Blogging, Blogging, and Blogging

I really love the idea of blogging, but I have to admit it is killing me!!!! Anyone who knows me knows I have more than plenty to talk about. I probably talk to much. I have heard more than once, "God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason!" It's not for lack of stuff to share, however the technology part is beating me up! Just when I think I'm figurein' things out - they CHANGE!  and it's back to square one. So please bear with me as I continue this journey of trial and error (I see that word alot ERROR)

So, on with the thought for today! Our trip to California was amazing. It is one of the most inspiring states. The scenery from San Diego to Palm Springs was just so awesome. I have never enjoyed just riding around so much. The mountains, the valleys, the desert, the ocean- It was just beautiful. the majesty of God's creation was breath taking at times and we are truly thankful for the experience. We met some really nice people along the way and were very blessed by them. As we rolled into town, I had to hit the floor running. Hostess clubs are underway, swaps to do, classes to plan; it's Craft Fair season, football season, and school as started.

Today I'll share one of two school cards my clubs made in August. Isn't this cute? I was instantly reminded of the Dick and Jane reading books we used way back in the day! The base of this card  is Baja Breeze embossed with the strips embossing folder. The DSP is my fav at the moment. It's called Storytime (#126907) and it's perfect for anything school related, cards, scrapbooks I even made a really cute memo chalkboard for Cadie-bug using this paper. The Kitten and friends wording are from a set called Storybook Friends (#126735w or #126737c). The kitten is stamped with Early Expresso ink then I used the watercolor pencils and a blender pen to color it.  Well, I really need to get in my stampin' room, so I'll be back soon. Take care and be blessed.

Congratulations!!!!!!

I almost forgot but Miss Claire Rouze was married today to Mr. Chris Mattox. She is an amazing young lady. She has a new blog about crafting, couponing, awesome jewelry, household hints, cooking.... a lot of good stuff. It's called DIYin Dixie.. Go visit and leave her a message,I know she'll appreciate it.

Christmas in July and now August!

Hey girls, Hope everyone is doing great this summer! As I type this I am in the "3rd circle of Hell" as my friend Karen Mixon would say! We are actually at a  great resort in Cathedral City outside Palm Springs, CA and it is way HOT!!!! Like so hot you can't hold onto the stair rails going down the stairs because they will burn your hands! So to feel cooler I thought I'd share some of the cards we did last week at the Christmas in July sneak peak.This is one of my favorites. It's a great Christmas set because you get a good image and saying in one set. This is a new set in the Catalog, called Rejoicing with you, p.21. I did use the music wheel as a background on the Bashful Blue. The angel is embossed with silver embossing powder on Marina Mist cardstock. She is then cute out with paper snips and attached with dimensionals. I love blue  at Christmas. So, if you are roasting start planning Christmas projects to help you get your mind off the HOT!

Got ta go. Go be a blessing to someone today! God bless you!!

Cardstock: Marina Mist, Night of Navy and Bashful Blue.
Ink: Bashful Blue and Night of Navy
Stamp set, Rejoicing with You, Music Wheel
Embellishments: 3/8 in taffeta ribbon, label framelet

The Open Sea is back!

If you liked this stamp set as much as I did you are going to be really happy to see The Open Sea stamp set made it into the New 2012 Catalog! If you remember it was in a previous mini, I just love it and was thrilled to see it again. It is a great set for making "Manly Cards". I participated in a Chat and Challenge on a demo website called Sudsol recently. This is the card I made for that challenge. I was pleased with how it turned out.The "For You" is from Itty Bitty Banners and cut by hand.


Stamp sets: The Open Sea and Itty Bitty Banners
Cardstock: base- Crumb Cake, layers-Choc. Chip and Very Vanilla and Midnight Muse
Ink: Midnight Muse, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, and Bashful Blue
Accessories: 2 1/2 circle punch, Cherry Cobbler brads, dimensionals.
The chip is stamped in Chocolate Chip and sponged with Bashful Blue


Thanks for looking! Now, go have a really blessed day and be a blessing to someone around you and you will be truly blessed!

Not into Blue- How about Gumball Green?

Well, I'm still playing with Betsy's Blossom, but this time I tried it with some of the other In Colors. This one highlights the Gumball Green with the coordinating 3/8" stitched ribbon. The other colors are Primrose Petal, Summer Starfruit, and Raspberry Ripple. I cut out the cute little bird and lifted him with a dimensional. This is a great all occasion card- stick a "Thinking of you" or "Happy Birthday" label on there and your done! A little pearl embellishment for the eye- Ta Da! Well, it's time for me to say  Ta Ta and see ya later. Be Blessed and be a blessing to some one else!

