A Girl's Place

Rejoined Stampin' Up....WooHoo!!!

2012-02-10T10:35:00.001-08:00

I just rejoined Stampin' Up as an Independent Demonstrator today. YAY!!!

Check out my new SU website at http://melhand.stampinup.net

Stampin' Up Again

2012-02-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am going to be rejoining Stampin' Up as an Independent Demonstrator once again. I just can't stay away from SU. LOL So as soon as I get it all organized I will be posting lots of pics, workshops and classes.

Just an FYI...I will NOT be removing old posts that contain artwork from other companies....they were there before me re-joining SU so they will stay. However, nearly all stamp related projects from this point forward will be SU related. I will also be working on recreating some of my old projects using other stamp company products with SU products just to show versatility in design.

Long time no see....

2011-11-08T05:26:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been soooo long since I've even been to this page. I will have to post an update this afternoon. Watch out ya'll.....I will be posting an update soon so we can get this place rockin' again. :-)

"JOY" Coaster Wall Hanging

2009-10-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll,
I've been playing around a little this weekend. I put together this project using a combination of Elemental Stamping technique by Elemental Doodles and Doodle Imaging by one of ED's DT members (Cat).

Supplies Used:
Stamps - Elemental Doodles (new releases)
Chipboard Coasters X 6 - Elemental Doodles
Inks - Versa Magic & Brilliance
Accessories - Blue grosgrain ribbon, Hot Glue, Crystal Glitter, 2-Way Glue Pen, Stickles Glitter Glue, finger daubers

Instructions:
1. Pencil in the letters JOY on coasters.
2. Finger Dauber ink color over penciled in letters.
3. Stamp filler image over penciled letters.
4. Stamp Holly image in various places over letter.
5. Stamp accent image in various places.
6. Finger dauber ink around coaster edge.
7. Stamp filler image and holly around coaster edge.
8. Using 2-Way glue pen, add glitter to coaster edge.
9. Dot Stickles over letters.
10.Attach ribbon to back of coasters.
11.Attach 2nd set of coasters to back to hide the ribbon and glue.

Holiday ATC & Moo's

2009-10-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

I am so excited......I had time to play a little with our new stamps before going to work tonight.

The ATC is made by matting 2 Moo's onto an ATC size piece of brown shimmer CS by The Paper Company. All images are Elemental Doodles. Both of the Moo's are sprayed with Cafe Late Scent-A-Mist (a new scented shimmer spray by Elemental Doodles). Inks used are Versa Magic and Versa Fine. Moo's on the ATC are dotted with Stickles.

The Moo is also matted on brown shimmer CS. All images are also Elemental Doodles. Inks used are Versa Magic and Versa Fine. Also dotted with Stickles.

Coaster Ornaments

2009-10-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a long time since I've posted here. Been so busy that I've just not had much time to keep up with my own blog. LOL Below are a couple of coaster ornaments that I did over the weekend. I will get instructions and exact colors of inks used posted very soon (I didn't write them all down LOL).

All stamps used are from Elemental Doodles' new stamp sets (they are available for pre-order now and are on sale....check out their website at http://www.elementaldoodles.com/ ). The coasters and acrylic rods and new release stamps and the new Scent-a-Mists are all on sale until the end of October.

Design Team Call - Elemental Doodles

2009-06-22T10:05:00.001-07:00

Elemental Doodles is having their 2nd Design Team Call since they launched in March 2009. Please be sure to visit http://www.elementaldoodles.com/pages/designteamcall.php for more information on how you can be a part of their next DT. ED has a lot of new and innovative products that will be introduced in the next several months and you will NOT want to miss out on the opportunity to be the FIRST one to play with new products and stamps. :-)

Pre-Order Special - Elemental Doodles

2009-06-08T08:04:00.001-07:00

Pre-Order Special Offer ~ LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!!!
Elemental Doodles is rolling out 8 new sets of images (among other new products) on June 15th, 2009.
Pre-Order your sets today and receive a 20% discount. Just enter the voucher code: NewRelease609 at checkout.

Go to www.ElementalDoodles.com , click on Catalog in the left side navigation, click on Stamps in the body of the Catalog page, click on New Releases and then select the sets you want to add to your cart.

When you enter this code in the cart you MUST click the RECALCULATE button at the bottom so that the cart will apply the discount. Otherwise, the discount will not be applied. All orders will ship as soon as the first run is received (expected delivery date into the ED office is between June 15-June 20th, 2009.

Pre-Order Special will end June 11, 2009

Website Update

2009-05-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

In addition to the "new look" that I posted about previously, I have added a lot of new information and some pictures to my gallery on my personal website www.javamels.com . This site is not just about stamping. There's lots of information about chocolate, coffee, stamping, nutrition & weight loss (coming soon) and much more. I will also be adding a new "cafe" to my site very soon titled "Marriage Cafe". I just feel so strong about marriage and keeping families together that I felt moved to work on an online "support" for married couples. Family is an institute that God created and it's one that is worth fighting for and keeping together. So watch for this coming soon.

I have also added a guestbook to my site.....please stop by and leave your comments, suggestions and requests.

Magnetic Plaque Gift for Mom

2009-05-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this project has absolutely NO STAMPING whatsoever on it. But I wanted to share. My mom got divorced and remarried in 2008 and I am just NOW getting around to doing something for her and her new hubby. Yeah, I know, I'm pathetic. LOL Anyway, I snagged this idea from my good friend and business partner, Kim. She gave me something similar only minus pictures and I just thought it would make a great belated wedding gift for mom and Walt.

Supplies used to create this are as follows:

Metal plate things from Lowe's Home Improvement (I forget what they are called but they have lots of holes in them and are kind of thick).....you need 3 or 4 of these depending on how long you want the plaque to be....I used 3.

2 or 3 colors of CS that contrast each other.
Paper flower petals
Magnets
Ribbon
Tin Name plates and tin squares
Spellbinders in various shapes and sizes.

Other embellishments of your choice. I used colored wire, a mini clipboard, mini paper clips, etc. Adhesive, Stickles, pictures, etc. Rhinestone shapes

Directions:

Cut CS to fit the metal plates and adhere with adhesive roller.

Cut out photos and matting for behind them using Nestabilities or other die of your choice and then assemble.

Add magnets to the back of photos.

Add paper flower embellishments at this time if you plan to do so.

Remove adhesive squares from back of tin name plates and tin squares and put a magnet on them instead.

Adhere rhinestone shapes to tin squares.

Write or stamp what you want on the tin nameplates. I just used black permanent marker and then went over the writing with Diamond Stickles.

Add photo to mini clipboard if you are using one.

Using the Crop A Dile, punch holes in the corners of each metal plate through one of the holes and then line up the tin plates with the top and bottom and punch holes so they can be attached.

Make large wire jump rings using a heavy gauge wire. These will be used to feed through the holes and attach each section to each other. This is also used to attach the tin name plates to the top and bottom.

Attach all sections using the jump rings.
Make wire spirals (if this is what you are using as embellishment) using various colors of wire. Attach these to the jump rings and name plates as desired.
Punch 2 holes at the top of the top nameplate and feed your ribbon through them and tie in a knot.
Punch holes at the bottom of the bottom tin nameplate and add another photo if desired.

New Look

2009-05-16T13:55:00.001-07:00

WooHoo.....I am so excited. I have a completely new look for my logo image and my main website. All the graphics and website template are from Scrapless Creations . Be sure to stop by her site as there are so many wonderful website templates available and her prices are so very reasonable. AND, she's super fast at delivering your order.

Hoppy Frog Mini Album

2009-05-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll, I bet ya'll thought I'd forgotten all about my blog and posting new projects. ;-) Well, I have been busy working (this working an outside job is sooooooo overrated. LOL). I so miss being home with my little ones and I miss having the time to stamp and play. BUT, some day I will be independently wealthy and be able to stamp and play and spend as much time with my kids as I want (yep, I'm dreaming but a girl can dream can't she????).

Ok, on to my project. This is a little mini Album or Journal...whatever you want to make of it. I really enjoyed making this and it was super easy. The most time consuming part was waiting for the stickles to dry.

