Last few days of SALEABRATION

These are the final days for SALEABRATION.  If you want to get your free goodies, you need to call me ASAP! 

My Monday Mailer card that was sent to me this week uses the Bird Punch from the Occasions Mini Catalog to make these cute tulips.  It's fun to find all the different things you can do with punches other than what they were intended for.

This is such a great card and could be made for Easter or Mother's Day or just about any occasion.

Happy St Patty's Day & 2 Monday Mailers

(This is posted late because I just realized it didn't get posted when it should have!!)


Happy Saint Paddy's Day to you all!  These are the cookies I made for my Mahjong group and this is what I have left!  I doubled the recipe because the single recipe said SIX Servings!  I think I would have been fine without doubling because these will be gone by Friday .... in mine & Sonny's stomach!  Although I'm having Stamp Club tomorrow so I'll tempt them with the cookies too!

Here's the recipe for the cookies .... they are really good and easy!

IRISH SHAMROCK COOKIES

1/2 C butter, softened (I used a Crisco Shortening Stick)

1 3-oz package instant pistachio pudding mix

1 1/3 C baking mix (Jiffy, Bisquick)

1 egg

1 T white sugar

• 
  
  Preheat oven to 350.  Lightly grease baking sheet. 
• 
  
  Cream together shortening (or butter) and pudding mix.  Blend in baking mix, egg, and sugar.  Mix well.
• 
  
  On lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 3/8" thickness & cut into cookies with cookie cutter.
• 
  
  Place cookies on prepared baking sheet & bake 9-10 minutes or until lightly browned on edges.  Let cookies cook on rack.  Frost with green icing.

Now for my Monday Mailer cards!  Here is the card I made and mailed to my partner.

I found the pattern for this egg in the March CardMaker magazine.  All supplies for the card are from Stampin' Up.  The DSP is from the Good Neighbor pack that is in the Saleabration Catalog.  I ran all the pieces plus the white square through my Big Shot with the SU Texture Plate.  The felt flower and leaf are in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  The cardstock is Melon Mango and Bermuda Bay.  I love the White Satin Ribbon!!  "happy easter" is from the Abundant Hope set in the Occasions Catalog.

Here is the card I received today! 

Isn't it great?  She embossed the cardstock with the Texturz Plate and I think she inked her plate yellow when she ran it through the Big Shot.  The butterflies are from the Occasions Mini - Embosslets.  I have to get those butterflies - they are on backorder right now though. 

Published Again plus my Monday Mailer Bonnet Card

Last Saturday, Marianne and I met at "M's" to do a little shopping before we went to the movies.  She was looking for a glue gun so she could make some fabric flowers.  While she was paying for her purchase, I walked over to the magazines and was thumbing through "Stampers Sampler."  Lo and behold ... what did my wandering eyes discover but a card by "moi" on page 12!  This makes about 3 cards that I have just randomly discovered in their magazine but have not been notified.  It clearly states in the back of the magazine "if you are published .... you will receive notification via postcard."   Well .... it ain't so!!  I even sent them an e-mail last year asking why I wasn't notified of my publications so I could at least go out and buy the magazine!!  This was the Feb/March issue and it was the last one in the store.  So, here is a picture of my card:

I received the cutest Monday Mailer yesterday!  Cathy made a little bonnet on the card and, to protect it in the mail, she put a Sweet Treat Cup on top which I just took off when it arrived. 

Here is a close-up and side view of the little hat.

Idol Results and a Hard Monday Mailer!

After a little chit-chat between the judges and Ryan Seacreast, the top 24 performed to American Boy.  Sorry - they looked like they were lip-synching to me!! 

Here we go -

• Janell Wheeler is gone. 
• Ashley Rodriguez is gone

Wow - I picked both these gals to be in trouble.  

Now to the guys - just about any of them can go!!

• Joe Munoz - that's wrong!!   The judges thought he was one of the best last night.  Can't believe he got cut and not Tim Urban!!
• Tyler Grady - I had picked him so I guess 3 out of 4 ain't bad!

We got to hear from that cutie, Kris Allen, last year's winner.  He has been in Haiti and sang "Let It Be."  You can download his song from ITunes and 100% of the proceeds will go to Haiti.

