{Mother's Little Helper}

Let's try this again.......

2008-06-16T22:24:00.005-05:00

OK, so it's been like 6 months since my last post. I have tons of excuses for my absense, but who wants to hear those. Lately, I've been feeling more creative and wanted to give this another try. It seemed like as soon as I started this, I couldn't make a cute card or scrapbook page to save my life. Well, after a long break, I want to see if I could get back into it.

So, you're probably thinking that I have this great card to post.......well, I DO!! But, it's not mine. It's actually a card that my nephew made for his Dad's birthday back in March. It's the best card ever and I had to share it with you. We're in St. Louis, so his "inspiration" was the Cardinal's.

Cameron is 11 and the sweetest kid you could ever meet. Please think about him and his family over the next couple of weeks. He is having surgery on Wednesday and will be in Shriner's Hospital for 10 days to recover. After that, he will have a large halo around his leg for 6 months. He's having a bone lengthening procedure. He was born with Ollier's Disease - it causes bone growth problems in the extremities. He's a tough kid and has been through a lot, but sweet as can be! Good luck Cam, WE LOVE YOU!

I do have some of my own cards to post soon, so stay tuned..........

I Got My Nugget Tins......

2007-12-22T19:20:00.001-06:00

I am so excited!!! I have been watching other people post these darling creations out of nugget tins and just found them at a very reasonable price so I bought 20 of them!! They just arrived yesterday and I had to play with them. I literally made this in less than 10 minutes. I already had some left over decorated Hershey nuggets so all I had to do was make a tag, tie a bow and viola!

I can't wait to dress them up a little more! I got the tins from Specialty Bottle. They are only $0.80 here (before shipping, of course) and there is NO minimun order. They also ship quickly.

The nuggets are covered with decorated Avery address labels. I used a snowflake stamp from a set that I got at Michael's a long time ago. If you think these are cute, you have to visit Papertrey ink. They have a couple of sets that have stamps specifically for the Avery labels and they are so cute!!! Here is the newest one - I just got it so I can't wait to try it out. You have to check out their gallery for ideas.

Well, if I don't get to post again before Christmas, I wish you all a Very Merry one!

So Very.......

2007-12-22T19:12:00.000-06:00

You might not be able to see it, but it says "So Very.....Merry." This card is so simple, but I like the way it turned out. I made a couple of these for my co-workers. They are 51/4" x 51/4". They fit in Stampin' Up's 5 1/2" x 5 1/2 " envelopes. I made some mixed CDs for them and they fit perfectly in these cards and envelopes.

Sometimes my favorite cards are the ones that are the easiest to make. I really like the simple style, but can rarely achieve it. I always want to add "just one more thing."

Little Boxes, On the Hillside, Little Boxes Made of Ticky Tacky........

2007-12-18T17:09:00.000-06:00

I made another one of these darling little boxes - I just love these. Here's the link for instructions if you want to make one. They are super easy and sooo cute!

This one uses the Stampin' Up DS Paper - Cerise. I think this is my favorite. I used my last 2 pieces to make this box - Jeni, I need more......

Here's a picture of Syd in her Manchester United kit - she wore it Sunday when they played Liverpool. Daddy was rooting for Liverpool.

Syd also had a HUGE FIRST last week - she used a fork and spoon all by herself for an entire meal! Her fine motor skills are really beginning to improve. Don't worry, we videotaped it - I'll post it as soon as we edit it. It has a lot of sittin' around waitin' moments.

She's doing so well lately - we are so proud of her!

Holiday Gift Baskets.....

2007-12-17T21:14:00.000-06:00

This is a quick post - here's a sample of one of the gift baskets I made this year. The basket is from Hobby Lobby - they are almost always 50% off so they cost around $2. I fill them with embellished Hershey bars, Hershey nuggets covered in address labels and a card. I really like the way they look. These make great gifts for neighbors, friends, teahers, whoever!

Happy creating this Holiday!

The Capital of Montana is not Hannah........

2007-12-16T21:21:00.000-06:00

The title to today's blog comes to you compliments of the Simpson's episode tonight. That is what Bart was writing on the chalkboard during the opening credits. I cracked up!

