Fifth Ave Floral

Well, I resisted for a while, but finally broke down and bought this stamp.  I love it!!!  It is just gorgeous.  I made a birthday card for Judy with it last week but forgot to take a picture of it!!  But, I did this card this week for a friend.  I found this floral paper that I have had for ages and the stamp matched it really well ... don't you think?

I watercolored the flower and cut it out.  Then, I used a gel pen to go around the edges.  I just love how it turned out!  Here's the flower close-up.

Thank You

As a parent of children who served their country in the US Army ... my daughter is still in the Army .... I found this to be wonderful.

Recently, a gentleman from Seattle created a gesture using an ASL (American Sign Language) sign of “Thank You” (which is then being gestured from the heart rather than from the mouth), and has started a movement to get the word out. A Thank You from the Heart.

Please everybody take just a moment to watch.... The Gratitude Campaign; .... and then forward it to your friends!

THEN START USING THE SIGN.

More Swaps

Here are a few more of those swaps.

The first card is by Maria Richie.  It uses Dream a Little; Gallery; and Sincere Salutations with vellum paper over the flowers softening the look.

The second card is by Beth Weinstein.  She used Hope Happens stamp; the Top Note Die and Sixxiz Flower Layers #3 die.  She used Crystal Effects in the center of the flowers.

The third card is mine!!  I used the stamp set from Garden Greeting and embossed the vellum.

The first card is by Mary Haugen.  She used Simple Friendship with the Simple Flower Embosslit.  I love this pink and gray!!

The second card is by Sabrina Beinlich.  She used Le Jardin Botanique,

The third card is by Maggie Haas.  She used the popular set, Cheep Talk with Good Morning Sunshine DSP.  She also used a sewing machine on the bottom .... something you won't see me doing!!

The first card is by Amber Hight.  She used Quilt Quips and the Eyelet Punch.

The second card is by Toni Sizemore.  She used Three Little Words stamp set with designer paper and ribbon from Saleabration.

Never Give Up .... Plus a little humor!

How do you find the motivation to ‘keep on keeping on’? Abraham Lincoln is an awesome example of NEVER GIVING UP. If you never thought you could succeed on this journey, ponder this:

Abraham Lincoln...

• Failed in business at age 21.
• Was defeated in a legislative race at age 22.
• Failed again in business at age 24.
• Overcame the death of his sweetheart at age 26.
• Had a nervous breakdown at age 27.
• Lost a congressional race at age 34.
• Lost a congressional race at age 36.
• Lost a senatorial race at age 45.
• Failed in an effort to become vice-president at age 47.
• Lost a senatorial race at age 47.
• Was elected PRESIDENT of the US at age 52!

NEVER, EVER GIVE UP!

***********************************************

And here is a little humor for you today -

A very weird thing has happened. A strange old lady has moved into my house. I have no idea who she is, where she came from, or how she got in. I certainly didn't invite her. All I know is that one day she wasn't there and the next day she was. She's very clever. She manages to keep out of sight for the most part, but whenever I pass a mirror, I catch a glimpse of her there; and when I look into a mirror directly to check my appearance suddenly she's hogging the whole thing, completely obliterating my gorgeous face and body. It's very disconcerting. I've tried screaming at her to leave but she just screams back, grimacing horribly. She's really rather frightening. If she's going to hang around, the least she could do is offer to pay rent. But no. Every once in a while I do find a couple of dollar bills on the kitchen counter, or some loose change on my bureau or on the floor, but that certainly isn't enough. In fact, though I don't like to jump to conclusions, I think she steals money from me regularly. I go to the ATM and withdraw a hundred dollars, and a few days later, it's gone. I certainly don't go through it that fast, so I can only conclude that the old lady pilfers it. You'd think she'd spend some of it on wrinkle cream. God knows, she needs it.

And, the money isn't the only thing she's taking. Food seems to disappear at an alarming rate. Especially the good stuff - ice cream, cookies, candy - I just can't keep them in the house. She really has a sweet tooth. She should watch it; she's really putting on the pounds. I think she realizes that, and to make herself feel better I know she is tampering with my scale, so I'll think that I'm gaining weight, too. For an old lady she's really quite childish.