I received a darling Monday Mailer this week too.  It's a slider card.  I've seen these cards before but never attempted one.  Betsy, who sent me the card, said it was HARD!!  Well, I'll have to give it a try .... one day.  (Margaret - we'll try it the next time you visit!!)

Here's the card closed:

And here is the card opened up (I won't tell you how long it took me to figure out how to open it!)

Folded Paper Frame for my Monday Mailer

For my Monday Mailer card this week, I did a Folded Paper Frame.  I got the tutorial from Splitcoast.  It took me a couple of tries since I kept cutting the paper to the wrong size and couldn't figure out why it wasn't working!  Duhhhh!!  Anyway, if you cut your paper correctly, it is pretty easy!!  Here is my card:

 

I used Crushed Curry and Rose Red cardstock.  The DSP is from the Occasions Mini Catalog - Sweet Pea.  There is some gorgeous paper in that book!  I had held off ordering it because I though it was a little pricey, but actually it is a whole book of 12 x 12 paper - 2 each of 24 double-sided designs.  (Again, I didn't read all the fine print - I thought it was a 6x6 pack of paper!)  I used the stamp set, Great Friend and embossed the butterfly.  The scallop punch that I used is from the Saleabration catalog (FREE)!!  

If you want directions on this card, to HERE and follow the directions.

Weather update - we only got rain last night!  But, it sure was cold today .... again!!  Tomorrow is supposed to be in the low 40's but warming up by the end of the week to the 50's!!!  Maybe Spring is around the corner.

Monday Mailer for Feb and Jan

Sorry I didn't post yesterday.  I left the house at 9 AM and returned at 9:30 PM!!  I played bridge at a friends house most of the day.  Then I had to pick up my mom from her Assc. for the Blind meeting and we went to Target so I could return something.  After that, we met Sonny and Marianne for dinner at Chili's before my class started at Stampers Alley.  I had six ladies in my class and we had a good time!  This was the class that was scheduled for last Saturday but got delayed because of our snow so I was glad to get it done before more bad weather moves in.  We were supposed to get sleet/freezing rain last night.  Don't know what other areas got, but it is just raining here this morning.  Maybe it was freezing during the night but I can't vouch for that and it's only supposed to stay in the 30's today!  More bad weather is being forecast for tomorrow - sleet and snow with temps still in the 30's.  But next Tuesday and Wednesday is supposed to be more snow and sleet!!  I think we have gotten our share of bad weather this winter.  We will definately be ready for SPRING!!

Here are the Monday Mailers I have received this week.  I lucked out and received one from Ashanti from last month and one from Becky for February!

This is the one from Ashanti.  She used the Scallop Circle die cut (SU) to make the card.  The paper is from the Occasions Mini Catalog, Sending Love - isn't it pretty?  The stamped portion hs Shimmerz over it and is so pretty and shiny! 

This is the card from Becky using Vintage Vogue from the Occasions Mini.  I love the ribbon rosettes in the middle of the flowers.  I'll have to find out how she did them and let you know!

Feb Monday Mailer #1

We still have a lot of snow outside.  The sun did come out today but did not do much for melting the snow.  I don't think it got much above freezing and it is supposed to go down to the teens tonight.  So any of the snow that did melt, will freeze over tonight and make the roads treacherous tomorrow.  I am assuming that school will be canceled around here tomorrow.  So even though the snow came over the weekend, the school kids will be happy tomorrow!  We didn't venture out today so I don't know what the roads around here are like. I just enjoyed a lazy day, watched a couple of movies I had taped earlier and made a few cards.  I'm making a few cards to send to some magazines. 

This is the card I made for my Monday Mailer.  We are starting a new month with new partners.  We don't have a theme this month so we can do anything we want.  I used the Big Bird punch that is in the Occasions Mini Catalog and I made him into a cardinal.  The little peak on his head is from a wing that I glued on.  I sponged a little black on him.  The leaves are from the same punch and I found some scraps of Old Olive that had been crimped so that is what I used.  The paper is from the Good Neighbors DSP pack that is FREE in the Saleabration catalog with any $50 order.  It's a great value!!

Monday Mailer card

We are still in a "wait and see" mode for Ashley's deployment to Haiti.  Just wish they'd hurry up and tell her when she will be leaving!!  But I don't think the Army does anything in a hurry!!  She and I have both downloaded Skype and gotten a web-cam and microphone so that we can talk to each other .... IF she has internet connection there!!

