Everything Eleanor

Another long day!  I left the house this morning at 9:30 and didn't return home until 6:30!  Luckily, Sonny grilled our dinner outside so I had a couple of glasses of wine and kept him company.  But it is so hot and humid here that it was not fun sitting outside tonight!  I played bridge today and had a pretty boring time.  I got a lot of really awful hands.  It it weren't for the fellowship with friends, I would have really been bummed.  After that, I picked up Mom for another doctor's appointment.  Marianne was working from home today so she met me at the doctor's office.  Mom was in really bad shape today.  She had a bad night and was in really bad pain all day.  When I got to her house, she asked me to get her the strongest pain meds that she had.  She has 3 different levels of hydrocodeine and has been taking the lowest dosage lately.  But today called for the "big dogs."  When I got her in to the doctor's office all she could do was cry.  It is heart breaking.  Dr. Allen is starting to believe that the cause of it all is her sciatica which I have been of the opinion from the start.  I have had debilitating sciatica pain twice and it is not something that I ever want to have again.  But I remember that the most pain I would have was trying to sit down or get up from a sitting position.  (It was hell trying to get on the toilet!) 

The common symptoms of sciatica include:

• Pain in the rear or leg that is worse when sitting
• Burning or tingling down the leg
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot
• A constant pain on one side of the rear
• A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up

And these are all things Mom has been complaining about.  Dr. Allen said with the surgeries and the injections she has had, all the "mucking" around in her spine has caused it to be inflamed and if it is sciatica, it can't heal.  There's not a "fix" for it but she needs to get to the point that she can do some stretching exercises.  He gave her a prescription for a drug that is used to treat neuropathy to try and see if it will help.  On Thursday, I am taking her to see a neurologist in Huntersville.  After that, I am electing to find a good chiropractor to treat her.  That is who helped me both times I had my sciatica. 

OK - on to a couple of cards I created this weekend. 

I saw a card similar to this one on Pininterest and decided to CASE it.  I used one of the floral stamps from Everything Eleanor and Primrose Petals ink.  It's hard to tell but the card at the top is stamped with Pretty In Pink with a swirl stamp in the background.  The bottom card uses the swirl or flourish stamp but in Crumb Cake.  The saying on the bottom is from Heartfelt Creations. 

Hybrid Daring Adventure

It's Monday again.  This month has flown by!  We went to play Bingo Friday - Sonny, Mom, Angela, Marianne and I.  It was the fundraiser for Newcomers.  We raise money each year for our literacy program.  There was also items available for Silent Auction and at the end, there were prizes raffled off.  Marianne won a couple of meals at IHop; Angela won a calendar (made by me!); and I won a Pampered Chef package that contained a glass mixing bowl, pastry brush and a package to make Cucumber Mojitos!  It was a fun night and we were all glad Mom was able to come.  She was feeling pretty good all weekend until today.  I am taking her back to see Dr. Allen today.

I made a few cards this weekend.  This one is my favorite.  I just love the stamp set, Daring Adventure.  I wanted to use the "splat" stamp from Extreme Elements but unfortunately, I never bought that set.  That's when My Digital Studio came to my rescue.  I just printed the "splat" stamp in Summer Starfruit and Baja Blue on my cardstock and made the rest of the card with my stamps.  That's what is called a hybrid card.

June Club Cards

These are the cards we did this week in my clubs.  I really love the Greetings stamp set, From My Heart and used it on a couple of the cards.   The sayings are so good.


I think this is my favorite one.  i just love the color combo.

