Wishing You a Wonderful Christmas

Dear Friends, I am so sorry that I have not posted in a long time. I have been very overwhelmed with life. While that is no excuse, I just have not had the time or energy to make much nor post what I have made. Hopefully after the New Year, I can get caught back up on life.

In the meantime, know that I value all my friendships and followers that I have gathered along this year. I hope and pray that your Christmas with family and friends is truly blessed. And I hope and pray that 2010 is a better year for you and your family!

God Bless you all!
Cindy

PS Since my blog anniversary is coming at the end of January, I want to offer Candy....so, check back after Jan. 2 for more information!

Thankful Cornucopia Card

Howdy Friends! I am no longer MIA.....aren't you happy? I have been so incredibly busy with Son, Clark, in hospital and rehab hospital (he's doing fine), college course (getting an A) and getting ready for Christmas (production in full gear). Just have not had the time to post nor visit blogs.

I colored this image over a month ago when I was in the mood...8 of them to be exact. Just for immediate family and BFF, Beth. Lots of work but, so worth it! I love a good Thanksgiving image with some seriousness. We should be thankful for the abundance in our lives.....this image screams that, IMHO.

Thanks for looking and happy crafting!! Happy Thanksgiving too!!!
Cindy

• Stamps - Inkadinkadoo, SU Happy Harmony
• Ink - Ranger's Archival Ink
• Paper - SU Very Vanilla, More Mustard and Dusty Durango Cardstock, Throughly Modern DSP
• Accessories - Prismacolor Pencils, Baby Oil, Blending Stumps, Dimensionals, SU Ribbon (retired)

Homey Chrstmas Wish

Good Morning Friends! This is the last of our Christmas cards.....though I still have to finish my sons small stack (14). I love this front door scene and I really wanted to color it all in but, for the sake of mass production, I opted out.

I have been really trying to use up old products, I mean you can only hoard for so long...then it become obsessive!! So, I used the old SU In-Colors Cranberry Crisp and True Thyme. Isn't it interesting how similar in color it is to the new Soft Suede? Well, at least I found it interesting.

In talking to family this year about Christmas...you know deciding who is hosting, etc.....it dawned on me that Dad won't be here this year. While it makes me sad, it also makes me smile remembering him with his Santa hat and red suspenders on for the entire day. What a character he was! We will miss him very much this year!

Thanks for looking and have a great day!
Cindy

• Stamps - Home for Christmas
• Paper -SU Very Vanilla, Mellow Moss, Cranberry Crisp (retired) and True Thyme (retired)
• Ink - SU Chocolate Chip, Mellow Moss, Cranberry Crisp (retired), True Thyme (retired), Old Olive, Riding Hood Red (retired)
• Accessories - Paper Piercer Pack, SU Mellow Moss Grosgrain Ribbon, Blender Pens

Peaceful Christmas Wish

Good morning fellow stampers! I believe I have finished up the last of our Christmas cards this weekend. It is a very good feeling to be sure.

My goal this year had been to have the cards finished by Nov. 1. I stared in January and every month I made 5-10 cards. I like a lot of variety to choose from and I have a lot of Christmas stamp sets.

This one attracted my attention in the SU catalog because of the dove and peacefulness of the scene. I knew that I could use it a variety of ways. And I knew that it was as close as I would get to making religious cards.....I just am not a religious person. Hope that does not offend anyone; sorry if it does.

Thanks for looking and I hope you have a great day!

Happy Crafting!!
Cindy

• Stamps - SU Home for Christmas and A Wish for Peace
• Paper - SU Old Olive DSP (retired), SU Cocoa Specality DSP, Whisper White, Soft Suede and Real Red CS
• Ink - Old Olive and Chocolate Chip
• Accessories - Dimensionals, Chocolate Chip Marker, SU Ribbon Orginals Mistletoe, Stamp-a-majig(the perfectionist in me)

Candy Cane Snowflakes

Good Morning Friends! Bet you thought I had disappered tosomewhere, didn't you. No, like always just busy with life.

I purchased this from the B/S/T board on SCS a week ago because I have always liked it. Just never had enough money to buy it when it was in the catalog. I love winter.....well, not the ice and slush....but the sparkle and crispness of a winter morning just after we have had a snow. And the morning sun just hits the snow just right.....that sparkle is what I was trying to capture here.

Used my classic ink then went over the top with Versamark, sprinkled on some Heat and Stick Powder, used my heat gun a bit, then sprinkled the Irridescent Ice over the top and a bit more heat. That was it....just enough sparkle!

Hope you like it! Thanks for looking and happy crafting!!
Cindy

• Stamps - Inkadinkadoo (sentiment), SU Riveting, Snowflakes and Holidays and Wishes
• Paper - SU Very Vanilla, Kiwi Kiss and Riding Hood Red CS, Websters Pages DP
• Ink - SU Riding Hood Red and Versamark
• Accessories - Dimensionals, Heat and Stick Powder, Irridescent Ice Glitter, Stamp-a-majig, SU Round, Wide Oval and Corner Rounder Punches, SU Kiwi Kiss Taffeta Ribbon

Snowflake Thanks

Good Morning Friends! Finished my Christmas thank you cards this week. Not an overly complicated card, just mass-production mode.

Stamped snowflakes on top note die cut and then sponged Whisper White ink around edges. Make sure you let this ink dry awhile before using or you will get it everywhere!

I applied versamark to the snowflake then Heat and Stick Powder, heat gun to set. Then applied Dazzling Diamonds and lightly used heat gun again to set the glitter. I used a two way glue pen to adhere the letters.

This picture is not the best at showing the shine and sparkle, but if you click on the pic and it will show up better.

