MaMa, Ink

Pay It Forward

2009-10-21T21:30:00.002-04:00

I am so excited. I received the opportunity to participate in a Pay-It-Forward. I've been admiring Liz's quilts for a few months now. And guess what? I will be getting something handmade from her! How awesome is that? And isn't it cool that she has boy/girl twins the same age as me? :o)

So here how it works, the first three people to comment on this post and say they want to play along will get something handmade by me. Rules say I have 365 days to make good. In turn, you must post this on your blog and pay forward to three more people!

I have only been sewing for a few months and certainly can't handle a quilt just yet so I wouldn't expect any of you that play along to make one either. It can be anything hand made. This is only open to people who have their own blog, so that they can continue this chain in the way it was intended.

So, let me know if you’re interested and can commit to sending something when it’s your turn. I look forward to making something for you!

What a wonderful way to get back into blogging. (I've had quite a dry spell.)

Clutter Bug ~ A-CHOO!

2009-07-27T07:41:00.003-04:00

My name is Kathy and yes I am a clutter bug and have been for all of my existence.

I am loathing clutter lately. We have a small house, only 1300 sq ft, and it is filled to the brim. I told Mark this weekend that it's as though we've lived here 30 years, not 6.5 with all the stuff we have accumulated. So, I finally convinced him (and myself) that the stuff has to go. It's a lot easier when you're both running on the same track, ya know? I don't see us being able to move any time in the near future. BUT, even if we were able to move, who wants to move all the STUFF?! Not me.

It will be an ENOURMOUS undertaking and sure to add stress, but I think the outcome will make us all a little happier.

My parents just purged many items in their house over the past month. Even though it took a lot of hard work and was definitely emotional with memories flooding back from years past; they got through it. So for now, they are my inspiration.

On the craft front, I actually made a couple of cards this weekend and towels as well. I hope to get some pics tonight.

Have a great week.

Diet Update

2009-07-17T07:52:00.003-04:00

DH bought me a new scale. I went digital b/c I couldn’t stand how our old spring scale would have to be re-adjusted and it was difficult to read the lines. So, now a week and a half in, I started weighing myself. I figure if I see the progress in numbers, then I will be more inclined to stick to the program. I haven’t incorporated any exercise yet besides the normal rough housing with the kids. I hope to start next week at the latest.

My next endocrinologist dr appt is in late August, I believe. So I’ll be very excited to see what I weigh at that point b/c I know that I was at my high point at my last appt and I don’t know if my scale is comparable to theirs.

Anyway, I do feel better already. I don’t feel so inflated for lack of a better word. Again, my goal is 20 lbs by Oct 31, so I have about 3.5 months to go. It would be so awesome!!

As an extra incentive, I think I will post a before picture as a reminder of what I don’t want to look like anymore and maybe a pic each month along the way.

It was an eye opener to see this picture of myself. I'm not a large breasted woman by any means, but when the tummy extends past the girls, good gosh, something, must be done.

It will get better, one day at a time.

Drawstring Bag

2009-07-08T10:19:00.003-04:00

I saw this tutorial back in April and just knew I wanted to make it at some point. It is extremely easy to follow. However, I decided to line the bag to make it a bit sturdier and had the liner fabric folded to the outside for contrast. Unfortunately, I had trouble with the grommets. I have the Big Bite. I tried several times without success on some scrap fabric and it just didn't work for me. So then I decided to try and place button holes on either side. well, that didn't work out too well. I cut off the bottom and sewed it again. Then I realized the drawstring can be on one side. I added the little loop on the right. I would have preferred to have it inside the seam but after all of this work, I didn't want to open it up. I am very happy with the final product. I am giving it to my niece as a very belated get well gift. It's big enough for a pool bag or casual purse.

Catching up

2009-07-05T21:59:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since I last posted. Fortunately, I am feeling a little better. So, I will live it up until the next roller coaster ride. :o)

I am starting a diet tomorrow. A friend at work filled me in on what she does, so I figured I'd give it a whirl. I hope to lose 20 lbs by my birthday which is at the end of October. I know it sounds like a lot and I am probably in over my head, but I really need to do something. I can't tolerate looking at myself in pictures anymore. :o(

So here's a few pics of 2 different projects. The elastic waistband skirt was the skirt I made in my sewing class. Funny story to go with that skirt. Here's how it went down:

Picture me sewing along, a bit tired and over concentrating when all of a sudden, WHAMMO, my finger gets stuck under the needle. YAH, THE NEEDLE WAS IN MY FINGER.

Me: "Um, excuse, me, I'm stuck."

Teacher: "Whaaaaat??!!"

Me: "I don't know what to do, I'm stuck."

Teacher: "You should turn it; I don't want to hurt you."

Me: "OK. Everyone, I'm sorry if I start screaming obscenities. {deep breathe} Holy Sh*t, Holy Sh*t, Holy Sh*t." I then inspected my finger, "I wonder if it went all the way through?"

Teacher after seeing the blood on the other side of my finger: "Yep, it did."

Me: LOLOLOLOLOLOL. Seriously, I couldn't stop laughing even though my finger was throbbing.

Anyway, I think I will only post the skirt here and post the other project another nite. This turned into a much longer than anticipated post. :o)

Have a great week.

