Stampin' Dragon

SUStars Holiday Home Decor Blog Hop

2011-12-16T21:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog. You may have arrived here from Tory's blog.

I'm doing it again and jumping into a blog hop. I had a craft table to set up at my red hat groups annual Christmas party and in looking for something to make I got a tutorial from Monica Weaver (mention me if you order anything and she will send you a copy of her 2010 CD with over 90 tutorials) for an adorable Christmas ornament picture holder. Well, I didn't try her little trick for flattening the bottom of the ornament this time, so I just made the ornaments using the rest of her instructions and I think they are beautiful ... I hope you like them too.

I used clear glass ornaments, the Stampin' Up! Northern Frost strip die for the snowflakes, ink refill, glitter or dazzling diamonds, metal tape sheets (from MonicaWeaver), rhinestones and ribbon to make these beautiful ornaments.

Here they are individually:

A closeup on the detail

I hope you enjoyed seeing my ornaments. Next stop is Shelly Peck's blog. Or if you wish to start at the beginning, you can see the entire list here.

I Wish You All a Very Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year!

Clearance Rack Blitz - Save up to 80% on some items!

2011-12-16T20:55:00.000-08:00

December 15, 2011-January 5, 2012

Stampin' Up! just announced that over 200 new items are on the clearance rack. I checked it out and there are many of our punches in the older style (black with the handle) I know some of you have been wanting those punches. Take a look and see if the ones you want are available. Click on the picture above to see what is available (it will take you to my DBWS website for ordering, but you can just view). Supplies on the clearance rack are while supplies last only (no refunds or exchanges), so order now! Any questions, contact me.

Chistmas Stamping Song

2011-12-16T20:30:00.000-08:00

I saw these on Maria Vanderform's blog and just had to share them.
(song to tune of Winter Wonderland)
Brayers roll...are ya listening?
On the card...ink is glistening.
A beautiful sight...we're happy tonight,
Stamping in a winter wonderland.

In the kitchen we can build a snowman.
Then add color to his carrot nose.
You'll say: Are you finished?
I'll say: No ma'am,
I need to add some glitter to the snow.

When we stamp...ain't it thrillin'?
Even when...the powders spilling.
We'll create and we'll play...the art stamper way,
Stamping in a winter wonderland.
_____________________

(sung to tune of Jingle Bells)
Dashing through the snow
To the stamp store here we go.
O'er the streets we pass
Anxious to spend cash!
Stamps on store shelves call
Making spirits bright.
Oh what fun it is to sing,
The stamping song tonight!

Stamping art, stamping art,
Stamping all the way!
Oh, what fun it is to stamp
In the good old fashion way!
Stamping art, stamping art,
Stamping's here to stay!
Oh, what fun it is to stamp
All the gifts you give today!
____________________

(sung to tune of Let it Snow)

Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the inks look so delightful
So while the winters cold and damp
Let us stamp! Let us stamp! Let us stamp!

It doesn't take much convincing
And I've brought a tool for crimping
Choose some paper, turn up the lamp
Let us stamp! Let us stamp! Let us stamp!

When we carefully press just right
How we smile as the image unfolds
Add some color, so bold, so bright
The result is a sight to behold!

Our projects are quickly drying
And there's new techniques for trying
So until we get finger cramps
Let us stamp! Let us stamp! Let us stamp!
____________________

(sung to the tune of Deck the Halls)

Deck the halls with foils and glitters,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Tis the season for us stampers,
Fa la la.........
Don we now our inks and powders,
Fa la la...........
Troll the heat guns and embossers,
Fa la la..........
See the card stock blank before us
Fa la la......
Strike the ink and join the chorus,
Fa la la....
Follow me in merry masking,
Fa la la......
Join us in some Yuletide stamping,
Fa la la.........
Faint away with chalks and markers,
Fa la la...
Hail the new, ye rubber stampers,
Fa la la.......
Stamp with joyous all together,
Fa la la.....
Heedless of the times that's passed us,
Fa la la.....
______________________

(sung to the tune of 12 Days of Christmas)

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

12 rubber stamp sets
11 packages of card stock
10 embossing folders
9 duel tip markers
8 colors of glitter
7 assorted ink pads
6 rolls of ribbons
5 Sissix dies
4 Designer papers
3 craft punches
2 blender pens
and a brand new Big Shot!!!!!

Craft items

2011-12-16T19:48:00.000-08:00

On Sat., Dec. 10th I set up a craft table at my Scarlet Sophisticates Annual Christmas Party. I didn't make a lot, but here are a few of the items I did make.

Clear paint pails to put gifts into.

Small canvas bags to put treats or a gift into

Large canvas bags

Butterfly pins made using metal sheets purchased in a bulk buy or from Monica Weaver and decorated using Stampin' Up! embossing folders and Pearl accents.

Sewing kits. The wooden needle holder and the thimble are stamped using Stampin' Up!'s "Charming" stamp set. The paper is retired SU! DSP.

Tic Tac Toe Game using a square metal tin, "Jolly Bingo Bits" stamp set, retired DSP. I had one with cats and dogs (inspired by Mary Jo Price-Williams), but sold it before I had a chance to take a picture of it.
This one was inspired by Wendy Hawkinson. You can see hers here.

I also made some beautiful ornaments, but you will have to check in an upcoming post to see them as they are being posted for the SUStars Blog Hop on Sat., Dec. 17.

It's All About Blue Blog Hop

2011-12-02T21:58:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Stop 1 of the Hopping Just for the Fun of It Blog Hop. If you started at the beginning you came from the Hopping Just for the Fun of It site. You will find the listing of all participants on that site.

This is my first blog hop, so I hope you like what I have to share. Winter and blue make me think of snow, of course, and that leads to snowmen, so my first share are some cards I made using the "Snow Much Fun" stamp set and the Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder and Marina Mist as my shade of blue.

I also used the new Dazzling Details (#124117 - $2.50) offered in the Holiday mini. Love it!

It adds that little extra to the card.

Next I was working on some canvas bags I had purchased in a recent bulk buy and used this stamp set again. I applied Gesso first to make my canvas to stamp on.

You can't see it very well in this photo, but I used the Dazzling Details on it as well. I also used embossing powder on the stamped images so they would show up more.

I then decided to use the Stiched Stocking stamp set (#123782 (w) - $27.95; #123784 (C) - $19.95) on the smaller bags. It didn't stamp quite as well as I would have liked, but it did okay. I had to use some discontinued items on this one. I used Brilliant Blue Craft Ink refill and a brayer to apply the color to the stamped image and then stamped it onto the bag. Next I used a retired blue embossing powder to deepen and raise the image some. To me, it kinda looks like the Marina Mist color once done. I added a rhinestone to the center of the snowflake image in the middle of the stocking and then used some embossing thread and made a bow with the jingle bells (#124116 - $2.95) that are also in the current Holiday mini (you have until Jan. 3rd to order from the Holiday Mini)

These bags would be great to put a small gift into or some candy.

Now on to your next stop at Robin's Craft Room. I know she will have some great ideas to share with you.

ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA

2011-11-21T05:20:00.000-08:00

Click here to view list of items on sale!

Thanksgiving Treats!

2011-11-21T05:11:00.000-08:00

Here are the treats I made for one of my red hat groups for our annual early Turkey Day Dinner at Bob Evans. I love the way they came out. Of course, I filled them with chocolate!

I used Gesso Canvas Primer on them first (that is the white area) and then used the baby wipe technique using the solid leaf image to get the varied colors and then I used Versamark and gold embossing powder with the leaf outline image.

Sr. Ctr. Cards

2011-11-02T22:47:00.000-07:00

I am still going to the Sr. Ctr. once a month to make cards. Have had quite a few ladies attending the past few months as we got some new attendees and I am not having to do as much of the work for some as I have more now that can do their own cards for the most part. Here are some of their creations. (A friend that goes with me took the pictures and she is not use to my fancy camera, so she got her shadow in the pics - I was just glad to have some taken as I always forget).

Give Thanks Wreath and Halloween Cards & Treat Holders

2011-11-02T22:41:00.000-07:00

Wow! I had not realized it had been so long since I posted last, so it is catch up time again! Sorry for neglecting my blog. However, I have been busy and I do have some creations to share.

On Oct. 15th, I had a Give Thanks Wreath Class and we made a wreath similar to the one on pg. 6 of the Holiday mini. I only had 2 attendees, but we had fun. One had to leave early, so she did not complete hers, but Tina did finish hers. Here it is:

I think it came out very nice. I started on a Halloween one myself and have all my lollies (SU! term for the circles), just have to put it together, but since Halloween is over, I am setting it aside for now to start on some new things. Gotta get ready for a craft fair I am doing for my red hat group in Dec.
Here are a few Halloween cards I did get made and actually sent out to family.

These 2 are a case of ones done by my demo friend Catherine Ray, with slight changes.

I didn't have the black lace ribbon that SU! sold once, so I did the scallop. I also could not find my Shimmer Paint, so I used the Log Cabin Shimmer Spray. Loved the way it came out as it added little orange colored shimmer to the black. You can kinda' see it below.

I also made these cards, however the dragon is non-SU!, but I just had to borrow it from a friend and make it for my SIL as we both collect dragons. The hedgehog one is a retired Stampin' Up! set called "Hedgehog Halloween", had to make it for my niece as she loves hedgehogs.

The Happy Halloween on the hedgehog card is from a current stamp set called "Scaredy Cat".

Below are some treat holders I made for my red hat groups. The first ones are made using the Fancy Favors Die for the Big Shot. I love these, so easy to make. The DSP is Frightful Sight. The stamp sets I used are discontinued ones. However, I also did some using "Wicked Cool", but didn't get a picture of them.

These were made using the Scalloped Square Die and the packing paper from my Stampin' Up! orders. Great way to recycle. This was not my idea - I saw it on one of my online groups, but forget who originally did them as everyone started doing them as soon as she posted hers. I used both "Wicked Cool" and "Scaredy Cat" on these.

That is all of my Halloween and Fall creations for now.

VCRocks Class Projects

2011-08-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

VCRocks is also having online classes with some of the members. I have joined in on several...here are two that I actually had time to do some prep work and make the project during the class. I have took others that I plan to make something later from them, will share if I ever actually get around to it (if you know me - you know I am a major procrastinator)

Here is what I did do. In both projects I was using Just Add Cake DSP (used scraps I had from making up my roomie's box):

This is a bow made in Shari Dudek's Bows, Rosettes and Pinwheels class.

