It is snowing here... again. We have had so much snow this year. I can't believe it.

I had a workshop this weekend. We made these adorable accordian chipboard frames by COSMO CRICKET. I am a HUGE CC fan. Can't get enough of it. I hoard the stuff. It is truly crazy. Who thought someone could be so crazy about paper? Each panel is laced together with ribbon and the ends are tied with ribbons. The Pictures of of my adorable girls who are growing up so quickly. I hope all the attendees love this as much as I do. Thanks for visiting.

Here's a card I did for a combined sketch and color challenge from SCS this week. I am not a purple person at all. This was definately a challenge. I had such a difficult time deciding the layer sequence using the designated colors. I decided to make the purple the largest area and accent with the green and pink. I added enough accents with the green and pink that they soften the look of the purple. These colors definately say "SPRING", don't they?

I tried to use MS embossing flower boarder punch with a fair amount of success. I think the CS was too thick. If anyone else knows how to use this please let me know.

SWEET AMBROSIA

Sorry for the length of time since my last post. Have done a couple more sketch challenges from fellow blog spots. I am always impressed by the amount of talent, creativity, and ambition out there. Wow! http://tayloredexpressions.blogspot.com/ and http://iheart2stamp.com/

Here is a CAS (clean and simple) card I did for a challenge found on splitcoaststampers.com (LSC205). Everything was to be simple, minimal embellishments, minimal layers, minimal colors etc... I chose to keep it white (crisp) and use the American Heart Assoc. Red Dress sticker I got in the mail last week. February 6, 2009 is National Wear Red Day . Heart disease is the number one killer among women. Please show your support.

OMG... we got a ton of snow today. It took me and a few kind neighbors 2 hours to clear my driveway. I really appreciate their help. Jan. 2009 is coming close to breaking records for all-time snow fall levels in this area. We'll see if that happens.

Participated in a Cupcake Challenge celebration hosted at a SCS members blog spot http://tayloredexpressions.blogspot.com/ .... made 9 cards using various sketches and cupcakes galore. I love cupcakes, how perfect! YUM!!!!!Here are my submissions.

Had minimal amount of snow this a.m. but, the temps are still low (above 0 but, low nevertheless). Kids played in the snow a little bit this afternoon. Finally, made a pot of chili. I have been craving chili for two weeks but never got around to making some. I think this batch is a little more spicy than usual.

I worked this a.m., had a hair cut this afternoon, and have been trying to get pictures organized for a scrapbook weekend trip I have coming up soon. I have not stamped at all today :(

Here is a sample of a Tim Holtz inspired tag I made for my MIL's birthday in December. I used metallic pencils, chipboard, 3D paint, Glitter, re-used ribbons, and adhesive gems. I love the way it turned out- the picture is not that great (I apologize). Speaking of Tim Holtz... he released 12 new stamp sets today. They will be available through Stamper's Anonymous soon. Check it out:

http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Getting a special birthday present ready to be wrapped. One of my dearest friends will be turning 40. She is a big fan of PANDORA jewelry so I wanted to get her a charm to add to one of her bracelet strands. Found this ultra cool authentic crystal ring too. I hope she like them.

Dug out some cool American Crafts papers. Used a Cuttlebug folder to add texture to the striped portion. Used a Martha Stewart scallop punch border to add to the mustard trim near the center. I cut out a flower from the floral print on the paper, attached it to black CS, and used pop dot to attach to the left center strip. Making Memories Polka Dot brad finishes it off. I love these funky colors. Celebrate rub- on used for the sentiment. Decorate dthe inside with the floral paper and mustard border trim. I found a metallic pink flower rub-on (Heidi Swapp) that coordinates fabulously with this paper and placed it in the bottom left corner (inside).

Non-Cheesy Valentine Challenge

Ok, been trying to do a couple challenges from SCS a week. Just got this new SU! stamp set (LOVE YOU MUCH) but the papers that coordinate are backordered. I used some older Valentine papers to make these 3 x 4.25 inch one sided Valentines. I love the way the teal, pink, and cocoa look in these papers.

Wow! It has been sooooo cold and supposed to get colder tomorrow. YIKES! had time this evening to do a challenge from SCS (my favorite stamp website). I combined two challenges into one card. The color challenge combination (Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze,Kraft) this is using a specific layout. I liked the way this turned out- very easy layout and interesting color combination. Thanks for stopping by.

Well, my Saturday Calendar Workshop was cancelled secondary to the inclement weather. We got a lot of snow this weekend. The roads were better today. I made it to the grocery store (finally) and I had a couple girls show up today and work on their calendars. It is starting to snow again now. My kids are hoping for a "Snow Day" tomorrow. I don't think their wish will come true.

I finally got into some stamping this weekend, I have been in such a "RUT". I did some card challenges from SCS, some Valentines (Basic Grey), and Vintage Valentine Postcards for a swap on SCS I am hosting. You should check it out: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=404310

Hope you are all staying warm, and getting some well deserved stamping time this weekend/ upcoming week.

CALENDAR WORKSHOP IN THE WORKS

I did not think I would say this but, I am glad the holidays are over. Everything is cleaned up and packed away until next year. It was such a busy time and it always drains me mentally, physically, and my bank account.

I have been trying to get used to my work schedule (I went back this week), home schedule, and workshop planning and then coordinating them for maximum efficiency. I have been planning some workshops and technique workshops for the upcoming months.

I have a calendar workshop this weekend. I am offering two styles to choose from: a small wall mount and a (Perpetual?) desk style. I have not had too many interested participants. I have a few spots available :(

I think they turned out cute (the pictures do not do justice). I am not a good photographer- sorry.

