Scuba, Scraps & Stamps

Birthday Wishes

2011-02-23T05:10:00.001-05:00

See two creations in one week - Aren't you all impressed?

I made this card for a friend of mime whose birthday was on Valentine's day. She is always complaining that most people are more excited about Valentine's day than her birthday and she usually gets a Valentine's card instead. So I tried to skip all the pink and fluff but couldn't resist the cute little girl.

They are calling for more snow this week. Though I enjoy the snow, enough already we were just beginning to see the ground again. Happy Hump Day to everyone.

Late - But Alive

2011-02-21T05:00:00.001-05:00

Hello Peeps - if you're still out there. I apologize for the lack of posting, I'm lucky I can find time to comment let alone create, shoot, edit and post. My live has been crazy and I won't bore you all with the details. But one of my goals is to actually find some "me time" and do a few of the things I like. As a result, I actually did find some time to make a few CAS Valentine's cards last weekend.

This image was pre-colored from Lord knows when and was able to make a quick card for Al.

These are two really CAS cards that came together pretty quick. I don't know why the colors are so off, but they really did look better in person.

I miss playing along with the challenges and keeping everything up to date. Maybe even if there are now pictures and/or cards I'll let you know what's going on.

Hope everyone is well and I'll be back soon.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-24T16:53:00.002-05:00

-Yes, I am still alive, and all is well. Though I don't have anything crafty or any pictures to share I want to let you all know I am thinking of you. Life has been crazy and I won't bore you with details. To all my friends to whom I owe cards, yes I made them, but never mailed them you will however receive them in time for New Year. - But in the meantime:

"Let us keep Christmas,

holding it close to our hearts...

for its meaning never ends

and its spirit is the warmth and joy

of remembering friends...

Merry Christmas

and

Every happiness in the New Year"

I will be back soon - PROMISE!

Wedding Wishes

2010-10-08T17:06:00.005-04:00

We are off to New York this weekend for a wedding reception. Now wedding cards are not something I keep "in stock". Most of my friends are already married so it's a make as you need kind of thing. As usual the last minute Lucy that I am had to put something together quick. No time for coloring or fancy ribbon, but it's amazing what a cuttlebug and some folders can do. It didn't turn out half bad if I say so myself. It actually looks much better in real life.

It should be a fun weekend, the event is black tie so Al has his tux and I have my fancy clothes. Maybe I'll even remember to take a picture -LOL. Also this weekend we will be celebrating our 17th wedding anniversary so the timing of the weekend get away is perfect.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

My Favorite Christmas Movie

2010-10-03T01:00:00.001-04:00

I've been playing along with Sparkle's Christmas challenges off an on for the last two years. Today I had the honor of being asked to be a guest designer. How cool is that?

The part of your favorite Christmas movie was easy, the designing of the card proved to be a little more challenging. "The Christmas Shoes" is my favorite, so to me the focus is on the "Give Your Self"

Christmas should be a time not of buying thing for the sake of presents, but to take the time and think about someone maybe a little less fortunate than yourself. I think of many of my employees at work, originally from Haiti and all those they lost back home last January or the many residents who have no family or anyone to visit them especially during the holidays.

The company I work for is non-profit and every year during the holidays we get our Senior Management team and our Executive Board of Directors together. We give every employee a turkey, a small monetary token and gift cards to a Grocery Store and Walmart. The employees in turn if they want can choose a resident and buy a small gift from Santa. This may not seem like much, but to many people it mean a lot. Which is the meaning of the whole movie and of the holiday season - "Give Your Self"

For this card I also used one of Sparkle's own designs. Is he not the cutest elf you've ever seen, and of course I had to paper piece and color him with copics. Add a little masculine embellishment and let the DSP take care of the rest.

Hope you can join us in this week's challenge. I'ld love to hear the story behind your favorite Christmas move.

Happy Haunting

2010-09-29T04:00:00.000-04:00

It's getting close to Halloween time of year again. Though not really a huge Halloween fan I do find it a fun occasion to send a couple of cards. My poor Bella's have not seen ink in some time so I thought they deserved some loving.

Awhile back, and I mean awhile there was a challenge to look at your Bella's in a much smaller way, no more than a 2" square. Now for me that was a little tough as I'm pretty much an all or nothing kind of person. Though not a very "inchie' person at all this is what I came up with.

Pretty basic, but not bad for my first attempt at an inchie. Now if I can only find some time to make a few more Halloween cards I should be good to go. So do you send out Halloween cards?

I Need a Vacation

2010-09-27T04:00:00.000-04:00

I so need to go someplace warm and soon. Can't believe don't have a scheduled trip for the fall. This would be the first fall in 10 or so years that we haven't gone away.

The last year has proven to be very challenging in so many ways with a lot of changes. Some of which have been really hard to adjust to, and others not so bad, but I guess life goes on.

That being said I'm looking at possibly booking a last minute cruise for just Al and I then look at doing a group trip in the Spring. We'll see how it goes.

I took this photo on one of our past trips to Grand Cayman. The boat I'm looking at has a stop in Grand Cayman, so that works. Cozumel, Roatan, and Belize are also on the itinerary. Though we've been to 3 out 4 of the destinations other than Cayman it's been awhile and it will be interesting to see how they have changed.

I'll keep you posted on the plans. Anyone want to come the first week in November?

Another Birthday

2010-09-13T05:30:00.001-04:00

I'm slowly getting caught up on my birthday card stash. Luckily after today no more birthdays until the end of the month so I have a little time right?

This is another pure innocence girl from MFT that I decided to paper piece. Maybe that's why it's taking me so long to make cards lately as I've been into the whole paper piecing thing, time to go back to CAS. But I do like the way this card turned out, maybe it's because I used more layers than I usually do too.

I hope everyone had a super weekend. The weather was perfect for Fall in New England, though the temperatures are starting to cool down much to my dismay. But, it's football season again and the Pats won their home opener which was great.

I just wish someone could explain why Monday's always come so quickly and the work week drags. But on that note I'm off to work everyone enjoy their week.

Thinking of you

2010-09-09T04:00:00.001-04:00

I made this card for a friend of mine who has been having a rough year. The only thing is, I took the picture and realized I had forgotten to stamp the sentiment on it. I can't say it was a blonde or senior moment either, since I don't fall into either category. I'm just chalking it up to a "Duh" moment. I did add the sentiment before I gave it to her though, so that's all that really matters.

I've had my copics for over a year now and yes I have every color. But, I still feel like a 3 year old when I color. The whole blending thing isn't so bad I think I've gotten a little better with that. What I'm still having a problem with is the whole color matching thing with the numbers. I love to see what other people use for their color combinations and then I'll try that. For me it makes it a little simpler. Any better suggestions on how to pick the colors?

Gotta love short weeks, I wish every week were a 4 day work week, how sweet would that be. All I can say is thank God it's almost the weekend again.

End of Summer

2010-09-05T10:45:00.002-04:00

This weeks challenge over at Sparkle's Creations was to use the photo as an inspiration. I'ld have to say that Summer is my favorite season; (Though Fall is almost a pretty close tie). The only downside is Summer is waaay to short here in New England.

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to hang out on our boat and just kick back. We are fortunate to live so close to the ocean and really make the most of the short summer. There is a place right near our marina called World's End, which is where on many a weekend days is just filled with anchored boats and people swimming and lounging on their rafts.

I hope everyone is having a great summer and don't forget just because it's Labor Day weekend summer doesn't officially end until September 21st.

Baked with Love

2010-09-03T04:00:00.002-04:00

So are you tired of my "catch-up" posts yet? Thought I'ld change it up a little bit. Remember the card class I said I did a couple of months back? Well this was the final card we made that day.

I really love to paper piece, the only downside is it is way time consuming. Though I do like the final outcome. But I really, really need to work on the whole bow tying thing. I've acquired a couple of MFT stamps recently and at first wasn't to crazy about the whole no head thing but it is growing on me. My LSS is slowly (and I mean very slowly) getting in a few more stamping items. Which I'm not so sure may be a good thing. I did manage to pick up 2 of the MFT die-namics but of course haven't used them yet, hoping to find some time this weekend.

Yeah, for a long weekend. We are expecting a storm tonight and anyone who knows me knows I love a good storm. Now if I can convince Al to go down to the beach with me, (which shouldn't be to hard) I'm hoping to have some nice wave pictures to post.

Hope everyone has a fun and safe Labor Day.

Working Backwards

2010-09-01T04:00:00.000-04:00

I have been trying to catch up with some of Sparkle's Christmas Challenges. This is from awhile back and I realized I hadn't posted it yet. This goes back to Challenge #6, which was to emboss.

I love my cuttlebug and use it quite frequently with nesties, but I'm contemplating getting a big shot. Some of the extra large folders from SU won't work in the cuttlebug and I really would like a few of them. So am I crazy or what for wanting 2 embossing machines?

I'm hoping to post a few of my more recent creations in the next couple of days. With all of the craziness of late I've realized that crafting really does help me destress and I'm trying to do more of it. So stay tuned.

Hope everyone is having a great week so far. The long weekend can't come quick enough.

September Birthdays

2010-08-29T16:45:00.001-04:00

Yup, a new month coming way to fast and more birthday cards to make. Last night Al was out and I had a couple of hours to myself and took the opportunity to at least get a few cards done. Isn't Scooter Chloe adorable? I used Sparkle's Creations Challenge #7 for the inspiration, but I left the sentiment for the inside.

I should have also taken a picture of the inside. Normally the insides of my cards are quite boring, but the couple I did last night for some reason I spent almost as much time on the inside as the outside. Probably why I was only able to complete like 3 cards in just over 3 hours. But I'm sure my computer breaks didn't help either.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. It is absolutely gorgeous out and is supposed to stay that way most of the week. Keep your fingers crossed it lasts thru Labor Day and isn't ruined by the storms in the Atlantic.

Birthday Catch Up

2010-08-26T04:00:00.002-04:00

I so need to make birthday cards. My stash is empty and my time is limited but I have a couple of birthdays that can't be missed. I was able to get a few done this past weekend and this is probably one of the only ones I won't have to use a belated birthday sentiment on.

Also, as for being late I was unable to post this for Sparkle's Stamp Challenge #6, but I used the sketch anyway. These stamps are way cute and are perfect for paper piecing. Though my tabs are slightly backwards and I did add the dots after taking the photo I think it still may qualify.

Hope everyone is having a good week. I'm hoping the weather will break soon the rainy, dreary, raw feeling is starting to get a little old. I'm missing our wonderful summer and can't believe it will soon be over. The only good thing about that is it may mean a little more crafting time.

Vintage

2010-08-24T17:15:00.003-04:00

This week over at Sparkle's Christmas Challenge #38 was vintage/retro. Mind you both vintage and retro are definitely outside of my comfort zone. But I figured, what the heck, I'll try. I've had these "worn" Santa looking pieces for awhile just sitting there. Pieces of a swap kit, that lord only knows what happened to the rest of it. The pieces were also water colored, which is something else I never do, because when I do it they seem to just look, well old.

