Now That's a Friend!

I finally posted my boxes for sale, and boy did I wait until the last minute... (I still have a few available but they are selling faster than I expected. :) 

Remember when I shared this post? It seems like just last week, but it's been well over an month since Gina came and helped me purge my stuff. This summer has been crazy with all the uncertainties of this relocation. ---crazy and frustrating... no FRUSTRATING.  I like things to go according to plan.  I have to have a plan. The older I get the more I plan and the more I realize that I have to be flexible. Realizing it doesn't make it easier to do. :) 

Amidst all the confusion and frustration, God took a moment or two to show me and help me to realize and experience true friendship.  This Gina, was amazing. She'd told me for a couple of months that she was coming to help me a project. Neither of us are very capable of sitting still very long so in that respect, we are two peas in a pod. The fact that we each multitask so well... LOL. Ok. I was going to be sarcastic. But I realize that most of you wouldn't get it. Gina and I are so easily distracted that it's not funny. Somehow, we managed to stay on task long enough each day to have accomplished a lot. I was amazed and incredibly overwhelmed with her generosity. We managed to add some fun into all the work too! She is a God-send.  It is in the toughest times in life that we find out who our true friends are. Gina is one of them!

This was the first card I created after we found the table top again. :) The stamps are a hostess set from Stampin' Up.  I won it when I became the first official follower of her new blog (Jayne Stamps) a couple of months ago.

Thanks again Gina! 

With Sympathy (more)

While adding more sympathy cards to my stash, I decided to make a Thank You card too, using the same design and image-- but this time it begged to be colored.  I haven't been doing much coloring lately as you can imagine with school and moving projects.  I think I need to.

Quick question? If my need to color exceeds my time to make cards, what should I do with all the extra images?

Card One: With Sympathy, Trees(Stampin' Up)

Paper(Basic Grey)

Card Two: Thank You
Trees(Stampin' Up), Background lines (TAC), Thank you (Hero Arts)

A Million Thanks!

I haven't' been making too many cards lately, but I did manage to finish this one today. I colored while I watched TV yesterday. :)

This is one of the new clear Hero sets. I knew the moment I saw this one that I was going to need to color it.

If the sun it right in the morning I'll take a better picture and post it. I really prefer the natural light.

I'm being kicked off the computer so, I'm out of here. I really need my own computer...


ETA: Here is the new picture...

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

My Favorite

Remember this card? It was the first card I officially made for Hero Arts and it's still my favorite. It was featured on their website a few weeks ago.

My dad used to say when some food tasted particularly good, "tastes like more". That's what I thought about with this card. I need more! I thought I would copy this card so that I could send them to a couple different friends.

I think I'm going to send this one to Gail. It's been a while since I sent her a card.


This first copy is for my friend Sara, who is battling leukemia in MI. She needs the comfort of a little "Son"shine right now. I mentioned on my prayer list this month, that she's hit another snag. It's like a roller coaster ride for her these days. Praise God that she was able to attend the graduations of both her daughters (one from college and one from high school) in the previous few weeks.

The last two aren't designated just yet, but I'm sure, I'll figure it out in the next few days. I'm in sending cards mode right now. I sent out several the other day and I have a couple more that I'm getting ready today.

On a Personal Note: Remember all that work I did for my calendar a while back? Outlook is broken so I've reverted back to the old calendar. --the one where I have to write everything down by hand! I went to Target yesterday and purchased a set of Franklin Covey calendar pages on clearance. I chuckled when I was reading how to use this system. They talk about how to prioritize the "to do" lists I make at the bottom of the page. I made my list for today and everything was 'A' or high priority. I guess I don't bother writing down stuff that isn't absolutely necessary for today. If I wrote down all the stuff I think I might want to do I'd still be writing. :)

Happy Friday to you. That doesn't really mean much in the summer time normally. But tomorrow I don't have anything on my calendar for the morning. That means I may get to sleep past seven.... I don't know maybe until 7:30?


