Flourishing Phrases, note cards

What do you do with a box of note cards, that was given to you?
Well, dress them up, of course!

I used Stampin Up's Flourishing Phrases stamp set and Flourish Thinlits for this card set. Ink colors, Melon Mambo and Pumpkin pie. Paper, Night of navy, Very Vanilla, and Gold Glimmer. Navy twine.

I was in desperate need of thank you cards, after the holiday. I'm also on a mission to use products I already have, to make room for new.

Happy Stamping!
And Happy New Year!

Poncho Mania

It all started when my daughter shared a Pinterest pin,

 about a little girls poncho, that can be used with a car seat.

Cassie said she needed something for her daughter to wear while sitting in the car seat that would keep her warm during the winter months.

I had to check it out.

I was already frustrated with all the new rules about how children shouldn't wear coats in car seats.

I thought.....Thats just not right.
If your wearing a coat, why wouldn't you put your child in one? 

But my daughter says, No coats in car seats. Its not safe.

Things change so often, I can't keep up.

So, when she sent the pin for a poncho, I jumped on the chance to make something warm for my granddaughter to wear in her car seat.

This is the tutorial Cassie shared with me.

http://realitydaydream.com/fleece-lined-hooded-poncho-for-little-girls

What a wonderful idea!

I made my Granddaughter two ponchos. Following the instructions on the site.

One for spring, and one for winter.

The spring poncho, is anti-pill fleece and a floral print.

For the winter poncho I used Luxe fleece, from Joanns, bought at 50% off. I love a sale!

The Luxe fleece has a tighter weave which helps block wind.

Its nice and thick for warmth.

I added buttons at the neck on both of these.

Here is my grand daughter wearing it in her car seat.

And here is my little cutie keeping warm on a snowy day!

The woman who created the tutorial for these, did a fantastic job, and I had no problems following her directions. It makes my daughter, and I happy to keep this little girl warm in winter weather.

Here is the site I used for directions, 

http://realitydaydream.com/fleece-lined-hooded-poncho-for-little-girls

I loved how cute these turned out, so I decided my Grandson (Alex's little one) needed one too. 

However, I didn't really want a girly looking poncho. I had a hard time finding a tutorial for a boys poncho. So I decided to make my own poncho pattern.

Sadly, I have no tutorial for the one I made. 

I created it as I worked on it.

 I made it reversable.

With a pocket on both sides.

I also added a tie at the neck.

It turned out cuter than I expected.

I thought about adding a button under both arms.

But Alex said it wasn't needed.

He's a cutie too!!!

I forgot to get a picture of him wearing it in his car seat.

Its nice to know these babies can now be buckled into their car seats and still keep warm.

What a great idea, whoever thought of these ponchos. 

I will continue to make these for each of my grandbabies as needed.

And keeping them warm during northern weather is a must.

Happy sewing!!!

Bright & Beautiful Christmas card

Its been a while since I've posted.

I wanted to let everyone know, that even though I am no longer a Demonstrator, I am still going to make cards and share.

I will no doubt be using older stamp sets, since I have an extensive collection of stamps.

But the ideas and creations will continue to come.

I was a little late sending cards this year, but I did manage to get some out.

I miss making cards. But mostly I have missed making cards with friends.

I hope everyone had a safe and Happy Christmas!

Today's post is my 2016 Christmas card.

On this Z folded card, I used Bright and Beautiful, Ornamental Pine, and Petite Pairs, Stampin Up Sets.

The striped paper is from Hobby Lobby. 

The green paper, was also folded in The Z fold style, placed on the card in the opposite position. 

This fun fold seems to be all over right now, so I decided to try it.

There are lots of pop up, 3D options you can create using this fun fold style.

Dear Friends, (you know who you are) I am missing you, and I miss class with you.

I have been thinking of each of you, and wishing all of  you well.

Take care, and I hope to see you again sometime.

I'm still available if you need help with creative ideas!

Happy Stamping!!!!

Sewing Machines, Not what they seem.

Over the many years, I have learned a thing or two about my sewing machines.

First and foremost..... Mom was right, and I should have listened.

While I was growing up, Mom taught me to sew, by hand and with machine.

I loved machine better, as I didn't have the patience it takes to sew by hand.

