Tea Lover

Earth Hour is Saturday!!!

2011-03-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

Hey, everybody;

I don't know if you know about Earth Hour, but it's mostly to raise awareness about the power we use. It's an hour spent without lights on. (Actually, in our family we don't use any electricity for that hour except for the fridge, freezer and clocks that would be a real pain to re-set...)

Check out the link for more info...

http://wwf.ca/earthhour/

(If I could figure out how to do it, I would include the "Countdown Clock" but the instructions don't work on a Mac... :( Or maybe it's just me!)

Winter Protest

2011-03-07T15:50:00.000-08:00

I found this today and it sums up my feelings precisely!

Wedding Card

2011-01-11T16:28:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share some of the cards I've been making the last little while (and not blogging about...)

I just loved this Ever After stamp and when a co-worker was getting married, I found the perfect excuse to use it!

And she looks good in purple, so I decided to use Elegant Eggplant and Pale Plum (retired) and Whisper White.

The background stamp in En Francais.

It was a simple card, but I thought the heart was so fabulous, it didn't need much embellishment. (And - besides - I frequently leave things to the last minute, so I don't have the chance to play with them as much as I'd like! Oops!)

A favourite knitting project!

2010-12-30T10:35:00.000-08:00

A very dear friend of mine gifted me with a really cool knitting book called, "Alterknits".

In it there are knitted screen doors, knitted silver jewelry, sweaters, socks, cushion covers, and a crepe paper crown (to name a few)!

We all (in the English tradition) wear paper crowns at Christmas dinner and she makes the crackers for her entire (extended) family every year (with an aunt). She hates making the paper crowns!

The week before Christmas, I went to the dollar store, bought some streamers and knit this up for her! (That's me in the photo - not her...)

It's the perfect combination of knitting and paper crafting. I used some of my scrapbooking ribbon along the bottom and for the ties at the back and self adhesive crystals for the peaks.

If I'd had the time, I might have stamped on it, spritzed glitter on it, added more brads, buttons, etc. What fun!

I think I'll make one for myself for next Christmas dinner. (And maybe my daughters, too.)

Birthday card for a friend

2010-12-29T10:34:00.000-08:00

Here's another card I've made in the last little while but haven't posted:

It's a birthday card for a dear friend. I used the Colo(u)r Coach to lead me to a cheerful, but not garish colour combo that I wouldn't have come up with on my own. I looked up Baja Breeze (because my friend has blue eyes) and it showed me the combo of Baja Breeze, More Mustard and Cherry Cobbler for its "sweet set" combo.

It looked cheerful but muted at the same time (weird, I know) so I used it! (Except I substituted Riding Hood Red 'cause I have lots of Riding Hood Red paper and I've run out of Cherry Cobbler! Christmas will do that to you!)

I also used my classy brass template and dry embossed the butterfly and the heart. It's hard to see in the photo (maybe if you click on it, it will be visible in the larger one) but it made it pop out and it looked great!

Stamps: Priceless
Paper: More Mustard, Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Tools: Classy Brass Template - Priceless, Embossing Stylus, Sponge Daubers, 1/16" Circle & Scallop Edge Border punches
Embellishments: Brads - pewter (from metallic brads collection)

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T23:45:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting in my living room waiting for Santa. My children are all together in my eldest daughter's bedroom which means they aren't falling asleep any time soon.

My husband will probably get more sleep than they will as he's already asleep on the sofa and they will wake up and bounce on our bed for about a half hour trying to wake him! (That's sort of my favourite part of the day! Well, actually, there are so many favourites. I don't think I can choose just one!)

Anyway, I hope you all have a marvellous day and are too busy having fun to read my blog (unless that's how you want to have fun - then by all means - do so)!

Best wishes for Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Daughter's Birthday Card

2010-12-22T09:46:00.000-08:00

So, because life isn't busy enough in December, I decided (15 years ago) to have a baby on the 15th! (And for those of you who don't know me, that's sarcasm...)

Anyway, among all the other things going on (Christmas Concerts, school plays, dance shows, visiting relatives, getting the tree, etc.) I was happy to sit down and make my wonderful girl a birthday card.

Stamps: Fox & Friends, Apple Blossoms
Paper: Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla card stock, Tall Tales DSP
Tools: Scalloped Oval & Wide Oval punch

Happy Solstice, everybody!

2010-12-21T07:57:00.000-08:00

This is my happiest day of the year. The sun is at the lowest point on our horizon, so there's nowhere to go but up!

I know I haven't been posting much, but life (as it is for everybody) has been very busy.

I've been making cards, but not finding the time to post. Now that the kids are out of school and all their extra curricular activities, I have a bit of breathing space.

And now the days are going to start getting longer! Yay!

So I just wanted to wish everybody a very happy Winter Solstice and I hope you find the time to enjoy the "re-birth" of the sun and celebrate every day the light that makes it to this sometimes grey and dreary corner of the planet (but still my favourite place)!

Here's something fun...

2010-10-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

I found this on a fellow Raveler's (the knitting community I belong to) blog (her blog is here) and I thought it would be interesting!

It’s been alleged that if you’ve seen over 85 movies you have no life. Mark the ones you’ve seen. There are 239 films on this list. Copy this list, go to your own blog, paste it in and put x’s by the ones that you have seen. Add them up, figure out whether you’ve got a life or not, and post it.

(X) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(X) Grease
(X) Grease 2
(X) Pirates of the Caribbean
(X) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest
(X) Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World’s End
( ) Boondock Saints
( ) Fight Club
( ) Starsky and Hutch

( ) Neverending Story
( ) Blazing Saddles
(X) Airplane
(X) The Princess Bride
( ) AnchorMan
( ) Napoleon Dynamite
( ) Labyrinth
( ) Saw
( ) Saw II
( ) Saw III
( ) Saw IV
( ) Saw V
( ) Saw VI

( ) White Noise
( ) White Oleander
( ) Anger Management
( ) 50 First Dates
(X) The Princess Diaries
(X) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
( ) Scream
( ) Scream 2
( ) Scream 3

( ) Scary Movie
( ) Scary Movie 2
( ) Scary Movie 3
( ) Scary Movie 4
( ) American Pie
( ) American Pie 2
( ) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp

(X) Harry Potter 1
(X) Harry Potter 2
(X) Harry Potter 3
( ) Harry Potter 4
( ) Harry Potter 5
(X) Harry Potter 6
( ) Resident Evil 1
( ) Resident Evil 2
( ) Resident Evil 3
( ) Resident Evil 4
( ) The Wedding Singer
( ) Little Black Book
( ) The Village

( ) Lilo & Stitch
(X) Finding Nemo
( ) Finding Neverland
( ) Signs
( ) The Grinch
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
( ) White Chicks
( ) Butterfly Effect
(X) 13 Going on 30

( ) I, Robot
( ) Robots
( ) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
( ) Universal Soldier
(X) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
( ) Along Came Polly
( ) Deep Impact
(X) KingPin
( ) Never Been Kissed

(X) Meet The Parents
( ) Meet the Fockers
( ) Eight Crazy Nights
( ) Joe Dirt
( ) King Kong
( ) A Cinderella Story
( ) The Terminal
( ) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris

(X) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
( ) Final Destination
( ) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
( ) Halloween
( ) The Ring
( ) The Ring 2

( ) Surviving Christmas
( ) Flubber
( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
( ) Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
( ) Practical Magic
(X) Chicago
( ) Ghost Ship
( ) From Hell
( ) Hellboy
( ) Hellboy II: The Golden Army

( ) Secret Window
( ) I Am Sam
( ) The Whole Nine Yards
( ) The Whole Ten Yards
( ) The Day After Tomorrow
( ) Child’s Play
( ) Seed of Chucky
( ) Bride of Chucky
( ) Ten Things I Hate About You

( ) Just Married
( ) Gothika
( ) Nightmare on Elm Street
(X) Sixteen Candles
( ) Remember the Titans
( ) Coach Carter
( ) The Grudge
( ) The Grudge 2
(X) The Mask

( ) Son Of The Mask
( ) Bad Boys
( ) Bad Boys 2
( ) Joy Ride
( ) Lucky Number SlevIn
( ) Ocean’s Eleven
( ) Ocean’s Twelve
( ) Bourne Identity
( ) Bourne Supremecy

( ) Lone Star
( ) Bedazzled
( ) Predator I
( ) Predator II
( ) The Fog
(X) Ice Age
( ) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
( ) Curious George
(X) Independence Day

( ) Cujo
( ) A Bronx Tale
( ) Darkness Falls
( ) Christine
(X) E.T.
( ) Children of the Corn
( ) My Bosses Daughter
( ) Maid in Manhattan
( ) War of the Worlds

( ) Rush Hour
( ) Rush Hour 2
( ) Best Bet
(X) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
( ) She’s All That
(X) Calendar Girls
(X) Sideways
( ) Mars Attacks
( ) Event Horizon

(X) Ever After
(X) Wizard of Oz
(X) Forrest Gump
( ) Big Trouble in Little China
(X) The Terminator
(X) The Terminator 2
( ) The Terminator 3
(X) X-Men
( ) X-2

( ) X-3
( ) Spider-Man
( ) Spider-Man 2
( ) Spider-Man 3
( ) Sky High
( ) Jeepers Creepers
( ) Jeepers Creepers 2
( ) Catch Me If You Can
(X) The Little Mermaid
( ) Freaky Friday

( ) Reign of Fire
( ) The Skulls
( ) Cruel Intentions
( ) Cruel Intentions 2
( ) The Hot Chick
(X) Shrek
(X) Shrek 2
( ) Swimfan
(X) Miracle on 34th street

(X ) Old School
( ) The Notebook
( ) K-Pax
( ) Krippendorf’s Tribe
( ) A Walk to Remember
(X) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
( ) The 40-year-old Virgin
( ) Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring

( ) Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
( ) Lord of the Rings: Return Of the King
(X) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(X) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(X) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
( ) Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
( ) Base-ketball
( ) Hostel
( ) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses

( ) Devils Rejects
(X) Elf
() Highlander
( ) Mothman Prophecies
( ) American History X
( ) Three
( ) The Jacket
() Kung Fu Hustle
( ) Shaolin Soccer

( ) Night Watch
(X) Monsters Inc.
() Titanic
(X) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
() Shaun Of the Dead
( ) Willard
( ) High Tension
( ) Club Dread
() Hulk

( ) Dawn Of the Dead
(X) Hook
(X) Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
( ) 28 days later
() Orgazmo
( ) Phantasm
() Waterworld
() Kill Bill Vol. 1
() Kill Bill Vol. 2

( ) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
( ) Kingdom of Heaven
( ) The Hills Have Eyes
( ) I Spit on Your Grave
( ) The Last House on the Left
( ) Re-Animator
( ) Army of Darkness
() Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace

() Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
() Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(X) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
() Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(X) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
( ) Ewoks: Caravan Of Courage
( ) Ewoks: The Battle For Endor
() The Matrix
() The Matrix: Reloaded

() The Matrix: Revolutions
( ) Animatrix
( ) Evil Dead
( ) Evil Dead 2
() Team America: World Police
( ) Red Dragon
(X) Silence of the Lambs
( ) Hannibal

() The Ghost and the Darkness
(X) The Meaning of Life (I'm assuming the Monty Python one...)
(X) The Sixth Sense
(X) Unbreakable
( ) Unforgiven
(X) Dances With Wolves

( ) Pale Rider
() GATTACA
( ) Children of Men
( ) Bubba Hotep
( ) Getting Married in Buffalo Jump
() Pitch Black
() The Chronicles of Riddick
(X) Men With Brooms
() Weekend at Bernie’s

Well, it turns out I've only seen 57 of these ones (I'm amazed at how many I want to see that I haven't seen yet!) but there are lots more that aren't listed that I have seen. (Gone With the Wind, Singin' in the Rain, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Sound of Music, anyone?)

And if you've seen 85 movies by what age? I mean, if you're 85 that's only one a year and that's totally not too many to have a life. Heck. Even I usually manage one a year!

Well, I'm off to my local movie rental place... I've got to catch up!

My baby is 18!

2010-10-05T17:44:00.000-07:00

Well, she's not my youngest baby, but she's my first baby and she's still my baby.

As a family we love to watch Dr. Who and she and I are the ones who started the tradition so when I suggested a Dalek cake (she's already had a Tardis cake) she was totally pumped!

So as I was posting this photo in a Ravelry (on-line knitting community which is a totally fun place to hang out on-line - way better than Facebook IMHO) discussion I realised that while I did the baking and the frosting of the cake, I let my other daughters do the actual decorating. Which is fine, but then I figured out that I did all the hard work and they got to do all the fun stuff! :(

Anyway, this is the final product:

I think it's very cool! And if you don't know what a Tardis or a Dalek is, just Google them and it can be your "learn something new" for today!

First card in a while...

2010-09-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

Well, because I've been travelling and it's hard to bring paper crafts with you, I've been doing a lot of knitting.

However, we finally cleaned up the basement area and I've sorted through some of my crafting stuff downstairs and it was my brother-in-law's birthday and I had some time... so I finally made a card! Yay! It felt so nice to sit down at my table and work with paper again.

Anyway, here's the end result:

He always comes to visit us when we're camping at Porteau Cove and he really likes to hike and spend time outdoors, so that was my inspiration for the theme of this card.

I also got the layout inspiration from a Splitcoast Stampers challenge.

Stamps: Happy Birthday (Stampendous), Happy Camper
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun, Whisper White, Good Morning Sunshine DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive

So about my trip...

2010-09-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry it's been so long, but it's been a very busy August and... well - you know what September is like if you have kids in school!

This is my favourite photo of the Eiffel Tower (I have about 200 of them!) and I won't share the other 6,251 photos with you. (Aren't you lucky? My family wasn't so lucky...)

I had such a great time and the food was fabulous! Mmm... French salads, Italian pasta... mmm...

(Now I'm going to go eat!)

Proud Mama...

2010-09-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

Wow! I just found this post on my list of posts. I was obviously not done bragging about my kids, but I thought I'd post this now before I forgot. Don't worry... I'll get around to bragging more about them soon!

Okay - I know it has nothing to do with tea, cards or knitting, but I have to brag about my kids... (You can leave the page now and I won't even know you did!)

My eldest, Emily:

She's won scholarships to SFU, UBC, from the Lions Club and Canadian Union of Public Employees and she got the highest grades of all the grade 12's at her school! And that's with 18 hours of dance class/week!

She recently consented to model for a photographer named Bill Yin looking to build his portfolio and here is one of the photos (his studio is called Beautyline Studio):

Here are the links to selections from the photo shoots:
http://beautylinestudio.com/slideshow_ballet_dancer/
http://www.beautylinestudio.com/slideshow_hoodie/
(I hope I'm not breaking any copyright laws... I'm not intending to!)

My second, Laurie:

Got 90% on her Science final exam (I'm a proud mother of a science geek!) and she also entered a design a t-shirt competition at her dance school and they chose her design for their year-end show t-shirt!

Trip of a Lifetime!

2010-07-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

I haven't been making a lot of cards or blogging much recently because in less than a week I'm finally off to see Europe!

I've dreamt about travelling around Europe since I was about 16 and, aside from a trip for my graduation where I went on a Mediterranean cruise with my Mum and my sister (which was awesome and I'm certainly not discounting it!), I've only seen the UK. I've been wanting to go to France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Italy, Austria... (oh - how many are there?)

Now my daughter is graduating and she wanted to go to Paris and Rome and a Mediterranean Cruise and I said, "Yay! Let's go!" So off we go to Paris for 7 nights, Venice for 2 nights, a cruise for 7 nights and Rome for 6 nights. How sweet is that!?

My husband hates travelling and exploring new places so I'm the one who gets to go. And I have two more daughters yet to graduate. I wonder where they're going to want to go...

Another Farewell Card

2010-07-04T07:35:00.000-07:00

I have another friend at work who was laid off so I made a card for him, too.

I have to say that we were surprised that he didn't get to keep his job because, although he has less seniority, he's a Physics teacher and they are usually so hard to find that although you get laid off, you're hired back right away!

It came as a bit of a shock when another teacher applied for his job... :(

I hope he lands on his feet and whoever gets to have him as a teacher is so lucky! I know I said that about my other co-worker friend, but it's true! The funny thing is that they are sooooo different, but they are both fabulous teachers and the kids like both of them a lot. It's amazing how that works. The one thing they have in common is that they are both really comfortable with the subject matter they teach and children (well - teens) and I think the kids really pick up on that.

I'll miss them both so much!

Anyway, here's the card:

I stamped the fern leaf in subtle ink, then in basic black to make it pop. I used my aquapainters to give the "unique" leaf some colour and then put crystal effects on it to give it texture and shine.

I think it's a very simple card, but really evokes the idea of being unique (as that's the stamp I chose from the Define Your Life set)

Stamps: Organic Grace, Define Your Life
Ink: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Sage Shadow, Garden Green, Old Olive, Certainly Celery
Paper: Basic Black, Sahara Sand
Tools, etc: Crystal Effects, Aquapainters, Edge Distressor

The New Catalogue!

2010-07-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

It's finally here!

Full of new colours, new stamp sets (including a knitting and a coffee/tea one!) and lots of new accessories.

Click here to download a digital version of it.

If you want a hard copy, you'll get one free when you place a $25 order with me or you can purchase one from me for $8. It's a great resource for ideas and inspiration!

Contact me to find out more!

Farewell Card

2010-06-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

So here is the promised card for my co-worker who's leaving at the end of this school year. (That's tomorrow! Boo! Hoo!)

I'm really going to miss her... I hope she knows how special she is. I keep telling her, but I'm not sure that she believes me.

Whichever school she ends up at will be so lucky!

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Basic Black, Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Pretty in Pink, Daffodil Delight

Yet another Sympathy Card... :(

2010-06-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

So I had to make another Sympathy card.

Here it is:

I don't really want to get into why I need a sympathy card. As usual, it's a sad story (but, for people who are concerned, not my sad story).

Stamps: Vintage Labels, Because I Care (from the new catalogue), Teeny Tiny Wishes, En Francais

Paper: Night of Navy, Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Bashful Blue

Inks: Night of Navy, Bashful Blue

Tools: Eyelet Border punch, Wide Oval punch, sponge daubers

Embellishment: Bashful Blue 1/4 inch grosgrain ribbon

Another Sympathy Card...

2010-06-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

I don't like these. :(

I keep meaning to make some to have on hand, but they make me sad, so I don't. Then I have to make them when the time comes.

However, in this case that worked out well because the deceased was a boater and so I used my favourite stamp set ever, Seaside. I might not have thought to use that one if I was making one in advance...

He was a good friend of my Dad's and I remember him as being quite a character when I was little. He had a great voice and laughed a lot.

My most vivid memory of him is actually him (at age 60 or so) in a Speedo diving off the side of our boat. Not a pretty sight, but he didn't care!

I thought he was such a cool character. And his wife taught Latin, of all things!

The things you remember of people when you're little. I've remembered some things about their family that my dad doesn't remember!

I guess that's the neat thing about people. They never really leave as long as they're remembered. And most people are remembered in such different ways by each different person. (Okay - I'm tearing up now. Time to sign off!)

Stamps: Seaside, Close as a Memory
Paper: Night of Navy, Sahara Sand, Whisper White
Inks: Night of Navy, Baja Breeze
Techniques: Sponging, tearing

Co-worker's Birthday Card

2010-06-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

Another co-worker had a birthday this week. (They keep doing that!) This one was a guy and he turned 40!

