Bloggers' Challenge -- Halloween

It has been a long, long while....and I actually created this simple card for a previous challenge that took place a few weeks ago....it was a color challenge using Black, Orange, and White. I just never had the chance to download it and post. (As life returns to "normal" it is getting more and more hectic...and I've got to squeeze in about 2 hours of stretching exercises each day so my knee doesn't stiffen up too much....UGH! I just want this all to be behind me!!It's just over 3 months since I had my knee replaced.)

Anyway, I'm liking the simplicity of this card....and just in time for Halloween, but barely! And I had the opportunity to use this fun set, Batty for You once more before this holiday is over.....it's just so cute! I KNOW....Halloween isn't about cute, but I really don't like scary!

The images used for this card are stamped in Basic Black (left and right), and the center image was stamped in White Craft and embossed. See the little boogly eyes on the bat and spider? What you probably cannot tell is that the ghost image is raised on Dimensionals. They are all set against a scrap of older, long-retired Halloween-themed DSP. The black background was impressed with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder and my Big Shot.

Thanks for stopping by and spending a bit of time with me today.....don't forget to check out what the other bloggers have been up to. You can see the list of participants here. And please be sure to come back to join in the Royal Blog Tour (November 5 thru 8)....and you really don't want to miss that....you'll be able to easily blog hop from blog to blog and see amazing ideas, and maybe even win a prize or two! You can begin your tour from my blog.

Have a fun and safe Halloween!

Stamps: Batty for You, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Inks: Basic Black, White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie

Misc: Word Window Punch, 1 1/4" & 1 3/8" Round Punches, Dimensionals, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Pumpkin Pie Stripped Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), DSP (retired)

A Proud Grandma's Photo Album

While attending physical therapy (it's almost over), I met some wonderful people. One lady is someone that I knew slightly back in my sewing days.....when I used to make my twin daughter's clothing. Anyway, Margaret and I reconnected and she asked if I was still sewing (only sometimes). So, of course I explained that I am now passionate about rubber stamp art.....but she didn't quite get what that was. Well, long story short, she ended up ordering a number of card sets from me. THIS was my thank you gift from me to her.

I've been wanting to try making one of these fun little scrapbooks for a long time, and making one for Margaret was the perfect time to try. Now, the ones I've seen online were in tins, but since SU now sells these plastic cases (they are what our new clear-mount sets come in), I needed to see if they would work....they work perfectly!

The first photo shows the case.....but you probably don't recognize the DSP. To be honest, I no longer know the name.....it has long been retired from the SU line. I don't have much of this paper left (guess it's long overdue that I use it up, huh?!!), and it was just perfect for this project. The cover was really simple and also features retired mini brads in Barely Banana; the saying was computer generated. Those cute little elephants were created with a Martha Stewart punch.

Contained inside was the booklet itself (2nd photo). Coordinating DSP (from the same collection) was used. The inside of the scrapbook contains clear envelopes....they are the perfect size for photos! You can see the tutorial on making it here. It really is easy....and quick, too!

Margaret loved it and now she has a great way to show off photos of her grandson...and protect them in her purse. She is, after all, a very proud Grandma!

Stamps: N/A

Inks: N/A

CS: Gable Green*, Whisper White, Barely Banana*, Bashful Blue

Misc: Martha Stewart Punch (elephant), Scallop Square Punch, 1 1/4" Square Punch, Large White Brads (Neutrals Collection), DSP*

Thanks for stopping by today. And if you decide to make one of these great little albums, please be sure to share! They can be used for so many themes, and you're bound to have a great time making one (or more)!!

I've Been Such a Bad, Bad Blogger!

In my last post...which was over a month ago (GASP!), I promised to post the remainder of the hand-stamped get well cards I received.

Well, right after making that promise, my computer crashed and then I was told to get off my feet for most of the day. Now I elevate my feet a few hours each day(need to lay down for this!) and wear a compression stocking on my right leg...trying to reduce the swelling in my operated knee. (Life just keeps getting better, doesn't it?!!) I'm still not sleeping well, and still going to therapy, which wears me out. But, I have been stamping...I just don't seem to be able to multi-task these days! UGH!

Anyway, I have a number of things to share with you, so first....thank you for your patience; and please come back soon! (I'll also be participating in a Blog Tour soon...so, I've begun to work on that!)

For today, I have the remaining 2 hand-stamped cards I received some time ago from a couple of on-line friends. The first one in browns and greens is so much prettier in real life! I have to admit when I first saw it online (Rose posted it for a Challenge), I thought it was pretty, but it just didn't stand out. Well....a week or so later it landed in my mailbox and I have to tell you that it is just drop dead gorgeous!! Rose has lots of great little details on this beauty, which make all the difference...I'm so lucky to have received it!

Stamps: Growing Green, EnFrancais, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Inks: Crumb Cake, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip

CS: Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Very Vanilla

Misc: 1 1/4" Round Punch, Buttons Sizzlet, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch, Crystal Effects (each leaf has been "painted" with CE), Natural Hemp Twine, Garden Green Mini Brads (from the Regals Collection), Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Dimensional (under "button" accent), Woodland Walk DSP, Sponge

Please note: All materials used to create this sample are currently available from SU! This card was created by Rose Kerry from California.

My next surprise, was from Marjie Schulsinger, who lives out in Colorado. This is another beauty that is so much prettier in person! Marjie used that wonderful, new (I really want it!) set, Just Believe, and a great, old favorite, Inspired by Nature. Aren't they great together?!! For the focal piece on this card, Marjie embossed the floral image and sponged the background. Easy, but so stunning!

Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Just Believe

Inks: Black Craft, Not Quite Navy (saying), More Mustard

CS: Basic Black, Not Quite Navy, Marina Mist, Whisper White, Glossy White, More Mustard

Misc: Black Embossing Powder, Narrow Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Word Window Punch, Sponge, Beautiful Wings Embosslit

Please note: ALL materials used to create this card are currently available from SU! This card was created by Marjie Schulsinger of Colorado.

Aren't I lucky to have received these beauties?!! All these wonderful cards made my recovery so much brighter!! Thanks so much for stopping by today...I am so sorry there was such a lapse of time since my last post! I'm now coming up on the 3 month mark since my surgery and although I am far from totally recovered, I am feeling better and getting around more, and am beginning to feel like my old self, although I still have a way to go yet. I promise to post much more often, so please come back and visit!!