Here is the card I made for my friend, Pam. I mentioned in another post that her Husband Rodney lost his fight with Lung Cancer on Mother’s Day evening.

His funeral is today. I just pray God giver her strength to get through this time, and anytime she needs it after this. I can only imagine a fraction of the pain she is feeling, and my heart breaks for her. One foot in front of the other, one second at a time. THAT I understand. The numbness creeps in, but then one day slowly leaves.

The card base is vellum cardstock. Very soft look IRL. The butterfly ( Au Naturale from Lizzie Anne) was stamped on vellum cardstock as well, then gold embossed. I colored it with versamagic ink and a bullet sponge pen. Its cut out and on dimensionals. I told you I just CANT do a sympathy card without a butterfly! I don’t know why. I also like sympathy card to be simple and understated.

The patterned paper is by Anna Griffin, layered onto brushed gold.

Bottom of floral layer is punched with Martha Stewart line punch.

It conveys the softness I wanted. And again, to me, a butterfly is a sign of hope, and for happiness and new beginnings. They don’t live long, but are beautiful (even if they are insects). They impact the world even with their short existence. It signifies “untimely” to me as well. They just fly away……in a happy little flutter.

No matter how long a person lives they impact people in the world around them, who love them, and will miss them-forever.

There really isn’t much else to tell. Hope Pam finds all the letters, prayers and warm thoughts comforting.

A woman named Peggy shared a poem with me, that I just thought was beautiful, and hope to do something special with-

In one sense there is no death. The life of a soul on earth lasts beyond his departure   You will always feel that life touching yours, that voice speaking to you, that spirit looking out of other eyes., talking to you in the familiar things he touched, worked with,loved as familiar friends.He lives on in your life  and in thelives of all others that knew him.

                                        –Angelo Petri

So people are always emailing me about what products I like/love and why. Should they buy this, or that. From here or there – and of course WHY? Or I bought this because I saw what you did with it.

SO I figure I would start to do more to help whom-ever by reviewing things here.

I love the fact that people trust my opinion, and personal taste. Now before I begin you need to keep that in mind! Its all about PERSONAL preference. What “I” like you may not (yeah right! LOL!). Seriously! These product opinions are JUST that. I am not compensated for any of this or affiliated with these companies, just want to share my findings for things that I like (or don’t) to help you make informed decisions or just plain ole see HOW it works!

First up-Making Memories Tag maker and rims!

So the tag maker sells at Michaels for $24.95. I saved $10 by using a 40% off coupon. I wanted one of these for like 2 years! Finally on my Mother’s Day shopping adventure I decided to splurge! Couldn’t let that coupon go to waste!

I also got a package of the rims. There are 54 assorted tag rims, and 3 templates inside. It sells for $14.95. Now use a 40% off coupon and thats a pretty cool deal.

The tags I got are silver, pink, and blue way cool! That to me is already a plus. I get assorted metals, shapes AND sizes for $0.27 each! That is BEFORE using a 40% off coupon! 

Now, buy the rims with the coupon, that  would then bringthe cost to only $0.16 each! Now the other cool bonus for me- if you mess up your stamped image on a SU! tag you waste the tag! For this you can simply re-stamp the image BEFORE you make the tag yourself.

The other cool thing-you can use colored cardstock, photos, vellum, patterned paper-whatever YOU decide. Plus as I said before the size and shape variety is far greater!

So the cost for the Stampin Up! metal edge tags-12pk. Two sizes, ONE type of shape and ONE metal per pkg for $4.95-that is $0.41 each tag. Not as good a variety, no choice of paper selection, only 2 types of “paper”, 3 metals and 2 shapes to choose from the entire assortment sold by SU! This doesn’t include shipping, and there is NEVER a 40% off coupon!

Well ,you may now want to know “HOW DOES IT WORK?”

I thought the same thing! I was worried it would be difficult, or too long a process. I was told I could return it if I wasn’t happy!

Here is ALL you do-

        Step 1                                                               Step 2                                                   

Stamp/color your image                       Use templates that come in pkg.          

or just use PP or image of choice         Trace and cut out shape.                        

         Step 3

Pop image into chosen rim.

