Ever hear that song by Veggie Tales in Madame Blueberry??? Alexa LOVES Veggie Tales-always has.

When I saw my title made me think of that song! LOL! I LOVE it. Its called Im SO Blue. About a blueberry who has everything but always wants MORE! Im sure at times we can all relate to that!

Anyone know how to link songs to click “play” here? Its really a cute song.

So Im in a blue mood these days-

Seems to be a color I pull out alot as of late. Maybe cause its soothing? I need soothing.

I dont know! But what I do know is these are a few ideas all with soothing schemes of blue.

I hope you get inspired somehow! Im not in a chatty mood-tired and stressed. “I” want to stamp but my body say’s “NO! Not today” I dont want to agree, but if the mojo needs to rest, then you gotta let it.

I feel like I have ALOT on my plate. I get SLAMMED this time of year with TO DO’s that I put alot of pressure on my self to be Miss Martha Stewart for! WHY? I dont know. Maybe cause my mom always did? Its an inherited thing like her OCD, and cleaning obsessions.

Amber’s birthday was August-Alexas was end of September, Jason’s 30th was 2 days after in which I trying to pull his plans together for. We are doing a last minute (hopeful) gathering THIS weekend.

Noahs b-day is Nov 13th, and lets not forget Halloween projects, and Christmas. AND a baby shower for a close friend-which I have a cool idea for-just need to implement it!

I cant even think that far ahead-I need to go ONE day at a time. I am stoked I got Noahs birthday invites done! Now I need to just get them out. His party is planned and taken care of. Will post that on Friday!

Got the kids Christmas photos done and am so stressed about our family card! Im leaning towards no stamping but think of the HORROR!!! See theres that self pressure.

UGH!! OK who really came hear to see that? I dont know, but I feel better already!

So for now-I promised to share a super cool idea-new to me 😀

 Flocked Flowers

I have to say I LOVE this bag! It is the tin tie bag from Paper Trey Ink. I always chop off the tie part! LOL!

1)I ran some cardstock through my Xyron machine (adhesive).

2) I then punched the 2 flower shapes with my Martha Stewart flower punch.

3) Removed my backing, and put into my Fun Flock.

4) Brayer-ed over it to smoosh it in permanently.

CHEAP Velvet Flowers in any size punch you own! That can be shaped to pull forward or whatever.

Now for the stems I used this super cool tape (from Scor-Pal) directly on the bag-then added my flock.

You know I LOVE my butterflies, and so I had to add this one from Card Greetings II.

NOTE: BTW Little Monsters set is on SALE! Till Halloween 😀

Here is a quick card I did for the sale-click for larger view. Its pretty cute. Details HERE

Here is a sample I made with the MFT set Meet me at the Cafe. Sentiment was Fancy Flexible Phrases by SU!

 Bridal Boutique

I kept thinking about those windows you go by, and there is a wedding display with cakes, and gifts, and wines. Like a boutique. So I set me window scene. Not too overdone-simple.

I had gotten this pale baby blue toile type of printed paper at a LSS (more scrap), and found it to be perfect!

It has a hint of shimmer, so I used shimmery white cardstock.

I kept thinking blues for something old, something new……….you get the idea. A nice bridal shower card I think.

Then onto a bag of treasures

This was a quick idea-cutting down a lunch bag.

I used Ooh La La by Lizzie Anne Designs for the Eiffle Tower. I loved the whimsical style it has. Its stamp[ed on shimmer white-punched with SU! Scallop circle-which is so pretty!

This is clean and simple. Great for a need to whip a gift package together in 3 minutes! LITERALLY!! LOL!

The layer of patterned paper is actually a card (from Target $1 spot!!) cut in half-so its like a small card mounted to the front of the bag, so you can put your message right there. I get my white lunch bags from Walmart! Wicked cheap too.

I could have dressed it up, but was playing with the idea. I liked it simple.

OK Im off. Tomorrow Ill be posting a card using Alexa‘s set!

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290171226372

This is an auction for a great cause! See my card (up close) for the donation—> HERE!

Several of the designers from MFT, donated a fully embellished card for this auction to continue to increase the efforts of raising money for Breast Cancer Awareness!

