Thursday, January 29, 2015

Missing in Action

Where have I been?  I haven't been able to craft since my eight-level back fusion and abdominal surgery.

I have scoliosis flat-back syndrome.  Prior to surgery, standing and standing still for more than fifteen minutes was painful and at times impossible.  Shopping and standing while singing in church was very difficult.  I still managed to walk with my friend.  I still maintained my home.  The thing I missed the most was helping out at church events.

I knew this wasn't going to be easy.  This is what I knew going into surgery:
  • Surgery would last approximately eight hours
  • I would be in ICU for one day
  • I would remain in the hospital for five to six days
  • I would need to be at a rehabilitation facility for up to six weeks
  • I wouldn't be able to drive for approximately three months
  • Total recovery would take six months 
My goal was to get home by January 31.  My husband wasn't so optimistic.

This is what happened:
  • Thursday, January 8 Surgery lasted close to nine hours
  • I bypassed ICU and was admitted to my room five hours after surgery
  • I had a morphine pump until Sunday
  • I had to have a blood transfusion - let me tell you, that was scary.  
  • Monday I took my first steps
  • My left arm was a mess.  Since I had breast cancer, my right arm couldn't be used for measuring blood pressure, IVs, or blood specimens.  Why did they need to take so much blood?
  • Wednesday, January 14 I was moved to a rehabilitation facility.
  • Getting the correct pain medication was not easy.  The first day I had any pain relief was eight days after surgery.  The medication didn't work for me. I'm suggested I be given the pain medication I used at home.  It worked!
  • Physical Torture began on Thursday, January 15.  An hour of occupational therapy, an hour of physical therapy in the morning and one half hour of each in the afternoon. Three hours total.  I was able to get dressed by myself  (with some gadgets) by Friday.
  • There were good days followed by horrible nights.  I didn't sleep well and my mornings started at 3:00 am (urgh!)
  • What I didn't anticipate, I cry so easily and at times uncontrollable.
  • My craft studio is fifteen steps down to the basement.  On Tuesday, January 20 my therapist asked me to climb a flight of stairs.  When I got to the top he said, "Eleven steps!"  I decided I could do another flight.  Of course, I then had to walk back down.
  • On Wednesday, January 21, thirteen days after surgery I was home!  No additional physical therapy needed.
I'm home but that doesn't mean I'm back to normal Beth.  I can't bend over, it takes me thirty minutes to get dressed, I have to roll out of bed, I can't sit for more than ten minutes and I walk with a noticeable sway in my back; these are a few of my obstacles.  My days are filled with television, Sudoku, YouTube and online shopping.  The best news - I am 1-3/4" taller than the day before surgery!

I haven't made it down to my craft studio, maybe tomorrow.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Crafts by Beth - Black Friday is TODAY!


Merry Christmas to all my blog followers!

I saw 3D stars online and had to create instructions to share with everyone.  

The Adobe PDF file can be downloaded HERE.

If you are interested in purchasing Stampin' Up! products, please contact me by EMAIL.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Autumn Vine Label Card

I love making this type of card; however, I can never photograph them well.  Please check out Dawn's YouTube video on how to make this extended flap card using the Label Card Thinlit.  Be sure to leave a comment showing your appreciation of Dawn creating this video.

Stampin' Up! Products
  • More Mustard cardstock (retired)
    • Card base measures 8 1/2" x 5 3/8" (opened)
    • Scraps for leaves
    • On ribbon border 1/8" x 5 3/8"
  • Chocolate Chip cardstock
    • Card layer measures 5 1/8" x 2 3/8"
    • Inside card layer measures 5 1/8" x 2 3/8"
    • Scrap for mat behind sentiment
    • Ribbon border 1" x 5 3/8"
  • Sage Shadow cardstock
    • Scraps for leaves
  • Whisper White cardstock
    • Inside card layer measures 4 7/8" x 2 1/8"
    • Scrap for Apothecary Thinlit
  • Autumn Vine Designer Series Paper
    • Card layer measures 4 7/8" x 2 1/8
  • Let Your Hair Down stamp set
  • Chocolate Chip ink
  • Labels Collection Framelit and Label Card Thinlits
  • Scallop Trim Border (retired) and small maple leaf (non SU) hand punches
  • Basic Pearl Jewel colored with Blendabilities
  • Dimensionals

Monday, November 3, 2014

Spice Cake Label Card

I love making this type of card; however, I can never photograph them well.  Please check out Dawn's YouTube video on how to make this extended flap card using the Label Card Thinlit.  Be sure to leave a comment showing your appreciation of Dawn creating this video.

