A {Hope this year...} Card...

Monday, April 30, 2012


Happy Monday!  I have a quick and simple card to share with you today to ease into the week.  I used this week's CPS sketch.  It's been a while since I participated in any challenge, but this one was so simple, I couldn't resist.
I started a new board on Pinterest for color combinations that I like.  That is how the color combo came about for this card.  Here's the inspiration photo.
Today was the first time I used my new card stock organizational system and I have to say that I LOVE it!  Having my scraps organized by color and on top of my desk is so handy.


Have a great day!

{Hope this year...}
Stamps: Signature Greetings (Papertrey Ink)
Card Stock: On the Catwalk Cream, Green With Envy, Brown Leather Satchel (CSS)
Ink: Dish All the Dirt Brown (CSS)
Accessories: Birds & Swirls Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Foam Dots, Stamping Sponge, Corner Rounder Punch, Mini Hole Punch, Baker's Twine

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Card Stock Organization

Friday, April 27, 2012


Hey there!  I have a different kind of post today.  I don't know if it's the weather or what, but I've been in major organizational mode.  Whenever the mood strikes, I must take advantage of it because it might be gone as quickly as it came.  


Back in 2010 I posted a whole series called "Frugal Friday" where I shared tips for getting the most out of your supplies.  In this post, I showed you how I organized my card stock.  Well, that was two years ago and as of yesterday, it was still filled with PTI card stock.  I've been on the Clear & Simple Stamps design team for almost two years now (and haven't bought anything but CSS card stock since) and just now switched my files over to all CSS card stock.  Plus, I added a little something to organize my card stock scraps.


Until yesterday, I was keeping all my CSS card stock in a little bin where all the paper was stacked on top of each other in no particular order.  It was a nightmare when I needed to order card stock but wasn't sure what I was running low on.  


Okay, so here is my hanging file rolling cart.  I keep it under my desk right next to my chair so it's within arms reach.
I have a hanging file folder with a manila file inside for each color of card stock.  I punched a circle of each color, folded it over the tab and stapled it in place.  Then I wrote the name of each color in the punched circle.  I put the neutral colors I use the most in front (white, cream, and kraft).
In my new system, I decided to keep only large sheets of paper in the folders.  I found that when I kept scraps in here last time that they would slide out the sides.
Here is the system I created for my scraps, which I consider any size that will fit in here.  I used a Huggie's wiped container with the lid removed.  I'm keeping this on top of my desk so it's easy to reach.  It will also be handy when I clean up after crafting, just toss the scraps right in the box.
I basically did the same thing as the hanging file folders, same order of colors as well.  I took some manila file folders and cut them up (each divider is 7.75" x 4.5").  Since these don't have a tab on top, I punched a circle and just stapled it right to the divider, staggering them so it's easy to see.  
Here's a peek inside.  I'm also keeping die cut scraps in here as well.  I can't wait to put my new system to work.

Have a great weekend!!!

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A {Class of 2012} Grad Card...

Wednesday, April 25, 2012


Hello!  As soon as I received the Number Blocks stamps set from CSS, I couldn't wait to start making graduation cards using the colors of the local high schools.  I love to personalize cards!  This card features green and white, which are the colors of my alma mater.  I think I get the love of the color green from a different place though, not high school.

The number stamps are so bold against the green because I used white embossing powder.  How fun!  This powder even had bits of glitter in it for an extra special kick.
Have I told you lately how much I adore Glamazon Green?  Well, I do!  The End.

Have a great day!

{Class of 21012}
Stamps: Number Blocks, Circles Plus (Clear & Simple Stamps)
Card Stock: A Blanc Check, Glamazon Green (CSS)
Ink: Glamazon Green, From an Anonymous Source (CSS), White
Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Foam Dots

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Blogher Book Club: The Book of Jonas

Monday, April 23, 2012


I have been so fortunate to read so many great books recently from Blogher Book Club.  This next book, The Book of Jonas is no exception.  And no, this is not a book about the Jonas Brothers!  


This book is about and fifteen year old boy that is sent to the U.S. after his family was killed during an attack on their village in the Middle East.  As you can imagine, life is difficult for Jonas and he has a hard time fitting in.  Through counseling, it is suggested that he meet the mother of the soldier who saved him during the attack on his village.  The soldier had gone missing since the time he rescued Jonas.  


This is a fantastic book and it really makes you think about what really goes on during a war and all the trauma that comes about afterwards.

We'll be talking about this book over at Blogher Book Club, come join us!

Read more...

A {Cute as a Button} Card...

Thursday, April 19, 2012


I've seen so many ladies on the CSS DT making cards like this.  I just had to try my hand at it too.  All those buttons are a little tedious since they are each threaded with a sliver of gray card stock.  The whole time I was doing it, I kept hoping it would be worth all the trouble.  I'll let you be the judge.  I'm just not a person that can put a "naked" button on my card, it looks great on everyone else's cards, but looks half-assed when I try to do it.  KWIM?

