Sorry to be so Mysterious

I wish I could post a pic of the card that I lovingly made 200 of. Boy yall should see my fingers... it's bad. I think I need a parafin wax dip. lol Do they do Glycolic peels on hands??

Tonight I went to deliver the cards at a gallery and art show for my customer, Buck Taylor. He's a celebrity around these parts, and has starred in Gunsmoke and Tombstone (I've shaken the hand that shook Val Kilmer's hand!! WOWEE!!!) and is now in the Cowboy Hall of Fame and is an amazing watercolor artist. Every year he does the prints for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, and travels to western shows nationwide. Click on his name to see some of his stuff and more info about him if you want. He and his wife are so sweet and I was in awe that I had the opportunity to creat handmade cards with an original Buck Taylor Santa image to be sent to all of his original buyers. Here's a quote from his site to give you an idea as to who these will go to:

"His private commissions can be found in the Loomis Fargo headquarters, DeLucca Liquor headquarters, Franklin Mint, John Wayne Enterprises, the American Quarter Horse Museum, the Texas Ranch and Heritage Museum as well as in the hands of private collectors, including Sam Elliott, James Arness, Roy Clark, Val Kilmer, Roger Staubach, and Powers Boothe."

Um. YEAH.

Needless to say I was totally speechless when approached about this project and I am so lucky to work with these guys. Buck is a true cowboy, which is a dying breed. I am so honored to have met him.

So there's the story behind the mystery of the project. I would love to share, but since the main (and only) image on the card is Buck's original artwork, I didn't feel comfortable sharing that here. I hope yall understand now that I've told you a bit more. And now that I'm done, I can PLAY!!! I'll have a card using Jen's Sketch for you to try tomorrow, so check back!

Who put the bop in the bop-she-bop-shebop?

What do you get when you combine 200 1/2 sheets of Red Cardstock, 200 1/4 sheets of Black Cardstock, 200 Western Santa Images distressed & sponged, 800 Yards of Hemp Twine, 1,200 Pop Dots, 1 roll of white thread, 3 sewing machine needles, 4 bobbins with white thread, 1 Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, 1 Bottle of Iridescent Gold Glimmer Mist, & 200 Clear Envelopes??



A VERY TIRED SHANNAN.
It is finished.

Just something fun!

Your Elf Name Is...

Spicy Tinsel Toes

What's Your Elf Name?

I Heart My PSF's

For those of you who haven't heard the term PSF, it stands for Pretend Stamping Friends. I first heard it from Lauren (aka mytime), and thought it was a great way to describe it.

But let me just tell you, it seems like every time I'm down or having a bad day, I get happy mail and it cheers me right up! I got this GORGEOUS card on Monday from Mercy aka mkstampin74, and it totally made a yucky day way better! Isn't this pretty?? She sent it to me since I enabled, er I mean inspired her to buy this stamp set from Verve Visual. I just love what she did with it!

Mercy leaves the sweetest comments, and she always has an encouraging word to share. She's just a sweetheart! Take a minute to visit her blog, Lord Have Mercy. I also love to visit her blog cause she has the best music to listen to! I'll open it up and leave it open just to listen to the tunes. :D You ROCK, girlfriend.

Good news...the mondo Christmas card order is almost done...once I'm done I can play!! Can't wait, since I have tons of gifts to start on!

By the way, check out Jen's blog candy....she's giving away Verve Stamps!!!

Another Fabriano Card

Hello everyone! Thanks so much for stopping by to read my blab, oops I mean blog today. ;-) It's so "fun" to get back into the swing of things after a long weekend, don'tcha think? I wish I was still home in my jammies.



I thought I'd share a card with you that I made during my Fabriano surge...man I love that stuff. I stamped this pretty diva from Rubber Romance in Versafine Onyx Black and watercolored her with reinkers & a waterbrush. You can't tell in the photo, but her black top is glittered with my clear Spica Glitter pen, and her lips are tinted with a Red Glaze pen. Ribbon from May Arts & the Verve Sentiment finished this simple card off quite nicely I think. I hope you like it as much as I do.



