School's out for summer!

Yep, I'm done with work for a few weeks.  YAY! 

My to-do list is a mile long though.  They say slow and steady wins the race right?  Well, thats the plan anyway in order to get through it. 

So I thought I would start my summer by showing you a quickie Father's Day card.  It would have helped had I remembered to mail the darn thing.  I'll be late again............

Lovely as a Tree and Teeny Tiny Wishes.  Midnight muse, very vanilla and soft suede cardstock.  Soft suede and early espresso inks.  Comfort Cafe DSP, striped embossing folder, big shot, antique brads and dimensionals.


The picture doesn't do it justice.  It is a really nice clean yet masculine card.  I love the new Comfort Cafe DSP.  It has both masculine, feminine and neutral patterns.  Can't ask for more than that can ya? 

And the blue there?  That is a new 2012-2014 In Color, Midnight Muse.  Its inbetween Night of Navy and Not Quite Navy.  Its really nice.  I'll see if I can get a comparison up here showing all the new colors. 

Speaking of new colors, I made a little hostess gifty the other day. 

Fabulous Phrases set.  Black Stazon and crumb cake ink.  Whisper white and crumb cake cardstock.  Big shot, labels framelits, scallop punch, brights button, comfort cafe dsp, white bakers twine and rose red seam binding. 


I gave her a sheet of each of the new In Colors.  This color on top is Raspberry Ripple.  It goes with the Rose Red seam binding very well. 

I made the flower by punching out a bunch of shapes from our packing paper.  It made a cute and quick tag. 


Alrighty then, I've had a full day and I'm pooped.  I'll be back with more.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Blessings, b.

LIfe is good

What a beautiful day we had today!  The weather was just awesome.  I hope you had wonderful weather wherever you are.  I know it won't last but I'm going to enjoy it as long as I can. 

Another reason it was a beautiful day was because everyone in the family got good news today: 

• 16 got an A+ on her clay mask.

• The boy got an A on his calculus test.  The highest in all the calculus classes.

 

• Grace got an A on her spelling and vocab. test.

• The hubs got a note from his area manager about how wonderful he is.

• We got news that Conway Trucking is donating a tractor to pull our trailer for the band to all the tournaments.  YAY Conway!

• And my good news actually came a few days ago, I won a contest on Shelli's blog!  You know Shelli, co-founder of Stampin' Up!  and all around wonderful person?  Yep, she picked my project.  WooHoo!  Now I get to pick a free stamp set.  Which one should I get?  Decisions, decisions.......

To celebrate, everyone got to have ice cream.  We have a "no dessert rule" on week nights but today was special.  I even had some. 

I also decided to sit down and finish a project I've been working on.  This whole weekend, every time I sat down and wanted to stamp, I kept thinking of ideas for the cool and  wonderful stuff that is coming....hopefully Friday. 

So again, I went through my inspiration file.  I found a card by Teri Anderson (you can google her) that I had an idea for. 

Lovely as a Tree and God's Blessings.  Crumb cake, old olive, soft suede, early espresso, whisper white and watercolor paper.  Old olive, sahara sand, soft suede, choc. chip and black Stazon inks.  Stampamajig, square lattice embossing folder, aquapainter, hemp and dimensionals.


Okay, you knew Lovely as a Tree couldn't stay in retirement forever, didn't ya?  I love it too much.  Teri's card was a sympathy card.  I can't make one of those unless I absolutely need it.  Because everytime I make one "just to have", someone dies......like immediately.  I don't feel like dragging that weight around....geez. 

This is the first one I made.  I like it.  Very simple yet very nice.  Again, I sponged the lattice part to make the design pop.  I stamped the whole tree in Old Olive and then used my Choc. Chip marker for the trunk.  Then I stamped it and then stamped off once and then stamped on the cardstock again to get a really light image. 

But my favorite way to use Lovely as a Tree is to watercolor it.  So of course I had to do one that way too.  I stamped the tree in black Stazon on the watercolor paper and colored it in using my ink pads and aquapainter. 

I used Sahara Sand around the outside of the tree.  I can see I need to adjust the Sahara Sand.  Its not very even at all.  I like them both.  But I think I like this one just a little bit more. 


Alrighty then.  Grace made a special card just for fun yesterday.  She is still deciding on whether I can show you or not.  I think its great but we'll see what she decides. 

Thanks for stopping by and for all the congrats on winning Shelli's contest.  You guys are the best. 

Blessings, b.

I need an intervention!!

I cannot seem to stop using Kraft (Crumb Cake) cardstock and Lovely as a Tree!  What is wrong with me?  Don't answer that.........

I'm getting ready to hang up Lovely as a Tree for awhile.  I just needed it one last time, for Fathers' Day cards.  Oh yeah, Happy Father's Day to all the daddies! 

I have not combed through the new catalog very closely yet but I don't recall seeing any new tree stamps that turned me on. Regardless, I'm putting it away for awhile.  I know, I just made you very happy, right?

But Kraft (Crumb Cake) I can't let go of.......ever!  It goes with everything.  How did I ever live without it?  I hope you don't mind.

