More Darin' To Get Dirty

Challenges on SCS - they have been SO fun! I can't believe tomorrow is the last day!!! I had to play serious catch up from out of town guests being here Fri-Sat for 24 hours so I stamped/uploaded for 11 hours yesterday! I am still behind...that's why I've neglected posting here too. I combined a lot of the challenges to knock more out & was really pleased with how some turned out! check out my gallery posts for details if you'd like: dbaker3 scs gallery

SpAzz GiRL is giving away her CHA goodies!!

Check it out here - how sweet is Simone?! You gotta check out all her awesome photos & reporting about products released at CHA recently. She's giving away 2 prizes. Just post what you are most excited about released at CHA & if you post a link to her blog post and let her know about it, you get 2 entries!! You have until Monday, July 30th at noon cst to enter!!

Joyful, Patient, Faithful

Here's my card for Sharon's (notimetostamp) challenge on SCS. For details, see my post here

Thinking Of You Today

Here's my card for today's Dirty Challenge posted by Beate for details, see this post

GIFTS – PART 1

I’ve been thinking a lot about gifts lately & wanted to share some experiences & thoughts on the subject.

I was recently blessed by one of my best friends for my birthday. Last month, Danielle met me for Sat. breakfast (so her DH could be with the kids: Abigail 4 years and Megan 5 months) and we shared for a few hours...it had been months since the 2 of us had time alone with her busy schedule and our recent move/vacation. In fact, the last time had been a few weeks before she gave birth (I treated her to a spa afternoon & lunch) which she thoroughly enjoyed and so did I. It seemed like no time had passed at all that Sat. morning but we sure had a lot to talk about! At one point she told me she intended to have a gift for me & thought about bringing me flowers but ran out of time and decided against it. Then she said something so special…she wanted to give me her time. Toward the end of our time together I was brought to tears thinking about our friendship, pur great times together, the heartfelt hugs & really meaning it when we say, "I LOVE YOU"

Our friendship has grown since we met when Abigail was 8 months old at a Stampin' Up! workshop. I was the demo & she attended it, trying to tend to her nursing baby while soaking it all in. She threw so many red flags & decided to take the leap as a demo 2 months later. We went to convention together that year & had a blast! We were used to getting together at least several times a month, most times on her way home from work to share exciting projects, ideas & a meal. We always have a lot to talk about and it goes way past stamping. Since that day in January we met, both of our Stampin’ Up! experiences have changed & expressed our uncertainties about how much longer we will hang on. I assured her she would not hurt my feelings if she got out because I know she needs to do what is right for her & her family. I know one thing about our friendship - it’s more than just friends…it’s a sisterhood. Danielle never had a sister growing up & I remember one time we shared about that and she told me I was like the sister she never grew up with. I feel the same way because I care for & love her like a sister. We have a few other things in common too, we’re both transplants from CA (Bay Area -even went to the same college but not at the same time) and both love Filipino food!

How special is the gift of time when it is the most valuable commodity? I've learned over the years how quickly it can be lost or the ramifications if you do not 'carpe diem' (seize the day) or not cherish it when someone is here one minute & gone the next. I think the gift of time is the most practical gift and should be appreciated & highly regarded. I know with Danielle her time is scarce, being a working mom & wife.

Last weekend, John and I watched Abigail & Megan so her & her husband could go on a date (it would be their first time since Megan arrived). We all ate lunch together & we got quick instructions & they were off to see Harry Potter (we all love HP & she brought the books for me to start reading). We enjoyed our time with the girls - they were so good. When they got back we all just chilled & talked more - then we got the sweetest email from her on her way home: "Kimo, Abigail, Megan & I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for your generosity today. The gift of your time spent with us is very appreciated. We are very honored and touched by your kindness. But most of all very blessed to have such special friends like you in our lives."

It was my turn to return the gift of time to her. Although our time together is always precious, it means more now to me than ever. Danielle - I love you dearly & cherish our friendship.

Darin' to be Dirty!

SCS is having a week-long special "THANK YOU" event for all Fan Club Members, which I am a proud member. Here are the 2 cards I made for 4 challenges posted today. In my first card, I used Baroque Motifs for StamperSharon's challenge. I really like how it turned out...the Dazzling Diamonds on the scallop oval really take on an opalescent hue (did I spell that right?)

My next card combined 3 of the challenges! First time using MFT set Let's Go For a Walk

Turquoise Gift Set

This gift was made for my best friend Lori. She & her husband Dan came for dinner last night & I gave it to her, she really liked it! This was my first attempt at Beate's One Sheet Box Template I love how it turned out!

Sets: Baroque Motifs, Sincere Salutations

Inks: Soft Sky, Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi, Tempting Turquoise

Cardstock: Confetti White, Soft Sky, Groovy Guava, Tempting Turquoise, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: White Grosgrain ribbon colored with Flesh Copic Marker, Circle Punch, Chocolate Brad

Here's Wishing a Day...

