Bootybella Designs

Time Flies...And Other Parental Thoughts...

2012-05-09T08:48:00.001-07:00

Well it is hard to believe that my little bambino is practically a month old! "Time Flies" I used to hear parents say....my thoughts, yah right! You have kids that take so much work, how could time possibly FLY? I now understand how this happens! It feels like he should only be a couple weeks old because we are just adapting and settling into somewhat of a "routine", following the aftermath of bringing home a newborn. So much is happening...he is so focused on staring at me with his big blue eyes like I am someone special - his everything! I must remind him of this when he hates me during his teen years! He hiccups following most feedings - which sounds very painful but is so damn cute - each time it pulls on my heart, not knowing to laugh or cry for him. And the other night at 5am following a feed, my arms were sooooo tired and weak from holding onto him for the past hour. I NEEDED to put him down, but with his eyes closed and the soft light of our nightlight, all I could see was his little lips pursed into a smile that kept going and going - and no, he didn't have gas I am convinced - he was just really happy! How could I put him down now???? Dirty pool I say, dirty pool! When I was growing up I had a large love for reading. There is so much the little minds can absorb and imagine from reading a book - so opposite of watching it on the tube. It challenges you to focus on "what might be" instead of someone else's concept of "what it is" to them. To this day, I love listening to stories told on the radio in the wee hours of the morning as opposed to watching a movie on the television. Therefore, one love I am hoping to pass on to Jaxon is the power of reading. We have started as soon as he came home from the hospital. I know it is probably the last thing he is interested in right now but every night before we go down for the night, we read a story or two. I wanted to share this inexpensive collection of four books I bought the other day and love! For Mommy...

For Daddy...

For Grandma...

And of course, For Grandpa...

These were written by Jillian Harker and Kristina Stephenson and come with a couple greeting cards and envelopes in each one so the child can write a little note to each parent or grandparent. I got a wicked deal on these 4 books at Indigo, as they were originally listed at $18.99 per book, but I found all 4 in the Bargin section at $4.99 a book!!! Swing by and pick up these finds for your child's collection! ~MWAH

Without Further Adieu....

2012-04-22T10:06:00.002-07:00

Intoducing.......Mr. Jaxon Briant!!!! My wonderful bundle of joy arrived at 3:12pm on Wednesday, April 11th...weighing in at at a mere 9lbs, 8oz and 19" in length, Jaxon was welcomed by a world of bright lights, busy people and a tearful mom and dad - elated by his safe appearance!

He was riding breech and coupled with his size, my OBGYN and I decided that it was in everyone's best interest to opt for an elective C-Section. And I couldn't have been happier with that decision. My recovery has been remarkable and aside from a ring of "flab" that seems to now "hang" around my mid-section - I wouldn't even think I just had a baby!!!! We are safely home and settling into a "routine". This regimen consists of: ~Eat~Sleep~Poop/Pee~Eat~Sleep~Poop/Pee~Eat~Sleep~Poop/Pee....ok, you get the picture!!! I have, overnight, learnt that dirty dishes will still be on the counter or in the sink two hours later, morning showers are not a necessity, but rather a luxury, and nothing is more important and rewarding than holding this little miracle in my arms every chance I get!!! And with that said, "the boss is calling" from his swing where he was sleeping a minute ago, but now appears to be ravaged with hunger..."Hold tight Jaxon...Mommy and her boobies are coming!!!" ~Mamacita Bootybella

Tired of Soliciting...

