FNSI results and my crazy busy tiring weeks!

Last night was this month’s Friday Night Sew In hosted by Heidi & Bobbi!  Unfortunately, since I started participating several months ago, and this is my least productive one to date.  The reason was because I had to work late again – have been for the past few weeks nearly every day because it’s our busiest time of year!  But that’s o.k. because that means more money & job security – ha!  I didn’t get home until 7:30 last night and I was exhausted by 10:00 after I cut all this fabric for my next quilt! 

I am making my first rag quilt!  I got the rolled up 6 inch strips from my LQS (local quilting store) the Cotton Cupboard back in June when we went on our quilt bus trip and I fell in love with the colors!!  They are Robert Kauffman Alpine Frost fabrics (except for the solid colors).  The 4 stacks of squares on the left will be the backing fabric and I think I  am going to group the colors together.  The 6 stacks on the right will be the front and they will most likely be put in a very random pattern.  I will have to strategically plan this one!   I hope to cut the batting today and then get started sewing them together. 

I need to get this done within 3 weeks because we are planning another vacation; this time a road trip because John wants to get Geocaches in other states!  We will head to NM early one morning and stay a day with some friends who moved there about 5 years ago.  Then head up to CO to visit fellow GKD DT member Lee and her family who incidentally introduced us to this hobby, then to WY, KS, OK then home – all in one week!  I don’t normally do very well on long trips (I am always pretty active so it wears on me and all I want to do is sleep), but I know this trip means a lot to John.  Since we’ve both been pretty stressed at work lately, it’s good timing to get away.  I do plan to try to do some hand sewing when he’s driving.  The added bonuses for me are visiting friends and trying out new restaurants along the way oh and seeing the colors of the leaves change since next Friday is the first day of Fall! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Gina K Inspiration Hop Day 3: My True Love Gave To Me & One Free with 3-Cool Beans!

Welcome to our last day of inspiration hops for the new Gina K release, I hope you’ve had a good time seeing all the inspiration we’ve had to share.  First up is My True Love Gave To Me by Gina K.  I made a side fold card (I can’t remember the technical name for this).  The key tag punch is popped up with foam tape so the main image panel slips under in the corner and keeps the card closed.  I used the Branching Out set for a pretty Christmassy border. 

Here is a view of the inside of the card. 

And a view of the whole stamp set.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For my second card, I used the new One Free With 3 set, Cool Beans.  So when you purchase any 3 stamp sets from now until the next release, just add this set to your cart for FREE!  *As a reminder, this set will be for sale once the next stamp release occurs*.  It is a fun coffee themed set.  And although I don’t drink it anymore (substituted it with tea mid-January), I do still have friends & family who do drink coffee, so I can send them these type of cards to enjoy.  One thing I still do enjoy from time to time is a cool refreshing Frappuccino from Starbucks!

As you hop through the designer’s blogs, make sure you leave comments on each one for a chance to win a free stamp set of your choice valued up to $24.95! We will randomly choose two winners so the more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win.  Gina K will announce the winners on her blog. 

• Gina K
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Jimmi Mayo
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Sharon Harnist
• Suzanne Dean
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Giovana Smith

Gina K Inspiration Hop Day 2: Celebrate the Season & Home Is

So glad you’ve joined us for our 2nd day of inspiration hops for the Gina K release!  My first card uses Theresa’s new set Celebrate the Season which has 2 branches (or trees) and plenty of accessories to set the ‘season’ you desire on your projects.  I chose to use the owl, leaf and pumpkin for a fall card. 

 

Here is a picture of the set you will get when you purchase Celebrate the Season.  Doesn’t it look like fun?  I look forward to making a card set with all the seasons to give as a  gift.  

