My first Christmas card

Well, maybe I'm getting back into the swing of things - just in time for the holiday season! The baby is on somewhat of a schedule, and I'm making time to get to my room to create. Last night, I tried a new card that I've seen out there while blog surfing. It's an easel card, and it's soooo easy to make, and a nice way to do something different. I'm almost thinking of doing a card like this for my Christmas card, attaching our family picture (which will be taken on Friday if all goes well) on the top. We'll see...

Anyways, I used the Holiday Button Bits set from Papertrey. This is such a wonderful idea, and I splurged a few weeks ago and bought this and the Everyday Button Bits (ok - so a bunch of other stuff too!). I also used the Jolly By Golly paper - love it!!!! I thought this wasn't too bad for my first time back into my own creations : )

And a side view to see how the easel fold works....

I'm hoping to get everyone down tonight and maybe work on a couple other ideas...thanks for looking!

It's been awhile...

I can't believe it's been four weeks since I last posted. Sooooo sorry - just trying to get into a groove again, and the H1N1 has attacked our home the past couple weeks. Couple things on the flu - first off, thank you to the media for making my kids think they were going to die since they had "swine flu." Secondly, it isn't too bad as far as flu goes - very high fever, nasty cough, and feeling miserable, but no puking so that's good! My biggest worry is the baby getting the flu, as he's so little...but they tell me he's getting my antibodies.

I have been scrapbooking, believe it or not. I have Eli's book started and hope to finish off his first month of life in the next couple days. I'm using the Power Palettes from Creative Memories - LOVE THEM! and I so love scrapbooking...I've missed it.

That being said, I haven't gotten any new cards made, although I've received many new stamps to play with. I need to get some cards done so hopefully soon...but no promises! I don't think I've shared this card before...just love this set from Papertrey. In my attempt to get organized, I can't find my details book, so I'll just post the card for now.

And finally, here's our annual Halloween picture (my scooby doo gang!), and our trip to the pumpkin patch. Aren't my pumpkins cute? I could sell them some days ;)

These Boots...

Well, I'm still here...just trying to get back into my own groove. My husband has gone back to work completely, so I'm at it alone with all five of my kiddos! It's fun to watch them all interact...and they so love their new baby brother! Gotta admit, he's one sweet baby!

It's another rainy week here which always makes for longer days when I can't let the kiddos outside to play. So I thought this card was only appropriate. I just love this set from My Favorite Things - and the sayings that come with it are perfect!!! Love it! I can't find my details on this card so I apologize for omitting those!

And can you believe it - I've gotten the scrapbooking bug so I've ordered some pictures from CM and should get them any day so I can start. I'm excited!!! I'm also wanting to do some mini books. Anyone know of any good idea books for those mini/altered books? My friend and I have a ton to do!!!!

Thanks for looking!

Greatest Self

Luckily I have a bunch of cards that I haven't posted yet...so I'll try to get caught up on that as I get back in my routine. I've realized how much I want to do, and there just isn't the time in the day! And I HAVE to get scrapbooking again - realizing that after seeing all the cute pictures of my new little guy.

This is a card I made awhile back for a sketch challenge. I always like a card that is somewhat masculine...and this Verve stamp set is a must have!!!

As for the adjustment with the new baby - he's a WONDERFUL, sweet little baby. He's so patient and laid back - I couldn't ask for a better baby. And looking at a baby you really do see your greatest self. Thanks for all the congrats and well wishes!

Card Details
Stamp: Starlight Starbright, Stars (Verve)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Paper: Western Sky, White, Black (SU)
Accessories: AVS201, Nestabilities, Circle punches

Welcome Elijah!!!!

Elijah Gene Lowrey (Eli for short) was born on September 9th, 2009 at 2:45 pm. He weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and was 19 3/4 inches long. Here are a couple pictures of my newest angel. He is a sweet sweet baby - very laid back and of course, handsome!!! I hope to get back to blogging/creating soon...just getting settled into our new routine!

TOMORROW is B-DAY!!!!

YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! Tomorrow is the big day - I'll be induced and finally get to meet little Lowrey #5. I've always been excited, but for some reason, I'm super excited for this baby! I think, and don't laugh, it's because for me, it's been over two years since I've had a baby and I just can't wait. The whole miracle of life just inspires me...

That being said, I'll try to post just some cards in the next couple weeks - not a lot of details or chatter...but I hope to be back at it soon! And I thought I'd share a baby-ish card today - not that this is for a baby, but I just love these bunnies from My Favorite Things!!! It's a busy day - have to get the kids up and ready...meeting at the school for home room mom at 8:30, pick up my parents from the airport at 11:30, pick up kids from school at 2:30, doctor at 4, and then out for dinner at 5:30 (my husband's birthday is tomorrow too! but we thought we'd celebrate for him tonight!). And then, get ready for tomorrow!

Thanks for looking!

Card details
Stamps: Cuddle Bunnies (MFT)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Paper: October Afternoon - MainStreet, YoYo Yellow, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: MFTSC95, Nestabilities, Crystal Effects, Dimensionals, Copics!

You're a Rockstar

My friend Gretchen and I had a power-Verve night a few weekends ago to do all their sketch challenges for the chance to win September's release. We didn't win, but it was fun to make the cards. Although we are inking our Verve sets to death, they really do make some wonderful cards. This card sketch had as a twist, to use an edge punch. I had to use the Spiral Binding Punch from SU! - doesn't it just flow with the card? Anyways, I like how this card turned out - sort of masculine, which is always nice...and it reminds me of my first son, Joseph. He always says he wants to be a rockstar - I don't know how he even knows what that is, but he can dance/sing with the best of them!5 days now...I'm convinced I will never go into labor on my own...so I'm planning for a deep cleaning mission this weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Card Details
Stamps: Stars, Starlight Starbright Sentiment (Verve)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Paper: Cupcake (Basic Grey), White, Black
Accessories: VLVAUG02, Ribbons, Dimensionals, Spiral Binding Punch

7 Days...

In at least a week, baby #5 will be here...can you believe it?! No, there's no name yet for baby - and there probably won't be until we can see him and make sure the name suits him.

In celebration of that, I thought I'd share a "Cuddle Up Carter" card I made for the My Favorite Things challenge on Splitcoast (MFTMFC13) - which was to use an uninked set! Isn't he adorable?! Have a wonderful day!

Card Details
Stamp: Cuddle Up Carter (MFT
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Paper: Old Olive, White, Bashful Blue, October Afternoon Peek-A-Boo
Accessories: Baubles, Copics, Dimensionals, Sketch MFTSC08

Awwww Monday

Well, it was another whirlwind weekend that of course, isn't long enough. Not so much for me, but for my husband to get to my "honey do" list. Friday night, my friend Gretchen and I went to the LSS - we splurged as a last "hoorah" before the baby. We both got a couple nestabilities (have you seen all the new ones???), some embossing folders, paper, ribbon, and the list goes on. Although we joked about having to "divorce" from the store, I figured it will be a few weeks before we can return so heck, why not?! And it's all necessary for our craft, right?! And then on Saturday, she treated me to a pedicure. It was one of the best I've had - maybe because my feet have hurt for the past four weeks, and it was nice to have the massage chair and foot massage. Thanks Gretchen!!!!

The card today is for the Bellarific Friday challenge from last week. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE the new LuLu line from Stamping Bella - be sure to check them out if you haven't done so yet. I can't wait for more LuLus to be released!

Thanks for stopping by!

Card Details
Stamp: awwww Shucks LuLu
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Paper: Everafter Cosmo Cricket, Tangerine Tango, Basic Grey, white
Accessories: Ribbon (SU), Copics, Dimensionals

A Riley Friday

I can't believe the week is over. I feel like I'm in a "hurry up and wait" mode for the baby. I really am excited about meeting this little guy. Part of me thinks he'll be coming sooner rather than later, and the other part knows that I don't go "on my own," so I will need to wait for September 9th to see him. And of course, there is that anxiety. I guess part of me has felt a little more unsupported for this baby, but to all those doubters...my large family is the best and they make me happy! So there! I said it! Regardless, I'm under two weeks until I get to see my new little guy!

