June 22, 2012

It has been a very busy past few weeks.  After our Belgium friends went home, we had a week to clean house and get ready for the next wave of relatives. A younger sister and her two daughters came up from California for a visit.  We used to see them every April when we traveled to San Francisco area to do a show, but since our retirement, we haven't seen them in two years. It was great to see them again! (Hubby could not come with them due to work.)

They were here for five days. They visited friends my sister hasn't seen in years, other relatives and weather permitting, we all went shopping and to the park. I also created scrapbooks with the girls to give them something to do.

Vivian and Charlotte with their scrapbook pages before binding, about 15 pages each.  Took two days to get these put together, but they both enjoyed it.  Vivian is 5-1/2 and Charlotte is 11.

Charlotte with her completed scrapbook containing photos of their trip.

Vivian with her scrapbook. They both did very well.  Next time they visit, I will teach them how to do greeting cards.


Here's a big question I'd like to pose to all my readers -- what has the past decade of economic recession done for your card making hobby?  I know we have lost quite a few scrapbooking stores here in the Puget Sound region of Seattle, Washington, USA.  One closed due to retirement and the daughters who grew up working in the store did not want to take it over.  The other closed due to the passing of the owner and the daughter not having the same passion to continue the store.  So in my local area, there is only one scrapbooking store open, and Brooke is working hard to keep it open. She has expanded her stock in order to make up somewhat for the loss of the other two local stores.  She has wonderful classes scheduled on a regular basis.  To go to any other store, I have to travel 20 minutes or more. (Yeah, I'm spoiled with previously 4 stores within 10 minutes of my home.)  When Jan came over for a visit in late May, I took her to Urban Scrapbooker and she spent almost her entire allowance there.


After visiting Urban Scrapbooker, Jan and I went to Stampin' in the Rain.  I have not been to this wonderful little rubber stamp store in a long time.  When we walked in, I was not prepared for the shock of what I saw.  The store shelves were not as full as I bragged to Jan about.  Stock was pretty slim.  I asked the owner Kim what was up.  She said sales are way down and have been for about a year.  She was barely hanging on.  I felt terrible!  I've been wanting to come to the store for so long, but haven't been able to due to a family emergency this past year.  Kim said she is staying afloat due to special events and classes -- customers come out for those and buy, but not so much during regular business hours.

So I'm putting my pitch out there to everyone -- if you can, support your local scrapbooking and rubber stamp stores!  Once they are gone, they are gone!  If Kim goes out of business, for me to go to a dedicated rubber stamp store, I would have to go to Issaquah or Bellingham, both an hour away.  (I think a West Seattle store is still open, but then again, still a distance to travel.)  Urban Scrapbooker does have some rubber stamps, and Brooke has expanded her line, but there is nothing like walking into a store totally devoted to rubber stamps!  Michael's, JoAnne's and Hobby Lobby is no match for a devoted rubber stamp store.

So tell me, readers, what stores have gone out of business in your area?  Is it the recession, retirement or death of the owner?  Do you shop more on-line, or do you try to shop in retail stores if at all possible?  Drop me a line and let me know!  If you have a great scrapbooking and/or rubber stamp store you love in your area, let me know; I will check them out and blog them (credit to you, of course!).

If you have friends in the Puget Sound region of Seattle, Washington, send them to this blog and let them know about these two wonderful stores I've mentioned today.  We need to keep Stampin' in the Rain open.  Urban Scrapbooker at this point is not in any danger of closing, but we want to make sure she stays around.

Thanks for your part in supporting our local scrapbooking and rubber stamp stores!

PS -- I received lots of scrapbooking/greeting card materials for my birthday in late May. I just finally got my working table cleaned off and the goodies sorted and put away, so now I can get back to making cards.  Won't be today as I'm babysitting my 3½ year old nephew. Have a good weekend!

A personalized birthday party invitation for my 50th Birthday Party.  This is to my husband, so he could receive it at the last minute (and I could make it at the last minute which happens).  I actually waited to work on this card for a specific reason, but it is now finished. You've seen the other invitations for this party that I created earlier in May.  Then we were off to celebrate the party at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington. Wow -- has the zoo changed a lot in the past decade since we were last there.  On the card, the bright spot between "You're" and "Invited" is a silver bling that did not photograph well.