I can remember making wreaths with this technique out of old computer punch cards when I was in HS (okay now I have really dated myself)

Ornament from Shirley Northey's Tea Bag Fold Ornament Class.

Both of these were very easy to make and if you would like to learn, let me know and I will have a class to make them.

Sympathy Card

2011-08-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a card I sent to someone in my LNSDemosOnly group, whose BIL passed away recently.

I need to make more Sympathy cards to have on hand. Seems here lately, between the groups I am in and family, I have constantly been in need of one and never have one handy and I hate making them at the time needed. I have missed sending a lot out as a result.

Spicy Floor Swap

2011-08-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

In VCRocks, the Spicy Floor did a swap amongst each other. Here is what I sent and the fabulous cards I received back.

Cindy Ferenz & Barb Furlong

Connie Jean Mills & Mary Jo Price-Williams

Holly Podkowa & Terri Butcher

Kym Schwinkendorf & Terry Kemmitz

Marisol Guiterrez & Elizabeth Kratzer

Nancy Kay & Unknown

Patrice Herrera & Susie Wicker

Aren't they great! These ladies are soooo talented.

More RAKS received

2011-08-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some more RAKs I have received from VCRockers.

Marisol Guiterrez (my Spicy Floor roomie)

RAK Attack from the Salty Floor - Lorita

This was done using My Digital Studio.

Taco Card by Patrice Herrera

Inside of Taco Card - Too cute!

Here's What I've Been Up too!

2011-08-03T01:04:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned below I am in an online group called VC Rocks and have been having a blast. So now to share some of what I have been doing with them.
First off is one of the RAKs I made to send out to a couple of people.

Here are the RAKs I received:

This one is from Barb Furlong

This one is from Carey Rogers (and Roscoe, the swap eating dog)

This one is from Jeanie Carter

This is from Marisol Gutierrez (my virtual roomie)

Both of the above ones are from Nichole Smith

Now for the 2 swaps I have been in:

The first was a Background Technique Swap. I did the Tie Dye Technique. First time I ever did it, so not positive it came out toally write, but I was happy with it.

Here are the ones I received back:

L - Rubber Thwapping (bag of dried beans, rice, etc.)

by Jane Hignite

R - Faux Silk

by Norma Chiaramonte

L - Salted Background

by Debbie Peterson

R - Bleach Stamping

by Alicia Tomicich-Wiley

L - Waxed Paper Resist

by Unkn.

R - Bubble/Reinker

by Jamie Adcock

L - Metallic Rubber Bands

by Joyce Pacer

R - Stamping

by Nanci Lee Hoppe

L - Shaving Cream

R - Chalk Lines

Both by Barb Furlong

Next was the bookmark swap. Here is my swap. I was very pleased with how it turned out.I used the Sailing Away stamp set from the Summer Mini.

Here are the ones I received back:

Aren't they great...I will have to note later which is by whom.

We also have weekly challenges, but I have only participated in 2 so far. The first was to scrapbook something with a picture of yourself at any age. I did one of me with a picture where I was about 2 years old. I did it on My Digital Studio (MDS). Love that program.

The second challenge I did was to create a panty/bra card in the color you were wearing that day. Mine aren't as sexy, but the color was right. :-)

I've seen these around for awhile, but this was my first time to make them. I put the black thru the Big Shot using one of the Texturz Plates. You can't really see the raised dezign very well in this picture. The trim on the bra was done using the Eyelet Border punch. The center is a flower from the Boho punch with a pearl in the center.

Last for now is the roomie boxes that my Virtual Hotel roomie and I swapped. Here is what I sent her:

There are other goodies inside the pail, a daisy paperclip, more M&Ms, pen, eraser, paper weight.

These are bottle cap magnets

These are the cards I sent

I sent the Twizzlers and owl paperclips for Solimar and Joaquin

Here is what I received. I loved everything!

Well, that is all for now. We had a Spicy Floor swap (our Virtual Hotel), but they have just been mailed back, so I don't want to spoil what mine was for the girls that participated, just in case any of them view my blog. I will share mine and the ones I receive back as soon as I get them.

Catching Up!

2011-08-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry to have neglected my blog. I have doing more here lately and have a lot to share from a new stamping group I am in (new to me), called VCRocks (Virtual Convention Rocks). I have been having a blast, sending and receiving RAKs, joined a couple of swaps and we even have a Virtual Hotel and Roomie. I am on the Spicy Floor and have a gotten to know my roomie some via e-mail. We also exchanged roomie goodie boxes. I just got mine, but will be opening it tonight (waiting for her acknowledgement of my receiving it, she got mine already and we will both now open them). I was unable to share anything until received by all and then I just got busy. So tonight I plan to get everything downloaded. So there will be lots of pics and posts coming up tonight, so please check back tomorrow (as it will be late when I get it all done).

The NEW Stampin' Up! 2011-'12 Idea Book & Catalog are Here!

2011-07-06T22:21:00.000-07:00

The NEW 2011-'12 Idea Book & Catalog are here. Contact me to get yours!

Host a workshop and receive yours for FREE.
Place an order of $50 or more with me and receive yours FREE.
Pay $5 to me and receive one.

Call me at 540-372-2048 or e-mail me at stampindragon@verizon.net to get yours asap.

Last Chance Lists are Here!

2011-06-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. Time to say "Goodbye!" to a variety of stamp sets, accessories and Definitely Decoratives and prepare to say "Hello!" to new ones in July. Click on the link in sidebar to see what is being retired.

You have until June 30th to place your orders for any retired items, however keep in mind that the accessories are on a "while supplies last" basis, so if you want anything from that list, be sure to order early so that you don't miss out on something you really want. Contact me asap to place your order. E-mail stampindragon@verizon.net or call me at 540-372-2048.

Catching up! - Sr. Ctr. Cards

2011-06-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I haven't been posting. I haven't done much stamping lately and what I personally have done I can't show until I send them out as they are RAKs and I don't want to spoil the surprise for those they will receive them, even though they don't know who they are - LOL!
Also, I'd forgotten my camera several times when I went to the Sr. Ctr. so I had to take the photos on my cell phone and I just finally figured out how to get them from it to my computer. So now I have something to share. The Valentine's ones we did in January. Sets used in May and June were from the Ocassions Mini.

These cards were done in May. I love the way they turned out. Unfortunately the Lavendar Lace cardstock is retired. I use it sparingly, but it was perfect for these cards. They surprised me this time when they requested to do Sympathy cards as they normally want to do birthdays. Only 2 ladies came this time and one came late and made one card.

Sr. Ctr. Cards for Easter and Birthdays

2011-04-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

Friday was my day to go to the center again to make cards. Only one lady made her own cards this time, but she didn't put them together, just stamped her images and cut her paper and said she would assemble them later, so I wasn't able to get pictures of hers and she had done some different ones from these. The other 2 don't stamp due to shaky hands, so I usually make their cards. This is the first time in a long time we made the same card just different colors and some were Easter and some were birthdays.

The flower image is from the current catty Level 2 Hostess set "Apple Blossoms" and the birthday sentiment is from "Bring On the Cake"stamp set which is in the current Occasions Mini Catalog. The Easter sentiment is the Level 2 Hostess Set, also from the Occasions Mini Catalog. The center of the flower is popped up with a dimensional and a pearl is in the center. Hard to see. Click on the picture and you should be able to see a larger image. Colors used are Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, Orchid Opulence (retired), Old Olive, Lovely Lilac (retired), Pink Passion (retired - but Melon Mambo is a good substitute for this color).

GREAT NEWS!

2011-04-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

My youngest son, Jacob and his girlfriend, Karli are now engaged! We are so happy to welcome her into the family. He has known her since middle school and I had met her many times before they started dating after he returned from Iraq in Aug. 2009 and have always liked her. She will be a wonderful addition to our family. My sons have made good choices for their mates.

On a sad note, my older son, George leaves tomorrow for Afghanistan. The good thing is we did get to go last month to see him and his family before he took them to CA to stay with her mom while he is away. Our grandson, Brexton is so cute and has changed so much since we saw him when he was born in July last year. Such a happy and cuddly little boy. He will be walking soon. Loves to pull up on the furniture and walk all along it all the time. much happier standing than sitting. He is gonna keep his mommy busy, that is for sure.

Poor Carma had a horrible cold sore on her face,but they are still lookin good.

Brexton is wearing a cute sweater that my friend Mary knitted for him. I love it!

Since this was taken on St. Patty's Day, Carma is wearing her green outfit that she wore to school to ensure she didn't get pinched.

Beary Best Birthday Invite

2011-02-24T22:19:00.000-08:00

A friend and fellow demo asked me if I had this set (Beary Best Friends) and if I could do her a favor and make some invitations for her granddaughter's 7th birthday. She was going to be out-of-town and didn't have time to make them. She found some samples on SCS and from one of those I created these. You can see the inspiration card by Kelly Acheson here.

I liked these so much I made an extra as a Happy Birthday card for my granddaughter, as she will be 7 next year (this years has already passed) and I saved an extra boy one for my oldest great-nephew. I kept the # off his so I can change the # of balloons if needed for his birthday in April.

Valentine's Day 2011

2011-02-24T22:12:00.000-08:00

Here is the card I made for Harold for Valentine's Day! The card was inspired by Robin Messenheimer, you can see her card here. I made a few slight changes and added a mouse. I have been putting a mouse on his V-day cards for 5 years now and it took me awhile to figure out what to do this year as I have used all of my mouse stamps. I like the way it came out.

Here are my Valentine's Day gifts from him. He had gotten me a santa hamster for Christmas, so when he saw this one, he decided I need it too. Isn't it cute! I love my little rose bush. Can't wait for the weather to get nice, so I can plant it in my garden. The little lady bug planter is adorable too. Thinking about putting a little votive in it.

Christmas Craft Fair Items

2010-12-13T19:19:00.000-08:00

This year my Scarlet Sophisticate group decided to have vendors at our big Christmas party to sell items prior to the party and during break time. They asked me to set up a table. I concentrated mainly on making stocking stuffer-type items. I sold the majority of what I took, so I was happy with the results. Here are some of the items I made to sell. I forgot to take pictures of the red hat cards I made and the bags of Santa Kisses (Hershey's Kisses), Reindeer Kisses (Soft Peppermint candy) and Rudolph's Spare Noses (Red Hot candies).

First off, these are place setters I made so that the waiters would be able to tell who ordered what. Everyone got one for what they pre-ordered - beef, chicken or fish to set out with their place setting. I used retired sets for the fish - "Fish Frolics" and the chicken - "Walk This Way". The cow is from a non-SU! stamp set I have and was just too cute to not use.

