Can You Help?

Hi there!

I apologize for the lack of posts...October is our family's birthday month...so much to do and so little time.  I know, I know..birthdays are the same day every year and I should make the cards, plan the gifts in advance and I really do mean to...but...

I received an email recently from a friend who has a friend who's sister has recently been diagnosed with a serious illness. I am not at liberty to share details but it seems we all have a dear one or someone who is dealing with a life altering or life threatening situation so I know we can relate.

I know how awesome stampers are...and we love to bless others with cards.  If you have a minute or two and can send this dear lady a birthday card, I know it would make her day...and brighten the lives of her family as well.   

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

Linda Franz
PO Box 618
Sister Bay, WI  54234-0618

Blessings, Thanks, and Happy Stamping!

Charlene

Birthday Fishes!

Hi!

I want to go fishing!! I've been begging my DH to take me for nearly a year now. I'm thinking I may need to go by myself!! Now before you think I'm a great sports fisherman, think again. The thought of baiting a hook gives me the heebee jeebies ,but I love the rest of it. DH says you gotta do it all....well, I can use corn or bread like I did when I was little, right? :-)

Do you see my fish bowl? I just love it! Click and look closer. You can actually look inside my bowl! Isn't that fun?

I first cuttlebugged a scrap of Aqua Mist CS from Papertrey with a circle Nestibility. I cut about 1/3 of the circle away to create the bowl shape. Then I placed the "bowl" inside a Cuttlebug Bird Call folder and embossed it.
The fish, sentiment and bubbles are from Papertrey's Pond Life. I stamped the fish in SU craft white ink. Then I brushed PearlEx powder over the ink using blue, green and gold. I cut each fish out and mounted it on dimensionals. I used a GellyRoll glaze pen to highlight the bubbles and the fish eyes and the sentiment. I brushed over the bubbles with gold Pearl Ex and sponged the edges of the bowl.

Now for the cool part....I cut a scrap piece of clear acrylic left from a package of clear stamps with the same circle Nestibility. I ran just a bit of SU tape runner around the edges of the bowl and attached the edges of the acrylic bowl. You can actually look down inside the bowl.

The background piece is a piece of Spring Moss that I ran through the Bubbles Cuttlebug Folder. I've found you have to be a bit careful with this paper in CB folders with alot of texture as it will tear easily.

The ribbon is attached by cutting a slit in the side of the card then taping it down on the inside...nice and neat.

Let me know what you think!

Blessings and Happy Stamping!

Charlene

Happy 7th Birthday, J.D.

Hi,

Do you struggle as much as I do with cards for guys? Girly cards are so much easier. My son's nephew, J.D. is a sports lover so most of my cards for him have been sports themed. I was in a crunch for time with numerous October birthdays looming so needed a quick and easy card.

The base layer for this easy card is SU Confetti Cream. That gorgeous textured DP is from
Crate Paper -The Zoom Collection...perfect for little boys. The best part is that it's double-sided so no guesswork in trying to match colors.

If I had more time, I would have added stitching to it. This is simply layered using the front and back of the paper. I distressed the edges of the center strip and the image piece. I just love those great big eyelets from Stampin Up. The number 7 is popped up on dimensionals. I stamped the wording with my JustRight Stamper Rectangular stamper. I love it!! You can set whole phrases at once. How cool is that?!

I also heat embossed the wording and the 7 with clear embossing powder to give it some dimension.  You can see it better if you click on the photo for a close up.

Quick and easy.

Blessings and Happy Stamping!

Charlene

You Rock, Drew!!

Happy Thursday!

I just love this sketch challengeSCS197 from SplitcoastStampers  . I needed a card for my nephew, Drew. He's a rockin' teenager who plays the drums in a teen rock band. Can you imagine how excited I was to find this cool set of stamps from Inkadinkadoo? Jacksonbelle has all the cool sets in her ebay store.

