This is me

This is me
Howdy!!!

Certified Designer

Certified Designer

Monday, November 14, 2011

Loss of a great man..

It is with great sadness that I must report that my son lost his Father In Law and the funeral was today. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. He was involved in a project near and dear to his heart. http://www.tdf1000.org/donation/donate_step1.php?donateid=16

Kari you will be missed!!!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011


Its been almost 4 weeks now since the cancer surgery on the face. It is well healed and if I wore foundation it would be totally hidden. There is just a bit of reddness left but I can live with that. No biggie.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Healing and looking closer to normal


Stitches are out and steri-strips off. Feeling much better, no more pain pills, bruising deminished scaring looks like I will be able to tolerate it well.
Well here it is about 72+ hours after the surgery with the dressings off. I counted the stitches and came up with about 70-75. The spot that was on the nose was about the size of a pencil eraser....but once they started to cut away the cancer area, they found it was much more involved than just the small spot on the nose. The final hole was about the size of between a quarter and a half dollar so they had to excise a much larger area and create a flap, move tissue around to fill in the hole....thus the need for cutting and stitches all the way to the mouth.

Day 2 post surgery

Lots of pain today...not feeling well at all. Not sleeping well due to being told not to lie down due to the selling of the face and neck.

Post surgery day 1

This was about 24 hours after surgery...Eye is almost swollen shut and I look like I was in a fight with a lawnmower and lost. There was a lot of swelling to say the least.

Surgery...


It was discovered that I had Basal Cell Carcinoma on my nose. I had the surgery on the 8th of September and this is what I looked like right after the surgery

Saturday, September 3, 2011


If I had to choose a view to look at for the rest of my life it would be watching the ocean. It has the most calming effect on me. I love to watch the wave, the seagulls, and people walking on the beach. Children playing with parents, dogs playing with frisbies, kids picking up shells with wide-eyed curiosity. Family bonding time..the beach holds such special memories for me...growing up it was always a destination for at least one week of family vacation. Fun times and special warm fuzzy feelings...yep the ocean would be my forever view.

Stamps: OCL-Sandy Sunsets
Paper: Pacific Point, white, DSP, black
Ink: momento Rich cocoa, pacific point, Island Indigo, black
Accessories: punches, sponge
Techniques: sponging

Monday, August 22, 2011

Stamps: Martha Stewart- Birds
Paper: White, so saffron, DSP
Ink: Monento Black, Island Indigo
Accessories: scalloped corner rounder, ribbon baby brads, copic markers
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Monday, July 11, 2011

Stamps: TAC
Paper: Rich sazzelberry, prettu in pink, white, DSP
Ink: Rich razzelberry, momento Bamboo Leaves, Momento black
Accessories: punches, sewing machine
This is made for the teaparty over at SCS

here is the link: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/teapot-tuesdays-f260/mmtpt154-~-its-tate-his-knees-uncontrollable-sneeze-t532751.html

Stamps: Come to Bethlehem
Paper: melon mambo, rich razz., tangerine tango dsp
Ink: melon mambo, versamark
Accessories: spica glitter pen, white embossing powder, copic markers
I made this card for the teaparty located here:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/fo...l-t532181.html

Thanks Cindy for always finding someone who needs ink stamp and paper in their mailbox.


Stamps: Sincere Salutations,
Paper: Bazzell textured Blue/green, island indigo, white
Ink: black, copic markers
Accessories: paper piercer, copic markers
I truly love the new SU color lucky Limade. I thought I would make a monotone Christmas card using stampscapes Lakeside cabin.

Stamps: stampscapes (lakeside cabin)
Paper: lucky limade, more mustard, white
Ink: lucky limade, barely banana, bravo burgandy (left on the grass stamp by mistake), river rock for the background color
Accessories: copic markers tto color the window, SAMJ, sponge, brayer
A friend of mine is dealing with her best friend moving so I made this card for her to show how much she cares.

I used new papers as well as old and the stamp set is new and the copic markers are old.

Stamps: Fabulous Florets
Paper: wisteria wonder, lucky limade, pretty in pink
Ink: wisteria wonder
Accessories: punches, copic markers, baby brads
I was practicing with my copic markers and I really like how this one turned out. I used old and new for this challenge. Old paper (bazzel-rose), new paper Wisteria Wonder, designer paper & ribbon (2010-in colors-blushing bride)
The sponging was with new ink wisteria wonder.
In honor of National Mutt day:

My 1/2 doxie-1/2 pom is always under the table when I am trying to stamp. I took this picture of her. She is almost 2 and weighs in at 13 pounds. Her name is Turbo (she never stays still).

When : July 31st

It's Mutt's Day. Mutts deserve their day in the spotlight, as much as a pure breed. If you own a mutt, or you are a mutt (reading this), then you know this day is for you.

