Patriotic 100th Birthday Card

Well I'm feeling so very patriotic right now. It's the night of Memorial Day. I've proudly flown my flag this weekend. I ate hot dogs and watermelon. And I am truly grateful for those who served our country, especially those who gave their lives doing so.

So the perfect ending of of the weekend is making this card. Just after dinner I was scrolling through The Angel Card Project on Facebook and looking at their June birthday list. I came across a man who will be celebrating his 100th birthday next month-and he's a Navy veteran!

This card turned out to be a no-stamping card. Here's my complete supply list:

• Photoplay 4th of July 12 x 12 Paper/Sticker Pack
• Unknown Red Dot Background
• Stampin' Up! Night of Navy Card Stock
• SU! Star Dies
• Stampendous Birthday Numbers Die Set

I feel so blessed to be have these papers on hand to be able to make a masculine card that's just perfect for a veteran. I'm hoping he'll like it a lot.

Thanks for stopping by today! 

My First Minc Card!

For months I've been thinking about getting some type of foiling machine. Truthfully, I've been really intimidated by not only the process, but the expense, and the extra space it would take up. Then this weekend I watched a video on Pink & Main's Minc Mini and I went over there and picked one up right away. Yes, I'm blessed to live just a 35 minute drive to their store in Palmetto, Florida. It's such and amazing place and I could literally spend thousands of dollars in there. The Minc Mini was in stock, and I got that and several other supplies that go along with it.

Today's card is my first Minc Mini that I ever made, and I'm entering it into the NBUS Challenge #50. I think I entered there once this month, but I'm so excited to have this new machine I just had to show off my results.

If you're not familiar with the Minc Machine, it's basically a laminator that foils over anything that's toner based. There are some really great YouTube videos out there, but basically it's different than the hot plate varieties that you need special metal plates for. 

What I love about this is:

• 

  The Minc fits perfectly under this riser and is easy to pull out
  when I need it. I keep it plugged in because it has an easy
  on/off switch.

  It's small and stores easily under the riser that I put on my desk. 
• You use one-time papers with it so there's not a big expense buying foiling dies.
• The heat is inside so there's no danger in burning yourself, children or pets.
• The foils are fairly inexpensive. ($14.99 a roll, but it's huge.)
• The foil is reusable as a reverse of the image if you have toner paper to apply it to. (See picture below.)

This card was made using a one-time use, pre-printed piece of white card stock with the flower printed using black toner. I could have chosen any color for the outline of the flower, but I used the silver foil.

In the image on the left, the left card front is the foilable front from Pink and Main. The card front on the right is pink toner paper from Pink and Main using the leftover (reverse) of card front #1.

I noticed that in the card base on the right, the foil is a little spotted and not as clean looking. I think that's from being run through the machine twice. Still, it's salvageable as a card.

Next I used Copic Markers to color it in. The biggest difference between regular white card stock and the toner card stock is that it's a lot like using glossy paper. I thought that was really good for blending the Copics, because they stayed wet longer. I did notice that you can see the streaks of the markers on the surface, but I like that look.

You can see in here that the Copic
Markers blend a little differently
than on regular card stock.

Also, the markers did color over the foil a bit, but it's not real noticeable on this project. I think if the
markers were dark blue for example it would have showed more. 

Then I just mounted it to a piece of card stock made from a Michaels paper pack. To finish it off, I cut the word HELLO out of silver card stock.

And, the HELLO die is also a NBUS product that I've had in my stash for probably a couple of years. 

My complete supply list is:

• Michaels Orangeish Card Stock
• Pink and Main Foilable Card Front
• Copics R43, RV14, YR07, Y38, YG13
• Pink & Main Silver Cheer Foil
• Silver Card Stock from Michaels
• HELLO Die from My Favorite Things

The supplies that I bought to go with the machine.

I'm excited to see all the other things that I can do with this machine, and to pick up some foilable sentiments and flowers from Simon Says Stamp. It's really great to get something so new and different to bring some interest to my stamping. I may end up getting the other type of hot plate foil machine in the future, but for now, I think this is a great way to start!

But thanks to Darnell and everyone over at NBUS for helping me get starting using this machine and get an entry in this month's NBUS Challenge!

Freshly Made Sketches #587

Today's card came from an inspiration sketch from Freshly Made Sketches. Their challenge #587 was designed by Jen T. It's such a fun sketch that I couldn't help participating in.

The stamp set comes with coordinating dies, which I have. But rather than use them to cut out the flowers, I chose to use circle dies to more accurately match the sketch. I did however flip the card, and the sentiment is a bit off, but the basic design is still the same.

