Goodbye Sweet Granny

No new card today.  I just wanted to take a minute to share a story.  My mom called me yesterday morning to tell me that my granny had passed away.  It was a very unexpected call and I'm still in shock.   While we knew she was getting older and having some health issues, we had no idea she would pass away so quickly. These pictures are about a month old now.  When we took them I never thought it would be the last time I would see her.   

If you are wondering why I'm posting on my card blog, it's because my granny loved my cards.  My mom would tell me about how she would be so excited to get one and have to show them to everyone who visited.   Most of my general cards are made with her in mind.  I'm so thankful that I was able to get one in the mail that she received just last week.  That love, that knowing that someone is thinking of you is really the reason we should be doing this.   With all the technology out there, it still doesn't compare to the power of the written word.  Of a lovely handmade card.   Perhaps you have a grandparent or a parent, even a cousin who might like one?   Think about mailing off one today...

The other reason I'm writing is for my mom.  She's been spending a lot of nights with my granny and was there with her yesterday.    She is beyond devastated to say the least. Even worse, today is mom's birthday.   I was hoping maybe some of you might have a card to send mom's way?  A sympathy card, thinking of you card, just something to show up in her mailbox to let her know there's people out there thinking about her.   If you can do that, please email me and I'll send you her address.   

I'm off to hug my girl.   Today is a day when every moment is precious.  

Fab Friday Flowers

I started a card sometime this week, maybe Friday, but I didn't get time to finish it until today.  I woke up around three this morning and couldn't go back to sleep, so...   It uses the sketch from this week's Fab Friday challenge and the color challenge at Splitcoast.  

The colors were some that will be retiring soon, River Rock, Baja Breeze, and Not Quite Navy.   I also used an embossing folder from the Holiday catalog that is still available, but will not be carried over.   And finally, there are some accents on the tag from French Foliage, another retiring product.  Thankfully Summer Silhouettes and Sweet Essentials will be staying around.  :)

Stamps:  French Foliage, Summer Silhouettes, Sweet Essentials

Ink:  River Rock, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy

Paper:  Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Neutrals DSP stack

Accessories:  Basic Pearls, Baja Breeze and Very Vanilla seam binding, linen thread

Tools:  Big Shot, Lacy Brocade embossing folder, Little Leaves sizzlit, Finishing Touches edgelits, 3/8 circle punch

10 months yesterday!  Time is just flying by!

CASE this Owl

I took advantage of Laila's second nap today to get in a little stamping. I decided to work on the new sketch from CAS(E) this sketch!   While a lot of my friends were working with their new pre-order goodies, I pulled out some of my retiring products.  :)   I'm saving every penny I make for when the entire catalog goes live!

I love Aviary and really haven't used it nearly enough.   I think I'll be keeping it in my stash along with my favorite green, Lucky Limeade.   

Stamps:  Aviary, Best Yet (retired)

Ink:  Staz On Black, Lucky Limeade

Paper:  Basic Black, Whisper White, In Color DSP stack

Accessories:  Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine, Neutrals buttons

Laila is feeding herself most of her meals now.  It's funny to watch her because she'll eat all of her favorite item first (carrots, if they are on there, are always first) and then her second favorite, and so on.  Even if I mix it all up, she'll pick them out in her order.   Her eye is looking much better today thank goodness.  Jason has been diligent in working on it this week and it seems to have helped.  Or it may be that we finally made her a doctor's appointment for Monday and she wants to get better so we go and look like we are crazy parents? lol

FMS83: Just Believe

The very talented Allisa created this week's awesome sketch at Freshly Made Sketches.   It's a great one and I'm totally pinning it for future reference!  For me, it paired VERY well with this week's colourQ colors. 

You'll see that my card is a birthday card and there's a reason for that!   The amazingly talented Vicki at It's a Stamp Thing is celebrating a birthday this week and our team made birthday cards for her.   :) 

My card is pretty simple.  We had errands to run yesterday and my time for stamping was a little limited.   I guess that's why putting things off until the last minute is a bad idea, huh?   I still think it turned out pretty cute, so sometimes procrastination works out.  