Out of Sorts

2009-06-24T12:46:00.002-04:00

A mini-venting session is needed. I'm tired. I'm tired of being tired. I'm tired of not being able to keep my head straight when needed. My thyroid is the culprit. I find out later today what can be done if anything.

Big changes for me are happening with work. I've been given more responsibility (no extra pay, but, hey I have a job, right?). This responsibility lies outside of my comfort zone. I'm excited and worried at the same time. It's a great opportunity but being so tired lately has left me feeling a bit overwhelmed. Deep down, I know it's just a matter of standing up to the challenge, making my lists, doing my research and just taking the leap, but it's been difficult for me to get off the ledge.

I pray the doctor will be able to do something for me, b/c I honestly think that me feeling crummy has put a damper on me getting off the ledge.

I have worked on a few sewing projects since I last posted. I can't wait to take pics. Maybe I can do that tonight.

OK, venting done for now. Thanks to whomever took the time to read this. :o)

Project of the week - Decorated Hand Towels

2009-06-07T21:47:00.004-04:00

I am SUCH a sucker for fabric and scraps. I even try to stop by the fabric store once a week to flip through the clearance section. But now I have a BIG bin-O-scraps that I have to find a new home for somehow, hence the towels. I bought a set of 2 from Target for around $1.50 and patched together some scraps and stitched it on the towels. It's the first time I created a quilt-like look. I love how they came out. They are so summery. They will be a gift for a co-worker.

I also bought some strawberries today in hopes of making strawberry jam. Ya-should be interesting...I'll keep you posted.

Wanna see some BOOTIE?

2009-05-30T12:21:00.005-04:00

Hah, gotcha. I had fun with the title. My daughter LOVES shoes. I mean as soon as she gets up in the morning she runs to put her shoes on. So I decided to make her a pair of slippers. I found a pattern online that was sized 0-6 months, but Maria has small feet. So I increased the size by 10% and placed it up against her foot and it seemed good, BUT since I am not as familiar with seam allowances, etc. they didn't fit. :o( So I have one shoe, what do I do? I have the other material cut and ready to go. Then it dawned on me, I will give it to my neice/goddaughter Olivia! Her Christening is tomorrow. I hope to sew the other shoe today or tomorrow morn. Worse come to worse she'll get it a little late. I used scraps from a skirt I made. (I hope to post that too.)

This weekend I have a Christening (as mentioned before) and my nephew's Confirmation party is today. So here are the cards. The pictures don't do them justice, b/c the embossing looks so very pretty and rich in real life.

Project of the week - plastic bag holder

2009-05-23T10:25:00.005-04:00

Here's the project of the week. It is definitely coming in handy. I took the easy route and made the fabric all one piece and I got it done in 1 hour. Here's the tutorial.

I've been thinking about my stamping lately and how I haven't been doing it unless a card is needed. Why have I stopped LOVING to stamp? I don't know. Maybe it's b/c I spend all this time on a card to give to someone and never see it again. I wonder if the person who received it just throws it out. However, it's a keeper of feelings, memories and sentiments, but it gets tucked away. Sewing has given me an outlet to be creative but allows me to get daily use out of items. I love that factor. So I have been seriously considering purging some stamps. I've made some irrational purchases b/c of the old "that's so cute, I've got to have it" and then it sits in the collection for years never being used. Isn't that sad? Sometime soon, I will have to go through them and just do it. (it will be painful)

Mother's Day Sewing Project

2009-05-15T16:55:00.004-04:00

I've had a sewing machine for a few years but never seemed to find the time or enthusiasm to sew until I started finding all of these wonderful sewing blogs. Wow, what an inspiration these ladies are. Their projects are awesome and they take the time to write detailed tutorials. How unbelievably nice is that?

Well, I took the plunge and made Maria a skirt for Mother's Day. I used the tutorial from here. Traci does an awesome job explaining such a simple project. It's the first sewing machine project that I took on and I'm so glad I did. Maria is wearing the skirt in this picture. Granted you can't get the best views of the skirt but she looked adorable in it. Also, I LOVED it when her faced lit up when I showed it to her. Maria wanted the "pretty dress" and screamed when I took it off. So now I will keep my eyes peeled for those pretty clothe napkins. Thanks Traci!

A Giveaway with a Twist

2009-04-22T15:33:00.005-04:00

So here's what I'd like to giveaway. Are you interested?
A fabulous Stamping Bella card backer stamp. Brand new!
An SU summer stamp set. I think I used it once for a demo long ago.
An awesome 6 x 6 Christmas album by Hallmark with 20 embellished pages! This would make a perfect gift or keep it for yourself. The value is $25.

The twist is that you have to make a donation no matter how small to the March of Dimes through my link at the right. We are walking as a family this coming weekend and I'd love to try to beat last year's total and meet that $1k goal!! As a mom with twin toddlers who were born 7 weeks premature and spent 4 weeks in the NICU, I realize first hand how important the March of Dimes organization is to all babies.

After you have made your donation, place a comment on this post and you will receive an entry. If you place a link on your blog about this giveaway, you'll receive another entry! The contest will stay open until 12am April 25.

