The Little Girl With the Curl...

I believe the beginning of the nursery rhyme starts with "There was a little girl who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead. And when she was good, she was very, very good, and when she was bad she was horrid." So, I guess I've been horrid. At the very least, I've been absent. From a lot of things, really. What I've missed the most has been my favorite creative outlet, my stamping.

It's been a rough year to say the least, with my health; and it has slowed or totally shut down a great number of my days. I believe I have finally turned the corner on it all, however, and am ready to begin anew. When I saw my doctor in March, she told me I had lost 19 pounds. My first thought was, "oh my, am I dyin' or somethin'?" I was really taken by surprise. I have recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which is actually a relief, because I finally know what has been giving me a royal fit for the better part of the last few years! That's all I'll say about all of that for now. Let's think of some more FUN things, shall we?

It's almost funny. I've been thinking about starting a journal recently, and it came to me, you already have a blog, you idiot! Write things there that you can share with others; and can fit more on a page than a person really should have a right to. It amazes me how cathartic writing can be. It has the ability to release the endorphins that make you happy and it can bring up emotions that have long been buried in the recesses of your mind. Happy thoughts. Happy memories. Happy times. Just Happy!

I think I'll just let it be right here for the moment. On a positive note. I have some gathering and creating I have to get to. I'll be back. Soon. Real soon.

Take gentle care,

Beth

Just a Lick and a Promise for Tonight

Just a quick note to say howdy. We were blessed to have both granddaughters this weekend, and they wore me out. I have made several new projects, and I will post them tomorrow, I promise. As Riley says, Pinky Promise. Till then, take gentle care...

Beth Steel
Riley & Capen's Nanny

Just a Little Somethin' Somethin'

This has been an extraordinary week. I am always a little ambivalent when Stampin' Up! launches a new annual catalog. Sort of like when you know you should clean out the attic, and you keep putting it off  because you are sure you will wax nostalgic; when you don't have the time to do that, you must simplify your life and I mean right now. 

 

It always feels like I am giving up my child when I have to let stamp sets go. Silly I know, but it doesn't take very long to fall in love with the stamps when you get them in your hands and start to create something beautiful with them. I have been playing with some of our new stamps and accessories this week. We also have 5 new way "kewl" In Colors. They sort of make me hungry though. There's Cucumber Crush, Delightful Dijon, Mint Macaron, Tip Top Taupe and Watermelon Wonder. Okay, so I don't know what I eat that is Tip Top Taupe, but the rest are surely on my radar. I am growing fond of them already. And I might just cry if I think too long about the retiring In Colors. I was in love with all of them.

 

The first card was made with our new Ronald McDonald House Charities Stamp Set for this year; Sprinkles of Life. Stampin' Up! will donate $3 from the sale of each set to the RHMC. Would you consider helping us make a difference in the lives of the children supported by this program?  You will be blessed, I guarantee it.
 

I love this set already. It has the cutest little tree, three toppers for it, and two toppers for the ice cream cone and the cupcake that are in the set. It also comes with a cherry and a little birdie. There is even a stamp for the sprinkles! I  used the new 6 X 6 Designer Series Paper Stack, Cherry on Top. It is happy paper. The color combos are awesome. The cupcake's crowning glory is the sprinkles, and  I added our Dazzling Diamonds glitter to accent them. I colored two of our Pearl Basic Jewels with a permanent marker to use on the banner. There is also a coordinating punch. It's called the Tree Builder Punch. I didn't use it on this card, but the item # is 138295, and it sells for $18.00.
 

