It's Almost The End...

Almost, but not quite. Today's only the 30th of December, so I've got a little more time to get another post in this year!

I promised that I'd be back to show you the rest of the projects from my downline shoebox swap we did back on Dec. 20th. Good grief, why does that seem so long ago? Well, it looks like I'm finally getting around to doing it. Hooray for me! Or is it hooray for you because you're finally getting to see them?? Oh, whatever!!

For your viewing pleasure, we have a lovely sneak peak of SU!'s Love You Much bundle. Between December 23rd and January 31, 2009, you can purchase the Love You Much Bundle at 20% off the regular price. Isn't that awesome? But you might ask, just what comes in this bundle? The Love You Much stamp set ($25.95), the Candy Lane Designer Series Paper ($9.95), and the Heart to Heart Punch ($15.95). And you get all this for only $41.48! Isn't that a great deal?

On this card which I designed, you can see 3 of the stamps from the set and also 2 of the Candy Lane DSP patterns. The papers are so cute, but not over the top totally Valentine's Day. I can see lots of uses for this combo throughout the year.

All materials and stamps by SU!

Stamps: Love You Much

Ink: Basic Brown, Close to Cocoa and Riding Hood Red

CS: Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa, and Candy Lane DSP

Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, Big Shot and the Bigz Pennants Die, Aqua Painter, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Sponge quarter, and Dimensionals.

And next for your viewing pleasure, we have another card using the Love You Much Bundle designed by Michelle Glennie. I think she and I were on the same wavelength when we were designing our cards, don't you? She used a different pattern from the Candy Lane DSP and also used the punch for the hearts inside the card. Can you see the hearts stamped on the Kraft cardstock with a VersaMark pad? They corrolate with the 3 hearts on the Heart to Heart punch. So easy to add heart accents now instead of having to cut out little hearts by hand. Woo hoo!

Again all materials and stamps by SU!

Stamps: Love You Much (even the words!)

Ink: VersaMark, Basic Brown, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red

CS: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, Puink Pirouette, Close to Cocoa, and Candy Lane DSP

I hope you've gotten some inspiration to go stamp up some goodies of your own now. There's still a few more hours left to the old year and you don't want to waste them now, do you?

Happy stamping,

Sharon

A Merry Christmas to All....

and to all a wonderful New Year! What? Oh, that's not how it goes? But that's what I really wanted to say. So that's my version. I hope all of you have had a terrific Christmas. Our nearby family got together at our daughter's house and had a really yummy dinner. You can't miss with ham, cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole, and a fluffy jello salad to slide down and fill up all the crevices in your tummy. And then there's always the eggnog or pumpkin ice cream and home-made cookies! Yup, diet time is coming soon. But I just can't start one yet. Not before the cookies are gone anyway! *wink*

Just wanted to update you on our Brunch last Saturday. The weather had been horrid, dumping several inches of snow the night before and the roads were a mess. Three of the ladies had crisis come up and were unable to make it. But for those intrepid ladies who came, we had fun! The food was super of course. and we a shoebox swap afterwards to burn the calories off that we had just consumed! See, I've got it all figured out! Right?? Here's part of my downline.

2nd row: Elizabeth (cross-line), Janine, myself

1st row: Kendra, Michelle, Amy

Everyone was very gracious about letting me post their card creations on my blog. Thanks ladies - you're the VERY BESTest! Now I've got to get motivated to get them all pictured and posted.

I figured I start with Janine's masterpiece since it is the only Christmas card. I promise this will be the last Christmas card you'll see from me for awhile. But this one was just too good to pass on. Isn't it cool? I love how she designed this from a birthday set - Big Birthday Candle. And I'm so happy SU! decided NOT to retire this set. Hooray! It's just so much fun to play with. And check out the extra cool corner embellishment. We punched out a Scallop Square of Ski Slope DSP, then punched it the second time with the Photo Corner punch. This was then layered under another Photo Corner punched piece of Ski Slope DSP. (I'm really gonna miss this paper! sob - maybe I should order another pack so I won't have withdrawals!) Then the brads were added to make it over the top cool! I just noticed that Janine has a tutorial on her blog showing how to make these corners. Go here to see it.

Like it? Doesn't it give you lots of ideas for birthdays?? Think of changing colors, or number of candles. If you've got some DSP that you love, this is the perfect card for using up little scraps. It looks like it's really involved and time-consuming, but it's surprisingly fast to stamp up. If you're interested in more info on this, just holler.

I'm be back soon with more goodies to share with you. Enjoy the holidays with your family and friends and make it memorable.

Hugs,

Sharon

Getting ready to Parrrtay!

Hi all! Just stopping by for a quick post before going out with some friends tonight. I'm meeting up with Brenda, Dawn, Dalene, and hopefully Penny. We're starting out at one of the stamp stores in the area, visiting 2 more, and then finishing off the evening with dinner. Doesn't that sound like fun? I've been watching the clock all day just like a little kid! Is it time yet????

Anyway, I had made this card last night. I can't believe I'm still trying to get my cards finished. And I've only sent out 4 so far. Yikes!! I better get on the stick here and get finished up.

I love this Holy Triptych set. I loaned it out to a friend earlier. When I got it back I was already going full tilt with other sets and ideas. Figured it was time to get it out and try this idea that's been noodling around in my brain. I wanted something muted and then went off on a tangent with Riding Hood Red and the chocolate Holiday Treasures DSP. Maybe I need to start over and see what I get the next time. All materials and stamps from SU! except where noted.

Stamps: Holy Triptych, and an old word stamp with no make on it

Paper: Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, and DSP Holiday Treasures

Ink: Basic Chocolate, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Creamy Caramel, Blush Blossom, So Saffron

Accessories: Big Shot, Sizzix Bigz Top Note Die, Sizzix Square Scallop Frame w/ Holly Die, Sponge quarter, and my every - ready Aqua Painter.

I can't decide if it should be taken apart and the pieces scavenged to make other cards, or leave as is. Any suggestions? Does the pastel focal point get lost in the darker surroundings? Help...

Thanks so much...

Sharon

More snowflakes outside

So that means more snowflakes inside. Doesn't it?! It was snowing like crazy last evening and into the night. I'm so glad we didn't get as much snow as predicted. It's so pretty to look at, but I'm not comfortable driving in it. Last night coming home from a meeting at church, it seemed like a winter fairy-land outside. All the Christmas lights twinkling through the snow coming down. Ah, this is what Christmas childhood memories are made of. I felt like a little girl again and wanted to catch snowflakes on my tongue and make snow-angels.

