Love to Dream...Skyz Da Limit

Do you remember your "First Love"?

2008-08-14T01:00:00.000-10:00

Does anyone remember their "first love"? Well...I had this DP that said it all....

This is Rachel Miller's "First Love" stamp. This is a clear stamp that stamps really clear and defined. I enjoyed coloring in this set. When I first saw these stamps, I didn't think it was as cute as "IT REALLY IS". Once I inked it up, stamped the image, and colored it in, my mind changed into "LOVIN' IT !!! I added the flower next to it! This is another simple card done.

Check out the variety of these stamps...you'll love it.... Of course, it's at Jen's Little C's stamps & things.

Feel the mood!!!
Thanks for visiting!!!

More "Sweet Treats" Anyone?

2008-08-13T01:00:00.000-10:00

Here's another "Sweet Treat" stamp from Pink Cat Studios. With this layout, I used my paisley spellbinder. I purchased this spellbinder but I'm having a difficult time deciding how to fully utilize it. Any suggestions?

If you'd like to see more of this stamp set, check out Jen's Little C's stamps & things. Jen created a new site for her online store. Go and check it out!!! It's great!!! She also started a gallery.

Little C's Weekly Challenge #4

2008-08-12T01:00:00.003-10:00

This is the first time I'm participating in a challenge. I decided to give it a shot. I tried something different. I totally adore this Anthony & Burt stamp. Click on its name and you can see the different selections that Little C's Stamps & Things has. This particular one is called "RELAXING SUMMER" . I used SU's markers to color this in. I'm not quite sure how I feel about using markers vs using the prismacolor pencils with gamsol. I think I'm not used to using the markers, so my "blending" is not where I'd like it to be. But through it all, I still say, I really love this stamp? What do you think?

Here you'll see a "Chardonnay" piece that I received from Jen back in March. She has alot of knick knacks too. I tried taking a close up picture so you can see the glitter in the champagne glass. Then there's the ric rac ribbon that I received from one of the designing divas Jodie. Thanks Jodie!!! Since her computer's been "acting up, not cooperating, talking back (hehe)" check out Jen's site for some of her creations. Boy!!! It's AWESOME!!! The sketch is taken from the talented Maria. She is also a part of Little C's Designing Divas. I'm sure when you check out her site, you'll clearly see....."SHE'S TALENTED" Her work is "BEAUTIFUL"

Check out these other sites to see more of Little C's Weekly Challenge #4 (LCWC#4)

Jen
Maria
Teri
Jean
Risa
Ellie

Go to Jen's to get more information on how to enter her LCWC#4 challenge. Good luck and have fun!!!

I love having "HIGH HOPES"

2008-08-11T22:54:00.003-10:00

It's this stamped image, "Froggy Gift" by High Hopes , that "drew me in". After seeing this stamped images all over Blogland, I knew I wanted it. I'm so happy that Jen over at Little C's Stamps & Things decided to carry them. I used my prismacolor pencils with gamsol to color it. I made it very simple. This boy looks like such a rascal guy that I just "fell in love" with it.

Thanks for visiting!!!

Another Pink Cat Studios "Sweet Treat" stamps

2008-08-06T23:58:00.007-10:00

Here's another Pink Cat Studio's "Sweet Treat" stamp. This one is a "sweet" cupcake. My niece loved this card because it was pink and brown. You can find more of what's on this set at Jen's Little C's Stamps & Things online store. She also has it on her blog Pieces of Me.

The ribbon is one of the things I bought from Michael's. I went to Vegas in March and decided to go to Michael's. I've heard so much about that store that I decided to check it out. Needless to say, I went NUTS!!! My cart looked as if I was a person who thought the store was closing. A gentleman saw my cart and responded, "That is why I come here instead of my wife. She tells ME what she needs and I come to the store and purchase JUST the items she needs." We both had quite a laugh. I explained to him that my husband didn't even know I was AT the store that day. (hehehe) I did enjoy shopping there.

Thanks for stopping by :)

Want something YUMMY...

2008-08-06T23:23:00.003-10:00

For anyone who knows me, they'll know.....I will never refuse ICE CREAM!!! You know the saying, "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!!!" This is a Pink Cat Studio "SWEET TREATS STAMP" that can be found at Little C's Stamps & Things. I've been fortunate to be on the Design team. Check out my sidebar for the other Design team members. Their designs are totally awesome!!!

I colored this yummy stamp with prismacolor pencils and gamsol. One of the things on my WISH LIST will definitely be COPIC MARKERS. For now, I'm enjoying my prismacolor pencils and blending them with gamsol.

Thank you JEN from Pieces of Me and Little C's Stamps & Things for "lighting me up again". She inspired me enough to "spark" and "motivate" me to create more cards and things. In the upcoming days, you'll see what I mean. Some show me "rusty" but still enjoying, others simple and sweet.

What FUN these cards were to make

2008-08-06T22:46:00.005-10:00

Back in April, I needed to find a stamp that was fit for a boy turning ONE!!! I wanted to find a "local" type of stamp. Well, I came across this stamp and he just brought a SMILE to my face. Isn't he the cutest thing!!! PERFECT!!! It fit my cousin's son, who is so cute....I'm sure you guessed his name ... "Kayle"

This stamp is from Create in Me fka Juju stamps...and guess what...Jen from Pieces of ME has this line at her online store Little C's stamps and things. Go check it out!!!!