I really do have to go, but I wanted to talk more about that movie "The Bucket List". I watched it again last night. I do recommend renting it, but watch the ratings because of the theme and a little foul language. Maybe tomorrow. Lot's to think about after that movie.
Have a blessed day! Choosing Joy! Jacki

Stamps: Clear Design Thoughtful Messages, Sketched flower (Hero Arts)

Ink: Memories Artprint Brown

Paper: Cantaloupe and Lemon Note cards

Other: Prismacolor pencils, assorted crystal gemstones

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.

Bunches of Tulips

Ever have one of those days where nothing goes according to plan? I'm in the middle of one of those days. These aren't the cards that I wanted to blog about today. I have NO idea where they are. I guess they are meant for another day. I did make several cards and pack a box of donations for a friend. I didn't do anything else I thought I would, but at least I was productive.

I've been so blessed by so many people in the last few weeks. My heart is full of gratitude, so I've been making Thank You cards.

Stamps: Vase of Tulips, Thank You, From the Heart Greetings, Inspiring Messages ( Hero Arts)

The first two cards are A2, the purple one below is 5 x 7.
Headed out to a spring musical at the high school in a little while. My little song bird is singing and dancing tonight. I hope I can get some good pictures...

Thank You Collage

I thought about blogging this morning, but it was soooo cloudy that I couldn't get good pictures. After a nice nap, the sun came out and I managed to take pictures,so here I am.

Before I tell you about my card, let me tell you that someone you know personally, made the card of the week over at Hero Arts today. (wink)

Also if you don't already check out the Hero Club Blog, check it out today. The company's owner is the featured blogger this week and talked about the early days of Hero Arts. The challenge this week, is a very interesting one. I'm going to have to think about doing this one....

About this card:
I was playing around without a specific direction the other day and came up with this. The flower and the green background with were just laying around on my desk. I dug out a lot of other stamps to fill in the spaces. (All the stamps are Hero Arts.)

I also used the Nestabilities to create the frame. I accidentally embossed it crooked a few weeks ago and that's why it was sitting around on my desk. I love that Thank You collage (filling the embossed framed area). It's the perfect size for an ATC or to build a card around. I actually bought that stamp from someone on Gingerwood.

On a personal note:
Let me show you something that I've been wanting to talk about for days now. I moved the cards from the top of my TV cabinet because I ran out of room. Here are a few shots of the same group of cards.




After I moved the cards and spread them out on the top of the dresser I got a lot of funny reactions. As they entered my room, everybody reacted in their own way.

Husband said, "That's an impressive lot of cards!" He added last night "I'm still impressed"
The Boy said, "Does this mean that you are popular?
The Other Boy said, "Wow, that's a lot of cards!"
My high school daughter was almost speechless but managed to say, "whoa"!
My college freshman said, "Are they from your fans?" (her word not mine ;) )
My oldest daughter hadn't seen the furniture or the cards until Saturday night said, "Where did all this come from?" and then "WOW!"

I am speechless! It feels so good to have people show their love and concern.

What the cards did for me:

• I'm blessed with and surrounded by all the beauty, made or bought.
• You filled the cards with well wishes, advice (I'm being good) and reminders that you are praying for me.


• I think you "kicked me up a notch" in the eyes of my family. (that's always nice)

I'm just amazed as my family is. All I can say is Whoa! and Thank YOU. To all of you who sent a card or an email. The emails don't show up in the photos but were received with the same amount of love and blessing. One day soon, I'll scan the handmade ones individually so that you can see all the artistic beauty.

I'm feeling pretty good these days. No more pain, but I tire very easily. I ventured out to Wal-mart on Sunday with the 4 kids that are at home and although they did most of the work it totally wiped me out! I went straight to bed for a nap when we got back. Yes, you guessed it, nap is a daily necessity.



One of the reasons I went to Walmart was for clear CD cases. After my nap, I managed to get all my clear stamps organized. I even pulled out the clear stamps I've had for years and never use because they weren't accessible. This basket, by the way, is the one I got at Michaels last week too. I love it when things come together like this. A perfect fit!

