Even more Roses...

I think I'm finished with this rose after this. A couple more were colored, but this is the last of the cards made with it before school started.

Speaking of school, when I mentioned it before, Staci wanted to know what I'm studying? Right now all I know is I'm interested in Web Design and Graphic Design.  Both are Associates Degree Programs.  I already have an Associates Degree so we are trying to see if I can get a Bachelor's degree in Technical Management or something similar.  I'm going to enroll in the program that accepts the greatest number of my credits from before so that I will spend the least amount of time killing myself in school now. Whichever Bachelors degree program I'm in, my concentration will be in Web Design.

I'm in week 2 of and 8 week term and I can't wait until it's over! :)
The headaches are no better except when I'm asleep, so the medicine has got to go.  I told you before, I don't do well with medicines. I don't know why I let these doctors talk me into it.  If you think about me, pray for these headaches to go away. I'll take a miracle, or whatever way He wants to rid me of them. :)

My singing daughter is at it again this week. The Spring Musical is underway at her school. I must admit, I'm a bit sad because she's going to graduating and this is her last musical as a high school student. I'm really proud of her. Really really proud.
Last night was parent's night for the musical and I tried to just watch and not film it.  I couldn't resist getting a little bit of footage of her singing one of her solos with my camera.  I'll have my video camera and ahem.. tripod for the performances.  I'll post some video if my camera makes nice with the computer.  It's one of the weird technology things.  Sometimes it recognizes the video camera and sometimes it doesn't.  In the meantime, here is a preview.
Next time, I'll actually film her two friends who are beautifully singing with her. There are dancers on the stage too.



Back to do a little more reading before I go to bed...
Once I get through this week. I'm going to take a day and have some coloring therapy! I NEED it. :)

And another Happy Mother's Day...

I forgot how much I love coloring this rose. I've colored it several times in the last week or so.  I posted three similar cards the other day.  This one is a larger gate-fold card. (8 1/2 x 5 1/2 closed and 8 1/2 x 11 open)  I think I'm going to color a few more yellow ones and then I'm done with this for the year. :) I spent the bulk of my day today coloring and I only got four of the colored. It's big and beautiful, and there is a familiarity to it. I first bought this stamp 9 or 10 years ago? --somewhere in that time frame.  It tends to be my go-to when I want to make a big statement.

To make this card, I used one of my scoring boards.  The jury is still out as to which one I prefer. I think they all have positives and negatives.  When I say they all, I mean Score It, Score Pal, and Martha Stewart's Score Board. Holly wrote a very thorough  review on her blog about Martha's Score Board, Today's Creations, so I won't repeat what she said.  If you haven't already and you are interested, go and read what she wrote.

I used Nestabilities to cut the circles.  The rose has a vellum overlay which is where I stamped the message.  I only put a tiny bit of glue in the two places the anchors would cover, but it's not going anywhere.

I usually leave the insides blank for personal notes and quotes.  A card this size is big enough for a group to sign. I get a lot of my quotes from Thinkexist.com.


*************

I'm going to a Copic certification class on Monday.  I can't imagine anything better than coloring all day long. I can't wait!

Anybody Wanna Pray With Me?

See additional request at the bottom.

Hello Prayer Warriors,
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-6

I haven't had a chance to email those on the prayer list for updates because as you know I'm having computer problems. I'm going to let you add your requests this month by way of commenting to this post.

Please don't forget all those on the list for the last couple of months. I'll continue to pray until I get an update.

November, October, September

• Let's remember each other during this Christmas season. I'm thinking of those who've lost loved ones this year. The first Christmas season is always hard.
• Let's remember our country during the transition in the government, the wars and the financial crisis.
  
• Let's remember and all those individuals going thru financial difficulties. I know several people personally who have had their jobs threatened or lost due to the economy.
• Let's remember our military.
  

I've been thinking more about comfort in suffering since I posted my card for the Salt Challenge

One of my favorite passages of the Bible is Psalm 34 ( link to the passage on Bible Gateway)
There is so much about that passage that is reassuring and comforting in times of suffering.
Here are some highlights, but to get the full effect, click on the link or get out your Bible and read the whole Psalm.

he answered me
he delivered me
LORD heard him;
he saved him
he delivers them.
the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
those who fear him lack nothing.
those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
his ears are attentive to their cry;
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
The LORD redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him

...and all this is just from one Psalm! Isn't God good?

