VALENTINE MINI MAGAZINE NOTE HOLDER

No one is more happy to see 2008 come to an end and a new year beginning than me! I've never had so much drama in one year! Don't get me wrong ... things could be so much worse and I am grateful for the many blessings around me, but 2008 had more than it's share of challenges. I've told my co-workers at my new job several times who I just met a few short months ago, "My life is usually pretty boring, and not normally filled with this much drama. I'm going to have to introduce you to some of my friends who have known me for years to vouch for that!". I'm praying for a drama-free 2009!

Onto the project .... with the exception of a few changes, I cased this Mini Magazine Note Holder from bejoyce on SCS HERE. The Mini Magazine Note Holder was designed by the very talented Becky Roberts at Inking Idaho. You can find her tutorial HERE (Part 1) and HERE (Part 2). Becky's Mini Magazine Note Holders are absolutely adorable and fairly easy to make. The notecards that fit inside measure 3" x 3". The only stamp set I used for this collection is Love You Much along with Candy Lane DP ... both from the Stampin' Up! Love You Much Promotion ... and it used every stamp in the set! (I also used the Heart to Heart Punch from the promotion too!).

RECIPE
Stamps: Love You Much
Paper: Candy Lane DP, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Close To Cocoa, and Very Vanilla CS
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Embellishments: Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Very Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Riding Hood Red 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Pretty In Pink Brad
Tools: Heart To Heart Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" and 3/4" Circle Punches, Word Window Punch, Paper Piercer, Trio Flower Punch, Scallop Border Punch, Double Circle Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots
Other: Very Vanilla Mini Square Envelopes

A THANK YOU, AN AWARD, AND CHRISTMAS RAKS

You are all truly amazing! My family and I just can't get over the amount of wonderful comments you've left with words of comfort after losing our dog, Millie. {{{THANK YOU}}} Stories, photos, and tears have consumed most of our time the past few days. I can't believe the number of Millie stories we've reminded each other of. I never dreamed it would be this difficult. Like I said, Millie gave so much more to us than we ever gave to her!

My teenage daughter Allie is tackling a scrapbook just for Millie. She asked me to go with her to the local scrapbook store to choose an album, designer papers, embellishments, etc. I never thought I'd see the day when Allie would get excited about the same things that I do! ... most of the time she shows no interest in my crafting. I was lovin' it!

I am way overdue in acknowledging this lovely Butterfly Award from Lisa Brown ~ Ink & Inspriations, and Kay Kalthoff ~ Stamping To Share.

Here are some more beautiful handmade Christmas cards that I received from friends.

This first one is from Martha Cavazos Fipps ~ Bloomin' Cookin' and Stampin' ...
from Dawn Easton, Treasure Oiler Designz ...
by Ginnny Schembri ...THANKS for stopping by!

SADNESS

Yesterday, we had to do the most difficult thing we've ever had to do in our lives .... put our beloved pet Millie to sleep. It has been truly heart wrenching with many many tears shed. She was incredibly loyal, loving and obedient and has given us so much in her nine years. There couldn't have been a more perfect dog for our family.

iPICKS, WEEK SEVEN

Time for iPICKS where I post a selection of my favorite cards and projects found during my blurfing (blog surfing) and SCS stalking for the week. There's no formal rules or guidelines ... just inspiring projects that catch my eye, clever ideas, and exceptional designs. These are projects that inspire me and I hope they inspire you too! Here's my iPICKS for Week Seven ...

Jen Tapler's Cheers! to 2009, (JenTapler Designs).

Silke Ledlow's Valentine's Day project, (My Life).

Kelly Lunceford's You're A Blast Card, (Flutter by Atomicbutterfly).

Susan's Mini Muffin Tin Advent Calendar (susiestampalot).

Kristin's Love You Much Card (Sunshine, Smiles & Stamps = Lovin' Life).

Jenn D's Love Filled Anniversary Card and Dreaming of Spring Card (Stamp Your Heart Out).

Barbara Welch's Christmas Giftables (Creative Stampin' Spot).

Jenn's Snow Globe Cupcakes (Hostess with the Mostess).

Lorri Heiling's Starbucks Themed Christmas Tree (Confessions of a Stamping Addict).

Andrea Walford's 6" x 6" Tag Pouch.

Valerie Stangle's Ribbon Jar for Marissa ({stampin' gal val}).

Framed A Tree For All Seasons (dhutchinson on SCS).

ANOTHER HAPPY HEART VALENTINE

This Valentine's Day card uses Taylor VanBruggen's Cupcake Sketch Challenge #48. Again, I used the stamp set A Happy Heart from the holiday mini catalog with Candy Lane DP from the Love You Bunch Promotion. The main tic tac toe image was stamped once in Close To Cocoa, and again in Riding Hood Red and Pink Pirouette (for cutting out). The center heart with the "love" is in a Build-a-Brad. The vertical stripe along the left side is from Candy Lane DP mounted on Pink Pirouette CS.

