Stamps Inc

In the Works...

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:20:00 +0000

My mother always told me I was so slow that I would be late to my own funeral. These days I think she is right! I am just popping in today to give you the latest progress update on my room. My craft room is finally done. Yoohoo! I didn't think I would ever get everything put back in my new room and organized. Putting everything back in the room was like putting toothpaste BACK in the tube once it came out! I really don't know how I had everything in that other room. My new room isn't that much bigger, but the closets run the length of the room. The only thing I have left to organize is all of my stamp binders. I have purchased some more plastic panels to mount them on. Now to find the time to sit down and do it. Until then I will manage. I have purchased this adorable fabric that is perfect for the valance I am making for the window. I don't want to post pictures of my room until I get my valance completed. I hope to get that finished this weekend. I have several cards I need to complete as well. I will be back with a card real soon and when I do post my card I will have a little blog candy for you as well. So I hope you will hang in there with me.

I want to share some exciting personal news with you....I am going to be a Grandma again!!!! My son and his sweet wife are expecting a baby at the end of December. I am beside myself to say the least!

My grandson Will is doing wonderful! I don't see him nearly as enough as I would like too. He is 4 1/2 hours away from me. Which is just torturous! He is so darling. Sweet as can be. He has just discovered he has a voice. Of course he has a language all his own. Here is one of the latest pictures I have received of him.

This picture was taken about a month ago. Isn't he a doll baby? He is so much smaller than he looks in his pictures. Before he was born I was so afraid I wouldn't have energy for a baby anymore, but I want him with me 24 hours a day!LOL!

Have a Beautiful Day!

Almost but not quite...

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:19:00 +0000

I have been in the process of moving my craft room to a slightly larger room. I had out grown my last space. It seemed my craft room had become a space where I was just storing all of my supplies with no room left to actually create anything. The move was much needed. My darling husband was so kind in helping me with the move by painting, putting new shelving in the closets, and with the hideous job of putting together the storage cubes with all of their teeny tiny screws! Now comes the job of putting away my supplies. Hopefully I will be organized and creating by the end of the week. I will have pictures of the finished room then. I am so excited to actually be stamping once again!

Before I go, I must show you a recent picture of my grandbaby. He is 4 months old now and has us all tied around his tiny little finger! Here is baby Will taking a bath in his grammy's sink. He is my pride and joy!

I am keeping my fingers crossed that my week will be uninterrupted so I can be back with another post next week. Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Back In Business....Almost

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:24:00 +0000

Sorry it's been awhile since my last post. My darling husband and I have been working on my craft room. I can't believe how much I have collected since I started rubber stamping in December of 2007. First of all I can't believe I have become this addicted to rubber stamping. Being the craftaholic that I am, I would usually move from one craft hobby to the next. Rubber Stamping is one hobby that I have stayed with. Actually when I first started rubber stamping I intended to be scrapbooking. After spending a year of sorting through my photographs and organizing them, I searched online for scrapbooking ideas. That is when I ran across Splitcoast Stampers. After seeing all of the beautiful cards I had to try rubber stamping. One try and that was all it took! Here is a look at my very first, pitiful as it may be, card...

Since then I have made two scrapbook pages! I have tons of scrapbook supplies I have collected, but only two pages finished. That is about to change! (I tell myself.) I would love to give scrapbooks to each of my two children. Wouldn't they be surprised that I actually finished them after 3 1/2 years! Of course I intend to use rubber stamping in my scrapbooks.

It has gotten to the point that my craft room has became a place to store supplies with no room to really work. I was finding myself back at my kitchen table, especially with my friend Kim would come up to stamp with me. I am moving my room from my son's old bedroom to my daughters. It is just a little larger but with much larger closets. Hopefully in my new space Kim and I will be able stamp. Here is a look at my craft room in the beginning.

What a wonderful room it was! My husband made my ribbon rack, put up shelves, and installed counters. Now I have the poor man working again. What a sweetheart he is! I will be back soon with pictures of my new room to share. Then I will be back in the business of making cards and SCRAPBOOKING. I have tons of uninked stamps to use! Just because I haven't stamped doesn't mean I haven't purchased new stamps. Just ask my friend Diana a Magnolia-lious!
See you soon!

Baby Will...

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:26:00 +0000

It's been awhile since I have posted. So much going on here. One of the things that has kept me busy was preparing for my new grandson. I would like to meet my precious grand baby William Scott ..."Will". He was born on March 1st, weighed 6 lbs. 2 ounces, and was 18 inches long. The short video I am sharing with you was taken on my digital camera right after he was born. I can't believe how alert he was. He was already sucking his thumb. Yes, he has stole my heart already. Baby and parents are doing great. The delivery was a breeze compared to the pregnancy. Do you know that they give the mother drugs to keep the labor pains from hurting so badly? No screaming in agony anymore. My daughter just pushed a few times and little Will was born. You know this momma was relieved! Thank you Lord.

