Pinwheel Margaritas

Too late to get into any stories this evening. I will tell you that I think most of the mired marigolds are going to survive. I will also mention that I STILL think upside -down-hanging-tomato-bags are RIDICULOUS.

I think I'm in a slump - only two cards to post! And the first one is one of those situations where concept and execution did not intersect on the roadway of cardmaking. It's colorful - I'll just keep it at that...

Happiness is a Pinwheel
~Base card turquoise Bazzill cardstock
~Design paper - DCWV Nana's Kids
~Ribbons
~Sentiments by Just Rite
~Pinwheels turquoise, green and pink cardstocks on white cardstock with black brad centers
~Center slotted brad with assorted ribbons
~Horizontal striped ribbon
Challenges:
Shabby Tea Room - Popsicles and Pinwheels using hot pink, bright green, cool turquoise
2S4Y - sketch



Lunch with a Lime~Base card blue cardstock
~Layers of The Paper Studio's Blue and Green Stripe and Wavy Lines~Images from Michael's dollar bin - the word fiesta cut from the image - colored with Copics, "salt" rim topped with Stickles Diamonds, glasses topped with Ranger Glossy Accents~Sentiment typed and printed on inkjet printer
~Green grosgrain ribbon
Challenges
Our Creative Corner Keep Your Cool Color Challenge - Blues and Greens
Stars and Stamps - Create Something Tasty
Stampin' Royalty - Seeing Double
That's it for tonight. Hope to capture some quality Bubble time tomorrow.
Thank you for stopping by.
Nancy

Prussian Blue Re-Do

So I'm late for work...luckily for me I have a boss who knows I will get my work done and believes in summer casual hours. I just couldn't leave without trying to fix my fix of this teapot. Forgive me Mary Lee -if you think this card will further depress your 'under the weather friend' just give it a toss I will totally understand.


Here is the remedy - it's called "we must focus on something other than the teapot"! For the previous version (sans buttons and leaves) see below.

Okay! Now I mean it! I am really leaving for work!
Have a good one!
Nancy

Early to Rise

Got up extra early this morning so had time to put the finishing touches on this card that I started last evening. This is the final in a set of tea theme cards for friend Mary Lee. I'm also sending her the two 'tea' cards from last night's post, Cuppa, and Tea Leaves. This one nearly made it into the garbage bin as I had a fight with the blue Copics. I finally tamed the dark blue beast (B039) enough to call it passable. I know the shadowing is dreadful and lacking but I worked so long on it I just couldn't give it a toss. It was one of those "it will quilt out moments'...just keep working...it will get better...or not...

I think I need a Copics class.

I looked up a Copics Certification course that will be held in Lincoln, Ne. The description sounds like it is mostly for store owners. I did find some dynamic video tutorials. Although I would like to become "Copic Certified".

After watching several of the videos I think I am going to place an order for Gina K Designs cardstock. I like the softer coloring that seems to result in comparison to PaperTrey Ink. I will keep using PaperTrey Ink for my base cards. It is just so sturdy and makes for a great base.

I need to keep this short as time is marching on and work awaits! Luckily work is a 6 minute drive from home.



I've Got The Prussian Blues
~Base card PaperTrey Ink Spring Rain~Layer of BasicGrey Cupcake paper pad
~Rectangle of navy blue cardstock and coordinating Cupcake layer
~Navy and cranberry cardstock then digital image printed on white PaperTrey Ink
~Digital image (freebie) from KLM Digital Designs, colored with Copics (NOTE TO SELF - next time leave the Prussian Blue in the drawer), rose topped with Stampin' Up Crystal Effects, tea pot coated with Crackle Accents
~Red brad used on top off tea pot lid
~Navy ribbon
Challenge
Crazy for Challenges - sketch

Must dash...the cliff calls.
All good wishes for a wonderful day. Thanks for popping by.
Nancy

Tea with Sugar

Yes! I survived the trip to the Farmer's Market with my mother. We were blessed with a primo parking spot and we perused each and every one of the forty plus tables of jams/jellies, baked goods, and vegetables. I guess what 'they' say about role reversals between parents and 'children' is true. I was asked at each and every table regarding each and every item, "What is that?" "How much is it?" Memories of shopping with a toddler.

I told her she should whip up a batch of pies and rhubarb jam - I'd set her up with a tent, sign, and a table - she could set up shop. She just harrumphed at me. After I said it would do her some good and keep her off the streets I got the well practiced "Well NANCY!" She sampled a few jams and even some local wine. Personally I think a 92 year old sitting at a vendor's table with stacks of pies and jam would make for gangbusters sales!

