My Corner of the Cornfield

Project Life Week 3

2012-01-29T17:03:00.000-06:00

Here is week 3 for Project Life. Hopefully the pictures are glare free this week.

My week runs Sunday through Saturday. I notice you can see my pink fuzzy slippers in this shot. Hey, I live a classy life **snort**.

The highlight of this week, definitely my youngest making the Honor Roll. He struggles some with school, so this was a HUGE accomplishment for him. Sunday's picture includes Pastor leading bible class in the Fellowship hall. I included the study sheet for the lesson.

We had our first winter storm and snow days. The boys don't enjoy them as much as they use to because now they are old enough to shovel. BUMMER! I included screen shots of the weather forecast/Winter Storm warning from the Wunderground weather website. The boys were looking like wildthings so haircuts were in order. I added the appointment reminder card. That's it for week 3. I just uploaded week 4 to the Walmart website so I should get my photos later this week.

Project Life

2012-01-21T19:03:00.000-06:00

I am doing Project Life this year. I attempted the project back in 2010, but failed miserably. I got to April, and gave up. This year I'm determined to document my family's daily life. Instead of taking a photo daily (this is what put me over the edge 2 years ago), I'm concentrating on taking random photos throughout the week. I may take 3 pictures, I may take 15. I'm also making an effort to collect daily ephemera to include in the weekly spreads; things such as receipts for gas, fast food receipts, emails, church bulletins, ticket stubs etc.
I've completed the title page and first 2 weeks so far. I'm always a week behind due to uploading my photos online and picking them up at Walmart. I'm not printing my pictures at home due to 1. a crappy printer and 2. I'm too cheap to use all that printer ink and photo paper.
Here is the title page:

Please forgive the poor picture quality. I have no clue how to photograph the layouts without getting that nasty reflection. I need to get a good photo of Mike to place in his slot. I love using my Cameo machine to cut out all kinds of fun shapes and captions.

Here is week #1:

I strongly dislike my handwriting. It's messy and unsightly, but it is the easiest and fastest way to get the journaling accomplished. I also hope my family looks back and can appreciate the handwritten pieces. My most prized possessions are my grandmother's handwritten recipes. This week, I have a regular 8 1/2 x 11 page protector between the layout pages that I used to hold Thomas' basketball program and my department meeting agenda.

Here is week #2

Again, sorry for the glare. I must work on my photography skills! Ephemera this week includes snack packaging and a shopping list. I'm making a point of photographing the routine, mundane happenenings, like laundry, dishes, snacks etc. I plan on taking a photo of our home during all four seasons. I also plan on photos of vehicles, cell phones (those change quickly!), clothing, meals/recipes, family pet, and home decor.

Here's to 52 weeks of everyday life photos and journaling!

Simon Says Challenge

2011-11-20T14:10:00.000-06:00

This week's challenge theme on the Simon says challenge Blog is Thanksgiving/Thank You. I needed to send my dear friend, Ruby a Thanksgiving card, so I decided to enter this challenge for the first time. I used two Hero Arts stamps for the background and utilized the kissing technique. I pulled out my brand new Perfect Pearls and incorporated them onto the stamped trio of images. I did learn when using Perfect Pearls to IMMEDIATELY set the images with a misting of water. I did not do this right away and had a few smudges on my images. I love the shiny goodness the PP gave my stamped images. A button and twine would have been a great finishing touch on the sentiment banner, but I had to keep this fairly flat for mailing purposes.

Please excuse the poor photography, not my strong suit! Thanks for looking.
Stamps: Hero Arts-Woodgrain, Large Fabric Design, PTI-Take Three Fall, Fall Elegance
Paper:PTI Fine Linen
Ink: Ranger Distress Ink-Wild Honey, Gathered Twigs, Versamark, Memento-Rich Cocoa
Other: Perfect Pearls, square punch, corner rounder, PTI Woodgrain impression plate

Get Well Tag

2011-09-17T17:56:00.000-05:00

A coworker was hit by a car last weekend so I made her a quick get well tag......

I took the picture in my car using my phone. Stamp set is by Lawn Fawn. Background stamp is Hero Arts. I colored the image with copic markers.

Mini Album for a Friend

2011-08-20T10:54:00.000-05:00

I can finally post the pictures of the mini album I made for friend, amy. It was her birthday this past Wednesday, so I had to wait to post the pics! I used THIS pattern from Laura Denison. I used the Splash collection by Echo Park for this mini.

Stamp-a-Faire Challenge #10

2011-07-25T11:37:00.000-05:00

Here is Challenge #10-So, your last challenge is to add a stamped focal point over a stamped background, all in the same layer! There is really a lot of opportunity here for some fun mixing and matching!

I needed a stash of sympathy cards. They needed to be simple and flat for mailing ease.
Paper: PTI-Vintage Cream
Stamps: PTI-Leaf Prints, YOF Carnations, Hero Arts-Envelope Pattern
Ink: Memento-New Sprout, Bamboo Leaves, Rich Cocoa, PTI-Chai

Papertrey Ink July Blog Hop

2011-07-25T09:06:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Papertrey Ink's July blog hop. This month we were given a picture as inspiration for our July cards.

I've been staring at this photo for weeks. The more I looked at it, the more I fell in love with EVERYTHING about it. I love the bright, bold colors and especially the contrast between the colors. I love the mixture of patterns and the geometrical vibe with the panels in the bench and window.

I adore the flower and butterfly pillows. And that quilt! Oh, how I love that quilt. I'm a sucker for anything quilty. As much as I adore this picture nothing was jumping out at me. I couldn't pinpoint one thing that stood out. I finally took a cue from the panels on the bench and window panes. I decided to make little panels depicting all the elements I love in this photo. I ended up using only three of the panels, my favorites. I also incorporated all the lovely colors into my card, not my usual go to colors. I used the circle punch idea from one of Nichol's challenges yesterday to showcase the sentiment panel and ribbon. This is such a fun technique, and so simple! I also utilized a technique from Jennifer McGuire called "fingerinking". I used watered down distress inks to fingerpaint(tap) the colors onto the sentiment tag. I put a bit of Perfect Pearls into one of the colors to add some shimmer.

As always, click on the picture for a larger view. Here are the details:
Paper: PTI-White, Aqua Mist, Melon Berry, Ripe Avacado, Hawaiian Shores,Green Boutique, Hobby Lobby-glitter paper
Stamps: PTI-Embellishments, Year of Flowers Collection, My Minds Eye-Gerdie "Girly" stamps
Ink: Ranger Distress inks-Old Paper, Tumbled Glass, Dried Marigold, Crushed Olive, Mustard Seed, Memento-Tuxedo Black, Rich Cocoa, PTI-Chai
Other: Hobby Lobby-white ribbon, circle and square punches, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Provo Craft-embossing folder and label die, Copics(R02,R05,BG11,YG93)

PTI Stamp a Faire Challenges...continued

2011-07-23T22:58:00.002-05:00

One last quick card for challenge #8-I thought I would challenge you to create a card with an front cover that is cut back by an inch or so.

**UPDATE**

I really didn't like the heavy black ric rack on the card so I ripped it off and added black cardstock instead....much better.

Paper: PTI-Ripe Avacado, patterned paper unknown
Stamps: PTI -Take Three Summer,Simple Sentiments
Ink-Versamark, Memento-Tuxedo Black
Other: black embossing powder, ric rack

PTI Stamp a Faire Challenges...continued

2011-07-23T22:16:00.000-05:00

Challenge #9-Your challenge is to look at your stamps in a new way, turn them, rotate them at new angles and see if YOU can come up with anything unique!

I'm not sure how unique this is, but my original idea was a bust.....

I used Distressed Stripes as the poles for my string of hearts Paper: PTI-Lemon Tart, patterned paper scraps
Stamps: PTI-Distressed Stripes, Purple Onion Designs-Hearts On a String, Hero Arts-Hello Birdie
Ink: Memento-Tuxedo Black, Rich Cocoa
Other: twine, Copics

PTI Stamp a Faire Challenges...continued

2011-07-23T20:41:00.000-05:00

I combined two challenges for this next card. Not sure if that's legal or not!! I'm running out of time!!EEK!! The following card is a combination of Challenge #5 and #7
Challenge #5-Your challenge is to take a solid shape, just like she did, and create your own custom "faux" border!
Challenge #7-Your challenge is to have a "play date" with your stamps and discover 2 or 3 images from different sets that layer together in a surprising way, just like Betsy did here!

Paper: PTI-Vintage Cream, Basic Grey-Lemonade
Stamps: PTI-Guide Lines Two, Flower Fusion 1&2, All About You Additions
Ink: Stampabilities pigment ink-Bright Pink, dye ink-Bright Yellow, ColorBox Chalk ink-Olive Pastel, Charcoal,Wisteria
Other: gems-Hero Arts and Hobby Lobby, Stickles, 1" circle punch
Again...sorry if I cheated!! I'm having so much fun, I wanna get all these in!!

PTI Stamp a Faire Challenges

2011-07-23T19:50:00.000-05:00

Nichole is hosting card challenges all day long on her blog HERE. I will be lumping the three challenge pictures together on this post. I got a late start with the challenges. I also found it impossible to keep up with the hourly challenges, and finally, I left to go to church. So here are cards for challenges 3, 4 , and 6.
First up Challenge #3 -
Punch a window from you card cover and tie ribbon or twine from the window to the side of your card. There is SO much opportunity to have fun with your creativity on this one!

Paper: PTI-Kraft, DCWV-Nana's Nursery Baby Boy
Stamps- PTI-Baby Button Bits, Tiny Tags
Ink- Color Box Chalk Ink-Dark Brown
Other- PTI-Tiny Tag die, button, twine, heart button-Walmart, Spica Glitter pen in Chocolate, corner rounder

Challenge #4- I thought it would be fun to do a color challenge for this go-around! Papertrey colors you would use are represented as Ripe Avocado, Simply Chartreuse, Hawaiian Shores & Enchanted Evening.

This is one of my favorite cards I've made in awhile. I never would have thrown these colors together, but they sure are pretty...
Paper: PTI-Enchanted Evening, Ripe Avacado, Vintage Cream
Stamps: Flutterby Friend
Ink: Colorbox Chalk Ink-Olive Pastel, Deep Lagoon, Memento- Tuxedo Black
Other: Hobby Lobby-gems, Spica Glitter pen in Clear, Copics (BG13,B37,G99,YG95)

Challenge # 6- Your challenge this afternoon is to use the little notch technique to hold twine or ribbon in place across the cover of your project. You can use a circle punch of any diameter to create a round notch or a square punch for a square notch.

