Dara's Stamping Blog

Masculine Bday Card

2011-03-29T11:48:00.003-04:00

I was in the mood to try out my brand new stamp. I just picked it up from Joanne Fabrics on Sunday. Then I saw Stampin B's challenge 103 to make a masculine card. http://stampinbsdesignteam.blogspot.com/

I had a good idea of what I wanted to do with the stamp. I definitely wanted two-toned blue. I tried lighter blues but they just weren't showing up, so then I stamped tempting turquoise then used my brillian blue marker to outline the guests, balloons and candles. I used summer sun and pumpkin pie for the flames on the candles. It took 6 attempts to get the image right. I always ended up with partial images.

So then I had to come up with a layout. I didn't really know what to do, so I went to Pricillastyles and checked out their layout for the week. It seemed pretty good, so I decided to try it. http://priscillastyles.blogspot.com/ This is challenge MMSC97.

After I found the layout, I decided to use my nesties. I mounted my image on tempting turquoise, then backed it up with garden green. The layer on the base is vanilla. I used one of my new cb folders and dry embossed the image in the background for texture. I then mounted my card on my bashful blue base. Thanks for looking and have a great day! :)

Has it been that long?

2011-02-25T11:19:00.008-05:00

Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted anything to this blog since October of last year! That just amazes me!!!

Life is good! I am very happy in life. I still don't have much of anything. The snowstorms we have been having have been wreaking havock on my arms, but I am determined not to let that get me down. I spent far too long dwelling on the bad stuff. "Oh, whoa is me!" Yea! Enough of that! Been there, done that! NO MORE!!! Life is too short to dwell on the bad stuff. It is time to focus on the good stuff, like God and family.

I am in such a good place now that I got God back into my life. I swear, I am totally a new person. I spend much of my time in God's word (The Bible), it really has changed me.

I recently saw a very good friend of mine. She has diabetes, rhuemetoid arthritis, carpal tunnel and no insurance. She is in a very bad place. She cracked a beer open at 12 in the afternoon. I'm afraid she is heading towards alcoholism, if she isn't already there. But something struck a chord in me. I looked at her, and I actually saw me. I saw the person I use to be. She is letting her circumstanes kick her down a very dark path. It truly saddens me. We went out, and she was just plain nasty to me. In reflection, I realized that was who I once was. Because of my arms being such an issue, not working for years, and being in a bad marraige, I was a miserable B! I got drunk, and I got nasty!

I realized that because of my circumstances, alcohol intensified all the bad things in my life. That is exactly what is happening with my friend. I need to have a heart to heart with her. I've been down that road, and it isn't pretty.

I didn't drink for 40 days, because I was using wine as a stress reliever and I wanted to stop it before it became a problem. Then I had a glass of wine with dinner at a friends, then last weekend I had two over the course of 4 hours, just relaxing. Then Sunday came. Daytona 500. I was with my friend that I mentioned above. I had a few too many glasses of wine. NOT GOOD!

I realized this is not what I want out of life. Why on earth am I drinking in bars? Granted it was Daytona 500, and it was a party, but it is not what I want out of life. I don't like being in a fog like that. That lifestyle of bars, and partying, is not me anymore. I'm not a kid. I'm a parent. What is the purpose? To get drunk! Who needs that?! I certainly don't! You are not going to meet a nice guy in a bar. I've changed. I am a different person. I am proud of who I have become, and who I am changing into on a daily basis.

I'm not sick anymore. I'm not depressed. I am happy. I feel like I have so much to give in this world, so much love, peace, joy and happiness. I love life. I don't need to drink for happiness, and I feel sorry for the people that feel they need to drink to find it. It will never happen. It will just suck you into darkness even more.

Live life! Be Happy! Don't let your circumstances get the best of you. Overcome them with determination and self-preservation. We all go thru junk in our lives. It is how we choose to deal with it which determines whether we will survive it or not. Strive to be a better person. Choose the right path. Live life!

Here are some cards I've made recently:

Lanore's Birthday

2010-10-19T15:46:00.002-04:00

I made this card primarily because I wanted to make a special card for my cousin's birthday Granted, I have plenty of cards on hand that I could have just sent, but my cousin is one of my closest friends. I haven't seen her in 26 years and we recently found each other again and picked up like we never missed a beat.

I saw Pricilla's midnite madness challenge, and decided to use that as my layout for Lanore's card.

I used pink pirouette as my base. I used last years Valentines DSP from SU as my designer paper. I mounted my image on rich razzleberry. I stamped the Elements of Style in Rich Razzleberry, then colored it in using pretty in pink, regal rose, mellow moss and always artichoke. I went over key areas with glitter gel pen. I then added medium pink brads to the top, grabbed a glue pen, then added dazzling diamonds to the brads.

I really tried to make this card special for my cousin. I hope she likes it.

tfl

Mom's Birthday

2010-10-12T09:48:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been a while since I've made cards. I just really haven't been into it lately. I guess I lost my card-making mojo. I was so into it for the past 4 years, I guess maybe the need to be creative with cards has passed. I've been writing. I guess that is where my creative flow has been going lately. God is so good! When I'm done posting this, I'm going to transcribe more of my latest book. Who knows, maybe God will bless me, and this book will be published too!

Anyway, about mom's card. I used Splitcoast Color Challenge colors for the card. Pear Pizazz, Real Red, and Pink Pirouette. The pear is the base, and red is the mat. I used SU's Bella Blue DSP for the panels, and layered pink pirouette under my main image. I used Pricilla Style's sketch as the design for the card.

I stamped my main image in black, then colored it using blushing bride, pretty in pink, and regal rose. The leaves are in pear Pizazz. The butterfly is pretty in pink and thump-n-rolled real red on it, then I added some dazzling diamonds for some sparkle. I also added sparkle on the flowers using glitter gel pen.

I hope my mom likes it. I even used corner punches on the inside to make it extra special.

Thanks for looking.

From Breast Milk to Table Food

2010-09-27T10:22:00.001-04:00

For anyone that is interested, here is the link to my first book. My second book is in transcription, and hopefully will be published also.

God Bless, and enjoy!

http://www.publishamerica.net/product17570.html

mojo151

2010-08-09T12:16:00.003-04:00

I guess I was in a crafty mood today. I tried my hand at the Mojo Monday Sketch 151.

I used pink pirouette as my base, then used rich razzleberry as my mat. The dsp is from SU Cottage Grove collection. I added the rich razzleberry ribbon.

