Dude.

Party On.

That is all.

The Fine Print: Sticker by Mary Engelbreit, die cut by Spellbinders "Labels 8," designer paper and bling from Bo Bunny "Hello Sunshine," seam binder ribbon from my stash.

Spring is in the Air

I've been thinking about all sorts of things pink and girly lately and this card reflects that. And with that I guess I'll don my Mary Janes and my pinafore and skip on over the Snippet Playground since this card is made with scraps and pieces.

The Fine Print: Don't laugh! I can be girly. Right after I set down this toad, put this wrench back, and dust the mud off....  Basket of flowers stamp by Stampin' Up, greeting by A Muse Artstamps, scraps of white cs, designer paper and bit of ribbon from my stash.

No Business Like Snow Business

Before we take off on this journey that is my Merry Monday Challenge post I'd just like to remind everyone that SNOW is a four-lettered word.

I'll still make a card for this challenge, but I wanted to be sure you knew where I stood on the subject of snow (as far away from it as humanly possible, that's where I stand!). However, these critters weren't quite so lucky and here they are standing in drifts of the white stuff.

I broke out with some glossy cardstock for this one and added some cool chunky clear glitter to help get the chilly feel across. That's not a camera glare there; that's you going snowblind!  Yep, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

The Fine Print: Holiday Grumpling stamps by Taylored Expressions (do I really not own the dies for these??!), Snowy Day background and tree landscape dies by A Muse Studio, large snowflake punch by Martha.

Werk Desk Wednezday

Hi Ebreebodies! I'm Dio and I am gonna be your Guest Columnist today becuz I haz to sit the rekord streight!  See, ebreebodies bisits my mom on Werk Desk Wednezday and they sey "Wot a nice craft room you haf there!"

Well, it's not her room. It's MY room. I jist want you all to know that. I enterupt my napping to tell you dis. Dis room haz my cat tree sleepin post, and my toy bocks, and my witterbocks, and my snacks. I tells my mom she kin kum in and bisit me but she has to keep her craps pixed up!

Dis is her desk wen she woz makking cards for birfdays and for fun and stuff. See rite there I culd not git on top of the desk becuz the papers are there. I culd swlip on them and fall rite down. Wen she leeves her craps there I nok them down on the grownd! Boom! Boom! Boom! Rite on the grownd.

Mom sez peepuls want to see the DVD bookshelf cuz they think it is tall. It is 2 short ones on top of each udder. My mom tooked their feets off so they can't walk away and haf to sit streight.

Dis is a kard that Maxine sented us cuz we mooved. It sez "Hab a happy new howse and gib Dio sum mor treets." I no it sez that cuz I kin reed.

The Fine Print: Nufing to see heer, moove along.

Using my Scraps on Rudolph Day

Yesterday was the 25th which means that it is Rudolph Day time from now to the end of the month. I thought I would kill two birds with one stone (so violent!) and make a Christmas card using scraps so I could also play along with the Use Your Stuff Challenge.

I wanted to try out this rather simplistic card design I saw recently when pursuing the web. It really spoke to me even though CAS isn't usually my thing. This is my version of it. I really like how it came out and I have visions of similar cards I can make--and not all Christmas. It really is a great way to use us your scraps even though with this small amount of them on your card you'll need to make to a thousand more to use up your scraps (or is that just me?).

The Fine Print: Dotted card background by Bazzill, designer paper by K&Co., circle punch by Marvy, and greeting and star shaped bling by A Muse Artstamps. True confession time--those aren't my scraps, well I guess they are now since they were in a stash of Christmas designer paper that my friend gave me, but I didn't create them. 

Sail Away

So it turns out that if you don't know where you downloaded your photos at it makes it really hard to share them on your blog later. Now that I've sorted that out and am at the same place as the photos, here's a card!

The Fine Print: Stamp by Personal Stamp Exchange (PSX), other stuff from my stash.

