Brenda's Stamping Corner

OCCASIONS MINI and SALE-A-BRATION MINI are Now Available

2012-01-30T08:59:00.000-08:00

Check out the beautiful new items in the Occasions Mini and this year's Sale-A-Bration Mini now. Click on the images on the right -- the link will take you right there.

New Big Shot items, new accessories, new stamp sets and more. Let me know what you think, I love all of it, although you probably already know that would be my responses, lol.

Enjoy and have a great day!

Be Sure to Come Back for Sneak Peeks

2011-08-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

My pre-order from the Holiday Mini arrives today and I will begin playing with all my new toys and will be posting teasers about all the great new products over the next few days!

Be sure to ask your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for a copy of the new Holiday Mini when it becomes available on September 1st. You WILL NOT want to miss out on this one!

If you currently do not have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and want a copy of the new Holiday Mini be sure to check the SU website to locate a demonstrator near you OR contact me, I'd love to hear from you!

Have a great day everyone!

VC Rockers' ROCK

2011-08-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

Part of being a member of VC Rocks each Spring/Summer is having the opportunity of attending classes. So far this year I've only been able to attend one class and I was booted out of the Lattice class that Robin M. hosted.

I have been wanting to learn this technique for quite a while and I will be reviewing Robin's notes later this month, but I was super thrilled when Shirley N. posted her Lattice cards with instructions today on her blog, Now I have two places to go for inspiration!

Here are the great cards Shirley made and be sure to visit her blog for the instructions on how to make these.

Thanks so much Shirley for the instructions. Can't wait to create a card using this technique!

Clear Mount Tutorials by Mary Fish

2011-07-22T06:08:00.000-07:00

At the Stampin' Up! Convention last week, we learned about two of the new products in the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog, the Clear Block Cleaning Cloth and the Clear-Mount Perfectly Placed Guides.

Mary Fish, a fantastic Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, has prepared a video showing how to use these two products and a 3"x3" card she made. Thank you Mary for all your hard work and effort in providing this video. It is awesome!

Mary also has a video she prepared in December 2010 showing tips on how to use the clear mount. Again, thank you Mary for providing another great tutorial.

And, if you are curious how Mary creates these beautiful 3"x3" scalloped notecards, you will be pleasantly pleased to learn she has prepared a video presentation on how to create them.

Mary, you are the best!

Thank you so much!

Isn't This Gorgeous

2011-07-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

Saw this beautiful card created by Carol Gilmore from Albuquerque, NM. She created it to submit it to SU as a WOW or Over the Top Card. Isn't it absolutely beautiful. Way to go Carol.

Note: Card was made with exclusive stamps, paper, and accessories from Stampin' Up!

2011 Stampin' Up! Convention Starts

2011-07-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

VC Rockers Rock!!!!

Many of the VC Rock Members met up on Wednesday afternoon and swapped. Everyone had a great time and the cards were FANTASTIC!!!!!!

Here is a pic of our Roving Reporters from Convention -- Shari Dudek and Carey Rogers (aka Roscoe's Mommy)...

Robin Merriman is peeking in over Carey's shoulder and two more of our fantastic Rockers (sorry, I already forgot your names, my bad).

The next several pictures show all the Rockers who met up to swap or just to get-together. Can you see the fun and hilarity we all had?

We decided to do a group photo and a very kind Demonstrator took our group picture. What an afternoon to remember.

Ladies it was great meeting all of you and putting a face and personality with the name. Can't wait to meet up with all of you again next year!

CONVENTION TIME

2011-07-13T03:29:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Salt Lake City this morning for my third Stampin' Up! Convention!

And, I'm loving it already.

Today is a busy, busy one for me.

After the shuttle dropped me off at the hotel and I dropped my bag in the room, I headed over to join the crowd at the Convention Center. What a hub bub of noise, laughter, talking, swapping -- oh my, what fun!

I met up with my BFF, Diana (and up-line), picked up my convention bag -- WOW is all I can say! and headed out into the free for all. Can you say EXCITING! I'll take pics later and post. On the way to pick up my bag, I dropped off my Gift Can for the Easiest Swap swap. What do you think, does it pass mustard?

I just love making these cute gift cans. Come back on Monday, July 18th for the directions.

Next on my agenda is participating in one of the FOCUS GROUPS at 2. I am really looking forward to this. Can you say I'm pumped, yep pumped to be a part of this group.

Later on today I have two swaps to attend and then the festivities for tonight. Wonder when I am going to eat? Oh, well, who cares, I'm having fun!

BLOG CANDY WINNER

2011-07-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

And..... (drum roll) ..... the Winner of the Blog Candy is Dawn Kathleen.

Congratulations, Dawn!

The Random Generator chose #2, Dawn Kathleen. Dawn said, "Love your blog site! I love the paperweight. What an awesome idea."

Dawn, please send me your email so I can contact you. If I do not hear from you by Tuesday, 7/12, 5:00 pm, I will choose another winner.

VC ROCKS July Blog Hop -- Anything But A Card

2011-07-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

Anything but a Card Blog Hop

WELCOME, to VC Rock's July Blog Hop! All the blogs participating this weekend will be featuring projects that are not cards -- be sure to check out all the blogs to see the great projects everyone has in store for you.

If you are following the Blog Hop from the VC Rocks' Home Blog, you came from the very talented Elaine Wright's blog. Doesn't she do fantastic work? I just love her projects. If you are visiting my blog as part of your normal routine or a friend or family member and this is the first stop on the blog hop for you, you can start at the beginning by going to the VC Rock's Home Blog here.

My first project is a glass paperweight. I belong to a bulk buy group and recently we were able to purchase these great 2" paperweights.

I stamped the second smallest doily from the Delicate Doilies Stamp Set from the New 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog using Island Indigo (one of the New In-Colors this year). I stamped the butterfly from the Cottage Garden Stamp Set in Calypso Coral (another New In-Color) and attached it to the doily using Snail Adhesive. I adhered the Doily to Calypso Coral card stock and attached it to the paperweight using Crystal Effects.

I applied Sticky Strip to the edge of the paperweight. Colored Whisper White grosgrain ribbon with an Island Indigo marker and added it to the edge. I then attached a strip of 1/8" Marina Mist Taffeta Ribbon to the edge using Snail Adhesive.

I assembled a Bitty Box I made using the Bitty Box and Envelope Die and the Big Shot Machine out of Island Indigo card stock. Using the 2" Circle Punch I punched out a circle on the top of the box, attached a 2-1/4" square piece of window sheet and then stamped the flowers from the Cottage Garden stamp set in Island Indigo, Calypso Coral and Pool Party and the flower stem in Lucky Limeade and attached all to the box top using Snail Adhesive.

The completed paperweight is showcased in the box and can be given as a gift for any occasion.

My second project is a pendant for a necklace using a 1" square glass fragment (from the bulk buy purchase). I coordinated the pendant with the paperweight by stamping the small flowers from the Cottage Garden stamp set in matching colors. To complete the pendant, I wrapped wire around the pendant and attached it to a choker necklace and a fine gold link chain.

The Stampin' Up! Build-A-Bear is wearing the pendant on the fine gold link chain. Isn't she adorable!

In addition, I made this cute gift envelope to put the pendant in. I used the Envelope from the Bitty Box and Envelope Die and the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine.

Now for the fun -- BLOG CANDY. Please leave me a comment and let me know which project you enjoyed the most. I will be using a Random Number Generator to choose the lucky winner. Would you like to know what the candy is? It is a clear mount stamp set from Stampin' Up! called Afterthoughts.

Thank you for visiting my blog today and I hope you have enjoyed the projects I have created.

To visit Chris Sobolik's great blog, please click on the button on the right. To return to the previous blog, please click on one the button on the left.

Again, thank you for visiting my blog and be sure to come back on Monday, July 11th, to find out who the winner of the BLOG CANDY is.

BLOG CANDY WINNER

2011-07-07T16:59:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS SHANA!

You are the winner of the Blog Candy I offered during the OWH 4th of July Challenge Blog Hop.

Your comment was the ninth one and Random.org's generator selected Number 9.

I'll be sending you an email shortly to, let you know I will be putting your Blog Candy in the mail soon.

Again, Congratulations Shana!

OWH's Fourth of July Blog Hop

2011-07-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

I participated in the Blog Hop last weekend and played along. Here is the first card I completed. I used a DIGI from the OWH site and have fun creating this card.

VC Rockes July Blog Hop

2011-07-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

Start Time: Saturday, July 9th, 10:00 am EST

Where: VC Rocks Home Blog here

Theme: Anything But A CARD

Be sure to come back this weekend and see all the creative projects everyone has in store for you!

OWH 4th of July Weekend Cardmaking Party!

