Book Board #2

Here's the second book board I made this weekend.  Great for a teenager, don't you think?

I'm off early in the morning to do my thing at the Soup Kitchen!  Wish me luck.

Easter Projects

So, are you going to watch the Oscars tonight?  I think that's all I've heard lately on TV - mostly Oprah, The View, Rachel Ray ....  With the addition of 10 movies up for Best Picture, it should be interesting!  I'm pulling for Sandra Bullock to win Best Actress, Jeff Bridges for Best Actor and Maggie Gyllenhaal for Supporting Actress.  As much as we go to the movies, those are the only two I've seen of all the nominated movies.  I really want to see Precious, Julie & Julia, A Single Man, Up in the Air, Invictus and Hurt Locker.  We were going to go see Hurt Locker today (it's still playing at Concord Mills) but the weather was so beautiful, we opted not to sit in a dark theatre.   We actually took a walk this afternoon around the neighborhood and saw a lot of our neighbors out enjoying the sunshine.

You can call me the Chicken Lady this weekend!  I cooked about 25 POUNDS of chicken Friday!  I am in charge of the team cooking for the local Soup Kitchen next Tuesday and we are going to make Chicken Spaghetti.  I didn't think we'd have time to cook the chicken, chop it up and put it in the casserole which has to cook for 45 minutes by the time we have to serve (11 am), so my partner and I decided to divide up the chicken and cook it at home.  That way all we have to do Tuesday is cook the spaghetti and put the casserole together on Tuesday.  My house smelled like Chicken all weekend!!  I'm having steak for dinner tonight!!

I have been busy being creative this weekend also.  I made a cute Easter frog card for my grandson.  When I finished it, I decided to do a couple of Board Books for two of my granddaughters that I had picked up at Target's Dollar Spot.  They turned out really cute and I think the girls will like them.

I'm getting good with the punches!!   I did the tree free hand in Chocolate Chip and stamped the Weathered Background over it in black.  The weeds in the background is Inspired by Nature and the dragonfly is from Unfrogetable.  I used the Sweet Treat Cup with green jelly beans for the face. 

Here's  the punches I used:

Large Oval - stomach

Small Oval - legs, face and inside of stomach

BoHo Blossom - feet

1/2" Circle - eyes

1/4" Circle - inside of eyes

Here's one of the Board Books.  This one is for Kennedy. 

I used a couple of Prima Flowers with an orange brad, inked the edges in Pumpkin Pie, and inked the "k" with Pumpkin Pie Craft ink and embossed it with Hologram Embossing Powder.

The "girlfriend" was cut from a piece of Basic Gray paper I had.

These pages have SU Felt Flowers and a rub-on (laughter) that I found in my stash.

This one has another Felt Flower, rub on (forever) and FRIENDS is cut from some DSP that I used on the cover and back of the book.

More rub-ons and ribbon.

This is the back of the book.

So, what are you making for Easter???

Published Again plus my Monday Mailer Bonnet Card

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

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

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

American Idol Results, Week 2

Well, my predictions are right on.  We are saying good bye to John Parks and Jermaine or the guys and fLacey Brown and Michelle for the girls.  No big surprise. 

Ryan introduced Danny Gokey back to the Idol stage much to my delight!  Sonny had just told me today that he had heard Danny had an album released this week.  He’s singing “My Best Days” from his album. Wow, he looks and sounds GREAT!! Love this guy!  Ellen says he was fantastic and they put him through. Ryan chats with Danny about why he went the country route and how his song is #5 on iTunes. Go Danny! Danny speaks (a mile a minute) on how the songwriter also lost his wife and how special the song is to him. Great story! He seems so excited about his music! I love his attitude. I am so happy and proud for Danny and his post-idol success! Now that was a great elimination night performance! I love it when they bring back previous Idols.

American Idol Recap - Girls Week 2

Crystal Bowersox singing "As Long As I Can See Light"   I love her and am so glad she is back!!  Evidently, there was a lot of talk about her being really sick and possibly getting disqualified.  She rocked!!
Judges:  Randy:  Truth is reality. You are the truth. You do what you do. I love that girl. That girl is hot.
Ellen:  Raw, natural talent. I am so glad you are here today. You are amazing.
Kara:  You completely recovered from last week. You come out here effortless and it is coming from your heart. Tonight you hit a new level. 
Simon:  You didn’t play the sympathy thing. You picked a great song. The vocal was incredible. This was the moment we realized we have a serious artist here.

Haeley Vaughn singing The Climb.  That smile of hers drives me crazy!!  Of course, she is only 16 so I guess i should cut her some slack.  I think she will be GONE next week. I totally agree with Simon this time. She just needs to work on it and try again next year.
Judges:  Randy:  It didn’t work for me. It was excruciating. You can sing but it was so pitchy and not like you. You had no connection with the song.  Ellen:  You’re adorable. You didn’t connect to the song and it was like you just memorized the song and you sang it. It didn’t work out. 
Kara:   You’re open on the stage, you’re always smiling but you need about a year of strengthening your instrument.  Simon:   It was a complete and utter mess.

Lacey Brown singing "Kiss Me"   I kinda like this gal and didn't think she did as bad as the judges thought.
Judges:  Randy:  I think it was a good choice but I felt like I was at karaoke. You didn’t do anything special with it.   Ellen:   You didn’t change it up but it was adorable. It was the right song.
Kara:  Last week you were losing your tone, this week you brought it back with this song but you have to step it up. You didn’t push it to where it could have gone.
Simon:  It was marginally better than last week. You are taking part in the competition and not showcasing as an artist. We aren’t going to remember it.

