Things I Learned Recently...

I got this idea from a blog-friend...Wendy, over at Kisatrtle's Kreative Korner. So, without further ado, my newly acquired knowledge...

1. You should never EVER try to make grilled cheese sandwiches and blog at the same time. Your keyboard gets greasy (pronounced "grea-sss-y, not grea-zzz-y. GAH! It drives me INSANE to hear it with the Z sound! And don't EVEN get me started on nuclear...sheesh!), and your kitchen fills with smoke because you get wrapped up in blogging and forget the sandwich, until your DH comes in and says to you...NOTHING! because he is spectacularly intuitive, and has a great sense of self-preservation.

2. When you feed a Bengal cat tuna fish from a can, it REALLY makes their poo REEK!! Sort of like something crawled up their butt and died in there! And, you can blackmail trade favors with your DD to scoop the box if she REALLY wants to do something that you have the power to veto.

3. My DH really DOES make the yummiest, most scrumptious Oatmeal-Chocolate-Peanutbutter-Haystack cookies on the planet! I tend to conveniently forget this fact from time to time (like tonight) and must insist that he make me some so that I can indeed say, without a doubt, that it is a fact. And, in case you were wondering, I have again proved it to be true! (Thank you, Honey!**kiss-kiss**)
And last, but not least:
4: Software really can cause what I affectionately call "RAM-Rage!" (meaning, it sucks up all your RAM and leaves you floundering in "hourglass-ville" for extended periods of time while you sit and fume like a tea kettle.) I have this program that I have to use for work. I do all my work from home (jealous much? HA!) over a VPN connection. That means I am tied to the company network. Said software (spawn of satan) takes SOOOOO long for every little thing that I want to do, it makes me INSANE!!! (notice a pattern here? hehe) Really, I mean it is like, a) select a button...wait FOREVER!!! b) type something and save it...wax my legs while I am waiting! (and that, my friends, is no small feat!) c) choose a different button...read War and Peace...twice! Ok, maybe I am grossly overexaggerating being a bit melodramatic but, COME ON!!!!

Whew!! I feel so much better now! Blog Catharsis Totally Rocks! LOL Ok, so hopefully tomorrow I can stop stalking the mailman for my GinaK. order and prize. Everytime I hear him pull up, I dash to the door like a maniac. I know he thinks I am some kind of weirdo, but a girl NEEDS her stuff! OH! and before I totally forget and become officially the WORSTEST (another real word?) blog buddy ever, my sweet, sweet friend Cindy E. from Heart's Delight Cards sent me the nicest RAK today. It was a beautiful get well card, some stamped images that I don't have stamps of and the most awesome Copic color chart with numbers, names and color swatches for all of the Sketch markers! Check out her blog and give her some extra bloggy-love for being such an AWESOME RAK-sender.
Blessings!
Shannon

Love is in the Air...la-la-la-la-la!

That is the Sketch Challenge theme over at "A Spoon Full of Sugar." And, it just so happened that I was in a "Romantical" (is that even a word? hehe) mood today and knocked out...not one...but 4! Count 'em, 1, 2, 3, 4 St. Vali's Day cards! What was my inspiration? Hmm...maybe just the fact that I feel human again, or maybe just that it was a good excuse to make some cards! LOL The first one is the card I made for the sketch, followed in rapid succession by #' 2, 3 and 4. The base is a white, textured cardstock pre-made card blank. I added some pretty, swirly DP and just about every embellishment known to man

(or woman, in this case!) I also punched the corners with my Fiskars "Heritage" Three-Corner Punch. The sentiment is from a pack of romantical (there I go again!) vellum sweet-nothings...why do you suppose they call them that? Nothings...usually when my Honey whispers these, they mean A LOT! At least to me they do...(Love you Honey!) Have you noticed that I have been on a real vellum kick lately? I really like how it looks... Anywhoooo... so I also finished the inside of this card and I was really pleased with how it turned out!

base: DCWV White, textured, premade card blank
cs: light pink from Joann multipack
dp: unsure, no name...pink and red toile I got in a DCWV Stack ON SALE!!!
embellies: red & white heart-shaped paper doilies, MS Valentine ribbon, red foil heart-shaped confetti that I punched and attached with round, silver brad, pink & red felt flowers attached with silver brads from Target, and silver double-heart favor charm from the wedding section at Wallyworld.