She also gets into my closets when I'm not home and alters all my clothes. They're getting tighter every day.

Another thing: I wish she'd stop messing with my files and papers on my desk. I can't find a thing any more. This is particularly hard to deal with because I'm extremely neat and organized; but she manages to jumble everything up so nothing is where it is supposed to be. Furthermore, when I program my VCR to tape something important, she fiddles with it after I leave the room so it records the wrong channel or shuts off completely. She finds innumerable imaginative ways to irritate me. She gets to my newspapers, magazines and mail before me—and blurs all the print; and she's done something sinister with the volume controls on my TV, radio and phone. Now all I hear are mumbles and whispers. She's also made my stairs steeper, my vacuum cleaner heavier, all my knobs and faucets hard to turn and my bed higher and a real challenge to climb into and out of. Furthermore, she gets to my groceries as soon as I shelve them and applies super glue to the tops of every jar and bottle so they're just about impossible to open. Is this any way to repay my hospitality?

I don't even get any respite at night. More than once her snoring has awakened me. I don't know why she can't do something about that. It's very unattractive.

As if all this isn't bad enough, she is no longer confining her malevolence to the house. She's now found a way to sneak into my car with me and follow me wherever I go. I see her reflection in store windows as I pass, and she's taken all the fun out of clothes shopping because her penchant for monopolizing mirrors has extended to dressing rooms. When I try something on, she dons an identical outfit, which looks ridiculous on her and then stands directly in front of me so I can't see how great it looks on me.

I thought she couldn't get any meaner than that, but yesterday, she proved me wrong. She had the nerve to come with me when I went to have some passport pictures taken.....

Don't you love it?? Rose Mula wrote this wonderful piece. Her page is at: http://www.seniorwomen.com/rosestranger.htm

(borrowed from Copyright © DWLZ, Inc. - 2009, all rights reserved.)

Results - American Idol

Well, my predictions were wrong. It was between Megan and Jasmine and cute little Jasmine was the first to go. Then it was between Anoop and Jorge and Jorge was the second one to go. The judges opted not to use their new "sudden death save" and both were sent home. Not too surprised about Jorge, but I thought the public got it wrong in sending Jasmine packing and not Megan based on last night's performances.

New Ruling on American Idol

Guess we'll find out in a few hours .... BUT speculation is running amuck!! This a.m. on The View (stay tuned in - I may be in the audience in a couple of weeks if all works out!!) Elizabeth told about going to see Idol last night and speaking with the judges about the new rule which will be announced tonight. Here is the speculation:

1) Public gets 1, judges get 1Crack TV critic Verne Gay believes that with two people getting kicked off tonight, one of the bottom three vote-getters will go because they got the fewest votes from the public. But the second person will get booted based on what the judges think....

2) Sing to stay on Idol- "the judges will go all "So You Think You Can Dance" and have the bottom three sing for their lives. Once the singoff is done, the judges will then decide their fates and send two of the three home."

3) Judges get veto power - This is what Reality TV World is reporting:
"American Idol producer Ken Warwick seems to have let the cat out of the bag about tonight's announcement of the "big surprise" that may "alter the face of" the show's eighth season.
It's because of a problem, actually, that's been around since Season 1," Warwick told Idol host Ryan Seacrest during a Tuesday morning appearance on Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show. "And we've talked about doing something about it -- in fact we tried it in another country to see if it would work first, we tried it in France -- and it does work so we're going to put that into work tonight." Last year, Nouvelle Star introduced a new twist in which the judges were given a one-time veto power right which allowed them to save a contestant that had been eliminated based on home viewer voting at any point during the season. The French judges ended up using it during the season's very first finals round, resulting in no one going home that week.

Hmmmm .... wonder if they will use it tonight????

Idol - Top 13 Perform Tonight

Well, Simon announced that 2 will be going home this week. Wow - getting to the nitty gritty right away. Michael Jackson night .... I like his music as long as I don't have to look at him and determine if he's white or black .... ebony or ivory????

My top 2 favorites are up first!!

