Happy trails

You know, it feels good to make something that is not Christmas related. LOL I had some time in the studio yesterday- I got two cards done. BUT, more importantly I did manage to get most of my things put away. LOL I had left my most used tools and papers out on the counter top so when I could steal a minute or two I wouldn't have to use that time dragging everything out. So here is my card-

A Happy trails birthday card. The image was inked with Cognac and then the Burnt Umber ink pad was touched to the edges to add a little more color. (Just remember to always ink up with the lightest color first.) I used the Rustic Chic designer paper, I think it works with the horse image so well.

One of my goals for the new year is to add more detail to the inside of my cards. I usually just stamp a sentiment. Here you get a peek at the cardstock added to the inside. Another goal is to add small details. This card has lots of rounded corners, scrappers floss, spiral clip, ribbon and the edges were all sponged with Burnt Umber ink. The sentiment on the front is from the Oh How stamp set.

Today's blessings-

** Mom has her last Radiation treatment today**

** The kids are back to full health, and eating all the time**

**A New Year**

**A warm home on a cold and windy morning**

I hope you all have a very Happy, Healthy and Blessed New Year!!

Until later~

Cupcake gift

This is the cupcake party in a box we gave as a gift this year. The bottom pictures shows the containers after they had been "pimped"and the invitations. LOL I even pulled out my paper crimper. (I really should use that more often.)

The kids are finally feeling better. We postponed our Christmas dinner until Friday because Hailey could not eat anything. She is slowly getting back to eating now. We were at the point of taking Hailey to the hospital on Christmas Eve (to get fluids) when DH thought of calling his friend- a retired Doctor. He was so kind and helpful, and helped with her so much. She slept about 22 hours on Christmas Eve. She woke up Christmas morning and said, " I need a ........ present." She has gain greatly every day since!! Thanks be to god she is running, playing and picking on brother again. And by the Grace of God she did not have an Asthma attack- which was also a huge concern!

We spent time with both Grandmas yesterday. We really had a good time, and the kids got loads of gifts- now to make room for everything. LOL

Until later~

Graphics for Religious Chistmas Comments

Another sneak peek......

True Beauty- available from your TAC demonstrator after Feb. 1.

Kids are still sick.

Mom has some Third Degree burns under her arm. That is causing her a lot of pain.

Until later~

Sneaky Peeky

I have two very sick little ones. It is the stomach bug. I hope they are feeling better soon!! It breaks my heart to see them sick, poor little things.

I really need to get in the studio to finish up a couple of things- we will see how that goes.

Nothing crafty today----- so how about this????

This (along with 6 more) new TAC stamp set sneak peek arrived in my inbox on Friday. I know you can not wait until February to add this one to your collection. TAC has announced that we will have one Base catalogue (due in July) and two seasonal Magalogues (loaded with new stamps and other goodies, as well as those craft project recipe cards we all love!!)

Well, I am off to wipe something--LOL!!

Until later~

Acrylic card

I had some acrylic left over from yesterday's album, so I wanted to try an acrylic card. I am anxious to see how it survived the postal service. I sure hope it arrives safely. I am very please with how it turned out. So what you you think?

Hailey had an appointment with her Asthma Specialist yesterday, he said she looked and sounded great!! She goes back in 6 months.

Hunter has not been feeling well the last couple of days, not sure what kind of bug he caught.

Mom has 6 more Radiation treatments left. She is burned pretty bad, but the the remaining treatments should not be as bad.

Until later~

Acrylic album

The first time I have played with acrylic, and let me say- I love it!! I thought it would be more difficult to work with. But no, easy peasy!! I made this album for my sister to scrap about her kitty- Maggie. Maggie is the prettiest cat I have ever seen!! She is a Sable Burmese.

I used A2 envelopes to make the pages. They were sealed and then 2 were trimmed on the side and one trimmed on the top to make pockets. I used the Bind-it-all to bind it all together. Pop Rockz Classic SWIC was used to cover the envelopes (and the large "M" sticker on the cover is from that paper pack too.) I then used various stamps and embellies to finish this cute little album.

