Newlywed Card

Just a quick post today to show you the card I made last night.
Last week, a friend of ours decided to run off and get married (crazy boy!) so I thought I'd send a card to the happy couple.



I used the SU 'Elizabeth' stamp to start things off. I 'inked' it with SU writers in dark grey, blue and green to give it more contrast. In the centre I stamped "For the Newlyweds' from the SU 'Teeny Tiny Wishes' set. You must (well, I must) use the stampa-a-ma-jig to centre the sentiment correctly. I don't know what I did without that thing before - it makes it so perfect and even. However, don't look too close as you'll see that I smeared the end while lifting the stamp! After rubbing the edges with ink and mounting on both CS and PP I stamped a hummingbird from the SU 'Elements of Style' set. I carefully cut it out and applied it with foam tape.

Here's a closeup to give you an idea of the different colours used on the stamp.



A strip of PP was added to the bottom as well as CS punched with a scalloped border punch. I was planning to add 3 brads along the left side of the paper strip but forgot to add them before adhering it - so a bow was a quick fix! A bow gives a softer look for a wedding anyways!

Congrats to the Newlyweds!!

Later Folks. (I need to go go throw some flour on me before hubby gets home - haha)

Geek Club

Last night I went to my (Stampin' Up)Technique Club which my daughter refers to as 'Geek Club'. I find it to be quite ironic as it is because of her that I got into scrapbooking in the first place. About 5 or 6 years ago she had 'the girls' over one night to sit around and scrapbook. She asked me to join them and I never looked back - I was hooked! She's now moved on to other interests but here I am - still stuck in 'geekland' I guess. What's even funnier is that I attend with not only her good friend's mother but her good friend!!! She doesn't know what she's missing - we have fun and a lot of laughs - being a 'geek' isn't so bad!! LOL
Anyways, last night we made a couple of awesome cards.
The first one was simple, using the 'baby wipe' technique. The wipe was folded in 4 creating a pad then 3 different colours of reinkers were used (pink, orange and yellow).Starting with the darkest one, droplets of ink were gently squeezed randomly onto the 'pad', followed by the middle colour then filling in with the lightest.
A solid stamp (or a flourish works good too) was then stamped onto the 'pad' and stamped onto CS. It gives a sort of tie-dye effect (if you're old enough to remember those days!)We also stamped the bottom and added a sentiment. The stamped image was adhered onto a CS base which had been run thru the 'Big Shot' and scalloped. (I NEED to get myself one of those!!)
To finish it off we added cute little pompom trim and a button.

How cute is this?



And a (blurry) closeup showing the tie-dye look (or 'watercolour' look for you younger ones.)



I loved the next card we made! It was a quilted card. At first, I thought it would be difficult, but it wasn't hard at all! Who knew something so pretty could be so simple!
Twenty little squares were punched out and mounted on a CS backing (actually 16 then a strip of 4 for the sentiment).It was then ran thru the 'Big Shot' with an embossing plate giving it texture. (I REALLY, REALLY need one of these!) then the edges were inked to give it an antique look. After matting and mounting on CS and adding the sentiment to a 'banner' (the strip of 4 squares then trimmed, cut and curled) we made a flower to add to the centre. A piece of round CS with sticky sheet adhered to it was used to twist and wrap ribbon onto. Once done green ribbon leaves were adhered, then an antique brad was added to the middle.
I love this card - there are so many possibilities using both the quilting technique and the flower.



And a closeup showing the quilting technique and the flower. (the embossing makes it IMO - did I mention that I NEED A BIG SHOT)!



When looking at the finished card, I thought of my mom. She loves dusty roses and pinks and would love the quilting design. And guess what? Yep, her birthday is at the end of the month - Bonus!!

Well, that's all for now folks - Happy Scrapping from your "Geekness"

Short but Sweet

Well we arrived safely back on home soil today or should I say at 3am this morning. We were still on Ont. time so it seemed like 6am. I managed to get about an hour sleep on the plane while hubby got none at all. Needless to say, it didn't take too long to fall asleep once we hit our familiar old sack.
We had a GREAT trip. The seminar itself was very interesting and informative. The people were very friendly and casual and made me feel right at home. I learned a lot about the new FA drug Catena and came out feeling that it is something that I would like to try and would encourage others with FA to try it also. I also felt good when a very well informed FA advocate commented on how well I was doing and how slow I seemed to be progressing seeing how I was diagnosed 23 years ago. Although I have felt myself progressing in the last year or so, it was encouraging to hear this. Looking around at others with this horrible disease, I realized how truly blessed I really am.
The visit with family was also amazing. My stepdaughter and her son came from Sarnia, Ont. by train to visit. We hadn't seen her in over a year so it was great to see her again.

We had never met her 12 yr. old son before so it was wonderful to finally get the chance. My husband did not know whether to hug him or shake his hand when meeting him but the ice was broken when his grandson threw his arms around him and said 'hi grandpa'. My husband eyes filled with tears - he was so happy and proud. They really hit it off and bonded. The funny thing is that they even look alike - wavy hair, glasses and rosy, chipmunk cheeks!

Don't you think so?


