Hot Pepper Stampin' Mom - Stampin' for My Sanity!

2008-11-30T17:39:00.002-06:00

When I saw this image on SCS (card by Michelle Petermann) here: http://milwaukee-mommy.blogspot.com/2008/10/high-hopes-challenge-3.html, I instantly fell in love and thought of my son, Parker, and his twin sisters, Paige & Mackenzie! I contacted Michelle and she graciously sent me this and other High Hopes iamges to play with!! This card was my attempt at getting two girls in the wagon for the twins! I simply cut another girl from one of the images and raised her up on dimensionals to look like they were both in there. I used paper from the Fall MatStack and the flowers are from a local craft store here from Daisy D's Paper Co. The rest was SU materials, Pumpkin Pie paper (one of my favorite colors) and others using watercoloring technique. I need more practice with water coloring and blending. I really like how this turned out, thanks for looking!

Here comes Turkey Lurkey, Gobble, Gobble, Gobble!

2008-11-17T22:51:00.004-06:00

I made these tonight for Paige and Mackenzie's preschool friends and teachers tomorrow. They will not have school next week, so tomorrow is the day! I certainly did not come up with these beautiful ideas myself, I have to give credit to Mercedes at: http://www.mercedesweber.blogspot.com/ for the turkey nuggets. She also has some totally cute pilgrims using punches too! Check it out! I also have to give credit to "klboling" on SCS for the peppermint pattie ideas! I CASE'd both of these talented ladies, they did a great job! Thanks for looking!

House Mouse Pumpkin Pie!

2008-11-17T22:48:00.004-06:00

Speaking of my favorite thing.... here are two cards I made using my new House Mouse Pumpkin Pie stamps. I like how they turned out. I pulled out my autumn designer papers and wasn't sure how to use them, but they turned out okay. I added copper stickles on both cards to make it pop! Thanks for looking!

Non-Stamping Thanksgiving Cards

2008-11-17T22:42:00.003-06:00

I just love how these turned out, and they were easy and quick! I found these adorable little Indian girl stickers at Walmart on clearance. I just couldn't pass them up! I love Fall, it's my favorite season!! I love the colors, the smell of good food, the crisp, cool air, kids jumping in leaves, and Pumpkin Pie!!! I actually love anything "pumpkin." I'm going to try a new recipe tomorrow for pumpkin scones. I tried some at the grocery store this weekend and knew I had to try some!

Paigey's 1st Haircut

2008-11-10T23:41:00.004-06:00

I just have to share pictures of Paige's first haircut, as she is just so adorable! This haircut just shows off her personality, it's really her and she was so excited to get it cut and just as excited by the outcome! She was giggly and giddy all day after the cut. Her twin sister got a little jealous, but did not want her beautiful long, curly locks cut off!

Happy Birthday Cosmo-Style

2008-11-10T23:27:00.005-06:00

Wow, it's been over a month again since my last post! Where DOES the time go?! It goes to my three kids and the extra one I babysit!! lol In a nutshell, we've had one child fall and get 5 staples in her head, two baby showers and 1 bridal shower, another out-of-town scrapbooking party, plus PTO and PAC meetings for my son's school and the girls' school. It's been a crazy fall, but it's our favorite time of year! I love Halloween and the fall colors and the cooler weather! Although it's getting a bit cooler than I was ready for! It was 75 a week ago and today is 30! Yikes!!!

I've been doing a lot of hoarding lately of new stamps, now I need to find time to use them! I'm especially excited that I received my new Bellas today from Stamping Bella and can't wait to play with them! I got Tangled Stella, Tis-the-Season-to-be-Jolly Bella, Snowfight, and then 4 of the new Bittyblooms!!! They are so adorable! Anyway, I made a quick birthday card today with a Ghirardelli Chocolate Card Holder to go with it. I think it turned out pretty cute, this is one of my favorite color combos. I used red stickles on her shit and toes, because every Bella needs a good pedicure!

I also am posting a couple of pics of the kiddos from this weekend's Viking victory game!!! Yeah, go Vikes! It may not be pretty, but we have to take it where we can! This is how every Sunday is spent at our house during the NFL season! Everyone dressed in Vikings gear, lunch served "picnic" style in the living room watching the game, the kids with their trays, they love it! Thanks for looking!

Blog Candy Alert

2008-09-26T10:23:00.006-05:00

Hello sistahs! I wanted to post this card as my entry into Cheribella's awesome blog candy contest! It is not the "traditional" Halloween card, but if you read my earlier post on this card, you will certainly understand!! ha ha ha!

So here are the rules/details for Cheri's blog candy contest:

1. You need to create anything for Halloween…card, candy bag, hat, etc, you decide.
2. Leave me a link so that I can check out your awesome creations. My real motivation here is to lift some of your ideas LOL.
3. You need to post a link to my blog on for all to see, including me.
4. All entries must be submitted no later than Saturday, September 27th at midnight and the winner will be posted on Sunday the 28th.
5. I thought I would be a little different here and let all of you choose the winning entry. Please let me know what all of you think of that idea. I could post images of all entries on Sunday the 28th and then the winner may not be posted until the 29th. Or we can go the usual way and draw a random number. Tell me what you think. Since this is my first time I am open to suggestions. THIS HAS BEEN CHANGED TO A RANDOM DRAWING TO MAKE ENTERING LESS DIFFICULT FOR EVERYONE…NO VOTING.
So far the prize consists of a full sheet of uncut rubber for “Any man in your Life”. You know how hard it can be to find any masculine stamps, well this is the perfect solution. Also, I have included a Fall glitter matstack of paper, 6 small sets of Halloween acrylic stamps, a six pack spool of fall color ribbons, a plastic pouch of flowers, some bling, and a small plastic divider that snaps shut from Archiver’s. I plan on stamping out some images to go along with this blog candy–but those will be a surprise. Since it’s still almost a week away who knows what I may add to this collection before the end of the contest.

Be sure to visit Cheri's blog at http://cheribella.wordpress.com/ to enter the contest and to leave her some comments on her awesome work! Cheri has always left the most wonderful comments on my blog, she's great! Thanks!

Bella Birthday and Nugget Box

2008-09-25T22:54:00.005-05:00

This is a card and nugget box I made for my next door neighbor whose birthday is tomorrow. She is such a wonderful person and I want to show her that her friendship has meant so much to me. She's the one who had to call 911 when I had my allergic reaction about a month ago and she took good care of me! She's helped out numerous times with watching the kids, giving a supportive shoulder to cry on, etc. I loved the cards I saw on SCS recently with this layout. I used stickles on each of the ladies, my favorite embellishment right now. And can you believe this is the only Happy Birthday stamp I have right now?! I love to make nugget boxes. This is the first time I used DP for the cover on the nuggets, instead of labels. It was so much easier and faster, plus I could match it to the paper I used for the card! All of the paper came from a pack I got somewhere. I love all the colors. Only problem, I think I ate more nuggets than got in the tin! Stress reliever! I hope she likes it! TGIF!

