Nestabilities and Cuttlebug!

Stamp Happy! Its' Monday! It is a dreary Monday here in Maryland. Its' the kind of day you want to curl up with a cup of tea, a good book and your blankie. Currently I am reading 'God uses Craked Pots' by Patsy Clairmont. I love her style of writing. She is easy to understand and has a great spiritual base. Before I get into my 'offical' review of two products this week, I want to share this picture with all of you: Her name is Buttercup. We rescued her from my sister Barbara's house just before her funeral. She has done so awesome in her new home with us. She is totally house broken, but she sheds. I bought one of those shed ender brushes, it helps but isn't solving the problem. Poor thing I follow her around with a lint roller! The first company I will review today is Papertrey Ink. Nestabilities. Folks are calling them nesties. I couldn't wait for the back order situation to resolve. And was Thrilled to place my order for the entire set last week, I received my package in three days and the shipping was free and they offer a discount for buying the entire set. I had saved and saved for these. I LOVE THEM! They are awesome. They fit into my new cuttlebug binder. (More on that later)I have the Big Shot machine (it is the same machine as the sizzix Big Kick) perfectly. Second product is those cuttlebug binder and A2 binder inserts.I bought mine from crazy scraps. They are not only holding my new nestabilities and cuttlebug embossing folders, but most of my brass stencils fit nicely into the A2 refill packs you can buy separately. They are back ordered on some of the newer cuttlebug folders, but I'm sure they will be shipping them out soon. So be patient. It is worth the wait! Totally cool color. Even the tag I flipped over, stamped and put my contact info on. Delightful! I am CANCELLING the Card contest. I have only had one individual to participate and if she will contact me via email at; ms.rhetta@verizon.net, I would like to send you a little something for participating. A special SHOUTOUT to my BFF's, Theresa, Kris and Barb. You ladies have no idea how special each of you are to me. Your friendship helps keep me grounded even in the midst of termoil. For that I am so very thankful. Don't forget I will draw for blog candy tomorrow. Please leave those comments! Best to all of you! Loretta Rodger

I love Splitcoast Stampers!

Happy Stamping Everyone! I love splitcoast stampers! Every week and sometimes more often they have what is known as a 'sketch' challenge. This is the card I made for SCS169 challenge. All stamps are from Sparkle N Sprinkle. I love the color combination and the layout of this challenge. Don't forget to post comments to the blog! I still have some yummy blog candy up for grabs. Also please email me your cards for my card contest, I have only received one beautiful creation thus far! Stamp Happy! Loretta Rodger email; ms.rhetta@verizon.net

Happy Easter! "How Sweet it is"

Happy Easter everyone! What a beautiful day to celebrate the resurection of our Lord and Savior Jesus! Today my husband and I cooked our (mutual) first ham. It was delicious. We've already been sniching more of it! Today was so wonderful. Our family attended the Easter Service at our local church followed by that yummy lunch. The oldest DS made the mac and cheese. It was a simple feast that also included green beans almondine. Can you see all the wonderful goodies? I hope the picture does them justice. So far in the goodie pot are: Felt Flowers, from sizzix machine, felt flowers and butterflies from craft store, butterfly pin, black ink spot, small acrylic block, Inkadinkado Clear Stamps (doodle flowers #97622), Home accents, seasonal rub ons (harvest) . The collage Collection by Art accents, Inc., two different self adhesive collage sheet elements. “The Ephemera book” collection by Beth Cote. How many more goodies will be added? We'll have to wait and see! Today's web blog pick is Kimmee You will find her work insightful, pretty and her style fun. I hope you will visit her blog. Today besides making more medallion pins and buttefly pins, I am working on a never ending flip card with a 'cow' theme. This is one of my favorite versions of the card to make. It is very simple yet so much fun to give! Happy Stamping to all and a Blessed Easter! Loretta R. ms.rhetta@verizon.net

Flutter butterfly!

