Freshly Made Flowers

Time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches!  My clean-and-simple hero Jen M is the sketch designer this week and I love what she challenged us with.   I don't have a lot of time to stamp anything other than the display stamper samples, so an easy sketch was exactly what I needed this week.   (I'm halfway done with those samples, so hopefully I can finish up soon and get back to fun stamping!)

I grabbed my favorite color combination and a favorite stamp set and I think I made this one pretty fast!  I will sure miss Lucky Limeade.  It is such a pretty green and I want to keep it!   Well, I WILL keep it, but I mean all official and stuff, like current.   ;)   I made this for Mom.  I know she had a rough weekend missing Granny so I thought I'd send a little note her way.  

Stamps:  Love & Care (retired)

Ink:  Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant

Paper:  Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White, In Colors DSP stack

Accessories:  Basic Pearls

Tools: Scallop Edge border punch

Less than a month now until she's a year old. I can't believe it!!!   She's currently obsessed with the kitties and has started saying kitty.   They are having to run and hide because she is getting fast at crawling and chasing them! 

One funny story and I'll sign off for the day.   Jason was watching TV while I played on the computer a bit before bed last night.  I was on eBay and I guess talking out loud because he laughed when I said I'd buy this  stamp set if we ever win the lottery.    I guess it does seem silly to think you'd have to win millions to afford stamps, right?  lol  If anyone ever does see Branch Out at a good price, be sure to let me know.  ;)   Until that happens, I'll be holding out for the lotto money to get it.  

FMS87: Coral Fun Flowers

Yikes!  How has it been a week since my last post?   It's good that Freshly Made Sketches keeps me posting at least once a week, right?!   ;)   Our sketch this week comes from Jennifer Timko, a lovely lady who has been a bit costly to me.  She's always forcing me to buy stamp sets by making awesome cards with them!   I won't start a list, but I'm sure half my collection are her fault.  

My card is pretty simple this week.  I haven't used much of my Tea for Two DSP and thought it might be time to do that since it retires soon.  I paired the Calypso Coral with some Early Espresso and Very Vanilla. Easy Peasy!    

We finally received our display stamper supplies last week, so I have a lot of stamping to do in the next two-and-a-half weeks.  My lack of posts are due to me working on those cards.  I'll be taking pictures of my projects to share with you after Convention is over, so don't worry!  

We've also had a crazy few days with no water.   That's been hard, but we finally got it fixed today.   Our home warranty company was a joke and we are a bit upset with how they handled (or didn't handle) our issue.   We'll not be renewing that this year!  I was so thankful to finally get a shower today.  

FMS: The Open Sea

Uh oh!  I got so busy last night trying to find a photographer for Laila's one year pictures that I forgot to do my blog post.   Better late than never, right?   I swear the other ladies at Freshly Made Sketches are saints for putting up with my constant forgetfulness and failure to do things.   Now this week IS Amy's sketch; I was just a week ahead last week.   ;) 

Are you thinking "didn't she make a card like that already"?  If so, you are right!  I seem to be fixated on using this color combination with this stamp set.  They look so good together!   So forgive me.   

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

Ink:  Midnight Muse, Bashful Blue

Paper:  Midnight Muse, Bashful Blue, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Print Poetry stack

Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

Laila went to her first birthday party last weekend and here she is in her little cupcake outfit.  I had originally bought it for her birthday pictures, but I'm not sure it will fit by then!  :)  

Red Ribbon Graduation

I thought the sketch at Retro Sketches was super fun this week so I decided to ink up a new set I got last week.  

I had to google the colors for our local high school to make this one.  lol  I guess I'll know them better once Laila starts school.  Not growing up here makes me pretty clueless about all that.  I also have to learn about the Texas mum tradition for homecoming.   I am hoping that Laila's not into those because man are they obnoxious!  

