Tuesday, December 28, 2010

I should always have extra cards made -- just in case!

Yesterday at about 3:30 pm my dear husband Randy called me from work and said that he needed a card for his co-worker Gary.  Randy informed me that Gary's last day on the job is today.  Now, my dear Randy knew this information two weeks ago, but neglected to tell me until the day before he needed it. 

So after I cooked dinner, broke up some disagreements between the kids, cleaned up the leftovers, washed dishes, put a load of laundry in the washer, got the kids ready for bed, looked for an already finished card that I might be able to use (and didn't find!), and broke up some more disagreements, I took time to make Gary's card.  The only request that Randy made was that it say, "Best Wishes."

Without further adieu:


Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Fabulous Phrases
Card Stock: Soft Suede, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Soft Suede
Accessories:  word window punch modern label punch, sponge

It's not a complicated card at all.  I own the Fabulous Phrases stamp set in the clear mount variety, so I mounted the two words next to each other and stamped them at once.  Then I punched out the words with the word window punch.  After that, I adhered the words to a piece of soft suede card stock, then I punched it out using the modern label punch.  It's much easier to do it that way so you don't have to fuss about getting the top layer centered on such a small area. 

I was a bit disappointed that I didn't already have a card made - even one that I could switch out sentiments.  Honestly, Randy rarely asks me for cards.  And I don't often send masculine cards.  So I will have to make some man-cards to add to my stash.  I also do not have any sympathy cards on hand either.  (Those are not fun to make, so I usually wait till I actually need one.  That way, I can also pray while I'm creating.)

Even though I seem like I'm whining a bit with having to make this card at the last minute, I really didn't mind.  Randy appreciated that I made the card for him.  He knows that I am a multi-taleted wife and mom and never let him down : )

Happy Stamping!

Susan

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Christmas ATCs

I've got my four children home for the Christmas holiday : )  My sister, who only has one child and lives in a spotless house on the weekends (she lives with my mom and dad during the week because of her job -- long story!) came to visit this morning.  Toys, pillows, blankets, dirty dishes, etc. were ALL over the living room floor.  Even after she complained, I didn't even care.  My kids are having fun and that's what matters.  The mess has been cleaned up numerous times and it will get cleaned up again.

Today I'm sharing Christmas ATCs that I sent out earlier this week.  I belong to the Transit Traders, an artist trading card group that meets quarterly to, of course, trade cards, share techniques, etc.  At the October meeting we all decided to make Christmas ATCs and send them to everyone in the group.  At first I thought, "Oh no!  One more thing that I have to do for Christmas."

Cards from other members started arriving in the mail and I started to feel the pressure.  It took me a while to decide exactly what I was going to do. Once I got started I really enjoyed creating these beauties: 



I stamped the trees with versamark, then applied white embossing powder.  After that, I used the void area from the scallop oval punch to add clouds to the sky and snow to the ground.  My only regret is that I didn't put a "merry Christmas" on it somewhere. But I like it how it is.  And that's how I like my living room, too.

Stamps:  Lovely as a Tree
Paper:  Bashful Blue, Brushed Silver, Night of Navy
Ink:  versamark, craft white
Accessories:  white embossing powder, scallop oval punch, sponge dauber

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Christmas Angels

Yesterday afternoon the elementary bus that my two daughters ride was over 10 minutes late coming home.  The schools they attend are only blocks away, so I knew that something was amiss.  I called my husband at work and he told me that there was a bus accident across town.  I started to pray for whoever was injured.  A few minutes later, the girls safely arrived home.  My dear Annika was concerned about being late because she had no way of contacting me and knew I'd be worried.

I still didn't know any details about the collision with the bus.  Rumors were going around town, so I found some information online.  Here is a link to the news article.  The front page of The Derrick had this photo on it:

001p1.jpg 

The teenage driver of the car suffered multiple fractures and other injuries.  I haven't heard an update on his condition, but he was life-flighted from the scene.  Several students on the bus suffered minor injuries.  Please pray for all of those who are suffering from this tragic accident.

I haven't updated my blog in a few weeks.  I participated in a vendor fair a few weeks ago and was busy making cards, etc. to sell.  Then I've just been busy with life.

Here is a card that I made for my friend, Tina.  She bought the stamp set from me and insisted that I use it before delivering it to her.  Today's card is a personal reminder of how thankful I am for my family.


Stamp Set:  Angelic Joy
Paper:  Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, regal dsp
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, versamark
Accessories:  gold embossing powder, Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon. modern label punch

I have another version of this card using Concord Crush and Daffodil Delight.


Happy Stamping!

Susan