Mystery Hostess…for Stampin’ Up!

Mystery Hostess…order products you love…and be eligible to win $25 more product FREE

Place an online order through my Stampin’ Up! website
use the HOSTESS CODE, and your orders will go towards the online workshop order…AND…put your name in the hat to win the Hostess Benefits of the order!

If you are placing an order for less than $150, then use Hostess Code P4ZJQPTZ.

If you are placing order for more than $150, then DON’T use a Hostess Code – you’ll automatically receive your own Hostess Benefits on your order.

What are Hostess Benefits? You could end up with $25 in free Stampin’ Up! product of your choice!

Once you complete your order online, the order will ship directly to you.

There are a lot of retiring and discounted products to choose from – now’s the perfect time to place an order AND possibly win some free product.

Happy Shopping!

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Retiring Products from Stampin’ Up! in 2013

Dates: April 24-June 3, 2013 (select items available while supplies last)

Details
Hundreds of stamps and accessories from the 2012-2013 catalogs are retiring, and this is your chance to get them before they’re gone. Many products are only available while supplies last, so be sure to get your orders in early! (And remember some items having amazing discounts!)

Check out the list of RETIRING STAMPS, and the list of RETIRING ACCESSORIES.

Things to Remember:

  • Orders can be placed online here.
  • Retiring accessories are only available while supplies last.
  • If you’re placing an order for less than $150 and want to participate in my Mystery Hostess Show, use Hostess Code P4ZJQPTZ (for instructions, see my Mystery Hostess post)
  • Order deadlines:
    • Phone: Monday, June 3, 2013; 6:50 PM (MT) / 5:50 PM (PST)
    • OEX: Monday, June 3, 2013; 11:50 PM (MT) / 10:50 PM (PST)

Happy Shopping!

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27 days to go — are you ready?

My Digital Studio…getting you ready for — Mother’s Day!
Sunday, May 12th.  Are you ready?

If you’re not, we have some wonderful My Digital Studio options for you — a swatch book to create your very own personalized cookbook for your mom…or mum.  Also some great card templates to show some love to those special moms in your life.

And for any grads…we have some great sentiments for those, too.

*Because I Love You Swatchbook Template – 134373 – Price: $12.95
*For Mom Greeting Card Templates - 133476 – Price: $2.95
*Pure Gumption Stamp Brush Set – 134535 – Price: $3.95

Check ‘em out

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FREE Shipping on Stampin’ UP! orders for THREE days through…

Monday, April 8th, 10:50 PM PST…can you believe it! Starts Saturday, April 6th, 11:00 PM PST.

This is a NEW promotion for Stampin’ UP!  FREE Shipping on EVERYTHING (excluding expedited orders)!  There are no minimums or limits.

FREE Stampin' Up Shipping

–Stampin’ UP! just announced the new COLOR REFRESH…you could stock up on your colorful favorites before they retire.

–Stampin’ UP! just launched a new This and That product line that is super cool for documenting on-the-go.

–Now’s your chance to purchase & play with the new Photopolymer stamps.

–You know those products you’ve been wanting to order, but have been adding to your wish list — now’s the time to add them to your shopping cart!

Shop directly from my ONLINE STORE and enjoy FREE SHIPPING for THREE DAYS only — so don’t wait!

Free shipping starts:
o Saturday, April 6, 2013; 12:00 AM (MT)…or Friday, April 5, 2013; 11:00 PM PST

Submit orders by:
o Phone: Monday, April 8, 2013; 6:50 PM (MT)…or 5:50 PM PST
o OEX or online: Monday, April 8, 2013; 11:50 PM (MT)…or 10:50 PM PST

Let me know if you have questions, or how I can help you.
…and HAPPY SHOPPING!

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Stampin’ Up! Color Refresh!

SU! Color Refresh 2013

Stampin' Up! Color Refresh 2013

Announcing our Color Refresh! We love color and we know that you do too. Color is fundamental to who we are and what we offer. It’s important for us to stay up-to-date with color trends so we are thrilled to share our updated line of colors, and hope you will be as excited as we are by the new possibilities!

