New Year, New Month, New Week!

I love Mondays. Mondays like new beginnings are an optimists dream. I love Mondays because it is usually the day I recover from the busy weekend. By way of recovery, I take the day to do what I want. I usually stay home and make cards or read or waste time on the computer, but I'm on my own schedule and I do what I want to do. Usually...
This Monday, my college girls are back in school, but the other three are here until Wednesday.
This is a morning where I have sooo much to do that I don't know where to start. I'm going to talk about a couple of things on my mind and then I'm going to get on with making my list and setting the priorities for the day.

• I started a group called Better Late Than Never on Paper Craft Planet. It's a support group for card makers who for whatever reason have trouble mailing cards on time. Come on over and join me if you need help or if you can offer help. My problem isn't organization, per se. As I've mentioned I'm not unorganized but undisciplined. I do realize that if you are not disciplined, you may as well be unorganized... does that make sense? I tend to let my artistic side take over too much. I tend to take on too much. "Just do it" and "Just say No" come to mind, but with my Super Woman/Artistic persona in charge most of the time, I turn a deaf ear to all of that. As you can see, I'm still working through all of this. You'll probably get sick of hearing about it before I get it all figured out. :)
  
• Hero Arts! New catalog! Oh My Goodness... and I'm not being paid to say this. I had the privilege of helping get some things ready for the new catalog, which means I've already seen it. And I'm here to tell you that there are sooooo many sets I LOVE. I've always loved their stuff, which is why I jumped at the chance to work for them. Each year after the new catalog is released, I always have a wish list. BUT this year, there are a greater number of stamps and sets that I have to have than I can remember in the past. The new catalog is available online now!
• Back to the getting cards in the mail on time... I had a revelation just this morning... drumroll please.... I'm going to use cards from my stash for the people on my list this month. These would be cards that I've already made . Whew! I said it and now I'm relieved. Now when my secretary arrives, I'll get her to stamp and address the envelopes and meet the mailman. Oh, you didn't know I had a secretary? Yeah, her name is "Somebody". I think she's related to "Not Me" because no one has ever seen her, but we talk about her all the time. "Somebody needs to take the dog out!"... "Somebody needs to take the tree down!"... "Somebody needs to clean up this kitchen"... you get it, right?

Speaking of cards I've already made... Here are some of my favorites from 2008!

Stocking JOY

Stocking JOY
Originally uploaded by joyfulheartart

I finally saw my card in November 2007 CardMaker magazine . They haven't sent me my complimentary copy just yet. (Actually, they usually send two copies.) They are probably looking for an address for "Jacqueline" Jones. They are suppose to call me "Jacki" in the magazine. Anyway, I almost bought it, but I didn't. I'll wait. I let my subscription run out, and I'm fighting the urge to send them money to reinstate it. I'm still struggling with this magazine mountain in my house. So far, I've only given away ONE magazine. Oh Snap! I meant to pick up a couple of flat rate boxes at the post office. I was only there yesterday and today! I guess I'll them tomorrow. sigh...

That's enough chit chat for today. I headed out to Michaels for my coloring class. I'll figure out a way to show you the class booklet w/o giving too much away. After all, If you want to take the class, come on down to see me (wink). Seriously, I'll show you something tomorrow morning.

It's raining! It's Pouring! Thank God!!!

Thanks A Latte

Finished Size: 4.25 x 5.5
Stamps: Coffee Comrades (Inkadinkado)
Paper: Basic Grey
Card stock: White card(Georgia Pacific), Chocolate Chip, Pink(Bazzill)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils
Other:Heart Brad, Prima Flowers*, Awareness ribbon die (QuicKutz), ribbon (Dots and Stripes)
I didn't have a brown flower so I colored a white flower with a marker.

This is one of the stamps I'm going to use in my Cheaper by The Dozen workshop and possibly my coloring class too. It comes in a two stamp set, at least it's sold that way at Michaels. I didn't use the saying that came with it for this card but I have an idea for a card for the store that does use both parts. I'll show you that one later in the week when I get it finished. I'm thinking about adding it as my 3rd card in the November workshop.



