My Stampin Craze Journal

Come Take a Ride on my Rollercoaster

2010-01-16T10:13:00.002-06:00

WOW I can't believe I haven't written since last March. Life sure does happen to you and takes away some of the simple pleasures such as blogging but for a good reason. Here is a mini recap of all that has went down with our family. Last July I was in the hospital due to a spinal leak as well as cognitive seizures. Enjoyed precious time with family & friends throughout the healing process. We were able to go on a few trips to see close friends as well as the U2 concert in Hotlanta and Muze opened for them another great band =) For over 3 months now mama Archer is back in the hospital due to Renal failure and her liver not working properly. Then this past week papa Archer ended up in the hospital as well. He had symptoms of a stroke is what it appeared to be- the CTScan didn't show signs of a stroke but they believe a blood clot in the brain can behave in the same manner then eventually correct itself. Last night PTL he was able to be released and sent home for bed rest. This taught me to squeeze those around you whom you love & make sure they know they are loved before it's too late. I feel like I have put my life on hold for the past year and now it is high time for me to start doing what I enjoy the most, Stamping & Papercrafting and of course blogging to stay in touch with my precious cyber family =0) TFL

Rockstar Birthday & Family Update

2009-03-19T22:12:00.002-05:00

I will start with updating on Mama Archer she was finally sent home 2 weeks ago and yesterday gave us another scare and the paramedics had to transport her back to the hospital. She is back home resting as we await the results of the tests from last night they went ahead and sent her home since her pulse and blood pressure is now back to normal- her white bolld cell count is still pretty low but have given her some meds to hopefully correct that. Please continue to pray as this has been ongoing for the past 4-5 months.

I am finally on a mends from a nasty bacterial infection that attacked my lungs and gave me walking pneumonia and am still awaiting my test results for the NeuroSurgeon and should know more here in a few weeks as what our next step would be for surgical healing for me - Thanks again for ALL your prayers & support =)

I did have a chance to play with some new inks to make this Masculine birthday card for my best friend's hubby whom has always been like a brother to me who happens to be the greatest drummer ever for a local band =0)

Here are the Deets:

Stamps- Inkadinkado Rockstar

Paper- Brilliant Blue, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White

Ink- SU Going Gray, Adirondack Bottle & Pitch Black, SU Kiwi Kiss & Versamarker

Accessories- Clear EP, Brads, Keytag Punch, Silver Metallic Marker & Sponge Daubers

Stampin' Storage Spree

2009-02-24T18:51:00.005-06:00

Well before I forget I know that some of you have asked to see pics of my stampin space. When Hobby Lobby placed their Stampin Storage for 50% off I took advantage and darlin hubby put it all together for me =) I got the idea of placing the punches on a curtain rod from another stamper on Splitcoast. Well I still have lots to do to get my stampin space where I woulkd like for it to be including an inspirational banner =0) TFL and have a joyous day!

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Monty

2009-02-24T18:35:00.002-06:00

This lil' guy thinks if he crouches down to peek at the birdies on the other side of the door that they cannot see him like he is invisible or something. He just soo funny he will make these weird sounds like he is trying to communicate with them but then he is trying to hide from them at the same time. It is funny how our babies know when we have had a terrible day they always seem to sense when something is just not right and they seem to comfort you just right when you need their luvin the most. Today happens to be one of the worst days of this year so far =( they are downsizing our company and several of my friends were layed off including my neighbor who happens to be like a brother to me and one of my best friends whom always drinks coffee with me most mornings. I know the Lord will take care of them and provide for them and their families but I feel soooo helpless and my heart is very achy right now. I appreciate those of you who are willing to pray with me to ask the Lord to protect and provide for my sweet and most precious friends whom are like family to me!! Speaking of fur babies they are very cuddly and provide lots of comfort but they are also very hungry so I better run as they tend to get restless when it is way after their feeding time =)

