Rita's Creations

FMS: The Open Sea

2013-05-15T07:13:00.000-05:00

Uh oh! I got so busy last night trying to find a photographer for Laila's one year pictures that I forgot to do my blog post. Better late than never, right? I swear the other ladies at Freshly Made Sketches are saints for putting up with my constant forgetfulness and failure to do things. Now this week IS Amy's sketch; I was just a week ahead last week. ;)

Are you thinking "didn't she make a card like that already"? If so, you are right! I seem to be fixated on using this color combination with this stamp set. They look so good together! So forgive me.

Stamps: The Open Sea, Something to Celebrate, French Foliage

Ink: Midnight Muse, Bashful Blue

Paper: Midnight Muse, Bashful Blue, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Print Poetry stack

Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

Laila went to her first birthday party last weekend and here she is in her little cupcake outfit. I had originally bought it for her birthday pictures, but I'm not sure it will fit by then! :)

Red Ribbon Graduation

2013-05-14T14:32:00.001-05:00

I thought the sketch at Retro Sketches was super fun this week so I decided to ink up a new set I got last week.

I had to google the colors for our local high school to make this one. lol I guess I'll know them better once Laila starts school. Not growing up here makes me pretty clueless about all that. I also have to learn about the Texas mum tradition for homecoming. I am hoping that Laila's not into those because man are they obnoxious!

Stamps: Blue Ribbon, Happiest Birthday Wishes

Ink: Real Red, Pacific Point

Paper: Pacific Point, Real Red, Whisper White, Brights DSP stack

Accessories: Hung Up Cute Clips, Basic Rhinestones

Tools: Big Shot, Stripes embossing folder

Laila's back to not sleeping through the night. Her nose started running on Saturday evening and it's been rough since then. Saturday night Jason held her for half the night and then I did from 1:30 until 6. She was so restless that I was up the entire time. Thank goodness for iPhones and Candy Crush! I was so tired, so Mother's Day was pretty much cancelled. We had plans for brunch but a sick baby and tired parents weren't up for getting dressed and going out. She's slept a little better the past two nights, but not all night. She doesn't seem to be sick, but is getting a new tooth, so I'm assuming the crazy drooling and runny nose is from that. I know we are tired and ready for whatever it is go go away!

Button Wedding

2013-05-10T10:10:00.001-05:00

I stamped a bit last night and this morning and here's what I came up with to show off Button Buddies. I really am going to miss this set. Well, miss using it in classes. It's staying on my shelf for sure. Those piggies are just too cute. This card was inspired by the current catalog and a sample I saw in there. I'ts a great place for inspiration! Be sure you order this set before it's gone for good. It's a great one!

Stamps: Button Buddies, Sweet Essentials

Ink: Basic Gray, Pretty in Pink

Paper: Basic Gray, Pretty in Pink, Subtles DSP stack

Accessories: Subtles and Neutrals buttons, Basic Pearls

Tools: Big Shot, 3-inch circle die, Scallop Circles #2 die, Itty Bitty punch Pack, Fancy Fan embossing folder

Laila doing her supermodel pose! Work it girl! ;)

Seriously CSI Style

2013-05-09T10:12:00.001-05:00

Hold up! Before you start thinking I'm weirdo, hear me out, okay? :) One thing you probably don't know about me is that I have a Master's degree in forensic science. I haven't used it because I never really found a job down here in Texas, but I have it. When I saw last month's stamps from My Paper Pumpkin the idea for this card came to me. Unfortunately I wasn't a subscriber so I didn't have the stamps. Bummer, right?! One of my fellow demos hooked up up though, so today I finally got to bring my card to life. I am sending it straight to my best friend from grad school because I know she'll get it. Blood spatter cards aren't for everyone of course. CSI fans may appreciate one if you have someone in your life who enjoys that show. ;)

My hands look like a crime scene too after messing with the red reinker. I am hoping it comes off at some point today! Yikes!

Now if you aren't a subscriber to My Paper Pumpkin, you can be like me and get on board now before you miss anymore cool stamps! Go check out the website: My Paper Pumpkin. You have until tomorrow I believe to subscribe and get a kit this month.

