Sunday, May 31, 2009

Secret Life of Sayings Sunday!

Wow ... I can't believe that I have not posted since last Sunday! How time flies when you're busy doing other things ... hehehe. I must admit that now I'm completely engaged in another part of my life and have not really found time to stamp, except for Tuesday's when my girlfriend and I get together for a full day of stamping ... thank goodness for that! I'm hoping to try and balance all the things I enjoy doing so that I can continue to share with all of you! In the meantime, here is another week of Secret Life of Sayings and I hope you enjoy!

Have you ever wondered where certain expressions, sayings and adages come from? Well, "we use them everyday, but how often do we stop to think about where they come from?". I came across an assortment of these little tidbits, actually a whole 52 weeks worth. I've decided to share one with you each week for the next year. All this is meant to be is 'fun reading' and I do hope you find these as interesting and informative as I have. Note: excerpts taken from UP INC. 2009 Calendar - About the publication: Designed and written by Up Inc. Printed by Flash Reproductions, an FSC-certified printer.

Expressions Exposed

WEEK #23 (Sun. May 31-Sat. June 6/09) - Honeymoon

"Why is the post-wedding voyage, or time period, called a honeymoon? A European tradition was for a new father-in-law to give mead--a beer-like drink made from fermented honey--to his new son-in-law. How much mead? Enough to fuel him (and her) for the entire first month of marriage. This, after all, was believed to make him virile and his wife fertile. If not tipsy. And because of the lunar-based calendar that ruled the day, this period was referred to as "honey month" or honey moon."

Until Next time,

Sunday, May 24, 2009

The Secret Life of Sayings Sunday!

It seems that I have had a little lapse in time from my last blog posting. I'm staying true however to my Secret Life of Sayings on Sundays! I have been MIA for the past week almost and partly because I've lost my mojo ... not feeling too 'into' things as you can all relate I'm sure! I'm hoping to get back to my little routine soon, until then take care and happy stamping!

Have you ever wondered where certain expressions, sayings and adages come from? Well, "we use them everyday, but how often do we stop to think about where they come from?". I came across an assortment of these little tidbits, actually a whole 52 weeks worth. I've decided to share one with you each week for the next year. All this is meant to be is 'fun reading' and I do hope you find these as interesting and informative as I have. Note: excerpts taken from UP INC. 2009 Calendar - About the publication: Designed and written by Up Inc. Printed by Flash Reproductions, an FSC-certified printer.

Expressions Exposed

WEEK #22 (Sun. May 24-Sat. May30/09) -Let the cat out of the bag

"Unscrupulous traders at medieval farmers' markets were known to sell customers a pig, hidden in a bag, with instructions to keep the bag tied until they were some distance away from the bustle, to avoid upsetting the pig inside. These gullible buyers would later open the bag to find (surprise!) a cat, which was of no value. As a result, letting the cat out of the bag was to reveal the secret of the con. The con must have been popular, because it has also left us with a pig in a poke (an offer accepted without careful examination) and the act of being left holding the bag (presumably, after the cat is let out)."

Once again I hope you enjoyed reading!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Have a tee-rific day!

Well this past weekend was very busy for me ... we celebrated two birthday's on Sunday and so I was preparing a couple of gifts for this occasion! So my 'better half', Jeff is celebrating his birthday on May 26, his brother celebrated his 30th birthday on May 18th (yesterday) and I made them each a little something. Nigel (Jeff's brother) is an avid golfer so I came up with the idea of giving him a basket of golf balls! Here's the thing though, it's not an ordinary basket of golf balls ... there are '30' golf balls in total (hence celebrating his 30th) and each golf ball was engraved with his name, each year of his birthday and the age he celebrated for each year. Let me show you ...
























