Festival of Trees

It's technically still the holiday season, right? I want to share a couple more Christmas cards I made this year. I really like this photopolymer stamp set called Festival of Trees and the coordinating Tree punch. I am such a sucker for punches. It's just one of those paper crafting tools that makes card making easier.

CASED from Dawn Griffith - just changed the colors

CASED from Peg Coombes on Pinterest - just changed the colors

Cards Recipes

 (Card #1)

Stamp Set(s): Photopolymer stamp sets in Festival of Trees and Christmas Bliss
Papers: Card stocks in Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White, DSP, Glimmer paper in Red
Ink: Classic Stampin' pads in Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler
Tools & Accessories: Tree punch, Itty Bitty Accents punch pack, Stampin' Dimensionals

Card #2

Stamp Set: Festival of Trees
Papers: Card stocks in Raspberry Ripple and Whisper White, DSP
Ink: Classic Stampin' pads in Gumball Green, Pool Party and Raspberry Ripple
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), On Point Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Punches: Tree, Modern Label, Scalloped Tag Topper and Word Window, Frosted Sequins and Stampin' Dimensionals, Raspberry Ripple satin ribbon

Well, that's all for now. It has been a lazy couple of days and I am completely enjoying being a bum and hanging out with my kids. Thank you for stopping by.

Christmas 2014

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you. I wish you all the joys of family, the gift of friends and the best of everything for the New Year.

A couple of months ago, my friend Kathy took me to my very first Scrapbook Expo and it was such a nice experience. It was my own version of Disneyland and made me realize what really makes me happy. Of course I spent more than I planned to and it sort of opened my eyes to other Paper Crafting brands and companies. So, I would like to share a couple of cards I made using some of the tools and supplies I purchased from the Expo.

Merry Sizzlit, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green card stocks and Cherry Cobbler ribbon from Stampin' Up!

Bells & Boughs, Ornamental Pine sentiment, Mossy Meadow & Shimmery CS and Blendabilities from Stampin' Up! 

Thank you for stopping by.

Ornamental Pine

We just got home from my mom's after celebrating Christmas Eve and opening presents there. It's late, but I just want to share a couple of cards with you because I know I have been falling behind with my blog, not to mention I am running out of time to share Christmas cards. It's been a much busier year than the previous ones. I always say I will plan the holidays better next year, it seems never to happen though. Oh well.

I used the beautiful Ornamental Pine stamp set from the Holiday catalog.

Thank you for stopping by and Merry Christmas, everyone!

Asian Art

Well, I am another year older today! Birthdays are such blessings and I am very grateful for my life, my family, my friends, my crafting buddies, my colleagues and my job. Someone up in Heaven must love me, because no matter where I look, I only see blessings. It has not always been the case and I always try to remind myself how far I've come. It keeps me grounded. I sent my last batch of Christmas cards yesterday. What an achievement! I handmade each and every single card and took the time to handwrite the inside and the addresses on the envelopes. Doing this every year is a gift for myself more than those people I send them to. It's my way of doing something that brings me joy.

My 13 year old car has been acting up on me recently. My very impatient husband tells me to get rid of it and buy a new one. I am very attached to this car. I pretty much transported my kids in it most of their lives and we've driven it from Alaska to California. We've taken it to many family vacations and it's been such a constant thing in my life all these many years. The car is fine. It takes me safely to where I need to go and back home. Surely, it requires repair and a check-up more frequent than a newer vehicle would. So what - it's old and just needs a little more TLC, but overall, it works more often than not. I feel like I can relate to it, you know. As I am getting older myself, I am so amazed at how quickly this whole "aging" occurred. It does not even seem like a process. One day I was a boy crazy teenager, then all of a sudden I am a woman in her mid-forties. Sometimes I even doubt the clarity of my memory. You know like when I think of my younger years, it feels like I am thinking of an entirely different person. I'd talk to friends from my "younger life" who never fail to remind me about the wild things I used to pull, and I'd just shake my head because the person I am now would never do those things. Perhaps, that is why I made sure to put my life in order, to prove that my past does not determine my future. My life is beautiful and it turned out so much better than I hoped for. So, happy birthday to older and wiser little ol' me.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Asian Art
Paper: Card stocks in Real Red and Basic Black'
Ink: Encore Ultimate Metallic in Gold
Tools & Accessories: Heat Tool, Embossing Powder in Gold, Round Punch

Well, this is all I have to share for today. I've always loved this stamp set from years ago. I guess aside from anything vintage looking, I also like Asian themed anything. I wish Stampin' Up! carries more stamp sets like they used to. This card was very easy to make and required so few materials. Embossing can dress-up any card and make it really nice.

