Drier Sheets

I had my Stamping Club last Thursday and was busy preparing for it.  My Tuesday group meets this week.  Those dates threw me off!  My clubs meet on the 3rd Tuesday & 3rd Thursday.  Well, this month (and next), the 3rd Thursday comes before the 3rd Tuesday!  We did two cards together and then I had optional cards for them to choose from.

I taught the Drier Sheet Technique and they loved it!  Half of the group did the card using Lovely As A Tree and the other half did the card using Easy Events.

• Using White Craft Ink, stamp a small leaf background all over Night of Navy card.  Set aside to DRY!
• Using Labels Die and the Big Shot, cut out Labels in Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy and the SU Adhesive Sheets.
• Stamp birds from Easy Events onto white card stock and color with markers.
• Using Labels Die, cut out the white bird label.
• Adhere SU Adhesive Sheet  on TOP of the stamped image.
• Peel off the top protective sheet & adhere a USED drier sheet on top.  Trim the edges. 
•  Pour glitter on top of the drier sheet using your fingers to rub it in.
• Stamp sentiment on white scrap and punch out with Oval Punch.  Adhere red rhinestone.

This card uses the same technique.  The colors I used are River Rock and Night of Navy.

 I realized today that I never posted my Stamping Queens Sketch on Wednesday.  It's funny - I wrote a post with the intention of posting the card.  I was watching TV at the time and I guess I got distracted because I now see that I posted one of the cards for Stamp Club!!  See - I tell you, I'm losing it!!  


I used My Digital Studio to create this card.  But, you could make it without MDS.  It uses the DSP and one of the stamps from Saleabration, Everyday Enchantment and  Fresh Vintage.  I used Calypso Coral card stock for the base.

 Here is another card using Fresh Vintage.  This is a very simple card to make:

It is a white on white card.  I used my Corner Rounder Punch on the top layer.  The flower is stamped in Cherry Cobbler.  The trim on the bottom is stamped and embossed in Gold.  A great sympathy card or you could change the colors and ribbon and make it bright and colorful for a birthday or other occasion.

 I

Queen Sketch Challenge

My card for the Queen's Sketch Challenge this week uses a set that I have had for several years but is still a great "go to" set especially for masculine cards.  It is the Loads of Love set and the matching Accessories set.  I love to watercolor the pick-up truck and it can be used for so many different occasions - Christmas, birthday, Easter, Valentine, etc.  I love sets that are versatile and can be used for more than one purpose.

I watercolored the truck and the Valentines and used the Designer Labels Dies to cut it out.  I also used the Labels Die for the Real Red label. 

Stamping Queens Sketch 24

My Stamping Queens Sketch Card this week is from the Party Animal kit in My Digital Studio.  This is a fun kit with forest friends partying.  It is from a Simply Scrappin' Kit that has turned digital.

Isn't this a bright fun card??

Check out the other cards and the sketch in case you want to make your own card using the sketch HERE.

Stamping Queens Sketch 23

It's Wednesday and time for the Stamping Queens Sketch Challenge.  Again I made my card using My Digital Studio because it is so quick and easy ... and it looks pretty good too!

This card uses Pool Party cardstock and a stamp overlay on top of the Pool Party.  I used the stamp set found in the Sale-a-Bration Catalog on page 15 - Elementary Elegance.  I love this stamp - so elegant looking.

Check out what the rest of the Queens made HERE

Sketch Challenge 22

Every Tuesday I get excited to check the Stampin' Up website to see what the latest My Digital Studio releases are.  They usually don't disappoint me. Yesterday's selection included "Sweet Shop" design kit and the "Labels Collection" punches.  The punches coordinate with one of Stampin' Up's new Framelits collection of dies and I love them.   So of course, I had to download the new releases and while I was at it, looked back for a few weeks and found some other goodies that I had to have!  Of course, all this was done last night around 11 pm.  Then I set about to make my card for the Stamping Queens Challenge using some of my newest "toys".  I had the card done and was in bed by midnight!  That is how quick and easy My Digital Studio is!

This card uses the Designer Paper from the Saleabration catalog - Everyday Enchantment.  This is one of my favorite papers and I know I will be ordering several packets!   The stamp set is from the Mini Catalog - Tea Shoppe.  Don't you just love that saying by Louisa May Alcott???  Even though I created this card using MDS, you can easily recreate it yourself using paper and stamps.  Give it a try or come up with your own creation using this week's sketch.

