Birthday Snack

Well, hey there!  I hope you all had a fantabulous Christmas. Ours was pretty good. Crazy busy all weekend, and lots of fun, but I'm so glad it's over. I'm gonna need the year to recover and be ready for the next one!  Let's see...what all happened?  Well, on Christmas Eve, we made our cookies for Santa.  They look forward to that one every year.  Then later that night, we had a stubborn Krista who insisted on waiting up as late as humanly possible so she could catch a glimpse of Santa.  Ok, I'm gonna be as discreet as I can here since I don't know who's gonna read this (children over your shoulders, maybe?), but, really?! She's 12.  We know what she was trying to do and better luck next year sister, cuz I set my alarm!  First for 3:00, but when I heard movement responding to my movement, I tried 4:30.  hahaha.  I never saw this coming when we decided to have kids!  Christmas strategizing...wow.  So then we had a regular ol' chaotic Christmas day, with a wee nap thrown in so mom didn't go completely bonkers.  Plus, I had to rest up for our ginormous family brunch in the city on Saturday. Shawn has a really big family and they have these crazy get togethers on holidays.  It's a lot of fun, but even after 18 years, I have a hard time keeping everyone straight.  And then, to top off our weekend, we went to the 49ers game on Sunday.  The Christmas game has sort of become a family tradition.  And even tho the weather surrounding the game was crappy (it rained for some people on the way), it was near perfect the whole time we were there.  Phew!  We've been busy.  So busy that I made this totally unrelated card over a week ago (at like, 2 a.m. - don't ask!) and am just now finding the time to photograph it & throw it up on the old blog.  And to think, I was looking forward to all my "down time" this holiday break so I could sit & craft. You'd think by now I would know better!

Stamps:  Polka Dot Basics (PTI), Smells Like Cake (The Cat's Pajamas), Image: Birthday Hamster (Mo's Digital Pencil), Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Antique Linen (Ranger), Fresh Snow (PTI), Paper: white & Aqua Mist (PTI), Accessories: corner punch, Copics:

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! I wasn't sure if I'd have any cards made by today, so I went to JibJab the other day and started playing around, just in case. Have a great holiday!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

No Stamps Used *gasp!*

It's a(nother) digital image.  Not very Christmassy, I know.  But it's what I was in the mood to make.  I won't be making any more Christmas cards for about 9 months.  I got this image and just adore it, but once again, wasn't sure what to do with it.  So I used this patterned paper that I got a while ago and pulled some colors from it to make this card.  It's different for me, but I like it.

So, I've completely finished all my shopping & everything's all wrapped, so I'm hoping that I just get to relax while the girls are out of school.  I'm really hoping that I get to sit & make some cards now that I don't have all that running around to do.  I've got some great images that I want to color and, of course, I'm sure I'll be getting some fun new toys for Christmas. Ha! Ask me how I know...

Anyway, I hope you all have a fabulous holiday. I'll try to get back here just as soon as I can.

Image: Little Girl in Kimono (Mo's Digital Pencil), Paper: black & white (PTI), Black Orchid patterned paper (SEI), Accessories: copics:

Just Because

I know, I know. It's been awhile. Here's the thing. You know how I had my Christmas cards done early, and then finished my boxes to give out to everyone? I was so proud of myself! Well, I don't plan everything quite so well.  Now I'm in the middle of finishing up geting presents for everyone, wrapping, school parties and delivering/mailing things. Plus, I've still got those 3 girls to deal with...blahblahblah. Who's not busy this time of year?  So, I didn't plan on having pretty things made to blog about.  I did have a spare minute combined with the energy to make something and this is it.  And I'm actually sending it to somebody!  Woohoo.  I sent my dad (and stepmom and sisters) our Christmas card with our family picture in it.  Well, being the super proud dad & grandpa that he is, he wanted another copy to take to work with him. Awww. Yeah, plus, I totally forgot to include the picture of just the girls, so I'm sending him the card with lots of pictures in it.  Hopefully this will tide him over until we get to see each other again, which is never soon enough for me!

