Labor Day

The roots of Labor Day can be traced back to a time and place when the balance of life was askew. It was 19th century America. The industrial revolution was in full bloom, and people were needed en masse to feed the hungry machine of progress. Millions responded, lured from the farms by the dream of a secure year-round income in an environment sheltered from the often harsh elements. They awoke from the dream to find themselves toiling twelve and fourteen hours a day in dingy and sometimes dangerous conditions in factories and underground mines.
The observance of Labor Day began over 100 years ago. Conceived by America's labor unions as a testament to their cause, the legislation sanctioning the holiday was shepherded through Congress amid labor unrest and signed by President Grover Cleveland as a reluctant election-year compromise.

The first Labor Day parade was held in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, organized by machinist Mathew Maguire. Twenty thousand workers paraded up Broadway with banners that read "Labor Creates All Wealth," and "Eight Hours for Work; Eight hours for Rest; Eight Hours for Recreation!" This was more of a festival than a demonstration. It was a celebration with picnics and fireworks. It was also an idea that quickly captured the interest of the nation and spread from coast to coast.

Today, Labor Day is celebrated more as the last big fling of summer than a tribute to the work we do when we're not on vacation. That may be OK. Trying to celebrate our work lives only one day a year might turn this holiday into just more work. We need to value the everyday work we do, not just once a year, but every day.


Whatever you want it to mean to you, enjoy the long weekend and refresh yourself!!

A Pot of Flowers for you

Here's another stamp set that I showed to my friend, Margaret, while she was here. Another one I really had not used that much but after playing around with it, came up this card. Margaret loved these stamps too and bought some when we went to Stampers Alley!!

The stamps are by Rubber Stamp Tapestry. This particular stamp set is actually their September Internet Special and you can purchase the set for $10.50!! You get 5 stamps and the instruction sheet - pretty good deal!! The stamps are teeny and on pegs with a black line on the peg to help you line them up.

I used Really Rust, Kiwi and Pacific Point cardstock for this card as well as Pacific Point designer paper.

Thomas Kincade stamping

I bought a Thomas Kincade stamp several months ago at our local stamp store because I saw so many beautiful cards on display and I saw a "how to" demonstration.  Well, when I tried to stamp and color the images, mine were not so great.  So, this week when my friend, Margaret, was here visiting, I pulled out the stamp to show her not knowing she was not a Thomas Kincade fan.  (I love his paintings!)  Anyway, I pulled up a demo on-line and we proceeded to try to create a card.  Wow!!  Were we ever surprised!  We both used the same method, but boy, did our cards come out differently.  I wish I'd remembered to take a picture of her card for a comparison, but I didn't.  But, here is mine:

We ran a piece of acetate transparency through the Xyron machine.  Then I stamped in Stazon Black on the acetate (on the non-sticky side).  I peeled off the Xyron backing and used SU pastel chalks to dab color on the image.  After chalking, I brushed Copper Pearl Ex over the entire image.  It would only stick where there wasn't any chalk. 

 

 

So, after playing with these on Tuesday night, we had to go to Stampers Alley on Wednesday so Margaret could buy a Thomas Kincade stamp of her own.  I stamped a few images before she left today and have been playing around with them today.  How different they are and it is the same stamp set!

If you ever get a chance, buy a Thomas Kincade stamp and become an artist too!!

Sharon

This week's Monday Mailer

Just a quick post! Wanted to share this week's Monday Mailer from Beth. She did faux stitching all around the butterflies. This is a stamp set that I keep seeing great cards made from it. I'm on the fence as to buying it. I have made a little promise to myself that I will use some of my neglected stamp sets before I purchase a whole lot more (notice, I didn't say "before I purchase ANY more!!"). This one is Flight of the Butterfly.

Have a great day! I plan on doing some fun stamping with my Texas friend, Margaret. We picked her and her DH up at the airport yesterday afternoon. They will be here for a couple of days before they head over to Concord to visit their daughter and her family.

