your box top piece at 1 inch on all four sides.

Step 7: Cut corners to create flaps as shown. Apply adhesive and assemble

Step 8: If you were adding a strap add one now with brads, so that the strap can be moved to take the lid off.

Step 9: Decorate your box!

Step 10: Box complete!

Inside of Gratitude Box

For You Grandma ~ You Are One of a Kind!

I made this card tonight for Grandma Muilenburg (Matt's grandma). She is currently in ICU fighting for her life tonight, we are heading to see her tomorrow. (This will be my last post for the weekend) Matt's grandparents have become a huge part in our life.....leaving them was one of hardest things we did when we moved late last year. I will end at that, since now I am a snotty mess!

This card says it all.....She is one of a kind!

Project Supplies: One of a Kind Stamp Set, Cutie Pie Designer Paper, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Whisper White and Basic Black Cardstock, SU Stitched Ribbon, SU Rhinestone Brad, Basic Black Ink, So Saffron & Bashful Blue Markers, and Dimensionals.

Criss Cross Basket Tutorial

This is my first Tutorial....I've been wanting to do one for some time now and I thought why not tonight!!! The finished size is 2 x 2' Square, a perfect size for one egg or a few small goodies! I added three wrapped Hershey's nuggets to my basket, that's what I had on hand. You could really make it any size you'd like, just make sure you start out with a square that can be scored into 3 equal parts and you're good to go.

Supplies

• Fiskar Paper Cutter/Scorer
• Stamps: Non Stampin Up Bunny, All Year Cheer II
• Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Gable Green, Pretty in Pink and Retired Stampin' Up Designer Paper
• Ribbon: 1/4" Pretty in Pink Ribbon
• Adhesive: Sticky Strip
• Punches: 1 1/4", 1 3/8" Circle, Scallop
• Ink: Bashful Blue, Black Stazon
• Markers: Close to Coco, Barely Banana, Gable Green and Yoyo Yellow
• Dimensionals

(I used pink cardstock for the example photos)

1. Cut 6x6" square of Bashful Blue Cardstock & cut handle 1/2" x 8"

2. Score at 2" & 4", turn cardstock and repeat. At this point your score lines should like like the photo below.

3. Using the Fiskar paper cutter, cut each of the corners off (see photo)

4. Cut into the 2 score-lines on one side of the basket. Repeat in the opposite side (see photo)

5. Trim end flaps to about 3/4" (see photo). If you're going to stamp any images on the basket itself, you would do this now.

6. Fold all score lines. Flip basket over so you're looking at the "outside". Place sticky strip on both the 3/4 side flaps. (Blue squiggly lines in photo)

7. Place sticky strip on the inside o the other criss-cross flaps and press the flaps into place.

8. I used sticky strip to attach some 1/4" pink ribbon to my handle before adhering the handles to the inside of the basket. You can use sticky strip or glue dots to adhere the handles to the basket.

9. I stamped my bunny onto whisper white cardstock and punched it out with my 1 1/4" circle punch. I punched a 1 3/8" circle out of pretty in pink cardstock. Then punched out 2 scallops out of gable green cardstock. I layered those up together and placed 2 dimensionals on the end of the basket. Then added the scallop piece.

Basket is complete! Now let your imagination go wild.....the sky is the limit. I hope you have fun making one. Let me know what you think!

A Little Bit of Cheer

Tonight I decided I needed to make a couple 3x3 gift boxes. My stash of handmade gift items is running low. I like to have items like this on hand for unexpected gift giving opportunities that come up, plus May Day is right around the corner and I thought these would make great teacher gifts! The box is really easy to make, which for me is an added bonus. The bottom is a 7x7" square and it is scored 1 3/4 all all sides and then cut on each of the four corners. The top part of the box is a 5x5" square, scored at 11/16" on all four sides and then once at all four corners. ( I will add the actual patterns for this box under my links section, if you would like to check it out.) The top and bottom of the box is put together with Sticky Strip, this is the ONLY adhesive you will want to use if you want the box to last!

The reason the title tonight "A Little Bit of Cheer" is because I had a dear friend spend the night here last night, she was in town visiting her grandma in the hospital and I know she could use a little bit of cheer. Thinking of you LeAnn!

Gift Set

Cards Displayed in boxes

Project Supplies: Tart & Tangy Stamp Set, Summer Picnic Designer Paper, SU Ribbons, Markers, Sticky Strip, Dimensionals, Scallop & Circle Punches and SU 3x3 Envelopes.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I made Shamrock cookies with the kids today as a special treat, they loved them!! Everyone was decked out in green.....what a fun holiday. It brings out the Irish in all of us, even if it is just a pinch.


Project Supplies: Pinch Proof Stamp Set, Green Galore, Whisper White and Wild Wasabi Cardstock, Wild Wasabi Ink, Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Ribbon, SU Circle Punches, Metal Edge Tag, Dimensionals and Staple.

All Star

Tonight I decided my theme for the evening would be "Stars." So, every card I created tonight has a star on it somewhere. I got my star punch in the mail while I was sick. (it was on back order) I was so excited to use it with my new Classic Background Set....I love it!

Project Supplies: Big Bold Birthday & Classic Background Stamp Set, Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore, Whisper White and Pixi Pink Cardstock, Large Star & Corner Punch, Green Galore Brad, Tempting Turquoise Ribbon, Pixi Pink, Green Galore and Tempting Turquoise Ink, Dimensionals and of course, Glitter!

