I hope you missed me, cause I have candy!

Well hello everyone! Long time no see! First off, I just want to say how much I missed all of you and missed posting this past month or so. However, my family needed it, and I think I did too.

Joe took some vacation time and ended up working it to get 18 days straight off. The first week we did yard work and re-did our chicken pen. The rest of the time we went to his mom and dad's camper at a lake about n hour away. We all fished and swam and ate out. It was nice. However, I was ready to come home.

Once we came home it was time for Joe to go back to work (for 3 days), and he did. Then he decided he wanted to take the rest of his vacation he had left and we ended up turning around and going back to the camper again. We fished, swam, and tried not to eat out. It was nice. We got home the day before yesterday and I am so glad to be back. The only internet we could get was on our phones and that tiny screen just doesn't fill in for the real thing!

So, in celebration of me being back to 'real life' I am offering up some yummy blog candy!!!

3 Sets of Starving Artistamps Sentiments!!

If you win, you will get the Boopie, Tropics #2, and Faith sentiment sets.






All you have to do is leave a comment here telling me why you love Doodle Factory! That's not so hard, huh? I will draw a random name on Monday morning (the 28th) and announce the winner.

Now I will leave you with some samples I made using the Tropics #2 sentiment set and the Tropics image set.

• STAMPS- Happy Birthday (Tropics #2), Moki (Tropics) - Starving Artistamps
• PAPER- Basic Grey Cupcake
• INK- Brilliance black
• OTHER- Copic markers, Marvy scallop punch, zig zag scissors, push pin, pop dots

• STAMPS- Buck-eye Bob, Treasure Chest (Tropics), Best Booty (Tropics #2 sentiments) - Starving Artistamps
• PAPER- Basic Grey Cupcake
• INK- Brilliance Black
• OTHER- Copic markers, Spica glitter pen, zig zag scissors, ribbon, pop dots
  

A close up of the shining treasure!



Well, hope you all have had a great summer so far! Have a great rest of the day!!! Thanks for stopping by!

I think I'm still alive!

Give me a second to check my pulse...... Yep, I'm still here. Not going into too great detail, I have been very busy with lots of different things lately. We have been starting a garden which means we had to dig it, till it, fertilize it, and today I have to plant everything. By the way, the tiller must hate me because my arms and hands are so sore! The kids and I have been doing more homeschool subjects too which has added to the lack of time during the day. We are getting rid of our extra couch, chair, end table, dining room table, chairs, and a few other stands so I have been trying to take those things apart and get them ready to go to the incinerator. All of the things we are getting rid of are older and not so sturdy anyway. The only thing we do at the dining room table is school anyway. And we are also building me a super cool desk that I designed! I am so excited about it! Hopefully it actually gets done and in a timely manner! It's got everything I need on it! Anyway, the girls started gymnastics too (which they love) so I'm stuck trying to get everything I need to do done on the day of their class since gas is so high!

So, other than a few things I left out, you can tell how busy I have been the last few weeks. However, I have gotten a lot of DT cards done in the process! Mother's Day cards too! I'm gonna share a card from each company today that I have been working on.....

STAMPS- Blip of Doodle Factory Urban, Lil' Squares BG (Starving Artistamps)
PAPER- black, white, gray, metallic adhesive back paper
INK- Brilliance black ink
OTHER- Copic markers, Nestabilities, ribbon, pop dots

STAMPS- Harlequin BG (Queen Kat Designs)-soon to be released
PAPER- Basic Grey Sultry
INK- Versamark
OTHER- buttons, chipboard

STAMPS- Daisy Trio #1, Proverbs 31:28 (smARTworks)
PAPER- MME, brown CS
INK- Versamagic Agean Blue, Colorbox Chestnut Roan
OTHER- Nestabilities, pop dots

STAMPS- Beautiful, French Quarter (Inque Botique)
PAPER- Cool Caribbean, Certainly Celery, black
INK- Palette Hybrid black, Versamark
OTHER- Marvy punches, edge distresser, sewing machine, ribbon, pop dots, Stickles

Thanks for stopping in today and I'll probably be back on Wednesday to share some more Doodle Factory goodies!

Olivia the Owl!

Good morning! I got my new Basic Grey paper pads yesterday along with my new Sassafras Lass Olivia and Pals set! And just so you know, I had these on hold a long while back (before my spending freeze!). I got the Archaic, Sultry, and Cupcake pads. They rock! I was so excited to get them yesterday that I HAD to make a card with them this morning. Here is my first one! I stamped Olivia onto the green paper, stamped her on a scrap piece, cut her out and popped her up onto the first piece.

• STAMPS- Olivia and Pals (Sassafras Lass)
• PAPER- Basic Grey 'Archaic'
• INK- Colorbox Chestnut Roan
• OTHER- Paper Studio chipboard, Doodlebug Designs Bon Bon glitter, sewing machine, pop dots
  

I finally got my grass mowed yesterday after having to go and get a new battery for the lawn mower. Unfortunately, that sweet smell of grass wasn't very strong to me since I was already stuffed up from my other allergies. No worries though, I have alllllllll summer to smell the grass!

Well, I'm off to enjoy the 79 degree weather in store for us today!! I think the kids and I are going to decide what we want to put in our garden this year! Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Canadian Blog Candy.....and a card, eh!