Among the things she bought were cucumbers, beets, onions, tomatoes and rhubarb. She has two hills of rhubarb but evidently you just can't have enough rhubarb. Because of the tomatoes and rhubarb we had another "If You Give a Moose a Muffin" episode. You can't have tomatoes and not have bacon and she was just sure she would need more sugar because of the large amount rhubarb she now possessed (not to mention the mounds growing in her back yard). This required a trip to the supermarket. Oh how I dread these shopping cart excursions!

The most notable story about the trek to the store was the fact that she bought twenty (20!) pounds of sugar. TWENTY pounds of sugar???!! Okay - for someone who likes to bake I suppose twenty pounds of sugar is reasonable but REALLY... I know I've NEVER purchased twenty pounds of sugar at one time - EVER! The reason the whole twenty pounds is laughable is because on this same morning she declared, as she frequently does, "I won't be around much longer."

One more thing. I received the sweetest comment of a few of my postings from Julie. Her cards are fantastic and I so appreciated her notes. Check out her blog! Get ready to be wowed!

Here is what Bubble time produced since my last post. The first two are for friend Mary Lee as she requested cards with tea themes for a friend of her's who is feeling under the weather at this time.


Tea Anyone?
~Base card is white cardstock
~Layer of Paper Studio Pink Ovals~Digital image (a freebie) from Shirley's 2 Girls colored with Copics, Sharpies, steam dotted using Quickie Glue stick and glitter, layer of Bazzill Berry Sensation under the image
~Sheer ribbon
~Buttons
Challenge:
Just Us Girls - create an apron card


Pippins~Base card white cardstock
~Layer of Bazzill Lime Crush~Layer of Paper Studio Doodle Garden~Digital image (a freebie) by Digital Delights colored with Copics (heart topped with Stampin' Up Crystal Effects)
~Sentiment from the dollar bin at Michael's
~Ribbon assortment
Challenge - direct from friend Mary Lee for tea theme cards


Looooooong Time No See~Base card white cardstock
~Layer of PTI Kraft cardstock
~Layer of Paper Studio Black and Brown Tiles~Layer of black cardstock then a layer of brown cardstock with the edges smudged with black ink, six eyelets
~Digital image (freebie) by Little Musings colored using Copics
~Layer of sheer ribbon and bronze metallic cardstock
~Giraffe 'spots' are layers of cardstock
Challenge:
Sketch Saturday
Thank you for stopping by.
Nancy

To Market, To Market...

This should be a hoot - taking Memere Old (aka my mother) to the Farmers Market. At least there won't be any grocery cart NASCAR incidents. (hmmmm maybe I better wait to report on that...who knows what innocent 80 year old could be edged out of the way as MO elbows her way to the perfect cucumber?

Check back for more on this soon to be unfolding (and potentially zany and or dramatic) story. Just want to upload one card for now.

I'd Rather Be...
~Base card - Paper Trey Ink Ocean Tides~Layer of dark brown cardstock
~Layer of Studio K (K & Co) Meadow & Breeze - I stamped lightly over this layer using Tim Holtz Old Paper Distress Ink on the Stampin' Up Weathered background stamp
~Vertical layer of dark brown cardstock topped with layer of faded red from Daisy D's Winter Fun pad
~Image is a digital drawing for adirondack instructions that I found on Bing, image printed on PTI Vintage Cream, colored using Copics and attached to layer of brown cardstock
~Hardware from Stampin' Up Hodge Podge collection
Challenges:Our Creative Corner Weekly Sketch
Play Date Cafe color inspiration (for some reason I got pretty literal with this one...found the chair, then found the perfect colors in an odd mix of design paper collections - thank goodness for scraps!)

Thanks for stopping by. Comments and constructive criticisms welcomed and appreciated.
All good wishes,
Nancy

Ninja Marigolds

Okay back to the mother note in the previous post about the window box planter without drainage holes. I didn't even know you could buy new flower pots without drainage holes already in them. I didn't plant this particular pot of marigolds - I would have noticed the lack of run-off system! I'm going to have to investigate just who the genius was that filled a 18 by 10 planter with dirt without a care as to how the water would escape. It's hot in Iowa with enough humidity that it couldn't possible absorb all the excess water from this baby. This lovely planter holds 10 or 12 marigold plants. I hope they are some freakish hydroponic hybrid because when I was last over at the mother's house - the fledgling plants were FLOATING in a flotsam mix of organic materials with a NASTY composty smell.