Queen's Sketch Challenge

Today is the sketch challenge for the Stamping Queens.  I really thought I would make the card this week instead of doing it in My Digital Studio, but I am still trying to sort out my craft room and it is still a MESS!  I had planned on working on it uninterrupted all day today but that didn't happen.  After donny left early this morning to go shooting with the guys, I fell back into a deep sleep.  The phone woke me up (at 9 am!) with a plea that I was needed at the Soup Kitchen.  So I went into overdrive and got dressed, grabbed some tea and coffee and headed to the Mooresville Soup Kitchen to work.

I think this card goes along with everyone's resolutions for 2012 - or at least mine.  Get organized, stay that way and take it Day by Day .... 24 hours, 52 weeks and 365 days!!  Think you can do it?  I hope I can.  This card uses a new FREE download offered to Facebook friends of Stampin' Up called Day in the Life

Check out the other Stamping Queens creations HERE.

Every year, I make calendars for my friends and family.  Sonny makes calendar stands for me to hang the calendars on.  I'll post a picture of the stands later in the week.  If you are interested in buying one, I have a few extras.  Here are a couple of months I made using My Digital Studio.   It made making them so easy!!

Sketch Challenge and stuff!

Today is Wednesday .... I think!  So, it is time for the Stamping Queens Sketch Challenge.  I took time on Sunday while we were watching football to log onto My Digital Studio and create a card for the sketch.  It's a fun birthday card.  Which reminds me .... my baby brother turns 50 (!!) next week and I need to make a card for him.  Ok - back to the subject .... Stamping Queens Sketch.  Check out the other Queens take on the sketch this week HERE and to see the sketch this week.

Isn't it funny how when you're on vacation, you just lose all track of the days and the time!  Ashley has been working half days this week (she was off last Friday and Monday) and I have been taking her to work so we could have her car.  Yesterday, she told me she would probably work until 1 or 2:00.  When I came back after dropping her off, I got back in bed for about 30 minutes.  Then I got up and ate breakfast and got on the computer - how I can waste time!  When she called me to pick her up, I said "I thought you were working late today" to which she replied, Mom, it's 1:00!  I had not even gotten dressed!!  How time flies when you're doing nothing!!!  When we picked her up, we went inside the hospital to see her office.  Sonny had never even been on the base before and neither of us had been in the hospital.  It is really nice.  A new portion was added on while she was deployed and that is where her office and the pediatric clinic is.  Then we went over to the PX and to a Medical Museum on base. 

I have not made any cards or done any of my calendars while I have been here.  We have been on the go since we got here.  The day after we arrived, our good friends, Don and Sharon, who live in Dallas arrived.  One of Sharon's best friends and a college roommate lost her battle with cancer and they were in town for the funeral.  So, we met them at their hotel and had dinner and drinks.  It was great to see then even under the circumstances. 

I hope your holidays are continuing to be merry and you are getting ready to welcome 2012!!

Wednesday Stamp Queen's Sketch Challenge

Doesn't that little box up in the corner scare you????  11 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS!  I'm not ready!!

As usual, I am late in posting this sketch challenge for the Stamping Queens Challenge.  But My Digital Studio rescued me once again!  The sketch this week was fairly simple so I kept the card pretty simple also.

I used elements for several sets for this card.  Sometimes I think simple is best!

Check out the other Queens take on the challenge HERE.  If you get a chance, try out the sketch for yourself!

We are making progress with getting the whole house painted!  Sonny has moved upstairs and has finished painting our bedroom and bathroom (blue).  He still has some trim work to do in the bathroom but will do that after Christmas.  Today he is doing our guest bathroom (Lemongrass - a pale green).  He will finish up in 2012 and paint both our guest bedrooms in pink.  What's so great is he also vacuums the rooms and baseboards when he's finished before putting all the furniture back!!  He's a keeper for sure!

Stamping Queens Sketch 16

I JUST DISCOVERED THIS IN MY DRAFTS!  GUESS I NEVER POSTED IT.  I AM POSTING IT NOW SO YOU CAN SEE THE CUTE CHRISTMAS CARDS MADE WITH MDS.