Stamps: Simple Little Things (PTI), Image: End of the Summer (Mo's Digital Pencil), Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Bashful Blue (SU!), Paper: kraft & white (PTI), Raspberry Tart DSP (SU!), Accessories: Copics:

It's A Girl

No, not for me. I've already got 3! Okie dokie. This one's gonna be quick. As usual, things around here have been crazy busy and I'm not even close to being finished with anything. I did, however, mangage to finish this card, but only cuz I had a deadline.  If it looks familiar, then, why yes, I did copy myself.  But I think this version is better than my original.  Tiara has had a student teacher this year and today is his last day.  Also, last week, his wife had their first baby.  Awwww. Don't we all remember that? When it was new & exciting...before the first messy poop, first cold, first temper tantrum.  Ahh, good times, good times.  Anyway, this card may look like just a baby card (which, ok, it is), but it's also a good bye & good luck card for him.  Tia's really gonna miss him.  Good luck, Mr. DJ.

Stamps: Oh Baby (Hampton Art), Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Paper: white, Sweet Blush & Hibiscus Burst (PTI), Accessories: Sweet Blush ribbon, cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder, Copics:

Holiday Boxes 2009

So here's this year's Christmas loot.  I've done tins the past 2 years, which were wildly popular and pretty easy to do.  But this year, I saw these boxes and just wanted to do them.  Not sure if I really thought cutting out 30-ish of them was gonna be a big party or what, but I got it done.  I just did little bits at a time and then it didn't seem so bad.  I don't plan on doing a bunch of gifts next year, because right now good chunk of them is for teachers at the elementary school and this is my last year there.  Some of them who have become my friends will still be getting stuff, but whatever I do, I will probably be going back to tins.  Just not sure what I was thinking.  Looking back now, I can't believe I did all that work.  Gonna have to have my head checked out.

K, just so my mom doesn't think I went through 20 million steps for these boxes, lemme just break it down.  The box itself is one piece, with the cutest little tucked in flap.  I traced them (cuz i didn't want printer lines on the inside - picky picky, i know), cut them out, scored them & put them together. The decorative paper is just cut out and slapped on the box (the shape for this is included with the template).  I added the eyelets on the sides, pulled the ribbon through them, then made little tags for the front of the boxes.  That's it.  Hmm, ok, reading that over, it does sound a little tedious, but I did it over a couple of weeks, so really not bad.  Gee, I can't tell if I'm encouraging you or discouraging you to try it.  Yeah, I'm scattered. It must be close to Christmas.  Don't even get me started on shopping for the girls!  No, I'm not ready.

Alright, now we've arrived at the good part.  Yes, friends, it's the chocolate.  This is the chocolatey center everyone waits for.  K, so it's just kisses and not some fancy European truffles, but let me just say that this stuff gets people excited!  And here's hoping that the packaging isn't so attractive to people this time that they don't wanna eat the chocolate.  Come on, people. Go nuts. Eat the candy!

Stamps: Ornamental Christmas (Verve), Ink: Spring Moss, Ripe Avocado, Scarlet Jewel, Pure Poppy (PTI), Versafine Onyx Black, Paper: Vintage Cream, Rustic Vintage Cream, Kraft, Spring Moss, Ripe Avocado, Scarlet Jewel, Pure Poppy (PTI), Merry Moments DSP (SU!), Accessories: oval punches (SU!), eyelets (Making Memories), Tucked Away template & ribbons (PTI)

For My Friend

A little over 22 years ago, I began my sophomore year of high school in San Francisco. Days before school started, I was in the office being registered, since I was coming from a high school in Detroit.  I was sitting there waiting for my mom to be done filling out paperwork when I looked over and saw a blonde girl, also sitting and waiting.  I smiled and said hi, then she smiled and said hi.  Then my mom was finally done and we were off.  On the first day of school, I was wandering around the hallway at lunch wondering what to do with myself. People just scattered in all different directions, with almost no one heading for the cafeteria.  I turned and there was that blonde girl from the office.  Man, I was so glad to see a familiar face, even if I didn't know her.  She saw me and appeared to be experiencing the same sense of relief.  Her name was Rachel and she was a freshman, newly planted from Fresno.  We decided to go explore this high school's lunchtime and see what kind of trouble we could get into.  Nah, we just tried to find something to eat.  I threw that last part in to see if my mom was paying attention. Anyway, we were instant best friends, and had no idea of the dances, cookie dough slumber parties, boys (ok, we saw that coming), ice cream orgies (cleaner than it sounds, i swear!), MUNI rides, McDonald's visits, NKOTB caused embarrassing moment, missed Madonna concert, years of laughter, tears, marriage and motherhood yet to come.  Phew.  So now we've come to one of those times when one of us needs a shoulder to lean on.  A little cheering up with happy thoughts & wishes.  So this was my little effort to bring a smile to her and her daughters in this very moment.  I won't put her business all out there (cuz i think all that above was plenty!) but I will say I'm thinking about her and her girls and I know everything will be fine, cuz they deserve it. Love ya girl!

Stamps: Birthday Surprise (Verve), Scattered Showers & Fancy Flourishes (PTI), Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black, Aqua Mist (PTI), Paper: white & Aqua Mist (PTI), Melon Mambo (SU!), Accessories: Copics:

Happy Birthday Mom

Alrighty. My last birthday for November.  And because I'm such a last minute girl (i know, you're shocked!), I really struggled with this one.  {I think I say that every time.}  The problem this time was that I knew I had all these birthdays coming up and did them one by one, as they came.  Well, I also knew that we were going out of town on her birthday, and did I hurry and get them all done in plenty of time so that I wouldn't have to rush last minute? No, of course not.  So I finished all of my other cards and left my mom's for last, cuz, her birthday was the last one for the month.  This is where it gets really sad.  I truly did not feel I had an image for her card that was just right, so I went looking at Mo's (yeah, i spend a lot of time there).  Now, at first, I'm sure you'd think, uh, isn't that image for little girls?  But I saw the potential for bright colors.  And if there's one thing my mom likes, it's bright colors!  Don't believe me?  Check out our family picture below.

Don't be mad, mom! It's a great picture.

Notice how we all kind of blend together? This was total coincidence, by the way.  And then, there's my mom.  Bright red dress with bright red shoes.  Yep, I think I made the right call filling her card with lots of bright colors.  FYI, we went on a cruise and took my (prone to seasickness) mom for her very first cruising adventure and she didn't chuck once! Way to go mom!  So, all in all, I'm gonna have to say it was a very successful birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom!

Stamps: Fancy Flourishes (PTI), Birthday Surprise (Verve), Image: Sugar (Mo's Digital Pencil Too), Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Pink Pirouette & Pale Plum (SU!), Paper: Bermuda Bay (SU!), PTI white, Accessories: Nestabilities, Copics:

Happy Birthday Chance

Have you ever had a thought that started out brilliant and then later thought better of that thought but then couldn't think of anything other than that thought? K, if you're still with me, then that's what happened here.  I saw this image (again, Mo's digital pencil, but you can only get it for free here) and thought I would use it for my upcoming boy birthday.  Who doesn't know & appreciate Jack?  Coming across something unimaginable...an unbelievable fortune for the taking.  I love this image because it shows the unknown for Jack. Of course, we know what's going to happen, but he has no idea.  And to me, it's like life.  We have no idea what's coming and it could be great.  Sure, it might not be, but who wants to look at it like that?  So, anyway, let me tell you where the doubt came in.  I wanted to use the image for a boy I know, but he was turning 13.  Then I thought that it might look a little young for him. I didn't want to offend him, but then I got stuck & couldn't figure out anything else to use.  I mean, I really couldn't. It was like my brain was blocked from figuring out any other option.  So, I colored the image, printed up a sentiment from my computer (yep, I thought of that. brilliant, huh?) and put it together.  He got it and I have talked to his mom about a billion times since then, but we've both been so distracted by life that I keep forgetting to ask if he chucked it as soon as he opened it.  Oh, looking at the card I was reminded that I need to give Krista some credit here.  I had the card pieces sitting on my desk how I wanted it laid out. I got a phone call, and while I was on the phone, she moved the pieces around and made it look like this.  This is so much better than how I had it.  So thank you Krista! And Happy Birthday, Chance.

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, Sentiment: computer generated, Ink: Vintage tea dye (PTI), Paper: white, kraft & Ripe Avocado (PTI), Accessories: Copics:

Happy Birthday Ashley

You may have noticed that I really love this stamp set.  I use that flower like it's my only stamp.  I love it!  Ok, I guess I love those polka dots, too.  Didn't think I would, but I do!  And I was aware while making this card that I used the same sentiment with the flower on my mother-in-law's card. But that's just because I really like the way they look together.  Anyway, this card is for my sister Ashley who is turning 19. She lives all the way in Las Vegas and I miss her terribly.  I won't gush about how awesome I think she is, but just know the awesomeness is there. There's no denying it.