• Lil Rounds - The Way You Make Me Feel: Bluesy Michael Jackson!! All loved him .... but of course, Simon!! She's a force to be reckoned with in my opinion as well as one of the judges.
• Scott Macintyre - Keep The Faith: Standing ovation!! He got to play to play the piano which is his forte and he is great at it. As usual, Simon "dissed" him ... hated the song even. I have to agree, it wasn't the most dynamic performance; it was safe, but he should be ok this week.
• Danny Gokey - PYT: His dad reminds me of Kenny Rogers - he had a room full of family!! Fantasia has picked Danny to be the winner of Idol this year ....we'll see. He had Paula on her feet which is always a good sign. Kara & Paula were his backup singers! He can really groove and move. I loved him. I think he could be one of the finalists!! MY VOTE! Simon liked the vocalists but hated the dancing.

What is Kara wearing???? That top should be choking her!! I just don't like her.

• Michael Sarver from Jasper Texas - You're Not Alone: Showing his sensitive side according to Ryan. He's not the best singer, but makes up for it with his passion. I didn't think the judges would like his performance but they proved me wrong. They did like him.
• Jasmine Murray - I'll Be There: She's the baby of her family and is from Mississippi. She's just so darn cute! A tough song but she did great. She looked comfortable on stage for being so young.
• Kris Allen - Remember the Time: An Arkansas boy. He's playing the guitar and I'm not sure that it helps his performance. Kara said he helped out the other contestants all week. Paula thinks he's "adorable sexy." What's with the wife comments from Simon????
• Allison Iraheta - Give In To Me: 16 years old but sure doesn't look or act it! What's with the red hair color???? She's really rocking tonight and giving a solid performance. As Randy says, she was born with it .... rocking the vocals. She's another one to contend with.
• Anoop Desi - Beat It - Chapel Hill boy!! He was the lucky 13th contestant that the judges decided on. Finally, a Michael song that I could relate to!! I don't think he was as bad as the judges said. If they don't want the contestants to pick Michael Jackson's big hits, why do they choose the artist. I have liked him, but it was a safe choice and didn't show his range. Oh well .... they can't all win.
• Jorge Nunoz - Never Can Say Goodbye: from Puerto Ricdo - another room full of family and I think the whole island of Puerto Rico is cheering him on. I didn't know this was a Jackson song. His vocals are great but needs more challenging song. It was too old fashion.
• Megan Corkey - Rockin' Robin: What is she wearing???? The big flower at the waist, the crocheted sleeves, the boobs falling out of the top ..... oh my .... she is such a cute girl (except for all the tattoes) and this outfit is just hideous! Song choice is not what I expected from her. She was one of my favorites, but she is blowing it tonight for me. I think the judges agree - especially Simon!
• Adam Lambert - Black or White: Paula is on her feet!! That's a good sign. He's definitely a contender!! Wow!! That was awesome. He's got a career ahead of him.
• Matt Giraud - Human Nature: I love this song. The piano is his thing! He's a dueling piano player and is certainly at home at the piano. Hope he make it through to next week. Paula thinks he talented and sexy also. Even Simon gave him kudos!! Wow!
• Alexis Grace - Dirty Diana: Another cutey! I don't know this song, but she is nailing it. Bet Simon will be drooling over her! Naughty girl!! Simon .... surprised me - thought she was too over the top.

Favorites & vote getters from me: Lil Rounds, Scott McIntyre; Danny Gokey; Adam Lambert

My picks to leave: 2 of these: Kris; Anoop; Mega

Everyone wants ... Blog Candy

There -away is a great giveaway ..... HERE!!

More Swap Pictures

I've gotten some comments on these swaps.  Yes, I agree .... they are super!!  If you are a SU demonstrator and are interested in joining the swaps, let me know and I'll put you in touch with the "Swap Nazi" as we like to call her!!  It is actually Jami Sibley, who is an alumni of the Splitcoast Dirty Dozen!!

Remember ... if you can't see all of the cards, click on them to open them in a larger window.

The first card is MINE!!  I had to use Rub-On's and these are from Many Occasions.  The stamp set is Crazy for Cupcakes.

