Another Paper Pretties sneak peek-Happy 4th of July!!

Can you believe this Friday is the 4th of July? Where has this year gone?? I grabbed a few $1 items from Target to send to my niece and packaged it up in this tin tie bag from Papermart. It was perfect to go with the soon to be released Paper Pretties set Soaking Up the Sun!

Inside there are adorable red white & blue striped flip flops and a red visor with a blue & white star on it. Sorry I didn't take a picture - I almost forgot I needed to make it so I can mail it off so she can have it by the weekend! The stars wheel is by SU! and star brads by Paper Studio, I got at Hobby Lobby.

STAMPIN' IN YOUR JAMMIES
Don't forget tomorrow night 7:00 p.m. CST we are having a stamping party in the Paper Pretties forum, there will be prizes & fun challenges hosted by Charmaine!

CUTIE PIE CONTEST
It's not too late to enter the Cutie Pie Contest!! If you win, you will get all the sets from this release for FREE?! Who doesn't love FREE stamps? Well, there is a catch, you have to kind of work for it by making a card. But that's not too hard, huh??
You have until 7:00 p.m. CST tonight to email your card using Paper Pretties stamps to Christie at christie@paperpretties.net

BUNNY SLIPPERS
Have you seen the cute Sophia in her bunny slippers (I so need that one). Well today is the last day to sign up for the Stamp of the Month so you can get it the month before it's released to the public. Check out samples using Sophia at the design team's blogs on the right of my page. Sign up at Paper Pretties and say you were referred by me *smile*

Edited to Add:
Thank you to everyone who congratulated me on my pretties design team news! You are all my cheerleaders and I appreciate your support & encouragement. Y'all are one of the many reasons I do what I do!

New Paper Pretties & Exciting NEWS

It's OFFICIAL!!! My hard-earned goal of being on a design team this year has come true!

I am so excited to introduce myself as one of the Prettie Girls Guest Designers for July-September! I can't tell you how thrilled I was to get an email last week from my blog buddy Jessie - Can You Say????....Addicted (to stamps)!!!! asking me if I was interested. I should have said, hell0000???? what??? are you kidding???? Of course! but what I said intead was, "ARE YOU SERIOUS?! I would LOVE the opportunity! That's fantastic"

I am bummed I never alloted any of my money to buy any Paper Pretties stamps because they really are so fun (you know I LOVE to color) and of course that's going to change in the near future. I think I need to get a 3rd job now...

Here is a sneak of a new set called Soaking Up The Sun that will be released July 1st. Isn't Sophia & her dog so cute laying in the sun on the big lounge chair? I paper toled the palm tree and for the 'sand' I made faux suede. To do that, you rub your bone folder on a piece of SU! cardstock until it begins to soften. When it is ready, you can pull the 2 layers away from one another.

This set takes me back to a time {was just talking to my co-workers about this last week} when I laid in the lounge chair in my backyard during the summer to get a tan and used baby oil to get darker & spritzed peroxide in my hair instead of buying sun-in for highlights!! Both totally not recommended...my hair turned orange and to think of all the UV ray damage from no sunscreen protection. Living in Central TX, my time in the sun is very limited because I can barely stand it for long periods of time - too hot & humid.

Stuff to Come:

Paper Pretties next release is this Tuesday July 1st at 7pm CST. This will be my first time Stamping in My Jammies (which I change into the MINUTE I get home from work). It will be in the Paper Pretties forum. If you are not registered yet, what are you waiting for? Charmaine will be hosting our challenges and you will love what she has cooked up for us!

Cutie Pie Contest!!
How would you like to be Paper Pretties Cutie Pie? All you have to do is make a card using your Paper Pretties stamps and send it to Christie at christie@paperpretties.net, and she will chose a winner from the entries. Besides getting to call yourself a Cutie Pie, you will also get all the stamps from this release for free!! You have until June 30th at 8pmCST to get your entries in!! Good luck!!

TECC22-How much is that cupcake in the window??

Here is my card for Taylor's Friday Cupcake Challenge 22. I love the awning look of her sample card, so I decided to try mine with using my scor-pal in a different way. I used What's Up Cupcake set by My Favorite Things and sponged in an oval underneath to make it look like the cupcakes are on a table, hmmmm...wasn't so sure of that idea at the end but it was too late to turn back now. So here it is anyway! Those pink cherries on the cupcakes are Kissy Fit sprinkle brads and there is stardust stickles for frosting.

2 Sketches 4 You {Happy Life}

Have you seen the new sketch blog 2 Sketches 4 You? They post a sketch challenge each Monday and have great prizes from sponsors to give away. Here is the card I came up with for Kazan's sketch 3. They also have unique uploading of their sketches. Check them out.

I used sponge daubers for the polka dots on the panel and the sentiment is from Papertrey's Little Lady set. Pretty simple but I like simple sometimes.

