Pardon the 'mess' while I remodel my blog. In the next few days (hopefully) I am going to be changing my blog to have a better appeal. So, continue to stop by and visit - just please excuse the 'mess'
*~*Paula*~*
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Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Last post for today - Watermelon!!
The Day 89 challenge had me stumped. We were to use an image of a watermelon - or the colors as our inspiration. Well, I am fairly low on colored cardstock right now - so I knew that wasn't going to happen. I had all but given up, when I was looking through a drawer and found these cardstock stickers of summer stuff. 
When I saw the watermelon, I just KNEW that I could use that for this challenge. Then I wondered - now how can I use this on a card - when I got the idea to make it an invitation to a BBQ - not that I will necessarily send it out - but I have one if I did decide to invite someone over for a party!! The card seemed to plain with just the image and the sentiment, so I added the red grosgrain ribbon. Of course, I never have exactly the ribbon I want at the time - checkered ribbon would have been perfect, or even dots!! Oh well, you can't have EVERYTHING for creating - otherwise you would never have to go buy anything - even stores don't have everything!!
What fun - enjoy your weekend parties and BBQ's and come back to the spa soon to see what else I am up to. Until then - *~*Paula*~*
When I saw the watermelon, I just KNEW that I could use that for this challenge. Then I wondered - now how can I use this on a card - when I got the idea to make it an invitation to a BBQ - not that I will necessarily send it out - but I have one if I did decide to invite someone over for a party!! The card seemed to plain with just the image and the sentiment, so I added the red grosgrain ribbon. Of course, I never have exactly the ribbon I want at the time - checkered ribbon would have been perfect, or even dots!! Oh well, you can't have EVERYTHING for creating - otherwise you would never have to go buy anything - even stores don't have everything!!What fun - enjoy your weekend parties and BBQ's and come back to the spa soon to see what else I am up to. Until then - *~*Paula*~*
Happy Couples!!
That is what we think of when we make anniversary cards and congratulate young (and old) couples when they are getting married, or celebrating first or fiftieth anniversaries! On Day 88 the challenge was to do just that - make an anniversary card or a congratulations card for the newly engaged couple - it was NOT to be a wedding card. Well, anniversary cards are needed in my family - with my sister just celebrating another anniversary (can't remember which one) and my anniversary coming up in a couple of weeks and my nephew will celebrate his first anniversary in September - you can understand my need for having some of those kind of cards on hand. So, I created this card. 
The design of the card I 'lifted' from a card I got from my secret sister on the Splitcoast stampers site. It was a birthday card, but I took out the 'To Have and to Hold' set from SU and made it into an anniversary card. I started out with the idea of doing the challenge for Day 90 - using only two colors, but then made it for this challenge instead. This was actually a fun card to make. I cut the sheet of cs in half lengthwise and then folded it down and cut half of the front of the card off. Then I took another card that was folded the other way and cut it in half and adhered this to the first piece. My sentiments are from Sweet Impressions. (www.sweetstamps.com)
As always, thanks for visiting and enjoy the rest of your day. *~*Paula*~*
The design of the card I 'lifted' from a card I got from my secret sister on the Splitcoast stampers site. It was a birthday card, but I took out the 'To Have and to Hold' set from SU and made it into an anniversary card. I started out with the idea of doing the challenge for Day 90 - using only two colors, but then made it for this challenge instead. This was actually a fun card to make. I cut the sheet of cs in half lengthwise and then folded it down and cut half of the front of the card off. Then I took another card that was folded the other way and cut it in half and adhered this to the first piece. My sentiments are from Sweet Impressions. (www.sweetstamps.com)As always, thanks for visiting and enjoy the rest of your day. *~*Paula*~*
Friday, May 29, 2009
Apple of my EYE
When I read the challenge for Day 87 - The 'eyes' have it - I really didn't want to use 'You are the Apple of my Eye' as it is so cliche and used so much. However, as I was going through my scraps I came across a piece of cardstock that had been punched with leaves. I was going to use it for another challenge - but couldn't find the punch to finish off the border. While looking for the punch, 
I came across the apple punch and then pulled out my 'Farm Fresh' set from Stampin' Up and everything just fell into place. I wasn't sure if I was going to like all the 'white'(red) space, but when I added the ribbon - another find in my stash which I found fit the design perfectly - I was happy with the simpleness of the card. I did distress the edges of all the layers, and left them uninked.
Hope you like this creation and thanks for visiting in the spa today. *~*Paula*~*
I came across the apple punch and then pulled out my 'Farm Fresh' set from Stampin' Up and everything just fell into place. I wasn't sure if I was going to like all the 'white'(red) space, but when I added the ribbon - another find in my stash which I found fit the design perfectly - I was happy with the simpleness of the card. I did distress the edges of all the layers, and left them uninked. Hope you like this creation and thanks for visiting in the spa today. *~*Paula*~*
Catching up on the 365 Card Blog
It has been a few days since I posted anything here. It has been a busy week - with Memorial Day on Monday and my mom visiting for my birthday on Tuesday - I didn't get anytime to create. I spent some time on Wednesday after mom left and everyone else was gone (school/work) working on some digital creations - but I got really tired and took a nap!! Haven't done that in a LONG time. Yesterday I was supposed to work, but didn't have any clients, so I 'wasted time' in anticipation that my employer would call and didn't get much done at all - even on the digital front.
However, this morning I took a couple of hours to begin catching up on the cards I have missed - I still have a few more to do - and HOPE that I can find some time tomorrow morning to do that. But this
is what I came up with for the Sunday Sketch challenge - Day 85. It is quite a simple sketch and quite easy to put together. I used some cardstock that I have had for quite some time - it is not SU. I used my nestibilities to cut the oval shapes and used an SU set for the sentiment. I used one of my CB folders to give texture to the background and then added the ribbon. I had a tough time trying to figure out if I wanted a button or prima in place of the bow. When nothing looked right, I decided on the bow.
Thanks for taking a look. *~*Paula*~*
However, this morning I took a couple of hours to begin catching up on the cards I have missed - I still have a few more to do - and HOPE that I can find some time tomorrow morning to do that. But this
is what I came up with for the Sunday Sketch challenge - Day 85. It is quite a simple sketch and quite easy to put together. I used some cardstock that I have had for quite some time - it is not SU. I used my nestibilities to cut the oval shapes and used an SU set for the sentiment. I used one of my CB folders to give texture to the background and then added the ribbon. I had a tough time trying to figure out if I wanted a button or prima in place of the bow. When nothing looked right, I decided on the bow.Thanks for taking a look. *~*Paula*~*
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
It's My Birthday!!
