ExSTAMPoRAZation

The Start of Year 2

2009-08-20T12:08:00.001-07:00

Such a beautiful picture! This was taken by my gifted friend Kender.
Tomorrow marks the beginning of the 2nd and final year in the program.... and I am already restless and ready to be finished. I have enjoyed the end of each term so far (mostly enjoyed being finished, not so much the process of learning to get there :o) and do look forward to the remaining 4 terms, perhaps with some trepidation and nervousness.

I am finding I am much tired than I was last year at this time, going into year 1. This makes me a little nervous, starting the full time work, school, teen parenting, relationship building juggling act once more.

Social Bases of Behavior and Behavior Therapy Part 1 will be the focus of this term.

I am fortunate to have the toughest prof (Dr. Rapp) and my favourite prof (Dr. Schulze) who is Queen of student support (or has been up to this point).

Hoping this overwhelmed feeling takes a hiatus soon... you know that feeling where life seems to be spinning out of control, moving at a pace that you are racing to keep up with?? I feel immersed in it.

I have been low on creative inspiration lately, so not too many cards being made.

Here is one to leave you with.

Happy Father's Day! 99 Balloons

2009-06-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

One of the first things my son did this morning was repeat over and over how I needed to see this video about 99 balloons. He had mentioned it on the ride home from Dad's house last night, and hadn't forgotten about it this morning. Usually, when he repeats things many times like this, it means it's important to him or something he really likes.

I kept thinking it was another youtube video about Rock Band guitar or drum riffs. No siree. You may have already seen this video, but if you haven't I implore you to see it. On Father's Day especially!

Here is the link: Eliot's Story

My boy was wiping tears away from his eyes after the first 30 seconds. That then had me going. It was his second time viewing the video... I love how he is affected by life and the stories of others. I love how life hasn't beaten that out of him. And I love that he is OK with showing that kind of emotion. Total gift to experience life with him.

Happy Father's Day! Enjoy life. Savor family and kids! And forget that the house is dirty.

A new hobby

2009-05-21T11:38:00.001-07:00

Hey All in Blogland.

I have been LOVING this month off from school. LOVING it.
And, I have new hobby! It's called 'Call of Duty: World at War'. I'll warn you now- this game is NOT for the faint of heart. There's gore. There's blood. There's flailing body parts. And carnage.
It's. Awesome.
I find myself dreaming of the game, playing it every second I possibly can. Date nights are often now comprised of J and I taking turns playing in 10 minute intervals. Hooray for gaming as a relationship-bonding experience!! C and I actually set xbox dates at night where we go online and join games to chat and kill many fake people.
So fun.
And now, as I'm sitting here at work, I still wish I was home playing CoD. This might be becoming a problem! Perhaps I will experience withdrawals once school starts up again in a 10 days. Oh, tears!
The goal is to be able to take on J and whip his butt. I greatly enjoyed kicking the tar out of C online last night. Teach him to steal my flag when I'm defending it! HA!
...right... back to reality.
*sigh*
Just a few more hours to go until I can drive home and hopefully steal a few rounds of CoD before J wants to play. WOOT!

And, alas, I have not forgotten about making cards, which was the original intent of this blog. I am just procrastinating in uploading the pictures!
Too busy sitting in front of the xbox. Tee hee.

Blog Candy

2009-05-12T21:17:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo- blog candy!

Just came across this blog and the notice of upcoming blog candy. Get in while you can!

http://jarfullofjoy.blogspot.com/2009/05/blog-candy-wont-add-to-your-hips.html

Messin with the Blog

2009-05-07T17:32:00.000-07:00

Ahh! Finally!! Couldn't for the life of me figure out how to stop the words from stretching across the side borders. It was making me crazy!!
Hopefully this is better.

Always nice to add in some new background fun too!!

One Semester Down + Family Visits

2009-05-07T13:41:00.001-07:00

Almost to the half-way mark.
Grad stats is up next.
Ugh. I've already signed up for a tutor. They will hate my 2nd day in as I will be emailing and calling perseveratively. He hee.
It has been 1 week since school ended, and all I want to do is sleep! I'd prefer to hibernate as a bear if at all possible. Perhaps go away on a vacation and enjoy a break from the rigours of life?

Honestly, we were blessed with a fabulous visit from my brother and sister in law and their little Monkey, Simoneous. It was grand!! Photos to come.
And in the weeks before this, a visit from my sister, her clan and my Lois and her fam. It was heavenly!!! And so fast.
I hope that my boy remembers these visits with family. I hope he grows up to treasure time spent with family and friends- to prioritize this and work at not taking such experiences for granted.
Next up- a visit from Grams and Gramps end of May. Just enough visits with everyone before school starts again and I drop off the face of the earth for another semester.
*sigh*
1.5 years to go!!

Ahh, that Friesen.

Winter 2010

2009-03-05T10:29:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I so look forward to the end of school. I want some life back! While I am enjoying some of what I'm learning, I am not a scholar and often struggle with the time investment required to maintain good standing in the program.

Not to complain, just a statement of life as it is: I look forward to when time that is currently consumed with school, can be relegated to other priorities in life (which can then resume their needed place).

It will be nice to go to BS on Wednesday nights and not feel weighted by the volume of coursework that is waiting at home.

Likely it won't be as simple as this, likely there will be other things in life that will volley for time.

I would like to keep in mind my end goal for this program- not just to get some pretty letters after my name, but to create a better life where I can work less and spend that 'extra' time investing in people, relationships, causes that are important to me.

I detest the rat race that is the lower mainland and crave other things out of life.

I do not want to work 6 days a week for the rest of my life, or wake up and realize that the best years have zoomed past and while I may have somewhat of a bank account to show for it, relationships with the people I love have significantly suffered.

No thanks.

I do not want that to be my story.

So, to my friends and family, please understand. I want to get there, but have to wade through the process to reach that goal.

Who knows what the future holds?

(Been, stop right there)

To that end, celebrate life!

Theresa

Deadlines....

2009-02-08T20:23:00.000-08:00

Sadly, this term seems to be all about deadlines.

Seems impossible to stay on top of everything. So, what am I doing tonight? Trying to alleviate the internal loss of control feeling that has pervaded my senses. And this blog, you see, is one of the many things in life that is spiraling out of grasp.

I'm also baking cookies. Why? I sure as heck have NO time for that (with 5 major assignments due tomorrow, a conference call with my school supervisor, exam + meeting crammed into 1 day).

