Stamp With Marilyn

Seeing Double...

I had so much FUN this weekend - I saw DOUBLE all weekend!  Actually, I got to spend time with my sister, and her adopted twins and little boy. It is a pretty amazing story. My sister and her husband decided to adopt after ten years of not being able to have children.  God blessed them with twin girls, and their baby brother - so they went from none to THREE in one day!  It was an amazing time in their life, and these three little kids are the cutest little things - almost makes me want to have some more kids myself, but you know, now I have a teenager, so I don't think that is going to happen, but it sure was fun being with her three babies.  Here is a recent picture of the three of them.

While I was there visiting with her, she wanted to have a Stampin Up workshop, and we had a ton of fun.  For her hostess gift, this is what  Imade her.

 

This is a flip album with tons of pages that seem to go on forever - it was so fun making it, and the pictures were just darling!! She had no idea I was doing this for her - she had sent me these pictures through snapfish and I had them printed so I could make this little album for her.

 

 

Below is the gift box I put the album in  to give to my sister. I used my favorite set, Fifth Avenue Floral to stamp with Night of Navy, Kiwi Kiss and Chocolate Chip.  I then tied the bow with the new white organza ribbon and some of the retired chocolate satin ribbon. 

 

We had a wonderful time at the workshop, but I think for me, the best time of all was seeing my sister and her three adorable kids!

Thoughts and Prayers

Another wonderful stamp set that I finally got around to playing with is "Thoughts and Prayers".  As soon as I seen this one in the new catalog I thought "Finally! A stamp set that says "praying for you" - I'm always in need of a card with this sentiment.  This is a wonderful stamp set with so many options!  Here is what I did with this card.

 

I used the Parisan Dreams DSP as the background paper and stamped on the Top Note die in Very Vanilla.  I used Chocolate Chip and Bashful Blue markers to color in the tree and added a couple of felt flowers with one of the new large Very Vanilla brads in the center.  I really need to make up quite a few of these to have on hand, as so many people I know are in difficult situations right now.  Just knowing that someone cares enough to send you a card means a lot to them. 

 

Another option with this stamp set.   There are so many options with this tree!! It is one of those timeless stamps that I'll probably always keep around.  You just can't go wrong with this stamp set!! 

You can also see how I showcased the use of Chocolate Chip brads on this card as well, another fun accessory in the Summer catalog. 

And thought I would add a personal update - for those of you out there who are praying people - please keep our financial situation in your prayers.  We encountered a major setback this past week in our business and are currently at a crossroads deciding whether to continue in this line of work, or make a career change.  We have always trusted in God in everything we do, and God has always provided for us, and taken us through whatever situation we have encountered. This time is no different.  Our situation is not desperate, like so many who are losing their homes or facing much worse financial situations, but nonetheless a need that we are trusting God to meet. And so,  we would appreciate your prayers for God's direction, and provision.  Thanks again so much and to all of you - have a marvelous Wednesday!!

Happy 1st Day of Spring!

YES!!! Spring is officially here!!  It's been a long cold winter, and boy am I glad to see that spring has finally arrived!! Yesterday, being it is spring break here, and I wanted to do something fun outdoors with my kids, we went to a local park, botanical garden, and then to a children's museum - we had a blast. 

 

Can you see all those blooming azaleas behind us - oh my - it was wonderful!!  My kids weren't so enthusiastic as I was about all the beautiful blooms, but it was like heaven to me :) They had fun going up and down all the trails and playing in the water fountains and ponds that were all through the park. I had fun just soaking in the beauty of day and the wonderful smells of spring!

 

 

 

Well, I hope I've given you a little taste of spring for today!!  It was a special treat for us to have this special day!!

And I did have a few minutes to make a card that I do want to share with you.