Katie Stevens singing "Put Your Records On"  I thought she was pretty good and will be safe this week.  She's real young too - 17 - so still needs to figure out who she is but this song was a lot younger than last week's choice.
Judges:  Randy:  There were some bright moments. You can tackle things that are a bit more difficult. Believe a little bit more that you can tackle bigger songs. 
Ellen:   You have a great voice and you sang it well. I don’t want to hear something I would hear in my dentist office.
Kara:   I am so frustrated with you. At the end of the song you started opening up. You have to be doing that the first time you open your mouth. I am still waiting for that moment with you.
Simon:  You did take notes. You need to tell us what kind of recording artist you want to be. You will stay around another week but it wasn’t a winning performance.

Didi Benami singing "Lean On Me"  No ... I didn't like her version of this song.  Poor gal - trying not to cry after the judges raked her over the coals.  Think she might be in trouble.
Judges:  Randy:   I would have not chosen a soul song like that for you. It shows your imperfections. (Ellen:   I love your voice. You have a great voice. I don’t know if that was the greatest song choice. Kara:   It wasn’t good. You were trying to do a lot of things and we lost the uniqueness but I am still a fan.
Simon:   It was all over the place. It was screeching. Bad choice of song.

Michelle Delamor singing "With Arms Wide Open"  I couldn't listen to her while trying to figure out what she had on!  Evidently, Ellen & Randy liked it .... not ME.  I didn't like her performance.
Judges:  Randy - The outfit is hot, it is dope. You didn’t do enough with it. It fell flat.
Ellen - You look fabulous. You did do a lot with the song. I forgot for a few moments that it was a rock song. There were some pitch problems. It almost worked but not quite.
Kara -  My favorite performance of yours ever. It may have not have been technically perfect but you did something different with the song and I believed it.
Simon -  I am kind of with Kara. I thought the first half was stronger then the second hat. You got 80% of it right.

Lily Scott singing "A Change Is Gonna Come"  She was great!!  One of the best tonight.  She's very comfortable on stage and knows who she is.
Judges:  Randy:  You are the most unique contestant. You do your thing. You worked it out. My favorite performance tonight. 
Ellen:   You have got “it”. I forgot we were in a singing competition. The best performance of the night by far.
Kara:   You just had your first moment in this competition. Thank god you tried out. Good job girl. 
Simon:   I thought it was good. I wasn’t crazy about it like the others.

Katelyn Epperly singing "The Scientist:  She played the piano and did a very good job.  I just prefer the more upbeat songs - this one was really slow!
Judges:  Randy - I really liked it. It was way slow but I still liked it. It was nice to hear you play the piano.
Ellen -  I like that you were playing piano. I feel kind of asleep. It was so slow. Way to slow. People can’t vote if they are asleep.
Kara -  I kind of love you. You have an incredible instrument but you are switching around. You are all over the place but you are really good. Figure out who you are real quick.
Simon -  I thought it was a smart choice of song. It made you contemporary. It was a million times better than last week.

Paige Miles singing "Walk Away"  Wow - she does have a great voice!
Judges:  Randy - I liked it. I wasn’t in love. You have this big voice. Not the best choice. I wanna hear you hit the big notes. 
Ellen:   I loved it. I thought it was fantastic. I like everything you did with it. You changed just enough to make it yours. You had fun.
Kara -  I could see you having a hit with that song. I missed the connecting with the angry song. You did have some moments.
Simon -  I agree with Randy. 2 weeks in a row you have failed to pick a good song. You are making bad decisions.

Siobhan Magnus singing Aretha's "Think"   WOW!!  I agree with Simon - she is a strange chick!!  But she can belt out the songs She's so quirky and fun - think we'll see a lot more of her.  BEST of the night!!
Judges:  Randy:  You are so bold and it was dope. You slayed it. I loved it.
Ellen -  I loved it. That was good.
Kara -  I can’t get over that note. I don’t know how you do that.
Simon -  You are such a strange person. I thought there were parts that were terrible but that note was incredible. You are talented.

My favorites:  Crystal, Siobhan, Lily

In trouble:  Haeley, Didi and  Michelle

What do you think?

Snow, Snow Go Away! Plus A Punchy Bunny

I took this picture yesterday about noon.  The snow was coming down fast and furious.  All day, we would have snow for about an hour and then nothing for a few hours, then the snow would start back up.  When I went to bed, it was just raining.  Luckily, there was nothing this morning in our yard so I was able to get out and drive today.

This is the card I made for my Monday Mailer this week:

Isn't he cute?  He was fun to make but I don't know that I will make another one!!  I found this bunny on another blog - sorry don't remember who's!!  But, thanks for the inspiration!!

Stamps- A Good Egg

Punches:  
Ears-Small Oval
Head-Heart
Nose - 1/4" circle
Eyes, Paws -Two-Step Bird  
Overalls-Slot and Small Tag
Body-Curly Label
Fence-Jewelery Tag

I used the flowers from the Sizzix Die, Little Leaves for the foilage.  The DSP for the fence is from the Hostess set, Patterns Pack III  and the cloud background is from the Good Neighbors pack in the Saleabration catalog.  I used the Scallop Trim Border punch (free from Saleabration) on the cloud paper.

American Idol Boys 3/2

The boys ended up performing tonight since one of the girls, Crystal Bowersox, was in the hospital.  Hope she will be ok - she is one of my favorites.