 

 

My next card showcases Tami’s new set, Home Is and it’s the card I used for the release party sketch challenge I’m hosting.  I hope you will play along for a chance to win a free stamp set!  All the details are in the thread at StampTV. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you hop through the designer’s blogs, make sure you leave comments on each one for a chance to win a free stamp set of your choice valued up to $24.95! We will randomly choose two winners so the more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win.  Gina K will announce the winners on her blog.

Be sure to check out StampTV each week Monday and Friday we have challenges posted where you can win MORE free stamps!!

• Gina K
• Tami Mayberry – illustrator Home Is
• Theresa Momber – illustrator Celebrate
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Giovana Smith
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Sharon Harnist
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher

Gina K Inspiration Hop Day 1: Holiday Basket & Under the Weather

Welcome to our first day of inspiration hops for our new release!  I hope you made it to the fun party last night & had a good time shopping for all the latest stuff!

  For my first card, I used Melanie’s new set Holiday Basket, which features a beautiful wicker basket and some of her famous blooms from A Year of Flowers in miniature size to fit inside, as well as a few sentiments. This card was such fun to make and color. I used a swatch of fabric from my stash as a basket liner. Then I layered the flowers over the basket and put some crystal lacquer all over them. I can’t wait to make some Christmas cards with the poinsettias inside!

My next card uses Rupa’s set called Under the Weather for you to send cards to your friends and family to cheer them up.  I made this card to send to AJ who is fighting Breast Cancer right now, and taking a break from designing on the team. I hope this will bring a smile to her face. She has been missed and is in everyone’s prayers for a full recovery!

As you hop through the designer’s blogs, make sure you leave comments on each one for a chance to win a free stamp set of your choice valued up to $24.95! We will randomly choose two winners so the more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win. Gina K will announce the winners on her blog.
Be sure to check out StampTV each week Monday and Friday we have challenges posted where you can win MORE free stamps!!

• Gina K
• Melanie Muenchinger-illustrator Holiday Basket
• Sharon Harnist
• Suzanne Dean
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Giovana Smith
• Jimmi Mayo
• Lee Murphy
• Theresa Momber

See you back tomorrow for the Day 2 hop! 

You’re Invited to the Gina K Release Party!!

We are very excited to extend an invitation to Gina K. Designs September Release Party. We have a fun evening planned for you - chatting, prizes, challenges, stamp sets reveal, design team shares, and most importantly, at the end of the party you will be able to go shopping!

If you came from Deb Felts blog, you're at the right place. If not, make sure to head over to StampTV where you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop.

Above is one of the cards I will be sharing at the party.  It was made using the new set by Rupa Shevde called Under the Weather.  I made the card 3 x 3 so it could be attached and in proportion with the purse tissue cover I made.  This cute little mouse saying ‘Bless you!’ is perfect for this little gift, right?

Hope to see you at the party!!  Here are all the details:

• When: Today- Tuesday, September 13
• Where: StampTV Release Party Forum
• Time: 7 PM to 9 PM (Central)

Now head on over to Emily Giovanni’s blog to see what she's sharing with you today and see you back here on tomorrow for the beginning of our three day Inspiration Blog Hop series for September!

Update on the fires in Central Texas

We are back home from the evacuation and our house is fine but the devastation continues, it’s so surreal.  1386 homes in the Bastrop area have been lost, 28 in Cedar Creek where we live.  Of course there were other homes lost but the loss of lives has been at a minimum which is great (2 that we have heard of). 

I took a mental health day off work on Thursday, I just needed a good day of rest and that I did, as well as lots of housework.  I do housework when I am upset.  Most of our windows are cleaned, the floors were mopped, a few other miscellaneous stuff complete, 2 naps taken, a little tv watched.  What I did not do was sew or stamp, had no desire to do so.  A few things were put in perspective the past few days, that’s all I’m saying. 

Thank you for your comments, prayers and thoughts.  Please keep them coming for those who are in need, who have lost their homes or loved ones. 

Fires - please pray!!

To all my readers out there, whether I have heard from you or not...I covet your prayers right now for Texas that is suffering devastation from wildfires.  It is so surreal. 

