Happy Mail Box

My mailbox has seen some beauty over the past few months.  I think it's about time I shared them with you! I'll start with the last one first. 

This first card came to me from Barbara Walker. This photo doesn't do this gorgeous card justice.  I tried to photograph it several different ways, but my lack of photography skills I couldn't really capture the shimmer.  Come to think of it, I need to find out what she used to make it sparkle.

ETA: Shimmer Spritz...  it's on her blog. :)

The second one was made by Melody Beland a Gingerwood/Facebook buddy.  I had to laugh when she said "I hope you like it".  Purple. AND. Tulips? How could I not like it. LOL!!!  I LOVE IT!!! 

The next  is one of my favorite kinds of cards.  Simple and elegant. I met Lisa Carroll thru the Hero Arts Flickr group.  She is a great encourager and talented cardmaker. 

This Side Step card was sent to me by another Gingerwood/Facebook buddy, Loni.  I love her card and what can I say, I LOVE Loni.  She is another great encourager and very talented card maker. 

You wouldn't find it hard to believe that although this is a Christmas card, it is still on display.  This card was made by my buddy Staci and is tooo stinking cute to put away!!! 

I've said before that I've been so blessed to get to know some beautiful souls thru this blog.  I'm not sure if I'll be able blog anymore frequently than I am now once school starts.  I did tell you that I am now officially a student, didn't I? 

Each Day of life is a Precious Gift from God...

Thank You Amy!

I've been meaning to show you this for a couple weeks almost. But, never mind the excuses, it's here now.  You really have to join and friend me on Facebook.  I've been updating there more frequently because I can do snippets and I don't have to formulate a whole post. Nevertheless... I was soooo blessed to meet one of my greatest online encouragers and most inspiring card makers/ paper crafters in the world and to top it off, she's a great Christian friend.

Here is a close up and most of the inside pages. She is very talented and the book is so encouraging and affirming. Don't you agree?

  

Random Raks

I just thought I'd share some of the loveliness that has been gracing my dining room. Here are several cards that have been sent to me in the last few weeks or month?? Well this summer anyway. I've been busy. I received a blog award too. Let me figure out who I'm tagging and I'll post that in a couple of days.


From Sarah Kornhaus


From Stacy

From Deb Stebar

From Kimberly Richardson

From Loni Reynolds

From Robin Fishback

Orchids Thank You!

I didn't remember until after 5pm yesterday that I even had a blog! I was soooo busy creating cards and making contacts, that I didn't think to post all day! I'm making cards for a contest over at Paper Crafts Magazine. I'm not normally a "contesty" type of person, but I'm excited about entering this one. I'm also working on stuff for my class at My Creative Classroom.

Remember the orchids my neighbor gave me when I was convalescing? Remember me mentioning this stamp? I'll have to be careful how I say things, because Juanita B. decided she was my fairy godmother and granted my wish! She frequently encourages me with her comments on this blog. I was floored by her generosity. This card was made for her.

Stamps: Potted Plant, Fantastic Flourishes, Small Greetings Stencil Prints (Hero Arts)
Ink: Colorbox Wisteria Fluid Chalk Ink and White pigment ink (Clearsnap)
Other: Color pencils, tag punches, ticket corner punch, twill
I don't know if you can see the texture on the white background, but the card is Bazzill cardstock.
Finished size 5 x 7.
Edited to Add: Color this way all the time so I assume you all know what I'm doing. I forget that sometimes new people visit. The images on these cards were stamped in white pigment ink and colored with Prismacolor pencils. Refer to the post called Coloring Solid Images on Dark paper . You can click this link or find it in the tutorials and tips section.

This second version was colored at the same time. I've decided to send this as an encouragement to someone out there in blog land. This is one of those cards where the front panel is folded back and the focus of the card is glued to that flap. I tried to take a picture of it from the side, hopefully you can see what I'm talking about.
Stamps: Potted Plant, Fantastic Flourishes, Small Greetings Stencil Prints (Hero Arts)
Ink: Brilliance Pearlescent Beige (Tsukeneko), White pigment ink (Clearsnap)
Other: Color pencils, ticket corner punch,

On a personal note: Someone asked me yesterday morning how was I doing since the surgery, so I thought it was time for an update.

I'm feeling better than I have in a couple years. I feel like I've healed up enough that I have no excuse when it comes to getting back in my exercise program. I can think of several actually, but, I'd be lying... Besides, the doctor has already given me her clearance.