So I decided to take the pieces, toss them on a rug like Santa would do after traveling the world and hope for the best. I guess between, the water coloring, the cream and kraft colors it just might pass for vintage. I guess vintage is something I need to work on, either that or just stick with my copics or colored ink.

I'm so glad I had time to play and post timely this week. Hope everyone is having a great week, I'll be back with other creations later.

Simple Birthday

2010-08-12T08:45:00.000-04:00

I so need to restock my birthday card supply. With not much free time lately and not much pre-colored I needed to keep it quick and simple. Sometimes letting the DSP do the work isn't half bad. This is one of a few CAS cards that went together quick.

This weekend a group of us is heading out of town for a fun filled weekend in PA, I'm hoping to bring a couple of pre-stamped images and maybe a few copics and if I find the time get some coloring done, we'll see. If not CAS is the way it's going to have to be for a while.

Hope everyone has a great weekend, mine started yesterday getting ready for this mini-vacation.

Christmas Card #35 and SCRSC #4

2010-08-08T15:15:00.003-04:00

Yeah-It's been way to long since I've posted a card for Sparkle's Christmas challenge. This was actually last weeks challenge. The challenge was to use a non-traditional Christmas image on your card. This card also is for the Sparkle's creation rubber stamp challenge, which was to use your favorite embellishment.

Now for me that is quite difficult as my 'favorite' embellishment changes like New England weather. For this card though, I did use stickles, flowers and a button, so I guess one of the only things missing is ribbon. Unless of course you count the middle of the button. I also chose to paper piece her outfit and umbrella which is something else I like to do when I have patience.

I just bought myself a real simple Kenmore sewing machine and hopefully I can learn to sew on my cards. Who knows if I can master that, maybe that too will become one of my favorite things. One can never have enough favorites right?

So, I'm off to clean the craft room and maybe set up my new toy. Enjoy what's left of your weekend and I promise, promise to post more crafty stuff and to just post more in general.

Wish I Were Here...

2010-08-07T17:34:00.007-04:00

Hello friends, yes once again I've been a really bad blogger. Let's call it stress and me missing my craft time. So, I thought I'ld post a couple of photos that always make me feel a little better. This is one of my favorite places Grand Cayman's East End. Oh how I wish I were there right now, Crystal clear water, white sandy beaches and the tranquility of being under the sea.

Yes, I am taking some time off next week and going away. Unfortunately it won't be to our home away from home (hence the photos above), but rather to the cornfields of PA. May sound a little crazy, but in the midst of the Amish is a huge fresh water quarry with lots of underwater fun. It is like an amusement park for divers. There are 35 of us going, and yup it should be a blast. If nothing else, at least it will take my mind off reality for a few days.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend, and I promise something crafty real soon.

Words Only

2010-07-19T04:30:00.001-04:00

I thought I'ld try something new and use only a sentiment as the focal point on my card. I think this is a great sentiment because it is so true. Not so sure if I like the layout, but I guess it's ok for a first try. Maybe next time I'll try using a different shape or something.

Hope everyone had a great weekend, it's back to work for me after being on vacation for a week. But I have a mini vacation planned for mid-August, which unfortunately will be here before you know it.

Wish for A Friend

2010-07-12T06:30:00.002-04:00

I don't know it you all remember our friend who back in February was struck with an aneurysm and spent 3 weeks in ICU and then another couple of weeks in rehab. Well he has made a terrific comeback, it must be the State Trooper in him. The thing is, he is now well enough to undergo his next surgery. The plan all along was for him to get strong enough to sustain another surgery to remove the cause of the problem.

Though the surgery isn't planned for until a little later this month I thought I'ld send along a little something. This is another card we made at the card class I took a couple of weeks. I really like the way the paper piecing turned out and should really use this technique more often. The only problem is, it can take forever to cut all those little pieces. Sometimes I just don't have the time. But isn't that the story for alot of us.

Well, I'm on vacation this week and the plan is to hopefully get together and have lunch with my friend Vicki tomorrow. Although we may not be hitting any of the LSS a trip to the Container Store may be in our future. Love the Container Store, they have every imaginable thing to help one get organized all under one roof. Now if I could only stay organized all would be good.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week.

Ice Cream Weather

2010-07-07T04:30:00.001-04:00

Yup - it actually hit 100 degrees' here yesterday. They say it hasn't been this hot since 2002, YIKES I can't believe it's been that long. Now don't get me wrong I absolutely love the hot weather and I'm probably one of the few people who doesn't complain. Mind you I would enjoy it more if I could spend the day at the beach rather than at work.

A couple of weeks back I took a class at the LSS with Joanne B. what a sweetie, such spunk & fun. It was a dreary afternoon so spending the day indoors stamping was perfect. We made a total of 3 cards using the MFT stamps. This is one of the creations we made that day. I realized I need to get myself a small sewing machine for cards, I love the way it looks. Any recommendations and where to maybe buy one locally?

I have 2 of the MFT pure innocence stamps and fortunately this is one of them. She is perfect for a day like yesterday. The next couple of days are pretty much going to be the same, so maybe I can talk someone into going out for ice cream. If I'm really lucky we can take a ride to the dairy farm where all the ice cream is home made and totally delish.

Hope everyone is having a great week. I'm looking forward to the weekend as I'm on vacation next week. Let's hope the good weather holds out.

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T09:00:00.001-04:00

Happy 4th of July to all my American friends. - The 4th is probably my favorite holiday, the warm weather, the chance to spend time relaxing with friends and I love the fireworks. Last night was our annual 3rd of July celebration. 12 of us went out on our boat, grilled and watched some amazing fireworks.

Today we will be doing some scuba diving. Or at least everyone else will, I won't be able to get back in the water for about a month or so. Can you say insert big sigh here, but I should hopefully be good to go by our weekend get away in August. Then back on the boat for more fireworks. Gotta love the no crowd thing.

This image was sent to me quite some time ago and I thought it would be perfect for Independence Day. It reminds me of the annual parades and although simple I really liked how the flag looking background turned out.

I'll be sending this card to my cousin who is in the service and is possibly looking to do his second tour in Afghanistan. Nick is career military officer and it is perfect for him.

Hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th!

Sweet Summer Nellie

2010-07-01T08:15:00.001-04:00

With my unexpected time off from work I've been trying to organize my craft room. I have two boxes of uncolored images that I need to sort through in addition to giving everything its own place.

This is an image I've had colored for a while and finally got around to making it into a card. It's another image I received from WRAK and I think she is quite summery. Which is perfect considering we are going to be heading into a heat wave this coming weekend. YEAH!! the perfect weather for the 4th of July. Which happens to be one of my favorite holidays.

I love the 4th of July, every year a group of us go out on our boat. We spend day Grilling & Chilling and then watch the fireworks from the water. It's so much better being on the water than sitting with the crowds. LOL! Last year the weather didn't cooperate, so I'm looking forward to this year.

So what are you doing for the 4th?

Thinking of You

2010-06-30T18:00:00.001-04:00

I received this image from WRAK and absolutely love this image. I may actually have to break down and buy it. For some reason the picture is a little blurry but I cut out Daisy and popped her up against the sky.

For my first try with distress inks I don't think the clouds came out half bad. The bow on the other hand needs some work and I'm nor sure if I should just take it off and do something else. Any suggestions?

I've had some unexpected time off from work this week, so hopefully now that I'm feeling a little better I can spend a good part of Thursday & Friday crafting and have some more posts.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful hump day.

2010-06-27T12:00:00.001-04:00

Yes I'm still alive. The last couple of months have been a little rough with a lot going on. I have still been creating, though not a ton of cards.

This is a scrapbook I did for one of my co-workers who is expecting her first baby in July. It took little longer than I thought it would (mostly due to not enough crafting time), but I was able to finish it before she has the baby. I got this idea from my wonderful friend Vicki who's books are totally awesome. (Hope you don't mind, I CASED a few layouts)

One good thing about this project though, was I FINALLY used my cricut machine. Yes, I've had it for over a year and just figured out the basics. Now if I could only figure out what else I can do with it Life will be good.

Hopefully, I'll be posting on a regular basis soon enough. Just need to get thru the next couple of weeks and all should be good. Very much looking forward to being able to have some time to craft and create.

Everyone have a great week.

Finally a Creation.

2010-03-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, I actually found time to make a card. My supply of birthday cards is almost non existent at this time and I'm going to be in serious trouble if I don't get cracking soon.

I made this card for my second Bella Sistah Jane, hopefully she'll receive it on time. The image was received from WRAK and I thought it was cute. Though it doesn't show up to well in the photo, I used some glitter on both the balloon & the cupcake.

Our inspectors at work finally showed up yesterday, so it's going to be a long rest of the week into the beginning of next. Everyone keep your fingers crossed we fair well.

Enjoy your hump day!

stamps: Stampendous-fluffies sentiment: Amuse

paper: Basic gray

Prayers & Thougts

2010-02-22T06:43:00.004-05:00

Sorry, I've been MIA. I'm asking everyone to please keep a good friend of ours in their thoughts and prayers. Our friend was suddenly struck last Tuesday evening with an aneurysm and has been in ICU ever since.

He will be facing his 4th surgery either today or tomorrow with more to go. It has been touch and go all week. They say he is holding his own and is stable, but has a long road in front of him.

Please keep him in your thoughts - and hopefully I'll have something crafty later this week.

Valentine's Bella Blog Hop

2010-02-13T06:00:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the Love Me Do Blog Hop. If you stumbled upon my blog and want to see where it all started click on Emily's blog. Though a very tough act to follow if you came from Sparkle's blog you are on the right track. If you get lost or a broken link you can click on this list.

I've had this poor little guy for sometime and he's never been inked, I also had some take out boxes lying around and didn't know what to do with them either. Now boy cards are not usually my thing as they are very difficult for me, so I put the two unused items together and came up with some sweet treat boxes for my nephews.

Wrapping the paper around the box is not the easiest task in the world. I ended up taking the boxes apart and doing it that way and I think they turned out ok. The Lindt Chocolate store was having a fantastic sale so I filled the boxes with truffles and the kids loved them.

stamps: Stamping Bella, Sentiment: Stamping Bella
Paper: SU
Nesties, Copics, SU taffeta ribbon

Now how about a prize? In addition to the fabulous eye candy, we have decided to hide a prize somewhere along the hop! One pre-selected blogger will draw a random winner from the
comments on her post, and the winner will receive a $25 Gift Voucher to Stamping Bella. The fun part is....we're not telling you who it is! So as you hop, make sure you leave comments on every post so you have a chance to win. We will announce the winner on Friday in the Splitcoast forum. MWAH!!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope everyone has a very special Valentine's Day with those they love and now it's time to hop over the very talented Laura.

Snow Ready

2010-02-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

We are supposed to be getting a major Nor'easter and blizzard here today. Schools are already canceled, businesses closed and it hasn't even started snowing yet. I unfortunately work in health care so we never close. I thought this image was very appropriate for today's weather.

This card was for the last Bella sketch challenge hosted by Jamie. And guess what, I actually was randomly picked for the Bella bucks. I'm super excited now I just need to decide what else I "need".