I thought this card needed to be as rockin' as the stamps. I have to tell you that I was having serious ribbon withdrawal. I didn't think Drew would think that was very "cool" for a guy so I added the black strip to the sketch and soothed my withdrawal with lots of glitz and glitter.

The base card is PTI new soft gold cardstock. I thought I would use this just for girly elegant cards but it works for this one, I think. The glittery layer is from K & Co. Halloween glitter pack. I embossed the SU eggplant layer in clear embossing powder using Versamark. Images are stamped in Black Staz-on.  To make them really rock, I traced them with a glue pen and added some Martha Stewart ultra-fine glitter. I think the drums look like they're on a drum with those neat Nestibilities circles.

You think he'll think it's cool, too?

Supplies: Cardstock - PTI soft gold, SU Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant, K & Co. Halloween glitter pack
Ink - Stazon Black, Versamark
Supplies - Scor-Pal, clear embossing powder, heat gun, glue pen, MS glitter

Update on My Brother

Hi,

First of all, we have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have offered to pray and sent good wishes for my brother.  He loved the "Believe in Miracles" card. 

Many of you have asked about my brother, Lance and his liver battle.  I called him yesterday.  All I can say is God bless the insurance companies because somebody needs to.  His work switched insurance companies on Oct. 1.  His appointment at the University of Pittsburgh Hospital  to determine if he needed a liver transplant was SUPPOSED to be Oct. 6.  UP called him on Friday to do the preliminary paperwork over the phone.  When they got to the insurance part, they told him the new carrier wasn't accepted by the hospital.  Now he's back to square 1 trying to find a liver specialist.  To make matters worse, the doctor and hospital bills are now rolling in.  All this because a doctor did not bother to read the blood tests he ordered after prescribing a toxic combination of drugs for back pain.

Please continue to pray for him and for the wisdom of his doctors.    He's trying to keep his spirits up and doing a great job of it. 

With everything going on in the world right now, I know your prayer lists are long so I humbly thank you in advance for your time.

Blessings,
Charlene

Boo to You!! World Cardmaking Day

Happy Sunday,
Yesterday was World Cardmaking Day! As part of the celebration,
Splitcoast Stampers offered several challenges. One was to CASE a card from the gallery of the talented Sherryls05. I chose her card titled Celebrate Sassy Flowers.

I know, I know...about this time you're thinking flowers? I don't see any flowers!flowers!!

Well, that's pretty much the point. We were to choose a card and change at least 2 things about it. Most who know me know I have a hard time with casing. Not sure why exactly but when I realized that I could basically take one of her layouts and play with it (this is a playground, right? :-) I realized - I could do this!

See how many changes you can find and post them here. I've got a surprise for the one who finds the most. Happy Hunting!!

Blessings and Happy Stamping!
Charlene

Our Hearts are Poppin'...with Appreciation, that is!

Hi!

Another Sunday, brings another teacher appreciation gift from our church. This week, I decided to make these super quick and easy popcorn pull-ups. I used the single serving size bags of popcorn so they could pop them right at school if they want to.

The paper came from a pack that was a gift from my friend, Patty. I made all the papers from that pack as I knew they would coordinate and I wouldn't have to do much thinking about that part. LOL

The sentiment was cut with a Spellbinder's Nestibility and stamped with the Small Letter Set and Round Stamper from JustRite Stampers. I just love the fact that I can say anything I want with these versatile letters!

You can click on the photo for a closer look if you'd like.

I keep these gifts simple since I have to make so many but these can be dressed up any way you choose.

Have a wonderful day!

Blessings and Happy Stamping,

Charlene

First Fruits Thanksgiving Table

Happy Saturday,

I just love Thanksgiving. It makes me angry sometimes that retailers just "jump" right over it in their rush from Halloween to Christmas. To me, it's a time to spend with family and friends and express our thanks to our Father for the blessings we've been given....even in hard times.

Several of my Stamp Campers are hosting Thanksgiving dinner so I thought they might like some ideas for their tables.