I have to share with you some darling notebook holders. They are actually CD cases and this idea was cased from my Stampin' Up demonstrator. I made this one for my Mom's birthday, but I made 9 others for Syd's therapists, teachers, and para's for Christmas. They are so cute and so easy to make!

Of course I used the SU designer series paper. These projects use only 1 12 x 12 piece of double sided paper (you even have a square to spare). I adhered the paper with my new favorite adhesive: The SU Anywhere Glue Stick. I love this glue - you have to try it.

The inside has a small pocket on the left side and a notebook on the right. The notebook is the small size that can be found at any Ofiice supply store. You do have to cut off the bottom inch or so of the notebook, but it's not too bad. I got these at Target (5 for $1.99.) The CD tins come from here. Thanks, Jeni, for letting me get them from you...

Oh, the pens - they are Pentel RSVP pens - You can get these at Target, Walmart, even the grocery store. Just screw off the bottom and roll up a 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" piece of paper and slip it inside - voila..

The outisde and inside panels are 7 1/4" x 5 1/8". Easy as that. Use your anywhere glue stick and you're good to go. I did do one with ModPodge and it is probably more durable, but I didn't like the look as much.

2nd Annual Shopping Day....

2007-12-14T21:50:00.000-06:00

Every year, well, at least this year and last, we have a ladies shopping day on my husband's side of the family. It's always a lot of fun. This year I decided to make a little goodie bag for the girls. They contained a card and a paper covered candy bar.

OK, tell me if you've ever done this......I have an embarrasing tendency to make cards for people and forget to write anything in them! I did it with all these and when I told them what I did, my sister-in-law said I did that with her birthday card. She just thought I was being clever and giving her a card to regift (good idea, BTW). I think I just get excited to see them finished, or maybe it's because I am always making them under a time crunch, who knows. So, if I've ever given you a card and not written something in it, just know that my sentiment is actually in making you the card.

These are the completed bags and their contents......

I used some 2 way glue to adhere the micro beads to the fringe on her purse and jeans. I love that look.

I used Copic markers to color her in. I really love these markers! I use the Copic sketch markers. They have a brush and a beveled tip. I haven't found much use for the beveled tip, but I really do not know how to use these markers to their full potential. There are some people out there that can make these markers do some amazing things. My favorite color is E21 - Baby Skin Pink, it's a great light skinned flesh color.

Once again, I am too lazy to post my supplies, so if you have any questions, just leave a comment.

I know I've not posted a lot lately. It will probably stay that way until after the holidays - there just isn't enough time lately... I know you can all relate.

I also want to say CONGRATULATIONS to Kevin and Alicia and new baby Aidan! We're so happy for you guys!!!

Baby it's cold outisde.......

2007-11-30T21:55:00.000-06:00

Sorry about the break - it really has been a busy few weeks and I think it'll be busy right through the holidays!

Here are a few Christmas cards I made last week. I love the ribbon on this first one. It's red and white twill tape. It came on something I bought and I wish I could find it somewhere - so cute and easy to tie!

I love this paper by Paper Salon, I used it on my Christmas cards last year and this is what I had left over.

Supplies: Stamp sets: In the Spotlight, Short and Sweet, and Riveting, Stampin' Up. Cardstock: Ruby Red, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Stampin' Up. Pattern Paper: Paper Salon Accesories: scallop punch, slit punch, 1 3/8" Circle punch, gingham ribbon, Stampin' Up. Rhinestone stickers, Stampendous.

I used the Stampin' Up slit punch on the bottom of the card. I love the way that tunrs out. I used a paper piercer to accent the scallops.

I'm still here.....

2007-11-29T22:42:00.000-06:00

Don't think I've given up on the whole blogging thing just yet. I'm sorry, it's just been a really busy last couple of weeks. I'll have some stuff to post soon - by Saturday, I promise! So, make sure to check back next week!

Paper Dolls.......