By definition a mutt, sometimes called a "Halfbreed", is a dog that is of mixed breed. They come from two to several breeds. Purebred owners, and sometimes the public in general, view them as lesser in many ways. Mutt owners know better. They value the diversity and uniqueness of their mutts. Sure, a mutt doesn't carry the expensive price tag that a purebred with papers has on its head. To the mutt owner, however, the mutt is invaluable. In addition, mutts don't walk around needing to prove anything. You won't see them strutting around any dog shows trying to prove they are the best.

To all mutts and and mutt owners, we hope you thoroughly enjoy Mutt's Day. Spend the day relaxing and doing all the things you and your dog like to do. Do so with both of your chins held high. For your mutt is worth a million bucks!
Stamps: Fabulous Florets
Paper: white, lucky limeade, pretty in pink, rose red
Ink: momento black
Accessories: copic markeres, sewing machine, ribbon, nesties, cuddlebug, dotted swiss embossing folder,

Tuesday, June 28, 2011





I have a dear friend who is having her 63rd birthday this next week. We have been friends for 36 years. She has a great sense of humor so I made her this card.


Stamps: none
Paper: More mustard, white
Ink: Computer black
Accessories: baby brads, 1/2 pearls, paper flowers, ribbon

Wednesday, June 15, 2011


A dear lady lost her Grandma very recently. I made this for her and her family using some of the new colors from Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Crosses of hope, God's Blessing, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Calpso Coral, Pool Party, white
Ink: Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Black
Accessories: nesties, sponge, brads, punches, retired ribbon (soft sky)
A dear online friend of mine lost her DH earlier this week so I made this for her. I used some old, retired SU as well as some of the new In Colors

Stamps: Crosses of Hope, sincere salutations
Paper: almost amethist, wisteria wonder, white
Ink: wisteria wonder
Accessories: jumbo wheel (new starburst), nesties, punch , ribbon (swirls)

I wanted to make a card for a dear friend of mine using some of the new toys I received yesterday. I used a combination of old, retired, and new items from Stampin' Up! as well as nesties and a star that was just the right color (where is was from is just a guess-maybe Michaels)

Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: white, Island Indigo, Pool Party
Ink: Pool Party, Indigo Island
Accessories: punches, nesties, retired ribbon (blue Bayou), cuddlebug w/petals a plenty embossing folder, jumbo wheel (new starburst)

Chatting with a friend about the new catty, I found out she had lost her dad two weeks ago. Things were so hectic that she hadnt let me know. Since I thought a sympathy card would be too late I made her this one.

Stamps: Cherish friendship
Paper: Pool party, Island Indigo, white
Ink: momento black, Island Indigo, pool party
Accessories: Copic markers, nesties, MS lace punch, cuddlebug with embossing folders (square lattice, perfect polka dots), jumbo wheel with new starburst design

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Stamps: Bells & Boughs
Paper: DSP, Cherry Cobbler, white
Ink: summer sun, cherry cobbler, momento black
Accessories: paper piercer, pinches, ribbon, cuddlebug w/ dotted swiss folder, copic markers for coloring

Bad Blogger

I have been so busy since we got home last November that I really cannot call myself a blogger. I have went for weeks without posting...

Updates...
Tonight is Ricks last night working at Pearl Court. He has already started a job at Bud Clark Commons (a housing for disadvantaged persons.)

It will be interesting as this is a new program for the homeless of Portland so that they can receive the services needed to keep the sheltered and fed.

Other than that change not much is happening here.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

I am so honored to be able to bust a move, get into the grove, and send this card to ROX...

All the sketches really prove this gal has all the moves.

I cut all of the paper in 1/2 inch strips, then basket wove it to make the background...now there is a sketch for ya.

I loved this challenge--It's never too late to join the teaparty!!!

heres the link...come play with us

MMTPT136

Stamps: Just Believe
Paper: rose red, marina mist, pacific point, white, melon mambo
Ink: marina mist, rose red
Accessories: ribbon, scallop punches, paper piercer

I based this card on one I found here: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...;ppuser=122616

I changed the layout of the card, kept the bird theme as well as the Christmas theme.
I changed the colors, left off the buttons (I am button challenged), added embossing and pearls

In real life there is fine glitter on the top of the mail boxes as snow.


Stamps: Song Birds, Heart to Heart
Paper: Rose red, black, Rose red DSP, Pacific point, white
Ink: momento black, copic markers
Accessories: copic markers, cuddlebug folder (dots), 1/2 baby pearls, swirl ribbon, heat embossing white, air brushing for copics

Thursday, March 3, 2011

New Our Craft Lounge Sets




Stamps: sunflower seeds
Paper: daffodil delight, old olive, black
Ink: rich cocoa, momento black
Accessories: copic markers, punches, ribbon




Stamps: Tea Time
Paper: crushed curry, baja breeze
Ink: momento black
Accessories: ribbon, corner rounder, copic markers

Stamps: The Pond
Paper: old olive, black, white
Ink: momento black

Stamps: The Pond
Paper: choc chip, old olive
Ink: momento black
Accessories: copic markers, punches

I was fortunate enough to have the chance to work with 3 new sets from Our Craft Lounge.