2012-04-05T13:29:00.006-07:00

So yesterday afternoon, as I was attempting to "relax" before the bambino arrives, my doorbell rang once. After I hoisted my big belly up of the couch and waddled across the house, I was greeted by a stranger on my doorstep wanting to sign me up for a "free trial subscription" of the local newspaper. Ahhhhhh....no thanks. Return to couch.
Literally half an hour later, just as I was reacquainting myself with the cast of General Hospital, "ding dong" number two. Grunt, groan, shuffle, waddle, grab my breath....as I approach my front doorstep, another person I have never seen grace my front porch. And what could she possibly want from this 38 week prego? She, along with her small children and husband (standing off in the background) had been sent by the lord above to let me know there was room in their pews for big ol' me, and my hubby if I would like to bring him too - to Sunday's Pentecostal Service down the road. Ahhhhh...no thanks. Return to couch.
An hour or so later, just as I had wedged my ass comfortably into a "comfortable position" on the couch, propted all extremities higher than my belly so that swelling, tingling and numbness were to be kept to a minimum...I just began to drift off to sleep with The View ladies bickering in the background...knock, knock, knock, ding dong, ding dong! Oh for the love of %$#&*!!!!! Hoist, gasp for air, pretty much trip over the dog who is now running around ballistically because someone woke him up from his afternoon siesta, we both arrive at the door to our THIRD guest, who has come unannounced to my stoop! Any guesses on this one? Well it is election time in our end of the world so I am graced with the presence of some keener that has nothing else to do with their time than parade around neighbourhoods asking for "my guarantee" for a vote for their political party! Maybe if they "guarantee" that all their promises won't turn to lies the minute they are elected!!! Ahhh...no thanks!!! Skip the return to couch and head to office instead..... to produce this lovely sign that now adorns my front door....

Moral of this story....leave the pregnant woman ALONE!!!!!
And in case you were wondering if this works, I have had 4 others footsteps travel up my front porch, only to pause (reading my signage) and scamper off, leaving me to enjoy my last few days pre-mother-hood!!!

I'mmmmmm Back!!!!!! Double Take...

2012-04-03T15:35:00.005-07:00

I know I have been M.I.A. for several months now, purely because I became self absorbed in what I have waited my whole being for!!! As you can tell by the photo below, we are expecting our little bundle of joy within the week! I have been busy shopping, decorating, reading, and educating myself over the past 9 months on how to be the most amazing parent! Now, I don't know that I will slam dunk that job, but I do have two parents that I think did a pretty good job when all was said and done, so following in their footsteps for the most part, should take me down a road of success?!

I really wanted to do a fun maternity photo shoot before the bambino arrived so a few weeks back we headed out to a local park to snap some photos. This is by far one of my ultimate favourites! What do you think? I love the way the photo turned out, however the anticipation of waiting for that melon to chill down, cut into it and devour it's flavours was getting the best of me. After all - it cost a whole $9.50 at this time of year....so imagine my utter disappointment when my hubby chopped it open to find out it had ZERO flavour and was white as a bunnies touché!!! What a freakin' let down!!! Oh well, teach me!

So I know some of you have faithfully followed my other blogs that I started, not for lack or organization! Clearly, 5 blogs are a tad too much to keep up with so moving forward, you will be pleased to know that EVERYTHING will be posted within "Bootybella Designs" Blog - this means you will find the following on this blog:
~ My witty thoughts on EVERYTHING (Careful what you wished for?!)...
~ My latest crafts & creations (Stamping, scraping and soon to be scribbles!)...
~ My favourite inspirations (And others that inspire)...
~ My most cherished and sharable recipes (Fun with food!)...
~ My suggestions on libations (AKA "What's in Mommy's Sippy Cup?")...
~ My Two Pennies on Products (A Bootybella Rating System)...
~ And anything else that "floats my boat"....
Are you ready to join this journey of "Mamahood" with me? I hope so because I would hate to think that no one is actually reading all this!!!! Bwahahahahahaha!!!!!

MWAH~
Soon to be "Mamacita Bootybella"

Speaking of Veggies...

2011-10-31T17:48:00.000-07:00

It has been such a long time since I updated this blog....but for good reasoning....

Any thoughts?

Picklefest 2011....

2011-08-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

I have been dying to make homemade dill pickles for years. A friend of mine makes wicked ones so I enlisted her help, as well as my new found friends, Tim & Dave from the Hutterite Colony just east of the city!!!! And voila!!!!
WE HAVE PICKLES!!!!!
Zee following is zee story of how zee cucumber becomes zee pickle...grab your popcorn, put your feet up and enjoy!!

FRIDAY NIGHT
After picking up my 40lbs of cucumbers from the Farmer's Market, 5 lbs of dill and 5 lbs of garlic, I return home to unload.
The evening is spent with help from my dahling hubby in the prep so we are reading to rock and roll first thing tomorrow morning!!!
Splish splash...Bootybella's cucs are takin' a bath...

Drying off on paper towels...

The freshly bathed and dried cucs settle in for the night in a garbage bag lined box...

My 40lbs of baby cucs juuuuuusssttt fit into our downstairs fridge, to stay crisp for the night before their big debut tomorrow morning!

SATURDAY MORNING...
One full dill head went into each sterilized mason jar...

