Krystal's Cards and More

14 Days of LOVE!! Day 1

2012-02-01T08:23:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

I can't believe it's February all ready!!! I guess it's time for a little stamping love!! At Christmas time you see all sorts of blogs that have the "12 Days Of Christmas". I thought it would be fun to have the "14 Days of Love" to celebrate Valentine's Day. I hope to post some type of Valentine/Love project for the next 14 days.

My first project is also a "challenge" card for the colourQ challenge, which I love and miss!!

WILD ABOUT YOU

Stamps: Wild About You (retired)

Paper: Regal Rose, Real Red, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Red Glimmer

Accessories: Square Punches, Oval Punch, Black Grosgrain (retired), Perfect Polka Dots EF

I created this card during my "stamping spree" for Goodies Cookies at the beginning of January. I thought it would be a cute kid's valentine. Wild About You is just one of those sets I can't seem to let go of! Speaking of Goodies Cookies, if you need a fun Valentine idea, you should go get your loved one some of their yummy cookies for V-Day!! They make the cutest cookie bouquets and their decorated sugar cookies are adorable!! They also offer cake pops. Yum! Yum!

Don't forget all the stamping news happening in February!!

SALE-A-BRATION 2012

January 24 to March 31

Choose FREE Stampin’ Up! products for every $50 order you place.

Now is the perfect time to host a workshop and earn more free products. Call me today to add your workshop to my calendar. Remember, it’s more than a party, it’s creative fun!!

Also, SAB is the perfect time to join my Stampin’ Up! team. Get your Starter Kit for only $125. Plus, when you become a demo during Sale-A-Bration, you get a free paper pack every month for the rest of the year!!!

BIRTHDAY CARD EXTRAVAGANZA

Sunday, February 12, 2012

4pm at Tulare Community Church

Need birthday cards for the new year? Come create beautiful, unique hand-made cards for all the special people in your life. Cost is $25 for 10 cards. Registration must be paid in advance to be guaranteed a spot. Seating is limited, so RSVP… ASAP!!!

FEBRUARY PRIZE SPECTACULAR!!
THREE EASY WAYS TO WIN!!
1. For every $50 order placed during the month of February, your name will be entered into a drawing to win a tote full of fabulous Stampin’ Up! products. Place a $100 order and your name will be entered twice. A $150 order equals three chances!! This adorable Stampin’ Up! tote contains:
Fresh Vintage Stamp Set (SAB)

Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper (SAB)

Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad Pack (SAB)

In Color Card Stock

Designer Frames Embossing Folders

2. Can’t spend $50? You still have a chance to win! For every $25 order placed during February, your name will be entered into a second drawing. This prize package contains:Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Kit

Kindness Matters Stamp Set

Designer Frames Embossing Folders

(You can not be entered into both drawings. Online orders do apply.)

3. Don’t spend any $ at all and still win!! Everyone who becomes my “fan” on Facebook before February 29th has a chance to win the Elementary Elegance Stamp Set on page 15 of the SAB catalog. Like me: Krystal’s Cards – Stampin’ Up

I'm off to place my first Sale-A-Bration order!! I've been saving up my stamping dollars so I can place one big order this month. And hopefully I won't have to place another one until the new catalog comes out this summer. I'm so excited!! Seriously! It's better than Christmas and my birthday!! :)

Come back tomorrow for a little more stamping love!! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop with Stampin' Addicts!!

2012-01-27T08:03:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!!

Today's the day!! It's the Stampin' Addicts Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop!!! Stampin' Addicts is my favorite Stampin' Up! only online hangout. Everyone there is super friendly and amazingly talented. It's just a happy place to be!!

If you just started the hop... welcome!! If you've been hopping for a while, then you just came from Kim's blog: Stitchin and Stampin' On Paper, where she featured the gorgeous stamp set, Elementary Elegance. So pretty! If you are not sure what is going on, or you are feeling a little lost, you can check out the Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop forum at Stampin' Addicts. This will let you know all the blogs that are participating in the hop. and help you navigate your way around.

As always, Stampin' Up! has done a fabulous job with the Sale-A-Bration catalog this year. Lots of great products and all for FREE!! Today I am excited to feature the Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder found on page 16 of the SAB catalog.

BUTTON BUDDIES

Stamps: Button Buddies, Bring on the Cake

Paper: Real Red, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Garden Green

Accessories: Stripes EF, Brayer, Scallop Square die, Square Lattice EF, Scallop Punch, Brights Designer Buttons, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Bakers Twine, Real Red Satin Ribbon

This technique is super simple. You just roll the ink right onto the Stripes Embossing Folder using your brayer. Lay your card stock on the inked side, close the folder and run it through your Big Shot and viola!! Striped and embossed card stock! See those fun, colorful buttons? They are also available for FREE during Sale-A-Bration!! You can find them on page 9 in the SAB catalog.

SCALLOP ENVELOPE BASKET

Stamps: Button Buddies

Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Stripes EF, Scallop Punch, Striped Grosgrain, Bakers Twine, Crystal Effects

This little basket uses the same brayer technique as I described above, but after you run your card stock through your Big Shot, you ink up the Stripes embossing folder a second time, lay your card stock on it going the opposite way as before, and run it through your Big Shot again. Now you have gingham embossed paper!! I made the basket using four Scallop Envelopes. I just cut off the scallop flaps.

BUTTON BUDDIES

Stamps: Button Buddies, Tiny Tags

Paper: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery

Accessories: Stripes EF, Scallop Square die, Designer Frames EF, Tag Punch, Oval Punch, Celery Satin Ribbon, Bakers Twine

This card also uses the "gingham" technique. I always like gingham for baby stuff. I also used the Stripes Embossing Folder the "old fashioned" way on this card. I used it to emboss my background paper. Easiest technique ever!! :) The Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folders are also available for FREE during SAB. They are on page 13 of the catalog.

ARTISTIC ETCHINGS

Stamps: Artistic Etchings, You're A Gem, En Francais Background

Paper: Soft Suede, Basic Black, Pretty In Pink, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Stripes EF, Designer Frames EF, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Vintage Brads, Basic Pearls, Mini Clips, Crocheted Lace Trim, Striped Grosgrain, Linen Thread

This is a fun technique I read about on Jan Tink's blog. It is really fairly easy. You emboss your card stock with the Stripes embossing folder. Then you ink up your background stamp. Lay your inked BG stamp on your work surface with the rubber side facing up. Lay your pre-embossed card stock on to the BG stamp. Use your finger or a bone folder to press down on the parts that are touching the BG stamp, not the parts that are raised up. Lift and you've just stamped on the stripes only!! Cool huh?!!

Well, that's all from me. The next stamper on the hop is Mickey over at Paper Conversation. She will be showing you the Language of Friendship stamp set. I always love a stamp set that coordinates with our punches!!

PAPER CONVERSATION

STITCHIN' AND STAMPIN' ON PAPER

Thanks for hopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Psalm 4 For Real Friday

2012-01-27T07:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!
Happy Friday!! I'm so excited to have TWO blog posts today!! Can't say as I've ever done that before. I really wanted to be a part of the Stampin' Addicts Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop, but I also wanted to share what I learned this week in Psalm 4. And in order to accomplish that, I decided to have two blog posts today!!!

Psalm 4:6-7 "Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound."

FABULOUS PHRASES

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases

Paper: Melon Mambo, Whisper White

Accessories: Heart to Heart Punch, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Petal Card die (retired), LOTS of current and retired ribbon!!

Quick how-to on this technique. Super easy. I covered a piece of "chipboard" (really just the white piece of backing that comes in our Designer Series Paper packs) with lots and lots of adhesive, then layered strips of ribbon on it, then ran it through my Big Shot!!

These verses caught my attention right away. They are the "happy" part of the passage. Wendy Pope kind of went a different direction with the study, but these are the verses that I kept coming back to. I love knowing that our joy comes from the Lord.

Here is what my NIV Life Application Bible has to say about verse 7:

"Two kinds of joy are contrasted here - inward joy that comes from knowing and trusting God and happiness that comes as a result of pleasant circumstances. Inward joy is steady as long as we trust God; happiness is unpredictable. Inward joy defeats discouragement; happiness covers it up. Inward joy is lasting; happiness is temporary."

That new outfit, or purse, or stamp set ;) may bring us temporary happiness, but only God can fill our hearts with pure joy. Joy that goes beyond our circumstances and day-to-day "life". We can all "put on a happy face" to get us through the day. But real joy is a reflection of God's light shining through us. It is something that can be seen and felt. It comes from the heart. Thus the heart on my card today. That's also why I made my heart bright and colorful and fun. That's how I look at joy. As bringing color to the world.

My hubby is a seminary student and he bought this fancy schmancy Bible program. Bummer is, he has a Mac Book and this program was only available for PC (which he didn't realize until he tried to download it). Lucky me!! It's called BibleWorks and it is well beyond my scope and sphere. It has Greek and Hebrew and a gazillion translations and cross references. But I was excited to read this about verse 7 from the Matthew Henry Commentary:

"This is what, above any thing, they rejoice in (v. 7): "Thou hast hereby often put gladness into my heart; not only supported and refreshed me, but filled me with joy unspeakable; and therefore this is what I will still pursue, what I will seek after all the days of my life." When God puts grace in the heart he puts gladness in the heart; nor is any joy comparable to that which gracious souls have in the communications of the divine favour, no, not the joy of harvest, of a plentiful harvest, when the corn and wine increase. This is gladness in the heart, inward, solid, substantial joy. The mirth of worldly people is but a flash, a shadow; even in laughter their heart is sorrowful, Prov. xiv. 13. "Thou hast given gladness in my heart;" so the word is. True joy is God's gift, not as the world giveth, John xiv. 27. The saints have no reason to envy carnal worldlings their mirth and joy, but should pity them rather, for they may know better and will not."

(Hafta say that I LOVE the beautiful, rich language.) "True joy is God's gift..." Yesterday I chatted with our next door neighbor who told me her battle with cancer has returned and with a vengeance. Her doctor has given her only 2 months to live. As we stood talking on my front porch, I could sense joy in her, even though her circumstances are so utterly grim. That is a gift from God. That is not something you get by just determining to "look at the bright side". Yes, I'm sure she has her down days, we all do, but it is that "inward, solid, substantial joy" that keeps her heart shining for Jesus. I pray that you will find that kind of joy this week!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Birthday Extravaganza Take 2!!

2012-01-26T08:18:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

BIRTHDAY CARD EXTRAVAGANZA CLASS

Sunday, February 12, 2012

4pm at Tulare Community Church

Need birthday cards for the new year? Come create beautiful, unique hand-made cards for all the special people in your life. Cost is $25 for 10 cards. Registration must be mailed to me by February 1st. Bring a friend!

I still have seats available!!! Call or email me if you have any questions! Today I have another card I CASEd for Goodies Cookies. It's too bad I can't find it back to let you know who the original creator is. Sorry about that!!!

Stamps: Something To Celebrate (retired Hostess set)

Paper: Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Poppy Parade, Whisper White

Accessories: Circle Punches, 5 Petal Punch, Elegant Lines EF, Poppy Stitched Ribbon, Designer Brads (retired), Basic Rhinestones

Love these colors together!!! It always takes me awhile to get into the groove of using the In-Colors. Then when I finally do, I realize how much I'm going to miss them!! Like Poppy Parade. Can't believe it will be gone in July. :( I think I really just love color. All color!!

This card is super easy to put together. The bright colors on the white make it "pop"! The Mary Engelbreit style flower is just circles punched out, scrunched up, and layered randomly. Attach them with a cute brad and your done!!

I'm so excited for tomorrow!! I will have two posts. First, I will have my usual "For Real Friday" post, featuring a card for Psalm 4 (which shows off a "new-to-me" technique). Then I will be participating in the Stampin' Addicts Sale-A-Bration blog hop, where I will be sharing FOUR projects (and 3 techniques!) featuring the Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. So that's a total of FIVE stampin' fabulous fun projects in ONE day!!!! You just can't miss it!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

The Stamp Club That Wasn't :(

2012-01-24T08:42:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Sunday afternoon was going to be the very first time our new Spring 2012 Hostess Club met together to stamp. I was so excited to see my "stamp ladies" again. I even had our projects planned and prepped a week in advance. Then one-by-one, I received word that some of my stampers wouldn't be able to come. No biggie, I'll just stamp their cards for them. Then on Saturday, I woke up with the worst cold I've had in quite awhile. Bummer!! I had to cancel our club meeting. And the even bigger bummer is I can not reschedule for next week either!! I guess I'll be making everyone's projects and tucking them into their order bags. Here is one of the cards we were going to make. It is a CASE of a card I saw on Stampin' Connection (an online site for SU! demos) by Misty Lee Berry. The only thing I changed was the sentiment.

