Strawberries...anyone?

Strawberry Jam...anyone?!  Hubby and I went strawberry picking the other day...at the local Costco.  I know not very original or fresh, but I had to do something.  I didn't think we could eat them fast enough...you know?!  Besides after taking a peek at the pantry, I thought we needed some jams this year anyway.  I think it's been three or four years since I did jams last.  Don't the jars look Y-U-M-M-Y!! And the lids are popping as we speak!!

Playing with the queen of hearts...

Yep, I've been playing, otherwise known as stitching, with the queen of hearts.  Well, actually it's just hearts, but it's what I thought of when I was getting ready to post this little project.  Guess what...it's another project off my 2011 Project List...can I hear a woop! woop!?!?!
I haven't sewn on the buttons, but it's close enough to call it done! I think it will cute for Valentine's Day! Don't you think?!  Check it out:

It's soooo sad....

It's sooo sad, check out this pic...and I still need to add another row of stitches...poop!

I can either a) start over on a different linen or b) modify the pattern. 

Honestly, why can't I win at Bingo...

I don't even win at Bingo...

I don't even win at Bingo, so when I opened the mail this morning, I was really, really surprised and happy!!


Somehow with a random drawing, I managed to get tickets to the Antique Roadshow taping in Minneapolis, MN!!!


I have two tickets...I think my mom is going to go with me...unless hubby wants to go...well have to wait to see what he determines!!


I'm an SOOOOOO excited!!! I can't wait!!

Black Bear Sighting...

I'm a born and raised Minnesota farm girl; I've seen a lot of things, right?  But there is one thing which has alluded me until Tuesday morning.  The infamous Black Bear...and I'm not talking the TC...the Minnesota Twins mascot.  The real thing....let me start from the beginning.  Monday morning, I walked out to the barn to get the dogs.  I see that one of my bird feeders is on the ground and it's crushed.  Then I noticed another feeder has been emptied and the shepherds hook is bend.  I just assumed it was a raccoon, which is more plausible, right?  I told my mom about the incident...she didn't hesitate...it's a black bear!  I thought...sure, mom...whatever!?


The next morning, I hear the wind chimes ring; I immediately jumped out of bed to see a bear running to the side of the house.  Well, in my quest to see if it really was a bear...I tripped over the cat and stubbed my toe.  As I approached the window on the side of the house...I was able to confirm...it, indeed, was a black bear.  He sat under the big red oak tree and probably finished his morning snack...my bird seed.  :-(


The next morning, I looked out the window...and noticed my suet feeder is gone...literally gone...the dam bear took my suet feeder!  That fIUY#J$#&*$Y#*!!  I'm mad!!


I haven't seen him since....and here's a proof of the black bear sighting...what you can't see the bear...I don't blame you for questioning  my superb photo skills...in my defense...I was really nervous!!  Oh well, have a great day!

Ode to the Retired Stamp Sets (Eastern Blooms)

Here's another card from the Ode to the Retired Stamp Set; Eastern Blooms will be missed;  typically, I won't pick out a flower stamps, but I did like this set.  Here's what I created:

Ode to the Retired Stamp Sets Series (Big On Christmas)

This stamp set is probably one of my all time favorites!  So yes, I'm sad to see it go...but all good things must come to an end!


I created this card using the Splitcoaststampers.com's sketch challenge.  The colors I chose to work with are Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride and Garden Green.  The last couple of years, I've been hooked on non-traditional Christmas colors.  So I'm glad that SU! came out with this designer paper pack, Candy Cane Christmas in last years Mini Occasions catalog.  I cut the striped paper on the diagonal, which gave me this cool look. 

Here's the card that I created: (I apologize for the "darker" pics; my beautiful morning has turned cloudy)

Good Morning...

I walked out to get the Sunday paper; boy, what a beautiful morning.  Hubby went fishing this morning; so that leaves me sipping on coffee and reading the paper while hanging out with the dogs on a beautiful morning. Lucky me...