It's time for the Wednesday Sketch Challenge.  Today's sketch is pretty easy.  I ended up doing two cards because I couldn't decide!!  I think the second one is my favorite though.  I did the cards on My Digital Studio (of course!!)

Why not make a card and try the sketch for yourself???  Check out the other sketch cards HERE.

Are you having trouble pulling up my blog?  I have heard from a friend that she has had problems.  Her grandson checked it out for her and sent me an e-mail.  He found out this:  There is a problem with blogspot.com and internet explorer. You can add my blog URL to the restricted sites in internet explorer. To do this, you go to tools, internet options, security tab, restricted zone and hit the sites button.  Add my blog url to the sites and then press ok. There is a javascript that runs by default on blogspot.com.  By putting my blog url in the restricted zones area, it disables the script from running and allows my site to display as it should. Also, you could just useFfirefox which is not affected by the issue.

I have Firefox on my main computer and have not had any problems.  BUT, I have Internet Explorer on my laptop and I am having problems.  I can get my blog to come up but my Christmas background is not there and a few other sidebar items are missing.  I will play around with it when I get time and send a message to Blogger to see if there is a permanent fix and to let them be aware of the problem.

Sorry!!



So Sorry!

So sorry I've been MIA for almost a week!  Just been busy and didn't get pictures downloaded earlier!  Ashley left yesterday and I stopped off at IKEA on the way from the airport.  I was real proud of myself - I bought about 6-7 items but my total was only about $35!!  That place really has some interesting things and I love to wander around in the store and look at all their neat organizing ideas.  After that, I stopped at Kohl's and picked up a sweater and a top (for me of course!).  Ashley made it safely home.  As it turned out, our friends, Don and Sharon were in San Antonio for a few days and picked her up at the airport. 

Today is Wednesday which is the Sketch Challenge over at Stamping Queen's.  I did my card in My Digital Studio again using some of the new downloads that were made available on Tuesday. (see two of them at end of post)  I have been wanting this stamp set for a couple of years now.  It is available only in the Spanish SU catalog.  I just love the butterfly in the set.  There is also a very pretty flower and a bee along with a text stamp (which I used on the white circle.)

Here are two of Tuesday's MDS downloads that I used in creating my card:

Today is the last day for the Online Extravaganza.  If you have been "on the fence" about some of the items, this is it!  If you want me to order any of the sale items for you, let me know ASAP!!

Stamping Queens Sketch Wednesday

I made another sketch card this week for the Stamping Queens using My Digital Studio.  I really love the texture in this card.  I used a recent download, Frosty Days II.  Again, this could be easily duplicated without using MDS. 

The card base is Pool Party with Melon Mambo as the next layer.  Then the polka dot DSP layer.  The Pool Party rectangle DSP is matted with Soft Suede,  The white stamped rectangle is matted with Melon Mambo.  The snowflake is stamped with Pool Party and a brad inserted in the center.  After adding all the elements to the card, I used a background stamp in white over the whole card and reduced the opacity to give a snowy effect.  I love how this turned out!  Below is the sketch we had to use.  Hopefully, you will give this sketch a try - it's an easy one!  Show us what you create by posting your card HERE.

The Online Extravaganza is still going on (until Nov. 30) and it is a great time to get My Digital Studio Express.  Included in the promotion is the opportunity to receive a free bundle of preselected digital downloads (at least a $39.95 value) with the purchase of My Digital Studio Express.  The bundle options are:
Bundle #1: My Digital Studio Booster Pack (item #124484)
Bundle #2: Holiday Themed Downloads (item #129385)
    -Merry & Type Stamp Brush Set
    -Letters to Santa Designer Series Paper
    -Letters to Santa Embellishments
    -Baker's Twine
    -Dasher Stamp Brush
    -Holiday Harmony II Kit
    -Merry Delightful Digital Tape
    -25 & Counting Stamp Brush Set
    -Deck the Halls Designer Buttons
    -And a Happy New Year Photocard Template 
Bundle #3: Scrapbooking Themed Downloads (item #129386)
    -Day in the Lift Kit
    -Thoughtful Overlays Stamp Brush Set
    -Fun Flowers Shapes
    -Delightful Digital Tape
    -Sweet Details Alphabet & Numbers
    -Word Play Stamp Brush Set

To view a PDF of the images in each bundle, visit the online store under My Digital Studio Express.

