Judi's Blog Candy!

Just wanted to leave a quick post to let you know about my friend Judi's blog candy.  Just hop on over to her site to leave a comment so you can enter to win!  Part of her blog candy is a Stampin' Up! stamp set - so check it out!

Sweet Island Floral Bouquet!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Watch Other People Create

I had a few people over to stamp for my All Occasions Stamp-a-Stack tonight and I can't tell you what a pleasure it was to sit and watch them create!  Watching people stretch their creative muscles and begin to move beyond the boundaries of a "set" project is an amazing thing!  I never get tired of watching other people in their creative process - it's peaceful and invigorating, all at the same time!

I apologize for not bringing Four Ways Friday to you today - I was so focused on preparing for my Stamp-a-Stack and I decided I didn't want to just throw something together for you at the last minute.  So, instead of Four Ways Friday, I thought I would share this bouquet with you :)  These lollipop flowers were made by running felt through the new Island Floral Bigz Die that will be out in the new Summer Mini Catalog!!!!  I am loving it already!  I will post the remaining Stamp-a-Stack cards over the weekend and Four Ways Friday will return next week - thanks for your understanding!  Have a beautiful day!

Animal Stories and Nursery Letters Wheel - Stamp-a-Stack Card #3

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Are Not Pavlov's Dog

Ivan Pavlov is famous for his studies with dogs.  The phrase "Pavlov's dog" is often used to describe someone who is merely reacting to a situation rather than thinking about it critically.  I realize that I developed quite a conditioned response to my cell phone ringing.  Phone rings - I answer.  Why do we do that?  It really is ridiculous!  Some people have this conditioned response no matter where they are - at the check-out in the grocery store, in the movies, even...gasp...in the public bathroom (and I have to admit to repeatedly flushing when someone takes a call into the bathroom - is no place sacred?!).  I am learning to recondition myself.  Just because my phone rings does not mean I need to change what I am doing in that moment.  As a matter of fact, it is more important for me to stay focused on my activity and take a break to check messages or return phone calls when I am ready.  Can you retrain yourself?

This is the 3rd card for my upcoming All Occasions Stamp-a-Stack.  I used the Nursery Letters jumbo wheel - if you haven't used a wheel in awhile, you're missing out!  I LOVE my wheels!  They are a great way to put together a quick card that looks fabulous - and they are also so fun to use!  I ran the wheel across my Bashful Blue classic ink pad and then across the card.  The giraffe was stamped with Almost Amethyst (I'm so going to miss this color when it is retired at the end of June...sniffle, sniffle).  I added some dazzling diamonds to his spots for a bit of bling :)  A touch of Bashful Blue satin ribbon and some Certainly Celery and Barely Banana card stock finish the giraffe.  The greeting, from Sincere Salutations, was stamped with Perfect Plum.  I hope you like it!  Don't forget to stock up on your color favorites before they retire at the end of June!  You can shop HERE at any time!

Sense Of Time - Stamp-A-Stack Card #2

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Give Credit Where Credit Is Due!

I try to do my best to let you know when I have been inspired by another artist and today's post is no exception!  Credit for this card goes to Kimberly Van Diepen!  Talk about a talented paper artist!!!  She is particularly amazing when it comes to making vintage-looking paper craft items.  Thank you so much for all of your inspiration Kimberly!!!!!  It can be so easy to overlook crediting people for their work - and such a sad oversight at that.  Why not give someone the credit they deserve?  If you do not give them credit you are putting yourself out there as something you are not.  If you do give them credit, you are letting them and the world know that they have been an inspiration to you and that you appreciate being able to share in the gift of their creativity.  Is there really a choice?  So please, give credit where credit is due.

I switched this card up just a little bit with regard to colors and stamping.  I did use the Sense of Time stamp set (I just got it and I LOVE it!) for the main clock image but I used the gears in the same stamp set for the background.  I pulled out my all time favorite Define Your Life stamp set for the sentiment.  This card would make a great Father's Day or masculine birthday card!  I hope you like it!  If so, let Kimberly know :)

Awash With Flowers! - Stamp-a-Stack Card #1

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  If You Can't Be There In Person, Try A Virtual Connection

I remember the days when I had a friend who lived far away and, in order to feel like we were more "in touch," we used to fax letters to one another!  Now it is so easy to connect with friends and family who are far away.  Email or texting is a quick and easy way.  Lately though, I've been loving applications like Skype, iChat, and Oovoo - so that I can video conference with friends and family near and far!  My cousin even walked her laptop around her house so that I could see her home - it was amazing!  If you can't be there in person, try a virtual connection - it almost feels like being there!

Today's cards are for my upcoming Stamp-a-Stack.  I combined the Lovely Flowers hostess set paper with the brand new Awash With Flowers stamp set!  They work great together!  I'm really excited about the new stamp set - particularly in the cling stamps since it makes it so easy to do your 2-step stamping!  You can purchase this stamp set or get this stamp set FREE if you host a qualifying workshop - learn more HERE and click on "promotions."  This card is folded to form a pocket and the card insert slides in the top - this design was inspired by a card I saw that was made by Chi Nguyen - thanks Chi!!!!  I hope you like it!  Thanks for connecting with me virtually :)

Candy Bands - Spring!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Show Appreciation For The Kindness Of Others

I had a great run yesterday - my longest yet - 6.2 miles - and Buddy came along for the adventure!  However, later in the afternoon, I was visited by a splitting headache.  Unfortunately, I was not at home - I was at a hockey game with bright white ice and loud music...ugh!  Michael disappeared for a bit and when he came back he handed me something.  I looked into my hand and there were 2 ibuprofen tablets.  Without saying a word, he had gone to the medical room at the arena and had gotten the medication for me.  It was an amazingly kind act - something so unexpected and so appreciated.  I thanked him then and I thanked him again today for showing such kindness to me.  How can you show appreciation today for the kindness someone has paid you?

It's time for more candy bands for the candy dishes the tellers have at my bank!  April is the time when everything is waking up again outside - so how perfect to use the greeting from the Bella's Bloom stamp set!  The grass is from the Inspired by Nature stamp set and the butterflies were die cut using the Beautiful Butterflies die and the Beautiful Wings embosslit.  I sponged the edges with Glorious Green.  I hope you like them!