ETA: 12/10

Christopher : You might remember the little boy I posted a RAK request for the other day. It was going around the Internet that his last wish was to receive Christmas cards. That was NOT his wish and the family doesn't even know how that got started. It was wonderful that people sent cards, but the family was also harassed by strangers. That was the reason I took down that post. I've been in touch with a friend of the family and now I'm going to add Christopher to our prayer list. He is a little 6 year old boy very sick with Cancer. As you can imagine it is a very difficult time for his family. Please pray for him and also for his family and doctors as they strive to keep him as comfortable and as happy as possible. The family friend told me that "Christopher is having good days and bad days. He has physical challenges now, he needs help to walk, but he is very much alive and kicking." Christopher is going to get his 'real' wish granted by the Make a Wish people this week. Pray for Christopher, his family, especially the mother. As a mother myself I can't imagine what she's going through-- I'm tearing up just thinking about them. Our Heavenly Father knows, doesn't He? I'll update as they let me know what is going on.

Me: I'm doing good. My treatment is probably working. It's a slow process and I may not see any significant progress for months. At least I think the crisis is over. The worse part of it for me is all the doctors appointments and especially the needles (for steroids and blood work). I had 5 babies with no epidural because I don't like needles... Oh well, I'm getting more than my share now. I'm not going to talk about it anymore unless a specific need comes up. I do appreciate your prayers and concern. Please know that I'm doing ok. Hey Jacki- I love you, just so you know:) I love that Psalm too! so....here are my requests:

Deb:
Please continue to pray for my cousin, Beverly and her dad, Earl, as they grieve the death of my aunt.
Pray for my mom as she grieves for her sister. Mom has Alzheimers and this has really set her back. Pray for me as I deal with mom.
My boys both seem to be doing well! Thank you for praying for them and please continue to pray that they are open to God's work in their lives, etc.
I am burdened for our military--comfort, safety, their hearts and minds gaurded from all they see, hear, and experience as they serve our country.
Thank you prayer warriors!

Keep praying! God hears, and delivers. Choosing Joy! Jacki

Create Joy

Stamps: Single rose (Impression Obsession - Alesa Baker Designs), Create Joy from a set called From the Heart Greetings (Hero Arts), Background swirl, (Inkadinkado)
Card Stock: Real Red (SU)
Printed yellow paper (KMA)
Ink: Real Red (SU), Memories white dye


I don't mind sharing my weaknesses, because it always seems to help someone else. Thanks to all of you who left me comments about my last post. Feedback is always good. Positive feedback is even better!(smile)
This card was also made last week during my card making therapy session. I love this sentiment. Create Joy. Wanna get yourself out of a rut? You have to power to create some joy, right? I also love the saying 'Choose Joy'. I've been using it as my signature for 15 or so years, ever since I heard the song "I choose Joy" by Larnell Harris. My husband began singing it in church and recorded it a couple of years later.
I hit the jackpot today at Archivers !!! I've had my eye on this bag for at least a year and a half. It is the All My Memories Vituri Urban Shoulder Bag. (Black outside pink inside) I've seen it on sale, but with the shipping, it was still too much. Today, I found it in the clearance section, and I grabbed it and held on to it for dear life.
I drove all the way there to meet Dawn and use my 30% off coupon. She is a delightful person. It's not everyday you meet someone who is funny and nice and has my same taste in music. It was already going to be a great day, but finding the bag, was like putting a cherry on top of an already sweet trip. Happy Birthday to me (soon). I think Dawn might be tired of hearing that line today. (I had to justify the bag purchase.)

My trip to Archivers started off as sad reminder that I'm not going to be going to the ScrapFest they sponsor in the Mall of America. :( Some things came up with my friend. It's OK, because I'll spend the weekend celebrating birthdays here at home with my family. My friends and I will get together another time. So for any of you going this year, take notes( and pictures) and tell me all about it when you get back!
So create joy if you can, but choose joy always. Be blessed! Jacki.

Joyful, patient, and faithful

Long week. I'm glad that it's over. I'm not a perfectionist, but sometimes I wish I could always get everything right. My big pet peeve is wasting time so any lesson that needs to be learned more than once, in my opinion, is a waste of time. For instance, this morning, I spent the morning and the last few days wallowing....