Hoppy Frog Mini Album
All supplies used are from TAC and can be ordered HERE

Supplies Used:
T2349 Hoppy Frogs Stamp Set
K409 3X3 Mini Sheet Protectors
V901 Brighten My Day Paper Pad
F919 Cotton Candy Boot Loopy Brads
B214 Lilly Anna Ribbon
F516 Crystal Stickles
F02 Tombow Markers Pastel
D91 Kokuyo Adhesive Dispenser
V222 White Ultrasmooth Cardstock
TT220 Noir Palette Pad
F83 Spring Bright Spiral Clips
Hole punches for binding and mini brad (Crop-A-Dile)
Paper Flowers in colors of your choice

Directions:

Add stickles to paper flowers so they will be dry when ready to use them.
Cut background papers to 3x3 to fit into each of the sleeves. If you use 5 of the sleeves you will get 2 mini albums per package of sleeves. YOu will then need 10 background papers per mini album.
Cut 10 white CS papers at 2 1/2"X2 1/2" and adhere to the center of each of the background squares.
Stamp your frog images using Noir Palette Ink Pad on the white CS in the desired location.
Optional - Use one of the Journaling stamp sets to stamp journaling lines in the blank space beside, above or below the stamped frogs.
Color frog images using markers.
Add mini brad to end of frog's tongue to be the "fly".
Check to see that flowers are dry. If so, add them to the pages you wish to add them to.
Slip decorated pages into sleeve protectors.
Adhere sleeve protectors together using Adhesive Dispenser and be sure to line them up correctly.
Cut a scrap of patterned paper from Brighten My Day Pad to 1 1/2" x 3 1/4". Score lengthwise at 1/2" and 3/4" and fold. Line up on edge of sleeve protectors and punch holes in front and back so they line up with holes in sleeve protectors.
Adhere patterned paper scrap to sleeve protectors to form the spine/binding.
Feed ribbon through and tie in a knot or bow....cut length as needed.
Using tiny hole punch...punch hole in center right edge of front and back pages and apply loopy brad. Tie with matching floss.

HINT: Before punching holes in scrap patterned paper for binding use a pencil to mark where the holes need to be punched. This will ensure they are in the correct position.

Just an Update

2009-03-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

Whew!!!!! It has been a crazy month so far. If I survive raising 4 boys it will be nothing short of a miracle. LOL And I'm still working on this getting used to a nighttime work schedule. I'm finding it's cutting way into my creativity time. :-(

Anyway, I've been working on a few projects this week and will be posting them over the weekend. I know it's been a little while since I've posted new projects. But I have some projects using TAC stamps and ED stamps.

Coming soon (things I've been working on).......
Decorated girl's purse
Coffee Lover's cards
Fairy cards
Flower cards & ATCs & bookmarks

Christian Easter ATC

2009-03-08T13:13:00.001-07:00

Both of the ATC's below were made using the stamp set He Is Risen from Elemental Doodles. Both of these cards were so very easy to make. And a lot of fun.

Pocket Tea ATC

2009-03-08T13:10:00.000-07:00

This card is exactly the same as the previous Pocket Tea Card that I posted. The difference is that this card was made ATC size (2.5"X3.5") and used the mini stamps from the same stamp set - Friendship Tea from Elemental Doodles.

Pocket Tea Card Share

2009-03-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

The card below was inspired by my business partner, Kim Baker. The difference between our cards is the cardstock used and the stitching....I don't sew, she does, so I used lace and ribbon instead of stitching. LOL I will post a tutorial soon.

Pocket Tea Card

Supplies Used:

Stamps - Friendship Tea from Elemental Doodles

Designer Paper - Double Sided

Lace Trim

Ink - Palette Noire and Burnt Umber - TAC

Transcendence EP - TAC

Coloring Medium of choice (Twink. H2O's used here)

Acrylic Blocks

SBS 27 - Sisters please read

2009-02-08T12:19:00.001-08:00

Hey ya'll,
I want to personally welcome each of our SBS 27 members to the group. I do not have email addresses for all of you yet. So I'm making this announcement here on my blog with hopes that you will all see it.

I have set up a yahoogroup for SBS 27 members so that we can keep in touch with each other easier. Please be sure to send me your email address privately at mel@javamels.com or mel@elementaldoodles.com so that I can make sure you get an invite to join our group. Brenda, one of our SBS 27 members has already started putting together a birthday list for our little group. She is also going to be a moderator on our yahoogroup. So you will want to be sure to hook up with Brenda and get your birthday and mailing address to her so you can be added to the birthday list.

Please be sure to pick up your SBS 27 badge at http://sisterhoodofthebloggingstampers.blogspot.com and add it to your blog. In addition, please be sure to add the links to your other SBS 27 group sisters to your blogroll for our group. And once you have joined our little group be sure to stop by everyone's blogs and post a hello. If you are not a member of SBS 27 but would like to be please feel free to stop by the blog listed above and sign up to be included in our blogring. Members are limited to 20 and spaces are filling up fast (there are only 4 left as of the date of this post).

Thank you. I am now off to visit each of your blogs and check in with you all. :-)

Elemental Doodles Pre-Order Sale!!!!

2009-01-31T03:57:00.000-08:00

WooHoo!!!! This is just what many of you have been waiting for. The announcement will be made on the ED blog and website this weekend but I wanted to go ahead and make the announcement with coupon code here first. :-)

Elemental Doodles is now taking pre-orders for their initial set release that is scheduled for March 2009. The Pre-Order Sale is 25% off any orders of any size that uses the coupon code below:
EDPO25

Go to www.ElementalDoodles.com , click on Catalog in the left side navigation, click on Stamps in the body of the Catalog page, click on New Releases and then select the sets you want to add to your cart. When you enter this code in the cart you MUST click the RECALCULATE button at the bottom so that the cart will apply the discount. Otherwise, the discount will not be applied.

All orders will ship as soon as the first run is received (expected delivery date into the ED office is by the first week of March if not sooner).

What is an ATC?

2009-01-31T03:48:00.000-08:00

I've had several questions about ATC's (both on the blog and privately) so here is a brief explanation.

I absolutely LOVE working on ATC's. They are miniature works of art. And the stamps from Elemental Doodles are PERFECT for making ATC's.

And ATC is an acronym for Artist Trading Card. The only requirement of an ATC is that is has to be 2.5" X 3.5". This way they will fit into trading card sleeves for those who collect them. Many artists trade these cards....many use them just to send out the same as you would regular cards. They are normally made with a CS base just like any other card. However, they can be made using any material as a base as long as the finished product is exactly 2.5" X 3.5".

ATC - Easter

2009-01-25T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hey ya'll, I finally had a chance to play with one of our new stamp sets for ED. This is the ATC I worked on tonight. I am going to redo it though. I forgot to lighten my pencil oval outline so that it wouldn't show up. :-( So please overlook that. I just really wanted to get this ATC posted.

ATC - Easter
Supplies Used:
Stamps - Elemental Doodles
Printed Paper - Making Memories
Inks - Various Versamark and Palette Inks (TAC)
Miscellaneous - Crystal Glitter, Spiral Clip, Adhesive Dot Roller, Tombow Glue Pen (all from TAC).

Instructions:
Very easy card to do. This card is made using Elemental Stamping technique with Elemental Doodles' Easter stamp set.

Cut printed background paper to 3.75X2.75" (yes, I know, this is a wee bit larger than a normal ATC but I cut the white part first and stamped without thinking about the size I needed for my printed background - if this bothers you then cut your Printed Background paper to 3.5X2.5 and your white CS to just 1/4" smaller).
Cut White CS to 3.5X2.5".
Ink the solid bunny with Pallete Noir ink and stamp center on the bottom of the "frame".
Ink the bow stamp in a light color (I used a pale pink here) and stamp center top of the "frame".
Repeat step 4 above using a darker shade of the same color leaving a little bit of the lighter color showing around the edges creating a shadow effect.
Ink the open carrot orange and the greenery green (this is easy to do with clear stamps because you can actually see where you are inking). Stamp this carrot randomly around your "frame" turning the stamp periodically so it is facing different directions.
Ink the solid carrot the same way as the open carrot and do the same thing.
Ink the palm fronds with a light green and use as a filler between the carrots.
Repeat step 8 with a darker green.
Ink the swirly deco image with a metallic color (I used gold) and stamp randomly around the "frame".
Ink the Bunny face image in Palette Noire and stamp in the center.
Using a sponge and dark blue ink (or other dark color of your choice to complement printed paper and colors in your image) and sponge all around the edges of both White CS and Printed Paper.
Using the glue pen, outline both papers and then dip into Crystal Glitter.
Let glue dry.
Apply adhesive to the back of the white CS and adhere to center of printed paper.
Add Spiral Clip as a decoration to one of the sides.