I had a lot of fun with my scoring board on this one.  I think the diagonal lines look classy.  That little stamp that is replacing a button says "too cute".  I forgot to take a closer pic.
The sentiment panel is a label stamp, stamped in white and then cut out with scissors.  I stamped the sentiment and then attached it under the button panel. I like the little look of whimsy, which is so not like me, LOL.

I'm subbing today in my son's 1st grade classroom.  He is really excited about it.  Hoping for a smooth day all around!

Have a great day!

{Cute as a Button}
Stamps: Baby Sentiments, Party Elements: Baby (Clear & Simple Stamps)
Card Stock: You're Such a Gray-cious Host, VIP Purple, Purplicious, A Blanc Check (CSS) 
Ink: Purplicious (CSS), White
Accessories: Glue Dots, Scoring Board (Martha Stewart), Stamping Sponge, Buttons, Foam Dots, Edge Distresser 

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A Tweet {Happy Birthday} Card...

Wednesday, April 18, 2012


Hey guys!  I'm sitting at the library typing this up.  Our internet is down at home and I didn't want to wait to share this card.  I made two cards this morning and they couldn't be more different.  The other one I'll share tomorrow.  I made it ahead of time since I'll be subbing.  


This card is totally clean and simple, I love it!  I actually used three different stamps sets.  The lines are from "Party Elements: Baby," the birds are from "Baby Shower," and the sentiment is from "Craft Room."  


I had the birds totally spaced out on a scrap piece of paper exactly where each bird should be stamped, but then I just went for it and started stamping my heart out.  It probably turned out better like that anyway.  


Have a great day!

{Happy Birthday}
Stamps: Craft Room, Party Elements: Baby, Baby Shower (Clear & Simple Stamps)
Card Stock: A Blanc Check (CSS)
Ink: Perfect Little Black Dress, Purplicious, Orange You Fabulous, Paint the Town Pink, Glamazon Green, Say Yellow to All Your Fans, Simply Blue-tiful
Accessories: Green Embroidery Floss 

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A {Wish Upon A Star} Card...

Tuesday, April 17, 2012


Hello!  Look at me, two days in a row!!!  To be completely honest, I made a two cards today, but the first one was a total dud.  I may try and revive it tomorrow, but it's probably a lost cause.

For today's card, I used the CSS stamp set "Sweet Dreams".  I can't believe this is the first time that moon stamp has seen ink!  Once I stamped it with black ink, it just screamed to be colored with copics.  It's been a while since I used copics and I just love coloring with them, or just coloring in general.  It's so relaxing.
Adding the stars was an afterthought.  It just looked a little plain.  The stars are a tad more subtle in real life.  They are really not that bright and it keeps the soft look of the card.


Have a great day!

{Wish Upon A Star}
Stamps: Sweet Dreams (Clear & Simple Stamps)
Card Stock: On the Catwalk Cream (CSS)
Ink: True Blue Fan, Say Yellow to All Your Fans, Perfect Little Black Dress (CSS)
Accessories: Corner Rounder Punch
Copics: W1, W3, Y32, Y35, Y38, B93, B95, R83, R85 

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A {Best Wishes} Card...

Monday, April 16, 2012


Here's hoping this is the start of me getting back on schedule!  It was so nice to play around in my studio this morning (taking breaks to fold and switch out laundry).  Man, things really pile up when momma is sick.  Plus, I spent a big chunk of yesterday working in our flower beds and planting some starters for my garden.  The inside of our house has been sooo neglected.  


Here's the first card I've made in over two weeks.  Not bad for my first effort and hopefully this will get my mojo flowing.
I took both photos using the same settings on my camera, the above one is grainy and the bottom one is crystal clear.  Weird!!!
Okay, I'll be back with another card share tomorrow!  Thanks for hanging in there with me!!!

Have a great day!

{Best Wishes}
Stamps: Baby Sentiments, Hearts Plus (Clear & Simple Stamps)
Card Stock: VIP Purple, Simply Blue-tiful, Purplicious, Green With Envy, Coral Necklace, Paint the Town Pink (CSS)
Ink: Perfect Little Black Dress (CSS)
Dies: Shapes: Hearts (CSS)
Accessories: Foam Dots, Clear Gems, Corner Rounder Punch

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A little update...

Friday, April 13, 2012


Hey guys!  Just wanted to leave a little note saying why I haven't been blogging much, except for a few prescheduled posts. The kids were on Spring Break last week and we drove to Ormond Beach, Florida.  It's really close to Daytona.  We went with our friends Valerie & Tony and their two kids.  We had a great time going to the beach and pool everyday.  We spend an entire day at Kennedy Space Center and we even watched our UK Wildcats win their 8th NCAA Championship.  We drove home the day before Easter, stopping to purchase our UK Championship shirts before we finally arrived home at 9:30pm.  Some of Scott's family are hardcore U of L fans, so we just had to wear our new shirts to Easter.  It was so nice not getting dressed up since we were still so very tired from our trip.


