The Life of Riley

We're feeling an emptiness in our house and in our hearts this week.  We had the sad task of saying goodbye to our sweet Riley girl on Thursday.

Riley joined our family nearly 14 years ago as a rambunctious, happy-go-lucky, cuter than anything puppy!  While we were playing and cuddling with our new baby, we heard this song  by the Lightning Seeds  and we knew Riley would be the perfect name for her!

Riley learned much from her big sister Bandit and we are so happy they now get to play and be together again!  Riley was the first to teach us about waking up throughout the night to take care of our babies - first her, then Emma and Parker and much later, Shadow.  She was a great big sister to Emma and Parker, many cats and Shadow; always showing seemingly endless patience, a calm playfulness and unconditional love.  She tried teaching Shadow  (the newest member of the family) manners whenever the opportunity presented. Riley really had a way with the feline members of our family...in particular she and Bobalu had a truly special bond.  She single-handedly convinced Bobalu (who didn’t want anything to do with us initially) that people (us!) were okay! :-)  Riley loved long naps, taking walks, playing ball, rubbing her belly along the grass (or dirt or leaves), eating, steak bones, anything that belonged to Shadow, getting brushed, and getting her ears and chin rubbed.  Riley never knew a stranger; two-legged or four-legged.  She welcomed everyone as a new friend and shared her love without hesitation.    She had a happy life and truly experienced "The Life of Riley".  We loved her so much and and are grateful she was part of our family.  She will always remain in our hearts and our memories.

Riley in her younger years: teaching Waffles to play tug-war; attempting to swim in the tub (she wanted to be in there for real!); sneaking some couch time – “If I look cute maybe they won’t notice I’m up here”; and relaxing and keeping watch with Bandit.

Such a beautiful and sweet girl (Bobalu close by); Playing in the snow with Shadow; teaching Shadow to mind his manners; tolerating a little cuddling with Shadow; and rubbing the belly!

Rest in peace sweet Riley girl!  We love you!

Technique Tuesday

Happy Tuesday!  Every month I'll be holding a Technique class...and it will be on....Tuesday!  Come join us for some fun and learn new techniques while making cards and other great projects!  Visit my calendar to see when the next class is!  Here is sampling of what you might make at class...

Hello Card

Stamps: Embrace Life, Fundamental Phrases Paper: Pale Plum, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Old Olive Cardstock  Ink: Basic Black and Rich Razzleberry Ink, Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker Accessories: Perfect Details Texturz plate, Clear Rhinestones, Ice Circle Rhinestones, Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallap Edge Punch, Trio Flower Punch

 

 

This fancy fold card is called a Tri-Shutter Fold Card.  It looks complicated, but is pretty easy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly, Oval All  Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White Cardstock Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo and Basic Black Ink Accessories: Butterfly Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Movers and Shapers - SU! Punch Windows die, Paper Cutter and Stampin' Dimensionals.

Don't you love how perfectly the butterfly punch fits with the image of the stamp? I used the movers and shapers die again like the owl card below, but this time I didn't use it to create a window in the front of the card.  I only used the scallop oval die to create the perfect layer for the punched out Oval All image! How awesome is that?  And, isn't that designer paper yummy!!  I just love it!!!  :-) 

Joyful Animal Stories

I'm joyful because I had a chance to stamp and create a card AND because I've had time to update my blog AND because this card uses my new punch!  I love punches...they make things soooooo easy!  Look how perfect the ornament is!!  We still have plenty of time before Christmas is actually here, but it's never too early to get started on creating your cards.    This month I'll be starting my Christmas stamp a stack classes where we'll be making 12 cards (3 each of 4 different designs) each month.  By December you'll have a nice stash to send out to all your family and friends!  :-)  See my calendar for dates.  In fact, a card very similar to this one will be one of the cards we make this month!  Here are the supplies I used:

Stamps: Delightful Decorations (from the Holiday Mini); Paper:  Whisper White, Real Red, Kraft Cardstock; Ink: Real Red and Whisper White Craft Ink; Accessories: Ornament Punch (from the Holiday Mini), Pretties Kit, Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Elastic Cord (from the Holiday Mini), Perfect Details Texturz plate, stampin' dimensionals, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Glue Dots, Stamping Sponges

 

 

Animal Stories is one of the new stamp sets in the new Idea Book and Catalog.  It has adorable matching designer series paper - Tall Tales.  We made these cards at the open house and at a recent club get-together.

