"Teacher's Gifts"

Friday is the last day of school. I know what you are thinking. It is June 29th. School should have been done already. But in California we go to school all year long in elementary school. There are four tracks. A,B,C, and D. The kids go to school for three months and then have a month off. Then go for three months and have a month off. You get the idea. I didn't think I would like it at first but I really do. This way we can go on mini vacations several times a year. Or when the kids are off track, mom can sleep in. LOL This is what I made for the end of the year teacher's gifts for Sarah's kindergarten teachers. I made three of them. She has two teachers, the morning and the afternoon teacher. There is also a boy in her class that has special needs and he has an aid. She is so sweet and she is there every day so I thought I would make her one as well. I found the popcorn tubs and the movie night napkins at Party America. I filled the tub with yellow paper shred and Whoppers, Mike & Ike, Licorice, Chocolate Covered Raisins, and a 3 pack of popcorn. They loved it.

"Frustrating Challenge"

I made this card for this weeks sketch challenge. This card took me about three hours. I really wanted to use this paper and I couldn't find anything that went with it. I hate that when that happends. I started with Heartfelt Thanks. I made two cards. One with the flower stamp with leaves and one with the one with the stem. they were cute but not great. Then tried one with Mixed Bouquet, it was hideous. I mean real bad. Then I made this one with Give Thanks. I like it but don't love it. But it is way better than the others. I spent about 3 hours on this stupid challenge. I usually don't have that much trouble with finding an image that I want to use but this time I did. I think it helped that I embossed the image and the greeting in gold to match the gold in the paper. The other cards I made, I just stamped with colored ink, that's most likely why I didn't like the other ones. I think they were too flat.
Stamps:Give Thanks, Sincere Salutations
Paper: Real Red, Close to Cocoa, Confetti Cream, DP
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: Gold EP, SU Markers, Primas, Brads, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Mat Pack

"A Warm Hello"

I really love this paper. I got it at Joann's the other day. It is textured with glitter. The banana strip does really match the paper in person even if it doesn't look like it. Also FYI, I colored the dress bashful blue but when I added the stickles, it looks amethyst. I also colored the flowers celery and banana but they don't look like it either. Man, my scanner really does a number on my cards sometimes. Oh well. I found a jeweled brad that goes perfect with the paper and the prima flower that I got from my friend Kristine, she is way to good to me.
Stamps: Stamping Bella, Greeting (unknown)
Paper: Bashful Blue, Barley Banana, Whisper White, DP
Ink: Basic Black, Barley Banana
Accessories: Giga and Mega Scallop Punch, SU Markers, Stickles, Prima, Jeweled Brad

"Happy Bee"

How cute is this stamp from Stampendous? I love it. My friend Kristine stamped some of these images for me and I couldn't wait to make a card. I didn't put a greeting on because I just wanted to leave it general. This is the last week of school for the girls so I don't know how much stamping I will get done. I know what you are thinking. The girls are still in school? But isn't it June 26th? Here in California, the kids go to school all year. They have 4 tracks and go to school for 3 months and then have a month off, then go for 3 months and have a month off. I didn't think I would like it at first but I love it. It is nice to have them home for a month every now and then. I can sleep in sometimes when they are home. Or we can go on mini vacations throughout the year. They start school again August 20th (I think)
Stamps: Stampendous
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Real Red, Summer Sun, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Cuttlebug Embossing Folders, Dotted Ribbon, SU Markers, CM Cutting Tools, Rectangle Punch

"I got my Bella's"

My Bella's came, my Bella's came. Woo Hoo!!!! This is the first one I inked up. I love this card. I got the heart cuttlebug embossing folder for my birthday and it goes so perfect with Balloon Bella. I colored her dress and balloons with pretty in pink and then went over them with crystal stickles. It is sooooo pretty and shiny. I also added magenta stickles to her bows and the loops on her dress. I tried to give her shoes but every time I made the line one leg was longer than the other so I had to compensate and then the other leg was longer. Now they are boots. Bad eyes. LOL Oh well. I am thinking that is why Tony doesn't let me cut his hair any more either. One side was shorter then the other so I cut the other side then that side was shorter than the other, now he pays for his cuts. Ha ha ha.
Stamps: Stamping Bella
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Light Pink Dotted Ribbon, Stickles, Stamp-A-Ma- Jig, SU Markers