I was going to post these cards last night in time for Father's Day today but, I ended up getting a migraine.  I don't know why.  So, I went to bed.  I feel much better today. 

So here ya go

Lovely as a Tree and Wonderful Favorites.  Crumb cake, basic black and soft suede cardstock.  Soft suede and black Stazon.  Kraft taffeta (retiring), hemp, misc. button, sponges and dimensionals.

For my dad and FIL.  These will get there late.  They expect that now.  If they ever got anything on time I'm sure they'd think something was wrong.  We did talk to both of them today and made sure they know how much we love them.

I stamped the tree full strength twice and then stamped twice more without reinking.  To give it a little depth. 

On the tag, I stamped the "wonderful" in soft suede and the "father" in black Stazon.  The base measures 4 1/4"  square so I had room to let the tag hang off a little and it still fit in the envelope. 

These would make great birthday cards too. 

So, we went and saw Toy Story 3 yesterday.  The boy was just 2 when Toy Story first came out and believe me, we had our fair share of  Toy Story stuff.  In fact, 15 has Toy Story sheets on her bed right now.  I'm Not Kidding! 

It was a good movie but let me warn you:  if you have a child that grew up with Toy Story and is maybe getting ready for college, bring some tissues.  OMG!  I get teary eyed just thinking that the boy only has 1 year of high school left and will be leaving for college, and thats what this movie is about.  I was a mess at the end.

While we were at the theater we also bought our Eclipse tickets for the midnight showing.  Not only did I buy Eclipse tickets but our theater is showing Twilight and New Moon beforehand.  So I bought those too.  Its going to be so much fun!   

Okie dokie.  Our daddy here is ready for some ice cream.  He worked hard today getting our bathroom back together from the leak.  He loves ice cream.  He thinks it deserves its own food group. 

Thanks for stopping by and give all the daddies you know an extra hug and a squeeze today. 

Blessings, b.

Hi, my name is Beth................

.........and I'm a procrastinator.

There, I said it.  Admitting it is half the problem right? 

I promised my good buddy Karen over a month ago, that I would make 5 cards and 5 goodies for Father's Day for the Ronald McDonald House that she is in charge of. 

Did you know that SU! is a sponsor of Ronald McDonald House?  They are.  In fact, they create a special stamp set for RMH every year and $2 from each sale goes directly to RMH.  That is on top of the $100,000 they donate every year.  And let me tell you, the set for this year is super cute!  How do I know this? 

I GOT MY NEW CATALOG TODAY!!!

I only cracked the one open so I could see the RMH set.  I have lots to do this week so I don't think I'll be able to go through them until the weekend.  If I can wait that long.  Sorry, I can't show you the whole cover.  You're going to love it though!   My order of catalogs should be shipping next week.  Let me know if you want one. 

Okay, so you want to see what I made for the RMH daddies? 

I know what you're thinking, " Good Lord Beth!  Lovely as a Tree again?" 

Well, I really liked that card and I thought the daddies would too.  I promise no more Lovely as a Tree.  At least for a little while.  They might have another tree in the new catalog.  Hmmm...............

Lovely as a Tree, Woodgrain background and Wonderful Favorites.  Soft suede, basic black and watercolor cardstock.  Old olive, more mustard and soft suede inks.  Aquapainter, cardboard, twill tape, large oval punch, sponges and dimensionals.

Same as before.  I just used the "Father" from Wonderful Favorites on the tag.

Typeset Alpha lower and Sanded background.  Crumb cake, choc. chip and very vanilla cardstock.  Choc. chip ink.  Large tag punch, choc. chip striped twill, misc. button, crimper and hemp.

Remember the crimper?  Poor thing, I forget I own it.  Anyway, super easy little goodie.  I know dads like cookies.  The dad at this house made sure he hid some from the kiddos after I took what I needed.  I have 4 kids you know :)

So Karen, I will get these in the mail tomorrow.  Thank you for the opportunity to help out. 

Alrighty peeps, I'm hitting the hay.  I still have to make a card for Grace's teacher and for Mr. Dale and for a few people at work tomorrow.  Procrastinator, remember?  Wish me luck.

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings, b.

2 birthdays, coming right up!

Hey everyone!  Are you feeling the heat today?  They were predicting upper 90's - 100 this whole week coming up, but its only been in the lower 90's so far.  Gotta be thankful for the little things. 

I've been hiding out in my stamping corner this afternoon with Mr. Darcy anyway.  I needed to make 2 birthday cards and he helped tune out distractions.  Ahhh......Mr. Darcy.

I was planning on getting stampy last night but we decided to kick back and have s'mores by the fire again.  Downtime was muchly needed.  Although, I still didn't sleep well.

Like I said yesterday, I had a humdinger of a week.  Next week promises to be the same.  At least next week is the last week of school/work and then I can be less stressed.  Bring on the summer vacation!!  I have so much to do before then.

So anyway, my BIL and SIL have birthdays 4 days apart.  I will admit that in the past, before I became a stampy/crafty girl, that I might have maybe sent 1 card to celebrate both their birthdays.  I only did it once but you know.....still. 