A "minimum" of 3 cloves per jar...just for the bottom, of course we put more on the top!!!

The dill heads & garlic cloves patiently await the arrival of the cucs....

As far as the eye can see....

A sea of pickles....

Packed pickle jars awaiting dill & brine (oh yeah, and of course MORE GARLIC!)...

Fresh dill sprigs to top each jar...

Ingredients for the brine....

And just incase you wondered what "37"jars of pickles looked like....

And just because I hadn't had enough, why not pickle some spicy beans and a jar of peppers?????
Like the cucs, the beans started out in an icebath to be cleaned.....

Tipped all the beans....

In goes the dill, garlic and cayenne pepper & chilli peppers...all to help create that "KICK"!

And finally we will add the blanched beans, covering with a brine and sealing!

And I figured I would pickle a jar of peppers - something to give the guest that you want to leave your house!!! All I know is "I" am not eating any of these!

Fingers crossed that they all seal and I am gonna be in pickle and bean heaven for the next year....ummmmm...and apparently I will need an abundance! Wink wink, nod nod!!!

Stay tuned....
MWAH~

"Sexy Deck"...

2011-07-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well, finally complete!!! We built this 3 tier deck 2 years ago and finally got around to staining it up! It was a long journey because it wouldn't quit raining in this country for more than a day!!! Now that is it done, maybe we can have that deck party we have been talking about having for the past 3 years!!!

Back corner of deck with garden planters...

My dahling hubby spent countless hours on his knees (he also had these sexy green foam knee pads that he wore while working) putting on the stain to our gorgeous deck!!! Sorry ladies, I didn't manage to snap a photo!! All his "sexiness" paid off cause now I got me a "SEXY DECK!"

We ordered too much rock for the front flower bed so just decided to incorporate it into the back yard....

Cherry Tomatoes...

Peas...

Yellow Beans...

These container gardens are perfect for the city gal that wishes she had the space to plant a garden of fresh produce! My amazing friend had these things in her pots, called "Plant Nanny's" and they are terracota spikes that go into the dirt. You then fill up an empty wine bottle (of course this would mean that you would have to drink the contents first, so be very careful!) and turn it upside down in the "Plant Nanny". As the plant is "thirsty" it will draw water from the bottle! Genius!!!!

And this concludes my backyard tour!! Off to soak up the rays on my "SEXY DECK"!
MWAH~

Ta-Da....The Finale!!!

2011-07-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

Well.....the topsoil finally arrived and everything got cleaned up and put away, just in time for a nice fresh rain. That soil looks so nice and black I could hardly wait to get muckin' in it!!!

From the driveway...

This is what is looks like from the road driving up to our home....

So we also decided to pull up all the pea-gravel that we had down the other side of our home. We replaced it with a darker mulch and the "heaviest-dutiest-tarpiest" stuff to go on the ground under it!!! I don't want to see another clump of grass, thistle or anything growing on that side of my house other than these beautiful trembling Aspens that we staggered. I saw them staggered in someone else's yard months ago while driving around to get some ideas, and loved the "natural" look it gave, as opposed to planting them in one symmetrical line...

This is what is looks like from straight on....this will be stunning once they develop...

Dogwoods & Purple & White Hollyhock...sorry mom but I think it is beautiful! Haha!

Before I started digging holes all over the place, I carefully placed the plants in their pots where I thought I would put them. This was a good hour long process, since I am so bloody indecisive!!! Something else that I did was drew my flowerbed out on a sketchpad, building a key on a separate page. I drew circles with numbers in them on the sketch, then on the key you just have to match up the corresponding numbers to find out what plant is planted there!!! I thought I better come up with some kind of system, seeing as someone was bound to come over in the next 40 years and say "OMG - that is stunning - what is it?" Bwahahahaa!!!

What a find from Wally World of all places - this rock fountain pretty much blends into the front fascia rock of our home...AND, it was on sale!!!!

When I stopped for the day, this is what was left to look at...

More plants...that didn't get planted yet...

And finally, here is a shot of the Rock Fountain, the Dogwoods, my Guacamole Hosta, and some others...

So as I promised to post when this beautiful creation was completed, I am soooo excited to share these photos with you! Although this project will be an ongoing one, adding to the large empty space in the middle, and any spots here and there, I hope you are half as pleased with this creation as I!!! I would love to hear your suggestions of what I can fill my spaces in the bed with!
MWAH~

My Long-awaited Flower Bed....