"Filled with Blessings to you" (on the inside) with a die cut flower. I made this set of earrings & matching necklace to send to my oldest sister, Val. She told me she likes brown & blue together, so I thought this would be perfect. I just thought of the little card to present them in the baggie, but have to work on stamping it next time. I really need to get it in the mail because her birthday was last Wednesday. She likes chocolate cake - so of course the lady is carrying one (yum).

Sets: You Take the Cake set by MFT, Linen BG by SU!
Inks: Palette Noir Black, Groovy Guava, Not Quite Navy, Sky Blue
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific White, Groovy Guava, Not Quite Navy, Sky Blue, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Copic Markers, aquapainter, bling sequins from Dollar Tree, Ticket Punch, Ribbon from Jacksonbelle Embellishments

Beaded Bookmark

I made this bookmark for myself last month - everyone who reads deserves to have a pretty bookmark instead of a receipt, post-it note, etc (unless that's what they really like). So I decided to make myself one. I like it - I never had posted it before because I kept forgetting about it until I saw Taylor's Post about What is This today? Seems like 5 of them made it into her bag anonymously & she was not sure what it was for...so this is a visual for her. What do you think?? I think I'm going to make some as gifts for Christmas or try to sell some.

Girlie Giveaway!!

Say it With Letters is giving away an awesome blog candy! Check it out & enter (today's the last day)

Rockin' Girl Blogger Nomination!

Charmaine (Charmwarm) nominated me as a Rockin' Girl Blogger today! Thanks for the compliment! Now I need to find 5 others to nominate so I looked through my google reader to see if they've been nominated yet.

Here they are!!

Stampanna - Eat, Sleep & Stamp is there anything more? Anna's got the right idea! She has some great samples out there & I got a few of her ATC Swaps lately that I love!

The Crafting Conservative - Christy. I just discovered her great blog the other day from a post about Bubba's Banana Bread - she seems to be so sweet, look at the pic of her kids at the zoo the other day!! Too cute

Montana Stamper - Terry K. We were assigned as 'roomies' last year with VC Rocks (Yahoo Group for SU! non-convention goers) and have kept in touch for over a year & have not met yet (but I'm pretty sure we will someday!) We have SO much in common, it's funny! She and her husband moved from TX to MT and she has 2 cats (just like me). She is sweet, a great stamper and I helped her set up her blog a few weeks ago. Go check it out!

Silver Stamping - Lisa Silver. I believe I discovered Lisa's blog from Allison (you know she ALWAYS finds new bloggers and posts their blogs on hers-almost daily) I've found a lot of great ones that way, Thanks Allison!

Stamped in His Image - Julie Campbell. She has awesome talent and very open with her faith as evidenced in her blog title (check her out)!

Wedding Cards (Cherish & Happiness Always)

I love Baroque Motifs...how special is this set for a wedding card? Usually we don't know many people getting married but happen to have 2 second cousins getting married a week apart - one in CA and the other in TX. We can't make it to either wedding (and haven't met either of the brides). Here are the cards I made for them to go along with gift cards so they can do their own shopping. I love how the Silver Embossing powder looks with the swirl. I did this on Shimmery White cardstock too but you probably can't tell. I used the bravo burgundy marker with the color spritzer tool to tie in that color more.

Of course I haven't stopped using my Roses in Winter set that's retired. It's such a GO TO set! I love the softness of the Pretty in Pink & Regal Rose. Pretty in Pink marker used with color spritzer tool for the background and floral bg stamp used on bottom of card.

Rich People vs Poor People

I read this great story the other day and wanted to share. Most people think that only if they had more $ they would be happy. Money can’t buy happiness nor is it the be all to end all (loneliness, depression, suffering). In fact, there are many stories of lottery winners who ended up dead or in worse shape after their winnings than before and not happier. IMO I think money is just a tool - and as a Christian give my first fruits to God so He is equipped to provide all my needs according to His riches in glory (Phil 4:19) and in this area only we've been given permission to test God (Malachai 3:10) and He always comes through! I've seen God provide above & beyond what we could ask or think on more than one occasion and have seen him work through other people to bless me; not only monetarily but with the most precious gift of all - their friendship and their time (story to follow soon on that). In the end - people are what matter because we can't take anything tangible with us when we die...but we take our memories and leave them behind.


The Difference Between Rich/Poor People?


One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family. On their return from their trip, the father asked his son,

"How was the trip?"

"It was great, Dad."

"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.

"Oh yeah," said the son.

"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

The son answered: "I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."

The boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."


Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have. Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!

My first Clippie!