I just love Papertrey's First Fruits...so many possibilities! I chose this shock of wheat because it isn't too fussy and would be just as happy paired with Chinet as with your good china.

I used SU's Haiku DP paired with More Mustard and Tangerine Tango CS and inks. After stamping the wheat in More Mustard, I tapped the edges of the image with Tangerine Tango, then stamped in Versamark and clear embossing powder. I added just a touch of additional sparkle to the wheat tops with a Sakura Gelly Roll sparkle pen in a coppery color.

The images are cut with the largest size Spellbinder's Nestibilities plain and scalloped ovals, the edges are embossed and sponged with More Mustard for depth.

I created the names of the placeholder with my computer and punched it out using SU's word window punch.

The tiny tin is perfect for holding mints or a small treasure. I thought a small gift by each place would be a nice touch. I covered the edges with DP after first running a strip of Scor-Tape from Scor-Pal around the edges. The top pieces were also cut with a circle Nestibility.

I made the napkin ring by first cutting a strip of heavyweight acrylic to fit the napkin and then sticking it together with Scor-Tape. I did not adhere the DP to it but made it to slip on so the rings can be re-used. That way you don't have to "re-create the wheel" each time. :-) You can let your guests slip the designer piece off the ring to take home while you keep the master ring to use again!! Pretty clever, don't you think? :-)

I'd love to know what you think!

Season's blessings and Happy Stamping,

Charlene

Chance to Win PhotoShop Elements

Good Morning,
If any of you are photo buffs and want a chance to win Photoshop Elements 7, just go here:
The Secret is in the Sauce and leave them a comment. Easy, peasy and somebody's gotta win, right?

Blessings & Happy Stamping,
Charlene

Believe in Miracles

Hi,
It's been a rough couple of days around here but we are believing in the promise of Philipians 4:13.

I made this card for my brother who is facing a possible liver transplant. We are indeed praying for a miracle.

My DH took this photo at St. Augustine beach last year from the vantage point of a boardwalk. It just feels so comforting to see the waves and know that the One who made them can calm them.

The base of the card is SU Sahara Sand, the black is a cool bumpy texture from a pack of paper that was a gift from a friend. It's lighter than SU cardstock so the layers don't add alot of additional weight. The blue is Baja Breeze. I sponged words in Tim Holtz' Distressed Ink Old Paper since I don't have a Sahara Sand ink pad....hmmmm...will have to add that to the list. The Old Paper does match very well though. I wanted this card to be simple but it really needed that sheer ribbon. I tried a wider sheer, a satin piece, and a grosgrain piece before settling on this one. Click on the photo for a better look if you'd like.

I'd love to know what you think...if you've never tried to make a card from a photo, why not give it a try. If you do, link it here. I'd love to see it. I've got a couple more up my sleeve for later.

Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene

H2 O To Go... To Class, that is!

Edited to add: I've had several requests for the dimensions of this project. I used a 16 oz. Zephyrhills bottle so adjust as needed for your bottle.
See end of post.

Sorry I haven't posted for a few days...it's been busy around here and although I hate to admit it, we're political junkies. I actually emailed my congressman for the first time ever...

At any rate, here is a quick project I made for the teacher thank-you gifts this week. My DH took this photo with his Canon 30D...so much nicer than my little Sony...he said I need a new battery.

I saw these in a smaller version on SCS. I made some alterations to fit a Zephyrhills 16 oz. bottle. They aren't embellished alot to keep cost to a minimum but I still think they turned out pretty nice. Love to know what you think. You can click on any photo for a closer look .

Cut BB cardstock 3 x 11-1/2". Score at 2", flip and score again @ 2-1/2". Punch circle in 2" section. Punch a scallop circle. Punch the center out with same size circle you just used.

Fold up the bottom 2-1/2" section and embellish as desired.

Supplies: Cardstock - Real Red, Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, DP-Tart and Tangy (retired)
Brads - SU, Punches - Scallop Circle, 1-1/4" Tag Corner, Ink - Basic Black, Water, Crystal Light To Go

Blessings & Happy Stamping,
Charlene

World Alzheimer's Day Card - Cammie's Blog

Here's my card for World Alzheimer's Day. It's so much prettier IRL.