I stamped my main image in black, then I colored it in using pretty in pink and highlighting with regal rose, the stem is colored with certain celery and highlighted with old olive. The sentiment is stamped in rich razzleberry.

tfl

mmsc62

2010-07-17T13:56:00.002-04:00

I made this for Pricilla's midnight madness challenge found here: http://priscillastyles.blogspot.com

I used white as my base. The cut strips of black and mounted them. Then I used white, black and white again for my image.

For the flower on the black portion, I used white craft ink and bridal embossing powder and heat embossed the image. I then used a black and white ribbon to complete the picture.

I feel this card has all the classic components of an elegant card.

thanks for looking!

mmsc60

2010-06-29T13:46:00.007-04:00

I made this for two reasons, one I wanted to make a special card for my friend Gina who just bought her first place, and two for the Priscilla Midnight Madness Challenge.

I used pretty in pink as my base, then layered it with Pink pirouette. I ran it thru the cb. I used certain celery as my mat, and stamped the reeds from Inspired by Nature in celery.

I used my markers for the flowers, regal rose, rose red and certain celery. I stamped my butterfly and bee in black, then used glitter gel pen to give it some shine. I added barely banana to the bee.

Gina really likes pink, so I wanted to reflect that in the card that I made. I also hand painted a birdhouse just for her. Seeing that she is a homeowner, she should have some of the same perks as a home owner, watching pretty birds in the backyard. I hope she likes it.

occsc12

2010-06-02T09:41:00.003-04:00

I made this for the Our Creative Corner challenge to make a black and white textured card.

I also made this because I just found out that my brother's stepson, his wife and child were in a very bad accident. His wife who is very much pregnant is in the hospital.

I know they are faithful people, so I thought this card would bring comfort in their time of need. Their car was completely destroyed along with the new car seat and their childs car seat. They were very lucky. God was definitely on their side.

tfl

MMSC56

2010-06-01T10:02:00.002-04:00

I made this card for Pricilla's Midnight madness challenge. I had no idea what colors I would use, so I just opened the drawer and started perusing over my colors.

I chose mellow moss as my base, with accents of pale plum and perfect plum mats.

I found some great dp that had those colors in them, so I used that to dress the card up a bit.

Out of the same packet, there was another floral and the reverse was this dark plaid which I loved, so I turned it to show the plaid.

My butterfly is thump-n-rolled in pale plum and perfect plum.

I had this ribbon that just seemed to go perfectly so I added that, then added the square jewels to the corner.

Hope you like it.

MojoMonday139

2010-05-19T15:27:00.003-04:00

I was in a crafting mood today, so I ventured over to the MojoMonday page and did challenge 139, found here: http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/

I used certain celery as my base, then matted my dp using Pink Pirouette. my back dsp is Bella Blue for SU, and the other dp is from SU's Valentines package from a few years back.

I added certain celery ribbon and pretty in pink ribbon.

I matted my image and the decorative piece with certain celery. the decorative piece is Kraft and I used a white gel pen and did faux stitching. I ran a piece of white thru my cb using SU dots ef.

My butterfly is done in pretty in pink and regal rose, cut out and popped up using foam dots.

tfl

mmsc54

2010-05-19T12:12:00.002-04:00

I made this for Pricilla's midnight madness challenge, found here: http://priscillastyles.blogspot.com/

I used the blue from the SU "in colors" from last year. Then I used SU dsp. I added blue ribbon that I found at Michaels in the $1.00 bin. I added primas to the bottom with big pink brads in the center.

The top primas are pink with white brads in the center.

The main image is pixie pink and pink passion markers, cut out and popped up. I layered it on certain celery, ran it thru the cb using SU's dots embossing folder, then matted it with pink passion.

tfl

cc271

2010-05-18T11:42:00.004-04:00

Hello again.

Today, against better judgement, I made a card for the color challenge over at splitcoast stampers. They wanted dusty durango, so saffron and rich razzleberry to be used. This is the card I created for the challenge.

The reason I say it was against better judgement is because when I went walking today, holding the umbrella of all things just aggrivated my arms to no end. My left arm has always been the better of the two, but even this arm, holding it in a still position holding an umbrella for 15-20 or 30 minutes at a time, took it's toll on me.

I know alot people think I complain too much about it, but you know, you have 4 surgeries between two arms and tell me how you feel. They hurt every day, some days are worse than others. I am still waiting for my fifth surgery, hopefully the last. It is not a picnic. That is for sure.

But recently events have happened to me, where I am trying not to focus on the pain so much, and focus on things that will better my life, my health. I have been walking for 4 weeks now, and it really has boosted my self-esteem. I really hit bottom, and now, I am picking myself up and moving forward. I'm finally out of the depression that has plagued me for so many years. Bad marraige and bad health just made it unbearable. But the marriage is over (good for me), and my health is better, nearing the end of this long road of endless surgeries of my arms, so now, positive thinking.

Life is too short not to live it to it's fullest. I realize it now. It has been a rocky road over the past several years, but now my life is finally turning a corner, and only better and brighter things I see for my future.

Have a wonderful day, and God Bless

MMSC53

2010-05-12T13:05:00.003-04:00

I made this for Precilla's midnight madness challenge.

I used kiwi kiss as my base, then layered it with pretty-in-pink. I used SU dsp.

I stamped my inspired by nature image using certain celery for the reeds, then old olive, pretty in pink and regal rose for theflowers.

I had this pretty ribbon that looked like regal rose, so I cut it and mounted it on pretty in pink.

The butterflies are regal rose and attached with glue dots.

tfl

New life

2010-05-05T15:08:00.004-04:00

As I wonder down yander way,

I look down and say hey,

Life is good

Life is grand

Let's live our lives hand in hand.

Little poem came to my head so thought I'd share it.

Anyway, I've been given a new lease on life. I had had a tough road over the past few years. I was in a failing marriage, and had 4 surgeries to date between both of my arms. I hit the lowest of the lows. I thought I would never get out. But the one thing that kept me going was "faith". I always had faith in God. Even though I got away from going to church, and even reading the bible, I still believed in God, and when it really got bad, I always looked to Him.

Now, my life seems to be heading in the right direction. I'm finally out of that slump. I am starting to feel good about myself again. I AM living life again! I'm not hiding under the rock of circumstances that wanted to keep me down. I am living, and I am loving life again! What a joy!

I started exercising. I do a 4 mile walk every day. I just bought new sneakers too because the other ones are shot. I'm feeling good about myself, and I am truly happy in my heart. I haven't been happy like this in probably 14 years! Granted, you have the happiness of God in your heart, but I feel happiness for me. I finally feel good about myself. I'm tackling the weight that has been holding me back for years. When I got sick, I gained 50 pounds from the medication. I AM going to loose that weight. I have goals set for myself now. Wow, goals! Who would have thought that goals could bring so much joy to someone.