2011-06-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

So I have been dreaming of having a place to muck around in, to plant perennials and pull the odd weed or two. But with the way they build homes so close together nowadays, they leave you with limited space to accomplish the building of any flower-bed or garden. But this summer, once it finally arrived, brought with it hope that I would finally get a space to fill with luscious green foliage and scent-full blossoms!!!
And so the breaking of the ground began....

A deep trench needed to be dug first, then packed with a mixture of sand and gravel to eliminate the shifting of the rock down the road - or so I am told - I hope this is the case....

I had many ideas of what I wanted but after many trips to the rock depot, I settled on this slate look, as it went with the exterior of the home so well. So we began to lay the base layer of the wall...

Once the base was complete, the wall got built up, piece by piece, leaving a jagged modern look to the bed.
During the building, some rocks were glued to each other to for extra reinforcement.
This is what the bed looks like just prior to topsoil fill - the smaller areas still need to be filled in with smaller pieces of slate...

And this is what you see when driving up to the front of the house, from the road....

Will be taking more photos and updating as we go, but so far, I am pretty pleased! What are your thoughts?

Lilac Season...

2011-06-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

So I planted these two lilac bushes in my back yard 4 years ago now. And every year, the odd branch blossoms and I have to refrain from lopping the branch off and taking it into my house to fill the air with this cherished smell.
But this year, both bushes had multiple blooms...so today, I could contain myself no longer...

I love this varietal, with both the purple and the white...

And a close up so true, you can almost smell it...

MWAH!

A 40th Birthday Giggle....

2011-05-31T16:29:00.000-07:00

So I saw this stamp set called "Girlfriends" by Art Impressions and knew the exact application!!! I would make a 40th birthday card for an amazing girlfriend!!!!

I pulled out my copics and got coloring to add some pop to the card. I was inspired by a fellow cardmaker, Brandi Wiggins with the freehanding along the edges of the stamped image!

And what's a fun girlfriend card without a little "blingity bling"???

Hope you enjoyed this little gem of a card!
MWAH~

Recipe Card Dividers Tutorial...

2011-04-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

So those that know me know I am a recipe junkie!!!! I have recipes collected from my grandmothers to my mother to friends from near & far. I also love to play with recipes and alter them to create wonderful yummy concoctions to please my palate!!
But I have struggled with how to "organize" all my treasures!!!! And then I found these...

I have purchased 4 (yes...four...as I said I have ALOT of treasured recipes!!!) for my project. I print all my recipes on 4x6 recipe cards, so these tins are the PERFECT FIT!!!!

This tutorial will teach you how to make some amazing recipe card dividers that will have your recipe box gasping in sheer excitement!!!!

We will start off by talking about some of the products you will need to make these beauties....

A Scotch TL901 Thermal Lamintor - awesome investment!!! My DH bought this for work, but I have scooped it up and totally earned it's value back ten fold!!!! We got it at Wally World for $35 - best price we could find around!

1-2 packages of Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches (20 pouches per pack - 5mil - 135x185mm) - I found these as well for the best price at Wally World at approx $5 per pack...

One package of velum paper and my pdf of "The Ultimate Recipe Label Collection"...

DSP packs...I used two of these to complete this project, but keep in mind I made ALOT of dividers...

Word Window Punch (SU), Making Memories Chocolate Brown Paint, & Make Up Applicator Sponges...
You will also require adhesive (I used my PINK ATG gun which worked marvelously!!!) and a pack of recipe card dividers (I picked mine up at the Dollar Store for $1 for a package of 50! Smokin' deal!!!)

LET'S GET STARTED: Place adhesive on one side of recipe divider card. I did two cards per 12x12 DSP piece. Place them on one edge of DSP, butting right up on top of each other. Once adhered, use exacto knife and trim them off DSP.

Flip your recipe divider card over and run adhesive on the unfinished side, lining up on the excess paper from your DSP sheet...

If you haven't done so already, turn your laminator on to heat up. I recommend with this laminator to change the Heat Setting Switch to 5mil from the regular 3mil setting, as these are thicker objects going through your laminator...

Trim the excess DSP from around the recipe divider card...

I then took a chocolate brown paint and some make-up sponges (these are cheap and work great for edging!!) and applied a quick coat of paint to all edges of the recipe divider - it antiqued it up a little!!! It also helps to cover the edge of those nasty cream colored divider cards from the Dollar Store!!! LOL!!!

