Oh Where oh Where could my Bella Be?

So, last night, the Big Boy says to me "Mom, I think we need to go check the mailbox for your Bellas." I explained that I had already checked the mailbox and that my Bella wasn't here yet. He was so funny, wondering if they were lost in the mail, and I said that no, they just had a long distance to travel. Maybe today!

I was invited to join a Bella Swap on Splitcoast. My first swap! I'm very excited, and of course a little nervous too. The pressure to create something totally unique, that I'm sending off to someone else - several someone elses at that. However, on my last trip to the L.S.S (local stamp store) I did pick up some 6x6 packs of Basic Grey that I think will be fantastic.

Been so long that I ordered these bellas, that I'm not even 100% sure who I'll find in the box. Oh right, SuperBella! Apparently, she's been very popular among us Addictabellas and she was out of stock. Its okay though, because I'm supposed to be working on my card packs, not playing with Bellas anyways!

If you haven't caught the Bella Bug yet, please be sure to check out www.stampingbella.com I think they're so stinkin' cute, and Emily is so so nice!

A wonderful surprise

Isn't it the best when you run into someone completely out of the blue?

This morning, as I was standing in the checkout line at Barnes and Noble, in walked one of my oldest and dearest friends. Its pretty sad that she lives in the next town and we hardly get to see eachother. But, we've both got two kids, and life is nuts. You know how the story goes....

We had such a nice time, sitting around the train table at the bookstore while our kids played. I have to say that the Little Man was on his best behavior ever! My "list" of things I "had" to do went right out the window, and we just chatted. It was wonderful.

I've addicted many of my college friends and daycare clients into stamping, and most of my playgroup friends stamp too (that's who hooked ME!)

In fact, I'm off to a stamp party tonight at my old room-mates house, and so many of my college friends will be there. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm sure I'll chat so much, I'll hardly stamp!!

I love the brights!

A few weeks ago, I saw a challenge on Splitcoast about using the brights. I couldn't get over how many people said that it was way out of their comfort zone, and never use them. Its just so funny to me because Bold Brights is the first color palette I purchased from SU and the only thing I knew how to do for a long time.

Last week, I hostessed a Stampin Up party and we made a card from one of the Simply Sent kits. It contained Rose Red and Tempting Turquoise. A stunning combination, that I wouldn't have thought to use myself. But, I love it. I laughed with my friend was the demo that night that I think she has a list of things I haven't purchased yet, and always demos them so that I want them.

I used that card as inspiration for breaking in my new "Doodle That" set. I also used Polka Dots and Paisley with Versamark for a quick background. A touch of my black and white polka dot ribbon from Cindy's Starlit Studio on Ebay and colored in some of the polka dots with my white gel pen. I honestly don't think I can make a card anymore without using my Stardust Pen so its used a little on the accents of the main image heart.

No sentiment just yet. I like to keep them plain so that I can switch them up if need be just before popping them into the mail!

The most important thing I have to say today:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

All Together Now

Nothing "new" to show today just everything old all put in one place. I finally finished one sample of each card in my April card pack, and posted it on my "for sale" website. www.freewebs.com/stampedbyhand

I sent an email last night to my regular customers, and some people that I thought might be interested, and now I'm a busy girl fulfilling orders. HOORAY! So, please bear with me a few days while I get some card packs out the door for Easter and I'll be back soon with some new ideas!

Even writing that, I have to admit that I'm itchy to make one of the trifold cards that was posted to Splitcoast as a tutorial this week. I was laying in bed thinking about a design this morning (pathetic!) so I'm sure I'll only get a day into card pack assembly line before I start with the adult onset A.D.D. and start making something else too!

It makes it all worth it

So, I've had some very tough days with my younger one lately. He's just under two, so he gets SO frustrated, and into lots of trouble.

Last week, I realized the reason he was having a fit, was because he wanted to take his blueberry mini muffin to nap with him. I thought, GROSS, but didn't want to fight. So, he laid down in his bed, popped the muffin in his mouth, followed by his thumb. Then said "YUMMY" with a big fat grin full of crumbs

He's been calling his brother "Gaka" for months. Then, yesterday, out of the clear blue, he looked over at him and said "Jack" in the cutest little voice. He was so excited, and so was I.