Here is a close-up of the button treatment. There is a piece of Candy Lane DP (the Pink Pirouette with white polka dots pattern) punched out with a 1" Circle Punch that backs the Clear Circle Button. I used pink embroidery floss to thread through the Riding Hood Red Button that is secured to the top of the Clear Button with Mini Glue Dots.Lately, I've been making a conscious effort to complete the inside of my cards. Many times, I simply add a strip of designer paper or simple stamped image. In this case, I covered the whole inside with a light colored, faint pattern of designer paper. I especially like to do this when the card base is a dark color. I chose a light color and faint pattern so as not to distract from the written message. The Candy Lane hearts were punched with the new Heart To Heart Punch from the Love You Bunch Bundle Promotion. I've been finding that I am more apt to mail or use my cards when the inside is done and pretty too!
RECIPE
Stamps: A Happy Heart (holiday mini catalog)
Paper: Candy Lane DP, Close To Cocoa, Pink Pirouette, and Very Vanilla DP
Ink: Close To Cocoa, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, and Very Vanilla CS
Embellishments: Clear Circle Button, Riding Hood Red Button, Build-a-Brad, Pink Embroidery Floss (non-SU)
Tools: 1/2" and 1" Circle Punches, Heart to Heart Punch (for inside)
Supplies: Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

A HAPPY HEART VALENTINE

THANK YOU for all your well wishes regarding my last post! I'm feeling real good, and am now focused back on getting my foot to cooperate so I can go back to work on Jan. 5. I normally don't have medical issues like this. In fact, I really don't have a regular physician because I rarely need to see one! 2008 has made up for lost time, I guess!

I have been so ready to be done with Christmas cards and start in on Valentine's. Last night, I had my chance! I started with Jen del Muro's Sketch For You To Try 12/27. I used the stamp set, A Happy Heart from the Holiday Mini Catalog, along with the new Candy Lane DP from the Love You Much Promotion.

RECIPE
Stamps: A Happy Heart (Holiday Mini Catalog)
Paper: Candy Lane DP, Close To Cocoa and Very Vanilla CS
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Embellishments: Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Pink Pirouette Flower Fusion, Dew Drop (non-SU)
Tools: Word Window Punch, Scallop Border Punch, Paper Piercing Tool
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals
Note: Overall card front size is 4 1/4" x 4 1/4".

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I had originally planned to post this Merry Christmas greeting to you late on Christmas Eve, BUT my evening took an unexpected turn...

John, Allie, Drew, and I attended the 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve church service. I had taken my cane instead of my walker which was a first. I wasn't feeling real well by the end of church and on the way home, and thought I had simply overdone it with my foot. When we got home I had the most excruciating pain in the right side of my back. The intense pain had me in tears and sobbing (quite loudly!). The pain subsided after a few minutes, and I was able to enjoy our family meal. The pain came back in the middle of opening presents. I thought I was having a heart attack, and the only thing I could compare the pain to was child birth!

To make a long story short, John ended up taking me to the emergency room where we spent the next 4-5 hours. After many tests and lots of morphine, the CAT scan showed that I had Pleurisy. I had never heard of it before! In case you haven't either, Pleurisy is inflammation of the double membrane that lines the chest cavity and surrounds each of your lungs.

John and I returned home in the middle of the night, and I ended up missing our Christmas Day family celebration with John's family. Today, I'm feeling less "drugged", and the pain has not returned. Hopefully, everything will stay that way while I continue with anti-inflammatory and pain medication!

I hope that you had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed good times with family and friends ... without making strange Christmas memories like I did! LOL! MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

CHRISTMAS GOODIES FROM BARBARA

The other day, my Stampin' Up! Upline, Barbara Welch stopped by with this incredibly clever and creative Christmas gift! It is a clear glass plate with an interchangeable decorative center. There is velcro on the back of each decorative center so that each center can be easily changed from season to season. See more details about this project on Barbara's blog, Creative Stampin' Spot HERE and HERE. Here are the other three interchangeable decorative centers that Barbara made ... one for each season!I couldn't resist showing you the beautiful packaging Barbara made for this awesome gift using the Big Shot and Snowflake Die.Barbara's beautiful Christmas card ...

HANDMADE CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

Receiving Christmas cards in the mail has GOT to be my favorite thing about the Christmas season, and the handmade cards are THE BEST! I feel a bit guilty about receiving all these beautiful cards since this lame stamper didn't tackle the mass production Christmas card this year! I guess I'll have to make next years' card extra special!

by Jill Hilliard, Jill's Card Creations ... by Kay Kalthoff, Stamping To Share ... ... the inside is as beautiful as the outside! ...by Nancy Morgan, Paper Smiles ... by Linda Wiest ... by Wendy Bond, Bond Girl Bliss ...by Sandy Braddock ... by Karen Laub ...by Lorri Heiling, Confessions of a Stamping Addict ...by Jean Stayton, Bear Hugs and Inky Paws ...by Silke Ledlow, My Life ...by Cheryl Smallsreed ... (Cheryl sent this card along with a delicious meal she provided my family after my surgery).THANK YOU so much for these beautiful handmade cards, friends!
MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

CHRISTMAS CHEER FROM LEAH

My friend and SU downline, Leah Sinatra stopped by the other day with this wonderful holiday cheer! Can you believe these awesome designer paper Christmas trees?! ... they're even more beautiful in real life! Leah recently started a new blog, Papercuts. Please visit her blog and leave a comment welcoming her to blogland! ... and this great Christmas card is from Leah too! ...

iPICKS, WEEK SIX

It's Sunday evening! ... time for iPICKS where I post a selection of my favorite cards and projects found during my blurfing (blog surfing) and SCS stalking for the week. There's no formal rules or guidelines ... just inspiring projects that catch my eye, clever ideas, and exceptional designs. These are projects that inspire me and I hope they inspire you too! Here's my iPICKS for Week Six ...

Nancy Morgan's First Granddaughter, Chloe, was born this week ... please keep her in your prayers. (Paper Smiles).

Jenn Diercks' Birthday Pizzazz, Urban Love, Merry Christmas Starburst Card, and Quick Candy Box (Stamp Your Heart Out).

Dawn Olchefske's Envelope Scrapbook (DOstamping with Dawn).

Tara Kenyon's Magnetic Pizza Pan Memo Board (blessedby2boys on SCS).

Shelley Hopps' Handyman Ornaments using Metal Tape and Big Shot (Mocha Memories).

Kathie Bailey's I {heart} Chocolate Card (Just an Inkling).

Jodi Collins' Wrapping Paper Card and Cowboy Kid Card (Stamping A Latte).

Mary Fish's Raspberry Tart Card (Stampin' Pretty).

Love2bcreative's SnowGlobe (Rubbah' Thoughts & Creations).

Susan Liles' Teacher's Heart Card (susiestampalot).

Christine's Bella Blossoms Gift Set and Pomegranate & Toile Gift Set (ChristineCreations).

Fran Sabad's Mountain Dew Big Shot Ornament (stampersblog).

Nancy McKinney's Wooly Wreath (nmckinney on SCS).

Lorri Heiling's Candy Cane Reindeers (Confessions of a Stamping Addict).

Diana Gibbs' Quilt Wedding Card (Stampin' with Di).

Simmy's Santa Candy Bars (Come On Get Stampy).

Stampin' Up! Only Christmas Tree (skdeleeuw on SCS).

Dawn McVey's Raspberry Fizz Framed Art (My Favorite Things).

Michelle Yungbauer's Christmas Joy Card (Stamp and Smile)

Chat Wszelaki's Magnets In Bloom and Dream A Little Card (Me, My Stamps & I).

Gretchen Clark's be merry card (This n' That).

Joanne B's Teacher Treats (...just a little something ...).

Faith Hofrichter's Poinsettia Card and Tutorial (Stampin' With Markie's Mom).

LOVE YOU MUCH PROMOTION

Stampin' Up! has announced another fabulous promotion that will take place December 23rd - January 31st. The Love You Much promotion starts on the same day that the Free Shipping & Handling promotion ends so on that one day only (December 23) you can combine the two specials! I don't know about you, but I'm ready to be done with Christmas cards! I can't WAIT to use the items from this bundle to create Valentine's cards!To place your order for the Love You Much bundle and any other Stampin' Up! products, e-mail me at nrileycm@cox.net.

MOM'S CHRISTMAS DAY BIRTHDAY

My mom's birthday is Christmas Day, and this is the card I made for her by case-ing myself from THIS CARD. I used last year's retired Dashing DP, and the stamp set Party Hearty. The "Dec. 25" is from last year's hostess set, Perfect Presentation. Like I've said before, I love the way the "CELEBRATE YOU" image from Party Hearty fits perfectly in the Scallop Circle Punch. RECIPE
Stamps: Party Hearty, "Dec. 25" from Perfect Presentation (retired Hostess)
Paper: Dashing DP (retired), Real Red, Old Olive and Very Vanilla CS
Ink: Real Red and Old Olive
Embellishments: Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Antique Brass Build-A-Brad
Tools: Scallop Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, 1/2", 3/4", and 1" Circle Punches, CM Custom Cutting System for 2" Circle (non-SU)
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

If you are a regular reader, you know that I've been recovering from surgery on my foot since Thanksgiving. As a result, I still have pumpkins, pilgrims, and turkeys as the holiday decor in my home instead of snowmen, Christmas trees, and stockings. I hadn't done any shopping either ... until today. I was able to borrow a wheelchair and my dear friend Karen Laub took me shopping. Wheelchairs take some getting used to, and we had many many giggles over our awkwardness! We'll be talking about this day for years to come, I'm sure!