And it's still HOT in Texas - granted I"m about 50 pounds overweight and have another person on me at all times, but still...bring on the Fall! So today's card is to hopefully bring on some fall like weather in Texas! This was for Hanna Stamps weekly challenge over on Splitcoast - which was to use dew drops (easy for me since I love them!)...It's a simple card, but I love it!

I'm hopefully going to a LSS tonight with my friend Gretchen...we've made it a Friday night tradition as of late since my husband's work schedule is unpredictable and they're open until midnight! I guess I should since it'll be a few weeks until we can return! I want to get one (or two) more of the new nestabilities...I know I shouldn't but as I always tell her, they really are a staple to our cardmaking ; )

Card Details
Stamps: Pumpkin Patch Riley, Sentiment from The Angel Company
Paper: Reminisce Pumpkin Parade, Old Olive, Going Grey
Accessories: Punch (SU), Dew Drops, Dimensionals, Copics,
Challenge: HSC83, SC234

AMIMALS!!!!!

You'll think I'm going half crazy if you heard that title scream through my head just now. Isn't there a Sesame Street character that talks sort of funny and screams!? That's what I heard.

Anyways, today's card is one I made for a SFYTT from Jen Del Muro (www.iheart2stamp.com) - I think it was a sketch from August 2nd. Anyways, I just love this turtle from Stamping Bella, and wanted to stick with bright primary colors! I'm trying to finish up some of this week's challenges, and thought I'd go back and share this one!

Card Details
Stamp: Amimals Turtle (Stamping Bella)
Paper: October Afternoon: Henry, White, Real Red, Brilliant Blue
Accessories: Circle Nestabilities, Buttons, Copics, Dimensionals

So the first day of preschool went very well - I have a HAPPY three year old, and I'm a proud "momma." It was sweet watching him with his bag that weighed more than him : ) And I'm beginning to feel the 'finality' of this pregnancy - the doctor said I was 2 cm dilated - which doesn't mean anything...but today I better get the clothes down and get that all ready! You just never know! And I need to really come up with some names. My husband and I disagree on names, and we've pretty much run out of boy names.

Anyways, the card I'm sharing today, although not made as a baby card, reminds me of all things sweet! I just love this set from My Favorite Things, and they are so fun to color! ADORABLE!!!

Card Details
Stamp: Cuddle Bunnies
Splitcoast Challenges: MFTMFC11, MFTSC93
Paper: White, Sweet Slumber Specialty (SU)
Accessories: Blue Bayou Ribbon, Hemp Twine, button, liquid applique, spica glitter pen, dimensionals, copics

Thanks for looking!

Another First

Today is my third child, Jacob's, first day of preschool. I've always worried more about him, due to some issues we had with him as a baby...and I know how good preschool will be for him, but I'll be nervous these first few days. I worry about his going potty in the big boy potty, if they'll help him, etc. I know he'll be fine...and he'll grow so much this year! Agghh - the joys of having little ones and all their 'firsts.'

Today is another TCP Tuesday for The Cat's Pajamas. The card I'm sharing today is the card I made for last week's TCP Challenge - to use "back to school" colors (imagining the awesome boxes of new color crayons : ). Here's the card, with the details to follow. Thanks for looking!

Card Details
Stamp: Fun in the Sun
Paper: Lime Rickey (Basic Grey), White, Black
Accessories: Copics, Dimensionals, used SC242

Happy Monday to everyone! I'm trying to get back to my school routine and boy it seems early. My friend Gretchen and I have been getting together a lot before the baby comes - and we're getting a lot done!!! And I think we're getting good! Be sure to check her out at www.in2stamping.blogspot.com

Anyways, I thought I'd share a card I made a couple weeks ago...who can go wrong with a Bittybloom from Stamping Bella! And for me, it's my favorite "happy" colors!

Card Details

Stamp: Queen Anne Bittybloom (Stamping Bella), sentiment Verve

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Rich Razzleberry

Paper: White (PTI), Rich Razzleberry, Yo-Yo Yellow, DP Berry Sweet K&Co

Accessories: Nestabilities, copics, Dimensionals, lasting Impressions buttons

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out TCP Tuesday tomorrow!

