Christmas 2010

Well, it has come and gone, but the memories remain.  We had a new experience this year.  As our family has gotten older, Christmas has changed.  A couple of years ago, for the first time, we had one son missing and a future daughter-in-law present at our Christmas celebration.  Then last year, we had 2 sons missing and the oldest son and the 2 daughters home, and it seemed really quiet and funny to us.  Well, this year, we made up for that.  Our oldest son, his fiance and her youngest son joined us; our second son and his wife were here; the third son and his fiance were here, and our 2 daughters.  It was a house full, but so fun.  They all came to spend the night on Christmas Eve and I finally crashed in bed at 2:34 AM and most of them were still going strong.  It was a delight to see them interact with each other as siblings as well as seeing the new family members integrating in.  I was so happy that they were all here.  They teased, played guitar hero, video games, ate, the girls had their nails done, and we were constantly "loved" by the 5 dogs that also had come to join the fun.  (Thank goodness Ryan and Sami didn't bring their cats!)  Our 2 dogs still seem to be tired from all the running and playing and barking! 
Now we look to a new year - with lots of happenings.  Sean and Heatherly will be married in Salt Lake on March 25.  Then Sean will leave for basic training on April 5.  Lots to do to get ready for those happenings.  But we are thrilled - after all, they have been dating for almost 4 years now, and have known each other since they were small children. 
Ryan is busy writing music and will be going to school and working.  Sami is working on her teaching degree and working.  They keep plenty busy and we don't see them as often as we'd like, but we love talking to them as much as possible and seeing them moving forward with their lives.
Of course, Melanie will be graduating this May and she has been accepted to the Art Institute in Seattle to major in Fashion Design.  If it all works out like she would like, she will start her program in July.  She continues to sing beautifully and wowed the family at our Christmas Eve celebration with a couple of songs. 
Jenna has become involved in Young Republicans and is excited to be going to Boise Jan 7-8 to attend all kinds of fun activities including the Governor's Ball.  She is getting a wonderful new dress (personally sewn by Aunt Margene) that she will be able to also wear at Sean's wedding.  She is getting ready to get back into piano lessons and is becoming a completely proficient driver. 
Wendell and I just plug along and wonder how our children are growing up and we are still so YOUNG!! LOL  I wonder how I got old so fast.  But that is how life goes.  We look at our parents and wonder if we will still be doing so well at their ages (late 80s).  They are such a good example to us. 
We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to a wonderful and happy New Year in 2011. 

How Patriotic Are You?

I had to ask myself this question a while back, when my son called to say he was enlisting in the Air Force.  We had talks and I finally came to feel good about it, and this past Tuesday (Pearl Harbor Day) we were in Boise as he was sworn into the Air Force.  He won't actually leave for boot camp until May or so, but he is under contract now.  I thought I'd post a couple of pics we got to take while we were there.  I am very proud of him.  He really did the research to make this decision and I think he will do great.  I am extremely patriotic, and so I can only pray that he will do his best to keep this country's freedoms in tact while he serves and that he will return safe and with honor!!  God Bless America!

November Thankfulness

Time just rushes by, and I don't get things done, but I can't let myself seem ungrateful for the blessing I have.  My family is my greatest blessing.  They each have many talents and I enjoy seeing them using those talents and lifting those around them.  I can't imagine NOT having each of you. 
I am so blessed to live in America.  I get teary-eyed at the least provocation of patriotism, but that's OK.  I'm glad I'm an American and I'm proud that my father served this country during the WWII and that we have the freedoms we do.  I pray that we can do what it takes to KEEP the freedoms we all take for granted.  I hope I can instill in my children the knowledge that freedom is bought with a very high price and it takes all of us to keep it. 
I'm thankful for our home and food and all the creature comforts we have.  I spent a night in the hospital this week, and it happened to be a BLIZZARD outside, and I was sure glad I was warm and dry and that my family was safe and warm and dry.  I appreciated being able to watch the storm out the window and there was even a snowman right outside my window to watch.  If I have to go to the hospital, I'm glad it was Minidoka.  The staff is very nice and the nurses are exceptional and that makes me feel way better. 
I'm grateful for my membership in the LDS faith.  I love the gospel and the peace it brings to me.  We all have trials and troubles, but the spirit can help us through and comfort us so we can make it.  When I get discouraged, I know I can leave it all at Christ's door and He will pick it up and carry it until I can go again. 
I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving and a Joyous holiday season.
Janell