I don't personally know anyone with Alzheimer's but Cammie has given us a wonderful opportunity to participate. The cards are for the caregivers who give of themselves each day in the care of these precious people. If you don't know anyone who has Alzheimer's, Cammie has requested that cards be sent to:

The Staff @ Artman Home
250 N. Bethlehem Pike
Ambler, PA 19002

This is where my card is going.

So come on Stamp Campers...let's overwhelm them with love.

Details: CS - SU Baja Breeze, Pirouette Pink, watercolor paper
DP - Basic Grey Perhaps
Black Embossing powder, Prismacolor markers, Sakura Glitter pen, Scor-Pal, Cuttlebug, Spellbinders dies, embossing folders, MS stick on pearls, vellum tag

Blessings & Happy Stamping,

Charlene

World Alzheimer's Day Blog Giveaway

A big blog giveaway for World Alzheimer's Day!

If you haven't heard or read about what Carolyn King is doing over in her corner of cyberspace, you really need to check this out. She's gathered a bunch of wonderful products from fabulous companies and she's giving away the whole bundle at the end of this week. If you enter to win, you'll be helping to raise the spirits of some dedicated people who care for Alzheimer's patients. You can read the rules here..Now I'm off to make my card so I can enter!


Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene

Stamp Camp Calendar Project

Happy Wednesday! So sorry I haven't posted in a few days, life has been.....well, LIFE. My oldest son, is dealing with the after effects of TS Ike in Indiana of all places. No electricity and no water as they sent all their county's emergency supplies to Texas. I had to shop for lanterns, batteries, etc. and ship them up there. Our youngest son is dealing with a matter of the heart. Not so easy to fix with a shopping trip.

I'm not sure what's happening in blogger but it's acting up today and will only let me type where IT wants me to type so I apologize in advance for the extra spaces. It's either that or run on sentences. As I said, LIFE!!

This is the project we're making in Stamp Camp this month. It's a 12 month Perpetual Calendar. Just like those super $$ ones they sell in gift shops.

The ladies did an awesome job of stamping each page to suit the season or holiday that falls in each month. Each one so different, yet so beautiful. We all used the Bella Rose DP from Stampin Up for the outside but everyone decorated their cover differently as well. Here's sample of my January page. You can't see it but I highlighted each snowflake with Sakura Glitter pen. Following this post will be the awesome dessert we enjoyed. One of my husband's all time favorites and soooo simple.

Let me know what you think.

Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene

The Secret's Out

I got an email from my upline, Martha, right away! She's terrific, by the way. We live in polar opposite climates. She's in MN, I'm in FL.

For my stamp campers who've emailed me wondering....

It's an Adhesive Remover. You use it just like an eraser. It lifts adhesive without tearing or leaving a mark on your paper. Cool tool, huh? :-)

Now, if you don't have one, this style can be found at Michael's or you can check pg. 191 in the new Stampin Up catalog for their version.

Martha, I will be sending you some stamped images for your good guess.

Blessings & Happy Stamping!
Charlene

Thinking of you.... monochromatically, that is!

I saw a card similar to this some time ago...wish I could remember where so I could give the creator credit. I have changed a number of the elements, however. I'm doing this from memory so forgive me if I'm not exact.

While the stamps used are the same and color/background image are the same, I think I changed nearly everything else. I moved the image placement, changed the ribbon, added the sentiment panel, stamped the interior and the envelope.

I hope you can get an idea of the shimmer in that gorgeous ribbon. I love ribbon!! I only had a tiny piece of this beauty from Really Reasonable Ribbon. It's beautifully sheer and embossed with a swirled pattern that has a subtle shimmer. It's so soft and ties beautifully. It came in a sample pack so I have no reference or color name but it's worth hunting for. I used Color Box Sky Blue pigment ink. Just a caution, this stays wet for awhile. I recommend using your heat gun or setting it aside to dry overnight before adhering your elements. Ask me how I know that! I "schmeared" the first background after I had dried it. I decided to add a few more elements, the side of the hand hit the wet ink and that card was history. Had to begin again. UGH!