What a great gift that would make.

Check it out.

And pray for a good donation.

Speaking of which-check out  this post  for your chance to win a PINK box of goodies!

Some of which will include

The Think Pink set from MFT

K & Co embellishments in PINK

K & Co patterned paper in PINK………………..to name a few.

drooling yet?

Well what are you waiting for?

 Sorry

Well if you are a regular reader you know that I have SERIOUS dental anxiety and problems since my first return to the dentist after 10 years!

I still havent heard about weather my insurance is going covering me (if even a little) to get some serious drugs when they pull my tooth I decided I will NOT do it otherwise! So I called them AGAIN……. still waiting-ridiculous!

Considering my problems I thought I would cheer myself up by making this card!

Its called “Sorry……….for your toothache”

CUTE huh?

Now if anyone has all their teeth pulled or some other sort of drama I have a card!

I thought a tooth fairy card would be a cute idea too. I Love the tooth wrapped with the bow!

The image in these two card is Docabella. See how she can be a nurse or dental assistant! LOL!

OK so now for the next card-

Today was a sad day cause the home nurse Alexa has had for the past  1 1/2 years was leaving the company.

I made her this card, and a gift baglet of strawberry creme “lifesavers” LOL!

Sorry for the icky photo. I found out LAST minute it was her last day, and I whipped this up late last night.

 click to view larger image.

The bottle of “pills” had a “prescription” on the front that says:

A. Kauppila

RX Many Thanx 2U

That is suppose to be like medical chat-:D

I felt the card was missing something and didnt get to take a great photo as I quickly snapped this just before she rang the bell. Its pretty “plain jane” I dont know.

No matter-she cried over it-so that was sweet. Ill miss her.

That leads me to things I learned…………..

I always try to learn new things and uncover stuff about myself. This was quite the learning week so I thought I’d share my findings

1) No matter WHAT I cannot do origami! I dont know WHAT it is but for the life of me I just cannot follow the directions-too much for me. I attempted to do one for our ornament blogger’s challenge and it was a disaster

2) Dental insurance SUCKS! Sorry if you are offeneded my that-but it does. How can you pay just as much as medical but still pay out a fourtune! And why cant they ever call you back?

3) I do not stamp well at night! While Im a night person I cannot get too crafty at night. I dotn know what it is, but a item that would normally come together smoothly during the day-goes SLOWLY and is more difficult for me at night-despite the fact that I am a night person! My most creative time is between 9am and 3 pm

4) I dont think Im going to like Alexa’s new home nurse! She was very COLD and snooty-not cool. Im sure you will hear about her in the future. To be continued……

5) DO NOT DRINK WINE-I had a hangover for 2 days over 2 whopping glasses! I wasn’t trashed or anything but it hit me hard.

6) If it looks like anything edible get it out of your yard! Dont wait for your kid to eat. AND dont give them too much credit and assume they WONT!

7) Dont limit my self mentally and say “I cant do that!” I found that I should at least try it first (see #1 then say CANT if I fail). I never thought I would be able to use a digi kit! And I did! I will say I was shocked to see you can LAYER and change the color-I CANT do that YET! I hope to learn. But my first priority is stamping!

8) Getting the kids Christmas photos done in early October is a must do from now on! They shoot went great, and I am working on Christmas card designs! I plan on completing them by November first!!! I want shopping done by Thanksgiving!

9) If you spill coffee in the driver’s seat of the NEW car, and you husband thinks it was the kids-DONT fess up!

10) Dont be so hard on myself. I had a stamp-related incident and I beat myself up over it. I’m talkin so upset I lost sleep over it! STUPID. Why do that to myself? Im in this for ME and fun-I have to keep it that way. I need to put myself out there and just be happy with whatever I do! Dont put such a high expectation on myself. Its not worth it. If I dont get something handstamped made for every person on the planet then its OK!!!

a little bonus- I DONT need to get a new package of happy mail every week and shop like crazy to be happy!

Right?

I’d love to hear some of your lessons your learned about yourself/life this week!

Share here!