Christmas Collage

I have been taking the time and effort to revisit my old stamp sets in my pursuit to simplify and find items to let go. I must confess that it's awfully difficult for me to put crafting stuff especially stamp sets (I once loved) in the "for sale" bin. I actually have an easier time giving away clothes and shoes. I love anything vintage and traditional. So, it goes without saying that one of my very favorite stamp sets are Christmas Collage and Bells & Boughs. This one is an improvement of one I made years ago. It's such a great feeling to know I have gotten better over time. I used lots of stickles and glitters plus cut out some of the images, adhered with stampin' dimensionals to create a 3D look. It was a tad time consuming, took me about half an hour to finish excluding drying time. Definitely not one to mass produce. Haha.

Card Recipe

Stamp Sets: Christmas Collage, Bells & Boughs (both retired)
Paper: Card stocks in Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla
Ink: Memento stamp pad in Tuxedo Black, Cherry Cobbler and More Mustard for sponging to get vintage effect
Tools & Accessories: Sponge daubers, Ctampin glitter Champagne glass, Jewels Basic Pearl, Blendabilities markers Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight and Smokey Slate, Stickles in black, red and gold

Well, that's all for now. Thank you for stopping by.

Return of Autumn

I am back!!! My apologies, I have not completely abandoned my blog. I only planned to take a summer hiatus from crafting due to some projects that were being done in our home. We had to pack-up our things as if we were moving-out, except we didn't. So, to say that it was a chaotic summer was an understatement. However, I did not anticipate that getting back my creative mojo would be a little bit more challenging. I also did not realize how much I needed this hobby of mine in my life. I admit that at times I take for granted how I can just whip out a card without much thought. But when all of my stuff were boxed up and I couldn't get to them I was distraught. Well, other women have their jewels and shoes, I have my paper crafting stuff.

I want to share with you this card using a retired stamp set called Fantastic Foliage. I have been trying to purge and revisit my old stamp sets. I made a personal rule that if I don't use it in the next year, they will have to go. It is not easy to let go, so this way I can justify its space in my shelf. So, just be warned that I will be sharing cards/projects using retired stamps. However, I used all new In Colors in this card. I am so in-love with all of them, especially Mossy Meadow and Blackberry Bliss.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Fantastic Foliage
Paper: Card stocks in Mossy Meadow, Blackberry Bliss, Tangelo Twist, Early Espresso and Whisper White
Ink: Classic Stampin' Pads in Mossy Meadow, Blackberry Bliss, Tangelo Twist and Early Espresso
Tools & Accessories: Versamark Pad, Sponge Daubers, Heat Tool, Heat & Stick Powder and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Making Spirits Bright (Wood 135086 Clear 135089)
Paper: Card stocks in Basic Black and Whisper White, DSP retired
Ink: Memento Ink Pad in Tuxedo Black (132708)
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439), Punches in Modern Label (119849) and Word Window (119857), Blendabilities Pumpkin Pie Assortment (130997), Smoky Slate Assortment (131005) and Old Olive Assortment (130999), Sponge Daubers, Googly Eyes (retired), Raven 1/2 inch Lace Trim ribbon (120988 - currently on Clearance for $2.39/spool of 10 yards).

Well, that's all for now. Thank you for stopping by.

