Father Christmas

We're in the "ber" months which means the holidays are fast approaching. I want to share a Christmas card created with a stamp set I thought I'd missed from last year's Holiday catalog. I was happy when I saw it carried over to the 2017/2018 Annual catalog that I ordered it right away. Haha. I love how this card turned out - so traditional as it should be, and it even has a hint of vintage. I CASED it from the previous year's catalog.

I stamped the Very Vanilla CS with Crumb Cake ink using the Hardwood background stamp, then run it through the Big Shot machine using the Pinewood Planks Textured Embossing Folder. I also used the White Stampin' Chalk Marker on Santa's bear and fur around his coat to add a little dimension.

Thank you for stopping by. Below is the list of products used to create this card. Happy weekend, everyone!

Father Christmas Wood-Mount Stamp Set

$28.00

Father Christmas Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$20.00

Always Artichoke 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$8.00

Cherry Cobbler 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$8.00

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$9.00

Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad

$6.50

Always Artichoke Classic Stampin' Pad

$6.50

Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad

$6.50

Watercolor Paper

$5.00

Hardwood Wood-Mount Stamp

$20.00

Hardwood Clear-Mount Stamp

$15.00

Big Shot

$110.00

Pinewood Planks Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

$10.00

Layering Ovals Framelits Dies

$35.00

Aqua Painters

$17.00

Sponge Daubers

$5.00

Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad

$7.00

White Stampin' Chalk Marker

$3.50

Snail Adhesive

$7.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

$4.00

Simply Scored

$30.00

Bone Folder

$7.00

Stampin' Trimmer

$30.00

Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad

$6.50

Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad

$6.50

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

RIP Bama Johnson

My paternal grandfather who raised me was a sepulturero in the Philippines aka gravedigger aka undertaker. Grim as it sounds, the cemetery was my playground when I was a little girl. Grandpa used to always say that death had a smell. He could always smell death on people and on places. I was not sure there was any truth to this until last night when I visited our family dog, Bama. Like I wrote in a recent post, she was not doing well. I understood last night what my grandfather meant. I smelled death on Bama and felt certain that she did not have very long. I even told my brother-in-law that Bama was ready to go. I sat with her for a little bit and while I was stroking her head I whispered to her ear to go and be with Daddy Russell. I told her it was okay to go. I told her that we are going to miss her so much, but she did such a great job taking care of everybody that we will be just fine. It was the oddest thing, she looked at me then closed her eyes and put her head down as if she nodded in agreement. All night, I was restless. You know that feeling when you have butterflies in your tummy, as if you're anticipating something that's about to happen but you are not sure what it is? I had that feeling of anxiety. So, when my baby sister called me this morning that Bama has passed on, I was not shocked. Yet, it did not stop me from sobbing uncontrollably while I reached for my car keys and drove off to our mom's house. I found Bama lying on the floor in the garage, lifeless. I patted her, closed her eyes and said my goodbye. She was still very warm. I phoned the pet clinic immediately and they told me what to do. My sister and I cleaned Bama up some and then wrapped her up in an old rug the whole time crying our eyes out. My sister's friend who has a truck came to help us transport Bama's body to the pet clinic to be cremated. Before I left, I went back, took out her collar and pet her one last time. I slowly walked away and just like that, she was gone. How quickly life slips away, doesn't it?

For something that is supposed to be final, death is remarkably exhausting. How can something that cause so much ache leave you numb at the same time? Rest in Peace, Bama. Until we meet again. You gave us ten years of your life. You've earned a fast pass to Rainbow Bridge. 

This is how I want to always remember you, Bama. You're a Super Dog!

Bama, I think you are AMAZING, I just want to let you know.

This is called Joy Fold card. The stamp set is called Lovely Romance (recently retired)

Inside of the Joy Fold card

Well, that is all for now. Thank you for stopping by. Have a good and relaxing weekend, everyone. 

Tea Party

I want to just pop-in to share one of the cards we made in my recent Stamp-a-Stack (SAS) event. Sadly, this stamp set called Tea Party and Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch are both in the Retiring List and will no longer be available to purchase from Stampin' Up! after June 1st. 

I wish I used this stamp set a little bit more in my Stamping events, because it is such a lovely set. It has that vintage look and I feel it is kind of Downton Abbey-ish. I'd like to imagine Lady Mary would enjoy receiving a card like this. 

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Tea Party (Wood 129135, Clear 129138)
Paper: Card stocks in Very Vanilla, Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade, DSP (retired)
Ink: Classic Stampin' pad in Calypso Coral and Crumb Cake (for sponging the edges)
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Textured Embossing Folder in Tiny Triangles (133740), Ovals Collection Framelits (129381), Dotted Scallop Border punch (119275), Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon (retired), Pearl Basic Jewels (119247), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Glue Dots (103683), Sponge Daubers (133773)

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

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.

