Back in Our Home at the best time of year

We moved back into our refurbished home last week on Friday. Saturday had a few friends come and help start unpacking. Got most of the kitchen together what I can find.  Most of the boxes were not marked so cannot find a lot of stuff yet. Monday both my hubby and I came down with horrible colds.  I tried to work on Tuesday but came home early and spent next two days in bed only to wake up to snow Thursday.  Today is the first day I even feel like doing something,  Hope we are better soon and my son, now living with us, does not come down with it as we are supposed to travel to other side of WA to spend Thanksgiving with my daughter and her hubby.  Some day I promise to post more wedding pictures and some house refurbish pictures. God Bless one and all and thanks for your patience while I was gone.

Still Homeless

We still are not living in our house, but I am able to come into my scrap room now and use my computer.  They hopefully will have it rebuilt by mid October.  They had to totally gut the basement and start over - all except the studs.  About 2-3 feet on the lower edge of all walls in kitchen, dining, living utility, bath #1 and 1 bed room had to be taken out and redone. Electrical and plumbing are completely done and they are just about complete with the sheetrock. Then the painting, floors, reattached cabinets and haul it all back in.
I will post wedding pictures and such when I have more time here.  They have the heat off at this time and I get too cold if I stay here very long - about an hour is my limit.  Maybe next week I can get back here for longer. Please continue to pray for our situation along with the stress at work and my mothers health - 2nd back surgery was this week.  She says she has no pain now so hopefully this works.

WHAT A VACATION

the wedding was beautiful, moved new soninlaw's parents, played a few days and then!!!

We got a call yesterday at 11:00 am when my son came over to the house to use my computer and he said we have a little problem over here. Well we happened to have a flood in our house. The hose to the washing machine broke and we think it ran about 3 days. There was 3 inches of water in the basement and draining through the small drain down there. Upstairs where the washer and ryer are there was about an inch of water in our kitchen, dining and living room. That end of the house is lower so we lucked out in the scrapbook room which was next to the living room and the other two bedrooms were spared. We tho did not get home until 1:00 am this morning and he was continually swabbing out water all day. We also did about 20 more gallons after we got home. Went to bed at 5 am and got a call at 6:30 that they are showing up about noon to dig the basement out. We have extended ceiling in our basement and since the water also went through the floor we lost the whole celing except to rooms. We will lose the kitchen floor and probably our carpet since it has been so long wet. We will know more later today. I am now trying to get evreything out of the upper floors that is still in the rooms taken care of.

Was going to stay through tomorrow so we could go to another reception for the newlyweds today but that is not happening. Also while we were away my hubby Aunt was in the hospital overnight with very low oxygen and my Aunt in
Montana had a slight stroke and was in the hospital for 3 days. I am supposed to go to Montana to be with and take care of my mother on Friday as she is having extensive back surgery.

Please keep our family in your prayers and thanks God we did not loose more than we did tho I am sure eveything in storage and my 20 some boxes of Christmas things are all ruined. I am also off to buy about 20 plastic tubs to put everything salvagable in. If they replace my kitchen floor we will have to move out of the house for awhile and not sure how much time I will have on the computer.

Talk to you all later and will keep you updated.

Just 4 more day until the big wedding

A couple of cards I have made this past week for a couple of SCS swaps I am participating in.  Really don't want to give the whole thing away but just a sneak peek of what may come your way if you are in the black and white Christmas or any other swap on that board.  I am also taking a lot of cardmaking supplies with me to work on swaps and my own Christmas cards while on vacation. I have to make close to 100 for myself and my own Christmas swap. Think I might be busy if the weather is nasty or I get tired of walking on the beach. HA HA Thanks for looking and will check once in awhile when I can.

One week of work and

Only 3 more weeks until the wedding.  Spent yesterday making quite a few cards and shopping for the plates, cups, napkins, etc. for the reception. Was quite fun pricing and making decisions as to what was a best buy to feed 250.

The card above was for a marble technique challenge in my card swap group.  Therefore, I decided to use three challenges on this card. Technique was TLC218, colors came from CC275, and the sketch was SCS285.  The marble tech. was fun so I had to do it twice (see card below). Colors are Barely Mellow Red - Barely Banana, Mellow Moss and Real Read from SU. Also use the same colors for the ink. Stamped sentiment is from Whimsical words then cut with oval scallop funch mounted on a larger oval punch. Also used the scalloped border punch on red and white to give it a little snap.  The squares hold red corduroy button from SU, and two are threaded with very narrow white satin ribbon.

  

This second card is for a wedding or anniversary swap.  I love the new Because I Care hydranga so stamped it in Baja Breeze and leaves in Certainly Celery. Was also making a wedding card at the same time for my daughter in her colors so just kept stamping,  The triange is mounted on Chocolate chip. The sentiment here is from the new SU Ocassional Quotes and added a few rhinestones to dress it up a little bit more.

