Just another Scrappy Day

I got out my square scrap box yesterday and made this card. 

Stamp set Blooming with Kindness.

Color Pallet: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, and Marina Mist. 

I had a strip of designer paper so I pleated it and used a small stapler to hold the pleats. I first stamped the flower on the crumb cake base with early espresso then added color using sponges, but I didn't like it. So I then stamped the flower on Marina Mist, and fussy cut it out and layered it over the stamped image. If you click on the photo to get a closer look you'll see that there is a Cherry Cobbler shadow going around the Marina Mist flower. 

I woke up to snow today, and it is still coming down. Wish I didn't have to babysit today as I really don't like driving in the snow. Hoping it will stop and the roads will be clear by the time I have to leave this afternoon. 

While I took the picture of the completed card I popped the disk out of the camera and it hit the floor. I didn't see where it had landed and while I tried to find it I accidentally rolled over it with my desk chair. You guessed it now the disk is not working. Had to borrow hubby's camera this morning. I'll have to get a new disk for my camera. If its not one thing....its another!

Stamping trails

Karen

For my Friend

 In Memory of Kiwi, Max, and Captain

In my heart I know you loved me,

as much as I loved you.

I pray you've found peace,

that's helped to see me through.

I thank you for bringing joy to my life,

and the smiles you've brought to me.

May God guide you on your journey,

and may your spirit always fly free. 

So sorry to hear about the loss of your birds Marianne. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. 

The three birds died on Monday due to an unforeseen accident.  First photo is Max, second one is Captain.

Updated to add a picture of Kiwi.

We are thankful that Sadie (19 year old Quaker) was unharmed.

Love you!

Stamping trails

Karen 

Happy Birthday Skip!

Happy Birthday to my honey Skip. 

You may remember from yesterdays post that I was going through some cards. Well I found this "vintage" one that I believe Connie made for me several years ago. I thought it would make the perfect card for Skip. 

His favorite color is red and in the summer while he's working in the garden he always wears his cowboy hat. 

Here is a close up of the "belt" at the bottom of the card. Just love it! 

Remember about the boston creme pie? Well I decided to buy one for him, but not only did he get the boston creme pie he also got a strawberry cheesecake. Isn't love sweet! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Late but Early

So I was cleaning up around the stamping studio yesterday and stumbled on some cards that I forgot I had. I enjoyed going through them all. This one was made by my friend Lisa. I had to laugh as the message in the card read I know this is late but Happy Saint Patrick's Day. 

Since I've been into framed art lately, and have been collecting picture frames from the Goodwill I decided to frame this piece. So Lisa you may have been late (several years ago as I know this card has been around that long) you are early this year. 

The stamp is from House Mouse Designs, and I think the designer paper used is by Basic Grey. Lisa did some great coloring on this one. 

To my friends at Pleasant Hills Church I have a large box of cards to donate to the church. I'll drop them by soon. 

Tomorrow is hubby's birthday. He'll be 56. I need to figure out if I'm buying him a cake or making one for him. He has requested Boston creme pie. Think I'll be buying one as I've never made one before. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Red Carpet Cat, Lighted Wine Bottle

So I came into the lower level yesterday morning to find Burbank laying one the desk chair that was covered with a red velour blanket. You can't see in the photo but there was even a pillow under him. Talk about the lap of luxury. I think Burbank is just relaxing till the Oscars come on. Oh did I mention that that chair he is relaxing in is right in front of the big screen TV. It's a cats life. 

I made a wine bottle mini light lamp yesterday. I saw it in Craft's magazine and since I decorating the kitchen in grapes now I thought it would be perfect. The mini string of lights is battery operated. I like how the cork was wrapped with wire and looks like its popping out of the bottle. 

Stamping trails

Karen

I Got Cards in the Mail

Got some great cards in the mail yesterday. Thanks Kat for sending them to me. These cards were part of a Stampin'Up! workshop that my upline Lori did for Kat. 

So colorful. I have some bottle caps I need to start using some!

This card I received from Marianne. When I first started to open the card I thought she had sent me an early Saint Paddy's Day card because it was green and gold. Love the lattice work. The gold on the card is sparking vellum. Really pretty. Thanks Marianne!