Karen also transported me to a doctor's appointment for my yearly exam. It was so hot in the doctor's office, I about died! My doctor is standing there talking to me in a turtle neck and wool blazer claiming to be quite comfortable while I'm sitting there in a lightweight examination gown with sweat dripping from my head! Needless to say, she's sending me for blood work to check my hormone levels! (If you're a 40-something female, you can probably relate to this story!)

Thanks for stopping by today!

HANDMADE BY LORRI

I received these beautiful handmade gifts from my friend, Lorri Heiling ...

My favorite Gold Canyon Candle scent, Pomegranate ... altered in Stampin' Up! style! I love how the Round Tab Punch added to a designer paper circle makes for one adorable ornament tag!
Absolutely gorgeous, huh?! .... (I'm sooo lucky!) ....

COOKIE SHEET ADVENT CALENDAR

Last week I mentioned a big project I had been working on but couldn't show it until I was able to give it to my friend as a Christmas gift. My friend, Lorri Heiling, has been the best friend a girl could ask for ... especially recently after my surgery. Lorri not only made a meal for my family soon after my surgery but continued to deliver meals from other weSTAMPers! Lorri is one busy gal yet always finds the time to check in to see how I'm doing and always has the right words of encouragement. Since my return to full-time work, Lorri has taken on the majority of the weSTAMP responsibilities. Her friendship has been a huge blessing in my life! Tonight, Allie drove me over to Lorri's house where I was able give this gift to her to express my thanks and appreciation. We had a GREAT time having a mini Christmas get-together with our daughters (who had never met, and have so much in common!) and Lorri's son.

So, what is this project? ... It's a Cookie Sheet Advent Calendar! I was completely inspired by Dena Rekow's Cookie Sheet Advent Calendar. The main ingredients for this project are the Cookie Sheet, Favor Tins, Ski Slope Designer Paper, and Sticky Strip Adhesive. (I prefer to use Sticky Strip Adhesive when adhering paper to anything other than paper). Ski Slope DP turned out to be a great choice because of all the wonderful holiday colors that I could use to design each Favor Tin lid ... Real Red, Old Olive, Baja Breeze, and Chocolate Chip.

Project Details .....
* The background of the Cookie Sheet is covered in Ski Slope DP.
* Each lid of the Favor Tins is decorated in it's own unique way (see close-up photos below) ... this was the most difficult but funnest and most rewarding part of the project for me. The majority of the lid decor was started with a 1 3/4" Circle Punch of Ski Slope DP, and another 1 3/4" Circle Punch of the same Ski Slope DP pattern adhered to the inside of each lid for a more finished look. (The lids of the Favor Tins are transparent, so if a circle wasn't added to the inside, you would see the adhesive that attached the front circle).
* Each diameter of the base of the Favor Tins is covered in coordinating Ski Slope DP, and each Favor Tin base is adhered to the Cookie Sheet with Sticky Strip.
* The whole time I was working on the project, I wasn't sure how I was going to incorporate the numbers for the countdown of the days. I ended up doing the numbers as the very last thing but it surprisingly turned out OK. I simply printed the numbers 1-24 on Baja Breeze, Real Red, and Old Olive CS, punched them out with 1/4" Circle Punch and adhered to each lid design with a Mini Glue Dot. After I took the photos above, I changed my mind about the ribbon. The above photos show a tied bow adhered with some glue dots (which didn't hold for long). After taking the photos, I decided to use my Crop-A-Dile to make holes in the top of the Cookie Sheet, added some Jumbo Eyelets, and made a ribbon hanger for the Advent Calendar.I begged Lorri to not give me anything for Christmas ... I wanted to make this for her to show my appreciation for all she's done for me ... all throughout the year. Well, she doesn't listen very well and gave me two really really cool things! You're gonna love 'em! I'll get them photographed and posted sometime tomorrow.

Edited to Add: Favor Tins are small round tins (2" diameter x 7/8" high) with clear lids usually found in the wedding section of your local craft store. I've even seen them at Walmart in the wedding craft section. The brand I purchased is Wilton.