Paper:PTI-White, Orange Zest
Stamps: Star Prints, Mixed Messages
Ink:Stampabilities Pigment inks-Light Green, Orange, Bright Pink
Other: embossing folder, twine, 1/2 in circle punch

Summer Card Camp-One Last Card

2011-07-21T18:49:00.000-05:00

One last card for Summer Card Camp. I used an embossing folder and added some teeny, tiny sentiments and bling. A little ribbon stapled to the bottom, and a touch of paint dry brushed on to soften the patterned paper.

Paper-PTI Select White, Basic Grey-Urban Prairie

Stamps-PTI Mixed Messages

Ink- Memento Rich Cocoa

Other- Provo craft embossing folder,button-PTI, gems and ribbon-Hobby Lobby, staples, paint, Corner Chomper

Thanks to Jennifer and Kristina for lots of fun! Melanie, you ROCKED as moderator (miss you at 2 Peas). To all of the guest designers; your talent was inspiring! And finally, to ALL the participants, you are all fabulous. Who would think ink, stamps, paper and adhesive could produce such results!! Keep on creating everyone and HAVE FUN!!!

Summer Card Camp 2011 Week 4

2011-07-18T15:18:00.000-05:00

It is the final week of Summer Card Camp! It has gone so quickly. I have really enjoyed looking at all the creations in the weekly galleries. I made this card for my brother and sister in law. My brother phoned me yesterday, informing me that I'm going to be an aunt!!! This is their first child, so it's very exciting news. I have several nieces and nephews on my husband's side of the family, but this is my first niece or nephew on my side.

I would REALLY benefit from someone doing a card photography class...I need HELP!!

Paper: PTI -Stampers Select-white

Stamps-Purple Onion Designs-Hearts on a String, Hero arts- Hello Birdie, Clouds

Ink-Memento -Tuxedo Black, Hero Arts -Soft Pool

Other: Stickles, gems,twine, Copics

Summer Card Camp Week2-Card2

2011-07-11T16:42:00.000-05:00

Here is the second card for this weeks color challenge. I've got the time to play today, I'm working for the next 3 days.....

Paper: PTI-Kraft, Distressed Dots, Hobby Lobby-brown, red

Stamps-PTI-Wreath For All Seasons, Tiny Tags

Ink- Memento-Rich Cocoa, Hero Arts chalk ink-Punch, PTI-Chai

Other- PTI-Woodgrain embossing plate, Tiny Tags , Edgers #1, and Mat Stack #4 dies, Hobby Lobby-gems, PTI twine, machine stitching

Summer Card Camp Week 3

2011-07-11T12:39:00.000-05:00

It's week 3 of Summer Card Camp 2011. Here are the colors for this week:

I had fun playing with this week's colors.I found it much easier to put them together than the past weeks bright colors. Don't get me wrong, I love bright , fun , summer colors. I seem to struggle pairing them up. Just seems to be a bit unnatural to pair ALL of those brights together. I used one of Kristina's sketches from week 2 for this card.

and the inside:

Paper: all PTI-Kraft, Distressed Dots, Sugar Plum, Bitty Dots Basics, In Bloom
Stamps: PTI-Tag-Its #4, Hero Arts-Envelope Pattern, Impression Obsession-Anytime Sentiments
Ink-Color Box Chalk Ink-Dark Brown, Hero Arts-Chalk Ink Punch, Versamark
Other-Inkssentials White Opaque pen, Spica pens-Red, Chocolate, ribbon-Hobby Lobby, border punch-Stampin Up

Summer Card Camp Week 2

2011-07-05T21:22:00.001-05:00

Here are the colors for challenge this week:

I'm much more comfortable with the colors this week. I'm just so frustrated that I can't find inks that give me consistent, good stamping results. More likely, it's the stamper.... here is my card for week two.

Paper: PTI-Stampers Select White, Chartreuse,Summer Sunrise

Stamps: PTI-All About You, Fillable Frames #2

Ink: Memento-New Sprout, Stampibilities-Orange, Hero Arts Chalk Ink-Punch, ColorBox Chalk Ink-Yellow Citrus,Lime Pastel

Other-PTI die-Fillable Frame #2

Summer Camp Week 1 Sketch Challenge

2011-06-30T20:40:00.000-05:00

Kristina posted a video today discussing balance when designing cards. She shared three sketches, each utilizing different balance types. I chose to use the symmetrical balance sketch for my card.

We are to continue to use the week #1 color combo:

I'll reiterate, these colors are giving me fits. Not feeling the love, at all. I keep wanting to add some green.Most of the patterned paper I own also has some green mixed in. Anyway, here is my card.

In retrospect, I wish I would have stitched the perimeter of the patterned paper. Also, the colors did not photograph well. I shot the picture in the basement instead of heading outdoors. Basically, nothing is going to make me like this card, lol.
Paper: PTI-White, Spring Rain, DCWV-Pocket Full of Posies
Ink: Ranger Adirondack-Sail Boat Blue
Stamp: Simple Sentiments
Other: Provo Craft embossing folder-Swiss Dots, Hobby Lobby gems, twine from stash, PTI felt and buttons, PTI-Beautiful Blooms II dies, Stampin Up border punch

Jennifer's Window Card

2011-06-28T15:24:00.000-05:00

Jennifer posted a video Tuesday showing the window technique. I must admit, this is one of my favorite techniques. It is so much fun to make a little window so something can peek through. Again, here are this week's colors:

Here is my card:

And a side view...peek a boo..

Paper: DCWV-Pocket Full of Posies, My Minds Eye-Lime Twist, The Paper Studio-So So Sweet, PTI-White
Stamps: PTI-Baby Button Bits, Fillable Frame #5, Make A Wish
Ink: Colorbox Chalk Ink-Wisteria, Berrylicious, Ranger Adirondack-Sail Boat Blue, Stampibilities-Orange
Other: Copic G24, PTI die-Fillable Frame #5, Hero Arts gem

Here are the original versions of this card, without orange, blue and purple!

I discovered a neat little trick while die cutting all those paper buttons. I always have a terrible time getting the paper die cuts to release from the die. I placed a piece of painters tape over the cuts and pulled. They popped right out!

So much less frustrating. The tape doesn't rip the paper and pulls out the little holes too! Hope this helps someone else avoid die cutting hell....Thanks for stopping by!

Summer Card Class 2011-Week One

2011-06-28T07:26:00.000-05:00

I'm participating in Jennifer McGuire's and Kristina Werner's online card class. You can find details HERE.
This is the color combination for this week's challenge:

My card for this challenge is a bit whimsical, which is a bit unusual for me. I was rather frustrated to be unable to incorporate the color green. Interesting since green is not a favorite color of mine, but I find it to be one of the easiest colors to incorporate into color schemes. The same can be said for the color orange. NOT a favorite color, AT ALL. On the other hand, purple is my favorite color but it gives me absolute fits when I have to incorporate it into a card. Go figure. So, needless to say, this color combo was a challenge. Here are the results:

I die cut approximately 20 hot air balloons in different colors and patterns of paper. It took some playing to get the right combination of colors and patterns. I used Copic markers and Glossy Accents to give highlights to the balloons. Here are the remaining details:

Paper: PTI-White, Spring Rain, Royal Velvet, Bitty Dot Basics, In Bloom

Stamps: PTI-Up, Up and Away

Ink: Colorbox Chalk Ink-Charcoal, Berrylicious

Other- PTI-felt, Up, Up and Away cloud and balloon dies, Canvas impression plate, Copics-BV08, YR18, Glossy Accents, American Crafts white gel pen,sewing machine

PTI June Bloghop

2011-06-25T11:14:00.001-05:00

The lowdown on this month's hop...

We thought we would start a short inspirational series with the Blog

Hops for the next few months as a fun way to spice things up! This

month we are providing you with a beautiful photo to help trigger

some creative ideas with color! This inspirational photo is just

dreamy and it's the perfect thing to give you a creative jumpstart

that will lead to nothing but fabulous results! We look forward to

seeing everyone's interpretations using this inspiration!

I chose to focus on a few of the colors along with the butterfly and dragonfly images.

Stamps: PTI- Signature Greetings, Hero Arts- Antique Engravings
Paper: PTI-white and Spring Moss
Ink: ColorBox Chalk ink-Olive Pastel and Berrylicious, Ranger Adirondack-Sail Boat Blue, Hero Arts Chalk Ink-Poppy, PTI-Chai
Other: PTI Impression plate-Linen, Stickles, Jolee's Bling
Thanks for stopping by!

One Layer Challenge #59

2011-06-22T18:26:00.000-05:00

Susan is hosting this week's One Layer Challenge on her blog HERE. This week's challenge is based on this photo:

I've been adding to my stash of Sympathy cards. I find Sympathy cards difficult to make at the spur of the moment, so I've been taking some time to create quite a few lately. I find it best to keep them very simple. I need to practice my Copic coloring, so this one layer challenge gave me the perfect opportunity to do so.

Not the best photo. I had to take this in the basement due to the never ending cloudy, dark weather we've been experiencing. Here are the details:
Paper: PTI-Rustic Cream
Stamps: PTI Year of Flowers ( Carnations set for the sentiment and daffodils for the image)
Ink: Memento-black, Colorbox Chalk Ink-Olive Pastel
Other: PTI Woodgrain Impression plate, We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper, Copics( Y26,Y32,YG95 & YG97)

Crafting Away...

2011-06-17T17:35:00.000-05:00

A bit of time off from work means time to play with my stamps. I needed to add to my stash of Sympathy cards, I hate that. I used the Hero Arts 3 Ferns stamp. I love this stamp. It is so much fun to play with. I used distress inks and a spritz of water to ink this image.

Stamps: all Hero Arts- 3 Fern, Antique Engravings, With Sympathy
Ink: Ranger Distress Inks
Paper: PTI
Other: PTI distress plate, copics

Stamps: Fillable Frames Additions, Year of Flowers Collection, Background Basics Tin Type all PTI
Paper: Blueberry-PTI, Stella Rose Hattie-My Minds Eye
Ink: Versamark and white embossing powder
Other: copics, ribbon from $ spot at Target, edge punch-Fiskars

I used PTI's anniversary set, Botanical Silhouettes for these two cards. I totally messed up the pink card by stamping the little gray dots on the flowers. I was viewing Nichole's sample to get the placement of the stamps correct. Let's just say, mine sucks, hers doesn't. Note to self; no more little dots on the flowers.

Stamps: PTI-Botanical Silhouettes
Paper-PTI white, Sweet Blush and Pure Poppy
Ink: Ranger Distress Inks, PTI- Pure Poppy
Other: PTI Impression plate, Martha Stewart 3 butterfly punch, glitter-Hobby Lobby

Good Grief..I can't stand it!

2011-06-16T15:10:00.001-05:00

I just have to share.....I love to read blogs. I love to read a wide VARIETY of blogs; stamping, scrapbooking, reading, weight loss, racing, design, cooking.....on and on. Of course I have my favorite bloggers, and Nichol Magouirk happens to be one of them. She does incredible scrapbook layouts and cards. Her Copic coloring is quick, but gorgeous. Her layouts are full of color, textures and techniques. this layout made me go OMG!!

