Silent Auction for Nie Nie

One of the things I love about cyberspace is the way information travels. With an intense ferocity.

That's how I heard about Stephanie and Christian Nielson. Friends of friends of friends..... you get the idea.
Here is a bit of their story...

About Nie:
On Saturday, August 16, 2008, Stephanie Nielson was in a plane crash with her husband, Christian Nielson, and his flight instructor, Doug Kinnear, near St. J

ohns, Arizona. Doug Kinnear passed away soon after arriving at the Maricopa County Hospital.

Christian & Stephanie remain in critical condition at Maricopa Burn Center. Christian has sustained burns on over 30% of his body. His wife Stephanie’s body was burned over 80%.

For the past four years, Stephanie has welcomed us into her charming abode through the NieNie Dialogues. Far from being a product of creative editing, the Nielson’s don’t just shine through the selective lens of a blog. They are ingenuous examples of family devotion, eternal romance, and Christ centered faith.

When I heard they were accepting donations for a silent auction to raise money for their recovery costs, I wanted to help. I have donated two card sets which you can see below. There are many of my creative mommy friends that are donating as well. You can check out the auction here TODAY!! (Thur. Aug. 28th 2008). There are many fun things you can bid on or if you care to give a straight donation you can click on the link in my sidebar or visit the

NieNie Dialogues for more information.

Here is another great post done by Stephanie's sister. You can read about the love and strength they have as a family and the journey they are all on together.

Or you can see the Nie Recovery blog site to check in on what's happening now, watch news clips of the crash or see how the family is doing.

It is such an amazing time when people who have never met can bind together for a cause. For the lives of another. Send up a prayer for those that are suffering. For Stephanie and Christian. For their children at home missing their parents. For the brothers, sisters, relatives and friends who are all waiting and praying for their recovery.

Thank You.

k

The first set is of eight 4x4 notecards & envies in a plastic storage box. Please note** Since the envelopes are handcrafted there is no glue on the flap. The ribbon is intended to help secure the flap into place. Also USPS will NOT process this size of card. These are intended to be hand delivered with love : )

Second set is eight standard 4.25 x 5" cards & stamped envies in a plastic storage box.

Now go check out the auction and BID BID BID!!!!

Merry Christmas Pinecones

I really like this card. I love the color (OY! Pure Poppy HEAVEN!), I love the crinkled vellum. I love the images. BUUUUUUUTTTT... I think it's too bulky with the ribbon. Maybe I should try some fibers instead. I added some crystal snow to the top of the leaves and pine cone to make it a bit more wintery, but you can't see it in the photo. Nor can you see the background stamps of snowflakes. It definitely has more interest in real life. This Pure Poppy just sucks up all the attention. Perfect for the holidays!

*** Did you know: Artificial Christmas Trees have outsold real ones since 1991. 

Hmmmm. I wonder which is less "green". Chopping down a live tree, or the plastics & chemicals used to make a fake one.

Deets: 

Stamps: First Fruits (PTI), Christmas Expressions (Mona Lisa Moments by Cornish Heritage Farms), Season's Of Joy (snowflake-SU!)

Ink: Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate, Spring Moss, (all PTI)

Paper: Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate, Stampers Select White, Vellum (all PTI)

Accessories: Pure Poppy Ribbon, Distressing Tool (SU!) Crystal Snow (Stampendous)

Joy, Peace, Hope I get my cards done.

Second Christmas card idea. I stamp kissed the tree with some flourishes. They didn't come out as noticeable as I'd liked. Plus you can see the glue through my glitter. Guess I didn't let it coat enough. Will do better next time!!

I love this tree though!! And it was simple to do. But is it a Christmas-y tree enough? I think this tree needs an owl :)

*** Did you know: Alabama was the first state to recognize Christmas as an official holiday, in 1836.

Leave it to Alabama to throw a good par-tay!

Deets: 

Stamps: Christmas Expressions (Cornish Heritage Farms), Kissable Tree (Kim Hughes for Cornish Heritage Farms, Beautiful (kissed flourishes- Cornish Heritage Farms) Out On a Limb (Berries- PTI)

Ink: Old Olive (SU!), Berry Sorbet, Dark Chocolate (PTI)

Paper: Vintage Cream, Dark Chocolate (PTI)

Accessories: Distressing Tool (SU!), Snow Crystals (Stampendous), Sterling Glitter (Martha Stewart)

The Holidays are COMING!