2007-11-16T22:18:00.000-06:00

I LOVE my Bellas! I seriously need more of them! I feel like I'm 12 again. They are so fun to dress and they are drawn in such a way that they are easy to cut out. It's probably obvious, but what I've done is stamp my Cosmobella on whisper white cardstock and then stamp her again on various pattern papers that would look cute as her clothes. I cut those pieces out and glued them to the original stamp. I colored her in with my Copic markers - baby flesh is the color. For those of you that follow that link - I did NOT buy a set of these markers! I WISH!!! That would be a lot of work - Jeni, don't laugh! I have 5 of them that I got at ArtMart, a local art supply store. People do some amazing things with these markers - I'm a novice. I just use them to color in my images without any tricks (maybe someday I'll learn!)
This is also the first time I've used my Build-A-Brads from Stampin' Up. I LOVE those also! They WILL be a staple. You have to get some! If you do, make sure you also get a 1/2" circle punch or you'll be pretty ticked the first time you go to use them.
When I first started scrapbooking, 3 1/2 years ago, I bought some denim patterned paper and never used it, well tonight I got the chance!
Hope you like it - it's going to go to a very good friend!

What a difference a year makes.......

2007-11-15T21:26:00.000-06:00

It's really hard for me to believe that last Halloween, Syd went Trick-or-Treatin' in a walker. She could only take a step or two on her own. Look at where she is now:

If you're wondering, she is dancing to "Of Montreal," her favorite band.

Simplicity....

2007-11-13T20:16:00.000-06:00

I'm traveling in Arkansas this week so I don't have much new to post. I've also had a rough day! VERY turbulent flight, lost luggage, crappy rental car! All in a days work! Actually, I have my luggage back, I got a good dinner, a glass of wine, and some moments to post. I'm happy now!

I made this card a couple of weeks ago and I really like it's simplicity.

I think I cased it from kwerner. I know the overlapped lettering came from her. When I saw how she used that alphabet set, I had to have it! Look here for an example.

She has also inspired me to use my Stampamajig - don't laugh! If you don't know what that is, it's a tool that allows you to line up your stamps perfectly before stamping. I used to be a lazy stamper and not use it, now I find my self using it on everything. It's so easy and so worth it! It is my new favorite tool and I highly recommend you invest in one. Especially if you use alphabet stamps. I used the aqua painters with my classic stamp pads to color the hippo, the letters, and the grass.

Supplies: Ink: Certainly Celery and Orchid Opulensce (I think), Stampin' Up. Stamps: Jumbo Outline Alphabet and Bundled in Love, Stampin' Up. Ribbon: Certainly Celery Grosgrain, Stampin' Up. Cardstock: Whisper White, Stampin' Up.

Babies and Bellas......

2007-11-11T20:28:00.000-06:00

I have baby fever! Not the kind that you are thinking of, but many of my friends are expecting right now and I am having so much fun making gifts for them.

Today was Alicia's shower and I made her this little gift set. It includes a keepsake box, a photo clip, and a stack of Thank You cards. Hi Alicia!!! She told me she reads my blog regularly! YEAH - someone is reading this! Alicia said she made some of the boxes from this post! More YEAH!!!! Someone was inspired! How exciting!

I love making these tins and I think this one is one of my favorites! I hope she likes it.

And now for the Bellas! I LOVE these stamps! I have been coveting them for a very long time and finally broke down and ordered some. I didn't realize they would take so long to get here (they are from a Canadian company), but they were worth the wait. I want to use the Pregabella so bad for Alicia's shower card and she arrived just yesterday! Right on time. Here's the card I made her:

I got 3 Bella stamps in all - Pregabella, Groovybrideabella, and Cosmobella. You can see all the Bellas here. I think I need them all! I first saw them on Amy Rysavy's blog - Prairie Paper & Ink. She is another one of my favorites. She has lots of Bella stamps and lots of great ideas. She also has really good tutorials and advice.

I have a lot of work to do tonight, so no time to post all the supplies. If you want to know where I got something, how I did something, or what I used for something - leave me a comment.

I can't close without posting a very cute picture, OK pictures, of Bean. We had such a beautiful weekend here, I did a Fall photoshoot with her yesterday. We got some good pictures!

She looked so cute! She was having a great time walking around the yard and I was having a crazy time trying to get some good pictures! These were the 3 keepers out of probably 100 pictures - Oh, so worth it though!! You may be seeing the top one on our Christmas cards!

Have a good week, gotta run....

