Bike on a Doily Card

I stamped the bike on the top doily then crinkled up the edges and glued that to another doily so it would have more dimension. Used a sponge to add Daffodil Delight to the center of the wheels. Added some bakers twine and the saying and called it finished.

Color pallet: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight

Stamp sets are both from Stampin'Up! Sell-a-Bration. Felling Sentimental, and Vintage Verses. 

So Burbank my cat woke me up at 2:30 am Wednesday morning. He was just crying. So I got up pet him and let him sit on my lap for bit. Then I was awake so I did some light cleaning, and surfed the web. It was a very warm 64 degrees. I got back to bed around 5:30 and dozed off only to be woke up again by wind and rain beating at the windows. I did manage to fall back asleep and got up at 8. At that point the temps had dropped to 48. At least it had stopped raining by the time I got to Kate's house. We had a good visit. Took her shopping to a few different stores, then stopped and got lunch. Talked a lot and cried a bit, but all in all it was a good day. She is holding pretty well considering losing Michael.

Today I'll be going out to babysit and bundling up as its going to be in the 20's the rest of the week, and weekend and of course with that the snow will be falling. At least today is the last day of January and Winter is half over. Days are slowly getting longer. 

And Burbank is soaking wet! He went out and got caught in the rain. Nothing worse than a wet kitty that insists on drying off by rubbing on me, and jumping on my lap. Cats...... gotta love them. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Mixed Up Cactus

So I was watering the plants yesterday only to discover that my Christmas cactus must have gotten mixed up with loco weed. Remember this is the cactus that I've had since 1994 and blooms for Thanksgiving every year and not in December. So this past year it was right on time fully covered with pretty blooms, and all of them gone by Christmastime. 

So now I find more blooms on it which it has never bloomed more than once a year in all the time I've have it. Maybe its a Valentine's Day cactus? Or maybe a Chinese New Year cactus? Maybe its trying to tell me not to worry as Spring will be here soon? 

And speaking of Spring......

I got the spring cleaning bug yesterday morning and was cleaning everything that wasn't nailed down. I think it must have been that 63 degree weather we had. I took a break from the cleaning to take a walk and even though it was cloudy, and damp out it felt so good just to be outside and warm! 

Heading over to spend the day with MIL Katie. Going to take her out to lunch and maybe do some shopping. With Mike passing last week I thought it might be good for both of us to visit and spend some time together. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Oh Hello...again

Well since I still had the stamp sets on my desk and a half sheet of white cardstock it was easy for me to make another card when I got home from babysitting. 

Color pallet: River Rock, Cajun Craze, Old Olive, white and Baja Breeze

I've been forcing myself to use some colors that I don't normally reach for. Very rarely would I select River Rock or Sahara Sand, but they are such good natural colors that I should start embracing them!

 The only layer on this card is the chevron piece. I used markers to color the image, stamped it on white then cut, and popped it up on the card. Love the large rhinestone at the bottom of the chevron. 

We are having a tropical heat wave! Well maybe not that warm but it is suppose to reach 59 today. Whoo Hoo! Need a break from the cold. And.........

Speaking of cold I read an article that during February that you can lose weight without even trying. Since February is the coldest month your body will burn extra calories just trying to stay warm. Of course won't work in states that are still warm in winter months. So I'm putting it to the test. Going chart my weight during February and see if I do lose any pounds.....I'll keep you posted. 

Off to babysitting this afternoon. Later in the day going to clean up the stamping studio as it really needs it. Still working on the afghan. Its coming along pretty well but I'm thinking I need some more yarn colors so you know what that means.....road trip to Pat Catan's on Wednesday!

Stamping trails

Karen

Quick Card

Just a quick card today. I haven't been able to get in the groove to do anything the past few days. 

Stamp sets Oh Hello, and Feeling Sentimental. 

Color palette: Basic Gray, Sahara Sand, Cherry Cobbler, Elegant Eggplant

I love collage cards without layers. Quick and easy. 

Babysitting this afternoon. The only other thing I've been working on is a crochet afghan. It is a mindless activity which is what I need right now:)

Stamping trails

Karen

Heart Explosion Card

I had fun making this heart shape explosion card this afternoon. I started with a 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 piece of cardstock. After the folding was done I used a large scallop heart by Spellbinders and traced the shape on the outside then cut it out through all the layers. 

