Tuesday, September 30, 2008

image swap


image swap
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins
So, I'm part of a card swap group on Yahoo Groups. And every so often the hosts will do an image swap. I like doing those because I get to see new stuff as well as playing with them without committing to buying them.

You know how it is... sometimes you see a set but you really just want that one stamp out of the entire set, but you have to convince yourself to pay for the whole thing.

Anyway, this time, the swap is w/ Pink Cat Studio's stamps. I like their stamps ok, but I'm just too lazy to get the unmounted and have to find a way to mount and store them. Not that having piles of wood mounted is any better, just more like I need to set aside time to prep than to play. I know, I know, I'm a bum.

So this way, w/ the image swap we get to play with other people's stamps... that's kinda cool! I hope my partner likes it.

Supplies:
Card by Joann's
Stamp by Pink Cat Studio
Patterned Paper by DCWV

Monday, September 29, 2008

If the shoe fits...


If the shoe fits...
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins
Right now I'm dying to go buy some new shoes... I think I'm suffering for some foot ailment. But I can't sacrifice my shoe fetish...

Of course, having the time and money to go shop is a luxury too... The way the market is right now, I'm saving money and even so, haven't been buying any new stamps unless it's absolutely worthy... sad, isn't it?

Anyway, I wish I can go shopping, I can definitely use some retail therapy. The market is down, I'm going thru audit at work, and things are just swamp wherever I turn....

*sigh*
Calgon, take me to a mall!!!

Supplies:
Card by DCWV
Stamp by Rubber Romance
Phrase by Stampendous
Patterned Paper by Memory Box

Friday, September 26, 2008








I swear, if eating cupcakes doesn't make me fat, I'd have one every day. How adorable are they? Cute, individually sized, yummy to the core... Actually, when I get a chance to help w/ a party in some way, I bring cupcakes... just because it's a good excuse for me to have one. Although, the bite size are easier to swallow the calories... I can only imagine how bad they are for you... nothing but sugar.

Anyway, for this card, I just thought I'd do something cheerful, because cupcakes to me are cheerful thing. I mean, hello! Who doesn't like cupcakes???? Plus, they're fun to stamp.
On to something else:

I saw this link on How About Orange to this quiz where you must put color chips in order by hue. It's not as easy as you think....


Supplies:
Card by DCWV
Patterned paper by Paper Studio
Stamps by Verve Visual

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Birdie


Birdie
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins
So weird that I swear I posted yesterday but now looking at my log, I didn't seem to have.... gosh, it's so bad that my days are now running into each other.

Anyway, I really like this bird and its feeling of movement. I just love it!!!!

You can't tell very well, but I was trying to do the faux embossing thing. First off, it doesn't work very well white on white cardstock, duh on me! Then, the other thing is that chalk ink doesn't do well and get overrun by pigment ink. So, lesson learned there.

I think I'm going to re-try that technique when my opique ink arrive. I've also ordered some white embossing powder. If only the craft store is open... they're still without power going on day 14 now. *sigh* Guess craft will have to wait until they open back.

Meanwhile, I guess I can go slump it at Michaels or Hobby Lobby... :-/ Hmm... Don't you hate it when you want to do something and the place you need the supplies from is not open??? Gah!

Supplies:
Card by SU
Patterned Paper by Making Memories
Stamp by Inkadinkado

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Your nurse


Your nurse
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins
I'm still very much over the moon about my 1st publication evah!!!! Squee!!!!

Well, this is another stamp from Splendid Company. She's just too sweet. I got the Get Well set from SU and used that as my background. Too bad you can't really get a good look at them, but they were cute too!

For the nurse, I'm anti-white uniform. Plus, nowadays you never see any nurses in that type of uniforms anymore anyway. Everyone is in scrubs. On top of that, not just boring o' scrubs, they get cute patterns and colors... it's like a different kinds of fashion.

Well, DH has been sick, so thought this is appropriate for him... get well soon!

Supplies:
Nurse stamp by Splendid Stamping
Background stamp by SU
Patterned Paper by Memory Box

Monday, September 22, 2008

Toot Toot for me!!!!

Guess who got an advanced copy of the Holiday Craft??? ME! That's right!


And if you kindly turn to page 154, you'll see my ornament!