So much has changed since my daughter was born. The picture you see at the top of this blog was taken the day after Will was born in the hospital. Below you see my children's newborn pictures. The hospital personal use to shake the babies to get them to open their eyes. They startled the little babies to death! My son is in the first picture. He doesn't look too happy that they woke him. Poor babies.I am back at home now. (they live 4 1/2 hours away.) Trying to catch up on some neglected things here. My computer was down for awhile also. My power source died. Luckily I have a friend who is a genius with computers so the job only cost me $50.00, other wise I would still be without a computer. I hope to be back stamping this weekend. I miss playing with my stamps. I have several new ones I haven't touched yet.

Thank you for letting me share this wonderful time in our families lives.

Life is always full of surprises!

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 04:03:00 +0000

I haven't had much time to spend on my stamping lately, but that doesn't mean I haven't been crafting. I seriously don't know where all my time goes. My daughter only has 7 weeks to go until little Will is expected to enter this world. My dear friend hosted a shower for her. We all had such a wonderful time. My daughter and her husband decided on "Monkeys" to be the babies room theme. I made the diaper cake above for the shower. Diaper Cakes are so easy to make. If you want some instructions, just go to YouTube.Com. I found a wonderful tutorial there.

I tucked baby bottles, bibs, rattles, and pacifiers in the cake. It also took a large box and a pack of diapers, plus 4 receiving blankets to make this cake. I crafted the palm tree out of card stock and crepe paper. The wood monkey and palm tree decorations came pre-painted from Hobby Lobby. It was a bit pricey to make. The mommy-to-be was so excited about the cake, that it made it well worth the cost.

When I started this blog I promised my children I would not put their pictures on the Internet.

I have to share this though...My daughter looks so cute. She is itty bitty. Just a round belly, all in front.

This is a picture of her playing a game at the shower. (Aren't I clever?!LOL! )

Thank you for letting me share this wonderful time in our lives.

I will be back soon with some cards to share.

Dear Friends,

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 08:12:00 +0000

Hi everyone! I have several things to share with you today!It's Friday morning here in Alabama.

I may be slow posting in the next two weeks. My mom just moved into a nursing home. I am still trying to get her settled in after being in the hospital for a week with Congestive Heart Failure and severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. . I have company coming in from out of state and they will be staying for several days. We will be celebrating Thanksgiving Saturday for our family. Everything seems to get so chaotic right before I plan a get together with family or friends. I will have possibly 12 people here on Saturday. My husband is a saint and helps me do anything I need him to do.

As far as crafting goes I do have several cards in the works for you. I also have been gathering some blog candy items to share with my dear blogging friends. I should have it ready sometime in December. My birthday is the 24Th. I could wait until then and have a birthday celebration! I have mixed feelings about blog candy. I don't want someone to follow me just because I am giving away something. I want you to follow me because you like my work. So no one will have to be a follower only if they want to.

You are always so patient with me when it comes to my slow posting. For the life of me I can not figure out how some of these amazing card artists can post a card everyday! And take care of what ever life they have besides blogging and crafting. I have seen a blogger have 2000 followers or more. How may I ask do they accomplish that? I have a question for you...what do you think makes a good blogger? One who gets straight to the business of crafting or one who writes personal items. I tend to be more on the private side. I would love your feed back on this.
I have received the kindest comments lately. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will get around to all of your blogs soon to see what you have been up to. I am a little bit behind on my blog browsing. I love to look at your blogs you all inspire me so much.

When I get my new grandson that may all change!LOL! I might be blogging about every little thing he does!!! I hear grand babies come with their own all consuming love. A love that takes over every thought you have. My daughter and her husband are expecting little "William Scott" ("Will") the beginning of March.
My poor daughter has been terribly sick the whole time. She is six months along and has only gained 10 pounds. They will be coming here Saturday to celebrate Thanksgiving with us also. I am so excited I get to have them here until the following Wednesday. I will take care of MY baby girl! It doesn't matter how old your children are they are always your babies. Here is Grammy's first picture of her little angel at 20 weeks.

I am astounded at the detail of the ultrasound. It isn't even the advanced 3-D one yet. I can't wait until they do that one. God is so Good! Look at incredible little baby he is creating!

After sharing all of that I do have a card for you today. I created using one of the adorable "Hannah" images designed by Sandra Hammer and sold by The Pixie Cottage. I went for the more muted tones on this card, instead of my usual. I have been on this purple kick lately. I have had a really hard time finding pretty decorative paper with purple. Which seems strange to me since so many people love the different shades of lavender and purple.

Hannah was colored using copic markers.

I hope you all have a wonderful , God blessed holiday. In a world where it seems everyone thinks of themselves first, lets always remember what is dear to our hearts. Our relationship with God, Our precious family, and dear friends. None of which I could live without.
Take care my friends. Thank you for all of the precious comments, I sincerely appreciate them.
A kind word really makes a difference to someone else.