Well, I think I've lost about a month

I can't believe I haven't posted since Sept 1 - where does the time go.  Of course, part of the problem is I don't get a turn on the computer except if I stay up past everyone else - which I just can't always do - TOO OLD for that. 
But I've been busy.  In September, there was all the "getting started in school" things - you know-paying your life savings to get everything the kids need and everything the school thinks they should have!!  I wonder sometimes if the people that run the schools have kids of their own?  Or they are wealthy!!  Anyway, so that is over, and we're in the routine now. 
Homecoming at Minico comes on the 1st weekend of October, so Melanie is all excited about that, and getting everything ready.  She had a good time, and was very tired by the end of that day.  Then we have a couple of days and then Melanie leaves for her Reflections Retreat.  Reflections is the audition-choir at Minico, and they go to the Pinedell camp south of Twin each fall for a couple of days to get to know each other and work on their music.  They left on Tuesday after school and returned on Thursday afternoon.  It was fun, and they were exhausted again!!  Now it's time to catch up on her homework and sleep and work lots - so she can afford to go to the Harvest Dance on the 30th.  Good thing she's only a senior once!! 
Last weekend was our 4 Girls and A Dream Retreat in Lava.  It was wonderful and I felt one of the best so far.  We had 22 ladies and it seemed like everyone enjoyed themselves and interacted so well with each other.  It was awesome to see how creative everyone is, and how individual everyone is - making totally different things from the same supplies.  I totally enjoy doing these retreats and hope lots of you will join us at one of our upcoming ones.  Check the retreat blog - look at my favorite blogs list and see what it's all about. 
Jenna is doing wonderful in school and is becoming involved in Young Republicans.  She loves to go to teen dances and hang out with her friends.  She's contemplating becoming our "housekeeper" for a part time job.  I would love that!! 
I see I haven't posted the Sept or Oct exchanges, so I'll have to get busy on that.  I would love more of you that read this to participate in that.  It is so nice to see how creative people are and to get ideas from others. 
Have a wonderful rest of October, and I promise to try and do better at posting. 

Wow, September is almost here

I can't believe it is already September.  I feel like summer just flew by, of course, since the weather was so "un-summer-like" it really seems like we got cheated.  But I do love Fall, so I can't complain too much. 
I have some pics of the exchanges from August if I can get them to upload. Then I will be posting the items I still have available for sale from my Stamp Stash.

Well, here they are.  I can't ever get them to load like I want them, but I guess you get to see them anyway.  Now I'll see if I can get the lists for sale loaded. 

If you want anything from my for sale lists, just give me call, or leave a comment here and I'll get back to you.  The prices are assuming you would pick these up at my house.  If I have to mail them, there will be an additional shipping charge.  I really need to get this stuff out the door to a new home.  I hate to keep storing it, and it just sits and collects dust, and I am also trying to raise the money to send my daughter on a wonderful choir tour to Seattle this year - and I hope to be able to go with her. 