Stamps: Just Believe

Ink:  Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Lucky Limeade

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Lucky Limeade, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Cheerful Treat DSP (retired)

Accessories:  Pumpkin Pie satin ribbon (retired and hoarded!), Basic Pearls

Tools:  Big Shot, Beautiful Wings embosslit

I think Laila has figured out the camera.  When she sees it, the cheesy grins begin.   It's pretty adorable.  :)   I'm sure you can tell from the picture that her eye is not looking so good.  We've tried everything we know to do to get that tear duct to open so we are going to a specialist on Monday to get it checked out.  He might say continue massaging, but I want to make sure that's really all that can be done.   It keeps getting raw and irritated and I hate that.  :/  

Mustache Duo

I decided to get in a little stamping today before bed.  Now I should have went to bed as I am hoping to get up around 1am to check out the retiring lists and see the new catalog!   We'll see how that all goes.   :)   Now back to my card...  I wanted to use the black/gray combo from Dynamic Duos this week and I thought it would be perfect with the sketch at Retro Sketches.

It's a pretty simple card, but I like it.  :)  I don't use contraband (aka non-SU) stuff that often, but I got this stamp set and die for free last year when I won a prize during Hope You Can Cling To.  It was a great reward just to make cards for such a great cause, but I got a few prizes as well.  Can't beat that, right?!  

Laila LOVES to stand up now. Whether it is standing at this toy or standing at the couch trying to help me type, she's all about it!  

Thanks a Latte

I found this fun sketch on Splitcoaststampers this week.  I used to try to play along there a lot and need to again.  They have at least one challenge of some sort every day of the week.  Here's the whole list if you want to check them out.  It's a great source for inspiration.  

Now before I post my card, I'll warn you that it's not all Stampin' Up!   I know, I know.   The problem is me.  I have an addiction to coffee and that carries over into coffee STAMPS!   I try not to buy too many, but every now and then I give in...   I did see a sneak peek of a new coffee set coming in the new catalog, so I'm already waiting on that baby!  If you have a good eye, you can see it on this video showing off the new wood mount cases.  

I did use the cute heart from Like It a Latte..does that count?  :)   All the paper is SU of course.  I pulled out Old Olive to try to start getting used to using it again.  It wasn't TOO painful, but I do still prefer Lucky Limeade.  

Stamps:  Hero Arts, The Cat's Pajamas, SU Like It a Latte

Ink:  Early Espresso

Paper: Early Espresso, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Neutrals DSP stack

My cats are going through a major adjustment this week.  Laila has mastered pulling up, so she's constantly trying to grab them.  They are going to have to move up a level!  

CAS Sent with Love

When I saw the sketch at CAS(E) this sketch this week, I immediately had the idea for my card.  I just had to wait on UPS to show up with my stamp set.  ;)

It doesn't really get more clean-and-simple than that!  I'm usually not good at leaving cards like this alone without adding more and more, but Jason got home from work just in time to distract me from adding anything.  I love how simple and sweet it is.  Easy to mail too!  :)

This girl was a napping fool today.  After sleeping for 11 hours last night, she took two naps today that were around two hours each!   I'm guessing she must have been going through a growth spurt or something!  She was very pleasant today and that was such a nice change too!  I'm so glad to have my smiling girl back.  :)  She has learned to pull up on me and the baby gate now, so watch out world!

Distressed Butterflies

Laila took a long nap today so I was able to get in my room and stamp!  I figured that was okay since I had both the washer and the dishwasher going, right?   ;)   I decided to work on this fun sketch from Stampin' Celebration.  

I ended up going down a distressed vintage road for some reason.  Not my norm, but the doily seems make me want to do that.  Did you notice the green?  PEAR PIZZAZZ!  I'm so, so excited about it's return.  Now if they'd replaced Old Olive with Lucky Limeade I'd be even more excited.  Lots of retired stuff on this one, so don't shoot me.  I have so much stuff in my room and I need to use it.   

Stamps:  Something to Celebrate (retired)

Ink: Early Espresso, Soft Suede

Paper:  Early Espresso, Whisper White, Early Espresso Coredinations (retired), Neutrals DSP stack. In Color Hostess stack (retired)

Accessories:  Paper Doilies, Basic Pearls

Tools:  Big Shot, Beautiful Wings embosslit, Distressing Tool, Color Spritzing Tool, Sanding Tool, sponges, stapler

This was on one of our rough days this week.  We'd been up a lot at night and were all so tired.  I had finally crashed out for a nap and when I woke up, this was what I found.   Aren't they sweet?   She is one lucky little girl to have such an amazing dad.   She finally settled down and slept great last night, but her naps yesterday were short.  I am hoping that she'll sleep again tonight, but you just never know lately.   She's been asleep for over an hour and a half now so I don't know what's going on with her.  

Fresh Fun Flower

Time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches!  Jen B. is our hostess with the mostest this week and she gave us a challenge sketch!   I wasn't sure what to do with it at first, but when in doubt, go with Fun Flowers!