I am going to try my best to have something to post this week, and I am still working on last week's challenges (eek!) but I have to finish up a Christmas card order and deliver it on Thursday. It's Easy Mac & Pizza for dinner!! Never fear...absence makes the heart grow fonder. You'll love me even more when I'm back, just don't get used to the silence...it won't last long!! **EVIL LAUGH**


Stamps: Ally from Rubber Romance, Sentiment from Wonderful Wishes (Verve Visual)

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Reinkers

Paper: Fabriano Card

Accessories: May Arts Pinstripe Ribbon, Waterbrush, Red Glaze Pen, Spica Glitter Pen, Silver Gel Pen

Sketch for you to Try

Here's a card I whipped up really quickly before I left for Salado. I thought I would be stumped by this week's Sketch for you to Try, just because I usually don't do well with tilted panels. I'm more of a symmetrical kind of gal. But I didn't have a ton of time, so I just went with it! I really like how it turned out.

I may do a "more is more" challenge with this card later, cause I think it could use a little "oomph"...we'll see if there's time for that or not. Either way, I kind of like the simplicity. And I'm lovin this set from Papertrey and how versatile it is.

I used the 2 square borders from the Borders & Corners Monogram Edition to make kind of an argyle pattern on the River Rock panel. I really like it!

My mailbox was chock full of goodies this weekend...so hopefully I'll have time to play later this week! Did yall go shopping this weekend? I didn't have any time to shop, but I'd love to hear about what you got!

Have a great Monday!

So Thankful SALE!!

Hey everybody! There’s gonna be a big sale going on at Verve this weekend.
Sale dates are from Friday, November 23 – Sunday, November 25.

Here’s what will be on sale…
10% off all Verve Visual stamp sets and acrylic blocks
15% off all Ribbon, Embellishments, Inks and Adhesives
15% off all Pearlized Cardstock
20% off all Bind-it-All Coils
25% off all designer paper
Additional discounts throughout the store

PLUS…In addition to the sale prices listed above, orders over $50 will receive an additional 10% off! To recieve this special discount, you must use coupon code THANKFUL at checkout (scroll down to the very bottom of the shopping cart page and enter the coupon code and click apply). After applying the coupon, your additional savings will automatically be reflected in your total. This coupon and the sale prices listed above will expire at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Sunday, November 25, so hurry up and get your VERVE on!

Happy Friday!

I thought today I'd show you a card that I made earlier for this week's color challenge. I was totally on a challenge streak, but after the wreck, my week just kind of got away from me. I think I'm going to take some stampin stuff with me this weekend, so maybe I can get a few more done. We leave for Salado tomorrow to spend the weekend with my husband's family.

Let me just tell you (like I even have to) that I love this set from Papertrey Ink. It's Spiral Bouquet, and it's totally amazing!! I love it in pink & green, and I love the large greetings in it.

The pattern on the Wasabi cardstock is made from the Faux Ribbon set in Wasabi ink.

I hope yall like this and are having a great Friday!


Stamps: Spiral Bouquet, Faux Ribbon (Papertrey Ink)
Paper: Basic Black, Pretty in Pink, Wild Wasabi, Pearlized White
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Wild Wasabi, Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: Black Brads, White 5/8" Grosgrain, Black Sakura Glaze Pen, Pop Dots, Waterbrush, Clear Spica Glitter Pen

Life's Greatest Comforts

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I haven't had any stamping time since the other night, so I thought I'd post the teabag holder I made earlier this week for the Try a New Technique Challenge. I thought this sentiment from Wonderful Wishes was perfect!

This is not a normal color combination for me, but it's really intriguing me right now. I don't use much Blue Bayou at all, in fact it's the only inkpad I didn't order. But I have to say I love it with Kraft & White. Kraft is another one of my not so favorite colors, but I really like it once in a while.

I hope yall are having a fantastic Thanksgiving! Make sure you check out the post at the top of my blog for info on the Verve Sale!!

Stamps: Papertrey Spiral Bouquet, Verve Visual Wonderful Wishes, Borders & Corners monogram Edition
Paper: Basic Black, Bayou Blue, Kraft, papertrey White
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Versamark
Accessories: Silver Brads, May Arts Ribbon, Marvy Scalloped Circle Punches, Sakura Glaze Pens (Black & White), Ticket Corner Punch







Something else I wanted to share with you is my favorite dessert recipe. Now you know what a domestic non-goddess I am, but I love a good dessert. This is super easy to make, and will wow everyone!! We call it Four Layer Chocolate Pie, but I've also heard it called Chocolate Delight, Death by Chocolate, and a few tohers. My mother in law gives it the Big O award, and that's not something she just passes around to everyone. ;)

So here ya go!

