Thursday, March 20, 2008

A Challenge...




My SBS group decided to start holding challenges, and the first one was to use something we've never used before. Perfect timing! I've been needing to create some pieces with the upcoming Stamp of the Month for April (Express Postage), and this encouraged me to get past the creative block I've had with this particular set! I love this set -- loved it the first time I saw it! But I had NO idea what to do with it once it came. So the result is what you see above.


I random stamped the white daisy paper with the round circle from Express Postage in Twilight, Lilac Mist and Petal. I matted it on 3x3 Petal CS, created the band with Petal and Twilight, distressed, and added White Daisy grosgrain ribbon. Then I stamped the circle again Twilight, and added the sentiment in Twilight and a pewter brad. I cut it out, matted it on Twilight, and voila!




I also created a bookmark using one of CTMH's creative clips. These are really easy to work with, and are great accents for scrapbook layouts or cards. And now it's a bookmarks! I used a scallop circle punch on Petal and Amethyst CS, and then stamped the circle and sentiment in Petal on the Amethyst CS. I added a white daisy grosgrain ribbon for a little embellishment.

So what do you think? You can see this set here: http://www.closetomyheart.com/stamp_of_the_month_08_04_apr.aspx


I know there are a few of you who have tagged me recently -- I have not forgotten! I plan to hit those this weekend!

Friday, March 14, 2008

I'm BAAACK!



I'm BAAAACK! I know it's been a while. Ever heard the saying, "When it rains, it pours?" That pretty much happened. Nothing major...just so many things all at once. Sick kids, sick mommy, sick computer. (On that note, let me take a moment to remind you to back up your hard drive. We were LUCKY....we only lost a few pictures, and none were worth being upset about. Thank goodness!) And thanks to all who wrote to check in on me -- it was so thoughtful and really made me feel, well, kind of important. (I know that sounds silly, but you moms all know what I mean!)I'm hoping (praying like crazy, actually) that we are past the yuckies and can get back into life full steam ahead!
The picture above is of me with my two oldest kiddos -- Samantha and Hudson. We took all 3 kids to see Playhouse Disney Live when it came to town -- so much fun! This picture was taken just before the show started.


I hope this post finds you feeling well and looking forward to spring -- it's been a very long winter for our family. It seems as though someone has been sick with something since Thanksgiving. I wish I was exaggerating. And I've personally been catching everything, which is very unusual. I'm so sorry I've been such an absentee blogger! I have been so tired at the end of the days after chasing after my little ones that I've had little energy to do anything but dishes, laundry, and sleep. And sometimes none of those were even happening! But we've had 3 glorious days of weather this week, and took full advantage to air out our house and sweep those germs on their way!


And I've been busy creating (FINALLY -- oh my goodness, I was going through withdrawal!) I participated in something out of the box for me -- a monochromatic card swap. I designed cards for the blue, pink, and red groups. I love the way the blue and pink cards turned out, but red turned out to be much more challenging than I anticipated. So here goes nothing....




Stamp Sets: Angel Whispers, Simple Beauty (March SOTM); Ink/Paper: Blush, Baby Pink, and Hollyhock; Accessories: White Daisy grosgrain ribbon, scalloped circle punches

Stamp Sets: Star Struck, Sans Alphabet, Delightful Alphabet; Ink/Cardstock: Outdoor Denim, Crystal Blue, Twilight, White Daisy; Accessories: Pewter brads, corner rounder (by EK Success, I think)

Stamp Set: Soul Mates; Ink/Cardstock: Cranberry, Barn Red, Garnet, white daisy; Accessories: Cuttlebug, Cranberry grosgrain ribbon

Tomorrow, the kids and I are headed to at least one, maybe two Easter Egg hunts! I'm very excited -- they are all at that age where it will be fun but not "dumb" yet! Thankfully! And I already have a layout done just waiting for pictures!

Happy Friday!