So today I thought I'd get out some of the 'little pieces' that I'd started and never finished. My friend Madeline was here yesterday, and we were borrowing each other's Cuddlebug folders. She has this one that looks like a quilt pattern and thought it would be a good backdrop for this large Sizzix snowflake die. The white background needed a little sponging of Almost Amethyst to accent the patterns. Then the snowflake needed a sprinkling of glitter to make it shine. I hope you like this as much as I do!

All stamps and materials by SU! except where noted.

Stamps: Cute and Curly stamp and punch set Paper: Almost Amethyst, Bashful Blue, and Whisper White Ink: Bashful Blue, Almost Amethyst Accessories: Big Shot, Sizzix Snowflake #2 Die, White Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals. Stickles Diamond glitter. Cuddlebug folder.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit. Hope you're enjoying this season of anticipation and goodwill. See ya later...

Sharon

Cold and blowy outside, but warm inside!

I can't believe how strange the weather around here has been lately. This morning it was actually in the 50's, but it's been slowly (or maybe quickly) falling all day. The weather channel says it's supposed to get down to 16 degrees late tonight. Brrrrrrrrr! When I'm down working in the craft dungeon, it's easy to tell when the temps are dropping as it gets just a little chilly down here. First I get my fleecy jacket to wear, then I get too hot and off it comes. Then the goosebumps reappear and the jacket goes back on. This has been going on for the last couple of hours. Since I have a pot of yummy chili on the stove, that aught to warm my innards up quite nicely. So I better get on with this post so I can have dinner! Yummmmm...

There were a few cards I had started and not gotten too far on. I had actually embossed the Bella Toile layer awhile back and never really was happy using it anywhere. It was too pretty to hide, but what to use it for?? I remembered seeing something done several weeks ago using the Felt Flurries, so I got out my toys to play. Didn't this turn out perfect for a cold, blowy day?

All stamps and materials are by SU! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Bella Toile, and Holidays & Wishes

Ink: Encore Teal Ultimate Metallic (retired) and Stazon Jet Black

Paper: Baja Breeze and Whisper White

Accessories: Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder,

Little Felt Flurries, Ice Square Rhinestone Brads, Baja Breeze Dbl-Stitched Wide Ribbon, and Stickles brand Diamond glitter.

I wish the Iridescent Ice showed up better in the pictures. The whole card sparkles like snowflakes in the sunshine. Add the glitter dots on the snowflakes and the teal rhinestone brad, and you've got some serious glittering going on. It's just too, too pretty. This one is for all the glitter queens out there for sure! Hope you like it and thanks for taking the time to look.

Now on to some yummy chili and warm up my tummy (and everything else too!) Have a good one....

Sharon

Hi, it's me again!

What a week this has turned out to be - some good, some bad, and some I better keep my mouth shut about! This was class week here at the dungeon. Classes were held Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. They usually consist of cards and maybe something that's not a card every once in awhile just to keep me on my toes. This month, there wasn't a card in the bunch. How fun was that?! I had already posted one, the Gift Card Holder/Ornament, earlier back last month when I had found it and cased the idea. Just loved that one. In fact, there are several on my tree at this point.
Then as I was reading blogs and checking SCS and the SU! Demo website, there were so many awesome ideas out there that I went ahead and cased another one! I try not to do that very often. I feel if people are coming to my class then they expect me to come up with my own ideas for the class. But like I said, this month several project were pure cases from others. This skaters card/bag idea was found on Patty Bennett's blog. I thought it was one of the cutest and most different idea I'd seen in awhile. You can check her ideas out at this address: http://pattystamps.typepad.com/pattys_stamping_spot/2008/12/top-note-die-goodie-bags-for-christmas.html
The stamps and materials were 99% Stampin'Up!
Stamps: Winter Post and Lovely As A Tree
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Papers: Riding Hood Red and Very Vanilla
Accessories: Big Shot and Bigz Top Note Die, Sponge Dauber, Word Window Punch, and a small non-SU! white sack.
Isn't this just the cutest little thing you've ever seen? It could hold candy, gift card, or even a small gift - just perfect for a pair of earring or bracelet don't cha think? Of course, chocolate would always be a grand gift to put in the bag.

Ok, on to the next project. Do any of you demos out there have a few die-cut boxes left from when we carried them? Well, I had a few, ahem, well maybe alot of them left over. Don't remember what they were originally for, but they worked out great for this project!
Most materials from SU! (except the glitter and candycanes!)
Paper: Ruby Red cardstock and Holiday Treasures DSP
Accessories: Large Felt Flurries, Sticky Tape, Wire (retired), Tombow Multi Adhesive (for glueing on the snowflake), and Stickles Diamond glitter. I don't know why the glitter looks white in the photo. It really looks like glittery gold beads in real life.

Couldn't you just see this little box filled with home-made goodies, (like in chocolates) or even a few sprigs of evergreen to brighten up some little nook? I hope these ideas have inspired you as much as they inspired me. They were definitely fun to make. Now back to making some Christmas gifties! I feel like one of the elves!! (Too bad I don't look like one - ha ha!)
Sharon

I found it!

Yes, I really did find the packets of cardstock, ribbons, and goodies that were packaged up for the calendar class on Thursday. Of course, I found it about 5 hours too late. Oh dear, some days are just too much to deal with! Now I've got to reschedule the class and find a time they can all come. Oh, I get tired just thinking about it all.

Tada!! Another mantel banner has finally been finished. It only took about a week of working on it for an hour or two a day. The worst part about making this one was that I really, really wanted a holly punch. There was no way I wanted to cut out a bunch of holly leaves and berries free-hand. No telling how bad they'd look when I got done with them! Checking around at a couple of shops, I couldn't find something that really fit the bill. So it was on to looking for dies that would work. (What did I ever do before I got my Big Shot?)Luckily there were two Sissix dies that I fell in love with. (Actually there were more than two, but that was all I could afford at the time.) You just can't have Christmas decorations with no

holly leaves and berries. So now I've got that covered for sure.