"Thank You Dragonfly"

I got this dragonfly stamp for my birthday. It is from Great Impressions. I stamped it with versamark and embossed with silver detail EP. The pretty pink ribbon I got from my friend Kristine for my birthday. It matches so well. Thanks Kristine. I colored the image with markers. I had a corneal transplant a couple years ago and sometimes my eyes don't always work so well. I can't tell that things are crooked until I scan. Oh well. It still is cute. I stamped the greeting in Almost Amethyst and punched it out with the 1 1/4th circle punch and layered it on matching cardstock punched out with the 1 3/8th circle punch. I punched out the flower in Pretty in Pink and used a pop dot to give it some dimension.
Stamps: Great Impressions, Riveting (hostess), Canvas
Paper: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Almost Amethyst, Whisper White
Ink: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Almost Amethyst, Versamark
Accessories: Silver Detail EP, Heat Gun, 1 1/4 & 1 3/8 SU Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Pink Making Memories Ribbon, SU Markers

"Molly's Goodie Bags"

I finished the goodie bags for Molly's 5th birthday party. I made 12 for the girls and 6 for the boys. It wasn't too bad. I made one thing each day this week. We are having a bounce house and BBQ Saturday. It should be fun. I don't know how many people are coming so if there are extra gift sets, I just might have to give them away. There are directions for some of the items in my earlier posts if you wanted to know how to make something.
Stamps: Wild About You, Monkey Business, Cool Cat, Itty Bitty Backgrounds
Paper: DCWV Summer Pack, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Close To Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Yo Yo Yellow, Summer Sun, Always Artichoke, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Regal Rose, Close To Cocoa, Summer Sun, Garden Green, Yo Yo Yellow, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Giga and Mega Scallop Circle Punch, White and Cream Organdy Ribbon, Tacky Tape, 3X5 note pad, Hand Held Circle Punch, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, SU Markers, Giga and Mega Scallop Oval, Giga and Mega Scallop Square, CM Cutting tools, Crimper, 1 1/4 SU Circle Punch, Hershey Bar, Cuttlebug Embossing Folders, Black Brads, Jeweled Brads, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, 3 x 4 Ziploc Bagggies, RSVP Pen, Micro Beads, Tacky Tape, Heat Gun

Goodie Bag ~ Beaded Pens

Here are the beaded pens that I made for Molly's birthday goodie bags. This is the first time I have made one with out stamping. This time I used pattern paper. I cut the paper 3 1/4 x 1 1/4 and ran it through my xyron machine. Then wrapped the paper around the barrel of the pen. Then I took tacky tape and wrapped that around the paper, heated it with the heat gun and rolled the pen in the micro beads. Then I rolled the pen on the table to push the beads in just a little and to make it even. These are so fun to make and very easy. If you are not using pattern paper, cut out an address label 3 1/4 x 1 1/4 stamp on the label wrap that around the barrel of the pen then wrap with the tacky tape, heat with heat gun, roll in beads, roll on table and you are done.
Paper: DCWV Summer Pack
Accessories: RSVP Pen, Micro Beads, Tacky Tape, Heat Gun

"Goodie Bag ~ Covered Note Pad"

Here are the covered 3 x 5 note pads I made for Molly's birthday treat bags. Now I only need to finishe the beaded pens and I am done. I got 15 of them done today but I am three short. So I will finish them tomorrow. I know I did way to much detail for these kids but I can't help it. I just wanted them to look nice. Maybe I will get some orders from these. For the girls note pads I stamped the elephant in Regal Rose and used the stamp-a-ma-jig for the flower, which I colored with markers. Always Artichoke and summer sun. Then I punched holes in the scallops. For the boys notepads, I stamped the monkey and the vine and then stamped the bananas on a seperate piece of paper and cut them out. I love how they both turned out. I get my note pads from Walmart. You get 5 note pads for like $1.37. Here are the directions for the covered note pads.