While I had MDS opened on Monday, I created a couple of other things.

This would be great to give to someone as a gift (just change the name & date!).  Print it out, mat it and put it in a frame.  Voila!  A quick and easy gift of a family crest!

This picture is of Westminster Abbey in London.  It is from our trip last spring.  I just changed the photo effect to black and white and matted it in black on grey paper.  Added a few snippets of DSP on the side and the flourish from Baroque Motifs!  Easy peasy!

I am enjoying my time with Ashley.  We took a walk around the neighborhood yesterday morning, did a little creating in my stamp room, went to town for lunch and a quick (??) trip to WalMart and the Dollar Store.  Last night, she cooked dinner for us.  Food always tastes better when someone else does the cooking, doesn't it??  She loves to cook too.  Today Marianne is going to come over and we will play in my stamp room a while and then get some of our dishes ready for tomorrow's feast.

Sketch Challenge #13

Oops - almost forgot the Sketch Challenge today!!  But I got "er done!!

I used My Digital Studio to make this card BUT you don't have to do that.  Here are the supplies so you can make it yourself without MDS:

Stamp:  French Foilage, Simple Friendship
Cardstock:  Pool Party, Soft Suede, River Rock, Spice Cake DSP
Ink:  More Mustard, Soft Suede, River Rock
Access:  Brads

The sentiment and the "squiggly" swirls on the Pool Party cardstock came from a retired set, Simple Friendship.  But these could easily be replaced by any other sentiment and a set that has some swirls in it (maybe Baroque Motifs) or you could easily leave them off.   So even though I used MDS to make this card, it is easily reproducible (is that a word?) using your own supplies.

We had friends here for too short a time this week.  Margaret and Graham flew to NC Friday and were at their daughter's house in Charlotte until Monday when they came to visit us.  Unfortunately, as they were driving here, their daughter called and had been in a minor fender-bender so they only stayed long enough to have a cup of tea and turned around and went back to Charlotte.  But they returned on Tuesday morning and Margaret and I spent the day visiting and stamping while the guys went to the gun range.  This was the first visit we have had with them since last March!!  Hard to believe!  But it was nice for Margaret to be here for Stamp Club.  They left this morning.  We were hoping for a longer visit but they are planning to fly home to England to visit Margaret's parents Sunday so they had to head back to Texas to get ready.

Sketch Challenge #11

It's Wednesday and that means it's time for another Stamping Queens Sketch challenge.  I did another My Digital Studio card.  Every Tuesday Stampin' Up releases new digital content.  This week it was Frosty Days Kit II.  It is a real retro funky Christmas kit using colors you don't usually associate with for Christmas - melon mambo, pool party and my favorite retired color, kiwi kiss.  It includes 12 paper patterns, a 25 piece stamp set and a calendar template .... all that for $9.95!  So this is the kit that I used to make this card.  I love it!!

Check out the other Queen's take on our sketch here.  AND I think there is going to be some blog candy offered on some of the blogs this week.  Check them out!!

I've been a little under the weather the past few days.  I started out with a sore throat on Sunday.  I was plainning on going to the doctor Monday but my throat wasn't hurting me too bad.  I didn't feel great - just a little achey with sinus congestion and post nasal drip.  I started taking a generic Sudafed D and it seems to have helped a lot.  The downside is I couldn't sleep last night.  I guess there is something in the drug that wired me.  I know I looked at the clock every couple of hours and didn't sleep more than 2-3 hours total.  I didn't take any of the meds from about noon on Tuesday so hopefully, I'll be able to sleep.

Stamping Queens Sketch Challenge Week 10

It's Week #10 for the Stamping Queens sketch challenge.  It seems like every week, I have been rushed and so I have done a digital card. That's the beauty of digital!!  Not this week though!  I took the time on Tuesday to make a card and make another rosette - or rather, a half of a rosette!  Hope you like it.

Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Four Frames, Baroque Motif, Autum Days, French Script

Paper:  Spice Cake DSP, More Mustard, Pool Party, Very Vanilla

Accessories:  Designer Label Punch, Choc Chip Ribbon (ret'd), Scallop Border Punch

The SU Scoring Board makes the rosette a breeze! 

