Blog Stalking Friday - Doublestick Heaven

I discovered this blog more recently that a lot of blogs I stalk.  And I find myself pinning from it all the time!

Laura Bassen is a member on a couple design teams for products that I like.  She creates all kinds of cute cards.  She uses bright colors and fresh designs.  You can find her blog here Doublestick Heaven.

If you're looking for some cute ideas and videos - go check out her blog.  You will be glad you did.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Colossians 1:17 - 18  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  And he is the head of the body, the church;  he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Viva Las Vegas!

We went to Las Vegas for President's Day weekend which happened to include Valentines Day.

We went for multiple reasons.  One to see the Eagles in concert at MGM.  Two was because my husband loves the Eagles and loves Las Vegas so if the Eagles are playing in Las Vegas - he wants to be there.

While we were there Todd wanted to go see the Kounting Cars car collection.  He has a 1968 Camaro that he has had since high school that he wants restored.  He was actually hoping to talk to someone about getting it restored, but Danny wasn't there.   As a matter of fact, when we asked about talking to someone and were told you have to send an email to get anything looked at.  I told them that we'd sent an email.  We were then told it would be one to three months before they could get back to us.  This is not unexpected as it is a popular show and they do beautiful work.  It did, however, make me question the shows where people came to the door right as they were closing to talk to Danny and he saw them.  My husband does not agree with my suspicion.  :-)

And again I am being wordy, but there is a point to my story.  Since we went to Kounting Cars and took no side trips I decided we should go check out VivaLasVegaStamps in person.

It was a little off the beaten path, but not far.  We took a taxi.  The outside is not your typical Vegas advertising.  lol

Inside is a stampers dream.  My pictures are just a small part of the extensive collection of wood mounted stamps.  It is overwhelming which is just like Vegas.  :-)

I found a Yorkie stamp that I of course had to have.  For stamping I tend to prefer the clear acrylic stamps.  But the beauty of a wood mounted stamp is that not only can you use it to decorate cards, it is a decoration in itself.  I will use the Yorkie stamp, but I bought it more for decorating than stamping.  I also found a stamp that looks like Allie, my Mother -in-laws baby (dog).  And since Betty (my Mother-in-law) watches Gracie when we go out of town, I got it for her.  She is the only one I trust to watch my little lady.  :-)

I wish we had a stamp store in Louisville that had the extensive collection that VivaLasVegaStamps has.  If you're ever in the area - go check it out.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Genesis 2:7  And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul.

WOYWW 247 - Moving Right Along

It is Wednesday which means that it is take a picture of your desk day and share on the Stamping Ground. If you don't know what I'm talking about head on over to Julia's Blog and check out all the links to the most awesome desks around the world.

It seems 2014 just keeps moving right along.  I thought when Archivers closed that I would have more time to work on projects on the weekends.  The weekend they closed I was in Las Vegas with my husband.  Speaking of which - I will be sharing my visit to Viva Las Vegas Stamps in another post so stay tuned.

This weekend I worked a little and we had our first Scrapmania replacement crop at our church.  The turnout was low, but I got six pages 'done' of our trip to Washington D.C..  I put done in quotes because I still need to add embellishments and titles.  So that was Saturday.

Sunday was just as busy.  I got up, changed the sheets on our bed, made mashed potatoes and chicken strips for our monthly dinner at church.  After our church dinner I went to the eye doctor to get my contact prescription and got food for the bunny.  Then I got my car washed before heading over to my BFF's to go to our monthly card club which I shared in an earlier post.  I'm exhausted just typing about it.

I said all that to say that my weekend went by without me having much time in my craft room; although, I did lots of crafting.  But next weekend - I plan on spending the WHOLE weekend in my craft room.

Wow - I am especially wordy today - I apologize.  Finally, you say, here is what my desk looks like:

I am off to do way more desk hopping than I did last week.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Psalm 95:6  O come let us worship and bow down.  Let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

Moving the Wrong Way - Project Life Week 52

I'm really not going the wrong way.  lol  I'm just technologically challenged.  I believe I've overcome my issues loading my videos to youtube.  But for some reason I loaded weeks 2 and 3 before week 52.  Hey - it is what it is - right?