Supplies:
Paper:  Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Whisper White
Stamps:  Everything Eleanor, From My Heart
Ink:  Calypso Coral, Pool Party
Acces:  Itty Bitty Buttons, Itty Bitty Punches, Dimensionals

Supplies:
Paper:  Whisper White, (retired) In Color DSP Paper Stack,  Daffodil Delight
Ink:  Concord Grape, Pear Pizazz,
Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Words,  Pennant Parade
Access:  Pennant Punch, Itty Bitty Label Die, 3/4" Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Punch, Bakers Twine

Supplies:
Paper:  Summer Starfruit, Whisper White
Ink:  Midnight Muse, Versamark, Summer Starfruit, Gumball Green
Stamps:  Curly Cute, Papaya Collage
Access:  Jewels

Paper:  Rasperry Ripple, Gumball Green, Whisper White
Ink:  Gumball Green, Rasperry Ripple
Stamp:  From My Heart
Access:  Labels Framelits, Tulip Embossing Folder

Sammie

I am so sleepy I can barely hold my eyes open so this is going to be a quick one!  I created a card tonight using My Digital Studio for the weekly challenge on Late Night Stampers.  The challenge was to include an insect in your creation.  I actually think I have gotten rid of most of my buggy stamps but I can always count on MDS to find a stamp.  Think I included enough insects? 

 I also have to share this picture that Ashley sent me tonight.  My friend, Kenny brought Sammie a toy last month when she came to Stamp Club.  Sammy wasn't impressed with the toy and never played with it.  The blue plastic circle has holes in it for them to put their paws and there is a ball rolling around inside.  I knew the perfect place for the toy since Sammie didn't want it .... with Bogart!  So, I sent it to Ashley and she got it today.  Looks like I picked the right cat!  That should keep him busy for a while.

I got registered for CKC-Charlotte today.  Ashley is going to come down in August and go with me.  We are taking 2 classes on Friday (and doing a little shopping!) and 4 classes on Saturday.  Marianne is going to try to take 1/2 day off on Friday and go to one of the our Friday classes and all the ones on Saturday with us.  We booked a hotel room across the street from the Convention Center so it will be a fun girls weekend!

Stamping Queens Sketch + Blog Candy

Two posts today!  The other post I thought was scheduled for yesterday .... guess I picked the wrong date!  Makes sense since yesterday felt like two days to me.  In fact, I was talking to my friend, Margaret, earlier and told her today was Thursday.  She corrected me and told me no, it was Wednesday!

I took Mom to her regular doctor yesterday to see if we could get a grip on what was going on.  I think Mom thought he was going to "fix" her when he actually cannot do that.  He explained to us about what a crap shoot pinpointing the cause of pain on the spine when you have so much going on up and down.  She has arthritis, degenerative discs and stenosis.  When they did the surgery, they hoped they were hitting the source of her pain.  But, guess not all of it.  So, now we need to get the injection to the S-1 vertebrae and hope that helps.  He was going to call the pain mgt. doctor to see if he could fit mom in any earlier than July 16.  So, as usual, I am waiting for doctors to call!!  After the doctor left the room yesterday, Mom fell apart.  She is getting really depressed and giving up hope of ever feeling better.  She called Ashley last night and could barely talk to her, she was crying so hard.  It is really tough to see your mom like this.

I had my card class in the afternoon (I'll be sharing those cards tomorrow).  I did good this time - they finished 4 cards in 2 hours!!  I really tried hard not to let them be too intricate but still look pretty.  After class, Marianne and Judy and I went out to dinner at Pomodoro's in Mooresville.  It was really good and I have my lunch for tomorrow!!

Today is Stamping Queens Sketch Challenge and I did my card on MDS.

Look familiar?  I used the the elements from the digital kit, Sweet Shop - same as I have done on my blog background and banner.  The black frames are from the Candid Frames download.

We’d love to have you join us for the Stamping Queens Challenge this week!  Simply make a card using the basic bones of the sketch above, and then visit the stampin’ queens sketch challenge blog  to add your interpretation.  This week we are giving away BLOG CANDY - a 10-second bow maker.

Simply Sent Birthday Cards

How do you like my new blog header and background paper?  Just screams summer time!!  I made it using My Digital Studio .... so easy!