Wishing you all a very blessed holiday enjoy and cherish each other,
Sending you a hug and well wishes.

Pam

Starting Off with a Magnolia Monday...

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 21:41:00 +0000

I am up bright and early this Monday morning with a Magnolia card to share. Over the weekend I started to dig into all of my un-used stamps and played. And I really mean played! I colored up several images, and completed a couple cards. All the while I ignored the fact that I have to get my house ready for holiday company. Yes that is a sign of a stamp addict. LOL!

As soon as I saw this Magnolia Stamp I had to have it. My daughter sings so this card was made in honor of all the fond memories she gave me when she was growing up of her beautiful singing talent. I am her biggest fan!

The card layout is from this weeks card sketch at "Just Magnolia" challenge blog.

This card will also be entered in the following challenges:

Cute Card Thursday- Anything goes

My Partner in Crafting Crime-Marker Madness-Copics

One Stitch at a Time-Choose your favorite Colors-I Love Purple Shades!

Supply List: Copics, Wild Orchid Flowers, Prima Flowers, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Bazzill Cardstock, Basic Grey DP, Ribbon from my stash, Martha Stewart Lace Border Punch, Spellbinders Label Die, Magnolia Stamp from Magnolia-lious

Getting My Ducks In A Row...

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 01:19:00 +0000

Hi Everyone! I know it's been awhile since I have last posted. But I am getting back on track. Since I have stepped down from the Pixie Cottage DT I have gotten a bit side tracked doing a little bit of this and that. Mostly that!LOL! I love the Pixie Cottage gals and the company's stamps but you can't image all of the stamps I have not touched since I joined the team back when it had first started! Oh my heavens, it is a sin to let them all sit un-inked! So that is my plan, to use my un-inked stamps and my stock of cardmaking and scrapbooking supplies. If I don't I can't justify buying new stamps and supplies now can I? But then again, since when does that stop a stamping addict!

Today I have a card made using a stamp from one of my favorite stamp artists, Sandra Hammer from the Pixie Cottage. Isn't Hannah with her umbrella adorable? She goes perfect with the "Ducks In A Row" paper from October Afternoon. I LOVE October Afternoon. I used the same paper to do paper piecing. I colored the image with copic markers.

I will be back soon with something new to share. Thanks for stopping by!

Other Supplies: Martha Stewart Paper Punch, Cloud dies from Papertrey, Martha Stewart solid cardstock, Neenah Crest White

Celebrating My Friends Blog Anniversary...that means Yummy Candy!

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 08:35:00 +0000

My friend Joynana has some really sweet goodies to give away on her wonderful blog LOVE THAT PAPER.

I met Joyce a little over a year ago in Hobby Lobby, of all places. We were destined to meet. She was on a mad search for a Scor-Pal. But much to the loss of Hobby Lobby they don't sell it. So being a sister to my fellow crafters that I am , I had to butt into her conversation and tell her where she could purchase one. I knew the young man had no idea what Joyce was looking for. Ever since that day I have been blessed by a great, caring friend. Shortly after we met. Joyce started her blog. Wow! This girl is so creative, original and witty. She makes me laugh. I love watching for the next card or project she is going to create. Joyce is also the Queen of challenges. This girl doesn't just join challenges she wins them!!!! Then as any good friend would do, she calls me and rubs it in my face! Then tells me to get busy! LOL! Gotta love friends like that!

If you have never been to my friends blog, be sure to pop on over to Joynana's blog at LOVE THAT PAPER.

I can honestly say you will make Joyce's day.

As you do mine by stopping by my blog.

And I hope you all have a blessed day!

I promise to get a card posted by the weekend.

Sending you happy thoughts and good wishes.

Playing with Pixie Digi's

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:07:00 +0000

Stopping by to share another Pixie Cottage card with you. This one is also colored with Prismacolor Pencils. This card isn't showing up on the Pixie Cottage blog this week because it really doesn't follow the theme of "Something Sweet". I had this card made for a week and intended to make another one but I am taking care of my mom right now so my card making got kicked to the side for a few days.

Anyways I made this card using Sandra Hammer's Spooky Tree Background and Andrea Seiler's

South End Witch. You my also recognize the Magnolia Pumpkin from Magnolia-lious.
The Pixie Cottage Images are digi images. But the Magnolia Pumpkin is a stamp. I colored the background using various shades of blue stamp pads and a make up sponge. The sewing was done with my cute new little purple Pixie Sewing Machine by Singer. The swirly die cuts are from Tim Holtz and Sizzix. Prima flowers and buttons from my stash were also used. The ribbons were also from my stash also. The decorative paper is from Making Memories.

Be sure to pop over to the Pixie Cottage Challenge Blog to see the challenge they have for you this week. The design team has some wonderful cards to show you also.

This past week I was so honored to receive this award from two dear friends.