Thank goodness it's hump day, now if I can just get home from work later all will be good. For those of you in the area stay warm and safe.

stamps: stamping Bella
paper: misc. scraps
nesties, copics, bella dots

Going in Circles

2010-02-06T09:15:00.002-05:00

The title of this post has been my life for the past week-not sure whether I was coming or going. but it is now the weekend and hopefully I'll have time to regroup.

I'm not to sure about this one, I tried using one of the older Mojo Monday Sketches. First I'm not really the flowery type to often and I'm not big on circles and not too sure of the colors either. So what was I thinking? But a friend at work loved it, so I told her it was hers LOL. It's Saturday & snowing, (not as much as the mid-Atlantic though) so hopefully I can get all my errands done today and spend tomorrow creating before the Superbowl comes on.

Everyone enjoy their weekend.

Love is in the Air

2010-02-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

Well I've started some Valentine's Day cards. Yes-all one of them and it didn't even involve coloring. Boy am I in trouble if I want to actually finish & get these mailed before February 14th.

The stamp is a random stamp I had lying around that I finally decided to use. Again, not much mojo for coloring lately I decided to "stamp & go". I think the sketch may be one of the old MOJO Monday ones, but I'm not sure.

At work we are patiently waiting our annual unannounced inspection which could be any day. So things have been a little crazy in preparation. I wish they would hurry up and get it over with already so we can move on.

Everyone enjoy their week.

Meet Simon

2010-01-31T04:45:00.000-05:00

Nothing crafty today, but again it's going to be freezing & I'm hoping to have some time to get some of my valentine's day cards done. I don't know where the time goes, but Valentine's Day is in like two weeks, YIKES!

We've been spending the last two weeks getting used to our new addition. As some of you may know we had to put our beloved kitty down in October after 17 years. We missed having a cat in the house and Al & I felt it was time the "Bubba" (aka Bear) had a new friend. So please meet "SIMON."

Simon is a 1 1/2 year old cat we adopted from our local animal shelter. His name was Simon when we adopted him & we decided to keep it the same. I mean how would you like it if someone arbitrarily decided to change your name? He is an adorable little guy and is adjusting very well. Very affectionate and very curious. Bear is very excited to have a new friend at home and they get along terrific.

Now that he is settling in, we are thinking it down the road a bit we'll get Simon a kitten friend. We've always had 2 cats to keep each other company during the day while we are at work, so we'll see. Though we haven't had a "kitten" in years and not sure if we are up for all the energy.

Enjoy what's left of the weekend.

All Caught Up

2010-01-30T07:30:00.002-05:00

Finally I am current with Sparkle's Christmas card challenges. Last weeks challenge was NO coloring. You were allowed to use different color inks, just no "coloring in". This challenge was not as hard as it sounds. As I've mentioned previously lately I feel like I've become a lazy stamper and am thinking it is easier stamp & go.

I used my Christmas tree nesties and ran them thru my cuttlebug. A cuttlebuged background and my MS dove punch on glittery paper. The distressed sentiment for some reason is appearing pink in the photo, but IRL it matches much better. A pretty simple card but other than the "looking ping" I think it turned out ok.

Happy Saturday to everyone, It is absolutely freezing here today with a wind chill well below 0' I'm hoping to not have to go out for very long.

sentiment; Amuse

cuttlebug, nesties, MS punch, misc. brads

Henry Mouse-Week #7

2010-01-29T04:00:00.000-05:00

I am so loving Sparkle's Christmas Challenges and once again she gave us a sketch to work with. Love, love, love sketches, they help take the thinking out and help put the creativity in. This is my card for Week #7 only one more card to post and I'm current. YEAH! now if I can only stay that way.

Isn't this little Henry mouse the cutest? I received him in a Christmas swap along with another WOJ stamp and plenty of other goodies. I also tried out some of my new Basic Grey Sugar Rush paper and a SU edge punch that hasn't seen much use.

The only down side LOL was I also used some more of my Pink Pirouette paper. I so love this shade of pink and will be so sad once it's all gone. I really wish SU would've kept it as a new color. Oh well, at least I still have a fair amount left.

Hope everyone has a great weekend planned. It is supposed to be down right frigid here this weekend, so I'm hoping to spend a lot of time indoors.

stamps: WOJ - sentiment: stamping bella

paper: Basic Grey Sugar Rush & SU

copics, nesties, SU border punch.

Week #6

2010-01-24T10:00:00.002-05:00

Only one more card and I'm all caught up. Week #6 of Sparkle's challenges was do use dry embossing. I love my cuttlebug. It was one of the best gifts to myself ever. So Sparkle's challenge was pretty easy for me.

Also, as of late I'm considering myself somewhat of a lazy stamper and don't feel like coloring. This is what I came up with and the only stamping involved was the sentiment.

This was a super easy card. Used the SU ornament punch, punch some DSP, add the cord and there you have it. The only somewhat hard part was tying the little tiny bows.

Today is Sunday, one of my most favorite days of the week. A little crafty time, then some football. Though I am sad my PATS are no longer in the playoffs I'll still watch. Will definitely be rooting for either the Vikings or Saints. Whoever can beat the Colts or Jets will be ok with me.

Enjoy your day.

sentiment: Misc. $1 stamp

paper: SU

cuttlebug, SU Ornament punch, SU cord, copics

Finally - Something other than a Holiday Card

2010-01-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

You are probably tired of seeing holiday cards right. Though I do have a couple more that need posting. I needed a birthday card, and I needed it quick for a child. This Changito stamp was given to me about 6 months ago and it's the first time it's seen ink.

The distressed edges look better in person, not sure what happened with the photo. The best part is I'm still using scraps. I think I have enough scraps to last a whole year but I did break down and by some of the new Basic Grey paper yesterday.

Hope everyone has some fun plans for the weekend. We are going to our annual winter party tomorrow night which should be a lot of fun, and for the first time in a couple of years the date won't be changed on account of snow.

stamps: Changito birthday - sentiment: Amuse

paper: Misc. Scraps

nesties, copics, prima flowers, bella dots

Playing Catch Up

2010-01-21T06:30:00.002-05:00

Trying to catch up after spending a couple of days last week at Disneyworld. I actually thought I had a couple of posts ready to publish but for some reason they didn't, sometimes blogger can be a little wacky.

I'm all caught up with Sparkle's Christmas challenges, though a little late in posting them. So for the next couple of posts it will be a few more Christmas cards. Week #5 was to use buttons, I have a hard time with buttons for some reason. This was what I came up with. It would have been better if I had a star shaped button.

Hope everyone has a great day, it's almost the weekend.

Stamps: Unity

paper: Eskimo kisses

copics, buttons

Almost There

2010-01-11T04:30:00.001-05:00

I'm getting there slow but sure. Week #4 of Sparkle's Christmas Challenge was this inspiring photo:

Love the colors in this image; the cupcakes look fabulous. For some reason blue & white always remind me of winter, not so much the holidays but the whole winter season. This was my version of these yummy cupcakes.

I don't actually own this Bella (yet), and I'm not sure where the image came from. It might have come from a swap back when I first learned of the Bellas.

It has definitely felt like winter around here the last couple of days, absolutely freezing. Though we did not have snow this weekend which was a first in the last month.

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend. Unfortunately my PATS have been eliminated from the playoffs. I think they forgot to show up for the game. Once the Jets and Colts go too, I'll be ok. There is always next year.

stamps: Stamping Bella sentiment: Unknown (think it might be CTMH)
paper: Misc. scraps (gotta love those scraps)
SU snowflake punch, button, copics

Week #3

2010-01-09T08:15:00.001-05:00

More than half way caught up. Sometimes coming up with my own sketch idea is really tough, so I love a sketch challenge. Sparkle was kind enough to use a sketch for this one and it's a great one.

Again, another WRAK image and lots of misc. scrap paper. So far I'm doing pretty good using scraps this year. Other than the white card bases I don't think I've cut into a new piece of paper yet.

I used some liquid applique on this little guys hat to also once again try something I don't do to often. Another "goal" this year is to maybe use some new items. Now I use "new" very loosely as I have waaay to much stuff that has been sitting. So it's really not "new" only "never been used.

It's going to be cold here today & tomorrow so after I get home from work today (Yes I know it's Saturday, but the project continues) I'm hoping to find some time to finish the card challenges and get some other stuff done.

Enjoy your weekend.

TGIF & Week 2

2010-01-08T05:30:00.000-05:00

I'm almost caught up with the Christmas challenges over at Sparkle's blog. Her is my version of Week #2. The challenge was to use traditional Christmas colors of red & green, pretty easy huh!

Well one of the other things I'm doing is challenging myself to use up some of the images I've received from WRAK. I have sooo many cute images and they are begging to be used. I believe this reindeer is from a SU set, but I'm not sure.

Not only am I using up old images, I'm trying to use up paper I already have starting with some of my scraps. It's amazing how those scraps add up so quickly. Don't think it turned out too bad although simple.

So for the next couple of days you will be seeing more Christmas cards until I'm up to the current week. Because for once I'm actually almost there, only one left and I'll be current.

Everyone have a great weekend. As you all know I'm a huge New England Patriots fan so that's what we'll be doing on Sunday.

stamps: SU sentiment: SU tiny wishes

paper: SU, basic grey, misc. scraps

SU snowflake punch, copics, misc. buttons

Getting a Jump Start

2010-01-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, so this year my Christmas cards never got mailed. Therefore I do already have some done for next year, but I really want to be ahead of the game this time. Sparkle does a Christmas card challenge every week. Last year I pretty much just looked and played along a couple of times. This year one of my goals is to play every week and be prepared.

The first challenge was to use a Santa image. Believe it or not I don't think I even own a Santa image. I received this Santa image from WRAK and thought he is pretty classic. I tried my hand at using some polar soft on his fur though it's a little tough to see in the picture.

So be prepared to see a couple of Christmas cards coming up the next few days while I catch up.

It's almost the weekend - Hope everyone has some fun plans. My plans hopefully include some crafting time and watching the New England Patriots make it through their first playoff game against Baltimore. GO PATS!

stamps: unknown image, sentiment: Cosmo Cricket rub-ons

paper: Basic Grey & Misc. scaps

copics, polar soft white

Playing Catch Up.

2010-01-06T05:00:00.002-05:00

Another New Year's card. This card was also made for the the sketch challenge in the Bella forum. Though once not uploaded on time to meet the deadline.

I really enjoy uses sketches, it makes it so much easier. Sometimes I can really lack in the originality department, but that too is something I'm trying to work on this year.

So glad it's hump day, and the first part of my work project is behind me. Now a short little break before phase 2 kicks in.

Hope everyone is enjoying their week and things are back to "normal"

stamps: Stamping Bella
paper: Basic Grey, SU

This past weekend it snowed for three straight days, and I actually had time to make some cards.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-05T05:45:00.001-05:00

Ok, So I'm a little late but that seems to be the story of my life lately. The last few weeks have been crazy between the holidays and a major project at work. But this past weekend I actually found time to get back into my craft room and do some creating, of course this was after I spent almost an entire day cleaning it firs.

