umbreallas + mother's day = love

Mother's Day becomes more special with each passing year. Our little brood has increased to 4 over the last few years. As our children are getting older.....I realize that this is the most critical time of motherhood. What they learn now will shape them into the adults they will too soon become! It is important to me. To spend enough time with my children. So that when they're grown and gone and our nest is empty....our little broad will want to come home from time to time and spend time with us. Here is a little something I created for Mother's Day.....

I mostly used Cosmo Cricket goodies here. The card stock is stampin' up. I think the border is Heidi Grace. The sentiment is a cheapy and the little primas are making memories.

~lori

EDIT: the umbrella is in the Cosmo Cricket kit. it's a die cut. but be sure I'm going to use the negative to make my own!! :)

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stamping and sewing....

I've been busy this week working on different projects.....I had a so much fun creating this hand stamped decorative pillow. This is a 30 minute project and $1.00 a yrd. material! So, this is a SUPER inexpensive yet stunning gift for a friend or relative . I just bought some more ink, ribbon and material. I'm anxious to pop out a few more!! :)


Not a long boring post.....I just wanted to share this home made good-y with you! ~Lori

Edit: The material is like a black denim.....but it's lighter on one side. I stamped the image with stazon.

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cupcakes, butterflies and soccer balls.....

Tomorrow is our sons 6th birthday....so in honor of his special day. I done the mom thing and made cupcakes to take into his class tomorrow. No, these butterfly aren't for him!! Long story short...DD was sick with strep on her birthday and missed out on getting her little birthday party at school. So, I made hers along with his today. I can truthfully say, I enjoyed this baking adventure. All 40 something butterflies, cupcakes and soccer balls!! I gotta add the 2lbs of icing I made...Since I haven't baked anything cool lately. I usually make their birthday cakes in a theme they choose. I must be getting geared up for that! lol

My sweet little helper worked beside me with her 3 yr. old sized apron on......she cracked all the eggs for me and put all the baking cups in the pans. We had such a happy time!

The butterflies are made out of melted chocolate. They look difficult but they're very quick and easy to make!


I found these baking cups at Wal-Mart and thought it would be cute to use soccer ball from the Sporting Goods stamp set by Stampin' UP to make picks to coordinate with the soccer baking cups. To make the picks. (1.) I stamped the soccer ball. (2.) Embossed it. (3.) Punched it out. (4.) Applied hot glue to the back of the soccer ball. (5.) Placed toothpick in the glue. They're ready to use in just a few minutes!

We're headed to town...gotta run! Have a happy evening!! :) ~Lori

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trees if you please.....

Happy Monday to all!! I have a few things to share with you! C: Before I start rambling...Here's the cards I created for the challenge...Please scroll down for all the info.

WOW!! It's time again for another Caarvarks spectacular!! Time flies when you're having fun!! :)
Taylored Expressions is the sponsor for the current challenge. You definitely don't want to miss this!! All you have to do is create a card with a tree of any make, year or model......and post it on the Caarvarks site via Mr. Linky......by midnight APRIL 30th......to be eligible for the prize. Remember, the entries will be voted on. So, let us see what you got!! C:

This is the set the lucky winner will receive.

Don't forget to check out the Card Crew's talented creations. You will see some FABULOUS eye candy and you'll get some serious inspiration!!

Supplies for Daddy Card

card stock: SU, black

patterned paper: K & Company, Basic Grey

Stamp: stampin' UP (lovely as a tree)

Ink: black

ribbon: Wright's: Nesties, Label 1, circle scallop

Other: clear embossing powder, brad, paper piercing

Supplies for birdie card:

card stock: kraft

chipboard: DCWV (Green Stack)

borders: Cosmo Cricket

Other: twine, pinking shears, cuttlebug, rhinestones

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roosters and bumble bees...

At the Pink Elephant this week...the challenge is celebrating Earth Day. That means dig around and find something recycled and "use it". An old hair piece, broken jewelry, recycled packaging. That's only a few! I'm sure you all will come up with some amazing ideas!! My recycled item is from a broken pony tail holder. I usually hang on to all the fancy fun stuff like that!

I used some fun Tuscan style paper on this card. The PP and die cuts are from g.c.d Studios. I love their paper packs! They come with a page of die cuts, stickers and a clear overlay! Yummy stuff I tell ya!!

