Distractions

Do you ever find yourself faced with a task that you really don't want to do?  It happens to me all the time.  At this point, my mind tends to start looking for all the things I would rather be doing.   It can't be anything too big or you would be blatantly procrastinating.  These are the top 10 distractions (in no particular order) that are pretty consistent in delaying what really needs to be done.

• Baking/Eating
• Facebooking/blog hopping
• Pinning on Pinterest
• Planning my next paper crafting project/browse the Stampin Up Catalog
• Playing games on my computer or phone
• Reading
• Sitting down to watch "just 10 minutes" of a PBS mystery or mindless movie
• Call a friend
• Playing with the dogs
• Planning my next vacation - regardless of whether I am going or not

This week so far, I have finished a book and a card for my Mum's B-day (which should have gone in the mail last week,   I think this is evidence that the must do/need to do project is icky!

This book is the first in a series called Cobbled Court Quilts.

It is about a southern Texas Gal that has recently divorced and her attempt to put her life back together.  The book does not provide "new" plot material, but it just felt good to have a book that didn't end up being over dramatic or depressing.  I especially appreciated the absence of foul language and gratuitous sex scenes.  The overall message of the book is friendship, don't be so quick to judge and the support you get from your family & friend circle.  I am excited to read the next one in the series.

The card I created for my Mum was inspired/cased from Elizabeth Bellville from my Positive Inkers Group.  I have seen several similar designs on Pinterest - the hardwood stamp just screams out for flowers, insect accents and cheerful greetings.

Stamps - A Round Array, Polka Dot Pieces, Hardwood
Ink - Lost Lagoon, Hello Honey
Paper - Lost Lagoon, Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey, DSP Stack Moonlight, Mossy Meadow
Accessories - Elegant Butterfly Punch, 7/8 scallop punch, Flower Frenzy Bigz die, Fun Flowers Bigz die, Hexagon Hive Thinlit, Wink of Stella Clear

Well distractions aside....
Ta Ta for Now

New Catalog Goes Live Today Blog Hop

This is the moment we all look forward to this time of year as the retirement list is published and we anxiously await new rubber and accessories!  


This years new catalog does not disappoint! 

We, as demonstrators, had the chance to preorder just a select few of the new stamps and in-color supplies and accessories.  I Love the new in-colors as you will see that is what I have mostly used.

I can't get enough of this hardwood background stamp and how cool it looks on any color of paper.  The linen thread inspiration comes from all those old fence posts tied with rope that seem to stand the test of time.

Stamps - Hardwood, Hello There (exclusive Hostess Stamp set)
Ink - Whisper White, Hello Honey, Meadow Moss, Blackberry Bliss, Lost Lagoon
Paper - Lost Lagoon, Whisper White
Accessories - Starburst Framelits, linen thread, dimensional's, gold metallic marker.

 
 
I have seen so many different card layouts with offset  papers.  I had this one in my head and was excited to put it to paper.  I love it when the projects come together quickly.

Stamps - A Dozen Thoughts, Hello There (Hostess set)
Ink - Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey, Meadow Moss
Paper - Whisper White, Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey, Moonlight DSP Pack
Accessories - Starburst Framelits, scalloped circle card from Thinlits Circle flip card, linen thread.




Front View

This little bag was demonstrated by Donna Griffith at the New Catalog Premier Party.  This little bag measure 4 x 2 and is made out of one sheet of the Moonlight DSP stack (6 1/2 by 4 1/2)  Do you notice the top zig zag edge of the bag?  I used the Tiny Wave Stampin Trimmer rotary cutting blade to create it.  Just gives it that extra little final touch.

This little bag will hold a miniature Hershey bar, or other little candies.

Side View
 

Stamps - Hello There
Ink - Lost Lagoon, Hello Honey
Paper, Lost Lagoon, Whisper White, Moonlight DSP Stack
Accessories - Starburst Framelit, Banners Framelits, 1 3/4 Circle Punch, gold Bakers Twine, dimensional's, Fast Fusion tape, Tiny Wave Stampin Trimmer Rotary Blade.