All day Easter I felt like my allergies were going crazy.  It made sense to me because of the changing in seasons.  I woke up on Monday feeling worse, and Tuesday I felt like I was dying.  I went to the doctor and it turns out I had the flu.  They gave me a z-pack and I started to very slowly feel better.  They called me Wednesday to let me know that my strep test that was initially negative turned positive when they sent it to the lab.  As you can tell, this hasn't been a fun week.  Luckily my family has been awesome!  I'm happy to report that I'm about 95% better.  Just some lingering throat soreness.


I hope to get back on schedule next week.  Thanks for hanging in there with me!
Have a great day!

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BlogHer BookClub: Lost & Found



I love how BlogHer picks such interesting and different selections every month.  This month's book is from the same author of "Women Food and God" which received a lot of attention since it was featured on Oprah.  Geneen Roth has written a new book called "Lost & Found".  This is an autobiographical book about an unfortunate turn of events in Geneen's life.  She and her husband lost all their savings in the Bernie Madoff ponzi scheme, like 30 years worth of their savings!  


In this book, she applies the same methods to money as she does to food in her other books.  She describes spending as binging and budgeting as dieting.  As always, she has a interesting view on all sorts of situations.  To join in the conversation, check us out here, where we'll be talking about it this book all month long.  


Have a great day!

Read more...

CSS April Group Project!!!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012


Hello all!  This month's Clear & Simple Stamps group challenge is based on the photo above.  Isn't that just gorgeous?!!
I chose to use Baby Sentiments for my gender neutral card.  This card is pretty simple, but I just love the calming colors and texture.  I used a scrap of embroidery floss to divide the images.  Those stamped buttons have the holes punched out using a mini hole punch.  I just love little details like that.
You won't want to miss what the other DT ladies have designed! 


Thanks so much for joining me today!  I hope your day is FABULOUS!

{Congratulations}
StampsBaby Sentiments (Clear & Simple Stamps)
Card StockOn the Catwalk CreamBrown Leather SatchelKraft Like a Rockstar (CSS)
InkDish All the Dirt BrownBrown Leather Satchel (CSS)
AccessoriesFoam Dots, Cream Embroidery Floss, Mini Hole Punch, Edge Distresser

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CSS Release Day Review

Thursday, April 5, 2012


Hello there!  It's Clear & Simple Stamps release day in review!  Today the design team and I are focusing on Party Elements: Baby, such a cute set.

I created a cute baby shower invitation for a baby boy, complete with party favor.  I used the elephant die from Baby Shower Die Collection.  You are looking at sneak peek of an upcoming CSS product!  Can you figure it out?


The party favor was super easy to make since I mimicked the design of the card.
Be sure to check out the rest of the design team creations!  You won't want to miss their FABULOUS designs.
Have a great day!

{Baby Shower}
Stamps: Baby Shower, Party Elements: Baby (Clear & Simple Stamps)
Card StockKraft Like a RockstarDare to be a Diva RedYour Style Blue Me Away, A Blanc Check (CSS)
Patterned Paper: Silver Valley (SEI)
InkDare to be a Diva RedYour Style Blue Me Away (CSS)
DiesBaby ShowerParty Favors 1 (CSS) 
AccessoriesTrendsetter Blue Felt (CSS), Silver Brads, Navy Blue/White Twine (CSS), White Gel Pen, Edge Distresser, Stamping Sponge, Mini Hole Punch

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A {Happy 4th Birthday} Card...

Tuesday, April 3, 2012


We had much fun with with last month's Clear & Simple Stamps Baby Collection release that we are going to review them again. Today the design team and I are focusing on Alphabets + Numbers.  I chose to work with one of my new favorite sets, Number Blocks.

This card took on a life of it's own.  Once I had the idea to link the elephant to the wagon, it snowballed from there.  I just kept adding and adding, far from my usual clean and simple style.  But I do love the way it turned out.  It's good to take a step out of your comfort one every now and again.
Some more detail shots!
Be sure to check out what my pals created with today's theme of Alphabets + Numbers.


If that wasn't enough fun, I also have a super sweet card featured on the Clear & Simple Stamps APP today.  You won't want to miss it!






Have a great day!

{Happy 4th Birthday}
Stamps: Number Blocks, Baby Shower (Clear & Simple Stamps)
Card StockSuch a Gray-cious HostKraft Like a RockstarBrown Leather SatchelOn the Catwalk CreamSay Yellow to All Your Friends (CSS)
Patterned Paper: Silver Valley (SEI)
InkYour Style Blue Me AwayPerfect Little Black DressDish All the Dirt Brown (CSS)
Dies: Baby Shower (CSS)
AccessoriesSilver Brads, Buttons, Glue Dots, Floss, Circle Punch, Foam Dots

Read more...
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