Okay ... so do you get the idea? Here is a photo of the basket with all the golf balls ...The only orange one has 2009 on it with the number 30 to represent this years birthday. How I did it ... I thought, and I thought, and I thought ... then it came to me. I thought, could I print on tissue paper? So I tried and guess what ... it worked! After I printed everything out onto tissue paper I cut each one out and then used Modge Podge to stick the tissue paper on. Some of them are a little more noticeable than others but, I think you really have to take a very close look and also be a PERFECTIONIST to notice! LOL.
The card was made using a stamp set from Clear Dollar Stamps LLC and it's called Golf Set which is perfect in my opinion for the avid golfer! I just love the fact that it has a "golf ball" and a "tee" and that I was able to make everything match! Oh by the way ... the colours chosen (orange & black) are the birthday boys favourite colours!
For the golf ball on the card, I printed out his name, year and number on white card stock and then stamped the golf ball image over it. I then used a VersaMarker and coloured over the whole golf ball, added clear emboss powder and then heat set and punched it out with a circle punch. I basically did the same thing for the golf tee. The grass is from another CDS set called Mini Silhouette Scapes which is stamped on cs and then cut out and mounted with foam dots.Here's one final photo of everything together ...
All in all he LOVED this gift and was touched by the effort that went into this and that in itself is enough for me. Making gifts that friends and family truly appreciate is such a wonderful feeling! Hope you all enjoyed and thank you so much for stopping by!
Until Next time,

Monday, May 18, 2009

CDS Weekend Color Challenge Featured Stamper

HAPPY VICTORIA DAY!

Forgive me as I almost forgot to post today since we are all outside enjoying our very sunny, very warm Victoria Day Monday ... which is a holiday for us!

So for this week's featured stamper from the Clear Dollar Stamps Weekend Color Challenge, . I have chosen Grace Nywening's card using Charlie Gardens. The colours that I had chosen were Old Olive, Tangerine Tango and So Saffron and here it is ...

So what do you think? I love this ... the colours work so well with the garden she created with Charlie ... and OMGosh have you noticed the little watering can??? It is 'ever so cute' isn't it! How about her use of the embossing folders and the Nesties. I also love how she offset her little brads just to have everything come together so nicely!

A great big thank you to all that decided to join us this past weekend and make sure to check out what Cassie will come up with for this coming Friday!

So ... back to my gardening I go ... I still have so many beautiful flowers to help plant with my mother-in-law!

Until Next time,

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Secret Life of Sayings Sunday!

Happy Sunday everyone ... it's an extra happy Sunday because tomorrow is the Victoria Day long weekend for us Canadians! That means Monday is a holiday .. Yippee!

Have you ever wondered where certain expressions, sayings and adages come from? Well, "we use them everyday, but how often do we stop to think about where they come from?". I came across an assortment of these little tidbits, actually a whole 52 weeks worth. I've decided to share one with you each week for the next year. All this is meant to be is 'fun reading' and I do hope you find these as interesting and informative as I have. Note: excerpts taken from UP INC. 2009 Calendar - About the publication: Designed and written by Up Inc. Printed by Flash Reproductions, an FSC-certified printer.

Expressions Exposed

WEEK #21 (Sun. May 17-Sat. May 23/09) -Put a sock in it

Put a sock in it derives from the early gramophone technology, which lacked volume control. If things got too loud, a listener would literally put a sock in it--it being the trumpet part of the device. Rather than the outright rudeness of "shut up." with which it's synonymous today, the expression actually comes from a polite request to turn it down."

Have a great weekend and ...

Until Next time,

Friday, May 15, 2009

CDS Weekend Color Challenge #19

Hey there ... it's my turn to host the Clear Dollar Stamps Weekend Color Challenge! I hope you can join in on the fun, so you should head over to Paper Craft Planet or just clink on the link above and will bring you straight this weekends challenge.

I decided to go with the following colours: Old Olive, Tangerine Tango and So Saffron and white as your neutral. If you don't have these Stampin' Up! colours don't worry because you can use any card stock of similar colour. So basically you will want a deep yellowish green, bright orange and a muted or soft yellow, whatever you have is good enough!


So here is what I came up with using these colours ...Okay so first off if you are wondering what the background is made of or what kind of paper it is, let me explain. I love going over to StampTV and checking out the latest techniques that Gina is showcasing in her video tutorials. The one from last week was an old one, but a great one called Shaving Cream technique ... I know you've heard of it! I know I have, but this was only the second time I've attempted this ... first being in the post just below this one! heheheThe stamp set that I used from Clear Dollar Stamps is called Beautiful Butterflies and that it is! This particular image in the set is my absolute favourite ... I just love that mini little flourish with the flowers etched in the stamp.I stamped the butterfly twice onto sturdy white card stock (from GinaK-Pure Luxury 120lb) and cut one of the butterflies out and the other punched out with a circle punch. I used scalloped circle nesties under it and then layered that onto an old olive piece of card stock punched out with the Giga oval punch by Marvy Uchida.So when I finished with my shaving cream technique and took a closer look at the design I was stunned by the effect I got. Can you tell me what you think this looks like? If you don't know ... I'll tell you what I think it so closely resembles ... a stem with leaves! I was just amazed at how cool it looks so I made sure that I would not cover up this part! heheheThis last photo to share with you is a close up of the gem that I used for the center of the one of the little flowers on the butterfly. This green gem is actually made of glass as is so beautiful when it shines in the light ... it just sparkles all different colours ... it's so, so pretty!