Valentines Day 2009

2009-02-23T18:03:00.002-06:00

I know this is a bit late but hoped all my peeps had a pleasant Valentines day this year. Since I have still been sick not able to get my cards done for "V" day this year but managed to get this one done. Hope you like it this image is from Artistic Oupost if you like vintage images for stampin' this is your place to go very cool and had loads of fun making this card =0) I also received some pretty die cuts from me mum and was able to add some extra embellies with those =0) While I was making this card I thought I could add something extra to the scalloped heart nesties so I had planned on using my white signo gel pen to add dots but then it just didn't want to cooperate so ended up using the blender pen with some white craft ink instead LOL when you start creating it usually doesn't end up like you had planned =) TFL! Hugs ~C

Now for the deets:
Stamps- Cutie Pie (Artisitic Outpost)
Paper- Real Red, Regal Rose, Whisper White & Rasberry Tart DP
Ink- Craft White, Black, Copics & Prismas
Accessories- Scalloped Heart Nesties, Cricut Swirlies, MS Heart Lace punch, corner rounder punch, Mega Curvy Labels Nesties, MS Ribbon, Stickles & Dazzlin Diamonds

Cardinal Shaker Card

2009-02-10T21:00:00.004-06:00

I know it has been a long time since my last upload and thought I would share a new creation I made. For those of you whom know me very well know that I struggle with severe back/hip pain due to my degenerative disc disease and herniated disc so I have been limited lately to what I am able to create but thought this card came out pretty well considering and it was lots of fun to make. If you have ever made a shaker card you know what I am talking about they are addicting - LOL =0) TFL

Hope you are ready for the deets:
Stamps: SU Cardinal Christmas, Always
Paper: Holiday Treasures DP, Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze & always artichoke
Ink: Adirondack Black, Copics, white gel pen
Accessories: Striped Ribbon, MS Doily & Frond punches, SU Bouquet Punch & pearls

RAK Card & Family Update

2009-01-31T13:36:00.005-06:00

My dear cherished friend Linda sent me this card all the way from Australia =) It is absolutely even more stunning in person but just had to share as she has been my angel looking over me during this really difficult month. She has always seemed to send me a sweet note or gift when I had needed it the most who knew =) The Lord has blessed me with her friendship and I luv her dearly =0) Thank you precious friend!!

Mama Archer is still in the hospital for those of you whom are still praying and wondering the most recent status on her condition. If she continues in the same path of improvement it is likely they will release her from the hospital the end of next week =) They still have her on dialysis and are giving her extensive therapy to get her back on her feet and to be able to regain her strength back in her limbs and left arm. We have felt your love and prayers during this difficult month but as always the Lord is good and has strengthened our faith as a result of everything. Papa Archer had lost his job almost 2 weeks ago now and the Lord has provided yet again and has started his new job today =0) Tomorrow is a busy day for us between church visiting mama Archer at the hospital and plus I am reminded by my hubby not to forget that tomorrow is superbowl Sunday =) Since we have such a busy day tomorrow decided to finish organizing me stampin room today so more pics to come later who knows maybe will have time to squeeze in a card and play with my new distressing inks from Tim Holtz =) TFL ~ Hugs! ~C

Seaside Get Well Sketch

2009-01-15T22:04:00.005-06:00

Here is one of the seaside sketches from SU! called 'Summer By the Sea'. It is with deepest sadness in which lead me to make this card. I have a co-worker's granddaughter whom is in critical condition and we (myself & other co-workers) are sending a monetary gift to help with the burden with the heavy medical expenses. If you can remember her and her family in your prayers. TFL ~C

Here some of the deets on this card for you papercrafters out there =) I actually stamped the image in versamark first then pitch black ink- next embossed the image with clear embossing powder to give it a sheen. I colored the image with my new Copic markers & Prismacolor pencils then used the Gamsol magic technique shown here http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/gamsol_magic Also used Stickles on her dress to make it sparkle.

