Bless us all

Good Sunday Morning!

Sorry for no post in the last few days, my niece Melissa did indeed make the trip from Georgia to Maryland with us on Thrusday. We have spent the last couple of days getting settled in and trying to just unwind after such a long drive. I think we'll fly home!

I'll post a picture of her later on!

Today after church she wants to craft with Aunt Rhetta and make a birthday gift for her "bfff" at home. We'll finish up a small purse box and fill it with goodies today and get it in the mail tomorrow. Its pretty exciting to have her here.

Ok blog candy update, the cash pot still stands at $40.00, not bad. So keep posting those comments and suggestions. I'll be doing the drawing on July 6th.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and worshipful Sunday!

Stamp Happy!

Grumble Grumble

If you've been keeping up with the blog lately, you know I'm getting ready for a road trip to Georgia. I'll be leaving for Augusta on Tuesday morning. I'm pretty excited for a short trip down and back. I'll drop off Chad and pick up Melissa.

I'm not sure if I will get to update the blog or not.

The picture to the left is of myself and my sweet husband, Michael. The unit Mike was assigned to had a bash last night at a local restaurant. The food and the drinks where awesome! We enjoyed an evening of great company! The 'send me' foundation I spoke of yesterday raised quiet a bit of money to help out the Louise-Rosa Valentine family he is the wounded solider

I mentioned in a previous post. Whether you agree with the war or not, these men and women are serving and protecting our country, often at the cost of life and limb to protect the precious freedoms we so easily enjoy and take for granted. If you would like more information on how you can help this solider please email me at ms.rhetta@verizon.net. Louise-Rosa Valentine is currently on Ward 57 at Walter Reid in room 5711. Mike and I last visited him and his high school buddy last Monday. Louise underwent surgery to repair his eardrums (he was totally deaf until the surgery). This kid is awesome. With a young recruit in this house getting ready to leave for basic training in the Air Force, my precious freedoms and great faith in God are once again proven. I hope every one enjoys the rest of your Sunday! Stamp Happy!

Delightful Paisley

Hello Saturday Blog fans!

I can hardly believe that today is the first day of summer! The weather here is still on the mild side and we are all enjoying some time where we don't have to worry about doing anything except basic chores. It has been great! I leave Tuesday to take Chad to his father's house and pick up Melissa and bring her here. I'm so excited!

I made this card kida because I could. I had seen some thing similar on SCS I used my nesties to cut teh curve of the two papers, and i used my cuttlebug to emboss the paper with paisley, before that I had randomly stamped paisley and flower motif's onto the white cardstock, finished it all off with some subtle chalk shading. The sentiment was stamped on a scrap. I think the card is just adorable.

I will update blog candy next week, probally toward Friday or so. There are some fab-o paper stores there and I plan to pay them a visit. I may just pick up some more goodies while I am there, so stay tuned!

Sorry I haven't posted for a couple of days, I have had alot going on at home, we are just so busy. Mike and I volunteered for a golf tournament for the 'Send Me' foundation. It is a foundation that helps members of the Unit my husband belonged to while active duty. It supports both active duty and retired folks with financial and other needs that arise due to injury, sickness or death. We had a blast. I'll post a funny picture of me later on.

That is all for today, enjoy your weekend!

I wanna be a star!

Hello and happy Tuesday!

I received the nicest email from a lady named Sandy today. She is struggling with getting the never ending card to 'work' for her. It really isn't a difficult card, but I've decided to do a different kind of tutorial just for this card, since I keep getting asked some pretty common questions. Please 'stay tuned' for this one! It will be a tutorial I'm sure you'll want to keep. Our finances are not where I can afford a video camera as of yet, but I'm hoping that within the next three weeks I will be able to add video to my blogs as well. I'm also looking into some of those side show programs so I can upload some of my card and scrapbooking creations for you to enjoy!

Today has been very busy, I went to ladies Bible Study this morning and was joined by my neighbor and dear friend Ellen, she is such a sweet lady. It is a wonderful study and I'm enjoying some good study and good Christian fellowship. It is going to be an exciting summer.