RAKS

Sharing these RAKS are long overdue & very much appreciated!!! I got this cute card from Julie Pardoe (jpardoe on SCS) for the weekly RAK challenge #110 "favorite teachers, professors and schools. Here is my challenge to you, think back to a favorite teacher and use his/her name to find someone to send a RAK to. You could also use your favorite school name, college, or favorite grade." So her favoite teacher was Mr. Breuker. These challenges are fun, I haven't participated in a while so I need to again.

From Linsey (Outside the Lines with Linsey) I got a little box of goodies (it wasn't ALL for me) She sent a sweet little gift for my new nephew Joseph - a onesie & teether and this treasure tin for my niece Gabby. I can't wait to send to them...I am about to send a pkg to her soon. She LOVES receiving stuff in the mail already at 2! I sent her 2 pictures from our trip with her, me & her Nino John. Remember this card I made to send her? Well my sister said she really did give herself a squeeze after getting the card and proceeded to walk away with the pictures and would not give them to her mommy to put in her photo album. She was carrying them around the house with her. I know she misses us.

Anyway this tin is precious, Linsey! I know she will adore it! Now she will have 3 of them! I bet she will LOVE the little princess rings and pearl bracelet. She's all about the jewelry you know. I hope that never changes!

Of all the tins I've made...and none for myself...well Linsey saw fit to change that (still helping me celebrate my birthday) - she made me one too! And she put the sweetest anklet in it too (did you make it, girl?) I love the colors and have worn it several times this week already.

To top it all off - she sent me this yummy ice cream card using MFT Here's the Scoop (I still have yet to get that set inky, it's in my plans this weekend for sure) and she put a gift card for Cold Stone Creamery! How awesome is that?!?! WOWZA, thank you SO much!!! I LOVE their ice cream! Maybe DH and I will go this weekend for the treat.

Hope y'all have a great weekend - I am off in about an hour to my upline's house for an e-scape event just for demos (it's so nice just to stamp & not organize it or have to do anything). I'll be back later with some stuff I've made.

Gentler Times

Recently I saw someone post a few cards using this very retired stamp set and it made me long a little for it (sorry I can't remember who it was & didn't star their posts). I got Papertrey Ink Summer Sunrise & Lemon Tart a few weeks back (they are such nice yellows) so I decided to make a monochromatic card and not color the flowers *GASP* what? me not color? I know...but I was real pleased with allowing the sponging & embellishments make the flowers stand out. What do you think? My DH said I should have put just a little purple on the flowers? really? there's no purple anywhere on the card, he said oh the flowers look purple to me. Verdict? Bad (NO) lighting in the stamp room! Ugh...it's so frustrating. I do have an OTT light directly on my desk but no real good lights anywhere else in the room.

I used page plans sketch #10 FANTABULOUS! for my layout. I LOVE me a sketch challenge! I also used Gina K Designs Comfort & Peace for the sentiment.

Edited to Add:

I was just announced last week's card LO winner for this card on the Page Plans Blog! Neat, huh??

Tart & Tangy Hostess Gift

Here is the gift I presented to my hostess at her workshop this past Sat. Everyone liked it (especially Hannah) we all got a giggle when I gave it to her & mentioned I put it in a 'coffee bag' but did not decorate it since I believe in recycling & figured she could re-use it. There was a lot of chatter (excitement) and since she was sitting at the table far away, only heard 'coffee' and thought that's what her gift was. She said she had just made a pot so she was going to leave it in the kitchen - she was smelling the coffee still on her hands. HA HA (I asked her permission to call her out) it really was cute.

I got the idea for the water bottle drink from Nancy at iSTAMP - she always had fabulous ideas (and orange slices candy pouch from Lorri Heiling also on her blog). I decorated the small notebook from the $ store and notes was stamped using the rough edges alpha. I wanted to show all the different things you can making using the Summer Picnic DP (it's one of my favorite by SU!) and show off all the cute fruits in this set (both of which are only available through next Tuesday!)

Feline Sisters

Sometimes you just never know how a moment in time will affect your life on a daily basis. Two times it happened (within 6 months of each other). The first was after a Pampered Chef kitchen show (November 2000) and a kitten walked up to our doorstep. She had no collar and was about 3 months old. We welcomed her into our home (we had 2 dogs already) and never let her go after she hung around for a few days & realized she needed us. We named her Chica (she is an american shorthair - the one on the left).

The second time, May 5, 2001 a little black & white kitten no more than 8 weeks old ran across 4 lanes of traffic & we rescued her from a certain death from the cylinder between 2 tires of a van (these are the short versions). We almost didn't keep her but couldn't bear thinking of her untimely fate if she was not adopted from the shelter we gave her to. We ended up adopting her and named her Elsie (my mistake thinking the Borden cow was black & white, she is brown & tan).