With heartfelt thanks,

Kathy

No-Sew Banner, birthday cakes and shirts

2009-03-20T17:00:00.001-04:00

I decided to make birthday shirts for the kids. We got their pictures taken professionally in them too. I can't wait to pick them up. I am very please with how the shirts came out considering this is my first attempt this sort of thing. I got the plain shirt on clearance at Walmart for only about $2 each. I did buy some of the fabric, other fabric I had. For the number 2 I printed out a huge 2 in a font I liked using Word. I cut out the 2, pinned it to the fabric and cut it out. I then back stiched it by hand since I don't know how to use my sewing machine (YET). The edges have frayed which was intentional with every washing.
This banner was so much fun to make. I made a cardboard template to cut out the squares with my rotary cutter. It went so much quicker that way. I then printed out the letters in Word and cut out. I did tape the letters to the felt b/c it was easier for me. The tape removed easily once done. The most time consuming part was cutting out the letters. Then I used stitch witchery to fuse all the pieces together. I did sew on the little loops, just 3 stitches so that I could hang it on the ribbon. I didn't want to permanently attach the letters to the ribbon in case I want to change out a fabric in years to come but keep others. I love how it came out.
This was supposed to be an Elmo cake, but Sesame Street won and hey, Elmo is on there.
This train cake idea I think I found on Family Fun's website.

We made it through

2009-03-20T17:00:00.000-04:00

Everyone told me that he would bounce back quickly and for the most part he did. I have to say it was one of the most difficult experiences in my life. Seeing him in so much pain was like a knife in my heart. In short, he spent the first night in ICU b/c he had trouble breathing and they could not keep his pain level in check. So the poor thing had an epidural, pain meds every 4 hours and then when that wasn't enough, the epidural was removed and a morphine drip was started with additional meds as needed. Once that chest tube was removed he was a different person. He was like a little drunken sailor his first time out. He looked so adorable staggering down the hospital hallways with his little diaper peeking out from his hospital gown. He charmed the nurses by waiving Bye-Bye and blowing kisses. :o) On the 4th day after he was feeling better, I was sitting in a chair next to his crib and he reached over to hold my hand and gave me this sweet smile. I smiled back, took his hand and said, "We did it buddy. We made it through and it didn't break us afterall."

Unfortunately, a few days later he came down with bronchitis of all things. Grrrrr...but as of now, he is doing better and is almost done with meds. Alleluia!

Mmmm, cake

2009-02-20T12:40:00.005-05:00

I've been trying to plan for the kids' birthday but I've been preoccupied. I decided to buckle down today to make my lists.

Even though they share the same birthday, I believe they should each get their own cake and sung to separately. It gives them their own special moment and opportunity to be in the spotlight. I like to make cakes based on their favorite things. Last year, I made a cake for Mark based on the book 8 Silly Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. Gosh, I recited that soooo many times, in the car, while they ate, changing diapers; it kinda became a song. For Maria I made a bus for her favorite song The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round. If I had a nickel for every time I sang that song, I'd be a rich woman. It was the only song that would calm them down if they were cranky. This year I will be making a train cake for him but they both LOVE their Choo-Choos. For her, I will be making an Elmo cake. Lalalala, lalalala, Elmo's song, come on sing it with me now! I know you know the words. :o)

Beside myself

2009-02-16T16:46:00.004-05:00

I thought I was a strong person until something, something I can't control knocked me off my feet. I am beside myself with worry. I know that I worry too much by nature, but I can't shake this terrible feeling. My handsome boy who is soon to turn 2 needs surgery. He was born with a CCAM. It is a cyst within the lung. We found out about it at our 20 week ultrasound. We need to have it removed due to the possibility of it turning malignant years from now. They need to remove the entire lower right lobe which shocked me. I didn't realize how large the cyst has grown. The last report from March '08 (which we just received results from 2 months ago, that is aggravating in itself) indicated that it is 3 inches in diameter. So if you read this post, please say a prayer for my little one and for my family to keep us strong. I will be staying with him nightly and am scared to death of what I will see him go through. March 6 is the date, so I am keeping St. Gerard close to my heart.

Thank you.

I won!

2009-02-06T17:30:00.001-05:00

Therese over at Softies Central is a big quote collector. So she decided to have a contest. All you had to do was leave a comment with one of your favorite quotes. Well, I thought it was a long shot. I've entered many contests and never win, but hey what's one more? There were over 60 participants that offered profound quotes from Oscar Wilde to Emily Dickinson. Here's what I wrote:

"When I was a little girl, my father and I loved watching PePe Le Pew mainly b/c of his adorable quotes. To this day (and I'm 35) my dad will send me a quote from time to time via e-mail. It brightens my day. So although these quotes aren't earth moving perhaps they will put a smile on your face. To get the full effect, you have to read it with a fake French accent. "You know, most men would get discouraged but now fortunately for you, I am not most men!" and "Where are you, my little object of art? I am here to collect you."

She wrote me an e-mail telling me that my quotes made her laugh and reminded her of when she used to watch tv with her dad when she was a kid.

So, what did I win?? Looky here:

I can wait to get it! Thanks Therese. :o)

2

2009-01-30T20:35:00.007-05:00

My twins are turning 2 March 2. Time has flown. So I am starting to plan some special projects for their birthday. I am so ever grateful for Emily introducing me to Etsy, but DabNabit, it is addictive! No, seriously, it has been a great source of inspiration.

I'm amidst the production of a birthday banner that I can use year after year. I did not realize that the fabric store is A LOT like the paper in the scrapbook store in that all the fabrics are mesmerizing and beautiful and make your mouth water and make you want to create EVERYTHING and ANYTHING even though you can't sew, e-hem.