Four Layer Chocolate Pie

Ingredients: 10 tbsp margarine or butter, 1 1/4 c flour, 1 small package chopped pecans, Dream Whip, 1/2 tsp. Vanilla extract, Cold Milk, 8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup pwd sugar, 2 pkgs Chocolate instant pudding, 1 large tub Cool Whip
Preheat oven to 350.

1st Layer: 10 tablespoons margarine or butter, 1 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Melt margarine or butter, then mix in flour & pecans to create crust. Press into the bottom of a 13x9x2 pan (I use a Pyrex dish), and spread evenly with your fingers or the back of a spoon. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until edges are brown. Cool.

2nd Layer: 1 pkg Dream Whip, 8 oz. cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup cold milk, 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Prepare Dream Whip as directed on the package and set aside. Then mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and lumps are gone. Fold in Dream Whip and mix well. Spoon over crust.

3rd Layer: 2 packages Chocolate instant pudding, 3 cups cold milk.
Mix & Spread over 2nd layer.
**The chocolate pudding can also be substituted with your favorite fresh fruit or another pudding flavor. It's fabulous with fresh strawberries!!**

4th Layer: Spread 1 large tub of Cool Whip & sprinkle with pecans.

Refrigerate 3-4 hours before serving.

Spiral Bouquet has Landed!

I finally had some play time today and thought I'd use my new Papertrey Stamps for Julee's Mojo Monday Sketch. Love this sketch, I have to say!

And I love these stamps, except that this particular greeting had me singing that song. Wasn't it Jiminey Cricket that sang it? Anyway. I also used the color challenge from last week, which was Pomegranite, Kraft, & White. You know I had to add black, it's just a given these days. *wink*

I hope you like it! On a personal note, I am super stressed out right now...we have just had a very rough year. This morning my hubby had a car wreck, and they think his car is totalled. He isn't injured (except for some bumps & bruises), so there is a lot to be thankful for. It was just one more thing to add to the mess, KWIM? Maybe one day we'll catch a break!

I hope yall have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and eat lots!


Stamps: Papertrey Spiral Bouquet
Paper: Basic Black, Papertrey White, Purely Pomegranite, Kraft
Ink: White Craft, Purely Pomegranite, Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: White Sakura Glaze Pen, Bling

Second Verse, Same as the First

Yes, AGAIN! haha I made this last night with my Time Well Spent set and a Fabriano card. I know, I committed a sin...I covered up part of the paper. I couldn't help it!

I stamped the middle & smallest flower in Palette Hybrid Noir, and then watercolored them with Pretty in Pink and Regal Rose ink. Then I stamped the cute greeting and colored it with Prismacolor Pencils & Odorless Mineral Spirits. The edges are sponged with Close to Cocoa ink, and the ribbon is May Arts from one of Jody's shares. Love that stuff!

I'm working hard on a large Christmas card order, so forgive me if I'm not around much this week. I'll do my best!! Have a great Tuesday!

Stamps: Time Well Spent
Ink: Palette Hybrid Noir, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Close to Cocoa
Paper: Fabriano card, Basic Black, Regal Rose, Papertrey White
Accessories: May Arts Ribbon, Prismacolors & OMS, Pop Dots, Cropadile, Niji Waterbrush

I have a new addiction...

I had the happiest mail weekend!! First I got Jody's ELF package, then I got the free set Time Well Spent that Stampin Up is sending to all demos, and THEN I got a package from my sweet friend Julee! So spoiled! Julee sent me some gorgeous satin May Arts ribbon, a clear Spica Glitter pen, and FABRIANO CARDS!! I am seriously in love, guys. They are a dream to watercolor on. It made such a difference!! I am soooo going to have to get some of these...and it's all Julee's fault!


I used the large flower from Time Well Spent, and watercolored using Blush Blossom, Groovy Guava, and Purely Pomegranate. There are some gorgeous roses outside my babysitters house that are this orangey red blend, and I really wanted that color. You can't see it, but I glittered the dots on the flower and the tiny center flower with my Spica glitter pen. Love that thing!!


To give the card a little something "extra" I stamped the dots from my Papertrey Faux Ribbon set in Groovy Guava on the bottom left and top right, and then went over them with my waterbrush to soften them. The sentiment is from the hostess set So Many Sayings, which I cut apart and mounted on EZ mount.