Thanks for looking and happy crafting!!
Cindy

• Stamps -SU Flaky Friends and Savvy Stamps
• Paper - SU Whisper White, Real Red, Night of Navy and Brocade Blue CS
• Ink - SU Whisper White, Versamark
• Accessories - Big Shot, Top Note, Snowflake and Many Thanks Dies, SU Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Sponges, SU Two Way Glue Pen, SU Heat and Stick Powder, SU Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Crafty Secrets Halloween Treat Holders

Good Afternoon Friends! I finally got these finished today and wanted you to see them before I gave them away. I made them from a Crafty Secrets Postcard Kit. One of our local stamping store had them and I knew that if I didn't buy them, then and there, they would be gone! The kit did not have enough chipboard to make the backs so I had to improvise with lightweight cardboard.....can you say recycling? The handles are from 3 pieces of florist wire wrapped with floral tape.....if I had thought about it, I could have picked up black! I also tried Glimmer Mist for the first time...don't over mist the effect is not that great! One or two lite mists is plenty to give shine and sparkle.

Hey, thanks for looking and happy crafting!! Have a safe and happy Halloween too!!
Cindy

• Paper - Crafty Secrets Postcard Kit, Little Yellow Bicycle DP
• Ink - Ranger Archival Black Ink and SU Pumpkin Pie
• Accessories - Glue Stick, Craft Glue, Glitter, Glimmer Mist, Florist Wire and Tape, Assorted Ribbons, Hemp Twine, Sticky Tape

My Crazy Life and Birthday Cards

Good Evening Friends! I feel very bad for having been away for so long but, as many of you know, life doesn't always cooperate with your crafting! Having said that I want to show you 3 cards today that I have made in the last 2 weeks. Oh, I have been busy doing other projects as well, but let's show the cards first.


The Sparkle with love was so much fun coloring....I think I am getting better at it. Using layers and 2 or 3 colors to give depth . This card is for my sister-in-law, Brenda. Her birthday is next month. She is the gal I talked about in a previous post with the AVM.

Well, she had gone to Mayo Clinic the first of the month for a second opinion. She feels better about what she heard. And she has decided to have the surgery to remove the mass that is on her brainstem. She can have complications from the surgery but, not having the surgery could leave her having another bleed...which could lead, possibly, to death. Not a chance she is willing to take given that she has a dear husband and 4 children. Her sugery will be the day after her birthday in November.....1 week before Thanksgiving. She is hoping to be nearly back to functioning right before Christmas.

The cupcake card is for one of our nieces, Jasmine, who had her 12th birthday last week. I applied stickles to the cupcake frosting and glossy accents to the cherries.

The Cheers to You Strawberry Daquiri card was made for Jasmine's Mom, Rene'. Her birthday was the day after Jasmine's. I have no idea if she like this type of drink, I just thought it was festive looking! I put glossy accents on the glass and stickles on the strawberry. I really liked how that one turned out!

Rene' and Jasmine are a part of Wayne's brother's, Steven, family. And they are coming down from Wisconsin Halloween weekend for a visit. The schools up there have that Friday off. It will be so nice to have some alone time with all of them! Seems like we don't get to do much visiting when the entire family gets together.


Other than getting ready for family to come, I have been busy advocating for our son, Clark. And visiting him in the hospital, he had to have another G/J-tube put in. Due to a "comedy of errors" on the part of his home and the hospital, he ended up staying 3 nights in there...and he wasn't even sick! Oh yes, Icomplained to everyone who would listen! Hopefully, I didgood. You guys, I won't bore you with my long stories about who I talked to and what happened. If you are really interested, send me an e-mail and I will.

Of course, my college class is keeping me busy as is our garden and getting it ready for winter. But, I do not know what I would do without all of that to do.....oh....wait.....maybe make more cards or something crafty! LOL!

Thanks for looking and Happy Crafting!!
Cindy

Sparkle with Love

• Stamps - Unknown sentiment, Magnolia (stamped by Linda from Linda's Crafty Creations)
• Paper - SU Real Red Patterns Pack DSP, SU Whisper White and Old Olive CS, SU Urban Oasis DSP (retired)
• Ink - SU Basic Gray
• Accessories - Unknown Chipboard, SU Large Oval Punch, Fire Rhinestone Brads, SU Red Riding Hood Taffeta Ribbon, Prismacolor Pencils, Baby Oil, Blending Stumps, White Gel Pen

Cupcake Wishes

• Stamps - SU Heard From The Heart and Darling Dots
• Paper - SU Whisper White and Pink Passion CS
• Ink - SU Pink Passion
• Accessories - Cuttlebug Folder, SU Punches, SU Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, SU Markers

Strawberry Cheers to You

• Stamps - SU Cheers To You and Tart and Tangy
• Paper - SU Real Red, Whisper White and Green Galore CS
• Ink - Ranger's Archival Ink
• Accessories - Ranger's Glossy Accents, Stickles, Prismacolor Pencils, Baby Oil, Blending Stumps, Cuttlebug Folder, Unknown Brads, SU Apple Grosgrain Ribbon

Two-Bottle Frappuccino Carrier

Well, finally, I have this finished....though not filled yet, too early for that. But, at least if you choose to make this you have plenty of time to do so before gift giving time. I found the general idea http://laurenm.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2007/06/01/ive-got-some-hot-stuff-my-favortie-things-is-here/ and though Lauren did not have actual directions, I got enough from her post to make it work for me.

Now, let me say, that I am not perfect....don't claim to be.....so, if you find something amiss, please let me know and I will fix it.

Supplies:

Lightweight Cardboard (I used the back of a 12" x 12" designer

paper pack and another small piece)

Adhesive ( I used a combo of wet glue, glue stick and stickytape)

Scissors Bone

Folder

Paper Cutter

Score Pal

Designer Paper

Corner Rounder Punch

Large Oval Punch (or Key Tag Punch)

Ruler

Tacky Tape of some type

Directions:

1. Cut the cardboard into an 8 1/2" x 11" rectangle (this is your carrier body).

2. Score the short end of the carrier body at 3" and 5 1/2" and score the long end at 3" and 8".

3. Using your cutter, cut the short end at the 3" and 5 1/2" score lines up to the 3" score line on

both sides. Fold on all score lines using the bone folder, making sure you line up all edges.

4. You will now cut 1/2" off of each of the 3" x 3" flaps, be careful not to catch the center flap in

the cut. This is important when you put your carrier together that these cuts are even. You

will also need to cut about 1/16" off the center flap (this is so it does not stick up when you put

the carrier together).

5. Add your sticky strip to the inside of all 4 end flaps and to the inside bottom of carrier bottom

(this is where your handle will be attached). Set aside.