The last card is Hooray for the Red, White and Blue 4th of July swap.  Also was cased from SCS Featured Stamper Pam FS175. I used 2 of the new SU colors Cherry Cobbler and Marine Mist, along with Whisper White. The DS paper is a from DCWV Seasons paper pack. I printed with the computer onto WW the sentiment. The stamp is Great Impressions Patriotic Bear from the Celebrate line. Cut with CM over cutter and used decorative scissors for the scallops. Add some red grosgrain ribbon and added a star shaped button.

I have more I made but will save them for another post. Thanks ahead for looking and all comments are excepted good or bad.  I am trying to get all of my swap cards for June and July completed.

Two more weeks

of work and then I have a 7 week summer break. Spent most of this weekend relaxing and did a little drive to the top of Mount Spokane.  Was a gorgeous day and we had so much fun. Maybe summer really is here it was 75-80 degrees both days.

I did find time this weekend to make a couple of cards. Participated in the SCS Featured Stamper casingThe first one is using a color challenge also. Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Cameo Coral and Ruby Red. Stamped were from the Wings of Friendship set. Used a stamp punch border and teal and red brads to accessorize.

This card was using Color Challenge with Real Red, Ballet Blue and Apricot Appeal.  Stamps were from the new Of the Earth set. Accessories included using my scallop square punch and scallop border punch. Also used a MS floral punch with one from SU.

I really enjoyed being able to sit down and make some cards.  The wedding is in just 27 more days per my daughters countdown.  Have a few odd and end to do but most everything is completed at this point.  I am so excited for her.

Talk to you all later and thanks for looking and all of the comments left.

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Will Summer Ever Arrive?

The weather here has been so awful, so much rain.  We were lucky and had a pretty good day on Saruday.  My daught was in town to do some of the last minutes wedding stuff since I will not see her again until we head over to the Seattle area a few days before the wedding.  We also had a bridal shower for her. Boy was she excited to get so much love and great gifts from all of our friends. 

After she left I made a few cards (2 horizontal, 2 vertical and 2 ATCs) for my swap group all of the same colors and ingredients. I used the CC218 Only Summer Olives and SCS260 for my inspiration. Paper was Old Olive, Summer Sun and Only Orange whis some what. DP was from one of the Christmas package but I love the pine boughs. Stamp by Love You To Bits stamped in Going Gray and colored with SU pens to match. Added some stain orange ribbon and white and yellow silk flowers with the Corduroy Summer Sun button brads in the middle.

Blessed Memorial Day.

Thanks to all who gave their lives for freedom and my freedom.  Thanks to my ancesters who served and also my many other relative and American s who have served greatly for this wonderful country the United States of America.

The last batch of cards I made for my personal swap group just before I headed out for the 3 day weekend.  All of these cards are using Stampin Up supplies not certain of all colors tho.  Many scraps and older and newer designer papers.

Drove to Montana and spent it with my parents and had a great time some special time at the cemetary,  and with my nephew whom we havd not seen in 16 years.  Also spent lots of time eating great food and playing cards. It is always good to visit my elderly widowed aunts and try to encourage them.

God Bless You All.

Sweet delights

SCS CC270 Mambo Suede and also for an SCS swap. Some of my favorite colors and combinations are using the In Colors of this past year. I love using the border punches to add a little pizzazz to my card.  Here I glued the cutout from the border onto the ribbon.  This stamp has three of my favorits: pie, cake and chocolate strawberries. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!!

Recipe: Stamp: Great Impressions Sweet delight

Paper: SU Soft Suede, Melon Mambo, Very Vanilla, Double sided Designer Paper from Razzleberry pkg.  Ink: stamped with soft suede, colored with Soft suede, Melon Mambo and an Evergreen pen from Zig. Used the border punch, added some Soft Sued polka dot ribbon and crystal stickles for the lace.

Happy Mother's Day

to my mother and all of the mothers out there.  You all do such a wonderful job.  This is the card I made for a swap and sent to My mother, Donna and Dan's mother Betty.  We love you both very much.
Stamp: Messages for Mom
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Whisper White,
Sweet Pea DS DP
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: SU Pretty in Pink Satin ribbon, Top Note Die, Border punch

First Bird of Spring

Hopefully spring has finally arrived.  It has been so cold here thru April. Today and the weekend are supposed to be very nice. I need to get some yard work done.  This is a borrowed stamp called Love you to Bits. Card for a private swap.

Recipe: Paper: Cameo Coral, DP from SU-brown is from a Christmas package and Celery from another pkg, Whisper White.

Ink: Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery, Blush Blossoms, Cameo Coral.

