My Hands and My Heart

#55: Mother's Day, 2009

2009-05-21T12:48:00.007-04:00

As my Mom's Alzheimer's disease progresses, she has less ability to understand anything abstract in nature. So, no puns or poetry for her Mother's Day cards, but I do try to incorporate as much texture as possible into them. Patients with Alzheimer's are very tactile-- they enjoy touch and the differences in how things feel. Mom's card this year included as much as I could to make it a happy card for her-- lots of textures and depth--but boy, did that same intent make it a tough card to scan or photograph!

The base is a sheet of heavy, white, linen textured acrylic painting paper, and the layer is a beautiful shade of textured metallic cardstock from DCWV called "Nightlife," which is actually a silvery lavender color.

The intricate flowery square is from a pack of four felt coasters I bought from Michael's "10 for 10 Dollars" section. I added a few small silver brads to the center and some huge, jeweled brads to the corners.

In all my years of stamping (almost 20), can you believe I've never had a "Happy Mother's Day" stamp? When I found this Inkadinkado beauty in the SALE bin, I knew it had to come home with me.

This is my third year of posting Mom's Mother's Day cards; the first post I ever put up for my blog was one of them. I love you, Mom.

#54: Talking Cards

2009-04-22T07:19:00.004-04:00

Now that they're being discontinued and just about impossible to find, I've discovered "Bubble Stickers" from Martha Stewart. I purchased several packages on sale at Michael's.... well, because they were on sale. No other reason.

Now I find that they're really tickling my fancy and I've had a lot of fun with them. Since they're hard to find, I did the next best thing and bought a h*u*g*e punch at Hobby Lobby that's a rectangular "Cartoon Bubble," as they call it. This is going to be fun!

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Bunny Stamp:Studio G ($1.00 at Michael's)
Thank You: Pre-inked JustRite Double Stamp (What a timesaver!)
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#53: And now for something completely different...(Finally!)

2009-03-09T22:17:00.004-04:00

It's a card made with a napkin, and every time I look at the cartoon, it makes me laugh... Poor St. Patrick! Just look at those big circles under his eyes. Every Mom and Dad in the world can relate!

#52: I love snowflakes!

2008-12-20T09:32:00.007-05:00

I have an awful lot of snowflake and snowflake-themed stamps, but since I don't make my own Christmas cards, they don't see as much use as they should. I love to incorporate them into other types of cards, like this get-well card for a co-worker.
Here's the cover: .... and then a small scan of the inside:

The card is 6"x6" and I think all the stamps are from various $1.00 bins.

The round snowflake punch is an old one from All Night Media, and the snowflake border punch on either side of the "Get Well Soon" is Martha Stewart's embossing border punch. (Note to self: The embossing shows on the underside of the cardstock, so put the cardstock into the punch upside down....)

The wonderful sparkly chipboard letters are from the Dollar Spot at Target-- some of the prettiest I've ever seen! I only got two packages, so I'll definitely need to make a return trip for more, now that I've seen what a nice touch they add.

Hope all your holiday plans are coming together. Try not to stress, OK?

#51: Why is it...?

2008-12-14T06:03:00.004-05:00

The more stuff I have, the less stuff I create? Sheesh, I don't think my hobby is stamping/card-making anymore....I think it's collecting stamping/cardmaking stuff.

Do I love all my stuff? Yep, unreservedly! Do I use my stuff? Er....not so much. I should be ashamed. Should be, mind you, but I'm not. Every once in a while, I go into a flurry of creating and then I'm so happy with myself, I remember why I started all this!

I've also realized that my favorite creations never make it to the blog because I am a card-carrying crappy photographer. If it doesn't scan, it doesn't appear here. And even if it does appear here, it's a little pathetic. But pathetic can be kinda cute, too! (example follows...)

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Penguin & Happy Birthday stamps from various dollar bins. My expensive stamps are carefully stored and I have a hard time remembering where... which is why I use my dollar stamps, mostly.

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#50: Impulsive Bunnies

2008-11-24T19:49:00.003-05:00

I love this teeny, little stamp (1"x¾"). I've had it for years and have no idea where I bought it. However, the information from the side of the wood mount says "Noteworthy™, Chatsworth, CA." When I put Google to work on that, it turns out it isn't a stamp company, but a "...company highly focused on providing front end, value oriented, impulse merchandise programs..." (The bold underline is mine.)

Yup, the word impulse describes my shopping habits perfectly!

These bunnies have graced lots of birthday, thank you, get well and thinking-of-you cards-- and every single time I add them to something, I have to laugh!

#49: I'm baaa-aack!

2008-11-09T15:14:00.008-05:00

Oh, boy. Has it been a busy/nuts/frustrating couple of months! No gory details, but besides not keeping up my blog, I don't even think I've posted on GW in weeks. That's like saying "I don't even think I've eaten any chocolate in weeks." Unbelievable.

That's the problem with inertia-- you know, the old "Body at rest tends to remain at rest" thing? I found each day away from stamping, blogging, and crafting made it harder and harder to resume. Throughout the time, dear becky-with-a-little-"b" commiserated and sent several lovely, uplifting messages of support and empathy which touched my very soul and for that I can never thank her enough.

Quick post and a quick card, but now that the body is moving, I'll be back soon!

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Stamp: Sandra Boyton "Keep Smiling" (#915) by Kidstamps

Background paper is actually a glossy file folder; design by Mary Engelbreit

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#48: Faith & Emily Dickinson

2008-08-05T19:55:00.006-04:00

I really enjoy some of Emily Dickinson's poetry, so when I found these beautiful stickers on close-out at Serendipity Stamps, I knew I had to have them. They work so well for a variety of occasions, such as get well, encouragement, or congratulations, especially when I need a card quickly.

The passage reads:
"We never know how high we are
Till we are called to rise
And then, if we are true to plan
Our statures touch the skies."

