Happy New Year!!

We're home with our kids for the first time in many, many years!! Jacksonbelle had a challenge over at Splitcoast, so it was high time that I participate! There are many layers of stamping on the glossy white background, and the glasses are shown on TAPE (which is why they appear backwards from the actual image in the SU catalog).

The ink is Bashful Blue, Paper Pallet Noir, and Copic colored ribbon. The challenge was to make a black and blue card. This is mine. Not quite what I wanted, but I don't have time to make a new one for the midnight hour!! Happy New Year everyone!

It's a cold evening, but no snow in sight right now :(

Orders from We R Memory Keepers!

WOW!!! OMG! I put in a really big order a couple weeks ago for the We R Memory Keepers sale....they carry the big square tins in copper, pewter, vintage brass, and silver finish. It's a box of accessory findings (very much like the Hodgepodge Hardware sets that Stampin Up sells). I got my huge order today, and inside, instead of one 'box', I got a cardboard BOX full of hoddgepodge boxes!! - I think they made a mistake! I will have to write back to see what they want me to do with the extras. Maybe they will say KEEP EM and give them as blog candy! LOL I hope so!! Anyway, I was thrilled to know the order arrived. One of the other items was short, but I suppose I can live with that especially if they say to keep the extra tins!!! Happy Monday everyone!!

-It was pouring rain this morning - just dumping buckets! it's supposed to be that way all week long! U.G.H.

Here's a peek at a new project

I'm working on this little mini tag scrapbook for my daughter's best friend. She is a real sweetheart and my kid wanted something special for her...well this is all we could afford that was special - and I love how it turned out!

The pictures will be added tomorrow and the photos don't show the initials/names/or pictures. Her mom prefers not to have her pictures on anything on the internet, so I have to honor her wish for privacy.

Anyhow, it's made with a Creative Cafe extra large tag in beige. Torn paper is edged with sky blue chalk ink, then touched with glitter. Each round tag is attached, spelling out "SNOW" and has some sort of BLING on it from stars to squares, hearts or round bling...it's there - the girls at this age seem to love bling almost as much as I do! The transparent blue snowflake in the upper right is a transparent button that I colored with Copic marker and topped with a rhinestone. Snowflake ribbon and the paper are from Ebay. The entire book is held together with a cream colored Binder ring in a pretty cream color from 7 Gypsies. More tomorrow. I'm heading off to bed. It's been wet and rainy all weekend!! Hope there is no more flooding tomorrow!

Have you seen these???

I hope you're all having a great weekend! I did a lot of online stamp shopping today. I've been admiring these little cuties for several months now, and just recently they became available here, but they always seem to be sold out so I wouldn't be able to get the big batch that I want. Check out Sugar Nellie here:

http://sugarnellie.blogspot.com/

And tell me which ones you like! I of course want the newest ones, and several that are out. So far I am at 16L pounds - I don't know exactly what the converts to in dollars, but once those other images get back into stock, I can order them all at once and have some fun! :)

Has anyone else ordered from here besides Jan Tink? I think she's the only one that I've seen with them on her blog. Darn - I bet she bought them all up!

It's chilly out tonight - we may even get some snow on Sunday!
Take Care!

Elaine

It was really raining here in Seattle!! and a funny for you...

I've not had time to stamp or create lately, and need batteries again. Until I get out and pick them up, no pics :( BUT there is THIS funny that you have to watch!! Make sure there are no Santa believers in the room though...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmQDt7jVdXQ


We had tremendous rainfall and flooding earlier in the week. The road behind our house had been closed until today because of a mudslide. We're in an area where there are steep hills and cliffs (they always close the one called "suicide" when it snows, so you know it's steep). I drove through because it's the normal way that I go to work, and I forgot it had been closed off. It was a muddy, sandy, rocky mess! The mudslide looked bad. Trees also fell. The one thing that changed when it was all wet -- there was little or no traffic on the way to work! Yay!

Take care everyone! I hear now, that we may have more snow on Sunday in this area!

A chance to get Card Creations .....

from another blog!

Check it out!
http://continuingtocreate.blogspot.com/

Is it cold where you live? It's freezin in Seattle!! Sunny but freezin cold I tell you!! I spent a long time scraping not frost, but ICE off my windshield this morning - ugh!! I like scraping frost...not ice! The pattern of ice on the car was pretty though....too bad it had to melt so quickly once the car heated up!