Beginning on April 4, 2013, all retiring/discontinued color products (i.e. ink, paper, ribbon, accessories, etc.) will be available only while supplies last.

This means that some products will not be available through the retired list period.

And also announced today, free shipping is going on April 6-8, 2013, which would be a great time for you to get your favorites before they are gone! (Free shipping is for North America only.)

Watercolor Pencils and Watercolor Wonder Crayons

Due to unforeseen problems with the supplier for Watercolor Wonder Crayons and Watercolor Pencils, Stampin’ Up! decided to discontinue these two products.

Watercolor Pencils (item 101879) and Watercolor Wonder Crayons Brights Collection (item 119804), which have been on the Backorder Report for about a week, will no longer be available, effective immediately.

Now for the good news! We still have the remaining collections of the Watercolor Wonder Crayons available to order.

Subtles (item 119802)
Neutrals (item 119805)
Regals (item 119803)

Collections are only available while supplies last. Shop my ONLINE STORE to get ‘em before they’re gone!

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We’re moving…help me clear out my stash!

We’re moving! I’ve gone through my inventory – and I have too much. Many stamps that just have not received enough love – they need new homes. I have until January 30th – help me clear these out !

Please leave a comment or email me with your zip code at whatsheloves [at] yahoo [dot] com. Prices are listed, but I’m open to your best offer. I’ll ship via most economical way possible, including Delivery Confirmation ($.85 extra), between USPS First Class or Priority; please let me know if you have a preference.

**I accept PayPal only
**Prices do not include shipping
**I’ll charge actual shipping costs
**All items from smoke-free home

Thanks for helping me bring more love to some beautiful red, rubber!
Martha Stewart and Fiskars tools are listed towards the end.

Unity Kit of the Month sets can be purchased as a set, or stamp by stamp, but only if individual stamps are listed. I will add to my list as I find more that needs adopting.

UNITY STAMPS
A Girl and Her Adventures: Melody Ross (NIP) $15
Sunny Happy Skies: Bella Blvd $12
Love Builds a Home $5
Quote Bundle Pack $15
Time for Travel $12
Comfy Cozy $12
Sending My Love $8
Donna Poppy background: Donna Downey (NIP) $12
Scalloped Border $4
Bella Blvd. Mr. Frosty (1/4″ wm) $4
Liz Hicks Alpha (NIP) $27
So & So Loves $5

Kits of the Month
Aug 2008 KOM “Remember Happiness” (all below for $5)
–tall flower $1
–butterfly with heart wings $1
–large & small flowery flourish $3
–double cups of java with heart-shaped cream $2

Sept 2008 KOM “Friendship. Love. Miracles.” (all below for $5)
–heart-trees trio $2
–mini tree with falling leaf $1
–snowflake with flourishes $1
–autumn splendor sentiment $1
–row of 5 tiny trees $2

June 2009 KOM “Perfect in Every Way”
–blossoming branch (#12) $1
–clothesline (#3) $2

Sept 2009 KOM “Go Ahead…Wish”
–cup of coffee/tea $2 SOLD

Feb 2010 KOM “Nothing But Blue Skies”
–bird singing on branch $2 (I have 2 of these to sell)

March 2010 KOM “Rockin’ It Unity Style” (all below for $4)
–thinking of you bubble $2
–ladybug $1
–butterfly $1
–sunflowers & fence $2

April 2010 KOM “Together We Bloom”
–hummingbird $2
–one of a kind $1

May 2010 KOM “…A Little Happy” (all below for $4)
–promise winged heart $2
–parachute “H” $1
–life is not measured by… text in frame $1
–outdoor nature scene $2

July 2010 KOM “Happily Ever After” (all below for $3)
–apples trio $2
–fleur/brocade $1
–triple blossom flower embedded in “friend” text $1
–flower silhouette in square flower background $1

Aug 2010 KOM “All You Need” (all below for $5)
–cherries $1
–bird background $2
–trees trio $2
–flowered bird silhouette $2

Sept 2010 KOM “When I Am With You”
–house scene $2

Oct 2010 KOM “Take Time to Laugh” (all below for $4)
–Happy Holidays frame $2 SOLD
–crossword bird $2
–dotted apple $2
–sweet cherry square $1 (I have 2 of these to sell)

