The Hostess Code for March is 3YZSNHHC

If you place an on-line order with me, I would appreciate you using this code!!

St. Paddy's Day and Stamp Club

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!

 

We celebrated St. Patrick's Day a few days early.  Our favorite Irish restaurant/bar had a big celebration on Saturday with bands, vendors, food and of course, your favorite beverage.  It was a free event with the option to buy a VIP ticket.  We decided to purchase the tickets since they included 2 beverages, a meal, tee shirts and access to the VIP toilets each.  Well, maybe I should say the VIP Porta-Potties!!  We didn't have to stand in line in the restaurant for the toilets but by the end of the night, I was standing in line inside!!  

 

 

We ran into our leprechaun friend that we had met at the celebration a couple of years ago.  This guy comes dressed like a leprechaun every year!  I didn't get a great picture of him this year but here is his picture from 2012 when we met him - Bob, the Leprechaun

There are all kinds of people at this event!  This couple was really OLD!  They sure went all out with their costume - wig, beard, a tutu that had lights attached!  Oh my!  There were several young people there also with tutus on and tights underneath.  Believe me, their outfits were not flattering!!  Don't people look in the mirror when they leave home????

This was also Stamp Club week for me.  We made a few Easter cards.

I just love this little Easter Lamb single stamp (only $10). 

Isn't this the cutest?  I CASE-d this from Judy Marshall's blog, Brown Paper Packages, where you can download the seed packet template.  This chick is from a Sale-a-bration set called Honeycomb Happiness.  He is super cute!  She has a few other templates on her blog as well.

This card was another CASE - this time from Frenchie (Stamp and Scrap with Frenchie).  I used the DSP from Sale-a-bration for the pants - using the Washi Tape Label Punch.  I used the glitter tape to decorate tem along with a few other items I had in my stash.  The sentiment is stamped on white paper and cut out with the new Balloon Punch. 

And an Easter cross card that I have already shared with you HERE.

Paper Players Color Challenge



I made this card today for a color challenge on the Paper Players blog site.  These are such great colors and the little bit of black makes them really pop.  I used Timeless Textures for my background and stamped it in white.  This stamp set is a great one for backgrounds.  I also used one of my favorite stamps from the Occasions Catalog, Picture Perfect, for the starfish.  And of course, I had to add Wink of Stella all over the starfish!!   I die cut "hello" and stamped on top of it with my white ink.  It is so easy to adhere that tiny die to the card using the Fine Tip Glue Pen - another favorite product!!

 

Be sure to check out the rest of the projects for this challenge!

 

Brayer Power

This card is a little out of my comfort zone but it turned out ok.  I was going through some of my "stuff" and found this package of Stampin' Up Coaster Board (pg 148) that I had never used but I have had it about 2 years!  The Coaster Board is thinner than chipboard, but sturdier than cardstock.  It's great for die cutting and embossing.  

I ran it through my Lovely Lace embossing folder.  Next I inked up my brayer (which I probably have not used in several years) with Watermelon Wonder ink and rolled it over the coaster board. This is the debossed side.  I brayer-ed both sides but I liked this side the best.  It's neat how the raised portion takes the ink and the debossed areas stay white.  You can't press real hard on the brayer though.  I stamped the cake with Watermelon also and punched it out with the 2 1/2" punch.  I love the sentiment from Party Wishes (Occasions Catalog, pg. 5).  I tucked some of the Dotted Lace Trim behind the circle.  

Sonny and I went to the movies today and saw Eddie the Eagle.  It was very good.  I would recommend it to you.

Pedal Pusher Love

It is still not too late to spend $50 with Stampin' Up and receive a free stamp set (or paper, Project Life item, washi tape, etc.).  This bicycle set is one of the new stamps for Sale-a-Bration - Pedal Pusher.  I think it is so cute and can be used for a lot of occasions.   I decided to send it to someone special.

I stamped the bike with black Memento ink and used markers to color it so it would match the Lost Lagoon card.  Oh how I am going to miss Lost Lagoon when it retires in June!  I just realized that when I took the picture of the card, I had not adhered the panel to the card.  Rest assured, I did glue it down before mailing it!  The DSP flag that is peeking out of the side and the DSP background piece are both from Sale-a-Bration also (Wildflower Fields, pg. 12).  The "love" sentiment is from a great stamp set in the annual catalog, Something to Say (pg. 108).

American Idol Recap

Here's my quick run down of the Top 10 from Thursday night.  There was a double elimination this week.  The bottom three performed at the end of the show and the judges voted to keep one of them.

