SETTING THE TABLE FOR FALL

"Table Setting" is one of Stampin' Up!'s newest Sizzix Bigz XL dies and is found in the Holiday mini catalog. I encourage you to take a close look at the cuts you can get from this die because they can be used for so many other projects besides dressing a table. To show you a couple of the pieces, I created a napkin/flatware wrap and a place card. The largest piece that the die cuts was used for the wrap, and I die cut the leaves from Stampin' Up!'s Wood Sheets (which are real wood) and the Leaves #2 die. Natural Hemp Twine was tied around the stems of the leaves, and I think it's a really nice natural accent! The leaves were colored with Classic ink (Old Olive, More Mustard, Really Rust, and a touch of Not Quite Navy). The place card, leaf, and rose were all cut from the Table Setting die and were sponged with ink. I absolutely LOVE using the spiral piece to create roses, and they are soooooooooo easy to make! The Table Setting die will be handy when setting your table for Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthday celebrations, or any other occasion! If you don't have a Big Shot die cut machine, ask me what you get when you buy one from me! ETA: A holiday card created with the Table Setting die. The tag die was used to create the "candles," and the leaf shape was used for the candle flames. The green leaves are from the Little Leaves Sizzlits die, and the embossed edge was created with the Finial Press embossing folder.

3D POP-UP TREE

I'm so excited to share my 3D tree card! I just got the die yesterday, and it was much simpler to assemble than I thought it would be. Granted, I spent most of the evening working on this card, but I was building it (literally) from the bottom up and inside out. Reading and re-reading the instructions, plus thinking really hard about how I wanted my project to look took much more time than actually assembling the tree! The worst part was closing the card and seeing that the front was totally blank. In the end, it came together as easily as the inside! Stampin' Up! products used to create this project include:

Card Stock: Kraft, Whisper White, and Rich Razzleberry

Ink: Rich Razzleberry and Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Medallion, Dasher, Tree Trimmings, Patterned Pines, Heard from the Heart

Big Shot: O Christmas Tree Pop-Up and Scallop Circle dies; Damask texture plate

Punch: 1/2" Circle

Ribbon: Kraft Taffeta

What I plan to do is cut the tree pieces, a few at a time, so I can sit and assemble several cards at one time. Believe me when I say that this tree is MUCH easier to assemble than it looks! Don't let this die intimidate you . . . add it to your next order!!!!

ETA: I have an easy peasy assembly method of attaching the tree to the card base that prevents it from coming loose and enables the tree to pop-up fully and perfectly time and time again! I promise!

WHAT I'M WORKING ON

This 12x12 layout doesn't look like much (yet) from the outside, but the inside is quite striking and unexpected. I grabbed a piece of retired designer paper to practice this project and was surprised when it started taking shape, which meant I had to dig a little deeper to find more of the same paper. At first glance, I think I could (perhaps should) use larger photos, but I decided to work with some old square ones that were already on my computer. This layout would be great for 4x6 photos, but these are . . . well . . . let's just say "kind of old" photos, taken before the dawn of 4x6. At this point in time, this project seems daunting, and the paper seems much larger and spacious than it's actual 12x12 size. There are a lot of layers because somebody (me?) adhered the pop-up section to it's card stock folder upside-down and had to create another folder so the photos would sit right and not show when in a closed position. When I showed this project to

Chadrick, he immediately commented on how unexpectedly heavy it was. I am anxious to finish embellishing and journaling this project, so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me with some ideas. What types of die cuts, embellishments, etc. should I use? Do you see the little pop-up space beside the two rectangle photos on each side? I'm thinking of trying to put trees there, but they'd need to have a relation to the layout. Sooooooo much to think about! If you have any ideas, leave a comment or email me. I would appreciate it!

