My Thoughts ... My Heart

Happy Birthday David

2012-02-10T18:13:00.001-05:00

Today is my son's 22nd birthday. Here's his card.

I'm so proud of him. Happy Birthday Son.

You make me laugh

2012-01-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

My husband isn't afraid to let others see his goofy side. The middle picture was taken shortly after we were married. I don't remember now why he had my robe on to start with but then he put on nighty and slippers and stood watching TV. We laughed until we cried. Haven't done anything so silly lately (that was 25 years ago).

Engagement

2012-01-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

My son was engaged right before Christmas in Washington DC. This first picture is a little fuzzy :(

Wash DC trip

2012-01-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

My son took his girlfriend to Washington DC and stayed with my sister. While there, they got engaged :) The engagement layouts are posting tomorrow.

thanks for stopping by

Dad

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

My Dad passed away 16 years ago. His wife said he didn't want a funeral and wanted to be cremated. We a memorial service for him because it was for his kids and we needed to mark his passing. One day I get this map in the mail of Holmes County, OH (Amish Country) and it had a mark on the paper "Don rests here".

Last month, we went for a drive in Holmes County and I remembered this map. My husband found the spot, at least where we think it is. It is kind of pretty. These pictures were taken in winter but I bet it is very lovely in Spring. We may go back by there next time we're up there in nicer weather.

Thanks for stopping by. Creativity can be for others but it can also be for yourself. Let your creativity heal your hurts :)

Christmas 2

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas with my husband's family

Thanks for stopping by.

Christmas

2012-01-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

We have Christmas in the morning with me, my husband and son and then we go to my husband's family to celebrate. This year we had my family over on Christmas Eve. I can't believe that no one took any pictures!

Here are pictures from our morning together.

Thanks for stopping by. Keep your heart open and let your creativity change someone's day.

Deerslayer

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

WARNING: this layout is a little graphic so don't look if you are eating (or just ate). My son got his first deer this week. He was so proud. We had deerburgers the other night and surprisingly enough, it was very good - not gamey at all. And deer meat is very lean so works right into my diet!

Thanks for stopping by. Susan

Layouts

2012-01-22T17:05:00.004-05:00

I spent all day Saturday at church working on layouts. I'll share them over the next several days. Enjoy.

First, let me introduce my newest Great niece, Sarah. I cut the medallion and the letters on my cricut. I crocheted the trim under the pictures. Love that special touch.

Checking in

2012-01-18T18:07:00.002-05:00

This Saturday is all day scrapping at church - WOOT WOOT. I'm very excited. I've got several page kits ready to work on. Took me all day Sunday to pick my papers and cut out stuff on my cricut.

I realized AFTER I did all this work that I didn't use my new Christmas paper that I won in a hop :( I'll have to take it and maybe do some substituting.

Started Nutrisystem on Friday and I've been doing the Walking Off the Pounds tape. Walk a mile 3 times a week. Gotta work up to 4 times and then 5. Already lost 3 pounds - course you always a lot the first week!

I will share my creations with you next week. Thanks for stopping by, Susan

It's a new year

2012-01-08T18:58:00.003-05:00

It's a new year and it's time I get serious about some things.

1. Lose weight - really. Stop fooling around and get it done. My son and his fiance are planning to marry in 2013 so I have a year. And, my sisters are both looking good and I need to join them :) Okay, I won't be completely vain - I'm not getting any younger and this weight is only going to cause more health issues.

2. Get back into relationship with Father God. Too long I've stayed on the fringe. It is time to live like Esther and realize that I was created for such a time as this. I go thru the ups and downs of life to serve others...it really isn't about me.

3. Scrapping and card-making. I love these hobbies. I need to devote time to them again. Get excited and try new things. Our troops may be pulling out of Iraq but they are still fighting in Afghanistan. I need to recommit to making cards so they can use them to write home (www.OperationWriteHome.org). Plus I need to seriously up my game in scrapping. I want to make a scrapbook for my son and fiance to chronicle this next year as they plan the wedding.

4. Get all those VHS tapes onto to DVD. Okay, I know this isn't earth-shattering or even that important in the great scheme of things but I bought a machine to tape all my VHSs to DVDs and I need to get moving. I want my grandkids (that I hope to have someday) to watch all the Disney movies that their daddy grew up with. His favorite was So Dear To My Heart.

I'm putting this here, in writing, for all to see (okay the 3 or 4 of you who actually read this). I have been somewhat lethargic of late (partly due to anemia but mostly due to laziness) and I need to change...I want to change.

Happy New Year. Keep your heart open ... your creativity does change lives (even if it is just a smile on someone's face). Susan

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T11:39:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas again

2011-12-22T18:10:00.004-05:00

I managed to get a picture of one of my Christmas cards. I sent this one and 2 other styles but forgot to take pictures. And I REALLY loved the other ones :)

I have another Great Niece - welcome Sarah. Here's the card and blanket I made for her.

Be sure you take time to enjoy yourself this holiday season. Remember the real reason for the season is Jesus. Thanks for stopping by...Merry Christmas, Susan

Merry Christmas

2011-12-17T19:59:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas to all my blogosphere friends. I'm scrapping but I keep forgetting to take pictures to show you. I made 3 different Christmas cards and mailed them before taking pictures :)

I may have some next week...if I remember to get the camera out.

May your Christmas season be full of memories and families (and pictures).

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T17:01:00.002-05:00

I hope you all are enjoying your Thanksgiving day.

Another way to help our Heroes

2011-11-14T23:23:00.002-05:00

When filling out your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address:

Red Cross, Holiday Mail For Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful, special people, who have sacrificed so much would get. Please copy and post on your facebook wall and in your blogs♥

Thanks.

one more item

2011-11-12T21:07:00.002-05:00

I made this needle case today. Love it. I have more crochet hooks but these are one of each size except my two biggest ones.

Now I'm working on a lapghan for the Veteran's hospital. Stay crafty and keep your heart open - you might change a life. Susan

Crochet trims

2011-11-12T18:41:00.005-05:00

I've been playing with trims to use on cards and scrap pages.

These first two are 5.5" for cards. I really like the top one.

These are all 12" for scrap pages.

the upper one is with a thicker thread and the below one is thinner (smaller needle)

If anyone is interested in buying one for their pages...I could be talked into making some more - any pattern in any size. The larger ones would be $8 and the smaller ones $5 plus shipping (which wouldn't be too much). I do have paypal to make payments easier. If you order multiples, I'll give you a break on the price. Let me know - you can email me at shmi2 @ sbcglobal . net .

Hope to get into my scrap room tomorrow. I'll try to make a card using one of the shorter trims above and see how it goes. May even find a picture that would work for the larger trims.

birthday card

2011-11-12T13:56:00.002-05:00

Haven't posted a card for a few weeks. Was going to work on several today but after doing 4 variations of this one, I've decided I'm not in the mood. It was a busy week at a horse sale so I think I'll find a movie to watch or veg out with my Kindle.

Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Happy Veteran's Day 11-11-11

2011-11-11T20:05:00.005-05:00

Thanks Dad (served in Korea) and George Ottesen (served in Vietnam) and Alex White (serving now). For all those who have served - thanks. For the families who lost loved ones, your sacrifice is so appreciated.

Crochet bracelet

2011-11-09T15:45:00.003-05:00

My sister said she wants to start making jewelry to sell. I've gotten back into crocheting. So...I put the two together and found some free patterns on-line to crochet jewelry. So my first try is this bracelet. I think the thread I use is too thick or something because it doesn't lay as pretty as I want. but it is a pretty, casual bracelet (and it was super-duper easy).

I've got a couple more that look really easy but I need different beads. I'm in Harrisburg, PA for a horse sale this week so I hope to find a JoAnns or Michaels tonight so I can try the other patterns (the beads I bought won't look right!).

Thanks for stopping by. Keep on crafting, Susan

2011-10-31T21:10:00.002-04:00

Have you found this Obsession?? Pinterest is so fun - and addicting. I'm finding so many great ideas and cool pictures and yummy recipes.

This is a picture for sale but aren't these cute. Rocks spray painted and covered with intricate crocheted doilies. How pretty this would look in a bowl or sitting in a pile next to a tub or down in a vase with a candle on top.

I honestly don't know if this came from Pinterest or from a blog but I love it.

