Just for Dad...

This is a Tool Time card just for Dad! I started this a while ago and never got around to finishing it, so since it was over 100 this weekend I stayed inside and got a lot done. :) The tools are dry embossed using the tool template from Lasting Impressions. I punched out a small circle and stamped "DAD" from the new Pond Life PTI set. I also roughed up the edges just a bit so it matched the card. I love using the Lasting Impressions cardstock because it has a white core so you can sand off the ridges and really make the images pop. The colors used here are Fudge, Silver, Poppy, Artichoke and Limeade Dots. I am currently in the process of creating dry embossing card kits for Polka Dot Plaza, I only have one done thus far but there will be more to come so be sure to check back soon!!!

Stamps - PTI "DAD"
Cardstock - Lasting Impressions Fudge, Silver, Poppy, Artichoke, Limeade Dots
Ink - Chocolate Chip
Accessories - Brass Template, Dimensionals, Paper Scuffer

A little girls birthday...

My friends little girl turns 3 this weekend so I wanted to make her a "big girl" card for her birthday. I brought out my Flutterby Sophia set from Paper Pretties and I love the phrase "Flutter your wings and fly" that comes in this set. The paper is from the same stack I've been using a lot of lately, American Designs or something (can't recall the name). I actually created a frame using the scallop oval Nesties, rather than just layering two pieces. It adds a little dimension in real life. I also decided I was bored with the straight edges so I threw a bit of a curve to the background paper. I thought about doing scallops but didn't want to take away from the focal point. I used Copics for the coloring and topped it off with some taffeta ribbon.

Don't forget, there is only one day left for the Paper Pretties chipboard sale. Drop on over to the Boutique and check out all the fun stuff that has been added and be sure to visit the sale section for some great deals (before they're gone!)

Stamps - Flutterby's
Cardstock - Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose
Ink - same
Accessories -Copics, Nesties

Blooming with Love...

I am in love with this set! Ever since I saw it I knew I had to have it and lately I've been seeing it a bit more from my favorite bloggers. Joanne made an adorable card with it just the other day and Michelle created some fabulous quick cards a few weeks ago. So I finally broke down and ordered it and I adore it!!!

I got a large stack of Wild Asparagus paper last year from Costco and I've been avoiding it...until now. I loved this fun stripe criss-cross paper so I decided to pair it up with some Pumpkin Pie & Chocolate chip cardstock. A little paper piercing along the bottom pumpkin strip and I added the small flower from the Bloomin' with Love set across the upper half of the strip. I used my Rectangle Nesties for the image & the scallop nesties for the chocolate layer. And of course Copics for the coloring & airbrush for the background orange.

It's a gorgeous day!

Oh the life of a beachabella! Since the weather is warming up, I thought it only appropriate to start stamping with summer stamps. Of course, beachabella is at the top of the list! I got my hands on this paper a month ago and I've been dying to use it. I used Copics to color her in and my Sakura Glitter roll pen for her bag, she looks better with bling. ;) I love using the Karen Foster snap-stamps, it's a shame they were discontinued. I added a little doodle and roughed up the edges a bit and she's ready to hit the sand!

We're starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel with the house hunting. Thank you all so very much for your kind thoughts and words of encouragement. I never knew this was so exhausting, but in the end I know it will be well worth it!

Stamps - Beachabella - Stampingbella, Snapstamps
Paper - unknown as it wasn't marked
Ink - Brilliance Black
Accessories -Copics, Paper Distressing Tool, White Eyelets

A belated wish...

Happy belated Mother's Day to everyone!!!! I have been MIA for a few days as we have expanded our house search radius thus causing my brain to explode. I curled up in a ball on Saturday evening and told the world to go away...and it did, for about two hours. Sunday was fabulous as we had a large family bbq and the food was just amazing....so much for my diet. There's always next week, right? ;)

This is May's Copic card on the PP forum. Each month over at Paper Pretties there is a step-by-step tutorial using Copic markers. It's a great way to learn about shading, blending, and even the airbrush system. Paper Pretties also just announced their new Stamp of the Month club! This new club features pre-releases of Paper Pretties stamps along with access to the online galleries and tutorials available on the Paper Pretties website. Head over there for a quick peek, the first stamp is simply adorable!!

