Sunday, July 29, 2007

Better Stick to Stamping



My friend, Kira, and I went to Spark Crafts today and made necklaces. (I'm trying to link to the website but it won't let me). I like the way it turned out but that was after I strung all the beads and then dropped them off the wire. Then didn't put the clasp in the right place... I should stick to stamps! Spark has some stamping stuff and some great American Crafts ribbon which I LOVE!!!

Even better though... you can go there and pay $8 and just use their stuff all day!! You can go whenever you want, not just when there are classes!! They have Amuse stamps, punches and you can just go and use them... how cool is that?? I will definitely be doing that sometime soon!!

Yesterday was the first time I could get together with the North Shore Stampers and Scrappers! There were about 15-20 women there who were scrapbooking for the most part. I was working on baby shower invites which I can't post yet! They came out well though... they HAVE to go on the mail by Tuesday!!

Thank you to everyone who left comments on my last post... I appreciate the kindness from friends as well as "internet friends"... it really helps what was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made. I feel like I've lost my best friend... and things like stamping and going out to Denver aren't as fun b/c I can't talk to Danny about them.

Life goes on though, doesn't it and noone has ever died from a broken heart... but thanks everyone!! I have my Micro final on Friday and then class is over!! I may be a little scarce this week as I'll be studying however... next week I will have blog candy!!

Friday, July 27, 2007

Sad Shortcake

Breaking up is hard to do... they're not kidding. Danny and I have parted ways. I have valid reasons, at least my head says they are valid. Danny didn't agree that they were valid and my heart isn't sure either.

But I am trying to stay busy. In a couple weeks I am going out to Denver! I'm looking forward to that. My good friend Liz has lived there for 6 years now and I have been wanting to get out to visit her. Now I can really say I've been to Colorado... when Liz and I were driving cross country, we stopped at the 4 Corners and I put my hand in Colorado. I was never sure if it was technically a state I could have counted as having been to... problem solved!

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Still Here

Due to some things going on, I haven't felt much like blogging for the past couple of days:( I don't have any cards to post at the moment but will try to scare some up when I get home.

I went to my podiatrist yesterday and he said that foot surgery is inevitable on my left foot... which really, really stinks! I'm not sure when the surgery will be... it's a matter of how much pain I'm in and how quickly things progress. So we'll see, I have pain now but I have a pretty high tolerance so I'm going to wait it out!

Over on SCS, there are alot of fun challenges going on that I can't wait to try! On Saturday I am going to an all day stamping event. I have baby shower invites that I have to get moving on!

Sunday, July 22, 2007

So Fun!!


This week's Featured Stamper challenge on SCS was so fun!! The challenge was to pick a card from Ana's gallery... it was hard to pick a card because her gallery is so great!!! This is the card that I came up with... it's a welcome baby card and I have no shortage of people to give it to!!


I love this little elephant!! I tried to adhere the ribbon to the card with Crystal Effects which didn't work and left a spot on the ribbon. I have no luck with Crystal Effects.


I have about 200 pages to go on HP and I LOVE it!! In my opinion, it is the best book!! That's all I will say!! The main reason I love the HP books so much is the possibility that there is magic out there! As Harry says, Muggles go to great lengths to rationalize magic. It's fun to think that maybe there is a whole magical world going on that we can't see. When I was a kid, I read the Borrower books which were sort of the same premise... little people living in the floors/walls of homes and stealing from the home owners in order to survive. A little creepy to think of a whole society in your walls.... I also love Mary Poppins for the same reason... magic that you have to believe in to see. The Borrowers and Mary Poppins are both set in London... so also began my love of London, which has not dimmed at all. So that is the basis of my love for Harry Potter...it appeals to the kid in me!


I saw my nephews today... they got new sunglasses. They looked SO cute though of course wouldn't stay still long enough for me to get a picture!


Details-

Paper- SU Certainly Celery, Barely Banana, Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise, Bashful Blue, Colorbok patterned paper

Stamps-Stamps by Judith, SU Simply Said, SU Warm Words

Accessories- Hodgepode Hardware, Making Memories ribbon

Saturday, July 21, 2007

No Time to Stamp:(

For good reason though... HP 7 was in my mailbox today!! A HUGE thank you to Salvatrice for pre-ordering for me! I have been reading for some of the day... I'm on about p.200. I can't wait to talk about it! I visited my friend Rita today... she is 95 and I have known her for about 3 years now. She is a really great lady... I was talking to her about stamping today and I brought her some cards to show. We were also talking about Harry Potter... she's never read the books but knew some about them!

