My life with three boys

I spent today in the Emergency room, instead of creating new cards or scrapbooking, my house didnt get clean and I didnt get to workout................

Just another day in paradise as I like to say!

I did create a few new cards when I got home today, but, one of the boys stole the batteries from my camera, of course no one knows who did it!

Speaking of my three little angels, I decided to start a blog about my life with these three comedians. Life is always an adventure and there is never, ever a dull moment!

I know most of you are here for your scrapbooking and stamping enjoyment, but, if you wanna read about my adventurous life with three boys, follow me over here!

Man Made Card

A fellow demo shared this video, it is absolutely hysterical! Check it out! The video portrays a man, walking you through how to make a "Manly Card" by using tools from the garage.

http://www.livevide o.com/media/ search.aspx? tag=Man+Made+ Card&f=1& d=1&sb=0& site=1

Free SVG: Watermelon

Whew, when I saw that last file over at the FREE SVG place, I was worried summer was almost over, here is a great watermelon, very summery!

Free SVG File - fall leaf sprig

Sorry, its been so long since I put out any freebies, if you read my post yesterday, you know I have been really swamped and have had no time to devote to my blog, so today, I am trying to do some catching up. This is the first of several Fall themed (Is summer over already?) files, you should hop on over to FREE SVG files to check out what they got!

I'm Still Here

Hello all of my faithful blog followers (is there anyone out there anyway?) I just wanted to pop in and say that I am still here. My day job is keeping me quite busy this week and our big inspection is next week, I worked a couple 14 hour days this week, so there hasnt been too much stampin or bloggin done. Today, I relaxed at a cookout by the pool at a co-workers house. It was nice to not look at any medical charts today!!!!

Is it possible to have stampin withdrawal? I really think I sort of get withdrawal when I havent stamped or scrapped in a few days. So, tomorrow, I am gonna give my messy house a once over (of course since I am working so much, the kids are destroying the pad!) and then I am gonna get some stampin out of my system!!!!

In the meantime, I had over 800 emails to get through today (thats what I get for subscribing to so many blogs, lol) I just skimmed through them and while doing so, I found a Picasso quote on a fellow demos blog;

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. -Picasso

Isnt that the truth? I feel like stampin is my outlet, scrappin helps me express myself! That must be why I am going stir crazy this week without any creating, lookout tomorrow, for a bunch of creations, I hope!

Have a good night!
Angi

CKC Convention in Valley Forge!!!!

I am so excited! CKC is coming to Valley Forge this month! I volunteered to work in the CKC book store, so I can get in for free! In case you didn't know, I was a scrapbooker long before stampin up, so I am a super huge fan of creating keepsakes! If you live in the tri-state area, grab a coupon and I'll see you there!

I received and award!

Blog Award

I received this blog award from Tina over at Tiggers Scrap Place. Thanks Tina for choosing me! What an honor, I wasn't sure anyone was really reading it, lol!

Here are the rules:
1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award. These are the 15 blogs that I am passing the award to.

I am up to my elbows in work this week, but I will be back soon to award this lovely award to 15 more bloggers!

Free Stampin Up Catalog Winners!

Would the following ladies who visited my blog on July 4th please contact me with your name, address and phone number and email so that I can get your free cattys in the mail to you this weekend. Please email me at angi89@yahoo.com and put Free Blog Catty in the subject line.

Also, I didn't specify it, but if you are an SU demo, please let me know, you will not be elligible for this offer.

You have each won a catalog and some catalog coupons. I know you are gonna love the new catty.

Manhattan Mandi
Ms Cheryl
Kathy
Shirley
Maggie
Cher
Preoccupied
Queenie Jeannie
Ak Stamper (Shell)
Linda B
Natasha
Heather
Monica Gale
Whispers and Wishes
Cathy from AZ

Congrats LAdies (yes, I know there are more than 10, but I trying to pay it forward) Maybe it will make me feel better!

A Few Forest Friends

I saw some cute baby cards on SCS and they inspired me to use up some of my stash to make these two cards for babies. I love being able to use up old supplies to have ready for a practical purpose for a craft fair or to add to my stash at work. I must be missing a punch somewhere, cuz I really thought I could get a scallop that fit around this 1 3/4 inch circle a little bit better.





The second card uses up some more buttons from my stash, and the 2" scallop circle, I really like the way they layered together! The Designer Label punch is really great on all of these cards for the sentiments, which actually come from the new Teeny Tiny Wishes Sentiments set.
















These last two cards are really just old cards from my stash that I want to update before I move the old ones into my for sale stash. I rcvd some cards from cards-al-a-cart when I first started as a demo, but the card used older DSP, so I upgraded by restamping the image and used some cottage wall DSP to update the card!
















Finally, I loved this card, I dont remember who I cased it from, but I awnted to update it with new DSP, Animal Stories made the perfect backdrop for this updated card.


Thanks for looking! Back to work tomorow, sigh!

Can't get enough, Embracing Life!