Have I mentioned how much I love this girl? :) She's just too cute! And she's awake so I'll wrap this up and see you later!

FMS85: Bermuda Elephant

2013-05-08T01:00:00.000-05:00

Time for a new Freshly Made Sketch! (Uh oh! I have to correct myself). Today's sketch is actually by the amazing Narelle; Amy is awesome too but her sketch was last week. lol It's a fun sketch and you can make such a variety of cards with it. Be sure to go check out the blog to see all the great creations by the design team.

I just got Bermuda Bay and had to use it. I didn't get it back when it was out because I really had just gotten into stamping and was clueless. Now it's going to be back with the new catalog and I'm so excited as I love it. It looks fabulous paired with Melon Mambo! I needed a birthday card for a sweet little girl who just turned three, so I made my card for her. I didn't have any Bermuda Bay dsp, but my awesome stamping buddy Marla suggested stamping on white and making banners with that. I grabbed an old CTMH set that I had laying around and it worked out pretty good!

Stamps: Wild about You, Happiest Birthday Wishes, CTMH It's Your Day

Ink: Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo

Paper: Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Brights DSP stack, Whisper White

Accessories: Basic Rhinestones, Whisper White 1/4 stitched grosgrain ribbon

Tools: Scallop Circles #2 die, 3 inch circle die, Itty Bitty Punch Pack

It's been pretty warm these this week so Laila got to go out and play in her little swimming pool. She wasn't too sure about it just yet though. :)

Duo Sketchy Flower

2013-05-06T20:03:00.000-05:00

Howdy! Finally checking back in with a little stamping. I've had this card on my desk for a few days and never really got it to work out. I finally gave up today, but wanted to share it anyway. It combines the colors from Dynamic Duos with the sketch at Sketch Frenzy Friday.

Stamps: NONE

Ink: NONE

Paper: Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight, Brights DSP stack, Greenhouse Gala DSP (ret)

Accessories: Subtles glimmer brads, Basic Pearls

Tools: Big Shot, Fancy Fan EF, Fun Flowers die, Boho Blossoms punch, Scallop Edge border punch

Someone moved into their big girl car seat today. Sigh. She's just growing up too darn fast. She hasn't been sleeping well for the past few days and it is getting quite exhausting for all of us. Her legs and arms just want to keep moving and she is waking herself up a lot. I hope it settles down fast because not even Starbucks can keep me going much longer!

My mom wanted me to be sure to thank all of you who sent cards her way. She received 7 of them on Saturday. They came at the perfect time too. She got them as she was on the way to granny's to help clean up the house. When things got overwhelming and she needed a break, she went out to the car and opened them all and read them. She was so touched by your kindness and thoughtfulness. I don't think they went by the post office today and she has no idea that even more are coming. So thank you. And thank you to those who sent cards to me too. I got several in the mail today and was very surprised.

Lacy and BRIGHT!

2013-05-03T16:57:00.001-05:00

I finally found a little time to stamp last night and today. Laila has been taking some decent naps so I've had a bit of free time. I'm sure I could have been folding laundry, but that just didn't seem as fun. ;) I combined two challenges for this project, the inspiration photo at Stampin' Celebration and the sketch from the Paper Players. I finished it too late to link with the sketch challenge, but I wanted to note that I used it anyway.

Kinda bright there, huh? I hope I didn't hurt your eyes. I needed some cheery colors this week, so that's why the inspiration picture was so perfect for me. The Brights collection is my favorite by far; they are just so happy. I made this for a special friend in Maryland who I haven't talked to nearly enough lately. She's been going through a lot of tough times, so I'm hoping it will cheer her up. My card was very inspired by a sample in the upcoming annual catalog. ;) There's some fun new stuff in there but also some great samples to make the carried over products fresh and fun.

I want to thank all of you who emailed about my mom. I don't think they've even thought about going to the post office yet, but I can't wait to hear from her when your cards begin arriving. This month will be so hard for her as Granny's birthday is the day after Mother's Day. I have been talking with her every day to make sure she's hanging in there and we already booked a flight for her to come down next month to see Laila. I don't really know what else I can do from 18 hours away, but I'm trying... Granny will surely be missed. My mom is one of sixteen kids, so there's a lot of family out there missing her.