Perfect Blend

What is it about coffee? I have given-up soda, other sugary drinks and alcohol in my quest to live a healthier lifestyle; yet I lack the courage to give-up my coffee. I also know that I am not into it because of the caffeine. I don't buy fancy and expensive coffee from Starbucks or other Coffee places. I brew my own fancy coffee. The smell of a freshly brewed coffee simply awakens my senses and drinking it slowly is a ritual that I have been enjoying for most of my adult life. Some people start their days with yoga or go for a run (I don't understand why, haha), I have my coffee while the house is quiet and still asleep. I gather my thoughts, check my emails or simply just read. Growing up in the Philippines, I confess that my grandpa gave me sips of coffee when I was a little girl. This was one of my fondest memories of him. I remember him coming home from work in the afternoons to have his snack aka merienda. He'd smell of sweat and the sun, sit on his chair in our back patio wiping his perspiration with a white face towel that had a "Good Morning" printed in red ink on the edge of it which always hung on his neck. I'd sit on his lap and we'd share a tall glass of hot instant black coffee, often with a couple of bread rolls aka pandesal that I would tear small pieces of to dip in the coffee then eat. And on those many days when I'd tag along with him to work, we would have our merienda at the little shack of a store in the corner of the cemetery, always hot instant coffee. My grandpa did not drink his coffee in a cup or mug, it was in a tall jar of recycled Nescafe glass (as with most of our drinking glasses back then). He would always have the first sip to make sure it was not too hot for me. He loved me so and God knows I miss him every day of my life. So, to this moment each and every time I'd smell or drink coffee, I think of my grandpa and without fail be transported to those times when I was safe and happy in his arms. Sometimes I could still smell him and some mornings when everything is really silent, I could still hear the softness of his voice. Perhaps drinking coffee for me is more of a sentimental experience and the taste is just a plus. This card is for you, Grandpa - thank you for our many coffee memories.

I really love this Perfect Blend stamp set. It is very versatile and also a great set for masculine cards or coffee gift cards. I am glad it has been carried over to the brand new catalog.

 

Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): Perfect Blend (W 130745 C 131392), Lovely Little Labels (W 13203 C 126262)
Paper: Card stocks in Early Espresso, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Crumb Cake and Whisper White, Coredinations card stock in Gumball Green, Sweater Weather DSP
Ink: Classic Stampin' pad in Early Espresso
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Frame Lits in Apothecary Accents (127003) and Ovals Collection (129381), Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder (117335), Little Labels Punch pack (126881), Tea Lace Paper Doilies (129399), Stampin' Sanding System (129367), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579)

Well that's all for now. Thank you for stopping by. 

World Treasures

This year, we are celebrating our 25th year here in United States. Perhaps it's mid-life crisis or just plain nostalgia, but lately I find myself looking back and sort of retracing my steps. Twenty five years, that is a long time, a life time to some people. I am amazed at how far I've traveled, and I mean that in a symbolic way - because I really am not much of a traveler. I guess, it's been more of a tumultuous journey...that now when I look around at my life and see nothing but goodness, I have this ever present angst that all of these will soon end.

A little over a week ago while waiting in line to check-in for a flight at the airport with my mom, I was approached by an older Filipina who reluctantly asked me if I was so and so's grand daughter. My immediate reaction was it was a scam. However, this woman knew both my grandparents and mentioned places and people I have vague memories of from my childhood. She said her mother was my grand father's cousin (I don't know how many times removed) and that my grandpa used to take me to their house when I was a little girl. She said she also came to ours often to visit. She recognized my mom and knew my dad. She mentioned relatives from back home that I have not seen in ages. She said she'd been looking at me and even told her husband that she thought she knew me and who I possibly could be. I told her she has an unbelievable memory to remember me when I have not lived in the Philippines for 25 years. I had goose bumps while this whole thing was going on, because it was almost oddly impossible and something I thought only happened in movies. Meeting her made me suddenly homesick. It made me a little sad when she said I looked like my grandma. How I wished I could call her that night to tell her about my encounter with a mysterious relative. We ended our meeting with a hug. I walked away shaking my head, things like this rarely happens and I was in awe. It made me wonder how much people really change. Haven't I? When I think of myself I still see me as a precarious young woman trying to make sense of the world. I could still see my very slender and charming self at clubs or college parties with friends. Regrettably, now at forty-something I feel I am no longer slender or charming, I have not stepped in a club in almost two decades and the saddest of all, I think I'm friendless. So, how's that for a bummer?

This is a step-up CASE from a swap I received from Convention two years ago.  I also changed the color combo.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: World Treasures (W 132100 C 126767)
Paper: Card stocks in Real Red, Tempting Turquoise and Very Vanilla
Ink: Classic Stampin' pads in Real Red, Tempting Turquoise and Metallic Encore Gold Pad (132141)
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Apothecary Accents frame lits (127003), Heat Tool (129053), Embossing Powder in Gold (109129), Border punch (retired), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, everyone. Thank you for stopping by.