*Michael Lynche singing It's A Man's World (James Brown)
Judges:  Randy gave him a standing ovation.  Ellen likes all his song choices and feels like he is the one to beat tonight.  Kara said he went from being a singer to a performer.  Simon said it was like coming from a pussycat to a lion in a week.  Best for Mike!!

John Park singing Gravity by John Mayer.  
Judges:  Randy -That was your vibe but you didn’t bring anything new to it. It was flat and there was some pitch problems. Ellen - It was the right song choice. You got into it more than in rehearsal. Feel the song a tiny bit more. Kara - Way better than last week. I lack the connection with you. I don’t always believe it. You need to let loose. You are a little bit safe. Simon - I think Purple Haze may get their lead singer back this week. I struggle with the believability. In 20 minutes time we will forget that performance.

Casey James singing I Don't Want To Be by Gavin McGraw. 
Judges:  Randy:  I love you channeling like Hendrix. I don’t know if you did the best vocal but this is the type of record I would make with you.  Ellen:  You can’t go wrong with the song. I love your look and I love you sound. You need to move more on the stage. I want you to perform more.  Kara:  The cougar is a fan but tonight you took 2 steps backwards. The notes were off on the bottom and you didn’t take the song to another level. Still a fan though. Simon:  I am kind of with Kara. This week you turned into someone you would see in any bar in America. You don’t have the grit in your voice to make that work.

*Alex Lambert singing  Everybody Knows  by John Legend (very nervous) 
Judges:  Randy:  Such an improvement over last week. You found your own niche a little bit.
Ellen:  Someone took the unripe banana and put it in a paper bag. So much better than last week. You have such a great voice under that mullet! You have a unique style.  Kara:  You have an incredible recording tone. You will learn how to use it. Great improvement.  Simon:  That was a million times better than last week. You should only be nervous if you are useless and you are not.  Needs to have a killer instinct now and choose good songs.

Todrick Hall singing What's Love Got To Do With It by Tina Turner
Judges:  Randy:  The falsetto run at the end was hot. I didn’t love this. Just sing a nice song and just sing it.
Ellen:   Sing and move. Use your strength, you're a dancer. I don’t think it was the right song. That song didn’t help you get any votes.  Kara:  We all like you. When you started moving, it got better. I don’t get it, what happened to Todrick with the unique spin.  Simon:  Todrick, move but don’t sing. This is not working out at all for you.  (Simon was a little too rude!)

*Jermaine Sellers singing What's Going On by Marvin Gaye
Judges:  Randy:  Better than last week. It was so close but so far at the same time. It just wasn’t a great performance. Another tough song to sing. You needed to pull it back more.  Ellen:  I love your style but it just didn’t work for me. You pushed too hard again.  Kara:  You are hitting some crazy notes but you are doing too much. Pull back and look for the meaning of the song. It feels forced and you're trying to show us every trick.   Simon:   We’re frustrated. You water down the songs. No one can take you seriously as an artist.  It was kind of a caberet performance.
He asked them what song he should do next week.  Simon told him he might not be there next week.

Andrew Garcia singing You Give Me Something by James Morrison
Judges:  Randy:  Honestly, that wasn’t the vibe for you. It was pitchy all over the place. I didn’t get it.
Ellen:  I thought there were a couple of little pitch problems but I liked it. I am still a huge fan and I thought you were really good. You've got to top that Paul song that you did.   Kara:  Since your Paula song, it has been straight down. You have to surprise us. You played it too safe. We need another big surprise. 
Simon:  You are lacking something. Not choosing the right song again is a problem. It was just ok and you are better than ok.

*Aaron Kelly singing "My Girl" by The Temptations
 Judges:  Randy:  I didn’t know if I was going to like this. Dude, you can really sing. That was 200%  better than last week.   Ellen:   A whole lot more confidence. You sing well but the song is a bit forgettable. You do have a great voice.  Kara:  I really liked it and I like you. You are consistent. You have control. You are doing better and better.  Simon:  I didn’t like the song. It was all over the place. You went backwards. You have to work out what kind of artist you want to be. The arrangement was too old fashioned.

*Tim Urban singing Come On Get Higher by Matt Nathanson
Judges:  Randy:  I didn’t get it.  It was very karaoke for me. Some pitch problems, nothing jumped out.
Ellen:  You should act. You should be on Glee. Girls would love you. If you act, you have it made.
Kara:  I liked the song choice but you didn’t make it your own. You look the part, you play the part but it’s not all there yet.  Simon:   I think that was a much improvement from last week. You picked a young song. You were more relevant than the other singers. I am impressed with your performance, your attitude and work ethic.

*Lee DeWyze singing Lips of An Angel
Judges:  Randy:  Bold Move. I liked it. I am a huge fan of yours. A couple of pitch problems but I liked it.   Ellen:  A couple of little pitch problems but it didn’t matter cause it came out as a great performance. It was great. Kara:  I thought it was a big improvement from last week. Some pitch problems still this week but I could hear you on the radio. Your look is commercial.  Simon:   Raise your shoulders. Vocally you are head and shoulders above everyone else. When you lose your nerves, get your body language down and choose the right song ... You may be the one to beat.

*I like these.  My favorites are Big Mike and Lee DeWyze.

In trouble:  Toddrick and John Park - possibly Jermaine

Stained Glass

March 1!  Maybe spring is coming soon ... although snow is predicted here tomorrow.  Sonny's Shooting Group has already canceled and we've gone to the grocery to stock up on our bread and milk!  (that's a joke)

I made a Stained Glass Card tonight ... or at least that's what it reminded me of.  I used the Lattice Sizzix Die Cut (from SU), the Top Note Die and the Butterfly Punch.  The DSP paper is from the Welcome Neighbor pack in the Saleabration catalog.  This is the final month to get a FREE stamp from Saleabration.  Don't let it pass you by. 