These 2 cats did NOT like one another at first...and with 2 large dogs it was a rough few days acclimating them to the new arragangement. All these years later (short one dog who ran away from home one night) we can't imagine life without them. Elsie is forever at my side and Chica well she loves you when you have food. But you'd never know looking at the picture above they didn't get along at first.

I was delighted to see Melanie made 2 cats leaning on one another in her Cuddles and Hugs set by Gina K Designs. I was so excited to color them like my fur babies! I will be sending this card to someone special who loves cats. I used the SCS sketch challenge (SC181) from last week as well as the color combo (CC171 Kraft, Soft Sky & Basic Black); they were perfect for a simple card with a simple message - but will make a grand statement to this cat lover!

New Doodlefactory Stamps/Blog Candy

Did you see there are new Doodlefactory Stamps called Tropics & Sentiments too, they are hilarious! You can get them at Starving Artist Stamps or try winning them for free here!!

Good Luck!

Never be the first...

...to let go of a hug. Hugs are powerful; they hold so much meaning, they break down barriers, are healing. You can use a hug to say I'm thinking of you, I'm sad you're hurting, I'm sorry, I miss you, I value your friendship, I love you.

I'm not sure how long ago or where I first saw that quote but when I did, it made me think so much about the meaning of hugs. I often think about this quote when I hug someone, but only truly apply it when the other person knows about it as well (like in my DH's case...but usually I'm the first to let go not because I don't love him, but because I'm usually in the midst of some project) and he's trying to make me slow down. I remember growing up and always hugging my dad because we were so close, and when he died I started to hug my mom more but she wasn't all that big on affection. I think by the time she died, I changed that a little because she got used to it. I love that hugging is a great form of expression and a way to say so much when words are hard to come by.

This is the first card I made using the image of the koalas Melanie drew for her new set Cuddles and Hugs. I used a sketch from Little Book of Sketches for my card (and knew I wanted to use Kraft c/s - so I went with Blush Blossom, Ruby Red and Pretty in Pink to complement it) - the dp is Ginger Blossom by SU!. I Googled some images of koalas for the most accurate way to color them and was taken aback at how adorable they are! No wonder they were my mom's favorite animal! Which led me to wonder, do I have a favorite? I'm not sure I do. But I always wanted a monkey (so cute as babies in diapers) and I like snakes (so funny Melanie put those in her set, not realizing that about me) - always wanted one of those growing up but my mom wouldn't allow it (more on that another time). I love cats (have 2) and Melanie put those in her set too! I'll have a card using them to show you soon. I love bears, they are cute too! But I don't know that I can associate a favorite animal of mine just yet.

I digress...thank you, Melanie...for making this set! It really is my favorite of all you've made because as you put it, I'm a 'champion hugger' and since I was the inspiration behind it, it makes it all the more special to me.

Fresh Cuts Makeover Monday

SU! demo Andrea Walford, Sunny Stampin' hosts a neat challenge on Mondays - to makoever a card using non-SU! products with all SU! products. I've sure neglected my SU! stamps as of late and was excited when they introduced a sneak peek of a Fall-Winter 2008 set called Fresh Cuts $21.95 (available through June) and when you purchase the set, you can add on a set of 12 die-cut laser notecards and envelopes for just $5.

I made this card when I got my set last week - making over this card by Cathy at Crafty Thoughts (the 2nd card in her post). I used my markers (Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red & Old Olive) on the main collage stamp. I really like how it turned out.

For the Mr. & Mrs.

Here is the first card I made using Melanie's new set Cuddles and Hugs by Gina K Designs for a wedding I attended last night. I used SCS' LSC173-It's NOT Hip To Be Square Limited Supplies Challenge from Friday - to make a shaped card. I knew the flamingos (and matching 'For the Mr. & Mrs.' sentiment -on the envelope would fit the bill for a wedding card). I used 'love' from the Just so Hippy set & stamped it in between the flamingos - loving how the space forms a heart.

Here is the happy couple who got married on a boat at Canyon Lake. It was my first time meeting his lovely bride because they recently got back together (after being apart for the past 8 years). They looked SOO happy and I am happy for them. Robert is one of my 'brothers' - since John and I were 'adopted' into my friend Kay's family MANY years ago. Robert is 6 years younger than me but about 14 inches taller. Our families have been there for one another through lots of trials & events over the years. Kay happens to be one of my customers too (but that's secondary to the fact we are friends/family first).

Here is mom Kay. She didn't realize I took this picture of her because I stole the moment during the ceremony. I love those kind of shots (even though it's a little blurry) - she has so much love written on her face and you can tell she couldn't be more thrilled about Michelle coming back to the family because she always loved her. Kay and other family members pulled this wedding off in about 3 weeks because Michelle's brother was here on vacation from Alaska (going back this week) and she wanted him to be a part of their wedding. I found out their first date in '97 was going out for coffee - and the date that reunited them was too, which is why Kay made these favors and the nuggets - chocolate goes with everything!

