You Mean the World to Me SSC68 and NAC #74

January 31, 2014

Things are slowly getting back to normal in Georgia.  That snow/ice storm threw us for a loop.  Most everyone is back to work and all the kids will go back to school on Monday.  I bet all the Mommy's are thankful for teachers :))

Since I am still trying to get back in the groove from my knee replacement, I am going to combine my card with two challenges today.  As I said yesterday, I really don't like to do that, but the amount of time that I can stand is very limited.  It is frustrating when one card takes 3 hours to make because I have to go rest.  This too shall pass!!!!

The Sunday Stamps Sketch Challenge and the Nacho Average Color Challenge go together perfectly this week.  This is my first time to play along with Sunday Stamps.  My Dear Friend, Angel told me about the challenge.  Thanks, Angel!  The colors made me think of a day at the beach, but I wanted to make a Valentine, since I still need a few more cards.  I really think you could send this card for any occasion.    I hope you enjoy it! 

                                                  

Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Crisp Cantaloupe, Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay,  Crisp Cantaloupe Designer Series Paper, Whisper White,  and Vellum

Ink:  Bermuda Bay

Stamp Set:  I Love You, More

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Circle Framelits, Envelope Liner Framelit, Vellum Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, Owl Punch for Hearts,


Embellishment:  Crisp Cantaloupe Thread

I hope you have a fantastic weekend!  It should be fun watching the Super Bowl.  I always love the commercials!  I am cheering for Peyton!  He played for Indianapolis for years, so I am partial!

Please leave a comment!  I love to hear from you!
Visit my online store to purchase your Stampin' Up! Products.  Don't forget about SALE-A BRATION!

Happy Stampin!
Claire

April Showers DD #87and PP 180

January 29, 2014 

I AM SOOOOO thankful for my home today!  When the snow/ice storm hit Atlanta yesterday it was a disaster.  I have so many friends that had family members stranded and my thoughts and prayers are with all the people still stuck in cars, schools, churches and stores.  Georgia is just not equipped for such extreme weather.  The city is basically shut down and will be again tomorrow. 

I am struggling to work in my craft room.  It has only been two weeks since my knee replacement and I just can't stand or stay up long.  I was supposed to get the staples removed today, but there was no way we could get there and luckily they closed the doctor's office.  It took me so long to complete this card.  Standing up for more than 15 minutes then requires a few minutes sitting down to rest.  I always stand for some reason while making cards, so the process was longgggg today-----Each day is getting better though! :)))

I really LOVE the Dynamic Duos Color Challenge and the Paper Players Challenge.  I usually don't combine challenges, but due to the fact that I am thankful to get one card made, I did it this week.  Both challenges are amazing!!!  The Design Teams are so talented and I  admire their creativity!!!!!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Versa Mark

Stamp Sets: Petite Petals,  I'm Here For You, Rain or Shine (My Creative Time)

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Cloud Embossing Folder, Paper Snips, Petite Petals Punch, Scalloped Tag Topper Punch, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, Black Embossing Powder, Melon Mambo Marker, Corner Rounder,  Stampin' Dimensionals

Embellishments:  Pearls, Black Candy Dots, Black and White Baker's Twine, Glossy Accents

I had trouble getting the umbrella the way I wanted it.  I heat embossed it in black first and decided it needed color.  I played around with markers and finally stamped it again on basic black and used the paper snips and paper pieced the umbrella. It made it a little heavier and then I  popped it with dimensionals.  I am pleased with the way it turned out.  Sometimes, it is painful to be a perfectionist.  Ha Ha! 

Please don't forget to leave a comment!  I really love to hear from you!
Join my email list for updates.

******Don't forget the SALE-A-BRATION event going on now at Stampin' Up!  Shop online and for every $50.00 dollars you spend you get a great gift of your choice from the promotion!  ******

Stay warm and remember to be thankful!  I think we take things for granted and it is times like these that the little things are truly what really matters!

Lots of love!
Happy Stampin!
Claire

I

Friend To Friend CCMC287

January 28, 2014

Hello My Friends!  I can not begin to tell you how glad I am to be able to post today!  My knee replacement surgery on Jan. 14th went very well.  I am on the mend!!!  :)))  I started my physical therapy and I have weeks ahead of me, but I am ready to face the rehab.  I am trying to get back into my craft room.  I wanted to make a card for the Create With Connie and Mary Sketch Challenge.  It took me several hours to make my card because I just can't stand very long.  I would do one thing -- go sit down---go back and do one more thing---etc. until I finally finished my card.  I felt such a feeling of accomplishment when I completed the card and hope to be back in full swing very soon! ENJOY!!!!!                                                              
                                                 
                        http://www.createwithconnieandmary.com/create-with-connie-and-mary/

I know it looks like the bow does not match, but it is the lighting.  It is Crumb Cake and look great in person!  I am not the best photographer!  I am sorry!

Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Parker's Patterns Designer Series Paper (Retired), Witches Brew Designer Series Paper, Basic Black

Ink:  Soft Suede, Crumb Cake

Stamp Set:  Nature Walk (Retired), Teeny Tiny Wishes

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Envelope Liner, Paper Snips, Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, Black Embossing Powder, Modern Label Punch, Window Punch, Distressing Tool, Sponge

Embellishments:   Linen Thread, Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon,  Rhinestones, Antique Brad

It is snowing in Atlanta!  Everyone has gone crazy!  I am glad to be home--- safe and warm.  It has not snowed one flake at my home yet, but I am waiting!  -------

PLEASE leave a comment!  I love to hear from you!  Join my email list, too for updates on my blog!
Thanks a million!

Stay safe!
Happy Stampin!
Claire

By the Tide Thank You! DD #86 DS133

Today's card is for the Dynamic Duos Color Challenge and the Deconstruction Sketch.  The sketch is such a perfect sketch for the stamp set I wanted to use.  The Pool Party and Pink Pirouette are so calming.  I am home and  recovering from knee replacement and my "Serenity Now" thoughts take me to a quiet beach with warm sun and a refreshing breeze.  My dear Friend, Maxine is spending the month in Mexico, so honey----this card is for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                

 

 

Stampin' Up! Products:  

Paper:  Whisper White, Pool Party, Pink Pirouette Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Pool Party

Stamp Set:  By the Tide, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Paper Snips, Stampin Dimensionals, Window Punch

Embellishments:  White Organza Ribbon, Pink Pirouette Button 

Hope my card brings calming thoughts to you!

My recovery is a longggg road ahead, but I am determined to get back to what passes for normal, very soon!  Thank you for all your prayers, well wishes and positive thoughts!

Happy Stampin!

Claire

Happy Valentine's Day "Just Us Girls" #223

January 13, 2013

Last post before I leave for my knee replacement------  please say a prayer for me!  Thank you so much!!!!

I found a new Challenge yesterday while I was looking at crafting blogs.  It is "Just Us Girls!"
I love the name of the challenge.  This week's challenge is paper piecing.  I love this technique so, I pulled out one of my all time favorite stamp sets, "Perfectly Preserved!"  I hope you enjoy my card!
                                                         

Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Naturals (White), (With Love-Recollections Valentine Pack)

Ink:  Early Expresso, Red Riding Hood (retired), Old Olive

Stamp Set:  Perfectly Preserved   (XO Stamp in my Valentine Stash)

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Envelope Liner Framelit, Heart Punch (Creative Memories), Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Window Punch

Embellishments:  Linen Thread, Pink Buttons Pink Pirouette

XOXO,
Happy Stampin!
Claire

I Can't Thank You Enough! PP178

January 13, 2014

I am so happy to be up and moving today.  I had a horrible stomach virus yesterday!  Oh my----  I pray no one gets it!  I was very sad because it was my last day at home before my knee replacement.  I wanted to enter the Paper Players Challenge this week.  I absolutely love the color combination!!!!!!  There is no way that I could have been creative yesterday, so I ran in my craft room this morning to give it my best effort before we leave for Atlanta.  I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 a.m., so we are just going to spend the night in the city to be closer to the hospital. 


                                                    
These colors are just fabulous together and the Design Teams samples were amazing.
These colors made me feel happy, so I pulled out one of my ALL time favorite Stamp Sets--Circle Circus!  It is retired now, but I will always love it and I am smile when I use it.  Hope you enjoy my card!

Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Pear Pizzazz, Primrose Petals, Whisper White, Coastal Cabana Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Pear Pizzazz, Primrose Petals, Crushed Curry, Coastal Cabana

Stamp Sets:  Circle Circus, Chalk Talk

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Banner Framelit, Envelope Liner Framelit, Circle Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals

Embellishments:  Trim, Pearls

Hope your day is going great!
Make time for YOU!

Happy Stampin!
Claire

Hello, You're On My Mind! FMS 118

January 11, 2014

I am so tired of gloom-----
On to Freshly Made Sketches!

I love their sketches and the Design Team's inspirational  cards are awesome!  I am always in awe of the talent!  I love all the samples this week! 

                                                         

 Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper, Melon Mambo

Ink:  Staz On Black, Whisper White

Stamp Sets:  Peachy Keen, Thoughts of You

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, On Film Framelit, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Embellishments:  Felt Heart (from my stash) 

I love the chalkboard technique and used it on the film!  Thought it was a fun take on the sketch!  Let me know what you think!  Leave a comment ----love to hear from you!

Happy Stampin!
Claire

LOVE! CCMC 285

January 11, 2014

I can NOT believe it is still raining!  Oh well, no sunshine again today!  Guess we have to make our own sunshine sometimes.  I am off in a few minutes to visit two of my GRANDS!  They always bring the best sunshine!