Project Supplies: Classic Background Stamp, East Coast Designer Paper, Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise and More Mustard Cardstock, Wild Wasabi Ink, Real Red Striped Ribbon, Scallop, Large Star, Small Star and Circle Punches, SU Brads and Dimensionals.

Project Supplies: Classic Background & Full of Life Stamp Set, Small Corner Rounder & Large Star Punch, Summer Sun, Real Red and Ballet Blue Cardstock, Real Red Ink, Gel Pen and Dimensionals.

Project Supplies: Classic Backgrounds & Bundle of Joy Stamp Set (Retired), Close to Coco Cardstock, So Saffron Designer Prints Paper, Watercolor Crayons, Aqua Painter, Corner & Large Star Punch and Dimensionals.

Project Supplies: So Many Scallops Stamp Set, Jersey Shore Designer Paper, Wild Wasabi Ribbon, Dimensionals, Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, Brilliant Blue and Whisper White Cardstock, Scallop Punch, Large and Small Star Punch.

Can't Sleep....

I'm trying to go to sleep.....had this card idea floating around in my head. I thought I better go to my craft room to clear my head, or it will be another sleepless night. I don't know if that was me talking or the drugs??? (I just pray my back is better tomorrow!!!) After uploading this card, I'm not so sure now about the ribbon? I thought I did a pretty good job coloring for this hour! Never a dull moment!!!




Project Supplies: Sassy Suzie Stamp Set, Summer Picnic Designer Paper, Whisper White, Real Red and Certainly Celery Card Stock, Slit Punch, Markers and Real Red Striped Ribbon.

On the Bright Side

I'm still not feeling well today, but on a lighter note. I went to a different chiropractor, the one my mom recommended. He did a wonderful job, takes a close second to my Miss Jody. She will be hard to beat! I still can't move my neck much, my 5th & 7th vertebrae are completely out. My head still hurts and I'm now on muscle relaxers that make me kind of funny. I did treat myself to making one card, now I'm heading to the couch to put my feet up and watch the Lisbon Bronco's basketball game. Go Bronco's!

Project Supplies: Tart & Tangy Stamp Set, Summer Picnic Designer Paper, Old Olive, Whisper White and Real Red Cardstock, Real Red and Old Olive Markers, Polka Dot Cuttlebug Embossing Cartridge and Real Red Striped Ribbon. (My new favorite)

Another Bad Day....

This is the second day in a row that I've had a migraine, today things got a little worse with a sharp pain in my back that reached down to the tip of my fingers and rolled up into my neck. I can't turn, making my job as "Mom" very difficult. I went to the chiropractor today, tried out a new one, which I wasn't happy about, I wanted my "Jody". Wasn't going to happen unless I drove for 6 hours, the thought did cross my mind though. (She's that good) So, I broke down and went to someone in town.....not the worst experience I've had, but not the best. I left feeling the same...came home iced my back. My husband surprised me a little while later with an hour massage at the Spa with Brianna. (That's why I love him) She did a wonderful job, boy am I relaxed....the only problem is I still feel the same. Now I'm heading to bed to feel sorry for myself. I just hope everyone else is having a brighter day!

I promise to post something soon.....

Happy Stampin'

ABC Book

I finally got Ashton's ABC Lunch Bag Book uploaded...Enjoy! Again, this is a very simple lunch bag book....although it took me 2 days to complete, I wanted to keep it simple enough for Ashton to help (She's 6) and for her to be able to carry it around and show her friends.

ABC & 123

Tonight I finally put the finishing touches on Ashton's "Lunch Bag" ABC Book. I tried to keep things pretty simple....or we would be still working on this months from now. Here is the front cover, I will be scanning in the pages for a slide show some time tonight. I was pretty happy with how it turned out. Now for the exciting part....I can now dive into my Stampin' Up "Stuff" that just arrived that has been teasing me from my craft room floor.

Home at Last

Hi everyone, we made it back home okay to good ole' North Dakota. As much as I was lovin' the weather in Arizona, I missed home. It is good to be back and getting the kids back on schedule. There is an old saying "too much of a good thing, not such a good thing." Let's just say the kids were great for having to sit for 10 hours in the airport and plane....Adison did entertain (one of my three year old twins) the back of the plane from MNPLS to Bismarck. We were in a two seater plane, meaning she had to sit beside twin brother Aiden. Dad had to sit across from them and I sat behind with Ashton......I'm sure you know the rest of the story. The guy beside Ashton and I was taking notes, maybe he was going to write a book?!

Anyway, we are home and doing great. I have begun Ashton's ABC bag book project, which I hope to unveil in the next day or two. She wants to take it to school on Monday so we will see how fast Mom and daughter can work.

I have to confess I did order another box of stuff from Stampin' Up the day before we left on vacation (impulse buy) and I had it shipped it to my husbands work, knowing I wouldn't be home. He came home from work yesterday with this box....I tried to act all surprised. He just looked at me and said "I'm sure this is something you couldn't live without." He was right, I couldn't!!! I'm rewarding myself with this nice box full of goodies as soon as the ABC book is done and my house is back to normal. YEAH! I promise I'll move quickly.

Take Care...Happy Stamping!

Wild Wasabi Card Stock Special

Purchase a special-offer Wild Wasabi card stock pack for only $3.95 .
The pack includes 16 sheets of 4-1/2" x 11-1/2" Wild Wasabi textured card stock that has been scored at 1-1/8" and 5-5/8". There is no limit to the amount of Wild Wasabi card stock packs you can purchase. This promotion is going on March 1st- April 30th.