Lengthwise score at 1, 1 1/2, 2, 4, 4 1/2, 5
Shortwise score at 1/2 in

Cut all edges off except for middle section  (see pattern)
I used Stampin Up's new Fast Fuse Tape.  As strong as sticky strip, but so much easier to use.  I love it for things that need to hold strong.
You can see where to make the mountain and valley folds. These create the gussets to your bag.  The edges meet up and use your favorite strong adhesive and seal them and then seal the bottom up.

Go check out what the amazing Jeanna Bohanon has created just for you!



I am too old

I hate it when people use age as an excuse to "not" be able to do things.  I have seen some amazing things done by people considered too old.  We have a 70+ year old woman in our Ward that recently lost her husband.  She was a primary care giver as he had suffered a stroke a few years back.  Within the last year she has had both knees replace and is back to clogging.   She is an inspiration to me.

So in the back of my mind as I drink my diet coke and eat my pie pizza loaded with cheese and pepperoni, I am thinking I need to make sure I keep myself healthy enough so that if I wanted to climb Mt Olympus or go kayaking on the ocean at 70+ years of age I can.

So what has prompted this little tirade.  I went to bed last night at a decent hour, between 10:30 and 11:00, and was wide awake.  Oliver has developed a serious over development of saliva issue that we are currently attempting to work through without having to pay the vet, so I was trying to steer clear of the puddles and making sure there were towels under his cute little head.  I opted to read myself to sleep.

This usually works as I find myself bonked in the head with my book as I drift off to sleep.  Last night was exactly the opposite.  I stimulated those little gray cells with a new book I had picked up from the libraryand finished my 300 page book at 3:30 a.m.  Lights went out and 3:45 a.m. with a hope that I would quickly fall asleep and 2.5 hours would be enough to get me through the next day.

I now sit here with my 2nd 44oz caffeinated beverage within the last 4 hours attempting to keep my head off my keyboard.  Saying to myself......I am to old for this.   Sleep in essential for my proper functions.

Now you have read my ramblings here is a b-day card I made for a BFF.
The products used are from Stampin UP, Papertrey Ink and the die for the card is an accordion circle card die sold through ecraftdesigns.com.  Karen Burniston designed them.  So cute I had to get my hands on them

I hope everyone's Friday was productive and fun
Ta Ta for now.

Cards and Chores

Somehow the weekends slip by and I don't even get close to finishing the "to do" list.

We spent the morning in the garden picking produce including beans, zucchini, peppers, cucumbers chard, berries, tomatoes and peaches, and stopping to visit with family for a few minutes before heading home.  We shall eat like kings tomorrow as we enjoy the fresh vegetables from the garden.  It sure cuts down on the grocery bill.

I ran a few errands in the afternoon, Ralph made raspberry/blackberry freezer jam with a few fresh berries from the garden and leftover berries from last year that we had in the freezer.
We had a late lunch and took a few minutes to stretch out and take a break. 

So with the time left in the early evening, instead of doing homework I decided I wanted to make a couple of cards.



The card is made using the sunburst technique.  Strips of printed paper and solid paper are cut into 4-1/4 x 1-1/2 inch strips and then cut in half from opposite corners
Here is a link I found on Pinterest to learn the  Sunburst Technique   I am sure that different widths could be used to add variety and interest to the card. 
This card uses Birthday basics designer paper with coordinating card stock which embossed with a polka dot EF.  The stamp is from sketched Birthdays heat embossed.

Here is another one done with the same DSP and different solid colors. 


The dogs are exhausted from running around with Snoopy and Enzo, so it makes for a quiet afternoon as they sleep the tiredness off.  The walk tonight before bed will not have to be a vigorous one.  Thanks goodness because I am tired too.

Ta Ta for now

An almost total CASE

After spending so much time prepping for convention, you would think that I would be paper crafted out.  Believe it or not, I have wanted to get my hands back into the process.  I found myself sitting at my desk and staring at all my new toys and feeling a bit overwhelmed and not sure where to turn. 

I opted for an easy card that I could just copy.  For those that don't know, CASE means copy and share everything, but give credit.  Once I get my hands in and start working, then the ideas follow.