I won't bore you with all the deet's for the others, I will just post them as "Eye Candy..." Enjoy!

2 Sick 2 Stamp....*sigh*

I have been in the bed most of the day with a horrible cold! Ugh! I really do not like being sick...it cramps my style! LOL Or, as my DD says, "that's not how I roll!" I just barely managed to get the kids off to school and then have just laid in bed and half-heartedly worked on my laptop. I am sure I was not the most productive employee ever, but at least I was making the effort! Anyway, hoping to feel more human tomorrow so I can get back to stamping and card making. I am eagerly awaiting my order and free stamps from Gina K. I hope they get here soon! If you get a chance, say a prayer for me! Thanks!

Blessings,
Shannon

WoJ Sketch Challenge #15

Here is my card for the WoJ Challenge 15. Can you see the white ruffles under the circles and across the bottom? That is made of paper towel! Can you believe it? I got the idea from Gina at GinaK designs. She used TP to make hers, but I was looking at my paper towels thinking what a nice texture they had (which , coincidentally, was what led Gina to use the TP...LOL.) So, I stamped a brick red and coffee brown ink pad all over it and then trimmed it with Fiskars "Antique" scissors. I bought the stamp, can you guess...

wait for it...

ON SALE! hehehe

I thought it went nicely with the paper that I chose. I used some beads that I had and a Corsage Pin to make the decorative pin, adding cream ribbon and that little butterfly charm (Wallyworld Find!!!) I attached the sentiment, which is a sticker (see the close up, that verse is SO profound) from a pack that I just love, with ribbon and a button, and finished it off with the chipboard flourishes that I inked with my markers.

Oh When The Saints....(everybody sing!)

I was on the phone the other night with my sis and she asked me if I could make some kind of wall hanging for her with a Fleur de Lis. (She is from Nawlins', dawlin!)
Well, here is what I came up with. I had to find a FDL .bmp image, copy the bitmap to .jpg in Inkscape and then size it and cut it out BY HAND!!!!***RAMBLE ALERT***I REALLY need to get the Sure Cuts A Lot software, which is similar to way better than Cricut Design Studio, but you don't need a bunch of cartridges to use it. You can use any .svg image, (which is what you use Inkscape for) and do whatever you want with it. There is a guy, Dan, whose blog
My Crafty Life has all kinds of tutorials and freebie .svg files. Also, Inkscape is a FREE (you heard me, I said FREE!) download from http://www.sourceforge.net Now you all know me, and I LUURRVVEE free stuff! It is an AWESOME image editing software that lets you do practically anything! There is a bit of a learning curve, but Dan-the-Man can help you out. Ok, now...***END OF RAMBLE*** I printed out 2 copies of the FDL in consecutive sizes on 110lb white CS, one I traced onto some silver, textured DCWV cardstock, cut out, colored the edges in black Sharpie and then wiped off the excess Sharpie. On the second I colored in the white cardstock with black Sharpie and colored the edges with a silver paint marker. (To tell the truth, I initially did it because I was too lazy too tired to trace and cut another out of black cardstock, but I quite like the way it looks! hehehe) I chose 3 DP's from a DCWV stack that I got on...can you guess?... CLEARANCE! I added a brown paper that I embossed with the Vines plate from Fiskars and swiped with silver ink. I swiped all the edges with black ink and layered black CS, silver CS, the DP's, then attached the two FDL's with pop-up foam. The sentiment is from the "Everyday Blessings" Vellum pack by Colorbok, which I layered with black CS and added round, silver brads to coordinate with the silver diamond brads I used on the corners. I popped that up with foam too. I put it in a black frame I picked up at Wallyworld.

