Shout Out to SheetLoad!

I have a hard time finding enough time to make all the cards I would like to, especially around the fall and winter holidays but this year, I may be onto something wonderful! While browsing around on one of my SBS2's blogs, I read about SheetLoads of Cards (Thanks Flossie!). Being the curious sole that I am, and a huge Bella fan, I clicked on the link Flossie included.

If you haven't checked out SheetLoads of Cards, I highly recommend it! This month there is a chance for some wonderful blog candy simply for giving SheetLoads of Cards a "Shout Out". May's issue looks to be "Bella-rific!" I downloaded a few of the past issues and can't wait to play!

Graduation Card & Mother's Day Cards

I really liked the technique Marge taught at her March class so I used it to create this super easy graduation card for our friend and neighbor Janel, who just graduated with her bachelor's degree. The paper is from DCWV's Spring pack of design paper with matching card stock from the same company. The graduation cap is a sticker I found in my stash. The flowers on the back panel are embossed using a Sizzix embossing plate.

Marge's class in April was a share. Basically, everyone comes up with a card and takes along the supplies needed for 11 stampers to reproduce it. This card was shared by Delores. Isn't it wonderful? My mom is going to love it! I'll post the other shares over the next day or two.

Stamping Expo x2

Amid all of the craziness that has been going on in my life this past month, I managed to snag a couple of hours for two stamping expos that were within driving distance. The one in New Jersey was only about 25 minutes from home. I picked up several stamps and a few things to tool around with. I got a cute set from Darcie's that I have used already for a quick card but didn't have time to take picture of it before popping it in the mail for a birthday. You can find Darcie's on-line at: http://www.darcie.com/index.html

The other expo was up in Allentown. I grabbed a non-stamping friend and took an hour and a half drive to stamping heaven. I picked up a few Copics, EZ mount for the best price I've ever seen it for, and a plethora of stamps from Judith (http://www.stampsbyjudith.com/index.html) and by a designer named Nami Nakamua (http://denamidesign.com/) that are really cute!! I'm really looking forward to playing with all my new goodies!!

A Cricut Connection.

I used my Cricut and SU's Pun Fun to whip this simple card up at my birthday get together. The paper is from a DCWV Spring scrappad and the bling is from the clearance section at Target. I don't rememeber the manufactureer, only that it was a great price.

40 is Feeling Pretty Good!

This won't be a very detailed post, mostly a quick share of the wonderful cards I received for my 40th Birthday. I was lucky enough to have a wonderful group of girls come and stamp, chat and chew (boy, there were a lot of treats!) on my birthday, including a blogging friend I had never met in person. I am truly blessed to have made such wonderful friends through stamping! I don't think anyone got a lot done in the 4 1/2 hours we spent together but it was great fun!!

Here are the hand-made cards I received:

The first card came from my SBS2 sister Kathleen.



The next card is from Delores. I live in jeans so this was particularly appropriate.

This lovely creattion was from Stephanie. She made me a personalized journal with my name on the front. It's in my purse getting plenty of use!

This on was from Donna. I love the color combinations and the layers.

I went to Marge's monthly class tonight and came home with three winners! My blogging friend LadyDoc asked, "Who's Marge?" Marge is my friend, teacher, and favorite SU demonstrator. She holds a monthly class in her home, usually presenting three or four cards for the girls attending to make. Next month's session is an all occasion share. Each girl brings a card to "share" with the group, including stamps and anything that goes beyond the basic supplies.

I leave for San Francisco on Friday afternoon and won't return until Tuesday so I will be off-line for a bit. I can't wait to see my mom!

Variations on a theme

While at Marge's for an impromptu stamping session, I borrowed "A Good Egg" to stamp out some images to play with later. I had a good time with embellishments, as you can see.