Until later~

A few more tags

I got my gift tags all finished- thanks to Hunter and Hailey. They cut out all of the tag shapes using the Big Shot. They also cut some using red and two different colors of green to coordinate with out wrapping paper.

Perky Penguin stamped on Kraft cardstock and colored with Prismacolor pencils. Isn't he cute with the Stickles on his hat?

These gift tags use the Christmas Fun stamp set, colored with the Prismcolor pencils with stickles and Liquid Applique accents.

I still have a couple of gifts to finish up, and my wrapping to get done.

How are you coming along? Are you done yet, just getting started, or somewhere in between?

Until later~

Candle card

Whew, my last Masculine Birthday card for this year. This is really a quick and easy card. (I guess that quick and easy must be my style. LOL) I really like the background stamp, I got it from my up-line right after I signed up with The Angel Company in October 2006. This is the first time I inked it up. I had actually forgotten about it until I found it in a drawer Monday. LOL The candle is from the Mini Occasion set, I think that any of these images would work with this cool background. The sentiment is from Tag Tidbits. Cardstock is TAC's black and Scarlet.

Until later~

I need a Sympathy card today, a couple in our Small Group lost his mother Sunday morning. The family could use your prayers.

I always struggle with Sympathy cards- I think even more then I do with Masculine cards. :-)

I try to not to use gloomy colors, nor colors that are to cheery or festive. I am pleased with this one- not too gloomy and not too cheery.

I used the Hemingway Soar With it Collection and Cardstock. The Sentiment is from the With Sympathy set, the inside the card says, "When you can't see His Hand, trust His heart." I love that saying, it is so true for me. Decorative Corners was stamped with Versamark and embossed with clear embossing powder. The top layer of designer paper was tied with ribbon from the Reese ribbon collection. The rain drops are from my stash.

Gotta run, I need to mail this one today. See ya tomorrow!!

Oh one more thing before I run, I won a fantastic give away yesterday. I met Tania at a crop at my church in October. She is on the design team for several companies and over at Scrapsupply. She is soooo incredibly talented, you know what I am talking about- you want to stand beside her and hope some rubs off on you!!! She is giving away some of her extras from various companies. Be sure and check her blog, oh and she is a wonderful writer too.

Until later~

Monday Madness 12-15

1. Why do the weekends fly by so fast? Being a SAHM Saturday and Sunday are not much different than any other day, except we have Church on Sunday. I just love having DH home. We seldom make plans that do not include the entire family on weekends.

2. I have a few things to finish up in the studio this week. I need to get my tags done so I can move on to the wrapping. (BTW- did you know I was a professional gift wrapper?? Yep, for Macy's before Hunter was born. So, if you like you can send your gifts to me and I will wrap them for you. LOL)

Here are a couple of my tags so far-

These are so easy to make. I used the Christmas circles. These stamps fit the Extra jumbo circle and the Mega circle punches and then you can mat it with the Giga scalloped circle. I used the L'Amore Pallete ink pad, (I added a little color to the Holly leaves with the Tombow markers) the cardstock is TAC's Scarlet- a very pretty true red color.

First thing- sorry for the yucky photo- I tried a couple of different days to get a good photo. I am not sure what is up- it looks great on the camera's screen, but when I upload it to my computer it looks blurry. Anyhoo, I used the Coluzzle tag template to cut the tag out of Kraft cardstock, the Poinsettia was die cut with the Big Shot and a Quickutz die. I cut two flowers and layered them, inked the edges and added a brad to the center. Pretty cute, huh? The flower is from TAC's Scarlet cardstock and the leaves are TAC's Dark green cardstock. The "To/From" stamp is the same one used on the round tag- from the Christmas Circles stamp set.

3. I got 5 different cookies made last week, I gave a bunch away so I will be making more this week. What is your favorite Holiday cookie?