Found the instructions for these - nothing to it and what a great way to keep your favorite scrap paper close to your heart! You can buy glass tiles in all sizes so earrings, necklaces...I wonder if they're heavy - you might be able to make a bracelet. I found the tiles on-line for about .30 each.

Now, this is awesome. I made jewelry boxes to hang on my wall (I cross-stitched quilt patterns for the fronts) but I think this is going to be a project. Time to hit garage sales (might be a little late in the season).

Okay, gotta get back to watching the Sing Off and making the Christmas crochet projects. Almost done...then on to something different. Gotta get started on the crocheted borders for cards and scrap pages. {I figure if I keep saying it, I'll get to it :D }

Have a great week. Hey, look for a way to be blessing to someone else - pay for the person behind you in the fast food line (you'd be amazed how it will pump you up). Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Cards 10-29-11

2011-10-29T15:09:00.002-04:00

Here are my cards today - I can't believe I don't know who to give credit to. I've been trying to keep track of where I "steal" the cards I plan to CASE. I'm pretty sure both came from the OperationWriteHome.org blog.

I've been cleaning out closets. It's amazing how much stuff we accumulate because we "might" use it another day. I was also surprised how much scrappy stuff I found. But now my desk is cluttered again.

I've got one two more closets - linen and my clothes - and then I'm done (until next year). I've got 4 bags of stuff for Goodwill so far. My next goal is to go thru my scrap stuff and give away what I know I'll never use - yes, we all have those embellies, ribbons, papers that we keep but we know we aren't going to use them.

Gotta go check the crockpot - got some Buffalo chicken cooking (got the recipe from Pinterest). Plus I need to start working on my crocheting. I've got a project going for Christmas that I regret starting. It is way more work than I thought. I want to move on to crocheting borders for cards and scrap pages.

Have a great weekend...thanks for stopping by. Susan

Thinking of You card

2011-10-28T13:44:00.003-04:00

My sister-in-law Beth's father passed away this past weekend - he was only 70. Never enjoy making sympathy cards but it's important to know that people are thinking and praying for you during the weeks and months (and sometimes years) that follow.

Here is the card I made for her.

This card from Becca Feeken was my inspiration.

Keep your hearts open...your creativity may change a life (or at least someone's day). Thanks for stopping by. Susan

Vacation Layouts 2

2011-10-16T22:36:00.005-04:00

Finally I finished the vacation layouts.

Still can't figure out why they come in sideways but I'm too tired to try to fix them!

It's amazing how relaxing it is to watch ships on the horizon with binoculars. The container ships size is incredible.

I got this saying from CreateWithTLC blog - it was a freebie.

Love the picture of my sister and her husband - they look relaxed and having fun (and still in love after all these years!).

I'm glad to be done with these layouts. Now I can put all that paper away and look to the get project. I think it's time to get back to card making :)

Thanks for stopping by...have a wonderful week. Change a life with your creativity, Susan

Scrap room Oct 2011

2011-10-15T21:42:00.003-04:00

I finally got back in my scrap room but not to create - to clean. I couldn't see the top of my table and it was too overwhelming to even think about it. Today I had my son bring up a desk from the basement (I'm glad I kept the office furniture when we moved) and I moved some things around. I even cleaned out the closet.

I was going to show you pictures but I can't seem to upload a video and I can't find any new batteries for my camera (so much for organizing!). I did manage to find almost dead ones to get a somewhat decent picture of the new ribbon organizer I'm working on. For me, it is out-of-sight, out-of-mind so I'm hoping that by having the ribbon in plain view, I might use more of it. These were previously in baggies (sorted by color) in a basket.

I got the idea of the hanger from a blog (if I find it again, I'll post the link; but there's a picture below). I went to the thrift store and found my pants hanger (above) for $1.90. I cut the ribbon rounds on my Cricut and used mini clips to put them on the hanger. Some of the orange ribbon is on a toilet paper roll. I love when I find a great idea on someone's blog and can implement it for CHEAP!!

Maybe tomorrow I'll actually create in my scrap room. I have vacation pics I'm still working on. I also need to go through my stash and get rid of things (bling, embellies, ribbon, stamps) that I know I'm not going to use. When I have too much, I can't seem to figure out what to use. I know, I'm talking crazy!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great rest-of-the-weekend and get crafty! Susan

Doilies

2011-10-09T20:45:00.004-04:00

I saw a cute card with a crocheted doily on it and thought I'd make one to try out. So far I've made 2 large ones and no small ones :)

I think a white flower in the center will look good on this.

I'm going to the JoAnn Fabrics tomorrow to buy more crochet thread to make some Christmas gifts! Uh oh, a new obsession is born.

Thanks for stopping by. Keep your heart open and make a difference in someone's life with your creativity. Susan

WCMD card

2011-10-01T23:43:00.005-04:00

I can't believe I copied a Becca Feeken card at Amazing Paper Grace. Her cards are beautiful and way more fussy than I usually do. I don't have the patience to put together layer upon layer. But this card was was special and I wanted to do something more than my regular work.

I might just have to try more fussy cards for special occasion. I don't think I could do many of these of OWH - it took quite some time but I really like it.

2011-10-01T11:05:00.001-04:00

Hope you all get a chance to make a card or two today. I'm heading up in a little bit to work on a wedding card. Actually, I'm supposed to be cleaning my room, but we'll see :)

Digi page - David

2011-09-30T21:49:00.004-04:00

Aaack - just realized that the other two pages I did are 8.5x11. So I changed this one to 12x12. Now here's my dilemma: Do I keep doing 8.5x11 so I can print them off on my printer or do 12x12 which is what most my books are?

Gotta a lot learn :) Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Digi Page - VA Beach

2011-09-29T22:41:00.003-04:00

I'm new to digi scrapping and this is my second page. I used 5 different elements plus the background paper. These elements were from FREE digi kits I found at ComputerScrapBook. If you haven't found this site you gotta get over there. I've been downloading kits for 2 days :)

Now I have to organize them. I'm going to keep the kits together (alphas, elements, paper) and then put them in the main folders too. I know it will double store them but I think it will be the best way to find what I want or use particular kits together. Maybe one day I'll delete the kits.

I plan to spend time in my scrap room Saturday - have a wedding card to do and want to finish the VA Beach pics. I'll get to digi scrapbook next week while in Lexington, KY for a horse sale.

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look see. Keep your heart open and let your creativity change someone's life. Susan

My First Digi page

2011-09-26T19:52:00.004-04:00

I've toyed with digital scrapbooking but never gave it a chance. I found Scrapbook Factory Deluxe at Staples for $15 and figured - now's the time.

Here is my first digi page.

It's not much but it's a start. I may just like this. I can do it anywhere because all my pics are on the computer. Uh oh...I feel another compulsion coming on :)

Fabulous At Fifty

2011-09-18T18:23:00.005-04:00

My sister turned fifty this year. Isn't she beautiful! We had a nice dinner at Joey Changs with her daughter and boyfriend.

Vacation Layouts

2011-09-18T18:09:00.006-04:00

We went to Virginia Beach for vacation with my sister and her family. It was the weekend that Irene hit VA Beach. I'm thankful that there wasn't as much damage by this hurricane as was expected!

The guys and some of the girls went to Norfolk. My son takes GREAT pictures.

We stopped at Sumburger on our way to Roanoke, VA (which is where we stayed Saturday night until we knew whether we could get to our house at the beach.

David & Heather making faces into the camera - it was a loooooong trip.

The guys enjoyed golfing the first morning - we didn't get electric back until later that evening.

This Air Museum is privately funded - the guys were so impressed.

Love the background paper on both pages from Create With TLC (and the wordArt JFK quote)

There will be more pages coming. Spent Saturday scrapping with my girls at church and got 14 pages done.

Already thinking about vacation for next year! Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Never forget

2011-09-10T20:58:00.001-04:00

Heritage pages

2011-09-04T17:59:00.006-04:00

Here are some pages from the Heritage album I did for my Aunt.

My maternal Grandparent's 50th Anniversary party

Grandpa and his girls (my mom is on left)

Maternal grandparents

Great Aunt (maternal g-ma's sister

maternal G-pa - don't know why some of these pages are sideways

My mom's family

My great, great g-parents

my great g-parents

My maternal g-ma and her sister (my favorite great aunt)

my maternal line (thru my grandmother)

My great, great, great g-parents

my great, great, great, great grandfather - the father of American Entomology (Frederick Melsheimer)

My grandmother and great aunt grew African violets and showed them

I had a hard time starting this book but once I did, it went quickly. History is so fascinating. Now I'm playing on Ancestry.com to find out more and more info on my family.

