Friday, August 31, 2012

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

May Arts/PSA Essentials Week Giveaway!


  

Want to plan some end of summer fun for the kiddos that doesn't cost alot and is sure to make you the best mom on the block?

PSA Essentials was kind enough to share some fun stamps with the Ribbonistas.  Head over to the May Arts Blog see the fun I created with this and comment to win....RIBBON, of course!!


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it's raining, it's pouring...still

Thought I would poke my head out during a lull in the downpour and take a few pictures out the back door.  I didn't take time to adjust the photos so they are raw right from the camera.

This is the drainage ditch and pond behind the house.  As you can see, they have become one.  This ditch is normally dry and about 3-4 ft. deep.



Here's another view facing the street.  That's not a UFO on the photo...it's a raindrop.  :-)


Oh, if you feel compelled to lay mulch...there are two pallets sitting there.  Don't guess I'll be doing laundry for a few days as the septic tank is proably full...breaks my heart.  Not!!

Still sprinkling this a.m.  Wreckers pulling cars out of the water at the entrance to our neighborhood. 

We are praying for those along the Gulf Coast.  They're expecting 20 inches of rain and a storm surge. 

Hoping the tornado threat is over ..yesterday was a scarey day.

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Monday, August 27, 2012

Clean & Simple Monday - Summer Treats

Whew...I had intended it write this up last night, but Isaac decided to show us his east side, which is the strongest side of the storm.  I flipped on the local news just in time to hear we were under a tornado warning (the scariest part of hurricanes), so I woke up DH, grabbed the dog, turned off the computer and decided to stay close to the safest area in our home until the warning passed. 

Thankfully, it passed uneventfully...our prayers now are focused on the Gulf area as Isaac picks up strength over the warm water.

Now onto the mundane....the Clean & Simple Challenge on SCS (CAS185) is a theme this week - Summer Treats!  My favorite summer treat - ICE CREAM!! 



Chocolate and vanilla with a little berry thrown in just for fun!  Who needs cherries when you can have pearls, eh?  I "waffled" my cone on the Scor-Pal and wrestled with myself whether or not to add ribbon or twine and opted not to. 

Supplies
Paper - Neenah Cream; Papertrey Ink Dark Chocolate, DP: Papertrey Mini Dots
Stamps - PTI Sweet as can Be
Ink - Stampin' Up Chocolate Chip; Papertrey Ink Berry Sorbet
Other - PTI metal die
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Sunday, August 26, 2012

hurricanes and water stamped butterflies

The feeder bands from Hurricane Isaac have begun to pelt us so I thought I better get this posted in case we lose power.  We've had a few strong storms pass alrready.  Our prayers are so for those on the Gulf Coast who will bear the full force of this storm.

The Creative Belli Challenge #150 this week is Winged Things. 

I made a couple of cards with the waste basket rescues from Bev Gerard's WaterStamping Technique.  This wet day seems like a perfect time for wet techniques! 

                               

The butterfly on this card came from the lightest waterstamp rescue.  I stamped it with Versamark then clear embossed it prior to cutting it out. 

For those of you who may not know what happened, I threw my first few tries at this technique in the trash then tossed the wet paper towel I was using on top of them.  I was going to empty the basket when I spied the two pieces below and decided to rescue them.



It still amazes me that both of these pieces resulted from the same colors that were blended just a bit differently.

You can see the orange on the reverse side of the butterfly.


When it blended with the purple, it turned a pretty pink color.
                                    

I used the darker piece for a more dramatic card.   I stamped this Rubbernecker Floral #10 simply in black and accenting the flowers with dots of black Stickles. 



Supplies: Card 1
Ink - Versamark, Versafine Black
Paper - Neenah; X-press It; Bazzill Linen texture
Other - May Arts silk ribbon; Spellbiners Label die; flower (Michael's)' sewing machine

Card 2 -
Ink - Versafine Black
Other - May Arts Black Twine; black Stickles

Uh, oh...here comes another squall!!
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Friday, August 24, 2012

Foodie Friday - Pizza!!

First of all, I'm not sure how my navbar got fixed but to the little fairy who did  it....bless you!  (I have a feeling it's a blogger fix, but I'll take it!!)

Foodie Friday this week is pizza!  No, I did not make it but it is handmade at a little family owned shop in town, called Anna's.  Homemade dough, sauce and this veggie pizza is to die for!  A whole day's veggies on this one...broccoli, spinach, artichokes, muchrooms, tomatoes, red/yellow bell peppers...mmmmm...this is our every other Friday treat.  If you're ever in S. Florida, you must look up Anna's.



My DH, the meat eater, started eating my half of the pizza after he tasted this veggie version, now we just order the whole thing veggie!  A single slice is more than enough!!