RECIPE - STAMPS: Beautiful Butterflies (CDS), Medley of Gratitude (CDS-special edition and not for sale) CARD STOCK: Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, So Safron, white (SU!) INK: Tangerine Tango, Old Olive ACCESSORIES & TOOLS: Old Olive, Only Orange, So Saffron reinkers (SU!), shaving cream, Scallop border punch (SU!), Pumpkin Pie 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, 2" circle punch (M.U.), scallop circle nesties (Spellbinder), Giga 3" Oval scallop punch (M.U.), Small oval punch (SU!)

I hope you enjoyed and remember this challenge goes all weekend until 9:00PM Sunday night where someone will be chosen to have their card featured on my blog come Monday morning!

Thanks for stopping by!

Until Next time,

Lemonade 50¢

I was honored by two fellow stamper/crafters with this Lemonade Stand award for a blogger who shows great attitude and gratitude! Wow ... it's so nice to know that others think of me in this way!Now, how perfect is this Award with summer soon approaching! I remember the days when I was young and actually had (on several occasions) made myself a lemonade stand. Of course though, way back then, my glass of lemonade had sold for ... I believe like 5¢ or 10¢, talk about inflation. hehehe Actually 50¢ seems pretty cheap even today! LOL

Anyhow, I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to Rochelle from I stamp, I create, I have fun! for thinking of me especially since this was her very first award! I have also received the same award from Kristina at Itty Bitty Pieces of Me and feel very thankful that she as well thought of me for this super award! Thank you so much ladies!

Please go and have a visit at each of these ladies ... their blogs are truly worth visiting!

The rules of the award (To pick up the Lemonade Stand Award):

- Comment on this blog.

- Cut and paste the award logo and use it in your own blog.

- Nominate 5 to 10 blogs you feel show great attitude and gratitude.

- Link to your nominees within your blog post.

- Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received the award.

- Link back to the person who gave you the award to show your appreciation.


My Nominees:

Wendy Bond - Bond Girl Bliss

Ange Kelly - Creative Inspirations

Dawne Marie - Dawne's Special Creations

Emily Wundrock - Emily's Expressions

Jenny - Pinch of Paisley Designs

Karen Giron - the sweetest thing

Katie Renz - My Paper Haven

Linda Borneman - My Little Yellow Cottage

Nancy - Inkcicles

Nancy Riley - iSTAMP

Shawne - Paper Art from Studio 313

Stacy Morgan - Twinshappy

Oops ... I think I went over the 10 nominees, well the thing is I love each and everyone of these talented ladies and believe you will also once you have a chance to visit their blogs and see how amazing they all are!

What a great day it is ... just loving life ... and happy for no reason! Have yourselves a super duper weekend!

Until Next time,

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

StampTV - Technique Challenge ...

**NOTE** I have 3 posts for today ... thought I would just to 'nuts' and post all the latest, so make sure to scroll down!


Last weeks technique challenge by Gina over at StampTV was 'Shaving Cream'. I know this technique has been around for ages, but believe it or not in all my years of stamping and crafting I have never actually tried this technique!!!

I finally decided to give it a try and knew exactly what I wanted to create. I just received my new stamp set from GinaK Designs called Guiding Light and thought this technique would go perfect for a background paired with the light house image. Here's my card ...I have to admit this turned out better than I had envisioned. I used Night of Navy and Bashful Blue reinkers from SU! for my colour choices. I have to admit that I am hooked on this technique now ... I wonder what other cool techniques I'm missing out on! heheheI apologize for the quality (poor lighting) for this photo ... not sure what is going on, but I'll have to check that out at another time! I coloured the image with Copics-as I've given them a little break lately. For the beam of light I simply placed two pieces of scrap paper over the image on angels and used a sponge to fill in the colour. For an added touch I wrapped some twine around the card in hopes of making it look a little more masculine. Overall I like the way it turned out, and I suggest if you're like me ... don't put off to tomorrow what you can do today! Look at what you could be missing out on ... hehehe, go and give this technique a try it really is FUN to do and Gina has an awesome video tutorial for you to get started.

