Dog Treats and Eyelets?

I went to Mansfield today for Riley's dog food and to browse a couple other stores. I found these two cute rawhide shoes in a pack for only 60 cents! I had two very happy boys when I got home!

Riley says "Yeah for treats!" LOL!

Jack says "Hmm, I can have this torn apart in 3 minutes or less with my jaws!" It's true!

Once the treats were apart, my crafter mind only saw one thing....I could add eyelets to each hole for some embellishing!
I know, I'm so not right in the head. Made ya laugh, huh?

Ah-Choo!

I've lost the battle of not catching a cold this season. With working in a medical office full of cold/flu patients, being surrounded by co-workers with colds and the fact that Kevin just got over one....well, I guess it's my turn. Ugh. It got me! *Ah-choo!*

I am supposed to be doing a hundred things today, but my head feels like a bowling ball. LOL! Sharing something crafty may or may not happen this weekend. We'll see...*Ah-choo!* :)

Theraflu....take me away!

Trust

I made this card for a special friend of mine who is going through a difficult time. It was directly inspired by a card I saw in Paper Crafts magazine by Nichole Heady. I love kraft cardstock and to see it paired with vanilla and Versamark inks was so soft and soothing so I had to copy. I also love this Bible verse. It was the topic of the sermon at church Sunday and how wonderful that I had a stamp of it to share with my friend. I love when God gives me just the right words to share...His words. :)

I Miss You

To some this may just look like another scrapbook page filled with patterns, embellishments and a picture of an adorable dog. But, for me....it was about a long four month wait until I could scrap about a dear little friend I lost. Yep, I finally did a page about Macy. Hope you like it. :) I have to say it was kind of therapeutic to make it.

Notice how the little yellow heart says "then". I punched it out of a tag that had several words. It seemed appropriate since this picture was taken "then" and not "now". :( I cut out her name using the Cricut.

I stamped the background with "I miss you"....a neat little stamp that Lisa gave me. I added a few rounded corners and brads.

The patterned paper and stickers were all from Doodlebug Designs and I've had them in my stash for ages. I liked the cheerful colors.

"Baby Girl" was just one of her nicknames. She sure was a special little dog. Sure do miss her. *sniffle*

Happy Sunny Wednesday

The weather is a whopping 48 degrees here today with plenty of sunshine. This afternoon, the boys and I went outside to play and soak up some warm sunshine! :)
Time to play frisbee!

What's wrong Momma? Is this stick too big to chew? LOL!!!!

Riley looks like he's grinning, but really he's chewing a little stick. They love to munch any yard treats like sticks, "helicopters" and mulch. Weirdos!

Even Riley would go get the frisbee. The only problem was that neither boy wanted to give it back after they fetched. I had to wait for them to get bored and drop it so I could throw it again. :)

Before we went outside, they had Wrestlemania inside. Jack would sit up on the spare bed and glare at Riley. Riley would then jump as high as he could and try to snap at Jack. That led to Jack pouncing Riley on the floor and the biting began! They are only playing, but still...

At one point, Riley had some white fur hanging out of his mouth. Guess he won that round! LOL! Jack has plenty of fur to spare. LOL!

The bonus of being outside was this little happy discovery in the mulch. I saw daffodils peeking out!

I moved the mulch to find all those lovely little green sprouts! Ah, Spring must be near!!! 23 days 'til Spring begins! I am soooooo ready! :) What a happy,sunny Wednesday!

Sweet Faces

Yep, I did another page about these adorable pups. I guess I tend to scrapbook what is current and "right now" in life. I certainly don't take as many pictures of Kevin as I do our dogs. LOL! I had started this page at Connie's and found it on my craft table Saturday. It just needed journaling, so I kept it simple and got the page done. You can adapt this layout to fit anything in life you personally think is sweet. Just imagine it without the dog faces and add your loved ones' pictures instead. I sometimes forget to look at layout ideas that way. I look at it too literally, instead of thinking how I can adapt it for my own pictures.

The word "sweet" and the hearts were cut out on the Cricut (Graphically Speaking cartridge). I used patterned scraps for both. I also added some dark chocolate cardstock from Archivers, some inked edges and that cute little bone charm tied on with linen thread. I also drew my own line around the page edge to create a simple line border. I ended it just short of the title bar so that the title stood out more. A few brads on the corners, some photos, journaling and two more smaller hearts finished it off.

I adhered each heart with foam squares for added dimension.

The journaling says: "How can you resist such sweet faces as these? It's impossible! I don't even try anymore. LOL!" If you click on this picture for a closer look, you'll also notice that I stamped the word "sweet" randomly on the entire background with Versamark ink. I wanted the words to be seen, but not stand out more than the focal points of the page. So, there you have it...a simple page idea that uses scraps and few other items. :)

Speaking of sweet faces....look at this adorable Eskie face. I was taking some pics of Jack and I Sunday after he and Riley had been running like crazy around the house. Since he was panting, I got a great shot of his pink tongue! He's so goofy! So is his Momma. LOL!