I believe the reason these yellow button top blossoms were experiencing a near-drowning is because it is my husband's DAILY duty to drive across town to water the now infamous (and ridiculous) upside-down-hanging-tomato-plant-bag. (Yes, it's true - I mean the singular - plant - one of the two fruit bearing sprigs met with an untimely demise.) Anyway - he waters every flora containing vessel in sight. Much to the dismay of these lowly marigolds.

The question of the day was: Could the marigold's be saved?! (To be honest - I would have preferred to dump the entire glob of fermenting goo and gone to the store for another flat of flowers but where is the adventure in that?) Well, mother thought I should try poking an ice pick through the dirt and out the bottom. REALLY???? An ice pick through PVC? What do I look like? Wonder Woman? (hmmm...can you even BUY ice picks anymore?) Not to mention I was not about to slam my hand down into that pile of putrefaction.

The solution I told her, as I'm saying to myself, "Nancy - just dump it ALL and go to the farm implement store and buy new dirt and marigolds", was to drill holes in the bottom. (And tell John to STOP watering everything within reach of the hose!) She starts to shuffle towards the top of the stairs leading to the basement. I tell her, "Stop! I'll go get the drill just tell me where it is." She tells me - in exacting detail - "in the box, on the left, on top of the dresser, across from the refrigerator..." I'm halfway down the stairs and I hear, no - it's more like I FEEL a presence - very near to me... invading my personal space. I turn - it's HER! She is a ninja old woman...wonder if a Black Ops Team could use her. SERIOUSLY!!!! I inform her that she can just stay upstairs - that I am perfectly capable of finding and carrying a drill. I turn the corner at the bottom of the stairs. I hear, "Nancy". I walk back to the bottom of the stairs. Ninja woman says, "don't forget the drill bits". REALLY ??????

I return from the basement victorious! Drill, drill bits, and extension cord in hand! We make our way back to the front porch. I slide the container to the edge of the porch stair and proceed to create drainage holes. Of course the sewage water runs down my hand and arm...but this is after all an important salvage attempt of three dollars worth of marigolds! AND of course THE SHADOW (aka mother) is hovering CLOSE at hand.

I'll let you know if the marigolds make it. I know it took several hand washings and a spritz of lemon juice to rid myself of their decay!

I may have to look for a marigold stamp or digital image just to commemorate the day but for now here is a look at the recent 'produce' from the Bubble.



FTD Greeting
~Base card PaperTrey Ink Berry Sorbet
~Coordinating design paper: SEI Winnie's Walls
~Sentiment: Stampin' Up Warm Words and Stampin' Up Word Window Punch
~Flower made using the organza fabric that comes in the FTD box of long stem roses, I used the fringe from some raveling I did and attached it along with a 'ribbon' of the same fabric under the flower - white brad center (No I did NOT receive flowers from my husband - one of 'my' students got long stem roses from her boyfriend she gave me the fabric...OMG...now I have to include getting ToC from students not just family members!) (If this is your first time to my blog ToC is what is affectionately referred to in my family as "transfer of crap" from one to another...for some reason I'm usually on the receiving end!)
Challenge:
Crazy for Challenges: Use paper flowers - okay so I know organza is not paper - but paper is a fiber...organza is a fiber...
Whimsical Wednesday - color/design inspiration



Flippin' Easy~Base card Paper Trey Ink Raspberry Fizz
~Coordinating design papers - The Paper Studio Surfer Girl~Flip flops were on the same stamp as the sentiment - ( I cut all the pieces apart) from the dollar bin at Michael's
~Hawaiian shirt rubber stamp from the Dollar Tree - colored with Copics and Sharpies
~Three black brads for the shirt buttons
~Stickles embellish the flip flop flowers
~Sentiment (from the flip flop stamp) smudge with Stampabilities Lime Green
~Challenge Stampin' B's
Swirls and Stars~Base card Paper Trey Ink Vintage Cream edges smudged using Distress Ink Faded Jeans and Fired Brick
~Blue design paper: Paper Pizazz Watercolor Stars, I stamped stars in the corner using Stampin' Up Stars and Swirls and Versamark with navy embossing powder, then over-stamped with Stampin' Up Weathered and more navy embossing powder
~Freebie digital image from Meljen's Designs - colored with Copics and Sharpies, distressed with blue ink
~Swirl and zig zag brads
Challenges:
Little Red Wagon: Canada Day or 4th of July

This next card is shown in three photographs - 'it's sort of a some assembly required' type of thing... It's not a traditional folded card.