Then today, we went for a walk. It was sunny, but very windy, so I didn't break out the stroller, figured we'd just do a quick walk down the street rather than the whole way around the block. He's finally decided he will walk along holding my finger. It was great!! We toddled along looking for the moon, watching for birds, then he spied it. My shadow. And said with great amazement "MAMA!" Totally made my day.

He keeps reminding me that this too shall pass, and before I know it, he'll be big, like his brother, which is of course, a story for another day.

So Many Goodies!

I heard the man in Brown arrive the other night, just before dinner time! Hooray. Guess what it was? My new Paper Trey stamps. I finally bought the sentiments set from them. Its so versatile, and I can't wait to crack it open and get to work with them. So fun. Apparently the directions indicate that I need a rubber eraser to clean off any residue on the stamps, and think I can find one in the entire house? Nope. Luckily, I have to go to Staples anyways.....

Then I got a surprise early delivery of SU products from my friend Erica, who added in a cute little bunny stamp as a present! Thanks Babe! You rock!

This week, I'm still expecting goodies from My Favorite Things, and hopefully a few new Bellas are coming to play as well. Oops, and attending an SU workshop given my former room-mate. Eeks. What is that rushing sound I hear?? MONEY right out of my pocket. HA!

Cindy Keery has created a watermark for me to use on my work and I'm so excited about it. Cindy was so patient with my rounds of tweaking, it is really so pretty, I just love it! If you need a watermark, be sure to check out her blog: http://imagine-dream-create.blogspot.com/ I've got to install a software program to apply it to my images, which requires me getting to use the computer without the little cling-on at my shins. So, you'll probably start seeing it early next week! Thanks SO much Cindy!!

Aloha!

This time last year, we were getting ready for a big family vacation to Hawaii. I can't believe it was a year ago already.

While it was a crazy distance to travel with two small children (one of whom wasn't even one yet!) it was the most amazing vacation!The company was great, our hotel was stunning (thanks Mom and Dad!) the weather was fantastic. Everything...

In a few weeks we're taking the boys to Disney. Me, I'm a have a fruity drink by the pool, wearing flip flops and a cutie bikini sort of girl. But, the look on both my boys faces when they walk through those big gates at Disney World will be worth it, even if I have to wear sneakers.

The Basic Grey Bandwagon

Every month, I put together an assorted pack of cards for sale, and this month I'm making all the cards with Cool Caribbean. The Happy Birthday and the U Are the Best cards found farther below are also part of this pack. Last night as I was scratching my head to design three more, I remembered that I picked up some Basic Grey paper that would go so nicely. Then I remembered a simple, clean layout from Beate that would show off this beautiful paper.

I think I'll be headed back to my LSS (local stamp store) to pick up some more of this paper. I love it.

Featured Stamper Challenge

Yesterday's Challenge on Splitcoast was the Featured Stamper Challenge. The idea here is to search through the Featured Stamper's Gallery and CASE (copy and steal everything) being sure to change a few items. This week, the Featured Stamper is Scrapstampindiva - Kendra Giles. In addition to being super sweet, she's a wonderfully talented stamper. Kendra is a sometimes visitor to my blog! (psst... if you're out there.... Hi Kendra!)

Please be sure to check out her gallery on Splitcoast and her Blog as well. (and if you go there this week, she's offering Blog Candy - be sure to wish her a happy birthday!) Kendra's card is here I made the following changes to create my version.... I changed the ink color to ruby red, since I don't have rose red. Used the flower and background from Polka Dots and Paisley, switched to an oval scallop to make it fit the flower better and changed the sentiment to read Happy Birthday.

I still like her card WAY better, but this was a really fun challenge! I'm probably going to go do another one after I clean up the mess from the first one.

And the lucky number is....30.