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA

It's been a while since I decorated tiles, but I've never stenciled on them before--until tonight. The script background was stamped with Chocolate Chip Craft ink and, after it dried, I used a stencil brush to tap Chocolate Chip Craft ink over Stampin' Up!'s gorgeous "Kind Thoughts Brocade" stencil. I applied foam feet to the back of each coaster, and I still need to spray sealant on them. Take a close look at the tag. I used the brand new "Merry" Embosslit to cut the tag, and the trees and bird are from the "Merry Details" Sizzlits die. Do you see the pretty shimmer???? I brushed/tapped Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint all over the Whisper White tag, and I used my Shimmer Mist (created with the Shimmer Paint) to spray a hint of sparkle on the die-cut pieces.

SCARY THOUGHT!

I read this in someone's signature line on one of the demo groups: "I worry that, when I die, my husband will sell my scrapbooking stuff for what I told him I paid for it." I just hope to be a passerby at the right time during that yard sale!

IT'S A WILD-HAIR MIRACLE!

Recently, I saw the cutest project that I wanted to try, but I knew there was a chance that it would fail miserably because it involved sewing. This morning, I found the wild hair to make me search for a needle and linen thread. Do you recognize the basket? It's the "Baskets & Blooms" Bigz XL die by Stampin' Up! which I used with felt. It's a good thing that Fall is here because the only three pieces of felt that I own happen to be brown, orange, and yellow. I wonder what I had in mind when I bought them. Hmmm. The glittery foam leaves are from the "Little Leaves" Sizzlits die. I wasn't convinced that anything glittery was appropriate for my Fall basket but, like I said, there wasn't any green felt in my room. Actually, the best looking thing about this basket is the basket and the yellow flower. The leaves and filler are totally off the mark, but the project idea is cute! I suppose this little basket will stay with me since I couldn't possibly give it to anyone and take a chance that they'd see my shoddy sewing. Truly, a 3 y/o could do a much better job! No . . . a child younger than that could do better! Sew-ers (not to be confused with sewers) of the world . . . I salute and respect you!

TURKEY FAVOR

Need a quick favor for Thanksgiving? This is it! The hardest part, for me, was cutting out the stamped "petals" (tail feathers), but that's because I'm not a quick cutter! To create this cute turkey, I used Stampin' Up!'s "Sweet Center" stamp set (petal image), Scallop Circle punch, Sizzix Scallop Circles #2 die and Big Shot, Sweet Treat Cup, 1-3/4" Circle punch, Chocolate Chip card stock, and Dusty Durango, Old Olive, and Crushed Curry inks. Do you see that bag topper in the background? My sweet customer, Jane, came to class last night with a TREAT for all of us!!!!! Jane, I had to break into the sweets (the candy corn), but I didn't eat all of the candy . . . some of it went in this Turkey treat! I have the best customers! Arlene even brought mini frosted cupcakes!!! Does it get any better than this???

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME . . .

Last Friday, UPS brought my "Table Setting" die, and I can't believe that I'm just now seeing what it can do! I know you must be wondering what kind of project is pictured here, and I have to admit that it's a really funky picture. The truth of the matter is that the picture itself was angled horribly and difficult to work with, so I just "doctored" it. It would probably have been easier to just re-take the picture! What you're seeing, through diffused glow, is the top of a 4" square box. Before assembling the lid, I cut a 3.5" window, lined it with acetate and a shimmery Always Artichoke "Lattice" die cut, and then adhered the rose and leaves on the outside top of the lid. The rose . . . this brings me back around to the Sizzix "Table Setting" die that Stampin' Up! is selling in the Holiday mini catalog. This particular die has some interesting cuts! There's a spiral, which I used to form the rose, the leaves (two sizes), a place holder, gift tag, and a couple of other cuts that probably have a defined purpose--I just haven't studied them yet. What I already know is that this die has already proved its worth with the rose and leaves! How CUTE is this rose, I ask you????? Remember the shimmer paint that I concocted yesterday? I sprayed it on the rose, leaves, and lattice cut, and it's just amazing! If you look in the mini catalog, you'll notice some cute pine cones made out of designer paper. They were made with the same cut that produced my rose, but you just pull the bottom out from under the rose! This die is probably appropriately named; however, I think it could easily be called the "Hodgepodge Die" because its shapes seem to have a hodgepodge of uses! Check it out!