Good Morning Canadians!!!!! And non Canadians too! I have some goodies for you guys today!
A while back I entered to win blog candy from Cornish Heritage Farms for their new Rummage Bin releases. Well, one of the ones I signed up for (and didn't even realize this was the set I was entering for) was The Great Canadian Stamp Set. I felt that I jipped some cool Canadian out there out of a great set so I decided to pass it along, although I really love the seasons stamps and that stinkin' Moose! Ah well! So, here it is! And here are the rules:

1. You must currently live in Canada!
2. You must leave a comment saying what your favorite thing about living there is!
3. You must leave your comment by Wednesday, April 23rd.

Please pass the word around!!! I'll pick a random number and announce the winner on Thursday morning! Good Luck!




Oh, and before I go, I wanted to share a card I did this morning. The tree branch is going to be awesome for some spooky Halloween cards, but I thought it would be a cool card for a dad too!

• STAMPS- Tree Branch (Starving Artistamps)
• PAPER- Basic Grey
• INK- Colorbox Dark Brown
• OTHER- Making Memories metal word, brads

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you have a great day!!

Dandelion Thanks

Hello there! Hope everyone is having a good day so far! It has warmed up pretty quickly here in Ohio so I can't complain. It's only supposed to get warmer this week too!

I made this card a few days ago and at first I thought it was way too 'frilly' for me. Then I started to like it. Now, days later, I really like it! I clear embossed the dandelion and sponged over it with Versamagic Pixie Dust and then stippled just a little of the Pearl Orchid around the embossed part. I added 4 eyelets and tied the ribbon through.

• STAMPS- Dandelion FS-1, SSS Thanks (Starving Artistamps)
• PAPER- Basic Grey 'Two Scoops', yelloew CS
• INK- Versamagic Pixie Dust and Pearl Orchid, Versamark
  
• OTHER- clear embossing powder, eyelets, ribbon, pop dots

I just bought the April issue of Cards magazine and am excited to sit down and look through it! I also just posted my article on Craft Critique on the magazine Home and Heart. The gal who started the magazine, Stephanie Tafoya has a blog that is just too adorable! If you get a chance you should take the time to stop by and check it out!

Well, hope you all have a fab day!!! Thanks for stopping by!

Loving flowers

Good morning!! I had all intentions of blogging yesterday until my hubby sent me on a wild goose chase to find a ginormous dry erase board! After spending 45 minutes calling everywhere around here (and not around here) I finally found one at Office Max. After that, I ran to Crafts2000 (I LOVE that place) and found some more school stuff and a few acrylic stamps for $1.47 for a 2 pack. I'm hoping to use one or two this weekend because they are really cool! After we got home I picked up the house a little and then as soon as Joe got home he wanted to hang up the dry erase board, which started us doing math problems on it with the kids. It was just one thing after another. You all know how that is!

I made this card a few days ago when the sun was brightly shining! Too bad it isn't now! Ah well, I won't complain about the beautiful weather this past week!

I just embossed with white EP and added some Stickles to the centers.

• STAMPS- Flower Bunch, SSS Greetings (Starving Artistamps)
• PAPER- Basic Grey 'Gypsy', white CS
• INK- Versamark
• OTHER- white embossing powder, scalloped edge scissors, Stickles, ribbon

To give you guys a heads up I'll be giving away some Canadian blog candy next week! Only Canadians can play. Sounds like fun, eh? Spread the word! I hope all of you have a great Friday!!

Walkin' on Sunshine

Good Morning! Even though it is raining outside and looks yucky, I am in a surprisingly good mood! I don't have any reason not to be in a good mood, I just feel more gleeful than usual! I had lots of things I was going to do out and about today but I decided everything can wait until tomorrow. I really don't want to go out in the rain today and the kids say they just don't wanna go anywhere. I think we might cuddle up and watch a good movie like Labyrinth or Narnia or maybe even Monster House. I love watching movies that have a bit of 'spook' to them on rainy days!

Before I ramble even more, I am going to share my card with you. I have to say that I absolutely love this card!!!!! I started to stamp this sunflower on white so I could color it in but as I was taking the stamp off the ink pad I noticed a scrap of More Mustard peeking out from under my scrap tray. Hmmmm, maybe I should paper piece it! So, I did. Doesn't it look great?! I think it does. Sometimes you are so proud of a card it makes you sound so vein! But you don't really care because the card rocks and you know it! LOL

• STAMPS- Happy Sunflower, Fern Leaf Tooled Leather BG (Starving Artistamps), Greetings (SunSpirit Studios)
  
• PAPER- Basic Grey 'Mellow', Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, More Mustard
• INK- Palette Hybrid black, Colorbox Dark Brown
• OTHER- Versamarker, Word Window punch, Slit punch, Crop-a-dile, edge distresser, pop dots

I am also trying to get Joe and I's schedule planned out for Saturday. We are going to the Cincinnati homeschool convention. We went last year (the first year) and it was great! We got to hear some great speakers and check out all of the curriculum. It was really nice to be able to look through the books and see everything. Last year we didn't buy but this year we know what we are going to get. We have purchased things online through the year but we are going to get a few 'biggies' this weekend. I am really looking forward to it!

Well, I hope everyone has a good Thursday! Oh, speaking of Thursday, Grey's Anatomy will finally be coming back next month!!!! I can't wait!!!!!