This is so cool!!!! Yes, I'm a virgin when it comes to being published... but can say that no more! Gah, I'm so thrilled that I'm jumping up and down and people sitting around my office thinks that I'm crazy. But I don't care!!!!

W00t! For me!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Princess


Princess
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins
I love Splendid Little Company's stuff.... what a great find!

They totally did not start out as a stamp company. I think that was quite accidental for her (the owner). But she's so freggin' talented, I can't stand it. I think she is a designer that sell some crochet stuff, and those are very cute as well. But then OMG, her stamps are uber cute.

I love the Anya's they're too adorable. This is the princess. There's a nurse and an Angel as well. Too cool!

Anyway, I always think of princesses in dreamland of some sort, so this is where that comes in... I was hoping I have a castle type background, but this will make do.

Supplies:
Patterned Paper by DCWV
Stamp By Splendid Stamps

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Tree


Tree
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins
Well, this is the 'negative' of the tree yesterday that I posted. This is the foil that I used, and the part that came out was this portion. So, I matted it against something bright just so you have some sort of contrast.

Speaking of trees, you walk around the city you see that alot of htem are on the ground and or alot of them were snapped in two or removed. I was walking and around and all of a sudden alot of it seems very naked to me. I can see more of the building now. It's pretty amazing.

Anyway, sure you don't care to hear more about post-hurricane progress much like I don't like seeing it more and more on the tv... but you just can't seem to avoid it wherever you go.

Supplies:
Card by SU
Mat by Papercut
Tree by Making Memories

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Post Hurricane


Witch over moon
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins
So, today is the full day of recovery at home... we now have Power after 33 hours of outage, water after 62 hours of outage, cable after 5 days of outage.

Yes, we're back in business!

You know what I realized thru this experience? That cable is what slowing my stamping down. Without TV, I was stamping several cards a night. But now that cable is back on, I'm catching up with the news and channel surfing. That's not good.

Anyway, on to the card. I got these rub on by Making Memories that has foil and flock. I love those rub ons!!! They're so much fun. So, I did the creepy tree and I've been dying to use my sexy witch for the longest time. So, this is my chance!

I was thinking that the moon should also be a tad hazy. Since I didn't want to age it, I just pick a swirly patterned paper from my SU stack and punch out the moon. :)

Supplies:
Witch by Terbearco
Patterned paper by SU
Tree rub on by making Memories

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Shopping...


Shopping...
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins
Boy don't I wish I can go shopping right now. Houston, after the Hurricane, has a 6a to 9p curfew. So, no malls will open later than 7pm. But trust me, as much as I love mall, that place is packed because there are all these people without power and if they can afford the gas, they're going to the mall for some relieve.

Lucky for us, the weather turned good and it makes the nights more bearable than others. But during the day when the sun comes up, you can feel it a tad.

While I'm not the lucky ones that can go shopping... even my could-be-free days I'm stuck here at work. I've been stamping at night when I can. Last night was the first night with water. Trust me, I enjoyed that water pressure very very much. Give you a whole appreciation to flushing.

Anyway, I tend to stamp more now that I don't have the cable. All I have are Tivo-ed shows that I've been putting off. So that kept me company while I clean up my stamp area and stamp some.

Supplies:
Card by DCWV
Ribbon by Michael's
Patterned paper by Paper Studio
Stamp by Inky Antics

Monday, September 15, 2008

Cupycake


Cupycake
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins
Well, what would I do for a cupcake now... We survived the hurricane and so now is left to pick up pieces.

It's the most stressful 3-day weekend I've been thru. While everyone is remembering 9/11, we were busy getting water, and batteries to (as they say) hunker down for the storm.

Friday we waited and DH basically that afternoon said let's go. So we evacuated to Austin. But my mom was at home. So, we kept checking in. Basically lost power that evening on Friday. We went entire Saturday without power, and it only came back on midday Sunday. Needless to say it makes the day very interesting.

I tried stamping because during the daylight I can do that. Actually I prefer to stamp during daylight anyhow. But at night it's pitch black. My mom and I felt like we were in the 40s where people gathered around the radio as entertainment. Except, we were gathering around for informational purposes.

It's very stressful in the dark w/ no power, no water. Have some cell coverage because of text message, but you can forget about a call. Then I'm afraid we don't know how long I have my cell batteries and won't be able to charge it. Basically, alot of 'worry' going on.

