MerrMade

Third of Three

2009-02-02T21:05:00.000-08:00

Well friends, I'm completely pooped! I went on my first run (training for the marathon, remember? Click on my button and help me get to Seattle!) tonight. OK, I walked a little ways, but I did my best to keep moving, and that's what it's all about, right? First thing on my docket for tomorrow (after physical therapy for my shoulder of course) is to get myself some proper running shoes. My nearly seven year old Nike's aren't going to cut it I'm afraid!

Enough of that though, I think we all know the REAL reason I'm posting tonight... Yep, installment number three of three in the Simply Lovin kit. I did plenty of work on the papers and all, but the embellishments is where I really went a tad crazy I think.

Hope you enjoy it. Right now though I've got to get a shower and hit the hay. Busy day of shopping tomorrow!

Part Two of Three!

2009-01-31T22:58:00.000-08:00

Here it is ladies (and gentlemen if you are out there)! I hope your weekend is going fantabulous thus far! Here is your second installment of Simply Lovin'. More papers at this point, but sometime this week I'll have the elements loaded as well for your viewing - and scrapping - pleasure! Click the pic to download!

I hope you've all noticed my new little white button on the left side of your screen. Please help support me in my efforts to run a really stinkin' long marathon! Click the button, donate something to help the Leukemia and Lymphoma society and help me get to Seattle in June '09!

Recovery

2009-01-27T11:25:00.000-08:00

As some know, though most of you don't, I am recovering from shoulder surgery in December. After about a month of not being able to reach my mouse I've finally progressed far enough in physical therapy that I can be on the computer again! YAY!! So last night I started working on a kit and somehow it's grown quite large. I'll offer it up in pieces over the next few days, so be sure to check back for more!

To download the first paper pack simply click on the pic!

The complete kit contains:

Papers - 18
Journal Box - 2
Ribbons - 6
Flowers - 3
Buttons - 3
Clips - 6
Photo Corners - 3
Bows - 3
Charms - 6
Labels - 5
Frames - 6
Gem Circles - 6

I hope you enjoy it and check back soon for more!

Snowing

2008-11-30T18:55:00.000-08:00

Winter has officially arrived! Today it snowed for the first time this winter and it is SO cold outside! (We're keeping our fingers crossed that snow won't turn to ice this year as in the past two years.)

Snow or no snow there was no stopping my family from coming over to celebrate my birthday tonight. It was a happy diversion though it kept me from my latest project of wrapping Christmas presents before they're seen! Between partying and wrapping I managed to get this "little" kit done. Fun fun fun.

I hope you enjoy, because I really enjoyed putting it together - though it's not my usual style. Click here to download. If you like it leave some love?

Postage Paid

2008-11-24T18:43:00.001-08:00

Well friends, it's that time of year in the Chenoweth household. The decorations have been pulled out of the attic and dusted off and the children have been circling everything in the toy catalogs. Letters to Santa can't be far behind.

To celebrate this time honored tradition I thought I'd share another freebie. Each "stamp" is 2 inches square, png format. Shadows are for the preview only.

Click the pic for a larger view. Click here to download.

Another Freebie

2008-11-23T19:36:00.001-08:00

Thought I'd pop on real quick and offer a mini freebie. I have another one in the works - we'll see if I get it finished before the new year or not. Anyway, have fun and I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Download the mini kit here

Gone Digi...

2008-11-05T08:07:00.000-08:00

I'm going digi. Well, not totally digi, but I am having fun! Here's a few sample layouts. I really like the freedom of using my own designs - meaning I get exactly what I want!

Click the image to get a full-sized view. Both layouts use brushes by Obsidian Dawn and the Cowboy layout also uses a brush from the Scrappin' Cop.

The Gear Heads layout was my first attempt at designing a kit. You can download it HERE for free! But it will only be available until 15 November - so get it now if you want it!

Updates...

2008-10-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

Ahhh... Nothing ever feels quite as nice as being home - am I right? I've missed my little spot in the world wide web. After an unfortunate bug on my poor computer I was forced to take a little vacation from the net. But, the bug is beaten, I'm back on line, and I hope to be posting more here shortly!

A Tisket a Tasket....

2007-12-15T21:02:00.000-08:00

... A Christmas colored basket.

All the Christmas cards are done, the house is decorated, and the cookies are made. Christmas time at the Chenoweth household is running like clockwork!

To celebrate this momentous occasion I spent the afternoon in my craft room coming up with a new tutorial! And guess what! I want to share it with you!

Isn't he cute?! lol

Supplies:

Paper
Adhesive
Glue Dots
Brads
Anywhere Hole Punch

Instructions:

Make reeds: Cut 11 strips of paper to 1” x 11”; fold in half length wise (hot dog fold) at ½”; run a line of glue down the middle to adhere sides together
Lay four of the reeds side by side on a flat surface and weave in four more. Slide the strips together to make the bottom of the basket.
Fold the ends of the reeds up to form the side spokes.
Attach a brad to the end of a reed to the first basket spoke. This will hold the end in place as you weave that read through the remaining basket spokes. Attach end of reed to the brad after making it around the basket.
Weave in the remaining reeds as described above.
Fold the tops of the spokes into the basket and tuck them behind a reed or for a sturdier basket, adhere them in place.
Decorate as desired.

To download a PDF file of this tutorial click here. If you have problems downloading this information or would like to share your creations, please email me!

Christmas Cards - FINALLY

2007-12-11T14:57:00.000-08:00

OK, now that all the excitement is over I thought I'd share the Chenoweth 2007 Christmas card with you! I plan on having them completed tonight so they can go postal tomorrow!

David did the embossing using the cuttlebug - which he LOVED to play with! We used: Glad Tidings stamp set, Real Red ink, Real Red, Old Olive, and Very Vanilla CS, Dashing DSP, green organdy ribbon (retired), scalloped oval and regular oval giga punches, white Galaxy Marker and lots and lots of glue.

Hate to cut it short, but I've got to go dry David's tears. His dad has told him that the Father Son Pizza Party he's been looking forward to all week has already come and gone. (It hasn't, they'll be leaving in an hour!) Poor kiddo. But not to worry - his dad WILL make it up to him.

And the Winner is....

2007-12-11T14:52:00.000-08:00

Drum roll, please!

CAKVD said... 76.

She got the closest to my number of 73 - the combined ages of my family members!

Go ahead and email me with your address and I'll get your goodies out in the mail! Yay!

Thanks for playing everyone!

MEN!

2007-12-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

Ugh! I had just sat down with a nice cup of hot chocolate and my stamps when my wonderful husband struts through the door. Apparently home to wreck the perfect day I'd had lined up. Go figure! He didn't get anything, though realized that deer season doesn't end until Sunday and may be leaving me home alone - with David of course - this weekend so he can go tromp around the woods a little more. So be it. Dave's no problem, he'll sit at a tray table in my craft room with a bunch of retired stamps and computer paper stamping the day away!

So anyway, I did manage to get some things accomplished before Tim rained on my parade. I'm going to include a couple pictures of the ornaments David and I worked on this past Saturday. He's so proud of being able to write things now, though it takes him a while to get everything sounded out. Bravo for my cutie pie!

The second ornament is one I put together this morning. There's actually two layers of acetate in it - gives it a 3-D "The Snow Is Falling" look, if you know what I mean. I'm thinking about going back and frosting the back of the bulb to give it a little definition from the tree. We'll see if I get to it or not.

The last thing I have to share is a snippet from my Top Secret project. Just a little piece of the title since that's all I've really gotten accomplished on it so far anyway. I've hit a brick wall with it and think I may set it aside for later and just make something different for the contest. We'll see.

I Really Have Been Working!

2007-12-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

I know my blog has been kinda empty lately - but honestly, I've been working! The only problem is that I've been working on projects for a contest and I can't share!! (Unless of course I don't win, then I will certainly share!)

My kiddo is off to school, my husband is off enjoying the last day of deer season so it's just me, the dogs and my stamp sets today. No excuses, right? I hope to get some cards or something finished to post, so stick with me friends, I'll get there, I promise!! Besides, I have TONS of retiring paper to use up so I can buy the new stuff coming out in January.

Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to stamp I go!

One Day Left

2007-12-10T11:37:00.000-08:00

My blog candy post ends tomorrow! Know anyone who hasn't posted yet? They still have until 4:00 pm on December 11 to post! I'll post tomorrow to let you know who won, OK?!

Thinking of a Number...

2007-12-04T20:31:00.001-08:00

Hey y'all. I thought we could play a little game and maybe pass out some blog candy?

Easy Peasy - I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 100. Post a reply to this message with your number and here in a little while I'll let y'all know who wins. Hows that sound?

Of course if no one replies to this message then I'll just feel like a big goof, won't I?

Loaded Christmas

2007-11-29T08:18:00.001-08:00

I'm trying to find an EASY Christmas card to send this year, but I'm having issues. I'm just not liking anything I've made so far - it's either too involved to make large numbers or so easy I feel like it's boring.

Well here's my latest attempt. The embossing as well as the circle and scalloped circle were all done on the cuttlebug. Colors are Always Artichoke, Real Red (JUST opened though I've owned it for over a year now - bad Merr!) and Very Vanilla. I water colored the image using Stampin' Up! markers and a blender pen. I added a little glimmer to some of the gifts and that's it... Boring? You tell me.

I guess I'm headed back to my stamp room to try again. If I come up with anything - good or bad - I'll post it in a while.

Homemade Holidays Stamp Camp

2007-11-24T22:25:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite family traditions is to make holiday decorations - doesn't matter which holiday - but the Christmas holiday is the best! As a kid I would come up with some pretty "interesting" decorations and like a trooper my mother would proudly display them for me! With such encouragement how could I help but LOVE this tradition and want to share it with you? Here's my chance!

Join me in my home on Saturday, December 15, from 2pm - 6pm for my Homemade Holidays Stamp Camp. We will be making five ornaments using Stampin' Up! supplies. There will be refreshments, holiday themed games, and door prizes. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sign up for 2008 classes and clubs before anyone else!

Supply fee is $20.00.

Registration deadline is December 10.

Call me today to reserve your space!

Wrapping Up the Holidays!

2007-11-23T12:33:00.000-08:00

Wow, when Stampin' Up! gives a promotion you know it's going to be a good one! Just released today: information on their exciting Wrapping Up the Holidays promo!! I am thrilled about this one and plan on placing my order as soon as I've finished posting this to the blog!

Here's a link to see what it's all about! Call me today to place your order!

Paper Crafter's Forum

2007-11-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

I'm SO happy to announce the new Paper Crafter's forum! I've been wanting to do this for a while now, and would love it if you would join me there. This is a place for anyone interested in card making, scrapbooks or paper crafting in any way.

In the three days that it has been live we have gained 24 members and I'm hoping that the board becomes more active soon! I feel like yelling: "TALK TO ME", but I'm not sure it would help! LOL. So please come talk with me and others HERE on the Paper Crafter's Forum!

This week I am planning on posting a contest. You won't want to miss it! See you there!!

How Was Your Thanksgiving?

2007-11-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

I hope your fall feasting was wonderful! I had a great time surrounded by family and friends and tons of tasty food! Thank you Jeff and Amy for supplying the broccoli bake, scalloped oysters and yummy pie! Thank you to my brother Erik and his lovely girlfriend Amy for supplying the fudge!

I started cooking on Wednesday morning and finally finished just as it was time to serve the food. I really really enjoy this holiday, though it has been a bitter sweet one for my family. I'm sure you'll remember my post earlier this year about my Dad being diagnosed with cancer. Happily he's doing well and recovering from treatment but is still unable to eat food so we could not have our regular Thanksgiving celebration with my entire family gathered at Mom and Dad's house. It just wouldn't have been fair to him! But, we were able to have some friends and family over our house this year, and as far as I can tell it was a lot of fun for everyone - despite the never ending Uno game!

I hope your holiday was a memorable one, filled with family and friends and lots and lots of love!

Back at it Again

2007-11-19T10:13:00.000-08:00

I just can't seem to stay away from making Fall/Thanksgiving themed items! As you know, Thanksgiving is only a few short days away and I've still got a list of things to make. This little number is part of my holiday centerpiece and was inspired by a similar project shared by Karen Gibson.

So far I've made just this one, but plan on making another. I would like to have made three, but have run out of jars. I'm also thinking about how to make this same project with Christmas paper and stamps, wouldn't that be cute?! Anyway, here is my supply list!

Outlaw DSP
Creamy Caramel CS
Really Rust CS
Close to Cocoa CS
Close to Cocoa Ink
Glue dots
Rhinestone brads
Paper crimper
Votive Candle
Small Mason Jar

Now I'm off to stamp up a table cloth! Wish me luck!

Christmas Card

2007-11-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

Tonight I have another Stampin' Up! workshop and I am so excited! I just love sharing the Stampin' Up! experience with new people and making new friends in the process. Since my hostess tonight is one of the sweetest people I've met in a long time I'm sure that we'll just have a blast.

I thought I'd go ahead and share the card I've prepared for tonight's Make n' Take. My hostess Patty asked for a Christmas theme for our cards so I'll present this card along with a few variations on it in different themes to show how versatile both these stamp sets are! How fun!!

Anywho... the products used on this card are as follows:

Always Artichoke CS
Certainly Celery CS
Soft Sky CS
Wintergreen DSP
Always Artichoke Ink
Soft Sky Ink
Word Search Background Stamp
Circle of Friendship Stamp Set
Round Metal Edge Tag
Paper Crimper
Pencil Eraser

If you have any questions about how to make this card or any other on my blog please feel free to EMAIL me. I'd be happy to help! If you'd like to schedule a workshop so I can teach you a great card like this one you can reach me through email as well.

Glass Charms

2007-11-09T08:11:00.000-08:00

As promised - here is a sample of the glass charms I made for my Thanksgiving table. This one is actually Davy's. I made one with a flower for myself and one with leaves & an acorn for my husband.

After stamping and shrinking the plastic I covered them with micro beads so they will glimmer in the candle light!

To attach these to the glass you can put a jump ring through the punched hole and string it on a ribbon. Last year I used gold cord, this year I used our tan gingham ribbon.

If you need instructions, email me and I'll be happy to help you out.

Happy Harvest Card

2007-11-07T06:34:00.000-08:00

As promised in my November 2007 Newsletter, here are the instructions on the Happy Harvest Card. This card is simple to make - despite the long supply and instruction lists. If you're not great at water coloring you can substitute markers or colored pencils for the Water Color Wonder Crayons.

Supplies:

Old Olive Card Stock
Really Rust Card Stock
Pumpkin Pie Card Stock
Very Vanilla Card Stock
Basic Brown Ink
Pumpkin Pie Ink
Really Rust Ink
Loads of Love Stamp Set
Canvas Background Stamp
Tag Corner Punch
Earth Elements Buttons
Natural Hemp Twine
Watercolor Wonder Crayons
Aqua Painter
Paper Trimmer
Adhesive

Instructions:

Cut your Old Olive card base.
Cut Really Rust Card stock to 5.5" by 2"
Using Really Rust ink, stamp canvas on to Really Rust card stock. Rough up one edge with fingernail.
Using Basic Brown ink, Stamp image of truck, pumpkins and girl on Very Vanilla card stock. Cut out - I didn't measure, I stamped then cropped as needed to center the image.
Mat Very Vanilla with Pumpkin Pie card stock - about .25" wider all the way around.
Color in truck, pumpkins and girl using Water Color Wonder Crayons and Aqua Painter.
Adhere Really Rust strip (rough edge in) and stamped image to card base as shown.
Stamp "Happy Harvest on small scrap of Very Vanilla card stock using Pumpkin Pie ink.
Punch two corners with Tag Corner Punch
Cut piece of Pumpkin Pie card stock to be .25" wider than scrap Very Vanilla
Punch two corners of Pumpkin Pie and adhere to back of "Happy Harvest" tag.
Tie a bit Natural Hemp Twine through the button holes, trim ends, and adhere button to the Happy Harvest tag.
Adhere tag to card base as shown.