Finished Size: 4.25 x 5.5
Stamps: Coffee Comrades (Inkadinkado), Thanks a Latte( SU), Coffee mug border (Darcies)
Card stock: White card(Georgia Pacific), Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa and Taken with Teal (SU)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko), Chocolate Chip, Taken with Teal (SU) Medici Marble (Fresco)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils
Other: Tag Pinch and small Tag Punch, button

Happy Bird Day!

I changed my template to a wider one. Please let me know if you have a problem with the pages loading, and let me know if you like it.

Now that I have my room cleaned up, I started working on the rest of the basement. It's so nice to see the floor again. I am looking for ideas on what to do with all the craft supplies I don't use anymore. I have everything from plastic canvas to yarn to fabric. Any suggestions?

In the meantime, here are a couple of birthday cards. I need to get out my birthday lists and see who these go to. I must admit, I am doing much better sending cards lately. Sending as opposed to making them and setting them aside and never sending-- am I the only one with that problem?

Finished Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5
Stamps: Flamingo set ( SU)
Background Paper(K and CO)
Card stock: White card(Georgia Pacific)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils

Finished Card Size: 5 x 6.5
Ribbon (Offray)
--everything else(same as the above card)

Summer Sundae

I don't know why I''ve saved this card until now. Although technically, summer is over, you wouldn't know it by the temperatures this week. I'm ready for FALL. Maybe if I start making "Fall-ish" cards I will feel cooler?

Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25
Stamps: Sundae( SU)
Background Paper(Kand CO)
Card stock: White card(Georgia Pacific)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils

Teacup of Violets

Good Monday morning! Here are three cards using the same stamp by Biblical Impressions. I will be busy this week getting ready for the Class Preview Day this Saturday at Michaels. I have to have all of my samples made and ready. I'm going to work on my Card Workshop cards today. Since Michaels will own these cards I can't bring them home to take pictures. I guess I'm going to have to take my camera in with me to do that. I'm interested in seeing what I can come up with.


Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25
Stamps: Violet Tea Cup (Biblical Impressions) Background Swirl (Inkadinkado), Birthday Wishes (SU)
Card stock: White card(Georgia Pacific), Blue(Bazzill),
Printed Paper: Red Print(Provocraft)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko),Brocade Blue(SU)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils
Other:

Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25
Stamps: Violet Tea Cup (Biblical Impressions) Background Floral(Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs)
Card stock: White card(Georgia Pacific), Olive(SU),Purple and Black( unknown)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko),Love Lilac(SU)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils
Other: Ticket Corner Punch

Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25
Stamps: Violet Tea Cup (Biblical Impressions) Background Swirl (Inkadinkado)
Card stock: White card(Georgia Pacific), Green(Bazzill),
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko),Always Artichoke(SU)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils
Other: Tag corner and Ticket Corner Punch

Pansy Tea Cup

We will take a little break from the Birthday Bundt for today. I do have a couple more cards to show, but maybe we will do that tomorrow. I'm trying to wait for the recipient to receive it first.

This is another simple note card designed for any occasion. I am so hooked on this swirl right now. I need to hide it from my self and bring out another one of the many background stamps I have.

Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25
Stamps: Small Pansy Tea Cup (My Heart Stamps 4 U ) Background Swirl (Inkadinkado)
Card stock: White card(Georgia Pacific), Blue(Bazzill),
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko),Brocade Blue(SU)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils

Catch Up Saturday

I've spent quite a bit of time getting caught up today. I filled this whole page with new posts and pictures. Scroll all the way down to the card with the Grapes and Vegetables from this morning.

RAKs and Thank Yous

I am way behind on showing all the beautiful cards I've received.... sorry. OK, so let's not waste any more time. Some of these arrived as far back as July, when I was lacking an internet connection.

This first card is from Allison.