(I actually didn't know it was his 40th 'til after I made the card. I wish someone had told me!)

Anyway, I love the Voila set and the chef made me think of the guy I work with (not his shape - but his "joie de vivre"), so I checked out Splitcoast Stampers for some inspiration. I'm not sure if I CASE'd any one card, but took inspiration from many. So if you click here you can see all the cards uploaded to Splitcoast with that stamp set.

This is what I came up with:

The one on the left is the better picture, but I realised that I hadn't coloured in his neckcloth and his cuff! So I did and took the photo on the right...

Stamps: Voila
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Early Espresso (for the cake)
Markers: Daffodil Delight, Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist, Cajun Craze (for the middle of the flame)
Tools: Spritzer, sponge, 1 3/8" circle punch, Scalloped circle punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Daughter's Birthday

2010-06-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

I always find it difficult to make cards for the people who are most special to me (my kids).

The pressure is on to make it meaningful, special and appealing! I almost always also buy them a card because I find it hard to put in my own words exactly how I feel about them on their birthday... (I'm such a sap that I would go on and on!)

Anyway, I made this card and I tried to make it a bit more fancy, but every time I added to it, it seemed to detract from the card itself.

I had so much fun colouring in the images with my markers!

Stamps: Happy Moments
Paper: Barely Banana, Rich Razzleberry, Pretty in Pink
Markers: Barely Banana, Taken With Teal, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo
Ink: Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry

Sympathy Card

2010-06-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

The owner of my favourite store ever (the Knit & Stitch Shoppe) just recently lost her grandmother. She was 102! And, apparently, quite healthy & spry 'til just the week before.

Now don't we all wish for that sort of life?

However, it does mean that the people left behind miss

you all the more... so I made her this card.

I "edited" the sentiment in the Close as a Memory set by just inking part of it.

You can do that either by inking the stamp with markers, carefully applying the ink pad to just the part you want inked or applying scotch tape to the part you don't want inked, inking the stamp and then removing the tape before stamping.

It's really quite easy - just don't forget to remove the tape first! (Like I did the first time I tried that method.)

Stamps: Close as a Memory
Inks: Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Lovely Lilac, Elegant Eggplant
Papers: Certainly Celery, Elegant Eggplant, Lovely Lilac, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ribbon: Certainly Celery

Card in a hurry!

2010-06-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

I had literally 10 minutes to make a card for my husband's friend who turned 50 on Sunday.

Luckily I had a piece of Whisper White cardstock with some "Pocket Silhouettes" already stamped on it. (I honestly can't remember which colours they were - sorry! I think maybe Baja Breeze, Basic Grey and Not Quite Navy)

However, I inked the edges with Not Quite Navy, mounted it on Basic Black, stuck it on a Not Quite Navy card base added a piece of black grosgrain ribbon, put together a sentiment "pop-up" (from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set) and voila!

Not bad for a quickie, eh?

Then I had to quickly take a photo and sign it. Whew!

Card for my "extra daughter"

2010-06-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

I always wanted to have 4 daughters like my parents did. (I guess I'm crazy!) But I think my family growing up was not as awful as it could have been. My favourite thing to say about it is "My family put the 'fun' in dys'fun'ctional!"

Anyway, my body couldn't do a fourth pregnancy so I resigned myself to having only 3. (Believe me that now I'm grateful!)

However, conveniently, my very dear friend had a daughter 4 years ago and I've adopted her as my fourth!

It was her birthday last week and I made her a skirt and a card. Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo of the skirt, but here's the card!

Let me tell you that she received a lot of princess themed items because (I think it was before she was even born) her father, when asked what she was going to be when she grew up answered, "A Princess." (And really - aren't they all?!)

Oops! I almost forgot to put down the supplies I used!
Stamps: A Perfect Princess
Ink: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry
Paper: Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink
Tools: Scalloped Edge punch, Heat 'n Stick Powder, Embossing Buddy, Stampin' Glitter in Fine Cosmo, Stampin' Dimensionals

Co-worker's Birthday Card

2010-06-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

A woman that I work with had her birthday last month and I wanted to make a special card for her. She's an absolutely fabulous teacher, loads of fun to work with and someone who appreciates pretty things.

This is the card that I cased from Kari Linder. I was first introduced to her work on the Stampin' Royalty challenge blog, and I'm always impressed by her work. I found this card, however, on Splitcoast Stampers. (Here's the link to her card on their gallery.) I didn't even realise it was hers until I was trying to copy it. Of course I loved it, she's so talented!

Anyway, here's mine:

I wasn't there when my co-worker opened it, so I hope she liked it!

As it turns out, she's one of the local teachers who's been laid off. Let me tell you that it's a real shame to be losing her as a teacher and, personally, as a co-worker.

I'll miss her next year. :( (Stay tuned for a farewell card that I'll be sure to make for her!)

Stamps: Chic Boutique, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Cottage Wall DSP, Old Olive, Orchid Opulence, Whisper White

Inks: Basic Black, Old Olive, Orchid Opulence, Rich Razzleberry

Embellishments: Crystal Brad, Polka-dot Rich Razzleberry ribbon

Tools: Scalloped Oval, Large Oval, Small Oval, and Eyelet Border punches, Aqua Painters

My very busy weekend...

2010-06-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

So last weekend was probably the busiest weekend I've had in my entire life. (Including my wedding weekend!)

It is my eldest daughter's graduating year and last weekend they had both the ceremony (on Friday night) and the banquet (on Saturday night). Any girl who's ever been to a grad banquet or prom knows how much work that involves!

I also had to get my second daughter ready for a guiding camp she was going on that weekend. (That was Friday afternoon.)

I also had my garden in the "Art in the Garden" tour on the North Shore. That's where you have artists display their art in your garden and you also have musicians come and play in your garden. People tour through and you're supposed to be there to answer questions about the plants or what you feed your roses or whatever... (That was Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5:00 pm.)

And I had to pick up my second daughter from her camp an hour's drive away. (That was Sunday at 11 so we got home after the garden tour started.)

...And (no -we're not done yet!) we had company staying with us from England.

I'm still recuperating from that weekend. Two nights of wearing heels and two afternoons of standing around in my garden has done a number on my back!

Thank-you card for a man!

2010-05-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

Well, the school that I work at was new two years ago and all along the plans were for an island (like a kitchen island) in the laboratory prep. room (which is where I work). However, budgeting being what it is, it didn't get done.

So the Science department saved up money and decided to buy the materials and the maintenance department would give us the labour for free! However, when any school wants something built or fixed, we have to put in a work order and wait 'til the maintenance department can get to it.

"My" island was not on the top of the list (understandably) but it is something they like to do (being more interesting than repairing leaky taps, I guess).

It still took so long for them to get to it that one of the teachers was referring to it as "Fantasy Island"! But the Admin. Assistant kept asking about it and finally, two weeks ago it got installed.

Well, I was so pleased that I had to make a card for the man that installed it and all his co-workers that helped make it and transport it.

Here it is.

He was very appreciative! I guess people just don't get thanked for doing their job often enough. So if you get the chance, say, "Thank-you" to someone who deserves it whether it's "part of their job" or not! They will appreciate it and you will feel good.

(That's my bit of advice for the day. Good Karma and all that...)

Sorry for the long post!

Stamps: Loads of Love, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, Not Quite Navy

Markers: Ruby Red, Bordering Blue, Garden Green, Creamy Caramel, Brocade Blue, Taken with Teal, Really Rust (I had fun colouring - can you tell?)

Ink: Basic Black

Oh my goodness! It's been so long!

2010-05-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

You know, I didn't realise how long it's been since I posted! My daughters all dance and it's been Dance Competition Season as well as nearing the end of the year for the dance school, Girl Guides, etc. So time has got away from me!

Sorry!

Anyway, enough of the excuses. Here's a little anniversary card I made for my husband.

It is especially appropriate to give to him because he is a bit stinky!!! (Tee! Hee! He rides his bike home (an extra long way) for an hour after work, so he does get a bit stinky...)

I think the skunk is very cute!

Stamps: Pun Fun
Ink: Basic Black
Markers: Elegant Eggplant, Perfect Plum, Regal Rose, So Saffron
Papers: Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant
Tools: Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Die, edge distresser

Quick Birthday Card

2010-05-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

Last week my daughter had a last-minute birthday party invitation. So we bought the present on the day before the event and forgot about a card!

So while my daughter was at school I made this card quickly. She told me ahead of time that she wanted a bunny and a deer so isn't it lucky that I have the "Forest Friends" set?

And because I had scraps of the Certainly Celery cardstock left, so I cut it at small intervals and made little "tufts" of grass. (Because of my Scottish background, I don't like to let little scraps of anything go to waste! I think I've become a bit of a hoarder!)

I love the Forest Friends set. The animals are so cute!

And the card actually took me less than half an hour even though I cut out all the animals and the grass and had to fiddle with the Scallop Trim punch (because I don't have the Scallop Trim Corner punch) to make sure the corners turned out. See - it really is a quick card!

Spring-ish birthday card

2010-04-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

I made this birthday card last week after seeing Marie's entry for the Stampin' Royalty challenge blog.

I loved the look of her card and I love the new Beautiful Wings embosslit, so I thought I'd combine the two and this is what I came up with.

I put the snail adhesive on just one of the wings for the bigger & medium sized butterflies so that it looks like they're actually flapping their wings.

My children love it, I love it and I hope you love it!

Stamps: Well Scripted
Paper: Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Taken with Teal, Cameo Coral, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Ink: Taken with Teal
Accessories: Stampin' Up Beautiful Wings embosslit

My how time flies!!

2010-04-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

My daughter is graduating. This is a photo of her on her "Grad Cruise".

I look at her and it feels like just last week she was a baby and just a few days ago that she was a pre-schooler and just yesterday she was heading into high school!