So, don't forget to check out the card of the week, on Hero Art's website. I'm still excited about that opportunity. It's a great company.

Thank You Trio

I originally colored these images when I was planning for my coloring class. Then I decided that I needed to find stamps that Michaels sells so I had to do something with these...

The images on the light blue card and the green card were stamped on Close to Cocoa (medium brown) card stock. The one on the purple and gold card was stamped on white card stock. I love working with the Prismacolors on dark paper.

Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25 and 4.25 x 5.5
Stamps: Flower Blocks (Hero Arts), Thank You(The Stamping Studio), Thank You for Being You and Background swirl (SU)
Card Stock: Textured(Bazzill),

Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko), Whisper White Craft( SU)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils

You're so Sweet

Stamps: Background Candy (Peddlers Pack), Chocolate Cube(Embossing Arts)
Cardstock: Purple*, White card(Georgia Pacific)
Ink:Purple*
Coloring Medium:Prismacolor Pencils
Other:Corner Coluzzle(Provo Craft), Crystal Prisma glitter

* Truthfully, I did all the stamping for this card almost 5 years ago. It is one of my favorite designs. ( it involves purple and chocolate:) ) I don't have this card in front of me, because I assembled and sent it to Louise as a thank you for that purple and black bag she sent me, and I don't remember which ink and cardstock I used. It is probably SU and Fresco ink, but I don't remember for sure.

Oh, that's enough. Now the computer has a virus or something. I'm back on the laptop, but at least I am at home. I don't know know why so many little things have gone wrong in the last few months. The truth is I have been so blessed that everything had fallen into place the other times we've moved. The kids are struggling a little too. I decided today that enough is enough. I need to adjust my normal and move on. I have to choose Joy, because I serve a God who loves me as much as he loves Jesus himself and the same power that he used to raise Jesus from the dead, lives inside of me! ( That little reminder came from Yolanda Adams this morning. She hosts a morning Gospel Music talk radio show in Atlanta. I think it's syndicated too. ) This morning I decided to concentrate on the rays of sunshine that have come out of all this cloudiness.

Here is one of those rays... It's good for me to be on the receiving end of the encouragement sometimes. Encouraging others is my gift. Last Friday, my husband gave me some advice that I usually give, but I was too down to see it for myself. Last Friday was the day I sat in the closet and cried. This was after I received more bad news and snapped at ALL of the kids one by one. I figured it was safer for all of us if I went into my closet, alone. He called and asked what I was doing and I told him. He proceeded to try to cheer me up, which I was not in the mood for. But I did take his advice to listen to music on MP3 player. I love Brooklyn Tabernacle's "Be Glad" CD. If you ever see it in the stores, buy it. If you don't like it, I'll buy it from you. The first song is really upbeat version of Psalm 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

In the next song, there's a line that says" I'm now being made into the likeness of of God's son."

There is so much more on that CD. By the time the CD was done I felt a little much better.
This is the scripture that came to mind.

Ecclesiastes 4 (New International Version)
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

I'm thankful for a godly husband and friends.

Thanks for helping me up....

In other news: This weekend, I move my second daughter to college. I'm excited and nervous for her at the same time. I'm sad for me, because it means I'm getting old (and broke)

And one more note, my phone has barely been on for 24 hours and I think I've already received more than 5 calls about donating money to the state police or buying vacation property and the funniest one is the one that wanted to send me magazine subscriptions for free. She didn't think it was funny when I told her that I was literally buried in magazines. I've been sorting them today. I have magazines dating back to 1999. I'm getting rid of a lot of them, I just have to decide which ones.

This is where the magazines are going to go. Most of the olders ones are in these magazine boxes behind my paper racks. The trick is to get rid of the older ones and make room for the more recent ones in this space.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a blessed weekend.