If you like this card and would love some one-on-one instruction for other great holiday cards, contact me today to set up a class or workshop! I look forward to hearing from you, but until then, happy stamping!

Thanks!

2007-11-07T06:16:00.000-08:00

Continuing on with the Giving Thanks theme I seem to be stuck on this month, I'd like to show you what I worked on yesterday evening and finally finished this morning. I can hardly wait for Thanksgiving now, with all my cute decorations!

For this project I used:

Simon Lower Chipboard
Fall Flowers Designer Paper
Always Artichoke Grosgrain Ribbon
Crop-A-Dile

I used Stampin' Up!'s Anywhere Glue Stick to adhere the paper on to the chip board, and cut away the excess with my craft knife. After sanding the edges I punched two holes at the top of each letter with my Crop-A-Dile and then thread the ribbon through.

In the past I've tried different glues and adhesives for attaching paper to chipboard and have found that I really like using Stampin' Up!'s Anywhere glue stick for these projects. Unlike other glues (like YES! Paste or decoupage medium) the Anywhere glue stick dries quickly. If you've not used it lately (or ever), I suggest you try it, it's inexpensive, holds well and these glue sticks last a long time!

Tomorrow I'll be working on stemware charms and maybe even some place cards or napkin rings for the table. I guess you'll just have to check back and see what I come up with, won't ya?

Tumbled Marble Trivets

2007-11-06T05:52:00.001-08:00

Ahhh... My husband is off to work, Davy is off to school, and I'm toasty warm in my bathrobe and socks. Even the dogs are cooperating by taking a peaceful snooze behind me. The only thing this morning needs now is a new post on my blog followed by some stamping time in my craft room!

As promised, here are some of the trivets I made yesterday. It is so super simple I thought I'd go ahead and walk you through it one time just for the fun of it.

Supplies:

Tumbled marble tiles - available at your local home improvement store
Craft ink pads - various colors
Stamp set of choice - I used Bud Basics
Oven - preheat to 250 degrees
Small felt pads - also available at your local home improvement store

Instructions:

WASH your tiles and allow to dry completely. I did this the night before so I would be SURE they were dry and ready to go.
Stamp your images using Stampin' Up!'s craft ink pads.
Pop in the oven for about half an hour or until it looks like the ink is completely dry. This will heat set the ink so it should not fade or run.

See? How easy is that? These two trivets will grace my Thanksgiving and Christmas table, but I'm thinking about making another set for my mother and sister.

Same supplies and instructions apply if you are making coasters from the smaller tiles. I'd love to see what you make. Email them to me and I will post them here for everyone to see and enjoy!

Getting Ready for Giving Thanks

2007-11-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about Stampin' Up!'s Paper Party Promotion. I've gotten four sets of designer series paper for the price of three! One of the sets I got was the Fall Flowers papers, and they are too cute for words. It is SO easy to make great gifts with Stampin' Up!'s Designer Seriese paper that it is almost a no brainer!

Today I'll share the gift set I've made for Davy's teacher Mrs. Lea. I've put together a paper purse, note pad and decorated pen. I'm thinking about adding in a little bit of candy or something like that, maybe I'll get to that tonight after dinner.

For this gift set I used: Fall Flowers Designer Series Paper, Always Artichoke grosgrain ribbon, Natural Hemp Twine, Really Rust eyelets, Old Olive card stock and marker, Sahara Sand Card stock, Really Rust card stock and marker, Shrink Plastic (non-SU! product), Scallop punch, large and small tag punches, and a metal edged tag (retired). I used the Pick a Petal and Tagger's Dozen stamp sets.

Tonight I'm finishing up work on the trivets I'll be using on our table this Thanksgiving. There are some finishing touches to be done there, but I will be sure to share just as soon as they're ready to be photographed. Until then, happy stamping and don't forget to call me with your Paper Party order!

New Covenant Crop

2007-10-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

Yay! After a ton of hard work the New Covenant Crop has come and gone! I had so much fun. The other vendors were great - as always - and the croppers were wonderful! Friday night I set up my booth and put inspiration sheets in the gift bags for all the croppers. Saturday started early and gave us a few moments for a few last minute things.

I was placed next to Rosalinda with TLC and she was such a hoot. There were of course old friends there as well. Miss Rachel was there with Party Lite candles, and the Scrapbooking Mommiez were there as well as DeDe Vest with Creative Memories. I was so excited to be there with these wonderful women that I was nearly bouncing off the walls.

While at the crop I offered a Basic Stamping class. It was so much fun to see these women learning these new techniques. I love the look of discovery on their faces - and the giggles when they did something well! This is truly my FAVORITE part of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator - helping people to find unknown areas of creativity within them selves! For this class we completed a "cheat sheet" pamphlet with nine basic stamping techniques and then made a post it note cover and a card utilizing these new techniques! Congratulations ladies on a job well done!

In addition to this class I offered free Make and Takes through out the day. I presented a clear card and it really was a big hit. It was easy to assemble and was popular enough that I had to open two more make and take sessions in order to accommodate all those who wanted to make it. Happily I remembered from the last Mega Crop and brought with me extra card stock and supplies so I could cut extra if I ran out of anything! Yay!

On top of all that I took along all my retired stamp sets. I sold all but 10 sets - about which Tim is thrilled about because now they can be stored in my craft room rather than the garage!

Oh boy, I'm pooped now though. Thank goodness I don't have anything to do today - it will give me time to recover from yesterday! I hope that if you didn't come this time that you will attend at the next crop in March! It was a wonderful experience and I would really hate for you to miss out! If you WERE there and came in to read my blog THANKS!!! I had so much fun with you ladies and I hope to see you again next time!! Don't be a stranger though - email me!!

Christmas 10-10-20

2007-10-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

Here they are! A few of the cards that will be offered in my Christmas 10-10-20 this year! Last year we had a great turn out and it was SO much fun. I hope you're able to join us this year for food, Christmas carols and fun!

What is a 10-10-20 Class?

This is a special stamping event where you will get to make 10 Christmas cards that only take 10 minutes each to complete and you only pay $20 for the class!

But hurry, this class is VERY popular, and fills up fast – so register today! Each session is limited to just 10 people and will be held at my home in Rogersville.

Each session will have an “On-Time Drawing” for a fun prize, and a grand prize will be awarded to the person who places the largest order during that session!

Simply email me and let me know which session you would like to attend. All sessions will make the same cards, but feel free to sign up for more than one session!

Session Schedule is as Follows:

Friday, 11-9-07, Noon – 2pm class
Friday, 11-9-07, 3pm-5pm class
Saturday, 11-10-07, Noon – 2pm class
Saturday, 11-10-07, 4pm-6pm class
Saturday, 11-10-07, 7pm-9pm class

Registration deadline is Saturday, 3 November 2007

You Call This Work?

2007-10-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

Oh boy! I've been a busy little bee this weekend! It occurred to me on Friday that OMG! I only have THIS week to finish getting ready for the NCA Mega Crop! So I checked my to do list and added like twenty things and then turned on the TV - plenty of time - RIGHT?! Yeah.... SURE... Right...

So finally about six last night I get off my duff and get to work. I stamped my contact info on Inspiration Sheets and Mini Catalogs. I printed and folded Technique Pamphlets for my class. I removed all the retired cards from my display board. And then finally, once my husband and sweet boy were in bed I got down to work.

I made this Frap Bottle set and had a wonderful time making it! I was SO excited about how it turned out. The bottles are filled with hand made bath salts made by yours truly. I'll give the recipe below in case you'd like to make your own!

For this project I used River Rock, Blush Blossom, and Very Vanilla Card stock; Blush Blossom, River Rock and Pretty in Pink Classic Ink pads; Pink Organdy (I just LOVE this ribbon!), and Pink Grosgrain Ribbons; Polka Dots and Paisley Stamp Set; See You Around, and Petals Wheels, Large Oval, Scalloped, and 1-1/4" Circle Punches; and Signo White Gel Pen.

Milk Bath Recipe

Ingredients:

2 C Dry Milk
1 C Epsom Salt
1/2 C Baking Soda
1/2 C Dead Sea Salt
1/4 C Citric Acid

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
Cover tightly to retain integrity of ingredients!

Could that be simpler?! Oh, and to use this stuff is SO nice! If you're inclined you can add extra special ingredients like chammomile flowers or even some Essential Oils. If you're not used to using these though, I hope you'll find a reputable website to learn how to use them.

For Chocolate Milk Bath the directions and ingredients are the same as above, except you need to add 1/4 C Cocoa Powder. Couldn't be easier right?!

Yummy - but don't drink either of these please! It will give you the trots and really they wouldn't taste good at all!!

Alright now, time to get back to the craft room and get some more stamping done! I can't wait till Saturday! I hope to see you there! Remember to come by my booth to sign up for my door prizes - a free catalog PLUS a gift certificate!!

Envy Flower

2007-09-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

You just never know where you'll get inspiration! I was watching Trading Spaces this morning and one of the designers was working on a little girl's room. This particular team made some really cool flowers to hang from the ceiling and the following tutorial is my take on her idea.

Supplies

5 #10 Envelopes
Jumbo Wheel of Choice
Jumbo Wheel Handle
Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad (or cartridge)
Dotto Adhesive
Oval Punch
Paper Trimmer
Craft and Rubber Scissors

Instructions

Seal all envelopes.
Wheel both sides of all envelopes
Cut all envelopes in half – at the 4¾ inch mark.
Punch the two corners on the OPEN edge of the envelope using the Oval Punch
Trim off excess of corner with paper snips.
Run adhesive down the middle and across the bottom of each envelope, stacking one on top of another until all are adhered in a pile.
Run adhesive on the top envelope just as you did the previous nine.
Attach the top envelope to the bottom envelope to make a complete flower.

I would absolutely LOVE to see any examples you make with this! Email me at stampinmerr@email.com!!

2007-09-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to some of my favorite local customers I managed to get rid of a bunch of my stamp sets and acessories. Here's a list of what I have remaining. I will have these with me at the Mega Crop on October 6, and they will be at a discounted price just for this event!

Hostess Sets
All-Around Argyle $20
Basket Full of Fun $20
Blooming with Happiness – Unmounted $10
Love It – Unmounted $15
Reason to Smile $10
Tags So Much $10
The World Over $10
Warmest Regards $10

Occasions
First in Fashion – Unmounted $14
Swell News $14Sentiments
Bubble Queen $14
Olive You $12
Stampin’ Fun for Everyone $16
Under the Weather $12Flowers
Roses in Winter $20

Nature
Bold Butterfly $22
Ruff Day $14
Sparkling Summer $20

Vintage
Mostly Flowers $9

Borders & Backgrounds
Crosshatch $13

Say it With Stamps
All Year Cheer II - $20

Sell-A-Bration Sets $10
Each Big Blossom – 2 Unmounted, 1 Used
Delight in Life – 1 Unmounted, 1 Used
Very Punny – 1 Used
So Very – 1 Unmounted, 1 Used
Just Delightful Simply Scrappin’ Kit – 3 Unopened

Mini Catalog Sets
Small Sayings $9
Like it a Latte $18
Cowboy Kid $20
Sassy and Seasonal $12

Misc. Sets
Haute Couture (05/06 Hostess Set) $12
Pocket Full of Posies (05/06 SAB) $7
Send a Celebration (05/06 SAB) $7

Girlfriends in Paris!

2007-09-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to announce that I will be participating in the New Covenant Academy's Girlfriends in Paris crop on October 8, 2007. I participated in their previous Mega Crop (their first one!) and had a BLAST. The energy and creativity at the crop was unbelievable! This time I will not only have a booth space and a make and take, but I will also be providing a basics stamping class called "Louvre to Stamp."

Here's the class description:

Need to learn the basics of stamping? Here's your opportunity! Learn basic stamping techniques such as masking, reverse masking, two step stamping, poppin' pastels, kissing, and rock and roll...to name a few! Includes project supplies for two cards, cheat sheet, and a Technique Booklet for all attendees.

Isn't it exciting?! In addition to the booth and the class I will be offering door prizes and will be selling what's left of my retired stamp sets. This is also a great opportunity to hostess a workshop or order those stamps you've had your heart set on!

I hope to see you there! Go HERE to reserve your spot at the crop! (And remember to sign up for my class!)

Back on Line!

2007-09-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Grrr... Every time we get a decent size rain my Internet goes out. Luckily though, this time my wonderful hubby (who is probably really tired of hearing me whine about the Internet being out!) came to the rescue and fixed the problem!! Yay Tim!! Not to worry though I do have a few cards I've been working on.

I realize the two Snowflake Spot cards look very similar. There is a reason! I was preparing for a workshop and fell in love with the Snowflake Spot card (at right) using the while Stazon ink on one side of the velum and colored pencils on the back. It gives it a frosty look I think. Unfortunately though the card was way too in depth for a workshop. So the second card is my simplified redo. I still did the frosted velum but on the tag this time rather than the entire card front.

In addition to these two cards I made a couple more using Festive Favorites. I'll go ahead and show you the one we made at our workshop. I used Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy and Brushed Gold card stock; Chocolate Chip ink, Watercolor pencils, blender pen, Hemp Twine, both tag punches and a couple pieces of Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware.

After the workshop my friend Amy came over and I played around with the Thoroughly Thankful stamp set while she tried to convince me that the Wild Wasabi color "isn't that bad." LOL. I'm sorry to those who love it - I still don't like it! I did use it on my card however to prove to Amy that I can use supplies (or colors) that I don't like!

For this card I used Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi, Naturals Ivory and Pumpkin Pie card stock, Chocolate Chip ink, Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pen, Hemp Twine, and pewter Hodgepodge hardware.

Don't you just ADORE fall?! I am so excited that it's that time of year! School is in session, the nights are getting cooler and the leaves will be turning soon! Keep an eye here on the blog for information about my upcoming fall events!!

First Day of School!

2007-08-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

Well, five years in the waiting and it's finally here. Today is my baby's first day of school! This post is going to be short and sweet, but I wanted to share some pictures of my boy on his FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!

Of course David was not worried at all while my stomach has been tied in knots all morning! He patiently held my hand as we walked through the halls to get to his classroom. There his teacher, Mrs. Lea, was waiting for us, and went ahead and posed for this picture! David put his things in his cubby (tripping over his chair to get there!) and promptly sat down to use his color crayons with the other children who were already there. We went ahead and snapped a couple pictures of him while he wasn't paying attention to us because though he won't admit it, Tim is just as excited about this as I am!

Welcome Home 557!