The materials used are all SU! (except the holly and berries die from Sissix)

Stamps:not a single one

Papers: Old Olive 12x12 cardstock, some Baja Breeze cardstock and lots of Holiday Treasures DSP

Ink: Chocolate Chip for sponging edges

Accessories: Photo Corners Punch, Large Oval Punch, retired Snowflake Punch, Snowflake Set #2 Dies, Serif Essentials Dies, Scallop Frame w/ Holly Bigz Die, Button Bouquet (red button), Bold Brights Mini Brads, Earth Elements Mini Brads, Silver Mini Brads.

It's so much fun designing one of these. I think the next one might be just a little shorter though. This one takes up so much space that it wouldn't all fit in one picture. Let's see.... Maybe one that says "SNOW" and that's all! Considering it seems to be doing a lot of that outside... hmmmm. We'll see.

Have a great day and get outside to make those snow angels.

Hugs, Sharon

Oh the weather outside...

Yep, it's snowing again. Seems to be doing that rather often lately. Thank goodness there really hasn't been much in the line of accumulation out there. How can it be snowing like crazy, but be swirling so much nothing is landing on the ground? I have to admit though, it really does look pretty seeing all those flakes swirling around.

I had an interesting day yesterday. Three ladies were coming over to make some desktop calendars with me. Everything was cut and packaged, both the cardstock and ribbons, along with all the brads and other doo-dads. The packages had been moved several times because other people and clubs had been here. So here I am getting set up for them. Can I find the packages? Not on your life. Arrrrrggghhhh! What a needless waste of 2 hours pulling my hair out (and it's thin enough already!) and looking for this. It wasn't to be found. The ladies came and very graciously said they'd stamp something else. Thanks Lynda, Gayle, and Martha - you ladies are the sweetest! So I'll show you the cards they made instead.

All supplies are by Stampin'Up! of course.

Stamps: Holiday Collection (from Country Living Magazine layout)

Cardstock: Bacific Point and Whisper White

Ink: Pacific Point and Kiwi Kiss

Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, Scallop Border Punch, Sponge quarter, Kiwi Kiss striped grosgrain ribbon, and Ice Circle Rhinestone Brad.

This card is very quick and easy to accomplish. And it's a great card for using up some of those 1" and 2" wide strips you have left-over from other projects.

The next card is also one of my super-quick cards. I always leave my own cardmaking to the last minute because of taking care of other orders and such first. So that's why I'm always on the lookout for those quick card ideas!

Again, all Stampin' Up! materials.

Stamps: Cute & Curly stamp and punch bundle, and Classic Stripes background stamp

Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red

Ink: Real Red, Old Olive

Accessories: Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain ribbon, Dimensionals.

The focal point is really made up of two of the stamps in the set. The 1st was stamped in Old Olive ink and then cut out along the oval outline.

It was then popped up on the striped punched layer. And then it was all popped up on the card. How simple can it get? If you've got 50 cards to make, you could whiz right through these. If you'd like to order any of these items, I'd be happy to help you get going on your cards.

Have a wonderful, not too snowy day!
Hugs,

Sharon

Happy 1st Day of the Christmas Season

Sure, isn't today the 1st day of the holidays? I know most everybody considers this the biggest shopping day of the year. I guess I'm a bit of a scrooge because this is the one day of the year that I definitely don't shop! It's a day to recuperate from too much cooking and then too much eating. Of course, you still need to eat some turkey left-overs today too! Yum. I just love those left-overs! It's almost better than chocolate!! But not quite!

I've been working on several larger projects for the last week or so. (I keep getting sidetracked by family.) One of the projects was pronounced finished today. This is a pennant banner that is now hung on my bamboo curtains that hide one of my storage shelves in my 'creativity area'.

Both sizes of the Pennant die were used - 3 large for the word, and 2 small for the ends. Plus the Snowflake Set #2 dies were used for accents. Then I found a cool Frame and Holly Sizzix die at the JoAnn's store on sale Tuesday. (love those sales!) And then there were some rhinestone brads and Stickles glitter added. It's really pretty in person. Wish you could all be here to see it!

All materials by SU! unless listed otherwise.

Stamps: none

Dies: Pennants, Snowflakes Set #2, Bigz Serif Essentials Alphabet, Sizzix Scallop Frame with Holly Dies

Papers: Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, and Holiday Treasures DSP

Accessories: Baja Breeze Striped Grosgrain, Ice Rhinestone Brads, Snowflake Punch (retired), Pewter Jumbo Brads, Red Glitter (retired). And Stickles Frosted Lace.

I was pleasantly surprised by how the tiny Stickles dots on the snowflakes and the large scallop circle really showed up on the Baja Breeze cardstock. It really added some nice dimension to the design and added a little brightness too. It's really funny that I had purchased the Frosted Lace Stickles last Christmastime when I saw it on a snowflake card and fell in love. And then I hadn't used it once in all that time. Oh well, it was sitting there patiently waiting for me when it was needed. See, that's why you need to keep everything - you never know when you're gonna need it!

Hope you're having fun shopping out there...

Sharon

Oops! I'm really slipping up here! Way back when I showed you a glimpse of a card for this month's class, but never showed you the completed project. How silly of me! This is one of my most favorite cards I've ever made. I think the ladies at class liked it too. (They weren't crazy about all the cutting out, but that's what makes the card so special!)

All materials by SU!

Stamps: Autumn Harvest, Sanded, Define Your Life

Papers: Always Artichoke, Apricot Appeal, Pumpkin Pie, and Very Vanilla

Inks: Basic Brown, Pumpkin Pie, Apricot Appeal, Always Artichoke Pads, and Chocolate Chip Marker

Accessories; Rich Regals Brads, Aqua Painter, Sponge quarters, Dimensionals.

The most fun making this card was doing the watercoloring. I kept going between the colors and not cleaning my brush so there was a multitude of shading and mixing of the ink colors. Looked like my yard with the pumpkins sitting side by side and the leaves swirling down from the trees.

Now on to more current projects. I was perusing Patty Bennet's blog here: http://pattystamps.typepad.com/pattys_stamping_spot/2008/10/5-fun-free-day-projects---part-2.html I loved the idea she had for this gift card holder. So I shamelessly copied it with a change or two.