I had to really dig (way back to last year!) to find a picture where she wasn't making a goofy face or rolling around in the driveway (don't ask), cuz she does that. But here she is, on the right. Those guys in the back would be my dad & my brother.  And you know all those other people...

Anyway, Happy Birthday Sissy! I love you!!!

Stamps: Friends til the End, Vintage Picnic & Polka Dot Basics (PTI), Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Paper: black, white, Sweet Blush & Berry Sorbet (PTI), Accessories: Copics:

Oh, Baby

I believe this is the only non-birthday card I have this month.  I managed to squeeze in a card for my niece's baby shower...well, the shower I couldn't go to.  She already knows she's having a boy, which made my job much easier.  She's registered for some fabulous baby stuff, but she doesn't live here, so I'm just going to mail the card and a gift card for said fabulous stuff to her.  She hasn't lost her love for shopping yet, so I'm sure she won't mind going out to ooh & aah over all the cute stuff herself.  I love buying baby stuff, but since I'm sooo totally done having babies, it can be a little bittersweet.  You can buy the booties, but you won't get to smell them on a baby's sweet little feet.  Or the tiny baby clothes that you can't imagine would fit on anything but a doll. Oh, how I miss all of that.  It takes me back to when my girls were babies...then someone from the other room yells, "Mom! She's wearing my sweater!" or my personal favorite, "Mom! She's looking at me!"  Yes, still.  *sigh* Snaps me right back to reality and I wonder what in the world I was thinking to start all of this in the first place.  Once again, I blame Shawn.

Stamps: Oh Baby (Hampton Art), Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Bashful Blue (SU!), Enchanted Evening (PTI), Paper: white & Enchanted Evening (PTI), Bashful Blue (SU!), Accessories: Copics:

For Shawn & Krista

Yep, it's that time again. It's my annual post wishing both Shawn & Krista a very happy birthday.  Boy, times sure have changed.  It used to be so cute, the two of them having their birthday on the same day.  People would comment on the coincidence of it, and Shawn would joke how she's the gift that keeps on giving.  And then it was more like, poor Shawn, always getting forgotten on his baby's birthday.  Now they would both like their own birthday and it's my fault for not holding her in just a little longer.  Well!  I say it's always a miracle when a woman can eject a human being from her body and live to tell the tale.  Even more a miracle when she decides to do it again.  Well, this woman learned after the third time to quit while she was ahead.  And,  was even thoughtful enough to have that last baby in July, well away from everyone else's special day.  You're welcome.  Now, on to the cards.

I struggle with Shawn every time I give him a card.  I don't know why.  It's not like it has to be overly masculine.  He's pretty secure as far as all that goes.  {if you know him, you probably just chuckled and agreed with me. am i right or am i right?}  And I could pretty much scribble 'I love you' on it in crayon and it would probably come across the same as something like this one.  Yep, this one's a keeper!  Um, Shawn, not the card.  But I may just do that next time and see if he notices.

This card is very much Krista, who is 12(!) today.  She loves green and black.  She's very understated.  Ok, so maybe the card is a little bright for her taste.  And that ribbon...she's not that ribbon at all.  But the other girls voted on polky dotted ribbon or solid black and the dots won.  The teensy spot of pink will probably be very frowned upon once she looks at the card. I showed Tiara for her approval and she actually gasped at the pink bow.  "But mom, there's pink on it!"  Ok, really people?  I can only use so much green without feeling like I've gotta break out!  And I love using green on my cards. Sometimes you just need more, know what I mean?  Anyway, we all know that this whole card making thing is really about mom and no one else.  With that said, Happy Birthday!

Shawn's card: Stamps: I have no idea where that present stamp came from or who made it. Sorry. Sentiment from Birthday Basics (PTI), Ink: Ocean Tides, Ripe Avocado & Enchanted Evening (PTI), Versafine Onyx Black, Paper: white, Ocean Tides, Ripe Avocado & Enchanted Evening (PTI)

Krista's card: Stamps: You Say It's Your Birthday (The Cat's Pajamas), Simple Little Things & Polka Dot Basics (PTI), Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Spring Moss (PTI), Paper: white, black & Spring Moss (PTI), Accessories: black Swiss Dot satin ribbon (PTI), Copics:

So Gray

Ok, I'm a little behind in making my bamillion November birthday cards, so I'm gonna throw up one of my extras.  It's funny how I have all these birthdays and this card isn't really fitting for any of them.  I like the colors and may go in this direction for Shawn (gee, guess I better think fast since his birthday is Sunday!), but the card itself isn't really him.  And just to make things interesting, besides my 6 more birthdays, (altho, I really feel like I'm forgetting someone) I've got a baby shower on Saturday that also needs a card.  While I can't actually make the shower, I've got a card and baby gift to send out for that as well.  Phew!  Man oh man, I better get to work since I need to get 3 guy cards made in the next week and we all know how much I love making those!