ATC - Love & Laughter

2009-01-24T18:14:00.001-08:00

This is ATC number 2 that I did today.

ATC - Love & Laughter
Supplies Used (TAC unless otherwise noted):
Stamps: T-2981 Love & Laughter
Cardstock: Brown Textured, Light Pink
Ribbon: Miscellaneous Brown with gold specks
Coloring Medium: Pink Marker
Inks: TAC Palette Burnt Umber
Embossing Powder: Transcendence
Miscellaneous: Double Stick Tape, Crystal Lacquer, 1/8" Hole Punch, Crystal Glitter, Crystal Glitter, Tombow Mono Multi Glue.

Instructions:

Cut brown CS to 2.5X3.5"
Cut pink CS to 2X3"
Stamp and emboss Tree image in Palette Burnt Umber (remove ink from tiny butterflies and recolor with a Pink Marker - breathe on stamp to remoisten ink just before stamping).
Using single heart image from T-3025 Love Blooms set, stamp using Pink Marker at ends of a few branches. Do not emboss.
Stamp sayings at top and bottom with Palette Burnt Umber ink and emboss.
Using pen tip apply glue to tiny butterflies and sprinkle on glitter. Tap off excess.
Punch holes in top center of pink CS.
Feed ribbon through and tie bow.
Attach to brown CS with double stick tape roller.
Apply Crystal Lacquer to hearts and let dry.

ATC - Love Blooms

2009-01-24T17:58:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a few different ATC's the last couple of days. And will have more to share over the next few days as well.

Love Blooms ATC
Supplies Used (TAC, unless otherwise noted):
Stamps: T-3025 Love Blooms
Cardstock: Red Textured, Ultrasmooth White
Ribbon: Black Satin, 1/8"
Coloring Medium: N/A
Inks: TAC Palette Noir, Palette L'Amore Red, Versamark
Embossing Powder: Transcendence
Miscellaneous: Double Stick Tape, Foam Dots, Crystal Lacquer, Silver Mini Brads, 1/16" Hole Punch, Large Eye Needle, Crystal Glitter, Tombow Mono Multi Glue, Sponge, Slice, Noteworthy Slice Design Card.

Instructions:

Cut 2.5X3.5 Red CS.
Cut 1.5X1.5 shap using the Slice (or other 1.5" punch/cutter)
Using Versamark ink stamp mini hearts all over red background paper.
Using a ruler, mark with a pencil dots every 1/4" along both long sides (approximately 1/4" from edge on both sides).
Punch out holes where you just marked.
Stamp vase and stems using Palette Noire ink on white squares.
Stamp heart flowers using Palette L'Amore Red ink on white squares.
Using sponge dab Palette L'Amore Red ink along edges of white squares.
Using Tombow adhesive pen and crystal glitter edge white squares with glitter.
While glitter and glue are drying, lace up sides with black ribbon. First attach one end to the bottom hole with a silver mini brad. Then, using the large eye needle, thread the ribbon up and around and down the other side. Secure the other end with another silver mini brad. Cut off excess ribbon from both sides.
Adhere white squares to front of card using 3D foam pop dots.
Add Crystal Lacquer to the heart flower buds and let dry.

My baby won 3rd place

2009-01-19T18:27:00.000-08:00

I am so proud of my baby. He entered a lego building contest at his school that was sponsored by the National Association of Women In Construction (http://www.nawic.org/) . This is the first contest he's ever entered. Each participant had 1 hour to build something construction related using only 100 legos. He was done with his in about 20 minutes. His is the Eiffel Tower and Paris surrounding it.

ATC X 2

2009-01-16T18:10:00.000-08:00

I had a chance to create 2 different ATC's today. I am not posting the instructions to these unless someone asks. They're pretty simple to do.

Stamps are all from Elemental Doodles.

The shapes cut out on the blue and brown ATC were cut out using the Noteworthy Design Cart for the Slice.

Green ribbon is Making Memories.

Printed Paper is from K&Company tag pads.

Glitter Gel Pens were used to color in the flower on the left. Twinks were used on the right.

Fairy Card

2009-01-16T18:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a fairy card that I worked on today.

Fairy Card
Supplies Used
Stamps: Elemental Doodles
Cardstock: TAC (textured brown, Cream), SU (light blue)
Printed Paper: Making Memories
Ribbon: Miscellaneous
Coloring Medium: Twinkling H2O
Inks: TAC Palette Burnt Umber
Embossing Powder: Transcendence
Miscellaneous: Double Stick Tape, Foam Dots, Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Gold Embellishment from Making Memories.

Instructions:
This is really a very simple card to make.

Cut and fold light blue CS to regular card size.
Emboss front of light blue CS.
Cut chocolate brown textured CS to the desired size .
Cut the printed paper to just smaller than the brown CS.
Cut cream CS just a tad smaller than the printed paper.
Stamp fairy image in Burnt Umber ink and emboss.
Color fairy using Twinks.
Add a touch of glitter for embellishment.
Using finger dauber (or other pouncing tool) add burnt umber ink to the edges of the cream CS.
Add gold embellishment from Making Memories.
wrap and tie ribbon around center of card (where card opens up instead of out). I add a little adhesive to the back of the ribbon so it will stick to the card better without moving.
Add layers to front of card. Use 3D foam dots to mount the top layer with the fairy.

New Stamps Arrived

2009-01-16T05:05:00.000-08:00

WooHoo!!!!! I just got some new stamps to play with (more samples from our ED line of images before they go for final manufacture).

AND, I am expecting some new stamps that I just ordered from TAC to arrive any day now (hoping for today).

Soooooo, I am going to do my very best to play this afternoon so that I can get some new projects posted for ya'll. I'll be playing with both ED stamps and TAC stamps.

Personal Update

2009-01-15T04:25:00.000-08:00

I thought I would post a real quick personal update here. As ya'll know I went on a job interview last week. I got the job. WooHoo!!! I'm now just waiting on all the paperwork to come back to HR so that I can get started with orientation, etc. They send out the paperwork for background and reference checks so it isn't something that happens right away. But hey, I'm just glad I got the job.

I also went to the college for orientation for the program I wanted to get into , General Ultrasound. Well, I don't think I'll be doing that this fall. And after talking to the instructor at the orientation I think the best thing for me to do since I already have a degree in Cardiovascular Ultrasound is to just audit a few of the classes for CVT and get into working in that field instead. Why? Because I will be working 7p-7a 3 -4 nights/week and the program classes run from 9a-4p M-F. There would be no time to sleep between classes and work and certainly no time to study. And I know from going through the heart US class that it is a very intense program and there's just no way to keep up with everything if there is no time to study.

So, I've scrapped the going back to college full time this fall idea. I will, however, take a few classes here and there as time permits.

Pear Card

2009-01-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

Well I finally got a chance to play with my Slice machine today. While it does have it's little "issues" I have to say that I think I am going to go ahead and keep my little machine. MM people said they are working on the "issues" and will make sure I am taken care of when a solution has been found. Soooooo, I will just deal with the wonky cuts every now and then because I absolutely loved playing today. I picked up 2 more design cards today....Noteworthy and Basic Shapes 2. I haven't played with Basic Shapes 2 yet but am loving Noteworthy. I almost didn't get it but am so glad I did anyway.

Oh yeah, and my other purchase today was a little disappointing but actually made me space my spending a little. LOL I went to Michael's and they had the Cuttlebugs, Cuttlekids and all the accessories on SALE for 50% off today. So I was going to go ahead and get me one of those little Cuttlebugs but they were all out. :-( They DID give me a raincheck for one at the discounted rate and it will be in stock in 2 weeks. WooHoo!!! Kim was over today and I played with hers and decided this is a must have gadget for me. LOL

And here's the card that this post was originally supposed to be showing off. LOL

Pear Card

I made several of this card in different colors.