Now I know why all you out there LOVE making these! It was so simple & FUN! I used my flower die cut with my CB & covered with Au Chocolate DP. The center brad is from Queen & Company (brown flower) and I added a sparkle for the center! Going to send to a sweet friend this week along with some other goodies I made.

Enjoy bath set

I sent this to my SCS Secret Sister in my reveal package to her along with some other goodies, a lot handmade. I can't wait for her to get it as Sunday is her birthday!! I intended for her to get it BEFORE but that didn't happen. She may get it on Monday, but I'm sure she'll be o.k. with it. I made the bathsalts (orange, lavender & ylang ylang scents) and covered the front of the baggie with Baroque Motifs. She loves purple so I figured this would be just right. I gor the striped purple ribbon from winning Angie Juda's Blog Candy . Thanks Angie! Isn't it perfect?! I used my Copics to color my MFT stamp image.

Special Thanks - Earrings

This is a little thank you card/gift I made for a friend at work. She blessed me with a pretty pair of silver/purple bead earrings for my birthday. She's been so interested in my card/jewelry making ever since I've known her so I kind of snuck in some questions about earring so I could figure out what I could make her. She has short grey hair & she said she doesn't care too much for long earrings, so I made these small dangle earrings. She loved the card too. I'm too tired to go into detail with what I used, so if you must know...email me. I'll tell you the cute vase of flowers is MFT.

RBRAK from Stefanie

Look at this pretty BRAK I received from Stefanie !! earlier this week! It's not as pretty as her, though! *smile* I sent Stefanie a BRAK for her birthday so I guess this is a RBRAK! I think she used True Thyme & River Rock c/s - it is so nice! I really like that hostess set. Go check out her blog - she has some great stuff there!!!! Thanks, Stefanie~~~

Betty O. tagged me

I've been Tagged by Betty O.!!!

I've been tagged by Betty O. at Creating my Memories. I’m supposed to tell y'all 7 things about myself that I don’t think you know.

Here are the rules Betty posted...but since I don't always play by the rules & this tagging thing has been going around a long time - I bet a lot of people have already been tagged. A lot of people say if they see your tag & want to play - just do it (like Nike)

* I must post 7 random things about me
* Tag 7 other bloggers to do the same (but I decided not to because it’s going to be hard finding someone’s who’s not been tagged!)
* Post rules and the bloggers I tagged here.
* Leave tagged bloggers comments on their site so they know they've been tagged.

1. My favorite candy is Bit ‘O Honey and I can only find it at Dollar Tree (not all of them) and the bar at Spec's (discovered last weekend)
2. I’d like to visit Hawaii on vacation someday although I know DH is not crazy about the idea
3. I love it when my baby Elsie snuggles up next to me during the night (she’s my cat)
4. I love all the “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” books!!
5. I’d love to adopt or foster a child someday
6. I don’t care for giving/receiving gifts just because it’s a holiday (ie Christmas) and that’s what you’re supposed to do. I’d rather give a ‘just because’ gift at a random time to make the person feel more special.
7. I don’t like talking the minute I get home from work…I like a little quiet time (unwinding from doing stuff for others all day because I HAVE to)

Kraftin' Kimmie's High Hopes Announcement/Contest!!

Kraftin' Kimmie is showcasing some new stamps from High Hopes Rubber Stamps & they are giving away some stamps! All you have to do is make a card using the sketch of her card (click on the link to her name) and go to their website & post a link to your card, telling her what are your favorite high hopes stamps! Easy Peasy! This was fun, because I needed to make a card for my friend Danielle's daughter Abigail who is turning 4 on Thursday. I am enclosing the picture of the 2 of us taken back in March (since it was prior to Easter, I gave her the bunny ears in a matching basket with candy in it). She looks so cute, huh? So here's the card based on Kimmie's sketch.

Featured Stamper 22 - Charmwarm

How fun that Charmaine is the FS22 on SCS today!! How lucky am I that on Friday I got a RAK from her for our anniversary! That was SO sweet of her and what a great card too! Thanks, Charmaine!! Hers is on the left (click the link on hers for details on the cc) and my CASE is on the right. I changed up colors to match my My Mind's Eye Magnolia paper. Soft Sky, Rose Red, Sage Shadow. Also used Mixed Bouquet & Friend to Friend sets (I know, retired...but I don't care, I love 'em!) I colored my white grosgrain with my Copic Cool Shadow marker (matches soft sky) thanks to Trudee's tip! Thanks, Trudee!

Tami's Travel Snacks!!

Tami is in the process of moving & clearing out stuff to give away - for every 10 comments she will add something to the pile, so go post something there! There's going to be 2 travel snacks - a scrapbook & stamp one & she's adding chocolate to it!! Who can resist?! Tami just wants to know, "What do you like when you are creating? Absolute quiet, the tv going (with what show/movie), music blaring (what music)? To be eligible you MUST answer this question" How easy is that?!

