Good-Bye Pick A Petal

The stamp set called PICK A PETAL has probably been my best selling stamp set, as there are so many things you can do with this set besides building a flower with it.

Take a look at this card I made "way back when"...

I love this little scarecrow card!

How about this cute little Mouse Card?


This next card we made at our July 2010 Stamp A Stack...



I think I have used this set more for other things than building a flower.

Check out this craft sale item I made for a fun Thanksgiving Treat...

TODAY is the LAST day to place an order for the retired Stamps, Accessories and Wall Decor!!

Don't be sorry tomorrow for missing out today.
Contact me via email at christijo48@sbcglobal.net or click HERE to go to my online store.

Check out the LAST CHANCE icons on the right side of my blog to see what other stamps, accessories and wall decor are available.

Have a Blessed Day!!

Christi

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Happy Birthday, Sister

Today is my sister, Vicky's, 60th birthday!!

Happy Birthday Vicky!!!

When I came across this super fun card I just had to make it up for Vicky to celebrate this special birthday. I'm guessing she will get a big smile from it. This card fits in a standard A10 envelope (4 x 9.75)

I also made a smaller version for my Aunt who lives in Florida. Seeing those pink flamingos made me think of Florida so I thought maybe she would like it too.



MENU:
SS: Valentine Defined, Family Phrases
CS: Night of Navy, Regal Rose, WW
INK: Regal Rose, Pear Pizzazz, Black, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Sponge (for the sky)
Technique: Tearing, the words other than "happy birthday" were computer generated

Have a Blessed Day!

Christi Pin It Now!

Baseball

Baseball season has been in full swing for a couple months now and as a family we enjoy watching the Detroit Tigers play. In fact, we have plans to go to a game next month. This year Tyler is in his second year of machine pitch and Gracie is in her first year of tee ball. When their season began I made these cards for the kids to wish them a fun and successful season.

Then one day Charlie and Caleb both came to Auntie's with baseball themed shirts on...

When the kid's season came to an end Julie asked me to make thank you cards for their coaches.

I love having cards on hand. All I had to do was change out the "grand son" to "coach"

For Gracie's coach I made a card that had her team color (orange) and added pink hats and bats. Silly me, I forgot to take a picture of it.

Tyler and Gracie are already looking forward to next years season.

Have a Blessed Day!!

Christi

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Good-bye Sock Monkey!

While we are in the process of moving in I thought I would pre-post some cards for you from my archives that use some of the retiring Stamp Sets. You have until June 30th to get your order in before it is too late to access these stamps. You may contact me through email at christijo48@sbcglobal.net or you may click HERE to shop through my online site.

Today I will feature some cards using the stamp set SOCK MONKEY. I can't believe they are retiring this little guy already, so if you love him as much as I do you still have a chance to purchase him.

Have a Blessed Day!


Christi

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Paisley Petals Purse

Closing on our house and condo today!!
Also MOVING - TODAY!!

I cannot believe how fast these last five weeks have gone, and how very gracious the Lord has been through it all. I thank you all for your prayers on our behalf that all would go well.

For the next few days (at least) all my blog posts are posts I did ahead of time of things that I have previously made, so I hope you enjoy these as well.

________________________________________________________________
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I figure every gal deserves a new purse for each new season,
well, at least one for the Fall and Winter and one for Spring and Summer.
This cute little purse is made from our beautiful designer paper
called PAISLEY PETALS and was inspired by Beverly Polen.
I was lucky enough to be one of the first few to get her tutorial free
before she had to start charging for it.

Thanks Beverly! I think this little purse is beautiful.

The cute little butterfly on the "clasp" was purchased at a local craft store.
This purse was a little detail-oriented (even for me) so I don't think I will be mass producing this one, but I am glad that I gave it a try and it will be fun to gift someone with this little purse with some matching 3x3 cards or maybe a fun treat inside.

Because Beverly was charging for her tutorial, I cannot post the pattern,
but you may click HERE to check out her blog,
and perhaps purchase the tutorial from her.

Have a Blessed Day!!

Christi

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A Special Gift

My sweet friend, Marla, bought these fun M and M ear buds for me because she knows how much I LOVE the little M and M guys.

In fact, I root for the M and M car with NASCAR - not the driver (Kyle Busch), but the car. I think these little candy characters have fun personalities and they make me smile

Marla probably knew that once we move (tomorrow) I want to start walking more with some of the freed up time that I hope to have.
Dale couldn't be out done so he purchased me the ipod NANO and then down loaded some music and some of my brother in laws sermons to keep me moving while I walk.

Thank you Marla and Dale - you are both so sweet!

So in the spirit of M and M's I thought I would give you a sneak peek at one of the techniques I plan to teach at July's Techie Class...complete with yummy M and M's.

This is a Dial Card using Stampin' Ups! Sweet Treat Cups

I saw this technique done by Beth Crocker.