Stamps- Summer by the Sea, Fun & Fast Notes
Ink- Copics, Primsacolor, Adirondack Pitch Black, Versamark & MS Red
Paper- Whisper White, Celery DP, Pretty in Pink, Real Red
Accessories- die cut felt flowers, dew drops, gem stone, Spring Bouquet Punch, Ribbon & Stickles

King's Day/ Dia de Reyes Card

2009-01-11T15:21:00.004-06:00

Growing up in Puerto Rico we always celebrated dia de Reyes on January 6th. This is when us as kids would get a box and fill it with grass/hay for the camels as the Wisemen/Reyes would visit bringing gifts only if we were good. We also celebrated Christ's birth during Christmas so we were very fortunate to receive gifts twice during the Christmas season & yes we were very spoiled lil' children - hehehe!
This year we weren't able to celebrate as my mom-in-law Linda is still in the hospital and I spent most of last week with her. Prayers are encouraged as her Thyroid had shutdown and was causing other organs to stop working such as liver and kidneys. The treatments seem to be working and we are going back to the hospital again here in an hour or so to visit. Her liver seems to be doing better but still believe she will need a transplant due to the liver sorosis. Love you all and thanks for stopping by & praying!!
I found this adorable wisemen stamp from Hobby Lobby for 50% off so was thrilled to make a card with it =) I also received some new Spellbinders Nestabilities this week and used the new Mega Curvy Rectangles also used my MS Star punch sponged the star with Adirondack Butterscotch then added some stickles to create the star- the sentiment reads "Near & Far Follow His Star".
Deets: Stamps- SU Star Studded Season, Inkadinkado Wisemen
Paper- Holiday Treasures DP (SU), Hunter Green, Whisper White
Ink- Close to Cocoa, Encore Copper, Adirondack Butterscotch, Distressed Fired Brick & Copics
Accessories- CB Snowflake Spots, Nesties Curvy Rectangle Dies, SU Designer Label punch, MS Christmas Star punch & SU Ridinghood Red/Vanilla ribbon.

Thanks for looking & have an awesome week! Hugs =) ~C

Family Update & Christmas Silhouettes

2009-01-03T14:41:00.004-06:00

Before I give you all the juicy deets on this card wanted to take a moment to give you all an update. For those of you whom have been praying for my brother Matt he is actually doing much better however last night my mom-in-law had to be brought to the emergency room. She is just this morning been brought to a regular room and we are awaiting to here from the doctor regarding her status. She has been sick for a while and now her symptoms seem to be getting worse. Prayers are very much appreciated as hubby and I discern/prepare for what lies ahead & wisdom for the doctors! TFP ~C

Now for the deets on the card- once again used the Brayer & Sponging techniques. Besides the SU Lovely As A Tree set also used Inkadinkado Christmas Silhouettes. I ended up inking and heat embossing the reindeer to make it pop out on the page a bit. Also used some liquid applique to create some snow as well as some masking to create the wintery scene. TFL & Happy Stamping =0)

Happy New Year to ALL =0)

2009-01-02T09:04:00.003-06:00

First of all want to take a moment to wish all of my peeps and blogger friends a Happy & Prosperous New Year- this is my new slogan "we will be feeling fine in 2009". I came up with this saying as I have had the full blown flu for the last few weeks so Christmas kind of came and went this year since I was stuck in bed. However I actually managed to send a few cards this year but very few due to the flu so wanted to share those with you. Not sure how this will layout since I am uploading two images at the same time, but the card with a house and trees is actually my very first shaker card still need some practice but it was fun to make using the SU set "From Our House to Yours". The card with the wintery scene I used the SU set "Lovely As a Tree" and also my new Sizzix Big SHot machine was used to make the background Top Note die cut in which the scene is stamped on and brayered. Thanks for looking and hope everyone remembers to Stamp your 'art' out =)

hugs & kisses! ~C

Another December Birthday

2008-12-20T13:11:00.002-06:00

Here isa another birthday card I made for a dear friend & co-worker. I always seem to have trouble making maculine cards to I go to the 'Lovely As a Tree' set it never fails and it is sooo versatile you can make great masculine cards as well as georgeous Christmas/Winter cards. I am lovin' my new Martha Stewart deer punch he is sooo adorable =0) TFL ~ Hugs! ~C

Deets- Brayered Sky Technique

Stamps- SU Short & Sweet, Lovely As a Tree

Paper- River Rock, white, chocoloate chip, caramel

Ink- Blue Bayou, River Rock, Soft Sky, Going Gray, Always Artichoke & Chocolate Chip