2007-08-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

I'm back after a small break friends! And I'm happy to announce the return of the 557 MCT from their deployment to Iraq. This unit of 12 soldiers left Springfield in June 2006 and spent some time training in Indiana. After training the unit shipped out to Iraq in August 2006. The families are SO happy to have their solders home after this fifteen month deployment!

Our family is more than happy to welcome back Sgt. Timothy Chenoweth - other wise known as Dad! The boys could hardly stand themselves waiting for the bus to pull in to the parking lot. As the bus pulled infront of the families everyone released yellow balloons with their soldier's name on them and messages of love and welcome!

Upon seeing their father Tyler and David rushed to him and nearly tackled him right there on the sidewalk! After kisses and hugs all around we went inside for a brief welcome home ceremony with Maj Boggess officiating. This is a special moment for a few of the soldiers as Maj Boggess was the 557th's Commanding Officer during their first deployment during Operation Enduring Freedom. The ceremony ended and we all scattered as quickly as possible!

So, welcome home Tim! I'm SO GLAD to have you home with us and get back to our lives as they should be!

Excitement is in the Air!

2007-08-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

So I had a few of the neighborhood kids over the house this week. Tyler and David sure have a great group of friends to play with, but with two of those boys come older sisters who have to keep an eye on them.

All four of these kids are great. The two boys play with my two boys, one of the sisters stays on my Internet for hours if she's allowed to and the other girl - the oldest - has a love of genealogy and enjoys being crafty. This week I tried a few of my techniques on her and I was very impressed with Miss Beth's craft-itude! She's promised to allow me to practice on her again! Anyway, here is my version of the cards that we worked on together.

The first was a variation on the card in the last post. I turned it on its side and added the dingy but everything else - ink and card stock colors and stamp set remained the same though we went ahead and left off the ribbon this time. We used Prisma Colored Pencils with some odorless mineral spirits - called the gamasol technique. Other techniques include: two step stamping, and masking.

Our second card we used Blue Bayou, Apricot Appeal and River Rock card stock, Blue Bayou ink, and the Au Natural stamp set. This is a stamp set that I bought at the end of the last Stampin' Up! year and have just now gotten around to using. I used the flower, she used the butterfly. This card started out as a spot light card, but I decided that I wanted the entire panel colored in instead. I also used holographic highlights glitter with the two way glue pen to get the glitter exactly where I wanted it. Lastly we died the new Stampin' Up! taffeta ribbon. The color is gorgeous on this ribbon!! What a treat!

Our last card was taken from a card I made at Gwen's house not too long ago. She and I sat down and copied a card from a book - I don't know which book, and if she reads this blog before I put up a new post I'm sure she'll let me know the name of the book! Anyway she was working with a Halloween theme for her card, and I chose an "In Color" theme for mine - in other words there's no rhyme or reason to it! I used Big Pieces and Little Pieces stamp sets, Purely Pomegranate, Blue Bayou, Groovy Guava, Soft Sky, River Rock and Wild Wasabi card stocks and inks. I still don't like the Wild Wasabi color but I hope that the more I use it the more I will grow to like it - no good so far! Oh, and in addition to all the products listed above we used every size circle punch Stampin' Up! offers!

So now that you've seen all my recent cards here's another one - that I didn't make! I received this as a RAK from AJ Otto (willosmama) from Splitcoast Stampers! I was thrilled to receive such a sweet card, I love the colors and her use of the patterned paper with this stamp set! How awesome!! Thank you so much AJ, I hope you enjoy the card that I've sent you in return. (Should look familiar when it arrives as it's one of the ones listed above!!)

The last thing I wanted to say before I sign off for the night is to let you know that I may be MIA for the next week or so. Many of you may know that my wonderful husband Tim has been serving our country on his third deployment to Iraq and has been gone since June of 2006. Our long wait for his return is nearly ended however as he is expected home sometime before Monday!

I'm sure you can understand our excitement and anxiety as our reunion draws closer. I hope you will pray for our family during this time of transition - especially for the children who now have to readjust yet again. I will post after a while about our reunion and all the wonderful things that are in store for us!

Here's the last picture I shot of Tim before he left home in June. You can tell by the look on his face he was tired of the camera at this point, but I couldn't resist one last shot! I'm lucky he loves me!

Stampin' Up! Group Meeting

2007-08-08T21:55:00.000-07:00

I debated titling this post "The Great Tooth Hunt," but in the end decided that though it was a funny title it wasn't QUITE fitting for this post.

I don't have a lot to talk about the meeting. Most of it was business information gleaned from Gwen's trip to Stampin' Up!'s Conference last week. She's come back fully charged and revved to go. She shared quite a bit tonight and I can't wait to implement some of the ideas in my own business!

The high excitement of the night however came when Davy ran out to get his tooth from the car to show everyone. (It's the first one he's lost and is so very proud of it!) Unfortunately he lost it on the way back inside. In tears he tried to explain that his Sack of Gluy-a tooth was missing and that he really needed to find it. (As a translation here friends a Sack of Gluy-a is Sacajawea. He's expecting a "Gold Dollar," for his tooth from the Tooth Fairy.) Poor boy. All of the ladies present at the meeting agreed to go out and help us hunt up his tooth. Fortunately it was found!! Tears magically dried up, a smile (a little lop sided cause he's still swollen from having it pulled) appeared and the world was right with Mr. David Grant. He especially liked it when everyone oooh'ed and ahhhh'ed about what a BIG tooth it was!

So thank you everyone from David, the Tooth Fairy and Me!

OK, with that aside let me present the card I made before going to the meeting. I used River Rock, Soft Sky and Blue Bayou card stock and ink as well as the Boatloads of Love stamp set. The card is pretty strait forward, the only "different" thing I did was died some of our white taffeta ribbon with the River Rock ink to match.

Daisy Crazy

2007-08-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

That time of year has nearly arrived! Children dread it, parents wish for it. Yes, I'm talking about BACK TO SCHOOL! Or, as in the Chenoweth household, time to go to school for the first time!! That's right, our Davy, sweet, innocent and docile creature that he is will be wreaking havoc on someone else for most of the day soon!

Jump back a week in time however and picture me with my child (who is never messy and always does exactly what his mama asks him to) in Staples. We're buying school supplies and Mama's desk supplies, cause after all I do have a business to run too! We're tossing stuff in the cart right and left and the magic item tossed in happens to be a combo-pack of printer ink.

For purchasing that combo-pack we received a $10 gift certificate for Staples. My first thought was "Duh, of course I get one of those AFTER I buy school supplies." That little nasty was followed by: "But maybe I can give this to David's soon to be VICTIM - I mean teacher!" (You know, kind of butter her up and get in her good graces before David shows his inner demon!)

So, tonight has been spent trying to dress up that ugly gift card into something I can give to Mr. School Boy to hand over to his poor poor poor unsuspecting teacher on open house two days before school starts.

I used Purely Pomegranate and Bashful Blue card stock, the Build-A-Flower Accents and Elements, the Much Appreciated stamp set, as well as my Stardust Pen (non-Stampin' Up!) I went a little crazy with the flowers, but I was enjoying myself and so that's OK with me. I wasn't sure I'd ever make a project I liked with these flowers and it turned out to be more fun than I imagined it would be! So anyway, that's the front of the card. The inside isn't decorated so I won't bore you with any more on the card.

To accompany the card - and hide the UGLY Staples gift card - I used the Accents and Elements tin. First I punched holes at the top with my Crop-a-Dile and threaded some of the Double Stitched Purely Pomegranate ribbon through to make a little handle. I then punched three holes across the top to insert some of our Circle Rhinestone Brads, I used cool colors for this project. Then I put on some of the self adhesive die cut flowers from the tin on the top, a lot fewer this time though! Time to move on to the chipboard now. I took the "L" letter from our On Board series and covered it with Purely Pomegranate ink. Because I think the "L" looked more like a "1" I cut it up a little to look more like an "L" and punched three little holes down the top with the Crop-a-Dile. Time to go a little crazy with the stardust pen again and viola! All done!

I'm actually thinking about going back in and adding more flowers to the tin... I'm thinking it needs something and it may just have to be more more more more more flowers!! LOL!

Someone, quick!! Stop me!!!!!!

Missouri Sales Tax Holiday!

2007-07-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

Good news! Several states' legislatures have passed a special sales tax holiday during specific dates in August. During this period, sales tax does not apply to school supplies. The participating states typically define school supplies as any item normally used by students in a standard classroom for educational purposes.

Missouri: August 3-5

By placing your orders during these dates, you can take advantage of this tax holiday and make purchases without sales tax. What a wonderful opportunity to save some money on stamping and paper crafting supplies!

Based on state statutes, we've identified the items that will be exempt from sales tax in these states during the period. Stampin' Up! will not charge sales tax for these items ordered during this sales tax holiday.

Adhesives

2-Way Glue Pen
Liquid Glue
SNAIL Adhesive
SNAIL Refill
Dotto
Dotto refill
Anywhere Glue Stick
Sticky Strip
Stampin' Dimensionals
Mini Glue Dots
Pop-Up Glue Dots
Greeting Glue

Scissors

Paper Snips
Craft & Rubber Scissors
Craft & Paper Scissors

Brushes

Stipple Brushes
Flat brush
Medium brush
Small brush

Pens and Pencils

Metallic Art pencils
Pure color pencils
Watercolor pencils
Pencil sharpener
Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen
ZIG PaintyBlender pen

Water Color Wonder Crayons

Bold Brights
Earth Elements
Rich Regals
Soft Subtles
Neutrals

Markers and Jorunalers

Stampin' Kids markers
Stampin' Write markers - You can purchase these individually, but not as the set.
Basic Black Stampin' Write journaler
Basic Brown Stampin' Write journaler

Call or email me today to place your order and I will hold that order until the tax holiday!

A POEM FOR MY WIFE...

2007-07-20T10:07:00.001-07:00

She learned to stamp on Monday.
Her work was so very fine,
she forgot to thaw out dinner,
so we went out to dine.
She stamped cards on Tuesday.
She says they are a must.
They really were quite lovely,
but she forgot to dust.
On Wednesday it was a scrapbook,
she says the cropping's fun.
What hi-lites! What shadows!...
But the laundry wasn't done.
Her embellishments were on Thursday,
green, yellow, blue and red.
I guess she really was engrossed,
she forgot to make the bed.
It was journalling on Friday,
with words that she adores.
It never bothered her at all,
the crumbs on all the floors.
I found a maid on Saturday,
my week was now replete.
My wife can scrap the hours away.
The house will still be neat.
Well, it's already Sunday,
I think I have the cramp.
I’ve cursed and raved and ranted,
The MAID has learned to STAMP!!!!

Author – unknown

Preparations Have Begun

2007-07-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, we're having one of those weeks! It seems like all of a sudden we've got twenty irons in the fire and ten more waiting to go in!

Last night we went to WalMart and bought school supplies for two boys. Yes, this year my little guy Davy will finally be starting school! He is SO excited to go, and I'm SO excited for him to be going! We had bought his Superman backpack on ebay over the summer, along with the Superman lunchbox. So this morning we filled up his little pencil box, and piled it all into his backpack, and he wore his backpack around the house all morning. Too stinkin' cute!

In addition to school prep we're also gearing up for Tyler's 10th UnBirthday!! Yay! Ty's birthday is actually in April, but since we only have him in the summers and every other Christmas we like to celebrate his birthday when he comes home! Oh, and what a birthday it's going to be! He's chosen Transformers for the theme, and has invited all his friends from the neighborhood. The really exciting part (for him, I'm not looking forward to it!) is that the boys are invited to stay over for a back yard camp out! YIKES!! I will be over run with 10 year olds in PJ's with S'Mores all over their faces!! See what we put ourselves through for our children?!?!

So somewhere in this madness I've had the opportunity to run over to Gwen's house and play!! Yay!! I made one card and assisted in the building of another.

The card she was attempting was supposed to be for a swap but eventually became complicated enough that she had to move on to something else. But that's OK! It's a cute card, with a circle peek a boo. In other words, you see the vampire image through a hole in the front of the card. Too cute.

We used: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Only Orange and More Mustard card stock; Basic Black and Going Grey ink; Creepy Crawly paper; Linen background, Weathered background, Booglie Eyes, and the Batty Jumbo Wheel; lastly, we used the following accessories: 1-3/8" and 1-1/4" circle punches, and the paper crimper. It turned out really well. I contributed the part of making it a peek-a-boo card and using the linen background on our Vamp friend because Gwen dislikes having to color things in. I think the linen gives him a comic book look!

The other card I made was using the Baroque Motifs new out in the catalog this year! It's a great set, and so much fun to work with - but then I say that about all my stamp sets!! LOL. I used Purely Pomegranate Cardstock; Blue Bayou double sided designer paper; Soft Sky, Purely Pomegranate and Blue Bayou ink; white taffeta ribbon; and a rhinestone brad for the center of the medallion. Easy peasy, too cute, and ready to go.

Alright, friends, so it's time for me to get back to cleaning house. I've got a garage sale going on this weekend and I don't have ANYTHING priced. But, as my best friend Cheryl would tell you, I'm the queen of procrastination!! I do my best work under pressure!! Off I go! Have a great weekend!!

As Promised...

2007-07-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

OK, so last night I got a later start than I had anticipated. That's OK, because I was still able to get a few cards done.

If this Bud Basics card looks familiar it's because I had all the card stock cut and the wheeling done at one of my workshops and this was left over. I changed it a tad by adding some of our chipboard covered with some self adhesive die cuts from Stampin' Up!'s "Build a Flower" Accents and Elements. For the center of the chipboard flower I used our Cropadile to punch a hole for a rhinestone brad. Cute cute cute. Add to that the double stitched grosgrain ribbon in Purely Pomegranate and you're set to go!

My second card here is using the Oh, So Lovely hostess stamp set. I have a few friends who are gaga for it, and sure enough it's a treat to use! I was a little worried when I was cutting it apart that I would hate it, but honestly it's great! I used River Rock, Elegant Eggplant and Pale Plum card stock and ink. Stamp sets: Oh, So Lovely, Canvas, and Hugs & Wishes; Paper: River Rock double sided designer paper. Accessories: Metallic Art Pencils and sponge daubers.

So I'm SUPPOSED to be visiting with Gwen today to play some more with our new stuff, but we'll see if the children let me. They seem pretty intent on us staying home today. But, as Tyler will remind everyone he comes across, Mom has VETO power - the greatest super hero power of them all!!

Home Again

2007-07-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry friends! I didn't get any stamping done this week! We were gone to Washington DC.

First we went to Arlington where we buried my Grandmother beside her husband in the National Cemetery. Grandma lost her battle with Renal Failure on June 26 of this year. The sun was shining and birds were singing as we laid her to rest. I know for certain that she would have loved the day and that her family had gathered from all across the nation to celebrate her life.

After the funeral we took the children (my two kids, along with my niece and three nephews,) on a tour of Arlington. It was very interesting and especially exciting for a history nut like me. We were pooped by the end of the day and so went back to the hotel and swam in the pool - isn't that what everyone does when they're tired out?!

The next two days we spent touring Washington DC. Some of the places we visited: Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Memorial, the WWII Memorial, the Viet Nam Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the National Air and Space Museum, and the Natural History Museum. Oh, and we walked to the CVS pharmacy about ten times because we had forgotten this or that! UGH!! This is a picture (self portrait) of my boys and I taken just before the showing of "Space Station 3D" at the Air and Spaces Museum. Totally great show about the building of the International Space Station!