Stamps:  Blue Ribbon, Happiest Birthday Wishes

Ink:  Real Red, Pacific Point

Paper: Pacific Point, Real Red, Whisper White, Brights DSP stack

Accessories:  Hung Up Cute Clips, Basic Rhinestones

Tools:  Big Shot, Stripes embossing folder

Laila's back to not sleeping through the night.   Her nose started running on Saturday evening and it's been rough since then.  Saturday night Jason held her for half the night and then I did from 1:30 until 6. She was so restless that I was up the entire time.  Thank goodness for iPhones and Candy Crush! I was so tired, so Mother's Day was pretty much cancelled.  We had plans for brunch but a sick baby and tired parents weren't up for getting dressed and going out.   She's slept a little better the past two nights, but not all night.   She doesn't seem to be sick, but is getting a new tooth, so I'm assuming the crazy drooling and runny nose is from that.   I know we are tired and ready for whatever it is go go away!  

Button Wedding

I stamped a bit last night and this morning and here's what I came up with to show off Button Buddies.  I really am going to miss this set.   Well, miss using it in classes.  It's staying on my shelf for sure.   Those piggies are just too cute.  This card was inspired by the current catalog and a sample I saw in there.   I'ts a great place for inspiration!    Be sure you order this set before it's gone for good.  It's a great one!

Stamps:  Button Buddies, Sweet Essentials

Ink:  Basic Gray, Pretty in Pink

Paper:  Basic Gray, Pretty in Pink, Subtles DSP stack

Accessories:  Subtles and Neutrals buttons, Basic Pearls

Tools:  Big Shot, 3-inch circle die, Scallop Circles #2 die, Itty Bitty punch Pack, Fancy Fan embossing folder

Laila doing her supermodel pose!  Work it girl!  ;)   

Seriously CSI Style

Hold up!  Before you start thinking I'm weirdo, hear me out, okay?  :)   One thing you probably don't know about me is that I have a Master's degree in forensic science.  I haven't used it because I never really found a job down here in Texas, but I have it.   When I saw last month's stamps from My Paper Pumpkin the idea for this card came to me.   Unfortunately I wasn't a subscriber so I didn't have the stamps.  Bummer, right?! One of my fellow demos hooked up up though, so today I finally got to bring my card to life.   I am sending it straight to my best friend from grad school because I know she'll get it.   Blood spatter cards aren't for everyone of course.   CSI fans may appreciate one if you have someone in your life who enjoys that show.  ;)  

My hands look like a crime scene too after messing with the red reinker.  I am hoping it comes off at some point today!  Yikes!  

Now if you aren't a subscriber to My Paper Pumpkin, you can be like me and get on board now before you miss anymore cool stamps!   Go check out the website:  My Paper Pumpkin.  You have until tomorrow I believe to subscribe and get a kit this month.   

Have I mentioned how much I love this girl?  :)   She's just too cute!    And she's awake so I'll wrap this up and see you later!  

FMS85: Bermuda Elephant

Time for a new Freshly Made Sketch!  (Uh oh!  I have to correct myself).  Today's sketch is actually by the amazing Narelle; Amy is awesome too but her sketch was last week.  lol It's a fun sketch and you can make such a variety of cards with it.  Be sure to go check out the blog to see all the great creations by the design team.   

I just got Bermuda Bay and had to use it.   I didn't get it back when it was out because I really had just gotten into stamping and was clueless.   Now it's going to be back with the new catalog and I'm so excited as I love it.  It looks fabulous paired with Melon Mambo!   I needed a birthday card for a sweet little girl who just turned three, so I made my card for her.  I didn't have any Bermuda Bay dsp, but my awesome stamping buddy Marla suggested stamping on white and making banners with that.  I grabbed an old CTMH set that I had laying around and it worked out pretty good!   

Stamps:  Wild about You, Happiest Birthday Wishes, CTMH It's Your Day

Ink:  Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo

Paper:  Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Brights DSP stack, Whisper White

Accessories:  Basic Rhinestones, Whisper White 1/4 stitched grosgrain ribbon

Tools:  Scallop Circles #2 die, 3 inch circle die, Itty Bitty Punch Pack

It's been pretty warm these this week so Laila got to go out and play in her little swimming pool.  She wasn't too sure about it just yet though.  :)   

Duo Sketchy Flower

     

Howdy!  Finally checking back in with a little stamping.  I've had this card on my desk for a few days and never really got it to work out.  I finally gave up today, but wanted to share it anyway.   It combines the colors from Dynamic Duos with the sketch at Sketch Frenzy Friday.