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Tuesday, August 21, 2012

WOYWW168

Hello Wednesday!  It's only Tuesday but it seems Julia (Stamping Ground) has graced us with an early post.  I was actually in desparate need of some sketch inspiration so just popped on to see what was out there.

Here's a peek at what I plan to use...I hope, anyway!  It's a piece of the botched watercolor technique I attempted for SCS then rescued from the waste basket when I saw how beautifully it dried.



A couple of Halloween stamps from the $1 spot at Michael's and some hook & loop tape from Tombow that I'm dying to try out on something.   I'm playing with some Versamark and a butterfly from Rubbernecker Stamps...what do you think?

While you're here, don't forget to drop over May Arts for Basically Bare Blog Week...there are presents, you know1

And, make sure you check out the Rubbernecker Stamps challenge link on the top sidebar....Prizes there, too! 

and finally....it's almost the end of the month so be sure to click on my giveaway link at the top of the page to comment on the right page if you'd like a chance at that Papertrey Ink gift certificate.  It's just sitting in my account waiting for someone's name! 
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May Arts/Basically Bare Blog Week - Back to School!


It's my turn to share at the May Arts Blog! We've paired up with the DT from Basically Bare for a full week of inspiration and fun giveaways. 

Here's a sneak peek at my project. 



I can't wait to see what you think of it!
Thanks so much and good luck!!
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Monday, August 20, 2012

Teapot Tuesday - Milkshakes for Tyler

When cancer strikes anyone it's tragic but when it's children, it just breaks my heart.  This week's Teapot Tuesday challenge Destination is Tyler.  Tyler is a very sweet 11 year old boy who is currently in remission from Rhabdomyosarcoma, a childhood cancer.  He must still undergo many surgeries to repair the devastation caused by the cancer.

Tyler's family must continually raise funds for Tyler's travelling expenses. How wonderful that his family has found a compassionate and caring doctor who will perform his surgeries at no cost. The travelling back and forth is expensive, though.

Cindy is requesting that if you are able, a $1.00 bill framed in some way on your card would help fund Tyler's upcoming trip.  Not required, not expected. Just a little donation request on the side....


Here is Tyler's website with much more information as well as pictures of Tyler and updates. Here is the address to mail your card to:

Tyler Tucker
P.O. Box 14386
Greenville, SC 29610-4386

You can find more info at the Destination site hereLike all kids, Tyler loves to get mail and he loves strawberry milkshakes.  Our challenge is to send Tyler smiles and jokes.



I hope Garfield brings Tyler a giggle or two. 

Thanks for helping and if you can, could you please share this on your blog?


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Clean & Simple Monday - Back to School!

It's back to school time...our grands still get a couple more weeks of free time.  They go back when we used to - after the Labor Day holiday.

Here in the sunny South though, most kids have already started or are starting school today.  The Clean & Simple DT over at SCS are celebrating with an inspiration challenge based on the word, "School" (CAS184)

Here's my take on the challenge:


 Supplies:
Stamps - Papertrey Teacher's Apple
Ink - Amuse
Paper - PTI Kraft, Brown; Graphic 45 An ABC Primer

Psst....did you know the SCS DT is looking for a few good CAS stampers for the new Fall DT Head over to see the details...hurry though...deadline is approaching!


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Friday, August 17, 2012

May Arts/Paper Crafter's Library & Ribbon Giveaway

                                   


May Arts Ribbon is being featured on Paper Crafter's Library this week.  One of our very own newbie designers, Nicole Martel, has a sweet project and the Ribbon Lady is graciously giving away ribbon just for popping over to say hi.  There are 2 chances to win so be sure to read how.  I promise you'll like it.

If you're wondering why there's no Foodie Friday it's because I was playing chase with this cutie patootie, aka, Bentley...who is need of a haircut...and managed to damage a tendon in my ankle.  Soooo...knee brace on one leg, boot on the other.  Sigh...moral of the story...do not chase puppies in sandals.




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Thursday, August 16, 2012

Another May Arts Tutorial! Trash to Treasure Teacher Gifts

My DIL is a teacher so I have it on good authority that teachers can only use so many coffee mugs and apples but they LOVE food.

Head over the May Arts blog to see what I did with these berry containers.



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Wednesday, August 15, 2012

May Arts Tutorial - DIY Tote Bag

Head over the May Arts Blog today.  I've got a super awesomely easy tote bag idea for you.  I take mine shopping, to the Post Office when I'm mailing lots of packages and even to the beach.  Got a half hour?  Let's make one together!




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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

May Arts Kid Fun

I've got a super quick and easy project for you on the May Arts Blog today.  A few minutes of your time plus a bit of ribbon and you can make a game to keep the kids busy on a rainy day,  at a picnic or a day at the beach.

Here's a sneak peek.