6. Cut 2 handle pieces from cardboard 2 1/2" x 10". Score at 8" on each piece; this will be where

you fold out and attach to carrier bottom later.

7. Corner round each corner of one end of each handle piece. Put handle pieces together, do not

adhere yet, and punch handle out centering and down 1/2" from top. Set aside for now.

8. Now you are going to cut your designer paper; which will decorate the outside of the carrier body

and handle. Cut 2 pieces 3" x 10 1/16" (this tiny smidge will help with the corners, trust me)

and 2 pieces 2 1/2" x 7 1/4".

9. Score the body pieces at 3" and 8".

10.Corner round and handle openings on the handle pieces to match the cardboard pieces. You may

adhere the DP to the cardboard handle piece before you punch. Then adhere the two cardboard

pieces together. Fold out the scored sections, so that your handle piece looks like an inverted "T"

11.Remove the liner from the stick tape and adhere the handle to the bottom, one side at a time,

making sure that it is centered. You may need to trim a tiny bit off the end or sides to make a

good fit. *In fact, you may want to check the fit first before you stick!

12.Adhere the DP to the carrier body. Do not adhere the ends until after you have constructed one

side of the body by folding up the center flap and folding over each end on one side. Now you may

adhere those DP flaps to the cardboard end, gently creasing as you go. Complete the other side of

the carrier the same way.

13.Hooray! You have just completed your carrier and you are ready to decorate it!

I hope you enjoy making this, I did but, then I love a challenge! Let me know if I can help you in any way. The snowflake is made with a chipboard piece with Whisper White Craft Ink, Heat and Stick Powder and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.

Happy Crafting!!

Cindy

10/6/09 On a side note; the bottles will have a snug fit with my dimensions. I chose to do this because I wanted to put less effort into the bottles since the carrier was the main focus. If you want to decorate your bottles more, you will want to change the dimensions to 3" x 6" and forgo the cutting of the end flaps. You will also have to cut your strips of designer paper to 11".

Don't Forget

Please check out my sidebar for Blog Candy. I just added a new one! Good luck to you!!

Nearly finished with the directions for the Frapp Carrier.....waiting for a sunny day to get a great picture!

No New Cards Today

So sorry, no new cards today. I have been busy working on some Christmas gifts for school and home (where my son lives) staff. My hope, when I am finished, to be able to post my first tutorial. Now, don't expect anything fancy because I sure am not an expert at doing that sort of thing. But, I was not able to find anything out in blogging land to help me. So, I adapted.....and thought you might like it too.

What is it that I am making, you ask? Well, I adapted someone elses 2 bottle Frappuccino Carrier into something I liked a bit better....shorter and more narrow. I like the Frappuccino okay enough and don't mind buying it when it is on sale. I have stashed away about 12 bottles. But, I find that I will need about 9 more bottles.....and this week our grocery store has the 4 packs on sale for $4.99. I have enlisted the help of my DH to drink some of them.

I will post pictures when I get them finished....still have to find some great ribbon about 1" wide to accent the boxes. Tomorrow afternoon, I will stop at Michael's and Hobby Lobby (with coupons in hand) to see what I can find.

Talk to you later and Happy Crafting always!
Cindy

Pink Lemonade Bird-Day!

Hi Friends! Just taking a little break from studying....another big test tomorrow in my Horticulture class...Ugh!

Not sure who I made this for??? But, a while back I was cleaning things in my craft area....kind of sounds like Area 51 and sometimes looks like it!......when I found a bunch of stamped images. I had borrowed the set from one of my Demos a year or so back. It's time I started using up these images! I bet you have of these too just laying around.

I like paring light DP with Black it really makes the colors pop, IMO! Not to mention I had 2 packs of Black CS...no idea how that happened! See what happens when you clean....no hints here, you know who you are!!! Only kidding friends!!

Anyway, thanks for looking at my stuff! Have a super day and Happy Crafting always!!
Cindy

• Stamps - Tickled Pink
• Ink - Ranger Archival Black Ink
• Paper - K & Co DP, Doodlebug Borders, SU Whisper White, Basic Black and Regal Rose CS
• Accessories - SU Rose Grograin Ribbon - Wide and Narrow, Basic Grey Button, Prismacolor Pencils, Baby Oil, Blending Stumps

Hollyhocks for Mom

Using one of my older jumbo SU wheels for this one. Took me a couple of tries to get a good clean and straight image that was not over stamped. I think that is why I am going to take all the rubber off the wheels and put on EZ Mount. Then use on an acrylic block. Just as soon as I have a bit of spare time....maybe when my son is in the hospital in November and I am just sitting there for hours on end.

Anyway.....stamped and cut out the butterflies from Tagger's Dozen and popped them up on teeny tiny bits of dimensionals. Now that was a challenge. I wanted to use some of the Pomegranate CS and ribbon so, that was my color scheme. Used Prismas for the flowers and sponged the blue bg and used chalks for highlighting. My MIL loved the card!

Thanks for looking and happy Crafting!!
Cindy

• Stamps - SU Edgy Eloquence, Taggers Dozen, Hollyhock Jumbo Wheel
• Paper - SU Whisper White, Brocade Blue and Purely Pomegrante CS
• Ink - SU Chocolate Chip, Brocade Blue
• Accessories - Dimensionals, SU Pomegranate Ribbon (retired), Prismacolor Pencils, Baby Oil, Blending Stumps, SU Chalks, Sponges

Holiday Mittens

I know what you are thinking....I can't believe she is posting 2 times in one day.....yeah, well, I had a couple of moments to take a break from studying.

While this is a retired SU set it is new to me. Orginally when I saw it in the catalog I liked it but, didn't think it had enough versitility to buy it at full price. Then I saw that my SU demo had it on sale not too long ago. So.....

I made some cards for my stash that were relatively quick! Plus I am still trying to use up some retired stuff! Thanks for taking a look!