Stamps: Giga Guidelines, Background Basics: Text Style & Damask Designs (PTI), Ink: Smokey Shadow (PTI), Versafine Onyx Black, Paper: Going Gray (SU!), Smokey Shadow (PTI)

Happy Birthday Mrs. K

Ok, yet another November birthday.  This one is for one of our beloved teachers at the elementary school.  All 3 girls had her in the first grade and we still just love her to pieces.  She's one of those squishy teachers that never raises her voice, calls all the kids friends (as in, ok friends, let's take out our math workbooks) and keeps in touch with them 10 years after they've left her classroom (yep, still hugs Darien every chance she gets).  Tiara still goes in her classroom to help her out sometimes.  She just leaves an impression and I dare anyone who's had her to say they don't love her.  Impossible!  Well, that's all the gushing I've got today.  You want more, you're gonna have to come back next time!  Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps: Life, Vintage Labels, Polka Dot Basics (PTI), Beautiful Kindness (Verve), Ink: Sweet Blush & Raspberry Fizz (PTI), Versafine Onyx Black, Paper: Vintage Cream & Raspberry Fizz (PTI), Accessories: Nestabilities

Happy Birthday Theresa!

Hmm, this is very interesting.  I made this card a little over a week ago and yet I don't remember it looking like this.  I thought it was different.  Not a lot different, but still.  How odd.  Oh well.  Obviously I made it, it's got my name on it.  Yes, people, sometimes I can be this big of a dork.  Wow, now I'm really hoping that my sister-in-law liked it.  I've talked to her a bunch of times this week and the subjects have been so important, I keep forgetting to ask her if she even got it.  Her mail is a little funny and she doesn't always get it. She lives in the middle of noflippinwhere.  Well, gee, if she read my blog {mental note: tell Theresa to read my blog}, she could let me know right here!  K, just so you all don't think I've completely lost my ever lovin' mind, this is just what I sound like when I've got several birthdays, a funeral, H1N1 (which I just heard a cat got?!  good gravy!) at my schools and multiple family issues happening all at once.  Hopefully one day (in, saaay, 20 years or so) things will calm down a smidge.  Fingers crossed!

Stamps: Giga Guidelines, Vintage Labels & Background Basics: Text Style (PTI), Birthday Surprise (Verve), Ink: Aqua Mist (PTI), Bermuda Bay (SU!), Versafine Onyx Black, Paper: Vintage Cream & Aqua Mist (PTI), Bermuda Bay (SU), Accessories: Nestabilities

Happy Birthday Izzy

Hello, November!  It's a little crazy that it's November and yesterday it was around 80° here.  Not to rub it in for you people that actually have winter, and all the shtuff that goes with it.  Trust me, I've had my fair share of harsh winters (5 total, good enough!), didn't love it and can sympathize with those of you not feelin' it.  But wow.  If you are having yucky weather where you are, maybe it'll make you feel better to know that this "yes, no" weather is making our allergies just insane!  It's cold, it's (not quite) hot, it's cold, it's (not quite) hot.  It's wacky is what it is!  Anyway, starting off our November birthdays is my mother-in-law, whose birthday was Sunday.  I had a different card for her, but I had to veto it and decided simple was better for her.  I went back to one of my favorite sets, Friends til the End.  I used a lighter color scheme for her, even though she's got a very bold personality. *patting myself on the back for phrasing it so nicely*  Aww, she knows we love her, and no one could ever accuse her of being shy!  And that's all I've got to say about that.  Have a fabulous day!

Stamps: Friends til the End & Vintage Picnic (PTI), Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Paper: Groovy Guava (SU!), white & black (PTI), Accessories: Mike's ribbon colored with R02, Copics: