Am I Looking Forward to Summer....or......

Hello - Happy Sunday,

I don't know if I'm looking forward to summer and wishing for the warmth of July, or if the Olympics and Operation Write Home have me in an exceptionally patriotic mood. Whatever it is....I've a new card and 6 additional kits ready for Operation Write Home on March 22nd. The kits will be slightly different, I won't be using micro beads and I cut the red-white-blue strips with the angle going the opposite direction. Other than that...exactly the same. I will start on Father's Day cards next. I want to have some cards made, but also some kits assembled. Having the kits sure made the last one easier to get lots of cards made in one day. I'm not sure micro beads will b accepted by OWH...that's why I won't use them in the kits. Try them for personal use...it adds a lot to the card.

So....the graphic is from Print Shop 23 - I printed it on glossy card stock, cut around the graphic using a deckle scissors, and then used pop-dots to raise the image, just a bit. The red-white-blue strips were made using 1 inch miracle tape, which was affixed to 1 inch by 5.5 inch colored card stock. I love the Miracle Tape, the micro beads really stick to it. Then I used the Miracle tape to stick the individual strips to a piece of white card stock that was cut to 6 x 5.5 inches. I cut on a diagonal and adhered the two pieces to the card as shown.

The stars were made by hammering out stars on white card stock that had Miracle Tape adhered to it. I pop-dotted the stars to the front of the card, after I rolled the sticky side into the micro beads. When I said hammering out...I wasn't kidding. Years ago I bought a Sizzix Paddle Punch....it's one of those...what the heck were you thinking type tools. I've used it twice, this time included in that count. It worked well...loud, but well. I'm glad I hung on to the tool, even though it will probably be a long time before I need it again.

Off I go, the US - Canada Hockey Game is on. I'm off to watch it. I'll miss the Olympics. I've enjoyed watching them. The Canadians have been wonderful hosts. They should be very very proud!

Inspired By A Graphic

I always wonder if readers get tired of reading my, sometimes long, blog entries. I hope not, and if you do....just look at the photo and use it for inspiration...or just to see what I've been up to.

Last night was card night at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. It's the day of the month that I look forward to. I always come away inspired and I always have a great time hanging out with others who share my passion. Of course the main topic of last night's get together was the post on the Operation Write Home blog page. PSB was front page news and we were thrilled by being honored there. Check it out here. We talked about what our next project would be. Of course any theme is welcome, we are thinking that Father's Day and 4th of July cards would be something we would try to focus on. Above is my first card. The background paper is from Karen Foster Designs - Biggie Bundle - Throughout The Year. It's one of those papers that you wonder if you will ever use and then one day you do. The graphic is from my Print Shop 23 program and I framed it using red and blue. A Spellbinder tag and colorful ribbon finish this card.

I hope to see you at the next OWH get-together - Saturday March 6th and again on Monday - March 22nd. Remember you can drop cards off at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique anytime during the month. If you have cards you want to share....drop them by and Karen will make sure they are sent on to Operation Write Home. If you know of people who are interested in making cards, but are new to this craft.....bring them along...we're all there to help and we are all there to have a good time.

Off I go for now.....have a WONDERFUL weekend. Chat later.

Operation Write Home Is a GREAT Success!

The day for we card crafters to show our dedication to Operation Write Home arrived and we were ready to meet the challenge. If you want to read a wonderful article written by Elizabeth DeAlwis of the Paradise Post, click here Elizabeth came just as we were beginning. We could see she was genuinely interested in the program, and her article reflects her interest. Below is our photo story.......

I'm not very photogenic....but I decided to take some photos while I waited for the card makers to arrive. I took a photo of myself....how could I look anything but beautiful surrounded by such a lovely display.

This photo is of Paradise Scrapbook Boutique, during the calm before the girls arrived to begin their creating frenzy.

Karen (owner of PSB) and Anna, a High School Senior who chose this project as her Senior Project. Karen and Anna are making final preparations for this exciting day. Anna will be leaving in August for Basic Training in South Carolina. She's such a sweet heart. We hope she keeps us updated and if she sends us her address....we'll be sending cards to her.

Patti, Cathy and Virgina are the first to arrive. Each had a plan and the cards they completed were WONDERFUL!

Vonnie is new to card making. She made a beautiful card and I could see her confidence growing with each card she made.

Elizabeth from the Paradise Post arrived and took photos of the girls busy at work. She interviewed Karen, Anna and I and she's the one who wrote the beautiful article. Too bad my photo doesn't show her face..... I'm holding true to form.....

KNVN TV also dropped by. Note...he has no face...sorry! If you'd like to see the NEWS segment, check this out: Here Look to the left of the page and click on 2010 February 22 - Monday - 5:00PM. If you don't want to watch the entire newscast. The Operation Write Home Segment begins at 10:28 on the time bar.

As the day progressed, other card makers joined in and our little stash was growing!

I'm so proud of all of us.....Our first effort was a great success. I'm thrilled that we will be sending so many cards.

Karen and Anna are busy stamping the Operation Write Home Logo on the back of all the cards. They will be packaged an sent by March 2nd. If you have any cards you'd like sent, or would like to know how to start your own group contact Operation Write Home See Karen's Blog here.

A great big THANK YOU to everyone who took part in Operation Write Home.

Pink

Earlier this past week, I created a white card to teach at my next class. Then I made another to show how it could be made the same, but differently. One thing led to another and Pink was born. I love tone on tone....I'm thinking yellow next or blue.....Well for now these three are it.

My buddy Dee Dee became a grandma today (5th time....but each addition is as exciting as the first.) A little boy. I'll post a photo later. The little guy is named Tanner Levi....Baby, mom and dad are doing well. so are grandma and grandpa!

Today I finished my taxes.....what a relief! Now I'm on to watch the Olympics.

Have a great Day and a most wonderful week!

Patti's Birthday Card

FINALLY! I made this card a week ago, but had to keep it under wraps until tonight. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATTI!!!! WHAHOO! This card was so much fun to create. Sometimes you see a card stock and you instantly love it. You aren't sure how you're going to use it, but you know that even if you hold it dear for years, one day you will find the perfect reason to make a cut and see the card stock come alive. That's the exact feeling I had when I saw this collection of papers. When I purchased the Pastiche Collection - Vintage Garden, I thought what a great album. A birthday card wasn't even in my thinking.

I sat down to think about Patti's card and I had several papers laying on my desk. The Vintage Garden wasn't one of them. The Vintage Garden card stock was laying by my computer. I was not feeling any of the card stocks I'd chosen move me. I got up to take a break. I turned on my laptop and as it was coming on line, I looked down and the oval on the page struck me. I could see Patti's name written in the oval. I cleared off all the other papers and made the first cut.... For the sentiment I used Print Shop 23. The border is the Martha Stewart double loop. I cut it on pink card stock, but when I put the sentiment piece on top it was too dull. Chalking helped, as did the Sakura glitter pen.....adding the Crystallized Swarovski Elements added more glitz, but still not enough. I had an idea to spray the border with Sprayment and cover it with Art Institute Pink Azalea Transparent glitter. I was happy. I added a gold dragon fly and the card was finished.

Patti....Happy Birthday, I wish you many, many more and now you know the rest of the story!

PPA30-KISS and Operation Write Home

Today's post is an entry into the PPA30-KISS challenge, and this card was really, really simple and a very quick card to make. It is also a card I've made for a cause near and dear to my heart, Operation Write Home. Monday the 22nd will be the first get together at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique .... I'm excited to see all the beautiful cards that will be sent to Operation Write Home.

A few months back, I needed a quick card to send to my aunt. At that time I created a card similar to this one. Today when I saw what the challenge on PPA would be, I knew the card I would make. The decorative paper is from Bo-Bunny Press, Shabby Princess collection, Shabb-A-Licious Blossoms. I love this paper. Of course, what would a card be without Spellbinders Dies. I used the ovals for this one, as well as the Ladies Fashion Buckles. The Sentiment is from Stampin-Up and it was embossed with clear embossing powder over Momento Rich Cocoa.