2011-07-02T03:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome and thanks so much for visiting my blog and my challenge!

I chose to honor our troops this 4th of July Weekend by creating a card depicting a soldier (Navy, Air Force, Marine, Army, Coast Guard, etc.) taking a moment out of their hectic and busy day to sit down and write a letter home to a loved one (directions on how to make this card are shown under the Tab above).

http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=64047

This weekend is special to me. It is a time to reflect over our history as a country and why we fought for our Independence all those years ago and why our troops are still fighting to bring that Independence to other troubled areas around the world. This card is a tribute to all those (past and current) men and women who are endeavoring to bring peace and independence to others and to keep America free and strong. God Bless all of you!

I have two challenges for you today. The theme is camouflage and I challenge you to be very, VERY creative with this -- use a lot of camouflage, use a small amount of camouflage, be creative and let your imagination run wild!

You can submit your entry(ies) for the challenges below by using the InLinkz button at the bottom of the post. In addition, you can send your full card to one of the addresses shown below. Feel free to enter either challenge or both challenges.

The first challenge is to create a card today to send to our troops thanking them for keeping America safe and strong (this is referred to as an Any Hero card).

The second challenge is to create a card to send to OWH, who will in turn send it to our troops for them to send home to a loved one. This card can be any theme; love, happy birthday, congratulations, thinking of you, etc.

Another way you can participate in the challenge(s) today is to make it a "family" activity. Sit down with your husband and/or children and have them create an Any Hero card or a card to send home to a loved, too. Our troops love to hear from children. Then, submit their cards as part of the challenge -- wouldn't it be great if one of the children won?

Is your child too young to make a card? Do they like to color? Here is a link to a few pages they can color. Print off the coloring page, have your child color it and send it to OWH. The troops will love receiving it!

Where do I send my card(s)? This link will give you the addresses.
How do I send my card(s)? To print a packing slip, click on this link.
Are there rules on how to make a card to send to our troops? Yes, this link will tell you what is or is not appropriate.

BLOG CANDY ALERT!!!!!! Please leave a comment on my blog and send your challenge entry into OWH. I will choose a winner from comments received (challenge entry required) by using a random number generator.

Submit your challenge entry by clicking on the link below.

Return to OWH Stars & Stripes by clicking the OWH image below,

JOIN SU -- $99.00 Special

2011-07-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

It is July 1st and Stampin' Up! has started the new year

off with a bang!

Check out the New 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog here.

JOIN for $99.00

Posted: 01 Jul 2011 08:19 AM PDT

ENJOY perks of becoming a demonstrator, like

A 20 percent product discount!
A free monthly issue of Stampin' Success, Stampin' Up!'s demonstrator-only
magazine!
Sneak peeks at brand-new products!
Invitations to exclusive Stampin' Up! events!
Regular get-togethers to stamp!
Free access to a community of 30,000+ crafters/stampers and creative
artists, as well as 160,000+ project samples!

In addition, you will be eligible for TWO FREE months of Demonstrator Business Web Services (DBWS) -- including your own business website and Online Store, access to a blog, a calendar, a monthly e-newsletter, a project gallery, and e-cards -- if you sign up within 21 days of becoming a demonstrator.

During July, you can join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator for only $99!
This limited time Starter Kit--valued at $185--comes with the following high-quality products:

Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*
Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*
Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
Brights 8-1/2" x 11" Assorted Card Stock
Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*
Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*
Note Cards (20)
Clear-Mount Block C
Blender Pen (1)
SNAIL Adhesive
Business supplies

*Brand new to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!

Plus, join in July and get a FREE Christmas Keepsake project kit--a $40 value! Imagine an afternoon spent chatting with friends while
creating something beautiful--isn't that what Stampin' Up! is all about?

But act now because this special kit is only
available as part of this limited-time offer.

As an added bonus, first-time demonstrators
can get two free months of Demonstrator
Business Web Services (DBWS) when they
sign up during their first 21 days as a
demonstrator. Subscribing to DBWS means
having your own online store, blog, hostess
portal, and much more!

Join Stampin' Up! in July and get brand-new products, including an exclusive project kit--all for just $99!

OR - Choose either of our Standard Starter Kits
Whether you'd like to earn money to pay for your stamping supplies, create a full or part-time
career, or simply get a discount on your stamping supplies, Stampin' Up! will help you do it. And
if that isn't enough, I've listed 10 reasons for you to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.

Get ideas for handmade cards, scrapbook pages, and home decor projects.
Learn new, artistic stamping techniques on a monthly basis.
Gain first access to popular product lines and exclusive, award-winning designs.
Get a 20 percent discount on Stampin' Up! products.
Be your own boss, and establish a flexible business that meets your goals.
Spend more time with family when you work from home with a schedule that fits you
and your family.
Be eligible to attend Stampin' Up!'s fabulous conferences and events.
Earn free exotic trips and other recognition (like free rubber stamps, cash awards,
and other valuable prizes).
Meet new friends while sharing what you love.
Receive support and training from Stampin' Up!

Choose the Starter Kit that best matches your stamping and paper-crafting interests.
Interested in becoming a SU! Demonstrator? Call me at 1-208-819-1380 or send me an e-mail.

MOJO Missing?

2011-06-21T05:39:00.000-07:00

Is your MOJO Missing?

Wait, you want to know what MOJO is? Well, it means a variety of things, it seems. Here are a few:

From Wickipedia:

Mojo (comics), a supervillain in various Marvel Comics publications
Mojo, a board game
Mojo!, a sweet available in the UK in the 1970s
Mojo!, a video game
Mojo, a fictional helper monkey in The Simpsons
AND, the list goes on, and on, and on

From Urban Dictionary:

The word originally means a charm or a spell. But now its more commonly said meaning sex appeal or talent.
Self-confidence, Self-assuredness. As in basis for belief in ones self in a situation.
Good luck fetish / charm to bolster confidence.
Ability to bounce back from a debilitating trauma and negative attitude.
That quality, often elusive, that sets a person apart from everyone else. The word "magic" could, almost without exception, replace "mojo" it in all of its contexts, sentences, and/or applications.

I like the last definition: "Magic"

Whenever I make a card, scrapbook page, or 3-D item, I always feel like it was MAGICAL coming up with the design and pulling it all together. When that MAGIC disappears, even for a day, I feel bereft, alone, and off balance.

Ellen B. listed several great ways to get that MOJO going again. Hope these ideas help to get your MOJO inspired and your MAGIC flowing!

Lost your mojo?

It’s a terrible feeling when you sit down with your ink (in all those colors!) and stamps (wonderful, wonderful stamps) and paper (lovely, incredible, luscious)…. And nothing happens.

Nothing.

Nada.

Zip.

Zero.

Zilch.

Not one drop of inspiration, one iota of mojo.

We’ve all been there. But how do we get OUT of it? In general, I've found that my mojo can be wooed and enticed back to me, but it can't be coerced.

Here are some tips on finding your mojo again. I hope they help you the next time your mojo is playing hide & seek with you.

Treat yourself right.

Make sure you are getting enough sleep. This may sound like an odd thing, but I believe that lack of sleep dulls not only our brain, but all of our senses.

Along with this, make sure you are getting proper nutrition and exercise. Now, mind you, I’m no health freak J, but I have found that if I start loading up on fruits and vegetables instead of sugar and processed foods, my mood improves and so does my mental capacity.

Change it up

Clean you workspace. Put away distractions and give yourself room to spread out and enjoy the process.

Try a change of scenery. Usually stamp in a spare bedroom? Move it to the kitchen. Take advantage of nice weather and stamp outside. Go to a coffee shop, enjoy the heady aroma, and stamp away.

If you are stuck trying to come up with something for your blog, a class, a submission, do something entirely different. Stamp just for the fun of it. Pull out one of those retired sets you didn't sell because you love it so much, but you haven't used since it retired. PLAY.

Do something creative that isn't stamping-related (gasp!). Bead, knit, cook, play piano. The idea is to wake up the creative spirit.

“Just do it”. I often tell my customers and students that creativity is a muscle. Like any muscle, it needs to be used to stay toned and fit, and the more it’s used the more it develops. Ideas for “just do it”:

CASE something. Then something else. Then another thing….

Respond to a challenge – either one of ours, or find another. Here’s a blog that carries a list of challenges: http://dailydare4u.blogspot.com I also subscribe to a few other blogs that offer regular challenges and my preference is for layout or color challenges; you might prefer a theme challenge.