I used Hearts a Flutter stamp set along with some other misc words for the inside. The smaller cream color heart hides the black gingham ribbon that wraps to the front to make the tie. I love gingham ribbon and haven't used it in ages. But the black really looks good with the pink. 

color pallet: Black, Vanilla, Pacific Point, Regal Rose, and Pink Pirouette.

Here you can see more of the inside view.

Stamping trails

Karen

Valentine Box Card

I found this great video to make this box card. Finished size is 4 1/2 x 6. Best thing the card folds flat so it can be mailed. Wonderful way to use up scrap pieces of designer paper.

On the top of the card I used a new flower embellishments from SU.

Here is a size view so you can see how the card stands up.

Back of the box card is also decorated. Used Hearts a Flutter stamp set with the matching framlit die. Words be mine and hugs and kisses are retired word stamps also by SU. Words were inked with VersaMark and embossed with detail white embossing powder.

Color pallet: Real Red, Crumb Cake, Old Olive and Basic Black.

Such a fun card to make. If you'd like to try your hand at it here is the link

Stamping trails
Karen

Saying Goodbye

I wanted to share a poem that Michael wrote for his memorial flyer. 

Afterglow

I'd like the memory of me

to be a happy one.

I'd like to leave an afterglow

of smiles when life is done.

I'd like to leave and echo...

Whispering softly down the ways, 

Of happy times and laughing times

and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve,

to dry in the sun. 

There were so many people at the wake yesterday. It was good to see some family members that we haven't seen for a while. Everyone was trying their best to be brave. 

Some more info on the cancer Mike had:

Firolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma is a rare form of liver cancer that usually occurs in young adults with no history of liver disease. Each year, approximately 200 people are diagnosed with this cancer worldwide. Patients typically present with little or no symptoms. The recommended treatment is surgical removal of the tumor. When the tumor cannot be removed surgically or when there is a distant spread, chemotherapy is used, however, there is no standard chemotherapy regimen that has proven effective. Michael's tumor samples have been preserved to further the research and understanding of this disease in hopes of finding an effective treatment for future young adults afflicted by Fibrolamellar. 

Mike you were a brave young man. You fought so hard, and even when it was really hard you kept your sense of humor and thought of others. You will be missed. 

Love 

Aunt Karen

Loss

The family suffered a loss on Saturday. My husband's sister Kathy lost her oldest child Michael. He was 21 years old and had been battling cancer. The wake is today with the funeral on Thursday.

This card I made for mom in law Kate. She has 9 grandchildren is very proud and loves all of them just the same. I'm going over to pick her up this afternoon to take her to the wake. Going to be a very difficult day, but I know we will make it through it. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Another Stamp Camp Card

This is another clean and simple card we will be making at stamp camp. 

Stamp sets: Just Believe, and Crosses of Hope

Color Pallet, White, Basic Gray, Wistiera Wonder, and Elegant Eggplant.

Sunny today but cold. I have to go grocery store shopping. Not my favorite thing to do on a Saturday but can't be helped as we have to eat. Burbank will be sad if I don't get cat food for him. 

Still doing some prep work for the stamp camp. Thinking about heading out to mall later in the day. Get some walking in and maybe catch a movie. 

Have a happy long weekend!

Stamping trails

Karen 

Day of Gratitude Thank You

Another quick and easy card made with Day of Gratitude stamp set. 

Color Pallet: Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze, and Soft Suede.

I have enjoyed getting back to some clean and simple cards. 

Where was I yesterday with no post? I stayed more on the middle level of the house. Just to darn cold in the stamping room! 

I had to laugh the other day while getting out of the shower. I don't normally pay attention to the products in the bath tub, but I had to smile after reading the names of what I used.

Shampooed the hair with sun ripened strawberry.

Conditioned with tropical coconut

Body washed with orange and honeysuckle moisturizing beads liquid soap

And finally when I dried off I used warm vanilla sugar body lotion. 

So my body wasn't sure if I was trying to be a fruit salad, or a sugar cookie.