I do realize what time of year it is. School hasn't started yet (for us anyway), Halloween is in the distance and Christmas is EONS away. But all my cardmakin' buddies are already thinking of, if not completing their Christmas cards already. And since I have a move in my near future (hopefully) plus some lofty card making gift ideas for the holidays, I thought I should start on my cards now!  

I am toying with a few ideas. Please feel free to vote on which one you like. I will be posting a few through the next week or so. I'm trying to balance a few things; First, I want them to stamp out fast, (I have to make 50!) but not be so simple that it's boring. Plus it can't be too bulky so it doesn't get ripped to shreds in the mail. (I hear the postmen hate ribbon, is that true?) So this is the first prototype. I like it, but it doesn't wow me. Any thoughts??

***Fun Fact: The first letter of the Greek word for Christ is chi, which is X. Before the invention of the printing press, "Xmas" was often used, in print, to save time and ink.

Good. Now I don't feel so sacrilege!! 

Deets:

Stamps: Out on a Limb, First Fruits (PTI), Christmas Expressions, (Cornish Heritage Farms)

Ink: Pure Poppy, Spring Moss, Dark Chocolate (allPTI)

Paper: Kraft, Vintage Cream, Pure Poppy, Vellum (all PTI)

Accessories: Distressing Tool (SU!) Gold Fiber Ribbon (Michael's Crafts)

Happy Flower Birthday Card

I'm trying to fatten up my birthday card stash, which has all of ONE card in it. I love this new color Pure Poppy by Papertrey Ink. It's vivid, smooth and irresistible. 

** Did you know: Coca Cola was originally GREEN. 

Oh man, they should have made it the color of Pure Poppy. I would totally drink it!

Deets:

Stamps: Garden Of Life (PTI), Stencil Design Block, (Hero Arts)

Ink: Pure Poppy (PTI), Chartreuse (Palette), Basic Black (SU!)

Paper: Stampers Select White, Sweet Blush (PTI)

Accessories: Pure Poppy Ribbon, (PTI), Snow Crystal Glitter, (Stampendous)

Happy Birthday Flowers

Patrick's gone, so I've been using all my time for card making. I've been trying out some new sets. I really love the flowers from Garden Of Life. They're so happy.

Here's saying Happy Birthday to you!

***Did you know:  Heinz Catsup, leaving the bottle travels at 25 miles PER YEAR. Holy boredom Bateman!

Deets: 

Stamps: Garden Of Life, Birthday Basics (sentiment) Polka Dot Basics (all Papertrey Ink)

Ink:  Soft Sky, Not Quite Navy, Basic Black, Craft White (SU!)  Chartreuse (Palette) 
Paper: Stampers Select White CS (Papertrey Ink),  Not Quite Navy CS. (SU!)

Accessories: Silver fibers, (Michael's Craft Store)

With Sympathy

This is the first time I have ever had to send a Sympathy card. And unfortunately this week, it is my first time, and I am also sending 2. It makes me sad that it has to be done. But I do desire to share my love with these people who have lost a loved one in their life at this time. 

The first was a layout I have been wanting to try. You stamp the image(s) and then cut it into three equal segments. I used my fav. color combo right now, Chocolate, Aqua Mist and Vintage Cream all from Papertrey Ink. They are so pretty they could definitely (and probably have been) wedding colors.

The stamp set is Kim Hughes called Natures Silhouettes from Cornish Heritage Farms.

Click on her name to check out her blog. I really love her design style. Plus she has stamping tips after each post and something fun to share. I quite enjoy checking in with her regularly. Also, she has great stamp sets. That is obvious!!

 The sentiment I used was from Birds of a Feather also by Papertrey and inked the edges with some chalk ink.

The second one was a bit more simple as I was using up the scraps of the same paper.  This time though I pulled out these new stamps I just HAD to try out. I love the design of them and that they are big enough to do scrap book pages... if I ever actually did them.