~ Lori

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digi kit delights

This probably won't impress you card makers very much but here's my FIRST ever digi scrapbook page. I'm over the top excited that I actually figured out how to do it! :D So, you will be seeing more of these from me! I created this in PhotoScape (free download) using Rhonna Farrer's Spring Frippery and vintage text mini digi kits. The kits are from Two Peas in a Bucket. I love how inexpensive and quick digi scrapping is!

I hope your weekend is super fabulous! ~ Lori

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porcelain blue and yellow......

I didn't get to the sketch last week. So, I made it a priority for this week.......and here it is. This card literally took about 15 minutes to create. Nothing fancy here.....but I like the sweet simplicity of it!

The stamp in the "window" is by Heidi Grace. The flowers I bought at Joannes. A pack of 5 for a dollar. The ribbon is from the $ Tree and so are the large pearl pins. The punches and CS are from SU. Last but not the least....the patterned paper (Provence) is from g.c.d Studios. I have completely fallen in love with their paper!! It's also sturdy and has rich tones and texture!

Thanks so much for stopping by!! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!! ~ Lori

P.S. I'll be posting some more projects this weekend..... :D

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guest DT for My Stamp Box

These bright and happy projects were inspired by the stamps Bettina sent for being the guest DT at My Stamp Box this month. For the l/o. I combined the He Says She Says stamp set with Cosmo Cricket PP and card stock stickers. The medallion rub-on is K & Company.

I loved working outside the box to create these cards!

One of the neat things about My Stamp Box sets is.....they come in a CD type case. It makes storing and organizing them so simple. That alone is a plus for me!

Be sure to stop by My Stamp Box.....I don't think you'll be disappointed in their products.

I also want to thank Bettina for this great opportunity to use her products! It was a great pleasure to work with her! ~Lori

Supplies:

main stamps: Splash Me A Lot (alphabet), He Says She Says by My Stamp Box

cardstock: Stampin' UP

patterned paper: Cosmo Cricket

ribbon: Offray

heart brads: Making Memories

scallop: Cosmo Cricket

other: ric-rac, labels 1 nestabilities, cuttlebug, button, rhinestone, pinking shears, glitter

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easter photos

Easter...... The time of year when our family celebrates the resurrection of our risen Lord. I just recently watched The Passion of Christ......what a heart wrenching film!

On a lighter note.....here's a few photos I took as we enjoyed the holiday. This year we all wore yellow. So, when I edited the photos I added some hints of yellow.

I have to share this.......My husband and oldest daughter went to trade days (like a large outdoor flea market) over the weekend. They went empty handed. But came home with a Holland Lop eared rabbit. You can imagine what that started! Three other munchkins wanted rabbits too! So, the next day. Their daddy took them and let them all get one. One rabbit turned into five!! And who knows how many five will turn into!!!??? Yikes! They can mate and have babies in a month! I'll definitely keep you all updated! lol

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Pink Elephant Challenge #10

This week at The Pink Elephant the challenge is to use light green, light pink and light yellow The Greeting Farm was gracious and passed along somw printable stamps. I chose this 50's couple. To create this..... I used an assortment of paper and silk flowers. I added some Martha Stewart glitter and lightly sponged the edges of the card. I created a frame with an ovals nestie die and popped it up with pop dots. The paper and card stock sticker are by K & Company. The butterfly is by Stickabilities.

I hope you all had a safe and blessed Easter!!

~Lori

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a train of cards....

Here's the scoop.....I stayed up LATE (until 1:30) last night creating to my hearts content. Here's a few of the cards from my endeavor.....I started out making this card....

Then I TOTALLY switched gears and popped out this 5 minute cutey.

Then this little 10 minute number was born....

I switched gears again and came up with this....

And lastly....this fun and cheerful creation...

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek! If you have any questions...feel free to ask.

I hope you have a WONDERFUL Easter weekend! God Bless you! ~Lori

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My 1st scrapbook page in eons

I actually completed this project several weeks ago....and have never posted it. These photos are from Easter last year. I guess, Better late than never...... {o:
The paper is by Creating Keepsakes. The flowers are from a punch I bought at HL. The flower centers are punched from a small circle punch. I added some cuttlebugged photo corners, a couple trees by Stampin' UP a pearl and a bow. It's a very basic l/o and a little old school. But hey, I haven't scrapped in months and months!! :)

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My Announcement

EEK!! I was picked to be a card girl for g.c.d Studios. You can check it out here .

