Live, Laugh, Love, Pray...

Sisters Heart to Heart

From the time that we were little,
I knew you’d always be
Not just a loving sister
But a caring friend to me.

A shoulder I could cry on,
A helping hand in times of need,
A cheerleader to lift me up,
My angel in both word and deed.

We told each other secrets;
We giggled and we cried.
We shared our joys and sorrows--
We were always side by side.

We have a very special bond;
I knew it from the start.
You’ll have my love forever--
We’re sisters, heart to heart.

-Oliver Wendell Holmes

I'm not a creative writer, but when I found this poem, I knew it was written for my twin sister and I. We have always shared more than just a womb, we share a unique bond that most siblings will never understand. Sometimes life throws you curveballs that you wish you could throw right back. I wish what I were feeling right now was just a dream, however, it's LIFE. There are never enough answers to LIFE's questions and how they have affected my family this week. My identical twin sister has been diagnosed with a brain tumor that may have gone unoticed for several years. She only started having symptoms a few weeks ago and the tumor is taking up residence in 1/4 of her brain. My twinkie is the hardest working person I know and also the strongest! I know she will make it thru this! If God is listening...you have ALOT of explaining to do mister! I will be flying down to GA to be with my family and sister for her surgery next week. Please keep us in your thoughts...

FYI-no furter card/gift orders will be accepted at this time and I have contacted those of you who have pending inquiries. I know you will understand...

My Stamping Space Day #3

I'm always looking for new storage solutions and since I like to keep things clean and simple, this Creative Memories Binder stores all my FAVORITES! The inserts come in several different sizes...quarters, long sticker strips, wide 2 pocket pages etc. I originally did store all my stickers in here, but have since taken them out.
I just happen to have some spare sheets of strong, pliable plastic sheeting that I cut down to size and store my unmounted stamps on. This shot is of my Bella stamps and you can get about 4-5 per plastic sheeting, depending on size and shape. I copied and shrunk the original tags on one page and just simply put it inside of the pocket flap so all my stamps are easy to find.
For clear unmounted stamps, I keep them on the original sheeting they come on and just slide them into the pockets.
Look what else I can get in here???...lol I love the fact that my Nestibility dies are thin enough that I can get several sets in one pocket. I wasn't able to fit my next photo on this post, but the next page stores my large Cuttlebug folders and you can get 2 per pocket.

My Stamping Space Day #2...

Another great find from IKEA. Mom bought this for me over Christmas break...I loved it so much, I went and got an additonal rod and more baskets! These rods are very versatile and you can put whatever type basket on them that you like. I especially love the fact that all my tools are in "hands" reach. I put all the tools in there that I use for every project and its just super handy:) They are very sturdy and the bottom of the bucket rests against the wall. Just to be safe, you can put a little rubber dot on the back so it doesn't rub too much on the wall surface. The best part of this storage unit is that my tools are up & off my desk allowing for more room to create.
These are the additional baskets I bought along with a new rod. I just switched them out so you can see your options...lol Because I live in BRAND SPANKIN' new military housing, I really didn't want to put any more holes in the wall! I will certainly be putting them up at my new house in June though:) Great spot for your water bottle too...no spills on your precious artwork...lol

These plastic containers are the "heart" of my storage space. I put EVERYTHING in these that I will eventually use-12x12 patterned paper, chipboard, paper alterables, stickles, chalk ink, SU! ink pads, large punches, prismacolor pencils, makers, and large spools of ribbon. I purchased all these at Target when they were on sale. On a good sale day, a 3 drawer set is only 7.99! The red basket on the upper left drawers, is my basket for special card requests and gifts I make for friends and family. I don't keep very many cards on hand, so when I get a special order/request they are made in about a week, depending on how intricate the design might be. On the upper right hand drawers, I keep my Cuttlebug and Wizard Die Cutting Machines. Both of these machines are pretty heavy, but the plastic shelving seems to be holding up well!
I am not one to be too oganized, but I think since I've cleaned/de-cluttered everything, I've become a little OCD! Yes, these are see-thru containers, but I also like using my label maker...especially on the lower drawers where I might not be able to see the contents too well. In between these two units you will see a grey contraption sticking out in the middle. That is where I store my new Scor-Pal...she fits nicely and is out of the way when I'm not using her:) Whew! Thats a long post! I will share my FAVORITE storage idea tomorrow:)

My Stamping Space...