I needed something different to work on so I've started this cute pincushion by Blackbird Designs. This pic doesn't do the linen justice...it has little specs of gold weaved into it.  Here's my progress:

Bird In Hand by Blackbird Designs

At some point, I'm going to run away to my craft room; hopefully, I'll have another posting for later...until then.

Ode to the Retired Stamp Sets Series (A Flower for All Seasons)

Good Afternoon,


Today's posting will be short and sweet since my allergies are driving me crazy!  Here's the latest installation of the Ode to the Retired Stamp Set Series.  

Well look what we have here...

A couple of weeks ago, I noticed there were a lot of buds on my clematis.  It's one of those things that you just put to the back of your head...to remember...guess I didn't really think all those buds would develop into flowers...but they did...check it out:

I counted 10 flowers and two more buds...for a total of 12 flowers....Isn't that C-R-A-Z-Y!!

Ode to the Retired Stamp Sets Series (Fun Pun)

Here's another posting of the Ode to the Retired Stamp Set Series; I chose the Fun Pun stamp set.  This set was one of the first stamp sets I ordered through my Oregonian peep several years ago; it has remained one of my favorites. 


Get this set before it's gone, gone, gone.

Ode to the Retired Stamp Sets (Puns from the Past)

Good Evening...
So by now, most of you (Stampin Up! lovers), have reviewed the soon-to-be retired list.
This retired list is what prompts all of this MONTH's postings; every stamp used during the month of June will feature a retired set...I thought it would be fun...then title each posting...Ode to the Retired Stamp Sets.
I've used the Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge to incorporate the use of Puns from the Past stamp set which after July 1 will be gone, gone, gone.
Here's the colors used:

Recipe

Stamp Set: Puns from the Past

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard and Night of Navy

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard and Night of Navy, and Very Vanilla

That Little Something: Baker's Twine (Cherry Cobbler and white), Watercolor Wonder Crayons (Regal Selection- Night of Navy), Night of Navy buttons (retired), and Smooch Spritz (log cabin) 

That Little Helper: Sponging and Dimensionals

Just in case you are interested in ordering:

It's ANOTHER first...

It's another first time...hubby went into a quilt store without me to purchase something for me.  He went fishing with my parents the past three days...while I stayed home to work.  I pleaded with him to stop by the area quilt store to get me a fat quarter.  I didn't think he would really do it...but he did better than a fat quarter...he bought me a K-I-T!  Here's what he picked out:  


The kit includes a Whitetail deer panel with some accompanying pieces.  You can, hopefully, see the pattern on your left.  I think this project moved to next in line for completion...what do you think?

I have this weekend off, so I'll be back with something fun...see you in a bit!

It's a first time...

It's a first time for everything...I'm a frequent visitor to AnnSchlach's blog.  She a fellow midwestern and frankly, I think she creates beautiful cards using Stampin' Up products.  And I always like to add new and more challenges to my listing...it gets those creative juices flowing for me.  Well...she's participates in The Paper Players blog...so I checked out the blog.  I like it...and as a result...I'm participating in this week's challenge.  Here's this weeks sketch and what I created: 

Recipe (unless otherwise noted SU! products are used)

Stamp Set: Artistic Etching and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Whisper White Craft Ink

Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, and Pretty In Pink

That Little Something: Smooch Spritz Spray (silver foil), a pretty flower, and a cute charm

That Little Helper: Sponging, Color Catcher (my favorite little helper) and Sending Love Notes Cards (retired), and Rectangle Glassine Envelopes (retired)

I think...

I think this weeks Mojo sketch that I created looks like the same as a card that I created a couple of weeks ago.  


I'm going back to the drawing board...see you in a bit.

Thanx bunches

For this card, I participated in the Mojo Monday Sketch Blog week 192; I never really know if I "stick" to the sketch.  It has room for interpretation, right?!  Anyho, this card is for a fellow co-worker whose late day is tomorrow.  Thanx for everything, janna.  You are the greatest!

