Birthday Card

Today is a co-worker's birthday. I made this card for her. She is in love with purple and angels. I don't have an appropriate angel stamp for her, but I thought that the Beautiful Butterflies Die was perfect with a little scrap vellum, a whisper of beauty, a simple thought. I embossed the sentiment for a little bit more punch.

Paper: Basic Gray, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White, Walk In the Park DSP
Stamps: Congrats (SAB 2008)
Ink: VersaMark
Accessories: White Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Beautiful Butterflies Sizzix Die, BigShot, Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon

Card Class/Party!!

If you know me and are relatively close, you've received a card or other item from me, maybe a Post-It Note Holder or desk set, a box of cards, or maybe a bag of gift cards. If you know me, you know I enjoy rubber stamping. It's cathartic, it's about the only thing that I have that's even partially mine.

So, next Saturday, August 8th, I'm having a class/party at my house to learn why I like Stampin' Up! and all it has to offer. You can come and meet new people, or learn something new about someone you already know. Have some snacks, and take home some great projects.

What: Card Party!!
Where: My House
When: August 8, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to noon
Cost: $8.00 (payable via cash, check or PayPal) by August 5th
RSVP: Call by August 1, 2009, to save your spot! (661) 979-4081

Here are a few sneak peaks of the projects we will be doing, just a peak!

Final Deal of the Week - Heart to Heart Punch

Heart To Heart Punch

Regular Price: $15.99

Sale Price: $10.99

"When your heart is full, you often want to show it.Punches are a quick and easy way to add interest, dimension, and color to your cards, tags, and scrapbook pages. You can glue punched shapes directly onto your projects or layer a sheet of cardstock that has been punched over a coordinating card stock for a reverse effect.

You can contact me directly at ambercerda@hotmail.com or pick up your punch here.

Deal of the Week - Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware

Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware

Regular Price: $29.95

Sale Price: $18.99

That's over 30% off!! A great deal!!

Our Hodgepodge Hardware Kits are an amazing value - each kit contains approximately 200 pieces of hardware! It includes an assortment of holders and brads. Create memorable gifts, cards, scrapbook pages and handmade books with these must have accents!

To place your order, click here.

August Challenge

July is coming to a quick end, can you believe it????
Our August challenge is coming up, and I got to pick for this month. So, I picked butterflies.
I'm quite excited; I've seen some amazing work with embellishments and different tools to create some beautiful works of art.
One difference this month regarding our challenge: All of our submissions will be donated to Cardsforheroes.org. It's important to me that our Armed Forces are remembered. So many come back with emotional and mental issues, including physical, that they need us. A small token for their major sacrifice...
If you would like to join in our submission to our servicemembers, please forward your cards to:

Amber Cerda

7812 Big Bear Street

Bakersfield, CA 93307

Remember - no glitter (including Dazzling Diamonds)

I am hoping to have them all in so that they can go back in the mail by August 31st.

Remember, the new catalog is live so all the new papers and stamps are available. You can place an order here.

July Deal of the Week #3

Square Fire Rhinestone Brads!

Regular Price: $10.99

On Sale: $6.99

Brads are a fun addition to any project, and these Rhinestone brads add extra fun and sparkle. Rhinestone brads coordinate with Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive colors, so there's no need to guess about what colors to use your brads with.

■ Square brads: Approximately 80 per package (4 colors in 2 sizes)

■ Fire assortment coordinates with the following colors:

Pink: Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Pretty In Pink, Regal Rose and Rose Red

Red: Real Red

Yellow: Summer Sun and YoYo Yellow

Pumpkin: Pumpkin Pie

As you may notice, I love brads...they are a great way to add character to your project...a little "bling" never hurt anyone!

You can place your order here!

Look at What My Husband Made Me!

See? See?

Ooooh, I love it. He gets frustrated when I pull my stuff out, sprawl it all over the kitchen table and then keep getting up to watch the kids, stir a pot or fold some clothes. My ribbon was in some little organizers...but with kids and no time...it ended up looking like a rat's nest!

So, yesterday he took two rolls of ribbon out into the garage (You better bring that back without GREASE!!!) and made me the ribbon holder. I love it! I do believe that this little gift has won him a pan of brownies...just as soon as the temperature goes down.

A Loss...

Remember I told you about the woman who had a severe brain injury and had to learn how to LIVE all over again (see here)? Her mother passed away...

I am emotional - I am heart-broken for her and her family. I am angry. I see my babies and want to hold them, I want to remind them that I will always be here, even though I truly might not be. I want to sit next to my mom and have her stroke my head...but I'll settle for sitting here and listening to her breathe on the other end of the phone.