Stamps for Sale

Christmas Carolers $ 6

It’s All Good $ 4

Seasonal Icons $ 4

Live Like You Mean It $ 8

Snow Burst $ 8

Genuine Articles $ 6

Tagger’s Dozen $ 6

Eastern Influence $ 6

Be Happy $ 7

Sweet Shapes $ 7

Friendship Blooms $ 8

Hugs & Wishes $ 6

Itty Bitty Backgrounds $ 4

Dilly Dally $ 4

Merci $ 6

Lots of Thoughts $ 6

Whimsical Words (new) $10

Vintage Labels $ 8

True Friend $8

In The Spotlight $10

Big Flowers $10

Totally Tabs $ 5

Alphabits $ 5

Happy Everything $ 6

Carved & Candelit $ 5

Sweet Serendipity $ 8

Celebrate Everything $ 6

Rustic Rooster $ 8

One of a Kind $ 6

Country Morning $ 8

Circle of Friendship $ 7

Holidays & Wishes $ 7

Big Deal Alphabet $10

Big Deal Numbers $ 7

Bella’s Bloom $ 5

Berry Best $ 6

Short Order Numbers $ 7

Mark The Date $10

Simple Serif Alpha & No. $10

Seeing Spots $ 6

A Beautiful Thing $ 7

Labelicious $ 6

Boho Backgrounds $ 6

So Many Scallops $ 5

Think Happy Thoughts $ 6

Say It W/Scallops $ 5

Summer By The Sea $ 8

Trading Collection $ 7

Business Memos $ 5

Office Accoutrement $10

Ephemera background $ 6

Print Pattern background $ 6

Canvas background $ 6

Monogram A $ 6

All Year Cheer III $8

Frames w/a Flourish $10

Stamp of Authenticity $10

DD Lighthouse $10



Wheels: - Jumbo

All About Gratitude $ 4

Rough Texture $ 4

Dilly Dally Friends $ 4

Petals $ 4

Snow $ 4

It’s Beautiful $ 4

Spot On $ 4

See You Around $ 4

Batty $ 4



Wheels: -Regular

Candy Cane Christmas $ 2

Fishy $ 2

Flip Flops $ 2

Bloomin’ $ 2

Gingerbread Man $ 2

Pindot $ 2

Watercolor Joy $ 2

August 2010 For Sale




Ink Pads: $2 each, refill $1

In Colors



1. Cool Caribbean

2. Vintage Violet

3. Groovy Guava

4. Cranberry Crisp

5. Buckaroo Blue

6. Purely Pomegranate

7. Blue Bayou

8. Kiwi Kiss

9. True Thyme

10. Soft Sky

11. Marigold Morning

12. Crushed Curry

13. Dusty Durango





Discontinued Colors



1. Apricot Appeal

2. Cameo Coral

3. Really Rust

4. Blush Blossom

5. Taken With Teal

6. Almost Amethyst

7. Ballet Blue

8. Handsome Hunter

9. Sage Shadow

10. Only Oranage

11. Glorious Green

12. Pale Plum

13. Lavendar Lace

14. Pixie Pink

15. Barely Banana

16. YoYo Yellow

17. Gable Green

18. Pink Passion

19. Lovely Lilac

20. Brocade Blue

21. Rudy Red

22. Basic Brown (permanent)

23. Mellow Moss

24. Green Galore

25. Summer Sun

26. Bordering Blue

27. Close to Cocoa

28. Going Gray





Craft Inks



1. Close to Cocoa

2. Ballet Blue

3. Only Orange

4. Positively Pink

5. YoYo Yellow

6. Craft refill – Only Orange







Ribbon: $5 per spool, $ .20/yd

1. Purely Pomegranate – 15/16” satin

2. Pink Pirouette – 5/8” striped grosgrain

3. So Saffron – 5/8” grosgrain

4. Certainly Celery – ½” twill (2)

5. Various others on open spools



Pattern Pack II – regal rose, apricot appeal, brocade blue, basic gray, garden green (6X6) $5

Pattern Pack III – ruby red, mellow moss, sahara sand, really rust, night of navy (6X6) $5

I'm sorry this doesn't come across in the same format it is typed in, so I know it is a little unwieldy, but if you have questions let me know and I can email you a WORD copy. 
Have a great week.

More Accomplished today

YeA!!  I got my auction items done today.  Now I have to move on to my stamp club projects - cutting and getting things ready for our fun evening on Wednesday.  I also took a few summer night sky photos the other night.  Unfortunately, I didn't have the camera with me when Jenna and I saw some totally amazing cloud formations.  But I used my cell phone and we'll see if you like them. 

The whiter clouds looked like they had been rolled up and spread out with a frosting tip.  Later that same night I got the one above of the sun setting through the clouds and the trees silhoutted again it.  It was really pretty.  I used the Night Scenery on my camera.  It is interesting what these scene modes can do for pictures.  It is fun learning about them.

Here are my other reunion auction items.  I really love the bag, but they sure take time and energy to do.  I think the hardest part is "snipping" all the seams so it will fray!!  It makes my hands ache doing it. 

Now on to the laundry and my club projects.  Saturdays are just way too short.  I can't get it all done!!  Good Luck in your pursuits today. 

Working on some fun items

Yesterday I worked on some of my items for our family reunion auction.  It is fun to see what everyone brings each year, and even more fun to see what sells high!!  It is always a surprise.  I am taking aprons and rag-quilt bags.  I did the sewing on 1 bag and 2 aprons yesterday.  I still have to get the closure for the bag and the decorations for the apron pockets.  I still have a few more things to finish up before the reunion in a couple of weeks. 

Here are some pics of what I did so far. 

I also finished up a layout I was doing for the retreat challenge.  Finally got the pics mounted on it.   Now to just finish all the pics for Jenna's trip so it can be put in her book. 

My daughters have decided to have a yard sale next week, so my craft room is a total disaster!!  Good thing I cleaned it and organized it a few weeks ago - gave them more room to fill up.  LOL

I am thinking it will be a good day to put out some of my "items that I'll never use" and see if I can find my closets and shelves again. 