I made this card for my sons' to give to their grandma (my mother) for mother's day. This boy looks so well behaved, unlike my 2 sons, BUT, I could picture my sons hiding flowers behind their backs to surprise their grandma. This stamp is "For you" by Penny Black. Believe it or not, I won the stamp on Ebay.
I'm sure you all notice, I love SU's Summer by the Sea (I think that was the title of this set). At the time I purchased it, I didn't know what I would do because I wasn't into coloring. But now, I'm really happy I got it because I'm finding that I LOVE COLORING!!!!....It's the "closest" I'll get to being "an ARTIST". There isn't any 2 cards that'll come out the same.

Believe it or not......

I'll have more postings of recent cards I've made. Thank you for visiting. Hope you enjoyed it :)

A posting...finally.....

2008-08-06T22:22:00.004-10:00

This card was made back in February to some wonderful friends of my family. We spent a weekend at their beach house over a long weekend. We had lots of fun with 3 other families.

Since it's been a while, I can't remember what colors I used. These were SU paper, buttons, and stamps. I used prismacolor pencils and gamsol to color it in. I wanted to make it look as relaxing as possible because it was such a relaxing weekend.

STAY TUNED for more cards!!!

A Few TAC cards to share

2008-01-27T20:03:00.000-10:00

Jen will be having her TAC Open House this Saturday and I decided to start making a couple of samples that I could share. A lot of the stamps they have are just so cute. Please feel free to email me at LLAgena4@gmail.com if you are interested in attending. There will be some of TAC products displayed for you to see, and Jen has 2 make & takes, that attendees can do.

I had so much fun making this "boy" card. I normally have a hard time doing male cards, but this one was fun. I think it shows that I had fun with it as well.

Recipe:
Stamp: TAC Wild West & TAC Everday Events
CS: SU Certainly Celery & SU Not quite Navy
DP: TAC Just Like Dad
Ink: SU Not quite Navy, Black, Creamy Caramel, Mellow Moss, SU Markers, TAC Skin Tone pencils
Accessories: SU Ticket punch & Cutter kit (Distress)
Here's another card, I had fun doing. My eyelets are definitely not lined up straight....I ate too much ICE CREAM and my hands were shaking...... (hehehe...hahaha)

Stamp: TAC Ice Cream, TAC Level B Hostess Fluffy Friends
CS: I can't remember where I got these CS from.
DP: TAC Miss Moxie
Ink: SU Real Red, TAC Impress Bright Markers & TAC Skin Tone pencils
Accessories: SU Red Grosgrain & SU Big flower eyelets (retired).

Thanks for looking......

A TAC Swap

2008-01-27T19:51:00.000-10:00

We recently did a card swap within our Angel group and I decided to give it a try. I must say, I needed to work outside of my box with this one. When I was done, I stared at it, thinking I'm missing something. But as the days went by, I became more satisfied with it. Your comments on this are more than welcome.

Here's the recipe:
Stamps: SU Weathered Background, TAC More Abundance & TAC Cars
Ink & CS: SU Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, & Lavender Lace
DP: TAC Pop Rockz
Accessories: All SU; Rich regal brads, Rounder Corner punch, Spiral Binding punch, Cutter Kit (Distress)

I'll share when I receive the swaps. I can't wait to see my fellow angel's swaps......

Some Sad, and ONE HAPPY card to share

2008-01-21T20:51:00.000-10:00

Believe it or not, I've made 4 of the above "With Sympathy" cards and another sympathy card that I made on the run so was unable to take a picture of it. 4 were for friends that have lost their parents before 2007 ended, and had the funerals in the beginning of the year; and 1 was for my husbands friend who passed away "enroute" to the Sugar Bowl. I hope all of these families can find the strength to have a great 2008. My prayers go out to all of them.

Stamp used: SU Wild Rose, SU Brighter Tomorrow
Ink: SU Old Olive, Mellow Moss, Lovely Lilac and Lavender Lace
CS: Lovely Lilac and Lavendar lace, cream
Accessories: Large Oval Spellbinders
This card I made for my aunt who is getting better every day. She has been in and out of the hospital from September. She lives in Kauai, and has been here on Oahu from October. She has been medivac'd from Kauai to Oahu several times between September through October. Her health wasn't looking good. My cousins from Kauai alternated coming here to spend time with her in the hospital. She was not well enough for a heart surgery she needed. Finally, in the middle of November, doctors said she had "NO CHOICE". She had to get the surgery. This was very scary. She survived the surgery. Recovery was another big step. Whenever, she went home from the hospital, couple days later, she was going back in. I think it was in the beginning of December, when she finally was able to show positive signs of continual improvement. She will be going back to Kauai soon, which is a good sign. She was unable to spend Christmas and New Years with her immediate family (all of my cousins and her grandchildren). Being such a family oriented person, I'm sure this was really hard for her. She also has a lot of extended family up there that are praying for a complete recovery.

Just to share her heart and what kind of person she is, when we were struck with Hurricane Iniki, it destroyed Kauai completely. They went on for months without electricity. My aunt opened her restaurant to feed and help the local residents on Kauai. Like all other businesses, they suffered, but she knew everyone was struggling and felt she wanted to make sure no one went hungry. Now, all of that love for her is coming back. During her stay at the hospital, it was so crowded, people were oozing out of her room....I thought we would get in trouble "for real". A lot of Kauai residents that have moved here were there. But when she needed her rest, everyone respected that. However, being surrounded by people is what makes her happy. She loves praying for people who are in need, so I'm sure everyone reciprocated in her time of need. So this card, I made with GREAT HAPPINESS that she is getting better. With this card, I'm giving her a "beautiful fleece blanket" that was made by a fellow angel, Barbara. Thank you Barbara!!..