   

Here it is again, my well used Three Little Words stamp set!! I used my new DS paper Walk in the Park - this will be in the new Occasions Mini Catalog which will run from April 1 - June 30, 2009.  As demonstrators, we get to preorder from this catalog and if you haven't received your copy yet, you should be getting it very soon.  And I have to say this is one of the best mini catalogs - I wanted almost everything in it!!! Do you see the oval scallop on the card, - SU also has come out with a new oval scallop punch and a stamp set to coordinate with it - lots of great stuff going on!! 

Anyway, must get back to work, but have a Happy 1st Day of Spring everyone!

Another quick post...

I always look forward to spring break every year - a chance to sleep in, relax with my kids, and have fun spending time together with them. This year it is a little different.  It has been fast paced and crazy!  My daughter will be celebrating her 13th birthday on Tuesday, St. Patrick's Day, but the celebrations have already begun!! We had a couple of her friends spend the weekend, and we went to a local amusement park on Saturday.  Then yesterday we ended up with three more girls at our home, now with six girls in my home yesterday and today - oh my!!!  Normally not a problem, however, with all the MUD from all the rain last week - which we are so very thankful for -however, can I say I HATE MUD! At least after sweeping, mopping and scrubbing my floors for the past several days.  My kids love to play outdoors and trying to keep shoes off their feet when they are used to just running in and out... anyway - so it has wild around here! 

And I have more sleeopovers scheduled this week - call me crazy !!!! I love kids, and the more around me the  more I love it all, but I just don't handle this mud situation very well because they like to play outdoors, and I get to clean it up. 

But you didn't come here today to hear about mud right!! :)  Here is a card that I did get a chance to make the other day - totally cased - right off the front cover of SUs magazine for their demos, Stampin Success.  I loved this card the minute I saw it, and had to make it for myself.

 

I changed it up a little from the one SU made.  I used a rub on for the greeting instead of stamping it.  I also inserted a jewel brad inside the Hodgepodge ribbon slide as well.  And of course I used the new White organza ribbon - it is so silky and soft, love this ribbon!

I have some new things from the Occasions mini-catalog that I need to get busy and get stamping.  Maybe sometime soon... :)

It has been forever since I've had a chance to do my regular blog reading - I think I have like 300 posts since I've read last - yikes!!  Because of the rain last week - praise GOD!  So thankful for the rain, BUT my husband could not work because of it and he was home ALL WEEK - ladies you know what I'm talking about - men must be entertained - especially when it's cold and raining outside and there's nothing that can be done outside because of the weather.  So there you have it, between the rain, and birthday celebrations and MUD my life is a little crazy right now!  I'll get around to reading your blog posts as soon as I can! Hope that you all have a wonderful Monday - the sun is shining here now, and the grass is already green, and I think Spring must surely be here!! 

A Quick Post just to let you know...

I haven't fallen off the face of the planet! I however have been very busy and just haven't had the time or energy to even create this week!  And next week is spring break too!! As well, my daughter is turning 13 next week - yikes!!! So also planning a birthday party/slumber party too.  We have gotten some awesome rain here and that has just been wonderful too - even though I could do without the cold temperatures - high 30s, low 40s.  LOL!  I plan on sharing some new exciting things with you soon, so check back soon - have a wonderful Friday!!

Friends 24-7

I wanted to participate in Makeesha Byl's Sketch Challenge this time around.  It's not very often that I get to participate but I was glad to have the chance this time around!  

 

This was a really fun sketch!  Down in Australia, they are just now retiring the "Fabulous Flower" set and Makeesha loved any and all cards made with that set.  When this set, Fifth Avenue Floral becomes available to the demos down there, I have a hunch she's gonna love this one too - who couldn't??!! I used Glassy Glaze Enamel embossed on this flower after coloring it in slightly with my blender pen and Baha Breeze ink to give it that extra special touch. The Old Olive c/s was also embossed using the new texture plate with my Big Shot.  The possibilities are endless with all the new stuff SU has made available to us!!  I just heard to that the Manhattan die is now available for purchase which coordinates with the Fifth Avenue Floral set.  Woohoo!  Here is the scoop on this new die - which I can't wait to get...

Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Die	114517
Price: $7.95
For a truly beautiful card, start with the Manhattan Flower Impressions die. This die coordinates with the Manhattan Flower Décor Elements images and the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set to create stunning texture. Try this beautiful die for wedding invitations or thank yous! ■ Creates an embossed images sized for the front of a card ■ Stampin' Up! Exclusive

 

So many exciting things to play with, the only problem is.... I NEED MORE TIME LOL!!!! Hope YOU find time to stamp today - Happy Wednesday!!

Rockabilly Designer Series Paper

 

One of the first Designer Series papers I had to have in the new catalog was the Rockabilly Specialty paper. I just loved the black and white polka dots and the fun cherries.  I have also had a ton of fun with the stamp set "Three Little Words" too.

 

Another card using the Rockabilly paper and an SAB set "Yummy"  and of course my all-time favorite die cut - the Top Note. 

 

Another spin with Rockabilly paper and the Three Little Words set - aren't you just loving this combo!!  I colored in the flowers with my blender pen using Riding Hood Red.  I am already dreading the retirement of the In Colors, most especially Pink Pirouette, Baha Breeze and the Riding Hood red - whatever am I going to do without these colors????

 

Last but not least one more card showcasing Rockabilly paper, one of the SAB sets, and the Top Note die.  If you haven't gotten this paper yet, you really need to, it is sooo fun to play with! Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Occasions Mini Catalog Customer Preorder Opportunity!!

From March 1 - March 31 there is a new promotion going on and I wanted to tell you about it!!  The Spring Occasions Mini Catalog will be coming in the mail to you sometime in March, but SU wanted to make some of the stamp sets in this mini catalog available earlier because of Easter.  So below is the list of stamp sets that you the customer will be able to order so that you will have time to complete your Easter projects! 

Click here  to view these sets from the Mini Occasions Catalog.  You can also go to to my website to order these sets online. Remember too that if you place an order of $50.00 or more you qualify to also receive a FREE SAB set, along with a FREE catalog, (Free catalog offer only good as supplies last).  Take a minute now, and begin your preparations for Easter!  

Item	Description	Retail Price
113196	An Egg-cellent Easter	$21.95
113262	Wagon Full of Fun	$34.95
113822	Eight Great Greetings	$27.95
115421	Ocho saludos geniales  (Spanish Eight Great Greetings)	$27.95
114643	Huit souhaits sympas   (French Eight Great Greetings)	$27.95
113833	Egg Hunt Stampin' Around wheel	$6.50

 

 

     

 

      

 

 

More Swap Cards!

Here are the rest of the swap cards ....

This card was created by Sue Tjon - a fabulous birthday card...

Ellen Tucker created this simple yet elegant sympathy card - this would make a great demo card I think!

Wow - this card is great - love how she punched out the  oval to showcase the bride inside - made by Tracy Buttram

Carol Merry made this fun card - she embossed the fish, and he is just the cutest!

Kathy Rocco - my upline - created this darling card - she and I both love that new Fifth Avenue Floral - fabulous coloring on the flower, love the elegance of this card!

This card just shines in person - Mona Low used the black striped paper from Rockabilly Specialty - just gorgeous in person and love the  new corduroy buttons too!

This card was created by Paulette Fryar - love the use of the scallop medallion!

 

Carrie Coss made this sweet baby card

Love this card by Jen Bamburg using the new Rolodex die cut!

Pam Southard shows off the new embosslits flowers with this this lovely thank you card!

Elaine Hamm did a great job with this card and I love how she used two different sized rectangles layered on each other for this card.

Kathleen Campbell used vellum for her scallop envelope -so soft and pretty!

Tara McCormack used Fifth Avenue Floral to make this card and love the background she used to stamp the flower on - gorgeous card.

Tricia Raglin did an outstanding job on this card using lots of glitter 

 

Teresa Boulter made this darling Easter card

And that's it - weren't these swaps wonderful!! Hope they have inspired you as they have me.  Have a wonderful day!