Staci


Trish ( I love this set)


Arnetta


Cindy D. This card was made last fall in a workshop I did with my Sunday School ladies. I actually designed this one.

Thank You from Elizabeth

Thank You from Cathy


They have graced my foyer since they arrived. Thanks so much ladies!!!

Grapes and Veggies

This card was made for a swap.

Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25
Stamps: Grapes and Veggies from A Grateful Heart Set (SU), Swirl Background (
Card Stock: White card(Georgia Pacific),

Printed Paper: Provo Craft
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black(Tsukenko), Certainly Celery (SU)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils

It's a beautiful Saturday morning and I don't have to drive anywhere for a change. YIPPEE! The sun is shining today so I'll be taking pictures of all the lovely cards I received as RAKs and for my birthday over the past two months. On my next post I'll show them to you.

Sweet Friend

Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25
Stamps: Tier of Treats (Stampendous), Background Swirl(Inkadinkado),
Cardstock: Various
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black for the images (Tsukenko),
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils

Ususally, I like "less", but I'm not so sure that these cards are finished. I'll have to look thru my seldom used embellishment collection and see what I can come up with. Any suggestions?

Aqua and Lavender...

...were the colors I wanted in my wedding 21 years ago. Because my mother was making the dresses we had to get what the fabric stores had. I had to settle for pink and lavender, but that is another of my favorite color combos. -- actually, if you haven't figured it out, I like any color combination that includes any shade of purple.

Since my wedding anniversary is today, I just may have to dig up a photo or two to post for you. I need the photo for me too! Who can remember back that far??

Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25

Stamps: Many Birds (Hero Arts), Happy Birthday (Stampola), Background Swirl(SU )

Card Stock: White card(Georgia Pacific), Cool Caribbean (SU)

Printed Paper: Provo Craft

Ink:Brilliance Cool Caribbean and Lavender Lace(SU)

Other: Crystal Glitter, Quickie Glue Pen

Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25

Stamps: Flower Vase (SU), Swirl Background (

Card Stock: White card(Georgia Pacific), Cool Caribbean (SU)

Printed Paper: Provo Craft

Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black(Tsukenko), Cool Caribbean(SU)

Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils

Celebration at the Castle??? --revisited

Sometimes less is more... and sometimes you need just a little more.

I mentioned the other day that I thought I might add the Happy Birthday sentiment to this card too. For some reason once I did that, I decided that both of the cards needed a little more of something.

So, I went to my "fall back" embellishment... the button!

Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25

Stamps: Birthday Bundt (Stampendous) , Background Swirl(Inkadinkado),HBD (Penny Black)

Card Stock: Chocolate Chip(SU), Purple (? ),White card(Georgia Pacific)

Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko), Basic Brown (SU)

Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils

Other: craft paint, Buttons ( Bazzill)

The Best Part of Waking Up?

God fills your empty Cup. His mercies are new every morning....

Finished Card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4

Stamps: Java Bella (Stamping Bella), God Fills You Up ( Morning Star Stamps),

Printed Paper: Pink and Blue Dots (SU)

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black(Tsukenko)

Other: Prismacolor Pencils, Yarn, Corner Punch

This is a card I did a few weeks ago now when I was still in Michigan. This would be me right now, if I could drink coffee. (smile)

We are unpacking, still. The truth is if I were home more I could get it done a lot faster, but every day since we moved in, I have had some where to go. Right now I am sitting in Atlanta Bread Company with my daughter and her laptop, because we have no Internet connection at home. I'm hoping the cable company can get us hooked up in the next week or so. Everything is done online these days! I can live with out Cable TV, but not Internet! The forms needed to register the kids for school, college orientations, etc... all online.

The reason I chose this card today is I had a difficult week last week, and just when I thought I was going to lose it, there was a ray of sunshine. Let me start with Tuesday. That was the day the movers delivered our stuff. That was uneventful as moves go. No dropped refrigerators like the last move. But as we unloaded the cars that night I tripped and fell on my face in the garage! Welcome to my new home! I didn't realize there was a 1 1/2 inch transition from the driveway to the garage. Believe me I know now! I'm OK, I only took off a couple layers of skin....