When talking to my lawyer yesterday, he said to me " you've been through a lot, you are very lucky to come out from the bad days, because so many of his clients never do". 14 years in a bad marriage, 4 years of living with pain from my arms, 4 surgeries, that is a lot. Thank God, I have God! I never would have made it without HIM!

So now, as I walk my 4 miles a day, I dream of brighter days, and hope for my future. I am dreaming again, and planning for wonderful things. I think I might go back to school again, this time for either phsychology, or sociology, or both! Life is good! I know I have only brighter days ahead of me.

I made this card for mothers day for my mom. I got a chance to talk to her last night. She is very happy that I am on the right path now. She did say to me, she was surprised at how positive I was during such a bad time. Because when I talk to mom, I laugh, and try to be the happiest I can be for her, cuz she is my mom, and I love her. But she agreed, I have not been dealt very good cards over recent years.

Here is the card I made for her:

I used mellow moss as the base of the card, I used barely banana on the inside and stamped my sentiment and a pretty flower.

I used melon mambo for the mats with barely banana, pink pirouette and white for the design. I used 2006 SU dsp. I used green galore and melon mambo for the hummingbird and cut him out and popped him up using pop dots.

I stamped the flower in black, and colored it using various pinks and green galore, and finished it with a ribbon.

I hope my mom likes her mothers day card.

Have a great day, God bless, and live each moment to the fullest. Life is too short not to appreciate all the beauty it has to offer.

Lester's get well

2010-04-07T10:45:00.003-04:00

I am a member of a private club, and I am on the sympathy committee. (I guess they call it that for lack of a better name) Anyway, the president of our club, and a dear sweet man is in the hospital. I'm not sure what the ailment is, but from what I hear, it is pretty serious. He celebrated his 85th birthday last year, and has pretty much been healthy until then. He had a bout of something a while back, had a surgery, and took about 2 months to recover, and now he is back in the hospital with complications I believe. Don't quote me, but I'm pretty sure that is what is happening. Anyway, I think of Lester like a grandfather. He is so sweet, and he will tell you like it is. I really care about him, and hope he gets well soon.

I made his card as part of the splitcoaststampers sketch challenge. I used vanilla as my base then kiwi kiss as my mount. I then took another piece of vanilla and ran it thru the cuttlebug using one of their folders, then split the image the way the sketch asked us to. I then stamped the dragonfly in always artichoke, and added the get well sentiment, some hodgepodge hardware and a ribbon on the bottom. I really hope he likes his card.

thanks for looking.

MMSC45

2010-03-17T11:35:00.004-04:00

This is for the midnight madness challenge found here:http://priscillastyles.blogspot.com/

I used white as my base, then black as my mat. I measured my bg with a ruler so it would be even. I used rose red for my flowers from Pretty Amazing, cut the and popped them up using glue dots. The hummingbird, I stamped on a previously stamped image that I didn't like, then I cut it and popped it up. I added brads because the corners needed something.

Here is the card:

This card I made for splitcoaststampers sketch challenge.

I used white as my base, black as my mat, then stamped my flowers using bravo burgandy, rose red and old olive. The bg is stamped in mellow moss.

Creating again!

2010-03-15T14:13:00.002-04:00

Hello fellowette bloggers! I decided to actually blog about my latest creation today. Splitcoast stampers had a challenge, "technique lovers challenge" I never do these, but I thought I would peek to see what it was. It was a challenge to make your own designer paper. So, I decided to use a technique I made up maybe 2 yrs ago or so. It is a combination of elements from like three different techniques.

I call the technique, SMOOSH, SQUISH AND SPRAY:
As you can see from my card, there seems to be a lot of movement on my background panel, that is due to the technique.

1. take a baggie, cut it along the side and along the bottom. I feel ziplocks work best.
2. open the baggie like a book
3. find coordinating colors, I used regal rose, and pink passion (stamp pads only)
4. on one side stamped the regal rose using your stamp pad, cover the side of the baggie
5. then stamp pink passion on the other side using the stamp pad, cover this side of the baggie
6. close the baggie, smoosh the colors together using a bone folder, go over the entire portion of the baggie with the bone folder
7. open the baggie, take a spritzer full of water, and a few drops of red food coloring, shake to mix, then spray one spray on each side of the baggie
8. close quickly then open again
9. take watercolor paper or glossy photo paper. Use glossy side out 2 pieces, otherwise fold your watercolor paper in half.
10. place on inside of baggie
11. close baggie, use bone folder to squish all the colors together, do for several seconds until desired effect is achieved.
12. open baggie, take paper out, if you use watercolor paper, you may want to take a heat gun to dry the paper, it will be soggy.
13. go rinse out your baggie for next use
14. use your new smoosh, squish, and sprayed image for your project.

Too long

2010-03-10T23:24:00.002-05:00

It has been way too long since I have blogged last. I try not to stay on the computer too much because it just irritates my arms. I have another doctor appointment in about 2 weeks. I'm wondering if he will suggest another surgery. The PA, gave the inclination that doctor would suggest that due to the deterioration of the muscles in my arm. He suggested that the doctor might want to get rid of the dead tissue. I'm sure I have a lot since this is a chronic issue I've had for 4 yrs. This next surgery will hopefully be the last one, as it was always the secondary issue to the insides of my elbows. 4 years is way too long to deal with this.

But anyway, I'm not hear to blah, blah, blah about my arms all day, too sick of it. I'm here to showcase my latest works. I was invited to participate in a midnight madness challenge, and this is the card I made for it

I used melon mambo as my base, then added bella blue dsp, my mat is lavendar lace and my image is stamped in rich razzleberry. tfl and all your nice comments.

2010-01-25T09:59:00.015-05:00

Wow, I can't believe the last blog I made was right before Christmas, that was quite a long time ago. So much has happened since then. I went down to NC to see my family the day after Christmas, and ended up staying longer than I wanted due to car issues. The fuel pump died on me while I was down there. My dad replaced the battery in my car, then next thing you know, it wouldn't start. I was upset because I wanted to leave new years eve day early, but car wouldn't run. I guess it was a blessing that it happened while I was there and not in the mountains somewhere driving home! The trip down was exhausting, it is a long drive, but this time especially trecherous for me. I had fog and freezing rain for the majority of the day. I was what you call, "white knuckle driving" for quite some time. I wanted to meet up with my SCS friends that live down there, but I was just beat after that.
We had some nice family photos taken too. I look terrible in the pictures, but it was nice to have the family with the kids getting so big now. The last time we did the photo thing was back in 2004, my son is 10 now so quite the difference in him and my niece (they are 6mos apart). I looked different too, I was much much bigger then, my face was huge. I guess I was too. I guess outside of the recent 30 pound weightloss, I must have lost more along the way but just not at one time.
I'm starting a website for my cards. This is quite the project. I have 5 photoboxes full of my cards, roughly 400 cards. The website is a pain in the butt, cuz I have to take the photos, obviously, but I have to shrink them down in paint before they look right. One photo box alone, took 3 hours to photo and sort, now I have to shrink them too. OMG, this is going to take me forever, and the worst part is, I really have no clue what I am doing there. Hopefully though, it will be worth it. When I do craft fairs, several people have asked if I had a website, so maybe I can sell some more cards.