Put inside tag maker, and gently squeeze handle!

So here you have the steps! SO SIMPLE! Tookjust a minute to do! Plus your image is perfectly centered each time! I’m so lovin this tag maker!  I felt it was well worth every penny! I wish I go one sooner. Now here are two card I did right away! LOL!

Bloom with Delight

Both of the cards were  done using the set Bundles of Bouquets by My Favorite Things Stamps.

This one has ribbon by American Crafts, which inspired my colors. The image was colored with my Prismacolor markers, and blending marker.

Of course used a blue tag for the image rim. Very cool!

I stamped the butterflies, colored then cut. The wings on top are popped forward. They also have a touch of fine shimmery glitter by Martha Stewart. Soft and sweet!

Dragonfly Hello

For this one I used a round pink rim tag! The colors were inspired by more American Crafts ribbon, and their Green House assortment of plastic and paper flowers. The ribbon was layered at the bottom. The button is clear and by Foof FaLa. I liked this card-Jason thought it was awful. Oh well! These are some of my favorite colors. The Dragonfly is stamped twice and the wings are not only glitterfied but popped forward as well!

Thanks for looking! I’d love to hear some feedback on what you think! OR what you want to see next!

Happy Stamping-

 Is this photo not PRICELESS?

I will share my story of Noah’s first game. After a comment I briefly made about it alot of people were wondering “WHAT” happened. Here is the “story” of our tourturious game!

Here is my boy! This is Noah at hist FIRST T-Ball game. He is on the Angels, and is number 11.

He was SO EXCITED to go to his first game. He got up an hour earlier than normal, and got all dressed in his uniform.

As we approach the field he says” No I want to go home. I don’t want to play!” We were like “What?”

Anyway, we get onto the field and Noah does NOT want to be there. He begins to scream and cry. It was quite mortifying. This photo above is him in the field. He was between first and second base.

He did eventually “get into it” but he did alot of this! He didn’t WANT to have fun. He is very sweet and outgoing so we do not understand why he was acting out so much.

First time at bat-coach Rob

 sets Noah up,                       Noah  swings,                            then runs for home!

See that BIG smile? You’d never know he had an ALL OUT crying tantrum about batting before this photo! Everyone was cheering him on! He needs SO much reinforcement.

After another bout on the field he wouldn’t get off the field. He would not walk so I had to literally carry him off. He was warned, but insisted he wasn’t leaving or playing. He ended up kicking me with his Cleats and hitting me numerous times with his glove! It was awful! I could NOT believe he would act like this! This is where my embarrassment had taken an all time high! At that moment I would gladly have been in labor in place of his first t-ball game anyday! What an awful time we had encouraging him. Jason is a phenomenal father! Noah is SO lucky to have a dad like him. My brother and I would have killed for what he has. Jason was so patient and even ran the bases with him. It was so fun when he let himself “go”. Someday when he’s famous these  photos will sell for millions.

 Noah after running home-giving Daddy hi-5!

So here is yet another REAL MOM moment. No fudging stories or cutesy tales. This was the truth. Someday it will be amusing. SOMEDAY!

 Motherhood for me has been the most rewarding, stressful, scary, revealing,and unshelfish thing I have ever done. WEIRD mix of adjectives huh?

 Its given me some of the weakest, strongest, and happiest moments in my life, and its also given me some of the most horrible. My kids can do the smallest thing and it makes my day. They can also make me want to hand them over to a perfect stranger on some as well! LOL! I am not afraid to say that- YES! My kids can drive me INSANE!

I had SO MUCH fun getting to know you and read about YOUR ideas of a perfect day! We all seem to want most of the same.

People think “If  I say- a day spent alone is ideal people will think I’m a bad mother. ” I wouldn’t! You are a mom 24/7

No time clock to punch in and out of. When you are sick you still go on. When they are sick the world (for you) stops.

As a mother I have done AMAZING things that I didn’t think were ever even possible. From conception (can you believe you GREW another human inside YOUR body) to birth (then pushed it out this space that just shouldn’t be capable of stretching like that) to going head first into the responsibility of raising another life. Its insane!