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TPE #9 (Recipe challenge)

This week at TPE....it's a Recipe challenge. Hop over there and check it out!! We would love to have you play!! The link is in my sidebar.

I'm sorry this post is SOOO short!! It's REALLY getting late. So, I hope you'll forgive me! :)

~Lori R

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Caardvarks Challenge (Fantasy)

EDIT: Blogger is not cooperating with this post!!!! It's not working like it should. So, the post body has some weird stuff embedded in it!! Blogger was acting up when I created the post but I didn't realize how much until today!!!

This past week has been extra exciting for!! One of the reasons is.....I was invited to join Caarvarks design team!!!! Can you believe it?! Little ol' me!! Jenyfur invited us to play along this week if we wanted to. So.....here it is! This weeks challenge is Fantasy. BELIEVE me...you want to make sure you play this challenge!! There's an AWESOME prize this round!! It's hosted by Two Spotted Dogs. This is how I interpreted the challenge....

Show all Hide all

ketches4you#21 blog hop easter OCC Pink Elelphant #6 pink elephant Pink Elephant Challenge

As you can see this card is very basic!! I really wanted the focus to be on the word princess.

As some of you know. I've been out of state all weekend. So, it's made getting everything posted a little more difficult! If this post doesn't make a lot of sense. Well, I'll blame it on the time and being tired! :)

Also, You'll be seeing more posts than normal this week....I have some exciting news to share Monday and the Pink Elephant challenge posts Monday... Stay tuned! :D

~Lori

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2sketches4you#23, Use It #3, Creative Card Crew (using texture), Secret Crafters (stitching)

Polka dots and roses day....I've been in the mood to create pinkish cards that are really sweet and girly. It must be the Spring feeling in the air....

I hope you enjoy this challenge....scroll down if you're interested in more details.

How about a x4 challenge card today!? I started out with the 2sketches4you sketch (which I love).....from there it evolved into this.....This sweetly pink number has minimal layers and embellishments. The flower embellishment was simply some ruffled satin trim and lace I had bought for around a buck a yard. I simply made them into a circle and taped the ends together. The paper flower pin on top is a $ tree find. There is around a dozen in each pack. They're adorable!! The chipboard glitter letters are some I've had for a couple years. I had not even used them one time until this week.

For the Use It challenge we were to use any scraps, 2 types of ribbon and a punch. The Polka dotted PP is a scrap piece. The 2 types of ribbon used (pink grosgrain and cream sheer ribbon).

The punch I used was a corner rounder.

The third challenge is from Creative Card Crew. Using Texture. The flower, paint, lace trim and chipboard letters are my textured elements.

Lastly, at Secret Crafters....the challenge is to use stitching....which I love and do often.

I hope you all are having a wonderful day!! The sun is shining so sweetly today! That alone is a reason to smile after a long winter!! I also have some exciting news to share next week!!

{hugs} Lori

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Easter Chicks and TPE #8, Daring Card Makers

This week at the Pink Elephant the challenge is to make an Easter card or project. Honestly, it's a little hard to believe that Easter is around the corner! Although, we are happy to see it arrive! This time of year is such a blessings to us in southern Ohio. The budding trees and green sprouts peeking out of the ground are quite a refreshing sight! It's also nice to see the little robins join us again. They are a sweet reminder of Spring! So, in honor of the season.....here is a little Easter treat. (This card is now available to purchase in my Etsy shop, see sidebar for link)

I did enjoy creating this. Well, for the most part....It was a little slow going but I think it was due to the fact that it was so late by the time I started and finished it. I don't work too well when I'm sleepy! :) The paper and chicks are Cosmo Cricket. While shopping yesterday I came across them. So....once again, they followed me home! You will be seeing more projects from this line....The kit has a ton of CUTE stuff in it!

I think, for the most part.....this card is self explanatory. But... for fun I'll give you a few highlights.

I used two pieces of PP and paper border. The edges are painted and lightly distressed. I added micro beads to parts of the PP to sweeten things up a little. The berries are from the same Cosmo Cricket kit. I love the way they make this card pop. I ran the chicks wings through the CB to give them a little texture. I also, used pinking shears on the edge of the card. And on the edges of my ribbon. The pinking shears are fast becoming a staple in my supply box!

I hope all of you had a fabulous weekend. I'm looking forward to a week of fun challenges and projects!