Make a sheet of background paper, then use it on some projects

Limit yourself. We can get overwhelmed by too many choices. Some ideas for this:

Pick ONE or TWO sets. Challenge yourself to work with these sets, and to make at least 3 different things with them

Pick one kind of embellishment, and work with that

Use the Color Coach to choose a palette, and work within that palette

Stretch yourself / Refresh yourself

When was the last time you learned a new technique? Pick one or a few, but get in there and get your fingers inky. Pat Huntoon’s Technique Junkie newsletter and CDs are a wonderful way to learn something new (http://www.techniquejunkies.com/)

Try a new-to- you product

Teach yourself a new and funky fold on a card

Pull out one of those things that you had to have but have never used (yep, you know what I mean) and USE it. New tool? Figure out how to use it. New color? Find at least 2 color combinations you like with it

Step away from the computer. Don’t spend so much time looking for inspiration. Sometimes, seeing all those other great creations out there saps our own creativity.

Turn to the inspiration notebook you've been keeping, and take a quick look through, then jump in and try something.

Hope you find your MOJO today and are back to creating all the fantastic projects you usually make!

2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog

2011-06-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

Stampin'Up! will be releasing their 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog on July 1st!

Be one of the first on your block to have a copy. Pre-Order your catalog from me by emailing me at: brendah1951@gmail.com.

Have you checked out the retired list for this year? Is there SOMETHING on there you HAVE TO HAVE before it is gone forever? Place your order through my On-Line Store by noon on Thursday, June 30th, and receive a surprise gift from me.

Live in or around Spokane, WA or Coeur d-Alene, ID and want to have a workshop in your home, hold your workshop in my home or you want to come to my classes, email me at: brendah1951@gmail.com to schedule your event today.

Retired Lists Announced by Stampin' Up!

2011-06-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT
Stampin' Up! has announced the 2011 Retired Lists.

Below are three links, one for retired stamps, one for

retired accessories and one for

retired Definitely Decorative Decor Elements.

Look them over and if you see a stamp set or two, or three, accessories or Decor Elements you want before these items go away forever on June 30th, click on my SU Store button to place your order while supplies last.

Be sure to pre-order your new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog

by sending me an e-mail at brendah1951@gmail.com.

The Early Bird Catches the Worm

2011-06-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

Are you a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator?

OR will you be one in the near future?

Do you want to go to the 2012 Stampin' Up! Convention?

Well, you can register early for the Late Night Stampers' (LNS) convention package(s) and save your spot now.

How? See below!!!

LNS pre-Convention event Bundle for 2012 includes

2 wow events (monday and saturday night)

monday stamp camp 8 great projects

3 shoe box swaps

1 reunion party 2 projects, games and snacks

midnight madness (for crazy people who like to stamp the night away!)

and the LNS 75+1 Card front Swap with Pizza

BUNDLE PRICE SAVINGS

$185 if you register before July 2011 a savings of $50

$190 if you register before October 2011 a savings of $45

$200 if you register before January 2012 a savings of $35

$220 after Jan 1, 2012 a savings of $15

Bundles make our book keeping easier and that is why you save so much more! Thanks for making it more fun for us.

Single events will not be sold until after April 1, 2012

When you purchase this event for 2012 your name will be added to the guest list at the Radisson for 2012.

YOU MUST still call them to place your LNS room reservation. (801) 531-7500

One Discounted Room reservation per participant PLEASE.

The room rate for 2012 is $120 per night which will save you $145 if you stay with us for 5 nights.

you will also continue to receive a FREE box breakfast each morning

(muffin, fruit and yogurt.)

Visit the 2012 LNS website for full details.

VC Rocks - May Blog Hop

2011-06-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

Meet MR. BIG SHOT

Welcome to Stop 32 on VC Rocks June Blog Hop! If you are following this month's Blog Hop, you have arrived here from Mary Campbell's blog, Mimi to Jett. If you are a follower, you can begin the Blog Hop here.

This month we are featuring cards, scrapbook pages and many other projects using the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine. VC Rocks is a Yahoo! Group that is open from the middle of April (for returning members) to the end of August each year. The members love to stamp, scrapbook, chat, share, teach and have fun! AND, I would say that 99.9% of us love our BIG SHOT machines. They are so versatile and can be used to enhance all your projects.

The Big Shot Die Cutting Machine is fantastic. You can use so many different items with it to create numerous designs. One of the most diverse items is the Magnet Movers & Shapers die base. It is used with moveable magnetic pieces such as a star, a dove, a heart, an ornament and many more.

For my first project I used the moveable magnetic ornament piece. This piece is very versatile -- it can be used for an ornament die cut, the bottom cut off to create a vase, turned side ways with fins and tails attached to create a fish, a top placed on it to create an acorn and as many other ideas as you can come up with.

I have created this card using the ornament as a vase. I also used a new punch that will be in the New 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog (Lace Ribbon Border). With the card are two tags created with the ornament piece.

Below is an acorn tag using the ornament piece. I have shown the pieces used to create the tag and how to create the top of the acorn with the round punch and scalloped circle punch.

Other popular items are the Bigz Dies and the XL Bigz Dies. Below are two cards using the Top Note Die two ways. The first way is folded in half creating a purse and the second shows it being used as the second layer on a card. In addition, there are two cards shown using a Sizzlet Die -- Little Leaves. This die adds depth and dimension to any project.

The Large Scallop Circle Die is ideal for many projects. Here it is used to make a Christmas Card and a card to send to a friend.

Some of my favorite items are the Textured Impressions Embossing Folders. These folders make beautiful backgrounds for cards, scrapbook pages and texturing card stock to be used for 3-D Items as well as die cuts to accent your work. The new Framed Tulip Embossing Folder is used on the first card, the Elegant Lines Embossing Folder is used on the second card, and the Polka Dot Embossing Folder is used on the third card.

Embosslit Dies not only emboss the card stock, but cut it out at the same time. One of my favorites is the Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die which creates five butterflies at one time as shown on this card:

Many of the dies (Bigz and Bigz XL) can be used with a variety of mediums; such as, card stock, cork, wood, material, magnetic strips, aluminum and many more. Butterflies were cut out of pieces of material and used to create this card.

I hope you have enjoyed my impromptu "singing the praises of the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine". Can you tell this is my favorite tool?

Be sure to hop on over to the very talented Loni Holt's blog, Loni's Life and see what she has in store for you!

In case you become lost or disoriented during this month's blog hop, you can find a complete listing of the blogs here.

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-06-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

WOO HOO, Jackie, from Creative Designs by Jackie, awarded me The Stylish Blogger Award!

Be sure to check out her blog, it is great!

Jackie is a great stamper. Her style is different from mine in
so many ways, that I am so pleased she has chosen
my blog to receive this award.

One of the great things about receiving this fantastic award is I get to pass it along to six very talented ladies -- many of whom are fellow VC Rockers! Please be sure to check out their blogs and see their amazing creativeness, ingenuity and stamping skills.

Diana Sarkine

Blog: StampinDuo

Mary Fish

Blog: Stamping Pretty

Madeline Marcelo

Blog: The Stamping Studio

Kerri D (Australia)

Blog: Kerrid's

Tammy Howell
Blog: Tarheel Stamper

Eileen LeFevre
Blog: Eileen's "Stampin' Fever" Blog

Ladies, please keep the award going forward and select six of your favorite bloggers to receive it.

Floating Reinker Watercolor Technique

2011-06-08T05:08:00.000-07:00

I was going through old emails today and ran across an email from Sage Kimble on this technique. Her card is absolutely beautiful.

Sage also has a great technique video on her blog here.

Thanks for sharing this tutuorial Sage!

Goodbye Mom

2011-06-07T05:00:00.001-07:00

It is with sad regret that I say Goodbye to a great Mother-In-Law. She will be missed greatly by all of us, but she is now with my Father-in-Law in Heaven.

Even though we were sad to be losing Mom, we were able to visit with family members we hadn't seen for several years. I especially enjoyed visiting my Sister and Dad. That's me on the left and my Sis on the right -- Dad is in the middle.

I snapped a picture of my hubby and Dad -- can you believe Dad use to be taller than my hubby, now he is an inch or two shorter -- a loss of about 6 inches.

We were able to visit my Sister-in-Law and her family and had a great time (considering why we went home).

The top picture is my Nephew Greg and his family, the middle is my Brother-in-Law and the bottom is my Sister-in-Law. My other Sister-in-Law and her son were able to come and we were able to have a great visit.

Bye Mom, from all of us, you will be missed.

Just-Add-Ink Challenge 70 - Round Sketch

2011-06-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

I just love playing along with the Just-Add-Ink's Challenge Blog, and this week they are featuring a round sketch. NOTE: Just-Add-Ink is ran by a group of VERY talented Australian/New Zealand Stampin' Up! Demonstrators! Check out their personal blogs for more ideas and inspiration.