Good bye to the Olympics ....plus an Easter card

I'm sad that the Olympics are over.  I really enjoyed watching them.  I really got into Curling!  I think I could do that sport!!  Now, I have to wait 4 years to see it again!!  Today's hockey game between USA and Canada was a real nail biter.  There was no "Miracle on Ice" this time but it was a great game.  If we had to lose the game, at least it was Sidney Crosby ("Sid the Kid) of the Pittsburgh Penguins who did the dirty deed by scoring the winning point.  All over the US, people were coming together to watch the Gold Medal game.  In red states and blue states, tournament MVP Ryan Miller was on the tube and hockey was on the national consciousness.  I've always loved hockey and I think this gave the game a well-needed boost.  For the NHL, the 2010 Olympics generated excitement for a forgotten sport and provided an invaluable national spotlight on the game heading into the league's playoffs. 

While I was watching the game today, I was working on getting some organization to my stamps .... mainly my sentiments.  I have all my stamp sets stamped in a loose-leaf notebook in alpha order, but sometimes don't get much past "L" when looking for a stamp.  And I don't know all the sentiments in my sets.  So, I found a little 4" x 6" Photo Book that was empty and got busy.  I stamped all my stamps on 4" x 6" copy paper and organized them by categories (Love, Birthday, Friends, Thinking of You, Get Well, etc).  Unfortunately, I am going to need at least 2 Photo Books!!  Hopefully, this will make stamping a little easier to find the right sentiment.  I'll let you know!

Here's my first "easel card" that I made last week.  It's an Easter card.  The Easel tutorial can be found on Splitcoast.

I used my new stamp set, Abundant Joy (from Occasions Mini).  I watercolored the flowers and used some of the Champagne Mist Shimmery Ink around the edges and on the flowers.  The scallops around the oval frame are made by punching several 3/4" circles and gluing them around the frame.

Here is the card opened up.

Idol Results and a Hard Monday Mailer!

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

Here we go -

• Janell Wheeler is gone. 
• Ashley Rodriguez is gone

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

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

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

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

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

Here's the card closed:

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

American Idol Boys Top 12 ... boring!

Well, tonight's show was sure disappointing!  The guys are not as strong as they have been in recent years.  I think a girl will win the final prize this year.  Here's tonight's run down:

1. Toddrick Hall, 24, Arlington, Texas singing “Since You’ve Been Gone” (Kelly Clarkston) It was not great to me.
Judges: Ellen – great performer; chorus rough; singing wasn’t greatest but performance was. Randy – didn’t even know what song it was, shouldn’t completely change song.  Kara – agrees w/Randy but you took a risk & you are a performer. Simon – came over as a “dancer who can sing” instead of a singer who could dance; murdered original song; verged on stupid.

2. Aaron Kelly,16, from Sonestown, PA singing "Here Comes Good Bye " (Rascal Flatts).  He seems older than 16! I like him but I also love Rascal Flatts and don't know if that influenced me. 
Judges : Simon – quite good performance! Not confident enough, needs to take control of the song & get self confidence. Kara – favorite kind of contestant – he has no idea how good he is. Randy – huge voice – need to believe in yourself. Ellen – ditto – will do very well. Love your humble-ness.

3. Jermaine Sellers, 27 , from Joliet singing “Get Here”  He sounded squeaky and off key.
Judges: Ellen – huge fan, felt like was just doing a performance instead of feeling the song; trying too hard. Randy – weird choice of song.  Kara – trying to show everything he could do but not meaningful, too old of a song for him. Simon said it is the kind of song that an old fogey would request to be played at a lounge bar. Simon felt that he was screaming in the middle of the song and that Jermaine totally blew his opportunity.

4. Tim Urban, 20, Duncanville, TX singing “Apologize” (Urban Republic). He got cut originally & when the other guy broke the rules, he got called back. He didn’t even tell his family – wanted to surprise them by seeing him on tv! Typical son!!  I thought he was bad!  And it seems the judges agree with me although I really felt sorry for him while the judges piled on the insults!
Judges: Simon congratulated him on making it back but that the first cut was completely correct as he didn't think his voice was good enough. Kara said that the music overpowered him. Randy said it was completely the wrong song for him as he lacks the falsetto to do the song correctly. Ellen agreed that Tim indeed didn't manage to hit the high notes.  Everyone thinks he’s adorable though!

5. Joe Munoz singing "You and I Both"  He has a good voice.
Judges: Ellen said he looked very comfortable on the stage and that he sounded really really good. Randy said it was not the perfect song choice but that he thought Joe did a good job. Kara liked the fact that he sang a song she wouldn't have expected and said he was the best performance this far. Simon said he kinda agreed but that it was an okay, safe forgettable performance. But that he didn't really show star quality.

6. Tyler Grady, 21, a college student singing “American Woman” didn’t do anything for me. J
Judges: Simon said the good news was that people would remember that song. The bad news was that it would be for the wrong reasons. Kara agreed that with Simon that he needs to mix it a bit up because otherwise he will become predictable.  Randy said that it was definately style over substance but that Tyler needs to update the songs fron the 70's to be more current. Ellen says he has the same poses as the big stars from the 70's but lacks the emotions and charisma that they had.