I spent the next three days on the highway. On Wed. I picked up the kids 2 hours away. Thursday, I took my recent high school graduate to her college for a placement test only to be told she couldn't take it because she didn't have a government issued ID. Friday was spent trying to get her a government issued ID. On our first trip to Driver's services, we found out that I had to have a GA license in order for her to get hers so back home we went for my paper work. I really didn't want to get my picture taken because of my fall, but we had to get her into school. Motherhood is full of sacrifices... When we go to the part where I had to take my picture, the lady gave me a choice, "Do you want to take a new picture or use the one we already have on file?" I only hesitated for a second while I realized that here was my ray of sunshine.... My file photo was of a younger, thinner, me and it before the blemish on the left side of my face, or the new scrapes on the right side of my face.

I am ready for things to settle down, but before that happens we still have 2 college visits this week.

I miss checking in on my blogging friends, but I plan to spend a day catching up once I get back online and all the kids are in school. I'll pop in every once in a while in the meantime. We figured out last night that free WIFI is available from the parking lot even after the store closes....
"See" you soon!

More In a Nutshell Baby Cards

One of those babies was born last week so I thought I would show you the card I made for that family back when I was making baby cards. I
m going to mail it tomorrow from my new mailbox :)

Finished Card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4
Stamps: In a Nutshell(Penny Black), Congratulations(Stampabilities)
Printed Paper: Blue Polka Dots (SU)
Cardstock: White card (Georgia Pacific), Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Cool Carribean, (SU)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko), Basic Brown (SU)
Other: Prismacolor Pencils, Ribbon(Go with the Grain), Ticket and Tag Corner Punches

Here's another that I made while I had that stuff out.

Finished Card size: 5 x 7
Stamps: In a Nutshell(Penny Black), Congratulations(Stampabilities)
Printed Paper: Blue Polka Dots (SU)
Cardstock: White card (Georgia Pacific), Chocolate Chip, Cool Caribbean, (SU)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko), Basic Brown (SU)
Other: Prismacolor Pencils, Ribbon(Go with the Grain), Fiskars Cloud Paper Edgers, Coluzzle Oval

Prayer of Serenity

I just discovered that I haven't posted a purple card since June 23rd. You probably thought someone else had taken over my body, right??

I'm going to have to box up my computer in a few hours so I thought I would leave you with my favorite paper again (You may be pleased to know that I've used it up... for now) I'll be back online in a week or so. Thanks for all your encouragement and prayers. I really do appreciate it.

About the cards:

Finished Card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4
Stamps: Prayer of Serenity(PSX),
Printed Paper: Vineyard Jersey Stripe and Vineyard Flowers (Heidi Grace) still my favorite!
Ink: Brilliance Victorian Violet( Tsukenko)
Other: Ribbon, Corner Punch

Here's a tip: Bonus flower!

Just before I stuck the focal layer to the card front , I realized that I was about to completely cover up one of the beautiful flowers in the paper.


Using a craft knife and mat, I cut out that area, then cut out the flower with micro tip scissors.

And here is the card made as a result of the leftovers I found when cleaning off my desk. The flower accent is from making the first card shown in this post and paper was left over from the 12 x 12 sheet that I've been making cards with over the past month.

Finished Card size: 7 x 5
Stamps: Prayer of Serenity(PSX)
Printed Paper: Vineyard Jersey Stripe and Vineyard Flowers (Heidi Grace) still my favorite!
Ink: Brilliance Victorian Violet ( Tsukenko)
Other: Coluzzle, Fiskars Corkscrew Paper Edgers

About the Prayer of Serenity:
I remember seeing this poem on a plaque or a pillow at my grandmother and aunt's house when I was a little girl. I had it memorized long before I understood the words and many years before I experienced it.
There is very little in our lives that we have control of. I want to make sure I am doing the best I can with those things. With God's help and strength, I can do all things...