Happy Crafting!!
Cindy

• Stamps - SU Flaky Friends
• Paper - SU Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Sage Shadow and Certainly Celery CS, Wintergreen and Certainly Celery DSP (retired)
• Ink - SU Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow and Certainly Celery
• Accessories - Dimensionals, SU Ticket Corner Punch, Sponges, Prismacolor Pencils, Baby Oil, Blending Stumps, Jelly Roll Pen (around the mitten images), SU Taffeta and Grosgrain Ribbons

Candlelit Halloween Card

Hi Friends! This card was very quick and easy. Not the big creation I would normally like to make. But, last weekend I went to a Shoebox Swap in our area and wanted something that was just a bit challenging....the brads and wire application but, not overly because of the varying degrees of stampers. Guess you could pop up both baskets and fill with stamped goodies if you wanted.

Wayne and I took the big drive to Wisconsin this weekend (it is always long and boring...Hwy 39 North is the worst). One of his brothers was throwing a little get together for their Mom at his house for her birthday (tomorrow I will post her birthday card). We had a great time the whole weekend, we always do.

I think I mentioned that they live on a farm, right? Well, they had hay cut (which has to stay on the ground for a week drying) and Saturday was the day to bale. Our brother-in-law came over with his tractor and extra hay wagon to help my FIL. It was neat to watch, as I am a city girl and have never seen this. They have this cool kick baler that after the hay is baled, the machine, that is pulled behind the tractor, shoots out the bale into the wagon. Which is pulled behind the baler. What a process it all is. Wish I had taken a photo!!

I don't think I could be a farm girl but, having In-Laws who live on a farm has given me an appreciation for what farmers must go through on a day-to-day basis. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful set of In-Laws; I love them both very much!

Thanks for looking and have a great day!
Cindy

• Stamps - SU Carved and Candlelit, Inkadinkado Sentiment
• Paper - SU Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie and Whisper White CS, 7Gypsies DP
• Ink - SU Pumpkin Pie and Basic Black
• Accessories - Paper Piercer, Brads, Jewlery Wire, Dimensionals, White Gel Pen

Margarita Note Card

Good Morning Friends! I have been so incredibly busy these past few weeks, it makes my head spin just thinking about my packed days!!

I have gone back to college! Don't know what I am really going to do.....just decided to take a course that interested me.....Introduction to Horticulture! I has been fun so far!

Our son has kept us busy too....though more with worry than anything fun. He has been having problems with his feeding tube over the past 3 weeks. Yesterday we think we solved the problem!
We are keeping our fingers crossed!!

About the card this was for the Newlyweds for the wedding on September 5 that we were invited to. I had planned to get them the Margarita set they had on their registery at Target, except the one they wanted was plastic and the one at the store was glass. So, I went out and bought the Margarita Mix, Tequila and Rim Salt....put it in the box with this card. I let them know that the set was getting shipped to them. I haven't heard from them yet as to whether it was a hit or not.

I use Crystal Effects on the glass first, let it dry then did Crystal Effects again on the rim with the chunky glitter. You can't see too much in the photo but, I did put some stickles on the lime (which turned out a bit darker than I wanted!)

Thanks for looking and Happy Crafting!!
Cindy

• Stamps - SU Cheers To You
• Paper - SU Whisper White and Sahara Sand CS, Textured Whisper White CS and Bazzill Textured Green (unkown name) CS
• Ink - Ranger Archival Ink
• Accessories - Prismacolor Pencils, Baby Oil, Crystal Effects, MS Irridescent Chunky Glitter, Lime Green Stickles
  

Wedding Card

Our neighbor's son is getting married on Saturday so, I needed a card. He is their youngest son and is marrying into a family of three already. His Mom, my friend and neighbor, is always so nice....well, his Dad is too! I haven't been to a wedding in ages so, hope this will be fun!

Anyway about the card.....I just could not find my own inspiration so I turned to the incredibly talented folks on SCS. I found this card by Amy Rohl
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1437017?&cat=500&ppuser=37423 I made my sentiment piece a bit too small but, I think it worked. I did not have a 1 3/4" punch so, I used a chipboard circle, covered it with CS and attached the punched Monagram circle over it....I think it gave the look of a nestability die. I could not find a charm to add that went with the look of the card.....they all looked either too cheap or were the wrong color. I gave up and found a nice looking button, which I cut the shank off. I think it is needing something else but, I don't want to "junk" it up too much. So, I stopped.

Thanks for looking, I always appreciate your comments.
Happy Crafting!!

Cindy

• Stamps - SU Baroque Motifs, All Year Cheer III, Lovely Letters Alpha
• Ink - SU Chocolate Chip
• Paper - SU Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand and Chocolate Chip CS
• Accessories - Cuttlebug Folder, Big Shot, Score-Pal, Dimensionals, K & Co Pearls, SU Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Offray Wide Ribbon, Bo Bunny Chipboard, SU 1 3/8" Circle Punch

Happy September Everyone!!

Yes, again it has been way too many days since I last posted. No excuses here other than my busy life! Gardening, volunteering, getting Clark ready for school, making a decision to go back to school myself......yada, yada!

Just wanted to post something I made with my new purchase.....my birthday was August 1....thank you (bowing)....and I bought a Big Shot and some dies. I love how easy it is to use....having had a Cuttlebug for a couple of years. Now I have to have all these neat dies from Stampin' Up!

I made this card because I will have need for some guy cards soon. The button and arrow are some chipboard pieces I have been hoarding for some time. And I can't tell you when I bought the ribbon??? It was fun and very easy to make....something different for me!!

Thanks for looking and Happy Crafting!!
Cindy

• Stamps - SU Fundamental Phrases
• Ink - Ranger Archival Black Ink
• Paper - SU Basic Grey, Kraft and Kiwi Kiss CS, SU Urban Oasis DSP
• Accessories - Bo Bunny Chipboard, Twine, Dimensionals, Bigz Top Note Die, Big Shot, Unknown Twill Ribbon
  

Rosey True Friend

Good Morning Friends! I bet you thought I forgot about you? Well, rest assured, I did not. Summer always is so busy for us with Gardening, Traveling and Loafing! HA!

Anyway, I needed a card for my SIL who was just diagnosed Monday with AVM. Arteriovenous Malformation is a snarled tangle of arteries and veins that disrupts the process of blood flow. There is still much we do not know at this time; she still needs to see a specialist soon. This is the SIL that has 4 girls and one of them has special needs. We are all very worried but, are trying to think positive for her sake.

