Volcano Visit

I always wondered what a "real volcano" would look like and alas, I have seen one! We went to the Volcano National Park last Thursday near Hilo, Hawaii. This part of the island gets so much rain, it would probably get pretty depressing! During our visit to this side of the island, we saw way too much rain, but it subsided just a few moments for us to hop out of the car and take some pictures. The steam rising from the volcano is there all the time. When we went to the Visitor's Center, the Park Rangers showed us a video from the day before where there was some activity this same place and you could see the ash coming up. Yikes!!! You can also visit during the evening to see some of the red lava, however, we were not able to be there during that time. There is a road that circles around this section, but part of it has been closed due to the toxic gases and activity. When you think about it, it is a bit scary, but I'm so glad we were able to visit. It really is amazing to see mother nature at work.

On another part of the island, we visited a lava tube. This is where the lava runs underground. Can you imagine lava flowing out of this? You certainly wouldn't want to be close by, now would you! When we talked about living on this island, we discussed the possibility of the volcano erupting and causing great devastation. We heard that it usually erupts every 215 years and its been 218 years since the last eruption. Hum .... and there has been activity there. But, the islanders are very "laid back" and I think they don't even worry about it. I kind of think it is like living here in Norfolk and dealing with hurricanes. You could get one . . . but we don't think of that all the time.

I learned so much on this trip and I'm excited to be able to share it with you! I wish I had another week off from work so sit down and scrapbook this trip, but that's not the case. I did sleep very well last night, so hopefully I won't be so tired today! In the next post, I'll share with you some of the lush greenery on the island. Hope you have a great day!

There's No Place Like Home

No matter how many times we travel to so many gorgeous places, I always say there's no place like home when we walk in the door! It is my favorite place!

We had an extremely long day(s) of travel to come home, getting "stuck" in Atlanta much longer than we intended to be! We didn't get home until 9:30 p. m. Saturday night after flying out of Kona, Hawaii on Friday night at 9:00 p.m. Unfortunately, I'm not one of those individuals who can sleep on the plane, so I feel VERY sleep deprived!!! I did try to get up at 7:00 a.m. this morning; however, my mood was, well, awful and Mickey will attest to this, so I went back to sleep until 1:00 p.m. and felt so much better! I'm hoping that I won't have any trouble sleeping tonight -- don't think that will be the case!!

During our trip, we started out in the island of Oahu and ended up on the big island of Hawaii. So little acreage and such diverse land! The portion of our trip that was affiliated with Stampin' Up! was on the big island of Hawaii. We stayed at a beautiful resort - the Hilton Waikola Village and we treated like queens!! You will notice that I've shared with you a picture of a cat and you are probably wondering what's up with that? Well, at this resort, they have ferrell cats. This is the first cat we saw at the Lagoon Grille. He is the smartest, I think, of the ferrell cats because he hangs out at the grille and gets plenty of food! There were many other cats around the resort who were much skinner. We did ask about the cats and were told that at one time, they had gotten rid of all the ferrell cats; however, when they did that, they created a rodent problem! So, they brought some of the cats back and neuter and spray them to control the population. It was very nice to be able to see the cats around!!

I'm sure many of you are wondering what "stampin' scoop" we were privvy to on this trip. Well, we did "see" the new in-colors. However, we were not allowed to take a picture of them and only saw them on stage for about a couple of minutes. I have the names of the colors written down, but need to confirm with Stampin' Up! if I can share this information. I know that I was really impressed with them and can't wait to get my hands on them. We also saw two new dies for the Big Shot and a new woodgrain background stamp! Something we always get at Stampin' Up! incentive trips are FREE stamps! The set we received is soo adorable and we did make some projects with it at our make and take session which I'll be happy to share with you at the upcoming Stamp, Play and Create!

I just wanted to touch base with you guys on my day of rest! It was a wonderful and exhausting trip and again, I want to thank you all for helping me earn this trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunrise .... Sunset

This is what we were lucky enough to watch last night on Wakiki Beach.

The temperatures are in the 80's during the day and 70's during the evening. It was absolutely gorgeous.