Thanks for stopping by and looking. Have an awesome week, Susan

Virginia Beach 2011

2011-08-31T12:35:00.003-04:00

At the beach for the week. So glad Hurricane Irene didn't do damage as bad as expected. It's even a little chilly with the breeze! Will have lots to scrapbook when I get home...if I come home :)

Enjoy your week. Susan

Any Hero Cards 8-10-11

2011-08-10T17:46:00.004-04:00

I started working on these hero cards this weekend and finished them up at lunch (okay, it was a long lunch :)

This is image was a freebie from Create With TLC. They've got a lot of great images over there.

Another great Create with TLC image - sorry it's sideways. I can't seem to get some of these right with when I use my phone to take pictures.

Sorry for the blurriness. I had another image for this but I didn't like the way it looked.

Another Create with TLC image.

Saturday is another all-day scrapbooking day at church. I also have book club and a breakfast date (with some friends). Going to be a busy day. Hopefully I'll my heritage album done...well, at least started!

In Memory...

2011-08-06T16:29:00.002-04:00

of the 31 heroes who were lost in Afghanistan, I'm reposting one of my "any hero" cards. My heart is heavy for the families of these wonderful servants. May God richly bless their families with comfort and hope during this season of sadness.

7-23-11 cards

2011-07-23T17:09:00.002-04:00

I was supposed to be working on special scrapbook but it is so overwhelming to me, I decided to play with cards. I had all these scraps on my table and decided to use them.

I got the idea for this card from a OWHer. Ann's only be cardmaking for a year and she does a wonderful job!

I love googlely eyes! This paper and sentiment are from Create with TLC.

Have a great weekend. Thanks for stopping by and keep your heart open. Susan

Card 7-17-11

2011-07-17T18:33:00.002-04:00

Layouts 7-16-11

2011-07-17T17:59:00.024-04:00

I love all-day crops. We had a crop at church from 9-9 and boy did I get a lot done!!

cards 7-10-11

2011-07-10T18:43:00.003-04:00

I didn't do any scrapbooking today but I made some cards. I got several sentiments from Create With TLC and decided to create cards for my OWH box that's going out this week.

This first card was inspired by this one from on She Who Must Stamps blog. I've had the patterned paper at the bottom and couldn't find a good use - it looks like rain drops so it went great with this sentiment.

I just bought this heart paper and thought it was so cute.

The ribbon on this one is something I wouldn't have used before I organized my ribbons - it was hiding at the bottom of the basket before.

This is my favorite for the day and I copied it from here. This digi was Create with TLC and that's where the card came from. I love it...now I just have to get my guys to write some Any Hero notes to go in the cards for my OWH box!

I think that's it for today. It's only 7:00 but I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open.

Keep your heart open and let your creativity change lives around you. Susan

Ribbon Storage

2011-07-09T20:43:00.003-04:00

I finally got my ribbon storage put together!!

Remember this piece I bought at the thrift store - for $5? Well, I finally got my son to take a few minutes to drill holes thru the sides where the towel bar hung. I put a metal rod (from a quilt rack) thru the holes to hold the ribbons. I then put push pins with mini binder clips along the bottom to hang ribbon cards.

The rod here is thru toilet paper holders that came with the shelf above. I used the 3m picture hanger dealies to put the holders on the wall.

The picture frame with ribbon cards is something I found at Scrapbook Art (I think it was, either that or another LSS). I'm going to scrap some cards to put in each opening (some day) but until then, it'll help display my ribbons.

I still have my ribbon baskets with pieces not on rolls. The yellow arrows show the basic still full like they are here and the blue arrow is on the basket that has my special ribbon. Okay... who cares... but I wanted to play with putting arrows in the pictures :P

NOW maybe I'll start using it :)

No scrapping done today. I really want to start working on page kits I put together...hopefully tomorrow. I think I'll go read.

Thanks for stopping by. Susan

Happy Birthday to my beloved country

2011-07-04T18:08:00.003-04:00

and my fellow Americans. I love living in this country.

OWH party challenges 2

2011-07-03T13:23:00.006-04:00

Good morning. It's another day of partying! The challenges at OWH continue all day today. C'mon, you know you want to play along.

This first card is challenge #9 from Patricia - 1 ~ 2 ~ 3. One patterned paper, 2 images, and a sentiment with 3 words (or more). Easy, right - not so :)

I finally settled on (1) patterned paper - kept pulling out matching paper and having to put it away. My (2) images are the embossing on the green and the sentiment cut out from (matching) patterned paper - I think that's allowed. The sentiment stamped has (3) words.

Challenge #10 from Sandy was a challenge for me. I don't do well with "scenes". She challenged us to use the same stamp or image on 2 cards - using different seasons or holidays. You know by now that I LOVE the Stampin Up bench. I need to use the other chairs in this set (some day). So, here is summer and winter (hope you can see the snow flakes).

Challenge #11 - Kate showed us how to make these way too cute (and easy) pinwheels - yes, you will be seeing more pinwheels on my cards :P

I'm taking a break for now so I can go eat lunch. C-ya later.

I'm back. Here is Challenge #12 - Sarah challenged us to use fruit or food on our card. I've been waiting to use this cherry paper. I wanted to put something like "you're sweet" but my printer still is not working (out of ink). Forgot to got to Staples!

And challenge #13 - Linda wants us to use a bear in our card. I love bears. This is a copy of a card I did long ago and just loved it so I made several more to put in in my next OWH box.

Challenge #16 - Lisa challenged us to use a play on words. I created these two cards. The dog was so cute and his "ruff day" was more of a play on words than the squirrel's "nuts for you" but I liked them both.

Sorry the picture is out of focus - it's getting close to bed time :)

OWH weekend challenges

2011-07-02T14:22:00.006-04:00

I will be updating this entry throughout the weekend. Operation Write Home is having a weekend of challenges and I will do as many as I can.

This is challenge #1 from Brenda . She challenged us to make cards using camouflage - one to send home and one to a hero. The left one is for a hero to send to his special someone. The sentiment reads "My hear is lost in yours". Not much to this card, the sentiment, the heart (above the "M", and a few teardrop dew drops. The card on the right is my any hero card - a note to a hero thanking him/her for their service. Not so much camouflage except b..ut it is kind of hard to read the "hero". I know, it's a stretch but I loved this paper when I saw it while looking for my camo paper.

This card is for challenge #3 at Tanya's blog (yes, I skipped challenge #2). I took this was literally - tie a yellow ribbon. The challenge was to use certain colors but I immediate thought about the yellow ribbon. I made this an AnyHero card.

If you have some time this weekend, join us. OWH is posting a new blogger's challenge every 2 hours throughout the weekend.

Challenge #4 from Carol is to make a card using a symbol of freedom that means that most to you. I chose to CASE this card from A Crooked Stamper's blog.

When I flew home from Germany (my stepdad was stationed there in the 80s), I remember seeing a giant flag flying at JFK and it brought tears to my eyes. I knew I was home.

Challenge #5, Holley challenged us to do vintage. When I think of vintage, I think of crochet flowers and lace. I need to go crochet two more flowers in pink to finish up these 4 cards!

This card is for challenge #6 - Marianne instructed us to use the moon in a card. I'm not so happy with the card but it does have a moon in it :)

This is for Challenge #8 - use the photo at Melanie's blog to inspire a card. This bench belongs on that porch or in the yard next to it! I was going to print her picture or use a picture of my house in the card but I'm out of ink in my printer - yikes!! I'll be running to Staples in the morning.

I'm going to try to keep up tomorrow but we'll see! Goodnight.

Happy 4th of July weekend

2011-07-01T15:32:00.002-04:00

I hope you all are getting ready for a wonderful long weekend celebrating our independence. It's a special weekend for me too - today is my birthday AND I became a business owner today!! I signed the papers to purchase the insurance agency I've worked for the past 18 years (wow, am I really that old).

Is this pretty? I know, but some times I am amazed at how pretty something turns out. You've seen some of my attempts to go from brain to paper - and they haven't all been pretty! I actually got inspiration from this card at Me My Stamps & I.

I got these heart paper doilies from the thrift store for $.50. When I say this card, I knew I had to use them.

This card was inspired by one I saw on Crafty Steals. It was a card made from whatever the deal of the day was. That little frame gave me fits on the cricut. I really need to learn to use my SCAL program!

This card I made for work - to send to clients on their birthday. Since I became the boss today and I took the day off, I figured I should do something work related :)

God Bless America. Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Crocheted Flowers

2011-06-29T21:09:00.003-04:00

I finally got some flowers crocheted and bagged. I've got these for sale in my Artfire store (use the button to the right to go there).

Each bag has 6 flowers in different sizes and various colors. The cost is $5.5o per pack.

Cards 6-26-11

2011-06-26T17:09:00.005-04:00

Hello friends. I made some more cards inspired by the latest edition of PaperCrafts magazine.

This first card I stamped the cardstock to make my own "patterned paper". I like the effect. I know, I know, this is an old technique but it's new for me. I'm also trying to do more with layering with my cricut cut-outs.

Also, a shout-out to my crocheted flower!! I've got some done in different colors which I will be putting in my Artfire store soon.

This card I finished 3 times before I finished it. You know what I mean :P The second finish was to add the hearts and the third was to ink the top and bottom edges. I guess my style is not clean and simple because that always looks undone to me!

Oh, I used my roller stamp from Stampin Up. I bought 3 of these and this is the first time I used one.

Don't you love the butterflies? I cut them out of patterned paper in blackout and the put the patterned one out of vellum (yes, I'm still learning how to use my Cricut). I really think they are cute.

This is my least favorite card today. Just didn't come out quite like I wanted. The one in the magazine is sooo much prettier. I don't ink my embossing folder very well (or maybe my pink ink was too dark). Maybe I should have used pop dots and made the top piece stand up...maybe next time.

Hope you had a relaxing weekend and are recharged for the work week to begin. Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Cards 6-25-11

2011-06-25T19:43:00.004-04:00

I've got some cards to share. These were inspired by cards in the PaperCrafts Magazine. I love that publication. Enjoy.

I'm still struggling with my camera. For such a fancy camera, I sure can't take a decent picture. I'm sure it is user error.

Keep your heart open and let your creativity change someone's life. Thanks for stopping by, Susan

cards 6-19-11

2011-06-19T19:07:00.004-04:00

Had a great time at our first White-Dieterly family reunion in Van Wert, OH. I can't wait to go thru the pictures and scrap them! My Aunt Jo brought some family documents dating back to the 1800s. WOW. I'm going to get them scanned so I can scrap them too. I think it is so cool to hold a document that my great grandmother held and one that my great great grandfather signed. Too cool.

Here are my cards for today. This first one is inspired by Windy Robinson's design on page 36 of the newest PaperCrafts Magazine.

Have you seen the new Martha Stewart magnetic punches? That's what I used for the scalloped design (in blue). You can put these punches ANYWHERE on the page because the top and bottom are completely separate and then join together with magnets. I bought 3 - love them. I got them from Cherry On Top because they had a buy 2 get 1 free promotion.

This card is Teri Anderson's design in the same issue. I used string to create the flower - neat idea Teri.

Hope you all enjoyed Father's Day today. My dad has been gone for many years. My heart goes out to those who lost their father this year - I promise, it does get easier.

My father-in-law was disappointed that his card was not homemade. Oops...neither was my husband's (I didn't get him one). I was gone all day yesterday and it's been a rough week so I didn't get up to the scrap room.

Keep your heart open because your creativity could change someone's life. Thanks for stopping, Susan.

Cards 6-11-11

2011-06-11T23:08:00.006-04:00

Good evening - okay, almost good night! I finally got back into my scrap room tonight.

This first card is a copy (well, an attempt to copy) Trish's card - she sent me a prize from the OWH blog hop and a card was enclosed. Her center flower was scored and folded and so very cute - couldn't figure it out so this is what I got.

I think the bulb in my lamp is making these look too yellow so I switched up and used the overhead light but it is missing a few bulbs - I forget to bring them upstairs :P

Tomorrow is my husband's family reunion and then we have my nieces graduation dinner (she's graduating from OSU tomorrow. Here is the card I made her.

All but the first card were inspired by the newest edition of Paper Crafts magazine (July/August 2011).

Thanks for stopping by. Keep your heart open... Susan

lunch time cards 5-31-11

2011-05-31T13:55:00.004-04:00

This is my second week of having the office at home. Other than the short compute (from upstairs to down), I found another great advantage...

LUNCH TIME cards. I'm committed to using up some old ribbon and scraps on my table and here is what I came up with. Okay, I had to dig into my scrap bags to finish them, but I still used scraps! Another roll of ribbon used :)

I like this ribbon and all but I'm tired of carrying it around and NOT using it. So, I've decided to use it up and thus I won't tote it from crop to crop (okay, I don't really do that many crops, but it sounds very dramatic).

This gives me a little break (since I'm working until 5 or later now) and I've gotten started on my next OWH box. I've got a box ready to ship tomorrow...my contribution to the second MILLION cards.

Stay crafty, my friends...you might just change a life. Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Card today

2011-05-30T21:53:00.004-04:00

I got several cards made today but only one that felt I had to take a picture of. I am still on a mission to use up my ribbon and scraps and I really, really like this.

I've got a box ready to send to OWH - I had to make to cards to have 200 to send. I also got a few any hero cards done.

I wish we had another day off ... but work won't wait.

Thanks for stopping by...keep your heart open and let your creativity change someone. Susan

Happy Memorial Day

2011-05-30T10:41:00.002-04:00

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But the U.S. ARMED FORCES doesn't have that problem." ... Ronald Reagan

Thank you to all our service men and women you are currently serving or have served in the past. Thank to all our military families - ALL GAVE SOME AND SOME GAVE ALL.

We will never forget.

Great Bloghop

2011-05-28T22:46:00.003-04:00

Head over to the OWH blog hop. There are over 130 blogs participating and you will see some pretty, cool, great, awesome cards. Just click on the picture above to get started.

Challenges 5-28-11

2011-05-28T10:11:00.005-04:00

Good morning friends. I'm so glad the weekend (3-days) is here! It's been a long week. We've moved into our new office (my home) and it's been a stressful. But we are getting there.

Got to spend time on cards this week. This first one is for a challenge at Shopping Our Stash. Use old ribbon or a large stash of ribbon or use ribbon in a new way. This first card uses a large stash of Stampin Up ribbon to make a flower using a new techniques (Gluber). If you haven't seen the Glubers, find them. They are large glue dots to make these gorgeous ribbon (or fabric) flowers.

I wanted to use up my paper from the card above so I I made this version. This is using an old ribbon from stash.

This card is for the Play Date Challenge. Use black and white with a splash of green. I was a friend's scrapping and she had this bamboo paper (I didn't bring any black paper!).

Used up the last of my green ribbon above - my goal is to use up some of my older ribbon before I'm allowed to buy new (although I did just get about 8 rolls of Stampin Up ribbon that was on sale :)

This card was designed to use the star ribbon but I think the rest of it came out cute.

We (Pati and I) went to several LSSs yesterday - out of 5 we visited, 3 are closing (one will reopen under new ownership). Was going to go with Pati to another LSS closing but the phone guy is here to finish up my office lines - ugg, would rather have been shopping.

I have a little scrap-budget money left from yesterday. Oh well, plenty of on-line stores I can visit :) Or maybe I should save it for when I've finished Shopping Our Stash challenge and need to replenish...naw, that's no fun.

Have an awesome weekend and take time to remember those who have fallen in service for our country. If you see a military person or veteran, be sure to let them know you appreciate their service and dedication to our country. Serving in the military is a sacrifice - whether at war or at peace.

God bless our military men and women and their families. God bless America.

Challenges

2011-05-22T17:48:00.004-04:00

Today I finished a few cards from yesterday (can you believe I actually ran out of time after 12 hours!).

This first card is for the Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger challenge.

It looks cuter in person :( but still not one of my favorites.

This next card is for the The Play Date Cafe challenge. Don't you just want to live here? I'd love to go through these trunks :)

This is one of my all-time favorite cards. I love the border stamp (thanks Pati for getting it first and making me fall in love with it). Thanks for taking a look. Susan

Using Up Ribbon Cards 5-21-11

2011-05-22T17:39:00.008-04:00

Yesterday (Saturday) was my all-day scrapping at church with a great group of ladies. My goal was to use up some older ribbon I've been hoarding (don't know why, but I never go to it when I'm looking for ribbon). I love when I can take 12 hours and work on scrapping.

This is my favorite of the day. Love the border stamp on the sides. There's something about pink and green that look so pretty together.

I also brought only scraps of solid cardstock - so I was very limited in what I had on hand.

...and I forgot my ATG glue gun - how do you forget your glue?? Thanks to my husband and son...they brought it over on their way to a golf outing.

I love the coredinations paper!

Thanks for stopping by. Keep your heart open so you can change a life with your creativity. Susan

Challenge cards 5-15

2011-05-15T16:26:00.005-04:00

Here are a couple of challenges that I finished today. I'm skipping the Christmas challenges this week because I'm busy moving my office and just won't get to them, but I knew I had to something for me this weekend :)

This is the OperationWriteHome.org sketch #69 challenge:

The cardstock is from Flower Factory - I bought two pieces (strips are on the back of the dots) and some ribbon (see below) for $3. I really did try to find something else while I was there!

This card is for the Playdate Cafe Challenge. I love these colors together...although I don't think I would have tried them without the challenge :) Oh, this is the "grape" ribbon I got at Flower Factory. It's really called Aubergine but it looks like grape jelly to me.

This card was inspired by ExpressionsOfACraftaholic.

And last but not least there's this card that I started with. I wanted to use my new paper from Flower Factory. The brads are from Stampin Up - they were on sale ($1.50 for 16 - couldn't pass them up).

Okay, gotta get back to cleaning the carpet for the new office and other stuff. Hoping to get most of it done this week before the actual move on Friday...I have a scrapdate at church on Saturday with some awesome ladies that I don't want to miss.

Shopping Our Stash Weekly challenge

2011-05-15T16:07:00.004-04:00

There's a new site over at Shopping Our Stash Weekly challenge that I'm anxious to get involved in. You are challenged to use stuff in your stash - no going out and buying something new. I like this because I'm trying to put myself on a scrap diet :P

But then my sister calls and invites me to Flower Factory! But I only spent $3 - 2 pieces of cardstock and 2 spools of ribbon. And then there's the ribbon I just got on sale from Stampin Up...stop, stop finding those great deals. I need use my stuff.

Anyway, the first challenge, which really isn't a challenge, is to show your stash/scrap room. So here is what it looks like today. I know, it needs cleaned up. But I'm not in that mood so it stays a mess. I keep trying to use the stuff on my table before reaching for other supplies, but alas, I always seem to need something that I haven't got out!

Hop on over and take a look and get ready for some great challenges. I'll see you there (assuming I dig myself from under this mess!). Thanks for stopping by. Susan

Tuesday Trigger Challenge

2011-05-11T13:48:00.001-04:00

This is such a pretty skirt and it is the Tuesday Trigger from Moxie Fab World

Here is my take on it. This card was inspired from an OWH card maker.

This card was made from the scraps.

Thanks for stopping by. Keep your heart open - you might change someone's life. Susan

National Scrapbooking Day 2011

2011-05-07T14:07:00.005-04:00

What are you doing for National Scrapboooking Day? I've been in my room all morning creating cards (most to catch up on some challenges). My husband asked that I make his mom a mother's day card so I used the leftovers from hers to make one for my sister-in-law - we always have dinner together on Mother's Day.

This card was inspired by the Stampin Up Idea Book (10/11)

This card was inspired by She Who Must Stamp

This card was inspired by Stampin with Di. It is for a challenge on OWH - create cards for the soldiers to send home to their wives letting them know they appreciate them.

I haven't kept up with the Christmas Card challenges but I've got two down. This one is for Hazel's challenge - we were to use a photo of stockings for inspiration. This is my first attempt with Flower Soft - I think it looks so cool.

This card is for the Jingle Belles' challenge - vintage. I thought Santa looked vintage.

Here is the Tuesday Trigger from Moxie Fab world. Love polka dots!

Love this DP - it was given to me in pieces but I had enough to make a few cards.

This card was made for the Play Date Cafe challenge. I think this might work for the Paper Variety challenge to use ink. This card was inspired by Paper Crafts Connection.

I might get back in the scraproom later - I missed one challenge site! My hubby was supposed to golf this afternoon but he got called to work at 6:30 this morning - can't believe it but I got up then too and started my day. I don't get up at 6:30 during the week :)

Enjoy your day and call your mom tomorrow if you can! Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Creativity

2011-05-06T17:55:00.011-04:00

Who inspired your creativity?
My Mother was my first inspiration.

This is one of my favorite pictures of her (high school).

Mom used a small bedroom that she shared with my little brother for her sewing room. I remember many a day passing the doorway in the middle of the hall and seeing her working. I wish I had a picture of her sitting there. The wall next to her had shelves stacked with fabric of every hue and design.

This is a picture of our annual family line-up for Easter. I'm the third from the front in the yellow dress.
I loved that dress (I think I still have it in a trunk in the basement). Yellow is my favorite color and I remember putting the cap sleeves on my head before Mom sewed them to the dress! I'm sure the other dresses were made by her too - maybe even her own :)

I still hug my Raggedy Ann when I need a best friend (and my sisters aren't around) that she made me. My sister called her ape-arms because her arms were so long...or maybe it was she was jealous that Mom made her for me :)

Mom eventually got into all kinds of crafts including knitting, bead banners, decoupage, plastic canvas, jewelry making...she had magazines for every craft around! Her husband built her a whole room (almost doubling the size of their house) to accommodate her supplies and give her plenty of room to work!

My Grandmother and Great Aunt Margaret on my Dad's side were crocheters. Aunt Margaret was very patient teaching me to crochet. I made so many granny squares that turned into afghans :)

So growing up I had a lot of inspiration. I did some sewing but I'm not very detailed so my hems were always...let's say, interesting (but rarely straight). Here's a picture of a dress I made one year. Oh yes, my handsome husband and son...don't you love those glasses (we affectionately call them the bug eyes) :P

I learned to cross stitch in my early twenties and had 2 or 3 projects going at any one time.

Then I got interested in general crafts. I even rented space in a craft store and did craft shows for awhile. I eventually got inspired to scrapbook - my early pages are not very good. I now spend most my time making cards. But crocheting is still something I enjoy doing. I'm working on little crocheted flowers to put on my cards!

Who inspired you? And...who are you inspiring?

Happy Mother's Day ... This is the third year my Mom isn't with me and it still stings - especially during May - Mother's Day, her birthday, and the month she died. But God is good ... all the time and He is my comforter.

New Challenge Site

2011-05-02T17:54:00.004-04:00

I've found another great challenge blog (thanks to The Crooked Stamper).

SOS or Shopping Our Stash is a weekly challenge blog for inspiration and motivation to use our stash of craft supplies.

C'mon and join us. I know I need to use up my supplies before I buy some new stuff.

challenges

2011-04-30T14:45:00.004-04:00

I haven't had a chance to work on challenges lately so I thought I'd work on some today. But first I visited my LSS because they were having a scrap yard sale. Scrappers rented tables and sold some of their unwanted items. I bought some ribbon and paper -- can never have too much :)

This first card is for the sketch challenge at OWH. I got the sentiment stamp in a group of others and didn't think I'd use it but it fits with this pretty butterfly.

Red, lime green, and grey - who would have thought but the do look pretty together. Go on over to the Play Date Cafe and see how others combined these 3 colors.

The Wednesday challenge last week at OWH was a monochromatic card. I'm not crazy about this completed card but I do like elements of it - the colors, the DP, the tag/ribbon - but it didn't come together like I wanted it to.

I've not kept up with my Christmas cards either. But, I'm happy to say that this card can be used for both the Jingle Belles' and Hazel's challenges.

enjoy your day and thanks for stopping by. Susan

Best Friends

2011-04-29T23:37:00.003-04:00

The challenge over at The Paper Variety is to use polka dots. It may be hard to see but the light paper has dots on it. The flower border I just got today from Scrapbucks.com. I ordered it yesterday and got it today!! Great service. And it was on sale - you know I love a sale.