Jason's co-worker got this cute outfit for Laila so I had to snap some pictures of her in it this week so he could show her off wearing it.

Freshly Made Butterflies

2013-05-01T01:00:00.000-05:00

It's Wednesday which means a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches. Linda S designed this fun sketch; I love the banner and sentiment layer. I wasn't sure I was going to get a card made this week, but I found that I *needed* to stamp yesterday to get my mind off things. I decided to make a card for my mom. I want to thank all of you who responded to my post yesterday and asked for her address. I am happy she'll be getting so many cards in the mail soon.

I was in a purple mood for some reason yesterday. I used Wisteria Wonder; aren't we all glad it's sticking around? I wish Concord Crush had replaced Elegant Eggplant, but I didn't get my way with that one either. I'm still missing that color. I was in a retired stamp set mood I guess so all the stamping is from sets that were just gathering dust.

Stamps: Butterfly Prints, Love & Care

Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder

Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder, 2011-2013 In Colors stack, Whisper White

Accessories: Basic Pearls

Tools: Butterfly Punch (retired)

I love this picture. It was Laila's first time meeting her and she was so content to just sit in granny's lap and look at her.

Goodbye Sweet Granny

2013-04-30T09:11:00.000-05:00

No new card today. I just wanted to take a minute to share a story. My mom called me yesterday morning to tell me that my granny had passed away. It was a very unexpected call and I'm still in shock. While we knew she was getting older and having some health issues, we had no idea she would pass away so quickly. These pictures are about a month old now. When we took them I never thought it would be the last time I would see her.

If you are wondering why I'm posting on my card blog, it's because my granny loved my cards. My mom would tell me about how she would be so excited to get one and have to show them to everyone who visited. Most of my general cards are made with her in mind. I'm so thankful that I was able to get one in the mail that she received just last week. That love, that knowing that someone is thinking of you is really the reason we should be doing this. With all the technology out there, it still doesn't compare to the power of the written word. Of a lovely handmade card. Perhaps you have a grandparent or a parent, even a cousin who might like one? Think about mailing off one today...

The other reason I'm writing is for my mom. She's been spending a lot of nights with my granny and was there with her yesterday. She is beyond devastated to say the least. Even worse, today is mom's birthday. I was hoping maybe some of you might have a card to send mom's way? A sympathy card, thinking of you card, just something to show up in her mailbox to let her know there's people out there thinking about her. If you can do that, please email me and I'll send you her address.

I'm off to hug my girl. Today is a day when every moment is precious.

Fab Friday Flowers

2013-04-28T07:22:00.000-05:00

I started a card sometime this week, maybe Friday, but I didn't get time to finish it until today. I woke up around three this morning and couldn't go back to sleep, so... It uses the sketch from this week's Fab Friday challenge and the color challenge at Splitcoast.

The colors were some that will be retiring soon, River Rock, Baja Breeze, and Not Quite Navy. I also used an embossing folder from the Holiday catalog that is still available, but will not be carried over. And finally, there are some accents on the tag from French Foliage, another retiring product. Thankfully Summer Silhouettes and Sweet Essentials will be staying around. :)

Stamps: French Foliage, Summer Silhouettes, Sweet Essentials

Ink: River Rock, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy

Paper: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Neutrals DSP stack

Accessories: Basic Pearls, Baja Breeze and Very Vanilla seam binding, linen thread

Tools: Big Shot, Lacy Brocade embossing folder, Little Leaves sizzlit, Finishing Touches edgelits, 3/8 circle punch

10 months yesterday! Time is just flying by!

CASE this Owl

2013-04-25T15:54:00.001-05:00

I took advantage of Laila's second nap today to get in a little stamping. I decided to work on the new sketch from CAS(E) this sketch! While a lot of my friends were working with their new pre-order goodies, I pulled out some of my retiring products. :) I'm saving every penny I make for when the entire catalog goes live!

I love Aviary and really haven't used it nearly enough. I think I'll be keeping it in my stash along with my favorite green, Lucky Limeade.

