Happy Birthday Soccer Boy - MMSC107

This adorable little image & sentiment from Lili of the Valley were a gift from my friend, Sue, of Sue's Stamping Stuff.  She's a House Mouse card expert!

Our grandson will be 6 on Wednesday and he LOVES soccer.

Isn't this little guy just the cutest?   I stamped and heat embossed his soccer ball and popped it up on dimensionals. 

Here's the sketch I used from Midnight Madness.  MMSC107

Supplies:
Paper - Neenah base, SU Real Red, SU DP retured
Stamps - LOTV
Ink - Copics
Accessories - Papertrey Ink - Wonderful Words die, Spellbinders circle dies, brad, foam dimensionals, clear EP, Quickie Glue Pen

Cosmopolitan Neopolitan

Now say that 3X real fast!  That's the Tuesday Trigger on Moxie Fab World this week.  These yummy treats are the inspiration:

Aren't these just to die for? 

My cards aren't very cosmopolitan because I was in a vintage mood today;  but they are neopolitan.  I love those colors!

This first card came about because I had the stamps out from the SCS CAS122 challenge - Play on Words.

This one isn't intended to be CAS but it's definitely cleaner than the next one.

                                   

This one is for my girly ballerina.  I hope she likes it.  She's 8 and this is the first "grown-up" style card I've made her.

Little bits of love all clustered together.

Supplies:

Paper - Papertrey Ink, Girls Paperie Vintage Whimsey, Neenah

Ink - SU Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirhouette

Stamps - Papertrey Ink Chair-ished, On my Couch, Beautiful Botanicals

Accessories - Digital image - Made by Janet, Ribbon - Memrie Mare, Crochet Lace - May Arts, MS butterfly punch, stick pin, beads, button, twine, paper roses, chipboard heart, chunky glitter, sewing machine, paper doily

Beach themed Paper Bag Album Giveaway

It's my turn to show you what I created with the cool papers and embellishments plus awesome May Arts ribbon for the May Arts/Creative Imaginations Blog Week.

Here's a little sneak peek...the supply list and more photos are on the May Arts Blog.  And guess what...they're giving even MORE stuff away just for commenting!  Come on over and see what's inside, tell them what you think, then come back here because I'm giving it away!!  Just leave a comment, follow my blog if you choose and IF you have a blog...post a pic of the giveaway!  I'll give it away on the 21st of June...that's the first day of summer so you'll be all ready to save those beachy memories.

WOYWW105 - A Mess!

You thought I was kidding, didn't you?  I'm rushing trying to get lots of things done before I pack to go see our grands...our GD has a dance recital, and her brother has a birthday a few days later so Nana is taking a few days off...oh how I will miss my paper and ink.  Sure hope the cleaning fairy comes while I'm gone.  Now wouldn't THAT be nice?!!

Hey, maybe DH will clean up!....hmmmm, NOT!

Here's a close up of the little wand I'm working on for GD.

Michael's had the base on sale 40% off so I added some ribbon, netting, flowers, a rosette and her name.  The base is a sparkly heart.  I think this will last longer than flowers.

There's something on the desk that I'm adding to the blog candy in the right hand column so don't forget to click on the link and comment.  Someone has to win, you know. 

There's something from last week's WOYWW in there too.  Did you find it?

Now head on over to Julia's Stamping Ground to see what's on the workdesks around the globe.

I don't think I can convince DH to blog for me while I'm gone.  I'll have one more post tomorrow and then I'll be back next week.

Teapot Tuesday MMTPT149 Cards for Lindsay

This week's Teapot Tuesday  MMTPT149 is a bit different.  We're making CAS cards plus one (or more kits) to send to Lindsay, a young mom from Colorado who has to spend an entire month in the hospital receiving what her family calls "killer chemo" and a bone marrow transplant.  She won't be able to leave the hospital at all.  Linday isn't a card maker but her family thought she might enjoy being able to put together "kit" cards to send to out.

If you would like to send Lindsay a card and a simple kit, you can find her info here.

Here's the teapot Cindy chose for our inspiration piece.  Nice and simple.  Lindsay's kit will include the stamped and cut out flowers with dimensionals attached, leaves, stamped sentiment panel, Pacific Point panel and the card base.  Hope you can join in the fun.

Supplies:

Paper - Neenah, SU Pacific Point

Stamps - PTI Botanical Silhouettes

Ink - Riding Hood Red, Versafine

Accessories - dimensionals, MS leaf punch

Don't forget to sign up for my blog candy and check out the blog hop on May Arts and Creative Imaginations  AND check out Terri's blog....she's giving away a copy of her son's first book!



Big News & Candy from May Arts and Creative Imaginations

                                

It's May Arts/Creative Imaginations Week!  You know they always have super prizes just for commenting on the daily posts....Want to know what's up for grabs this week? 

This.....

and all of this!

Now for the "Big News" !!  I made the DT once again for May Arts Ribbon!!  Woo,Hoo!!

Thanks to everyone who took time out of their day to comment on my project!  I owe my spot to you!

Don't forget to sign up for my Blog Candy as well....I added something new today.  :-)

Clean and Simple Monday & Blog Candy!

Ah, summer...we love the warm days but so do the growing things.  We spent the weekend trimming palms, pressure washing the deck and cleaning patio furniture.  I have a few muscles I didn't know I had because they all hurt!

The CAS122 Challenge on SCS this week is a Play on Words.  Time to get punny with those sentiments and images.  DH left late this a.m. so I didn't have alot of time to think and this card took waaay longer than it should have AND I must have wiggled the sentiment because my "i"  is double but there is no time this a.m. to fix it. 

I made a card for friends expecting their first baby that I didn't get posted.  It's just a bit of fun.  Hope it brings them a smile.

And now......the blog candy I promised you! 

There is a big plastic case full of flowers and die cut shapes,
 some fun flowers from Petaloo and Bella Blvd.,
 2 stamps from Stampin' Bella,
 Mat Stack die from Papertrey Ink,
 Winnie the Pooh metal alphabet embossing die,
 cute kraft paper bags and doilies from my Etsy shop
 Copic Warm Gray Sketch marker, and
 6 yummy yards of May Arts Ribbon  and a few more surprises that I'll be adding before I pick a winner.

What do you have to do?  Just leave me a comment and post a pic of the candy on your blog.   If you want to follow my blog that would be awesome but not required.  If you don't have a blog, that's ok, too...just leave me a comment or become a follower and tell me you did. 

I will choose a winner by random number generator on Sunday, June 19th at 6:00 p.m. EDT.

Foodie Friday - Potatoes Fonteccchio

First...stay tuned 'cause there's some blog candy coming your way this weekend...can you say rubber, flowers, ribbons, dies, oh my!!

Potatoes Fontecchio. Say that 3x real fast! I got this recipe from The Silver Palette Good Times Cookbook many years ago and it's been a hit with  family and friends ever since.  It's super easy and as the quote in the cookbook says...."Pure Heaven".  They're served room temperature so they're great to take to a cookout or potluck.  

POTATOES FONTECCHIO   I cut this recipe in half when preparing for just DH and I...the leftovers are awesome cold, too.

5 1/2 lbs. small red new potatoes
8 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 1/2 c. first cold pressed olive oil
1 large or 2 small bunches fresh mint, stems removed, leaves finely chopped
2 T.  kosher salt (do not use regular salt!)
Freshly ground black pepper

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.  Scrub potatoes and prick each one about 6 times with a fork.  Place in a shallow roasting pan and roast for 2 hours.  Cut each potato in half.
3.  Toss the hot potatoes with the garlic, olive oil, mint, salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl.  Let stand for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours before serving. 

Serves 8

Enjoy!

WOYWW 104 and DT picking time

My workdesk this week has been busy with DT projects but I did manage to put together some boxes of goodies for a giveaway...I'll be adding some things to them in the next few days.

It's a mess, I know!  The half eaten M & M's are still there..not sure how that happend.  I don't even like plain M & M's. 

There's a big giveaway over at the May Arts blog!  Here's what's up for grabs:

The entire series of 332 ribbons!  Aren't those colors just fabulous?  Perfect for summer crafting.  Here's what I'd like you to do....just pop over to the May Arts blog and tell them what you think of my project.  That's it. 

Someone has to win so it might as well be you!

Be sure to pop over to Julia's Stamping Ground  to see what's on workdesks all over the world...Julia's got a special anniversary and some fun planned to go with it.


Edited to add: I still can't comment on some blogs...some I can. I sure don't know what's up with blogger but this is getting old....fast. Anyone else still struggling?

Teapot Tuesday - Not so Synchronized Swimming

This week is "Tickle a Teapotter week (MMTPT148) on SCS Teapot Tuesday.   We're taking a break from the heavy mail and sending our cards to a secret teapotter that only Cindy will know.  If you'd like to get some happy mail, just post your card at the above link, then go here, and sign up to play.  Just bring two of something on your card. 