So there you have it folks! No embellishments, no ribbon, no nothin! You like? It's still me, I think...and even though it's simple, I love it!!


Stamps: Time Well Spent, So Many Sayings, Faux Ribbon
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Groovy Guava, Blush Blossom, Purely Pomegranate
Paper: Fabriano watercolor card
Accessories: Waterbrush, Spica Glitter Pen, Stampamajig

I got ELF'ed!

I got a private message on Splitcoast the other day, explaining that I had been Elf'ed! I had seen this phrase in a few signature lines and had no idea what it was about, but then it happened to me! What fun! You can read all about it HERE.

Basically you nominate 2 people to send holiday cheer to in the form of goodies, yummies, etc. Whatever you want! It's totally anonymous, but after I got my stuff, I think I know who my Elfie is!! She knew JUST what I wanted!! An Elzybells stamp! And not just an Elzybells, but my favorite one!! I love this stamp!!!!! And I'm thrilled that Jody, oops, I mean Elfie was so sweet to send her to me! I also got these super cute snowflake brads and some gorgeous Art Glitter. Cannot wait to play with them!!

By a stroke of luck Splitcoast Featured Stamper challenge was posted last night when I was still up, so I thought I'd use my new stamp to create this card! This week's featured stamper is Shelly aka Papermoon04. I chose her Marshmallow Penguin card to CASE, so here's my version!

I've been playing with watercoloring again, so I'll have some more good stuff for you tomorrow. Have a fun Sunday!

Stamps: Elzybells, Verve Visual Wonderful Wishes
Paper: Basic Black, Papertrey White, Ruby Red, Websters Pages DP, River Rock
Ink: Palette Hybrid Noir, Versamark
Accessories: Silver EP, Primas, Silver Brads, Dimensionals, Offray Ribbon, Marvy Puffy Velvet Marker, Heat Gun, Prismacolor Markers, Stampin' Write Markers

SFYTT & Free STAMPS!!!

I'm sorry it took me so long to post this card! It has been a busy busy day!!

Here's my card for Jen's Sketch for you to try. I knew I wanted to use my new Time Well Spent set for it. This is a Level 3 Hostess set that will be in the new Stampin Up catalog in January. It's totally cute!! Here's the link to the gallery.

It's a pretty simple card, and I think it's a sketch I'll come back to again and again! Make sure to check out Susan's & Carole's cards with this sketch. I love to see how we all take the same thing and make it so different!

I have some fun stuff to share tomorrow, so make sure to check back! Have a great day!

Stamps: Time Well Spent, Baroque Motifs, A Muse
Paper: Basic Black, Pretty in Pink, Papertrey White
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: Prismacolors & OMS, Ice Stickles, Creative Memories Cutting Systems, Mega Scalloped Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, Sakura White Glaze Pen, Taffeta Ribbon, American Crafts Brads

I'm here people

Never fear! I have an almost finished SFYTT card on my desk that I had to abandon to nurse my little one (he has strep). As soon as I get a second, I'll get it finished & post it!
Happy Saturday!

A Sketch Challenge and a New Diva

Hey yall! Thanks so much for all your thoughts and prayers over the last week...yall are the best. Josh is doing better. He's back to work on light duty, and he managed to get an MRI during some downtime tonight. YAY!!! So the doc will read it tomorrow and find out what the heck is going on.


To celebrate, I made a card!! My newest Diva Ally came in the mail today and she needed ink! I stamped her with Versafine Onyx Black on Papertrey White and colored her with my Stampin Write markers.

Ok, yall. I have found the greatest thing EVER. SERIOUSLY. Are you ready for this?? Do you see how smooth and pretty my sponging is? It's thanks to a Tsukeniko Jumbo Dauber. It's so cool! I thought I saw it on Jeanne's blog (when in fact it was this one) but either way it's awesome for sponging the edges of your cardstock!!! I love it!

Ok, that's enough enabling from me for now...I'll be back with more Verve enabling later!


Stamps: So Many Sayings, True Friend, Linen, Ally (Rubber Romance)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Brocade Blue, Creamy Caramel, Papertrey White
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Tea Dye (Ranger Distress Ink), Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, White Craft
Accessories: Wide Grosgrain (Offray), Silver Brads (Joann's), Pop Dots, Distressor, Tsukeniko large sponge dauber, SU Markers

Peek a Boo! I see you!