Had to be a girl...

This card is pulling double duty, as I am using it for the Whimsy DT Call and the Spoonfull of Sugar Challenge. I know, I know...the Whimsy DT Call asked for a Whimsy image (if you have one, which I don't!) or an animal image. Around my house we call babies, "expensive pets!" so I figured that would count as an animal, right? LOL

As soon as I saw this stamp by Inkadinkado, I just KNEW it HAD be mine! DP is DCWV, as is cardstock. Flowers are from the $1 aisle at Target (pronounced...tahr-jey, hehehe) and the star trim from Wallyworld (better known at our house as "STUFFMART") I stamped the image onto WC paper and used my MS Art Markers to color her in. I added the "blushing cheeks" because it just seemed like the thing to do. Hope you like her as much as I do!

Blessings,

Shannon

Whiff of Joy Challenge #14

I have been wanting to do a WoJ challenge, but did not have any WoJ stamps! *sigh* Then, the Blog Fairy *aka Cindy @ Heart's Delight Cards* chose my name for her rockin' Blog Candy! I went to the post office this morning to get it and I was so excited I pee'd myself almost pee'd myself! Inside that wonderful box was a WoJ stamp...just for me. *sniff* I ran home, well I DROVE home (@ the speed limit of course...hi honey!) and pulled out my stuff to see what I could come up with. This challenge was to use the colors purple and green. I used the Willow with Hot Chocolate stamp and colored it with my MS Art Markers. Had to fudge on the skin color because I don't have anything "skin" colored! LOL Card stock is SU, DP and mat is from DCWV stacks: Wedding, Text Prints and Mat Stack, respectively. Ribbon is MS that I got on super-clearance at Michael's (which, as you may already know, just makes my day!) The faux-Primas came from the floral section at Wally-world (also clearance *smile*) I don't have that handy-dandy ticket corner punch, so I just trimmed with scissors *gasp!* Kinda scary! I also used my new SU piercing template & mats for the edges. I just love this sticker and so I used it with some more DP and mat, along with a couple of dewdrops, just for good measure.

*Is it even possible to OVER embellish?... I don't think so!) Now, I need to get my hiney in gear and link it to WoJ before I miss it!

*p.s. I did not realize until just now that if you look at the bottom of the card, the only text in that lovely "friend" DP that is readable says, "No good!" LOL... NOT my intention, I assure you.*

Blessings,
Shannon

Gina K Challenge Jan 16

Here is the card that I made for the Jan. 16th Challenge over at Gina K.'s I used her example as my inspiration, changing the colors and shapes. I started with Making Memories Ave Coral Coral cardstock for the card itself and black cardstock for the next layer (corners punched with Fiskars Heritage Corner Punch. I reused the tidbits left over from the corner punch as little corner frames. Next layer is white watercolor paper, embossed with the Fiskars Filigree embossing plate and brushed with black ink. I really love the way this looks. The image in the middle is what the challenge was all about...stamping with color. I colored on my Thanks a Bunch stamp ($1 from Michael's), "huffed" on it to re-activate the ink and then stamped my image on to watercolor paper. I touched up the edges with slightly darker colors using my MS Art Markers and used the Blender Pen to blend. I punched the corners and layered it with black cardstock and more of the coral cardstock. Under the image is some pretty ribbon from the Dollar Bin at Michael's (what can I say? I LOVE the dollar bin!) and I put silver brads in the corners to finish it off. I attached the image to the card with pop-up foam. This has GOT to be BY FAR my most favorite card yet.