Accessories- HPH Bronze, Ribbon, Brayer, daubers & MS Deer punch/SU Oval Punch

December Birthdays

2008-12-20T13:02:00.002-06:00

Here is a birthday card I made for my BFF she was wanting so much to skip her birthday but sorry girl with me around knew that wasn't gonna happen ~ LOL ~ I love this Bloomin' Beautiful set from SU =) you cannot tell from the pic but I used my new copic markers to color the bouquet then brushed sparkley glaze on top =)

Now for the deets:

Paper- Celery DP, White, Regal Rose

Ink- Copic Markers, Going Gray, Versamark

Accessories- CB, HPH, Gems, Ribbon & Glaze

Yet Another Cozy Lil' Kitty

2008-12-11T20:28:00.003-06:00

When mom and I went shopping at Michael's of course we found these cute lil' Fall baskets. Well apparently I waited too long to use them for my Thanksgiving goodies, so a lil' someone decided they would use it for a cozy lil' bed~ LOL =)

You can tell he is a bit unhappy having his pic made when he rather be settling down for a long winter's nap (him is such a silly lil' guy) hehehe ~ TFL!!

Hugs,

Baby It's Cold Outside

2008-11-15T17:27:00.003-06:00

Hubby and I could not resist taking this photo. This is my baby girl Chinita who always seems to find the warmest place in the house. This is one of her silly moments just a gazin' away at the fire =)

This is such a cute photo just had to share with all my Chin' lovers out there. TFL

Well it is that time of the year already so am trying to get everything in order for the holidays which are just around the corner including my Christmas cards soon to be uploaded ~ lots to do in soooo lil' time ~ Hugs ~ C

Halloweenie Card

2008-10-31T23:54:00.003-05:00

Here is another card I made for my lil' sis whom absolutely luvs Halloween. I fell in love with this tree stamp as soon as I saw it and of course I had to have it... I caught myself thinking tonight whenever you see some cool phrase or image "oh there is a stamp for that" or I have a stamp for that too" ~ hehehe ~ I experimented with some more distressing ink and sponging technique- this was actually a fun & quick card to make and very spooky don't ya' think =) TFL Hugs! ~C

Froggy Friend's Birthday =0)

2008-10-30T22:27:00.005-05:00

This has been a busy week but an enjoyable one as well. I usually dread Mondays cause it is start of another work week and we have been super busy. However, this Monday evening was such a pleasant one sharing with my special froggy friend & her familia who had a birthday recently. We had such a fun time playing catch up =) Here is a card I had made for her birthday took another stab at sponging and brayering ~ TFL

Stamps are from Inkadinkado Fall Season & SU- Hugs & Wishes; Punches- Branch & Keytag

RAK Card & Gift

2008-10-26T21:08:00.003-05:00

Oh my GOSH just had to share what my precious friend Linda sent me all the way from Australia!!

Let me start out by saying I was soooo bummed on Friday cause I had a trip planned to go to Florida to see my folks but had to cancel at the last minute =( sigh! I was very disappointed but when I came home I had this surprise waiting for me it totally uplifted my spirits at a time I needed it the most ~ what an angel you are Linda thank you once again from the bottom of my heart!! Now I have a new lil' buddy that will brighten up my office at work =0) What a fabu of a card I definitely love the colors and adore those images especially!!

Double Post & LSC191

2008-10-26T21:00:00.004-05:00

This is last weeks Limited Supply Challenge over at SplitCoastStampers- the rules were to use leaves as your main image- hint of pink in leiu of Breast Cancer Awareness month and one word sentiment- This was a challenge for me but lots of fun too ~ I call it 'Think Leafy Pink'- LOL

Deets- Stamps: Inkadikado Fall Season; SU Thoroughly Thankful. Ink: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Distressed Linen, Close to Cocoa

Accessories:SU & MS punches, HPH Copper, Prismacolor Pencils, DP Berry Bliss & Brayer/Daubers

Live Your Dream - Watercolor

2008-10-19T18:44:00.003-05:00

Well I decided to finally invest in some Prismacolor Premier Pencils this weekend =) I also tried a new watercolor technique thanks to my precious friend Linda where you use rubbing alcohol instead of water- it was lots of fun =) TFL

Stamps used- Live your Dream; Always

Colors used- Groovy Guava- Close to Cocoa & Always Artichoke

I have several more cards I need to make- so much to do in so little time- hope all my sweet peeps out there reading this are healthy and well.