Here are some of the cards I've made in the past few months:
This card was made for a color challenge on SCS. It called for pretty in pink, rich razzleberry and soft suede. I didn't have suede so I used the close to cocoa.
I made this card for my friend Anne (jdmommy) featured stamper challenge and the color challenge. I really like it with the red, blue and brown, I think it came out pretty, and it was a tribute to my friend, so what is better than that.

This card was made for the sketch challenge found on splitcoaststampers.com I used olive, razzleberry, pale plum and Stampin Up Designer series paper, (dsp). I just got this stamp set so I decided to play with it a bit. It is a fun set to you. A little out of my comfort zone as far as images, I think I'm more of an elegant, vintage type of stamper, this is a little more playful. I like it!

I made this card for a challenge on Splitcoast (SCS), it was to use pink, so I used several pinks for this. I actually was looking thru SU's book, and saw a sample card where they stamped a flower and cut it vertically three ways, then it had crinkled paper in the background (bg), I thought it was cool, but I wanted to change it up, so this is what I came up with. Cutting the main image equally was the challenge. I had to stamp it first, then cut it. The mounts were easy just 1/4 inch larger.

This card was made for the inspiration challenge on SCS. I saw this pendant, it was a circle it had a green square with a dragonfly on it, then it had 3 little baubles hanging off of it. The circle pendant made me think, oh lets make a circle with a dragonfly in it, then this card just evolved. It was tricky with the top panel because I wanted 3 dragonflies, and to get them to fit the right way was an issue. Also had an issue with the placement of the circles. This truly is a hand-crafted card. It took me a long time to get this card "just-right".

This card was part of the challenge, but it was a blue pendant with black flowers and a dragonfly on it. It was hung by a silver chain, hence the silver ribbon. I stamped with black craft ink, then heat embossed the image.

This card was for a color challenge, bashful blue, ruby red, and close to cocoa. Again, I wanted to use my fun stamp set. I gave this card to my friend Tracy for her birthday. She was impressed. To me, it's not my greatest work, because this stampset isn't really my style as I stated before.
This card was for a SCS challenge too, to "cut it out", I wanted to make a masculine card, I seldom make these. I was looking in the SU idea book, and saw a picture from Halloween, and liked the layout, so I adjusted it a bit using this Asian set. I changed the colors to Kraft, Choc Chip and Kiwi Kiss. I really like this card. I think it is elegant and classy, and very masculine.

This was an inspiration challenge card. I got so many compliments on this card, and it was a quick and easy card for me. I think it took me about 15 minutes to make. What the inspiration piece was, was a dark purple scarf with a black lace border. So I used Lavendar lace for my base, then took a piece of black, used a punch to mimic lace, then took another piece of lavendar and stamped my images in lavendar and black. I went around the edge of the base of the card with another stamp from the same set in black. Easy peasy! I added a sparkle ribbon too.

This was a featured stamper challenge card. Karen Barber, who makes awesome, vintage cards, and just elegant cards all around was the featured stamper. This card is very similar to hers. On these challenges, you change two or more things. I kept the integrity of her first card by using pretty much the same colors, and used the same SU dsp. I like it.

2 days until Christmas

2009-12-23T11:52:00.009-05:00

I Can't believe there are only two days left until Christmas and I am still working on Christmas cards. well, I guess that is the way when you have over 50 people to give cards to then sell some that you made at craft fairs.
I made this one today. This is the final one, I made it as part of the splitcoast sketch challenge, I had to come up with something, why not do a challenge! I used very vanilla as my base, then added real red as a "mat" layer, along with SU's Christmas dp for several years ago. I used the snowflake from snowswirled, stamped it in real red then went over it with versamark and dazzling diamonds and a heat gun to give it shimmer, then I used my punch and punched it out. I added a gold ribbon for extra shimmer, and my tree is done the same way but with always artichoke ink.

I saw something on SU's demonstrator magazine where the images were stacked, I thought that was a neet concept, so I tried it with the delightful decorations set. I used mellon mambo, pretty in pink and old olive as my colors. I had to mask the images so the ink wouldn't bleed between colors, so I used a post it, and stamped the image twice then cut it out and used them as my mask.

This was a splitcoast challenge to use gold. I think it was a limited supply challenge. I used mellon mambo as my base, then old olive, then used gold as my mat, then white, and stamped the "Sanded" background stamp in gold. I then used my delightful decorations set in mambo and olive, and popped them up with pop dots, added an artichoke ribbon wrapped like a present.

This was for the gold or silver challenge mentioned above. I used artichoke as my base, then stamped bella toile bg stamp in silver. My main image is stamped in gold then heat embossed in gold, then colored in using a blender pen in ruby red, and gold gel pen. The image is matted on ruby red, and gold. I added some candycane eyelets I had.

I think this is one of my fave cards of the season. This was part of a featured stamper challenge, where you take the image and change it up at last two ways. I used always artichoke as my base, then I took white, stamped the sanded bg stamp in artichoke, LOVE IT! I added a real red ribbon. The main image is stamped in artichoke and mounted on artichoke. I used deckling scissors for the edges. The snowflakes are a very tiny punch that I have, I punched them in real red then used glue dots to secure them. I added 3 brads to the bottom of the card.

This was a ways to use it challenge from splitcoaststampers.com, we were to make a card using a recipie or something we made to eat for the holidays. My fave thing to bake is choc chip, m&m cookies. I use the tollhouse recipie and add in m&m's for those of you who were wondering. So I made this card using creamy caramel cardstock. I then added a Choc Chip ribbon, and stamped my delightful decorations in mellon mambo, kiwi kiss and pacific point to represent the m&m's I also used my cuttlebug and used my dots folder to emboss the front panel of the card. I added a cool ribbon that had choc dots of all things as hangers for the ornaments.

