I love it when a plan comes together...

I've known for most of my life that I'm the kind of person who thrives on deadlines. That must've been what helped me create this card yesterday! This is for Saturday's SAS, so now all I have left to do is cut a set of paper for a friend who found out after my deadline that she can come on Saturday. I'll happily cut extra for that reason!

The card uses Doodle This, which I did quite a bit with this spring when it was new. I'm glad it made it into the Fall-Winter Collection; it gave me more time to find new uses for it. The supplies include Wild Wasabi for the base (stamped with the same ink), Groovy Guava for the background (again, stamped with the same ink), and naturals ivory for the focal point. What really makes this card, in my opinion, is the addition of the copper metallic paper and the copper embossing powder on the flowers! The little greeting uses Rough Edges Alphabet.

On another note, we had a rough start to our morning here. There's a lot to adjust to in middle school, and I forget that each year has its own challenges. Last year there was NO way to miss the challenge--it was moving from IL to GA and going to public school after 6 years in private school! This year, I thought things would go more smoothly, even though we were districted for a newly constructed middle school. For the first few days, things have gone well. But this morning, Michael woke up with a nervous stomach and, as we were walking to the car to go to school, realized that he'd forgotten to do an assignment. I remember that feeling, don't you? The churning in the pit of your stomach that, not only had you forgotten, now you were going to be late! We got 'er done, and he was only 5 min. late. But my mama heart hurt for all he's trying to juggle so conscientously...no wonder he's nervous! All this to say, say a prayer for any kids you know who are going back to school.

Gotta run. Grocery shopping is calling, and I don't have a list yet! Please tell me this heat will break soon!

I have a good excuse...

Really, I do! I was busy in the craft room at the end of last week and didn't have time, due to a workshop, to post over the weekend. I know what it's like to check in at a blog you enjoy and find nothing new for several days, so let me say right now that I'm sorry and that I'll try to do better. School started Monday, and that threw me off a bit too. I'm also trying to get a job at Starbuck's, but that's another story.

What also has me plotting and not playing is the fact that my friends/customers are coming this Saturday for a Stamp-A-Stack with the sets from the new Fall-Winter Collection. I have 3 cards figured out, but the remaining 2 have me stumped. I'm sure I'll figure something out--I have to, they're paying for me to! Another reason why there's no NEW picture to share.

Here's one from the archives though.
My dad's cousin lives nearby, so we were invited to her 50th birthday dinner earlier this spring. The invitation expressly forbid gifts, so I decided I'd make a card that was super special instead. It's hard to tell from this photo, but this card has 9 panels of birthday greetings, and 50 candles to boot! You can see each panel up close and personal at my web gallery Cindy's Birthday Card. I love the reaction that cards like this get from the recipient. That's why I got into card making in the first place--to bless friends and family with something made specifically with them in mind. That's why this blog has the name it does. I sign each of my cards with the phrase "Just for You!" and add my initials and the date, just like Hallmark does. I want those I send cards to to know that whatever event they're celebrating warranted a unique creation by me.

Thanks again for stopping by today. I'll try to be more regular in my postings, but I know you understand how life can get away from you at times...have a good day!

Mini Mates Cards and Stamping Opportunities

On Tuesday I posted some retired stamp sets that I'm selling. These two cards are some of those I've created using the Mini Mates set. It's such a great set because it gives you so many options for making cards. Images and sentiments that coordinate--it's a good thing, to quote Martha. Post a comment if you'd like to purchase this set.

In case you are in the throes of "the week before school starts" craziness right now, I hope you will consider blocking out some time for yourself and attending one of these upcoming stamping opportunities I'm hosting at my house:

Aug. 18 from 10a-1p: Stampastack with sets from the Fall-Winter Collection. Some of you didn't make it to the open house I had in July to debut this new catalog, so you don't know what you're in for! On Monday I'll post the cards we're going to be making, but just exercise some faith and plan to come before you see what we're going to do. It's always a good time, and it'll be so fun to get back together after a busy summer. RSVPs are due Monday, Aug. 13--the first day of school--and the cost is $18 for 15 cards/envelopes.

Sept. 9 from 2-4p and Sept. 10 from 7-9p: Christmas Card Expo! This is the year you're going to get organized early enough to be able to make your Christmas cards or your gift cards and tags! I know you want to do it, and I'm here to help! Come stamp with some new sets from the Holiday Mini Catalog (it's way cool, and you know I don't gush about these things!) and let me assist you in creating a simple, fun design for your Christmas cards. Please RSVP by Sept. 4 for this FREE event.

Sept. 15 from 10a-1p: Anything But a Card Class. We're going to be making some really fun 3D items, including that mini notebook I posted about here last month! Cost is $20 for 8 items. These will be perfect little things to have on hand for last-minute gift giving for birthdays, hostess gifts, or Christmas exchanges at the office. Please RSVP by Sept. 5.

Thanks a Block!

Since my earlier post was boring, I thought I'd showcase a card using one of the three stamps in Block Party set. I profiled one last month (see Party Party! post), and this is another. This one utilizes the Thanks stamp, and is a quick way to create a card that communicates exactly what you want to say!

The color combination is an old favorite--last year's In Color Cranberry Crisp (I want to be on the team that names the colors) with Sage Shadow ink and mat on Very Vanilla. The ribbon is Moss gingham, with a little bit of the retired single stitched Cranberry Crisp ribbon.

Following a Friend's Suggestion

Lydia, my new friend and fellow blogger at Understand Blue, suggested yesterday to look at designer paper if one is ever lacking inspiration for a color combo. She suggested trying to marry So Saffron, Bashful Blue, and Purely Pomegranate as it is shown in SU!'s new designer paper called Cutie Pie. My plans for the afternoon were changed, so I had free time that I put to good use!

The Purely Pomegranate double-stitched ribbon was a last-minute addition, and I think it anchors the piece. I'm really psyched about how this turned out, although creating the quilted look by scoring squares on the diagonal to stamp the little star from Baroque Motifs in was enough to boggle my mind for a bit.

The sentiment is one of my favs: "Some people strengthen others just by being the kind of people they are." Isn't that a GREAT compliment to give someone? I had someone encourage me by being who she is, so she's going to get this card.

Send those cards you've made, friends!

Party Party!

I have a workshop this morning and this is one of the cards I'll be teaching the gals to make! I had to work to get this to become a layout that I liked. I'm not sure if you can tell, but the card front base stops where the polka dots end, and the Soft Sky is mounted inside. This leaves the focal image to "float" above it all.

I'm excited about how it turned out, and I hope they'll enjoy the process of putting it together. Stamping is so relaxing and a great way to connect with other women!

Here are the card's details: Block Party and Polka Dots and Paisleys stamp sets, Blue Bayou, Groovy Guava, Soft Sky, and Whisper White card stock, and Soft Sky ink.

Thanks for stopping by! Stop back for more cards and updates about my August and September stamping opportunities...