The cat has pajamas?

Who woulda thunk it? Cats in pajamas. Well, I think it was a fantastic idea because it started a stamp company that is just too cute for words! The Cat's Pajamas is a company that not only offers acrylic (high quality acrylic that is) but they also offer wood mounted. I'm an acrylic kind of gal myself so that is what I went with. I got the Valentine-y sets last month but wanted to show how they don't have to be used that way.

For my first one I used the Loving Mew Clearly Swanky Set. I just adore that little muffin/cupcake!

• STAMPS- Loving Mew (TCPJ)
• PAPER- BasicGrey Two Scoops
• INK- Palette Hybrid black
• OTHER- Copic markers, Nestabilities, Stickles, ribbon, pop dots

This next one I just think is so cute! I love these colors together! Those birdies are so sweet too!

• STAMPS- Puppy Love (TCPJ)
• PAPER- Tempting Turquoise, Marcella
  
• INK- Palette Hybrid black
• OTHER- Copic markers, Nestabilities, Stickles, Cuttlebug embossing folder, ribbon, mulberry Prima, rhinestone, pop dots

I have a confession to make. I'm a bad girl! I had to go to town yesterday so I figured I would go to the next town over and peek at JoAnn's. The JoAnn's closer to me is tiny and doesn't have much so I have to go to the next town over to visit the 'good one'. I really didn't plan on buying anything since today I am going to Hobby Lobby to load up on adhesive (they have it half off!) and will probably get a few new embossing folders if they have any of the new ones yet. But, I couldn't resist the Inkadinkado 3 pack of acrylic stamps for $11.99. I got 2 different ones. Please smack me on the hand! I just couldn't help it though, they are really cute! BUT they aren't the high quality so I can't use them with my dye inks. That's alright though because I also bought two 4 packs of the Versafine Dew Drops. Shame, shame, shame. I really did need them though. LMOA Like I NEED anything! One of the packs I got was the Brilliance (which I only have black) so now I have sparkly bright colored inks too. Go me! I did however, walk out without buying one single sheet of paper!!! That is an accomplishment. Hopefully, I don't stray too far from the adhesive today at HL. Say a prayer for me. lol

I also want to let you guys know that my article on the Creative Hot Marks tool posted on Craft Critique yesterday just in case you are interested.

Hope everyone has a delightful day!!!!

Across the Universe, with a pear and some flowers

I bet the title got you curious right? I have a few cards to share, but first I wanted to say how lately Joe and I have been enjoying movies that a few years ago we probably would have turned off 20 minutes into or just avoided renting. Across the Universe is one of them. They played the previews over and over again and although I do enjoy a Beatles song now and again, I certainly didn't have a strong desire to watch a musical full of them! However, my curiosity got the better of me and on the day it came out I rented it (I always go to Blockbuster on Tuesday so I can rent the new movies as soon as they come out. We are a very movie watching family!). Joe and I put it in at around 11pm on a Friday night and within an hour he was asleep, leaving me to watch the other 2 hours by myself. I thoroughly enjoyed the music but was a little distracted by a few of the parts that would probably been more enjoyable if you were on the acid trip with them. In no way am I encouraging an acid trip though, so don't take that wrong! {grin} But then again, it was the 60's and 70's. That's what that era was about, war, drugs, and rock and roll. It was pretty accurate. Anyway, Joe watched it again the next day and what is really funny is it was way better the second time. Don't ask me why. I also heard from several other people that you have to watch it a second time to really appreciate it. Maybe I was distracted by a few outlandish moments or the fact that I was up way too late watching. I definitely think it was worth watching and as soon as Blockbuster has a used copy for sale, I'll be buying, if nothing else but to listen to the songs that didn't come on the soundtrack that I HAD to run out and buy!! Seriously, you have to check out the soundtrack! It rocks.

Side note, I rented Young Frankenstein last a few weeks ago and the kids loved it so much they made me buy it! Can you believe that!? An old movie like that grabbed ALL THREE of their attentions enough to want to watch it over and over again. Clinton is 2! Just cracks me up! Jolee (6 next month) says it's her new favorite movie.

Okay, back to reality now! Ava's birthday is on Saturday and Jolee's is in a month and I have been bothering Joe for over a month now to help me decide what to get them for their birthday. Before, he wanted to get Jolee a dirt bike. I'm fine with that because I know he will teach them well and it doesn't scare me that she would be doing that. But, I told him that we can't get Jolee that and buy Ava a few Barbie's. Not fair. My suggestion is to get a 4 wheeler (in their size) so they can both enjoy it and we give it to both of them. Last night Joe tells me he wants to get Ava a 4 wheeler and Jolee a dirt bike. Ugh! My response "That's a lot of money!" BUT! He works hard for the money and if he wants to spoil them for the first time (we have never gotten them anything big like this and they aren't spoiled by us, other than the money we put in their savings every month) who am I to stop him? It won't put us in debt and we wouldn't be digging in the couch for change. Let's just see if it's going to pan out or not. He is worse than a woman when it comes to changing his mind!

Now that I have bored you with my life lately, I'll share some cards!

Both of these are Starving Artistamps stamps today. I just finished up my batch so I could get the new silhouette flowers and regular flowers Tracey has put in the store! She has even more stuff in the works!! I am so excited! You guys are gonna love the new stuff! You can get the stamps used on these cards right now though! Just skip on over to Starving Artistamps and remember to use my heidis code to get 10% off!