Well, it seems like that is all she wrote as far as my recent cards. I think it is a little easier to do it the way I did today. I think I will try it in the future.

If I could figure out how, would you ladies be interested in doing color challenges, or sketch challenges? Let me know

Where does the time go?

2009-12-15T15:02:00.016-05:00

Omg, I can't believe it 10 days until Christmas! I am so done by now, and this year, considering I am home, I still have lots to do. I can't believe how disorganized I have been with things this year. Totally unlike me!

Well, this is the first year as a single mom. I worked for a while, but set the recovery of my arms back by doing so. Also when I worked, the differentials with workers comp were coming late, therefore, all my bills got backed up, and dug myself into a hole. Now I am trying to dig myself out. I guess that is where all this unorganized chaos is coming from called my life! HA!

I am waiting for the workers comp people to approve my physical therapy. Ever since the prp injections in my arm, my right lateral (outside) arm has not been right. I have been in pain everyday, some days worse than others. It is terrible to just move your arm and to hurt. I know people think I complain alot, in essence I don't because I am in pain every day. I just complain on the days when I can't stand the pain.

I am worried. I am driving down to NC to see my parents in a few weeks. I still can't use my right arm to drive for more than 5 minutes at a time. Lately, if I go to stretch it, it locks up too, so I am nervous. It will be just me and my son, and he can't drive he's not even 10 yet! I do have a plan though. I am going to make sure I bring lots of ice, and if it hurts too much, I will pull over and put my little elbow patch with the ice on, and I have my ointments, ladocaine patches and of course narcotics. I wont' use those until I am at my parents, and only if needed.

Anyway, this has caused me to be way behind in my stamping. I usually have my Christmas cards out the weekend of Thanksgiving. I have been putting it off. I don't know if it is because of my arm, or I just don't care this year. Who knows. I have about 10 more to still make, but these are my most recent ones.

Thank goodness for the Splitcoaststampers challenges. If it weren't for them and seeing all the ladies marvelous works, I don't think I would have been inspired to make what I have made. I even cut down my Christmas list this year. I'm only mailing to 50 people this year. Years past, it was as high as 100 people.

Thanks for looking, have a great day.

Sad days still admist my life

2009-11-29T14:50:00.005-05:00

Well, I haven't stamped in a while, was busy with craft fairs, getting organized etc. Then on Thanksgiving evening, my b/f and I broke up. I know, it is unusual for the person who did the breaking to feel sad, but I do. I really loved him, I still do. There are just somethings that were broken in the relationship that no matter how hard we tried, we just couldn't fix it. It is terrible. I miss him! I cried myself to sleep the first night, and have just been a sad person these past few days. I am very thankful for my gal pals, they have been doing their best to get me up and out and living life again. They really helped me. I even went shopping! great therapy btw!

I wanted to get myself out of the dolldroms, so I decided to check out featured stamper of the day at splitcoast, it is Mrs. Boz, I saw this card of hers, so pretty, the colors just captured me. Who doesn't like chocolate with blue! OMG what a color combo!!! LOVE IT!!!

I would love to link her card but this doesn't want to let me. So here is my card made with choc chip paper as my base, followed by bashful blue, I stamped Print Patterns in bashful blue, then went with Sanded in creamy caramel. I added a caramel piece and choc ribbon. My main image is choc chip, and creamy caramel with a bashful blue ribbon.

tfl

Out of work, so time to craft!

2009-11-17T12:35:00.014-05:00

Well, I've been out of work for a few weeks now, so I have been catching up on my craft time. I really missed it when I was working, it really is quite therapuetic and relaxing.

Not much has been happening lately, still seeing my guy, 6 months as of yesterday, and trying to find a job. Things are a little more stable now, the workers comp checks finally got caught up, so am getting my bills back in order, which is a very good thing!

My right arm has been bothering me a lot lately. The lateral side (outside) of my right arm has been hurting ever since I had the prp injections done. (PRP Injection=draw blood, spin it into plasma, and inject it into the body part that has issues) I'm not sure if the doctor hit on something that was dormant or what, but it has been bothering me ever since the injections back in late September. I guess all I can do is suck it up and try to stay off the computer and let it heal.

I did a craft fair this past Saturday, I not only made the cost of the table, but I made almost $100 profit from my cards. I really love making them, but selling them and seeing other people happy because of my creations is just awesome.

Here are my latest works.

2009-11-06T10:53:00.003-05:00

Now that I'm out of work, I had the opportunity to start making cards again. I went to the Stampin B's page and took their #31 Challenge. Here is my card for that challenge.

I used night of navy as my base, then bravo burgandy as my mat, then I used Stampin Up dsp, and nesties for my shape. I used bravo burgandy ribbon, I stamped in burgandy, and colored using the pastels from SU marker set. I used my glue stick then went over it with dazzling diamonds for sparkle. The stars I went over with a glitter gel pen to give them sparkle.

tfl and have a great day!

2009-10-26T16:00:00.009-04:00

Hi there, haven't been on blog in quite some time. Not much going on here, still loosing weight, down 30 pounds now, but I haven't been so strict with my diet like I was in the past, so it is time to get back down to business. I want to drop another 20 before Christmas. The only way I will do it, is if I crack the whip and start dieting correctly!

Here are some cards that I've made recently.

the new me!

2009-09-24T22:26:00.006-04:00

here I am, down 24 pounds, I can totally see the difference in my body, my clothes are falling off me. I love it! I'm down 2 dress sizes, or shall I say, jean sizes. I need to buy new scrubs because I look like I'm wearing clown pants. Gotta love loosing weight.

Check out my new pics!

I can't believe it!

2009-09-19T13:56:00.006-04:00

I can't believe it, I went to the store yesterday and tried on jeans that were 2 sizes smaller than what I had previously worn. Get this, they fit! I am so excited! I finally am getting into the weight that I gained from being sick with thyroid disease. Wow, 10 years I have just come close but was never able to get there, now I'm 8 pounds into it, I am just so happy!

My boyfriend took me to Maine last weekend, what a romantic place! Wow! Just incredible, the views were just stunning. How lucky am I?!

I'm going to a wedding today, I made 2 cards for it, not sure which one I want to give to them, will ask the b/f to have him pick because I am clueless and they are both nice. This is one of them, the other is in my gallery under my featured stamper challenges. "JoJot" was the fs that day.

Here is a pic from Maine, you can see my new body. I can't believe how good I look, it is just amazing. My new b/f has made me a happy woman too. It's been a long time since I felt wanted and admired, and an equal, I feel all those things now. What a wonderful feeling.

A new day, a new me!