I am trying to enter a few challenges before my knee replacement on Tuesday.  I don't think I will be able to craft for a few days/weeks, so getting my Valentine stash built up before then.  The Create With Connie and Mary Challenge this week was difficult for me.  Creating a background proved to be a  Real "Challenge" for me.  I just couldn't decide what I wanted to use.  I love the Mosaic Madness stamp set and matching punch, but it has rarely been used.  So, I decided to give it some ink.  I used my two favorite colors, Real Red and Tempting Turquoise.  They always brighten my spirits when I see them together. 

                                                     

Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Whisper White, Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Real Red, Tempting Turquoise

Stamp Sets:  Mosaic Madness, Best of Love, Wacky Wishes

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Distressing Tool, Mosaic Punch, Owl Punch (for hearts), Stampin' Dimensionals, Square Punch for pennant tails,

Embellishment:  Pearls

I love the way this card came together!  It makes me happy!  Hope you enjoy it, too!
Please have a wonderful and safe weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!  Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!  I love to hear from you!

Happy Stampin!
Claire

Straight To My Heart! CMCC 2 and FM 142

January 10, 2014

It is so gloomy outside!!!!!  Where is the sunshine?  

I bought the adorable Snow Day stamp and never used it during the holidays.  I keep thinking about  my family and friends in Indiana and ALL the snow they are battling, so I thought today is the day to bring out this cheery little fellow!  :)   I wanted a way to make a Valentine, so here is my take on the Color Challenge for Colour Me and I used twine for The Friday Mashup!



                                                       

 

Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Whisper White, Marina Mist Designer Series Paper, Melon Mambo

Ink:  Melon Mambo, Marina Mist, Early Expresso

Stamp Sets:  Snow Day, I Love You More, Peachy Keen

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Banner Framelits, Stampin' Dimensionals, Circle Punch, Tangerine Tango Marker, Melon Mambo Marker, Early Expresso Marker

Embellishments:  Melon Mambo Ribbon, Linen Thread, Pearls

Thanks for stopping by!  Don't forget to leave a comment!  It means so much to hear from you!

Happy Stampin!

Claire

Happy Heart Day! PPA 187

January 10, 2014

Good Morning!  It is pouring here!  Great day to work on the ironing pile and hide in my craft room. 
I LOVE the colors for Pals Paper Arts this week.  The Design Teams samples were amazing, too!  When there is Real Red involved, I am in:)))  I am still working on my Valentine stash, so here is my card for today.  ENJOY!

                                                       

                                                             www.palspaperarts.com

 

Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Real Red, Whisper White, Soft Sky Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Real Red,  Whisper White Craft

Stamp Sets:  Everything Eleanor, Tags 4 You, Just Sayin'

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Heart Embossing Folder (Cricut), Decorative Label Punch, Curly Label Punch, Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals

Embellishment:  Pearls

TGIF!  Have a great weekend!  Don't forget to leave a comment!  I love to hear from you!

3 days until my knee replacement-----I am so nervous and anxious!  Praying for a smooth recovery. 

Shop Stampin' Up online for all your craft supplies!  Thanks a million!

Happy Stampin!

Claire 

Q is for Queen NAC 71

January 9, 2014

Another week is flying by.  How does the time pass so quickly?

I am trying to get a few Valentine's made since my knee replacement is going to set me back next week.  I loved the sketch the Nacho Team provided this week!  This is one I will use over and over.  The Design Team samples were amazing! 

I was a teacher for 27 years and I know nothing means more to a teacher than receiving something special from a student.  Every teacher is "Queen" of her classroom, so I made this card for a special teacher and I hope you will enjoy it, too!

The Storybook Friends paper by Stampin' Up! is retired, but I thought it was perfect for my card.

                                                                   

                                                

Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Storybook Friends Designer Series Paper, Very Vanilla,  Pool Party

Ink:  Real Red

Stamp Sets:  Tiny Tiny Wishes, Vintage Verses

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Angeled Tag Topper, Word Window Punch

Embellishment:  Heart Brad

Off to Book Club!  Go out there and make it a great day!

Happy Stampin!
Claire

The Secret of Life Friday Mashup 141

January 8, 2014

It has been a very longgggg day!  I spent 4 hours at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta having my Pre/Op for my knee replacement surgery on Tuesday.  I am sooooo happy to be home!!!!   I made a card for The Friday Mash-Up last night and I have 1 hour until the deadline to get it posted.  Nothing like last minute-----

Love the sketch and the theme of TIME---never enough Time!

                                                           

 

Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Baked Brown Sugar, Whisper White, Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Baked Brown Sugar, Tangerine Tango, Costal Cabana

Stamp Sets:  Clockworks, From My Heart

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals

Embellishments:  Retro Fresh Washi Tape, Candy Dots, Linen Thread

Hope you are warm and cozy!

Thanks for stopping by my blog!  Please leave a comment and tell me what you think.  I love the new items in the Celebrate the Everyday Catalog.  The Retro Fresh Papers are my favorite!

Happy Stampin!

Claire