It's probably the stamping and bright colors that did me in. Goodness...I just want to run and scrap a page....
HERE is the link to Nichol's blog page for this layout. Make sure to watch the video also...

And then ... there was this card....

I just keep going back.... and looking....and looking....It must be the felt flowers, or the Copic colored and meticulously fussy cut leaves, or the stamped background, or the color combo....I just adore it. Wish it were my anniversary and this card was heading my way!! HERE is Nichol's blog link for this card. No video for this card, but she gives very thorough instructions for construction. Is anyone else salivating over those BIG, FULL spools of bakers twine??? Just wanted to give a shout out to Nichol and share the awesome, inspirational, crafty, goodness she creates!

Make It Monday #19: Rock and Roll Technique

2011-06-13T12:39:00.001-05:00

This week's challenge for Papertrey Ink is to utilize the rock and roll technique. Check out the video HERE.
I made a Father's Day card for my dad. Yikes! I didn't realize Father's Day is this upcoming Sunday!! The inspiration for this card is this tree in my front yard:

See how the leaves are lighter on the ends? I'm not sure what kind of tree this is, but it very late to bud out, and then continues growing new leaves all summer. Hence, it always has this two tone foliage. Sorry for the bad photo. the wind was literally blowing 30mph when I snapped the picture. We've had very cool, rainy and WINDY weather in Iowa lately.

Here is my interpretation of the rock and roll technique. This card needed to be fairly flat, as I need to mail it to my dad...

Details:
Paper: Rustic white,Pinefeather-PTI
Stamps: Through the Trees-PTI, Antique Typewriter Alphabet-EK Success
Ink: Dark Brown, Olive Pastel, Lime Pastel-Colorbox chalk ink, Brown Timber-Staz On, Chai-PTI
Other: Woodgrain impression plate, twine-PTI, adhesive cork, brads-Hobby Lobby, Spica glitter pen in chocolate

PT Inkers June Challenge

2011-06-06T16:54:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am alive. May was a horribly busy month, both at work and on the home front. I've got a bit of time off for the next few months, so hopefully I can play with my paper, ink and stamps! This month's challenge on the Inkers Blog is to create a tag. My sweetie Aunt has been sending me boxes of books to read. If there is anything I love more than being crafty, it's reading! She sent me the entire Mitford series by Jan Karon, which I devoured. I highly recommend this series. My latest box of goodies included the Ladybug Farm series by Donna Ball. I haven't begun these yet, but I'm sure they're great reads. To thank my aunt, I made her a thank you card and a bookmark. I'm thinking a bookmark is a tag...right? **shrugs** I also put a teeny, tiny tag onto the card.....

Here are the details:
Paper: PTI-Sweet Blush, October Afternoon-Thriftshop, Basic Grey-Lemonade
Stamps-PTI-YOF Gladiolus, Mega Mixed Sentiments
Ink-PTI-Chai, Memento-Black, Colorbox chalk ink-green
Other: Copics YG 95, 97, R32, RV14, Hero Arts Prisma glitter, PTI die-Tiny Tags, Stampin Up edge punch, PTI twill ribbon-Fine Linen, PTI twine, PTI Sweet Blush button

I love making these bookmarks. Michelle Wooderson did the original tutorial on her blog for these. I looked for the original post, but was unable to find it as it's been a while ago...anyway, credit goes to Mish!

Paper: PTI- Rustic Cream, Basic Grey-Lemonade
Ink: PTI -Chai
Other-PTI felt and flower die, brad is from Hobby Lobby, twine from Twinery.

"It is finished......"

2011-04-22T08:01:00.001-05:00

Three simple words, "It is finished." Three simple words can have so many connotations. I may be finished reading a book, doing the dishes, eating a wonderful meal, exercising, the list is never ending. Ahhh, never ending, there's the key word.

When Jesus died on the cross, he uttered three simple words," It is finished." Pastor had a wonderful Lenten service addressing this seemingly simple statement. Was Jesus referring to his earthly life being finished? His pain and horrific suffering, being finished? No, he was stating that death because of SIN was finished. He was stating that our fear of death was finished. With HIS death, we now have forgiveness for our sins and have won never ending life. We no longer have to fear hell, never ending pain, suffering and torture. Jesus willingly paid our price. We are so undeserving of this glorious gift. Thank you JESUS, "It is finished".....

On this appropriately gloomy and rainy Good Friday, I leave you with a few videos. They need no explanation.....

I LOVE Google!!

2011-04-21T17:01:00.000-05:00

I love the Google, you can learn to do anything. LOOKIE, I made my own header! It's not great, but I did it all by myself :) Doesn't take much to make my day. I'm simple like that.....

Messy Crafters Unite!

2011-03-31T19:30:00.004-05:00

I love to see pictures of people's incredible craft rooms. You know the ones...they have ginormous rooms. These ginormous rooms have ginormous windows that allow sunshine to spill in, you know, like heaven. There are unending cabinets, cupboards, storage bins, shelves.....and they all MATCH! These rooms actually have a decor THEME! And have you noticed,? These rooms are tidy, clean, spotless. Well, I'm here to share my crafting reality. Kristina Werner wrote a blog post about "reality" crafting spaces. Check it out HERE. Kristina challenged readers to share pictures of their "reality " crafting spaces. Here folks, is my reality......

This is where I attempt to craft. Seriously, I have a 6 foot long table and only manage to use 10 inches or so. The rest is always covered with ink pads, stamps, scissors, paper, magazines, rulers, you know, stuff.

Sigh.....MORE magazines, paper pads, stamps, pictures to scrap.....

On the right hand side...paper trimmer, ATG gun, MORE ink pads, ruler,corner chomper, big plastic bin holding all my white scraps of paper (yes, only white..the colored scraps take up waaaay more room) and I think a random stamp block is in there somewhere. Bottom line? I have too much crap. Really. But it's such FUN crap! This hot mess of a corner is my escape, my SANITY and ,oddly enough, I usually know where everything is. I do eventually clean things up. But, I generally end right back here....in my little ole 10 inches of craft space. Nothing matches here, and trust me, there is NO theme going on (unless "hot mess" is a theme) Thanks Kristina, for the opportunity to unite with other messy crafters!

Ok, I had to edit my post to add this last picture....this is under my table....

My crafting space is in the basement. Half of the basement is finished, with drywall and a drop ceiling, BUT with a cement floor. We use to have carpet here, but numerous, severe storms with a failed sump pump = flooded basement. Soooooooo, no more carpet, just the cement floor. On one hand, a cement floor sucks. It is cold in the winter and is REALLY ugly. On the other hand, it rocks, for the following reason....see the pile of goldy, glittery stuff? That would be an entire bottle of gold embossing powder. Yep,the entire thing *sob*. This has been on my cement floor for a good 3 months. "Why doesn't she clean that mess up? " you ask. Welllllllll , I'm not really sure HOW to clean it up. If I use the dust pan and brush then I FOREVER have gold, glittery embossing powder in said dustpan and brush. Forever more, when I go to use the dustpan and brush I will be spreading leetle, teeny , tiny speckles of glitterly goldness EVERYWHERE! "Well, why doesn't she just go buy a new dustpan and brush?" you ask. PEOPLE!!!!! There is a recession happening! You want me to ruin a perfectly usable dustpan and brush? You want me to break into my piggy bank and buy NEW ones? (ok, I'm cheap) And, of course, I could use the sweeper....but, but, but...then I'd have leetle, teeny, tiny speckles of glittery, goldness throughout my ENTIRE house whenever I used my vacumn in the future!!!! Good grief, I think I'll just move....

Another edit to add a pic of my desk at work. I think I have a problem....

Back In the Saddle....

2011-03-27T15:21:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since my last post. Just not feeling the urge to create. Here are 3 cards I made this morning. One baby card, and two birthday cards.

I stamped the flowers then glued die cut button shapes in the middle. I colored the leaves with a copic marker and highlighted with a spica glitter pen.
Paper: PTI-Sweet Blush, Vintage Cream, scraps from stash (old stuff!!)
Stamps: PTI-Baby Button Bits, Fillable Frame #5
Ink: Hero Arts-chalk ink-Punch, copic #G24 and green spica pen
Other: button-PTI, dies-buttons and Fillable Frame #5-PTI, ribbon-Hobby Lobby, Stickles

This freaking card took me FOREVER to finish. I stamped the fillable frame on the inside of the card and it turned out all wonky...had to diecut some paper to cover it and stamp the FF AGAIN on the diecut...sigh...

Paper: PTI-Sweet Blush, Vintage Cream, Basic Grey-Olivia
Stamps: PTI- Make a Wish, Fillable Frame #5, Baby Button Bits
Ink: Hero Arts -chalk ink Punch, copic # G24 and green spica pen
Other: PTI dies- buttons and Fillable Frame #5

I cut out the banner by hand, scored the ends, folded and glued it down on the ends. I love those little, sparkly gems....
Paper-PTI- Summer Sunrise, white
Stamps- Hero Arts-Antique Engravings, Three Flowers, Curly Flowers, Sweet and Sassy-Birthday Greetings
Ink: Colorbox chalk ink-Berrylicious, Olive Pastel, Adirondock-Sailboat Blue, Hero Arts- chalk ink Poppy
Other: gems-Hobby Lobby, corner chomper

Make It Monday with PTI

2011-02-14T19:47:00.000-06:00

Today is Monday, so that means it's time for the next installment of our Make It Monday Challenge! This week involves utilizing a vellum sentiment strip. See Nichole's video HERE.
Here is my card for this challenge.

Paper-Distressed Dots, Rustic White-PTI, vellum-hobby Lobby
Stamps-Through The Trees-PTI
Ink-Versamark
Other-Seafoam embossing powder, Corner Chomper

Papertrey INKers February Challenge

2011-02-13T15:01:00.000-06:00

A few of us gals on the Papertrey Ink forum have started a new challenge blog group. We are called the Papertrey INKers. Here is the link to our new blog. We will be taking turns hosting a monthly challenge. For the month of February, Linda has challenged us to make a project that utilizes the color(s) of our favorite flower(s). No flowers are allowed on our projects.

I love flowers. No, I mean, I L.O.V.E. flowers. All of them, any color. But one of my very favorite flowers are peonies. My Grandmother had several bushes of peonies, white peonies tipped with pink. Every Memorial day, she would take empty coffee cans, cover them with tinfoil, then fill them with peonies to take to the cemetery. I have such strong memories of this. My other very favorite flower is geraniums, RED ones. I plant "several" containers of geraniums every summer. So, I chose the colors of white, red and pink for my card.