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.

Feeling Sentimental

I had a very slow start to my Sunday. I have not been able to sleep much the past couple of weeks. Although, I've really never needed plenty of sleep to function, it's still very annoying to just lay in bed night after night with your eyes closed, yet your mind awake. I think I am more tired trying so hard to fall asleep than my lack of sleep, if that even makes any sense.

I want to share this really nice card we made in class yesterday. It's from one of the Sale-a-bration stamp set called Feeling Sentimental.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Feeling Sentimental (W 129627 C 129630 - SAB), That's the Ticket (W 128072 C 128075)
Paper: Card stocks in Soft Suede and Very Vanilla, First Edition Specialty Paper (121878)
Ink: Classic Stampin' pads in Soft Suede and More Mustard
Accessories & tools: Ticket Duo Builder punch (126883), 1/16" Circle Handheld (101227), Stampin' Distress tool (127562), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Sponge Daubers (102892), Natural 7/16" Trim Ribbon (129287), 3/16" Metallic Brads (119741)

That's all I got today, folks. Thank you for stopping by.

Life is a Ticket

I have not forgotten about my blog. I've just had a hectic start to 2013 and have not had much time to create anything to share. Between the holidays and family visits, it's been really busy...yet also wonderful. My nieces and nephew are getting much bigger and it brings me joy to be around them.

Around this time ten years ago, we were all in the Philippines. We celebrated the holidays there and had this amazing grand reunion with our relatives that we have not seen in a very long time. So much has happened since then. Children grew-up, babies were born and loved ones died, to name a few. In the grandiose scheme of life, ten years really does not seem like a lot, right? I used to not think much of years, but as I get older I am learning a much deeper perspective of time as they come at me in seconds, in minutes and in days.

I found myself at a fork in the road a few weeks ago. I have always been cursed with the inability to say no. I am the oldest, it's my job to please and make everybody happy. That's how I was raised. However, lately I have recognized the importance of redefining many things in my life, and that includes the phrase, "no, thank you". It was so foreign to me that I did not know what to do at first. I had to ask myself just one question: Will the gain be more valuable than how much it will cost me now? And again, with time being measured in nano seconds and not in years.

One of the best gifts of aging is wisdom. I know that now. What was once very important to me, no longer applies. As life changes, so do we...whether we like it or not. My resolution this year is only one, to enjoy and to take advantage of my one-time admission to the greatest show on earth called life. I hope that you will all join me in doing the same.

The sentiment Life is a Ticket to the Greatest Show on Earth is not Stampin' Up!

Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): Postage Due (W 126395 C 126397, That's The Ticket (W 128072 C 128075), Feeling Sentimental (SAB 2013 January 22 to March 22, 2013)
Paper: Card stocks in Mellow Moss, Bravo Burgundy and Very Vanilla
Ink: Classic Stampin' pads in Mellow Moss, Bravo Burgundy, Soft Suede and Crumb Cake and More Mustard for distressing.
Accessories & tools: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Woodgrain Embossing Folder (127821), 5/8" Crochet Trim ribbon in Victoria, Ticket Duo Builder punch (126883), Sponge Daubers (102892).

Well, that is all I have for today, folks. Thank you for stopping by. Happy New Year to all of you!

Keep Calm...Create

Well, I cannot believe I just completed eight weeks of my medical leave. I had a long list of things I was hoping to accomplish during that time, but sadly none of them got done. I did not anticipate it would take the entire eight weeks to recover. Oh well, time surely flies and although I am sure it will be hectic in the office the next few months trying to catch-up and stuff, I must be brave and face it. I shall put on my big girl panties and conquer the work, the emails, the phone calls, the meetings and everything else. While typing this, I am doing an inventory in my head of my organs...hmmm, which one can I live without? Which ones are the genuine VITAL organs? Do women get hernias? Smile.

Hobby Lobby opened here in town last Friday. I was so excited that I was one of the first customers there. However, for some odd reason, I liked it so much better when I was in Alabama. Now...well, not so much. Not a lot of sales at all for a grand opening and get this, they DO NOT accept competitor's coupon! Perhaps I liked it when I thought I couldn't have it, but now that it's here I have lost all interest. Oh well...c'est la vie!

I made this card to remind myself to "Keep Calm and Carry On". I must admit that one of the reasons why I have not been productive lately is because of Pinterest. Yes, I have a feeling I might need to check myself into rehab soon. I am clearly addicted to pinning that I have not been to the Stampin' Connection Site. It's bad, really bad. Hopefully, work and going back to my old hectic schedule will distract me from it. Should I slowly withdraw myself from pinning or just go cold turkey? Aughh, my life just reached the lowest point of pathetic. Hahaha!