Praying for You

On Splitcoaststampers, they have Virtual Stamp Night where different challenges are posted each hour. I was browsing the site Saturday night and decided to try one of the challenges (make a card a man could give to a woman). The rules for this particular challenge were 1) use the colors navy, kraft and vanilla, 2) do not use ribbon or flowers, 3) use three brads and 4) use stamps of botanical images. I immediately thought of Kevin's valentine I made this year and used that layout as a starting point. I LOVE kraft cardstock (just a LITTLE bit *wink*) so this one was fun!
I colored the chipboard frame with Night of Navy craft ink, then wrapped linen thread on the four corners. The frame is adhered over the Very Vanilla cardstock piece using dimensional foam squares. The leaf is stamped onto a piece of Very Vanilla that is "distressed". I simply cut the piece to size, run it over my bone folder many times in order to break down the paper layers. I then peel the two paper layers apart very carefully. The inner side is a bit "sueded" and gives some texture. Make sense?

I added my three brads, the stamped sentiment and some paper piercing. The card edges were inked using Very Vanilla craft ink and a sponge dauber.

Thanks for stopping by!

It's a Ruff Life

Doggy life has moved at a normal pace despite Riley having his surgeries Tuesday. The boys have still managed to run, romp and play at normal (aka breakneck) speed. They are hilarious! After Riley wears out and Jack still wants to play "chomp brother's face", then Riley jumps to higher ground for safety. Friday morning while getting ready, I noticed the sudden silence in the living room and went to investigate. Ah ha! Riley had jumped up on the couch and snuggled with the pillows. He must have had enough! :) He has been sleeping a bit more when not playing. His incisions are itching like crazy since they are healing and his belly fur is growing. How annoying it all must be for the little guy! I have to tell you that he actually slept in Friday morning until 6:50am. He is usually ready for breakfast at 5am! Oh, I loved it!

Here's Jack on Saturday afternoon during nap time. So many toys, so little energy! LOL! Yep, he's just getting recharged for "Doggie Wrestlemania Part II". Doesn't he look about 3 feet long here? He stretches out so long, but then will curl up in a ball in his bed. He is such a sweet dog.

Kevin is getting a nasty cold so he's upstairs napping. We went to Wooster last night to get adhesives for the Zaney Girlz at Pat Catan's and enjoyed a nice dinner at Tumbleweed. I have laundry, vacuuming and supper on my agenda for today. I got my hair cut and colored this morning so I'm home for the day. I hope to organize or plan some pages/projects for my getaway in 13 days! www.craftfarm.com I can't wait!

Hope everyone has a nice weekend. We're expecting snow so we'll see how much white fluff falls today/tonight. Brrr....

Riley the Stamper

Hi, I'm Riley. I helped Momma stamp a card for Dr. Lahmon. We wanted to send a card of appreciation for the wonderful care I got during and after my surgery on Tuesday.
Momma cut the cardstock and got all the supplies out. Then, I put my touch on it by licking the card. (Thank goodness it dried ok and didn't smear the paws Momma already stamped. LOL!) I'm a good helper!

Momma chose the yummy dark chocolate cardstock from Archivers, burgundy textured cardstock from DCWV she got at Joann Fabrics and some striped paper that matched.

Momma got these fun tickets from the local scrapbook store and used one to make the tag for the sentiment. She stamped a bone with Versamark, then stamped the words "many thanks".

Momma has this stamp that looks like me. I'm cute, huh? She used her AquaPainter to color this pooch to look like my brindle fur. Then, she got her punches out, inked the edges and added some linen thread to the card. By the time she did this, I was having a nap. LOL!

The front of the card is a bit shorter so that the striped paper shows. When you open the card, Momma put in a white piece to write a note to the doc on. I like those little paws. I have little paws, too. They help me run and pounce on Jack. I also like to use my paws to step on Momma in the morning, lick her face and tell her it's time for breakfast! I like to eat at 5am. :)

Man, stamping makes me tired! I had my pain medicine and it made me super sleepy after a while. *snore* My brother Jack kept sniffing me and I just wanted to rest.

Jack is ornery. Yep, Momma tells me all about it. When I was napping, he got in Momma's stuff on the floor and put this business card in his mouth. Momma caught him and tried not to die laughing and wake me up. She took his picture since he's so silly!

Thanks for checking out what I made. Momma said she might stamp again soon.

The Furry Patient

The little guy smells sterile like the doggy hospital and needs his fur fluffed and tears wiped. His energy level is certainly NOT lacking post op. LOL! He was so happy to see his Momma and is doing just fine. He now weighs a whopping 6.5 pounds. He was a bit over 3 pounds when we got him. He's growing and growing. Such a cute little guy!

The receptionist at the vet sent home some doggy treats to share with Jack. Once the tails wagged a bit, they got to share the tiny doggy treats. Yum!