It's insanity! But, my bathroom is clean, and that gives me pause for a few deep, peaceful breaths. Perhaps I am trying to find some of that calm and sense of accomplishment in blogland?

Made a card for Adam's birthday using my Kale and Ethan Dino-Mite set from MTF. Also love the textured pattern paper (can't rememeber who makes it!).

Here are a few cards that have been made in the last little bit ('little bit' being a subjective term that I shall not elaborate on).

Until next time, I'm....

Some festive pictures...

2009-01-17T12:56:00.000-08:00

To start off the year...

Another Christmas card. Loved the ribbon on this one.

Coloured with my Copic Markers, Sakura glaze pen, Bazill basics paper and patterned paper.

Yumm. Perogies. This shot is for Friesen...

Let's try this uploading process again! Note the pictures will be in random order...

Mat, opening gifts on the Big Day... an electric razor! Yeah!

He he hee..

My boy and his Canucks jersey (post haircut). You can feel the excitement just looking at his face! Ha!

(Apparently this is Chris' Angry Face??). Poor guy hasn't seen anything yet...

Ahh, family.

We had a new edition to the Christmas week this year.

Chris. Oh dang, love the many faces of my brother Harry. It is a skill in itself to capture a picture where he is not mutating his face at the last second into something like this....

Here's Chris chowing down on some Borscht and Perogies (one of Mom's many specialties!). Welcome to GF, Chris!

My awesome possum niece, Simoneous. Many pictures taken of this little monkey over the week. So delightful!

There's nothing like being welcomed in the driveway by Grampa (wearing his crazy toque!). You can see his excitement at having his family home for Christmas (although Been wasn't able to make it this year).

Road trip to Grand Forks for Christmas.

I love the scenery on the trip up. Any time of year it's just breathtaking.... you can see why!

J was the photographer/ videographer for this trip, hence the very candid photos of myself. Thanks, Son. Ahhh!

A new year!

2009-01-05T20:27:00.000-08:00

... and a new semester.

Hard to believe, but this one is going to be more intense than the last semester.

I'm not sure how exactly everything will work out this term, as I have fits of anxiety just thinking about how and where to schedule 6 hours of unpaid direct observation (for after school clients), on top of a very full course load and full time work + home and (somewhat of a) personal life.

Ack!!!

Oh, may the next 2 years SAIL on by...

No doubt this blog will become very infrequently posted on as, on my life or priorities, this will need to bear some of the flexibility brunt. However, should anyone in blog land devise some way to clone humans, be sure to let me know.

Since blogger is not letting me upload any more photos, I will post them next time!

In the meantime, I did have the chance to work on a few cards. Here's one...

I've been warned...

2008-12-01T09:08:00.001-08:00

By a few certain peoples that it's about time a new blog was posted.

So, here I go!

Seems like the more life experience I learn (which is really just a nicer way to say 'the older I get') the more important family and friends become to me.

The last few weeks has been full of fun and good memories!

Most of which I do not have digital means to remember them by. :O(

For more info: see Kender's blog!

Here's just a few that I do have pictures of:

Pendels came over for some Rockband Delight. They were both super good sports about singing and rockin out on the drums. So much fun!! And, my boy had a blast!

To all family and friends- do NOT comment that you have seen this picture. My boy is liable to severely injure me as he was quite upset when he saw the flash go off in the moment (ha! Gotcha!). He had moved his drum kit into his room and was playing them. I was confused by the drumming sounds coming from his room, so went to peek in. Lo and behold, he was practicing on his Rockband drums (the game and console is in our family room, so this whole set up was a little out of context!), while watching on youtube. The drum set wasn't hooked up, he was just drumming along to the guitar hero youtube video. Love this boy!!

And finally- the beginnings of Christmas cards this

year. Better send me your addresses!! :O)

This one is called 'Village Christmas' (a Thomas Kinkade print turned into a stamp and put out by Cornish Heritage Farms). I tried colouring one in with my copics, but the blue stamped (Adirondack denim) version seemed to look better. Thanks to Theresa Unrau for that tip!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T13:36:00.001-07:00

Been and Lo- you will totally get this face!

(This one's for you, Been. It follows your self-portrait from SABC this summer :O)
Today is the festive day of Hallowe'en, and we've got plans. Kimmer (possibly), Pammer and Kender are coming over to partake in some Halloween hilarity.

Way to pull out the guts, Buddy (and no, you're not too old for me to call you that)!

Before the hilarity, we needed to have some punkins in the house to livin things up. Here are the pictures from this year's awesome pumpkin carving event.

The last picture is of a card that was made for my Lo. We don't get to see each other as much right now which sucks, but I think of her lots and wanted her to feel loved and thought of. :O)

Enjoy this chocolate season, everyone!

Secret Sister and Simoneous

2008-10-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday night was the reveal night for who's name we drew in Life Group.

I was the lucky lady who drew Ms. Darla's name. Not that I've been the best SS by any stretch of the imagination, however, I really did enjoy thinking of her, listening to her thoughts and things that she would share and tucking it away to pray about later on.

Here is an example of one such card that came her way this last year. Her's was a little different as it was an Anniversary card with a few added details. This card template was actually designed by someone at Clipperstreet (they get full credit!). Love that place!

I did have pictures of the rest of the cards she received, but sadly, when my hard drive died last week, so did all of my personal videos and pictures. :O(

Oh well, it's just stuff, right?

Awesome day today. I'm so thankful for the first time experiences that were part of today, moments to meet and treasure people, first impressions, and of course, Date Night with my boy.

Lastly, one of the biggest highlights in my week is spending a few hours each Thursday with this wonderful little girl. The very first picture on this post is my Niece, Simoneous. That's not her real name, but one that my brilliant NinjaSister created in a moment of magnificent inspiration.

So, everyone, here is Simoneous. If her gorgeous little face doesn't make you smile, seriously. You're messed.

Enjoy the weekend!

Family and Fall Flowers

2008-10-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

I'm supposed to be studying and working on a powerpoint presentation for a class that needs to be taught on Thursday, but, this just has to be posted.

It's Thanksgiving, a time when people are supposed to reflect on what they are thankful for.

I don't want to be the kind of person who gets so caught up in life that she forgets to enjoy moments or begins to take these blessings in life for-granted.