As an added bonus, I am entering this in a blog challenge sponsored by Perfect Sentiments.

Our Belgium friends arrived a couple of days after the zoo party, and we spent two fun days together. They always bring us goodies from Belgium, including Belgium chocolates! YUM!!  This year, they also brought scrapbooking stuff from a store that has good sales over there.  Some of these items we cannot get here in the US, or not that I've seen.  I mean, fringed paper ribbon?!  Their dazzles are a little different than ours, but will still be fun to work with.  I will enjoy creating cards with these wonderful Belgium goodies!

One of my younger sisters is coming up for a visit with her two daughters (husband staying home to work).  They will be here for awhile, so once they return home and I get caught up on emails and such, I hope to get back into the craft room and start making more cards.  Younger sister Jan also made sure I received some scrapbooking stuff for my birthday, so I will be using those as well in my card making.  Those cards will show up here eventually.

I am not really a scrapbooker, but I will make a scrapbook of my birthday.  After all, you hit 50 only once!

Stay tuned as I hope to get back to the blog to write about two wonderful rubber stamp retailers I adore.

Till next time!

May 21, 2012

Have you ever celebrated your birthday at your local zoo?  My 50th birthday is coming up, on May 30. I thought and I thought and I thought for months about what to do for my birthday. This was not just any ordinary celebration. I didn't want a black balloon/over-the-hill affair. I wanted to remember this milestone in my life and have happy thoughts connected to it. For years, my husband and I traveled the weekend of my birthday, which is nice, but we really didn't do anything special. Now that I am retired and we do not travel as much, last year we drove up around Camano and Whidbey Islands. We did have fun and enjoyed the trip. But this year has to be special.

I finally decided on a zoo party at our local Woodland Park Zoo.  I explored the website and discovered that quite a bit has changed since we were last there when the kids were in grade and middle school (they are now in their late 20's and early 30's). So after I had half an idea of what I wanted to do, I called the zoo party line and finalized the details of the party. Then off to make invitations (while watching the Kentucky Derby)....

The 50th Birthday Party Invitations are all made and mailed. They turned out great! Take a look:

Front of one invitation (they are all different). Used a Cricut banner from Reminisce Accents cartridge by Creative Memories. This is becoming by far my favorite cartridge. The giraffe tag and parrot sticker are from a collection by Cavallini & Co. These were carried by The Paper Zone; the local stores in our area closed down earlier this year. These are just adorable for scrapbooking and cards.

The inside of each card stating what the party is, date, time and location. The tag is different for each card.

 The back of each invitation has animals. Can't tell you what these are about as some of our party guests will be viewing this blog. The guests have to bring their invitations to find out what this is all about. This is not just my 50th birthday party, but also a time for the guests to relax and enjoy the event.

 The front of another invitation. Notice the bling in between "You're" and "Invited". These took a lot of lettering!

A third invitation. Paper came from a variety of sources, but all well matched.

And a fourth invitation. This bird tag and the other animal tags came from the same collection of animal tags and stickers.

I will post the other invitation cards next time.

A scrapbook of this party will be made complete with lots of photos, and related papers and theme as these cards. I will post a couple photos when it is completed.

Next time you want to have a special birthday party, check out your local Zoo!

* * * * * * * * *

New House Mouse challenge. The samples are just adorable, so get going on your contest entry. I will not be making one as you know what I'll be doing -- Birthday Party at the Zoo!


Reading back on some of my blog entries, I realized that I never did get those St. Patrick's Day cards made. I did not make any Easter cards either -- I mailed some I had made the previous year.  I did not get a Mother's Day card made, though I did call my mother. I am way behind in making birthday cards (again). Being sick with a nasty cold and infection, with seriously irritated asthma for two months sure puts a crimp in life.

I did get some banana bread made recently though.....

And yes, they were very yummy!!

Have you ever seen Basic Grey papers and Card Kits?  I love their stuff.  My local scrapbooking store and many other stores I've visited over the years carries their products.  Check out these wonderful papers and greeting card kits. When you want to do a few cards, but the brain isn't working right, then pull out a greeting card kit. When you buy your kits, choose the card kits that show cards you know you will use and that suit your taste.