Keep your heart open and let your creativity change someone's life. Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Happy Easter!!

2011-04-23T22:42:00.000-04:00

Cards 4-23

2011-04-23T18:11:00.002-04:00

Today was scrap day in the scrap room. I was determined to get through the pile of scraps on my table without pulling out any new paper. I made several cards with scraps but the pile is still there. I guess I need to work some more!

I got a roll of crepe paper ribbon (blue, green, red, white, tan) and this reddish ribbon in a bag from the thrift store - there was was some pink in various widths. All for under $2. I go in there about once a month to see what crafty supplies I can find.

I was at a crop with my good friend Pati last weekend. We were cleaning up our spaces and she tossed her scraps over to me and said "I know you'll want to use these." Aww, she knows me well :)

Tomorrow is Easter and I wish all of you a blessed day. Remember amidst the fun of bunnies and eggs and chocolate and pretty dresses and hats (do you still buy little girls hats for Easter??) and family dinners, that this is the celebration of Jesus paying the price for our sins - dying and rising from the dead.

Keep your hearts open and let your creativity change someone's life. Thanks for stopping by, Susan

TPV Challenge

2011-04-20T13:16:00.003-04:00

challenge for this week is something with numbers. I just finished this layout this weekend (since it is less than 2 weeks old, I can use it - Thanks)

I did fix the "gccn" to be "gccs" - GCCN is our church and GCCS is the school :P

Learning to love page maps so my layouts look good rather than cluttered and all over the place!

Moxie Fab World Challenge

2011-04-19T20:31:00.004-04:00

Isn't this beautiful. Love the colors ... so summery. I'm definitely ready for Spring to be here. Our weather forecast is rain, rain and then some more rain - for the next MONTH. Our gardens should be beautiful (if April showers bring May flowers).

The Play Date Cafe Challenge

2011-04-19T20:24:00.004-04:00

This is the challenge over at The Play Date Cafe - My card below uses these colors.

More scrap pages

2011-04-18T21:31:00.004-04:00

Busy day at work today but the adrenaline carried over until tonight and I got a few layouts done.

I'm wondering why my sisters got the pretty dresses and I'm a little more casual!

Someone I used to work with lost her mother recently. Sympathy cards are not my favorite but this one is so pretty. Maybe I can copy it for birthday or anniversary cards.

Thanks for stopping by. Keep your heart open and let your creativity change a life. Susan

Got busy!

2011-04-17T18:42:00.006-04:00

I had a rough week. My boss and friend Jim Fry passed away on Monday and his service was Friday. Those who spoke captured his spirit - it was a nice good-bye.

I finally got to work. My friend Pati invited me to a crop last night - Columbus Scrappers. Got me moving again. This first page is my son at work.

A family picnic. One of the rare times all my brothers and sisters were together in one place for a group picture.

I saw this sketch and knew I had pictures that would fit it. Love my little guy in his Browns' gear. I can't wait to have a grandson who can wear these!

As you can see, I'm scrapping old pictures. My son is 21 :)

When I first started scrapping, I put lots of pictures on a page - very distracting. Now I'm going back and picking out some of my favorites to re-scrap.

I love this page. I saw this layout on the web somewhere and knew I had to do it with a picture of my sisters. I don't stamp much on my layouts but I like they way it turned out. Those flowers are my own creation.

My husband's mother said she fix him anything he wanted for dinner for his birthday. When the 3 boys heard it was cabbage rolls, this was their reaction. They are looking at the adults at the table like we are crazy. They each eventually tried the cabbage rolls and decided they weren't so bad!

I participated in a swap last year. We were to make cards based on a Proverbs 31. Each of us had one verse. The directions did not specify which direction we were to make our cards so they were made both horizontal and vertical! How to bind them? I've had them clipped together in a pile for so long. I've just started putting up pictures/decor in my scrap room and decided to hang these from string - like a clothes line. I may just put up more of this "clothes line" so I can display some of my scrap pages.

I have a pile of scrap paper that I need to either put away or use. Hopefully this week I'll get some cards made. Thanks for stopping by. Susan

Too busy to scrap

2011-04-03T17:02:00.003-04:00

I've been too busy (and too tired) to scrap. My husband decided this weekend was Spring cleaning. When he decides to clean, it is all the way - moving furniture (including washer/dryer) and everything. It's all good.

I have a trade show Thur-Sun this coming week so I doubt I'll get anything done in the scrap room until later next week.

Lamentations 3:21-24 "Yet hope returns when I remember this one thing: The LORD's unfailing love and mercy still continue, Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. The LORD is all I have, and so in him I put my hope." (GNT)

Need some prayer

2011-03-29T21:00:00.004-04:00

My boss, who is more than boss, he's been a big part of my life for 18 years, is terminally ill. Jim only has a short while (Hospice is coming in) before passing from this life to his eternal home with Father. He has made a huge impact in the lives of some many people - mine included.

He has been a friend, a mentor, a confidant, a boss, a brother, a father-figure. My first real glimpse of his generosity was right after I started working with him. My mother was having emergency surgery in Louisiana and I wanted to get there quick but didn't have money on my credit card to buy the airline ticket. Without missing a beat, he passed his credit card over the desk and said not to worry about paying him back. When I could, would be okay.

He's been a mentor to a lot of people - on purpose and sometimes just through association with him. He has been working with The Refuge - an organization that takes broken men and guides them to wholeness. The change in the lives of these men would light Jim on fire - he loved to see them transform into productive, responsible, strong Christian men.

Please pray for relief from the pain he is in and for strength in faith. Pray for his wife Nancy as she has endured so much and will miss him so much. Pray for his daughters and grandchildren. And I ask you pray for me. This has been an emotional journey for me as I take care of running the business and preparing to purchase it.

My heart is heavy tonight. I'm not an emotional person but the knot at the end of the rope is slipping. I know the Lord is with Jim and his family and will give them (and all of us who are affected) comfort and peace because He is Faithful and promised that He would never leave us. I just felt like I needed to ask for prayer (it is hard for me to ask for help).

OWH box ready to go

2011-03-28T22:35:00.003-04:00

I wanted to get another box of cards to OperationWriteHome.org; however, I hadn't done any Hero cards lately so that's what I worked on tonight. I think this stamp set from Stampin Up is awesome. I'm not a colorer but I do okay coloring the stamps.

I typed up a short note for the inside and included a couple of pages of Sudoku puzzles.

I'm so proud of the men and women who serve in our military. I'm humbled by their sacrifice and dedication. I recognize the sacrifice of their families and friends. Thank you...words cannot express our gratitude for your service.

This is how my creativity is changing lives...let me know how yours is :)

Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Got some cards done 3-27-11

2011-03-27T18:55:00.003-04:00

I was glad to be in my scrap room today. I got got up on some challenges.

This first one is for the TicTacToe challenge at The Paper Variety. I chose the column for Sentiment, Card, Scallops and created this masculine card for OperationWriteHome.org

This next card is for the OWH Stars & Stamps challenge - Sketch 62.

This card is for the challenge at The Play Date Cafe. I cut the card using a lattice pattern on the Cricut.

I wasn't going to do this challenge because I don't normally do square cards - but that was the challenge at CraftyHazelNut's challenge. But since I cut the card wrong for the the lattice and it came out a square, I decided to jump right in.

This card for Jingle Belles challenge was to use holly and ivy. I love this wreath and used the Cricut to cut out the Merry Christmas. The ribbon was a scrap from a friend and I love it. I'll have to keep my eyes open for more of it.

It was a nice day. Keep my boss, Jim, and his wife, Nancy, in your prayers.

Keep your heart open and let your creativity change a life. Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Lots of cards

2011-03-22T20:11:00.004-04:00

I got lots of cards done over the weekend. I took Thurs, Fri and Mon off - scrappy weekend. And on Saturday I spent the day making cards with some really great women at GC Naz.

I didn't like this paper whole but cut down to card size it looks neat.

This is my favorite of the weekend.

This is for a challenge on OWH - scallops (but I may have missed posting)!

I'll have to find my notes to give credit on the cards I cased. Thanks for stopping by.

Keep your heart open and you may change a life. Susan

Cards 3-15-11

2011-03-15T22:41:00.002-04:00

It's Tuesday night and NCIS and NCIS LA are on - we watch them as a family. But tonight they were reruns - what to do?? The guys were watching Blue Jackets hockey so I headed to my scrap room.

I am using up more scraps. These letters were given to me and I decided I was going to use them somehow on cards. Had to play with spelling and making some letters into others but I like they way they came out.

Isn't this mom card pretty?

This heart has glitter on it and I debated using it. I rubbed it on my sleeve to see if the glitter would come off. It didn't but I decided to use Diamond Glaze over it anyway. Better safe than sorry :)

These cards are for a challenge over at OWH Stars & Stripes.

Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Happy Sunday!

2011-03-13T20:14:00.004-04:00

It was a happy Sunday today. I went to church this morning and Pastor Dale had an excellent sermon. I came home and spent most of the day in my scrap room. Got lots of work done (as you will see). Thank you Pati for all the yummy supplies you gave me - I used a lot of the scraps to make these cards.

Kris Allan with OperationWriteHome.org posted this on facebook:

"I've been using the cards you sent us for months to write my family and friends at home. Just this week we got another box from you and I had to write a thank you. It is always nice for people at home to receive a written message - it's much more personal - and fun for us to get any kind of mail. So thank you!! Thank you for supporting us, for the wonderfully made cards that make Hallmark look cheap, and for being a great American. Thanks so much from all of us in Afghanistan." K.L., USAF

This is why I make these cards. Change a life with your creativity. Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Christmas, Dots, & Get Well, O My

2011-03-11T21:26:00.003-05:00

I had a few challenges to catch up on!

This first one is for Jingle Belles color challenge

The background is a piece of vellum embossed - neat look.

This next card is for the OWH challenge - use polka dots.

I got my inspiration from A Colourful World blog.

And last but certainly not least is my Get Well card for The Paper Variety blog.

My inspiration came from this site. I think my sunburst border needs a little glitz. I think I'll either spritz it with Glimmer Mist or ink it with gold.

Thanks for stopping by. Susan

Another challenge card - 3-9-11

2011-03-09T21:31:00.005-05:00

I've decided to try some more challenges - just because they are so much fun and make me think outside the box.

This challenge is the Tuesday Trigger at Moxie Fab World. Isn't this just the sweetest picture!

So all day I've been thinking about this card and it was gorgeous! Then I get home to put it on paper and .... well, not so. I've decided that I'm just not a tear-er. I can never get it to look nice like I've seen on some many other cards.

The the flowers gave me fits - my hands are just too big for such delicate work. I started with beautiful button flowers from Stampin Up but they were too big for the bench. Then I punched them with a Stampin Up mini flower punch - still too big. Then I remembered my flower hole punch - perfect size.

I may retry this card without the tearing - maybe cut a border around the edges with the Cricut.

I got the background stamp out and thought to myself, "self, why did you buy this stamp" but then I see it under the flowers and I really like it. It is stamped on vellum and then attached to the pink cardstock.

Thanks for stopping by. Keep your heart open, you may change a life with your creativity, Susan

Black & White with a splash of color

2011-03-08T20:56:00.003-05:00

Entering a challenge at The Play Date Cafe - black and white with a splash of color.

Love this card.

Lots of cards 3-6-11

2011-03-06T19:04:00.004-05:00

Hello. I hope you had a great weekend. Mine was restful and I got a lot of cards done. I'm happy to say that I have a box of 131 cards going to OperationWriteHome.org tomorrow.

Here are some cards I did. I copied this from Scrapping The Magic and love this technique to make the petals.

Take 8 circles of doubled sided patterned paper (or glue 2 sheets together like I did on 2 of these); I used a 2" punch. I scored each side with my paper cutter and an embossing tool. I then punched a whole near the end of each one (actually did 4 at a time with my Big Bite). the scalloped circle in the center is 1.75" and I punched a hole in it too - then used the brad to put them all together.

This one I used one-sided paper but inked the blank side.

This card was done for the OWH sketch challenge - you can see the sketch here.

This card is for Hazel's Christmas card challenge. Use an embossing technique.

These next cards were inspired by Paper Therapy Ponderings Blog. I found her and Scrapping the Magic while going thru a couple of blog hops this weekend. Blog hops are a good way to see the work of many different crafters.

The stamp is my from new stash from Stampin Up. Love this little birdie. Was going to put a sentiment on it, but I just couldn't do another step! I made 3 each of the four color combos.

I wish I could stay home and scrap tomorrow but that's not going to happen - work calls.

Keep your heart open and change a life with your creativity. Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Blog Hop fun 3-5-11

2011-03-05T18:24:00.002-05:00

If you have some time and want to see some great cards, head over to Stars & Stamps to start the blog hop - there are 133 participants. I was working on my scrap pile making cards while I was hopping - sometimes my computer connection made the download slow. By the way, many of the blogs have candy to give away!

On this card, I had made the lavendar trim for a scrap page and didn't like it so it went to the scrap pile. I decided it was time to use it up. Isn't that yellow trim with the balls cute. I've been waiting to use it on something!

These stamps are from Stampin Up and they are new for me. I just love the cake line-up and birthdays are always days for more than just slivers :)

This card started with the scrap CS on the left and I started added ribbons until the card was filled up.

And here's my craft table. I need work harder on either using up those scraps or sorting them back into their files.

Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Challenge 3-4-11

2011-03-04T23:11:00.004-05:00

I liked this layout from yesterday so much that I wanted to use it again. A little different.

I bought this gorgeous JilliBean paper at my LSS (Red Letter Journals) and couldn't wait to use it. LOVE IT.

Notice my "h"s are different. I made 8 of these cards and didn't have enough letters so I used a "y" for an "h".

This card is for the newest challenge at Jingle Belles - use "home" as the theme. This is a picture of me, 2 of my brothers and 1 of my sisters at Grandma's house for Christmas. My idea of home and Christmas is children celebrating the holidays with their families of all generations.

Well, last night of little sleep is finally doing me in. My husband got home at 6:00 a.m. which means he was gone for over 24 hours working. I heard him come in (he was cleaning the kitchen...I'm thankful but I think it is bordering on a compulsion (or compelsion as Barney Fife would say)). I got up at 7:30 and went to work for 1/2 the day and then came home to take a nap.

Do you watch Who Do You Think You Are - the show where they trace celebrities ancestors? Tonight was Lionel Richie's story and it was a good one.

Tomorrow is breakfast with the hubby and then looking through shops in GC. Trying to find a footstool for the family room and artwork for above our bed. I saw a neat window from an old house that had a ribbon and maybe some greenery but hat he nixed that few months ago. Maybe we'll find a set of pictures. It's only been 9 years since we moved here so I guess a few more weeks (or months) without the finished decorations in my bedroom won't be so bad :)

Keep your heart open...you may be able to change a life. Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Challenge cards 3-3-11

2011-03-03T21:29:00.005-05:00

What an evening - my son worked til 9:30 and then heads to a friend's house (and no amount of fake tears would keep him home with me) and my husband who goes to work at 5:30 a.m. and is usually home at 4:30 is still at work (and it's 10 p.m.). He may be there all night. I don't like being home alone...but I'll be fine. I just won't go to sleep anytime soon :)

Okay, on to challenges. I missed a few challenges this past week so I wanted to get caught up while I was watching American Idol. Just watched Jennifer Lopez' new video. She is an amazing singer but I'm surprised to see this type of video during a "family" show. I think they even had to bleep out some of it. Oh well, back to the challenges.

Here is my Christmas card for both Jingle Belles and CraftyHazelnut's challenges. Jingle Belles was to use text and Hazel's was to use a sentiment. Two challenges...one card - gotta love it.

The card base is white and then I layered it with a dark blue cardstock spritz with Angel Mist. I then stamped both images on vellum. I like the look but I need a bolder white ink - I think this is a chalk.

My next card is for The Paper Variety challenge which was to use green (at least 50%). I copied Leora Sanford's card from Scrapbooks Etc. Not crazy about how the flower center looks. Need to get it on the corner a little better but I think this is a repeater (just not all green).

You can't see it but I stamped the vellum leaves and then negative stamped them (I think that's what it's called). I stamped a large flower with white ink and then took a flourish stamp with no ink and stamped the petals. When I stamped the flower on the vellum you could see the flourish pattern.