Ever Have One of Those Weeks?

2008-09-25T22:32:00.009-05:00

This week has been quite hectic! I have a kindergartner who has suddenly developed a serious case of separation anxiety. His first week he was fine, then it all fell apart! I made the mistake of telling him that we went on errands while he was at school. He dropped to the ground at the end of the driveway and howled for like 20 minutes. The neighbor two doors down heard him and came to see what had happened, thinking he was injured or something! Then the next day the girls had their first day of ECFE where he also had ECFE and preschool. That didn't go over so well either. Ever since, when I walk him across the street to school and he gets in his line to wait to go inside, he hangs on my leg and whines and cries and won't let me go. I talked to the teacher who told me that it is very normal, especially for boys, that the second week they start this behavior. All of a sudden they realize, "oh, this is every day" and "what am I missing out on when I'm not home." Then I had to leave for the evening last Friday and we had all the windows open, he again howled and screamed out the window for me. Again, the neighbor two doors down and the next door neighbor came over to see what was going on. Well yesterday, both neighbors came over with their kids to get Parker to walk to school with them, hoping to "break" him of some of this. He was promised that if he got through Friday without screaming and what not, he'd get a treat. He hasn't liked it, but he's done it. Whew! I know it's normal and it will change, but it's so emotional and hard to leave your child when they are screaming and crying for you like that. Then the girls have been whiny and clingy because it's the third week of me babysitting at 18-month old and they aren't liking it either. They don't want my attention on him, and... he's been a biter this week! He bit Paige twice yesterday, very hard, she screamed for about 20 minutes. It's been utter chaos and craziness, on top of an already full-blown PMS week. I have not been handling it as well as I would otherwise! So I thought up this card last night as I got everyone to bed and thought what a witch I've been all week. Can you relate?! P.S. And this scene is really me! Paige always wants to be held, 24/7, Mackenzie won't cuddle and will only hold my hand, and Parker has literally been hanging on my leg!! And I drive the soccer mom van! Have a great day!

My kids and our dog!

2008-09-17T23:15:00.012-05:00

I just wanted to share these pics that my husband created with Photoshop. A little back history, since Parker was born, we have taken him, and then the girls too, to the State Fair every summer and get their caricatures done. We go to the same guy every year. I had put one of the pics on a shirt for DH for his birthday, he wore it the next time to the fair and the guy got a huge kick out of it. We think he does such an excellent job and has great detail. So this is all 5 that we have so far. It's neat to see the progression of the kids looks each year and what the guy sees in them each time. The next one is our dog, Loki, now 5 months, with a bunch of pictures since we got her at 8 weeks. She's grown from 8 pounds to 30!! She's such a beautiful dog and really coming along with her training and behavior, she's very smart! She loves to be with the family and cuddle. The vet said we should hook her up to a sled this winter and let her pull the kids around, she'd love it! I think it would be a hoot!

First Day of Early Childhood for the Girls

2008-09-17T23:15:00.008-05:00

Here's a few pictures of my girls from their first day at the Multiples ECFE class yesterday. They had such a good time. I'm so excited for this class, when the moms split from the kids for group discussion, we will all have similar things to discuss!!! Good thing is that three other moms I already know from my Moms for Multiples group. I'm looking forward to a great year and we have some of the same teachers and assistants that Parker has had in the past and they are just wonderful! Thanks, have a great day!

Babies, babies, what's in the water?!!!

2008-09-17T23:15:00.004-05:00

I just wanted to share two cards I made tonight. One if for a co-worker of my DH who had a baby girl this week. The other is for a mom I know from the kids' Early Childhood/Preschool program. She is expecting her 4th in February. I also know two other ladies from the school who just had their 3rd babies, respectively. Whew! I'm also really excited to be on the Sunshine Committee at my Moms for Multiples group. The sunshine committee person is the one who sends out cards for new moms that join, moms that have their multiples, if someone is ill, in need of assistance, etc. I have Dubbatrubbabella and am working on some layouts to use for cards for births and/or birthdays, etc. Anyone have any good ideas to share?! I also have both Expectafellabella and Babyfellabella, so good choices for the group. I just love the baby stamps from Bella, like all the others... he he he! Thanks for looking! And thanks again for all the great comments!

Now for the cards

2008-09-07T22:20:00.004-05:00

I did manage some time this week to make a few more cards. Still playing around trying to use up paper and embellishments that I have had around, and inking up some stamps not yet played with!

The first one is in honor of the first Monday Night Football Game of the season tomorrow night. Minnesota Vikings v. Green Bay Packers. Go VIKES!!! We are huge football fans in our house and I am so excited for the season to begin! Our team is showing promise this year and I have a great team on my fantasy football too. This game will be of particular interest because of all the controversy during the off season and preseason with Brett Favre and rumors that he wanted to come to Minnesota to play. Green Bay would have liked to see him play for anyone, EXCEPT Minnesota!! We are huge rivals and it will be a great game! GO VIKES!!!

The second card I got the idea from a post I saw on SCS, but changed up the layout and paper. I loved the sentiment though and couldn't resist trying this card out! Having three kids and a Siberian Husky, it can be a challenge to keep the house clean! Just keeping them all in check is overwhelming most days! My twins are 2 1/2 and showing every bit of the Terrible 2's with their constant crying, whining, tattling, screaming, etc. Then my 5 year old joins in with the same behaviors for attention... gets real interesting!

The third card is another one I saw on SCS but changed up the layout a bit. I love this Hanna set and it was my first time inking her up! I wish I looked so good when I was cleaning the house!!

Wow... what a week... yet still stamped!