Enjoy the card.....I've looked at every entry into the PPA30-KISS challenge and I am impressed and inspired! If you have a few minutes, check out the cards....

Off I go....It's party day....Patti's Birthday! I'll post her card tomorrow!

Paradise Scrapbook Class Card-2 and Caardvarks Challenge Card

Good Morning....I have decided that my second card for my class at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique will be a version of the card I made for Caardvarks Wedding Challenge. As you can see, they are the same...but different. LOL.... The difference is the butterfly, both inside and out. I really, really like white on white.

For those signed up for my class, I want to let you know what I'll be using to create the card. You are of course always welcome to bring your own dies and punches. I used Spellbinders Butterfly Reflections for my butterfly. I know that several of you have Butterflies 2 and I did cut and emboss them and they look great too. So, if you want to use them...that's more than ok with me. Also, Karen has the butterfly stickers, if you want to purchase them, you are more than welcome to use them. They will not be in my kit.

I used Spellbinder Daisy Heads for my flowers. I just checked and Spellbinders has not retired the die. Ask Karen if she can still get the die and if she'd be willing to order it. I'm sure you'll find many uses for the die. I used a white pigment ink to emboss the flowers. It is an old pad that I love. It's made by Imprintz. I bought the ink pad years ago at a Stamp Convention. I'd check with Karen and see if she wants to carry them. What I like about this brand is they are loaded with ink, they are great for the use with the dies, because they are so juicy, they aren't great for thin fonts. They wash off the dies easily with no staining when using the white ink. (I can't vouch for the other colors). I then used clear embossing powder.

The border was cut using Martha Stewart's Double Loop punch. I can think of several other borders that would work just as well. If you have one you'd prefer...bring it...

The Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder was used to create the background. I use this folder often.

Karen has a limited supply of the two ribbons. Both ribbons are great for many projects.

I used pearls for my card. On the original, I used the gold accents from the butterfly sticker sheet. Again, I'll leave it up to you...I love both cards. I'm thinking this card done in any pastel color...Please God.....don't let me go into my craft room today, I need to get laundry done....ok, maybe one peek into the craft room....LOL!

Have a wonderful day. The sun is shining here and my dogs are begging to take a walk....I guess I should be a good puppy mom and take them out to walk. Until later....

Mary

Caardvarks Wedding Challenge

This afternoon I decided to work on a card I started yesterday. Sometimes when struggling with a creation, you just have to walk away and clear your mind so the creative juices can begin to flow. That's just what I did. I am entering this card in a Wedding Challenge The winning card will be published in CARD Magazine in July of 2010. A huge thank you to Northridge Publishing for the opportunity to enter. Wish me luck.

I love white on white cards. I thought this card might need a little something special and I added gold accents using Glitter Peel Off Stickers by Craft-n-Craftin'. The white die cut flowers were die cut using my Spellbinder Daisy Heads die, which I embossed with Imprintz white pigment ink and clear embossing powder. The background was dry embossed using my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder and border cut using a Martha Stewart border punch. The daisy ribbon, the gorgeous white ribbon and the gold sticker accents were purchased at my favorite local scrapbook shop....Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.

I'm off to watch the Olympics....Have a wonderful evening and a fantastic week.

Valentine Flowers

What a nice Valentine's Day I had. My honey brought both myself and my friend Edy flowers, and beautiful flowers they are. They are called Star Gazer and are a beautiful pink, with a delicate scent that fills the room. Richard also gave me a beautiful card, which of course was made by him (ok....not made, but carefully picked from many beautiful cards.) Dave and Edy were on their way to Oregon and stopped for an over-night visit. I'm hoping we will see them again soon. THANK YOU RICHARD and THANK YOU DAVE AND EDY for a wonderful weekend.

I spent today creating a birthday card for a friend. I'd love to post it, however, she checks my blog page and I want the card to be a surprise. I'll post it on Saturday morning.

