10 for '10

A decade is about to end! Can you believe it? I love watching all the different montages on TV of where we've been. It's really astounding.

With the passing of the year, I've spent some time reflecting and thinking about the upcoming year. With the approach of 2010, I thought it would be fitting to come up with 10 goals for the new year.

Here goes!

1. Less procrasting....I swear that I wait to the last minute for so many things. Yes, I may work fine under pressure, but it would be really great to eliminate some stress from my life.

2. Send more cards...I know I make a lot of cards, but I really need to start sending them more often. And for 'no reason' - isn't it nice to get something other than bills in the mail and who wants to wait for their birthday, anniversary, or Christmas.

3. Stick to things..I'm really good about starting things...then I get bored or something else captivates my interests. This year, I'm determined to stick to my exercise schedule (it helps that I'm paying a monthly fee & I have a friend to go with) and to a cleaning schedule. I felt like I let my house get ahead of me at times this past year which isn't really like me. I realized that my typical cleaning schedule kinda went out the window, so I definitely want to get back to that. In addition, I hate that I'll stew over things for hours. I think if I commit so much time to a task that I'll be much better off...keep your fingers crossed on this one.

4. Home stuff....paint bedroom, continue to make energy improvements, make two extra mortgage payments, convert wood burning fireplace to gas, fix bamboo towel ladder in bathroom (okay, so this goes with goal #1!!) and change front porch sconces.

5. Visit and be visited more often. I spend time with people, but we always 'GO' somewhere. I want to start enjoying my home and the homes of my family and friends more.

6. Papercrafting goals - comment more, post 25 entries to my blog each month, submit to six publication calls, get published twice (I did once this year, so I'm shooting for two next year!!), participate in more challenges, use the stuff I already have....use the stuff I already have (that one needed repeating!!), and start Christmas projects before November (hmmm....looks like another part of goal #1)

7. Be more punctual - I'm a poke when I get ready. I'm really going to work at this one!!

8. Eat and live healthier....I wouldn't consider my meals unhealthy; however, I rarely eat breakfast and can be lazy about packing a decent lunch. I am also guilty of skimping on sleep during the week and catching up on the weekend. I'd really like to improve on these things.

9. Live out of my comfort zone more....I tend to be more reserved. I wouldn't say I'm shy at all, but I tend to hold back. I'd love to step out of this a bit, especially in my personal life. I think I'll spend more time focusing on what I want in my life rather than others' viewpoints. I guess you miss 100% of the baskets you never shoot!

10. Be more thankful. Starting tomorrow, I'm going to begin a gratitude journal. I'll add one thing a day for the entire year. I'd like to focus on all the good things and let go of the petty things that I let get under my skin.



Well if you stuck with me, thank you!! I wish you all the best for 2010 :)

Zip It Up!!

Early Christmas morning while I was finishing wrapping gifts, I watched an old episode of Martha that was on TV. Martha and her guest made the coolest rosettes out of zippers! I told my best friend about it, and we headed to JoAnn's to pick up some zippers.

While I didn't follow the instructions for the flower made on the show, I'm super happy with what I created:

Isn't it so fun!! I used a navy zipper with silver metallic teeth and created a rosette pin to wear with some simple cardigans I have. It was pretty simple, so I can't wait to make a few more...and maybe stick one on a card :)

Move Over Christmas....Watch Out Valentines!!

Hi....long time no blog!! I've been busy with Christmas, so I took a little break from the world of blogging. My dad and I are heading to the casino (his idea...I'd rather throw my money toward stamps!!) tomorrow. I was told that we're leaving at 7:30 SHARP...okay, so I'm not the most punctual person - it could be worse :)

Today I have a fun Valentine treat idea for you - a gum slider! These are one of my favorite things to make. I'm a gum chewer, and it's a HUGE treat in my classroom. These sliders are super easy and really dress up a boring pack of gum.

See what I mean?

I used some of my favorite Rubber Romance stamps (Cutie Pie Bird and You're Tweet sentiment) on this slider. I posted the full tutorial for gum sliders on the Rubber Romance blog, so CHECK IT OUT!! If you haven't been there lately, you're missing out. The design team adds a new tutorial every few days and there's always a sketch challenge going on so you could win some FREE stamps!!


Well, I'm off to stop by some of my favorite blogs. Stop by soon to see the coolest flower pin I made with my best friend this afternoon.