Here are the items I sold:

Nugget Tins (These are my favorite)

Freeze-dried Snowballs (Tic Tacs). These are an exact case from another demo, but I can't remember who, so if you know or it is you, let me know, so that I can give that person credit. The stamp set used is "Punch Pals".

Wrapped mini Hershey bars and Kit Kats

Test Tubes with M&Ms in holders (tutorial by Lisa Somerville)

Snowman Soup (again I can't remember who made the tags I used for the snowman soup. She also made the tags I used for the Reindeer Kisses). The snowman face and hat are made using the Top Note Die. I have seen these done by many people and love them.

Update: The tag sheets I used for the Snowman Soup and Reindeer Kisses were done by Kimberley Morris. You can get them and several others on her blog.

Lip Balm in holders. (tutorial by Melissa Stout)

Sr. Ctr. Card Day

2010-12-03T19:12:00.000-08:00

We made our final batch of Christmas cards for this year. This time we primarily used the new "Bells & Boughs" stamp set from the Holiday mini. Here are some a couple of the ladies made.

This is one I made for Terri - she runs the kitchen at the center. She is busy getting lunch ready for the ladies, so does not join us to make cards, but she asked me to make her one, so I threw this together for her at the end. I used the "Jolly Old St. Nick" stamp set from the Holiday mini.
We used some retired DSP on the cards.

My Digital Studio Cards

2010-12-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

I have been playing with My Digital Studio program again and lovin' it! I made 2 cards and even sent one off to be printed, to see how it comes out and make sure I did it right - LOL! The first card I made is a penguin and is all MDS punches. It was inspired by Wendy Hawkinson, check hers out on her blog.

On the second I used the MDS stamped images from Winter Post and some DSP and ribbon embellishments and punches. This one took me a little longer to put together, but I like the way it came out. Now that I have done it I think future ones will be easier to do. This is the one I sent off to be printed, I figure if it comes out okay, then I did it right and should be okay for future projects. I'll let you know how they come out when I get them.

Prepping for a Christmas Red Hat Vendor Fair

2010-11-28T14:01:00.000-08:00

I have now been busy making things to sell at my Red Hat Scarlet Sophisticates Christmas Party. We are having vendors this year to sell pre-party time. Mostly red hat vendors and a jewelry vendor and I was asked if I wanted to set up a table of wares and decided I would. I am making some Christmas cards and stocking stuffers and some red hat cards. Should be a lot of fun. So far I have made some 1x8 bags with York Peppermint Candies and one style of Christmas cards. I will be selling the cards as a boxed set of 6 and individually.

1x8 bags with York Peppermint Candies.

The polar bear was inspired by Nancy Dawson, she has instructions on her blog.

The snowflakes are from the Northern Frost Decorative Die Strip.

Look closely to see that I have used the Northern Flurry Embossing Folder on this card and a rhinestone in the center of the larger snowflakes. The blue snowflake is from the Northern Frost Decorative Die Strip.

More Thanksgiving Treats

2010-11-28T13:54:00.001-08:00

I made these 1x8 little treat bags with Fall M&Ms for my red hat Scarlet Sophisticates group. Every year we go to Bob Evan's for an early Thanksgiving feast. I handed these and a little turkey nugget out all the gals. We do love our chocolate - LOL!

I had enough left over of each for DH to take and give out to his van pool the next day. I even had a request for the bags and toppers from one of my ladies. SHe was in charge of a craft project for the kids on Thanksgiving and thought these would be cute (and easy) for them to do and then write everyones names on them and use them for place setters as well. So I made another run up to Woodbridge the next day to take the bags and pre-punched scallops and pre-stamped images to her. She had to use Reeses Pieces in hers as neither of us could find the Fall colored M&Ms anymore.

Save from 20% to 50% on Select Items!

2010-11-23T01:56:00.000-08:00

Stampin' Up! is offering a savings of 20% - 50% off of select items from Nov. 22 - Nov. 30, 2010. Check out this listing of items (go to http://www.stampin.com/ to see what they look like if needed).

I'm a Great-Auntie Again.

2010-11-19T22:15:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting for a picture to share and finally got one today! We welcome our newest great-nephew to the family Sky Blanc - born on 11/17 at 5:53pm, 8 lbs. 14 ozs., 19 inches long and adorable. We have such cute kids in this family (no prejudism there - just fact - LOL!). I absolutely adore this picture they took of him - definitely have to do some special scrapbooking of it.

Sky Blanc

Bekah, Beau, Sky and Grandma Becky

Starter Kits HALF OFF!

2010-11-12T20:04:00.000-08:00

From Nov. 15 thru 30, 2010, new recruits can purchase the Standard or Digital+ Starter Kits for only $87.50 - that is 50% off the original price of $175 (a $310 value of paper or digital crafting supplies and business supplies). See flyer for details.

Contact me for additional details if needed. If interested you can sign-up on my Demonstrator Business Website (link in sidebar). The password for sign-up is angel56.

Sr. Ctr. Cards and Line Dancers

2010-11-12T18:14:00.000-08:00

I went today for my monthly card making day at the Sr. Ctr. We made a Thanksgiving's Day card and a couple of Christmas cards.

This card used the French Foliage stamp set from the current Holiday mini. The words are from a retired set called Country Blessings and punched out with the new 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Extra-large punch.

Look closely and you can see the embossed images on both of these cards. I had pre-done this using the Stampin' Up! Northern Flurry embossing folder. You could dress these up with some of the self-adhesive rhinestones or pearls that Stampin' Up! sells. I had also cut out a bunch of Bashful Blue snowflakes using the Northern Frost Decorative Strip Die, but they opted not to use them this time - I will come up with another card for next month using them. One of the ladies decided she was not in the mood to stamp today, so I did take one of my samples (these belong to one of the ladies that stamped) and dressed it up with a small Bashful Blue snowflake on a blue card like the one on the left and put it on the upper right side of the scallop and added a tiny pearl to it (forgot to take a picture of it). It really looked nice.

After we made cards, it turned out that they had the HeeHaw Line Dancers coming in to perform for the Seniors, so my friend Bobbie and I (she goes with me now) stayed to watch and have some lunch with them (they had a nice little spread of finger sandwiches and cake - Yum!

Here I got the Activities Director, Janie, joining them in their performance for the first couple of routines. They were very good.

At the end they did the Electric Slide and asked for anyone who wanted to join them, so I and one other lady volunteered to dance. Bobbie took my camera and sneakily got this shot of me - Ugh!

Afterwards, they put their hats on a couple of us for a photo opt....yep - that is me in the front row midde. My knees were killing me by the time we finished the dance, but I enjoyed myself as I love to do line dances. I would love to join a group like this, but my knees and legs (shins) would not allow it. Maybe someday if I ever get my knees replaced.

Happy Mail Days Again

2010-11-12T17:56:00.000-08:00

Boy, I wish I could always get mail like this. It is so nice to get something besides bills and junk mail. Yesterday and today held surprises. Yesterday, I got the blog candy I won on Alicia Schukar's blog. What I won was a mystery and I promised I would share when I received it, sooooo... here is what I got:

A beautiful card and a roll of the Chantilly ribbon - LOVE IT!

I'd been wanting to get some, but always found something else I wanted/needed more at the time, so now I have some and can't wait to play with it. I've seen some beautiful cards with it...have the DSP and now the ribbon, so time to start CASEing some more cards - LOL!

Today I received another package from my cousin Deb, with the payment for yet another order from her and these items as well. I had seen them on her blog and LOVED them and was so pleased to be a recipient of them. Isn't the penguin adorable and the card is soooo pretty. She loves layers and does them so well. She did the penquin bag this past week when she made things at her local Sr. Center. Hmmmm, may have to go and get some hot chocolate and candy canes and make these next month when I go to my Sr. Ctr.

More Turkey Nuggets

2010-11-12T17:44:00.000-08:00

Well, I made another batch of turkey nuggets, however this time I did add a waddle. I think they look more like a turkey now. So cute! See previous post for link to Kimberley's blog for her tutorial. I will show you how I made the waddle (learned this from someone else a few years ago).

To make the waddle, first punch out a scallop circle and then reinsert the edge of about 2 scallops (more if you need a larger one). Work around the edge of the scallop to make as many as possible from that circle scallop. It also kinda' looks like a worm, so you could make it a worm in a birds mouth or something.

This is a punch art turkey I made a few years back (another CASE) and is the first time I made the waddle - used 3 scallop edges for this one.

Turkey Nuggets

2010-11-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by Kimberley Morris to make these cute little turkey nuggets for my red hat groups this month. They are sooooo darn cute and easy to make...Kimberley has a tutorial on her blog. I used the new Autumn Spice DSP from the mini catalog and Early Espresso, Cajun Craze and More Mustard cardstock to go with it for mine. One of my groups met for lunch today and received one...they loved them. I don't know that any of these little guys will be eaten, I think they were all given a pardon for this year.

The one thing I did notice after I finished these was that they don't have a waddle (you know, that ugly red thing that hangs down the side of their beak) I may see if I can make one to go on future ones (I have 2 more groups to make them for, plus I want to take some to my ladies at the senior center).

I Won Some Blog Candy!

2010-11-01T23:15:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo! I won some blog candy on Alicia Schukar's blog. I can hardly wait to get it and see what I got - she is being secretive - LOL! I will let you know once I get it!

Another Happy Mail Day

2010-10-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

When I returned home on Wednesday (also went to a Halloween luncheon at the Sr. Ctr. I do cards at) and went thru the mail, I had a card from my cousin Deb (she sent me the decorated CD cases in a previous post - forgot to mention that also included a small Stampin' Up! order) along with her payment for her order. Here is the gorgeous card she sent. This card is using the Stipple Butterfly stamp (retired).

More Halloween Fancy Favor boxes

2010-10-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday my Red Hat Scarlet Sophisticate group went to the Bavarian Chef German Restaurant for dinner. It was delicious, but still not as good as my favorite German restaurant in Ft. worth - Edelweiss. They have spoiled me for all others, I think! Anyway, I made more of the candy wrapper treats (pictured in previous post) for the ladies and these with the fancy favor box and Wicked Cool stamp set for Queen Jeri and Vice-Queen Fran.

Here are a few pictures of the ladies in their regalia.

