Over the past month, I've been working here and there in cleaning out my craft room and rearranging things in an effort to make the space more usable and efficient.  When you acquire more material, the old space just doesn't work as well.  About half done now.  No cleaning this weekend as I need to get some cards done -- 2 Graduations, a Thank You, a Baby card and some Mother's Day cards.

In cleaning up my work table so I could create, I found a rubber stamp I didn't think I had -- it wasn't on my list.  List?  Yes, I have a list -- of all the rubber stamps, templates, inks, pens, glitter glues, paper packs/pads, etc., I own so I do not pick up duplicates.  You're all familiar with that, right?  Thus my list.  I checked my list, and discovered that all the rubber stamps, templates and embossing folders and die cuts on that table were not on the list!  I think it is updated now, so I can create once again....

First, let me show you a birthday card I did for younger sister Jan back in March. Besides Penguins and Tweety, she also loves Fairies, so this is quite appropriate for her.

The 5-layered Fairy came from a pack of layered patterns from The Netherlands, compliments of our Belgium friends.  Each layer of the Fairy is hand cut.  Base paper is Bloemen (Btossoms; i.e., Blossoms) Block 14 (StudioLight in The Netherlands).  My Dutch is a little rusty, but I believe the translations are correct.  The stock red paper was embossed with Ornate Frame (sizzix #656989).  Butterfly ribbon (craft smart), and Pink and Silver stars (The Netherlands) completes this cute birthday card.

This adorable Baby Boy card with Bear comes from the same Netherlands layered pack -- and each layer is hand cut, up to 5 layers.  Base paper is Baby Boy (me&mybigideas).  Stock maroon paper Top Note die cut (stampin' up).  The white paper Doily is brushed with Tim Holtz Salty Ocean distressed ink.  Blue stock ribbon and black Train brad complete the card.  For once, I completed a card well in advance, like 3 months early.  The baby is due in early June.

I also wanted to play with my embossing powders yesterday.  I had purchased a couple of new powders at the Sew & Stitchery Expo in late February, and wanted to see how they compete with the Ranger embossing powders I currently use.  I haven't made cards with them yet, and will post photos when completed.

Here is the card I completed yesterday with the Ranger silver embossing powder, Butterflies and Apple Blossoms:

Silver Embossed powder on green marbled paper, edged with French Blue (cats eyes).  Butterflies and Apple Blossoms are all colored with Copic markers and Gelly Roll glitter pens for highlights.  Adhered with pop dots.  Green lace ribbon (the paper studio) completes the card.

Last Saturday, I taught a (postage) stamp greeting card class at a stamp show in our area (see earlier postings).  I had three students, who thoroughly enjoyed the class.

This is the first time Jack has ever attempted a paper craft project.  He caught on quickly, did a great job on making his cards, and he thoroughly enjoyed the experience!  Some of his cards will be used as birthday cards for his mother and sister.

Gina is a school teacher, and hoped that what she learned in class, she could apply to the classroom.  Her husband is a stamp collector, so she was under no time restraints to complete her cards.  She enjoyed the class immensely, and her husband was impressed by the completed cards.

Lisa is a beginner card maker and is at the level we all start at -- basic papers and punch-outs.  She took the class to improve her skill and loved what she was learning!

Lisa learning to use an adhesive runner instead of glue.  All the students agreed the adhesive runners are a lot better than glue of any sort.

Jack proudly showing a completed card.

Lisa showing off one of her completed cards.

All three students did a great job with their cards!  They all want another class with at least one card a Christmas/Holiday greeting card.  Before the class even started, one of my sample cards was sold by my husband!  Customer agreed to pick up the card after the class.  After class, I left the remaining sample cards on the table with the flyer for that class.  Several customers and vendors' wives inquired about the class.  It appears I may well have a full class come July, when we will have it next at the Evergreen Stamp Show in Kent, Washington.

After the class ended, Lisa brought out several items to ask for advice in how to use.  Then she brought out this:

I've been making greeting cards for about 10 years and have not seen this paper pack (or just missed it on the store shelves).  I got a kick out of it and took a photo.  I posted a "remember this?" message with photo to DCWV Facebook page.  We are all getting a kick out of older items.  Thanks Lisa!

I still need to work up samples for the North Sound class, of which I have 7 people interested in taking.  I was hoping to have the class before Mother's Day, but it does not appear that will happen.  Just too many things going on (including a broken shower and broken dishwasher, former fixed today, latter fixed on Tuesday).

Our Belgium friends will be in town in a few weeks, so we can't wait to see what goodies they are bringing.  Rest assured, we have goodies for them....This year, we get only one day together, so we will definitely try to make the most of it.