SHIMMERY "SNOW SWIRLED"

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and inexpensive holiday card to make--in multiples??? This might be the one for you! For starters, it's a Very Vanilla 4.25" square card, and the "Snow Swirled" image is stamped onto Basic Black card stock and layered onto Brushed Gold. I used "Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint" on the tree stamp, and it has a very nice gold-toned shimmery presence--a color that coordinates nicely with Stampin' Up!'s Brushed Gold card stock. After stamping the tree image, I sprayed the black card stock with a Shimmer Mist/Spray that I concocted using the shimmer paint. The sentiment was stamped with Basic Black Craft ink and then clear-embossed, and I used the Eyelet Border punch for the black strip along the bottom of the card.

GENERATIONS--NOT "JOLLY," BUT "JOWL-Y"

I was looking at pictures on my niece's Facebook today, and she has some adorable shots of her precious son, Campbell. This little fellow has the cutest expressions, and he has hair like his mommy, although not as much yet! You can see in the picture collage that Haley had TONS of hair when she was a baby!!!!! I think it's very interesting that, in these pictures, Renee, Haley, nor Campbell have smiles. I seem to be the only happy one in the bunch, and that could have just been gas! Ha! I put these photos together, though, because I think it's interesting how much Renee, Haley, and Campbell favor one another. They're all three cute, aren't they? If Campbell turns out to be anything like his mommy and nana, he's going to be quite a sweet and friendly little man!

SHIMMERY HOLIDAY CARD

This evening, I experimented with Stampin' Up!'s new Shimmer Paint. I've pretty much decided that it can go just about anywhere! This is actually the only project that I completed, and it was quite a breeze! The brocade design was created from one of the Definitely Decorative products . . . "Kind Thoughts Brocade" Decor Stencil! Isn't it just gorgeous???? I love how it easily it can hold its own! I used a sponge dauber to "tap" Soft Suede ink on the stencil and onto the Soft Suede card stock, and I then used another sponge dauber to apply Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint. It's very difficult to get the lighting and angle just right to photograph the actual shimmer, but believe me when I say that it's impressive! This

particular shimmer paint coordinates nicely with Stampin' Up!'s Brushed Gold card stock, a product that I haven't used in a long time. As you think of designs for your holiday cards, consider this one! Even without the shimmer paint, the stencil produces a very elegant focal point and, best of all, it's actually large enough to be used on scrapbook pages, gift wrap/bags, walls, journals, etc. BTW, the Soft Suede layer is adhered to a Very Vanilla card.

KIND & CARING THOUGHTS

Since I was a really bad swapper last week, I made an extra card for my swappers. I used the hostess set, "Kind & Caring Thoughts" for the first time and think I'm in love with it! This was a VERY easy and quick card as I only used two inks (Dusty Durango and Soft Suede). I used the distressing tool (from the Cutter Kit) on the top and bottom edges of the Soft Suede layer, and I also used the Mat Pack and piercing tool to add faux stitching near the top of the Soft Suede layer. Unfortunately, I don't believe it shows up in the picture. This is one of those designs that could be used repeatedly for birthday, get well, anniversary, sympathy--almost any occasion! The card stock colors are Dusty Durango, Soft Suede, and Very Vanilla.