 

 

Stamps: Animal Stories; Paper:  Whisper White, Rose Red, So Saffron Cardstock, Tall Tales Designer Series Paper; Ink: Brilliant Blue Classic Ink; Accessories: Ornament Punch, Pretties Kit, Rose Red Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon,  Backgrounds 1 Texturz plate, stampin' dimensionals

 

 

 

 

 Stamps: Animal Stories; Paper:  Whisper White Texture, Old Olive, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry Texture Cardstock, Tall Tales Designer Series Paper; Ink: Dusty Durango Classic Ink; Accessories: 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Modern Label Punch, Circle Scissor Plus, Movers and Shapers - Holiday Windows, Dusty Durango Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon,  stampin' dimensionals

The Movers and Shapers Punch makes window cards easy schmeasy!!  Position the die where you want the window, run the cardstock through your Big Shot and voila....a window that coordinates perfectly with one of our punches.  The designers at Stampin' Up! are just BRILLIANT!!

 

This card was made by my friend and downline, Jenise Schnell:

 

Stamps: Animal Stories; Teeny Tiny Wishes Paper:  Whisper White, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry Cardstock, Tall Tales Designer Series Paper; Ink: Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango Classic Ink Refills; Accessories: Modern Label Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Crushed Curry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon,  Basic Small Grommets, stampin' dimensionals

 

Jenise used the baby wipe technique to create the giraffe image.  Come join me on Technique Tuesday to learn fun new techniques like this one!

 

 

Happy Stampin' everyone!  I've missed you!

Birthday Bash

It's always a good idea to have birthday cards on hand just in case.  Last month's stamp a stack featured birthday cards.  This first one was the token "male" card....I didn't do such a great job with the masculine part!  There's only a little bit of pink!  :-)

 

Stamps: Party Hearty; Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White Cardstock, Sweet Always Designer Series Paper; Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip; Accessories: Word Window Punch, 3/4" circle punch, stampin' dimensionals, Paper Snips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one uses the new texturz plates for the big shot!!  I love these!

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes; Paper: Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White Cardstock; Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette Ink, Regal Rose, Creamy Caramel Stampin' Write Markers; Accessores: Stampin' up! Backgrounds 1 texturz plates, Big Shot, Pink Pirouette striped grosgrain ribbon, stampin' dimensionals.

A stamp a stack is a great way to stock up on cards for when you need them.  It's also perfect for all you card hoarders out there.  We make 3 cards of each design, this way you can keep one and send out the other two!  :-)

Sale-a-Bration!

I've been a bit of a sale-a-bration slacker!  But, no worries, there are still 10 days left for you to take advantage of the sale-a-bration freebies!  Purchase $50 in fun stampin' stuff and choose one of six sale-a-bration items free...purchase $100 and get two...heck for all my supply hogs out there - purchase $300 and get them all!:-)  Here are some of the things we've been making with Sale-a-Bration items:

This fun bag we made with Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper-FREE (114674)!  The Daisy on the front is made by using the Daisy #2 Flower bigz die with the Big Shot...how did I ever live without it??  Also the So Saffron grosgrain ribbon for the handles is one of the SAB selections so it's FREE too and it comes with a roll of Certainly Celery poly-twill (114618)!  No stampin' on the bag but here's what else was used:

Accessories: Jumbo Eyelets (108431), Fresh Favorites Buttons 1 (107421), Eyelet Border Punch (113692), Crop-a-dile (108362), Flower Daisies #2 bigz die (114520), Sticky Strip (104294), Glue Dots (103683)  Paper: Certainly Celery (105125), Bashful Blue (105120), Kraft (102125)

Inside the fun bag are these:

 

Four little any occasion note cards with envelopes stamped to match (forgot to take a picture of those...but imagine a pretty heart that matches the bag!)  Isn't this a great little gift for someone you love??!!