And for the things I cannot control, I don't want to waste time whining and complaining about it. I want peace, God's peace as I watch Him take over and handle things. That "wisdom to know the difference" is the key.

Proverbs 6 says : For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Mommas and Grandmommas don't underestimate what those little eyes see on your refrigerator or in the plaque on the wall. Surround them with Scripture and positive uplifting words. (... and then be sure to model the principles too, with God's help)

One more thing: I've had this stamp for several years and have yet to give someone a card using it. Now that I've made two new cards with it, I still don't know when I'll give it to anyone. Help me out?? What occasion or circumstance would cause you to send a card like this?

Happy Birthday, America!

I colored this image from Biblical Impressions last week. Last night, I picked out the ribbon and paper, in case there was a slim chance I would get to make a card in the next week. But that's all I had. No coordinating card stock or other embellishments.
I made this after my nap this afternoon (see post below) right in the middle of the family room floor. I already have the perfect recipient in mind. I will sent it to my neighbor who did a favor for me this afternoon. She lives just outside of the neighborhood and happens to own horses and it's just in time for the holiday.

Finished Card Size: 4 1/4 x 5 1/2
Stamps: Rodeo Queen (Biblical Impressions) 1/2 price until July 8th.
Printed Paper: Blue (Keeping Memories Alive) red and white( unknown)
Cardstock: White card(Georgia Pacific)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko)
Other: gingham ribbon

Best Buds

that makes us BEST BUDS!! The saying is a Hambo stamp. I inked up the top half of the saying for the outside and the bottom half(not shown) on the inside.

You can tell I really like this daisy jar stamp. I watercolored this one the same day as the others that I've shown a while back.

Finished Card Size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4
Stamps: Daisy Jar (Cornish Heritage) , Best Buds(Hambo Stamps)
Printed Paper: Pallet O Prints (SU)
Cardstock: Black(Provo Craft), White card(Georgia Pacific)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black( Tsukenko)
Other: Prismacolor watercolor Pencils, Notched Corner(SU)

We've been busy visiting with friends this week in the midst of packing what's going with us and and finalizing everything else to be packed by the movers. They arrive Monday first thing in the morning. We haven't talked about what we are going to do with the computer, so I don't know how much I will be online after Monday. I'm getting my room ready today which means no more stamping, theoretically. I'm rubberbanding the ink pads and markers. All the stamps will be put away in the drawers (for a change). Back to work for me...

Happy Hamiversary

The day I made this card, I made several with this paper and ribbon I found at Michaels, so you might see it again.

I thought I would try the Hambo's Soda Shop Pigs in an anniversary card. Hambo has a stamp that says "Happy Hamiversary" to go with the pigs. It's funny, but I didn't get that one when I ordered, so I chose a regular happy anniversary from what I have here.
I made this for my "niece" who celebrates her 1st wedding anniversary this week. It's hard to believe that it's been a year already since the wedding.

Finished Card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4
Stamps: Soda Shop Pigs(Hambo Stamps), Happy Anniversary (Michael $1 Stamps)
Printed Paper: Brown Polka Dots (Chatterbox) Blue Polka Dots (SU)
Cardstock: White card and corkscrew edge(Georgia Pacific)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko), Basic Brown (SU)
Other: Prismacolor Pencils, Corkscrew Paper Edgers(Fiskars), Ribbon( Go with the Grain)

Tulips in an Row

OK ! OK! I made you suffer long enough without a purple card :)

Stamps: Flourish (SU)
Cardstock: Purple (Provo Craft) Black( ,White card(Georgia Pacific)
Ink:Vintage Violet (SU)
Other: Markers( Marvy Brush Markers), Cloud and Stamp Paper Edgers

I would have prefered to do this with watercolors instead of the markers. Maybe next time when I have more time to play...

See Stamping Tip: Punch Coloring below.