This is just too cute in my humble opinion. I've got it hanging on my display tree right now. SU! has soooo many different kits to make your own ornaments or other decorations that you just have to try at least one! Or maybe all of them! (I'd be happy to help you with that!) I've been making them and giving them away to my hostesses. I hope they will use them and enjoy them for a long time.

Stamps: Snow Swirled, Hugs and Wishes, and Warm Words

Papers: Baja Breeze, Whisper White

Inks: Baja Breeze, Real Red

Accessories: Big Shot with Scallop Circle and Scallop Circle #2 Dies, Snow Blossom Punch, Pewter Jumbo Eyelet, Crop-a-dile, White Narrow Grosgrain, Red Gingham, 2-Way Glue Pen and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

If you'd like to make some of these, come on over for the classes in December. This will be one of the projects we'll be making. We'll have at least 2 different gift card holders. I'm working on the reast of the projects for class. We need to get all set for Christmas so we can enjoy the holiday and not be totally stressed out. ;-)

Have a great day. Try to stay warm. And happy stamping!

Sharon

Good to be back in the saddle...???

Yes, it's good to be back stamping again. Forget about the saddle - I wouldn't know what to do with it anyway! I managed to pull a muscle in my back last week and it's taken awhile to get back to stamping. Too much twisting and turning, bending and lifting those heavy stamps, ya know.
Last night was my downline meeting, so I had to make my swaps (Wednesday) and plan for the evening. Not too many ladies showed up, but we had a good time and the swaps were awesome!! We actually had more people swapping than expected so I didn't get one of everyone else's swap. Boo hoo... I didn't want to deprive anyone else! Anyway, I always make extra of my cards to use later. Forget it, they were all gone. I couldn't remember exactly what I'd made, but I tried to make anyother as close to the original as possible to share with all of you.

Ta Da!! I just love this little penguin guy. I didn't put any Christmas words on this card, so it can be used in January when you're celebrating skiing or snowman making. How fun is that idea?

Of course, all products are SU! (except for that little white plastic snowflake thingie that I've had forever!)

Stamps: Punch Pals, Best Wishes and More
Paper: Kraft, Whisper White, Baja Breeze
Ink: Baja Breeze, Basic Black Classic ink and White Craft ink, Going Gray, So Saffron, and Certainly Celery Markers
Accessories: Sponge, Snowflakes #2 Dies, BigShot, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Mini glue Dots, Dimensionals

I thought it was surprising how airy the sky looked after adding the white craft ink snowflakes. I had just used the Baja Breeze at first. Adding white just opened it up and gave it a much nicer look. Way too dark without the white touches.

Hope you enjoy the card today. I'll be back sooner than last time - I promise!!
Hugs,
Sharon

One of Those Days

Have you ever had one of those days? Maybe I better explain what I mean by that before asking the question. It's Monday night, a cold, damp, blustery Monday night. It's also class night which makes it better. But two people already called to cancel. Not so good. My husband comes home for his two coffee breaks and lunch. (He's a truckdriver so he can do that when he's in the area) Anyway, it's 6:45 and ladies will be arriving soon, so he figures it's time for him to skedaddle. He grabs the door knob and pulls - it comes off in his hand! He can't get out the door. And my ladies won't be able to get in!! He went out the front door and pushed the side door open from outside. He then ran downstairs to get his tools and stuck some plyers on the little thingie sticking out of the door. My new door handle, how cool!! Oh well, at least the ladies didn't seem to mind at all. He got off work, picked up a new handle at Lowe's on the way home, and had the new handle installed before everyone left. Oh yeah, two more ladies didn't call to cancel or show up. Some things are good, some not so good. But a handy hubby is wonderful!

Anyway, stamping is always good. Even when the card doesn't quite turn out as planned. Hmmm - that seems to happen alot. I wish you could see this card in person. The glittery snowy hills just Pop! How cute and quick. Alot of the ladies at class tonight were oohing and ahhing about it. Too bad, it wasn't one of the projects for class. But I'll give you the information in case you want to make this snowguy yourself.

All materials and stamps by SU! of course.

Stamps: Merry & Bright and All Holidays

Paper: Bashful Blue and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black and Handsome Hunter Classic and Whisper White Craft Ink

Accessories: 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, AquaPainter

That's it! Super easy and cute to boot. Wouldn't you like to get this one in the mail??

Thanks for stoppin' by,

Sharon

A Yellow Kind of Day

I got up this morning (way too early for those of you that know me) and dragged myself into the kitchen. Through bleary eyes I looked outside and all I could see was yellow! Our maple tree that is in the middle of the yard had morphed into a yellow monster. And under it, the world had turned yellow also. The yard was covered in yellow. My car was covered in yellow. Everything was yellow! How can there be so many yellow leaves on the ground and on my car, but the tree still looks full of yellow leaves too?!

I had been planning on creating the last 2 cards for my classes next week, and the first thing that popped in my foggy mind was yellow Christmas cards. Ya know, yellow trees, yellow snowmen. Ack!! What was I thinking?! With yellow sugarplums dancing in my head, I turned around and went back to bed. What else could I do?

Once the yellow thoughts were out of my mind, things went along much smoother today. I've been working on three projects simultaneously. In other words, nothing really got finished in the stamping department, but the laundry got done. So all was not lost.

Instead I'm sharing two cards that were made about two weeks ago. I love to watercolor. (must be a frustrated pre-schooler or something) Sorry the picture quality is a little fuzzy. Not sure what I did wrong, but I couldn't get it any clearer. All materials and stamps are SU!

Stamps: Harvest Home

Paper: Old Olive, Baroque Burgundy, Very Vanilla

Ink: Basic Brown, More Mustard

Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Bigz Die, Sponge quarter, Aqua Painter, WaterColor Wonder Crayons, Old Olive Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon

This 2nd card also used the WaterColor Wonder Crayons (which I love, love, love). It's so much fun playing with the colors layering one over another til I achieve what I want. I wish you could see these in person - they're really gorgeous! I keep looking at them in surprise that I really made them. All materials and stamps by SU! of course.

Stamps: Harvest Home, Canvas and Holidays & Wishes

Paper: Brocade Blue, Creamy Caramel, Old Olive, and Very Vanilla
Inks: Basic Brown

Access: Choc.Chip Grosgrain, Word Window Punch, Aqua Painter, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, and Sponge quarter

Hope you like my offerings today. Maybe tomorrow I'll actually get something finished for you.

