Fun at the Suns game with Pamela

Pamela is my friend from Iowa. She and I have been friends since college, but lost touch in 1991 when she moved back to Iowa from Arizona. Thanks to Facebook, we reconnected a few years ago and her son moved here in Jan 2012. We have seen each other 3 different times since she has come out here. It's so great being reconnected with good friends and people. We got tickets from Preston to go to the Suns game. That was really fun. We couldn't really see a whole lot, but still a fun night out. It was a Suns game so always fun...and the game came down to the last second...literally. We lost in that crazy last second.

My AZ Christmas Cards for 2012

This is what my Christmas cards looked like this year. I paper pieced everything except Santa's sunglasses, his skin, and his flip flops. The bulbs on the tree are Stickles. I was going to add a rhinestone for each bulb but liked the Stickles idea more. I probably have an hour (or possibly more in each card). For my family in Iowa, I thought this AZ Santa would brighten the drab winter days. This would have been just a little bit more complete had I been able to find mini Pepsi cans or mini fruity drinks. I ended up not really liking these cards but was too far into it not to finish them. And to think, I made the snowman card (below) and didn't like it so made the comment that I wish someone had a Santa in swim trunks because I wanted to use the Santa suit hanging on the line stamp. Laurel happened to have this old Stampin' Up! set (well, she had two of them in fact). On the snowman card, I would have added an orange nose and bling on the snowflakes had I finished it. I did cut enough to make 6 cards...and scrapped the idea when I realized I didn't like it.

Sisters wall hanging

I made this wall hanging for my friend and coworker Jeannie. She is expecting a second daughter any time now. I asked her what color the baby's room was going to be. She said lavendar and white. I will admit, I was extremely gun shy about making a lavendar page. I do like how it turned out however. Jeannie was very tickled when she saw it. She was rushing back from a doctor appointment and I had it sitting on her desk when she got back. She signed in late to a meeting and I could tell she was pleased. She thanked me so many times after the call and gave me lots of hugs. I saw the layout design on Pinterest. I will find it and link to the appropriate person to give them credit later. I apologize for the poor picture. This was taken at work before I gave it to her as I couldn't get a good picture/lighting from home the night before.

Pinterest - layout used

 

Supplies: Bazzill, DCWV, purple glitter paper, rhinestones, Cricut, Don Juan cartridge, Elegant Edges cardridge, SU large scallop punch, SU scallop border punch, Sixxix border, Cuttlebug, circle punches, $1 stamps, SU perfect plum craft ink.

Monkey caramel bread - Shannon's way

I have been craving this for a while now. I finally made what have somehow been named Monkey balls in my house. They are so easy and yummy. I made them in a single layer and it worked perfectly. If you make them in a different kind of pan, you can't add too many layers of dough balls or they will fly out of the pan when they start to bake. I made them in an angel food pan 12/31/1999 for New Year's Day breakfast at my friend Wendy and Vance's house. That was a funny site. Once the dough was warm and baking in the oven, the dough balls were literally flying out of the pan. This time, everything cooked as it should.

Recipe:
Frozen dinner rolls or bread
1 cup heavy whipping cream (availabe in dairy section, do not use cool whip)
1 cup brown sugar
Sugar
Cinnamon

Mix the heavy whipping cream and the brown sugar together in the bottom of your pan. I made a double batch so I used a pint of whipping cream and probably two cups of brown sugar. My pan is 10x15. A normal batch will fit a 9x13 pan well. Sprinkle cinnamon on top of the caramel mixture. Cut the dinner rolls into quarters. Mine were still a little frozen but the Pampered Chef kitchen shears go through just about anything. Roll each quarter in sugar and cinnamon. Add each quarter to the caramel mixture. Let sit covered overnight so the dough rises. Bake about 20 minutes on 350. The dough will absorb the caramel on the bottom. You can use the caramel from the bottom of the pan on the rest of the ball when you pull the bread out.