Cut cardstock 3 x 10 3/8th
Score at 5 and at 5 3/8th
I put two strips of tacky tape on the back of the notepad and adhere the cardstock.
Then I put a small strip of tacky tape on the back and adhere the ribbon to it and tie the ribbon to the front.
They are super easy.
Stamps: Wild About You, Monkey Business
Paper: Regal Rose, Rose Red, Close To Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Ink: Regal Rose, Close To Cocoa, Summer Sun, Garden Green
Accessories: Giga and Mega Scallop Circle Punch, White and Cream Organdy Ribbon, Tacky Tape, 3X5 note pad, Hand Held Circle Punch, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, SU Markers

"Happy Birthday To Me"

Woo Hoo!! Today is my birthday! I know I am so vain. But with good reason. Today is my birthday. LOL It is my favorite day EVEA!!!

My plans today involve stamping, stamping and more stamping.

"Goodie Bag ~ Candy Bar Wrapper"

These are the candy bar wrapped Hershey Bars for Molly's birthday goodie bags. So far I have the bag toppers and the candy bar wrappers made. Half done with the goodie bags. On the pink one, I cuttle-bugged the yellow strip. On the brown one I crimped it.
Here are the directions:
1. Cut card stock 7 by 5 ½
2. Score at 1 3/8th and 1 ½ on both sides of the 7 inch side
3. Stamp on front
4. Fold and glue together so that the top is open
5. Crimp bottom 5 clicks
6. Take Circle punch and punch a ½ circle notch at the top
7. Cut a strip 6 inches by 1 ½ or 2 inches
8. Crimp that strip and put it around the wrapper and adhere.
9. Then you can stamp an image and cut that out, mat that and glue it to the crimped strip
Stamps: Wild About You, Cool Cat, Itty Bitty Backgrounds
Paper: Regal Rose, Rose Red, Yo Yo Yellow, Close To Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun, Whisper White
Ink: Regal Rose, Yo Yo Yellow, Close To Cocoa, Summer Sun
Accessories: Giga and Mega Scallop Oval, Giga and Mega Scallop Square, CM Cutting tools, Crimper, 1 1/4 SU Circle Punch, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, Hershey Bar, Cuttlebug Embossing Folders

"Goodie Bag ~ Bag Topper"

Molly turns 5 on the 25th. We are having a birthday party for her Saturday. She invited some of the kids from the neighbor hood and from her preschool. We are getting a bounce house and grilling hot dogs and burgers. It should be fun. At this age birthday parties are just big play dates anyway so the parents usually stay. So we just invited the kids and their families. Glad we got the yard done so it looks nice. I really have no idea how many are coming so I am making 12 goodie bags for the girls and 6 goodie bags for the boys. I just noticed that I only got 11 of the girl bag toppers in the picture. Oops. I should have had these done last week but I am so last minute lately. Stay tuned, I will post the rest of the items as I get them made. I am also making wrapped Hershey bars, covered 3 x 5 notepads, and beaded pens.

Stamps: Wild About You
Paper: Regal Rose, Yo Yo Yellow, Basic Black, Always Artichoke, Whisper White
Ink: Regal Rose, Yo Yo Yellow, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, Black Brads, Jeweled Brads, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, 3 x 4 Ziploc Bagggies

"Yard Work Weekend"

I didn't even touch a rubber stamp this weekend. We did a ton of yard work. We had no idea what to do with our side yard since we moved here. It doesn't get water over there so we couldn't plant anything. However, weeds sure did grow. We were always pulling them. We thought about putting down some bark but the bark attracts a lot of bugs and the cats in the neighborhood liked to use it for a litter box. That was what was there before. So we decided to get some decorative rock instead. It was a lot of work but we are so proud of it. Great curb appeal for sure. We went to the nursery and got a bunch of plants and a tree. We also got a tangerine tree for the back yard. So we have the lemon tree and the tangerine tree. We also planted some bell peppers (red, yellow, and green) and some tomatoes and chili peppers. It looks great. So I apologize for no card making this weekend, As you can see, I was a little bit busy. Here is a funny story I am a big DORK! Tony dumped the rock along the side yard and I raked it out. As I was raking, I noticed that everyone was slowing down to look at the yard. So I told Tony, "hey, we are a big hit in the neighborhood. Every one is slowing down to see what we are doing". Then he said, "Turn around dork, they are slowing down for the speed bump" Then we both busted out laughing. I think the 100 degree heat must have gone to my head. I totally forgot that it was there. I seriously thought they were looking at the great looking yard. LOL
Here are the before and after pictures.