My Christmas cards never got mailed, though I did have a fair amount created. People will be getting a New Year's card or a Winter card instead. I actually still have some holiday packages to mail too. This was a very simple New Year's card and I made a couple of different color combinations. I tried to keep it fairly simple since I am now replacing Christmas cards.

Not usually the type of person to make resolutions as I don't typically do to well with them. I am going to try and post on a more regular basis. The other big thing is try to figure out a way to get better photos of my cards. Not too sure what happened with the colors, I was trying some new lighting, but it didn't turn out as well as I had hoped.

Hope everyone had a good Holiday Season and is looking forward to what 2010 has to bring.

Visit with Santa

2009-12-14T06:30:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am one of those crazy pet people. Every year the local Animal Shelter has a photo opp. with Santa to help benefit the shelter. All of the donations go directly to the shelter and I figure it is a good cause.

Now I'm not allowed to 'dress' my dog so this is the best I can do. Al thinks I'm nuts, but he did admit this was a pretty good picture. We've been doing this since Bear was a puppy and it's amazing to see how much he's grown. Besides Bear was born on Christmas day and how can you have a Christmas baby and not have a picture with Santa.

Bella Show and Tell #7

2009-12-09T06:00:00.003-05:00

I haven't had a chance to play along with the Bella challenges very much lately. But this week Vicki challenged us to make a Christmas card and use Joanne's buttony bow technique. I know next time though to use a thicker ribbon and it might be a little easier.

Part of the challenge was to also include who the card is for. My card is for the friend who introduced me to the Ketto line of Stamping Bella images. When I first saw the Ketto's I wasn't too sure. Well after receiving a couple of images now I'm hooked.

Still have a few last minute Christmas cards to get done and will hopefully finish them this weekend. I'm totally impressed by all the people who are so efficient and have theirs completed and mailed.

Everyone enjoy the rest of their week mine will be plenty busy.

Stamps: Stamping Bella - Sentiment: Amuse

Paper: Basic Grey: Eskimo Kisses

SU scallop punch-SU ribbon-copics-misc. button

Bella's Birthday

2009-12-05T08:30:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Bellas Birthday Blog hop sponsered by Stamping Bella. Can you believe its' been 3 years? If you've just happened upon my blog, you can start from the beginning, Em's blog the lady who started it all.. If you arrived here from the far east via Christy's blog you are on the right track. If there is a broken link you can find all of the blogs here.

In honor of Em's birthday, I had to use the Bella that started it all. Cosmo Bella was one of my first Bellas upon my 2008 discovery. She is perfect for so many friends and it's amazing how you can change her up to fit any occasion too. Just don't know whys her Christmas hat isn't coming up Red?

stamps: Stamping Bella - sentiment: Stamping Bella

paper: SU-Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses

Bella baubles-copics, SU snowflake punch, Marvy snowflake punch, stickles.

What's a birthday without presents? Especially if they are up for grabs. To share in the celebration three gift certificates for $100 in Bella Bucks will be hidden along the hop, but we’re not telling you where so be sure to leave some love as you hop!!! Make sure you leave comments on every post so you have a chance to win!! The winners will be announced on Monday, December 7th.

MWAH & CHEERS TO EM's BIRTHDAY!!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Now it's time to see what the sweet Jamie has created.

Vacation Retreat

2009-11-21T15:00:00.000-05:00

Well, we arrived home safely from the Bahamas last Saturday. This is the first chance I've had to actually post something. With going back to work, trying to catch up and get ready for Thanksgiving has proven to be a chore.

Here are a couple of pictures of the boat we stayed on for a week. The boat held 22 people, but there were only 18 on board and 10 of them were are group.

This was by far the nicest 'liveaboard' boat we've stayed on. It was a 110 feet long & 35 feet wide, so space was ample. The food was fantastic and the crew was too. There were 12 crew members for only 18 people which made it really nice.

Weather was ok-warm (I would have preferred even warmer) and a fair amount of sun. I'm hoping to have some of my underwater photos to share if I can figure out where Al loaded them on the computer.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll have some time to get back to crafting and have something else to share. Everyone have a great weekend.

Official Vacation Toes

2009-11-06T17:00:00.000-05:00

Sorry for being MIA, the last two weeks have been crazy busy finishing everything up before we leave tomorrow. Tomorrow we are leaving for a week in the Bahamas on a liveaboard boat.

Earlier today my girlfriend Lori & I went to get our mandatory vacation manicures & pedicures. It's a tradition that whenever we go away on a dive vacation we have our toes done in a dive flag pattern. So now that the toes are done Vacation is "Official"

Yes, my ankle is still slightly swollen as it is not 100% healed. But-the orthopedic said it is healed enough that I should be able to dive. (It helps when the Ortho is also a diver and can relate). Hopefully all will be ok, but even if I end up on deck reading for a week, that's fine too. We can worry about that after Thanksgiving.

Everyone have a good week and I promise pictures when I return. Oh, and I still have been crafting just no time to post. So those will be up as well upon my return.

Fall Fun

2009-10-28T05:00:00.000-04:00

When the weather turns a little cooler we will sometimes for go the ocean and use a lake at one of the State parks for our open water certification dives. This past weekend was our last official open water weekend for beginner students. Now it's drysuit season and since I'm not a big drysuit, cold water fan I leave these classes to some of the guys. The foliage at the Park is absolutely amazing this time of year.

This is a simple shot of the lake and the surrounding area.

Also, on our last 'official' weekend we hold an underwater pumpkin carving contest. You must carve your pumpkin underwater using just a dive knife. No pre-cutting and or designing allowed. Unfortunately this year I could not participate thanks to the boot cast.

These are a few of the pumpkins some of our customers created.

Bear however was not to happy with the pumpkins 'taking over' his picnic table. He made due however and happily found another one.

On the way home from the lake we decided to stop at a place nearby. This picture is overlooking the Boston skyline. I think I actually missed "peak" by a week or so, but you still get the idea of the colors.

We live about 5 miles from downtown. So we can enjoy the city from our backyard views and some absolutely beautiful wooded areas from the front yard.

For our final stop of the day we took the dog to one of his favorite parks on one of the rivers. This is him hiding in the brush.

He looks kind of scary in this picture, but the wind was blowing like crazy especially off the water.

So that wraps up my scenic fall tour. The worst part is, now all those leaves are going to fall and someone has to rake them. Luckily not me-Al actually enjoys raking, though I might help.

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their week. I should have some crafty things for you soon.

Trick or Treat

2009-10-24T05:00:00.000-04:00

I've been on a roll with some Halloween cards of late. This image was sent to me from Pinky, it's one of the Bellas I don't own. Again I'm trying to keep the card simple and get away from lots of "stuff". Besides I think if there was more, it would take away from the pumpkin background.

Though I'm not quite the Halloween fan I once was, I don't mind it that much. We are usually away on Halloween, but this year our trip is a week later, so maybe we'll actually be able to pass out candy this year. Our neighborhood has changed dramatically over the last couple of years. When we first moved in, there were no kids at all. Now I guess it seems like they are coming from every corner. Do you get a lot of kids at your house?

Tomorrow is the pumpkin dive, so I'll be sure to post some pictures.

stamps: Stamping Bella-sentiment: Amuse

paper: SU

memento, copic, SU ribbon, cuttlebug, distressing

Simple Sketch

2009-10-23T05:00:00.000-04:00

I'm a little late with the Jamie's Bella sketch this week, but decided to play any way. I actually really enjoyed this sketch. It's simplicity was a nice challenge and a great way to try something other than multiple layers and embellishments.

Not too sure of the coloring of this one though. For some reason the purple seems a little washed out. I may have to try a different color combo with the same sketch. Though I am loving this Basic Grey Halloween paper and a bunch of Amuse's new sentiments.

TGIF - Any big plans? We are having our annual underwater pumpkin carving contest on Sunday. Unfortunately I won't be able to participate this year, but I can still judge.

stamps: Stamping Bella-Stella on her broomstick sentiment: Amuse

paper: Basic Grey Eerie

memento, copics

Never Enough

2009-10-22T05:00:00.001-04:00

Why does it always seem I never have a sympathy card on hand when I need it? Unfortunately these last two weeks at work it seems one co-worker after another lost a loved one. This is the card I made for one of them.

Actually I made a couple of extras with the pretty much the same design and different colors. Now that I have a few in my stash hopefully I won't be needing them again anytime soon.

I'm so excited today is Thursday-No more scuba classes until January. I now will have Thursday nights to myself and hopefully a little more crafting time or at least some time to clean the craft room.

stamps: SU-Lovely As A Tree

paper: SU

Ink: SU

Wow a Stampin Up Only card - haven't done this in awhile

Fairy Birthdays

2009-10-21T07:00:00.002-04:00

Is this not the sweetest image? I received it from my friend Pat, so I'm not sure who makes it. But it is the perfect image for a friend of mine whose little girl truly thinks she is a fairy princess. She will be turning 4 at the end of the month and besides the whole princess thing it's all about pink. It's amazing what children come up with. Not really sure about the stickles on her upper wings, but the shimmerez on the lower wings came out ok I think

Everyone enjoy the rest of your week, I'm on countdown mode for vaction.

sentiment: Stamping Bella
paper: Basic grey
ink: SU, memento
nestabilities, copics, stickles, shimmerez

Good-Bye Summer

2009-10-16T16:15:00.000-04:00

I can't believe Summer is over (not that we had much of one). The last couple of weeks have been crazy trying to enjoy what was left of the good weather and get our boat ready to come out to be winterized.

Though I do love the fall too; the trees are looking magnificent, Al & I just celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary last weekend, we have a vacation coming up and we were able to get out on the boat one last time for the season.

This is our boat parked at it's "Summer Home"

View of the marina while heading out

Al was able to get a dive in that day. My diving up here has been done for a couple of weeks now thanks to the "Boot" (Which better be off before vacation-it will be 8 wks). He was able to get some really good underwater shots of the local marine life.

A North Atlantic Red Starfish
One of the areas indigenous anemones

One of my favorite summer suppers

Lastly, one final tour of Boston's Inner Harbor by sea. Unfortunately this picture does not do the skyline it's proper justice it really is a pretty skyline.

But the good news is only 3 weeks until we get to visit a warmer climate. So, bring on the Bahamas and let summer last just a little longer-then back to more crafting time!

Puppy Love

2009-10-01T05:00:00.000-04:00

A frined of mine just got herself a new puppy. It is absolutely the most precious thing you have ever seen. I'm sure there will be lots of photos and I can't wait to see the bows in her hair. She will be the "Queen of the Castle".

I remember my first puppy, a yorkshire terrier named Winston (after Winston Churchill), he was the king of the show while I was growing up. Then when Al & I first got married, we got 2 kittens immediately since neither one of us could imagine not having a pet. Unfortunately, we just lost the second cat last week after 16years, but we still have our furball dog Bear who is the king of our house and I honestly don't think he knows he is a dog.