Supplies Used:

~Stamps - Elemental Doodles

~Plain Old CS in various colors

~Printed Paper - Making Memories

~Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (don't recall the name of this one)

~ Ink - Noir Palette (TAC)

~Embossing Powder - Transcendence (TAC)

~Coloring Medium - Twinkling H2O

~Foam Dots (TAC)

~Green Ribbon

~Tiny Hole Punch

~Decorative Brads - Making Memories

Instructions:

1. Cut and fold CS to regular card size

2. Emboss front of CS

3. Cut shapes from printed paper using Slice Noteworthy Design Card (3 1/2" and 4")

4. Cut tag shape using Slice Noteworthy Design Card (2") on matching plain CS

5. Stamp and emboss Pear and Pear Leaves

6. Adhere 4" shape to front of card

7. Color Pear and Pear leaves with H2O's

8. Adhere 3 1/2" shape to center of 4" shape using foam dots.

9. Punch tiny hole in center of tag and add Decorative Brad

10. Ad ribbon to tag and adhere to bottom of card using foam dots

My New Toy......the Slice

2009-01-06T19:11:00.000-08:00

Slice and I have had some run over the last week. I got my Slice about a week ago. I am so excited because this is the first cutting machine (other than hand held punches LOL) I've ever owned. I was attracted to the size and portability of the Slice and the fact that it has several cartridges with designs available. So here we go on our little journey......

The day I got home with the Slice I was so anxious to get started playing. I unpacked everything and even read the manual that came along with it. I pulled out the little tube of adhesive that came with it. Well, it was dried up. :-(

No problem.....I'll just use a little repositionable tape in the corners of the glass cutting mat. Wait, that didn't work either. It doesn't hold the paper down in the center and so the cut gets all messed up because the paper moves all over. Next I put a piece of the tape in other places on the mat. This didn't work either because every time the blade went over an area where the tape was it would "stick" a little.

Off I went back to AC Moore to pick up a new tube of adhesive. And while I was there I went ahead and used another 50% off coupon for the pretty little carrying case for the Slice (yes, I used a 50% off coupon earlier that same day for the Slice machine too LOL).

I get home to try out the adhesive and guess what????? IT WAS DRIED OUT TOO!!!! Now, I live about 25 minutes from AC Moore so I was NOT about to go back for yet a 3rd trip. So finally, last night, hubby took me to Wally World and I picked up a can of Elmer's Craft Bond Spray Adhesive (it's temporary or permanent depending on how you use it). I didn't feel up to working with it last night so it waited until today.

***Mental Note*** Don't spray a spray adhesive in your lap with the dog laying next to you and a blanket covering your lap. ROTF. Yes, I did this. Didn't even think about the overspray and getting it all over the blanket and the dog. It does come out in the wash though. Thankfully because that was my favorite blanket.

Anyway, this adhesive worked wonderfully. Now, a little about the Slice. It doesn't cut exactly as you want for every shape and size. Smaller circles look warped. And the smaller scallops and squares are a little out of shape. This was way worse before I had an appropriate adhesive. But it did get better once I did the spray adhesive. Some things are still a little out of wack and warped but it's not something I absolutely cannot live without.

Job Update

2009-01-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, so here's the scoop.....I need a job, at least while we work on getting ED up and running strong and while I'm in school....

I already have a degree in Cardiovascular Ultrasound. However, I did not sit for the registry exam and it's been 11 years since I've worked in the medical field. Soooo, I am going back to school for General Ultrasound and will audit a few cardio scanning classes during the semesters that I don't have a full load. BUT, I really need to work in the meantime because school will be a 3 year run.

So I've been submitting applications for CNA work to hold me over until I can work as an US Tech.

Yesterday I had an interview at a hospital and I'm pretty sure I have the job. The nurse I interviewed with would like for me to start monday (provided HR gets everything ready by then). Basically we're just waiting for HR to get everything together so I can start (background check, drug screening, reference check, etc). The job is mine once this is all done. I will be working the 7p-7a shift 3 nights/week and will have the option of picking up additional shifts if I choose. This shift works out perfectly for me with my 2 younger kids being in year round school. It means I won't have to pay out the nose for childcare when they're tracked out. My oldest son will be home early in the morning to get the little ones up and ready for school. I will be home in time to see them off. And of course you know I'll have to wind down before I can go to sleep so all my computer work will be done before going to bed. Since I'll only be working 3 days a week that still gives me time to work on ED and my studies.

See, I've got it all figured out. :-)

Ceramic Tissue Box

2009-01-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

Ceramic Tissue Box

This is a ceramic tissue box that I stamped several years ago. This is also done using a RE set that has been retired but will be released in our Clear Stamp line in 2009. This set is currently available in red rubber while supplies last. Once the rubber is sold out it will be revised and revived as clear stamps. This is a very versatile and fun set and has been one of my favorites.

Supplies Used:
~1 Ceramic Bisque Tissue Box.
~Stamps - Fairy Set (Elemental Doodles/RE)
~White CS (for 3D Butterflies
~Coloring Medium (Faerie Myst paints were used on this and heat set)
~Ink - Memories Black Dye Ink
~Transcendence EP
~White gloss paint
Paint Brushes and sponges.

Instructions:
1. Clean bisque tissue box with sponge and plain water. Let this dry completely.
2. Paint entire box with white gloss paint (acrylic is what I used here).
3. Using a small sponge or stipple brush stipple or pounce 2-3 different complimentary colors on all edges of the box and heat set if necessary.
4. Stamp fairy images on all 4 sides of the box and emboss with Transcendence EP. Keep the heat gun moving and be watchful that you do not heat one spot too much or your white paint may bubble up.
5. Stamp butterfly image on top and emboss as in step 4.
6. Stamp butterfly image on a piece of white CS and emboss.
7. Color images using coloring medium of choice (I used faerie myst paints and heat set here).
8. Color butterfly on CS to match the one on the tissue box and then cut it out.
9. Optional step depending on the coloring medium you use. If it needs to be sealed then you will want to spray with either a matte or gloss clear, nonyellowing sealer of choice.
10. Glue the CS butterfly directly over the one on the tissue box to give it a 3D effect.

Baby Sets

2009-01-05T15:55:00.000-08:00

Baby Sets

I know these baby sets are a little hard to see but this is all I had. These were made several years ago. These images are from one of the RE sets of images that Elemental Doodles (ED) will be releasing sometime in 2009. This set IS available in rubber at this time (until it is sold out) but the rubber has been retired and it will be redone as a Clear Stamp set. Release date will be announced soon.

On a Personal Note.....

2009-01-05T05:24:00.000-08:00

Ok, so my guys went hunting for new year and left me home alone with the 2 little ones. No big deal. The little ones and I went to church and had a blast playing games, eating and spending time with our church family. Oh yeah, the big guys did stop by the church just long enough to eat with us. LOL

Soooo, my 16 year old got a deer this weekend. Being that this is the first hunting season he and his dad have had and this was his first "kill" he was so excited. THEN they inform me that there is going to be a dead deer hanging in my garage. As if THAT wasn't bad enough, they get home and then inform me that there is a dead SKINNED deer hanging in my garage. Great, I had invited a couple friends over for stamping saturday.....NOT going to happen now that I know my guys will be out there cutting up a dead deer. NOT a site I want my stampin' friends to pull into my driveway and witness. LOL So I made every effort to avoid the garage while this deer was hanging out there. But don't you know I got a glimpse of it anyway. Oh how gross. I felt so bad for that poor deer and now hubby expects me to actually cook and eat this meat????? I am not so sure about this. But now that we have a freezer full of deer meat I suppose I'm not going to have much of a choice.......I wonder if I can just convince my guys to just have one of my meal shakes instead. LOL That's not going to happen. I can say this though, if I had known my husband would look so darned good in cammies I would have been buying them for him for the last 19 years. LOL But, he's still his grouchy self.....he looks real hot but still a grouchy old man. LOL Gotta love him.

Now, I'm off for my job interview this morning. I'm not sure how I feel about this whole working outside the home thing. But I suppose I need to just get used to it. LOL

Picture Frame

2009-01-03T12:55:00.001-08:00

Picture Frame

This picture frame was decorated with a stamp set from Elemental Doodles. The picture is of me and DH. We visited a local winery and the picture was taken at the wine tasting. Perfect picture for this set of images.
Supplies Used:
Stamps - Elemental Doodles
Picture Frame (Michael's)
Versamagic Ink Pads
Misc. Ribbon
Mini Grape Cluster (AC Moore)

Sneak Peak

2009-01-03T10:06:00.001-08:00

Check out the Sneak Peak at www.elementaldoodles.com/sneakpeak.htm . I thought this might help for those of you who are thinking of submitting a design team application.

