Swallowtail

front of card close
 I was happy to see that this stamp is still in the catalog. It is such a great stamp and this card is uber gorgeous! I stamped the whole butterfly as you can see below and folded part of it to the back side of the card. The front was cut down a bit to give an extra large open layer area.
card open so you can see front and back
 Something a little different, interesting and fun. Beside I had to try it out while experimenting with an idea I saw where else but yep - pinterest.
card open so you can see all of the inside
If I was not feeling well this card would put a smile on my face. I am sharing this card in card club this month. I just know my butterfly loving gals will flip for this one!

Remember you can always order everything you see in my posts. I so appreciate you when you do it helps feed my family and keeps me in business and posting for you to enjoy. 
Follow the underlined link below to get these stamps.

Petite Petals Wood-Mount Stamp Set 133152
Price: $16.00
Petite Petals Clear-Mount Stamp Set 133155
Price: $12.00
One shape, one idea, six lovely flower designs to grow a diverse and gorgeous garden!

Our high-quality wood-mount rubber stamps are precut and come with farmed-maple wood blocks. Mount these precut stamps permanently on the blocks, and they're ready to go when you are. Our premium red rubber will last for years and give a superior stamped impression each time. The stamps come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference.
Petite Petals Wood-Mount Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!
Quantity: 6 rubber stamps. Wood blocks included.

Swallowtail Wood-Mount Background Stamp Set 131943
Price: $20.00
Butterflies are amazingly intricate and delicate--you can't help but be mesmerized by their beauty. The large size (5-1/2" x 4-3/8") is ideal for backgrounds, or you can stamp it, then cut out an accent from the stamped image.

Our high-quality wood-mount rubber stamps are precut and come with farmed-maple wood blocks. Mount these precut stamps permanently on the blocks, and they're ready to go when you are. Our premium red rubber will last for years and give a superior stamped impression each time. The stamps come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference.

Quantity: 1 rubber stamp. Wood block included.
Swallowtail Wood-Mount Background Stamp Set by Stampin' Up! 

Swallowtail Clear-Mount Background Stamp Set 129216
Price: $15.00

Scrap Time

 It is time to share a scrapbook layout with you. I still do the old fashion time consuming type of scrapbooking. And so do a few of my sweet stampin ladies. So I still teach a scrapbook class once a month. This month is is all about bright flowers. I used some designer series paper and with cleaver cutting was able to get a great backing along with punched flowers and a bit of white gel doodling.
 This is a great page with a great layout for lots of pictures and area for journaling.

Zen dangle ing part two

 Here is some more eye candy inspiration for Zen-dangle-ing. Enjoy.


One of these days I will get some of these made into cards.

Faux Paper

This technique is an old favorite that has been around longer then I have. But is is a great one and super easy to master.

Taking scrap paper (typing paper works great) rip and edge, then repeat on another scrap paper.

Put a line of 2-way glue on the edge of the ripped paper and let it air dry. Once the glue is dry is is post it note sticky. Cool huh!

Lay the two ripped edges glue side down facing each other with on your card stock facing each other with a strip of card stock showing. Your scrap paper should cover the rest of your card stock so you do not get any ink or smudges on it.

Using a sponge carefully rub some ink on the card stock over the ripped paper edges. Lighter ink in the center moving toward the ripped edges with a darker color. This gives depth and light to the art.

Now stamp selected images over the rubbed ink. Once you are all done and like the outcome, remove the paper carefully and you have Faux Paper!

Add a few more embelishments and greeting. This make a great guys card. Stampin Up has added some really good guy stamps sets in the new catalog. Check them out at the link on the left. You can order the set in wood or clear by clicking on the link below.

The Open Sea Wood-Mount Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!
The Open Sea Wood-Mount Stamp Set 128454
Price: $27.00
Anchors aweigh! With a nautical and historical feel, the images in The Open Sea set give the excitement of discovering a new world.

Our high-quality wood-mount rubber stamps are precut and come with farmed-maple wood blocks. Mount these precut stamps permanently on the blocks, and they're ready to go when you are. Our premium red rubber will last for years and give a superior stamped impression each time. The stamps come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference.
The Open Sea Wood-Mount Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!
Quantity: 5 rubber stamps. Wood blocks included.
The Open Sea Clear-Mount Stamp Set 123032
Price: $19.00

Cornbread

Yum cornbread. Its recipe time. This month I shared different corn breads. I made the maple bacon one and it is de-lish! We used a retired stamp set, cuz I just had to use the corn cob on the corn page right!?! It is to stinkin cute.

Birds

 I love birds, I love drawing them and watching them, and listening to them. My daughter on the other hand hates them. She has a bird that visits her bedroom window every morning  starting at 5AM, and  afternoon and evening banging into it over and over and over. You would think it would hurt its little self, but he still returns. 
Water coloring birds just make me happy. Here is the latest I added to my art journal. May your day be filled with the songs of birds.

Sheltering Tree

If you have been looking for an all around great stamp set good for all holidays and occasions. Well look no more this is the one. It is the perfect stamp set for all that and more. This set has so many possibilities and creative uses. Just click on the underlined link below to take you to the order page.

Sheltering Tree Photopolymer Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!
Sheltering Tree Photopolymer Stamp Set 137163
Price: $25.00
Create your own friendship-scape with flowers, bikes, and trees. These Two-Step stamps give you so many creative options--combine individual stamps to build the final image you want in the colors you want.

Our top-quality photopolymer stamps have just enough give to create a perfectly stamped image every time. They're entirely transparent for perfect image placement, and they adhere well to our clear blocks. You'll only need one set of blocks for all your photopolymer stamps (blocks sold separately). The stamps come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference.

Quantity: 14 photopolymer stamps

Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): a, b, e, h
Sheltering Tree Photopolymer Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!

Zendangle-ing

 I've been working in my sketch book doing some fun zen-dangle-ing. It is just really to pass the time without having much thought while sitting with dad. It is hard for me to get time in my studio just to play. It is mostly work prepping and designing for club. And if I spend to much time in the studio dad spends to much time sleeping. So if I set with him he will stay out of bed and sit with me.
 So I began doing this as a time passer, but have since began to make it to where I can turn these into cards. I was able to send a thank you note to Pam for my pocket letter using one of the designs.
 I use micron black ink markers in various point sizes and then fill in using jelly pens. I really like the sparkle jelly pens the best.
 I tried to come up with as many different shapes as I could think of over a few weeks of time. These in this post are just a few of them.
There is a book out there and a well know artist whom I wish I could remember her name, but it escapes me right now who I listen to a few of her you-tubes and was inspired to create my own designs and put my personality in to these.

So if you read all this you would also find another reason, (excuse) as to my missing in action for a while. It is not that I don't like blogging. I love sharing my art with you. Life just gets in the way sometimes, and Oh and.... I have to stay up till between midnight and 5AM to have strong enough broadband width to be able to do all this photo downloading and posting. So yes the big reason is I've been tired and wanting to sleep at night. Sorry.

For some reason that two hour nap I got just before bed and the cup of dessert coffee has me up and rearing to go! Oh boy! But good for you I am getting some posting done in advance and hopefully filling your days with glee.

Lovely Amazing You

Ahh this card makes my heart sing too. This is a new photopolymer stamp set and it is so fantastic. The feather is great for guy cards.The words are great, especially the "love you more than chocolate" one. The font is great. This is really a great set. And it is just $15! Crazy.

I rubbed crumb cake ink on the background and added a few splatter dots. Stamped the feather in crumb cake and then inked the feather in pool party and rolled the outed edge in chocolate chip ink and then stamped giving the image a duel layer of color.

I punched the bird out of vanilla card stock and them rolled in ink and stamped again. If you want to get this set before it is gone for good click on the purple underlined link below and it will take you right to the order page. This set will be gone once all the supply is sold out - so don't miss out if you love it. 
Lovely Amazing You Photopolymer Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!
Lovely Amazing You Photopolymer Stamp Set 140594
Price: $15.00
This great new set is just what you need to spread happiness to all. Its so versatile, you'll find yourself using it over and over again. Recommended clear block sizes are A, B, C (not included in the set).