The funeral is tomorrow, and I cannot bring myself to go. It should be a private moment, and I don't want to be there, a distraction, while this amazing, inspiring woman tells her mother "bye" for the last time...I cry just sitting here typing it.

I'm sending her a card...just to let her know that she and her family are in my thoughts and in my prayers...

"In our hearts, we all know that death is a part of life. In fact, death gives meaning to our existence because it reminds us how precious life is."

Mojo Monday #94

I seen this week's sketch and I HAD to play!

So, here is my submission:

Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Whisper White and Razzleberry Lemonade DSP

Ink: Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry and Crushed Curry

Accessories: Rich Razzleberry 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Ticket Punch, Dimensionals

I made this card for a co-worker who just had an appendectomy. I hope she recovers well.

SU! Big Shot Die Pack Give Away!!!

http://www.stampinaddicts.com/ has so many great ideas using the Stampin' Up! Big Shot AND is giving away a Big Shot Die Pack as part of the Stampin' Up! summer celebration. To enter, all you have to do is blog about it, post about it on Facebook, or Twitter about it. Then, contact SA and let them know about your entry. This is my entry! I hope I win!!

Ribbon Share

Just wanted to post a picture of the Ribbon Share, which I am currently putting out there:

So Cute! I wish someone was my demo and would package something cute for me!

This is a yard of each color for $6.00, $2.50 for shipping. You can contact me directly at ambercerda@hotmail.com if you wish to participate, or are interested in participating in a paper/button/brad share.

Tri-Fold Shutter Card

I finally did it! I was so inspired by Sandy Hancock's blog with her cards that I just had to try to make the Tri-Fold Shutter card. I spent most of Sunday working on it, a little bit of Monday morning before work, and finally finished it this morning before I left for work.

What do you think?

I would love to post the recipe for this card but it was a gift/kit. I do know that it was the Tickled Pink kit from Close to My Heart. I used my SU! Stampin' Pastels, the Ticket Punch, and of course dimensionals. I also used my Dazzlin' Diamonds and a 2-way Glue Pen.

Week 2: SU! Weekly Deal

This week's deal is the Sizzix Big Shot Doctor's Bag. It is normally $69.95, but for this week only it is on sale for $49.99!

I know many stamper's that make use of this bag, as a tote to stuff their supplies in while on the go, and also as a personal travel bag, to use while attending conventions and other "weekend" trips.

Remember - these deals are only good for one week, so don't let them get past you!

"Happy Birthday, Human"

Isn't this the cutest? AND, it's masculine!

I love it. It's for a co-worker's little boy who is turning 11. We are going over for dinner tomorrow so I worked on this little gift card holder for him. You can get the instructions for this cute idea here.

Paper: Basic Gray, Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Bashful Blue, Real Red

Stamps: Lots of Bots

Accessories: Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals, atyou Spica Red, Crystal Glaze, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch

Independence Day

"It is easy to take Liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you." Dick Cheney
I served my Country, I am a U.S. Marine. My husband served, and together, We Stand. Every Fourth of July comes, we take it to heart. Some of our family members have served, Marines Corps, Army, and Air Force. We have friends that have served, that still serve to this day. We know all too well the effects of war; the losses that can be suffered. To us, it is not just about hot dogs and Kool-Aid. We know. We feel it deep in our blood. We raise our flag proudly, we hold hands and pray.

Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.
Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.
If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.
Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.
(A Marine's Prayer)

And we remind ourselves to be humble, WE are the lucky ones.

I hope you enjoyed the day, I hope you stayed safe. And I hope you remembered to be Thankful

Mojo Monday - #93

Lucky for me, I had the day off! I was quite excited about having the day off all week, I had planned to work on a submission for Mojo Monday, work on my challenge for July, and try to figure out the Tri-Fold Shutter Card. But, life, of course, intervened. DD went to art camp and we had to pick her up by noon, DH wanted to go to Costco, everyone needed lunch, someone decided they needed cheesecake...life.

I didn't get everything done that I wanted to, but I did get these two cranked out for this week's Mojo Monday Challenge. I really feel inspired by these card sketches, and I hope that I am able to participate by creating at least one card a week.

Here is the sketch for this week:
And, here are my cards that I did:

I made two, I really wanted to create today, but, like I said, Life happened.