Doilies and Doo Dads

My big stamp club is doing a card exchange where the theme is "doilies and doo dads." I know all about doilies but this does beg the question how many thingies do you have to put on your card to have them be counted as "doo dads?"

I hope I have enough with my blue fuzzy fiber, twine circles, sand dollar charm, metal clipola thingy, and sequins. I do only have one doily though so maybe I'll be drummed out of the club....

...Naw, I doubt it; they'd have to find a new sucker to lead them fearlessly like I do.

The Fine Print: Doily, Bathing Beauty stamp, Sea Shell stamp, and stitched landscape dies by A Muse Studio. Other stuff from my stash.

Dreaming of a Purple Christmas

This week the fine folk at Merry Monday are asking for a Christmas card featuring purple, white, and silver. Now I'm partial to purple and blue winter and/or Christmas cards, but purple, white, and silver?! I wasn't sure I could pull it off. But I did.

I started with one of my favorite images to do in purples and blues, added a fabulous shiny silver frame and some lightly textured slightly metallic purple background paper and my card was born. My original plan called for a silver ribbon tied around the bottom but in the meantime I ran across this sparkly purple ribbon tape.

The Fine Print: Image by A Muse Artstamps, dies by Spellbinders, ribbon tape by CTMH, and background paper from my generous friend.

Workdesk Wednesday: The 4-20 Version

I thought I'd start Workdesk Wednesday by giving you a different view of my world today. That's all fine and dandy but I know you came here to see what's *on* my work desk and not just what's near it, so here you go:

There is my little notebook to keep me on track, a card I got in the mail, some random notes, parts and word dies for a card I haven't started yet, a card I have started, the parts to make that card, and a few things off to the side that may or may not come into play.

This is the card that is on my desk. It's a scream. I love Fry-days too. I'm a big French Fry Fan. The inside greeting reads: Exercise?!!!? I thought you said 'extra fries'!

The Fine Print: That's all she wrote!

TMI Tuesday

I recently told a male friend of mine that I (TMI) finally got around to cutting my toenails. I've been hobbling around for about a week now with my feet hurting from my overly long, dangerous, wicked, dagger toenails.

He commiserated,  saying he understood because we aren't as young as we used to be and not able to get into those twisted yoga poses required to get the job done. Then he suggested I start getting a "toe manicure" (that's a pedicure, bud) on a regular basis.

I thought that idea had promise because I'm not nimble and who doesn't want pampered feet? Mine currently look like they belong to an 80-year old man (more TMI).  So who's up to getting some toe manicures with me?!

The Fine Print: A cut and tuck card I made with a Spellbinders die. I used to do these back in the day with Lace templates and an Exacto knife (you know back when I was nimble, flexible and had pretty feet). I still have those templates but never use them. Anyone want them?

Poises in a Can

A friend of mine gave me enough foam tape rolls and squares to last me the rest of my lifetime. That got me thinking that I need to get back into doing that 3D decoupage layered art. That's a great way to use lots of foam tape bits and pieces.

In fact this whole card was a great excuse to use lots of bits and pieces. All the parts of this card are snippets and leftovers so I'll be taking this over to the Snippet Playground.  I was very proud of myself for using that wide sheer ribbon. It was one of my follies that I kept even though I rarely use sheer ribbon and almost never use ribbon that wide.

The Fine Print: Decoupage image unknown (leftovers cut from a larger sheet of images), dies by Spellbinders, embossing folder by Stampin' Up, designer paper by Magenta, and ribbon from my stash. 

Whoo Hoo the Big 200!

This week marks the 200th time the gals at Merry Monday have challenged the masses in early Christmas card making. That is quite an accomplishment. To celebrate they are giving us a variety of themes to choose from.

I really wanted to do snowmen but then I saw several lovely red, white, green and kraft creations that made my heart go pitter patter. Then I decided that really, there is no reason I couldn't do both. So I did.