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Carry On - Hostess Set (Wood 126645 Clear 126647)
Paper: Twitterpatted DSP (125406), Card stocks in Lucky Limeade, Basic Gray and Whisper White
Ink: Craft Pad Basic Black (102192)
Accessories: Heat Tool (129053), Clear Embossing Powder (109133), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), 3/8" Ruffled Ribbons Lucky Limeade (122977)

I made a bunch of this for swaps at Convention

Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): Postage Due (Wood 126395 Clear 126397), Creative Elements (Wood 122645 Clear 122647)
Paper: Twitterpatted DSP (125406), Card stocks in Riding Hood Red, Island Indigo and Whisper White
Ink: Classic Stampin' pads in Island Indigo (126986) and Riding Hood Red (126968)
Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Labels Collection Framelits (125598), Stamping Sponges (101610), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Modern Label punch (119849) and Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246)

Well, that's all I got today. Have a great week, everyone. Thanks for stopping by. Hopefully, I'll be able to post a Retired But Not Forgotten card on Friday...provided that I survive this week. Smile.

Convention Blues

This time last year I was on my way to Salt Lake City, Utah to attend my first Stampin' Up! Convention. After having been a hobby demonstrator since 2005, I felt it was time to experience and find out for myself what this annual convention was all about. It was so much fun and so much more than I imagined. Just think, thousands of people with the same passion as mine. I am bummed that I am not able to go this year...due to being on medical leave. Fortunately, I was able to make some card fronts that my Upline was kind enough to take and swap for me. I want to share one of them with you. Putting this together cheered me up and distracted me from thoughts of death and dying.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): Pursuit of Happiness (Wood 121907 Clear 121970), Forever Young (Wood 122570 Clear 122572)
Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Basic Black, Island Indigo and Whisper White card stocks
Ink: Craft Stampin' pad in Basic Black (102192), Daffodil Delight (126944) and Lucky Limeade (126984) Classic Stampin pads
Accessories: Sponge Daubers (102892), Brayer (102395), Heat Tool (129053), Stampin' Emboss Powders in Clear (109130) and White (109132), Embossing Folder in Framed Tulips (121809).

Today is also my baby sister's 28th birthday. Happy birthday, Melissa! May you grow-up to be like your big sisters! Hahaha. That's it for now, thanks for stopping by!

Sale-a-bration 2012

I apologize for the delay of my "supposedly" Sunday blog entry. I am still a little bit under the weather and every little thing I do requires such hard work. Mere breathing is such an effort. It sucks for a mom to be sick because chores and errands still need to be done. Oh well.

BTW, happy Monday everyone! Stampin' Up! is currently offering Sale-a-bration aka SAB, it runs from January 24 to March 31, 2012. Every $50 order you place gives you an awesome opportunity to choose one free SAB item from the SAB catalog. Purchase $150.00 and you get to pick three (3) SAB items plus an adorable reusable tote - all free! 

To kick-off the SAB season I have a special event this coming Saturday, February 11th, 2012 where we will make cards using the stamp sets, papers and embellishments from the SAB catalog. I would like to share a couple of the cards we will be making.

I used the paper, ribbons and brads from the Everyday Enchantment collection. Stamps from Fresh Vintage stamp set and sentiment from Sprinkled Expressions stamp set. Won't this card really make your whole face smile?

Once again ribbons and paper from Everyday Enchantment and Elementary Elegance stamp set. I am completely in-love with this paper and the Vintage stamp sets in this year's SAB collection. Please check out this promotion by going to My Online Store!

 

That's it for now, have a wonderful week and stay well. 

Vintage Valentine #1

Today's post is this beautiful Vintage Valentine card. I just love the aged look of it, like it's something our grandparents would send and receive back in the day. Vintage is another style of paper crafting and it has been very popular lately. This style usually has lots of layering and distressing techniques to make the product look old-fashioned or obsolete. I really like making Vintage style cards, although I must admit that it does take more time than other styles. 

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Valentine Love (Wood 122695 Clear 122697)
Paper: First Edition DSP (121878), Soft Suede (115318), Very Vanilla (101650), Glimmer Red Paper (121790)
Ink: Early Espresso Classic Stampin Pad (119670), Soft Suede Classic Stampin Pad used to aged it with the sponge (115657), Real Red Classic Stampin Pad (103133).
Accessories: Framelits Dies Heart Collection (125599), Crochet Trim Ribbon in Chantilly (118480), Lace Ribbon Border Punch (122362), Scallop Oval Punch (119856), Heart to Heart Punch (119881), Stamping Sponges (101610), Stampin Dimensionals (104430)

That's it for today, folks! Our Valentine cards/giftables class yesterday was so much fun. I promise to share the projects we made next week.

Remember that our Sale-a-bration SAB promotion begins on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. Every $50.00 order entitles you a choice of one free stuff from the SAB catalog. For more info, go to  
My Online Store!