Interdepartmental Greetings
~Base card is some generic turquoise cardstock
~Striped design cardstock - K & Co Happy Birthday 2 U
~'Interdepartmental envelope' flap - Bazill Basics Berry Sensation
~Large colorful button
~Orange ribbon (as the envelope string)
~Sentiment from the dollar bin at Michael's - colored with Sharpies, topped with Stampin' Up Crystal Effects and Stickles Diamonds~Eyelet with more ribbons
Challenge:
2S4Y - sketch (My first time at this challenge site - yippee another challenge!)

I have one more card but my eyelids are getting VERY heavy so will hold off on uploading it until a later date.

Thank you for clicking by and even more for leaving a comment.
All good wishes,
Nancy

Raspberry Vodka Tequila Fizz

Another Monday evening with MO (Memere Old AKA my mother). Let’s see…dinner at a marginal Mexican restaurant, grocery store stop, and the yard. Dinner first. Chips, salsa, a burrito with gravy, lettuce and tomato plus a Margarita later and she is ready to go to the grocery store. Ninety-two years old and AFTER a burrito weighs 92 pounds – and MAN can she eat!

Now the grocery store saga. A trip to the store is never dull with my mother. It is a like trying to corral rabbits. I try to keep a hand on the grocery cart because she is ruthless – no Achilles tendon within 25 miles is safe! She will plow through other shoppers like a bull in Pamplona. I’m not saying she is rude – just very intentional on shopping and always in a hurry. So I’m trying to grab the items she wants, hang on to the cart, and keep her from taking down unsuspecting shoppers.

Back home and it is time to fill the bird feeders. She follows me outside, stands on the porch, to make sure I perform this difficult task to her liking. I busy myself with the three bird feeders only to turn and see the woman with two kitchen can liners and a butcher knife that would make the Iron Chef proud. PLUS she is trying to get down the stairs into the back yard. (She is blind in one eye and has macular degeneration in the GOOD eye.) I run up to the porch and while I’m asking her what the 'heck' she is doing as I grab the knife from her hand. Really – a butcher knife? A cleaver-wielding woman old enough to put Yoda to shame, with no depth perception, holding two plastic bags. After I calm myself down and have managed to wrest the rhubarb scalpel from her hand...I am told the ‘machete’ is to lop the tops of the rhubarb off. There are two bags – one for the stalks – the other for the lopped off tops. Ahhhh….. quite a system! I am such a 'grasshopper' with much yet to learn from my gardening master.

Long story short – she wanted rhubarb. I told her I would get it. She, adamantly, tells me NO. She wants to walk into the yard over to the rhubarb mounds. Now, mind you, I’ve probably heard from her, “never cut rhubarb you have to pull it”, at least a thousand times in my lifetime. I approach the rhubarb with the appropriated ‘hatchet’ and she barks at me, “don’t cut it – you HAVE to PULL it!"

Then there is the flower pot that is already full with dirt and flowers…and she wants holes drilled in the bottom…that story I may have to hold off for another blog.

That's all on that subject for now. Let's talk cards!



What'll You Have?~Base card Paper Trey Ink Dark Chocolate~Layer of diagonal design paper by Bo Bunny
~Layer of olive green cardstock topped with another Bo Bunny paper
~Three olive green eyelets
~Rectangle of bronze cardstock, another layer of design paper, then white cardstock stamped with Stampin' Up Express Yourself colored with Copics, image distressed using Old Paper ink
~Sentiment printed using inkjet printer and smudged with Distress Ink Old Paper and adhered to more bronze cardstock
~Stitches inked around edges using black gel pen
Challenge: The Shabby Tea Room using this photo inspiration:



Fizz Frizz
~Base card Paper Trey Ink Raspberry Fizz
~Layers of black cardstock with layers of Raspberry Fizz Mix~Polka dot ribbon
~Black brads
~Image: Baby Bud Designs Chloe (isn't she adorable?)- colored using Sharpies, edges smudged using Stampabilities Cotton CandyChallenges
Mojo Monday - sketch
The Pink Elephant - use pink and black

Vodka above - tequila below...hmmm is there a pattern developing here?


It's Five O'Clock Somewhere
~Base card Paper Trey Ink Berry Sorbet~Design papers are SEI Winnie's Walls~Image is from Michael's dollar bin - colored with Copics, coated with Stampin' Up Crystal Effects, lime peel coated with Ranger's Crackle Accents, beverage topped with green Stickles, 'salt' rim edged with Stickles Diamond
~Sentiment printed on ink jet printer
Challenges:
Lord Have Mercy sketch
Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger - here is the photo inspiration:

Whimsical Wednesday - graphic inspiration That's all that I have for this evening. Thanks for stopping by. Comments are welcomed and appreciated.