"Blogger RAK From Kristine"

Wow, I had a good mail week. This is the RAK that I got from my good friend Kristine. It's a funny story. My daughter got a RAK from Kristine made with Jammy Bella and it was soooo cute. Then I was a little jealous because I didn't get one from her. Then the next day I got one from Kristine. Woo Hoo. LOL I love the colors that Kristine used and the layout is cute. I don't have winobella, actually I don't have any Bella's (yet) I ordered some for my birthday. They are shipping so I hope to get them soon. That mail man has 6 days until my birthday to get them to me. OR ELSE!! LOL

"BRAK from mama kim"

Here is the BRAK that I got from mama kim I never got this set and I wish I had but I have to save for the new catty. I met Kim at the SCS So Cal Stamp Mania in April. She is such a sweet girl. Very funny and friendly. Thanks Kim for thinking of me and sending me this beautiful card.

"Blogger BRAK from Amanda Sewell"

Look at this GORGEOUS card that I got in the mail from Amanda Sewell. I love it. It is so beautiful. If you haven't checked out Amanda's blog or her SCS gallery, you are missing out. She is so talented. Thank you Amanda for this beautiful card and the birthday wishes.

"Birthday Invite"

I had to come up with something quick last night for Molly for her birthday invites. Today was pre school graduation and she decided last minute that she wanted to invite some of the kids from pre school. I had to make 5 of these last night so I could pass them out today at the graduation because I would not see them any more after today. None of the kids from pre school will be going to Molly's school and no one lives close to us. We didn't know when the party was going to be because we were waiting on the bounce house people to call back with dates that they had available. Molly turns 5 on the 25th. We are having a BBQ and bounce house party. We invited the kids and their family's to the party. At this age a birthday party is just a big play date anyway. So this is what I came up with. Molly picked the stamp and the colors. She is a girly girl and loves pink. I think they turned out cute.
Stamps: Cool Cat, Pretty Princess
Paper: Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Yo Yo Yellow, Whisper White
Ink: Pink Passion
Accessories: Giga and Mega Scallop Oval, Distressing Tool, Cuttlebug Embossing Folders, SU Grosgrain Ribbon, Pink Gingham Ribbon, Silver Cord, SU Circle Punches

"Kindergarten Graduation Treats"

This is what I made for Sarah's kindergarten class for their graduation. I made 2 4 6 8 boxes. I didn't use the SU white paper, I used Walmart White. I am not going to waste my SU white on a bunch of kids. Ha ha ha. I found the stamps at Michael's last year. They are the Me & My Big Ideas brand. I stamped all four sides. Every other boy, girl, boy, girl. The school colors are red, white and blue. I filled the boxes with red paper shred and the red, white, and blue Hershey Kisses. I should have just stapled a ribbon piece on the top. I still can't tie a good bow. I know it is just like tying your shoes but I can't do it. Maybe that is why I still have Velcro shoes. No, just kidding. LOL
Stamps: Me & My Big Ideas
Paper: Walmart White
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: SU Grosgrain Ribbon, SU Markers, Paper Shred, Hershey Kisses, Rectangle Punch

"Miss U"

Seriously, what is up with my scanning? I can't seem to scan a straight picture. Oh well, I made this card for my friend back in MN who I haven't seen in years. I am going back this summer and we are going to get together. I can't wait. We haven't seen each other for a long time. I got this pattern paper at Target a while ago and haven't used it much. I also need some new stamps soon. I am going crazy. I don't have too many current ones to use.


Stamps: All About U
Paper: Pixie Pink, Mellow Moss, Whisper White, DP
Ink: Mellow Moss, Pixie Pink, Basic Black
Accessories, Jeweled Brads, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig

"Love you"

I made this for someone very special to me. I cuttlebugged the vellum, it is hard to see because I covered most of it up with the scallop circle but it is cute. I found a little flower stamp at my local stamp store that fits perfect in the scallops. I love how it looks. I thought about coloring it in but I didn't want to make that the focus.






Stamps: All About U, Flower by Judith
Paper: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White, Cardstock Vellum
Ink: Real Red, Basic Black
Accessories: Red and Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Black Brads, Cuttlebug Embossing Folders, Stamp-a-ma-jig

"Blogger RAK from Tammy Fite"

Thank you Tammy for sending me this cute card. You made my day. It is so nice to get fun mail. Check out Tammy's blog Stamping with Tammy if you haven't already. She is very talented. Lots of cute cards to look at. Thank you again Tammy you are so sweet.