HOLIDAY SWAPS

I swap cards with two Demonstrator friends every other week, and I was supposed to have sent two cards last week. Unfortunately, I was buried in my stamp room while trying to get it re-situated and didn't get my swaps made. I don't think I've ever been a week late, but I vowed to have my swaps ready to mail tomorrow! For my first card, I used the hostess set, "Christmas Punch." This was the first time I've used that set, and I love these little snowmen! While surfing the 'net not too long ago, I saw where some clever soul used ribbon for their scarves, and I thought that was pure genius! The Old Olive background was embossed with the Large Dots texture plate to mimic snow, of course. I used a Blender Pen and Rose Red, Old Olive, and Taken with Teal inks to color the hats. For my second swap, I used "Dasher," a REALLY inexpensive stamp, sold individually, and a perfect size for standing alone as a focal point. It's hard to tell, but my Dasher was inked with Chocolate Chip Craft ink and clear embossed. The "scrappy" background was created by punching 1-1/4" squares from "Merry Moments" designer paper and adhering them to the square Kraft card.

"FOREST FRIENDS" FINALE

Okay . . . this is it. The punches were put away, the stamps were cleaned and put in their cases, but I had just one more idea . . . to use the rabbit image for a baby card. After I finished, I thought the ribbon might be too "heavy," so I decided to run with the polka dots and make the embossed ones stand out a bit more. Now I need to start prepping for my Stamp-a-Stack this Friday.

THE MARATHON CONTINUES

Unless I accidentally ink the rabbit while attempting to clean off my desk, this is the end of the "Forest Friends" marathon. This has been fun and a great way to challenge myself to create with (mainly) one stamp set. To create the card on the right, I used a texture plate to give a woodsy look to the Whisper White card stock and then used the distressing tool (part of the Cutter Kit) to rough up the edges of the layer under the scallop square. For the owl, I inked the stamp with Close to Cocoa ink and then added outlines to the stamped image using the Chocolate Chip marker. Final accents included the photo corners and the stamped sentiment (from "FYI") tied on with linen thread, which I just happened to have leftover from my class on Friday. The second card was in my head and turned out just as I

had planned! I had to add a couple of images from other stamp sets ("Stem Sayings" and "Cheep Talk"), but isn't the owl adorable???? I used Always Artichoke and Chocolate Chip markers to ink the branch image, used the Scallop Edge punch on a strip of Chocolate Chip card stock for the side edging, and then used scissors to create the grass border along the bottom. I again used leftover linen thread and think it is a perfect natural accent for this design. Lastly, I used the Chocolate Chip marker to "doodle up" the top and bottom of the card. Both of these cards are quick and easy designs--and square, of course.

MORE FROM THE "FOREST FRIENDS" MARATHON

It's not really a marathon, but it seems like it. It's been fun creating with products that just happen to be on the desk! It takes a lot of the guesswork out of the process! Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include "Forest Friends" and "FYI" stamp sets, Scallop Oval, Large Oval, and Small Oval punches, Soft Suede and Old Olive ink, sponge dauber, Eyelet Border punch, metallic brad, So Saffron, Whisper White, Old Olive, and Soft Suede card stock, and the Finial Press embossing folder. And yes . . . this is another square card. I'm going to the living room now to watch a movie, but I'll try to create more "Forest Friends" animal cards tomorrow. Maybe this is what I should do more often . . . choose a stamp set and have a creation marathon with it! I hope you've enjoyed tonight's cards and have found some inspiration!

MORE "FOREST FRIENDS"