This is right up my alley -- can you say BIG SHOT? Soooo, I cut out my base card on the big shot using the large scallop circle die and went from there. I used the new In-Colors from Stampin' Up! The base card is Lucky Limeade, layered with Wisteria Wonder and topped with Calypso Coral.

I used My Friend from the NEW 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog. I colored the stamp with my SU Markers in the same colors as the paper used. I also colored in the tear drops with Wisteria Wonder and Calypso Coral, topped with Crystal Effects and added Basic Rhinestones and a Basic Pearl to the top flower. To finish the card off, I colored white Baker's Twine with my Lucky Limeade SU Marker and made it into a bow.

I stamped the flower again on the inside after stamping "off" once.

Come join in the fun over on Just Add Ink here.

Belated Blog Anniversary, Color Challenge and Blog Candy

2011-06-05T05:19:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been over a year since I started my blog. How did I miss my Blog Anniversary in May? Unforeseen family emergency!

I have met so many new friends through this blog and have learned so much. I enjoy sharing what I have learned and hope my followers keep coming back and new ones find me.

I created this card for my Blog Anniversary using Beyond the Garden Designer Series Paper, the new Stampin' Emboss Powders (Tangerine Tango, Wild Wasabi and Melon Mambo) and the Fabulous Florets stamp set from the 2011 Summer Mini Catalog.

As part of my Blog Anniversary Celebration, I am presenting a Color Challenge -- submit your card, scrapbook page or 3-D item using at least three of the five colors shown below through the link at the bottom of this post between June 5th and June 10th and I will choose a winner on June 11th. That winner will receive BLOG CANDY.

Note: I am also submitted this for Sketch Frenzy Friday. I used my Color Challenge and their Sketch Challenge.

Sketch Frenzy Friday SFF060311

2011-06-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

I really like the Sketch Challenge over on the Sketch Frenzy Friday blog.

It is simple, but elegant.

This is my card. I also will be submitting it for my own Anniversary Challenge on my blog tomorrow.

Won't you come and play with us???

Scrapbook Scavenger Hunt Winner

2011-06-04T03:00:00.001-07:00

After going through all the entries and determining who had the most correct answers, the WINNER IS: Debbie Flattum. CONGRATULATIONS Debbie! Runner Up: Noelle Merclich. Congratulations Noelle!

Ladies, I will be contacting you later today!

Have you been wondering what some of the scrambled words are? Wait no longer, here is the list!

May 1 - paper May 1 - side bar May 2 - pictures
May 3 - albums May 4 - digital May 5 - stamping
May 6 - scissors May 7 - crop May 8 - embellishments
May 9 - lay out May 10 - journaling May 11 - scrapbooks
May 12 - glue May 13 - embossing May 14 - memorabilia
May 15 - paper trimmer May 16 - stickers May 17 - quotes
May 18 - inspiration May 19 - die cuts May 20 - design
May 21 - gel pens May 22 - DSP May 23 - holidays
May 24 - love May 25 - weddings May 26 - glue dots
May 27 - card stock May 28 - sports May 29 - summer fun
May 30 - school days May 31 - babies

Thanks for playing along!

I LOVE Being a Stampin'Up! Demonstrator

2011-06-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

Stampin' Up! is a great company and I love being a demonstrator for it! The men and women who are demonstrators are a group of the best people I know. They are caring, loving, knowledgeable and willing to share their talent.

That is the case with Mary Fish. Mary has her hot hands on the NEW In-Colors Stampin' Up! will be presenting on June 1st and has made the most incredible color combo sheets highlighting the new colors and how well they go with our existing colors. You can visit Mary on her blog here for full details.

I'm attaching Mary's sample cards, but check out her blog -- wonderful place to get lost in while looking at her beautiful creations.

Isn't this a clever idea? Thanks Mary for your creativity

and a wonderful way to showcase these new colors.

See what I mean, great lady and a great demonstrator with a lot of imagination and creativity! Again, THANKS Mary, for sharing your idea!

Flip Flop or Swing Card

2011-06-03T05:22:00.000-07:00

I was working my way through VC Rocks' May Blog Hop and ran across Lori Palmer's blog, Paper Castles.

Lori featured a Swing (aka Flip Flop) card that is absolutely adorable. She also included a link to Splitcoast Stampers' tutorial (by Beate Johns) which included a video.

Lori created this gorgeous card using Beate's directions.

Isn't this a great card?

OWH Sketch Challenge #69 - Belated Post

2011-06-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

I was chosen as a sample maker for the Operation Write Home (OWH) site earlier this year. The sample I was assigned is shown below:

The samples I made for this Sketch Challenge were displayed on the OWH blog on May 15th. I was out of town and was unable to post them to my blog until after I arrived back home.

I played around with a couple ideas and came up with the following cards:

Be sure to check out all the great cards made using this Sketch Challenge by visiting

OWH today.

Scrapbook Scavenger Hunt has Ended

2011-06-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, the Scrapbook Scavenger Hunt is over. I had a lot of fun coming up with all the words and I hope you have played along throughout May.

Two words were posted on May 1st (two different posts) and one word was posted daily for the rest of May for a total of 32 words.

Please submit your answers to me by emailing me at brendah1951@gmail.com by 9:00 pm PST on Friday, June 3rd. Please submit your answers even if you do not have all the words -- you may still have the most number of correct answers.

I'll post the winner on Saturday, June 4th along with a list of all the words. Remember the winner will receive BLOG CANDY.

Good Luck to everyone!

cc

2011-05-31T04:38:00.000-07:00

bbseia

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

bb

2011-05-30T04:36:00.000-07:00

loossdchya

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

Scrapbook Scavenger Hunt

2011-05-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

Only two more days to go ladies! How are you doing? If you are having problems with anything, let me know and I'll be happy to help.

Be sure to e-mail me your answers at brendah1951@gmail.com. First one with the right answers will receive BLOG CANDY!

aa

2011-05-29T04:35:00.000-07:00

mmuusfnre

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

z

2011-05-28T04:33:00.000-07:00

sstopr

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

y

2011-05-27T04:32:00.000-07:00

dkrcaocts

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

x

2011-05-26T04:30:00.000-07:00

dgtlseou

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

w

2011-05-25T04:29:00.000-07:00

ddgnseiw

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

v

2011-05-24T04:28:00.000-07:00

eovl

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

u

2011-05-23T04:27:00.000-07:00

dlhysoai

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

t

2011-05-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

psd

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

s

2011-05-21T04:10:00.000-07:00

glpnees

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

Mother-In-Law

2011-05-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

How many of you Ladies out there feel the same way I do? I HAD A GREAT MOTHER-IN-LAW!

Both my Father-in-Law and my Mother-In-Law welcomed me into the family with lots of love and caring -- even though I was fresh out of high school and marrying their "baby". Over the last 42 years they showed me nothing but love and provided encouragement, guidance and support the whole time.

I lost my FIL several years ago and sad to say I lost my MIL this past Wednesday. My FIL went fairly quickly, but that dreaded disease, Alzheimer's, claimed my MIL. She fought through it bravely and has now joined my FIL in Heaven, pain free and back to herself.

She will be sorely missed (as have all our parents). We Love You MOM!

r

2011-05-20T04:23:00.000-07:00

sndgei

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

q

2011-05-19T04:22:00.000-07:00

cdeistu

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

p

2011-05-18T04:21:00.000-07:00

nnptiiiasor

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

o

2011-05-17T04:15:00.000-07:00

tqeosu

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

m

2011-05-16T04:13:00.000-07:00

rkssctie

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

k

2011-05-15T04:06:00.000-07:00

mpmpreretair

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

l

2011-05-14T04:11:00.001-07:00

iimbmeoraal

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

j

2011-05-13T04:05:00.000-07:00

miosbsegn

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

i

2011-05-12T04:04:00.000-07:00

elug

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

h

2011-05-11T04:02:00.000-07:00

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Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

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2011-05-10T04:00:00.000-07:00

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Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

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2011-05-09T03:59:00.000-07:00

tlyuao

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

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2011-05-08T03:56:00.000-07:00

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Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

d

2011-05-07T03:55:00.000-07:00

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Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

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2011-05-06T03:54:00.000-07:00

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Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

Brenda

2011-05-05T03:44:00.000-07:00

gpmaints

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

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2011-05-04T03:42:00.000-07:00

tiiglda

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st!

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

2011-05-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Teacher Appreciation Week starts Monday, May 2, 2011.

Remember the teachers in your life (or your childrens' lives) -- a nice Thank You card is always welcome!

A bright, cheery card always makes someone feel a little better.

Thank You to all the rspticeu great teachers out there for inspiring our children and encouraging them to be the best they can be.

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated May 1st.