The unconditional love you have upon fist glance! It never fades.

My Mother’s Day was great! I got up at 9:45. Jason had a perfect hot cup of coffee made. He made me my favorite breakfast-homemade waffles with butter, caramel sauce and whip cream (I dont eat that type often otherwise I would be 500lbs).  I went and stamped for a little while. Then took a 3 hour nap! LOL!

He got me a beautiful card, and a gift certificate for a massage, mani and pedi scheduled for June 2nd!!! YEAH!!! Plus next weekend Im going to a stamp expo in Manchester NH.

The kids were well behaved and all was good.

Now that brings me to a winner.

Since we are all the #1 MOM to our kids I actually just chose #1 for the winner! Tammy B email me your address. I also was touched by her statement as well as many of you!

Here is what Tammy had to share-

 SO TRUE!!!

On that note-Here is a card I made for my husband to give to his mother for Mother’s Day!

Take note-there is a scribble on the front! LOL! That is courtesy of Amber. I could not beileve she scribbled all over it. Mostly inside! Oh well.

This card was done using Green Grass Flourishes set, and Card Greetings. You cannot tell but the flourish was stamped twice on the main layer-once in white, and then again in saffron. The flourish was stamped on glossy white paper in versamark, then brayered with banana ink. I restamped over the shadow using versamagic ink.

I love this card, and thought a Thank You for Mother’s day was so appropriate. I hope she likes it.

Later I will share more of what Ive been up to. I have a product review Im doing!! Don’t miss that! Unless you don’t want to buy anything! LOL!

PLUS tomorrow is the Dirty Dozen gallery reveal! LOTS of amazing stuff in this month, plus 2 AMAZING new designers are getting added. That will also show you why I’ve been busy. I have some stamping goodies coming HOPEFULLY today! Can’t wait.

See you later, and thanks for checking in!

Is this NOT adorable? This is a new clear set I got from Stampin Treasures by Hero Arts called Happy Everything! BEWARE I bought a TON of stuff when I went there.

I love the idea that I can send someone a “hug” in the mail! LOL! I always wanted a stamp like that.

I made this for a PSF of mine named Pam Wilson. Its actually for her husband Rodney. He has Cancer and things aren’t going so great. Prayers are appreciated. I thought this may cheer him up! If you want to send a card contact me.

I showed it to my husband and told him where it was going. My husband said NO WAY! Too GIRLY!

Well, after that comment, now I don’t know if I should send it. I tried to not be “girly”. What do you think??? Send it or not?

I was going for CHEERY! NOT GIRLY!

The colors are red, cameo, and celery. I loved the ribbon and that was my starting point. The plastic flower is from American Crafts Green House collection. Love them!! Found them at AC Moore last weekend. Colored the image with my Prisma Markers. I’m gettin there! Slowly! LOL!

I’d appreciate some feedback on this one. I can always make another-but was sorta likin this one.

I love Memory Box paper, and recently got some of their stamps!

This cute penguin came from a stamp expo I attended, and the booth was called Bella Art.

I got the PP from Making Memories Cheeky collection in Emery a week ago. When I saw the polka-dots on the penguin’s party hat, I knew they were meant to be matched together! Going with the polka-dot theme I decided to do a hinge top card, and used brads along to seam. Isn’t this so cute?

It measures 4 1/4 x 6. I started it for the LSC. Leave it plain, no backgrounds or cuttlebuggin. Well, I obviously FAILED miserably! But thats ok! I love it! AND I love my cuttlebug! I dont care if I use it on every card- I call it gettin my monies worth. Finally an expensive MUST have that is worth every cent. 

I also colored it using my New! Prisma markers. The color are just so vibrant! LOVE THEM!

I think I’m sending this one to Shane as well.

Hope you get the time to make one or more too!

  Happy Saturday! Lets start the weekend off with some goodies!

I received these 4 magazines from Paper Crafts, along with a lovely handmade card from one of the editors there, after receiving a submission of mine that was accepted! YAHOOOO!

I actually have all 4 of these already, so figured YOU may not! So this is the Mytime Mail!

Respond to this post with what your DREAM Mother’s Day would consist of! I’d love to read about it. It could be how you’d like to spend the day, a favorite gift, whatever you want to share. Could be a favorite memory. Just gush!

We are actually celebrating “Mother’s Day” today. Since everyone will be out tomorrow. I will go shopping (as usual) and to lunch at my favorite place TGIFridays! Love that place. I hope to stamp the rest of the day FOR FUN!!!

Noah had his FIRST T-Ball game today. OMW! More on that later. I would rather go through labor again than indure the torchure that came with him there. Wait till you see the photos! 

So here is the sketch for today!

I made this card for a friend who just lost her grandfather. He was 99!!! OMW! I hope to live that long. Anyway I thought a Thinking of You was appropriate.

Here is the original sketch. I changed it a bit. This card is a 6×6. Love that size sometimes.

This card was done Using NEW! K & Co paper. It has a nice brushed gold effect on the flowers. Their PP is just gorgeous!

I used my sets from Green Grass called Flourishing and Card Greetings. The ink is versamagic dew drops. Its has a nice matte look. The Thinking of You was embossed with Gold. Very elegant card I thought. The flower is by Bazzill. Its their assortment pack. I love them so much!!!!

Hope you like it and have fun with it! This is the time to dust off the larger stamps you may have and use them!

If you participate in the sketch post a link here so I can comment!

I will choose the Mytime Mail winner tomorrow evening after my kids go to sleep!

Enjoy the weekend!

    Merci pop of purple-

So, I told you I would randomly pick somone’s color suggestion for a “pop” of color using the black & white combo again.

I chose Colleen, and here is what she wrote:

Colleenon 07 May 2007 at 11:28 am

Oh man…your cards are stunners! I love this challenge…I will have to try it out. Now…what color can I use…(purple…yes!)

I chose that one for 2 reasons

1) Purple is my favorite color

2) I rarely use it in papercrafting! WHY? I have no IDEA!

Lovely Lilac, Basic Black, Whisper White.

Glitter pens, Heidi Swap jewels, corner rounder guard off.

So this card was simple. Im sure you are sick of me using my glitter pens, and jewels with this stamp but I seriously cannot STOP! I’m sorry! I just love it! I used the sets from My Favorite Things Stamps called- Behind the Scenes for the polka dot paper and flower block, also the Merci is from the thank you block! Cool thing is since its an acrylic set you can easily ink one word and it it perfect first try!

Ribbon is a lollipop ribbon I got from Jody’s ribbon share. Which reminds me, I haven’t joined one in a while I may have to check her out! LOL!

Now here is the TWISTED Sketch. The purple card above actually was created AFTER I made this card.

       Friends and flowers.

I always LOVED this sentiment! This one is Simply Sentiments by Lizzie Anne Designs. If you notice the sketch is simply flipped. It gives it a whole new look! I love this card. Instead of a scalloped edge I kept it straight and used brads. Ribbon was tied in a different spot. I LOVE tying my ribbon through the center of a flower.

The cardstock and ink is by Bazzill. I get all those goodies at All That Scraps. She’s got some cool new goodies too. Mega punches are coming in soon, and some are already available. You should check out the Bazzill inks, they are phenomenal!!! It has a bit of shimmer! This is the Bazzill Bling cardstock.

Paper is Sugar collection from Memory Box. OMG! Its delicious paper. Im so in love with it. Ribbon is by American Crafts which I score a bunch of cool ribbon at AC MOORE. Its a good 45 minutes from me but was worth the trip. I went there when Jason went to an electronics expo. Anyway-I want you to try either this sketch or one of your own and flip it! Link both cards back here! And thanks for the suggestions on colors to try! I could do black, white and a pop of color forever!

Check in tomorrow for my Saturday Sketch!

Its moments like this that make being a mom worth it!

Noah (4yo) comes running off the school bus, with a HUGE smile on his face. He is so excited to show me what he has, he is stuttering to get it out! LOL!

He hands me this little plant, and says “Mommy look what I grew for you! I planted it and watered it all by myself and now its a flower plant you can keep forever.”

I almost cried! Tears welled up, and I was so touched.

Then he shows me this card, and opens it.