This little square card (yes, I'm still making square cards) has some really fun detailing! For starters, I used the Sizzix Clear Scallop Square die for the card and then added to each scallop some dotty doodles with the white gel pen. I inked the tree (from "Forest Friends") with Old Olive ink and then used a sponge dauber to apply the Soft Suede ink--directly to the stamp--on the trunk and branch areas. Isn't that a NICE look???? Yes, I know that some of the leaves got colored, too, but this is a much softer way to add more than one color to a stamp without having to use markers, which can sometimes color more heavily than you'd like. Since the Cutter Kit was still laying on my desk, I went ahead and used the distressing tool on the Soft Suede and Dusty Durango layers and then decided to use the Mat Pack and a piercing tool to create the faux stitching. I went over it with the white gel pen--something I haven't done in a long time. Once I saw how much negative space was on the card, I decided to use the Finial Press embossing folder on the left side, and didn't that turn out pretty???? The sentiment is from Stampin' Up!'s "FYI" stamp set, and I punched it with the Modern Label punch. While I have "Forest Friends" out, I might make another card or two! I need to use the animals next. They remind me of the animals that were in Bible and church literature and posters for children when I was a little girl. They have such a wholesome look about them, don't you think? Makes me want to be on my best behavior while they're out of their case. I'll use at least one of them on my next project, and you can judge (sorry, animals . . . not meant to imply that mere mortals have the right to truly judge) for yourself.

THINKING OF FALL

I normally tend to stay within the realm of "lifelike" colors, but I recently saw a similar project that used these colors for a Fall card and loved it. This was such an easy card to make, and it has no sentiment, which makes it ready to go for just about any occasion. The colors I used are Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, and Tempting Turquoise. To create a landscape of hills and valleys, I used Stampin' Up!'s "Cutter Kit." The cutting tool in this kit just glides through card stock like a knife through butter! All images are from the "Forest Friends" stamp set.

BUTTERFLY "FANCY FAVOR" BOX(ES)

Not too long ago, I saw where someone had taken four of the Fancy Favor die-cut boxes and connected them (like this one) to create a divided desk organizer. Is this awesome or what??? I've mentioned before that I LOVE the Fancy Favor Sizzix die, and it just keeps getting more and more versatile! What are you waiting for? Put it on your wish list! Better yet . . . put it on your order! For my box, I wanted a really heavy card stock, so I chose Stampin' Up!'s retired (boohoo) "Parisian Breeze" designer paper. An equivalent designer paper collection which is currently available is "To the Nines," which I would have used if I'd had 12x12 pages of it. I couldn't decide if my rhinestone and filigree brads were too much, but I like what they add to the box. Other Stampin' Up! products used to create this box include Sticky Strip (a must), Sizzix Beautiful Butterflies die, Pop Up Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals, and the Eyelet Border punch.

AN OLDIE BUT GOODIE

This afternoon, I've been going through old cards--part of the cleaning out process that just seems to go on and on and on. Anyway, I came across this card and was reminded that I totally miss this stamp set! Why did it have to retire????? Every now and then, I give my mother and grandmother a handful of cards, and this one is going to mamaw! She'll be surprised to find a card in the stash where a real needle and thread were used--she'll never believe I touched either! FYI: I've added some new music to my blog, and I am soooooo loving "Free" by the Zac Brown Band. If you have time, scroll down to the bottom of my blog where the Playlist is and select that song. It's a medley that starts off kind of slow, but it includes Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic" . . . just beautiful!!!!! Don't forget to turn up the volume! I think my neighbors can hear my music this evening. Hope they like it!

CAN YOU SEE THE GRASS????

If you look closely, you can see little wisps of grass peeping through the straw! Woohoo!!!! I think I'm actually going to have a real yard one of these days! I also got Chadrick's car in the picture as he was leaving for class. If you happen to see my keys laying on the ground, tell me! I don't remember ever losing my keys before, but they have disappeared. I have looked everywhere (I think), and I'm beginning to fear that I might have thrown them away. The man of the house had to leave town today and, reluctantly, shared his keys with me. And I do mean "reluctantly." I just hope that I'll be able to find mine.