March Card Class at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique

From this photo....I'm thinking I'm ready for Spring. I must admit, though I love the rain and we need much more, I am finding myself dreaming of spring flowers and cool breezy days. That said....Spring was the inspiration for this card.

I promised the Tuesday Card Class at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique that I would teach the dimensional card. Well....there is no time like the present. So.... on March 9th at 1:00 P.M. I'll be teaching this card and of course a second card, which I haven't designed yet. Classes have been filling up quickly so sign up early. The graphics were cut from Pinecone Press - Flower Garden PP8105. This card stock has lots of choices that work well with this card. The flower heads are from Prima the Sprites Collection. I thought these cute paper flowers just screamed Spring. The leaves were cut from my Spellbinder Daisy die and the sentiment frame is also from Spellbinder the Blossom dies. The sentiment was created on my computer using Print Shop 23.

A few years back my friend Brenda gifted me the rhinestone brads. I think they work well as centers for the fantasy flowers.

I am always happy when I can use products that I've had in my collection. I find it hard to let go of my treasures, and I know my kids wonder about my stash. I find it much easier to create when I have many choices of supplies.

Tomorrow my buddy Edy will arrive with her honey Dave. I guess I should clean my craft room. This will be a short visit, and I know we will want to get into some sort of paper and glue before she leaves. So....off I go.

I wish you a most happy Valentine's Day. May your lives always be filled with those who love you.

I want to close by thanking every one who visits my blog and especially those who take the time to comment.

Later....Mary

Mojo Monday 125 and Prima Flowers

Last weekend I bought these BEAUTIFUL flowers at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. I also purchased lavender card stock and ribbon. I bought them with a mental picture of what I would create.....then, along came Mojo Monday and Challenge 125. I think the Mojo challenge worked well with the Winter Rose Violet Ice Prima flowers. The patterned paper is from my stash. It's from 1997 Hot Off The Press - Paper Pizazz. - Hydrangeas. Geez....this paper is older than two of my grand children....

I'm off to the doctors...today I find out what he thinks I should set as my goal weight. We're having a day of sunshine. I think I will also go out for a cup of Vitamin D.

Chat Later.

Operation Write Home and PPA-28 Color Challenge and Raise The Bar Challenge 4

Today's Pal's Paper Arts Challenge was perfect for a project I'm working with Operation Write Home. The group I paper craft with at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique are spending extra minutes making cards to send off to soldiers. The soldiers will then send the cards back to family and friends. If you haven't heard of this project, check it out. It's a win win for all of us. We get to make cards, which we love to do and pay it forward to soldiers and their families who are sacrificing for all of us. The perfect way to say thank you. To me it doesn't matter how you feel about the wars we are involved in...what does matter is, moms, dads, children, brothers and sisters are missing their loved ones and we can do something to allow families to get more than an email or a text message from a loved one. Check it out....maybe you'll want to start a group in your area, or if you want to send your cards to Paradise Scrapbook Boutique, Karen will make sure your cards are also sent. The address: 6539 Skyway, Paradise CA 95969

This challenge is a first for me and I found it after I posted....so, here is Challenge 2 for this card and it's Raise the Bar Challenge 4. It's hearts....and I've got hearts.

Yet another Challenge. This one Love. I think my card qualifies. After all, when in love, aren't we always "Thinking of You".

I found another Challenge: The ABC challenge. We are to showcase something New. Well my Martha Stewart Garden Trellis is new.

And yet another: La-La Land Crafts. The challenge is hearts.

And now for one of my very favorite challenges. C.R.A.F.T. Love/Valentine.

That said, PPA-28 Color Challenge used three colors. I didn't have the exact colors, but I used a dark pink glitter paper, a light pink scrap, a rubber stamped and embossed sentiment (Hero Arts) and my newest Martha Stewart deep edge punch - Garden Trellis. Thank You Virginia. You were very sweet to pick one up for me! And of course.....who could forget the Spellbinder heart dies. My inspiration for this card was the Deep Edge Punch and PPA.