As selected by Random.org, the lucky number tonight is 30! Congratulations to JULIE! Check out Julie's awesome blog at: http://www.stampinwithjulie.blogspot.com/ Julie, I'll be putting a package in the mail to you tomorrow!!

Thank everyone for all your posts. Seems like many of us are stalking the shelves for more cuttlebug folders. And, that I better put my scalloped punches and Bellas under lock and key. And of course, I found a new thing off one of your lists that I think is so cool - Doodle Genie - recommended by Angel Wilde! What a cool idea!!

I'm making progress on the taxes tonight. BLEECH. So not fun, but necessary.

And, I made a new friend today! Can I just say how nice, and funny Kim is from My Favorite Things? I bought the super cute new princess set for some upcoming girl birthday cards I have to make. Being the mother of two boys, I'm always excited when I have something "girly" on my list of cards to make, or presents to buy. If you haven't already seen this set, please visit: http://mftstamps.com/

Okay, off to finish taxes so I can STAMP. I want to do the Featured Stamper challenge tonight.

I'm grounded.

Okay, I'm grounded. I've GOT to get my daycare taxes done. Stamping is way more fun, but April 15th is looming. I also have a pile of laundry to do that is literally taller than my eldest son. Not a good sign.

I could really use some "naptime stamping" though because a daycare client just had an accident, and her "change of clothes" today consisted of a skirt, and shirt. No undies, no tights. Not SO helpful. She wasn't happy with the replacement pair from my son - green Chicken Little undies.

Last night, I hostessed for my friend who is my SU Demo. We made a cute card with one of the Simply Sent kits, and then we made a post-it note holder for the fridge with a matching pen. Real cute. I of course, ordered the bundle, and the Bundle of JOY! I'm so excited. Used the discount on the bundle to get Doodle This. Can I just say that I'm so bummed I didn't already have it in hand this past weekend. Jen on www.iheart2stamp.com is doing this really cool challenge whereby she picks a stamp set and you design two projects and link back to her site. I was so sad I didn't have the set of the week. Maybe next week.

When I finally catch up on what has to be done around here, I'm going to do yesterdays "Featured Stamper" challenge featuring Kendra Giles! I love her work (you can find a link to her blog on the bottom right under my "Blog Stalking" links) Okay, off to do the boring stuff so I can get back to the fun stuff!!

Happy First Thousand - What's on your "list"

Thanks to everyone that has dropped by lately. I'm posting new the new Blog Candy I had mentioned earlier to celebrate my first thousand views! Hooray.

I got all hyped up reading everyone's posts lately about their great finds at Michael's so drove out first thing this morning. Harumph. Blah. The stamp shelves had been ravaged and the only thing I found on my "list" was the Cuttlebug Olivia Alphabet.Mostly walked around aimlessly.

Drove across the street to Joann's and the embossing folders I was looking for were totally sold out. Boo!! So, then packed the little guy up for a trip to the LSS. Its always a good thing to bring him because he assures my trip will be quick.

So, here are the goodies I've collected on a busy morning! This give away is called "Black and White and FUN!" This Blog Candy contest winner will receive the following:

• Three Making Memories black and white "Sweets" embellishments



• Four pieces of Cuttlebugged scalloped flower chipboard



• Assorted pieces of double sided paper and pretty in pink Cuttlebugged to fit onto chipboard flowers



• One Giant Paperclip



• Double sided paper, enough to to make two card fronts - black and white polka on one side, light pink pattern on the other



• Black and White Polka Dot ribbon



• Sakura Stardust Pen - because I just love mine, and I think you will too!

To enter, please leave a comment on this post answering the following question: "What's on your 'List' of goodies you'd like to own?" and I'll randomly pick a winner (with the help of Random.org) by 8pm EST Monday night.

Paisley and Polka Dot - Didn't **think* I needed it.

When I got the spring mini, I passed right by this set. Didn't really give it much thought. Then, they announced the bundle, which sort of raised an eyebrow since I like the wheel, and LOVE the paper. THEN, I used the stamp set at a workshop at my demo's house last week. Now. I want it. So, I borrowed it from a friend. This would be even cuter with the wheel, but I like it just with the outline flower too. I added white gel pen to the background, and sakura stardust to the center of the flower on the white rectangle. The certainly celery piece is cut with "cloud" scissors for the scallop effect, paper pierced and faux stitched with white gel pen. Its simple, but its really cute. Even more so in real life than in this picture.

