Just saying "hi"

Have you ever just wanted to send a card to say, "hi"? Why not one of these? I love the polka dot embossing folder. Can you tell? All of the Designer Series Paper on these 4 very different cards is from the FREE Sale-A-Bration DSP pack, Welcome Neighbor. The little embosslit "hi" is "brayered" with the coordinating ink colors. One uses White ink over Always Artichoke cardstock for a really different effect. And since we have new neighbors moving into our neighborhood soon, I made a card just for them. Cute, huh?

Leadership, 2010

In January, between babies, Christmas and more babies, I went to Phoenix, Arizona for Stampin' Up! Leadership training. My friend, Mary and I roomed together at the fabulous Hyatt-Regency in downtown Phoenix....partly because it was just across the street from the convention center and partly because we're spoiled and like staying in nice hotels. But, hey, we work hard and we deserve a little luxury now and then. We saw lots of great projects and learned some interesting techniques while attending some of the awesome courses offered by Stampin' Up! to demonstrators who have reached a certain level within their careers and want to keep soaring to new heights - one of the things I love most about Stampin' Up! is their commitment to their demonstrators. They really do care about each and every one of us and they show it! But wouldn't you like to see some of the projects that caught my eye while in Phoenix?

The Manager's Reception was so much fun! Mariachi music, a Mexican Rodeo, Flamenco dancers, great food, great friends and, of course, FREE STAMPS! Woo Hoo!!

Mary and I always have fun at SU events.




Now THESE are window displays!!

At this point, I would just like to add that I want to be Patty Bennett when I grow up. The following projects were just 3 of her masterpieces on display at Leadership. Not only is she talented, but she is also one of the nicest people you ever want to meet. In my book, she's a Rock Star and I'm one of her biggest fans. Rock on, Patty!

A birthday card for Tony.

Our son's birthday is in December and he's always been such a "country boy" who loves to hunt and fish and just roam the countryside. I made and sent him this card. He really liked it and I like the shimmer on the pheasant. I used Pearl-Ex. Stampin' Up! retired Pearl-Ex a couple of years ago. Good thing I stocked up on it! I can't tell you how old my son is.....that might tell you how old I am! Let's just say my children aged faster than I did. :-) The pheasant and cattail stamps are from the Autumn Days set (115452) and the background paper is from the Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper collection (115668). The grassy stamp is from Inspired by Nature (111656). The speckles are made using the color spritzer tool. If you don't know what that is, I would love to show you all the great effects you can create with this fun tool. Check it out here in the catalog on page 192.

Kailey's dedication ceremony

In January, we traveled to Georgia for the dedication of our granddaughter, Kailey Elizabeth. She and her cousin, John shared the spotlight for this auspicious occasion. We are so proud of the children for making a commitment to raise their children in a Christian home filled with love and praise. Everything was so beautiful as friends and relatives gathered to celebrate. Of course, I have to share some of my favorite highlights of the day: Kailey's adorable slippers, the fabulous cake her Aunt Carol made (I mean, really! It was delicious, too!) and I just had to come home and make a page for her scrapbook using the vintage technique Shelli shared with us at Leadership....but that is yet another post!

Have you missed me?

***Well, I've been a bit preoccupied with the latest additions to our ever-growing family. Aren't they beautiful? Kaden arrived on December 17th as the 3rd child of daughter, Crissy and her husband Rob. Brother Christopher and sister Kariann are so proud of their baby brother. We went to Georgia to participate in the dedication of granddaughter Kailey in January. She's so sweet and you can see more about that weekend in another post coming soon.....