ETA: Josh's fever is gone and has been normal all night. We've talked to the Dr. this morning and we're hopefully getting an MRI within the next 24 hrs. Believe me, if it goes up again, he doesn't have a choice! But because he works in an ER, he is the WORST patient ever. Love ya, honey, if you're reading this. ;) MWAH. You better be laying down.

I learned something about myself the other day when I made this card. I don't have much patience. I was trying to color this awesome Penny Black stamp with markers & man was it a pain!!! I got soooo tired of it about halfway through, but then I was committed, so I had to finish. I love how it turned out, but I don't know if I'll do it that way again!

I really intended to do one of the challenges from last week (I even have a page of them all together printed out!!), but it just didn't happen. I still like how this turned out though!

It's pretty simple, and the idea of the photo corners behind the image is thanks to Julee's genius mind!

So we haven't had the MRI yet, but we haven't been back to the ER, which is progress. Except for the fact that he now has fever, and he thinks he's getting pneumonia. Fabulous. One way or another, we're getting the MRI this week...even if I have to do it myself!! ;)

I promise I'll try to keep you posted, I've just been really really tired. Thanks to all of you who checked in with me over the last few days...yall are the best pretend friends a girl could ask for!

Stamps: Penny Black Wreath, Winter Wonder (Verve Visual)
Cardstock: Bravo Burgundy, Old Olive, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Ink: River Rock, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: May Arts Ribbon, Photo Corner Punch, Sponges, Sakura Stardust Pen, Bravo Burgundy & Old Olive Markers

I missed it

The whole weekend, that is. Well, almost. We spent most of the afternoon in the ER again today, so no stampin time again. :( No news yet on Josh other than pain meds and the MRI scheduled for Monday. We'll see what happens then.

I thought I'd share this card I made with my Gina K stamps. Now, I know I said the last card was simple, but this one's wayyyy more simple. lol

The piggy was stamped in Palette Hybrid Noir on Whisper White cardstock, and colored with Prismacolors & odorless mineral spirits. I pierced a row above & below him, and matted on a scrap of Basic Black.

I glued a piece of white on the inside, and punched out a spot for my sentiment. For some reason, this piggy looked sorry, so I gave him the "Sorry, I missed it." sentiment from Gina's Punchy Words set. This set is free when you order 3 sets! Cool, huh?

Anyway, I finished the card off with some gingham ribbon and popped the pig up a little. Hope yall had a great weekend! Hopefully I'll see ya tomorrow!

Stamps: Punchy Words & Piggy from Gina K Designs
Ink: Palette Hybrid Noir
Cardstock: River Rock, Whisper White, Basic Black
Accessories: Dimensionals, Gingham ribbon, Prismacolors & OMS, Word Window punch

See? I Promised!

I told ya I was going to stamp!! Ok, so don't get on to me, yes this is a simple card...don't hate. It's been a long day. LOL

Here's my sample for Jen's Sketch for you to try. I think I forgot a panel of this sketch, but I really like how it turned out! Make sure to check out Susan's and Carole's samples too.

The DP is from Recollections, and is from last year's collection. Love it!!! (Yes, my name is Shannan and I'm a patterned paper hoarder.)

And don't forget to check out Verve's new releases....I love these sets!!!



Stamps: Verve Winter Wonder, Papertrey Holiday Wishes
Paper: DP- Recollections, Basic Black, Papertrey White, Real Red, Always Artichoke
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: Offray Ribbon, Joann's Silver Brads, Corner Rounder, Pop Dots, Sakura White Glaze Pen

We're Home

So they really didn't come up with a diagnosis or a reason for the leg pain & bruising. All test came back negative. He's on the sick couch now (if he will KEEP STILL!!) and feeling better after a trip to the Pharmacy. We have an MRI scheduled bright & early on Monday morning, and if something happens between now & then we will go somewhere where we can see a specialist. Thanks for all your well wishes...hopefully I can put him to bed and have some stamping therapy!

Think of me

I'm blogging from hubs iPhone... We are in the er. Say a little prayer for us not sure what's wrong except that his leg is swollen and very badly bruised. He didnt injure it so they don't know why he's in so much pain. I'll check back in soon just keep us in your thoughts or prayers. Hugs!