Fabulous Florets

Once a week, we go over to our mom's for dinner. It's nothing fancy, usually she cooks Filipino dish with rice or the guys would grill meat, fish and veggies. Our lives get too hectic, but we realize the importance of making time for family. It's something we all look forward to and we have been religiously doing since mom moved in town two years ago. It's such a treat to share a meal together, talking about life and laughing until our stomachs hurt. When we're done eating, we don't rush to leave - we still chat or we go out and sit in the backyard while the kids are playing...enjoying simple pleasures of spending time with loved ones. Often, when I sit back feeling the cool breeze on my face after such a good meal, I'd get this overwhelming feeling of peace and gratitude. I am so blessed.   

This stamp set, Fabulous Florets will be retired June 1st. It's one of my favorites and one of my go-to stamp sets whenever I want to color, be it with colored pencils, water color, crayons or markers. It's definitely a keeper.

I used sponge daubers to color the flowers then cut them out.

The flowers are heat embossed with black embossing powder.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): Fabulous Florets (W 128574 C 123027 - retiring), Field Flowers (W128583 C 122762)
Paper: Card stocks in Melon Mambo, Basic Black, Whisper White and Lucky Limeade
Ink: Classic Stampin' pads in Lucky Limeade ad Melon Mambo, Versamark Pad (102283)
Tools & Accessories: Heat Tool (129053), Stampin' Emboss Powder in Black (109133), Eyelet Border punch (retired), Sponge Daubers (102892) Pearl Basic Jewels (119247), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Polka Dot Black Ribbon (retired)

Thank you so much for stopping by.

Mother's Day 2014

It's a very windy Mother's Day here in San Joaquin Valley. I want to wish all of you wonderful moms a very happy Mother's Day. Every day but particularly today, I am very grateful for my mom. She is not only an amazing mother, but a person who always go out of her way to help others. She is kind and generous to a fault. Indeed our lives are brighter and better because of her unwavering love. All my life, I've watched her fight every obstacles thrown at her, getting-up a little bit stronger and wiser each time. When other people comment that my sisters and I are doing well for ourselves, I am almost incline to respond how could we not do well, when we saw how our mother sacrificed so much to bring us to United States and make sure we'd get a chance at life. Thank you, mom for everything. You are one in a million.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: My Mother (Wood 133080 Clear 133083)
Paper: Whisper White and Basic Black card stocks, Glimmer Paper in Red (121790), DSP - retired
Ink: Classic Stampin' pad in Real Red
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Dress Up frame lits (130101), Ovals Collection frame lits (129381), 1 1/4" Circle punch (119861), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246), Stamping Sponges (101610)

That's all for now. Thank you for stopping by.

Mother's Day Post Card

I have had this Post Card stamp for months, but this was the very first time I used it. Thank goodness for Pinterest and how much ideas are available out there. I was able to put together this card from a few projects I saw there. One of the retired colors I miss a lot is More Mustard. It was my go to ink when it came to vintage/aging technique. So, I experimented and combined Soft Suede with So Saffron and I was pleased with the results.

Oh by the way, I have already seen SU's 2014/2015 catalog and have been looking at it every chance I get. My wish list is getting long. I am specially excited to try the Blendabilities markers to find out for myself how they compare to Copic markers.

Card Recipe

Stamp set(s): Postage Due (W 132064 C 126397), Post Card (W130366 C 130369), sentiment - retired
Paper: Card stocks in Always Artichoke, Soft Suede and Very Vanilla
Ink: Classic Stampin' pads in Soft Suede, Basic Black, So Saffron, Calypso Coral, Always Artichoke and Pool Party
Tools & Accessories: Stamping Sponges (101610), Postage Punch (122344), Distresing tool

Well, that's all I have for now. Have a fabulous week.

Flower Shop Bundle

I received a generous order via My Online Store this past week, thanks to the recent Free Shipping promotion. Admittedly, I don't get many online orders at all. Most of my customers come to my events/classes and place their orders through me. Perhaps partly because I do not advertise or solicit as much business as other demonstrators do. It's more of a hobby for me (at least for now) and the earnings (if I could even call it that) is just the icing on the cake to help me support it. It brings me joy - to craft and share my passion with the very few customers that I have. So, when I get an Anonymous online order (no matter the amount), I am completely ecstatic. Sadly, I couldn't send this person a thank you card because he/she indicated No Contact and did not create an online account. However, I put together this card to express my deepest appreciation. So, whoever you are, kind and generous stranger...thank you.