Challenge using Cuttlebug & Nestabilities

I have not done a card lately "just for fun" so in the midst of cleaning today, decided to go for it!!  Much more fun than cleaning!!  The color challenge on Splitcoast was to use Kraft; Black and Rose Red - interesting combos.  I had the stamp set, Eastern Influences, on my desk since I am using it in a swap, so used it for the challenge.  I also pulled out my Cuttlebug and my Nestabilities - they were both lonesome since it's been a while since I used either.  I am always playing around with the "sandwiches" for the Nesties on my Cuttlebug, but, by George, I think I got it today!!  At the CK Convention, I picked up a Compatibility Chart at the Spellbinders booth and went by it today & it worked like a charm!!  I don't have the tan mat that they say you MUST have, but I have a similar rubber mat and it worked.  (And, I was just getting ready to break down and buy their mat!!)  Here's what worked for me:

TO CUT (stack from bottom up)

1. A plate
2. C plate
3. Spellbinders Die (cutting side UP) - the side w/ridges
4. Paper or cardstock that you want to cut
5. B plate
6. Run through Cuttlebug

TO EMBOSS (stack from bottom up)

1. Remove C plate for embossing sandwich
2. A plate on bottom
3. Leave die face up on A plate with die cut still in the die
4. place Spellbinders Tan Embossing Mat on top of die
5. Use 2-3 pieces of cardstock to "shim" (I cut up a Cheez-It box)
6. Place two acrylic B plates on top of sandwich & run thru Cuttlebug to emboss

So, here is my card:

I used the largest square scalloped Nestie on the black.  Then I used a smaller scallop Nestie on the Kraft paper and embossed it also.  I stamped Eastern Influence on the Kraft using my Choc Chip & Rose Red markers.  "kindness" is stamped in Rose Red on Kraft and scalloped with SU's new scallop punch as well as the black piece behind it.  It is raised up with dimensional's.  The small flowers are from Eastern Influences also and I embossed them with SU's Holographic embossing powder (retired).  I cut them out and raised up the bottom one.  I ran the Rose Red card base through the Cuttlebug using the Vines folder.  I used a non SU ribbon on it.

Enjoy!  Sharon

Michael's coupon

Michael's coupon for your use!

http://www.michaels.com/coupons/081908/coupon.html

Those Were The Days!

Tomorrow two of my college girlfriends are coming for lunch and a visit.  The three of us were best buddies at East Carolina many moons ago (in the 60's!!).  Brenda & Jackie had rooms across the hall from me our freshman year.  They were from the mountains of NC (Forest City) and to me, they were definitely hillbillies!!  They were both pretty poor and were at ECU on scholarships so they were really careful with their money unlike me!!  I was the city gal, born and raised in Charlotte, and pretty spoiled.  I didn't have a clue about the value of money, so we made a pretty interesting group.  I was always trying to talk them into going to Happy Hour at the local bars with me and they were trying to talk me into going to the "free flicks" on campus!!  Those were the days!!   We have so many stories to share of some of our escapades at ECU including following Steven Stills (Crosby, Stills & Nash) to Raleigh to party with him and his band; arriving in Greenville one night to find the town locked down because of MLK being shot and being stopped by the Nat'l Guard!!  Brenda and I added to our stories by waitress one summer at Myrtle Beach and driving my 1949 Dodge (The Toad!) to the beach.  One night while out bar hopping, The Toad broke down right in the middle of Atlantic Beach (back then, that was the black beach!).  In reality, they both had it together.  They both graduated from ECU, were elementary school teachers and are  retired now.  Whereas, my partying got the best of me and my grades and I dropped out after 3 years (one of the biggest regrets of my life - I was determined my children would not follow in my footsteps although there was no chance of that.)

Anyway .... we have continued our friendship over 40 years!!  Brenda and Jackie have both stayed in NC while I was moving about the country.  Since I have moved back to NC, we have tried to get together at one of our homes a couple of times a year.  We drag out the blender and make strawberry daiquiris just like we did back then.  Tomorrow is my turn and I have decided to do something different than daiquiris .... something more grown up!!  I bought some Chambord today and am going to make Pink-a-tinis!  I have had these before at a restaurant and have tried to duplicate them at home.  They are really good.  You mix Chambord with White Zinfandel and Cranberry Juice.... yum!! 

I made these bags for everyone and have put 4-5 cards and envies in them.  My mom is coming for lunch as well as Brenda's mom too.  I think they will enjoy them.  They were very easy to make plus I was able to use up some of my old designer paper .  I got the instructions off Andrea's Blog.

Here they are close up:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beat Stress .....

Super-Foods to Help You Stay Healthy
You can help beat stress by eating…

• Sunflower seeds, which are a good source of folate.  Folate helps your body produce a pleasure-inducing brain chemical called dopamine. [1 or 2 tablespoons would make a great snack.]
• Spinach, which contains magnesium. Magnesium improves your body's response to stress. 
• Blueberries, which contain antioxidants that counteract the effects of stress hormones like cortisol on your body. [Blueberries are great on your morning cereal or as a snack.]