I did some major cleaning yesterday. I think I have early Spring cleaning fever. Make it stop! Won't be doing any cleaning today. Hoping to find something fun to do. I need a break. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Easter Gift in Progress

Okay I feel like I'm in the fairy tale Goldilocks and the three bears. Let me explain why.

I wanted to make some little gifts using the peat pots I had bought. I had the idea to use one egg that would fit perfectly in the pot. One that I could fill with some flower seed packets. Well this one is not quite large enough. I had to fill the bottom of the peat pot with paper shreds to lift the egg up high enough to be seen. 

 

This one as I'm sure you can see is way to big. While it is large enough to hold the seed packets it over shadows the container. Also not the right shade of yellow as the smaller egg. 

Now I know out there somewhere there is an egg that is just like the little baby Bear's porridge....just right! 

I'll keep looking. 

 

Color pallet: Vanilla, Perfect Plum, More Mustard, Pear Pizzazz.

Accessories:  Basic Gray two toned ribbon, flower trim, Secret Garden stamp set, and Secret Garden Framelits, Labels Collection Framelits, pearls, peat pot, cream crochet thread, 1 1/4 scallop circle punch, large cello bag, mini glue dots, red line tape. 

 

 

 

We are under a storm warning today from 6am to 2pm. Going to have sleet, snow, and ice. Glad I don't have to drive anywhere. By the afternoon its suppose to clear up and just turn into rain as a warm front comes in. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Misc things I purchased

I wanted to share with you some things I've purchased this month.

Found these great tall paint cans at a local store called Big Lots. They were only .50 each! 

Thinking that these will make some great Easter baskets. Now I just have to decide how I'll be decorating them.

The clear stamp is by TPC Studio and I found it at JoAnn's. I normally buy any and all stamps that have to do with sewing. I know I'm such a collector queen! Love, love, love the word stamp that reads "sewing mends the soul"

OOOO and those antique scissors! 

Now this is a fun little loom. Its 4x4 inches. Made by Donar Products from the 1930's up to the 70's

I found it at the goodwill for 1.00. Since again I like to collect "vintage" crafting items I couldn't pass it up. Reminds me of the all the potholders I made as a kid with the oh so colorful loops of yarn and a larger loom. This one didn't come with the needle, but I think I'll be able to find one long enough to work. I think certain craft needles would work. 

Knee is better this morning thank goodness for cortisone shots!!!!

Stamping trails

Karen 

Happy Birthday Peat Pot

Well I went to the doctor this morning and got a cortisone shot. Knee is feeling much better! 

I think the cold has really been wreaking mayhem on my arthritis. 

A friend had a birthday this week so I whipped up a little peat pot good container. 

I used the wide two tone Pink Pirouette ribbon and ruffled it around the inside top of the pot. Hot glue works really well for this step. Since I still had some tulle that my Christmas presents were wrapped in sitting around the stamping room I used that to line the pot. To that I added some embellishments. 

Pleated flower was made by cutting a strip of designer paper 1inch by 12 inch. This was scored at 1/4 inch all the way across the strip. Used 3/4 circle punch as a base to adhere the flower to. 

Its snowing here but that is not going to stop me from doing some shopping this afternoon. Me and John are going to do some thrift store shopping. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Blooming Birthday

I think this card is a little busy but I do like the colors

Color Pallet: White, Midnight Muse, Gumball Green, and Marina Mist.

I do like the flower image stamped on the two tag die. 

Stamp set Blooming with Kindness

Gumball Green ribbon, stick pin from the Clearance rack.

Got an appointment with the doctor tomorrow at 10 am. I was in so much pain the other night that I pretty much stayed up all night. My arthritis has traveled now to my left thumb. Wouldn't you know its my stamping hand. It is doing better today as I've been taking the anti inflammatory meds that that doctor gave me for my knee, and speaking of knee my right knee is out again. I did go 2 weeks past the 3 month mark so the last injection worked pretty good. I was trying to hold out till next month so I could get both the knees done at the same time but that is not an option now. Sucks getting old. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Under the Weather

Haven't been feeling well the past few days. Just wanted to do a quick update to let you know I won't be posting for a few days.

Stamping trails
Karen

Bring on Spring

Cold this morning. Making me wish for Spring to come quick! 

Since I want to see flowers soon I thought I'd stamp some to see if the images would perk me up. 