Nov 2010 KOM “Picture Perfect”
–flower $2
–heart trio $2
–happy birthday sentiment/image $2 SOLD

Dec 2010 KOM “Just Be You” (all below for $16)
–leaning tree flower with scallop circle blossom $2
–mushroom ladybug scene $2
–snow days happy days sentiment $2
–rain boots in the rain $2
–heart and patchwork bee $2
–heart telephone $1
–enjoy teacup $3
–snowman $3
–heart ladybug $2
–flower trio frame $2

Feb 2011 “The Best is Yet to Come” (all below for $5 )
–ribbon & bow frame $3
–flower & vine flourish edge $1
–rainbow heart $2
–patchwork LOVE $2
–bicycle with balloons & balloons make every birthday better sentiment $3 SOLD

March 2011 KOM “Just You” (all below for $14)
–winged heart $2
–believe you can fly $2
–you’re so / loving / kind / generous $4
–ice cream cone trio / hope your day is sweet $4
–heart in dotted background $2
–butterfly frame $2
–tall dried flower $2

May 2011 KOM “Think Happy Thoughts” (all below for $10)
–dress on hanger $2 SOLD
–solid circle with 5-petal flower $1
–Fathers and Sons sentiment $3
–my heart sings $3
–plaid frame corner $2
–dotted circle daisy frame $2 SOLD
–textured poppy trio $3
–double daisy, single heart $1

June 2011 KOM “All Smiles” (all below for $4)
–ice cream cone stack $2
–dragonfly trio $2
–so sweet watermelon $2

July 2011 KOM “Better Together” (all below for $6)
–sun & farm scene $2
–Sorry for your loss sentiment $1
–ice cream cone $2
–polka-dotted pot & what’s cookin’ sentiment $3
–happy lives here house $1

August 2011 KOM “What I Know” – (all below for $18 )
–Movie Night / Popcorn trio $3
–Alpha strip $2
–Recipe banner / Dotted apron / from the kitchen of $4
–Potted Flowers trio $2
–happy, fun, lucky arrows $2
–5 Things About You $1
–You are Amazing $2
–Anniversary Wishes $2
–You Are Amazing $2
–Soda Bottle trio / 25-cent Refreshing $3

Sept 2011 KOM “All Seasons” (NIP) (Full KOM $26.00)

Oct 2011 KOM “Faith, Hope, Love…Live by it” (all below for $5)
–stars & butterflies $2
–pair of leafy vine & flowers $1
–lightbulb $2
–you’re the light of my life sentiment $1
–sprouting flowers with 5 blossoms $1

Nov 2011 KOM “Take Your Time”
–row of houses $2 SOLD
–cardinals and berries $1
–true friend listens frame $1
–cup of steamin’ love $2 SOLD

Feb 2012 KOM “Lucky to Have You” (all below for $16)
–shamrock & stitching border $1
–Good Times sentiment $1
–Tulip flower border $1
–umbrella with raindrops & this too shall pass sentiment $3
–raindrops background $3
–Celtic border $1
–spring is in the air sentiment $1
–May spring bring her blessings sentiment $2
–sunflower & fence scene $2
–hanger image & you never leave me hanging sentiment $3
–ladybug frame $2
–have a nice journey sentiment $1
–seriously missing you sentiment $2

Itty Bitty’s
Peace & Joy (NIP) $4
Out of This World (NIP) I have 2 of these to sell $4 each
Bitty Flower Background (NIP) $4
Direction of your Heart (NIP) $4 SOLD

Ippity by Unity
How You Doin’ $12 SOLD

Stampin’ Up!
Array of Sunshine (Hostess) $8 SOLD
Bliss (Sale-A-Bration) $10

Ink Pads
Blushing Bride Classic Stampin’ pad $3
Pink Pirouette Classic Stampin’ pad $3
Rose Red Classic Stampin’ pad $3
Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin’ pad $3
Peach Parfait Classic Stampin’ pad $3
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin’ pad $3
More Mustard Classic Stampin’ pad $3
Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin’ pad $3
Old Olive Classic Stampin’ pad $3
Marina Mist Classic Stampin’ pad $3
Concord Crush Classic Stampin’ pad $3
Elegant Eggplant Classic Stampin’ pad $3
Crumb Cake Classic Stampin’ pad $3
Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin’ pad $3
Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ pad $3
Basic Gray Classic Stampin’ pad $3