Wed. evening my mother and brother met us at our hotel before heading out for dinner at the Elephant and Castle on Yonge St. in Toronto. I had not seen my mother for 8 months (since our daughters wedding) and had not seen my brother in 3 years. Both looked great and it was so nice to visit. I am so proud of my brother as he is looking and doing so well after so many years of being ill. I am also happy for my mother as she no longer feels that she needs to worry about him - now or even after she's gone.

After a lot of laughs and a few Toronto street experiences not soon to be forgotten we headed back to our hotel for a good nights sleep.




On Thursday morning my stepdaughters daughter and her boyfriend drove down from Sarnia, Ont. (well Ridgetown to be exact). We hadn't seen her since she was 2 years old and now she is 18. Another tearful reunion.


What an awesome couple of kids - grandchildren we knew about but had never met or grown up with. We just hope now that we can all stay in touch as they were a missing piece in our family picture.





Our granddaughter and her boyfriend had to get back to Sarnia, my stepdaughter and grandson had a train to catch and my brother had to leave for work so it left time for my mom and I to chat and visit. A short time later my beautiful niece came home from work. (my sisters daughter. My sister now lives in England and her daughter shares an apt. with my brother). It had been 3 years since seeing her so again it was wonderful.


All in all, it was a great trip all around. The weather was mild (even warmer than Vancouver) and although we never got any shopping or sightseeing in we accomplished what we set out to do. A successful meeting and a nice visit with family - can't ask for much more than that!

Have a great weekend folks!

Calendar Easel

Last night I made this little calendar Easel. It's attached to a box base (made from CS) and has a drawer with a handle (also made from CS). I used up old Scenic Route PP from my stash, both green and melon cardstock and old flowers, brads and buttons from my stash (I'm trying to use things up to make room for NEW!!) I used a SU stamp from the Word Play Set.
It was my first time making one and I must say that although it's pretty, I'm not completely happy with it. But that's okay, I learnt what I can do to improve on it for next time!
I would do the box base out of sturdier chipboard then cover in PP and I'd use a piece of leather or ribbon for the handle. Maybe even an actual metal handle/pull or one of the TH ones. The TH feet would also be awesome on this or even little wooden balls or blocks painted then adhered. The calendar could even be changed out with a photo frame. It could be made modern or vintage looking - so many possibilities!
I haven't decided yet what to do with this one - give it away or save it as my protege.








I have a busy week ahead of me so there will be no scrapping and likely no blog posts. (okay I see that look of relief on your face).
Tomorrow I need to get my hair beautified then my daughter and her hubby are coming for a vist/dinner. I'm so excited as I haven't seen her since Christmas. She only lives 30 km. away but apparently work, a dog, friends and married life keeps her busy - lol - just wait until she has kids!!
Then Monday will be laundry, packing and getting ready to go to Toronto. We leave bright and early Tuesday morning. YAAY! I'm so looking forward to it. Actually, I'm kind of nervous about attending the FA Conference on Wed., as I'm not used to being with a bunch of CEO's let alone participating in an all-day meeting with them. I've been assured though that I'll do just fine - I just need to keep telling myself that!
Thursday will be a fun day as I get to visit with my family then sadly it's the red-eye home. I'll be tired - getting up early 3 days in a row will be a killer - lol!

Hope you all have a great week!

Valentine's Day Cards

First off, I'm thinking about my deceased father-in-law today (Feb. 9th) as it would have been his 92nd birthday. Wow, it's hard to imagine. He left us 18 years ago in May and was such a wonderful, kind man. You were too good for this world dad - we miss you!

Also, soon it will be Valentines Day. I am not a mushy, romantic type of person by any means but I did manage to make a couple of cards. One for my mother and one for my husband - both of whom get upset if they don't get a card. They don't care about a present but they just want a card. Me? I'm the opposite - haha - bring on the presents!!!

Anyways here is one I made for my mother. (hope she doesn't see this)



I used a cool technique for the 'heart' tree. It's called the dryer sheet technique.
I stamped the tree image onto CS using SU writers then ran a gluestick over it. I then rubbed an old dryer sheet over top and trimmed it. Then I sprinkled a bit of glitter on top and it automatically sticks to the dryer sheets! Cool,eh? I learnt this at a monthly card club I go to - the 'Geek Club' as my daughter refers to it.
I added ribbon and a rhinestone then stamped a flamingo image onto a heart matted onto CS.

Here's a closeup of the glitter and dryer sheet.



The next one is more of a manly one for my manly husband.
I used a SU stamp 'you mean the world 2 me' on grid paper then inked the edges and mounted on CS.I then used an old 'Collage Press' paper from my stash with a world map on it, which lucky for me happened to be red! I used TH distressed 'tea dye' ink to make it look old. I also used TH grungeboard hearts which I inked and distressed even though it doesn't look like it in the photo. It still needed something but I wanted to keep it simple and not too mushy so I just added a simple red ribbon and bow.



We'll be leaving for Toronto the morning after Valentines so we'll be going out for dinner that night. That will be our Valentine 'date' so to speak - if there is such a thing after 31 years - lol.
Maybe I'll make a special dinner that day - or maybe a CHOCOLATE dessert!! Ah-hah - any excuse for chocolate!!

