Wasted weekend

Well, I had a wasted weekend. Late Friday night, I must have had a stomach bug because I was up and down half the night to rid myself of every piece of roast beef and mashed potatoes that I had that evening! Yuck. I still felt queasy Saturday morning, so missed MOFA. I hope they will let me make it up because I don't want to go through it again! Did a little reading on Saturday and blopping (blog hopping). Stamping mojo is gone right now. :( The problem may be that I look at too many creations and instead of being inspired, I go the complete opposite way and can't come up with anything original. In any case, it's frustrating. I've got a brand new stamp set that I'd like to use, and actually have ideas for, but none of them are really turning out. I threw away several things Saturday and yesterday because it just wasn't working. Such is life...

Saturday's weather went like this: sun, snow, sun, snow, sun, & rain. On Sunday, we woke up to 2 inches of snow and had the same crazy weather. Snow, sun, sleet (but didn't stick), sun, snow, & sun. Most of the snow is melted, but we still have a few patches here and there. The weather has been really crazy!

Lots to do today: cleaning, adoption paperwork (yes, still), workout, plan meals, and grocery shop. At least the sun is out and spreading the sunshine love!

Happy Monday!

Outside my window...

I don't think I've ever seen such huge flakes as I saw a while ago. I wish I could have captured it on film (or digitally). After 5 hours of snow, it has finally started sticking and the accumulation has begun. See for yourself...5 minutes ago looking out my windows: (Please excuse the poor photography. I wasn't taking time to set up or be creative.)

Daffodils and Snow?

Yep, daffodils, budding & blooming trees, more sunshine, & even the calendar says it's Spring, yet here it is, March 28th and snowing. I must admit to being a tad bit upset at first. It actually snowed very briefly (about 5 minutes) yesterday morning, but we didn't see it again. I guess the Texan in me (which is just about ALL of me) must like the warm weather a little more than I thought (although I could do without the sticky humidity), and I'm just not getting all that much warmth up here! :) I guess since I have no control over the weather, I'll just enjoy it! What else can I do?!Happy Spring!

Our Family Guitar Hero

N's cousin had a birthday yesterday and I hadn't had the chance to make him a card yet. He's a Guitar Hero addict, so I thought a Guitar Hero card was in order. I was inspired by the wireless Les Paul guitar controller and the red flames strap from Red Octane, the official Guitar Hero store. This card took me a long time to make, actually several hours, because I hand drew the guitar, the flames, and all of the letters (to resemble the GH font) and I kept trashing things because it just didn't look right. After almost 4 hours, I stopped with this.
Guitar: I drew the guitar on 2 post-its, using one for the handle and one for the "face." {Forgive me, but I'm not caught up on my guitar technology!} I re-used a piece of light-weight cardboard (resembling chip-board) for the guitar. I covered both sides with a black Sharpie. The zebra print face plate is some scrap dp from years ago (Frances Meyer, Inc. 5001-155-Bulk). I used my Fiskars 1/8" hand-held circle punch and Provocraft (34-0067) rectangular punch for the knobs and buttons. I inserted Crystal Sticker Elements by Mark Richards into the guitar knob holes and drew the strum buttons in with my white gel pen. I added the "whammy bar" - the long silver bar - with a silver pen and black Sharpie. The fret buttons are A Muse creative candy and Crystal Sticker Elements. (I used an orange, green and blue sharpie to color the white ones since I didn't have the appropriate colors.) And finally, there was some white script on the end of the guitar that I couldn't read, so I added his name. :)The black is some misc paper from the scrap bin and the red is SU! Real Red. I drew the flames on a post-it, moving it over to complete the design.

The letters took me the longest to do. Just drawing them, cutting out, outlining, re-drawing, etc. was a nightmare. All in all, I think he'll like it and hopefully he'll know how much we love him!

I've got more ideas for guitar hero cards, so he might get more throughout the year. :)

Happy stamping!

He is Risen Indeed!

Happy Easter! I hope yours was one of thankful celebration! Our day began with rain and ended up with sunshine! Yay! We had a wonderful Easter dinner with friends. One of our friends made the gorgeous table runner and those beautiful egg candles decorating the table. She also made the table name cards and some incredibly rich chocolate eggs. They were amazing! They all worked so hard on the meal, which included potato & leak soup, honey-baked ham, salad, scalloped potatoes, broccoli & rice casserole, and some home-baked bread. It was fantastic. (Click on the little cutie's photo to some pictures.) She actually took 3 of the pictures, starting with her dad standing and followed by her mom taking her picture, and a friend. She's a natural!
The afternoon was filled with fun and included a walk to see the house that one couple is looking to buy, some puddle-play, and a hilarious game of Catch-Phrase.