You can also make your own caramel sauce by using brown sugar, butter, and karo syrup instead of the whipping cream and brown sugar. Both taste almost the same and whipping cream mixture is easier. If I do make my own sauce, I roll the dough balls in butter

Pickles with dried beef

I love this appetizer. It is easy to make but time consuming. I have taken these pickles to several family functions and they are always a hit. My mom made them when I was in High School and we had the appetizer portion of a progressive dinner with FHA or something like that. Since then, I have made them several times.

Recipe:
Dried beef (two jars)
Cream Cheese (two softened)
Petite dill pickles (I get them at Costco in a big jar)

Spread the cream on the dried beef round. Cut off the stems if there are any. Wrap the pickle in the beef and cheese. You will make a little log-type thing. Place plate of rolled pickles in refridgerator overnight. The next morning, slice the pickles with a serrated knife and add to a plate for the function you are taking it to. Keep the ends in a container for home eating.

Noodles, Noodles, Noodles

I'm the only grandchild on my mom's side that knows how to make Grandma Leona's homemade noodles. They have hit my site before but it's a very rare occassion that I make them. I wanted them for Thanksgiving so offered to make a batch. Well, because I know how they go over with my family, I made a HUGE batch. Gram always said a batch uses 3 eggs. I made 6 batches (one batch for home for later). I thought I would never get them rolled out and cut. First you mix the dough, then separate each batch into two. There was so much food there, I still brought some home and people got doggie bags. That's not normally something that happens. I was a little suprised honestly. The pictures below show the steps. I did learn a valuable lesson this time. When you make this big of a batch, you need to roll two bundles, cut two bundles. I mixed and rolled and let the dough dry too much before cutting. They still worked and tasted just as good, just they noodles weren't "fluffed" like they would have been cutting them after two. The picture of the finished pan of noodles is the batch I made for later. Trust me, the pan on Thanksgiving was the large roasting pan and it was full to the bottom ridge at the top.

Happy Birthday Maddie

I went to a crop for breast cancer in October. As part of the crop cost, I received two layout kits. I knew I had to get this and use it for Maddie. It wasn't likely I would use a Snowhite layout for myself, although I could I guess. I changed it a little so Jodi could add Maddie's 5 year-old picture in a 5x7 rather than using two 4x6 pictures. I also added all the clear bling. I put this together the night before. It went together quickly, but I must have been tired as I added the bottom design crooked. Boy, I cringe when that happens. I have to learn that it's how it goes and not everything can be perfect.

Happy Hallobirthday or would it be Birthoween?

I made this card for Belinda and Kathleen (one each of course). Both gals love shoes and have Halloween Birthdays so I couldn't resist. I have had this stamp for quite some time and it's so cute, but a little hard to incorporate into a design. I again used the pennant card from Allison Davis. The papers were a mix of Halloween that I have had in my stash.

Supplies: White cardstock, Bazzill, Kim's web border punch, $1 stamps, Cuttlebug, Spellbinders dies, Corner Rounder punch.

Happy Halloween

I made more cards using the sketch from Allison Davis on the Sketch Support website pennant card. I love that sketch. It's so versitle and really lets you use some great mixes of patterns. I said when I first made the card I would end up using this sketch a lot and I have. I love it. I was sad to see that part of Allison's blog come down.  

Supplies: Bazzill, white cardstock. Paper Studio papers, Kim's spider and web border punch, $1 stamps, Cuttlebug, googlie eyes.

Cheers to You

I made this card at the all-day crop to cure cancer in September last year. I used the Verve Sept 2012 Sketch from the second week.

I may use these as a card set to sell.

 

 

Supplies: Authentique paper, ribbon, SU night of navy, SU chocolate chip ink, SU label punch

For you with love

This card was made for a kit I may sell to a family friend back in Iowa. She decided she wanted all occasion cards after seeing my Enjoy Today icecream cards. If I ever get them finished, she may get them in the mail. lol. My crafting time lately has just not happened. I have had crazy work hours that finally slowed down a little so I am hoping I can make time to get some creative items completed. I used Got Sketch - 147 for the sketch.