RECIPE - STAMPS: Guiding Light (GinaK Designs) CARD STOCK: Pure Luxury 80lb. white (GinaK Designs), Night of Navy (SU!) INK: Night of Navy, Yoyo Yellow (SU!) MARKERS: Copics - B39, B34, B32, R59, R29, C7, C5, C3, C1, C0, 0 ACCESSORIES & TOOLS: Night of Navy & Bashful Blue reinkers (SU!), Shaving Cream, Lg. Deckled Rectangle Nesties, twine, sponge, foam tape

Thanks for stopping by!

Until Next time,

Mojo Monday ...

So have you had a chance to go over to Mojo Monday-the blog and see all the winners for last Monday's challenge? You really should, I just spent a few minutes looking at some of the winners and the top 19 picks and must say they are all stunning!


This past Monday is Mojo #86 and of course I played as this is another of my favourite sketches! Thanks Julee for the inspiration :)and here's mine ...I don't have very many Verve stamps so I went back to the Petals & Stems (I noticed it's on sale!) set for this layout. I added the ribbon bow for the center flower to make it look like the leaves on the stem. I used a flower punch from All Nights Media and curled the petals to give it more dimension then added a stamped polka dot centred which I punched out with a 1/4" circle punch.I really like the dimension I got for these cute little flowers.and lastly one other shot from another angle ...The Happy Birthday tag was made using a stamp from Clear Dollar Stamps -but is not available for sale, it's a special edition for past design team members. I discovered that these little sentiments fit just perfectly in the oval punches from SU!

RECIPE - STAMPS: Petals & Stems (Verve Stamps), A Medley of Gratitude (CDS-Special Edition) CARD STOCK: Pretty in Pink (SU!), Pure Luxury white 120lb. (GinaK Designs), Fairest of them all-Enchanted Garden (Imaginisce) INK: Versa Magic Aloe Vera, Pixie Pink dew drops (Tuskineko), Pretty in Pink (SU!) ACCESSORIES & TOOLS: Green satin ribbon (Michael's), sm. oval punch & eyelet border punch (SU!), foam dots, flower punch (All Nights Media)

I want to thank you for stopping by and visiting my blog ... I hope you enjoyed!

Until Next time,

Sweet Sunday ... Just for you!

Hi everyone ... as you all know Sweet Sunday Sketch by Karen Giron is one of my favourite sketch challenges and this past Sundays sketch is no exception. Here is her wonderful sketch and you can also check out her blog at 'the sweetest thing' ...and here is my card ...Well, once again I decided to use stuff that I don't usually use or have never used YET! All supplies are from Stampin' Up! for this card ... actually every single thing! hehehe I used Polka Dot Punches stamps, and Oval All which believe it or not were still not mounted or inked! I also used Iced Circle rhinestone brads that I have not used until today ... goes to show you how much 'stuff' one can have and never lay hands on! LOLI was quite impressed with myself for being able to create a card with only SU! supplies. I know I'm a demonstrator, but actually only as a hobbiest and mostly for the discount ... shhhhh, our little secret! I really like the simple but cute look of the little 'flower' I made! The little oval tag was coloured with Stampin' Write marker so I could add both colours and also because I don't have the new scalloped oval punch yet!

RECIPE - STAMPS: Polka Dot Punches, Oval All (Stampin' Up!) CARD STOCK: Bashful Blue, Sahara Sand, Delicate Dots DSP, W White (SU!) INK: Bashful blue (SU!) ACCESSORIES & TOOLS: Scallop circle punch, 1 1/4" & 1 3/8" circle punches, Bashful blue Taffeta ribbon, Certainly Celery 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Ice Circles rhinestone brads, Bashful Blue & Certainly Celery Stampin' Write markers (All supplies Stampin' Up!)

Well I hope you enjoyed and if you have a chance to stop by Karen's blog ... do so you'll just lover her work!

Until Next time,