Stampin' Up! Products
  • Pear Pizzaaz cardstock
    • Card base measures 8 1/2" x 5 3/8" (opened)
    • Scraps for flowers
    • On ribbon border 1/8" x 5 3/8"
  • Soft Suede cardstock
    • Card layer measures 5 1/8" x 2 3/8"
    • Inside card layer measures 5 1/8" x 2 3/8"
    • Scrap for mat behind sentiment
    • Ribbon border 1" x 5 3/8"
  • Very Vanilla cardstock
    • Inside card layer measures 4 7/8" x 2 1/8"
    • Scrap for Apothecary Thinlit
  • Spice Cake Designer Series Paper
    • Card layer measures 4 7/8" x 2 1/8
  • Apothecary Art and Silhouette Sentiments stamp sets
  • Soft Suede ink
  • Labels Collection Framelit and Label Card Thinlits
  • Circle 1", Dotted Scallop Border and Petite Petals hand punches
  • Basic Pearl Jewel colored with Blendabilities
  • Dimensionals

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Everyday Enchantment Label Card

I love making this type of card; however, I can never photograph them well.  Please check out Dawn's YouTube video on how to make this extended flap card using the Label Card Thinlit.  Be sure to leave a comment showing your appreciation of Dawn creating this video.


Stampin' Up! Products
  • Poppy Parade cardstock (retired)
    • Card base measures 8 1/2" x 5 3/8" (opened)
    • Scraps for bird and label
    • On ribbon border 1/8" x 5 3/8"
  • Old Olive cardstock
    • Scrap for leaf stem
  • Very Vanilla cardstock
    • Card layer measures 5 1/8" x 2 3/8"
    • Inside card layer measures 5 1/8" x 2 3/8"
    • Scrap for mat behind bird
    • Ribbon border 1" x 5 3/8"
  • Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper (retired)
    • Card layer measures 4 7/8" x 2 1/8
  • Language of Friendship stamp set
  • StazOn Jet Black ink
  • Soft Suede ink for sponging
  • Crafts by Beth CCP Sentiments (click HERE)
  • Label Card Thinlit
  • Bird Builder, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Modern Label and Word Window hand punches
  • Basic Pearl Jewel
  • Dimensionals

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Fall and Thanksgiving Hostess Gift

This is the perfect Thanksgiving or Fall Hostess Gift.

Stampin' Up! Products (unless noted otherwise)
  • Cream cardstock (non SU)
    • Card base measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  • Chocolate Chip cardstock
    •  Scrap for punch 1" x 6"
    • Scraps
  • Really Rust cardstock
    • Scrap for leaf
  • So Saffron cardstock
    • Scrap for leaf
  • Very Vanilla cardstock
    • Scrap for sentiment
  • WeR Memory Keepers Harvest Country Plaid
    • Card layer measures 1 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  • Maple Leaf punch (non SU), Modern Label and Word Window hand punches
  • Various Embossing folders
  • Crafts by Beth CPP Sentiments (click HERE)
  • Dimensionals


Monday, October 27, 2014

Everyday Enchantment Thank You

Stampin' Up! Products
  • Poppy Parade cardstock
    • Card base measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
  • Pool Party cardstock
    • Scraps for flower
  • Wild Wasabi cardstock
    • Scraps for leaves
  • Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper (retired)
    • Card layer measures 5 1/4" x 2 3/4"
  • Thank You Kindly stamp set
  • StazOn Jet Black ink
  • Soft Suede ink for sponging
  • Blossom, Pansy and Petite Petals hand punches
  • Adorning Accents Edgelits (retired)
  • Adorning Accents Embossing folder (retired)
  • Bronze brad

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Autumn Traditions - Fall Thank You

I created this card using Stampin' Up! ready made Note Cards & Envelopes.   2014 - 2015 Catalog, page 194.  Card: 5" x 3-1/2"; envelope: 5-1/8" x 3-5/8".

Stampin' Up! Products
  • Whisper White note card
    • Card base measures 5" x 3 1/2"
  • Elegant Eggplant
    • Card layer measures 5" x 3/8"
  • Always Artichoke, Elegant Eggplant and More Mustard cardstock
    • Scraps for leaves
  • Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper (retired)
    • Card layer measures 5" x 1"
  • Express Yourself stamp set
  • Elegant Eggplant ink
  • Maple Leaf punch (non SU)
  • Basic Pearl Jewels

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Blended Bloom

I struggled creating a card using this stamp set.  The image does not have leaves and the cards I have seen online are "missing" leaves.  I decided to offset the image, like I did on THIS posting.  After I colored the image I didn't care for the white space and a stamped sentiment made the card 'meh.  I am happy with the final card even though it took an hour to fill in the white space.