The Fine Print: Snowman stamp by Stamps Happen, everything else from my stash (new Christmas designer paper courtesy of a friend [who thinks I lack designer paper???]).

An Apple a Day

One for the Snippet Playground! 

Once upon a time, in a galaxy not so far away I was sitting around eating an apple and cheese at my desk for my early morning snack (I guess the rest of you folks call that 'breakfast') when my coworker stopped by to say hi.

She then proceeded to tell me about an article she read in the paper that said that the apples you buy in the grocery store are already many months old by they time they get there. That's because of the whole global market thing and they travel in from all over. I nodded along and continued to eat my apple.

She made a face at me and shuddered.

"What?!"

"I can't believe you are going to keep eating that apple after what I just told you about it."

I shrugged. Many months old apples are the only apples I've ever known. A fresh apple off a tree? I only had that as a kid and yes, those wee green apples were damn good but I know those days are long gone. Besides that apple was good.

The Fine Print: These apples were picked just last night but that apple brad is several years old, as is that ribbon and probably that designer paper. Here's me using up stash!  Apple stamp by DeNami Designs and apple brad by Recollections.

Fly and Be Free

I haven't blogged lately because I don't have anything to say--not that that has stopped me before. I also don't have anything of mine to share.  I guess I won't let that stop me either.

I received this fun House Mouse card from a friend of mine. It put a sunny spot in my otherwise dreary day. I guess I'd best get to making cards and mailing things or else pretty soon I won't even have incoming cards to share.

The Fine Print: Card by SW. Love those floral card toppers!

Cactus Garden

This card was on the docket for an A Muse workshop last month if I needed something in a pinch (remember I was busy moving).  The stamp set is from the March collection, which luckily is still available. That means I can use it for a workshop again this month.

The Fine Print: All products by A Muse Studio. Stamps "Grow" and "Birthdays Inside and Out,"" dies "Grow" and "Candy Label" (one end cut off and stamped on), cardstock "wasabi," "wasabi pinstripe (can't really see it here but that isn't a white piece of cardstock), "wasabi petite hexagon," "moss" and "sage."

Dragonfly Birthday

I am seriously lacking birthday cards these days so it was time to get cracking. I checked out Seize the Birthday to see if they could motivate me. They always have an "anything goes" birthday to inspire you and this time they had an optional topping of floral which really got me thinking.

I made a card like this before but always felt if needed a few flowers to it. They tiny punch art flowers continue on the inside as well. I apologize for the lousy quality of photo. I really need to toss my camera out the window of a moving vehicle. As you can see I made my dragonfly very sparkly.

 Same card on an angle.

 The Fine Print: Stamps by Stampin' Up "Awesomely Artistic" and "Simply Sketched," small floral punch by unknown, gauze ribbon from my stash.

Paper, Scissors, Brick

I found a couple of cards that I hadn't shared with you all before.  Good thing because I don't have anything new to share with you. I didn't play with paper today. I played with brick. It's not nearly as fun.

The Fine Print: All card parts from Club Scrap and all brick from Home Depot.

Merry Monday: Feeling Sentimental

This week the crew at the Merry Monday Christmas Challenge is asking us to get sentimental and use a greeting as the focal point on our cards. I don't really own any large, fancy, fun, or funky greetings to pull this off but I can fake it well enough.

There you go! I'm all for putting the greeting on the inside of the card as it allows you to write less, but this works too. I got the added bonus of using up one of my glitter card bases too (you know instead of hoarding it).

The Fine Print: Greeting and gold EP from A Muse Studio, die by Spellbinders, poinsettia paper flower by Making Memories, glitter card base from DCWV, and gold edged ribbon from Michaels. Why, yes, I did heat emboss that sentiment, a rarity for me!

Actually, No

I'm lying. My favorite doorway leads to the craft store.

The Fine Print: Everything by Club Scrap "Random Doorways" kit.