#47: Thank You Cards

2008-07-28T06:43:00.003-04:00

I've had a lot to be thankful for in the past few weeks, which meant I went on a card-making frenzy this weekend. My dear friends at work had a lovely, impromptu birthday party for me last Friday that I thoroughly enjoyed: take out Chinese food and an elegant Chocolate Mousse Cake that almost put the entire place into a coma-- Yum!

Here's just one of the many cards I worked on over the weekend, and its sentiment is meant with all my heart!

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~Thanks embossed with a Sizzix Simple Impressions Folder and lightly highlighted with a Color Box Cat's Eye Chalk Pad in Alabaster.

~Martha Stewart's Border Punches: Doily Lace and Small Ribbon Threader

~The gold embossed card edge is actually the trimmed front of a Christmas Photo Card (adhesive strips already attached!) from a box purchased in an after-Christmas sale. Included gold-foil lined envelopes, too!

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#46: Thank you, Cherylynn & Second Childhood Creations!

2008-07-22T13:22:00.008-04:00

Addendum added April 21, 2009
I remain grateful for the gift certificate that I was awarded, but feel compelled to add, at this later date, that there have been some recent concerns about the quality of customer service through Second Childhood. Please consider this before you order. I am anxious to clarify that although the experience I had in this instance was positive, I would not want anyone to feel that I have unfairly represented this particular online store. Thank you for understanding.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Now, how cool is this? And how generous is this???

Cherylynn of the online store Second Childhood Creations has a blog, as well. Before going to CHA last week, she asked for input regarding what her fans and customers would like her to look for at the show. Imagine that! Someone who wants to know what we'd like to spend our money on!

Cherylynn asked our opinions and also offered a generous $15.00 gift certificate to a randomly chosen response posted in reply to her question-- and bless her heart, I won! I had lots to say, of course (no surprise there) but I was surprised and honored to have that wonderful Random Integer Generator choose me.

Thank you to yet another Gingerwood cyber friend!

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Edited 2/1/2009

#45: Rubber Stamp Tapestry

2008-07-19T19:20:00.004-04:00

Although I've long admired them, I've only recently begun purchasing and using sets by Rubber Stamp Tapestry. I'm still working on perfecting the technique, but find that you can achieve impressive results with less effort than you'd think possible!

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Stamp Set: Auntie's Strawberry Garden by Rubber Stamp Tapestry
Happy Birthday Stamp by Leisure Arts
Circle Filigree Punch by Fiskars
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#44: Another Angelina Fiber Creation

2008-07-13T13:32:00.012-04:00

Here's another Angelina Fiber creation that more clearly shows the halo of fibers around the stamped image. This was inside a tri-fold "New Baby" card. The color name of this fiber is "Calypso Blue" and has a definite iridescent sheen to it, as do all of the various fibers.

I have mostly done solid color images, but at the convention, Class Act did some wonderful things with mixed colors. For example, they used a large dragonfly stamp and added bits of pink, yellow, and orange to several shades of green for a beautiful creation that looked as if it came straight from a sunny day at the pond. It was stunning! By adding a stick-on pin back, they provided many attendees with a small work of art that took only moments to create. I'm thinking that in the future, rather than adhere the image directly to the card with adhesive, I should add a pin back. It could then be a little gift within the card, especially for birthdays and Christmas.

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Stamps:
-Onesie from a 10-pack set of wood-mounted stamps by "Studio g" (A great deal for only $10.00 then used a 40% off coupon at AC Moore! Contains images of a baby bottle, onesie, rattle, diaper pin, baby carriage, umbrella with raining gifts, and four sentiments: "Bundle of Love," "Just Arrived," "Baby Shower," and "Welcome Baby."
-"Congratulations" $1.00 clear stamp by DMD, purchased at JoAnn's

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#43: Angelina Fibers

2008-07-12T19:02:00.005-04:00

I seem to be making way too many sympathy cards these days. It also seems, however, that of all the cards I make, sympathy cards are the most appreciated.

The heart was created using Angelina Fibers-- something I'd never heard of until I saw a demonstration by Class Act of Canada at a convention this spring. The quick instructions are:

Preheat a dry iron to medium.

Ink a rubber stamp with dye-based ink (must be rubber, not acrylic).

Place the stamp, inked side up, on a firm surface.

Place shreds of Angelina Fibers on top of inked stamp. You can use a single color (I used "Sugar Plum" for the heart above) or mix several colors.

Place a piece of parchment paper over the fibers.

Press with the pre-heated iron until you are able to faintly see the stamp design through the parchment.

Allow paper and fused fibers to cool slightly and remove from stamp.

May leave the loose fibers around the image for a halo-type of effect, or you may trim the outline of the stamped/fused image.

I bought a number of packets of fibers at the convention. Since then, I've purchased a sampler pack of 19 colors from a vendor on eBay, and have noticed that AC Moore has the fibers available online. I haven't found any bricks-and-mortar stores, however, that carry the product.

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Lace Heart Stamp: Rubber Stampede
"God gave us memories..." Sticker: Seredipity Stamps
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder: Textile

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#42: Transparencies

2008-06-29T18:53:00.007-04:00

We've been "talking" about transparencies on GW a lot recently and I've been asked about a type I described as a little "cloudy." The type I mean is for highly detailed copies and therefore it has a special coating to help the copier toner adhere better to the transparency. I'm not sure if "cloudy" is the correct term to use. The coating results in a very slight rough feel and perhaps just a touch of dullness, as opposed to a super shiny/slick surface. I kind of like this type, as my inked up stamp is less likely to slide because there's a faint texture from the coating. But that's definitely a personal preference.

Some types of transparencies also have a white strip running the length of them. It's called a "sensing strip" and is there so that certain types of copiers can recognize a clear sheet coming through and can sort of grab onto it. The strip removes cleanly, without residue. Sometimes I pull the strip off and other times I leave it on, incorporating it into my card design.

This is a card I made for the DH. It isn't a great image because I scanned it, but trying to get a photo of a transparency is waaaaay beyond my limited photography skills. The deer is a sticker Mike had admired and looks much better than anything I could color; the zig-zag design is a gold metallic sticker over the sensing strip.

FRONT:

INSIDE/OPEN:

I am absolutely not any kind of an expert on using transparencies in card making-- I know more about using transparencies from the days of overhead projectors and pre-PowerPoint. Now that's showing my age, isn't it??!

#41: The winner-- and more!

2008-06-22T15:26:00.004-04:00

Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment or send an e-mail regarding the Heat Gun Holder Tutorial. It was delightful to know that I'm not the only one who thinks the Holder is a must-have-- or that my DH, Mike, is a sweetheart!

However, it just gets better: Mike was very pleased with how appreciative everyone was and decided to put together "kits" for three runners-up. The winner will receive a fully put-together/complete Heat Gun Holder, as shown in the tutorial. Additionally, though, three more Holders will be shipped, unassembled, to the runners-up. These "kit" Holders have already been put together, but then unassembled to make shipping a little easier. All that needs to be done is to insert the screws and cup hook (all included) into the correct holes.

So, here's the list:
THE WINNER!!: sandie994

RUNNER-UP #1: Cathy in AZ

RUNNER-UP #2: Renée K.

RUNNER-UP #3: SilverDragoness

I have sent e-mails out to Sandie, Cathy and Renée; SilverDragoness, I need contact information for you, please.

I do wish I could send out a Heat Gun Holder to every single one of you. However, you just never know what the DH might come up with in the future, when he's fiddling around in the basement...

Many thanks and best wishes to each of you!
~Mary (and Mike)

#40: Heat Gun Holder Tutorial & Giveaway

2008-06-15T19:33:00.020-04:00

More than any other post on my blog, the wonderful heat gun holder my DH made for me has generated many lovely comments and e-mails (see post #29 HERE).

I've e-mailed quickie instructions to those who have asked, but finally decided to do a step-by-step photo tutorial of Mike in action, creating one. As a result, I have an extra heat gun holder, and will be giving it away to a lucky random poster. Details at the end of the tutorial!

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STEP #1:

Measurements of the wood pieces are approximate. Mike uses scraps of pine that he has in the basement, so no two holders are exactly the same. Don't be afraid to experiment.

(1) BASE: 5" wide x 6" long x ¾" thick

(1) TOP: 3½" wide x 5½" long x ¾" thick

(1) UPRIGHT STAND: 3" wide x 10½" long x ½" thick

(6) Wood Screws, 1½" long

(1) Ceramic Tile, 4¼" x 4¼"

(1) Cup Hook [not shown]

2" hole saw for cutting hole in TOP

Polyurethane Spray [not shown--optional]

Silicone Glue [not shown]

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STEP #2:
Lightly sand rough edges of wood, if desired.

Center UPRIGHT STAND piece onto edges of BASE and TOP.

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STEP #3:
Drill 3 evenly spaced holes along ends of UPRIGHT STAND into TOP and into BASE pieces (total of 6 holes).

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STEP #4:

Use hole saw to cut 2" opening into TOP. Center the hole side-to-side, but place it more to front edge of the TOP.

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STEP #5:

Re-align TOP and BASE pieces with UPRIGHT STAND piece and insert screws. An electric screwdriver or a drill bit for screws speeds things up!

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STEP #6:

Almost done!

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STEP #7:

OPTIONAL: Sand the entire holder lightly with fine sandpaper and spray with one coat of fast-drying polyurethane. DH uses Minwax Clear Gloss or Matte Finish. Do not paint the wood as it may not withstand the heat from the heat gun.

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STEP #8:
Use Silicone Glue to adhere the Ceramic Tile to the base.

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STEP #9:

Center Ceramic Tile on BASE and press down firmly.

Screw a cup hook into the back of the UPRIGHT STAND to help control the cord on the heat gun (see original photo at top of page).

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Is this guy great or what??!

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Now, for the Giveaway:

Since creating this tutorial meant that a new heat gun holder was created, too, Mike and I thought we'd share the extra. If you could use this handy tool, here's your chance to win it!

Just leave a comment with your e-mail address, or send me a brief message [handsandheart (at) live (dot) com]. I'll have the DH choose a random number on Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 at 12:00 noon EST and will be in touch with the winner.

#39: Fiskars Border and Corner Punch

2008-06-09T20:42:00.004-04:00

I love-love-LOVE punches of all kinds, but I'm really impressed with one of the new Fiskars Border and Corner punches. I haven't seen them in stores, yet, but did purchase one at a recent Rubber Stamping and Scrapbooking show in Syracuse, NY.

The names of the punches are truly, truly awful (one that's a woven-type of style is called "Lattice Entertain You".....), but I just adore the beautiful intricacy of the one I purchased, called "Comin' Up Roses."

You must start with a square or rectangle that's measured in full inch increments. There are actually two punches, side-by-side: the corner punch and the border. You begin by pressing both simultaneously, then move your paper/cardstock along the very clearly marked base, pressing only the border punch, to make your design. When there's one inch remaining, turn the paper 90 degrees and repeat. One of the easiest punch systems I've ever used, with spectacularly intricate results. It almost appears laser-cut.

On this sample, I used a heavy cream paper matted on black cardstock, resulting in a simple, but elegant, sympathy card. With the right stamp and by substituting a pretty pink or green mat, and it could be a wonderfully feminine birthday card.

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Stamp: My Sentiments Exactly! Clear Stamps "Sympathy Sentiments" (Set #M123)
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#38: A tradition, of sorts...

2008-06-07T19:31:00.005-04:00

The first card I posted on this blog last year was the card I made for my Mom for Mother's Day, 2007, so I guess I should keep up with the tradition. (Is something a tradition when it's only been done twice? Close enough, I guess!)

My Mom is one of my biggest fans when it comes to the cards I create. She has been battling Alzheimer's for several years, so I find that she enjoys cards that are kind of bold and obvious-- she can't really appreciate things like subtle stamping or shading. So I get a kick out of using some of the offbeat Sizzix dies I have and she always enjoys receiving them, too.