What are your memories of your pets if you have/had one?

Just think it's almost the weekend again.

stamps: Stamping Bella

paper: Basic Grey & SU

primas, nestabilities, SU ribbon, SU corner punch, bella baubles

Christmas Card Challenge #43

2009-09-29T05:00:00.000-04:00

Yeah! I got to play along again this week with Sparkle's Christmas challenge. I really wish I had started at the beginning, way to many cards to go. The challenge this week was just make a Christmas card. I kind of cheated a little as mine could be used more for a winter card than an actual Christmas card. But I did use Christmas colors and snowflakes, so I guess it could pass. I also used some of my new Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses paper. I'm really beginning to like Basic Grey paper a lot.

Willow with Hot Chocolate was received from WRAK. It is probably one of my favorite Whiff of Joy stamps. I absolutely love hot chocolate in the winter time. (probably one of the only things I like about winter). I'm very picky though about my hot chocolate, it must be made with milk. If there is whipped cream even better. Hopefully though, it won't be hot chocolate season too soon, I want time to enjoy the fall and all the colorful leaves.

Hope everyone is having a good week.

stamps: Whiff of Joy
paper: SU - Basic Grey eskimo kisses
nestabilities, MS snowflake punch, misc. bling, copics

Hopping with Lulu

2009-09-26T05:00:00.010-04:00

Say hellow to Bella's version of Betty Boop. These Lulu's remind me so much of the 1930's headline lady Betty Boop. A very sassy independent gal with a lot of class. A perfect fit for Em the Bella Queen herself.

If you just happened to stumble on my blog, welcome to the first Lulu Blog hop. Please go back and start at Bloggabella to see how it all began. However, if you arrived from Sparkle's blog then you came from the right place. You are on the right track to continue seeing all of the Lulu creations everyone has come up with.

I was fortunate enough receive these images from my fabulous bella sistah Laura (llevans) so I could see them up close and in real life. Besides a big thank you all I can say is WOW!

Being the sophisticated lady Lulu is, I figured I should use sophisticated colors. Using SU's Rich Razzelberry as my chosen color Henrietta Lulu is colored with Copics to match. I then cut her out with nesties and keeping the card simple used minimal layers. A little distressing here, a simple border with ribbon, finish with a flower and Ta Dah her she is, in all her glory.

Now if that isn't enough and you haven't already enjoyed all the fabulous designs, how about a prize? Somewhere along the hop there is a hidden prize, a $25 Gift Voucher to Stamping Bella is out there somewhere. One pre-selected blogger will draw a random winner from the comments on her post. The best part is we are not telling you where it is.

So remember as you hop leave comments on every post so you have a chance to win! The winner will be announced Monday in the Splitcoast forum. Be sure to watch for your name, but in the mean time hop on over to Janet's blog and see what corrosive creation she has come up with.

Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps: Stamping Bella-Henrietta Lulu
Paper: SU Rich Razzelberry & Certainly Celery
SU ribbon, SU border punch, nestabilities, prima flowers, bella dots & baubles

Another Tilda - Another Mojo

2009-09-25T07:45:00.001-04:00

Here is another take on the same Tilda with Tulips. I made this for a co-worker, she and I recently spent a lot of time together working on a major project that ended up turning out well. I used another one of the Mojo Monday sketches.

Sometimes, I feel as if all my images are colored the same. I thought I'ld mix it up a bit and try my hand at practicing different skin tones too. It actually didn't turn out half bad, but I can definitely use more practice.

I too am one of those people who are excited when the fall rolls around and all the new season premiere shows start. This past week has had some good ones, one that Al & I both enjoy is NCIS. I can take or leave some of the reality shows and much prefer some of the sitcoms. What do you like to watch?

Everyone enjoy their weekend. I'm off again today and might try to hit a new shopping mall that open recently.

stamp: Magnolia-Tilda with Tulips sentiment: CTMH
paper: Basic Grey & SU
nestabilities, primas, bella dots, SU border punch

Tilda Square

2009-09-24T05:00:00.000-04:00

I recently received some Tilda images from WRAK. These are so much fun to color. Can't remember where the sketch came from, but I think it might be a previous Mojo Monday

With Tulips being one of my favorite flowers I really like this image. One of the best things about tulips is the wide variety of colors and the fact that you can plant them once and they come back year after year.

Here in New England it is a sure sign of spring (or at least what seems to be the start of our rainy season). Though now as we are entering fall tulips are something we'll have to wait until next year for. But that's ok, I also really like the variety of mums too and it is now mum season. What is your favorite flower?

Everyone enjoy the rest of your week. I'm off, so hopefully something fun will come up.

stamps: Magnolia-Tilda with Tulips

paper: Basic Grey & SU

nestabilites, copics, SU ribbon

Bella Sketch Challenge #81

2009-09-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

Every week on the Bella forum there is a new type of challenge. Play along and you have the chance to win $15.00 in Bella Bucks. This week was another one of Jamie's fabulous sketches.

I've gotten better at looking at a sketch and coming up with my idea. This was a great sketch to work with. I decided once again to try 'out of box' colors and went with some fall colors. That is also one of my new goals, try to use colors I don't use often. I also tried using some chipboard for the sentiment, another item I have plenty of in my stash, but never seem to use.

Hope everyone enjoys their hump day. For me it's Friday, YEAH a nice long weekend, hope I can get a bunch of stuff done.

stamps: Stamping Bella sentiment: Stamping Bella

paper: SU & misc, scraps

copics, nesties, misc. buttons, chipboard

Christmas Card Challenge #42

2009-09-22T05:00:00.002-04:00

Every week since January Sparkle has been making Christmas cards. This was designed to get a jump start and avoid what seems like a forever last minute rush. I unfortunately have not been as faithful in playing every week, so I have a lot of catch up to do.

This was a fantastic sketch to work with, I just had to change the shape of main part to accomodate my image. I'm hoping to play along for the next couple of weeks and try to avoid that last minute scramble, unfortunately time is a ticking better get to work.

stamps: WOJ-Willow with Muff (WRAK)

sentiment: Amuse

paper: SU

nestabilites, copics

Thanks to You

2009-09-21T05:00:00.001-04:00

Hope everyone had a great weekend and got lots accomplished. I was able to get alot done, clean, craft and watch football. What more could one ask for even though the Pats lost to the rival NY Jets it was still an ok game.

This card is for special someone who has taught me alot whether they realize it or not. A person with great artistic talent and very much an inspiration. Now I don't know if my creations will ever reach that level but I'll continue to practice.

When I first started stamping awhile back most of my cards were very simple, I mean some I look back at now and they are down right frightening. But thanks to many encouraging people I'll keep plugging away.

With so many stamps to choose from it's hard to choose a favorite. I've decided I really enjoy coloring, it reminds me of when I was little and all my coloring books had to be coordinated. For example if I decided Barbie's hair was a certain shade of brown, it was the same color throughout the whole book, and nobody else had better color a page with the "wrong" colors.

But I've learned to mix & match a little better now and I'm not quite as afraid of mixing what I once would have thought as an odd combination. Now my cards are also in shapes & sizes other than the traditional A2. I hope my inspirational person likes it. How/who has inspired you?

Everyone have a good week, for me it will be a short one as I took a couple of days off at the end.

stamps: Magnolia-Tilda sentiment: MFT

paper: SU & Basic Grey

primas,nestabilities, copics, stickles, Bella dots.

A Bugs Birthday

2009-09-19T15:45:00.001-04:00

This past week was crazy-super busy at work and our internet service at home was out for a couple of days. I can get complete computer withdrawal without my home internet, especially since everything "good" is blocked at work. Hence the lack of posts.

But I did have a few minutes to put together this birthday card. Our good friends John & Sandy's little girl just celebrate her first birthday this past week. This is the card I made for little Charlotte. Who really is cute as a bug.

I had almost forgotten about this stamp set from SU. While recently going thru some of my stuff and trying to organize (a never ending project) I came across many uninked sets. Some of my goals over the next couple of months are to organize better and try to actually use what I have. This is the first time I've made a SU only card in quite some time.

Now that summer is winding down, I should hopefully have a little more craft time. Provided it doesn't interfere with football. Go PATS!

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

stamps: SU bugs & kisses

paper/ink SU

More Thanks

2009-09-15T05:00:00.002-04:00

I'm also trying to catch up on having some thank you cards in my stash. My sister came over the other day and decided to "help herself" to a bunch.

Another image I received from WRAK, Sugar Nellie-Melinda Blowing Kisses. I've fallen recently for some of the Sugar Nellie stamps. One of the LSS has just started carrying them, which for me, may not be such a good thing.

I'm trying to stay away from always using pink, brown and purple but it's not working so well. Do you have a 'go to color' most of the time?

Hope everyone enjoys their week, we'll be prepping at work for a big inspection on Thursday so it will mean a couple of long days plus I have scuba lectures 2 nights this week.

stamps: Sugar Nellie sentiment: SU

paper: SU pink piroutte (boy do I miss this color) bashful blue & SU DSP

extras: copics, primas, bella baubles & SU ribbon

Love a Little Lightening

2009-09-12T18:45:00.002-04:00

As I've mentioned before I'm one of those crazy people who love a good storm. It has been raining like crazy all day today with some really good thunder & lightening. It has been a perfect day to get some crafting in. This cute little fairy was sent to me by my friend Pat, I'm not sure which line of stamps it is though, but it was perfect for today. The sentiment she sent along is so true. I prefer it to be absolutely down pouring rather than that little drizzle stuff.

Being so close to the ocean during a good storm is amazing. I really enjoy watching the big waves crashing over the sea wall and all the surfer's. Some of our best fishing days have been during the rain. Yes, I do also occasionally enjoy fishing and there is nothing better than your own fresh catch.

But as much as I can enjoy the rain, I am definetely more of a sun person.

Tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful. I get to craft in the morning while Al takes a class on "How to Rescue Seals" and in the afternoon we have a BBQ/birthday party to attend.

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend.

stamps/sentiment: unknown

paper: SU Almost Amethyst, So Saffron

extras: copics, buttons & floss

For my Friend

2009-09-11T05:00:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately there are no more Bella Sistah swaps. But that's ok, I've made some wonderful new friends over the last 6 months.

My summer Bella Sistah Janie, sent me a Ketto stamp from Stamping Bella. When the Ketto's first came out I wasn't sure if I liked them or not. Well, I've decided they are definitely a keeper.

I don't know what it is about them, but they are adorable and have 'grown' on me. Not sure if it the Asian feel or what, but lately I've been into Asian themed items.

The sentiment is from a package of three that I recently got at Michael's. Jane, has some awesome Asian symbols that she uses on her cards but unfortunately can't remember where they came from. These symbols are perfect for the images and was hoping to be able to find a few more some place. Also, I love using red/black combo I think it can make things appear more elegant.

Well TGIF - Hopefully this weekend will be as productive in the card making department as last weekend was. Also, I'm half way down to having my walking cast off. Two weeks down and two more to go. YEAH!!