Ok, I lied.

I'm not really hiding. I have just been super duper busy and haven't had any stamp time other than working on an order for 200 Christmas cards. Whew!

I thought I'd show you how I mount & use my Verve stamps (and other nekkid rubber). Hope it helps ya!




Step 1: Cut your images apart & trim closely.












Step 2: Apply Aleen's Tack it Over & Over to the back of your stamp. The larger the stamp, the more adhesive you need to apply.
**A little goes a long way!!**







Step 3: Brush adhesive to create a thin layer on the back of the stamp using a foam brush.







Step 4: Set stamp aside and brush adhesive onto the back of the rest of the stamps. Allow a few minutes to dry. The glue dries clear, so you will be able to tell when it's dry.

(in the pic you can see that the oval stamp is dry, and the smaller stamps are still wet)



Step 5: Once your stamps are dry, place the stamp on your hand and peel off a couple times to take a bit of the "stickiness" off. This will help keep your stamps from leaving residue on your blocks or storage cases.

Step 6: This is what the stamp looks like after being placed on my hand.

Step 7: Your stamps are now ready to store and use!

I love using Aleen's Tack it Over & Over because it clings so tightly to my block. I can scrub the stamp with my Stamp & Scrub and it won't come off. It's also super cheap! I don't need extra foam cushion with these stamps because they are so deeply etched. If you would like a little extra cushion, place a mouse pad underneath your cardstock or paper.

I will be back tomorrow with something stamped...I PROMISE!!! HUGS!!

I'm not dead...

I'm HIDING.

Be back tomorrow.

You never saw me.

SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Million Dollar Bella

I was in a bella mood today, so I thought I'd use one of the images of Elizabella that I colored while I was out of town a few weeks ago.

I think she's my new favorite bella...but then again, I have a new favorite every week. I wouldn't want my other bellas to feel unloved, you know. That just wouldn't be right. =)

The scalloped mat behind her was created using two Marvy giga scalloped square punches, and overlapping just the ends to create a rectangle. I learned this genius trick from Gina a while back!

I also wanted to use this May Arts silk ribbon I've been hoarding...it just seemed fitting.

Ok, I'm going to sleep soon...so I'll see you folks tomorrow! Don't forget to check out the Verve blog for some sneak peeks and also the CPS sketch this week sponsored by Gina K!

Stamps: Elizabella
Paper: Papertrey White, Real Red, Basic Black, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: Waterbrush & Reinkers, Sakura Glaze Pens, Sakura Stardust Pen, Scalloped Square Punch (Marvy), Cuttlebug D'Vine Swirls folder, Silk May Arts Ribbon

Rainy Days & Mondays

Sooo not my favorite day. But ya gotta make the best I think!

I took a break from making some super cute Verve Samples (which you'll see later!!) to do the Sketch Challenge from last week. I really have been itching to use my new Wanted set, and finally did!!

I was doing so great at keeping this "pure" Stampin Up, but that background really needed to be embossed with my Textile Cuttlebug Folder. You understand, don't you? I knew you'd still love me.

And don't forget to check the Verve Blog today...you're going to love the new sets and the sneak peeks that are coming this week! I can't wait to show you the project I did this weekend!!

Stamps: Wanted, All Holidays
Paper: Creamy Caramel, Really Rust, Papertrey White, Chocolate Chip, Outlaw DP
Ink: Really Rust, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Vintage Brads, HP Hardware, Distressor tool, Wide Chocolate Grosgrain, Round Tab Punch, Cuttlebug Textile folder, Dimensionals

There's Egg on My Face

Ok, well, to be specific...in my EYE. Not a big deal for the normal person, but to someone who carries an epi-pen and is allergic to eggs...not so fun.

I decided last night to make French Toast for my boys for dinner. On the weekends we like to have "Breakfast for dinner" sometimes. I am allergic to eggs (VERY allergic), so I couldn't eat them, but I fixed them up and the boys loved it. I think somehow in the process, I got egg either under my fingernail or on my finger, and then must have brushed my left eye. I have never had a reaction with external contact, just when I eat them, but now I know...it works both ways!! My eye started to itch and water, then swell. Then my nose started itching and running. Then my throat, but all of it was only on the left side. My throat actually swelled up!! From getting egg in my eye!! How weird is that?? The good news is that it went away without me getting really sick or having to use my epi-pen, and it was only about 30 minutes of total discomfort before I was back to normal. I just thought it was interesting, and I will no longer make French Toast.