 

Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): Flower Shop Bundle (Wood 132727 Clear 132726 - purchase in a bundle to get 15% discount), En Francais Retiring (Wood 128562 Clear 127790), Petite Petals Bundle (Wood 134821 Clear 134822 - purchase in a bundle to get 15% discount), Lots of Thanks (Wood 129687 Clear 129690)

Paper: Card stocks in Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder and Whisper White

Ink: classic Stampin' pads in Elegant Eggplant and Wisteria Wonder

Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Apothecary Accents Framelits (127003), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), White Satin ribbon

That's all for now, thank you for stopping by. 

Retired BNF Friday #27

Happy Friday, everyone! Well, in honor of Earth Day this past Tuesday I am sharing with you this masculine birthday card with trees on them. Time is running out before the 2012/2014 In Colors will be retired. Midnight Muse and Gumball Green combo? Very nice, right? Stampin' Up! published the retiring list this week and I was shocked at how much items are going to say farewell. I was sad, but not as much as how I normally would since I changed how I run my events/classes last year. Most of my gals are makers, so they just choose and pay for the cards they make. They don't care if I use current or retired items as long as the projects are nice.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): Trendy Trees, Teeny Tiny Wishes (Wood 128748 Clear 127802)
Paper: Card stocks in Midnight Muse, Gumball Green, Crumb Cake and Whisper White
Ink: Classic Stampin' pads in Early Espresso, Gumball Green and Midnight Muse
Tools & Accessories: 1 1/4", 1 3/8" square punches, Word Window (119857), Modern Label (126881) punches, 1/8" white taffeta ribbon, stampin' dimensionals (104430), brads

Well, that's all for now. Have a great weekend and thank you for stopping by.]

Blessed Easter 2014

Happy Easter Sunday, everyone! I have truly enjoyed five days of my staycation. I cannot believe it's time to return to work tomorrow. I will really miss my afternoon naps. Oh well, it was definitely a great idea to take a few days of break just like that every so often to recharge. I am already looking forward to the next one.

It has been twenty-five years since I celebrated Easter aka Holy Week in the Philippines. Yet, each and every year when the Easter holiday comes around I still think and fondly remember how we celebrate this solemn holiday back home. My younger sister and I actually often talk about how our children would have been scarred for life if they'd seen the "Senakulo" aka the dramatic presentation of the Passion of Christ in "action" blood, wounds, thorns and all. There was no Easter Bunny, eggs or treats.

Once again, I used a stamp here that is a single stamp and solely in wood. When I mounted the rubber, I cut out the sentiment and adhered it on a spare piece of wood block. That way I can use both the image and sentiment separately. Chocolate Chip is one of my favorite, be it cookie, ice cream, cake and in this case, colors. I find that I can always pair it with almost anything. It's just a little softer than early espresso and more delicious than soft suede. I also love the Chocolate Chip 1/2 Inch Scallop Dots Ribbon (124142) and it is currently available on Clearance.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Blessed Easter (133212, Happy Watercolor (Wood 133188 Clear 133191)
Paper: Card stocks in Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White
Ink: Daffodil Delight classic stampin' pad and StazOn Ink pad in Jet Black (101406)
Tools & Accessories: Artisan Label punch (130920), Chocolate Chip 1/2 Inch Scallop Dots Ribbon (124142) On Clearance, Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Well, that's all for today, folks. Happy Easter!

See Ya Later

Since I went AWOL for the most part of Sale-a-Bration season, I would like to share with you a card we made in class a couple of months ago. Better late than never, right? I think this layout really showcased Sale-a-bration products. I am trying to use the 2012/2014 In Colors as much as I can because they will be retired end of May. I have no doubt some of them will probably return in the near future when Stampin' Up! decides to reorganize their colors again. I have learned not to be too quick to get rid of my In Colors after they have been retired. I hope they bring back Summer Starfruit and Gumball Green.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): See Ya Later, Petal Parade (both SAB), Petite Petals (Wood 133152 Clear 133155)
Paper: Card stocks in Summer Starfruit and Whisper White, Sweet Sorbet DSP (SAB)
Ink: Classic Stampin' pads in Summer Starfruit, Pool Party and Pistachio Pudding and StazOn ink pad in Jet Black (101406)
Tools & Accessories: Angled Top Topper punch (133323), Petite Petals punch (133322), 3/8" Stitched Satin ribbon in Summer Starfruit (126846), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Well, that's all for today's post. My errands await. Thank you for stopping by.

