Monday, May 31, 2010

With Liberty and Justice for All - Thank You for Your Service


Happy Memorial Day!  We want to thank all the brave men and women who sacrifice daily so that we may enjoy the privileges of liberty.  Please take a moment today and whisper a prayer for these heroes and their families.  

Make a quick card today for one of the heroes in our military and send it off.  What no patriotic stamps?  You can change that by heading to The Cutting Cafe and downloading this super We Love our Troops set, Regina designed just for our men and women in the military.   34 awesome stamps!!

This qualifies for these challenges:


Supplies:
Paper - Neenah Classic
Accessories - Spellbinders circle dies, dimensionals. ribbon, The Print Shop
 
 
 
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A CAS Sweet Summer at the Amusement Park


This is my final submission for Challenge 4 (a moveable part) for the CAS Summer DT challenge.  The theme challenge is Summer and  Amusement Park. Jen (aka Miss Boo), the CAS forum coordinator said she was off to ride the roller coaster...that got my mind going.  I'm not a roller coaster girl...the ferris wheel is more my speed, nice and slow and high enough to see everything!  Problem...no roller coaster stamp  -  Solution...make my own!
I cut a out the large Spellbinder Snowflake out of foil cardstock then trimmed off all the little parts that make it a fancy flake.  Then I free hand cut the "V" for the base from the same paper.  The center is a stamp from Inkadinkadoo "Circle and Dots" set, stamped with Kaleidascope Carnival ink (appropriate, huh?)  cut to fit with a Spellbinder's circle die.  I added the "lights" with colored stick on gems.
The "chairs" are small Spellbinder circle dies cut by placing the cardstock about 2/3 of the way on the die.  Now for how to get it to move.  This took a bit of trial and error.  If the chairs weren't popped up, they hit the base and wouldn't turn.  I tried several ways and finally ended up putting small square dimensionals aroun the center brad.  I left the paper on the top side of the dimensional so it wouln't stick. 
I punched a hole at the top of the base piece using a long reach circle punch, then inserted the brad into the hole.  I placed the brad tongs through a button, opening the prongs just enough to hold it.  Now the receipient can turn the button and turn the wheel on the front.  You can use this technique for many types of moveable card parts...try it and let me know!
                                  
The "Sweet Summer" sentiment is printed directly on my cardstock using Print shop and the super Sweet Summer stamp from The Cutting Cafe.  Can you believe it's only 99 cents?  And you can make it any size you want to!!  One of my favorite stamps for summer cards.
Thanks for stopping by. 


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Saturday, May 29, 2010

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen!, Goodbye

There's a  brand new blog hop going on over at House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge Blog.  One of the requirements is to make a Goodbye/Farewell card.   In addition, the Featured Stamper #173 challenge on SCS this week is the awesome CAS stamper, Emily.  Be sure to hop over and check out her fabulous gallery of CAS cards.
                                     
Sadly, I don't have a House Mouse stamp that would fit this challenge as I only have a couple; but I found this little Seed Shooter in my stash that I thought I could make work.  I used my JustRite Stampers lower case Times New Roman font for the sentiment.  Since I'm in CAS mode,  I decided to make this little guy the star and keep everything super simple.
Be sure to check out the DT samples on the House Mouse & Friends site.  There's some great inspiration there! And, don't forget Emily's gallery on SCS!!

Here are a couple of other challenges as well:
Creative Craft - Ribbon & Bows
All Sorts - Tag

Supplies:
Paper- Neenah Classic. Papertrey Leaf Green
Stamps - Stampabilities Seed Shooter, JRS lower case Times New Roman
Ink - Memorex, Copic markers
Accessories - PTI leaf green ribbon, Making Memories bling, Spellbinders circle dies



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Blog Candy and Eye Candy Alert

I just checked out Lorrinda's blog, Isn't that Sweet.  She's one of my Paper Cubed Design Team buddies.  While I was oohing and ahhing over her creations, I saw that she had a link to this awesome blog..Make it Crafty...my goodness!  This lady has some SERIOUS talent!!...and an awesome blog candy as well.
 
 

As fun as this is, it pales compared to her talent!  Check out this card...


In addition to being gorgeous, that horse ROCKS!  She designed the mechanism that makes it rock back and forth!  Fabulous!!  She's got a video at the link showing it rocking....way cool!

Head on over and check her out! 
 