Stamps: Aviary, Best Yet (retired)

Ink: Staz On Black, Lucky Limeade

Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, In Color DSP stack

Accessories: Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine, Neutrals buttons

Laila is feeding herself most of her meals now. It's funny to watch her because she'll eat all of her favorite item first (carrots, if they are on there, are always first) and then her second favorite, and so on. Even if I mix it all up, she'll pick them out in her order. Her eye is looking much better today thank goodness. Jason has been diligent in working on it this week and it seems to have helped. Or it may be that we finally made her a doctor's appointment for Monday and she wants to get better so we go and look like we are crazy parents? lol

FMS83: Just Believe

2013-04-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

The very talented Allisa created this week's awesome sketch at Freshly Made Sketches. It's a great one and I'm totally pinning it for future reference! For me, it paired VERY well with this week's colourQ colors.

You'll see that my card is a birthday card and there's a reason for that! The amazingly talented Vicki at It's a Stamp Thing is celebrating a birthday this week and our team made birthday cards for her. :)

My card is pretty simple. We had errands to run yesterday and my time for stamping was a little limited. I guess that's why putting things off until the last minute is a bad idea, huh? I still think it turned out pretty cute, so sometimes procrastination works out.

Stamps: Just Believe

Ink: Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Lucky Limeade

Paper: Crumb Cake, Lucky Limeade, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Cheerful Treat DSP (retired)

Accessories: Pumpkin Pie satin ribbon (retired and hoarded!), Basic Pearls

Tools: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings embosslit

I think Laila has figured out the camera. When she sees it, the cheesy grins begin. It's pretty adorable. :) I'm sure you can tell from the picture that her eye is not looking so good. We've tried everything we know to do to get that tear duct to open so we are going to a specialist on Monday to get it checked out. He might say continue massaging, but I want to make sure that's really all that can be done. It keeps getting raw and irritated and I hate that. :/

Mustache Duo

2013-04-23T21:25:00.001-05:00

I decided to get in a little stamping today before bed. Now I should have went to bed as I am hoping to get up around 1am to check out the retiring lists and see the new catalog! We'll see how that all goes. :) Now back to my card... I wanted to use the black/gray combo from Dynamic Duos this week and I thought it would be perfect with the sketch at Retro Sketches.

It's a pretty simple card, but I like it. :) I don't use contraband (aka non-SU) stuff that often, but I got this stamp set and die for free last year when I won a prize during Hope You Can Cling To. It was a great reward just to make cards for such a great cause, but I got a few prizes as well. Can't beat that, right?!

Laila LOVES to stand up now. Whether it is standing at this toy or standing at the couch trying to help me type, she's all about it!

Thanks a Latte

2013-04-20T07:40:00.000-05:00

I found this fun sketch on Splitcoaststampers this week. I used to try to play along there a lot and need to again. They have at least one challenge of some sort every day of the week. Here's the whole list if you want to check them out. It's a great source for inspiration.

Now before I post my card, I'll warn you that it's not all Stampin' Up! I know, I know. The problem is me. I have an addiction to coffee and that carries over into coffee STAMPS! I try not to buy too many, but every now and then I give in... I did see a sneak peek of a new coffee set coming in the new catalog, so I'm already waiting on that baby! If you have a good eye, you can see it on this video showing off the new wood mount cases.

I did use the cute heart from Like It a Latte..does that count? :) All the paper is SU of course. I pulled out Old Olive to try to start getting used to using it again. It wasn't TOO painful, but I do still prefer Lucky Limeade.

Stamps: Hero Arts, The Cat's Pajamas, SU Like It a Latte

Ink: Early Espresso

Paper: Early Espresso, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Neutrals DSP stack

My cats are going through a major adjustment this week. Laila has mastered pulling up, so she's constantly trying to grab them. They are going to have to move up a level!

CAS Sent with Love

2013-04-19T02:00:00.000-05:00

When I saw the sketch at CAS(E) this sketch this week, I immediately had the idea for my card. I just had to wait on UPS to show up with my stamp set. ;)

It doesn't really get more clean-and-simple than that! I'm usually not good at leaving cards like this alone without adding more and more, but Jason got home from work just in time to distract me from adding anything. I love how simple and sweet it is. Easy to mail too! :)

This girl was a napping fool today. After sleeping for 11 hours last night, she took two naps today that were around two hours each! I'm guessing she must have been going through a growth spurt or something! She was very pleasant today and that was such a nice change too! I'm so glad to have my smiling girl back. :) She has learned to pull up on me and the baby gate now, so watch out world!