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*Sizzix Originals Die: "Toaster"

-Toaster made with Crayola Brand "Stardust" Inkjet Sticker Paper

*Sizzix Originals Die: "Toast, Butter & Jam"

-Toast made with PSX Paper Designs 12x12 "Antique Wallpaper" and edge colored with a gold/brown Sharpie marker

*Pink background paper by Frances Meyer, Inc. (unknown pattern name)

*Sentiment is computer generated

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#37: Maybe I'm on a roll....

2008-06-01T20:27:00.005-04:00

Lots of birthdays in May and June. Here's a quick card made for a friend. The little squares are tiny (2¼") notecards from Michael's, available in a variety of colors. They come with coordinating colored envelopes, so all you need to do is seal the envelope and stick the card to it to have an instant mat.

I love the delicate little gingham and tiny watercolor style hearts and flowers. The best part? I got a TON of different colors on sale for 50¢ per package of 12!

The ribbon is also from Michael's. It was labeled as an Easter ribbon, but I purchased it on sale after the holiday.

#36: Happy Birthday to our baby!

2008-05-31T19:10:00.004-04:00

Our daughter, Beth, turns 20 today! Happy Birthday, with all our love, sweetheart! You make us so happy and so proud.

#35: I love this card, if I do say so myself.

2008-04-19T12:28:00.004-04:00

Although the scan is crooked and I should have photographed it to prevent all the weird shadows, I still love this card. It's pretty simple and all I did was put together "premade" things, but there's just something about how it all came together that makes me happy.

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Cuttlebug Embossing Folder: Textile

Ribbon: Michael's

Dimensional Sticker: K&Company

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#34: Simple Stamping

2008-03-23T19:45:00.004-04:00

I am a very, very simple stamper, but I get a great deal of enjoyment from doing just that. I love embellishments and other types of "add-ons" to make my cards fit the recipient.

One of my aunts has a birthday this week and this card is exactly her style. Luckily, it's mine, too!

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~Flower image is from Lisa Vollrath's 2008 March Countdown (St. Patrick's Day & Easter images; linkware for personal use only. The calendar's images are only available for a very brief time after the countdown ends, so they may not be there when you read this. Sorry!)

~White flowers are from the "Brides" collection at Michael's; a can of about 300 flowers for $4.99-- what a deal! The centers are colored with Copic Atyou Spica Pink Glitter Pen.

~Happy Birthday stamp from My Sentiments Exactly! Stamped in Brilliance Ink (Pearlescent Orchid).

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#33: Baby Shower Invitations

2008-03-03T19:42:00.005-05:00

Ooooh! I had so much fun creating and making invitations for our niece's baby shower! Our other niece is hosting it and I was honored to bits to be asked. I made three samples from which she could choose:

Although she really liked the bunny (choice #3), we decided that at this time of year it looked too much like Easter. It was then a split decision between #1 and #2, so in the end, I made 15 of each of them.

I've never really had to make duplicates of a card before and was a little worried about churning out any kind of volume. However, once I got going, it wasn't a problem at all. The information regarding the shower (inside) was computer generated, so that part was a breeze.

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•All stamps: Studio G (from Michael's & AC Moore)

•Bunny: Sizzix Die

•Small white embossed frame (baby bottle invitation) and white embossed folder ("It's A Shower!" invitation) are Wilton wedding supplies. The frame is for placecards and the folder is part of a kit for making wedding programs.

•Pink & Blue velvet ribbon (glued back-to-back to form one doubled-sided ribbon) by Berwick ... I've had for about a million years

•White ribbon with pastel dots by Offray (from Wal-Mart)

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#32: Great Minds

2008-02-23T15:14:00.013-05:00

Boy, I'd say "Great minds think alike," but that would be an insult to Susan of Gingerwood.

A little while ago.... OK, OK! Four months ago! Susan did me an enormous favor when she sold me a wonderful set of punches (see this post), making certain that I received them quickly and with the cheapest possible shipping. She went to a great deal of trouble for me and just could not have been sweeter about the whole thing. I sent her a card to say thank you: Susan modestly told me it was no big deal (although it was!) and then further compounded her kindness by telling me that my card inspired her. Holy smokes... talk about the ultimate compliment! She sent me a photo of the card she made:
Is that not gorgeous??? I asked Susan if she would mind having me share this kind of circuitous route of how crafters inspire each other and she graciously said to go ahead.

So, I had meant to share this and completely forgot until I received my package of new Cuttlebug embossing folders from All That Scraps a few days ago. All this new embossing reminded me of some of my old embossing and there you go. As I said... four months ago. Sheesh.

Thanks for the re-inspiration, Susan!

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Susan's Card
Paper: Basic Grey
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder: "Stylized Flowers"
My Card
Daffodil stamp from Stampin' Up! "Perfect Petals"
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder "Spots and Dots"
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#31: Best Wishes

2008-02-17T08:23:00.004-05:00

There has been a lot of behind-the-scenes activity around here, but not a lot to show for it! I'm in the process of making a stack of baby shower invitations for the dear niece and her husband previously mentioned. I made way more samples than I probably needed, but for someone so special, you want everything perfect, you know?

Then there was this project... a wonderful friend and co-worker who is leaving her position. She's such a great person, and she deserved the best card we could come up with. However, there are enough of us who wanted to write something meaningful, and a regular-sized card just wouldn't do. I came up with a three page, 12" x 18" card (booklet) that allowed everyone to put down their thoughts, and not just be limited to a scribbled name. It was nearly impossible to come up with any stamping on that scale, so the use of laser-cut and metallic papers filled the void.

The "envelope" was a sheet of gold mat-board (for framing)-- I cut it to a size slightly larger than the card. The card was placed on top of the gold board and the whole thing tied together like a present with wide grosgrain ribbon.