So onto the title of my blog today, I'd love to be the next "Carol Duval. I loved her when she was in production, she always had such fun things to show and share with her audince. I guess I'd better start with my own video's. I am seriously thinking of writing to the staff of 'crafters coast to coast'. That is how the lady who does the 'craft' lab got her start in tv. Who knows, maybe one day!

Did I share I want to start classes in my home soon? I am making a schedule now, and even though alot of my blog readers are not local, I'm thinking with summer schedules and vacation if you are planning a day in DC we are a short metro-ride away. Come take a class and have some good old fashion fun doing paper crafting with me!

Nothing new going on today, sorry no new picture to post,the one above is my card from the black and white swap I hosted. I opted to do some laundry and vacuuming so I can have an opportunity to stamp and catch up with an old friend tomorrow.

Read this part carefully, if you haven't noticed my blog ticker (counter) it is rising quickly, so keep up those comments and looking and reading my blog. You may comment any where to have a chance at the blog candy. Right now the money is up to $40.00, I will be changing the amount of cash tomorrow so don't miss out on that post!

I keep getting asked by new blog readers, what exactly is 'blog candy'. Well just like real candy that you eat, blog candy is basically free stuff you have an opportunity to win (no obligations, no agreement to take a class or buy my used stuff, its just plain gold ol' free). Please check out the previous posts/pictures of blog candy offering for June and play along. I welcome comments, compliments and critism, I welcome knowing how I can improve or add to my blog so you guys will continue to read and enjoy my creations. It means alot to me.

Stamp Happy!

Happy Sunday!

Hello Everyone!

It is indeed a beautiful Sunday here in Maryland. The summer has kicked off with a beautiful soaking rain last night, and a beautiful time this morning to sit and play my beautiful violin.

I had a few requests for a 'new card' and here is one I did (I am submitting this one for possible publication), I call him 'sleepy guy' and here is the recipe: Stamps: Yawning Critter – house mouse, sentiment - unknown Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black Paper: blue card base and patterned scrapbooking paper Instructions: Blue card base measures 5 ½ X 4 ¼” finished. Distressed blue card stock measures 5 ¼” X 4”, the stripped piece measures 1 ½” X 4”. Stamp mouse in graphite black brilliance ink onto white card stock that measures 2 ¾ X 2 ¼”and heat set, color with copic markers. Layer this onto a darker blue card stock piece that measures 3”X 2 ¾”. Layer stripped paper onto bottom, stamp ‘best wishes onto circle that is 1 ¼” layer as shown. Embellish with ribbon. Remember, feel free to CASE my work, but don't submitt it for publication I've probally already sent it in :-) .... Ok I'm not trying to be ugly so if that didn't come out the right way -- sorry! I'm thinking of starting some 'paper crafting' classes in my home to generate some extra income, (which will probally pay for oh lets say more stamps -- lol). Oh I am so addicted. For todays blog candy addiction I am adding an Inkadinkado clear stamp set it is set #93621, it has travel theme and a prety 'bridal' type dress, I'll scan it tomorrow for you to see. That's all for today. Please join my Vacation/Summer theme card swap. I still need players, if I don't get some more players by tomorrow I'll have to cancel the swap. That would be sad! Happy Stamping!

Friday the 13th -- No fears, just good cheer!

Happy Friday the 13th.

I hope you guys aren't supersticious, cause if you are, go back to bed now and don't worry about things!

Above is a picture of the current blog candy offering, as you ccan see I've added some stickers and a clear acrylic block. Notice, I haven't put the money in yet since I'm not sure how that counter will continue to rise.

I finally finished up my laundry and set a little package off to my SCS Secret sister. It has been a great round of secret sisters!

I'm really excited to have a little sister who is expecting her second child, a little boy in September. I love buying baby things and making baby cards!

I'm happy to report that I did get some stamping time in with my friend Theresa today, it is always nice to have friends to 'play' with!

Stamp Happy!

Yawn and Strech and try to come to life!

Butterfly barrette view 1 side view front view from an angel the back of the barrette me holding barrette so you can kinda see the dimensions Before I get to the barrett, let me tell you about the 'title' of today's blog!

My poor hubby. He went into Walter Reid Army Hospital last night for an over-night sleep study. As I suspected he 'failed', he will now have to get used to life with a CPAP (continous pressure airway thingy) unfortunately he is not doing well with it. It is gonna take some getting used to!