Here is another transparency creation using stamps from Sparkle N Sprinkle The recipe is very simple All stamps Sparkle N Sprinkle. Flutter Butterfly Pin Stamps: Heart Butterfly Large 0768-160K Accessories: E6000 Glue Craft Store Purple Spark EP196 Transparency Office Supply Store Anti Static Bag 99512 Versa Mark Ink 99702 Pin Back Craft Store Instructions: 1.Prepare transparency by whipping surface with the anti static bag. Please note, your hands should be very clean and free of oil, if they are not you will leave finger prints on your finished project. 2.Using Versa Mark Ink, stamp butterfly onto the transparency, I was able to stamp eight images for a total of four pins. 3.Sprinkle Purple Spark, remove excess and slowly and from a farther distance than usual heat setting, heat set the image. Being careful not to burn or melt the transparency. 4.Cut out the butterflies. 5.Using the E6000 glue, apply a small bead on top of one image and apply the second on top. Set aside to dry. 6.Add the pin back up and down the bugs torso (So it doesn’t show) with the E6000 glue. Allow to dry. 7.When completely dry (about 30 minutes) gently crease the top wings (Which I separated the two halves with scissors) toward the middle and crease. If you are careful you will not crack the embossing. I will include one of these pins as part of blog candy. Happy Stamping, I hope you will find inspiration from this simple project. Loretta Rodger

Blog Candy UPDATE!

For the project above, I used inexpensive mini legal pads purchased from staples. I covered the back cover inside and out and made a flap for the front. The flower is a stampin up stamp and the pen is an RSVP pen that I used a scrap of the red and white check paper to embellish. I will be including a similar note pad and pen in with the blog candy. Also I'm adding some collage sheets by Art Accents, Inc. Don't worry toward the end of the blog candy period I will take a picture of everything so you can see these awesome goodies! Here is a contest for you guys! Ok, you need to make a spring theme card. Any stamps, embellishments, etc., please scan and email me your creation to ms.rhetta@verizon.net. I will upload these and we'll do a poll to see who wins. The prize, $25.00 gift card from Michaels. Yupper, you read that right $25.00. Happy Stamping and Easter Blessings! Christ is risen Indeed! Loretta Rodger

An update and blog candy

Hello Everyone! Ok, here it is, BLOG CANDY. Leave feedback any where you'd like on my blog, so don't forget to check out the archives! The Blog Candy will be from tomorrow, March 19, 2008 until April 1,2008. I will be posting pictures of the 'candy' as we go along, so check back frequently. To start you will be receiving felt flowers. No, these aren't from stamping up, I will be using my sizzix machines and dies to cut oodles of flowers different colors, flowers, sizes (you get the picture). They will be in a zip type baggie for convience. Tomorrow my Dad would have celebrated his 78th birthday. He died five years ago on March 3rd. I still miss him very much. With the recent loss of my sister, I am making a concentrated effort to become healthier and that is not always easy. Ok, enough bummed out stuff, here is something fun! The images are from Sparkle N sprinkle. I love the new cuttlebug embossing folders, they work fantastic with my Big Shot machine and are sooo easy to use. I just adore the shopper girl. Retail therapy In addition to the blog candy I will be hosting a contest in the next month, so that gives you even more incentive to check my blog and email me often! Happy Stamping and much luck! Loretta R. ms.rhetta@verizon.net