• STAMPS- tooled leather roses, fern leaf tooled leather BG (Starving Artistamps)
• PAPER- Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip, Mellow Moss
  
• INK- Chocolate Chip, Versamark
• OTHER- Versamark pen (to darken parts of petals), brads, edge distresser, pop dots

I had an idea to use this pear for a Valentine card with a heart in the middle, but it just didn't work out the way I planned. I cannot do the kissing technique to save my life! Not well anyway. The pear is coated with Crystal Effects to give it shine.

• STAMPS- pear (Starving Artistamps)
• PAPER- BasicGrey 'Gypsy'
  
• INK- Colorbox Lime Pastel
• OTHER- Nestabilities, scalloped edge scissors, Crystal Effects, pop dots

Soooooo, I guess I'll see all of you later!! Hope you have a wonderful Monday!!

Tea to warm you up!

So, it's smARTworks Tea Party time again! Time to share all of our cards we made using a sketch that is provided by one of the team members. This time around Susan Liles gave us the sketch. When I first looked at it nothing struck me, but in true Heidi style (waiting till the last minute that is!) I was able to use my brand new rubber from smARTworks that came in the mail yesterday. Everything I ordered was from the supplement that just came out and I was so happy with what I got! I started cutting out this morning and putting my Tombow glue on the back to make them tacky. I know I am on the DT so it's kinda my job to persuade you to want to buy them but I don't think these really need much persuading!!! For the Combo Sentiments set (designed by the great Dina Kowal of Mama Dini's Stamperia herself!) you cannot beat the price at 25 stamps for $13.50. Then you have the Combo Companion set that goes perfectly with it for $7.50. Here and here are the links that you just have to check out!!!

Anyway, rambling done. Here is the sketch:


And here is my fantabulous card! And bling-y too!

• STAMPS- DK-01 Combo Sentiments (brackets), DK-02 Combo Companion(merry), DK-04 Birdie Fun (smARTworks)
• PAPER- Cranberry Crisp CS, BasicGrey 'Fruitcake' DP
  
• INK- Old Olive, Cranberry Crisp
• OTHER- Crop-a-dile, large eyelets, Slit punch, rhinestones, ribbon, Stickles, pop dots

If you wanna check out everyone else's version of this sketch just click their links:
Donna
Susan L
Dina
Trish
Susan T

Well, we got our first official snow of the winter last night and it's still going this morning. I might try and get a few pics when it slows down later. Hope all of you stay warm and comfy!!! Be back tomorrow!

Warm Wishes

I had been a little caught up in my design team and Craft Critique stuff lately that I hadn't had too much time to use my Inque Botique or See D's stamps that I got last month. So, I pulled them out, along with my BasicGrey Mellow 6x6 stack and got this card done. It's starting to cool off more and more and there have been a few days lately that have been down right cold! So, who can't use a good cup of warm coffee or cocoa on those days!?

• See D's Christmas stamps
• BasicGrey 'Mellow' DP
• Stazon Jet Black, Cocolate Chip inks
• ZIG markers
• Marvy Mega scallop square punch
• Cuttlebug sliders die
• ribbon
• push pin, pop dots, sponge
  

I wanted to share a card today that was made by Amy over at Snips and Scraps of my Life. She used the smARTworks Tea Party layout that I posted on Wednesday. Isn't this just the cutest!?! She flipped the layout to make it suit the stamp she wanted to use and it looks great! Thanks for playing along Amy!! Be sure to check out her blog for her other cute cards! If you made a card with the layout be sure to let me know (or one of the other DT members) and we'll post it!

I'm hoping the weather gets a little nicer today because Joe's cousin Jenny is having a 'harvest party' at their farm. They were planning on doing a hayride and lots of other fun stuff but if it rains (which it looks like it's gonna) we'll all just be hanging out inside. That's fine with me because we'll have food and eachother to chat with! I know the kids will be dissapointed though, especially Jolee if she doesn't get to visit with the horses and other animals they have!

Hope you all have a great Saturday!

Cupcakes and Marshamallows

Well, I had quite a crafty weeked! I got to make some cards and on Saturday I got in a serious baking mood! Joe had to work this weekend so the girls and I went to the store and got all kinds of baking things. Halloween mini muffin/cupcake cups, white cake mix, an icing decorator gizmo, apples (for home made apple crisp which I haven't made yet), marshmallows, bakers choclate, toffee bits, walnuts, Reeces Pieces, and a few other things. We used most everything! I took a few pics of the final products. I know I have shown you guys my marshmallows before but I have never taken a pic with my 'nice' camera. {grin} So, here they are.




I made the cream cheese icing for the cupcakes myself. I have had this recipe stashed away and can't remember where I got it from. It the the most awesome and simple icing recipe anywhere! And, in my opinion, cream cheese icing is the best icing for any cake! If you want the recipe or have any questions on the marshmallows just leave a comment or email me!