My son, Dan is visiting this weekend. I'm going to go spend some quality time with him. We're going scanner shopping and he needs to look at my lap top and figure out why the DVD drive isn't working....

Oh....I almost forgot. Yesterday at Weight Watchers....I lost (drum roll please) 5.4 pounds. I have to say, that is more than Weight Watchers approves, but since I had such a large gain last week, the loss was most certainly acceptable. I think salt had a lot to do with the previous gain. Ok....so, I'm outa here.....Come on Dan....let's shop.

Have a great weekend....GO SAINTS (I'm sorry....I know Colt fans will be upset) I just want a team that has never won to win....

For the record....My taxes are still waiting for me! Hey, it's not April 15th yet! Smarty pants Carolyn finished hers!

Chat later!

Mary

I did It.....

Yesterday I said my task for the day was to get all my tax paperwork together, but instead I made a card.....well, today I had the same goal. Before getting started I decided to check in on my blog page and see if there were any comments. There were two, one from Sandee an on-line friend and one from Doris also a new on-line friend. (I hope you drop by both blog pages and check out their creations. Ok....so getting back to it. Doris wrote about de-cluttering and she inspired me to put this day in order and to get back to the tax organization I'd started last week. Then my buddy Carolyn called and we chatted about one thing and another and I told her I'd been looking at some of the vintage Easter graphics that I have and I told her I'd send one of an airplane to her (she and Mo are air plane enthusiasts.) Well, to make a long story short....when I opened the file and started looking at them, I became distracted (is anyone surprised?) Well, I fully intended to make just one die cut.....As you can see....I then did a few more.....

And a few more, and still more. Compared to many of the cards I make, this one is quite plain, I posted it because I wanted to show that the base of this card is also cut from the Spellbinder Labels 8 the largest die. I carried the dies into the inside of the card and the sentiment is very simple....Happy Easter. I did a lot of sponging on this card. I wasn't happy with all the white that was showing, so I kept adding sponged layers. I used Vivid Sky Blue to sponge the outside and over he white portions in the center of the graphic. I should say a bit about the graphics. I purchased them a long time ago from an on-line source: http://www.enchantedmercantile.com/ I don't know if they still are selling graphics. The cd is labeled: Victorian Ephermera.

I think I took longer to make the card then planned. As I finished assembling the card, I looked at the dog bed next to my computer and this is what I saw. Sydey gathered up her balls and was waiting patiently to play. She would rather play ball than eat.

Well that's it for now. It's time to feed the gang.

Have a great evening. Tomorrow is my date with Weight Watchers and I think I am doing very well this week. After have two weeks of gaining....it's about time. Off I go....

Mary

Should Be Working On Our Taxes

I got up this morning and told myself I would finish working on my taxes.....It's 1:00 PM here and guess what....I managed to be distracted by a piece of scrap paper and the photos tell the story.

I made the mistake of going into my craft room to put one thing away. While there I pulled out a box of old Christmas cards. While on the phone with my daughter, I started dividing the cards into groups that could be either die cut or thrown away. Then I found one I thought a friend would like....and, on and on.....I then found a piece of card stock that was left over after I made a Friendship Album with the SOS group at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique ....well one thing led to another and the above card was born. I do not remember the name of the card stock collection, but it has many coordinating papers. The card stock is a piece that is double sided and the black and white flower was cut from one side and the checked background was made with the reverse side.

After cutting the flower, I wasn't happy with how dull it looked against the background of the card. I rubbed the surface of the flower with clear embossing ink and then dusted it with clear embossing powder...after heating the embossing powder the flower became very shiny. Now....I like!

I added black Dew Drops to the flower and to embellish both the front and the inside of the card. Happy Birthday was written using my Sakura Gelly Roll #XPGB50 - White. I love that pen! It is done. The card that is....not my taxes! So, I am now off to work on my taxes...unless something else catches my eye.

Have a most wonderful week.

Mary