Distressed Butterflies

2013-04-18T10:39:00.002-05:00

Laila took a long nap today so I was able to get in my room and stamp! I figured that was okay since I had both the washer and the dishwasher going, right? ;) I decided to work on this fun sketch from Stampin' Celebration.

I ended up going down a distressed vintage road for some reason. Not my norm, but the doily seems make me want to do that. Did you notice the green? PEAR PIZZAZZ! I'm so, so excited about it's return. Now if they'd replaced Old Olive with Lucky Limeade I'd be even more excited. Lots of retired stuff on this one, so don't shoot me. I have so much stuff in my room and I need to use it.

Stamps: Something to Celebrate (retired)

Ink: Early Espresso, Soft Suede

Paper: Early Espresso, Whisper White, Early Espresso Coredinations (retired), Neutrals DSP stack. In Color Hostess stack (retired)

Accessories: Paper Doilies, Basic Pearls

Tools: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings embosslit, Distressing Tool, Color Spritzing Tool, Sanding Tool, sponges, stapler

This was on one of our rough days this week. We'd been up a lot at night and were all so tired. I had finally crashed out for a nap and when I woke up, this was what I found. Aren't they sweet? She is one lucky little girl to have such an amazing dad. She finally settled down and slept great last night, but her naps yesterday were short. I am hoping that she'll sleep again tonight, but you just never know lately. She's been asleep for over an hour and a half now so I don't know what's going on with her.

Fresh Fun Flower

2013-04-17T04:00:00.000-05:00

Time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Jen B. is our hostess with the mostest this week and she gave us a challenge sketch! I wasn't sure what to do with it at first, but when in doubt, go with Fun Flowers!

My friend Lisa used a similar color combo last week and I tried to remember to try it out. My card doesn't showcase them even close to as good as hers, but they still look nice together. I think I should have left off the Pool Party. ;)

Stamps: NONE

Ink: None

Paper: Island Indigo, Soft Saffron, Pool Party, In Colors DSP stack, Tea for Two DSP

Accessories: In Color Polka Dot brads

Tools: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Fun Flowers die, Boho Blossoms punch, Scallop Edge border punch

Blooming with Thanks

2013-04-16T18:50:00.002-05:00

Believe it or not, I stamped AGAIN! I'm trying to work on challenges and having fun again. It seems to be working too. Yay! I appreciate those of you who have taken the time to leave encouraging comments or sent emails. I appreciate it so, so much. I also have some news to share! :) I was chosen as a display stamper for Convention 2013. I got the email yesterday evening and am so excited...and nervous. I won't get to go to Convention to see them in person, but my friends are under strict orders to take lots of pictures.

Now on to the card... I combined the fun new sketch at Try Stampin' on Tuesday with the awesome colors at Dynamic Duos.

I actually like this one. :) I don't normally say that, but I think the flower from Blooming with Kindness just makes me happy. It's just so pretty! I added a cute little butterfly from Papillion Potpourri and a sentiment from Fabulous Phrases. Three great sets are bound to make a lovely card aren't they?

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases, Blooming with Kindness, Papillion Potpourri

Ink: Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie

Paper: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Brights DSP stack, misc. retired Bashful Blue DSP

Accessories: Bashful Blue 3/8 Taffeta ribbon, Basic Pearls

Tools: Big Shot, Scallop Circles #2 die, 3 inch circle die, Scallop Border punch, Petite Butterfly punch

Someone has outgrown their mat. lol I don't know why she wanted to get on it yesterday, but it was cute. We've had a much better day today thank goodness. She was up crying for over an hour at 3am last night though. I took her to the doctor today just to make sure nothing was wrong. She's fine, so no clue what's causing her to be so fussy. Hopefully it goes away and soon!!!! We are now on week two of cloth diapers and still learning by trial and error about those. A few more kinks to work out and I'll be 100% in love. I'm at about 93% now. ;)

Be sure to come back tomorrow for a new card for Freshly Made Sketches!