After we got home, we still had a little daylight left so I played a little more with my camera and got the following shot of one of our daffodils in bloom. {This is a completely un-doctored photo.} I'm having fun learning and playing with the shutter speed, ISO (film speed), aperture (or f-stop setting), and depth of field setting of my camera. This was taken at about 6pm, with my telephoto lens, and a tripod. The wind was blowing a lot, so I had to wait a while for it to die down so I could steal some shots in between the blusters, but I think it was well worth it. :)


Hope your week is fantastic!

A Spring Stroll

We were blessed with some beautiful weather today, so my friend Brooke & I went for a stroll over by the University of Washington. There are several paths along the lake with some gorgeous gardens. We'll have to hit the Japanese gardens next time (as our cash was back in the car). Brooke is such a delight and a dear friend, with whom I can be (the scary) real Melinda! :) We had a fun time playing with our cameras and experimenting with different modes. I tried some new stuff I learned in my photography classes. Let me know if you think any of these are "worthy" of submission at our photography potluck. We have to submit 3 photos to be critiqued. Any ideas, past or present? Any favorites?

(To see larger photos, please see Lake Washington Gardens. If you have the time, check out the photo of the duck shaking off water. )
Happy Easter!

Good Friday

Seeing as it's Good Friday, I thought these words were so perfect from our Pastor, Dave Hatcher from some of his thoughts on Good Friday:

"Easter is the answer. On Good Friday, we celebrate the death of Jesus Christ who by His blood, turned away the wrath of God from us and took upon Himself our curse. But death and the grave could not hold Him and on the First Day of the Week, Jesus Christ rose from the dead, declaring that He was the Son of God and justifying us in Him.

Every Sunday is a Resurrection Sunday. But this is only because there is both death and resurrection in our union with Jesus, our Lord and Savior. He died that we might die in Him. He lives that we might live in Him."

So, in celebration of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, I created this card. To me, it symbolizes Jesus bursting forth from the grave, victorious over death. Hallelujah!

The full account of Judas' betrayal, Jesus' trial, death, burial, and resurrection can be found in the Holy Bible from Matthew 26-28. An online Bible can be found on Lifeway's website.

And finally, I must declare my hope:
I Peter 1:3-5
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

John 11:25-26
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"

Card deets: I used the same sketch (SC168) as my last card, but changed up the stamps.
Stamps: Cornish Heritage Farms Modern Cross, So Many Sayings (SU Hostess), Inkadinkado Brenda Walton clear frame set (from Michael's)
Paper: Vanilla pre-made base, textured (big scrap) brown, Vanilla misc., Making Memories Willow Simple Sponge & coordinating brown with blue-green polka dots, K&Company (on far left)

Scraptastic Rejoicing

I'm rejoicing because it's Easter, and as a bonus, I was inspired to use my scraps. I didn't have to look very far; I still have lots out on the table! I made this using SCS Sketch 168. The paper should all look very familiar, but there's one layer (on the far right) that is brand-spanking new! That's my new Ranger Distress Crackle Paint from - you guessed it- Cornish Heritage Farms! Mmm, boy... I'm in love! :)Now for the details:
Stamp: CHF Rejoice Circle
Paper: Vanilla pre-made base, textured (big scrap) brown, Making Memories Willow Simple Sponge & coordinating brown with blue-green polka dots, K&Company (on far left)
Ink: SU Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Ranger Antique Linen distress crackle paint, misc. ribbon, multi-colored fake pearls, scallop scissors

Happy Stamping!

Mr. I Hate My Job Packing Your Groceries

Do you remember Bud Light's Real Men of Genius beer advertisements? Here's a sample of one: "Here's to you Mr. All You Can Eat Buffet Inventor."

Well, here's my version:
Today we salute you, Mr. I Hate My Job Packing Your Groceries:
You've given me several reasons for this to be a wonderful day: dirty hands, a scowl on your face, and pants at the bottom of your crack that says you need some new boxers.
Haphazardly tossing groceries into the plastic bags, you push grocery packing to its limits, successfully breaking up the inconvenient piles of grouped groceries on the belt.
If there's beef, you'll toss it with the apples.
If there's chicken, you'll throw it in with the lettuce.
And if there's detergent, that goes with just about anything.
So clock out and enjoy an early retirement on me. Next time I'll go through the bag-your-own line with a whole cart-full of groceries just to bag them myself.