 

To make this card, you will need: Sprinkles of Life Stamp Set (139971); Pool Party Cardstock (122924), Tip Top Taupe Cardstock (138336), Whisper White Cardstock (100730); Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack (138443), Bermuda Bay Classic Ink (131171), Crushed Curry Classic Ink (131173), Watermelon Wonder Classic Ink (138323); Pearl Basic Jewels (119247), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246), Bermuda Bay Sequin Trim (137910), Dazzling Diamonds glitter (133751), and Cherry on Top Designer Washi Tape (138384)

  

 

This second card was made using a fun fold. One of my faves. It is easy to do, and makes a dashing card. I cut the paper the usual 4 1/4" X 11", then scored it and folded it at 5 1/2"; then diagonally from the lower right corner to the upper left top corner, and folded the triangle down, being sure to match the edge at the bottom to the bottom front of the card. Oh, I almost forgot the textiles that are new. There is 1" Dotted Lace Trim in all of the new In Colors. I picked the Watermelon Wonder of course, but I will  be getting the others. I'm loving the Tip Top Taupe. I believe I have seen that lace on some of my older dress slips. Remember those?  At any rate, the lace is to die for. 

 

                                    

 

I used the new stamp set,  Friendly Wishes (139579) for the front of the card along with a set that carried over from last year's catalog, A Dozen Thoughts (131059) for the inside sentiment. So, we have  the new Cucumber Crush Cardstock (138335), Tip Top Taupe Cardstock (138336), Watermelon Wonder Cardstock (138334) and Whisper White Cardstock (100730); Cucumber Crush Classic Ink (138324), Watermelon Wonder Classic Ink (138323); Pearl Basic Jewels (119246), Permanent marker; Cherry on Top Designer Series Paper Stack (138443); and the gorgeous new 1" Dotted Lace Trim in Watermelon Wonder (138425)

 

 

The last card showcased in tonight's post was made with again, the Friendly Wishes Stamp Set and a sentiment from the set Flower Patch  on the inside. There are two other greetings in the Friendly Wishes set, which makes it very versatile. I had fun coloring the letters with my Stampin' Write Markers. I felt like I had just gotten my new school supplies. I'm crazy about the bright colors in the designer paper as well. Nice clean and simple card. Everyone needs those in their card stash! 

 

 

You'll need the Friendly Wishes Stamp Set (139579), Flower Patch Stamp Set (134207); Bermuda Bay Cardstock (131137), Tip Top Taupe Cardstock (138336), and Whisper White Cardstock (100730); Tip Top Taupe Classic Ink (138325), Watermelon Wonder Classic Ink (138323); Many Marvelous Markers (131264)  Cherry on Top Designer Series Paper Stack (138443); Brights Collection Designer  Button (103028), and Linen Thread (104199)

 

I hope you liked what you saw here, and thank you for spending your time with me. Take gentle care, and I hope to see you back again soon!

 

Fondly,

 

Beth Steel

Riley & Capen's Nanny 

 

 

 

For Real This Time

 

An odd title for a blog post, I know, but there is a backstory here. Two years ago, I did a dry run for an application to participate on the Artisan Design Team. I made the requisite 5 cards, 3 scrapbook pages, and a 3D project. And at the end, I chickened out. The entries were okay, but I just didn't get those "warm fuzzies" about them, you know? And, feeling like that, I just thought it would be better not to enter. So I didn't.

It's all good. I'm still a Stampin" Up! demo, and I still love the products (and buy them), and it really stirs my soul to sit down to create something with all of the beautiful stamp sets, Card Stock, Designer Series Papers and the ribbons and other accessories that Stampin' Up! sells.

And, this evening, I have some pretty fabulous projects to share with you, if I say so, myself! Wow! The photo process is taking longer than I had anticipated. I'm feeling lucky, Google. Sorry, I'm getting a little punchy.

This first card was made with our new Butterflies Framelits Dies and the Butterfly Basics Stamp Set. I love the vintage look of this. Perhaps it is because I am vintage. The Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake, and Perfect Plum color combo is one of my favorites to use when making cards like this one.

 

I also used the Something to Say stamp set on the inside of the card. I felt like the front seemed to say "encouragement" to me, so I carried it through on the inside as well. I stamped the floral stamp in Memento Ink and then did some "fussy cutting" on it and attached it to the card. Can I just say here that I love fussy cutting. It has a very cathartic effect on me. It is my Happy Place. Very calm and soothing. Crazy, I know. Hope you like.

 

Supplies Used: Butterflies Basics Stamp Set (137154), Kinda Eclectic Stamp Set (135350) , Something to Say Stamp Set (134180); Blushing Bride (131198), Pear Pizzazz (131201), Perfect Plum (101889), Vellum (101856) and Very Vanilla (101650) Card Stocks; Crumb Cake (126975), Daffodil Delight (126944), Memento Tuxedo Black (132708), Mossy Meadow (133645), Pear Pizzazz (131180) ,and Wisteria Wonder (126985) Classic Inks; Crumb Cake 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon (122332), Venetian Crochet Trim (134581); Pearl Basic Jewels (119247); Butterflies Thinlits Dies (137360); and the Bitty Butterfly Punch (129406) and Elegant Butterfly Punch (127526).

 

 

The next card I made I wanted to reflect the feelings of someone soaring when reaching her goals, so I used the Birthday Bash Specialty Designer Series Paper (137783) to accomplish this. And since the DSP had some gold, I added gold for a background, too! Love the clean and simple look here.

 

                               

Supplies Used: Feel Goods Stamp Set (129684), A Dozen Thoughts Stamp Set (131059); Bermuda Bay, Calypso Coral (122925), Crushed Curry (131199), and Whisper White (100730) Card Stocks; Bermuda Bay (131171), Calypso Coral (126983), Crushed Curry (131173); Birthday Bash Specialty Designer Series Paper (137783) from our 2015 Occasions Catalog; Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246);  Gold Foil Sheets (132622); and Chalk Talk Framelits Dies ( 129983). I traced the outside edge of the framelit to get the "frame" for sentiment. Cool, yes?

 

 

I wanted to do some water coloring and make a Masculine card. So the first stamp set that came to mind was Lovely As a Tree. Water coloring, check. Masculine theme, check. All in one card. That worked out great (and simple) for me. I even did a little masking while I was at it. I have to say, I'm in love with this card.

 

                                

 

Supplies Used: A Dozen Thoughts Stamp Set (131059), Lovely As a Tree (128655) Stamp Set;  Sheltering Tree (137163) Stamp Set; Crumb Cake (120953), Pear Pizzazz (131201), Shimmery White (101910), Soft Suede (115318) and Whisper White (100730) Card Stocks; Crumb Cake (126975), Mossy Meadow (133645), Pear Pizzazz (131180) and Soft Sky (131181) Classic Inks; Aqua Painters (103954)

 

 

I decided that I wanted to do a "fancy fold" card to add to the mix. This card is made using a "Z" fold, simple, but fun. I'm beginning to see a pattern here with the Birthday Bash Designer Series Paper. I had lots of fun making this card. My bff and I say all the time about a lot of things: It's all about the bling! Indeed, it is.

 

 

I remembered that we had 2013-2015 In Color Sequins so I got them out and started to play, mixing up the colors with our core colors. I was in a goofy mood, and I thought, this paper looks it can be a cake, so it's cake. And whoever heard of a birthday cake without candles?

 

Supplies Used: Balloon Bash Stamp Set (137144), Crushed Curry (131199), Tangelo Twist (133677) and Whisper White (100730) Card Stocks; Bermuda Bay (131171), Crushed Curry (131173) Classic Inks; Birthday Bash Specialty Designer Series Paper (137783) Bermuda Bay Sequin Trim  (137910) from the 2015 Occasions Catalog, and 2013-2015 In Color Sequins (133631; Deco Labels Collection Framelits (130102)

 

 

I couldn't stand it any longer. I had to get into the products that will be available in the new 2015-2016 Catalog (140893). I adore the new 2015-2017 In Colors. They make me happy. Practically giddy. Cucumber Crush, Delightful Dijon, Mint Macaron, Tip Top Taupe, and Watermelon Wonder. I made this easel card using them.  I showed my 7 year old granddaughter the new Cherry on Top Designer Series Paper Stack, and she said this looks like fireworks, Nanny. And everybody deserves fireworks when they play nice, right?

 

Get a load of this new In Color Ribbon! I picked Watermelon Wonder for my Sneak Peek order. Wish I could have gotten about 10 of each! So soft. I could be wrapped in it. On second thought, maybe not. It wouldn't be fair to the ribbon.

 

Got a little carried away here. I pulled the "thanks" sentiment from several sets for the inside. I just couldn't help myself. Clever idea, no? Well, I thought it was cute.

 

Supplies Used: Crazy About You Stamp Set (131137), Painted Petals Stamp Set (137146), Something to Say Stamp Set (134180), Sprinkles Of Life Stamp Set (139971), which is, by the way our RMHC set for this year. Stampin Up! will donate proceeds from the sales of this set to help Ronald McDonald Houses all over the world. How awesome is that? Back to the list. Cucumber Crush (138335), Pacific Point (111350), Watermelon Wonder (138334) and Whisper White (100730) Card Stocks, Crushed Curry (131173), Cucumber Crush (138324), Pacific Point (126951) and Watermelon wonder (138323) Classic Inks; Cherry on Top Designer Series Paper Stack (138443); Watermelon Wonder 1" Dotted Lace Trim (138425); and Hello You Thinlits Dies (137363). 

 

 

I'm really proud of this scrapbook page. First of all, it is of my favorite subject to photograph, my granddaughter, Riley. We started taking her to the strawberry fields when she was two. It has since become an annual tradition that we, and she, look forward to each Spring. She was so cute this first time out. She took great pains to find the "just right" berries to put in her bucket. I guess after the first few minutes, she grew tired, because she just sat down and kept going!

   

 

This is the journaling from the page, and I apologize for the not so good pic of it. It says: From the very beginning of your journey to discover the different tastes, textures, smells and varieties of all things food, Strawberry has always been your favorite. Nanny & Papa took you to pick your very first fresh from the field strawberries. I don't know who had more fun, you or us!  

  

Supplies Used: Daffodil Delight (119683), Garden Green (102584), Real Red (102482), and Whisper White (100730) Card Stocks, Brights Collection Designer Paper Series Stack (130139) and Flower Pot (133698) Designer Series Paper; Crumb Cake (126975) Classic Ink for shading on the strawberries; Boho Blossoms Punch (119858), Itty Bitty Accents Punch (133787) and Owl Builder Punch (118074) used the eyes for the flower centers; Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (117335), Hearts Collection Framelits Die (125599) and Autumn Accents Bigz Die (127812). The font for the title on the page was selected from My Digital Studio, which sadly, will be going away. ;-(   

 

 

You have always been an "outside" little girl. Especially in the Summer. You love the water play in the pool and popsicles!  I suppose that you were hotter than usual that day, because you asked Papa if you could have another popsicle. Yummy.

 

 

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, folks. But I have the most beautiful granddaughters on the planet. Just sayin'

 

 

See? 

 

Supplies Used: 12 X 12 Whisper White Card Stack for Background (124302), Daffodil Delight (119683), Island Indigo (122923), Melon Mambo (115320), Rich Razzleberry (115316), and Watermelon Wonder (138344) Card Stocks; Adventure Bound Designer Series Paper Stack (137780), Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack (138443), Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper (137784), Postage Stamp Punch (122344), 1" Square Punch (124094), and popsicle sticks from Nanny's Craft Supply stash!

 

 

 

I was sorting some pictures one day, and I found these; some of  Riley's favorite things to do. She was still crawling in the first one, but that didn't stop her from gathering her purse and some beads for a necklace.

 

 

 

The journaling for the pic says "You learned very early the importance of having the right accessories...". It just comes naturally for her. 

 

 

In the second picture, she was her putting on the  Snow White Shoes that she got for Christmas and the accompanying "Princess" Costume. The caption reads "Every Princess knows that the right shoe can change your life...          

 

 

 

 

 

 This was her Birthday celebration with Nanny & Papa. We got her a "Birthday Girl" crown, and when she had finished her cake and ice cream, she was getting ready for her bath. She absolutely, positively would not take off  that crown! 

 

 

 

In the fall after her 3rd birthday, we signed her up for ballet class through our local rec center. They offered 8 weeks, and we wanted to see if she was interested enough to sign up for dance school. She was so precious in her "too big" tutu.  The journaling block for this picture reads: " You ran over right in the middle of your first dance class to tell us "I'm really great at this!"

 

I have to say, this is one of my favorite times with Riley. She was just beginning to dress herself, and she wanted to be sure she made a good fashion statement. She tried on many outfits (AND accessories) and she always, always asked "So, what do you think? How do I look?" Nanny's heart just melts when she's around.

 

 

Supplies Used: Gold Soiree Specialty Designer Series Paper (133697), 2013-2015 In Colors Collection Designers Series Paper Stack (130136); Blushing Bride (131198), Cucumber Crush (138335), Daffodil Delight (119683), Elegant Eggplant (10516), Pacific Point (111350), Watermelon Wonder (138334) and Whisper White (100730) Card Stocks; 2013-2015 In Color Sequins (133631); Labels Collection Framelits Dies (125598), Ovals Collection Framelits Dies (129381), and the font for the Title was chosen from My Digital Studio using Elegant Eggplant for the Color.

 

 

 

The final pics are the 3D Project I created using the Floral Frames Collection Framelits Dies (127012), Flower Fair Framelits Dies (133731); Garden Green (102584) Card Stock; Bermuda Bay Sequin Trim 137910); Venetian Crochet Trim (134581); 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon (132140), that I unraveled and put in the vase for stability of the flowers, and to add a little somethin' somethin' to the vase that I purchased from AC Moore (actually, it's an acrylic light bulb that I found in the $1 bin and thought, I wonder what I can do with this...); Clever, don't you think? I also used floral tape and floral stems I already had here, and LASTLY, the creative genius I came up with for the flowers. It is the tissue that comes in My Paper Pumpkin each month. Now, how's that for up cycling?

 

 

 

 

Now I'm going to see If I can make a slide show of the pics and post them here. Fingers crossed? Mine are.

 

It's a no go on the slide show for right now. I will keep working on it and let you see it as soon as it IS a go...

 

These are my entries for this year, and since the time draws nigh, I will have to fill you in with all the deets tomorrow. Promise. Cross my heart. BTW-today is tomorrow. Something for you to ponder

 

I'm guessing that by now, I have created the world's longest blog post. I hope you think it was worth the read. I would love to know what you think of the projects and the post, so PLEASE feel free to add your comments.

 

Take gentle care...

Fondly,

 

Beth Steel

Riley and Capen's Nanny

 



Been Gone Far Too Long

Wow. That's about all I can say. I truly did not realize that it had been so long since my last post. And apparently, I really need to get my life in order. Or something like that.
It has been a rough year and then some for me in this adjustment to my husband retiring. He's here at home. With me. All day. Every day. As a matter of fact, I often find myself wondering what day of the week it is since he's always here. But that's a story for another day.

Tonight's post is about new Stampin' Up! products and what we can make with them. I was able to preorder these products and get a kick start on the Holiday season. The stamp set, Holiday Home, is from the new Holiday catalog which will be available until after the first of next year! I also used the new framelits, Homemade Holiday to make the little houses. Aren't they fun!?.

I had so much fun making this card. I was trying to get it made without my granddaughter Riley seeing it, and I had to keep hiding it from her while she was here this weekend. Silly girl! While I was stamping the sky and the ground, I decided to pounce the ink instead of using the brayer. I felt like that gave it the angry sky and dried up grass look that happens around here in the fall.
I love to do the fussy cutting as they call it. It actually relaxes me. I used the Motley Monster Designer Series Paper to make all the little critters around the houses and in the yard. I even used the new Project Life by Stampin' Up! set, Day to Day to say BOO at the top of the card.

I hope you enjoyed seeing the card as much as I had fun making it. And if I forget to post for any length of time, somebody call me. Or hit me up on my facebook page and remind me to get busy and post some more.

 

Take gentle care...

Beth

A New Challenge

It seems that the title of this post may have way more than just one meaning here. I had truly anticipated being more regular-or more frequent-or more something, anyway, about posting on my blog . I suppose that for many reasons, that has just not happened as I had planned.

At any rate, Stampin' Up! CEO and cofounder, Shelli Gardner sent out a new challenge earlier in the month that I didn't realize she had issued until just recently. I guess I was so focused on getting things ready for convention, I didn't pay attention. And I normally do pay close attention to Shelli's blog posts.

Which brings me to the reason for this post. I had prepared 120 card swaps for convention and 50 3D projects, so I had actually intended to take a rest for a few days after I got back home last week. That lasted as long as it took for me to check in on the Stampin' Connection, our Demo Only discussion forum. That is when I saw the challenge post for creations made with stamp sets and products from our new 2013-2014 annual catalog.

And, being the competitive sort that I am, I decided to give it a go. So, here you have it:

The first picture is a card I made with the new stamp set - Gorgeous Grunge. I must confess here that "grunge" is not a genre that I would normally choose. This was one of the stamp sets that Stampin' Up! gave us at convention in Salt Lake City. I'm really warming up to this set. The card also showcases our new In Colors for 2013-2015. I chose to use another stamp set, also new to the 2013-2014 annual catalog - Really Good Greetings. I think this set is appropriate with the grunge set for this card. When I first stamped the card, I thought; isn't this a really good example of life in general? With all its parts. The good, and orderly,  the wildly familiar, and at the same time, the bad, and the chaos and disorder that is life as most of us know it to be. And yet, we all have choices to make each and every day; to do, to work, to play, to give, and to reflect. And look, there is only one layer attached to the base. That in itself is a major conquest for me! 

 

I used Bermuda Bay cardstock for the card base. The stamping is on Whisper White cardstock. The ink colors are Baked Brown Sugar, Coastal Cabana, Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding and Strawberry Slush, all classic ink pads in the new annual catalog. I just had a stroke of creativity I guess, and added the mini silver brads at the end. And, as if Stampin' Up! needed another  endorsement, the 5 year old granddaughter, Riley, absolutely loves the new In Colors! She can hardly wait for me to paint her nails with the nail polish we were offered in Memento Mall. 

 

The next card that I made was using our new Ronald McDonald House Charities stamp set, Tag It. Each year, Stampin' Up! creates a new set for RMHC, and from the sale of each set purchased, they will donate $3.00 to RMHC. Isn't that neat? I think it is. Being that the set was the RMHC one, and their efforts help those families that have sick children in the hospital around the world, I decided to make a cheerful Get Well card. I think that I succeeded in that attempt, don't you?  

 

Now, this card is more me. I love all of our products, including our Designer Series Papers. This one is called Gingham Garden. I LOVE it! As a matter of fact, I have already used a entire package of it. The base is Pear Pizzazz cardstock that was a recent In Color color, that has been added to our core color line of products. The first layer is Melon Mambo cardstock followed by Island Indigo, and the sentiment is stamped using Island Indigo classic ink on Whisper White cardstock. I used 4 of the 12 designs of the Gingham Garden paper on my card, as well as our Seam Binding Ribbon in Daffodil Delight. Quite cheerful, don't you agree?

I hope you have enjoyed your visit to my blog, and that you'll come back again soon! Take gentle care,

Riley and Capen's Nanny.

Card Stock and Inks and Embellishments, Oh My!

This past week has really flown by. And Spring has finally arrived. Or is it Summer? It was 90 degrees here today, and I turned on the A/C last night because it was sure stuffy in here. In April. It was 82 degrees in the house at 10 pm! OMG

I have been bagging and tagging and boxing this week, getting ready for a Crafter's Yard Sale. I have seen things I didn't know I still had around here.

And next week, Spring cleaning. Lots of Spring cleaning. More than a lick and a promise, too. I have to get myself ready for my husband's upcoming retirement at the end of next month. I am not at all ready for this. I am entering this station of our lives with fear and in trepidation. He's going to be here all day every day. Which means more dishes. More laundry. More being startled when I turn around and he's standing there looking like he has no idea what to do with himself. 

That must be nice. I've never known that feeling. And I'm not sure I ever will. Or if I even want to.

I will of course also be taking a few breaks during next week. I need to create again. It just feels good!

Take gentle care, and we'll chat a gain soon...

Fondly,

Riley and Capen's nanny

Beth Steel