Anyway, I will post the banner once I've completed it, but you can't have a party without an invite, right? So, to save me some time and cash, I downloaded some FREE digi items from Shabby Princess (thanks Dani for telling me about them) and created this. Came out cute, eh? It only cost 13 cents each to print and I will just slap that puppy on a single sheet of cardstock and VOILA.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Getting Ready for Baby

2009-01-26T17:14:00.005-05:00

Oh how I wish it were me! I have loved being a mom every step of the way. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my “dear god in heaven, please keep me sane for just a few more minutes” moments, but being a mom has been the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me.

So who are these for, right? My best friend is having a girl in just a few weeks. So, I ventured into the attic to get together some baby items that I have been saving and gave them some much needed refreshing. As I was hanging them to dry I realized how adorable they all looked hung in a row, although some look like they are being tortured being hung by their tails. I just had to take a picture. Going through the toys brought back so many happy memories. Alas, they are off to a new home and where they will be put to wonderful use.

Pink Paisley Sneak Peek

2009-01-23T17:20:00.003-05:00

Oh me oh my! Have you seen the new paper collection from Pink Paisley? There are others as well, but this really caught my eye. Be sure to check out their product inspiration section. They posted gorgeous projects.

A Giveaway!!

2009-01-23T11:32:00.003-05:00

I recently came across Tiffany's blog. She is a seamstress and makes these beautiful handbags, diaper bags, book bags, ok you get it, she makes BAGS. I recently placed an order and she was so wonderful to deal with. She allowed me to choose the fabric and change the dimensions to suit my style. How awesome is that? Truly, it can't get any better.

Today she has posted a giveaway with 2 prizes, first prize is one of her fabulous handbags that she has posted and the second prize is a $15 gc to her shop. Now, please run right over and enter and keep in mind that she does custom ordering too!

Please tell her that Kathy sent you!! THANKS

Tweet Baby Designs Giveaway!

2009-01-22T09:21:00.002-05:00

Hey Gals, there's an awesome giveaway from this talented crafter at tweetbabydesigns. The actual giveaway is through Em's blog. Please place your entries there. The prize is a pair of baby leggings. They are fabulous. I hope I win!

Better one, better two?

2009-01-21T17:22:00.000-05:00

Do you remember going to the eye doctor when you were a kid? If you wear glasses, and I have since age 4, then you'll probably remember that question "better one or better two?" as the doctor displays different lenses in front of your eyes. Anyway, I was visiting this blog today and she had a demo on how to make the colors in your photos pop. I'm not too much into photo editing, only basic stuff since it is time consuming, but after I did this, WOW, I can really see those colors come alive. I tried few other photos where the results were not as drastic. I think outside photos are easier to see the change since natural light plays a huge factor. So here's my take on playing with hues. Better one or better two?

Do you follow??

2009-01-20T09:26:00.002-05:00

So today is my very own mommy day. I am turning off the computer when I am done with this post and scrapbook alllllll day!!!! It's kinda freaky that NO ONE is home right now but me. I mean I can dance around the house naked if I want to, and I just might just to say I did.

On another note, when I do post, I see that my counter goes up so there are some readers out there even though there aren't any posts. So I thought if you do take a read from time to time, it would be nice to know who you are so I can come visit you sometime. So join my followers group if you'd like.

Have a wonderful day, time for me to dance!! Boo-bye

Crafty things

2009-01-19T22:53:00.006-05:00

My BFF's baby shower was last weekend. I made these diaper cakes for centerpieces. I thought they came out pretty cute. The hardest part was the construction. Once I had that down, then it was easy. It took me two evenings and a little extra time to add the ribbon. The night before, I packed them up in a box and placed them by the back door. I went outside to pack up the gifts and headed back in (literally gone for about 60 seconds folks) only to meet my husband Mark at the door. He said that I didn't want to come back in and that I will be mad. He pulled back the door I saw my Mark Jr and Maria tossing around diapers. AHHHH! They reached over the fence and took a cake layer, deconstructed it and started playing. I said, "No, no, no, give those back to mommy." So of course, my daughter obeyed and threw the diapers back over the fence hitting me in the face. Let's just say I can laugh at it now.Above is just a card I made for my nephew's birthday. I love the paper, forgot I had it. Sorry, a little blurry.

Can you guess what this is?? Yep, I'm trying to learn to crochet. I know I'm nuts, I already have a lot on my plate and I am so very behind in scrapbooking, but I realized that I spend a lot of evenings on the computer. This is not a good thing when I'm on all day for work. I need to give these peepers and my mind a break. So, I thought crocheting would help me clear my mind. It certainly did last night when I first gave it a shot. I've got a long road ahead of me, but maybe, just maybe this craft will stick. Time will tell.

When was the last time...

2009-01-19T22:43:00.003-05:00

OR did you ever French braid your hair?? I was never great at it but decided to do it Friday night before I ventured off to my nieces' and nephew's international fair at their school. It was either take a shower when there was no time to spare, bun or this. Maria never lets me put any hair ties in her hair. She loves the act of it and says it's 'pretty' but then tears it out 20 seconds later. She has such beautiful hair, I'd love to be able to style it.

Baby it's cold outside

2009-01-10T14:58:00.002-05:00

We're expecting a winter storm this afternoon so it's time to cuddle up inside with hot chocolate and take down the Christmas decorations. A few weeks ago when we had our first substantial snow fall, we took the kids outside. It was their first experience being "in" the snow. Here are just a few pics. For those of you experiencing snow where you are, stay warm.