The Cards for Heroes blog hop was a HUGE success. And because of the number of comments I received, AND because it is my birthday - I am giving away blog candy to THREE Happy Stampers!! So, without keeping you in suspense any longer here are the winners:
Now, I need you three ladies to send me your address information so that I can send you your goodies. Send your information to me at: mangumpc@hotmail.com
LINDA JOHNSON
HEATHER - A Life So Simple
MARILYN - Enjoying the Little Things
Now, I need you three ladies to send me your address information so that I can send you your goodies. Send your information to me at: mangumpc@hotmail.com
Thanks for participating and contributing to this fantastic organization.
Enjoy your evening - I am out the door to my birthday dinner!!
*~*Paula*~*
Saturday, May 23, 2009
CARDS FOR HEROES BLOGHOP
Monday is Memorial Day, a day that we traditionally have set aside to remember those who have fought for our freedom. 
However the day is often welcomed as a day off from school or work, the 'official' kick-off to summer and sales abound everywhere. But what about those who cannot be with us? The men and women that are out there on the front lines everyday fighting for these kinds of freedoms?
This weekend, Cards for Heroes wants to spread the word in remembering these 'heroes'. Through the bloghop this weekend (click the blinkie at the left to start at the very beginning) you will read stories about the men and women who serve and the organization that remembers them, not just on Memorial Day, but throughout the year by sending handmade cards donated from card makers like myself and others. These donated cards are sent to our troops so they in return can send beautiful cards to their loved ones back at home that wait and pray for their safe return. There are no card shops in these war torn areas, so the troops appreciate the shipments of cards that are sent to them through Cards For Heroes.
The cards are sent not only to places like Afghanistan and Iraq, but also to our Navy Vessels that are out to sea. Many of us are familiar with the recent kidnapping of Captain Phillips by Pirates off the coast of Africa. My best friend's son-in-law serves in the Navy and is out to sea. I knew that he was somewhere off the coast of Africa, so when I heard this news, I contacted her to ask if he was on the ship that was involved. He certainly was - the USS Bainbridge was in the waters where this kidnapping took place. 
When Navy Seals took out the pirates, Captain Phillips was taken aboard the USS Bainbridge. We all were relieved at the outcome - that it was successful and no American lives were lost in this incident. Shortly after this incident occurred, a shipment of cards from Cards For Heroes was sent to the USS Bainbridge. The men aboard the ship were delighted and surprised to receive the shipment of cards - exclaiming 'there were like 300 or more cards'!! It is stories like these that cause us to remember EVERYDAY those men and women and to continue to send cards so THEY 'OUR HEROES' can remember their loved ones. Along with each shipment of 300+ cards, there are 'anyhero' cards - cards of thanks written to the troops thanking them for their service.
I got involved with Cards For Heroes mainly because I love making cards, but make more than I can use and the cards were just sitting around. I had cards from swaps, cards I have made for challenges. Beautiful cards, wonderful cards - but cards just gathering dust. I knew that there were organizations out there that would make use of my extra cards - so when I discovered Cards for Heroes, I knew this was the organization that I wanted to donate too. My first shipment was sent earlier this year and it was 100 cards that were a combination of cards I had made and cards I had received in swaps. I have another 50 cards that I have made that are ready to ship and another 50+ from swaps that I have to get ready to ship. In the meantime, I continue to make cards everyday through the challenges on the 365 card blog - as you scroll down on my blog, you can see some of these cards - most all of them will go to Cards For Heroes.
An organization like this relies on the many volunteers that donate and TEREZA is another volunteer that donates cards that she and her daughter make. You can read all about how she got involved in CFH here.
During this weekend, I will be putting together some blog candy (it's a surprise). Just by leaving a comment, I will put your name in a basket and at the end of the hop I will choose one hopper. It is my way of saying THANKS for visiting and learning more about CFH (and it is ALSO my birthday on Tuesday!!)
Thanks for stopping by - and don't forget - if you have landed here quite by accident, start at the top of the hop by clicking on the blinkie at the top of the page. ~*~ Paula *~*
However the day is often welcomed as a day off from school or work, the 'official' kick-off to summer and sales abound everywhere. But what about those who cannot be with us? The men and women that are out there on the front lines everyday fighting for these kinds of freedoms?
This weekend, Cards for Heroes wants to spread the word in remembering these 'heroes'. Through the bloghop this weekend (click the blinkie at the left to start at the very beginning) you will read stories about the men and women who serve and the organization that remembers them, not just on Memorial Day, but throughout the year by sending handmade cards donated from card makers like myself and others. These donated cards are sent to our troops so they in return can send beautiful cards to their loved ones back at home that wait and pray for their safe return. There are no card shops in these war torn areas, so the troops appreciate the shipments of cards that are sent to them through Cards For Heroes.
The cards are sent not only to places like Afghanistan and Iraq, but also to our Navy Vessels that are out to sea. Many of us are familiar with the recent kidnapping of Captain Phillips by Pirates off the coast of Africa. My best friend's son-in-law serves in the Navy and is out to sea. I knew that he was somewhere off the coast of Africa, so when I heard this news, I contacted her to ask if he was on the ship that was involved. He certainly was - the USS Bainbridge was in the waters where this kidnapping took place. 
When Navy Seals took out the pirates, Captain Phillips was taken aboard the USS Bainbridge. We all were relieved at the outcome - that it was successful and no American lives were lost in this incident. Shortly after this incident occurred, a shipment of cards from Cards For Heroes was sent to the USS Bainbridge. The men aboard the ship were delighted and surprised to receive the shipment of cards - exclaiming 'there were like 300 or more cards'!! It is stories like these that cause us to remember EVERYDAY those men and women and to continue to send cards so THEY 'OUR HEROES' can remember their loved ones. Along with each shipment of 300+ cards, there are 'anyhero' cards - cards of thanks written to the troops thanking them for their service. 