Retired BNF Friday #26

It's about time I post another Retired But Not Forgotten card. I want to share an Easter card we did in class two weeks ago. I find myself wearing bright colors lately. I notice that it also shows on my cards. Pastel and soft colors usually indicate Easter and spring, but I thought I'd rebel against the norm and use bold colors. Haha!

The flower image is from the Best of Flowers stamp set. I love how it matches with the 1 1/4 Scallop Circle punch. It was such a simple and easy card to make. The layout is also versatile, just change the sentiment and one can use it for any occasion.


Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): Best of Flowers
Paper: DSP in Floral District, Card stocks in Rich Razzleberry, Lucky Limeade and Whisper White
Ink: Classic stampin' pad in Rich Razzleberry
Tools & Accessories: Punches in 1 3/8 and 1 1/4 Square,  1 1/4 Scallop Circle (127811), Scallop Trim Border (118402), 1/4" Tangerine Tango Satin Ribbon from the Sycamore Street Ribbon & Buttons pack (130812) Currently on Clearance, Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246)

Well, that's all for today, folks. Have a wonderful and blessed Easter weekend.

People Like You

Well, look at that - second day of my staycation and I am staying true to my goals. Although, I must confess that I was not entirely productive yesterday. I paid bills, made a few phone calls, caught-up on my recorded TV shows and then took a long nap. What can I say, a nap often is a vacation in itself. I am sharing another card with you. This is another Clean & Simple card using People Like You single wood stamp from our 2014 Celebrate the Everyday catalog. As soon as I saw this stamp, I knew I had to have it (duh, don't I always?). It's solely in wood, it is one stamp with both the image and the sentiment, plus I can use the matching Decorative Label punch with it. Need I say more? Calypso Coral and Chocolate Chip, such an amazing color combo.

I stamped the image twice, punched the sentiment and popped it with stampin' dimensionals.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: People Like You (133215) Order this by end of May - Limited Edition.
Paper: Card stocks in Calypso Coral, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White
Ink: Classic Stampin' pad in Calypso Coral
Tools & Accessories: Decorative Label Punch (120907) and Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Thank you for stopping by.

Simply Sketched

I am on staycation beginning today. My daughter and I watched a movie last night. She asked me to help her with her project, so I used the most litigious term in the HR world - "quid pro quo". I told her I'd help provided that she sat down and watch the Silver Lining's Playbook with me. So, she did and come to find out, she liked the movie. That's why this is going to be a quick post, so we can work on her project. One of my many goals during this staycation was to take photos of the cards I have done the past few weeks. So, check mark on that! I just want to share a card with you and then I will be off to my To Do List.

I CASED this card from a swap I received at SU's convention last year. I just changed the color combo and added the brad. As soon as I saw it, I fell in love with the simplicity of the layout. I just adore Clean and Simple cards like this. It was easy and beautiful at the same time. Less is indeed more. I really love this Hostess Set called Simply Sketched. It's so versatile and the images can be embossed, and colored with markers, ink pads or with water color. Or it can just be stamped like this - plain. The stamp set comes with three sentiments: Thanks So Much, Happy Birthday Wishes and With Heartfelt Sympathy. Like I said, versatile.

 

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Simply Sketched (Hostess set)
Paper: Card stocks in Basic Black, Perfect Plum and Whisper White
Ink: Classic Stampin' pad in Perfect Plum
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Apothecary Accents Frame Lits (127003), Glower Garden Embossing Folder (123113), Brads (retired), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Well, that's it for today, folks. I hope to stay on track and post one card a day for the next few days. I feel optimistic and I am off to a good start. Thanks for stopping by.

So Very Grateful

Happy Sunday, everyone. I didn't mean to stay away for so long, I've just been really busy with work and with so many things. I am still creating though, and trust me when I say that I have a stack of cards I need to photograph so I can share them all with you.

