Spammer Hell

I have had word verification for a while but had some ask me to take it away and do comment verification on my end. Actually I had both and only once did I ever have to reject a comment while using both. I took off the word verification last week and within 30 seconds, I had a spam comment. I thought, okay, I can just reject it. Ha!

Since that time, the spam has become worse and very suggestive and raunchy. I have decided to go back to Word verification. My other option is no comments at all, and I really don't get many, so it would be no big deal. I just don't like the gross comments that have nothing to do with my blogs.

So for the two or three that do leave comments, I am sorry for putting you thru another step. Until Blogger has a better way, it's all I can do.

And my gift to the ones who do this blog spamming is one of my dog's farts-in your face-at 3AM.

Pottery

I love Rubber Stamp Tapestry peg stamps. Even if you mess up, you still have a workable image. Can you see my oopsie?

I used a Spica glitter pen to highlight the flowers. The stamping is all done using Distress Ink from Tim Holtz, my go to ink of choice. I hear he has 12 new colors coming in January. They will be mine.

I am not happy with the string I used on this. I wanted a softer look but could not find a more burlap type twine. If I do, I will redo the laced string.

I didn't add a phrase or rub on of any sort, but will before I send it off. Another layer might have helped a bit under the white and torn layers. Something with more texture maybe?

Sand In My Toes

Can you guess what I wish I was doing?

Instead I have mud, snow, and wayward leaves. And that is just in my kitchen. Damned dogs.

Stickered Tree

Like the previous card, this is made with stickers. For anyone not used to using stickers on cards, these particular stickers are heavier than the cheapies from the mass market stores. I patted the backs of them to remove some of the stickiness and then used larger pop dots made from foam to give them that dimensional look.

If you buy sheets of stickers (some come prepackaged flat and some are on rolls), you could get enough to make 5-10 cards depending on what is on each sheet. And they don't have to match either! I have used stickers from several companies on the same card. This however, is from the same sheet. Sadly I removed the header so the sheet would fit in my binder, so I can't tell you who made this or the previous one. But it's a few years ago that I purchased it, so probably not around anymore, knowing the turnover in supplies at scrap stores.

As usual, I have to say I can't stamp straight-look at that phrase. This also utilized those wonderful pearls that were at the checkout for a buck. Many companies make them, I just buy what is the cheapest.

Silvia's Got Some Goodies!

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Nutcracker

I have an addiction to stickers.

HO HO HO.

Spring Pot

I wish. Spring can't get here fast enough. A major winter storm is brewing for the Midwest and is due to make its imprint on mid-Michigan sometime Wednesday. Sad to not need a snow day from school-we always had an adventure or two back then. Ever played basketball in the snow? Pair from the chair! HORSE in winter is great as you add an extra handicap to the game.

These images are stamped with Rubber Stamp Tapestry peg stamps. Since many of their stamps come in sets, I can't tell you which ones I used, because I take them out of the containers they come in and toss in a shoe box for storage. At least shoe boxes don't give me paper cuts.

I added some sparkle using Spica pens to the flowers. It just doesn't photograph very well. The stamped images sparkle very nicely however, in the sun (which isn't here, is it?)

The word spring is a rub on from the dollar store as are the crystals on the sides. These may have actually been dollar stores within a regular stamp/scrap store-because I always check the reduced or clearance bins first. Inks are Tim Holtz Distress pads from Ranger. Scraps are scraps. Never ending.

Empty

No photo. No blatherings. I messed it up. So you get empty space and I get to be pissy with myself. I am now going to go cuss at myself even more and maybe empty the dishwasher. Nite.

Blog Candy AND a Great Digi Album!

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Make sure you check out this entire blog. It's great!

Fly Away Home

This card has a case of the uglies. It is what it is.

Enjoy it if you want, barf on it if it pleases you. I am open to suggestions on what to do or not do with it.

Basket Case

I found this post under drafts. I must have forgotten to hit publish. Another step toward losing my mind.