This was one of the most special weddings I have attended; it was intimate - only 60 people allowed on the boat although I don't think there were that many. It was quite humid (and little white bugs flying around and tight quarters) but once we started moving on the water, it was just beautiful. The bride & groom rode off into the sunset on her step-dad's smaller boat and we took a moment to have someone get our picture before the moment was gone. We ended the evening with the toast & cake and saying our good-byes. It was really a moment to treasure and we were happy to be a part of.

Cuddles And Hugs coming your way!

I want to share with you links to a few sneak peeks of the new set illustrated by my friend Melanie (By Gina K Designs) called Cuddles and Hugs that was originally suggested by me several months ago! I couldn't be MORE excited over any of her sets like I am about this one for this reason:

Taken directly from Melanie's post today:

*The drawings in this set celebrating friendship and love were inspired by my family and friends, and was originally suggested by my friend Donna Baker several months ago. Donna is a "champion hugger" BTW! Just the right grip and pressure, not too hard, not too soft! She also makes her daily rounds leaving "cyberhugs" on her favorite blogs. She's just a spreader of love, so it came as no surprise to me when she mentioned a terrific idea for a stamp: animals hugging, and the greeting "Never be the first to let go of a hug". Well, I LOVED that idea, so I quickly got to work. The rest of the greetings and all the animals I chose to draw were my own, but I just have to share her response to my first drawing I made for the set, these two koalas (the gentlest, cuddliest of animals, and ones that apparently a LOT of you were wanting based on all the requests I've read lately! :) :'That's PERFECT!! It's me & my mom. She LOVED Koala bears and of course I do too...I am just like her. (her mother passed away 12 years ago) You had no idea this would be JUST THE RIGHT ANIMAL but I believe God spoke to your spirit via mine. Isn't He awesome like that??' It really gave my goosebumps! (So whenever I use the koalas now, no matter who it's for, I will also think of Donna & her Momma... )

1. Melanie is having an upload contest - deadline is 1:00 p.m. CST today
2. Gina is giving away a set - leave a comment on her post
If you follow the links on Gina's post you will see other sneak peeks from her design team.
3. check out the Gina K member forum for the release party tonight 7:00-10:00 CST! I'll be there!

Blessed Baby

I made this card using My Favorite Things Congrats All Around to send to Jessie's sister Mary who gave birth to a baby boy she named Jared last Thursday. He is a miracle baby since Mary was told she would not conceive and found out she was pregnant when she was like 6 months along! What a blessing - and he is precious!

More MFT & Palette Prints

I made more cards with my leftover dp from my cupcake card the other day (can't help myself, since I have the scraps why not just use 'em up?) plus when I see a color combo I really like it makes it easier since I have all the colors out to just go for it! That's not boring to you, is it?? This is the reverse side of the polka dots.

For this first card, I used My Favorite Things Lavender illustrated by Annie LaPoint. I used a sketch by Page Plans #6 (By Renee). The image was stamped on watercolor paper & colored with reinkers & aquapainter because I wanted the color to pop. I finished off using crystal effects on the polka dots on the pot & the 1/8" circle punches. It really shines!!

This next card uses My Favorite Things What's the Scoop set-could not find the direct link to it (and ice cream just so happens to be one of my favorite things too)! HEB Creamy Creations is he best IMO but only local to some parts of TX (Intense Chocolate or Mint Chocolate Cookies & Cream) really, anything chocolate makes me happy. So of course even though I made funky ice cream colors the fact that I used chocolate chip c/s on the cardbase makes up for it. I commandeered the cupcake sprinkles from What's Up Cupcake so this ice cream had chocolate sprinkles on it - that counts. I think you can see the sparkle on this: used my glaze pen for the cherry on top & glitter pen for the sprinkles. HA! glittery chocolate sprinkles if only everything glittered in our world.

BRAK from Deborah Wood

Look how precious this card is with the little mouse making a wish while he blows on a dandelion. Don't you remember doing that as a kid? I do! There is so much sparkle on this card (the sparkle on the dandelion was a little hard to capture in my photo) but look how she used my favorite DCWV glitter stacks! I totally adore this card, thanks Deb! You really made my day with your thoughtfulness. Go check out her blog Sharing my Obsession for more inspiration.

Hot Air Balloon Fun

I had this idea to make a hot air balloon while looking at the platform from Melanie's new set Jumping for Joy upside down - I saw it looked like a hot air balloon basket so the idea was born. A few weeks before I realized one of my co-workers used to be a hot air balloon pilot. Larry said the best thing that came out of his career was his daughter (the result of meeting his wife). He used to fly them in France and even did it in Austin and almost collided with a plane at the old airport when he needed to do an emergency landing. He was not in the radar of the control tower. Scary, huh?