Sketch was SC279 and the CC230. Added a few rhinestones to dress it up.

Seashells

Seashell Collection is also a card for an SCS swap. This is a stamp I have had for awhile and not sure what to do with it. Along came a beach swap and I jumped on that.  Recipe: Seashell Collections by Inkadinkado.  Paper: Soft Suede, Pale Plum, Blush Blossoms, Whisper White, Soft Suede DP. Ink: Stamped in Basic Gray, watercolored with several SU reinkers. Accessories: Satin Ribbon by Offray, corner rounder and a new MS Border Punch.     Thanks for looking and thanking ahead for the comments. Love you all.

The invitations are...

completely finished and ready to mail by the 15th. I am so glad to have them done finally. Next I will be making 25 centerpieces. Not as time consuming, should only take about half a day.

But I have finally been able to make some card, therefore here are two for a swap that is getting mailed today. Hope you enjoy then.

Recipes: Lighthouse was CC268 - Old Banana Ballet

Paper: Old Olive, Barely Banana, Ballet Blue, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Old Olive, Ballet Blue

Stamps: Great Impression Lighthouse; Sea Grasses, SU Sincere Salutations

They are Coming Along...

Well we have just over 100 completed and going to have a work party with some friends to complete the rest today hopefully. In the top picture are the components to the invites. The 3 little pieces stack and go into a pocket on the left side when opened. The main invite part is on the right. Close it all up add a picture and wrap in a ribbon (this is what she wants) but I think I am going to just add a bow. (Much easier).

Thanks for looking and please let me know what you think. No I really am not in the market of producing these for money. Way too much time involved. I love my daughter very much is why I am doing them for her.

OK EVERYONE- Here is the process

From left to right are the supplies and such to make 250 wedding invites.
Chocolate Chip CS 11 packages
Whisper Whtie CS 6 packages
CM Adhesive 2 rolls
Tacky Tape 7 rolls
SU Snail Adhesive 5 cartridges
Photos 250 plus a few extra for ??
Michaels ribbon 25 spools
Envelopes 250 and Postage $110.00
cutter, scissors, corner rounder
Almost one full set of ink cartridges

Far left with picture of Christina and Matt was our prototyle made in December. The one tied with the Teal ribbon is the final design. I tried 10-12 times to get the stamped hydrangeas to look the way I wanted them, then I copied them, onto the white CS. I have 100 all assembled just need to ties them together, threfore there are still 150 to go. Now do I think I saved money. Not sure but they were fun to do. GOOD think I only have one daughter to do these for. I will post better picture of the final sas soon as my battery camera's recharge. Had just enough to take the picture above.

Bird in Bamboo & Bandanas

This is a card for my swap group.
The theme was to try the bandana technique.
Stamps: Asian Artistry, Inkadinkado Clear Flourish
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Sage Shadow
Ink: Zig brush pens in Evergreen, coffee and black
Accessories: Ribbon from LSS, Blender Brush

They are coming soon

My favorite spring flowers are tulips so I made this card for a swap. Mine are actually coming up early this year, mild winter here. YEAH, last year was over 6 feet. Kept my card very simple and nature colors.

Recipe; Hero Arts Tulips border stamp
Paper: SU Only orange, Real Red, Glorious Green, White
Ink: Basic Gray, Real Red, So Saffron, Only Orange, Glorious Green
ASccessories: Water Blending pen SU

I need to get Busy...

Before these eggs hatch. No, I really need to get busy on the wedding invitations. They are about half completed but sending date will be here before I know it. Also need to make all of the bridal party (8) bouquets and cut out a quilt. The quilt needs to be cut before the 1st of April so I can get it to Montana. My mother is sewing it and my SIL is quilting it for the couple's wedding quilt. Here are the fabrics being used - actually her wedding colors. Actually minus the two prints with the large flowers and maybe add a few more in the light teal and celery green shades.

Another Thank You

This card was also made for the same Thank You swap.
Recipe: Stamps: SU Rustic Rooster, Inkadoo Personal Impressions
Ink: Basic Gray
Paper: Almost Amethyst, Pretty in Pink and SU Tea Party DP
Accessories: Blue Organza Ribbon, Label Punch, Corner Rounder

Thanks and have a Christ filled weekend.

Thanks So Much

We were so blessed with such nice weather over the past weekend on our retreat. Today we woke up to 25 and cold. I have not been able to get warm all day and even wore a sweater to work. But still thanks and bless the Lord for the day I was given.

This card is for a SCS swap "Thank You".
Recipe: Stamps - Live Your Dream, Soft Summer
Ink: Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery
Paper: So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Whisper White; Delicate Dots DSP
Accessories: Label Punch, Olive Satin Ribbon

Thanks for all of your wonderful comments. "Grace Notes"