A Beautiful Moment In Time

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I have to say that when MDS (My Digital Studio) first came out, I was not a big fan. I didn't think it would catch on since you couldn't put all those cute embellishments on the pages and you couldn't have a 3D effect. So what was the point? Boy am I eating my words these days. I have never had so much fun. You can manipulate and change the color and the size of your photos. You can add shadows for depth and there are so many awesome embellishments that you will have a hard time deciding which ones to put on your page. I think one of the best things is that you can put this program on your laptop and carry it with you wherever you go without lugging a bunch of supplies with you. And when you want some new materials such as themed papers, or different fonts, you can go shopping online, download and have it ready to use in minutes. You save a lot of time and gas! The more you use it the easier it is. But then isn't that the way it is with most new things?

My Son

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So as many of you know, my son Matt got married this month and it was a wonderful ceremony. I love my son and the man he has become. He is the nicest man and loves his wife, Julie so much. He also is very close to his two sisters. They have a lot of fun when they get together. This picture of the three of them was taken this past 4th of July at a family cookout. We laughed so much and had a great time eating and talking about what song Matt and I would dance to at the wedding for the Mother-Son dance. We ended up dancing to Louie Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World". So another chapter has started in my son's life as well as our family's. It's exciting and I know there is lots of wonderful memories ahead for us all. So I made a MDS page of Matt's summer. Time with his family, his marriage, and his honeymoon (him at the beach)! I hope he likes it.

Grateful

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So many times when I make a card, I think I have to put a lot on a card for it to be acceptable. Of course these are the standards I set for myself. More isn't always the best! Don't get me wrong. I love lots of layers and embellishments on a card or scrapbook page but sometimes "Simple" can speak volumes. Also I think that if you are working with new stampers, too much can intimidate them. So the saying "less is more" is true in some cases. I am loving the new DSP, "Sweater Weather". I love fall so much and I am soooooo ready for it and a sweater! I don't think it will be here anytime soon. It's suppose to be in the 90's this coming week. I'm not complaining though, this past week has been awesome, 70s everyday. What a treat! Finally, I picked the words "Truly Grateful" because that is what I am today. My dad had been admitted to the hospital the other day after becoming very ill and today he went home. So happy that he is doing better and able to go home with my mom. Take so much for granted all the time and tend to forget how fortunate I am for what I have in this world.

Ancestry

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I have recently started tracing my family tree and boy has it been interesting. I have discovered ancestors I didn't know about and learn a few things along the way! While my parents were here for my son's wedding, I decided to pick their brains about my heritage. It was amazing to me how much my parents remembered and how many things they shared with me for the first time! I went on Ancestry.com and was able to trace my grandparents and their voyage on the ship above from Italy to America. This is the SS Lorraine and my grandfather traveled on it twice! Once when he was 16 with his father and then 10 years later with his bride, my grandmother. I was able to actually see the records from Ellis Island where they were processed. I also learned who my great grandparents were on both sides. Pretty amazing stuff. If you ever have an interest in your heritage, I recommend this site but be careful. It's addicting!!

"Deer" Me!

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So when I originally saw this deer image, I said yuck!!! I loved Dasher, another image from a previous catalog and wondered why Stampin Up would ever get rid of it. Then my besties tell me how deers are so "in" right now and I got a few swaps with the deer which I liked! Oh dear! lol So today I decided to make a card using this "in" deer from the stamp set "Remembering Christmas" in the holiday mini. I used the "Sweater Weather" Dsp for the background along with some of the lovely new burlap ribbon. So I hope you like what I've done with this stamp. If you do then be a "deer" and leave me a comment!

Artisan Finalist

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My dear friend, Cathy Casey, was one of the Stampin Up Artisan Finalist this year and although she didn't make the top ten, she still ranks as one of my favorite creative people. Her talents never cease to amaze me. She can turn nothing into something! She made a beautiful bridal bouquet for a friend out of brooches! Wowser!!! She is also an awesome flea market shopper; always making me jealous with her incredible finds. I wish I lived near her so she could rub off on me with her talents!!! She is in the middle of a blog hop with her artisan finalist friends. Make sure you check her out!!http://sugarshackdesigns.wordpress.com You won't be disappointed!