2007-11-07T22:05:00.000-06:00

I promise I will try and find some new paper to obsess over soon! I just really like this paper. I have ordered 4 packs of DS paper because of the Stampin' Up special this month so I'll have some new things to play with soon! I also like to make cards like these. I love cards that have a window in the front and the embellishment can be seen on the inside also. They are just hard to capture.

I also really like to use the slit punch on my cards. If you visit Cambria Turnbow's blog you'll see a lot of that - very cute! For some reason I really like things to be fastened. Another wierd thing about me. Keep reading, there'll be more I'm sure. I fold the card like normal and then trim about 3/4" to 1" off the bottom of the front side. Line up the slit puch so that a portion of the front part of the card can be slid in it and puch the back side of the card. That way, you are sure that the front will fit in to the slit you made. It' s not as complicated as I've made it sound.

Here's what it looks like on the inside: I used the 1 3/8" circle punch the make the hole in the front of the card and then punched out another 1 3/8" circle in the Apple Cider paper. I lined up the hole in the paper with the back of the scallop punch and punched out a "frame" of the scallop. I applied that frame around the circle that I puched out on the front of the card. I then punched out another scalloped circle and adhered it to the inside of the card so that it would match up with the one on the cover. Again, I have way over complicated it! Once you start, you'll see.

Here's another one I made with a small square punch:

I like the simplicity of this one. The Sparkle saying is much easier to see on the actual card. The ink appears very light in the photograph.

I used cardstock that I just had lying around. The card base is a linen textured creme color similar to Very Vanilla. The other is a scrap of Really Rust.

When the card is opened, you will see the small square with the round stamp and ebellishment on the inside also.

Supplies: Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Really Rust, Apple Cider DS Paper, Stampin' Up. Ink: Basic Brown, Wild Wasabi, Stampin' Up. Stamp Sets: True Friend, Warm Words, In the Spotlight, Stampin' Up. Ribbon: Apple Green Grosgrain, Stampin' Up and Martha Stewart blue/brown piped nylon, Michael's. Accessories: 1 3/8", 1 1/4", 1/2" Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch, Slit Punch, Large Square Metal Edge Tag (center removed), Stampin' Up Green Rhinestone, Making Memories Square Puch, Creative Memories.

Fall Colors......

2007-11-06T21:11:00.000-06:00

I'm not a huge fan of this time of year. When the weather turns cold, my lips are instantly chapped, my hands instantly dry, and my hair instantly static ridden. I am definitely a summer person and fall means that summer is so far away! Actually, there are some "Fall Things" I really like - the smell of a fireplace in the air, a thicker bedspread, and of course, the Holidays! I guess I actually juts hate the transition period.

I do love fall colors. Browns, Oranges, Muted Greens. Fall has the best colors. Those colors inspired this card. To color in the stamp, I used blender pens and ink from the lids of the ink pads. (See the colors below.) Again, I used my favorite Designer Series Stampin' Up Paper - Apple Cider.

Supplies: Ink Pads: Basic Brown, Marigold Morning, Really Rust, Pumpkin Pie, True Thyme, and So Saffron, Stampin' Up. Paper: Summer Sun Cardstock (I Think), Apple Cider DS Paper, Stampin' Up. Stamp Set: Basket Full of Fun, Stampin' Up. Ribbon: Tangerine grosgrain, Stampin' Up. Accessories: Paper Piercer, Blender Pens, Stanpin' Up. Orange Eyelets: ?, Scallop Square Punch, Marcy Uchida.

I also completed my laundry room this weekend. I LOVE it!!! This completes a total re-paint of the entire main floor. Thanks to Mau Mau for watching Bean. Check out the before, during, and after pics.

Before: I'm really gonna miss this border! Too bad Tim threw away the matching switch plate - I could have used that for blog candy!!

During: I finally get to hang my vintage washboard - 2 years later! I love the name of the paint color: Longjohn Red. This color used to be in our bedroom in our last house and I loved it so much, it now covers our bedroom in this house and our laundry room. If you like it, it is a Ralph Lauren color and we got it at Home Depot. I must say, we have used RL paint a few times in the past - it really is good paint. The matte finish is my favorite (easily scratched, though). It covers so well and so smoothly. It's worth the price.

After: It's really hard to photograph a laundry room! We still need to get the floors done - they are blue flowered lanolium. Don't worry - I have rugs covering them now!