Now she's dealing with all the issues I remember so clearly: "What am I going to do after high school?" "Why can't someone tell me what to do that will make me happy?" "How come I don't know these things?"

It's so hard because (as I remember) it seems that your whole life hinges on these decisions and it's really only when you're older that you realise these things are just choices and you can make other choices later if the ones you made at 17 aren't the right ones.

My heart aches for her, but I know that everything will turn out well for her. She is an intelligent, sweet, talented and strong (although she might not realise it) young woman.

I'm so proud of her and know that she's going to do really well in life no matter which path she chooses.

Thanks for reading my parental bragging!

50th Birthday Card

2010-04-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

So last Tuesday was my brother-in-law's 50th birthday. This is the card I made for him.

He's very fashionable and his wife (my sister) and daughter are both very artistic, so it's very intimidating to make a card for him!

This time I tried to make the inside a little more interesting, too.

Anyway, I thought he would appreciate the effort if not the finished product...

stamps: Trendy Trees, All holidays
papers: Not Quite Navy (retiring - very sad!), Urban Garden DSP (retired from last year)
ink: Not Quite Navy (boo! hoo!), Baja Breeze (coming back - yay!), Basic Gray
embellishments: pewter brads
accessories: stampin' dimensionals

Now this is more like it!

2010-04-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a birthday card that is so much more appropriate for my friend.

It's masculine, but not too... You see, he's definitely a guy, but he's a sweet, sensitive one. (Don't tell him I said so. He might be offended!)

Anyway, I love the Pendant Park stamp set. It's classy but not boring and there's another stamp that I used as a border on one of my scrapbook pages.

Stamps: Pendant Park, En Francais

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Ballet Blue

Accessories: Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #14

2010-04-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

This week's Stampin' Royalty challenge is the colour combination of

so I just had to do it 'cause they are all some of my favourite colours!

Here's my card... but before you look at it, I freely admit that I cased it from another participant in the challenge (so I'm not looking to win a favourite - just share the fun!) named Peggy. Click here to see her card. Isn't it cute?

Anyway, here's mine! (I actually intended this to be for a friend's birthday, but I quickly realised that it's just not for him. You know what I mean? So now I have to figure out who to give it to!)

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes

Card stock: Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron, Taken with Teal, Whisper White

DSP (Designer Series Paper): Delicate Dots, Flock Together

Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers (Taken with Teal, So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise), Stampin' Dimensionals, Stickles! (Don't you love stickles?!)

Big Stampin' Up Announcement!

2010-04-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

So, a couple of days ago, Stampin' Up made an announcement. They're doing a "Colour Renovation"!

It's taken me a few days to wrap my brain around it, but I'm getting very excited!

First of all, there are ten previous In Colours coming back including.... Baja Breeze!!! (Yay!) Also, some of my personal favourites, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango and Riding Hood Red. Then there are going to be five brand new colours and Kraft is now called Crumb Cake and has its own stamp pad!

Here's the new collection (as of July 1st):

They are now being called "Colour Collections" rather than "Colour Families"

These are the returning In Colours:

Baja Breeze

Melon Mambo

Pink Pirouette

Rich Razzleberry

Riding Hood Red

River Rock

Soft Suede

Tangerine Tango

Wild Wasabi

And these are the five brand new colours:

Marina Mist

Daffodil Delight

Cherry Cobbler

Cajun Craze

Early Espresso

And these are the colours that are going.... (Boo! Hoo!)

So if any of the colours that are leaving are your favourite, you should stock up on them now. (I know I'm going to be ordering some Taken with Teal card stock at least!)

The best thing about this colour renovation is that because Stampin' Up! wants this transition to go smoothly for all their customers they are offering "fill-in" kits especially designed for people who have complete collections of their current colours and want to have the full collection of the new colours.

If you have any questions please just phone me and I'll be happy to give you more information.

I can't wait!

More Knitting Projects...

2010-03-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

Well, as promised, here are a couple other of my knitting projects that I completed during the Olympics.

Here's a hat that I made for my daughter with leftover bits of yarn from old projects. Isn't it crazy?!

And this is a bowl I made before it was felted....

And after!

(Yeah, that's my husband. Isn't he a keeper?!)

Don't forget about Sale-a-bration!

2010-03-11T21:50:00.000-08:00

Sale-a-bration is over at the end of this month.

Check out the catalogue here.

Remember - with every $65 purchase you are entitled to any product in the brochure for free! (Free is always good.)

I'm placing an order this week so if you need to stock up on any consumables or have been waiting to add to your stamp collection there's no better time.

Contact me to place and order before the end of March and I will give you an additional 10% off! Free products and a discount! Yay!

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #10

2010-03-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm no longer a Stampin' Goddess (due to other life commitments and my time-management skills...) but that means I get to enter the challenges! Yay!

Here's my entry for their 10th challenge which is "Only Using Green(s)". Check it out at Stampin' Royalty.

Stamps: Scene in a Garden, Inkadoodle (bird)
Paper: Old Olive, Garden Green, Tall Tales DSP
Ink: Old Olive, Garden Green, Handsome Hunter, Gable Green, Always Artichoke

Sorry I've been remiss...

2010-02-27T10:43:00.000-08:00

If you wonder why it's been so long since I posted anything, well - it's mostly because I've been having problems with my back, which makes it hard to sit at the table to make cards and even a little difficult to sit at the computer!

I haven't been idle, though. I'll show you what I've been working on...

And...

You see, I'm belong to an online knitting/crocheting community called Ravelry. It's an international group and they're having an event called the "Ravelympics". It's a just for fun (and bragging rights) competition where you can sign up for teams or "compete" as an individual and challenge yourself to knit as many (or as complicated) projects as you can.

I belong to Team Canada (of course) and those two projects are in the event called WIP's Dancing (like Ice Dancing, but with Works In Progress). So both of those projects have been in the works and I hadn't worked on them since a month before the games started.

I have more projects that I've done from beginning to end, but I've got to go now so stay tuned to see what else I've done!

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #7

2010-02-17T00:09:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge is "Masculine Card".

I've decided to give myself an extra challenge by taking a very feminine stamp set and turning it into a masculine card.

Hopefully I'll remember to add the photo before this post goes live!

How do you think I did?

Stamps: Razzle Dazzle, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Extreme Elements, Sanded
Paper: So Saffron, Whisper White, Soft Suede
Ink: Bordering Blue, Soft Suede
Embellishments: Jumbo eyelets, Hemp twine
Tools: Crop-a-dile, edge distressor, sponge daubers, Word Window punch

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #6

2010-02-10T00:10:00.000-08:00

I couldn't participate in the challenge this week. You see, we decided as a design team at Stampin' Royalty that we would choose a challenge each month and all use the same stamp set or patterned paper or technique or something like that to show its versatility.

However, the stamp set we'd chosen for this week's Valentine's Theme is not one I own. Now, many of the lovely ladies on the design team were happy to lend me theirs, but I couldn't get my act together to find the time to go and borrow it! (And the evening when we had a meeting and got together and shared the set was the week I was sick!)

Anyway - enough excuses!

Please check out the Stampin' Royalty blog to see what the other Goddesses have done with their I {Heart} Hearts stamp set.

And remember: when you order this set (before Feb 28), $2 goes to Haiti Relief! So after seeing how versatile it is, contact me if you want to place an order!

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #5

2010-02-03T00:03:00.000-08:00

So this week's challenge is: Anything but a card.

That's a little more difficult than it sounds, 'cause what do you choose?!

I found a sample on the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator's site and I thought it was very cute so I downloaded the template and printed it out.

Contact me if you want a template for yourself!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, Rose Red, Crushed Curry
Accessories: Flower Brad, Rose Red 1" Grosgrain Ribbon

Check out all the other Goddesses' projects at the Stampin' Royalty Blog!

Well - better late than never!

2010-02-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

Okay - so last week's challenge was to make a card inspired by this sketch:

And here's what I made:

I was feeling like I needed to brighten my day when I made this card. Can you tell?

Stamps: One of a Kind, Sanded, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Pink Passion, Only Orange, Kaleidoscope DSP, Whisper White
Ink: Pink Passion
Accessories: Whisper White taffeta ribbon, Double Rectangle punch

I hate being sick...

2010-01-29T07:24:00.000-08:00

I haven't put up my latest Stampin' Royalty challenge entry because I've had a fever. It's a big drag!

I was supposed to go to my upline's (Angela's) house last night for a club night and a dinner party tonight. I've had to cancel both, I didn't go to yoga and I've called in sick to work.

I honestly didn't think it would last this long! I was expecting to go to work the next day and it's just dragging. Ick... Don't you hate that?

Anyway, if you want to check out the goddesses cards and enter the challenge, just click on the link above!

I'll post the "recipe" for my card when I'm feeling a bit better...

Haitian Relief!

2010-01-21T18:08:00.000-08:00

Stampin' Up always gives to charities (they have an exclusive stamp set designed to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities every year) and now they've come up with a way to raise funds for Haiti!

From now until February 28, 2010, $2 from every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set you buy will be donated American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Product Name	Item #	Price
I {Heart} Hearts – clear-mount (block D recommended)	118571	$24.95
I {Heart} Hearts – wood-mount	117010	$35.95

Click here to see the flyer.

Contact me if you want to place an order! (I mean - how sweet is that? Get a gorgeous stamp set and give to charity at the same time!)

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #3

2010-01-20T10:04:00.000-08:00

This week was a toughie! It's a single layer challenge.

Here's mine:

I stamped the image from the "Bloomin' Beautiful" set, cut a circle out of a scrap piece of paper and stuck it over the image. Then I sponged Bashful Blue and Lovely Lilac around the circle.

I used my aquapainters to paint the flowers and the pot. (Bashful Blue, Lovely Lilac, Bravo Burgundy, and Garden Green)

Be sure to check out all the other goddess's creations at the Stampin' Royalty blog and even jump in and try the challenge for yourself! It's fun!