Cornish Heritage Farms
Critter Singles – (full set of all stamps below for $8 )
Tulips $2
Cosmo Turtle $2
George & Esther Lovebirds $2
Chloe the deer $2
Penguin (I only have the penguin from the image for sale) $2
Owl with birthday hat (I only have the owl with birthday hat from the image for sale) $2
Owl in nest (I only have the owl in the nest from the image for sale) $2

Our Craft Lounge
Love Notes $12.50

Hero Arts
Large Artsy Circles (wm) $6

Stampendous
Fassi Jewel $6

Inkadinkado
Hibiscus Flower Flourish 99186 (wm) $6
Daisy Flower Flourish 99184 (wm) $6
Stamping Gear Oval Stamping Cog (NIP) $4.50
Stamping Gear Round Stamping Cog & Stamping Gear Paddle (I only have the cog and paddle from the image to sell) $4.50

Stamp Pads
ColorBox Pigment Gold (NIP) $4
ColorBox Pigment Evergreen (NIP) $4
ColorBox Pigment Treasure (lightly used) $3
ColorBox Metalextra Platinum (NIP) $6
VersaMark Dazzle Frost (gently used) $4.50

Other Tools
Martha Stewart Scoring Board $8
Scor-Bug (use with Scor-Pal to created dotted embossed lines) $4
Fiskars Shape Cutter Starter Kit (includes self-healing cutting mat, cutter, 4 templates: frames, shapes, bubbles, flowers) $24
Fiskars Shape Cutter Shape Template (Circles, Ovals, and Rectangles) $7
Scotch Pink Advanced Tape Glider (empty, and with 2 refills) $12 SOLD
Fiskars Paper Trimmer with 12” swing-out arm (plus 2 replacement cutting blades AND 2 replacement scoring blades $15

$12
Marvy Uchida Scalloped Heart Giga Punch $10
Marvy Uchida Tag LV-SJCP Giga Punch $5
Fiskars ¼” Star Hand Punch (w/ yellow rubberized grip instead of lavender as pictured) $3

Provo Craft
Cuttlebug “Birds and Swirls” Embossing folder $3
Cuttlebug “Floral Fantasy” Embossing folder $3
Cuttlebug “Divine Swirl” Embossing folder $3
Cuttlebug “Stylized Flowers” Embossing folder $3
Cuttlebug “Victoria” Embossing folder $3
Cuttlebug “Spots and Dots” Embossing folder $3

 

 

 

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Challenged

Glass half-full.  Positivity.  Optimism.  Whatever you wanna call it — I have it, and usually in reserve.  When I was a younger a friend would tease me by saying that even if I found myself in a hole in the ground, I would find a way to see the bright side.  This is why it has taken so long for me to admit to myself that I am struggling with depression.  I am still able to see good all around me, in every day, I just have much less motivation and energy to take it all in.  The good news: I’m surrounded by loved ones, I’m taking advantage of resources, and I know I just need to give myself the grace and patience to work my way through, and I WILL work my way through.

One of those “good” things around me came (as often is the case) unexpectedly in the form of a personal trainer at my gym.  [Along with above said perspective, I also can't help but smile at most who cross my path -- it just seems like the proper way to greet people.]  So, I enter the gym for my workout, and due to a snaffoo with my membership card, need assistance.  I, of course, smile at the person at the desk.  He helps me and I enter.  Moments later while selecting a playlist, the same front desk person approaches my treadmill.  He starts asking questions, and getting “that feeling” I start peppering more and more of my answers with mention of my husband.  He gets the hint and moves on to talk about training — yes, he’s a Personal Trainer.  Ironically, though, while trying to encourage me about working out and my fitness routine, this trainer also encouraged my spirit.  He reminded me about another benefit of challenge.  In the midst of facing challenge we have the choice to give up and give into it, OR to do what only we can, and take one step at a time to push through it.  Once we do, we have the victory, the confidence, the triumph of knowing we have overcome.  As much as I hate to admit it, some of the most painful and heartbreaking challenges I have faced have been the same ones to give me the strength and tools to be where I am today.