Nice day out toay, so if my four year old ever eats up his lunch, we're going out to play, and for a walk.

I went on my "goodie hunt" this morning. Long story, but I will have photos, and a contest to post this evening!

Sometimes you just need a nap.

No new work to post today... my cousin and her two kids came for a visit this morning, and we had a really nice time. Then, my husband arrived home early from work and took my older son for a swim at the club. While the little guy napped, I laid down to watch what my oldest refers to as "Screaming Crying Lady" its really One Life to Live. My mom always watched it when I was growing up, so literally, I've been watching it my whole life. Ha!

So, I watched OLTL and ended up taking a nap myself. It was wonderful! Tonight I made a pink version of the cool caribbean card I posted the other day and finished what was left of "Screaming Crying Lady" on TiVo. Love it. (I mean both the card, and TiVo.)

Tomorrow morning, my youngest and I are going to make a trip to Michael's to go "goodie shopping." And, later on in the day, I'll post a new blog candy contest to celebrate my first 1K posts! Thanks for dropping by, and sorry that instead of any eye candy for you today, I just slept. But sometimes, you really just need a nap.

A gift for the bride

I hate when I finish a project at night, because I know the pictures just won't do it justice. I'll upload a "by sunlight" photo of this tomorrow, because this picture doesn't do this justice at all!

My mother is going to a bridal shower for a girl I used to babysit for. Man, does that make me feel OLD. Eesh. So, these are some cards for Mom to give to the bride along with her gift. I wish I had my little Bridabella (not sure that is even her name, I might have just made that up. I'm tired!) so that I could make some funky ones for her to use too... I'll have to send some to her later. Oh well.

The brides colors are rose and sage, I pulled Mellow Moss and Regal Rose, but the regal rose just shouted at me today. So, I switched it to pretty and pink, which I think blended much better. The moss background is stamped with french script, the pretty in pink is cuttlebugged, ticket corner punch and mounted on pop dots. The dress is stamped in stazon, colored with SU markers, then given some sparkle with my sakura stardust pen. Cut with the mega circle punch, then mounted on a moss scalloped circle which I punched to add the eyelet effect. Ribbon is my very favorite from Cindy's Starlit Studio on Ebay. I've used it on nearly every project I've done since I found it. Almost forgot, slider die is created on my cuttlebug and is stamped with the sentiment from Noteworthy. I wanted to make a cute little tote or something to give it in, but after all the work to put these together tonight. I'm going to do dishes and go to bed. Um. Dishes might even wait till the morning!

Sweet!

Okay, back from the post office with the Blog Candy for Nancy. Let me just say, I'll be picking something less HEAVY to ship out for the next candy I offer! HA!

While I know other bloggers are celebrating huge milestones with their blogs, everyone needs to start somewhere right? As I check out my counter, I'm nearing my first thousand views. Which, for a newbie is very exciting!

I'm going to head to Michael's this weekend in search of some new goodies for me. Nothing in particular, just want to browse. I'm sure you know what I mean. And, while I'm there... I'll be looking for some goodies for YOU! Stay tuned....

Oh Baby!

My cousin asked me to create some baby gifts for friends with babies on the way. She's driving down tomorrow to pick them up and to hang out a little while.

While she doesn't live **that** far away, we rarely get to see each other. Life just gets busy. So we see each other at family gatherings while our children are running around like maniacs. So, I'm really looking forward to chatting!

The first one is for a little boy with a nautical themed bedroom. The second one is for a little boy who has bedding themed with airplanes and this color palette. She'll also be getting two of the baby cards that I made with the "Wild About You" set. Hope she likes them!