This weekend has been killer. Friday night, we were blessed by a call from Pammer, who was checking in with an awesome gesture to make sure all was well. Pammer shreds. Makes me teary.

Then, Been called and we were able to talk for the first time in over a week. Loved it! So miss that!

My very own Been lives in Alberta so when we would normally be driving our respective husbands insane (ok, fine, mine is purely in my imagination, despite post 10pm conversations) with frequent phone calls, coffee dates, dinners and chillin afternoons, we settle for phone calls that are farther and fewer in between (curse school!!) and yearly visits. :O( Such is reality. Hopefully that will change one day. I also have a Harsinder, who lives in Delta with his Dilly and Simoneous.

Last Sunday brought an awesome time with Darla. A total surprise, didn't see it coming but seriously blessed my socks off. Love you, girl!

Sunday morning brought a knock on my door from Kimmer. And with Kimmer were these:

Family.

And just now- a phone call from Kender and Pammer saying she's bringing over lunch cause they're worried I've dissolved from this world somehow.

I love my biological family- all of them! But my girls (my Lois, Kimmer, Pammer, Kender, Darla, Elisa, Stephanie)- they are also my family.

Even when I'm more absent than present on Wednesday nights and when I'm there, still more absent than present. Ha! ;O)

Family: Where my story begins, unfolds, twists, disappears, gets punched back to life and keeps on going.

Energizer Bunny Style.

And now... lunch and then time to take off for Thanksgiving Dinner at Harris' house. Ahh! So blessed!!!

Holy smokes! A new post!

2008-10-01T17:23:00.001-07:00

Ok, so perhaps I am totally guilty of tremendous neglect with this blog.

I am ravaged with feelings of guilt over my neglectful actions.

In fact, perhaps they are turning into core beliefs (shout out!).

Despite the insane schedule of September, there were a few cards that were made. Here is one such card. This one was made for a co-worker's little baby girl who was born in August. Hopefully she is not stalking this blog and therefore does not come across this card posted here. ;O)

And another such card:

Yes, indeed, a festive Channamus card. Very important holiday and I was feeling festive. This card was made using reverse embossing (yay, Theresa Unrah!) and just a few simple details. With a few less snowflakes, I thought my sister might make something like this as I know she loves simplicity with cards.

Hope your end of summer was grand and that you are all enjoying the changing colours that fall brings!

Micah and Ethan Saito

2008-08-27T18:20:00.001-07:00

Aside from Jado and Kale, here are my other two favourite boys in the world.

Micah, despite sterns conversations to the contrary, decided to come into the world while we were in Alberta. We finally got to meet him on Sunday and we are quite taken with this little man.

I was also so proud of Josh as he held Micah, asking various questions pertaining to bowel movements in newborns. Excellent topic, that's my boy. When you've got a question, ask!

Ahh, boys rock.

Enjoy!

Been's house part 2

2008-08-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

Blogger is so annoying sometimes. Those pictures took 45 minutes and a dozen tries to get them loaded.

I grew tired of waiting on attempt #5 to load the last few pictures, so am now making a new post!

A few other goodies from the week at Been's:

New kitchen in the new house! Lorne and his dad built this from scratch. So impressive... it turned out beautiful in the end!

Kale's funny face (grr!):

Josh's birthday celebration:

Ovechkin shirt! Yess!

Sweetest birthday cake EV

ER for a strapping young lad:

Team collaboration in building the fan. So funny!! Awesome work, Peeps!

I love my family!!

Summer Vacation at Been's

2008-08-26T18:50:00.001-07:00

Here are some very late pictures of our week in Alberta!

Aside from a few days of some sort of stomach ailment, it was a splendid time. And, even during the days of not feeling well, we took in many an Olympic game- good times!

Memorable moments that were actually captured on film (too many to count- these are just a few that we remembered to take pictures of!!):

Raz is THIS way, Charlie!

Super Slim n Fit Been self portrait- one of my favourite pictures from the trip!

Yay Been!

Josh at the beach, crankin some ipod tunes and checkin out the waves.

Lorne and Josh watching a British TV show. It's not often I hear my bIL laughing out loud to a show. Even more rare to hear that laughter punctuated by Josh's high-pitched squeal laugh!

Jado at the Beach.

Simone's #1

2008-08-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

Ahh, yes. Today is the start of vacation!
YEE HAW!!!

I have pre-set some fabulous cards to blog themselves while I'm away. Hopefully this will work....

Here is Simoneous' birthday card. We were a little late in getting this puppy signed (by both of us) and mailed off. It has a theme of pink (cause she's the only girl I can spoil that way!) and ones (one butterfly, one candle, one cupcake, one number, one flower embellishment, one ribbon, one swirl, etc).
I love the paper and the colours.

Happy Birthday, Simone!

Card Recipe:

Paper: Cornish Heritage Farms Ultra Smooth White, Bazill card stock, Chatterbox pattern paper (I think!)
Stamps: My Favourite Things
Ink: Brilliance Chocolate Brown and Graphite Black ink
Ribbon: American Crafts
Embellishments: Memory Makers pink star brad, Memory Makers flower tag, Liquid Pearls (pastel pink and yellow).

Lo's Unfinished Baby Shower Invitations

2008-08-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

Here are the baby shower invitations that will be sent out to everyone on the list (pending approval by Sandra, of course).

These cards come as a single piece, but the top portion flips up to reveal the information inside.
In looking at these cards, I'm thinking I might add on a few more baby stamps to the front cover. Not sure- I will consult with Dilly on that one.

I was going for unisex, but not in the typical pastel colour kind of way. Instead, went for darker colours as I loved the pattern paper and had quite a bit of brown and navy card stock to use as well.
The 'date', 'time', 'place', etc details are small but hopefully people who get the gist of the information once we fill it in. ;O)
Not bad for a first attempt at shower cards!

Hmm. I think I will also do some copic colouring or perhaps some water colour painting inside to add a bit more life to the image. It definitely feels not completed!

Ok, back to work ;O)

Card Recipe:

Paper: Cornish Heritage Farms Ultra Smooth White, Bazill cardstock, Chatterbox pattern paper
Stamps: Clear Stamps
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Ribbon: May Arts
Embellishments: Memory Makers white brads, White eyelets.

A card for Dad's Birthday

2008-07-31T21:26:00.001-07:00

I should have been catching up on reports and IEP's last night, but nay. Time to crank out some cards. Feels like a month since I sat down to make a card! It felt great!
Here's one that was made for my dad's birthday, which is today (Happy Birthday, Dad!).