The Bride and Groom

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I wanted to share one of the pictures I took of my son, Matthew, and his new bride, Julie, minutes after they were married this past Saturday. Can't believe it's all over already. They are in Punta Cana on their honeymoon and said they don't want to come home next week. Glad to hear they are having that good of a time. Meanwhile, I haven't had any time to stamp or set up classes since the wedding. Most of my company left today but my parents and sister are still here until Wednesday. Maybe I will get the chance tomorrow to stamp a little. My mom at 82 likes to stamp every once in a while. She is very crafty and is always coming up with fun ideas. Hope I can still craft at 82. Heck, I hope I still have my mind at 82!! lol Have a good night and I will talk to you tomorrow.

Mr. and Mrs.

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Well the wedding is over and the newlyweds are getting ready to leave in the morning for their honeymoon. Isn't it amazing how you spend at least a year preparing for the big day and then in a matter of a few hours it's all over? Kind of like Thanksgiving dinner, Right? But the wedding was beautiful and everyone had a great time. So I made their wedding card using a little bit of My Digital Studio. The bride and the groom on the bike was perfect since my son met his bride while riding bikes! They are both avid bikers and so it was a match made in heaven. The DSP is Modern Medley. So versatile! Well I know this post is short but sweet but I still have a house of company and so I bid you good night!

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Today is my son's wedding day! So excited for him. This is where the wedding and reception will be held. It's referred to as the "Old" Cavalier on the hill. It reminds me of the tv show "Downton Abbey". This is the back of the hotel. The front faces the ocean. The wedding is at 6pm and the reception of course will follow. I have my parents and sister here and my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and niece here as well. Kind of like a mini reunion. The rehearsal went well last night and then we attended a cookout afterwards complete with a corn hole game. I had never played before so it was a lot of fun and I will probably need one of those for my house. So my mom and I are getting ready to go to our hair appointments and then have to hurry back to the house to get dressed and be on our way!!! I feel like I'm in a dream. I told my son, Matthew, last night that he wouldn't be my little boy after today. He said "Yes, I will". Almost started balling!! You can be sure I will bring lots of kleenex today!!! Until tomorrow!!!

The Day Before The Wedding

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So today is the last day that our family will be five. Tomorrow we become six when my son marries the love of his life, Julie. We are a very close family and have always embraced our time together. We are very laid back, like to laugh, and always look out for each other. We look forward to Julie being a part of our family and will take her into our lives whole heartedly. This is a picture of our three children on 4th of July. They are the best kids anyone could ask for and are very close to one another. Makes us proud. So tomorrow will start a new chapter in our lives as we add one to our family. Our family will never be the same and that's not a bad thing.... just different. The circle of life continues. Not sure I will get to blog anything tomorrow but I will try. I will be busy watching my son saying his vows to a very special lady.

Bewitched!

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I love Halloween. I'm not sure what it is about that holiday that makes me love it so much but it is at the top of my list. It may be the colors of orange and black or the fact that it takes place during my favorite season, fall, or that you get to eat lots and lots of candy!!! Whatever it is, I love it and so although it's a little early, I've already started making my cards. I love images of witches. I love the Wicked Witch in the Wizard of Oz. She's probably my fav. And then I love Elphaba in the broadway play, Wicked. Love that show! You can find these wonderful Halloween stamps in the new Stampin Up Holiday Mini along with wonderful Burlap ribbon and an awesome Chevron punch. A must have item. Well on a personal note, my parents have arrived and I am enjoying their company. I hate that they live so far away so I will savor every moment with them. My son stopped by for a few minutes. He says he is getting excited for the wedding on Saturday and is not nervous at all! So happy for him!!!

Wetlands

So sometimes we need a sympathy card and it's nice to have stamps and ink because you can sit down and make one without having to get dressed and get in the car and drive to the store. Right? Especially if you live in the country and it's a good ten miles or more to the nearest Hallmark store!! And then there's the gas you use and blah, blah, blah. Actually that goes for any card you may need. So I needed a card for a friend who lost her brother. I love sandpipers and put them together with Modern Medley DSP for what I feel like was a very soothing card. I love black and very vanilla together.