Quiz: What Scrapbooking Item Are You?

2009-01-02T11:26:00.001-08:00

I was Glue:

You are GLUE!
You are the adhesive that keeps things together. You go through life helping others. You stick to people and try to keep people together. You like it best when you are surrounded by people and able to help them. But Glue Beware - in your efforts to keep everyone together and with you, you sometimes overlook yourself and find it hard to keep yourself together. Don't neglect personal time in your overwhelming need to socialize and help others.

Sisterhood of the Blogging Stampers #27

2009-01-02T07:33:00.001-08:00

I just had to join this SBS group thing. LOL I figured it would be fun to link up with other stampers and crafters. So here's my intro for SBS Group #27.

My name is Melodie Hand. I've been stamping on and off for 15+ years now. I live in Raleigh, NC with my husband and our 4 sons (7, 10, 16 and 18). Yes, I'm seriously outnumbered. LOL I have been a licensed nail tech for 20 years now. Owned my own salon in FL for over 10 years. Retired from the industry so that I could be home with my kids while they were young. Went back to college to get my degree in Echocardiography but never really worked in the field because I started having more babies. LOL When we moved to NC I started a stamp business called Rubbertree Enterprises. We offered our own line of images from several different artists. Then my oldest son (13 at the time) expressed an interest in the culinary field so I put my rubberstamping on hold and opened a chocolate business with him. He is now 18 and currently attending culinary school. He's figured out he does NOT like making chocolate so that business is left up to me to run. BUT, now that all the kids are in school I'm going back to college myself for General Ultrasound. AND, on top of that am reviving my old line of images under a new company name, Elemental Doodles (check out my ED blog and website http://elementaldoodles.blogspot.com/ and http://www.elementaldoodles.com/ ).

As for my stamping.......I love stamps of all kinds but clear stamps are my new favorite. I am more cutesy or realistic with my stamping style. I love the more abstract artistic type of stamping but just cannot seem to bring it all together myself. I do mostly cards, ATC's and 3D projects.

My other interests are reading (love to read but not fiction), herbal medicine and being a career student. I love to learn new things and can't seem to get enough.

Be sure to visit the other bloggers in our SBS group (you can see them listed to the right).

New Company - DESIGN TEAM CALL

2008-12-31T05:02:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post a heads up here that there is a Design Team Call at http://elementaldoodles.blogspot.com . This is a new company (yes, my images & part my company) and it is scheduled to launch on or before March 2009.

My Ramblings

2008-12-19T05:45:00.000-08:00

Last weekend my 9 year old and I went to help out at a local ministry church that provides some very much needed services and such to the needy in our area. I felt so very blessed to have even had the privilege to meet these wonderful people and to have the opportunity to serve them. Well, my 9 year old helped out with the clothes and toys. We went out for lunch afterward to discuss what we did that morning. To my surprise he tells me "mom, I really did not know that there REALLY ARE kids that don't even have ONE toy, or food, or new clothes." Apparently he thought that when we told him these things and how he needed to be thankful for what he has that we were making it all up. Then he followed this conversation with "Mom, I really would like to go help out every month when you go. And I want to go through my toys and get the unbroken ones to bring to the kids that don't have any at all". You talk about making a mother proud. It just brought tears to my eyes to hear my 9 year old say these things. This is something that I think every child should experience. Not only to make them more thankful for what they have...but to really show them what it means to serve others.

Mimi Merry Christmas Reindeer Card

2008-12-09T08:50:00.000-08:00

Mimi Merry Christmas Reindeer Card

I absolutely love this stamp set from TAC. My son and husband have a lawn business and wanted several different designs of cards to send to their clients. This is one of the card designs they selected when I was done creating. :-)

Supplies Used (all TAC):
Cardstocks: V-223 Ivory Ultrasmooth & B-311 Mimi
Stamps: T-2701 Christmas Season, TA-2978 Just For You Level A Hostess Set

Ink: TT-218 Palette Burnt Umber & TT-220 Palette Noir

Coloring Medium: A-505 Jewel Tones Chalk Kit
Embellishments: B-211 Mimi Ribbon, A-287 Prisma Glitter
Miscellaneous: C-151 Transcendence EP, D-89 Circle Pop It! Pop Dots, D-91 Kokuyo Permanent Adhesive Dot N Roller, D-97 Tombow Mono Multi Glue, F-490 Corner Rounder

Newborn King Christmas Card

2008-12-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

Newborn King Christmas Card
This is another one of my Clear Cards. I love the way these cards look and they are different than what you can find in the stores so they make really unique cards for giving on any occasion.

Supplies Used (all TAC except ribbon):
Cardstock: V-233 Dark Green Cardstock, V-223 Ivory Ultrasmooth, F-47 Clear Acetate
Stamps: T-3045 Holiday Collages
Ink: TT-218 Palette Burnt Umber Hybrid Ink Pad, TT-220 Palette Noir, S291 Brilliance Galaxy Gold, S293 Brilliance Starlight Silver, TT-196 Palette Moulin Rouge
Embellishments: Ribbon Scrap, Mini Brads
Miscellaneous: C-151 Transcendence Embossing Powder, K-100 Crop-A-Dile, D-91 Kokuyo Permanent Adhesive Dot N Roller

Snowman Soup Cocoa Gift Packet

2008-12-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

Snowman Soup Cocoa Gift Packet

Ok, yes I know it should have a snowman image on the front but I didn't have one handy when I made this so it ended up being Santa Soup instead. LOL Anyway, inside this packet is a cello bag filled with a couple of cocoa packets, holiday shaped marshmallows and 2 fancy candy bars (you could also put several of the Hershey nuggets instead). I'm putting these in the gift package that my kids will be taking to their teachers at school before Christmas break. I got this idea from a friend of mine who had an example in her workshop.

Supplies Used:

Cardstocks: White, Red, Light Blue & Hunter Green

Stamps: T-2701 Christmas Season
Ink: TT-220 Palette Noir & S-1179 Versamark Pad

Coloring Medium: F-462 Stardust Glittering Gel Pens
Embellishments: Ribbon Scraps
Miscellaneous: C-151 Transcendence EP, K-100 Crop-A-Dile, D-89 Circle Pop It! Pop Dots, D-91 Kokuyo Permanent Adhesive Dot N Roller; Large Cello Bag

Christmas Angel Card

2008-12-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas Angel Card

This is a card I did using an old medium that I've not used in a very long time. It's a medium that I truly wish were still around because I absolutely loved it.

Supplies Used:
Cardstocks: Red, White & Hunter Green
Stamps: T-2953 Just Dream & T3045 Holiday Collages
Ink: TT-220 Palette Noir

Coloring Medium: Magical Faerie Myst Paints
Embellishments: Ribbon Scraps, Poinsettia pieces, F-771 Matte Heritage Mini Brads
Miscellaneous: C-151 Transcendence EP, D-89 Circle Pop It! Pop Dots, D-91 Kokuyo Permanent Adhesive Dot N Roller

Mimi Love & Laughter Card

2008-11-24T13:21:00.000-08:00

Mimi Love & Laghter Card
This is a sweet and simple card for every day or for Valentine's Day. It took all of about 15 minutes to do several cards at one time.

Supplies Used (all TAC):

Printed Paper: V-837 Mimi

Cardstocks: V-223 Ivory Ultrasmooth & B-311 Mimi

Stamps: T-2981 Love & Laughter

Ink: TT-218 Palette Burnt Umber & TT-220 Palette Noir

Embellishments: B-211 Mimi Ribbon, B-111 Mimi Hardware

Miscellaneous: C-151 Transcendence EP, K-100 Crop-A-Dile, D-89 Circle Pop It! Pop Dots, D-91 Kokuyo Permanent Adhesive Dot N Roller

Mimi Always Remember Scrapbook Page

2008-11-24T13:12:00.000-08:00

Mimi Always Remember Scrapbook Page

I used one of my own pictures from when I was a little girl on this scrapbook page. I'm working on some scrapbooks for the grandparents and this is one of the pages that I am including. It is an 8"X8" page. This page could easily be adjusted to any size.