7. Lee Dewyze, 24, Chicago singing “Chasing Cars” (Snow Patrol)  I like him.
Judges: Ellen said it was a really good song choice except when he started screaming at a point in the song. Randy disagreed with Ellen because he didn't like the song choice. Kara mentions that the song has little range but that he changed it so he could show a bit of his range. Simon disagreed with Randy and Kara as he thought it was the best performance of the night.

8. John Park, 21, Northbrook, Ill, a college student singing “God Bless the Child” Not a favorite of mine.
Judges: Simon said you have to have an incredible voice to take on that song and that he failed at it because there was no emotion in the song and that he felt flat. Kara completely agreed with Simon and said that there was no connection with the song. Randy said he loved the vocal runs but that the song made him look old. Ellen said that the song wouldn't convince the girls to pick up the phone but that she really liked the performance.

9. Michael Lynche, 24, Florida singing “This Love” (Maroon 5) Big Mike is the person most people remember without problem. He was the contestant that became a father during Hollywood week and couldn't be at the delivery because of it. He was the second person playing an instrument today. He was on key the whole song and made it sound interesting. Somehow he stayed close to the original but still made it sound like his own.
Judges:  Ellen said that Mike had a great personality but that there were a few pitch problems. Randy agreed wtih Ellen. Kara said it was a bit depressing until Michael showed up. Simon said he was more a support act before the main act. Nothing unique.

10. Alex Lambert, 19, from N Richland Hills, TX. He sang “A Wonderful World” (James Morrison) NO The whole performance felt somehow restrained.
Judges:  Simon said it was the most uncomfortable performance of the night but that he needs to get his nerves under control. Kara said he sounded a lot like James Morrison. She said it was all there but it wasn't together. Randy said he has a great tone to his voice. Ellen's comment was that she likes that he sticks to keeping his mullet and aren't going to let it go!

11. Casey James, singing “Heaven”  (to Kara I believe!)   He is clearly Kara's favorite and took his shirt off for her during an earlier performance!  He is definitely CUTE and can sing.
Judges: Of course the rest of the judges decided that Kara  needed to be the first judge to comment on Casey's performance. She comments that she almost didn't recognize him with his shirt on and then tells everyone that it's wrong because she's married. She immediately calls out for her husband that she loves him. Randy adds "For the moment" as a response to the fact that she is married. Ellen said she could feel Kara undress Casey with her eyes. But she said he sounded really good and was going to get votes like crazy!   Randy said it was a great song choice and that he liked the voice. Kara adds on a serious note that he is eye candy but that he definately is ear candy too. Simon says that he realizes that both of them are cursed with good looks. He said that Casey chose the perfect song and that it was the best performance that Simon heard from him the whole season.

12. Andrew Garcia, 24, California who is a stay at home Dad, singing “Sugar, We’re Going Down” by Fall Out Boy.  Someone get him some different glasses!
Judges: Simon: "I was looking forward to hearing you more than anyone else tonight but I was disappointed with that. I don't think you took a risk and became very muso and intense." Too serious. Forgettable. Great recording voice. Kara: "That was a strange rendition of that song. I really like you and hope we see you again for many weeks cause you're great." Randy: "Go back to being you from Hollywood week." Ellen:  "I think your version of Paula's “Straight Up” will carry you for a while."

My favorites:
Aaron Kelly
Lee Dwayze
Casey James
Andrew Garcia

In trouble:
Tim Urban
Tyler Grady
Alex Lambert

Easy Easter Card in 3D!

Do you ever buy something and then not use it right away and when you are ready to use it, you can't remember how!!!???  Before Christmas, I bought a sheet of 3-D Diecuts from a stamp store in Lewisville, NC.  They had samples all over of these gorgeous cards that they had made using these die-cuts.  Marianne and I were hooked!  We both bought some.  I don't know if Marianne has used hers (doubt it!) but mine have sitting on my desk for about a month until I got up the courage to give them a try.  I thought it was going to be hard but as it turned out, it was really easy.  Wow!  What an easy but beautiful card they make!  Check it out and tell me what you think.

Here's a close up shot of the flowers so you can see the 3-D effect:

The flowers come on a sheet and you just punch them out.  There are enough to make 4 flower sets and six one dimensional smaller flowers.  Plus, the pieces are numbered so you know how to layer them. 

I also found a Spellbounders Impressabilities Butterfly die that I had never used.  These are really delicate dies and bend very easily.  I just used it like a stencil on my card sponging Blush Blossom ink onto the Blush Blossom card.  Then I used my Oval Nestabilites dies and cut out a Vanilla oval and a Pretty In Pink oval (I thought I was cutting out a Blush Blossom oval but after putting it together, realized I had grabbed the wrong color but it worked). 

I stamped "Easter Blessings" from my new stamp set, Abundent Hope from the Occasions Mini Catalog.

American Idol Girls perform

How do you like my new Blog Title?  I made it myself from My Digital Studio!! 

OK - tonight was the Top 24 Girls on American Idol.  Are you ready for some critique-ing???  (I know I probably butchered that word!)

1. Paige Miles – 24 from Naples, Florida sang It’s All Right Now -  To me, she seems comfortable performing on stage and has good vocals.   She got a vote from me.

Judges: Simon thinks she has best voice of all girls but didn’t like song choice (wedding song); Kara disagrees – loved song choice – she "slayed" the song – just didn’t think she did enough with chorus; Randy & Ellen agreed & disagreed with both.  Ryan, I didn't need to hear that she's sown into her dress and has been waiting to pee.