Challenges don’t always have to be vicious and mean.  Sometimes they can be disguised in the masquerade of simple and fun, yet still with enough pull to help us grow.

My card today honors three (and then some) challenges in the world of cardmaking.  First, is the layout, from “The Stampers’ Sampler Take Ten” issue from winter 2011.  Secondly, the colors were inspired by an Ippity Challenge: IHHTC3.  Thirdly, the theme was inspired by a Unity Stamp Company Challenge: Fashion Forward.  In addition to these formal challenges, I also wanted to try out a new-to-me product: Smooch Spritz in Vanilla Shimmer, as well as the technique of using my scissors to distress paper.  So, voila — I bring you my triumphant victory card over these challenges, with the additional reminder, “With the right accessories, you can do anything”.

Card created to meet requirements of three challenges

stamps: Unity Stamp Co.: Treasure To Me, Undeniably You, Jan 2011 KOM To the Moon and Back

ink: ColorBox: pink, aqua, canary, lime

accessories: Papertrey Ink CS, Smooch Spritz Vanilla Shimmer, Recollections Rhinestone Stickers

[As an ironic aside to this post, my blogging platform and/or server have decided to put up an unexpected roadblock, so the simple act of writing a post, uploading an image, and publishing has become a 2-day process of troubleshooting.  However, as you can see, I (with the help of forums and support tickets) have triumphantly slayed another dragon!]

Posted in Cardmaking, crafting, Personal Journey | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Birthday Love, Long Distance

Fun (or not so) facts:

  • distance from Los Angeles, CA (LAX) to Madras, India (MAA)  is…8,969 miles / 14,434 kilometers
  • time difference between LAX and MAA…13 1/2 hours
  • last time hubby and I visited family in MAA…2008 (too long ago!)
  • time it takes for a birthday card to reach MAA from LAX by mail…about a week

I’ll admit it…I. am. spoiled!  In the late 90′s while living in Japan, if I wanted to communicate with family, I used a totally high-tech call back system and I called my family.  If I wanted to instant message friends (and they were willing to meet me at odd hours), I plugged in my phone cable, punched in my modem passwords, waited for the dial-up to connect, and then, by golly, we chatted.  This may sound old-school now, but at least I didn’t have to send word via pony express, hope that connections were properly made along the way so that weeks later my communication would, by God’s grace, reach its destination.  But NOW…things are even better!  We can skype, chat, and vonage our way into the homes of loved ones and not only are we able to exchange our words and thoughts, but we can show off those extra pounds we’ve put on, parade our latest look, and add emphasis with key facial expressions.  Being as spoiled as I am, however, even our most modern technology does have its drawbacks.

For one — when I have taken too long constructing a card, have let the days pass me by, and have not (air)mailed a birthday card at least one week in advance, technology cannot help me get it there yesterday…until now…well sorta.

Without further ado, I present to you, “Get Your Party On!”.  I created it for my father in law, Hari Uncle.  I was working with Unity’s HHSC44 challenge, with a clear vision of what I was doing, and then boy did I get stumped.  As soon as I got those supplies out and (finally) turned off that critical voice in my head, they lead the way — my motto of late, “just go with it” (wanna see the flick, too)!  Used distress inks to give the birds and owl a watercolor look, then used watercolor pencils sans the water for the feathers. Markered up the party hat. Can you guess that the sentiment is covering up the mistakenly smudged sentiment below — well it is — like I said, “just go with it”.

It’s a doubly special day, celebrating a wedding anniversary AND a birthday, so get your party hat ON!  Even though there are many miles (and kilometers) between us, you are always with us in our thoughts, and we receive your love through care packages, email, and regular phone calls.  Until we get to share in person, Hari Uncle, it is with great love that we send you these birthday wishes…long distance.