On another note: YAY for Twitch making it to the finals in SYTYCD! Whoop!!!! (Although I wish that Chelsea had made it through instead of Katie :O(

Card Recipe:

Paper: Cornish Heritage Farms Ultra Smooth White, Chatterbox patterned paper, Bazzil Basics.
Stamps: Stampendous, MSE sentiments.
Ink: Brilliance Ink (Graphite Black),
Ribbon: May Arts
Embellishments: Stampendous A-Peel Stickers, Paper Piercing, Yellow and clear Stickles.

Unfinished cards

2008-07-27T22:01:00.001-07:00

There is less than 1 month to go before school starts again.

Ick.

I am trying (albeit unsuccessfully) to create a store of cards that I can use for various events as they come up.

Here's a few templates using reverse embossing... yep, here's the complete store of cards that I've only got!

(sigh)

No idea how life is going to fit all together come fall...

This blog may just become extinct! ;O)

Card Recipe:

Paper: Cornish Heritage Farms Ultra Smooth White, Bazill for all others

Stamps: Hero Arts, MSE sentiments.

Ink: Versamark, clear and black Tsukineko Embossing Powder, Cat's Eye Pigment Ink

Ribbon: Bobbin Ribbon from Michael's

Embellishments: Quickie Glue pen (picked one up for my sister and thought I would try it out- love it!!), Memory Makers Eyelets, EK Corner Punch, Stampendous Ultra Fine Glitter, Distress Ink, Paper Piercing.

Been Mail!

2008-07-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

I love getting mail from my Been.

It makes my week!

I never know when it will happen, but when it does, life just seems to burst with joy. It is amazing to think that maybe she was thinking of me when she made that card. She is my girl, and I love her.

This is my Been card! It joins another one that now sits on my windowsill in my room. I look at them each night as I get ready for bed and always feel like maybe we aren't so far apart.

One day, Beener, we will live so close together that I will belch at my place and you will hear it in your kitchen.

Ahh, I so can't wait!

4 more years!! :O)

Momma's Birthday Card and Family Thoughts

2008-07-07T16:32:00.000-07:00

Today my family has been on my mind. My bro's wife is back to work as of today (so hard! Such a tough transition from mat leave!) and he is now at home with their fab daughter. Lots of thoughts of them today.

My sister is in AB with her family and she is always on my mind. We are two peas that way...

My younger bro is elsewhere in BC, enjoying his bachelorhood, I think. Thinking of my mom and dad as mom's card is on it's way back home.

And here is the finished card for my mom. I love the ribbon on this card- so pretty! Seemed the perfect detail for the flower stamp too. I wrapped the ribbon around the inside of the card as it didn't seem to shine enough just on the top (very difficult to make a bow with this ribbon too!). Stamped the flower image twice; once on the white card stock, and again on the patterned paper. The petals were then cut out one by one and glued to the flower only about 2/3 of the way up so that the tips of the flowers could be gently furled up. Pretty effect.

I hope you like it, Mom!

Card Recipe:

Paper: Chatterbox (my fave!) for the petals, Cornish Heritage Farms Ultra Smooth White, Bazill for all others

Stamps: Stampendous, MSE sentiments.

Ink: Brilliance (Graphite Black, Mediterranean Blue)

Ribbon: May Arts (I think!)

Embellishments: Quickie Glue pen (picked one up for my sister and thought I would try it out- love it!!), Cuttlebug flower folder for the white paper, Copic markers for flower underneath the patterned petals, Making Memories brads, Yellow Stickles and Liquid Pearls (Lemon Yellow and Baby Blue), Foam squares and a little paper piercing to finish it off!

My Momma's Birthday! And... Kim and Jaco's wedding...

2008-07-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that Kim and Jaco will be joined in holy matrimony forever.

(cue music)

It is a day to be remembered by all.

(music fades in)

There will be tears, there will be joy. And I will catch the bouquet.

(cue Mission Impossible theme song)

Here's Kimmer's card!

The other super thing about today is that it's my Momma's birthday!

I will post her card shortly (hopefully she receives it before it's posted!). Stay tuned!

SU Stamp Night

2008-06-30T23:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight, DS went on his first trip to the movies with 3 friends (eek! So not ready for this!) so, in an effort to save on fuel, I went to a Stampin Up shin dig at Karina Loewen's which was only about 5 minutes away from the theater. It was my first time at an SU workshop event and, not too shabby!

All their stuff seems to be a little on the steep side for my budget, but they do have some fantastic toys! We made this super cute little card in less than 10 minutes. I love it!!!

Loved the ideas and just being with people who had new strategies for making cards.

Ahh, I now have a wish list a mile and a half long... at least my Christmas list is ready to go! :O)

Enjoy Canada Day tomorrow, fellow Canadians!!

Grade 8 graduation, long weekend and Anniversaries!

2008-06-27T23:57:00.000-07:00

Lots has happened this month.

First, my boy has officially graduated from grade 8 and middle school. To mark this shiny occasion, there was a grade 8 dinner, dance, party at school and then another 'end of the school year' party tonight. His roller hockey team also made it straight to finals and ended up playing 2nd overall (but only because they were down a good player and played 2 back-to-back games in the semi and final rounds.... but I digress:O)

In celebration of this momentous event, here's a card for him that I stealthily placed on his pillow tonight. It's good to let our kids know how we are proud of them.

The other card is an anniversary card for my bro and his gal who are celebrating their 7th anniversary (or is it 8?). Making it through another year together is definitely something to celebrate in my books. Hooray for them!!

You can't make out the words very well, but they read 'anniversary wishes' (My Sentiments Exactly).

I so love that hand written script! Stamps awesomely (except for this picture, of course!).

Ok, off to get some zzz..... have a wicked long weekend!!

Another Kale Cards

2008-06-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

My nephew Kale loves to get cards in the mail, and especially loves the colour green. I always keep an eye open for anything interesting and green that might make for a good card for him. I came across this paper (by The Paper Company) at a LSS and thought this would be perfect!

There are little raised squares on the paper that make it look like Crocodile skin, but super fun and tactile too! Put on a few dinos (his other love) and ka-boom! It's a Kale Kard!

Sentiment is by My Sentiments Exactly. I love the handwritten script!

So fun!

Lo, it's the end of the week!