Topsy-Turvy Color Celebration

2013-04-14T21:54:00.001-05:00

I attempted to stamp again tonight to try to help get myself back in the creating mode. My mojo and creativity are kinda still in the crapper, but I figure if I stamp enough maybe they'll improve. One can only hope, right? Anyway, I played along with two of my favorite challenges, the Paper Players and the Friday Mashup.

I love Island Indigo and Rich Razzleberry, so I decided to combine some favorite colors with a stamp set that I love just as much. I'm a huge fan of cakes, both looking at them and eating them, so Topsy-Turvy Celebration was one of the first sets I bought last year from the new catalog. I'm not sure other people love it quite as much, so I'm crossing my fingers that it doesn't hit the retirement list that's coming out soon.

Stamps: Topsy-Turvy Celebration

Ink: Island Indigo, Baja Breeze (sad face), Rich Razzleberry

Paper: Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Baja Breeze, Island Indigo, Whisper White, Brights DSP stack, Island Indigo DSP scrap

Accessories: Brights buttons, Island Indigo Baker's Twine, Basic Rhinestones

Tools: Scallop Border Punch, Paper Snips

We went to our local arboretum today and walked around for a bit. It's was such a gorgeous day here. I think we are going to be enjoying a few days in the mid to high 80's this week before some storms and cooler weather hit. I'm not sure what else we'll find to do, but I hope we get to enjoy it!

Pinwheel Wishes

2013-04-13T07:32:00.003-05:00

I actually worked on a challenge card this week! Now I didn't get it photographed in time to enter, but I did make something that I didn't HAVE to. Nothing fantastic, but it was nice to create just because for a change. I just love the cute pinwheel sizzlit and haven't used it nearly enough.

I need to work on finding my love of creating again and I think trying to do challenges again will be a good start. I'm also thinking if being a demonstrator fits in my current life, so lots and lots to think about. Maybe my next challenge card I can finish in time to enter. lol

Stamps: Wishes Your Way

Ink: Basic Black

Paper: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Neutrals DSP stack, Polka Dot Parade DSP

Accessories: Black Gingham ribbon (retired), Neutrals Glimmer brads, Brights buttons, White Baker's Twine

Tools: Big Shot, Pinwheel Sizzlit, Corner Rounder punch

My sweet girl. We had an absolutely awful day yesterday. I'm not sure who cried more, me or her. I don't know what was wrong, but she was just crying and crying. It was very strange as she's normally such a happy baby. I had so much to do to get ready for my stamping event last night and she just was not having it. I was stressed, she was upset...it was just bad. We survived though and I'm hoping for a better day today. I'm not sure I can mentally survive another 12-13 hour day like yesterday! I love that Jason's home 4 days a week, but on those really long days he's gone I miss having someone to jump in when I need a break .

FMS81: Open Seas

2013-04-10T02:00:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not, I finally stamped! Cindy gave us this fun sketch for Freshly Made Sketches this week and it got me out of my slump for a minute. Well, more than a minute I guess. Who can make a card in a minute?

I have really been struggling with stamping lately. I don't want to stamp, I don't enjoy stamping. It's a very strange place for me. I have been avoiding it unless I have to do it. When I sat down to make this card, I had no idea where to start. I finally pulled out my Color Coach and picked a combination. After that I made most of the card and then looked for a stamp set that would work with it. Not the most traditional way of doing it, but it ended up working out. I like how it turned out and that's a nice change for me. :)

Stamps: The Open Sea, French Foliage, Something to Celebrate

Ink: Midnight Muse, Bashful Blue

Paper: Midnight Muse, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Print Poetry DSP, Tea for Two DSP

Tools: Big Shot, Scallop Circles #2 die, 3-inch circle die, Scallop Border punch, paper snips

Accessories: Midnight Muse ribbon

Someone has discovered that they LOVE mom's iPhone. Uh oh! I'm sure it won't be long before she knows how to use it better than I do. :)

Like all Texas kids, Laila had to have her picture made in the bluebonnets. Her poor eye was really bugging her after our trip. Our doctor gave us a referral if we wanted to get it checked out, but let us know that it can take up to she's a year old for the tear duct to open all the way. We are going to wait for now and try to massage it as much as we can. That's quite a task considering how active she is now!