Happy Birthday, Hari Uncle!

stamps: {Ippity} Party Hat Wishes, Unity Aug 2010 KOM All You Need, Unity Aug 2008 KOM Remember Happiness

ink: ColorBox Brown, ColorBox Frost White, Tim Holtz Antique Linen, Tim Holtz Broken China

accessories: Papertrey Ink CS, Michaels scrap CS, EP, twine, Kimberly watercolor pencils

Posted in Cardmaking, crafting, technology | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

My Rainy Valentine

I know, I know…Valentine’s Day was three days ago, however, hubby and I are celebrating this weekend, and what better way to keep the spirit of love alive than to extend the holiday just a wee bit.

As I’ve mentioned in past posts, 2010 (and still continuing) has been quite rough on us.  Fortunately, we’re not alone facing the meanness of life.  We have our faith, we have our loved ones, and we have each other.  Even with the challenges we’ve had so many moments of deep, rich laughter, and of course, over the silliest things.  How cool is that!

When thinking about creating my Valentine’s valentine, a particular image and sentiment came to mind — Unity’s Rain or Shine.  I love the sentiment, “through rain or shine, you’ll always be mine” — perfect!  I used Get Sketchy’s GS#74 as my guiding inspiration for the layout, and knew that I wanted to use red, white, black, and yellow (hubby likes those classic colors) so that the card would have a clean and classic look.  Using one of my new favorite tools, the Stampamajig (seriously, all that hype out there — I say worth it!), I lined up my various umbrellies from Unity’s Rain & Flowers set on three panels of cream-colored CS, then layered them on some Me & My Big Ideas B&W polka-dotted DP, and adhered it to Papertrey Ink’s Pure Poppy CS.  I tied a small bow with some red ribbon from Michaels.  For my sentiment, I stamped it in ColorBox Frost White on black CS from Michaels, then embossed with white detail EP.  I then stamped a cloud from Unity & Bella Blvd’s Sunny Happy Skies (using my Stampamajig for layout!) around the sentiment in Frost White, cut it out, and adhered it with 3D adhesives.  On the inside of the card I stamped the image from Rain or Shine in Versamark to give it that watermarked look, and signed around it in white ink.  Then the most important part…I placed the card on top of hubby’s dresser…in perfect view to surprise him after work.

To the one I wanna spend all my “under the umbrella” days with — Happy Valentine’s Day Weekend!

stamps: Unity Rain or Shine, Unity Rain & Flowers, Unity & Bella Blvd. Sunny Happy Skies

ink: ColorBox Frost White, ColorBox PaintBox, Palette Black Noir, Versamark

accessories: Papertrey Ink CS, Me & My Big Ideas DP, Detail White EP, ribbon from Michaels

Posted in Cardmaking, crafting, Mean Life, Personal Journey | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Welcome to Paradise!

One of my dear high school friends is moving. This is a good thing (for me). Over the past …many years since high school we have managed to spend only about two of those years in the same state. She has three children — each of them born in different states. I love when we visit. I hate when we say goodbye. But…she’s moving. She’s moving to Paradise. Really — that’s the name of her new home town.

This move puts her and her family (that sounds so grammatically awkward) almost exactly halfway between the home of her parents and the home of her in-laws. Great news for her in-laws, but sad for her parents who have had her a short road trip away. Sad for her to put more miles between people she loves dearly.  Happy for her husband and a new opportunity.  Happy for me to now have her within a day’s drive.  Change.  Bittersweet.

Change is hard. Here’s what I think change would look like on a recipe card:

Change

2 sprays wistful tears

1 Tbsp nostalgia

1 Tbsp reluctance and anxiety

3 Tbsp teary goodbyes

3 Tbsp excitement

1 large dose possibilities

1/2 tsp adventure, grace, humor

One by one add each ingredient to mixing bowl of emotions, being careful to stir slowly.  When mixture results in a wistful heavy heart, and a hopeful smile, preparations are complete.