Here is a link where I get most of my information if you'd like to check it out http://austin.ynn.com/ - the fires are ZERO contained on Day 3 of the fires, it's just so unreal.

We are about 8 miles southwest of Bastrop, to give you some idea of geography.  About 1:30 yesterday, after hearing a CLOSER street to us needing to evacuate, I decided to leave (John was out with friends at the time).  We are at John's dad's house with our cat Elsie and are looking forward to going back home, but only if it is safe.  2 fires broke out just a few miles from our home yesterday and that was too close for comfort.  We are both at work today, but of course we are having a hard time concentrating. 

John's co-worker who does not live very far from us had their house looted.  I heard there is extra law enforcement to prevent this, but it just shocks me there are people with no regard for the pain & suffering others are going through that they disrespect in that manner. 

Many families' lives have been uprooted by these fires and my heart goes out to them.  Please pray for them as well and pass on the information to others who like to pray for those in need!

Will keep you posted and thank you!!

Back to School Special with Gina K-Merry & Bright!

To celebrate the beginning of a new school year, Gina K. Designs is having a Back to School sale! Members from Gina K's design team are hosting three mini hops (Fri-Sun) featuring these three new incentive stamp sets. We just know you're going to love them as much as we do!

Details on the Back to School Special:

Click the photo to the left to shop

Choose any ONE of the incentive stamp sets with any $35 or more purchase

• Limit one incentive set per order
• Customers may place multiple orders.
  

Gina K. Designs reserves the right to combine orders shipping to the same address

If no incentive stamp set is chosen, one will be chosen for you

This special can not be applied to existing orders - must be new orders only

Offer expires Monday, September 5th at 11:59 pm Central Time

Make sure to head on over to StampTV to see a list of all those participating in the hops!  Happy Hopping and Shopping!

Card Details:
Stamps: Merry & Bright
Cardstock: Kraft, Cranberry Tart, Black Onyx Pure Luxury
Inks: Memento Tuxedo black
Accessories: colored pencils, black gingham ribbon, Textile cuttlebug embossing folder, keytag SU! punch

Back to School Special with Gina K!

To celebrate the beginning of a new school year, Gina K. Designs is having a Back to School sale! Members from Gina K's design team are hosting three mini hops (Fri-Sun) featuring these three new incentive stamp sets. We just know you're going to love them as much as we do!

Some details on the Back to School Special:

• Choose any ONE of the incentive stamp sets with any $35 or more purchase
• Limit one incentive set per order
• Customers may place multiple orders.
• Gina K. Designs reserves the right to combine orders shipping to the same address
• If no incentive stamp set is chosen, one will be chosen for you
• This special can not be applied to existing orders - must be new orders only
• Offer expires Monday, September 5th at 11:59 pm Central Time

Make sure to head on over to StampTV to see a list of all those participating in the hops!  Happy Hopping and Shopping!
Personal News:
I just have to share a picture of my niece Gabriella (Gabby) who just started Kindergarten last week! This is a picture with her Godmother Andrea (our cousin), when they picked her up after school.  I just love her little red glasses!  My sister sent me several videos she took of her special day but I was unable to upload them and this is the only picture I had access to.  My sister, just like every other mom out there was extremely emotional about this rite of passage for her little girl – it’s so hard to believe this is the same little girl. 

We’re all so happy & proud of her!  I wish I had a picture of my sister & her together on her first day of school.  I am so proud of my oldest sister; Gabby was a tremendous answer to prayer for her because ever since Val was a little girl, she dreamed of being a mommy – and she is a wonderful one!! 

Thanks for stopping by today!!

Card details:
Stamps: Thankful for You; Vintage Backgrounds
Cardstock: White, Cranberry Tart, Fresh Asparagus, Sweet Corn pure luxury
ink: Tuxedo black memento
Accessories: lace trim, yellow button, white cotton thread