Stamp: TAC Flowers & Holly & SU (retired) Elegant Greetings
CS: SU So saffron, Certainly Celery
Ink: SU Wild Wasabi; Prismacolor pencil & Gamsol
Accessories: Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Ribbon, large rectangle scallop spellbinders.

BELATED THANK YOUS!!!! for wonderful gifts & cards

2008-01-21T19:48:00.000-10:00

I received this beautiful card from Teri Check out her site.
Thank you Teri for your thoughtfulness!!!!! I was pleasantly surprised and happy to receive this. I'm not sure if you can see it, but the trees are "sparklin w/glamour"
This is a card I received from Mary O'Farrell. I've never met her but she is TAC's angel #1. How cool is that!!!
This gift box was decorated by my angel sister Jodie. The paper was glittery and cheery with the snowman stamp on it. This was my secret santa gift that I was very pleased with. Thank you Jodie!!!! Here's the goodies that were in the box. Lots of grosgrain ribbons, ric rac (sp?) ribbons and a cute IZZY B notepad. I can't wait to use them.

This is a wonderful card I received from Jen. Thank you Jen!!!! She is just so creative and fun to be around.
At our last angel outing, Jen surprised all of us, by giving us a wrapped gift and asked us not to open it until Christmas. It was wrapped and tied with this chipboard tag. Each were personalized with our First name Alphabet and personalized with our name. Hopefully, you can see her personalized handwriting with my name. This is such a useful tag. I know it has snowflakes and a poinsettia, but I use it as my bookmark for books that I read. I think I have a "pretty special" bookmark. Dont' ya think so??!!
On Christmas day, (yes, I didn't cheat; I'm very obedient, now that I'm a parent), I opened the present to find this designer paper. It's really nice paper. I didn't take a snapshot of all the pages but just 2 of them to show at least 4 sheets that it has.
Not only are pink and brown nice, but blue w/green & brown are nice to. Dont' you agree?
And yes...circles...can't get enough of them. In this retro pack it has squares too. Thank you Jen. This was just the wrapped gift we received. During that angel gathering, we also received a lot of "door prizes" as Jen called it. She had them all wrapped up. I got TAC's winter sparkles stamp set. Thank you very much!!!! She's very giving and will always take the time to help out if you run into a glitch with your creativity.

I must say, stamping has brought many wonderful friends into my life!!!! This is definitely a path I'm happy I took. In 2004, I went to a stampin up party, not knowing that it would bring me all of the wonderful people I have met. Through parties, I've met a lot of people as well. Any of the "get togethers" are always so "enlightening". Some people feel it's an addiction, but if it is...it's a great one, because it's so uplifting and enjoyable when fellow stampers get together. It's a fun time. You use your "creative" side of your brain. It's such a GOOD THING!!!! I'm sure a lot of you stampers will agree :)

Again, thank you all for your wonderful gifts. I truly appreciate and will cherish everything I've received. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! (I really can't thank you enough).

I'M BACK!!! Happy New Year - Hawaii Style

2008-01-21T19:19:00.000-10:00

Here in Hawaii, New Years Eve just wouldn't be New Years Eve if it's not NOISY and there's no popping of fireworks.
I'm sharing a couple of pictures that I took to show, there was a lot of popping going on, on my girlfriend's street. I spend every New Year's eve with them.
This picture just doesn't give these fireworks justice to what it was like IRL. These were 2 large Duck fireworks that joined at the top. I swear it lasted a good 10 seconds and it was over. This was really something. The duck brand fireworks are "LOUD" and I swear every single one of them pop. This was my friends' neighbors that blew this. The neighbors right in that area, just watched this one in "awe". Okay..okay...okay...for those that know me, yes...I did see the $$$ signs just going in this 10 seconds or less too. But I totally enjoyed it....I guess cuz it wasn't my $$$...(haha)
These were some "aerials" (did I spell this right), that we were seeing from "I don't know where"....

Prior to the clock striking midnight....2 of my girlfriends, their daughter and me, stamped and had fun.

Bringing in the new year, brought a blog challenge. My computer caught a "bad virus" on new years day. I was out of commission for a while. Once I got it up and running, I didn't realize how much I depend on my computer, but talk about catching up and cleaning up my files.

So, here's wishing you all a VERY BELATED HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! I hope your new years was a great one.

Here in Hawaii, it was....even if Hawaii lost....I think everyone still had a lot of Hawaii PRIDE at the SUGARBOWL. They stuck together until the end.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

2007-12-25T20:55:00.000-10:00

Here's wishing y'all a very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!!!

Classroom gifts

2007-12-20T02:18:00.000-10:00

There was a Scholastic Book Sale and I decided to get books for Kindergarteners instead of my original plan of candies. "Poor Puppy" was my choice. Initially, I was going to just stick labels directly onto the books, but decided I wanted to dress it up a bit more.
SO, I stuck it in a clear bag and added a tagged label on the top. Recipe: SU CS Forest Foliage (retired), SU snow roller with Whisper White ink. Used SU tag punch, and designer label punch. I used the LG oval scallop spellbinders. Stampsets: SU Party punch (Merry Christmas), SU Many Merry Messages. CS: SU Real red and white.

I like the way it came out. Kody is really excited to give his fellow classmates his gift to them.