Here is a pic of the layout I did.  I thought it turned out pretty cute and I was using up things I had in my stash for at least 6 months. 

July Exchanges and Music Camp

I wonder how time flies right by and I still don't get things done.  Last week, Melanie went to Rise Up and Sing Music Camp at Minico.  Her voice teacher is one of the founders (Leslie Crafton) and it was really a great event.  It last for 1 week and goes from 9-5 every day.  The kids work hard learning music and choreography, etc to perform on Thursday evening and Friday afternoon. 

I did not do a good job of taking pictures so I only have a couple to share that are kind of OK.  But it was an awesome show, both times and Melanie did just WONDERFUL on her solo and on the group numbers.

This one was during one of the group numbers and she is dancing - which is one of her loves.

Tonight I did the card exchange, and I was so excited to get them sorted and get mine put away - trying to keep my work space clear these days...I forgot to take pictures of all of them.  So I guess I'll share the ones I made, since I had extras made of them and they were still together on the shelf.  I'll try to do better next time.  August's theme is birthday - so please join us. 

Well that's all for tonight.  Keep checking for updates.  Oh, and if you are interested in the retreats we do then go over to janstamps.wordpress.com to see what is coming up.  Have a great day!!

July is HERE!!

Hello Everyone,  So glad you dropped by.  It is an exciting time of year for me.  It's Stampin' Up!'s new catalog year.  I am excited about the new catalog and hope you are too.  I am having my annual garage sale and open house this Friday and Saturday.  On Friday it will be from 6:30 - 9:30 and on Saturday from 9:30 - 2:30, at my house.  Come on over to see what is happening.  I have lots of papers for sale, as well as stamps and accessories and if you want an older catalog from year's past, come on by and I'll give you one of those to use for inspiration.  There are also cards and card kits available.  Hope to see everyone there. 

Have a great day!!

New Creative Projects

Ok, so 2 of my nieces have started a new blog - posting a creative project every day - all because my niece, Danelle, posted a card a day on her blog, so they were inspired.  Anyway, so I thought I would try to post something I did.  It was Kristi's b-day and I made a small 5X5 chipboard album for her.  I thought it turned out well, and so I took a few pics to post.  The album has 20 pages and I didn't them all different, using butterfly and flower designs.  Hope you enjoy and maybe it will inspire you to be creative. 

Well I think Summer finally arrived!!

I am so happy that we have finally had more than 2 days of nice weather in a row.  I was beginning to think that we were really never going to have any warm weather this "summer"  but this week has turned out beautiful.  I even had to water the flowers outside tonight and in the barrels on the back deck.  That's a first this year.  It did cloud up tonight, but so far, no moisture has come from them.  I think they'll roll on past.

I sorted the card exchange last night and was so pleased with the cute cards everyone did.  The theme was nature and so it was fun to see all the different things.  I have photographed them in groups by the artist.  I would love to see more people participate in the exchange.  It is fun and low-key with great ideas and sharing.  I ask for your cards to be to me on the 20th of each month - or the first Monday after, if the 20th falls on Saturday or Sunday.  You do cards in sets of 5s and you can do up to 4 sets.  Come join us.  The theme for July is Thank You cards.  I have the themes listed on my Stampin' Up! website (http://www.janstamps.stampinup.net/)  Hope to see cards from lots of stampers soon. 

Here are the ones from this month.

May almost over, card exchange

I can't believe that May only has 1 week left.  Unfortunately, it is still 'winter weather' here in Idaho.  I am sad that spring is flying by with cold, snow and wind instead of flowers and sunshine and showers.  I don't mind rain, but I am feeling a little grumpy about still getting snow at this point in the year.  Oh well, such is life. 

It was card exchange time, so here is the picture I took of the ones I received.  It isn't all of them, because I just couldn't get 4 sets made - due to time and the fact that I ran out of Glassy Glaze enamel to do them with.  I was excited at what everyone did and got some great ideas.  That's a great thing about the card exchange - all the fun ideas you get from others.  Even if you don't think you are creative, YOU ARE!  Each person is unique and has their own style, but all styles are wonderful. 

I am still having fun with my online photography class.  I think I might be learning at least a little bit - I think my photos are getting better.  My daughters are sick of me wanting to take pictures of them, but that's just too bad.  They are such good subjects/models/whatevers!!  I love them and love taking pictures of them.  They are just going to be thrilled when I tell them I have to do a mini photo shoot tomorrow or Wednesday and they are the models!! 