Unfortunately, my idea was not executing quite right so I left the idea for a few days and came back to it. Sometimes that is the best thing to do so you don't frustrate yourself too much. Soon it was turning into a hot air balloon ride for the 4th of July by adding fireworks from Gina K's Woo-hoo! set then it was DH's idea to put people in it. So I grabbed my All in the Family set and now started to think about our 11th anniversary which is coming up on July 6th.

John and I wanted to get married on the 4th of July (I was heading back to CA from vacation on the 8th and wanted to do it before I left - it's a long story) and when we went to Rusk County (East TX) to get our license, we realized there was a 72-hr waiting period so it allowed us a few days to plan better. We ended up getting married about 8:40 on a warm Sunday morning and we only had 6 family members in attendance. John's grandfather officiated the ceremony in their garden. They lived on 300+ acres and it really was a beautiful ceremony. We had a cake his grandmother made from scratch and spent a few days together before I had to leave.

I had only met him IRL 10 days before we got married; but I knew that I knew that I knew he was 'the one' God had prepared for me. After being with him for about 3 days, I didn't want to leave his side which is why I decided we should get married before my vacation came to an end. It seemed like the right thing to do. So after 11 fun, productive, memorable years I see us with more living to do; work to accomplish, great memories to make, people to bless, a dream home to build & perhaps children to fill it so I am excited about the future!! I love you, Honey (I think he still reads my blog).

WSC52 & Dutch Dare Missing You

Here is another card that shows how much I am missing my family in CA - I think I will send it to my oldest sister Val. I will always remember how sad she is when I am about to head to the airport after a visit (long or short). Tears just stream down her face every time. I know it may be harder on her that I am not around, because we lived together alone without our mom for a year after she died and it was real lonely for her after. But now she has her complete family to fill many voids in her life. I still ache because of the separation.

This card is for Beate's Weekend Sketch 52 (that's a WHOLE YEAR of them!) and it is also for the Dutch Dare Card Challenge Blog #1 (use Pink) that my buddy Monika M.A.D. Stamper shared, I just had to use one of the sweet Magnolia images she sent me in my birthday card recently. Thanks, Monika - you are so thoughtful and it was FUN to color with my prismacolor pencils & oms. The designer paper (dp) I used is from Basic Grey Sultry. Love those pinks & browns!

TECC20 What's Up Cupcake??

Here is my card for Taylor's Cupcake Challenge Friday TECC20 using my new My Favorite Things What's Up Cupcake mini set, released this month, which I totally LOVE! I decided to emboss with Chocolate Chip craft ink & clear embssing powder the frosting, can you tell? It's a little hard but there is shine there and with the clear bling as cherries (a little non traditional) it really sparkles. I used my SU! 6 x 6 pallete prints pad with So Saffron, Rose Red, Almost Amethyst polka dots for my dp (I sure like this color combo). This is a 4.25" square card.

Retiring Stamp Set List

Stampin' Up! just published their retiring stamp set list. Check it out and let me know before July 31 if there is anything on here you would like to get!

Special with me only: Buy 3 sets at regular price and get the 4th 1/2 price (at equal or lesser value)

Retired List 2008

First Inspiration Challenge & Happy Mail Day!

While trying to catch up with my Google Reader (down to 395 posts) I came across an Inspiration Challenge #4 posted by Pamela at Paper Askew that I really wanted to participate in. It's my first time participating in one and I think I've been missing out! There are so many out there right now to choose from but this one caught my eye because the room looked so nice and I love the colors! I chose to work with the stripes, flowers and Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery & Basic Black. So naturally I went to my Sultry Basic Grey DP. The focal image was colored with reinkers on watercolor paper. It is a 3x3 card that is the actual place for a greeting, held in place by the photo turner, the basic black base is just for matting purposes. I suppose I could have photographed it open so you could see, but I bet you can imagine what it looks like. I was using scraps which is what I go to first before cutting a whole sheet of c/s.

After stalking the mail all week - I finally received my birthday gift from Kim at My Favorite Things! It was her biggest blog giveaway - the whole June release! It was announced the day after my birthday last week, so that' why I say it was my birthday gift from her. Of course I don't know Kim personally, but a few months ago I actually won Ride 'em Cowgirl too so it was my 2nd time to win her blog candy! yea me!! Anyway, I totally LOVE all the sets this month so I immediately got a few inky for some weekend challenges I did.

More BRAKS

This adorable was made by Barb Schram (Explore, Dream Discover) look at her cute paper-pieced Hippo! If you are not familiar with the cutting Queen - you are missing out - run to her blog!! Barb even sent a set of gorgeous notecards to give my friend Josie who is taking a year off stamping for a health battle she is fighting - so now she has more cards to send to her loved ones! Thanks, Barb you are so sweet!

