VMAA Entry #1

Well, this is my first time playing in a VMAA challenge, and I have to say. . .it's so much harder than it looks! You've gotta figure out what you're gonna do, then get the supplies together and do it! Craziness! Anyway, here's my first entry. I can't believe there's three more!

What an Honor!

Back in February, a TON of people from Amuse Addicts sent me birthday cards. It was a total treat check my mail the week of my birthday and find one beautiful creation after another. I made a point to try and send everyone back a thank you note, which you can see here. Anyway, one of the girls that I sent a card to actually CASEd part of my thank you note! Who knew that there were other people out there as "dotty" as I! What an honor! Click here to see her card! How cute!

Getting Caught Up

Hey there! I know it's been a while, but I'm back. Here are some cards I've been working on:


















Cupcake cards! I recently purchased the Hero Arts clear cupcake set, and I can't seem to stop using it. I love love love it! I was inspired by Lisa Spangler's series called "Better Know a Cupcake." You can see her work here.

Then, I got into the Easter spirit with my very most favorite egg stamp:















I also made up some favors for co-workers and friends based on this template by Linda of Amuse:







They flip open to reveal a single Lifesaver mint.


















Lastly and most recently, I've been doing more strawberry cards. Here's one:

















Off to create more!

New Card!

Hey there. I've recently hit a creative wall, both in terms of time and of talent. However, I did manage to do some fierce shopping. Sadly, two of my nearest scrapbook stores announced that they were going out of business in January, so before I went on a self-imposed craft shopping ban, I hit up the sales. While I was at one, I picked up a very cute but very small stamp by Stampendous. It was a really cute and well-drawn strawberry.

For the record, I have an interesting relationship with strawberries. When I was a kid, I used to go by the nickname "Terri," which seemed to mesh well with the idea of strawberries. So, I'd eat them by the basketful. But, it turns out I was allergic to excessive amounts, and I'd break out in hives. These days, I'm okay with an occasional strawberry, but I'm not as in love with them as I used to be.

Anyway, enough about me. Here's the card:














I hope to have a few more cards with the strawberry theme in the coming days. Be sure to check back and see them all!

A Heart-y Hello!

Well, it's a new year, and it's put me in a creative slump. Today is January 23rd, and I've only made five cards for the new year! Guess I better get moving, eh?














This first card came to me as I was creating my inspiration station. I made up an area of my craft room with all of my Valentine-related images and supplies. It's great! I'm looking forward to doing this more often, so I can see everything I have for a given category and use it! The truffle stamp is by Amuse, and the "sweet" sentiment is part of the Stampin' Up set So Very. It was my first time inking that "sweet" sentiment, although I think it'd be great for thank you notes.














This next card was a birthday card. My mother-in-law celebrated her (ahem!) 45th birthday or so, and as her birthday activity, we went wine tasting in the Alexander Valley. We ended up hitting eight wineries in one day--crazy! I thought it would be appropriate to make her a wine and cupcake card as a result. They are all from an Amuse clear set. The last three cards are all using new Stampendous clear stamps. Sadly, there isn't an Amuse store for 50 miles, so when I need a quick stampin' fix, I usually end up with Stampendous stamps because my local Beverly's carries them. These ones particularly captivated me, and I ended up doing a whole series, with more ideas swimming around in my head.
















































It was really fun trying to come up with different ways to use the same images and paper. I think I'm going to have to try that again soon. ttyl!

Presents for All!

Oh, the month of December kicked my butt royally this year. I just didn't see it coming. One day I was ahead of the game (it was a day in November, I'm sure of it), and the next thing you know, it's December 20th! No matter, maybe I can get you caught up. Here are the gifts I made for my co-workers. I found super-cute mugs at Starbucks, and they were on sale for $14.39 for a four pack. LOVE THAT! Filled them up with an orange (I had to fill the bottom somehow, and I hate getting baskets with balled up paper towel sheets in the bottom, don't you?), then a See's Candy Santa, and best of all, this delicious dessert tea from a local Italian import shop. Even opening the box to get them out smelled good! Made a tag with my Marvy punches and Amuse stamp, and I was good to go!

This is Better Than Christmas!

OMG!!! Today was like Christmas for me! So, let me backtrack: During World Cardmaking Day, I participated in a bunch of contests. One of them was with one of my favorite bloggers, Jenn Shurkus. The girl is my idol. She's an Amuse instructor and she works at a scrapbooking store in Massachusetts. How cool is that!
Anyway, I won her contest, and my prize arrived today! I opened my package up to reveal a scalloped rectangle punch (one I've been coveting for months), AND a handmade card by Jenn herself! Amazing! It was better than Christmas! I was so happy, I literally started jumping up and down, and I had to burn off some excitement by doing dishes. Now I'm trying to come up with my first design using my new treat. Stay tuned to see what I come up with! Thanks again Jenn!!!