Power came back, and I felt blessed. Turns out the businesses in front of us still in the dark, as well as the other half of the apt complex we live in. Like I said, I feel bless. Kroger is on generator, and most still without power. If they're without that means no water being pump thru to the apartments and such. Gah!

Anyway, given the circumstance, we're in better shape than most, but not back 100%. We'll see.

Supplies:
Ribbon by American Craft
Stamp by Hero Arts
All patterned paper by Making Memories

Friday, September 12, 2008

Have a Swingin' Time


Have a Swingin' Time
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins
So, we're 'hunkered' down to 'ride' out the Hurricane Ike. I'm literally glued to the TV. Totally in awe how water just slowly engulf the Galveston island... it's amazing.

Anyway, since we're having some cabin fever, stuck at the apartment. I just thought it's more like a bird in the cage... *sigh*

I'm kinda doing work and kinda watching the updates... so this is short.

Supplies:
Card by SU
Patterned Paper by Making Memories
Stamp by Hero Arts
Word stamps by Stampendous

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Black Cat


Black Cat
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins
Since Halloween is the next big seaonal event, thought I post my Halloween card for my swap.

I just got this stamp from Chicago. They love Inkadinkado, and this month they have a very cool release. However, since I'm not really a Halloween person *gasp* (I know). I have my favorite Halloween stamps in a shoebox and that's that.

I probably will stop here, as it is audit time at work and we are trying to see if we need to evacuate (for real) this time. It's hitting straight to us, and even if the eye of the hurricane is not directly aiming at us, we're on the 'bad' side of the storm this time. So, will keep you guys updated.

Obviously, I'll post if I can. :) Man, what did we do before internet is so addictive?!

Supplies:
Card by DCWV
Patterned Paper by Making Memories
Stamp by Inkadinkado

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Kitty TV


Cat TV
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins
I love cats and kittens, except that I'm allergic to cats. I didn't know for the longest time until I was near a very cute kitten then I realized I'm deadly allergic. I mean, as in, my thoart close up and I can't breathe.

But like I said, I love them.

That said, our neighbor in the apartment complex has this Siamese, she's a evacu-cat from Katrina. The neighbors fell in love with her when she sat up on the husband's lap. So, she is to keep the guy company when he's at home. Except, they kept letting her wander around the complex. Cars runs around and kinda dangerous. Luckily, there's another stray to keep her company.

At first we've been feeding the stray because we can't find the owner for him. We called him Adium because it meows funny. Then he keeps the Siamese company when we're not there and stuff. Slowly, the Siamese called our porch home because she kept eating the food we left out for Adium. Then, one day when the Siamese's owners went on vacation and locked the cat in, the stray stopped coming around. It's very sad.

I have to say, when they hang out at our porch, it's very entertaining to watch. Their sleeping habits, eating habits, interacting with bugs and other cats. It's very interesting to watch. I call it the Kitty TV. Sorta like Animal Planet, except it's cat 24/7.

So, needless to say, when Cat's Pajamas had a sale earlier in the summer, I snatch these stamps and had to make a Cat TV card. And here it is:

Supplies:
Patterned paper by Hot off the Press
Ribbon by American Craft
Stamps by Cat's Pajamas
Card stock by Elliott

Monday, September 8, 2008

Cuttlebugs only!


So, when I was in Chicago, I took a class at Stamp On In in the Lincoln Park area. Did I ever tell you how much I just love the 2 owners? They're the best to work with. I don't get to go to Chicago as often as I used to, so any excuse to go I make a point to stop at their store.

They were so sweet, if you order catalog stuff thru them, they give you a 15% discount. They don't gouch you on the shipping, you pay what they pay. Order usually has quick turn around. Of course, aside from the fact that they remember me (probably because I usually made out like a bandit when I go there), they were so nice to offer that if a class is not packed, to move the dates to accommodate my travel. Now, talk about super customer service that is it! Granted, the class was only consisted of 2 people, some other classes are 3 or 4, and we get cookies and lemonade. But, to go to the extra mile to offer to change dates because of a customer's travel arrangement, I just was floored by their generosity.



I tell you, if you ever get a chance to support local stamp stores, do it! Unlike me, my only options are chain stores, that's why I go online and help the small companies.