Next is from Donna Baker using the felt fusion flower with a flower brad.  The stamp sets are Baroque Motifs and Sincere Salutations.

Card #3 is by Debra Daam using the eyelet punch and Parisian Breeze DSP (love it!).  The stamp set is Le Jardin Botanique.

The first card is by Crystal Spencer using Thoughts & Prayers and the Sanded Background.  She also used a button from Button Latte and the Top Note Die and faux stitching.

Card #2 is by Lorien Clark and uses Cheep Talk stamp set.  She used Good Morning Sunshine DSP with the Top Note Die and a Corduroy Button.

These cards are from a swap with another group (No More Bad Swaps).

Card #1 is from Ann Clemmer and uses Trendy Trees & Good Friend.  She used the Top Note Die and a Texturz Plate.

Card #2 does not have a name or a recipe.

Card #3 .... isn't it gorgeous!  It is by Barbara Welch and uses Fifth Avenue Floral.  The flower is cut in two pieces and the top part is mounted on the bottom half with a dimensional.

more blog candy

More Blog Candy!!

HERE

Swap Cards (part 1)

I just got back some swap cards. I was in 3 swaps and I really got some great cards.

Here's a few of them (you'll need to click on them to see all 3):

1st card by Leann Yoho. She used Wonderful Watercolors and En Francais. Love the little button (from SU's Button Bouquet)

2nd card by Tandra Boyer. She used 5th Avenue Floral with the Top Note die, Urban Oasis DSP and the Sweet Stem Embosslit.

3rd card by Crystal Spencer. She is one of my favorite swappers. Her work is always excellent! She used Three Little Words with the Bella Rose DSP and the new eyelet punch.

1st card is by Michelle Fischer. She used Bird on a Branch with the Urban Oasis paper and the Top Note Die.

The next card is MINE!! I had to use the color combo from page 10-11 (Retro Fresh) ... not my favorite combo!! I used Garden Greetings and the Embosslit leaves. I used the texture plate on the background.

The 3rd card is by Amy Sings. She used Cheep Talk with the Good Morning Sunshine DSP and some Fine Supernova Glitter.

blog candy

Blog Candy HERE!

and HERE!

Final Three for American Idol

• Jessie - Tell Me Something Good: I love this song! Judges comments: Randy didn't think she was great but the other judges thought she had a lot of soul and tenacity.
• Matt Giraud - Who's Loving You: Who's Loving You: Judges thought he was amazing and picked the perfect song. So, I think he'll make it
• Megan - Cherry Tree: Simon thinks she's quicky and current which is what they are looking for. Think she'll get the nod from the judges.
• Von Smith - Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Thing: Nope - don't think he'll make it. He was a little boring this time.
• Jasmine - Reflections: Randy - song too big, but great bright spots; Kara - Voice came out of nowhere; Paula - look lovely & picked beautiful song - wonderful job; Simon - not giving her enough credit; very brave song choice but huge improvement of what she did before - put herself back in the competition. Think she'll make it.
• Ricky from Elizabeth City - Superstition: Can sing his butt off ... or so says Kara. He loosened up and sounded great! Simon and Randy weren't impressed.
• Tatiana from Puerto Rico - Saving All My Love for You: She is just crazy!! If she laughs one more time, I'm going to scream!! She has a powerful voice and can definitely sing. She sang this song 3 times before which did not impress the judges. Think she dug her own grave on this one. The judges think this should be called "The Adventures of Tatiana." Maybe they won't vote her through.
• Anoop - My Perogitive: Not the best singer, but popular with the people and he has personality. The audience went wild over him. I wasn't really impressed and he was one of my favorites before. Well, now I'm perplexed! I think he's a judge favorite also!

OK - here are the judges choices:

• Megan
• Jasmine

OH NO .... the show must have gone over a few minutes and my DVR did not catch the end!! This is the pits! I have to go to another site now and find out the last winner.

Well looks like it'll be a Lucky 13!!! They picked Matt and Anoop!!!