Stamping trails

Karen

Chilly, and Like a Hurricane

I received this adorable card in the mail today from my friend Marianne. It made me smile! Also made me think that hey Winter isn't all bad if I get a cute card like this one. Thanks for the card Marianne!

Inside view. And I'll take the suggestion to "bundle" up!

I was reading the paper last week and came across a listing for Hurricane Names for the year 2013. Well guess what? My name is on there. So I guess I'm like a hurricane. I felt that way earlier in the week when I went on a cleaning binge. Or should that be considered a white tornado? Here is the entire list.

Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dorian, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy.

Stamping trails
Karen 

Clean and Simple Day of Gratitude

I have a upcoming stamp camp with some wonderful ladie and,

they wanted to make some thank you and birthday cards. 

Since the group had purchased Day of Gratitude at the last camp they wanted to use that set for some of the card projects. 

Color pallet: white, Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi, Cherry Cobbler, and Early Espresso. 

Very quick card, but its eye catching with just the thin strip of cherry on the side. The flower was punched with 1 1/4 circle punch and popped over the medallion and leaf.

Although I do like to fussy cut the images with this set sometimes I just want to put the scissors down and use a punch! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Christmas Cards

My friend Kathy made a bunch of Christmas cards and sent them to me a few weeks before
Christmas.  I was just going through them again this weekend before putting them in my card boxes.
She did a wonderful job on them, and just wanted to share them on the blog.

Close up of some of them. I think there were 18 cards all together. 

Love all the embellishments and glitter paper used.  

She outdid herself! Thanks again Kat! 

We had a great warm weekend. Got up into the 60's on Saturday and in the upper 50's yesterday. Of course the warm spell has ended. We started getting rain last night. Temps won't get out of the 30's today. I'm hoping the roads don't turn into ice. Going to go babysitting this afternoon. I started another crochet project. This one will take me several months to complete. Glad I'm getting an early start on it. 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Ferris Wheel

Still working with Feeling Sentimental stamp set. I smudged a little ink on the bottom part of the image so to cover it up I added a star. 

Admit One ticket is from That's the Ticket stamp set and is in the new Spring mini. 

I wasn't going to purchase the ticket stub punch but since I really wanted the ticket stamp set I broke down and bought it. Glad I did!

Color pallet: Vanilla, Baja Breeze, Basic Grey, Crumb Cake, Marina Mist

I also went a little bit crazy purchasing from SU clearance rack. I got a ton of the pleated ribbon. Not to mention designer paper. But I really like the pleated ribbon. Looks great on this fun card.

Was wonderful warm yesterday. Got up to 62. Took down the garland and lights that were on the picket fence out front. The cat took full advantage of the warmer weather also, but he came home pretty muddy. With all the snow melting and the rain we had the ground was soaking wet. Burbank decided it was okay to lay down in it and he was covered with mud all along his belly and his back legs. Had to scrub it off best I could with rags and water as I was not going to give him a bath. Later I brushed him real good so that helped. I should have got a picture but I didn't want him running around the house tracking the mud while I got the camera. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Feeling Sentimental

This set is one of the stamp sets being offered in the upcoming Sale-a-bration campaign. 

 

I love this set as I love anything vintage (like me!) 

 

Color pallet: Crumb Cake, Midnight Muse, Early Espresso, and designer paper by Basic Grey (basics manila paper 6x6 pad)

 

I showed these to hubby and he liked them but suggested that there be a person on the card with the saying "There's only one of you". 

I told him that saying reflects the bike that is in the center front stamped with Early Espresso. So he relies that a bike is not a person and therefor can't be a "you". 

Me being me told him I'd find a pic of him cut out just his head and stick it on the bike. LOL

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

 

 

 

Clean and Simple Call Me

Just a clean and simple card for you today. This was done using a stamp from the upcoming Sale-a-bration sets. Just love this phone booth! The rose trim is from the Spring mini catalog from SU. 

Suppose to be 54 today! I can't believe it! Also going to stay in those temps through the weekend. Great time to be outside. I'll be planning some walks in the park. Of course next week the other shoe will drop and we will be back to BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

Oh well I'll enjoy it while it lasts. Winter will be over soon enough. I can't believe we are in the 2nd week of January already. 