Free SHIPPING!!!! Woot!

2013-04-05T20:02:00.000-05:00

Don't forget about the free shipping that starts tomorrow! If you are ordering online and your merchandise total is less than $150, I'd really appreciate it if you could use the following hostess code: ZBTUFDKU

It would be a huge help to me and doesn't change anything for you. :)

Here's my official website address just in case you haven't checked it out. You can shop from there: http://ritawright.stampinup.net

One of my favorite pictures from our trip is this shot of Laila, me, my mom, and my granny. Four generations of awesome ladies. Ha!

CAS Summer Silhouettes

2013-04-04T12:20:00.000-05:00

Okay, so it's been ages since I got to post! We went to Kentucky for Easter and just got back on Tuesday. Yesterday was chore/unpacking day and today Jason went back to work. I've been washing cloth diapers for two days trying to get them ready to try and doing the normal grocery shopping, etc. I thought I'd post a card I'd originally made for the display stamper try-out and then update you on the current SU news! So here's the card:

I really love how it turned out. These are two of my favorite colors and part of the big news is that they are sticking around. :) Yay, right?!

Stamps: Summer Silhouettes, Tiny Tags, Fabulous Phrases

Ink: Island Indigo, Pool Party

Paper: Island Indigo, Pool Party, Whisper White

Accessories: Basic Pearls, Pool Party Baker's Twine, Neutrals Designer Buttons

Tools: Jewelry Tag Punch, Paper Snips

Now for the specials and news:

There's going to be a change in the current line-up of colors! I'm so excited about it. I love that some of my favorites are staying around. I will definitely miss Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy (my kitchen is painted in those colors), but I think I like Pool Party and Island Indigo better. Here's the list of the new colors and the ones retiring: (you may need to click on it to see it a bit better)

The other awesome news: Free shipping!!!!!!! This weekend, April 6-8, all orders qualify for free shipping (except expedited ones of course). Woo Hoo!!!!!!! If you like any of the retiring colors, it will be a great time to stock up on those because as of now, they are while supplies last ONLY. Yikes. You can order through my website, http://ritawright.stampinup.net if you'd like. I appreciate any and all orders, big or small. :)

Can you believe she's 9 months old??? She's crawling EVERYWHERE now! We just put up another baby gate and I think I'll be heading back to Target soon for one more. She's "talking" more now with lots of dada and an occasional mama. I have to thank one of my sweet readers, Janice, who sent me a couple packs of coffee to help me keep up with her. :)

She did not like sharing with her cousin, Lauryn. lol We are going to have to work on that.

Happy Easter!

2013-03-31T18:42:00.001-05:00

Just a quick post to wish everyone a wonderful Easter holiday. We've had a lovely day with family. :)

My laptop is currently sitting with a broken screen, so hopefully posting from my phone works! This is the first time I've ever tried it.

See you later this week with a new card I hope.

FMS: Sunshine

2013-03-27T02:00:00.000-05:00

This week is my sketch week at Freshly Made Sketches! I normally do pretty simple ones, but I got carried away this time it seems. :) After seeing the cards from the other design team members, I'm glad I did. There are some awesome samples to inspire you, so be sure to go check them out!

I used my cute new Sunshine stamp that I recently purchased. I just love it! I'll be saving it to make cute little notes for Laila's lunch in about 5 years. lol I tried to find a cheery color combination that used Daffodil Delight and found one with Tempting Turquoise and Melon Mambo. I couldn't get the Melon Mambo to look right, so I ditched it and went with just two colors. I think it turned out pretty cute though.

As a note, this stamp is a single stamp, just like the Ears to You stamp, and will not be available after March 31st. Get them before they are gone! :)

Stamps: Sunshine

Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight

Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Polka Dot Parade DSP, Brights Designer Series Paper Patterns stack

Accessories: Whisper White Stitched Grosgrain ribbon

Tools: big Shot, Scallop Square Duo die, Scallop Edge border punch