Anyhow, here is my BIL's card

Lovely as a Tree, Sincere Salutations, Sanded and Woodgrain backgrounds.  Kraft (I have to get used to saying, Crumb Cake.....Crumb Cake....Crumb Cake), old olive and whisper white cardstock.  Versamark, Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, Whisper White and Old Olive inks.  Top note die, wide oval punch, linen thread, misc. button, clear embossing powder. 

I know, I know.  I know what you're saying, "Beth, haven't we seen enough of Lovely as a Tree lately?  Give it a rest girl!"

I had seen a card on Nichole Heady's blog and thought I could do the same thing with SU! stamps.  This technique is called Emboss Resist.  Just stamp your image in Versamark and then emboss with clear embossing powder and then sponge color over the top.  The embossed image will resist the ink.  Get it? 

Putting a button on there is still manly right?  It needed something.  I stamped the tag with the Sanded background too. 

Here is the card for my SIL

D is for Dog.  Kra....I mean, Crumb Cake, real red, basic black and whisper white cardstock.  Black Stazon, Versamark and whisper white inks.  Distresser from the cutter kit, circle scissor, silver brads, piercing tool and dimensionals.

I have a problem using the Crumb Cake cardstock.  I just love it and can't help myself.  It goes with everything!!! 

She loves dogs and while they have no children they do have a Bernese Mountain-mixed with something else-dog.  That is their baby and he is the sweetest dog! 

Now, I'm generally not in favor of floating dogs, but I couldn't think of anyway to ground him without making this circle look too busy.   Good thing Bernese Mountain dogs aren't afraid of flying.

I also stamped the paw print in Versamark on the red panel, but you can hardly see it. 

Alrighty then.  The BBQ is just about ready for me to fling some chicken on it.  I love BBQ.  I could BBQ everything.  I got some Kingman Mesquite Briquetts and they smell awesome! 

Have a wonderful rest of your day and thanks for stopping by.

Blessings, b.

Happy Birthday Pop!

Today is my father-in-law's birthday.  He is 86 years young.  I know, he is only 4 years younger than my Grandma.  My husband was a later in life "surprise baby". 

Here is my most recent pic of him, opening his Snuggie at Christmas. Doesn't everyone need a Snuggie?

I love my father-in-law.  He is the epitomy of a "grouchy old man" "crumudgeon" "grumpy old fart".  But I say all this with love.  Underneath that crusty layer he is so loving.  He has no problem telling you he loves you and is proud of you..........after he just got done yelling at you to, "GET TO THE TABLE!" 

He is a Christian man and made peace with God many years ago.  He loves to talk about the Word, although you better not disagree with him on anything.  

So I made him a card. 

Angler (retired), Lovely as a Tree, Woodgrain background and Vintage Labels (Occasions mini).  Kraft, soft suede, very vanilla and basic black cardstock.  Soft suede and basic black inks.  Lrg. oval punch, hemp, cutter kit, brads and dimensionals. 

I used a really old fishing set.  He used to love to fish.  He taught my husband when he was just a baby.  In fact he still holds the family record for the largest brown trout caught to date. 

Now my hubby looked at this and said, "So you're making him a card about something he can't do anymore?"

Whatever!!  I figure he'll still like it. 

I used the Soft Suede to make a sepia tone on tone color.  I know, its alot of brown.  BUT he really likes brown.  I have a story about brown I could share about him............but I won't.  He might not like it.  Hold on while I giggle here a minute..................

I stamped off the fly 3 times before I stamped the tag.  Just so it would look very subtle.  I think he'll like it.

Happy Birthday Pop!  We love you!


Okay peeps, I'm still trying to get things in order here.  If only I had another week off...................yeah, right.

There were some exciting Stampin' Up! announcements last week while I was gone.  So I'll update you on that tomorrow.  Plus I wanted to share a few insights I gained while away last week. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings, b.

I like trees

I really do. You could even call me a "tree hugger". I'm okay with that.


I needed a birthday card for my brother. Lovely as a Tree is my "go to" set for guys. Although I think he could really care less about trees. I'm not sure. He's kinda weird. Okay, moving on.........


So I needed a little inspiration and had to check out the Stamping 411 weekly sketch. Love, love, love that site! Really, you should check it out if you haven't yet.


So here's what I came up with. Think he'll like it?

Lovely as a Tree and Sanded background. Soft suede, basic black and watercolor paper. Black Stazon, Soft suede, old olive and more mustard inks. Aquapainter, hemp, sponges, misc. button and dimensionals.

I did one something similar awhile back using just the oak tree. So I kinda copied myself. Thats okay I guess. Hey, if it works don't reinvent the wheel. KWIM?





I smooshed the lid of my ink pads and used my Aquapainter. Coloring is relaxing. I think thats why I like to do it. But as I was preparing for that workshop last week, I realized that I don't have very many current open line images anymore. I'll have to see about changing that.


Okay, thats all for today folks. I will post my "inspired" card I mentioned yesterday, tomorrow. I got sidetracked with this one.


Thanks for stopping by and keeping me company.


Blessings, b.