Next Up: The downstairs bathroom!

OK, one last reason to like Fall - time to catch up on indoor projects!

The Finer Things Club.......

2007-11-02T21:11:00.000-05:00

I love "The Office!" I am, however, worried they may have jumped the shark this season. I guess we'll see.

I'm getting a cold! I have plans to paint and redecorate my laundry room this weekend and I'm going to have a cold! We even have a sitter for Syd. I am determined to do it anyway! My vacation is almost over and this was on my list of things to accomplish and it will be done! Especially since I crossed so few of the other things off my list this week! By the way, I really like to use exclamation points if you haven't noticed.

Here's one of the projects I made recently and was saving until the lighting issue was addressed, but I actually really like the lighting in this one - it goes with the personality of the project. This is a card and candle tin gift set. The candle tin is from the Target $ spot. I got quite a few of these a couple of months ago. I wish I had gotten more - they are really fun and easy to decorate and would make really cute Christmas gifts for co-workers, etc. This card also uses my favorite Designer Series Paper and Stamp Set from Stampin Up! These are both in the Holiday Mini so you better hurry and get them. By the way, I am not an SU demonstrator, but I know a great one if you're looking! Check out her blog, she has the best ideas! Thank you Jeni for aiding and abetting my addiction.

Well, here's what I used:

Supplies: Stamp Sets: True Friend, Warm Words, Much Appreciated, Stampin' Up. Pattern Paper: Apple Cider Designer Series, Stampin' Up. Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Stampin' Up; Creme, Unknown. Ink: Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie Classic Stamp Pads, Stampin' Up. Ribbon: Martha Stewart blue/brown nylon piped, Michael's. Accessories : Decorativ Brad, Making Memories; Crystal Stickers, Mark Richards, Oval Puches, Stampin' Up.

A Simple Card.....

2007-11-01T21:16:00.000-05:00

OK, I have to figure out how to take good pictures of my cards! The lighting is all wrong. I just can't seem to figure it out. I will, just bear with me! I have some projects I really like, but don't want to post them until I get the lighting issue under control.

If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

I have been in to the "simple" look lately so that is what inspired this card. I know you can't tell from the picture, but I stamped the petals on a seperate piece of whisper white and used a small pop dot to adhere the "friend" circle in the center. The stem and "leaves" are ribbon. Not much to it, but I like it.

Supplies: All from Stampin' Up: Cardstock: Whisper White, Stamp Sets: Pick a Petal, Warm Words, In the Spotlight, Ribbon: Apple Green 1/4" Grosgrain, Stamp Pad: Real Red, Classic.

I hope you had a nice Halloween - we did! Here's a picture of us:

All Done....

2007-10-30T22:05:00.000-05:00

I just got done with all the Halloween boxes! I really hate mass projects, but I have to say, this one is so easy and turns out so cute that it is totally worth it. I changed a few things from the last post. I used some different paper on the last 5 - I just got bored. I also ended up using a band and ribbon embellishment on the top rather than just tying a ribbon around the box. This is how kwerner does it in her tutorial and she's right, it's much better this way! I did this because I wanted the top part of the box to sit above the bottom part and when I tied the ribbon around, it made the top and bottom nest. Anyway, I hope you like them.

I get to go to Syd's Halloween party at school tomorrow. I can't wait! I just LOVE Halloween.
I can't wait to see what all the kiddos are dressed like. Sydney, of course, will be Tinkerbell!
I wish you all a safe and fun Halloween! Thanks for checking in.

Oh, here's a list of additional supplies (check the last post for the initial list)

Supplies: Polka dot & Striped paper: heidi grace jeepers creepers collection, Archivers. Green and Orange band paper: Stampin' Up Green Galore and Marigold Morning (In Color '07). Black Twil Tape, Michael's (This is so easy to work with, I'm glad I got 3 rolls!)

A Purposeful Post....

2007-10-29T10:06:00.000-05:00

OK, my first creative post. I made these for my daughter's teachers, therapists, and paras for Halloween. Check out this awesome video tutorial by kwerner if you want to make one! After you look at the video, check out the rest of the blog - it's my favorite! I love her style and her video tutorials are the best!