See you right here in early June!

Hi Everyone --

It has been pretty busy around here.  Our craft show two weekends ago went very well. That lovely Iris card I made sold quickly as well as several other new cards (Peacock tile one of them). I will have to do a couple more of these cards as they were just too cute!! I am also happy to relate that older greeting cards, some of my sister's greeting cards, and some of my husband's etched glassware and handmade chocolates also sold. For a first-time show, it did very well.  We are already signed up to do next year's show.

If you are not aware, this Saturday, May 5th, is National Scrapbooking Day. I will have a 4-foot table set up in my front room so I can work on my 50th birthday party invitations while watching The Kentucky Derby.

If you wish to enter a scrapbook challenge, pop on over to my sister's blog Jan Wheatley and participate in the contest. If you win, let me know. Send along a photo of you and your award winning project and I will be happy to post on my blog.

Of course, check with your local scrapbooking store as they very well could be hosting a big party and huge sale -- Urban Scrapbooker in Edmonds, Washington is. My husband and I hope to make it over before the horse race (and his car race -- just in case we are delayed in town, we are recording both!).

Yes, check out these links above -- that is what they are for!!

Now, after a weekend full of scrapbooking and card making, what do you do if you've run low or completely out of supplies?  You pop on down to the Puyallup Rubber Stamp & Paper Arts Festival in Puyallup, Washington.  Heirloom Production hosts about 11 of these shows through the US each year, so be sure to check out the link and find out where your nearest Festival is. We have attended this show before and have spent quite a bit of money as there is so much to see and acquire that you cannot get at your local store. We will not be attending this year as we have other things to do -- like make birthday party invitations and get ready for the party! If you are able, this Rubber Stamp and Paper Arts Festival is not one to miss. If you are not able to go this year, get on their e-mail list and save up for next year!

So much to do, so little time. Have a great crafting weekend everyone!

This afternoon, I finished the cards I had started yesterday.

I was trying something new with The Lady in the Water rubber stamp. She is placed on a "Top Note". The next paper is Cuttlebug embossed using "Holly Ribbon" folder. I rubber stamped the new Tim Holtz "Wallpaper" on the card, then added ribbon to finish off the card.  Definitely different style for me.

Besides Peafowl, Flowers are my next favorite to work with. This "Hybrid Rose - Rosaceae" by PSX is done in Copic markers and Stickles Glitter Glue. The paper is from "Chanteuse Collection" paper pack by Kaiser Craft.

My Purple Roses are by Stampa Rosa, colored in Metallic Gelly Roll pens - Ice Cream Smooth set. This set of pens takes a little getting used to, but used with the right design, can be stunning!  I used a little Glitter Glue to enhance the roses and added 5 silver rhinestones. The background paper was colored using Tim Holtz Distressed Ink -- Broken China. When I went to trim this and add background paper, I just couldn't do it! Sometimes, you just need to let it be, so I Lace (by Martha Stewart) punched the card stock and slapped the design on it. Perfect! (The blue paper behind the lace is just to show you the lace punch; it is not a part of the card.)

Irises are my favorite flower (though I love all flowers)! These Irises are by Art Impression, colored using Copic Markers and Glitter Glue to enhance the flowers. Paper was again inked using Broken China. Background papers are from two different "bitty ScrapPads -- Backgrounds and Heritage Post" by Kathy Griffiths/Provo Craft.

Now I get to start new cards tomorrow.

The House Mouse greeting card I posted earlier today -- I have entered it in the House Mouse Sweet Challenge.  Check out their blog and all the other great cards being entered!

Hi Everyone! 

Getting ready for our Spring Craft Fair this weekend in Shoreline, Washington, USA.  I've been working the past couple weeks (between babysitting the nephew, paying bills, doing taxes, etc.) on greeting cards to sell at the show. I only completed 19 thus far to add to the stock, but they are cute.  All my greeting cards are 5 X 6 -1/2 inches, and blank inside. (The shine / sheen on the cards are due to them already being packaged in clear plastic sleeves, ready for sale, when I took the photos.)  We will see many of these completed cards here today. Enjoy!