2008-09-07T22:02:00.005-05:00

Wow, what a week we had...first, Parker, my just-turned 5 year old started Kindergarten this week. The school is right across the street from us, our front door looks right at the front door of the school. Ever since Parker could talk, he's been saying that, "when I'm 5 I get to go to the big school!" So here are a couple of pics of him on his first day. He got a nice big hug from his sisters for good luck. Group hug!!! My mother-in-law was here all week to help out, my daughter, Paige, had an MRI to check on her Sturge Weber, which I mentioned before, to see if the area of her brain that is affected has spread, grown, or changed in any way. We have to wait 72 hours for the results... we are hoping for great news!! It's so hard to go to the variuos appointments all the time and see my little baby go through so much, but she's tough, and as you can see from the pictures, quite a trooper! She's all smiles waiting for her procedure! She's pulling the curtain open and shut to play peek-a-boo with the nurses and technicians outside her room. Isn't she darling?! We also celebrated Grandma's birthday with a special dinner for her and I made her an angel cake. She loves angels, wears one on her shirt every single day, so I made a cake in the shape of an angel and frosted and decorated it. Parker drew her pictures and I gave her the card I made for her, see below. She is so awesome and was such a help with everything we needed to accomplish through the week. I'm always sad to see her go. She's only 2 hours and 15 minutes away, but I wish we were only blocks away! Also, I spent the weekend getting prepared for my latest challenge to come! Tomorrow morning I am starting to babysit full-time for my DH's cousin's son, who is 14 months old. I know, I'm crazy, right?!! I just get one in Kindergarten and add another!!! But I think it will work out great for both of us, I'm actually excited and hoping my girls love the idea of someone smaller than them to play with (or boss around!)

My Mother-in-Law's Birthday!

2008-08-31T01:05:00.005-05:00

I made this card for my mother-in-law's birthday, which was this Tuesday, but we won't see her until she comes to our house this Tuesday. She's full of spunk and I think she'll like this card! I got the idea from an add in the newspaper flyers for a Dolly Mamas by Joey porcelain figure with the sentiment. I'm planning to do a little dinner party for her with a cake. She loves angels, so I am going to try my hand at making a cake in the shape of an angel and decorate it. I have never done anything like this, so stay tuned....! I have the very best mother-in-law in the world! Since the day I met her, she has treated me like one of her own, we are best friends, but she's also the most loving mother to me!! She truly is my inspiration and my model for what kind of parent I want to be. She also has been the most supportive and helpful person since I have had children. She is ALWAYS there for me when I need her and/or her help! As a matter of fact, she is coming this week because Paige has an appointment for an MRI in conjunction with her Sturge Weber. Grandma comes for every appointment to watch the kids for me while I take Paige for her medical stuff. She's also my concert going buddy! We go to all the country concerts we can! I think we've been to like 10 together now, we have so much fun! The best was last year's Tim McGraw/Faith Hill concert. We had front row seats and were standing with our arms resting on the stage, it was awesome!!!!! We both were like little giddy girls when Tim touched our hands!

Bunny Bath

2008-08-31T01:00:00.002-05:00

I love how this card turned out! It's called Bunny Bath from Happy Hoppers. I have wanted to use this stamp for so long! It's definitely what I need when I finally get those kids in bed at night! I look at this image and almost feel the day's tension slip away! I used my aquapainter to color in the image on watercolor paper. The designer paper is Basic Grey Blush, love it!!! The ribbon is from Close to My Heart and really coordinates well with the Blush papers. I love the sentiment too... from High Hopes Rubber Stamps.

Bella Saturday

2008-08-31T00:51:00.004-05:00

My goal today was to make some Bellas using images I have had ready to use and to use paper and embellishments I've had for a while. Ohsoprettybella is just too cute! I loved using my raspberry baubles I got from Stamping Bella, I like the color so much. Minivanabella shows my life to a "T!" It seems I never have enough hands for all the kids, and no matter how old they are, they still cling on my leg like in the picture! Recently, the kids have been fighting over who will hold my hand when we walk in a parking lot, etc. That always leaves someone out, so the one left out will push in and grab a finger of the hand that is already holding a hand! It's a battle to go anywhere!!! Plus, the smaller twin, Paige, always wants to be held like a baby. Then they start to fight, "my momma," "no, my momma!" It goes round and round between the three of them! Too funny! I like the saying, good humor, which is what us moms need a lot of, right?!

My Baby is 5!!!!

2008-08-29T22:43:00.010-05:00

Here is a picture of the thank you cards I made for my son, Parker's, birthday last week. He just turned 5 and is geared up to start Kindergarten next Thursday and is so excited! I have mixed feelings... I can't believe my baby is going to school! We went to the State Fair for his birthday and it happened to be the Governor's Fire Prevention Day, and my son is totally into firemen and anything to do with being a fireman!! He had such a good time and did some fire safety activities, got a fire hat, etc. Then when we got home, our neighbor had put up a fireman birthday banner on the garage with fireman balloons on the mailbox and garage. Three of the neighbor families came over and had a little party for him in the yard. He had presents, cupcakes, a fire truck pinata, the whole thing! We really have an awesome group of neighbors and they sure came together for that night. We all help each other out with watching kids and whatever may come up. This summer, us ladies met outside at night often to "support" each other (vent) and just to laugh and relax after getting kids into bed! My husband calls us the "sewing circle." I used the fireman stamps I have from High Hopes for the card. I made the cards, but Parker personally wrote on the inside of each of them. He was so proud to do it and is very good at writing.

How Sandie Got Her Groove Back!

2008-08-29T22:26:00.006-05:00

Well I posted yesterday to Bellaholics saying that I was ready to get back in gear and looking for some new images to swap. Then today I sat down while the little darlings napped and suddenly I was cranking out cards!!! This is the first time I've used these particular Bella stamps and got to use some new paper I got (at the beginning of summer) and try out some new ideas. I really like the Cupcakeabella as she was inspired by this cute little ceramic photo holder in the shape of a cupcake that sits on my desk. Last time I was up north at my in-laws, us ladies went shopping at these cute little country stores that are loaded with fun goodies. I walked into the first one and they had all these adorable cereamic cupcake goodies!! I could have lost my mind! So many cute things, so many cute colors, but alas, my checkbook kept me in check and I only purchased this little ceramic cupcake that is sooo cute! I knew when I purchased the cupcake that I wanted to make a Bella card based on it. The Biker Babe card was fun because I used many shades of green (my favorite color) and I put some liquid applique on Bella's collar for the fleece. You can't really tell in the picture, but it looks really cute in person. The Baby Bella Pumpkin was just too fun. My best friend just had her third baby, third girl, and I thought this would be cute for her for Halloween! Lastly, Yogabella, I love, love, love her! I had bought the Serenity set from MFT right before Yogabella was released. But I just had to have her also! I love the paper with the blues and greens. Again, my favorite shade of green for the yoga mat, makes me want to get it out and do some yoga! After the week I had last week, I could use it! In brief, I was hit twice in the same parking lot, once while I was sitting in the parking space!!! Then the next day I was at my neighbor's house eating some fresh mango and within 20 minutes was on the floor with an allergic reaction! It was the scariest experience I have ever had! I could not breath and my face was so hot and red that my glasses were steaming up. My neighbor called 911 and the ambulance was there and had me at the hospital in no time flat! I had to stay in the ER for three hours with an IV full of Prednisone, Tagmet, and Benadryl. I also was given an EPI shot, no fun!!! I thought "this is the big one, I'm a goner!" My poor neighbor, she felt so bad... I have eaten mango many times before, but never again!!!