The are called French Quarter by Inque Boutique.  I bought them at the Purple Turtle. They are just so lovely I couldn't resist! The flower top is actually a stamp from Birds of a Feather. I thought they went together well enough. I wanted to do different colors and the bud on the French Quarter was a little small as the focal point, so I switched it. Also I stamped the corner image on the base card with Aqua Mist ink and then stamped over it with the Creamy Brown Chalk Ink to help bring it out a bit. If you have never tried Chalk Ink, you have not lived! Go out and get some today!!! I love the richness of the colors. And they are a dream to use. I also inked the edges of the Vintage Cream with the Creamy Brown. Chalk inks are great for this and it gives the card such warmth. I also used my new slot punch from SU! It's been a fun addition to my crafting supplies.

After I finished these up, I really struggled with what to write inside them. I wish so much that these weren't going out, but I hope they can feel the love and thought that went into them. 

Thanks for stopping by.

k

Deets Card 1: All are PTI unless noted

Stamps: Natures Silhouettes, Birds of a Feather (sentiment)

Ink: Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, Sweet Blush, Dark Chocolate, Creamy Brown Chalk Ink (Color Box)

Paper: Dark Chocolate, Aqua Mist, Vintage Cream

Accessories: Dark Chocolate Ribbon, Gold Brad, Dimentionals, Slot Punch (SU!)

Deets Card 2:

Stamps: French Quarter (Inque Boutique), Birds of a Feather (sentiment, flower top; PTI)

Ink: Berry Sorbet, Aqua Mist, Dark Chocolate (PTI) Creamy Brown and Bisque Chalk Ink (Color Box), Old Olive (SU!)

Paper: Dark Chocolate, Aqua Mist, Vintage Cream (PTI)

Accessories: Dark Chocolate Ribbon (PTI),  Slot Punch (SU!)

Picture Frames

One thing I have been reflecting on lately is that I have great friends. My lovely friend Kage gave me this cool picture frame with a pic of me and some other friends for my birthday. (Check out their websites/blogs. They are all VERY VERY talented. Thats Cassandra, and Helen. 

 I love this frame. The pattern is really great and it adds love and life to my shelf. Thanks Kage!!

Since I have been home from Utah I have been racking my brain for an idea of what to do for my sisters and mom to say thank you for such a great birthday party. They gave me all the love I needed on a not-so-fun day. Translation: I was feeling old and was wallowing...bad. They gave me just the right pick-me-up and now I am 31 with no emotional scars (well, not big ones anyway).

One day as I was staring at this frame Kage gave me it clicked an I knew I needed to make some for my family. We took pictures on my birthday and I just knew this would be the perfect thing to show my love. 

I picked up these wood frames at Michael's (they were super cheap... don't tell my family!) Added some of my favorite patterned paper a few embellishments and our picture and Viola! Instant gift. I put a thin coat of Mod Podge to give it a glossy finish and a more professional touch. Sorry about the glare. I have been having camera/brain issues lately. I must practice at my picture and photoshop skills. Here they are in all their glory.

They were really fun (and did I say Easy?) to make and I picked paper I thought went with their personalities so I got to think a lot about the wonderful family I have. The only bummer is the pictures weren't that great. A bit fuzzy, poorly cropped (by me) and why is the picture on the wall behind us crooked??? Who knows. But I figure they can put whatever pictures they like in it when I'm not looking : )

Thanks girls (both in NY and UT) for making my birthday so great!!!

Woot Woot!!!

My Papertrey Ink package just showed up and I can't stop grinning. Even Patrick asked why I sounded so chipper on the phone. Who knew the joy that a little acrylic can bring. 

I received a gift certificate to Papertrey Ink from each one of my sisters for my birthday. I was giddy to say the least and in order to prolong the joy I used half of them last month and just used up the rest this month. 

I got this hospitality/thanksgiving-ish set. First Fruits. I {heart} it SO much. It's just warm and clean, thoughtful and loving. It's flexible enough to be used for a variety of things. Which is great since I don't think I will be sending out many Thanksgiving cards. 

Check out Nicole's blog to see all the wonderful things the design team made with this set. I can't wait to try it.

The second set I got was actually released last month but was sold out by the time I got around

 to deciding what I wanted to order, so I waited till this month to pick it up. Its all OWLS!  It's called Wise Owl. Very cute and so usable since the parts come separately.  

I am looking forward to doing this Build-an-Owl kit that one of the designers Niki did. I am shameless at stealing these ideas for myself. I'm just not creative enough yet to come up with these cool ideas on my own, so for the time being, I case case case!!!