4. I LOVE having a DVR- Hunter knows how to use it, and use it he does. LOL He is always recording something. The kids are too funny- they want to skip the commercials while watching "Live TV". LOL Oh, and the other night I missed the results of Bobby Flay's Throwdown (on the Fod Network.) Don't you hate watching a show and then you miss the ending!! Well we hit the rewind button and was able to see him lose. So cool!!!! Any other DVRers or Foodies out there?

5. One of my favorite quotes from last week- "Christmas is not about the getting or the giving- it's about the Loving!!"- Garfield

Until later~

Christmas lights

So after we went to see Santa, (I had flash backs of meeting the Veggie Tales a couple of months ago.) LOL we go looking for lights. Santa was in a little house on the square in the little town of Johnstown, there were 2 ladies sitting in there with Santa. We waited our turn to go in and the kids where talking up a storm. Our turn comes and we all go in the little house, Hunter bee lines it over and jumps right up on the lap ------of the nice LADY. He would not even look at Santa.LOL Hailey did not want to get too close either. LOL They wouldn't say anything, Hailey did yell, "bye, see ya later" as she walked out the door. LOL

Then on the way home we drove through the neighborhood of some friends. 17 homes are all synchronized to music and are all run from one guy's home computer. It is amazing to see it. Of course we have to go back again- Hailey fell asleep just as we got there and miss the whole thing. LOL Crazy kids!!

Sorry, DH did not know I was recording it and started to talk. LOL

Check out Rita's blog

I am very excited to welcome Rita to the 'hood- the Angel Hood. She is a very creative sister with The Angel Company. You will have to check out her blog- Inky Friends. Stop in and share some love- you know you want to.
I traded my work night last night for a trip to Wal-mart to stock up on some baking supplies. I am all set to make lots of yummies now. (At 10 pm I made Rice Krispie treats, oh so good.)
I am not sure when I will head back to the studio this week, it looks like my week is full. As soon as I get something done you will be the first to know. LOL

Today's blessings-
**A cozy home on a rainy night**
**My Children's excitement for Christmas**
**Knowing God is not worried about the economy**

Sundae party kit

Ssssshhhhh, don't tell. This is one of the gifts I have been working on. It is a "Sundae Party" kit. It has everything needed except the ice cream (it would melt under the tree) and the Whipped topping (that would not last long around here. LOL) I think the recipient is going to like it. I have some invitations for her to send out to her friends, nice big bowls, ice cream scoop, and a variety of toppings. I made tags for each of the toppings just for fun. LOL I just need to box it up and add some pretty wrapping, and it will be all ready to pass along.

I will get a better picture of the card and post it later.

Until later~

Monday Madness 12-8

Here we are the 8th of December already!! This month is really flying by. As a part of our Christmas tradition we have a Nativity. I think it is a great visual for the kids to learn the story of our Savior's birth. Two years ago, for Hailey's first Christmas my "made in Italy" Nativity was replaced with this one........

I love Fisher Price Little People, and this Nativity set is perfect for little hands. The kids were so excited to set this up one night last week.

Hunter making motor sounds and flying the baby Jesus in for a landing.

Hailey's turn, she chose to take baby Jesus for a ride in the Donkey cart. After the wild ride, she totally shocked me. She went and got her picture Bible and turned to the picture of the Nativity, she then matched up each of the figures with the picture. This was one proud Momma!! Later as we cuddled to sleep she said, "I love Jesus!!" That really made my heart happy!!

Needless to say that the Baby has been lost more than a couple of times this week, it is so funny to hear Hailey ask, "Where go Jesus?" LOL She put her little purse on her arm and told me she was going to Aunt Bob's house, "Jesus at Aunt Bob's house." LOL You have to love the innocence of a 2 year old.

So what are some of your family's Holiday traditions?