2. Ashley Rodriguez - 22 from Boston sang Happy from Leona Lewis.  She has a  good voice but was breathy on the microphone.  I think she'll get criticism from doing a Leona Lewis song since she's a "find" of Simon's.
Judges:  Kara – big song, not great but thinks she will move on; Randy – not good song choice; Ellen – take a risk next time & don’t do safe; Simon – didn’t like arrangement; feels like she is going backwards; no originality; could be in trouble tonight.  I agree with Simon!

3. Janell Wheeler – 24 from Florida sang What About Love (Heart).   I don’t think her voice is as good as the other two.
Judges:  Randy – not favorite song choice, but he likes her voice; Ellen loved song choice, a few notes were off but she moved comfortable on stage; Simon – she gave 100% effort but only delivered 65% ; there were moments when he liked her voice, but song choice needs to be more original; he thinks she will survive this week; Kara – song too big.

4. Lilly Scott – 20 from Denver; has been living out of her car, sang The Beatles,Fixing A Hole;.  She made the song her own and I like her although I don’t like her white / platinum / gray hair!!  Her jazzy voice was great with the song.
Judges:   Ellen – "that’s what we are talking about!" She made the song her own , has a unique voice – loved it / Simon – best so far, felt she sang the song because it portrayed her as artist not because it would get her to the next round / Kara – very believable; could feel that she is comfortable / Randy - she's like an "indie" artist -  not worried about what others think; she was great.

5. Katelyn Epperly, 19 from Iowa, a college student sang Oh Darlin’ from 1969.  She had some 80's hair going on!  She was ok.
Judges:  Simon: "Even though it was very messy, I actually really like you." Kara: "You know exactly what you're doing when you're up there." Then Kara gives her a hard time for being overly made up. I agree. Randy: "I think you can go places." Ellen: "You have an amzing voice." OK, so the judges liked her more than I did.

6. Haley Vaughn, 15 from Ft Collins, Colo., a high school student,  She got her nose pierced when she made it to Hollywood.  She sang another Beatles song – I Want to Hold Your Hand.  I think she'll be back in high school next week!
Judges: Kara: "Every time you take that stage you have fun, but you need to work on technical abilities." Randy: "I love the unpredicitability." Ellen: "I enjoyed it. You just shine up there." Simon: "I thought it was verging on terrible. It was a mess."

7. Lacey Brown, 24 from Amarillo was cut last year before top 24.  She sang Fleetwood Mac, Landslide.  The slower songs are just tougher to win the audience but I thought she did ok.
Judges:  Randy: "I thought it was terrible ... pitchy." Ellen: "I just didn't think it worked out." Simon: "It was just boring, sorry." Kara: "I do hope that America gives you one more shot."
 
8. Michelle Delamor, 22 from Florida sang Alicia Keyes, I Keep on Falling;
Judges:  Ellen thought it was fantastic but was safe – seemed easy for her, knows she can do better; Simon – did very well, very professional since that is what she does for a living but not one wow moment but she looks fantastic; Kara – very commercial looking; moments that weren’t great; going for divia spot – lacks believability; Randy – tough song but did pretty good job but she has more – need to take risks and show them something no one else has

9. Didi Benami, 23 from Knoxville sang The Way I Am, another slow song.  I like her - got my vote.
Judges:  Simon – good singer but too many are trying to sound like the original singer; thought song was dreary; missing a spark; likes her & has good voice; Kara – thought song was good & made some creative changes, a little pitchy; Randy - no star factor, loved song & she sounded great; Ellen – great voice, great look, low key

10. Siobhan Magness, 19 from Cape Cod is a glass blowing apprentice!  She sang Wicked Game by Chris Issac.  She's an interesting girl!  You don't expect that voice to come out of her.
Judges:  Kara – wouldn’t have picked the song, but like it; quirky girl, a little nasel-y; in the moment when she is singing which sets her apart tonight; Randy – tough song, great voice; reach for a bigger song; Ellen – loved it, really liked it a lot; Simon – "you really are a funny little thing" – never know what she is going to do – like it but liked the Stevie Wonder song she did during Hollywood week better.  Simon asked her why she picked the song and she answered him in her monotone voice .  Simon answered in a monotone., "now I understand."

11. Crystal Bowersox, 24 from Ohio.  She has dreadlocks; is a mom (not sure if she's a single mom or not but I bet so).  Idol is not a show for her but she is doing it to give her son a better life.  She's singing "Hand in My Pocket" by Allanis Morrisette. This song is tailor-made for her skills. I like her vibe - and she plays the harmonica too! I think she could find a big audience out there!  Probably my favorite!!
Judges:  Randy: "I love your originality as an artist. I like what you do. I'm a fan." Ellen: "I think we are lucky you decided to audition for Idol." Simon: "The truth is there are thousands of you doing that outside subway stations. You've got to do something and make it your version. I think you're refreshing." Kara: "You have that ability to take us on a journey with you, but I didn't see that so much tonight."

12. Katie Stevens, 17 from Connecticutt is a high school student and is very close to her grandmother who has Alzheimers.  She sang Feelin Good by Michael Duble.
Judges:  Ellen: "It was good, but you're 17 and it was very intense. I want to see you be 17." Simon: "It was like your mum and dad had given you the song. And it was very pageanty." Kara: "You were kind of all over the place, and that's not like you." Randy: "I think you're a great talent. It was just too old for you. Be 17."  I agree with the judges.