Scavenger Hunt for National Scrapbooking Month - May 1st through May 31st

2011-05-01T03:30:00.000-07:00

What is this?

Starting today, May 1st, I will post scrambled words each day -- either in a post by themselves or as part of another post. Find the scrambled words, unscramble them, write them down and on May 31st send me your list of words.

The first contestent who sends me a list with all 32 scrapbooking related words in the correct order will win some Blog Candy. If there is a tie, both contestents will win!

There are a couple of posts besides this one today, be sure to check out each post -- the first word will be here, but there is another hidden one somewhere in another post today. Total 32 words.

Are you game? Do you like to be challenged? Come back each day and play along!

ppare

VC ROCKS Invites you to Join Our Fun

2011-05-01T03:06:00.000-07:00

Each Spring/Summer VC Rocks starts operating in April (for returning members) and open on May 1st to new members.

What does VC Rocks stand for -- it is originally started out for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators to have a "Virtual Convention -- VC" for those demonstrators that were not able to attend the annual Convention. Over the years the group has been opened to include dsriaeb anyone who wants to participate, even convention goers!

The group offers many fun activities -- swaps, virtual hotel (including pool boys), classes, make-n-takes, blog hops, friendship and camaraderie!

Click here to see what we are all about and join in the fun!

Open membership runs from May 1st through May 30th.

Don't forget to play along with my National Scrapbooking Month Scavenger Hunt -- see post dated today!

Join Me on Facebook

2011-04-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

I'm a little behind the times and have recently created a Facebook Page to enhance my visibility with my blog. Visit my Facebook Page and Join in on the fun.

VC ROCKS Preview Challenge 12

2011-04-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

This is the final Preview Challenge for VC Rockers

before we open up for new members on Sunday, May 1st.

Boy it has been fun on VC Rocks the last two weeks. Talk about keeping us busy -- getting reacquainted with all the returning members and receiving updates on what has happened in all our lives over the winter, plus 12, yes TWELVE, preview challenges. Wheeee, got them all done.

Our final challenge was to pick a picture from a non-stamping machine and create a card using the colors from the picture as inspiration and two embellishments. Here is the picture I chose:

Boy did it have a lot of colors -- so I picked out Garden Green, Certainly Celery, Pear Pizzazz, Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, Poppy Parade, White, Soft Suede and Chocolate Chip.

I punched out little squares using the new Postage Punch (coming up in the Summer Mini available this Sunday) and stamped a greeting, hope you like it!

SFF 04292011 - It's Time for the Sketch Frenzy Friday Challenge

2011-04-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

This week over on Sketch Frenzy Friday, the have a super fun and easy sketch for us.

Come join us and play along.

This week's sketch:

This is the design I came up. I will be sending this one to my friend's father.

VC ROCKS Preview Challenge 11

2011-04-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

Today's challenge was to take a quarter sheet of card stock and alter it. I chose to use punch art on the corners. The second part of the challenge was to add the piece of card stock we made shiny for Challenge 5 and make a birthday card. I smooched a piece of card stock in Challenge 5 which made this challenge fairly easy.

I wanted to play along with the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge today. Their challenge was to use the following colors:

Sooo, to complete today's challenge on VC Rocks, I used Wild Wasabi as the base card. The first layer was Perfect Plum and I used punch art on the corners. For the third layer I used So Saffron and finished the card by using my "shiny" piece of card stock. I then stamped a buttery fly on the top layer, punched out several butterflies and attached them and finished the card by stamping Happy Birthday.

My card, shown below, will be sent to someone special in my life for her birthday in a few weeks -- hmmm, Sis, do you know that might be, lol.

I hope you enjoy my card today.

Technique Challenge

2011-04-28T04:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Blog and my Technique Challenge

I started out this year offering three challenges; a Christmas Card Challenge (see the tab marked CCC), a Scrapbook Page Challenge (see the tab marked SPC) and a Technique Challenge (see the tab marked TC). Somewhere along the line I fell behind, and, unfortunately I did not follow up on these challenges.

What is this challenge? I am challenging you, as a blog visitor to make create a card, scrapbook page or 3-D item using the technique of the month. Set aside some time to work on your technique and once you are done, post a picture to your blog and drop me a line letting me know you've met your goal. You can email me at brendah1951@gmail.com. I'll post a comment you've met your challenge commitment with a link to your blog!

NOTE: Note I am behind in this, but will be posting monthly techniques for Jan, Feb, Mar and April this week.

VC ROCKS Preview Challenge 10 - Oh My Gosh!

2011-04-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

Our Challenge today (No. 10) was to take Challenge No. 6 (something embossed) and color it in, then take Challenge No. 8 (three punched items) and create a card. Talk about a challenge!

Here is what I stamped for Challenge No. 6 using
the new Fabulous Florets stamp set that is in the
new Summer Mini. You can start purchasing items
for the Summer Mini starting this Sunday, May 1st.

I spritzed the sheet of paper with water, then added
color using my markers to match the paper colors of
the three punches I punched out for Challenge No. 8.

It's hard to see the colors, but I used Daffodil Delight, Concord Crush and Pretty in Pink.

See what I mean by a challenge, poppies and five-leafed flowers. Yeppers, it was a challenge for me!

Here is the card I created:

The base card is Concord Crush, layered with Whisper White card stock. I then stamped the stems in Wild Wasabi using the Fabulous Florets set. My greeting was punched out using the new three-step punch in the Summer Mini, Blossom Bouquet Triple-Layer Punch.

Be sure to contact your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for your copy of the new Summer Mini. If you do not happen to have a Demonstrator, please contact me. I would love to become your Demonstrator.

VC ROCKS will open up the group to new members on Sunday, May 1st. If you would like to join our group and join in all the fun we are having, click on the Join button on right side of my blog.

I hope you have enjoyed the card I made today. It will be sent to my BFF's Aunt who was hospitalized last night and may need surgery.

Try Stamping on Tuesday Challenge 12

2011-04-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

The gals over on Try Stamping on Tuesday have posted Challenge 12. Come over and play with them.

This is their design for this challenge:

And this is my submission:

So, what do you think? Does it meet the requirements?

Scrapbook Page Challenge

2011-04-27T03:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Blog and my Scrapbook Page Challenge

I started out this year offering three challenges; a Christmas Card Challenge (see the tab marked 2011 CCC), a Scrapbook Page Challenge (see the tab marked 2011 SPC) and a Technique Challenge (see the tab marked 2011 TC). Somewhere along the line I fell behind, and, unfortunately I did not follow up on these challenges.

What is this challenge?

I am challenging you, as a blog visitor to work on the scrapbook page(s) you have in mind. Choose the amount you want to make each month, set aside some time to work on your scrapbook page(s) and once you are done, post a picture to your blog and drop me a line letting me know you've met your goal. You can email me at brendah1951@gmail.com. I'll post a comment you've met your challenge commitment with a link to your blog!

NOTE: I am behind on this challenge myself and will be working on pages over the next week and will post them.

VC ROCKS Preview Challenge

2011-04-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

VC Rocks starts each April by opening up to returning members, then we open up to new members the first of May. During April our Challenge Hostess offers Preview Challenges each day through April 30th.

A few days ago our group challenge was to take a quarter sheet of Very Vanilla or Whisper White and stamp on. After stamping on it we were to set it aside to be used at a later date.

Several days later our challenge was to stamp a greeting, mount it and set it aside.

Today's challenge was to use the quarter sheet of Very Vanilla or Whisper White and the greeting we stamped and create a card. I was one of the lucky ones, I used Cherry Cobbler for the first challenge and the greeting challenge, so my items were easy to put together for a card. Many of my fellow ROCKERS were more imaginative and used different colors. Today's challenge was a real challenge for them to put the two together while creating a card.

Hope you like my card -- I'm sending it to my Mother-In-Law who is in rehab after breaking her hip earlier this month.

Be sure to check us out at VC Rocks and join in the fun!

CCMC 147 - Design Challenge

2011-04-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

CCMC 147 Design Challenge

Connie and Mary have posted the above Design Challenge this week. Isn't it great.

I literally took their design and created several RAKs for the VC Rocks group I belong to.

Hope you like my interpretation!

You can play along, too, by visiting their blog here.

Christmas Card Challenge

2011-04-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Blog and my Christmas Card Challenge

I started out this year offering a Christmas Card Challenge and somewhere along the line I fell behind, and, unfortunately I did not follow up on this challenge.

What is this challenge?

I am challenging you, as a blog visitor to make your Christmas cards early. Choose the amount you want to make each month, set aside some time to work on your Christmas cards and once you are done, post a picture to your blog and drop me a line letting me know you've met your goal. You can email me at brendah1951@gmail.com. I'll post a comment you've met your challenge commitment with a link to your blog!