Too many projects, and a serious purchasing addiction

I'm on fire today. I vacuumed the whole downstairs of the house, cleaned two bathrooms and dusted the upstairs. Then, got about 1/2 way through a six pack of cards that I promised my mother for a bridal shower she's attending this weekend. However, I need to source some ink and a background stamp to finish it off. But, I'm close. I hope to post photos tomorrow? Oh, and a house full of children. (in case I didn't mention, I run a home daycare.) I had five little ones till 1pm, but I only have one "extra" this afternoon, so while the three kids played in my youngest sons room, I got to flurry around up there cleaning up.

A friend of mine actually called today to say that if she didn't know better, she'd think I was on drugs because I've got so much going on! I've neglected laundry today, so I better go throw one in...and drag the vacuum upstairs to finish the job....

The crafting purchases, I think I've got a problem. Eesh. Last night I ordered the PaperTrey set. How could I not. Its only $15, and there are 100 possible combinations (really. Check the set out, it LISTS the possible combinations you can make) and all the cards I've seen with it on SCS are fantastic. Seems very versatile.

Then, because I subscribe to her blog, and couldn't help myself. I signed up for the May Arts Polka Dot ribbon share with Jody. If you love ribbon, like I do, you've got to subscribe to her site to see all the goodies she gets.

Of course, I'm also hostessing a Stampin Up party for my friend Erica. I don't want to pass up the opportunity to get a 1/2 price item out of the spring mini.

Cling-on 22 month old hanging on to my shin at the moment. We're fleeing to the post office to put Nancy's Blog Candy goodies into the mail! And because we all have MAJOR cabin fever.

More later. With photos this time.

U are the Best

Thanks to all of you who stopped by to visit the last few days! Its been so fun!

Here is my naptime card today. I used both my textile and french script cuttlebug folders, my new favorite ribbon (from Cindy's "starlit studio" on Ebay) my SU paisley background - kissed onto the U - the linen background is stamped on the middle white layer (it is super hard, if not impossible, to see here) and my glitter on the glue dot on the brad trick for a little sparkle on the flower. The first white layer looked a little blah, but by this point, I was out of backgrounds, and naptime was coming to a rapid end, so I did some paper piercing around each corner for just a little touch.

The little flower holds a hidden message, tucked behind the U reading "are the best." This idea comes from a card from JulieHRR which I found on the Dirty Dozen's Splitcoast Fan club.

I can't link to it, because if you're not a member of the Fan Club, you don't have access to it. I can't recommend the fan club highly enough. The work is amazing, and so worth the cost of entry! In fact, I even found a recipe for chicken from Taylor on there. Have to say, it was YUMMY. If you want to see Julie's card, or find Taylor's chicken recipe, you'll have to sign up!

Congratulations! And many thanks

The lucky number today (as selected by random.org) was 12. Congratulations to Nancy for wining the blog candy.

Nancy, please contact me via email (you can find it on my profile) or PM me on scs, my name is basilefamily with your snail mail address and I'll get those peeps, cuttlebug pieces and stamped images out to you!

Thanks to EVERYONE who played. Looking forward to making new blog friends, having lots of visits, and visiting your sites as well. If you blog, send me your details, and I'll be happy to link you. I'd love to have you link to me too!

I also wanted to send an extra special thanks to my subscribers! Totally makes my day! Looking forward to getting to know you!

I'll be offering another blog candy at 1K posts. Stay tuned for details.

My DH is the best!

I Imentioned the other day that my DH assembled my new shelves (from Target) for me while I slept in on Sunday. I don't have a before photo - thank goodness! But here is the after.

The shelving unit has doors, but if I showed you the picture of the doors closed you wouldn't see how neat my stamps are now! And I love having a little space to showcase some of my favorite items up on top.

Before this, I had my stamps stored in big rubbermaid containers. So to find a set, I had to rifle through the bin, usually totally empty it. Then, I was really bad about putting them away, so my workspace was cluttered up with stamps I'd just used, or stamps that wouldn't fit in the bin. You get the idea.

The desktop unit holds all sorts of things I'm always needing access to: markers, crayons, hodgepodge, ink pads etc. Before I had them all stacked on top of eachother so to get to one, I had to pull the stack apart. This is much better. And, again, I have a little display space on top, oh and room for my cuttlebug!