My Stampin' Space

Sunday .... before the big snow hit, Sonny and I took a drive into Charlotte to the new IKEA.  What a great way to burn a few hours!  I didn't purchase much - a rail for my punches, CD boxes, long shoehorn for Sonny & Mom (for $1!!) and the most delicious cookies!!!  I don't know how many were in the box - a lot - but we've eaten them all in 3 days!  When we got home Sunday, neither of us felt like eating any dinner because we'd eaten so many cookies!  (My daughter will have a laugh over that.)  They had chocolate in the middle of thin, really crispy oatmeal type cookies.  Yummm!!

On Monday, while looking out the window at the snow, I set about putting up my new punch rails.  I had bought a magnetic knife rack last year at IKEA for my punches and really liked it, so I wanted more.  I ended up buying a round rail (in the kitchen section - I think it's for holding towels) and I like it even better.  Now, I just need to go back and buy another one. 

The bulletin board beside it holds a few brass stencils, some patterns, my calendar, and other "essential" items! 

This is my stamp holder that sits on my desk with my jars of ribbon on top.  I have a tag on each one so I can sort the bits of ribbon by color.  Sonny made my stamp and refill ink holder several years ago and I love it!

This wicker shelf unit was used many years ago in a bathroom.  Never throw things away.  You never know when you can use them in the future!!  I used to have it right next to my desk, but I preferred the punches to hang there, so I moved the shelf across the room.  I have my buttons; glitter, embossing powder, Pretties kit, SU craft spots, and other stuff on it.

And here are my stamp sets.  On the white shelf are my SU stamps in loose alpha order (A-D on top shelf, etc.) and by box size with background stamps on top.  Next to it on my Target wire cubes are my clear stamps on the top shelf in the CD boxes.  On the next two shelves are my wooden stamps that are non-SU.  They are in clear plastic boxes that are numbered.  I have a notebook that I have stamped everything in so I can find which box they are in when I need them. The fourth shelf holds my letter sets - both SU & non.  Then the basket on the bottom has loose stamps, rubber bands, etc.

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blog candy link

edited - sorry about that link - it works now!!

Quick link for ya to blog candy - win a George Foreman super duper grill!! Read about it HERE.

American Idol night and personal info

I've spent most of today with my mom. Her only remaining living relative, her brother, died in his sleep last night. My sister called me this a.m. and I went over to Mom's house and we broke the news to her together. Hospice was called in last week and luckily, Mom went to see him last Wednesday. She was upset today though of course and kept saying she had planned on making him his favorite cookies this week. He was 87 and has been bedridden for about a year. The funeral will be on Friday.

So, Sonny and I sat down to watch American Idol tonight. We usually wait until it is on about 1/2 hour so we can fast forward through the commercials. We only got to hear one singer when our power went out!!!! Oh No!! It was out for about 1/2 hour and when it came back on, we were able to hear singers 1-6. The electicity being out kept it from taping singers 7-9 but we picked back up with singers 10-12!! I heard them all sing at the end (the little snippets they do) and I checked another internet site to see what she had to say about all the singers. So ....my synopsis below is partly from me and partly from what I gleamed elsewhere. I think I may have missed the ones who will win though. I didn't vote tonight since I wasn't sure about all of them.

• Von Smith - You're All I Need to Get By: I thought he started the show off great. Simon says he reminds him of Clay Aiken and that he dressed appalling! But, overall, the judges liked him. I did too.
• Taylor Vaifanua - If I Got You by Alicia Keyes: She's got a great voice but was really kinda boring. The judges thought so too and wished she had put more of her personality into it.
• Alex Wagner-Trugman - That's Why They Call It The Blues by Sir Elton: This guys is pretty dorky (and his Dad is a lot dorky!!) Paula thought he was a true showman; Simon thought it was just stupid; and Randy said he was "buck wild!" At least he sang an upbeat song but he was actually growling the words!! Ummmm, I don't think so!
• Arianna Afsar - Winner Takes It All by Abba: This girl is sooo cute - as the judges have said "she's cute as a button" which she doesn't want to be remembered by! I was really hoping more for her but the song was just too much for her. She definitely can sing though. We'll probably see her again - but not this year.
• Ju'not Joyner - Hey There Delilah: I love this song and he wasn't bad. He put his own touch to it. But again, another slow song. I think they get better reviews when they sing more upbeat songs. This guy has a darling little boy which helped him get to this point. I don't think he'll get voted in though.
• Kristen McNamera - Tracy Chapman song: I wasn't so into her when our power went out.