Just wanted to say a quick hi to the ladies at the workshop last night. Thanks Michelle for having me over. And it was a hoot spending time with Sue, Heidi, Terri, Marty and the rest. You all made my night. I was still chuckling about some of the discussion topics on my way home last night.

Hugs,

Sharon

Short day in the dungeon

Boy, I wish the rest of our fall continued on just like today. But a quick fling outside was all I could manage if I was going to make good on my promise yesterday to make more simple and quick cards. It's so nice outside I really had trouble coming down to 'the dungeon' to work. Oh, I really shouldn't call the basement 'the dungeon', but sometimes it feels like I've spent the greatest portion of my life down here. I guess I'm very lucky that I can send time doing crafts of one sort or another pretty much everyday. But I digress....

Here is the latest version of Season of Simple Grace. Again it is a very quick with just 2 colors of cardstock used, and 2 inks. Add a little white gel pen and glitter, and that's it. Easy, peasy. It's a tri-fold card, using a different portion of the Nativity story on each of the sections. The card front doesn't fold over to cover the next section. The 11" length is scored at 3" and 8".

All materials and stamps by SU!

Stamps: Season of Simple Grace
Papers: Night of Navy and Bashful Blue

Inks: Night of Navy and Bashful Blue

Accessories: White Gel Pen, Sponge quarter, 2 way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds

Now isn't the card nice looking and something you'd like to get in the mail? I'm hoping others think so too, because I'll be making a few more of these. I really like how the gel pen swirls show up on the little lamb. How cute is that.

I was on a roll with these quickie cards, so the snowflakes were next. I had already used my Big Shot and Sizzix Snowflake 2 Die to make some snowflakes. I got an idea to try using the outline of the diecut to sponge color onto the card. This is the outcome. What do ya think??

Again the card only uses 2 colors of cardstock, and 2 colors of ink. Of course this one has added embellishments of the Little Felt Flurries and ribbon. Just love how soft and simple this is.

All materials and stamps by SU!

Stamps: Heard From the Heart

Papers: Whisper White, Baja Breeze

Ink: Baja Breeze

Accessories: White Taffeta Ribbon and Little Felt Flurries, Sponge quarter

That's it. Can't get too much easier than this. And that's it for today. I didn't get as much done as I'd planned. My dear daughter Heather came by for a visit today. It was nice spending time with her and catching up on all our goings on. That is so much more important than stamping. Really, it is!

Catch ya later,

Sharon

It's Still Wednesday

I know, it's a little late in the day, (actually night) but it is still Wednesday. I wanted to get this card posted yet today. I'll be seeing some ladies soon that requested some quick card ideas for Christmas. So that means I have to MAKE some quick card ideas for Christmas. Novel idea, right? And since I'm making new cards, they might as well be posted here. Right? Yup, that's what I thought too. This means there should (hopefully) be more cards posted this week. Keep checking back.

For this card with the wisemen, I always think Rich Regals. They brought expensive gifts, so I think of rich, opulent colors to portray them. Subsequently, the card color is all shades of purple with a rhinestone added for the star.

All materials are SU!
Stamps: Season of Simple Grace
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, and Whisper White
Ink: Elegant Eggplant
Accessories: Key Tag Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Square Rhinestone Brads-Ice, White Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals.

I gave this card much thought concerning sponging edges or not. I decided that the crisp, clean lines worked better for the elegant look I wanted for this card. What do you think? To sponge or not to sponge. That is the question!

Enjoy the card and feel free to case if this suits your fancy. Actually this card stamped up so fast, maybe I need to try another one or two with this set. This is probably what I'll be dreaming about tonight. Thanks for looking...
Hugs,
Sharon

Election Day Blues - NOT

I'd been hearing about how long the lines would be at the voting booths, so there was a little dread in my heart as I took off for City Hall today. Much to my surprise, I only had to wait about 5 seconds! Yes, you heard me right - 5 seconds!! The kind ladies working there said it had just slowed down shortly before I arrived, There must be something to it about living right. Don't cha think??

Anyway, I'm just soooo excited to show you what I've been working on the last two days! I saw a Halloween fold-out on someone's blog about 2 weeks ago and it's been percolating in my brain. Sorry, I don't know where I saw the original. It was one of those days where I was clicking from one place to another without paying too much attention to where I actually landed. I tried to find it again yesterday when I was working on this to get some input, but couldn't find it. So I guess this is mine. Take a look and tell me what you think.... (Someone was kind enough to let me know that it might have been Patty Bennett's blog here: http://pattystamps.typepad.com/ This is definitely a wonderful blog and what awesome ideas Patty has! But I was looking at a Halloween idea. Anyone find that one??)

It just amazes me that you can have this all folded up into this small packet, but when untied you have a wonderful accent for a mantel or shelf. And I'm so tickled that I did this without alot of input and someone else's creativeness. All materials and stamps are by Stampin' Up! of course.
Stamps: Autumn Harvest, Define Your Life, and Holidays & Wishes
Paper: Sage Shadow, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla Cardstocks, and Autumn Vine DSP (love that stuff!)
Ink: Basic Brown, Really Rust, More Mustard, Sage Shadow, and Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Big Shot Serif Essentials Dies, Earth Elements Brads and Buttons, More mustard, Chocolate Chip, and Sage Shadow Grosgrain Ribbons, and Creamy Caramel Gingham Ribbon, AquaPainter, Scallop Circle, Small, Large and Wide Oval Punches.


Whew, I sure had a big mess on my worktable when I was finished. Seems like I had just about everything I owned out trying to decide what I needed to use. This was definitely fun and I'm looking forward to making another in the near future.
Thanks for checkin' in...
Sharon

Fancy Flowers

Hi everyone,

Seems like every card or project I do lately takes me at least two days to make it. It's one those things where you create something and it looks ok. That's with little letters. It just doesn't have the wow factor I'm looking for at all. After looking at my card for most of this week, I finally figured out what I didn't like. The main image was just too pale so it wasn't the focal point anymore. I peeled off the leaves and redid them using a darker ink for outlining them. Much better, don't you think?

Supplies are all Stampin'Up! Of course!!

Stamps: Fancy Flowers, Baroque Motifs, and Bella Toile; Sage Shadow, More Mustard, and Whisper White cardstock; Sage Shadow, More Mustard, Really Rust, and Handsome Hunter Classic Ink Pads, Big Shot Top Note Bigz Die, Sage Shadow Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, and a sponge quarter.