Have a good one folks!

BFF

Today I was reminded of what it would be like to lose touch with a dear, dear friend. I'm talking one of 25, 30, 40 years! One who has grown with you and has been there for you thru the years - thru teenage crushes, first jobs, marriages, divorces, babies, kids, teenagers, death, etc ...
You become part of their family and the love is just as strong.
As with families, when children grow and often move away and have their own life, the same happens with a true friend. One moves away and then life seems to get in the way of friendship. But as with family, the love is always there. It is unconditional.
I am blessed to have such a friend. Although I do not see or speak to her often I know that I could pick up the phone today and talk as if were only yesterday.
Like my siblings who live miles apart and have their own busy lives, I too love and miss her dearly.
Sure, I could phone her now - but she's in Florida for the winter. (something HER mother did while we were growing up) She's probably playing shuffleboard or sitting relaxing with a beer - or likely BOTH - haha.
I'll phone her in April when the snowbirds come home and we'll talk about her youngest daughters upcoming wedding or me becoming a grandma and everything else that's new in our lives.
I just really want to remind everyone that if you have a dear, special friend then cherish them forever and let them know how much they're loved.
I don't know if my friend reads my blog or not but she knows who she is and I only hope she realizes how much she is loved and missed.
((Hug)) your friend today and remember the good times. :)

Betcha can't just have one!

No, I'm not referring to potato chips but to BLOGS!!!!!!!!!
I was at a meeting of the BC Ataxia Society
on Saturday and was asked if we were on Facebook or if we had a Blog. My answer was 'no' (to both) but it got me to thinking 'why DON'T we have a blog? - I'm getting this blog thing figured out so, why stop at one!! I'll make a BCAS Blog!'
So, instead of scrapping, guess what I've been doing? Yep - blog creating.
Our first ever BC Ataxia Society Blog.
It's plain and simple but has the basics in it - Who we are, our Mission Statement, Contacts, Links, etc. It too is a work in progress but hopefully it will soon be a wealth of info for all our members and/or those interested in ataxia to read.
Right now though I have other thoughts on my mind - I see another blog post coming - haha.
Then supper time and me wants to get some scrapping in tonight. :)

Later folks!

Lose it or Leave it?

I'm still not happy with the look of my Blog. I'm still playing and forever changing.
I like the swirly feestyle look of this one - a look I aspire to when scrapbooking. I also love the black with the blue. What I don't like is the stupid 'Lorem Ipsum' paragraph under the header but apparently it can only be edited/removed if you Buy the download - a Free download has to put up with it!! (I THINK - ANYONE KNOW HOW TO GET RID OF IT?) In the meantime, I guess we all need to put up with it as I'm too cheap to buy and/or puter illiterate to know how to fix it!! Oh well, I like everything else.
Anyways, we'll try this for a while - maybe I'll go back to my other design or maybe I'll change to yet another. What do you think?
Really though, I should take my son's advice and concentrate on the content and not the look. As he says 'Craigslist' has one of the plainest sites on the web but it gets millions of hits a day - all because people are interested!
Makes me proud that I raised such a smart, sensible (and handsome) man!

PS - Superbowl Sunday = Scraphappy Day for me - I'll be back later to show you what I did but for all those football fans out there - enjoy the game!

Later folks!

Hi Ho Hi Ho

it's off to work I go...
Well, sort of.
Arrangements have been made and confirmed for me to attend the Friedreich's Ataxia Patient Group Workshop in Toronto later this month.
I debated about going but after learning that there were only 4 people invited from Canada and only 1 from the US (with the remaining few being company representatives) I really felt quite honoured to be invited.
So, hubby and I leave Vancouver on the 15th to attend the workshop in Toronto on the 16th. My stepdaughter and her children (which are hubbys grandchildren whom he has never met!)are taking the train to Toronto from Sarnia on Wed. to visit with us. The workshop is over at 3:00PM on Wed. and we don't fly out until the red-eye on Thursday. So it'll give us lots of time to visit. Not only that, but my mother, brother and niece are all meeting up with us too. WOOHOO - I'm really looking forward to it - especially Thursday spending time with my family! It'll be short but sweet!!

This week I made a card for my friend. She lost her husband last year and with the long, cold days of winter, has been feeling down lately. So, I made her a card but after I mailed it I realized it wasn't very bright, uplifting colours!
She liked it, but I owe her another!

I stamped the 'elements of style' SU stamp on a piece of CS then matted a smaller lighter piece of CS and stamped and embossed it placing it directly over the previous stamped image with dimensionals. I then stamped, embossed and cut the hummingbird and adhered it with 2 layers of dimensionals. Misc. sheer ribbon and bow was added. I also used the SU scalloped border punch along the bottom of card.




Here's a closeup showing the embossing a bit better.



That's all the scrapping for this week folks.
Tommorrow I have to work on my agenda and get things ready for the
BC Ataxia Meeting on Saturday.
Next week, I have something new I want to try. Stay tuned.

Have a good weekend!