 
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Clean and Simple

 

I can't believe it!  I made it through the first two challenges for the CAS Summer DT on SplitcoastStampers.
Now there are 19 super talented ladies and me in the running for the next challenges.  Challenge 3 was to make a card using pop dots/dimensionals.  We also have the option of making two cards.  The theme is Summer/Amusement Park.
I have used this LO before...it's quick, easy.  I chose this bright Summer Sunrise from Papertrey to give it a summery feel.  Both the flower and the panel are popped up. 
Supplies:
Paper - Neenah Classic
Ink - Memorex, Copic markers
Stamps - Papertrey  Friends Til the End
Accessories - PTI Summer Sunrise ribbon, dimensionals

Here's my second card.   It also qualifies for the 4th challenge to make something moveable on your card.  The propellers on the airplane turn!  I just cut an extra set (ask me how many I cut before I got one to stay together!) of propellers and used a brad to make them turn.  Since texture is also a criteria I tried to add some extra on this one.  The clouds are heat embossed and popped up, the airplane is covered with Crystal Effects as well as embossed.  I dropped a teensy bit of embossing powder on the plane body to simulate dents...this pilot is no sissy!  The plane is cut out and popped on dimensionals as well. 

Our grandson's bedroom is decorated in these colors and theme.  My DH has always called our sons "Buddy" so the sentiment is special to me.

What do you think?

Supplies:
Paper - Neenah Classic, Papertrey
Stamps - Papertrey Fly Away, Scattered Showers Additions
Ink - Copic markers, silver paint pen, SU white
Accessories - sewing machine, twine, button, brad, dimensionals, Clear EP, Crystal Effects



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Friday, May 28, 2010

Foodie Friday - Chocolate Berry Meringue


Welcome to Foodie Friday!  I showed you this dessert last year but we had friends over tonight and it's sooo good, I thought it deserved repeating.  It takes several steps but you can do most of it ahead and nothing is too difficult, even for a beginner.
Here we go:
Chocolate Berry Meringue
1 recipe Chocolate Meringue
1 recipe Raspberry Puree
1 recipe whipping cream
6 c. fresh fruit - strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and/or kiwi
Additional shaved chocolate, if desired
Rapsberry Puree
1-1/2 c. fresh or frozen raspberries (thaw and drain if frozen)
1 T. sugar
Place raspberries in blender.  Puree until smooth, sieve out seeds, if desired.  Stir in 1 T. sugar.  Cover and chill until serving time.
Chocolate Meringue
6 egg whites, allow to stand at room temp. at least 30 minutes
1 c. sugar
3 oz. bittersweet or semi-sweet good quality chocolate, grated
3 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 t. balsamic vinegar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.  Draw a 10" circle on the paper/foil, leaving a 1-2 inch margin outside the circle.  Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, beat egg whites with mixer on medium to high speed until soft peaks form (tips stand straight up) and sugar is dissolved.  Gently fold in the grated chocolate, cocoa powder and vinegar.  Spread the meringue onto the parchment circle.  Place in oven.  Immediately, reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.  Bake for 1 hour.  Remove from oven, set on a rack and let cool completely on the baking sheet.  Carefully  remove meringue from paper/foil; transfer to a serving platter.
Whipping Cream
1 c. whipping cream
1 T. confectioner's sugar
1/2 t. vanilla
In chilled bowl, beat cream, sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.  Spread onto meringue, top with berries, and shaved chocolate, if desired.
To serve - drizzle plates with Raspberry Puree, top with a slice of the meringue and additional shaved chocolate. 
Serves 6-10
Enjoy!  Let me know if you make it.  Really....it's easy!

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Thursday, May 27, 2010

Beautiful Random Act of Kindness

I think stampers are the most generous people in the world!   Look what I found in my mailbox...
 
 


Aren't these just gorgeous?!!   They are a gift from Lynne (http://www.mymadkow.typepad.com/)
Lynne is one of my team mates on the Posh Designs Scrapbook Store DT.  Be sure to check out her blog if you'd like to see more of her awesome work.  She does alot of gorgeous scrapbook pages, so if you're a scrapbooker, you're in for some awesome eye candy.

Thanks for stopping by...I didn't get much stamping done today...back to the dr. for more tests and still painting the walls. 
 
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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Don't Worry, BEE Happy!

Happy Wednesday!  Today's card is another using those adorable bees from The Cutting Cafe's Cute Critters set.    I just adore these bees.  I painted them with Papertrey Summer Sunrise ink and coated them with Crystal Effects so they shine, then popped them up on dimensionals.

I entered this in these blog challenges :




Thanks for stopping by...I appreciate your visits and your comments!!


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Monday, May 24, 2010

Splish, Splash - It's Summertime, Summertime, Sum, Sum, Summertime!