I like to keep things simple and organzied, so a corner in my dining room suites me just fine. Plus if I had my own room, I'd be buying many more supplies than I'd know what to do with...lol
Just about all my organizational tools and storage are from IKEA, because I love their quality and affordability. As you can see my Prima's and Buttons are stored in glass cylinders so I can "see" what I have. I just purchased these a few weeks ago and its made wonders on putting my flowers and buttons to use. Afterall, if you can't see it, than you don't use it!
My dandy ribbon storage! I had originally bought this for some other use, but discovered when I cut down my chipboard, that it would be perfect for my ribbon! The box on the far left stores my scrap ribbon and the remaining boxes store the rest and the ribbon is sorted by color families.
If you store your ribbon like this, be sure you use heavy weight chipboard to prevent it from "dipping" in the middle when wrapping your ribbon. To keep the ribbon from unraveling I just use a small straight pin and push it thru 2-3 layers of the ribbon. I haven't had any issues with a pin mark being left behind on the ribbon when I'm ready to use. Now, I do have large spools of my May Arts ribbon, however with their large yardage quantity they are stored in my rolling cart. Any ribbon 5 yards and under is stored in this wooden box.
I will show more storage and organzing tips thru-out the week! My favorite is how I store my clear/unmounted stamps and nestibility dies(all in ONE book!!!).

My Punny Valentine:)))))

Two little monkies sittin' in a tree...sorry, I couldn't resist! This is the card I made for my sweet hubby! I love these new Twisted Sentiments from MFT and I know I could get some funny cards out of this set for my stampin' girlfriends as well! Soo, I wanted to create a card that was free of "girly" stuff and knew if I started off with a Kraft CS base, that it would start me in the right direction. I used my SU! Aida Cloth bg stamp in Chocolate Chip ink and covered the whole card(4x4). The leaves are from my sticker stash and I antiqued them with a topaz shade...kind of makes them look more "foresty". I purchased the 3-D monkies from the gift packaging isle at Target. I added red heart stickers and covered them in Christmas Red Stickles for a little bling effect. The sentiment on the bottom is stamped on Kraft CS and matted on CM gold. The tie ribbon is from a Hallmark Sale eons ago and I rubbed chocolate chip and topaz over it to antique it. The brads are from Making Memories. My hubby called me this afternoon and LOOOVES it...I slipped it in his lunch today...awww!

Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head...

We were buried in snow yesterday, it has since left, and now were drowning in rain!!! So, I thought these two cards were fitting for today's post. I received some new stamps last week from My Favorite Things(Rain or Shine Set) and went to town. I must say, the umbrella that comes with this set is hard for me to work with...thats why you'll only see it on one card out of the many I made. I think it would work better if the stamp were outlined and not a solid pattern. None the less, I'm still IN LOVE with this gal and her sassy coat and boots:)This card is 5x5 square and the base is Bazzill textured black. The red matte is also Bazzill cs. The patterned paper is from Me and My Big Ideas that I purchased at A.C. Moore. I haven't been able to find any since:( I colored the image with prismacolor pencils and blended with gamsol. To kill the open space to the right, I used my PTI-Little Lady Set and inked her up with Dew Drops Chalk Ink. For a litle added depth, I used MM silver eyelets. These go on super easy with my new Crop-A-Dile...how did I ever live without this??!!!!!
This is a standard A2 card. I started off with SU! Chocolate Chip base and matted Pink Bazzil cs(top half) and SU! PP on the bottom. I used my Polka Dot Bg for the top half and inked her up with Chocolate Chip ink. The stamped image is colored with prismacolor pencils and I used my Clear Spica Glitter Pen to add a little sparkle(the photo doesn't pic it up, but its super shimmery). I paper pieced her coat and added some Amuse Twinkle Stickers to her umbrella. The ribbon is SU! Chocolate Chip. Here's to hoping the rain lets up SOON:)

Special Delivery...

Just some more awesome goodies from the Target Dollar Spot! The mailboxes AND paper are from Target. My mailboxes are left over from last years stash! We didn't have any at the Target near me, so I sent out an FYI email to my family...my dear sister in CA sent me 30!!!! She is too cool...even went to two different Target's to find these sweet treasures:) This was also the first time I used my Crop-A-Dile....I'M in LOOOVE! No more hammering late at night and keeping the crickets up!
To keep things simple, I made a template from last year and kept it so I know where to place my hole punch around the flag. Once you punched the hole, just make a simple slit cut that will allow you to fold your paper around the screw hole. You can modpodge if you like, but I prefer sticky tape:) I added a few scrap ribbons and trimmed them nicely. The monograms are done with my PTI set as well as the Borders and Corners Limited Edition-Dotted Circle. I used my marvy scalloped circle punch and matted it directly onto the plastic flag. On the front lid, I used my nesty rectangle dies and added some MM silver brads. I popped up the whole sentiment with dimensionals. Once your done just fill up with some yummy goodies! You could also use these mailboxes for baby & wedding showers....oh soo the possibilites! These are going to my Daughter's pre-school teachers this week!

Burp Cloths are BACK....

Here's a brand new batch of burp cloths for sale. I've had several requests since the last time I posted these. I have all new patterns! These cloths are 100% washable and you can also throw them in with regular laundry. If you are interested contact me directly @ madscrapper24@yahoo.com I do have more fabric available if I sell out of a certain pattern, just check with me before sending payment:) I will accept paypal or postal money order only. Each set comes complete with two cloths that are sewn by yours truly:) They are backed with the best quality gerber cloth diaper and super thick to prevent any leakage.

What you see posted is what I have on hand and ready for immediate shipping.

Cost: 20.95 and does include priority shipping.

Sweet Pea Tote...

I absolutely LOOOVE this patterned paper(sorry, I forogt the vendor!), but because of the large images I never found anything to use it on...until...I was rummaging thru my alterables and found my wooden tote boxes. I found these at my local craft store and they come in two sizes, small & large...I'm working on a little boy one, but its not quite finished. I'm promise when I'm finished it too, will be posted:)
I started off by modpodging my PP on the box and used my sanding block to sand off the excess paper. I then added the scalloped edge border. I used a small strip of SU! Old Olive cs and stamped it with a the small polka dot bg stamp. Mike's ribbon is added on both layers. The "baby girl" sentiment and dotted circle stamp are both from Papertrey Ink. There was still a little gap after I stamped on the sentiment so I glued on some Dew Drops(Spring Blossom) for a little added glimmer.
I'm sure you could get a whole package of 3 onesies inside...just remove the cardboard insert and re-wrap them a little tighter. I'm going to wrap this up with cellophane and tie with some yummy ribbon:)

Glue-Art and Paper Studio...

Another fun project I designed for Glue-Art & Paper Studio. This is the MINI-Crafters Card File and it also comes in a Larger size which holds 3x5 cards. You can check out this PAGEfor some inspiration and ideas. There were many things I wanted to do with this particular piece, however, I think this is the most practical idea for any new Mom. As any new Mom will tell you, time is slim and trying to keep up with your new one's baby book can slip your mind. With these easy insert cards, you can simply pull a card out, jot down baby's milestone's and keep them filed until you have time to record all your thoughts in their babybook.
I started by altering the outside of the base piece with MM Eathan Collection PP. I modpodged the paper on and sanded around the edges for a vintage look. The sentiment oval is cut out with CM oval cutting patterns and printed on my pc. The pacifier and fork&spoon are metal charms from MM. The charms had a keyhole so you ccould tie on to a card, however, I just cut them off since I didn't need them. The insert cards are white & come in several colors.

I covered the dividers with more PP and added the tabs with sticky tape. The tabs are run thru my nestibility wizard and I colored(Dew Drops Chalk INK) the centers while still in the die so it gives you a nice white border. Tab titles were done with my Karen Foster Snap stamps and then I added some eyelets to match.

For more great ides via the Design Team...Click HERE.

For a list of retailers....CLICK HERE.

HAVE FUN Ladies!!

STAMPS FOR SALE!!!

Time to clean up and get rid of stamp sets that I no longer use, or quite frankly, to free up some space! We are moving in a few months and I don't want to drag this all with me...lol All sets are priced cheap to sell! Prices do not include shipping!

Shipping: 1-2 sets $4.60 priority flat rate 2 or more sets will ship @ $8.95 flat rate.

Payment: I will only be accepting paypal this round...its fast and easy and I will also waive the fee:)

All stamps are used, unless otherwise noted. Some sets only have one stamp used.

PAPERTREY INK:
1. Borders & Corners Ovals-only one stamp used-$14.00(SOLD)

Stampin' UP!:
1. Blooming with Happiness-excellent con-$6.00
2. Flaky Friends-excellent con-$12.00(SOLD)
3. Swell News-$10.00(SOLD)
4. So Very-excell con.-$6.00
5. Loads of Love Accessories-$10.00(SOLD)
6. Loads of Love-$10.00(SOLD)
7. A New Little Someone-$12.00
8. Big Blossom-$6.00
9. Label Classics-$10.00
10. Island Blossoms-$12.00(SOLD)

Punch Box Terrific Tags & Too Terrific Tags-$40.00
*I'm including BOTH stamps sets with this which also comes with the TAG PUNCH and 3 ink spots: Real Red, Certainly Celery, Brocade Blue. Only the REAL RED ink has been opened. This whole set is in BRAND NEW condtion and you get the cute teal tin to store it all in:)

Crafty Secrets:
1. Hardware-BRAND NEW still in package-$14.00(free shipping)(SOLD)

If you have any questions on purchasing or need help with you paypal invoice, please feel free to reach me at madscrapper24@yahoo.com
I will update this post as sets sell out:)

Garden Club Bellas...

You ladies LOOOOVE your Bella notebooks:) These were done as a special request for a local garden club here. I actually met the gal thru my Weight Watchers class...cool eh? Anyhoo, these are same layout as all the others, just made them "grocery list" notebooks. These are especially easy to make up when coloring as well. When I use my prismacolor pencils, its super easy to pick up the colors from the patterned paper. I remember when I first started stamping I didn't know what colors to play with...simple rule of thumb I could have learned long ago...lol

I will be back up and running regularly next week. The girls and I are over the ickies and I've been crafting alot the last few days. There will also be a return of the Burp Cloths sale...think kids vintage & Amy Butler fabrics....YUMMY!