I thought I would have no problem leaving off the flowers. After I finished the card I looked at it. Crud...I had made one of the banners out of patterned paper, and yes, it had flowers on it. Then I noticed the patterned paper border at the bottom of the card .....yep, flowers in the pattern...sigh....So, this turned out to be more difficult than I imagined! I made this card for a very dear friend whose father is battling leukemia.

Here are the details:

Paper: PTI- white, Making Memories-Je T'amore

Ink: Hero Arts- chalk ink Punch

Stamps: Hero Arts- Friendly flags, Stampabilities-Faded Text Background, PTI- Blooming Button Bits (sentiment)

Other: Stickles, PTI felt-Pure Poppy, PTI die edger, PTI impression plate, brads and heart-Hobby Lobby, twine

Another Make It Monday Card

2011-02-12T15:15:00.000-06:00

Here is another card for PTI's Make It Monday Challenge

Paper: Making Memories-Je t'adore, PTI-Sweet Blush
Stamps: all PTI-Fillable Frame #2, Mega Mixed Messages, Up, Up & Away, Fall Elegance, Giga Guidelines, Big Bold Wishes, Year of flowers Violet, Take 3 Summer
Ink: PTI- Scarlet Jewel
Other- Rosette SVG file, crystal flower and gems-Hobby Lobby, Stickles, Corner Chomper

Mega Size Challenge

2011-02-12T15:00:00.000-06:00

Here is today's challenge from Nichole at Papertrey Ink.
We want to see YOU take things BIG! Really BIG Your challenge today is to create a project that incorporates something unexpectedly mega-sized! this could be a super-sized tag, a gigantic embellishment, a huge flower, really big buttons or even a BIG focal point that takes center stage. Make a project that incorporates something mega-sized!

I cut the tag out on my Cricut, it measures 6 x 3 1/2 inches. The Lollipop flower measures 2 1/4 inches in diameter. Here are the specifics:
Paper: Making Memories- Je t'adore, PTI- Sweet Blush
Stamps: PTI- Signature Greetings, Round and Round, Make a Wish
Ink- PTI-Chai, Scarlet Jewel
Other- Martha Stewart border punch, lace and trim-Hobby Lobby, taffeta fabric, adhesive pearls-HL, Cuttlebug embossing folder, heart stickers-$Store, seam binding.

Thank You for Nichol

2011-02-11T19:43:00.000-06:00

I happened to win a great Hero Arts stamp on Nichol Magouirk's blog a few weeks ago. Here is the awesome stamp.

I decided to send Nichol a little thank you note for her generosity. Here is the card I made for her.

I didn't use ANY PTI stamps on the outside of this card...a shocker!! But, I did use a fillable frame and sentiment on the inside. No way can I NOT use PTI stamps!! I used my Copic markers to color the flowers and leaves. I'm forcing myself to color more images; scary, but the only way to improve is to practice. I had a lot of fun adding all the bling on the flowers. Card stock and buttons are PTI and ink is Memento black. All the gems are Hero Arts.

Make It Monday

2011-02-07T22:27:00.000-06:00

Papertrey Ink has a new weekly contest on the blog. Here are the details:

Make It Mondays are a special feature that Erin Lincoln & I have been working on (think of her as resident techno guru!). The Make It Monday challenge series. Every Monday there will be a technique video posted to our YouTube channel by a Papertrey Team Member or myself, showcasing a nice balance of basics and new innovations to cater to everyone's skill levels. (The video will also be posted on my blog every Monday)

The contest will be hosted in two places, through Facebook and my blog. This will allow people to post a link to a project they create using that weeks technique easily, depending on the type of "social media" they prefer.
We will then proceed to "tweet" a project of special mention every night, Tuesday through Sunday, something we are calling "Inspiration Hour".
We will also have a special "Inspiration Hour" forum where people can stop by to chat with one another during that designated time, perhaps even virtually stamp together. At the end of the week (on the following Monday) a grand prize winner will be selected from the six "Inspiration Hour" tweeted projects that were highlighted throughout the week. The grand prize will be a FREE Papertrey stamp set of the winner's choice!
As I said earlier, this challenge series will take place EVERY Monday! Just think, a weekly video dose from your favorite Papertrey Team members! I know I am ready to be inspired!

I decided to make a Valentine Day card. I cut the hearts out of the patterened paper layer using nestabilities. I stamped "friend" sentiments on the white card base. I popped the patterened paper layer up on dimensionals and used some stickles to highlight the heart cutouts. Stamping the sentiments on the base layer was much more difficult than I anticipated. I had to stay within the heart shapes of the top layer. All supplies PTI with the exception of the nestabilities, stickles and heart /key charms.

My Favorite.....

2011-02-05T08:52:00.000-06:00

It is Papertrey Ink's 4th anniversary and the party has begun!! Nichole has started out with a bang with a great giveaway...a card kit that includes 700$ worth of PTI products! Check out the details HERE.

To be entered into the contest to win this awesome prize, participants must post their very favorite project utilizing PTI product from the past year. The following card is one I made for my super sweet, super awesome, coworker AND friend, Amy. I love the colors ,flowers, patterned paper and buttons on this card. My Copic coloring was a bit messy, a bit of bleeding but I LOVE the bright, fun colors. She still displays it on her desk, which speaks volumes since she tends to "dismantle " cards and re purpose the pieces onto her scrapbook pages. I've started writing little notes on the back of the bigger embellishments I use on her cards and gift packaging....

Stamps: All About You Additions-Papertrey Ink

Paper: kraft, vintage cream-PTI, thrift Shop- October Afternoon, red-Hobby Lobby
Ink: Ranger Distress Ink-Tumbled Glass, Memento-Rich cocoa
Accessories: Copics, Buttons-PTI, ribbon-Hobby Lobby, Stickles, svg scallop border file

Here is the gift bag that matched the card...

Stamps: Just The Ticket- Papertrey Ink

Paper: Bitty Dots, Beautiful Blooms,Pure Poppy-PTI, The Thrift Shop& Cherry Hill-October Afternoon, old sheet music
Ink: Memento black
Accessories: Craft bag-Hobby Lobby, ticket die-PTI, glitter-HL, Chipboard letter-Colorbok, buttons-PTI, dies-Beautiful Blooms and ticket- PTI, svg file Paper Rosette-SVG.com, border punches-EK Success, Martha Stewart, Stampin Up, Fiskars

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's favorite projects. Check out all the creative and fun projects HERE.

Some Fun Holiday Questions....

2010-12-11T10:43:00.001-06:00

While blog hopping this am, I found this fun list of holiday questions HERE, Scroll down to her Nov 28th post.

-When do you put up your Christmas decorations?
Thanksgiving weekend, this year being the exception. We spent Thanksgiving in MN, so the decorating had to wait....

-Do you wrap all the presents throughout the month and put them under the tree, or do you wait until Christmas Eve?
HA!! Last minute baby.....

-Do you warn your kids that Santa might NOT be bringing them what they want for Christmas this year?
We're past the Santa thing..total bummer. My kids generally had realistic lists ,so all was good...

-Do you decorate your Christmas tree with colored lights or just white?
One of the FINEST inventions EVER, prelit trees.Ours has white lights, but I love color...

-Have your children watched all the old Christmas movies that you watched when you were little?
yep....Our fave? Christmas Vacation. We are soooo sophisticated **snort**

-Do you let your children open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Yes, just a few.As they get older and want more expensive items this is becoming more difficult...

-Does everyone have the same stocking each year, or do you purchase new ones every Christmas?
We have had the same ones for years. Aren't traditions fun?? I bought them at Hobby Lobby.

-Does your Christmas tree have a different theme each year?
no, just a good ole family tree. I buy the boys a new ornament each year.It's fun to decorate the tree each year and get out the Winnie the Pooh ornament, Star Wars,Batman and LOTS of trains (Jack). The boys also have ornaments from aunties and of course, the ornaments made at scool.Very much a modge podge tree, but it MEANS something..

-Artificial tree or real?
Fake,allergic to real and too spendy.

LOVE SVG.com!!

2010-12-10T12:50:00.000-06:00

Leo and Mary are having a bunch of giveaways!!
Check out this link for all the details and fun! Especially great if you have a Cricut and SCAL!!

December Daily Mini Scrapbook

2010-11-06T15:59:00.000-05:00

Ali Edwards has a yearly tradition of scrapping the month of December by documenting each day with a picture. See her post HERE that describes the entire process. I've decided to give it a try this year.I've been working on my mini album and pages. The concept is to have the album FINISHED, with the exception of the pictures, BEFORE December.That way, all you need to do is simply print and add your daily picture. I've really tried to use supplies I already own (plenty, trust me). The only supplies I have purchased has been 4 or 5 acetate pages.

I decided to orient my album in landscape mode since most of my pictures are taken in this manner. My pages are simple white paper with a small circular date tag. I wanted them to be simple so the focus would be on the pictures. A lot of Ali's album entails digital elements. Digital scrapbooking scares me. I really have no desire to go there. I just plain love paper, scissors and glue too much!!

In Ali's album she has placed an acetate page between each page. These pages each hold a decorative element. I used both acetate and vellum paper for my "in between" pages. I bought a few of the green swirled acetate pages and a few clear acetate pages. For the rest, I used vellum paper which I embossed, and some clear acetate paper I had purchased from Papertrey Ink. On some of the clear acetate pages I simply added Christmas stickers. On some pages, I added jazzed up (read Stickles) holiday chipboard elements. I did some stamping for the rest using Tiny treats Christmas from PTI.

I recycled a cereal box by covering it with holiday paper for my cover. The little gingerbread man spins around when the album is tipped side to side. See THIS post by Debbie Olson for details. The gingerbread man is from the Holiday Button Bits stamp set by PTI. I made the red tickets using the ticket die and Just the Ticket stamp set, also by PTI. The paper is Hobby Lobby and Making Memories.

Now, all that is left is to take a picture each day in December, add it to the appropriate page, and add some journaling. By January, I hope to have a mini album my family can enjoy for many years.Hopefully, I can make this a yearly tradition.

I Hate When Friends Leave...

2010-11-05T15:20:00.000-05:00

A coworker got a new job and today is her last day with us. She is a fellow crafter/scrapbooker and all around GREAT person and is so excited for her new endeavor. Here is the card I made for her.