I kind of got in the whole baking mood because our new neighbors who have been building their house across the road all summer have finally moved in. I thought I would bake up a little something and say hello. I've done things like this with neighbors before when we lived in the apartment years ago but I was thanked and then ignored any time I would see them. I told Joe it would be nice if I could make a friendship out of this. I'm not holding my breath though because it's been a no go with others before. Plus, I'm younger than she is and probably won't realize how much better I get along with people 10+ years older than me. Most women at 25 are at a completely different stage in their life than I am right now. But I love where I am and don't feel like running around with gals my age. I think they'd get sick of me talking about my kids all the time!! But really, what else is there to talk about!? They're my life!

Anyway, sorry for the rambling, I got kinda carried away! Here is the card I made for them. I really wanted to use the paper from the BasicGrey Mellow stack of the kids playing in the leaves. So I did. {grin} Actually, all of the paper is from that stack. I pulled out the huge stack of chipboard I got from JoAnns and used the leaf. Gave it 2 coats of acrylic paint and once it dried, sanded it down and slapped it on. I popped up the bottom piece with the playing kids on it too. I think I might do that more often as it really gives nice dimension! I used my edge distresser on the word and stuck it on pop dots. All in all, I like the feel of it. Very fall-ish!

• Purple Onion Designs alpha stamps
• BasicGrey Mellow DP
• Chocolate Chip classic ink
• JoAnn chipboard leaf
• acrylic paint
• fine grit sandpaper
• pop dots, ribbon, star button, twine, edge distresser

Well, now I need to get off here and get the kids ready to go outside. Joe and I took Jolee to get a new 'big girl' bike yesterday since she was riding her other one without training wheels. I thought she would have some trouble riding this one because it was so much bigger but she hopped right on and was doing great! Man she is growing up way too quick!!

Lots-O-Cards

Good morning all! It was quite a busy week for me this past week and weekend. I did find time however, to squeeze in some stamping time! First thought I want to show all of you even more birthday RAKs I have gotten! I feel so loved!! I also want to say that Donna, I have wanted that Sweet Tier stamp for a looooooong time and having your card in my pretty little hands finally convinced me to buy it! So, I thank you, although my hubby doesn't! {wink} Julie even sent me a little Rhonna Farrer stamp inside her card. Man I love happy mail! And Trish I MUST know where that little birdie came from! Too cute! Thank you all very much!



Now I want to show you part of what kept me a little busy this weekend! I have taken on yet another crafting endeavor! Hair bows! My sister is a Gymboree junkie and is always showing me the new lines and bows that people make to go with them. Even though Gymboree is a TAD too expensive for my taste I have fallen in love with some of the bows I have seen to match! So, I did a little (okay, a lot!) of research and made some of my own. I wanted to start out with corkers but it kind of didn't just stop there. I am in the process of finishing my Halloween corker bows right now and will share a pic once I get everything attached to the barette. Here is one I made in about 2 minutes though. It matches a shirt I got for the girls at Children's Place last fall. I loved the colors and even though I'm sure this bow won't match anything else in their wardrobe, I think it matches this too perfectly!


Alright, now lets get down to business! I got my stamps for the Starving Artistamps DT and I had to sit down and make a few things after I came back from the mailbox! Here is what I ended up with.


This one uses all SA stamps. I thought it would look nice to distress the edges.

• KSAI-102 Clematis, 47.10 Wishing you, P25.01 Harlequin BG stamps (Starving Artistamps)
• Always Artichoke, kraft CS
• Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Versamark ink
• edge distresser
• ribbon
• pop dots
  
  

The next one used the new Doodle Facotry Halloween stamps. This pumpkin head guy makes me grin every time I look at him! Maybe it's because some days I feel like how he looks! Spaced out and in need of a vacation! Although, in this instance he seems a little worse off than I usually am. My head is most always attached! I just masked his body in the right spots and stamped his arm sticking out 'holding his head'.


*Sorry for the interruption but I am switching back to my 'normal' format. I was trying something different at the start of the post but it just takes too much time, and I'm too lay to switch the first part back!*

• P24.02 Tight Weave BG, Pumpkin Head, Halloween Sentiment, Halloween candy stamp(Sonlight Impressions via Starving Artistamps)
• Really Rust, black, white CS
• Stazon jet black, Versamark ink
• ZIG markers
• decorative scissors
• pop dots

Here is another pumpkin head card. I stamped him regular though. Okay, you tell me, does this look like he is standing in the snow? Or ice skating (as Jolee said)? I didn't see it before but hubby and kids kept saying it. Is it true?

• Pumpkin Head, Dead Tree stamps (SunSpiritStudios via Starving Artistamps)
• black, white CS
• Stazon jet black ink
• ZIG markers
• Copic grey marker
• staples
• edge distresser
  

Part of the reason Tracey said she picked me to be on the team was because she liked my one layer or no layer cards. So, I wanted to make something simple but classy and I love brown with snowflakes! I also did paper piercing through the snowflakes to make it look like flurries but it's hard to see in the pic.

• 45.12 Snowflakes, 41.02 Alphabet 1/4" stamps (Starving Artistamps)
• kraft CS
• Chocolate Chip ink
• ribbon

Finally, this last card comes with sadness. A close friend of my mom's and a good friend of our whole family passed away a few days ago. She was a wonderful person and a dear friend to my mother and my heart not only aches for her husband but also for my mother. This is the card I made him and I also included a long letter about what amazing people they both had been in my life. If you can say a quick prayer for their family.