It came first from my buddy Joyce aka "Joynana" . Her blog is Love That Paper. Joyce and I met just a year ago in Hobby Lobby of all places. LOL. and have been friends ever since. She started her blog shortly after and has passed me up in followers. She is a very talented lady.

Then there is my friend Brenda aka Benzi. I met Brenda over at Splitcoast Stampers. She is very well know over there with all of her beautiful cards. She is also the queen of challenges at Splitcoast. Brenda's blog is Benzi Stampz.
I hope you can find time to visit both of these wonderful ladies.

OK as tradition goes with this award I have to tell you 7 things you may not know about me...

1. I AM GOING TO BE A GRAMMOMMY! My daughter is 5 months pregnant and we are going to find out if she is going to have a boy or girl TODAY! This will be my first grandchild.

2. I have a little dog called "Zoe". That I am crazy about. She is very spoiled. Zoe is part Shih Tzu and part poodle. I love animals. Especially dachshunds. I had two that lived to be 16 years old.

3. I love coffee!!!!!!!!!!!! Having Carmel Lattes with my son is an extra treat. I also love ice cream and really can put it away! Chocolate too!

4. I collect "Ziggy" Stamps from the artist Tom Wilson that was put out by Stampendous in the 80's. I also have collected a few coffee mugs with Ziggy on them. (Someday I will take a picture of all of my Ziggy Stamps. I am slowly using them.)

5. I am very sentimental. I have under the bed boxes that I have saved all kinds of things that were from my kids growing up.

6. I first was going to make scrapbooks for my grown children. I took over a year organizing photos. I then started searching for ideas on the Internet. Found Splitcoast. Tried rubber stamping and that was it! The addiction began. So far I have one scrapbook page make for each of my two children. The ones I have posted on my blog. With my friend Joyce's encouragement I hope to start working on them real soon!

7. I truly believe in the golden rule you treat others as you would like them to treat you.

A VERY FULL HEARTED THANKS TO MY FRIEND JOYCE AND BRENDA FOR GIVING ME THIS AWARD. YOU BLESSED MY HEART.

WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT FRIENDS?

Speaking of friends Joynana is giving away some blog candy. So you will need to pop over and see what kind of goodies she is giving away. Here blog is HERE.

I am going to pass this award to the following people who have encouraged me, taught me skills, answered numerous question on how to do certain techniques and things. They have been as sweet as can be to me. I would also send them back to Brenda and Joyce but I don't think I am suppose to do that. So instead I will just send them a big ole' hug!

1. Michelle at the Pixie Cottage. Her personal blog is HERE.

2. Katie at the Pixie Cottage. Her personal blog is HERE. Katie has her own challenge blog too. Called "Cooking it up with Katie". You need to check it out if you like to do challenges. It is great! You can find a link on Katie's blog.

Both of these ladies are so sweet. I have enjoyed them both.

3. Risa from the Pixie Cottage she has always had an encouraging word for me. Risa's blog is HERE.

4. Actually I would like to send this award to all of the gals at the Pixie Cottage they are all such sweethearts!

5. My friend Sharon Caudle. I love this girl. What a kind hearted soul. And what amazing talent! Her blog is HERE.

6.I have to give one to Mina. This girl took time to teach me about distress inks and copics. What a sweetie. Her blog is HERE. Her cards are just gorgeous!

7. Last but not least....Janiel. Without Janiel I would of never been introduced to Michelle at the Pixie Cottage. Also Jan's work is stunning, Always original and so beautifully colored. Her work will knock your socks off! Then she is a sweetheart to top it off! Janiels blog is HERE.

I know I could list more sweet bloggers. I have had so many people I have never met offer a hand of friendship to me through blogging. What a wonderful instrument these computers are.

Thanks to all of you who have stopped by to take a peak at my card today. Today is Wednesday. You have made it half way through the week. So hang on!!!!

Have a beautiful day,

Pam

Pixie Cottage Friends...

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 07:26:00 +0000

Here I am doing one of those late night/early morning posts. This is what crafter's do when they can't sleep. At least this crafter anyways...

Here's card I made this past week for my friends over at the Pixie Cottage. This image is called "Cuddly Cute" by the very talented Alisa Ramirez.

I colored this cute stamped image with colored pencils.
The scene behind this adorable bear and his friends was made by using a sizzix leaf die and store bought flowers. How easy is that!! The grass was done with Martha Stewart's grass paper punch.

The paper you see is from Basic Grey and The Paper Studio.

Be sure to pop over to Michelle's Scrapbooking and More. Michelle has some beautiful new Pixie Cottage Stamps in stock. (I also bought my grass paper punch and Basic Grey Paper at Michelle's fabulous store! Do I sound like a fan or what!) Also if you leave a comment HERE at the Pixie Cottage Blog you could win a free stamp. You MUST leave your comment before Oct. 20th. So be sure to hurry!