Baby Layouts

2009-01-05T22:16:00.002-05:00

Yes, that's right, I am still trying to complete my children's first year album. It's been so rough getting time to do it. When I do get the time, I love reliving those special moments and feelings. I was hoping to finish by the new year but it did not happen. I'm trying not to beat myself up over it but my kids will be two March 2 which is right around the corner. For now, that is my new deadline. I think I will need to take a day off for me soon. Working on their album for 8 hours straight would be awesome. Whining has ceased for now.

Here's just a few pages that I really liked. Hope you do to.

Not Me Monday

2009-01-05T17:08:00.000-05:00

I decided to partake in the "not me monday" which I found out about from Emily but it originated with MckMama's blog. Basically it is a list of embarrassing deeds that I've done over the past week and poke fun at myself for doing them. So here I go...

~I did not wear the same Christmas shirt 3 days in a row b/c it made me smile and kept Christmas alive a little bit longer AS WELL as make my husband's allergies crazy b/c of the perfume that permeated it.

~I did not dig into the freshly folded laundry basket for 5 days b/c I was too lazy to put the clothes away.

~I did not carve a little path to lead out of my room b/c recent art projects and Christmas presents have taken over my bedroom on my side of the bed. (If there was a fire, I don't think I'd make it out alive.) On the same note, I did not just giggle to myself when my husband just now tripped over the "stuff" on my side of the bed. How timely...)

~I did not just discover my daughter with a blackish tongue only to discover turquoise poop in her diaper. This definitely was not the result of her eating an aquamarine crayon. (thank goodness for non-toxic materials)

How's your Monday going?

TWILIGHT

2008-11-24T08:35:00.005-05:00

I can finally remove the countdown from my sidebar. YES, the movie finally has arrived. I saw it Friday afternoon with my BFF Jen. Jen bought the tickets in advance and we picked them up 2 hours ahead of time to avoid the crowd. We really didn't know what to expect. When we entered the theater a half hour ahead of the movie start there were a handful of school girls, tweens. But by the movie start, it was packed and the energy in the room was incredible. Everytime they squealed I tried my best to contain myself b/c I wanted to squeal too! The movie was great, much too fast and understandably condensed since the book was 500 pages. I wouldn't have minded it being a mini-series to capture all of those moments between Edward and Bella. BUT at least it looks like there will be another movie!!! I can't wait to put a new counter on my blog.

OK, so why are women over 25 embarrassed to admit that they like Twilight?? Really, what's not to like? Seriously, it's well written, easy to read, and it's a LOVE story. Why not admit that although we may love our husbands/boyfriends, we all envy the deep passion shared by Edward and Bella. She is his life. Wouldn't we all like to be put on the pedestal at least for a little while? It's also very sweet and innocent and reminiscent of of new love, that butterfly feeling. I know I relived those moments as I read.

So, come on, join in with me here, you can do it, "I - LOVE - THE - TWILIGHT - SERIES!!"

(don't you feel better now?)

Who's who, do you ask?

2008-11-12T10:56:00.003-05:00

Hi Ladies,

It's been so long since I've posted anything crafty. I hope to get some work done over the holidays to share. I'm still slowly working on my children's first year album, which I think will have several volumes, lol. Perhaps I can post some of those pages soon.

On a serious note, in these tough economic times my company, Marquis Who's Who, is trying to promote their new website as much as possible exploring various venues to get the word out. So I thought, why not post an announcement on my blog? Please, if you have a moment, visit this awesome site and pass the word along. This site offers a wide variety of information such as Food and Wine, Health Travel and most importantly, Who's Who in America, interviews with doctors, designers, chefs, the list could go on. Here is the link: www.whoswhoinamerica.com.

Thanks so very much for lending a hand.

Happy Mail

2008-10-20T20:24:00.004-04:00

Oh, it's been so very long since I've stamped. It's my busy time at work. I had a project due today and another this Friday and then I can breathe a little easier. In the midst of the chaos, I came home tonight to find some happy mail. I was so excited, I tore into it. It was an awesome birthday/Halloween card from my blog friend Dani. Yep, my bday is on Halloween. I love that it is. You kind feel like the whole world is celebrating that day with you with all the parties and costumes and candy giving. Anyway, she also included the most adorable Halloween stamps. I've never seen these. You get some great stamps out there in Utah. You're the best Dani! I appreciate it. :o)

Spooky : Creepy : Scary

2008-09-25T22:39:00.002-04:00

Here are a few Halloween layouts. These are pictures from last year. They were so much fun to make.

Free Halloween Digital Kits and a rant too

2008-09-24T17:35:00.003-04:00

Hello Ladies,

Life has been crazy lately. The bathroom renovation is still ongoing, but we do have a shower and sink so I really can't complain. Just the little details need to be done. DH was given notice last week. It's never an easy thing to hear but gosh during a renovation? Why couldn't we find this out before we spent all of this money? Then my poor peanut has been sick with "something." Dr. said it's an ear infection but it must have been a doozy. She's had a fever since Saturday. So there's been A LOT of worry, stress and lack of sleep.