• BasicGrey Mellow DP
• Heidi Grace Winnefred St., Studio G clear stamps
• Chocolate Chip ink
• Marvy Mega scallop circle, super jumbo circle punches
• ribbon
• pop dots
• push pin

Take time today to give your loved ones a hug because you simply never know what could happen tomorrow. Love all of you out there! Thanks for reading and God bless!

Such a relaxing weekend!

Hey guys! Just checking in! Our family had a nice, relaxing weekend together. The kids and Joe swam in the pool we got (just one of those easy set ones) and we watched movies together and ate junk food and pizza. It was great! Joe had been working every weekend for 3 weeks so it was nice to have some family time.

I had to write my article for Craft Critique on my favorite tool and although I will leave that a mystery, I will say that I made this thinking I might put it in the article but decided not to. The glitter I used it super super old. I would guess at least 30 years or so from the packaging. I have green, red, and this gold color. I am hoarding them though becacuse they give the actual 'antique' look! It reminds me of those old Christmas bulbs your grandparents or parents hang on the tree.

I can't decide if I actually like this tag or not though. Still getting used to it I guess.

• DCWV CS
• BasicGrey Fruitcake paper
• Marvy Giga and Mega scalloped oval punches
• Cropodile and eyelet
• sandpaper
• glitter
• ribbon
• pop dots
• black marker

I thought it would be fun to do the Blog Scattegories that is going around. I love the game Scattegories! My family and I always used to play that and Balderdash. Yes, we are very good bs-ing!

• Your Name: Heidi
• Famous Artist/Band/Musician: Hannah Montana
• 4 letter word: Hand
• Vehicle: Honda
• TV Show: Happy Days
• City/Town: Honalulu (wish I was there right now!)
• Boy Name: Harper
• Girl Name: Hayley
• Occupation: Hair dresser
• Something you wear: Heels
• Celebrity: Halley Berry
• Food: Hot Dog
• Something found in a kitchen: Honey
• Reason for Being Late: Having a baby (I've had the chance to use that 3 times!)
• Cartoon Character: Henry (from Oswald)Something
• You Shout: "Honey, I'm home!"
  

Well, that was harder than it looked! You should try it if you haven't already! Well, I am off to try a sketch challenge from Mama Dini's blog. If you get a chance today, you should try that too!

Attack of the scallops!

Okay, so who else out there is like me and has trouble putting the scallop punches down? Is it a disease? Do I need to pick up a prescription at the pharmacy? Someone help me! I thought I was doing good last week when my post had no cards with scallop punches used! Well, apparently my mind and heart took over because as I was uploading my cards this time I realized that every card used one! Tell me I'm not the only weirdo in the crowd! Well, actually I know that isn't true!! I won't name names but man, some of you are a little Coo-coo! {wink} Moving on!

Alright, I know that it's part of my 'job' to tell you guys how wonderful smARTworks stamps are because I am on their Design Team, but honestly, between you and me, they really do rock! Since I have gotten my DT sets and a few extra ones I just HAD to buy, I haven't been able to put them down. Nor have I wanted to! If you haven't checked them out yet, you simply MUST do so! They have something for everyone! Not to mention, that cute Birdie Bitties set I used last post (Oh Happy Day card) is only $2.00! How can you beat that? Oh wait, you can't! So go here. Man, I should get paid commission! {wink}

This first one is another attempt at using the bird on the branch. I did a no layer card with it before and loved it so much I didn't want to do it any other way! But! I also wanted to see what it looked like inside one of my Marvy scallop punches. I pulled out my Mega scalloped oval but it just wasn't big enough and I have held myself back from getting the Giga! So, next I pulled out my Giga scalloped circle. It worked great but I had to fill the branches a little. All I did was re-ink the bottom branch and fill it in where it needed. I thought the soft colors of the Lilly Kate BG paper went well with the soft colors of the bird and flowers.

• Spring #1 and Middie Messages #2 (smARTworks) stamp sets
• BasicGrey Lilly Kate DP
• Marvy Giga scalloped circle
• Prismacolors and Gamsol
• ric rac
• Copic gray marker
• push pin
• pop dots

This next one is quite out of my 'zone' that I usually stick to. Which is why I think I like it! I am just now starting to get the hang of shading more with my Prismacolors. I am using two different colors on some things now (like the leaves) and actually don't hate the result! I swear though I can't put that Copic marker down! Love how it outlines!

• Spring #1, Middie Messages #2 (smARTworks) stamp sets
• polka dot DP (can't remember maker, it was scrap)
• Real Red, Certainly Celery, white CS
• Cuttlebug Swirls EF
• Marvy Mega scalloped oval
• Word Window punch
• Coluzzle oval template
• Prismacolors and Gamsol
• scalloped scissors
• Copic gray marker
• push pin
• ribbon
• pop dots

The last one actually I couldn't wait to use! It came in my Starving Artistamps order that I got in the mail today! Aren't those birds too cute for words!?! Get this, their names are Pip and Oggy! Can you believe that!?! They are part of the 'Doodle Factory' line. Oh my gosh, when I looked at these I wanted every single one!!! But, thank goodness I limited myself to 4! Plus she added a free small one in with my order! Here is the link. You must go look NOW! I got Pip & Oggy and Tobias from the Doodle Animals and then I got Zot and Yapples from the Doodle Creatures line. I thought the Zot would be absolutely perfect for making cards for those addicted to coffee and can't function without it! And Yapples was just too stinkin' funny. Now that I think about it, I need more of these guys! They are so up my alley!!!