I got involved with Cards For Heroes mainly because I love making cards, but make more than I can use and the cards were just sitting around. I had cards from swaps, cards I have made for challenges. Beautiful cards, wonderful cards - but cards just gathering dust. I knew that there were organizations out there that would make use of my extra cards - so when I discovered Cards for Heroes, I knew this was the organization that I wanted to donate too. My first shipment was sent earlier this year and it was 100 cards that were a combination of cards I had made and cards I had received in swaps. I have another 50 cards that I have made that are ready to ship and another 50+ from swaps that I have to get ready to ship. In the meantime, I continue to make cards everyday through the challenges on the 365 card blog - as you scroll down on my blog, you can see some of these cards - most all of them will go to Cards For Heroes. 
An organization like this relies on the many volunteers that donate and TEREZA is another volunteer that donates cards that she and her daughter make. You can read all about how she got involved in CFH here.
During this weekend, I will be putting together some blog candy (it's a surprise). Just by leaving a comment, I will put your name in a basket and at the end of the hop I will choose one hopper. It is my way of saying THANKS for visiting and learning more about CFH (and it is ALSO my birthday on Tuesday!!)
Thanks for stopping by - and don't forget - if you have landed here quite by accident, start at the top of the hop by clicking on the blinkie at the top of the page. ~*~ Paula *~*
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Today's Challenge!
I had some time this morning before I had to leave for work (a bit earlier than expected) to create in the paper spa. The challenge for Day 81 was to use 5 squares on the card. Well, I have seen quite a few sketches lately that used squares, so this was not so hard to do. I was actually going to use a sketch I saw on card patterns, and I sort of did - just changing it up a bit. 
I used the Bella Rose Designer Paper line from SU and layered each square on a coordinating square. I finally had occasion to use my new slot punch I got awhile back and laced the ribbon through the hole. I saw this technique on the Splitcoast Stampers site this morning when I received the email for the sketch challenge for this week. The sentiment is a Sweet Impressions stamp.
Enjoy your evening and thanks for visiting the Spa today.
*~*Paula*~*
I used the Bella Rose Designer Paper line from SU and layered each square on a coordinating square. I finally had occasion to use my new slot punch I got awhile back and laced the ribbon through the hole. I saw this technique on the Splitcoast Stampers site this morning when I received the email for the sketch challenge for this week. The sentiment is a Sweet Impressions stamp.Enjoy your evening and thanks for visiting the Spa today.
*~*Paula*~*
I Don't Drink Coffee!!
I really don't! I drink TEA instead - however, on Day 75 of the 365 card blog, the challenge was to create a card with coffee! WELL, this was certainly a challenge for me because I don't have any coffee sentiments or stamps - since I just don't drink coffee. I have PLENTY of tea stamps and sentiments - but not coffee. However, when my frugal friend Lori came to 'play' yesterday - she encouraged me in a MOST frugal way. We took the off cut from the top note and we split it and each created a card with it. 
I used my piece to create a window with 'lace' curtains half way pulled up. I then took another piece of the edge punched cardstock and made a 'table' adding 'legs'. I had these cups that someone had stamped for me years ago - and they looked a little closer to coffee cups than my other stamps, so I used them for the cups. Now, inside I stamped the sentiment: 'Let's Do Lunch'. The card is on an angle, so that is why it looks like everything is sliding - I may take a picture, or scan it again on my computer, but for now - this is what I have to show you.
*~*Paula*~*
I used my piece to create a window with 'lace' curtains half way pulled up. I then took another piece of the edge punched cardstock and made a 'table' adding 'legs'. I had these cups that someone had stamped for me years ago - and they looked a little closer to coffee cups than my other stamps, so I used them for the cups. Now, inside I stamped the sentiment: 'Let's Do Lunch'. The card is on an angle, so that is why it looks like everything is sliding - I may take a picture, or scan it again on my computer, but for now - this is what I have to show you.*~*Paula*~*
Green is NOT my choice of color!!
I like green - it is just not the FIRST color I grab when I make a card. I will choose WHITE before I would choose green - at least for the base of my card. Well, in looking through my bag of scraps, I had this green card, all folded and ready to be created upon. I looked further in my bag of scraps and found the SU designer paper and a scrap of white CS that had been pushed through the CB using the 'dotted Swiss' folder. 
Since I hadn't posted anything yet for Day 77 which was to incorporate note paper somewhere on our card I decided that I would add this little 'note' to the card along with fibers and ribbon that have been stashed away for who knows HOW long. This card is probably a bit to simple for me - as I like something a bit more elaborate - but sometimes a quick, simple card fits the occasion.
Enjoy the sunshine wherever you go today. *~*Paula*~*
Since I hadn't posted anything yet for Day 77 which was to incorporate note paper somewhere on our card I decided that I would add this little 'note' to the card along with fibers and ribbon that have been stashed away for who knows HOW long. This card is probably a bit to simple for me - as I like something a bit more elaborate - but sometimes a quick, simple card fits the occasion. Enjoy the sunshine wherever you go today. *~*Paula*~*
More on the 'Play Date'
Once we had completed the 'Plaid' card - we moved on to making a card for Monday's Challenge - Day 79 which was to use our favorite manufacturer's product on the majority of our card. WELL, I am quickly becoming a big fan of Basic Grey (Ok, so who ISN'T a fan??) I received a package of buttons awhile back - from the 365 Card Blog - (A prize I won for something) - and the buttons were the Marakesh line from Basic Grey. Well, the buttons are nice - pretty colors - but I wasn't all THAT excited about the line - however, in order to coordinate with the buttons, I was 'forced' to buy the line of paper. :) I am a BIG fan of coordinating products (SU is probably my all time favorite!!) 
Anyway, back to the card - I got out the Marakesh papers and buttons and created this card - that 'grew' on me as the day progressed. The ribbon was from my stash, but I felt it coordinated nicely with the papers. The card sketch is from Card Patterns. Lori had mentioned this blog - and I have it in my blog list, however I don't visit that often - and probably should especially after I discovered THIS blog. WOW - here is a GUY that scraps - and he does an AMAZING job of it too. I LOVE his style. The site is in Dutch, but there is a google translater box so you can change it to read in the language of your choice. In English it is a little broken - but you get the message - but the pictures tell all - even if you don't translate it - there is MUCH to scraplift!! At least I think so!!