Hugs & kisses,

Happy Fall Ya'll !

2008-10-04T18:34:00.003-05:00

I want to start out by saying haven't been able to blog as much as I would love to due to family medical emergencies and such. In leiu of World Card Making day I decided it was a perfect day to get back to blog land with this Fall/Thanksgiving card I made today. Thank for looking & happy stamping =0)

Deets (All Stampin Up! unless noted):

Stamps: Thoroughly Thankful; All Year Cheer

Paper- Basic Grey DP, watercolor paper, Old Olive, Choc Chip & Pumpkin Pie

Ink: Encore Copper, Choc Chip, old Olive, Really Rust, Summer Sun & Pumpkin Pie

Accessories:Watercolor Pencils, Flower Fusions, Brads, Scallop Edge Punch, Corner Rounder & Keytag punch.

First Technique Challenge- SCS TLC177

2008-07-15T22:22:00.004-05:00

We learned a new technique this week on SCS (SplitcoastStampers) it is called a Grid Technique. This was soooo much fun and my first but definitely not my last challenge thats for sure ~ TFL =)

Deets:

Stamps:Bloomin' Beautiful, Short & Sweet

CS: Groovy Guava, White.

Ink: Close to Cocoa, Groovy Guava, & Summer Sun

Accessories: HPH Silver, Organdy Ribbon, Paper Snips, Dimensionals & Dazzlin' Diamonds

Patriotic Thank You Card

2008-07-14T22:06:00.003-05:00

This was such a fun card to make it was a thank you card for our troops whom are serving our country. Thanks for looking and hope everyone had a safe & happy 4th =)

Deets:

Stamps: Free & the Brave, Short & Sweet

Ink:Not Quite Navy, Real Red

CS: white, real red & not quite navy

Accessories: CB-Script,Star brads & dimensionals

Message Board Project

2008-07-09T20:52:00.002-05:00

Here is a message board I made for a dear friend and former co-worker. I made this for her farewell gift for her new office we have worked together for almost 6 years and am sad to see her go as she is already deeply missed but also am excited for her new journey.

Deets: (All SU except for Corkboard)

Stamps- Time Well Spent; Priceless

Ink-Groovy Guava

Accessories- Corkboard, grommets, crafters tool kit, Very vanilla ribbon, secret garden DP and of course had to add some bling =)

Hope everyone had a safe & fun 4th of July & thanks for looking!

hugs,

Anniversario Numero Cinco - 5th Anniversary

2008-06-30T21:05:00.003-05:00

Here is a card I made for my sweet hubby of 5 years. We are planning on taking a trip in the Fall to celebrate. Mean time I made this card for our special day and we also went to a local Oyster House in downtown Birmingham and it was so lovely as we revisited our special day in Appalachicola.

Here are the deets:

SU Stamps- Always; Short & Sweet

SU Ink- Taken with Teal & Chocolate Chip

Accessories- Oval & Designer label punches- Circle scallop Nesties

I'm Baaaack!!!

2008-06-27T11:15:00.002-05:00

Sorry I have not posted in quite a while this Spring just kept me super busy. My hubbie and I celebrated our 5th anniversary and we also went out of town for a few trips. My sweetest neighbors ever left yesterday so I am a bit sad but excited for them on their new adventure to Africa. They are soooo missed already and pray for them daily =)

I am planning to upload some new creations soon, so check back pronto amigas & amigos ;0)

Hugs,
~C

Spring Savings

2008-04-12T12:27:00.003-05:00

Spring has definitely sprung in our neck of the woods =) Everything is blooming from our tulips all the way to the marigolds and impatients thanks to our sweet neighbors! They brighten my world each moment I see them blossom =)