If you would like to sign up for the July 5th Techie Class please contact me through email at christijo48@sbcglobal.net
Cost for the Techie class is $12.00 and you will learn a total of 3 techniques.
Please bring along your own adhesive to help keep the cost down.

I will post the tutorial after the July 5th class for those of you who do not live in my area or are not able to attend this class.

Have a Blessed Day!!

Christi

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Beveled Window Panes

This is a card I made when the Occasions Mini Catalog was current (January 2011-April 30, 2011) I loved the Beveled Window Panes, and we even used them in our
Make and Takes at Leadership in Tennessee in January.

Just a bit of a sneak peak:
I am happy to say that the Beveled Window Panes were carried over into the NEW 2011-2012 Catalog and Idea Book so I thought I would share this card with you that was inspired by
Angie Kennedy Juda


MENU:
SS: Curly Cute (Yeah! another Stamp Set carried over to the New Catalog)
CS: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Botanical Gazette (retired)
INK: Early Espresso
Accessories: Sponge, Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Linen Thread,
Beveled Window Panes, Tulip Border EF, Big Shot

Have a Blessed Day!

Christi

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June Stamp A Stack Part 3

The final three cards that we made in this months Stamp A Stack class


CARD #6

I love the sweetness of these cute little bees, each one with their own personality

MENU:
SS: Just Buzzin' By, Sanded Back ground - both these are on the retiring list
CS: Daffodil Delight, Basic Gray, Basic Black, Whisper White
INK: Stazon Jet Black, Daffodil Delight
MARKERS: Daffodil Delight, Basic Black
(always use this ink vs the Basic Black Classic ink when using a marker to color in your image)
Punches: 1 1/4" Circle
Accessories: White gel pen, Dimensionals
Inspired By: Dawn Griffith

CARD #7

What I like about this card is that you can change it up with ANY color designer paper you want to create a whole new feel/look

MENU:
SS: Engraved Greetings
CS: Whisper White, In-Color Concord Crush
REMINDER: the five In-Colors for 2010-2011 are NOT retiring!! They have one more full year!
You are going to love the five NEW In- Colors coming out in the Big Catalog and Idea Book on July 1st, and those will remain current for 2 FULL YEARS!!
INK: Concord Crush
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper EF, Big Shot, Concord Crush Ribbon

CARD #8

CHRISTMAS IN JUNE!
I couldn't resist using one of the retiring Christmas stamps for this months Stamp A Stack. Maybe it will encourage the gals to start planning for the
Christmas cards they want to make this year.
Of course this cute cardinal could easy be colored in blue for a Blue Jay,
making this stamp set even more versatile.

MENU:
SS: A Cardinal Christmas
CS: Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Real Red
INK: StazOn Jet Black
MARKERS: Real Red, Old Olive, So Saffron
PUNCHES: Scallop Oval, Medium Oval, Eyelet Border
Accessories: Gold Brads

The next Stamp A Stack posting will be from our new home -
Stay tuned!! Only 3 days to closing and moving!!

Have a Blessed Day!

Christi

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June Stamp A Stack Part 2

This first card that we made at this month's Stamp A Stack Classes uses a single stamp called LAND OF THE FREE from the Summer Mini so is still available through August 31st, 2011.

CARD #4

MENU:
SS: Land Of The Free
CS: Real Red, Whisper White, Night of Navy (red, white and blue)
INK: Markers: Real Red, Night of Navy
Accessories, Red and White Bakers Twine (in the Summer mini, but also being carried over to the big Catalog and Idea Book, Star brad (local craft store), Dimensionals, Star die (because the small star punch retired last year), Big Shot, Paper Piercer
Inspired By: Renee Coburn

CARD #5



Upclose you can see the Embossing and the Shimmer Paint
that I spritzed on the black card stock.


MENU:
SS: Compliments to the Chef (Retiring)
CS: Whisper White and Basic Black
INK; Basic Black
Accessories: Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Black 5/8" Ribbon, Modern Label Punch, Movers and Shaper die, Big Shot, Dimensionals, 3" Circle Die, 3-1/2" Circle Die, Silver Brads, Paper Piercer
Inspired By: Monica Weaver

Click HERE if you want to purchase any of the stamps and accessories that you see here. Remember to check out the retiring stamp and accessory list before it is too late.

Have a Blessed Day!!

Christi

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June Stamp A Stack Part 1

Stamp A Stack classes are always a favorite time of the month for me when the ladies come and make the 8 cards for only $12.00. I have met the most lovely ladies through my classes. What makes this month even more exciting is that it was the LAST Stamp A Stack classes held in my home - this home that is - my husband and I are moving into a condo in just a few days and we are super excited about the adventure we have been on through this whole process.