I actually managed a short walk last night. The boys and I walked my neighbor home from the pool. Maneuvering that hill on the way back home really energized and inspired me. The plan is to walk this morning before it get's too hot. We'll see. Check with me. I'll tell you the truth... If I don't go, I'll be spending my time making up new excuses. (smile)

I'm looking forward to going to the Dermatologist next week and my headaches haven't been as bad this week. I'm going to see a doctor about that too. --Well, I have intentions to--I just haven't actually made the appointment yet. Other than that I'm blissfully happy in my role as a full time taxi driver and part time card maker.

Before I sign off and getting back to my taxi driving and card making, have you seen the new summer catalog for Hero Arts?
The stamps are BIG! I can't wait to play with them. As always, I'll let you know when you can see my work over there.

Have a blessed day! Choosing Joy, Jacki

Finally Uploaded my RAKs

I added them to my gallery yesterday. Click here to see them all. Notice the purples and tulips, but all the cards are beautiful and contained sweet messages. Thank you sooooo much to all who took the time to remember and encourage me during the time after my surgery. Thanks to all who prayed for me also. All the love and beauty(and admonishments, wink) helped me to recover quickly.
Each one of these cards brought a smile to my face when I opened them. This one made me chuckle and I want this stamp! Purple, and attitude???


This card was made by Vicki ( Jambalaya on GW).
Talk about being organized. A few of my friends even sent cards ahead of the surgery to comfort me as I prepared.
I really do apologize for taking so long to upload these. Thank you, thank you everybody!!!

Tulip Thank You

I was very honored to receive this card the other day. Not only did it have a very sweet note inside, but the card itself is gorgeous. Don't you think?

Thanks AMY!!!

Looking for another blog to add to your daily reading list? Amy's is one that I check on and enjoy everyday.

RAKs and Thank Yous

Stamps: branch with leaves (Stampin Up) Saying (Penny Black) Tiny Flower (Hero Arts).
I made this card for someone special. I'll talk about her at the end of this post.

I just thought I would show you some of the beautiful cards I've been collecting.

Susan T. (GW)

Isabelle M. (Inkerbelle-GW) (this one came with a present-- a beautiful springtime floral stamp! I'll show you a card made with it soon)

Juanita M. (MC4F)

Sue B.

Susie B. (GW)

This one's been here since September. I just realized that I never photographed it.

Ann M. (GW)

Deb S. (GW)

Deb N. One of the Leap Year Challenge winners.

The last two are very special RAKs for my daughter. Remember last fall when I said she was having a hard time and some of my friends over on Gingerwood's stamping board sent cards to her? The efforts of my internet friends really made a difference to her. That week was a turning point for her. One sweet soul in particular, continued to send her cards.

This one was sent for Valentine's Day.

This one was fairly recent... I think. When I arrived to pick her up on Friday, I gasped when I saw this card. It was the one my daughter thought was most beautiful also. It's very striking, don't you agree? We brought it home to take a picture of it and it's going back after spring break to grace her book shelf again. I think I might need this stamp.

This lovely soul is Susan T of smARTworks.

I just have two words...

Wow! and Wow!

I just opened Debbie's box. Not only do I now have a lifetime supply of packing peanuts, (see her comment on the previous post) but she sent me an envelope full of inspiration.

This is the CD holder. It's genius! and Beautiful! Inspiring!

Front

and Back

Inside and notes included with the CD.

Deb and I talked last week when I was struggling with the family issue. She told me about this gift she was making for the ladies in her Bible Study. I didn't know she was making one for me too! If you look on the back of the Cd holder, you'll see this verse I was reminded of earlier today. If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31. And I'm listening to the CD right now as I type.

As far as that family situation God chose to calm the storm in me and the family situation will be worked out. It was good that the feelings I thought I'd buried and forgotten are now out and being dealt with. I know that once resolved we will have a better relationship.

Thanks for blessing me Debbie!!!!!!

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The Hero Arts box is overwhelming. When I make cards for their website, I have to use stuff they sell, makes sense right? Well they sent everything I could possibly need. OK , and this is terrible, but my first thought was " Now where am I going to put all this stuff??" You can tell I'm in clean and purge mode.

accessories and stuff

Stamps and cards. ( sorry about the glare)

I've used many Hero Arts stamps in the last several years, but I've not purchased the cards they sell. I'm amazed by the colors and I know now that although the cards are colorful on the outside, they are white inside. This should be interesting. This is all I'm going to show for now. You will be seeing plenty of Hero Arts here the future. I have soooo many ideas right now, I'm going to have to make myself go to sleep. Here is one idea I'll share.