Now I doubt if any of you are thinking about November's class projects yet, but I am! (smile) This is just a little sneak peak to whet your appetite. Yes, I'm working on the projects now to have them all ready for you next month. Unfortunately for you, you can't see them yet. Na na boo boo. But aren't I being truly nice to give you a hint of what's coming up? I was asked to do a Thanksgiving card, and here it is. Or anyway, here part of it is. (giggle) Sorry, you really do have to wait.

Have a thoughtful Thursday today and enjoy yourself.

Hugs,

Sharon

Halloween Goodies

As it is getting closer to the big candy day, I thought I would share with you some ideas for sharing candy and cuteness with family and friends. My hostess club will be meeting here tomorrow, so they'll be needing some treats.

The first item up for your perusal is a set of two sour cream type containers with yummy candy centers. They've been made from a quarter sheet of our spooky Ghostly Greetings DSP. They each are crimped closed, and then have a smidgen of grosgrain ribbon to dress them up. This is a quick and easy way to make a little treat special for any holiday. Just think of the possibilities! Kids, co-workers, neighbors, anyone would like to get this instead of a trick from you!

Next for your viewing pleasure, we have a small pumpkin bag made from kraft cardstock. Again, the center of this gift are the candies and goodies inside. It's easy to make this bag which is similar to a 2,4,6,8 bag, but the dimensions were changed slightly to give me the look I wanted. If you don't know how to make one of these bags, I'd be happy to show you at a workshop where you and your friends can all make one suitable for the season. This would make a great place-card for your Thanksgiving dinner. Just add a tag with each person's name to each bag. Wouldn't that make your table look festive and inviting?

Last, but certainly not the least are my spider candies. Normally when I see a spider, all I can think of is smooshing it as quickly as possible. When I see these little cuties, all I can think of is YUM! My downline Jan Tink shared this idea with me (not too sure where she got the idea from, but it's making the rounds). I thought they were just too cute and had to make some for everyone. Aren't they just too adorable? These are the ONLY spiders I'm inviting into my house that's for sure. They are made with just two punches - Scallop Circle Punch, and the Photo Corners Punch. And of course, a York Peppermint Patty in the middle. That's where the YUM comes in. These have been a favorite of mine for a long, long time. In fact, I think there's a few left in that bag somewhere after making these. hmmm....

I think I have to go now and check out the remaining Peppermint Patties. They might be getting lonesome. I think I hear them calling my name....

Hugs,

Sharon

Lots of Help

Sometimes you can get just too much help. Today was one of those days. My cat Smokey was trying to be helpful and keep me company today, I guess. My hubby Rick is out of town this weekend. Down on the farm for all of you that are in the know. So Smokey was sticking with me most of today instead of having his usual round of naps, snacks, and more naps. He spent time laying on my cardstock, walking around ink pads, jumping over my Big Shot machine, climbing on my shoulder, etc. Right now he's laying in the top drawer of the desk where I keep my camera. He's been so helpful, it's a wonder that I actually accomplished something today! :-D

But that's not what you're here for, is it? You're interested in what I actually did today, right?! At least I hope you are.
Since I got the Sizzix Leaves #2 die, I've been making cards and scrap pages like crazy. Whether I've used regular cardstock or the DSP, the leaves have come out really cool. This time, the leaves were all sponged, veined with a Chocolate Chip marker, and then crumpled up. There is so much texture, I feel like I should start raking them up! After making the first one, I just couldn't stop myself. It's just like eating chocolate - you can't stop at one. That's just the teaser. I actually made enough cards to send to my family for Thanksgiving. (Now if I can just get them in the mail on time and not forget!!)

Oh yes, I did spend a bit of time shopping today too. I had three different coupons for Michaels that were all going to expire today. Of course, they wouldn't let me buy everything at the same time with the coupons. Oh no. You can only use one per visit. And I had no cash in my wallet. So what to do?? Buy one item, use the cc for a $6 purchase, use one coupon, take package out to the car. Come back in, buy one item, use the cc for a $9 purchase, use one coupon, take package out to the car. Come back in... get the idea? I ended up spending over an hour in the store because each time I had to stand in line all over again and then go back outside to the car to drop off the package. There is only one good thing about all that - I got my exercise out of the way for today. Oh yeah, I got everything I wanted on sale too!! Woo Hoo! ;-D

Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Sharon

First snowflake of the season

Hi there! Just wanted to quickly share a card today that we did for the make & take on Friday at Penny's workshop. I was so happy with the card, that there will definitely be more than one of these made and sent for Christmas. First of all, it has snowflakes and I love snowflakes. They're so pretty and delicate and glisten in the light. Of course, if you get too many it could turn into a real blizzard. But here we're talkin' about just a couple of the lovely icy crystals. And I guess that alone is enough reason for me. :-D

See? Isn't this just the perfect, glittery, shivery, snowflake card? The glitter isn't really showing up much - it's just a smidgen on the background snowflakes. Doesn't it make you want to have at least one snowfall? Just a little teeny tiny one?

All stamps and products by Stampin'Up!

Stamps: Snowburst

Paper: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, and Ski Slope DSP

Ink: Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red

Accessories: Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Little Felt Flurries, 2-Way Glue Pen, Key Tag Punch, Sponge quarter,and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.

This card just puts a smile on my face. Hope you enjoy trying this one out yourself too. I'll be back with more ideas for Christmas and anything else I can think of. Have yourself a crispy, crunchy fall day. Hmmmm... It would be a perfect day to make some muffins. Think that's what I'll do next.

Hugs,

Sharon

It just needs a little more...

Have you ever made one of those projects and you weren't satisfied with it? Something wasn't quite right or it was downright boring, but you just weren't sure what it needed? I had worked on a birthday card for Penny's workshop last Friday, and it turned out to be one of those projects! It has been driving me absolutely crazy ever since. Let me show you what I mean and then you'll understand what I'm talking about. Here's the original:

I guess it's ok. I know I liked it more when I was first finished with it. But the more I looked at it, the more dissatisfied I was. As you can see, it really, really needed help.

So, the card came apart in sections first. Then I added Chocolate Chip cardstock layers to punch it up a little. Made dark chocolate frosting instead of milk chocolate and added ribbon. Is the newer version better??