Stamp set Blooming with Kindness

Color Pallet: Naturals White, Soft Suede, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, and River Rock

Added some flower trim, and pearls. 

I got a little over the top shabby chic on this card. Used a mister filled with water to spray the flower stamp before I stamped it on the card. Spritz with Soft Suede, and glimmer mist. After that I crumbled the entire panel up and added more color to the crease lines. 

My knee has been acting up. I called yesterday to make an appointment to get a cortisone shot and they wouldn't give me one till it was cleared with the insurance first. Well they never did that before. Must have been a change since the new year. 

Going to the mall later today. Don't really need to shop I just want to get out and walk somewhere warm. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Dark Chocolate Banana Avocado Bread

 

I received this card and sweet candy stick yesterday right on time for Valentine's Day. 

Big thanks to my friend Lisa for making these for me. Love them both. The candy stick turned out great! 

 

If my readers are anything like my niece Autumn you may be making a face while reading the name of this bread. 

Dark Chocolate Banana Avocado Bread. I found the recipe on Pinterest and changed it up a bit. I swear this is very good! The bread is dense but very moist. So if your brave enough to get pass the name try it! You won't even taste the avocado, but you will get some healthy fat in your diet. 

2 ripe bananas

1 avocado 

1 cup sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp salt

1/4 cup dark chocolate powder (I used Hershey)

1 1/2 cup flour

1 egg

preheat oven to 350

mash the bananas and avocado, add sugar, olive oil, lemon juice and egg, mix well

In a larger bowl combine the remaining ingredients. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry. Spray loaf pan with cooking spray and pour batter into it. Bake for one hour. 

I think the next time I make this I'll cut the sugar down to 3/4 cup. 

Since there is a lot of healthy fat in this I didn't want to over indulge so I cut the bread into thin slices and popped them in the freezer. When I want a chocolate treat with my afternoon tea I'll take out a slice.

Hubby surprised me with very nice heart pendant for Valentine's Day. Its very pretty and I was really surprised as I told him not to get me anything.....Hmmmm maybe I should tell him "not to" more often! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Happy Valentine's Day

 
 Got a Valentine gift and cards from my nieces. Autumn made the large heart card. So cute how she did the open me, and additional lines as the card unfolded. Lilly made the card with the cute heart punches alone the center. They also gave me a heart cup filled with candy and attached to the balloon.

 Blogspot has changed there format again so I was having trouble posting this. Guess I'll have to figure out the new format again.

 Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Stamping trails
Karen

Natural Composition Specialty Paper

I received the latest issue of Stampin Success the other day, and found a new way to use the Natural Composition Specialty paper (126917 page 162). Since the images on the paper are embossed its easy to add color to them with markers, or sponges. The embossed images will resist the ink you just need to use a paper towel to wipe it off after you are finished coloring. 

I made this quick and easy card last night. The flowers were colored with So Saffron and Melon Mambo markers. 

Color Pallet: Blushing Bride, Old Olive, So Saffron, and Melon Mambo. 

Stamp set Bloomin' Marvelous. 

Added a strip of flower trim across the bottom of the panel. 

Since I don't have plans to go out today I'll be cleaning (yuck, but I still have Spring fever), and working on some Easter projects. Woke up with some pretty sore knees. I'm trying to hold out till the beginning of next month before going in for the cortisone shot. I don't want to go in now then have to go back in a month to have the shot in the other knee. 

Stamping trails

Karen

More Valentine Cards Yes Please

I made this card early yesterday morning. Got up at 6 am and just wanted to stamp. 

Used Everything Eleanor, Hearts a Flutter, and That's the Ticket stamp sets.

Color pallet: Sahara Sand, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler, and Vanilla. 

Received another great Valentine card. This one was made by Connie. Love the cascading hearts, and the cute little heart stick pin that is in the ribbon bow. Thanks Connie!

No big plans for the day. Going babysitting later. This morning I'm going to do some much needed housework. YUCK, but hey it has to get done. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Great Time at Stamp Camp

Had a wonderful time at stamp camp yesterday. Always so good to visit with the ladies of Pleasant Hills Church. 

I have been doing some stamping with a new set Everything Eleanor. I really like the card made with Midnight Muse. The color reminds me of blue jeans. 

