Stamps, Paper, and Ink

Make a Smile your umbrella...

We had just a tad of much needed rain today, but it's sure not dreary here. Get ready to smile because I have two really pretty cards lined up to brighten your day!

Here is Judy's gorgeous card, I just love the way she used the Pink Flamingo DP and her terrific layout.

Next is a beautiful RAK from my friend Donna, who knows that I love bright colors! Don't you just love her design? I so appreciate all your kind comments, and I want to thank you ahead of time for leaving one for my friends. :D

I'll be back tomorrow with a smile and a card from me~ thanks for stopping by!

A fly-by Hello!

Here's a be-yoo-ty-full RAK that I received from my friend Michelle, who I 'met' through this blog.  Meeting new people who love stamping is one of the perks of sharing online! Michelle loves stamping and all kinds of crafts - she just started her own blog which you can find  HERE to see what she's been making! I love the serene, natural colors she used on this card, and especailly the cute way she threaded her ribbon through the eyelets. Thanks, Michelle!

This feels so much like a fly-by post to me today and truly, I am so busy right now that flying woudln't help me with all the things I need  to accomplish!  Stamping-wise I have a class tonight to prepare for, a messy house, and swaps to finish and mail today. PHEW! Thanks for being patient with me, I should get back to normal in a day or two, and I look forward to a little more time to stamp and share.

I've received some beautiful RAKS's lately...

... I wanted to share them with you! The nicest thing about having "Occasions" :D is receiving wonderful hand-made cards from friends and family. I received these gorgeous cards from my daughters, Julie and Emily and my friends Susan and Vera.  I hope you'll enjoy admiring their talents with me...

Julie's card

Emily's acrylic Top Note card

Susan's card

 

Vera's card

Thanks, ladies, for your kind thoughtfulness. Thanks to all my readers~have a great day!

Ready for Christmas yet?

Just kidding! I am not one to start Christmas cards this early, although getting a head start would be a good idea. :D  I wanted to tell you about a Christmas gift I gave to my dear friend Ruth. It's a Martha S plate I just fell in love with, loved the design and the colors. You know what ? Ruth Ann made me a thank you card, inspired by the plate~isn't it a beauty?  I could not believe how well she captured the colors and images of this plate, so I took a photo of them together for you. I just loved the way she wove the images just like the ones on the wreath, and the clever borders made of crimped Baja Breeze card stock.  I so appreciate her gorgeous design and you know - it's such a treat getting really GOOD mail. :D

Edited to add: I've been thinking about Ruth Ann's eye for color and attention to detail and just wanted to add this in. Also the fact that Ruth Ann is a daily commenter to my blog. Ruth Ann, if you'd like to share anything about your card, I invite you to comment today :D We 'd love to hear from you!

I wasn't ready for Stamp with Me Saturday this past weekend. You couldn't stamp with me because I was at the beach having fun with my family!  We decided about Wed. of last week that the weather looked perfect and although it was a scramble and some things just had to be set aside (my computer) for the weekend, we had a wonderful time. I will try next month to do better, thanks for understanding! 

Showcase of talent!

Maybe you remember THIS card I have said is my favorite. I was delighted that it was featured on Stampers' Showcase - the gallery for Stampin' Up! demos last week.

I love being a demonstrator and the friends I've made have to be the very best thing about it. Today, I want to shout out and showcase the work of my very talented local stamp group.  You are going to love seeing the beautiful cards they made last month!

The lovely cards above were created by Tina, Judy, Lisa, Lynn and Kim.

Linda, Jacki, and Kelly made these adorable cards. Jacki's card contains a seed packet gift inside. :D  I hope you've been inspired; I sure have! Thanks so much to each of you for sharing your talents with us.

Next Saturday I'll be back with a Stamp with Me project!

Be Mine, Valentine

                                     

                                                    
  I have the most wonderfully fun stampers in my group and they have become my friends. Something very special about our club is that the ladies bring cards they design and create to swap with each other monthly. It's a great way to use their supplies and share what they are making with each other. Every month I see them pass around these beautiful cards! I'm going to begin sharing their work with you once or twice a month. I'm sure you'll be inspired too!
 
Meet Judy! I just love her classic style and very elegant Valentine. Wish you could see the sweet sparkle on this heart from the Always set. It's embossed with Iridescent Ice and is so sparkly. I just love the way she put the tiny pearls down the side. Leave a comment and make her day! Have a great day of your own too, and thanks so much for stopping by.

A Final Christmas Parade

I received so many beautiful Christmas cards from my stamping friends this year that I just had to share a few with you! I am so thankful for each friend and inspired by their creativity! I know that you will be too!

This bee-yoo-ti-ful gift and tag is from my dear friend Ruth Ann, who gave me a darling mug and my favorite tea. Isn't the gift tag she made using the scallop die cut adorable? She fashioned the sweet rose from card stock.

Here are the cards, beginning with the one from Ruth Ann.

This fabulous card is made by Kim, I love the highlighted flower with the pearl.

I wish you could see the embossed detail on this gorgeous card from Lynn. I love the elegant simplicity.

This bright and merry wish is from Jo. The sparkle and texture on this card are delightful and soft!

Thanks to all who have visited my blog, or sent cards or comments to encourage me, I appreciate each one of you!

I will be back Monday and can't wait to show you sneak peeks from the Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog! Now that the big holiday celebrations are over I'm going to have a stamping party and *finally* get to use my new stuff. <g> Picture me having crafty laid back FUN!

Beauties!

My photos of convention would not be complete without this B-yoo-ti-ful group of the Great Swaps
girls that met for lunch and a swap. Stampers are such friendly and fun people, KWIM?  These are special stampers to me and I loved getting to meet everyone face to face and chat a bit.

Speaking of beautiful, this card by my friend Ruth Ann took my breath away! In the next breath I asked her if I could share it with you all today. Isn't this a gorgeous layout? I can't wait to get some time to play with my new sets, and Happiness Always will be one of the first I'll grab.  Ruth Ann used the Bella Rose designer paper. Dazzling Diamonds added to the butterfly make it sparkle like a jewel! One very beautiful card.

Something wonky happened to my posts yesterday - did you see all those crazy question marks? I'm keeping my fingers crossed...
Wishing good things for you!

Birthday RAK from Mercy

I love this card sent to me by Mercy Kerin! The sentiment from the It's Your Birthday stamp set is perfect for the clean and simple style. I love the colors she used. Here's a little something to ponder - one of the numbers in my age is on the dp!
This card is proof that quick cards can be the best! Thanks so very much, Mercy.

Birthday RAK from Lisa

 

I had a very Happy Bird-day recently, and received some adorable cards from my blogging friends. I hope to share several with you over the next week or two!  Isn't this card from Lisa Henke just the cutest? She used the Pun Fun set which I hope to be playing with myself one of these days soon--I love its variety of images and whimsical sayings. The Jersey Shore designer paper gives such a bright kick and I love the way the bird's tummy is lined with some of the patterned paper!