Good Morning Friends! Well here we are the day before Christmas.....can't believe how fast the year has flown by, can you?

Wayne and I are spending this morning with my family and our son. We are looking forward to having Christmas at our home. Lunch will be our meal together and I am serving Honey Baked Ham with various sides. Mom is bringing over an assortment of cookies, fruitcake (she and I are the only ones who like it) and peanut brittle.

I am really looking forward to seeing my sister's reaction to her gift. My Mom and I have gone together to make a quilt for her that my Mom started in 1978. I will take a photo after she opens it and share here later. I really hope she likes it as it is not going to match the colors she has in her home.

After Christmas with my family, we will pack up one of the cars and make the 7 hour trip up to Wisconsin to be with Wayne's family for a week. I love my family but, I really love being with Wayne's. All those neices and nephews! Gives us a chance to really relax and get a good visit in with everyone.

A note on the board books I posted earlier, I dug through my supplies and found that I had quite a lot of embelishments, ribbon, adhesives to fill up the box. I only had to purchase some letters and a few specific Jolie's embelishments....and I had enough coupons that I could get nearly everything on sale. I will post a photo after the nieces and nephews open their gifts so you can see what I did.

Now to this card.....my Mom comissioned me to make a few of these special cards for her. She purchased the set and also paid me for making them. She was very pleased with how they turned out. Afterwards, she gave me the set. I was unable to make any cards for myself this year.....and that is because I did not start in January like I did last year! So, guess what I will be doing in 2011.

Hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and a joyous, prosperous New Year!
Cindy

• Stamps - SU Angelic Joy
• Paper - SU Cherry Cobbler and Gold CS, Watercolor Paper
• Ink - Ranger Archival Black Ink
• Accessories - Prismacolor Pencils, Blending Stumps, Baby Oil, Stickles, Gold Embossing Powder

Believe Christmas Album

Good Morning Friends! Since today is July 1st, I thought it would be a good idea to start posting ideas for Christmas since it is only about 6 months away.....

I made this album in 2008 for my sister, Lisa, who just loves Christmas. She puts up anywhere from 5-7 Christmas trees throughout her house. She has a huge house so she can! Some years she has these big parties for all her friends and co-workers. We were invited a couple of years ago but, had to decline at the last minute because I had the flu. Sucked!

Anyway, just before I wrapped this album, I stuck little post it notes on the photo mats of the sizes of photos she would need f0r them. She thought that was really neat that I would do that and make it easier for her to finish. I told her that I know how busy her life is and I know how she likes easy. But, really don't we all like it easy these days?

I used the DCWV paper pack mostly with a few fill in papers. The stickers were a variety of them I had collected over the years. Some of the stickers that look like you cannot read them do have sentiments on them it's just the light from the flash changed it. Sorry. Hope you enjoy looking at it....who knows maybe it will inspire you to make something wonderful for someone special in your life?

I purchased the books at Hobby Lobby using the coupons. You can also find them at Scrapbooks.com they are by Bo Bunny. To make this book, I traced around the page first, adhered with a glue stick and brayer, then sanded around the edges for a nice finished look.

For the photo mats that have a tag sticking out from them, I used tacky tape on 3 sides to keep the pocket secure.

I also used dimensional dots to pop up any sentiments, journaling or embelishments around a photo mat to allow photos to slide under. In my gift to Lisa I included some sticky dots so she could adhere the photos.

Thanks for looking!
Cindy

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!

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

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".

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

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

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