I am really getting frustrated with doctors!  When we took Mom back for her surgery check up last week, the surgeon did the MRI and said all was well with the incision area but it looked like their was narrowing at the S-1 vertebra area.  So, he recommended we go back to the Pain Mgmt doc for another injection.  We tried to call that doctor on Friday but their office was closed.  Today they called Mom and had her scheduled for JULY 16!!!  Please - another month???  This is unacceptable.  I feel like Mom is their dart board and they are just pitching darts hoping to hit the target eventually.  So, tomorrow I am taking her to her general doctor to see what his recommendations are.  I am getting really fed up with getting the run around.  You would think the surgeon would be trying to do everything he could since he didn't look at her first MRI for a week and then discovered the blood clot.  Sounds like a case for a lawsuit to me.

I have been trying to use up some of my retired items.  I had a Simply Sent card kit that I bought during Saleabration so thought I would dress them up a bit.  Plus, I needed a few birthday cards.  These three all went in the mail this week to friends.

Published!

 "Congratulations on having your art published in Catch Up Issue!  We are grateful you chose to share your creativity with us and that we have had the chance to showcase your work. We hope you are enjoying your time in the spotlight!  As a published artist, you will be mailed a complimentary issue of this publication.  Please allow until the 15^th of this month for the delivery of your magazine."

I received the above in an e-mail May 7 but as of yet I have not received my magazine.  So, I do not even know which card was featured in the magazine.  I sent several cards to Take Ten magazine at least 6 months ago or more.  I have had cards chosen to be published in these magazines before but it is real hit and miss whether they notify me or not.  Several times I have been leafing through the magazine only to come across one of my cards!  Surprise!!  So if any of you have the latest Catch Up issue from Stampington & Co., please check for me.

Speaking of magazines .....

I received my July Stampin' Success Magazine from my mailman a few days ago.  And, this month, guess what was included with our exclusive demo monthly magazine—the new Holiday Catalog!  EEEEEeeeee! 

I'm barely getting started with my Annual Catalog goodies and they're already tempting me with holiday stamping treats!  Whoop, whoop, whooooop...OVERLOAD!!!!!

Talk About Too Cool Stuff!  While I'm not able to share specific details quite yet, let me tell you that you will absolutely LOVE this new Holiday Catalog!  Stampin' Up! really pulled out all the stops this time!

It's a 40-page catalog, that's a full 8-1/2" x 11" size and it's jam-packed with tons of AWESOME new Christmas stamps, papers, accents, dies and some very uniquely, unexpected items!  You'll also find a nice selection of new Halloween, Thanksgiving and even Hanukkah items!  Truly something for everybody—cardmakers, scrapbookers, kids, casual stampers, digital designers, holiday party-throwers, and creative gift-givers!

You're Gonna Want Need Some Holiday Hostess Dollars!  I know you're gonna have a HUGE wishlist with this Holiday Catalog, but having a workshop or private class will help you earn Hostess Dollars to get more bang for your buck!   Contact me to get your event on the calendar on the date you want! 

Get Your FREE Holiday Catalog—If you've ordered from me in the past year, you'll automatically be getting a copy of the Holiday Catalog mailed to you in late-July.  If you'd like a FREE Holiday Catalog, simply place an order by e-mail or at my online store and I'll make sure you get one as soon as they are available.  You can also get a FREE catalog when you attend any of my stamping events. 

Holiday Catalog items will be available for purchase on August 1.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Fathers Day to all those great fathers out there!  I am lucky to have a great father living in my house.  He has been a great father to both of our children - daughter, Ashley and son, Jeffrey.  I was blessed to have two fathers in my life.  I grew up with my step-father, Lee Burke, who was a great father to all us kids.  I later got to know my birth father, Bill Edwards.  Unfortunately, neither of them are alive today.  But I know they still look down on me and watch over me and my kids.

Here are the two Father's Day cards I made this week.  The first one I made for my son who has 4 children that keep him busy.  I am sure he is a great father to all of them. I used The Open Sea for the card and the retired Nautical DSP.