Stamps:  NONE

Ink:  NONE

Paper:  Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight, Brights DSP stack, Greenhouse Gala DSP (ret)

Accessories:  Subtles glimmer brads, Basic Pearls

Tools:  Big Shot, Fancy Fan EF, Fun Flowers die, Boho Blossoms punch, Scallop Edge border punch

Someone moved into their big girl car seat today.  Sigh.  She's just growing up too darn fast.  She hasn't been sleeping well for the past few days and it is getting quite exhausting for all of us.   Her legs and arms just want to keep moving and she is waking herself up a lot.  I hope it settles down fast because not even Starbucks can keep me going much longer!

My mom wanted me to be sure to thank all of you who sent cards her way.  She received 7 of them on Saturday.  They came at the perfect time too.  She got them as she was on the way to granny's to help clean up the house.  When things got overwhelming and she needed a break, she went out to the car and opened them all and read them.  She was so touched by your kindness and thoughtfulness.  I don't think they went by the post office today and she has no idea that even more are coming.   So thank you.   And thank you to those who sent cards to me too.  I got several in the mail today and was very surprised. 

Lacy and BRIGHT!

        

I finally found a little time to stamp last night and today.  Laila has been taking some decent naps so I've had a bit of free time.  I'm sure I could have been folding laundry, but that just didn't seem as fun.  ;)   I combined two challenges for this project, the inspiration photo at Stampin' Celebration and the sketch from the Paper Players.  I finished it too late to link with the sketch challenge, but I wanted to note that I used it anyway.

Kinda bright there, huh?  I hope I didn't hurt your eyes.  I needed some cheery colors this week, so that's why the inspiration picture was so perfect for me.   The Brights collection is my favorite by far; they are just so happy.   I made this for a special friend in Maryland who I haven't talked to nearly enough lately.   She's been going through a lot of tough times, so I'm hoping it will cheer her up.   My card was very inspired by a sample in the upcoming annual catalog.  ;)   There's some fun new stuff in there but also some great samples to make the carried over products fresh and fun.  

I want to thank all of you who emailed about my mom.  I don't think they've even thought about going to the post office yet, but I can't wait to hear from her when your cards begin arriving.   This month will be so hard for her as Granny's birthday is the day after Mother's Day. I have been talking with her every day to make sure she's hanging in there and we already booked a flight for her to come down next month to see Laila.  I don't really know what else I can do from 18 hours away, but I'm trying...  Granny will surely be missed.  My mom is one of sixteen kids, so there's a lot of family out there missing her.  

Jason's co-worker got this cute outfit for Laila so I had to snap some pictures of her in it this week so he could show her off wearing it.  

Freshly Made Butterflies

It's Wednesday which means a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches. Linda S designed this fun sketch; I love the banner and sentiment layer.  I wasn't sure I was going to get a card made this week, but I found that I *needed* to stamp yesterday to get my mind off things.   I decided to make a card for my mom.   I want to thank all of you who responded to my post yesterday and asked for her address.  I am happy she'll be getting so many cards in the mail soon.  

I was in a purple mood for some reason yesterday.  I used Wisteria Wonder; aren't we all glad it's sticking around?  I wish Concord Crush had replaced Elegant Eggplant, but I didn't get my way with that one either. I'm still missing that color.  I was in a retired stamp set mood I guess so all the stamping is from sets that were just gathering dust.   

Stamps:  Butterfly Prints, Love & Care

Ink:  Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder

Paper:  Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder, 2011-2013 In Colors stack, Whisper White

Accessories: Basic Pearls

Tools: Butterfly Punch (retired)

I love this picture.  It was Laila's first time meeting her and she was so content to just sit in granny's lap and look at her.