It looks pretty doable for me to make and will be perfect for my quest in finding enough stuff to keep the kids busy on sunday.

So thats it. Of course I got some ink, paper and other fun things you just can't live without. 

I will post my re-creations soon!  Yeah Papertrey!

Vintage Lacing Cards, Or Otherwise Titled; I HATE Church!!

Since being back into town I have be sick, depressed and frustrated. Did you know?? Well, now ya do! And some of it has been centered around how much I hate church. Now it's not because I don't like the people, or don't believe what is being said, it's just because I hate going to church with my children. I would have titled this post, "I hate my children" But that's not entirely true and really would you have read this post if I would have been that honest? I venture to say NO, you wouldn't have.  

Anyway, since I have been home I have also been DYING to craft. Those few weeks away left me empty (boo hoo!) I guess you could say it's in my blood. SO, while I was brainstorming about how to get through another sacrament meeting with a 18mnth old climbing my shirt and a 4yr old screaming, I realized I needed a PLETHORA of things for them to do. As in a new thing ever 5 minutes. And since I had the crafting itch, this idea come to mind.

 

Lace Up Cards!!

I have wanted to buy lace-up cards for quite a while but the ones at the store are SO lame and VERY expensive (for what they are). So I set out to make my own. I had this great vintage-y paper by K&Company called Kazoo Kids. It is actually a Scrap Pad which comes with double sided paper PLUS embellishments, trim, letters and other nifty stuff. So I cut some shapes out of leftover cardboard, slapped some patterned paper and trim on them and punched some holes around the edges. I was thinking they would get me by in church, but when I looked at the finished product, I really LOVED Them!!! I think its the paper that just makes them work so well. 
I also picked up some colorful shoelaces at my local 99 cent store to make them that much more fun. I am toying with the idea of some Mod Podge to give it a finish so the paper doesn't rip, and maybe stamping the name of the shape, but not in a cheezy sort of way. But obviously I have yet to do that. The prototype still needs some finessing. What do you think?

Today the kids played with them in sacrament meeting and it was the thing that held their attention the longest. That's saying a lot since I also brought the all holy "spiderman stuff". Yep, that's right, we're mixing the secular with the spiritual. I'm just a mom trying to get through the day, so sue me!

I think I love these so much I will definitely make more. Thanks for stopping by. Have a vintage-y lace up day!

Deets:

Paper: Kazoo Kids (K&Company), Cardboard

Accessories: ShoeLaces, Tacky Glue

Emboss Resist Glass Etching

I ran into a few tutorials on glass etching. I was really curious about it and decided while I was in Utah to give it a go. I picked up this plate from Tai Pan for a whopping 2$. I figure if I ruined it, I wasn't out much. Well, that was until I bought the etching paste. That stuff is expensive! But with a 50%off coupon in my pocket, how could I go wrong? 

To start, what you do is clean your plate really well (watch for finger prints) and stamp your image with Versamark. You need to be careful because the Versamark is really slippery and you run the risk of smudges. Then you pour embossing powder over the image and heat emboss it. 

I ran an image of flowers and vines all around the circumference of the plate. Another thing I learned is when you are choosing an image, make sure it is very bold without a lot of detail. In hindsight, my flower and vines were not a good choice. Too much room for error. 
Then I masked the top of the plate with tape and applied the paste with a brush. I also learned that the more you put on the deeper it etches. Also, if you want to try this yourself, you really should rub the paste around constantly and in every direction. When you understand the paste is actually scratching the glass (which I do now) you want even and full coverage or it gets splotchy. 
Then you wait the allotted time. The bottle of paste said 5 min. The tutorial said around 20. I don't think you actually have to wait 20 min. but if you do, rubbing it the whole time would be a good thing. Then you are assured to get the best coverage. Rinse your plate in warm water and pat dry. As it dries, the etching will start to show up. My mom and I thought it didn't work since we couldn't see the etching through the water. This is normal and it will show up as it dries.Here's my final plate. You can see some splotchiness and rough details throughout. Overall, not the best looking, but I learned a lot and can't wait to try it again. Patrick said he liked it, but that it didn't look good enough to actually serve food on. I agree. I left it at my mom's house since it didn't fit in my bag (or did it?). I guess we will see if she ever uses it. Next time I go, if it hasn't left the cupboard, I might have to use it for shooting practice.