This is "Amanda" House Mouse from Stampabilities.  Love those big truffles!  I used Copic markers on her. Yes, I need to get additional colors. I've only been collecting these markers for a few short months, so have a long way to go before I have all of them.

I love Peafowl!  This new "Papercut Peacock" rubber stamp by Inkadinkado is one our local scrapbooking store, Urban Scrapbooker, just got in.  Isn't he pretty?  I used Metallic Gel Ink pens to enhance his feathers. Notice the pink paper behind -- using my Cuttlebug, I embossed with the new "Animal Prints", Peacock design, by Provo Craft. The saying, "Friendship adds Beauty to our Lives..." is from the Proud Peacock set by Stampendous.

This "Peacock Tiles" I picked up months ago; it's by Impression Obsession.  Urban Scrapbooker still has a few in stock.   I used Metallic Gel Ink pens on the bird and Copic Markers on the tree branches and flowers. This is stamped on plain white paper that had been inked with Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Vintage Photo color. I love the effect -- I will have to pick up additional colors!  The purple background paper has been embossed using the new "Courtship" folder by Couture Creations.

A very simple, basic Thank You card using dry emboss method on a brass template, inking over to get the image.  That's Stampin' Up's Big Shot "Top Note" behind the Thank You.  I used stock floral paper for the background and a green swirl paper Flower by Prima. It adds a very nice touch.

After dry embossing this cute little fairy, I used pastel chalk over the brass template.   Two small roses in the lower left were added.

I dry embossed the seashell and small sea creatures and shells on the bottom using a brass template and pastel chalk for coloring. Adding the blue Splash ribbon is a nice touch. Notice the burgandy Top Note behind the main seashell adds just a touch of class to any greeting card theme. The small "blings" add just a touch of sparkle.

A yummy cornucopia done in pastel chalks over brass template is ready for this year's Thanksgiving.  It is not possible to dry embossed on most colored paper; they are often too heavy. Light colored paper or white works best for dry embossing.  My pastel chalks are from The Stencil Collection.  Keep using these chalks, and I will have to get a new set soon.

We cannot forget the men in our lives.  For the fisherman and duck hunter in your family, these two cards are ready for birthdays or Father's Day. They are both dry embossed with pastel chalk using brass templates. The background papers are just regular stock, but with a natural theme to them (the fishing card paper looks like a fish basket).

For Mother's Day, give Mom this Rose greeting card. It is dry embossed and pastel chalk using brass template.  I found this paper in my stash; the hummingbird in top right is a part of the paper and a nice touch to the card.  A fibrous string is added for a final touch.

The babies are a'coming! I've been to one baby shower this month; baby is due in late May.  This is a great card for the baby girl coming in your life! After dry embossing the buggy and images above using a brass template, I colored the buggy with regular markers, but the trinkets above are colored using "Glazed Dimensions" by The Stencil Company (link above with Thankgiving card).  This technique gives the design a Stained Glass Window effect.  This technique does not work with every design, but it works here. I will also be using the Glazed Dimensions on a floral card I am working on; will show that on the blog later this week when I finish it.

Not only are Peafowl big with my customers, but Asian themes as well, like this Crane. He is dry embossed and then colored using the pastel chalks. A pretty blue ribbon adds a nice touch.  Working with the Pastel Chalks is messy and difficult.  The chalk likes to go everywhere, so a good eraser designed specifically for the chalk helps keep the artwork as clean as possible. Finished product usually ends up with a soft "haze", and that's okay.

A simple Dove with Branches dry embossing and pastel chalk for a cute little Happy Birthday card. This is a smaller size card.

When I dry embossed and pastel chalk colored this card, I knew I wanted the flowers in a frame of some sort.  I could not find one in my stash -- didn't have a cutter/punch big enough.  What was I going to do?  Ah -- Cricut!  My younger sister gave me her first Cricut since I have never owned one and she had a much more current one; she didn't use her first one much anymore. Due to unexpected events last summer since we got the Cricut, I have not had a chance to use it. So I dug it out, looked at the Cricut cartridges I borrowed from my sister, and.....Nothing!  Oh wait, I bought a cartridge a few months ago.  Pulling it out, I looked at the images and remembered why I bought this cartridge -- I just love the designs!  The two-tone green frame around the roses in vase above was created using the "Reminisce Accents" Cricut cartridge by Creative Memories. I added the three green jewels for added bling. The butterfly background paper is from "the Mariposa stack" by DCWV.  Now that I have the Cricut machine set up, I plan on using it for future greeting cards.  If you are interested, my sister's greeting card blog is http://tweetybugshouse.wordpress.com/. She is a designer for several companies.  Enjoy her work!