Finished altered recipe card dividers.....

Place your altered recipe card divider into the laminator slip...Next you will have to take the categories that you print out on velum or card stock (I used velum as I liked the finished look it gave my projects!) and the Word Window punch, and punch out your category title. Carefully place this on the top tab part of the recipe divider (I chose not to adhere these down as you can see the adhesive through the velum - it just sealed it in place when I laminated it! - If you are using regular card stock you can definitely adhere to divider!)

Feed the lamination sheet, sealed side first, into the laminator and watch the magic begin...

Coming out of the bottom of the laminator...

When it comes out of the laminator, this is what it should look like...carefully trim the excess with an exacto knife.

And here is the finished product!!

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and I would love to hear everyone's feedback on this project.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me via email at bella013175@hotmail.com
MWAH!!!

Coming Soon.....

2011-04-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, the agony of not having enough time in the day to post!!! Well, I figured if I actually posted something saying I am going to show you my latest project that has been consuming my time, I will just have to make the time to post!!!
Soooo, I have been committed to making recipe tins to store all of my gems of recipes that I have collected for the last 30 some years! I promise to post photos, instructions and "my version of the divider card" in the weeks to come. So check back often for updates or follow my blog - cause you won't want to miss this one!
Cheers

2011-02-07T16:07:00.000-08:00

It's about that time again....those who have been asking and waiting with baited breath....I will be opening up a NEW Stampers 10 group up in March called INKed Mah-mah's!!!! Now, all silliness aside now in the name, you don't have to "physically" be a Mah-mah to be part of this amazing group of gals!!! You do, however, need to be willing to enjoy yourself for 2-3 hours once a month!!!! Do any of these things interest you.....

If I've tweaked your imagination in the slightest, send me an email to bella013175@hotmail.com and I will reserve a spot for you and maybe even a couple of your girlfriends!!!! What are you waiting for? Let's get INKed!!!!

Christmas Craft Sale Goodies....

2010-12-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

So this year I was in my first Christmas Craft Sale! It was definitely ALOT of work, but in the end, was well attended and therefore, well worth it all. My dahling girlfriend helped out manning the table. She sells wine for a living but sure knew how to work the crowd, selling me out on various projects!!! She's the best sales lady in town!!!
So I thought I would share some photos from the day....
Enjoy!

"Advent Calendars & Tree"...

"Card Display & Cards For Sale Rack"...

"Whisking You A Merry Christmas"...

"Holiday Fudge"...

"Doggie Bags"...

Close up of "Doggie Bags"...

Close up of "Holiday Fudge"...

Close up of "Whisking You A Merry Christmas"...

Close up of "Glitter Balls"....

Panned view of the table...

A Great Time To Join Stampin' Up!!!!!

2010-09-11T16:09:00.001-07:00

Lookie lookie....this fun & versatile tote will be coming your way if you decide to join as a Stampin Up Demo before October 18, 2010!!

Dates: September 1-October 18, 2010, or while supplies last

Details
New recruits who join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator during the promotion period will receive a FREE craft tote (valued at $49.95) with the purchase of their Starter Kit.

Greenhouse Gala Craft Tote Description

•100% twill nylon exterior; 100% nylon interior
•Dimensions: 15-3/4" x 7-5/8" x 8-7/8"
•Includes attachable shoulder strap for easy transport
•Center section fits 12" x 12" card stock, Craft Keepers, and Paper Cutter
•Outside pockets fit extra-large punches perfectly
•Outside flap pockets offer secure spot for accessories
•Back zipper pocket holds up to seven Stampin' Pads

To get your hands on this super duper cutie patootie tote, contact me to sign up!!!

Tool Tip: Stampin Up Marvelous Markers

2010-09-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

Have you ever created a marvelous project only to get frustrated when you couldn't find a coordinating marker? The unity of colors throughout your project means everything when you look at the final outcome....so pick up the Many Marvelous Marker set, and you'll have all the colors you need to make your projects pop!

■ Dual tipped markers: .5 mm fine point and flexible brush
■ Set of 38, packaged in rigid plastic case with handle
■ Includes colors from all 4 color collections (does not include Whisper White or Very Vanilla)
■ Odorless, water-based dye ink
■ Coordinate with Classic Stampin’ Pads and exclusive Stampin’ Up! card stock
■ Finger grips on cap aid in easy cap removal

Don't forget to order these fantastic tools (item# 119806) to add some detail to your projects!