Supplies: White card stock, Authentique paper, SU stamp, SU border punch, circle punch, Cuttlebug, Spellbinders.

Congratulations Jeff and Kendra

I made this scrapbook layout/wall hanging for my cousin Jeff and his wife Kendra for their wedding in October. I used some of the ribbon from their invitation. You cannot see the sunburst papers in the round background but it's there.I used the Prima BAP sketch for August - build a page. I should have taken a photo outside the frame. I didn't get great lighting and had glare.



Supplies: Bazzill coal and travertine, MME Lost and Found 2 - patterned paper, Sizzix die, Heidi Swapp transparency on top of frame, Cricut Heritage cartridge (fence, frame, and andpersand sign, chipboard, SU label punch, SU alphabet stamps, heart charm (Dollar Tree), Stick pin, Prima flower and silk flower, Prima black pearls, pearls.

Happy Birthday Dad

I made this card using my Authentique Papers. I like those papers Kim, Barb and I all bought of My Craft Chanel. They are very thick and the patterns are great. I used the sketch from Got Sketch card sketch-145. I rotated the sketch.

Supplies: White cardstock, Authentique papers, Dienamics die, SU label punch, SU twine, button, $1 stamp

Enjoy Today

I made some cards...well, in April I made these and just sent them so it's ok to post. Boy, my craft time has been so limited lately. I miss it, but just haven't had the energy when I get home from working late and being on so many phone calls during the day. My brain has been tapped out.

I made these cards for Grandma, Aunt Madonna, Mom, and Dad. My monthly cards for Grandma and Aunt Madonna sure haven't been done or sent a lot this year. Grandma and Aunt Madonna's were the same with pink icecream on the top and white icecream on the bottom. Mom's had white icecream on top and pink on the bottom. I didn't think Dad would like getting a pink card, so decided his could be green and chocolate so I could use my new paper from Paper Studio (love the tone on tone polkadots). Also for dad's card, I used brads instead of ribbon so it wouldn't be as girly. Guys cards are so hard for me.

Supply list: Bazzill, Bazzill bling (pink), CTMH, Paper Studio, SU chocolate chip, SU scallop border, SU label punch, Bazzill brads, Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug Circle embossing folder, bling, Sharpie (to make the cherrys red), Offray ribbon, Fiskars hole punch, Studio G stamps.

Des Moines - Art Fair

Before I left Iowa, my dad and I went to the Art Fair. I have never seen these statues before since they have been added down by Meredith Corporation. I thought they were so neat. I thought the first one could be an idea for some crafty thing and the other, is just plain neat. There are more so if you are in the area, and love art, stop on by and take a look. The horse statue is metal, but made to look like drift wood.

The Freedom Rock - 2012

I finally made it to the Freedom Rock outside my home town in Iowa. I have followed it since Bubba started painting it but have never made it there. My favorite year was the year for memory of 9.11. Just so moving and what a great memorial for all the military, fire and police. This is only the front picture of the rock, all sides are painted. Look at the beautiful sky and how real this looks. There are some other places around the small towns where Bubba paints. Nothing like this rock though. It's such a great site and people do not deface the rock now that he has started painting it.

Father's Day Card and Scrapbook wall hanging

I made this for my dad for Father's Day. I love the combo of the papers. The car for the card, was one similar to the old convertible dad has. I didn't get a good picture of the scrapbook page (when I am home in October, I will take a better one) or have time to finish the title. It will go on the bottom green strip and say Cycle buddies. The pictures are of my dad on a few of his motorcycle trips. He loves to go on cross-country road trips. Dad really liked it and so did the family.

The sketches were from Sketch Support. I really liked that site. They are taking a break right now but hopefully, they will come back soon. The card used Card Sketches #18 and the Layout used One-Page Sketch #21. The card sketch is a great one for small scraps. The card in the picture below shows more of the true color of the papers than the layout does.