So here is my Project Life process video for week 52 of 2013:

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Luke 6:37 - 38  Do not judge and you will not be judged;  do not condemn and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven.  Give and it will be given to you:  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap.  For the meaasure you use will be the measure you receive.

Get Well Soon

As always seems to be the case - I need cards.  I desperately need to sit down and make some cards.  It seems like I need sympathy cards and get well cards most of all.  And those kinds of cards are not the kind that you can send at a later date.   :-(

Monthly card club and Sherry to the rescue.  As I've said before - the sweetie that does our monthly card class makes the cutest projects.  This month we made 2 cards which were perfect for get well cards and a cute little box to put them in.  And when you look at my pictures below - I know you will agree.

She got the sunshine image from the Silhouette store.  I am going to buy that one now because it would be perfect for get well or just saying hello cards.  It is so happy and bright.  Just making the cards made me smile.  I hope the receipients of these cards do the same.

The card stock, banner shapes and cloud embossing folder are from Stampin Up.  The sentiment is from a Hero Arts set that has a sentiment for any occassion.  The little box shape came from the Silhoutte store.

And not only did we make the cutest cards, Sherry made chicken and cheese enchiladas and chocolate lasagne.  Yummy!

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
1 Timothy 2:1 - 2  I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in godliness and holiness.

Project Life Organization

As I have gotten more into my Project Life scrapbooking, I've also found new ways to organize my 3x4 and 4x6 cards.

I was walking through Hobby Lobby trying to find something to use my coupon on.  And at the top of the shelf there were some wooden boxes.  I asked one of the associates to get them down.  And this one came home with me.

The slots hold the little cards and the big cards.  And then it is easy to go through them to pick out cards for my layouts.

There are handles on the side which make it eaasy to pick up.  It's decorative and functional.  You've got to love that.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
1 Timothy 6:11 - Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness

Project Life Process Video Weeks 2 and 3

I have had a heck of a time getting a video to upload to youtube.  I think I am technologically challenged.

I have been using imovie (the new version) exporting it to Quicktime, then trying to upload.  When that didn't work I used the older version of imove and exported it to Quicktime.  I ended up copying the quicktime version of the movie to an SD card and using my machine with Windows 8 that is connected directly to my modem.  It finally uploaded!  My internet speed is pretty slow and I think that the wireless was slowing it down even more.  But I really don't even know.  lol

And I said all that to say - check out my new video.  :-)

I am trying to upload week 52 now.  My theory will be tested.  :-)

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Psalm 51:16 - 17  Certainly you do not want a sacrifice, or else I would offer it;  you do not desire a burnt sacrifice.  the sacrifices God desires are a humble spirit - O God, a humble and repentant heart you will not reject.

Blog Stalking Friday - Michelle Zindorf

One of the blogs that I regularly stalk is Michelle Zindorf's blog located here.

She makes the most unique cards using inks and stamps from Stampin Up.  Her cards are literally art.

And even if you're not so much into making cards - she raises chickens too!  We got a coop tour just the other day.

Check out her blog - you will be glad that you did.  :-)

Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

WOYWW 246 - I'm Late I'm Late for a Very Important Date

I know I am running behind, but I actually took these pictures on the right day.  :-)  I just got back from Las Vegas and then work has been CRAZY!

 If you have no idea what I'm talking about - head on over to Julia's Stamping Ground Blog and check out all the desk from around the world.  Even though I'm late - it's never too late to go blog hopping.  :-)

Enough for excuses - here is my desk:

As usual I am rearranging with the stuff I bought from Archiver's sale.  And now I have even more.

This is a pegboard in progress.  It will be different next time you see it.

Well, that's my world.  I'm off to see what everyone else is up to.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April

James 3:17 - 18  But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Disney - Almost Done

We went to Disney in 2012 for five days.  I've been working on that album since we went.  Let's just say I like to take pictures.  Lots and lots and lots of pictures. 