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #2!

2010-01-13T13:06:00.000-08:00

It's a colour challenge this week! Here are the colours (or ones close to it):

I really enjoyed this challenge because frequently my biggest stumbling block is deciding which colours I should put together!

I also decided that since I'm so far behind in my scrapbooking (I know! Nobody is ever behind - it's not a race - yadda, yadda, yadda!) I would do a scrapbook page.

What do you think?

And - no! That's not Designer Series Paper on there! I took a piece of Whisper White card stock and stamped all over it with stamps from "Cheep Talk" and "Petal Pizzaz" to make my own patterned paper! (I just love stamps - they allow so much freedom in design.)

I used the Schoolbook Serif alphabet set for the title and used my 1" and 1/2" circle punches for the flowers. And, of course, my Scallop Edge punch for the piece of Elegant Eggplant card stock.

And that is one more page done! Easy - peasy!

Don't forget to go to Stampin' Royalty to check out all the other Goddess's creations!

Here's my first project for Stampin' Royalty

2010-01-07T19:31:00.000-08:00

It was actually a card for a friend that I'd made earlier, but it fit the requirements so I used it. I just love the Asian Artistry set! It was so fitting for a friend with whom I attend a yoga class - very serene.

Check out all the other designers' projects at the Stampin' Royalty blog at: http://stampinroyalty.blogspot.com/

I have to say that I feel honoured to be included with a group of such talented ladies!

Please feel free to enter the contest. If you need help with instructions as to how to do this (because I certainly would) contact me and I'll see if I can help you!

Sale-a-bration is back!

2010-01-06T16:16:00.000-08:00

I love the Sale-a-bration promo. There's always lots of lovely things to be earned for free! That's right - free! Check out the flyer by clicking here!

There are three different ways to earn free product.

With a purchase of $65 or more you can choose one item from the Sale-a-bration flyer. (And this year you can even choose from selected items in the Idea Book & Catalogue!)
Host a workshop of at least $395 and earn one free Sale-a-bration product (again - including the selected items from the Idea Book & Catalogue) in addition to the great hostess benefits you already get.
Become a demonstrator right now and you get a discount (see the chart below) and a free stamp set!
Starter Kit Regular Price Sale-A-Bration Price (15% off)
Standard Starter Kit $269 $225
Digital+ Starter Kit $239 $199

I must say that the starter kit is an awesome deal and well worth the regular price. So at 15% off - that's just a steal!

Please contact me if you want to place an order, book a workshop or get any information!

New Challenge Blog!

2010-01-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

I'm a "Stampin' Goddess"! (...among all the other types of goddess that I am - tee! hee!)

A group of Stampin' Up demos that are my upline and sidelines have formed a challenge blog and called it "Stampin' Royalty". To check it out, click here.

I'm a member of the design team, so I'm called a "Goddess". (How cool is that?!)

It should be lots of fun as it's a variety of challenges (sketches, colour combos, themes, etc.) and you have a week to complete them. We'll even be judging them and naming the winners!

Check it out! There are lots of talented women on the "Goddess" team with all different styles. I feel privileged to be included with them.

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-24T11:00:00.000-08:00

I want to wish each and every one of you (and everybody I love) a warm and wonderful Christmas. (Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, I do and I want you to have a wonderful day that day!)

If you celebrate another holiday this time of year, I wish you all sorts of wonderful things with people you love and traditions you cherish.

Merry Christmas, Peace on Earth and warmth and wonder for everyone!

My Christmas Cards

2009-12-23T18:00:00.000-08:00

Here are my other two Christmas cards:

The first one was embossed with gold embossing powder and then I drew the little strings on with my gold gel pen. The "Merry Christmas" was stamped in the gold ink that Stampin' Up sells. (I have to say, that I've used gold from other manufacturers and it never really comes out very neatly. This gold ink was awesome!) I found some Christmas ribbon at Michael's that was obviously intended for decorating homes, but it matched so well (and I ran out of gold ribbon for cards) that I couldn't resist!

This one was probably the most complicated of all my cards, but it's the cutest! I stamped the snowmen in Staz On in black, then painted in the hats, scarves, noses, etc. with my aquapainters. I have a pen that you write with and then the "ink" puffs up when you heat it (after it's dried) so I made snow! I punched out the border with a punch that is the same style as the new ones Stampin' Up is coming out with. They're flat and they're awesome! And then I used the snowflakes that were punched and glued them on. I love the snowmen! (from "The More the Merrier" hostess set)

Happy Solstice, everybody! (And a Christmas Card)

2009-12-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

Okay - so I'm 2 days late, but I had to get it out there! I must say that I love the Winter Solstice! It means that the days are getting longer (well, the daylight is lasting longer) and that's always a wonderful thing.

It also means that most of the many different cultures / religions celebrate some sort of "festival of light". I am definitely a Christmas girl, but I love that people of many different backgrounds celebrate light at this darkest time of year. It's also a common theme to give, to gather with loved ones, prepare special food and to help the under-privileged and I say, "Yay!" to that.

I know everybody is so busy but I always get a special feeling this time of year and I find that strangers are almost always kinder to each other. And if that's not magic, I don't know what is!

(This is one of my three Christmas cards that I sent out. It was made with scraps left over from last year's cards and an old stamp set called "So Many Scallops". I added some glue and sprinkled glitter on it. I love glitter!)

12 Days of Holiday Sales!!!

2009-12-11T09:43:00.000-08:00

Stampin' Up has just released its latest promotion and it's a sale on selected Big Shot dies & materials! Discounts range from 15% to 25% off but the sale ends on December 22nd, so don't delay! *Added bonus* if you place an order with me before December 15th, you'll get an additional 10% off!

Below is the list of items on sale:

Item
Page #
Description
Regular Price
Discounted Price
114515
195
Flower Burst Embosslits die
$15.95
$11.96
114516
195
Cherry Blossom Embosslits die
$15.95
$11.96
115957
195
Thanks Embosslits die
$15.95
$11.96
114513
195
Sweetest Stem Embosslits die
$15.95
$11.96
115952
195
Hi Embosslits die
$15.95
$11.96
115951
197
Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Medium Sizzlits die
$99.95
$79.96
113446
197
Build a Flower #2 Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die
$26.95
$22.91
114509
197
Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits 4-Pack die
$29.95
$25.46
113448
197
Hearts Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die
$26.95
$22.91
113457
198
Tulipe Bigz die
$29.95
$22.46
115954
198
Two Tags Bigz die
$29.95
$25.46
114524
199
Fringed Flower Bigz die
$26.95
$21.56
114523
199
Decorative Accents Bigz die
$26.95
$21.56
114534
199
Flower Bigz Clear die
$26.95
$21.56
113473
199
5-Point 3D Star Bigz die
$26.95
$22.91
113472
199
Circle 3D Ornament Bigz die
$26.95
$22.91
113470
199
Flower Layers w/Leaf Bigz die
$26.95
$22.91
113465
199
Bird w/Leaves and Flower Bigz die
$26.95
$22.91
115961
200
Perfect Setting Bigz XL die
$57.95
$43.46
113483
200
Pennant Bigz XL die
$53.95
$40.46
113484
200
Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL die
$53.95
$43.16
116760
201
Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die
$53.95
$40.46
116759
201
Pop-Up 3D Ball Bigz XL die
$53.95
$40.46
114890
201
Matchbox Bigz XL die
$57.95
$49.26
113458
202
Flower Layers Originals die
$21.95
$18.66
114336
158
Kraft Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
114334
158
Dark Gray Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
114337
158
Chocolate Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
114335
158
White Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118797
n/a
So Saffron Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118798
n/a
Rose Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118799
n/a
Taken With Teal Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118800
n/a
Pretty In Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118801
n/a
Bashful Blue Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118802
n/a
Real Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118803
n/a
Old Olive Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118804
n/a
Black Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118805
n/a
Night of Navy Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118806
n/a
Certainly Celery Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118807
n/a
Tempting Turquoise Décor Elements Sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118808
n/a
Clear Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118809
n/a
Pumpkin Pie Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118810
n/a
Pixie Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118812
n/a
Sahara Sand Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118813
n/a
Gable Green Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118814
n/a
Basic Gray Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$15.50
$11.63
118815
n/a
Chalkboard Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)
$17.50
$13.13

Contact me to place an order. And don't forget: if you place an order before December 15th, you will get an additional 10% off! (See my profile for contact information.)

Birthday Card - they come so frequently this time of year!

2009-11-30T16:32:00.000-08:00

I made this card for a very dear friend. She's not what you would call a "sweet, gentle soul" but she is my fiercest ally, staunchest supporter, greatest defender, generous to a fault and the kindest friend I have when it comes to real caring & support. (I call her my "Mama Bear".) And that's what really counts when you get right down to it, right?

There's really no way to express to her how much I appreciate her and all she does/has done for me, so of course I had to make her a special card and "put it out there" (I mean my feelings) for everybody to see!

I hope each one of you has a "Nino". (That's her nickname in our family.)

Holiday Extravaganza Sale!!!

2009-11-25T21:35:00.000-08:00

Stampin' Up has a great Christmas sale going on. It's called the Holiday Extravaganza and the discounts are up to 50% off!