Stamps: Polka Dot Punches (113788) FREE SAB set!; Paper: Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper-FREE (114674), Whisper White (100730), Certainly Celery (105125), Bashful Blue (105120), Kraft (102125) Cardstock, Note Cards (107311)-20 with envelopes; Accessories: Fresh Favorites Buttons 1 (107421), Eyelet Border Punch (113692), Soft Subtles Brads (106954), Flower Assortment Designer Brads (112583), Clear Buttons (105447), Ribbon Bundle (114618) FREE SAB item, Beautiful Butterflies bigz die (114507), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (104401), 1 1/4" Circle Punch (104403), 5-Petal Flower Punch (109041), Scallop Circle Punch (109043)

Last month we made this card using much of the same supplies...this is a full size card (5 1/2 x 4 1/4) unlike the note cards above.

 

 

Isn't it awesome how Stampin' Up! makes its paper and images to coordinate.  It makes creating so much easier for me!  :-)

 

 

 

 

 

This card uses the paper and ribbon again, but it uses a different SAB stamp set - Yummy (113782) and the Scallop Envelope bigz die (113462) which makes a perfect sized pocket for a yummy (hee, hee) Ghirardelli chocolate!

 

 

 

 

We're using yet another set at the Spring stamp a stack tomorrow, so look for that sample coming soon!  Happy Saturday!

We Flip!

The last two weekends we've spent traveling with Emma and then Parker to their respective gymnastics' meets.  Emma's was in Houston and it was the Mary Lou Retton Invitational!  Of course, this was most exciting to all the parents...not sure the kids really knew who she was until we tried to share the thrill.  This event was celebrating 25 years since she won Olympic Gold.  I can't believe that was 25 years ago.  My how the time just flies!  This was Emma's last meet of the season.  I tried taking some video with my camera, but it is really grainy so I won't torture you with that.  But, here's Mary Lou giving Emma her medal and happy Emma saluting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parker had his very first competition this weekend and he did so well!  He didn't even look nervous!  We traveled to Boerne for this competition.  Boys gymnastics is very different than girls apart from the obvious!  We have lots to learn about the rules and other things like how the scores compare...Girl's scores are out of 10, boys are out of 15 or so...we're still not completely sure.  Plus, they can get bonus points for doing skills that aren't required for their routines.  They have 6 events instead of 4.  This first meet was VERY LONG!!!!  :-) Here is Parker after the competition.

Parker's next competition is in 2 weeks here in Austin.  He's really looking forward to it!  I'm told not all boy's meets are quite as long...I'm looking forward to that!

Hearts and Skulls

Valentine's Day is creeping up!  Here's a card we made at Stamp Club last month.

 

 Stamps: Love You Much (113756), Holidays & Wishes (114984)

 Paper: Kraft (102125), Chocolate Chip (102128),  Pink Pirouette (111351), Riding Hood Red (111348), Holiday Treasures Designer Series Paper (retired)

 Ink: Whisper White Craft (101731), Riding Hood Red ( 111836)

 Accessories: Heart to Heart Punch (113694), Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder (101930), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

 

 

With just about every new catalog unveiling I participate in a swap with some fellow demonstrators and good friends.  It's a great way for us to collect ideas to share with all of our stampin' friends and to have an excuse to get together and catch up!  Here's a great card made by my friend Yolanda Vasquez.  I love this card because it uses a stamp set I thought didn't have much versatility...she sure showed me!  It also highlights one of the new hostess sets that you can get for FREE by hostessing a fun stampin' party or private class!

Stamps: Just Jawing (111660), not just for Halloween!, A Little Somethin'  (113415), Level 2 Hostess Set

Paper: Pink Pirouette (111351), Riding Hood Red (111348), Basic Black (102851), Candy Lane Designer Series Paper (113980)

Ink: Versamark (102283), Whisper White Craft (101731), Basic Black (101179)

Accessories: Heart to Heart Punch (113694), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Pretties Kit (109114), Ticket Corner Punch(107214), Large Star (110710), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

 

More inspiration for those you love coming soon!