1. Dalton Rapatoni sang "Radioactive"  I thought it was good but he usually changes up the songs that he sings and he did not do that with this one.  The judges were not blown away with his song choice.
2. Lee Jean sang "Use Somebody"  I was so happy that he was not in the bottom three!  He is just so cute and talented for a 15 year old.  He played the electric guitar also while singing his song. I liked his performance.  
3. Sonika Vaid sang "Since You Be Gone," a Kelly Clarkson song.  She didn't do a lot for me with her performance.  The song is about an "angry girl" and she didn't give it the attitude she should have.
4. MacKenzie Bourg sang "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," by Whitney Houston.  Love that song and he definitely made it his own.  It was just different to hear a guy sing this song.
5. La'Porsha Renae sang "Halo" by Beyonce.  This girl is going to be the next American Idol!  Her voice is so beautiful.  She has some crazy hair and was funny when she was in the dressing room and they were doing her hair.  She said no one had ever touched her hair except her or her mom so it was a traumatic experience for her.
6. Trent Harmon sang "When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge - one of my favorite songs!  He had been working hard on not making the funny faces he usually does.  I liked his performance.
7. Tristen MacIntosh was the last one to snag a spot outside of the bottom three who had to compete for their spot.  She sang a Vince Gill song and accompanied herself on the piano.  She got a standing ovation from Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban!

Bottom three:

1. Avalon Young sang "Earned It"  I was not familiar with this song but she sang it great!  
2. Olivia Rox sang a song by Pink.  She was not bad but not as good as Avalon.
3. Gianna Isabella sang an Alicia Key song and didn't stand a chance.

So that is the top 10.

Here is the video from Kelly Clarkson's emotional song that she sang last week.  Have a tissue ready!

Easter Cross

Easter is early this year - March 27th - so I thought I'd better start on my Easter cards.  This is the first one I made and I love it!  By changing the sentiment, this card could also be used for sympathy, get well, etc.

I CASEd a card from Pinterest by Angie Pyjas.

I used the Hardwood background stamp for the cross.  I stamped with Early Espresso onto Crumb Cake card stock and just cut two of the panels for the cross.  I added brown brads to each end.  (When was the last time you used a brad??)  The wreath is stamped with Wondrous Wreath stamp set and cut out with the matching framelets.  That stamp is not just for Christmas!!  The flowers (Perfect Plum and Watermelon Wonder) are also from the Wondrous Wreath and cut out with the framelets.  I used the Softly Falling embossing folder on the Wisteria Wonder card.  Happy Easter is from Teeny Tiny Wishes and cut out with the Bitty Banners framelets.

Thought I'd share a picture I took with my sister (Marianne) in mind while at one of the Smithsonians last week.  She HATES spiders!!  This one was a big hairy tarantula.  I'm just glad there was glass protecting me from him!

American Idol Recap

Do you watch American Idol?  I have watched it for years.  I didn't watch the first two years but after that, I was hooked.  Kinda sad that this is their last year but I do think it is time.  Ashley and I were discussing it last weekend and the fact that the judges (or no one actually) coaches them before they go on stage makes it hard for these kids to know what they should and should not do.  The judges are famous for telling them they picked the wrong song.  Well, they are kids - why doesn't someone on the show help them pick a song that would be good for them.  I prefer The Voice so much more than Idol now where the contestants are helped and mentored.

Since I have been out of town for the past week, I am just now watching the taped shows and catching up on my TV time.  There is some really strong talent this year and some really young ones too!  It will be fun to watch the artists get pared them down to one.  A few years ago, I kept a running commentary on my blog as the artists performed each week.  I thought I'd try it again since this is the last year.  Here are my thoughts for this week's Top Ten:

1.  Olivia Rox singing "Unconditionally" by Kathy Perry - Thought she did a great job with the song and has a really good voice.

2.  Gianna Isabella singing "Listen" by Beyonce.  Yuck!  I think she is in trouble next week and may be the one going home.  She was off pitch throughout.

3.  Lee Jean (don't you love his name?) singing "Skinny Love" by Birdy - I don't know this song but I love Lee! I liked it but I don't think the judges were sold.

4.  Avalon Young sang "Stitches" by Shawn Mendes (another one I've never heard!)  I didn't much care for this one either.  The judges didn't like it either except for the guest judge, Kelly Clarkson.

5.  Dalton Rapattoni sang "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White Ts.  Yey - a song I know and like!!  He is really comfortable on stage and has gorgeous blue eyes.  He also wears eyeliner! He said that he applies it the night before and sleeps with it on so it will be smudged just right.  He will go far in the competition.

6.  Tristan McIntosh sang "Somethin' About You" by Dan and Shay. She grabbed my heart from the very beginning of Idol.  When she tried out, they surprised her with an appearance of her mom who is in the military and was deployed.  It made me cry.  I liked the song that she sang but unfortunately, she mumbled some of the words.  She did seem very comfortable on stage for being 15 years old.

7.  Mackenzie Borg sang "I See Fire" by Ed Sheeran.  He did a good job with the song.  I think he will be back next week.

8.  La'Porsha Renae sang "Diamonds" by Rhianna.  This girl has the most amazing voice!!  The judges and the audience were on their feet at the end and it took a while for the audience to quiet down. I think she may be the final American Idol.  She has a mature voice and sings circles around all the other kids.

9.  Sonika Vaid sang "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence.  Another song I don't know but her voice is wonderful and she looked beautiful.  She will be safe this week for sure.  Another standing ovation!