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

2008-08-28T09:24:00.001-05:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Bella's Baaaaacccckkkk!

2008-08-02T17:41:00.002-05:00

Okay, had to get back to my Bellas!!! Here's my most recent Bella babes!

Changito goes swimming!

2008-08-02T17:38:00.003-05:00

I made these little 4x4 cards using the Changito pool guy from Stampendous. I tried to do shadowing around the picture (new for me). I also used lots of stickles and crystal effects and baubles. Also played with my cuttlebug and bubbles die folder.

Stampendous Bees!

2008-08-02T17:31:00.003-05:00

I love this summer's Stampendous Bees! I had fun making these cards, used lots of different color themes, embellishments, etc. I used lots of summer designer papers and I also put stickles on all the wings and antennae.

Got zinc?!

2008-08-02T17:27:00.003-05:00

This stamp cracks me up too. It's a cutie mouse from Whipper Snapper! His nose has liquid applique so that it's raised and looks like zine, like the lifeguards wear! I cut out the pina coladas and sunscreen bottle and put dimensions on them in the sand. I also put dimensions under the flip flops. Another CASEd card, but just love the color and the way the sand is made, and of course, that cute NOSE!

The older ladies...

2008-08-02T17:17:00.003-05:00

These cards crack me up! I used my stamps from Art Impressions. I guess I shouldn't say "older ladies" because I actually can relate to all of them!!! He he he! I used SU cardstock, Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore and the markers too. I used crystal effects on the circles of the float and the red nail polish! Used stickles, ribbon, brads, and other embellishments. I love the sentiments!! I can't wait to use these for birthday cards, I love older ladies who are crass and just a hoot!

I LOVE Hedgies!!!

2008-08-02T17:11:00.003-05:00

My first Stampin' Up! party, back in 1999, I was immediately drawn in and hooked by the Hedgehogs they had. At that time, you could only get them for hostess sets, so I had to have a party to get my first set! After that, they came out with more sets for purchasing and I went wild! Then I found out about Penny Black and it was all over after that! I've been "hoarding" hedgies ever since! This card used a stamp I've had for years. It's one long stamp but is using it piece by piece in the square. I CASEd from someone on SCS, but I love the card and the new use for this long stamp.

More cowgirls...

2008-08-02T17:04:00.003-05:00

I had fun with these! Lots of stickles for accenting, ribbons, embossing and fun designer paper! I'm a total country music fan and love my cowboy boots! This girl's got some spunk and cute outfits! Speaking of country music, my mother-in-law and I go to country concerts together. We last saw Willie Nelson a couple of weeks ago. He was very good. A really funny thing, we were talking on the way to the concert about how there would probably be some smoking of an illegal kind going on. So about half way through the concert, as I catch a whiff of some funny odors... I nudge my MIL and say, "Do you smell that?" To which she replies, "Is that what that smells like?!" I just laughed, she's very cute! We always laugh about Toby Keith's song, "I'll never smoke weed with Willie again." When we saw Toby in concert, he talked about the story that goes with it.

Sassy Cowgirls!

2008-08-02T16:58:00.003-05:00

These are some cards I made using cowgirl stamps I got from Sideshow Stamps. I had wanted to find some sassy and hot girls and thought these were really cute! The first two I focused on the greens and rusts. I used Stampin' Up's Mellow Moss cardstock and Mellow Moss, Real Rust and Ruby Red markers. The designer paper is from Chatter Box and is called Cowboy Paisley, I love it for the cowgirl and cowboy cards! I also used some beautiful green "pearly" brads I received from my last Bella Sistah, Jennifer Kraynak, thanks Jennifer! I also used copper brads and copper hardware with the ribbon and twill tape. I also used stickles on the boots, gun, and the fringe of her top and skirt.

Oh summertime lemonade!

2008-08-02T16:53:00.002-05:00

I made this card using Penny Black stamps. I've had these forever and have wanted to use them to make this type of card. It is actually a CASE from someone on SCS, not sure who now, but I really love it! The designer paper is from Stampin' Up! and so is the cardstock, Barely Banana and Pretty in Pink. I made the sentiments on the computer and cut them out. I also used my big scallop punches, which I love! It says, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade and call a friend." I really like my other sentiment better, that I've used on a Bella card swap before, having to do with tequila and a worm, but this was too cutesy for that.

Okay, onto the cards...

2008-08-02T16:48:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to share a few of my most recent cards that I've made. I recently decided to use some of the zillion stamps I've been hoarding the last couple of years that I haven't even inked up once. I'm also trying not to buy new supplies or paper, as I have so much to play with and use up! So here's my card using a Close to my Heart set called Flower Child. The card is 4x4 and the designer paper is Pocket Full of Posies stack. The other papers are from Stampin' Up!, Bashful Blue, Apricot Appeal and Wild Wasabi. I love this combo!!! The markers are also Stampin' Up! and the ribbon is from Michael's. Oh, and I love the baubles!!

The new baby....

2008-08-02T16:32:00.002-05:00

Well as it turns out, about a month before Foster had to go, my DH talked me into a new puppy. We knew Foster was not doing so well and Foster had always been our dog, not the kids, we had him before kids and he never really was happy about the fact that they came and took over his territory and took our time away from him! So we decided to get a puppy, that would be the family dog and would grow up with the kids. My DH had always wanted a Siberian Husky, and I like bigger dogs and we both wanted one that was good with kids. So we found a husky and named her Loki. The name was also my DH's idea, it means "Norse God of Mischief." Wow, is she appropriately named! She's about 4 months old now and doing very well with training, but she's still doing that puppy nipping and rough play, which the kids don't appreciate, but they love her and are having fun playing and getting used to a doggie that will play and isn't grumpy and hurting. She's very soft and cuddly, so the girls really like that, me too! Everyone we know that have huskies or have had them, say that they are great dogs, but very stubborn! Even the vet told us that. So... it's like having another two-year old around! This is Loki at 8 weeks and today!

Can it possibly be?!!!! Two months??!!!

2008-08-02T16:19:00.002-05:00

Wow, does the time fly! It's been two months since I posted to this blog. It's been quite a busy summer with day camps for Parker, playdates for the kids, get-away weekends to the lake, holidays, etc. I'm looking forward to school starting this year, Parker will go to Kindergarten and the girls will go to ECFE again. Our schedules will be more set and things will slow a bit! A very sad part of this summer was that on July 3rd, we had to put my dog Foster to sleep. He was 10 and it was his time to go, but it was extremely difficult for me, he was my first baby! I miss him so much, especially when I'm in the kitchen, he used to always sit in a corner and watch me and wait to see if food fell for him, of course! And at night, when everyone else has gone to bed and I'm in my craft room stamping, etc., Foster would always be there, laying beside me. He would refuse to go upstairs to bed until I went, no matter how long I took or whatever. He was such a good dog, he had a good life, and he brought immeasurable happiness and love to our lives! My next project once things slow down is to do a scrapbook of him. I hope that he is somewhere today where he is not in pain and is happy... I miss you Foster! Love, Mommy

When it rains... It pours!!!