So I got home from the camp at 8 pm only to find that the "boys" had decided that Burbank needed a bath. The cat was wet when I walked in the door and came running to me meowing his little head off. I think he was trying to tell me just what the "boys" did to him while I was gone. 

Since they used the bathtub to wash him of course I was the one who was scrubbing the tub at 9 pm. 

I think next time I leave I'll take Burbank with me. 

I'll be off to babysit this afternoon. Still working on the afghan. Its coming along nicely. Warmer today going to be in the low 40's. I need a break, and wishing Spring would get here already!

Happy one day late Chinese New Year. I hope that "Snake" stays away from me as I was born in the year of the Rat. Don't snakes eat rats? 

Stamping trails

Karen

Cards by Kat

Received some great cards from Kat.

Love the Valentine card. She used red glimmer paper for the hearts and the birds are embossed. She told me the bird stamp is actually from a Christmas stamp set. Works great for Valentines. Thanks Kat!

Busy day planned. We need to go over to Katie's house. She is having problems some plumbing problems in the bathroom so Skip is going to fix it for her. After that we need to stop and do the grocery shopping. Thankfully it is suppose to be warmer today and the rain/snow mix is over. Later today I'll need to pack up my bag and stamping projects for stamp camp I'll be doing tomorrow. Yes going to be busy!

Stamping trails

Karen

Two Tag Treat Holders

Making little Valentine goodies for my nieces. 

These are super easy to make with the two tag die. After cutting out the cardstock with the die I used the small heart from Hearts a Flutter Framelits to make the heart shape in the handles. 

The tags were scored along the bottom at 3/4 inch. Then overlapped and glued together at the bottom. These holders will fit a small box of Junior Mints, but I'm sure they can be adapted to hold other candy. 

The More Amore designer paper used for a band was cut at 1 3/4 by 6 inches. Then scored at 1 1/2, 2 3/8, 4 1/8, and at 5 inches. 

Busy day. Me and hubby had to drive the cars to Medina to get E checks, then off to the BMV to get new tags. After that we stopped and got lunch. He had to go to work by that time so since I was already in Medina I thought I'd swing by JoAnn's. Got a little stamp set. The weather is bad! Lots of wind, rain/snow mix. At least we are not going to get the full affect of the winter storm Nemo. 

Stamping trails

Karen 

More Frame Art

I know I'm posting late today. Couldn't get my act in gear earlier today. 

I picked up this frame at the Goodwill. Replaced the art work in it for my own. More Amore designer paper used. I took a white paper doily and sponged it with Crumb Cake ink and around the edges with Early Espresso. Next I crumbled it up to make it look more vintage. Added some elements from the Artisan embellishment kit

Close up of the main piece

I'm off to babysit this afternoon. Also need to run to the post office. Speaking of post office....did you read about them no longer delivering mail on Saturdays? Not suppose to start till August of this year. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Desiger Paper Card

I'm a little late posting today. My son had my digital camera. Kids always taking things! 

I made this card using More Amore designer paper. I like how this sheet has a saying printed on it. My cut wasn't as good as it should have been as I see that I cut part of the "a" off. 

The only stamping done is the heart in the center of the punch. Little hearts across the bottom are from the owl builder punch. Added rhinestones in the center. 

We got another 2 inches of snow, but all clear now and the sun is brightly shining! Making me feel better. I helped hubby shovel some yesterday and today I'm paying for it as my shoulder is hurting. On the plus side its my right shoulder and not my stampin arm! So I'll be able to work on some more projects this afternoon. 

Stamping trails

Karen

3x3 Frame Art

So me and John stopped by the Goodwill and I found this really cute and vintage looking 3x3 frame that still had the plastic around it. I knew right away it would be perfect for a small Valentine theme frame art. No stamping at all in this little project. I used More Amore Specialty designer paper for the base and layered a matching laser heart over that. The Love ticket, and vintage trim is from the Artisan embellishment kit. 

Sponged a flower trim rose with Real Red ink, and then added some pearls. Really quick and easy project, and the great thing about it was the frame was only .50 cents.