Well, I did CASE this card. So the title fits,right? But I kinda feel like a basket case sometimes. I have been whacking myself wondering how I missed the cat being sick. Since she tended to do her own thing and never really interacted with the other cats and dogs, other than stealing the dog food, I didn't see her much during the daytime. At night, I fed her, yelled at her to stop digging at my wood trim and chased her down the steps (her big butt sounded like elephants on the stairs). Once in a blue moon she came into my bed to sleep. I think she was the ribbon thief, too. Most nights she explored the closets, drawers, trash buckets, toilet bowls. But Nebbie was a talker. And a kisser. Spencer doesn't kiss at all. I need a kisser kitty.

Three people have gotten sick that I know of who were at the wedding on Saturday. SO I am dealing with being sick. Of course. No way I could be let out of that. So put me in this basket, cover me up, with something to make me sneeze and I will hang out until it all passes. I have some pretty cool friends on my blogs, so this is a cyber thanks for being there. Or here. Or where ever I is.

I think this stamp is from Great Impressions. I know the glitter on the flowers is Stickles. Yes, Courtney, I used the Stickles. I am going to Stickle until I die! Scraps, and my crapbook bin provided the rest of the story.

Ships

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We walk to the sea.

Just my sister and me.

And the dogs play around on the sand.

Winter cold cuts the air.

Hangin' still everywhere.

Dressed in gray, did she say...

Hold my hand?

I say, love's easier when it's far away.

We sit and watch a distant light.

We're two ships that pass in the night.

We both smile and we say it's alright.

We're still here.

It's just that we're out of sight.

Like those ships that pass in the night.

And it seems you and I are like strangers.

A wide ways apart as we drift on through time.

Like those ships that pass in the night.

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Rest in peace, sis. Your pain is gone.

(lyrics by Ian Hunter)

Take Care

Is there a card out there that could possibly work for someone who has terminal pancreatic cancer? I mean, you can't very well send a "get well soon". You would look stoopid. I sent this, a tin of teabags and a gift card for Amazon. She is out and about but is no longer going to chemo. Life sure is unfair, tho.

This was stamped with Rubber Stamp Tapestry peg stamps, a charm from the dollar bin and some gems from the same. Scraps from my never ending paper bin.

Crystal Has a Blog Giveaway!

Crystal's Crafty Creations

Shelled

Doesn't this look sorta like a snail? All that is missing is the beach, which is on another card. Maybe you will see it later this weekend.

The background stamp is from Great Impressions but not sure on the shell itself. Used a corner chomper to round the corners and the Cropidile to smash those brads.I don't think they were supposed to do that, but hey, worked out anyways. Coloring by Prismacolors. Sparkle by Spica pens (the one time I got that damned pen to work-crushed glass inside a pen is not exactly my idea of fun).

Reach

I finally sent off the graduation card I should have sent last June. My niece Lee in Iowa graduated and is now off on her own making her own dreams come true. I think the first part of her dream is making herself a walking piece of art. The cool thing about that is everything always compliments it. So no decorating mess ups. And you carry your portfolio with you.

This card is kinda dorky. I think I made 5 graduation cards in the last 10 years. So it's not something I stress for creativity. It was quick, unlike me. I was slow. I hope you like what was inside, Lee. I actually still have one stamp left-for my taxes in December. On my swamp.

Lee-if you see this, send me a photo or link to your tattoo on your arm and shoulders. That is so intense. I love it. I'd love to put it here for others to see.

Am I The Bad News Blog? Another Store Closing.

Another local scrap/stamp store is closing. Busy Bee Scrapbooking in Waterford is closing by Thanksgiving. I have never been to this store and it has not been open all that long-but the perfect storm has hit Michigan retail. Below is the information I have received from the owner.

It is with a very heavy heart that I am sending this to you. We will be closing our doors for good on November 28. Beginning November 9 and continuing through November 28 the entire store will be on sale.I am liquidating every single item of merchandise in the store to include paper, embellishments, stickers, adhesives, ribbons, tools, albums, and store fixtures.Arrive early for the best selection!! Our new hours for the last days of business will be 10 am to 7 pm Monday - Friday and 10 am to 4pm Saturdays.My next venture will be www.busybeescrapbook.com. I will be selling items online.