The itallic part of this next segment was taken from another site. Coments at the end are my take on the little bit I heard at the end of the show:

• Nathaniel Marshall — I Would Do Anything For Love by Meatloaf. Hope this guy doesn’t ruin it for me forever. Omigosh. I can’t stomach it. Okay, so you know what, he can actually sing. I can’t help but feel like I’m in a karaoke bar though. I love Simon. “Excruciating.” “Olivia Newton John headband.” Kara nailed it — he’d make a great karaoke buddy. That’s Nate. American Idol — notsomuch. I sure wish I'd heard this guy!! He's an interesting character to say the least!! He was very dramatic in Hollywood.
• Felicia Barton — No One: I like this chick. Good song choice. Finally someone tonight who is relevant. My main criticism is that you don’t really get a sense of her range with this song. I’d like to see her back next week.
• Scott MacIntyre — Mandolin Rain: This guy is SUPER talented. Top 5. For sure. Kara’s right; the imperfections didn’t matter because his passion is undeniable. I can’t wait to see him with the piano. This guy is blind!! I have been a fan of his from the "get-go" and think he will go far!

Now our power came back on!!

• Kendall Beard - This One's for the Girls: I like country and Martina is one of Sonny's favorites, so this one was a hit for us. She was a little shrilly toward the end which the judges commented on, but on a whole, they like her. Simon is definately not a country liker so he was not as sold as the others.
• Jorge Nunez - Don't Let the Sun Go Down: This guy has gone above and beyond the call of duty. He is from Puerto Rico and has an accent big time, but had a linquist he has been working with to make his English more understandable. He really sounded great! I'm not sure about him. He was crying at the end he was so emotional and said when he got that emotional, he couldn't think in English!!
• Lil Rounds - a Mary J Bilge song: She was great! The judges loved her and so did I. She has 3 children at home so this would be a big deal for her.

Ok - IF I had voted - I would have voted for: Von, Taylor, Scott; Jorge and Lil Rounds; Kendall

I think these will get through: Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre; Jorge Or Kendall

Three Little Words

I recently got this stamp set ... mainly because it was inexpensive ($13.95) and I thought I could use those three little words a lot. The verses are:

• you, you, you
• i miss you
• thanks so much
• i love you
• so very sorry
• thinking of you

(you can click on the pictures to view it all)

I used my Nestabilities for the ovals and colored the flowers and the "T" with my Copics. Don't you just love that ribbon??? I found it at Michaels a couple of weeks ago. It's hard to tell, but I used my Big Shot to emboss the white piece; then used my SU scallop punch for the edge. Those are three little buttons up in the corner. You'll probably be noticing a lot of buttons on my cards! I sorted through all my buttons the other day and put them in little jars that Margaret had brought me. Well, let me tell you, I definitely have some buttons!!! I think I've been collecting them for a long time. I used to use them much more than I do now.

Blog Candy

Blog Candy Alert!

Kath's Blog

Jeanette's Blog

The Voices in my Head

Much Ado About Nothing

Snow Day

Wippee!!  We have snow.  What is it about snow that make 60 year old women (and 50 and 80 ....) act like a kid again??!!  It's just so beautiful.  It started snowing here last night about 7:30 and was still snowing at midnight.  School closings were already posted along with businesses for Monday.  I just remember when I was a kid, I was so excited about those cherished snow days!!  Also, as an adult, I worked at our local high school and loved it when the schools closed and we got to stay home for snow.  (Although, living in Texas, it didn't happen that often!!)  These March snows always bring to mind 1960!  My sister was born in 1960 and it snowed every Wednesday that March ... yes, she was born on a Wednesday!!  But those memories officially make me an "old-timer!"  Yesterday's Charlotte Observer make mention of the 1960 March snow storms and said "old-timers in Charlotte always remember ...."  Old well ... guess that's me!

