Summer Floral Picnic

Stampin' Up! Products

• Pumpkin Pie cardstock
• Card base measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• Real Red cardstock
• Card layer measures 4" x 5 1/4"
• Scrap for flower
• Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper
• Card layer measures 3 3/4" x 5"
• Card layer measures 2 3/4" x 5"  (next time I am going to use 2 1/4" x 5")
• Scraps for flower
• Greetings Galore stamp set
• Real Red ink
• Bigz L Fun Flowers die
• Birds & Blooms Sizzlit die
• 1/2" Circle punch
• Dimensionals *

Other Products

• Mini brad

*I placed Dimensionals between the layers of the flower

CARD KIT AVAILABLE!!

If you are interested in purchasing my card kit for this card, please email me.

Patterned Paper Borders and Edges

Often patterned paper has a border that can be difficult to make into a card.  The bordered paper is perfect for scrapbooking, making cards - not so much.

Stampin' Up! Products

• So Saffron cardstock
• Card base measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
• Scrap for circle
• Chocolate Chip cardstock
• Scrap for scallop circle
• Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper
• Blessing from Heaven and Papillon Potpourri stamp sets
• Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink and So Saffron ink
• Aqua PainterJewels
• Basic Pearls

GREAT TECHNIQUE = Terrific Card

This technique is EASY!  Some people use a brayer (in one word - Messy) to create a background like this card.  In one word - SPONGES!

Stampin' Up! Ptoducts

• Brocade Blue cardstock
• Card base measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• Whisper White cardstock card layer
• I started out with a piece measuring 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• After stamping, I trimmed down to 4" x 5 1/4"
• Brocade Blue and Always Arthichoke ink
• Lovely as a Tree and Love and Sympathy stamp sets
• Sponges

This card was CASED from a card I found online. I apologize, I do not know who deserves credit for this beautiful card.

Reason to Smile Special

Good evening blog followers,

Stampin' Up! is offering the Reason to Smile stamp set for $5.00 with your $50 purchase. This deal gets even better....

Between now and July 15, 2012 - The Reason to Smile stamp set is yours FREE* with your $50 purchase.  Yes, you read it correctly - FREE!  The Reason to Smile stamp set is valued at $20.95 and it is yours for $0.00*.

*FREE with your $50 purchase

1. FREE stamp set is only available through me, it is my personal gift to you
2. Order must be placed by email or phone (I do not have a Stampin' Up! website)
3. Payments accepted - Paypal or Credit Card
4. My personal offer for the FREE stamp set expires July 15, 2012.  Offer for stamp set at a cost of $5 (with your $50 order) expires July 31, 2012

QUESTIONS?  - EMAIL ME

With Deepest Sympathy

Stampin' Up! Products

• Certainly Celery cardstock
• Card base measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• Old Olive cardstock
• Finished length after using edgelit die is 2" x 5 1/4"
• Scallop Circle is 2 5/8"
• Whisper White cardstock
• Circle is 2 7/8"
• Baja Breeze cardstock
• Scraps for butterfly
• Green Tea Designer Series Paper
• Layer measures 1 5/8" x 5 1/4"
• Thanks for Caring stamp set
• Old Olive inik
• Adorning Accents Edgelit die
• Beautiful Butterflies Embosslit die
• Dimensionals

Other Products

• Circle and scallop circle dies

With Love and Caring

Stampin' Up! Products

• Very Vanilla cardstock
• Card base measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

• Layer measures 4 3/4" x 3 1/2"
• Pacific Point cardstock
• Layer measures 5" x 3 3/4"
• Vertical strip measures 1 1/4" x 3 3/4"
• Horizontal strip measures 5" x 1/4"
• Kiwi Kiss cardstock
• Lace - begin with a strip 1 3/4" x 6"
• Muirfield Designer Series Paper
• Strip measures 1" x 3 3/4"
• Pacific Point ink
• Thanks for Caring stamp set
• Beautiful Butterflies Sizzix die
• Beautiful Wings Embosslit
• Jewels Basic Pears
• Dimensionals

Orchid Opulence

Following a card map from Freshly Made, I created this card using Stampin' Up! Products.