Look at this gorgeous Artfully Asian card Rose Ann (Paper Delightz) made! she said it was cased from the SU! catalog - but who cares? I LOVE it!! How have I missed it? I love the dimension of the flowers. Just beautiful! What the heck has taken me SO long to get that key tag punch?! What's my problem - it is so cool for the sentiment. Thank You, Rose Ann! You are such a special friend.

Look at this layered beauty by Jessie -Can You Say????Addicted to (Stamps)!!!! sent me! Her stuff is so awesome; layers galore, pretty ribbon bows, embellishments in abundance. I was never a fan of this SU! set, but I SURE love what you did with it!

p.s. sorry about the shadows cast on the cards, I took at break at work trying to find a good location to take them so I can work on uploading them & didn't want to be so out in the open & look like a dork taking pictures of cards!

All Dressed Up & Somewhere to go!

Olympia the Ostrich (that's my name for her) meaning heaven-like is All Dressed Up (DCWV style) in pink & black! She found her matching accessories (hat, purse & comfy shoes so she could spend an afternoon with friends shopping & having coffee. She was colored with twinklin h20's - one layer watercolor card but her tail feathers are paper-toled for dimension.

BIG HUG & a tag!

Aren't there days when you want to hug someone but you can't because you are not close enough to? Well, this image & sentiment from Jumping for Joy will come in handy if you want to send someone a 'squeeze' in the mail! I know I will soon - I'm going to send this card to my niece! When I talked to her last week on my birthday, as she was saying good-bye she hugged herself to show her Mommy she was giving me a big hug (this is a new one) and mwah - big kiss (she's been doing that for a while). Oh how I long for another one of her squeezes! She may not really know what this card is all about now, but I hope that her mommy will keep it so when she starts to read (and understand) she will be reminded of her Auntie's Love!

Edited to Add: Last night I called Gabby (after she enthusiastically said uh huh! that she wanted to talk to me), I said "Hi Gabby" and when I heard her little voice say, "Auntie Donna - miss you" I choked up, in tears! That was the first time she said it on her own to me! After I got off the phone, I had to ask DH if that's what HE heard too (and it was not just me WANTING to hear it) Sure enough, he said that's what he heard. What a moment to remember for me.

The bear was colored with primas/oms and my bling & dazzle flower outline by Gina K was colored with copics. My ribbon is the one from Lee! This is Beate's weekend sketch 51 (that I didn't upload in time). I made this right after the Seals in Love because I usually try to make at least 2 cards from dp that I have out before I put it away.

Random stuff tag by Monika M.A.D. Stamper

10 years ago I was: A newlywed (11 months), having moved into our first home the month before, raising a puppy & working at a civil engineering firm as receptionist.

5 things on my to-do-list today: attempt to catch up on 500+ posts in Google Reader, read (currently My Sister's Keeper), upload more BRAKS rcvd, rest

Snacks I love: String cheese, dark chocolate, sunflower seeds, Nutter Butter cookies, ice cream

Things I will do when I am a millionaire: quit working full-time, buy a home in CA and spend 1/2 my year there and 1/2 here so I can be around my family more

Places I have lived: Bay Area (CA), 3 different cities in the Central TX area

I'd like to know this stuff about the following people because I didn't know them 10 yrs ago:
Angie Tieman
Melanie Muenchinger
Jennifer Love
Deborah Wood
Christina Fischer

Seals in Love

My sister Deana & DH Frankie will be celebrating their 14th year of marriage this year so I thought it would be perfect to make a seal card with them holding up their love. They are a great couple, lots of fun, generous, loving. Last year she surprised him with a trip to Mexico on a cruise for his birthday!

A few months ago I got a mirror image stamp for 1/2 price at Michael's because sometimes you either have to make an image the opposite way or in this case, make 2 of the same image but facing each other and this is the way to do it!

I didn't realize until after I uploaded the card that I failed to 'ground' the seals but I didn't have the desire to do it all over again. All coloring is with my Prismacolor pencils & OMS and the reason I put the pretty in pink splatter from itty bitty backgrounds is because there was a smudge on the main image that I noticed after I finished coloring. What a great stamp to fix those kind of boo-boos. I think it really adds to the fun factor of the card. The little heart brads are from Melanie (I believe she got them at Joann's). The seals are from Jumping for Joy & the heart & love from Just so Hippy both illustrated by Melanie Muenchinger you can purchase at Gina K Designs. I forgot to take a picture of the inside...I combined greetings from Just s Hippy and Hip Hop Accessories - 'Hippy Anniversary to the Hoppiest Couple'

A BRAK from Carolina!!!

Carolina - Carolina's Creative Pad sent me this SWEET birthday package! She emailed me last week saying my birthday package was going to be late but it would be worth it! She is so thoughtful & giving - she didn't have to do more than send a birthday card, but boy am I glad she did!! I was so delighted to see the PTI box to alter (she left it a blan canvas so I could have fun altering it) and put the most awesome blue/green ribbons & package of embellishments to match in the box too. How cute is that coffee mug that says 'Do Something Creative Every Day'?? I ADORE IT and it's a great size...I will use it on weekend mornings when I make coffee at home. The card is so awesome - so Carolina and the handmade 'pocket' has a bookmark in it. She was waiting for the saying stamp to arrive so she could make it & send it.