You can get energized with…

• Almonds or almond butter, which help to stabilize energy levels with a mix of protein and healthy fat. [
• Eggs ~ by adding a lean protein to your breakfast, like eggs, you will help fight fatigue. When you have an all-carb breakfast (muffin, bagel, toast) you will find yourself sluggish because carbs boost your levels of serotonin, a calming hormone. [A good energizing breakfast is 2 eggs (or 1 egg and 2 egg whites)

~Woman's Day Magazine

A New Me!

I got new glasses today. Trying to look younger .... not sure if I've succeeded, but I like them anyway! I really wanted smaller glasses, but with bifocals, can't go too small unfortunately.

What do you think? NEW LOOK -

OLD LOOK:

Come one, Come all .... to my Card Buffet

I am having a Card Buffet tonight and expect about 8 people. I have been working fast and furious to get the cards ready and the directions written up. I am doing things a little different (at least for me) tonight. I have made 12 cards - 8 sets of each. Each guest can pick and choose which ones they want to make at $2 per card. If they want to do 2 of one card, they can. It will be on a "first come, first served" basis. Hope this works out!!

Here are some of the cards we will be making.

This one uses Crazy for Cupcakes stamp set and Tart and Tangy with the Summer Picnic Designer Paper.
This one uses Life is a Breeze stamp set and is glittered! We will also be using a wheel for the bottom.

This card I did a brayer technique and it actually worked!! I used a sticky note to mask the moon. The stamp set is my new favorite, Inspired by Nature! I just love this stamp.
This card uses the stamp set, Always and the Whimsey wheel on the side panel.

This card uses the Curly Label punch in the center and the Scallop Square punch behind each of the squares. I thought the arrows (from My Way punch) made a cute addition.

This card is another great use for Pick a Petal! That is such a versatile stamp set!

Up Up and Away

\

My Mom is waving at the crowd!!

Yippee!!! Yep, that's me going up in a hot air balloon. In the balloon is me, my mom, my brother (the little boy is in front of him) and my sister in law. The other man is the "pilot"!!

Unfortunately, we didn't go very high. The balloon was tethered so we only went about 10-20 feet up. But it was pretty cool!!

We went to my uncle's 70th birthday party this afternoon. His daughter threw the party for him and had the hot air balloon there to take us all on rides. What a party! There were white coated servants passing out appetizers when we got there; our drinks were served in glasses with "John's 70th birthday bash" and a picture of the CAR his daughter bought him for his birthday (a 2008 Dodge Challenger!!) There was a jumpy house for the children out back along with a hay wagon to pick you up at the parking lot and bring you to the party. We had a buffet lunch (yummy macaroni and cheese!!) and a gorgeous cake - don't know how it tasted since I didn't try it. (I had already eaten pecan pie!!) Then after eating and balloon rides, some of the kids went horseback riding. Too hot for us to do that!

What was popular when you were born?

This is just for fun. I found this on another blog and couldn't resist copying it. Follow this link and see what song was popular when you were born!! Mine was ..... A Tree in the Meadow by Margaret Whiting. I never even heard of that song or of the artist!! But, a fun link anyway.

http://www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm

Leave me a comment and let me know what your song was .... and if you are even familiar with it!!

Exhausted but had FUN!!

I am exhausted!! I have spent 2 days in Charlotte at the Creative Keepsakes Convention. My sister and I got there a little after 10 yesterday morning and shopped the vendors for a couple of hours ... only getting down 2 1/2 aisles (out of about 7 or 8 aisles!) We then grabbed a quick lunch and headed up to the Paper Crafts class where we were TA's for noon to 4 pm. As luck would have it, we were assigned to be TA's for the same class we had paid to take the next day - Pocket Cards. The instructor was Sue Neal - one of the creators of Paper Crafts Magazine which I have subscribed to for about 8 years so she was like a mini celebrity to me!! She was really sweet and thought Marianne and I were super duper TA's!! (although she didn't give us any freebies!! I was a TA last year for Quick Quotes and got a free class kit.) When our shift was over, we rushed back downstairs to the vendor area to browse the aisles a little longer. We decided to forego going back home and fixing dinner for our families and instead signed up for an evening chipboard class. Luckily, we ran into Marianne's neighbor who also signed up with us so we could borrow her supplies. (We didn't come prepared to take a class on Friday.) We made a really cute chipboard album (I'll be posting pictures a couple of days).