I'm sorry for no post yesterday, the day kinda got away, I got alot done around the house and finished my chores up this morning so I can have some crafty time tonight and again tomorrow with my friend Theresa.

I had a wonderful call this afternoon from an old friend, we'll get back in touch on Monday, I'm so excited! She is even going to treat me to lunch! Ok, now onto day's 'experiment/project'. I had origionally made some barrettes for a butterfly swap on SCS. I liked the way they came out and have posted them here on the blog. However, my dear (enabler) husband suggested putting the butterfly on a twig. Umm, I haven't gotten my hot glue gun out in a while. I started with the barrette, I then hotglued all the laywers on until I was satisfied with the layout, then I used some of the butterfly pins I had already made and pined them to the barrette, this way they look like they are in flight. I must tell you I did a 'survey' at my Wal-mart of folks and about 95% (short hair or not) would buy them. If you would like one, free shipping they are $12.00/each. You tell me the color(s) you want, I'll get them out to you! If you have an opportunity, please check out the Just Cards Magazine, Volume 10, Summer 2008 issue. I have cards published on pages 76,104 and 106. It never gets old, I'm just so excited! The 'cash' portion of the blog candy pot is now $20.00. I will now include one of these beautiful barrettes. So far the pot has die cut flowers, the money, and the hair clip. Please leave comments and enjoy my blog. Any blog suggesstions, (good or bad) are appreciated. Happy Stamping,

Here are the Pictures from the Black and White Swap

This card is by Judi This one is from me (Loretta) Debbie Gordon Cindy Becca Aiten Good morning ladies and gentlemen! I hope everyone is doing well on This monday morning. I hope you are enjoying looking at the cars above! They are the terrific work of my swappers. Remember I am hosting two swaps one Vacation/Summer theme card swap and a mini composition swap. I hope you will join in! I also hope that seeing these great cards will encourage you to participate. This way you can see the fao stuff yiou get back when you swap! We rescued a third turtle yesterday! Another box turtle on the road. He wasn't at all happy to be yanked up. Those things have sharp nails. We delivered him to some marshy area behind a local church. (With a prayer for his blessings !) Blog candy addition Die cut pillow boxes made with some of my scraps. Happy Stamping and happy blogging! Check out my picturetrail site.

Black and White Card for Swap and the Great Turtle Rescue!

I hope that everyone is enjoying a beautiful Sunday!

Hind-sight is always 20/20 right?! Well, since I didn't take pictures of this mornings strange happenings, I have to tell you the story.

Last night our area was hit hard by many thunderstorms that carried lightening, thunder and strong winds.

The neighborhood we live in did suffer a bit. At 8:00 this morning my sweet hubby gets up with our restless band of pups to take them out -- only to find one of our neighbors in dire need of help. Her large barlette pear tree was mostly down, it missed her car and house by inches.

My hubby seeing her peril went over to 'assist' her. Once my youngest son had finished breakfast we went over to help as well. We sawed up some of the branches raked up and gave her the number to a good tree service. Shortly after this a few very excited boys came over, there was a huge snapping turtle on the sidewalk close to what we refer to as the common area. Mike (my hero) decided to handle this critter. I went to get the car and we managed to get this very large turtle onto a tarp, wrap her up and depoit her in a small creek near the house. I think she was glad to get the heck out of there. (Oh on the way to getting her relocated, I had to rescue a small box turtle that was in the road) -- Must be turtle rescue day!

Here is my recipe for the beautiful black and white card at the header to todays blog: This is a very simple yet elegant card. Here is the recipe: Card base is black and measures 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" ,For the next layer, I randomly stamped all the images from the botanicals set onto white card stock, cut it down to 4"X5 1/4" for the first layer. The black layer measures 4"X3", I printed sheet music from 8notes.cfom, and used my nestability square to cut it down to approx 3 1/2" X 3". The next black card stock layer is 3 X 2 1/4", The main blossom from the set is layered onto the black with a piece of white card stock that measures 2 3/4" X 2". I then cut a slit for the ribbon, the sentiment "blessings, is from Rubber soul, It is acutally an 'easter blessings' I only inked the 'blessings' part. This strip of white cs measures 3/4" X 1". It is attached ontop of the ribbon with two pop dots. To finish off the card, I used a silver pen to highlight the details of the flower. If you have any questions, please email me at Ms.Rhetta@verizon.net Thank you for visiting.