2009-08-02T12:40:00.011-04:00

I have been so busy lately. I have a new boyfriend, almost 3 months now, a new job, and a new weight! I'm down 13 pounds!!! My new job happens to be at a weightloss clinic, and because I work there, I get to do the program for free!! I've been on it for almost 2 weeks, and 13 pounds lighter. I am so happy!

Unfortunately, I haven't really had time to craft lately. I totally miss it. I am going to try and keep up with my card making once a week, it is so therapeutic. Having a new boyfriend, I find that I'm spending my available time with him. It is so funny, when I was married, I didn't spend any time with my ex, this was my therapy to stay away from him. Now I'm in a good relationship, I don't get enough time to make my cards because I am just too happy, I want to spend all my free time with him!

Well, here are some cards I made, and a few pics of the new me!

Yesterdays Graduation

2009-06-09T09:20:00.011-04:00

I graduated from Medical Assistant Training. We had the official ceremony yesterday. In the pics are me, my son, my two best friends, Dawn and Michelle, and my new boyfriend Jeff. tfl

MOJO89

2009-06-02T12:19:00.003-04:00

I made this card for the MOJO89 challenge. I also made it for my new b/f for fathers day. He is such a sweet guy. I am very lucky to have found him. I wanted to do something special for him.

I used creamy caramel as my base, then I used close to cocoa dsp for the top half, and dsp from the "to the nines" collection from Stampin Up.

I mounted my image on choc chip and layered it with creamy caramel. I stamped in choc chip, and the little star is stamped in close to cocoa, colored in caramel, and highlighted in choc chip.

Hope you like it, tfl! PS, this is my first square card!

Healing

2009-05-29T15:50:00.011-04:00

Well, it has been a month since I have had surgery. My arm is getting better. I can actually just about straighten it out. I still have to be careful, I tend to over do it sometimes, as I am a righthanded woman, I forget and use my right hand instead of taking it easy and using my left.

Here are some pics taken today. As you can see, I am much better than the last set of pics. I also made a card today so I am adding that too.

getting better

2009-05-14T15:32:00.002-04:00

Each day I am getting better and better, and I find, I can do more things. So I tried to make a more complex card, using the mojo86 theme.

I just got my new papers, and my new sanded bg. So I decided to make a card on pirouette pink, I wanted to use my sanded, and mellow moss just jumped out at me. so I used that. I had some 6x6 dsp from SU and I had some in artichoke that just went so well, I used it.

Then I matted my images on rose red, used my markers in rose red, artichoke and colored in pretty in pink and mellow moss. I really like how this turned out.

what do you think?

2009-05-07T15:00:00.009-04:00

So, I have been away due to surgery of my right arm. I was able to make 3 cards since my sugery. It was a difficult process, but Imake cards and I love doing it.

The whit card was made 3 days after surgery, the pink, 4-1/2 days, and the purple 10 days.

This is how I look. The exposed pics or my arm were taken yesterday. I still have the stitches in my arm and they come out tomorrow. Hope I didn't gross you out.

2009-04-17T14:22:00.001-04:00

This card is used for two challenges. The first is the limited supply challenge, where we were to use a "wheel" an image, a sentiment and an embellishment.
The way I used my wheel, was I rolled it in pumpkin pie, on white, then cut out the flowers and added them to the corner of my image.
I sponged my bg, using river rock, kiwi kiss, old olive, barely banana, apricot appeal, more mustard, marigold morning, groovy guava, pumpkin pie. I stamped in black, and mounted my images on night of navy.
This works for the stampinb challenge because I used nesties for my main image, then I used SU sissix die for my sentiment.
tfl

On April 27, I am going in for elbow surgery. I may not be able to blog for a while after that.

2009-04-13T18:12:00.002-04:00

This is my latest card. I made this for StampinB's challenge. Their challenge was to create a card with a bee in it.

2009-03-27T17:28:00.003-04:00

I made two cards today for the challenge, and ran some errands, and my elbows are just killing me. This second surgery on my elbows can not come soon enough. I'm so tired of always hurting.

This is the second card I made for splitcoasts limited supply challenge. I really like the layout, it just kind of came to me. I think those are the best cards I make, when I do a layout on the fly! Well, hope you like it. Enjoy.

This is my second card for the limited supply challenge, to make black and white cards.My last card I used DCWV sparkle scraps. I'm using the same thing this time. I had 3 pieces of the same sparkle paper in my scrap bag. So here is my second card.My dimensions are: white: 4 x 4-1/4sparkle: 2-1/2 x 4-1/4image: 2-3/4 x 3-3/4I used the hotdog cut on the black base

tfl

black and white challenge

2009-03-27T09:29:00.003-04:00

This is for todays limited supply challenge from Splitcoast stampers. The challenge is to make a black and white card. You can make anything if you put your mind to it. Scraps can be a key to making an awesome card. Sometimes scraps make the best layouts too. Preset your scraps in different directions to create unique and wonderful layouts.

This card is basically made around scraps. I have a bag that has odds and ends, usually dsp scraps. I saw these two DCWV Sparkle (black) scraps and came up with my idea. Even the black flower is a scrap from another project.
I found a design I liked then had to find a stamp to go with it. I tried another stamp but didn't like it, when I stamped the flower from ever after, I thought, this is the one. Just enough black and white to make this an elegant card.
So now to assemle. I knew I wanted black ribbon, so I added that first, then my argyle piece, then stripes then my main image. The difficulty I found next was the placement of the flower. I added a white prima on top of it, with a black button brad.After trying several different locations, I settled on the middle. I think it is cool. It balances the ribbon and the center panel.
What do you think?

2009-02-10T09:36:00.001-05:00

This is for todays featured stamper challenge.The challenge were to use perfect plum, pink pirouette and kiwi kiss.I used perfect plum as my base, pink pirouette dsp, kiwi kiss as my stripe.I stamped in old olive, pretty in pink and perfect plum.I added glitter to one of my butterflies to make it stand out.My squares measure 3x3 and 2-1/2 x 2-1/2.tfl

2009-02-08T14:53:00.002-05:00

This is my second card for todays challenge. It was a challenge too. I tried my sponging a few different ways, and after tweeking this card quite a bit, this is my end result.
I used this as my inspiration: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1134414?cat=500&ppuser=6575
I changed the card from a square to a standard cardI changed the paper, this is provocraft dpI changed my sponged colorI changed my main imageI changed the location of the buttonI added a ribbonI took out the stitching and did faux piercing in the corners.
tfl