Warm LuLu Hugs

It seems like I had to wait FOREVER for my latest Stamping Bella order to get here - isn't that the way it seems to work when you really want something?! I received it a couple days ago - just in time to do the Bellarific Friday sketch for this week.

Can I just say I LOVE the new LuLu's. Check it out for yourself...

here's the sketch...

and my card!!! I love this paper - very pretty (just picked it up from a LSS).

Card Details
Stamp: Ruby and Rose (LULU collection) and sentiment from Stamping Bella
Paper: Vintage Cream (PTI), Black, Bo Bunny Gypsy Lace
Accessories: Nestabilities, Fabric Fancies Flower, brad, copics, dimensionals

A Big YEAH!!!

Last night I found out that I made the Hanna Stamps Guest Design Team! YEAH!!!! It's so nice to have someone appreciate your work, and what a wonderful company to get to "work" for. My term isn't for a few months - which is good since Baby #5 will be here soon! And I want to stock up and play play play with Hanna Stamps! Check out all their awesome stuff at www.hannastamps.com. Thanks to all of you that offered words of encouragement and cheered me on!

The card I am sharing today is one I fell in love with after making for a Taylored Expressions sketch challenge - TECC76. Isn't this bear cute?! I colored him and instantly fell in love! What do you think?

Card Details

Stamp: Beary Special (Taylored Expressions)

Paper: Sweet Slumber(SU), Barely Banana(SU), Vintage Cream (PTI)

Accessories: Nestabilities, copics, dimensionals, Lasting Impressions buttons

Thanks for stopping by!

Can you believe that I can say that I'm "behind" in showing my cards? I was looking through my file and thought that I should catch up some, so I'll be posting two cards today!

The first card is from the TCP Tuesday challenge from this past week. Although the card sketch showed rounded corners, I decided against it only because it didn't flow with my card. And thanks to my friend Gretchen for helping me with the sentiment - I was stuck! Here's the sketch...

And my take on it...

Card Details

Stamp: Happy Camper

Paper: The Green Stack DCWV, Dusty Durango, Soft Suede, Kraft, Vanilla

Accessories: Buttons, Copics, Dimensionals

A new challenge comes out today so I'm excited to see what this week will bring (www.dancinginpajamas.blogspot.com)!

The second card for today is for the Bellarific Friday from last week. (www.stampingbella.com/blog). I just love the Kilowatt robot from Stamping Bella, and used this sketch as an opportunity to ink it up finally. I figured with two of my boys in school now, I'll be in need of plenty of birthday cards! Here's the sketch...

And my Bellarific Robot!

Card Details

Stamps: kiloWatt

Paper: Crushed Curry, Riding Hood Red, All About Boys Stack DCWV

Accessories: Nestabilities, Brocade Blue Ribbon, baubles, Copics, Dimensionals

Final Project - Wish Me Luck!!!!

Today is the big day - the final submission for the Guest Design Team for Hanna Stamps! I'm excited to see what everyone else came up with for their "anything but a card" 3D project using Bathtub Riley. There is some controversy over if this Riley is a Riley or a Sophie. For my project, I'm going with Sophie, since it is definitely girly!

A Bath Caddy, Door Hanger, and Gift Card Holder
I found it hard to get the full idea of my project with pictures, so pardon my long line of photos I'm about to show you. I made a Bath Caddy - with the instructions I found from a fellow blogger (http://myideaofrecess.blogspot.com/2009/05/ketto-caddy.html). (I may even do something like this as back-to-school teacher gifts for the kiddos!) This came together easily, and I was impressed with how strong and stable it is! I filled the caddy with bath products - bubble bath, body wash, lotion, and a special wash towel.

I also made a Door Hanger - altered a wooden door hanger from Hobby Lobby with matching papers! And finally a gift card holder card, in case this set was for someone extra special and you wanted to add a gift card!



Close up of door hanger, although all the Sophie/Riley images are colored similar.