Supplies as follows:
Stamps: A Wreath For all Seasons-Papertrey Ink

Paper: Vintage Cream, Spring Moss, Turning a New Leaf-PTI, brown-Hobby Lobby

Ink: dark brown-Memento, Terra Cotta Tile, Chai, Chamomille-PTI

Accessories: buttons-PTI, Cuttlebug, ribbon-HL

Halloween Treats

2010-10-09T18:49:00.000-05:00

I'm on a roll for so early in October. I've already finished the boys' treats for their Halloween party at school. I didn't get too fancy with these. They are "boys", in other words, they really don't care. Just give them candy. Also, these are for 6th and 8th graders. Again, they don't care, just give them candy..... the paper goodness will be thrown in the trash. **sigh**

I made simple matchbook style holders for the Skittles. I kept the design simple as I made 36 of these...
All supplies Papertrey Ink unless otherwise specified:
Cardstock: True Black, Orange Zest, Plum Pudding, Simple Chartreuse
Ink: True Black, Copic Spica markers
Stamps: Tiny Treats Halloween, 2009 Halloween Tags
Other: Mat stack die #4, Cuttlebug for die cutting

PTI September Bloghop

2010-09-25T12:46:00.000-05:00

Here is the information on this months bloghop:
One of the most fun things about this hobby is the people you meet, whether in person or online, and the things you learn from them. Now is your chance to show off any skills you might have learned from a fellow stamper, and perhaps even give them a little shout out to thank them for the inspiration they have provided. Create a project using one of your favorite learned skills and perhaps after a little blog hopping, we will ALL learn some new tips and tricks and continue to pass on the love of this hobby!

One of my VERY favorite bloggers is Jennifer McGuire.I would love to see her as a PTI Guest Stamper!! She is an amazing stamper and teacher.I've learned so many fun, new techniques from her. Check out her blog HERE. A while back she did an AMAZING series of videos on utilizing alcohol inks. Check out the videos HERE. I used alcohol inks to color glossy paper and then cut out several fall leaves using the PTI new leaf dies. I stamped the veins using brown StazOn ink. Here is a birthday card for a coworker who has a birthday next week.

Materials used:
Paper: glossy paper-Ranger, Terra Cotta Tile, Vintage Cream, Autumn Abundance-PTI
Stamps: Leaf Prints, Fall elegance, Fillable Frame 8-PTI
Ink: alcohol inks-Ranger, StazOn -Timber Brown, Versamark, Memento-Rich cocoa
Other: Fillable Frame 8 die, ribbon-Terra Cotta Tile-PTI, Tattered Angels glimmer mist

Papertrey Ink July bloghop

2010-07-25T16:01:00.002-05:00

This is my very first PTI bloghop! The challenge for July is to utilize office supplies. My DS needed a birthday card for a classmate who was having a birthday. Her mother was actually throwing her a surprise bday party 2 weeks AFTER her birthday!!

Here are the details for this month's blog hop:

For this month's blog hop we are focusing on office supplies! We want to see you incorporate all of those fun desk drawer fillers into your paper crafting projects. This can include paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands, file folders, staples, binder rings, adhesive labels, post-it notes, index cards or whatever else you can dream up. Reinvent these basic office staples to be hip and trendy additions to your projects! We look forward to seeing your creations!

Supplies:

Paper: PTI Cream, Aqua Mist and Library Ledger

Stamps: Polka Dot Basics II, Fillable Frames#1, Library Ledger

Ink: PTI-Aqua Mist, Chamomile, Colorbox-dark brown, Memento-Rich Cocoa

Other: PTI eyelet die, cork, office tag, crinkle ribbon (thanks Mish), stapel, paperclip,eyelet

Marlene's Quilt

2010-07-18T12:03:00.000-05:00

My good friend Marlene has a birthday next week. she is an avid and accomplished quilter. I really wanted to make her a very special birthday card. When I saw this SVG for a quilt block , I knew it would make a wonderful card for her. I just love this paper line, Thrift Shop by October Afternoon. the vintagey patterns and colors make my heart happy. I used my handy, dandy Cricut and SCAL software to cut out the quilt block pieces. You can go HERE to find lots of cool svg files for your scrapbooks and cards. You can also google, free svg, and find tons of freebies; crafters are so generous.

50 Years....

2010-07-10T18:04:00.002-05:00

Can you imagine 50 years of marriage....to the same person?? I can't. What an incredible accomplishment.
I made this card for a couple at my church who are celebrating their Golden anniversary. Thomas had Jean for a first grade teacher. Dale, although retired at the time, came into the classroom and assisted with math. He worked with the kids on "Bunny Money". Thomas still remembers it fondly. I credit both of them for his strong skills in math. Congratulations to Dale and Jean Haake for 50 years of marriage!!

Stamps: Papertrey Ink-Year of Flowers-Rose

Paper: PTI-cream, Hobby Lobby-gold

Ink: Memento black

Accessories: copics (R27,R29,YG97,YG95), Hobby Lobby-ribbon, beads, Maya Road-crystal pin, PTI -Linen texture plate

My Pink Stamper Challenge

2010-04-10T16:03:00.001-05:00

Robyn is having a challenge over on her blog, My Pink Stamper. The challenge is to make a project using your Cricut and the colors pink, green and black. Robyn will choose a winner at random to recieve the Create a Critter cartridge! Here is my card....

I had fun using my Copic markers. They really are fabulous markers. They practically color by themselves. I was so hesitant to try them , but am so glad I gave it a whirl. Of course, I used my Cuttlebug. I LOVE that little green machine. I utilized the Storybook cartridge for the black, scallop swirl. There is no sentiment on the front. I didn't want to clutter up the card front and I'm not sure of the use for the card. Hop on over to Robyn's blog and join the fun!! Thanks for the challenge, Robyn!

Paper: white, Sweet Blush-Papertrey Ink, LaCreme matstack-DCWV
Stamps: Delightful Dahlia-PTI
Ink: Memento-black
Other: Copic markers-YG93, YG95, RV13, RV14, Storybook Cricut cartridge, Victoria Cuttlebug embossing folder, Stickles.

Poppyseed Challenge #2

2010-03-25T17:51:00.000-05:00

Here is Lisa's latest challenge. The challenge is to use buttons, polka dots and the color light moss. I stumbled across the latest challenge at the last minute, so I quickly threw a card together. I've wanted to use this embossing folder and finally got the chance. I also used PTI's new ric rac die, so fun!

Paper: Spring Moss, Kraft, Text Style-Pretty Pastels all PTI

Stamps: Sentiment from Delightful Dahlia, Polka Dot Basics II

Ink: Versamark, Spring Moss-PTI

other: PTI -ric rac die, buttons, Embossing folder-Leafy Tree

Just like a Kid

2010-03-06T21:23:00.000-06:00

I loved to color as a kid. I had tons of coloring books. Was there anything finer than a brand, spanking new box of crayons??? Man, I was in heaven if I was allowed to get the super, duper big box with the sharpener on the back of the box!! Remember that?? All those pretty colors, all the pointy, waxy smelling crayons...heaven.

As an adult, I have regressed back to my childhood(maybe I never left, I dunno...). I've given Copic markers a go. These things are not your average marker. They are alcohol based. You can blend and they don't get muddy. Only thing, there are over 300 of these suckers...trying to choose the right colors is a bit ovewhelming. So here is my attempt at adult coloring.

I'm in need of serious practice here folks. At least it's fun and harmless. I've been watching tutorials on You Tube and reading endless blogs. I've saved tons of examples in a file. Time will tell. It's so fun to act like a kid.

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI-Year of Flowers Violet, Background Basics-Text Style, Sweet &Sassy-Bday Greetings

Paper: Papertrey Ink-Plum Pudding, Rustic Cream, white
Ink: PTI- Plum Pudding, Ranger Distress Ink-Antique Linen
Accessories: Twine-PTI, gems-Hobby Lobby, Copics (V91,V95,V99,YG93,YG95,Y32,Y35

Did Hell Freeze Over??

2010-03-06T21:11:00.000-06:00

Seriously, did it?? Cuz look what happened on Friday!!!!!

Dude, got the FREAKING pole at Atlanta!! WOOT WOOT!!!!! Saying MEGA prayers for Sunday's race!!

A Teenager In the House

2010-03-06T21:06:00.001-06:00

Yep, it's official, there is a teenager in the Bennett Household. Thomas turned 13 on Thursday. I got out his baby book to reminensce a bit, how time flies...For his special day, he chose an Oreo cheesecake. I baked it Tuesday night and it is already gone.... He has been saving his money for an Ipod Touch. He asked for money for his bday to add to the stash. I surprised him by getting him the Ipod for his bday. He was so surprised. He asked for cousin Gabe to spend the weekend. Friday night, Marilyn, Gabe went to Community with us to eat pizza. The boys have been playing video games and having Nerf gun fights all weekend. We'll go to church in the morning then head to Mallard to take Gabe home.

Poppy Seed Challenge

2010-02-27T16:52:00.000-06:00

Lisa Johnson is hosting a new challenge on her blog HERE. The challenge was to use 3 "seeds"; crystals, a flower stamp and the color, light yellow. Here is my card:

Supplies:

Stamps: A Million Thanks-Hero Arts, Butterfly Dreams-Papertrey Ink

Ink: Colorbox chalk ink (Rouge) Versamark

Paper: Berry Sorbet, Lemon Tart-PTI, Lemonade-Basic Grey

Other: Martha Stewart border punch, Buttons-PTI and Hobby Lobby, Lace-HL, Prisma Glitter, gemstones-The Paper Studio, seafoam white embossing powder.

PTI Color Challenge #5 (last one)

2010-02-09T19:10:00.000-06:00

I utilized Lisa's favorite PTI colors for this card.

I broke out another new set, Through the Trees. I stamped the trees in black on Kraft cardstock. I also used Bitty Dot Basics paper in black. Black trim and silver brads are from Hobby Lobby. The base of the card is Vintage Cream.Sentiment is from Impression Obsession-Sympathy Sentiments.

PTI Color Challenge #4

2010-02-09T18:59:00.000-06:00

This card utilized Niki's favorite PTI colors.

This card was so much fun to make. I used Blooming Button Bits and stamped the flower on kraft cardstock using Hibiscus Burst and Raspberry Fizz ink. I stamped the leaves using New Leaf and cut them out. I used a craft knife to cut around a small portion of the flowers then inserted the cutout leaf. I like the 3 D effect.Here is a closeup:

I used a white gel pen to outline the flowers.Buttons and twine are PTI.

PTI Color Challenge #3

2010-02-09T18:52:00.000-06:00

This card utilizes Michelle's favorite PTI colors.

This card did not photograph well, at all. Or rather, the photographer knows NOTHING about photography, plops the card in front of the window and shoots, hoping for the best. Yeah, that. I used Background Basics Petal Power, alternating Aqua Mist and Spring Moss inks. I distressed the edges using Chamomile and Chai distress inks. Scallop was cut on my Cricut using a SVG file. Butterfly was cut using a Cuttlebug die and embossed with a CB folder.

PTI Color Challenge #2

2010-02-09T18:44:00.000-06:00

For this card I utilized Melissa's fave PTI colors:

I used a Hero Arts stamp, Silhoutte Flower, PTI -Polka Dot BasicsII and Through the Trees (sentiment).
Ink is Aqua Mist and Scarlett Jewel. I colored the pearl gems with Bic and Sharpie pens. The butterfly(Martha Stewart) is punched twice.The bottom layer is Scarlett Jewel and the top layer is recycled clear packaging, stamped with Polka Dot Basics II.