Our theme this week is Not so Synchronized Swimming.  I'm introducing Sila and Cona, the Silicone Sisters.  They have their own built in "floaters" so their fancy swimming is done above the water's edge.  tee,hee!!

I wish you could see them IRL...they sparkle with glitter on their form fitting suits, their balls, their bubbles and their frame.  Wonder who's going to get them...plus some extra goodies from my stash?

Supplies:

Paper - Neenah Cream, DCWV Citrus Stack (my summer favorite)

Stamps - free digi I found online

Ink - Copics (soeaking of Copics...did you know the price is going UP (double)  in August?  You can still get them reasonably priced at Carpe Diem  but you better hurry, if they're on your wish list.)

Accessories - corner rounder, SU border punch, sewing machine, bling

                                              

CAS121 - Clean and Simple Monday - Memorial Day

This week's CAS challenge CAS121 is to fold or scrunch your ribbon.

Today is Memorial Day in the USA.  This year, especially, we are reminded that our freedom isn't free.  It was bought with the price of our most precious treasure, our men and women who choose to serve in the military.

                           

I am reminded too, that we have a responsibility to be sure we do our part to keep our freedom.   We need to teach our children American History, write and call our Congress men and women to make sure they do what's right to protect the freedom that's been so sacrifically won, and stand up for our country, for our faith as a nation, for our rights as US citizens.

"Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have. The course of history shows us that as a government grows, liberty decreases."


— Thomas Jefferson

Let's go to the Beach!

Summer time is beach time and a girl has to have a stylish way to tote all those beach supplies to the water's edge or to poolside if sand between your toes isn't any option.

Head on over the May Arts blog to see how to make your own stylish and oh so chic carry all.

Two posts today, so if you're looking for Foodie Friday, click here or scroll down for yumminess.

Foodie Fridday - Fresh Corn and Ham Chowder

I love summer time...fresh peaches, watermelon, blackberries, and fresh corn!  Boil it, steam it, grill it, I don't care.  I love it!

I found this recipe in my latest of Food Network magazine under Weeknight Cooking...fast and easy meals.

It's absolutely the best corn chowder I've made but be forewarned...the recipe said 4 servings...this will serve at least 6.

Fresh Corn and Ham Chowder

active time: 30 minutes/ total time 40 minutes

6 ears corn, shucked

5 T. unsalted butter

4 sprigs thyme

1 large onion, diced

3 stalks celery, thinly sliced

1 large clove garlic, minced

Kosher salt

8 oz. ham, diced

2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1" pieces

6 scallions, chopped

5 c. water

2/3 c. heavy cream (I know, but it's soooooo good!)

black pepper, as desired

1.  Slice the corn kernels off the cob and reserve the cobs.  Heat 4 T. butter in a large pot over high heat.  Add the thyme, onion, celery, garlic 1 t. salt and all but 1/2 c. EACH corn kernels and ham; cook 1 minute.  Add the potatoes, corn cobs and 5 c. water.  Cover and cook until the potatoes are very tender, 20-25 minutes.

2.  Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 T. butter in a skillet over med. high heat.  Add the reserved corn kernels and ham and cook until the am is browned, about 6 minutes.  Add the scallions and cook until softened, about 1 minute.

3.  Remove the corn cobs from the soup and discard.  Stir in the heavy cream and cook until heated through, but not boiling, about 1 minute.  Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the corn-ham mixture.

YUM!  Hubby was late coming home from work so my corn-ham garnish didn't look as fresh as it should have.  I will also save some of the scallions for the garnish as well the next time...and there will be a next time for sure!!

Make it Monday #16 - sympathy

Sympathy cards...I don't think anyone enjoys making them but they are a necessity of life.  The Make it Monday challenge on Papertrey Ink this week is Sympathy cards....I needed three so thought this was a good push to get them finished.

Simple, elegant, understated.

I still can't comment but will keep trying!             

Supplies:

Paper - PTI Vintage Cream, True Black

Stamps - PTI Damask Designs, Everyday Blessings (inside)

Accessories - May Arts Black Silk Ribbon, foam tape

                                                    

WOYWW103 - Flowers, flowers everywhere

Has anyone else been having blogger issues.....again?  I couldn't sign in to comment yesterday...haven't tried it yet today but Monica in Jakarta said she was having the same issue so I'm assuming it's a world wide issue.  Could be the tornadoes in the Midwest have caused damage to servers, I wonder?  I also have to sign in every single time for both the blog and email...it's getting a bit annoying, but I'm sure they're working on it...or at least I hope so.

At any rate, here's What's on my workdesk WOYWW103 right now....Flowers!  They don't need water or fertilizer to bloom beautifully. 