This store is located at Busy Bee Scrapbooking 6301 Williams Lake Rd Waterford Michigan 48329 if you need directions be sure to google map it.

HO HO HO-Send A Card To Noah!

Some of you may have heard about little Noah, a young boy from Michigan. His family is requesting Christmas cards as they are celebrating early this year. Noah is very ill and may not make it to December 25. Noah's story was carried on the local Radio and TV . The address listed is an alternate. Cards can also be sent to his home. I ran this thru Urban Legends to be absolutely sure, and that info is here with his home address. Please send him a card if you can. I am sending the one below to him.

I heard of this today from the owner of the Paper Hollow in Troy, where I have shopped before. Her link is in my sidebar. Please help bring a smile to a beautiful and brave little boy.

Update on Stacey's Store Closing.

So back a couple of days I told you about the bestest stamp store closing. I went up to see Stacey tonight using my trusted GPS and to pick up some stamps, card stock, and a ribbon or two at great prices. And to get all the poop. Now as sad as this seems to be at the moment, maybe this store closing is a light out of a dark tunnel.

Stacey has some ideas up her sleeve including maybe a studio for herself that is truly organized and where she can find something at the drop of an ink pad. She will have the area she needs to be at the top of creativety and use the items she has but can't get laid out without planning a 4 hour tour. And maybe, just maybe have a design team and some new stamp images drawn by talented peoples to play with.

She may also have an idea for a class-roomable area for small, intimate classes of 2-4. That is the kind of class I like for making art. Especially as you won't feel rushed or freaked out by a new technique. This will be somewhere in the future after she and her Sweet Stamps and her family and that big ass travel gas guzzler thingie make a tour thru the south including Texas and Arizona and Denver thru Chicago and be coming back to the spring of Michigan (I hope so anyways) in March. Guess who will miss all the nasty weather of Michigan (won't be me unless Stacey adopts me :P )

For the time being, she has terrific sales at the store, so please take a look if you are in the area in the next week or so. Check the website for hours and days open. Anything that is left is going up to Birch Run for the Deer Widow's weekend on November 13-15th. Shopping only ticket price is $5.00 and you will have fun. Then go over to Uno's across the street and have some pumpkin soup.

I will keep you up on anything new and cool, because I think there is something fun and prosperous in Stacey's future and she is gonna share it with us when she is ready. Michiganders may be down for the count right now but we are tough (except for me and my whining about the weather), so wish her luck. Now go ink an stamp and make a card and send it to someone. Glitter rules.

Magnolia Addicts Unite. Blog Giveaway!

And if you win, and I don't. Share. And if I win and you don't. Beg.

Jacque's Magnolia's

Pixie Cottage Giveaway!

Pixie Cottage

Isn't that Rudolph the cutest stamp? I always liked the story of Rudolph since I was a kid, especially the song because my dad sung it to me. So go enter, ya might get lucky.

Princess

I didn't make any Halloween cards. Maybe you will see some at Christmas or Valentine's Day. But this card might work. All the little girls who used to dress up in shimmery wafts of fabric always made me smile. Not so much for what they thought a princess would be but for what a princess means to mom and dad-a little ball of energy that is somehow fragile.

I did not see one princess tonight. My daughter never was a princess, either. Somehow we ended up with a costume for a Siamese twin fairy. She and Nicki were tied together in exact same outfits. Until Nicki lost her flighty fairy shoes in the creek. We never did anything truly mainstream, did we?

ETA: I stand corrected. It was Siamese twin Leprechauns. Not fairies. It was a long time ago in a time space far far away.

Blogger Tag?

I got one from Allison ...

