Today...

there are a number of things I am thankful for:

1. My doctor was AMAZED...my gall-bladder was fine-without surgery! I wasn't surprised. I did the research. I made the changes (low fat diet, pear juice, hot water and honey). I sought holistic approaches (acupuncture, homeopathic remedies.). They worked.
2. I lost 5 lbs. since my last visit--even with the HOLIDAYS! (see # 1-low fat diet...)
3. My blood pressure was fine (see # 1 and # 2! Did I mention the HOLIDAYS (are over?!))
4. My other test results (labs, mammogram, etc.) were ok, too!

GO ME! I was feeling pretty good about myself after that. Then I got our weekly edition of the paper--

5. The cat's letter (Inky, to be exact!) made Sydney's Space (a column written by a local dog-with a little help, of course!) Flylady got some free publicity--and the world is wiser about taking along vet records when you travel with your pets. Ya never know when you might need them (I speak from experience! We were glad we had them!) Want more time to stamp and scrap in 2011? Want to get organized? Check out http://flylady.com/. She has all the answers!

There's more!!!

6. I checked the Close to My Heart website-my order hadn't shipped yet according to the schedule posted there, but then---THEN I CHECKED E-MAIL---and lo and behold-FED-EX has my package and it should, God-willing, be here next week! THAT was a MAJOR surprise and I cannot wait to get my hands on the new goodies!!! New paper, LOTS of new stamps, storage container for my new stamps, and a new paper cutter (one of mine died.)!!! I can't wait! Have you checked out the Inspirations catalog? Go to http://okistampqueen@myctmh.com and do some drooling! And ordering! Great deals, my friends! You will want it all! Trust me!

So, all in all, I'd say it was a pretty good day! OH-I even managed to at least corral all the Christmas things to be packed into one room! So some of the house is looking a little more like normal!

Better go feed the boys! Until next time, happy stamping and scrapping! Blessings, Sharon

A Note of Thanks...

Good morning, all! There are *still* great things being posted on the BLOG HOP-so scroll down when you are done with this post to FINDING YOUR STYLE and click on the thumbnails for some great inspiration! Today---I am posting the thank you notes I made yesterday afternoon for my office volunteers. I am a church secretary. When I was hired, there was an assistant. Things change, and that position was eliminated. While there have been people willing and able to "assist me" all along, it wasn't until my "heart incident" that this stubborn red-head realized that she cannot do the jobs of two people. Well, and be healthy, too! So--I enlisted the help of four great gals who rotate coming and helping me on Wednesdays each week. Just having someone to answer the phone and meet and greet people takes a lot of pressure off me! I wanted to show my appreciation and, using the new January CTMH stamp of the month, Finding Your Style (see the Inspirations flyer!), I did just that! I will post a list of my supplies below, as usual. As you can see, I stamped the butterfly image twice, cut it out, and layered it using ___________ (fill in the blank! If you've read any of my other posts, this is a n0-brainer! Need a hint? It starts with "pop" and ends with "dots!" I simply cannot create without them!) My photo isn't really clear but the outside of my butterfly's wings are blue, the inside and body, green. How did I get two colors on one stamp? Well, I used a magic tool: CTMH sponge daubers (p. 121 of the Spring/Summer 2011 catalog; p. 98 of the Autumn/Winter 2010 catty). First I inked my stamp as usual using the Crystal Blue. Then I dabbed my sponge dauber onto the Pear ink pad and then dabbed it onto the center portion of my stamp. Presto, chango! A multi-colored butterfly! I love these little tools and will try again to show you the difference it can make. Oh-and don't forget--the StampQueen NEVER EVER sends NAKED MAIL! lol! What's "naked mail" you ask? Surely you jest! No Naked Mail means...you ALWAYS add a design image to your envelope as well! It's even been known to make the post office people SMILE! Until tomorrow-don't forget:

1. the BLOG HOP


2. Leave a comment. please; and


3. if you're not a FOLLOWER...please please sign up to be one!

Happy Stamping and scrapping. Blessings, Sharon

Supplies used: Close to My Heart: Stamp Sets-January Find Your Style stamp of the month & Card Chatter: Thank You;cardstock: colonial white; inks: crystal blue, pear; Stampin Up: blue cardstock; embossing folder, Big Shot machine, punch; Misc: Crop-A-Dile; brads, ribbon; clear embossing powder, heat gun

Good Morning! We're still at THE HOP! I won't tell you what came up on clipart when I put in hop-but it wasn't 1950's, that's for sure! Lol! THE HOP is going strong so scroll down to my next post FINDING YOUR STYLE and be sure to click on each thumbnail image to go to each blog and view the great things that are being cooked up! If you want your own set of stamps to play with-just click on the link at the top of the page!