This is my second challenge card for the Summer DT Search on SCS.  You can play even if you don't want to try out for the DT because it's the  CAS challenge of the week.  (CAS68) Theme - Think Summer!  ?

I used lots of shimmer, glitter and shine.  Wish you could see it IRL!  I cut out the cold treats, covered them in Crystal Effects, glittered the ice cream cone and popped them on with dimensionals.  Boys must have one for each hand, right?

                                 
I used CE for the water, and cut out a friend for the duck and popped him on dimensionals, too. 


                              Order of the Opus Gluei  Challenge #56- Seasonal Icons

Thanks for stopping by...I appreciate you!

Supplies:
Stamps - SU Good Ole' Summertime (retired)
Paper - DCWV  Citrus Pack
Ink - Memento, Copic marker, SU marker
Accessories - Crystal Effects, Art Institute glitter, Sakura glitter pen, dimensionals, ribbon, buttons



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Saturday, May 22, 2010

Dolly Momma's Going to the Amusement Park


Today is has been a terrible phototography day! No matter where I tried to shoot, inside or out, the lighting was terrible!


I just love these saucy Dolly Momma stamps! They're like "Maxine", they can say what I can't. I covered up this Dolly's original sentiment though, and added my own, because she's getting her picture taken at the Amusement Park over on SCS CAS Summer DT Search. She absolutely refused to have her photo taken without her favorite cat buddy, Frankie. She also insisted that Frankie be allowed to sit wherever he chose...sooooo...there you have it....and yes, she's supposed to be crooked!


She's got beads on her dress & shoes, glossy lipstick (Crystal Effects), Glitter pen on her sunglasses, belt, shoe bows.


This card is for the first challenge...hoping it makes the cut. Wish me luck?

I'm also sending this card to Jayme, Lisa's  (Stamped Art by Lisa) sister.  You can read about Jayme on Lisa's blog.  If you have time to send Jayme a card, especially if it has a frog on it, you will be blessing them both.  If you don't have a frog, like me, just send a funny card.  You can find Jayme's address on Lisa's blog.


Supplies:
Paper - PTI white, Green Galore, Black
Stamps - Dolly Momma
Ink - Memento black, SU markers, Copic Markers
Accessories - beads, ribbon, glitter pen, Crystal Effects




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Post It Note Tutorial


Happy Saturday!!  Busy day today as hubby is off this weekend.  I did a newbie tutorial over at the Posh Designs blog for these little Post it Note Holders.    Don't forget to play along with the Posh sketch challenge...You could win some awesome Webster's Pages DP. 



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Thursday, May 20, 2010

Foodie Friday - Baby Back Ribs


I'm thinking about making Fridays all about food.  What do you think?  Cooking and baking are my other passions and I do alot of it so I thought maybe I might have a recipe or two you may not have seen or a technique you may not know....yet.

These are the juiciest, easiest ribs you will ever cook.  The best part, once the prep is done, so are you.

We usually buy our ribs in bulk at Sam's Club as they're more affordable.  They come 3 full racks to a package.  What's great is that we can cook, freeze and simply pop them on the grill for a quick meal for ourselves, friends or if someone needs a meal.

Here are the details:  The recipe stays the same no matter the quantity.

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees.  Line baking trays with aluminum foil.

Trim ribs of any extra fat and pull of the membrane on the back side of the racks.  Cut the racks in two.  If desired, you may put a dry rub on them (we always do!)  I have a super recipe for one if you'd like it.

After rubbing, place the ribs on the baking trays.  Bake at 275 degrees for 3 hours. 

                                 

Ribs will be super tender and clean up is a breeze...just throw the foil away!

Ribs may be eaten as is or thrown on the grill for a few minutes  and slathered with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Any extra ribs may be cooled, wrapped tightly and frozen.  To serve, thaw in the refrigerator, grill until hot (about 10-15 minutes)

That's it!  Easy, peasy and oh, so good!!



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Lockhart Buttermilk Chicken

Oh my...I'm late to life today.  We went to Ikea....AGAIN, yesterday.  My DH is a saint.  This is the 3rd time he's sacrificed his day for my studio.  We thought it would be a quick trip up and back with maybe time for lunch but noooooo.  It took 3 hours to get a straight.   The Ikea return/exchange staff was super so it wasn't their fault.  They brought down 3 separate units until we finally got all the pieces.  We kept finding crooked boards.  We have lots of respect for their patience, they reimbursed us for our gas/tolls (since it was the 3rd time) and were super polite/helpful. 
This is my LATE sketch submission for the Posh Designs Scrapbook store sketch challenge (PDSS15). 