Gifts for a GREAT Teacher

2007-12-20T01:47:00.000-10:00

I made Kody's teacher this Christmas logbook. Recipe: Costco designer paper, SU CS (Apricot Appeal, Mint Melody & Pink passion) SU Pink Passion ink, SU Tidy Alphabet (retired) SU rounded punch, ticket corner punch & round tab punch; More Mustard brads, Penny black stamp image, used SU markers to color in image.
This is a notepad, using the same supplies. In addition, tied w/SU Bright pink organdy ribbon (retired).
Kody's kindergarten teacher is so enthusiastic & energetic. I had an extra set of these teacher's aid (retired) stamp set, that I decided to give it to the teacher. I added 2 stampin spots to use with the stamps.
Here I put it all together in a bag and used a tag that I made last year at Teri's tag class. I hope she likes it.... She's a wonderful teacher!!

Rudolph WAS HERE!!!

2007-12-20T01:27:00.000-10:00

I had a surprise today when I went to pick up Kody from school today. He GREW ANTLERS...
When we got home, he asked me to take these pictures showing me that he would fly and lead the pack, just like Rudolph. I just could not resist and complied with the request.

You must admit, these are one of the many joys of having a young one. They just spread the enthusiasm of the holidays!!! What a fun day!!!

Secret Santa Gift for a fellow ANGEL

2007-12-15T19:57:00.000-10:00

Last week Jen had a Christmas get together for her "angels" and we decided on bringing a secret santa gift. Here is what I did: I decorated a composition book using designer paper I bought from Costco, CS from SU, brads from SU, alpha stamps (retired) from SU, stamp image from Penny Black, marker pens to color image from SU. I used the SU tag punch and just attached the first tag. Made 5 more tags but left it for the receiver to use it however they chose.
Same supplies w/Organdy ribbon from SU (retired). This was a notepad.
Again, used same paper, the only difference is the stamp image is from TAC, and used prismacolor pencils and gamsol to color in. This was a POST IT pad.
Here's the set all together. I wrapped it in a bag, and off I went to a very very FUN get together.

Anniversary Card for "The Hidden Treasure Shop"

2007-12-15T19:35:00.000-10:00

Here's another card I made couple of weeks ago for Jen's sister's 5th year Anniversary to her store located in Walnut Grove, Ca..called "The Hidden Treasure Shop". I read Jen's blog that her sister Nasha and friend Liz would be celebrating their 5th year anniversay. I think that's GREAT!!!! I used all SU cardstock, provocraft emboss folder, SU word stamp, SU retired flower eyelets, and TAC image stamp using prismacolor and gamsol. I made this one "quite" colorful for a "colorful" occasion.

I Got My Wings & Became an Angel....A....TAC Angel

2007-12-15T18:36:00.000-10:00

I haven't been able to post for some time. My computer kept giving me a message that I didn't have enough virtual memory. I finally cleaned it out.

Back in November, I made a decision to switch to "The Angel Company" (TAC). It wasn't an easy decision, but after a lot of thought and "lots of questions", I decided to make the move. With the new year right around the corner, I'm always reflecting and looking at goals for the new year. I knew, I needed to "cut back" on my "hobby", but also knew I didn't want to "give it up" anytime soon. TAC had lower demonstrator requirements, & storage......Storage of the stamps....I now have them in 3 ring binders.....big SPACE SAVER.

I thought I wouldn't like coloring so much....but BOY OH BOY, I find myself doing more now, because I'm stamping a bunch of images on my white CS and then I take my prismacolor and GAMSOL to my table and just "COLOR AWAY". I don't need to lug any ink pads. This helps with the clean up. I can now do my stamping projects when I take my boys to their activities; and color with the pencil. For me, I didn't realize it, but it's now much easier. I always felt that I didn't have the time with my sons activities. I'm never home long enough to do any projects. But now, I can. All I need is my stamped images on the white CS, my prismacolor pencils, and my aquabrush (w/gamsol in it) and I'm set.

With all that said, I received a "NICE WELCOMING SURPRISE" in the mail, several weeks ago, from my Upline.....the one and only...I'm sure you can figure this one out...."JEN". I was very touched when I received this card. THANK YOU JEN!!! Prior to me signing up, she was very patient with me, asking her many questions, and then asking her if I could go over to see the quality of their cardstock paper, and all that kind of stuff. I look forward to TAC's new catalog and their "CUTE, CUTE" stamps. Don't you think the card I received is just "too cute"!!

If any of you readers would like learn more about TAC, please email me at llagena4@gmail.com and I'll be more than happy to answer your questions. If I'm not able to, I will find out for you.

WE MET SCAR from LION KING...How cool is that!!

2007-11-28T22:15:00.000-10:00

With the holiday season here, my son's choir is very busy practicing all of their Christmas carols. Today, they were treated with a SPECIAL GUEST, KEVIN GRAY, better known to all of us as SCAR in Disney's LION KING. (Thanks to one of the boy's parent who arranged everything.) He sat through a portion of their practice, way in the back, as an observer. Then he was introduced to the boys and.....WOW!!!....he was an absolutely GREAT motivator. I'm sure the boys were inspired and very encouraged with the experiences that was shared with them. Finally, we were treated with him singing "O HOLY NIGHT" (which is the song he heard the boys practicing). This was a "CHICKEN SKIN" moment. It was ABSOLUTELY BEEEEEAUUUUTIFUL!!!

It was at this moment, a lot of us started taking pictures.....then it dawned on me...HE'S SINGING THIS BEAUTIFUL SONG....WHERE'S THE VIDEO CAMERA??? We were all doing the "still" shots. {chuckle}...We all wanted to "catch the moment"..... I know..I know...in the "awe" of the moment, I forgot my camera can do movie shots which could've caught a good "sound" of his singing........SHUCKS!! I didn't post the picture of him singing, cuz...no one will be able to "hear" it...{chuckle, chuckle}

Lastly, to the boys surprise, he had a "private" autograph session with all of them. This is when I decided to catch the moment. The picture above shows my son, Skylar with Kevin Gray.