Canned Coneflowers

Stamps: Canned Coneflowers(Cornish Heritage)
Printed Paper: Pallet O Prints (SU)
Cardstock: More Mustard (SU), White card(Georgia Pacific)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black( Tsukenko)
Coloring Medium:Prismacolor watercolor Pencils
Other:Corner Punches Ticket and Notched Corner(SU)


Thanks for your encouragement and prayers. Hopefully, my husband will be able to leave work early enough today to take care of getting the car tags ( Trish, Believe me, I asked. The response was that if you don't have a car, you don't have to provide a receipt, but if you do own a car....) I don't think it is this way for the whole state, but it is in this county. Monday is open house for the schools in the county. I am hoping that if husband can leave work and we get everything else done today, I can sit over at the county school board's office on Monday and at least get them registered in time for open house. School starts Wednesday morning. The other complication about this county new student registration is at a central location, and not handled by the individual schools. So I have to go and wait with people registering kids for all the 20 or so schools in the county. I'll take something with me to color or read. Husband thinks they are so strict because of all the new people that arrived after the Katrina disaster. BUT, we are in the home stretch now.

I did call the phone company and ordered phone service and DSL. If all that goes as planned, we will have DSL sometime early next week, and a phone today. I'm not getting my hopes up just yet.

In other news(good news):

• I went to Michaels to get a job. I had a nice conversation with the Events Coordinator. I have to go back and meet the Manager and do the employee testing and then we can get started.
• We also have a nice church in this community to go to. We plan to go to Sunday School this week and hopefully start meeting the church people.

Prayer Request: During this transistion time for us, my SIL was diagoned with breast cancer. She will have surgery next week. Please pray for her??

Thanks for checking on me. This will be back to normal soon. I hope!

Thanks a Bunch

Finished Card Size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4
Stamps: Thanks a Bunch (SU)
Printed Paper: Basic Grey
Cardstock:White card(Georgia Pacific)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black(Tsukeneko
Other: Ticket Corner Punch, Notched Corner Punch (SU), Lavender Ribbon(Sheer Creations), Prismacolor Pencils

I wanted to update you today, but I haven't been making cards these days.

I like to post a picture when I make a new post, because I'm a visual person as most artsy people are. So, here is a card I sent to a friend for her kindness back in April.

What's going on??

My face is healed and I haven't tripped again, Yea! I'm and still unpacking, but almost done. We have a box pick up scheduled for tomorrow so I am desperately trying to get as many boxes emptied and on the pile before then. My office, I mean The Card Castle is almost finished. I'll be able to show you pictures as soon as I have Internet connection at home. (I'm at Atlanta Bread again.) I am also working on my Tips for Moving Your Craft Room.

Last week's college visits were successful. At least they both know where they are going. I have one more Orientation next week. I'm working on getting the other kids registered this week. All is well. I can't wait to get caught up on all my blogging friends. I have to call the cable company today for my weekly update.

Thanks a Bunch for your prayers. I received a newsletter today from a family I know that are going back to Africa as missionaries. One of their prayer requests was for all the details related to getting settled in their new location. They say, "Small things can become emotionally big, and a distraction, so your prayers for us in these small things are essential!" Boy oh boy, can I identify with that? I can pray for them with passion, because I am right there with them. Would you please continue to pray for us as we get settled?

See you again soon.

Many Graduation Thanks

Here are a couple of the thank you cards I made these for my daughter. She needed at least 20, so I had to do something that was easy to duplicate. I actually enjoyed making these because I was working with her favorite color (PURPLE). By the way I don't know if you noticed but it is my favorite too! smile

I thought I would never use all this purple paper. I found it on a clearance isle at Michaels, lonely and abandoned, so I just had to bring it home to my purple paper collection. I must admit that right now I am actually feeling relieved that I found a use for it. My new philosophy about paper is that it makes me happier to use it than to have it stored in my collection-- provided I keep a good picture of the project.

( What a concept?? That I should actually use the paper I buy!! )

Stamps: Grad Cap and Diploma (Penny Black) , Many Thanks (SU)
Printed Paper: Sarabooks Amethyst paper and cardstock ( Hot Off the Press)

Cardstock: Purple(SU),White card(Georgia Pacific)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black and Victorian Violet(Tsukenko)
Other: Ticket Corner Punch (SU), Notched Corner Punch (SU)

Wishing You Joy

The center of the flower was a black and white fabric covered brad that I rolled around over the surface of the Cool Caribbean ink pad.

