Two New Canvases

The other night I prepared three photo transfer canvases.  Today I was able to get two of them done with the exception of any embellishments I may choose to place on them.  I think they turned out rather well.  The one titled 'Iced Beauty' is the picture that KatheD shared with us after an ice storm came through her area.  She was gracious enough to give me permission to use her photo.  Thank you, Kathe.

The second one, 'Spring Blossoms 2010', was taken while waiting to go through the drive through at Culver's.  The bushes were so full that the limbs were bending with the weight of all the blossoms.  I always carry my camera with me so I snapped a couple of photos while waiting my turn to order.

Tonight I need to work on the card for a swap that is coming up on the 28th.  It's a local group that gets together and this will be my first time meeting with them.  I want to make a really "GREAT" card.  Pray I do a good job.  :-)

Blessings from Marsha

Iced Beauty

  

Spring Blossoms 2010

So Beautiful!

Tuesday, April 19, my nephew, Nathan, was married at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.  I was able to watch the ceremony online last night and I cried.  He is the last of my nephews to marry.  While on facebook this morning, I saw pictures that his new wife, Brooke, had posted so I pirated a couple of them to post here.  Her dress was absolutely gorgeous!  The first picture is of my nephew (isn't he a handsome one!).  The second is the happy couple.  I wish them all the best.

Blessings from Marsha

Tattered Florals

Today was spent simply lounging around.  It was a rainy, gloomy and cold day.  I didn't have my little grandson so it was a quiet day as well.  I didn't spend a lot of time on the computer but did find a card that I liked well enough to CASE.  It is called a gate fold card.  You'll see the front of the card as well as the interior.  I tried my hand at some water coloring.  It went well but I am ordering the water color paper to make it an easier project. 

LeeAnn Greff was the inspiration behind tonight's creativity.  You can find hers on Stampin' Connection if you'd like to see the beautiful card she designed.  Below you will find my take on it.

Blessings from Marsha

I'm So Excited!

A friend and fellow Llama, Kathryn Ricks, gave me a Stylish Blogger Award.

  

Along with the award came a list of things that I must do.  First, and foremost, I need to thank Kath for giving me this award.   Thank you, Kath, you made my day. 

Second was to provide a link back to her blog.  You can find her blog at http://kath-allthatscrap.blogspot.com.  Be sure to take time to visit her blog.  It is fantastic!

Third, I need to share eight things about myself.  Hmm?  Let me see if I can come up with eight.

1.     I’m the mother of three grown sons.

2.     Each of my boys was born in different states.

3.     I have twelve grandchildren.

4.     My oldest grandchild is 20.

5.     My youngest grandchild is 17 months.

6.     I’m addicted to coffee.

7.     I’m addicted to stamping.

8.     I’m a writer and poet.

Fourth is to pass this award to other worthy bloggers.  While there are so many to choose from, the following are those I have chosen. I have been trying to place the award on their blogs but have not had any success.  Hopefully, they will see this and know that I enjoy their blogs.

Buffy:  http://buffycooper.typepad.com

Stephanie:  http://www.pleasepassthesnail.blogspot.com

Robin:  http://stampin-spot4robin.blogspot.com

Jackie:  http://stampspaperglitter.blogspot.com

Debbie:  http://cleverandcute.blogspot.com

Blessings from Marsha

Pretty Postage Thanks

Well, wouldn't you know I would just have to make another card this evening..  It's a different take on the previous card.  Instead of leaving it vertical, I tipped it horizontal and made it just a tiny bit smaller.  Of course, that is because I initially cut the card stock wrong so improvised a new size.  I think it worked!  :-)  Anything blue gets my vote.  Now I'm going to look through the catalog and decide what colors to order next.  I'm thinking it's time for a color change.  There is just so much to choose from.  It's definitely a challenge.

Blessings from Marsha

Unique!

This morning, while waiting for Mom and Dad to come pick up their little men, I decided to see what I could come up with regarding the latest challenge issued from the Water Cooler Llamas.  I rather like what I did but that could be because I'm biased.  :-)  Below is what I designed.  Now I'm going to try another one using strictly Summer Mini product. 

Blessings from Marsha

The Joys of Grandmahood!

Tonight I have two very handsome young men spending the night.  Zac, 6 and Nic, 4 are taking a much deserved break from Mom and Dad.  It's always so much fun to have them visit but it does cut into the creativity.  I am most definitely not complaining and when I have more advanced notice, I plan activities they can do like making a card for their parents.  The request to have them stay with me came just yesterday.  I was already commited to helping with a women's conference at my church so there just wasn't any time to plan for their visit.

We ordered in pizza, which they love and know exactly what they want.  While eating pizza, they watched a movie followed by another movie followed by another movie that had to cut off so they will go to sleep.  It is way past their bedtime.  I do hope they sleep late in the morning.

