For "Beautiful" you

So what has everybody been up to? Now that we are into the middle of summer, it's time to just sit back, relax, and enjoy mother nature's beautiful bounty. The flowers are in full bloom and the luscious fruits of the summer are ready for eating. I myself have eaten my share of watermelon, raspberries, strawberries and nectarines and I must say, they sure help with the diet. Today I have lost 40 lbs since the second week of March. How did I do it? A healthy diet of wheat and whole grain items, low carbs and sugar free. I walk 5 days a week at a fast pace for 30 minutes. I am at a plateau and I would still like to lose another 20 -25 lbs. so I am going to have to switch it up a bit. I might just have to drag myself down to the elliptical in the basement. It is set up with a perfect view of the TV in the family room so I have no excuses. I'll let you know how that works out.

Today's card was made with one of the newer MS punch sets called "Vintage Floral" and the bird cage stamp is from Studio G. I cut my book page paper to a 3.25" square and punched the corners first then the sides. The pretty floral ribbon was on a bolt from Hobby Lobby in the clearance isle so I bought the whole thing. The sentiment is from SU "Fabulous Phrases" and then punched out with the "Modern Label " punch.

I don't remember the name of the Sizzix embossing folder I used and I apologize for that. Here is a little tip when you are embossing light colored paper. Take a blender tool or sponge and apply some Distress ink- the raised design will really pop as the ink gives it some depth . I like to use Antique Linen but on other cards that are a medium or darker color, I have used a white opaque ink.

I hope you enjoyed today's card. I am sorry for the delay between posts but during the summer I don't like to be tied to the computer. I have been very excited about the new Stampin' Up catalog and with CHA right around the corner there will be oodles of new "yummies" for us. Has anyone seen the new Spellbinders that are soon to arrive. They are beyond awesome. Start saving your money ladies. I will be found checking the cushions for extra change.

~Have fun and enjoy!

Creat Joy

I am finally back, but not up to full speed. I almost had to tie myself to my chair to make this card. I don't know where my mojo has gone, but I better find it quick. A big box of Stampin' Up was on my door step yesterday and the new catalog is just yummy. I am hoping it is just what I needed for some " get it in gear" inspiration. I think my never ending kitchen project has consumed me. The walls and ceiling are painted which took some time because I was on the contracted painter's list and I wasn't at the top. The DH and myself tiled the back splash and I am happy to report we are both still alive and he still has ten fingers. I sealed the tiles before the grout which will get done this weekend. I think I am still going to reseal the entire area again so the grout is sealed. I cook my spaghetti sauce all day in a slow cooker on the counter and it gets stirred several times. The chances of the sauce splashing up on the tile is quite likely and I don't think the orange splatter would fit the "old world" style I am going for.

I had a few days off to myself and I finished several of those little projects that kept nagging at me. Boy it sure feels good when they are done. Maybe that was another reason I was having such a hard time taking the time to stamp. I ordered several of the newer JustRite stamps and a couple of Tim's Sizzix dies which are also sitting in a box on the floor. You should be seeing some cards from them soon-I promise.

Today's card was inspired by the piece of floral scrap paper I found in a basket on my desk. The flower is one of my homemade ones that are cut circles and heated around the edges so they curl. The stick pin was from a batch that I made while I was in Florida.

I love this bird cage stamp that was from the $1 bin at Michaels. The sentiment is from a Hero Arts set. The pink border is Martha's "Swirling Lace" with a pink velvet ribbon over the top of it.

It's hard to believe that we are already into July although the flowers are in full bloom and look like they have been enjoying several days of sun and rain. I am anxiously awaiting our ripened tomatoes. There's nothing better than a homegrown tomato for your salad or BLT if they make it that far.

I hope you are all enjoying your summer and what ever it is that makes it so enjoyable. For all you mom's out there that have school age children, I hope you are getting to sleep in a little later. For those of us who have to hit the pavement, just having a few extra hours of sun at the end of the day is pure happiness.

~Take care and enjoy!