My friend Lisa used a similar color combo last week and I tried to remember to try it out.  My card doesn't showcase them even close to as good as hers, but they still look nice together.   I think I should have left off the Pool Party. ;)

Stamps:  NONE

Ink:  None

Paper:  Island Indigo, Soft Saffron, Pool Party, In Colors DSP stack, Tea for Two DSP

Accessories:  In Color Polka Dot brads

Tools:  Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Fun Flowers die, Boho Blossoms punch, Scallop Edge border punch

Blooming with Thanks

  

Believe it or not, I stamped AGAIN!   I'm trying to work on challenges and having fun again.   It seems to be working too.  Yay!  I appreciate those of you who have taken the time to leave encouraging comments or sent emails.  I appreciate it so, so much.   I also have some news to share! :)  I was chosen as a display stamper for Convention 2013.  I got the email yesterday evening and am so excited...and nervous.  I won't get to go to Convention to see them in person, but my friends are under strict orders to take lots of pictures.

Now on to the card... I combined the fun new sketch at Try Stampin' on Tuesday with the awesome colors at Dynamic Duos.  

I actually like this one.  :)   I don't normally say that, but I think the flower from Blooming with Kindness just makes me happy.  It's just so pretty!   I added a cute little butterfly from Papillion Potpourri and a sentiment from Fabulous Phrases.   Three great sets are bound to make a lovely card aren't they?  

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases, Blooming with Kindness, Papillion Potpourri

Ink: Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie

Paper:  Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Brights DSP stack, misc. retired Bashful Blue DSP

Accessories:  Bashful Blue 3/8 Taffeta ribbon, Basic Pearls

Tools: Big Shot, Scallop Circles #2 die, 3 inch circle die, Scallop Border punch, Petite Butterfly punch

Someone has outgrown their mat.  lol  I don't know why she wanted to get on it yesterday, but it was cute.  We've had a much better day today thank goodness.  She was up crying for over an hour at 3am last night though.  I took her to the doctor today just to make sure nothing was wrong.   She's fine, so no clue what's causing her to be so fussy.  Hopefully it goes away and soon!!!! We are now on week two of cloth diapers and still learning by trial and error about those.  A few more kinks to work out and I'll be 100% in love.  I'm at about 93% now.  ;)

Be sure to come back tomorrow for a new card for Freshly Made Sketches! 

Topsy-Turvy Color Celebration

  

I attempted to stamp again tonight to try to help get myself back in the creating mode.  My mojo and creativity are kinda still in the crapper, but I figure if I stamp enough maybe they'll improve.  One can only hope, right?   Anyway, I played along with two of my favorite challenges, the Paper Players and the Friday Mashup.

I love Island Indigo and Rich Razzleberry, so I decided to combine some favorite colors with a stamp set that I love just as much.   I'm a huge fan of cakes, both looking at them and eating them, so Topsy-Turvy Celebration was one of the first sets I bought last year from the new catalog.  I'm not sure other people love it quite as much, so I'm crossing my fingers that it doesn't hit the retirement list that's coming out soon.  

Stamps:  Topsy-Turvy Celebration

Ink: Island Indigo, Baja Breeze (sad face), Rich Razzleberry

Paper: Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Baja Breeze, Island Indigo, Whisper White, Brights DSP stack, Island Indigo DSP scrap 

Accessories:  Brights buttons, Island Indigo Baker's Twine, Basic Rhinestones

Tools:  Scallop Border Punch, Paper Snips

We went to our local arboretum today and walked around for a bit.  It's was such a gorgeous day here.  I think we are going to be enjoying a few days in the mid to high 80's this week before some storms and cooler weather hit.   I'm not sure what else we'll find to do, but I hope we get to enjoy it! 

Pinwheel Wishes

I actually worked on a challenge card this week!  Now I didn't get it photographed in time to enter, but I did make something that I didn't HAVE to.  Nothing fantastic, but it was nice to create just because for a change.   I just love the cute pinwheel sizzlit and haven't used it nearly enough.  

I  need to work on finding my love of creating again and I think trying to do challenges again will be a good start.  I'm also thinking if being a demonstrator fits in my current life, so lots and lots to think about.  Maybe my next challenge card I can finish in time to enter.  lol  

Stamps:  Wishes Your Way

Ink:  Basic Black

Paper:  Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Neutrals DSP stack, Polka Dot Parade DSP

Accessories: Black Gingham ribbon (retired), Neutrals Glimmer brads, Brights buttons, White Baker's Twine

Tools:  Big Shot, Pinwheel Sizzlit, Corner Rounder punch

My sweet girl.  We had an absolutely awful day yesterday.  I'm not sure who cried more, me or her.  I don't know what was wrong, but she was just crying and crying. It was very strange as she's normally such a happy baby. I had so much to do to get ready for my stamping event last night and she just was not having it.   I was stressed, she was upset...it was just bad.   We survived though and I'm hoping for a better day today.   I'm not sure I can mentally survive another 12-13 hour day like yesterday!  I love that Jason's home 4 days a week, but on those really long days he's gone I miss having someone to jump in when I need a break .