Going to be babysitting later. This morning I'm going through some stamps. Have lots of wood mounted ones that I need to sell. 

 

 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Organizing

I found these cute little molds at the Goodwill a few weeks ago. I thought they would look great on my desk filled with stamping embellishments. I was right! Just adore them!

I was in a cleaning and organizing mood yesterday. So I cleaned up the house, did some wash, and found some homes for all the new stamping goodies I received during Christmas.

I even redid the clear stamp cases. I did have all background stamps going across these organizer drawers, but since I really don't use background stamps much I took most of them down. I kept a few that I do reach for and put them in between the stacks of clear stamps. So nice just to reach for a stamp set with out having to leave my chair. 

Stamping trails
Karen

Flower in January

It was nice and sunny yesterday. Made me think of flowers so I had to make a card with a flower on it. 

Color Pallet: white, Tangerine Tango, River Rock, Old Olive, Early Espresso, and Paisley Petals designer paper. 

I'll be doing some housework today and some walking outside. Going to be another bright sunny day with temps in the upper 40's. Now for this being only the 2nd week of January I can deal with temps like that. 

Me and John went to the goodwill last evening and I finally found a wooden chair that is a close match to the sewing table. I'm thinking I'll end up covering with fabric anyway. Going to paint and make new curtains for the sewing room so I'll use the curtain fabric to make a cover for the chair. Wish I could pain the room now but I think its going to have to wait till Spring. Lots of prep work needs to be done. John went he was in that room was none to kind to the walls. I see lots of spackling in my future. I think I'll get him to help. Only fair since he made the holes. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Happy Mail

Mail person filled my mailbox with a package from Kat yesterday. She made me a stack of guy cards. How cool is that? You can never have enough guy cards. Great job on them!

She also surprised me with some cool SU embellishments, and something I really needed....a flannel pillow case for my body pillow. It was so nice to cuddle up with it last night. Thanks Kat!!!!!

I have to swing by the grocery store and do shopping today. John informed me last night that there was nothing in the house to eat. Well of course that is not entirely true. I have run out of a few things, but I can still make a meal its just that John doesn't have things that he can make for himself when he decides he's hungry at 1 in the morning. Kids. 

Also will be babysitting this afternoon. Going to try to get in a walk before I have to drive over for bus pickup. So nice to see the sunshine, and to be a bit warmer! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Scarf and Beanie Cap for American Girl Doll

My niece Lil was really happy to receive the rag scarf and crochet beanie cap I made for her American Girl doll. I really didn't plan for the colors in the scarf to match the skating outfit that the doll has on, but for some reason it did. I just picked colors that I liked, purple, pink, and just a bit of gray.

We are now having what the weathermen are calling "January" thaw. Remember that snow we got a few days before Christmas? Well the temps are going to be in the high 40's and one day this week will be in the 50's so all that snow will be melting away. I'm not sorry to see it go. I love snow, but really only want to see it at Christmas time. Happy that it will be warmer this week, but of course they are also calling for a cold front to come in next week. Joy!

Stamping trails

Karen

Stylin' Snowfolk

Just had to play with another Christmas gift. Kat got the stamp set Stylin' Snowfolk. What a fun set! For this card I used some eye poppin colors.

Color Pallet: Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Pacific Point, and white

Now this snow lady really "Stylin" sporting these colors. I added some dazzling diamond glitter using a two way glue pen. Front of the card is embossed with Northern Flurry embossing folder.

Better view of the inside card.


We went walking yesterday then stopped by to see Skip' mom. Took her to dinner and spent the better part of the afternoon and evening with her. She was glad to have the company. Always good to visit with Katie.

My phone seemed to be working so I haven't replaced it yet. I have no idea what was going on with it the other day.

Don't have any big plans for today. Making chili, and maybe hitting the grocery store to pick up a few things for the week.

Stamping trails
Karen 

Poppers

I made these yesterday to go with the homemade chicken noodle soup. Yum they were good! 