It's been a long week, doctor and biopsy, teachers and conferences, conventions and speeches, and lots of other things to get me down.
I hadn't made a card all week! I practically forced myself to go and make a card on my finally-cleaned-off-desktop. I eventually made 4 cards --and now my desk top is a mess again, LOL! But it's all good... This is the one I decided I needed to make for myself. I love it that scripture, whether in the Bible or on the face of a stamp, is so encouraging. This stamp was sent to me by Deb a while back.

Why do I do this to myself? Eventually, while talking to Dawn, I realized what my problem was. Instead of counting my blessings, I've been reflecting on or replaying the yucky things (you know, wallowing) that have been happening. God is in control. This verse helped me see that...

1. I do have hope that God is going to work everything out because He is in control.... So, I can be joyful. Choosing Joy!
2. My afflictions aren't horrible, there are many people going through a whole lot worse, nevertheless, I should be patient because I know that God is going to work everything out, because He is in control....
3. I haven't been faithful to pray specifically for those things that have been bothering me. I've been praying, and praying for healing and praying for others. But I haven't asked God to give me wisdom about my situation, I need peace and patience too. But, I can fix this... right now! Still, God is in control and he is going to work everything out.

Making this card helped me, but, now I'll send it to encourage someone else. I do hope your weekend is blessed. I'll be choosing joy... Jacki

about this card... Romans 12:12 (Stampabilities), Leaf Scroll Pattern in white ink ( Impression Obsession Alesa Baker Design), Baroque Motifs in red ink (Stampin' Up), Real Red Card stock(Stampin' Up), Daisy Doodles (Prima Marketing)

P.S. Perfect timing... I just received a text message (while I'm finishing up this post) from someone who needs this message. I'm going to try to get it in the mail tomorrow...

Just sitting here thinking about you...

Just sitting here thinking about you, my friends who read this blog and I've come to the conclusion that I'm blessed! Thank you for all your comments on my last post. I'm grateful that you take the time to comment when I really need the feedback. I also received 2 cards in the mail on Friday... just the encouragement I needed. I'll get them photographed and posted in the next couple of days. I was in the middle of last minute 'stashing and dashing' when the mail came. --It was getting close to party time and I still had to cook, so we started relocating stuff like piles of mail and school papers etc... You know...stashing and dashing... ;) I'll get everything put away today and I'll find the cards and post them.

This week will be a little less stressful (spoken like someone who either has a glass half full mentality or is just delusional). I'm still getting Jillana situated. I have to go back downtown today or tomorrow to deliver some more things to her. Jannelle is cleaning and packing for her trip back to school over the weekend. My sister is here getting her daughter set up in her college downtown... Sounds, stressful doesn't it. I still prefer to say it's going to be a great week.

I missed Monica's ( of Hambo) birthday last week... (sorry Monica) but I've missed everybody's in the last few months, so welcome to the club... I felt bad because I usually remember hers. It's a week or so after the other boy's birthday. Just enough time for me to get it in the mail. Well, Monica, I hope you had a really great day, and you're on my list.

I made major progress in my organizing and purging my room. MAJOR progress. I'm taking pictures as I go, but I don't have time to construct that post today. I'm due at the school in a few minutes to help the teacher. So again, thanks for your comments and emails. It seems like a little thing, but I really do appreciate the comments more than I can tell you.

Stamps: The Duck ( Hambo Stamps), Just sitting(Impression Obsession)

Card Stock: Prismatic

Other: Paint Chip

Impression Obsession Topiary

This is the image I colored in the car last week. I have a thing for topiary stamps. This image was acquired in a image swap with Nise. I'm am going to resist the urge to purchase this (Impression Obsession) stamp, because my drawer for this category is totally full. BUT, I won't turn away a couple of images that might happen to show up in my mailbox! (smile and thanks Nise)

I didn't actually have a reason for this card when I made it, but I think I'm going to send it to one of the good friends we saw last weekend.

Wow, following a busy week what a busier weekend this was!!! Company from out of town, school supply shopping, church, a birthday celebration, a book release party... Speaking of which,I have a bunch of pictures of that release party Friday night/Saturday morning. I need to chose and edit a few. I finished that book tonight, all 754 pages of it. That's the other thing that's been distracting me. Breaking Dawn. Not sure what I think about the book yet. But, I'll let you know when I know. I might have to read it again after I have a life for a few days and then I'll know. I won't go as far as to say that it was disappointing, but it was not any where near how I expected the story to go.