My wish list includes the spinny thing from Stampin Up for my ink pads and some sort of ribbon storage.

Any advice on the inkpad storage thing (its sorta pricey, esp since I'm not a demo --- waaah!) so I don't want to get it if it isn't good - and on what to buy for ribbon storage. I was thinking of the ribbon holders SU has in the mini catalogue, but not sure what is best.

Cool, Delightful, Happy Birthday

I didn't have the colors to participate in today's color challenge. So, instead I searched back through the thread to find one that I could do. I loved these colors together, but hadn't yet made a card for this challenge.

My grandmother is the queen of sending cards. She remembers everyone's birthday, and sends my boys a card for just about any occasion you can think of. She's the best. She asked me to make a set of birthday cards for her and just asked that they be "cheerful." She's really just the cutest ever.

I have to say though that the cool caribbean background stamped on the piece of white, was a big challenge for me. I have such a hard time with backgrounds. This is a small sized element out of the Delight in Life set, and I always have a hard time lining it up so that I don't have white space around it, or overlap the image. I **could** take out my stamp-a-ma-jig, but that's a lot of work too. I keep saying I need to get back into using the wheels, but then, there's another thing I'd have to add to my shopping list. Ink for the wheels. Any advice?

All the details - Color Challenge cc95

cardstock and ink: Cool Caribbean, Basic Black, Whisper White stamps: delight in life, happy everything embellishments: brad covered with a glue dot then dipped in dazzling diamonds, ribbon (from Joann's) , 3d foam mounting squares

Triangle Trifold Fun Continues

Wow. Can you tell I'm LOVIN' these triangle trifolds? They're so fun to do. And, I'm a big hoarder of designer paper. This only uses a little bit, but I think it has big impact.

I created both a boy and a girl birthday trifold today during naptime. Now a quick post while the boys watch Curious George on TiVo. (Where would I be without TiVo?)

Big thanks to "Confessions of a Naptime Stamper" and her "Wheely I Do" card. If you check out her fantastic blog, you'll see exactly where I came up with the color combos here. I was **seriously** considering selling this set because I hardly ever use it, but this was really fun to do. I just saw she did one with the "By Air" set as well, which I also have, and um. Yeah, never use.

So, if you haven't made a triangle trifold yet, check out the link to Beate's tutorial on Splitcoast a little farther down. They really are easy to make, and just so stinkin' cute.

I'm off to clean up the mess I made!

I'm no good at surprises

Okay, I'm terrible with surprises, so here's a photo of the Blog Candy - CANDY up for grabs. It is "Peeps in Jar" I've included a before and after picture here...

All you have to do is leave a comment on the post below mentioning the candy.

I'll also include some stamped images, and a few pieces of "Cuttlebugged" paper for you to use in any Easter cards or tags you'd like to make. I have the Bunny Hugs set from SU as well as the Amuse Little Bunny and sentiment "to one of my favorite Peeps."

I made these yesterday and they are SO tasty. Sugary, good. YUM! Gotta love peeps!

Triangle Trifold and Blog Candy Available

Have you ever designed a project in your sleep? Well, its nuts, but I did last night. I've had these trifold cards from Beate on the mind after her tutorial last week, and I woke up with a clear vision in my head of what I wanted to do. Since I already had planned the card out, it only took me 15 minutes to put it together. Probably a record for me.

I did some other stamping today, but its a hush hush secret so I can't share pictures of because it will spoil a surprise for friends of mine. Actually,hmm. Maybe this will be my first Blog Candy? I was so thrilled to see that I had a few subscribers over the weekend, and clearly, I check my own page a lot, but not 150 odd times. So, I'd like to offer up some Blog Candy (which in this case, involves some REAL candy) I'll pull a number on Wednesday the 21st (the first day of spring!). If you'd like to be included please leave a comment on this post by 8am EST on Wednesday, March 21st.