Thanks for the rant! :)

Delicate Pink Wings

I'm feeling quite delicate today! I'm not sure how many women out there have the same MC problems I do, but man, when AF visits, she tears everything up. She's always the uninvited guest around our house, seeing as how she doesn't clean up after herself and is always causing so much pain and agony! Anyhoo...I made this card over the weekend using Jen del Muro's sketch for this week.

I used Cornish Heritage Farm's Jan/Feb 2008 Stamp of the Month, Delicate Wings. If you haven't noticed, they're my favorite new stamp company. :) On to the recipe so I can go back to bed...
Stamp: CHF Delicate Wings
Paper: Pre-made off-white card for base, SU Chocolate Chip, Bohemia Blossom "Angel" Small Damask
Ink: Brown Staz-On, Ballet Pink Prisma
Accessories: Misc. off-white ribbon, two brown buttons from a button collection (my mom's old button collection)

Happy stamping!

Consider the lilies

I just realized that my last post was also about worry/anxiety. Am I feeling anxious? Possibly...that's why I'm so thankful for the Word! I have so many things to do, but not enough time to include the stuff I want to do; hence, choices must be made. Perhaps I know I need more self-discipline but just don't want to do it...UGH! Tough truths! This was made for SCS LSC159 (limited supplies challenge) to make a card without using any tools. I just got back to the simple basics today and it was quick and fun! A friend emailed this card to me today, made by Charmaine and I knew just the stamp to use, since I had seen Keri Lee's card just a couple of days ago. So, this card is totally unoriginal and totally CASEd, but why change things when they're beautiful?! I love the simple, classic look of this. I thought the Scripture (computer-generated) was fitting, considering the stamp.

Stamp: CHF Modern Lily (from Aimee Nugent's Easter release)
Paper: SU WW, Office depot blue cardstock (very different color that's difficult to match)
Ink: SU White Craft
Accessories: Making Memories Black/White ribbon

Happy Stamping!

Don't worry...

Be happy! I made this card a while back along with a similar one for a friend that was going through a rough patch. I forgot to photograph the card that I sent her, so here's the other.

Stamps: SU Stem Silhouettes, Autumn Leaves Butterfly, SU So Many Sayings
Paper: SU WW, SU Cameo Coral, Making Memories Black Small Dots
Ink: Black Staz-on, White gel pen
Accessories: Michael's white ribbon, CE, Poly Flake glitter

Happy Stamping!

Photons & Graphics

Tonight's photography class was on light & composition. I LOVED tonight's talks...the presenters could have gone on for days and I wouldn't have minded. These were much more fun topics to listen to than the boring (but essential) technical talks last week. I understood this a lot better because my brain wasn't so much on overload. I particularly enjoyed the composition session on incorporating the rule of thirds into your photographs, thinking graphically, & working with design (horizontal vs. vertical orientation). I think this was more enjoyable because I use some of these same concepts when making cards. I'm looking forward to actually being able to attend some workshops within the next couple of weeks so I can have some hands-on practice with help just an arm's length away! The session on lighting also made me consider getting up a lot earlier than I am...just so I can set up for fantastic sunrise shots, when the lighting is perfect for photography. Now THAT'S dedication! :D If it will get me up in the mornings, it's worth it.

Ashamedly, one of the things I love most about Easter are...

the Cadbury creme-filled eggs! I know, I know...they're horrible for me but oh so tasty. I don't even want to know the non-nutritional value for one of those babies! I hate that grocers set a huge box of them at the checkout, so I'll look over and see that one little egg, sitting all alone, needing someone to eat it! LOL Okay, enough of the temptation (or is it regret?). On to today's card...

A chocolate bunny instead of an egg! :)

This was made using SCS SC167, and in honor of all of those chocolate lovers out there! :)

Happy stamping...and eating Easter candy!