OVER ALL #113790

Stamps: Oval All

Paper: Naturals White, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Everyday Enchantment, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Beautiful Butterfly Die, Framed Tulip EF, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Elegant Lines EF, Taffeta Vanilla Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, In-Color Markers

Isn't this card so pretty? Wish I could take credit for it, but I'm happy to CASE other talented stampers out there. :) I sponged a little bit of Lucky Limeade ink on the raised parts of the Tulip Frame, to highlight them. And isn't that Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper just gorgeous?!!! I love the colors in it. And today is the day you can finally get it because today is the day for Sale-A-Bration!!! My most favorite time of the year!! For every $50 you spend on your favorite Stampin' Up! products, you choose an item from the Sale-A-Bration catalog for FREE (this includes online orders)!!! And there are so many fabulous Sale-A-Bration items it is hard to pick one! Good thing this promotion lasts through March 31!! ;)

And in other fun stamping news... I can't wait for Friday, because that is the first day of the Stampin' Addicts Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop!! Stampin' Addicts is my favorite Stampin' Up! only online hangout. They have fun forums, a great gallery, and amazing stampers who share their talent, and inspiration. And it's all Stampin' Up!, all the time!! Such a happy place to hang out! And on Friday, many of those very talented stampers will be sharing their creativity using the products in the Sale-A-Bration catalog. All the Sale-A-Bration items will be highlighted at least once on the tour. I will be showcasing the Striped Textured Impressions Embossing Folder on page 16 of the SAB catalog. It's also on page 218 of the "big" catalog, but wouldn't it be more fun to get it for FREE?!

If you are looking for more up-to-the-minute stamping inspiration and information, you will want to click "like" on my Krystal's Cards -Stampin' Up Facebook page on my sidebar. I post links to my blog there and also other news and information I receive from Stampin' Up! And if you need more stamping inspiration in your day (don't we all!), then come "follow" me on Pinterest (link also on my sidebar). I started boards that are dedicated to Stampin' Up's! various Big Shot dies. I have a board for the Petal Cone die, and another board for the Fancy Favor box, and so on and so on!! I've been trying to add a new Big Shot board everyday. These "pin boards" have inspiration from various talented stampers, not just me, so there is lots of variety.

I am really excited for February to get here. That's when I get to stamp with my club ladies again, and have a birthday card class, and finally put in a Stampin' Up! order!! It's been too long since I've gotten anything new and I just love everything in the new Occasions Mini Catalog. Haven't seen it yet? Check out the link on Stampin' Up! website: Krystal's Cards.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop Coming Soon!!

2012-01-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Lot's of exciting stamping news this week!! First, tomorrow is the first day of Sale-A-Bration, Stampin' Up!'s most fabulous promotion of the year!! Then on Friday I be participating in another Stampin' Addicts Blog Hop!!!

I missed the last couple of Stampin' Addicts blog hops, because I just didn't have my stampin' groove on. But I've got my projects almost completed and ready to photograph and then the wait til Friday begins!! Stampin' Addicts blog hops are always guaranteed to give you lots of fabulous stampin' inspiration and ideas. It is a very talented group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators who are just as addicted to Stampin' Up! as I am!! Love those gals!!

Tomorrow I will share a card we should have made at my first Spring Hostess club that was supposed to be yesterday afternoon. But because I caught a yucky cold and over half the gals couldn't make it, I canceled our club meeting and am just going to make their projects for them. Some months are just like that!! The card uses the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper that is available only as a Sale-A-Bration item. It is the most amazing DSP ever!! Love it!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Psalm 3 For Real Friday

2012-01-20T07:43:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Psalm 3:3-4 "But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill."

Nature Silhouettes

Stamps: Nature Silhouettes

Paper: Basic Black, Island Indigo, Old Olive, Naturals White, First Edition DSP

Accessories: Black Embossing Powder, Decorative Label Punch, Round Tab Punch, Stripes EF, BRads, Brayer, Old Olive Grosgrain (retired)

I really enjoyed this weeks study of Psalm 3 from Wendy Pope. She gives some wonderful insight into passages I normally would just skim over. In this Psalm, King David is running for his life from his son, Absalom. He is being threatened on all sides. He is quite literally surrounded by his enemies.

Here's an excerpt from my NIV Life Application Bible:

"David was not sitting on his throne in a place of power, but he was running for his life from his rebellious son, Absalom and a host of traitors. When circumstances go against us, it is tempting to think that God also is against us. But David reminds us that the opposite is true. When everything seems to go against us, God is still for us. If circumstance has turned against you, don't blame God - seek him!"

It's so easy for us to have ourselves a little "pity party" when life doesn't seem to be rolling down easy street. But David shows us that we need to have a change in our perspective, and in our thinking, which will result in a change in our behavior. As Wendy says, we need to stop our "stinkin thinkin" and start reciting positive scripts into our lives.

The verse she shared to help defeat these negative thoughts is Philippians 4:8

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

Ann Voskamp has a book entitled: One Thousand Gifts - A dare to live fully right where you are. A few FB friends and I have taken on her "one thousand gifts" challenge. Ann has a list of three things everyday that you are to find thankfulness for. One day it was: one thing in your fridge, your bag, and your heart. Yesterday you had to share 3 graces given to you by people who love you. It is a wonderful challenge to continue to look through the entire day to find things to be grateful for. It really does change your perspective.

I know when I try to find the good in things, life just seems to roll a little more gently. It reminds me of Pollyanna and the "glad game". Can you see through your circumstances and find something that makes you glad? David did. That's why I chose verses 3 and 4 of Psalm 3 as my key verses today. It's at this point in the passage that you can feel David playing the "glad game" and getting rid of his "stinkin thinkin".

Some times we just want to tell people to "put their big girl panties on and get over it!". But we can't "get over it" alone. We need the Lord. We need to cry out to him, when we feel like their is no one else to listen. That's why I chose the wolf stamp from Nature's Silhouettes. It looks like the wolf is crying out. And isn't it a comfort to know that God is there for us? He is our shield and the lifter of our head. He bestows glory on us and sustains us. He takes away our fears and delivers us.

The final verse in Psalm 3 says, "May your blessing be on your people." I pray you will be blessed this week!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Pretty Birthday

2012-01-19T07:42:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

To keep our Birthday Extravaganza excitement going, I want to share another birthday card I created during my Goodies Cookies stamping marathon. It was one of my favorites. And yes, I did CASE the layout (but I don't remember where). :)

BRING ON THE CAKE #121958

Stamps: Bring On The Cake
Paper: Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla, Rose Red, DSP (retired)
Accessories: Framed Tulip EF, Designer Frames EF, Oval Punch, Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Pearls

I'm getting so excited for the Sale-A-Bration promotion to start!! The start date is January 24th. The catalog this year is amazing! Can you believe the Designer Frames Embossing Folders are one of the items you can get for FREE?! Love that they added Big Shot products to the SAB catalog.

My Spring Hostess Stamp Club is meeting this Sunday and I can't wait to show them the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper, also in the Sale-A-Bration catalog. It seriously is my most favorite SU! DSP ever!!! And Stampin' Up! creates some beautiful paper. I still have one spot available for my Spring hostess club if you are interested. It's a great way to earn FREE Stampin' Up! products. Plus it's the most stampin' fun you'll ever have on a Sunday afternoon. :)

Another great way to earn FREE products is to hostess a stampin' workshop in your home. Sale-A-Bration is the best time of year to host a workshop. Contact me if you are interested in getting FREE stampin' goodies!!

I also still have seats available for my Birthday Extravaganza card class. RSVP... ASAP!! And don't forget to "like" my Facebook page: Krystal's Cards - Stampin' Up. Each "like" will be put into a drawing to win a special stamp set!

I'll be back tomorrow with my Psalm card for the week. This week's card was quite a challenge. But I'm happy with the results, even thought it's not a typical "Krystal" looking card. :)

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Birthday Extravaganza!!

2012-01-17T07:56:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

I'm so excited about my upcoming Birthday Extravaganza card class!! Create beautiful, unique hand-made birthday cards for all the special people in your life. Sunday, February 12 at 4pm at Tulare Community Church. Cost is $25 for 10 cards. Or $10 with a $25 order on the day of the class. Registration must be paid by February 1st to be guaranteed a spot. Seating is limited, so RSVP… ASAP!!!

Here's a birthday card to help kick off the excitement!

FABULOUS PHRASES

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases, Create A Cupcake

Paper: Pretty In Pink, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Bashful Blue, Red Glimmer Paper, All DSP is retired

Accessories: Scallop Circle die, Decorative Label Punch, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Cupcake Punch, Pennant Punch, Celery Grosgrain (retired), Baker's Twine

I think this layout comes from Carrie Gaskin. Can't remember. You can only have 100 favorites at Stampin' Connection and by the time I get around to posting some cards, they've already been deleted from my favorite file!!

Remember to "like" my FaceBook page. You'll get up-to-date stampin' news and information. Plus, if you click "like" before the end of February, you could win a FREE stamp set!!

And if you live in somewhere between Fresno and Bakersfield, come to my birthday card class. I promise you'll have tons of fun!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Psalm 2 For Real Friday

2012-01-13T08:10:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!

Psalm 2:2-3 "The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. "Let us break their chains", they say, "and throw off their fetters."

ARTISTIC ETCHINGS

Stamps: Artistic Etchings

Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Naturals White, Basic Black, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper EF, Basic Black Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Dimensionals, Oval Punch (retired)

I confess. I had a difficult time with Psalm 2. I'm still getting in the groove of "meditating" on a section of Scripture. I'm usually a "read and go" girl. Just checkin' the Bible readin' off my list of things to do. That's what I love about this study of the Psalms with Wendy Pope. You study one passage of Scripture all week. You think about that "Word from the Lord", for more than just a few minutes.

A few words that kept standing out to me in this passage, were "kings", "rulers", and "enthroned". Thus the crown on my card today. I also chose the color purple as a sign of royalty. Christ is our Eternal King and we are to surrender fully and submit to Him everyday. He is the rightful King of our hearts and lives. Plus, He is all powerful and has all authority. We can live in victory because of Him.

My Life Application Bible notes for verse 3 say this:

"People often think they will be free if they can get away from God. Yet we all inevitably serve somebody or something, whether a human king, an organization, or even our own selfish desires... We can find the one sure route to freedom by wholeheartedly serving God the Creator. God can set you free to be the person he created you to be."

That's who I want to be, the person God created me to be. Not the person the world tells me I should be. I want God to be the King of my life. I don't want to focus on earthly things, I want to focus on eternal things. I want to take refuge in Him. I want Him to be the "love of my life", thus the sentiment "amour".

Wendy shared a quote by David Guzik and I wanted to share it with you:

"Those who defy God are broken, but those who depend on Him are blessed."

I pray you will be blessed!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

It's Goodie Time!!

2012-01-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

It's Goodie time!! Goodies Cookies that is! Yesterday I brought 70 unique, hand-crafted greeting cards to their adorable bakery to sell. I had a variety of birthday, baby, wedding, and Valentine cards. I've been stamping my little tail off during Christmas vacation and now my play days have come to an end. But I have lots of pretty cards to show you because of it. And I got to enjoy the yummiest cookie too!

FOUR FRAMES #123442 $15.95

Stamps: Four Frames, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Fine Flourish
Paper: Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Accessories: Framed Tulips EF, Designer Frames EF, Decorative Label Punch, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Basic Pearls, Crocheted Lace Trim, Pink Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Felt Flowers (retired)

This started out as a CASE of an amazing card by Carrie Gaskin and then morphed into something that hardly resembles the original. But I'm so glad for the inspiration!! This card uses all current stamp sets, just a few retired accessories. You could easily change the pink grosgrain ribbon for the current satin ribbon. And you could use the white crocheted Fleurettes and page 198 for the felt flowers. I've been stashing those flowers away for quite awhile and finally decided they needed to be used. Why do I collect all these fabulous products and not use them? No one is going to find enjoyment from them if they are laying in a drawer somewhere?!! Letting go is so hard!! And these are just craft products after all. It's not like I gave birth to them!!! :)

Something new I'm starting with the proceeds from the sale of my cards. I decided to donate 50 cents from each card to the Reformed Church in America Feed One hunger relief program. Our family is on a quest to spend less in order to give away more. I figure this is just one more way we can do that. I'm hoping to get my cards in another local store. I stopped by there today, but the folks "in charge" were not there. So now I get to be nervous for a few more days. :)

Don't forget to "like" my Facebook page: Krystal's Cards - Stampin' Up. You could win a FREE stamp set!! Plus you get all the latest Stampin' Up! news and announcements as they happen. No waiting around for a blog post.

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

The Hostess with the Mostess!!

2012-01-10T08:15:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

I am currently taking sign-ups for my Spring 2011 Hostess Club. Joining my hostess club is fun and easy!! For 6 months (January through June) you are required to place a $25 order each month with the club. For one of those months, you get to be "the hostess" and receive all the fabulous Stampin' Up! hostess benefits that are found on page 9 of the Stampin' Up! catalog. If you do not have a Stampin' Up! catalog, you will receive one for FREE for joining the club. In addition to getting FREE Stampin' Up! products, you will also be invited each month to come stamp with me!! The hostess club gets together one Sunday afternoon each month to stamp and learn and chat and laugh. We have a great time. If you would like to join, contact me as soon as possible, as I only have a few seats available. Here is a card we made during the last hostess club.

PENNANT PARADE

Stamps: Pennant Parade, Bring on the Cake

Paper: Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Just Add Cake DSP

Accessories: Pennant Punch, Daffodil Grosgrain Ribbon, Baker's Twine, Basic Rhinestones

I CASEd this card from one I saw on Stampin' Connection, an amazing online site for SU! demonstrators. There are some very talented stampers out there!!

I liked this card, but I didn't love all the blue, so I decided to change it up a bit and get it ready for sale at Goodies Cookies (planning on going there Wed. to drop off almost 70 cards!). Here's my revamp of this card:

The colors are all the same, I just got rid of all that blue. I changed up the sentiment and added a little more pink. I like it a lot better now. It's a little more girly, but it works. It's always fun to take a great card and make it a "WOW" card.

If you would like to order any of the products to make this card, visit my online store: KRYSTAL'S CARDS. If you would like more information about joining my local Spring 2012 Hostess Club, email me and let's chat! And don't forget to "like" my Krystal's Cards FaceBook page. Anyone who becomes a fan from now until the end of February will have the chance to earn a FREE stamp set. Tell your friends to "like" me too!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Psalm 1 For Real Friday

2012-01-06T07:41:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!

Psalm 1:3 "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."

SEASON OF FRIENDSHIP

Stamps: Season of Friendship, You're a Gem

Paper: Blushing Bride, Poppy Parade, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Just Add Cake DSP

Accessories: Scallop Border Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Oval Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch, Square Lattice EF, Poppy Parade Stitched Poly Ribbon, Red Corduroy Button (retired), Espresso Bakers Twine

Sketch Challenge: Card Postioning Systems #249

I joined an online Bible study with Wendy Pope. It is a year long study of the Psalms. We study one Psalm every week. Each day you are to read the Psalm aloud (the hardest part!) and pray for understanding and application. On Mondays she has a short video teaching. On Tuesdays and Thursdays she provides study questions. I figured it was a nice slow study that won't overwhelm me, so I signed up for the emails.

After re-reading Psalm 1 a few times, I had a desire to create a card that represents something from the passage. This is the card I made. I love the word picture of a beautiful, healthy tree filled with glorious green leaves. And when we "delight" in God's Word by making it a part of our everyday life, (when we walk and when we stand and when we sit) then we too will thrive. Rooted and water by our faithful God.

I love the notes in my Life Application Bible concerning verse 3... "When Scripture says, "Whatever he does prospers," it does not mean immunity from failure or difficulties. Nor is it a guarantee of health, wealth, and happiness. What the Bible means by prosperity is this: when we apply God's wisdom, the fruit (results or by-products) we bear will be good and receive God's approval. Just as a tree soaks up water and bears luscious fruit, we also are to soak up God's Word, producing actions and attitudes that honor God. To achieve anything worthwhile, we must have God's Word in our hearts."

I've been having a little "spiritual battle" within myself about stamping and being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I don't want my "hobby" to be a burden to our family, monetarily and/or time-wise. But God is so good to me. He showed me this week how important He thinks creativity is. After all, he is the most creative being I know! And he gets pleasure out of creating. In Genesis, after God created the world, it says, "And God saw that it was good." God knows what it feels like to look at something you have made and smile. Just because it makes you happy. Isn't that why He created us? To give Him pleasure? So why do I constantly feel guilty for taking time to be creative? Because the world looks at "crafting" as a silly money/time waster. A diversion from the really "important" things. But if God has given me this gift of creativity, shouldn't I use it? What is wrong with doing something you really enjoy? So I've decided to incorporate my creativity with my Bible study of the Psalms. Not sure if I will accomplish this each week, but when I am inspired, I will not stop myself from creating.

And I plan on being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator until Jesus comes back. Or at least as long as the Lord lets me. :)

If you are interested in finding out more about my local clubs and classes or my February Prize Spectacular, check out this post: New Stampin' News

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Elegant Wedding

2012-01-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!

Kind of a boring blog post title, but I couldn't come up with anything snazzy. I was thinking of calling it, "Making a CASE For Myself". That seemed a little long. But that's all I've been doing lately is CASEing other people's creations! And if you are wondering what CASE means, it stands for:
Copy
And
Share
Everything
And when you "CASE" someone, it pretty much means that you have copied their design. It's kind of like a stamping bibliography, giving reference to the original artist. I wouldn't want people to get the false impression that I'm totally creative all on my own!! Mostly, I CASE layouts. I take up too much time if I try and create a layout on my own. That's why I love sketch challenges so much. They do the hard part for you!! Today's card uses the same layout from Heather Klump as the pink You Are Loved card from Tuesday. It also uses the same colors that Heather used. So, yeah, I pretty much copied Heather's card. But hers is still way more awesome than mine, 'cause she's got "original" talent. :)

FOUR FRAMES

Stamps: Four Frames, Sincere Salutations

Paper: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Shimmery White, Sahara Sand DSP

Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper EF, White Satin Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Top Note Die,Decorative Label Punch, Crocheted Lace Trim, Vanilla Rosettes

I just love this layout. And the neutral colors do look really elegant together. I made this card to sell at Goodies Cookies. I hope to bring them over there sometime next week. If you live in the area and need to stock up on cards for the year, be sure to stop by and get the best selection.

Yesterday was the first day to order from the new Occasions Mini Catalog. I myself haven't ordered from it yet, but my list just keeps growing and growing! There are so many beautiful stamps sets and lots of fabulous new tools. I don't know how a girl is supposed to choose! If you would like to see what the catalog has, check out my website: KRYSTAL'S CARDS. It also has a calendar with my upcoming events. And be sure to become my fan on Facebook. You could win a free stamp set!! Krystal's Cards - Stampin' Up

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Last Chance To Be Loved!!

2012-01-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Today is the very last day that you can order from the Holiday Mini Catalog. Now you may be thinking that the "holidays" are over and there is really nothing else you need to order from this catalog. Think again!! There is one little hidden gem in this catalog that was overpowered by all those December holiday items. It is the beautiful stamp set, You Are Loved.

YOU ARE LOVED

Stamps: You Are Loved, Fine Flourish

Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Real Red

Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper EF, Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Decorative Label Punch, Oval Punch, Button, Linen Thread

I love brown and red together for Valentine's Day. It reminds me of a big box of chocolates! You can barely see it in the pic, but I stamped the Fine Flourish on the Real Red label. Just adds a little more texture. I cut the heart out by hand, which was very easy to do. But I can't wait to get the Heart Framelit Dies in the Occasions Mini Catalog! I ended up adding a pearl to the top of the label, right above the word "love". It just needed something a little more. And I have the hardest time "finishing" a card. I keep adding and adding. Clean and simple is so hard for me to accomplish!! Here's another card I did using the You Are Loved stamp set...

Stamps: You Are Loved, Four Frames

Paper: Pretty In Pink, Very Vanilla, Pink Pirouette

Accessories: Pink Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Top Note Die, Beautiful Wings Sizzlet, Basic Pearls, Decorative Label Punch, Oval Punch, Perfect Polka Dots EF

I don't usually do monochromatic cards, but I like how this turned out. This layout was inspired by a card I saw by Heather Klump. She does some amazing stamping!! Did you notice that I did not use the "Happy Valentine's Day" sentiment for either of these cards? Valentine's Day happens only one day out of the year. But you can tell someone you love them any day!! Even those these cards look like Valentine's, they could also be anniversary cards, birthday cards and maybe even a baby card. That way, they have a longer shelf life. :)

If you don't yet own the You Are Loved stamp set, buy it today!! You can visit my website: KRYSTAL'S CARDS and order it online. Don't forget, the Stocking Punch will NOT be carried over either, so ya better get that today too. While you are there, make sure to check out the Clearance Rack. There are only a few days left of this terrific sale!!

You can also check my website for my upcoming events. I am currently taking sign-ups for my Spring 2012 Hostess Club which starts in January. Spring is the best season to join my hostess club, because you get to take advantage of all the Sale-A-Bration benefits! If you are interested in joining, email me ASAP, as seating is limited and fills quickly. For more details, check out my New Year's New Stampin' News blog post.

And don't forget to become my Facebook fan. You could win a free stamp set!! Click the "like" button on my sidebar or search for: Krystal's Cards - Stampin' Up

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

She's A (stamping) Maniac!!

2012-01-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Well I'm finally slowing down. Yesterday I had my slowest stamping day so far. I only stamped 12 cards. All the other days last week I stamped 18 cards each day. I'm gearing up to supply Goodies Cookies with a fresh batch of cards and I've been stamping my little heart out!! My goal is to drop off 100 unique, one-of-a-kind, handmade cards. Well, maybe not ONE of a kind, since I've been making 6 of each design. But I'm saving two of each card for myself, two for Goodies Cookies, and two for (hopefully!) another location where I can have my cards for sale. So it's more like unique, two-of-a-kind handmade cards. :)

When I create cards for sale, I use lots of retired Stampin' Up! products. I hope that doesn't bother you too much. You can still be inspired by each card. Maybe the layout or the color combo will spark your creativity. And who knows... maybe you have some of the same retired supplies that I do that you've been hoarding away. :) I also tend to CASE a lot when I'm doing this type of card making. So very few of these cards are original designs by me. Thank you to the fabulous designer of this card. If I remembered who you were, I wouldn't be in my 40's. ;)

ARTISTIC ETCHINGS

Stamps: Artistic Etchings, En Francais BG, Something To Celebrate (retired hostess set)

Paper: Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Melon Mambo, Whisper White

Accessories: Designer Frames EF, Decorative Label Punch, Finial Press EF, Basic Rhinestones, Black Lace (retired)

This card has the least amount of retired products out of all the cards I've made. Just the lace and the sentiment stamp. I sell most of my retired stamps, but I do keep a few of my favorites around. I've also started to take just one "favorite" stamp out of a set and sell it that way. My used stamp sets are priced super cheap, so I don't have too much guilt over pilfering a stamp here or there. ;)

I have lots of exciting stamping stuff going on during the month of February. Be sure to check out this post: NEW STAMPIN' NEWS to find out all the details. "Like me" on Facebook and you could have the chance to win a FREE stamp set!!

After stamping lots of birthday cards, baby cards, and wedding cards, I feel the need to make a few Valentine's. So come back tomorrow and "feel the love".

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

New Year... New Stampin' News!!

2012-01-01T12:29:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Happy New Year!!
How did you ring in the new year? Me? With a pizza, a movie, a box of Kleenex and a carton of orange juice. We're a real healthy bunch over here with all of our sniffles and coughing. My 6 yo DS woke me up at 3am, crying with an earache. Happy New Year to me! :)

Today's post is to get you up to speed on all the stampin' news I've got going on. There's so much fun stuff I just can't wait til Monday!!

SPRING 2012 HOSTESS CLUB
JOIN NOW!!!!

My Spring 2012 Hostess Club is open for new members. Joining is fun and easy. Each month, from January through June, you are required to place a $25 order. Once during those 6 months, you will be the “hostess” and will earn FREE Stampin’ Up! products. The club meets once a month at my house to create fabulous stamping projects, learn new stamping techniques, and have lots of stamping FUN!!! Space is limited, so email me and sign-up today!! First club meeting will be on Sunday, January 22nd at 4pm (order will be placed on Jan. 24th for SAB!).

SALE-A-BRATION 2012

January 24 to March 31

Choose FREE Stampin’ Up! products for every $50 order you place.

Now is the perfect time to host a workshop and earn more free products. Call me today to add your workshop to my calendar. Remember, it’s more than a party, it’s creative fun!!

Also, SAB is the perfect time to join my Stampin’ Up! team. Get your Starter Kit for only $125. Plus, when you become a demo during Sale-A-Bration, you get a free paper pack every month for the rest of the year!!!

BIRTHDAY CARD EXTRAVAGANZA

Sunday, February 12, 2012

4pm at Tulare Community Church

Need birthday cards for the new year? Come create beautiful, unique hand-made cards for all the special people in your life. Cost is $25 for 10 cards. Registration must be paid by January 31st to be guaranteed a spot. Seating is limited, so RSVP… ASAP!!!

FEBRUARY PRIZE SPECTACULAR!!
THREE EASY WAYS TO WIN!!
1. For every $50 order placed during the month of February, your name will be entered into a drawing to win a tote full of fabulous Stampin’ Up! products. Place a $100 order and your name will be entered twice. A $150 order equals three chances!! This adorable Stampin’ Up! tote contains:
Fresh Vintage Stamp Set (SAB)

Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper (SAB)

Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad Pack (SAB)

In Color Card Stock

Designer Frames Embossing Folders

2. Can’t spend $50? You still have a chance to win! For every $25 order placed during February, your name will be entered into a second drawing. This prize package contains:Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Kit

Kindness Matters Stamp Set

Designer Frames Embossing Folders

(You can not be entered into both drawings. Online orders do apply.)

3. Don’t spend any $ at all and still win!! Everyone who becomes my “fan” on Facebook before February 29th has a chance to win the Elementary Elegance Stamp Set on page 15 of the SAB catalog. Like me: Krystal’s Cards – Stampin’ Up

CARDS FOR SALE
I'm still busily stamping away (between the Kleenex and the orange juice!)! I hope to bring 100 new cards to Goodies Cookies in Visalia by the middle of January. I will let you know when I deliver them. I also hope to have my cards for sale at a Tulare location soon!! Keep your fingers crossed. I need to get up the nerve to ask the owner. Hubby seems to think it's a shoe-in. We'll see. I've made lots of birthday cards, but am also working on wedding, baby, and Valentine cards. The only kind I can't seem to get inspired about is "male" cards. I just don't have the right stamp sets. Guess I need to get creative!

CLEARANCE RACK BLITZ
There's still time to take advantage of the amazing clearance sale going on at my Stampin' Up! online store: KRYSTAL'S CARDS. Lots of great Stampin' Up! products for bargain prices. Some supplies up to 80% off!!! The best deals are the old-style punches... only $10!!!! Hurry, while supplies last!!

If you have any questions about any of the above news, please send me an email. I'd love to "chat". :) I hope you can stop back by tomorrow. I will have something creative to share with you. I promise!

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Top 2 and 1 of 2011

2011-12-30T08:14:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Well today's the day! The day I reveal my two top favorite cards of 2011. I'm sure you've been sitting on pins and needles all week just waiting to see what stamping goodness I have picked out. ;) Well the wait is over!! May I have a drum roll please............

And my all-time favorite card from this past year, was also a crowd favorite. It won a couple of online blog challenges. So without further ado........

Ta-Da!! I just love all the textures and soft colors on this card. And it has just enough chic without being too shabby. Funny thing about my Top Ten favorites from 2011 is that most of them were the shabby chic style. Which is not my typical "go to" style. I've always considered myself sort of a colorful, fun, simple kind of stamper. But the cards I like best are the ones with lots of layers and textures and "stuff". The kind that you only make one of. :)

Well I continue to be a stamping maniac. Yesterday I stamped another 18 cards. I can't wait to start showing them to you on Monday. But first I need to take pictures of them and upload them to my computer. Bummer is, my computer monitor only shows blue and green tones at the moment. Makes it really difficult to edit photos!! Anyone have any idea why the color would go bad on a monitor? I'm on my third one!!

Also, I created a Facebook Fan Page. I have no idea what I'm going to do with it, but if you like to hang around FB, search for Krystal's Cards - Stampin' Up and be my first fan!! If I was really smart, I would have a button on my sidebar that would link you straight to my page, but I haven't figured that all out yet. There's always a new techno adventure waiting around the corner!

Don't forget to take advantage of all the great Stampin' Up! clearance items for sale at my online store: KRYSTAL'S CARDS. Some items are up to 80% off!! Hurry and shop while supplies last!

Thanks for taking the time to hang out with me today!!

Happy New Year and

Happy Stamping!!

Top 4 and 3 of 2011

2011-12-29T07:38:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

I can't believe this week is almost over with already. My how time flies when you are having so much stamping fun!! I stamped so long yesterday, my legs hurt! (Yes, I stamp standing up.) I've designed (mostly CASEd!) 7 different cards. I've been making 6 of each design. That means that I've stamped 42 cards since Monday!! Yes. I'm on a roll. Don't stop me now! Since these cards are going to be sold, I use up lots of my retired stuff. I also use a few favorite retired stamp sets. But I will still share them with you here on the blog. And I'll tell you what I tell all my customers when they see something they want, but it's retired... BUY IT NOW (before it retires)!!! :)

Here are two more of my favorite cards from 2011:

Be sure to stop back by tomorrow and see my #1 favorite card from 2011.
Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Top 6 and 5 of 2011

2011-12-28T07:59:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Today I am continuing my Top Ten stamping countdown of 2011. Looking through all my past projects from this year really inspired me to stamp again. It made me realize that I do know how to stamp and I need to stamp more! Most times the busyness of life gets in the way of my stamping time. That's why I'm taking advantage of this Christmas vacation and I'm stamping my little heart out!! At least it will give me lots of cards to use for blog posting. Hopefully I will blog more than 6 months next year. :)

Next up are #6 and #5 of my favorites from 2011. I hope you like them too!

Stampin' Up! added more items to the Clearance Rack. Some supplies are up to 80% off!! Be sure to check it out at my online store: KRYSTAL'S CARDS They have lots of the old-style punches for only $10!! Be sure to shop soon. You wouldn't want to miss this fabulous sale!!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Top 8 and 7 of 2011

2011-12-27T08:05:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

I had such a wonderful day yesterday. I got to stamp!!! I can't remember when was the last time I stamped so much. I'm trying to increase my birthday card supply, so I can bring some cards to my friends bakery (Goodies Cookies). She lets me sell them there and she just asked me for more. My goal is 100 before January 18th. Yesterday I stamped 12 for her and 6 for me. I have some cards laying around from my hostess classes that I can use. They just need a little fancying up, so I think I'm up to about 30. Only 70 to go!

Enough with my boring little life. Let's get to the stamping stuff!! Here are two more of my favorite projects from 2011:

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Top 10 and 9 of 2011

2011-12-26T09:25:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

This week I will be posting my favorite stamp projects from 2011. I will post two projects each day, for a total of ten favorites. It's so much fun to look back over the year and see everything I've made. There weren't as many projects to choose from, since the only stamping I've done from May to the present, is my monthly hostess class. I hope to remedy that situation in the next few weeks. I plan on doing some major stamping during Christmas vacation. And since we don't start school again until January 18th, I should be able to make a nice, big, creative mess!!

Starting backward at number ten, here are two faves from 2011:

#10 So Happy For You

#9 Word Play

Don't forget to shop the Year-End Clearance Sale going on at my Stampin' Up! online store: KRYSTAL'S CARDS. Lots of fabulous Stampin' Up! products on sale for up to 80% off!! But you better hurry. This sale is only good until January 5th or while supplies last!!

Stop back by tomorrow and see more favorites.
Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-25T08:08:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Merry Christmas!! Here is the Christmas postcard I designed in My Digital Studio, that I never mailed. If you want the full story of why I did not mail out Christmas cards this year, check out our "family" blog post: The Christmas Card Blues.

This is a pic of my three kiddos at my brother's wedding this past July. 15yo man-child was an usher, 6yo DS was the ring bearer (with 7 flower girls!!), and 13 yo DD got a pretty dress and hair-do "just because". Can you see the nice "shiner" the 6yo is sportin'? His 4yo cousin, the day before the wedding, decided to whack him in the eye with a hard plastic toy. It was a big day of "firsts" for him. First time being a ring bearer and the first time he had a black eye. Great memories!!

I hope you are enjoying a blessed Christmas. And since I'm not very original and like to CASE everything, I'm going to CASE a Stampin' Up! sentiment...

"May the miracle of Christmas

find you safe in the Peace of God,

warm in the light of Christ."

Merry Christmas!!!

12th Day of Christmas

2011-12-24T09:11:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Freinds!!

We have finally reached the end of my 12 Days of Christmas tour. I can't believe I've blogged for 12 days straight!!! And I'm super excited because beginning on Monday, I'm going to start my Top Ten of 2011 series. Each day, Monday through Friday, I will be posting two of my most favorite cards from 2011, for a total of 10 projects. It's been kind of fun to look through what I've created this past year. Especially with the little stamping I've done recently. It's nice to remember that I do actually know how to stamp. :)

Today's card is another CASE. Very fun and easy card to make.

Stamps: Medallion BG, Perfect Punches

Paper: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Red Glimmer Paper, Whisper White

Accessories: Red Satin Ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, Circle Punch

Not sure if you noticed it, but my Perfect Punches stamp is not so perfect. See the little gap in the line around the sentiment? That is a flaw in the rubber. Looks like something touched it while the rubber was still warm and damaged it slightly. Stampin' Up! is so good about replacing flawed stamps like this. They just send you the rubber replacement in the mail. Problem is I've been too lazy to bring it to their attention. I should just email them this pic and save myself the trouble of having to explain to my stamp club why the stamp doesn't stamp perfectly. But since Stampin' Up! is closed for the holidays, I'll probably forget until I'm ready to use the stamp again.

Hope you are enjoying your Christmas Eve!! Tomorrow I'll be posting the Christmas postcard I created in MDS, but didn't mail. ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

11th Day of Christmas

2011-12-23T12:31:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

One of the first things I just "had to have" out of the Holiday Mini Catalog was the Holiday Stocking die and the coordinating Stocking Accents die. My Big Shot is one of my most used tools and I love all the Stampin' Up! exclusive dies.

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, Whisper White, Frostwood Lodge DSP

Accessories: Holiday Stocking and Accents die, Snow Flurry EF, Eyelet Scallop Punch, Mini Jingle Bells

I love these little stockings because they are the perfect size to slide a gift card into. This particular stocking is going to hubby's grandma with a Mimi's Cafe gift card tucked inside. If you haven't ordered these dies yet, you still have until January 2nd. Don't miss out! We just found out this week that the Stocking Builder Punch will not carry over to the big catty. So you never know how long they will be offering things. Got to get em while there hot!! ;)

Ready or not, tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I thought I would brave Costco this morning. Can't imagine what it's going to look like tomorrow!! I think I have everything I need. If I've forgotten anything, I'm going to make a midnight run to WalMart. They've been open til 1am all week. Crazy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

10th Day of Christmas Special Guest Stamper

2011-12-22T09:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Today is the first official day of Christmas Vacation here at our house. Didn't have to wake 15yo man child up to go to school or bust out the homeschool books either. Wahoo!! As a celebration, we are having a cousin's cookie decorating party after lunch today with my nieces and nephews. My sister and I are bringing the cookies, everyone else is bringing the frosting, and we are going to let the kids have as much sugar as they can stand. :)

I have a very special card to share today created by my very special guest stamper. My 6yo DS created this card to give to his cousins at the cookie party. Being the son of a Stampin' Up! demonstrator does have lots advantages. You have access to all sorts of fun tools, like punches, and stamps, and even a little bit of sparkly snow.

Here's a close-up of his masterpiece:

Don't you just love the sparkly snow?!! Finally used the Mica Flakes!! And they are so fun and easy to use. Just squeeze on a little bit of Multi Liquid Glue, sprinkle on the flakes, press them down a little and then shake off the excess. Now see how easy stamping is? Even a 6yo can do it!!

Make sure you visit my online Stampin' Up! store: KRYSTAL'S CARDS to take advantage of all the amazing year-end clearance items. You could save up to 80% off some supplies. But you need to hurry as the sale is only while supplies last!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

9th Day of Christmas

2011-12-21T07:53:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Today's card is another CASE from out in the stamp sharing cyberworld. It's also one of the cards we did at my stamp club. Are you starting to see a pattern here? Seems every time it's club time, I'm CASEing cards!! But I always fess up to my ladies. They know they rarely get "Krystal original" designs, and they are glad. I always tend to make cards with layers and layers of stuff and paper and stamping. They would really have something to complain about if we started taking an hour to make each card. :)

Stamps: Pennant Parade

Paper: Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White

Accessories: Square Scallop die, Pennant Punch, Old Olive Grosgrain, Petals A Plenty EF

Love the 3-D effect of this card. Tomorrow if you stop by, I will have another card I CASEd for my club. Oh surprise! :)

If you haven't checked out the year-end clearance going on at my Stampin' Up! website: KRYSTAL'S CARDS, you really should. Like right now. Cause once it's gone... it's gone!! And a sale like this only comes around once a year!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

8th Day of Christmas

2011-12-20T08:33:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!

Quick post today as I'm headed out the door to work. Today's Christmas card was created with My Digital Studio. I designed this for my sister. She is the proud mother of two sets of twins. Yes. You read that correctly. She gave birth TWO sets of twins!! With no help from infertility treatments. She needs no help. She quite fertile all on her own, apparently. :)

I designed their Christmas card last year as well using MDS:

My Digital Studio is a fun, simple way to design custom photo cards. That way your Christmas card can be unique and won't look like every other persons card, who happens to shop at the same big box store as you.

I hope you are enjoying this last week of Advent and are looking forward to celebrating the reason for the season... JESUS!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

7th Day of Christmas

2011-12-19T07:47:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!
Today's Christmas card was one we made at our November Stamp Club. I just love my "stamp ladies" (as my children loving refer to them... "Are the stamp ladies coming over?"). We have such an enjoyable time stamping together and visiting. It's been such a blessing in my life. I've made so many wonderful friends over the years, just because of a little ink and paper!!

Stamps: Four the Holidays

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer paper

Accessories: Cherry Seam Binding, Decorative Label punch, Stocking Punch, Snow Flurry EF, Dimensionals

Another super easy card to make. I love Stampin' Up! glimmer paper!! It adds so much sparkle and shine. And Christmas needs lots of sparkle and shine. The Silver Glimmer Paper is especially sparkly. When you hold it under a light, it's almost like it's covered in crystals, it's so shiny. My sentiment did not fit inside the Decorative Label punch, so I cut a strip of paper and then just punched each end, separately, with the label punch. And now it's the perfect length!

You still have time to take advantage of Stampin' Up!'s year end clearance. Check out my online store for more details: KRYSTAL'S CARDS

Hope to see you again tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

6th Day of Christmas

2011-12-18T07:13:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!

It's a Clean and Simple Sunday today. I used this card for a class I did with new stampers. It was perfect. Even a 9yo little girl made one.

Stamps: Delightful Decorations, Sincere Salutations, Baroque Motifs

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Petals A Plenty EF, Top Note die, Ornament punch, Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals

Like I said, super easy. Even a 9yo can make one. ;) Love how the Baroque Motifs swirl looks just like a tree branch. For this class I pre-embossed the cards. I didn't want newbies getting frustrated with using the Big Shot. We just concentrated on stamping. The rhinestone adds just the right amount of bling.

Don't forget to visit my online store: KRYSTAL'S CARDS and take advantage of all the fabulous Stampin' Up! deals on the Clearance Rack. Nearly 200 items have been added. Some supplies up to 80% off! But only while supplies last, so hurry on over. Just click the SHOP NOW button on the top-right side. Then look on the left sidebar for the CLEARANCE RACK button.

Tomorrow is day 7 of the 12 Days of Christmas. I hope you'll visit again!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

5th Day of Christmas

2011-12-17T09:23:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!

"On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me..." Actually it's a gift I gave myself last night. The gift of stamping a card, purely for the joy of creating!! I haven't done that in a very long time. And the best part is I got to play in a few of my favorite blog challenges!! I can't even remember the last time I've done that either.