The image panel and the sentiment are popped up on dimensionals. The brads came from a multi package purchased at Michael's.

Thanks for looking.

Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene

What in the World is THAT?

Ugly little thing, isn't it? (giggle)

I just couldn't resist...if I had a nickel for every time I reach for this "tool", I'd be a rich woman. Any guesses what it is?

If you know, leave me a guess. I'll tell you tomorrow. I just love suspense....

Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene

Thankful in Seattle

My DH had a day off today so I baked a peach pie...Yum!! I always use Perfect Pie Crust. The recipe makes 4 crusts at a time and it can be frozen with perfect results every time. We got the peaches (blackberries and blueberries, too!) in GA and froze them. They are wonderful!

But, back to business!

I helped a friend make 9 cards yesterday. She did alot of the creative work herself on most of them but this one I did myself because we were running out of stamping time.

I sure wish Stampin Up would have kept the River Rock cardstock. I just love how it coordinates with so many other colors. This card came together in minutes. The base and image piece are Stampin Up Very Vanilla. The image is the Seattle skyline by Rubber Soul. The edges were punched using SU's Tag Corner Punch. I ran the image piece edges over my SU Basic Black pad to give it some dimension. I love the simplicity and the elegance of this combination. The skyline image almost looks like it's framed.

Thanks for visiting!

Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene

Simple and Elegant Anniversary

Today is the 28th wedding anniversary of our friends, Terrell & Patty.  I thought this Verve Visual sentiment fit them perfectly.  They are the nicest people...truly nice and "so happy together".

I love the simplicity of black and white.  This card is a variation of one Sharon Johnson did a while ago.  The main image is simply a Cuttlebug Birds & Swirls folder embossed on Stampin Up Whisper White.  The Verve sentiment is stamped and embossed using Spellbinders Oval dies.  I popped up the sentiment panel on dimensionals.  That gorgeous ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  Oh my goodness!  She has the most gorgeous ribbons!!   I'm not sure you can see it but there's a thin silver line running down both sides of the ribbon.  I layered the ribbon this time rather than tying a bow.  That's all there is to it.  So simple, so elegant.

Blessings and Happy Stamping,
                                                                              Charlene

Hurricane Survival Kit!!

If you live, as I do, in one of the SE or Gulf states, you know that June through November is HURRICANE SEASON...it's the price we pay for all that sunshine when our Northern friends are shivering, I guess.

We know, too, that we need survival suppliest to get through those howling winds and driving rains as well as the aftermath of dealing with no electricity, downed trees, flooded roads. leaky roofs...still think this is paradise?

I decided to put together a little Survival Kit of my own. This Stampin Up DP (now retired) reminded me of the swirling and oft times irratic tracks of those storms, only I thought this was much prettier. ;-) What my camera had trouble picking up is that cool little piece of hardware that's threaded through the ribbon. (I just love Stampin Up's HodgePodge sets!!! So many details for such a good price.) Since my DH will be sharing this Survival Kit with me, I couldn't make it too girly. (In truth, he will probably be taking this to work to keep in his desk...to ease the stress.) I used my scissors to distress the edges of the center image pieces. The stamped words are from Stampendous.

Back to the supply list....we NEED batteries, lanterns, propane, gasoline, matches, generators, flashlights, easily prepared foods, medicines, hurricane shutters...the list is endless.... but there's one REALLY important thing, the thing that calms our nerves and saves our sanity...........

CHOCOLATE...LOTS AND LOTS OF CHOCOLATE!!
(YES, THOSE ARE CHOCOLATE COVERED ALTOIDS IN THERE!)


Thanks for visiting with me today...Have a piece of chocolate while you're here.

Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene