Got a little crazy ...

Okay, I realized that I haven't posted for over TWO months.  What can I say ... it's summer and life gets a little crazy.  First, I went on vacation with my hubby in June to Memphis, TN.  I've always wanted to see Graceland and I finally did it.  It was not what I expected -- smaller and totally 70s.  But, I must admit I got a little sad thinking about Elvis' life and how it ended so quickly.  He was a very handsome and talented man! 

We stayed at a lovely Bed & Breakfast in Hernando, Mississippi.  Check out my new profile picture -- that is my husband, Art, and I on the staircase in the Magnolia Grove B&B.  It was truly a wonderful place.  The hosts put out two pieces of homemade cake every evening for us to enjoy.  One night we sat out in the gazebo with our cake and a glass of wine.  It was very romantic except for the mosquitos!!

My second vacation was with my immediate family.  Every year my two granddaughters, Courtney & Megan, come down to the St. Louis area for a visit.  They are 16 and 14 and live in Monroe, Wisconsin.  They came to visit the last week in July.  We had so much fun shopping, swimming and painting our fingernails and toes with the new OPI Shatter polish!  We bought turquoise, purple/pink and, yes, even lime green polish and then painted the black or white "shatter" polish over the top.  Here are what my toes look like:

I'm really like the "shatter" look!!

I then drove back to Wisconsin with them. My daughter, son-in-law and their son (my grandson) (Melissa, Paul and Tyler) and my son, daughter-in-law and their son (my grandson) (Ryan, Leslie and Hunter) -- along with Courtney and Megan (also Ryan's two daughters) -- went to Door County, Wisconsin for our family vacation.  We stayed at the Bridgeport Inn in Sturgeon Bay, WI and had a wonderful time.  I even got to visit a yarn store in Sturgeon Bay.  I'll post about that another time!

When I returned to my daughter Melissa's home for the remainder of my stay, I got my haircut by her best friend, Tanya.  SHE talked me into the "feather."  So ... what do you think?  Everyone at work thinks I'm a little "funky" but I love it.  I also colored my hair to be more of a "black cherry" color.  The contrast of the purple spikes and the chartreuse/black feather are quite WILD!  I must say ... I got a little crazy on vacation!

One Sheet Wonder

Since it's now summer -- maybe not officially but definitely by the heat and humity -- it's time to take it easy!  Wtih that thought in mind, I decided not to "reinvent the wheel" for this month's Stamp-a-Stack classes.  I decided to use the beautiful One Sheet Wonder cards that were created by the Design Team (Sally Nusbaum and Mary Derhake) for the Gateway Glitter 'n Ink Celebrate Summer Demonstrator Event which was held on May 14th.  It's been a long time since I've done a One Sheet Wonder (or OSW as I like to refer to it) but I'm not sure why because it's so easy and quick.  We used the Flower Fest stamp set from the new Summer Mini Catalog with bright, bold colors like Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, Tangerine Tango and Wild Wasabi.  Those colors are sure to remind you of summer!  We just randomly stamped the outline images of the stamp set all over a 8 1/2 x 11 piece of Whisper White cardstock.  To help the images "pop" off the paper we sponged the corresponding color in the center of the stamped image.  I don't think my pictures capture the bold, bright colors but I hope you all get the idea.  Check out these quick and easy cards we made out of one sheet of  stamped cardstock (with leftovers):

Used the Island Floral die, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Extra-Large Flower Punch and White Grosgrain Ribbon.

Used the Triple Layer Blossom and Boho Blossom Punches, Tasteful Trim die and Basic Pearls.

Used the Butterfly and 1/4" Circle Punches.

Used the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder.  This one I created myself (that doesn't happen that often, LOL!!!)

Used the Triple Layer Blossom Punch and then ran the top layer through the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look. Enjoy the summer weather!!

Linda

April Showers ... Bring May Flowers!

I don't know about all of you but I'm tired of all the rain! Here in the St. Louis area we had the April showers and May showers -- now bring on the sunshine!! I decided we need to see some flowers so this month's theme for my Stamp-a-Stack classes is "April Showers ... Bring May Flowers." Check it out.

This first card uses the new Fabulous Florets stamp set from the Summer Mini.  I wasn't sure about this set and now it's my favorite. Go figure!!  I cased the card here.  Supplies used: Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive and Whisper White CS; Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive and Early Espresso ink; Old Olive satin ribbon and Stampin' Dimensionals.

This next card uses the same stamp set.  It's very clean and simple and I love the crispness of the white with the bold melon color.  I cased the card here.  Supplies used:  Whisper White and Melon Mambo CS; Old Olive and Melon Mambo ink; Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder; Whisper White organza and Old Olive taffeta ribbon (I placed the two ribbons together with a little Snail adhesive and tied them together -- cute, uh?) and Stampin' Dimensionals.



This next card was a "buddy swap" card I received from one of my favorite demos, Rita Parker.  I always enjoy getting a card from Rita.  She didn't let me down this time ... check out this adorable flower pot card.

Supplies used:  Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight, Not Quite Navy, Peach Parfait and Whisper White CS; Peach Parfait DSP, Not Quite Navy ink; Punches: Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer (new in Summer Mini), Scallop Circle, 1/2" Circle, Scallop Oval XL and two smaller Oval punches; Daffodil Delight satin ribbon, Pearls and Stampin' Dimensionals.

This card uses my second favorite stamp set from the Summer Mini Catalog -- "On the Grow."  It's so cute and fun to color.  I love the little scooter.  I'll have to make a card using the scooter.  I cased this card here.  Supplies used: Crumb Cake, Basic Gray, Certainly Celery, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze and Watercolor Paper CS; Elegant Soiree and Newsprint DSP; Stazon, Baja Breeze, Certain Celery and Basic Gray ink; Scallop Border and Modern Label punches; Very Vanilla Taffeta ribbon; Aqua Painters and Stampin' Dimensionals.

Thanks for stopping in and looking at the May flowers!!

Linda