• Pip & Oggy from Doodle Factory line (Starving Artistamps), Be (TAC) stamp sets
• Marvy Giga and Mega scalloped circle punches, Super Jumbo circle punch
• Certainly Celery, Brilliant Blue, white CS
• Prismacolors and Gamsol
• ribbon
• push pin
• pop dots
• black pen for landscape

*****

Alright, on a side note I just wanted to share that I recently watched Pirates of the Caribbean 3 and boy, dissapointed was an understatement! Jolee and Ava both love the POTC 1 &2 and will sit and watch it over and over again. Ava was done about 20 minutes in and Jolee was disinterested about halfway through. They even lost me until the fight scene at the end! And the end made me mad too! Ah well, I guess you can't expect too much from a 3rd movie.

Joe and I also saw Knocked Up. That was pretty funny. Lots of F-bombs but removing all of that it definitely amused us!

I wanted to get Wild Hogs at Blockbusted but they were all gone by the time I got there. Bummer. I hear it's pretty funny.

What movies have you guys seen lately? And that dissapointed? Any you loved? Fill me in!

Dirty girl!

Okay! Yay for me! So far I have done 7 of the Dirty Dare challenges over at Splitcoast. Granted there are 20 and I'm not quite 'caught up' but I'm proud of myself! I am seriously loving these challenges!!! For the first one I did Texasjodylynn's brad challenge. Just cover the card with lots 'o' brads. Here is my try.

• DCWV Pocket full of Posies glitter stack and white CS
• Hampton Arts clear stamp
• The Paper Studio flower brads (12 of them to be exact)
• stickles
• rhinestone
  

Onto my next feat, I did the Toile Inspiration from StamperSharon. I used the long time loney Toile Blossoms set that I can't ever part with (it was my dad's) but never pull out (although I really do love it!) on this one. I outlined all of the flowers as well as the four sisters stamp with the gray Copic marker; it really makes it pop!

• Four Sisters (smARTworks), Toile Blossoms (SU), Karen Foster 1/8 inch snap stamp sets
• black and white CS
• black ink
• Copic gray marker
• Heidi Swapp edge distresser
• black sheer ribbon
  

The next challenge I took on was the Clear Stamps Only one from genie1314. For this one I CASEd a card from the bottom of page 13 in the new SU catty. I changed all of the colors and stamps and such but kept the same layout. I also am counting this card for Beate's Cheerful Color Combos card challenge.

• KI Memories DP
• Pink Passion CS
• Studio G clear stamps
• orange Souffle pen
• rhinestones, push pin, pop dots, ribbon
  

I do have to say the acetate one was my favorite to do. CWilliams was the one who came up with this challenge and I knew I could go 'simple' on this one! The acetate I used was just the back of one of those Studio G sets from JoAnns. I stampted the bathing suit on the front with Stazon and colored on the back with the orange Souffle pen. Before I put it on the card though I cut a window with my Coluzzle circle template, then punched a Mega scalloped circle in my patterned paper, and used my circle template to cut the center out of my scallop so I could just mount it on the front. After that I glued rhinestones in every scallop (there are 25 total, just in case you wanted to know) and added my acetate to the back. I stamped off 'girl' with Only Orange (I NEVER use that ink pad) and then 'friend' in black on top of that, adding yet another rhinestone to the 'i' on girl. I was really in a rhinestone mood today!

• DCWV Pocket full of Posies glitter stack
• Scraptrends 'Summer Party', girl (StudioG), and Karen Foster snap stamp sets
• Marvy Mega scallop circle punch
• Only Orange (stamped off) classic, Stazon jet black inks
• orange Souffle pen
• rhinestones
• acetate
  

This one doesn't look so much like it probably should, which is dry embossed vellum. Labullard is the one who thought this challenge up. I started with a sheet of vellum that I put inside my Cuttlebug folder and punched out with the mega scalloped oval punch. But, I didn't know how to attach it to my card, so I out a white scalloped oval behind it. Then I decided it needed some color so I took my Versamagic dew drops and added a bit. Now it looks like I ran a piece of white through my Sizzix. Oh well! I know it's vellum!

• Sandylion Floral Crochet-Cream DP
• In my thoughts (Studio G) stamp set
• Cuttlebug Stylized Flowers embossing folder
• Marvy Mega scalloped oval punch
• Versamagic Aloe Vera and Pixie Dust chalk ink
• sheer ribbon
• pop dots

Last but not least is something I really hope I get to use once the holidays roll around! AtomicButterfly challenged us to do Boxes, Bags, or Containers. I guess you would call mine a......hmmm........let's see.........an Arby's popcorn chicken box. {grin} Yes, the first time I got their small order of popcorn chicken it came in this cute little fry looking box that I has to take apart so I could use it as a template! So, if any of you need this template, please don't hesitate to go to your nearest Arby's and get one yourself! {wink} I used my Stardust glaze pen to go over the letters, a few stars, and highlight a few parts on the ornaments. Man I love that pen!