All good wishes,
Nancy

Pressurized Ice Cream

One wedding down, several more to go... Yesterday's wedding was lovely. Beautiful bride, groom who's leg wouldn't stop bouncing while they were seated. And I got to sit between two recent alums. The twins Shane and Shawn. They both fidget - constantly. Between the swaying and knee bouncing I was wishing I had Dramamine in my purse. One dressed in a tuxedo (he was doing one of the liturgical readings) the other in a black crew neck short sleeve t-shirt and black slacks...Really Shane?! Well, then at least shove your rear pocket lining in to the pocket where it belongs. When we shook hands at the peace offering. I hung on to his hand pulled him down close enough to I could whisper that he needed to fix his pocket. He good naturedly said, 'geesh, I guess you'll always be our 'mom'".

Worked yesterday - I was on a scholarship interview committee. Applicants for a $10,000 scholarship. Note to self - next year when Rita calls to ask me to serve on the committee again - have a REALLY GOOD reason prepared as to why I WON'T be able to participate. I have to give them my vote tomorrow. YIKES. It is really a difficult decision. They are all non-traditional students - most with very compelling reasons why they are deserving of this scholarship which will be awarded to only one of the six. TOO MUCH PRESSURE!

Rather than review their folders again and again. I resorted to Bubble Therapy and made a few cards.
Cup Cake Liberty
~Base card PaperTrey Ink White
~Flag layer of Miss Elizabeth from the Dollar Tree
~Digital image from Treehouse Stamps printed on PaperTrey Ink white, colored with Copics - Stampin' Up Crystal Effects coated the muffin paper - hoping to make it look metallic. White frosting layer is poofed up Marvy Liquid Applique, blue Elmer's Glitter Glue on blue frosting, Stickles black diamonds added to strawberry seeds. Hand drawn 'stitches' around periphery of white cupcake cardstock and around red layer as well.
~Embellishments: Ribbons and plastic glitter star
Challenges:
Treeshouse Stamp - use this digital image
Mojo Monday - sketch

All that angst about making wedding cards. I JUST COULDN'T TAKE IT! I settled for a tag... I folded under the pressure of the dreaded wedding card. I placed the tag in the gift bag and called it DONE. I don't think Jennie or Matt will think anything was awry.


Ice Cream Blossom
~Base card PTI
~All design papers are from Making Memories Multi-pink Pack
~The cone is Kraft paper stamped with Stampin' Up Canvas using Versamark, then embossed with Ranger Copper EP
~Paper flower made using scallop punch and three different design papers
~Sentiment from the Dollar Tree
~Pink and Brown Polka Dot ribbon
Challenges:
Crazy for Challenges - use a paper flower
Just Us Girls - color combination inspired by Neapolitan ice cream - light pink, chocolate, and vanilla
This one makes an envelope a little difficult - but putting ice cream into an envelope is always tedious!

What a short weekend. I may have to have a Bubble day during the week. The boss will be gone - so....
Thanks for clicking in.
Nancy

Late Night Sun

Why am I still getting home late when there are only a handful of students on campus? Ahh... a new boss with lots of energy! Oh well I'm not complaining...the parking is fabulous! Even with getting home late I had time for a card probably because it doesn't have any hand coloring. I didn't grab for a colored pencil or a Copic. I used a vintage photograph.


By the Sea
~Base card PaperTrey Ink
~Layer of K & Co Amy Butler Lotus~Die cut medallion Amy Butler Lotus
~Image from The Graphics Fairy; torn edges smudged with Memento London Fog
~Embellishments: buttons, sequin flowers with bead centers, ribbon, chipboard flower "sun"
~Challenge:
The Shabby Team Room "Fun in the Sun" theme
Little Red Wagon - use beads

Thank you for clicking in but if you don't leave a comment I won't know that you stopped by...
All good wishes,
Nancy

Bears, Frogs, and Flowers

Took my mother to Braunger's Steak Co. The butcher certainly had his work cut out for him. She wanted sirloin steak. ONE sirloin steak...cut into three chunks and packaged separately. She doesn't like leftovers. It's the perfect solution. Those were some DINKY little packages! More paper than meat. All you can do is chuckle.

Now...on to the cards.