 This is the card I made for Sonny.  I got up this morning and fixed him a good breakfast and had the card ready at his seat at the table.  I think we will be going out later on the boat now that I feel better.  Yesterday I had a bit of Vertigo.  I get that every so often but don't think I have been bothered by it in several years.  I took a pill which made me sleepy all day so I didn't get a lot accomplished yesterday!  Luckily, I remembered I had this "Old Guys Rule" DSP stashed away in time to use it for this card!  He has a tee like this that Ashley gave him so the card is only fitting!

Here's a sweet poem I saw on the internet and thought it was so appropriate for today.

THE LITTLE CHAP WHO FOLLOWS ME

 A careful man I ought to be,
A little fellow follows me,
I do not dare to go astray
For fear he'll go the self same way.

I cannot once escape his eyes,
Whate'er he sees me do, he tries;
Like me, he says, he's going to be,
The little chap who follows me.

He thinks that I am good and fine,
Believes in every word of mine
The base in me he must not see,
The little chap who follows me.

I must remember as I go,
Through summer's fun and winter's snow,
In building for the years to be
The little chap who follows me!

More Fabric Projects

I have been working on getting my projects ready for Stamp Club next week.  Late in the afternoon, Sonny and I went out on the boat and enjoyed a nice dinner at one of the restaurants on the lake.  There are only 3-4 restaurants near us on the lake and it is always hard to find a place to dock the boat.  Each place only has 8-10 boat slips so it's always a guessing game whether we will find a spot or not where we want to eat.  Tonight we ended up with our second choice but it turned out ok.  I had a delicious Shrimp and Grits meal!!  Ashley called us while we were at the restaurant to tell us her latest news.  Not so good news as it turned out.  She broke her big toe doing Yoga Thursday night.  (I knew there was a reason I didn't like to exercise - it's dangerous!)  I thought when you broke your toes, there was nothing you could do except tape them together.  Well, not so with your big toe.  She is in a walking cast for a month!  Luckily, it is a removable cast so she can get in her pool to get relief from the Texas sun.  Poor baby - but I doubt this will slow her down too much.

Here are a few more projects using Stampin' Up's fabric:

Accessories for Memory Keeper


Memory Keeper



• Soft Suede polka dot grosgrain ribbon
• Linen thread
• 5/8" Jumbo brads
• Sizzix Big Shot
• Lattice Bigz die
• Beautiful Butterflies Bigz die
• 18" x 18" artist canvas
• Background fabric (2/3 yard)
• Push pins
• Thumbtacks

•  Instructions
• Adhere background fabric to canvas.
• Die cut lattice shapes from fabric using Big Shot and Lattice Bigz die. Adhere to fabric in rows.
• Adhere Soft Suede polka dot grosgrain ribbon to fabric in crisscross pattern. Attach 5/8" Jumbo brads where ribbon intersects. Adhere Soft Suede polka dot grosgrain ribbon around outside edges of canvas.
• Die cut six large and six small butterflies using Big Shot and Beautiful Butterflies Bigz die. Create double-sided butterflies by adhering butterflies together, resulting in three large and three small double-sided butterflies. Tie linen thread around the middle leaving two long ends for antennae. Attach butterflies to canvas using push pins.

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Quilt Square

 Accessories for Quilt Block

• Sizzix Big Shot
• 5-Point 3D Star Bigz die
• Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die
• Background fabric (two 10" x 10" squares)
• 10" x 10" square 100% cotton batting
• Ric-rac (6")
• Sewing machine and thread

 Instructions

1. Die cut four pieces of fabric using Big Shot and 5-Point 3D Star Bigz die. Round off hard edges.
2. Die cut two large scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die.
3. Die cut one small scallop circle using Big Shot and Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die.
4. Insert cotton batting between two squares of background fabric and sew together using sewing machine and thread.
5. Sew four flower petals (from 5-Point 3D Star Bigz die) to square. Fold large scallop circle in half and adhere to bottom of flower petals.
6. Fold small scallop circle in half, then fold over part way to create one gather. Adhere to bottom of flower using sewing machine and thread.
7. Adhere ric-rac stem to square using sewing machine and thread.
8. Create leaf by cutting large scallop circle in half, then folding inner edge, and sewing each half on square.
9. Wash and dry to give shabby-chic look.