Supply list: Bazzil, Authentique Free Bird papers, SU vanilla Stampin Up car and Happy Father's Day stamps, SU top note, Cuttlebug, chip board shapes ($1 at JoAnn's), Twine.

My boys and Me before leaving for Iowa

This was me and my boys before leaving for the airport when I went to Iowa. Jake was so sad and was acting so odd. Jackson was sad because Jake was sad. Jake barely let me out the door, kept rubbing his face on the door, and kept making sad noises that sounded like he was talking to me. He made me feel so bad that I was leaving. I kept asking my roommate throughout the week if he was ok because Jake's behavior was so strange.

Jackson in my Ghetto Pool

I had to do it...I bought this little $20 pool over Memorial Day weekend because all I really need is a place to lay out and be able to splash water on me now and then. I filled it up and for two weekends, Jackson would come to get some pets and sips of water and lean so far in, he would almost be in the water. Well, just as you would expect, I emptied it and refilled it during the third weekend, went in to put swimsuit on, and came out to Jackson laying in it, then sitting in the little pool. I couldn't help it, he looked so cute and happy, how could I be mad and make him get out? I asked him what he was doing in my pool and he looked at me like "Mom, I'm laying here, geeze." He couldn't lay his head down because of the water, so used the edge to rest his head. How cute is he? Could he look any happier?

Taco Salad Iowa style!

My cousin Linda used to take this taco salad to all the family reunions back in the day. I loved it and always wanted to eat the whole bowl. I finally received the recipe (not that it requires one really). Thanks for giving it to me Tracy. It tasted just as I remembered. I almost bought salsa to go in it instead of the Thousand Island dressing, but I refrained. I wanted it to taste like I remember so I used the dressing.

Ingredients:
Hamburger
Taco seasoning
Onion chopped
Tomato
Cheese
Dorito chips
Lettuce
Thousand Island dressing

Brown hamburger with half the chopped onion. Add taco seasoning once ready. Add the last ingredients and stir everything together. Add the dressing and chips last. I broke up the chips to be added individually since I didn't want them to get soggy.

Big Matt's Breakfast - My Birthday Breakfast

Pamela took me to Big Matt's Breakfast for my birthday. I saw this place on Guy Fieri's show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives a while back. I told Pamela about it and she thought it would be fun to go to as well. Because of when we got there and Pamela flying home and being allergic to eggs, she had what I will call the best cheeseburger around. I had the most gigantic omlet, pancake, hashbrowns and wheat toast that could be served. Here is me with the painting of Guy. Pamela and I both had our pictures taken here.

Dinner with Pamela and Preston

After 20+ years, Pamela and I saw each other again. We initially went to college together, she left to go to college in NM, and were reacquainted in 1991 when I moved to AZ and she happened to be my waitress. We hung out and were the best of buddies. Pamela moved back to Iowa shortly after that. Thanks to Facebook, we were reacquainted again. Preston, her son moved to Chandler, AZ a few months ago and Pamela came here for Mother's Day. She stayed at my house and we had a blast. She is one great gal. We picked up right where we left off so many years ago and I was able to meet Preston. We did a lot and had so much fun. This picture was the first night. We had some better ones from when we went to DC Steakhouse in Chandler. I will post one or two from there.



With Sympathy - for Belinda

I do not like making sympathy cards at all. I seem to lose focus when I have to make one. For this, I used an old layout I had used before because it seems to work well for this type of card. The sketch is MOJO80. I also normally do not use the plain paper in the big packs. I did on this card. It is a lot thinner than using cardstock so I was able to use several layers and not have too thick of a card. All the patterned papers and green and peach layer are part of the MME Tres' Belle line. One thing I do like about this card is the soft colors and how well the patterns go together.

My coworker and friend Belinda and friend (Belinda's sister) Kathy's mom passed away. I made the card for all the work group to sign. I had everyone sign and then had to bring it home and add the additional bling back on. I lost some on the way in or around the office.