Stamps: Winter Post, Four the Holidays, Tiny Tags, En Francais BG

Paper: Sahara Sand, Lucky Limeade, Cherry Cobbler, Frostwood Lodge DSP, Confetti Cream

Accessories: Boho Blossom Punch, Designer Frames EF, Vintage Wallpaper EF, Tag Punch, Basic PEarls, Cherry Seam Binding, Victoria Crochet Trim, Vintage Brad, Paper Piercer, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Linen Thread, (can you tell I LOVE accessories!)

Sketch Challenge: Create with Connie and Mary #180

Color Challenge: Scrapmaster's Paradise #130

Theme Challenge: SU! Only Challenges #34

Theme Challenge: Hand Stamped Sentiments #97

Wow! Now I remember why I love blog challenges!! I had so much fun creating this card. I just kept adding and adding to it. Not even sure if it resembles the original sketch anymore, I've altered it so much!! Who knows when I'll have the gift of "creating for no reason" again, so I thought I better fit as many challenges as possible into one card. Which is pretty much my MO anyway.

Don't forget about the amazing Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack Sale. Get up to 80% off select Stampin' Up! supplies, while supplies last. You won't want to miss these amazing deals!!

Come again tomorrow for the 6th Day of Christmas. I'm also planning on doing my Top 10 Faves of 2011 during the week between Christmas and New Years. I hope you'll join me for that as well.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

4th Day of Christmas & For Real Friday

2011-12-16T07:18:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Today's Christmas project is a direct CASE of the very talented Nancy Riley at iSTAMP. This is what we made at our final Fall 2011 Hostess Stampin' Club this past Sunday afternoon. The ladies loved it!

Stamps: Winter Post, Delightful Decorations

Paper: Frostwood Lodge, Wild Wasabi, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Glimmer Paper

Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, Ornament Punch, Blossom Bouquet Punch, Stocking Punch, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Bird Builder Punch, Snowflake Punch, Star Punch, Owl Builder Punch, Tag Punch, Petite Pennants Punch, Petals A Plenty EF, Snow Flurry EF, Polka Dot EF, Square Lattice EF, Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals

This was so much fun to make!! I did change mine around a bit from Nancy's original, but not much. Each square is 2" x 2". The frame is 8x10. I was so happy to find these black frames at our local 99 cent store. They were perfect!! I just took the glass out. To make things go a little quicker for my group of 6, I had all the squares pre-embossed. That way there was not a long line at the Big Shot. Here is another pic that's a little closer-up.

Right now, Stampin' Up! is having an amazing sale at their Clearance Rack. You can save up to 80% off select Stampin' Up! products. There are tons of the "old-style" punches for like 10 bucks!! Visit my online store: KRYSTAL DE LEEUW and click the "SHOP NOW" button on the top right corner. Then click on CLEARANCE RACK on the left sidebar. Remember, this sale is only while supplies last!!

If you're here for the stamping fun only, this is where you'll want to skip out. Because I'm about to start chatting about my fam, and who knows how long it might take!! :) It's been quite a while since I've done a "For Real Friday" segment, so there is a lot to catch up on!! But I won't keep you all day, I'll just bore you with the highlights.

Hubby, the kids, and I are on a year long challenge that we began in September called the Radical Experiment. If you are interested in following our adventure, check out our blog: We R Livin Crazy.

Fall is a busy season for us, as it is water polo season. 15yo man-child played on the varsity team this year and hubby was an official for girl's JV. You can pretty much always find us at the pool for either a game or practice. We were very happy when man-child was awarded the co-MVP award. But even more exciting was the call we got this Tuesday from his coach. We was voted to be a member of the all county team!!

Besides driving to and from the pool, we also spent a few months bringing 13yo DD to church for practices. She was part of our church musical, The Christmas Post. It was an amazing performance. The story was set in a WWII era, "Norman Rockwell" small town. Her part was as a "newsie". She did a great job and helped keep the other younger newsies in control and on task.

And as for 6yo DS, what can I say. Poor guy gets stuck in the car A LOT, driving his older bro and sis to all their activities. Thankfully he has an easy-going personality and really knows how to roll with it. It's so fun to have a "little one" in the house. He brings so much joy to all of us. Here's a pic of him in Mexico, where we went during Thanksgiving week to help build a house for the Village of Hope mission organization.

So that's just a little to get you up to date. Hopefully I'll be able to share more in the future. Tomorrow I will have another Christmas card for you. Stay tuned for the 5th day of Christmas!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

3rd Day of Christmas

2011-12-15T08:31:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!

You know when you have the perfect layout in your head and then you go to design the card and it turns out nothing like you wanted? That's what happened with this card. And it doesn't help that I was trying to CASE this card and it still turned out bad. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that my class started at 1pm and I started putting this card together at 12:55pm. There was no time to redo anything. But here it is, in it's "not quite right" glory.

Stamps: Winter Post, God's Blessings

Paper: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Confetti Cream, Early Espresso

Accessories: Artichoke Seam Binding, Designer Frames EF, Oval Punch

The "To: From:" stamp should have been lower, and the cancellation stamp should have been higher. Plus the sentiment should been higher as well, so the ribbon didn't have to be so low. And it just feels like it's missing something. Not sure what. The top is just kind of boring. Ah well, enough complaining!! That's not what you came here for. I do love this color combination. Cherry Cobbler is just the prettiest shade of red for Christmas. It's dark and rich, yet bright and fun. After this class, everyone wanted to make sure they owned Cherry Cobbler ink and paper.

Tomorrow I have a non-card Christmas project, plus I will be doing another "For Real Friday" feature where I bore you with the life and times of my family. I hope that won't scare you away from coming back! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

2nd Day of Christmas

2011-12-14T07:46:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!

This is another card I offered at my Christmas card class. I CASEd it from somewhere in cyberland. If you were the original artist, thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with us! My ladies loved this card.

Stamps: Winter Post, Season of Joy

Paper: Soft Suede, Riding Hood Red, Confetti Cream

Accessories: Northern Flurry EF, Circle die, Circle punch, Linen Thread, Basic Pearls

This card is so simple to make. Just run your Confetti Cream cardstock through the Big Shot using the Northern Flurry EF. Then rub Soft Suede ink over the raised parts. Super easy!!

Come again tomorrow for another Winter Post card. Then on Friday I will have a Christmas project and also a little "For Real Friday" to get you up to speed on what's been going on at our house (plus I need a little momma "brag time!).

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

1st Day of Christmas

2011-12-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!

As promised, I'm going to show you 12 Christmas projects, over the next 12 days, to get you into the holiday spirit. This first card was one from my Christmas card buffet. The ladies asked for "shabby-chic" style cards. They love the old-fashioned look, but they hate to sponge all the edges with ink!!

Stamps: Winter Post, Tiny Tags, Season of Joy

Paper: Red Riding Hood, Wild Wasabi, Confetti Cream, First Edition DSP

Accessories: Scallop Circle die, Designer Frames EF, Jewelry Tag punch, Boho Blossom punch, Basic Pearls, retired ribbon, Spritzer Tool

This was my favorite card from that day. It its loosley based on the card on page 125 of the big catty. Can you believe I did not own Winter Post until just recently?! Such a great set and I just started playing with it. With my luck it will probably retire come June. :)

Come again tomorrow and see more Christmas stamping fun!!

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Stamping!

Still Thankful

2011-12-12T09:02:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Since I started this blog posting adventure with some Halloween cards, I thought it only appropriate to continue the fall holiday season schedule with a Thanksgiving card.

Stamps: Gift Givers, Falling Leaves

Paper: Sahara Sand, More Mustard, Bravo Burgandy, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Stripes Embossing Folder, Chocolate Dotted Ribbon, Square Scallop die, Curly Label Punch

Isn't that little turkey just the cutest?! This card uses a fun technique. You ink up the Stripes Embossing Folder (in this case with More Mustard), run it through the Big Shot. Then ink it up again and turn you paper 90 degrees and run it through again. It makes that adorable gingham pattern. I did find out one thing while doing this with my club. THere is a certain side of your embossing folder that you must ink up. I inked up the wrong side and could not figure out why the ink was not transferring to the cardstock. Decided to ink up the opposite side of the folder and... Voila! Perfect!

And here is a bonus card for today. Simply because it is fall looking and I don't know when else to post it. :)

Stamps: Lovely As A Tree, Woodgrain BG, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Early Espresso, More Mustard, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Sponge Daubers, Hemp Twine

The wood background technique was created by the ever amazing Jan Tink. Check out her blog for details. She explains it way better than I ever could. In a nutshell, you stamp the Woodgrain BG stamp on Very Vanilla cardstock. Then you rub the cardstaock with various color inks. In this case, More Mustard and Chocolate Chip. Then you stamp the Woodgrain BG in Very Vanilla, to make it all "pop". I think I needed to add a little bit more color to my wood. It's an awful pale looking shade of oak.

Wednesday I plan on starting "The 12 Days of Christmas" here at the old bloggo. I'll show 12 different Christmas projects leading right up to Christmas day. Although I really think the 12 Days of Christmas are supposed to start the day AFTER Christmas. But I'm not a Christmas historian, nor do I want to find out the tradition behind the song. It just makes for a good reason to blog for 12 days in a row.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Happy Stamping!

I'm still stamping!!

2011-12-10T13:53:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

I know it's been forever since I've posted here, but I justed wanted you to know that I'm still around and I'm still stamping. It's the blogging thing I seem to be having issues with. :) I forgot how time consuming homeschooling a first grader is. Since I'm so behind on sharing, I just thought I would start somewhere and share a few cards here and there. Once Christmas vacation rolls around, I hope to blog a little more. So here are a few cards from October. What?! Doesn't everyone need a break from all that red and green and snowmen and elves? ;)

Stamps: Gift Givers

Paper: Tangerine Tango, Basic Black, Basic Gray

Accessories: Spider Web EF, Decorative Label Punch, Black Grosgrain, Iridescent Ice EP, White Craft Ink

For this card I embossed the spider web, then gently rubbed White Craft Ink over the raised cardstock. I then sprinkled it with Iridescent Ice EP and heat set it. Now my web is nice and sparkly!!

This card is very similar, just different colors. The DSP is retired.

I've taken and edited about a dozen or so pics. Hopefully I'll be able to pop in here every other day or so until I'm caught up. Then before the new year, I hope to share my "yearly favorites". I'd love to say my New's Years resolution is going to be stamping and and blogging more and maybe even jumping in on a blog challenge or two, but that just not realistic. Maybe when my kids are all grown up and out of the house and don't need rides all over the city. Speaking of rides... it's time for me to drop DD off at church. She's participating in a musical, The Christmas Post. She had one performance last night, two today, and one more tomorrow. Mom's taxi is ready to roll!!!

More Club Cards

2011-07-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!
I'm starting another round of my monthly stamp club. It runs for 6 months, from July through December. I was on the fence about offering another club, because I have such a crazy family schedule right now, it's hard to fit it all in. But my gals are so good to me. They signed up before I could even make up my mind!! And now here it is, the last week of July and we haven't even met yet!!! But this Sunday we will be stamping with each other, and I am looking forward to it. I thought I better show off a couple of the other cards we've made in months past. Could someone please slow down the clock? Time is just flying by!!

BOLD BLOSSOM

Stamps: Bold Blossom
Paper: Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Accessories: New Embossing Powders, Scallop Oval Punch, Pom pom trim, Circle Punches

STRENGTH AND HOPE

Stamps: Strength and Hope
Paper: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Pretty In Pink, Very Vanilla, First Edition DSP
Accessories: Crocheted Lace, Top Note die, Scallop Square Punch

LOVE this stamp set!! And best of all, when you order this set from the Summer Mini Catalog, Stampin' Up! will donate $2 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. How fabulous is that?!!

I can't believe it's almost August!!! Only 3 more weeks of summer left. (15yo man-child starts his sophomore year on August 11th!) Maybe once we get back into the school rountine I'll feel like stamping again. I hope I remember how!! :)

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Pretty Postage

2011-07-19T00:40:00.000-07:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Since I was sitting at my desktop paying bills anyway, I thought I would make another blog post. Oh surprise!! One of the stamp sets that I pre-ordered out of the Summer Mini Catalog was Pretty Postage. I love it because it has a matching punch and I LOVE my punches!! Here are a couple of cards I made using this set.

This first card was made for my Hostess Club last month. I love my Hostess Club gals!! Can't wait to stamp with them again soon.

Stamps: Pretty Postage
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper EF, Lattice BS Die, Scallop Square Punch, Postage Stamp Punch, Black Striped Grosgrain, Markers

This next card is a simple Thank You card I made for my 15yo man-child to send to all the people who have been donating funds to his upcoming mission trip to the Dominican Republic.

Stamps: Pretty Postage
Paper: Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Retired DSP (trying to get rid of some scraps!!)
Accessories: Square Lattice EF, Postage Stamp Punch, Chocolate Baker's Twine

Hope you are all enjoying the new Stampin' Up! catalog!! I LOVE it!! I can't wait to actually order from it!! :)

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Wavin' Hi!!!

2011-07-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!
It's been so longed since I've blogged, that I'm not even sure I remember how!!! It's summertime, so that's means I've traded my stamping obession for my reading obession. I've been doing nothing but reading and reading and reading!!! Love it!! Well that and driving my kiddos to and from the pool 12 million times a day!! With 3 kids in swim and 2 of those kids also in water polo and everyone one of them with different practice times and game times, I spend the majority of my time driving to the pool, at the pool, or driving home from the pool. Not to mention swim meets two nights a week that last until at least 10 pm!!! No wonder I don't feel like stamping!!