2008-06-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

Home from work early due to a meeting at UBC today. Hooray for not taking over 2 hours in traffic to get home! It is hot, muggy and sticky outside in the lower mainland. Somewhere in Alberta, my sister is jealous. ;O)

This card is for someone special in my life who I don't often get to see. We chat on the phone, but given where we live and our busy lives, it is often difficult to meet up and spend time together. I worked on this card in chunks each day this week. It started out looking much different in my imagination than how it ended up!

Enjoy a gorgeous weekend, everyone!

Congratulations on your new job!

2008-06-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to work with what you have. This card was made for one of my DS' teachers who was recently promoted to VP of a high school. She loves bright reds and orange colours so I wanted to make a card that would fit her personality and colour preference that way. Here is the final result- came together in about half an hour, once I had the rough idea in my head.

Paper is from Basic Grey (Gypsy), Making Memories flower bling, SU punch, May Arts ribbon, and some copic marker colouring!

On another note, I can't believe it's almost the end of June!! How insane is that?!

So many cards to make... how on earth do card makers find time to make them all!? I am amazed!!

Enjoy!

Father's Day

2008-06-12T21:56:00.000-07:00

Having family live away means that cards need to be put into the mail so that they make it to their destination on time.

... do they have 24 hour shipment services for cards??

This card came together pretty quickly. I had been wanting to use this SU set to create a card for my dad as it seemed to be the perfect fit for him. He's all about lovin' nature. :O)

Used a razor to distress the edges of the stamped image, then secured it to two background colours and popped it up on foam stickies to the base.

Used some Ranger Glossy Accents to make the 'lake' part of the image pop, and some liquid applique on the clouds for some 'pop' there too.

Some simple paper piercing, my first attempt at a rub on (not convinced that I like these!) and Versamark stamping and TA-DA! C'est fini!

Lastly, here's a close-up of the focal point on the card...

Have a great weekend, peeps!

Sunday evening chaos

2008-06-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

Sundays are my only day off, so are typically just a hodge-podge of all the various things that need to be finished (house cleaning, grocery shopping, laundry, vacuuming, etc). I try to catch up as best I can with all of those other things that get pushed down the list the rest of the week.

I made a card for Ethan's birthday, but, of course, forgot to take a picture of it in the mess of today.

Shucks!

Here is the birthday card I sent to my sister. Also features some reverse embossing techniques taught by the awesome Theresa U. She's so great!

Been, hope you liked it! :O)

Card Making Mania

2008-06-07T16:33:00.000-07:00

We had a teacher appreciation night at DS' school on Thursday night, so I made 5 cards (one for each of the teachers who were involved in the Quebec trip this year).

Of course, I was not organized enough to take pictures of the cards before sealing them in the envelopes and am SO disappointed about that as they turned out so nice!

Ack.

You will just have to imagine.

Here is a very simple card for the one male teacher in the bunch. I used the cuttlebug (script folder) with a Making Memories silver 'thanks' sentiment to complete it. It shows up slightly red in the photo, but it is actually silver. I think it would have looked better had I cut off more around the blue card stock so that the paper underneath showed a bit more.

Patterned paper is Chatterbox (absolutely my favourite paper right now). I hear they are either going out of stock or changing their paper lines so I am frantically buying up any discounted sheets I can find!

Added some pewter brads to the corners and a nice SU sentiment inside (quote) and that was it!

Have a great weekend!

Reverse Embossing class with Theresa U

2008-05-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

When the invitation goes out to hang out with Theresa U for an evening of 1:1 instruction on card making, you don't say no!

What a blast!! DS and I enjoyed an excellent dinner of fantastically BBQ'd burgers with LK and the family, a DQ Ice Cream cake for dessert (thanks dessert friends!) and then the ladies headed to Theresa's dream craft room while DS and Chad rocked out on GH3.

It is a room of paradise, I'm telling you!!

And an awesome evening where Theresa espoused her vast knowledge of all things card-making to show LK and I how to create a card using reverse embossing and a little distressing.

We used clear embossing powder on super smooth white paper (Cornish Heritage Farms) and stamped the branch image using Versamark. Next, we distressed using a sponge and some Tim Holtz distress ink to give it that 'sky' background, stamped the Paper Trey branch image, added the sentiment as well as some embellishments (including some Liquid Pearls- awesome idea, Theresa!!) before securing it to the brown card stock.

This was my final product. LK's looked awesome as well; hopefully she will post a picture!

Now I'm so pumped to use my new reverse embossing skill! YAY! There will likely be many more such cards gracing this blog in the future.

THANK YOU, THERESA!!!

New Background!

2008-05-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

I've been playing around with a few templates today as I am bored with the older version.

Any thoughts?

I'm not sold on this one yet so will likely make a few more changes as I go.

I have lots of cards to blog, but I need to wait until the people they were meant for actually receive them!

Coming soon....

Lois and her Belly

2008-05-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

So, my bestest buddy is preggers with #2. I'm convinced this time it is a Baby Raz. So sure, in fact, that I am working on the 'welcome baby Raz' announcement cards that I am planning to send out on behalf of Lois and Dave.

At least, in my mind I am ready to send them out. Lois will be ready to send me out... to the friendly people with white jackets so maybe I should keep that as an 'inside thought'.

Here's some pictures of Lois' belly for her and my sister to enjoy. :O)

Hooray for new babies!!!

You look FANTAB, Loer! Yay for 3 more months to go!!

Theresa

Paper Trey Sympathy Card

2008-05-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

I'm supposed to be earning money to pay for the not-working-for-a-whole-week-while-in-Quebec trip, especially with the wonderful Income Tax that is waiting to be paid back to our wonderful feds. But, here I am, finally getting the chance to dig my hands into some card making time.

This card was made with the feedback of a certain teenager. He thought it turned out swell. Excellent feedback. I like the simple white card stock background. I opted not to add any embellishments as the card seemed to work better without that detail. I am also making a similar one in blue as a thank you card for one of the sensational teachers at my son's school.

Stay tuned...

There is a whack-load of cards that need to be made in the next week or so. Hopefully, I will be able to post some of those puppies as well!!

Everyone seems to be going stamp-happy right now- I took a quick look at a several of your sites today and feel so out of the loop! Great to see that everyone is so creative!

School Reports beckon me, I must answer... Hope to see you back here soon,

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

Just before we head on out to the wondrous land that is Quebec, I wanted to make a quick totally not all related post for Mother's day.