So, I'm taking some time out to read in order to study and work on my Micro mid term. Another beautiful Saturday spent indoors, mostly of my own accord though! Ihaven't seen the sun much this summer!

Yesterday I had stopped in between school and work to get some lunch and I ran into my friend Sarah, who had her birthday yesterday and we were able to have lunch together. Sarah is one of my good friends who I grew up with and she has the cutest little baby, Lily. We don't get to see each other too much lately so it was a real treat to see her for lunch!!

Back to my test...

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Mmmm... cupcakes


I'm back from Cape Cod. We went to see Harry Potter last night. We had to go see the 10:30 show... we wanted to see an earlier show but we could not find the movie theatre! What kind of movie theatre doesn't have a big marquis out front? Anyway, amidst Danny's protests of stopping and asking, we stopped and got directions but by the time we got to the theatre it ws late. So, I can't believe this but I fell asleep during the movie!! I made it almost an hour and then I could NOT keep my eyes open and fell asleep. I must not have been snoring because Danny didn't notice I was asleep! So, I might go see the movie again at some point!

Yesterday we also went to Hyannis so I could go to Colorful Creations. I got some basic black paper that I couldn't find at AC Moore and some ribbon. There was a great selection of stamps but I couldn't bring myself to spend the money! There were some adorable stamps but $7 for one stamp! I have this problem when I go to any stamp store. Stampin' Up does seem to have the best prices for stamps so I'm going to stick to SU stamps. I also do love Amuse stamps so may treat myself, like I did last week with this cute cupcake.

I made this card for this week's SCS sketch challenge. I need a birthday card for my friend Sarah's birthday, which is tomorrow. I never thought of the red/pink color combo until I saw Sarah wearing a pink scarf with a red bag a couple years ago. Ever since it has been one of my fave combos so I used it on this card!

So I didn't work on my homework at all on vacation so tonight I have to buckle down. Danny and I are going to the gym first then it's bacteria time!!

Details-
Paper-SU Regal Rose, Rose Red, Certainly Celery
Stamps- Amuse cupcake
Ink-SU Rose Red
Accessories-Happy Birthday embossing folder, Cuttlebug, May Arts ribbon, Stickles

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

What To Do




So here we are on the Cape and it is raining!! Yesterday was a beautiful day and we went swimming and played miniature golf... which I totally won!! All my trash talking to Danny paid off and I won by 2 points! Danny owes me dinner tonight!

We sat outside on the beach today but it's too cold. A benefit of the rain though is there not alot to do on the Cape when it rains so we are going to see Harry Potter today... woohoo!! First I need to stop somewhere and pick up a sweatshirt. Being last minute Laura I packed the morning we were leaving and didn't bring anything warm... even though the rain gods love us!!

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Thank you!!


I love this card. It's so simple but I love the colors! I used Gina's tutorial on creating a scalloped rectangle using the square scalloped punches. I'm not sure though how to cover the seams... I thought of using ribbon but couldn't find the right color. Any other ideas for those seams??


It's a thank you card and I wanted to send out a thank you to readers and those who have commentSed!! I appreciate your support and encouragement! I may be giving away a little something when I hit 500 visitors so stay tuned!


I may not be around for the next couple of days when I am on a mini break. I am bringing my computer with me though so I can do school work:(


Details-

Paper- SU So Saffrom, Elegant Eggplant, white (unknown)

Ink-SU So Saffrom, Handsome Hunter, Ruby Red, Elegant Eggplant

Stamps-SU Springtime Stems

Accessories- Giga scalloped punch

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Featured Stamper


Today I participated in my first featured stamper challenge on SCS, where you create your own card based on another member. It was fun but harder than I thought! I hope I did justice to the original!! I had trouble with the ribbon on this card... I am definitely all thumbs... or all finger pads:)... when tying bows but I followed Shannan's tutorial which made it easier!