But the good news is, I have stamped a few things but never had the time to blog about them. I finally had time to take some pics of stuff, so I'll take the next couple of weeks to show them off.

Today I have two cards to show you today. My youngest brother is getting married on Saturday and our family had the honor of helping throw a bridal shower for his wife-to-be. And I had the job of creating the invitations. Lucky me!!!

I had sooooo much fun making these!!! I gussied them up as much as possible. The colors of their wedding are Rich Razzleberry with black and silver accents. I added so many layers and details to these that they ended up costing extra to mail!! Thankfully my mom paid for the postage. I ended having to make 36 of these beauties.

The shower turned out beautifully. We had it in my brother and sister-in-laws backyard. Just an all around gorgeous day. One of the "shower games" my family likes to "play" is envelope addressing. I use the term "shower game" very loosley, as it's really not a game at all. Every attendee receives an envelope and they are to write their address on the front of it. The envelopes are then collected and one envelope is pulled from the pile and that person gets a prize. What's the point? Now the bride-to-be as all her envelopes already addressed to send thank you notes for her shower gifts!! Here's the thank you notes I made:

These are much simpler than the invitations. I was tired after all that work!! And I didn't want her to have to pay extra postage, so I kept them on the clean side. Plus, I didn't have enough Rich Razzleberry Grosgrain for each card to tie in a bow. I ended up making 40 of these. I figured she could use the extras for whatever else she needs to send a thank you for.

Well this week will be filled up with last minute wedding stuff (making programs, picking up tuxes, rehearsal, finding hubby something to wear!!), work, and more pool duty. Hopefully I'll remember to post again sometime soon. Hope you are enjoying your summer as much as I am!!

Happy Stamping!

Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge #50

2011-05-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!
Wow!!! Two posts in the same week. Something special must be going on. Actually there is!!! A year ago this week, we posted our very first challenge at the Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge. So we wanted to celebrate our first birthday with a bright and colorful party!!! We hope you can come join the fun!

Stamps: Punch Bunch (SAB)
Paper: Tangerine Tango, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, and various DSP (some retired)
Accessories: Melon Pom-pom Trim, Scallop Square Punch, Glimmer Brads, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Turquoise Grosgrain

Sketch Challenge: CREATIVE-SKETCHES CS31

Don't you just love all the bright colors?!! So many fun shades to choose from. I made the party hats using the Square Scallop Punch and then just hand cutting them. Love the little pom-pom tops!! Make sure you stop by the Stampin' Celebration blog and see what the other designers have created. We hope you can play along!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

ColourQ #83

2011-05-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!
Can you believe it?!! I'm finally blogging again! I didn't intend to take a blogging break, but life started hurrying by, and blogging (and stamping!) got put on the back burner. But I'm here for now and hope to make at least a weekly blog appearance. Maybe even bi-weekly. :)

Today's card is for the color challenge over at the ColourQ blog. It's been so long since I've played along. I'm surprised Arielle hasn't taken my picture off the Royal Court Design Team! I hope you can play with us this week!

Stamps: Petal Pizzazz, Perfect Punches
Paper: Ice Cream Parlor DSP (SAB), Turquoise DSP is retired, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango
Accessories: Daffodil Pom-pom Trim (retired), Big Buttons (retired), Turquoise Grosgrain (retired), Large Oval Punch, Tangerine EP, Peach Ribbon, Baker's Twine, Scallop Ribbon Punch

Sketch Challenge: MOJO MONDAY #189

I'm really lovin' the stuff out of the Summer Mini Catalog, especially the Baker's Twine and the colored embossing powders. So fun!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge #48

2011-04-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!
Aren't these Easter images so beautiful?!! I love the softness of them. Pastels were meant for Easter. I hope you can play along with us at the Stampin' Celebration Challenge this week. In fact, this challenge will last for two weeks, so you have plenty of time to create a pretty Easter project.

EASTER BLOSSOMS

Stamps: Easter Blossoms
Paper: Pretty In Pink, So Saffron, Whisper White, Pretty In Pink DSP
Accessories: Pear Seam Binding, Oval die, Decorative Label Punch, Basic Pearls, Markers, Paper Peircer

So I'll admit it. I kind of cheated on this challenge. This card was one of last month's hostess club projects. I just never had enough time to upload it to my blog (In case you haven't noticed, I haven't been blogging much lately!). But when I saw the challenge pictures and realized I didn't have time to stamp anything, I decided to use this. :)

Easter Blossoms has to be my favorite stamp set from the Occasions Mini Catalog. I just love all the images in it. I really hope it makes it to the new Idea Book and Catalog. Although I don't know who else I can sell it to. I think I've sold it to just about everyone I know!

Don't forget, the last day to order from the Occasions Mini Catalog is April 30th. So make sure to get all the things on your list. Things like seam binding, glass glitter, punches, and all the adorable stamp sets!! Don't miss out!

And be sure to stop by the Stampin' Celebration Challenge and see what beautiful projects the other dsign team members created. Unlike me, they actually put some effort into it! Hopefully this uncreative season will soon pass and I will be back in the mood to stamp. My Summer Mini pre-order arrived on Monday and I haven't even opened the box yet!!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

For Real Friday 4.8.11

2011-04-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends!
Welcome to For Real Friday. The one day a week a share (maybe a little TMI!) about me and my life. But first, some stamping fun...

CHOO CHOO

Stamps: Choo Choo, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Tangerine Tango, Pacific Point, Whisper White, Real Red
Accessories: Perfect Polka Dots EF, Red Striped Grosgrain, Spiral Edge Punch

Sketch Challenge: CREATE WITH CONNIE AND MARY #145
Color Challenge: DIVA COFFEE BREAK DESIGNS #222
Theme Challenge: STAMPIN' SISTERS IN CHRIST #83 Make a card for a child

Luke 18:17 "Amen I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."

I love participating in the challenges over at Stampin' Sisters of Christ. They always include a verse and a little devotion with each challenge. As I type out this verse, I can't help but think of the families in Brazil who lost their precious children in that horrible school shooting. My heart just breaks for them. What an awful tragedy. My prayers are with them.

In all my various reading this week, I've ran across lots of passages that talk about the things Jesus said regarding children during His ministry on earth. I'm guessing God wants me to sit up and pay attention for some reason. Jesus loved little children. He paid attention to them. He blessed them. This was out of the norm for the day. The disciples even tried to shoo away the little rascals, but Jesus said no, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Luke 18:16 We need to approach Christ with these same childlike attitudes of acceptance, faith, and trust. Notice I said "childlike" and not "childish". BIG difference! Maybe that's what I need to be learning this week, that I need to let go of my cynic adult attitude and come before God's throne of grace with the faith and trust of a little child. Oh, I have so much to learn!

Speaking of children... I had a not so pretty mom moment this week. I told youth pastor hubby that I don't think I will survive parenting teenagers. 14yo man-child made a not so smart choice last Sunday. Nothing that will put him in prison or even get him a detention. It was just one of those decisions that disappoints you as a parent. I did not give a 20 minute lecture on what a bone-head I thought he was (even though I wanted too!), but he knew I was not happy with him. When he was heading for bed that night, he came and gave me a half-hearted hug (like always), and a kiss on the cheek, and said "I love you". I told him I loved him too. As he walked away I added, "Even if you are an idiot." I thought I would get in one last dig for the day, just so he would know how disappointed I was. I was even more disappointed when I saw his shoulders slump as he kept walking. Why oh why can't I keep my mouth shut?!! Why did I go and have to slam him one more time?!! Did I really need to bring it up again? Get the last word? Oh what an ugly mom moment!!! I have been trying for many years to control my tongue, but apparently I've got a lot more work to do. Then to add salt to my wound, the next morning he posts on his FB page... "I love you, but your still an idiot. Thanks mom for the words of encouragement." So now the entire world knows what a fabulous mother I am!! What I really need to do is apologize. And try not to be so "childish". Oh Lord!! Please help me get through these tough teenage years and still have my children love me when it's all over with!

I've been doing lots of reading lately. Do you guys have any great books that you've read lately? I'd love to hear what's in your library. I need to head to work right now, or I would share more. Maybe next week.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge #47

2011-04-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!
Wow these weeks are flying by! I can't believe it is already Thursday and time for another Stampin' Inspiration Challenge!!! Aren't these pics adorable?!! I love them!! Lots of cute colors and patterns. I'm always a sucker for stripes and polka dots.

ANIMAL STORIES

Stamps: Animal Stories, Something to Celebrate (Hostess)

Paper: Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz DSP, Marina Mist, Whisper White, Super Duper Old DSP that I can't remember the name of... I think it came in a SAB scrap kit quite a few years back.

Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, Tasteful Trim die, Marina Mist Grosgrain, Ice Cream Parlor Buttons (SAB), Beautiful Wings Embosslit

Sketch Challenge: MOJO MONDAY #185

As you can tell, I was really drawn to the stripes in this picture. And of course the cute little elephant. I was so bummed that I did not finish this card in time to take a pic yesterday when it was 75 degrees with beautiful sunshine. Today it is 53 degrees with overcast skies and drizzly rain. Yuck!!

I hope you have a chance to pop in over at the Stampin' Celebration Challenge. The design team did such a wonderful job with this inspiration. Everyone found something unique that they were inspired by. And although 3 of us used elephants, they are all different elelphant stamps!! How fun is that!

I hope you are having a fabulous week!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

ColourQ #79

2011-04-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!
It's Tuesday and that means it's time for more fabulous colors from Arielle at the ColourQ!! Fun springtime colors this week with a punch of black. I hope you can play along!

FLIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLY

Stamps: Flight Of The Butterfly, Season of Friendship
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Playdate DSP, Ice Cream Parlor DSP, unknown Tempting Turquoise DSP
Accessories: Butterfly Punch, Dimensionals

Sketch Challenge: CLEAN AND SIMPLE #134

Since I still haven't found my stamping groove, I decided to go with a CAS card today. I couldn't find any Bermuda Bay DSP, so I cheated a little and used Tempting Turquoise. Not even sure what pack that paper came from. It was in my scrap bag and I was just too lazy to go through old catalogs to find it's name.

The weather has been beautiful this week in the Central Valley. Spring is in the air and everyone has been feeling good... until this morning. The 5yo woke up complaining his throat hurt. Arrrrggg!!! He just finished off a 10 day cycle of antibitotics last week! Here's hoping it's just allergy related. He's not acting as sick as he was last time. I'm ready for a healthy family!!!

Hope you are having a beautiful week!
Thanks for stopping by!
Happy stamping!

For Real Friday 4.1.11

2011-04-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends!!!
Welcome to another edition of For Real Friday!! I'm still trying to get into the blogging groove after taking an unexpected break last week. So many things happening all at once, and then add sickness on top of it all. Not pretty!!! But God is good. And I continue to lean on His promises to help me make it through each and every day. Whether they are pretty, or pretty ugly!!!

CRAZY FOR CUPCAKES

Stamps: Crazy For Cupcakes
Paper: Crumb Cake, Certainly Celery, Ealry Espresso, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette DSP
Accessories: Oval Scallop Punch, Oval Punch, Square Scallop die, Basic Rhinestones, Scallop Ribbon Punch

Color Challenge: COLOUR Q #78
Sketch Challenge: THE PAPER PLAYERS #40
Recipe Challenge: STAMPIN' SISTERS IN CHRIST #82 Paper Piecing

Phillipians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Thanks Stampin' Sisters in Christ!!! Oh how I needed this reminder!! So often I start running away with the "What ifs..." of life and I forget to leave my anxieties at the feet of Jesus. He is so faithful to take care of all my needs and grant me the peace I desire. If I would just remember to stop and ask!!

Hubby and I started an accidental tradition the year 14yo man-child turned 5. He had never been to Disneyland and we decided to take him and his little sister. Little sis ended up getting a fever the day before, so we went with plan B and left her with grandma and headed down to the happiest place on earth with just the three of us. What a wonderful time we had!! We could give him our undivided attention and he got to rule the day. So when little sis turned 5, we also took her to Disneyland by herself for her very first time. What a completley different experience!! Instead of Tom Sawyer's Island and Pirate's of the Caribbean, we spent the entire day visiting every princess and getting their autograph. Fast forward to this week when we finally took 5yo number three (he's almost 6!) on his first trip to Disneyland.

He loved anything you could drive, shoot or run across. He was too chicken to volunteer for the Jedi Training Academy, but it was fun to watch. He disliked anything that spun around in a circle. So the Teacups were not a crowd favorite. He's our only kid that gets dizzy easily. The Disneyland fireworks show is amazing! And we loved the Aladdin show too. Just so much fun!!!

What a special blessing to be a parent. And what a wonderful memory to have of each one of our children as they got to experience something as exciting as Disneyland for the very first time. It's nice to have an innocent 5yo in the house still. It helps to alleviate those days when 14yo man-child gets in the car after school and asks how old you have to be to get a tattoo. Ummmmm... old enough to buy your own groceries and pay your own taxes!! This would be the same 14yo man-child who called me during a wedding rehearsal dinner to ask if he could get a mohawk. I passed that one on to youth pastor hubby. Who promptly got out the clippers the next morning and gave said man-child the haircut of his dreams. Just in time for school. Yikes! I need to remember to take a picture so you can share in my misery.

