Working in the yard lately...

Working in the yard isn't my favorite thing to do. Don't get me wrong.. I love to be outside, but this manual labor stuff.. hehee.. not my cup of tea! I mean seriously.. Id rather be doing something fun.. for stamping when the weather isn't so wonderful. While working in the yard, I found this little guy. Isnt he adorable? His parents built a nest in my gazebo. I've been watching them daily when I water my plants. Since I havent had a chance to stamp and share, I thought I'd share my baby bird photos..

Thunder!

I love storms.. and I love to watch them roll in off of the lake.. tonight was no exception. I have to say, my truck has half the sand from the beach inside it now.. and I have sand EVERYWHERE on me too! I tried to get some decent pics even tho my tripod was not in the vehicle I had with me.. I thought I'd share a few :)

Tri Shutter Card

I have been eyeing these on line for some time and I have wanted to make one. Here is my first try at the Tri Fold Shutter Card. I started out with Crumb Cake for a base (you will need a 12 inch piece of cardstock for this). I then used the Artistic Etchings Clear Stamp Set (#120573) and the Love Letter DSP (#117162) along with card stock colors: basic black, real red, and very vanilla. I also added some basic rhinestones for extra bling.

I want to thank Sarah's Ink Spot  for this great tutorial. Take time to get inky! :)

Summer Mini Catalog CASE

I was browsing thru the Mini Catalog and on page 6, I loved the colors they used on showing the use of the triple layer punch (both I love). I used both the Doily Triple Layer Punch (#122465) and the Bloom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (#122464). I used the following card stock colors: baja breeze, blushing bride, old olive, rose red, very vanilla and the Newsprint DSP. I think it turned out pretty darn adorable like! What do you think? The punches are so cool (once I got the hang of them). I'm now a punching fool! These are addictive for sure.

Trying to get some creative juices flowing..

Today I wanted to stamp.. I didn't know what I wanted to stamp.. so I cruised the blogs. I love blogs. They inspire me and give me some great ideas on layouts of cards, scrapbook pages, color combination, using different accessories and more. If you need a little extra inspiration like I did, you may want to check out the blogs I love on the right side about half way down here on my blog. I did just that and found some great inspiration from Becky Roberts of Inking Idaho . Becky is non stop with some neat ideas, like this card that I case'd today:

I love the new DSP called Beyond The Garden. I also used, Daffodil Delight, and Rose Red card stocks, and added bling in the middle of my flower (the Fancy Flower XL punch) with a pretty clear rhinestone brad. I love seam binding ribbon and I used the Rose Red. It is a simple, but very bright cheery card that can be used for so many different occasions.

Lets Journey To The Open Sea...

This was a fun card using once again, the Open Sea stamp set along with the Word Play stamp set. This was also made in stamp club. We used cherry cobbler, whisper white and not quite navy cardstock, along with the jumbo brads, and the NEW bakers twine. We colored the stamp with the SU markers in coordinating colors and stamped the background image in early espresso and also inked around the card with the same ink. We also used the "sanded" background" stamp. Isn't it awesome? Another great masculine card.

A Cool Masculine Card Idea!

I had stamp club this last Tuesday. We made some very cool things. Jenny just rocks with her ideas galore. Here is one of them I just had to share. It is a gift card holder using the stamp set from the new mini catalog, called "The Open Sea". I wasn't sure if I'd like this set.. although I did order it. I don't have many masculine stamp sets. After the projects we made Tuesday night, I was happy that i did purchase this set. It is one of my favorites. Now, if I could just get myself a boat to sail around in all summer, I'd be set! LOL Here is the card/gift holder we made complete with "belly band". This is a great card for guys for not only Father's Day, but also birthdays and graduation and more! Think outside the box :)

 The inside of the card holder (customize to what you'd like it to say!)

I'll post another card we made, tomorrow, using The Open Sea stamp set.. the DSP is just as pretty, just sayin!

A Sign Of Spring!

I need to get my butt cheeks into my stamping studio.. but lately, with the few days of good weather, I've made good use of it.. getting the yard groomed for the season. Lots to do.. ! I thought Id share a few pictures with you. I am getting the pool ready to go, and I thought this was so cute. While filling the pool, my cocker spaniels, Ruby and Krystal found the water quite fascinating. I didn't capture on camera, but my younger one, Krystal, accidentally fell into the pool. It was a quick splash and being the "mom' I am reached in and grabbed her quickly. I think it scared me more than her. :) She is OK.. after wrapping her in a towel and cuddling with her she was right back to her ole mischief self. Enjoy your day.. I have stamp club tonight and I'm so looking forward to it!

 Ruby was quite fascinated with her reflection in the water.

 Krystal was watching the water fill the pool.

Apparently Ruby's water bowl isn't good enough. This water just is way too tempting as she grabs a drink. Have a great day!

Happy Mothers Day!

I was out for a bit today.. enjoying the sunshine. I decided to take a few pictures. Happy Mothers Day!

 I don't have kiddos .. but I do have furr babies.. these are my kids, Krystal & Ruby....

THE Summer Mini Catalog !

It's here and its ready to get into your hot little hands. Lots of neat goodies!! Check it out HERE . I'm getting ready for the hockey game.. I'm a huge Detroit Red Wings fan.. Go Wings! Have a super Sunday!

Psst.. want the recipes for those things you love in the catalog, then click HERE .