Supply list: MOJO80, SU vanilla, MME Tres Belle, SU sdcallop punch, sheer dotted peach ribbon, bling (2 sizes), Studio G - Kollette Hall stamp, SU chocolate chip ink

Easter Dinner

My cousin Ron (my mom's side) and his wife DiAnne come to AZ every winter. Dad and Ron ride motorcycles a lot, back in Iowa so we invited them over for Easter dinner. Dad chose the menu of pork roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, and green bean casserole. No picture of that though. I love to entertain. I have a huge set of china to use and rarely use it. I wanted to use the china, dad said to keep it casual. So I set the kitchen table instead of my big dining table. lol. It was a fun dinner. Nice to catch up with relatives I haven't seen in a very long time.

Here is my table and us after the dinner.

Happy Birthday with Skull

I followed the SFYTT for March 2012 but did not get it loaded in time for the deadline. I did a lot of embossing on this one. I was trying to make paper like the retired Bride and Groom from Stampin' Up! that is black with black shine on the top. I loved that paper for the longest time and didn't buy it when it was available. I will send this to someone who loves skulls like I do. I think I have that person in mind. They will be surprised to get a card from me. I hand cut both the crown embossing and the skull (twice). I wanted to use the black skull because it popped more, but it needed just a little edge in pink for a pop of color. I used my favorite black and white polkadot paper from Hobby Lobby : ). I'm sure you have seen it on a few cards. lol. I used pop dots behind the skull/crown element to make it have more dimension.

Supply List: Bazzill, Recollections, The Paper Studio, DCWV, SU Pixie Pink, SU circle punches, Sizzix crown embossing folder, SU stripe embossing folder, SU clear embossing powder, Inkadinkadoo stamp, Studio G stamp (skull), brayer, Versamark Ink, Black Ink.

Good Luck Lael

I made this card for a coworker who has decided she isn't relocating to AZ. I used the Taylored Expressions sketch #155 for my design. I also used some chipboard items I have had for a long time. Lael loves pink so of course, I had to use Melon Mambo. I also made the main element by using my favorite Elegant Edges Cricut cartridge. I hope she likes it. I sent Lael the Hug a Tree card I made last year for her to send to her BFF. They met years ago on Earth Day, so I thought that was appropriate.

Supply list: Bazzill, SU Chocolate Chip, SU Melon Mambo, MME Tres Jolie patterned papers, SU flower punch, SU punch, Chipboard flower, Twine, bling, Cricut Elegant Edges cartridge, SU clear embossing powder, SU Chocolate Chip craft ink, Green and Brown markers, Studio G stamp.

Spaghetti Squash Zucchini Casserole - As good as or maybe better than True Food Kitchen's

If anyone has a True Food Kitchen near by, it's a must go. They serve organic foods and locally-grown veggies and fruits when in season. I had the Spaghetti Squash Zucchini casserole and I believe it was love at first bite. I even asked the server how it was made so I could implant the idea in my head and know what I was looking for in a recipe. I normally can like something and not be so excited as I was to find a recipe to duplicate this. I literally savored each and every bite when I was eating it. I searched through 3 pages of Google recipes until I found this recipe when I got home. I have made this at home 3 times since having it the first time there. I went to True Food Kitchen and got it a second time (I always do that because if I like something, I rarely switch it up). It wasn't as good the second time. I think mine was better and closer to the first time I had it at True Food Kitchen. Here is the recipe I found and it's as close to TFKs as you will get.

Spaghetti Squash Zucchini Casserole
True Food Kitchen
Plate Watchers: Whole Grain Apple Pancakes, Spaghetti Squash Casserole and Salmon

1 whole spaghetti squash
2 medium sized zucchini
2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves of garlic
1 28oz. can of crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray with healthy oil cooking spray (canola or olive). Cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Place cut side down on foil and bake for 30-50 minutes, depending on size of squash. Set timer for 30 minutes, and check. Add time until done. Test with knife for doneness- tip should easily pierce the skin when done. Pull from oven, turn over and let cool for a few minutes.