One of the things I noticed tonight is that I'm really, really going to miss Simon Cowell when he's off this show. His comments tonight were really so much more precise and useful than any of the other judges. Ellen is obviously still trying to figure out what she can bring to the show -- it wasn't very clear tonight.  I like her on the show.  I have to admit, I was very doubtful but she does bring humor to the group.  I just didn't think she added a whole lot tonight.

Who were your favorites tonight?

Top 3:
- Crystal Bowersox
- Didi Benami
- Paige Miles

but I also voted for:
- Lilly Scott
- Katelyn Epperly
- Lacey Brown

Should be worried Thursday night:
- Janell Wheeler
- Ashley Rodriguez
-  Haley Vaughn

Well, calling for more snow tonight and tomorrow here!  Will this winter ever go away??

Monday Mailer plus 411 Challenge Card - easy too!

Wow, what an easy card this was!  I made this card for my Monday Mailer and for the challenge at Stamping 411.  It was such an easy layout that I didn't even have to think!  The paper is from that wonderful stack of DSP in the  Occasions Mini Catalog!  If you are on the fence about this paper, jump off and order it.  It is really great!  I'd love to see this paper go into the main catalog next year but doubt that it will.  

So there's not much stamping involved in this card at all since all those flowers are on the DSP - only the saying which is from another great SU product - Teeny Tiny Wishes.  I can always find a saying I want in that set.  So I stamped "because nice matters" on Pumpkin Pie and punched it out with the Modern Label punch.  Then I glued some leaves and a little flower from the Sweet Pea Stitched Felt pack (in the Occasions mini too); tied some orange grosgrain and Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon (I know ... it looks grey) around the DSP; and glued it onto my Rich Razzleberry card.  Easy, peasy!!

A Scrunchy Vellum flower

What a beautiful weekend we had here in the Carolinas!  The temperature was finally out of the 30's and we saw the sun!  Sonny worked outside - changing oil in our cars, raking leaves, etc. and the ball of ice that is in our heat pump is almost all melted!!  At least it is melted down enough so we were able to run our heater and not on emergency power! 

I made the most gorgous card (in my humble opinion!) yesterday! 

I used Blush Blossom (a color I don't use often) with Soft Suede.  I ran the piece through my Big Shot with the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder.  Then I used my Scor It and scored diagonal lines over the whole piece.  For the flower centers, I chalked Pretty in Pink on a small piece of Blush Blossom.  (I think it was Pretty in Pink!  Last year I dropped my chalks & had to guess which colors were which to put back in the holder.)  I punched out the flower centers with my 1/4" circle punch and glued them down.  The flower is vellum that I chalked with a little Blush Blossom and a little Pretty in Pink (???).  I punched 10 circles with my Scallop Circle Punch and punched a hole through the middle with my piercer and put a brad through the middle.  Then I just scrunched up each petal to the middle.  Here's a close-up of the flower -

The leaves are from the Big Shot also using the Little Leaves die and Certainly Celery.  Tie a piece of Soft Suede polka dot ribbon and mat the piece onto Soft Suede.  Then adhere the whole thing to a Blush Blossom card.  Then sentiment is from Whimsical Words (Saleabration).  I punched it out with my small oval punch and chalked the edges. 

Monday Mailer Technique

I received my Monday Mailer yesterday and it was so cool, I had to try the technique.  Of course, it is a Zindorf technique .... she always does the greatest cards!

So, here is the card I received:

And here is the card that I made:

Isn't it cool??

If you want to try this technique, click HERE.

We went to Concord Mills today and while Sonny was browsing in Bass Pro Shop, I wandered around in AC Moore.  I haven't been to AC Moore since it moved out of Concord Mills and was quite impressed.  They have done a good job in stocking their paper craft area and have Sizzix Dies, Nesties, Cuttlebug, 7 Gypsies brand and others.  If you're in the area, check it out.

More news on the Idol Scandal

If you're interested in American Idol and its scandals, here is an interesting read -

http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/316970/idol-scandal-chris-golightly-does-not-go-quietly/

American Idol Top 24!

Well, American Idol is starting to get down to the "nitty, gritty."  After dragging Hollywood week out .... can anyone say "boring" .... they have their top 24.  But not without a little drama and intrigue (don't we expect that each year anyway????)  One of the guys, Chris Golightly, was shown in some clips during  the 24 reveal on American Idol and was shown on stage on Wednesday night, but he was not included in the Top 24 in the end. Instead Tim Urban was in the Top 24. Tim Urban’s entry into the Top 24 was not aired, except in the end when his name and face was shown.  The bloggers are claiming that Chris was formerly under a music contract and believed the contract expired 30 days before he auditioned for Idol in July 2009. Unconfirmed blog chatter says when an alleged scuffle developed as to whether Chris’ contract did or didn’t expire in June 2009 with one person allegedly claiming Chris was still under contract, Chris allegedly failed to provide proof he was in fact released from contract in June of 2009.  Wonder if we'll hear anything about it from the judges?  Doubt it.

The male finalists are:  Andrew Garcia, 24, Moreno Valley, Calif.; Tyler Grady, 20, Nazareth, Pa.; Alex Lambert, 19, North Richland Hills, Texas; Joe Munoz, 20, Huntington Park, Calif.; John Park, 21, Evanston, Ill.; and Jermaine Sellers, 27, Joliet, Ill; Lee Dewyze, 23, Mount Prospect, Ill.;  Aaron Kelly, 16, Sonestown, Pa.; Casey James, 27, Fort Worth, Texas; Todrick Hall, 24, Arlington, Texas and Michael "Big Mike" Lynche, 26, Astoria, N.Y.and Tim Urban, 20, from Duncanville, Tx.