Anyway .... I received two cards this week from my Monday Mailer partner.  Life got in the way last week and she wasn't able to get my card to me so she mailed two this week!  They are great cards. 

A clean desk and deployment info

I had a fairly productive day today.  While waiting to hear news from Ashley about her deployment, I cleaned my desk and some of my drawers!   You just can’t believe how many glue sticks, tape runners, etc. I had in my drawer just all jumbled up.  Now, let’s hope I can keep them somewhat organized!  Look at this desk -

I can’t remember when my desk was that clean!!  I even got all the bits and pieces of ribbon that I had laying around in their correct jars.

Of course, that’s not all the ribbon I have!

That’s still not all of it … what can I say?  I like pretty ribbon!

So all this cleaning inspired me to create a few cards!

This baby card is for Julie and Jim, friends of Ashley’s from med school.  Julie had a baby a couple of weeks ago (Charlie!).  She wasn’t due until mid February but because the baby was so large, they induced her.  I think he ended up weighing over 9 pounds!!  And he was early!!

This card is one I made and sent to my Monday Mailer partner.  Aren’t those little raccoons just darling??  They are in the new Occasions Mini Catalog.  Remember, you can order them either in the clear mount or traditional SU hard rubber.

So, it looks like Ashley will be going to Haiti and possible pretty soon – maybe even next week.  It just depends on how fast the Army can work.   Her name has been submitted to the person who is putting together the team.  She would be the MED AUG [medical augmentation] with the 86th Combat Support Hospital -- basically a tent hospital.  Hopefully, she will know more tomorrow so she can begin to get all her affairs in order.

Getting Old, Jeff Reed and Monday Mailer .... all in one!

I've decided that I don't like getting OLD!!  But I guess it beats the alternative until someone finds a fountain of youth SOON!!  Last night, I noticed a spot floating around in front of my right eye.  I got pretty scared after my eye problems from a few years ago.  For those who don't know, a couple of years ago, I woke up one morning and the vision in my right eye just wasn't right.  I went to my opthamologist who examined me and eventually referred me to a specialist who examined me, did some tests and referred me to another specialist.  This took about 3-4 weeks.  The final Retina Specialist determined that I had suffered a small Retina Artery Occlusion (or retina stroke).  A portion of my center vision was lost.  It really bothered me quite a bit at first but over the years, I've gotten used to it.  So, first thing this morning, I called my eye doctor and begged to me squeezed in to his appointments today.  After dilating my eyes and examining me, he told me it was called a Vitreous Detachment.  These clumps occur when the vitreous gel begins to liquefy or shrink, usually with aging, and detaches from the retina.  A couple of friends have told me that they also have these and eventually, I will get used to them and not notice them.  So, along with not having central vision, I now have a floating spot! 

Ashley returned from her cruise today.  She was cruising to sunny, warm Cozumel!  She said the temperature highs were maybe 50 degrees and it was windy, cold and rainy!  But, she still had a good time.  She has taken this cruise for 4 years.  It is called the Rock Boat Cruise and is hosted by Sister Hazel (a band).  A bunch of other bands are on board and I believe it is a virtual rockfest!  She was hoarse when I spoke with her this afternoon so I believe a good time was had by all.  And to top it off, she called me again tonight and was UBER EXCITED!  She and her friends were having dinner in Tampa and Jeff Reed .... the Pittsburgh Steelers KICKER was sitting at the table next to her!  Well, folks, she is as big a fan of the Steelers as anyone!  She went over and told him she was a super fan and could she have a picture please!  I can't wait to see the picture!  The only thing better would have been to have Big Ben sitting there too with Hines Ward!

OK - I do have a card to share with you.  I received this Valentine card last week from my Monday Mailer partner.  Yes, our program has started up for January.  Our theme this month is Hearts and Flowers.  I'm hoping to get some good ideas for some heart cards.   I really like this card and I don't have this flower but I have always admired it.  (NO .... I don't need more flower stamps!!)

Tomorrow I am expecting a delivery from Stampin' Up.  Unfortunately, I have a busy day and may not get time to play with my new goodies!  I have a mammogram in the a.m.; then taking my Mom to lunch.  Then we are going to hear a program put on my Newcomers group from a Cardiologist.  And tomorrow night, I have Bunco!  I'm making up for lost time!!