Our photopolymer stamps offer a versatile all-clear stamping option. You'll find that our photopolymer is top-quality and gives a perfectly stamped image every time. The stamps stick amazingly well to our clear blocks and are easy to place just where you want them. And best of all, you get to enjoy tons of images for a great price!
Lovely Amazing You Photopolymer Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!Lovely Amazing You Photopolymer Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!


Set Quantity: 8



Studio Additions

 Well I took some time and did a little garage sale shopping and antique shopping since returning home from Lisa's. She got me all hooked on it again. I swore it off for a while, not wanting to bring home anymore of any body's stuff and here I am at it again. But I found some great treasures. Plus had a blast.

 
The little cash drawer above was found in a pile under heaps of dust in a barn sale. I had to did it out and bring it home and the more I look at it and fill it the more I love it. It so goes perfectly with my other drawers and little shelves in my studio.

The little sewing machine is one of the pocket letter gifts from Pam and I just love it. The tiny tea cup came from our WI travels, and the little bottles are really old and collected along my way. I made the button bouquet.


 Handsome built some shelves over my smaller windows in my studio so I could add a few of my collection pieces and use for storage. Love that man. I got the pot shopping with Lisa for $8 bucks! That was a steal. As I have been looking for one and they have all been over $20. This one is in perfect shape and it was perfect to put my lace stash in it.

The folding measuring tape was only $5 and found while with Lisa too. She gave me the idea for making it into a star. She had one in her bedroom that I loved, and recently since my visit has grown to many more and added to the wall in her hallway. She so blames the star addiction on me... I only have one Lisa, not a wall full! Hahahha!


This beautiful watercolor ATC. Ahh my heart sings at this little art work. I was in an ATC swap with a theme of "wings" and I received this from my swap partner, Amber Hall from Texas. I so love it. And if you noticed it is proudly displayed above my new cash drawer. Amber also sent an amazing watercolor card that I didn't get a picture of yet, but will and will post later.

So stay tuned for more fun creative stuff to come.

Pocket of get well wishes

Isn't this just the sweetest card? I love the simplicity, color and little pocket. To make the pocket, punch out a tag or cut out a pocket shape, fold over and glue the top edge down. Add little marker dash lines for stitch lines. Stamp some flowers, bugs, worms, frogs, candy - just about anything peeking out of the pocket. Add the greeting! Wa-la - cute card.

So part three of the ongoing, "where have I've been." Well we also took a long weekend and went to MI to visit a very dear friend and her family. Who by-the way, used to be a Stampin Up demonstrator and on my team too. The lasting friendships that I have received through this business is mind boggling. I don't think I would have ever met many of these wonderful women in my life right now had it not been through a Stampin Up connection. Lisa and I are so much alike, we like so many of the same things, she is super creative, smart, an amazing cook and a rock of faith. Her husband Craig and my handsome are so much alike too. Loves to hunt, fish, eat and make up big fishing and hunting stories. It is always a treat to go visit them.

A Cup of Tea


 It is high time I share a bit of water coloring. While on vacation I was able to get in a little art work in my journal.
 And you already know my love for my watercolor pencils.
 And what is better then a cup of tea and watercolor pencil art and the time for it!

Thoughts and Prayers

This is an oldie but goodie stamp set and is still available in the new catalog. This is a super easy card layout and quick to put together. You can make a mountain of cards using this layout in a fraction of time.
I stamped a clear block in the Pool Party ink pad and then put the inked clear block right onto the paper and stamped the block square for the background.

I then stamped the tree in Night of Navy ink and stamped over the square. Add the greeting and tied on the ribbon and glued it to the front of a card base. Easy peasy, lemon squeeze!

For the inside of the card I did cut a second piece of vanilla cards stock to 3 3/8" x 5", stamped a greeting on the inside and glued to the inside of the card. By doing this you can use a blue or black ink pen and write your message. Had I left the navy card stock on the inside you would need a white gel pen to sign your card. So remember when using dark colored card stock for card base, add a white or vanilla lining to the inside for ease of signing.