Also have decided to get on the money saving wagon thanks to the inspiration I receive from my best friend Gin' =) Last night at CVS I bought $62 worth of merchandise for $22 and also got $28 back in ECB (extra care bucks) for a future purchase. You can join us on the money saving wagon too here is one of the sites that have helped me in saving mucho mula http://www.hotcouponworld.com TFL ~C

Masculine Birthday Wishes

2008-03-31T22:51:00.003-05:00

Here is another personal challenge I was able to complete. I always seem to have a hard time getting my creative juices to flow for a masculine card. TFL and have a great week =)

Recipe: Stamps- Lovely As A Tree & Party Punch

Paper-Not Quite Navy, Always Artichoke & Confetti

Ink-Bayou Blue, Always Artichoke, Black Stazon & Close to Cocoa

Accessories- CB-Traffic Jam, Designer Label punch, brads & natural hemp ribbon

Earth & Baby Card

2008-03-29T22:24:00.002-05:00

Today millions across the nation observed Earth Hour between 8-9pm as a means to contribute towards conserving energy. Earth Hour really made me become aware how much we waste energy on a daily basis you can learn more here http://www11.earthhourus.org

Here is a card I have created for a sweet friend of mine who recently had a baby girl, Kaitlyn Faith. Thought the wording 'Sweet One' fit her sooo perfectly!

Recipe: Stamps-So Many Scallops & Bundled in Love

Paper-So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White & Petals/Paisleys DP

Ink-Tempting Turquoise, Going Gray & Pretty in Pink

Tools- Ticket Corner & Scallop Punches

Mom Archer's Birthday Wishes

2008-03-23T19:45:00.003-05:00

Hope everyone had a blessed Easter! Since Easter was earlier this year it happen to fall on my mom-in-law's birthday. She absolutely adores birds so I made her this bird-day card for her special day=)

Details-

Stamps:Always & Birthday Whimsy

Ink:Purely Pomegranate, Black Stazon

Accessories: Ticket corner, Scallop, Circle & Lace Edge punches, Dazzlin Diamonds Glitter, Double Stitched Ribbon, CB-Birthday & rhinestones brads

Wedding Card

2008-03-16T17:29:00.003-05:00

Here is a wedding card I made for a dear friend who is getting married tomorrow on St. Patty's Day. Even though their special day is on St. Patty's day couldn't bring myself to use green on a wedding card =)

Recipe: Mostly Stampin' Up!

Stamps- To Have and To Hold, French Flair, Short & Sweet

Ink- Basic Black, Purely Pomegranate & Silver EP

Paper- Black, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White

Accessories- Oval & Ticket Corner punches, Dazzlin' Diamonds Glitter, Pearls, CB Swiss Dots & Hodgepodge Hardware

Masculine Birthday

2008-03-15T14:15:00.003-05:00

I made this card for my best friend's hubbie, Donnie whom is like a brother to me =) I always have a hard time with masculine cards 'cause I always have flowers and swirls on the brain =)

Recipe: All products used are Stampin' Up!

Stamps- Jazzed Up, Fancy Flexible Phrases, Crosshatch Ink-Blue Bayou, Basic Black. Accessories- Silver cording, Brads, CB-Traffic Jam, Designer Label & Photo Corner Punches

Chinita's Recovery

2008-03-04T16:19:00.004-06:00

Chinita is recovering very well since her dental extractions a week ago. She is almost back to her normal self. Momma is relieved at last knowing that she will be fine like the doctor had promised me =) She is running up and down the stairs like her normal usual self ~ the queen of the stairwell =)

Welcome!

2008-02-28T15:40:00.003-06:00

Welcome to my blog =) I am still new at this blogging thing so just bare with me ~ still a work in progress. I plan on posting pictures of my paper creations and my fur babies so just check back later =)
A bit more about me I grew up in Puerto Rico but currently reside in Alabama. I enjoy exploring new sites and learning about other cultures. I work full time as a software technician but enjoy ending my work day with my hubbie and my precious fur babies. Feel free to stop by and visit anytime =)