Here's a very unrelated card that I had kicking around waiting to be posted. My sister, Mom and a few others will receive variations of this sucker... I love the template (you may find this one familiar to other posts!). I think I also used this template in my BS order?? Anyway, it's a frequent flyer to this part of the woods. ;O)

Happy Mother's Day, everyone!!!! To those who have babies, those who want them, those that had and lost them, those who gave them up for adoption and mothers who lost their babies through abortions but who still experience that sense of loss. Here's to you! :O)

Birthdays!!

2008-05-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

Truly my family and friends rock in the most absolute ways.First, my friends Pammer and Laura threw DS and I a wicked evening of FUN with cheesecake, Christmas papier and gifts unheard of! Head on over to LK's site to check out some of that sweet action. Thanks, Pammer and Laura!!!!!

Two sleeps later, Harris and Dillis invited DS and I to hang with Simoneous and eat excellently BBQ'd food. I *heart* BBQs!!!

Love, love, love BBQ food!

Here's some funtastic pics from that

blessed event. Please note that my bro made this amazingly stellar cake! Chocolate icing, sprinkles, cherry kick-arse ice cream.... YUM!!!!

Seriously- that is a huge event in and of itself. Don't remember the last time he baked anything. Mayhap this is a first!! Oh, I shall treasure these memories foreva.

Kudo's to J for his madd photog skills.

Back to Versamark

2008-04-30T23:55:00.000-07:00

Ahh, midnight and I still need to finish this blog or it will never go up!

We had a shredder of a BS tonight with the girls. Got to have a good discussion about accountability and I am so thankful for how the discussion went! Love my BS girls!!

Finished the last of the cards for the order for my Bible Study group and I have two left to show!

Pace yourself, friends! One card at a time;O)

Gotta make those blog posts stretch!

Here is a card coloured by my 'colourific assistante', Ms. LK.

Alrighty, this will need to be a quick post as I'm so tired!

Too many emails accruing and I'm shutting down the computer before more can come in!!

I love this white ribbon although I can't remember who made it. Got it from my LSS and it's definitely a fave!

Night everyone!

My First Order!

2008-04-29T23:18:00.000-07:00

I had an order from some girls at Bible Study to make some cards. Can't show all of them as they are for people in the group (no sneak peeks!) but I can show the cards that will be submitted for a silent auction!

Here's two that are finished so far....

Excuse the photos- I was playing around with the light and saturation settings. I have no idea what I'm doing but it's fun!

The first card was made using Elzybells stamps (can't get enough of those cuties!).

Sentiment is by Paper Trey and ribbon is by Elzybells. The ribbon seemed to go perfectly with the car! This was a simpler card that came together relatively quickly. Love those ones! Keeping with a simple theme, I distressed the edges around the card using a razor blade. N

ext, I double stamped the stamped image and cut it out using a craft knife. The popped up image was coloured using some bold Sakura gel pen colours and then secured to the paper using some foam squares.

The second card was using My Mind's Eye patterned paper (there's a 40% off sale going on at a LSS, can you tell?!), some Making Memories brads and this gorgeous ribbon that I found at my LSS but I can't remember what the name is! So pretty! I shabbily distressed the edges in antique linen Ranger ink and stamped the images in Stazon (midnight blue, for this one).

The whole card has an old skool feeling to it to me- reminds me of a farm house- type decor where you might find some hand crocheted doilies!

Couldn't make my mind up on whether or not I wanted to leave the sentiment on the card but, in the end, I added it. I think it would look a bit better had the sentiment piece been a tad bit smaller in size. Finished it off with a little paper piercing at the bottom. :O)

Thanks for stopping by!

Been and Kale cards....REVEALED!!

2008-04-28T22:59:00.000-07:00

Ack. What a night! DS was sick- vomiting and slightly feverish. I think he had a migraine as well. Shoot! You hope that your kids won't get the bad genetic stuff from you, but, listening to him describe the headaches, it's no wonder we're cut from the same cloth!

Here are the cards that Been and Kale were sent.

Kale's favourite colour is green, so I love to add green in where ever possible. I was going to label the roosters with names of family members (with perhaps two roosters named after his dad, since he's a giant QUACK!) but alas time got away on me.

Loving my new cuttlebug. So much fun! This one was made using the musical notes embossing folder. I also used a little Ellzybell stamp for the girl on front (these are the stamps that remind me of my sister!), some Making Memories patterned paper, SU ticket corner punch and finished it with some American Craft ribbon.

I can't seem to make a card without adding some 3-D dots to make something in the picture *POP*. Love those dots! Hard to tell with both pictures, but both stamped images are popped.

Phew! Done!

Off to catch some rest.... I'll be back tomorrow with a new stamp! See you soon!

Dino Card

2008-04-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

End of April... taxes are late... so what should we do? Procrastinate by making some cards, of couse!

At least, this was the game plan last week, when there still were a few days buffer to finish taxes by. Now, it's the end of April and I'm frantically trying to pull everything together to meet that deadline. Never mind the article summary that is due for work discussion tomorrow.

Sheesh. Can I call in sick?!

Anywho, here is a quick card made for my fave nearly 4-year-old bud.

He just received it in the mail so I can safely post it.

Huge thanks to Been for passing on the pic!!!

Ended up doing the swirl as it was a good way to hide the unevenly cut squares. (tee hee)

Still looks ok, I think, right?

Have a great week everyone!

Card in the mail for Been!

2008-04-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

Here's a little sneak peek at what's headed Been's way this week... I will post the rest of the card picture after she's received it so that her surpreeze isn't totally schmecked.

First shot at layering with a ticket corner punch. Whoop!

Less than 1 month before DS and I join 68 grade 8's on a whirlwind trip to Montreal. It. Will. Shred. So, so, so excited about this great trip of a lifetime!

Super quick post... must get supper on and jet to DS's school for a parent meeting.

No life group tonight. ;O( Keep me posted, girls!!

Paying it Forward!

2008-04-07T22:51:00.001-07:00

The first three people to comment on this post will receive a gift from me, sometime within the next 365 days. Who knows when it will turn up, or what it will be, but rest assured, it will arrive. All you have to do is promise to make the same declaration on your blog, and send out gifts to three of your lovely readers.

I'll also choose a random blogger to send a gift to, so leave a comment, even if you're not in the first three! Make sure I can contact you in some way, either via blog or email.