I have been trying to do my best to work on stashes of DP, I am nearly finished with this pack! You cannot tell by the picture (no sun today) that I had used glitter for the flower center....looks better IRL!

Thanks for looking and Happy Crafting!!
Cindy

• Stamps - SU True Friend, Curvy Verses
• Paper - SU Whisper White, Old Olive and Rose Red CS, SU Petals and Paisley DP
• Ink - SU Pretty in Pink and Rose Red
• Accessories - SU Key Tag Punch, Non-SU Glitter, Glue Pen, SU Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red and Old Olive Markers

Bright Cardinal Christmas

Good Morning Friends! I have had this stamp for a very long time! Still love it and probably will never get rid of it! I like this image much better than the one that was offered by SU!

Used Prismas and Baby Oil for the coloring....took quite sometime to get the best color combo down. Had to cover up the sentiment on the orginal stamp and I can see now that the one I used to cover it up is a bit crooked....oh well! Hope you like it!

Make it a great day!!
Cindy

• Stamps - PSX, All Year Cheer III
• Paper - SU Ivory Naturals, Whisper White and Close to Cocoa CS, SU DSP retired
• Ink - Ranger Archival Black Ink, Ranger Vintage Photo Distress Ink
• Accessories - Dimensionals, SU Key Tag Punch, SU Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Prismacolor Pencils, Baby Oil, Blending Stumps

Blog Awards I Have Recieved

I want to thank the lovely ladies for bestowing on me these Awards. Thanks for sending them my way and supporting me in this adventure in the world of blogging. You are both very creative ladies and so sweet too!

The I Like Your Style came from my friend Julie at Special Craft Mom to 4 http://specialcraftmom.blogspot.com/ Julie is so very sweet and creative. I know her from the SCS Shoebox Swap here in St. Louis. Every month we get together at a different person's house to have fun and share a card with each other.

Her rules are that I have to give this to 5 other bloggers. So, here's to Dina, Jo, Steph, JD and Rebecca. You five ladies are creative, supportive and sweet...and I love your style!! Thanks!


This award came from Linda at ~Linda's Crafty Creations~ http://lindascraftycreations.blogspot.com/ Another super creative lady who does some amazing coloring on her images and embellishes with relish! Thanks Linda!

Maybe you can pass one, or both, of these on to someone you know that deserves to be recognized for the sweet creative person they are!

Make it a great day!
Cindy

True's Gift Blog Candy

Trudy is giving away blog candy until the end of August. Go see for yourself at

www.truesgiftsfromtheheart.blogspot.com don't you love surprises?? Good Luck!!

Cindy

From Our Krafty House to Yours

Good Morning Friends! I have another Christmas card to share with you today. I have been on a roll with these type of cards because of the goal I have set for myself. I got another 6 done yesterday... making about 24 remaining to be made. It makes me feel very good!

I really liked this set last catalog and so ordered just before retiring. I love Kraft cardstock, reds and brown together. It looks so comfy homey together. What I am not so crazy about is that I took this pic outside under the patio table umbrella....the shadow is funky. And I am not so sure about that white oval sentiment. But, it was quick and easy and will ship well. What do you think?

Went out last night with one of my Husband's co-workers, Kevin. He has to come in once every 6 weeks or so to work here but, he works from home the rest of the time. So, it is always nice when he comes because we get into such deep conversations about life, religion and politics.....yes, I know...we should not talk about some of that stuff!

He is from New Jersey where he and his wife raise their 8 children....no he is not Octo-dad! They had 4 naturally and adopted a sibling group of 5 from somewhere in Russia. The sibiling group has had many mental issues to deal with because of the home they came from and the one son, who does not live at home, has severe mental issues. The family is not safe when that son is around. Anyway, Kevin and Christina do a heck of a job taking care of them all! And, btw, they go through 3 gallons of milk a day!

Well, hope you have a nice day today. Tomorrow we are heading to Chicago to celebrate my birthday. Did not want a party of any kind this year...it's just not the same without Dad!

Thanks for looking!
Cindy

• Stamps - To You And Yours
• Paper - SU Kraft, Whisper White and Chocolate Chip CS, Riding Hood Red DSP
• Ink - SU Riding Hood Red
• Accessories - SU Scallop Border Punch and Large Oval Punch, SU Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Fiskars Oval Cutter, Dimensionals

Merry Holiday Candles

Good Afternoon Friends! Just when you thought I was finished using Big Birthday Candle, I found another way to use it! My inspiration was the floral paper. And one of the complimentary colors was Garden Green.....this was the first time I used it in about 2 years! Guess it was time, huh?

It's difficult to see but the red patterned paper has glitter on it so, to compliment that I used Stickles on the candle flame. I am really lovin' this gradiated flame, if I don't say so myself!!

Thanks for taking the time to look at my creation. Hope your summer is going great and that you are not too hot and bothered!

Cindy

• Stamps - SU Big Birthday Candle, Lots Of Thoughts
• Paper - SU Garden Green, Basic Black and Whisper White CS, DCWV DP
• Ink - Ranger Archival Ink, SU Real Red, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie
• Accessories - MS Scallop Border Punch, SU Scallop Circle Punch, SU Grosgrain Ribbon, Gold Stickles

Christmas Card Assortment

Good Morning! I wanted to share with you some ideas for easy cards. Last year I took a Big Picture Scrapbooking class with Kolette Hall. The class was wonderful and so was Kolette. I have some pictures of my class creations on my SCS Gallery if you care to take a look (Mosaic Christmas Frame, Acrylic Frame, Family Word Books and Page Protector Calendar). These cards are from 2008, BTW.

However, I did not post these cards, don't know why, just did not. But, what I wanted to tell you was that I have these sentiments in a PDF file that I can share with you. If you let me know your e-mail I can send them to you.....there are 4 colors!!

As you can see there are loads of variety and ways to use up ordinary papers and supplies...look at that Merry Christmas with the little bird....isn't that cute?! And I used SU and 7Gypsies papers and retired In-Color ribbon. Well.....you let me know if I can help you make your Christmas cards easier....okay?