• BasicGrey Fruitcake (Vintage Ornaments/Pine) DP
• Arby's 5 piece popcorn chicken box (for template)
• stylus
• Stardust glaze pen
• BasicGrey letter stickers
• ribbon

*****

On another note, Joe and I have been watching the first season of Veronica Mars. I love that show and I am pretty peeved that they canceled it. I only started to watch it season 3 because I am a dedicated House watcher and they are on at the same time. When House started running repeats though I watched VM and they also have the most recent 5 episodes on the WB website. Anyway, we just got done watching season 1 and it was awesome! When I first started to watch Joe said, why do you waste your time watching that? By the second episode he was sitting beside me! Men! So, I am anxiously awaiting season 2 via Blockbuster online (love that I can get ANYTHING from there, even stuff I've never heard of!). That's what I have been doing with my free time.

Oh, by the way Drew Carrey will be the new host of Price is Right just in case some of you haven't heard. I think he will be a really good replacement. However, I could see beer becoming a runner-up prize! {wink}

Well, I am off to spend some time with hubby and son. MIL is going to take the girls out to a movie today. I wish someone would take me to a movie! Ah, guess I'll just have to wait till later in life for that luxury! Have a great Sunday!

Lots to share!

Wow! What a busy weekend! It seems like I have been here there and everywhere (including JoAnn's) {wink}! Thursday afternoon I went to visit Joe's aunt (my other mom!) because she and hubby got a new house. She used to live right next door to me but now she lives next door to her daughter Amy (my other sister!) about 40 minutes away from me. The move was bittersweet because I loved having her next door but I am so happy she can be right next to her daughter and grandkids!!!! And don't worry, she's one of those moms that you wouldn't mind living next door to!
After I visited a little Joe's cousin Tiffany and I went off to JoAnn's to shop a little. She had never been in a Super JoAnn's before! Well, poor girl I cured her of that! I'm sure I'll be getting a letter of complaint for her husband!!!! Uh Oh! We then took the kids to McDonald's and they had a great time! If I could only bottle all of those giggles!!!

Saturday morning was the community yard sales where my MIL lives. Bought not one thing for myself but I ended up getting Jolee about 39 pieces of clothes (mostly GAP and Children's Place) for $25! After that I had $5 left and ended up getting them each a little folding camp chair for when we go fishing. Man I love yard sales!!!! I also had a birthday party to go to and ended up staying there for about 2 1/2 hours. After that I was super tired! I came home and slept a little till Joe got home.

Sunday totally threw me off. Joe worked this weekend (the first in a while) so I kept feeling like it was Monday. It was a really good card day though! Got 5 done! And they are all in their envelopes with stamps ready to go to my mailbox! Now that is an accomplishment! To actually get them sent out on time! One of them really a week late though but we won't count that one! {wink}

So here they are!! All 5! I have to say I really like this batch!

The first one is for my sister. She swears she will never find another man (she's divorced) so I had to make her a card to remind her why doesn't doesn't need one! {giggle} The color of the paper is off a bit in this pic. It's really more of a light sage-y green.

• Colorbok patterned paper
• Close to Cocoa CS
• Marvy Giga and Mega scalloped circle punches
• Cosmobella stamp (Stamping Bella), Men's faults stamp (RiverCityRubberWorks)
• sewing machine
• aquapainter
• Copic gray marker (for shadows)
• eyelets, pop dots, ribbon

This next one is for a blogging friend who shall remain nameless so they don't know this card is coming to them. I think kraft is my new obsession. I just love how clean it looks!

• BasicGrey Lilly Kate paper
• kraft CS
• Cuttlebug flowers die
• Paper Studio big brad (LOVE these!)
• For my Friend stamp (Studio G)

This card is the one that is a week late! Shame on me too! It's for my niece. I picked up this paper at JoAnn's when I was there the other day. I LOVE it! Especially these two together. I glued a piece of the polka dot paper onto a coaster I snuck from Outback, ran it through my Sizzix and viola! Super easy accent!

• Flower paper (Sandyloin), polka dot paper (Hot off the Press)
• Paper Tray stamp set (PaperTreyInk)
• Cuttlebug flowers die
• Chipboard frame (painted with black acrylic paint)
• eyelets
• ribbon, stickles

This is for a relative of a blogger friend who is ill. Just wanted to send well wishes to her. I did Lisa's card challenge on this one again. I just love this layout. So quick and easy to put together! And just for the record this card looks better IRL!

• Happy Harmony (SU), Thoughts of You (Michael's $1 bin)
• Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip CS
• Mega scalloped circle punch
• ZIG markers
• sheer ribbon
• corner rounder
• pop dots

This is my favorite of them all. I found this cool paper at JoAnn's too. It's by Colorbok and it's called "Little People". It has a bunch of different little cute scenes all over it. I decided to punch out the people with the umbrellas. My sis's hubby just got laid off and she is stressing right now. Been there! Done that! Just wanted her to know I was thinking of her. I used my sewing machine to make the holes. And I swear I could not live without my snap stamps!
*outside reads "sometimes when it rains"
*inside reads "it pours"

• BasicGrey Lilly Kate paper, Colorbok "Little People" paper
• kraft, red CS
• Karen Foster 1/8 inch snap stamps
• Mega scalloped circle punch
• Super Jumbo circle punch (finally invested, Wow! Love it!)
• Sewing machine
• pop dots

Whew! I think I'm done now! I am going to make blog candy post today! So check for it!!!! Thanks for stopping by!