Thanks for wandering into the Spa today - hope you have a relaxing day wherever you venture. *~*Paula*~*
Anyway, back to the card - I got out the Marakesh papers and buttons and created this card - that 'grew' on me as the day progressed. The ribbon was from my stash, but I felt it coordinated nicely with the papers. The card sketch is from Card Patterns. Lori had mentioned this blog - and I have it in my blog list, however I don't visit that often - and probably should especially after I discovered THIS blog. WOW - here is a GUY that scraps - and he does an AMAZING job of it too. I LOVE his style. The site is in Dutch, but there is a google translater box so you can change it to read in the language of your choice. In English it is a little broken - but you get the message - but the pictures tell all - even if you don't translate it - there is MUCH to scraplift!! At least I think so!!Thanks for wandering into the Spa today - hope you have a relaxing day wherever you venture. *~*Paula*~*
The Results of a 'Play Date'
What fun Lori and i had yesterday!! She arrived around 9:30 in the morning and we had a slow start as I gathered items from upstairs and brought them downstairs for us to use. I lost count of the number of times I climbed the stairs to get something that we needed. Did we use all that I brought down? Hmm, not sure on that one - but I certainly got my exercise for the day!! Keeping our planning simple, we decided (ahead of time) that we would create cards - using the 365 card blog as our inspiration - aside from the fact that there were a few challenges over on that blog that I had yet to do. The first card that I did was for the challenge for Day 80 which was to use plaid on our card. 
It could be plaid paper, or we could create our own plaid. Well, Lori and I have been playing with alcohol and distress inks for some time now - to the point that Lori is somewhat burnt out, however, I have still not had my fill, so I decided to try brayering the alcohol inks on transparency to see how it would look. WOW, was I amazed at the results. I laid out several drops of alcohol ink in different colors on my craft mat and then rolled the brayer in them. Then rolled this onto my transparency. I liked the results of this technique. I then labored over how to use it. I have that WONDERFULLY versatile flower set - you know the one - I got it at the garage sale at Ever After - well, I stamped the flowers directly on the white cardstock and then overlaid the transparency. I added the sentiment on top of the transparency as well as the jewels that I colored with 'stream' alcohol ink. The completed card is so Spring-y (IMHO)!!
Thanks for visiting today - *~*Paula*~*
It could be plaid paper, or we could create our own plaid. Well, Lori and I have been playing with alcohol and distress inks for some time now - to the point that Lori is somewhat burnt out, however, I have still not had my fill, so I decided to try brayering the alcohol inks on transparency to see how it would look. WOW, was I amazed at the results. I laid out several drops of alcohol ink in different colors on my craft mat and then rolled the brayer in them. Then rolled this onto my transparency. I liked the results of this technique. I then labored over how to use it. I have that WONDERFULLY versatile flower set - you know the one - I got it at the garage sale at Ever After - well, I stamped the flowers directly on the white cardstock and then overlaid the transparency. I added the sentiment on top of the transparency as well as the jewels that I colored with 'stream' alcohol ink. The completed card is so Spring-y (IMHO)!!Thanks for visiting today - *~*Paula*~*
Monday, May 18, 2009
Looking Forward to Tomorrow
The Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire (aka Lori) is coming to the Paper Spa tomorrow for a 'Play Date'!! What could be more fun!! It has been probably a couple of months since we got together last - at her place and played with techniques. It was after that time that she changed the look of her blog using the techniques we played with. Well, who KNOWS what tomorrow will hold.
Today, I was busy cleaning here and there and trying to not bore myself to tears. I finally sat down early in the afternoon and did a 'digital card' for Day 78 over on the 365 card blog. Now, I haven't done anything over there for a few days, and plan to catch up on the few cards I haven't done for the month yet tomorrow. But here is the card that I created with digital elements.
I have plans to get this sketch printed out (I don't have a color printer at home), and then create an actual card with it. I like it so much that I may even do a scrapbook page with it. The 'paper' is from Gretchen Tripp's Patience 2007 kit that I got from Faith Sisters. The heart in the lower right hand corner is from the April 2009 Premier Kit from Scrapper's Guide. The jewels I believe are also from a Scrappers Guide kit. I really love the soft colors in this card/layout.
Thanks for visiting the spa tonight and enjoy a restful night's sleep. See you in the morning. *~*Paula*~*
Today, I was busy cleaning here and there and trying to not bore myself to tears. I finally sat down early in the afternoon and did a 'digital card' for Day 78 over on the 365 card blog. Now, I haven't done anything over there for a few days, and plan to catch up on the few cards I haven't done for the month yet tomorrow. But here is the card that I created with digital elements.
I have plans to get this sketch printed out (I don't have a color printer at home), and then create an actual card with it. I like it so much that I may even do a scrapbook page with it. The 'paper' is from Gretchen Tripp's Patience 2007 kit that I got from Faith Sisters. The heart in the lower right hand corner is from the April 2009 Premier Kit from Scrapper's Guide. The jewels I believe are also from a Scrappers Guide kit. I really love the soft colors in this card/layout.Thanks for visiting the spa tonight and enjoy a restful night's sleep. See you in the morning. *~*Paula*~*
Friday, May 15, 2009
Not Enough Time to PLAY!!
Today I have to be at work at 2:00 - and I have a busy schedule, so that is good - however, before I go to work, I have to take my oldest two daughters to meet with their Civil Air Patrol group so they can head up to San Louis Obispo for the weekend. Since the drop off point is fairly near to work (and home isn't) I will be hanging out boring myself to tears until time to go to work. Perhaps I can find a library and take my laptop and play with digital while I pass the time.
I did manage to put together the Day 76 challenge for the 365 card blog. We were to use embellishments ONLY in the four corners of our card.
Well, I have been flipping through some of my books - trying to find out what STYLE to call my own, and I came across the front of a notebook that I just LOVED. The book is 'Tantalizing Textures' and inspiration came from page 87. I also LOVE the Parisian Breeze cardstock from SU - I think my new favorite colors are chocolate and this blue-ish color. My four corner embellishment are crystal jewels - little slivers of rectangles that I colored with my alcohol inks - in 'stream' to match with the colors on the card. I also cut the corner embellishments on my cricut using the Jasmine cartridge.
Thanks for taking a peek - and enjoy the rest of your day here at the Spa or wherever you plan to go.
*~*Paula*~*
I did manage to put together the Day 76 challenge for the 365 card blog. We were to use embellishments ONLY in the four corners of our card.