Here are pictures of our SNOW!!

Preorder SALE!!

Starting TODAY, Stampin' Up! is offering customers a special opportunity to pre-order select sets from the Occasions Mini Catalog , which won't be released in full until April 1. (Pre-order means you can order it & receive it now before the mini is released) They are just in time for your Spring and Easter craft needs. You can download the flyer here to see the sets larger and in living color!

Remember that with every $50 you spend you can select one of the FREE 6 Products from our SAB flyer.
Wagon Full of Fun 113262 $34.95



Eight Great Greetings 113822 $27.95

An Egg-cellent Easter 113196 $21.95
Egg Hunt Standard Wheel 113833 $6.50


You saw it as a sneak peek in SU's catalog (p. 202). Starting today, Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Die (114517) is available to purchase.

• Exclusive Stampin' Up design
• Coordinates with SU's Manhattan Collection
• Use with standard cutting pads & Big Shot
• Creates a deep, bold embossed image
• Does not cut
• Clear design makes alignment a breeze
• Sized for a standard card front
  

CALL ME to place an order!!

Stamp TV

I've just discovered a neat site (thanks, Jackie!).  It's Stamp TV by Gina K.  It's pretty neat and has some good discussion groups, videos, a gallery and thousands of members.  Click on that "blinkie" on the sidebar and check it out!!

While I'm giving advice, thought I'd share this also.  I recently got the stamp set, Thoughts and Prayers and made this card with it.  The set is one of those double mounted sets from SU (that they are actually going to do away with!!).  Anyway, I also usually cut some of my stamps apart when I am mounting them.  This one was no exception.  Since I didn't have enough wood for all the sayings, etc.  I found a set of dominoes that I wasn't using and mounted the stamp on one of them!!

American Idol Results

Well, my predictions were "spot on" this week. The winners were Kris, Adam and Allison. Guess I could be a judge!! Although, there really weren't a lot of good ones to choose from this week so it was easy! Brooke White, the nanny who was the top 10 last year, sang her new single that was just released on ITtunes this week (Hold Up My Heart). It was really good. Hope she does well - she was really sweet.

Diva Coffee Break Challenge

Well, since I didn't follow all the rules yesterday with this challenge, I thought I'd give it another shot today.  I've had such fun the past couple of days making cards.  Everyone deserves a fun day or two!!

 

Remember - this is the color palette we have to use. 

 

 

 

My card uses Basic Gray for the card base.  I ran the Whisper White piece through my Big Shot with the Polka Dot Texturz plate; then I dabbed green chalk on the dots.  The turquoise paper was stamped with the Polka Dot background stamp (dormant) and embossed with white powder (as was the cupcake).  The green strip of paper is little drops of Crystal Effects with a turquoise ribbon tied around it.  The cupcake is from SU's Sizzix Cupcake die.  It makes it so easy!  I sponged the oval with green galore chalk ink.

American Idol Recap - 2nd Group

OK - just finished watching American Idol. I don't know .... the group last week were sooooo much better!!! I think the 3 who got voted through last week should be breathing a big sign of relief - they had NO competition from tonight's show.