Supplies Used (all TAC):

Printed Paper: V-837 Mimi

Cardstock: B-311 Mimi Cardstock, V-223 Ivory Ultrasmooth

Stamps: T-2951 Always Remember

Ink: TT-218 Palette Burnt Umber Hybrid Ink Pad

Embellishments: B-211 Mimi Ribbon, B-111 Mimi Hardware

Miscellaneous: C-151 Transcendence Embossing Powder, K-100 Crop-A-Dile, D-89 Circle Pop It! Pop Dots, D-91 Kokuyo Permanent Adhesive Dot N Roller, F-28 Retractable Knife, and a Personal Photo.

Amelia Christmas Poinsettia Card

2008-11-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

Amelia Christmas Poinsettia Card
Fairly quick and easy card to do. The most time consuming part was the Poinsettia. It is stamped 3 times and cut out at different levels and layered with Pop It! Pop Dots for a 3D effect. The Poinsettia "ornament" dangles as it is attached to the round loop with ribbon.

Supplies Used (all TAC):

Printed Paper Pack - V-838 Amelia

Cardstocks: V-223 Ivory Ultrasmooth & B-317 Amelia Cardstock
Stamps: T-2701 Christmas Season

Ink: TT-220 Palette Noir Hybrid Ink Pad & TT-218 Palette Burnt Umber Hybrid Ink Pad

Coloring Medium: A-505 Jewel Tones Chalk Kit & F-462 Stardust Pens

Embellishments: B-217 Amelia Ribbon, F-764 Antique Round Loops, F-771 Matte Heritage Mini Brads.

Miscellaneous: D-89 Circle Pop It! Pop Dots, D-91 Kokuyo Permanent Adhesive Dot N Roller, K-100 Crop-A-Dile, C-151 Transcendence EP

NSR: Weight Loss

2008-10-15T04:27:00.000-07:00

I know this is not stamping related and I do try to keep everything on my blog stamping related BUT.......

I started walking this week.....just getting way to large and need to put an end to it and shrink a little. LOL Anyway, I weighed myself before I went for a walk and then again when I returned home. Well, I had GAINED a pound. So my thought is this, apparently I am allergic to exercise since it is having an adverse effect on me. LOL

Seriously though, it was yesterday's shock on the scale that made me realize that I am way too overweight and need to do something about it NOW. Sooooo, I signed up with Herbalife (a friend of mine has done very well with these products, her diabetes is under control, she's lost quite a bit of weight, etc so I thought I'd give it a try as well). And I signed up as a distributor with them so that I can get my own products at a discount and sell it as well.

So with that I was also thinking about starting some weight loss challenge groups in my area with a twist.....for those who are interested I would also host a stamping make & take on weigh in days to make it a little more fun and exciting to come weigh and measure in. And it would also give us a little time to chat about the challenges we are facing with losing weight, or our accomplishments, or offer encouragement to each other, etc.

Anyway, today I'll be taking my dreaded before picture. I have 100 pounds to lose but have set my first goal at 50 pounds. I'll worry about the other half of that after reaching this first goal.

Oh, I'll have some more projects to post shortly as well.

Book of Blessings

2008-10-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

Something that I have been working on with my children is to always be thankful of the blessings we have in our lives. And even though it may seem like nothing is going right and it may seem as though life is just so tough there are always blessings to be found. And we've been talking about how important it is to take the time each day to thank God for each of these blessings. Sooooo, our little Book of Blessings was born. I made these today so that me and my kids can take time out every morning to write a few things that we are thankful for in our lives as a way of saying "Thank You Lord, for all You do.".

These little books are made using the little mini composition notebooks found in Dollar Tree (something like 4 per pack for $1). They are covered with colored CS (just a piece on front and one on back, it is not a full wrap) and the spine is recovered with a contrasting color CS. The "medallion" is made with CS matching the spine and then green CS circle. The stamp is from stamp set T-2951 Always Remember (TAC of course LOL). The ribbon is fed through 1/8" holes in the top and bottom of the "medallion" piece.

Clear Card - Pointsettia

2008-10-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

This is the same image from 2 different angles. I really had fun with this card. It was made using stamps from TAC stamp set T-2701. The green CS is attached to the back side of the back flap using 2 red eyelets (one in the upper right corner and one in the lower left corner). The red CS is attached to the front of the back flap using double stick tape. The white CS is attached to the red CS using double stick tape. The Poinsettia image is stamped using the Noire Palette Hybrid Ink Pad and embossed with Transcendence EP. It is colored using chalks. The Holly stamp is stamped on the front side of the front flap using Staz On White and heat set (only because I'm impatient but heat setting is NOT necessary). The holly is colored from the back side of the front flap using green stickles. The Poinsettia in the lower left corner is made using several poinsettia parts and a leaf and is attached using a tiny gold brad. The ribbon in the upper right corner is just some scrap ribbon I had laying around.

The thing about working with acetate is that you're prone to getting a TON of fingerprints on the acetate. I try to remember to work with cotton gloves on so I don't get the fingerprints all over (the gloves can be found in the candy making section of most craft stores). If I forget to put the gloves on I just wipe over the card front and back on both flaps using a soft rag (we have several eye glass cleaning rags laying around the house and I snagged a few for use on acetate).

Clear Card - Let It Snow

2008-10-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

These are all different versions of the same card. Again, they vary by the way the ribbon is added. These cards were made by cutting the acetate in half on the long side instead of the standard short side. And then I cut about 1 1/2" off the front flap. This particular card is stamped to open up rather than from the right. The images are from TAC stamp set T-870 and T-2924. The "Let It Snow" image is stamped using the Noire Palette Hybrid Ink Pad and heat set. It is colored from the backside of the transparency with a brown Sharpie (the trees). Glitter was also added from the backside to the snowflakes and snow hill outlines. White CS is attached to the back of the front flap using 2 green eyelets at the top. "Ready Set Snow" is stamped using Staz On White Ink. It is NOT embossed. The Green CS is attached to the front side of the back flap using double stick tape. The ribbon is thread through the eyelets on all but the last one.

Clear Card - Dashing Through The Snow

2008-10-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

I did 2 versions of this card. Both cards were created using stamps from TAC stamp set T-2924. The snowflake swirl stamp is stamped on the front of the acetate using Staz On White and heat set (not necessary to heat set but I'm impatient and wanted it to dry quicker). The "Dashing Through The Snow" image was stamped using Pearlescent Sky Blue Brilliance Ink Pad and embossed with Transcendence EP. Glitter was added to the backside of the snowflake swirl image. And the blue "poofy" ribbon is "fun fur" that I picked up at Dollar Tree. The red CS is adhered to the very back of the card (behind the back flap) using eyelets. The white CS is attached on the front side of the back flap of the card using double stick tape. The "fun fur" tassle is attached with a staple (you can use a colored staple if you choose).

Clear Card - Give Thanks

2008-10-02T17:44:00.001-07:00

This is one of my Clear Cards. It is difficult to see the card edges since it is made using Acetate. This card was made using stamps from TAC stamp set T-1139. The acorns were stamped with the Noire Palette Hybrid Ink Pad and heat set. They are stamped on the front of the card and colored on the backside using permanent markers (Sharpies). A little depth was given to the leaves using a Green Glaze Pen. "Give Thanks" and the Cornacopia was stamped also using the Noire Palette Ink Pad. It was NOT embossed. It is colored using chalks. The ribbon is just orange grosgrain ribbon scrap I had laying around (yes, I have a ton of ribbon scraps laying around LOL).

Butterflies

2008-10-02T17:39:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of 3 different versions of the same card. Everything is the same except the way the ribbon is attached. The butterfly is from TAC stamp set T-2929. It is stamped on white CS and embossed with Transcendence EP. It is colored with chalks and stickles. The butterfly was cut out and mounted with foam dots to pink CS which was then mounted to the brown CS also using foam dots. The background image on the brown CS was stamped using Versamark and the swirl stamp from TAC stamp set T-2929. The ribbon used was some scrap that I had laying around.

New Storage Finally

2008-09-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, I finally got around to taking pictures of my new storage method. I certainly hope you all can actually make out what you see in the pictures below.

Above I have a picture of the box with the lid off showing the "folders" that I cut down and put the stamps inside.

Then there is a picture of one of the "folders" pulled out and laying closed on top of the box.

The last picture is one of the "folders" opened up with the index sheet laying close by.

I do love this method as it makes it so easy for me to just pick up and take all my stamps with me rather than having to flip through a ton of CD's trying to find just the right set. This way I have all my current stamps with me at one time. As sets retire I will take them out and put them in a retired box. I have more retired boxes than I do current. LOL

I get 2 "folders" out of each full size folder. There are 12 of these laminated folders in each pack. So that makes for 24 of the cut down mini folders for my stamp storage. Each pack of full size folders are around $4.50. And the boxes are around $8 at Walmart. So this makes for a very economical storage system.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

NSR - Culinary School

2008-09-29T04:34:00.000-07:00

This isn't stamp related....BUT....I'm just so proud of my son that I had to share.
My oldest son is in Culinary School (he just started and is in his first semester). So yesterday he asked me if he could make dinner himself. He wanted to make one of the meals he'd learned about in school.....and he needed to practice some techniques with potatoes.

So last night he did chicken breast in a white sauce (white wine, chicken broth, seasonings, heavy cream and something else that I didn't pay attention to LOL), asparagus steamed and sauteed, and potatoes cut some weird way steamed and sauteed. OMG!!!! This meal was FABULOUS!!! We usually have some left overs.....not last night. Every one of my crew went back for seconds and left mom with NO SECONDS!!!!!! LOL I went in the kitchen to get another piece of chicken (not a whole piece....I only wanted a couple of bites) but there was NONE left. LOL

Ok, so during this whole cooking of dinner process Anthony was getting really frustrated. We didn't have all the spices he needed. He thought mom would have had everything since mom cooks a lot and loves to cook......but mom apparently didn't use the same seasonings he needed. How could I NOT????? LOL Anyway, then he needed cheesecloth for some of the seasonings but we didn't have that either (I dont' use cheesecloth for anything) so he had to make do with a tea strainer. We didn't get clarified butter for the white sauce so he had to make do with what we had.

So this whole ordeal has helped him to learn to improvise and make substitutions in a pinch. Sure he was frustrated. But I am hoping that he learned something from this experience. He pretty much had all the substitutions figured out but was not pleased with the fact that he had to do that in the first place. I have explained to him that there are going to be times in his career that he is out of something or missplaced something or whatever the case may be he'll have to substitute and think on the spot of a way to make do with what ingredients and tools he has on hand.

All in all, he did a GREAT job...especially considering we didn't have everything he needed. Today I am planning to go to Bed Bath & Beyond and get one of those spice/seasoning things that hangs on the side of the refrigerator with the metal tins and then I'm going to make sure we have every single seasoning you can possibly imagine so that my baby will have what he needs when he cooks for us next time. :-)

Anyway, I'm so proud of him that I just had to share.

UM Stamp Storage

2008-09-28T05:33:00.001-07:00

I am so excited.....my new stamps arrived the other day and I actually got a chance to play with them last night. BUT, I am so over storing them in the CD cases. These CD cases were really starting to overrun my stamp area and it was such a pain trying to decide which ones to take with me when I go places to stamp with other people. Soooooo, I figured something else out.

I bought several of the photo storage boxes (in pink and brown of course. LOL )
I also bought several packages of file folders (the ones that have laminate on one side - also in pink and brown)

I cut them in half both ways so they would fit inside the photo storage boxes. Then flipped them inside out. The Creative Cling sticks perfectly to the laminate side of these folders. I like to have an index sheet with each set of stamps so I cut pieces of CS to slip into each "folder".

Then I turned the index cards that come in the box on its side and cut them to the right size (so they just barely stuck out over the stamp "folders" and labeled them with the section titles as they are in our catalog.

So now all my stamps are organized nice and neat in these boxes. I removed all the retired stamp sets and have seperate boxes specifically for my retired stamp sets (these are also organized according to category as they are in the catalog).

This is so much easier for me to carry my stamps away from home rather than trying to figure out what I'm going to put my CD cases in and which sets I will be taking with me.

I'll take a picture of how I did this later this evening.

My 7 year old's card

2008-09-25T05:51:00.001-07:00

This is the halloween card that my 7 year old made the other day. He loves to stamp and play with mom. The only thing I helpded him with on this card was getting everything centered. He did the stamping and selected his own stamps to use from the stash of "kid" stamps they have. He plans to give this to his teacher when it is closer to halloween.

I will post the calendar books we do when they are finished. We will all be using TAC stamps on our calendar books. :-)

Business Card Holder

2008-09-25T04:02:00.003-07:00

Being that I am involved with a few different companies and have 4 different business cards it was always an issue of how and where in my purse to keep all of them. And then, having to fumble around with them to find the right one to give out was just a hassle. So, this is the solution I came up with.

I created a template to fit the business cards. Then cut out several of them. The front and back are covered with various decorative cardstocks (what a great way to use up some of the scraps I have laying around LOL). The cards are all attached using a Paper Tagger so that they all stay together. They just slide out of the side of the pocket. So now when I need to hand out a business card I can just hand out this cute little "pack" of business cards.

Calendar Page - May

2008-09-25T03:59:00.001-07:00

This is my May Calendar page for a calendar swap I'm participating in. All the stamps are, of course, TAC. :-) The stamped images are colored with chalks and glaze pens. The letters spelling out "May" are affixed with foam dots. The dates for the month are actually on the hang tag rather than in the daily boxes.

New Projects

2008-09-23T05:40:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted, I know. I have a few new projects that I will be posting here either tonight or tomorrow. I have to take pictures of them.

I have a cute pink and brown card that I made last month. I've also been busy making business card holders for all my business cards (TAC, Sweet Wrap Workz, The Chocolate Works, etc). I got tired of having a bunch of different cards and trying to weed through them every time I was giving one out. So figured it would be easier if I just had some premade pouches with one of each of my cards. So I'll post a picture of that when it's done....just trying to decide how I want the outside of it to look.

I'm also working on a May calendar page for a swap. I should have that completed this evening as well. I couldn't think of what to do for it so I've just had to make it up as I go along. Doing things that way just about kills me though as I prefer to have it all planned out nice and neat. LOL

Let's see, I know I have a few more projects laying around here that I'm working on...just can't recall them at the moment. Oh, one is a clear card and the other is a folding album (been working on that one since June though....I'm just not great at the scrapping thing LOL).

So watch for an updated post by tomorrow with new projects.

Project I worked on with my kids

2008-08-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

My 9 year old and 7 year old absolutely love to stamp with me. While looking through my supplies my 9 year old found some "puzzles" that I had that were unstamped. So we ventured out to stamp up some puzzles.

This first puzzle was done by my 9 year old. The image used is a Rubbernecker image. He used markers to color it. Then we heat set and sprayed with a sealer.

This second puzzle was done by my 7 year old. I did help with stamping the image because it was a large image and we found out from stamping Samuel's (my 9 year old's) that it's not so easy to stamp on puzzles.

This would be the puzzle that I did. The stamps used are all TAC stamps. The background was done with a sponge and soft colored ink pads.

Stationery Box

2008-08-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

All of the images below are of a Stationery Box that was made using all TAC stamps and papers. This was not my original idea....I got the printed instructions from the following SU site http://jackietopa.typepad.com/addicted_to_stamping/tutorials/index.html

This is the Greeting Card that is in the very back of the stationery box. There are 3 of these included as well as envelopes.

These images (from left to right) are mini gift tags, mini note cards, mini envelopes, address book and stamp and pen area.

The address book is completely handmade. BUT, I have decided on my next go around I will be making the address book out of a mini composition notebook.

Just a few projects

2008-08-12T10:41:00.001-07:00

Both of the images here are mini clipboards that I altered using TAC stamps and papers. The ribbons used were just some scraps that I had laying around. I save all my scraps no matter how large or small they are because they oftentimes come in handy for projects such as these.

NSR: Just something funny to share

2008-07-14T09:51:00.000-07:00

Good Monday morning to everyone......

I certainly hope you all had a great weekend. Ours was wonderful. I didn't have much time online this weekend but that's ok....I had a great time with my family and some newfound friends.

I have a funny little story to tell all of you this morning....it happened in church yesterday.

My 16 year old son falls asleep anywhere that he may be sitting still for more than 5 minutes. It's just how he is. and this includes church. Yesterday's message was about expectations and we think and say things that we really shouldn't and how many times these things come to fruition (both good and bad). So we really need to keep our thoughts positive and our words positive and uplifting instead of negative and depressive.