Until later~

I needed a cupcake stamp for a Christmas gift, and when I found this clear set I knew it was THE one. I love this large image, and what better way to top a yummy cupcake than with Sugar-coated glitter? hee hee
This card is for a birthday at the end of the year. I am sure I will be using this set for many more birthdays in the New Year.
It is a pretty straight forward card, and will be very easy to mass produce- always a plus in my book. LOL (I just may need some more glitter. LOL)
I hope you all have a great weekend!!
Until later~

I don't know about you, but I *need* to make lists. LOL I make a list for everything! Making lists is what I do. I make grocery lists, TO Do lists (I am a SAHM, I list my daily duties LOL), lists of clothes the kids need for the coming season, lists of cards I need to make, lists for over night stays- and you don't even want to see my lists for vacation!!! (Did you notice I said lists yep, more than one!?!) I have needs lists, wants lists, and dreaming lists. I even have a Life list-things I hope to do in my lifetime.LOL
Christmas is the perfect list season!! I made this little list book to help me keep my lists all together, and easy to carry with me.

I used two 4x6 coasters (covered with some DP from my stash) for the covers, and cute white cardstock 1/8" smaller for the pages. The pages where all printed using my Office program. (Oops, I even made a list for my list topics. LOL) The image is from Everyday Events, colored with Prismacolor Pencils and then outlined with Tombow markers. The mat for the image was stamped using the "Noel" stamp from Tag tidbits.

Here is a peek at one of the pages. Because I made it myself, I was able to customize the lists. I included -a wish list for each member of our family, Christmas cards to send, Menu, gifts needed, Ideas, dates, Church/Charity, Shopping, misc. and a couple of blank ones. I also make a checklist, so I would not overlook anyone we want to buy for this year.

The tabs are 1/2" circle punches (I just hand wrote the title on each one) added to make it easy to find each list. I used binder rings, but the Bind-it-all would work too.

I am already thing of making a couple more of these to have on hand. LOL

Let me know what you think.

I am off to work on today's list...........

Until later~

Snowman Nativity wall hanging

I was blurfing some time last year and found the cutest idea on Heather's blog. (Sorry I can not find her project to link to, but I am sure you will find plenty to love over there!!) Anyway, she had made a wall hanging for Christmas. It just so happened that I have the same stamp set and tons of the 4x4 coasters, so I finally got around to making one. This cute little hanging would make a very thoughtful Christmas gift.

The hanging.

The Holy family- Snowman style.

I <3 href="http://lisadwb.ismyangel.net/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?prodid=1796&cid=121&pid=103">Snowman Nativity. I am not sure which I love more, the snowmen or all of the Bible scripture that goes with this set.

Close up of the shepherds.

The Angel, with stickles on her wings.

The Wisemen.

I used the Reece Soar With It Collection papers and ribbon. The oversized eyelets on the first piece are from the Antique Copper Hardware kit. Each section was accented with Prismacolor Pencils and stickles. The Crop-a-dile made puncing all the holes very easy, I am very pleased with how easily it punches through so many different materials. Seriously, you *need* one. LOL

Hope you enjoy!!

Until later~

An Award

Barb and Barb passed this award on to me, I so appreciate it!! Thanks Barbs. They are my Sister Angels with TAC, and I love to see what they are creating.

Now on to the business portion of this illustrious award.

The rules for the Encouraged Blogger Award are:
1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.

3. Nominate 5 blogs.

4. Put links to their blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees.

Trudy

Lawanda

And all those in the RAKPAK!!!

On their merry way

**Exhale** I can not believe it!! I did it. This is the earliest I have ever gotten any cards mailed.

They are on their way to new homes for the holidays. I even had them all sorted by city and state (8 different ones) for the mail carrier. Funny thing- only one of these will be delivered here in town. LOL

Until later~

Monday madness 12-1

Our tree
Getting the ornaments ready

Our Beautiful Angel

Decorating the tree

Hanging the balls

Hailey hung the green balls. LOL

Lights

Stockings

Until later~

Hubby's favorite

These are by far Hubby's favorite Christmas cards. As soon as he saw the first one he had a list of people we need to send this design to. LOL In case you can't tell, they are my The Ohio State Buckeyes inspired cards. LOL The snow flakes are stamped with Charcoal and L'Amore red Palette inks. The ornament was heat embossed using a red sparkly embossing powder. The ribbon and cardstock (Bazzill) are from my stash.