Yesterday, I met one of my friends, Gillian, at the DeMenil House....it was in one of my earlier posts for a book signing about the Lemp Mansion, which is situated right next door. It was wonderful to hear Stephen Walker talk about the interesting Lemp family. They were one of the early brewing families in this part of the country.

They must have had some mental illness in their family tree because 3 of them committed suicide in that house. Now the house is haunted by several ghosts, one of them is a dog!

Patrons have reported all sorts of strange noises, sightings and occurances as the house is now a Bed and Breakfast and Restaurant. Yes, people do come and stay there simply because it is haunted!!

Just to let you know...I do believe in the paranormal....someday, I will tell you my stories!!

It was a nice day and being with my friend was a great way to spend Sunday! Take care and have a great week!
Cindy

Stamps - SU Short & Sweet
Paper - Assorted SU and 7Gypsies, SU Cardstock
Ink- Ranger Archival Black Ink
Accessories - Dimensionals, Asst. Ribbons and buttons, SU Corner Rounder Punch, Bunny Tails Springs, Brads and eyelets, Computer Generated Sentiments

We Three Snowmen

Good Morning! Can you believe it, I am posting 3 days in a row!! Me either!! Well, I had been making a bunch of Christmas cards and I am finally getting around to posting them. So...Enjoy!

Wayne and I spent the day yesterday working in our gardens. We took out a small retaining wall on in one of our shade gardens and replaced it with new brick. What a back-breaking job!! The left over brick will be the back of another garden.

When we moved into our house, our first together, there was nothing. Save for 2 trees and a very sloped yard with a chain link fence. Now we have several gardens and it is a place where we spend much time in the summer. I hope you have a place to enjoy your summer even if it is hot and humid, you still need a place to relax and watch the world go by. Some day soon I will post my garden pics.

Thanks for looking! Make it a great Sunday!!
Cindy

• Stamps - PSX, Judith, Short & Sweet
• Paper - SU Soft Sky and Whisper White CS, Soft Sky DSP
• Ink - Ranger Archival Ink, SU Whisper White Craft
• Accessories - Prismacolor Pencils, Stickles, SU Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon, Stampabilities Paper Clip

2009 Christmas Spruce

Merry Christmas in July!! I hope that all of you are starting to put your thinking caps on about what will take place in 6 months??!! Well I have been as you can see. I have about 30 or so cards remaining to make by Nov. 1.

I generally make 3-5 of each design, that way I have lots to choose from and I don't get too bored with the same design.
I have a couple of sets still to use and I am looking for a great religious stamp. I think I found one in the new mini coming up starting Sept. 1. I saw it at my Demo's house the other day.....I drooled all over that mini....sorry Dina.

I have quite a few friends and family that really appreciate a card with the holy famly, nativity, etc. But, in the past few years, I have not found one that was not "cutsie". Is anyone else having that problem? I love Stampin' Up! but, I think they are lacking in this area.....in general.

Any way, this was fun to make. I used the paper and ribbon as my inspiration....hint...curlys on the ribbon tie into the garland on the tree! And I am really lovin' how the addition of a couple of black layers makes the other colors pop. Super easy and quick....and no bulky embellies to mail!

Hope you have a great day. Thanks for looking too!
Cindy

• Stamps - Fun & Fast Notes
• Paper - SU Old Olive, Basic Black, Real Red and Whisper White, DCWV DP
• Ink - Ranger Archival Ink
• Accessories - Prismacolor Pencils, Baby Oil, Blending Stumps, Stickles, Ribbon (michael's)
  

Christmas in July

I have been working on my Christmas cards for this year for quite a few months. I waited until the last minute last year and it was awful hurrying like I did. So, I set my goal of 80 to be finished by November 1. That way I could get them all in the mail by December 1. I thought it was a doable plan!

I bought this set used from my Demo, Dina Lanzendorf not too long ago and am loving it. Guess you could tell with all the cards a few days ago!!

Well this one I cased from Jan Tink, have I told you that she is so very funny, sarcastic humor and very creative....well I did now. Anyway, I wanted to use up some scraps. Dug through my stash of ribbon and found this metallic eyelash cord. I reverse masked the candle flame and used my index finger to get the gradiation of the flames. It was fun and only a bit time consuming!

Thanks for looking!!

Cindy

• Stamps - Big Birthday Candle, Many Merry Messages
• Paper - SU Real Red, Handsome Hunter and Whisper White, DCWV and Peebles DP
• Ink - Ranger Archival Black, SU Barely Banana, Summer Sun and Pumpkin Pie
• Acessories - SU Square Scallop Punch, Paper Piercer, Silver Brads, Stamp-a-majig, Post-it-note, Metallic Cord

I Just Love You!

I just wanted to take the time to tell all of you who visit me, that I Love You! I appreciate that you read my rambling mind, the fact that I am opinionated (the political post, which I probably won't do again) and my issues with family. But, I especially love that you make such nice comments about my cards and crafts!

In the very near future, I will be posting for Blog Candy. Yes, I didn't think it was necessary but, have changed my mind. So, I have been shopping around for just the right mix of goodies!

Making this card is helping me reduce the amount of DP I have and use a set that I have not used yet. I see that all the time on B/S/T on SCS that folks have them unmounted and unused. But, when I bought this paper and set, I loved that it was whimsical looking, had flowers and a butterfly. It's difficult to see in the picture but, the butterfly has stickles on it.

BTW, I am selling some of my retired SU sets. I am trying to figure out a way to post them but, in the mean time you can go to cvansluys on SCS in the B/S/T thread to find my ad if you are interested.

Hope you have a great day!

• Stamps - I Just Love You
• Paper - SU Flowers for You DSP, Whisper White and Tempting Turquoise CS
• Ink - SU Regal Rose
• Accessories - SU Tempting Turquiose, Regal Rose, Old Olive and Lovely Lilac Markers, SU Grosgrain Ribbon, SU Scallop Border Punch, Paper Piercer, Dew Drops, Stickles
  

Make a Wish

Good Morning Friends! Yes, it has been awhile since I posted something but, it had been awhile since I made something. I think it's that thing that cardmakers talk about.....loosing your MoJo?