Oh yeah ONE more big thing for me-I learned how to post a entry and have it post at a later date/time! Now to me that is way cool! Im bouncin up and down over that one 😀

What a time saver.

 Digi Cake Gift Pack of 4

I cannot believe it!

“I” Lauren Meader, computer challenged paper crafter made my very FIRST Digi card! The photo at the top is of the set of 4 I did, boxed together). Individual cards are shown below.

What is SO great about that?

Well Im so computer challenged, that its a miracle I can email, let only use a digi kit!

After seeing the stamp set  pre-view of Eat Cake on Nichole’s blog ——>here, I HAD to try it out.

She posted step by step directions for using these kits ——> HERE,

Let me tell you those visuals and everything were SO good even “I” could do it! Im a very visual person and often dont need/use directions I just pull it apart visually-so THANKS NICHOLE!! Your instructions were PERFECT!

I downloaded them all-after making sure I did the first one right.

Now MY PROBLEM!

I dont have a fancy editing software like Microsoft Word, but I DO have Word Pad. I know you can laugh-thats not even real editing software! LOL!

BUT you can still use these kits.

If you are like me and dont have it,  just follow Nichole’s directions in Chapter 1

then for chapter 2 here is what I had to do.

1) Went into my files and opened them up. As reccommened, I had created a seperate file for the Digi kits to make it easier to find

2) Right clicked on image I wanted-clicked “Open with” , then went to PAINT.

3) Clicked on image in paint, then Ctrl a, Ctrl c. (this means the control button plus the letter)

4) Opened a window with Word pad. Clicked in there, then did CTRL v.

Now you can make duplicate images (move cursor and click CTRL v again), or make the images smaller or larger-whatever you need! WAY COOL! Prints in seconds!!

I used my Papertrey Ink-White cardstock in my printer.

I made FOUR cards using the downloads from this free kit-

Eat Cake Digital Card Kit

ALL supplies are from Papertrey Ink Eat Cake Download (including patterned paper).

The cardstock was also Papertrey Ink White. I used flower punches and ribbon for other accents.

Here they are!

 1    2     3      4

Just click on each photo for a larger view!

Pretty cool huh? I was quite proud. All 4 cards took 1 hour! That includes the printing and editing :D.

I had so much fun doing these.

Dont get me wrong -I still NEED my stamps! This was just a fun alternative. And since I want the new set-it tied me over a little bit till the 15th.

I made these for a friend who I bought a Digital Photo Calendar making kit. I thought I should make her cards digiatl too to show it can be easy. AND she can give them as gifts to everyone ;D

Thanks for looking. Let me know what you think-or if you tried it send me a link.

Did you see the Riendeer Kit? OMWord! I NEED that reindeer made into a stamp!!!

OK off to get the kids Christmas photos done.

Wish us LOTS of good smiles-at the same time!

So I “try” to get some time in to stamp-Jason is working in the yard.

Amber comes to me and says “Mommy I found baby tomatoes in the yard!”

Now let me tell you I am NO Martha Stewart. My art is PAPERCRAFTING only! I dont lanscape-plant flowers NOTHING naturey at all.

So I go running outside to see what she is referring to, only to find Alexa EATTING these new found “baby tomatoes”

I call poision control immediately and was told to take the berries to a Garden Center-thankfully there is one 5 minutes away-so Jason takes the berries and a photo of the flowering plant with him.

I asked Alexa HOW MANY she ate-to hear “I didnt eat anything”

Mind you I scooped some out of her mouth!!!

GREAT!

She will be NO HELP

Come to find out it is a POISIONIOUS PLANT/ Berry from Lily of the Valley

check it out here

And this is what it looks like-see the “baby tomatoes”.

Worst problem is the poision affect the cardiac system-that is not good.

So now we wait to see if she gets sick or not, and if she does we rush her to the ER. They think its doubtful that she ate enough but, you never know-she may just throw up, but me being the over protective parnoid person I am would still take her to the ER.

Its now been about a 1/2 hour to 45 min. since her “incident” so we are hopeful it will be OK. I gave her some ice cream to hopefully help?????

KIDS-they are going to be the death of me I swear!

Now Im off to go rip out some plants from the front yard.

If you ahve these you may want to consider doing the same if you have grandchildren/ children of your own.

It only takes a mintue…………………..

EDITED TO ADD:

Alexa apparently did NOT eat enough to make her ill-Thank God.

Happy Saturday!

A quick note of excitment-Did you see I won one of the spots for the Designer picks for the CPS card contest? Look HERE !

Im very excited!

The grand prize winner is being chosen by the editorial staff at Card Maker magazine-so we all still have a shot at that!!! Wish me luck! Winner will be announced by Sunday. Oh I HOPE!

I loved my card-yes Im tooting my own horn. If you are proud of something I say BE PROUD!!! TOOT AWAY! People who act like they arent excited about stuff like that or dont care-I dont get! LOL!

And congrats to those who were also winners chosen by the CPS designers!

This week’s sketch is how you can take your sketch and flip arount the general layout-yet keep some of the basic design elements such as the card orientation. This type of flipping shows how you get a DIFFERENT look/design from virtually the same sketch-just flipped.

I will post supplies used for each at the bottom.

Here is the Sketch 1 card with sample-click to view larger image

      Stamp by Stamping Bella, SU Circle of friendship.

Here is Sketch 2

      Set-Lizzie Anne Designs High Hellos

NOTICE- I kept the horizontal orientation-but FLIPPED the sketch by

1) Moved the bottom panel in lovwer left (card 1) to the upper right (card 2)

2) Main panel also moved from top portion of card (card 1) to bottom portion of card (card 2)

3) The ribbon went from the bottom left of the card (card 1) to top right of card (card 2)

4) Kept a “element” in 3D on both. Circle (card 1) and a star (card 2)

I then just changed some of the elements that embellish the card to suit its “style”, but the overall basics are the same-yet look completely different! Whould you ever guess that they are similar in layout?

So I challenge you to do these 2 sketches!!! Link them here so I can see what YOU come up with. I think this if fun and challenging! I swear you will start looking at your other cards to see how you can flip it 😀

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SUPPLIES:

Card 1- was inspired by this bag-click for larger view.

It was given to me with a gift from CTMH. I thought it was PERFECT!

I used cardstock PT white-basic black, ballet blue, Ink-brilliance graphite black, Copic Markers, black Prima flowers, SU circle punches, wide polkadot ribbon from Mikes. $1 rhinestone stickers for flower centers

CARD 2

cardstock-real red, barely banan, pumpkin pie, ballet blue, PT white. Patterned Paper-DCWV red glitter stack, ? American Crafts star paper, michaels ribbon, Centeric Star cuttlebug die, ink-brilliance graphite black, copic markers, glitter, star eyelets, Crop a Dile

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I have been stamping away this week-for the most part. How great and stress relieving! I feel SO happy today-despite a slight WINE hangover that I unexpectedly came home with after a visit to my friend Paulette’s.

Im a bit behind of stuff I “HAVE” to do, like a few thank yous, and birthday cards-Alexas home nurse is leaving us and moving on so I need to make her a card……………deadlines………………….you get the gist!

But sometimes I need to stamp JUST for FUN! Yes people “FUN”! Remember that word?

Remember when you first started stamping and that is exactly what it was? JUST FUN.

Then you began to send cards to people and now there is this HUGE expectation that EVERYTHING will be handmade, and your best work? While thats a compliment its really stressful. Especially when you send a card to a super talented person. EEEEEK!

Are you like me-awful at sending cards cause you HAVE to make a NEW one specifically for X! LOL! AND you have several stacks of them collecting dust 😀

I’d love to hear your hang-ups about stamping. I love knowing Im not alone in some of craziness

Weekends are usually for my family and I dont stamp-but this weekend I am taking time for ME! Its been crazy and stressful-the kids are sick and Im ready for a KID FREE moment!

Jason will get his moment tomorrow at a Paintball game-so see we switch off.

So I hope to see you back here tomorrow as I have something SUPER COOL to share with everyone.

I hope it inspires YOU to try it!

I also have another cool thing to post-so dont miss it.

Till tomorrow……………………………….

Well Im so glad it Friday!!!!

We have a busy weekend planned here, but my posts are pre-done and ready for the SUBMIT button! Gotta love that 😀

I FINALLY got an appointment for the kids Christmas photos to be done Sunday. That way I can design our Christmas cards and have’em ready to go BY Thanksgiving! No Worries Ill post my Christmas design. Maybe Ill make ONE and send it via email! LOL! Now that is a time saver right?

I was honestly hoping from last year to this that Alexa would have hair, at LEAST under her chin. But that will not happen.

Im not complaining-Im just sayin.

People keep asking if I gave her a haircut-NO! I DID NOT GIVE HER A HAIRCUT! Yes, now Im shouting, cause after like 50 people its annoying. Her hair keeps falling out and growing in, due to stress they tell me.

Well I know Im SHOCKED Im not bald too!

Im just happy that she is doing better and fighting this thing head on-GO ALEXA! Who cares if you have short hair! Someday it will be long again. Someday.

Speaking of sick kids-this challenge came at a perfect time!

This weeks blogger’s challenge is to make Christmas Ornaments! What fun! And PERFECT timing!

I got an email from Paper Crafts magazine. In it they explained that they are doing a donation for the Fesitval of Trees. If you didnt get it-dont panic-it may be one exclusive to designers-not sure.

This is copy/pasted info from the email:

For those of you who are unfamiliar with this event, the Festival of Trees is an annual fundraiser that takes place the week after Thanksgiving in Salt Lake City, Utah to raise money for patients of Primary Children’s Medical Center who cannot afford treatment. Primary Children’s is the only specialized children’s hospital in the mountain west region and upon its conception, vowed to never refuse a patient due to an inability to pay. The Festival of Trees is run by volunteers, and every penny made at the week-long festival goes to the children’s care. Last year the Festival of Trees earned well over $1 million for Primary Children’s hospital.

Here’s how it works: People set up and decorate trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, etc. These items are then bid on and purchased by members of the community. Everything remains on display for patrons to view until the week-long festival is over. Then, Festival of Trees volunteers deliver the decorated goodies to the purchasers

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Their theme colors are Turquiose and Red.

Well to me that screams ORIENTAL flair! I wanted to do something a little different, and this is what I came up with. Not sure its worthy of sending though….

 Boho Blossoming

OK Im not sure I honestly like it-looks like a turnip! I wanted to do something DIFFERENT-well I think I achieved that! LOL!

I may have to use my same concept-just make it into something different.

So I used my Boho Blossoms, gold encore ink, and well TEAL cardstock.

I stamped the blossom all over my cardstock in gold.

 click for larger view-this is the top view.

I then went to my Scor-pal and scored some lines at every inch on either side of my middle band. I then cut the strips to the center, strung through some ribbon and tied it all up. The scored edges that are then cut strips a nice finished edge to the layers of cardstock.

I added some A Muse rhinestone stickers and a gold band with Prima’s. Liquid pearls for the centers. Brad is by K & co.

I think it may be back to the drawing board on this one :C

Oh well at least I challenged myself. If it werent for time constraint Id re-do it -but time is up!

Make sure you check out the other blog challenger’s creations! Links on my sidebar! Way cute stuff. Glad I didnt see it all BEFORE I posted.

If you want to participate just provide a link in the comments section.

Come back tomorrow- I have my Saturday Sketch ready to go!

 Cuttlekids Machine by Provo Craft contents. Click for larger view.

I am about to give is my personal opinion. If you have a question or need more specific information you may want to contact the creators here: Provo Craft  

So I guess the main question is “Is it really kid friendly?” and ” Is it really JUST for kids?”

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SO I got my daughter Alexa the Cuttlekids machine and several dies for her 8th birthday.The dies I purchased were-Fairy and Tadpole alphabet, Flowers, and Flying bugs 4 set of dies. As you can see by the photo, it comes with everything you need to get started-including 2 die cuts.

