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!

Saturday's getting closer...

Some days you have it, some days you don't. I can't decide which this card is a result of! Here's what I came up, after working at my craft desk for over an hour! The color was skewed by my camera; it's Purely Pomegranate and Soft Sky, both from the new In Color Collection. I wanted to make a card that was different, so I started with the idea of a pocket. No, I started with the idea of a bookmark, and then the idea of a pocket to put the bookmark in came about. I'm not sure how I feel about it, but I don't have time today to think about it. I'm volunteering this morning, I have a meeting this afternoon, and I need to go to the grocery sometime too!

Thanks for stopping by!

This Just In!!!

I don't know if you're into deals, but I am, and this one is a FABULOUS!!! Stampin’ Up! has decided to let you do something you may have always dreamed of--choose your own family! Color family, that is.

Purchase the Starter Kit for $199 between now and September 14, and you’ll get to pick the color family of your choice of Classic Stampin’ Ink Pads® FREE. That’s 12 full-sized ink pads--a $57.95 value! Ladies, I saved $60 when my washer had to be replaced two weeks ago, and I didn't dedicate a blog entry to that event! When do we ever get almost $60 off anything this FUN!!

Here's the skinny about the Starter Kit. It's completely customizable: choose 5 stamp sets and 6 ink pads that you like, and the Stampin' Scrub and Stampin' Mist, scissors, a standard wheel (again, your choice), handle and ink cartridge, blender pens, Stampin' Pastels, Versamark pad, mono adhesive, three packs of card stock, and business supplies completes the kit. Follow this link to see a picture! It's a $355 value for $199 WITHOUT THE SPECIAL of the color family of ink pads for $57,95. So, this is simply is an OUTSTANDING offer that you really should consider...Contact me and I'll help you get 'er done! You won't regret it!

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.

oops!

today's post published below yesterday's. please scroll down.

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.