Blessings,

Shannon

YAAAYYYYY MEEEE!!!! **clapping**

Look at the fabulous Blog Candy I won from Cindy over at Heart's Delight Cards! You should really check out this girl's blog...she ROCKS! Her way with embellishments is just gorgeous and she really deserves some extra bloggy-love for offering this awesome blog candy. I am so excited, I have never won a Blog Candy before and I was soooo wanting to win this one because of the Nestabilities she had included. I don't have any and I have seen all the beautiful things that you all do with them and it made me green with envy really sad *sigh* :o( I cannot wait to get my hands on them! And to Cindy, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Blessings,
Shannon

Motivation Card Challenge 1/14/09 - Cricut MB

This is my submission for the Cricut MB Motivation Card LO Challenge that was posted by Okieladybug. It is my first time to do any of the Cricut MB challenges. I had a lot of fun with this, using some techniques I have not tried before. The cardstock is SU, DP is from a stack that I found on sale at Joann (gotta love the clearance section!) I attached the layers using my Zyron, which is fast becoming my most favorite toy, second only to my Cricut! I used round, pink brads for the corners and to attach the faux-Prima (just a silk flower that I got at Walmart, on sale of course) and the circles. The circles can actually "go round" like the sentiment says. To make the sentiment, I used MS Word and inserted WordArt half-circle up and half circle down shapes that I overlaid. I finished it off with Stickles and some hearts I cut with my Cricut using the Doodlecharms cart. Notice the complete absence of ribbon? I could not figure out how to put any on there! LOL!

Blessings,

Shannon

A Series of Unfortunate Events...

My day started today with being woken up at 4am by banshee-like wailing from the upstairs of my house. I jump out of the bed, step on the cat and bang my shin on the chair. I stumble to the door and flip the light switch...wait...I flip it off then on again...and then again. I don't know WHY I did it three times...did I think that would actually ACCOMPLISH anything? LOL So, the power is out and now I know why the bashee upstairs my 5yr old is wailing. He does not like to sleep in the complete dark. So, up I go to settle him down. Just when he is asleep, my 4yr old starts...So I lay down with him. At this point I am thinking..."why is my butt wet?" I jump out of the bed and ask him, "did you wet the bed?" to which he replies, "No, my pajamas just got wet with water." Mmm-Hmmm, sure they did... So now I am stripping son and bed, in the dark, with a wet butt. Did I mention that we have a well, so no power also means no water? After I clean him with cold baby wipes, I stumble back downstairs to get myself clean and dry. At this point, the bashee resumes wailing and I make a mad dash back up the stairs. Now my DD is up and wondering how she is going to get dressed in the dark...so, back down the stairs I go to get a flashlight. OF COURSE, the first one I pick up doesn't work...I flip it off and on several times (why do I PERSIST in thinking this will work?) Once I get DD dressed and out the door, I fall onto my DS's bed and the next thing I know, it is 5 minutes after 8AM....WHAT!?!?!?!?! (school starts at 7:50AM) The mad-dash-to-get-the-boys-dressed-and-out-the-door swings in to action and as I drop the last one off, I remember that I am supposed to be spending the day at a friend's house because she has been sick and her DH is out of town today. SOOOO, I race down the road to her house. On the way, I look in the rearveiw mirror to find a Hardin County Sheriff following me. YIKES!!!!! (Did I mention that my inspection sticker is expired and my DH has been NAGGING gently reminding me for 15 days to get it done?) Love you, Honey! *kiss* I do a quick scan of my surroundings and see a QuickLube that I can swing into. Nonchalantly, I put on my blinker (as if that was my plan all along)...he puts on his blinker...DOUBLE YIKES!!!!! While I am waiting to turn, he goes around me. YESSSS!!!! I get my car inspected, head to my friend's house and collapse into the easy chair. At this point, I am hoping my day will improve. So far, so good!
Here are some cards that I made last night...

I cheated on these...the stuff came in a kit! LOL But, I think they turned out pretty good! The second one seemed a little drab, so I added glitter gel and that did the trick.

Blessings,

Shannon

CH-CH-CH-CHANGES!