2008-05-27T22:49:00.003-05:00

Geesh, I go for weeks and post nothing, but then all of a sudden, I get a few nights in my craft room with my tunes going and I'm getting my groove on! lol Here's another card I just finished for our previous babysitter who just graduated from college and has an identical twin sister, so I made two. She will be moving to Door County, Wisconsin and so we will lose one of our best babysitters ever! She's awesome and my children love her! She knows when she's in town to let us know, we'll be calling her up! lol I looked up their college to find out the school colors, and to my pleasant surprise, they are the same colors as my Minnesota Vikings!!!

I used to be Stampin' Up! demo so I tend to use most of their paper and inks, etc. On this card I used Summer Sun and Elegant Eggplant cardstock. I used the same colors to color in Diplomabella and found a matching sheer ribbon to go with it. I used Stampin' Up! Riveting stamp set for the circle and the 1-1/4" and 1-3/8" circle punches. Then added a couple of purple gemstone brads to liven it up a bit.

PMS...is it real, or is it just my personality?!

2008-05-27T21:25:00.004-05:00

I love that saying! Boy, since turning 40 and having twins, I have not been the same! Hot flashes, night sweats, moooodddd swings, memory loss, you name it!!! lol My doctor says it's a little early for perimenopause, but I sure hope that's the explanation! lol

I made this PMSbella card last night. I had a Bella Box Card Kit (from Paper Pretties) that I had not used yet. It had all the cardstock, ribbon, embellishments, and directions for the card. This is the first time I've used the fun flock. It's on the big over-sized chair, it was fun to use and makes the card cute, but a little tricky around the edges so I outlined it after it dried. I need more practice with this technique for sure! Then I used liquid applique for the popcorn. I like how it turned out. I have enough paper and embellishments to make 5 more cards, but think I will play around and make some different layout designs and colors. I like how this card turned out. I have another PMSbella on my blog that I altered to be a Minnesota Vikings fan watching the game. PMSbella has lots of options and versatility!

Life really is "How You Bake It!"

2008-05-27T21:21:00.005-05:00

I made this Chefabella a little different than the first one I did (I ran out of the correct color paper!) I like the sentiment and really loved the colors on this one. I was looking for something to go with it and found this ribbon I've had forever. You cannot tell in the picture, but the ribbon is a sheer pink and then has orange and yellow spots, matched great with the card! Then I used a chef hat and rolling pin charm from Stamping Bella to go with it. I also used orange stickles on her pants and tried to highlight with a white gel pen, sort of worked out!

Happy Birthday Flowahbella!

2008-05-27T21:11:00.004-05:00

I made this card for my step-sister, Bev's, birthday. So about my extended family.... keep this one straight... I have 4 step-sisters, 2 step-brothers, 3 half brothers and 1 half sister. Whew! I am actually the only child of my parents and grew up being the only child in the house after my parents got divorced. Wait until I have to explain this one to my kids... lol!!

Anyway, I really loved this card, I saw a similar one on SCS. The colors and the white background just called out to me. I CASEd the layout and colors, but changed the image and the flowers. I really like how it turned out! I used stickles on the hem of her dress and on her flowers. Then I could not get the right combination of scallop and circle punches going, so I used these foam sticker flowers that I had bought for the kids to play with. Turns out they were the perfect color and sizes and add texture to the card! Oh, I have to explain the orange stickles near the flowers. Since having the twins after Parker, we really needed more space, so had to combine my craft room with the office (which includes 2 computers). So now my desk is also my working/crafting table as well as my desk for the bills, and every other piece of paper that comes through the door, kids' school projects, junk mail, pictures, etc. It's just crazy! So anyway, I did orange stickles on the flowers and of course while I had it laying down to dry, I smudged the stickles before they dried. Too much junk around me! Happens every time! I had completely finished the card though, so I just made it longer to look like a ribbon, don't know if it really worked?! Oops!

I made the sentiment on the computer and printed it out on colored card stock. I really don't have many sentiment or alphabet stamps, but for now the computer works just as well!

Gardeners Know the Best Dirt!

2008-05-27T21:07:00.003-05:00

This is a Veggiebella card that I had started a couple of months ago, but just couldn't get it to come together. Ever have that happen to you?! Well I added some Crystal Effects to the strawberries to make them pop. Then I used these stickers I found at Michael's in the $1 bin. One is gardening gloves, the other is a gardening hat. I think it added a little something to make it fun.

Fun with Cakeabella

2008-05-20T00:21:00.004-05:00

Here are some cards that I made today for various birthdays! I'm way behind this year again in getting cards done and out in time!! I'm happy with how these turned out. Of course, they were CASE'd from some of my favorite SCS artists (except for the paper, ribbon, and embellishment choices, and a few changes here and there!) lol

The first Cakeabella I used Basic Grey Gypsy PP, SU Almost Amethyst, Green Galore, and Pale Plum cardstock. The ribbon is from SU and flower embellishments are from Target (I forget the company), but aren't they cute?! I added yellow lemon ice stickles to her hair and the candle flame. I also added crystal ice stickles to the bottom row of icing on the cake. I used SU markers to color her in.

The second Cakeabella I used SU Gable Green, Pixie Pink, and Confetti White cardstock. The ribbon is from Michael's. I also added green brads in the cornders and lemon ice stickles to her hair. I used SU markers to color her in as well.

The last Bella, I love! I CASE'd this one from the very talented Julie Masse (with the exception of the sentiment and flower). I used Basic Grey Gypsy PP, SU Pumpkin Pie, Green Galore, and Whisper White cardstock. The ribbon is from a misc. stamp shop. I paper-pieced her apron from the Gypsy paper and added a black brad in the flower center!

On all of these cards, I tried out some of my favorite techniques and used different punches. I had a lot of fun playing and today and am excited to get some of my birthday cards in the mail tomorrow! Thanks for looking

Goodbye to Preschool...

2008-05-19T15:10:00.004-05:00

Today was my son's last day of preschool before he goes to Kindergarten this fall. It's been such a great year and Parker made so many friends! None of the boys are going to be going to the same schools, so it was bittersweet today saying our goodbyes to the teachers and the kids, and for me too, saying goodbye to the moms that I've made friends with! Hopefully we will meet up with many of them this summer for playdates at the parks or beaches nearby!