Are you ready? Let's see how many cards we can get done between now and November 15th!

Check out the 2011 CCC Tab above to see the cards I have made so far this year. For now I am doing one a month.

VC Rocks Make-N-Take

2011-04-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

One of the many great features of VC Rocks is being able to learn new and interesting things -- new techniques, new projects, new twists to old techniques, business tips and on, and on, and on.

I would like to share with you today a Make-N-Take I put together to share with my fellow Rockers. This is not my original idea, I believe I first saw it on Maria V's blog. (If I am giving credit to the wrong person, please e-mail me and I will correct my post.)

I made a cute little basket using the Two Tag Die and the Big Shot Machine. This is a great little basket and can be used as a small gift holder, as a place setting, a treat holder, and a great Make-N-Take!

This is a picture of the final product, you can see the full set of instructions by clicking on the VC Rocks tab at the top. Ignore the instructions, you'll see them later, lol. You can get the full directions by clicking on the VC Rocks tab above.

Thank you for visiting my blog today and I hope you have enjoyed this project.

2011 Challenges

2011-04-25T02:53:00.000-07:00

I have created three Challenges for 2011; i.e., Christmas Card Challenge, Scrapbook Page Challenge, and a Technique Challenge. Why?

As part of my New Year Resolutions for 2011 I have set goals for myself for 2011 and I want to challenge you to join in. I would love to have you join in my challenges, all you have to do is follow the following directions:

2011 Challenges

Christmas Card Challenge (CCC):

· You set your own goal to meet your needs. I chose one card a month -- I do not send/give out more than 20-24 cards each year, so I set my goal for 24 (I plan to increase the amount I do monthly after Convention in July).

· Send me an e-mail by May 1st and I'll add you to the Challenge Group. All that I ask is you send me an e-mail with a picture of the card(s) you create each month by the 28th of that month. I will create an Excel Worksheet and enter everyone who participates in the challenge. I'll post the worksheet and pictures of your cards each month so everyone can see where they stand with their challenge.

· This is on the honor system, I DO NOT require that you send me a card to show you have done one. I will add that I am adding a condition to my own personal challenge of a card a month -- if I miss a month, I will donate $5 to a local Siberian Husky Rescue group. I figure this will keep me on my toes!

Scrapbook Page Challenge (SPC):

· You set your own goal to meet your needs. I chose one page a month -- I do not have a lot of pictures to scrapbook, so I am setting my goal of making one theme-based page a month and will be offering them as a class.

· Send me an e-mail by May 1st and I'll add you to the Challenge Group. All that I ask is you send me an e-mail with a picture of the page(s) you create each month by the 28th of that month. I will create an Excel Worksheet and enter everyone who participates in the challenge. I'll post the worksheet and a picture of your pages each month so everyone can see where they stand with their challenge.

· This is on the honor system, I DO NOT require that you send me your pages to show you have them done. I will add that I am adding a condition to my own personal challenge of one pages a month -- if I miss a month, I will donate $5 to a local Siberian Husky Rescue group. I figure this will keep me on my toes!

Technique Challenge (TC):

· A new technique will be presented by the 10th of each month with step-by-step directions.

· I challenge you to make a card, scrapbook or 3-D item using the technique and then send me an e-mail by the 28th of each month displaying your project.

Stampin' for Fun Divas April Color Challenge

2011-04-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

Only six more days to enter your card, scrapbook page or 3-D project in this month's challenge.

I found this card when I was going through my stash and decided to post it in this month's challenge.

I will be entering my little owl in the FUN Challenge.

Come play with us over on the Stampin' for Fun Diva's blog here.

We'd love to see your beautiful cards, scrapbook pages and 3-D projects.

Just click on the frog button at the bottom of the the post and add your creativity to the challenge.

HAPPY EASTER

2011-04-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! Hope your day was fun filled, relaxing and perfect for you.

Thought I would share a couple of cards that have wandered through my email lately -- the are gorgeous.

I can't read the name to give credit to the designer, but this is a beautiful card. If it is yours, let me know and I will add your name.

This lovely card was made by Gretchen.

Again, I do not have the name of the designer, but isn't this darling. Love the bird. If this is your card please let me know so I can add your name.

I made this last card with the help of my Granddaughter, Noelle. She is quite the stamper.

I hope you have enjoyed these cards and come back often to visit.

Stampin' for Fun Divas' April Challenge

2011-04-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

Now through April 30th

Come join us over at Stampin' for Fun Divas for our April Challenge. We have a color challenge and a FUN Challenge.

The color challenge is to make a card or a scrapbook page using the following colors:

And the fun challenge is to make a card, scrapbook page, 3-D item with an animal on it -- any animal you want -- cat, dog, giraffe, elephant, muskrat, gopher --can be a stamped image or an image made with punches -- the field is wide open.

Come on over to Stampin' for Fun Divas and play with us. Who knows, I might even throw in some blog candy -- you won't know unless you play!

Great Write-Up, Thanks Loni

2011-04-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned earlier, I am a member of VC Rocks. One of the perks of being a member is getting to know my fellow members. Loni (great gal that she is), gathers info about the members, puts together a great blog post and viola' we gather new facts about old and new friends. She is great! Check out our group blog here.

VC ROCKS -- 2011

2011-04-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

VC ROCKS is up and running for returning members and I am having a great time reuniting with friends from last year.

Each Spring in April VC Rocks opens it doors to returning members. In May we open the doors to new members -- Why don't you come and play with us?

What is VC Rocks? It initially started out as a stamping group for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators that could not make it to convention. VC -- Virtual Convention. It now not only encompasses Stampin' Up! Demonstrators that are not able to go to convention, but Demonstrators that will be attending convention this year and to other stamping/scrapbooking enthusiasts who want to have a good time.

We chat (oh boy, do we every chat), we offer blog hops, swaps, classes on how to do things, tutorials, make-n-takes, and the list goes on.

Right now we are doing Preview Challenges for returning members, and are they fun and challenging.

So far we have had six challenges:

1. Clean our stamping area and the second part I can't remember (deleted the email).
2. Cut three quarter sheets of card stock, 2 colors in the same color family and 1 that is not, and emboss
3. Ink your stamp pads (boy did mine need re-inking!)
4. Make a card using the card stock in number 2. See below
5. Check your basic supplies to see what you need to order and make a piece of card stock shiny. (This was definitely a needed challenge for me -- I'm low on about everything, lol.)
6. Emboss a quarter piece of card stock (can't wait to see what we are going to do with this).

Here is the card I made for Preview Challenge 4 with the card stock from Preview Challenge 2.

Intrigued? Interested in joining in the fun? Check us out at our group blog and come join us at.

Thanks for stopping by today.

April Showers Bring May Flowers -- NOT!

2011-04-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know we live in Northern Idaho, but the calendar says it is April 21, 2011 -- Spring, right?

Well, can someone tell the weather guy that SNOW is not suppose to fall in Spring? Can you believe this?

Come Play -- VC Rocks ROCKS!!

2011-04-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

I belong to a Yahoo Group called VC Rocks. This is a group of fun loving, fast typing, stamping enthusiasts who get together in April/May and have fun, and more fun, through the end of August.

The group offers friendship and commaraderie in a stamping environment. We inspire and encourage each other as well as give support and cyber hugs. The group offers a chance to share your creations with other talented stampers as well as joining in on swaps, sending/receiving RAKS, taking classes, doing Make-N-Takes, playing along with the contests offered, and sooo much more.

This is a group with lots and lots AND lots of e-mails, but it is all fun.

I am posting two items I have made so far for the group.

The first card I am sharing is a RAK (Random Act of Kindness) for one member of the group who has had or will be having a birthday in April.

My second card is for a Challenge RAK -- send a member who joined VC Rocks the same year you did a RAK. I joined in 2010, so I am sending this card to another member who joined VC Rocks last year.

I hope you have enjoyed these cards and I hope you will be interested in joining in on all the fun we are having at VC Rocks.

We have an Open Invitation for New Members starting May 1st. You can check us out and join by visiting here.

You can check us out at our group blog here.

Stampin' for Fun Divas' April Challenge

2011-04-17T22:24:00.000-07:00

I am submitting my skinny bag tag for the Stampin' for Fun Divas' April Challenge.

I thought anyone would love to get some jelly beans and what a better way than in a skinny bag.

Color Challenge on Stampin for Fun Divas Blog

2011-04-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

This month the Stampin' for fun Divas are offering a Color Challenge:

and an "Animal" challenge -- make a card using an animal of your choice.

Note: You do not have to use the colors in the this month's Color Challenge.