Moving Day plus a Monday Mailer

Ashley moved into her very own house today!!!  I talked to her shortly after the movers left and she was exclaiming at how big her den is .... her furniture is lost in it!  She has a lot to buy (or inherit) in the future.  Moving from a small condo to a large house will take much more furniture than she has.  Got anything to donate to the cause??  Ha!!  I'm taking a few things down in a couple of weeks which is one of the reasons I wanted to drive instead of fly.  I have her plants and I'm taking her my Christmas tree!!  Yay!  Now, I don't have to drag that big thing out of our attic downstairs anymore and can just do with a table top one - that already has lights!  I am not even decorating this year since we won't be here.  But, I'm beginning to feel like a Scrooge when I see the neighbors Christmas lights lit up and see their lit tree through the window.  It's too early to have a tree up!  I would be so sick of it by Christmas.  Tomorrow night we are meeting friends in Davidson for dinner and then walking downtown for the Christmas festivities.  Christmas in Davidson is a holiday festival and tradition since 1988.  During the event, downtown Davidson becomes a Christmas-themed zone of vendors selling a variety of arts and crafts and features a live nativity, strolling carolers and performances by a variety of choirs and bands.  We've never been before so I'm looking forward to it.

Here is the Monday Mailer I received this week from Tina.  This is the last one until January.

Monday Mailer for November

These are the last 2 Monday Mailers that I sent to my buddy for November.  We are going to be taking a break in December and resume the program in the new year.

But first, I have good news!  My daughter closed on her house today!!  Yippee!!  She was planning on renting it back to the owner this week since the gal said she couldn't move out until Saturday.  But, when Ashley got to closing, she found out the gal was moving today.  Of course, Ashley had the mover set up to come on Monday!!  But she was able to get them to deliver her things from storage on Thursday instead so now she will have the weekend to start unpacking.  Hopefully, she'll have it all done when we arrive in a couple of weeks!  Now, comes the fun part .... buying all the new things she'll need like, washer, dryer, bedroom suite, grill, lawn mower .....!    Glad it's her and not me!

Anyhow .... on to the cards!

This is the one I sent last week.  I used the Sweet Treat Cups from the Holiday Mini along with the Cold and Cuddly stamp set.  I filled the cup with Chunky Glitter!

This one I mailed today.  I used the Decor Elements stencil and sponged the ornament.  Then I stamped in Gold ink using Baroque Motifs.  I tied the white organza ribbon and left the streamers long.

Monday Mailer - past and present!

This is a Monday Mailer card I received last week.  The center is cut out and is a "shaker" card.  It is filled with silver beads.

This card is from October's Monday Mailer and uses Circle Circus.  I need to pull my stamp set out and use it!  But I love this Soft Suede and Crushed Curry!

This is another card from October.  My Monday Mailer partner sent these last two cards to me last week to catch up since she got too busy during October to send the cards on time.  I just love this Medallion stamp with the Chalking Technique.

Monday Mailer/ Thanksgiving Cards to Share

I have a few cards to share that I have either made in the NC Monday Mailer program.  October's theme was using the Big Shot or Cuttlebug and November's theme is Winter Holiday cards.

This is the last October Monday Mailer that I sent.  I don't think I have shared it with you.  If so, you get to see it again!!

I used Dusty Durango cardstock and ribbon with DSP from the Mini Catalog (Autumn Meadows).  The stamp is from the Hostess set, The More the Merrier.  The turquoise is half of a Big Shot Top Note die.

This one is one of my favorites!  It is my November Monday Mailer using the single stamp "Gobble Gobble"  I love that you can just buy single stamps!  This one is found in the Holiday Mini Catalog on page 31, but also check out the single stamps in the big catalog on page 208.  I again used the DSP from the Mini Catalog - this paper is just perfect for fall!  I stamped Mr Turkey several times in Chocolate Chip, More Mustard and Dusty Durango and popped him up (see detailed picture below).

Monday Mailer and good news to share

I want to share the Monday Mailer I mailed last week.  Our theme this month is to make a card using the Big Shot (or Cuttlebug) in your card.  I used my new Lattice die. 

It's hard to tell, but the Autumn DSP from the mini catalog is in the background.  The bird is from Wings of Friendship.