I also have a bunch of cards that need to be photographed including some amazing cards that were sent to me. Which reminds me... I need to send a couple of emails. Sounds like someone is talking to herself again, doesn't it?

I need to get back to preparing for the first day of school tomorrow....

Wishing You the Best!

I was so excited when I mailed my other niece's birthday card early. But that euphoria hasn't repeated itself a couple of weeks later. This card is for another niece. Her birthday was a week ago. Technically this doesn't say Happy Birthday --yet. If I don't write Happy Birthday, it's technically not late, right?? I could wish her a Happy Wednesday or Happy June, right??

Stamps: Dotted Daisy Cake* and Small Daisy Trio ( Impression Obsession/ Alesa Baker Design) Polka Dot Basics (Paper Trey Ink)

Wishing You (Stampin Up)

***************************************

Guess who received an award yesterday? This award is given for no absences, no tardies, and all A's in a report period! Way to go dude...

Today is the last day of school. Didn't school just start???? It's hard to believe that we've been here for almost a year. In about 6 weeks, it will be one year since we left Michigan and moved into this house. Wow, time flies when you're making cards!

And with that said, I'm headed over to the school for the end of the year festivities. Have a blessed day!

Choosing Joy! Jacki Jones

You are the best!

Ok, so I lied. Not on purple. LOL, I meant to say not on purpose. I could have just backspaced and fixed it, but I thought I would leave it so that you could see that I have purple on my mind. (surprise surprise! ) I lied because I never did play with that light studio and take pictures of the many cards I have waiting to photograph. I took a quick picture of this card this morning before I left on my excursion to the Doctor's office and beyond.

This image is Impression -Obsession. I don't own this stamp. It's one that Julie sent it me when we swapped images. The saying is Hero Arts. The stamped used to create the background is a Magenta stamp stamped in Memories white dye ink. I used Art Institute glitter on this card but I'm not counting it in my ABC challenge. When I challenged myself to use the glitter, I intended to use it as the focus of the card. So that's still in the works.

It's Wednesday! I had a successful 6 week check up. I don't have to see my doctor for a year! I'm happy and sad about that. I really like this lady. She really has been God's gift to me over the last couple of months. If I hadn't worked at Michaels, I wouldn't have met Nicole who recommended this wonderful doctor. I have to go about 45 minutes to get to her so it's not likely that I would have met her if the right set of circumstances had not been in place. I'm still sad about not being able to teach at Michaels any more, but it served it's purpose. Doesn't the Bible say that God will work all things for our good? There is nothing more satisfying than feeling like you are right where you're supposed to be! Back to talking about this doctor. I don't know if you remember me talking about meeting this doctor last fall. As soon as I walked into the office, I knew I was in a happy place because I was surrounded by purple. EVERY room had some purple in it -- from the waiting room to the rest room. So this card was for her. One day soon, I'm going to get together with her to scrapbook. She has the stuff, but wants guidance. I'm excited about that. I like helping people to get their 'scrapbook on'.

We had another severe storm and tornado warning yesterday evening. After the storm had cleared, the sky looked like this...

and a few minutes later as the sunset colored the sky it all turned pink...


It was amazing. I don't remember ever seeing clouds like this in my 45 years on this planet. I was in awe. Of course, the pictures don't begin to touch on what it really looked like standing there under that big fluffy blanket.

I went to too many places today, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Staples, Big Lots and Tuesday Morning. All places you go to if you want to get into trouble! actually, I didn't do too bad. I had a list for HL. I got some school supplies on clearance at Staples. I didn't get anything at Tuesday Morning, but that doesn't mean I didn't like what I saw. Let's not talk about Big Lots, ok?

I need to go. The only plan I have for the rest of the night is dinner and a movie. I'm hoping to get the rest of the cards photographed tomorrow. ...hopefully...

Be blessed! Choosing Joy! jacki

Daisy Jar / So Grateful

This is the last of the cards I made during my first week after the surgery. Julie sent me this image in an image swap. It is Alesa Baker from Impression Obsession. The background was done with the same set I used on my mom's card, Fantastic Flourishes. This was going to be my mom's card until I realized I had the pretty orchids to color. I have a feeling it won't go to waste.