A couple of weeks ago, one of my dearest and one of my favorite aunts passed away in the Philippines. She was one of the kindest and most genuine person I've ever known and I was really saddened by her death. She had been ill for quite sometime and although her passing was not a complete shock it was still a huge loss. I grieved in silence and thought about the last time we saw each other 2 1/2 years ago. I remember walking over to visit her, since their house is only yards away from ours. She was very generous with kind words and always told me what a wonderful woman I turned out to be. If I only knew that would be the last time I'd see her, I would have hugged her a little longer and a little tighter. My mom was really disheartened, because they were very close and even planned to retire and spend their old age together along with another aunt. I feel she was taken from us way too early and the fact that she also had three daughters (like me and my two younger sisters) gave her passing a heavy impact on me because I closely identified with it. Oh well, this card is for you, tita Delia - Rest in Peace, my sweet aunt, until we meet again. 

Card Recipe

Stamp set(s): So Very Grateful (Wood 133050 Clear 133053), Word Play (retired)
Paper: Card stocks in Strawberry Slush (131295) and Lucky Limeade, Watercolor paper (122959)
Ink: Classic Stampin' pads in Strawberry Slush (131178), Lucky Limeade and StazOn Ink pad in Jet Black (101406)
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439), Oval Collections framelits (129381), Aqua Painters (103954), Stamping Sponges (101610), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Dazzling Details (124117)

Well, that's all for now. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and thank you for stopping by.

Peaceful Petals

I am still here. Although, I must confess that I have been feeling melancholic the past few weeks. In fact, I've even considered quitting my demonstratorship with Stampin' Up! Yep, that's how bad it was. I don't know what it is, perhaps I am just aging and everything aches, or maybe it's because I'm stressed at work. Heck, who knows! I only hope that I snap out of it soon. I want to feel inspired so I can create pretty things. I will work on some spring themed cards this weekend to cheer me up some.

Oh well, I am really liking this brand new stamp set from the Celebrate the Everyday catalog called Peaceful Petals. The Designer Series Paper is one of the freebies from the Sale-a-bration promotion. The Scalloped Tag Topper punch is also brand new and since I am a punch hoarder, I just had to have it. It's such a versatile punch and can be used with bookmarks, gift tags, for writing or typing sentiments for a scrapbook page, etc. The possibilities are endless, as the aphorism goes.

 

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Peaceful Petals (Wood 133104 Clear 133107)
Paper: Card stocks in Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding, Whisper White and the Sweet Sorbet DSP from the Sale-a-bration catalog (free with a $50.00 order until March 31, 2014)
Ink: Black Stazon ink pad
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Honeycomb Embossing Folder (129378),Stampin' Write markers in Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding, Early Espresso and Basic Gray, Scalloped Tag Topper punch (133324), Bitty Banners framelits (129267), 3/8" Ruffle Stretch trim ribbon in Crisp Cantaloupe, Stampin' Dimensionals (104430).

That's it for now. Thank you for stopping by.

Love You More

I had lunch with a couple of friends yesterday and then we went shopping afterwards. It was so much fun and I have to confess that I can't remember the last time I did anything like that. It seems to always have been quick lunches and then return to the office, always in a rush that I fail to enjoy the company. This time, it was slow, we lingered awhile after we're done eating, gossiped and laughed a lot. I really had a great time.

 

 

 
I used a stamp set called Love You More which is offered at a very limited time (until end of this month) or while supplies last. I love this set and I know I will always find ways to use it not just for Valentine's Day. Well, it's Super Bowl Sunday - I don't watch football, but my husband does. So, I'd probably just make cards this afternoon and be very happy in my corner while he screams and yells in the living room.

Retired BNF Friday #25

It feels like we never got any real winter weather here in Northern California this year at all. We are definitely overdue for rain and the news keep warning us of drought and possible water rationing. There was a little bit of rain, more like drizzle a couple of days ago...but not much in the form of precipitation. Let's just say my car did not even feel it. I think I need to wash my car because in the past, as soon as I wash it it'd rain big time. Oh well.