OK, thanks for reading and on to the good stuff. I came across this free Halloween digi kit form Fugi. It's really quite awesome and I hope to use it for some Halloween cards. Anyway, I hope to post a few Halloween scrapbook pages later. I was able to go to a much needed girls night out scrapping last Friday. Those nights are really the only time I get to scrap. OK, ok, enuf yappin'.

Get well wishes

2008-09-11T21:03:00.003-04:00

We had our company picnic last Friday and since we ended early I got to stop by this little scrapbook store I used to frequent. They changed a lot of their merchandise and I was floored to see My Favorite Things stamps displayed. YEAH, no shipping!! I just had to buy a set. I got 'Rain or Shine' because I really don't have a get well set and it can be used for more than that as well. I do have another MFT set that my friend Dani gave me. I haven't tried it yet and am dying to but since I needed get well card, this set worked perfectly. I think it came out nice.

Have a great weekend ladies.

How Men Make Cards

2008-09-10T17:01:00.003-04:00

I frequent a blog called Scrappin with IKEA goddess. She posts lots of digi freebies. Well, she posted this youtube short. It is hysterical and definitely worth watching until the end. Man Made Cards

Our Secret Garden...

2008-09-04T21:04:00.000-04:00

So here's another scrapbook page using a free (yes, that's right, free) digi kit from Shabby Princess. I like how it came out. Since it's next to impossible to scrap or make cards right now with our bathroom renovation going on, digi is the way to go for now.

We didn't realize that there would be 4 inches of cement below the tile floor. So all of the dust put a nice coating on all of my supplies in the basement. When I got in from work and saw it, I could do nothing but shrug and remind myself that I was still organizing so what's a little more cleaning? (sniff, sniff)

Have a great day!

Meeting you

2008-08-22T17:14:00.003-04:00

I've been a BIG fan of Emily's blog for a while now. I love her style. It's so fresh and inspiring. I am usually the gotta make things even and measure kinda girl. It probably stems from my job as a production manager. I've been wanting to break myself out of that mold. Recently I've seen her do some amazing things with paint and I finally got the nerve to try it. Here I used my WIP scrapbook kit. How convenient to have all of these coordinating papers and embellishments.
I've slowly been trying to catch up on my stack of photos. When I met my children for the first time, unmedicated, I just burst into tears and cradled them saying. "It's so nice to finally meet you..." Being born premature and me suffering complications from delivery I didn't get to hold them until the following morning. Even the 9 weeks on bedrest didn't compare to that one night that I anxiously awaited to meet them.

I won!

2008-08-17T10:53:00.003-04:00

I've been wanting to post all week but it's been hard to find the time. I won the design challenge over at Wish on a Scrap! I won a $10 GC to Loreen's store. I am so excited about it. Thanks again Loreen. I will be contacting you soon to see how I can redeem it.

PIF - Winner - UPDATE

2008-08-11T08:36:00.002-04:00

I've left a few messages with Laura and gave her until Sat to contact me with her address. She has made no attempt, so I had left a message on her blog that I hope she doesn't mind, but I need to keep the PIF moving along and will select another winner. Kim you are the new winner!! I'll leave you a message on your blog.

Butterfly smiles

2008-08-07T21:12:00.006-04:00

Well, I felt inspired yesterday and with good reason. Wish on a Scrap is hosting a design challenge where this dress is the inspiration. Well, I've never completed this kind of a card so quickly and it was so much fun. What great colors are in the dress, eh? It's the perfect flirty summer dress. Anyway...here's the card. I really love how it came out. What do you think?
I cleared embossed the butterflies and used my sponge dauber to help them come alive. The ribbon was a lucky find. It was actually a piece of the ribbon that was on my bouquet from my best friend's wedding. I loved it and saved as much as I could.

Random question...

2008-08-04T09:07:00.001-04:00

If you had the opportunity to receive a gift certificate to a craft store of your choosing, which store would it be? Comments appreciated.

PIF - Winner

2008-08-04T08:51:00.002-04:00

Hello Ladies,

I used random.org to choose a winner. So...Laura, you won! Please e-mail me your mailing address (phonio@yahoo.com). Laura, your package is ready to go and I can most likely mail it to you tomorrow.

Thanks to all who participated.

Have a great week.

PIF - Blog Candy

2008-07-30T20:23:00.004-04:00

PIFs are so awesome aren't they? So, let's keep this moving along. I don't know just yet what will be up for grabs, but I figured I can get the ball rolling in the meantime. Here's what you have to do to enter:

1. Leave a comment on my blog

2. Write a post on your blog announcing the blog candy

3. If you win, you must Pay It Forward with blog candy

Pretty simply, right??

Enter by Sunday and I will use random.org to choose a winner on Monday.

Good luck!

Look What I Got?

2008-07-30T20:08:00.004-04:00

I was lucky enough to win a PIF from Loreen's blog. Can you believe what I got? Nice stash, eh? THANKS Loreen! I especially LOVE the little giraffe stamp. Isn't he adorable? She's the owner of the awesome web store, Wish on a Scrap. I just ordered her August contest scrapbook kit and cannot wait to receive it. All she coordinated for the kit is mouthwatering. :o)

And here's a wonderful RAK from none other than Christi Thorsen for winning the Bella Babe contest in July. I love Christi's work and was so thrilled to receive one of her gorgeous cards. Thanks Christi!!

Not too shabby...