FMS81: Open Seas

Believe it or not, I finally stamped!   Cindy gave us this fun sketch for Freshly Made Sketches this week and it got me out of my slump for a minute.  Well, more than a minute I guess.  Who can make a card in a minute?  

I have really been struggling with stamping lately.  I don't want to stamp, I don't enjoy stamping.  It's a very strange place for me.   I have been avoiding it unless I have to do it.   When I sat down to make this card, I had no idea where to start.  I finally pulled out my Color Coach and picked a combination.   After that I made most of the card and then looked for a stamp set that would work with it.   Not the most traditional way of doing it, but it ended up working out.  I like how it turned out and that's a nice change for me. :)  

Stamps:  The Open Sea, French Foliage, Something to Celebrate

Ink: Midnight Muse, Bashful Blue

Paper:  Midnight Muse, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Print Poetry DSP, Tea for Two DSP

Tools:  Big Shot, Scallop Circles #2 die, 3-inch circle die, Scallop Border punch, paper snips

Accessories: Midnight Muse ribbon

Someone has discovered that they LOVE mom's iPhone.  Uh oh!  I'm sure it won't be long before she knows how to use it better than I do.  :)

Like all Texas kids, Laila had to have her picture made in the bluebonnets.  Her poor eye was really bugging her after our trip.   Our doctor gave us a referral if we wanted to get it checked out, but let us know that it can take up to she's a year old for the tear duct to open all the way.   We are going to wait for now and try to massage it as much as we can.  That's quite a task considering how active she is now!

Free SHIPPING!!!! Woot!

Don't forget about the free shipping that starts tomorrow!   If you are ordering online and your merchandise total is less than $150, I'd really appreciate it if you could use the following hostess code:  ZBTUFDKU

It would be a huge help to me and doesn't change anything for you. :)  

Here's my official website address just in case you haven't checked it out.  You can shop from there:  http://ritawright.stampinup.net

One of my favorite pictures from our trip is this shot of Laila, me, my mom, and my granny.  Four generations of awesome ladies.  Ha!   

CAS Summer Silhouettes

Okay, so it's been ages since I got to post!  We went to Kentucky for Easter and just got back on Tuesday. Yesterday was chore/unpacking day and today Jason went back to work.  I've been washing cloth diapers for two days trying to get them ready to try and doing the normal grocery shopping, etc.   I thought I'd post a card I'd originally made for the display stamper try-out and then update you on the current SU news!  So here's the card:

I really love how it turned out.  These are two of my favorite colors and part of the big news is that they are sticking around.  :)   Yay, right?!  

Stamps:  Summer Silhouettes, Tiny Tags, Fabulous Phrases

Ink:  Island Indigo, Pool Party

Paper:  Island Indigo, Pool Party, Whisper White

Accessories:  Basic Pearls, Pool Party Baker's Twine, Neutrals Designer Buttons

Tools:  Jewelry Tag Punch, Paper Snips

Now for the specials and news: 

There's going to be a change in the current line-up of colors!  I'm so excited about it.  I love that some of my favorites are staying around.  I will definitely miss Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy (my kitchen is painted in those colors), but I think I like Pool Party and Island Indigo better.   Here's the list of the new colors and the ones retiring:  (you may need to click on it to see it a bit better)

The other awesome news:  Free shipping!!!!!!!   This weekend, April 6-8, all orders qualify for free shipping (except expedited ones of course).  Woo Hoo!!!!!!!   If you like any of the retiring colors, it will be a great time to stock up on those because as of now, they are while supplies last ONLY.   Yikes.  You can order through my website, http://ritawright.stampinup.net if you'd like.  I appreciate any and all orders, big or small.  :)

Can you believe she's 9 months old???   She's crawling EVERYWHERE now!  We just put up another baby gate and I think I'll be heading back to Target soon for one more.  She's "talking" more now with lots of dada and an occasional mama.   I have to thank one of my sweet readers, Janice, who sent me a couple packs of coffee to help me keep up with her.  :)   

She did not like sharing with her cousin, Lauryn.  lol  We are going to have to work on that.