I wanted immediate results, which I got with a machine. But any screw up on my part, also meant many hours removing stitches. 

Mom had an old Singer/Kenmore machine, 

It weighed a ton and It looked something like this....

Not an actual picture of Mom's machine. But it looks pretty darn close to hers. 

I never knew what happened to her green machine.

I remember breaking the reverse knob on hers, years ago.

It was heavy duty. I sewed every prom dress for my sisters and I. 

I also sewed wedding dresses and brides maid dresses for my sister and I on that machine.

And clothing for my girls. 

Well, by the time I moved out and decided to buy a machine of my own, Mom said,

"Buy one with all metal parts. They last longer."

Ummm..... No I don't think so Mom, I want the new and updated versions.

With all the fancy stitches.

Well, sad to say, I have been through 3 machines since then. 

Two newer Singers, and one Brother machine. 

And I very rarely used the fancy stitches.

 I've finally learned my lesson. Mom was right.

After taking my Brother machine to be repaired, I was told that the new machines are built with all plastic parts. 

That I already knew. 

What I didn't know, is that, these new machines are not meant to be fixed. You can't even get inside the machines to fix them, and they don't make replacement parts.

The repair guy, said the machines of today, are what he calls

 "Throw-away-machines".

Isn't that terrible?

So not only are we wasting money, but we are filling up the land fills.

And these machines can't handle heavy materials like jean, leather or canvas. 

Here is the culprit .......

I paid about $130.00 for this one.

He did manage to fix this one. Because I didn't break any of the plastic parts.

But he said I may not have that luck next time.

My machine repair man said, " Find an old machine. One with all metal parts."

Hmmm...... Where did I hear that before????

Off we went in search of a New/Old machine.

Found one.....

I don't gamble. To buy a machine, I can't guarantee works, was hard for me to do.

I bought it. The straight stitch is a dream. But it looks like I'll have to take it to the repair guy, and have him fix the knob for the zigzag stitch and the other fun stitches.

Because they don't work right. 

Got my fingers crossed, that it can be fixed.

In the mean time, I remembered, Mom gave me a Singer Featherweight Portable machine, many years ago.

I love antiques! Isn't it cute?

It works great. All metal parts. Light weight, and portable.

Pretty gold scroll print.

I never used it, because I didn't want to break it., or mess it up.

Well, the repair man says, USE IT!

Guess I will start putting it to use, while I wait for my Green Machine to get fixed.

Dear friends, Listen to Mom.....

Get yourself and OLD Machine. The ones that weigh a ton, and have all metal parts.

I been told, sewing is becoming a dying art. 

Clothes are cheaper to buy than make, and quilting isnt carried down like it used to be.

After I get my green machine fixed, I may go find a few more, for my daughters.

I want them to learn all my mom taught me.

Thanks Mom, I love you!

No more throw away machines for this family.

Happy Sewing!!!

Friendship Star Baby Quilt

A change of pace for me!

As most of you know, I have spent the last 5 years working on Stampin Up, cards, scrapbooking, and other paper crafts. All of which I LOVE!

I have quit classes, for a while, to give myself some time for other things.

 I miss having class. I miss my friends and the fun I have visiting and creating with them.

However, I never seemed to have time work on other projects.

And so I am taking time to work on other awesome Creations!!!!

Some of the extra projects, came to me, when my Mother passed away.

I brought home her quilting machine and vowed to finish the few hundred of her unfinished quilts, and quilt blocks.

Mom, like most of us, started a new project, everytime a new inspirations popped in her head. However, many of those ideas did not get to the finishing phase.

My goal, is to take her half started quilts and finish them. Since I have no idea what her original plans for the projects were, the quilts will be finished according to my idea of what it should look like. Ending results, combination of Mom and I.

Some of the quilts will go to her Sun Shine group and some will be finished for Mom's grandchildren and Great grandchildren.

Recently, my Nephew had a little girl.

Congratulations to the family.

She is a Beautiful little jewel.

I love you all!

I choose some pretty pink and blue Friendship star blocks, from one of Moms boxes of unfinished quilts, for this little Princess.

Aubrie Susan Louise

I sure wish I lived close enough to snuggle this cutie!

Mom, I'll never know what your original plans for these blocks were, but I'm sure you would approve where they ended up!