I'm going to try to do some more stamping tonight. I'm working overtime again tomorrow but this week I only have a 2 day work week...woohoo!! Danny and I are going down the Cape for a couple days in the middle of the week!! We have the WORST luck when it comes to weather and vacation so we'll see what happens:)


Details-
Paper-SU Gable Green, Pretty in Pink, Colorbok patterned paper
Stamps-SU Springtime Stems
Ink-SU Real Red
Accessories-Marvy punches, Making Memories ribbon

Saturday, July 14, 2007

I'm on Fire!


Two cards in one day! I'm so excited... I searched the SCS website for photo taking tips and through that, I was able to find a new setting on my camera that seems to be giving better pictures. This is another card that did not turn out exactly as planned.


Thanks for looking!


Details-

Paper- SU Pretty in Pink, white paper (not sure?)

Stamps- SU Very Punny

Ink- Joanns's Black

Accessories- Cuttlebug squares folder, Super square punch

Fun with Vellum


I wasn't able to stamp for a couple days and I was going through rubber withdrawal:) This card didn't come out exactly as I pictured it but it is still fairly fun!! The SU mat pack is definitely on my wish list... I love paper piercing and faux stitching but it's hard (for me) to do a straight line without the template!


It's a beautiful summer day and I'm inside stamping. I feel a little wrong about that but whatever... I was out earlier this morning! Between working overtime this week and going to school I am feeling very blaahhh today!! Tonight three of my good friends and I had plans to go out for a girls night out on the town. I wasn't looking forward so much to a "night on the town" so I was happy when the plans changed to "how about we all do dinner" and now the plan is "come over to my house and we'll barbecue." YAY... I can hang out with the girls without having to change my clothes and drive 15 minutes into Boston. Oh man, who am I and what have I done with Laura??:) There was a day not too long ago where I hated being home on a weekend night and was up for anything!! Aging is not kind sometimes:)


Has anyone seen the HP movie? It's been out for 3 days and I haven't seen it... I'm going to have to fix that soon!! 6 more days 'til HP 7!! I know what my plans are next weekend!!



Details-

Paper-Colorbok vellum, SU Real Red and Cool Caribbean

Stamps-Simply Said

Ink-Joann's black, Ruby Red SU marker

Accessories-Paper piercer




Wednesday, July 11, 2007

I did get to stamp today...


I got up early today, early for me that is and I was able to participate in the SCS sketch challenge. I've been wanting to make a Halloween card so here she is. The color combo is a little out there with the triangle color... I wanted some patterned paper in there and this was the best match I had. Sorry for the bad picture... I'm not sure why I can't get decent pictures lately.


I find that I take sketch challenges very literally... I copy the sketches EXACTLY as they are and I find I don't vary from them. SO, Question... how do you think you become/became more adventurous in your stamping? I would imagine it comes with practice but I'd be interested in hearing opinions!! So opinionate away!!!


I have to get ready for work... I'm working from 10a-11p today... YAY:) Just Kidding, I signed up for it, so I can't complain!


I heard back from my new "landlord" and I'm all set for Sept 1st... I'm excited!


Thanks for looking!


Details-

Paper-SU Cream Confetti, Elegant Eggplant, Pumpkin Pie, Always Artichoke, So Saffron Palette of Prints
Stamps-Sugarloaf pumpkins, SU Cheesecloth BG

Ink-SU Pumpkin Pie

Accessories-Mega and Gige round punches, white gel pen

Color Challenge


I was finally able to get a picture of my card for this week's color challenge. Probably no stamping tomorrow... I am working overtime!


Good Night!


Tuesday, July 10, 2007

I made a card for the SCS color challenge today but I could not get a decent picture of it. I kept at it until I looked at the clock and remembered I have a job and they like me to be on time and not show up in my sweaty gym clothes. So I abandoned my camera and will try again when I get home.

I've been tagged by Godchick to share 7 random things about myself and then tag 7 other bloggers. I've never been tagged before, not online anyway... I was always the worst at tag on the playground... does that count as one thing?:)

Anyway,

1. I've had surgery twice in my life. I was born without tear ducts and they were "installed" when I was a year old. Before that I used to get alot of eye infections, so I'm told, and when I cried my tears wouldn't drain, they would just spill over, like cartoon characters which strikes me as funny. The second surgery was corrective surgery for a bunion and arthritis in my foot three years ago.