Paper: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Candy Cane DSP
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Basic Black, Bashful Blue
Stamps: The More the Merrier
Accessories: Scallop Square Nestabilities, Scalloop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Rhinestone Brads, Basic Narrows Grosgrain ribbon (Michael's), Dimensionals, Blender Pens, Sizzix Texture Background 1

Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Green Galore, Rainbow Sherbet DSP
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore, Chocolate Chip, YoYo Yellow, Basic Black, Basic Gray, Copic E00
Stamps: Domestic Goddess (Hanna Stamps)
Accessories: Spots & Dots (Cuttlebug/Provo Craft), Curling Ribbon, Clear Dew Drops (Robin's Nest), Blender Pens, Pixie Pink Fun Flock, Scallop Circle, Circle, and Classic Oval Nestabilities, Zip Dry Paper Glue, 2-Way Glue Pen

June's Challenge

June's Challenge was a beach theme. We had a member of our group bow out; life happens and sometimes we need to take a break to remember what our points are.

Here are the pictures: Bonnie's cards are first.

Here are my mom's cards:

And, here are mine:

Paper: Night of Navy, Brocade Blue, and Whisper White Ink: Pumpkin Pie, and Kiwi Kiss Stamps: Ocean Commotion Accessories: Stickles (Crystal), Circle Scissor Plus

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Bashful Blue Stamps: Ocean Commotion Accessories: Circle Scissors Plus, Black Brads, Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Blue Pad, Black Chunky Glitter

Paper: Whisper White, Glorious Green, Kiwi Kiss, Lavender Lace, and Bashful Blue Ink: Basic Black, Real Red Stamps: Little Things Matter (CTMH), Sushi Bowl Party (Stampendous) Accessories: Stampin' Pastels, ZooBalloo (Cricut), and Stretch Your Imagination (Cricut), Zip Dry Paper Glue, and Sand from My Kids Shoes (really!)

I had a lot of fun creating these cards, I hope you like what we did!

Rite Aid Deals!

Remember...I'm on a budget. Pretty tight to my budget from a month ago...now we are a single income family and, that income? It's mine. The little paycheck. The one that used to be used for "fun" stuff. We are managing. We are enjoying eachother. We are eating a ton of Otter Pops (Hey! It's been over 100 degrees here for two weeks!!) and drinking lots of Kool-Aid. We are "going back to basics", which, honestly, this little family really needed.

Really, I came to show you the deal I got at Rite Aid yesterday! Not one of those perfect deals that you see on Money Saving Mom or Deal Seeking Mom, but still, a good deal.

You see?

Out of Pocket I paid $10.36 for all this stuff! Can you believe it? I love Rite-Aid. They are a little bit pricier than some of the other stores out there...but, if you find some great coupons, you can really take advantage of the deals they are offering. The 2 deodorants? I had 2 coupons for $2.00 off for them (regular $9.49). (Hey, remember I said it's been over 100 degrees here, I need some heavy duty protection!!) And the razor? $9.99, minus $2.00 with another coupon I got from the paper. But, here's the kicker: Rite Aid offers REBATES! Yup, every month they put out a little catalog with deals for rebates. Some of them last all month, some only last a week. But, if you get the catalog and match up their rebates and sales with your coupons, *magic* can happen. This week they are offering a $5.00 rebate for the Venus razor (limit 1), and a $5.00 rebate for Dove Clinical deodorant (limit 2). So, in two weeks I will get a check for $15.00!

Not too bad, huh.

New Catty and July Weekly Deals!

The new catalog is LIVE! Check out the side bar where you can download it and drool (just not on the keyboard, okay?) all over it. Loving the new stamp sets...I've been inspired! I still have a few catalogs left, so if you decide that drooling over your computer is not enough, contact me. For $10.00 you get the catalog AND a New Catalog Survivor Kit...something I found will help ease your transition from the old catalog to the new one. Contact me directly at ambercerda@hotmail.com.


July is going to be great for Stampin'Up! This month they are having weekly deals: every week they will offer something for a great, almost unbelievable, discount. This week? The Scallop Edge Punch! I love this thing! And right now, you can get your very own for $10.99! This punch usually costs $15.95. If you have been on the fence for this, now is the time to get it!!

Also, this month I'm offering a RIBBON SHARE! For $6.00 you will get 1 yard of each new InColor ribbon. (If it needs to be mailed, add $2.50 for shipping) Ribbon is awesome! You can change the entire look of a card simply by using ribbon; a great embellishment to any project! If you are interested, e-mail me for information on how to pay for the ribbon.



Last but not least, I would love to hear from you! Are you interested in a Paper Share? This could be any paper: Designer Series Paper, Cardstock (textured or not), even Vellum! How about a Button Share? Another Ribbon Share with different ribbons? Your thoughts are always welcome. With the economy being the way it is, I know all about having to make sacrifices. However, I am also quite aware of the benefits of having a hobby. Helping you to continue to create, regardless of budget, is my goal.