I like how these flowers coordinate with the Cool Caribbean cardstock and ink. The background stamp is SU and the "wishing you joy" is a Michaels $1 stamp.

True Friends

ETA: to answer questions at the bottom.



A friend of mine, who also moves a lot, mentioned that she'd like to have a card with this quote for the friends she leaves behind when she moves. It's a nice way of saying "So Long" to friends you meet along the way. I have a stamp with this saying, but when I saw this at The Stampbuzz, I knew right away I needed this one. The font and script is much more interesting than the one I already have.



Stamps: True Friends (Stampabilities)
Printed Paper: Vineyard Jersey Stripe and Vineyard Flowers (Heidi Grace) still my favorite!
Ink: Certainly Celery (SU) Brilliance Victorian Violet( Tsukenko)
Other: Flowers (Prima) , Hydrangea Punch (Martha Stewart), Small Flower (unknown), Lavender Ultrafine Pastel Glitter(Stampendous), Ticket punch (SU)

Yes, Flossie it's double stamped if that's what it's called. I stamped the green first and moved the stamp just up and over slightly for the purple ink. and no Dina, I don't have a stampamajig. Yes, purple with green are my Default colors. (smile)
Yes, Energyfree, some friends do leave BIG giant dinosaur footprints. I feel so blessed to have met some of the most terrific people in the world!

Sweet Bouquet

I really like this saying and although I know I had this stamp for several years, I don't remember ever using it. I'm thinking about sending this as a graduation card for a college grad that I've known since she was born. A little unconventional, but how many graduation cap cards does one need??
This is another card from my coloring day last week. The image is stamped on brown and colored with the Prismacolor pencils. For the flowers, I put a "base coat" of white pencil and then added the color on top.

Stamps: Daisy Jar (Cornish Heritage)Simple Bouquet(Hero Arts)
Printed Paper: Pallet O Prints (SU)
Cardstock:Brown is Chocolate Chip (SU) White card(Georgia Pacific)
Ink: White Pigment (SU) Brilliance Graphite Black( Tsukenko)
Other: Prismacolor Pencils, Ribbon

Single Red Rose

This is just a simple note card that can be transformed into a birthday card or other occasion as needed.

The single red rose ( stamps by Judith) was colored with prismacolor pencils. The scroll pattern (Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs) was stamped randomy in the background on Real Red cardstock. I pulled out my big paper trimmer and used a decorative wheel on the right side.

To all the mothers, grandmothers, and potential mothers:

May your day be full of blessings tomorrow!!!

And on Monday, remember, The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

many thanks!

You are probably tired of seeing thank you cards made with photos so I promise this is the last set for awhile! ...at least for a couple days... (wink)


Again, I used the same "sketch" just different photos and paper. These cards are for my Michigan stamping friends and the photo is cropped down from the photo I took of the flowers they sent me.
I actually used all the " Martha" flower stickers from the first pack and had to go back for another pack. The more I think about it, these are a good buy, even w/o a coupon. I don't know where I bought this paper, but it has been in my file cabinet for as long as I've had the cabinet.

More Thanks!

I seem to be on a thank you card roll these days. Denise sent me a tin of thanks a couple weeks ago (made with her Cuttle Bug), so I thought I would make a card from them. I stamped a background with a new aquisition from Penny Black and Brilliance Pearlescent Beige on a deep grape cardstock. I cut the strip of vellum with the Cloud Paper Edgers.

Thanks a Bunch

This is a no-frills quick card. Sometimes that's all you need. The image (SU) is colored and blended with Prismacolor pencils. The background was stamped repeatedly with Leaf Scroll Pattern from Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs. (I purchased it at the Stampbuzz, my supplier)

Did you see my new watermark? Dina made this for me. She has her own Digi sig site now. I'm still trying it on. I'm not sure about the font. Maybe it'll grow on me.