Well, I have been flipping through some of my books - trying to find out what STYLE to call my own, and I came across the front of a notebook that I just LOVED. The book is 'Tantalizing Textures' and inspiration came from page 87. I also LOVE the Parisian Breeze cardstock from SU - I think my new favorite colors are chocolate and this blue-ish color. My four corner embellishment are crystal jewels - little slivers of rectangles that I colored with my alcohol inks - in 'stream' to match with the colors on the card. I also cut the corner embellishments on my cricut using the Jasmine cartridge.Thanks for taking a peek - and enjoy the rest of your day here at the Spa or wherever you plan to go.
*~*Paula*~*
Thursday, May 14, 2009
A Summer Contest
Are you all looking forward to the summer? With lazy days and warmer evenings - beach walks and bar-b-q's!! Ahh, doesn't that sound like the way to spend a day!! Well, in addition to that, how about spending time taking pictures and then scrapping those pictures? Especially if there is a chance to WIN a SLICE!!
Now, I don't have a slice, I have a cricut - but I have played (once) with the slice and it is a cool little portable machine and if you want the chance to win one, or other prizes, check out the YMBD site. They have a very cool contest that will start on June 1st. If you are lacking in creative mojo (which I think I am) then you might want to check it out for inspiration.
Have a great day. *~*Paula*~*
Now, I don't have a slice, I have a cricut - but I have played (once) with the slice and it is a cool little portable machine and if you want the chance to win one, or other prizes, check out the YMBD site. They have a very cool contest that will start on June 1st. If you are lacking in creative mojo (which I think I am) then you might want to check it out for inspiration.
Have a great day. *~*Paula*~*
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Do you like your Handwriting?
I like mine. I cannot begin to count the number of times people have complimented me on my handwriting. I am not trying to be full of pride here - just stating the facts! lol
Anyway, last night at TNT, one of our members - Karen - showed us how to make these ADORABLE flower pot cards.
Well, I didn't get a chance to finish mine up during the meeting - so took some time this morning - before heading off to work - to finish it up. When it came to the sentiment - I started looking through my stamps and then remembered that the challenge for Day 74 on the 365 card blog was to use your own handwriting for the sentiment. I cannot say this is my BEST handwriting - it is rather sloppy if you ask me - but it fit the challenge. I decided to carry the challenge just a little further and handwrite the sentiment 'inside' the card. 
It is interesting that this challenge came up, as I have been thinking of 'sayings' I wish you could find in a stamp - and have considered creating my own word art on the computer that I could use in my cards. Once upon a time, a long time ago, I had also considered using my own handwriting to create stamps and knew of a stamp maker that could have done that for me - but that was a LONG time ago in a different life! lolo
Thanks for taking a peek at my flowers and have a FABULOUS day!!
~Paula~
Anyway, last night at TNT, one of our members - Karen - showed us how to make these ADORABLE flower pot cards.
Well, I didn't get a chance to finish mine up during the meeting - so took some time this morning - before heading off to work - to finish it up. When it came to the sentiment - I started looking through my stamps and then remembered that the challenge for Day 74 on the 365 card blog was to use your own handwriting for the sentiment. I cannot say this is my BEST handwriting - it is rather sloppy if you ask me - but it fit the challenge. I decided to carry the challenge just a little further and handwrite the sentiment 'inside' the card. 
It is interesting that this challenge came up, as I have been thinking of 'sayings' I wish you could find in a stamp - and have considered creating my own word art on the computer that I could use in my cards. Once upon a time, a long time ago, I had also considered using my own handwriting to create stamps and knew of a stamp maker that could have done that for me - but that was a LONG time ago in a different life! lolo
Thanks for taking a peek at my flowers and have a FABULOUS day!!
~Paula~
Sharing at the TNT meeting
Last night we had a wonderful meeting at TNT over at Ever After. I had a few things to share - the first was my take on the sketch challenge. 
I decided that I am bored with the pictures that I have!! However, I do have wallet size pictures of our trip to Las Vegas during Spring break so decided to use these on a mini scrapbook page. This page is only a 6 x 6 LO. When I first showed it to my oldest daughter (the one on the left) she said 'you put my picture on a CARD!!" I laughed and told her it was a mini scrapbook page. Then she quickly showed it to a friend that she was talking to through skype!! Teens are so funny sometimes! Anyway, the sketch was from the inspired blueprints blog - however, I searched for the link I had and it doesn't work. Hmmm.
My next contribution to the monthly meeting was a MINIBOOK!! YES, I FINALLY DID IT - I made a minibook. The kit we received last month had some paper I wasn't all that crazy about, however, it had houses all over it and I had been thinking about journaling about the places I have lived - BELIEVE me - there are ALOT - and I am not even military!! Well, I had found this accordion house chipboard book at the EA garage sale a few weeks ago and knew EXACTLY what I wanted to do with it. I quickly realized that there were not enough pages to tell my entire moving journey, so I decided to journal just the places I have lived with Larry. (We will celebrate 5 years together next month) Even though we have only been together 5 years, we have still managed to move more than enough times!!
This is the cover of my book. The sentiment is from Unity stamps and it says "HOME is where your STORY begins" When I saw this stamp, I knew it would be perfect for the book - which was already floating around in my brain!! 
On this page, I used a white flower and then colored it with multiple alcohol inks. The pink flower is untouched. This page talks about the condo Larry and I first had together - it is a simple page.
This last page is one of the taller pieces in the book - which goes along quite well with the house it describes - which was a 2-story house that we loved. In our kits, we received a sheet of vinyl embellishments and we were to use these in some way. I decided to distress one of the scrolls and use it as smoke coming out of the chimney.
This was a fun book to put together, not just because it was my first one - but because of the memories I was writing about as I remembered each of these houses.