Anyway, the class that was available was Cuttlebug class. But there are some stamping in there as well, so that was good. We did 3 cards based on the new Cuttlebug folders. I love classes like these, I was very much on the edge with buying those folders and given now that I've tried it, I was sold... well on one of them anyway.


So, here's our 3 cards. I thought it was so nicely complement with the colors. The stamps we used was by Inkadinkado. The bling was by Hero Arts. The paper was Bazzil Bling, which the owners were telling me that it cost the same as the regular Bazzil. I'm a paper hord, so I'll take it!

I love how these came out. Hope you like them too.


Design by Rick of Stamp On In

Friday, September 5, 2008

Cake anybody?


Cake anybody?
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins
I was so lucky to come upon this Reily stamp when I was in Chicago. I've always seen people use them, and they're so darn cute, but I get easily distracted when I see so many stamps in one place online. So, at the store, I can take my time and focus as I pleased. Of course, it was on the clearance table which motivates me even more.

I love sweets so I thought that was appropriately me. However, I really didn't mean for it to be a "Make-A-Wish bday" type card. I was peeling the sticker off for something else and this one fell off of the sheet and kinda got stuck. If I were to peel it, it'll tear, so i just sucked it up and stuck it on there.

Hope it works out ok..... hmmm....

Well, this weekend I'm going to a SU party, give me a good chance to look at some stamps up close and personal. Of course, the best part is the resale shop... hopefully there's some good stuff out there.

In the mean time, I've been ordering stamps online via Verve Visual and My Favorite Things. So, I can't wait to get my grubby hands on them. Mwahaha....

Have a great weekend!

Supplies:
Card by DCWV
Patterned Paper by American Crafts
Stamp by Hanna Stamps
3D sticker by K&Co

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Hello *waves*


Bots
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins
This card just make me so happy... the two little cutie bots. I just too cute and too happy...

Anyway, I saw them just have to ink 'em up and have fun with it.

If you look any closer, you'll see my poor attemp to have the two of them hold hands together. For the little robot arms, I was being lazy and not masking it. But guess I should've done that after all.

Humidity have gone down outside, going to enjoy the beautiful day!

Supplies:
All stamps by Bam Pop

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

I wanna be a cowgirl


I wanna be a cowgirl
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins
So, remember I took a trip back in June to Vegas? While we didn't gamble, still lose money... to shopping. This is one of the stamps I got form when I was at Viva Las Vegas stamp.

As much as I love going to the stamp store, if you're allergic to pets, this is not a place for you. You probably have better luck picking from their catelog than go in person. I'm not kidding. They are a mile away from the last hotel on the monorail. Not only that, it's easy to cab out there, but no way to cab back, because the it is near schools and local business (read: not tourist money). So, in June in the 100 degree heat, my poor friend was a good friend and walked with me a mile out from middle of nowhere back to the strip.

On top of that, the owner guy was grumpy, his helpers were nice and friendly but the guy has 3 cats and a big dog on his lap. You can't see him as he barricade himself with paperwork and stamps. But I do recall seeing a big chair and computer back here w/ a dog sleeping.

When I pull out this stamp to use, I found a cat hair. Don't get me wrong, I love cats, but I am also allergic, so that's not-so-good.

Enough complaining, I had fun making this card, it's very Western. I find that very funny because I don't own a pair of boots, and not even a cowboy hats. That should de-mystify that we don't ride our horses to work, and not everyone wear their cowboy gears to businesses around town. Not that you don't often see that on the weekends, but just that we don't like they show on TV.

Supplies:
Patterned paper by SU
Background stamp by SU
Girl stamp by Viva LasVegas Stamp

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

One Last Summer Splash


splash
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins
So, we hunkered down this past weekend thinking that Gustav will come thru. Lucky for us, we were spared, but still kept us on the edge of our seat every single step of the storm.

Anyway, last week, me and my blonde streak, forgot to take my camera with me. This weekend we cleaned up and someone hid my card reader. Geez...

Anyhoo, here's a card for you to check out. Finally! I thought it's still in the 90s here in Houston, might as well give summer the last hoorah! This is Hanna sun bathing. I thought the chipboard sorta looks like the sun, so I just lined it up there. Boy, if it's not so muggy outside, I probably wouldn't mine being outside.

Hope you enjoy your day!

Supplies:
paper & chipboard by Imaginscence
Ribbon by American Craft
Stamp by Hanna Stamps