Well, about midway through the service I looked over and my son was asleep with his head resting in his hand and his arm was resting on his leg. So his head was pretty close to the pew in front of us but not touching it. Well, I had already been poking him and trying to keep him awake so by this time I had given up. So I sat there thinking to myself "God, how funny it would be if Kevin just bumped his head on the pew in front of us"........less than 5 seconds later I look over at him and hear and see WHACK!!!!! Sure enough, he bumped his head on the pew in front of us.

So I am sitting there trying really hard not to laugh out loud where everyone can hear me. So instead I'm sitting there laughing quietly and trying to contain myself. I thought for sure I'd have to leave and go in the bathroom or outside just so as not to disturb anyone in the church. FINALLY, I was able to control myself. But I could not look at my son without laughing. And then I was thinking about what our Pastor was saying about our words and thoughts and it just made me laugh all over again.

Anyway, we were having lunch with our Pastor and his inlaws after church yesterday so I HAD to tell them what happened. He said he was a little relieved because he saw me sitting there laughing but he couldn't think of what he had said that was so funny.

So we teased with Kevin all that afternoon about how the Pastor needs to have a water gun at the pulpit so he can just squirt Kevin every time he falls asleep. How funny would that be????? LOL ROTF

Ok, so I just wanted to give you all a good laugh to start your week out just right.

Rubber Stamping Email List

2008-07-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

I've decided to try and revive my old stamping email list at yahoogroups. I had to close it several years ago due to my life going in a different direction. But now that I'm back into stamping I've decided to recreate the group. I've sent invites out to all the old members. But unfortunately, some of the email addresses weren't any good.

The email list is called Ink It Up. And it's set up for all those rubber stamp artists that just would love to get back to actually stamping. In other words, if you're "old school stampin' style" then this list is for you.

Right now there aren't a lot of members as I just created it again TODAY!!!!! So it's only a few hours old at the moment.

If you care to join go here:

Click to join ink-it-up

New Chocolate Biz Adventure

2008-06-24T03:47:00.001-07:00

WooHoo!!!!! I am so excited and wanted to share this wonderful opportunity with all of you.

Hey everyone, In addition to my regular chocolate business, I am now also an Independent DOVE Chocolate at Home® Chocolatier. Now I can easily offer Chocolate Tasting Parties in your home (for those in the Raleigh, NC and surrounding areas - catalog parties available for those outside the area).

What a GREAT way to entertain your friends.
A few themes I can work with (not limited to these though):
Girls Night Out
Cool Concoctions
Summer Celebrations
Truffles To Die For

We have some really terrific products available: Martini Mixes, Truffle Brownie Mixes, Boxed Truffles, Beverage Mixes, Professional Quality Chocolate, Molds and much much more. There's something for everyone.

Visit my website today for more information, to book a party or to join my team. http://www.dovechocolateathome.com/mhand Or, email me at mel@javamels.com

By signing up to join my team you are not only getting the training provided by Dove Chocolate......you're also getting my personal experience of nearly 20 years of working with chocolate and 5 years of working as a professional Chocolatier with my own chocolate business. If you're thinking about signing up to be a DOVE Chocolate at Home® Chocolatier.....think fast.....sign up before the end of June and have the option of paying only $50 (plus shipping) for your kit up front with the balance of $349 due in 60 days. I am told this offer will not last beyond June 2008. I took advantage of this payment plan and so can you!!! So hurry!!!

Birth Announcements

2008-05-29T04:56:00.000-07:00

These two Birth Announcement cards were made using thefollowing:

Stamp Images: KISS12 Rubbertree-Enterprises (retired sheet)
Coloring Medium: combination of Faerie Myst paints and Faerie Dust
Cardstock: from Michael's
Shrink Plastic was used for the little "dangles" - stamped images and colored with markers and then accented with Faerie Myst paints after they were shrunk down to give them shimmer.

Bookmarks

2008-05-29T04:48:00.000-07:00

These bookmarks are some I did using our old line of images and they were colored with Faerie Myst Paints.

Stamp Credits: Dragonfly Maiden Sheet # CLN004 Rubbertree-Enterprises & Tea Time Fairies Sheet also Rubbertree-Enterprises.

Coloring Medium: Faerie Myst Paints

Embroidery floss was used to attach the tiny "teabag" to the TeaTime Bookmark.

Fluffy Yarn from AC Moore was used to make the bookmark tassels.

Both bookmarks were laminated using the Xyron laminating machine.

Organza ribbon was added to the Dragonfly Maiden Bookmark as accent over the drape she's holding in the original stamped image.

Stamps used to make the Dragonfly Maiden Bookmark are available at http://www.javamels.com/ on the Stampin' Yard Sale page. There are only a few of this sheet available and once they're gone they're gone as we will not be manufacturing anymore of them.

Pull Up Candy Bar Wraps

2008-05-29T04:33:00.000-07:00

While these Pull Up Candy Bar Wraps were not handstamped I still wanted to share them here. These are available through my chocolate company's direct sales division, http://www.sweetwrapworkz.com/ . They are not on the website yet as I have not uploaded them there but will be in the next few days.

I purchase a license agreement to use select candy bar wrapper templates and graphics for commercial use. The wrappers represented here were purchased for that purpose. The back of the wrappers are actually blank so my clients can either specify a custom message to be printed or they can just go with the standard message or I can leave it entirely blank for them to handwrite in their custom message.

The bars shown are regular milk chocolate Hershey Bars, Special Dark Hershey Bars, Almond/Milk Hershey Bars, and 1/2 ounce milk Hershey Bars. And I got the wrap idea from a SU friend locally and just modified the idea to fit all the candy bars we offer (including bars we manufacture ourselves as opposed to using only Hershey products as we use relatively few Hershey products).

Groovy In Denim Cards

2008-05-25T12:27:00.001-07:00

Ok, so yeah, I'm hooked on the hippie stamps. LOL I've just been in one of those moods lately.
;-)

Stamps are TAC retired stamps. The denim stamp is stamped on an old pair of my son's jeans.
Background paper is brayered.
Eyelets are used on the jeans to attach the "belt" which is embroidery floss.

Mini Flower brads are used to attach the piece to a card.

Magic Mushroom Card

2008-05-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

Below are 3 images of a card I just finished. I call it the Magic Mushroom.
Stamps Used are from a retired TAC set (TAC740 I believe)
Coloring Medium is a combination of Faerie Myst paints and colored glitter glue.
Background paper used is from SU.
Pull string and Peace charm are from I have no clue. LOL
Be gentle....this is the first card I've done in over 4 years. :-)

Graduation Announcement

2008-05-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

I posted this on my xanga blog but you have to be a member of xanga to post comments so I am moving my blog posts to blogspot. :-)

Ok, so I finally got these completed. Although I did not use any stamps in this project I think it turned out quite nice. The only thing left for me to do is address the envelopes. And I will most likely use stamps to decorate the envelope. I'll take a pic of that when it's done. But in the meantime here are the pictures of the announcement itself.

His school colors are black and orange. I used 8 1/2" X 11" black cardstock cut down to 7 1/2" squares. And then cut into "envelopes" using a template provided by a friend. Layered with orange cardstock and then with the insert that I printed out on glossy brochure paper. The insert that is by itself is there to show the backside. The blank section is the part that is glued to the orange layer. The orange tassel is made with embroidery floss and attached with a tiny brad.

Welcome

2008-05-21T05:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my little stamping world. I have been digging through a ton of stuff that I had stashed away and will be scanning some projects, etc to post here.

I have been away from stamping for several years now. And am just now coming out of a deep "stamping hybernation". :-) So bear with me while I get everything organized and posted.

I used to own a rubberstamping business many years ago. And while going through all my "stuff" I found a ton of inventory we had left over from closing that business. ALL of this inventory can be found at www.javamels.com on the Stampin' Yard Sale page. Everything on this page is marked down considerably from normal retail prices. So please feel free to visit the website. Once the stuff on the site is gone it's gone for good as I will not be reordering any of it.

My first project posted will be my oldest son's graduation announcement. I can't wait to have this completed. I'm so proud of him, but sad at the same time as my oldest baby is growing up.

I'm looking forward to connecting with other rubberstampers here at blogspot.