Hope everyone enjoys thier weekend and has good weather.

stamps: Stamping Bella- Ketto
paper: SU, misc scraps
ink: memento, copics
extras: Kaiser charm, nestabilities, ribbon (thanks Pat)

More Birthday Wishes

2009-09-10T05:00:00.001-04:00

I'm sooo far behind in sending out some birthday wishes and have a lot of catching up to do.

This little guy is another image I received from WRAK. Isn't he adorable? Hopefully I'm now on a roll and can try to get ahead a little bit.

I'm also loving this Basic Grey paper that I finally found in one of those little packs. Unfortunately they only had the one at a LSS and said they don't get the packs to often. For those of you who use Basic Grey paper do you get full 12x12 sheets and cut or the little 6x6 packs? I had cutting 12x12 sheets for cards and would much prefer to get the multi packs. Any suggestions on on where to purchase these?

You can't really see it to well in the photo, but again I tried using some stickles on the frosting. There is nothing better than frosting if it's made right. A little store just opened near me that sells nothing but cupcakes. My niece and nephews say they have the best cupcakes ever, especially the oreo flavored ones. Guess I'm gonna have to give it a try.

Only one more day until the weekend. Anyone have anything fun planned? The weather here is supposed to be rainy and we have a birthday party to attend but that's about it.

sentiments: amuse
paper: basic grey
extras: SU ribbon, buttons, copics, stickles

Birthday Wishes

2009-09-09T05:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my friend Pat's birthday. I received these Tilda's from WRAK and had not gotten around to coloring/using them yet.

I thought they would be cute and something different for me. This card turned out ok, but I think it could have used a little more something right behind the Tilda.

I've managed to get somewhat caught up on my stash of cards, but still have a ways to go. Luckily this is a nice short work week and thte weekend will be here again soon.

I promise more postings forthcoming. I'm trying to keep my blog some what current. Sometimes it's kind of a pain, as I need to go between 2 computers which makes it tough. Time to really upgrade our PC at home. I would love to be able to do everything from one remote location.

Everyone enjoy the rest of their short week. I need to finish up all the paperwork from yesterday's orientation at work, so it's gonna be a long day.

stamps: Magnolia
sentiment: Amuse
paper: Basic Grey
extras: Nestabilities, Copics, Prima flowers

Get Well Soon

2009-09-07T18:30:00.000-04:00

Sorry I've been MIA It turned out I didn't just sprain my ankle. I actually fractured the darn thing. Now I get to spend the next 4-6 weeks in a walking cast which stinks. But it could have been a whole lot worse. The good news is, it should be all healed up in time for our vacation at the beginning of November.

No, I did not make this card for myself, though I thought about it. It is for a coworker who recently had back surgery and is home recovering.

She is one of the Unit Mangers where I work and it seems her scrubs are always of a pink and brown combination. That made it quite easy, since this is also one of my favorite color combinations to work with.

I'm getting better at using my stickles thanks to some tips from my summer sistah Jane. Now if I could only get better at my photographing of the cards and the editing I think I might be all set.

It was nice to have a long weekend, I made it to IKEA with my sister and picked up some rods for my craft room. This room feels like the never ending bomb went off. I'm hoping to one of these days get it really organized (it's coming slowly) and be able to have some pictures. I also got a ton of stamping done trying to catch up. Maybe with my foot tied up I'll have a little more craft time.

Everyone enjoy your week. I have 22 new people for orientation tomorrow so I'll be busy.

stamps/sentiment: MFT
paper: SU
extras: primas, copics, stickles

Scuba Birthday

2009-08-31T05:00:00.001-04:00

Is this not the most appropriate stamp for me you've ever seen? I had seen this stamp online previously but couldn't justify ordering only 1 stamp. The shipping was almost as much as the stamp.

While I was doing my "Summer Stroll" I came across the changito image at one of the LSS. The sentiment I found at another destination. I also found one of the Basic Grey paper stacks during my stroll. I was really excited. Unfortunately they only had the one design pack.

I can see this stamp getting a lot of use. The nice thing is I can use it for both male and female cards. Just add a few flowers and some ribbon and the whole look can change. This is actually quite a simple card for me. Somehow I managed to not "embellish" it to death.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I unfortunately had a little mishap and severly sprained an ankle. Somehow I managed to put my foot thru one of our steps. Luckily I didn't break anything, but I need to go see an Orthopedic on Tuesday to make sure I didn't do any more damage. Sometimes I can be the biggest clutz.

Everyone enjoy your week.

Stamps: Stampendous-Changito Scuba Sentiment: Stampendous

Paper: SU & Basic Grey

copics and misc. brad

Bella Sketch Challenge #80

2009-08-27T05:00:00.000-04:00

Here's this week's sketch from Jamie. Didn't know if I would get this one done on time as I'm usually finishing these up at the last minute. Unfortunately our PC at home is kind of old and can't handle the editing software. I usually end up working between the home PC and the PC at Al's store. Maybe I can add a new PC to my never ending wish list.

It's almost the weekend, hopefully the next storm heading up the coast won't affect us like last weekend. The weather was beautiful, but the seas were amazingly rough. I'm one of those crazy people that if a a hurricane or Nor'easter is coming will rush to the beach. I love the big waves, just not when they affect our short summer.

Hope you all have something good planned for the weekend.

Stamps: Stamping Bella Sentiment: Amuse
paper: SU & scraps from a friend
copics-memento

Birthday Shutter

2009-08-25T05:30:00.002-04:00

I'm getting a little bored with always making the same A2 folded card. Lately I've been trying to make some cards in different sizes. My summer Bella sistah Jane has sent me several cards and not a single one is your typical A2. She says that for her it is too hard to make a typical card. So I figured I'ld give it a try at something different.

This is my first attempt at a tri-fold shutter card. I think it came out ok even though as usual my picture didn't come out great. The card itself wasn't all that hard, but boy can it be somewhat time consuming to cut all the little pieces. Don't know how often I'll be doing this one.

I think I'll stick to your typical card. Though I've made some square cards recently which are as easy as the A2 so those are going on the list. What size, shape card do you usually make?

Enjoy your week.

stamps: Stamping Bella sentiment: Amuse

Paper: SU

copics-nestabilities-su ribbon (though you can't see it in this picture)

Guest Book Layouts

2009-08-22T12:45:00.000-04:00

Well as promised a couple more pictures of the infamous guest scrapbook. Most of the pages turned out ok except for the actual photographing the pages themselves. I apologize for the blurriness of some.

I managed to cut off some of the bottom, but since I only took the one photo being in a hurry I truly apologize. This is a 'girls page' but some of the photos were from Eileen's wedding back in '93.

These two pages look much better IRL. Halloween is a fun time around here. October is general is one of our favorite months. Someone usually hosts a big Halloween party and we typically will have the band play, tons of games and prizes. Do you have any special Halloween traditions?

This is the last page in the book. We figured we'ld get a good picture tonight and then it can be added later. I realized though for me it is actually harder to do a layout without having the pictures in front of me. Do you find it hard to do a "blank" layout? If not what are some of your secrets? How do you figure out the picture size space and such? If anyone has suggestions I'ld really appreciate it, as I'ld like to maybe do a book for a friends baby who is going to be 1 in a couple of weeks.

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

A Day at the Beach

2009-08-21T22:15:00.001-04:00

I thought I'ld share some photos of what it is I do in my spare time on the weekends. As most of you may know by now my "other job" is that of a Scuba Diving Instructor. Pretty much most of my free time during the summer is taken up with teaching classes and when time permits diving for fun.

That's me, second front the right in the front, the short one as everyone tells me. Our friends Andy, John & Danny are also part of our instructional team. Andy is next to me kneeling, John is the guy in black on the end, and Danny is the instructor in the middle back with the sunglasses on. The rest are students we were in the middle of finishing up. This photo was taken across from the beach we typically use.

This little guy here is our mascot, BEAR. He will sometimes come along and supervise the classes. He absolutely loves the beach. But the weird part is he doesn't really like to swim. He'll go in the water and run along the shore, but no deeper than his chest. At first, we were kind of disappointed, but then we realized it's probably a good thing since he means he won't jump off our boat.

Lastly, these are some random pictures of the beach and the class in progress. So besides creating this is what I enjoy in my free time. How about you? What other hobbies do you enjoy?

Everyone have a great weekend. Hopefully tomorrow I'll post some pictures of the "Guest scrapbook" before giving it the birthday girl.

Another Lighthouse

2009-08-19T07:45:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not we are in the middle of a heat wave. I think Summer finally decided to stick around. It has been absolutely gorgeous the last couple of day, yes it's been over 90 but I'll take it any time. This lighthouse is the lighthouse we went diving at this past Sunday - Graves Light. It looks like a really old lighthouse but it in fact one of the newer ones in New England.

This lighthouse is also on the edge of the entrance to Boston Harbor and has had it's fair number of incidents over the years. It is in open water and there for makes it much more susceptible to damage from storms.

Just off this light house is a the "City of Salisbury Wreck", better known as the "Zoo Ship" years ago while transporting zoo animals the boat ran a ground and unfortunately everything was lost. The wreck is somewhat still intact and makes for another great dive site. At both of these dive sites the North Atlantic sea life is amazing, lobster,crabs, anemones and more. If you dive and haven't dove the northeast you should give it a try.

Everyone enjoy the rest of your week. I really need to finish the scrapbook up for my friends party this weekend.

Just A Dream

2009-08-17T05:30:00.001-04:00

Who wouldn't want to be this Riley? I received this image from WRAK and think I may need to get him for myself.

This past weekend was absolutely incredible weather wise. We've been having some spectacular summer weather and the next couple of days we are expecting a heat wave. I mean now that August is half over why not have at least one heat wave. I however have to work, so that means not enjoying it as much as I'ld like. Sunday afternoon was spent out on our boat. We went diving at one of the local lighthouses and the visibility was amazing. Just one short dive but it was fun none the less.My ultimate dream would be to live on a Carri bean island (preferably Grand Cayman) and do nothing but relax, dive and repeat. Grand Cayman has do be one of my all time favorite islands. Or at least of the many we have visited so far. We have lots on the wish list still. Typically we try to get to Cayman at least once a year during what seems to be our never ending winter. We have timeshare there and then try and do another Carri bean destination usually in the fall. Unfortunately this year we probably won't be going to Cayman this year. Last winter we had so much snow and Al was to busy to get away.

Though all is not lost that just means next winter maybe we can go for 2 weeks. Did that one year and it was fabulous. First week was a "girls" week, just me, my friend Lori and another friend. Boy did we have fun, and the second week Al and Lori's husband came down.

So where have you been and what vacation destination have you enjoyed the most? Hope everyone has a great week. Wish I could enjoy more of our fabulous weather instead of working.

Stamps: Riley-Hammock, Sentiment: MFT

Paper: SU and misc. scraps

memento-copics-prima flowers & nestabilities.