I'm on the last 2 page spread for this Disney trip.  I still have some work to do, but it is all superficial.

Here it is:










Now to get back to Mom and Dad's Anniversary album.  I'm so close to being done - I need to decorate the last 2 page and then do the first page and last page.  :-)

How are you doing on your albums?  Take some time and get organized - or just do a two page spread.  Every little bit helps.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Take a Picture - It Will Last Longer

I love playing around with Taylored Expressions Oh Snap stamp set and matching dies along with the picture frame dies.

Here is a card I came up with using those sets:

I also used some paper from a 6 x 6 Allison Kraft Paper pack.  I used Tombo markers to color the camera and a heart enamel dot from Basic Grey.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
John 15:5 - 8  "I am the vine; you are the branches.  The one who remains in me - and I in him - bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing.  If anyone does not remain in me; he is thrown out like a branch, and dries up;  and such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and are burned up.  If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you.  My Father is honored by this, that you bear much fruit and show that you are my disciples."

I'm Seeing Stars

I'm evidently on a star kick right now.  I'd punched out some stars for my All Star cards, but ended up not using them.  so instead of saving them and NEVER using them, I decided to put them to work right away.

I used a Fiskars punch to punch the stars for these cards.  I would also like to add that I love the ergonomic style of this Fiskars punch.  I think they are reverting back to the old style punch which makes me sad.

I used an OWH stamp from Hero Arts and paper from a 6 x 6 paper pad called Farm House.

I also used the Beast (my sewing machine) and some small silver nail heads to decorate the stars.

I ended up making 5 of these cards.  These cards will be going to Operation Write Home where they will be sent those military serving away from home so that they can stay in touch with their friends and family at home.  If you have cards that you would like to donate, just go to the website to find out the information you need to donate.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Isaiah 32:2  -  A man will be as a hiding place from the wind and a cover from the tempest.

Hey Now You're an All Star

Whenever I hear the phrase 'All Star' I think of the song by Smash Mouth and then it gets stuck in my head.  Hey now you're all star, get your game on, go play.  Hey now, you're a rock star......  Love that tune.

Anywoo - that's today's sentiment for the cards I made for OWH.

I used patterned paper from Stampin Up, solid cardstock from my stash, a Lawn Fawn Star die set and Viva Decor Pearl Pen in red and white.  I also did some sewing on the star.  I'm happy with the way these cards turned out.  I think they can be used for a guy which is unusual for me.  :-)

You can see another card in the background.  I'd used a Fiskars punch to punch some stars from some patterned paper, but ended up not using them on this card.  So I put then on a solid background and sewed them down.  Not quite sure what I'm gonna do for the sentiment.  As I said - it's a process.

These cards will go to Operation Write Home where they will be sent to soldiers serving away from home.  If you have some extra cards you'd like to donate - check out their website for guidelines and join in on making cards for our heroes.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Isaiah 12: 1 - 2  In that day you will say 'I will praise you, Lord.  Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.  Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.  The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.'

Blog Stalking Friday - Sandy Allnock

Hi - it's Friday and that means blog stalk share.

Sandy Allnock is the President and founder of Operation Write Home.  This is a not for profit organization that sends hand made cards to military serving away from home giving those deployed a means of keeping in touch with their family.  In some locations, paper and a pen might be hard to come by so the cards provide at least a medium to write on.  All they have to do is find a pen or pencil.  Or anything that will write.  :-)

Another one of her passions is Copic coloring.  She does some great tutorials.  You can find her blog here at sandyallnock.

She has expanded her horizons since leaving her 'real' job last fall.  Not only is she working to expand OWH, but she has come out with a line of stamps called Friends of Ciara (her goldie) and has been working with Hero Arts to come out with new stamp sets that benefit OWH.

Go check out her blog.  I am pretty sure it will link you back to OWH, but just in case you can find OWH here.

Now get back to your crafting space and make some cards for our heroes.  :-)

Have a great day and be inspired.

April

A Polaroid Moment

I've been a little blocked.  I've been working on some cards and I haven't been real excited with the results.  This one is missing something but I can't figure out just what.