Come play along at: http://stampinforfundivas.blogspot.com/

SU Stars April Blog Hop -- Anything But A Card

2011-04-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the SU Stars April Blog Hop

Anything but a Card

SU Stars members {a group of stampers that love Scrapping, Teaching And Rubber Stamping (STARS)} welcome you to their monthly blog hop. This month we are featuring projects for your enjoyment, but you won't be finding any cards today, lol. We have all kicked in our creativity to bring you ANYTHING BUT A CARD!

You can begin the Blog Hop here (I'm the first stop on the hop), or you can start at the SU Stars' Home Blog.

I belong to another group where we can purchase non-Stampin' Up! items in bulk. Today I am displaying several of the items I have purchased over the last few months.

My first project is a matching checkbook cover and business card holder. I used several items from the Summer Mini as a teaser. Be sure to contact your SU Demonstrator for a copy of the new Summer Mini available May 1st.

I also made a business card holder for a co-worker and thought I would share it with you, too.

My final projects were made for a long-time friend whose husband served in the US Navy. I thought she might like this thimble and needle holder embossed with nautical symbols.

I've posted directions for the projects displayed, click on the SU Stars' tab at the top of the page.

I've enjoyed having you visit my blog today and would enjoy reading any comment you leave.

Next on the hop is Denise Foor's blog. Denise has a great project for you. Enjoy the rest of the blog hop and I hope you return next month for the May Blog Hop.

Traditional Tax Day

2011-04-15T06:15:00.000-07:00

It is that dreaded time of the year -- TAX DAY

But, the Internal Revenue Service is letting us prolong our tax misery this year. YEP! Everyone has until close of business Monday, April 18th, to file their taxes. Is that a relief to you or is it prolonging your agony?

Have a great day everyone! I'm hoping I make it until the 19th -- I'm a tax preparer and I'm exhausted -- need a few days off, lol.

Spring Blog Candy Give-a-way

2011-03-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

Sharon is giving away Spring Blog Candy on her blog, Scrappin with Sharon & Smokey. Check it out below!

Blog candy includes:

3D Easter Embellishments
18 pc Spring color Flower Buttons
100 Adhesive Rhinestone (2 shades of Green, Yellow, Blue, then Red, Pink, Purple)
2 sets of Studio G clear stamps
3 Glittery flourishes
2 Bottles of glitter glue (Light green and Mauve)
6 Flower dots
5 strands of spring ribbon (3 feet each total of 15 ft) All spring colors.
6 skeins of Floss for sewing on your cards or layouts. (All spring Colors)
Baggie of spring silk flowers
Fiskars Threading Water boarder punch( New in package Scallop boarder with holes)

All you have to do is enter by March 31st, 2011, become a Follower and leave her a comment; leave a comment why you like Spring; post her Blog Candy on your blog and leave her a comment.

Thanks Sharon for the chance to win this fantastic cand.

Stampin' for Fun Divas' NEW Color Challenge

2011-03-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

Stampin' for fun Divas are having a Color Challenge and a 3-D Challenge this month. I made a 3-D basket earlier out of the Two Tag Die for the Big Shot, but decided I wanted to enter the Color Challenge, too.

Here is my card, hope you like it!

The colors for the color challenge were Always Artichoke, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake or River Rock, and Marina Mist. I chose River Rock as my Neutral Color.

The base card is made out of River Rock (8-1/2"x4-1/4" folded in half), layered with Always Artichoke (4"x5-1/4") which makes the River Rock greenish looking. I then cut a piece of Baja Breeze, tore one end, sponged the edges with Baja Breeze ink and attached it to the card. I picked out a design in Baja Breeze from the Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper (DSP), tore it and sponged the edges.

Using the Two-Step Bird Punch, I punched out one bird in Baja Breeze and sponged it and another bird in Marina Mist. I punched out the wings using the Greenhouse Gala DSP and the tree limbs in River Rock and Aways Artichoke.

I stamped the greeting in VersaMark using the Level I Hostess Set Because I Care and added Basic Pearls for the eyes.

You can purchase all items by visiting my on line store.

Can you say beautiful?

2011-03-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

The Design Team Members for the challenge blog Stampin' For Fun Divas has posted a Color Challenge and a 3-D Challenge this month.

Design Team Member Diana S. created these beautiful pieces of jewelry. All I can say is, WOW! Thanks for sharing Diana!

Blog Candy Winner

2011-03-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

We have a Blog Candy Winner ---- YIPPEE!!!!!

Over the weekend I participated in the SU Stars March Blog Hop and I offered Blog Candy if I went over 15,000 visitors AND if I hit 50 followers.

I did go over 15,000 visitors, but unfortunately I did not hit 50 followers.

I used the random number generator on my blog and it chose #6 -- Kathy! Congratulations Kathy, I'll be contacting you soon with the details!

Keep coming back -- once I hit that 50 mark for followers, I will put everyone's name into pot and choose a winner for some Blog Candy.

Have a great day everyone and thanks so much for stopping by during the blog hop and leaving me a comment. I really enjoy reading them.

Stampin' for Fun Divas' NEW Color Challenge

2011-03-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

I created the following baskets after visiting Chris Kolly's blog. She has a great tutorial on how to make these -- easy peasy! Thanks so much Chris for sharing your fantastic idea. I loved making these little babies.
(I created these boxes for this month's challenge on the Stampin' for Fun Divas blog -- check out their challenge starting 3/21!)

And here is a close-up of each one.

I used Textured Real Red card stock for this basket, accented it with a retired set of adhesive strips and a retired brad.

This is a great, cheerful little basket that can be used as a table decoration, a treat bag for a party or as a small gift bag for someone -- would hold a gift card easily.

For this basket I used Textured Night of Navy card stock layered
with retired Designer Series Paper in Bashful Blue.

I added Bashful Blue ribbon on the handle along with some silver brads. I stamped the space ship from the Fun Pun set and cut it out and mounted it with Stampin' Dimensionals. I then stamped the saying from the Occasional Quotes (Level 2 Hostess Set) in
Bashful Blue, punched it out with our large tag punch and added
some Bashful Blue ribbon. Great for a Baby Shower or a gift card for the new parents.

For my last basket I used Textured Pretty in Pink card stock and stamped the floral image from the Easter Blossoms stamp set using the VersaMark stamp pad.

I attached the handle using the new Shimmer Brads. I wrapped Pretty in Pink ribbon around the basket, stamped the greeting from the Easter Blossoms stamp set in the Occasions Mini in Pretty in Pink and punched it out, sponged the edges, added some pearls and attached it with Stampin' Dimensionals.

I hope you have enjoyed these cute little boxes and again, thanks Chris for the great tutorial.

SU STARS MARCH BLOG HOP

2011-03-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to SU STARS March Blog Hop.

A group of stampers that love

Scrapping, Teaching And Rubber Stamping (STARS)!

If you are starting the blog hop from here, you can either continue the hop from here or start at the beginning here. If you started the hop from the SU STARS home blog, then you arrived here from Veronica's blog. Isn'tt her card great! The Tulip embossing folder adds a special touch to any project and goes beautifully with the Nature Walk stamp set. I love browsing around her blog and seeing all the fantastic items she comes up with.

For today I created a Baby Announcement card using the Level I Hostess Set (from the current Occasions Mini) A Slice of Life stamp set.

To make the card, I:

cut a 6"x6" piece of Pacific Point card stock. Folded it in half to make a 3"x6" card. I layered a 2-3/4"x6" piece of Bashful Blue card stock and attached it using Snail Adhesive.
cut three pieces of Pacific Point card stock: 1-3/4" x 2-1/2"
stamped the pajamas in Bashful Blue on a 2-1/4"x9" piece of Whisper White card stock three times (widely spaced) and again in Pacific Point.
stamped the words "sweet and baby" under two of the Bashful Blue pajamas and the word "boy" in Pacific Point under the third one.
cut out the Pacific Point image of the pajamas
cut the Bashful Blue images into 1-1/2"x2-1/4" rectangles
punched a small hole to attach a blue brad using the 1/16" hand held punch attached the brad to create a "rod" for the pajamas to hang from
attached the Pacific Point pajamas over the third image using Stampin' Dimensionals
roughed up the edges of the stamped images, attached them to the three pieces of Pacific Point card stock cut above and attached them to the strip of Bashful Blue card stock on the front of the card
attached a piece of 2-3/4"x 5-3/4" piece of Whisper White card stock on the inside
stamped an image of the pajamas on the right side and the word baby several times along the bottom edge in Bashful Blue
stamped the pajama image the word baby on the front of the envelope

BLOG CANDY ALERT: You can win one of two ways. I will soon reach 15,000 visitors to my blog and will be offering Blog Candy from the new Summer Mini Catalog AND, if I reach 50 followers this weekend, I will be offering more Blog Candy to one of my followers. Leave me a comment stating you are a follower and you will be added into the second drawing too!