Supplies: cardstock: black 12x12; pattern paper: Screaming Dots by Adornit, Archiver's; Filler: green crinkle shred, Target; Spider: K&Company; Tag punches: Stampin Up; Ribbon: Hobby Lobby.

UnHalloween Party....

2007-10-28T23:04:00.000-05:00

Like I said before, I love Halloween. And, I love having a Halloween party! HOWEVER, This is Bean's 5th Halloween and she is almost always sick on Halloween and we are forced to cancel parties, change plans, etc. Once, she was in the hospital for the stomach flu and ended up getting an MRI. Her anesthesiologist was dressed like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh and Donovan's "Season of the Witch" was playing in the background while they were trying to get an IV in her arm. It felt like a scene from Twin Peaks.

I'm happy to say that she was very healthy this year and for that we are sooo very grateful! Anyway, that's why we call it an UnHalloween Party. Here are a few pics:

This is the awesome cake that my friend Amy made. you have to check out her website. She makes custom cakes, cookies, invitations, etc. She is so talented!

YEAH! I just learned how to link! At least I hope I did, let me know if you can get there.

As you can see, Bean really enjoyed it! Thanks Amy!

Once again, Tim Kent made costumes for Cameron, Ella, Emma, and Sydney. And as always, they were darling! Cameron was a StormTrooper, Ella was Cinderella, Emma was Sleeping Beauty, and Syd was Tinkerbell. Thank you Tim! You always make Halloween so much fun! We love having our very own cosutme designer.

I'm just sad because I got the worst pictures of them all. If anyone got good ones, please send some to me!

We had such a great time! Thank you all for coming!

Oh, I almost forgot, our carved pumpkins on the porch..........

I'm so exited. I'm on vacation this week! I can't wait to spend a ton of time with Syd and hopefully, post some cards! After all, that was the purpose of all this!

Pumpkin Carving......

2007-10-25T21:26:00.000-05:00

I love Halloween! It is by far my favorite holiday! Why? At what other time is a severed body part in your front yard considered OK? Cobwebs floating from the ceiling fan considered cool? Exactly.

So, tonight we carved pumpkins. Bean was less than interested so Tim and I did most of the work. I have some sensory issues when it comes to pumpkin guts. Those who know me well, know that I get a little freaked out by touching food. Weird, I know, but we all have our things. By the time we got done, it was pretty dark and cold - I'll take pictures tomorrow.

My Stamping Room....

2007-10-24T17:54:00.001-05:00

Well, it looks like there will be at least two posts! You may wonder why I chose the name I did for my blog....well, here's why....my life is pretty hectic (isn't everyone's) and I use crafting as sort of a way to deal. OK, crafting and a little wine (or a lot of wine depending on the day!)

OK, so here is my sanctuary. My favorite place to be after Bean goes to bed. I really do cherish my time here. I think I spend more time organizing it than I do working in it though.

I have a few favorite things in here:
* my 12 x 12 and 8 1/2 x 11 paper holders that I got at an art store that was phasing out their scrapbooking section. Would you believe $25 for the 12 x 12 and $15 for the 8 1/2 x 11!!!!
* My rolling microwave cart that has a drawer that slides out. $32 at Target and worth every penny.
*My shoe organizer that works as a punch holder.

OH, how I love my room! Now, If I can only figure out how to photograph my cards, I'll post some for you!

I'm on vacation next week so maybe I'll figure a few things out. Does anyone know how to add music to a blog?

10 minutes ago....

2007-10-23T21:03:00.000-05:00

OK, so about 1o minutes ago I thought...."I wonder how hard it is to set up a blog?" Well, here's the answer - not very. Here I am, a blogger. WOW! I've just realized that I really have nothing to say.

This will be an interesting experiment...will this be the only entry? I guess we'll see. I make no promises. I hope I will use this to post cute card ideas (yes, I am a STAMPER, so beware)that I have probably unintentionally (or intentionally) cased from others in the Stamping Blogoshpere. By the way, to case means to steal. You may already know this, but I didn't.

OK - another question answered....."How hard is it to upload photos?" Even easier.

Exciting, now I want to figure out how to make a watermark for photos, jazz up my title, and do that cool thing where if you click on a word or group of words in my blog, it links you to another site. Any advice?