Thursday, December 31, 2009

Various Christmas Cards

For my last post of 2009, I thought I better show you the various handmade cards we received for Christmas. Click on any pic for a closer look. Sorry for the bluish lighting on some of them. I took the pics at dusk and didn't have bright natural light. The cards are actually white.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope to have many more ideas and blessings to share in 2010. God Bless you!
Mom and I are heading to Archivers for a 2-day
crop Friday and Saturday.
Ahhh.....19 hours of scrappin' bliss!
I need a nice stress reliever after a very hectic week at work.
See you next year!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Ornament Exchange

I found these super glittery ornaments in a box of 20 at Wal-Mart. I have 19 co-workers so this worked out great. I simply replaced the cheapy string on each one with some nicer ribbon and added a handmade tag. I wanted to show my co-workers some Christmas cheer and this fit my budget wonderfully.
Now, here's the rest of the story. Remember I told you they were SUPER GLITTERY? Oh my goodness. If you click the picture, you can see the loose glitter that has fallen inside the clear envelopes I presented them in. I was having a serious GLITTERPHOBE moment doing these. It was BAD! I had to use almost half a roll of wet and dry paper towels trying to wipe up the loose glitter on the table. It was also on the floor, on me, on the dogs and who knows where else. I know Connie once bought me a rubber stamp that says "I am the glitter queen."....but I'm not so sure. I felt like I needed a trip to ER for some Xanax to calm my "glittery"(jittery) nerves. LOL! I was happy with the end result, but man was it hard to touch it all. Gives me the willies thinking about it now. *snicker* (I photographed these after they were contained in the clear envelopes as I couldn't bear to touch them any longer.)
For our annual Christmas dinner, Dr. D suggested we have an ornament exchange. Each person was to bring an ornament already wrapped. We all drew numbers and took turns picking an ornament or stealing one from someone who had already picked one. This is the ornament I made to take. It is a clear glass ball with strips of patterned/glittered cardstock rolled up. I added some clear sticky bling to the outside in a random pattern and tied ribbon at the top.
Ah, and there's more to THIS story, too. Since there is an ongoing joke in the office about me being a curious person and lover of Curious George, I had to play a trick. When Dr. D said the ornament we brought could be nice or a white elephant gift, I took that bull by the horns! ha This is the gift bag I put the "white elephant" ornament in to exchange. It looks quite innocent, eh? Well, see below..... LOL!!!!!!!!
The person who picked my package would receive THIS REAL BANANA "ornament". I used my paper piercer to poke the top and threaded the ribbon through with a large needle. How ingenious of me, right? Well, at least it made me giggle a lot. I have a Curious George rubber stamp set that I got ages ago in the Target Dollar Spot, so I used it to make two matching tags. I was really hoping Dr. S would get the joke banana since he aggravates me the most about my curiosity. Instead our practice manager picked it. She was actually tickled to get a real banana. If a banana stays on my desk too long at work, I give it to her. She loves ripe bananas. Well, most people got the joke right away and I was laughing the whole time. What everyone didn't know is that I had a "consolation" prize for the person who really ended up with the dumb banana. Dr. S stole it from Kathy and then Kathy stole it back eventually. So, the original person took home the banana and was delighted when she got the pretty bling ornament, too. I told everyone thanks for letting me play my joke and it was still funny how Kathy was tickled to have this dumb banana. She did eat it, too, by the way. LOL!!!!!!!! But, only after it had more freckles. Eww...I don't like really ripe ones.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Happy Birthday Dad

My dad's birthday was in October. Ya think I'm a little late showing this one? LOL!! Not sure if you can tell, but the front cover is cut off about 1/2" and the patterned word paper strip is adhered inside the card. Today's post is short and sweet. See you again tomorrow! Check back to see the projects I made for an ornament exchange at work.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Gift Card Holders

At work, we draw names and exchange $10 gifts. Terra wanted a Wal-Mart gift card, so I decorated a clear pillow box to present it in. I used Old Olive textured cardstock and ribbon, plus a pre-printed sticker from Basic Grey. Everything is adhered with glue dots.
I also needed an extra gift card holder for the winner of a fun contest Katie and I did at work. We both work in medical records and had saved all the 08 year stickers this year from the charts. We counted them and put them in a gallon-size Ziploc bag. Whoever came closest to guessing the number of stickers won this gift card to Panera Bread. If I remember correctly, we had saved about 5,300 of them! Some day our practice will go to electronic medical records and we'll no longer have to change year stickers. Everyone sure got a laugh out of it. OH and yes, the winner also got the bag of stickers as a gag gift!! Wonder if they'll ever show up in a white elephant exchange somewhere. LOL!
Check back tomorrow to see my dad's b-day card from this year.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Getting Caught Up

Finally, finally, finally!! I am getting caught up on my blog posts. I have been behind the scenes for too long. Tonight I uploaded all projects that were on my camera and will be showing goodies all week. Thanks for your patience. My time seems to have been spent elsewhere lately. Hmmm...perhaps the treadmill, YMCA and doing all the normal life stuff. I have finally lost 20 pounds and proudly bought jeans in a smaller size tonight. It's no fun to have to keep hiking them up every time I walk or stand up. The bummer is that most of my clothes are like new, but don't fit right anymore. This is one problem I will gladly accept!!! I am determined to shrink out of my entire closet and buy a whole new updated wardrobe. My goal is to lose 50 pounds! So, if I am M.I.A. from blog land, just know I'll be back eventually. That is after I sweat a bit. LOL! Thanks to those of you who cheer me on! I need all the encouragement you offer.
I made two cards like this for two dear friends who have December birthdays. I loved the paper from Basic Grey and used my Stampin' Up! cardstocks and inks that matched wonderfully! I love when I can use SU! goodies with other brands. Makes me smile. :)
I added faux stitching with my white gel pen and some copper Stickles to add some subtle bling. A girl can never have too much bling or too many Stickles in her stash!!
I added more copper Stickles to the back of a clear button, let it dry completely, then tied embroidery floss through it. I adhered it over the ribbon using glue dots.
Later this week, I will be showing you the following:
  • 2 gift card holders
  • my dad's b-day card
  • projects I made for an ornament exchange at work
  • adorable Christmas cards from friends
Stop back each day this week for more inspiration. A lot of what I have to share is Christmas-related, but now that the holiday hoopla is over, I have more time to post the ideas. Have a blessed day!

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry CHRISTmas!

Merry Christmas from our little family!
Wishing you a year ahead filled with many blessings!
Yeah, we're nutty!
Mwwwwaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh! *kissing sound*

Friday, December 18, 2009

I'm a bad girl....

....since I haven't updated my blog with posts showing the different projects I've done lately. I have a handful of things to share. Please be patient. My time management skills must be "under construction"! ha 'Tis the season to be busy...fa la la la la la la la la.....Don't give up on me. I'll do it. I promise.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

For a Friend

My dear friend and co-worker lost his brother unexpectedly on Tuesday. I made this card for everyone at the office to sign. Thanks, Mom, for the pretty ribbon you shared. It was perfect just when I needed to make this card. Click either pic for a closer look. Thanks for stopping by!
On a happier note...just wanted to give my Weight Watchers update. I am down 17.4 pounds now! I have a hard few weeks ahead with all the treats that will be brought into our office. I just have to keep this body movin' and try to say no! God sure has given me a lot of strength to keep pressin' on toward my goal. I just want to be free of the baggage and find a new me! I love being on the treadmill with my MP3 player that is filled with all Christian songs. He always finds a way to whisper in my ear (literally!) the words that I need to keep going strong. Thank you, Lord!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Santa Claus

My mom needed a cute idea for table favors for a luncheon. I had seen a cute idea of a Santa made using punches. You can go to Dawn's blog HERE to see her version, but be sure to also click on where she got the idea from another lady named Dawn. It is on that second site where you will find instructions.
Mom makes different kinds of chocolate candies. For this idea, she made white chocolate dipped pretzels and added a cute Santa ornament.
Here is her Santa close up. she bought glittered cardstock at Joann's so she didn't have to use loose glitter. She also added the fun googly eyes instead of ones made from cardstock.
Christmas gift delivery might be delayed this year, kids! Santa got stuck in Riley's jaws tonight! ha ha He was running around with a little Santa finger puppet I have. LOL! This dog is a thief of many things...including my heart! Isn't he adorable!!??? You can't see it much, but he has on his new handsome sweater. It was a dollar, too. Love that store!
The real Santas live here. I found these silly hat/collar outfits for dogs at the dollar store. For two bucks, it was well worth the rolling belly laugh I got when they posed tonight. Of course, it took several tries and at this point I think both dogs had pulled off their hats a few times. Ready, set, pose! ha ha Jack hates dress-up time. His Momma tortures him, huh? Not. Riley is more tolerant, but Jack really detests when I do this stuff. It's scrapbook worthy so I do it!
And, now....Riley would like to sing a little tune. Ok, Riley...go for it.
FA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Ryder David