Today, we fly over to the big island of Hawaii for our Stampin' Up! portion of the trip. I'm really excited about seeing old friends and seeing what goodies Stampin' Up! has for us! They never disappoint us, that's for sure. You know, one of the things I look forward to the most is what FREE stamp set we get! Sad, but true!!! We have a reception tonight at the resort where we are staying and tomorrow morning is our General Session meeting. We definitely want to visit the volcano while we are there, which we understand is still erupting. Hum ..... a little daring if you ask me! We have enjoyed our stay here in Honolulu and really can't believe this portion of our trip is over.

I hope you don't mind that I shared a non-stamping picture with you. Again, I want to thank all of you for your support (gosh, that sounds like a infomercial or something), but I really do mean it. Because .. without you guys, I wouldn't be able to earn these trips and visit places I never thought I would be able to see!

I hope you have a wonderful day!!!!

Scalloped Birthday

Good morning!! Well, let's see, it's 828 am here in Hawaii .... but it's 2:29 pm at home. See, I knew I was always behind the times!!!

Before we ventured out and about, I thought I would share another project that the made by the Rich Regals and Bold Brights Stamp Clubs this month. I really love the way this turned out. We used the Scallop Circle Die to create the bottom of the card. However, when we cut out the scallop, we folded our cardstock and placed it UNDER the top of the scallop on the die, that way it folds (does this make sense?). We used plenty of punches and some DSP from the Hand Drawn Bundle Level 3 hostess set. When I first saw this Level 3 hostess set, it really didn't thrill me! But, as with alot of things, when I got it, I fell in love with the DSP. I think it is sooooo cute!!!!

Hawaii is absolutely gorgeous, although adjusting to the time change is somewhat challenging!!! We are off to explore and I hope you have a great day!!! I've check out the weather forecast and I see sun for you all!! I'm so glad!!!!

Aloha!

You Can't Have Enough Daisies!

Oh oh .... I so love this card (and so does Valerie)!! This is a card we made this past weekend at the Rich Regals and Bold Brights Stamp Club. I must admit, it is one of my very favorites!!! Yikes .. I'm showing favoritism, huh!!

You know I had to use my Sizzix Big Shot, which is a staple item in my stamping life. Can you count how many daisies are on this card? Nine!! But with the Sizzix, it's quick and easy (boy, I've been saying that alot lately, huh). Using the Flower Daisies #2 Die (which has three different size daisies on it), I cut out nine daisies. I layered the daisies, slightly staggering each one. I used one of the Jumbo 5/8" Neutral Brads, which looks perfect in the center of the flower.

Now, one of the things that also excited me about this card was the texture plate that I used on the background. Notice the texture on the Naturals Ivory cardstock. Isn't that too cool??? It is from the Texture Plates Kit #4. I wish you could have seen my face when I ran the cardstock through the Sizzix and saw the texture it created. I was talking to myself (something I do rather frequently), gasping about how absolutely gorgeous it was! Has this ever happened to you? I looked at the texture plate before using it and wondered what it would look like. The texture plate (before use) really didn't impress me whatsoever. But now, they are like my new best friend. I wonder, hey, what can I texture now!??

I'm wondering if you can tell just how much I love this card -- hope you do too!

Stencil Stamping

I know, who would have thunk it!!! Not me for sure. Imagine my surprise when the Decor Elements 3 Catalog was released several months ago and there were stencils in the back. My limited mind thinks only in terms of walls and stencils -- strictly a home decor kind of thing, right? Wrong!

At our Leadership Conference in January, our CEO, Shelli Gardner, demonstrated other things you can do with stencils such as decorating the outside (and inside) of your linen albums! Then she showed us a project where she used the stencils and some type of paste (I have the paste, just haven't had the time to play with it -- I know you can relate, huh). As I watched her demonstration, I couldn't wait to get a stencil and create a card using the stencils! So, at the March Stamp, Play and Create, we created this card!