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Monday, August 13, 2012

Teapot Tuesday - James' Pirate

I haven't had time to play Teapot Tuesday MMTPT211 for awhile but this week's challenge broke my heart.  James is a little boy dealing with the grown up disease of cancer.  He has multiple tumors on his spine and brain.  You can find James' Caring Bridge page at this link.  His sweet smile will melt your heart.

James loves dogs and pirates.  I've been hanging onto my Billy stamps from Pink Cat Studio..now I know why.  I'm in big trouble, though.  We have to walk the plank if we bring skulls and crossbones...YIKES!!



I did bring pieces of silver...ok, they're bling but who's counting?

If you'd like to send James a card, his address is:

James Siedenburg
c/o Heather Bedford
2701 Judith
Champaign, IL 61821


Thanks for stopping by...hope you can help brighten James day.  If you have a blog, could you please spread the word? 

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Sunday, August 12, 2012

Clean & Simple Monday - Hello Muddah!

This week's SplitcoastStampers CAS183 challenge is a sketch by talented DT member, Tenia Sanders-Nelson.

I made a card with (GASP!)....no stamping!!  I spied my well loved and almost used up (sniff) October Afternoon Campfire Collection on the paper stacker and here's the result.



What?  You've never heard of a singing fox?  ;-)

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Friday, August 10, 2012

Runway Inspired Water Stamping

I did it.  I tried a "messy" technique.  I am so not a let go and just do it stamper...I think I have to have too much control to enjoy the creativeness required to have fun with this.  I also think a smoother cardstock may have allowed the colors to blend easier. I used Neenah 110 lb. card. 

Fellow Rubbernecker teammate, Bev Gerard, aka TexasGrammy on SCS has written an easy step by step tutorial for a technqiue she calls, Water Stamping.  Bev is a "Dirty Dozen" alumni and her cards are just amazing! 

Here's my feeble attempt at her technique which for anyone else is super easy:



You basically just sponge color onto your cardstock, wet your background or other images and then stamp on the inked cardstocked.  I refuse to tell you how many attempts I made at this!  The shiny things are actually clear bling but they photographed solid. 

I wanted to use the colors from the Runway Inspired Challenge #17 Carlos Miele.  Mine are a bit bolder.



Bev's tutorial says to use a wet paper towel as a stamp pad to ink your stamps but my image couldn't hold enough water that way so I just misted it with water, then spread the water with my fingertips until the image was wet. 

I tossed the wet paper towel into the waste basket on top of the um, uh, let's say, multiple false starts at this technique.  Look what I found this morning.


I rather like the muted watercolor effect and believe it or not, I used the same colors on both pieces but placed them differently and got two totally different color blends.  I'm going to press these out and trim them down for other cards, I think. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Supplies:
Stamps: Rubbernecker Flourish Tree, Sentiment
Ink - SU Tango Tangerine, Eggplant Envy, Certainly Celery
Paper - Neenah; SU
Other - May Arts 1/8" velvet ribbon; Martha Stewart clear bling

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Thursday, August 9, 2012

Foodie Friday - Dinner's Ready!

I can't remember where I got this recipe...sometime back in the mid-80's or so...(Yikes!. I just had a small moment of panic at the realization of how looooong ago that was.) 

Ahem...ok, I've re-gathered my composure, well, mostly anyway..back to the recipe.

I never really like pork chops until I found this way of cooking them...they were usually just dry and tough.  The best part is that even when I'm busy, I can put a nice dinner on the table with almost no effort and the pork chops are absolutely divinely fork tender and flavorful. 



Toss some baked potatoes in the oven with the chops (I scrub mine, pierce with a fork, then put them in a zip loc bag with a bit of olive oil, coarse salt, and fresh garlic, rub them around then pop them into the oven.) steam some broccoli or other green veggie of your choice, add a salad and dinner is served.

You can find a printable recipe for Lemon Pork Chops here

Bon Appetit!!
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Tuesday, August 7, 2012

WOYWW166

It's time for another WOYWW (166) at Julia's Stamping Ground...we get to snoop onto the workdesks all over the world. Clean or messy, it doesn't matter...

My workdesk is a mess as per usual...I snapped a photo of the set I used for the May Arts/Our Craft Lounge Blog week...did you know they're giving stuff away?  Oh yes,they are!!  So am I, so if you have a chance pop in and answer my questions to win.



This set from OCL  made me laugh out loud when I got it in the mail. 


Happy WOYWW ...don't forget to check my blog candy post while you're here...if you're follower!
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May Arts/Our Craft Lounge Blog Week and a Giveaway!


 It's time for another super blog week with May Arts Ribbon and Our Craft Lounge!  Be sure to check out the posts for the entire week on both blogs for your chance to win ribbon, stamps and other fun stuff!!

Here's a sneaky peekie at my project for the hop.  It makes me giggle every time I see it...and I've got a giveaway on my postJust pop over over to see all the projects and see how you can win May Arts Ribbon, Our Craft Lounge goodies and more!! 


                             
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