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So it's getting closer to my son's wedding and company is starting to arrive. It is going to be very hectic around here but exciting! I am going to hopefully try to keep up my 21 day blogging for you but go easy on me, please!!!! lol.

The Convention Story Continues

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I have started working on my digital scrapbook for the Stampin Up convention I attended a few weeks ago. And what makes convention the best? Being with your girlfriends and having a blast. Convention is nothing without the friendship of those who share the love and passion for the same things as you and these girls definitely fit the bill. We shopped, we played, we laughed till we cried. We formed new friendships and rekindled old ones. We learned and we shared. And then it was over and you start counting the moments until you see these lovely ladies again. My Digital Studio is a wonderful way to create and share the times of your life that you want to remember. It is so much fun and I love that you can manipulate so many details to make them fit your page the way you want them too. Whether you want to change colors, size, or change the shape of something, it will be yours and no one else's. It's your memory to share. So if you haven't tried this concept of scrapbooking then I invite you to try Stampin Up's "My Digital Studio" FREE for thirty days. Just download it and play around with the different options. There are many tutorials out there to help you along. Just have FUN!!!

Post Convention Shares

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So today I want to share a few things I made for Convention. The first items are tags I made for my roomies to put on the cool backpacks we received at convention this year. I didn't have the ribbons on for the picture but they tied to the outside of the packs for all to see. I used the Modern Medley DSP and some of the new In Color ribbon which I love because it has a little elasticity in it to give you a little leeway when taping it down. The silver glitter paper was used to make the 25's with the Big Shot which signified Stampin Up's 25th anniversary. The next item I want to share with you is my swap card I made for an organized swap. I used the Jumbo wheel stamp "Shop Around" and then just cut out the portion with the vintage lady. Love this stamp. I again used the Modern Medley DSP. Well it's only 4 days till my son's wedding. I am looking forward to seeing my parents, and other family members who are coming from out of town. So happy for my son too that he found someone he wants to spend the rest of his life with. Such a blessing. Hope you all have a great Monday. See you tomorrow!

My Digital Studio

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So it's been awhile AGAIN since I posted here but honestly I have been busy. My son is getting married next week and prior to this event, I attended the Stampin Up Convention in Salt Lake City, gave a bridal shower for my future daughter-in-law, and went to a Yankee/Oriole ballgame in Baltimore. So I'm not sitting around eating bon bons all day!! Heeheehee. I had a blast in Salt Lake with my awesome girlfriends and the week of course just flew by. (Doesn't it always when you are having a blast?) One of the most popular subjects at convention was My Digital Studio. It has taken off like dynamite and has become so popular. If you haven't tried it, you should. Stampin Up offers a FREE 30 day trial. Just download it and play away. You will be surprised how much fun it is and how you can manipulate so many things to make your creations more exciting. There is also a page on Facebook that will help you by sharing weekly challenges with you along with a tutorial to help you. How great is that? So with that said, I want to share a page with you. Many of you know my dogs and of course Mr.Darcy has been featured on my blog several times. Did you know he has his own Facebook page? It's the truth! So I did this challenge where you incorporate a stamp image inside a punch. After watching the tutorial by Heather Summers I was able to do this!!

So my husband decided to give Darcy a steak bone after dinner and of course he was in heaven. So here he is with his prize! Well it's after midnight and I am heading to bed. One of the reasons I am blogging so late is that I am doing a 21 day challenge with one of my besties, Cathy Casey, who was an Artisan Finalist for Stampin Up this year. She is a very talented lady and I have learned a lot from her. If you get the chance, check out her blog, Sugar Shack Designs. So we are going to try to post on our blogs everyday for the next 21 days. Wish me luck!!!

Happy Birthday

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I just love this color combo of Calypso Coral and Pool Party. And I love, love all the new DSP paper. This one with the polka dots and the light blue piece is from Ectcetera. I cut out the upper right hand corner of my DSP for a little something different! I used different ribbon to layer the Happy Birthday message and a few of the new buttons for embellishing. Did I mention that I love the new magnetic plate that is for the framelits? It is the one must have item out of the new catalog. So I hope you like my card!