Betsy's Blossom in Blue

Hey Girls- How about some samples! Betsy's Blossom is on of the new stamp sets in the NEW 2012-2013 Stampin' Up Catalog and Idea Book! I made a couple cards for the open house using this stamp set and some of the new In Colors. I love Blue! It is one of my favorite colors, so I used the Midnight Muse as a base for these two cards. The Thank you card uses Marina Mist with Gumball green and the Midnight Muse. The second card is actually a Christmas card. Yes, it is time to start thinking Christmas! The DSP is from the Floral District package. I think it looks like a snowburst design. I love Blue at Christmas!  Are you finding alot of stuff you want in the new catalog. June and July are great months to host a workshop, Stampin' UP is giving hostess in June and July extra hostess benefits for a qualifying workshop, so send me an email or give me a call and schedule your workshop asap. Limited dates available! Later, Be blessed!

New Catalog!!!!!!!

Hey girls, Today is June 1st and the new 2012-2013 Stampin' Up Catalog is live! You are going to love this cattie. It is a really beautiful product itself! We have 5 new "In Colors", some awesome Designer Series paper and some great new stamp sets! The newly designed foam stamp pads are great for solid images and give a nice design without alot of pressure. Here is a really bad picture of my precious Granddaughter, Cadie, helping CeCe get ready for tonight's Open House by putting labels on catalogs for me! We were in a hurry and didn't have time to get better camera. Even a 5 yr old can help! Okay, I still have a lot  to do before the open house. More later. Be blessed. Love yall! Oh, you can check out the new catalog online by clicking the link on the left hand side of my blog!

More Wedding Ideas from Jen's Wedding

Hey yall! Hope everyone is doing fine! It is a really nice spring day today in the heart of Dixie. Suppose to hit mid 80's and the humidity is, well what else we are in Alabama, it is high more than 50%, but according to my hair it could be 150!!!! Still a nice day. I have been making lots of cards recently and really need to get more things posted for my faithful few followers, but I do still have a couple of wedding things to share and then I'll get on the cards.
This is a place-card I made for the Bridesmaid luncheon. I thought these came out really nice. The stamp set is Vintage Vogue, one I  really like and sadly it is retiring this year. The cardstock and ink colors are Elegant Eggplant, Wild Wasabi , and Perfect Plum. Very simple project but really nice on the table.


The second project is a gift bag. I am sharing this purely for the idea. The stamp sets I used  retired some time ago, but ones that were just what I  needed for these bags. Each Bridesmaids initial was stamped on the flower tag. These were cut with the Big shot and the Flower Power die. The girls really liked them, I was happy! Well, better run get busy on the next project. I pray yall are having a great day and feeling really blessed. If not, try counting all the things you have to be thankful for and you will realize just how blessed you are! Then go share that blessing with some one else. Now you are doubly blessed. Bye now!

Change, Change Change

Hey gals,
I'm not talking about pennies, nickels and dimes today! Everything in life is always changing! My awesome Tombo would say I just made to big mistakes: everything and always. However, I think in this case I'm right. Just as I learn something like Blogger or facebook and start getting a little comfortable they go and change everything and I feel like I'm starting over! Well, in reality this is not really a bad thing. As the scripture says, there is a time for everything. Change is inevitable. Thank God He never changes though!

Daffodil's from 5 petal punch

This card was made using the Inspired by Nature grass and the 5 petal flower punch. Sadly, both of these items are retiring. I saw a card like this  somewhere online and tried to copy it. I don't remember were I saw it, so I can't give the other person credit, but I loved the card! Daffodils are one of my favorite flowers. This punch as been very useful also, so if you don't have it. Get it before it retires. Click here to do some shopping online! This link will take you to my webpage, then just click shop now! and you're on your way. Check out the retiring list and the clearance rack for some great deals! Ok, gotta run. be blessed and bless someone around you, then you will be truly blessed!

Retiring Accessories list is out and it is long. Remember stampers, these items are while supply last only!
check it out. You can order online at www.cindywaldroff.stampinup.net or shoot me an email and I'll take care of it for you. Don't wait, it might be to late!