Don't you think it's a great picture??!! Even Mrs. Gray made a comment how great this picture would be for our Christmas card . I agreed, BUT, it's missing another VERY IMPORTANT PERSON (VIP in our home)...Kody.

What a GREAT PRACTICE!!!!

I'M IT!!!

2007-11-18T19:08:00.000-10:00

I've been tagged a while ago from Jen. She is definitely Miss Creative and fun to be around. Check out her site.

Here goes:
1. If you could have 100.00 pounds worth of scrapbook paper or assorted embellishments, which would you choose? I would definitely choose scrapbook paper...I feel like I can never have enough of it.

2. If you had to choose between using only stamps or rub ons, which would you choose.
STAMPS, of course. I feel you can do a lot more with stamps.

3. If you knew how to do both awesome cards and layouts, but could only do one for a year, which would you do? I would do cards. HMMMM, you can do mini layouts within your cards, right?

4. Would you rather own a scrapbooking store or have your own scrapping room at home (can't have both, LOL)? I would rather have my own scrapping room at home. So, how do I do it now? That's just it....I need to find a place. I would love it if I had my own scrapping room; that would make me VERY HAPPY...

5. And the last but not least, what is your current card making or scrapping style? At this very moment, it seems to be watercoloring. I'm still learning the different "coloring in" type of things, and I'm having a lot of fun with that. It makes me feel like an "artist" (hehe). I'm such a "Beginner" that learning all the different things you can do is so much fun.

Now, I'm supposed to tag others. You know, I looked on a lot of sites and realized that a lot of you were tagged. Being that this is a fun one, if you haven't done it yet, please consider yourself tagged!!!

A COASTER CREATION FOR BABY GIRL

2007-11-18T16:21:00.000-10:00

Baby girls are so adorable. As mentioned in previous posts, I love TAC's baby steps stamp set, and decided to use this stamp set to make a card. As you see, I colored the top pink, thinking it was a bow, only to look at it really well and realize, IT'S A BUTTERFLY. Oh well, I think the pink is cute anyways.

After doing the previous coaster creation, I knew that wouldn't be my last.

Check this one out:
This is the front of the coaster. I'm obviously having problems with rotating the picture.

This is the back of the coasters.

Shown below are each coaster, with a total of 12 coasters (One for each month of baby's first year). Sorry, but they aren't in order. I'm having a problem with posting the pictures, and my computer is taking forever to download the pictures. In my previous post, I mentioned that I had another one I wanted to do (thanks to Jen; who gave me this idea), but I didn't want to post it until my friend's SURPRISE shower was done. Here it is... I used the SU Special Delivery Girl Scrapbook kit along, with SU Rhinestone brads and buttons, and the Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon. I connected it all together using TAC (The Angel Company) Boot Loopy Brads. These are so cool. I used recycled boards as the coaster, which allowed me to size it bigger than usual. I used the Crop a Dile to punch the holes. These boards I used are thicker than the coaster, so the finished product was a lot heavier than it would've been if I used the coasters. Luckily, the loopy brads along with the floss is tough and it could handle this weight. PHEW!!!

I'm making a couple of boy ones too. They'll be similar to these but no rhinestones will be used.

I think this will be really cute, once the actual pictures are on it. Don't ya think so?

COASTER CREATIONS

2007-11-03T16:15:00.000-10:00

Here's my coaster creation that I did from Jen's class. I copied Jen's almost to the T. I sure had a lot of fun. Like I told Jen, I've heard a lot about Mod Podge, but I've never used it. I recently went to Wal-Mart to pick one up for myself. I'll be using that a lot. I love the idea that I have a Crop a Dile, but I just didn't realize how "STRONG" and mighty that tool is. It pierced the coaster so nicely, I was "stoked"

Here's the front.

Here's the back.
Now, I can't wait to put pictures in it, but for now, Kody wanted to be included in this picture, so I asked him to hold it up.

What a HAM, huh!!!

I have some ideas, that I'd like to try using this concept. Moreso, since I know how strong and mighty the crop a dile is and how great that Mod podge is with sticking. Once I'm done, I'll post for everyone to see....

Can't wait....

TRICK or TREAT!!!

2007-11-03T15:26:00.000-10:00

I had to think of something to do for Kody's kindergarten class. I knew it needed to be something quick, because it was the night before Halloween that all of this planning was taking place. So, I said it needs to be supplies that I already have. This was the outcome:

I used all SU CS, ribbon and stamp colors. I can't remember all of the colors of the CS but the stamp color was Really rust, and the scallop punch is also using the Really Rust CS. The background stamp was SU's On the Spot. The die cuts were all from Provocraft and I used my cuttlebug. Of course, I then made good use of my 150 zyron to stick everything on. I crimped the bottom the packet.
Then I stuffed it with famous Amos cookies. I chose cookies over candy for kindergarteners.

Meanwhile, I asked my husband Larry to take pictures of Kody and his cousins with their costumes, because Skylar and I would be late. Skylar had his choir practice, and didn't finish until 5:30 pm. Now, the traffic was "horrendous" and we didn't get to my uncle's (where we spend every halloween together) until 8 pm. By then, the kids were done trick or treating and out of their costumes. PLUS, no camera arrived. EVERYONE FORGOT THEIR CAMERAS!!!! I can't believe it. Oh well, no pictures of all the keikis (children) in their costumes. "BUMMERS"!!