Here's the list:

Item	Description	Regular Price	Discounted Price
120280	Framed with Love Bundle Framed with Love stamp set Full Heart punch	$59.90	$29.95
120281	Thank You Kindly Bundle Thank You Kindly stamp set Scallop Edge punch	$41.90	$20.95
120976	Thank You Kindly Bundle (French) Tous mes remerciements stamp set Scallop Edge punch	$41.90	$20.95
120282	Animal Crackers Bundle Animal Crackers stamp set Star Designer brads	$35.45	$17.73
120283	Corduroy Button Bundle Kraft Corduroy buttons Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons Summer Sun Corduroy buttons Basic Gray Corduroy buttons Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons	$67.50	$33.75
120284	Game Night Bundle Card Games stamp set Game Night stamp set	$54.90	$27.45
120285	Four Square Bundle Four Square stamp set Scallop Square punch	$42.90	$21.45
120286	Heart to Heart Bundle Love You Much stamp set Heart to Heart punch Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$69.85	$34.93
120310	Heart to Heart Bundle (Spanish) Te Quiero Mucho stamp set Heart to Heart punch Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$69.85	$34.93
120311	Heart to Heart Bundle (French) J't'aime beaucoup stamp set Heart to Heart punch Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$69.85	$34.93
120287	Chipboard Letter Bundle On Board Timeless Type On Board Loads of Letters	$33.90	$16.95
120288	Double-Stitched Ribbon Bundle Bashful Blue 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon Rose Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon	$27.00	$16.20
120289	Ultimate Stampers' Starter Bundle* Best Wishes & More stamp set Eight Great Greetings stamp set On a Pedestal stamp set Earth Elements Stampin' Spots Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11") Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11") Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Flower Designer brads	$170.95	$102.57
120290	Build-A-Brad Bundle Calendar Alphabet stamp set Pewter Build-A-Brad Antique Brass Build-A-Brad	$56.95	$34.17
120291	Enjoy Every Moment Bundle Enjoy Every Moment stamp set Circle Designer brads Flower Designer brads	$58.95	$35.37
120312	Enjoy Every Moment Bundle (French) Profiter de chaque instant stamp set Circle Designer brads Flower Designer brads	$58.95	$35.37
120292	Cheep Talk Bundle Cheep Talk stamp set Note cards Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons	$57.40	$34.44
120293	Sock Monkey Bundle Sock Monkey stamp set Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons	$78.40	$47.04
120313	Sock Monkey Bundle (French) Sing-chaussette stamp set Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons	$78.40	$47.04
120294	Alphabet Bundle Jayne's Type Alphabet stamp set Lovely Letters stamp set	$115.90	$69.54
120295	Simply Said Bundle Simply Said stamp set Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Full Heart punch	$73.85	$44.31
120314	Simply Said Bundle (French) Amitié stamp set Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Full Heart punch	$73.85	$44.31
120296	On Board Bundle On Board So Tweet On Board Batch of Blooms On Board Essentials	$56.85	$34.11
120927	Christmas Décor Bundle #1 Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Kraft, Real Red) Small Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements Small Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements	$100.85	$60.51
120298	Christmas Décor Bundle #2 Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Chocolate, Real Red) Small Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements Small Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements	$100.85	$60.51
120299	Christmas Décor Bundle #3 Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Old Olive, Real Red) Small Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements Small Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements	$100.85	$60.51
120300	For All You Do Bundle For All You Do stamp set 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$50.20	$35.14
120315	For All You Do Bundle (French) Merci pour tout stamp set 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$50.20	$35.14
120316	For All You Do Bundle (Spanish) Por todo lo que haces stamp set 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$50.20	$35.14
120301	Striped Ribbon Bundle Bashful Blue 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Pumpkin Pie 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon So Saffron 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Real Red 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$71.70	$50.19
120302	Bling Bundle Sticky Pages Sticky Cuts Sweet Fine Supernova Stampin' Glitter Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter	$61.10	$42.77
120303	Fresh-Cut Bundle Fresh Cuts stamp set Fresh-Cut Notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$50.85	$35.60
120317	Fresh-Cut Bundle (French) Fraicheur exuise stamp set Fresh-Cut Notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$50.85	$35.60
120304	Pendant Note Bundle Pendant Park stamp set Pendant notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$53.85	$37.70
120318	Pendant Note Bundle (French) Adorable parc stamp set Pendant notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$53.85	$37.70
120319	Pendant Note Bundle (Spanish) Un dia en el parque stamp set Pendant notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$53.85	$37.70
120305	Sporting Bundle #1 Large Night of Navy Sporting Décor Elements Night of Navy Just Sports Décor Elements	$91.90	$64.33
120306	Sporting Bundle #2 Large Chocolate Sporting Décor Elements Chocolate Just Sports Décor Elements	$91.90	$64.33
120307	Sporting Bundle #3 Large Black Sporting Décor Elements Black Just Sports Décor Elements	$91.90	$64.33
114864	Ginormous Flowers I Décor Elements	$53.95	$37.77
114863	Ginormous Flowers II Décor Elements	$53.95	$37.77
112534	5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$11.25	$7.88
112533	5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$9.95	$6.97
112081	Scallop Square punch	$22.95	$16.07
113693	Full Heart punch	$22.95	$16.07
113694	Heart to Heart punch	$22.95	$16.07
112091	Scallop Edge punch	$22.95	$16.07
112571	Circle Designer brads	$8.50	$5.95
112579	Flower Designer brads	$8.50	$5.95
112572	Star Designer brads	$8.50	$5.95
114785	Small Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements	$53.95	$37.77
114786	Medium Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements	$93.95	$65.77
114791	Small Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements	$53.95	$37.77
114792	Medium Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements	$86.95	$60.87

*This bundle is only available while supplies last.

But act quickly if you want anything. This sale is only on 'til November 30th! Contact me for more information or to place an order.

Forest Friends' Baby Card

2009-11-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

Here's a baby card I made with the stamp set, Forest Friends. They're so cute!

I brayered the background with bordering blue, lovely lilac and night of navy.

(I love the Stampin' Up names. I would like to have the job of naming them. That would be so fun!)

I love my job!!!

2009-10-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

Of course I love my Stampin' Up! business, but I'm talking about the one where I'm an employee of other people and get a paycheque. I have to say it. It's true! (I don't always love having to go to work, though.)

I'm a lab technician at the local high school. I work 20 hours a week, I can walk to work, I get summer holidays and Christmas holidays off. And aside from that, the stuff I get to do is so much fun!

Well, there is a lot of washing of glassware and dealing with suppliers, but there are lots of other fun things I get to do.

I mean, just the other day I got to go shopping at Michael's for candle wax and then I was making a model volcano. Also, I've been carving pumpkins and playing with batteries & sometimes even rockets.

Whenever an experiment doesn't go well I get to play with it and see how I can make it better. I get to see the kids but I don't have to be their teacher (and deal with them when they're whining).

Here are some things I get to do. Above are some of my pumpkins, to the left is rapid burning of gummy bears (at Halloween time it's very apropos!), and below is what we did to those pumpkins later. Halloween is so much fun where I work!

It just doesn't get any better! And it's a good thing, too, because studies have shown that if you like your job you're going to live longer. Yipee!!

Final Deal of the Week!

2009-10-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

Here's the last one!

If you want more details about what's in the kits, just click on the link below the picture.

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Special Price
116214	174	Princess Party Kit	$21.95	$13.99
116213	175	Pirate Party Kit	$21.95	$13.99

You'll notice that the link sends you to the online ordering page of Stampin' Up! Remember that you can order online from me at any location and at any time. You don't need to come to my house or go to a workshop. Just check out my website and click on "shop now". (There's a link to my website on my sidebar.)

Of course, I'm happy to come to your house and have a workshop or just help you decide what kind of supplies would work best for your crafting needs. Just call!

Deal of the Week!

2009-10-19T17:24:00.000-07:00

Okay - so here's the deal of the week for this week!

I love these little embellishments. They help finish off your project really nicely.

Item
Page
Description
Regular Price
Special Price
114348
179

Basic Jumbo grommets
$9.50
$6.49
109857
179

Mini Library clips
$18.95
$12.99
112571
179

Circle Designer brads
$8.50
$5.49
112581
179

1/2" Library clips
$9.75
$5.49

Contact me if you want to take advantage of any of these great deals!

New Deals of the Week & a Clearance Rack!!!

2009-10-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

So, Stampin' Up has brought back the deals of the week (Yay!) and they've brought in a "clearance rack"!

Here's this week's deal:

Item	Description	Special Price
115961	Perfect Setting Bigz XL die	$34.99
114515	Flower Burst Embosslits die	$7.49
116760	Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die	$34.99

These deals only last 'til Monday, so don't delay! (But remember; on Monday they announce another deal - yay!)

Stampin' Up! now has a "Clearance Rack". Old inventory is now being sold at bargain basement prices. But when the stock is gone - it's all gone, so don't miss out! (They have some rub-ons and I have to say that Stampin' Up has the best quality rub-ons!)

If you want to take advantage of these awesome deals, give me a call or go to my Stampin' Up! website and click on "Shop Now".

Sorry I've been a bit behind...

2009-10-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

Everything has been so busy for me what with my Mother's wedding on Sunday.

The weather was perfect, it was a beautiful service and my Mum looked just wonderful. I was so happy for her.

Here's a picture of the Bride & Groom and another picture which is the best one of the dress!

(Psst - that's my Mum! Isn't she gorgeous?!)

I've got a new look!

2009-10-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally got around to changing my blog.

Let me know what you think. I think it evokes images of being by the seashore... *sigh* Now that it's cold, it's nice to imagine sitting on the beach!

Is your Mojo missing?

2009-10-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

Have your creative juices "dried up"?

My card-making mojo took a holiday over the summer, and I'm having a hard time getting it back... (My knitting mojo is just fine, thank-you as it is much easier to take your knitting camping!)

So, I thought to give it a bit of a kick in the pants, I would have a crop night! Yay!

I'm going to have it on Thursday, October 15th at 7-ish. (I know that nobody ever shows up exactly on time, but it doesn't really matter for a crop night!)

Here's a summary of a crop night: for $5 you come to my house, have use of all my stamps, inks, punches, big shot, magazines, idea books and cricut and other tools. You bring your consumable items (paper, adhesives, ribbons, etc.) and we work on our projects together. We share ideas, chat, and get our mojo going!

If you RSVP, I will have a make-n-take ready for you so you know you'll get at least one project done!

Let me know if you want to come!