The highlight for my boys seemed to be the Metro. Oh what fun it is to be a boy - though they were a little put out that we made them sit down for the rides. The other "bestest part of all of it" (according to David Grant) was the Dinosaur and Fossil exhibit at the Natural History Museum. The hands on "How Things Fly" area of the Air and Space Museum was a close runner up however!

OK, so enough about our trip. I'm going to go grab a soda pop, a thing of chocolate and my stamping supplies that came in the mail while I was gone and get to work making a kick-butt series of cards!! Look for them on line later today!!

New Cards

2007-07-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

So, I had a workshop recently. Thought I'd go ahead and share the cards we made. I was so excited to share the new Fall and Winter Collection for the first time at a workshop! We had quite a few ladies in attendance and I enjoyed them so much! I'm looking forward to stamping with them in the future at various workshops and stamping events!

The first cards we made we used the All Occasions set, which is a Level 3 hostess set. This set includes two Jumbo Wheels and a four piece stamp set. When it arrived at the house I kinda looked at it not sure what in the world I was going to do with it but have since found it to be quiet easy to play with and actually a lot of fun!

We used Soft Sky, Purely Pomegranate, and Regal Rose card stock; Regal Rose and Purely Pomegranate stamp pads; white grosgrain ribbon dyed with the Purely Pomegranate ink pad, and both the tag punches. The ribbon dying was a huge hit and is one of my favorite tricks!

We made our second card using the Bud Basics stamp set, Basic Outline jumbo wheel, and the Hugs and Wishes stamp set. Ink colors: Soft Sky, Purely Pomegranate, Blue Bayou, and Wild Wasabi. Cardstock: Whisper White, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, and Purely Pomegranate. We used circle clips from the Pewter Hodge Podge Hardware, and Ice Circle Rhinestone Brads.

I love the look of the new In Colors together! The only two I have yet to use are the River Rock and Groovy Guava though I'm sure it won't be long before I use them as well!

Now I need to get back to laundry duty in preparation for our trip this week. I'll be sure to tell you all about it when I get back!! Oh, and don't forget to check the list below for retired stamp sets for sale!

Cleaning Out!

2007-07-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

All sets are mounted and used unless otherwise indicated. I only have one of each set (except the SAB sets, and I’ve indicated there how many I have of each.) This list is first come first serve. If you're interested in any of these go ahead and email me: stampinmerr@email.com

To get a better view of the stamp sets click on the image!

Hostess Sets
All-Around Argyle $20
Basket Full of Fun $20
Blooming with Happiness – Unmounted $10
Both Way Blossoms $15
Love It – Unmounted $15
Measure of Life $15 - PENDING
Reason to Smile $10
Tags So Much $10
The World Over $10
Warmest Regards $10

Holidays
Merry – Cut Unmounted $18

Occasions
First in Fashion – Unmounted $14
Swell News $14

Sentiments
Bubble Queen $14
Espressoly for You $16 - PENDING
Olive You $12
Stampin’ Fun for Everyone $16
Under the Weather $12
What’s for Dinner $21

Growing Up

Birthday Beauty $12
Power Up $14 - PENDING

Flowers
Roses in Winter $20 - PENDING

Nature
Bold Butterfly $22
Ruff Day $14
Sparkling Summer $20
Winged Things $17

Vintage
Mostly Flowers $9
World Tour $16

Borders & Backgrounds
Crosshatch $13
French Script $13

Say it With Stamps
All Year Cheer II - $20 - PENDING

Sell-A-Bration Sets $10 Each
Big Blossom – 2 Unmounted, 1 Used
Delight in Life – 2 Unmounted, 1 Used
Very Punny – 1 Used
So Very – 1 Unmounted, 1 Used
Just Delightful Simply Scrappin’ Kit – 3 Unopened

Mini Catalog Sets
Small Sayings $9
Like it a Latte $18
Cowboy Kid $20
Sassy and Seasonal $12
Fancy Flexable Phrases $15

Misc. Sets
Haute Couture (05/06 Hostess Set) $12
Pocket Full of Posies (05/06 SAB) $7
Send a Celebration (05/06 SAB) $7

Miss Me?

2007-06-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

I know some of you have missed me because you've been calling and harping on me about updating my blog! To those who don't know me well enough to have my cell number I hope you'll still read this darn thing even though it's been AGES since I've posted! I am glad to be back though, and looking forward to posting new cards!

As for my absence, there's been a TON going on at home. Tim (my DH) came home for two weeks from Iraq. While his visit was short it was wonderful to see him, and we had an absolute blast! It was nice to be able to spend some time with him and renew our marriage a little bit. While he was home we went to Eureka Springs, Arkansas and stayed at the Crescent Hotel. If you ever get a chance to go that way I suggest you stop in and stay the night. It was an amazing adventure to say the least!!

On the coattails of the good news about Tim's visit there was some scary news in our family. My daddy was diagnosed with cancer during my time away from you. I'm sure a lot of women feel that their daddy is the best, but I KNOW mine is. He's over come a lot in his lifetime and it seems so unfair that now he has to face this as well. I am a daddy's girl and this is particularly hard for me - in fact I think he's taking the news better than I am! He has already had the tumor removed, but has to have 14 teeth pulled and a feeding tube inserted before he can start radiation and chemo. Please, if you read this, join my family and I in prayer for Dad's health and well being.

In addition to all that I've been an assistant seamstress for a renaissance guild preparing for their first joust of the summer! It's been an interesting adventure, and so nice to meet new people with a decidedly different view point on a lot of things! I've enjoyed my time with them and am REALLY looking forward to the White Heart Renaissance Faire coming up the next three weekends!

And, as if all that wasn't enough, I've managed to have a few uncomfortable health issues as well. First I managed (who knows how) to pull some of the muscles in my ribcage. Each breath was a struggle and THANKFULLY I recovered quickly. The same can't be said for my next more mysterious illness - a systemic reaction to a bug bite. Yup. Hives and rashes all over my body. I've been itching for just over three weeks, but am making progress since the swelling in my face has gone away and the rash is now located to places not seen by the general public.

So enough about me. How about a card? I did manage to get ONE done while I was away, as well as a pretty little something else too! LOL. What do I call it though? Lets start with the card first though, OK?

I used a new Hostess Stamp Set called All About Occasions that will be coming out July 2007 from Stampin' Up! As a demonstrator I was able to preorder this set (along with a few others!), and I'm SO happy! It is such a cute set, and easy peasy to work with. It comes with two Jumbo Wheels and a four-piece stamp set. So I used black, white, tempting turquoise, and real red card stock, our large tag punch, and ticket corner punch, tempting turquoise and summer sun markers, and turquoise ribbon.

On my LOVE paper craft I used another new Hostess Stamp Set, this one is called In the Spot Light and is SO fun to play with! I can't wait to start demo-ing with this set! Anyway, I covered four coasters with Chocolate Chip cardstock. I stamped the images tone on tone on the Cameo Coral cardstock and then doodled with my Galaxy marker. I punched chocolate chip scalloped ovals out, detailed them with the Galaxy marker again and then added the letters in Apricot Appeal cut out on my Cricut machine. I punched holes in with the Cropodile and tied the pieces together with our white organdy ribbon. So cute, so easy and I think I'll give it to my mother.

Anyway friends, it's getting late and I've got to get back to work on stuff for my retirement party coming up on Monday. If you're in the Springfield, Missouri area and want to come, please join us! Email me for more info!!

Welcome Aurora

2007-03-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

The Chenoweth family would like to introduce our newest member: Aurora. Rory is a registed Yellow Lab puppy. She's 8 weeks old and full of life! She's the sweetest little girl, and really likes to sleep at my feet!

David is estatic of course. He loves that the puppy is so small! Though we do have issues with Rory trying to eat Davy's clothes off him!

Thomas is tolerant of her. He doesn't appreciate the puppy hanging on him, but doesn't mind running around the house or back yard with her hot on his heals! Too Cute!

Thank You Linda!!!!!!

2007-03-07T12:05:00.000-08:00

Linda my beautiful friend Linda - you are soooo totally awesome!!

Linda has made me the wonderful banner for my blog!

THANK YOU LINDA!!!!

Bunny Hugs Basket

2007-03-06T10:48:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love the Spring Mini Catalog! The papers are so neat, the stamps are as cute as can be and I really enjoy the colors! Yay Stampin' Up! for such great products!

Recently I went to my friend Linda's house and made the sweetest little baskets with her and another friend Karma. As soon as she emails me the pictures I'll be posting them. I knew that this project would be totally cool with our Spring Mini papers and stamps, but didn't have time to put one together until today. Here's what I came up with.

I used So Saffron and Pretty in Pink card stock with the Petals and Paisley Double Sided Designer Paper. Just stamp the little bunny friend on WW card stock and colored in the nose and ears with Blush Blossom. He was mounted on Pretty in Pink then pop-dotted onto the side of the basket. Tie some Organdy and Grosgrain ribbon at the top and you're all set!

For those who require it, here is a diagram for folding this basket! Click on the image for a larger version! Making this basket is super simple. Start with a 12x12 piece of card stock. Fold along the black lines (at 4 and 8 inches, and then diagonally in the corners) and punch holes at the red dots and you're set to go!

Who Me?

2007-03-03T19:17:00.000-08:00

Its nice to step outside our bounds sometimes, don't you think? Here's my latest work. I'm so excited about it because of the "Opposites Attract" font I used on the title. I used Basic Grey's Blush paper, and some MM gems - too cute! The ribbon and font are both Stampin' Up!

I've decided not to make a facing page for this one. It'll go in either the very first or very last slot in my scrapbook.

Anyway, thanks for looking. Check back soon to see what else I've been up to!

Thinking Spring

2007-03-01T14:21:00.000-08:00

I had a couple friends over - Linda and Mary Anne - to stamp with me the other day and I had a wonderful time. I hope they enjoyed themselves as much as I did! It was great to sit down with some friends and just play. I don't often get to sit down with other women and stamp other than workshops or classes; so this was a special treat for me!

I made four cards - three of which I'm posting here for you to see today. You can see that I concentrated on using my new Spring Mini Stamp sets. On the first two cards I used Polka Dots & Paisley stamp set along with the Petals Jumbo wheel. I love that these sets look so well together especially when paired with the Petals and Paisley Double sided Designer Paper.

This final card was nice. This color combo has been in the back of my mind for a while and I was so happy to get it out of my system! I used the Double Line Doodle Stamp set (which will be available in the next Idea Book & Catalog in July.) I used Taken with Teal, Basic Black, Whisper White and Rose Red card stock. The middle rectangle is pop-dotted for extra dimension!

Too Much Fun

2007-02-25T09:40:00.000-08:00

Lately things have been VERY BUSY around the Chenoweth household. Due to Sell a Bration season I've had a lot of events to hold which have kept me super busy! But its time to settle down, take a deep breath, and coast for a few days! I do have one more workshop before Sell-A-Bration is over, but I'm ready for it, and can't wait!

Last night I held a "Carte Postal" class and it was a ton of fun! We made four cards and then decorated a tin from Maya Road. Very cute! We used the Enchante paper and Carte Postal Stamp set and the Flirty ribbon set - all from the Winter Mini Catalog.

Keep an eye out, I'll be uploading pictures of cards and other things I've been working on soon!

Successful Event!

2007-02-03T21:33:00.000-08:00

I have to say that if you are ever in my neck of the woods and have the opportunity to attend the New Covenant Academy's mega-crop do it! Today I dropped my darling boy off at 6:30 am and headed into Springfield to get ready. The door opened to croppers at 9 and I was SWAMPED for hours! My make and takes filled up and I had people putting their names on the back of the sign up sheet just in case some one didn't show up during their designated time!

I made a bunch of contacts - I've not counted them all - which in itself has made the event worthwhile! I was also able to reconnect with some very talented women and to meet some new ones! I have to say that everyone I met today were the kindest group of women I've ever had the pleasure to come in contact with!

In addition to all the new friendships I've also managed to secure 7 bookings! I am completely excited about that of course! Yay me! And added people to my current class rosters!

I'm completely worn out now, but I'll try and post more tomorrow with pictures and links to the web pages and blogs of all the talented ladies I got to spend time with today!

Good night and happy scrapping!

PS - the next megacrop is scheduled for October 6, 2007 and will have the theme of "spring in Paris!" I'll be there - will you?!

Tea Bag Card

2007-02-01T13:20:00.000-08:00

What madness! The Red Hot Crop is only two days away and I am NEARLY READY! This last week my living room and dining rooms have been turned into Stampin' Up! Heaven! I've got the table covered with current projects I'm finishing up.

There's a small table in front of the TV with my forms and fliers and hostess packets and other things that I needed to go through. The counter is set up with my card display boards so I can fill in where I need to. And there's a humun-go rubbermade chest in the middle of the floor where I've been storing things as I think of them!

So beyond the chaos that is my house... I thought I'd share my Make & Take for the event. Isn't it cute? (Gwen Mangelson took all the pics for me! Cause it's kinda hard only having two hands!!) It is a Tea Bag Holder card, and just as easy as can be to make!

Materials:
Sahara Sand Cardstock 3-1/4"x9-3/4"
Buckaroo Blue Cardstock 2-1/4"x2-1/4"; 2-1/4"x1-3/4"
Whisper White Cardstock 2"x2"; 2"x1-1/2"
Sentimental Journey Patterned Paper 3" x 3"
Paper Trimmer
Bone Folder
Adhesive
Sticky Strip
Under the Weather Stamp Set
True Thyme, Basic Black classic ink pads
Blender Pens
Mellow Moss and So Saffron Ink Refills

Instructions:
1. Cut cardstock and patterned paper to sizes indicated above.
2. Using bone folder score Shara Sand Cardstock at 3-1/4" and 6-1/2". Fold along score lines and crease with bone folder
3. Cut the right most section in half cross ways to remove a small triangle. (see diagram)
3. Stamp Bowl image in Basic Black ink onto the 2x2 Whisper White cardstock.
4. Ink the steam stamp in True Thyme ink, stamp off on scratch paper, then stamp above bowl image.
5. Pick up some Mellow Moss ink with the blender pen, and color in bowl image. Use the same technique to color in soup and chicken on bowl.
6. Mount this square onto the Buckaroo Blue cardstock, and then again on the patterned paper. Set aside.
7. Using True Thyme ink, stamp sentiment on smaller Whisper White cardstock, mount on Buckaroo Blue cardstock. Set aside
8. Run a line of sticky strip along the bottom edge of the last pannel, remove backing, and fold over to make a pocket.
9. Adhere matted bowl image to the front of the card.
10. Open card and adhere sentiment.
11. Insert Tea Bag in pocket and you're done!

Hope you enjoyed the project! Have fun!

HELP ME!

2007-01-23T19:16:00.000-08:00

I'm sending out a request to anyone who visits my blog. I'm in want of a banner for my blog. Something nice and at least semi-classy to replace the junk I've got up there! Are you able to do this? Are you willing to help me out? Please email me merr@mchsi.com and let me know! You'd have my unending gratitude!!

Thanks in advance!!

Hot Chocolate Anyone?