I will work on posting soon....there are some scrapbooks in the works...little mini ones. They are my favorite kind to make because I can finish them quickly! What are your favorite projects to work on?

Check HERE for more very LIKEABLE pictures of wintery fantasy!!!
http://glitterandgrunge.com/kimhar.html

A birthday project revealed!

I made this for my buddy that I go to stamp conventions with. We've travelled to Florida, Las Vegas, Vancouver B.C., Portland Oregon, Olympia WA, and I can't remember how many other places... She is soooo much fun to hang out with!

Anyway, I made the mini accordian book for her birthday which was on November 4th. I took some photos earlier this season when I made it but didn't want to post them in case she found my blog! Here they are: (please click on the pictures to see them better- they don't look very good in the smaller shots!)

The cover has her initials and a slide mount where a photo will slide underneath.



Next is a shot of the inside pages. The page farthest to the right is a swinging fold-out. There is a Making Memories metal frame on that page with some ribbons and prima sassy flowers. The very left page has some chipboard violets with rhinestone accents. Middle page says "friends" stamped out with Karen Foster snap stamps.




The purple layer has some blue photo turns. Notice the page right next to it - it shows the flip up/flip down page with a string & tab fastener. I guess there was only one shot of that page and it was opened so you can't see the front of it closed except in this shot.


The blurry page is an acetate overlay by Making Memories. I could NOT get it to photograph clearly. I think it was due to the reflection. She can lift the acetate and put pics underneath. It's all clear on the bottom but shows a white reflection from the paper underneath the project.



The tags tuck into a pocket page - and the green tag swings open so you can put journaling or more pics underneath.


The blue on the left side shows the swing-out/fold out page; next to it, the tags are in their little pocket page. I scalloped the top of the pocket, and stamped something on the strip in the middle...I think it said "conventions".

and the last pages are here:

Notice the velvet ribbon and the little chipboard buckle covered in patterned paper on the left!



These tags slip into a little "slot" on the page


The opened flip up/flip down page. See the slot on the right page? That's where the tags slip into...at least the very biggest tag fits into there. The other sit on top looking pretty!

Aha! Here's another shot of the string closure -- it came out better than it looks in that picture!

Almost all papers are by BasicGrey LilyKate line, ribbons are from May Arts, and many embellishments are Making Memories or Prima or whatever was within my reach at the time I made it! :)

That's it for today. I have several other projects that I worked on that I think came out really super cute, but I have not had time to photograph them!! :(

Take care and stay dry everyone! It's really cold in Seattle tonight!

Spreading Holiday Cheer....

Ok, I was reading Trudee's blog and it led me to Teri Conrad's site (she created Webster's beautifull patterned papers). I simply could not resist the chance to participate in her 12 days of Christmas event, so I am linking up as instructed!! Go have a look see and find out for yourself why this looks to be sooooo much fun and irresistible!

Teri Conrad's blog:

http://www.terriconraddesigns.typepad.com/

Teri Conrad designs:
http://www.terriconraddesigns.com/

There are some fabulous items, but I can't shop....I'm out of money this week because Frugalities just had a 49% off day yesterday - that also means I am going to have to delay my Stampin Up order for a bit too.... I made several mini scrapbook items that I needed to photograph, and didn't get to before they went to their recipients. I'm hoping I can still get some pictures of the projects and post them - I love how they all turned out!! :)

-It's cold and windy in Seattle - and we're expecting a little storm tomorrow...hope we keep our power on!!

Background colors are driving me nuts....

Sorry for so many changes on the background, but it is just yucky! I saw my blog on someone's screen at work this morning and almost puked it was soooo dark! Sorry about that. I have no clue how to make it the color I want either...

Here are two more cards from Angel's challenge that didn't get photographed because the camera battery went dead yesterday.

The DP is from the Costco pack by Wild Asparagus, magic mesh is retired by SU, and the tag was from a package that I got at a garage sale. The flowers and "grow" are cut out so you can see the layer beneath. It's on pop dots so there is more dimension in real life! :)

The Gracias card is a Memory Box penguin from Anna Wight's store, and the others are an old SU set. Paper is again from the stack at Costco!!

Load 'em up!

Here are all of the rest of the cards--

Christmas card is challenge #29; image is from Crafty Secrets. DP is from a big pad that I got last year...sorry, not sure who it was by. Glitter is Martha Stewart - it looks really vintage-y!

Eiffel tower is from my new Crafty Secrets stamp set from the CK convention over the weekend.