On Saturday, I got up at the crack of dawn (at least it felt like it to me - 7:30 am!!) and met Marianne and Robin and headed back to Charlotte. We wanted to try to get there when they opened the doors this time! We had a couple of hours to shop with the vendors (got a couple more aisles done and a make and take). Then, off to class .... since Marianne & I already knew how to make the Pocket Cards in our Paper Crafts class, we decided to just pick up our packets and make them at home. Robin and I took a great class from Quick Quotes but it was fast paced!! Made me a little nervous. Quick Quotes was definately all of our favorite vendor! They have some wonderful kits, canvas book set, vellum quotes, etc. If you are at all interested in any of their kits, believe me, you can't go wrong purchasing them. The instructions included are very easy to follow and tell you everything step-by-step. My sister ended up signing up for their monthly club which was a pretty good deal at the convention. She got lots of free stuff for signing up. Plus, she is a newbie to this paper craft world and this will get her hooked!!
Marianne had to head back to Mooresville to watch her boys play soccer so left Robin and I to do more shopping and classes! We took our final class from Keller's Creations which was a Chipboard Wall Hanging - once I finish it, I'll post the picture. They had some really cute things and I bought my daughter a 6"x 6" Disney chipboard book for her upcoming trip in September. If you see either of these companies in your travels - classes or goodies, check them out - they are great!!

Wel,, I will be posting pictures of stuff I saw in the future. Right now, my head is about to hit the pillow!!

Thank you Mr. Brown

I have been a busy beaver today! My UPS man (thank you Mr. Brown!) brought me my new catalog goodies this morning - right after my DH left for a day of skeet shooting, so I had the day all to myself!! I got 4 new stampsets, 2 punches, 2 packages of Designer Paper, 2 spools of ribbon, Felt Flowers, rub on's and filigree brads!! Here are a few cards I made today using my new goodies. These are some of the cards we will be working on next Tuesday night at my Card Buffet. If you are in the area and want to come, let me know!!

I am loving this card!! The stamp set used was Dreams du Jour with Pink Pirouette cardstock. The front has 3 layers - the pink pirouette cs; Bella Designer Paper; and on the top Vellum held together with 2 pink brads. To get the square scallop, I cut a square 2 3/4" and used the new Scallop Punch on all 4 sides. By centering the pink square in the punch, you leave the little connecting piece on all 4 corners.

This card uses Eastern Blooms stamp set. Cardstock and ink used - Taken With Teal; Shimmery White; Certainly Celery & Chocolate Chip. I used Dazzling Diamonds Embossing Powder on the large flower in the corner and curled the petals up. In the middle of the flower is one of the felt flowers and a brad. "Hugs and Kisses" is actually a rub on from the Chit Chat set. This will be a very versatile rub on set I think.

This card uses the stamp set Fresh Cuts and the petal punched note cards. I stamped in Elegant Eggplant, going over the solid petals with my marker to make them stand out more. I punched a flower out of Elegant Eggplant with the 5-Petal Punch to put behind the center petal with a Rhinestone Brad in the center. I put Old Olive on the inside of the card - using dimensionals. I used the Oval Punches for "for you." And the ribbon is the gorgeous new Kiwi Kiss satin ribbon.

This card is using the darling Sock Monkey. I stamped him in Chocolate Chip on Vanilla cardstock and colored him with markers. I used the Tab Punch with red eyelets and on the side, I used the slot punch with red grosgrain ribbon. The banana is on with dimensionals.

This card uses Life's A Breeze. This is the stamp set I got with my SAB rewards. Isn't it fun and sparkly??

I think this is my favorite stamp set! I wasn't too sure when I first saw it in the catalog because it is so large, but I have seen some great cards using it. It is called Inspired by Nature. I stamped the image with Versamark on Designer Paper (Pacific Point Patterns - page 171) and embossed with white embossing powder. I also used one of my new filigree brads on this one.

Sharon

Happy Birthday Jayce

Happy Birthday sweet boy! Today is my grandson's 2nd birthday. Only wish I could be there to see him open up his gifts and have a great day. He lives in Tucson and he is my only grandson. I was there last year for his first birthday.

Isn't he adorable????

Monday Mailers

I received another great Monday Mailer this week from Beth. This time it is faux postage. I haven't done this technique in quite a while - think I'll pull it out and do a card. Thanks, Beth for reminding me!!