I hope everyone's halloween was SAFE & FUN!!!

CHECK OUT OUR KAUAI TRIP

2007-11-03T14:18:00.000-10:00

I'm currently playing catch up....On the weekend of Oct 20th, my family went to Kauai for a surprise birthday party. It was a very last minute decision on our end, but a choice that I'm very happy we made. I rarely see my relatives, and some of them, I just met on this trip. Check out some of the pictures:
This was Kody's first airplane ride. He really enjoyed it and felt being above the clouds were "GREAT"!! For those of you who aren't familiar with Kauai, check out this mountain that's located in Wailua...it's called the "Sleeping Giant". I tried to take a clear picture so you can see the forehead, the eye brow hairs (hehe), even some eyelashes (which are couple of trees) the nose, mouth, and its chin. Can you see it? My 2 boys had a hard time. I can see it, can you?
Here's Skylar & Kody standing on the back side of the Wailua Marina Restaurant. I'm not sure if you can see the peacock in the background. Boy, there's a lot of chickens and their chicks running around in Kauai. For those of you who visit the Wailua Marina Restaurant, you just gotta gotta gotta try their stuffed chicken, or stuffed pork chops. It's "DA BEST" HMMMM..GOOD... I just heard about the prawns stuffed with crabs. Doesn't that sound good? Okay, I need to stop now, because I'm getting hungry. So any of you that head out to Kauai...check out the Wailua Marina Restaurant.

Here's a picture of my family. I'm standing next to my father, and then there's my brother Dean and my niece, Joydean. Oh yeah, and of course, there's Larry, Skylar & Kody to the left of the picture. I think this is the first family picture I have with my dad, but it's still not complete with my brother's family. Oh well, that is something that must go on a "DO TO" and GET COMPLETED" type of list.

Here's a picture of Skylar & Kody with cousin Zion. They had so much fun and we were all on the same flight back to Honolulu. We were all very tired but very happy we were able to be a part of this fun occasion.

IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!

2007-11-02T21:44:00.000-10:00

Geez Louise!!! I love reading & looking at everyone's blog and creations, and I tell myself how I'll keep up. Well, guess what!!! I "white" LIED. Boy, I give all of you who are able to post daily, every other day or 3 times a week, A LOT OF CREDIT!!! HOW do you do it?

I've been tagged about 3 1/2 weeks ago by Rhonda to list 7 facts about myself: (before I go on, I must tell all you to check out Rhonda's blogspot. It's totally awesome!!)

1. Like Rhonda, I love the color purple. (What, my blogspot is pink? I know, I know...when I initially set up my site, I looked for a purple background, but couldn't find a premade one that I liked....so I will change it, once I have more time to play with it).

2. I am definitely a PACK RACK. I've been meaning to "clean out" my family room, and organize that room to be my children's study as well as my stamping area. My dilemma is that I don't know what to "throw away", I want to keep everything. One day, I'll just "grab everything" and close my eyes. You know the saying, if you didn't use it the past 6 months, then you don't need it. Well, that's what "Mission Organization" on HGTV keeps saying (haha)

3. One of my favorite things to eat, that not too many people care for is "Natto". For those of you who are not familiar with what this is, it's fermented soy beans. It has a "stinky" smell and is very gooey, but I just love it with rice. Some days I'll just eat natto with rice and I'm happy.

4. I love music. I enjoy singing (can't say everyone loves hearing me). When I feel down at times, I'll go to my piano and just "attempt" to play some of my old "music pieces" that I sooo hated practicing when I was younger, much younger :). Some days, I'll grab our ukulele and have my older son "pick" some songs on his ukelele, while I strum the chords on mine. We're very rusty, but no matter what.....music is nice; and lastly, I have the privilege of listening to the choir my older son is in, practice Christmas music every Mondays & Wednesdays. There's days, they give me "chicken skin".

5. I am "claustrophobic". This all came about in 1976. I was at a convention in New York, when several of us got "STUCK"..."IN BETWEEN FLOORS" with just the inner door of the elevator opened for what felt like 3 hours (I think it was actually 20 minutes). I remember just seeing a whole bunch of wires. This was all during the time the movie "Earthquake" was popular and there was a scene where the people were stuck in the elevator when the earthquake hit. The elevator dropped to the bottom, splatting their "blood" all over. Does anyone remember this movie??? Okay, I could not help but think this was going to happen to us, and I literally went "beserk" Can you imagine the other persons who were in the elevator with me? POOR THINGS!!!. When the service people finally got it open, they needed to assist all of us out of there, because, like I said, we were "IN BETWEEN FLOORS". The service personnel asked the elder couple to start first, but they insisted I go first...HMMMM...I wonder why..... Since that incident, I can't stay in enclosed areas for too long, or you'll see "little sweat buds" on my face, then you'll see me start fidgeting....then...figure out what's next......

6. I love dogs!!! I didn't have a dog for the longest time, but in March, my husband agreed that we could have this puppy, who is part lab, siberian husky, and pit bull. He's so cute and lovable. His name is "Biggie".... if you saw him now, you'd know how he got that name. He's still very friendly and lovable, but he definitely is big. I've seen his siblings, and most of them aren't close to his size. I thought he would be an indoor dog, but he's "currently" outside. I'm hoping to re-train him so he can be inside at night. Just not telling my husband my plan. Not yet anyway.

7. My family (my husband, 2 sons, myself, and my step daughter) are all left handed. We don't ever have problems in a restaurant deciding who's sitting next to who, because we won't be bumping elbows. So any right handers are considered "minority" in our household. (Neat-o, huh?!)