Papertrey Ink Color Challenge #1

2010-02-09T18:36:00.000-06:00

Nichole has several color challenges posted today on her blog. I managed to complete five of them. The mojo was in high gear today for some unknown reason. Here is the first card utilizing Kim's favorite PTI
colors.

This is for a coworker who is scheduled to deliver her second baby on Thursday. I finally inked up the Baby Button Bits set, so stinkin'cute. The baby sentiment is from Mixed Messages. The onesie shaped card was cut on my cricut using a SVG file.

PTI Paint by Number Challenge

2010-02-08T20:39:00.000-06:00

More Papertrey Ink birthday celebrations going on over at Nichole's blog. Today's challenge was to use a predesigned sketch and predetermined colors to creat a card.

We were to determine the color palette by the first letter in our user name on the PTI
forum. PurplePeopleEater begins with "P", so this was my color palette:

I really don't know why I participate in challenges.When I'm given a specific set of parameters, I balk, I freeze up, I get crabby, I grumble....Challenges test me to no end, and, oh how they frustrate me!! But, I need to try new things, step outside my comfort zone. So I dig in and create.This process generally takes HOURS, and is in no way easy. Here is the result:

Can I say, I never am totally pleased with the results....The inking on the edges of the sweet blush piece, really wrong...the smokey shadow strip of paper, really wrong....But I do love the pink sky and clouds, fun.

Can't wait until tomorrow to see what challenge Nichole will throw down!

Scripture Challenge-Abide

2010-02-06T18:12:00.000-06:00

This weeks word for Patter's Scripture Challenge is Abide. Here is my scrapbook page for this week's study.

I used paper from Hobby Lobby, Thickers letters, Cuttlebug and embossing folder, Ranger Distress ink, twine and buttons are from PTI.

Happy 3rd Birthday Papertrey Ink!!

2010-02-05T23:02:00.001-06:00

Papertrey Ink is celebrating their 3rd birthday in a BIG way. Head on over to Nichole's blog to join in on all the festivities. Today Nichole shared one of her favorite techniques, emboss resist, and challenged all the readers to submit creations utilizing this technique. I chose to use the emboss resist technique in a limited way. The scallop circle and butterflies are punched from embossed resist paper and used as embellishments.

I wish the picture would have been better. DH has the good camera for the weekend. I had to dig out the digital dinosaur and remember how to upload pictures from it. Here are the details:

Stamps: PTI-Big & Bold Wishes, Hero Arts-Design Block Flourish

Paper: PTI-white and Enchanted Evening

Ink: versamark, Ranger Distress Ink-Faded Jeans

Other: Cuttlebug and embossing folder, white lace-Hobby Lobby, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Stampin Up scallop punch, clear and white embossing powder, clear and pearl gems-Hobby Lobby, white gel pen-Ranger, Stickles-diamond

Tiny Treats Valentines

2010-01-23T21:32:00.001-06:00

These are the Valentine treats I made for the boys to take to school. I used Papertrey Ink's new Valentine set, Tiny Treats. This stamp set is so stinkin cute I can't stand it. The images are small , which lends to quick and easy coloring. The paper is also from Papertrey Ink-Simple Valentine. The scalloped circles were cut on my Cricut. I used my new Crop a Dile Big Bite (yes, Amy I bought my very own!) to punch the hole for the sucker stick and simply stapled the top. By the way, I used Jolly Rancher suckers...they ROCK!! I found them in the Valentine candy isle at Walmart. Will probably be purchasing a few more bags "just in case".

Scripture Challenge 2010- Temptation

2010-01-23T21:01:00.001-06:00

This is my latest 6x6 page for Patter's Scripture Challenge. Read about it HERE. The stickles around the frame look brown, but are actually clear. I dislike my handwriting, but figured my kids may like to see it one day. I have a few of my Grandmother's handwritten recipes and I treasure them today.

I chose this verse because, as humans, we tend to blame everyone or everything for our "issues". Actually, it always comes down to ourself and how we choose to react to and deal with the situation. We have so many temptations and are often overwhelmed. Most people have no idea where to turn for help. The answer is simple, GOD. Evil desires may pull us away, but GOD is able and very willing to pull us back if we ask him.

{Temptation Supplies}

Paper: Basic Grey-Marrakech, PTI- Ocean Tides, The Paper Studio-Gray

Fiskars- Apron Punch

Cricut - Storybook, Plantin Schoolbook, Beyond Birthdays carts

Stickles

Title Page for Scripture Album

2010-01-10T20:39:00.002-06:00

I am doing Patter's scripture challenge this year and am determined to keep up this year. I sooo need to do this for my mental health. Here is the title page for my 6x6 album. I used my Cricut and SCAL to cut the cross, then embossed it with my Cuttlebug. I love the shiny silver paper. The letters were cut using the Storybook cartridge. I am really using this cart a lot lately and loving it. I layered the letters, using silver glitter paper for top letters and shiny silver paper for the bottom layer. A rather plain cover page, but the blingy paper makes up for it, I guess. I hope God likes "bling" and pink!! Go HERE to see Patter's title page and the other participant's pages.

Hero Arts Goodness

2010-01-09T20:19:00.000-06:00

I love this stamp from Hero Arts. It is called Antique Writing and is one of their new cling mounted rubber stamps. Hero Arts have the MOST incredible quality rubber stamps. They stamp like a dream. I stamped the butterflies and dragonfly a second time, colored, cutout and mounted using foam squares. There is also some glittery goodness on the critters, but I'm such a craptastic photographer that you are unable to see the dimension and sparkle.

Stamps: Hero Arts-antique Writing, PTI-In bloom
Paper-PTI-Rustic Cream
Ink-Memento-Rich Cocoa, PTI-Chai and Chamomile
Other-Copic markers, Spica clear glitter pen, gems, DMC floss, tag

Time for Valentines!

2010-01-07T20:39:00.000-06:00

The weather insisits on being frigid, windy and snowy so I'm going to have fun with pinks, reds, creams, hearts, glitter, and lots of other pretty stuff! Here is a card I made for my dear friend, Ruby. This is for the January monthly challenge at the Hero Arts Blog.

Time for a Color Challenge

2010-01-07T12:32:00.001-06:00

Dawn has posted her next color challenge HERE. I utilized the cardstock colors of chocolate chip, aqua mist, lemon tart and vintage cream. I had planned on using buttons to embellish the circles but decided it gave the card a "heavy" look. These colrs are so soft and pretty together; I thought the buttons were overwhelming. So I whipped out my very favorite tool, my Cuttlebug. Oh, how I love this little green machine. I am seriously addicted to the embossing folders! The embossed circles added the needed texture without overpowering the card.

Here is a closeup of the butterfly. I used a Martha Stewart punch then covered it with Rangers Crackle Accents. I used PTI Chai distressing ink to bring out the crackles and age it a bit.

Here is a shot of the inside. I had a thin strip of patterened paper and some extra circles and butterflies. I'm

going to try and start adding small touches to the inside of my cards as well.

All in all, I really LOVED this color combination. Color challenges generally give me fits. I have difficulty being so specific. I like to throw everything but the kitchen sink at my cards. Sometimes rules are a good thing, lol. I will definetely keep this color combo for future reference. Thanks Dawn, for a fab color challenge !

Supplies used: Paper-PTI-aqua mist, lemon tart, vintage crean, Stampin up-Chocolate chip, DCWV-Nana's Nursery. Stamps-PTI-Mega Mixed Messages, Sweet & Sassy-Birthday Greetings, Ink-Colorbox chalk ink-dark brown, PTI-Chai distressing ink, Cuttlebug and embossing folders, lace-Hobby Lobby, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Stampin Up border punch, pearls-Hobby Lobby, Ranger Crackle accents.

Robyn's Challenge

2010-01-03T22:06:00.000-06:00

I'm cramming as much fun and creativity into my last hours of vacation as I can! Robyn posted a challenge HERE to use up some patterened paper scraps. No winter themes allowed! Go Robyn! Here is my pyschodelic butterfly card.

Scripture Challenge 2010...... HOPE

2010-01-03T21:04:00.000-06:00

Patter is again hosting another Scripture Challenge this year. I started out full steam ahead last year, but quickly hit an iceburg..ugh.. I'm going to give it a go again this year. I love this challenge because, 1. It gets me into my bible and studying God's word and 2. I get to be creative (God has blessed me with a teeny bit of creativity). Please go HERE , to Patter's blog, and read all about this fabulous challenge. I will be making a 6x6 scrapbook album for this challenge. I really like this smaller size. Here is my page for HOPE.

Football Meets Valentine's Day....

2010-01-03T16:07:00.004-06:00

Ted, a fellow Papertrey Ink lover, posted THIS challenge on his blog. Bottom line, make a valentine card that incorporates colors from an NFL team. BUT, you may NOT use traditional valentine colors. This means no red, or variations thereof. Huh.... good thing I'm a Chicago Bears fan...da Bears..... This also meant I needed to incorporate the color orange...ewwwww. Here is what I ended up with......
I used my new PTI stamp set, Tiny Treats :Valentine. Paper is PTI and Basic Grey. Ink is Terra Cotta from PTI and some stickles. Punch is EK Success.

Kim's Blog challenge

2009-12-27T16:03:00.005-06:00

Kim Hughes has a card challenge up on her blog that uses the above Christmas plate as inspiration. Since I'm outta my mind bored, I decided to give it a whirl. The color combo is one I'd never typically put together, but alas, I was using the plate for inspiration. Specs were to include white, rounded corners and make it a simple 10 minute card. So below is what I ended up with....eh....Can you tell I'm ready to move on to the next commercialized holiday? I used Papertrey Ink paper and ink, Hero Arts stamp, stickles, square punch, thickers and felt heart (source unknown).

More Stuff....

2009-08-10T20:55:00.004-05:00

This is the FIRST card I made for Dawn's color challenge.I actually like it much better.When I finished I said,"Crud! This card has BLUE on it! Blue wasn't one of the colors!!" sigh.....I love this button stamp set, so fun to use! Cool cloud and sky background stamp is by Hero Arts.

This is a welcome back to work gift for a co-worker who is expecting. I saw this idea over on the Cricut board. The original samples used liter pop bottles. The girls were placing onesies and receiving blankets in them. To get the goodies inside, you cut a u -shaped flap in the side and fill it with goodies. I taped the flap shut and covered it with the label. I used the New Arrival Cricut cartridge to make the pregnant lady, had fun blinging her up! Best part?(other than the chocolate, of course), Amanda can take off the label and lady and use them on a scrapbook page.

A Challenge....