It will soon be time to make your Valentines. What better way than to use the new Stampin' Up! "LOVE YOU MUCH" stamps, stamps and punch, or stamps, punch, and papers.

The promotion is a great value and you can purchase stamps only, or other coordinating items to your desire. The price of the entire "bundle" is $41. 48 a savings of 10%. Stay tuned for further ideas and samples using the bundle.

On the 12th day of Christmas... a vintage postcard. Sorry I am late with the last post. I was very busy all weekend.

I made this Vintage- looking Postcard over the weekend. I love how it turned out. I used a Stampin' Up! set (Holiday Post) which is available in the current mini catalog. I have used this set more than I have used a Christmas set from them in the past. I love this set!

I used my cuttlebug to cut the label out of chipboard and the red patterned paper. Glued them together and stamped "Merry Christmas". I distressed with Vintage Photo (Tim Holtz Distress ink). Used Christmas Glitter paper from My Mind;s Eye for the front paper. Glittered the edges and the entire label with making Memories Specialty Glaze- Glitter (I need stock in that product, I use it all the time and love it- have not seen it in stores for quite a while).

I am hosting a postcard swap at splitcoaststampers.com. If you are interested and would like to join let me know through scs personl message or email me at papercuties@yahoo.com or you can check out the link here:http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=12375386#post12375386

On the 11th day of Christmas... cards. I bought a Simply Sent card kit from Stampin' Up! in the fall. Boy, am I glad I did. It took me less than an hour to finish 18 cards. These card kits are wonderful. I now have 18 cards done and about 42 more to go. I will get them done... maybe in the nick of time.

On the 10th day of Christmas... tags. I have been in a couple swaps for ATCs, cards, and tags. These are a sampling of one out of two tags I have been working on. I wanted to keep these simple in case the swappees would want to actually put them on packages or bottles of wine. I need to finish these tags so I can start my Christmas cards and play around with T!m Holtz's 12 tags of Christmas teachniques. http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/ and get some baking done.

On the 9th day of Christmas... more decorating. I finally got my small lighted trees (on both sides of my front door on the porch) up and plugged in.I decided not to do the usual house lights , window candles, and spotlight shining on the front door. I am running out of time. I hung a paper star/ snowflake decoration that my daughter made last year (when she was 6) at an after school program on my curtains over the main window in my living room. I also placed one of her new creations on a shelf when you walk into the front door.

She did an afterschool art program (ceramics) and sculpted a girl throwing a snowball. She really enjoyed this 5 week program. Our schools, as many around the country, are having major financial problems and have got rid of a lot of their programming. Their art program was one of those hit pretty hard. They have "art on a cart". I am thouroughly upset by this. I feel a child can express so much through arts and crafts. (I should have been an art therapist).

On the 7th day of Christmas... some decorating ideas. I am using the branches on the top shelf of the buffet in my kitchen with some felt diecut ornaments, hand sculpted bulbs (by my brother), and some glittered chipboard ornaments made from the SU! Holiday Kit hanging from them. I mixed old and new dishes and decorations on all shelves. I love the eclectic/ cluttered look of it all. I really like snowmen and Santa Claus and tried to mix and match some of the collectibles.

On the 5th day of Christmas... stamped poinsettia bulb toppers. I found this stamp at a local convention in the spring. I stamped and embossed with gold. Cut each out and layered to give the look of leaves and the poinsettia.Since I used gold ink/ powder I added to a gold matte finish bulb (you cannot see that from the pictures). They were fairly easy to do and I am happy with the way they turned out. I will be giving these aways as gifts for various family members and friends.

On the 4th day of Christmas...

2 more ornaments that my brother made. Its hard to see the chubby cheeks on the snowman to the left. I think they both are adorable. Hope you can stop by and see some more of my brother's creations at his blog: penny-dreadfuls@blogspot.com

Sorry, I missed the upload yesterday... the holidays are keeping me busy.

On the 3rd day of Christmas... A vintage inspired homemade ornament. Isn't this great? My brother sculpts these, he is very "Multi- Talented". He hand molds and shapes from paper pulp. I love the vintage colors and garland. He uses mica and glass glitter to adorn each sculpture. If you are intereseted in seeing more of his talent you can check out his blog site. I have the link to his blog site listed in my favorite websites section or you can type penny-dreadfuls@blogspot.com. Check it out.

On the 2nd day of Christmas... a festive tablescape.

I made the ceramic snowman holding a store bought platter. I have not done pottery in so long (20 years). It was fun. I can see myself getting into the pottery craze again. I love the felt snowflake garland and red beads that adorn the center of the table. I added some large ceramic balls (snowballs), and ornaments to further add detail to the center of the table. I found the candlesticks at an after Christmas sale last year- I love them. My mom made the tablecloth. Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Here is my take on the twelve days of Christmas. I will post something new for each 12 days of Christmas. On the first day of Christmas... Three ATCs.The Santa Claus is printed from computer and roughed- up using Tonic's Distress tool and Tim Holtz Distress ink. I also used Tim Holtz's new Distress Stickles on the holly leaves and the wreath around Santa's head. I glazed the rough edges with Making Memories Glaze (glitter). I just love the look this stuff gives to a finished project, Vintage or whimsical. The Christmas tree and postage image is stamped with Tim Holtz Distress ink (Vintage Photo). I used Making Memories Specialty Glaze again to add bling to the edges and on the tree. I used a miniature candy cane across the front of a painted clear button attached with silver cord.

The Checkered paper and the rest of the card is distressed with Tim Holtz's Distress ink (Walnut). I painted the small jingle bell to make it look aged and attached with cord.

I hope you can draw inspiration from these cards. Thanks for stopping by.