Bella Twisted Challenge #8

2009-08-15T13:00:00.001-04:00

This week Hope gave us a color challenge to use. Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Cameo Coral and Tempting Turquoise were the assigned colors. When I first saw the challenge I thought I don't know if I can make these colors work together. I am a very basic color combo kind of person. The SU color wheel is my friend. LOL! I refer to it often; not that it always helps. I'm actually kind of pleased at how well I was able to work with the assigned colors.

I think the purse and shoe actually turned out ok. Again, most of my shoes are black and my purses are of a solid color and may change with the season. The idea of having a bright colorful purse and matching shoes is neat, I just don't know if I could bring myself to use them.

Love the bright cheery colors everyone uses and I maybe should try some of the color challenges to get me to open up my mind. Occasionally I'll look at the nurses' scrubs at work and think "Wow what a great color combo" only to go home and revert back to my boring self.

How do you come up with your color combinations and choice of DSP?

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend, it is absolutely spectacular here.

stamps: Stamping Bella sentiment: Stamping Bella
paper: SU
SU ribbon - SU scalloped punch - copics

Better Late than Never

2009-08-14T07:45:00.001-04:00

Last weeks Bella challenge by Vicki was to use at least two of your favorite things on your card. I used one of my favorite color combos of pink, brown & a light green. (I don't know why the brown is showing up black though!) I also used my copics which seem to be the only way I color now, also my new found love of flowers. I'm surprised at myself for not using any ribbon though since I love that too.

Isn't this Puppybella cute. I tried to match the color of my dog, but the "wheat color' didn't come out so well. I have a Soft Coated Wheaton and he is the most friendly dog ever. What I also liked about this image was the dog bow & bandana. My dog never gets a bow since he's a boy, and Al gets so upset when the groomer puts a bandana on him. He allows the dog to wear it long enough for me to snap a picture and then takes it off. I think he looks cute with a bandana, but Al says no boy dog should wear a bandana so sometimes it's a matter of picks the dog up at the groomer determining how long the bandana stays on.

Do you have a dog and is it allowed to be "dressed?"

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend. The weather here is supposed to be fabulous, what's the weather in your area?

stamps: Stamping Bella
paper: SU
nestabilities-copics-prima flowers-bella dots

Torpedo Ray

2009-08-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

Wow-I can't believe it's been a week since my last post. It's amazing how the time flys by or should I say the lack there of. Things here have been crazy between still trying to catch back up at work and teaching there is little time left for much else. Sometimes Iwonder if it pays to take a 'vacation' since it always seems you never get caught up.

Unfortunately there hasn't been much time for crafty things. But, my friend Lori & I did manage to get some more layouts done for her cousins 40th. Actually this past Sunday we were able to complete 10 or 12 layouts. I mean they are pretty simple, but the cutting & matting is taking a while, but at least the end is now in sight. I actually only have one more layout and the 'guest book' will be complete.

I bet with the title of the post people were expecting another underwater update. Actually Lori's step dad is in a band and the name is Torpedo Ray. They are actually quite good and play at many of the local places quite frequently. No I'm not in any of the pictures hopefully one of these days I'll have something with me in it.

I still can't figure out the best way to photograph something. Photographing a layout is really hard for me. Not sure what the best setting on the camera would be or how to set up the display so I apologize for the poor quality. So many people have the most awesome pictures on their blogs I'ld love to know "how did they do that?"

Well enjoy the rest of your week and hopefully I'll have more projects to show once my life slows down a bit.

Ketto Birthday

2009-08-05T05:00:00.003-04:00

Sorry it has been a while since my last post. I've been back to work for only a couple of days and it already feels as if I need another vacation. Unfortunately nothing major planned until November.

Why does it seem as if birthday cards are the only ones I seem to use the most of? This is another Ketto sent to me by my Summer Bella Sistah Jane. I had some bright colored paper lying around and thought this Phoebe Ketto would look kind of fun with the bright colors.

I see so many great cards with bright funky colors that I love. I've been trying to step out of my comfort box with my color coordination choices and I'm not so sure how that is going, but I'll keep trying. Again, I tried some of my new shimmerz on her wings and am kind of happy with how it turned out at least it's a little more apparent in this picture.

I'll have to meet up with Vicki again and we can go to my new found 'Bella' store. Maybe next time they will have some of the Ketto's in stock.

Everyone enjoy the rest of your week. We are half way to the weekend.

stamps: Stamping Bella-Ketto's
paper: SU-DCWV-random scraps
ink: memento-copics
nestabilities-shimmerz

I Found BELLA's

2009-07-31T17:30:00.000-04:00

I'm trying to savor what little time is left of my vacation. Some of the highlights of the past week. I finally got to met Vicki in real life. On Wednesday we met up at a LSS relatively close to her and where I had pre-ordered my new copic markers. The new marker colors are fantastic, I love how pale they are. We had a really good time, shopping, laughing and enjoying lunch.

One of the other things I've been attempting to do this week is try and visit some other LSS that I normally don't have time to get to. The one closest to me is part of a "Summer Stroll", where you get a pass for a discount at all of the participating stores. The pass is good until Labor Day and out of 10 stores I only have 4 to go.

So, yesterday I figured I'ld try to hit 2 of the stores just south of where I live. Well, the first store I went into had an entire display of Bella Stamps. I don't mean one or two like the store Vicki & I were at but a big display full. Then to make it even better they were all 30% off - JACKPOT!! The had a bunch of different Bellas, Tiddly Inks, Huggabuggs and some other images. Unfortunately no Kettos and they were out of some of the newer Bellas. But that's ok my online Bella order is just about complete I just need to finalize and hit submit.

This is one of the 'new' Bella's I picked up yesterday. There were several Bella's I wanted and just hadn't gotten around to ordering yet so the timing was perfect. The best part is I added my name to their mailing list and will be notified when new Bella orders come in. In addition to the Bella's they also had tons of Amuse some MFT and more. I guess with a name like "Bella Art" it only makes sense they carry Stamping Bellas I can't wait to go back.

I also acquired some Shimmerz to try during my 'Summer Stroll'. Vicki told me it's awesome to add just a little extra sparkle. I bought a couple of different colors but unfortunately the one I used on Tinker-abella doesn't show up to well in the photo.

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend.

stamps: Stamping Bella - sentiment: SU
paper: SU so saffron & almost amethyst
inks: memento-copics
nestabilities-shimmerz-SU ribbon-SU punches

Get Well Riley

2009-07-29T04:00:00.000-04:00

Well my vacation is at the half way point, but I'm trying not to think too much of that. The good thing is I've had some time to be able to create more than one card at a time. One of my friends at work recently had surgery so I thought this little guy might cheer him up. I received this image from WRAK as he is one of the Riley's I don't own.

I'm so looking forward to today. I finally get to meet Vicki IRL today for lunch. We are planning on meeting at one of the LSS stores where I finally get to pick up my much anticapated new copics, do some shopping and then we are going for lunch.

Hope everyone is enjoying their week.

Stamps: Hanna Stamps-Get Well Riley sentiment: SU
paper: SU
inks: Memento-copics

Bella Sketch Challenge #73

2009-07-28T17:00:00.001-04:00

When the Ketto's first came out I wasn't sure if I liked them or not. I originally ordered one with another order to see what they looked like in person. I've since received some images from my fellow Bella Sistahs Pat and Jane. They are really growing on me and I will probably add some to my next Bella order.

Sketch challenges are one of the best things. I find it so much easier to have someone else 'draw' the design as my cards come together much quicker that way. I really enjoyed the sketch this week and am so glad Jamie is back to doing them.

Please join us in the Bella Forum and play along. You have the chance of winning some great prizes while having fun and getting your creative juices flowing.

Hope everyone is enjoying their week. I know I am, being on vacation with no set schedule is doing me well.

stamps: Stamping Bella - Wasabi Ketto

paper: Misc scraps - DCWV

ink: memento & copics

Other: Nestabilities-ribbon

Fabulous @ Forty

2009-07-24T11:30:00.000-04:00

Well I am officially on vacation and very excited to finally have some down time. Believe it or not we are actually not going anywhere or have any defined plans. Now that is very unusual for me, since I seldom take time off to do "nothing". But I'm hoping to get around to taking some time and actually get to some of the things I've wanted to do, but couldn't for lack of time.

Yesterday afternoon I spent with my friend Lori who decided she wanted to make a scrapbook for her cousins 40th birthday. Now I found this quite funny since Lori is sooo not the crafty type but more of the Diva type. She asked if I would help, translation: "Can you do this and I'll provide the pictures and help glue" Her comment after about 3 hours was "Wow this sure takes a long time and is a lot of work". Mind you we only completed 5 or 6 layouts and have a ways to go. More like I'll have a ways to go.

We are trying to keep the pages very simple, as we are going to be using them more for a 'guest book' at the party we are having for her. I know the lines look a little crooked, but believe it or not that is the way the journaling block is and I appologize for the pictures, we are back to rain so natural sunlight is a very relevant concept again. The guest of honor is a Disney fanatic and somewhat of a princess herself. Going with a purple/princess theme for the party seems kind of funny for someone turning forty.

My first Bella sistah Pat does absolutely beautiful pages and Sparkle has also started doing layouts again and Vicki is another one with some fabulous layouts. .

So maybe with all of this inspiration I can get back my scrapbooking mojo, which is what I did before stamping. This may also force me to finally learn how to use my cricut that I received for Christmas and is still sitting untouched. Not to mention this project actually has a deadline and sometimes I work better knowing something has to be done.

Everyone have a great weekend. With plenty of "me" time coming up hopefully I'll have more to share.

A Simple Sympathy

2009-07-22T05:00:00.000-04:00

Sympathy cards are definitely NOT my specialty. It seems I never have one when I need it and then can't find the time to create one. My receptionist at work recently lost her mother and fortunately I found one buried deep in my stack.

A "Thinking of You" card would serve the purpose. I probably should have a couple of sympathy cards one hand, but I am so much more of a funny and/or cutesy kind of person. Flower stamps just don't seem to be my thing either, even though I do own a couple of sets. SU's Lovely as a Tree is quite versatile and I like it so much better than flowers. The nice thing is it can also be used on masculine cards too.

Hopefully next time I'll have something a little cheerier to share. I start my vacation after work today. Yeah! Not going anywhere or doing anything special, other than I get to meet Vicki IRL and pick up my new copic markers that have been sitting at the LSS for a week now. I am so looking forward to both those things. Hopefully with some free time I can be a little more creative too.

stamps: SU - Lovely as a Tree sentiment: SU
paper: SU
SU accessories

Bella Twisted Challenge #7

2009-07-21T05:00:00.002-04:00

This week Hope challenged us to use some "bling" on our card. Now who doesn't like a little bling? Or in the case of some "A lot of bling".

I try to be a CAS kind of person, but with so many different types of embellishments it's kind of hard not use them. For some reason the stickles I used on the wings are not showing up so well in the photo, but they really sparkle in person. I also have been using a lot of Bella dots and primas lately.

The paper I received from my first Bella Sistah Pat (thanks Pat) and the green paper actually has sparkle built in.