Last, this stylish Peacock is from the "Circle of Love" set by Close to My Heart. I picked this up at the CKC convention two years ago. It was on my "Must Get" list.  He is colored in Metallic Ink Pens with a couple added bling.  The purple background paper has been embossed with my Cuttlebug using the Animal Prints (Peacock) folder.

I have three gorgeous floral cards on my work table that I am waiting to dry before I put them together.  I have another floral card and several owl cards to hopefully complete before the craft show.  My husband will have his etched glassware and homemade chocolates available as well.  Hope to see some of you there!

See you next time!

Busy making greeting cards for a Spring Craft Show next weekend in Shoreline, Washington. See website for show details. http://www.norkingspringfling.com/ My husband will also have his etched glassware and handmade chocolates available. Hope to see you there!

I will put up some of my new cards later this week.

March 23, 2012

Happy Birthday to my Mom! Happy Wedding Anniversary to two of my siblings and their spouses!  Happy Birthday to a younger sister and a nephew!  All this month!

I also have several friends who have birthdays  as well. Here is a Birthday Card I made for a close friend whose birthday is Saturday. The papers are from Once Upon a Springtime by PineCone Press. I added the ribbon, bling in the flowers and sentiments. Gave my friend the card yesterday, and she loves it!  She and her husband are going to the coast for a week. She takes her birthday cards and sets them out on display at the vacation condo so she can enjoy them all week long! Wonderful idea!

I am also submitting this design for the Flutter By Wednesday's challenge.

This card is a 5 X 5 inch tri-fold. I love making them, and they look great when finished.

Several weeks ago, I attended the local Sewing & Stitchery Expo with my sister-in-law.  She quilts and I cross stitch.  I do turn quite a bit of my small cross stitch projects into greeting cards, which are well received by recipients. If you wish to see some of those stitched greeting cards, check out my website: http://nwstitcheryclub.weebly.com/index.html 

If you are into Pinterest, I have quite a few greeting card ideas posted. I will also attached some of the cards I've done. I even have a couple photos of our kitties.

Back to the Sewing & Stitchery Expo -- After the Expo, I stopped off at Scrapbook Nook, a store I have not been able to visit in a couple of years. I found some good items for future greeting cards. Feel free to stop into their store when you are in the area.

All for today.  Income Tax Return time is coming up quickly, so until I get those done, I am not going to have much time to work on cards.  Keep checking back though, as you never know when I can sneak in a few hours!

It is a new month and birthdays are a'plenty in my family for March. Here is my first card for my sister-in-law's birthday (which is today, March 1).

Materials used:
6-1/2 X 5" Ivory card stock, opening at bottom.
Plain green card stock, rounded corners and edged in purple.
Purple ribbon that bends around back of green card stock.
Bottom embossing is A2 border Organic Florish (#37-1922) using my Cuttlebug; I've colored the florish by brushing Color Box Cat's Eyes Chalk Inks over the top, using Wisteria and Lime Pastel colors.
Image is Stampabilities House Mouse Grape Dreams with Mudpie (#HMGR1003).
In coloring Mudpie, I used Copics Markers, #BV00, C3, E33, G07, R20, V17 and YG03. I love to work with glitter glue, so I added Stickle's Firefly and Stickle's Glitz Grape. As a final touch, I added two Amber blings.

Simple, yet enjoyable!

Keep checking back as I have more cards to do this month for mom, sister, brother, nephew and several friends. If we continue to have snow, I may have more time to do cards.

Since our family has Irish background through our mom, maybe I can get a St. Patrick's Day card or more done. With Easter coming in April, hopefully, I can get a head start on those as well. Then there is Mother's Day in May with birthdays in both months. Boy, am I going to be busy!

Catch you all later.