2009-02-08T11:29:00.002-05:00

This is for todays featured stamper challenge. Congrats to todays fs.
I chose this as my inspiration: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1178059?cat=500&ppuser=6575
I changed the colors: I used rose red, danbury dsp, pretty in pink, river rock dsp.
I changed the ink color: I used pretty in pink and rose red.
I changed the brad and sentiment.
tfl

2009-02-07T18:39:00.002-05:00

I made this for the mojo72 sketch challenge http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
I used lavendar lace, flowers for you dsp, pretty in pink and whisper white as my csI stamped in pixie pink and added dazz diamonds for some shine.
I added a lavendar prima and pink brad at the bottom of my image.
tfl
http://dara-stamping-blog.blogspot.com/

2009-02-07T11:56:00.004-05:00

This is for todays inspiration challenge. I chose the candy stripe pendant as my inspiration: http://www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk/hunkycat/candy-stripe-pendant-drum-pi-537.html?image=0
The colors are different, but the stripes really got me. Of course you need to dress up your stripes.
I used natural ivory as my base, used Parisian Summer as my dp, then I layered bravo burgandy with mellow moss and very vanilla.
I colored my flowers using regal rose, rose red and mellow moss. The butterflies are bravo burgandy and regal rose.
tfl

2009-01-28T14:22:00.002-05:00

This is for todays sketch challenge. I wanted to make a special card for my new b/f. I just found out he likes purple, and purple is my fave color too!
So I used my left over piece from my smoosh, squish and spray technique.
Directions here: This is what I did:
plastic baggie - cut on side and across bottomOpened baggie to look like a book.
stamped almost amethyst directly onto one side of the baggie (stamp pad to baggie)Then I stamped elegant eggplant directly to the other side of the baggie (stamp pad to baggie)I closed the baggie, used a bone folder and rubbed it along the outside of the baggie
Opened the baggie, sprayed clear water (usually food coloring and water is done this step) Only 3 squirts of water needed.Close the baggietake bone folder and smoosh it around the outside of the bag
Open the baggie, take 2 pieces either photo paper or glossy paper. Put glossy sides out, and matted side back to back.Put in center of baggie
Close baggie, smoosh, and squish the colors together using bone folder again.
Open baggie, see finished product, cut to size
I really like this rose I think I bought it from AC Moore a few years back. I stamped it in eggplant and artichoke, and colored it in with amethyst and celery.
I used my marvy uchida punches, and punched in artichoke and eggplant.
tfl

2009-01-27T08:23:00.006-05:00

On Sunday I got to hang out with my best friend. She's not a stamper, but we were both stressed out, so we decided to make cards. She had some stuff that needed cards for anyway. So I got to teach again. It was great. I am a SU demo, but I have no clients, so I am more of a hobbiest than anything. Due to finances, I might even have to give that up, but in any case, I love to teach. It is such a relaxing craft, and I am totally in my element when I make my cards.

It was nice to be inspired again. Things had been a little off lately for me, and I've kind of been in a funk and not creating to the best of my ability, but Sunday gave me light and enthusiasm again. I'm glad I had the chance to chill out with my bff and create and to get my mojo going again.

This is what we created.

2009-01-21T12:13:00.003-05:00

I made this for todays sketch challenge.
I haven't used my smoosh, squish & spray technique in a while, so I decided to use it today. I thought it would be a neet backdrop. I did my technique a little different this time. I usually use food coloring & water, today, just plain water.
This is what I did:
plastic baggie - cut on side and across bottomOpened baggie to look like a book.
stamped almost amethyst directly onto one side of the baggie (stamp pad to baggie)Then I stamped elegant eggplant directly to the other side of the baggie (stamp pad to baggie)I closed the baggie, used a bone folder and rubbed it along the outside of the baggie
Opened the baggie, sprayed clear water (usually food coloring and water is done this step) Only 3 squirts of water needed.Close the baggietake bone folder and smoosh it around the outside of the bag
Open the baggie, take 2 pieces either photo paper or glossy paper. Put glossy sides out, and matted side back to back.Put in center of baggie
Close baggie, smoosh, and squish the colors together using bone folder again.
Open baggie, see finished product, cut to size

I thne layered my pieces on eggplant and finished with the sentiment from dreams for you in artichoke.

tfl

2009-01-07T11:40:00.002-05:00

Hi, I'm Charlie, I'm 9 years old. I got to stay home today because it snowed. I asked mom what the challenge for the day was, and as soon as I saw this I had an idea.
I originally was going to use flamingos for my card but then the cardstock ripped while mom was out shoveling, so, I found some paper and changed my image. When I stamped on the workplace paper, I made a trail with my stamp, I thought it was cool. It looked as if the flower was moving. I wanted to repeat this affect.
This is how I made the "moving effect", I stamped my main image, then I slowly wiggled the stamp in the direction I wanted the image to move. It's kind of a rocking motion back and forth. I think it is way cool.
The card is on pixie pink, I like this color because it is nice and bright, then the other color is brilliant blue, another bright color.
Thanks for looking!

2009-01-03T23:11:00.006-05:00

Well, It's the New Year! Let's hope that things are better than last year. Last year was a very difficult year, and I'm hoping with my school graduation looming in the forefront that things will look up. I certainly could use a financial boost. That is totally for sure.

Today on Splitcoaststampers.com we had a challenge to be inspired by cakes. The website is here: http://cakenouveau.com/cakes.html

I found two yummy looking cakes and made some cards. The first one I made out of choc chip paper, then I took some close to cocoa paper, and cut it in strips, each a little more narrow then the next. Then I took Delight in Life and Organic Life flowers and stamped them in brilliant blue, then cut the flowers out. I mounted them in a cascade of flowers. This was quite time consuming. I took a few breaks and took down the ornaments on the tree. the lights and tree, and accessories are next them I'm done! Yeah! Anyway, this took quite some time with this card. I popped up some of the flowers for visual interest.

Around 10pm I decided to make another card. This one I used the orchid as the inspiration. This was a little less tedius as the other card. I used some diecuts and my cuttlebug to cut them. I'm so new to die cuts! Anyway, I used my new nesties too! I'm still trying to get the hang of them, they don't look like everyone elses, I think I'm doing something wrong! HELP!

I made my card of river rock, black, very vanilla, and garden green. I think I had a really cool effect with this card. The die cut corner I used, I really wanted to swirl around the "cake" but I couldn't find a way that I like it, so I stuck with corners. I then stamped in orchid oppulence the flower from touch of nature, and the small flower from delight in life. All in all, it has been a productive card day.

decorative card holders

2008-12-23T22:03:00.004-05:00

These are the containers I ended up making using my tutorial below. The recipients of my gift of cards were thrilled. It is so nice to know that ppl appreciate hand made gifts and they just loved the cards that I gave to them as gifts. One woman said that she valued all the hand crafted gifts I had given in the past, she said it meant more than anything you could find in a store.