Nothing much to add today. I'm taking it easy for the rest of the day because I went to the mall this morning. Jannelle is looking for a part time job and I went along to use a couple of coupons. I think I'm going to sit and watch movies until tomorrow....

Butterfly Teacup/ Feel Better

Stamps: Butterfly Tea Cup* ( Impression Obsession/ Alesa Baker Design), Feel Better from Heartfelt Messages (Hero Arts)
Card stock: Barely Banana (SU), Berry Sorbet ( Paper Trey Ink)
Ink: Berry Sorbet Pallet Hybrid Ink (Paper Trey Ink), Walnut Stain Distress Ink ( Ranger)
Other Berry Sorbet Ribbon ( Paper Trey Ink), Ticket and Notched Corner Punches

Here is another card that I started when I was stuck upstairs. At the time, I decided to do the "feel better" so that I could have it on hand. I've already found someone to send it to...

On a Personal Note:
It's Saturday and I'm resting again today. I colored quite a bit yesterday, so I may end up making a card or two later today.

The boys and I are going to watch Bee movie again before we return it. I was surprised, but this is actually a very cute move. I'll update my profile to include more of my favorite new movies within a few days.

Artist Mugs

Both of these cards were made during my limited supply days when I was stuck upstairs.
Stamps: Artist Mug( Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs), Create Joy (Hero Arts), Polka Dot Basics (Paper Trey Ink)
Card stock: Sweet Blush and Berry Sorbet ( Paper Trey Ink)
Ink: Sweet Blush Pallet Hybrid Ink (Paper Trey Ink), Walnut Stain Distress Ink ( Ranger)Other: Sweet Blush Ribbon ( Paper Trey Ink), Ticket Corner Punch
Stamps: ( Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs), all words (Hero Arts),
Card stock: Elegant Eggplant and Barely Banana (SU)
Ink: Walnut Stain Distress Ink ( Ranger)
Other: Notched Corner Punch


On a Personal Note:
I did too much yesterday? I don't know but, I'm definitely down today. A nap is on my horizon for this afternoon.
My daughter is in the Honor's program. Her interview was more of an advising session.
I'm really looking forward to seeing my oldest. Excited is more like it. I'd better go and rest up.

Romantic Bouquet

This card is for my neighbor who brought a meal when I first came home from the hospital.

Today is the 2 week mark since my surgery. I have to go to the doctor for her to check me out. I wonder if I can get my husband to stop at Michaels or Hobby Lobby on the way. I think I'm going through withdrawal.... Michaels has baskets 50% off. I need a few purple and white baskets for the Card Castle. I think I just need to walk around in a store. It's been at least three weeks since I set foot in a Michaels and two weeks and two days at Hobby Lobby.

Stamps: Romatic Bouquet ( Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs), You Made my Day/Anytime Messages (Hero Arts), Polka Dot Basics (Paper Trey Ink)
Card stock: Sweet Blush ( Paper Trey Ink), Elegant Eggplant (SU)
Ink: Sweet Blush Pallet Hybrid Ink (Paper Trey Ink), Walnut Stain Distress Ink ( Ranger)
Other: Sweet Blush Ribbon ( Paper Trey Ink), Circle punches , Ticket Corner Punch

"Never Underestimate....

your small part in someone else's blessing."

Susan T. of smARTworks did a whole post yesterday about these words that I said . Evidently I inspired her. What an honor! I do hope that my words will encourage and inspire, but I've been quoted on a stamp*! How cool is that? How cool is the timing of it all too! Check out her blog post.
*That stamp is a part of a set is called Thankful (WD-216) Page 133 of the smARTworks online catalog.

I've talked about that idea on a couple of occasions, but the first time was after someone blessed me with with encouragement (way back in October). The other time I remember saying something similar was when I talked about the cashier at Walmart here. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the whole surgery deal and I mentioned online that all went well and better than expected, I got to thinking about what it was that made the experience a good one. I came to the conclusion that it was just a series of small experiences. One of those positive experiences was provided by the pre-op nurse who was not only thorough, but everything about her was calming. Although I don't remember much after that because of the nice drugs they gave me, evidently each person did their job in a professional way. As I sat and thought about this, and remembered my mission to acknowledge those who bless me, I was trying to come up with something small that could make for them. Because I was stuck upstairs at this point, I mentally surveyed my stamp collection. I decided that I didn't have the perfect stamp and that I would probably have to computer generate the words. When the mail arrived that day, I received this card from Susan with the (perfect sentiment) stamp that she says was inspired by me. So not only have I been quoted on a stamp, but it arrived at the perfect time!
So for my pre-op nurse and all involved, I made cards the size of ATCs. I'm hoping that they will be encouraged by them. I want them to understand that their job well done was appreciated by me. The neat thing is that I got a thank you card from all of them the other day, so at least I know how many people were involved and I have all their names.


Be a blessing to someone today! I've already been blessed by two friends this morning. Dawn came to see me again and my neighbor came to help me with something too! God is good!

Stamps: florals( Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs), Saying(smARTworks), Background Paisley(Stampabilities)

Ink: Distress Ink (Ranger)

Card Stock:Elegant Eggplant (SU)

Other: Circle Punches and Ticket Corner punch.

Purple Orchids

My neighbor/friend couldn't make up her mind when she saw these two plants, so she decided that"God must have wanted you to have them both". She delivered them to me just as my tulips were fading last week. They are beautiful, aren't they! God is an awesome artist. We can draw or paint or try to copy this beauty, but we must acknowledge that the original artist is awesome!

Now, I need to remember to bring down the exact name of them so that I can look up details on how to care for them. I don't want to kill them.
I've mentioned before that I like to make thank you cards to reflect the gift. I really wish I had this stamp so that I could make a card to show my gratitude for these beautiful orchids. Wouldn't it be perfect?

Since I don't have the stamp (boo hoo) and since I want to give her a timely thank you, I'm going with another stamp for the card. Actually I decided to play up the friend angle instead of the Thank You.

I love this single rose.

Embossed Card: 6 x 6 card(Die Cuts with a View)

Stamps: Rose(Impression Obsession/ Alesa Baker), F (Paper Studio)

Other: Circle Punches

My computer time is over for the day... Have a good night!

Happy Day?

I miss my mommy! :)

She anticipated my needs and brought me food just before I got hungry. Having her here allowed my husband to just do daddy and husbandy things. Now that he has to do it all.... Let's just say, I miss my mommy! I'm getting better, so it's all good. I'm just glad she was here last week. Since this was my first real surgery experience, I honestly prepared my mind for the worst. I didn't know if I would feel creative or not. But all is well. I can even sing better...

Ooh, let me share this one tip I got from a relative. You never know when you might need this or be able to pass it along. When you go down the steps, go backwards. It really pulls a lot less. I was a little sceptical at first, but it really works. Now I need to find a cure for my seasonal allergies so that I can stop coughing and sneezing...

About this card: When I bought this stamp, I saw wedding... After it arrived and I colored it, I started seeing it as fancy birthday? Shower? Mother's Day? Since I didn't have a specific purpose in mind, I decided to make this and all purpose "happy day" card!

I made this early last week when I didn't have much stuff upstairs so it was sort of a limited supply challenge. I recently purchased the card stock and ribbon and Polka Dot stamp set from Paper Trey. The cake stamp and the daisies above the circle were from my order from Impression Obsession. A couple of days later, I had the kids bring me the circle punches and the Hero Arts clear stamps. Before I actually use this card, I'm going to put a tiny bit of glitter on it.

When I was stamping the polka dot background, I learned that it's really hard to line up even a clear stamp on your lap-- especially when you are semi reclined in a comfy chair. I usually stand to stamp anyway. I'm looking forward to playing with that set often as soon as I'm back in the Card Castle.

Stamps: Dotted Daisy Cake* and Small Daisy Trio ( Impression Obsession/ Alesa Baker Design), Happy Day from Thoughtful Messages (Hero Arts), Polka Dot Basics (Paper Trey Ink)

Card stock: Sweet Blush and Berry Sorbet Perfect match Card stock ( Paper Trey Ink)

Ink: Sweet Blush Pallet Hybrid Ink (Paper Trey Ink), Walnut Stain Distress Ink ( Ranger)

Other Berry Sorbet Ribbon ( Paper Trey Ink), Circle punches , Ticket and Notched Corner Punches

*Impression Obsession has a huge clearance section which was half of the reason for my order....

I think I'm going to sit and watch movies today. Hopefully, I'll see you again tomorrow.