2009-08-09T22:48:00.005-05:00

This is my first attempt at one of Dawn's color challenges. I always love the colors she chooses and I adore her work. BUT...these colors gave me FITS!!!! Now, I love purple.It is my favorite color. But, for some reason, paired with the pink and dark red, it was evil. I made three cards. One went straight to the garbage. I shook my head and grumbled throught the entire creative process. I actually preferred the other card but, added another color in . I'm pretty sure that is a no no for this challenge. So, here is the finished product.....

**crickets chirping** Yeah.....it looks better in real life. I had fun with my sewing machine. i love that little heart button. And I love lace.I just kept throwing stuff on this card hoping for wonderfulness......**more crickets chirping**. Check out Dawn's blog HERE.

A Fish Story

2009-08-05T07:03:00.005-05:00

Thomas Jack and I headed to my hometown of Muscatine(right on the ole Mississippi River) to see Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Clay and Aunt Shanna. The highlight for Thomas was going fishing with Grandpa and Uncle Clay. My brother caught a 4 pound bass, the biggest he has caught on the river. Thomas also caught a fish. They were gonna pull a fast one and tell everyone Thomas had caught the "big one".

This was the 4 pound fish my brother Clay caught!
Thomas wearing his favorite attire as of late, Iowa Hawkeye shirt, shorts and new Cubs cap.

My brother Clay and his catch of the day! Yes, he is very tall! (6'3")Thomas and his fish.Why isn't his life jacket zipped????

ChooooooChoooooo

2009-07-18T08:05:00.002-05:00

We're gearing up for our first ever passenger train ride to Chicago.We'll head out today to Chrys' house, spend the night with her, then get on the train Sunday in Oceola. We're staying with Trichelle and Adam in Chicago.I'm really excited for the boys to see the skyline. They've only been to Des Moines (insert lame whoo hoo here) so this will blow their socks off. Thomas still isn't sure about heading up top of the Sears Tower, but he's GOING!! I want to stand on the new glass observation deck. We're planning on seeing the Harry Potter exhibit at the Museum and heading to the lake front. Not sure what else is in store, but with Chrys leading the charge ...who knows!!! I'll twitter during our escapades, so if ya wanna keep tabs, look up Stretchie88 and follow along. I'll be back later this week with lots of pics!!

Check out the NEW Hero Arts website!!

2009-07-13T08:55:00.003-05:00

Hero Arts will be updating their already AWESOME website this week. Check them out HERE. They are a fabulous AMERICAN company which also happens to be CERTIFIED green! All of their products are made in the good ole USA. Not to mention they have the best and cutest stamps ever!! Not only do they have an awesome card making gallery, but also a rockin' scrapbooking gallery...tons of layout ideas. AMY...go check it out!! I also want to give a shout out to their BESTEST EVER designer Jennifer McGuire. I puffy heart LOVE her. Here is her blog. Get going peeps this is fun stuff!!!!

Card Making Frenzy

2009-07-10T17:46:00.006-05:00

My birthday card stash is very low, so I've been making cards like crazy
Oh, how I love my Cuttlebug.That little green machine is da bomb!!! I also would marry this Papertrey Ink rustic white cardstock if possible.

This card utilizes some of the million and one paper scraps I have. I love the Papertrey Ink Test Style script stamp. Heck, I love EVERYTHING PTI!!

This is a birthday card for a male coworker. I struggle with male cards.Can't add as much bling or use any PINK! HA!! Trust me, Nic is not a "pink" kind of guy!! I had fun stamping on the cork. I love to try new techniques.

This card is for my coworker, Marlene who is a quilter. The machine stitching is messy on this because I just got a new machine and haven't quite figured it out yet!!

Happy Soggy Fourth of July

2009-07-04T12:56:00.003-05:00

Happy 4th of July!! It is cool and rainy in Iowa as you can tell by the pictures. We have no plans for today.The fireworks were last night. If you stood out in the road, by our mailbox, you could see them. Nothing happening in Dodge today to celebrate our great country.Pretty pathetic if you ask me. I grew up in a town where the 4th was a big celebration. HUGE carnival, parade, craft fair, and fireworks over the Mississippi river...beautiful!! It was always hot and sunny too. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty disgusted with our "summer" weather.Our winters are long and cold.I want HOT , HOT, HOT and SUN!!! I will be pleased with the next electric bill though. I'm spending the day baking cookies for church tomorrow and watching the Twilight Zone marathon on the Sci Fi channel. A big Happy Birthday shout out to my sister-in-law Marilyn!! Your card is on the way...I realized Thursday that, "HOLY CRAP!! It's JULY! Luckily, we will ALL have a PEACEFUL holiday thanks to the past and present men and women of our Armed Forces.Thank you, for your bravery and dedication to our great country! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

I GOt a TOP 5...LOL

2009-07-03T09:45:00.003-05:00

I won third place on the Hero Arts blog this week!!! Go HERE to see my card.It is the one with the fern stamp.To say I was stunned is putting it mildly.The talent of the ladies on this Flickr group is amazing.I regularly browse the gallery and literally gasp at some of the creations. I may pull off an ok card occasionally, but hardly anything "gasp" worthy.

The challenge last week was to use complimentary color combinations; black and white, orange and blue, and red and green. Not colors I readily utilize, so this was a stretch for me. Go HERE to check out the HERO ARTS Flickr group. Beautiful, fun, funky stuff!!

Flowers are blooming!!

2009-06-18T13:35:00.003-05:00

Ok, so Sally isn't a flower.But, she had to help me weed and spray all the flowers this morning.It is FINALLY warm and humid here, so she gets hot easily! She is waiting at the door ."I want IN, I'm thirsty!!

The zinnias are blooming....

as are the daisy's I planted. I had a little friend on my shoulder as I worked amongst the flowers...a little ladybug.I pulled her off and placed her on the coneflowers.She flew off before I could snap a pirture.No snakes this year, although they do eat the bad bugs.They still startle me though. Sally has probably killed them all. So far she has claimed several birds, baby bunnies (BAD DOG!), and a possum(ick).

New Cricut cartridge

2009-06-14T16:29:00.000-05:00

I finally got out the new Cricut cartridge, Storybook. It has endless possibilities. I cut out this butterfly and then glued it atop a card. It is much prettier in person. So easy to make cards using this cartridge function. Amy, if you're reading, you'll want to borrow this cartridge!!

Latest creation

2009-06-14T16:25:00.000-05:00

This is my latest card.My SIL has a birthday on the 4th of July. I used Basic Grey paper and new Papertrey Ink stamps.PTI has THE best acrylic stamp quality.Their cardstock quality and colors rock too!!

Could it be????

2009-05-18T16:08:00.001-05:00

Could it possibly be 80 degrees and sunny outside? Could it possibly be "spring like"? YES YES YES! Can't wait to get out of work and enjoy it!!!

A Few Good Things

2009-05-16T17:14:00.003-05:00

Spring is my least favorite season. There are very few things I enjoy about spring. It continues to be cold after a long harsh winter, the emerging leaves and grass produce pollen which wreaks havoc on my sinuses, eyes, head and eyes, it rains and rains and rains and even snows. But, one of the most joyous signs of spring is the blooming of my lilac bush. Purple is my favorite color and the smell of lilacs is one of my favorites. I cut a bunch of lilacs today and have them sitting on my coffee table. I can view and smell them as I type. I also enjoy the return of my beloved hummingbirds. So far, I've seen 2 males and 1 male. I'm also enjoying the Orioles and the once again bright, yellow Goldfinches. Oh, and rhubarb. I love rhubarb. Thanks to a coworker, I secured a sack full. Just this morning, I whipped up some rhubarb crisp and rhubarb bread. I'm anxiously awaiting sunny days with 80 degree temps along with lightening bugs, killer thunderstorms and the proliferation of my geraniums and petunias. Yes, I'm waiting.....

***edited to add: I just had to cover ALL my flowers.frost advisory for tonight. I.HATE.SPRING

Calling him out.....

2009-05-11T09:23:00.002-05:00

My racing friends know how I DETEST Kyle Busch. I could kiss the guy who wrote this article....... Yeah, how about living and working in the real world you #$%#@!

More birthday boy

2009-05-04T20:39:00.002-05:00

Here are pictures of Jack and his birthday legos. This is the one thing he really wanted. He had to open it as soon as he woke up and put it together before school. That is why he looks half asleep...he is!!!

Birthday boy

2009-05-04T11:41:00.003-05:00

Happy 10th birthday to Jack.My baby is 10 years old. Seems just like yesterday that we were chasing trains all over town. He has since moved on to a lego and Star Wars obsession. All boy.He also loves to ride his 4 wheeler and new(really old, but new to him) motorcycle. He also LOVES to eat. He is a bottomless pit. He can outeat his older brother any day of the week. He loves tacos, lasagne and pizza. I'll post pictures later!!!

Spring anyone???

2009-04-06T09:29:00.002-05:00

If anyone has seen spring, would you kindly send it to Iowa.Thanks so much!!! You can keep the pollen though.Just send warm sunshiny weather...and hummingbirds!

On another note.If anyone has seen Dale Jr's brains, kindly send them to NC.Missed his freaking pitstall AGAIN! Here's an idea..have a topless woman hold his pitboard...

Happy Birthday, Kodes!!!

2009-02-06T11:40:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday to my DEAR friend Jenn. Its a big one too, as in the BIG 4-0!!! Jenn and I met through our mutual love and obsession with NASCAR. We met while posting on the good ole Pitboard. Those were the good ole days. Before it was overrun by the batshit crazy, zealous, Jr can do NO wrong and don't you dare imply he does, bunch. How many endless hours did we spend on AIM? And oh, the chats we had!!! Many x- rated, some sad,some surreal and some downright FREAKY!!! Remember the chick who said she was dating Elliot??? Me, laughing until I cried about Georgia's face plant in her back yard. "Cans of Dr Pepper just went flying EVERYWHERE!" And endless plans to fire up the Big Brown truck head to NC and kidnap ole Jr.; to bring him home to Iowa, where he TRULY belonged!!! And of course, Vonna's beautiful poems. Truly, folks, this girl can write....

Most online friendships end there, online. Not with Kodes and I .We have actually MET. What?? No bars in Orange City? (yes, we were looking...) "Stretchie, Iowa is one seriously whacked out state!!!!" We've shared many ups and many downs. "Stretchie, break out the keys to the BB truck and the duct tape. Steve is gonna marry that bitch!" Although our lives have soldiered on, the chats have waned. My ancient computer is the biggest culprit. May be in store for a new one if the tax refund is generous enough. I miss my friend , think about her OFTEN, and she is ALWAYS in my prayers.

So Jenn, I hope this day finds you surrounded by good friends and half-way sane family (she won't find that remark offensive). Drink a few in celebration for me. Know ,I'm there in spirit. I love you, girl. I'll call later!! Hugs!!

HAPPY WINTER

2009-01-16T07:58:00.000-06:00

WINTER Poem

It's winter in Iowa
And the gentle breezes blow
Seventy miles an hour
At thirty-five below.