Dogs Are Family

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I have been playing around with MDS (My Digital Studio) more and more and I have to say I am LOVING IT!!! I have found it is getting easier to work with the more I play with it. You can go crazy with all the awesome kits that SU offers for your scrapbooking needs. And the best part of all this is that you can order, download, and play with it in a matter of minutes! I am not kidding. Every Tuesday, new downloads are published. So there is always something new and fresh to look forward to each week. What got me really learning this program is the "Simply My Digital Studio Challenge" that Kimberly Van Diepen and Heather Summers started on Facebook. Each week they challenge you with a new technique, usually accompanied by a video. These girls know their stuff. So I challenge you to get on board with MDS and start having a blast.

Valentines with Love

So it's very hard to make a masculine card for my hubby but he loves trains and so I dug out this old set from SU and added some of the Artisan Embellishment Kit for what I think turned out to be a pretty awesome card.   Now on the inside I wrote, "I choo choo chop choose you for my Valentine"!  Needless to say he loved it.  Right honey?

This next card was one I made for my youngest daughter  who is home visiting for awhile.  I used the Artisan Embellishments as well as the More Amore DSP and a Tea Time Trinket.  So much fun to make.  I hope you all had a great day with someone you love.

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Artisian Embellishment

While I was at the Stampin Up Leadership Conference in Orlando, my roommates and myself went to this awesome vintage store called "Adjectives" and I fell in love with it.  It's a good thing I was flying home and not driving because I would have bought a whole lot more than I did.  Anyway the top picture from the store inspired me to make this card below it and I really like the way it turned out.  The lace and the "love" ticket came out of the Artisian Embellishment Kit (129328) in the new mini catalog.  The gray heart was cut from the heart framelits and then sponged with Soft Suede Ink and smudged a little with Craft Whisper White Ink.  

Well it has been snowing here since about 3 this afternoon and hasn't stopped.  I was suppose to have a stamp class in the morning but sadly had to cancel it.  The roads are just too dangerous.  I guess I will just have to play by myself.  I hope you all have a great weekend.

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All Dressed Up

 Okay so I was so sure I wasn't going to buy this set!  I should have known better.  Once I saw what was being done with it, I was reeled in.  And you know what?  I'm having a blast with it.  If you have a young daughter or granddaughter, you need this set because it will remind you of paper dolls which I played with for hours and hours.  Do they still make paper dolls in the store?  The possibilities here are endless with the many different embellishments Stampin Up has to offer to decorate these dresses.  Stampin Up offers you a bundle(131095) that includes the stamp set and the framelit dies that go with it.  You can cut out different skirts or dresses in seconds using the many different DSP or cut out a lot in Whisper White cardstock and let the girls color and design their own prints.  I used the Paper Doilies (129399) in the new mini for this skirt.  

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Stampin UP Leadership Conference 2013

I had an amazing time in Orlando this past week with three amazing ladies.  We laughed till we cried and ate til we were busting at the seams and dragged ourselves out of bed each morning after staying up late talking.  It was F-U-N and I can't wait to do it again.  

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Here is an amazing necklace that Cathy Casey made for each of us with different bottle cap pictures and tiles.  I need a few more of these.  And then there is this awesome journal that Kimberly Van Diepen made for each of us.  I journaled in mine the whole time I was there so I wouldn't forget a thing.     There's an emptiness now that I am back home missing these girls, kind of like a good book or movie that you wished would go on and on.  I thank Stampin Up for being the reason for meeting so many people and for wonderful friendships!  Another perk of being a demonstrator.

A Rose by Any Other Name

I've been working on swaps for the Leadership conference next week and pulled out some of my paper from the new spring catalog called "Tea For Two".  I also wanted to do something with this "Flower Trim" that comes like ribbon but you can cut off the flowers individually which is what I did here and then took my Calypso Coral marker and colored the tips of the flower.  The sentiment comes from the Sale-a-bration Catalog and can be yours for free with a $50 order.  It comes with three other sentiments and is called Vintage Verses.  

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