Recipe

Stamp Set: Unity 2009 Collection

Ink: Choc. Chip, Pear Pizzaz, Cherry Cobbler, Early Expresso, and Dusty Durango (retired)

Cardstock: Dusty Durango (retired), Choc. Chip and Cosmo Cricket Wanted 

That Little Something: Choc. Chip Corduroy Button, Choc. Chip Satin Ribbon, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist (suede), and Linen Thread, Dew Drops and a tag

That Little Helper: Sponging, Scallop Edge Border Punch and Dimensionals

Thank U to you...

I went upstairs to make a card...to participate in the Mojo Monday sketch with Splitcoaststampers.com color challenge.  However, I didn't end up creating for either challenges.  Instead, I made a Thank You card for Tyler (my old boss); he got me a planner when I transferred to another department...very thoughtful of him.  I appreciate him and wanted to let him know...so here's what I created:

Recipe (supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)

Stamp Set: Vintage Label (retired) and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Choc. Chip and Taken with Teal (retired)

Cardstock: Choc. Chip, Autumn Meadows Designer Paper

That Little Something: Vintage Trinkets (button) brad, Smooch Spritz (log cabin), and Linen Thread

That Little Helper: Large Oval Punch, Sponging, and Dimensionals

Local Scrap booking store closing...

The local scrap booking store is closing...and although I should be sad for Lisa...I'm excited for her new adventure.  This week is her last week...so I wanted to stop by to say, "good bye and congratulations (on your new adventures)."  I did purchase some items before she closed; here's what I got:

Oh Joy Chipboard and Be Good Designer Papers by Cosmo Cricket

Winter's Wings Designer Paper by Webster's Pages,
Dew Drops, Seam Binding Green (vintage),  Lace Ribbon Navy,
and All Dressed Up Chipboard by DCWV

Picking flowers...

I was picking flowers in my garden...look...aren't the tulips beautiful.
This flower is from the Ruby's Garden by Waltzing with the Bear.  I need to finish the butterfly...but I thought it was close enough to share with you guys.

It's time for a pretty card...

I'd been itching to create a card...now all I needed to do was find the time.  I started this card last night and finished it after I got home from work.  I weighed my options...went with Mojo190 sketch with Splitcoaststampers.com Color Challenge.

The Color Challenge included Certainly Celery, Blushing Bride and So Saffron; here's what the Mojo Sketch looked like:

RECIPE(supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)

Stamp Set: Tim Holtz's Stampers Anonymous (Mini Ornates) 

Ink: Certainly Celery, Blushing Bride, So Saffron and Early Expresso 

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Blushing Bride, So Saffron and Early Expresso Cardstock along with Designer Series Paper Pack- In Color

That Little Something: Tattered Angels Spritz (Suede), Early Expresso Bakers Twine, Big Designer Buttons (Candy Cane-Retired) and Certainly Celery Ribbon (Retired)

That Little Helper: Blossom Petals XL Punch, Sewing, Sponging and Mini Glue Dots

Working on my other flowers...

I didn't feel like working on the roses; they are too thorny for me, right now. :-)
So I picked up some other flowers from Starry Pines Pattern Co.  The pattern name is Mini Wooly Whimsey Sampler Embroidery...kinda long title for a pattern but whatever...I still love the flowers.  This is block number 6; I started is last night then finished it today during the Tuesday Sewing Group.  I've got Block 9 traced; so that's the next one...I think. Now I think I'm going to clean out my car...then something else...then something else...you catch what's going on.  :-)

Happy Birthday to you...

Happy Birthday to you...Michelle!  So I know that this gift was to come to you several years ago...but it's better late than never...right?!
Anyho, hope you had a great day.  You are a great friend!
Please note: the binding will be done by the time you receive this gift...promise...cross my heart...hope to death...poke a needle in my eye... (smile)!

Porta Pockets Purse Insert by Studio Kats Designs

Working on the roses...

Yep, I've been working on my roses for the afghan.  Sadly, they haven't been growing very fast.  I think they need a little fertilizer!  I'll see what I can find, until then here's my progress.  I need to work on my friends birthday gift...a little sewing project which is causing me to pull my hair out! :-)  Hopefully, I won't be bald before the project is completed!  ;-)