"Birthday"

Another card for my stash. I think I should have made the ribbon a different color. It looks good but I think it would have looked better with maybe a pink one. I cuttlebugged the barley banana and the pretty in pink and cut them in half, the ribbon is covering up the seam. I had some primas that matched perfect so I put them on as well. I colored the image with my markers. I think I will make some more of these and try different colors. I like the idea of the two different color backgrounds with the embossing.
Stamps: Pretty Princess
Paper: Barley Banana, Pretty in Pink, Green Galore, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Cuttlebug Embossing Folders, Primas, Brads, Green Apple Grosgrain, SU Markers, Ticket Corner Punch

"SCS CC117"

Here is my card for this weeks Splitcoast color challenge. I would have never put these colors together but they don't look half bad. I used the stamp-a-ma-jig and the SU markers for the flowers and found some grosgrain ribbon that matched. I like the card but it looks like it needs something. I don't think I like all the space on the image. I started out thinking I was going to do the sketch challenge with the color challenge colors, so that could be the problem. The sketch challenge is the same as my card only there is a strip across the middle. I had a strip of vellum on it but it covered up to much so I decided to just go with the color challenge.
Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks, Canvas, Warmest Regards
Paper: Certainly Celery, Elegant Eggplant, Ruby Red, Whisper White
Ink: Certainly Celery, Elegant Eggplant
Accessories: SU Markers, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, Hodge Podge Hardware, Grosgrain Ribbon

"My mother, my friend"

I made this card for my mom. I just wanted her to know that I am thinking about her. She is going through a tough time right now. The assisted living place that my grandma is living in didn't work out, so my mom was trying to find her another place and wasn't having much luck until now. My mom is pretty stressed out and I wanted to put a smile on her face with a card. I send her cards all the time but this one is a little more special.


Stamps: Send a Celebration (SAB 06) Everyday Flexible Phrases
Paper: Cameo Coral, Basic Black, Whisper White, Barley Banana
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Giga & Mega Scallop Circle Punch, SU Markers, Grosgrain Ribbon, Word Window Punch, Silver Cord, Hand Held Circle Punch, Cuttlebug Embossing Folders

"When Life gives you lemons......"

Make a card!! I made this card because I can't wait for summer. I stamped the lemons and the leaves on whisper white and then used the cuttlebug embossing folder. I really can't get enough of those. When we moved to California I was so excited that we had a lime tree in our back yard. Because I love margaritas. We were going to sit on the patio all summer long (and winter) and drink margaritas. Ahh the life. The tree was full of little green limes, or so I thought. About 2 months after we moved in those little limes started turning yellow. I was horrified. I thought they were going bad or something. It turns out that it was a lemon tree. Duh.... Oh well, good thing I like iced tea. Cause that is what I am drinking on the patio. Here is my lemon tree. This picture was taken three years ago. The tree is way bigger now and very full. This was my inspiration for the card.

Stamps: Citrus and Such (retired) Sparkling Summer, Happy Everything
Paper: Yo Yo Yellow, Green Galore, and Whisper White
Ink: Yo YO Yellow, Green Galore
Accessories: Green Apple Grosgrain Ribbon, SU Markers,Cuttlebug Embossing Folders

"And The Winner is....."

CAKVD You are the winner of my blog candy.
I used the online random number selector and it picked number 2. Congratulations Cheryl. Woo Hoo! Send me an e-mail with your name and address and I will get your prize mailed out to you.
Thank you all for playing. I am already thinking about what to do for my next one. So stay tuned!

"Featured Stamper Kristine Reynolds"

Look at this very cool RAK I got from my friend Kristine. I love it. I have never used copper before but this is going to inspire me to try it. (I don't have any copper paper but I will get some) This card is so cool. I love the colors and the cuttlebug background goes so well. She embossed in bronze on the paper and the greeting. It is so beautiful. Inside this beautiful card, Kristine gave me some cuttlebug embossed paper. I don't have this embossing folder. The colors are ones she knows I don't use often, (Bravo Burgundy, Mellow Moss, Sahara Sand, and Not Quite Navy) I think there is some hidden challenge there somewhere. Thanks Kristine for the beautiful card and paper. Check out her blog if you haven't yet. She is very talented!!! And she is my friend. LOL