#30: Organizational Efficiency, Part Two

2008-01-21T20:25:00.001-05:00

There have been several recent posts on GW about various stampers' organizational methods. I sometimes think I love organizing more than stamping! Since I have pretty limited space, I tend to go vertically rather than horizontally.

This person's wonderfully inventive answer to the "Clip It Up" system (http://outtathisfunk.blogspot.com/2008/01/sticker-gripper.html) is similar to what I finally ended up with, although I use a much smaller space. Mine are simply tiny, short café rods attached to the front of one of my cabinets. I just slip on the rolls of stickers and use binder rings to hold packages of embellishments.

All of my decorative edge scissors are hung an jumbo pushpins hammered into the side of the cabinet, right next to my desk.

#29: Organizational Efficiency

2008-01-16T06:23:00.002-05:00

I love to heat emboss stamped images, but found I did it infrequently because I was too lazy to haul all the equipment out and put it back for each project. Whenever I have a vexing question about how to work through a crafting issue, I turned to the delightfully generous and helpful ladies of Gingerwood, who supply endless hints, tips, tricks, encouragement, photos and how-to-do-it detail! As a result, I now have a wonderful custom-made heat-gun holder, courtesy of my DH. It has a very small footprint, allowing me to leave my embossing equipment right at hand, ready to be used and to allow safe cooling, as well.

My husband was impressed by the thoughtfulness of the ideas offered and really happy with the safety factor associated with the holder, something that has always bothered him-- the biggest concern was that one (or both) of the "craft cats" would be in the middle of the project area offering personalized artistic direction and set the place on fire.

So I showed him all the photos, hints, recommendations and suggestions from fellow GWs, and he made me this:

Perfect!

Many thanks to becky with a little "b" (for the detailed photos of the overall design), Greta in NY (wonderful suggestion to add a heat-proof ceramic tile), Mrs. C. (the idea to add cup hooks to help control cords), Sue Nelson (for putting the thought in my head that the DH could make it for a few dollars, rather than have me buy it) and a number of others who offered their help. I've done more embossing in the past week than I have in the past year!

#28: And then at the other end of the spectrum....

2008-01-13T18:45:00.000-05:00

My last post celebrated new life; today I wanted to show you a sympathy card I recently made. There's very little stamping on it-- the cover's wording "With Deepest Sympathy" was stamped and then embossed with detail black. The card is actually a booklet, made with a tabloid size sheet of textured burgundy cardstock (approximately 12"x18") scored and folded in half.

The inside wording is computer generated on vellum which was then placed over a sheet of preprinted paper. A close friend lost her brother after a long and difficult illness and this poem spoke from the heart. I am very sorry to say I have no idea where it came from or to whom credit should be given-- if anyone knows I would be grateful for the information.

I also decided that I wanted to play around with the layout of my blog. I have a feeling it's going to require a few different attempts to make me happy. I sure wish I knew more about HTML. However, I think one of my daughter's college courses this spring includes web design, so maybe I'll have to hire her!

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"With Deepest Sympathy" Stamp by PSX

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#27: Good things to come in 2008

2008-01-05T13:59:00.000-05:00

Our darling niece, Jenny, and her sweet husband, Mike, will be having a baby this year, after many-many-many months of hopeful anticipation. Her due date is May 14th, although we all know how accurate things like that can be.

I love the inside sentiment of this card, which I had to computer generate since I've never found a stamp that comes close. It sure sums up the wisdom of parenthood, especially for those experiencing it for the first time!

It says "You won't change diapers as much as they'll change you."

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Bunnies & Hearts Die Cuts: Sizzix

Diaper Pin Stamp: No-Name cheapie from AC Moore, stamped in VersaMark and embossed with clear EP

Ribbon: Offray

Pewter Heart Snap: Making Memories

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#26: Susan's Punches

2008-01-03T21:22:00.000-05:00

Last fall, Susan of Gingerwood offered a wonderful 40 piece set of punches for sale, at a ridiculously low price. (Yes-- FORTY. The entire upper case alphabet, the numbers, and all the math symbols, such as +, -, x, ÷, and =, with the letter O doubling as the zero.) She then packed them up in the most ingenious way to save me shipping costs, and I've enjoyed them more than you can know.

Today, I just wanted to make something cheerful and colorful. The punches were calling to me, as well. This is the card I came up with, and every time I look at it, I smile. I might have to keep it for myself.

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I think Susan said she originally purchased the punches at Costco.
The flowers are brads, manufacturer unknown.
Ribbon is from after-Christmas clearance at Wal-Mart.
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#25: Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T17:52:00.000-05:00

With the start of a brand-new year, here's wishing each of you great happiness in all you do.

Thanks for visiting!

~Mary

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Punches used:

~1¾" and 2" Scalloped Squares from Marvy-Uchida

~Ornamental Bracket by Anna Griffin (punched at each corner of smaller scallop)

~Card corners: Punch by McGill, name unknown

Thanks Stamp:

Stampin' Up

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#24 No Christmas cards, but a few gifts

2007-12-27T20:23:00.000-05:00

Despite the fact that I continue to buy wonderful Christmas stamps, I don't make my Christmas cards. I'm not sure why, other than the fact that there are so many exquisite cards for purchase at holiday time, I've never felt I could do better.

I did make a few small gifts this year, more by chance than design. Louise at KardKrazy (http://kardkrazy.blogspot.com/) had a wonderful idea to make a personalized stocking stuffer with a Post-It note pad she found for $1.00. I agreed that they were pretty neat and shuffled off to buy some, myself.

I decided that it was about time I did something creative with the stack of coasters I've been hoarding and ended up making little notepads for my sister, Deb and my daughter, Beth. (Please note, however that Beth's pad says "Liz." Her real name is Elizabeth Clare, and our family calls her Beth. Somewhere in middle school she was nicknamed Liz and it stuck. It gets a bit confusing at times...)

Anyway, I covered the coaster with patterned paper, measured the width of the pad and the height in order to score it. I then attached a back coaster to extend beyond the pad and attached a golf pencil with one of those great pen/pencil holders that Sue Nelson so kindly ordered for us a few months ago.

I liked how the pad holders went together; Deb and Beth/Liz like the way they look. I know I'm driving myself crazy being anal, but I think I put the "Z" in Liz upside down! (I used the Sizzix Lollipop Alphabet to cut out the vinyl adhesive letters for the names and it's sometimes hard to tell.)

#23: Cover-Up

2007-12-14T15:10:00.000-05:00

Back in July (Sunday, July 8th-- post #11 to be exact), I was lamenting the fact that I am brayer-challenged. I absolutely adore the wonderful effects so many talented stampers accomplish with a brayer... but I am not one of them!

I had some lovely comments and e-mails from fellow Gingerwoodies, who either commiserated, empathized or offered suggestions. All made me smile, and I stuffed my ugly card in the bottom of a drawer and decided not to let it bother me. Until now!

I really do hate to "waste" a card-- even an ugly one. So here's my fix: To tone down the garish colors, I added an overlay of blush pink vellum and a small oval transparency. It still isn't going to win me any prizes, but at least it isn't embarrassing me any more!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

#22: I'm so busy at other people's blogs, I ignore my own

2007-12-13T11:49:00.000-05:00

Especially at this time of year, there is just so much wonderful sharing going on that I seem to spend all my blog time oogling the talent of others. Also, my stamping desk is covered with wrapping paper, ribbon and cats-- which makes it difficult to create!

Since I don't make my own Christmas cards (gasp! I know, I know-- I should be ashamed), I'll share with you a recent trifold creation, made for a friend who became a grandma for the first time. It's a combination of Versamark background stamping, heat embossing, Sizzix die cuts and my first attempt at making do-it-yourself rub-ons with an inkjet printer and transparencies.

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Bunny Stamp: 79¢ no-name purchased in 2001 at Big Lots
It's A Boy Stamp: unknown
Sizziz Original Bunny Die
Plaid Printed Paper: Spring Gingham by Remember When™
Sentiment: Computer generated

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#21: Kleenex Kards

2007-11-03T19:28:00.000-04:00

I wish the people who design Kleenex boxes would come out with a line of cardstock!

Here's another card I made using the side of one of their boxes. My uncle passed away a few months ago, and I've tried to send a "Thinking of You" card to my aunt every few weeks, just to stay in touch. I think this floral design, matted on black, is so pretty without being too cheerful, if you know what I mean.

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"Just a note" Stamp from PSX (E-510)

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#20: " The Kitchen Sink" Style Card

2007-10-26T05:54:00.000-04:00

Birthday card for a dear co-worker that incorporates a lot of stuff I really liked and wanted to use. Somehow, I pulled it together!

The pretty background "paper" is from the side of a Kleenex tissue box, outlined with a turquoise Glaze pen. Hatpin is from Making Memories scrapbooking supplies. The sentiment ("Eat cake") was stamped with one of those multi-image stamps that looks like a date stamp. This one is from Leisure Arts.

Luckily, I could hand-deliver this one. I can't imagine there's any way I could mail it and have it survive!

#19: The card that wouldn't upload Monday

2007-10-03T20:19:00.000-04:00

I have no idea why my photo wouldn't upload on Monday, but will today.

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"Make A Wish" stamp by Gina K. Designs (purchase of the set benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation, too!)
"Princess Chick" by Stampendous
Embossed background done with Cuttlebug's D'Vine Swirls folder
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#18: "Life is what happens while you're making other plans..."

2007-10-01T11:34:00.000-04:00

I find that this wonderful quote sums things up very nicely, right now. If there is anyone, at all, still following my blog, all I can say is "Bless your heart!"

At the end of August, I had some knee surgery and despite the time off work, found my days didn't allow much computer time. Now, my family has just been told that my Mom has lung cancer.

Since my blog is more about the creative side of me, rather than a personal dialogue, it's been difficult to balance what to say vs. just not saying anything at all. However, I know an oft-repeated pet peeve of bloggers and blog surfers is how frustrating it is when something just seems to dribble off. I certainly fit that definition!

But, life goes on and I find I have missed my blogging very much. I'll need to get myself re-organized and grab the pleasures in life where I may, even if they're just for me.

Thanks for listening and may each of you enjoy all the little things in life, not the least of which is good health.

PS: I'm trying to upload a recent card, but either the site is grumpy or it's been so long I've forgotten how! I'll try again later.

#17 If you save it long enough.....

2007-08-05T11:38:00.000-04:00

Whew. It's been a tough couple of weeks and today I promised myself a little "me" time. Long stories, but the bottom line is that it is very, very difficult to reach the stage of your life where you and your parents reverse roles. We are blessed to still have both of my parents and Mike's Mom, but illness and dementia take their toll on everyone-- those who suffer and those who must watch them suffer.

I need to make about a hundred cards-- I'm way behind: thank you, sympathy, congratulations, birthday, get well.... you name it, I need one or a bunch! So today I'll share one I made a few weeks ago for our nephew's high school graduation. His school colors were tough: blue and orange. (Anyone else thinking 1950's and Howard Johnson's?) Luckily, it was more of a royal blue than turquoise blue.

Now, about 8 years ago, I bought some orange paper-covered wire on sale after Halloween. I've looked at that wire at least once a week for years and have repeated often "What could I have possibly been thinking???" It just goes to prove that if you save anything long enough, inspiration will probably strike!

#16 Flowers

2007-07-26T10:10:00.000-04:00

I never quite got on the Prima bandwagon, although I was tempted. However, for many years my Mom created gorgeous silk flower arrangements-- for our home, as gifts, and occasionally "on commission" for someone who admired her talent. When my parents moved from their big home to a much smaller one, I inherited a lot of Mom's craft items, especially huge boxes of silk flowers and and ribbons.

I finally dug through the attic and found some of the flowers I loved and have been using them for my cards. The fluffiness of the silk flowers (as opposed to the flat Primas) makes the cards more difficult to mail, but since I hand-deliver many to co-workers I still can indulge.

This card was inspired by one I had drooled over at the Paper Crafts magazine "Gallery Idol Challenge," created by Daniela D.

http://www.papercraftsmag.com/gallery/details.ihtml?idx=49898

I, too, made my card long and narrow, to fit in a #10 business envelope.... but not just any business envelope! Lucky me-- I found about six boxes of 50 each vellum business envelopes at the Dollar Store a while back. Hand-delivering a silk flower card in a translucent envelope really is eye-catching.

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Happy Birthday Stamp by Co-Motion Rubber Stamps

(long gone and greatly missed)

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#15 Great Gift for a Baby Boomer!

2007-07-23T06:02:00.000-04:00

No card today but something I just had to share! I'll be turning 50 this week, and my husband and daughter bought me the most wonderful gift for a baby boomer: a turntable that plugs directly into the USB port of your computer, so you can turn all your vinyl into CDs.

I don't know anyone who has actually given up their albums. Like me, they've been stored someplace simply because it was too heart-wrenching to think of tossing them. We haven't had a turntable in the house for probably 20 years (got too hard to find the needles), but the albums have been lovingly maintained, although I wasn't sure for what.... Now I know!

First albums that got transferred?

Elton John: Madman Across the Water (approx. 1971)

Boz Scaggs: Silk Degrees (approx. 1975)

Rupert Holmes: Partners in Crime (about 1980-- remember "Escape/The Piña Colada Song"?)

Art Garfunkel: Breakaway (his solo album, 1975)

Four albums down and about 215 to go!

Thank you-thank you-thank you, Mike and Beth for an absolutely wonderful gift! I don't know how you can say I'm hard to buy for...!

#14 Little things make a difference

2007-07-20T05:01:00.000-04:00

I have been snatching up every single $1.00 clear stamp set from Michael's that I can find-- well, not every one, but most of them. Since I've previously purchased wood-mounted exclusively, there are a lot of gaps in my stamp library. It seemed that those little flourishes cost almost as much as a big, yummy stamp, so I had a tendency to avoid the sentiments and the decorative stamps. These little, inexpensive clear stamp sets have opened a new door for me and I'm inching my way through!

Both the "Hello!" and those rows of tiny little stars come from various Studio G sets. The scalloped square was stippled in the same turquoise ink and is from a punch (it's a Marvy punch that provides a 2" square punch-out-- not sure what hyperbole of a size that makes it), and the delicate yellow lacy thing is a die cut from a Cuttlebug 4 piece "Victorian" die set.

The sunflower is from a pad of Mary Engelbreit page markers-- tiny little post-it notes to mark your spot... or make a focal spot on your card!

#13 Simple isn't necessarily bad, I guess

2007-07-12T19:18:00.000-04:00

I have had a couple of very busy months, and although I've made a lot of cards, they have been very simple ones out of sheer necessity. Maybe that's not all bad.

Initially, I didn't really care for this Thinking of You/Get Well card I made for my mother-in-law, but she loved it. I guess it's growing on me, although without a lot of layers, embellishments and stamping, it still feels a little naked to me-- and as if I've somehow cheated.

By the way, Louise over at Kard Krazy had the most wonderful tip today-- a real "smack-up-side-the-head-why-didn't-I-think-of-that???" idea. She separated out all of her little clear stamp sets into categories (e.g., all the flowers, all the sentiments, etc.) rather than leave them in the pre-packaged sets. As soon as I have a few minutes to call my own, I'm going to follow her lead:

http://kardkrazy.blogspot.com/2007/07/something-different.html

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Stamps: Studio G Clear Stamp Set from Michael's

Background: Anna Griffin

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2007-07-09T19:50:00.000-04:00

#12 Oinking of You!

A co-worker was in the hospital and has now been recuperating at home for quite some time, so I'm trying to send out a card as often as I can. "Get Well" isn't quite the right sentiment for the situation and plain old "Hi!" and "Thinking of You" are getting a little worn. I love this little piggy stamp from Gina K. Designs, so I computer generated the sentiment to go with it. The stamping is done on a paint chip that was being considered for a bathroom repainting project, but the color was hastily vetoed by the hubby....

By the way-- is anyone else having problems uploading titles into their posts? I haven't been able to do so for the past few days.

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Gina K. Pig (Gina K. Designs) from All That Scraps
~Christine at All That Scraps offers free S&H on orders over $10.00-- and it sure is easy to spend that in her store!

http://www.allthatscraps.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=245_250

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2007-07-08T10:30:00.000-04:00

#11 Brayer Challenged

Although I love the many beautiful effects other stampers create with the use of a brayer, I'm not one of the lucky ones. I can count on one hand (and prior to this card, one finger!) the number of cards I've managed not to toss after using any sort of a brayer technique.

I'm not even sure what I'll do with this card... I thought maybe a Sympathy card (have had to make waaaaay too many of those lately), but decided it's just too garish. I guess it could become a birthday or "just because" card without offending anyone.

Does anyone have any suggestions for brayer tutorials or other references? If so, I'd love to hear about them!

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~Stamp: from All Night Media 's "Ornamental" Set, embossed in detail gold EP

~Ribbon is actually Lion Brand Ribbon Yarn in the "Carnival" color

~The purple background card is a cut up legal-size file folder-- I found a box of 100 of them at the Dollar Store a couple of years ago. Love the color and weight of the cardstock, and I'll be using them forever!

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#10 Can't tell I'm a stamper by my cards, can you?

2007-07-02T20:04:00.000-04:00

I absolutely adore rubber stamping and have been at it for more than 15 years (and untold hundreds-- thousands?-- of dollars later). But lately, I seem to be using a lot of other techniques in my card making, instead.

Some of that may be due to several recent massive purchases of Sizzix items that are going for pennies on the dollar, as they unload "old logo" inventory. However, I think the real reason is because I recently completely cleaned and reorganized my stamp room. Good heavens! I found stuff by the truckload that I had forgotten about... It was like Christmas, only it was all stuff I wanted!

Anyway, this card is for a co-worker who just celebrated the arrival of a new grandson. Jodi's husband is a minister, so I searched for a sentiment they would appreciate, although it's computer generated. It says "Babies are bits of stardust blown from the hand of God." Inside, I wrote "From God's hand to your grandparents' hearts. Welcome, Noah!"

The star is a Sizzix diecut, covered with pigment ink and glittered while still wet (Art Institute Transparent Glittering System-- not sure of color names, but a pretty royal blue on the edges and white in the center.)

The very center of the star has a small resin charm in the shape of a baby bib

#9 I'm officially addicted

2007-06-29T20:59:00.000-04:00

In just a few short days, I've become officially addicted to these wonderful little Square Pocket Cards! (See post from 6/23/07)

I needed a quick Get Well/Thinking of You card for an older gentleman who could use a bit of cheering. Once again, I used a sticker on the front, but had to alter it a little to fit the occasion. It's one of those delightful Mary Engelbreit dimensional stickers, but the rectangular background portion had a repeating sentiment of "Happy Birthday." I just trimmed the background off.

The patterned paper is actually wallpaper. I found the roll at the Dollar Store and I have enough to probably use forever. The sentiment is from one of the newer Studio G Clear Stamp Sets (also $1.00!) from Michael's.

I'm not sure whether it's my scanner or me, but I just can't seem to get my cards straight. Sorry about that.

#8 Binding treasures

2007-06-27T06:33:00.000-04:00

A dear friend will be retiring from the Health Center at the end of the summer session-- Wendy is a physician who's been with us for many years and will certainly leave a gaping hole to be filled. She's originally from England, has the most charming accent, a melt-your-heart smile, and is a superb physician.

To celebrate her time with us, I put together a memory book with contributions from many staff members. It's one of the best uses of my Bind It All that I can imagine! However, even by using the 1-1/4" O-Wire, the largest available, the book was a little overstuffed... so many memories!

#7 Embossing and Chalking and Eyelets and Ribbon and Border Punches and.....

2007-06-25T19:49:00.000-04:00

This card is one of those everything-but-the-kitchen-sink types, and I'm pretty sure that because of that, it doesn't want to scan or photograph very well.
The embossed and chalked rose is enclosed in a Sizzix diecut (one from the red die of the Rivet Frame Combo). I stippled the entire frame, but the color at the corners is really falsely accentuated-- maybe because of the pink eyelets???

Ah, who knows? I like what it looks like in real life and I guess that's what counts.

And, since I LOVE the look of embossing, I' m thrilled to pieces with the wonderful tutorial that Nancy Ward has posted on her blog, Paper Friendly. She's done all of the hard work of figuring out beautiful embossing results using our old red clunker Sizzix machines-- you've got to see it! It's a keeper-- as is her entire blog!
http://paperfriendly.blogspot.com/2007/06/make-it-easy_23.html

#6 Save the Boynton stamps!

2007-06-24T20:08:00.000-04:00

There was a recent post on Gingerwood asking which rubber stamps you'd have the fireman save, once the baby and the dog were safe (tee-hee-hee!). Well, pretty much hands down, I'd ask to have my Sandra Boynton stamps rescued. They're getting hard to come by and her characters never fail to make me smile!

By the way, Gingerwood never fails to make me smile, either. Susan (AKA Gingerstamp) selflessly maintains the world's most wonderful rubber stamping bulletin board, visited by some of the most astonishingly kind, friendly, generous and talented crafters you will ever find. No day is complete for me without about 10 check-ins.

http://www.gingerstamp.com/bboard/board_home/index.html

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Stamp: "Heart Balloon" Sandra Boynton for Kidstamps

www.kidstamps.com

Colorstrip is a paintchip sample

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#5 Too darned cute!

2007-06-23T20:39:00.000-04:00

I came across the tutorial for this fun little card on a blog called "Amusing Musings & Things"

(http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/)

-- it's found at her Thursday, March 29, 2007 post. She calls it a Small Pocket Card, but I just call it too darned cute!

Not a bit of stamping on my version yet (the front is a sticker), but I can see this as a quick thank-you or a thinking-of-you card, with the sentiment stamped on the little card inside the pocket.

I found Dawn's blog and tutorial via Colleen Shaan's blog, Distinctive Touches

(http://web.mac.com/cschaan1/iWeb/Site/Distinctive%20Touches/Distinctive%20Touches.html)

one of the few sites--other than Gingerwood!-- that I visit daily.

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Printed Paper: Lucy Riggs for Frances Meyer, Inc.

Veggie Stickers: Barbara Wilson for Frances Meyer, Inc.

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#4 Purple

2007-06-18T20:43:00.000-04:00

Although you can't tell it from my blog, I seem to have a tendency to reach for purple when I'm trying to pull together a card that's a spur-of-the-moment creation. It's such a rich, happy color!

#3 Father's Day 2007

2007-06-15T20:52:00.001-04:00

My darling husband, Mike, is a true outdoorsman and wildlife lover. When I found this stamp at Serendipity Stamps, I knew I had to have it for him.

www.serendipitystamps.com

Buck #116L

Sentiment is computer-generated (Font: Olive Oil)

#2 Now that I have it, I need to use it!

2007-06-13T19:44:00.000-04:00

I was full of enthusiasm when I signed up and started with my blog idea, so after a month I guess it's time to get going, hmmm?

For me, the months of April and May are packed with occasions begging for cards (no less than 13 birthdays, with Mother's Day and a couple of anniversaries thrown in). I like the elegance and simplicity of this one for my Mom.

My Hands and My Heart

2007-05-14T22:38:00.000-04:00

#1
On the back of every card I create, I place a custom-made sticker that explains:

"When it's made with my hands,
it comes from my heart."

This blog, too, will come from my hands and from my heart.

Thanks for stopping by!
Best Wishes,
Mary O.K.