Saturday -- at the pool!

Card creation by my on-line stamping friend, Judi Markel, she made this card for my Black and White Card swap! Beautiful job Judi, thanks so much for participating in the swap. They will go postal on Monday June 10,2008.

It is hot. I mean dang hot. At 92* with it feeling like 102*. Let me tell you its hot!

I took the youngest Chad for a haircut and we headed for the pool. The last few times we have visited, the water was too cold to even think about getting in. Today, it was too hot to not get in! That water felt awesome!

Thie card above was done for the black and white swap I am currently hosting, it is by Judi Markel. I love how she combined the alcohol inks and stamped the panels on top. It is so beautiful.

If you would like to join in, I am hosting a Summer/Vacation theme mini-composition book swap and full size card swap. It will be a make 6 get six in return. Any stamps, colors, papers, embellishments, etc. At least two layers. Do your best work and something you would be proud of. At least two layers -- please. Email me at ms.rhetta@verizon.net if you are planning to join!

This blog candy round will include folks that are out of the country. If I can ship to you from the US, you are elijible. Remember you can only win ever 6 months, but I hope if you win you'll still visit and comment on the blog!

Today I'm adding to the pot $5.00. For every 30comments I get I will add $5.00 for a maximum of $50.00 this round of blog candy. No you're not seeing things, the pot could potentially reach $50.00 (this is the maximum amount for this round regardless of the total number of comments left). For the remainder of this round of candy -- you may comment anywhere, however I would prefer you comment on posts that are from June 1 through July 6th. Just makes it a bit easier for me to compile the names and draw the winner. Please hold your personal comments to five a day.

Also, Please leave a comment other than 'thanks for the opportunity to win'. I welcome feedback and critiques! I appreaciate you, my blog readership.

Please check the splitcoast stampers swaps out as well. There are some really great ones going on at the current time. That is all for today. Happy Stamping and have a great weekend.

Loretta

Gone to the Dogs!

Before we get started on the subject matter of today's blog I need to send a big-ol' shout to my youngest son, Chad. Today was the last day of school. Yipee!

Ok, now to the subject at hand. My friend Barb came over for our 'play' date yesterday. We didn't do much in the way of stamping, but did enjoy going out to lunch and just visiting. With our three dogs, she is accustomed to them 'greeting' her at the door. They more or less jump all over her, lick her to bits and finally settle down to her visit. This dear lady surprised them, she bought this huge jar of puppy treats for them. They didn't get out of her bag and she had given them each one. Talk about quiet puppies, I've never seen them settle down so quickly. I need to leave treats at the front door.

Anyway, they settled down quickly. I had to 'do' something with this container. I hope you will enjoy these pictures!

This is the back of the treat container This is the front of the treat container This is a 3X3 card I made (inspired by the container) Here is another view of the 3X3 card, I hope you can see popped up detail of his face.

I choose colors that not only coordinated with the Theme of the project but also with my kitchen.

Blog candy will start today. It is gonna be a good pot this time as well. Our last blog candy winner, Theresa, I will make the post tomorrow with your goodies. I've even included a few 'extra's' I hope you will enjoy.

To begin our blog candy you can expect to receive a variety of sizzix die cuts. Including some felt flowers! Remember you may post any where on my blog. I will be drawing the next blog candy on July 6! Please enjoy my blog! Kick the tires and take it for a spin!

Happy Stamping!

Loretta

My butterfly swaps!

Happy Thrusday!

I know I have done alot of different butterflies, I love the contrast of the red on this one. The glitter and bling of the crystals doesn't show up very well, but in person the card is very pretty.

If you haven't joined splitcoast, please do so, you won't regret it!

It is almost the last day of school. Tomorrow the kids get to call it quits for the summer. My youngest, Chad is so excited since tomorrow is field day. He decided he didn't need one 'Lunchable', but two, this way he is assured he won't be too hungry forall of the activities.