I had not used my basic gray paper from SU, so I did two cards in colors that aren't normally my style....the skull card is for my niece who loves that kind of motif!

The pink blue Christmas Christmas card is the SU Holiday set called Merry & Bright, colored with Copics. DP is from Costco/Wild Asparagus.

The pink/blue Cherub card is a Crafty Secrets image, Bohemia brads, and a flower that is folded in half is tucked behind the scalloped image.

I was hoping to do all of the challenges, but ran out of time. I had so much fun with these though!! Thank you to Angel, and a very happy Birthday!!!

-Elaine

The last of the Challenge cards....

Well, it's been a while since I've uploaded any cards, but here are the last challenge cards for Angelosity. I actually have more but didn't get the photos done before dinner. I'll try to put them up later on!!

The Acorn Blessings is from an old SU set. Blessings is a $1 Michael's stamp. I used my new glimmer mist on it, but I don't think you can see it unless you do a close up. It's very shimmery and rich looking in real life!

The other card is a really old SU set, retired of course, and is basic - colored and sponged edges. The saying reads, "All is safely gathered in Ere the winter storms begin." Topaz colored rhinestones in the corner, and some sheer rust organza finish it off!

Happy Tuesday! I hope it's sunny tomorrow - we have family portraits scheduled at the lake! :)

Time for a card

Time gets away quickly when there is so much going on! Here's another card for the Angelosity challenge (Day #18). I put stickles all over the flames but sadly that doesn't show in the picture.

The colors are ballet blue, old olive, lovely lilac, and lavendar lace. Brads are embossed with silver e.p. The original finish on them was bright & shiny. I wanted a more subtle addition, so I used the ep.

Stamps are from SU's Hostess set, All About Occassions, and a package of clear dollar stamps from Michael's.

Thanks for stopping by! I'll be at the CK Convention in Bellevue again tomorrow! I had so much fun shopping there today!!

Halloween 2007

Just two pics. The girls had a ton of fun - I have to admit it, so did we!
Happy Fright Night!! Hope you all got lots of candy!! :)

Happy Halloween!!!

So my daughter tried to get away with a skimpy Minnie Mouse costume this year...uh-unh! No way, Jose! Until the costume meets approval, no trick or treating...so I'll leave you with some pictures of last year's fun in the neighborhood:

I hope there are new pictures to post later! I bought some really cute accessories for the costumer. It'd be a shame for them to go to waste!

Happy Candy eating day!! :)

The pumpkin is colored :)

more challenges:
SU stamps, chalk inks, DCWV patterned paper, scalloped punch, orange rhinestones from Michaels, Ribbon is a nice soft one, but I don't remember where it came from :( I think it was in a set of 3 or 5 coordinating ones.















The butterfly image is from Karen Lockhart stamps, greeting is SU. Paper is CTMH, ribbon is VELVET (and very, very soft) from Oriental Trading catalog. Prisma pencils colored the butterfly and a couple brads from Bazzill finish it off.


With the last card, I had already posted it without coloring the pumpkin. Since several of you wrote that it would be better colored in, let's see if this helps a bit. I was afraid the ink would smear if I colored the pumpkin which is why I left it. I'm also just not that great at coloring sometimes, lol.

I"m off to go and get into bed. Feeling a bit tired today and it's chilly out. I think the electric blanket is already on high....better catch those cozy covers right now! ;-)

Happy Autumn, Everyone!

10.27.07 cards

It's still nice and sunny but cold in Seattle! :) Hope it lasts through Halloween. I have a few more cards to show, but need to get working on my kid's Halloween costume. She is going as one of the characters from Disney...their group is all going as a Disney character. I hope I get some good pictures of them to share! Last year I got a really great series of pictures and made a really cute little Halloween mini scrapbook...If I get a chance I'll take some pictures later today.

The Hawaiian card is for a challenge - Tracy's Birthday card challenge! You could choose either Disney or a Hawaiian theme. I was too lazy to dig out Disney stamps, so this is what was made.


















Day #17 challenge - The rose & gold colored card is made with a Cuttlebug embossing folder and gold pearl ex applied to the raised portion. (I used Versamark to make the Pearl Ex stick). Simple and easy - under 10 minutes from start to finish...except I added the brads which were embossed with gold e.p. - it took me a while to find my tweezers to hold the brad while it was heating, so that actually doubled the time it took to make the card - but still under 30 minutes!


