Hope you enjoy it!

I have good news also.  After much praying, my daughter got TWO offers this weekend on her DC condo.  The first offer came in on Friday and was ridiculously low.  These people have been looking at her condo since July!  If they've seen it once, they've seen it about a dozen times.  She's probably lowered the price a couple of times while they were looking.  Guess they thought they could get a bargain if they waited long enough.  On Saturday, her realtor called and said there was another couple coming to look again with plans to draw up a contract.  The contract was sent to her today and it was much better!!  And .... they want to close earlier - Nov. 6 with no inspection!  She is going out tomorrow in San Antonio with her realtor there and looking for a house there.  Even though we looked at over 60 houses in June, most of the ones she liked are now gone.  But, at least she knows the areas she wants to look.  I just hate I'm not there to help her pick out her very first house.  But, I know she'll do fine!  Her criteria is a great kitchen and backyard for entertaining.  And of course, plenty of room for her parents to visit!!

My Steelers won today but had me scared again in the 4th quarter!  Final Steelers 28 Lions 20

We had dinner tonight at my sister's house.  Luckily, the Panthers won so she was happy!!

Monday Mailer - last one for September

We went to a Comedy Club tonight at the Galway Hooker, an Irish restaurant/bar in Cornelius.  The comedien was soooo funny!!  It is good for the soul to just laugh out loud once in a while and we definitely did tonight!  The comedian was Craig Shoemaker.  He was named Comedian of the Year by the American Comedy Awards on ABC and his half-hour Comedy Central special was voted by viewers as one of the network’s “Top 20” stand-up specials of all time.  He was also on The View last year (one of my favorite shows!)  Additionally, he has had his own nationally syndicated radio show, which after only ten months on the air, won the prestigious Communicator Award “Crystal” prize. Two of Craig’s stand-up comedy routines made it to the Top 10 list on XM Radio, with “Playing Army” ranking #1. His “Lovemaster” routine was voted Most Popular Comedy on XM Radio’s Big Schtick Awards and he did his Lovemaster skit tonight .... really, really funny!!    Anyway, he was great and we had a good time with our friends.  They gave me the Award for the Year for suggesting we go tonight.

I realized today that I did not share my last Monday Mailer of September.  I really liked this card and need to share!!

I used the birds from the Big Shot dies, Birds and Blooms.  Isn't it cute???  Just "go-jus" as Jan Tink would say!

Monday Mailer, Oct week #3

I just love the way this card turned out!  I am putting it in the mail Monday a.m. to my Monday Mailer partner.  I used the Medallion stamp - stamped it in Versamark and embossed it with clear embossing powder.  Then I sponged a little Soft Suede and Crushed Curry on to the Medallion.  I then cut it out and "popped it up" with dimensional tape. 

What do you think?  The Medallion stamp is the top seller for Stampin' Up!!

Monday Mailer - Oct. week 2

Here's the Monday Mailer card I made and sent this week.  It's week 2 and so far, I haven't received a card from my Monday Mailer partner!  Hopefully, I will be getting one soon.  

Stamp set:  The More the Merrier (hostess)
Cardstock:  Dusty Durango, Only Orange; Soft Suede
Acces:  Prismacolor Pencils + Gamsol for coloring; Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon; Top Note; Embossing Folder; Distressing tool for edges.

Monday Mailer - Sept #1

This is the Monday Mailer card that I made and sent this week.  I really like the way it turned out.  I used the stamp set, Autumn Days with the new in-colors, Soft Suede and Dusty Durango.  I cut out the 3 small leaves in Versa-mark and then in Ultra Thick Embossing Powder (3-4 times).  Very fall-like, don't you think?  That's our theme this month.

Oh .... by the way, my Steelers WON last night but it was a nail biter!!  Went to overtime and I didn't get home until after midnight!  Hope this is not a clue to what the whole season will be like.  Unfortunately, we lost one of our best Defensemen, Troy Polamalu.  Hopefully, he'll only be out 2-5 weeks with his sprained knee. 

Monday Mailer – week of 8/24

This is the Monday Mailer I sent this week.  I just got the Medallion stamp and this is the first card I have made with it.  I also used a SU wheel (Whimsey) in the background.  The color is the new In Color Melon Mambo!