From My Home to Yours

May you all be blessed during this magical time of year!!

More Christmas Cards - Pink Cat Studio Style

Here are two fun Christmas cards that I made. The first one went to a former student....I know she'll love it :) I think it's a hoot!!

I'm off to get my gifts wrapped....hopefully I'll be back to share some tags. I passed out the Facebooks today and they were a HUGE hit!! Especially since I paired them with Spree candy canes :)


Details - Card 1:
Stamps - Hootie Pie Santa & sentiment(Pink Cat Studios); Snowfall Additions (PTI)
Ink - Copics; Platinum Brillance
Paper - white, Melon Mambo, Blush Blossom; Jolly Be Golly (Cosmo Cricket)
Accessories - Nestabilities (circle & petite scallop circle), snowflake punch (Marvy Uchida), Modern Label punch (SU!), Swiss Dots embossing folder, gemstones, dimensionals

Details - Card 2:
Stamps - Betty Tree Costume(Pink Cat Studios)
Ink - Copics
Paper - white, Real Red, green (Bazzill); DCWV
Accessories - Nestabilities (circle & petite scallop circle), Embossed Curves border punch (EK Success), Treading Water border punch (Fiskars), white gel pen (Gelly Roll), red adhesive pearls

I had to!!

Go ahead....call me the crazy lady who dresses up her cat! But isn't she cute :)

A few Christmas Cards

Here are two Christmas cards that I made using PTI's Stocking Prints. I just love this set and can't wait to make some tags with it....I better get my butt in gear or they'll be for next Christmas!

Card 1 Details:

Stamps - Stocking Prints (PTI)

Paper - Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke; Imaginisce dp

Ink - Always Artichoke, Real Red

Accessories - organza ribbon, scallop border punch, baker's twine (Martha Stewart), dimensionals

Card 2 Details:
Stamps - Stocking Prints & Signature Christmas (PTI)
Paper -white, Old Olive; Basic Grey dp (Eskimo Kisses)
Ink - Old Olive, Soft Sky
Accessories - organza ribbon, scallop border punch, Rustic Cream twine (PTI), dimensionals

Student Gifts

Every year, I spend a lot of time thinking of what to give my students. I teach gifted kiddos, so they'd be through a simple word search book like no other. I've come up with some pretty cool gifts in the past, so the pressure is always on. Since I have the same kids year after year, it takes about six years until I can repeat a gift. Luckily, I can repeat next year and I already know what I'm making :)

This year, I wanted to create little flip books of my students' faces. Each face would be cut in thirds, so you could put someone's forehead on someone else's eyes & nose on someone else's chin. I shared this idea with my best friend who suggested calling them 'Facebooks' - what a great idea!!

Here are some photos. I didn't include any of the insides because I'm not comfortable posting their photos, even if they are messed up :)

Cover:

I printed a cover from cardstock that included some Facebook clipart and a play-on the sign up page message.

The inside back cover included a section for the kids to write down their 'profiles' - I knew that they'd have a fun time with this!!

I'm so excited to give these to them tomorrow!! It's so fun to see the 'mixed-up' faces :) - if you need any last minute gift ideas, you could totally make this for your friends, family, or coworkers.



I'll be back later with some Christmas cards!!

Tis the Season to....sparkle

It's been snowing and snowing here (and all along the east coast!!!). We have about 7 inches, and it's so beautiful at night with the Christmas lights twinkling underneath the fluffy, white blanket. Thank goodness I finished up my Christmas shopping last night. Today I could focus on starting the big to-do list. I can't wait to share with you what I'm making my students....it's sooooo AWESOME!! You could totally make it for your family, friends, or co-workers :)


But for now, I thought I'd share the Christmas card I made for my best friend (and her husband, although it was inspired by her Christmas decor)

I'm typically purple challenge, but this one came together easily. I just love the combo of purples (SU! Eggplant Envy and PTI Plum Pudding) with white, silver, and PTI Smokey Shadow. Gorgeous!!

Here's the inside of the card:

I know she'll love it! It's always fun to get a card that goes perfectly with your decorations, especially if you're a little crazy (okay, anal) like me :)



Details:
Stamps - Signature Christmas & Snowfall Additions (PTI)
Paper - white, Smokey Shadow & Plum Pudding (PTI), Eggplant Envy (SU!)
Ink - Eggplant Envy (SU!), Fresh Snow (PTI)
Accessories - ribbon ( JoAnn's), gemstones (Hero Arts), glitter & white gel pens (Gelly Roll), gemstone stickers (Stampendous), scallop border punch (SU!), corner rounder, dimensionals

Head Above Water

I've been working and working and working to finish decorating for Christmas, make Christmas cards for my dad (yes, he asked for some at the last minute), and finish my own Christmas cards. I can't wait to share photos of these with you, but I'm not quite ready. So I'll share a notecard I made a week or so ago to send to my pal Kelley to let her know that I was thinking about her. It was the first time that I got to use my Giga Guide Lines from PTI & can I say that I'm in love!!

I love how simple & elegant this is at the same time - just perfect for a notecard. I also love how the vintage cream ink looks on the kraft base...paired with the Scarlet Jewel layer, it's just delicious!!


okay, I'm off to my Christmas cards.



Details:
Stamps - Giga Guide Lines (PTI)
Ink - Vintage Cream (PTI)
Paper - kraft (SU!), Scarlet Jewel (PTI)
Accessories - button (PTI), organza ribbon (JoAnn's), gold cording, embossed curves punch

MyGrafico Monday - Red, Green, and NOT for Christmas

Are you in the midst of holiday hustle and bustle? If only we had longer periods of daylight, I don't think I'd feel as tired and overwhelmed!! My mom & I had a great weekend, and she loved the card. I even had her help finishing up my decorating when state officials were advising against driving Sunday morning.


Okay....on to the card! This week is the last MyGrafico challenge for 2009. The design team is taking a break for the remainder of December. When we return in 2010, there'll be a whole new design team....so be sure to be on the lookout!! This week's Monday challenge is to use RED & GREEN on anything that is NOT Christmas......I think a lot of us need just a little break :)


Here's the set that's up for grabs:

Isn't it super cute!!! Think of all the kids cards & invitations! Don't ya just love that owl in the hot air balloon :) And it's only $4!! You can either head here to pick it up or join us for the challenges this week and win the set.


Here's what I came up with:

I love this little guy on the boat & I'm really happy with my coloring of him. I don't always think I've done anything special with my coloring, but I'll pat myself on the back with this one :) This card also follows the sketch (146) at Card Positioning Systems. I was stumped for a layout this week and really liked their sketch! Thanks CPS :)


Details:
Stamps - Zoom Vroom set (Cocoa Studios for MyGrafico)
Ink - Copics
Paper - kraft, white, Real Red; dp - Bitty Stars (PTI)
Accessories - star punch (Fiskars), button (PTI), baker's twine (Martha Stewart), ribbon, dimensionals

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday! Can you guess how old she is? Hee hee!! I thought of this idea about 2 years ago, after my dad's 57th birthday. I couldn't wait for today to get here, so I could make this card for her! In case you're wondering, I printed out a photo of the actual Heinz 57 bottle and cut out the labels. I created my own template for a bottle card and added on a piece of scored white paper for the cap.

My mom is coming over tonight. We ordering pizza, watching movies (Julie & Julia), and eating cake. Then bright & early tomorrow morning, we're off for a day of shopping!

Everything But The Kitchen Sink - Toothpick Challenge

I must've made the kharma gods very angry because I can't recall being this busy at school at this time of the year EVER!!! I've been so exhausted when I get home. In fact, I started this card yesterday and finished it (just...and I mean just...in time) tonight!

My pal Kelley (please visit her blog here and give her loads of love) hosted the latest Everything But The Kitchen Sink Challenge and prompted us to make something using toothpicks. All the gals on the team came up with some fabulous ideas!! It took me awhile with this one, but I finally came up with a simple idea for a card that I can definitely use.

I'm not sure if you can see the scored section very well with my photo....if not, there's a section of scored lines underneath the 'green' - I thought I needed something to break up the 'white' space, but I didn't want it to be that busy. I love how it turned out!

My mom's birthday is on Friday, and I've been planning her card for a few years now....stay tuned :)

Details:

Stamps - none

Ink - none

Paper - kraft, green (Bazzill), DCWV

Accessories - toothpick, black felt tip pen, Thickers, number sticker, corner rounder

CAS44 - Red & Brown Glistens

Today's CAS challenge over at SCS was to use red & brown....ummmm, hello - this is a fantabulous color combo. Especially for winter. Makes me think of a rustic log cabin all decked out for Christmas.