So I won prize patrol at convention (this year everyone did)  and I got this really cool die cut that makes a swing card, flip card, flip flop card...whatever you want to call it accompanied with lots of other little embellishments to go with it.  So Fun!

Here is a sample I almost totally cased from the Stampin Up's concept artists.  Shelli Gardner showcased these in her demonstration during convention.  A swing card without all the fussy measuring and cutting.  I need to work on my folds, so they don't look a mess (yes I know, I just brought it to your attention) I keep getting the lines from the thinlit as well as the fold line.



front/closed

I used a bit of washi tape which is a new item to our catalog and some glitter paper and an embossing folder.

Inside/Open
 

 

See the full flyer HERE  Looks fun huh?  Can't wait to get my hands on the circle kit as well.

I am a bit tired, so I am off to bed.  These guys are much smarter than me.

Convention Fun - The week that almost killed me

Here is a picture of my fellow stampers at awards night. We had such a good time together. I wouldn't miss it!  This year they had close to 6000 attendees to Convention to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Stampin UP.  September 24th will be my 10 year anniversary.  I would never have dreamed I would hang in this long.  I remember when I first signed up.  I spent that first night in absolute panic thinking what have I done.  Now it only costs $99 to sign up and you get a ton of product. 

Wendy, Em, Me, Chairl, & Shellee (do I look tired?...cause I am!)

One of my favorite things to do is look at the display boards SU sets up.  These are cards that people sent in for contests and display.  This year was so jam packed I didn't even get a chance to browse.  It's a good thing my bff Em skipped out of class to take some pictures.  I always get great ideas from others creativity.  This was only one side of about 3 sets of boards this size.

This picture was taken by Patty Bennett.  She had the privilage of view the boards before the rest of the multitudes

.

Too many projects and not enough time.  On top of convention swaps I had other projects that had to be finished as well. Something to do with test etc. for work   Major crunch time, but I made it!

I had a total of 245 cards to make before convention and my organized swaps.  Yes...I bit off more than I could chew and if it weren't for great friends, I probably wouldn't have finished them.  If your birthday fell into this time frame, then your card is coming

Our little group swapped 5 cards.  We always get together at the cheesecake factory for dinner and a card swap.  If you haven't tried the Thai lettuce wraps, I highly recommend them.  Good for you and full of flavor.  Of course I always order my cheesecake first because I fill up with my dinner and can't eat it.  I always order  Reeces PB Cup cheesecake.  I have tried to switch it out, but waffle at the last minute and order my favorite.   Decadent!!!

As usual I find myself cramming to finish the group gifts and cards for swaps which left me with about 3.5 hours of sleep a night.  Rileys knee issues flared up, so he wasn't sleeping soundly and I also volunteered to teach the RS lesson this week.  Not sure what I was thinking, but I made it through. 

I used this card it two of my swaps.  I received a card from my favorite SIL and I rotated and changed the colors for my swap.

This card was a clean and simple card....and masculine to boot which can proved to be difficult at times.  Ralph has instructed me that bows, ribbon, glitter etc are not acceptable on cards for guys.

The grid stamp totally fills in the background and I love the Tape IT set.  Looks like real washi tape Huh?!

Poor Kitchen Lighting

This card was a CAS - clean and simple.  I love the Kind and Cozy stamp set with it's coordinating paper gingham garden.  Give me gingham and polka dots and I am a happy girl.

 This card was a catalog case.  Meaning I copied it from the catalog.  This one is my favorite sample and could be done in a lot of different colors.  The background is done with a brayer, ink and the chevron embossing folder

A Christmas card was on the list of required cards.  Um...Stampin up retired most of their Christmas stamps and only just recently came out with their new catalog that you can order out of on Aug 1st.  So I used an old classic standby that isn't very exciting, but it is pretty.  I really like the modern mosaic embossing folder used for the background

This card was one made for our WOW swap.  A variation on my favorite colors and so cute.  Who doesn't like a butterfly with bow's and pearls.