The Rules are:

1. You can only use ONE word!!!
2. Pass this along to 5 of your favorite bloggers!
3. Alert them that you have given them this award!
4. HAVE FUN!!!
***************

1. Where is your cell phone? purse

2. Your hair? dead

3. Your mother? deader

4. Your father? deaderer

5. Your fave food? garlic

6. Your dream last night? terrifying

7. Your fave drink? water

8. Your dream/goal? security

9. What room are you in? dinette

10. Your hobby? messiness

11. Your fear? pain

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Michiganless

13. Where you were last night? Mega

14. Something that you aren't? dishonest

15. Muffins? corn

16. Wish List Item? hottub-I cheated and I don't care!

17. Where did you grow up? Didn't

18. Last thing you did? Scrabbled

19. What are you wearing? pumpkin

20. Your TV? sports

21. Your Pets? furry

22. Friends? sometimes

23. Your Life? unexpected

24. Your Mood? sad

25. Missing Someone? Clancy

26. Vehicle? Aveo

27. Something you're not wearing? tampon ;P

28. Your fave store? Stacey's ;(

29. Your fave color? Red

30. Last time you laughed? Artie

31. Last time you cried? now

32. Your best friend? me

33. One place that I go to over and over? gym

34. One person who emails regularly? Jo

35. Fave place to eat? Ashoka

36. Facebook? Farms



Five bloggers I am tagging--- Courtney, Jennifer, Tejal, Jo, Becky

When Does The Bleeding Stop? We Lose Another.

This is by far the hardest shuttering I have to report. Stacey announced she is closing her Store in Fowlerville and the going out of business sale starts on Saturday. Below is the letter she just sent. Stacey is more than a stamp/scrap store. She is a mom, a wife, a funny lady, and a good friend. She was the only reason to go to Fowlerville (you have to understand the trip I take to get there). She is a friend that I don't want to lose. I hope there is more to this friendship then as a retailer who fed my habit. I wanted her to go with me to the Bloated Goat just once-so I wouldn't feel like a dweeb. I hope we still can. Caring about someone is more than just glitter and ink.


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Dear Friends and Customers,

This past year has been a very difficult one in the store. As many of you know, our family has been traveling out of state to trade shows, which has allowed the store to be open, albeit occasionally. Subsequently, I do not have the time to give the store the attention it needs and deserves. After many long discussions with my husband, I have decided the best thing to do at this point in time is to close the store. Because I do not want to drag out this depressing event, I will begin a clearance sale this Saturday, October 31st. All merchandise is available first come, first served and all sales are final. Hurry in for the best selection.


Here are the hours for the store closing sale:

Saturday, October 31..............10am-4pmSunday, November 1..............Noon-4pmMonday, November 2.............10am-6pmTuesday, November 3.......10am-2:30pmWednesday, November 4.........2pm-8pmThursday, November 5......10am-2:30pmFriday, November 6................10am-6pmSaturday, November 7...........10am-4pmSunday, November 8............. Noon-4pmMonday, November 9............ 10am-6pmTuesday, November 10.....10am-2:30pmWednesday, November 11.....10am-6pm

Discounts will be as follows:

50% Off all wood stamps
40% Off Bazzill cardstock and scrapbook papers
30% Off magazines and clear stamps
25% Off inks, markers, embellishments and accessories

There will also be an array of paper racks, ink racks. shelves and other display items. I am cleaning out closets and storage rooms and will bring out more new product as room permits. I have a ton of used items that will NOT be included in this sale, but will hold a separate sale for these items at a later date, most likely in December.

Thank you for your patronage over the past eight years.It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye,

Stacey Richardson, owner Stamp Image Studio

I Won Blog Candy!

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Check out this great store. And she has flat rate shipping.

Fast and Furious

I am having a contest to see how fast I can make a card. This concoction took about 3 minutes. All the scraps and a dollar stamp and some dried up ink pad to distress. Ta da!

OOPS! I noticed I placed one of the serendipity squares wrong side up. Oh well, gave it some extra character.

Sure would be a good card to make up a couple dozen and just change the word. Masculine, feminine or neutral. Heck, send one to the dog.

Glitter Heart

This is a redo from parts of two other cards. Embossing paste and a glue pen with extra fine glitter hit the spot. It is much prettier in person as it picks up all the lights and shimmers so nice.

Would this work for anything else besides Valentine's Day?

Look Ma! No Photoshopping!

If you really want to see this close,click to enlarge. In my viewing program it's so much more intense.

Stuck A Feather In His Hat

You will not believe how hard it was to find map card stock designer paper. At least this kinda looked old altho I did sand it a bit. I took this photo at sundown after sticking the card in the planter to keep it from blowing away. Guess I finally found a use for that feather duster! At least what is left of it!