I hope everyone likes my submission. Be sure to check out the other entries as well over on the Splitcoast Forum (http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=451126&page=4). My own Hannah already laid claim to the door hanger, saying she needs a break "from all these boys." You and I both, honey! Have a great weekend, and what fun it has been making my projects for Hanna Stamps!

Last Friday of Summer

My first and 5K kiddo start school on Wednesday so this is officially the last Friday of Summer. As much as I hate to admit it, it's time for them to get back to school. I love spending time with them, but after three months, there seems to be a limited amount of stimulation I can give, and the fighting is increasing daily : )

That being said, tomorrow is also the final submission for the Hanna Stamps Guest Designer team - I finished up my project last night, and will shop for the "fillers" today. I'm very happy with the result - and may modify it and make some teacher gifts for Meet The Teacher Day on Monday! Be sure to check back tomorrow to see!!!!

In the meantime, I thought I'd show a couple cards that I made but that didn't make the cut for submission - the only reason is that I made more cards than I needed. These are just as cute, and hopefully you'll want to go grab you a Bathtub Riley from Hanna Stamps (www.hannastamps.com).

Don't forget, Verve has a HUGE release tonight, and Paptertrey releases tomorrow...

See you in the morning!

Road Less Traveled

This week, Verve has an anniversary, along with five great sketches. I have a couple done - we'll see if I can get the others done before tomorrow. I'm also working on my final "anything but a card" project for the Hanna Stamps! guest designer team. I think it'll be cute, but I'm also sure all the other gals will have some fun stuff so I'm nervous! Keep good luck wishes in your thoughts for me!

Anyways, I thought I'd share a card that I have fallen in love with. It's the second sketch for Verve's anniversary - AVS202 - over on Splitcoast. I used some wonderful Basic Grey paper and it is just beautiful IRL. Here's the card!

Check back tomorrow and I think I'll post my Hanna cards that didn't get entered into this final round!

A Little Witchy in August

OK...so this title can have many interpretations!!! I feel like I've been a little "witchy" lately - blame it on the Texas heat in August, being 9 months pregnant, whatever...but when you look at this adorable image from Stamping Bella - she looks sweet and adorable. Hmmm...not sure if THAT would describe me.

I'm somewhat in shock that I worked on a Halloween card at the beginning of August. A friend and I went to the LSS last Friday night and had fun looking at the stuff that was beginning to roll in from CHA. We both bought some Halloween paper, and had to play with it. (Check out her blog at www.in2stamping.blogspot.com.) And the stamp is one I fell in love with last year (of course, too close to Halloween to actually get inked)...and here is what I came up with!

Here's the sketch from Prairie Paper and Ink Sketches (http://prairiepaperandink.typepad.com).

And my take on it!

Card Details
Stamp: Little Witchy (Stamping Bella), Sentiment from Haunty Halloween (SU)
Paper: Plum Crazy Glitz Design, Rich Razzleberry, Black, White
Accessories: Glitter Foam by Making Memories, Bat Punch, Copics, Dimensionals, Nestabilities

A Cake-filled TCP Tuesday

A new TCP Tuesday challenge comes out today. But I thought I'd better share this past week's TCP Tuesday challenge (TCPTUES70). Check out Susie for last week's challenge - http://www.susiestampalot.blogspot.com/. And don't forget to check out The Cat's Pajamas blog for all the entries, as well as this week's challenge (www.dancinginpajamas.blogspot.com).

The challenge this week was just to use any stamps with cake/cupcake. Here's my card...

I used the MTSC33 Sketch, along with the Tea Party paper from American Crafts.

It's HOT here in Texas - today is the last day of "pep squad" camp (Hannah looks so cute in her chearleading uniform), and hopefully I'll get some me time tonight to make more cards. I've been a creating queen and have lots to share! Thanks for looking!

A MOJO Sunday Afternoon

I don't normally post on Sundays, but I needed to upload my card for last week's MOJO Monday sketch challenge. And it just sort of feels like a MOJO Sunday : )

Did you see all the Hanna entries from yesterday? There were some cute ones of little miss Sophie. I'm working on my "anything but a card" project for next Saturday...Hmmmmmmm....