I did NOT see a recommended age for this machine, but figured 8 would be appropriate. And in all honesty-I HAD TO HAVE IT, for me too! LOL! All three of my children have used this machine- ages Alexa 8, Noah 4 1/2 and Amber just turned 3. So here is my opinion based on watching my children use it-as well as several un-craft related adults.

Cuttlekids price is to the LEFT / Cuttlebug price is to the RIGHT * 4 pack dies $10.50/ 2×2 4 pack in Cuttlebug $15.99

Do you PANIC when you notice you are getting LOW on a product? I know I do! Seriously freak out. I have 2 packs of EVERY color of SU! cardstock at ALL times! The second I open that second pack-the color goes on my re-order list! SICK!!!! But so true. I do this with everything I have! Ribbon, buttons, brads-you get the idea.

The other companies I own like Prism, and Bazzill are amazing as well-but I only have a few sheets of their colors so I SAVE them for very special occassions-or when I need that shade darker or lighter that SU! just doesnt have!

Well like most people, I tried Papertrey Ink white cardstock and FELL IN LOVE! Seriously there is NO comparison to SU at all! You dont even realize how WHITE this paper is till its next to SU Whisper White!

Plus its heavier and feels like better quality. It takes ink like a dream too! I use only Brilliance ink in graphite black-cause I LOVE that ink as much as I love my cardstock! And my Copic’s, well they LOVE it too!

So, today after some vigorous  stamping-I noticed I was on my LAST pack, opened and about 1/2 used, and went into panic mode-I RAN to my computer and bought 2 packs-instantly. I will NOT go back to Whisper White again. Not possible.

That being said-look at my card

 Elegance

Its crisp clean, and OH! SO WHITE! LOVE IT! I made this as a mock up for possible Wedding invites I was asked to make using teal and chocolate.

I LOVE this!  I love that the layer over hangs the edge-when closed it lines up to the bottom edge. The ribbon run through the slit.

I love the rich colors, and delicious chocolate satin ribbon too.

The butterfly shimmers-with stickles. You know, I LOVE flourishes and my butterflies. I also love the scallop. Its sorta like the spotlight technique.

This card uses stamps by Green Grass – Flourishing and Card Greetings II.

So all this being said-what product do you PANIC over? Anything?

Do you hoard your stuff-if so what can you never part with?

C’mon I shared a peek into the insanity I have 😀

Is your stamp room cleaned up after every use? Or do you not care if its clean or not?

ME-well you know I have a touch of OCD and it must be spotless when Im done creating-it makes for a fresh start. When I see clutter I cant create anything!

Dont get me wrong my desk is a MESS when Im in the process. Sometimes I stop mid-creation and start a whole new one due to an epiphany!

So lets hear it!

  Hats off!

Talk about colors I DONT normally use! At least not together! LOL!

As promised more Lizzie Anne samples in honor of their Card Contest.

I LOVE making birthday cards-and think kids cards should have CHEERY colors-what do you think? Cheery enough? LOL!

The top card-Hats Off was done after seeing Martha Stewart make a large party hat on her show! I HAD to try it-in smaller form! The Happy Birthday is a Simply Singles stamp. Cute huh?

The colors are as follows-ruby red, pretty in pink, barely banana, lovely lilac-and wasabi stitched grosgrain!

The embossed layer is done using my cuttlebug

 Gifts for you

Do you like my presents I made? Arent they so cute! I love the trio of gifts and how they are layered/stacked!

The SU scallop punch is PERFECT too. I was so bummed when mine broke!

I LOVE this cake image-ALOT! One of my favoritest evah. Maybe its the swirly design or the heart sticking out-maybe its the tray its on? No matter-its way cute!

Another cool thing abot this cake-you can get it one of two ways

1) as a simply bits Birthday Cake OR 2) in the Happy Birthday set!

 Either way-its great. If you havent noticed the singles you really should check them out.

What a great little gift to send to a secret sister, or a friend without adding a ton in shipping and giving a small THINKING OF YOU! And not breaking the bank either.

So the paper is by Making Memories I believe. I think its so cute. The ribbon is May Arts (have you seen the new ribbon there at ATS_).

OK so thats all I have to share today.

If you entered the contest let me know! Im dying to see how many enteries they get for such a great cause!