2008-07-28T18:20:00.000-04:00

OK, so I found out about Shabby Princess, a digital scrapbook store through a blog candy giveaway over at Scrapin' Mama's. I recently found out about Creative Memories doing this, but thought that it cost way too much. After taking a look around, I saw that there are free scrap kits available so that you can try before you buy. Well, since I have Photoshop, I decided to give it a whirl. What you see is an 8 x 8 scrapbook page. I printed it out at Costco for $1.50 folks!! It came out awesome. Now, I'm a hands on kinda girl, but it would be a nice gift, no? You can make your own book for someone. I actually thought I might make a mini album for my kids. (when I find the time, right?) Could be a nice idea for Christmas. Anyway, have a great day!

Book Candy

2008-07-24T21:53:00.003-04:00

I love making bookmarks as gifts. I think it's the perfect little something b/c anyone can use one at any given time. Don't you have a few living in different books lying around the house? I used my ink pads to watercolor the image. There is some sparkle that didn't show up in the photo. For the first time I also sparkle painted some flowers on the background paper. It adds that extra something.
Anyway, I hope I can get to creating more this weekend. Perhaps I can sneak downstairs Sunday morning.
Have a wonderful weekend.

An Award - Moi??

2008-07-23T13:42:00.004-04:00

Wow, I am so very happy to have received a blog award by Jacqueline. I'd like to keep it moving along since it made my day, why not make someone else's?
If you'd like to participate, please PIF by doing the following.

1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.

2. Link the person you received your award from (optional, I know some of you are working as design team members)

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4. Put links of those blogs on yours. (optional, I know some of you are working as design team members)

5. Leave a message on the blogs you have nominated.

My Absolute 7 favs (other than those already listed in Jacqueline's blog) are:

http://3peasinapoddesigns.blogspot.com/
http://live-love-laugh-create.blogspot.com/
http://laurenm.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
http://cici510.blogspot.com/
http://pickledpaperdesigns.blogspot.com/
http://thevintagepearl.blogspot.com/
http://michellewooderson.blogspot.com/

Enjoy visiting these wonderfully talented ladies!!

PIF

2008-07-20T22:54:00.002-04:00

Loreen owner of Wish on a Scrap is offering a PIF blog candy giveaway. Head on over. She's sure to give out something awesome.

Funky Rockabella

2008-07-17T08:33:00.005-04:00

I'm back from vacation. It was our first time away as a family. It was a lot of fun and challenging. Funny/cute stuff that happened:
~kids walking out of the bathroom with the long line of TP following them
~funky dancing in the full length mirrors
~squeezing inside the bottom shelf of the end table
~Maria kissing all of the display teddy bears at Boyd's Bear (I think it's the headquarters so there were a lot of bears)
I'm sure there's more. We had a great time despite some of the frustrations of the kids wanting to walk not holding hands and touching things they are not supposed to, but hey, they're babies.
I also got to visit 2 local scrapbook stores. Those local stores always have awesome paper. It was so very exciting. For the 2nd shop, Mark made me take Maria. Wise tactic on his part. He knew she wouldn't tolerate being in the stroller long. So, I certainly made every noise, sang songs, danced and played peek-a-boo to lengthen my stay. It worked out well, 30 dollars later.
Anyway, I can finally post the card I made for my summer sister since she received it in the mail yesterday. I just love Rockabella. I thought the paper was appropriate, not my typical style, but way cool for her.

Have a great day!!

Another Alert - blog candy

2008-07-16T20:53:00.002-04:00

Please visit Suzanne's blog for the chance to win some awesome blog candy. She won the Bella homepage contest for the month of July. It's a beautiful card, go check it out.

Blog Candy Alert

2008-07-12T17:44:00.002-04:00

Head on over to Maria's blog for some awesome blog candy.

Mission Accomplished!!

2008-07-12T16:51:00.004-04:00

WHEW! DH went over there this morning to claim the gals for me and no luck. Then he went out later and put a note in their mailbox with our home phone number and no luck. So I pushed the kids over about an hour ago and they were all sitting outside having a party (the bellanappers, not the Bellas themselves). I was so relieved to get them. Now I can't wait to play! :o)

OH THE HORROR...

2008-07-11T21:49:00.002-04:00

I didn't have my cell phone on all day since I was working from home. I turned it on at around 8:45 pm just before taking a run to the food store. I had a message from a STRANGER. He said he had a UPS package delivered to his house with my name and address. His voice was breaking up, I couldn't hear the address clearly. I panicked and was thinking, what package could it be that he has of...GASP...BELLAS!!! This strange fella has my Bellas. AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! The address, what was his address...after listening 3 times, once on speaker phone with my dh listening intently, I think I have the address. OK, it's Friday night, it's not too late to appear in the front of a strange fellas house demanding to hand over da Bellas, right? RIGHT, on with the rescue. Well, I looked, and squinted, and veered my car all over the road. I couldn't see the numbers on any of the houses!! How timely to go blind!! OK, very long story short. I gave up the mission. I couldn't see the house numbers and I wasn't going to walk all over the neighborhood looking although I was very tempted. I will venture out tomorrow morn sometime and hopefully find my Bellas. Sniff, sniff, poor gals must be scared half to death.

OK, I'm NUTS, what can I say. Very tired too so that only adds to this drama.

See ya!

