Birthday Mojo 414

I turned 36 today.

I got to enjoy a simple day with my husband and my kids.  Ate good, home-made food.  Watched football.  Counted my many blessings.

I made this card earlier this week for a birthday twin...another lady who shares the date with me.  Someone who has given me good council on being a mother to a daughter, and numerous other things.

Stamps:Celebrate Today
Ink: Basic Black (Archival) and VersaMark
Paper:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Tip Top Taupe, Go Wild DSP, and Gold Foil
Accessories:  Balloon Framelits, Banner Framelits, Bitty Banners Framelits, Gold Emboss Powder, Whisper White Baker's Twine, Dimensionals

A Holiday Mini Sneak Peak!!

The new holiday catalog comes out on the 1st - are you excited!!  I am!!  I ordered a bunch of fall themed items and have been having so much fun playing with my new toys.

Here is my card I created for the Mojo Monday 412 challenge.  Very simple.  I love Mojo Monday - a great card sketch blog that you can use to help you get your ideas out on paper.

Ink:  Archival Basic Black, Soft Suede, Tangelo Twist
Paper:  Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, and Daffodil Delight; Into the Woods DSP
Stamps:  Acorny Thank You
Accessories:  Into the Woods 3/8 Cotton Ribbon, Circle Framelits, Acorn Builder Punch, Dimensionals

I'm Baaaack!!!

So, it's been awhile.

Ha, not just awhile.  It's been YEARS.

Life happens.

Isn't that the truth?  Life is complicated, messy, unorganized, fast-paced, hectic, and all-too-short.  I have learned two things in all the empty space from last post to today.

ONE:  Life never goes as planned.

TWO:  Life is what YOU make of it.  10% is what happens to you...90% is how you react.

I'm back into "active craft" mode.  Meaning, I create at least one thing a week, if not more.

Here's a card I made for this week's MojoMonday challenge.  Really needed a break from a 100 card order.  Hope you enjoy!

Stamps:  From Land to Sea, By the Tide, Another Thank You
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), VersaMark, Tip Top Taupe, Island Indigo
Paper:  Island Indigo, Tip Top Taupe, Whisper White, Basic Black, Go Wild DSP Stack
Accessories:  Clear Embossing Powder, Dimensionals, Sponge Daubers, Gold Metallic Thread, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Gold Stampin' Glitter, Aqua Painters

A Change

A change has occurred.

Life isn't always rainbows and daisies. 

No, sometimes it hails and weeds will inevitably pop up in your little garden.

The challenge is how you react. 

Sometimes, it's a matter of how you prepared. 

Thankfully, I was partially prepared for my recent change.

I have been laid off from my job.

Something that I knew, deep in the recesses of my mind, was a possibility, but never expected.

Thankfully, I have been working on getting rid of debt, preparing an Emergency Plan A and B (yes, because I've been there, done that before...), and writing down lots and lots of thoughts for "What if..."

So, the change here is to be more productive.  To be more proactive. 

No longer will this blog be just about my Stampin' Up! crafts, but about all my creations. 

I am hopeful to start making my crafts become income-earners.

Hopefully enough to pay a bill here and there, enough to keep me from going insane.

Here's to change - an inevitable fact of life. 

May I see the positive side of this new chapter in my life.  Let the journey begin.

Tea Party Card Set

A request for a special order. Two desk sets filled with six cards each, and an address book.

The paper she fell in love with is, of course, from a couple of years ago. I searched all over for enough designer paper to make her idea a reality. And thanks to the lovely generosity of a few fellow Stampin'Up! demonstrators (and a paper hoarder), after a nationwide call for help, I had just what I needed!!

By the way, try looking for a nice address book that you can cover. Go and ask for help at an office supply store to find one. I searched high and low for a nice one. I asked clerks and sales associates - and instead of helping me find one, I was asked why I didn't use the one on my phone. Truly, technology is ruining the mystique of putting ink to paper.

 

Up, Up & Away - Mojo 232

A friend has invited me to bring my cards to show off at her mother's jewelry show.
To say that I am a little nervous is an understatement. 

So I'm making cards to take...

To inspire...

To hopefully share a smile.

This one I made for my baby brother's birthday.  Which is today.  I used the sketch from Mojo Monday to help pull the card together.

He's not really a baby.  No.  But he's the baby of the family.  Even at 30, which is how old he is today, I'm reminded that he is the baby.  I guess after walking him to school, cooking his meals, washing his clothes, holding his hand when he was scared, and playing ninjas afterschool, you never are able to look at someone at their real age, ever.  Which is why I remember him with longer hair, parted to the side, dark blue jeans and a green sweatshirt...never as the 30 year old that he is today.

Happy Birthday little brother. 

Stamps: Up, Up & Away
Paper:  Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Big Top Birthday DSP, and Whisper White
Ink:  Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, and Old Olive
Accessories: Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Dimensionals, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, and Tasteful Trim Big Shot Die

FL180 - Happy Birthday

I got some new stamps recently!!

(And ribbon, and paper, and punches, and buttons, and brads...)

Right now is Sale-A-Bration (until March 31st!!) which means for every $50.00 you spend, you get a free product!  Which is great because who doesn't like FREE???

So, with my FREE supplies, and a layout from Clean & Simple, I created this:

What do you think?

Stamps:  Fresh Vintage and Apothecary Art
Ink:  Soft Suede
Paper: Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Lucky Limeade, Peach Parfait, and Everyday Enchantment DSP
Accessories: Brads and Ribbon from Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack, Hat Pin, Beautiful Wings Embosslits, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Eyelet Border Punch, 1 1/4" Square Punch, Tea Stain from Distressing Essentials Kit, and Basic Pearls

A Double Take

I'm trying to get my mojo back.

Actually, if you knew what this week has brought me, you would know that I'm just trying to get some sense of normalcy back

*sigh*

In the meantime, I was able to participate in this week's Clean & Simple Challenge.  I created this card as my initial response...

And then decided to amp it up a little. 

Just a little. 

Thanks for looking!

Card #1
Stamps:  Fabulous Florets and On Your Birthday
Ink: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, and Melon Mambo
Paper:  Whisper White
Accesories:  Dimensionals

Card #2
Stamps:  Fabulous Florets and On Your Birthday
Ink:  Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, and Melon Mambo
Paper:  Whisper White, Daffodil Delight DSP, and Crumb Cake
Accessories:  Dimensionals, Hemp Twine

Distractions

I'm supposed to be doing homework.

My homework.

I've been sitting here since about 9:30 this morning.  I read through what the teacher wants from us.  I read from my book. 

I cleaned my bathroom. 

I typed out a list of questions, researched, and typed the responses.

I made lunch.

And now all I need is 6 sentences about whether or not the 9th Circuit Court should be split. 

What I really want to do is try to replicate the Smash Book at Michael's with my Stampin'Up! supplies.   Make mini-Polaroid magnets like I saw on Pinterest.  Make a card using the current Clean and Simple layout.  Fill out the registration for the March Craft Fair at East Hills Mall.  Make cookie dough to be frozen for use any time I see fit (right now sounds good).

But I need to finish my assignment. 

Just 6 sentences...

Valentine - CASE'd

First, allow me to apologize for not staying as up to date as I would have liked. 

I did do a couple of craft fairs during the holidays. 

My physical self started to revolt againt my crafty self.

I had to take a little break.

I became addicted to Pinterest!

I signed up for school! 

And now, I think, my mojo is slowly coming back.

Speaking of Pinterest, I saw the cutest idea there for Valentine's Day on there!

I went to the link and found the cutest site, Six Sisters' Stuff...very cute and some great recipes I can't wait to try!

So, I decided that I HAD to CASE (Copy and Share Everything!!) it for my love.

So, without further ado...here's my version!

Hope he likes it!

(I promise to workon my photos soon!)

100

Remember this card?

I made it as a swap for the Henderson, NV Regionals earlier this year.

I had a few extras and took them with me to a local craft bazaar.

A girlfriend took one to her supervisor.

The supervisor liked it.

And ordered 100!

I'm really happy! And have just started to wonder if I'm not just a little bit crazy!!

A Birthday Invitation

My daughter recently celebrated her birthday.  Unfortunately, due to the timing of her birthday and school starting, we have with her friends a little bit later. 

Here is a quick invitation I created for her to hand out to her friends (blurring used since I don't want everybody showing up at her party).

Paper:  Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Rich Razzleberry and Whisper White
Ink:  My Printer Ink!!
Accessories:  My Digital Studio (MDS), Cupcake Builder Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder and Dazzling Details.

No Stamp Card!!

As much as I love stamping, sometimes I just want something else...something different. 

I've had the Flower Garden embossing folder for a little while now, but it's been sitting in the cellophane waiting for me to apply it to paper.  And honestly, I've been feeling a little guilty for not using it.  I've pulled it out many times, intent to use it and show off what it can do...but I've never been able to make my ideas come to paper and there it would sit. 

Until now.  I embossed a piece of Whisper White cardstock and took my Blender Pens to my ink pads and set to work on inking up the dry embossed image.

Paper: Pear Pizzaz, Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, Whisper White
Ink:  Pear Pizzaz, Poppy Parade and Peach Parfait
Accessories:  Flower Garden Embossing Folder and Scallop Trim Border Punch

Hope you enjoy!

A Thank You Nugget

I love these nugget boxes.  You can make them simple, or you can make them very elaborate. 

And of course, they hold a great surprise inside!!

Chocolate!!

This one here I made out of Melon Mambo and embossed the cover with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder.  I wrapped the chocolates in Daffodil Delight strips and covered that with a stamped mail label.  This stamp set is so versatile - good for many of the holidays, and even "just because". 

Hope you enjoy!!

Congrats

Just because I don't seem to have enough cards in my stash that say "congratulations", or much for a man...

I found a "new to me" blog for sketches...www.cardpatterns.blogspot.com.  I used their current sketch (sketch132) for inspiration.  Hope you enjoy!

Stamps:  Congrats (retired)
Ink:  Basic Black
Paper:  Pocketful of Posies DSP, Baja Breeze, Rich Razzleberry, Night of Navy, Soft Suede, and Whisper White
Accessories: Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon

Get Well Soon!!

A co-worker's granddaughter fell off a swing and fractured her wrist the afternoon of her first day of kindergarten. 

How heart-breaking!! 

I remember my little girl on her first day of kindergarten - she wanted to wear a pony tail because everyone said she looked "so big" with a pony tail compared to her pig tails.  I remember how excited she was before school started - her "pack pack" with her brand new box of crayons, a notebook, and a zippered pouch with a few pencils and an eraser; her Unicorn lunch box with a note from me; her contagious excitement and giddy chatter about all of the new friends she was going to make and how she couldn't wait to show her teacher that she could write her whole name!  I can't imagine her excitement being cut short because of a broken bone or having her miss something she had been looking forward to for so long.

So I made my co-worker a card to send to her dear grandbaby, and threw in a Build-A-Bear Color-Me Card Kit.  I used a card sketch from clean@simple (FTL156) to help with the layout.

Hope she gets well soon!

Stamps:  Wellness Wishes
Ink:  Basic Black, Blush Blossom
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turquoise, Peach Parfait, Old Olive, Whisper White and Big Top Birthday DSP
Accessories: Real Red Satin Ribbon, 3/16" Corner Punch

My Henderson Swaps

These are the swaps that I took with me to the Henderson, NV Regional.
I did learn one thing while I was there:  ALWAYS PUT YOUR INFORMATION ON THE BACK!!!  *sigh*

Next time...

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink:  Basig Cray, Rose Red
Paper:  Rose Red, Basic Gray, Whisper White, Old Oliver
Accessories:  Island Floral Die, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon

Stamps: Wicked Cool, Bring on the Bats Wheel

Ink:  Basic Black, Old Olive, Whisper White

Paper:  Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive

Accessories:  2 1/2" Circle Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Basic Black Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Spider Web Embossing Folder

It's The Birthday Month!!

My daughter's birthday is in September, my friend's birthday is in September, MY birthday is in September, and just for kicks, all of my favorite shows come back on in September!!!

So...in honor of Super Spectacular September, I am giving 10% off all Stampin' Up! orders over $50.00 (before any tax or shipping costs) placed through me (which means you need to contact me directly, give me your order and I will submit it for you with your discounted payment). I must receive your order by 7:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Friday, September 30th, 2011, in order for your 10% to be received!!

Also - The New Holiday Mini goes LIVE today!! There are so many wonderfully exciting new things in the mini that I am sooo excited to use! Contact me today to place your order at ambercerda at hotmail dot com to make the most out of this offer!

Card Details:
Stamps:  Bring on the Cake, Take a Spin
Ink:  Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Real Red, Peach Parfait and Tempting Turquoise
Paper:  Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Old Olive and Whisper White and Big Top Birthday DSP
Accessories:  Daffodil Delight Satin Ribbon, Stripes Embossing Folder, Game Spinner Hands and Mini Brads (I love those things!!)

End of August Already?!?! How Can That Be??

I cannot believe that a whole month has passed since I last posted!!

I can tell you that I have been SUPER busy!

In August we participated in two car shows.  At the Imperials Car Show in Hawaiian Gardens, we took home 3rd place in our division (1960 - 1969 Convertible, Mild).  At the second one, the Merced Custom Auto Show, we took home FIRST PLACE!!  (I knew those Zenith rims would put us over!!)

Having a car and entering it into car shows is quite a task!  Not only do we have to maintain it, but we are constantly having to keep up with the competition, but we still want to keep the car in "classic" condition.  Which basically means, no crazy bells and whistles, just "clean".  Yes, we have some upgrades, and not everything is original, but we try hard to keep the car easy on the eyes.  Plus, we love to hear the older generations walk by and tell us their stories of their experiences in cars like ours:  summer days riding "stacked" with friends (think dog pile!), dad teaching someone how to drive, uncle going off to war, kissing your future wife for the first time...we hear them and love them all!  It makes the long days of the show go by quickly and we always meet a ton of people, some familiar from previous shows, and some new ones we can't wait to meet again!

The kids also started back to school this month!  One is in elementary, and the other just started jr. high!  I can't believe how fast time flies!  (My jr. high kid has a birthday tomorrow, as a matter of fact!  *sniff* *sniff*)  Getting them ready by taking them shopping, filling out forms and doctor appointments really seemed to make the weeks hectic!

And last, but definitely not least...drum roll please!  I went to the Stampin' Up! Regional Event in Henderson, NV!!!

Talk about A-MAZ-ING! 

I went alone...very nervous and extremely anxious.  What would it be like?  Would anyone say anything negative about the swaps that I brought?  Who would I sit next to?  I walked into the hall feeling like the new girl coming into the middle of the cafeteria mid-semester...and I left feeling like a senior leaving all her friends behind!

I was incredibly inspired by everything that I saw:  all the swaps, all the demonstrations, the "classes", and the women that I met!  It didn't take long for me to meet Cynthia and Tonda (Hi Ladies!!) who kept me company all day.  And I got to put a face to an e-mail address (Hi Julie!) and many others that were so friendly and kind.  I felt like I was surrounded by sisters - and I was!  There was a trio that sat next to me: two sisters and a mother!  But really, I found that we all had more than just Stampin' Up! as a common bond.  Some of us shared our health concerns and hugged and prayed for and congratulated eachother on the current phases we are in.  Some of us shared the issues we have with our loved ones; whether it be a death, an illness, or just something that they did that made us smile.  Some shared their fears, their dreams, and some of us just shared a bone folder or our paper snips.  Regardless, we all had a line that connected us...and it was so nice to experience that.  Now, I cannot wait to go to Convention!!

Come back soon!!  I have a great deal for September!!

Happy Birthday!

Two friends recently celebrated their birthdays...the good thing is that they are actually Birthday Twins (just a couple years apart!!)...which makes things easy for me, sometimes...

I decided to pull out a new stamp set and punch for their cards, and then sat there...inspiration lost.  About two nights before the big day I finally was able to muster some imagination...and whipped this one out.

Stamps:  Bring on the Cake

Paper:  Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, and Just Add Cake DSP

Ink: Early Espresso, Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzaz, Baja Breeze, and Blushing Bride

Accessories: Petite Pennants Builder Punch, Mini Brads