You can flip, rotate, resize or do whatever your crafty heart desires as long as we can still see the original sketch in your creation then you're good to go! These challenges are on a bi-weekly basis, so that means you'll have two (2) weeks to get your creations completed, loaded and linked up

For this challenge Posh Designs Scrapbook Store is giving away... 3 Packages of Webster's Pages SPANKING NEW Fabric Ribbons from their brand new collections: Lullaby Lane, Garden Gala & Seaside Retreat!!! (5 fabric strips per cards - 18" each design).

BTW...for those of you who are waiting for the info on the digital paper I used on this card,  it's right here...Lizze Ann Designs Stars and Stripes.  I just love it.  I got mine last year and have used it often.

Supplies:

Stamps - Karen Lockhart Buttermilk Chicken,  PTI Simple Little Things
Paper - SU So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Gooseberry Patch DP (I will put some on my for sale page if anyone is interested).
Ink - SU markers, PTI chamomile
Accessories - Spellbinders label die, SU choc. chip grosgrain
Technique - Distressing, sponging




 
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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

We Love Our Troops

Just in time for Memorial Day!  Regina at the Cutting Cafe has come out with a brand new set called,
"We Love Our Troops".   There are 34 stamps in this set including circles dedicated to each branch of the service.

I printed the sentiment directly on my card in PrintShop and changed the color to red.  The DP is a download (I got it last year and can't remember where but I'll look it up and get back to you because it's a great set of papers.)


This qualifies for:

The JUGS 33 challenge to use red, white and blue with kraft as an option.

The Stamp TV Monday Color Challenge - Red, White, & Blue

The Shabby Tea Room Week 10 Challenge Stars and Stripes

Card size is 4.25" x 5.5"
Supplies:
Paper - Neenah Classic, SU Real Red, Brocade Blue,
digi DP - Lizzie Ann Designs Stars & Stripes
Accessories - corner rounder, retired SU ribbon, stars and chipboard USA from my clearance stash, dimensionals, red gel pen





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Monday, May 17, 2010

Re-Draw for Cutting Cafe Winner

Ok, guys...Gina hasn't contacted me so I've drawn another number.
 
Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

28

Timestamp: 2010-05-18 01:10:09 UTC
Gloria Westerman said...

These are just adorable...and very clever.....I pop over to the cafe and I love the lady bugs...


May 11, 2010 2:41 PM

Congratulations, Gloria!! 

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Shabby, Clean and Simple (CAS67)

Another CAS card..I do love these!  Today's CAS challenge 67 on SplitcoastStampers is Shabby Chic.  Now CAS and Shabby don't necessarily go together in my vocabulary so I had to struggle not to fancy this one up.
Still no cabinet in the studio, we pick that up on Wednesday,...and now, DH has broken the slide on one of the kitchen drawers.  I hope the old "3 things" rule isn't in play here.
Supplies:
Paper - Papertrey Kraft, SU Pink Pirouette, black
Image - Crafty Secrets
Ribbon - May Arts silk ( on my for sale page)
Technique - Distressing                                                   
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Sunday, May 16, 2010

CAS Thank You and Giveaway Update

Edited to add:  If the Cutting Cafe winner doesn't contact me by 6:00 p.m. (Eastern) on Monday, May 17th, I will draw a new winner.

Happy Sunday!  Just a super quick post today.  I used the Sketch Challenge from CAS03 and  Inspiration Challenge 232-Two Lumps of Sugar from Splitcoast.


Supplies:
Paper - Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores, Neenah Classic (punch wouldn't go through the 110lb. CS)
Ink - Versafine black
Accessories - EK Success punch, PTI felt, MS butterfly punch, PTI ribbon, MS oval pearl

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Saturday, May 15, 2010

It's Graduation and Wedding Gift Card Time!!

 


                                         

A quick post as I'm off to set up for church tomorrow and then a luncheon later.  Whew...

Two gift card holders today...one for a graduation (I just lifted the emblem and date off the announcement)  wink, wink.  One for a wedding. 

I have a tutorial on the Posh Designs Scrapbook Store blog for those of you who may be new to gift card holder making. 

Thanks for playing with me today!!!

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Friday, May 14, 2010

Cutting Cafe Cute Critter Winner!!

A big, big thank you to everyone who took the time to visit and comment on the Cutting Cafe Cute Critter posts.  Wish everyone could win!    Here's the winning number:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

46

Timestamp: 2010-05-15 00:30:17 UTC


Gina said...