I've been working hard to catch up on some crafting projects and get things mailed out. This is a card I made using Chefabella. I admit I did CASE most of the card, but did a few original things with it. I just love the colors together and the charm is from Stamping Bella, it's a chef's hat and rolling pin! So cute! The ribbon is from my Bella Sistah, Jennifer Kraynak, I could not wait to use it!! Thanks Jennifer!

Will post more this week when I finish up some things! I hope everyone has a great week!

Teacher Appreciation Day!

2008-05-15T17:24:00.003-05:00

I almost forgot, amidst the craziness of the spring, I did find time to make some nugget boxes for Parker's teachers at school. I had ordered these fabulous nugget tins a while back and wanted to try them out! I really like how they turned out and the teachers loved them! The school that Parker and the girls attend is just fabulous! All the teachers and staff have bent over backwards to help support our family and address each and every one of their needs, and mine! There is no state funding for preschool programs, but these people work very hard every day to make sure that each child receives a wonderful preschool education! Next year they are going to have a class just for multiples (twins, triplets, etc.) I am very excited to network with more moms who have multiples and to address the issues with them that go along with having twins! Also, I am joining the Parent Advisory Council next year, which helps to do fundraisers, and other fun events for the preschool. I feel like I want to give back to the school and help them in any way that I can so they can continue this program! Have a great day!

Where does the time go??!!

2008-05-15T17:04:00.005-05:00

Well I just don't know where the time goes, it has been a busy, busy spring! I have received two new shipments of Bellas and some from Stampendous and High Hopes and have not even had a chance to play with them yet. But I figured it was time for some updates on my kiddos and I also wanted to post this awesome Mother's Day card I received from Andi with a huge Thank You and also a huge Thank You to Terri for sending me some terrific Fairy images from Stamping Bella!!! She did such a nice job on the stamping, such crisp and clear images!

These pictures of my girls are from our annual Mother/Daughter tea held at my mother-in-law's church. This is her oppotunity every year to show off her only granddaughters! Also there are pics of Parker from his "graduation" program from Preschool today! I can't believe my baby is going to be 5 this summer and going to Kindergarten this fall!!! {sniff, sniff} They did a program where they sang songs and he was singing the loudest and would bow after each song ended. The teachers commented on how he likes to perform! Not a shy boy at all!!

Thank you to my Bella Sistah!

2008-04-24T20:21:00.005-05:00

A huge thank you to my Bella Sistah Jennifer Kraynak!! She sent me the most awesome package! First, a homemade Emmybella card with awesome paper and the cutest little brown brad on the flower with white design on it. I love it! Second, a CTMH Creative Basics kit including 16 12x12 papers and 8 yards of 3/8" Hollyhock Ric Rac Ribbon. I love the green, pink and yellow combo! Third, chipboard monogram letter sets for both of my girls Paige and Mackenzie! Lastly, and best of all, a CTMH stamp set, Endless Love. I cannot wait to start playing with this stamp set, paper and ribbon! I'm a paperaholic and just can't get enough! Thanks Jennifer, you rock!

They're Having a Baby!

2008-04-24T20:13:00.004-05:00

I made this card for my friends who got married last July and just found out at Easter that they are pregnant! I'm sooooo excited for them!

I just love the fellas and bellas together! I used Crystal Ice stickles on her shirt and Starry Night stickles on the flower in her hair and the flowers on her skirt. I put the big flower together using a combination of flowers and then a lilac brad with white polka dots in the middle of it. This was a fun card to make and cute combination of colors!

Back from Fargo.... with a Smile!

2008-04-21T18:09:00.002-05:00

I had a fantastic weekend in sunny Fargo!!! If you know me, or have read my posts, you know I have twin girls. I belong to a Moms for Multiples club in our local area. This past weekend, was the 34th Annual Minnesota Mothers of Multiples State Workshop. I’m feeling so relaxed and refreshed, boy did I really need that!!! I shared a room with 3 other moms from my club. We had such a good time and stayed up late each night laughing, talking, laughing again, so hard I had tears coming out of my eyes and even started snorting! This may sound silly to some, but this was the first time since my girls were born (over 2 years) that I’ve been away overnight by myself without kids or husband!

We stayed at the Ramada Suites in Fargo where Chris Daughtry and some of Bon Jovi’s crew were staying. Many of the moms saw Daughtry, met him and got autographs. There were 234 women there with twins, 9 women with 2 sets of twins, 34 women with triplets, 4 women with quadruplets, and 3 women with quintuplets. Is that crazy or what?! There were break-out sessions with speakers and presentations on different topics you could choose. We also went shopping at the mall across the street. I don’t know the last time I got to really shop, take my time and even try things on!!!

I got home last night about 6:00 in time for dinner with my hubby and the kids. Oh, this was also DH’s first time alone for a weekend with the kids! He said it was “perfect!” (Laughs!!) He wouldn’t tell me if it didn’t go perfectly if his life depended on it! He he he!! But that’s okay, I got what I needed this weekend and hopefully it will carry me through for a while!!!! He he he!

So today I made a card (3) for my three roommates on the trip! I feel like we bonded and are sort of Sistahs in Mommyhood of Multiples now! They are a great bunch, except for the fact that they are all originally from Wisconsin and are Packer fans!!! (They tried to convert me, but I’m a die-hard Vikings fan all the way!) I made a few mistakes in this one because I was hurrying over naptime, which is why I kept it for myself, but you’ll get the idea! I love this stamp and it’s the first time I’ve inked it up! I think I’ll be using it more in the future!

I used SU’s Cool Caribean paper for the card, Rose Red for the scallp trim, and then paper from SU’s Friends and Flowers Simply Scrappin’ Kit. Also used SU’s Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon and red brads. The dresses are colored with SU’s Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron, Certain Celery, and Close to Cocoa. I used stickles and crystal effects on the outfits to add some sparkle!

Happy "Belated" Birthday to my best Girlfriend, Ellen!

2008-04-13T14:23:00.003-05:00

I made this card for Ellen, for her birthday (belated)! She is such a special friend, my maid of honor, and I wanted to find something to tell her how special she is to me. I found a Willow Tree "Heart and Soul" figurine. We met over 20 years ago while we were both in the Marine Corps and by chance ended up roommates! We've been through a lifetime of ups and downs with each other and have always remained close, like sisters! She lives in SC and I in MN, and we only get to visit about 1 time a year, but when we do, we pick up right where we left off! I knew when Huggybella was released that my first card with it would be for Ellen! Thanks for looking!

Hanna Goes for a Ride!