Here's my complete supply list:

• Stampin' Up! Falling Flowers
• White Card Stock
• SU! Pear Pizzazz Card Stock
• Spellbinders Circle Dies
• Stampendous Sentiment SSC 1338
• Copics Y13, Y15, YR18, TR02, TR15, R14, R32
• 
  Black Marker for Hand Drawn Dots
• Black Card Stock
• Memento Black and Pear Tart Inks

Thanks so very much to Jen and everyone else over at Freshly Made Sketches for another great challenge!

God Bless America Freebie

I found this freebie from The Nebby Needle on Pinterest. It's always a blessing to get a pattern for free. They did suggest colors on the pattern, but I changed the colors to use what I had. I did buy navy DMC.

The frame came from the Salvation Army. I picked it up for $1.99. After stitching the words, I made a custom but simple checkerboard pattern simply by putting the aida down on the table and placing the frame over it. This gave me the ability to see where my borders needed to be.

Originally I planned on stitching a quilt block design on each end, then I remembered that I have quite a few buttons, so I used them instead.

This one turned out a lot nicer that I thought. And pick up those cute frames for just a couple of dollars. It's great to be able to save so much money and still have something nice to use to frame our work.

The 4th of July look is perfect and exactly what I wanted to achieve. And all for just a few dollars! I'm a happy girl with this one today!

Black Snowflake Pyrex Dish

I love deals like this! I was shopping at the St. Pete Garden Club’s semi-annual rummage sale on a Thursday evening. That’s ”Preview Night” where you have to pay $5.00 extra just to get in. They make it up to you with free wine, cheese and crackers, but the real deal is finding treasures like this before anyone else.

There’s a ton of stuff there, so I was careful to look slowly and I’m so glad I did. Up on a ledge, tucked way in the back was this piece. At first I didn’t recognize it’s value, because truthfully I’d never seen a piece from this collection, ever. We’ve been dealing in vintage/antique items for almost 5 years, and Pyrex is a hot seller for us, so it’s always on our radar.

I grabbed the piece with great curiosity, and was shocked when I saw it. There on masking tape was written $2.00. It was worth the whole $5.00 admission fee just to find this piece.

It wasn’t in perfect shape.
You can see some staining
here on it’s side. I washed it
the best I could, but for
fear of damaging the black finish,
I couldn’t get this out.

I quickly Googled it on my phone and indeed it was a genuine Pyrex piece. That was good enough for me. At home I investigated it further and found out just how rare it was. According to the Corning Museum Of Glass it was only made from 1956-1960. It also came in turquoise too.

As so many antique dealers do, even though I loved it I out it in our booth marked 35.00. They were going for $60.00 on eBay, but with our limited audience, making a $33.00 profit that quickly was great. And to my remorse, it sold that very week.

So in your thrifting/yard sale-ing travels, keep an eye out for this pattern of Pyrex. Unless it’s in really poor condition or really expensive, pick it up if you see it. It’s super-rare; and I think it’s a really fun pattern. Imagine a Halloween party with this filled with some dip or even wrapped candies.

This is one piece I wish I hadn’t sold, but it gives me joy too knowing that it’s making someone else happy now too!

A Day In Fanning Springs, Florida

Here I am at Point Of View Antiques, finally!
(It's kind of cold in north Florida! 
 should have worn pants!)

If you're visiting Florida and are looking for a quaint afternoon, be sure to check out Point of View Antiques in Fanning Springs. It's 2 1/2 hours northwest of Disney, but worlds apart.

Normally this place would have escaped my radar. It's nowhere near any main roads. But back when I worked full time at my family's gourmet food business, Point Of View Antiques was a customer of ours. They regularly bought our products and sampled them often. I always wanted to visit, and we finally got there!

Here's some of our Monk's Meadow Products (in the blue
boxes) that we sold them. Sadly, we had to close
down in 2019.

If you love antiques and vintage items this place is a must see. From most of America, it's pretty close to being on the way to just about anywhere in Florida. And you can check them out on Facebook too!

Like so many other antique shops today, they have a great variety of new, gifty things that are unique and hard to find at other places. For example, I bought a cute pull chain for my ceiling fan there. They also have local handmade items as well.

The owner's dog kept my son occupied while we shopped!

Afterwards, there are plenty of great barbeque restaurants scattered along US 19. We grabbed some slow-smoked brisket, then went over to Fanning Springs State Park along the Suwannee River. It was a misty-rainy day, but the food was great and so was the state park.

Here's my daughter in one of the booths. There's such a nice mix of antiques, vintage items and new country decor.

NBUS Challenge #50

Stampin' Up! had a great end-of-catalog sale recently, which left me with a basket full of NBUS! Having that helped me get motivated to stamp a little more and get in on this challenge. It's so easy to get doing other things and push hobbies aside.