I'm doing a lap board( maybe it's called a lap desk?) for my recoup time. I purchased an unfinished lap board at Hobby Lobby. I dreamed up an idea but I needed certain stamps that I didn't have.( do you believe that? Why can't I dream in images I already have?? What's up with that?) I was disappointed as I walked around Michaels tonight after my class because although they are 40% off this week, I couldn't find the solid stamps in my dreams. I got the paint and sealer I needed but no stamp.

My HA box has the perfect stamps. I can't wait to do this project.

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The reason I said my week isn't going as planned is I keep forgetting that I can't make plans for my time. Other people tend to plan my time. This week it's teachers among others, and today it was a migraines. My plan as I mentioned included a major task for each day. On Sunday afternoon, I got a jump start on Monday's project when my husband took my daughter back to college so that I didn't have to. I don't even remember what happened on Monday, but I didn't get to finish. I think it was the bills and stuff. Once that was done, I had to make a card or several (you know, to cleanse the brain's pallet). This morning I woke up with a migraine and a sick teenager. I went back to bed after taking the boys to school. I slept most of the morning and felt better when I got up, but I'm still behind in my projects. One of the teachers called this afternoon, and now I have a teacher's conference tomorrow, so tomorrow's shot too. At least this is a good conference. I just wish the girl had given me the notice a couple of weeks ago so that I could plan for it.

Obviously, I'm long winded tonight. I'm going to try to sleep now since it's already past my bed time. Listen, thanks for your friendship. I do, really do appreciate the kindness you express to me.

Choosing Joy, today and always! Jacki

Now I know....

...that if you leave me alone in a Dr's office for an hour and 15 minutes, I can read a new Creating Keepsakes issue 3 times-- cover to cover. The first time I skimmed the articles and looked at pictures. The second time I read things that really peaked my interest. The third time, I read EVERYTHING else.

I did discuss my surgery with the doctor --finally. Since I haven't been home all day, I'll show you a beautiful and encouraging piece of mail that arrived at my house yesterday...

This is from Trish D (Tah Dah!) It is even more beautiful in real life. And even better than that was the sweet and encouraging note inside. Thanks Trish!!!!!

Please pray for me tonight and in the morning. I have not been able to go to that Bible study I registered for last month. Each week someone has been sick or something. I intend to go tomorrow. They assured me that I am still welcome -- even this late.

I need to go and tend to my kitchen...

More Christmas card RAKs and Christmas update

Renee K.

Deb S.

Denise B.

Michelle B.

Amy W.

Juanita M.

Mary D

The last two cards were made by the card makers who live with me. While we were getting ready for Christmas, the kids were banished to the basement. The two of them asked if they could make cards since they were stuck down there. This is what they came up with.

Let me back up. We decided just before Thanksgiving that we would go home for Christmas. It's been a long time since we've been home for Christmas so I forgot how much of a priority it is to get the dog a kennel reservation over the holiday. Of course, I remembered when I saw the kennel owners at the grocery store just a week or so before we were scheduled to leave. After call every place that was recommended to me with no luck we thought we were not going to be going anywhere. That Friday while I was at the school helping with the party, I ran into one of my neighbors. We spoke briefly and turned and walked away. Then, I remembered something I needed to ask her so I called her back. After we finished with that conversation, she asked me if we were going away for Christmas. I mentioned my plight and she recommended one more place I had not called. Although we were resolved to figure out a way to go later, and just enjoy Christmas at home, we held out a hope that a miracle would happen.

So, I called the place and they just had someone come and pick up their pet and had one space available depending on what size dog we had. So here was our miracle. One spot, just opened in our dog's size. We had to switch gears, because while I was hoping for a miracle, I was not preparing for that miracle. I wasn't preparing because I was doing other things-- making Christmas ornaments and wrapping teacher gifts and Christmas shopping at the last minute. We still had not gotten everything we needed for the kids so, my husband and I had to finish shopping that Saturday morning. That brings me to the part about why the kids were banished to the basement on Saturday evening. We were upstairs wrapping and preparing for the "Christmas" we were going to have for the kids later that same evening. I held out a few smaller gifts to bring with us so that they would have something to open on Christmas morning at mom's house.

And now some pics from that night.