Oh, how I love Iowa
When the snow's up to your butt
You take a breath of winter
And your nose gets frozen shut.

Yes, the weather here is wonderful
So I guess I'll hang around
I could never leave Iowa
'Cuz I'm frozen to the ground!

"We're such a fun family...."

2009-01-11T14:00:00.011-06:00

Yes, Jan we are. The annual Bennett Christmas was held this weekend in Fort Dodge. It was our turn to host and since we live in a teeny tiny house...off to the Starlite Hotel we went. A pool for the kids, rooms to crash in and enough food to sustain us for weeks; we were ready to party.

At one point, one of my sister-in-laws stated, "This is pretty mellow for us." She was a bit premature in her assessment. As the beer and rum drinks kicked in, the evening became a bit more "festive". Truthfully, it wasn't bad at all. Let's just say sloppy joes and drunks DO NOT mix. Of course, the food was in our room, so I spent the better part of the evening picking up sloppy joes and crushed chips off the floor.This would be the down side of staying sober! Good thing I REALLY like these peeps...lol.

This is all the food we had before the drunken munchies ensued....

Here is sweet Emily. She was decorating gingerbread cookies. Mom, Hannah is on the left.

Emily's masterpiece. Not sure where the spare appendage in the upper left corner came from....

Mike and his sisters. From L to R: LeAnn, Jan, Mike, Kerry and Marilyn. Please note that LeAnn's PINK bra is visible through her brown sweater. I told her I would be sure to note that fact on my blog...wonder if she is reading...ha ha ha ha!!!

Here is the awesome gift Hannah got me this year. She's so funny. She told me,"I had some rug picked out that didn't mean anything. Then I read your blog and knew I had to get you this!" Way cool, Hannah. I hung it in my kitchen.

We had so much fun. We are so blessed to all really love one another and get along. We're all anxiously awaiting baby Morey around the first part of March. Tiffany looks cute as can be in her pregnant state. We spent part of the evening planning the September 12 wedding of Adam and Kristina (sorry if I mispelled that). And We sure missed Bob, I did anyway....lol...All the kids were well behaved and didn't fight. They NEVER do. Isn't that amazing?

It was so great so see everyone. Next year will be sister Jan's turn to host, so we'll head to Minnesota. Next Bennett get together will be the annual camping trip to the pit up near Rolfe on Memorial day weekend. Fishing, swimming, and more food. No sloppy joes...please!!

Ut oh....This IS NOT good....

2009-01-11T12:15:00.001-06:00

... Blizzard watch remains in effect from Monday afternoon through
late Monday night...

A blizzard watch remains in effect from Monday afternoon through
late Monday night.

Strong northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph will
arrive over northwest Iowa by around noon Monday. The strong winds
should then spill southeast across the remainder of the area
Monday afternoon... then continue through the evening hours. The
fresh snow cover that fell Friday night along with an expected 2
to 4 inches of additional snow cover by Monday afternoon... will be
highly prone to significant blowing and drifting of snow. These
conditions will likely produce blizzard conditions for a prolonged
period Monday afternoon and evening. In addition... with the strong
northwest winds ushering in an Arctic air mass into the state dangerously
cold wind chills will develop by Monday evening.

In summary... expect snow to develop late Sunday night and into
Monday morning with 2 to 4 inches possible. The strong winds and
potential blizzard conditions will arrive well after the onset of
snow. At this time... rapidly deteriorating conditions are
expected to arrive west of Interstate 35 between noon and 3 PM
Monday... and east of Interstate 35 between 3 PM and 6 PM.

A blizzard watch means there is a potential for falling and/or
blowing snow with strong winds and extremely poor visibilities.
This can lead to whiteout conditions and make travel very
dangerous.

Look for upcoming posts on the wild and wacky Bennett Christmas.....

2009-01-04T20:50:00.003-06:00

Here is a quick picture of the spiral notecards I'm using to write my memory verses in. Beth Moore suggested this for keeping all the scriptures together for easier studying. Of course I had to "bling" it up and naturally, it's purple!!

A New Year

2009-01-04T13:14:00.003-06:00

Happy 2009 everyone!! Hope everyone had a peaceful and safe New Year's Eve. As usual, the Bennett's stayed at home. We watched tv, movies, played video games. The boys insisted staying up until midnight, otherwise I would have greeted 2009 the next morning.

This year I am trying to make a more concerted effort to delve into scripture more. I've found God's word HELPS. Life is so unpredictable and chaotic. I've found reading and studying the bible grounds me and reinforces God's purpose for me. Hopefully, it also makes me a much better human being.

I'm sharing a few of the online challenges I've found to assist me in staying on track with my scripture studies. One is from Beth Moore. She is a FABULOUS woman who ministers specifically to women. We've done a few of her bible studies at my church and they are so uplifting. Her studies have made me dig deep and face some issues I've avoided, not to mention some things I've truly never even though much about. Click HERE for information on Beth's scripture memory challenge. She is asking you to memorize 2 bible verses monthly. This will be a TRUE challenge for me.I have great difficulty remembering word to finish a SENTENCE, let alone entire verses!! I have always struggled with memory work of any kind. I am such a VISUAL learner. I need to DO to learn. Maybe writing my verses 10 times or so will help.? I'm willing to give it a try.How about you?? Come on...you can do it!! My first memory verse is 1 Peter 1:8 "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy." Thank you Chrys for making me aware of this marvelous verse!!

My second challenge will one I located on the Splitcoast stampers website. Click HERE for information on the His Holy Name challenge. It will be a study on the numerous names of GOD.

I will also continue the Scripture Challenge and more than likely use my memory verses from Beth's challenge to scrap. Click HERE for information on this challenge. I didn't do very well with this last year. I ran across it in September and never truly made a commitment to follow through with it. I did complete a few 4x6 cards for my box. I hope to complete at LEAST one card monthly for this.

If you would like any more information on any of these, just let me know. I'd love to have some friends join me in these challenges!!!

Ahhh weaponry for Christmas!!!

2008-12-30T13:53:00.004-06:00

What would the holidays be without some new weapons?? This is the SMALL nerf gun they opened on Xmas Eve.The super duper huge Nerf Vulcan was under the tree on xmas morning. Didn't get a pic of it. It has a really swell 25 bullet clip!! Really fun, until you finish and have to race the dog to get to the bullets before she eats them....

2008-12-29T13:00:00.002-06:00

This is what I received for Christmas. Isn't it cool? Can't wait to get it hung in the window. I miss my Hummers in the winter. Only 4 months until they return...sigh...

The Bennett version of "Where's Waldo"

2008-12-29T12:53:00.003-06:00

This is what the aftermath of gift opening looks like. See if you can find the following in this picture:gift card, Clone Wars hat, dog toy,straw, Santa, wire cutters, DVD, remote to DVD player, something Dale Earnhardt related.

Woodpeckers

2008-12-23T14:34:00.002-06:00

I can't believe I got a picture of both these guys at the same time. They're daily feeders at the peanut and suet feeders. The big guy is a Red bellied woodpecker. The smaller one is a Hairy woodpecker.

2008-12-23T14:21:00.003-06:00

One bad thing about feeding the birds...they eat A LOT, especially when it's very cold. I've been trudging through calf deep snow to fill the feeders. They are enjoyable to watch though. I've had mostly finches lately. The woodpeckers like the suet and the peanuts. I've seen some Blue Jays this week, they attack the peanut feeder. These pictures were taken through the glass of my front window. It got too cold to keep the window open!!!

I'm not making this up....

2008-12-22T21:41:00.004-06:00

I saw a robin today drinking from my bird bath. No kidding....I'm not crazy. Although, I had to look twice. I've been reading in my birding magazines that this is becoming more commonplace, but I didn't believe it. The birds, especially the finches have been eating like crazy with the sub zero temps. They're digging the water in the birdbath also. I purchased a heater this winter to keep the water from freezing. Kinda funky to see the steam rising from it. I tried to get a picture of the robin , but he took off. I'll keep trying though. Crazy!!!!

Snow Day

2008-12-19T10:56:00.005-06:00

Today was our SECOND snow day this week. We received about 4 inches of snow on tuesday and last night received another 7 or 8 inches. Definetly a white Christmas this year. Most of you aren't impressed, but the Smiths down there in Georgia are envious. At least the kids are. As a matter of fact, the Smith family has been known to jump in the car and drive north until they find snow...lol.

Click HERE to watch a video I shot out the front door this AM. Thomas was scooping the deck with Sally apparently trying to help. Sorry for the noise, it was windy. The peeping sound you hear are the finches at my birdfeeders.

NO...NO...NO......ARGGGGGGG

2008-12-17T16:06:00.001-06:00

Of COURSE I'm located between Highway 3 and 30....
Winter Storm Warning
IAZ023>028-033>039-044>050-057>062-180600-
/O.UPG.KDMX.WS.A.0008.081218T1800Z-081219T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KDMX.WS.W.0006.081218T1800Z-081219T1200Z/
POCAHONTAS-HUMBOLDT-WRIGHT-FRANKLIN-BUTLER-BREMER-SAC-CALHOUN-
WEBSTER-HAMILTON-HARDIN-GRUNDY-BLACK HAWK-CRAWFORD-CARROLL-GREENE-
BOONE-STORY-MARSHALL-TAMA-AUDUBON-GUTHRIE-DALLAS-POLK-JASPER-
POWESHIEK-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...POCAHONTAS...HUMBOLDT...CLARION...
HAMPTON...ALLISON...WAVERLY...SAC CITY...ROCKWELL CITY...
FORT DODGE...WEBSTER CITY...ELDORA...GRUNDY CENTER...WATERLOO...
DENISON...CARROLL...JEFFERSON...BOONE...AMES...MARSHALLTOWN...
TOLEDO...AUDUBON...GUTHRIE CENTER...ADEL...DES MOINES...NEWTON...
GRINNELL
351 PM CST WED DEC 17 2008

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 12 PM THURSDAY TO 6 AM CST
FRIDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DES MOINES HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR SNOW...SLEET...AND FREEZING RAIN...WHICH IS IN
EFFECT FROM 12 PM THURSDAY TO 6 AM CST FRIDAY. THE WINTER STORM
WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

BETWEEN THE HIGHWAY 3 AND HIGHWAY 30 CORRIDORS...PRECIPITATION
WILL BE MAINLY IN THE FORM OF SNOW...WITH ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 TO 7
INCHES LIKELY THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT. FROM HIGHWAY 30 SOUTH TO
INTERSTATE 80...EXPECT A WINTRY MIX OF PRECIPITATION. SNOW AND
SLEET ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO 4 INCHES ARE EXPECTED...ALONG WITH 1
TO 2 TENTHS OF AN INCH OF FREEZING RAIN NEAR THE INTERSTATE 80
CORRIDOR.

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...SLEET...AND
ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY
HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.