10.  Trent Harmon sang "Like I Can" by Sam Smith.  I love this guy and I loved the song.  I believe he picked the right song for his voice!

The highlight of the night was Kelly Clarkson!  She was funny all during the show referring to her pregnancy (only 7 weeks to go) but her performance at the end had me crying - along with Keith Urban and Jennifer.  What a great song.  Poor Kelly had trouble making it through the song as it was so emotional.  If you haven't heard "Piece by Piece", you need to find it and listen to it!

This is going to be a tough year for Idol.  This week I hope Lee Jean doesn't go home.  The ones I think are in trouble are Gianna Isabella, Avalon Young, Tristan McIntosh and Lee Jean.   They will pare the group down to 8 on Thursday night.  Vote for your favorite!

NC Demos Blog Hop featuring Occasions Catty AND In Colors

Welcome to the second NC Demos Blog Hop.  You should have just come from Tracie Langley's blog.  I loved her two projects!!   Hope you are enjoying the projects this month from the Occasions Catalog and using Stampin' Up's In Colors and are getting a lot of ideas for your own projects.

Each year when the new annual catalog comes out (June 1), there will be 5 NEW In Colors introduced.  The sad news is that means 5 colors will RETIRE.  The retiring colors this year are shown below:

The ink pads, cardstock packs, ink refills and accessories will only be available while supplies last. They usually sell out quickly!!  So I would suggest if you love these colors, you order them now before they are gone AND also so that you can take advantage of the FREE gifts offered during Sale-a-Bration!

OK - on to my project.  This was a fun card to make!  It measures 5.5" x 5.5" so a special envelope was made for it using the Envelope Punch Board  The card folds flat for mailing but when the recipient receives it, he/or she can open each section like an easel card.  Wouldn't this look nice sitting on a desk for all to see?!

The In Colors I used are Hello Honey and Mossy Meadow.  I also used Cajun Craze and Mint Macaron which are the matching colors for the Botanical Gardens DSP.

This is the card flat - well sorta flat!  It kept popping up as I was trying to photograph it.  I needed a couple of extra hands to hold it shut but when you put it in an envelope, it will be flat.

This sentiment is from Flower Patch.  I used the Decorative Label Punch to punch it out and sponged the edges with Hello Honey ink.

Each top square (Hello Honey) measures 2.5" x 2.5".  They are attached to the bottom rectangles (measuring 2.5" x 5" and scored at 1.25" x 2.5".

The stamp set, Botanical Blooms, framelits AND DSP can be purchased as a bundle saving you 15%. It is a great set!!  If you would like to place an order online, please use my Hostess Code found at the top of my blog posts.  By purchasing this Bundle, you would qualify for a FREE item from Sale-a-Bration!  Who doesn't like free???!!

Hope you are enjoying the Blog Hop! Check out what my other NC pals have to show you!! Laura Meier is next on the Hop so make sure you click on her name.

Shavron Borders
Regina Campbell
Tamra Davis
Kitty Helton
Jo Anne Hewins
Amy Ingram
Michelle Irinyi
Melissa Kernan
Tracie Langley
Sharon Maranich (ME)
Laura Meier
Mary Robinette
Susan Root
Pam Staples
Lisa Tedder
Frances Wagner

Smithsonian Museum Photographs

We are having fun here in D.C. but it is freezing cold!!  The temps have not been out of the 40s since we have been here and the wind has been brutal - even Sonny agrees!  So it is not good weather to be walking around DC and exploring!  The drive here was not great either.  We were trying to outrun the storms and tornados but about every half hour we would run into the storms and could barely see the car in front of us for the rain pouring down.  I was a nervous wreck when we finally got here and Sonny was pretty wiped out too.  We had planned on eating at a favorite Italian restaurant of ours in Bethesda after we picked Ashley up from the airport but decided instead to head over to the hotel (at the National Harbor) and find a restaurant within walking distance.  Ashley was lucky to make it in. She was delayed a little bit but it was better than spending the night in another city.  They announced on her flight that they were going to have to divert to Pittsburgh but ended up being able to turn back and do an instrument landing in DC. 

Thursday she had most of the day free so we took the metro into DC and walked around a little bit.  I had on long johns, gloves, a hat, and a coat but was still really cold!  We went to the Natural History Museum and saw a fabulous photographic display of the "Best of the Best" of 20 years of Nature's finest moments.  The collection was of dramatic landscapes, wildlife behavior and pictures of Earth's ice peaks to the oceans.  There were more than 100 large format prints on the walls and I was snapping photographs like crazy. I want to use them to make a calendar or a date book!

Here are just a few of them.  I just can't imagine how many shots the photographer had to take to get the final and best one! 

PORCUPINE

THIRSTY LION

NORTHEN LIGHTS

LONG EARED OWL

 O

Gotta run - they are waiting for me.  We are driving over to Alexandria tonight for dinner.  There is a water taxi from here to there but we have all decided it's too cold for that!!