Perhaps today you will take some time to remember a bit of your past and journal it. Thanks for visiting in the Spa today - I hope you have had a relaxing visit. ~Paula~
I decided that I am bored with the pictures that I have!! However, I do have wallet size pictures of our trip to Las Vegas during Spring break so decided to use these on a mini scrapbook page. This page is only a 6 x 6 LO. When I first showed it to my oldest daughter (the one on the left) she said 'you put my picture on a CARD!!" I laughed and told her it was a mini scrapbook page. Then she quickly showed it to a friend that she was talking to through skype!! Teens are so funny sometimes! Anyway, the sketch was from the inspired blueprints blog - however, I searched for the link I had and it doesn't work. Hmmm.My next contribution to the monthly meeting was a MINIBOOK!! YES, I FINALLY DID IT - I made a minibook. The kit we received last month had some paper I wasn't all that crazy about, however, it had houses all over it and I had been thinking about journaling about the places I have lived - BELIEVE me - there are ALOT - and I am not even military!! Well, I had found this accordion house chipboard book at the EA garage sale a few weeks ago and knew EXACTLY what I wanted to do with it. I quickly realized that there were not enough pages to tell my entire moving journey, so I decided to journal just the places I have lived with Larry. (We will celebrate 5 years together next month) Even though we have only been together 5 years, we have still managed to move more than enough times!!
This is the cover of my book. The sentiment is from Unity stamps and it says "HOME is where your STORY begins" When I saw this stamp, I knew it would be perfect for the book - which was already floating around in my brain!! 
On this page, I used a white flower and then colored it with multiple alcohol inks. The pink flower is untouched. This page talks about the condo Larry and I first had together - it is a simple page.
This last page is one of the taller pieces in the book - which goes along quite well with the house it describes - which was a 2-story house that we loved. In our kits, we received a sheet of vinyl embellishments and we were to use these in some way. I decided to distress one of the scrolls and use it as smoke coming out of the chimney.
This was a fun book to put together, not just because it was my first one - but because of the memories I was writing about as I remembered each of these houses.
Perhaps today you will take some time to remember a bit of your past and journal it. Thanks for visiting in the Spa today - I hope you have had a relaxing visit. ~Paula~
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Lovely Tuesday
Today HAS been a lovely day. I was out and about this morning, then stopped and had lunch with my sweet husband, then came home to work on some crafting. I finished up a small scrapbook LO - it is only a 6 x 6 page - it's kind of cute - I will post it later - but have to show it to my TNT club first - that's tonight!!
Next I worked on the Day 73 challenge. The challenge was to use circles, scallops and bling on your card. I had considered 'cheating' and using my BG as the circle - but at the last minute decided I would do the sentiment in a circle.
I had this really pretty paper (12 x 12) and decided it would make SUCH a pretty BG for a card. I decided instead to cut a small portion of the paper into a scallop shape with the flowers offset. The paper is called 'Thankful - #PA154' and it is by melissa frances. I added the sheer ribbon behind the scallop circles and then finished it off with the pink jewels.
Thanks for stopping in at the Spa today and have a wonderful evening. ~Paula~
Next I worked on the Day 73 challenge. The challenge was to use circles, scallops and bling on your card. I had considered 'cheating' and using my BG as the circle - but at the last minute decided I would do the sentiment in a circle.
I had this really pretty paper (12 x 12) and decided it would make SUCH a pretty BG for a card. I decided instead to cut a small portion of the paper into a scallop shape with the flowers offset. The paper is called 'Thankful - #PA154' and it is by melissa frances. I added the sheer ribbon behind the scallop circles and then finished it off with the pink jewels. Thanks for stopping in at the Spa today and have a wonderful evening. ~Paula~
Monday, May 11, 2009
Musical Monday
No, it wasn't REALLY a musical Monday - but that is the challenge for Day 72 on the 365 card blog. So, it has taken me all day to think about this card and then took less than 10 minutes to put it together!! 
Of course, I wasn't at home much today as I had other places to go this morning. When I got home, the Mother's Day present that my sweet husband ordered had arrived - a Cricut Jukebox along with a package of ink pens to use in the cricut and a couple new cartridges. All part of a promo package that was advertised a couple weeks ago. I sent him the link - and he ordered it!! What a guy!! I didn't play with the Cricut today, but registered all my cartridges and then reorganized my space a little. Now the cartridges are within arms reach of the machine to use them in - that makes more sense!!
Anyway, back to the card - we were to use a musical note, musical paper or a sheet of music on the card. Well, I had this musical paper in my stash, so used that for my BG, then layered the instrument collage on top along with the Birthday Greeting. I added the ribbon and the flower gives it the finishing touch - especially after I distressed the tips a bit.
Thanks for visiting today - have a wonderful evening and I will see you back here in the Spa tomorrow for some more 'treatment'!! ~Paula~
Of course, I wasn't at home much today as I had other places to go this morning. When I got home, the Mother's Day present that my sweet husband ordered had arrived - a Cricut Jukebox along with a package of ink pens to use in the cricut and a couple new cartridges. All part of a promo package that was advertised a couple weeks ago. I sent him the link - and he ordered it!! What a guy!! I didn't play with the Cricut today, but registered all my cartridges and then reorganized my space a little. Now the cartridges are within arms reach of the machine to use them in - that makes more sense!!Anyway, back to the card - we were to use a musical note, musical paper or a sheet of music on the card. Well, I had this musical paper in my stash, so used that for my BG, then layered the instrument collage on top along with the Birthday Greeting. I added the ribbon and the flower gives it the finishing touch - especially after I distressed the tips a bit.
Thanks for visiting today - have a wonderful evening and I will see you back here in the Spa tomorrow for some more 'treatment'!! ~Paula~
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
I want to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all of you mom's out there that visit today.
I literally threw together the Day 71 card this morning for the 365 Card blog. It is Super Sketchy Sunday and this was a very easy (and quick) sketch to do. My second oldest son has a birthday this week, so decided to get a card made up for him so I can send it off to him - he lives in Washington State.
There is nothing fancy about this card - I tried to make it as masculine as I could, trying to get it done before I have to go off to work. Yes, I am working today - I work in a spa, as some of you know - doing massage, so I have to be there today to pamper the mom's that come in! I worked yesterday too - and it was busy. I did 5 massages back to back. I was off by 3:00 yesterday, but was doing things with my sweet husband after work, so I didn't get a chance to make yesterday's card - so will have to do that one tomorrow!! Anyway, have a GREAT day and thanks for visiting the SPA today!! ~Paula~
I literally threw together the Day 71 card this morning for the 365 Card blog. It is Super Sketchy Sunday and this was a very easy (and quick) sketch to do. My second oldest son has a birthday this week, so decided to get a card made up for him so I can send it off to him - he lives in Washington State.