To help welcome my friend and her family to their new home, and to brighten her day, I decided to send some “housewarming” love in the mail.  Based on the Get Sketchy Challenge #73, I used some cheery DP and these lovely little houses to create this card.

stamps: {ippity} by Unity “House a Home”

ink: ColorBox Dune, Palette Burnt Umber

accessories: Papertrey Ink CS, My Mind’s Eye DP, ribbon from Michaels, button, twine

Posted in Cardmaking, Personal Journey | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Avoid Your Words, Please

Ahh…the memories…picking out the song.  It’s a special day, you’ve waited for it all your life, and now time for the momentous first dance.  Do you keep it traditional or spice it up with some silly? Do you take lessons to prepare for or decide to “just go with it” and let it be organic?  Whatever the decision, it’s almost a guarantee that in addition to choosing the dress another big decision hurdle will be choosing the song.

Here’s one that will be forever dear, but which didn’t quite make the cut…

Saying I love you is not the words I want to hear from you,

it’s not that I want you, not to say, but if you only knew

how easy, it would be to show me how you feel…

Of course, the mere fact that it was a suggestion means that whenever I hear Extreme’s early 90′s rock ballad, “More Than Words”, I pause and listen carefully to the “honey, it’s [almost] our song”.  In the same way that Michael Bolton’s “Said I Loved You, But I Lied” can stop me in my tracks with the initial title and chorus (way to grab our attention, Michael), the line “saying I love you is not the words I want to hear from you” can also make me take pause.

Over the past year or so my husband and I have been (and continue to be) put through the ringer!  We’ve been moving through some incredibly difficult circumstances.  By the grace of God, our love for each other, and the incredible support of dear ones around us we are making it through.  [Can I get an "Amen!"]  This being said, when I do pause and listen to our almost song, it really gets me thinking.

How many times do I tell my husband I love him?  How many times do I say or do something totally inconsiderate or hurtful?  How much more powerful would my I love you’s be if I could tell him without the words?

This is a challenge I give myself — tell my husband I love him.  tell him every. single. day.  tell him — and avoid the words.

In honor of what I think would happen, I bring you, “Avoid Your Words, and Grow…Love”.  Based on Unity Stamp Company’s weekly sketch challenge (HHSC43), I made it a goal to make a CAS (clean and simple) card with ribbon and felt.

So, if like me, you have been blessed with some truly amazing loved ones in your life, then go on and tell them “I love you”, tell them even more, and every so often, say it, but avoid the words.




stamps: Unity Stamp Co. “Fly With Me” KOM

ink: Versamark

accessories: Papertrey Ink Kraft CS, PaperSource soft white double faced satin ribbon, PaperSource Aegean Silver EP, Sizzix Tipsy Hearts dies, felt


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My Heart on a String

New year, new month, new me? Let’s hope so — not the revamped don’t recognize me me, but back to myself me. After all, this is “if she did what she loves”!

Since the ball fell in the big apple I’ve been determined to slowly incorporate the things I love back into my life, little by little — you know, baby steps. Much like faith, I am going to take steps with the hopes and certainty that I will feel more like myself again, and by trusting and taking those steps, THEY WILL. So, I’m taking the risk, stepping out in faith, and putting my heart on the line…or string (you’ll see).

One step includes a goal — seeking the inspiration of various sketch challenges, I am aiming to complete three cards a week. Card by card I am determined to fight the meanness out of life and regain some of my life-lovin’ verve.

Here’s a start…this past week’s Mojo Monday sketch challenged participants to make a round or square card with a great funky flair.

See, I told ya – heart (or shall I say hearts) on a line (or string). I stretched myself even further with this challenge to try punching a circle with a corner punch, AND to use these absolutely adorable mini clothespins. It took me about two days to complete it and love it, but after a few iterations, I finally got it just right — AND I did what I love!




stamps: sweet love sentiment – Ippity (by Unity) “Moonbeams & Heartstrings”; XOXO sentiment – Studio G

ink: warm red & rose coral ColorBox Chalk

accessories: MS ribbon loop corner punch; Target $1 spot DP; PTI kraft CS; twine; mini clothespins

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Top 10 Cards in 2010

December 31st, New Year’s Eve — the time to reflect, to look back, to bid fond farewell, and then to look ahead and embrace the new.