It also helps that Cyndi, a friend at church, has been asking where the card rack is. I offer my cards free there when I have them. It's one thing for people to take them when the rack is there, and it's another to have them think about the cards when they're not there. It made me feel really good.

My NBUS for this is the stamp set from Stampin' Up! It's called Uniquely Artistic. I also used the following:

• SU! Garden Green Ink
• SU! Pink Pirouette Ink
• SU! Polished Pink Ink
• SU! Early Espresso Ink
• Memento Pear Tart Ink
• Paper Studio Patterned Paper
• Authentique Patterned Paper
• Sentiment Strip from Simon Says Stamp
• Plain Pink Rhinestones (gifted to me)

Thanks to Darnell and everyone over at NBUS for getting me motivated a little more this week. And Cyndi thanks you too!

The Angel Card Project

If you're looking for a great place to send your cards, be sure to check out The Angel Card Project on Facebook.

The ACP is a group that has been around for almost 20 years. Their big push is that their volunteers, including me, send Christmas Cards to people all over the United States. It's branched out and now they take requests all year long for everything from birthdays, get-well cards, etc.

If you have some extra cards to spare and enjoy sending some out, you can visit their Facebook page here or their website here. The Facebook page is best for being a part of sending all year long. 

One year shortly after my dad passed away, I signed my mom up to receive Christmas cards. I hoped that she would get at least a few. She got over 300! She was so touched by the responses that she now sends cards to others. I know that you'd be really blessed if you sent out some cards from this group!

A Handmade Card For President Jimmy Carter

Years ago, when I was 18, Jimmy Carter was the first president I voted for. Back then I had no idea what the difference between a democrat or a republican was. But I knew about Jimmy Carter because, as embarrassing as this is to admit, I skipped school and went to a local park to see him. I really think we had nothing better to do that day and he just happened to wind up on my agenda. So after seeing him, he seemed like a nice guy and I cast my first vote ever for him.

That was many, many years ago and I've voted for many more presidents from both parties. But there has always been something special about him. Not just because I saw him in person, but after he became president then lost his second term, his Christian character never waivered. He continued throughout his life to serve God in everything he did and I admire his deeply for that.

When I heard he was in hospice, I did something crazy that was in my heart to do. I mailed him a card and told him all that. That was three days ago and it's my sincere hope that he gets to see it before he passes.

Mailing a card to a famous person was difficult for me. I felt kind of dopey doing it. But time was running out, and I'm glad I did. I doubt I'll ever know if he even saw it, but just knowing I made the effort makes me happy.

A Valentine's Day Card To Mom

My card rack at Christmas. I didn’t take a
picture on Valentine’s Day.

Seven-year-old Elissa sometimes comes to our church with her grandmother who attends regularly. This time she noticed my rack of Valentine's Day cards and took one.

As her grandmother told me later, she took the card and wrote a really long note to her mother, then signed and sealed it. I'm pretty sure that her mother was really touched when she opened this card and probably wondered how she was able to get it.

It feels really good to be a part of something like this. If my cards weren't there, she probably wouldn't have been able to get her hands on a card and her mother wouldn't have ever gotten that beautiful gift from her daughter.

I make cards primarily because I really enjoy the hobby. Sending them is often secondary. But the real purpose of a card is for someone to receive it and make a difference in their life. But whether I send them out myself or give them to others to send, I never really know what happens to them, or how much their appreciated.

But this time I did. It was so wonderful to think that a seven-year-old took one of my cards and gave it to her mother. My heart is truly happy.

Butterfly Hugs

Here's a simple card that I made using one of my favorite Stampin' Up! sets called Beautiful Day. I bought this set so I could have something cool to watercolor, but after creating the background for this card, I felt like it needed something less busy to balance it out. I chose the butterfly in this set for that purpose. It's simply stamped with Not Quite Navy ink on white card stock.

I thought it looked a little bare when I placed it against the busy patterned paper background, so I put some Stickles on the wings to add interest.

It was easy to make, but those who receive our cards don't really know that. All they know is that someone has sent them a pretty card. That's what I hope this one will do!

Retro Rubber 206-Tic Tac Toe Challenge

There's nothing like a challenge to get the creative juices flowing! I know that I would have never made this card if it weren't for Retro Rubber's Challenge 206  #rrcb206 to encourage me. This week it's a Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge. I chose to go across the top row and make a birthday card using a stencil and patterned paper.

The biggest challenge was to use both patterned paper and a stencil, since both have a similar effect. In order to pull it off, I chose to use texture paste that I colored with drops of ink. That way it would show up over the patterned paper, as opposed to using just ink from a pad.