Love Karen's red witch hat

Stamping With Style Team Meeting

2010-10-18T22:07:00.001-07:00

On Sat. I went to my upline, Christina's team meeting. Had a great time. Got there late, so I only go one of the make-n-takes done. It was with the Bingo card and Jolly Bingo Bits set and we then played Bingo for some great prizes. I didn't win anything - Boo Hoo! I won't show mine as I messed it up and it didn't look too good. (I was trying to hurry, so I could do another make-n-take, but that didn't happen). Had a great time, lots of great info and samples and of course, food.
Here is my swap. I used the "thumping" technique on it for the leaves.

Here are the swaps I received in exchange for mine - Aren't they lovely!

Halloween is Quickly Approaching

2010-10-13T22:49:00.001-07:00

I have been busy since last week cutting, decorating and filling these little candy wrappers (the ones in the background). They are made using the new Candy Wrapper die from Stampin' Up! One of my best friends and customers got it and let me play with it first (isn't she wonderful). I ended up cutting out 60 of them, before I gave it to her. So, I decided to put them together and give them to each of my red hat groups when we got together this month. I used "Batty for You" and "Wicked Cool" stamp sets to decorate them. The first group was my Busy Bee group and we got together last week for a luncheon at one of the members house (with a Halloween theme) and had a great time playing Bingo and eating some little monster sandwiches (pictured below as they were sooooo darn cute). I didn't get pictures of the treats boxes I made last week, the ones pictured below are for my Sweet Magnolia group tomorrow (but are the same). The little treat box in the front is made with the Stampin' Up! Fancy Favor Die and decorated using the "Wicked Cool" stamp set. I may have to breakdown and purchase the Candy Wrapper die, as I had so much fun making these and they are very simple. May make some for Christmas as well.

Aren't these little monster sandwiches adorable. They were yummy, too!

New Recruit Special Offer!

2010-09-16T14:21:00.000-07:00

Join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator during this promotional period and received this Greenhouse Gala Craft Tote FREE (valued at $39.95) with the purchase of your Starter Kit. Click here for details! Contact me now if you would like to join my team! You can also sign-up thru my DBWS. The password to use is angel56.

Sorry for the neglect!

2010-09-08T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Please forgive me for neglecting my blog, but I have been very buzy traveling lately. As you saw below, I became a grandma on July 16th and have been on the road every since it seems. I was there in time for Brexton's birth and then we went on to TX to visit family and then on the NC for my son Jacob's return from Iraq on Aug. 1st. They got passes for a 3-day weekend that following week, so we stayed there and brought him home with us. He took my car back to NC loaded with all of his belongings that he had left here while gone, so I was carless for 2 weeks. He returned on the 20th, bought a car on the 21st and on the 22nd he and I headed out on a road trip to visit family in IN-KS-CO-TX-KS-IN for 2 weeks. we just returned home on Mon. I'm exhausted - LOL! It was wonderful to be able to spend a few more days in KS seeing Brexton again. He is soooo much more alert and responsive now. He loves to coo and smile! We spent most of the trip in CO visiting DH's side of the family and sightseeing, then to TX to visit family from both sides and then back to KS for a day and stopped in IN again to see my niece (who left from CO the day after we got there to return home to IN) and her DH and great-nephew. I had a wonderful time with my son on this trip. I don't think he realizes just how much I enjoyed spending this time with him and how much it meant to me that he let me join him on it, even though it was primarily to help him with the driving since he had no one else to go with him. I will be posting pics on my personal blog soon (http://www.dragonsndragonflies.blogspot.com/).

I hope to get back to stamping in a few days, once I have had a chance to rest completely (amazing how a trip can wear one out) and have gotten a few things around here done.

We're Grandparents!!!!

2010-07-18T22:40:00.000-07:00

My son, George and his wife Mandy had their baby on 7/16 at 5:50 am. I arrived just in time to be here for it (7/14). Carma and I stayed home while they went to the hospital as they had gone a few hrs. before and they sent her home, but her labor got more intense and was all back labor and was really getting hard on her so my son took her back and within an hr. or so after they got there, Brexton was born. Just like his daddy, once he decided it was time to make an appearance, that was it, he was coming(unlike his daddy he was 2 days early, George was 9 days late). He weighed in at 7 lbs. 15 ozs., 19.5 inches long. He has reddish (strawberry blonde) hair like his daddy and looks like him as well.

Me (Proud Grandma) & Brexton

Carma, Mandy & Brexton

George & Brexton

The New 2010-'11 Idea Book & Catalog is Available NOW!

2010-07-01T19:44:00.000-07:00

I have received the new Idea Book & Catalogs for 2010-'11 and there are a lot of new and exciting stamp sets and products. You also need to check out the new Color Collection - it is wonderful! $5 ea. (plus shipping if not local). You will also receive the new 2010-'11 Definitely Decorative Catalog (vinyl wall appliques and stencils) at no addl. charge.

Contact me today for your copy!

Father's Day Card for DH

2010-06-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I did get a card made for DH for Father's Day. I was so excited about the new King of the Grill stamp set in the Summer Mini as my DH loves to grill and I knew that one of his presents was going to be the new grill cover he wanted for his gas grill (which he got some years back as a Father's Day present). I also used the metal sheets (silver not colored side) that I got from Monica.

Patrick's Memory Pail

2010-06-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally put the finishing touches on my nephew's memory pail. It only took me almost a year - LOL! It kept getting put aside and then I'd forget that I hadn't finished it and then would come across it and do a little more. I'd only really needed to attach the train and put the ribbon on it, but could just never get myself to sit down and do it. I made myself do so last night and this afternoon I finally finished it. I am very pleased with how it came out. I had finished the one for his new little brother (see Aug. 30th, 2009 post for pics of it) and after awhile got started on his. He was the only nephew that did not have one as I started making them after he was born and I decided he needed to have his own. I didn't make him a gallon-sz. one, just the quart size pail, but I think that worked best with the size of the stamp set used. I used Stampin' Up's Choo Choo set, since he likes Thomas the Engine.

The poem I normally use for the Memory Cans wasn't quite right, so I wrote my own for his can. Thanks to Susan and Jan for their suggestions last year to fine tune it.

The ribbon is attached to a key for opening the lid (something I just started adding to them).

Graduation Card

2010-06-10T23:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I am late as usual, but I finally got a graduation card made for my niece, Reina, that graduated on May 20th and got it mailed off today (of course with a little something inside).

I used the green metal sheets that I won from Monica's blog. I absolutely LOVE them and will be using them more (and getting more). I won 5 sheets and got them in different colors to play with. I embossed them with the new Lattice embossing folder from Stampin' Up! in the Summer mini and then sanded it to bring out the design in silver. I layered it using Garden Green and Chocolate Chip cardstock. The stamp set used is "Go, Graduate" and "Happy Grad", both also from the Summer mini.

The Last Chance List is HERE!

2010-06-08T23:46:00.000-07:00

Check the sidebar for links to the lists of retiring stamps, Definitely Decorative items (25%off), and accessories. Remember, items on the accessories list are "while supplies last", so order now if you see something you want.

Summertime Splendor DSP on MDS

2010-06-08T01:29:00.000-07:00

Stampin' Up! has a new DSP available on My Digital Studio Downloads. I absolutely love it. Here are some samples made with just a fw of the choices in it. Thanks to Patty Bennett for her tutorial on how to get just a segment of the 12x12 paper onto and 8-1/2"x11" cardstock in 4 sections, sized perfectly for card fronts. I will be making more in the future, for sure!

Baby Card

2010-05-30T00:14:00.000-07:00

This is a card I made for our new neighbor who had her new little girl shortly after moving in and for a friend who just had her first grandbaby/daughter. I had planned to use the "Nursery Necessities" set, but could not find it, so I use "A New Little Someone" which unfortunately is retired. The words are from "Teeny Tiny Wishes". The color used is Pink Passion which will be retiring on July 1st.

Sr. Center Card

2010-05-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

On May 21st I went to the Sr. Ctr. in Colonial Beach again and made cards with the ladies. Well, I cut the paper they chose to fit the stamps they chose and colors and they go from their....they are getting quite creative.

Tried out my new Flowers Die Strip and don't ya' know - it is retiring. :-(

The stamp set used is Asian Artistry (Hostess L1) which is also retiring on July 1st.

You can't see it, but there is glitter along the squiggle line of the brides dress and on her veil. The card was very pretty! Unfortunately, both of these sets have been retired for awhile now.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!

2010-04-09T19:50:00.000-07:00

Stampin' Up! ® has made a FABULOUS ANNOUNCEMENT!

Stampin' Up! will be releasing a new COLOR COLLECTION in July 2010. They will be adding 5 BRAND NEW COLORS and BRINGING BACK 10 of the retired In Colors! They have re-organized the color groups (collections) for a totally new look. Many colors will be retiring, but I think you will love the new collection of colors. While we will be sad to see many of our favorites go, we still have time to stock up (I know I will).

Here are the colors we will be saying goodbye to:

Click here to download

Now take a look at the new line-up to be offered in July (with the new catalog)!

Click here to download.

I LOVE THE NEW COLORS! - Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze and Early Espresso. (Note: Crumb Cake is the new name for Kraft)

Also note the 10 RETURNING IN COLORS - Baja Breeze, Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Rich Razzleberry, Riding Hood Red, River Rock, Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango and Wild Wasabi.

EASTER PROJECT!

2010-04-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

I decided to decorate an inexpensive basket and send it to my new step-grandaughter, Carma. The bunny and the chick are made using Stampin' Up!® punches. Unfortunately, I did not have letters the size I needed so I had to use my electronic cutting device for the letters. It is simple, but I love the way it came out. Now to get it mailed to her, I know it will be late, but I think she will still enjoy it. The bunny was inspired by Sue Duffy (with minor changes), not sure where I saw the chick done first.

SPRING PROMOTION!

2010-04-01T19:05:00.000-07:00

Stampin' Up!'s ® Two-Step Stampin'® sets allow you to quickly and easily take your creativity to the next level. And now, from Arpil 1-30 only, you can purchase the brand-new Awash with Flowers Two Step Stampin' set - or get it FREE when you host a $350 workshop!

117062 Awash with Flowers (set of 18) (W), $39.95
120549 Awash with Flowers (set of 18) (C), $27.95

Plus get 20% off a selection of perfectly springy Two-Step Stampin' sets from our current catalog:

113824 Greenhouse Garden, Orig. Price- $25.95, Sale Price - $20.76
113734 Fifth Avenue Floral, Orig. Price - $24.95, Sale Price $19.96
111578 Flower Fancy, Orig. Price - $36.95, Sale Price $29.56
113258 Trendy Trees, Orig. Price $17.95, Sale Price $14.36

Contact me to place your order. Call 540-372-2048 or e-mail me or go to my DBWS to place your order yourself.

Sweet Magnolias Celebrate St. Patty's Day Early and Celebrate Jacob's Birthday

2010-03-16T20:18:00.001-07:00

Today Betty and I hosted the luncheon for our Sweet Magnolia group at The Blarney Stone Pub. We had a very special guest - my son Jacob. Jacob is home on R&R from Iraq for a few weeks and today was his 20th birthday. He joined me, so that we could spend the time together and so that he could thank the ladies for the cards they have sent him while in Iraq and a package that they just sent to him for his unit. He let them know that when he returned (and it would be there waiting for him) that he was sending it out to a unit in the field, as they do not get a lot of packages. They were happy to hear that. They spoiled him for his birthday. Several chipped in to buy his lunch, one gave him a monetary gift and the QM had brought a birthday cake for him, which was shared after lunch with everyone there. Yum! Again, I had made up treat bags and a mint patty pail for the centerpiece/door prize.

The treat bag for all and mint patty pail centerpiece/door prize.

Jacob with QM Brenda and the Sweet Magnolias

Jacob with his cake and Betty in the background.

This evening we took him and his girlfriend, Tammy out to dinner, his choice of restaurant and he chose one of our favorite - Sakura's Japanese Steakhouse.

Tammy, Jacob, Harold, me (Cindy)

Busy Bees Celebrate St. Patty's Day Early

2010-03-16T20:09:00.001-07:00

On March 3rd Bobbie and I hosted the Busy Bee luncheon at The Blarney Stone Pub with an very early St. Patty's Day celebration. We played a left right game that I had written out, passing around a plant yourself little shamrock pot. We had made up some treat bags and gave the centerpieces as door prizes. We had a great time!

L-R: Beulah, Bobbie, Carole, Oneida, Katrina

Here are the treat bags we made up for all and one of the centerpieces (mint patty pail).

Milk Carton Treats

2010-02-25T00:02:00.001-08:00

My best friend and customer, Margarethe ordered the new milk carton die and let me try it out before deliverying it to her. She and several of our friends were getting together for a birthday luncheon for the birthday girl of the month Melodye, and since it was just the day after Valentine's Day, I quickly cut out one in each of their favorite colors, decorated and filled with the conversation heart candy and gave them to them at the luncheon (and gave my friend her order, including the die, which I will definitely borrow again to make the birdhouses and other things when I finish using the couple extras I cut out. Like I said, I did them quickly, so they are not fancy, but I wanted to get an idea of the size and what they held. They are smaller than I thought they were, but they still hold a good amount in them and are adorable. I also used the Heart punch and the new Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die to decorate them. I used Stampin' Up!'s white Signo gel pen to write the message on them.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T21:22:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a very nice Valentine's Day!

For the last 3 years the Valentine's card I have made for DH has had a mouse on it, so I had to continue the new tradition, but didn't have a new mouse stamp. Then I remembered the adorable mouse that was being made at Christmas time and decided I had to use him. So out came the punches. One of the samples I cased was done by Emmy, not sure if she was the original creator or if she cased it. I think he came out really cute as he yells out "Happy Valentine's Day!"

I have had several inquiries as to what punches were used for this little guy, so here is the list. Hope it helps.

Head - ornament punch (cut off neck of the ornament)

Ears - Butterfly punch

Mouth , arms/hands - small oval

Body - Wide oval

Feet - 3/4" circle

Teeth and Tail were cut free hand

Tribute to a Hero Candle

2010-02-10T18:56:00.000-08:00

One of my cyber-friends/LNS friend, Sally Johnson made these beautiful "Tribute to a Hero" candles and posted them on her blog. I fell in love with them (especially since I have these stamp sets) and advised I would be casing them. To my surprise, she e-mailed me back and said that she wanted to send me one. Then when she mailed it, she told me she included a surprise.

Well, I was in for a very special surprise as not only did she send me one, but she sent me two, one to represent each of my sons. I absolutely love them and had to share them with you. Needless to say we have become even closer cyber-friends and intend to meet up sometime in the future. Looking forward to it. Thanks again, Sally!

SALE-A-BRATIONS IS HERE!

2010-01-30T16:15:00.000-08:00

Sorry, about the late update, but you know the reason why. Anyway, Don't forget that from now thru March 31st you can earn any item in the Sale-a-brations Mini Catalog for FREE with your purchase of $50 worth of product (before S&H and tax). There are some great choices this year along with some stamp sets from the '09-'10 IB&C. So contact me if you wish to place an order via e-mail or call 540-372-2048. Don't forget you can also place the order yourself from my DBWS.

More Memories

2010-01-30T15:33:00.000-08:00

Well, I got on a roll and kept going...here are a few more I did for the album (switched to an 8x8 vs the 12x12 starter attempt - the previous 2 pages were redone in 8x8, so I did not included them as I duplicated them exactly, just smaller now).

Memories

2010-01-29T16:46:00.000-08:00

My personal "My Digital Studio" (MDS) arrived while I was gone and I finally got it uploaded a few days ago and started playing with it. Of course, with all the copies of old photos of mom that I brought home, I had to make something with them first and decided to make vintage-style scrapbook pages using her engagement photo and wedding photos and slipped in one of their 50th anniversary. Here are my first attempts at using the MDS program. It is easy once you get started.

Sad News!

2010-01-29T16:43:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, my mother, Elizabeth Prather passed away on Jan. 1st. The time since then has been difficult and will for awhile, but I am getting by and am thankful that I have so many wonderful memories of my mother. She was a wonderful person. Thank you all for your support and condolences over the past month. I will be trying to get back to doing some stamping soon and post. Thank you for your patience!

Another card to send to Jacob

2009-12-06T21:55:00.001-08:00

Well, here is my last and final design to send to Jacob. Mailing them tomorrow. Hope the guys like them and there are enough cards...variety of numbers of each card, but totalled up to 100 cards by the time I made them all.

This is using the "Holy Triptych" stamp set. I painted it in using the Shimmer Paint and reinkers.

Here is a closer shot of the angel, you can see a little of the shimmer. The dress is using "Lavendar Lace" ink. I wish I had added a little more to deepen the color, but it does show up more in person.

More Sr. Cards and cards to Jacob

2009-12-06T21:39:00.001-08:00

Well, I went to the Sr. Center again on Fri. to make more cards. We had a blast. 4 ladies this time....counting Janice, the director...she tries to sqeeze in time between phone calls to make a card or two when I go. Anyway, here are the cards we made this time. I came home later and made more to send to Jacob for him to had out to the guys to send home. I had taken a picture at the center only to get home and find out my compact flash card was not in the camera, so of course they weren't saved -Ugh!

This one is using the Dasher stamp.

This card uses "Christmas Punch" and "Heard from the Heart" stamp sets

We also made the card using the "Big on Christmas" stamp set that I posted earlier.

List of Dormant Stamp Sets to be Discontinued

2009-12-02T21:31:00.000-08:00

The following stamp sets will be discontinued on Jan. 4, 2010. If any of the sets listed below are on your wish list, make sure you purchase them before they are gone for good.

Back woods # 113407
Beautiful Baby #114492
Birthday Wish #114486
Branch Out #113200
Celebrations #114496
Central Park #113732
Classic Sketches #113206
Classy & Fabulous #113226
Flowers in Silhouette #114498
Font of You #113405
For the Bride #113216
Forever #114494
Friend by Definition #109425
Fun Flowers #114488
Garden Greetings #113716
Glad Friends 114490
Grand Soiree #11580
Hit the Road #113242
Lexicon of Leaves #113710
Man's Best Friend #113236
Ocean Commotion #114423
Playful Petals #113728
Polka Dot # 109276
Putt Putt #111544
Quilt Quips #113240
Really Retro #113754
Sip by Sip #113403
Sweet Stems 113726
That's Funny #113250
Wonderful Watercolors #113688
Para La Novia #114208
Acuarelas Maravillosas #114032

Cards to Soldiers

2009-12-01T16:14:00.000-08:00

I have been busy the past few days making cards to send to my son, Jacob in Iraq for him to give out to the guys in his platoon to send home. Here are samples of what I am making. I have 3 more designs in mind. I am waiting on an order that comes in on Thurs. to make one of the designs. Had to have that Dasher stamp to make some. Plus, I am out of envelopes and clear envelopes to put each into to protect it and keep the card and envelope together and those are also in the coming order. I will be very busy Thursday night as I plan to mail them all on Friday.

This card I made in several colors. This one is Brilliant Blue, also made it in Real Red, Elegant Eggplant and Glorious Green. I also went one step further and sprayed each card with a mixture of alcohol and the new Shimmer Paint (love this stuff) to add a little shimmer to the card. You can kinda' see the embossing on the white done with the Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder.

I love this set "Big on Christmas". Unfortunately, Stampin' Up! does not have a snowflake embossing folder, so I had to use one from another company. Hopefully they will get one. The center was kept "unembossed" using a new technique. It you are interested in learning how to do this, please contact me, I would love to show you how easy it is to do.

Here are all 3 designs I have made so far...3 more to go..guess what I will be doing tonight - LOL!

Christmas Cards by my Senior Ladies

2009-12-01T15:31:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay in posting these. On Nov. 20th I went to the Sr. Center again to make cards. This time I did design 2 cards for them to make and let them choose which Merry Christmas they would use on the front... they all fell in love with the one from the Level 1 Hostess set "Holiday Best". I only had 2 ladies attending this time due to illness and dr. appts., but we had fun. This time I requested that they each make an additional card for me to send to my son in Iraq for him to give out to his platoon. I will be making a lot more to send and will include these from them. We did the ornament card in a variety of colors. I had pre-stamped and punched them out in Eggplant Envy (pictured), Brilliant Blue, Rose Red, Perfect Plum. The ornaments from "Definitely Decoratives" stamp set are on white that has been embossed with the Stampin Up! Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder (you can't really see it in the picture). The Snowman card is using the Level 2 Hostess set "Christmas Punch" and the words are from the "Heard from the Heart" stamp set.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T22:38:00.000-07:00

Well, once again I did not get around to making Halloween cards to send out. However, I did received one from my good friend, Margarethe. She always sends her cards anonymously (no signature), but I know it is from her. I just had to share it with you as it looks soooo great!

(Close-up of skull, done with bleaching technique)

Of course it isn't Halloween without pictures of costumes. Since my boys are grown and no longer home, I take pictures of my nieghbor's grandkids.

This scary little guy is Diane's grandson, Douglas.

This is Alice's grandson, Slade. He came over again after "Trick or Treating" so that I could get his picture, but was tired of wearing the mask and the gloves that had the blades on them. Not sure who he was suppose to be as not familiar with this comic book/cartoon character.

I didn't dress-up this year, but I did at least put on a little head piece I had picked up at the Dollar Tree. It was a drizzly night, but at least the temperature was pleasant and it didn't pour down until after the Treaker Treaters were done for the night.

Build-a-Bear Project

2009-10-31T22:04:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month Joyce Spears, a fellow Late Night Stamper, decided she would like to make some Cards for Kids to be donated to a Ronald McDonald House by another one of our Late Night Stampers. So, she sent out a request to our group for donations of the new Build-a-Bear die cuts in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog. Since I had just received my dies, I decided to help and proceeded to cut out the bears in Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip and Basic Black. Before, I knew it I had 50 cut out for her. Then I cut out some clothes in the Pawsitively Print DSP and Summer Picnic (retired) DSP and coordinating cardstock for her.

Well, Joyce has been "pawsitively" busy since she received them. She has been putting together the bears for her cards and has now dressed them all and has them ready to put on cards. Here is a picture of a few of the bears. You can see more on her blog.

I can hardly wait to see the completed cards. I will share as soon as I receive some pictures from her (or you can check back on her blog as I am sure she will be updating her progress there.)

Deals of the Week #4 and Final

2009-10-26T22:24:00.001-07:00

#116214 Princess Party Kit, pg. 174

Original Price: $15.95

Sale Price: $9.99

#116213 Pirate Party Kit, pg. 175

Original Price: $15.95

Sale Price: $9.99

Color Challenge #42 - LNSStampers

2009-10-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

I finally decided to do a challenge. LNS Stampers had a color challenge using Really Rust, Ruby Red and Old Olive and I have been loving all the beautiful cards I have been seeing with these colors all week and midnight tonight is the deadline to enter. I had this card envisioned in my head for several days now and decided I just had to get it done and enter it for fun. Ended up, it also qualifies for Carol'Anne and Sandi's 10-min. challenge as well. It is a simple card, but I like the way it came out.

The stamp sets used are Autumn Days and Kind and Caring Thoughts.

Seniors Stamp Again

2009-10-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry, for the delay posting this. I did remember to take a few pictures of the cards made by my Sr. Ladies this month (on Oct. 16th). I think they did a wonderful job. I saw the ornamental punch used as a vase on the LNSStampers group and shared that with them and then they went to town. I had precut a bunch of different colors with the top note die and they picked their color combos from that and what ever else we had available.

I actually made this one for one of the ladies that can't make them by herself. I had to use what colors I had left, but I liked the combo once done. Looks better in person. It looks like Pink Passion in this picture, but it was actually Rose Red, so not quite a bright.

Deals of the Week #3

2009-10-19T23:56:00.000-07:00

Deals of the Week

114348 Basic Jumbo grommets Special Price - $4.49
109857 Mini Library clips Special Price - $8.99
112571 Circle Designer brads Special Price - $3.99
112581 1/2" Library clips Special Price - $3.99

I'm a MIL and Grandma Now!

2009-10-19T02:13:00.001-07:00

Well, as I mentioned before I just returned from Texas, visiting my folks. Now the rest of the story. A week before I left, my oldest son, George called to advise me he was engaged and they would be getting married soon. Her name is Amanda (Mandy) and she has a 4-yr. old daughter named Carmelina (Carmen). Well, they got married on Sept. 17th. So before I left I quickly made a wedding card to send them. I love the way it came out. Hope they liked it. Now I am patiently waiting for him to send me some pictures that his friends took. They had a simple ceremony at the Justice of the Peace. I can't wait to see what my new DIL and Granddaughter (step) look like. Anyway, here is the card I made for them.

I used the Manhattan Flower Embossing folder. I then mixed alcohol with a little bit of the new Shimmerz Paint in a spritzer and sprayed the paper to give it some shimmer. Using a glue pin, I went along the raised edges of the roses and sprinkled on some Dazzling Diamonds. It was very shimmery in person.

My Digital Studio Commercial

2009-10-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

DEALS OF THE WEEK #2

2009-10-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

The second Deals of the Week are from October 12, 10 AM (MT) through October 19, 9:50 AM (MT).

115961, pg. 200 Perfect Setting Bigz XL die, Orig. price - $42.95, Sale price - $25.99

114515, pg. 195, Flower Burst Embosslits die, Orig. price - $11.95, Sale price - $5.99

116760, pg. 201, Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die, Orig. price - $39.95, Sale price - $25.49

I'm Baaaack!

2009-10-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Thank you for your patience while I have been away visiting my parents. My dad was moved to a phys. rehab./nursing home facility on approx. Sept. 18th and had a feeding tube put in as he was not eating and when he swallowed it went into his lungs. He is in constant pain and not doing any better. He has Dysphasia, Chronic Pain Syndrome, Leucocytosis, along with many other problems. I arrived there on the 19th and just returned home today. My mother also has some health issues (heart, and in her legs - arthritis, bursitis and fibromyalgia). She can barely get around due to her leg/knee problems. My sister and I spent the past few weeks rearranging my dad's bedroom - removed the huge CA King-size bed and put the full-size bed with the elec. controls for head and feet in his room and cleared out some of the papers and things he has collected/stashed away over time. We also took some excess furniture out of my mothers room as she has fallen several times and it is very hard to get her up as she can't help you much once she is down. We ordered a portable lift for her and now have room to use it in her room, when she goes down in the hallway or bathroom, we will have to figure that out when it happens as no room for the lift. We also got rid of some un-needed things in the living room and entryway to make things easier for her to get around. I am not in great shape, so my sister did most of the phys. labor, but I was there to back her up with my parents to say - this IS happening. With mom we met less resistance, it was usually dad that resisted us. We got a lot done, still a lot to do, but she can now get it accomplished overtime as we have the ball rolling on it now. Dad is not doing any better than he was when I got there, but not much worse, but based on the meeting we finally got with the director of nurses yesterday, before I left today and my sister met with the doctor today and got the same story, it is not looking good as he (my dad) is not cooperating with phys. therapy, because of the extreme pain he is in, so the therapy will stop and they are going to concentrate on pain control and then reevaluate him again in about 10days and keep doing that for awhile to see if they get any improvement. We did get to celebrate my dad's 77th birthday and all the local family were able to come to the nursing home at the same time and sing Happy Birthday, I even made a cake (which he unfortunately he couldn't eat). We each had some for him and gave the rest to the staff.

On the bright side, while I was home I was able to attend my HS reunion. It was for all of the 70's classes. DH came just a few days before hand to join me as we graduated together at the same school - Yep - HS sweeties. We had a great time and gave me a chance to relax. It was wonderful to see all my old friends and acquaintances from HS. We had a approx. 210 people attend and had a good turnout for each year (although I don't remember seeing anyone for 1970). We had a "Blast from the Past". I will have pics posted later on my personal blog, http://dragonsndragonflies.blogspot.com/

Well, enough talking (although it is good therapy for me - thanks for reading). After I have had some time to rest and get some things done here I will be posting some cards for you - I promise.

Get Well Card

2009-09-17T00:08:00.000-07:00

Well, as you know my dad has been in the hospital for awhile now and I decided it was time to make him a card, so I just had to CASE a card made my Samantha Parisi with a few minor changes. You can see hers on her blog. The inside of the card reads "keep it closed!" "Get Well Soon! I wasn't sure exactly how she did hers, so I had to guess and my man came out a little larger that her man I think, but close enough.

My Punch Character Class

2009-09-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry, for the delay in sharing these with you. I had my class last weekend on Sept. 5th. It was a small class, but we had a blast making these instructional cards on how to make each character as a future reference...one attendee just made 2 characters instead to use on cards and just keep one as a reference. These are 6x6 and will fit into the 6x6 page protectors, so that you can make a booklet of punch ideas. We were to do 10, but ran out of time (even ran over time), so I will adjust my next class. The name in parenthesis next to each is who I CASED it from if known.

Lion (my personal favorite)

Ballerina (Sarah Stetler)

Ballerina or Fairy (add vellum wings)

Jumping Frog (this one moves) (Julie ?)

Bunny (Sue Duffy)

Ladybug (Angie Kennedy Juda)

Sheep (hard to see, but the body is the scallop circle) (Roxy ?)

Hippo Face (Roxy ?) (I changed this one up afterwards. It originally used the lg. and sm. oval for the ears, but I found them to look too large and make him look more like a donkey vs a hippo, so I switched them to using the 1/2" circle punch and overlayed them with the gray showing on one side and then trimmed the excess black off from the back. Now he looks more like a hippo.

We also did a Japense Doll, but I can't find my card for her...think I sent it to my cousin with some extras I had made for her.

We had such a good time with this and several others that wanted to attend were not able to, so I am planning on having another one with different characters soon, so keep checking my DBWS for dates. We will do 5 characters next time. Hope to see you there once I set a date. I think I will do a Halloween character one....already have a few in mind to make. I have a lot of things going on in Oct., so at this time it looks like Oct. 24th may be the only date I have open.

Big Shot Hero

2009-09-03T17:56:00.001-07:00

Before convention this year, Stampin' Up! asked the demonstrators to enter a commercial contest. This was the winning entry. I love it - Enjoy!

Now that you have viewed it - I hope you are as excited about the Big Shot as I am. It is a great tool and can be used for cardmaking, scrapbooking, gifts, 3-D items and more.

I will be having a Big Shot Top Note class on Oct. 3, 1-3 pm, at my house in Fredericksburg, VA. Please RSVP to me at stampindragon@verizon.net or call me, 540-372-2048 by Oct. 1st. Cost of class is $5. We will be making several different projects using the Top Note Die. You will also see demonstrations on using all the various other items Stampin' Up! offers to use with the Big Shot. You will get a chance to play with it as well, to see how easy it is to use. Hope to see you then.

Spotlight Technique Swap

2009-08-31T11:27:00.000-07:00

I rarely ever join in on swaps,, except one-on-one swaps, but I have decided I will try to do more swaps. So, when Linda Z. on FB wanted to do a Spotlight Technique swap and it was only 5+1, I decided this was the one to start with. I borrowed the "Music Expressions" stamp set from my best friend and customer, Margarethe and made these. The one with the rose spotlighted is the one I sent in, I had extras and liked the bird, so I decided to do a few for myself with it.