Since I made this card, I have since purchased a couple of old world type rubber stamps relating to maps of the past. I am off to look for real treasure now...a jar of peanut butter is at the top of my list.

Hello Smiles

Another salvage card from the cart.

Flowery

Five minutes from the pissed on cart. At least I salvaged something of it.

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Question-would you rather just see the pictures without the words? Or are my blatherings part of the deal? LMK.

Motivet Blog Candy

This company is the reason I went to the recent stamp convention. Maybe you can win some and enjoy them like I do. Enter here!

Butterfly Wishes

For all of you who actually get to see butterflies in your yards, count your blessings. It has been years since I have seen any. People spray junk all over and the normal habitat for butterflies has slowly but surely gone away. I tried planting bushes and making a haven for them, but the neighbors and even the city spray for skeeters and other "pests" and in doing so, have pretty much killed off any butterflies or other tender creatures visiting. I think it was at least as long for hummingbirds too. I live in a pretty small city with farmland across the way, so this isn't some industrial catastrophe but more a lack of knowledge and taking the easy way out. It saddens me as I remember laying in the grass when young and having a butterfly land on my cheek. I doubt that will happen again.

Close Up of butterfly.

I used glitter pen in mauve to highlight the phrase a bit.

There is a layer of printed vellum over the designer paper to mute the colors a bit. I cut out the butterflies and pop dotted them . The base card has natural sparkle and the edges were distressed with ink. I probably would not do that again as I think it looks funky and not a nice funky either. But the butterflies are so pretty over the vellum. I was very pleased with that.

This is my entry into the event known as World Cardmaking Day. Normally I would have gone to a local store and participated and spent money. But the place I went other years is on erratic hours, so I stayed home. Maybe next year will be more prosperous-for humans and the butterflies. I can hope.

Blog Candy Belles 'n Whistles

HERE!

If I don't win, I want you to share, okay? I want that witch stamp.

Bride And Groom

Wow, sure was getting dark when I took this photo. The gold ribbon shows up as orange. This card is one of those "using up the junky scrap bin bits" that takes about 5 minutes. I would send it into the Take 10 issue from Stampinton but honestly, the stuff they take for publication these days is sorta sucky. It all looks the same and uses the "ahem.... of course, we loves our customers and demos" company.

No rubber stamps were harmed in the making of this card. I used a digi stamp. I really thought that ribbon looked better but not anymore. I will send it to some unsuspecting person who is color blind or too drunk at their reception to notice. All they care about is the gift cards inside anyways.

By the way, anyone know where I can buy a used spinner rack for greeting cards? I have two for comic books. Heck, even one of those racks with slots you put on the wall would work, then I wouldn't have to dig thru shoe boxes when SOMEONE whines he needs a card. I would tell him-you know where the rack is. Leave the greenbacks in the attached deposit bin. (He said that won't work-since he already paid for the parts-and my labour is free???) STABBITY STAB!

Up Up and Away!

If tonight is any indication, it will be strange weather the rest of the weekend. Very foggy tonight. A high wind advisory has been issued for tomorrow then severe storms at night. The leaves are dripping from the trees tonight and there won't be much color in the lower peninsula with those winds stripping the covering way too soon.

I used my beloved Prismacolor pencils with Gamsol to color this kitty. Then those tiny poinky scissors came out and somehow I managed to cut around the image including the whiskers without slicing my fingers to bits. Pop dots and an extra layer of balloons with added glitter give this a 3d effect.

Here is a bit closer look. The humidity managed to curl the vellum a bit on the corners but that can be tacked down. Kitty has escaped. How many balloons do I need to do the same?

Why Did The Ducks Cross The Road?

I hate this. I thought it would be cool to use those pens that are kinda like puffy paint only smoother, on this card. They glob, they smell funky and they are ugly. These will go in the junk bin-glad I used a half off coupon. Thumbs or webbed feet down. I do have a few more cards using these in my queue, but this was the best one, in my opinion.