The female finalists are:  Crystal Bowersox, 24, Toledo, Ohio; Lacey Brown, 24, Amarillo, Texas; Michelle Delamor, 22, Miami; Siobhan Magnus, 20, Marstons Mills, Mass.; Paige Miles, 24, Houston, Texas; Ashley Rodriguez, 22, Chelsea, Mass.; Lilly Scott, 20, Denver; Katie Stevens, 17, Middlebury, Conn.; and Haeley Vaughn, 16, Fort Collins, Colo' Didi Benami, 23, Los Angeles; Katelyn Epperly, 19, West Des Moines, Iowa; Janell Wheeler, 24, Tampa, Florida.

The top 12 women will perform live next Tuesday with the top 12 men taking the stage live Wednesday. Viewer votes will determine which two women and two men will be eliminated.  Stay tuned!

Mojo Monday Challenge

It's been a long time since I've done any challenges.  So, today I did two cards for the Mojo Monday challenge.  I needed a birthday card and a "just because" card, so these are what I came up with.

This one is really bright!  But, I figure, we old ladies like bright colors!!  Don't we???  The inside says "Don't let your age get you down, You might not get back up!"  The stamps are from Little Paper Shop except for the Enjoy sentiment - it's SU.  Hope this card doesn't offend my friend!!

I love this one.  I used Baja Blue and a retired stamp set that I think is my all time favorite and one I'll never get rid of - Art of Life.  I also made a "crinkly flower" with my circle punches.  Here's a close up of the flower. 

I punched one circle from my 3/4", 1", 1 1/4", 1 3/8" Circle Punches and 2 circles from the Scallop Circle Punch.  Then I just wadded each of them up into a tight ball.  Then I straighted them back out and using my paper piercer, punched a hole in the middle where I inserted a Rhinestone Brad.  Then I "poofed" the flower back up and glued it on my card!  A lot of technical terms here but I think you get the picture!!

Just wish I could see my sweet little grandson, but guess I'll settle for pictures on his mom's blog instead like this one -

Playing Mahjong today .... wish me luck!!

FIVE years plus Quilt Square

Today I celebrate FIVE years as a Stampin' Up demonstrator!  And, I still love the product just as much.  My favorite things about Stampin' Up is the two-step stamping and the coordinating products.  I love the fact that I don't have to guess if my cardstock, designer paper, ink and ribbons match.  With Stampin' Up's 48 colors (plus the additional in-colors), there are so many choices.  During the five years I have been a demonstrator, there have been many changes within the company ... new products, new colors, catalogs that have been annual, then bi-annual, then back to annual ....  I never would have thought I would love my Big Shot like I do.  When it first came out, I thought, I don't need that - I don't do die cut images.  But, little did I know, how I would come to use it as much as I do.  And now, I'm using fabric with my Big Shot!  Who woulda thought it?!!  I haven't done a quilt yet - saving that for my sister, Marianne - but I have made other things.  Fabric is one of the industry's hottest trends right now, and the best part is, you don't even need to be a seamstress to get in on the action! You can create gorgeous fabric accessories and home décor, all without ever touching a sewing machine. There are myriad of options for seamstresses and non-seamstresses alike, and presenting fabric-oriented projects allows you to introduce Stampin' Up! to a whole new group of customers.

Here's a pattern for a quilt square for you to make with your Big Shot!

Folded Paper Frame for my Monday Mailer

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

 

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

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

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

Happy Valentine!

Hope your Valentine's Day was sweet!  Mine was pretty quiet.  We met my Mom and Marianne and Greg in town tonight for dinner and I gave them some Valentines.  I made Mom these flower pins that I made today.

 I woke up Saturday morning to more snow as I said in an earlier post.  Here are a few pictures I took yesterday morning.  It was a real pretty snow but by mid afternoon, the sun had melted most of it from the trees.  We still have some in the yard (along with some left over from 2 weeks ago!)  Our heat pump has been frozen solid for 2 weeks.  We keep waiting for it to thaw out to see if the motor is burned out or not.  In the meantime, we have it on emergency electrical power.

 Here are a few Valentines that I received.

 

This is a darling little box .... with Hershey kisses inside that I got from Judy.  It's so cute!!   I actually recycled it today and put some Hershey Nuggets (I ate all the kisses!) in it and gave it to Sonny!!

  

This is a pretty card that I received in the mail from Brenda today.

I received this cute bear from my upline, Carol.  Isn't he cute?? 

 And this card I received from my friend Margaret.  It's an easel card.  I haven't made one of these yet but I think I will give it a try tomorrow.  Thanks, Margaret!!

Well, the forecast is calling for more snow tonight!!  We'll see.  I don't think we are supposed to get much but it will be cold all week.  I'm ready for SPRING!!

To Realize Values ....

To realize
The value of a sister/brother
Ask someone
Who doesn't have one

To realize the value of ten years:
Ask a newly Divorced couple.

To realize the value of four years:
Ask a graduate.

To realize The value of one year:
Ask a student who Has failed a final exam. 

To realize The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize The value of one month:
Ask a mother Who has given birth to a premature baby....

To realize The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize The value of one minute:
Ask a person Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize The value of one-second:
Ask a person Who has survived an accident.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:
LOSE ONE.

SNOW

Snowing again here in NC .... what a winter!!  Marianne & I were planning on driving to Columbia, SC tomorrow to a craft convention.  Guess I'll be upstairs in my craft room instead!!