What's That Lassie....Jasper's In The Creek???

2010-08-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

So as some of you may have noticed, I hadn't posted in awhile - as I have had alot going on. I have just started a new job and am enjoying that immensely!!! Meeting alot of great new people, as well as learning the ropes of the business. I had some "family time" planned as well, and we had 10 great days with my parents, brother, and other family members back home last month as well.
I thought I would share a little story about our travels with you. While out relaxing at the farm, I had decided one day to take the pooch for a walk. As we headed down the 2 mile lane, I was snapping pictures of nature, and this was the last thing I saw of my dog.....gazing off into the distance, watching the ducks take off of the water....

Suddenly, he was no where to be found. As panic settled in, I frantically called out for him, hearing whimpers coming from further down the road, at the base of the creek. Now, I know you cannot understand the depth in this next photo, but it is VERY deep!!!! Soooo deep that I could not reach the soaken wet puppy that was whimpering for help. He was like Lassie, only I think he was saying "Little Jasper fell down the creek, help get me out!!" It took a few moments, which seemed like for hours, as the grass was soooo long it was hard at times to see where he was. Finally, I dug my shoes into the road, and reached deep down and managed to grab him by the edge of his collar and flail him out!!! OMG!!! I was so happy to see him. We carried on our walk down to the water, where he stayed out of the ditch with the long grass only for the first 2 minutes - what a short memory!!!!

This is him mimicking a beaver that he saw swimming in the water!!! What a goof!!

And here he is all wet and muddy from his adventures...he had the time of his life!!!

Onesie, Twosie, Threesie....

2010-08-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

Have been dying to use the new Baby Tees Jumbo Wheel from SU, as I love these little outfits!

I made three different versions of this card, one in Marina Mist & Crumb Cake, one in Melon Mambo & Crumb Cake, and the third one is all three colors together...for the person that doesn't know what they are having - are there still these people out there????
I rolled them out, cut them out, colored them up, and popped them up!!!

Here is a shot of all three versions!

I also used the new Vintage Wall embossing folder, for some added texture to the card.
Hope you enjoy!!!

Inspiration Just In My Backyard....

2010-07-04T16:01:00.001-07:00

So a couple people asked me to post where my inspiration came from on my Hot Cocoa Hydrangea...as I mentioned, it was from my newly planted Rose Garden!!! So here is a quick snapshot of them roses......

So the whole purpose of this post, is to show you that you need not look further than your own backyard for inspiration when creating a card. One of my favorite aspects of my backyard are my Swedish Aspen trees. A few years back, I planted these and have enjoyed watching them quickly grow!!! But the most cherished thing about these trees is, on days when a gentle breeze blows through my yard, the little leaves make such a beautiful rustle, that is so relaxing and soothing!So without any further waiting, I have decided to show you what I made with Bouquet Bunch from the new Summer Mini Catalogue. I used the trunk stamp, and then stacked the leaf bunches three to a tree to create my own Swedish Aspens!
I then colored in the leaves with Pear Pizzaz and outlined them with Old Olive to achieve the depth in color of these beauties!

I also used Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Soft Suede & Pear Pizzaz in cardstock colors. A little stitching to add some punch, and some scraps of torn paper from the Elements Of Style Butterfly cards from a previous post rounded out this card.

Going with the same theme, I used Bouquet Bunch again to create this 3x5-1/2 card, planting the leaf bunches in pots this time. A simple card to say "I'm Sorry" for any time you need one...I find I need to make these in batches of 10 for my husband to give to me!!! Bwahahahaha!

Colors used here, were Crumb Cake & Marina Mist, Whisper White, Pear Pizzaz & Old Olive. The butterflies were from a retired set called "Branch Out" but were the perfect size for this little card, so I had to use them. Same coloring technique as the first card to create depth. Finished off with a little Hemp Twine and voila!!!

2010-07-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

This is an absolute "Must Have"!!! If you have ever looked at your piles of cardstock and wondered..."Where do I start?" this tool will help you jump that hurdle each & every time!
Let this "new and improved" color coach help you put together custom color schemes to express your unique creativity! Whether you want a quick reference of all colors in a collection, a card for every color, or blank cards to record your own color combinations, this swatch book is definitely for you!!!