Jalapeno Cream Cheese Poppers

1 8oz package cream cheese softened ( I used the less fat type)

4 oz can of chopped jalapeno peppers

1 tube crescent rolls (I used reduced fat type)

1 tablespoon sugar

Heat oven to 375

Mix the cream cheese, 1/2 of the can of peppers (drain them first), and the sugar

Open up the tube of crescents. Don't separate them. Instead unroll them and press the perforations together to seal the seams. Spread the cream cheese mixture using the back of a spoon. Roll up the crescents then cut into 32 pieces. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

I did some housework yesterday. I'm having trouble with my cell phone. Sorry Kat the phone cut out while I was on the phone with you. Not sure if its the battery or just the phone. John told me to replace it so I may be doing that this weekend. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Another Papaya Collage

Since I had not put away Papaya Collage stamp set I decided to make another card with it. 

This one also uses a new Sale-A-Bration set stamp set Vintage Verses. It has a set of four words that I really like. 

I also used a new embellishment that is in the Spring mini Designer Builder brads. Of course I had to used the natural trim, and I also used a strip of burlap that was just laying around on the floor. No really it was on the floor. I bought some burlap with the intent to make some flowers with it using some of the flower Sizzix dies. Well I never got to the flowers and the burlap was right where I left it. One of these days I'll be organized. 

Color pallet: Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Early Espresso, Vanilla, and Natural Composition Specialty Designer series paper. 

Winter is not even half over and I'm already sick of it. Way to cold here. BRRRRRRRRR. I'm dressing in layers. Only problem with that is when I'm up and cleaning I get over heated so I'm taking stuff off. I put it on and take it off. Sort of like the cat...he wants to go out, and he does for a few minutes, then he gets cold and starts pounding on the door. This goes on all day. Going to be a long winter! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Natural Trim, Papaya Collage, and Snow Cat

So glad I finally go Papaya Collage stamp set. Just love it! Also love the new natural trim that is in the Spring mini catalog. Oh and used more new stuff on this card, Itty Bitty Banners and the matching framelit that goes with the set. The strip of designer paper is from the Natural Composition Specialty designer pack. Its really nice! The music notes are raised so they look heat embossed. You get the wonderful embossed look without the added work. I'm all about that!

Color pallet: Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Soft Suede, and Rose Red.

Skip decided to take our cat Burbank out in the snow. Lets just said the cat was not thrilled about it. Soon as Skip put him down he bounded across the yard as fast as his little paws could bounce. Look at his tail. Straight up in the air he didn't want to get it wet. Click on the photo for a closer view.



Stamping trails
Karen 

Oh No...Pink Elephant

Isn't this just a cute pink elephant? He is from a new stamp set called Henry Says. The set has lots of great words, and things that can hang as banners from his trunk.

I also used a new Sizzix die. The pinwheel at the top right that Henry is holding was made using the die. 

Color pallet: Soft Suede, Pink Pirouette, Marina Mist, and retired Beau Chateau designer paper.

Skip filled the bird feeder and the birds were having a field day yesterday morning. I wish I could have got a closer picture, but the feeder is on the other side of the garden and I took this shot from the kitchen window which is quite a distance away. I also wish I could have caught the three large blue jays that where also flying around and enjoying the seed. Maybe next time.

Stamping trails
Karen 

Happy New Year, and Thank You

Happy New Year to all! Hope everyone has a wonderful new year. I know I'm looking forward to making tons of crafts this year. One of my goals is to make a scrapbook for just me. It will be a collection of photos from my youth through teen years. Been meaning to put that one together for some time now.

Also wanted to thank all my readers and followers of my blog. I enjoy blogging, and hope to continue with the blog in the coming years. I need to change my blog design so that is another goal I'll be working on.

This card uses items from the new Artisan Embellishments kit that will be in the new Spring mini catalog. The doily and flower button is from the kit. Fitting Occasion stamp set used. Color pallet: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, Real Red, and Vanilla.

Special thanks to Kathy for making me this wonderful technique book as part of my Christmas gifts. She did an awesome job making the cover. Just love it! The book is full of stamping techniques. She also did full size cards to show the techniques instead of using trading card size.

This is just one of the techniques found in my book. Awesome!!!! 

Stamping trails

Karen