LAND OF THE LOST GLUE

So I've been cleaning out the stamp room . . . and I *DO* mean cleaning out . . . all weekend. Do you know that I didn't even lay down last night until after 6:00 this morning??? What kind of CRAZY is that?!?! A few minutes ago, I opened one of my pantry-style cabinets to start ridding it of unused items (yes, I know it's almost 3:00 a.m.), and I opened this drawer to discover . . . the land of the lost glue! Now I ask you . . . who needs this much Tombow Multi Purpose Glue? And WHO has been repeatedly, compulsively adding it to my Stampin' Up! orders? Goodness gracious! I had no idea that I owned all of this glue, even though I keep adding more and more of it to this little drawer, apparently with each and every order that I receive. LOL! Alone in my messy room, I just had to laugh at myself when I saw this. You know, I've been exhibiting some symptoms of OCD (more and more) this year, and seeing this drawer has made a confirmed believer of me! Need help. Send meds! Yes, I know that sleep might do some good.

I'VE CROSSED OVER TO THE DARK SIDE

I don't normally get comments (sadly) to projects posted on my blog, but I could use your opinion now. Believe me . . . when I sat down to make a faux snow globe, this is not at all what I envisioned the end result to be. Is it too dark for a Christmas card? I kind of like the vintage look of it. Maybe I should have used the Circle Scissor Plus instead of scallop circles? I sponged Frost White Shimmer Paint on the edge of the Handsome Hunter circle, but I'm not loving that. My last effort was to brush Crystal Effects on the "globe," and I do like how that turned out. If you don't mind, take a few seconds to leave a comment on this card.

CORDUROY BUTTON!!!

Now this is something you haven't seen me use before (I don't think)! I forgot I had corduroy buttons! I bought them with no plan for how to use them, but I really like the way the button looks on this card! Stampin' Up! products used to create this card: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, and Melon Mambo card stock, "Tall Tales" designer paper, white gel pen, Eyelet Border punch, and the Wide and Small Oval punches. This is yet another quick and easy card to create, and it can even be made from scraps that you have lying around!

"DELIGHTFUL DATES" . . . DELIGHTFUL GIFT

If you're looking for an inexpensive, easy-to-assemble, and USEFUL holiday gift to give this year, this is it! Stampin' Up!'s "Delightful Dates" calendar kit comes with the pre-printed calendar designs, and the page for each month has a decorative pattern on the other side that can be used by the recipient on a scrapbook page, card, or other project! The kit also includes a chipboard easel! I chose to use "Bella Bleu" designer paper on parts of my easel, and I inked the other part with Brocade Blue Craft ink. There's a coordinating stamp set ("Note to Self") for this kit in the Holiday mini catalog, but I just prepped the easel and tied ribbon around the calendar pages for mine. These kits are only $7.95, which makes them an even better gift choice! Note: If you didn't put the wing-looking embellishment (which was punched out from the easel as you can see) on the front, it would fold flat and fit inside Stampin' Up!'s brand new Magnetic Gift Box (shown on p. 33 of the Holiday mini).

UP! UP! AND A . . . CHOCOLATE-FILLED BALLOON!

How's this for a cheery sweet card? There's no sentiment inside or out, but this card is full of sweet thoughts for the lucky recipient! Stampin' Up! products used to create this oh-so-quick-and-easy card: Melon Mambo and Whisper White card stock, Tall Tales designer paper, Melon Mambo dotted grosgrain ribbon, Sweet Treat cup, and 1-3/4" Circle punch.

FACE DOWN

You may think that I've lost my mind to post such a snowy project (and an old one) while temps are still in the 80's. This card flashed into my mind as I found myself face down this evening on the sidewalk (partly in the mulch). While there doesn't always have to be a remarkable precursor for my clumsy falls, tonight's tumble was the result of trying to outrun the sprinkler. I was told that I had 15 seconds and, by gosh, I was going to beat that thing! Needless to say, I picked myself up and dusted off my front . . . and dried off my loser of a backside. My son, with his awesome sense of humor, was walking in front of me. He said it sounded like, "Go! Go! Run! Run! [thump] OUUUCCCHHHH!!!!!" Even as my bruises were trying to achieve the perfect coloring, Chadrick made me laugh!!!! He claims that I'm worse than a toddler, and he's right! My "grace" gene was, indeed, replaced with clumsy!