1. Jasmine Murray - Love Song - A little pitchy and I thought she garbled the words in the beginning. I found it hard to understand the words she was singing.
2. Matt Giraud - a Coldplay song - This guy makes his living playing piano at one of those dueling piano places (like Howl At the Moon). He has potential but the song choice was bad.
3. Jeanine Vailes - This Love - That girl pulled out all the stops with her wardrobe - she has some legs and the judges didn't miss them. I think she was over compensating for sure. She sang a Maroon 5 song and I really wanted to like her 'cause I love Maroon 5!
4. Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle (or whatever he's choosing to go by this week!) He sang "Living Without You" from Dreamgirls and he has a decent voice ... if he'd just forget all the theatrics. He is a true showman and perhaps should consider a career in Vegas!! His parents were in the audience and didn't even seem embaressed!
5. Allison Iraheta - Alone (by Heart) Finally .... someone who can "bring it on!" As Randy says, she "blew it out of the box." She's just 16 and still in high school but she got my vote tonight.
6. Kris Allen - Man in the Mirror - Kara (the new judge) was the only one who "dissed" him. I thought he was very good and he got my vote.
7. Megan Joy Corkrey - Put Your Records On - She's a cute with a 2 year old little boy and an arm full of tattoos. She was ok. The judges were split on her with Paula loving her. Simon wants her to get voted through, but I don't know if she will.
8. Matt Breitzke - If You Could Only See - This guy is a welder from Oklahoma who you wouldn't expect to be a singer. He surprises me every time! He's like a big teddy bear! Unfortunately, his performance was a little boring. I thought he chose the wrong song as did the judges.
9. Jesse Langseth - Betty Davis Eyes - one of my favorite songs!! She's another single mom with an 8 year old daughter. I really liked her. I thought Simon was rude when he told her she was unforgettable. I voted for her.
10. Kai Kalama - What Becomes of the Broken Hearted - another favorite song of mine. I was hoping he would rock it but it was just ok. The judges thought the song was too old fashioned, but I think that song stands the test of time. His hair is something else! Sonny said it looks like me when I get up in the morning!!
11. Mishavonna Hensen - Drops of Jupiter - She was cut last year in the Hollywood round and is back again. The song was too old for her. She's just 18 and needs to act a little more "hip."
12. Adam Lambert — Satisfaction by The Stones - Oh yeah. He said it’s his MOTHER’S favorite band - well, yeah, our generation! This guy has talent, but he's a bit uncomfortable to watch. Yes, thank you Simon! “There were some parts that were excruciatingly bad and parts that were brilliant.” That pretty much sums it up for me too. But I can’t see NOT voting him through. He’s definitely got potential. He got my vote, of course.

Both nights they've saved the best for last!

So, my prediction: Adam, Allison and Kris

What do you think????? Leave me a comment!!

Two Card Wednesday!

I have been on a roll today!  I made two cards.  I'm not sure who I will be sending them to, but they were fun to make.

The paper I used for the dress came from the Saleabration catalog (Delicate Dots).  It is adherered to a piece of Pink Pirouette.  Then I stamped the Polka Dot background  on the vellum in white craft ink and embossed it with clear embossing powder.  I used the Eyelet Border punch on the bottom of the dress.  The ribbon is from the Saleabration ribbon collection.

The template for the dress can be found online as online extra for the Paper Crafts Magazine for March/April.

 

The next card is for the Diva Coffee Break Design color challenge and also for the Splitcoast Sketch Challenge today.  I was going to put it on the Diva site but in re-reading the instructions, realized I had to use all SU products.  Oh well ... I did not this time but I like the card anyway!!   These are the colors we were to use.  I really like the combo!

 

I used the stamp set, Cheep Talk.  I stamped the birdies in turquoise craft ink, embossed them and cut them out.  The branch was stamped in Choc Chip and embossed in Copper.  I colored the leaves in with a Green Galore marker.  The flower (isn't it great??) came from my friend, Margaret!  I used a button in the center with embroidery thread.

Christmas in February!

EDITED: I had an inquiry as to where I got this book. It is by BoBunny. Although I purchased it at a convention in Charlotte last summer, here is a link to a website - Shop Till You Crop, that sells them.

When our friends from Texas were here last week, we exchanged Christmas presents ... in February!! We still do Christmas with Margaret and Graham but usually not until January or February because that is usually when they are able to get to NC. It sure makes it easier at Christmas-time - I don't have to worry about having their presents bought, ready and wrapped until a month or two after Christmas. I've been wanting to share this Friends book with everyone that I made for Margaret, but had to wait. I bought this book at the CK Convention last August and put pictures from our July trip to DC in it.

This is the front of the book. I did each letter with different patterns of paper. and tied bows around them and did some stamping.

This is the "I" page. I made a tag and tied it onto one of the binder rings.

This is the "D" page and another tag .... a true one!!

This is the "S" page and a picture of the four of us with another couple that are really good friends. This was taken the weekend of my birthday in October.

This is the back of the book.