I got choked up when I read it, it's just precious. I miss my niece & nephew so much. Carolina knows what an Aunt/Auntie's love is like because she has a nephew that she cares for during the day. If you see her blog, you saw the fabulous summer pail gift she made him recently, if not here it is for your viewing pleasure.

Thank you, Carolina! One of these days we are SURE to meet IRL - because she lives a few cities away from my sisters in CA and I will make the time, even if it's just to enjoy a cupcake & coffee together.

Simple Zebra Thank You

Here is the first Zebra card I made using Melanie's Jumping for Joy set by Gina K Designs. I love the simplicity stamping the Zebra in black lends, no need to color (I have to have a break from it occasionally). An outfit my co-worker wore last week inspired this card. She had a cute zebra print skirt on, white shirt & red accessories (jewelry & shoes) hmmm....another idea for a card. I used my All Dressed Up DCWV stack and had to throw in some red bling (after searching for about 10 mins for my gems). The Thank You sign (from Melanie's first set Just so Hippy) is tucked inside Zebra's mouth by cutting a slit with my craft knife) and popping it up with a dimensional. Rectangle Nestabilities were used on the main image matting.

More birthday RAKS

I got this precious Elzybell card from kchase on SCS for my birthday. It's so nice & unexpected to get a RAK from someone you don't know & doesn't know you. Thanks, Karen!

Look at all these delicious goodies I got from my blogging buddy Lee Murphy sent me for my birthday! Her card is jus lovely and those mints (dark chocolate covered altoids) are yummy. I can't say how many times I picked up that spool of pink/brown grosgrain ribbon at Michael's (and put it back because I talked myself out of buying it) and now I have it! Isn't it great!? Thank you, Lee - you are such a great friend! I appreciate your generosity, caring & loving nature (and our great conversations)!

Rockin' Ostrich

Melanie has been having so much fun with her Ostrich (and the others too from her Jumping for Joy set) so I had to dig deep to get my MOJO back last night! After making a few cards for a CHF blitz, I started chatting with Lee on yahoo messenger (although I am not much of a late night stamper unless it's the weekend and I had an afternoon nap) I was determined to make an Ostrich card.

Here is my first Ostrich card (still thinking of a name I like for her to be called). When Lee and I were chatting, she inquired about my method to making a card - first I pick my DP (and this blues & greens one was calling me) and realized that Wild Wasabi and Tempting Turquoise matched wonderfully, I also knew I would have black accents. I also gathered a few embellishements I thought would match (like the glitter, some wasabi & black brads, the hemp because I knew I wanted to make a glitter star balloon) and started coloing her in. That took a while because I realized I may have some Twinkling h20's to match and I did! score! Here is a close up of all the sparkle they have.

The last touches were my ribbon (used black velvet & changed the brad to a square ice rhinestone because she needed mre bling)!

Update on my lunch with Melanie yesterday: It was great!! Although my morning Dr. appt made me abut 30 mins later than I would have liked! She took me to Kona Grill at the Domain (outdoor shopping area I had never been to and it's been there for over a year). The food was yummy & we shared a free dessert - Passionfruit Creme Brulee which was quite tasty. In addition to treating me to lunch, she gave me a stamping goodie bag and the DCWV 8 x 8 All Dressed Up stack which I have been wanting for a long time but the Hobby Lobby by me hasn't had! Thanks, Melanie...you are so sweet!!! I enjoy our friendship & appreciate the quality time we had yesterday.

The most special birthday cake EVER!

Take a look at my birthday cake my BFF Lori made (that's her in the picture with me). Don't look at how tired we look - it was 9:00 p.m. and it was a long day - I looked pretty earlier that day - my DH told me so at dinner. He took me to Chuy's Tex-Mex - yummy. Then we went to Costco and I bought an iPOD (8 GB - Hot Pink) with my birthday $$. Meanwhile, Lori was resting from a busy day (and not feeling well) and still had to decorate my cake. She finished it right until she left & headed over with it - all this was a surprise. She told me months ago how excited she was about the cake she was planning to make me and I found out the other night her planning started the day after my birthday last year! Her daughter is the one who made a picture of a scrapbook & turned it into a cake! Lori revised it a little & just used my pictures instead but still managed to make it look like a scrapbook with the pages around the border. Lori sure knows how to keep a surprise! I can't! Well, I have a few times in my life.