Stanpin' Up Products

• Orchid Opulence cardstock
• Card base measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• Layer measures 3" x 3 1/2"
• Edgelit - start with 1 1/2" x 4"
• Whisper White cardstock
• Stamped layer measures 2 3/4" x 3 1/4"
• Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper
• Card base layer measures 4" x 5 1/4"
• Strip measures 4" x 1"
• Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
• Fresh Vintage stamp set
• Old Olive and Orchid Opulence Stampin' Write markers
• Hand punches - 1 1/4", 1 3/8" Circle, Scallop Circle
• Adorning Accents Edgelit die
• Dimensionals

Other Products

• Computer generated sentiment*

Step it Up Version

Extra layer of cardstock and Adorning Accents Edgelit Die

Stampin'  Up Products

• Orchid Opulence cardstock
• Card base measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• Layer measures 3" x 3 1/2
• Edgelit - start with 1 1/2" x 4"
• Old Olive cardstock
• Card base layer measures 4" x 5 1/4"
• Layer measures 2 3/4" x 3 1/4"
• Edgelit - start with 1 1/2" x 4"
• Whisper White cardstock
• Stamped layer measures 2 1/2" x 3"
• Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper
• Card base layer measures 3 3/4" x 5"
• Strip measures 4" x 1"
• Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
• Fresh Vintage stamp set
• Old Olive and Orchid Opulence Stampin' Write markers
• Hand punches - 1 1/4", 1 3/8" Circle, Scallop Circle
• Adorning Accents Edgelit die
• Dimensionals

Other Products

• Computer generated sentiment*

*If you would like to purchase my pdf file of generated sentiments, please EMAIL me.

Birthday Card

I created this card using leftover cardstock from Stampin' Up!'s Best Ever Simply Scrappin' kit.  As always, I am including the materials I used along with the measurements so you can easily reproduce this card at home.  If you are interested in purchasing the kit, more information follows my card dimensions.

Stampin' Up! Products

• Sahara Sand cardstock
• Card base measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• Real Red cardstock
• Card layer measures 4" x 5 1/4"
• Strip measures 4" x 1 1/4"
• Best Ever Simply Scrappin' Kit Designer Series Paper
• Card layer measures 3 3/4" x 5"
• Whisper White cardstock
• Strip measures 4" x 1"
• Real Red ink
• On Your Birthday stamp set
• Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlit dies
• Square Lattice embossing folder
• Small Heart punch
• Crimper
• Dimensionals

Other Products

• Red and Gold glitter paper

I am making this card kit available for purchase.  You will receive my completed card along with all the supplies you need (except adhesive) to complete three additional cards.  I am prohibited fron selling stamped images in my kits.  This is plenty of room for any size sentiment stamp you may have in your collection.  For more information about this card kit, please EMAIL me.

WOOHOO!  THIS POST BRINGS MY TOTAL NUMBER OF POSTS TO 400!

Three Little Ducks

My baby Kendall is no longer a baby (insert big sigh). 

I can't wait to see her this summer!  Grandpa says he needs to go shopping and get her presents, presents that her GRANDPA bought JUST-FOR-HER!

*Note to self - order airline ticket for child, one way to Birmingham.



I'm a Survivor Celebration Workshop

In celebration of the completion of my radiation treatments, I am offering FREE workshops.  My first workshop was last week and I had three wonderful ladies.  They brought ME a gift - woohoo!  The ladies selected their own sentiments and created a card that they were so proud of, in one hour.

Stampin' Up! Products

• Whisper White cardstock
• Card base measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4
• Layer measures 4 3/4" x 3 1/2"
• Marina Mist cardstock
• Layer measures 5" x 3 3/4"
• Blessings from Heaven and Elements of Style stamp sets
• Marina Mist and Old Olive ink
• Jewels Basic Pearls
• Dimensionals

Tango!

It takes two to Tango!  I liked how this card turned out and I made more than two (five to be exact). 

Stampin' Up! Products

• Tangerine Tango cardstock
• Card base measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
• Layer measures 5" x 3 3/4"
• So Saffron cardstock
• Layer measures 5 1/8" x 3 7/8"
• Strip for Scallop Trim Border; start with 6" x 1", punch, then trim
• Old Olive cardstock
• Strip measures 5" x 1/4"
• Leaves
• Haiku Designer Series Paper
• Layer measures 5" x 1 3/4"
• Trendy Trees stamp set
• Stazon Jet Black ink
• Blossom, Blossom Builder and Scallop Trim Border punches
• Birds & Blooms Sizzlits
• Dimensionals

Other Products

• Brad

Frugal tip:  I punched out the large flower using the So Saffron cardstock layer.  Insert punch into cardstock as far as you can.  The Tangerine Tango and DSP layers cover up the punchout.

Do you have any frugal tips you can share?

Masculine Z Fold Card

Father's Day is just around the corner.  This masculine card is perfect for Father's Day, birthday or any other occasion.

Stampin' Up! Products

• Kiwi Kiss cardstock
• Pacific Point cardstock
• Whisper White cardstock
• Murifield Designer Series Paper
• Best Ever Dad stamp set
• Kiwi Kiss and Pacific Point ink
• Dimensionals

Measurements for the Z-Fold Card can be found in THIS posting.

Where have I been, you ask......

........I am still up to my old crafty self. 

I am making a quilted bag using McCall's Pattern 6094.  (Edited to add - These three bags are NOT what I have made, it is the pattern I purchased.)