While squash is baking, smash and slice garlic. In medium sauce pan, over medium high heat, heat 2 tsp. of olive oil, and when hot add in garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then add in can of crushed tomatoes. Let heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Julienne both zucchini, discarding the skins.

When squash is cool enough to handle, scoop out flesh (which will look like broken spaghetti) and place in large mixing bowl. Add in julienned zucchini, tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese and stir to mix. Spray a 9x13 inch glass pan with healthy oil spray and pour vegetable mixture in. Top with 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and bake 25 minutes uncovered. Dish may be a bit watery, so serve with a slotted spoon. Makes 8 servings. Projected Points Plus value, 2 per serving.

My changes are: use fresh mozzarella and packaged mozzarella (more cheese is a good thing in my opinion), more garlic (never can have too much garlic), Italian Herb crushed tomatoes, garlic salt, pepper. I made it using only the packaged mozzerella the second time and it was good, but not as delicious as it is with the fresh and packaged mozzerella combination. Rub olive oil on and sprinkle sea salt on the cut spaghetti squash before cooking. I used olive oil for the tin foil and just rubbed it around. I cook the spaghetti squash about 45 minutes. That seems to be the perfect amount of time.

Beautiful AZ sunset

If you ever wonder why I moved to AZ and still love it here, here is one answer. Look at this beautiful sunset. I captured these pictures as I was walking out from work a few weeks ago. One word...beautiful. Now if only I had time to photoshop out the high wires and pole.

B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.

Help....he's catching me

I love this picture of me and am just now posting it. My frirend and sorority sister Carol Olson came to town for work. She is one of the few friends I could drag to the Desert Botanical Gardens in September in AZ. The weather was cool that day (thank goodness it cooled down to 105 from what it was the week before). We walked the gardens and during that time, the large bug exhibit was there. These things were so neat and creative - and I do not like bugs. They are all hand-carved out of wood. Carol had the funny idea to act like we were running from the praying mantis. She crunched down to get the full effect. The lady at the gardens, came out and told us we were the first ones to have that much fun with our pictures. We were almost crying due to laughter. The pictures were so funny. I'm sure you all know by now, I will make you wear sunscreen if I can. Carol didn't think it would be necessary...it was. She put some on her face, but still turned pink. I know...what a surprise from when I used to wear baby oil as sunscreen. : ) When I see this picture, I just laugh. It's so goofy of me and I look silly, but I can't help it. I instantly get a smile on my face.

Here's me...

Here is Carol:

Carol's comment was..."Who runs like that?" I about fell over laughing.

And here is the two of us together.

Happy Birthday Kim

I made this for my friend Kim's birthday. I told her a few days before it would be late. I finished it the day after her birthday and carried it in my computer bag for a week. I will mail it tomorrow. I was in vendor presentations all week last week so it seemed like I was always rushing to get to the other building. I used the February SFYTT (Sketch for you to try) on Jen del Muro's blog. I flipped the sketch, and covered the card front with black which is something I do not normally do. I needed the black border so the white would stand out more. And as you probably know, I love black and white polkadot paper...I use it when I can. :)

Here is the link: Sketch For You To Try - Feb 2012

Supplies: Bazzill (white, purple, black), Recollections (purple patterned papers and b&w polka dot), Cricut, Elegant Edges cardridge, white ribbon, SU Riveting, $ clear stamp (JoAnn's - purple), $1 Studio G cupcake stamp, white ribbon, bakers twine, button, SU circle punches, SU eggplant envy craft ink.