Includes 55 double-sided cards with removable metal post fastener
Includes color theory cards and individual color swatch cards
On individual color cards, one side shows color, the other side lists coordinating colors
Card size: 2-3/4"x 4-1/2"

A great way to start your 2010-2011 catologue order is by adding the Color Coach to the top of your list. Order the Color Coach (item #121620) for $18.95 today!

Happy color matchin!!!

2010-07-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

Drumroll pleeeeze.......it is official!! Today, marks the official launch date of the new Stampin Up 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catologue!!! It is jam packed with great new stamp sets, paper, inks & embellishments, not to mention a "humongous" selection of new tools & accessories!!! Head on over to my online store to download the pdf and to place your first order of the catalogue!!

Next up is the new and improved and thicker and jawdroppin' Definately Decorative Catologue!!! Download the pdf on my website and take a mouthwatering look at all the new vinyl to get your hands on! Once you have picked out your first order of this lucious stuff, head on over to my online store to get it rushed to your doorstep!!!

I hope you are half as pleased as I am with these new catalogues and the new and exciting products that Stampin Up has come forward to offer you! Any questions, hollar!!!

Happy shoppin!!!

Hot Cocoa Hydrangea.....

2010-06-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

So the other day I was at Home Depot looking in their garden centre and found THEE most beautiful roses - they almost looked artificial they were so gorgeous!!! They were called Hot Cocoa. So I picked a couple of them up and made room for them in my back yard.

As I was sitting, admiring them, it got me thinking......

I love this color combo of Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, and Pear Pizzaz!!!

I luv hydrangeas and so when I got this stamp set, Because I Care, in my pre order, I was thrilled. This will be a Level 1 Hostess Set as well!!! It comes with a couple saying, "Because I Care" and "Thank You" (pictured below) as well as a single petal hydrangea (which is what I have stamped in the background to jazz it up a little) a ornate row of flowers stamp, and finally, the super duper yummy Hydrangea! I stamped mine in Cherry Cobbler on the flower part, Early Espresso on the stem, and Pear Pizzaz on the leaves, with some blending of Cherry Cobbler into the leaves for a realistic look. I then colored in the flower with Riding Hood Red and accented some areas with Cherry Cobbler. To finish it, I just used my white gel pen and dotted it up a little. NJOY!!!

Funky Friends Never Fade...

2010-06-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

This just might be my favorite new "In Color Combo" going right now... Ladies & Gentlemen, put your hands together for Pear Pizzaz & Concorde Crush!!! Yum Yumm - I love these RICH and full colors and when paired together - look out!!!

So this was a simple card that I used the Friends Never Fade set (a new one coming to you as of July 1st, 2010). I love this set - I took the Ornate Blossom and stamped the same color of ink and created a background on the card front itself. Then I layered it with the opposite color of card stock in the middle, then the corresponding color of inked ornate blossom on whisper white, then the opposite color of card stock scaled down, and finally, a new sentiment stamped from Occasional Quotes (one of the new Level 3 Hostess Sets)!

I also popped each double layer (the color adhered to the white card stock) from the card with dimentionals. I have to say, this set and these colors remind me of being a child. Well, you know what they say, "Everything is new again!!!!"

If you haven't gotten a sneak peak of the new catty, I sincerely promise you - you will NOT be disappointed!!! It is packed full of new sets, new paper packs, new accessories, new organizational tools, and new colors that are sure to jazz you up!!!!

Sew Sew....

2010-06-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

"Sew" (haha!) I have bought the proper needles and read up on all the sites, and have taken the leap into sewing on cards!!! I have seen "sew" many projects with this simple addition to it, and I always thought it makes the cards pop. "Sew", I pulled out my Brother Sewing Machine, and put it to work. Not alot on this card, but the simplest line adds some punch to the card, or "sew" I think!!! Ok, no more "sewing" jokes....mwahahahahahaha!!!!

I used an old retired set that I had bought second hand called "So Lovely" and watercolored the flowers with Bashful Blue and Old Olive.

The card itself was built on a piece of Old Olive cardstock that was hit with the texture wheel and matching ink, Melon Mambo & Chocolate Chip DSP, Tiny Tags Stamp Set, punches (tags) and finished with a mini library clip.

"Sew" (couldn't help myself!!!) that's as simple as it gets folks!!!

Next up, new catty samples......