Thank you so much for stopping by and I hope you leave me a comment with your email address (so I can contact you if you are the lucky winner(s) of my blog candy), I so enjoy reading them.

I hope you have enjoyed the card I created and now I will send you hopping over to Deborah's fantastic blog and the project(s) she created for you. I love her 3"x6" card using the Easter Blossoms stamp set and her Mother's card is absolutely fantastic using the Blessed Mother stamp set. Browse around while you are there she has some fantastic cards on display!

SU Stars March Blog Hop is this Weekend

2011-03-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

SU Stars is having their monthly blog hop this weekend and starts tomorrow, Saturday, March 19th. Come visit all the participating blogs and see their great cards and projects.

SU Stars BLOGHOP

Psssst: I hear their is at least one person giving away Blog Candy this month --- hmmmm

SU Stars March Blog Hop is Coming!!!

2011-03-16T06:33:00.000-07:00

Where did the last month go? It seems like just yesterday I was creating a project for the month SU Stars Blog Hop and here it is again!

Yep, March's SU Stars Blog Hop is this weekend, March 19th and 20th. Be sure to check back and join us for the hop to see all the great ideas everyone will post. I look forward to seeing you there!

You can start the hop from my blog, or you can start the hop on Saturday from our home blog.

SALE, SALE, SALE

2011-02-26T12:32:00.000-08:00

Check Out My Sales for Sale-A-Bration

Sale-A-Bration for 2011 ends March 31st.

In CELEBRATION of SALE-A-BRATION, I am offering a 15% discount to all my friends, family and customers for the month of March. That is a $10 Savings on a $50* order, a $20 Savings on a $100* order and a $30 savings on a $150* order.

In addition, your order will qualify for one free item from the Sale-A-Bration Mini for every $50 dollars you spend on merchandise (does not include shipping and tax).

AND, for those individuals placing a $150 order, you also qualify for Hostess Benefits -- $15 in free merchandise of your choice and a Level 1 Stamp Set from either the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog or from the 2011 Occasions Mini Catalog.

*Merchandise only, does not include shipping costs or taxes.

Contact me at brendah1951@gmail.com to place your order.
Payment accepted by Pay Pal, contact me for details. Once I have your payment, I will place your order and have it sent to your home address.

SU STARS February 2011 Blog Hop

2011-02-19T03:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the SU STARS February 2011 Blog Hop.

We are showcasing items from the Occasions Mini and the Sale-A-Bration's Mini this month. As usual, Stampin' Up! is offering many, many great new stamp sets and product found in the Occasions Mini AND you can earn free stamp sets and/or product from the Sale-A-Bration Mini. Check with your Demonstrator to find out how you can purchase or earn the items shown throughout the Blog Hop this weekend.

The SU Stars Blog Hop starts with Angela Walters and ends with Loni Holt. My Blog is Stop Number 10 and you should have arrived here from Denise Foor's Blog.

I love the Two-Step Owl Punch and just had to have the Punch Bunch stamp set found in the Sale-A-Bration Mini on page 5. Isn't he adorable?

In addition to stamping the owl in Rose Red on Whisper White card stock, I also stamped Happy Birthday in Rose Red using the Happy Birthday stamp from Punch Bunch set, punched it out using the scalloped square punch and attached it to the inside of my card. I used the scalloped square punch to punch a hole so the Happy Birthday sentiment would show through.

To add a little pizazz to the card, I gathered some Rose Red 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon and attached it under the owl.

Another fantastic stamp set from the Sale-A-Bration Mini is "Bliss". I have used three of the five stamps on these two 3"x3" cards.

On the first card I stamped the flower in Marina Mist using the stamping off technique. I added a ribbon and bow using the 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon and cut out one of the flowers and attached it with a stampin' dimensional. I completed the card by adding a basic pearl to the center of the cut out flower and stamping the bird several times along the bottom using the VersaMark pad. I stamped thank you on the inside of the card.

For the second card, I stamped the butterfly and the greeting in Bashful Blue and the flower in several shades of pink. I added three basic pearls for the body of the butterfly to finish it.

My last project is a card using the new Build a Blossom Stamp Set, the new Blossom Petals Punch and the new Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder from the Occasions Mini. A tutorial on how to make this card will be posted on Monday, February 21st.

Thank you for visiting my Blog today and I wish you the best as you hop on over to Loni's Blog.

A complete list of the featured blogs is shown below for your convenience.

Stop 1 - Angela Walter's Blog, www.lifewithawienerdog.com

Stop 2 - Diana Soling's Blog, http://handmadebydiana.typepad.com

Stop 3 - Jackie Watson's Blog, http://jackielwatson.blogspot.com

Stop 4 - Martha Lucia Gomez's Blog, www.stampartpapel.com

Stop 5 - Raissa Spatola's Blog, www.raissastamps.com

Stop 6 - Nancy Keithley's Blog, www.fancynancykay.blogspot.com

Stop 7 - Monica Weaver's Blog, http://www.addalittledazzle.com

Stop 8 - Veronica Miller' Blog, http://bluegrassstamperstudio.blogspot.com/

Stop 9 - Denise Foor's Blog, http://www.denisefoor.blogspot.com/

Stop 10 - Brenda Hugar's Blog, http://brendasstampingcorner.blogspot.com

Stop 11 - Loni Holt's Blog, www.loniholt.blogspot.com

It's A Boy!!!!

2011-02-18T15:48:00.000-08:00

My co-worker recently found out she is having a baby boy in April and is excited about the news. She already has a little boy and he is ecstatic he will have a baby brother soon.

As part of my gift, I decided to make her some Thank You cards for any gifts she might receive (like from all of us at work -- surprise shower!). I thought I would share my cards with you today. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them.

NOTE: All supplies are from Stampin'Up!, but most are retired. The card stock used for the base of the cards is current as is the the card stock and Designer Series Paper for the box. I will be posting directions on how to make the box on Monday, February 21st.

I made ten 3"x3" cards using a retired jumbo wheel with baby clothes hung on a clothesline stamped on Whisper White card stock. The base card is made with Pacific Point card stock. I added a layer of retired Designer Series Paper in Bashful Blue and tore the edge so I could stamp the sentiment in the lower right corner. I tore the Whisper White card stock, too, and sponged the edges with Marina Mist. I colored in the flowers and butterflies using Stampin' Write Markers. On the inside I attached a piece of Whisper White card stock with the edges sponged with Marina Mist. To add dimension to the cards, I cut out different pieces of clothing and bunny, colored them and attached them to the cards with Stampin' Dimensionals.

I made and decorated a box to hold the cards using current products from Stampin' Up!

Box: Pacific Point card stock with matching designer paper from the Brights Patterns Designer Series Paper. I added 1/8" Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon around the top and attached a large blue button with retired 3/8" Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon.

Be sure to come back Monday, February 21st, for the directions on how to make this box.

Missing in Action

2011-02-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

It has been three weeks since the last time I posted and I apologize to my friends and blog followers. Life has a way of catching up with all of us now and then, and for the last six weeks I seem to be chasing my tail.

I retired about 18 months ago and was enjoying my new found freedom immensely. Then, I started thinking, hey if I went to work part time I would have some extra "play" money for my stamping addiction (lol). So I thought, hmmmm, why not go to work for H & R Block and do taxes during tax season and then take the rest of the year off -- sounds reasonable, right?

I started off with a seven-week tax course in the fall. Lots and lots of homework, but it was fun. Then came January and the tax season -- all I can say is I have been one BUSY woman! So I go to work each day and come home and vegetate -- my emails are so backed up it isn't even funny! But, hey -- April 15th isn't that far off!

Then comes Valentine's Day -- need to make cards to send to friends and family (check -- got that done), oops need to make a birthday card for my youngest granddaughter and my SIL (check -- got that done), then along comes my DH (darling husband) and he buys me a NOOK for Valentine's Day. I am an avid reader, so needless to say I downloaded some free books from Barnes and Noble and the rest is history. I have read six books already and I am on number seven.

Between work and reading, I am behind in my stamping and housecleaning. Please bear with me, I promise to do better and will be posting more frequently -- I have limited myself to how much I can read a day so I can accomplish my other goals.

So friends, family and followers -- I AM BACK!!! Hope everyone had a fantastic Valentine's Day and I wish you the best. Come back soon to see what I come up with next!

Brenda

Valentine's Day is Coming

2011-01-24T07:47:00.000-08:00

Wow, where has January gone? It is the 24th already with only 7 more days left before February comes. AND, we all know and love February because of VALENTINE'S DAY.

I made this card a while back, but it says it all -- LOVE. Hope you enjoy it and have a great day!