Now, I have to tell you, this was so quick and easy, it was actually scary! First, we laid the stencil on top of the Whisper White cardstock and sponged Bordering Blue over the stencil. Then, using a Sponge Dauber, we highlighted certain sections using Brocade Blue ink. When we pulled off the stencil, there were many oohs and ahs!!! I did too! The stamped image is from the On Your Birthday set (which rocks!).

You can view the stencils by checking out the Decor Elements catalog - go to page 23. The stencil used in the above card was Kind Thoughts Flourish (small). My next goal is to create a scrapbook page using this stencil! Of course, that time element really gets in my way, ya know??

We are eagerly getting ready for our trip to the sunny island of Hawaii and with this rain for the past five days, frankly, our departure cannot come quick enough! Don't worry though ladies, because I'll be updating my blog while I'm in Hawaii - want to make sure you have some sunshine in your life!!

Lastly, thank you all for your kinds thoughts relating to Reba. We miss her dearly and now I can actually talk about it. Each day gets better and Mia, the princess, is really enjoying having us all to herself and we enjoy her!

Hope you have a great day and HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Easter Basket

You know, I have a hard time keeping track of Easter because it changes each year. I do need things simple .. like Christmas .. it's always on Dec. 25. Fortunately, I have many things and people around me that let me know when Easter will arrive. Whew!

So, at Stamp, Play and Create this March, we made this absolutely adorable Easter basket! Do you recognize the Top Note Die in this project? Can you believe there is another project you can create using the Top Note Die? Me neither. Just when I get ready to put that Die away, poof --- another project. Check out the Easter Bunny too -- isn't he cute??? He is from a set called Eight Great Greetings. This set is in the upcoming Occasions Mini catalog which starts on April 1; however, you can get it now. Click here for the scoop on being able to purchase a few sets from the Occasions Mini now! This cute bunny was stamped using Basic Black ink onto Whisper White and colored in with Soft Subtle Stampin' Write Markers. The patterned paper is from the Delicate Dots DSP featured in the Sale-a-Bration Catalog and is only available through March 31 (free with a $50 purchase). Love, love, love this project.




Now, I have some sad news to share with you all. Yesterday, we made the painful decision to have our cat, Reba, put to sleep due to health problems. Those of you who stamp at my home know that Reba was the stamping cat, always laying in the middle of the table or on Robin Rubbo's bag. She was with our family for over 15 years and I believe it was one of the hardest things we've ever had to do; however, we know she is resting peacefully. We miss her so much and know you will to, but she will always be here in spirit.

Easy, Quick, Cute

This is probably one of the quickest cards we've ever done at Stamp, Play and Create! Why? Because it was made from products in a Simply Scrappin' Kit. If you haven't looked at Simply Scrappin' Kits, you really should. The name of the product would make one think they are just for scrapbooking, but alas, Stampin' Up! products are so versatile -- Simply Scrappin' Kits are no exception! At first glance, you would think you had to cut different patterned paper to create the top layer, but hey, that is the way that paper comes!! Woo hooooo!!!! Too cute, huh!!! Then for the scalloped oval on the bottom, that is a self-adhesive die cut! You just peel it off the sheet and stick it on your project. I used the "hey there!" from the Really Retro stamp set (which, by the way is a GREAT word set). Lastly, the ribbon is from the Sale-A-Bration Ribbon Bundle which is FREE with a $50 purchase. I think this card was the favorite of the workshop because it was easy ... quick .... and cute!!!



Below is the Simply Scrappin' Kit that we used to create the above project. You'll see all the different items this kit contains!!

I hope you have a great day!!!

Setting the Table

I have to tell you that time has slipped by so rapidly, I haven't had a lot of spare time, but that's coming! This past weekend was Stamp, Play and Create and we did four exciting and gorgeous projects -- they were also unexpectedly quick! However, I have chosen a special card to share with you today. I have used two stamp sets - Scene in a Garden and Very Versatile. Hum, you're probably thinking that you haven't seen them in the catalog -- and you're right! These are two stamp sets in the upcoming Occasions Mini Catalog. Woo hoo!! I have to tell you this mini catalog rocks!!! It was hard for me NOT to buy everything!