Don't how I lost it...maybe it's this sadness I have been feeling for so many things I cannot change in my life right now, maybe it is the lack of funds to buy something new to stamp with or maybe it is something entirely different, like gardening that takes so much time. At any rate, I needed to make some birthday cards last week and took a day to myself to make some.

I bought this set used from my Demo. I thought it would be pretty handy for some masculine cards or maybe even a christmas card. I perused the Big Birthday Candle set gallery and found 2 cards that I liked for the design just the way they were. The one to the left and the green and black near the bottom, both by HamiltonGal on SCS.

Designer Paper by 7Gypsies has always been one of my favorite lines. I bought this in a paper pack before last Christmas to work on a project, but realized that it would take too long for the time I had and be way over the amount I wanted to spend. So, I shelved the whole thing. But, when I was looking for some guy type paper I spotted it and thought...hmmm, this will be fine!

The 50th card I sent to my brother out in California. He and I were so close to each other for so many of our childhood years. Then when I went to high school, things between us changed. He got into some not so good relationships with "bad boys" and nothing I said made any difference. We spent many years not talking to each other...the last time I saw him was at our sisters wedding in 1993. He was starting a new relationship with a really good woman, Rose....I think she saw the good man that he really is. They are married now and happy.

Then when our Father passed away 2 months ago, we were thrown back together. We started talking again.....I told him life is too short to be mad any longer. So, we are trying to reconnect our relationship again. I am grateful that he has found peace in his heart and has forgiven himself for the wrongs he has done and is moving forward. As it should be.

The other cards are for future birthdays in the family....older niece, nephew and sister-in-law. They are not masterpieces but, I had fun making them and I hope the recipents will like them too. I really liked that I sponged the flame of the candle, that was fun!

Hope you have a great week! I appreciate you looking too!

7Gypsies card

Stamps - Big Birthday Candle, So Many Scallops

Paper - 7Gypsies Zanzibar DP, Sahara Sand and Basic Black CS

Ink - Ranger Archival Ink

Accessories - 1 3/4" circle punch

Make a Wish card

Stamps - Big Birthday Candle

Paper - Confetti White, Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze and So Saffron CS, SU Sweet Slumber Speciality DSP

Ink - SU Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze and More Mustard

Accessories - Paper Clip, Zig Marker and SU Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon

Birthdays are the Best

Stamps - Big Birthday Candle and It's Your Birthday

Paper - SU Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Whisper White and So Saffron CS, Washington Apple DSP

Ink- SU More Mustard, Ranger Archival Ink

Accessories - Paper Clip, Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon, SU Small and Large Tag Punches

Amethyst Happy Birthday

Stamps - Big Birthday Candle and It's Your Birthday

Paper - SU Almost Amethyst, Whisper White and So Saffron CS, SU Tea Party DSP

Ink - Ranger Archival Ink, SU Almost Amethyst and More Mustard

Accessories - Wide Ric Rack, Cotton Thread50th Birthday card

Stamps - Big Birthday Candle, So Very, Wonderful Favorites, Short Order Numbers

Paper - SU Basic Black and Kiwi Kiss, SU Rockabilly Speciality DSP

Ink - Ranger Archival Ink

Accessories - SU On Board Lots of Letters Chipboard, Zig Marker, Crystal effects

So Very Loved - Always

It has been nearly a month and a half since my Dad passed away. I think I am doing pretty good dealing with his not being at home when I go to see Mom. I keep expecting to see him sitting in his chair when I open the door. Mom is having a very difficult time dealing with it, which is to be expected since he was her life's partner. She has most of her grief when no one is at home. She was worried that she was crying too much but, I think as long as she is crying, that is a good thing.

Anyway, I decided to make a couple of cards to send to Lisa, my younger sister, Chris, my younger brother and Mom. I wanted to let them know how much I love them and to apologize if I said anything in grief that has caused them pain. I feel I did, don't remember what it was but, I can feel there is distance. I am hoping to say some kind words to 'mend fences'.

The Orange and White is for Mom. I cased this from Leigh Ann Baird off of SCS. I change it a bit but really liked the flowers on the panel. Wished the 'loved' showed up better. I used my markers to color the small prismas because I did not have the color I wanted.

The Blue and Kraft is for my sister, Lisa....she loves these colors. I cased this from Putri on SCS, I really like her style of cardmaking.

This one is for Chris, he lives out in Mid-coast California. He was not able to come home to visit with Dad prior to his passing away. But, he came for a week staying with Lisa and my BIL, John. He helped Mom do some repairs around the house that Dad just was not able to do. I think they had a good time catching up.

Thanks for looking and I hope that you have a great holiday weekend!!

Cindy

The supplies are in no particular order this time....sorry.

• Stamps - SU Embrace Life and So Very; Hero Arts Printers Type Alpha
• Ink - SU Tempting Teal, Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Pie
• Paper - SU Bali Breeze, Parisian Breeze Speciality and Washington Apple DSP, Whisper White, Confetti White, Tempting Teal, River Rock, Pumpkin Pie, Baja Breeze, Kraft, Blue Bayou and Textured Tempting Teal CS
• Accessories - SU Ribbons, Punches and Buttons (except for the brown one, it is from my collection of antiques), Unknown Blue ribbon, Making Memories Button Brads and Lil' Davis Chipboard

Freedom and Garland

Happy Saturday Friends!

First let me preface what I am going to say with an apology and a warning. I am going to say things that may or may not be something you want to talk about or that may offend your sensibilities. I love that you come to check out my crafts and that you leave me feedback.....and I know that I may be risking your friendship by speaking my mind.

I wanted to make something for July 4th to decorate our home. So many other holidays get decorations that this one needs it too. I also wanted to remind friends and family how important our Freedom is....this is where I stand on my soapbox and say....

I am not happy with many of our current members of Government and I am afraid that a good deal of our freedoms may be in the process of getting taken away. If we do not stand up and let our feelings be known, by talking to our legislators, we may end up in serious trouble 4 years from now and we will only have ourselves to blame. I believe that we have been heading down this road for many years so, it is not something new.