Anyways, the card today turned out real elegant, I thought. Here's the sketch...

and the card, with the details to follow.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

Card Details

Stamps: Verve Becase of You, Miracles Blossom

Paper: Basic Grey, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Blue, Not Quite navy

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, SU Kiwi Kiss

Accessories: Embossing folder, Circle Nestabilities, Liquid Pearls, White Baubles, Ribbon (SU), Dimensionals, Copics

Hanna Stamps Guest Desinger Contest Project #2

Today is the day to post my second project for the Hanna Stamps Guest Designer contest. I've made half a dozen cards and it's hard to settle on which ones to showcase! The one I am showing today is one that I decided to do after looking at the many others...and just wanted a different "feel" to it. Here's the card...

I'll give a couple angles only to get a better "look/see" at the colors. First off, the paper I used is from Cosmo Cricket - Everafter. As the name implies, it's a very elegant paper. I paired it with Basic Grey and Tangerine Tango. I love the orangish red and blue color scheme - just gives it some warmth and elegance. I also - for the first time EVER - sewed on the card for a different bordering effect. And the pearl baubles for the bubbles, really tie it all together.

So what do you think? At some point, I'll share the other Sophie Bathtub cards! And did you see Hanna Stamps release from Monday? Check it out at http://www.hannastamps.com/ - I already have a cart full! And to see the other entries for the contest, check out the forum on splitcoast...http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=451126&page=2

Thanks for looking and for the good luck wishes!

Card details
Stamp: Bathtub Sophie, Things Riley Would Say
Paper: Basic Grey (SU), Tangerine Tango (SU), White (PTI), Cosmo Cricket Everafter
Accessories: Sewing machine!!!, Pearl Baubles, HL pearl, diamond stickles, Nestabilities, SU Ribbon, SU Punches, Lasting Impressions Buttons, Dimensionals, Copics

Happy Bellarific Friday

Just a quick note to make sure to stop by tomorrow as I'll be posting my second project for the Hanna Stamps! Guest Design Team contest! I love it, and hope you will too!

Today is Bellarific Friday for Stamping Bella. I made a card using this week's sketch, but scaled it down some. I am always "afraid" of square cards - more because it's a pain getting an envelope, and if you use a square envelope, the postage is more (why is that, anyways?!). I read some blog where they scale their square card down to what would fit in a regular envelope, and I ended up with a 4.25 x 4.25 card. The size is really cute, especially for some of the smaller images...definitely will be doing that again!

Here's the sketch...

And my card!

Details:
Stamp: Agnes Ketto, Sentiment (stamping bella)
Paper: Colorbok - for 1$ at Michael's!!!!
Accessories: Diamond Stickles, copics, dimensionals, button, ribbon

Make sure to check out Stamping Bella for all the great inspiration (www.stampingbella.com/blog). And check out my friend Gretchen's card - http://www.in2stamping.blogspot.com/. We're back to getting together, if only for a few weeks - but we're on a roll!

Another Sugar Nellie Favorite

Tonight is a big release night for MFT and Taylored Expressions - the sneaks I've seen have some CUTE stamps coming out! And did you see Hanna Stamps' release on Monday?! Gotta have the school girl Sophie...

Today will be another HOT one in Texas - this 103+ heat is making me grumpy. The only cool place is in the pool - but we have fun there so I shouldn't complain! I'm off to another OB appointment this afternoon - and should get an inducement date!!!

The card I'm sharing today is just one that I LOVE. When I sat down to start coloring this image with my friend, I told her "this one is going to be tough one to color/pick paper for. But her creative visions helped out once again. Don't you love how it came out?! It's very "classic" -

Here's the card, details to follow.

Details
Stamp Sugar Nellie, Sentiment Verve Petals & Stems
Paper: PTI White, Basic Grey (SU), Riding Hood Red (SU), October Afternoon - Tea Towel, Sunday Dishes
Accessories: Lasting Impressions buttons, copics, dimensionals
used an old Bellarific Friday Sketch