This first card is yet another Embracing Life, I just can't seem to get enough of this set! It is not new to SU, but it is new to me and I am really enjoy playing with this set. I mixed some old favorite pink wth melon mambo and I really love the way it came out. I might make some more of these, like this, I really like the way it came out!!!











I am trying to use up some old supplies from my stash, I still have quite a few old DSPs and a SAB papers and ribbons. I used the new Kind and Caring thoughts hostess set to update this old DSP, I really like the way it came out!

Deal of the Week

I wish I wouldve known this was going to be on special, I just purchased mine at regular price! It holds my big shot, and most of my dies with no problem, it is very sturdy and also stylish! This really is a good deal! Click here to go get yours today!

Another Free SVG download

Free SVGs has done it again, with this fantastic BBQ set! I wish I wouldve come across this before the holiday weekend, but oh well! Now we have it to use on our fourth of July Scrapbook pages! Be sure to hop on over to their website and see all the fabo goodies they have to offer!

Beautiful Butterflies for you!

Craft Critique recently reported on Stampin Up's fabulous Beautiful Butterfly die. After you read this review by Sara McKenzie and purchase yours here, be sure to stop by craft critique and show Sara some stampin Love!

As Reported by Sara McKenzie on Craft Critique

In support of the Craft Critique Butterfly Project, I poked around to see what I might want to make and share. It feels a little bit like cheating, but if you want quantity, you can do what I did and go for die cut butterflies.

Stampin Up! has an exclusive Sizzix Bigz die "Beautiful Butterflies" that will cut 6 butterflies at once, of different sizes and shapes. Two of the butterflies are created by using a folded piece of paper or cardstock, and placing the fold at the center of the butterfly. Below is an example of what you get out of the die.

Butterflies from the Beautiful Butterflies die.

When you use a folded piece of paper, you get two-each of the butterflies on the lower row. The two on top are cut on the fold. The butterflies range in size from 4" X 3" to 1-1/2" X 2-1/4".

You can use a single sheet of paper, or you can mix and match using scraps on the different butterflies, as shown below.

Mix and match your butterflies by choosing the placement of your paper.

Of course the die easily cuts through all manner of materials. I played with vellum, handmade paper, paper doilies, and origami paper. The butterflies are sized to be used singly, or you can layer them; you can adhere the whole butterfly to your project, or you can adhere only the center so the wings are free to move.

These butterlifes are great for all manner of projects, including:

• greeting cards
• scrapbook pages
• 3-D paper projects, such as stationery boxes
• mobiles

In other words, pretty much anything you want to use them for!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------end of article

So, what do you think? Wanna get your hands on this great Die? Did you know it's a Stampin Up Exclusive? You can get it today for only $19.99 (retails at $21.95)plus S&H . If you are interested in contributing to the Butterfly Project for the Houston Holocaust museum, this die will make a perfect addition to your stash and before long, you can crank out tons of your own buterflies to donate.

Stampin Up also recently released this great butterfly punch, for only $15.95, but if you order it now, it's yours for only $14.45 + S&H.

Better yet, make plenty of butterflies to donate and plenty to keep for yourself! Purchase both the butterfly punch and the butterfly die today for only$29.99 Plus S&H. You cant get a better deal!

Butterfly Special

Butterfly Die for Sizzix $21.95 Butterfly Punch $14.45 Both Butterflies $29.99

Embracing Life

Today's first card share is one I did for the Clean and Simple Sketch Challenge this week, I used more this gorgeous paper from the cottage wall collection, really, isnt it beautiful? Of course, I had to break out the Embracing life flower again, I am really enjoying this set!











When I first saw the Circle Circus set, I didnt really see the appeal. However, as I started to see others creations, it started to grow on me a little bit. If you have been watching, the new In-Colors can be very bold! I usually try to tame them a little bit, but for some reason, on this card, i wanted Big and Bold, so I used my two favorite Rich Razzleberry and Melon Mambo. I tried to use something similar to the depth of view technique from TJ. I saw on someone's blog where they used something like a depth of view resist technique, so I gave it try and this was my final take on it. The Sentiment is my favorite one from the On your Birthday set. Isn't it fantastic? The phrase Live, Laugh and Love, always makes me feel better when I am down.

Thinking of you, always!

I can't call him, to tell him how much I miss him, I can't see him, or hear his voice, but I can't
stop thinking of him. I cannot bring myself to scrapbook, I have nothing happy to remember
these days..........

A friend and fellow blogger wrote me today, to say if there weren't any changes, we would
never have butterflies. That inspired this first card, I wish I could hold on to such words at a time like this, when I am hurting and so much is changing.

I wish I could turn into a beautiful butterfly sometimes and just fly away from the hurt.
I know when one door closes another is supposed to open, but it's so hard when all you see is the closed door in front of your face, eh?

Since I can't call him (or should I say, I shouldnt call him), since I cant text him or email him
or hear his voice today, I will just keep making cards to let him know I am thinking of him.