Yellow Tulips

I colored this image last night and for some reason, I wasn't in the mood for purple tulips. What was up with that? I guess I was inspired by the card I showed you a few days ago. This Penny Black image was colored with Prismacolor pencils. You inspire me and the stamp used in the background is Hero Arts.

A little surprised by the yellow and not purple tulips, are you? See I'm not as predictable as you think, but you wouldn't know it by the comments left on yesterday's post or today's mail. LOL

Today's mail brought me not one, but two very purple tulip cards.

This first card was a sweet and unnecessary thank you type note from Holly. The envelope was even done with a beautiful calligraphy scripty type writing complete with a crown over my name.

She made a card with purple tulips! I actually have that stamp. As a matter of fact, I spent quite a bit of time today browsing over at Impression Obsession and saw this stamp there. I'm a big fan of Alesa Baker images and this is one of those. So Holly earned a lot of brownie points with me today. purple, tulips and Alesa Baker. Seriously, I really appreciate her taking the time to make and send me this card.

This second delightful piece of mail came from Louise. I've been a recipient of her generosity before. This card, another beautiful purple tulip card, also arrived today. Purple, tulips, lace, I think this is Art Impressions. I like their stuff too. Her note inside mentions something about me being easy to create for??? Actually you are very right Louise. A purple card with tulips on it. A guaranteed winner! I love it and I appreciate her taking the time to send it to me.

So do you think I'm predictable, too?? I might be. You can't tell too much by the picture, but the yellow tulip card above is on a dark purple card base and the flower pot is dark purple and white. (smile)

Counting my blessings....

Another Mother's Day Card

I love this Chatterbox paper! I haven't been keeping up with the new Chatterbox releases in the last year or so. I'm not sure how new this print is, but I saw it for the first time at Archiver's last week. As soon as I saw it, it screamed Mother's day to me.
If you don't believe me ask the Archiver's lady. I didn't want to add a whole lot to it, so I just cut flowers from the paper to use as the accents. You can't tell from the photography, but the brown card stock was texturized using one of the Fiskars Texture plates.


On a Personal Note:
In other news, we've had some crazy weather here in Atlanta. Tornadoes touched down two days in a row. We were not directly hit either day, but it danced around us. We also had company last night so I've been busy making my house "company clean". My sister is going to stop by tonight. Her family is passing through ATL on their way to their Spring Break destination. Busy, busy. Well I have to go and help my "the boy" cut letters with my Baby Cricut. He's actually doing EXTRA CREDIT!

Here are pictures of my room in progress. I have to get it painted and then I can move all the stuff back in. In the meantime, I've been painting on a table that is just outside my room. My creativity hasn't been hindered too much by having my room all torn up. I don't know why I take pictures like this, but since I have this blog, I get to torture you with them. LOL!

I'm teaching my last class at Michaels tomorrow night. I think I'm going to have 4 people this time!

Have a blessed day!!!

Mother's Day

Getting started early. Wanna bet that I still mail them late? LOL.


Stamps: Rose(Raindrops on Roses), happy mother's day (Impression Obsession)
Coloring medium: Water Color Pencils

I actually painted this rose for a bulletin board several years ago. My husband (and I ) had a young married couples Sunday school class. We had a seminar or something that required a wedding themed bulletin board. Once the event was over, I took down and saved all the components. I found them in a box last week. I discarded most of the stuff (I'm really purging, yeah!), but I saved this rose.

happy mother's day (Impression Obsession), all other stamps (Stampin Up)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils
This is the card I started when I did the tutorial.

On a Personal Note:
I just got back from my road trip. One of my girls is at home, but the other one isn't going to be able to come. :(

What did you do with your extra day?

There's a hole in my ceiling, dear Liza, dear Liza...

Ok, by now you know I'm crazy so you won't be surprised when I tell you that I had that song stuck in my head all day.

I'm relieved because at least we have the leak fixed. It seems that during the construction process sometimes the finishers ( dry wall/ base boards) shoot nails into the PVC pipes. It doesn't become a problem for months until the nail rusts. That's when the leaking starts....





After it dries out for a few days, I have to move most of the stuff on that wall so that the dry wall people can get in and fix the hole. And then there will be a paint crew a couple of days after that. My room will be in disarray for several days, so before all that took place, I decided today would be a play day. I played with my new embossing folders and some new stamps. I embossed a whole bunch of card fronts. I'm going to share a few of them. Here are two of the cards I completed today.