Well, that's all folks!!! Hope you enjoy reading this. Now, I'd like to tag, Angel, Michelle, and Robyn. ALL of them have "Great" sites...so check it out!!!

FUN, FUN, FUN!!!!

2007-10-09T22:46:00.000-10:00

I received my TAC order and I just love this "babysteps" stamp set. I think it's so cute. I just had to try it out as soon as I got home. I couldn't find my aqua brush. So, I decided to try and use my SU stampin pastels. I've had the pastels for a long time, but rarely used it. I got the blender pen and rubbed it on the chalk and colored away. I used the "Staz ON" black to stamp the image. I really had fun coloring the image. I stamped the "Congratulations" and obviously, it's off, but overall, I still like the way it came out. This one is for a girlfriend of mine who gave birth a while ago to a healthy baby boy.
For this card, I tried coloring in the image using the swab (stick) that comes with the stampin pastel set. Then, I used the blender pen, and rubbed it on the chalk and outlined the image. I like the effect it gave. In this picture, it looks really light, but I'm really happy with the way it came out. This one is for my cousin Glenn and his wife Yvette. Yvette recently gave birth to their son. He'll be one lucky fellow, cuz he has 2 older sisters that will surely take care of him.
This was TAC's September special stamp. I don't have any Bella stamps, so although a little smaller, I think "Lilly Ann" is "purty" too...Don't you? I'm obviously not a good photographer, so my color looks "orangy" when in fact it turned out "quite" bright. Lots of pink shades. I sponged "chocolate chip". Then, I decided to add the brown ribbon. I feel like there's still something missing but I still enjoyed coloring in and making this card. This is for a belated birthday.

With all of the cards, I've used SU designer paper, CS & the ticket punch. This was fun for me. I know I'll be using these stamp sets a lot more.

I'VE BEEN TAGGED!!

2007-10-09T21:36:00.000-10:00

I've been tagged by by Teri. Here's how it works :

The NAME GAME. The name of the game is to list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life, for each letter of your middle name. If you don't have a middle name, use the name you would have liked to have had. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog post containing your middle name and game facts. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged and to read your blog.

The truth is I have a difficult time writing about myself. So, I asked several people to put an adjective next to each letter that explains me. You know...this actually turned out to be a lot of fun!!! Believe me, I treated them really nice, so they would be nice to me (HAHAHA)!!! See the results:

H- Hilarious, happy, hopeful, heartful, (too) honest
I - Insane (i guess I wasn't really nice to this person), Intuitive, inspirational
S - Sassy (huh...don't know what she's talking about), silly, sociable, selfless, sensitive
A - Abnormal (OK...she definitely made a mistake..hehe), Analytical, Approachable, Ambitious
E - Easy...target (yeah, I'm always getting picked on), enjoys life, entertaining, easy (she meant..easy going, easy to get along with..)

Goodie..goodie..now it's my turn to tag...(since I'm not sure on first names, I'll tag by blog names:

H- Hawaiian Angels
I - Ink Something
S - Stampin Inspirations
A - Angelosity
E - Everyday Celebrations

Check out their blogs...It's really awesome. I must say, this was fun!! Thanks Teri and thanks to all of you that helped me out on this one :)
Hope it was as much fun for you as it was for me!!!

WHAT's TAKING SOOO LONG????

2007-10-08T22:11:00.000-10:00

I guess I should've said wait until next week instead of tomorrow. My tomorrow sure did last a really long time. Here's my cousin Joy, with all of the goodies. It sure looks like the pants will fit her fine. In addition, I know she'll create some wonderful pages for her ADORABLE daughter Ashlyn.

I had another picture, but seem to be having a problem posting. As soon as I can clear my connection, I'll post another picture.

Finally, BOY (Girl) it took me a while for this one....EBAY anyone???

2007-09-29T23:45:00.000-10:00

I've had this simply scrappin kit for over a year. I got this for my cousin who had an adorable girl. Of course, baby Ashlyn already celebrated her first birthday. My cousin is very creative and I'm sure she'll make some wonderful pages with this kit. This is a retired kit, but still very cute.

Meanwhile, I used this love note card to create a little card to go with the simply scrapping kit. It's just something really small & simple.

I'm sure a lot of you ebayers out there will be able to relate to this situation that I'm about to tell you . When scoping out some of the items I wanted, I came across this cool blue ROXY pants. It came with tags, and had the logo on the bottom of the left leg. I decided to go for it. All the details looked right and I thought, hey...I'll try to win this pants...so when it got to closing, I was determined to win it but not go over the $$$ amount I was willing to pay. Well, I was able to win it for a $teal....I was overjoyed. The pants was new, and it looked really nice. As I looked closely at all of the information, after winning the bid, I realized...OMG....it's a junior, not a misses....BUT, there was still a chance I could fit it. When I received it in the mail, I opened it like any child opening a gift, with a big smile. The pants was really nice, looked like I could fit it..okay...so far so good....let me try it on......WELL, it was slightly snug....well, a little more than slightly....it was...picture the visual of this....it looked like an old fart, trying to squeeze into her younger clothes, and trying to look "hip"....okay...this just wasn't right. Now, I couldn't find someone I knew that would fit it. I knew people who were either smaller or bigger. When I ran into my cousin at a baby shower last week, same cousin that I've waited soooooo long to give the scrapbook kit to, I realized...hey...Joy (who's the proud mother of Ashlyn) or her sister Renee would fit it perfectly. So, I made mention to them and told them that my mother will take it to another family get together we have tomorrow and they can decide who will take it. I'm curious who'll take it....Oh well....we'll just have to wait until tomorrow to find out.....