MY PRETTY BROWN YARD

This is what $150 worth of dirt looks like. It still looks like dirt . . . BUT . . . it's dirt that's serving a purpose where my grass will one day be!!!! If it doesn't rain and wash away my premium dirt (wouldn't my neighbors love to see that running down the hill), I'll take a picture of grass seed and straw next. You may have to squint to see the seed, though. And look . . . I still have some shade!

THE CHURCH IN THE WILDWOOD

Come to the church in the wildwood

Oh, come to the church in the dale.

No spot is so dear to my childhood

as the little brown church in the vale.


I made this little church (and it's stained glass windows) tonight and placed a battery-operated candle inside. Standing back to look at it, I was reminded of the church that I attended as a child. It was tall (or it seemed tall to me), narrow, and white--like this one. My mother played the piano for years so, when I got old enough, I joined the choir which seemed quite fitting since I always had to go to choir practice with her. One thing that I loved about that country church were the old hymns, and "The Church in the Wildwood" was one of my favorites! So many churches have thrown out the old hymnals, which I think is a big mistake! Don't get me wrong . . . I enjoy many new Christian songs that are played on the radio--I just really liked the "old" hymns in church. Even though my country church was torn down, re-built years ago, and looks nothing like this one, the little white church in the vale will always be dear to my childhood.

BAROQUE MOTIFS

Okay . . . before I take my nap, I thought I might as well post my other faux designer paper projects. In this picture, you can see what's left of the 12x12 designer paper that I made last month. Part of the paper was used to create the box and, as you can see, another piece of the paper was used to decorate the card. Since I still had this ensemble sitting out, I decided to use another cut of the paper on the "100 Wishes" card that I just made. And I still have some of the paper to use on another project or two!

100 WISHES

Here's the second birthday card, and I like this one the best. Love the antique-y, vintage-y look of it! Once again, I used a strip of "Thoroughly Modern" designer paper with sponged-ink edges and faux stitching. The three-color paper with swirly images is faux designer paper that I created with ink, embossing powder, and Stampin' Up!'s "Baroque Motifs" stamp set. The flower image is from the "Bloomin' Beautiful" set, which is one of my favorite! I dotted the colored flower with 2-Way Glue and jazzed it up with some Dazzling Diamonds glitter. I think this is the last card for now as I desperately need a nap! It won't be long til sunrise.

TEXTURED, DISTRESSED, & THOROUGHLY MODERN

A friend asked me to design a card for her aunt who will soon be 100 years old, and this is what I came up with. This isn't at all what I set out to create, but I think it turned out nicely. I used Stampin' Up!'s "Thoroughly Modern" designer paper, which is becoming a favorite of mine. The colors and designs in the papers lend themselves nicely for masculine or feminine cards, clean or distressed. A couple of dies, embossing folders, texture plates, and punches were used to complete this design.

JUST FOOTBALL

Last Friday, I went shopping with my sister and her son. While we were having dinner, I decided to look in the bag of stuff I'd purchased at a craft store, and the first thing that I saw was the MVP ribbon that I used on this card. I gasped, grabbed the ribbon from the bag, and said, "I didn't buy this!!!!!!" Upon further inspection of the bag, I realized that I had not accidentally grabbed someone else's bag and guess what? This lovely ribbon for which I had no intended use, had not noticed in the store, and didn't even know that I had picked up was on my receipt, which meant that it somehow got dropped in my basket . . . and paid for. There was comfort in knowing that I hadn't become a kleptomaniac, but what do you call someone who unknowingly puts something in the basket that they didn't want--and unknowingly buys it?!? My nephew enjoyed my moment of WTH, so it's only fitting that I would make a card--just for him--and use this ribbon. He is really into basketball, but this football stamp set is the only sporty one that I own. One foot of unwanted ribbon down . . . two and one-half feet to go.