2007-01-23T14:36:00.000-08:00

Today has been so much warmer than recent history! I'm so glad too, this meant that I got to go run errands without shivering the entire time! What did you do today? I started by hitting the ATM, paying my library fines (I'm HORRIBLE at remembering to return books on time!), had David's hair cut and I got some waxing done, took my main man out for lunch at the local Mexican place, then to the post office to mail some swaps! After all that I came home and put Davy to bed and caught up on my emails and blog surfing! Yay! After all that I got ready for Girl Scouts tonight. We'll be looking at the stars (inside since it's still pretty cold out there!)

I haven't gotten any stampin' or scrapin' done today, but I thought I'd go ahead and post a card I finished up the other day. Here's my recipe:

Stamps: French Script, Espressoly for You
Card stock: Black
Inks: Stazon Black
Accessories: Window Sheet, Pearl Ex Powders, Black Brads

This look is super easy to get! Stamp on one side of the window sheet with Stazon Ink and allow to dry. Once dried run it through the Xyron machine so the adhesive is on the opposite side as the ink! Then using a paint brush dab and fluff your PearlEx powders to cover all the adhesive. Use brads to keep your piece in place as adhesive won't stick for long!

Have tons of fun and I hope to post again tomorrow with some new projects!

Scrapbooking and Stuff

2007-01-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't you know it but Saturday it began to snow again. For the second week in a row church was cancled. I've been missing my time there, and have been a little frustrated that I can't follow through on my new years resolution to magnify my callings and to attend church more regularly. I guess Heavenly Father has other plans for me! So I'll have to be patient and hope the weather cooperates next week!

I was so excited that there was enough of a break in between storms to go to the Pamper Me Crop at the LSS on Friday night. Somehow I managed to wrangle my folks into watching David for me, and I was ready to roll. It just so happened that I got my January Scrapbook Kit from Treasured Scrapbooking that very afternoon so I had plenty to play with! Yay me! I only ended up spending $2 on cardstock! Amazing!

I manged to sit at a table with two of the nicest croppers I've ever happened upon! We had a lot of fun, and it was really neat to see other people's process for creating a layout. The ladies with me and I all had totally differnt styles of putting a page together, and they couldn't seem to believe that I was scrapbooking without pictures! LOL. I had planned on going home and taking some pics of myself for Tim anyway, and was going to make duplicates for the scrapbook. It ended up that I found older pics just begging to be put on the pages instead!

So I'm pretty happy with my layouts. They're very basic, but that's OK. This isn't even all of them. I still have two more to add pictures to. The two layouts without titles I need to work on. I can't think of a thing to title them. If you have any suggestions go ahead and post them here! This is driving me crazy!

Until then, happy scrapping!

2007-01-19T13:09:00.000-08:00

Man oh man did I get a ton of emails and posts since yesterday and all of them wanting the same thing… Instructions for the card below! Wow! Glad glad glad that everyone likes it! I was sure impressed with myself when I completed it! (And even as amazing as it looks on the computer it’s 110% better in real life! So anyway, here’s my tutorial on how to make this card!

Polished Stone
Materials:

3 different Alcohol inks (I used Terra Cotta, Wild Plum and Currant)

Krylon Copper Leafing Pen

Glossy Cardstock

Felt Dauber (called a “stomper” locally)

Alcohol Ink Blending Solution

Instructions:

Randomly dot glossy cardstock with Copper Leafing Pen

Apply three or four drops of each color to felt dauber, and add some blending solution

Smoosh all over paper being sure to cover all the white spots. It’s OK if the Copper Leafing mixes in a little.

Once the cardstock is completely covered hold bottle of blending solution above the cardstock and allow to drip. This will scatter the ink and pen, leaving a marbleize effect.

The higher you hold the bottle when you drip it the larger the splots are going to be.

This same thing can be accomplished using Stampin’ Up! supplies. Rather than alcohol inks, use reinkers, and substitute rubbing alcohol for blending solution! You’ve got it made!

Have fun, and feel free to email me if you have any questions!

Didn't Do Much...

2007-01-18T14:05:00.000-08:00

I've not done much of anything today. I went with my friend to the doctor this morning. Not because she needed me there (for anything beyond comic relief anyway) but because we went scrapbook shopping afterwards! YAY!

We hit three of the local scrapbook stores (there are more than that though!) Ending with Stamper's Studio & Stuff which is my most Fav. because Kristi has GREAT stuff that we can't get anywhere else! AND because that's where I'll be teaching classes starting in February! (Yay me!)

So I picked up some Souffle pens, some more alcohol inks, some cardstock, some new heidi swapps rub-ons that I couldn't resist and also some more chip board stuff - yeah, like I need any more! I also got my hands on a scalloped oval punch that I've been dieing for! I'm so psyched to use it - keep an eye out for projects here using it!

After all that I came home and made this card. The cardstock is all Stampin' Up! and is yummy to the max! I used Rose Red, Brushed Copper and Glossy White. I also used Stampin' Up!'s Kanji stamp set. The symbol means LOVE - which would explane why the word LOVE is written up the side of the card, right? It was really hard to get a good shot of this card, so please take my word for it that this card looks 100000 times better in real life!

Anyway, take care, keep warm, and let me know what you think of the card!!

Busy Busy Busy

2007-01-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

I've not forgotten you! I have been dieing to get on line again the past couple of days and all for nothing! The power went out shortly after my last post. It was only out for about 10 hours - which is good considering some people in Springfield and other local towns are still without power! Then, nearly as soon as we got power on again we lost cable - which is how we have our internet. So I've been fretting and fuming trying to get myself on line again. 90% of my business is conducted on line, and when that's not available things get a little difficult!

Anyway, now that I'm done complaining, how about I share a layout with you? This one, titled "Cold Play," was taken of David while we were visiting family in Ohio during Christmas. It was FREEZING out, but my uncle cousin and I took David down to the little park by my uncle's house. David had the time of his life, of course, and the weather didn't bother him a bit! Later that same day we left Columbus to fly home! It was great that he got to get some of his energy out before spending hours and hours on plains and in airports!

I used Bazzil cardstock, along with some papers from Basic Grey's Prancer papers. I love Basic Grey patterned paper and absolutely adored that one of the papers had little snow flakes on it! I also used "Snow Spot" from Stampin' Up! along with Stampin' Up!'s silver detail embossing powder to make all the snow flakes!

The small tag is done using Stampin' Up!'s tag punches and the "Faux Metal" technique. I used four coats of the silver detail embossing powder and one layer of the holigram hightlight embossing powder for a holigraphic effect! I then sponged some white stayzon ink lightly around the little snow flake to make it pop. I punched a hole at the top and threaded some silver cord through it. Yay!

I cut the title from the same Basic Grey paper used on the page and also Night of Navy cardstock from Stampin' Up! I used a sponge dauber to place VersaMark ink where I wanted it on the letters, sprinkled it with the same silver detail embossing powder and heat it. I tried to get the powder in the areas of the letter where snow would fall. Turned out pretty in real life, though it's hard to see in the picture.

I got this wonderful sketch from Treasured Scrapbooking. I really like the sketch, and I plan on fipping it to make a left hand page for this layout. I've just not gotten to it yet! lol!

The Morning After

2007-01-15T06:27:00.000-08:00

We survived the night - but not unscathed! Yesterday, you will remember I went out and looked around to see what was what. Then I saw that big honkin' branch bent nearly in half and right over the portion of the house where my bedroom sits. Sure enough, that silly branch came down at 5 o'clock this morning. I heard it from where I was pretending to sleep!

Our power went out about 3 AM and it woke me up because I'd fallen asleep on the couch with the TV on. I layed there trying to figure out if I'd gotten up sometime during the night and turned off the lights, or if the power was out. After laying there for a few mintues I finally decided that the power was indeed out! So I got up and closed off extra rooms to conserve heat. My bedroom, the craft and play rooms as well as all three bathrooms were closed.

I layed there forever just listening to the creak and pop of branches finally breaking their moorings. I don't know if you've ever heard it, but its pretty close to what I remember a gun shot sounding like! The first one that popped made me jump out of my skin! Yikes! I knew what it was, but it still startled me anyway! lol.

It was about 5 AM when that darn branch over my house finally let loose. No nice little pop this time. It was more like crash and crunch! I knew what it was instantly and decided that I probably wasn't going back to sleep anyway. I got up and went out with Thomas to take some pictures! (Of course, cause whatelse would a scrapbooking fanatic do?!)

The truck is fine. I think I saw a few extra scratches, but still plenty drivable once I get the branch removed! It appears that the roof is fine too, though there's no way I'm climbing up there to investigate! It seems like the only real damage to the house is my poor pretty rain gutter is bent and pulled away from the house. (Pretty because this is the first house we've lived in that had rain gutters and were a big selling point for me! lol!!) The only real damage to the truck is Tim's Army box. I don't know if you've ever seen one of these things, they're the modern day equivilant to those old green foot lockers. They are built super tough and this one has been to Iraq and back again twice! It won't be going anywhere now! That branch went RIGHT THROUGH the top! YIKES!

Anyway, our power came back on at 8 am and David and I cheered for the folks at Webster Electric Co-Op for getting us going again! I wasn't looking forward to cooking on a camp stove this morning! So we're safe, warm, and well fed. Time to make phone calls to see how my friends and family are doing!

Ice Storms

2007-01-14T19:01:00.000-08:00

So it took me a while to remember today that the world at large isn't frozen – just my little corner of it! We're definitely frozen here; though I have to say that David and I are faring much better than many of people around us! (I pray that we remain so!)

70,000 people were without power in Springfield due to these ice storms. I hear that they now have that number down by about 5 - 10,000 people. My sister is one of those people. Not a big deal for the most part, but Marcia recently had surgery on her leg and is not mobile yet. Due to some quick thinking on my parent's part Marcia and my nephew Kyle are safely ensconced at my parent's home. In addition to my sister and nephew my parents have also taken in two other people from Springfield who were left without power. Way to go Mom and Dad!

David and I don't watch news while Tim is overseas so I tend to forget there's a world outside this frozen little cocoon that David and I are trapped in. Yes, trapped! My truck is frozen shut. Happily though that's the biggest problem we've got. The power, water and cable are all on still and we don't have a single branch down in our yard! So I'm hoping that these bending boughs hold until the melting cause I don't want to lose my roof! (See the pic with the red oval! That branch usually stands up strait. If it falls it will land on the roof directly above my bed... I'm thinking about sleeping in the livingroom tonight! Or maybe I'll bunk on the extra bed in David's room!)

I went out this morning with my camera and got some shots. I’m surprised they turned out this well as I was shivering beyond belief! (My scarf is frozen inside the truck!) Enjoy the pics and please pray for those people without power tonight. For many people in the area no power means no water, no heat, and no food.

Enchante

2007-01-13T08:52:00.000-08:00

Enchante means "Nice to Meet You," or something there abouts, in French. I only took one semester of French in college, and that's one of the few words that stuck with me! So when I decided to do a "Book of Me" it was natural to title it Enchante. (That, and because the name of the paper I used is Enchante from Stampin’ Up!)

This book is intended to be a piece of me handed down to my children. I want them to know what kind of person I was, both growing up, and as an adult. This book is really special to me, and hope that it will be the same to them after I’m gone!

The first thing I did was to remove the wire binding from the book. (I used Stampin’ Up!’s On Board Art Journal for this project!)

For the cover I used Enchante Paper from Stampin’ Up!, Eggplant grosgrain also from Stampin’ Up!, Beaded wire – I bought it ages ago and have no idea who the manufacturer is, but I love the stuff! – and a flower from Prima. I mod-podged the paper on the cover of the journal; then wrapped the ribbon and beaded wire around and tied them off. The Prima was attached using glue dots.

For the pages with journaling I typed them up in Microsoft Word and ran the pages through my printer. I have great hand writing, but making lists and stories that long seems daunting to someone who’s more used to typing than actually writing!

The different subjects I’ve covered (or am going to cover) are as follows:

Vital Statistics
Things I’d Tell a 13 Year Old Me
My Faith
My Accomplishments
My Goals
My Husband
My Children
My Favorite Things
A Letter to My Children

If you have any questions about how the pages were formed, please drop me a line and ask away!

Photography

2007-01-13T07:57:00.000-08:00

So I offered to show people how to take better pics of their craft work this morning on Treasured Scrapbooking. I thought there may be some others out there interested as well! Here we go:

I'm lucky that my work table butts up against a window. It lets in lots of natural light and is fantastic for taking pictures! Not only because of the light, but the sheers are a perfect backdrop to my cards!

I actually prefer to take pictures at night, when it’s dark behind the sheers, because well... they're sheer and you can sometimes catch a glimpse of the swing set and sandbox in the backyard beyond my window. To take care of this, I pin a white piece of cotton cloth up on my sheers. This is still thin enough to allow light in, but thick enough you can't see through to my messy back yard! This cloth is long enough to cover the work surface of my table and actually drapes off the front end.

(If shooting at night I simply place a piece of white paper under my object to create the all white look that I prefer!)

I have on my work table a good old swing arm lamp. In it I have a “natural light” light bulb. It’s closer to daylight than a regular “soft white” bulb and is wonderful for crafting purposes and as it happens, for photography purposes as well! I swing the arm of the lamp over so it is directly above, but slightly behind the object. I mess around with it until there is no glare.

In front, slightly to the right of the craft item I have a Mary Kay demonstration mirror. I picked it up at a yard sale. Before I found this little gem I was using a man’s shaving mirror, and it was OK, but the Mary Kay mirror is longer so it casts a better reflection. I adjust the mirror so that it is shining directly on the face of whatever I’m photographing. It’s not to make all the shadows disappear, but to make them appear less harsh.

When I first started snapping pictures I would try to take at least 10. Yup! Ten! That way I can file through them and pick out the best one. I change my position every time I snap a frame. I’ve gotten better at it in the last few months and am able to take only 3 and end up with a perfect shot!

After I’ve got the shots I want I go back and edit and post my pictures. Easy peasy!!

Here are the steps in a more precise list:
1. Set up a neutral backdrop in a well lit area, use natural light whenever possible
2. Be aware of picture distractions and do what you can to minimize if not eliminate them
3. Use mirrors or other reflective surfaces to catch your work in the best possible light.
4. Don’t be afraid to change positions and experiment with your pictures.
5. Take more pictures than you think you will need.
6. Have fun!

A Day of David-isms

2007-01-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

Today has been an exceptionally busy day for David and I. We started with a business conference over Egg McMuffins this morning. He has instructed me that I am no longer to call him Davy, cause that's a baby's name.

Hmmmm... OK. Mental note - My baby is no longer a baby!

After this very important conference, we scooted over to Ozark to see my grandmother. Unfortunately it doesn't appear that GGB (stands for Great Grandma Bea and is what my sons and nephew and niece call my grandmother) will be with us much longer. She was diagnosed with Stage IV Renal Failure last month, and has been doing rather well despite this very scary diagnosis! That is until a few days ago when her blood tests have done a complete turn around and the numbers are not good! We stayed for a short while, and on our way out the door David - being the sincere and sometimes wise child that he is - says "I guess GGB will have her wings in no time at all!"

Hmmmm... OK. Mental note - My baby is no longer a baby!