So that's part of the reason I've been MIA for the last week. The other part is I just haven't been feeling very creative. Maybe once my Summer Mini pre-order arrives, I will feel like stamping again. There's nothing like new stamps to get your mojo going. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge #46

2011-03-31T12:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!
Did you think I had fallen off the face of the earth?!! Not quite, but I did spend a couple days at Disneyland!! I'll tell you all about it tomorrow. But for today, I actully stamped something. I know!! It's a miracle!!!

Don't you love the colors in these photos for the Stampin' Celebration Inpsiration Challenge? I'm a sucker for any color combo that contains pink and orange.

Stamps: Great Friend
Paper: Whsper White, Daffodil Delight, Pink Pirouette DSP, Melon Mambo "faux Mother-of-Pearl"
Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Decorative Label Punch, Oval Punch, Basic Rhinestone, Pumpkin Striped Grosgrain

Sketch Challenge: Clean and Simple FTL133

Nothing fancy, but at least I stamped!! It's been so long, I think I've forgotten how. The Faux Mother-of-Pearl technique is very easy and fun to do. I did it with my hostess club last month and had these extra pieces laying around. I thought they would be perfect for this card.
Here's what you need:
Glossy Cardstock
Frost White Shimmer Paint
Melon Mambo Ink
Brayer
Plastic Wrap
Paper Plate

Take a piece of plastic wrap and wad it into a ball. Pour a small amount of the Shimmer Paint onto the paper plate. Dab the scrunched up plastic wrap into the paint and dab off any excess on the side of the plate. Then dab the paint onto the Glossy Cardstock. Keep dabbing. Do not cover up the entire cardstock with the paint. Leave some clean spaces. Let the paint dry. When completely dry, use your brayer to ink up the entire piece of cardstock in ink color of your choice. I used Melon Mambo. Then you can punch out any shape with it. If you do want to stamp on your Faux Mother-of-Pearl, make sure you use Staz-On ink, so it doesn't wipe off. Super easy!!!

I hope you will take a minute and visit the Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge. Our Design Team always does such a fabulous job week after week. I'm so glad to be among their company!! And I hope you will take a minute and play along with us!! We would love to see what beautiful stamping project you create!!

Thanks for stopping by!!!
Happy Stamping!

Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge #45

2011-03-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!
Well, I'm sorry to say that I still don't have any stamping goodness to share with you today. But I did want to share the gorgeous inspiration picture from the Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge this week. I hope you have a chance to play along with us! If anything, you need to stop by and check out what our fabulous DT has created. The are a talented bunch of stampers!

I think I figured out the reason my mojo has joined Elvis and left the building. I've had the chills and achiness and a headache for the last three days. Not feeling like myself at all. I've been trying to take it super easy. I really don't need to get sick!! Our 5yo has strep and is on antibiotics. There is just too much yuck being spread out there!! Here's hoping next week will be a better week.

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

ColourQ #77

2011-03-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!
I have been in a major creative slump lately. Too many other activities grabbing for my attention I guess. So I don't have a card for you today. But I wanted to share the gorgeous color combo that Arielle has for the ColourQ challenge this week. Beautiful!!! I hope you can play along. And I hope I feel motivated to stamp something very soon!!! Maybe after I take 5yo DS to the doc. Or after I meet with a bride and her mother. Or after the swim meet. Or after Family Night. Or after the wedding rehearsal. Or after... aaahhhhh!!!! I very much dislike a busy schedule!! Especially when it doesn't involve busy stamping!

Thanks for stopping anyway. :)
Happy Stamping!

For Real Friday 3.18.11

2011-03-18T00:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome Friends!!
So glad you stopped by for another For Real Friday, where I share fun stuff (stamping!), family stuff, friend stuff, and faith stuff. I hope you'll stay and let me chat for a moment. :)

First the fun stuff!!!

EASTER BLOSSOMS

STAMPS: Refuge and Strength (retired), Easter Blossoms (sentiment)
PAPER: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry
ACCESSORIES: Basic Pearls, Floral Fusion Sizzlet, Little Leves Sizzlet, Eyelet Scallop Border Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Oval Punch, Olive Grosgrain, Vintage Wallpaper EF

Color Challenge: JUST ADD INK #60
Sketch Challenge: TECHNO STAMPER #165
Recipe Challenge: PAPERTAKE WEEKLY Trio-Tastic
Recipe Challenge: SUO CHALLENGE #14 Favorite Retired SU! Stamp Set-Refuge & Strength
Scripture Challenge: STAMPIN' SISTERS IN CHRIST #80 Matthew 6:21

Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Linda Lucas' challenge for the Stampin' Sisters In Christ was to create something that represented what we treasure most. As she says, "But when it comes down to it, the things I treasure cannot be bought or sold-they are a matter of the heart and of the Kingdom!" That is why I chose to use my retired cross from the Refuge and Strength set. Because what I treasure most is the salvation I have received through the death and resurrection of my faithful Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Salvation that is not deserved, but is given freely, to a sinner such as myself. A treasure indeed!!!

Some of you have asked me how I keep track of all the challenges I partcipate in. I have all of the challenges saved to my "favorites". In my favorites, I've created categories:
SUO Challenges
Non-SUO Challenges
I also have sub categories of:
Color Challenges
Sketch Challenges
Multi Challenges (blogs that offer a different challenge each week)
Some of the blogs I subscribe to through Blogger, so I get updates on my Dashboard. But not all blogs have that option available. So those are the ones I "have" to visit each week. If it is a challenge I think I will participate in, I jot (or scribble!) it down in my little "challenge notebook". Funny thing about these little books... a year ago, some girlfriends and I "dared" each other to lose weight. These little books were supposed to be my food diaries, but they quickly became my stampin diaries instead. :) Here's a pic of my current notebook, messy handwriting and all.

It really is a simple system. Nothing fancy or elaborate. I try to keep sketch challenges on one side and color and recipe challenges on the other. But sometimes they overlap and then it becomes a fun creative mess!!

Last week I shared that the 14yo man-child and 12yo DD were going to be playing in the worship band on Sunday. They did a wonderful job. I was a proud little momma!! DD even had a little "organ" solo on the keyboard. What a blessing to see your children begin to share their gifts in ministry at such a young age. It's another treasure of my heart!!

We are so blessed to have a Christian music school in town called Fusion School Of Music. 14yo man-child started playing bass 3 years ago. Last year he took accoustic guitar lessons and this year he is taking bass lessons again. 12yo DD started keyboard classes two years ago. This year she added violin, voice, and music essentials. Between music lessons and swim practices, I spend my afternoons and evenings carting kids around! Thankfully, the pool and the church where the music school is located are just up the road from each other.

And speaking of DD, here is her first official "brace face" picture!

She chose purple and turquoise rubber bands. :) Her mouth was only sore for about a day and a half. She has quite a few teeth that they are trying to make room for, so she has a couple of springs on the wires and those always hurt.

Yay!!! Spring is almost here!! Here are a few pictures I took in my backyard yesterday.

Isn't God's creation glorious?!! I'm always amazed at the beauty of nature. The gorgeous colors and shapes. I'm always inspired to create something after I've gone for a walk and gazed at the depth of the blue in the sky and the brilliant shades of green in the grass and the trees. The colors of creation are another thing I treasure!

Last weekend, hubby had a church demoninational meeting in Sacramento and I got to tag along. (I'll go anywhere for a weekend away!) The day before the meeting, they had a one day conference featuring Reggie McNeal. I was thankful that I was able to attend. He's a very dynamic speaker. And really funny too. He does have a bad habit of starting sentences and thoughts and never completing them. Listening to him can sometimes feel like playing pinball. He just bounces all over the place! The thrust of his message was about Christains being more missional minded in their everyday lives. Some things I took away from that day:

Be a people of blessing

Be Jesus in your neighborhood

I am the church

Serve your way into peoples hearts

Move from internal to external

Not everyone in our group agreed with what Reggie had to say. But I think that is part of the maturing process in your walk with the Lord. We have to be able to decide why we do or don't believe in an idea and then back up our reasoning based on Scripture. Hubby and I also listened to Rob Bell last night online. The church he pastors at is called Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI. He has a new book coming out about heaven and hell. I read his last book, Velvet Elvis. He also, is somewhat "controversial". He really likes to push the envelope with his ideas and ways of thinking about faith. Again, another opportunity to reevaluate, what do I believe and why?

There are always going to be people who have ideas we don't necessarily agree with 100%. But is there anything in their message that we can take away and apply it to our lives to make us a more loving, caring, compassionate people? People who are slow to anger and abounding in love? People who see the world the way God sees the world? As broken and hurting and in need of hope?

That's always my struggle. I'm so busy just trying to be a halfway decent wife and mom. Running a house (or it running me!). Making sure everyone has clean underwear and is eating something besides Pop-Tarts. I never feel like I'm doing enough to help heal the hurts of others around me. Am I being Jesus in my neighborhood? Am I a blessing to others? If there were just more time in the day!!! But for now, I have to be satisifed with the small things I can accomplish, teaching Sunday School to 5th-8th graders, reading devotions with my kids at the dinner table, sending a card to someone who is sick or hurting, meeting with a friend who needs a listening ear, speaking at Young Life when they ask. I need to remember that not all of us were created to be the Billy Grahams of this world. Some of us just need to be Jesus where we are... at the pool, at a swim meet, at school. So I will try my best to be a blessing to others, no matter how small of an act that may be.

In case you are wondering, no, I did not win the She Speaks scholarship. I think I'm more of a She Chats kind of girl anyway. :) Someday it would be wonderful to attend the conference. Who knows what the Lord has in store. I checked out the blogs of the two gals that won... wow! They deserve it! You can check them out too:

AMANDA D

KRISTY

I'm so glad you stopped by today. I hope you will stop by again sometime!

God Bless!

Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge #44

2011-03-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!!

This post is much later than I wanted it to be. But when you don't start stamping your Stamping Celebration card for today's challenge until 8:30 am this morning, things tend to run a little behind!! :) I wanted to stamp yesterday, but just couldn't squeeze it in. So this morning I felt quite rushed and had to keep things a little simple.

BECAUSE I CARE

STAMPS: Beacuse I Care, Great Friend
PAPER: Pear Pizzazz, Soft Suede, Very Vanila
ACCESSORIES: Decorative Label Punch, Circle Punches, Basic Pearls, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Vintage Wallpaper EF, Champagne Glass Glitter

Sketch Challenge: PALS PAPER ARTS #85
Reipe Challenge: STAMPIN' ROYALTY #63 Texturize

I love the soft greens and golds in the inspiration photos. Very elegant. It doesn't look very pretty in the picture, but the Champagne Glass Glitter really adds some elegant sparkle to the flower. I did a little bit of thumping on the flower with my More Mustard and Soft Suede markers. I should have done a little more. But since I was pressed for time, I had to leave well enough alone!! I hope you will stop by the Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge and play along with us this week. We would love to have you as our next Party Guest Designer!!

Tomorrow will be my second segment of For Real Friday. I do have a card I will be sharing, so I hope you at least stop by for the stamping stuff. :)

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

ColourQ #76

2011-03-15T01:44:00.000-07:00

Hi Stamping Friends!

Don't you just LOVE these colors?!!!! I sure do. And what about those daisies? Oh! Be still my heart!!! These colors and style are so "me". That's why I was super excited to play with the ColourQ colors this week. Arielle done herself a good job pickin' out this combo. :)

PERFECT PUNCHES

STAMPS: Perfect Punches
PAPER: Kiwi Kiss, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Playdate DSP
ACCESSORIES: Daisy Die, Designer Buttons, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, White Grosgrain, Decorative Label Punch, Wide Oval Punch

Sketch Challenge: CLEAN & SIMPLE #131

I love daisies. My grandparents had a long sidewalk that led from the street to their front door. In the spring, the entire walkway was lined with white Shasta daisies. We used to pick them and play the "He loves me... He loves me not..." game. The only thing I didn't like about those daisies was if we were visiting on a Saturday, grandma would give us a clipper and tell us to dead head the flowers. Man there were a lot of them!!

I hope you have a chance to stop by the ColourQ blog and see the other fabulous creations the design team has created. And hopefully you will feel inspired to play along!

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Challenge Monday 3.14.11

2011-03-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hi Stamping Friends!
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Hubby had some church stuff he had to be at in Sacramento, so I got to tag along. You know you're desperate for a weekend away when you say yes to a Classis meeting!! :) That left me little time or motivation to stamp this weekend. I actually did not pick up any ink or paper until 9:30 pm Sunday night. I was waiting up for 14yo man-child to get home from the Rock and Worship Road Show. When he finally gets home, he informs me that he has a report to finish. Aaaahhh!!! Anyhoo. While he was typing, I stamped a couple of clean and simple cards.

EASTER BLOSSOMS

STAMPS: Easter Blossoms... LOVE this set!!!
PAPER: Whisper White, Concord Crush, So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz
ACCESSORIES: Elegant Bouquet EF, Square Punch, Oval Punch, Pear Seam Binding

Color Challenge: STAMPING 411 #152
Sketch Challenge: STAMPING 411 #194
Inspiration Challenge: PALS PAPER ARTS #84

CREATE A CUPCAKE

STAMPS: Create A Cupcake

PAPER: Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Blushing Bride Patterns DSP

ACCESSORIES: Peferct Polka Dots EF, Decorative Label Punch, Build A Cupcake Punch, Square Lattice EF, Designer Button, Linen Thread

Color Challenge: THE PAPER PLAYERS #38

Sketch Challenge: SKETCH FRENZY FRIDAY

I hope you are able to play in a challenge this week!! Stop back by tomorrow. We have new colors at the ColourQ!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Krystal's Sunday Favorites 3.13.11

2011-03-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!
Happy Sunday! Hope you are having a fabulous weekend! Just wanted to share a few of the beautiful stamping creations I saw this week on the WWWW...Wonderful World Wide Web. Enjoy!