I have an idea or two what to do with them and maybe it will go to the person next to me on WOYWW next

week.  It's Julia's anniversary and we're sending presents or pressies as they say across the pond.  Pop on over and read the details then link up your workdesk....if you can...and leave the ladies a comment...if blogger will let you.  ;-( 

A little smile for you:

Edited to add: I still can't comment. Will try again later...when I try it just says Anonymous...anyone else?



                                                

Teapot Tuesday - Gone fishin' in W. Virginia

It's difficult to be glib about a child with cancer, so I'll just let you read the destination of this week's cards in Cindy's words:

MMTPT147 ~ DESTINATION STATION


This week's destination is Buckhannon, West Virginia. If you would like a destination for your card this week, how about sending it to Colton. Colton Dean is a 10 year old boy who has been diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, which is a form of bone cancer. He is a 5th grader at Union Elementary School. Colton's teachers and fellow classmates have made it their mission to get lots of cards mailed to Colton at the school to support him and brighten his days.

Here are the things that Colton loves:


He loves fishing, four-wheelers, nerf guns, The Steelers, WVU (West Virginia University), video games, cashews, sunflower seeds and pineapple juice!

Here is another fun tidbit ~ Colton was recently asked to be the Grand Parade Marshall for the Strawberry Festival parade in his home town which will be held shortly! A great honor!! So, feel free to put a strawberry on your card ~ Colton will know what that is all about! Ha!

Here is Colton's Address:

Colton Dean
c/o Union Elementary School
20 Heavner Grove Road
Buckhannon, WV 26201

Here's my card for Colton using the free digi designed by Leigh at Happileigh Scrappin' just for the challenge.   I put his name on the boat.  :-)  You can pop on over and pick up the digi if you'd like to send Colton a card.

I printed the digi twice, so I could cut out the blue fish, the strawberry and the water and pop them on dimensionals. The main image panel is also popped up.  I covered them with Crystal Effects then sprinkled some glitter on the water before the CE dried.  Love the sparkle it gave the water!

Supplies:

Paper - Base - SU Night of Navy, Real Red, Ballet Blue, Neenah Classic;  DP - Creative Imaginations, Martha Stewart

Stamps - Happileigh Scrappin', Papertrey Ink - Scattered Showers

Ink - Copic markers, SU Night of Navy, Summer Sun, Tango Tangerine

Accessories - dimensionals, fish charms, Crystal Effects, glitter

Clean and SImple Monday -Dark Chocolate & Peaches on a Sandy Beach

No sand, no peaches but did you know the CAS Summer DT search is on at SCS?  It's time for the second round of challenges and even though I can't try out since I'm a former DT member, I can still play along so I decided to combine the DT challenge with this week's CAS sketch challenge (CAS120) by team member, Regina.

The DT challenge is a color challenge to use Dark Chocolate, Sand and Peach.  

Edited to add:  I've had several questions on how I did the ribbon technique on this card.  It's really simple.

The ribbon is 1.25" wide.  I ran a long running stitch down the center with my sewing machine.  Tie a knot at one end so the threads won't pull out, then pick up one of the threads at the other end and pull until the desired gather is attained.  Tie off the threads.  Run a strip of Scor-Tape or other double sided tape where you want the ribbon to go, then just press your gathered ribbon onto the tape making sure to turn the ends under.  That's it!

Supplies:

Paper - PTI  Dark Chocolate, Kraft

Stamps - PTI Up, Up & Away

Ink - SU Chocolate Chip

Accessories - May Arts Champagne Silk ribbon, Prima roses, Glue dots, sponge

Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger - Royal Fun

The weather is beautiful where we live right now.  We're in a tropical zone and our summer rains have not yet begun....but they will, they will.  My thoughts are with those dealing with the rains and floods in the middle south, including our children.

When I saw this week's Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger, with the beautiful colors, pink swirls on the frosting and a pop of black and white, I pulled out my Papertrey Scattered Showers set to play along.

The main panel is popped off the base with foam tape.  I thought the stick on gems and velvet crochet ribbon lended an air of  "royal fun"  to an otherwise clean and simple design.

I also entered this in the CAS-ual Fridays blog "Bring on the Bling" challenge.  You have until 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday to play so there's still plenty of time!

Supplies:

Cardstock - Neenah Classic, Papertrey Ink, DCWV Citrus Stack (love this paper!)

Stamps - Papertrey Ink Scattered Showers

Accessories:  May Arts Crochet Velvet, Glue Arts Ribbon Adhesive, stick on gems, detail white embossing powder