~Lori

Check out the Daring Card Makers challenge Here

You are required to use a bunny, chick etc on your card.

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WINNERS FOR THE EASTER BLOG HOP CANDY

Edit: Two of the winners have contacted me. I have not heard from Nancy. I also have not been successful in reaching her. So, if Nancy has not contacted by Sat. the 4th. I will pick another random winner.

I have the winners for the Easter blog hop candy..........Drum roll please.......


Here is your sequence:
14
22
49

Timestamp: 2009-03-29 01:41:16 UTC

#1 Southern Cricut

#2 Gail's Card Cafe

#3 Nancy

If you ladies could email me at m2three2000@yahoo.com with your address. I'll get them mailed out to you. Congratulations!

A BIG thank you too all of you wonderful inspiring ladies who participated!! You help keep me going! I {heart} you all!! :]

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KWERNER Color Challenge #47

As you well know...there's a first time for everything. Today, I participated in my 1st evah KWERNER color challenge. The card I created for the challenge is quite a bit more simple than usual. But I find these kind of cards refreshing at times!!

I again used the scor-it on the BG (I'll tire of it, just hang in there). The PP is Basic Grey's new Fall line . I fell in love with it and it followed me home! The fall sentiment is a K & Company card stock sticker. I dry stitched the top edge with the sewing machine. The sheer stitched ribbon is from Hobby Lobby. Literally, this card took all of about 5 - 10 minutes.

I also, wanted to add.....I started an ETSY shop. If you're ever interested in visiting (please do) :D the link is at the top of my side bar.

Don't forget, today is the last day to sign up for my blog candy (see side bar for link).

Have a great day! ~Lori

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2sketches 4you #22, use it #2

This week at 2sketches4you. Laura, put up the sketch. I didn't get to play last week so, I made the effort to create a card this week. I think I forgot to mention....that Kazan picked one of my cards a couple challenges back as card of the week. Woohoo!! I was SO thrilled!! That said, I used the prize Kazan sent me for that week on this card. The mini Scor-it....I LOVE how easy it is to use!

This week Rae's (Use It) guest challenge hostess challenged us to use eyelets (something I RARELY do), use something that is at least a year old and use polka dots. That was easy enough. Graciousness, I've got some old stash. The checkered PP I used was copy wrote in 2003. I placed a gray eyelet in a corner of the heart and used polka dotted paper to cover the chipboard heart I've had for a couple years.

I just adore these rub-ons from K & Company.
Rub-ons are one of my favorite products.

They're quick and easy to use.

I added some paper piercing to the PP panel and a couple little borders. The scalloped border was created using decorative scissors. The ribbon is really cheap, stiff stuff. But I like the crisp white color. I trimmed the bow with pinking shears. The cream flower is a regular floral flower. I bought it in a bunch at HL. The chipboard heart is edged with white craft paint. The BG was created using a mini Scor-it. I also, used a corner rounder on all the corners. TSMFL!!

~Lori

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Pink Elephant Challenge #7 (Sketch)

Here's my little number for this weeks TPE Challenge......I had such fun with this one!! It's super easy to work with and it's a win, win sketch!!
I inked up the Cuttlebug folder before I ran it through the machine(I can't think of the actual technique right now, LONG day). Stitched around the edge of the CS and added a little paint to the edges. I layered the panel and spruced it up a little bit by adding a bow.

SUPPLIES/card stock (Stampin' UP) blush blossom, very vanilla and baby blue, ink (SU, pretty in pink), Leafy Branch cuttlebug embossing folder, write's ribbon, PP (K & Company), Chipboard stickers ( K & Company), Pearls (Mark Richards), Rhinestones (K & Company), White craft paint, trim (Trimex, Joanne Fabric)

Here's the sketch (challenge #7).

Well blogger buds.....today was just one of those days!! Extremely fulfilling....but extremely tiring!! The upside, DD had an honor band function today. The bad side, we had to have her there at 8:45 this morning. The function was in another town so we had to hang out ALL day and wait for her. While waiting. I did have fun shopping at the Outlet mall. I just had two of my younger girls with me. They love to shop. Happily, we got some pretty good deals! :) We ended up being gone ELEVEN hours!!! Ack!! I'm all out and READY for bed!! LOL!

P.S. By the time you read this post it will be Monday and hopefully I'll be rested up by then!!

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