You can order your stamp set here: Just click on the highlighted underlined link to go to the order page.
Thoughts & Prayers Wood-Mount Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!
Thoughts & Prayers Wood-Mount Stamp Set 128751
Price: $26.00
Sickness and sorrow are part of everyone's life, and sometimes it's hard to know what to say. But the Thoughts & Prayers makes it a bit easier with thoughtful sayings and beautiful images to soothe the soul.

Our high-quality wood-mount rubber stamps are precut and come with farmed-maple wood blocks. Mount these precut stamps permanently on the blocks, and they're ready to go when you are. Our premium red rubber will last for years and give a superior stamped impression each time. The stamps come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference.

Quantity: 8 rubber stamps. Wood blocks included.
 Thoughts & Prayers Clear-Mount Stamp Set 127805
Price: $19.00


Pocket Letter

 My sweet friend Pam Wright sent me this Pocket Letter. I was so blown away by it. It has little ATC cards in each pocket with encouraging notes and quotes to me. She made each card. Added a tag and had it wrapped in a large paper doily.
 Opening this up was such a special moment for me and reading all the wonderful sayings she added. I was in aw of it and then ...I flipped it over! There was a little gift of something in each pocket back. Most of the items was card making embellishments and such. I just love this idea and would love to make one like this for a few special people in my life too.
Great idea Pam and thank you so very much for thinking of me in this special way. Love you to pieces girlfriend.

Here is a littlt bit of Pam's letter to me. Let me tell you after receiving this and reading the letter I was walking on sunshine all day and then some!

Dear Debbie,
My pocket letter is to thank you for all your years of encouragement and friendship. You may see your Stampin Up as a business, but to those you touch through your business you are unleashing something inside that person for the better. You are sharing your talents, you are sharing encouragement, you are helping with personal growth, you are giving women an opportunity to explore. You have helped us all make new friendships and new experiences.
Your friend always.
Love, Pam

Pretty awesome right. Pam is an awesome, amazing beautiful friend, that I will hold close to my heart and treasure forever. 

And continuing with my life saga and no blog posts for a while, we went on a vacation with the whole family! We visited Sturgeon Bay, WI it was so beautiful and relaxing. We had a wonderful time with all the family. Bob's parents, Emily and Jay, Dad and Candace all went with us. It was a blast to be all together having down time and fun.

Teaching Social Painting Classes

 So you have been wondering where I've been? All is well really, just busy and tired from being busy. I been taking dad to Cardiac Rehab, and its an hour drive from my house, so that has eaten up most of my time three days a week.

Then I taught two painting classes for the first time ever in West Baden and French Lick Indiana. It is about 2.5 hr drive from my home. Holy moly if you have never been there. GO! It is so beautiful. It was like stepping back in time. The hotel is so beautiful and the antiques are amazing. The service was outstanding, good food. Nice comfortable bed. It is expensive! But it was wonderful that Bobby and I was able to sneek away just the two of us for a little while.

The painting shown here are the two that I taught. I was so happy with the students and we had such a fun time. The Friday morning class was filled with ladies who were guests of the Small Firm and Solo Bar Association Conference. They painted the posy painting in colors of their choice. I was so pleased with the way it all turned out.

The tree painting was taught at 10pm after the conference attendees had a full day of sessions. Late for me and them both - you can only imagine the fun we had! I couldn't form most of my words, my brain wasn't working right and we were all in it together! There were men and women in the second class and it was really fun to meet them.

I have pictures on my phone, now if I can just figure out how to down load those to the computer and share them with you. So stay tuned. If I don't get it figured out, at least you will see some fun posts.

Oh guess I should mention I am beginning to teach social painting in my home to begin. With caring for dad it is best I try to stick to doing this extra stuff at home. So if you live close by and would love to come and bring some friends, let me know. For a 12x12 painting cost is $15. You bring the snacks, drinks and friends. I supply the paint, brushes, canvas, and space. This is also a wonderful way to do a fund raiser. You can tack on any amount above the $15 and it will be given to your special project.  I can do morning, afternoons and evening classes. Just let me know when you want to book your event.