I don't want to end January without a Retired BNF card to share with you, so here it is. I really miss this stamp set called Tea Shoppe. I have a Stamping Event tomorrow, so I am just stopping by to post and then go back to getting ready for my event.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Tea Shoppe
Paper: Card stocks in Real Red, Basic Black and Whisper White, Glimmer paper in Red (121790)
Ink: Classic Stampin' pad in Real Red
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Honeycomb Embossing Folder (129378), punches in Decorative Label (120907), Extra Large Oval (119859) and Small Heart (117193), Scalloped Dots ribbons in Basic Black (retired), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430).

Well, that's all for now. Thank you for stopping by. On to a new month.

Vivid Vases

I have been doing a lot of water coloring lately with most of my projects. I get this way, especially when I am under a lot of stress. It is a known fact that paper crafting calms me down, but any form of coloring be it with watercolor, crayons, markers or color pencils bring me a different level of release and peace. I am no artist, I can't draw to save my life, so this will have to do. The new Celebrate the Every Day catalog have many amazing products and stamp sets and this single wooden stamp Vivid Vases is one of them.

I used a sponge dauber and Summer Starfruit ink pad to color the Organza ribbon

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Vivid Vases (133818)
Paper: Card stocks in Real Red and Summer Starfruit, Watercolor paper (122959)
Ink: Black Stazon ink pad (101406), Classic Stampin' pads in Real Red, Old Olive and Summer Starfruit
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (13439), Top Note Bigz Die (113463), Scallops Textured Impressions Embossing folder (132971), Sponge Daubers (102892), Aqua Painters (103954), 5/8" Whisper White Organza ribbon (114319), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Well, that's all for now. Thank you for stopping by.

Serene Silhouettes

I almost lost my mind looking for this card all over my blog, then I realized that I have not posted it. Duh! I made it a few months ago and I am so in-love with the versatility of its color combo and layout that I changed the sentiment to "thank you" and sent it out to people after the holidays. I confess that lately I have been sort of blank. My creative juices are simply depleted. I had my monthly Stamping Event this past Saturday and I kid you not I designed at least six cards prior to that I ended up not using for the class, because I was not happy with the results. They were simply not good enough for me. Why is it that I am always my worst critic?

Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): Serene Silhouettes (Wood 132073 Clear 127324), Always in my Thoughts (retired)
Paper: Card stocks in Cherry Cobbler Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White
Ink: Classic Stampin' pad in Cherry Cobbler, Stampin' Write markers in Cherry Cobbler and Lucky Limeade
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Fancy Fan Embossing Folder (127751), 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon in Cherry Cobbler (120992), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (119860), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Oh well, this coming week at the office is going to be brutal - because it will be the first full work week after the holidays. It was very nice to start the week on a Thursday and then Friday...then the weekend. Oh well, that's all for now. Thank you for stopping by. I have new projects to share from the 2014 Occasions catalog, but my photographer aka daughter has been so preoccupied with whatever twelve year old girls do. Haha.

New Year 2014

Happy New Year, everyone! I would like to stop by and share this simple, yet very stunning card. It is with my favorite stamp set, Lovely as a Tree. It was the reason I could not wait to sign-up as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator eight years ago. So many catalogs have come and gone, yet Lovely as a Tree is still my go-to stamp when I need a masculine, sympathy, Christmas, winter or Thinking of you cards. It's a classic and I believe that every paper crafter/ card maker must have this set in their collection.

Well, farewell to 2013. I started 2014 cleaning my fridge. This has been sort of an annual tradition for me and the sad part is that, I don't hate doing it. I was not too surprised to find two jars of expired salsa (probably my son's), a bunch of expired condiments and salad dressings and packets of ketchup. It shocked me that there was an almost full jar of Martini Olives in Vermouth that expired in 2011. What a waste! And six (6) unopened bars of Plugra butter that were hidden all over the fridge. It was probably a result of one of my obsessions. Oh well, here's to a brand new year and a clean fridge! Haha.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Lovely as a Tree (W 128655 C 127793)
Paper: Card stocks in Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White and Brushed Silver (100712)
Ink: Whisper White Craft Ink (101731), Black Stazon Ink Pad (101406), Classic Stampin' pads in Pool Party and Night of Navy.
Tools & Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Apothecary Accents Frame Lits (127003), Snowflake punch (retired), sponge daubers (102892), Heat Tool (129053), Versamark pad (102283), Heat & Stick powder (100625), Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (102023), Rhinestone brads (retired), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430).

That's all for now. Happy New Year and thank you for stopping by.