Hope everyone has a great week.

stamps - Stamping bella

paper - SU-DCWV

memento ink - copics - stickles - nestabilities - Bella dots

Thinking of You - It's Been Awhile

2009-07-20T18:17:00.001-04:00

I appologize I've been MIA . This past week was crazy busy with not much free time. Unfortunately I didn't have any prescheduled posts hence no new stuff. In addition to the craziness at work we have FINALLY had some summer time weather here. Hazy-Hot-Humid perfect New Englad Summer weather. Only a couple of more days until I take a vacation, let's hope the weather holds out.

Ever have one of those days when someone you haven't seen or heard from in a long time and then they just reappear? The other day while creating this card with a specific person in mind, and all of a sudden it made me think of one of my college friends who I have not had the chance to speak with in awhile. We did almost everything together and were inseperable during college and once we graduated.

Well after uploading this card and saving it for a future post I decided to check my facebook account. Now don't ask me why I even have one as I rarely ever check it. (one more thing with never enough time). Well who to my wondering eyes did appear but the friend I had just been thinking about. We've made lunch plans for while I'm on vacation to catch up. She and I can pick up a conversation as if it were yesterday even if its been months.

So if you have been thinking about someone recently and haven't spoken to them in a while give them a shout!

Enjoy your week.

stamps: Stamping Bella-Daydreamabella
paper: SU
copics-memento-nestabilities

Show and Tell #2

2009-07-14T05:00:00.001-04:00

This month's show and tell challenge from Vicki is to make a card showing what you do when you need a little less hard time and a little more bliss. Do you garden? Do you listen to music? Read a book? Take a bath? Go shopping? Stamp? Come join us in the Bella Forum.

As you probably all know by now my favorite form of relaxation is to Scuba Dive. There is nothing more peaceful than being underwater. The tranquility and silence is amazing. But if I can't be underwater, my next favorite place is on top.

There is nothing more relaxing than sitting on the beach with a good book and an umbrella drink. (Preferably someplace tropical). My all time favorite island is Grand Cayman at the East End. There isn't much to do there except to relax and enjoy the breath taking views. We try to get to Cayman at least once a year and spend a week or two. We've been at various times every year and every time is more enjoyable than the last.

So here's to fun and relaxing in the sun. Hope your enjoying your week. It is absolutely gorgeous here now. Let's hope it lasts.

stamps: Stamping Bella-Kinibella sentiment: MFT
paper: SU pink piroutte (so sad to loose this color), Misc. DCWV
memento-copics-primas

A Sunny Sunday Afternoon

2009-07-13T18:17:00.010-04:00

BOSTON LIGHT

Our weather pattern has finally changed. Yesterday afternoon we were able to finally go out on our boat. The orignal plan was to cruise into the inner Boston Harbor and view the tall ships in port. Well the boat traffic was incredible and we quickly decided against that. We then decided to go diving and just cruise.

This is "Boston Light". This was the first light house established on the North American continent, and the last in the United States to be automated. It is also our only light house that still has an official "Light Keeper".

All boats entering and exiting Boston Harbor must pass by this lighthouse. It is a great landmark for all mariners and part of history. My pictures of the Boston skyline in the background didn't come out so well. The next time we are out amongst all the Harbor islands I will try to get a few.

Enjoy your week.

Waiting For Summer

2009-07-10T05:00:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not we have seen the sun again. Another image from WRAK that I received and reminded me of the Summer that has yet to begin. The flowers in this image remind me of all the beautiful flowers we have blooming in the Spring and Summer, and the little girl waiting so patiently for all of it to happen.

It is supposed to be a sunny weekend, but not quite Summer temperatures. As long as the sun is shinning, I'll take that for now.

I have Scuba class this weekend so maybe I'll have some more "Scuba" pictures for you all.

But in the mean time everyone enjoy their upcoming weekend. Tonight is our weekly Friday night dinner with friends.

stamps: Sarah Kay

paper: SU

ink: memento-copics

primas-nestabilities-bella baubles

Another Ketto

2009-07-09T05:30:00.001-04:00

This is another Ketto I received from WRAK. These stamps are so growing on me with each different one I've received. I really need to get my poor lonely Tatianna some friends soon. I figured with my next Bella order some may just have to be added.

Sorry for the blurry photo for some reason, my blues and greens are not coming out so well these days. Not being any real type of photoshop guru I can't seem to get the coloring just right. Learn Photoshop is another project to add to my ever growing list of things to do with so little time. So, for now raw footage it is.

Enjoy the rest of your week it's almost Friday.

stamps: Stamping Bella-Ketto
paper: SU
inks: memento-copics
primas-nestabilities-SU ribbon, bella dots-cuttlebug

Bella Summer Card Challenge

2009-07-07T15:00:00.000-04:00

I actually got two challenges done in one week, a first for me. This week's challenge was to make a card about summer. Now normally that shouldn't be to difficult, but Summer has only made a brief appearance here.

After a beautiful sunny long weekend we are back to rain. The monkey's in the umbrella from an earlier post may have to make it back front and center.

My fella stamps don't see too much use, so I thought what better than Grillafella. There is nothing better than BBQ food.

Hope everyone continues to enjoy thier week. Maybe tomorrow we'll see sun.

stamps: Stampingbella-grillafella

paper: SU

ink: memento-copics

buttons-twine

Bella's Favorite Stamper

2009-07-06T17:41:00.004-04:00

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July. I know I did-plenty of Fireworks, Friends and Food. This is actually one of my favorite holidays. I Love the fireworks we had three straight days in all of our surrounding towns. Getting up for work today was a little tough after the long weekend though.

There was also some stamping time. I was able to play along in some of the Bella challenges. This weeks favorite stamper was Tracy Cornhill. She has a beautiful gallery it was tough deciding which card to case. I ended up choosing this one.

The sun finally comes out after a month and it's a full work week for me - go figure. Everyone enjoy their week.

stamps: Cupcakeabella-Stamping Bellapaper:
SU-misc. scraps
ink: Memento-copics
nestabilities, SU ribbon, SU punches.

The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow

2009-07-02T11:23:00.008-04:00

......bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow there'll be sun." Rumor has it we may actually see the sun this weekend. I came across this image from WRAK and thought what timing. We unfortunately have not seen much of the sun in a month. These Changito monkeys are what life is like around here swimming with an umbrella.

I hope everyone enjoys their long holiday weekend (mine starts today - yeah!) and gets their fill of fireworks. The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. Love the fireworks and all the yummy BBQ's

stamps: Stampendous-Row Changito Row
sentiment: Stamping Bella
misc. scrap paper-copics, SU ribbon

Congrats to my Friend

2009-07-01T04:00:00.001-04:00

My good friend Lori just completed her first ever triathlon this past Sunday. We are all so proud of her. She decided last fall to try something different. Kuddos to her, I'm not that brave. After training all winter she completed the triathlon in just 1:31:43. Not bad for a first timer. We were all there to cheer her on.

I used Sparkle's sketch challenge and instead of a Christmas card made a congratulations card. Would have loved to have been able to use one of the new release Bellas as they would have been more appropriate. Oh well, she has signed up for another one in September so I can use one then.

Remember we are half way to the a weekend! Enjoy.

stamps: Stamping Bella-Barbella
paper: SU-misc. scraps
copics-memenot-primas-bella dots

Out of My Box

2009-06-30T04:00:00.002-04:00

This card is so out of my normal comfort zone These colors are what I thought were never me, and I'm so not into mismatched prints. At first I thought it was kind of bold but I actually kind of like the way it turned out. I even showed a friend to get her opinion and she thought the same thing I did. I received the image as a gift so I don't know who makes it or what image it is but I love it. The paper was also part of a paper scrap pack gift. I loved the patterns and thought, what the heck I'll try something new.

So I colored her with some matching copics, found matching primas in my stash and added the pearl to her hair, to match the flower.

So who knew, now maybe I'll get out of my boring soft soft color routine.

Enjoy your week.

stamps: unkown
paper: unknown
memento ink-copics-prima flowers-pearls

Another Sketch

2009-06-27T04:00:00.001-04:00

I've been gong back and using the Bella Sketches on SCS to get some inspiration. These are good as you don't need to think as hard. I can't remember which sketch I used.

Hope you all had a nice weekend.

stamps: Stamping Bella
paper: SU
memento ink, copic, prima flowers, nestabilities, bella dots.

Thank You Friend

2009-06-26T04:00:00.004-04:00

Can you tell I've been on a pink kick lately. I can't seem to stop using the pink & brown combo. Boy am I going to miss SU's Pink Piroutte, it's such a soft girly color. Luckily I have a couple of packages on order for my stash. Believe it or not this is the only In-Color I ordered extra of.

I received this Whiff of Joy image from WRAK. I don't own any WOJ images (yet) but I love 'em. One of these days I may get me some. This card is for a special friend of mine. I hope she doesn't mind the slight coloring out of the lines.

Everyone have a great weekend. Rumor has it the rain is supposed to stop here and we are going to have Sun this weekend. How nice would that be I feel as if we should have been building an ark!

stamps: Whiff of Joy-Melinda Blowing kisses
paper: SU-pink pirouette, chocolate chip, baja breeze
memento ink, copics, nestabilities, prima flowers, bella dots

Bella Birthday Blog Skip, Hop & Dance

2009-06-25T04:00:00.009-04:00

Welcome to the Birthday Blog Skip, Hop & Dance sponsored by Stamping Bella! If you've just happened to come upon my blog, start at Bloggabella and you can how we are celebrating the Queen's birthday. If you came from Kathy's blog you are on the right track.

For this special occasion I decided to use one of my first and probably still one of my favorite Bella stamps. Cosmobella is perfect for some of my friends who are still trying to find "The perfect Como flavor." She always makes me smile and how cute is the cosmo glass embellishment!

paper: SU
stamps: Stamping Bella's Cosmobella
Prima flowers, copics, bella embellisments

In addition to all the great creations we have decided to hide a prize somewhere along the hop! One pre-selected blogger will draw a random winner from the comments on her post, and the winner will receive a $40 Gift Voucher to Stamping Bella - How cool is that! But-the fun part is......we are not telling you who it is! So as you hop, make sure you leave comments on every post so you have a chance to win! The winner will be announced on Monday in the Splitcoast Forum.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Now it's time to hop on over to Anne's blog and continue on your eye candy journey.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

A Face To Love

2009-06-24T02:00:00.005-04:00

Nothing crafty today - But how can you not love this cute little face.

This is a "Diodon Hystrix" aka a "Porcupinefish". These little guys are typically 1-2ft in length and have the biggest bug eyes you have ever seen. They are one of my favorite fishes since they are just too cute. The reason they are Porcupine fish is they actually have quills built in. If they are disturbed, stressed or afraid they will blow up like a balloon. You do not want to startle or frighten them, because if they blow up too many times it will shorten their life expectancy.

The "Condylactis Gigantea" aka Giant anemones are also quite stunning. This is a white variation of these anemones which is not quite as common as some of the other colors. They come in a rainbow of colors and in places line the ocean floor. My blog header is one with yellowish/green highlights. You will also see lavender, yellow, pink and chartreuse.

Happy Hump Day!