{ Update }

Things aren't looking so good right now. I want to thank everyone who has messaged, called & has sent me text messages for support. I really appreciate it. I don't feel comfortable right now posting any specifics. I just ask that for your continued prayers for my mother in law and especially for the family. She has three sons (28, 25 & 17), her husband and mother who are really having a hard time right now. Thanks again.

{ Going to California }

We're flying out to California tomorrow morning. I probably won't be around for a while. Thanks for all your prayers. Off to pack and prepare the house to leave for who knows how long.

{ Prayer Request }

My father-in-law went to bed last night just in time to hear my mother-in-law gasp a few times for air then stop breathing. He tried to wake her up but she wouldn't move so he called 911. She went into cardiac arrest and they had to use a defibrillator to bring her back. She is in the Kaiser ICU right now and they don't know what is going on. Not a surprise since Kaiser is so horrible. Anyway.... we don't know what is going on right now. We are 3000 miles away, so there is nothing we can do but sit here, worry and pray for now.

{ Withdrawls! }

No SCS, stamping, IM'ing, blogging or e-mail (because it enables SCS usage) for me today! I work from home and I've been very busy this week so unfortunately my work has fallen a bit behind and I have to get caught up today. I anticipate I will be working until late tonight, but we'll see how it goes. The worst thing about this is I just got my SU order yesterday night! If I finish my work I can go play. Okay, okay... off to work I go!

{ Yummy Turkey Stroganoff }

Wow is this good... and to top it off this recipe is incredibly easy to make and pretty healthy compared to most stroganoff recipes. Try it out!


1 tb extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb lean ground turkey
1 package onion soup and dip mix
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp cornstarch
2 cups low sodium beef broth
1 cup milk
1 cup dry whole wheat rotini noodles
1/2 cup organic sour cream
1 cup grated Provolone cheese

Sauté the onions in olive oil over medium high heat for 2 minutes, add mushrooms stirring constantly until they give up most of their juice, about 10 minutes. Set aside in large bowl. Add ground turkey to skillet, turn heat down to medium and brown until cooked through.


While browning the turkey use a small bowl to mix the onion soup mix, pepper, salt, parsley and cornstarch. Once mixed well pour over mushrooms and onions with 1 cup of the beef broth, milk and dry noddles. Mix well. Once turkey is cooked through drain any fat and pour mixture from bowl into skillet. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. If necessary, you can add more broth as you go along.


Stir in sour cream. Serve topped with Provolone cheese.

Serves 4

{ Moving On Up! }

In the blogging world that is! By special request I just added FeedBlitz to my blog so you can now recieve e-mail updates when my blog is updated.

{ Spots, Dots & A Silly Whale! }

Some images Copyright Stampin' Up!

Just playing around with my new Cuttlebug folder and die. I love this little whale!


Like I normally do I rolled by brayer over all the dry embossing. I sponged the edge of the whale and the water spray and doodled on the artichoke and safforn borders. The designer paper was a bit to bright for this card so I altered it quite a bit. I stamped off my SU Crosshatch background stamp then stamped it over the designer paper. I heavily sponged the edges of the designer paper and lightly sponged over the rest of it. The first layer is vellum which I torn after adhering it to the artichoke cardstock. I find it pretty hard to adhere small items to dry embossed paper so I used Crystal Effects to adhere the starfish. I couldn't find a good place to add a sentiment, so I just stamped a birthday sentiment on the inside. The layout is from today's SCS sketch challenge.


Supplies:
Stamps: SU Crosshatch
Paper: SU Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke, So Saffron, Brocade Blue, Ballet Blue, Vellum; DCWV Retro Prints
Ink: SU Bravo Burgundy, Brocade Blue
Other: SU Write Markers Hodge Podge Hardware; Cuttlebug, Embossing Folder & Die; Misc Brayer, Sponge Daubers, Ribbon
Techniques: Sponging

{ Just Playing Around }

Well I don't really know how I feel about this one. I like the background a lot. but I don't really card for the ribbon and the sentiment w/it's layers. I did this for today's SCS sketch challenge which is where I got the layout from. I've been playing with it for hours! Seriously. The background turned out exactly like I had in mind when I started and it didn't take too long. But I couldn't seem to do anything else with the card. I tried five different sentiments, set in different ways and I tried three or four different kinds of ribbon with different hardware. This is the best I could come up with. I was really discouraged and didn't feel like stamping anymore, but the mail man just came.... some new goodies just arrived! So my motivation to stamp is back!

The background was done with reverse masking. I used a piece of cheep cardstock and my scalloped square punch to make a template. I made it by punching the scalloped square out four times to make a larger square. I then lightly taped it to the card and applied pastels to the base of the card to make the large brown square. I then stamped the flourish images three time and colored parts of them in with watercolor crayons and went over that with Stickles- oh boy to I love my new Stickles! I also used the watercolor crayons and Stickles on the sentiment which I punched out with my scallop punch, sponged and layered onto a larger scallop punch. I also wrote over the sentiment with Crystal Effects to make the sentiment pop a little more. That may be difficult to see in the picture, but in real life it looks great! The base cardstock and the sentiment layer are sponged with chalk ink.

So the mail man dropped off two new embossing folder and a new die. The folders are from the new line, I got Spots & Dots & Traffic Jam. Looks like Provocraft fixed their folders this go around. So there are no more light squares that will imprint on the cardstock! I was so happy to see that! I know it's dumb and hardly noticeable, but it really bugged me! Anyway, off to play!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Autumn Leaves Flourishes; Stampendouos Sentiment
Paper: SU Very Vanilla, So Saffron
Ink: Color Box Chestnut Roan
Embellishments: SU Ribbon
Other: Marvy Scallop Punches; Ranger Stickles; SU Pastels, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pen, Crystal Effects; EK Success Round Corner Punch; Misc Sponge Daubers
Techniques: Sponging, Reverse Masking, Watercoloring

{ Support Bra }

Some images copyright Stampin' Up!

I just got this "Support Bra" image and Primas yesterday and I just had to use them. I got the idea for the ribbon and round tab punches from some cards that are in the SCS gallery made for today's inspiration challenge. The colors and style of this card were also inspired by the challenge.

All the edges are sponged with either Bravo Burgundy or So Saffron ink and I colored in a few of the dots in the background and the main bra image with watercolor crayons. You can't tell by the picture, but the main bra image and the dark prima are both popped up with pop dots. Other than that I think it's all very self explanatory. Enjoy!

Supplies:

Stamps: SU Back to Basics; Rubber Stampede Support Bra

Paper: SU Bravo Burgundy, Regal Rose, Very Vanilla, So Saffron

Ink: SU Bravo Burgundy, So Saffron; StazOn Jet Black

Embellishments: SU Ribbon, Eyelets, Round Tab Punch, Slit Punch; MM Brads; EK Success Circle Punches; Misc Ribbon, Primas

Other: SU Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pen, Write Marker; Misc Pop Dots

Techniques: Sponging, Water Coloring

{ Designer Purse }

Today's SCS challenge was an inspiration challenge. The item to be inspired by is a $2900 Valentino Purse. I saw the challenge last night before I went to bed and fell asleep thinking about what I was going to make. I haven't put my Cricut to any good use since I bought it (big waste of money!) and I knew there was a purse in one of my cartridges so I figured this would be the perfect reason to pull the Cricut out.

To make the purse I used a purse box from the Tags, Bags, Boxes & More cartridge on my Cricut. I selected the blackout option so I wouldn't have all the slits to put it together with. I then cut off all the tabs and stamped my flowers on it. I used the Tiny Bubbles embossing folder for my Cuttlebug with a rolling pin to give it a very light texture. It's really hard to see in the picture, but in real life it looks great! I cut a new handle out using the old one as a template in a little darker color which I also used for the center of the purse and the little tabs on the bottom. All the edges of the purse and tabs are sponged with the same chalk ink I used for the flowers. I'm not one for faux stitching but since I don't have any gold thread I used it here on the center and edges of the purse. I must say I am really happy with it in the case. I anchored down the tabs and handle with gold brads and used a gold charm that says "dream" in lieu of a "V" for the focal point. Not only do I have no use for a card with a "V" focal point, but this was the only gold item I had that would work. Actually ended up being perfect because I want to give this card to a good friend of mine who loves purses and I'm sure she's dreamed of having a beautiful, expensive purse like that used for the challenge picture!