2008-04-13T12:06:00.005-05:00

I had so much fun making this card! I was trying to capture my wild and rebellious side! :-)

Since having three kids and turning, uh, 29 plus change..... (he he he) I sometimes need to remember this side of myself and have some fun and relax!!! Speaking of, I am going on a trip this weekend to a Moms for Multiples Workshop!! I am soooooooooo excited! It will be my first time away from my kids and hubby for 2 nights! I really need this break and am looking forward to hanging out with adult women, the break out sessions, spa services, just having fun and doing whatever I want to!

Anyway, I used Crystal Effects on her pants to look like leather and also on her helmet to make it shine! I also used Silver Stickles on the rims and few other places to add some sparkle!!! I love the flower, it came with white petals and I just colored them with orange marker to match the card.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

2008-04-10T13:33:00.003-05:00

I wanted to post a thank you today to my great friend Andi who sent me this very pretty Huggybella card!!! I love the colors, the layout, and that it is colored to look like the two of us (that's me in the green, my favorite color!!! And the big blond curls!) She also used stickles to add some sparkle, we both love to use these all the time!!! Great job Andi!

I'd also like to thank two special ladies who commented on my post yesterday about Paigey. That was so sweet and thoughtful, Paige's medical issues have been a constant source of worry and not knowing what the future will bring, but we feel very blessed to have such a healthy, beautiful girl in spite of it all! Thanks especially to Kisha (Sunflowabella), your comments really touched my heart and brought a joyful tear to my eye! Thank you for making my day!

Sandie

Paige's Laser Treatment

2008-04-09T15:06:00.004-05:00

Paige had her second sedated laser treatment last week. If you don't know me, one of my twin girls has Sturge Weber. I have a link at the right if you do not know what this is. Anyway, as a result of her Sturge Weber, Paige has a port wine stain on the right side of her face. During her first year, we did small non-sedated laser treatments at the dermatologist's office. We were told the port wine stain was just a surface condition and that once it was gone, you wouldn't know it was there. When she was about 18 months old and really resistant to the non-sedated treatments, our dermatologist sent us to another dermatologist at a hospital for sedated treatments. We then found out that because of the Sturge Weber, her port wine stain w0uld return time after time. Also, if not treated regularly, the affected area swells (such as her lip and lower cheek). So we are on track to do the sedated treatments every other month for a year and then determine to what extent and for how long the port wine stain is going away and lightening. After her first sedated treatment, she had very dark purple bruising from the laser itself. After two weeks the bruising went away and then for 4-5 weeks after that, we saw the stain lightening quite a bit. Right before the second treatment, we noticed it returning. So this is a picture of Paige after this last treatment with the bruising again. It will be another two weeks before we see it start to lighten again. Paige has been through numerous MRIs, EEGs, and other testing and sedated procedures (including for glaucoma in her right eye). She is a real trooper, the resiliency of children is amazing! It's made her very strong, she does not let anyone push her around and toughens things out, her twin sister on the other hand, is very much a Drama Queen and will not tolerate anything out of her comfort zone! :-) There is also a picture of my two handsome men, John & Parker, and one of the Drama Queen, Mackenzie!

Latest Bella Creations

2008-04-09T14:09:00.004-05:00

Here are my latest Bellas that I have made since I last posted. I just lovey Rockabella and used her with my Rock Queen Mat Stacks, ribbon, etc. from Michael's. On the pink and black card, I used Crystal Effects on her pants to make them look like leather and silver stickles on her top. On the other one with the music note ribbon, I used white stickles on her guitar and raspberry baubles from Stamping Bella. On the Flowahbella, I still need to add something, but wanted to show her beautiful dress!! I used Orange Peel stickles which really POP!!! I love the color! And the Billybootabella, she is one of my favorites, I used Crystal Effects on her boots and umbrella and then Turqoise stickles on her dress. Punched the flower out of Tempting Turqoise paper from Stampin' Up! and some turqoise gem stickers from Callie (another Bellaholic and my last Bella Sistah)! I also faux-stitched the border in Chocolate Chip to match the Chocolate Chip background piece. I really love this color combination!

I also want to thank my great Bella Sistah Friend Andi for her continued support and encouragement in my stamping and blogging! She's a true inspiration to me and I recently had a great Sunday at her house stamping Bellas all day long! Take a look at her blog for some awesome Bellas! http://craftsonawhim.com/

I also wanted to thank Jennifer Kraynak, my newest Bella Sistah, for the great package she sent, see post below for pic, and to encourage her in starting a blog as well!!!

Whassssssuuuuuuppppp?!!! I've been sooo busy!

2008-04-09T13:30:00.005-05:00

Wow, I cannot believe it's been a month and a half since I've posted to my blog! Daily life with three kids is getting the better of me, between kids' medical appointments, kids sick, pre-school, special classes at our house, and then my birthday and a week with my in-laws here..... have I missed anything?!!! I have managed to make a few cards. I have been back to my ol' standby favorite, Penny Black Hedgies!!! Hope you like them... I'll be posting some new Bellas soon! Just received my news ones... Yogabella, Booboobella and Tinkerbella! Can't wait to play with my new Bellas and all my goodies from my Bella Sistah (see picture attached!) Thanks for stopping by!

Mmmmmm.... Coffee and Friends...This is Living!

2008-02-19T16:32:00.003-06:00

This is a card I made for my personal challenge to myself today. The challenge was to use these stickers I have and find paper to match them. I came up with SU's Orchid Opulence and a Paper Pad called Blue Raspberry with this purple, aqua, and brown. I like the way it turned out. The inside says... "My Friends, My Coffee... This is Living!" It has the purple and brown on the words. I also paper-pieced the capris to match the background paper. The rest is done with SU Tempting Turquoise, Orchid Opulence, Close to Cocoa, and Creamy Caramel markers and watercolor pencils. Have a Great Day!

Late Valentine's Day Post....

2008-02-18T21:49:00.003-06:00

These little Tic-Tac holders I made were for my kids' preschool teachers, assistants, and office workers. One of our twins, Paige, has special needs and the school and everyone involved in her care have been absolutely wonderful and gone above and beyond in helping not only Paige, but our whole family with any and all educational issues and in helping to make our lives easier and more manageable! I made the Tic-Tac holders at stamp class and thought they were just so cute and were so quick and easy to make! I just wanted to show them all how much we appreciate and are thankful for them and all they do! We live in an awesome school district!

A Wild West Thank You!

2008-02-18T21:42:00.004-06:00

This is a thank you card I made today for a wonderful couple that our family knows. Since our twins have been born, they have been so supportive and helpful to all of us! A week or so ago, the husband came over in a pinch all by himself to watch my three kids for me! He brought his grandson, who is Parker's age and they know each other. But I thought it so tremendous for the man to go extra mile for me and even change diapers! I also made a batch of chocolate chip cookes to be delivered to him tomorrow with the card. Don't you just love these little penguins?? This is part of a new set released from The Cat's Pajamas. I could not wait to ink them up and play with them a bit!