It's back to work for me today-and although I don't have a "new" post/project today, I am working on storing a few up for later this week! Until next time, HAVE FUN AT THE HOP and Happy Stamping and Scrapping! Blessings, Sharon
ps/THANK YOU for all the wonderful comments! They make my day! Did you sign up to be a FOLLOWER? If not, please do-and please pass my site on to others who might enjoy it as well!

Finding Your Style...

Happy Monday! Last week...my boss said..."We will be CLOSED the Mon. following Christmas and New Year." Today, as I am sitting here with my coffee, in my pj's, my phone rings...and my coworkers and boss are calling to see where I am?! Lol! I surprised the heck out of everyone by actually taking the day off as I was told! Everyone is laughing-and I was told to please stay home and enjoy my day like I was supposed to! I am doing just that! Type A personality went out with 2010! I am also keeping a close eye on the "baby" of the family who doesn't seem to be feeling too good today. Praying a vet visit isn't on the days agenda...!

Moving right along...FINDING YOUR STYLE...is the *NEW* Close to My Heart January Stamp of the Month! And I've been playing with it! As have a number of other consultants. I will be updating this post later today as Tresea Black of Fabulously Artsy is going to host a "BLOG HOP" to show you all the great things we're doing that you can do, too with this stamp set! "What's a 'blog hop? Do I need to get out my poodle skirt, saddle shoes and..." What? Maren (age 11) is asking "what's a poodle skirt? And saddle shoes?!" sigh. No, you don't need any of that for a BLOG HOP. There will be links you can click on to visit other blogs showcasing this stamp set and who has created what. It's fun! It's a great way to get new, fresh ideas as well as see how versatile one set can be! So, without further ado, here's what I came up with:I used the Clear Cards again (without the protective coating-see previous post for a good laugh!) and, although you can't see it well here-the polka dot background and "A Friend" sentiment are on the inside of the "card" while the shoe, torso and "Friend" tag are on the outside. Rather than a card I turned this into a cute little display item...as I did with this one, too... I actually cut the scalloped circle card in half and put the straight, cut edge at the bottom. This creates an even "base" to stand it on. I stamped two sets of wings and, although it doesn't show in the photo, embossed them with holographic embossing powder to give them some sparkle and shine. "Tweaked" the cardstock so it would curl some, used pop dots of course to give it added dimension. Added clear crystals (note to self: order more!), a pretty bow...a cute little reminder that one should reach for the stars...and SOAR. So-what are your goals for the day? The week? The New Year? Me? To stamp and scrap a whole lot more! Until next time, happy stamping and scrapping! Blessings, Sharon

Materials: CTMH: Find Your Style Jan. Stamp of the Month (Inspirations Flyer); Inks: Crystal Blue, Black; Other: White Daisy cardstock, Clear Cards, Clear embossing powder; clear blocks & Block Buddies (the grid that goes on your clear blocks so you can line your sentiments up straight on the first try! ; ) );

Other: Stampin' UP: Big Shot machine, embossing folder

Something (else) New...

Good Sunday Morning to you! Our lovely island is blanketed today in a thick, dense fog! Kinda nice to be back home from church and tucked in for the day--the fog is pretty-as is the ocean in her dark grays and blues-a sleepy, don't do much of anything kind of day. A GREAT day (and excuse, if you need one) to STAMP. So let's get to it!

I got something NEW (besides the January stamp of the month set Find Your Style) to play with and that is CTMH's CLEAR CARDS. These cards are clear acrylic and something I had not tried before! I needed a thank you note and wanted to use the new stamp set so I went to work. I cut 4- 3 3/8" circles out of colonial white cardstock.

For the front of the card, I ran one circle through the Big Shot using the Divine Swirl embossing folder. Next, using the "direct to paper" technique, I inked the edge of the circle as well as the raised portion of the swirls. I attached it to the card base using double stick tape. Next I stamped the bird image 2 times and the "for the wonderful gift" sentiment once. I used Crystal Blue ink and, for the sentiment, I embossed it with clear embossing powder. I carefully cut the bird images and layered them onto the background paper with my favorite-can't-live-without-it item: POP DOTS (no surprise there, huh?!) Next I punched out the sentiment as well as the scalloped background paper. Now-I did not have Crystal Blue cardstock--and I wanted to back my sentiment with it to give it some "pop". What to do? Well, I took my trusty BRAYER, inked it well, rolled it over the colonial white piece I had punched and presto! Crystal Blue cardstock! I layered the sentiment on to it as well (just tape-no pop-dot!) and the front of my card was almost done.

I then inked the edges of the other 3 circles again using the direct to paper technique. I stamped the sentiments and embossed with the clear embossing powder. Attached double sided tape, lined it up with the circle on the front and attached the top panel. More tape to the bottom panel piece, centered it and attached it. I printed (using the red, blue and green printer codes to match my ink color) the "Made especially for you by..." sentiment and attached it to the back of the card. Since the card is clear, you need to be sure to cover whatever paper pieces you attach or you will see your adhesive-hence the layers and lining up. Back to the front panel--I punched two small holes and attached some fibers and ribbon, tying in knots and a bow. Presto! Pretty thank you note ready to go. Well-almost. Contrary to what some of our "groupies" think---the StampQueen is NOT PERFECT! I have to confess-as I was typing this and getting ready to give you the low-down on where to find these items-I read the description on the cards. It said, and I quote, "Remove the clear protective film before use." Film? WHAT FILM? I didn't remove any film...! Mad dash, get card, CAREFULLY scratch at edge of card and, sure enough-there was the protective film! OOPS! The good news is...even though as it came off-and my card front and back panels came off with it-I was able to peel my decorated panels off the protective film and put them back without any damage-and anyone besides me being any the wiser. Now you know, too! Learn from my mistakes! I did not rephotograph the card-it is a good bit clearer vs. the somewhat "hazy" look without the film! You'll see the difference when I post the photos of the cards I am working on today! These cards are fun to play with and I have two more designs going around in my head-BUT I WILL REMOVE THE PROCTECTIVE LAYER FIRST! Lol.

Of course I've got to post some new CUTE CAT PICTURES as well...first Poppa Cat got impatient sitting at the front door waiting for Poppa to come home for lunch and decided to bunch up the rug...Momma caught him in the act...then somehow I think I may have gotten

something you won't find on any page in the old or new CTMH catalog...first the "baby" (aka Inky)had to check it out...and then the "grandpa" of the bunch had to see what was going on as well...! Lol.

I am off to do some blog hopping and then to whip up the card ideas I mentioned so be sure to stop back by tomorrow to see what I cooked up. Until next time, happy stamping and scrapping. Blessings, Sharon

PS/One of my goals in 2011 is to increase my blog following! If you have enjoyed my blog and know someone else who might like it as well--would you please tell them about it? Do you follow it but haven't "signed in" as a follower? Please do! It's not hard and, of course, COMMENTS are always welcome! Tell me what you like (even what you don't!)-or if there is something you want to know, learn or see-let me know!

Materials used: CTMH: Colonial White cardstock & Crystal Blue ink (p.100 & 101,) Clear Cards (p. 88); Card Chatter Thank You (p.74); 3"x3" block (p.33)--Autumn/Winter 2010 Catalog;

January Stamp of the Month: Find Your Style-Inspirations Brochure (avail. Jan. 1-Jan. 31, 2011 only). Other: CuttleBug Embossing folder Divine Swirls; Stampin' Up: Big Shot machine, oval and oval scallop punches, heat gun, clear embossing powder.

Visit my Close to My Heart site at http://okistampqueen@myctmh.com to shop-or contact me via e-mail (there is a convenient e-mail link on the site as well!) with any questions you may have. Thank you for allowing me to show you how to scrapbook-and stamp-faster, simpler and easier!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, ya'll! Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy, blessed and prosperous 2011! We celebrated by attending our church's "watchnight service" at 11:30 PM. It is a time to reflect on the year past, renew your covenant with God, and begin the New Year well, renewed! It is usually a very small crowd but it is quite touching and profound. I can't think of a better place to be to begin a fresh, new year!

And, speaking of such...I HAVE NEWS! There's a NEW IMAGE on the right-hand sidebar--didjasee it--huh, huh?! (hint: scroll down-it's below what I call my alice in wonderland pic--at my feet and it has the words "PhD" on it!!) Yep-that's right! As of today, I r a graduate! I have, in the mere past week, completed the bachelor, masters AND PhD Close to My Heart Training Academy courses! GO ME! The new catalog and products have really inspired me! Check out my CTMH site at http://okistampqueen@myctmh.com to see the latest-just click on the "View January Inspirations" on the bottom right hand side of the main page. The INSPIRATIONS flyer is the "transition" catalog since CTMH is going from 3 to 2 catalogs a year, the Inspirations catalog is valid for the month of January ONLY---and believe me, there are SOME GREAT DEALS! I want just about everything in there! Considerable price breaks if you order the Workshop on the Go kit. With WOTG you can make 2-2 page layouts or 6 cards...with paper left over and of course stamps to use over and over again. It comes with instructions that will walk you through each step of your creation---or, better yet, come take a class with me! The January Stamp of the Month is by far the prettiest I have seen! It is only available through Jan. 31st and, as usual, the more you order the better the deal-you can even get it for FREE! Check it out!
I've not felt the greatest and when I've not been working through my courses I have been drooling over the new catalog! I PROMISE...to post some projects soon! I need to make a thank you card for Carmen, my stepson's girlfriend who graciously sent us a Harry & David salsa sampler box for Christmas. Hmm...I have some acrylic cards, the Jan. stamp of the month set, a few new inks...think I will head to the craft room now as I feel some INSPIRATION comin' on! ; ) Until next time-see if you can't get INSPIRED at http://okistampqueen@myctmh.com and, as usual, happy stamping and scrapping! Blessings, Sharon