The rest of the card was very simple. Just a lot of layers. The top one was obviously run through my Cuttlebug. The layer is actually to long for one run through so I had to do it twice. The seam is hidden by the ribbon. The purse itself is popped up pretty high with pop-up strips. I hope you enjoy this card as much as I enjoyed making it!

Supplies:

Stamps: AC Moore $1 Stamps

Paper: SU Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke, Regal Rose, Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink

Ink: SU Craft Always Artichoke; Color Box Rouge

Embellishments: SU Ribbon, MM Brads; Misc Dream Charm, Ribbon

Other: SU Ticket Punch; Cricut & Tags, Bags, Boxes & More Cartridge, Cuttlebug & Embossing Folder; MM Paper Piercing Tool; Misc Gold Pen, Pop-up Strips

Techniques: Sponging, Faux Stitching, Dry Embossing

{ Fluffles Fun }

I wasn't going to post this card, but my husband insisted on it. In his words this card is "freaking awesome!" I think he likes the cupcakes! Looks yummy huh? Pretty much I was just playing with some of my new toys, the Fluffles stamp and Stickles.

Pretty straight forward. I used my yummy, somewhat new, designer paper and embossed it with my Cuttlebug. I sponged all the edges with Chocolate Chip Ink and ran my brayer over the designer paper and over the top layer to "dirty" it up. The image was colored with watercolor crayons and a blender pen, surprise, surprise! I did sponge a little over Fluffles though. I also used a touch of Stickles on the balloon and on the icing. Oh and one last note, I had to punch the image out of the largest scallop punch, so the layer under it is actually four scallop punches pieced together.

Nothing impressive, but I hope you enjoy it anyways!

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampendous Full Fluffles

Paper: SU Chocolate Chip, Pixie Pink, Whisper White;

Ink: SU Chocolate Chip; StazOn Jet Black

Embellishments: SU ribbon, Cord

Other: SU Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Ticket Punch; Cuttlebug & Embossing Folder; Marvy Scallop Punch; Ranger Golden Rod & Magenta Stickles; Misc Brayer

Techniques: Sponging

{ 3, 2, 1 Challenge; Part 2 }

The second part of today's SCS challenge was to use the same layout but different stamps, colors and make one masculine and the other feminine. So here is my feminine challenge card.


The background was done the same way as my last card by running it through my Cuttlebug then using a brayer to apply ink for more texture. All the stamp work was done with StazOn ink and I sponged the edges of all the white layers with Sahara Sand ink. All the coloring was done with watercolor crayons and a blender pen. I changed up my embellishment for this card from eyelets to ribbon and instead of using crystal effects on the main image I used Stickles to make it stand out more.


Well, I just got my order from ScrapJazz today, lots of fun little goodies, so off to play so more for me!


Supplies:
Stamps: Michael's $1 Acrylic Stamps
Paper: SU Rose Red, Sage Shadow, Sahara Sand; Misc Vellum
Ink: SU Sahara Sand, Sage Shadow; StazOn Jet Black
Embellishments: SU Ribbon
Other: SU Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pen; Ranger Fruit Punch Stickles; EK Success Circle Punches; Misc Brayer

{ 3, 2, 1 Challenge }

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Okay this card was made for today's SCS Limited Supply Challenge: 3,2,1 Birthday Cards; 3 stamps (not stamp sets), 2 colors of cardstock and ink (plus neutrals, no patterned paper), 1 embellishment. It is also for yesterday's Way's To Use It SCS Challenge. Yeah, I've already done three for that challenge, but it's a good one! Yesterday's challenge is to use stamps that haven't touched ink before. My husband's birthday is next month, so I figured it would be the perfect time to bring out this set. After all he is the reason I bought it!

The gray background was done with my Cuttlebug and embossing folder, I then used by brayer with Going Gray ink to give it some color and more texture. All the white layers and the base layer are all sponged with gray ink. All the coloring was done with watercolor wonder crayons and a blender pen. It's hard to tell in the picture, but the golf bag didn't stick out enough, so I painted on crystal effects to make it pop. Last but not least I added the eyelets. I would have liked to add another embellishment, but the challenge was to only use one. Can wait to give it to my husband! I'm sure he'll like it.