Thomas Kinkade

Thomas Kinkade: the magnificent painter of light. He's been around for a while and he's no new thing, but his stamps are new to me! Cornish Heritage Farms has a large Thomas Kinkade Series that continues to grow. I have several of his puzzles that a good friend put together and had framed...that's the only way I can afford his stuff, so I was delighted to find his stamps. I was so excited to see what I could do with one of his images, yet intimidated when I sat down and actually tried to use it! I'm not a Copic gal (yet) and my watercoloring skills are less than par, so the only way I felt I could do this image justice was monochromatic. And let's just all agree that it's a good thing that I'm enrolled in a photography class right now! I used CPS #55 sketch for this card. I discovered CPS (Card Positioning Systems) through a sweet gal from CHF, Keri Lee. Check out her fabulous blog, Pink Lemonade; she's got some fun projects and beautiful creations. Now onto the card...
Stamps: Thomas Kinkade It Doesn't Get Much Better, Sentiment is an SU stamp I received for a door prize (I think they call them incentive stamps)
Ink: Really Rust, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa
Paper: SU Whisper White, SU Chocolate Chip, Rust pattern from DCWV's The Photo Stack
Accessories: hemp, eyelet

Happy stamping!

Signature

Did you see my new signature in the last post? I saw it on Alli's blog yesterday and decided to make my own. You can find easy-to-follow directions on Katie Stilwater's blog, which will also lead you to the website where you can create your own. It's very simple and adds such a sweet, personal touch!

Rejoice Always

I just love this second new Cornish Heritage Farm set, Rejoice Circle, from Aimee Nugent's Easter 2008 Release. I really think this is such a versatile stamp, as I can think of many things to rejoice about! Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." We're not supposed to just rejoice in the fun or profitable times, but always. Paul wrote this to the church at Philippi while he was in prison. If he can rejoice, even in those times, I can rejoice always, too...even in housework! :)

For this card, I used a similar layout to the other one, but turned the card vertically.

Stamps: Aimee's Rejoice Circle, Inkadinkado Brenda Walton clear stamps (from Michael's)
Paper: Off-white pre-made card (base), SU Chocolate Chip, Bohemia Blossom "Angel" Small Damask
Ink: SU Chocolate Chip (Rejoice Circle), SU Positively Pink (stamping bird & flowers), Prismaclor PM-208 (colored in the bird and flowers), Versamark (flowers on base), & sponged blotches of SU Close to Cocoa and SU Positively Pink on base
Accessories: ribbon (gift so I'm unsure of name), dimensionals

Happy stamping!

Very Special Modern Lily (CHF)

Happy Sunday to you! I played around with my new Cornish Heritage Farm images the other night and I just love them! The flower is the Modern Lily designed by Aimee. I love her modern images - they're just beautiful. Card Recipe:
Stamps: CHF Modern Lily, Inkadinkado Brenda Walton clear shape stamps (from Michael's), Anna Griffin stamps (sentiment)
Paper: Making Memories Willow Simple Sponge & coordinating brown with blue-green polka dots(can't find the scrap with the name), off-white card base (pre-packaged cards)
Accessories: ribbon, dimensionals

Happy Stamping!

A New Find...Enabler Alert

My new find is Cornish Heritage Farms. I signed up for their newsletter back in January, but finally broke down and ordered some stamps that I had to have (after seeing a particular card on Lori's blog, "Make a Difference"). Here are my new goods that I purchased a couple of weeks back.


The scene stamps are Thomas Kincaid stamps. Aren't they fantastic?! The company is a reputable company owned by a sweet Christian family, who you can read more about on their website. Theirs stamps are of good quality, the shipping was super fast, and customer service is excellent! So what are you waiting for?! Get on over their to CHF and order $35 of goodies and receive free shipping (in US)!

Praying the Word

I'm in my second week of Beth Moore's Believing God study, and God has already begun to break down my belief system and change me. This is so good! I really needed this study, and He knew it before I did. :)

Week 1 was all about believing God for my promised land, not only referring to heaven, but a promised land here on earth, just like the Israelites. This place is where my theology merges with reality; a place of God's unapologetic blessing to the obedient; a place where I abide in Christ's love; a place where God brings forth a great harvest; a place of great victory over the enemy; a place where God is willing to work untold wonders, which requires my faith and sanctification.

This week, Week 2, is about believing that God is who he says he is. In my study today, I was really blown away by Jeremiah 33:3 which reads, "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." WOW! All I have to do is call to him. That's just amazingly beautiful. Another scripture that really impacted me was Acts 4:23-31, when Peter's & John's friends lifted their voices together, praying Psalm 2:1-2 and asking for Peter and John to continue to speak boldly and perform miracles in the name of Jesus. After their prayer, Acts 4:31 says, "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." This just stressed upon me the importance of recalling the Word of God in all situations, especially when I'm filled with fear or anxiety. He immediately answered their prayer; what a wonderful application for my life today.

I hope you're encouraged by what I'm learning; I'm just so excited about it and want to share the good news! My prayer is that God will use this blog for his glory, to encourage my fellow brothers and sisters, and lead others to Him.