As I watch events unfold on TV about our country (the incredible amounts of money being spent, the bailouts, continued loss of jobs, etc.), I am reminded of our Founding Fathers....what they faced to stand up to King George....what they risked! They loved their native country, England, but, they could not stand by here in the colonies and be dictated to....and taxed to death. So they not only revolted once but twice!!

If this Cap and Trade (Tax) Bill passes the Senate you can expect our taxes to go up to the tune of about $3,000 a year! How do you think government will get the money to fund all the things they want to do? Now, I do not know about you but, I think I pay just enough taxes already!

What I am asking you to do is be informed about what the real truths are about what is going on in our country and what our government is trying to accomplish....mainstream TV does not give you the complete answers, please try to watch Fox News. They are fair and balanced! And no I do not get any kickbacks for saying any of this!! Call or e-mail your legislators and tell them you are mad as hell and not going to take this anymore! If they do not hear from you then, they will think you are okay with the status quo.

Thank you friends for listening to me I just need to speak up and say what needs to be said....I love my country very much, I would not want to live anywhere else but, I am not willing to lay down and let them walk all over me and my family!! Here are some links to find your House of Representatives and Senators
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

• Stamps - None
• Paper - Moxxie, Creative Imaginations, Graphic 45 DPs and SU Confetti White CS
• Ink - SU Creamy Caramel
• Accessories - Cricuit, SU Rough Edges Wheel, Dimensionals, Metallic Pipecleaners, K & Co Glue, Grungeboard Letters, Colorbok Chipboard, Basic Gray Sanding Tools, Assorted Ribbons and Fabric Strips

Have a great weekend (off my soapbox for now)!
Cindy

More Father's Day and a Lovely Surprise!

Spent part of the morning with Clark has his home. The day before Clark and I worked on his gift to Dad, a Chili Grill. You hollow out Jalapeno peppers, stuff them then set the whole thing on the grill. Wayne loves hot peppers!! Anyway, I had this stamp of the grill and that is what Clark chose to make the kraft paper wrap and the paperbag card. Not very sophisticated but, Clark thought it was funny. I you notice something weird about Clark's teeth, he had been drinking blue Gatorade!

After time with Clark we drove to the cemetary to see Dad's plot. When we got to his section and started looking for his number, I was so surprised to see that his headstone was there and grass had started growing. In fact, it made me cry.....well, maybe it was because it was Father's Day and I was missing him. That look on my face was me crying.....asked Wayne to take another, he did and it was worse.

We spent part of the evening together, no one cried but you could feel the tension. Everyone is trying so hard to be supportive to each other but, there are already some hurts happening because of things that have been said. All I can do is pray for guidance for each of us to be strong and know that Dad is okay.....and so will we.

Hope you had a nice weekend! Have a great day!

Cindy

Happy Father's Day

I made this for my Father-In-Law, Will, this year. Liked this paper and thought it would be nice

for him since he is a really uncomplex sort of guy. I cased this from Wendy Janson on SCS.

Heading over to my Mother's house today, kind of weird/sad to think that Dad won't be there. We are having dinner together anyway. Someone mentioned that we might go over to the Cemetary, see Dad's grave and talk to him. We know that his headstone will not be there yet, the govenrment takes up to 6 months to get it made and installed. My father was buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetary. He was in the Navy for 2 years and the Air Force for 4. He loved his country and served it with honor.

Happy Father's Day and God Bless you Dad!

• Stamps - Lovely as a Tree, AYC II
• Paper - Baja Breeze, Kraft, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White CS, Baja Breeze DP
• Ink - Chocolate Chip
• Accessories - SU Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon, Unknown hardware

Thanks for looking!

Cindy

Leisurely Sunday with Mom

Yesterday my Mom and I went to the Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion in downtown St. Louis for their 19th Century Ladies Crafts Day. The original farmhouse that was on this spot was built in the 1840's by Henri Chatillon. It was sold to Dr. Nicolas DeMenil in the mid-1850's and was completed to look, as it does today, in 1863.

The Mansion was saved by an association who bought it from the State of Missouri Highway Commission who was going to tear it down to build Interstate 55. It is one of the only remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture in St. Louis.

We toured the home inside and was amazed at the beauty of the architecture and details. The ladies that were showing off and demonstrating crafts and that would have been done during the time period around 1850 included White Work (a particular embroidery), Crocheting, Spinning, Ribbon Work and Doll Making, Knitting (this gal was really talented, she was making socks), Hairwork and Cameo Carving, and Wet Plate Photography. There were also two ladies that were preparing to play period parlor music. It was nice to chat with all of them.

We left to have lunch at Bread Company....Pannera in other parts of the country. It was nice to have a day alone with Mom. She is doing her best to get life going again. All I can do it pray for her, offer to help her with various things and just be there when she needs to talk.

Hope you had a great weekend and hope your week goes smooth!

Happy Crafting!!

Cindy

Lovely Sympathy Cards

These are the sympathy cards that friends made and sent to me for my Dad's death. They are in no particular order....all were much appreciated and treasured. Thank you ladies for thinking of me and my family.

Sharing in you Sorrow is from Michelle. I love the softness of the pink and gray together. Michelle has an amazing SCS gallery; her name is momis mama. We have not met each other in person but, have developed a friendship over time.

The 5 petal Dahalia card is from Dina. She is a wonderful friend and is my SU Demo. I really appreciate how dedicated she is to keeping and increasing her business. You can check out her blog http://inkinwithdink.typepad.com/ .

With Caring Thoughts is from Gillian. I have not met Gill, yet, either. She is in the SCS St. Louis Shoebox Stampers. We get together once every month to share, stamp and exchange cards. I love how Gill used all these papers to create such a unique card. You can see her SCS Gallery going to Jill with a G.

The last one is from Dianne or deelite from SCS (she is in the SCS St. Louis Shoebox Swapers too). First I must appologize for the rumpled appearance of her card. The post office delivered it in a plastic bag...yup, got damaged in the process. I tried to clean it up some but, could not get rid of all the stains at the bottom nor the distressed edge. I am still loving this watercoloring of the sailboat.....my Dad was a sailor! We owned boats when I was a child and my Dad taught my brother and I to sail.

Hope you enjoy these cards and will go see their galleries. They are lovely talented ladies!

Hugs to you!!

Cindy