This is my other Wow card swap.  I have had the floral fusion die for a while and have recently discovered how cute and easy it is to use.  Both wow swaps required 76 cards.  I know...  remind me how tired I get before I sign up again next year.


Pictures of the demo gifts are coming.   One thing at a time folks.






I always come away from convention and swear I will start earlier, but it never fails that I am racing to get everything finished.  I also promise myself I won't do so many swaps, but that promise never seems to be kept when I see all the amazing cards I get in return.

As an end note...my RS lesson went well, I think.  The giver always learns more than the receiver. As we align our vision with Gods plan for us, nothing is impossible for us to accomplish with Gods help.  I know that he is aware of me and my family and as long as I put Him first in all things, I will always have the help I need.

Have a great day.
Ta Ta for now

July Stamp Club Projects

I actually feel papercrafting overload.  I long to stretch out with a good book today, but alas I am stuck at my table for the next 3 days with every spare minute I have finishing projects.  I am getting farther along with my swaps.  Every little bit of time spents helps.  I volunteered to make favors for a bridal shower - thinking I had plenty of time and then the shower got moved up a week.  So not only will I not be able to attend, I have 25+ favors to throw in the middle of the rest of the projects.  YIKES! 

I was up late last night working on the projects I was showcasing for todays club meeting.  For those that are interested...
Here are the projects we made this morning. 

Stamps - Up Up & Away
Ink - Calypso coral, Wisteria Wonder, Baja Breeze, Pool Party, River Rock
Paper - whisper white, baja breeze
Accessories - Ruler, Copic black pen

Idea from Jill Hilliard
Stamps - Fabulous Florets, teeny tiny wishes
Ink - Staz on Black, Versamark
Paper - Melon Mambo, Basic Black, Very vanilla
Accessories - Melon Mambo and wild wasabi embossing powder, 1/4 black grosgrain, large oval punch, embossing buddy

This card called for desperate measures.  What I had originally planned was not working - so at around the hour of midnight I gave up and decided to case someones card.   I found this one by
Mercedes Weber and decided it was so cute that I was going to outrightly copy it for my group project. 

Stamps - Fabulous Phrases
Ink - chocolate chip
Paper - chocolate chip, lucky lime, calypso coral, whisper white, daffodil delight, berry blossoms DSP
Accessories - Pefect Pennants Bigz L die, perfect polka dots embossing folder, Jewelry tag punch, Itty bitty shapes punch pack, 5 petal flower punch, little leaves sizzlits die, linen thread, white gel pen, full heart punch, 1/2 inch chocolate chip scallop dots ribbon, crop a dile

Happy Stamping to you!

Happy 4th of July

I love this holiday...  Can't listen to The National Anthem without getting tears in my eyes.  I love this country and what it stands for.  I just hope that we can continue to show respect and honor to our country and to those that lost their lives to keep those values strong - always relying on God to guide our choices.  One of my dreams is to watch the Boston Pops live on the 4th and then the fireworks from the harbor.  Wouldn't that be cool?!



Aren't these gals cute - the Cactus cuties have currently have one less member and are older, but still sound amazing.

In the middle of working on convention swaps, I took a break to make a card that I saw, done by Jill Olsen - Land of the Free - Had to..just had to case it. 

Stamps - Land of the free
Paper - Real Red, Night of Navy and Whipser White
Ink - Real Red and Night of Navy Markers
Accessories - Bigz star die, star punches, texture embossing folder, star brad, red satin ribbon

I hope everyone is enjoying their 4th - Eat good food, enjoy the company of whomever you are with and watch some amazing fireworks. 

Ta Ta for now

Angry Birds

So, it wasn't too long ago that I learned about a game app, that you could down load to iphones and the like, called Angry birds.  My confession is that I have never played it, but my nieces and nephews love to play it. 

It just so happened that we had a birthday celebration to attend, so I thought based on some cards others I  have seen, I would try and create an angry birds birthday card.

This is what I came up with

 I used mostly my Stampin UP punches.  The words were typed out on the computer using an "angry birds" font.  I think it was well received. 