After we visited GGB we moved on to the Scrapbook store where David followed me around very patiently with the basket because it's his job to "take care of Mama!" He followed, and followed, and followed until we must have walked a mile around that darn store. (I was shopping for my Secret Cupid on Treasured Scrapbooking and needed to find the PERFECT things for this really cool lady!) Finally I make a move to pay and David says to me: "Hold on, Mama. I'll pay for this." He proceeds to empty two dollars worth of pennies and nickles from his little pockets."

Hmmmm... OK. Mental note - My baby is no longer a baby!

While at Walmart he got to talking to the lady in line behind us - because he's that kind of kid. I have no idea how they got on the subject, but she asked him about his daddy. My heart sank even while my ears perked up. How in the world would he handle this one? David, being the little man that he is said: "My Daddy's in Iraq. He's bringing the Iraqis Freedom."

Hmmmm... OK. Mental note - My baby is no longer a baby!

How is it that celebrating his fifth birthday almost a week ago has aged my little boy into a little man? He's amazing! Apparently he's soaking up much more than I ever thought! (I have no idea where the line about Iraq came from.) Hopefully I'll be able to continue being a good teacher to my son, and he can continue being a good example to me!

Tomas the Wonder Dog!

2007-01-09T19:15:00.000-08:00

Wowza! What a busy day, and I spent MOST of it in my bathrobe!

I was hard to convince David that his new birthday toys needed to be stored in his playroom. That is, after all, the reason one entire room in this house is dedicated to toys - so I don't have to step on legos and all manner of other sharp and painful toys in the dark, in the middle of the night! YIKES and OUCH!

Caught up on some stuff on line today. My "Love You" layout was chosen as Layout of the Day on Treasured Scrapbooking! Yay! I'm so tickled! It's actually been quite a while since I scrapped at all, not counting the two gift albums I helped Mom and Marcia put together for Christmas presents. I may even put another layout together tonight; but I'll have to stick to Stampin' Up! products if I'm ever going to get my contest entries together in time!

Tomorrow though, I'm back to cards again. I'll be headed back in to Stamper's Studio - cause guess who's now on a Design Team?! Yup! Me. I'm going in to play with Kristie's stamps and get some projects put together for submissions. So tonight (after scrapbooking of course) I need to get my gear packed and ready to go. Lets hope I don't get there and have my juices just jam up! Yikes!

So after working on the ‘puter some, and getting nothing done in my own little corner of the house, I got ready for girl scouts. Wouldn't you know that these girls are planning on using their cookie money for a trip to St. Louis?! They just about doubled my work load today in figuring out costs, fees and admission prices. I'm praying that we get some of that good 'ole hometown support happening for us cause my rough estimates put us at $1,230 which is roughly equivalent to 1923 boxes of cookies!

So OK, now on to the wonderdog portion of this post! Thomas was a maniac tonight! Of course he waited to get frisky until I was getting ready for our troop meeting. He was climbing all over David, jumping and nipping at my clothes, running in wild circles and barking, just generally having a grand old time and making a bother of himself. I did manage to get a few shots of him. In the first one he's sitting on David's lap! lol. Poor Davy! The second he's just about to bound around the room again, but its a nice "head shot" anyway!

Have a good evening!

2007-01-09T10:09:00.000-08:00

I've been working very hard on a special project this last month, and I'm quickly running out of time! Stampin' Up! is offering an Artisan Award. It's open to current demos in US and Canada. Ten people will be chosen based on their entries of the following:

5 Cards
3 Scrapbook (single-paged) layouts of either 8 1/2 x 11 or 12 x 12
2 Three-dimensional projects.

The entries will be judged on creativity, style, craftsmanship, composition, color oand consistency. Now I have no idea what all that means, other than I'd better be careful with strait lines and glue adhesion and such! (I hear tell they'll even be paying attention to the way bow are tied! YIKES!)

That's scary enough, but you won't believe the prizes! From the Stampin' Up! website: "Winners will receive an Artisan Award pin, $500 cash, and a $500 Stampin' Up! shopping spree. Winners will be invited to attend an evening social hosted by Shelli and Brent Steele to meet members of the creative team on the evening of check-in day during Convention 2007, in Denver, Colorado."

Man oh man! I am working my butt off! That award money is more than my monthly mortgate and I wouldn't mind having a 12x12 printer! (Epson currently has one for near $500 - how perfect is that?!)

Now I'm not saying that I'm going to win, but darn it, I'm going to give it my best try! So far I've nearly completed one of my 3-D projects - and man is it a doozie! I have been working on it steadily (except last night I took a break from it) for a week now. It's really nice so far. I'll post pics when it's completed!

Other than this one project I have no idea what else I am going to do! Any suggestions? Thoughts?

Keep checking back, I'll be posting more about it in the near future!

Scrapbooking

2007-01-08T19:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we celebrated David's 5th birthday with a ton of kid, cake and more presents than he needed! It was a great time, but left me exhausted!!

Today we hung around the house and I scrapbooked. Fun, fun, fun! Here are the two layouts I came up with.

This first one is of our outting to Linden Creek in our little town! It's the most beautiful spot, and we really enjoyed our time there. It took some time but eventually David ventured into the water. Mostly though he splashed around in the creek above the waterfall. (Below the waterfall its about 4 feet deep.)

I used "Lime Swirl" paper by Karen Foster, and blue Bazzil cardstock. The book plate is from Basic Grey, and the grosgrain ribbon is Stampin' Up! I really like how this layout went together. It's the first time I've used a photo THAT large! (It measures 12"x8") So something outside of my "normal", which is good!

The second layout is done with the same Lime Swirl paper, but with a twist. I sat down with my craft knife and cut out the swirls. I think it make a good accent, though it took forever to cut it all out without tearing the paper! I need to remember next time that I don't have to press so hard! Live and learn... Live and learn.

In addition to the lime swirl I use Bazzil cardstock (again), Prima flowers, stickles, and lace from the bargan bin at Hobby Lobby. It's hard to see in the photograph but before I did anything else to the background cardstock I sprayed whitewash spray paint on. I did it really thick so that the paint was pooled on the cardstock, then went in with crumbled tissue paper and removed the excess. It left a nice subtle texture around the edges.

This picture was taken for David's first birthday. I can't help but look at the pictures we had done that day and think of what a BEAUTIFUL baby he was! I miss the baby that he was, but am so much more in love with the boy he has become. What a wonderful child, and truely the love of my life. (But don't tell my husband I said that! LOL!!)

Happy Birthday Thomas!

2007-01-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

Yes folks, that's right. Our Thomas is two years old today! I can't believe how much he's grown - both physically and emotionally since he joined our family! I look at him, and can still see the shy and cowering boy we was a year and a half ago. He would run away and hide when anyone would approach him. These days he's more likely to yell at you if you come near (because some of that poor abused little boy will always be a part of him.)

I was not convinced at first when Tim said we had to take him in. I worried about him snapping at David, or never getting over the scared piddling thing; and I was certain that we could never be able to even pet him because he was forever running away from us.

But I began working with him anyway. Our training started with me lying down with my arms out stretched and my eyes closed. After waiting five minutes or so he would cautiously approach me, sniff at my fingers and then scoot away. Still more weeks went by before I was allowed to tiptoe ever closer to him before he would run away. Within a few months however he had become my shadow, my closest companion, and my sweet sweet baby!

So in honor of how far my boy has come since joining our family I have made him a special little treat. (Yes, I know he has no real appreciation for the fine art of paper crafting.) This little pint sized paint can is filled with his favorite treats from the doggie bakery in Springfield.

XOXOXOXOXOXO

2007-01-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

The Chenoweth household has been gearing up for Valentine's Day in a BIG WAY! Yeah, I know we've got over a month until Love Day hits us, but really, is there ever enough time to make all the things you want to for a holiday? (Plus a good number of our craft items are being sent overseas to a certain someone whom we LOVE above anyone else!)

I started off making the Love Book. It's small, mostly because it needs to be able to fit in a cargo pocket. I used two chipboard hearts picked up at the local scrapbook store and covered them with Bazzil card stock. On a third, smaller heart, I modpodged the pretty patterned paper (Called Devotion from Basic Grey's Blush line) and sanded the edges on all three hearts. This same paper is on the front inside cover of the book.

I made an accordion binding for this book. Remember making fans in primary school? Same theory, cut it to fit the angles of the heart and you're set to go. Attach the binding with sticky tape and then attach the heart pages - trace and cut the large hearts for pages of more Bazzil card stock.

For the closure I attached a strip of taupe Bazzil cardstock to the underside of the small heart and the other end to the inside of the back chipboard heart. I used tiny self adhesive magnets to keep the book closed. They're from Basic Grey as well; I found them at Hobby Lobby for $6. Good buy!

I used Primas and gems, ribbons and glitter (though it doesn't show up in the pics) to decorate the book. I plan on adding in some more self portraits of myself - all in black and white for more drama. That should please the man who's forever begging for recent pictures of me! lol.

I did the card this morning using stamps from Magenta. I absolutely love these stamps, and have quite a few from this company. They're unmounted and stored in CD cases so thankfully don't take up much room! I colored the images in with Prisma colors and attached it to some Stampin' Up! card stock (Regal Rose and Bravo Burgundy.) The small square in the upper left hand corner is popped up with a pop dot. The sentiment was cut using my Cricut with more Bravo Burgundy card stock.

Home Again, Home Again...

2007-01-03T09:51:00.000-08:00

I hope you've missed me this week as much as I've missed you. I also hope that you've had the best ever holiday season! I went to Ohio for the week, and MAN am I glad to be home with my stamping stuff again! I went to spend time with my 81 year old grandmother and was concerend taht I wasn't going to have the time/inclination to stamp while I was there. Man was I wrong! So lesson learned. Next time the stamping stuff goes with me, even if it means taking an additional bag!

Anyway, just before I left I finished up my ATC's for Vanessa's swap. I set out trying to come up with something WOW, and different. But I guess I ended up shy of wow, and not so different. I did try the ghosting technique, which was fun. And I finally used my Blue Frost Kalidescope pad, which is cool. So all is not lost. I did look at the list of participants though, and MAN am I in for a treat when this stuff comes back! There are some TALENTED ladies on that list. *sigh* I will endevor to be better for the next swap!

We did have a great time in Ohio though I worried about my ATC's the entire time. We got to see my Uncle Clyde and Aunt Sue, my Great Aunt Sissy and her children Frank and Beth. We stayed with my Uncle Willie at his cute little house in Columbus! I also got to see my cousin Lara. (She's the cutie on the right!) Along with her friend Molly, who David just adored! This pic was taken our last day there. Lara, Molly and I took Dave to the park at the end of the street. I swear those girls had as much - if not more - fun on the jungle gym and swings as David! I occupied my time taking over 60 pictures. This is my favorite one though. Arne't they cute?!

So anyway, time to get dressed and put the war paint on! I've got to get some errans run. Rest assured though that I'll post again soon. (As soon as I make something!)

- Merr

Arrrg

2006-12-22T22:40:00.000-08:00

It's really be a great day. It started with a mad dash around the house to make it presentable enough for company! My Visiting Teachers were coming! YAY!! I was so excited when they got here *JUST* as I was putting our breakfast bowls in the sink. (Got to put that chore off for an hour or so! Yay again!) It was really great to see them, but lo and behold, it got better...

My husband called! Yay Tim!

So half the Visiting Teaching time was taken up with me on the phone with Tim, and them hollering things at me to tell him! It was of course a ton of fun, and it helped that Tim was in a good mood. I guess things are going OK "over there" where ever "over there" is! lol. He doesn't talk much about things there, and keeps changing the subject to home matters. Excape comes in many forms I suppose! Anyway we are all so VERY proud of him. He's a one of a kind guy and just as sweet as can be. (Though he'd probably cringe if he could read this right now! lol!!)

Anywhoo...

I was so stinkin' excited for them to get their gifts I couldn't stand it. I handed them over just as soon as their butts hit leather! lol. They really liked them! YAY ME! Of course at this point they wanna know how I made them, and I just *HAD* to show them my new toy in my newly organized craft room! lol. After we ooooh'ed and ahhhhh'ed over the Cricut we went back in the other room and got to talking and all that fun stuff! What a great lesson we had this morning too! I really do love these sisters. They bring the warmth of the spirit into my home and that's a treasure beyond price!

Anyway, Angie liked hers well enough I'm going to make one for her mother's birthday! Yay! How cool is that?! Since I'm going to do the exact same thing I did for theirs I won't post my exaples again! Not to worry though. I do have a card sample that I made tonight!

I have been trying to get a bunch of mechanics cards made to take into the local stamping/scrapbooking store. We've been in negotiations about my maybe teaching there. I'm trying not to talk about it because I don't wanna jinx myself, just keep everything crossed for me! I plan on going in tomorrow afternoon.

So tonight my mechanical card was the Revolving Door Card. If you want instructions on this one you'll have to email me and I'll share, but I don't feel like typing that much more tonight.

Here's the recipe for the card:

Stamps: Ahoy Matey, Matey's Map, Rough Edges Alphabet
Paper: Ballet Blue, More Mustard, Whisper White
Ink: Close to Cocoa, More Mustard, White Craft
Accessories: Sponge Daubers, Prisma Colored Pencils, Gamasol

I tried something new tonight, in that I used Prisma Colored Pencils and Gamasol to do my watercoloring. I'm not too hot at it yet, but I managed to get things colored in, which is more than I expected to be able to do! For a tutorial on using Prisma Colored Pencils and Gamasol click here.

Gamasol is a brand name of odorless mineral spirits. It can be found at HL, Mike's, and WMart to name a few. Look around! Lots of fun! I'm going to keep practicing, and eventually will be boasting about it here! lol!

So I guess I'd better get off here. I want to make a waterfall card for tomorrow. I think I'll start it to night (the mechanics and all that) then stamp it up tomorrow. More than likely I'll get involved though and just do it all tonight!

Remember to keep your digits crossed for me! I could stand to start teaching again!

Feel Compelled to Share

2006-12-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

For some time now I've been playing around with making a book of me. I scrap Tim and the kiddo and the dog all the time. I even scrapbook my nephew, my parents and other family members, but have not done any GOOD scrapbooking about myself in over a year now. Here's today's challenge to myself: GET SOME DONE!

The major part I have complete so far is a page that says: "What I'd Tell a 13 Year Old Me." And here's my list. I'd love to know what you would tell yourself at 13 if you could! Post them incase I need to tell myself that too!

1. Being tall with curly hair are assets.
2. Boobs are NOT an asset, stop praying for them!
3. Be PROUD of the things that make you different, its those very things that you'll be most grateful for when you're 26
4. Everyone is just as uncomfortable with themselves as you are this very second.
5. Acne isn't a death sentence
6. Boys are fine in small doses. You don't have to have a boyfriend to feel pretty or be cared about.
7. Love will find you! There REALLY is someone who was meant just for you! Your marriage will be strong enough to survive the stress of wars and stinky feet; and will be a happy refuge from the rest of the world.
8. Great metabolism doesn't last forever! Prepare yourself for size 22/24! Its not the end of the world, and it will pass, but be prepared to say good bye to 130 lbs forever!
9. Don't take yourself so seriously! So what if you get in trouble? You'll be able to say you did something foolish once...
10. Living is made a life by the little things.
11. Stay away from After Shock! Cinnamon will NEVER taste or smell good again!!!
12. Home is where ever you make it.
13. You will never have the same type of relationship with your mother that your sister has. You will have your own type of relationship with her, and it will be beautiful!
14. You may never get along with your sister, but will always be there for each other in times of need and chocolate withdrawals.
15. You are so much stronger and smarter than you give yourself credit for!
16. There are many forms of beauty in this world - seek beauty in all its varieties.