Cole's Baby Memory Pail

2009-08-30T22:33:00.000-07:00

Well, it has only taken me 9 months to finally get the Baby Memory Pail made for Risa's new little boy, Cole (Dec. 2008 post). She was doing the same theme her twin sister, Roxie had done for her little boy, Jake and I made him one (my first - April 2008 post) using the "Wild About You" and "Monkey Business"stamp sets. I was going to use that set again, but do something different and before I got started, Stampin' Up! came out with this new wonderful Designer Series Paper called "Tall Tales" and then Denise Jorgensen shared this bag she made with it on one of the LNS groups. I now had a completely new vision in my head and had to change everything and get the new paper. I finally got it and finally got a chance to sit down and get serious and make it.

First, here is the bag by Denise that inspired me:

And now, the pail I made for Cole...

I love the way it came out and can't wait to send it to her, but first I need to finish one I am working on for her first son, Patrick. He is 3 y.o. now. I wasn't making these when he came along, so I am going to make him a small one with his favorite theme - trains. I am using the Choo Choo stamp set. I also wrote a new little poem (with the help of some stamping friends) since he is older, I decided he needed a different poem on his. I will post a picture of it when I finish it, which should be within the week - I hope!

New Marvy Uchida Metallic Pearls Ink Pad Giveaway

2009-08-29T02:18:00.000-07:00

Check out http://www.favecrafts.com/sweeps/Metallic-Pearl-Inkpads-Giveaway for a chance to win 3 NEW Metallic Pearls Ink Pads by Marvy Uchida. I haven't tried these yet, but hope to win some. I have other types of Marvy Uchida ink pads and like them, so I am sure these will be just as nice for something a little different. Good Luck!

MORE SUMMER FUN!

2009-08-03T23:03:00.000-07:00

From Aug. 1st - 31st, spend $35 on stamp sets from the Growing Up section of the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog (pages 74-90) and receive a FREE package of Designer buttons--a $7.95 value! Eligible buttons are: Playground Designer buttons (#116313), Sherbet Designer buttons (#116312) and Button Latte Designer buttons (#114333)

Purchase the brand-new Décor Elements Growth Chart(#117519, $24.95), only available August 1-September 30, and as an added bonus, receive a free applicator tool with your purchase (a $1.95 value).

40% OFF Summer Cook Out Kit

2009-08-03T22:45:00.000-07:00

Stampin' Up! is excited to announce that beginning August 1, the Country Living Summer Cookout Kit (#118070) is being offered at a 40% discount--making it just $14.95! And with plenty of summer left to celebrate, it's a great time to take advantage of this huge discount. The Summer Cookout Refill (#119193) is also still available at its regular price of $9.95.

This special offer only goes through August 31, or while supplies last, so contact me a.s.a.p.--and make your summer an occasion to celebrate!

Dream Garden and Razzle Dazzle

2009-08-03T22:20:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, I finally held my Open House. So, I thought I would share the make-n-take we did with you. I couldn't find my Ticket Corner punch, so my sample was not punched, but I asked one of friends/customers that was coming to bring hers and we were able to punch the corners for it. It definitely made a difference in the look. The punched corners give it a little more of an oriental flare, I think. The background for the stamped images is done with the "Polished Stone" technique, using Real Red, Rose Red, and Gold reinkers. I dabbed the paper twice to deepen the color as the alcohol does cause the colors to lighten. The stamp set used is "Dream Garden". This is my new favorite set.

For those that RSVP'd by a certain date, I promised a gift. So for that I made each person a pocket-size notebook decorated with the "Razzleberry Lemondade" DSP and the "Razzle Dazzle "stamp set. I also used the new "In Colors" that were in the DSP for the bound edge and the scalloped circle. This one is using "Rich Razzleberry". Love that color. They also received a small pen with their notebook.

FINAL DEAL OF THE WEEK

2009-07-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

Heart to Heart Punch

Original Price - $15.95; Sale Price - $10.99

(This offer is good until July 31st, 11:50 pm MT)

Who says February and Valentine’s Day are the only times to share love? Show your love ALL YEAR LONG for family and friends with this fabulous Deal of the Week. Paper punches are perfect for much more than paper crafting!

· How about using the hearts as bullet points in your journaling or list making for layouts?
· Create confetti or just sprinkle a trail down the hall to your child's bedroom.
· You could also place some punched hearts in the car seat of the driver or passenger. Add a note saying, "You've just been given a HEART ATTACK."
· Why not scatter punched hearts on the floor of the shower with the words, "You are showered with love."
· Add confetti hearts inside a lunch box for a fun, loving surprise to the recipient.
· Place a clear plastic bag of hearts inside the office mailbox of a coworker or on her desk to show your appreciation for their friendship or latest achievement.
· Use the heart pieces inside a shaker box for a card cover or layout.
· Make a "bag of hearts" to place in your own mailbox for your mail carrier.
· Deliver a heart treat to your favorite teacher when school starts! What a great way to thank a teacher from the past or to begin the school year on a positive note with a new teacher.
· Scatter hearts on your sweetheart's pillow to discover at bedtime!

There are ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES for these heart punches! Order yours before the deadline on July 31!

If you are interested in purchasing one of these punches, contact me asap, so that I can prepare an order to put in on the 31st.

2009-07-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

DEAL OF THE WEEK #4

112454 Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware:

Orig. Price - $29.95; Sale Price - $18.99

(This offer is good until July 27, 9:50 am MT)

DEAL OF THE WEEK #3

2009-07-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

I am not at my computer, so no logos and such this time.

Deal of the Week Special # 3 is ...

109112 Square Fire Rhinestones

Original Price - $10.95; Sale Price - $6.99

Deal of the Week #2

2009-07-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

Drum roll, please ...

July 6, 10 AM (MT) through July 13, 9:50 AM (MT)
113474 pg.194 Sizzix Big Shot Doctor's Bag
Original Price - $69.95

Sale Price - $49.99

This bag is sized to hold your Big Shot die-cut machine, cutting pads and dies for convenient storage and transportation. Call me now to order yours.

New Site Name and Purpose

2009-07-02T02:41:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that I am going to be turning this site into my Stampin' Up! Business Blog. I have created a new blog for personal stuff for family and friends to keep up with the goings-on in our household. Please visit it when you can http://dragonsndragonflies.blogspot.com - I should have more on it after this weekend.

Happy 4th to all!

Stampingly,
Cynthia Ferenz

STAMPIN' UP!'s SUMMER FUN SPECIALS

2009-07-02T00:57:00.000-07:00

Stampin' Up! has several GREAT specials going on this Summer.

First - Deal of the Week - from July 1st thru 31st they will offer an item for a special price - new one each Monday.

The first item offered from July 1st - 5th is the Scalloped Edge Punch (112091), original price -$15.95. Save 30% now and get it for $10.99.

Second - Sign-up to become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator from July 15th - Aug. 31st, with the limited-time $85 Mini Starter Kit. Contact me for details.

The Mini Starter Kit includes:

For All You do Stamp Set ($28.95)

All 6 new In Color Classic Stamp pads ($5.95 ea.)

Whisper White Card Stock ($7.50)

In Color Assorted Card Staock ($7.95)

All business supplies needed to get started (i.e. 8-new catalogs, 1-Definitely Decorative brochure, 8-Holiday minis (eff. 8/1), customer order forms and much more)

You can sign-up today thru my Demonstrator Business Website - Contact me for my password from my DBWS on sidebar.

or you can mail your Recruit Packet to them (must be in office by Aug. 31st). Contact me for a packet.

Third - Country Living Summer Cookout Kit

Order #118070 Country Living Summer Cookout Kit $24.95

This kit includes:
- 8 die-cut table tents (2 each of 4 colors)
- Die-cut components, bamboo skewers, and envelopes to create 8 shish kabob invitations
- 12 die-cut coasters (3 each of 4 colors)
- 16 die-cut tags (4 each of 4 colors)
- 24 12" x 12" printed food wrapper sheets (12 each of 2 colors)
- 4 printed recipe cards
- 5 yards linen thread
- Ruby Red Classic Stampin' Spot
- Night of Navy Classic Stampin' Spot
- Dig In stamp set (item number 116700)

Late Night Stampers Sample Makers Blog Addresses

2009-06-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

Gretchen Barron - http://gretchenbarron.typepad.com/
Barbara Dondero - http://barbsstampingspot.blogspot.com/
Tammy Fite - http://www.stampwithtammy.com/
Judy Jackson JudyStamper@verizon.net
Mary Brown - http://stampercamper.com/
Sarah Wills - http://sarahsinkspot.blogspot.com/
Selene Kempton - http://stampinfunwithselene.blogspot.com/
Virginia Killmore - http://virginias-website.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth Sloman - http://www.mamastamper.com/
Marisol Gutierrez - http://atouchofsol.blogspot.com/
Dawn Bullock - http://www.stampincreations.blogspot.com/
Sandi MacIver - http://www.sandimaciver.com/sandi_maciver/
Stephanie Sullins - http://owlwhimsy.blogspot.com/
Susan Shields - http://createdwithlovebysusan.blogspot.com/
Rebekah "Becky" Jensen - http://www.stampthat.com/
Heidi Michel - http://www.heartfeltblessings.blogspot.com
Barb Slaughter - blog in progress
Lisa Milliron - http://www.uniquedesignsbylisa.typepad.com/
Connie Babbert - http://inkspiredtre asures.com/
Nancy Dawson - http://creativewishes.blogspot.com/
Bethany Keeney - http://keeneyfarm.blogspot.com/
Kirsten Brown - http://imstampinsilly.blogspot.com/
Mary Jo Price-Williams - http://technostamper.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth Hurst - http://www.animalscraps.blogspot.com/

More Jeep troubles lead to a new car for George.