Repost- Inspired by Nature

This is a re-post of 2010- but worth repeating! The Oxford American Dictionary defines passion as "strong emotion, great enthusiasm for something". The Bible says in Psalm 38:9 (NLT) "You know what I long for, Lord; you hear my every sigh." Why is this even important? We are often motivated by our passions, whatever they are. It is important to understand how our passions affect us and how we can use those passions to achieve all God has for us. In my part of the country people are passionate about Football! It dominates most conversations during the season. Much money is spend on tickets, tailgating, apparel, and a host of other stuff to support the team. People go crazy over football. I like football okay, but I'm not going to lose any sleep over a lost game, coach, or player. I tried to make a list of the things that really bring out strong emotions in me, good and bad. It really all boils down to relationships. My relationship with Jesus Christ, my personal Savior, my husband, my children, other family members, friends and even customers from my Stampin' Up! business are what motivate me the most and most often control my decisions. My business does allow me to focus on my other relationships. It offers me the flexibility to put first things first. I love to stamp! It is relaxing and invigorating at the same time. I really love to get comments on the cards I send and to know I touched someone else with a word of encouragement wrapped in a little card I made. I have been very blessed with new relationships and really good friends I would not have met if it hadn't been for my stamping business. For this I am very thankful. One of our Stamp sets that I love is named Inspired by Nature. I used it this week to create this card as a reminder to live each day with passion for the things that are truly important to me. This card is for you, my customers, family and friends. Thank you for your love and support for growing my business and blessing my life.

Supplies: cardstock Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, and Natural White Ink: Cajun Craze, Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede, Always, Artichoke, Chocolate Chip Stamp Set: Inspired by Nature Technique: sponging background, large flower stamped and then colored with Chocolate Chip marker

"Technique A Week" Day

Hey Ladies, Hope you are all doing well. I am fine. It has been a great week. Busy, but still relaxing some. I have seen grand-babies, but not kept them all week as usual, a little mini vacation for me! So lets get to stamping stuff. I am showing yall a card today that is one of my favorites!. I love this stamp set and am really sad to say it is on the retiring list. It is a great set. Only in wood and double mounted, but I love it. It's called Inspired by Nature #111656 price is 23.95. The set contains 4 stamps. I made this card for a workshop where I was demonstrating watercolor techniques. The base cardstock is Regal Rose and the layer is Natural White. It is a heavier paper that Whisper White and handles the watercolor technique better. I stamped the tall grass in Pear Pizzazz first, then inked my flower stamp with markers: Pear Pizzazz, Regal Rose, Rose Red and Daffodil Delight. After the stamp was inked up, I lightly spritzed it with water, then stamped it over the grass. The water just wets it enough to give that water-colored look. And that's all there is to it. Easy Peasy! But gives a very dramatic effect. So if you don't have this stamp set in your collection don't mess around, it will be gone May 31st. Tomorrow I'll show you another card using the same set that looks totally different. Until then, God bless yall and go be a blessing to someone else today.

Ok Girls, time is running out!

I am suppose to get so much done this week. Jen and Brett are home from their honeymoon and I don't have the kids this week, so I have this long list of projects, right? Well, the first project was actually to get my TAXES done! Yes, it has taken two days and a sleepless night. But, Thank Goodness they are signed, sealed and in the mail! Even better there is a refund coming our way. So you can see way time is running out has special meaning for me, however, that really isn't what this post is about. You only have 13 days left to get some great stamps out of the Occasions Mini. The sales period for it will end the 30Th of April. One of my favorite sets in this Mini has been the Mixed Bunch and coordinating blossom punch. It is a very versatile stamp set. This card was made with that stamp set, and the DSP from the Sale-a-bration flyer (RIP) I loved that paper. Also, Poppy Parade is the color in this paper and ink the flower was stamped in. It is an amazing color, but will retire in May with all the 2010-2012 "In Colors". If these are items you really want, head over to my online store or shoot me an email with your order. I'll be happy to take care of that for you. Have a great day and be a blessing to someone around you. The you will truly be blessed.

Sad Day, Happy Day

This is always a sad day for SU demonstrators. The List of stamp sets that are retiring from the current cattie and will not be carried over to next years catalog, is like losing old friends. However it is a great opportunity for customers to get those sets before they retire. And the happy day comes this year June 1st when we see all the new sets we just must have in the new 2012-2013 re-designed catalog. So, look at the list and make your list of the sets you really want before they are gone. The Accessory List will be posted on the 25th of April. This month would be a great time to have a workshop and host a Retirement Party! Shoot me an email and set a date, as the hostess you will earn free product of your choice! Click on the link on the left column to see the list of retiring stamp sets. Have a blessed day and be a blessing to someone else!

I just thought I was busy last week!

Well, the week before the wedding I thought I was really busy. You know, running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. If you're not from the country and haven't seen this event, it is really gross and yes, the head-less chicken runs around like crazy. I was mistaken! Last week was nothing compared to this week with a 5yr old and 1 yr. old staying with us, 24/7! I am not only busy, but exhausted and tired of answering unanswerable questions, like" why is the cat looking at me?". Needless to say my house is not clean, the laundry is not done and the blog as not been updated! Today should be a technique day, but if y'all will forgive me I'll try to get back on track next week. How about some wedding stuff I promised?

Jen's colors were shades of purple. We decided Perfect Plum was the best match and Elegant Eggplant was a good monochromatic combo. This picture is of the invitation closed. I stamped the front area with the flourish from Elements of Style in Perfect Plum. The small

embellishment on top is layered with Elegant Eggplant and Perfect Plum and Whisper White. The white piece was embossed with the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder and then lightly sponged with Perfect Plum ink. The top flap was punched with the pinking heart border punch. I was very pleased at how these turned out. Oh, you can't see it, but the white piece was also sprayed with a mixture of white glimmer paint and alcohol for a nice little shine.

The open invitation is a little surprise. I cut the card stock 4.25 x 11, then cut one piece in half at 5.5 and layered it over the first piece to give it added length. This gave me room for the invitation, the RSVP info, and driving directions to the venue. I did some random stamping inside with the same flourish and a small flower from the Barque Motif stamp set. I also punched the down flap with the pinking heart punch. These were a labor of love and I enjoyed making them, I forgot to take a picture of the envelopes which were stamped with the same flourish and the flaps embossed with the same Elegant Bouquet embossing folder. I have to admit that good ole Tombo ran all the envelopes through the Big Shot for me. He is such a big help. Okay that's enough for today. I'll share more next time. Have a very blessed day and be a blessing to someone else.

I'm thinking .....

My plan is to do Technique a week on Thursday, however this week that is just to close to the wedding day so I'm doing it today. If this technique has an official title I don't know what it is. I call it dusting in the Amelia Bedelia sort of way! It's not removing, but adding just a touch of color around the edges of a project. It can make all the difference in the world. It helps pieces to pop out and gives them definition. Around the edges of a card it can give you the aged or worn look. As you see around the bunny , I dusted the Whisper White with Pretty in Pink, otherwise the different parts of the bunny would not have definition. I also did it around the Happy Easter. This is a very useful and much used technique when stamping. So, get out your sponges or sponge daubers and try it out on your next card. All you do is hold your card stock in your hand and dust the edge with the sponge or dauber with an up and down motion to add a little color to the edge. Easy peasy! Gotta go. Have a very blessed day.

April's reason's to stamp

Here are some not so well known reason's to stamp(like we need reason's).

April is Autism Awareness Month, National Kite Month, National Pet Month, and Southern Belle Month

The First Week of April is Laugh at Work Week

The Second Week of April is Garden Week

The Third Week of April is National Volunteer Week

The Fourth Week of April is National Dance Week

The Fifth Week of April is National Pie Week

April 2nd is International Children's Book Day

April 10th is National Sibling Day

April 18th is Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day

April 23rd is Talk Like Shakespeare Day

April 29th is National Pet Parents Day

Of course, I really like "Southern Belle Month"! oh, and national pie week, who wouldn't like that a whole week to honor pies! Pecan, Pumpkin, Apple Pie...this is why I have fat thighs! Just a little ditty from the past. Laugh today it is good like medicine! Be Blessed.

Easter is coming!

I love this time of year. Spring is in the air, flowers blooming, you should see my roses, the real ones, not the knock out ones, they are beautiful. As you may have read we are preparing for a wedding next Saturday. I know, the day before Easter! What was that girl thinking! But it will be beautiful. I have been stamping place cards and gift bags and embossing napkins and making favors and ...... the list goes on. It has been fun and I plan on sharing these things with you after the wedding.