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Here are pictures of a couple of other items made with SU's fabric.  I just don't have the instructions for them!

TABLE RUNNER

REALLY CUTE BAGS / PURSES!

Stampin' Up Fabric

Stampin' Up has really expanded their fabric selection in the new catalog. You don't have to be a seamstress--or even like to sew--to enjoy using Designer Fabric! The colors and patterns in the Designer Fabrics are designed to coordinate perfectly with Stampin' Up! inks, card stock, Designer Series Paper, and other accessories, and are perfect for adding a stylish touch to traditional paper projects. If you do enjoy sewing, however, the beauty and high quality of Designer Fabric, available in an extra-wide fat quarter (18" x 26"), makes it perfect for use in quilting, clothing, home décor, or any other project you can think of.

 Since SU has retired the wide ribbons, I think the fabric will work great for a wider ribbon.  Just tear or cut it into strips and you will have a widerfabric ribbon and it will also match the DSP!  Give it a try.  But there are also a lot of other things you can do with the beautiful fabric.  Check out the projects below and be creative!  My favorite is the last one - the onesie outfit.  Wish I knew someone who was having a baby girl!!!  

PONY TAIL HOLDER

1. Die cut 10 large scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Cut off eight of the scallops from each scallop circle. Gather together across the flat side about 1/4" from edge, gathering all ten circles on the same double-thread. Tie off.
2. Die cut 10 small scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Gather the circles across three of the scallops on the same double-thread. Tie off.
3. To cover Corduroy button, die cut a small scallop circle, then cut off all scallops. Gather the fabric around the edge, place button in the middle, then gather up threads and tie off.
4. Attach ponytail elastic to back, then sew through all layers of fabric (including fabric around button), so fabric layers are connected to elastic.

Accessories

• Corduroy button
• Sizzix Big Shot
• Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die
• Fabric
• Needle and thread
• Ponytail elastic

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1. Die cut 10 large scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Cut off eight of the scallops from each scallop circle. Gather together across the flat side about 1/4" from edge, gathering all 10 circles on the same double-thread. Tie off.
2. Die cut eight small scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Gather the circles across three of the scallops on the same double-thread. Tie off.



HEADBAND

3. Die cut four small scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Fold circles in half, then in half again. Gather together across the bottom, gathering all four circles on the same double-thread. Tie off.
4. Layer scallop circles and sew together.
5. Attach Corduroy button through center.
6. Die cut small scallop circle using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Adhere to bottom of layered fabric pieces.
7. Cut two strips of fabric and adhere over headband to secure scallop circle flower to headband.

Accessories

• Corduroy button
• Sizzix Big Shot
• Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die
• Fabric
• Needle and thread
• Headband

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 Instructions

ONSIE

1. Die cut 12 pennants using Big Shot and Pennant Bigz XL die. Gather and adhere to 1" elastic using sewing machine and thread.
2. Die cut seven small scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die. Fold over five scallops and adhere to collar of onesie using sewing machine and thread.
3.  Die cut 10 small scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die. Gather the circles across three of the scallops on the same double-thread. Tie off.
4. To create ribbon flowerette, tie a knot in the end of Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon, then tie a new knot every three inches. Gather the ribbon in between each knot.
5. Adhere ribbon to flower, then sew entire piece to onesie.
6. Wash and dry to give shabby-chic look.

Accessories

• Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon
• Sizzix Big Shot
• Pennant Bigz XL die
• Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die
• 1" wide elastic
• Sewing machine and thread
• Baby onesie
• Fabric