I was going to say the ladybirds until I saw those cute snails............had to go with those! Love your project, the bookmark idea is fab!

May 13, 2010 12:42 AM
 
 
Congratulations, Gina!!  PM me your email address and we'll get your Cute Critter and Candy Box sets to you right away!  I will draw a new winner if not contacted by Sunday, May 16th before 5:00 p.m. Eastern.
 
 
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It's Cutting Cafe Give Away Day!!

Today's the day, today's the day!!  You still have time to go HERE, follow the directions and get your name in for this HUGE and ADORABLE Cutting Cafe Cute Critter set and the Candy Box template!!

For this card, I used the Ladybugs that have the words "Don't Bug Us" underneath.  I wanted a different sentiment so I just covered up the words with a paper strip and stamped my sentiment.  I used some Crystal Effects to make their little shells shine....and yes,  they are on CS straight.  They're marching uphill.

Now for a personal note....yesterday was my 60th birthday.  Oh my, I was so not prepared for what a special day it turned out to be.   My dear friend, Patty, arranged a surprise birthday luncheon at a lovely restaurant by the water complete with a homemade from scratch birthday cake and balloons!  There were so many dear and sweet friends there...what a lovely gift of their time!   I was so overwhelmed by their generousity that I spent the rest of the day in tears every time I thought of how absolutely blessed I am...not only with dear friends here but also in our old "hometown" of Louisville, with our family, friends I've met through stamping online, and  especially, my dear sweet DH who, once again, made me a card..sweet and simple:
                                        
Update on the cabinet from Ikea...they are going to replace the parts that aren't finished properly and because we have to travel so far, they've agreed to reimburse our gas and tolls.  The best part is I don't have to rebuild the drawers...yea!!

Thanks again for the gift of your time spent visiting my blog!  Be sure to enter The Cutting Cafe Giveaway!!

Supplies:
Stamps- The Cutting Cafe, Papertrey Pond Life
Paper - PTI black,  SU Real Red, Neenah Classic white
Ink - Copic marker
Accessories - SU Scalloped Edge punch, ribbon, Crystal Effects, Cuttlebug circles embossing folder

 
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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Love and Furniture Building

Before I get to the saga of the furniture building, I do have a card to share today.  The sentiment is from Ethereal Forest Designs Love Sentiments.  I love the elegance of the script.  I used Soft Suede as my base combined with DP from The Luxury Stack from DCWV.  It has a soft shimmer to to it that I don't think I captured.   I used Papertrey's Chai ink to sponge the edges and add a vintage look to the paper roses.  The lace is May Arts (in my Etsy Shop or at the top of the page.)  The sentiment panel is popped up on dimensionals.
 
 
Ok, on to the saga of the new cabinets for my studio from IKEA.   For those who may not know, IKEA has all knock down furniture which means good price but you build it yourself.  The first one is up and looks great.  Considering the instructions are just pictures and no words, we did pretty well.
 
I spent today building 12 drawers and I have the blisters to prove it.  As I was constructing, I noticed the finish work wasn't quite as nice as the first piece.  Should have been a giveaway....when DH got home from work and started pulling out the main parts, none of them had a final finish on them!  One board is warped, one rough and one side has a split.  NOT GOOD...especially since the nearest IKEA is 2 hours away.   UGH!  Will call them tomorrow.  Their return policy is good but so far away. 
 
Don't forget about the Giveaway here.  I'll draw the winner on Friday!  Two super sets from The Cutting Cafe.
 
Supplies:
Paper - SU Soft Suede, PTI vanilla, DCWV Luxury Stack
Ink - Papertrey Chai
Accessories - Spellbinders Oval dies, May Arts crocheted ribbon, ivory satin ribbon, paper roses
Techniques - sewing, distressing, sponging
 
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Monday, May 10, 2010

Cutting Cafe Giveaway Part 2- Just bee-cause


I just adore the cute images in The Cutting Cafe new set, Cute Critters.  This card is for CAS66 - a sketch challenge by Kelly on SplitcoastStampers.   
This card literally took just minutes to make.  I copied and pasted the words from Cute Critters into my Print Shop program and then just moved them around until they were at the edge of the right side of the paper.  Printed out, added the papers and the Cute Critter bees.  I cut into the wings on the bees so they would look like they were in flight and sponged with a bit of black Versamark ink, added some flight dots and done.
Don't forget!  I'm giving this set and the candy box away on this post.  Be sure to follow the directions to be considered in the drawing.

 
 
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