WOYWW #357

Here's a front view of my desk for Workdesk Wednesday as it stands at the moment. There are some projects that are completed, some that in the works, and some that are just ideas at the moment. There is happy mail incoming and outgoing, a puzzle, pens, and odds and ends including a UFO. The cats aren't as interested in getting onto the top part of my desk anymore so I can actually pile stuff on it. Check out one of the things that is piled on it:

Is that not a giant roll of black ribbon?! I got that from my friend. That plain ribbon is one of my favorites to use. Several other folks cut off long lengths from it to use but I'm still left with enough to last my entire lifetime. Too fun.

And check my new toy out! This is a vintage paper cutter that my hubby picked up for me at a yardsale in our neighborhood. It is good working condition and heavy enough to withstand a nuclear war. It's too awesome.

The cats were told that they were missing their chance at internet fame so Dio showed up to claim the title of Handsomest Cat in the Blogosphere.

For those of you that come here to see cards, here is one I got in the mail. I love the colors and the use of circles.

The Fine Print: Thanks for visiting today!

I Think I Love You

Isn't this a fun and crazy stamp? I picked this up from my friend who is downsizing like crazy. I think this is her and hubby from back in the day. I'd love to be one of those wild and crazy little old ladies, but man, that sounds like it takes a lot of work. I'm all about the naps.

The Fine Print: Motorcycle couple by Diamonds, greeting by Alias, Smith & Rowe, designer paper from HOTP, and ribbon from my stash.

Be Very Afraid

The reason I have my craft rolling cart and some other random things piled up in my craft room is because there is a big pile of kits in the closet where they need to go. I thought that would motivate me to work on those kits. 

So far I've pulled out two of them and shuffled things around inside them but that's about as far as it got until I decided to put this card together.  Really, it was a no brainer.  As was decorating the inside of the card thusly:

I got this spider punch from my friend. Isn't it a scream?!

The Fine Print: Stamped greeting, card base, brad, and designer paper from Club Scrap "Hopes" kit, dark green twine from May Arts, and fabulous spider punch by McGill.

Blog Candy Received

Terrible me! I keep forgetting to acknowledge this fabulous blog candy that I got from Bad Kitty's blog anniversary. I received it back in February when it came to our new house. With the exception of a hatpin I've kept it all together until I got it together enough to say thank you, Fiki, and how awesome it all is.

I got some great designer papers, a wonderful Spellbinders die, hatpins, a fancy dancy ornate stamp, ribbon flowers, mints, tea, foam hearts, punched butterflies, charms, alphabet beads, and embellishments, along with an awesome pocket letter and a homemade wristband.  I also got a fun round card from Fiki.

This card is what made me finally get off my behind and show off my candy. I wanted to use the basil die set to make this flower pot card. Who says I have to made the basil be basil? It can be any green leafy plant.

The Fine Print: Floral Oval and Basil die set by Spellbinders, designer papers, bling, and ribbon from my stash.

Love and Purrs

Hi! My name is Muffins and I'm going to come live with the Princess and Mr. PJ. If you stop by you can give me tummy rubs and cuddles.

The Fine Print: April Fooling. Sue, I hope this put a smile on your face.

Summer Lovin'

This is the real cat that came to live with Princess and Mr. PJ. He's a gift from my friend and came complete with instructions to make a fun summer card,which I have duplicated here.

My friend does something that is either incredibly OCD or exceptionally brilliant. You can decide. Any time she runs across an article, a nifty card photo, or directions for a stamp she owns she would clip/copy/print it out and keep it with the stamp.  That's how I got both this stamp and an article about making this style card with it.

I think it is kind of brilliant for those moments when you are stumped, you'll have some ideas at the ready, but I also think it sounds like it might be a bit of a hassle to hold onto all these pieces of paper.

The Fine Print: Stamp by Penny Black, paper flowers by Prima, paper scraps from my stash.