It took my poor husband literally all day to get home from Germany on Friday. First they had an equipment change, then when they finally arrived, it was in the wrong state! Instead of Boston, they landed in Bangor Maine. He rented a car, and drove through the snowstorm, arriving home at 4am. So, after that long journey, I didn't even **think** about pulling out the stamps all day Saturday.

He must love me though, because he let me sleep in this morning and when I woke up, he had assembled two shelving units for my stamps! Hooray. Pictures to follow tomorrow.

Quick and Easy

Hey hey, get your mind out of the gutter! (wink!) I'm not talking about Izzy's behavior last night on Grey's Anatomy, I'm talking about today's Limited Supply Challenge.

This was a fun challenge! It required only one piece of cardstock, one layer, with stamping only a sentiment. No backgrounds, no embossing, no designer paper. One sentiment plus embellishments.

I sorted through all my stamps and found two sentiments I thought I could build a card around. Then chose naturals ivory cardstock because it has just enough flecks of color in there to give it some warmth without being a distraction. This was so fun to do, and the first one was so quick to do that I had time to finish the second before my youngest woke from nap.

The thank you version is going to the post office today to an incredibly talented stamper on SCS who is **quite** an enabler! She helps many of us on SCS get our hands onto a variety of embellishments. Here's a hint some of which came in handy on this challenge. In addition to organizing these shares, she also sorts and mails many many packages a month. It is amazing to me that she's able to actually have time to stamp! Her work is beautiful, of course because she's a member of the Dirty Dozen! Hope she recognizes that my card is for a challenge and it is meant to be simple, not that I'm cheap or lazy! eesh!

So sad to see you go.....

Tomorrow morning, we'll be taking a trip to one of my DS's favorite places. The post office!

My first package of Easter cards will be making its way to a very dear friend from high school. The Easter basket card which I made with the spring showers paper is literally my favorite card I've made yet. I love the yellow polka paper, and I love the scalloped frame around the basket (a cool trick I learned, guess where. Splitcoast!) I'm pretty sad to see it go, but I've got enough material left around here to make a few more. I'm just happy to see it go to a good home... sniff sniff.

Do any of you hoard your most favorite creations? My aunt told me that she saved the cards I gave her as a Christmas gift. She was afraid to give them away, that people really needed to RATE to get a card. Now that she knows she can get more, she'll send them more freely. What a compliment!

So, to any stalkers out there...here is a question to draw you out.... what is your favorite item that you've created to date?

Help-A-Bella

Tonight I had some client work to complete, but after that I got to do the challenge of the day: WT104 - use a diecut element on your card. I like the funky color combo that I put together on this card, and my little diecut slider that I made from my cuttlebug (love that thing.) But now that I'm posting the picture, I'm annoyed by the large white space on the right hand side of Bella. My plan had been to put a chipboard flower there (similar to yesterday's card) but when it came down to it, it was too busy for me.

So, stalkers. I'd LOVE your advice about what you'd do to fill up that space, or if you think I'm nutty and that its fine as is.

Slider die reads "Congrats on your new house" and was made with my Karen Foster Snap Stamps. Thanks to all you SCS enablers I'm now the proud owner of these ingenious stamps, a cuttle bug, crop a dile, scalloped punches in all three shapes, souffle pens and all sorts of other goodies that are strewn about my home!

My husband will be home from his business trip tomorrow, so my stamping progress is going to come to a grinding halt. Which is okay, its lonely without him. I watched Greys tonight, and it just wasn't as much fun without him literally GROANING now and again.

So, honestly, advice. Please.

My Busy Bella

Tonight was my second time completing a Splitcoast Stampers challenge. This time it was a layout challenge. I thought Bella would look super cute with some pink. I think this is sorta busy, but overall I still think its cute. After all, that's why I started these challenges, to try something new!

In other news, I feel old. After a few beautiful days, with walking the kids around in a double stroller and chasing my 22 month old up the top of the swingset...I wrenched my knee. I have no idea what's up, except that my knee really HURTS! I'm laid up on the couch, with an "adult beverage" and now that I've posted this, I'm off to bed. Thank goodness for TiVO because I know I'll certainly fall asleep before Lost!