My complete supply list is:

CTMH's Lovely Birthday Occasions (2016)

White Card Stock (Michaels)

Stampin' Up! Tropical Chic DSP

SU! Calypso Coral DSP & Ink

Ranger's Texture Paste

Memento Lulu Lavender Ink

SU! Gorgeous Grape Ink

Memento Cottage Ivy Ink

Copics YR02, V04, YG11

Heart Stencil from Simon Says Stamp

Spellbinders Circle Dies

I wanted the circle to sit below the textured purple squares, but I accidently cut the wrong size circle when I spread on the paste. Therefore, I had to pop the completed circle up. It still looks good, but it's not the exact look I was hoping for. I'll have to be more careful next time.

Here's a little diagram of my process:

I really like the kind of crazy look. I hope it makes someone's birthday a little more tropical, sunny and happy! Thanks to Jane and everyone over at Retro Rubber for another fun challenge! :)

Try Stampin' On Tuesday Challenge 605

I like to look at all my favorite challenges when they first come out and take some time to think about each one. This one over at Try Stampin' On Tuesday struck me as really fun because I love putting three things on cards. Usually it's flowers, and I often chide myself for not being more creative. So when I saw this challenge I sat on it for a while. Then it hit me. I have a cactus set from Stampin' Up! that would be perfect. I pictured them all sitting on three shelves. But then when I went to find that set, another set popped out at me. And because the optional theme is Mother's Day, and this set has those exact words in it, and because I do need a Mother's Day card for this weekend, I feel like I've stumbled on the perfect combination.

Because the flowers in pots/vases are kind of big, I needed to make this card a 5 x 7 size. My mom will like that too because she often complains that my cards (A2 size) are too small. I wouldn't want to give her a Mother's Day card that she didn't love!

My complete supply list is:

• 
  Stampin' Up! Just Because Stamp Set
• SU! True Love DSP
• Bo Bunny Striped Paper
• Memento Black Ink
• Copics YR23, Y23, YG13, YG17, YG61, G82, YR07, YR18,  R24, R32, R35
• Black Card Stock

I'm so thankful to Kaylin and everyone over at TSOT for encouraging me to create a much-needed Mother's Day card this week. Just a few gifts to wrap and a bouquet of flowers to buy and I'll be ready to go this Sunday. 

#TSOT605

Modern Cross Stitch Bird

As much as I love old samplers and country designs for cross stitching, right now I'm spending some time building up enough pieces to make a modern cross stitch section on a wall in our bedroom. I like things that look Scandinavian, at least for a start. My next project is a little on the funky side, but I think they'll all go together nicely.

This little finish is my first piece to go on that wall. I found it ON PINTEREST as a freebie. I believe it came from an old cross stitch magazine, which is no longer available to buy. I'm pretty careful not to steal designs if they're still for sale. I usually check this by doing an image search in Google. Often free patterns on Pinterest are still for sale at places like 123Stitch.com, one of my favorite places to shop online. So I always buy the pattern rather than copy it. But for this one, I found no links to be able to buy it.

I started with 28 Count White Linen and miscellaneous flosses that I had leftover from my daughter. I stitched 3 strands over 3 rows on the linen. It was a lot more difficult than it sounds because I had to count a lot. More than once stitches were pulled out because I got off track. I left it in it's round wooden hoop and decorated the top with a homemade calico bow.

All things considered, I'm glad I made this piece. I really like how it looks, it was short and easy, and free!

Scrappy Trio of Cards

While rummaging through my patterned paper box I came across this two-sided red and mint paper. I just love using papers like this because the patterns are so different-diamonds and flowers-yet the colors perfectly match. I'm not sure what brand this paper is, as the end was cut off. 

To make it look more festive, I used Stampin' Up!'s Bud Basics, a favorite of mine from many years ago. With the help of a few other items from my stash I feel like these cards will really brighten someone's day.

Here's my complete supply list:

• Unknown 2-Sided Patterned Paper
• Red Card Stock
• Stampin' Up! Bud Basics
• SU! Poppy Parade Ink
• SU! Pool Party Ink & Card Stock
• Memento Northern Pine Ink
• Stampendous Senntiments
• Spellbinders Circle Dies
• Misc. Embossing Folders

It feels so good to take little scraps and make something pretty out of them. And it's amazing how little you really need. I hope you liked my cards, and thanks so much for stopping by my little blog today!

Love Is Here Cross Stitch

I picked up this cross stitch pattern on Etsy at a really good price-less than $4.00. It was fun and easy to stitch up and fits in perfectly with the samplers that I enjoy.

The fabric that I used was purchased from 123stitch.com. It's a great color for a rustic look, which I love. The only thing to know about the fabric is that it's holes are quite large compared to other aida cloths. Even using a thick needle, the needle sometimes drops if you're not holding it underneath. It's really not that difficult to use, but it's a little different. The fabric is also on the stiff side, but softens a little as you use it. I would definitely buy this cloth again.

The frame is upcycled from The Salvation Army. It's a nice beaded frame that was gold, but I painted it black and wiped the beading so that some of the gold showed through. It gave it a rustic look which fit in perfectly with the look I was going for. The frame was $8.00, but included a nice hanger on the back too. Compared to buying a frame, it was a really good deal.

I love this finished piece and I'll cherish it for years to come!

Cardz 4 Guyz #321 Get Messy

I love the challenge of making guy cards, and Cards 4 Guys is always a great place to start. Today's challenge was to get messy, and that I did!

I was crafting right along with the potatoes tonight!

First I stamped the dog directly onto the card stock, then stamped it again on white paper. I used the white paper to mask the dog so that the spray wouldn't get on him too.

I didn't have a spray bottle or marker mister, so I had to do this the old fashioned way with water, ink and paint brushes. At first it was a little intimidating. It had been a while since I did this. But then it was fun. I mixed about 5 drops of ink with about 2 t. of water, dipped the brush in then ran my finger across the bristles, shooting drops of ink everywhere.

This messy part was fun!

I used three different colors of Stampin' Up! ink. Saving old discontinued bottles of ink is perfect for occasions like this. This step was really fun. I liked how it was looking...until one big blue blob landed too close to his head. The spraying looked so perfect except for that. To remedy the situation, I cut out the dog with a die from Sizzix. Then using 2 more dies I cut a frame out. I mounted the frame on the card front and it covered the blob perfectly. Then I popped the dog out with dimensionals.

After I fixed the problem of the big blob, I tried stamping some trees from the same set as a background. I hated how that looked. The only thing to do was to cover it with a sentiment. I first made the strip that covered the area then had to find a stamp to fit inside it. Thankfully I had this one from a set called Hello Cupcake.

The trees weren't like i pictured them to be.

All things considered, this was a really fun card to make. And this challenge definitely encouraged to do more ink splatter projects.

My complete supply list is:

• Stampin’ Up! Delightful Dogs Stamp Set
• SU! Cinnamon Cider Ink & Card Stock
• SU! Hello Cupcake (sentiment)
• SU! Sticky Brads
• SU! Marina Mist Ink & Card Stock
• Oatmeal Speckletone Card Stock
• Copics E35 and R20
• Simon Says Stamp Ultra Fine Cream Embossing Powder

She's a little sleepy in this picture.

On a fuzzy note, Bella was excited because mom was spending so much time in the kitchen late at night. She got out of bed because she thought I may be cooking something. She always waits patiently in the dining area with great hopes of food.

After all the bumps along the way, I really like how this card turned out. It was truly a challenge and one that I’m glad I did. I stretched my skills well out of my comfort level and had so much fun doing it. And I now have another masculine birthday card to send to a guy. Thanks to everyone over at Cardz 4 Guyz for a great challenge!

Christmas Bingo Challenge #1 (May/June)

Well this is a very exciting post for me! For the first time ever, I'm part of a Design Team! I'm so honored that Leslie over at Christmas BINGO Challenges deemed me worthy of being part of her wonderful new blog, and I'm so happy to be a part of it as it's just getting started.

The first Bingo Card we have for May and June 2023 is below. The way it works is that you have to choose one letter and go straight down-no going diagonal or sideways. I chose the "B" and was able to use all four elements in my tag.

My complete supply list is:

• Stampin' Up! Garden Green Dotted DSP
• SU! Real Red Card Stock
• SU! Garden Green Card Stock
• SU! Peace & Joy Stamp Set & Dies
• Memento Love Letter Ink
• Memento Bamboo Leaves Ink

• Sizzix Large Scalloped Die
• Misc. Gold Ribbon

This was an easy and fun tag to make. I had to fussy cut the stamped berries and holly, but I love fussy cutting. I'm looking forward to using this for that very special gift this upcoming Christmas.

It was so much fun making this tag and being a part of the Christmas Bingo Challenge. 

Be sure to head over to the Christmas BINGO Challenge blog and play along with us. What I love about this challenge is that it's a total craft challenge blog.  You can enter any other Christmas project that you'd like to enter such as scrapbook pages, 3-D crafts, etc. As long as you keep within the guidelines of BINGO-anything Christmas-y goes!

December 25 will be here before we know it!