Michelle is also giving away Blog Candy for the month of October on her personal blog Michelle's Scrapbooking and More. Michelle has the biggest heart! She is always giving away something!

Well it is 3:00 A.M. here in the south so I guess I will try to snooze. I hope you all have a wonderful week! I will be back later this week with another card. My daughter has her 31st. birthday this week.(HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!) So I will be working on her card. How is it that our children get older but we don't? That is amazing isn't it!LOL!

I have a few other projects in the works that are not just cards so I hope you will continue to check back with me from time to time to see what's new from the insomniac crafter!

OPPS! one more thing before I go...

I really want to thank everyone that has left comments lately. You have blessed my heart! I am a bit behind in my blog visiting. There has been so much "stuff" going on here. I will get by to see you all. Until then. ((Hugs)) and thank you!

And to the Pixie Cottage Gang LUV YA! and thanks for all of the sweet, kind, thoughts and wishes!

Congrats to my dear friend Joynana on her one year Blog anniversary!!!! You can see all of the beautiful cards Joyce has made HERE.

Pixies In Pencils

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 18:52:00 +0000

Hi everyone! I am happy to share with you today a Halloween card made with a couple of Pixie Cottage Stamps. They are Little Vampire by Tricia Moore and Little Witchy by Tricia Moore .
I colored these little cuties with my colored pencils. The background is made by using a foam glittered haunted house sticker I purchased from Hobby Lobby. The grass was made using Martha Stewart's grass border punch. The green design paper is from Basic Grey. The decorative bat paper is from a paper pack by Making Memories.

As some of you know I have been a designer for the Pixie Cottage since Michelle the owner started this fabulous design line created by a group of mega talented artists. I stepped down from the team about a month ago for personal reasons. Michelle was gracious enough to ask me to be the guest designer for the month of October. I do love the Pixie Team so I am thrilled to design for them any chance I get!

Today is challenge day over at The Pixie Cottage. You have two options to use the theme of embossing or/and to use the sketch provided. Though it is a bit hard to tell the"Trick or Treat" sentiment is heat embossed. I didn't follow the sketch this time because I already had it in my head to use the haunted house with these little ghoul's.

Be sure to check out the designers cards for today's challenge. Several new designers started designing for the new design term today. Congrats to them all! I am looking forward to seeing their creations and the creations of the team members that are continuing from last term.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

One Stitch At A Time-Anything Goes Spooky Halloween

Sentimental Sunday-Sentiment and Dimension

I Did it Challenge Blog-Spooky

The Crafty Pad-Spooky

The Cupcake Inspiration-Halloween

By The Cute and Girly-Spooky

The Shabby Tea Room-Vintage Halloween

Ooh La La Creations-Nothing Floral

Basic Grey-Sparkle- (haunted house glittered)

Tilda's Sunflowers...

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:18:00 +0000

I am back with another card. Now don't look so shocked. I told you I was back from my vacation from blogging. So I have to make up for some lost time. Things have settled down somewhat and I have time to do what I love. I know I shouldn't say that out loud because I will jinx myself and you know what will break loose. LOL!

Today I decided to work on some cards I had previously started. I have a pile of images colored. This image of Tilda with a sunflower came from that pile. I decided to spruce Tilda up a bit and put her on a card. She is colored with Prismacolor and Lyra color pencils. I know the popular color mediums for stamped images are mostly copics and distress inks. I have to admit I do love my color pencils. I feel I have so much more control over the application, especially when it comes to detail. There are many talented artists out there that get very detailed results from the other color mediums but since I started card making with color pencils first, I feel most comfortable with them. After coloring the sunflower in Tilda's hand I stamped the flower again on a separate piece of paper and cut it out. Then I used a pop dot to pop it out for dimension. The decorative papers used here are from Cosmo Crickets Garden Variety. The sunflowers on the side of the card were made from a Cuttlebug die cut. The flower had four leaves. I cut out three flowers and layered them. I used brown brads with white paint dots for the center of the flower. The sketch used is from this weeks "Friday Sketchers"

I am going back to my crafting table I have a few more projects to do.

I hope you have had a wonderful week thus far.

((HUGS))

I also entered this card in the following challenges:

cardztv- Challenge was to make a card without using a Cricut. No problem for this girl. I don't own a Cricut!

Stamp Something-Use Fall Colors

Your Next Stamp Challenge-Make Your Own Flowers

Practical Scrappers-Use Stamps

A Crafty Little Place (Die Cuts R Us) - Autum Daze

Tuesday Taggers - Here Comes Autumn

Make It Crafty - Anything Goes

Flourishes - Fall/Harvest

Craftalicious Challenge - Harvest Festival/Autumn

Stamptacular Sunday - Season's Change

My friend Joynana has also been bugging me to get involved in more challenges! How is this for you girl???LOL!

Magnolia Stamp was purchased at Diana's store. Magnolia-lious. Diana started me on this Magnolia addiction! Thanks girl!

Another Year Gone By...