Love you Always!

Touches of Texture, Stampin Up

I am so addicted to my paper and stamping.

I needed a card for my Niece. Who is attending UW Oshkosh for a conference this week.

I was finally able to sit down at about 10:00 pm.

Usually, I'm sleeping by 10 pm.

Well, time got away from me, and by the time I finished the card, it was 1:30 am.

What???

How in the world did I manage to lose that much time, and not realize how late it was?

Simple......

I'm an addict to all things Paper!

I wanted to break out the new stamp set  "Touches Of Texture".

I love the stamp set, and the background textures it offers.

This set reminds me of the wild flowers we see when driving the Rustic Roads in Wisconsin.

Which are all in bloom now.

Top view to show the pop ups.

Enjoy the warm weather and sunshine!

Happy Stamping!

Stampin Up products used:

Stamp sets used: Touches of Texture, You've got This

Card stock: Whisper white, Wisteria Wonder, Blackberry Bliss

Ink used: Staz On Jet Black, Hello Honey, Regal Rose, Wisteria Wonder,

 Lucky Limeade, Blackberry Bliss.

Other : Wink Of Stella, Decorative Label punch, Project Life Corner Rouder

Father's Day, My Biker Dad!

Father's Day is this weekend.

As always, I'm a little late with my creation.

Dad, Don't Look till it comes in the Mail!!!!!

Everyone thinks they have the best Dad in the world.

My Dad really is the Best Dad in the World.

I Love you, Dad!

I wanted to create just the right card for him.

 I found the perfect stamp set in the new catalog.

ONE WILD RIDE

I waited, and waited for my Stampin Up order to come,

 so I could use this stamp set to make an awesome card, for an Awesome Dad.

Then I got it.

And guess what?

I had a brain block. 

I couldn't figure out how I wanted to use this stamp.

 I only knew, this was the perfect stamp to use for my Dad.

My Awesome Dad!

What to do, what to do ?????

 I went on Pinterest for ideas. 

Thank you to Stampyourartout.com , I found an idea.

Although I've seen this form of pop up card before, I've not tried it.

I liked her idea for the card, so from there I created a similar card.

 I love the extra pop up inside.

Here is My take on her original idea.....

(no peeking Dad)

Lighting wasn't that great, so I tried again.

A top view shows how I did the pop ups in my card.

I had fun making this card. I like the fold style, and I'll have to create more cards with this fold.

Happy Father's Day to all Dads!

Thank you to ALL who inspire me, and I hope to inspire others.

Happy Stamping!!!!

Stampin Up Products used:

Card stock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Silver foil, Smoky Slate

Ink: Basic Gray

Stamp sets: One Wild Ride, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Remarkable You Card

Hello Again!

Its been a long time.

Life has a funny way of keeping me busy.

I had some time to make a few cards. I made some cards for friends, that I can't wait to share.

Easy cards, however time consuming. It was relaxing to sit in my room, stamp, paint and create.

Here is what I came up with:

I was browsing Pinterest and found a pretty card to CASE.

However, I didn't have all the products needed to create the same card.

So using the idea, I swapped out stamps, keeping the same color theme.

Some of the products used on this card, are retired, but any of the new ribbons would replace what I've used, beautifully.

Happy Stamping!

Stampin Up Product list -

Cardstock: Crumb cake, Whisper White, Crisp Cantaloupe

Inks: Jet Black Staz On, Lucky Limeade, Crisp Cantaloupe, Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake

Stamp sets: Remarkable You, Timeless Textures, Hardwood, Honeycomb Hello

Other: Calypso Coral ribbon, Hexagon Thinlits Die, Aqua Painters

One last class

Jan 21st.  is my last class!

I have decided, after much debate, that I need to move on towards other adventures. Stampin Up! Has been fun.

I have meet some wonderful ladies, along the way,  who have stamped my heart.  I hope the friendships will continue.
I still have an addition with stamping, scraping and all things "Paper", and I plan to continue creating. I just won't be teaching.

I will focus more time on family. As they are most important to me.

I wish you all, a healthy and happy life. Be safe, and hug your loved ones often.
Thank you for all you have done to help me grow as a Demonstrator, teacher, and friend. I will truly miss classes and seeing all of your smiling faces!
Thank you,
Christy