These two sure missed each other. You could tell by the immediate wrestling, chasing and stealing of toys. Uh, didn't one of them just have surgery? LOL! They said to limit Riley's activity for 2-3 days. Uh, yeah...right! How on earth can you do that to a fast-moving firecracker? LOL!

Some things might have changed about Riley from his surgeries, but some things didn't. Feisty little guy liked chomping Momma's fingers.

He didn't just have surgeries, he also got vaccinations, his ears cleaned and his nails trimmed. Talk about getting run through the ringer! LOL! He got two little syringes with pain med and a rabies tag for his collar. He got one syringe today when we got home and takes the other tomorrow. He has shown no signs of slowing down yet or any pain complaints, but they still want him to take it.

The boys have been going non-stop for over an hour now, so I just put them in their kennels to nap. Hmm...Momma might need to sneak down and stamp a card! Riley does need to send his doc a thank you. *wink*

Chipboard Coaster Card

Not sure how this idea started, but Lisa had given me some chipboard coasters and I thought it might be neat to make a card with them. *click any pic for a closer look*

I stamped the vine image from Baroque Motifs (Stampin' Up! set) using the Chestnut Roan chalk ink. I then added the sentiment from The Angel Company, some Prima flowers and self-stick pearls. I used my Crop-a-Dile to punch holes. The card is made of two panels and is held together with two kinds of ribbon. This one will have to be mailed in a special bubble envelope, but will hopefully be well-liked by the recipient since it's different.

This sentiment is from an older Stampin' Up! set called Everyday Celebrations. It's one I've held on to as I love what it says.

I love this little "cat's eye" pad. I have two of them in Chestnut Roan...one opened and a new one waiting. I use this one a lot! :) I inked the edges of the coasters with a lighter tan chalk ink.

Everyone have a blessed day!

Flowers for Wanda

Riley is staying overnight at the vet after his neuter/hernia surgeries, so Jack is getting some special one-on-one attention. He went with me to our neighbor Wanda's and we took her flowers. He was such a gentleman and didn't bug anything in her house. He found a few of Toby's cat toys, but gave them to me when I said "drop it". Then, we went on a nice long walk. He pretty much walked me, but that's ok since we both needed the fresh air and exercise. :)
These colors are so gorgeous together! Makes me want to stamp a card using these colors.

Wanda is such a special part of our lives. Jack had never been over to her house since we adopted him. He loved her, which was no surprise. He is so nice to everyone. :)

Jack said "Mmm, Wanda...these sure do smell good. LOL!

I called the vet about 4pm and they said Riley did fine. I'll pick him up after lunch tomorrow. I can't wait to see him! I miss my little buddy! :)

Custom Glittered Brads

On Sunday night, I created two more cards. This one needed a brad to match the glittered accents on the card, so I thought I'd show you how I made it. Click any picture for a closer look.
You will need: 1)brad 2)Versamark ink 3) Heat 'n Stick powder 4) glitter 5)tweezers 6) heat tool

Hold the brad with your craft tweezers and tap the end of the brad onto the ink pad.

Dip the inked brad into the Heat 'n Stick powder, being careful to coat only the front of the brad.

Use your heat tool to melt the Heat 'n Stick powder. Melt until clear and sticky.

Dip the brad into the glitter of your choice and tap off excess. The color I used here is Golden Beryl by Martha Stewart.

Heat the brad one last time. This will help seal the glitter into the Heat 'n Stick powder. You can tap off any remaining excess glitter after this step. (Just ask Jack how he got glitter on his face....he kept sniffing the trash can when I'd tap the brad over it. Sparkly dog! LOL!)

Your brad is now ready to attach to your project. I punched a 1/8" hole in the center of my flowers and added the brad. I love how it will match the glittered accents on my card perfectly!

All cardstock is textured and made by DCWV. I bought it at Joann Fabrics. Other accessories are the Simple Alphabet and Polka Dot Basics stamp sets by Papertrey Ink, Versamark ink, Heat 'n Stick powder, flowers by Prima, ticket corner punch by SU! and the Threading Water border punch by Fiskars. The border punch actually gives you a scalloped border plus punches a hole in each scallop. I just scoot the scalloped paper under the edge of the other paper to hide the holes. This way I essentially have two punches in one.

I just LOVE the look of glitter. I think that's why I get so excited when I see things like packages of glittery, glittered accents, etc. However, I still have my GLITTERPHOBE moments. I had one while creating this card. The picture above will show you why! It may look harmless to the naked eye, but if you look REALLY closely you will see that the glitter is stuck on my brush, the lid, the paper and the tray (inside and out). When I tapped the brush over the trash can, the glitter flew everywhere. It is really fine and found its way onto me, the floor, the dog, etc. Well, it made me shiver, then I looked at my card when completed. Ahhhhhhh...so worth it! *giggle*

Hope you like what I shared today. Check back tomorrow for updates on how little Riley's surgeries went and one more project. This one is unique since the card is made from chipboard coasters (I have some now thanks to Lisa! Thank you, Lisa!). See you then!