I guess I'll call it clean and simple and be done with it.  I used the Taylored Expressions die set called Instant Photo Frames that cuts out polaroid frames.  It is too cute and I'm afraid my card did not do it justice.  The sentiment is from the Taylored Expressions stamp set Oh Snap.  I also used a Viva Decor Pearl Pen in yellow.  Maybe I'll add some arrows and that might make it better.


Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Isaiah 12: 4 - 5  In that day you will say:  'Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;  make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.'  Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.

WOYWW 244 - Keepin on Keepin On

My desk is still messy, but that is because I've been creating.  And why am I justifying my desk being a mess?  Because it is Wednesday and that means it's time for WOYWW which means everyone is taking a picture of their desk and going to the Stamping Ground where Julia gathers everyone together to share pictures of their work areas and sometimes their current projects.

Here is my desk.  That is Sebastian talking to me and sitting on the card I made earlier.

Now I am going to go blog hopping.  :-)

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Philippians 4:6 - 7  Do not be anxious about anything,  but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

New Year's Resolution Check Up - Ouch

Resolution Check Up:

1)  Totally spent too much money at Archiver's.  I figured I wouldn't get another chance.  I seriously need to work on not buying everything I want and using what I have.  Epic fail.  Xbox One and Cricut Explore are going to be hard to resist.  But I will be content with what I have.

2)  Crafting goals:
      a)  I have done the first week of Project Life, but need to do the next 3.  I've recorded the pictures in
          Collect;  I just need to print them and get them in their pockets.  I'm holding my own on this one.
      b)  I'm close to finishing the 2012 Disney album and Mom and Dad's Anniversary album. Holding       
           my own.
      c)  I've been making cards for OWH.  Check
      d)  Using up my stash - let's just not talk about it.
      e)  I've participated in one challenge.  I'm beginning not to like these check ups.  :-)

3)  I cleaned off the shelves in my craft room under the television and sold some Creative Memories stuff on Ebay.  I switched to 3 ring binders many years back so there is no reason to keep the pages and protectors that I had sitting collecting dust.  I've also started cleaning up some of the toys that my kids have outgrown.  I took a load to Good Will.  On this goal - check!

4)  I added a Bible app to my phone and I am on a 'Read the Bible' in a year plan.  So I am spending 5 minutes each day.  Spiritual growth - check.

How are you doing on your New Year's Resolutions?  Do a check up and make yourself accountable.  It hurts, but I'm sure it will be beneficial in the long run.  :-)

Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Rain or Shine

As a member of the Unity Stamp of the Week Club, I get a cute new Unity Stamp set every week.  I just received this stamp set a couple weeks ago.  I decided I should do some paper piecing on these adorable boots.

I used some paper from Allison Kraft and black ink from Hero Arts to create these cards.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Deuteronomy 4:39  Know this day and consider it in your heart that the Lord himself is God in heaven above and on Earth beneath there is no other.

Freakin Great!

I'm all about paint splatter and slang.  Seriously?  Seriously.  Really?  Really.  So the Paper Smooches stamp set Slang Gang is all up my alley.  And the Ranger paint splatter embossing folder - Oh Em GEE!  :-)

Put those together with a banner punch from American Crafts, a splatter stamp from Stampin Up (Gorgeous Grunge), a Viva Decor Pearl Pen in yellow and my sewing machine and this is what you get:

I plan on sending these cards to OWH for our troops.  Check out the OWH website if you are interested in donating cards, money or Any Hero mail.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Matthew 5:16  Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Happy New Year!

Well - it's Happy New Year for Project Life.  But week 1 of Project Life doesn't have January 1st in it.  At least my version of it does not.  But it is a Happy New Year because I have finished week 1 for 2014 which means I am just 2 weeks behind.

Here are my pages for week one for this year.

And here is the process video:

Coming Soon - I am having technical difficulties.  :-(

I hope you got some ideas.  If you have ideas on how to make my pages better - please leave comments.  I'm always looking to improve my pages.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Isaiah 41:13  For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'do not fear; I will help you.'