2010 hasn’t been the kindest year. In fact, life has been downright mean. In response, I’ve been in survival mode, focused on seeking out the good, and thus AWOL from the blog. BUT…I’ve still been making cards, and still reading blogs — my therapy. Good medicine — eeking out creations card by card, and so gratifying to see them in one slideshow together. My cardmaking goal in 2010 was to send out only homemade cards for the various birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and other celebratory occasions. Did I meet it? You betcha! For 2011 — I hope to continue in the same, but to celebrate a few more, and to increase the cardmaking (maybe 5 a week?) — still some reflecting and goal-making to do. Will let you know the final decision.

For now…in following with the tradition of reflecting over the year, I present my top 10 card creations of 2010.

Contemporary white, black, and red "welcome, baby" card

Love the colors, love the flower and tag details, and absolutely LOVED the occasion -- welcome, Lili!

zebra-patterned birthday card with a jumbo elephant

Huge fan of the zebra print, the textured green strip, and love that cutey elephant!

Card with three pairs of high-heeled shoes

Love the swirls, love the shoes, love the sassy!

Card with multiple=

Layers of lovely paper, rich textures, and a silhouetted "love" scrolled across

gray and pink layered card with image of cat shaking a present

Made for a friend of mine with a familiar kitty -- love the colors and layers

a pastel card in layers with a sentiment about creating yourself

Love at first read with the sentiment, and full of rich layers and details

A white card with three colored flowers and the message, "grow love"

For an anniversary...love how the flowers almost glow, love the colors, and love the message

turquoise and brown card with a raised butterfly and the message, "today I thought of you"

Even when friends are far away, thinking of them, and creating their cards keeps them close at heart; love the butterfly, love the colors, love the sentiment

a card with colorful blossoms and the sentiment, "appreciate the beauty in everything"

Using the masking technique for those beautiful blossoms, and gotta love the sentiment -- very personal for me, especially in 2010

a purple and white card with four birdies and the message, so grateful

Loved ones have been so gracious, God has been so good, and I am...so grateful; love the soft colors, the layers, the texture, and the sentiment

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Being a Grownup

Being a grownup means rousing oneself from a wonderful Sunday afternoon nap to get ready.
Being a grownup means not snoozing an additional 10 or 15 minutes while hubby starts preparing for guests.
Being a grownup means pitcing in to make the house “presentable”.
Being a grownup means saying “thank you” without being reminded by your mother.


My husband and I have had reason upon reason to express our gratitude.  We have been moving through some horrendous circumstances, and we have been surrounded and supported by so many amazing people.  This is the first of many.  To all of you out there — We thank you with a grateful heart.

Thank you card that reads, "give thanks with a grateful heart"

Thank you card that reads, "give thanks with a grateful heart" with envelope

Close up of "Give thanks with a grateful heart" thank you card

Close up

With a Grateful Heart

Stamps: sentiment – Verve

Ink: Cocoa – ColorBox

Paper: DP – We R Memory Keepers: Nonsense

Accessories: tag punch – Marvy, eyelet – Recollections, white twine

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Growin’ Love for 60 Years and Counting

Some friends of ours left for Hawaii today to celebrate the 60th wedding anniversary of their parents/in-laws.  60 years! Can you imagine?  What a great model of love, respect, and commitment.  In honor of such a wondrous event my husband and I thought it would be nice to send a card.  I, of course, started it the night before, and therefore chose to keep it simple.

Being the lover of blossoms and all things blooms, and being that the couple live in Hawaii, it seemed only appropriate to use some bright colors and highlight some beautiful flowers.  Out of the desire for a CAS (clean and simple) card, bright colors, and flowers came a sweet card celebrating what this couple has learned to do very well — grow love.

Happy Anniversary! To many more celebrations of your marriage.

Card with the message, "grow love"

"Grow Love Blossoms"; stamps by Studio G and Unity Stamp Company

Love Grows Blossoms

stamps: image Studio G $1 stamps from Michaels, sentiment Unity Stamp Co.

ink: ColorBox

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