 

Okay let me tell you a little story about the value of cleaning up your stamping desk when you are finished with it. While working on the Valentine cards I showed you on Monday I noticed I was missing a heart stamp from the set. I looked everywhere for it. I checked other stamp sets as I thought maybe I put it in the wrong case (which by the way I do quite often), nope wasn't in any of them. I moved things around on the desktop thinking it was laying under something, nope it wasn't. Then I took everything out of my trash can one piece at a time thinking that maybe it got swept away into the can, nope not there. Checked the floor to, but no stamp to be found. I had all but given up hope, but you know what they say about when you stop looking for something that is when it will turn up. Sure enough when I got out the stamp case that I have all my Love and Valentine greetings in I felt something strange on the bottom of the box. Turned it over and there was the missing heart stamp. It had clung to the bottom.

Mystery solved. Now do you think for one minute that I'm going to learn by this little ordeal and clean the desk as I go? I'll try but I'm sure I'll slip into my old messy ways, and I wouldn't want to be any other way. I'm going to chalk it up to me just being creative. 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Making Valentine Cards

While waiting for the Super Bowl to come on yesterday I made some Valentine cards. 

Cased this from Tami White. Love the chalkboard technique. 

Color Pallet: Basic Gray, Regal Rose, Basic Black

VersaMark, detail white embossing powder, white watercolor pencil, embossing buddy, flower trim also used. Stamp sets: Hearts a Flutter, and Pennant Parade. 

Its easy to add color to the cream color flower trim by sponging ink color on it. 

We got a little more snow. I think Burbank got mad at me yesterday for taking pictures of him when he wanted to come in. He decided not to come home this morning. So I'll spend the day worrying about him. 

Off to babysit later today. Going to warmer in the 30's and let me tell you that is an improvement! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Elephant Blows Hearts, and Snow Covered Cat

I love the Henry Says stamp set! The first time I saw this set I thought of the elephant game where the elephant blows butterflies up through his trunk and kids catch them in a butterfly net. My kids were a bit to old for that game when it first came out. I should have got it anyway....for me! 

Color pallet: Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Bashful Blue, Early Espresso.

I sponged blue and olive on a white panel then stamped the elephant on it. The elephant was stamped again on Crumb Cake and fussy cut out then popped over the image on the panel. 

So I woke up to snow this morning....so did Burbank. He was out all night and as soon as I opened up the curtain to the sliding glass door he was there waiting to be let in.  

Okay mom....you took enough pictures of me covered with snow......let me in please. 

We got about 4 inches of snow yesterday. When we got back from our mall walking I wanted something comforting so I made banana bread. Warmed up the kitchen really nice and was very good with a cup of coffee!

Today I'll be hanging around stamping, and maybe working more on the afghan. Going to watch the Super Bowl later in the day. Go 49'ners! 

Happy Birthday to my Mom Gladys who would have been 81 today. Miss and love you mom! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Valentine Topper, and News from from Phil

I stopped by Hollo's paper store earlier in the week and picked up some treat bags. They measure 3 1/4 x 5. Filled them with conversation hearts and added a doily topper. Hearts are from Hearts a Flutter stamp set. Inked with VersaMark then embossed with detail white embossing powder. 

So I see the Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow this morning which means we will have an early Spring. I'm hoping he is right. I woke up to snow this morning. We are suppose to get 2 to 4 inches before the day is over. I don't plan to go out till later today so I'm still wrapped in pj's sipping on some hot coffee.

This cold weather has been really bad for my arthritis. My poor knees have just been sore. Trying to keep them warm as I have resorted to wearing thermals under my clothes. That has been helping some. 

Still working on a afghan. Making granny squares. Maybe I should start sewing some of them together soon so I keep it on my lap while I'm working.Nothing warmer than an cozy afghan. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Happy February

Its the 1st day of February and I receive my first Valentine's card. Big thanks Marianne! The card is beautiful and just made my day. 

And speaking of Marianne we have been chatting about the weather that we have had this week. During the course of the week we have had: Rain, Thunder storms, Freezing Rain, Sun, Warm temps that reached 64 degrees, Snow, and wind chills into the teens. Only in Ohio (and some other Northern States) can the weather change so quickly. No wonder my knees are hurting so much! The quick changes have been wreaking havoc with my arthritis.

Wonder what the Ground Hog will have to say about all this tomorrow. 

Not going out today. Not babysitting so I think I'll hunker down and try to keep warm. Since I cleaned the stamping studio earlier in the week.....I'll just enjoy messing it up again! 

Stamping trails

Karen