Cheeky
~Base card PaperTrey Ink White~Layer of Making Memories Cheeky Collection
~Layer of pale green cardstock
~Another layer of Cheeky Collection
~Three rectangles of amethyst, light pink, and light green - all dry embossed using the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder
~Scallop punched circle of white cardstock
~Two Rhonna Farrer Flowers colored with Copics - top flower coated with Stampin' Up Crystal Effects with Stickles center
~Flower trim (gift from Sissy Gail)
Challenges:
Lord Have Mercy: sketch
Crazy for Challenges: use amethyst, light pink, light green

Like Toadly
~Base card PTI
~Layer of polka dot paper - it had some pink dots which I covered with orange cardstock using a circle paper punch
~Image is not something I normally would purchase - but Granddaughter Bailey picked it out - Stamp by Penny Black Toadly Yours
~Ribbons
~Stickles used on the coils and the flower centers
Challenge:
Whimsical Wednesday

Letters Home~Base card PTI
~Layer of wallpaper looking design paper - My Mind's Eye
~Digital image from Digital Two for Tuesday (awesome site), colored with Copics, "vintaged-up" with Ranger Distress Ink
~Embellished with one photo corner, flowers w/brad, die-cut flourish using Cuttlebug, pearl, vellum envelope (made using envelope punch) - inside the envelope is a small piece of cardstock with cursive text stamped on it

Butter Bear
~Base card Paper Trey Ink Kraft~Layer of My Mind's Eye floral design paper - "vintaged-up" with roughed up edges and Ranger Distress Ink Old Paper and run though the Cuttlebug with the Swiss Dots embossing folder

~Cuttlebug oval die-cut of My Mind's Eye polka dots
~Ribbon that I bought a long time ago and haven't used because I didn't that the right card to use it on...I think it works well for this young lady
~Digital image from Digital Two for Tuesday colored with Copics, smudged with Ranger Old Paper ink
~Embellishments: Prima flowers, metal brads, twine, buttons, photo corners (smudged with Ranger Old Paper ink
Challenge:
The Pink Elephant - sketch
The Shabby Tea Room - Summer Fun (This is a summer card because my story for this wee one is that she is all dressed up ready to ride the train to grandma's house for the summer - in Martha's Vineyard.)

That's it for now. Thanks for clicking in.

All good wishes,

Nancy

Raspberries, and Oranges but no Popcorn

Daughter Amy was home for the day - yay!!! She and Poppy went to a movie...I went to my mother's house after being summoned. Amy and Poppy enjoyed the movie. My visit...well let's just say I didn't get any popcorn with my visit.

I got up really early so I did manage to squeeze in a little Bubble time.


Raspberry Cream n' Coffee
~Base card Paper Trey Ink Kraft~Layer of white cardstock
~Layer of muted raspberry print K & Co. Journey~Digital image
~Layers of Kraft, Aqua, another layer of Kraft, Raspberry, cardstocks - with the bottom layer of Kraft paper punched with Martha Stewart lattice punch
~Sentiment by Just Rite
~Inside sentiment by Stampin' Up: Friends are the coffee break in the business of life.
~Challenges:
Play Date Cafe - color combo of Raspberry, Aqua, White, and Kraft
Taylored Expressions sketch
Just Us Girls - use a digital image


Corner Slice
~Base card Paper Trey Ink Kraft~Layer of olive cardstock
~Layer of BasicGrey Recess Cafeteria~Four sets of corner 'oranges' punched, distressed with Stampabilities Orange Dye Ink
~Vintage digital image is from The Graphics Fairy, colored with Copics, whole orange coated with Ranger Crackle Accents. white background of image was distressed using Stampabilities Orange Dye ink on a scrap piece of textured cardstok. The scrap was coated with the ink then placed over the image area and brayered over the white image cardstock.
~Challenges:
Our Creative Corner - incorporate something into the corners
Just Us Girls - use a digital image
Whimiscal Wednesday - color and theme inspiration


Pemberely Greetings~Base Card PaperTrey Ink White
~Red and black layers are re-purposed from a card I received
~Metal brads added to upper corners
~Circle scallops of white and black cardstock using Cuttlebug
~Image stamped using Memento Tuxedo Black - areas colored with Copics, dots treated with Versamark pen and black and red embossing powder added, metal brad added to center of flower. Image is Flowers by Rhonna Farrer
~Layer of black and white floral ribbon and black satin bow added
~Challenges:
The Pink Elephant: use red, scallop, and a bow
OCC - use the corners (upper corners have large white brads)

That's all for tonight. Thank you for stopping by.
Nancy

Recipe Calls for 2 Cups of...