I am now starting to form my stamp clubs for the upcoming catalog year.  If you are interested in joining one, please contact me soon.  I will be doing a 12-month club, and at least 1 6-month club.  They are fun, we meet at my house, so you don't even have to clean and you get a turn to be the hostess and earn all the free goodies!!  It's a win-win situation. 

Have a great week - and pray the weather is good this week -at least on Friday for Minico's outdoor graduation. 
Janell

4 Girls & A Dream Fall Retreat has openings

Just wanted to share with anyone out there that might be interested that we have 3 openings at our Fall Retreat.  The dates are October 14-16.  The retreats are held at the Old Lava School.  The cost is $90 if paid by August 1st and $100 if paid by September 1st.  A $50 deposit will hold your spot.  If you are interested, contact me.  You can find more information at: janstamps.wordpress.com
We'd love to see you there. 

I worked last Saturday on organizing my MANY cards.  It is nice to see them in the correct boxes now, and I can actually find what I need.  I also organized some other things in my cupboard.  I am going to try and actually clean and organize my whole craft room over the next few weeks.  This is anticipation of my annual garage sale of stamps, etc and also because it really needs it!! 

Although I have a goal to do some scrapbooking this month, so far I haven't managed to get any done.  I still hope to get to that and make good on my goal.  I am taking a photography class online and loving it.  I am learning that my camera is alot smarter than I thought or than I am!!  I may have to read the book several more times to get it all straight in my head, but it is fun and I am loving taking all these pictures and see what I can do!! 

This week was card exchange week.  We did cracked glass this month, and didn't have quite as many participate as we have had in the past.  It was cool though, so learn how to do it so you can join us next time.  In June the theme is anything to do with nature.  Now that's pretty broad, so get going!! The more the merrier and it is so great to get all the ideas from everyone else.  I wonder how everyone out there is so uniquely creative!!  Please come join us.

Have a great week.

Tagged

I was informed this week, that I was tagged to do a post about myself.  I don't know how many people read this blog - after all I can't manage to do many posts on it, so it's kind of boring!!  Anyway, so I am going to do it anyway. 
I live in Rupert, ID.  Except for my college years spent in Provo, UT and a few years single and as a newly wed, in So CA, I have always lived around here.  I sometimes wish we had a few more things to do (to be entertained) and definitely more stores (clothing and craft), but for the most part I'm happy here.
I am married to Wendell (for over 25 years now) and have 5 kids.  My boys are the oldest (3 of them) and they are all out of school and one is working, one is married and working and one is working and going to college.  The girls are in high school - one a junior and one a freshman. 
I enjoy crafting, especially stamping.  I have been a demonstrator for Stampin' Up! since May 1996.  WOW - that's a long time.  I love their products but the thing I love most about SU is the attitude of the company.  The best part about being a demonstrator is all the wonderful people I have met over the years!!  They make it all worth it. 
My newest endeavor is planning and holding retreats (for crafters) on a semi-annual basis.  I work with my sister, Lois, and 2 neices - Danelle & Robin.  It is a lot of work, but so very fun!!  We call it 4 Girls & A Dream and we hold these retreats in April and October.  (check out our blog at: janstamps.wordpress.com)
I am active in the LDS church and right now my calling is playing the organ in Sacrament Meeting.  It is a challenge because it has been years since I practiced the organ, and since I don't have one at my house, I either wing it or have to make time to go to the church to practice.  Wendell is the chorister, but he shows no sympathy to me when he chooses the songs. 
I love chocolate, but the other day when my girls asked me what my favorite dessert was, all of the ones I thought of were NOT chocolate.  Isn't that funny!!?  Oh well, I love anything chocolate too. 
That's a little about me.  Now I guess I tag someone else to do this.  Catherine Cazier and Kami Millward.  You Go Girls - Have fun 