Here's my take:

It was so quick & easy!! I love it!! Plus I got to use my new snowflake punch that I've looked everywhere for and finally resorted to ordering it from Amazon. It came so fast that I wished I ordered it earlier!


Details:
Stamps - Snowfall Additions (PTI)
Ink - Silver (Brillance)
Paper - Soft Suede, Very Vanilla
Accessories - red polka dot ribbon, baker's twine (Martha Stewart), snowflake punch (Marvy Uchida), button, dimensional, corner rounder

MyGrafico Monday - Recipe Time

This week's challenge at MyGrafico is all about recipes...which is perfect because we're giving away this fabulous set by Lindsay:

All summer long, I wanted to get started on creating a recipe box w/cards of my favorite recipes. This challenge finally gave me the kick I needed.

I love this mac & cheese!!! I actually leave out the dijon mustard, and it still turns out delicious! I printed my card out on the computer then attached it to some designer paper. I added a strip of that paper underneath the recipe title, but I think I'll change it to a different paper.

If you want to win this fabulous set, just head over to the MyGrafico Challenge Blog for all the details. Can't wait to see what you come up with!!




Details:
Stamps - Recipe Set (Lindsay's Stamp Stuff for MyGrafico)
Paper - white, black, DCWV
Ink - none
Accessories - computer, Prismacolor pencils, Nestabilities

Happy H'owl'idays

Yesterday we had our first snow (well at least the kind that accumulated on the ground!!) and with that came the black ice! I was out shopping and sat in traffic caused by 3 separate accidents within 1.5 miles. It didn't look like anyone was hurt, thank goodness....but people, ever read the sign that says Bridge Freezes Before Road? All 3 accidents were on bridges :(.

A few weeks ago I came across some inspiration for my card on the Hero Arts blog. This card created by Lisa Arana was sooooo cute that I couldn't wait to create one of my own!!

I just love the concept and had to use my fun little owl from Rubber Romance! Isn't it the sweetest paired with some Eskimo Kisses paper from Basic Grey?

I hope you all are having a fantastic weekend! I have a list of things to do (including stamping - gotta put some fun stuff on the list!!) & I'm off to get started.



Details:
Stamps - Cutie Pie Owl (Rubber Romance)
Ink - Tuxedo Black (Memento Black); Copics
Paper - kraft, Eskimo Kisses (Basic Grey)
Accessories - ornament punch (EK Success), computer (sentiment & box), dimensionals, black felt tip pen

Tis the Season....to be thankful!

I don't know about you, but as soon as the calendar reads December I swear that I go into anxious mode. My to-do list gets longer, and it fills like they're just not enough hours in the day! It doesn't help that it gets dark by 5pm! Ugh - I leave when it's barely daylight, and I can enjoy about 1 1/2 hours of it when I get home....yep, I better start taking my Vitamin D.



Anywho......here's another Christmas thank you card that I made for a pal who's into vintage. I was inspired by this card and wanted to add a stocking (from PTI's Stocking Prints) to the center, but it just didn't look right. I liked it just the way it is, so I added the stocking to the inside with my note!

Keep your fingers crossed...I might get my tree up & decked tomorrow night!! I'll have to post photos :)


Details:
Stamps - Christmas Greetings (PTI)
Paper - Very Vanilla; Jolly by Golly (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink - Brick Red (Tsuineko), Gold (Brillance)
Accessories - sage organza ribbon, button, baker's twine (Martha Stewart), petite scallop oval nesties

A Tag for a Diva

A few weeks ago, my stamping pals had our Secret Santa exchange. My secret santa Mandy made the most adorable tag, and I couldn't wait to create one of my own and share it with you.

The tag is 3-D and is created with some simple folding. I posted the tutorial today on the Rubber Romance blog. For my tag, I used Merry the Christmas Diva...how appropriate that this will go on the gift for my friend Mary. I added some glitz to Merry with some glittery and fun flock. Nothing says Christmas like a little glitter :)

Here's a photo of the inside:

Details:
Stamps - Merry the Christmas Diva & Merry Merry Ho Ho sentiment (Rubber Romance)
Ink - Tuxedo Black (Memento); Copics
Paper - Real Red; Jolly by Golly (Cosmo Cricket)
Accessories - Baker's Twine (Martha Stewart), ornament tag (DCWV), silver ribbon (Offray), Sparkly Fluff, Dazzling Diamonds, Labels One nesties