Stampin' Up! Products

  • Crushed Curry textured cardstock
    • Card base measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
    • Banner measures 3/4" x 2 1/4"
  • Chocolate Chip cardstock
    • Card layer measures 4 1/2" x 3 1/8"
    • Banner measures 3/4" x 2 5/8"
  • Whisper White cardstock
    • Card layer measures 4 1/4" x 2 7/8"
  • Blended Bloom stamp set
  • Momento Black Ink
  • Stampin' Blendabilities
    • Daffodil Delight
    • Crumb Cake
  • Baker's Twine White
  • Button (non SU)
  • Dimensionals
  • Mini Glue Dots

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Vivid Vases in the Fall

Stampin' Up! Products

  • More Mustard cardstock (retired)
    • Card base measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
  • Chocolate Chip cardstock
    • Card layer measures 5 1/4" x 4"
    • Card layer measures 3 5/8" x 3"
  • Really Rust cardstock
    • Scrap for tab
  • Whisper White cardstock
    • Card layer measures 3 3/8" x 2 3/4"
  • Autumn Vine Designer Series Paper (retired)
  • Hearts a Flutter Framelits
  • Vivid Vases stamp set
  • Memento black ink
  • Stampin' Write Markers
    • Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Really Rust and Sage Shadow
  • Basic Pearl Jewel (colored with Blendabilities)

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Spice Cake Weave

It took some time to weave the 1/2" strips of Spice Cake Designer Series Paper for this card.  Grid paper is a must!

Stampin' Up! Products
  • Pear Pizzaaz cardstock
    • Card base measures 4 1/2" x 5 1/2" folded
    • Scraps for leaves
  • More Mustard Cardstock
    • Scraps for flower
  • Spice Cake Designer Series Paper
    • Strips measures 1/2" x 4"
  • Cute and Curly stamp set
  • Soft Suede ink
  • Blossom, Pansy and Petite Petals hand punches
  • Dimensionals
  • Brad


Saturday, September 27, 2014

Post-it-Note In An Easel Card

Stampin' Up! Products (unless noted otherwise)
  • Daffodil Delight cardstock
    • Card base measures 5 1/2" x 11"
      • Scored at 5 1/2" 
    • Card layer measures 3 1/4" x 5 1/2"
    • Tag measures 2" x 4 1/4"
  • Kiwi Kiss cardstock
    • Scraps for leaves
  • Pacific Point cardstock
    • Card layer measures 3" x 5 1/4"
    • Card layer measures 2" x 5 1/4"
  • Whisper White cardstock
    • Tag sentiment measures 3 3/8" x 1 3/4"
    • Inside card layer measures 2" x 5 1/4"
  • International Bazaar Designer Series Paper (retired)
    • Card layer measures 2 3/4" x 5"
    • Card layer measures 1 3/4" x 5"
  • You are Loved stamp set
  • Pacific Point and Tangerine Tango ink
  • Corner Rounder, Pansy, Petite Petals and Scallop Tag Topper hand punches
  • Tangerine Tango 1/4" ribbon (from Sycamore Street pack - retired)
  • White Baker's Twine  
  • Sticky Strip
  • Dimensionals
  • Post-it-Note (3" x 3")
  • Basic Pearl Jewels (colored with Blendabilities)
I have provided a layout of the card.  You can download it HERE.

Don't forget about the handy gadget at the bottom of this post.  Save this entire post to your computer simply by clicking on the Print Friendly icon below.




Thursday, September 4, 2014

Auburn Football Fans

Found this paper for a steal and couldn't pass it up.  I started with a blank canvas, the color very similar to Stampin' Up!'s Brilliant Blue (now retired).  I wanted something cheerful and selected Pumpkin Pie as my "pop" of color.  The beautiful colors of Auburn University in Alabama.

Stampin' Up! Products (unless noted otherwise)
  • White textured cardstock (non SU)
    • Card base measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  • Pumpkin Pie cardstock
    • Card layer measures 4" x 5 1/4"
      • Be frugal and punch out part of the flowers
  • Bright Blue textured cardstock (non SU)
    • Bottom card layer measures 3 3/4" x 3 1/2"
    • Top card layer measures 3 3/4" x 1 1/2"
    • Strip measures 3 3/4" x 1/4"
  • Blossom, Modern Label, Pansy, Petite Petals and Word Window hand punches
  • Dimensionals
  • Blue 1/8" brad (non SU)
  • Sentiments - Crafts by Beth CPP (Click, Print and Punch)
    • Click HERE for more information

My most popular gift set of cards are ones that the recipient chooses the sentiment.  Included in this four card gift set will be a selection of sentiments.  I use clear mounting stickers on the backs of the sentiments.  Select the sentiment, peel and stick. 