50 Christmas Card class

2007-09-23T18:09:00.000-10:00

Today, I had my 50 Christmas Card class. Teri created these cards and shared it with her downlines. Thank you Teri. The cards were created using SU's Winter Bright Scrapbook Kit, along with some of their stamps and supplies. With this class, each person had the following supplies: Winter Bright Simply Scrappin Kit, Whisper White Card Stock, Snail Adhesive, Whisper White Med Envelope (40), and the Wild Wasabi Double Stiched Ribbon. Although all of these added to slightly over what the class cost, I enjoyed doing it. I threw in the additional 10 envelopes, and the eyelets, brads, glitter, cord, and other "blings". All extra remaining, was for them so they can either create more cards, or create couple scrapbook pages. There was enough white cardstock to create a lot more cards.

Here's a photo of what each person received.
I precut the supplies for them. There were only 2 in attendance, plus myself. So I only needed to prep 3 supply kits. :)
Here's my friend Tami with my younger son, Kody, who needed to be included, showing off 2 of the cards they made. Sorry, I thought this picture was clear at the time I took it, but I guess my bifocals on my glasses is not correct any more. Boy, what age does to you. Here's cousin Cyd, showing off 2 of her cards as well. If I'm not mistaken, this picture is a little clearer, right???? For anyone wondering, what in the world is in the background, it's Kody's creation of himself. It is the same height as he is, and I know a lot of work went into this, so I taped it to our cabinet. He's proud that it's on display. You're just seeing the bottom half.
Now, at any of the classes, moreso because this one was all day, we needed snacks. So my husband Larry, prepared chips with the 3 layer dip (purchased from Safeway). We also had malasadas (thanks Cyd). Larry, later made sandwiches for everyone. They were able to order it to their style (that was nice). Of course, here's Kody, getting first gibs at snacks because we're too busy trying to finish all of the cards.

I'll let everyone know now.... 'cuz in the future, you'll take notice, Larry does a lot of the food things...it's like that here in our household. He loves to cook, so he does all the cooking. That works out fine for me because I really don't like to cook. If I did cook, we wouldn't need to lose weight (tehehe).

After creating all of the cards, here's a snapshot of what is remaining from the supplies everyone was able to take home.

Below is a snapshot of all the cards made.

Below's a view of each individual card that was made. It was 2 sets of 25 cards = 50 cards. Some of the cards were slightly different from the other.

Overall, that was a fun, and exhausting day. As a whole, I really love SU's simply scrappin kits. It's great to make scrapbook pages as well as cards. Everything coordinates well with each other. It just makes it a whole lot "simpler".

PHEW...HERE GOES!! MY INTRODUCTION TO BLOGLAND

2007-09-19T20:15:00.000-10:00

Aloha Everyone!!!

A very BIG MAHALO (thank you) to my stampin sista Jen of Pieces of Me. She really is "DA BOMB" (for those who have dainty daughters..DA BOMB..means she's "THE BEST") and to my Stampin UP upline, Teri of Big Ideas from a Little Girl. I really was a "PITA" (acronym of....I'm sure you can all figure it out). Both Jen & Teri's feedbacks and encouragement meant a lot to me, in helping me set it up. They insisted I wasn't a bother; it was more "HURRY UP ALREADY...GO FOR IT!!

I'm looking forward to meeting a lot of you through "BLOGLAND".

Check out Jen's site...she is really creative and has some exciting video tutorials. I have a "blast" whenever I read her site. I'm either laughing or smiling....and hey....in everyone's busy life, you know life is too short to stress over, so if you can put a smile or bring joy to someone's life..that's GREAT....JEN can do it.

My upline Teri...she's another one. She's very giving and has an eye for creativity. What's more, she constantly shares her ideas and knowledge. She's another one who'll make you smile when you look through her site.

Now...I hope, all who visit my site, will be able to laugh, smile and enjoy the creative ideas that you'll be able to get by visiting. Sign up to receive updates to my posting. Check out the different sites on my sidebar....TRUST ME.....YOU WILL BE INSPIRED!!!

ENJOY!!!

I'M NEW TO THIS

2007-09-17T13:56:00.000-10:00

OK..I've been reading and looking at everyone's blog and I'm totally inspired!!! SOOOO, I've decided to give it a try. I'm looking forward in advancing to the next stage.

Here's some cards I made recently. Each time I create a card...I tell ya...it's the best stress reliever and such great therapy...Don't ya agree?

That's another reason, I just love reading and checking out everyone's blog. It's a great motivational factor for me :) So, thank you all you stampin' bloggers....

This was a baby shower gift card. It's kind of dark so you can't see my cuttlebug background.
I made this for a beloved aunt who passed away.
Thanks to Wini, my cousin Cyd was able to make a sympathy card for our beloved aunt who passed away.
This was a wedding card I made for my stepbrother Chad. It was really quick. My husband, Larry commented, that my cards are starting to look better. (Wow...how encouraging...can you imagine what he was saying before; he would just nod and not bother...so I thought...now the truth comes out...tehehe)
My very first criss-cross card for my friend Cathy's birthday. Happy birthday Cathy...hope you like the card.

On another note, yesterday, my family and I enjoyed the long awaited "Lion King". Let me tell you, it was WELL WORTH THE WAIT. It was "breathtaking" and just totally awesome, that I am sooooo happy I didn't miss out on this one.

This photo shows my 2 sons, Skylar & Kody anxiously waiting for the show to begin.