Want to win a Cool Ribbon Holder?

Check out Creative Expressions by Stephanie she is giving away a cool ribbon holder her DH makes for her Birthday on July 7th! Just post on her entry & a name will be drawn on Sunday. While you're there - check out some of her creative expressions - neat stuff!!

What Kind of Ice Cream Are You!?

Here's another fun one with it being SUMMER! WHO in the world DOES not like ice cream? I happen to LOVE ice cream! I could eat it every day, but I shouldn't so I don't. It's a treat for year-round, even in the cold of winter for me!! I do not like to deprive myself of the best either! I love trying new flavors! I love going to old time ice cream fountain type places and have french fries with my sundae (did that in CA in May, I'll have to post a few pictures, it was my niece's first time having a taste of the cool sensation and she liked it!).

My mom craved & indulged in ice cream EVERY DAY when she was pregnant with me, so there's no SURPRISE I LOVE it! What is a surprise, though is that the only ice cream I couldn't stand to eat growing up was Black Cherry - THAT'S WHAT SHE ATE EVERYDAY!! LOL Also my dad LOVED ice cream & would like to have a bowl every night (why I couldn't have more of his genes I do not know as he was pretty slim). I think my all-time favorite ice creams are: Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk, Creamy Creations All Intense Chocolate, Blue Bell Java Chip, and most recently Creamy Creations Pecan Pie! YUM-O!!

You Are A Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Girl

Creative. Expressive. Unique.

What Flavor Ice Cream Girl Are You?

Infuse by Basic Grey!

I'm SO excited about INFUSE coming out! I got mine at EPaperie and I can't wait to get it! Well, Emily on SCS posted Color Challenge 121 with 3 colors inspired by the paper: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive. I combined that with sketch challege 131 for this card. Not crazy about my watercoloring job with the bleeding though. Oh well.

Stamps: Artfully Asian, Baroque Motifs, A*Muse bird

Cardstock: Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Basic Grey Blush DP

Inks: Pretty in Pink, Old Olive
Accessories: reinkers, aquapainter, copic markers, light pink, chocolate, spring moss grosgrain ribbons, horizontal punch

Pretty Flowers in Vase

This is for Julee's Round 4 Bingo fun (even though I think someone's already won) I had fun with this card!

Stamps: My Favorite Things, Papertray sentiment, Paisley BG
Cardstock: Soft Sky, Sage Shadow, Purely Pomegranate, MME Magnolia DP
Inks: Soft Sky, Palette Noir Black
Accessories: Circle punches, scallop scissors, crafter's tool kit, copic markers, pink gingham

Pretty Flowers

I love the variety in Papertrey's Green Thumb set This is the first time I inked it up for Julee's Beach Blogger Bingo contest I haven't posted any cards in a few days, I feel bad. I was able to get one done this evening, it was fashioned after her Sunday card.

Sets: Papertrey Ink Green Thumb
Inks: Apricot Appeal, Groovy Guava, River Rock, Perfect Plum, Blue Bayou

Cardstock: Apricot Appeal, Groovy Guava, River Rock, Blue Bayou, DP by My Mind's Eye

Accessories: white grosgrain ribbon, colored with copic marker (Green Gray), Ice square rhinestone brads, oval punches, circle, scallop circle by Marvy purchased by Papertrey, sponges

What Kind of Coffee Girl Are You?

It's been a while since I've done one of these fun blog things and since I've been playing with my MFT Hot Stuff set lately and I LOVE Coffee, here's a fun one!!!

You Are a Cappuccino

You're fun, outgoing, and you love to try anything new. However, you tend to have strong opinions on what you like. You are a total girly girly at heart - and prefer your coffee with good conversation. You're the type that seems complex to outsiders, but in reality, you are easy to please

What Kind of Coffee Girl Are You?

No Bones About It

You're Doggone Wonderful (that's what it says on the inside of this card I just made). How fun is this cute little dog from My Favorite Things?? Since I hung out with Jeanne yesterday, she let me stamp some images I don't have, so I have lots to play with before I get my new SU! stuff!!

Cardstock: Georgia Pacific white, River Rock, Wild Wasabi, MME Wild Asparagus
Inks: Pallette Noir Black, River Rock
Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Copic Markers

Stampin' Up! New Catalog Debut!

If you have not received or ordered a new 2007 Fall/Winter Catalog from me but would like to peruse the pages, it's available on-line just click above for the active link. Let me know if you'd like a hard copy, I have a limited amount available but we can always purchase one when you place an order.

Along with the stamps sets available right now, is a Dormant List of stamps sets available for purchase that are current but not featured in the Fall/Winter catalog.

Happy Stamping!!