All stamps by Stampin'Up!

Stamps: Crazy About Cupcakes

Paper: More Mustard, Really Rust, Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow, and Very Vanilla

Ink: Basic Brown, Really Rust, More Mustard, and Chocolate Chip, and Sage Shadow Marker

Accessories: Sage Shadow Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Small Oval Punch, Vintage Mini Brads, Dazzling Diamond Glitter.

Now this is much more what I had in mind when I got the idea in the first place.

Thanks so much for looking. I'd love your comments.

Hugs,

Sharon

Sunny Saturday

Oh, I certainly hope you're having as beautiful day as I am here in Michigan! It's another of those perfect fall days with the sky an incredibly lovely bright blue, the leaves turning all shades of reds, golds, yellows, etc., and the temps in the 50's. The air smells so fresh and crisp that you've just got to spend some time outside. So I did! I hope the next time Rick plans a weekend down on the farm that he gets a weekend like this! Just perfectamundo as Fonzi would say.

Ok, back to business now that we've gotten the weather out of the way. I did promise to show you what everyone did at class this past week, so drumroll please. Here they are!

I hope you can get a good look at Frankie here. He's just a little sweetie, isn't he? He's made by cutting the cardstock in half the long way and making a tri-fold card. Did you notice that his mouth is made with the stamp that says "yumyumyumyum'. How fun is that?

All materials and stamps are Stampin'Up!.

Stamps - Tasty Sweet

Paper - Old Olive, Whisper White, Basic Black, and Pumpkin Pie Prints DSP(retired)

Ink - Old Olive and Basic Black

Accessories - Scallop Edge Punch, 1 3/8" and 1" Circle Punches.

Even with the bolts on his neck, such as it is, the card is just the right size to fit in our medium envelopes.

The next card is a winner as far as I'm concerned. I really like to make cards that are multi-purpose and can be used for a variety of occasions. I can see using this one for a wedding, birthday, get well, thinking of you, and the list goes on, and the list goes on (singing). Oops, I got carried away singing to "The Beat Goes On" by Sonny & Cher. Remember that oldie?? Ok, enough of that silliness.

All stamps and materials are Stampin'Up!

Stamps - Sanded background

Paper - Pacific Point, Old Olive, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, and Bella Rose DSP

Accessories - White Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Big Shot machine, and Birds & Blooms Sizzlits Set.

The hardest part of making this card was putting the gorgeous Bella Rose paper on backwards. At least, I think it's backwards. I absolutely love, love, love the rose print on that paper. Shelli, that print is a hands-down winner!

Well, I hope you're enjoying your day. Come on back and spend some time again real soon.

Hugs,

Sharon

Classes and More

Wow! What a week this has been so far. How is it that pretty much a whole month of the calendar is fairly empty, until I got to this week. Somehow everything seems to be going on this week. And I can't even go to everything that's happening either! I missed out on Bible Study last night, and I'll be missing a Longaberger Basket party on Friday night. (I know you guys are all having fun without me! Boo hoo!) But that's all right. I'll be at Penny's house having fun with the ladies. We'll be stamping up a storm!



Thought you'd like to take a peak at what was made at the classes this week. The focus was on Diecuts and Punches. As you can see, this card used the BigShot and the Sizzix Circle Scallops #2. This is such a great size to stamp an image inside to really make it the focus of your card. Adding the sponging on the scallop edge and piercing each scallop makes it almost look like an old-fashioned doily. And of course, the new Riding Hood Red is such a nice, rich color to use for Christmas cards. Just lovely, if I do say so myself!





Stamps: A Cardinal Christmas, and Watercolor Vine Jumbo Wheel

Paper: Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Brushed Gold, and Very Vanilla

Ink: Riding Hood Red and Old Olive Classic Pads, and Stazon Jet Black Pad

Accessories: BigShot, Sizzix Scallop Circle #2, Sponge quarter, Crafters Tool Kit, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, and Jumbo Handle.

Cute, isn't it?

Got to run for now. It's almost time for my downline to be coming over tonight. I think I need a bite to eat to tide me over. One cannot live solely on chocolate. Well almost, but not quite. ;D

Oops! I'm still learning this stuff. I can't believe I didn't publish this yesterday as planned. It's a good thing I check back today, or you might not ever have seen this. Let's try this one again. See ya'll later after my workshop tonight. Hopefully I'll have enough energy to post later!
Hugs,
Sharon

Boo Welcome

Happy Saturday to you. Hope you've been out enjoying today's gorgeous weather. Well, it really is gorgeous around here, even if you don't have the greatest weather where you are. The sun was shining today, the sky was blue, not too hot, not too cold. It was a perfect Indian Summer day. So where was I? Down in my dungeon, of course. I needed to finish up packing for my workshop tomorrow with Phyllis. That didn't take too long, so I got out a project I'd been thinking on for several days.

I like having something on the back door welcoming everyone that comes over for classes, downline meetings, workshops, etc. With all the different signs I own, not a single one was actually designed for Halloween. This was the idea that was floating around in my mind telling me I had to order the Pennant Bigz Die so I could make it! Don't you have projects telling you to buy, buy, buy just so you can make one little thing? Please don't tell me I'm the only one that has these voices telling me what to do?! Heaven help me!

Well, after looking at it hanging there, I'm not sure if it needs any more frou-frou or what. At least it's finished (for now) and hanging on the door. Comments would be appreciated. Come on over and see it!

Stamps - none (oh my, maybe I need to stamp something on it???)

Dies - Pennant Bigz, Serif Essentials Bigz Alphabet

Paper - Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, and Whisper White cardstock, Autumn Vine DSP

Accessories - More Mustard, Basic Black, and Pumpkin Pie Narrow Grosgrain, and Black Gingham Ribbons, Slot Punch, Sticky Tape, and a dowel that been hanging around forever. You never know when you're going to need things so you just can't throw them out. Right Rick? Ok, maybe I don't need to keep everything, but I never know just what it is that I'll be needing in the future. And I was a Girl Scout way back when, so I need to be prepared. Or is that just the Boy Scouts? Well, if it's not the Girl Scouts, it should be and I hearby say that it is part of their pledge. So there!

Ok, time to get off my soapbox for now. I'm not sure how much more you can take of me today.