Bella Babe Winner

2008-07-11T11:32:00.005-04:00

I had hoped to post earlier in the week, but life gets away from you sometimes. I actually won my very first contest. There was no loot that went with it, but a fabulous title, Bella Babe. When I told my DH I won the Bella Babe contest, he was happy for me, but had to laugh at the title and how excited I was since I blurted it out. Anyway, Kim awarded this to me. Please check out her blog. She's got a fresh perspective on design and leads you to a lot of great places for design ideas and techniques.
I realized after making this card using Rockabella and another I made recently for my summer sister (shh, it's a surprise), that I should have bought her when Stamping Bella was having her free shipping sale. She is soooo much fun. Oh well, I will have to wait for the next sale.
Speaking of Summer Sisters, mine is Dani. She was honored with being asked to join the 3 Little Dreams design team and Kim was asked to be guest designer! Head over to Dani's blog. She's got a great sense of humor and her creations are delightful. I am so lucky to have these girls as inspiration. OK, now I'm getting long winded here. Have a great weekend if I don't post sooner.

Bella scrapbook debut

2008-07-05T08:32:00.005-04:00

Since I now have a real scrapbook space (I stole my husband's workbench in the basement), I've been trying to devote sometime to scrapbooking my pregnancy and ALLLLLLL of my kids pictures. I was almost done with the shower when I remembered I had an image swap of Teddybella. Wow, as I was coloring her, I realized how her belly looked just like mine. I was HUGE with 2 kiddos in there. If I went full term, I don't think I would have been able to move. I usually don't mix stamping with scrapping, not sure why, maybe it's the fear of getting ink on something that's not supposed to have it, but I really love her on this page. Anywho...hope you all had a Happy 4th! Have a great weekend.

Blog Candy Giveaway - Wish on a Scrap

2008-07-03T10:28:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone!! Please visit Loreen'sblog for an awesome blog candy giveaway!! She's offering a WHOPPING $25 gift certificate to her new company Wish on a Scrap. I've recently learned about her company through another blogger and the contest kits look awesome and are so very reasonably priced especially since the price includes shipping costs!! Check it out soon.

Notice: Full Sheets of New Scrapbook Paper Were Not Harmed

2008-07-01T21:26:00.004-04:00

I wanted to make my Bella Sistah a card. She loves to scrapbook, so why not make her a scrapbook card? I masked the balloons on Balloonabella so that she could hold the scrapbook sign. Also, I decided to keep with the scrapbook theme and used my scraps. Everything but the white card was from my scrap pile. I was so excited to dive in to find coordinating colors. Anyway, I hope she likes it. Funny thing is, I just read on her blog that she won a scrapbook contest, so how perfect is that??

Have a great evening.

Eloise

2008-06-30T12:09:00.005-04:00

I just placed my $75 order with Stamping Bella. She is offering free shipping for orders $45 or more. The last time she had this promo I passed it up. I think it was the guilt. BUT, since I was paid for hosting a class for my friend, I have a little stamping money to play with. :o) I think I ordered so much since Em said that the free shipping offer won't come around again for a while. There were just a few that really enticed me. Anyway...here's a card with Eloise. She's so adorable. I made this for a bling contest, but I took about 10 pics and can't get the sparkle in her skirt and wings to show up, oh well. Please feel free to leave a comment. I'm new to this blogging and posting, so any thoughts, good and bad, are always welcomed. Have a great day!

RAKed!! Woot!

2008-06-24T21:06:00.003-04:00

I am so very excited. I got not one but TWO beautiful RAK cards. A BIG thanks to Pam Gaynor for the awesome Bikeabella card. I love this card. I commented on it when she posted it and I can't believe I got it! Thanks for the website tip about the cuttlebug folders too, Pam. I checked it out and have my eye on a bunch.

A BIG thanks to Dannette Ruger for the awesome Huggybella card. I love the color combo. Everything just pops!

Thanks so much to you both for making my day. I was so excited to get them and they will be placed on my craft wall.

Penguins in the Summer

2008-06-21T22:11:00.004-04:00

I made this for my nephew's birthday. He turned 4 years old today and loves penguins. I was able to snap a pic of him looking on as his cousin helped him open the envelope. I'm so glad he liked it. I think the stamp (by Imaginice) is absolutely adorable. I can't wait to use him again real soon.

Father's Day and more...

2008-06-17T22:02:00.000-04:00

Here are some Fella (Stamping Bella) Father's Day cards I made for friends and family. I'd like to say a special 'THANKS' to Debby Tillman who sent me a whole bunch of Fellas about 2 months ago. I was so excited to use them. THANKS Debby!

The 'shirt' cards was an idea I found on

Kim Doktor's

blog. Kim provided the link to the blog with directions to make the shirt. It looks complicated but was so easy.

This last pic was a card and altered item I made for my boss. He LOVES soccer. The card is a slider, and the bottom is a pediasure bottle filled with chocolates.

First post

2008-06-17T21:44:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!! I've been working on getting myself together to create a craft blog for a week or so now. Father's Day kept me busy since we hosted and there were many cards to be made. BUT, it gave me the chance to take pics of the cards for posting.

I'd love to include a thank you in my very first post to my Bella Sistah Kim Doktor. She sent me an awesome package yesterday. Please see the pic for all of the goodies that include flowers, stamps, images, candies filled in those adorable bottles, a beautiful card and so on. THANKS KIM. I love this whole concept of having a Bella Sistah especially since I don't have a real sister.