When I saw this cake - I cried. It was magnificent; perfect for me, since she used pictures from our trip (got from DH the night before since my birthday snuck up on her!) And y'all who read my blog know how much I adore my niece & new nephew! I also cried because of all the time & love that went into making this for me. She is so generous, loving, caring and most of all TALENTED! She is also a stamper - used to be a demo in my downline but her true gifting & heart are into cake making! I am so proud of Lori - we've been friends for 8 years and have lots of precious memories together! The reason we met is because we (her DH and us) were motorcycle riders (bet ya didn't know that, huh?) Well, us girls rode on the back of the bikes but Lori was brave enough to get her own bike & started riding solo. This was a LONG time ago. Maybe warrants a post with pics for another time.

Lori was working full-time & cake baking on the weekends for YEARS. She was getting burnt out - because she started to participate in local bridal fairs & cake competitions (which I am proud to say she is a multiple award winner in) and get more business. She took the leap of faith mid-March and quit her job. Now it's all about the cakes! Btw - her cakes are the MOST delicious ever & her buttercream frosting is divine! If you are in the Austin/Central TX area...please check out her website in case you would like her to make a special cake for any occasion you may need! I guarantee you will NOT be disappointed! Oh, don't forget to tell her I sent you! Check out her website Classic Cakes by Lori (a work in progress)

When Lori left - I immediately called my sister to brag about my special cake (not sure if she's seen it yet, but I emailed her pictures).

I'm excited for today - Melanie is taking me to lunch for my birthday! It will be nice to spend more than 10 mins with her, it's been a long while.

Sammy the Seal came out to play...

Here is the first card I made with Melanie's Jumping for Joy set by Gina K Designs. I LOVE this set - well, I love ALL of Melanie's sets and this is no different! I just want my MOJO back so I can make more cards!!

This card is on its way to a special blogging friend - she should get it any day now!! I found a pkg of cute red, white & blue star brads at Hobby Lobby that fit perfectly on the platform (drum?)-which was colored with Prismacolor Pencils along with the star balloons (my favorite). I colored Sammy the Seal with copics - see how badly my Mojo is? I mixed coloring mediums without realizing it until now! ugh - the red dp is Basic Grey Cupcake

All About Gabby (reactions to her gifts)

I gave her the Texas Longhorn Bear the night we arrived. It was her first night without Mommy & Daddy, she did so well (I think having Auntie Donna & Nino John as a distraction really helped). We all slept together on the airbed (which she enthusiastically jumped on for about 10 mins before crashing). The sweetest thing in the morning happened before she got up. With sleepy eyes, she rolled over, looked at me next to her and said, "Hi Auntie Donna" and promptly went back to sleep. It melted my heart.

The next morning, she got her hairbow tin - I think she liked the tin more than the hairbows,
but that was to be expected. Look how cute they look in her hair.


She liked the blocks for about 5 minutes. I'm sure when she gets older, they will hold more meaning, for now they were put in a shoebox with her crayons.

I did good with the socks - the girl LOVES them but she wasn't thrilled about trying them on. She showed them to her Gramma Ama the next day and said, 'beads on them' she loved those! One night she kept me up LATE going through her sock drawer, showing them all to me, naming them, the colors, etc. it was so funny! She even took out all her jewelry from the boxes too. Her mommy came in and said, "ooh, Nini (our other sister) is going to have a conniption) Auntie & Nino need to go to sleep, come on. and she said, "no, Momma - bye bye" and shooed her away. I totally didn't mind even though I was exhausted. I marveled in the fun she was having. When she was finally done, she helped me put them all away & said good night.

I think her favorite gift was The Dress Up Gabby frame & paper dolls (it was mine and her Nini's too - see below) She actually played with it 3 times that day! The funniest was when I told her there were magnets on there and she said, 'maggots on there' and continued saying that!

My favorite shot of Gabby - not a fake cheese.

She loves blowing bubbles! Nini taught her to put the wand in & take it out & tap, tap, tap on the side (so cute when she says that!) and blow the bubbles. I was holding the bubbles while she did it & bubbles collected on my arm. Out of the blue she says, "Auntie Donna making a mess" and proceeded to tell me it was because there were bubbles on my arm. FUNNY girl

Here is a picture of all us girls and Baby Joseph. Valarie (Val) is the Mommy in the middle (oldest) and Deana (Nini who watches Gabby)and I'm the youngest.

I had so much fun the night before we left once everyone left & it was just time for Gabby. I was sitting in a rocking chair & I reached out for her to grab her. She resisted at first but realized it was fun to be grabbed. So then as she got down from the chair she stopped close by turned around & said, "mas?" (spanish for more) and I said, "mas what?" and she said so sweetly, "mas git you" she new exactly what she wanted! This went on for about 6-7 times, all the while John was recording & took a picture at the end that I totally love (below). It captured a special few moments that will attempt to hold my heart together until the next time I hear her precious voice and get a 'squeeze' and kiss on the cheek from her. I am saddened to no end that I am not there to witness all the nuggets of sweetness she possesses on a daily basis.