No story tonight - just a card.



Cuppa~Base card PaperTrey Ink Dark Chocolate
~Layer of Bazzill pink cardstock
~Layer of Paper Studio Baby Pink Paisley
~Strip of pink and brown polka dot grosgrain ribbon
~Layer of Bazzill brown cardstock
~Another layer of Bazzill pink cardstock
~Digital image by Paper Garden Projects, laser jet printed directly on Paper Studio Baby Pink Paisley, flower on cup colored in with Copics and coated with Ranger's Crackle Accents. Thought I'd try paper piecing so I printed the tea cup twice on the design paper. I cut the cup out, cutting away the saucer and background (in the center of the cup handle) then used foam dimensionals to attach it to the bottom layer of the second printing of the cup and saucer (cutting away the background center of the handle). I should have photographed it from the side to show the 3D effect...
~Prima leaves and three flowers with Paper Studio adhesive pearls (My FIRST pearls - just bought them today at Hobby Lobby - all Paper Studio stuff is ON SALE!)
~Challenges:
Teapot inspiration from The Shabby Tea Room
Sketch challenge from Little Red Wagon
You can get up close with the card by clicking on the image.
All good wishes,
Nancy

Aromatherapy

Guy cards - they are difficult. And do guys really care if they get a card? Hmmmmm... I suppose some do. I found this paper in my stash and I thought of my daddy. He's been gone from this life for many years and I still miss him very much. He worked on engineering blue prints many evenings at home. I loved to go to his office and I can still remember the smell. It was a pleasant combination of pencil shavings and pipe tobacco. I wish I could find a candle with that combination! Great memories...

I went to the doctor today and he gave me a narcotic pain medication for my current back pain. This card was made while 'under the influence'.


Shaving Brush
~Papertrey Ink Kraft~Layer of blue cardstock
~Layer of Basic Grey Recess~Square of blue cardstock topped with coordinating Recess design paper
~Three types of twine on the left side of the square
~Swirl brad upper left corner of square
~Small brown cardstock square - stamped with Versamark, stamped with Stampin' Up Canvas and embossed with Ranger Clear embossing powder attached with silver round brad
~Large brown button with cranberry colored sisal and paint brush charm
~Small clock face with brad - Spare Parts Clock Icons~Square embossed metal brad
~Pencil shavings
~Challenges:
The Shabby Tea Room - create a masculine or Father's Day card
Mojo Monday sketch
Thanks for clicking in.
Nancy

Tea for Three

A good friend from high school called to ask me to go visit his mother in the hospital. He lives in Chicago and won't be in town until the weekend. I did my duty and went to visit her. Great now I have TWO 92 year olds to visit. Oh well... as the song goes..."that's what friends are for."

All of these were made in response to an inspiration over at the Shabby Tea Room.



Tea Leaves
~Base card PaperTrey Ink
~Polka dot paper: Daisy D's Winter Fun Pad~Image is an unknown maker - Gailey bought it for me on eBay
~Image colored in with Copics, edges of the cardstock smudged and layered on PaperTrey Ink Ocean Tides
~Embellishments: tulle, lace, Prima leaves, gold metal thread, photo corners - one on the image - one on the right lower corner of the polka dot design paper
~Challenge Shabby Tea Room teapot inspiration



Tea Note~Base card PaperTrey Ink
~Coordinating design papers (don't have the brand or name)
~Image by Stampin Up Send a Celebration, stamped using Memento Tuxedo Black, colored with Copics, coated with Stampin Up Crystal Effects~Edges of white cardstock punched with Fiscars punch
~Three loop brads
~Grosgrain ribbon
~Challenges:
Just Us Girls sketch
Shabby Tea Room tea pot


Tea Rack
~Design paper: Wild Asparagus
~Ovals: Spellbinders Nestablities, smudged with Distress Ink Fired Brick~Stamp design from the dollar bin at Michael's using Distress Ink Fired Brick~Prima flowers with metal brads
~Rick rack
~Challenge: Shabby Tea Room teapot inspiration

Thanks for clicking in.
Nancy

Long Distance Hugs, Cats, and Dragons

Sad day...no comments on my previous blog. Sad day indeed. Oh well who needs affirmations and kudos. It's all about my Bubble Time. Might be pinched for Bubble Time this week because Granddaughter Bailey is spending the week!!!! YIPPPPEEEE!!!