Don't worry - I am still having classes in our new home, in fact, I am hoping to expand and hold even more classes - specialty classes - one called COFFEE and a CARD, and more. I can't wait to show all of you the transformation that will take place in this condo as we are finishing it off completely. This may mean several weeks of living in a mess, but that is just part of the adventure, right?

So on to the first few cards that we made at this months Stamp A Stack class.

Please keep in mind almost all of the stamps we used this month are on the retired list and available only through June 30th. If you see one that you really want to purchase just click HERE to order from my online site.

CARD #1

MENU:
SS: Cheep Talk (retiring)
CS: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride, Newsprint DSP (also retiring)
INK: Chocolate Chip, Markers: Perfect Plum, Pear Pizzazz, Basic Black
Punches: 1-1/4" Circle, 1-3/8" Circle, Corner Rounder
Accessories: Certainly Celery 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Chantilly Lace Crochet Trim,
Dimensionals, Sponge
The music notes are drawn on by hand.
Inspired: Ezlie Janel Perez

CARD #2

MENU:
SS: On The Green
CS: WW, Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, Night of Navy, Garden Green
INK: (Markers) Night of Navy, Garden Green, Bashful Blue
Punches: 1-3/8", 1-1/4", 1", 1/2" Circles
Accessories: Square Lattice EF, Big Shot, Dimensionals
Inspired By: Marcy Arms

CARD #3

MENU:
SS: Punch Potpourri (Hostess Level 1 stamp), Occasional Quotes
CS: WW, DSP: this one shows Pretty In Pink, but
we also used some Certainly Celery and So Saffron
INK: Chocolate Chip
Punches: 1-3/8" Circle, Scallop Circle, Scallop Border
Inspired By: Ashlee Townsend

Have a Blessed Day!!

Christi

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ONE WEEK!

ONLY ONE MORE WEEK
BEFORE WE ARE IN OUR NEW HOME!

I can hardly believe how fast this whole process has been. It has been one month exactly today that we signed papers to put our house up for sale, and now we only have one more week to live here. God has been extremely gracious and good through the whole process.

Our daughter in law, Jessica, asked me "What will you miss the most?"
I really had to think on that because I am so excited about the move and the change in lifestyle that I don't want to look back and have doubts about moving, but it did give me cause to think about what I would miss most.

I took a walk around our yard and enjoyed the beautiful fruit trees that Dale planted
This was when our apple trees where in bloom - aren't the blossoms gorgeous!!
Dale little orchard sports 2 Cherry Trees, 2 Apple Trees, 2 Pear Trees, 1 Peach Tree, and Grapevines with 3 varieties of grapes

Then there was the little garden we had behind the shed with Asparagus, Rhubarb, and Raspberries. The raspberries were special because they were cuttings from Dale's dad's very fruitful garden, but all our kids have taken some plants to transplant at their own homes so Grandpa Waite's raspberries will live on.


Continuing in the back yard - the spring time really does brighten up the place with the ornamental pear trees:

The three tier flower bed:
Lilacs

PHLOXThe busy backyard play area:


The train that Dale made for the kids to play on when Tyler was really "into" trains


The bench swing that Dale made me for Mother's Day one year

FRONT YARD:

We have the most beautiful flowering tree in the front -
a perfect shape and gorgeous blossoms in the spring.

This year we had a lovely Robin family in our spiral tree


Inside the garage we had a gal paint this very cool eagle on the front wall


We are the HUDSONVILLE EAGLES after all!!

Plus we love the verse in scripture that says...

"They that wait on the Lord will renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

I will definitely miss seeing this eagle each time I drive in my garage. He is one of a kind, painted by someone very special in our lives.

The guys might miss the make shift frisbee golf course they created and play most every summer holiday, like they did in this photo on Memorial day - marking their last game on this course.

Even Tyler is old enough to play with the big boys!

Will I miss the kids? Yes, but I am ready to move on.
Specifically I will miss...

Charlie's easy smile and giggles...
(and getting to know his new baby sister, soon to arrive)

Caleb's great hugs...


Eli's excited laugh when the kids play with him...


Parker's love of books...

(Julia gets to visit when Mommy has a meeting)
And Melina gets to have Monday morning breakfast with Auntie for her last year of grade school

But I do get to be Gramma to Tyler and Gracie
who are my top priority.

What I WON'T miss...
The two flights of stairs and the MANY trips up and down them on a daily basis
FOUR bathrooms! We will start out in the new place with only ONE and possibly put one in the basement at a future date.

What I WILL miss is...
The freedom of the friendship we have with our neighbors
And Joey popping in to borrow ... well ... whatever they need at that point
This day Joey came to borrow ketchup. I think he was just lucky I still had an open one in the refrigerator because our backup stash is LIMITED!

What do I plan to do at the new place with all my "free" time?
Well, I guess I better save that for a future blog.

Have a Blessed Day!

Christi

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