McCall's Pattern 6094

I use to sew, haven't sewn anything in years.  In fact, I purged my three totes of fabric a few years ago.

I found some fabric at Tuesday Morning's and it cried out to me.  I couldn't help myself - they are far more expensive at my fabric store and even Walmart.  I purchased two two-yard packages of Creative Cuts (two fabrics, one yard of each packaged together).  Two days later, I found another package (different pattern) at Big Lots.  The two-yard package at Tuesday Morning was $2.99, the two-yard package was $6.00 at Big Lots.

Yellow and black - an awesome combination - wouldn't you agree?

The front and back panels are made the same way.  Either I have forgotten how to sew or the McCall's pattern instructions are wrong.  Being humble and all......I think McCall's made a mistake.  

I made the front and the back panel sections and put them together according to the pattern.  I attached the white bands (14" according to the pattern), but when ironed, the front and back panels puckered.  The diamond patterns are a little tricky and being the perfectionist at crafting, I took my time making the pattern strips.  I thought... maybe if I double stitched over the white bands, they would look better.  BIG MISTAKE! I could have taken the white bands off and used the pieces already completed.  Well, genius here, didn't even think about that.  When you double stitch something, you might as will forget about trying to rip the stitching out.  

I carefully made a new set of front and back pieces and when it came to attaching the white bands, I measured the McCall's pattern piece first and it was 14".  Even the instructions said to attach the panels using 1" x 14" piece of fabric.  I decided to measure my panel pieces and they measures 14 1/2".  I double checked the pattern measurements because it couldn't have been my fault (of course not!).  I decided the white bands should measure 14 1/2".  I decided at that time, I didn't like how narrow the white bands were.  Since the white band width changed, the length of the panels changed (I added 1/2" to each band)..

I completed the front and back and I am pleased with the quilting.  The side panels are the same; however, I decided to make another change.  Four side panels later (you only need two) the sides are completed.  All I can say is - thank goodness I have plenty of fabric. 

I still have to quilt the side and bottoms panels.  I haven't made the lining yet, I am sure I will end up making two.

I am still crafty as ever!  What have you crafted lately?

Tisha AKA Dewsweeper

My husband and friends golf every weekend and they are the first to start at the golf course.  They are better known as the Dewsweepers.

Meet my other Dewsweeper - Tisha!  Every morning, on her trip outside she has to put her nose into everything.  The hostas are a popular hiding place for lizards.  This morning they must have been playing Hide & Seek.

Happiest Birthday Wishes Z-Fold Card

Stampin' Up! Products

• Cameo Coral
• 11" x 4 1/4", scored at 2 3/4" and 5 1/2"
• Layer measures 4" x 3"
• Basic Gray cardstock
• Left front side of card measures 2 1/2" x 4"
• Middle card section measures 3 3/4" x 2 3/4"
• Inside of card measures 4" x 3"
• Whisper White cardstock
• Middle card section measures 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"
• Inside of card measures 3 3/4" x 2 3/4"
• Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper
• Left front side of card measures 2 1/4" x 3 3/4"
• Inside of card measures 5 1/4" x 4"
• Basic Gray ink
• Happiest Birthday Wishes stamp set
• Blossom Punch
• Birds & Birds Sizzlit die
• Dimensionals

Other Products

• White brad

Creating Cards from Scratch

Sometimes I struggle creating a card from scratch.  Most of my inspiration - okay, all of my inspiration comes from the talented cardmakers that share their love of crafting online.  Several crafting websites have weekly contests on creating a card from a card map.  Clean and Simple Stamping (click HERE) is one of those websites.

I am trying to use discontinued cardstock and pattern paper.  With that in mind, I pulled out one of my favorite green - Kiwi Kiss and the coordinating Patterns Designer Series Paper and started looking for a card map.

I choose this card map ---- >

...and grabbed my cardstock, Color Coach, Big Shot and adhesive to come up with.....

Stampin' Up! Products

• Kiwi Kiss cardstock
• Card base measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• Perfect Plum cardstock
• 3 1/4" x 4 1/2"
• 5" x 1/2" strip
• Pale Plum cardstock
• Scrap
• Whisper White cardstock
• 3" x 1 3/4"
• Patterns Designer Series Paper
• 3" x 2 1/2"
• Perfect Plum ink
• On Your Birthday stamp set
• Birds & Blooms Sizzlit die
• Small Oval Punch
• Crimper
• Dimensionals

Other Products

• White brad

The Popular Z Fold Card

The Z Fold Card is a hot design on a few message boards.  The look is very similar to the Joy Fold Card; however, this stands on display much better than the Joy Fold.