2. I couldn't have furry pets when I was younger b/c of allergies in the family but I did get a goldfish in the 5th grade. His name was Squeaker and he lived for 9 years. My friends wonder if he died and my parents kept replacing him:) He died when I was away at college and my dad buried him in a matchbox in our back yard:)

3. I did a year of volunteer service with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps for a year after college. I was out in Phoenix.. it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

4. I love to read. Ever since I was a little girl I would have 2 or 3 books going at a time. I still love it but don't have as much time as I did and now it shares my free time with stamping:)

5. I spent three months backpacking in Australia. Ahhhh... to be that thin and tanned again!

6. I have 3 nephews and 1 niece who I absolutely adore... they are the cutest EVER!!!

7. I am a licensed social worker and work in a hospital ER, doing emergency psychiatric evaluations. I had trouble with the job when I started because I found it SO sad but I have adjusted and worked on that. I am also pursuing my nursing degree part time. I would like to combine nursing and social work. I'm not sure what kind of job I want.. I just really like learning about the workings of the body and disease.. I know I could never work on a respiratory floor though. The sounds of people coughing... ughhh, turns my stomach!!


I'm always suprised when I finish stuff like this, how much I love to talk about myself:) Now I have to tag 7 people...

Jenny

Robyn

Carmen

Samantha

Karrie

Jen

Salvatrice

If you don't want to play, no problem! I qualify because I am having flashbacks to chain letters in elementary school... I had a bad experience:)

Monday, July 9, 2007

Blogger won't let me post a title. I couldn't think of one anyway so I'm off the hook! I don't have any creations to post today. I'm at work right now and it will be too late to stamp when I get home:( It is a quiet night at work which means that I should be able to get some studying in... if I can tear myself away from the internet!

I've decided that I need to reign in my spending. I had made a vow that 2007 would be the year of no shopping which went well for a while. However, I've decided that I NEED all this new stamping equipment. Well, I definitely want stuff and I do need some stuff but I am going to hold off for a while and use up what I have. There was a discussion on SCS last night that inspired me to use what I have and not buy more for a while.

In other news, the girl I am supposed to be moving in with... she is a friend of one of my best friend's and she is looking for a roomate... I called her home and cell phone and I haven't heard back from her. So I am in total panic attack mode and trying to stop myself from becoming the guy in Swingers.

Hopefully I'll have something to share tomorrow!

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Cheerful Card


So I told my roommate that I was moving. There was no drama but I'm still feeling bad about it. A good friend of mine said "You're just being yourself, Don't feel bad." Meaning that I hate hurting others feelings and would rather sacrifice my own. Not a good thing and I'm trying to work that out. I called the girl I am supposed to be moving in with... let's hope she calls back or I'll be homeless!! It should be a good move... the house I'll be moving to is brand new, central A/C, my own bathroom and it's very quiet! This will be my 5th move in as many years... which is kind of how I like it.

Anyway, here is the card du jour... I CASE'D (basically copied) this card from p.101 of the new SU catalog. I changed the colors and the stamps and added a sentiment to the top. I never would have thought of adding Cool Caribbean to this card but I used this color combo site and I think it works! A happy little card!

Thanks for looking!
Details-
Paper- SU Green Galore, Rose Red Palette of Prints, Apricot Appeal, Cream Confetti, Cool Caribbean
Stamps-Very Punny, Just Cause I Like You
Ink-SU Real Red
Accessories-Making Memories ribbon, Giga and Mega square punches

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Lord of the Stamp

Hee Hee... uhhh, I'm such a dork but I'm giggling anyway. No stamping today... it's too late but I saw Riverdance tonight!!

It was incredible!!! It was really great! I love the music of the fiddles and the bodhrans (did I spell that right?). The music and the dancing make me so happy! It makes me want to get out my passport and get on the road!

In addition to homework I hope to get some stamping done tomorrow. I think I have decided to move. I live with my boyfriend's Danny's sister right now which has overall been fine but I'm feeling the need to move on. I think moving is the best thing for me but I feel really bad and I'm dreading telling her. I also HATE confrontation... can I just slip a note under her door? or send an e-mail? No I won't wimp out... will let you know how it went tomorrow!

Friday, July 6, 2007

Ribbon Challenge


This could be a problem... I didn't go to the gym today because I wanted to stamp. Really though I kind of take advantage of any excuse to not go to the gym!