Thanksgiving was so nice. Mom cooked so much food!! You could not tell anything had even been touch once we had finished eating. She always cooks way too much, she says she wants to have enough. Oh, she always has enough!! LOL So much so that the pumpkin pie was not even cut!! She is feeling great, and her hair is starting to come back. She had a lot of stubble.

We went shopping yesterday, I am almost done with my Christmas shopping. (I am still waiting on DH's list, he hasn't given me one yet.) Maybe the tree will go up today (or tomorrow) I was hoping for yesterday, but it didn't happen. LOL

Until later~

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

When I count my blessings today I will count all of you!!
Until later~

Peanut Butter cookies hot from the oven!! YUMMMMM! Oh so tasty. And you know the bestest part- DH made them (and cleaned up afterwards!!)

I am making homemade rolls today- the only request mom had for me to bring to dinner tomorrow. Ahhhh, the smell of yeasty bread baking on a cold day.

I hope that all of you celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow have a great one. And I pray everyone takes a few moments to count your blessings- you just may find that you are Blessed Beyond Measure!!!

Love to all!!

Until later~

A Homespun Christmas card

I bought this retired TAC stamp set from another Angel, (Hi Trudy!!) and as soon as I got them in the house I had to ink them up!! :-) I love Primitives and anything Homespun, so I can't recall why I didn't order this set before it retired.

Here is my take on a Homespun Christmas card. I used the Matchmakers cardstock, because it has a white core it looks so cool when you distress it with a sanding block. The Burnt Umber Palette ink and a dauber gives all the cardstock an age worn, well loved look. Of course then I had to add the ribbon (thin strips of torn Homespun fabric would have worked too- I just didn't want to run to my stash in the basement to find some) and Scrappers Floss (this color reminds me of jute.)

Tips-

**The card base was stamped using a snowflake stamp and Versamark. When using this brand of cardstock you have to lightly sand over the Versamark to make it pop. I use a sanding block- it is easy to hold and it is a very fine grit.

**The Scrappers floss is actually made from paper- so unlike thread- it holds it shape. To get my curlicues I wrapped the ends of the floss around the tip of my paper piercer very tightly, I then carefully slip the piercer out to leave the curls. Ta da- curlicues!!

Until later~

Monday madness 11-24

Saturday's post was a lot of fun. And you all (I had to refrain from saying "ya'll") spotted every one of the changes. I Added the snowflakes, colored the bears muzzle, added glitter to the circle with the image, added the white dots to the scallops (using a white chalk pen- love that pen!!) and the final change was the scarf- I skipped the glitter on the new one.

If you would have stopped by to visit us on Saturday this is what you would have seen. And you would have heard these 3 yelling, "Touchdown!!" several times. LOL Haileybug was even getting into the game- so funny. Oh and no I was not wearing the Scarlet and Gray, just call me Un-American. LOL (I was just wearing mom clothes. LOL)

Some of my Christmas cards in a necked tin. Oh my, looks like altering the tin will have to be added to my TO DO list. LOL
Today's Blessings:

Lucy is such an amazing dog. She is always so loving and patient with the kids. This picture makes me smile- one of those ear to ear smiles. She had just planted a big sloppy kiss on Hunter's cheek, and was followed by, "Dog germs!!" and he ran and washed his face. LOL

Now for the Million Dollar Question- Why, oh Why did Hailey feel the need to get up at 5:30 this morning? Could be she had an exrta long nap after church yesterday (we had our Church's Thanksgiving dinner following the morning service so it was late when we got home) and then she went to sleep early last night.

Until later~

Before and After

Before

After.

Other than the back ground, which 5 things did I change? LOL

I hope you all are having a great weekend!! We watched the Buckeyes defeat Michigan earlier. Woo Hoo way to go Bucks!! We are just bumming now. LOL

Until later~