And here's the card I sent to my MM partner. She should have received it by now - or maybe tomorrow. Last week, I posted it early and she saw it here on my blog before getting it in the mail. I wanted to wait this week so she could be surprised. I did Faux Denim and it really turned out cool. I swiped my Brocade Blue ink pad over Brocade Blue cardstock in long strokes (leaving some areas uninked). Let it dry (I used heat gun.) Then swipe the white craft inkpad over the blue (in the same direction.) Let dry. Next, swipe Night of Navy inkpad over but this time going in the opposite direction. Let dry completely. Buff to blend colors. I trimmed a small strip off the edge and used it for the jeans seam. Then I used my gel pen for "stitches". I stamped paisley's from Western stamp set and the Dotted Background stamp in white craft ink on Riding Hood Red and cut it into a triangle for the pocket look. Dream Big is from "It's All Good" stamp set and I punched it with my SU square punch.

Swap anyone?

I was in a new catalog (sneak peek) swap recently. Jami hosted this swap. She does great swaps - not too many cards to make and great swappers. A lot of the gals are members of Splitcoast's Dirty Dozen - Jami is an alumni actually. So, I always try to participate in her swaps. Her nick-name is the Swap Nazi because she does not allow any late swappers, etc. so you always know you are going to get the cards back in a timely manner. The category I swapped in was new "In Colors" and we could not use any retiring stamps. I just want to share these great cards with you!

This card (by Jen del Muro) uses Riding Hood Red and Kraft cs. The stamp set is from All Holidays. She used the scallop punch for the black circle and a clear button.
This card (by Tandra Boyer) uses Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze. The bird is from the stamp set, Always. I don't know what set the other stamps are from. She used the new Scallop Punch on both sides of a strip of Chocolate Dotted paper and dyed her ribbon to match Baja Breeze.

This card (by Leann Yoho) uses Kiwi Kiss with Riding Hood Red and the new Bella designer paper. She also uses the Scallop Circle punch on a piece of textured Pink Pirouette paper with a Rhinestone Brad.

This card (by Britta Ward) uses Fresh Cuts stamp set on Pacific Point cardstock with black accents. The bow is Old Olive. She embossed the stamp on white cardstock and used her daubers to sponge on inks doing the Emboss Resist technique. Again, the scallop punch was used on the black cardstock. Dazzling Diamonds was used on the bottom of the card.

This card (by Tracy Harp) uses the new Pink Pirouette cardstock and Very Vanilla. The stamps she used are the Pretty Petals Background; Pretty Amazing and Frames with a Flourish. Again, the scallop punch was used along with Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain ribbon. The frame was embossed as was the background stamp.
This card uses one of my favorite new stamp sets .... Sock Monkey! And in the new catalog, he also has accessories! So cute! This card (by Crystal Spencer) uses Tangerine Tango, Old Olive, White and Bashful Blue paper. She used her paper piercer to pierce all around the edges. and used white grosgrain ribbon.

ENJOY!!

The Sense of Sight

Follow this link and take the test!!

http://www.blogthings.com/whichofthefivesensesareyouquiz/

How old are you?

This came from Steve Blow's column in the Dallas Morning News.

Do you remember your mother or grandmother using any of these phrases? Or maybe you did or still do!! (I do!)

Of a mornin
Of an evenin
Land o'Goshen
cattywampus - out of line
Sakes Alive
Yonder
Boy Hidy
Bodacious
gumption
tump - turn something over
much obliged
Rat cheer - same as right here
highfalutin
picture show - today the movies
Floocy - very fancy
sashay
traipse all over tarnation or all over Timbuktu
mosey
Great Day in the Morning!
For cryin' out loud!
Lawzee me!
I'll swan!
Dadgummit!
My lands!
Good night, nurse!
I swanee

I might need a loan!!

This is the beautiful new catalog. Contact me if you want a copy of it!! Notice .... the front cover is scalloped!! Check out the new scallop punch on page 189. Did I mention, when I added up my wish list, it was over $500!!!

Lemons and Sugar for a friend

I received this from a dear friend (Hi, Margaret!) and it is so true. It actually brought a tear to my eye! Anyone who knows me and the family struggles I am dealing with will understand why this touched me so.

LEMONS and SUGAR

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. You are special and unique.

8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.

11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.



And always remember.... when life hands you Lemons, ask for Sugar and call me over!