Stampin' Up! Products

• Crushed Curry card base
• 11" x 4 1/4" (scored at 2 3/4" and 5 1/2")
• 4" x 3" (cut 2)
• Melon Mambo cardstock
• 5 1/4" x 4"
• 2 1/2" x 4"
• 3 3/4" x 2 3/4" (outside of card)
• Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper
• Left side (outside of card) measures 2 1/4" x 3 3/4"
• Inside measures 5" x 3 3/4"
• Whisper White cardstock
• 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" (outside)
• 3 3/4" x 2 3/4"
• Old Olive cardstock
• Leaves (cut 5)
• Happiest Birthday Wishes stamp set
• Melon Mambo, Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry inks
• Sponges (flower only)
• Bird Builder Blossom Builder and Blossom hand punches
• Birds & Bloom Sizzlit dies

Other products

• Brad
  
  

God is Good

I felt a sense of calm and peace the morning of my surgery (lymph nodes).  My family in Ohio and my adopted families in Alabama were all praying for me.  I knew I was in good hands because Dr. Susan Winchester came highly recommended. 

I can't say enough about Dr. Winchester and her staff.  I was quite emotional at my first visit.  Each hand that TOUCHed me was full of love.  My long journey trying to get my life back from my chronic pain, headaches and migraines - and now breast cancer - had taken a toll on me.  I cried so easily mostly because of the unknown road I was about to travel. 

I haven't cried since the morning of my surgery - serenity had finally entered my soul.  God has spoken, it is my turn; my turn to become a better Christian.  My first goal - Patience.  As a dear friend (who will remain anonymous - Barb) said, patience was not one of my virtues.  I hope to prove her wrong.

The GREAT NEWS

• All the cancer was removed during my lumpectony - the cancer size was very small (0.4 x 0.3 x 03 cm)
• The four lymph nodes removed were negative
• No chemotherapy is needed
• I will be having some type of radiation and possibly some type of oral medication

To my husband, Jim - If it wasn't for him, I would be completely lost - HE IS MY ROCK.  Patience IS one of his many virtues. 

AND - in no particular order.....

• To our sons, David and Bill, daughter-in-law Kristin and precious grandbaby Kendall - I love you all so much.
• To my sister Susan - thank you for your unfailing love.  I can't wait to see you - Sister Retreat Time!
• To all my family back in Ohio - I love you all.  Thank you for the "Casto flowers" (aka sunflowers), telephone calls and cards.
• To my Jasper sister Barb - my friend, my chauffeur.  Thank you for your love and support.  I can't wait for my Sister Retreat in Michigan this summer.  Easter dinner - my first homemade meal in over two months!
• To my Trussville sister Gail - Thank you for putting me on your church prayer list.  I was very concerned about the severe migraine that usually followed my surgeries.  I didn't have a migraine following either of my two surgeries.  Your pastor's concerns were heartwarming. 
• To all my sisters at First United Methodist Church of Jasper - thank you so much for being available 24/7.  Thank you to those who offered to bring dinner or drive me to an appointment.
• Mary Ann S. - for kneeling, praying and hugging me at the church altar.  The apple pie was half eaten in one day.
• Candy C. - Thank you for recommending that I should go and see Dr. Winchester
• Kathryn O. - The potato soup was delicious.  Thank you for checking on me through emails when I was too upset to talk to anyone.
• Karen B. - Cream Cheese dessert - who doesn't like cream cheese!
• Gail W. - Banana pudding straight out of the oven with a meringue topping.  Oh, sweet Jesus!
• Charlene S. - your inspirational scriptures were perfect.
• Betty L. - A cancer survivor who emailed me and made herself available if I had any questions.
• Jeannette S. and her Sunday School members - I appreciated your prayers and emails.
• To my Facebook Peeps - thank you for your support and private messages.
• To my Blog Peeps - thank you for your words of encouragement you gave by emailing me or posting a comment to this blog.

For those how happen on this blog posting - DO NOT skip any routine mammogram.  My lump was found during a routine mammogran.  Follow your doctor's guidelines and/or National Cancer Institute guidelines.

To all my wonderful blog followers

Your words have brought me comfort.  Thank you for those who left me their phone numbers and email addresses.  Women - God's Angels of Comfort.

The Crosswalk

It all makes sense now.  For the past four years I have had many struggles physically with my body.  The pain was so intense and unbearable.  So many times I cried out to the Lord to end the pain.  In December, God answered my call and sent me to a physician who finally addressed my daily pains and migraines that left me in bed for days.   I had my LIFE back!!  But little did I know what I was about to face.  God was preparing me, GOD WAS PREPARING ME for the biggest struggle I have ever faced.  I have breast cancer.

We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot.

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, there will always be sunshine, after the rain....

Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall; but God's always ready, to answer your call....

He knows every heartache, sees every tear, a word from His lips, can calm every fear...

Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night, but suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light...

The Savior is waiting, somewhere above, to give you His grace, and send you His love.

May God fill your day with blessings!!

(author unknown)