This last card is for the OperationWriteHome.org Stars & Stamps blog challenge for Mother's Day cards. I got inspiration from Kim Moreno's card on Jillibean Soup's blog.

The words are printed from my computer on transparency. I crocheted the flowers :) Mother's day cards are hard for me...I lost my Mom 3 years ago. I didn't really start making cards until after she died so she didn't get any of my homemade ones. She would have liked this one.

Okay, on to happier things! Loving this spring-like weather we are having - I hope the sun keeps shining through the weekend. I may open the window in the scrap room and create.

Keep your heart open and create something that will change someone's life. Thanks for stopping by, Susan

Happy Sunday to everyone

2011-02-27T14:42:00.006-05:00

I enjoyed the day on Saturday scrapping at church with old and new friends and my sister. I got several pages done and one card.

I loved these pictures showing different generations in our family. The color picture is my Grandmother, my mom, my sister and my niece (my brother's daughter). The larger picture is my great grandmother, my great aunt, my mom and her sisters.

Grandparents are so important. Theses are my grandparents on my Dad's side and my grandfather's grandparents.

These are my mom's parents and grandparents.

I saw this paper and immediately thought of these pictures. My husband and son playing in the snow. How I wish for those sweet days back...one day I'll get to relive them with my grandchildren.

My sister and I went to the Zoo for the lights on Honda night (she works for Honda). It was very pretty. The night would have been perfect if it hadn't been drizzling and had I remembered my camera. These pictures were taken with my phone.

Neuschwaunstein Castle and Cinderalla's castle in Disney. I got to visit both.

I got a lot done in a day...can't wait for the next all day crop.

thanks for stopping by, Susan

President's Day cards

2011-02-21T19:13:00.003-05:00

Got a lot of work done today. Several sets of cards for OperationWriteHome.org and pictures organized for scrapping next weekend at the all-day crop at church.

I got the first two of these designs from Cards. This first one is thanks to Kesket Shenkar Starr

I got this idea from the Stampin Up catalog - to use the tags.

Keep your heart open and create something that will change someone's life. Susan

challenge cards 2-19-11

2011-02-19T18:38:00.005-05:00

Why do Saturdays go by so quickly? I enjoyed breakfast with my husband this morning and then went to Red Letter Journal (my LSS) with my friend Pati, and then came home to play in my scrap room!

I got this music paper online in a digital file so I can print it off in any size. Love it!

Here my card based on the challenge at Jingle Belles. If you haven't visited this blog yet, get your Christmas stash out and join us in making a card a week. I've already got a stash of cards ready for this Christmas :)

Another Christmas card challenge site is Hazel's blog. Her challenge this week is "the white stuff." Use white on your card. My base is white with a dark blue layer and white paper with the song printed and embossed vellum overlay

Do you like my angel? She was so easy to make. I copied her from Becca's blog and she was so easy to make. I think you'll enjoy Becca's blog - her cards are fabulous!

I'm excited about having a 3-day weekend. I bought some new supplies from Custom Crops, Red Letter Journal, Stampin Up, Michaels...can't wait to start using it all.

Keep your heart open and let your creativity change someone's life. Thanks for stopping by, Susan

challenge cards 2-17-11

2011-02-17T22:50:00.004-05:00

I haven't been feeling so great this week but I knew time spent in my scrap room would perk me up. I had some challenges to get caught up on.

This card is for Hazel's challenge to "feature a creature". I don't get to use my wise men on camels stamp too often! I used vintage brads from Stampin Up - my order came today!! My first compulsion was to save them...but for what? What's the point of having really great stuff if I'm going to hoard it?

This card is doing double duty on the Stars & Stamps blog. I'm using it for the sketch 56 challenge and the masculine card challenge. The truck stamp is from Stampin Up.

This card is for the Paper Variety week 21 sketch challenge. I'm not so happy with the way it turned out. I love everything except the red paper. I should have made that "border" thinner.

I got a new laptop a little while ago and I'm still organizing my files. I back-up my laptop fairly regularly and when I bought this new one, I decided to restore the files to it. Well, it restored it all right. I have everything ever saved on that back-up drive back on my computer - including deleted files and duplicate files (where I moved them from one folder to another). I'm sure there was a smarter way to do it.

Anyhoo, while reorganizing my folders, I found a digital image with the happy birthday circles on them and decided to use them on a card. I really like the way it turned out.

Sorry about the picture quality. My camera is downstairs and I'm just too lazy to go get it. Fortunately my phone was in my scrap room so I could at least get this entered into the challenges.

I'm definitely ready for bed.

Thanks for stopping by. Remember to keep your heart open...your creativity could change a person's life. Susan

Love You card

2011-02-15T20:26:00.003-05:00

I CASEd this card from Dawn McVey out of CARDS magazine.

Isn't this angel adorable. I found it on Becca's blog and had to recreate it. I went to Hobby Lobby and all the components were 1/2 off! Can't wait to make a card using it.

I finally figured out the crocheted flowers. Found the crochet string at the thrift store (of all places) and I'm making flowers of all colors and combinations! I'll have to break down and actually buy string at Joannes if I decide to make different colors (all I have are blue, cream, red).

The pattern I'm using (thanks to Chat's Blog, Me, My Stamps & I) is:
chain 4 - connect to form ring
chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet (DC); DC 14 (total of 15); slip stitch in top chain
{chain 2, 1 DC in first DC; 2 triple crochet (TC) in next DC; DC in next DC, chain 2 and slip in same DC} (pattern worked within 3 DC)
repeat { } to form 5 petals

I used a #5 crochet hook (tiny).

Challenge cards

2011-02-11T21:16:00.005-05:00

Back in the scrap room! I was rushing to get my challenge cards done so I could watch CSI NY with my husband. He worked late so we didn't get to eat together and I went upstairs right when he got home, so I wanted to spend some time before I went to bed!

This card is for Stars & Stamps blog - use red, white, blue and kraft.

For the Jingle Belles challenge, we were to make a Christmas card using NO RED. This card is purple (even though it looks blue). Most of my embellies that I wanted to use on this card had a little of red in them. Ladies, you weren't kidding when you said red is the most popular Christmas card.

For my final card tonight, The Paper Variety challenged us to make a card (or layout) using a cupcake.

I copied this idea from StacysFire at ArtFire.com

I hope to spend more time in my room tomorrow after book club, cleaning, and laundry.

Happy Birthday

2011-02-11T18:23:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday (yesterday) to my Son, David. He turned 21...which is hard to believe since I don't think I'm old enough for a child that age (at least I don't FEEL that old).

Cards 2-6-11 Sunday Cards

2011-02-06T17:02:00.002-05:00

I spent some time straightening my scrap room. It was getting rather messy. I still need to get the vacuum in here! I did get some cards done. Here are two. The second one is the for the Stars & Stamps challenge.

Blog Candy

2011-02-05T21:53:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted about blog candy. Head over to Outside My Window and take a look.

When you leave comment, please be sure to let Jennifer know I sent you.

Another Christmas card

2011-02-05T14:37:00.006-05:00

Over at Hazel's challenge blog, we are to use a digi. The picture on the nativity scene is from my digital camera and the overlay is from a free digi I got somewhere (sorry, I don't know who to give credit to).

I may have to take a nap before I can work on more cards! See ya later, Susan

Challenge Cards 2-5-11

2011-02-04T20:45:00.004-05:00

Good Evening my friends. It's been a long week and I'm glad the weekend is here. I hope to catch up on some sleep. Planned on leaving work at noon so I could get some errands done before I got home. Did leave early...3:00! Oh well, I'm happy that we are busy - it's better than having no work and no income.

On to the challenges. The first one is from The Paper Variety - create using this picture as inspiration:

Here is my take:

One of my errands today was going to the thrift store to find old books with yellowed pages that I could use to make flowers. I love books...it was so hard to tear out that first page and punch out the scalloped circles. My next quest is to find old hymnals so I can use the pages as background papers.

My next challenge was for Jingle Belles - create a card inspired by the song Baby It's Cold Outside. i found the lavender ribbon (both top and bottom) at the thrift shop too.

I also bought a bathroom shelf - it has 4 cubbies over the towel rack. I want to turn it upside down and do some altering. once I get it made and hung on the wall in my scrap room, I'll share a picture.

Thanks for stopping by. Remember to keep your heart open...your creativity could change a person's life. Susan