The second part of today's challenge was to make the same card with different stamps and colors, but the same layout and a feminine card. So I'm off to finish off the challenge!

Supplies:

Stamps: SU The Back Nine, It's Your Birthday

Paper: SU Brocade Blue, Not Quite Navy, Going Gray, Whisper White; Misc Vellum

Ink: StazOn Stone Gray; SU Going Gray

Embellishments: MM Eyelets

Other: SU Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pen, Crystal Effects; Cuttlebug & Embossing Folder, Brayer; EK Success Circle Punches

{ In My Thoughts & Prayers }

Some images copyright Stampin' Up!

Okay so I totally love this card! I had so much fun making it and I just LOVE to look at it! I can't believe how great it turned out. When I started I didn't really have anything in mind, I just picked some designer paper I liked and it kind of evolved into what it is.

I stamped the Print Pattern and French Script in Going Gray first then stamped the flowers in Craft Basic Black then embossed them with black embossing powder. I didn't mean to emboss the Print Pattern image, the embossing powder stuck to it so I did it anyways. I liked the way it turned out, so it's fine with me! The sentiment was also done with Craft ink and black embossing powder which I attached with eyelets over the Cameo Coral layer. I used StazOn Jet Black ink for the flower behind the sentiment, then I masked it off, stamped the French script and sponged all the borders with Going Grey ink. Last but not least I added the ribbon, I really like the way the knot turned out with the ends going in the same direction as the rest of the ribbon. We'll see if I can ever duplicate it!

Supplies:

Stamps: SU Looks Like Spring, French Script, Print Pattern; Stampendous Thoughts & Prayers
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Cameo Coral; Autumn Leaves Scribbles; Misc Vellum

Ink: SU Going Grey, Craft Basic Black; StazOn Jet Black
Embellishments: SU Ribbon; MM Eyelets

Other: SU Ticket Punch; Misc Black EP

Techniques: Heat Embossing, Sponging

{ Thank You Vine }

Some images Copyright Stampin' Up!

Another card I did for the challenge today. Not much explanation needed here, pretty straight forward. Enjoy.

Supplies:

Stamps: SU Just Vine; Misc Thank You Sentiment

Paper: SU Very Vanilla

Ink: SU Craft Always Artichoke, Craft So Saffron, Craft Bravo Burgundy, Craft Pumpkin Pie

Embellishments: Misc Ribbon

Other: SU Ticket Punch, Pastels

{ A Friend's Anniversary }

Some images Copyright Stampin' Up!

I sure have been uninspired to stamp the last few days. Normally I have so many ideas running through my mind I'm having trouble deciding which one to start with, which is why I haven't posted anything for a few days. Every time I sit down to stamp I'm either drawing a blank on what to do or what I try ends up in the trash. I had to push that aside today. One of my good friends is having an anniversary in five days so I needed to make a card quick. Store bought definitely wouldn't do for this friend who I've been encouraging and teaching how to stamp for quite a while now!

It's hard to tell in the picture, but the image is stamped on a transparent plastic sheet with StazOn ink and held down by the brads. There are Stickles on the bouquet and in the hearts (a goodie that just came in the mail today!). Out of the near 150 stamps sets I have I can't believe I don't have a single anniversary sentiment!! So I went with the closest thing I could find, "Enjoy Your Day." I guess I'll just have to write "Happy Anniversary" on the inside. Guess what is going at the top of my wish list!

This card is also for today's SCS challenge, WT107.The challenge is to use a stamp or set that you haven't used before. I sure could do this challenge everyday, I have sooooo many stamps that have never touched ink! The bride & groom image is fairly new and more understandable that I haven't used it, but I've had the Riveting set for quite a while and have no excuses for not using it!

Let me know what you think, I hope you like it!

Supplies:

Stamps: SU Riveting, Rubber Soul

Paper: SU So Saffron, Whisper White, Mellow Moss; Autumn Leaves Designer Paper (Sangri-La); Misc Transparent Plastic Sheet

Ink: StazOn Jet Black

Embellishments: SU Ribbon; MM Brads

Other: Stickles; Cuttlebug & Die; EK Success Circle Punch, Flower Punch