Freshman orientation session today (and continues through tomorrow). How YOUNG they look. I met a particularly sweet young lady and her mother. The mom was sitting at a table by herself at dinner. I asked her if she would like to join a table I was sitting at with a few other people. She said, "No, I'm just sitting here far enough away from my daughter so I can watch her but not be in the way. I'm just watching her interact with the other kids. She is not a social butterfly so I can hardly believe she is off sitting with others. I'm a single mom and we are pretty close and I am so happy to see her sitting there making friends - and school hasn't even started. I'm going to be six hours away - this is going to be hard - but sitting here watching her I know it is all gonna be fine."

I told her I was available for long distance hugs if she ever wanted to call me I could take care of that. She said she would be calling me for "just that very thing". She then asked me if I had cats. (CATS????!!!) I smiled and sweetly told her no. The mother then said, "oh Hannah LOVES cats and she is going to miss her cat something awful. I was hoping you had a cat she might hug once in awhile". I promised a surrogate mama hug from time to time and told her I'd see what I could do to hook her daughter up with a kitty cat from time to time. (CATS??? I don't LIKE cats.) But I do love freshman students and will do my best to find SOMEONE with a cat in need of hugs (do cats even LIKE hugs???) It was the highlight of my day.

Time to post the card now as I need to get ready for day two of freshman orientation!


Daisy Dragon Day~Base card Paper Trey Ink White~Layer of striped K & Co. Happy Birthday 2 U~Vertical layer of yellow cardstock topped with balloon print layer of K & Co. Happy Birthday 2 U, embellished with layer of hot pink birthday ribbon from Michael's dollar bin
~Image by Dustin Pike, colored in using Copics, balloon coated with Ranger Crackle Accents, flame and party hat pom pom topped with Stickles Yellow~Layers of mini punch flowers (I could have used thumb therapy after punching these sweeties) - centers dotted with Stickles Diamond
~Challenges:
The Pink Elephant- BRIGHT colors
Doodle Dragon -use flowers and a Dustin Pike image
Splitcoast Stampers - SC116 sketch




Dressed up Note~Base card PTI White
~Layer of DCWV All Dressed Up
~Ribbons
~Circular Clip
~Sentiment from Just Rite stamped on cardstock and torn to size
~Cuttlebug die cut curly-q's right lower tucked under flower
~Silk polka dot flower, two layers of paper punch flowers, Prima flower, and black/white argyle metal brad
~Challenge
OCC - black/white/text (no image) (I missed the deadline to upload this to their site but I really like the card)
I'm off to get ready for round two - Freshman Orientation - the Class of 2014. (I wonder what they thought of their first night in a dorm...sharing a bedroom with a stranger and a bathroom with 30 strangers AND no air-conditioning? Hmmm.....)
All good wishes,
Nancy

Ice Cream Posies

Another busy week at school and it is a short work week. Freshman orientation weekend is this Saturday and Sunday so there has been a flurry of activity in preparation for 60+ freshman and their parents. We will keep them busy with fun, facts, and an evening in the dorms!

I'm sitting at sister Gail's house right now - already in our jammy pants! Sister Judy called to say she really like the card I made for her neighbor's 40th anniversary. That card was fun to make (unlike all of the UN-fun wedding cards). The Judy card just came together. I love it when that happens! It was fun to hear that Judy liked the card - a boost to my bubble time ego.

Let's get straight to the cards. Both of these are made using the Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge one is set vertically the other horizontally.



A Cherry on Top
~Base card PaperTrey Ink Raspberry~Layer of yellow cardstock, layer of K & Co. Happy Birthday 2U
~Square of yellow cardstock, another layer of same design paper
~Rectangle layers of blue then pink cardstock
~Image (Stampabilites) stamped on white cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black, colored using Copics, sprinkles dotted with Stickles Diamonds, cherries topped with Stampin Up Crystal Effects
~Turquoise sheer dotted ribbon
~Challenges:
The Pink Elephant - "Gotta Have Shades" use bright colors
The Deidrich Dare - inspiration image using teal, yellows, oranges, blues and a summer feel
Lord Have Mercy sketch

Posies
~Base card - PaperTrey Ink Spring Rain~Layer of white cardstock then DCWV The Glitter Stack~Layer of melon textured cardstock then another layer of DCWV The Glitter Stack~Layer of DCWV Glitter yellow cardstock and yet another layer of The Glitter Stack~Digital image from Mel Stampz, colored with Copics and coated with Modge Podge
~Really skinny melon colored ribbon
~Challenge:
Lord Have Mercy sketch

Thanks for clicking in.
Nancy