Well, I made some changes to my blog this morning...what do you think? Give me your honest opinion, please! :o) I think it is easier on the eyes, or maybe that is just me getting *gasp* older ~shudder~ ... NAH!!!
Speaking of changes and getting older...I am seriously noticing BIG changes in my skin and body. I am not normally one to obsess be concerned about that kind of thing, but ever since turning 38 27 this year, I can really see the difference. It makes me want to run out and get a facelift facial! Oh well! You know what? You can choose to: a) grow old, b) grow old gracefully, or c) just stop worrying and get on with living! (of course nobody would begrudge you a laser skin resurfacing or two! *wink*) And I PROMISE to post some yummy new cards and stuff in a week or two very very soon!
Blessings!
Shannon

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!

I hit the MOTHERLODE!!!! I was at Joann today (quite easily my fav store) and there, before my unbelieving eyes, was a sign that was practically surrounded by lights and singing the Halellujah Chorus...CRICUT CARTRIDGES: $39.99 ALL OF THEM!!!!!!!!!!!

I got two new cartridges, New Arrival and Doodlecharms. I wanted more, but they were out of Walk in My Garden and basically everything else. In case you don't know this, I got my first Cricut for Christmas. I was recently bemoaning my lack of cartridges and now I am so excited I cannot stand myself!!! My kids are awake and I cannot DO ANYTHING until they are asleep...can you say Benadryl? (Hey, I DID hear one of them coughing!) LOL

Not only that, but I received my very first blog award today from kisatrtle! ~~wiping a tear~~

"I just want to thank all the little people who...what?" Oh, sorry! Kind of got carried away there! :o) I am SO excited to be the recipient of this award and I will need to think about which 5 of the amazing blogs I have seen to pay it forward to. I just LOVE kisatrtle's blog and I spend ALOT of time reading it...to the point that when I complained this morning about being tired, my hubby smiled and said I was up too late "kissing turtles" last night! LOL Anyway, her blog ROCKS and she is so funny! I think we must have been twins separated at birth...

Blessings,

Shannon

Just Shoot Me Now!!!

So I spent my evening at a Junior High Dance...this should be listed as cruel and inhumane punishment for adults. My DD is 12 and it was her first dance. *Read: she, and 80% of the rest of them, have NO IDEA how to dance* We live out in the country in a small, Southeast Texas town and the DJ played ALL Hip-Hop, ALL night. What was he thinking? It was even more pathetic than that, because they are all SOOOO white!!!! My DD is very pretty, but totally uncoordinated when it comes to dancing (not that I am complaining!) So I spent the evening debating the merits of root canal vs. non-medicated toe-nail extraction! Either would have been preferable. The only REALLY good song was when they played, "Brick House," which I LOVE!!!! So that was one small island of respite in a sea of torture! I was chaperoning, so I felt like a vulture, circling the bodies. The funny thing is, you can TOTALLY tell what they are all up to! I never used to understand how my Mom always knew what I was up to, but now I know...there is NO substitute for experience. As I told my DD, "there is nothing you can even BEGIN to think about doing that I haven't done already, at LEAST once!" Anyway, it is over now and I survived...barely!

Blessings,
Shannon

Coloring with Markers

Well, sorry to be so long in writing. Just got busy over the Holidays. We had a great Christmas, a real time of family and love and fun. I never get over the awesomeness of God's gift to us. I know I could not give up my child for another...God loves us that much.

Here is my latest creation...I just love this stamp! Isn't he just the cutest? I have included a close up of the image.I have been experimenting with marker coloring. I have not had the best luck...but this turned out rather well. I stamped the image onto watercolor paper and just very sketchily colored it in. Then I used a Blender Pen and water to move the color around. I think it came out pretty good. I found the Ribbon at Walmart for $3.00 and just fell in love. I also used buttons, dewdrops and brads to finish off the card. Now, I just have to convince myself to actually GIVE it to someone! LOL

Blessings,

Shannon