WANTED: For Being a Wonderful Dad!

Well, I've got my father's day card done early this year. :) I thought he would like the western motif since he's always dreamed of running his own ranch one day. I hope his dream comes true. :)

The ways-to-use-it challenge (WT156) on SCS challenged us to use our computers to create a card. That's not so difficult for me, as I use mine quite a bit. I loved Cammie's card so much, I cased it. Since I don't have the SU! "Wanted" or "Bronc Buster" sets, I used my computer to generate the sentiment.
Happy Stamping!

Expelled

I just watched this fascinating trailer for a movie called "Expelled" coming out on April 18th. It looks very interesting. We don't have to go to foreign countries to be persecuted; it's right here in the good old US of A. Let's focus on what Dad said about it:

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. - Matthew 5:11-12

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, - Matthew 5:44

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, 'For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:35-39

Do we really believe that we are more than conquerors in Christ?! Imagine the impact we can have on our neighborhoods when we present-active-participle-believe that we are more than conquerors! Doesn't that get you excited? This is a good time for me to study the Scriptures, preparing to answer questions and defend the Word of God, for everyday life, but especially when friends, coworkers, and even strangers see this and have questions.

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. - 1 Peter 3:13-17

I'll conclude with a section from Ephesians. I'm so glad that someone in Hollywood is taking a stand. I will be praying for God to be glorified in the movie and that He would be pleased to bring many to Him. I encourage you to put on the full armor of God today, believing that we are more conquerors in Christ.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. - Ephesians 6:10-18

Bubbly

I heard this song, "Bubbly," by Colbie Caillat while perusing a stamping blog. I kept the blog up all day just to listen to this song when I was at my computer. I finally went out and got the CD, "Coco," and I just can't stop listening to it. She's got some fun songs on there. :) Just thought I'd share a fun new CD.

Lasagna & Buttered Thyme Bread

I was directed to The Pioneer Woman Cooks, a cooking blog, from a stamping blog that I frequent. I had lots of fun going through her recipes; they all looked so good. I couldn't resist trying some and made the lasagna with the buttered thyme bread. The lasagna was good, but not the best in the world to us; we don't like pork much, so the sausage gave it a different taste, but don't get me wrong: the pan is empty and we're finishing up the leftovers today. As for the bread, it was the bomb. I only used 1/4th of the amount of butter she called for, but it was still DELICIOUS! I used thyme on only one piece of the bread because I didn't want to mess it all up if we didn't like it. The bread was good both ways: with just plain butter & with the thyme. I'm going to try Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich and see what my Mountain Man and I think. :)

Ballerina Birthday

I made the invitations for the ballerina birthday, so here's the card she's getting. :) I used Jen Del Muro's weekly sketch. I really love her unique sketches. I'm sure to do this one again in the coming week. (The lighting is pretty bad, but I couldn't get a good photo tonight.)

The pink swirl bg was made using SU! Positively Pink and my Rhonda Farrar clear swirl. Since Positively Pink is a retired color and I didn't have coordinating paper, I sponged the PP onto whisper white to create the main panel. The ballet shoes and recital are Jolee's stickers. The dress is from Studio G clear stamps "pretty princess" and the crown is from SU "A Little Love." The yummy ribbon is Isabelle Pink from Berwick, and those cute little heart gem stickers are from A Muse. :-)

Happy stamping!

Tu-tu much fun!

I've had tu-tu much fun creating these fun little invitations for my sweet friend's daughter. The poem and tag line are not originals, as I was having writer's block. I found the cute little poem at Dori Ann's Stationary Boutique, which I tweaked a little, and I borrowed the tag line at the bottom from Custom Creations by Leslie. I'm tickled pink with how these turned out.

I stamped the dress and covered the little tu-tu with crystal effects and glitter. After cutting small strips of tulle, I tied each strip with the knot in the center. I then poked a hole in the dress and pushed the tulle knot through the hole and taped it down. That made the tulle stand out. The tulle was a bear getting on those little dresses (and working with in general), but I just had to find a way to use it!
Card Recipe
Paper: SU! Whisper White, Making Memories Pink Stripe & Pink Polka Dot
Stamps: Studio G Pretty Princess clear set (from Michael's $1 bin)
Ink: SU! Positively Pink (stamped off because it was too dark)
Accessories: Zots (small & medium - the medium Zots give dimension), & that yummy ribbon is Isabelle Pink by Berwick (also bought at Michael's)

Happy stamping!