It's been a while since I've posted. We've all had multiple viral illnesses and life just got in the way a bit. Hope to be back on track now!

Happy Fat Tuesday (on Wednesday...)

2008-02-06T16:06:00.000-06:00

I had this idea in my mind for this card and it just didn't quite pan out, ever had one of those days? The more I worked on it, the less I liked it. I thought I'd share anyway because I love MARDI GRAS and carnival season! My DH was in the Marine Corps stationed in New Orleans for 3 years. This was before we had our kidlets and we really enjoyed our time there, especially carnival season! The parades were just fantastic! The people great and the food so awesome! It was just so cool to see this whole city come alive and get into the spirit! I don't know if any of you know this, but Mardi Gras Day (a/k/a Fat Tuesday) is actually a holiday in New Orleans. The whole city shuts down to celebrate this! I worked at a law firm and was amazed that we got a paid day off each year to celebrate and party!! Reminiscing, I really miss our time there, we had such good times with our military friends and local friends too! So thanks for bearing with me today!

Bella has purple stickles on her top and chalked pants. She also has CE on her sexy red toes and the cherry on her drink! I also used purple, yellow, and green rhinestone gem brads (Mardi Gras colors). Then I used my cuttlebug for the purple and green layer. Then stickers for the rest. I had to include the Bourbon street sign, as that is where we spent a lot of our time! LOL

She's Having a Baby

2008-02-05T13:48:00.000-06:00

My dear friend, Jill, is pregnant with her 3rd baby and just had a birthday. So I thought as a birthday gift, I'd give her a basket of goodies to pamper herself and/or help with throughout the pregnancy. So I altered this journal using Pregabella and then made a bookmark to match using the same stamp. Also in the basket I put some of those big, fuzzy, warm socks, Tylenol, Tums, foot and leg massaging lotion, lotion for stretchmarks, and her favorite, CHOCOLATE!!! This is the first time she's been pregnant since I've known her, so I figure I can treat her like it's the first!

We Made It! We're 2!!

2008-02-05T13:18:00.000-06:00

It was my twins' 2nd birthday yesterday. Whew, I can hardly believe it's been that long already! I had a busy day with Parker who helped to make and decorate the birthday cake, helped wrapped presents and made cards for the girls! We had a quiet dinner at home with our family. The girls are starting to understand opening presents, Mackenzie is much more willing to just rip that paper off! They enjoyed the cake and ice cream and then playing with their new toys and books!

Viking Bella Babe

2008-02-03T23:27:00.000-06:00

I created this card today using PMSbella for the February Bella Babe contest. We were supposed to make any Bella using our favorite football team's colors or the colors from one of the Superbowl teams. I'm a huge football fan and knew right away that this Bella would be perfect, her sitting in front of the TV with all her snacks, ready for a Sunday packed with football!!!

I made her tank top into a turtleneck and colored it with purple stickles. The Viking logo is up on dimensionals and the football is a textured sticker.

See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil!

2008-01-31T15:54:00.000-06:00

These are my three little monkeys! Aren't they cute?! We are watching the last weekend of the NFL play-off games, we are huge football fans!!! DH made his fabulous popcorn, which the kids love, they lined up on the couch ready to watch! Paige (the dark-haired twin) watches and points and says "touchdown" and "game!' They girls will be 2 on Monday, I can hardly believe the time has gone by so quickly! We are also ready for Superbowl Sunday!! We will be routing for the Patriots to win as we are Vikings fans and would love to see Moss win a Super Bowl and for our friends in Boston, hi Kori and family! They remind us all the time that we (Minnesota) keep giving them (Boston) our best players and make their teams even better! Plus, the Patriots are just awesome! We are hoping for the perfect season for them!

The Almost Swap Card for the Yellow Group

2008-01-31T15:10:00.000-06:00

This is the card I started doing for the yellow group, but decided to go in another direction. I love the sentiment on this one though, I saw it on SCS, it says, "Gardeners know the best dirt!" Again, it is not a stamp that I have, just created it on the computer and printed it out.

Tequila Anyone?!

2008-01-31T14:32:00.000-06:00

These are the cards I made recently for a Colors of the Rainbow Swap. I was in the green and yellow group. I did the green one first, which came to me pretty easily. I used stickles on the background and the olives. I also used crystal effects on her red toe nails! I was really stumped on the yellow one. I realized that yellow was not a color I used very often! But then I saw this lemon DP and knew right away what I wanted to do with it! The sentiment reads, "When life gives you lemons, use them to chase down tequila!" I saw this in a magazine and cut it out knowing that I would love to use this some time with a card! I was making my card with Cosmobella, from StampingBella.com, and was thinking how her martini glass had an olive in it, but everyone would understand. When all of a sudden, I had a thought! Bookwormabella, from StampingBella has a worm on it. So I stamped the little worm, cut him out, colored him and attached him over the olive in the glass. I then added crystal effects to make him stand out and to make sure he stayed secure on the card! The night I did this card, I had had a rough day with the kids, and was just in this spunky mood and could have easily had a shot or two myself! I had fun with both cards and am happy with how they turned out!

Glideabella Goes Periwinkle

2008-01-18T13:33:00.001-06:00

I made this card for my blogger friend, Andi, who has been an inspiration to my card making and has given me confidence to start this blog and share my stamping! Check out her awesome blog at: http://craftsonawhim.com/!

This is my first Glideabella card and first kickstand card. I really like the kickstand layout!

Card Recipe:

Stamp(s): Glideabella - Stamping Bella, and Sentiment from The Cat's Pajamas

Paper: Sugar Tree DP, Periwinkle, SU Brushed Silver and SU Shimmery White

Ink: SU Almost Amethyst, SU Silver Metallic Pencil and SU Barely Banana, SU Positively Pink

Embellishments: SU Silver ribbon, silver cord, Crystal Ice stickles, Dimensionals

Giving Blogging a Try....

2008-01-18T12:48:00.000-06:00

Well, after much blog stalking and persuasion from my fellow blogger friend, Andi, I'm giving blogging a try! I originally thought that a blog would be a good way for our family and friends to keep up with us and what we are doing. Since having twins 2 years ago, I get constant complaints from family and friends that they don't get enough updated pictures or information on us... so this will be fun! I have been stamping for years, but after becoming a Bellaholic, I'm finding that my creativity is blossoming and my stamping improving so that I would like to share my card-making and altered projects with everyone! Thanks for looking!

Sandie