Some Favorites

So I can't get into my stamping room since it is a bedroom for the week. I decided to look back through some of my cards and pick out some favorites.



This uses a stamp from the It's A Thought set, a hostess set from the summer mini-catalog. I love how it goes with the Tart and Tangy cherries that I stamped with Versamark on the background piece. The colors are Cherry Cobbler (of course) and Early Espresso. It would also be cute with the Tart and Tangy cherries stamped on the front.



I want to try this card in other color combinations. It is so quick to make and so versatile. I can add a sentiment if I want or just write a note. This one is in Cajun Craze and Marina Mist with Greenhouse Gala DSP. The hearts are made with the Heart to Heart punch.




This is my 'take' on the pinwheel design. I used the Scallop Corner punch and the 1 1/4 inch square punch. This one uses the retired Bella Bleu DSP but I am looking forward to using some of the new like Lap of Luxury.



This is one of many Greenhouse Garden cards I have made. This two step set is so easy to use. No matter which way you turn the second stamp it seems to work with the base (hard to screw up - and I like that!). This was made with some of the retired colors but I will be trying it with Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait and Daffodil Delight. I have lots of the IN color ribbon to use on it too.




A bridal shower card that I made for DD#1. This set, Blissful Bride, is in the summer mini-catalog and is only available through August 31 - so if you like it, order it soon! This card was made using Ballet Blue and So Saffron. The Ballet Blue is retired but there are still some beautiful blues that could be used like Marina Mist.



This one also uses the Blissful Bride stamp set and was also for DD#1. I used the Pinking Heart Border punch. The Bride foiled paper is retired also but the new Presto Paper will make some cute accents. Another option for the accent would be some paper spritzed with the vanilla smooch. I think I will have to try that!



Another favorite set of mine is the Sweet Scoops which also is only available until August 31. This card is simple and quick but I love how it turned out. The scallop circle was cut using a Big Shot and although that specific DSP is retired (Razzleberry Lemonade) but there are lots of new DSP designs that will be just as much fun! For starters, Blueberry Crisp is very similar to Razzleberry Lemonade - just different colors. DSP can be purchased in all the color collections so you can have some in any color you like.
Boy - I can't wait to get into my craft room again but an enjoying the visitors. DD#1 and SIL added to their family yesterday. Meet Nigel.



Nigel is a 7 week old kitten. Here DD#2 and DH's nephew are getting acquainted with him.

More fun with the kids

Took the kids to the Science Center today. Here they are with the dinosaurs



Playing with the marbles. We had races.



DD#2 built an arch :-)



DD#1 and DH's niece playing in the water.



DH's nephew playing with the train set - his favorite thing. (We have some of these at home)

July Winner

The winning customer for July is Jill W. She wins the roll of pink gingham ribbon. Anyone placing an order through me in July was eligible to win.

The August thank you prize is the retired stamp set, Holiday Best. Anyone placing an order through me in August will be entered in the drawing. This includes club members' orders but does not include shares in swaps. (I have a drawing for prizes every six months for the swaps. Each share is a chance to win one of several prizes).

I just couldn't do it!

So my craft room is a guest room this week and I have had to control my urge to go in and stamp. Everyone was gone for a couple hours this morning so I ventured in and played a little - ooohhhh it felt good!

I just got the Elements of Style stamp set and have been wanting to use some of the IN color ribbons so what better way than combining them. I also had the water color paper on hand and had not opened it up yet - so a triple play! I used the Regal Rose and Pear Pizzazz markers for the watercolor. I took the marker and scribbled on the plastic case for the stamp set - then took my blender pen and picked up some ink. Worked really well.
Card stock: Regal Rose, Pear Pizzazz and Blushing Bride
Ink: Basic Gray, Regal Rose marker and Pear Pizzazz marker
Ribbon: Pear Pizzazz 1/2 inch poly stitched ribbon (love that stuff)


While I had the room to myself I also tried this new technique - plaid silhouettes. I'll be highlighting this on Technique Tuesday soon!
The colors are Bashful Blue, Regal Rose and Wild Wasabi. I also used a new 'technique' for piercing the holes for the brads - perfectly symmetrical. I have lots to show my customers!

Withdrawal from Stamping

Two days with no stamping - it's been tough! I got a big box of new stamp sets and products on Friday and have not had time to even put the stamps together.

I did take a little time yesterday and let DH's 4 year old nephew make a little scrapbook to put in some pictures from their visit. He had a great time but after he was done we had to sort all the pre-cut flowers, stars and hearts again (he loved mixing them all together).

And it isn't that I don't have the time so much as I don't have the opportunity since he is into everything. If I got out the inks, he would be right there trying to help. I have some crafty things for him to try. We'll see how those go and then maybe play with some stamps too.

But even though I have not been stamping - I am still working on SU projects. I have gathered a few ideas for Halloween treats and also have been putting together my pre-order for the Holiday mini catalog. Can't wait to try some of the new products and new Big Shot items! I'm already thinking of things to do at the September Club meeting and planning a card for a swap in later August (will have to get my order in soon so I can get those done and mailed!)

Well - back to Tom and Jerry classics! We have watched that DVD at least 4 times along with Toy Story 2. We plan to go see Toy Story 3 this evening - can't wait!

Wedding Recipes

Several people have requested these recipes from DD#1's wedding reception. They are easy - easy!

Italian Cream Cheese
1 brick cream cheese (low fat works fine)
1 package Good Seasons salad dressing mix (dry)

Pour dry salad dressing mix onto a plate and spread it out in a thin layer. Unwrap the cream cheese and roll it in the dressing mix covered completely with the mix.
Place on a clean plate and serve with crackers.


Blueberry Punch (makes 1/2 gallon)

1 envelope of Kool-Aid - Berry Blue
1/2 c sugar
6 oz can frozen lemonade concentrate
Water
Vanilla ice cream

Mix the Kool-Aid, sugar and lemonade concentrate in a 2 quart pitcher. Add water to make 2 quarts. Pour into punch bowl. Add scoops of ice cream if desired.

The original recipe was one my Aunt Betty sent in for DD#1's cookbook. It used raspberry kool-aid and orange juice concentrate. We wanted blue punch for the wedding so we tried

Fun in the Park

Not much stamping going on here this week. We are babysitting for Tom's niece and nephew and the craft room is a bedroom for DD#1 and hubby. BUT - I will have some cute scrapbook pages to put together when I can use the room again.

We took Eli and Alyssa to the park today. What a fun time!


They each took a turn 'driving' the train.


Neither one could see out the front so glad it didn't go any where.



The swaying bridge was popular.....



with young and old :-)




What a colorful slide.


Tom helped Alyssa try the slide but....


she preferred going down with Bekah.



Oops! None of us were within the age range. Oh well.....



We walked around the lake and back to the mini-zoo. There were goats...



and more goats.



An ostrich (big bird according to Eli)



and a turkey (another big bird)



and some sheep sleeping in the shade of the feeding trough.



Oops! There is a goat in the trough!