But, in the middle of this chaos I have had a few other things to do. I am sharing at a MOPS group this week, we are doing two really cool cards. I'll share the cute one with you today. I always have a little trouble with the whole bunny thing at Easter, it is such an important day in my faith and I really don't think there were cute little bunnies hopping around at the foot of the cross. Never the less, it is fun for the kiddos and I love cute little bunnies! When my children were growing up, we did celebrate the Easter bunny on Saturday before Easter and then prepared our hearts for Easter Sunday! It worked well. Anyway, here's the card. It was inspired by two ladies, Jan and Gwen, love their work. The base is natural white card stock layered with Marina Mist and Bashful Blue. The bunny is made with 2 small ovals(retired), 1 inch and 1 1/4 inch circles, and the modern label punch for his feet. Oh yes, don't forget the Boho blossom small flower for the little tail. I dusted the outer edges of the pieces with Pretty in Pink. The clouds are the top of the cupcake punch. I used the large oval for the Happy Easter out of Tiny Teeny Wishes. The back ground is stamped in Marina Mist and Rose Red using the Pocket Silhouettes stamp set. The little flower is from the small punch trio set punched out of Rose Red with a little bling embellishment. Cute, huh? I hope the ladies enjoy doing it. Well, blog post is getting too long. Gotta run. Be Blessed!

Technique A Week

Hi Stampers,

I am adding a new addition to my blog, "Technique a Week". I am going to be featuring a new stamping technique each week. The birthday card I shared on my last post is an example of Spotlighting. It is a simple technique. First, you stamp your image on the cardstock you plan onusing as a layer and then again on a small piece of cardstock the same color. Using a punch, punch out the area to be spotlighted. This smallpiece will be colored in with markers, watercolor crayons, pencils, blender pens, whatever you want. Next, punch out a second piece the same shape but a little bigger for layering. Adhere these two pieces, then layer them on the card over the design matching the borders as much as possible. This technique can also be done in reverse. In the reverse the "spotlighted piece" would be left not colored and the larger piece would be colored. I hope this new feature will be helpful to yall in your paper crafting. Have a great day and be blessed.

Never enough time

Well, friends and fellow stampers another almost 2 months has flown by. And I mean FLOWN. WE have been busy with wedding preparations around here. Our daughter, Jennifer, is getting married in a couple of weeks and it has been crazy. Well, maybe I have been crazy!!! I have made a ton of wedding invitations and some other cute stuff and also have been trying to keep up with my hostess clubs. Therefore, the blog has suffered neglect. I would like to share a cute card I made for our younger daughters 22 birthday in February. Isn't this a great card. I love the bright colors. This stamp set is called packed for birthday and and it is packed with cute birthday designs. The Packed for Birthday stamp set is in the Occasions mini catalog which is current through the 30th or April. There is also a great Packed for Dad and Baby and Mom. You can even get them as a bundle and save! For just a few more days you can get the "Celebrate" out of the Sale-a-bration cattie for FREE with a 50.00 order. So head over to my online website and place your order today.

Home from Leadership

Lots going on. I am home from San Antonio after attending Leadership conference with Stampin' Up! It was great. It is the best company to be partnered with. Learned lots of new stuff, saw some sneak peaks (cool new stuff) and came home with a lot of giveaways!!! Most of the pictures are still on the camera! Anyway- I have blog candy to give away! Check back in the next couple of days and leave me a comment so I know you were here! Later.

If you are looking for reasons to stamp...

Just in case you need a reason to get stamping this month...January is International Creativity Month, Hobby Month, National Thank You Month, National Polka Music Month, and Be Kind to Food Servers Month. The First Week of January is Celebration of Life Week, The Second Week of January is Kid Film Week, The Third Week of January is National Book Week, The Fourth Week of January is Clean Out Your Inbox Week, The Fifth Week of January is Catholic Schools Week. January 2nd is the Rose Bowl Game - January 6th is Three Kings Day January 12th is Secret Pal Day-January 18th is Winnie the Pooh Day (A.A. Milne's Birthday) January 24th is National Compliment Day-January 31st is Inspire Your Heart with the Arts Day.

Personally, I never need a reason to stamp, but these are interesting national events that can inspire us to be creative. We all need time to relax and let our creative juices flow. So, if it's cold outside( it actually is here today High of 44, however it will be back to 70 by Saturday)and you have some free time, make some cards for a secret pal for Secret Pal Day, or get busy making Thank you cards for all the people that service you throughout the month. What a great way to start a new year- Being thankful and stamping! Can't get better than that! Be blessed stampers and be a blessing to those around you. Oh, Don't forget today is the last day to order from the Holiday Mini, just in case you want something before it retires tonight at 11:59pm. Click here to see mini.

Holiday mini coming to a close

Don't forget the Holiday mini will leave us on the 3rd of Janurary. There are a few items that will carry over, but many will not. If there is something you can't live without order it now. Happy Stamping in the New Year!!