I hope you will decide to play along with us this week.  Make sure you check out what the other Queens have created HERE. 

I will be drawing for a winner from the NC Holiday Blog Hop on Sunday so you still have time to leave a comment or become a follower on THIS post.

Of course, I love comments and would like you to leave me a comment on this post too!!

Queens Sketch Challenge Week 9

It's Wednesday .... time for another Stamping Queens Sketch Challenge!! 

I worked on this sketch forever last night trying to get something that I really liked.  Finally I did it!  And no wasted cardstock, ribbon, etc.  That is the beauty of My Digital Studio - if you don't like what you've created, delete and start over!

The color scheme is from the Spice Cake DSP - pool party, crumb cake, more mustard and early espresso.  The stamp is from Day of Gratitude.  So, see, you can create this card without having MDS if you have those items.

 Won't you play along with us this week?  Check out the sketch itself and the other interpretations of the sketch HERE.  

I had Stamp Club yesterday.  We had a small group - only 4 ladies.  So it was quiet and we got a lot done I think.  I'll be posting the projects later.  We did Halloween and Thanksgiving cards.  I have room for more in the Tuesday group if you live in the area and would like to join us!

Marianne and Angela took Mom to the doctor yesterday for her nerve block injection.  She did great with it and it did not hurt her like the last one she had did.  Now let's keep our fingers crossed that it works!  Angela took her out to eat afterwards and then to get a massage.  She had a rough night Monday night and her upper back was bothering her.  The massage therapist said she had a big knot that she tried to work out.  I am sure it is from the tension of the past few weeks.  Angela sent me an e-mail last night and said Mom's leg started hurting again and she went to bed crying.  She has just sent me another e-mail this morning that Mom did not sleep at all last night and is hurting in her back, shoulder and leg!  She is waiting for the doctor to call her back.  When is this going to end???  We have an appointment in the morning to talk to the surgeon.

Queen Sketch No. 8

It's Sketch Week again.  Funny how this slips up on me every week ... this week it really did!  But again, it was My Digital Studio to the rescue!  I used a new Thanksgiving download for this card.  I plan on using this download to help decorate my Thanksgiving table this year!

We had a pretty easy sketch this week.  Why not give it a try?  We queens vote for our favorite each week - you could be a winner!!  If you decide to, send your card to the Stamping Queens Blog. 

And here is my card:

I used these colors:  More Mustard, Early Espresso, and Soft Suede.  There are so many other things to give thanks for but I love the things I listed on my card!  What are some other things YOU are thankful for this time of year?

An update on my Mom:  I went over to her house Monday after playing bridge and stayed with her until shortly before Angela came home from work.  She had several instances that the pain was really intense.  It's strange because most of the pain comes when she is trying to stand, walk or get up from her chair or bed.  But there are some times when she is sitting perfectly still and the pain hits her like a ton of bricks and she starts screaming.  She had an MRI Monday morning.  I stayed with her again Tuesday and we finally got the MRI results around 2 pm.  She has Spinal Stenosis which is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which places pressure on the spinal cord.  It is the gradual result of aging and “wear and tear” on the spine during everyday activities.  Oh how I hope I don't develop this!!  When the doctor's office called to give me the MRI results, they referred her to a spine ortho specialist but he couldn't see her until Oct. 18 - another week!  Unbelievable!  I told them that was unacceptable - that we could not wait another week  for her to get some type of relief.  Plus, she is taking that Oxycotin every 4 hours.  That can not be good for an 83 year old person!  I truthfully don't think the drugs are doing anything because she still has really intense pain.  But she asks for them every 4 hours thinking they are doing something.  A friend had given me the name of her doctor at bridge on Monday who specializes in the spine and pain management.  So I called him.  It was my lucky day!  They had just had a cancellation for Wednesday at 8 AM and I took it.  Angela will take her to see him and we will see what he can do for her.  I'm guessing he will give her some type of injection - nerve block or steroids and probably refer her to physical therapy.  I will probably be babysitting for her again after her appointment.  Sonny and I are going to Lincolnton for him to get his driver's license renewed and have lunch but after that I will probably be going back to mom's. 