How nice is that?!

These are three of the containers that I gave out. I'm glad they liked them, I hope the other recipients enjoyed them just as much.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-21T22:39:00.002-05:00

I got this new rubber on Wednesday. I haven't had a chance to put ink to it until today.
I think the color pallete is especially cool, totally unexpected too, by me especially!
I actually built my card around the flower, literally.I stamped my flower in bravo burgandy and garden green. Then I colored in cameo coral and green galore. From there I got the rest of the card.
I decided I really wanted to accentuate my flower, so I used a templet and cut out an oval. Then I used my complimentary color of ruby red to mount my flower and use the coral over it with the oval cut out. Then I decided I wanted to use some of the green as an accent. I didn't really care for the garden green, so I opted for green galore.
I thought the green was a wee bit bright so I decided to tone it down with basic grey. I actually wanted to put a ribbon around the complete flower panel, but I mounted it and forgot the ribbon, so I got some ribbon, tied a bow and used a glue dot to secure it.
I really wanted to add the sentiment to the front of the card, something I seldom due, so I stamped it in burgandy and was going to mount it on burgandy, but didn't like the look against the grey, so I changed it to the ruby red.
Once I secured that I really liked the look of the card but felt it was a bit empty at the bottom. I was going to use eyelets but saw these brads that matched perfectly.
What do you think?
tfl

Stationary holder

2008-12-13T21:24:00.021-05:00

I thought of this stationary holder idea after giving gifts of cards to my teachers from school. I had put the cards in a stationary holder, but it closed like a book, and the teachers didn't understand that there was something inside the holder. I had to tell them. So I thought to myself, how can I make a holder for cards that will reveal what is inside of them. With that, I came up with this box.

I used the premises from the previous holder and modified it to what I wanted.

I used an 8-1/2 by 8-1/2 piece of cardstock.

I scored on 8 inches, 7 inches, 1-1/2 inches and 1/2 inch

Then turned the cardstock and scored at 2-1/2 and 3-1/2

What You need to do after you make your first fold at 2-1/2 you need to cut.

Then you cut the other side in the same location at the fold.

From there you cut up an inch to the next fold on the fold that will become your side and front panel.

Then you take the small piece and adhere it to the flap that will get attached to what will be your bottom. Now you have half a box formed.

Then fold up your flap and adhere your side panel and back panels with tacky strip.

When you are done, you have a great box

Sorry this post is so crazy, but it took me forever just to upload the pictures and get them in correct order.

Have a nice night.

2008-11-29T16:22:00.002-05:00

I just made this really pretty card for the OOOC sketch challenge. After going to SCS to upload it, there is no category to upload for them. I just hope people get to see this card. I put a lot of effort into and tried to pop the colors of the dsp. Maybe someday my talent will be recognized.

I'm not an "in the box thinker", I'm an outside of the box thinker. I try to do things differently so I don't blend into the crowd. some people may think I'm wierd or have strange taste in how I make my cards, but I know I have creative talent. I have always been creative. I just never honed my creativity until I learned about stamping. I truly believe that this is where I really shine.

Have a great day!

Monochromatic Christmas

2008-11-28T18:36:00.002-05:00

Today is known as "Black Friday" I didn't even want to go out, but I ran out of tape runner to make cards, so I figured I would go and get some tape and a few other things I needed. I guess I had good timing because I was in and out of Walmart in about 20-30 minutes, including parking!

Since I was in Milford, I called my good friend Dawn, and fellow stamper if she wanted to hang out. So I stopped over her house, we watched the soaps then proceeded to go to her stamp area and make a card. We each made only 1 card. It took us about an hour and a half to make one card each! OMG what a task!

I borrowed all her stuff, except the tape, lol. I used always artichoke as my base, then mellow moss. She had the "Weathered" bg stamp so I used that in artichoke. Love it! Think I will have to buy this stamp! Then I mounted my image on handsome hunter and stamped in black. I used blender pens for the red, and regular markers for the kids. I used her luminare for Santa's hat, and beard/mustache.

My big issue what the stupid ribbon! Omg!!! It took me 20 minutes to tie the ribbon! Can you believe it!!! 20 minutes to tie a ribbon! riddiculous I know, but I just couldn't get it to sit right. I was so frustrated. But I finally ended up making it so it worked. I think it is like an olive color.

I really like the way this card turned out. tfl!!!

2008-11-27T11:41:00.002-05:00

I love this card. For an off the top of my head card using a black and white checkered dress as an inspiration, I feel I captured the essence of classiness.

Take a striped bg stamp lay it on way using black ink on the stamp, then taking the same stamp turning it the other way, re-ink it and stamp again. Layer it on black. Add another stamp in black, add black ribbon and black brads and you have a beautifully classic card that can be used for a man or a woman!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T10:46:00.000-05:00

This is my first blog, on this newly created blog of mine. It is Thanksgiving Day, I'm watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and drinking my coffee and blogging!

I started this blog because there are sometimes when I just want to tell my stamping lady friends what is going on in my life.

This is a much needed day off for me. I go to school full time to become a medical assistant. It is not somethign I planned for in my life, but after two elbow surgeries and a hand surgery, I knew I could never go back to having to use my arms all day. I was an office manager that worked about 50-60 hrs a week and was on the computer almost all day long. My arms are shot.

When I first went out of work is when I discovered stamping. I was so bored, and I just bought some stamps so I thought I would try to make some cards by myself. I fell in love with the craft. I have always been a crafty lady, but I never really found the one thing that I could really express my creativity until now! I just love making cards! I have so many, I have no idea what to do with them all, lol! I started going to craft fairs. I made about $70 this year over the price of the tables. I guess the economy is just so bad no one wants to buy. Last year I made $120 so I was a little disappointed. Oh well.

I think I am rambling here. I don't know. All I know is, even though I enjoy my peace and quiet, I miss my son. He is with his father. I got divorced in August and it has been quite the task getting acclamated to the changes of single life. I didn't know I had so much yard upkeep!!! LOL! I hired a friend to help me because I just couldn't do it with my arms and all. Of course, I had to pay him to help me as he did do some manual labor for me. Money, money, money! How can we live without it!!! lol

Gee, I am rambling. I guess I have more to say than I initially thought. So maybe this will be another stress reliever for me, well, when I have the time. It is nice to relax. Ok, I think I will leave more for another day.

For now, have a great thanksgiving, and stamp on!!!!