So much amazing stamping talent out there!!! I hope you've been inspired to stamp something. Stop by these very talented artisits blogs and see what other lovlies they have to look at.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

For Real Friday 3.11.11

2011-03-11T00:06:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends!

I'm trying out something new at my blog. Don't know exactly what it's going to look like, but I'm super excited to reach outside my little box. Now if you typically come here for paper and ink inspiration, don't run away just yet!! I promise there will be some of that too. I'll even put it near the beginning, so you can skip the rest if you want. On For Real Friday, I'm going to be sharing some "For Real" life stuff about myself. My random thoughts, highlights of my week, special family moments, those awful "mom" moments, just whatever I feel like chatting about. At the end of the post you may be asking yourself, "Is this chick FOR REAL?!" And the answer is yes, I am. :)

My first "for real" random act is to convince the Jesus girls over at Proverbs 31 Ministry why I deserve to win one (of only two!) of the Cecil Murphy Scholarships for the upcoming She Speaks conference that Lysa TerKeurst is giving away on her blog. She Speaks is a conference for women who want to "step out with the message God has placed on our hearts." It is geared towards speakers, writers, and leaders of Women's Ministry. I read about this conference a few years back and was completely intrigued by it. I feel God is nudging me into some kind of speaking ministry. Which is a HUGE faith leap for a former shy girl, who in 2nd grade never even played on the school playground. For the entire year, I just watched from the sidelines as all the other children played. I was just too afraid to go and talk to anyone. Many years and tears later, God has worked a small miracle in my life and has taken away those fears. If you can wear a wet suit in front of the entire congregation while giving an announcement for VBS, you've come a long way baby!!! So the question of why I would like to win the scholarship really should be... why not?!! If that's what God has planned for me, He's going to work it out. If not this conference, maybe the next one. And let's be "for real" for a moment. I'm the wife of a full-time youth pastor slash part-time seminarian student. There's no way I'm ever going to ANY conference except on a scholarship! :) Plus I think I have an extra special touch I can add to the whole Proverbs 31 Ministry. They already have blogs called, She Speaks, She Reads, She Cooks, She Seeks. What they really need is a blog called SHE CRAFTS!!!! Can't you just see a roomful of Jesus girls getting together with their sewing and their quilts and their knitting and their scrapbooks and their STAMPS and encouraging and praying for each other?! Seriously girls! Think about it! :)

And speaking of stamps!! I promised there would be stamping involved in this already long and no where near the end post. This is for my newest Stampin' Up! team member, Syreeta. It's a cute little chick I CASED from Stampin' Connection. I hope you have a fabulous workshop. You go girl!!!!

MILK CARTON DIE

PAPER: So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black
ACCESSORIES: Milk Carton Die, Scallop Circle Punch (wings), Cherry Blossom Embosslit (feet), Small Heart Punch (beak), Owl Punch (eyes), Pumpkin Pie Taffeta Ribbon

Some of you have asked to see my stamping space. Well, there really is not much to see. I stamp on the end of my kitchen counter. It's about a 2' x 3' space. I used to be embarassed by how messy it looks. But everyone who really knows me, knows how much I love to stamp. So I rarely clean it up. Unless my MIL is expected. Then you better believe it all gets put away! It's the curse of being a Dutch girl. We know our "clean" limits!

Looks like I need to file my scraps! Yes, that is a little "contraband". I can't live without my Scor-Pal or my ATG gun. I beg Stampin' Up! every year to add them to the catalog. But they haven't listened to me yet. Here's hoping for July!!

A highlight of the week was our 14yo man-child (he's 6' 3" and 190 lbs!) got his name in the local newspaper. His high school swim team took first place at their meet on Tuesday. He didn't come in first in any individual events, but the 400 freestyle relay team he was on did take first.

GO TUHS!!!

This is what a high school swim team looks like in between events:

OH MY!!

And here is a face only a mother could love:

This is what a 5yo looks like after he stops his fall off his bike with his nose... on the concrete!! A little red scrape, a big green bruise, and two black eyes. If he had green eyes and red hair, I think he would look just like a little leprechaun!! Gotta love the leftover peanut butter around his mouth!! This guy is allergic to all dairy products and everything made with red 40 food dye. Which is pretty much every candy on the supermarket shelf. Plus most medicines. Food allergies are a major bummer!! And we just recently found out that he is allergic to almost every tree, grass, weed, and mold known to man. His allergist was real hopeful. He said to expect it to get worse in two years. Yikes!! Here's hoping hubby gets a position at a church near a beach someday!! :)

12yo DD is in the process of getting her braces on. I wanted to do a "before the appointment" picture and an "after the appointment" picture, but she said NO! Can you believe it? Next Tuesday she gets the rest of the work done. Maybe by then she will let me take a "brace face" pic. She looks adorable. I'm sure some turquoise rubber bands in her mouth will just add a little more flair to her already fashionable style.

Sunday morning I'm going to be a very anxious mom. 14yo man-child and 12yo DD are both playing in the worship band at church... at both services! Aaahhhh!! I've been nevous for days and they are both totally fine. 14yo man-child plays bass and 12yo DD plays the keyboard. Of course I plan on toting my big fat camera along, so hopefully next Friday I will have a picture.

I have the privledge of meeting with two dear friends on Wednesday afternoons for Bible study and another friend on Thursday evenings for another study. Those are very precious moments for a crazy busy homeschool mom like myself. On Wednesday's we are going through Max Lucado's workbook, Experiencing the Heart of Jesus. Love it!! Love his children's books too. :)
Here are some quotes from this week's lesson:

"God allows us to make our own choices."
"Because God gives us choices, we must realize that all choices have consequences, both good and bad."
"No matter how many bad choices we have made in the past, they are redeemed by one good choice-to follow Jesus."
"Jesus loves you enough to let you choose."

And here are some verses that touched my heart from my Thursday study:

"Anyone who comes to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6

"Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person." Ephesians 4:23 TLB

"Lead me; teach me; for you are the God who gives me salvation. I have no hope except in you." Psalm 25:5 TLB

And finally (yes finally!!!) I want to share a book I just recently finished reading that rocked my socks. Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl, by Lysa TerKeurst. Besides stamping, my other passion is reading. I'll read anything that has print on it, cereal boxes, road signs, you name it, I'll read it. But I never read a book twice. I always remember too much of it and it bores me the second time around. Not this book!! I can't wait to read it again with a big fat highlighter pen. I want to soak up more of Lysa's inspirational message. So many wonderful things to think about and ponder. Here's one little tid-bit from the final chapter which is entitled: Forever. "Becoming more than a good Bible study girl means that we desire God's revelations in our life more than we desire our own carefully constructed plans. So easy to say, so hard to actually live out." Amen sister!!

If you've made it this far, you are a trooper!! Thanks for hanging out with me in this first "For Real" moment. Like I said at the beginning, I have no idea where this whole idea is headed, but it should be a fun little ride. Hope you'll visit again soon!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge #43

2011-03-10T01:15:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!
Doesn't all that chocolate just look delish?!!! If St. Patrick's Day includes this much sweet stuff, I think I want to be Irish!!! Candace put together a yummy combination of greens and browns for us at the Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge... my two favorite colors!! I hope you can join us and play along!

SEASON OF FRIENDSHIP

STAMPS: Season Of Friendship, Punch Bunch, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Woodgrain BG, So Happy For You (SAB)

PAPER: Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Very Vanilla, So Saffron

ACCESSORIES: Owl Punch, Bird Punch, Top Note die, Elegant Lines EF, Tab Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Modern Label Punch, Glimmer Brad, Chocolate Grosgrain (retired)

Sketch Challenge: TECHNO STAMPER #164

Theme Challenge: HAND STAMPED SENTIMENTS #58

I just couldn't resist making one of those cute little owl leprechauns that I've seen all over the web this week. I created his hat using the Tab punch, but I had to punch it a few times to make it smaller. I also cut the "brim" of it to shorten it. I really should have had him holding a little cupcake in his wing. That would have been perfect!! As usual, all my great ideas come a day late. :)

I have a fun "shamrock" story to share. On Saturdays, when I was much younger and we would visit my grandparents, my grandpa would mow the lawn and he would intentionally mow around the clover patches. In the afternonn we would go outside with my grandma and sit around the patches and look for 4 leaf clovers. They were really hard to find!! If we found one, grandma always made a really big deal about it. We would take it inside and press it between the pages of a book. I never thought much about those "lucky" clovers until many years later when we were packing up grandma and grandpa's house. I was told to look through all the old books on their bookshelf, in case they had stashed any money in them. I found no cash, but I found something even better... lots and lots of 4 leaf clovers that had been lovingly searched for on sunny afternoons with my dear sweet grandma.

I hope you have a chance to stop by the Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge and see what our fabulous desing team has created. Those girls just rock my socks every week!! It's so exciting to be a part of such a talented group of stampers. And I hope you are inspired to create something yummy to share with us. We look forward to seeing all your scrumptious creations!

Well tomorrow I'm starting a new little adventure here on the blog. And I have to admit, I'm really nervous about it!! Don't ask me why. It's just silly. Each Friday I will be posting "For Real Friday". It's going to be a day where I share all kinds of real randomness from my everyday life. Stamping randomness. Mom randomness. House randomness. I have no idea what it's going to look like, but it should be fun. You will probably find out more about me than you care to know. :) And yes, there will be pictures. So stay tuned!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

ABC Scripture Challenge -E-

2011-03-09T12:39:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!

I'm posting later than usual today. I didn't have much time to work on my ABC Scripture Challenge page for Patter Cross' challenge on her blog, Triple the Scraps. One thing that tripped me up was I didn't connect with the word she chose for the letter -E-, so I changed mine. She chose the word "easy", but I chose the word "everything". I finally started excersing again and while I was listening to my iPod, the words from a song (which are really words from a Psalm!) stuck in my brain... "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord". The thought that everything... the sky, the trees, the air, the entire world belongs to God alone, found a place in my heart. It was a beautiful reminder that "I am not my own, but I belong, body and soul, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ."

To create this digital page, I used the Botanical Gazette Designer Series Paper and Brush Set for My Digital Studio. Every Tuesday, Stampin' Up! offers new downloads for MDS. It's so tempting to keep getting more MDS goodies. But I've been trying to use all the yummy stuff I already have. This page came together quickly since I used a fabulous sketch from the February 2011 sketches at PageMaps.

I hope you can stop back by tomorrow. We have a new challenge over at the Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge and we want you to play along!

On Friday I plan on starting something new here at my blog. I'm calling it For Real Friday. I read a blog recently (can't remember which one. I read too much stuff!) where she did a kind of weekly photo journalistic list of "stuff". Family stuff, life stuff, etc. I plan on doing something similar, but I will also include some stamping "stuff". We will see how it goes. I never thought I would use this blog for "personal" things, but I think it's time to branch out. And since I did name it Krystal's Cards and More. I think it's time to get to the "more" part. :) As Lysa TerKeurst (one of my Jesus girl heroes!) chatted on her blog today, I realized it was time for me to add a little "and then some" to my world.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping and Digi Scrapping!

ColourQ #75

2011-03-08T01:30:00.000-08:00

Hi Stamping Friends!!!

It's time for another fabulous color challenge from the ColourQ!! Didn't Arielle just pick out the cutest bunch of colors this week?!! And I love the inspiration photo. If I hadn't used my Animal Stories set last week to make my ColourQ card, I would have used it this week. Love those animal cookies!!

FLIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLY

STAMPS: Flight of the Butterfly, So Happy For You (SAB), Dot, Dot, Dot
PAPER: Daffodil Delight, Cool Caribbean, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Ice Cream Parlor DSP (SAB)
ACCESSORIES: Curly Label Punch, Daffodil Pom-pom Trim, Butterfly Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Glimmer Brads, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Scallop Ribbon Border Punch

Sketch Challenge: CREATIVE SKETCHES #22

I was so excited about this card. It wasn't until I uploaded it to the ColourQ site that I realized I didn't use any black!! I could have at least stamped the sentiment in black or something!! Last week I added a color, this week I forgot a color. If I keep at, I may end up with the wrong colors all together! Thankfully, Arielle is the sweetest, easiest challenge hostess I could ever work with. She has nothing but encouragement for all of her team members. I'm super impressed because she has actually called me at home. More than once!! To me, she is a stampin' super star. And I'm glad she keeps me around, mistakes and all. :)

I hadn't inked up this set in a looooong time. It's so fun to dig out those old favorites that have been swept to the side when something new comes along. I really need to make a concerted effort to use some of my older sets. There are so many great ones to choose from!! I had just a scrap of Cool Caribbean cardstock leftover. I have the ink pad, but no full sheets of cardstock. Imagine my surprise when I took out the Subtle Glimmer Brads and they matched so perfectly!!

I hope you have a chance this week to stop by the ColourQ challenge blog and see what the other amazing Royal Court team members have created. I know they will give you lots stampin' inspiration!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope I see you again soon!!
Happy Stamping!