Link

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Miss Calliope



Here is a picture of my precious bird hanging out on top of her cage just over 10 years ago. She was so much fun.
This one was taken tonight about 20 minutes before she had a seizure and died in my hands. She had some sort of episode about 5 hours before her death that left her unable to stand.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

I made this card for Mothers Teapot party. The main panel is the same color as the teapot. The challenge was: Make a masculine card and include something that flies! Airplanes, kites, etc. Ooh, good idea! A banner or flag definitely flies!

I thought for hours, Oh what do I do..I dont have any airplanes, or kites anywhere near.

Then the idea of flight then became perfectly clear...A BIRD..that is something that flies for sure.

Stamps: in wilderness, thoughts and prayers
Paper: pacific point, white
Ink: baja breeze, pacific point
Accessories: sponge, punches, ribbon, paper piercer, jumbo wheel (stars), copic markers

The American Cancer Society - 2011 Relay For Life of Vancouver / Clark County WA:

The American Cancer Society - 2011 Relay For Life of Vancouver / Clark County WA:

Friday, January 28, 2011

The water has really been raging over the falls in Oregon City. Normally the water does not go over the top of the post.

Stamps: Old West, Upsy daisy (greeting)
Paper: daffodil, only Orange, pear pizzazz
Ink: momento rich cocoa
Accessories: ribbon

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Made and posted same day....MIRACLE


I actually just finished making this card...

Stamps: crosses of hope, confetti, many merry messages
Paper: poppy parade, white, glorious green
Ink: glorious green, poppy parade, veramark
Accessories: holgram embossing powder, ribbon, sponge, gg markers

For Jane's Family





It is with great sadness that I had to make this card. I dear lady just lost her battle with breast cancer. Her husband was a classmate of mine
Stamps: In His Name (Our Craft Lounge)
Paper: pear pizzzazz, bravo burgundy, baja breeze
Ink: baja breeze, veramark
Accessories: jumbo roller (so swirly), ribbon, spica glitter pen, large oval punch, paper piercer

Stamps: a Lighthouse (cornish heritage farms), upsy daisy wording
Paper: pear pizzzazz, bravo burgundy, baja breeze
Ink: marina mist, bravo burgundy, black
Accessories: copic markers, oval punch, ribbon, paper punch, spica glitter pens


Stamps: Upsy Daisy
Paper: Only Orange, Crushed Curry, white, black
Ink: momento rich cocoa
Accessories: label punch, ribbon air brushing
Stamps: Upsy Daisy
Paper: Only Orange, Crushed Curry, white, black
Ink: momento rich cocoa
Accessories: label punch, ribbon air brushing
Stamps: Stipple Butterfly
Paper: white, black, natural
Ink: only orange (wording only)

Welcome to the neighorhood

Stamps: Riley Moose with Sophie
Paper: Peach Parfait, marina mist, white, black, blush blossom
Ink: marina mist, black
Accessories: punch, spica glitter pens, copic markers, ribbon

Another week of Cards


Stamps: In wilderness, sincere salutations
Paper: pretty in pink, white, Night of Navy
Ink: momento black
Accessories: copic markers, punches, cuddlebug/sizzix folders

Thursday, January 13, 2011

I made a card with the cutest sunflowers and butterflies....but..It is from a set that is not released yet so I had to start over again. STAY TUNED
This is an old retired butterfly from Stampin' Up! I used veramark and then heat embossed with white for the image. The punch on the border is MS.

Stamps: Stipple Butterfly
Paper: regal rose, daffodil delight, concord grape, black
Ink: black, veramark
Accessories: MS punch, cuddlebug dotted swiss folder
I adored the layout for the challenge today, I chose this image from Our Craft Lounge (Sandy Sunsets) for the main panel. The sky was created using copic markers and airbrushing.

Stamps: OCL (sandy sunsets)
Paper: bravo burgundy DSP
Ink: momento black, encore gold
Accessories: paper piercer, gold cording, mini brads, jumbo wheel (so swirly)

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral
Paper: cherry cobbler, white, melon mambo, pretty in pink
Ink: cherry cobbler, melon mambo
Accessories: mini brads, ribbon, corner rounder
Stamps: mice friends (OCL)
Paper: regal rose, bravo burgundy, kiwi kiss, DSP
Ink: regal rose, black
Accessories: copic markers, ribbon

Stamps: Fluffles, Many Merry Messages
Paper: real red, kiwi kiss
Ink: white kraft, black, kiwi kiss
Accessories: spica glitter pens, ribbon, embossing powder

Stamps: auntie amy's , thoughts and prayers
Paper: melon mambo (textured), white, gold
Ink: melon mambo, momento black
Accessories: copic markers, ek success punch, SU oval punches, Michaels ribbon
Stamps: Penny Black-Winter whites and greens
Paper: melon mambo, white, black, gold
Ink: melon mambo, regal rose
Accessories: corner rounder, ribbon, copic markers