In the next 365 days I'll be getting a parcel from Dilly, and in turn, I must send out a handmade gift to 3 more people. And on it goes...so hurry up and leave a comment already! Let's bring on the love and togetherness! :O)

Sneek Peak...

2008-04-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

At a GREEN card for someone little who loves green!

Hey Little Buddy- this one's for you! :O)

You will see the rest of the card when it comes in the mail.

DS helped to make this card - I love it when he helps although usually it is to crank the wheel on the cuttlebug machine. Speaking of which, he's been roped into coming to another card making class with me on Monday night. Su-weet! I'm hoping L and P will show too. It will henceforth be an embossing celebration!

Hmm. Perhaps we should invite my older bro, who I know completely adores such funtivities. Harsinder? Thoughts?

Clipperstreet card sets

2008-04-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

I love the monthly card sets that Clipperstreet (a

local scrapbooking store) comes out with. They always come up with a new template design that I haven't experimented with and after, I feel a tad bit more inspired to use some ideas in other cards!! As a total novice- the new ideas are great training!!

For March, they had this wicked Birthday card set. The DS and I decided to have some fun with the template (ok, I decided to have some fun, and he stepped up because it meant he got to crank away on the cuttlebug machine). All cardstock in the set were basically flat. The swirls on the white and blue cardstock were all created using the cuttlebug machine (the swirly circles folder- can't remember the name off the top of my head though).

Thought they turned out well!

Been- this is the set that is on it's way to your place! You can follow the instructions in the set, or bust out and do something new. Totally up to you!

This month they came out with a totally sweet birthday card using my fave colours. Joshman and I had some fun using the cuttlebug and a few embossing folders on these puppies to juice 'em up a bit. Here's the four cards we came up with!

Da dum de dum, da dum de dum

2008-03-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow non-concurrently diagnosed peeps. ;O)

It has been a good week. Kimmer had her bridal shower on Wednesday and it was done Pampered Chef style! Yeah! It was the kind of party that you invite 30 people to, and all of them plus a few show up. Kimmer racked in $850 in free product (nice) and seems to have more money to spend than sme may want to buy with!! Quite the debacle.

Here's her card... I tried to find a 'steel blue' (no idea what steel blue is) type of colour for the card as this is her wedding colour theme. And the black you ask? Why is there black on such a celebratory card? Well, that was for P, L and I who are the remaining single sistas of our life group. We mourn the loss of another sista who takes that fateful step into wedded bliss. Heda heda.

Seriously though, we are stoked for Kim.

And check out the sentiment inside the card! So fun!

Plus I got to play with the new Marvy Uchida paper cutter using the scallop blade. Score!

From the brilliant mind of a woman eating for two...

2008-03-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

Lois!!

I changed the header to your brilliant suggestion... did you see? :O)

Elzybell stamps

2008-03-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

When I first saw this line of stamps, I was so excited!

This little girl so reminds me of growing up... she is very fun. They are the perfect stamp for my sister and Lois!

I ordered some and can't wait to make some cards with 'em to send off.

Good times.

The scallop edging was cut using some fiskar scissors that I saw on sale ($8 for 15 scissors!!). Love sales! Those scissors are soo much cheaper than the craft punches that cost like $30 for each one. Yikes. You can spend a fortune on craft supplies so quickly.

Anyway...

Happy Easter, everyone!!

I heard on the news that this weekend was the most important weekend for us Christians. Hmm. I would also like to say that Little Baby Jesus' birthday is quite an important event as well.

So thankful for the Grace of God in my life... I am so imperfect and prone to mistakes, but yet I have a God who welcomes me back with open arms each time. How's that for feeling loved and never abandoned?!

YEAH!

Snap! Crackle!

2008-03-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

Yep, you guessed it. My co-worker and his wife popped last week. They now have two slayer boys with just as slayer names (Malachi and Jericho).

Seriously rock with name choosing. I wonder what the girly name would have been....

So cute! Those two make amazing babies.

I'm trying to figure out what the heck to put in the 'label' section of the post. I've been plugging the various brand of products on each card but it's getting old. What else do you put there? The card theme? Some cheesy line like 'you ain't seen nothin till you've seen a drug and alcohol counsellor'? Thoughts?! Opinions!? Ponderings?! Let me know what you think!

Kim's Birthday...

2008-03-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

Was totally last month.

But, better late than never, I suppose!

Plus, if you send a late birthday card, then you get to buy one of those 'happy belated birthday' stamps. You see where I'm going here?!?!

For Kimmer's card, we dry embossed it ('we' cause my DS totally helped) using those little folder thingys and used this part as the base of the card.

(See close up below):

Used a Stampendous set for the flowers as Kimmer works at a greenhouse-type business. Something having to do with the flower industry anyway. The 'Happy Birthday' script wouldn't fit so we had to use the 'hello' sentiment instead.

Very funny- I am just now noticing that the paper underneath the card is actually quite obvious that it isn't a blank paper at all (or a nice painted picture-taking rack of some kind). Nope. It's really the bum (or backside) of an invoice for a client. However, only you and I know that. Well, you, because I just told you. But otherwise, only I would have known.

*cough*

So, there's really lots to do with work 'n all so I really should be going.

Thanks for stopping by and make sure you come again!

Merry Easter!

2008-03-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

Apparently, when I'm upset, I make cards. This is my explanation for the 7 cards that were made in the span of two days- in time that I really didn't have to be spending on card making.

Alas, here they are.

One card was for a friend who is in a painful place in life so am not going to post that card here (most definitely would not feel right).

BUT, the rest are fair-game!

In the emotional/ cathartic process, two Easter cards were made. One for my parents and one for my Lois and her Ethan. Hopefully they will each get their cards in the mail before they see them on here!

PS: Shout out to those counsellors out there who sit in their offices and grace this blog each day with their virtual presence.

HOW-DEE.

Card details:

Patterned Paper: Making Memories line: Garden Party.

Cardstock: Bazill basics

Brads: Making Memories bunny guys

Ribbon: American Crafts Spring line

Copic Markers

Class 'A' peels 'Happy Easter'

There. A simple card for Lois as she commented that she likes the simple cards best on here. And cause I'm thinking she might be preggo with a baby Raz girl, there is a pink theme.

Time to get back to work. I am enjoying this delicious cup of peppermint tea and determinedly not thinking about the stack of items that are in need of attention just beyond that cup.