I have a comment on the blog candy winner, but Teresa, I still haven't received an email from you. Please contact me at ms.rhetta@verizon.net with your snail mail info!

I bet you think this is for a card maybe a layering piece of some kind. This beautiful blue butterfly sits atop some yellow card stock and some decorative paper card stock, and it is a barrette!

If you check out my blog the basic instructions for making these butterflies can be foud there. I hope you'll check them out an dmake some creations of your own!

I hope very one has a nice day!

Announcing the Blog Candy Winner!

Hello and Happy Stamping!

The blog candy winner is Theresa;

Theresa said... What a clever idea! Thanks for the tutorial. May 2, 2008 12:20 AM

I put the names in a hat and drew a name it was Theresa, so please contact me. Also, I know you posted comments more than once, this is just one of the ones I found.

To everyone who posted, thank you so much for all the nice comments, encouraging words and just 'playing along with me'.

I will start blog candy again soon, so continue to read and enjoy the blog!

Take care and enjoy!

ps -- theresa if you sent me an email I have not received it. Please resend to ms.rhetta@verizon.net.

Many thanks!

Monday and Music

The clip board was picked up from AC moore, I used it as a post it holder, i love the size. The little pen was part of a set of 6 in the Target dollar bin, and of course the DP was part of what I had on hand. I even put one of my butterflies on the pin to finish off the project.

As many of you know I have rekendled my passion for playing the violin. I am currently looking for a private tutor and hopefully can take some lessons during the not-so busy summer.

Not much to blog this afternoon, just a reminder that tonight is the last chance to post comments to the blog. I will be drawing blog candy tomorrow afternoon after Bible Study.

It has been a beautiful day here, and our Michael's had the $1.00 calendar dollar clear stamps, of course I bought 3 sets, one as a gift for my secret sister on split coast, one for me and one a friend asked me to pick up. They are glorious, now if I just had the time to put the ideas into practice.

Today, I made 5 hand made cards using the transparency butterflies, music and a black and white theme, I will be making more of these to go into the black and white swap. A reminder if you are particpating in this swap they are due on Friday June 6.

I put my creations into a paper box purse I created for my Bible Study group leader, I hope she will enjoy it, I needed a simple way of saying Thank you for the hard work she provides our group of ladies. Stamp Happy, tomorrow I'll probally use the random number generator to pull for the blog candy. I hope you will continue to enjoy my blog, next round of candy will probally start around June 10th. Happy Stamping, Loretta

Happy Sunday -- My beautiful Planter

Happy Sunday! It has been a busy day here in the Rodger household. Please read and enjoy the pictures and the blog! Here is a view of the planter from the front. As you can see its two layers deep you will be able to see the planter in its entirity throughout this post. Including some pictures of my sweet hubby. This one is worth the view! Blog candy drawing is going to be June 3rd, just a reminder. Please continue to post comments in my blog. Remember only US residents are elijible, however if I do have an overseas person I will send them a card or smaller goodie. Postage here in the States is becoming a nightmare! I hope every one is enjoying this Sunday! I sure am, I made a quick trip to the store to buy ice cube trays, cole slaw and $1.00 stamps. Our Michael's store is just a skip from the grocery. I bought the new calendar dollar stamps. I went through and pulled out four sets of them. Three as gifts one for me! They are adorable. I am so addicted to dollar stamps, you get so many goodies for so little! I'm all about value. Here is a quick look at the planter from the side street looking toward the house, it is so beautiful! Below is a side view of the platners, those hedges may be small now, but in a couple of years they will grow in and fill up the bed. The long term plan is to add hedges along the walk to bring even more attention to the house. Here are is one more pic of the work part. Here you will see my sweet Michael finishing up the planting of the shrubs, they are azalea's by the way.

So its late afternoon, the planter is complete, the husband is showered and now (you're gonna love this picture) its time to rest!

Thats' right, one tired hubby one nice recliner three dogs and a nap. I assure you he deserved the nap, the dogs in his eyes where just an added bonus. Shhh, he's still sleeping! Tonight we will enjoy BBQ brisket, he has been one busy guy!

I hope every one continues to enjoy their sunday! Happy Stamping!