2009-06-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I never posted about the adventures behind George getting a new car. Jacob has his Jeep down in NC using it while George was in training and we were going to go get it back for him to take to his new duty station, Ft. Riley, KS. Unfortunately, when Jacob went home the last time he had visited it started acting up when he got within about an hr. from Ft. Bragg. (now keep in mind before he came home on that trip he had to get a new alternator and battery). Well, it started making some strange noises in the front wheel area and he stopped and called us....his dad just told him to drive slower and try to get back to the base and take it in the next day. Well, he made it to the base, but then it started having problems when he tried to back up. It took him a few days to get it to Sears and when he described the problem they said it was possibly transmission and to take it to elsewhere as they did not do that, so he took it to Aamco. Turned out the front wheel hub assembly was bad (lucky it didn't fall apart on him as it was broke). Thank goodness he had just gotten his bonus, so he had the money to get that repaired, BUT it would not be done in time for George to take it to KS. Well, we contemplated letting him take my Explorer and I would then get the Jeep later from Jacob to use until we could go visit him and swap. But he decided to go car shopping and found a great deal on a 2008 Ford Focus 4-dr. with all the bells and whistles on it. After some fanagling to get them to finance him (his credit is lousy), he was able to get a good deal and get the Focus. He closed the deal on Fri. and he picked it up on Sunday, packed up and left. He had to meet up with a friend, that was also going to Ft. Riley and they were following each other out there, so they met up at George's girlfriend, Lyssa's home in Philly on Sun. and left on Mon., 6/8 as they had to report on 6/9. The trip went well and they got there around 5pm on Tues. Here are some pictures of his new Focus (next to Harold's 2000 Focus). It worked out and now Jacob has the Jeep to use until he deploys the end of Aug./Sept. and they it will come here until George can either get it or decides to sell it.

George in his new car (2008 Ford Focus)

Jacob in the Jeep (5/25 - the day he went back and it started having the problems)

More Flowers Blooming

2009-06-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

More flowers in my garden are blooming, all this rain has really made a lot of my perrenials go to town this year. I've been amazed at how large they are this year and how many blooms I am getting. Now my little garden in the back is really, really in need of some serious weeding, but without Jacob here to help me anymore, it is getting harder and harder for me to do and I just simply haven't had the time and when I do I don't have the desire - its a vicious circle! Anyway, here are some pictures of my garden - the yellow and orange ones are my favorite, but I can't remember what they are called.

Red Hot Poker

The Red Hot Pokers are my favorite - I wished they bloomed for a longer period of time. I think the plants that are around the bird bath are my Black-eyed Lazy Susans...they started coming back last year after a year of no-show and Jacob and I transplanted them around the birdbath and they are making another appearance. They never bloomed last year, so hopefully they will this year and confirm that that is what they are.The pictures below are actually from the front yard.
These are some daisies on the right of the front porch steps, also lots of the spider grass there. I think some of the Gerber Daisies I planted behind the purple cone flowers are coming back up, but they aren't blooming yet. I may have to move them to in front of the cone flowers as they have gotten so large this year they are blocking the sunlight to everything else on the other side of them. Check the "My Flowers after the hail storm" post for a picture of the front garden area, these are in the bed below the orange lillies - they just weren't blooming yet.

Only one lonely red flower on my Canna Lillies so far, but once they start it isn't long before the are full of them. These are also on the right of the front porch along with the purple cone flowers.

These are my purple cone flowers(Echinacea). I just planted them last year and they only got maybe 1-1/2' tall last year, but are huge this year with lots and lots of buds - I am soooo happy! Now you have to realize the reason I am so happy is that I really do not have a green thumb - most things just die on me.

Now I know this isn't a flower and it wasn't taken today, but it was such a beautiful sunset on 6/9/09 with a partial rainbow (can you see it in the middle) that I just had to share it.

A Day with Good Friends and then A Day with Family

2009-06-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday was another busy day. Margarethe and I took a quick drive out to Dahlgren for our friend Anna's 50th Birthday BBQ Bash.

Margarethe & Anna

Anna & her grandson, Benjanin

Margarethe & Benjanin

We had to leave the party early as we had a previously planned dinner date with Mary and Gayle at Famous Dave's BBQ. Had a great time seeing them again. We rarely get the two of them available at the same time, due to travel. Gayle and Carl are usually away on pleasure on the weekends and Mary has been on a lot of business travel overseas here lately. Maragarethe has been on a lot of business travel as well, but hers is usually Mon. - Fri., so she is home on the weekends.

Jacob is home this weekend and until today, I really hadn't had a chance to see him. So today we (him, DH and I) went to the movies to see "UP! It was really good, we thoroughly enjoyed it. Then Jacob wanted to go to Sakura's Jap. Steakhouse for dinner (they went to Carlos O'Kelly's last night without me ;-( ), but since I love Sakura's too, I forgave them. Jacob will head back to NC tomorrow afternoon. He hasn't decided if he will come home for the 4th of July or stay in NC and go somewhere with friends down there.

Jewelry Class

2009-06-14T19:29:00.001-07:00

Friday was a busy day. We just had Verizon Fios hooked up last Sat. for our computer, phone, and TV, so I had to take the controllers and such back to Comcast and cancel our service with them, finally made it there on Thurs. and found out I had forgotten about the internet modem, so I had to take that back on Fri., got our closing bill amount and paid it off (less than the bill I had that was due, so that worked out great). I then had to pick a check up from Margarethe's house and deposit it for her Stampin' Up! order, buy the time I got that all done, there was no way I was going to make it up to Woodbridge (about 45min. away) for lunch, so I stopped and got a Slaw dog at a new little restaurant next to the new credit union branch, ate and then headed on up to meet with some of my Red Hat Scarlet Sophisticate girls for Canasta. Afterwards, some of us headed out to dinner at Moe's Southwestern Grill for dinner and then to Caleb's Lighthouse Bead Store for a jewelry Class. Below is the watch I made. We had a choice of this watch, a double strand bracelet or 1 of 2 single strand bracelets. We all made this watch, but we changed out the dull red beads they had given us for some shinier ones - since we are all about the shiny bling! Joanne decided to make the band of hers as a single strand using the Swarovski Crystals and the red hearts and silver spacers from one of the single strand bracelets. Wish I had gotten a picture of it as it came out really nice. (I will try to get one when she wears it and add it to this post)

My Flowers after the hail storm

2009-06-04T15:15:00.001-07:00

The last 2 nights we have had some really bad thunderstorms and lost power Tuesday night from about 10pm until about 4 am. Then last night some hail was thrown into the mix. Now I know it is not as large as some of you have seen, but we don't get hail very often here and this was the largest in quite some time. This first picture shows it coming down, you can see the impacts (especially on lower right of the pic).

This was not even one of the larger pieces that fell, plus it had melted a little by the time I got it.

My lillies were gorgeous and full when we returned on Mon. night, but now they are battered, they still look full, but close up you can see the damage to them from the hail. The big busy plant on the right is my Purple Cone flower. It is about to start blooming, luckily it was not damaged. We are suppose to get another storm tonight, hopefully it won't hail again.

This is Jacob's Tea Rose bush. It was loaded down with blooms and the hail and rain gave it a pretty good beatdown as well, but it still looks beautiful. I need to get out there and pull some more weeds...all this rain has helped them to go crazy.

This is not mine, it is actually over the fence in my neighbor, Alice's yard. I just thought it was sooo pretty that I had to take a picture of it to share.

More Flowers and Scenery

2009-06-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

On our way home we took the northern route thru Ohip, West VA, Penn., and Maryland. These were taken at the Youghiogheny Overlook Welcome Center in Maryland. I just had to share as it was sooo beautiful.

Youghiogheny Overlook

Azalea with bee

Not sure what type of flowering bush this is, but I thought the flowers were pretty. It was just covered with them.

Our Visit with Roxie, Ken & Jake

2009-06-03T23:02:00.000-07:00

We had a GREAT time visiting Roxie, Ken & Jake. It was wonderful having them come down for George's graduation and I was so glad we could take the time to go up and visit them some more after that.

They took us out sightseeing on Sunday. Our first stop was the Indianapolis Speedway and as a surprise - we got to take a guided bus ride around the track. We got lucky and caught the last bus, as they were taking all the busses off for the rest of the day for a fundraiser "Ride for Riley (Hospital)". 10,000 motorcyclists had signed up to take a ride around the track on their bikes, so we got to see that afterwards as the track goes around the musuem that we toured after our bus ride. Here are some pictures taken from the bus and then of the motorcycles.

The Speedway was the brainchild of Carl Fisher and with the help of several others he created it for auto companies to test their vehicles. It opened in 1909, but the first Indy 500 wasn't held until 1911. He owned it from 1909 until 1927, when he sold it to Captain Eddie Rickenbacker (WWI flying "ace" and had also been an Indy 500 driver). He owned it until 1945, after that I can't remember anything. I do remember that the track was originally dirt and gravel, but that it was so uneven that it was quickly redone with brick by the end of the year and thus obtained the name "The Brickyard".

That is Harold, Roxie, Jake and Ken walking up to the museum.

This is the only section of the original brick track left and is at the starting line.

Jake really enjoyed the bus ride.

The lead motorcycle is driven by the Govenor of Indiana. This one was taken with my regular lens...the one below was taken with my high power lens. I love my new camera.

This was my favorite vehicle - I just thought it was neat looking - and it was huge compared to the others. Roxie & Ken liked the name of it, of course (below). It was tested at Indy Brickyard in 1938 and then was driven by Ab Jenkins (also one of the designers) in 1940 on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah and set 49 world records for land speed and endurance, 12 of which still stand today.

After the Speedway, we headed downtown to see the sites and have some lunch at Jimmy John's - very good sandwiches.

This was a monument to all the Indiana Veterans from different wars. It was beautiful.

Then they took us to walk along the canal. It was beautiful. The first picture was heading the opposite direction from what we went and took you to the USS Indiana.

The first thing we saw was this painting under one of the walkways of the USS Indiana.

This is the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial along the walk.

This is the Indiana State Museum, which Harold, Roxie and Jake toured after the walk. I was sore from walking so I waited in the cafeteria and relaxed with a cool beverage. Ken had to go back along the walk as he had lost his glasses and was hoping they fell out of his pocket and he would find them. No luck.

This is looking back where we came from (see the Memorial on the right, the Museum is on the other side of the canal from where this was taken.

Just a little further and we rounded a corner to this view, we walked to the overpass and then to the right where we stopped in front of the Hall of Champions (Basketball) and the NCAA Headquarters.

This is where our walk ended and then we went back over the overpass picture in the pic before this and went to the museum.

Here is a mother duck and her little ducklings that were in this pond.

While we weren't sure what this was suppose to be, Jake and I just had to take a picture with it. The bench is between the pond and the NCAA Headquarters and the Hall of Champions.

I was very proud of myself for completing the walk, although we did not walk back, Harold and Ken went and got the car and picked Risa, Jake and I at the museum.

After we returned to the apartment, Ken, Jake and Harold went for a short walk along the trail that Ken walks on regularly (and loves to find snakes). They did not see any snakes this time, but a mother duck and her larger ducklings were there and Harold got this picture of them.

One last picture with Roxie and Jake before we left on Monday.