Hello Bella!

I heard the mail truck drive up the street today and thought "Please let Bella be here!!" And guess what, she WAS! Everyone, meet Giftabella!

Today's Splitcoast Color Challenge outlined five specific colors to use, and let me say, these aren't colors I'd use on my own. I actually HAD all the colors, I just wouldn't have put them together. However, after fooling with scraps of paper for what seemed forever, I think it came out pretty cute. Now I'll have to ink that Bella up and put her ins some cutesy clothes, something Lillyesque.

Giftabella is going postal tomorrow to one of my daycare clients turned friend and fellow stamper! Happy Birthday Janine!

A few of Bella's sisters were ordered today, soon you'll be meeting many more of these cutie chicks. For more information check out the link to Stamping Bella on the right hand side of the page.

Funny how that happened.....

So, my new goal is that I want to try to complete at least ONE Splitcoast Challenge per week. Each day of the week a different challenge is posted. Either a particular layout you must use, a specific color combo etc. As it turns out, I did a card over the weekend that meets the requirements for this weeks Limited Supply Challenge. Here it is:

I made this card for my cousin Chloe's first birthday this past weekend. I wanted to cover the big bug on the front in Dazzling Diamonds, but ran out of time. I'm going to make another one of these to keep in my stash and glitter the daylights out of that little caterpillar. In the process, I'm sure I'll get covered with glitter too. DH always gets a laugh out of me after a glitter project.

Since I didn't do this with the challenge in mind, it just sort of fit the criteria, I'm going to complete a second challenge this week. I'm not sure yet if it will be the Color Challenge or the Layout Challenge. It will depend on if I have the materials outlined for the challenge.....

I figure this will be a good way to learn new techniques, and move out of my comfort zone. I've become WAY to reliant on my scallop punches. Trust me, I LOVE them, but feel that its getting a little trite....

Sweet Baby Boy

Last night, I made some cards to go along with an order for my cousin. I've been really itchy to get my hands on the Bundle of Joy set from the Spring Mini catalogue. In the meantime, my friend Rachel was kind enough to loan me her Wild About You set.

This card was inspired by the MANY beautiful cards using this set lately on Splitcoast Stampers. Background is paisley using craft white ink, on bashful blue cardstock. Yellow layer was run through my cuttlebug using the flower embossing folder. The sentiment is from the So Very set from the Sell-a-Bration catalgoue. Till my new Round Tab punch arrives (later in the week!!!) I've been using a corner rounder to mimic the effect. Ribbon is from Cindy's eBay store Starlit Studio. I've GOT to go buy more of this stuff today. I've decided that it adds just the right touch for baby and Easter items. Enjoy!

Easter Goodies

Honestly, why do I torture myself? I gave up candy for Lent, then I had the bright idea to create Easter goodie bags. What was I thinking?? You can't even imagine how amazing this stuff smells, when you can't have it. The peeps are really killin' me. I swear.

I created both a boy and a girl version of these Easter goodie bags. Stampin Up's Bunny Hugs set is really **SO** cute. The Pretty in Pink cardstock is embossed using my Cuttlebug, the scallope circle is punched with my Marvy Uchida giga scallop punch and then stamped with Dots and Daisies from Stampin Up and colored in with a white gel pen. The bunny ears and nose are colored in with a Pretty in Pink marker and then given a little shimmer with my Sakura Stardust pen. He's popped up on dimensionals so that he stands out a little better. Ribbon courtesy of Starlit Studio on eBay. I've got to order more of that stuff.

In addition to the candy bag toppers, I've also made a few different Easter cards out of this set too. I'll post those tomorrow. I love when I get my money's worth out of a set!!

While I'm not a demonstrator for the company yet, I do hope to someday sign up. In the meantime, if you fall deeply, hopelessly in love with these products like I have, you can contact either of my friends Erica or Sarah. These woman are two of my closest friends who are both demonstrators for the company. I call them my enablers, my "dealers" at times - wink!! I'm attaching links to their Stampin Up websites for you to get your addiction going!