May Already

Well, it is already a week into May - and I am still FREEZING!!  What happened to having spring?  I like SPRING - even some rain and cool weather, but SNOW?  in MAY?  NOT!!!! 
That said, the grass is at least turning green and some brave tulips are up and blooming around the neighborhood.  I want to plant my barrels, but am afraid they won't do well quite yet.  Maybe in a week or two.  We'll see.
I have just updated the sidebar buttons for the Stampin' Up! special and projects for this month.  I keep thinking I'll get this done right at the first, but I'm just too slow or something.  Anyway, they are done now.  They are always so cute - too bad I can't copy all of them.  That would be fun.  Then just think of the clever gifts I would have at the ready whenever I needed one. 
We had a meeting for the Fall 2010 retreat today.  FUN!!!  It is going to be a blast with lots of "scrapbook (crafting) savvy happening.  Check out our blog (janstamps.wordpress.com) or check out Four Girls and a Dream on Facebook. 
Life at home is zipping right along.  The school year is almost over, so we are trying to make the big push for those A grades, and also gearing up for summer plans.  Wendell is heading off to work at Camp Bradley (scout camp) for 6 weeks as the Nature director.  The kids and I will be holding down the fort and working at home.  Jenna has become the official Lawn Mower.  When she was able to get it done a bit ago, her and her dad had a rousing game of basketball when it was finished. 
My sis just had some surgery, so my Mom is at her home helping her out and so Rascal (the dog) is staying at our house again.  All three dogs love to romp and play together and it's fun to watch, but boy do they eat a lot.  It's funny that the biggest one is the youngest and the smallest one is the oldest. 
No pics to share today.  I'm working on that!!  I really need to take a class on how to take cool photos and then make them even cooler in photoshop.  Maybe I'll fit that into my time and budget this fall. 
Have a great week and pray for warmer weather!! 
Jan

Completed Retreat Items

Ok, I promised I'd try to post some of my retreat items.  I usually don't get very  much done, so I was excited with what I was able to accomplish this time.  The first pictures are the exchange cards I made for April.  The theme this month is a sketch to follow (see the post below somewhere).  I thought they turned out pretty cute for just using papers and things I had with me at the retreat. 

Here are some CD tins I covered.  I'm going to make some square cards to go inside to be given at gifts.  These are really cute and were easy and fun to cover and decorate.  My favorite is the pink one with the silk flower on it.  I brushed versamark ink onto the flower, then put on heat and stick, then dazzling diamonds/silver EP onto that.  I like the way it turned out.  The hearts on the red one were spritzed with Stampin' Up!'s new Smooch Spray.  I used the Silver on the large heart, and the vanilla on the small one.

I also covered 3 chipboard clipboards I had around.  There is a 9X9 and 2 4X9 ones.  I think they turned out pretty cute.  I used the new Island Oasis DSP from Stampin' Up! to cover the big one and one small one, and Sending Love DSP from Stampin' Up! on the other small one.  So fun. 

have a great day. Hope you enjoyed the pics.

Retreat was a success!!

Well this weekend was the spring 2010 retreat.  I think it was successful.  We had 21 ladies there (yes, the 2 teenagers were ladies - just delightful).  The food was good, the project was darling and it was fun to meet new people and get re-acquainted with ones that have come before. 
The best, most amazing part to me was the fact that I actually got several projects DONE!!!  Now, if you know me, you know that I don't "play well with others."  I have a really hard time working and being even a little creative in a crowd.  So the fact that I got 3 chipboard clipboards covered and decorated, 5 CD tins covered and decorated and 4 sets of cards done for the April exchange is truly amazing!!  I will have to try and take some pics and post them.  The other amazing thing is that we put a sign up list out for those that might be interested in coming to our fall retreat and it was full before we left.  WOO HOO!!  We will have a waiting list just in case some of them can't make it. 
I was totally exhausted when I got home, but did manage to unpack and put away most of my things and even do a couple loads of laundry. 
I am excited the weather is looking a little more like spring.  Even though it is cloudy, it just seems nicer and warmer.  I am excited to see the flowers starting to poke up and some to even bloom.  I am anxious to get our flower beds finished in front and get some flowers going in there. 
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week.

March Card exchange

Well, the card exchange this month was so fun.  Using ribbon on cards is always so fun and I almost always think it adds just the right touch.  I personally had a blast doing this one.  The cards were all wonderful and I hope you decide to join us in the future.  The themes are: April-sketch (see posting); May-Cracked Glass; June-something from Nature; July-Thank Yous; August-Birthdays; September-Any Holiday; October-Christmas cards & Tags(both in each set); November-Anything you want to make; December-Brads,Buttons & Eyelets (any one or all). 

Here is the sketch challenge "sketch" to follow for the April Exchange.  If you have questions, let me know.  I think this one will be fun.  You don't have to follow it exactly, just generally.  Have fun with it. 

I think Stampin' 411 for doing such fun sketches, and I would encourage you to go to their website and do some or at least look at what they do.  It will give you some great ideas of how they work the sketch challenge. 

Have a great week.  I am busy getting the final touches put on our spring retreat.  If you want to check it out, go to http://www.janstamps.wordpress.com/ for details.  We will be holding another one Oct 14-16,2010.  We would love to see you there.