For this card, I used Whisper White cardstock and stamped the images with Basic Black. To color the images, I used Stampin' Write markers. I colored in the image with a light color and then highlighted the details in the image with a darker color. I so love the way it turned out!!!

I'll be sharing the projects from Stamp, Play and Create in the next few days. Sorry about not posting, but it's not because I haven't thought about it! I missed you!!!

Hope you've been stamping and stay tuned for a really cute project tomorrow!

I Couldn't Stand It! (2nd post today)

Okay, I finished my last post and it just looked so blah without a picture. It was driving me crazy. I looked at the clock .. 15 minutes before I need to hop in the shower to get ready for work. I can do this. I can create, take a picture, crop, copyright, post to my blog -- all in 15 minutes!!! I sped to my stamping room covered with ... well you can just imagine .. and pulled out some of the Sunshine Garden Simply Scrappin' Kit and created this card! I love using the Simply Scrappin' Kits because you can create something gorgeous and quickly! Gotta love it!!!

Mission accomplished. I'm off to work!

Stamp, Play and Create

Happy Wednesday!!! I was hoping to have a new project to share with you today, but my downline, Vicki, and I got together last night and planned the projects for this weekend's Stamp, Play and Create. And, I must say, they are GREAT!!!! I always like you guys to be surprised, so I won't share the projects on line until after the Stamp, Play and Create this weekend. If you would like to attend, I have space available on the Saturday morning, 10:00 a.m. session and only a spot or two available on the Sunday afternoon, 2:00 p.m. session. Saturday afternoon is full right now. Keep in mind that I have people switching sessions, so let me know if you would like to attend any session, okay?

Now, after we finished those projects, we played with some of the new products and stamp sets in the Occasions Mini Catalog! If I didn't have to go to work today, I probably could have stayed up until at least 11 p.m. (ha ha) playing!!! Yes, 11 p.m. is late for me as I am a morning person and it's all downhill from there!

I'm hoping to be able to create some new goodies this evening to share with you, so be sure to check back. I won't disappoint you!

Have an awesome day!

Happy Birthday to You!

This is one of the cards that we did at our March Stamp-A-Stack yesterday where nine brave souls braved the nasty rain and came out to play and stamp! We all had a great time!

For this card, I used two different colors - Pink Pirouette and Riding Hood Red (along with Whisper White for the focal point). The card size is 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" so it fits in a regular size envelope. I used the Big Bold Birthday stamp set. Check out the icing on the cupcake. It looks good enough to eat, now doesn't it??? It was easy to create -- after stamping the icing image using Pink Pirouette, I applied Towbow Multi Adhesive and sprinkled White Chunky Glitter on it. I swear it makes my mouth water just looking at it!!!

Today, we woke up to beautiful white snow (not much here in Norfolk). For those of you who are not in this area, just a smidgen of snow incapacitates this area! My husband is from Minnesota and he, to this day, can't believe how this area reacts to snow. Oh well!!! If you get a chance, go out and take a few pictures so you can create a scrapbook page!!! I have to go to work, but I'm going to try to get a few pics in before I go!!!

Have a great day!!!

Hippity ... Hoppity ...

Oh my goodness, I didn't realize that the last time I posted was Wednesday! WOW! Bad bad girl!!! Actually, I've been so busy trying to get ready for our trip to Hawaii later this month because this is the last weekend that I have any free time before we leave. Mickey and I trudged out yesterday in the nasty rain, but managed to get everything we needed! We are so looking forward to our trip and I want to thank you, because without you and your support, I would not have been able to earn this trip!

I know I say this every month, but I can't believe it is March already! The good thing about a new month is Stampin' Up! has something new to offer you! Woo hoo!!! We have a new Occasions Mini Catalog which you should receive towards the end of March and the sales period starts on April 1 (no fooling!). However, some of these sets are great for Easter cards and projects, so Stampin' Up! is offering them to you during the month of March! My favorite is "Eight Great Greetings'. I love all the stamps in this set because you have a stamp for a number of occasions!! To view the other stamp sets being offered, click here!

I hope you have a great day .. stay warm .. and dry! Hey, you can stay inside and stamp! See, I've planned your day for you! :-)