Did you know that tea tastes better when you sip it from a nice cup?

I'm a big believer. ;O)

Till next time...

Stinkin computer is NOT working!!

2008-03-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

My smelly computer is not identifying when I have my SD card plugged in.

Stupid machine.

RAA! There are like 5 cards that are eagerly waiting to be posted and can't be!

My back up USB cord has conveniently gone on vacation and can not be located BUT we will get those cards uploaded as soon as possible!

YEAH.

But perhaps not until Thursday when I can access my work computer.... he he heeee.

Until then, check out my friend's blogs!

Darla:

http://www.runningwildly.blogspot.com/

Dillicent (aka Sandra, aka SIL extraordinaire):

http://themightysally.blogspot.com/

Laura:

http://importedfromwinnipeg.blogspot.com/

Flower Thank You Cards

2008-03-13T22:21:00.001-07:00

I was cleaning up the living room tonight (seems to constantly be taken over by card-making supplies!) and I found this little gem that I made a few weeks ago. It had fallen under the coffee table.

I love it- I had forgotten all about it so it was like seeing it for the first time again.

Love how the paper and flower stamp all went together.

The ribbon has a little bit of wire in it (didn't realize this when I bought it) which made the ribbon stick out a bit more and retain it's shape. Sweet. Makes it seem like I know how to tie a bow. Faker!

The flower brad was a pewter one that I coloured with a copic marker. Thank you Theresa Unrah for that gem-of-a-tip!!! Turned out to be a perfect fit.

Can't wait to send this one off!

Love the card template though. Think I will be using this puppy again!

A Card for Kale

2008-03-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

A card for my Kale...
Here's a sneak peak card that will be sent out for my little buddy this week.
My sister tells me that he goes on my blog and tells her about it.

"Oh, Raz likes pink, Mom!"

Hot dawg. I love that boy!

Here's a card for you, Dude!
Now it's your turn to draw me a picture!! :o)

Man-type cards... arg!

2008-03-08T14:06:00.001-08:00

My co-worker Garret's 28th is next week. Since we give all of our employees a birthday card, I decided to whip one up for him. Ok. Fine. Honestly, it was an excuse to stamp. ;O)
I'm not entirely sold on it as is seems so simple... The challenging part was to create a card for a guy that did NOT have any of the regular girly stamps, flowers, ribbons and other embellies that are so easy and fun to fill up a card with.
Hence, a simple card.
My current fave pattern paper is definitely Chatterbox as they have such a fun and wide variety of paper that is so inspiring!
Very simple design.
Hopefully he likes it!

Congrats on your baby...

2008-03-02T19:45:00.000-08:00

This was a fun card to make! It is for someone at my life group who just had a little boy.

Lots of little boys lately... I have a friend who is expecting this year and another friend who is due any day now. Hooray for more people to make cards for!

(my family and friends will be very sick of snail mail from me shortly, I imagine)

I think I spent about 2 hours trying to decide how best to fit the format on the template, and then what stamps to use.

So obvious that I am a beginner!! Two hours?!

The stamp set I chose was a really inexpensive one at my LSS which sold for less than $2. Can't go wrong there!!

Loved the small 'boy' metal tag that is adhered to the side of the card. A bunch of them come in the Memory Makers set which I just love.

The 'Congratulations' is a Class A Peel from Stampendous.

For the ribbon, I couldn't make up my mind on what looked better so I adhered them together and used the combination. I was please with the results.

One of these days I will grab some courage to dabble in distressing. At this point, I am just too unconfident to branch out. We will see...

Time off from work means stamping!!

2008-03-02T17:46:00.000-08:00

Today is Sunday, my day off.

Ahhh, how I love Sundays! Today is extra awesome because we are hanging out at home and my boy is able to go outside and chillax with the other kiddies in the neighbourhood.

Here are the two cards I finished today.

One was my first sympathy card that I needed to make for a friend who's FIL passed away.

Not so 'sympathy'ish as I wanted to work with the stamp supplies that I had. Gotta make my new hobby fit the budget too! ;O)

Inside sentiment is one that I found on another stamper's site and loved. It reads 'May God's love guide you, uphold you, protect you and enfold you'. Hopefully these are fitting words for people in pain.

Second card was my foray into the de-stressing domain. The edges of both popped up parts (the sentiment and coloured chick) were distressed using the Memory Maker's distresser tool. Stamps are from A Muse and are so fun! Tons of fun! Wasn't sure if I would like it but it seems to fit?

Both cards were coloured with copic markers and stickles for added 'pop'.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

...more cards to come soon, hopefully!

Hello VERSAMARK!!

2008-02-23T18:29:00.000-08:00

I've been a regular blog stalker for about a month now and keep hearing about this 'Versamark' stamp. Finally was able to purchase one and WOW- so awesome! There's a ton that you can do with this stamp pad!

Here was my first card experiment with using Versamark in the background.

I kept thinking everyone just had a kazzillion different types of stamp shades to get that perfect one-shade-darker colour.

Love it!

I'm thinking this will be a staple for future cards!

Loved the Making Memories charm that seemed to fit the Stampendous stamps so well.

The second card was an attempt to use some pattern paper and the small snail and bug fit so well with it! This card came together pretty well.

Loved the ribbon and had been looking for a place to use it where it would go. Not too bad...

Cards for Been

2008-02-02T18:15:00.000-08:00

For those of you who know me, you will know that I spend much of my time thinking about my sister who lives in a different province.

So, much of my stamping thoughts are cards for her.

Here is one that I loved after it was made and was so excited to send to her!

Very simple in blue.

Can't get enough of those pop ups that make parts of the card stick up higher than everything else- sure adds some pizzazz!!

First cards

2007-12-28T22:33:00.000-08:00

For Christmas this year, I decided to make my own Christmas cards.

This would be a good time to see if card making was something I liked enough to pursue.

A few months later, and I have enough cards made to start a blog... so, it was a successful experiment!

Here are a few samples from December...more to come!

First Baby Boy Cards

2007-12-28T18:08:00.000-08:00

One of my friends had a baby boy in December, so this was the perfect opp to put my new stamping skills to good use!

She was happy with the card and I thought it turned out ok for my 2nd ever card.

It can only go up from here!! HA!!

I borrowed an alphabet stamp set from a friend to spell Brock's name. All stamps were Close to my Heart with the exception of the Class 'A' Peel (Stampendous).