There is nothing fancy about this card - I tried to make it as masculine as I could, trying to get it done before I have to go off to work. Yes, I am working today - I work in a spa, as some of you know - doing massage, so I have to be there today to pamper the mom's that come in! I worked yesterday too - and it was busy. I did 5 massages back to back. I was off by 3:00 yesterday, but was doing things with my sweet husband after work, so I didn't get a chance to make yesterday's card - so will have to do that one tomorrow!! Anyway, have a GREAT day and thanks for visiting the SPA today!! ~Paula~
Friday, May 8, 2009
They grow up way too fast!!
I have six children. Two of them have already graduated from High School, one just last year. It will be a couple more years before my next one graduates from High School, however, I do have one 'graduating' from Middle School this year - 8th grade graduation is just around the corner. So, when the challenge for Day 69 on the 365 card blog popped up today - make a graduation card - I just KNEW that I would make a card for my son Benjamin who will be graduating from 8th grade next month. 
I chose his school colors for my card colors - thankfully I still had some of those colors!! I had these tabs from a shop hop last summer and didn't have a CLUE what I would do with them at the time. They came in handy for this card - as did the little 'diploma'. I cut the numbers on my CB and ran them through my 'X' xyron. (A GREAT little tool if you ask me!!)
Enjoy the evening and thanks for visiting! ~Paula~
I chose his school colors for my card colors - thankfully I still had some of those colors!! I had these tabs from a shop hop last summer and didn't have a CLUE what I would do with them at the time. They came in handy for this card - as did the little 'diploma'. I cut the numbers on my CB and ran them through my 'X' xyron. (A GREAT little tool if you ask me!!)
Enjoy the evening and thanks for visiting! ~Paula~
How about some M&M's??
Remember when M&M's were only certain colors? Like, red, yellow, brown, green, orange and tan? Ok, so I am 'dating' myself - but honestly! I even remember a time when RED M&M's were no longer allowed because of the scare with the red food coloring. Hmm, they are back - and all of us that ate them are still alive and kicking!! Do you remember Violet? I don't remember that one, but my MOM might!! So, WHY am I talking about M&M's?? Well on Day 68 our challenge was to THINK CANDY! Hmm, I don't have too many images of candy, but I DO have this little 'm', and on a recent trip to the M&M store in Las Vegas, we got this picture of the outside of the store - so I put it all together in a card for the challenge.
Now the BLUE 'm' that you see on the sentiment - well - blue came at a later date - it replaced the tan ones - which had originally replaced the violet ones!! And now - there are so many colors to choose from!!
Enjoy your m&m's!! ~Paula~
Now the BLUE 'm' that you see on the sentiment - well - blue came at a later date - it replaced the tan ones - which had originally replaced the violet ones!! And now - there are so many colors to choose from!!
Enjoy your m&m's!! ~Paula~
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Surrounded by Pink
It is now Day 67 and the challenge is to 'Think Pink'! Well, that didn't take ALOT of thought on my part. Pink is one of the FEW colors of SU Cardstock that I DO have. Thankfully I am the hostesss this month for my online Stampers 10 group so I can place an order for some COLOR!! In the meantime, I have to create with what I have! 
So, starting with pink pirouette, I border punched with one of my fiskars punches - this one is a tough one to use on cardstock as it sticks - then you have to make alot of noise banging the thing around to get it to release! Anyway, I made it through and then edged with purely pomegranate ink - one of my favorite colors!! I bought a can of paper flowers at Michael's awhile back and honestly, I don't really care for the flowers. They are SQUARE shaped!! Whoever heard of SQUARE flowers? Hmmm - well, I decided the best way to get rid of them, is to USE them - along with those little brads that I have gazillions of!! So, my simple card will go off in a package I am sending out this week - I hope!! lol
Thanks for stopping by today - have a wonderfully creative day!! ~Paula~
So, starting with pink pirouette, I border punched with one of my fiskars punches - this one is a tough one to use on cardstock as it sticks - then you have to make alot of noise banging the thing around to get it to release! Anyway, I made it through and then edged with purely pomegranate ink - one of my favorite colors!! I bought a can of paper flowers at Michael's awhile back and honestly, I don't really care for the flowers. They are SQUARE shaped!! Whoever heard of SQUARE flowers? Hmmm - well, I decided the best way to get rid of them, is to USE them - along with those little brads that I have gazillions of!! So, my simple card will go off in a package I am sending out this week - I hope!! lolThanks for stopping by today - have a wonderfully creative day!! ~Paula~
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Today's Challenge
Well, in the last few moments before I have to take the kids to their weekly Civil Air Patrol meeting I managed to complete the challenge for today - Day 66. It was a challenge indeed too! We were to use a certain sentiment and it was not an easy, nor common one. I created the sentiment on my computer - thanks Maz for the idea - and printed it on cardstock. While doing this, I discovered that you can get a really cool BG design by using the wingdings/wingbats or whatever non-alphabet font you have on your computer. It is really cool. I thought about using that as a BG - but not this time - maybe another time! :) 
Anyway, I distressed the edges of the sentiment and then layered it. I used my ticket punch from SU to clip the corners of all my layers. I added the flowers - the yellow I distressed lightly and the little flower was white to start with and I distressed it with shabby shutters. I created this card with my husband in mind - as he will be gone for a week this summer to a training back in Illinois, so therefore, I didn't want anything to girl-y!!
Thanks for visiting in the spa today - ~Paula~
Anyway, I distressed the edges of the sentiment and then layered it. I used my ticket punch from SU to clip the corners of all my layers. I added the flowers - the yellow I distressed lightly and the little flower was white to start with and I distressed it with shabby shutters. I created this card with my husband in mind - as he will be gone for a week this summer to a training back in Illinois, so therefore, I didn't want anything to girl-y!!Thanks for visiting in the spa today - ~Paula~
Not such a Craft Day
Today I haven't been doing much creating, I have been more in an organizing mood, than creating - which I suppose is good at times. I am slowly working toward getting my hundreds (maybe even thousands) of wood mounted stamps onto EZ mount. It will take some time, as I only have a few sheets of the EZ mount and once I mount the rubber stamp onto the EZ mount, I cut it out on the scroll saw, so it takes some time.
I did manage to create a card for Day 64. It was a sketch challenge and was quite simple.
I had a tough time figuring out my border punch from EK success - but I finally did and decided to 'stitch' two pieces together. I cut the sentiment BG on my CB and then grabbed a few of my paper flowers adding the smaller pink flower so that I could use my abundant supply of small brads!!