Where does it stop?  We take care of our children and in just a few short years we are caring for our parents.  And next thing you know, your children are taking care of you!!  This has made me vow to take better care of myself and start exercising more diligently so my daughter does not have to be in this same position with me in a few years. 

Stamping Queens Sketch Wednesday

Time for another Stamping Queens sketch.  I made another card using My Digital Studio.  So easy and I can use products that I don't have here in my stamp room.  This time the card I made uses the Beau Chateau Collection.

Here is the sketch we were to follow:

And here is my card:

This card actually started out as a pre-designed card in MDS.  I just took some elements off and added some of my own.  The "cherish" and "memories" are actually cut from the Beau Chateau DSP.  This card could easily be done by hand if you didn't have MDS.  The colors I used are Baja Blue and Soft Suede.

I found out today that my nephew and his wife (Jack & Kat) will be having a boy in March.  I am so happy for them!!  Ashley had dinner with Jack tonight in Austin and found out the good news.  I had found out earlier in the day via Facebook.  I just hate that Facebook and Twitter is the way young people choose to share their news these days.  What is wrong with picking up the telephone and actually talking to someone instead of having to text or twitter, etc.!!

Ashley is headed home and is overjoyed to be able to go home to stay now!  Jack tried to get her to spend the night in Austin but she said no thanks - she is more than ready to get home and get everything back to normal (what ever that may be!)

Sketch Queens Challenge 6

I'm so excited to share this week's card for the Stamping Queens Sketch Challenge!

Here is the sketch:

And here is my take on it:

I made this card this week with My Digital Studio.  It uses the download Frightful Sight DSP and Pick Your Poison embellishments.  I don't have many Halloween stamps so this is a fun way to get these items.   Each download costs only $4.95 so it is also very economical.  This card took me about 20 minutes to make!    You don't have to have MDS to re-create this card.  You can actually download the embellishments, print them out on cardstock and add your own DSP.

Check out the rest of the sketch cards HERE.

I hope you will play along with the Stamping Queens challenge this week.  Remember -

•You may flip or rotate the sketch, change or replace the shapes, but please make sure the general layout is recognizable.
•Share a direct link to your creation, not just your blog, using the InLinkz feature at the end of this post. If InLinkz is down, please add a link with your comment.
•When uploading to online galleries (Splitcoast, etc.), please use keyword SQSC6.
•If you'd like to be considered as one of our spotlight cards, please be sure to link your project by Sunday at 9 p.m. PST.

I would love to hear what you have to say about the cards this week.  Leave me a comment to let me know what you think.

Stamping Queens Sketch Challenge #5

This week I have another fun sketch for the Stamping Queens sketch challenge and I did my card using supplies and not MDS this time.  I looked at my stamp sets to pick out a set I had not used in a while and also to use one that the other "queens" weren't using either.  I found Take A Spin (pg. 58) and decided to give it a spin (pun intended!)  I also used some DSP that I have not used in a while either.

Sketch #5

 


Stampin' Up supplies used:

Paper:  Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, River Rock, Paisley Petals DSP

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry

Stamp:  Take A Spin

Accessories:  Designer Buttons, Twine, Game Spinners

Here's a link to the Stamping Queen's Blog.    Grab your stamps and try the sketch for yourself!  We vote for the cards that are submitted to the blog at the end of the week .... you could be a winner!  Here are the rules if you want to submit your card sketch:

•You may flip or rotate the sketch, change or replace the shapes, but  make sure the general layout is recognizable.

•Share a direct link to your creation  using the InLinkz feature at the end of the post. If InLinkz is down, please add a link with your comment.

•When uploading to online galleries (like Splitcoast, etc.), please use keyword SQSC5.

•If you'd like to be considered as one of our spotlight cards, please be sure to link your project by the deadline.

Stamping Queen's Sketch Challenge #4

It's time for another Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge.  Again, I have done my card using My Digital Studio.  It is so great to have this program so when I don't have the supplies, etc. to do a real card, I can just create one using MDS!!

Here is the sketch for this week:

Lots of layers this week.  Here is my take on it:

Make sure you visit the Stampin' Queens Sketch Blog to check out what the other Queens did for the sketch.  There are some great cards there this week!! 

Why not make your own card using this sketch and send it in.  You might be a winner!!