Stamps - Paper Pretties Simply Special
Cardstock - Bashful Blue, So Saffron, SU Designer Paper
Ink - Brilliance Black
Accessories - Copic Markers, Oval Nesties, Copic Airbrush

New Toy!!

I think we got home around 10:30pm last night after running around house hunting, meeting with a contractor to look at the current house we're still debating on and going back and forth to Kinko's to fax paperwork to various agents. OYE! My hubby still had to do his homework and begged me to stay up with him for just 10 minutes while he finished. Ten minutes?

Ok, what's quick and will feed my stamp craving? The Monogram Stamper by JustRite was my selection, I just got this cute little guy the other day and it was still in its packaging (can't have that now can we?). I remembered a gorgeous stationary set that Debbie made so I whipped this together in 9.5 minutes leaving me 30 seconds left to turn off the light and go climb into bed. I used the Special Occasions companion kit (which comes with a small wood mount stamp) and the Versmagic dew drops. Sure it's not fancy but hey, I knocked out 3 cards in under ten minutes so I fell asleep with a feeling of accomplishment! *lol*

Stamps - DIY Monogram Stamper
Cardstock - Wild Asparagus, Groovy Guava, Whisper White
Ink - Pink Grapefruit Versamagic
Accessories - Nesties

Well....it's Wednesday

"When it's too good to be true it usually is"

I'm trying to find the silver lining in this house thing and I just can't. I love it, I want it....but it's a mess. Inspection reports came back and the previous owners basically abandoned their home and any issues it had, just left it to rot (figuratively and literally). No bandaid will fix these issues, it needs to go to the hospital just to survive. But do we want to take that on? The overall attributes of this home are what we love...location, school districts, open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, sq. footage. *sigh*

We spent yesterday making phone calls like crazy, I left work early to go see two new houses that were just listed. Insurance company won't even insure the new house in it's present condition. The bank wants a detailed estimate from a contractor for mandatory repairs BY THURSDAY! We just got the report on Tuesday! I had class Tues night and now I'm back at work trying to juggle work and personal (REALLY hard when it's busy).

Just needed to vent. I haven't seen my stamp room since Friday and I think it's taking it's toll. *lol*

Look at all the ladybugs!

There were hundreds, I swear! They were crawling all over my nephew and he was in heaven. He laughed, ran around chasing after them. Letting them crawl into his hand and then watched as they flew away. Getting him to leave was quite a task, he didn't want to leave all the ladybugs behind. "They don't have anyone to take care of them, Auntie". Seriously, could you just melt?! Oh and he picked out his room.....

I have a feeling he'll be spending most of his time in his closet since it doubles as a jungle gym. LOL

A picture is worth a thousand words....

And this picture melts my heart. This was at my wedding in 2006, my mom dancing with my baby nephew (who reminds me that he is 'no longer a baby auntie!').

I wanted to make a fun project for my Stamp Club and since Mother's Day is coming up I thought picture frames would be perfect. Everyone seems to be scared to use rub-ons but they truly are SO EASY!

Be sure to always clean your surface with alcohol to remove any grease, dust or residue. Simply cut out the rub-on of choice (I used one from the Sale-A-Bration set) and place it on the glass where desired. Each rub-on pack comes with a "rub-on tool" (popsicle stick people, sheesh). Just rub the stick over the image and slowly remove the paper. If a piece doesn't attach, just put it back in place and rub it again.

It's wonderful for vases, glass candle holders and obviously frames. Just be sure you only use a soft cloth to clean with as the rub-ons are not dishwasher-proof or Windex friendly. ;)

Guess what???

Yep, that's right....we found a house!!! We didn't tell anyone that we submitted an offer on this one because we didn't want to jinx it (since the last one fell through).

I wanted to tell my family so I invited them all out to some yummy Mexican food for a pre-Cinco de Mayo dinner...which was just my cover. ;) Then I made these adorable little postcards (the address is on there but thought it best to photoshop it out, just in case anyone tries to steal it from us!) Once the final papers are signed and we have keys, then I'll relax. LOL

So to all of you that put us in your thoughts and prayers and crossed every finger you have, THANK YOU!!!!!