But I do love the paper I used on this card , however. I used it on another card almost two and a half years ago-check it out here . While cleaning out my paper scrap bin a few weeks back, I came across bits and pieces of paper, ribbon and other junky pieces that most others would have trashed but I can't bear to toss. I use them as backing on phrases or as serendipity squares. I still have more of this flowery paper but could not in a million years tell you who made it. It is double sided, more bang for the buck.

Jen Love, I do have something to honk about. Wings are up 2-zip and the Sharks ain't. Nyah. Let the games and honking begin.

Nebbie Crosses the Bridge.

Sometimes, all I need is the air that YOU breathe.

The dumpster kitty had to leave today. She had a quick onset illness relating to her liver. I was going to bring her home for one more night of cuddling and having a talky talk with her, but I didn't want her to be in any kind of discomfort. She had a bit of salmon yums last night and sat on my computer chair and we chatted early this morning about the engravings she has left on my wood work upstairs by the bedroom door.

Nebbie was always a bit of a pig food wise, and she would eat whatever was leftover after the others had their twice weekly treats of canned num nums.

It will be a lot quieter now with one less chatterbox at 2 AM. This is my second cat loss in three months and now only Spencer, age 12 remains. Nebbie was the baby by several years. I just put her bed and sleepy cave off to the side until I can deal with it. My cat cemetery under the pines is getting full and my heart feels so empty. Goodbye, my little girl.

EBAY Seller WARNING

I wanted to let you know of a horrible seller on Ebay. She goes by the name POBOX161z. I have been in contact with several others she has wronged-one was weeks late and another never received her items. I contact her every other day and she refuses to answer my questions. I then contacted Ebay/Paypal and complained and they told me they would contact her. Still nothing. I just now tried to contact Ebay with another compliant and they say they are working on it and it's been a week. In the meantime, another person has left neutral feedback and I sit here out almost $50 bucks. I just emailed the seller again and informed her I would be posting to my blog, Facebook and Twitter not to buy from her. She has now made all the craft auctions private and you can't see what others are getting-but she still is listing auctions. I initially bid on some punches and lost. SHE sent me a second chance at my lower bid. I now believe she NEVER had the items. She is just listing the same auction over and over. I wonder if her name is Kelly.

I hate to do this but I am not going to let her get away with fraud. I hope she is banned.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

For those not on Facebook-I posted these photos early this morning.

Courtney and Chris were married on September 12 in Saginaw Michigan at the Art Museum . The reception was held at The Historic Temple Theatre in Downtown Saginaw.

Everyone needs to see their name in lights!

The garden where the wedding was held.

Rock Star Birthday

No stamping. Just fun scraps and of course, glitter. I used a glue pen to run around the edges and then added superfine glitter. The dog was all sparkly, too as he seems to be stuck to my side. That means he gets the good and the bad. Nasty soy sausage and glitter. Depends on your view point which is which.

I know a little boy who is going to be three this weekend. I hope he dances the night away! So long as one is saved for me, okay Isaac?

The Economy Takes Another Bite On Papercrafters

My daughter sent me an email flyer about another scrap store closing. Scrapbook'n and More in Milford is closing after about 5 years of serving extreme western Oakland county. I personally have never been to this establishment, but it wasn't for lack of trying. Several trips to the Detroit airport brought me in a round-a-bout way (don't ask) thru Milford on my way home from drop off. Trouble was-this place wasn't open either time. I tried.

The sale starts September 10th for those who previously were customers. The "official" going out of business sale begins September 17th. I believe a professional liquidator has been hired for this sale, so don't expect great deals at first. Maybe 20% at best. But the best selections will be at the beginning of the sale.

Wishing

The kiddies go back to school and it suddenly gets warmer? Talk about cruel and inhumane. I say revolt and stay at the beach a few more days. I will get one more dog bath in to show these mutts who's boss and then let the fleas off the hook until spring.

This is a digi stamp I messed with. I do like the font but anyone could make up a phrase and box it in. Someday I hope to digitize the drawings I made in high school of sports figures. It was the only way the guys were remotely interested in me. I could draw them in their finest muscular presentations and I could keep a box score. And I could pinch bunt. I was just one of the guys.

Good day Sunshine!