Also, I wag tagged by Nitestamper. I'm supposed to tell you random things about me...and then tag 7 more people. I'm pretty lame when it comes to these tagging games especially if they involve doing a lot...this one I think I can handle though. Except I am not sure that I know 7 people who have not already been tagged....I will give it a shot anyway.

Randomness about me:

1) I've worked for one company more than 17 years (now that's a LONG time!)

2) I would rather stay home than scurry around for vacation - that way I can do whatever I want, whenever I want to! - no planes to catch, deadlines, or anything else....just hangin out stampin & visiting friends and family!

3) Little kids are drawn to me and always want me to play with them!!

4) Favorite foods - Bruschetta, Open faced crab sandwich from Cutters Bayhouse, ice cream - Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia, and homemade macaroni & cheese

5) I watch HGTV or TLC at bedtime almost every night....

6) I love to entertain and make special meals for friends and family, but have done very little since we got our Westie...she makes my life stressful at times with all that barking...but hubby and the kids love her...

7) I LOVE color - in my house, in my wardrobe, in nature, everywhere...I love to see color!!!


Thanks for stopping by

More Cards...

From Day #13 (another Challenge at Angelosity):


















From Day #9's Challenge
Question: The pumpkin - should I color it?



















From the Challenge on Day 18:
The sentiment/greeting is a rub on that says "Thanks" - it came out really blurry in the pic :(



















From the Challenge on Day 3 at Angelosity:
stamps are from SU, flower is a leftover Jolee's embellishment


A few more from challenges that I was playing with during the week will be uploaded later today :)

Having Fun, Keeping Busy!

A few more cards for the challenges at Angelosity:
I think I will add a prima flower on the left of the horizontal card.

I took the musical set out because there was another part of the challenge that it needed and I just realized I didn't finish that part! You'll see it again later on! ;-)

I do like the others - the green/pink/guava argyle & striped papers were from a CK convention class with Cathy Zielske (I think it was last year).

That's all for today! Goodnight!

Sneaking a picture of my daughter in here!

She is growing up so fast!! She's pictured on our deck with two buddies! Aren't they cute!?

A couple more cards

These were made over the weekend. The set is from the SU Holiday Mini catalog. It is called Season of Joy. I added Martha Stewart Glitter to the silvery one, and some other light blue glitter on the second one. There are red dewdrops from the Robin's Nest (aka baubles from stampingbella.com) on the tree and a chipboard piece covered with patterned paper and stamped with Merry Christmas. Thanks for stopping by! Have you started any holiday cards yet? Don't wait! It's just around the corner!

Seattle's weather was a gorgeous and beautiful 77 degrees today!!! Wooo hooo!! Now if we could just get the wildfires in Southern CA under control, I'd be happy! We have a lot of friends and family there - and we're praying that everyone is ok! My neighbor who was in San Diego this week is coming home early tonight...but she said the airport is very crowded! Revise on airport - she said is WASN'T crowded...I must have needed a hearing aid that day!

Angelosity Challenge cards

I had time this weekend to stamp & do some sketch challenges at Angelosity! Here's what I ended up with. There will likely be more cards this week! In case YOU want to play along, check out Angelosity! (the link is right below--) http://angelosity.blogspot.com/

Be sure to click on my acorn card so you can see the top of the nut where I did the crosshatch in tone on tone - the stitching isn't my favorite but oh well, too late now.

Good Luck card is just one of the dollar stamps from Michael's...it was the simple card and uses staples at the edges - they're hot pink - can you tell?


The yellow striped card uses Dotted Autumn from Stampin Up, the free hostess set called "Party Punch" (that stamp would the the little tab saying on the left, and is a pull out card so you actually can see the pretty scroll design), and the fun whimsical set called "Autumn Fest".

The challenge was to use these Stampin Up colors: Pumpkin Pie, Bravo Burgundy and Summer sun as well. I got the colors out, but was out of Pumpkin Pie Cardstock, so there's just a little tad of it on the 'pull out card. But the ink is Pumpkin Pie! ;-) I had a hard time not adding MORE to the card....

Oh yea, I had to go with three little tiny rhinestones at the bottom - two of them just weren't enough! They are from K & Co./Brenda Walton and also have black and clear rhinestones in the same package! I bought mine from Frugalities.com - yes, even after the bad episode with the broken Prima bottle....they paid for my order, so I gave them another chance; and another and another...well you can see where that leads....to the poorhouse! lol. I'll put more up in a little bit! Thanks for stopping by!