Ok, enough babbling, here's my card for today. This is another sample I made for the Gina K release. It's one of my old faithful layouts that I love. Notice the yummy ribbon? It's from the pkg that Charmaine sent me!! I love it.

I hope yall are having an amazing weekend! It has been so nice here, FINALLY! We have all the windows open to enjoy the outside. I have a feeling though that this is all the snow I'm going to get. :D

Stamps: Got Snow, Punchy Words (Gina K Designs)
Paper: Papertrey White, Cool Caribbean, Watercolor Paper, Tres Jolie DP by My Mind's Eye
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: Charmaine ribbon, Giga Scalloped Circle Punch, Waterbrush & Reinkers, Marvy Puffy Velvet Fabric Marker, Sakura Glaze pen, Ticket corner punch, Word Window punch, Pop dots

Finally a Card for ya!

Hooray!!! I finally made it into my stamp room once I put everyone down for a nap. I knew I wanted to use these Elzybell images that Natalie sent me...she's such a sweetheart! I love these stamps...they are too stinkin cute.

Anywho, here's my sample for Jen's Sketch for you to try. I love this sketch, and as soon as I post this, I'm going back to do another one!

I also have to tell you about an amazing technique I have discovered. See the stitching around the main image? Here are the instructions to make it yourself. Very important to follow all of my steps. You ready?

1. Color image as desired.
2. Eat some chocolate.
3. Go to your sewing machine, thread it with white thread, and prepare to sew.
4. Stitch around your image.
5. Make sure your thread breaks about 3/4 of the way around your image. **VERY IMPORTANT**
6. Eat chocolate and say a bad word or two.
7. Continue to pretend to sew on the panel to finish the stitch holes. Give your machine dirty looks while doing this step.
8. Using your seam ripper, remove remaining thread.
9. Eat more chocolate.
10. Use the small end of your Close to Cocoa Stampin Write marker to complete the faux stitching.

So there you have it! I want you all to go practice this weekend! :)

Stamps: Elzybells A Winter Song, A Muse greeting
Paper: Creamy Caramel, Papertrey White, Cosmo Cricket DP Be Good Collection, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Basic Black, Versamark
Accessories: Brads (Making Memories), Tafetta Ribbon, Sewing Machine, Chocolate Chip Marker, Prismacolors & OMS, Dazzling Diamonds, Marvy Puffy Velvet Paint pen, Seafoam White EP, Tombo Gray Marker

Sorry, Yall!

My sample for Saturday's Sketch for you to try will be a little late today. I'm not feeling so hot and didn't get stamping time last night like I expected. So I'll be back with it this afternoon!
In the meantime, you can check out what Carole & Susan cooked up for ya!

Happy Friday!!

We have to leave super early for Josh's procedure and I'm not sure when we'll make it back, so I just wanted to say hi before I hit the sack! As much as I love yall, I'm tired, so if you want to see a card today, take a peek here.

Hugs!!

Is it November already???

Sorry, yall I'm running a little crazy and late today...we were up very late having fun at the Gina K release party!! If you haven't yet, go take a peek at her new store...it's amazing!! So many great things to see, and everything is new!



Here's a sample I made that uses the new Got Snow set. It's sooo cute!

I wanted to use the greeting to make my own patterned paper, so I used my Stampamajig and stamped Got Snow? over and over on the Ruby Red cardstock. The bottom right corner one was overstamped with Versamark and embossed with Seafoam White EP.

I watercolored the main image, added some "snow" with my Marvy Puffy Velvet fabric marker, and then stitched around the edges.

Hopefully yall have a great day...DH is having a procedure on his back tomorrow early, but make sure you check the Verve blog for some sneak peeks of the new upcoming releases!!

Stamps: Got Snow (GinaK Designs)
Paper: Ruby Red, Watercolor Paper, Basic Black, Kraft
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Ruby Red, Versamark, Brilliance Moonlight White
Accessories: Waterbrush & reinkers, Marvy Puffy Velvet fabric marker, Pop Dots, White Taffeta Ribbon, Silver Brads (JoAnns), Sewing Machine & Thread, Distressor Tool, Stampamajig, Seafoam White EP