So, there are no new creations to share tonight.  I haven't had a chance to take pictures of them but will do so in the days to come.  Now this grandmother is off the get some rest so she can keep up with the re-energized little men tomorrow.

Blessings from Marsha

Boxed Card Set

Some friends and I share a booth at a local craft boutique.  This Boxed Card Set is one of the new items I'll be putting in the display.  I love the way the box turned out.  Included in the set are twelve cards and envelopes.  I used a stamp from the Bliss set and clear embossed the image.  I just learned to do this technique when I met with my upline a couple of weeks ago.  It's so much fun to watch the transformation.

Blessings from Marsha

A Fun Day At The Cafe!

Three new ladies joined me today for Club.  We made four cards and one bookmark.  A couple of the designs were inspired by others but changed so they are not exact copies.  We had a good time and I'm already looking forward to next month's Club.


Now it's time to tuck down with teddy and get some much needed rest.  It's been a great weekend and I'm looking forward to the coming week.

Blessings from Marsha

Who's Got The Button?

I've been having fun with my scraps of card stock.  I don't waste any of it.  It's surprising how many times I'll need a small piece of card stock and what do you know, there it is in the Scrap Box!  For this card, I took scrap card stock and punched shapes using my various punches.

Blessings from Marsha

Flowers Of Many Colors

The only good thing about not being able to sleep, is it gives you a chance to play and be creative.  Last night was one of those nights for me.  So, I glued a bunch of different scraps of card stock to a background (which is not highly visible), then ran it through the Big Shot to get the flowers from this really neat die.  Below is the final product.

Now I'm off to finish up chores before I feed Aiden his lunch.  Once he's down for his nap, I get to sit and play again.  I have so many ideas floating around in my head.  :-)

Blessings from Marsha

Playing Is So Much Fun!

Today has been a most relaxing and productive day.  I've done a little of this and a little of that and still managed to design four new cards.  With Mother's Day and Father's Day approaching, I thought of things my own would have liked.  Tomorrow, during Aiden's nap time, I'm going to focus on Easter cards for my family and friends.  I'll be sure to share them when they are done.

Blessings from Marsha

Today's Creative Endeavors

It's going to be a short note this night.  I'm tired and I want to go 'tuck down with teddy.'  It's been a long day.  I wanted to try something different but I'm not sure I really like.  So, here are the two cards I designed this morning while listening to a friend and my son talk algebra!  Ugh!  I will never claim to be a math genius.  :-)

Blessings from Marsha

It was a fantastic day!

Today was gorgeous!  Sunshine, warm temperatures and lunch with friends at Joe's Crab Shack.  The staff even sang happy birthday to me while expecting me to spin a hula hoop.  I tried but could only get one spin before it wound up around my ankles.  It was great!

Upon returning home after lunch, I spent the afternoon designing two new cards.  Again, I stepped out of my element and used green and orange.  I tend to gravitate towards blues of any kind.  It was fun to see what I could come up with.  The new Four Frames stamp set and Decorative Label Punch are so much fun to use.

Now it's time to call it a night.  I have another busy day planned for tomorrow.  I have guests coming in the morning, a bi-weekly obligation at church and then, it's off to have dinner with another friend at On The Border.  That will be the last of the birthday celebration.  It's been a really good birthday time for me this year.

Oh, before I go, I just have to share this with you.  Last night I was at my youngest son's house for supper.  We had yummy Papa Murphy's Pizza.  They even had cake, with candles to blow out, and ice cream.  It's been years since I've had cake and ice cream for my birthday.  It was nice.  Anyway, my grandson Zac, who is six, picked out the cake. He did good since it was all chocolate and Grandma loves chocolate.  He was particularly proud of the frosting.  When he brought it to the table he pointed out that the frosting looked like chocolate worms.  Funny thing, the way it had been applied did look like worms.  He thought that was too cool.

Blessings from Marsha

Plum & Blue Card Box

While browsing for new ideas, I came across this card box.  I thought, "Why not."  I had never done anything like it but the instructions for making it were so easy to follow.  I want to thank Celia Cawthon for her wonderful tutorial for this card box.  It will hold twelve cards so you know what I'll be doing for my next project.

Blessings from Marsha

A Study in Green & White

Today I decided to use a color that is not one I would ordinarily use, green.  It's late and I have to be up early and on the road by seven, so here is the new card using shades of green and white.

Blessings from Marsha

A New Technique Learned

Sunday afternoon was spent at my upline's home so she could show me how to do a few easy techniques to share in my stamp club.  The one below is one I had seen on other cards but just hadn't figured out how to do it.  Surprise!  Surprise!  It was the first technique she showed me.  So, I will do my best to explain it to you.

You will need to use a 3x3 inch piece of card stock.  It only works and comes out neatly using the 3x3 square.  As shown below, you will want to center it in the punch. The edge of the square will line up with the first set of dots on each side of the bar you push to punch the design.  You will want to line it up the same way on all sides of the square.

I love the way this looks are the cards.  The card I posted yesterday was made using this technique.

Blessings from Marsha

All In a Day's Work

Today was spent away from home so I didn't get to do all that I wanted but I sure had fun spending time with my grandchildren.  I had this idea floating around in my head all day long using aluminum foil.  Well, I was working away and came up with a totally different look that has nothing to do with shiny.  So, to keep it short for tonight, here's today's work of art.

Blessings from Marsha

A New Day - A New Card

I woke up early this morning although my plan was to sleep late.  So, what was there to do but make a new card.  It was inspired by one I saw that used the Flower Burst Embosslit.  I really like the Perfect Plum color.

Now it's time to get ready to go play.  I'm headed to my upline's house shortly where I'll learn some new techniques.  It's going to be a fun afternoon.

Another Grand Day!

Another card designed and another marketing tool.  I use My Wish List in my catalogs I use at Workshops.  It is a gift for the guests and a convenient way for them to keep track of the products that really speak to them.  It's not an original idea but one that I came across during my time surfing websites and blogs.  I don't know who thought of it but I sure do thank them.

It's time for me to tuck down with teddy but before I did so, I wanted to share the pictures below.

Blessings from Marsha

Day Is Done

It's been such a good day.  The pictures posted below are ones taken using my new Photo Box.  It worked!  I'm so pleased.  Once again the cards are made from materials I had on hand.  All inks and stamps used are, of course, Stampin' Up!  In using up what I have, it has deepened my appreciation for the quality of product that Stampin' Up! offers.  Okay, I'm ready to end the day and can't until I post the pictures.  Oh, the last one is actually a journal.  I found a composition notebook and simply covered it with card stock.  So, here are the latest from the Coffee Pot Cafe.

Blessings from Marsha

It's A New Day!

It's a cloudy day here, although the sun is trying to make an appearance.  The weather report does not sound good for traveling but it sure sounds great for staying home and being creative.  That is exactly my plan.  There is so much I want to play with that I don't know where to begin.  I have photo transfer canvases to complete, more card designs swimming around in my head needing rescued from drowning and writing to be done.  I love being busy.

One of the things I determined to do is use up all of my "other" supplies.  Those who know me well, will know what I'm referring to.  Too much has been invested in them to simply throw them out.  Two of my "other" creations are posted below.  I'm pleased with them and will incorporate what I have done with the good "stuff."  Stamps and inks used are from Stampin' Up!  There are eight cards three green and five light blue.  Each card has a different sentiment stamped on it.  I have more designed but no pictures to post as of yet.  I just made a Photo Box and pray it works for what my mind envisioned.  That's next on my agenda.

Blessings from Marsha

New Cards

While waiting for supper to cook and a friend to arrive to share it with, I made a couple of new cards.  They were fun and easy and took no time at all.  I am loving the new Four Frames Stamp Set and the Decorative Label Punch.  And, of course, the little owl is just too cute!

I'm waiting for my little man to arrive for the day.  Aiden is my 16 month old grandson who has a smile that just lights up my whole day.  He spends a few days a week at Gran's while Mom works and Dad works and goes to school.  Busy times for all.

I love getting ideas from others and then adding a touch of my own as I did with the owl.  It's known as 'CASEing' and I appreciate their creativeness.  So, without further ado, here are the new card designs.

A Week Away

This week has seen little productivity.  I have some new designs to post but being away from home prevents me doing so.  With grandchildren on spring break and their parents still working, I have been away from the Cafe all the week long. Tomorrow, Friday, will find me there.  I have a Stampin' Up! order scheduled for delivery tomorrow and I'm anxious to get it.  I'm having my three grandchildren come to Grandma's house for the day.  Now I just have to come up with enough things to keep them busy.

So, to make a short story long, tomorrow will find me dancing around three little ones, taking pictures of my new creations, cleaning up my sadly neglected home, doing laundry, playing on my new laptop and planning for an upcoming workshop and club.

I am so blessed!

Blessings from Marsha

Time Does Fly...

It actually sprouts wings and takes off at a fast glide!  It really has been a busy time.  I've been watching grandchildren, making cards, designing name tags and trying to get my office rearranged and organized.  Life is good but I think I'll treat myself to a mini-vacation at the end of the month to celebrate my birthday.  I just have to decide where it is I want to go.

Last Saturday was the monthly meeting of our church group.  We are know as the "Seasoned Sisters" since we are the 50 and older crowd.  I had volunteered to make name tags for us and was reminded of that on the Thursday before.  Oops!  I had forgotten and needed to come up with something fast!  What I designed is shown below.  I decided to make 'real' name badges so we can use them over and over.  It also allows me to change out the name card when I get the urge.  Besides, I'm one of those people who does not like to have a sticky name tag slapped on my good blouses.  Sometimes it can do more harm than good.  Okay, my little pet peeve of the day.  Now on to the name badge preview.