He will never see them, He will never know the pain that I feel, missing him! Maybe someday, they will find their way out of my stash and into some ones hands, to make them happy.

Maybe the smile they put on someone's face someday will make it worth it, the creativity that comes from hurt and lost love.


Enough of the sadness, I used the beutiful new Designer Series Paper, Cottage wall. You really can't tell how vivid and beautiful it is in the catty, you really need to see it first hand! It's beautiful. The first card uses the Simple Friendship stamp set and the rest of them use the new level two hostess set, Asian Artistry.

Wouldnt you know that somehow, I managed to order the spanish version instead of the English one, so I havent used the sentiment.

The sentiment that comes in this set, says Wherever you go, go with all your heart. How appropriate when I am hurting and missing him so much.

The Thinking of You Sentiment, is from teh new set, Kind and Caring thoughts, another beautiful set of sentiments!

I also used the new Desginer Label punch. I cannot stop making these beautiful thinking of you cards
tonight, because well, I am thinking of you Bobby and I always will!

Another Thinking Inking Video

I got a little behind on the thinking inking videos over at two peas. You can watch the third in the paint dabbers series here:You can go over to the two peas site and give Jennifer some love and see all the fabulous creations everyone is making! You can also download the pdf here

Happy 4th of July

I found this on a fellow bloggers blog and couldnt resist sharing it here! This is my 20th year serving in the military and I still tear up when I hear the National Anthem or any other patriotic song. You will see me swinging my fist to Toby Keith and wanting to beat some Taliban butt too! (lol) Happy 4th of July everyone, please take a moment to think about those that are still serving, away from home to keep us safe in bed! This truly is the best Country and I love what I do for a living!!!

I watched the flag
Pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.

A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease..

I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud.
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil,
How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' g raves ?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant 'Amen,'
When a flag had draped a coffin.
Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea,
Of unmarked graves in Arlington .
No, freedom isn't free.

Thank you to all my fellow service men, women and all their loved ones who wait so patiently for their return.

There is no better time to Join Stampin' Up!

While anytime is a great time to join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator, joining during July and August is an especially good time!!

Starting your own Stampin' Up! business means free and discounted products (20% and up!), plus a little extra cash--or a lot, its really up to you! Now, from July 15 - August 31, you can become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for only $85!

The special, limited-time Mini Starter Kit contains all you need to get started in your new business, including
For All You Do stamp set
In Color Classic Stampin' Pads (6)
Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
Business forms and tools
Or if you want to buy the standard $199 Starter Kit, in addition to the supplies listed below, you'll get all six of the new In Color Classic Stampin' Pads and one pack of In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")--a $43 value! The standard Starter Kit includes
Four stamp sets
A Stampin' Around wheel, handle, and ink cartridge
Stampin' Pastels
Card stock
Eastern Blooms Décor Elements and applicator tool
Five Classic Stampin' Pads
VersaMark Pad
Stampin' Scrub and Mist
Blender pens
Business forms and tools

These special offers--the Mini Starter Kit and the In Color add-on to the standard Starter Kit--are only available for a limited time, so you must act fast! Benefits of Becoming a Demonstrator Whether you just love to stamp, or you want to grow a successful, thriving business, the Stampin' Up! opportunity is the right fit for you. Stampin' Up! demonstrators enjoy many benefits, with just a few listed below:

• Product discount. Demonstrators get a 20% discount on all Stampin' Up! products, including stamp sets, paper, and accessories. It's a great way to support your love of stamping and paper crafting.


• Extra income. You'll earn extra income based on your sales and recruiting--how much extra income is up to you. Maybe you just want enough income to pay the electric bill every month, or maybe your goal is bigger--the monthly payment for your new car--it's your decision! See the Compensation Table for more information.


• Flexible schedule. You are the Boss!!!!!
  


• Support from Stampin' Up! They have some of the greatest Customer Service I have ever seen!

So what are you waiting for? Contact me TODAY at angi89@yahoo.com or sign up online, use password angia; to join the Stampin' Up! family!

Plus, if you join my stampin team, I will make sure you have all the classes and workshops you need to get started! I have everything you need to make your business a great success!

What are you waiting for??? I cant wait to get you started!!!

Another Thinking Inking Video From Jennifer McGuire

Have you been following all the Thinking Inking videos over on the two peas website? If not, here is the next one in the series, more paint daubers!
You can see lots of samples and the PDF of this class

Free Stampin Up Catalog!

I am feeling a little patriotic tonight after creating all of those red white and blue cards. It has also occured to me that this year marks my 20th Anniversary in the Air Force, I can hardly believe it has been almost 20 years since I packed up my bags and headed off to basic training! What an amazing ride it has been. Also, this week marked the beginning of the new stampin up year, how exciting is that? Since I am feeling in the mood to celebrate, I would like to offer up 10 free Stampin Up catalogs! That's right, if you want your very own idea book and catalog, now is your chance to get one for free! Simply Comment on my blog sometime over this weekend. On Monday, I will pull ten names and send out 10 FREE catalogs!