Here is my card for the SCS ribbon challenge. I didn't intend to use the ribbon like this... I smudged the white ink so had to cover that up!! I like this color combo!! I don't know what I'll do when I run out of Cool Caribbean... I didn't order any more:( This birthday set was my first stamp set and I think I mounted them crookedly. I also didn't trim enough of the rubber so I get stray marks.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!! I'm going to see Riverdance tomorrow night. I'm very excited... I have never seen it though I have been wanting to go forever! I've been looking into Irish step dancing classes. I found a class but it is at night... I need to find a day job!! Sunday I need to do homework and start on my Micro lab report... I'll be spending the day with gram positive bacteria.

Alright, back to work today! Thanks for reading!
Details
Stamps-Simply Said, It's Your Birthday
Paper-SU Real Red and Cool Caribbean
Ink-SU Ruby Red and Joann's white pigment ink
Accessories-Mega square punch and Michael's clearance ribbon

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Happy Place




2007 was supposed to be the year of no shopping... well that is not working out so well!!! Especially now that I have discovered this place!! Ink About It is my "local" stamping store. Today was my first visit and they have a great selection of stamps as well as paper and accessories. I treated myself to a few things...very cute paper, the mega and giga square punches!!! and stickles!! I also got 2 12x12 pieces of canvas that can be used to make hanging "scrapbook pages."


This is my card for this week's SCS Sketch Challenge.... I'm not sure how I feel about it. I feel like the smaller panel needs something. I wanted to put another panel behind it but couldn't find the right color. Hmmm... will have to keep working. This was my first SCS challenge... I think these will improve my stamping, I hope!!
I'm trying to take advantage of my night off from work. The 3-11 schedule really cramps my style:) Danny and I went to dinner tonight to one of our favorite restaurants. Due to our work schedules, we can only hang out at night every 5 weeks which is a downer.
Hmmm.... I can't figure out what's going on with the placement of these pictures. I'm going to have to talk with my IT staff (Danny:).
Thanks for looking!
Details...
Paper-SU Real Red, SU So Saffron, patterned paper from LSS (not sure of company)
Ink-SU Ruby Red
Stamps-Simply Said
Accessories-Cuttlebug Dots Folder, Making Memories ribbon, Mega Square punch, Stickles

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Happy 4th!!




Thank you for the comments on my first post and the welcome into stamp blogging! I hope everyone is having a safe and happy 4th of July!! I am exhausted as I worked last night and again today. I did go to a barbecue after work where I caught up with friends but I think I overdid it on the artichoke dip... now I'm feeling not so happy:( But I am watching one of my favorite movies... Office Space!

This is a birthday card I made for a friend with an upcoming birthday. The stamp is off center and the ribbon isn't looking so hot, but this is one of my favorite color combos.


I went to Ikea and bought a desk chair today. Prior to today, I was stamping while sitting on the floor of my bedroom... not so good for the back! I'm blaming all card mistakes on inadequate facilities. Now I have to step up my game!! I also bought a couple baskets for ink storage and glass canisters for ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by!!


Details:
paper-SU cream confetti, SU Chocolate Chip, SU Cool Caribbean


stamps- SU Blooming with Happiness colored in with SU watercolor pencils and blender pen


Accessories- Happy Birthday Cuttlebug folder, American Craft ribbon

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

First Post


So I have started my stamping blog! I am hoping that this blog inspires me to stamp more often. I LOVE rubber stamping and card making. I love everything about it and I hope to use this blog to share what I love with the people I love... and maybe some strangers as well! There are a ton of blogs out there and the talent is unbelievable! I've been reading these blogs for the past couple months and gathering inspiration. It seems like stampers are having fun blogging so why not? Plus it is one more thing I can use to procrastinate my school work:)
Here is a card that I made over the weekend. I'm going to have to work on the photos!
Card was made with SU So Saffron base with a layer of SU Certainly Celery which was run through the Thank You Cuttlebug folder. I wanted to Cuttlebug the So Saffron but I couldn't figure out how to only emboss the front of the card and not the back while also making sure the words were going the right way. Spatial relations are not my thing:) but in an AHA moment the solution came to me at work last night! The bottom of the card is Certainly Celery Palette of Prints cut with scalloped scissors (also unintended, I made a mistake with measuring... this is why I am a social worker and not an engineer:). Anyway, I stamped this SU stamp (not sure what set it is from, I got it from my demo) onto confetti paper layered on the CC POP and the ribbon is American Crafts from AC Moore.
Thanks for looking!!!