Hugs,

Sharon

Lookin' for easy Christmas?

I was going through my emails today when my attention was caught by an ad. Or I should say the graphics of a portion of the ad. Right away I had to stop and make it into my version of a card. I've been looking for something super easy using stamps that many of my customers already have on hand. So many are on a strict budget right now, that I want to give them ideas on how to use what they already own. (I know that isn't always great for the bottom line of a business, but it's the way I work.)

This is the card I came up with, very simple and quick. I used only 3 sets, 2 colors, and 4 punches, and some ribbon and sponges. Most of these items are inexpensive and might just be in your stamping stash. Go check...

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Snow Swirled, and Best Yet (Level 1 Hostess set)

Paper: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke

Accessories: 1 3/4"Circle, Large Oval, Designer Label, and Key Tag Punches, Sponge quarters, Silver Cord, and Dimensionals

Of course, if you wanted to make it more lovely (maybe even downright fabulous!) just add a layer or two behind the card I've done. That wouldn't be at all hard either. So what are you waiting for?

Oh, you think you might need just a little more inspiration today? Yah, I know. I owe you for not getting around to posting yesterday. Ok, let's see what else I've been up to today.

Everyone has been making such wonderful things with the Big Shot that I just had to get in there and make some fun stuff too! I just got my Pennant Bigz XL Die yesterday, so you can guess what I've been playing with. Ahem, this might have just a little something to do with my not posting yesterday. Ok, Ok I was busy with my new toy, alright?! I think it might be time for a chocolate break right about now. Janine, have you got any extra chocolate over there???

Ok, I'm back. Now where was I? Oh yes... Do you ever get intimidated about trying something new? There has to be somebody out there besides me that never knows where to start with something new like this. It was surprising how easy the Big Shot and the Pennant Bigz Die works together to make this simple card! Once you get the hang of it, and know how much paper you need, and where to place it on the die, look out! You can crank these cards out in no time at all!

Materials used:

Stamps: Many Merry Messages and Snow Swirled

Paper: Old Olive, Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, and Holiday Treasures DSP

Ink: Riding Hood Red

Accessories: Snow Blossom and Scallop Circle Punches, Riding Hood Red 5/8" Ribbon, and Silver Mini Brads

I was on Patty Bennett's blog (thanks Patty for the idea) and saw what she had done with these cards. Totally blew me away! So much fun, quick,versatile (just change the papers used), and they're easy to boot! What more can you ask for when you're cranking out those piles of cards for Christmas? This card will definitely be part of my classes in November. You ladies will love making this one for sure!

Well, it's off to get things planned for my workshop with Phyllis on Sunday afternoon. Can't wait to see you ladies there and enjoy the afternoon with you!

Hugs,

Sharon

Fragments of Fun

My downline friend, Michelle, got me totally hooked on using Tim Holtz's Fragments. Have you tried them yet? It's so much fun putting together a mosaic of colors and patterns using patterned paper, Crystal Effects, and these acrylic tile pieces. The possibilities of color and placement are absolutely endless. They're so cute, I want to make one for each holiday and season, and any other reason I can think of. Let me show you what I'm talking about. You'll see.....

This is the first one I made. The frame and mirror is from IKEA. I painted it and sanded it smooth then started playing. The paper I used is one of Stampin'Up!s new two-sided DSP called Haiku. When I saw the newest papers, this was the one I knew my friend would like the most. Her house is done in all yellows, oranges, golds, and greens. And her birthday was right around the corner. So I made this for her with a card to match. I liked it so much I wanted to keep it!! Of course, you would never feel that way, hanging on to (ahem, let's be honest now) hoarding things that you think are lovely. Let's hope she's enjoying it.

Anyway, there were more possibilities out there to be tried! Since it's the fall of the year, there is a certain holiday that many people like to decorate their homes and yards to celebrate. This isn't my exact favorite holiday as mentioned before, but I do like cute. So I made one for my home. What do you think of this?

It's on the same order as the first one, but with a decidedly Halloween feel. I used Stampin'Up!'s DSP Ghostly Greetings and the frame is black. I used Only Orange Craft Ink on the chipboard letters and then embossed with Iridescent Ice. Nice and glittery, but not too spooky. It was quicker than the first one to make. Which is a good thing if I want to make another half dozen or so to cover all the holidays. As it was, it took about 4 1/2 to 5 hours all together to finish. Is that what's called a labor of love?

BTW, did you notice Rick's hand in the picture? I wanted to use the pic that you could actually see him, but that one somehow got deleted already. Hope you enjoyed these ideas today. If you have any questions on how to make them, just email me and I'd be happy to go into detail for you. Have a wonderful day. I need to get to stamping. Classes are coming up next week, and not all of the projects have been planned. It'll be fun though!

Hugs,

Sharon

Kids and Cats

Boy, kids sure keep you humble, don't they. My son helped me figure out how to set up a simple blog then went on home. I was having fun and feeling so confident and 'with it' because I actually had a blog. Yippee! After posting my second post, I emailed him and asked for his critique. That was my first mistake.


He emailed back and said it was ok but needed some explosions.


I read that and thought, 'Gee, that must be something important to have on it. Wonder what that is?' So I emailed him back and asked if he could help me to put explosions on my blog. That was my second mistake.


He emailed back laughing and said explosions were just that. It was a joke Mom!! He thought I'd get it and have a chuckle. Now he was the one doing all the snickering, not me.


Does God give us kids just to make sure we don't get too full of ourselves? Some days....





Other than that little blip, yesterday was very productive. Rick and I were taking pics of some projects I thought about posting. He's very particular about everything and was taking about 10-12 pictures of each project from different angles and lighting, then I'd have to decide which was the best for posting. Our nosy cat Smoky, who never wants his picture taken, kept jumping on the table just about the time Rick would click a pic. I'd get him and hold him and play with him while Rick snapped away. While Rick was setting up for the next project, I'd put Smoky down and he'd wander away and ignore us. Rick's ready to click again and here comes Smoky to lay down on the card and turn his back to us. Letting us know who's definitely in charge in this house!



I thought this was funny, but Rick not so much! We did get a few grins playing with Smoky yesterday. There are days I wonder whatever possessed me to get a cat. But I really wouldn't trade him for anything!

Hope you have a good and blessed day!
Hugs,
Sharon