By the way, the card I've posted here was made this afternoon for my daughter's 17th birthday! (I can't believe she's 17! It doesn't seem that long ago that she was just a baby...)

There's nothing quite like panic to get your juices flowing! I was actually buying presents, picking up a cake and making a card today for her birthday (which is today)! Oh, well. I got it done. *whew*

Adorable baby card!

2009-09-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

Well... at least I think so!

I stamped the Animal Stories images in nice baby colours (it's a boy - so no pink!) and cut them out. Then I popped them up on coordinating patterned paper and mounted each one of those squares on white paper. Simple!

Then I used a sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set and punched it out with my small oval punch, another colour in the large oval and then the scalloped oval in white. Isn't it cute?

I actually got this idea from the Idea Book & Catalogue. I know I always think of it as a catalogue and I sometimes forget to check it for ideas. Big mistake! It's full of great ideas.

If you want to check it out, click on the link on my sidebar or contact me and I can let you know how you can get your hands on a copy!

A rather steep learning curve...

2009-09-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

You'll have to excuse me for not posting in a while, but I just got a new Macbook!

It has been taking a while to get used to it (versus my old PC). I know someone (my upline, Angela) who got one and hated it for the first week and then loved it!

I'm still waiting for the loving it... (I don't hate it, but it's taking me longer than I like & I'm a bit frustrated.)

Quick thank-you card.

2009-09-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! I made this quick thank-you note card in less than 5 minutes!

It's easy when you have the right tools. I used a punch for the thank-you circle & a small punch to make a hole for the brad. Dead simple!

I would have done a bit of inking around the edges of the circle or the patterned paper, but the gift was for my physiotherapist, and my daughter's appointment was already over! (It still would have taken me less than 5 minutes even if I've done that.)

It's great having the ability to do something like that so quickly!

I also knit the dishcloth (which certainly took me more than 5 minutes...) so it was an entirely homemade gift! Yay!

The perfect cup of tea. Ahhh!

2009-09-03T20:27:00.001-07:00

There's nothing better on Earth than a perfect cup of tea. (Well, nothing consumable, that is!)

However, I don't always get that. Sometimes the water isn't the right temperature... sometimes I've added too much sugar... sometimes there's too much milk (or not enough)... sometimes I think it's hormonal... But when I do get that perfect cup of tea, it's Nirvana!

I had one this morning! There was only one of my children up (so it was quiet), the tea was the perfect temperature, it was in the right cup and it had the right amount of sugar and milk.

That's when I feel blessed! (Pathetic, I know, but you have to find your blessings wherever you can!)

My wish for you is to find your blessings in either your perfect cup of tea or whatever fulfills you...

Technique Club this fall!!!

2009-08-31T16:47:00.001-07:00

Do you want to learn new techniques like:

Background stamping
Embossing
and Stampin’ around wheels (and lots more!) but don’t know where to start?

Do you want to build your stamping supplies, but don’t know which items are most useful to you and want to add only a little bit at a time?

Well, a technique club is a perfect way to do that!

“What’s a technique club?” you ask? Well, here’s some info on it:

Technique Club

6 Months: September – November & January - March

What you get:

·6 months of FREE monthly club meetings with your fellow club members, where you learn techniques, do make n’ takes, and use my tools, punches, and stamp sets

· One month where YOU get to be the ‘hostess’ and receive the first level of hostess benefits ($20 free merchandise and a free stamp set)

· Time to work on your own projects. Plan a project around my tools/stamp sets, and work on it during club night while chatting with your club mates!

What you do:

· Sign up for 6 months in the club
· Each month, contribute at least $30 in orders (which will go towards the benefits of that month’s ‘hostess’)
· Pick a month where you are ‘hostess’· Come to the optional club night at my house in North Vancouver where we learn techniques/create make n’ take projects.

· Optionally increase your benefits in your hostess month by hosting a workshop with me and your friends. All orders placed at the event will be added to your club month, to increase your hostess dollars dramatically! Or, just sit back with your automatic first level benefits if you choose.

You can join any time! Just contact me!

Bonus: If you join before September 15th you get a free Classic Stampin’ Pad of your choice!! ($7.95 value)

Summer indulgences...

2009-08-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

My daughters take dance classes all during the school year and should not have any pedicures and nail polish doesn't stay and so...

As a special treat I took the girls (and myself) out for a pedicure! We went to a new shop where there's a lovely couple named Kenny & Jenny and they have awesome massaging chairs. They massage your entire lower leg and it just feels lovely!

If you live in North Vancouver, I highly recommend it! Their pedicures are only $30 and they are so sweet. We even got extra stuff put on our toes 'cause it was just so cool... (It's hard to see in the picture - sorry!) The shop is called Top Modern Nails and is at #5 - 122 East 3rd St in North Vancouver. I don't know their number off the top of my head, but they do accept walk-ins.

If you go, tell them Heather sent you!

50th Birthday card

2009-08-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

Okay - so here's another 50th birthday card. This one is for my sister.

It isn't really specific to a 50th birthday, but it is specific to her! She's the only one in our family who is bilingual and so I used the Voila stamp set and the En Francais background stamp.

It's also specific to us, because to celebrate her 50th, we are taking her on a wine tasting tour and then out for lunch and staying at a hotel near the wineries, etc. So I couldn't resist the French chef with the wine & cheese platter!

I coloured the chef and the wine & cheese platter with my aquapainters and mounted him on a piece of Pumpkin Pie paper. I even used my silver gel pen and scribbled on some paper and picked up that ink and coloured the platter & lid with my aquapainters! Cool, eh? I cut out the lid of the platter, and put a brad through the "handle" (which was my daughter's idea!) to make it able to lift off the platter.

The En Francais stamp was stamped with Crushed Curry on Crushed Curry paper and then it was all mounted on Rich Razzleberry.

I love the new In Colours! Have since the first moment I laid eyes on them. However where I love the Rich Razzleberry, Bermuda Bay, and Melon Mambo the most, others love the Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry and Soft Suede the most. THere's something for everybody!

Here they are... Wedding Invites!

2009-08-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

I've finished them!

This picture was taken while my Mum was addressing the envelopes. I think they turned out well and I'm glad we decided to add the little bouquet on the corner of the vanilla envelope.

There's a little card that goes inside the pocket of the blue card and that is the RSVP info. (They didn't need an actual note card because the wedding is small and they're just asking people to phone.)

I can't tell you how useful my Stamp-a-ma-jig has been in placing those swirly flowers! It would have been impossible to do without it. It's one of those tools that you think you don't need until you have it and then you wonder how you ever lived without it!

I'm pleased they're done and now my Mum wants me to make the place cards! Yay!

My Mum is getting married!

2009-08-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, at 71 years old my Mum is getting married.

This is her first actual "wedding" (last time it was a civil ceremony) so we want to do it right. So, of course, she's asked me to make the invitations for her!!

I didn't realise how much pressure I would feel at putting together something just right for the occasion. I mean, it's a second marriage for both of them and it's an afternoon wedding. So it's a very fine line between "lovely" and "over the top". It's important to have a sense of occasion, but not to be too tacky...

My mum and I decided on the new Wedding Sweet stamp set and her favourite colour, Brilliant Blue with Pumpkin Pie as an accent colour. The stamp set is the perfect combination of flowery and stylized so that it's pretty without being "frou-frou". Because the wedding is going to be on Thanksgiving Day weekend, so we thought chrysanthemums would be in bloom then and orange is a nice contrast to the blue.

This is what it looks like so far...

I don't know if you can see it, but I've put the end of the card through the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder on my Big Shot. It just adds another nice little touch to the card. Inside the pocket will be the RSVP cards and I'll show you the finished project when it's complete!

I'm off again...

2009-08-05T09:26:00.001-07:00

I'm on my way to a camping trip. My children are getting a bit tired of going away all the time, but it's nice to get away from the house - even if it's camping!

A funny thing, though. If you know me you know that it always rains when we go camping. I'm not kidding! Every time we've camped for the last 16 years (or maybe even longer) it's rained! We can camp in the middle of BC's desert (and, yes, we actually have one here) and it will rain while we're there. I even have people asking me to go to Kelowna right now because there's a big forest fire there!

Right now we've just finished a "once-in-a-lifetime" heatwave and there's a chance of thundershowers, cloudy and rainy until the day we're due back and then the heat goes right back up again!

This is a picture of the water during our big family camping trip from last year. We were even featured on the local news because the camera man (who was up there for a big rock slide) sought shelter under our tarp. My husband is known to his friends and family as, "Tarp Man" (when he isn't known as, "Curry Man"). He's a very handy guy to have around!

Of course, it frequently does clear up and we have a nice time. This time we're worried that it will be rainy and the campfire ban will still be on, but we'll probably have fun regardless! How can I not? We're camping with my family (mother, sisters and their families) and our family put the "fun" in "dys - fun - ctional"!!!

Fun in the Sun!

2009-08-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I went to visit my Mum on her boat over the weekend and I had a great time!

(The first photo is my two eldest daughters and my husband on the bow of the boat.)

I took my whole family (except the pets) and we drove up to Pender Harbour and then got on their boat and the next day we ventured a little bit North up the Hotham Sound. I know lots of people don't know where that is, but that's good for us! The water there was so warm and it was nice and quiet.

Actually, the water was almost too warm! It didn't give me as much relief from the heat as I'd hoped. You see, it's been a bit of a heat wave here. After the massive amounts of snow we had, it was a relief to see the sun, but come on! It's been from one extreme to another! However, I will say that I was glad to be on a boat and near the water this past weekend.

(The second photo is my youngest at the helm of the boat and me - relaxing beside her!)

The day after that we went back South and to a place called Quarry Bay. The last time I'd been there was probably 30 years ago and we were on the sailboat my family had when I was young. There were no houses around the area and it was also a secluded spot. However, now it looks a bit like a lake resort area! There are people with huge houses, docks, speedboats (for tubing and waterskiing), and a lot more activity. It's a beautiful spot to holiday in. The water was there was cooler (but definitely still swimmable!) and there were some really interesting rock formations.