We had the old stand by of Aunt Vinnies chocolate cake and gummy bears on top.  The kids love having Grandma make their birthday cake and I think she loves being able to make it for them.

Too much fun.  I gotta get working on my swaps for convention as well as more birthday cards.  June and July I get hit pretty hard with the projects.  Still love it!

Ta Ta for now

Whew!

Time has flown and it has been a fun time.   I took some time off of work to spend with my Mom while she was here visiting.  Here is a run down of some of the things we did.  (I should probably break this post down into many, but it is an accomplishment just to get it done.)

One our favorite things to do to relax is knit.  Mom came with a lot of extra dish cloth yarn and since we both like home made dish cloths we decided to make a few.  During the down/TV time Mom knitted dishcloths 23 as of yesterday- I made a few of these, but she made the majority of them.  There are so many cute patterns out there and it is a great way to refresh your skills.  They even work great for facial washcloths.  We got our year supply.

We spent a little bit of time at the Family History Library.  It was fun to hear about my anscestors and learn a little about researching.  We did get to a point on one of them that we had to request a marriage certificate to progress any further.  We were in dungeons, looking at some microfilm and the power went out.  Thank goodness for emergency back up lighting.   Kind of funny, but memorable experience.   Hopefully this visit is one of many that Ralph and I make as we pursue some of our history's

We did a little bit of shopping.  Actually we spent three days running around looking in stores and hanging out.  Muphy's law...when you don't have money to spend you find lots of things you like.  We did find some super sales over the weekend and found a few steals.   We did splurge and purchased matching bracelets that we can add charms to.  The first charm we got were mom/daughter charms. Every time I look at it I think of her and how special she is to me.

It feels like I have done a lot of cooking lately. I love it!   Ralph normally takes care a lot of that, but it has been fun to get back into the kitchen and get my hands dirty.  I have made 5 batches of artisan bread since Mom has been here... along with two pots of soup. Here is one of the recipes that tastes so good and is a nice change from the normal food fare.

Picture from Sunset Magazine

Singapore Turkey Stew

• 1  pound  ground lean turkey
• 1/2  teaspoon  Chinese five spice
• 1/2  teaspoon  hot chili flakes
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 2  tablespoons  all-purpose flour
• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 2  cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1  tablespoon  grated fresh ginger
• 1  can (13 1/2 oz.) coconut milk
• 1  can (14 1/2 oz.) fat-skimmed chicken broth
• 1  head bok choy (12 oz.), rinsed, stem end trimmed, and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1  can (14 oz.) baby corn, drained
• 2  Roma tomatoes (about 8 oz. total), rinsed, cored, and chopped
• 1/4  cup  drained canned sliced water chestnuts
• 1/4  cup  thinly sliced green onions
• 1  tablespoon  lime juice
• 3  tablespoons  chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, five spice, chili flakes, and salt. Shape mixture into 1-inch balls. Pour flour onto a large rimmed plate and roll balls in flour to coat lightly.
2. Pour oil into a 4- to 5-quart nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in a single layer. Cook, turning frequently, until lightly browned all over and barely pink in the center (cut to test), 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate.
3. Add garlic and ginger to pan and stir just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add coconut milk, broth, and meatballs; bring to a simmer. Adjust heat to maintain a simmer, cover, and cook until meatballs are no longer pink in the center, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in bok choy, baby corn, tomatoes, water chestnuts, green onions, and lime juice and cook, stirring often, until bok choy leaves are wilted and stems are barely tender to bite, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve from pan.

I also got to make breakfast and dinner for Ralph's birthday.  Yes, I threw the diet out the window and had home made biscuits with sausage gravy and soft scrambled eggs.  For dinner we had bbq pork ribs with mashed potatoes, veggies and a salad.  His birthday cake was a peanut butter cake with chocolate filling and a cream cheese frosting.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of it before it was devoured by family.  It was very tasty.

Speaking of Ralph's B-day here is a picture of his card... it was fun to make and even more fun to give it to him.  He did express how much he enjoyed home made cards.  I then felt guilty because he is usually the one that gets left off the list.  I know!!!! he should be the first on the list.  I am committing to do much more betterer.