Medallion Pins

I made these medallion pins using the medallions from Sparkle N Sprinkle. Instructions: Stamps/Accessories Medallion SnowFlake 985-144N Embossing powder Sky Blue EP162 Embossing powder Lana Pink Ep150 Embossing powder Green Apple EP167 X-Static - anti static bag 99512 Transparency (Office supply store) Pin Back (craft store) Clear 3-D Pop dots (craft store) Versa Mark Ink 99702 Craft jewel Step By Step Please check your transparencies to be sure they can be run through a copier, this will assure they will not melt under the heat of a embossing tool. Also, be sure your hands are clean and free of any oil or residue, otherwise it will show up on your finished project. 1. Go over the transparency with the anti static bag. 2. Stamp the first medallion and cover with the sky blue embossing powder, shake off excess. 3. Stamp the second medallion and cover with the green apple embossing powder, shake off excess. 4. Stamp the third medallion and cover with the lana pink embossing powder, shake off excess. 5. Heat set all the parts at one time. When trimming use caution as the embossing powder may crack. 6. Layer the pieces using the clear 3-D glue dots. Embellish with the craft jewel. Place a pin back on the back side. I will try to make more of these and sell them. Tell me what you think. Ok, I know there is more than one picture of the finished pin, however, I wanted to really showcase the idea. Today's web blog pick is Kimmie's blog She is a very creative lady, I know you will enjoy her creations. Today's other project has included a mini note pad with matching pen. I picked up these little guys for $1.00 at Michaels, I will be posting them on the blog in the next few days. I made these as small gifts that will go to our neighbors along with handmade Easter Cards. I'm still trying to decide what scanner/printer I want to buy, any suggestions for lap-top compatable use would be appreciated. Happy Stamping Everyone. Look for Blog Candy to be posted on March 18th in memory of my Dad. A special thank you to my friend Theresa who came up with the idea of doing these on transparencies or acetate! They came out great! Loretta

A Saint Patrick Day Treat

I've been tagged! Thanks Michelle, and no it is not a corney way of saying "thanks". Here we go: 1. Link to the person that tagged you - Michelle's blog 2. Post the rules on your blog – doing that now as well. 3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself a. I love to play my new violin. b. I actually like house work. c. I still can't get over my two page spread in Stamp and Scrap arts April 2008 issue. d. I have a nice collection of Franciscian Desert Rose that I have collected since my teen years. e. I love to cook. f. I collect paper, like scrapbooking papers, I'd rather have paper than shoes. 4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs Ying Pang Linda Kimmiee Angie allison shannon 5. Let each person know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their site, doint that now. Happy Stamping and Blogging every one! Loretta Rodger

Some Bunny Loves You

I so love this bunny stamp from Great impressions. Web sight pick: http://chicnscratch.typepad.com/stampinacademy/ It is free! She has awesome tutorials. I love her style and her accent remind me of home. I am from Augusta, Georgia and love the southern accent. I am hoping that in the near future I can have a video tutorial of my very own. Today has been a great one, I spent it stamping with my dear friend Theresa. I love having stamping friends! Ok, sorry today's post is so short but I am so ready to have an adult beverage and call it a night. I hope every one is stamping happy! Don't forget to set your clocks ahead! I will be offering blog candy again this next week. Michelle, Your blog candy went postal today, I hope you will enjoy the goodies! Big hugs, Loretta email; ms.rhetta@verizon.net

Fun with Medallions!

Happy Sunday everyone! I am having fun with medallions. I made these three projects yesterday. My favorite is the yellow medallion on the jumbo gold clip. These are easy to do and just require a little patience and pre-planning. The little crystals and glitter on these projects is outstanding. I just love glitter! (My husband -- not so much) Today I will continue to work with the medallions. I also plan to do some scrapbooking. If you would like detailed information on these projects or have questions, leave me a comment or email me directly at ms.rhetta@verizon.net All stamps are from Sparkle N Sprinkle Stamps. One more reminder to pick up the April 2008 copy of Scrap and Stamp arts magazine, I have a two page spill in it! (So excited!!) Happy stamping to all! Loretta Rodger

Blog Candy and the Winner Is!

Happy Saturday everyone; The winner is: February 27, 2008 12:23 PM MichelleO said... how fun is this card!!! Love your blog and I would LOVE to see that never ending card in person!!!!!! Thanks for the inspiration! Michelle, email me at ms.rhetta@verizon.net with your mailing information so I can get this blog candy out to you on Monday. I love the new Hanna stamps, below I took the girl cleaning and added the 'I'd rather be stamping' sentiment to the card. I finished it off with coordinatig paper and ribobn, it turned out really cute! Here is another hint to the instrument I play. You have to use both hands (most of the time) to play it. Stamp Happy! Loretta R.