Now I guess the trick is to get my 13 year old self to LISTEN and BELIEVE my list - right?!

What would YOU tell yourself? Please share!!

Pop Up Polka Dots & Paisley

2006-12-21T21:56:00.000-08:00

Go ahead, say that ten times fast!!

LOL, its late, so forgive my horrible humor. I stayed up to make another card with the scraps from the Visiting Teaching gifts (see the post below this one!) All the colors are the same. I'm really enjoying this color combo! I used the Polka Dots & Paisley stamp set. To get the dots all lined up correctly I used the Stamp-a-ma-Jig. I really don't know what I would do without that silly thing! I use it all the time - and it has earned its place on my favorite things list!
If you want directions for the pop up card then email me, and I'll send them to you. I don't know where my upline got the origional instructions from, but like any good stamper I tweak this and change that. If you know where the origional instructions came from, please feel free to let me know so I can give credit where credit is due!!

In addition to all that cardstock I used jute twine and a buckle from the Hodgepodge Hardware. It's actually the first piece of hardware I've used since I bought the kit; my new resolution (as of right this second) is to stop hording all my goodies! So be prepared to see more metals on my cards!

Alright. That's it for me tonight. I really do have to go to bed. I get to give away my goodies first thing in the morning! (Keep your fingers crossed that they like them!!)

Visiting Teaching Gifts

2006-12-21T19:25:00.000-08:00

Today I spent the day doing Visitng Teaching. That's where my compainion and I go to the homes of a few ladies in our church. It's meant as a time to reach out to our sisters and grow a stronger bond within each other and with Heavenly Father. It really was a special time today, and I have to admit, there were times that I cried. The women I visit teach are some of the most beautiful souls I've ever had the pleasure to meet, and I know that I am truely blessed by having them a part of my life.

So tonight I set to making Christmas gifts for my Visiting Teachers. They're a couple of really great ladies, and I so enjoy the time I spend with them every month and at church on Sundays! My hope was to make something that would show a portion of my love for them. That being said I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they enjoy these gifts!

I started off making monogramed cards with their first initials on them. I used Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy, Very Vanilla and Rose Red. I cut the letter oval with my cricut using the Jasmine font! I used Bravo Burgundy ink and the Paisley Background stamp on the Rose Red cardstock.

Then, after I made the cards I made beaded pens. If you need instructions on these, go to Splitcoast Stampers (the link is at the very bottom of the page under my mug.)

The last thing I did was make a card pouch to hold all the loot! For this I used 9"x9" page protectors. Cut off the holes and sew it on to a piece of 11.5"x9.5" Creamy Caramel cardstock, leaving the top edge un-sewn. Score and fold the cardstock just above the pocket to make a flap. Decorate the flap. I used velcro dots as a closure.

I really really really hope that they like these. They didn't take too long, and really I think that they turned out rather well. The hardest part is going to be giving them away... OR maybe I should make a set for myself?!

Polka Dots & Paisley

2006-12-20T18:58:00.000-08:00

I love being a Stampin' Up! demo! For Christmas I (and every other demo) recieved the Polka Dots & Paisley stamp set from the company! This set is soooooo stinkin' cute and I couldn't wait to get started on a project with it!

Hoping for a "different" look I chose three colors I wouldn't normaly put together: Taken with Teal, Tempting Turquoise, and More Mustard. I really like how rich these colors look together! I couldn't believe how well I'd chosen!

There are no tricks or special things here. It's all strait stamping (though I did use my markers on the flowers rather than a stamp pad.) I put a pop dot behind the flower pannel and tucked "happy" under it. The dots in the corners were drawn on with the markers - though I thought about piercing them I think this turned out well.

So... What do you think?

Containing Myself

2006-12-20T01:31:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh... Ever create something you're completely happy with? I did tonight. I got to use some of the self adhesive die cuts from Stampin' Up!'s Just Delightful Simply Scrappin' Kit as well as the little bitty bit of paper I had left over from the SAB swap.(That would be the striped paper on top.) In addition to the SS Kit I used "Flirty" ribbon from the Winter Mini and Bashful Blue cardstock. I added the white dots with my Signo Gel Pen all over the Bashful Blue cardstock for a little interest.

On the lid of the box I put Pretty in Pink cardstock stamped randomly with three different stamps from the Delight in Life stamp set (Sell A Bration set) all in Pretty in Pink ink. Add So Saffron brads to the little self adhesive die cut lable. Next I cut the word "Cards" out of Certainly Celery using my Cricut! Add a little Signo Gel Pen and VersaMarker for some depth and I am tickled pink!

Cards Cards Cards Cards....

2006-12-18T12:47:00.000-08:00

OK, I stayed up most of the night working. I had that energy, and I couldn't seem to stop myself! I kept looking over at those sad lonely little microscope slides and decided they would be much more comfy nestled on a card rather than just laying around gathering dust. And, since I had a head start on the glitz and glitter, I added more and more and more!

I handed off the other slide to my gal pal Gwen, and we'll have to see what she comes up with for it! I'll make her share!

Other that that card I made candles. Usually I just go ahead and stamp on them, but since I was already having a night of bling I went ahead and embossed with Gold Detail Embossing Powder. WOW! Now you can make up your own mind, but I'm a little worried that the gold is too much?! Is there such a thing? I'd hate to be tacky, so you'll have to let me know what you think! (Be honest, but not hurtful!)

I also worked on a new technique using UTEE... Hmmmm... I know its hard to tell from the picture, but the flower is standing up. Very cute to see in person, loses some of the appeal through the photograph. Trust me, its cute. And this new technique will be added to my Embossing Technique Class. (Email me if you wanna join the class - either in person or through the mail!)

So, the last thing I did was work on a horsey card. I wanted something a little more masculine to send to my husband. This is so simple, but I really like the results. I spent quite a while hemming and hawing between the jute twine and chocolate grosgrain, but the twine won out in the end. I punched the little holes along each corner. Thank goodness for the guide or I never would have gotten them even!

Snow Under the Microscope..... Slide

2006-12-17T16:29:00.000-08:00

Hello there friends! I haven't forgotten you, really! Between the holiday season and weather, and plans for a trip to Ohio things have been a little busy. But never too busy to stamp!

Yesterday my order from Lumpy Stuff arrived. I have been waiting for this box for a while, and am so happy that it's here! Unfortunately I wasn't able to get to it until tonight!

I decided to play with the microscope slides first. They're a little intimidating at first, mostly because I held them in my hand and my mind went TOTALLY blank! Yikes! But I got over it!

I used the Snow Flurries stamp set (recently retired), white StazOn, silver and a few shades of blue alcohol ink. On both slides I stamped a snow flurry in white StazOn randomly on the slide and set aside to dry. I grabbed a blank slide and covered with blue and silver alcohol ink.

For the darker slide I put the slides together and ran foil tape around the outside edges. On the lighter slide I sandwiched a piece of tissue paper between the two slides and then ran the edges of the slides with the foil tape.

It’s hard to tell how sparkly these are by the picture. The silver ink really catches the light beautifully. I'm going to attach pin back on to these and sell them at the upcoming craft fair, debating though how much to charge for these!

The other project I've been working on is Tea Bag Holders. Instructions for these cute little cards can be found on Split Coast Stampers. I'm going to keep tweaking these, but I thought they would come in handy in this season where everyone is getting sick. The tea enclosed is honey lemon - great for those sore throats.

My third recent project has been beaded inkpens using the paper from the winter mini catalog. I'll have to come back later and add pictures!

Until then though, have a safe and happy holiday season!

-Merr

Snow Day

2006-12-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

Recently Missouri has received our first snow and it was a NICE one! The storm came first as rain that froze over night. All through the next day we got freezing rain and sleet! Poor David waited as patiently as possible for the snow to play in! Finally over night the snow fell so we woke up December first to SNOW! Yippee! Needless to say Davy was out in it as much as possible!

To commemorate this great first snow, I put together an accordion album. If it seems small that's because IT IS! This mini-accordion book I got at Dub and Sam and I LOVE it! It's small, but that's the point, right? Anyway, I actually bought quite a few of these babies and I'm looking forward to sending them out to the grandparents for small Christmas gifts!

Anyway... back on track...

I started by cutting Stampin' Up!'s Bashful Blue card stock into eight 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 rectangles. I went ahead and attached them before I decorated them, but next time I think I'll decorate first, and attach last!

Next, I stamped snowflakes all over the panels using white craft ink. I only embossed the panel for the front of the book since I have no patients! (On the cover I embossed with Iridescent Ice EP from Stampin' Up!) After the flurries were dried, I went back and sponged on some Bashful Blue ink around all four edges of the panels to give it that "frosted" look.

I used the snowmen from the Festive Favorites stamp set in Bashful Blue on white cardstock; and cut them out because the stamp was too wide for my little mini-book! I inked the edges of the image and embossed with more Iridescent Ice! I also used the little snowman tag from the Festive Favorites set - Bashful Blue on white again! I colored all the hats and scarves in on the snowmen with my (you guessed it!) Bashful Blue marker. On the little tag I used Bashful Blue (who'd a thunk?!) pastels around the snowman to make him seem more white.

I printed all my pictures out on the computer to about 2"x3"; and matted them on Ballet Blue cardstock which I inked around the edges with white craft ink. After they dried I adhered them in the book along with the little poem. I got the poem at my FAVORITE poem and quote site Denny's Poems and Quotes! There are literally MILLIONS of ideas on this site, and well worth a visit!

Anyway, because I'm sure you can't read the poem it says: "Little Nose/ Where did you get that little red nose?/Jack Frost kissed it I suppose./He kissed it once, he kissed it twice/Poor little nose, it’s as cold as ice!" Isn't that cute?! And so fittings since all the pictures in the book were taken of Davy with a pretty red nose and cheeks!

The last thing I did was finish the cover. I used the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to place my letters just right. (I used Ballet Blue for the ink.) The last thing I did was stamp a flurry on the ballet blue with the white ink and the punched it out using the 3/4" punch. I punched a hole in the center, attached my eyelet and threaded my elastic band through the hole.

Guess what, that's it!! Not too bad!

Anyway, I hope you like the book, and check back soon to see what I've been up to!

-Merr

Stampin' in a Winter Wonderland

2006-11-30T13:51:00.000-08:00

We woke up this morning to RAIN! Great big globs of yucky rain. By mid-morning our "Lake Chenoweth" (the lake-sized puddle in the front yard) had frozen over and was starting to accumulate some white stuff... WHITE STUFF??!! SNOW??!! Nope. Frozen rain. Right now we've got enough of a dusting we can't see the grass under the white stuff; David insists that its snow.

Needless to say we're staying home today, as I hope my friends and family are as well. This afternoon (after nap time) Davy went out to play in the white stuff. I got a couple shots of him before Thomas pulled him to the ground to wrestle with! My poor frozen baby! After he played a big longer - in the front yard without Thomas - he came in for some hot cocoa. I love this picture of him enjoying his cocoa, with his goofy grin and cold red cheeks!

Anyway, while David was napping and playing outside today Mommy got some cards made- FINALLY! I have been contemplating the Card Sketch Challenges on SCS, and finally caved to participate. My first card was "OK" though by far not my favorite! (That would be the bonjour card!) So I redid the card using the same layout, but with different stamps colors and embellishments. I definitely like the second one (the cocoa card) MUCH better. What do you think?

Anyway, If you'd like to see the original sketch that I was working from click here to go to the Splitcoast Stapmer's Card Challenge thread. Go about half way through the first post in the thread and click on the little thumbnail pic. It will bring the sketch up in a new window. Have fun, and if you do this challenge then let me know so I can see it too!!

-Merr

Christmas 10-10-10

2006-11-26T08:34:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh.... It's finally over! Yesterday was a VERY LONG DAY! I went to bed the night before at like 3 am, and got up again the next morning at about 5:30. I'm the kinda girl who needs 8+ hours to feel human, and I wasn't getting it! Anyway, my first session started at 10, and was totally comprised of the girls that I usually scrap with. So I demo'ed the cards for them, then they went along their merry way doing what ever they wanted to. GRRRR... all that time for nothing. OK, what ever.

Then I went to my parent's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Because of some family situations we had to postpone it this year but they had to choose the only day that there was NO WAY I was going to be able to hang out and relax with them because I had a second session for my Christmas 10-10-10. Needless to say that I didn't get to eat at all because I had to leave mom's at 3 to make it home in time for the 4 o'clock session, which happened to be JUST when they were pulling the bird from the oven.

Over the next two hours of my second session I dreamed of the turkey, stuffing, gravy, three bean salad, hot rolls, candied yams, pumpkin bread, and PIE that my family was eating without me. *sigh* See what I give up for the love of stamping?

The second session went sooooo much smoother than the first. Partly because they managed to stop talking long enough to hear my instructions AND they went ahead and followed my instrctions! (Is this something that shouldn't be bothering me? Or do I have a right to be a teeny bit upset about this?)

Anyway I managed to survive my first stamp event (besides workshops that is). It was actually fun, and a little bit profitable for me. I got the word out there about upcoming events and so forth, so it was really a pretty productive day. Now I've got to go to Wal-Mart though and buy myself a turkey and stuffing stuff so I can have a Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving! I know mine was wonderful, though completely different that the 25 past years! This year was the first time I didn't spend Thanksgiving in the midst of my family. I was blessed however to be invited to my good friend (and fellow scrapper) Gwen's home. It was a great day, as we were joined by the Missionaries (from the LDS Church) and it was great to have that type of beautiful spirit on such a special day!

My assignment this Thanksgiving (as it has been in years past within my own family traditions) was to make the place cards. I started with a piece of Stampin Up's Four Seasons Designer paper that was 3" x 3.5". Fold in half and ink all four edges on both sides with Bravo Burgundy stamp pad.

Cut a piece of Morning Marigold Card stock 1.75" x 2.75", ink all four edges with Morning Marigold stamp pad. Adhere to the center of the tent front.

Use the Designer Label Punch Stamp Set, Ink first in Morning Marigold, then using the Rock & Roll technique ink the edges of the stamp in Bravo Burgundy and stamp onto Very Vanilla card stock. Punch out using the Designer Label Punch.

Wrap a piece of wine ribbon around the front half of the card. Adhere punched image over ribbon and you're ready to go!

Easy peasy, right?! I think they turned out nice, and was amused that Elders Marvin and May placing talked about taking them home for their mothers to scrapbook for them! What well trained young men! Too cute! After dinner my own too cute boy slipped the place card into his pocket so the front flap hung outside. Now he was Elder Chenoweth! What a wonderful aspiration for Davy!

101 Things to Do With Ribbon...

2006-11-20T22:10:00.000-08:00

Not all of these are my ideas. I've combined different lists from all over. Hope you enjoy! More to come in the next few days!

1. Cut a journaling block into horizontal strips. Tie a ribbon in a bow or knot to the left end of the first strip, then the right end of the second strip, and so on.

2. Create a page frame by stitching ribbon to each side of the page, and then cover the joins with a button or another accent.

3. Collect scraps of ribbon and cover the spiral binding of a journal or album in bows.

4. Tie a bow on a paperclip.

5. Soften the look of metal mesh by knotting satin ribbons through the latticework.

6. Color-block a layout, punch holes where the blocks meet and lace with ribbon.

7. Create a ribbon loop off the side of the page, securing with stitches or staples, to index sections in your album.

8. Stamp tiny tags with a single letter and use narrow ribbons to attach to your page for a quirky title.

9. Hold a bookplate in place by securing each side with a length of ribbon, fixing the ribbons onto the back of your layout.

10. Punch holes along one side of a photo or mat and finish with ribbons tied in loop knots.

11. Loop ribbon around one side of a metal frame, then tie with a tiny knot or bow.

12. Laminate a leaf or another found object, punch a hole and tie on a ribbon.

13. Dye ribbons to match anything perfectly.

14. Crisscross two lengths of ribbon to create a pocket.

15. Turn bows on their side and place at either end of a title.

16. Stamp a name or date on a ribbon, fold around the corner of a photograph and secure with a paperclip.

17. Use ribbon to hang a locket holding something special.

18. Thread two metal rings onto a length of ribbon and secure them both in a loop at one end (you can use an eyelet, nail head, brad, stitches or staples to close the loop). Wrap around a journal, mini book or photo mat and pull the loose end of the ribbon through the rings, just like a belt.

19. Make a masculine tag by threading a plain washer onto a ribbon remnant, folding in half and stapling to the top of a tag.

20. Hide journaling or an additional photograph on your page. Using self-adhesive ribbon as a hinge, secure just one side of a cardstock block to the background.

21. Cover the join between two patterned papers with a length of ribbon.

22. Create a collage between two microscope slides or pieces of transparency, and then tie ribbon around the glass sandwich.

23. Team up ribbon with anything else from the haberdashery section: rickrack, upholstery trim, lace, fibers, snap trim, zips, elastic or a hook and eye set.

24. Layer a brightly colored sheer ribbon over traditional black and white gingham to create custom colored gingham.

25. Stick ribbon over vellum to hide adhesive.

26. Make a flower with loops of ribbon plus a button in the middle.

27. Cover the edge of a border of patterned page with three inch lengths of mismatched ribbons.

28. Use letter stamps on ribbon for journaling or captions.

29. Use rickrack as the stem for a flower accent.

30. Run a thread through a length of ribbon, making loose stitches, and then pull the ribbon together to gather.

31. Apply rub-on letters to a twelve inch strip of ribbon to make a custom border.

32. Cover a scrap of cardstock with ribbon scraps in lines, and then place a cut out shape over the top so the quilted design shows through.

33. Fray ribbon scraps, then overlap and sew to the page.

34. Place a ribbon in a tiny glass charm for a message in a bottle look.

35. Weave your ribbons in big or little sections on your page.

36. Punch holes on one side of a photo mat, then lace the ribbon through and add a charm to one of the loops.

37. Make one long loop of ribbon around an entire page, and then use shorter ribbons to tie knots and bows to that ribbon.

38. Make a bulletin board look by crisscrossing ribbons across the page and joining with brads or buttons.

39. Use frilly ribbons with rustic elements, mixing girly trims with twill tape or a wooden tag.

40. Create your journaling in widely spaced rows. Punch small holes around key words and thread ribbon through to box out or underline words with color.

41. Hang a letter charm from ribbon and wrap around the bottom third of a photo.

42. Use a variety of green ribbons in short, overlapped lengths to represent grass for a summery layout.

43. Place your title and journaling blocks on your layout, then cut slits at the top and bottom. Run sheer ribbon through to hold the blocks in place.

44. Spell a title by threading letter charms onto a longer length of ribbon, adding a knot between each letter.

45. Cut a variety of ribbons to six to eight inch lengths. Adhere at odd angles to the bottom of a double page layout, with the photos and accents above this border.

46. Place short lengths of ribbon over the four corners of a photo and secure in place with brads.

47. Place ribbons around the edge of a large circle shape.

48. Fold ribbon scraps in half and staple to one side of a photo mat.

49. Use a wide ribbon as you would a strip of patterned paper.

50. Stitch your ribbon with a zigzag.

51. Thread silk or paper flowers onto ribbons to create a daisy chain.

52. Use polka-dot ribbon with striped patterned papers.

53. Tie a series of bows or knots to cover a length of wire, and then attach the wire by punch two tiny holes in your page and threading it through to the back.

54. Run a simple border with one thin ribbon across the top of your page and two thin ribbons at the bottom.

55. Tie a group of tags together with brightly colored ribbons.

56. Punch small holes and thread a border like you would lace your shoes.

57. Use sheer green ribbons to represent leaves on flowers.

58. Use your ribbons in vertical strips instead of horizontal.

59. Repeat just one ribbon pattern throughout your layout.

60. Hang tiny jingle bells on a Christmas page.

61. Select two ribbons of contrasting color. Attach one to the left side of the page and the other to the right, then tie together in the middle. Repeat in the opposite colors to make a crisscross if you wish.

62. Get out your eyelets and add to a paper accent, like a monogram letter. Thread ribbon through and tie in a knot.

63. Pin a safety pin through a bow or knot.

64. Tie a ribbon around the stem of any letter in your title.

65. Allow ribbons to come out the top of your {top-loading} page protector.

66. Place one bold strip of a patterned paper on your cardstock background. Add an angled strip of a color-coordinated ribbon. Add an accent near where the two meet, and place the body of your layout in the remaining gap.

67. Punch or cut several small squares or circles. Punch a small hole and tie a ribbon on each, then line up for a border.

68. Line up several lengths of the same ribbon and secure the ends with brads, then place your title on top.

69. Punch a group of holes in any preprinted accent and add ribbons to make it your own.

70. Create a bold frame using short ribbon scraps around all four sides of the page.
71. Have just the ends of flat ribbons appear from one side of a photograph. Stick them directly to the page.

72. Use a series of ribbon-trimmed metal-rimmed tags to journal in list form.

73. Repeatedly wrap a ribbon around a block of cardstock, then tie with a charm, tag or stamped image.

74. Use only black and white ribbons plus one color of cardstock.

75. Stick ribbon directly to the page and cover the ends with square or round accents.

76. Place several twelve inch lengths of ribbon to the page, leaving an inch gap in between. Number the lines of ribbon and add journaling for a # of things I...? layout.

77. Tie ribbons on bobby pins/hair grips and slide onto the edge of a photo.

78. Use ribbon inside a slide frame or book plate.

79. Create a pull tab with a loop of ribbon on a tucked away photo or tag.

80. Use just ginghams!

81. Attach tiny clothes pegs to a length of ribbon.

82. Use white sheer ribbons for angel wings.

83. Thread white letter beads onto ribbons for journaling.

84. Tie ribbons through button holes and tie on the top.

85. Attach pins or badges to a length of ribbon stuck straight to the background.

86. Put your title inside a circle frame, and hold it in place with ribbons on two or more sides. Tuck the ribbons over to the back of the page.

87. Thread on a buckle for a classy accent.

88. Spice up a simple layout with just three knots of ribbon near the corner of a photo.

89. Create a pinwheel design by sticking down bright ribbons cut with an angle at the end.

90. Fold your ribbon in half then cut at an angle to get that little V at the end.

91. Instead of peeling your stickers from the backing, cut them out and treat like regular paper. Punch a hole, tie a ribbon and look at your sticker in a new way.

92. Create a layout with three blocks of cardstock, and then hang multiple ribbons from the bottom of each block.

93. Make a summery layout with mismatched ribbons placed 3/4 of the way down one side, to mimic flags on a sail boat.

94. Make a mini book to hold extra photos and journaling, and make sure the sides wrap around to the front so the covers open to both the left and right. Secure ribbon on the back and tie on the front to close.

95. Thread circles on ribbons to mimic Christmas ornaments, then tuck the ribbons around the top of the page and secure on the back. Design the layout on top of the ornament background.

96. Make it simple: stick a length of ribbon directly to the cardstock. Tie a bow and stick it on top -- an easier way to make everything stay put.

97. Create your title with letters on individual blocks of cardstock, then thread together by punching holes and tying together with ribbons.

98. Use watermark ink to customize your ribbon with a design or phrase.

99. Make curly ribbons by wrapping tightly around a dowel rod or pencil (securing with pins if needed), spraying with corn starch and baking in the oven for about five minutes. Leave to cool and set over night, then remove from the dowel. Great for album covers and bindings.

100. Use ribbon to bind a small book of index prints on your layout, and then add more ribbon to close or hang the book.

101. Grab your favorite ribbon of the moment and work your entire layout around that inspiration. Print your photos in black and white so you don’t have to worry about color clashes and just have fun.

It's a Christmas Kinda Day

2006-11-19T17:52:00.000-08:00

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Ever have one of those days where you're all dressed up with no where to go? Today (due to truck issues) we missed out on church; and I found myself at odd ends and no idea what to do with myself.

Eventually, after pogo and SCS loss their charm, I wandered back to my play room - I mean my CRAFT room. I actually got a lot done, or I guess I should say that I got a lot started! I began with the On-Board album and the Enchante designer paper (due out in the Winter Mini) and had a blast. It was inspired by a demo during St. Louis Regional, but I added more tricks and things to it. I'm no where near complete on it, but man am I having fun! I'll post it later once it is done
After I put that away, gave the kiddo a bath, and made dinner I once again wandered back to the craft room. This time though we worked on Christmas ornaments. (We being Davy and I, with Thomas along for the company.) Egg Nog and Bing Crosby's Christmas Tunes helped to set the mood.

Here's Davy with his creation - too cute!! He was so excited to be able to contribute to the tree this year, I don't know how I'm going to keep him out of my craft room now! (This time of year my craft room doubles as Santa's workshop!)

David's ornament is flat-ish on two sides. I got a couple boxes of these so after David goes to bed tonight I'll be able to go in and etch the glass. I hope to have blue insides, and snow etched on the outsides. I guess we'll see how it turns out!

I made two ornaments as well. I know you can't tell from the pictures, but the one on the right is the HUGE one and the one on the left is a normal sized bulb. I'm still working on my technique, but here's the instructions:

1. Carefully pull tab out of neck of ornament, set aside.
2. Pour watered down School Glue into the bulb and swirl around to coat entire inside. Pour out excess.
3. Scoop in Pearl Ex powders, glitters and faux snow. Shake around after each scoop.
4. Pour out excess.
5. Carefully re-attach tab to the top of the ornament.
6. Tie color coordinating bow to neck of bulb.

Now... about that mess...

Baby it's COLD Outside!

2006-11-18T23:35:00.000-08:00

Ok, so my workshop the other night went VERY well. We had about 9 people (not including children and husbands) attending, and it was a BLAST! Partly because when you get certain members of this family together they get to picking on each other - what a HOOT!!

Sales weren't astronomical, but that's OK! I had soooo much fun! I was going to include pictures of the things I demo'ed and the Make and Take, BUT they were mostly CASEd from SCS, so I decided not to bother. I did demo the ghosting technique, and it went over nicely! (Though I did have a tad bit of a problem with my tidy tray and STATIC! OUCH!!)

I got one booking only from the workshop, which is a little of a disappointment because my goal is two bookings or more from each workshop. BUT, I did have four more people (one at the workshop, and three today!) sign up for my Christmas 10-10-10; so maybe I'll get some bookings from that?! Keep your fingers crossed!

OK, so other than that, we checked out a "new to us" stamping/paper craft store in Springfield today. All I can say is: YUM-O! Sooooo glad I found them!! They didn't carry any paper, and only a limited amount of cardstock... yeah, I know what you're thinking! The reason is that Springfield has FOUR other scrapbook stores, AND W.Mart, H.Lobby, and Mikes! So the owner says she lets THEM worry about the papers and stickers, and she'll carry the COOL stuff. And man does she ever!

Now I'm off to play with my new stuff. I'll try and get some snap shots to post later.

-Merr

Workshop Worries

2006-11-16T22:38:00.000-08:00

I've started this month with my calendar MOSTLY full... Not all with workshops either! Beyond having fun with Stampin' Up! I also serve as leader for a Girl Scout troop, take care of my grandmother during the day (since I don't have a "real" job!) and serve as Leader for my husband's FRG - that's Family Readiness Group - a military wife thing. (We'll talk about the FRG in the future, I'm SURE!) But that's enough for now... back on topic!

I've started this month with my calendar mostly full (is there an echo in here?) which is nice, keep me busy and all that, but I've been VERY worried about having two workshops back to back. Luckily (and I must be a terrible demo for saying this!) my Wednesday workshop was cancled, and all that prep work that I put in on Monday and Tuesday has saved me Wednesday and Thursday's work for the workshop on Friday! So lets hear it for Wednesday's Hostess who is currently my hero for being too over worked to keep her workshop! (Hip hip hooray!!)

LOL!!

So I thought I'd share my projects that I've prepared for Wednesday's - now Friday's - workshop!!

First we have the hostess gift. It's safe to post it here before the workshop because hey, I've just started the blog tonight and no one knows about it yet!

I got the instructions for the mini purse at the St. Louis Regionals last weekend (WOW talk about fun!!) and adore how easy it is to make. If you need the template, drop me an email and I'll help you out! Also included in this gift is a covered 3x5 scratch pad (purchased at Staples) and a Micro-beaded RSVP Pen.

Wanted to stop here and talk about the pen real quick. I've used the Four Seasons Double Sided Designer Papers from Stampin' Up! which has snowflakes on one side, and blue stripes on the other. For the pen I had the snowflakes showing, and once covered with the clear micro beads they appear frosted! Talk about cool.

COLD! (snicker!)

FROSTY even! (lol, I couldn't help myself!)

All three items were made with a single sheet of 12 x 12 paper and a bit of ribbon. Cost effective and MAN do I hate to give them away!

Also on the agenda for this workshop is a couple door prizes. I made them all the same so I'm only going to post one of them. Keeping with the snowy theme for the night. In a cello bag I've thinly sliced scraps of the Four Seasons Designer Paper and then run it through my crimper (again St. Louis Regionals ROCKED!) then added a stampin' spot (because I have three in this color!) along with an incentive stamp! How cool is it that the door prizes are going to match the hostess gift, which actually match the projects I'll be presenting too! Man am I on a roll or what?!

Yeah, I know the bag topper is a little - dare I say it - boring! I'm planning on going back in with my Festive Favorites stamp set and adding a few of the frosty guys to the topper before the workshop tomorrow. BUT that's only if I can find time!

I'll post the actual demo cards and Make & Take tomorrow... Along with info about how my workshop went. For now though I've gotta get to bed! It's already late and 6:30 comes quick!

-Merr

Ready Set GO!

2006-11-16T22:19:00.000-08:00

I've hemmed and hawed about starting a blog. Partly I've been reluctant to admit that I had no idea what in the world a blog is... or the PURPOSE of a blog. So be it. I'm no longer techno-savvy! Dare I say it - I've started to get old.

I'm turning into my grandmother! (GASP!) Or worse... My husband (Whom I love dearly, but sorry to say, my DH can't chicken peck his way around a keyboard to save his life... It's actually painful to watch!)

So in defiance against my up coming birthday and my FIRST GRAY HAIR I've decided to take the plunge and try to muddle my way through the whole blog thing. So here we are, and hey, guess what? I kinda get it now!

Anyway, how about we get on with the show...?