Thanks for taking a peek. ~Paula~
I did manage to create a card for Day 64. It was a sketch challenge and was quite simple.
I had a tough time figuring out my border punch from EK success - but I finally did and decided to 'stitch' two pieces together. I cut the sentiment BG on my CB and then grabbed a few of my paper flowers adding the smaller pink flower so that I could use my abundant supply of small brads!! Thanks for taking a peek. ~Paula~
Monday, May 4, 2009
Challenge number 65
Today is Day 65 in the 365 card blog. The 'challenge' is to make a Mother's Day card. Well, I just happen to have a few of those that I have done recently. 
I actually did this card for a sketch on CSAD. It is really a simple sketch and therefore made for a quick and easy card. It is hard to see, but the background is actually yellow dots. I used black coredinations paper with a yellow backing. Ran it through my dotted swiss CB folder and then sanded it. The sentiment card layered on top is pink. The ribbon is yellow.
Thanks for visiting today ~Paula~
I actually did this card for a sketch on CSAD. It is really a simple sketch and therefore made for a quick and easy card. It is hard to see, but the background is actually yellow dots. I used black coredinations paper with a yellow backing. Ran it through my dotted swiss CB folder and then sanded it. The sentiment card layered on top is pink. The ribbon is yellow. Thanks for visiting today ~Paula~
Yesterday!!
Yesterday was a wonderful day. I didn't do any crafting, but spent the whole day just doing stuff with my sweet husband. I was supposed to work however, there were no clients for me, so I enjoyed the day off. In the morning after breakfast, we took a walk on the beach. We went to a part of the beach we had not walked on before - it was SO nice. We did a bit of grocery shopping and found some good finds there. Then we came home and just puttered around the house. I put dinner in the crockpot - pulled pork BBQ sandwiches - YUM!! Later in the afternoon we went out again - this time to the Mall. We had intended on going to the beach with the kids later in the afternoon - but that just didn't happen - so they ended up going down to the pool to cool off. It was a nice day.
Today, I intend on resting and crafting a bit.
Today, I intend on resting and crafting a bit.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Floral Fantasy
My card for today's challenge Day 63 is just that - a floral fantasy. It did not turn out the way I pictured it in my mind. 
Perhaps I will have an opportunity to do another later on today - but it is a busy day. We will be heading off shortly to go hear my son's speech - we are hoping for a wonderful outcome. Then, after I drop the family off at home, I will be heading back to the Scrapbook expo to help in the Paper Wizard booth again. I am not sure if I will have much chance to look around at any of the vendor booths - but I would rather MAKE money, than spend it right now anyway.
Thanks for the brief visit today and for taking a look at my creation. ~Paula~
Perhaps I will have an opportunity to do another later on today - but it is a busy day. We will be heading off shortly to go hear my son's speech - we are hoping for a wonderful outcome. Then, after I drop the family off at home, I will be heading back to the Scrapbook expo to help in the Paper Wizard booth again. I am not sure if I will have much chance to look around at any of the vendor booths - but I would rather MAKE money, than spend it right now anyway. Thanks for the brief visit today and for taking a look at my creation. ~Paula~
Leaf it up to me!!
Hmm, strange title - huh? Well, that was the challenge for Day 61. We were to use a leaf on our card. Well, I started out with a different thought in mind - same leaf, just different thought and decided to scrap that idea for a little simpler card. Especially since I wasn't able to create on the day the challenge was posted. I got inspiration for this challenge from a project that I did at my monthly Scrapbook Club meeting. 
I used my CB script folder to emboss the card base and then added the layered elements - old olive, pumpkin pie (both from SU) and then stamped the leaf with archival sepia and then stamped the sentiment over this in old olive. I added the flower with the crystal colored with lettuce alcohol ink.
Thanks for taking a peek. ~Paula~
I used my CB script folder to emboss the card base and then added the layered elements - old olive, pumpkin pie (both from SU) and then stamped the leaf with archival sepia and then stamped the sentiment over this in old olive. I added the flower with the crystal colored with lettuce alcohol ink. Thanks for taking a peek. ~Paula~
Busy Week!!
I have had a busy last couple of days - and have just this morning managed to finish a couple cards that have been on the 'back burner' of my mind. Before I share those cards though, I want to let you all know that you can see a few more of my cards over at Card Sketch a Day. I will have more cards posted on that site as time goes by, however, take a peek and let me know what you think.
Thursday I had to work, and it was a strange shift. I had a client at 1:30 and then I didn't have another until 6:30 and that one was only 1/2 hour!! If I had thought to bring my computer, I could have worked on some digital stuff. I haven't done much of that for awhile.
I was able to get Friday off this week - and worked at the San Diego Scrapbook Expo in the Paper Wizard Booth. Eric is the artist and his work is fantastic!! It was fun working with him. I will be going back this afternoon to help him inventory stock and take down the booth so he can head off to another show.
Today, my son Benjamin has another speech contest. This one is for a $1500 scholarship!! Believe me, mom here is doing the nervous thing. Ben is so funny and I really hope he wins - I even made a card to give to him.
This card also meets the challenge for Day 62 over on the 365 Day card blog. We were to use a number somewhere on the card. So, after thinking about this one - I decided this would be a great one to make and give to Ben.
Thanks for visiting and catching up with me today in the 'spa' ~Paula~
Thursday I had to work, and it was a strange shift. I had a client at 1:30 and then I didn't have another until 6:30 and that one was only 1/2 hour!! If I had thought to bring my computer, I could have worked on some digital stuff. I haven't done much of that for awhile.
I was able to get Friday off this week - and worked at the San Diego Scrapbook Expo in the Paper Wizard Booth. Eric is the artist and his work is fantastic!! It was fun working with him. I will be going back this afternoon to help him inventory stock and take down the booth so he can head off to another show.
Today, my son Benjamin has another speech contest. This one is for a $1500 scholarship!! Believe me, mom here is doing the nervous thing. Ben is so funny and I really hope he wins - I even made a card to give to him.
This card also meets the challenge for Day 62 over on the 365 Day card blog. We were to use a number somewhere on the card. So, after thinking about this one - I decided this would be a great one to make and give to Ben.Thanks for visiting and catching up with me today in the 'spa' ~Paula~
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