Sunday, August 17, 2014

Blendabilities - Who Knew

I don't color well.  I mean, my coloring is ALWAYS lousy.  That is until Stampin' Blendabilities came on the market.  There are so many great YouTube videos that show you how, step, by step.  My FAVORITE how to is not on YouTube; I discovered a handy guide created by Kaitlyn.  Click HERE for the link to that guide.



Kaitlyn also was the inspiration for my bookmarks.

Stampin' Up! Products
  • Whisper White cardstock
    • Begin with a piece measuring 2" x 4 1/2" 
  • Various colors of cardstock were used in this collection.
    • Begin with a piece slightly smaller than your Whisper White cardstock
  • Corner Rounder and Scalloped Tag Topper hand punches
  • Stampin' Blendabilities
    • Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Skin Tone Assortment, Wisteria Wonder
  • Memento ink
  • Blended Bloom, Blessings from Heaven (retired) and Trust God stamp sets
  • Ribbon cut at 8"
    • Used various Stampin' Up! ribbon
  • Liquid glue

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Kinda Eclectic

This is a must-have stamp set!

Stampin' Up! Products
I packaged four of these together with matching envelopes.  I used a retired ribbon - Rich Razzleberry Grosgrain Stitched.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Build A Bear Birthday Card

Inspired by a video by Mary Fish showing how to use the Stampin' Up! Thinlits Card die to create a gift card holder.  Her video instructions can be found HERE.

My sweetie Victoria is turning one this month and I will not be able to attend the party.  I created this card for this very special occasion.

Stampin' Up! Products





Friday, August 8, 2014

All Occasion Gift Card Set

This four-piece card set is available for purchase. You are a blessing in my life sentiment is perfect for any occasion.  Included in the gift set are four cards, four matching envelopes, reusable box and bookmark.  Everything except the bookmark are wrapped in a clear bag and tied with a bow.  Need a hostess gift?  One of a Kind!


This was a complicated card to produce.  I have over three hours of time in making this set.  

Measurements
  • Card base measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
  • Bottom card layer measures 5 1/4" x 4"
  • Next card layer measures 5" x 3 3/4"
  • Oval Framelits
  • Blessing from Heaven and Flower Shop stamp sets
  • Really Rust ink
  • Pansy and Scalloped Tag Topper punches
  • Dimensionals - lots of them

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Z Fold Blessing

You are such a Blessing in my life.......


Stampin' Up! Products (unless noted otherwise
  • More Mustard cardstock Card base measures 11" x 4 1/4"
      • Scored at 2 3/4" and 5 1/2"
    • Card layer measures 3 3/4" x 2 3/4" (cut 2)
    • Scraps for flower - Blossom (cut 2) Pansy Flower (cut 1) and Petite Petals (cut 1)
  • Early Espresso cardstock
    • Card layer measures 5 1/4" x 4" (inside the card)
    • Card layer measures 2 1/2" x 4" (left side of card)
    • Card layer measures 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" (center of card)
  • Very Vanilla cardstock
    • Card layer measures 3 1/4" x 2 1/4" (center of card outside)
    • Card layer measures 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" (inside of card)
  • Pattern Paper (not SU)
    • Card layer measures 5" x 3 3/4" (inside)
    • Card layer measures 2 1/4" x 3 3/4"
  • Blessings from Heaven ink
  • Early Espresso ink
  • Blossom, Pansy Flower and Petite Petals hand punches
  • Brad

Saturday, August 2, 2014

SAVE - SAVE - SAVE

Stampin' Up! is running a Big Shot special.  Purchase the Big Shot and receive one of the bundles pictured here for FREE!

I am also offering a special on the Big Shot special made through my only store through August 15, 2014. Use this Hostess Code 969BYXBH in the space provided at Checkout to receive a 20% discount on the Big Shot machine from me.

MY STAMPIN' UP! STORE

Questions? EMAIL me


Monday, June 2, 2014

Beyond the Garden Series XXVII

Stampin' Up! Products (unless noted otherwise)

  • Basic Black cardstock
    • Card base measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
    • Card layer measures 3 1/8" x 4 3/8"
  • Daffodil Delight cardstock
    • Card layer measures 4 1/8" x 5 3/8"
    • Scraps for flowers
  • Beyond the Garden Designer Series Paper
    • Card layer measures 3" x 4 1/4" 
  • Fun Flower Sizzix Die
  • Circle 1 3/8" Modern Label, Pansy and Petite Petals hand punches
  • Crafts by Beth CPP Sentiments*
    • Click HERE for more information
  • Dimensionals
  • Brad
*Crafts by Beth CPP Sentiments - Just Click, Print and Punch.  Adobe file will be made available in the upcoming weeks.  Please stop back for more information.