Their (my Mum's and her fiance's) boat also had a kayak and a dinghy with a motor so we did some swimming, rowing, kayaking, fishing, eating and drinking. What a life!

Country Living Summer Cookout Kit!

2009-08-03T12:32:00.001-07:00

Starting August 1st, this kit is available for 40% off, making it just $19.75!!!

Click here to check out what's in the kit. It has everything you need to make a really awesome Barbecue. It has invitations, food wrappers, tent cards (to label your salads & things), coasters, tags, and (of course) stamps & inks.

There's plenty of summer left to have more cookouts, and you don't need to live in the country to enjoy this kit. (It's called Country Living cookout kit 'cause it was featured in the magazine, "Country Living".)

Contact me if you want to place an order!

Also, be sure to click on my sidebar link to all the current promotions. There's a "Just for Kids" promotion (which features Build-a-Bear products) and a recruiting promotion (if you're thinking about signing up as a demo). More about those later!

Birthday card for a dear friend.

2009-07-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who loves anything sparkly, so I thought I had to make her a card with glitter on it! However, I also loved the idea of using the new Razzle Dazzle stamp set. (It just seems to suit her!)

So I checked out Splitcoast stampers (link on my sidebar) and I CASE'd a card by Laurie Schmidlin. Her original is to the left, and mine is below. Boy! Her photo is way better than mine!) As you can see, mine is very different from hers, but certainly inspired by it.

I got to use punches, glitter, ribbon and brads! How awesome is that?! I also got to use 2 new stamp sets (Teeny Tiny Wishes & Razzle Dazzle) and a new Designer Series Paper (Razzleberry Lemonade). Best of all - she loved it!

It's so nice when you put a lot of thought (the doing part is easy - it's the design part that takes the time!) and care into something for somebody special and they appreciate it.

Final Deal of the Week!

2009-07-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

Stampin' Up has been putting select items on special each week of July and this is the final week for it (which is sad, I know). But not to worry - there are specials and promotions all the time. Just click on the link on my sidebar to find out what's on.

Well, for the final week it's the Heart to Heart Punch! I love this punch. It's great for making little hearts to accent your cards (or stuff them into cards like confetti) and for punching out of paper and making a border! There's lots of things to do with this one. (I already have it or I would be getting one myself! Who can resist punches?)

Until Monday morning it's available for only $15.99! (Regularly priced at $22.95!)

Call or e-mail me to order yours today!

Deal of the Week #4

2009-07-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

Wow! Here's another great deal for this week!

Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware for only $26.99!!! (It's regularly $41.95)

Contact me as soon as possible if you want to take advantage of this awesome deal! I'm going away camping on Thursday, so I won't be able to put any orders in for the rest of the week.

(Unfortunately I don't have a blackberry or a laptop, so when I'm camping - I'm really roughing it!! Poor me! ;) )

Deal of the Week #3

2009-07-14T09:29:00.001-07:00

New deal of the week is here! (Sorry I'm late in letting you know. Too much other stuff going on in my head, I guess.)

It's :
Square Fire Rhinestone brads for only $10.99 (regular price $15.95)

Let me know if you want some. They're a wonderful addition to cards when you want to "bling it up"!

Off to Whistler!

2009-07-07T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm off to Whistler today for the only vacation this summer that will be just my children, my husband and myself. Every other vacation will be either with friends or with extended family. Those are always fun, but it's nice after a busy school year to get away and just spend some time as a family. We discover that we actually like each other when we start spending a lot of time together!

I'm so looking forward to it, but I thought I would leave you with another card just to tide you over...

I cased this card from Andrea Karadimos on splitcoaststampers.com. You know I love the stamp set, Seaside and I thought this card looked so classy. It was labelled a masculine card, and I suppose it is, but I thought it could also be for a woman so I gave it to my daughter's teacher as a thank-you and made sure the colours matched the colour of the dish cloth I knit for her!

Open House and Crop Nights

2009-07-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

Well, because I'm so thrilled with the new catalogue, I've decided to hold an Open House!

Now, this will be a very casual Open House with refreshments, copies of the new catalogue to look at, a door prize, stuff to "play" with, some of the new products to check out and - if I'm really organized - some of my old/retired items for sale!

So drop by, have a glass of wine (or a cup of tea or coffee), have some muchies, peruse the new "catty", play with some of the new stamps, chat, and have some fun! You can even bring a friend (and if you do, you will have 2 entries for the door prize)!

Date: July 12th
Location: My house (e-mail me to ask for directions)
Time: any time between 2-4 pm

Please let me know if you're thinking of coming because then I can ensure I have enough refreshments for everybody!

I'm also having two Crop Nights. The first will be on July 13th and the other on July 21st.

For $5 you can come over any time between 7 - 10 pm and use my tools, stamps, inks, and idea books. Bring your own consumables and work on your projects at my house.

Again, if you could let me know if you're coming, I'll make sure I have enough space for everybody!

I hope to see you then!

Deal of the Week!

2009-07-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

Okay - this is a biggie!

The deal this week is for the Sizzix Big Shot Doctor's Bag!!!! (Check it out on page 194 of the new catalogue. You can contact me to see one or click on the link on my sidebar!)

From: July 6, 10 AM (MT) through July 13, 9:50 AM (MT) -keep in mind that Mountain Time is 1 hour ahead of Pacific Time...
Regular Price $103.95
Special Price $77.99

That's such a good deal, I'm going to have to get one! ;)

So much news...

2009-07-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

The new catalogue is here! Yes, today is the day Stampin' Up is launching the new catalogue! Click here to check it out or click on the link on my sidebar.

They've also launched a new "Definitely Decorative" catalogue with Decor elements and stencils in it. Click here to check it out!

There are so many wonderful things in each of these catalogues, that I can't even start listing them. Please contact me if you want to see one in person! (I love the new In Colours!)

Not only is the new catalogue available today, but Stampin' Up has announced that they will have a special deal each week for the month of July as part of their Summer Fun campaign and today is the beginning of the first special deal!

This week's deal is the scallop edge punch (which I just love) for only $15.99 (regular $22.95). This deal is good 'til July 6th when there's a new one! They will announce a special deal on July 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th. (We don't know what they are yet, but stay tuned - I'll keep you posted!)

Contact me if you want to take advantage of this special deal.

Farewell to a co-worker.

2009-06-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

At the end of every school year there is almost always a change in staff. I work in a high school so there is a larger staff and more chance for change. (Yes, it's sad!)

As this was my first year at that school, I didn't get a long time to work with this Vice-principal before he got transferred but he has been an awesome person to work with, a wonderful addition to the school and he has a dry wit that I will really miss. Perhaps, one day, I can work with him again...

This stamp set is a hostess set from the new catalogue. I love it! It's called Asian Artistry and it had just the right sentiment for someone changing jobs, getting married, going on a big trip, or any other big life event. It seemed to sum up exactly what I wanted to say, anyway.

I cased this card from MrsBoz on the Splitcoast Stampers website. However, I changed the colour combination and didn't use quite so many pieces of patterned paper. As I've said before, that's what I like about stamping. You can "copy" somebody else's work but make it look completely different by changing a colour, the orientation of the card or even the stamp set! It's all very individual and so much fun!

I will be "leaking out" more information on the new catalogue over the next couple of days, so keep checking back! It doesn't officially launch until July 1st, but people are putting out bits and pieces of information just to tweak your interest. Are you tweaked yet?!

Teacher thank-you card

2009-06-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

Well, with the end of the school year comes thank-you's all around. I think the teachers who spend all that time and energy working with our children deserve far more than I ever give them, but I do always give them a handknit dishcloth and (now) a homemade card and I include flowers and herbs from my garden.

My daughter didn't want to make the card herself (which is what I recommended) so I asked her to choose either the stamp set or the paper with which to make the card. She chose one of my favourites, Seaside (I guess you already know that it's one of my favourites. I think I've already featured it on a scrapbook page and another card -if not 2!) and I thought to coordinate the colours with the washcloth I made for her teacher.

I really enjoyed the brightness of the colours and I got to use my new full-sized stamp pads! I already had the Rich Regals and the Earth Elements, but I've finally taken the plunge and bought the Soft Subtles and the Bold Brights! Yay! The stampin' spots work really well, but I must admit that it's easier to ink a larger image when you have the larger stamp pads!

The new catalogue is coming out on July 1st and it's awesome, but there has been a price increase, so if you want to stock up on some items call me now! (That's why I bought my larger stamp pads.) Almost everything is increasing in price as they had to adjust for the weaker Canadian dollar so don't miss out!

Call me today!

Summer Vacation is finally here!

2009-06-29T14:21:00.000-07:00

Well - I'm done! All my work (I work at a school) and my daughters' schools and all the dance classes and the dance show are finally done! Yippee!!!

You know, it seems like forever when you're living through it and then when you look back, it went by way too fast! I feel like I didn't get to enjoy my husband's relatives' visit as much as I'd like to and really revel in the year-end recognitions and social events. It's a shame, but now I get to kick back and relax!

And - how cool is this?- Stampin' Up! has a Summer Cookout Kit that they've developed in conjunction with the magazine, Country Living. However, you don't have to live in the country to appreciate it! It's so cute. To check out the kit, click here. It's only available 'til August 31st, so be sure to get it while it's here!

I just think this is such a cute way to decorate for a barbecue and it's just what you need to make a casual get together just a bit more special. Also, Country Living magazine has a special discount offer for Stampin' Up! customers!

Just contact me for more information on these promotions and others!

Starter Kit	Regular Price	Sale-A-Bration Price (15% off)
Standard Starter Kit	$269	$225
Digital+ Starter Kit	$239	$199