Here's part 2 of Stamping Basics:



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I've started a new series of videos called Stamping Basics. It is very basic for those who are just starting out on their stamping adventures. Here's the very first in what will be a long series of videos:



Thanks for stopping by today.

I'm hosting a Winter Stamp Out over on the Fiskateer site this weekend. We're getting inky with twenty challenges as we say goodbye to Winter and hello to Spring. It's bunches of fun. The very last challenge is called Simon Says 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Honestly I was scratching my head trying to come up with the last of the challenges and threw this one in. I've been busy hosting, but really wanted to play along in at least one challenge. I chose this one because it's the toughest of the bunch in my eyes. Here's the challenge: Create a card using 5 embellishments, 4 patterned papers, 3 stamps, 2 punches, and 1 piece of cardstock. My Chicken Soup Card:

Here's the breakdown:

5 embellishments- tag, hemp, bakers twine, green burlap, piece of old measuring tape
4 patterned papers- 1" pieces of Jillibean Soup papers from the Chilled Strawberry Soup and Snowman Soup lines
3 stamps- chicken, sentiment, messy background stamps
2 punches- Fiskars Notebook Border and Chip Off the Old Block punches
1 piece of cardstock-there's a kraft cardstock base under all that other stuff :)

For the FTC Police: The Jillibean Soup Papers and Fiskars punches were given to me by the companies. The rest of the things used to create this card are from my own stash of treasures.

For everyone else thanks for stopping by today! I hope you have time to get ink on your fingers this weekend.

I'm still alive and well here.  Had a wonderful time at CHA.  In case you haven't seen it, here's the photo montage:



I added in some of my travel plans over there on the right.  I'll be doing a big round of make and takes all over in May.  I'm blogging regularly on the Fiskateer blog if you ever want to see what I'm up to when I'm not here.  Will definitely try to stop in more often than every other month.

The brief update: Snow, snow, and more snow falling right now, still practicing yoga, still substitute teaching here and there, still loving the orange handled scissors, the teenager is over 6' now with white blonde hair and loves playing rugby, the dogs are looking forward to spring right along with the rest of us, and life is good-sometimes it's crazy, but mostly it's good.  I hope all is going well with you and please don't hate me for not being here much.  Come see me at the other place I blog when I'm not around here :)

I had a wonderful birthday weekend!  Thanks for all the sweet wishes.  Hair was off the chart amazing.  It's in my top 3, and I'd go see it again tomorrow.  If it travels anywhere near you, don't miss it, and don't take the kids.  It's definitely a date night play.

CHA preparation has taken over my life, but I'm not complaining.  It's amazing and worth every moment of searching for crazy things like orange teapots.  I made a video today of my absolute favorite new product coming out at winter CHA.  Fiskars is so awesome.  I asked for this product and they delivered.  I have to pinch myself every once in a while to make sure this is all really happening.  I'm one very happy fiskateer.



Thanks for stopping by today!

I'm celebrating another candle on the birthday cake today, well actually all weekend. My sweet husband brought me a chocolate croissant and tea in bed this morning complete with a candle and the most adorable Minnie Mouse card. I'm a big Disney fan, and Minnie has a special place in my heart. Tomorrow he's taking me into LA to see Hair at the Pantages. I'm absolutely giddy. The weekend wraps up with brunch on Sunday with my mom and sister. Girl time instead of football games sounds like a perfect way to spend the day.

In the middle of all that fun, I planned to stop in the Verizon store to update my ghetto phone. I've been waiting longer than I should, holding out for the mythical Verizon iphone. I was all set to join the droid team, having given up on the iphone as a pipe dream. I just heard on the news that the iPhone is days away from being available with Verizon. Woohoo! Now, that's the cherry on top of the birthday cake. I'm doing a little happy dance.

It's definitely the beginning of a beautiful year. Just for fun, I'm sharing the horoscope from the newspaper.  I look forward to it all year long:

"You become increasingly well-rounded this year as you add interesting new friends and activities to your life. A warmhearted someone opens personal and professional doors for you. February brings memorable encounters and loving exchanges. April features an unexpected gift. August brings a windfall."

That's a horoscope I can't wait to see unfold.  Last year's was extremely accurate. 48 is going to be a great year.  I can feel it.

grace

I've chosen my one little word for the new year: grace: thoughtfulness toward others; goodwill; seemingly effortless charm of movement.  Firstly, those who know me well know that I don't come by physical grace naturally.  It's an effort and one I intend to continue working toward with my yoga practice.  I'm working on a new project for 2011 called Hearts of Orange, Crafting for the Common Good.   It's a year long effort of crafting for others that starts tomorrow.  


Have you chosen a word for 2011, yet?  I've found that my word takes on new dimension as the year rolls on and brings new things into my life I hadn't expected.  I can't wait to see what grace brings in 2011.  Happy New Year.

Happy Holidays from our crazy house to yours!

Thank you for all the wonderful anniversary wishes.  It was an amazing beautiful getaway.  We spent time in the Denver/Boulder area of Colorado.  The last time we were there was on a cross country trip before we had our son, so about 16 years ago.  It was just as lovely as we remembered and we even ate at the same microbrewery that we hit the last time we were in Boulder.  So many fond memories of that trip flooded back.  We created lots of new memories and it definitely won't be our last trip there.  We already have a list of things we'd like to do and see.  A long weekend just wasn't enough time.

Sorry to have been away from the blog for so long.  We got home from the trip and it was Thanksgiving and then all of the Christmas preparation began.  Such a busy and fun time of year.  We are so thankful that everyone is healthy and happy for the holidays.  Looking forward to lots of yummy cookies and laughter.  I  hope you have a beautiful holiday season.

Twenty years ago today I married my best friend.  He's still my best friend and I can't wait to see what wonderful new adventures the next twenty years bring.  We're getting on a plane in the morning to run away for a few days of quiet celebration.