I made you a flower cause you always love flowers.

He was showing me that he drew Daddy, Noah, and Mommy. Him and Daddy are at the top playing XBOX so mommy can stamp! LOL! I almost died laughing. He said “See we are SO HAPPY! I even drew a heart for “love you”. ” Then he goes on ” I was really mad cause my name didn’t come out right, and I was gonna throw it away but the teacher said it was ok cause I drew a nice picture and you would live it”

And I do!!!!

Noah is a perfectionist. AND, While he has one of the easiest names in the world to write he often confuses the order. He’d rather do something BOY oriented than write. He sometimes gets it perfect other times not so much. This is frustrating for him. Im so glad he didnt throw it away.

Now lets pray to God I don’t kill the precious plant he grew for me! My HOPE is to give it to him the day he has his first child. Wouldn’t that be cool. My Mom gave me a plant she bought her first mother’s day after I was born. Its some sort of palnt no one could possibly kill! She gave me a piece of it. Everytime I look at I remember that story. It started out as just two leaves! Now its in my house, and ALL over my mothers house. I swear you can NOT water it for like 2 months and the sucker comes back to life. AMAZING!

Just had to share my happy day! I think I have quite the artist on my hands.

   For the Birthday Boy!

I just love these colors! I am a patterned paper junkie! On my birthday I bought this pack of paper by Making Memories Cheeky collection in Emery. How can you NOT love the colors? So boy, don’t you think?

Bashful Blue, Barely Banana, Mellow Moss, Red. Cool!

I used my new Prisma Color Markers!!! WAHOOOO!!! I think I’m in LOVE! LOL! I do need more practice, but I’ll get there! I also used Versafine black ink. And yes, gotta love the scalloped circle.

Anyway-this was done using My Favorite Things Stamps– You take the cake set. I noticed that everyone keeps using the other stamps in the set, and this AWESOME present stack was going neglected! So here ya go! Don’t neglect the gift stack people! Its just adorable!

I also used the sentiment set Happiest Birthday Wishes. I *HEART* these sets. OMG! There is nothing better than not only having greeting fro the front of your card but inside as well. Check them out, seriously! I am a HUGE sentiment fanatic! I will also make a few cards in the next few days using the sentiments for the FRONTS of my cards as well, just to show you the versatility. You can never have enough sentiments.

Did you see the cool banner ad for MFT stamps at SCS? Cool huh?

One last thing, you can see one of my card’s Drama Queen, using Green Grass stamps on Tammy’s blog! I have previously posted that particular one-but she found a COOL source for Flocking!! Holy Crap! I’m going to go broke!  So go check it out. She may begin to carry it in her store!! I hope so! I also got my preview stamps from her yesterday. AWESOME!  I was finally able to get the Lil Monsters set! So watch for samples!!!!

I got the idea from AmyR to store my unmounted rubber sets (from green grass) in the DVD tins. WAY COOL! Thanks girl! She sent me 2 of them. Love them to pieces. Its a must try! Seriously!!!

So many of you know I have the flu today! ICK!

Jason stayed home till 10:15 so I could sleep in! Aw! Thanks honey! Helped me feel a little better. I really hope I get to stamp today I miss my stamp room already! I haven’t stamped since FRIDAY! EEEK! I must be ill!

Better get inking!

I plan a tutorial of some sort soon too. Id LOVE to hear what ya all want to learn. So respond to this with what you want to see. OK I’m off! Kids gotta eat! And I need more Day-quill!

See you tomorrow with MORE yummy eye candy! Plus I will post more of the cards people have sent me. Im such a lucky girl to have you.

Oh and those who have PM’d me their personal stories of people in their lives who have been affected by Cancer THANK YOU! I enjoy reading it! You each have touched my life.

If you want to spread the word I’d love for you to link Tracey’s Relay for Life site to your blog. ONLY if you feel the need. I’m not asking directly cause that not ME and my style. No pressure. Id just appreciate it. I know my family has benefited from research done. I do my part. And am grateful to those before me who have also helped. My little girl wouldn’t be alive right now if it weren’t for those before us!

Enjoy the sun! I’m really shutting up now! LOL!