Happy Birthday Laurel

I made this for my neighbor and friend Laurel for her birthday. I had the paper all scored for the rosette so knew that I wanted to use it for this card. Laurel loves purple, but I made her a Shannon card (in pinks) so she would know it is from me. I really love the bright colors. I used the January SFYTT (sketch for you to try) on Jen del Muro's blog. I missed the deadline to post it to her blog though. I love bright colors and mixing patterned papers.

Here is the link: Sketch For You To Try - Jan 2012

Supplies: Bazzill, SU mambo melon (did I ever say I love that color), SU daffodill, DCWV, Recollections, bling, Martha Stewart scoring board, flower punch, circle punches, cuttlebug, dot folder, spellbinders circle die, button, homemade bakers twine, $1 clear stamp, paper piecing.

Us

This is the scrapbook page/wall hanging I made for my mom's belated birthday. She got it about a month late but she got it. lol. The picture is not that great quality. I had a hard time getting the right angle at night. I made this for Mom to put in her beauty shop since she redid the colors to yellow and brown.

Supplies: MME patterned papers, Bazzill, SU chocolate chip, SU flower punch, Bazzill brads, chipboard, chipboard swirls for tracing. 12x12 scrapbook frame from Michaels.

Get Well - Maricella and Thank You to Barb

I told you last week that I loved this sketch. I have used it again, this time, for a get well card. I made this for the Volunteer Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity, Maricella Martinez after she was injured in a car accident. I had all the leaders and folks who know her sign it.I used the same papers as before, just added brown acrylic paint for the dots. The colors were not as bright in this picture as I was taking the picture at night. They are the same as in the Thank You cards. Barb, Kim's mom, collects martini glasses and has a group of ladies that get together to have a martini a few times a month. Barb loved this card and put it in her curio cabinet with all her martini glasses. : )

Supplies: Bazzil (white and orange), SU Kraft, SU pixie pink, The Paper Studio (orange and green polka dot), AG papers (pink orange and brown), DCWV (pinks), SU Chocolate chip ink, DCWV green flower, SU punch bunch, SU garden greetings, bling, brown acrylic paint, stylus.

Supplies: Bazzil (white and orange), SU Kraft, DCWV, MME Bohemian, other, SU Cherry Cobbler, SU Old Olive, Studio G, SU, Ribbon, toothpick.

Thank You with pennants

As you all know, I make a card-a-month for my only grandma and my great aunt. I did so well in 2011 up until August. That's when work started to get crazy and my life got all out of whack on the home front. Well, I didn't create anything since September and decided to make this card. It's not for my grandma or my great aunt, but for some friends that I need to show my appreciation to. Grandma and Aunt Madonna will get a card for February and then I will be stay on top of it at least until work gets crazy again. It's such a small thing for me to make a card and it's a really big thing for them. They actually look forward to receiving their card and they tell my mom what they look like or what I write about. I love this design and will be using it again. I have one more to make, but it will not be exactly the same. It's very versatile and is a great way to use up some designer paper scraps. If you are like me, we have tons of those sitting around. I ran out of bobbin thread and since I was already tired, I left the uneven stitch lines. It gives it character right?

I virturally copied it exactly from the person who initially posted it on pinterest. I made two exact cards and they took me 3 hours. How is that even possible? An almost exact copy shouldn't take me 3 hours. I'm wondering if I just do better with sketches and starting off on my own than trying to copy someone else's cards.

Sketch Website (this site is awesome by the way).
Here is the card I virtually copied from Allison Davis  (I love the colors and used what I had that was similar)

The dogs and one cat get so excited when they see me go in my craft room. They know when I leave the door open, I'm in there longer than to just get a shirt off the drying wrack, and have my iPod on the speaker, it's going to be craft-time for me and nappy time for them.

Here is my version:

I added a layer of color, made the pennants a little wider and made my center piece more square than rectangle.

Supplies: Bazzil (white and orange), SU Kraft, SU pixie pink, The Paper Studio (orange and green polka dot), AG papers (pink orange and brown), DCWV (pinks), SU Chocolate chip ink, DCWV green flower, SU True Friend stamps, bling.