I made this chipboard brag book for my co-worker Terra. She is returning to work today after an 8-week maternity leave. (I know it will be hard for her to leave Ryder, but her mom will be his babysitter.) She can put his newborn pic, plus one pic for each month of his first year of life. I hope she likes it.
I added his stats and name to the first two pages.
I used rub-ons to designate each month, then put Happy 1st Birthday where his one-year-old pic will go.
I stamped the back and signed my name. You can also see here how the back side of each chipboard star has alternating cardstock colors. I did the same for the fronts. Scroll back up to the first pic to see. Thanks for stopping by! I need to journal a few scrapbook pages, then I can post those hopefully sooner than later!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Thanksgiving 2009

We had Thanksgiving dinner at my parents' house on Thursday. These pics are in no particular order.
Kevin giving Jack some good lovin'. I tell ya...this dog could be petted 24/7!
These are two very sleepy dogs that morning. I gave Riley a bath so he'd be all clean and fluffy. Jack got a good brushing so he'd be super handsome.
Jack, Riley and Tucker. The little ones have changed so much in a year! They are so much lighter in color. Riley is about 9 pounds, Tucker about 6 pounds.
My sister Rhonda and her two daughters, Julie and Brooke.
Mom, Dad, Steve, Rhonda and I. Steve and his rocker shirts!
Julie, Josh and Tucker
George (Charles' first cousin), Charles (my nephew) and Steve (my brother)
Three rocker dudes!! Notice Steve's ornery face!!!
Our little family
So much to be thankful for this season and always!!!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Grateful for Kevin

I am grateful for my husband Kevin. He truly is unconditional. At times we drive each other nuts, but in the end we're truly best friends. We've endured some very stressful past few years with his job layoffs, plant closing and general life stuff. Through it all, we've always had each other to hold. God has blessed us immeasurably and for that I am grateful! We have a home filled with the pitter patter of silly dogs, a pantry that's always full enough, bills that are always paid and most importantly we share a love for the Lord. We're not perfect by any means, but he is perfect for me! I love you, Kevin!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Enough

You are my supply my breath of life
Still more awesome than I know
You are my reward worth living for
Still more awesome than I know
All of you is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough
You're my sacrifice of greatest price
Still more awesome than I know
You're my coming King, You're my everything
Still more awesome than I know
All of you is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough
You are more than enough
More than all I want, more than all I need
You are more than enough for me
More than all I know, more than all I can see
You are more than enough for me
All of you is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
Jesus, all I have in You is more than enough
Enough by Jeremy Camp
To listen, click HERE.
This year, I am certain that He is more than enough in my life!
Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Gratitude Basket

I will be taking this basket of candy favors to work today. Each one is filled with a bit of chocolate goodness. I want my co-workers to know how much I appreciate them, so I have stamped a Bible verse on each tag. The secret is that on the back of each tag, I have written a personal note telling them something in particular about them for which I am grateful. For example, on Dr. D's I wrote that I am grateful for his example of determination. He has gracefully dealt with some difficulties from his neck surgery and rehab that really stands out to me. I have watched him work hard this past year in getting back in full swing at work. His determination speaks volumes.

This project was an exercise in remembering that the little things about those I am around each day are a blessing. I am so grateful for my job, where I work and the ones I work with each day.

In everything, give Thanks! I Thessalonians 5:18

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Cards from Joan and Connie

This is our Halloween card from Joan. This stamp cracks me up, because it reminds me of little Riley. He doesn't bite, but he likes to jump up and nip if you don't give him attention. He's a rascal! I love how she layered the punches for the sentiment.
This is our Thanksgiving card from Connie. I love the color combo and the curly label punch behind each circle. I am grateful for both of these wonderful ladies in my life!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Upside Down Dog

These fun dog patterned papers from Basic Grey, along with a crazy dog picture made this one fun to scrapbook. That Jack sure keeps me laughing!
I only had one sheet of the dog paper, so I simply found a dog to cut out that was behind where the photo would go. An easy way to get more bang for your buck from one sheet of paper....a simple embellishment from your patterned paper. The only other things I added were some tiny Making Memories alpha stickers, four yellow brads and some faux stitching. Silly boy!!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Scalloped Baby Buggy

All credit goes to Patty for this idea. I browse her blog regularly and was thrilled to find this idea. My friend Claire just had a baby girl. Her name is Natalie Claire. She wasn't named after me, but I still love the name. You see, mine is VERY similar. I am Natalie Clare (without the "i"). I sent this card to the Klein family to welcome baby Natalie.

Now after seeing Patty's post again, I see that I should have made the horizontal punched border the width of the buggy. Oh well...I think Claire will still like it. :)