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:41:00 +0000

Time sure flies when you are having fun! Actually time just flies! I can't believe it has been a year since I have posted a birthday card for my son. My baby is 29. He is getting old, not me, just him. I can honestly say this boy has been my joy. I have enjoyed him from the moment he was born, and continue to do so. I am so blessed!

Mo Manning's image was perfect to use for my son's card. He tells me I have my crafts as my hobby and he has his video games! The comic books are another hobby. We all must have things we enjoy. Life can't be all work and no play can it?

I have to admit these days I do a bit more play than work. Especially since I have become so addicted to this craft!

Since this image had so much detail I went back to my old favorites and colored it with pencils. I don't feel confident enough to have colored this image with Copics.

Since my son likes things on the plain side I keep the details to a minimum. I did dry embossing with a Cuttlebug folder and used only one layer of decorative paper. That's about all there was to this card. Very simple.

I know it's been awhile since I have posted. Lot's of things have been going on this side of the computer. I am back on the crafting trail again. I have decided to step back from my design team duties and do guest designing for now. I can't totally stay away from my Pixie Cottage gals so I will be guest designing for the month of October. I have a pile of un-inked stamps and un-used supplies sitting in my craft room. So I will have many projects to come. Besides that my friend Joyce "Joynana" from Love That Paper has been fussing at me to get busy making cards. I can't stand to listen to her anymore! LOL! Joyce and I met over a year ago at one of our favorite hangouts "Hobby Lobby". After that Joyce started up her blog. To celebrate that occasion we are going to give away some blog candy at the end of October. So keep watch for some goody give aways.

I will also be working on some scrapbook pages. The way I started rubber stamping was one day I was searching for scrapbook ideas on the computer and I ran across Splitcoast Stampers. Need I say more? Once I started rubber stamping and making cards my scrapbooking went to the wayside. I would like my two children to have a scrapbook before I get too old to complete them!

A special thanks to the followers of this blog for not giving up on me the last couple weeks. I will be back real soon with some more projects.

Anna Griffin Scrapbook Page Two

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 01:34:00 +0000

The Page I have for you today is the second Anna Griffin scrapbook page I made. This one took much longer to complete than the first page I shared with you. It has tons of layers and two different paper pleating styles. What I loved about this page is I learned the paper pleating technique. Now I can carry that technique over to my cards. It a very simple technique to do. It is all about measuring where you want to fold your paper according to how wide you want your pleat to be. All the materials on this page are from Anna Griffin, except the baby girl which was made by me!

You can see the paper pleating technique below on the edge of Tilda's dress. I used vellum. To insert the pleat onto the dress I simply cut a slit along the dress where I wanted to place the pleat. It made Tilda's Easter dress extra frilly.

You can purchase Tilda at Magnolia-lious. (The link is on my sidebar)

The flowers on this card were made using the sizzix daisy die, using alternate layers of cardstock and vellum.

I hope you have enjoyed what I have to share with you today. I will be back soon. I have a lot of un-inked stamps sitting on my desk.

101 Scrapbooking "What NOT to do..."

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:26:00 +0000

I have something different to share with you today. My first scrapbook page. It was made using a scrapbook kit from Anna Griffin. Anna Griffin's gorgeous scrapbook pages were what first drew me to scrapbooking. I started a few years ago separating my photographs. Until then they were stored in a foot locker. Now they are separated into groups in those tall plastic dressers with drawers. It took over a year for me to sort them all. Now on to actually putting the scrapbook pages together themselves. Though I love this page it is not the way I suggest you start making scrapbooks. I made this page along with one I made for my daughter, that involved paper pleating, over a year ago.

I put way too much stress into my scrapbook pages. As a dear friend of mine suggested, it is better to start a more simple page, complete it and move on. One reason is you don't want to get discouraged and never complete your album. Secondly, I like my scrapbook time to be enjoyable, not a chore.

This page isn't as complicated as my second page, that I will show you in my next post. This page involved simple paper weaving. I do like how it turned out. I did want the first page in my children's scrapbook to be special.

It's not in my nature to not be a little bit of a perfectionist but I do think I will start out with a more simpler plan for the next page.

Feeling Blue?

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:55:00 +0000

Wednesday's roll around fast when you are having fun! It is time for another Pixie Cottage challenge. This week our special guest sketch designer is the very talented Jacqui Dennis.
Thanks for designing this wonderful sketch for us this week. As always, we also have a theme for you to use. This week it is to use the color blue on your card. Since all of you stampers out there are challenge pro's that should be a easy challenge for you.

I chose to use the new image by Di Carubia called Cassie.

Be sure to go to Michelle's Scrapbooking and More and see all of the new Pixie Cottage Stamps. When I received my stamps for this month I had a hard time deciding on which one to use first! I love all of them! Our illustrators really did a fabulous job!

Be sure to go to Michelle's blog. She has some wonderful pictures to share with you of her trip to CHA. Sure wish I could of been there with her! Michelle also has some wonderful blog candy for the month of August. Hmmmmm, I wonder if she would notice if I slipped my name onto the list!

Michelle sure has a generous heart when it comes to giving away the goodies.

Thanks Michelle!

Pixie Cotage Challenge 28 Double Up

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 05:03:00 +0000

I am sorry to be popping in a little late for our weekly challenge at The Pixie Cottage. I've had some unexpected happenings this week to throw my weekly plans right out the door. Life just goes that way sometimes and the best laid plans can get messed up. I apologize for the late post. Our challenge theme is called "Doubled Up". Which means to use two different stamps on your card or project. I chose the Halloween Witch Hannah from last years collection created by Sandra Hammer. The sentiment is also from the Pixie Cottage. I switched up this week and colored Hannah with my old favorites Prisma color pencils. Distress Inks were also used to shade the moon and around the cardstock. Be sure to go by the Pixie Cottage Blog to see who is our guest designer for the week. There are two guest designers also. My fellow DT mates have been up to their usual amazing selves. They have all of their wonderful creations posted on the team blog. There is also a new Hannah stamp up as blog candy at the Pixie Cottage. Be sure to sign up for it! Thanks for honoring me with a few minutes of your day.

Zig Zaggin it...

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:19:00 +0000

Today I am popping in with a quick photo of an afghan I recently finished for my Daughter In Law and Son. It is a simple zig zag design If you can crochet a straight stitch you can make this afghan. Soooo easy, it is just a matter of increasing and decreasing a few stitches. If you are interested in the pattern I will be happy to come back and post the details.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Pretty in Pink and Bling...

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:48:00 +0000

Hi Everyone. I am back with one of my all time favorites, my Magnolia stamps. I am very addicted to all kinds of stamps but my Magnolia's are some of my top faves! This card is in honor of the girls over at Magnolia-lious Yahoo Group. I want to thank you all for visiting my blog. All I have to do is post on our group that I have a new card on my blog and they are here to support me. I appreciate your encouraging words so much. Thanks to all of you who came by to see the newest little toy I found for my blog, my Magnolia slide show. It was just too fun to create. I especially get a kick out of the part that shows "starring" Edwin and Tilda. How cute is that Today I have a card that I made with a stamp from the Fairytale collection. I colored this little princess with Copics. Isn't this how every little girl wants to dress? In a frilly pink dress with bling! Not to mention a crown with jewels. Pauline, the designer of Magnolia stamps really outdid herself on this collection. I, like most Magnolia addicts would love to have all of the Magnolia's Pauline designs but can't afford to get every single one, so we have to be selective with our choices. When buying from this collection I have been very carefully selecting my stamps. I selected everyone of them!LOL! Seriously I don't have all of them YET, but this has to be one of my favorite sets. This particular stamp came from the Magnolia-lious store. You can find Diana's store link on my sidebar. I also purchased the swirl die from Diana. The roses are from Wild Orchid Crafts (Another addiction). The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink. OOOOH I love that company too! I am addicted aren't I? The die behind Tilda is a new die I have received by a company called Nellie Snellen. The papers are from Michael's. They were individual sheets so I am not sure of the brand. That's about all of the details for this card. I hope you enjoyed it.

Vintage Butterfly

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:47:00 +0000

It's time for the Wednesday Challenge at the Pixie Cottage. I can't believe we are at challenge 27 already! Time flies when you are having fun! If you haven't had the chance to do any of the Pixie Cottage challenges, pop over to the Pixie Cottage Blog and give it a try. The girls on the team always have beautiful cards to show you. This week is no exception. The one thing I love about this stamp line is it is so versatile. Pixie Cottage stamps are not just one type of style. You can find cute images and more realistic style images. I like all kinds of stamps so this team is perfect for me! The challenge this week is called "Triple Play". Of course you can choose to go with the theme or the sketch or do both. For this week's challenge I chose Tish's Butterfly.

I have been on this vintage kick lately. I love all of the vintage style cards I have been seeing. I don't know if I have captured the vintage look or not, but I gave it my best shot. Don't you just love the leaves and the scallop corner die shapes on my card? They are both made from the new dies I purchased from the Magnolia-lious store. The corner was made out of the new die that is actually a border die. I just love them! The leaf came with a wonderful swirl die. For this card I colored the butterfly with my copics. I went over my papers with distress inks and a sepia ink pad. The butterfly is covered with Diamond Glaze and then sprinkled with clear glass glitter. I went over the butterfly after the glaze and glitter dried with my distress inks to tone it down a bit. The label die is from Stampin' Up, the die behind that is from Cuttlebug. I love to layer different die shapes. What would we do without our dies! I wouldn't trade my little Cuttlebug for anything. I sure have gotten my use out of it.

Before I close out my post I want to tell you that Michelle has blog candy for you posted on the Pixie Cottage blog. It's the new Hannah stamp and it is adorable! I would hate to see my followers miss out.

I have recently taken inventory of my stamps. I have quite a collection of stamps that I haven't put to ink yet. I really need to get busy! My Magnolia collection has grown. The poor babies need some attention. I have several cards in the works. I will get them posted real soon. I hope you will come back to see what I have made.

Challenges and more Challenges

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:24:00 +0000

Today I am sharing a card I made for the Creative Inspirations Wednesday Challenge Blog a few months back that Michelle at Michelle's Scrapbook and More was hosting. The theme for that week, you guessed it was babies! I used both of the adorable babies by the Pixie Cottage. You never know when twins may pop into a family. On my children's fathers side he has mother has two sets of twin brothers and sisters. They also have two great Aunt and Uncle twins on my Dad's side of the family. Hey if my children ever get around to having grand babies. I may get two at one time! WOW What a thought!

I colored these adorable babies with my copics. I am getting a little bit more comfortable with my copics. I still have a way to go to get to the level of many of the copic artists out there. Copics are so much fun to color with. I love dabbing in all color mediums. I recently acquired some distress inks. The wonderful thing about art is there's an endless amount of new things to try. I love seeing all of the new idea's my artist friends come up with. They never cease to amaze me!

I hope you all have a fabulous week a head of you. I look forward to seeing what you create next!

Pixie Cottage Raising the Challenge...

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:43:00 +0000

This week at the Pixie Cottage we have an amazing sketch and challenge. Our guest designer who came up with this fabulous sketch is Dawny P from The Pink Piggy! Dawn has designed for several popular stamp Companies and Blogs. You can read all about Dawn here at the Pixie Cottage Blog.
I Love Dawns sketch on it's own but when you add a window it becomes a whole different project. This is the first window card I have made. It did take me a few tries to get all of those layers lined up. I do like the finished result. I will have to give this design another try.

I chose Di Carubia’s Maisy & Matt’s Wedding stamp. What a sweet little couple. This card is going to a friends son who recently got married.

If you haven't browsed Michelle's store lately you need to take a hop over there. She has added all kinds of new goodies. Her stamp collection includes Magnolia's, Stampavie (Including all of the 2010 artists) , Whiff of Joy, Alota Stamps, Tim Holtz, Sweet Pea, Inky Impressions, Flower soft stamps and supplies, CC Design Stamps, and the Greeting Farm. Then there's all of the Pixie Cottage Stamps. She also carries Copic markers both Sketch and Ciao. Bazzill, October Afternoon, Basic Grey, DCWV, Flowers from Prima, Adhesives, Spellbinders, Cuttlebug, Sizzix, Circut....I could go on and on because her store is packed with goodies. You have to go there to see with your own eyes.

Michelle is a doll to do business with. I promise you won't be disappointed with the service you will receive when you shop at Michelle's Scrapbooking and More. Also every month on Michelle's blog she gives away some awsome blog candy. Be sure to check that out HERE. I would love to see one of my followers win.

I want to thank all of you for the kind comments you have left me lately. I appreciate your encouragement. I am making my way around to leave some love on my blogging friends blogs.

There isn't enough hours in a day for all I would like to do. Life is just flying by for me these days.

I will be back soon with another card....

((HUGS))

Dad's still celebrating...

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:03:00 +0000

Today I have a another card for a man for you. I found this image in the strangest place, my Printmaster computer program! I colored it with my copic makers. The image turned out so much sharper than I expected. I think I am going to save this one as a birthday card. Especially since a large variety of male stamps are hard to come by. There's only a few good men out there in more ways than one. LOL!

Do you all remember the bird that I wrote about a few posts back? Well the little birdie flew the nest. My husband I enjoyed watching it for days. It would stick it's head out the birdhouse door looking for it's mother. She would pop in from time to feed it.

He really got big didn't he? He is Yakking at me to get my camera out of his face!

On that happy note I will be on my merry way. I hope everyone had a good day today!

((Hugs!))

Always Honor Dad...

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:16:00 +0000

Hello! Today I am sharing a card I made for my Father in Law for father's day. The image I used was a digital image created by Pollycraft Digital Stamps in the honor of another stampers Dad. Emma Wood lost her Dad in a sudden accident. The proceeds from the selling of the digi stamp go to the Emergency Service that took care of Emma's Dad the day of the accident. You can read about it here. Be Sure to pop over to Emma's blog to see all of her creative designs.

I colored the digi image "Ronnie Relaxing" with my copics.

The designer paper is by My Minds Eye. I used a sentiment from a My Favorite Things Set.

I hope you all enjoyed your fourth of July. Even if you do not live in the states I hope you enjoyed your weekend.

My son and his sweet wife came over Friday and we cooked out. What a wonderful time it was. Spending time with my family like that is at the top of my list of favorite things to do!

I wish you all God's Blessings.

Thank you for spending a few minutes of your day with me.