Just For You

Just for You

There are times when I try to get a vision for a card that I found in a sketch challenge and I still have creativity block… similar to writer's block and I become frustrated.  This was one of those cards… LoL.

Mojo308SketchI wanted to put together a card to send off to a friend, but I was completely at a stand still for a layout.  So, I set out to find a sketch challenge that I thought wouldn't take a hours to put together.  I found it in Monday Mojo 308's challenge.

Just for You

I chose a color I don't use often just because I wanted a challenge.  Boy did I meet that challenge face to face!  Although it didn't take me hours to put together… the colors itself stumped me.  I hit a bump in the road and I was left wondering if the recipient would like it.  I guess I'll have to let you know once my friend receives it. =)

Just for You

Product contest going on over at my Facebook page.  Hop on over and check it out now by clicking HERE.

SWEET SUMMER SAVINGS "PAPER PUMPKIN STYLE"

The summer's greatest deal-the Paper Pumpkin promo code-is only good through August 31, 2013! You have just a few days to get on the bandwagon.

Here are the facts in case you didn't catch them:

  • Through August 31, 2013, new Paper Pumpkin subscribers can use the promo code PUMPKINDEAL to join Paper Pumpkin for only $10 a month for the first two months!

Then, after you receive two months' worth of Paper Pumpkin kits, the price for future kits will go back to the regular price: $19.95.  Click HERE to get yours today!

Blog-Signature

Just for You

Products Used:
Stamp Sets:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Happy Day, A Round Array
Paper:  Epic Day This and That, Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Whisper White, Very Vanilla
Accessories:  Large and Regular Rhinestones, Oval Framelits, Modern Label Paper Punch,
Black & Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Emboss Powder

Siempre Pensando En Usted Ama

Siempre Pensando

This card is dedicated to my momma.  She's been there for me my entire life, she showed me tough love, gentle love, and hard love while at the same time loving me unconditionally.  What is unconditional love?  Ask a momma and she will explain it to you like a five year old.

I have always been a daddy's girl, but a daddy is as good as a fabulous momma standing behind him (to holdh im up).  =)  My parents are the best any kid could have ever asked for.  They are Mexican immigrants who left their homeland in search for a better life for their children, there are six of us, plus cousins and friends they helped along the way.

They came here as migrant workers with working Visas… my dad worked six days a week from sunrise to sunset.  He taught himself English and worked his way to becoming a certified plumber.  He believes in giving back to our communities and taking nothing for granted.

My dad never believed in the give-me give-me attitude, he has always said, "you work for what you get… so get yourself educated, so you don't have to depend on anyone to feed your family."  RIGHT ON DAD!

I started at the lowest ranks in the United States Air Force as an Airmen First Class and now I am a Major because of the values they in instilled in me as a young child.  I am giving back to the country that gave my dad an opportunity to raise his family and provide a better future.  For that, I am truly GRATEFUL!

Leave a comment and tell me what are YOU grateful for?

Siempre Pensando

Translation:  Always thinking of you.  Although for a parent or as a sign of respect we use the word usted instead of tu.  It still means "you", but it is disrespectful to say "ti" to an elder.  But it still didn't stop me from using the sentiment for my mom.  Thank you Stampin' Up! for thinking of the Latino community. 
 

Siempre Pensando

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set: Happy Day, Hostess (Spanish) Exprésate
Paper: Marina Mist, Real Red, Whisper White, White Tealace Doily
Tools: 1" Square Punch, Circle Collection Framelits (to cut out middle of Tealace Doily)
Ink: Marina Mist, Real Read
 
Thank you so much for visiting me today.  May today be the start of an awesome weekend.  Don't forget to leave a comment and tell me what you are grateful for. =)  Oh and please don't be shy to share me on your social network.

 

Friend in My Pocket

Friend 1Facebook is one of the greatest things that has happened on social media.  It lets me share my cards, have contests, and reconnect with people I lost contact with throughout the years.

Prior to my deployment I reconnected with a friend from high school whom I had lost contact with.  We spoke very briefly on Facebook (of course) and then I deployed.

A few days ago I received a typed letter from her and it made my eyes itch… not from tears… from my allergies (LoL).  Her letter was very touching and she reminisced of the fond memories she had of my family & parents.

Friend 2

I made the pocket from the hexagon punch just as my up-line, Mary Fish taught me.  You simply fold down with of the longer points.  I also distressed the pocket with the Sanding Block tool.  It gives it a real textured look and feel.

Friend 3

MY PAPER PUMPKIN DEAL:  Don't let time run out… offer ends August 31, 2013.

Offer Details: Use the promotion code PUMPKINDEAL to join Paper Pumpkin before August 31, 2013, and pay only $10 a month* for the first two months.  *plus tax, where applicable. Shipping included!

How to Join:  Click here to join.  Click "Add Promo Code" and then enter the promo code PUMPKINDEAL in the "Promo Code".

  • Perfect for the beginner or just to check out what Stampin' Up! has to offer.
  • Promotion applies only to the first two months of a new subscription.   After receiving two month's worth, the price for each month's kit will go to the regular price: $19.95.
  • You must join by Saturday, August 31, 2013; 11:50 PM (MT).
     
Friend 4
Highlighted Product Used:

Hello There!

Hello There

Today's card is dedicated to my friends and family whom I would like to say, "Hello there!"  I'm thinking of you and I miss you very much.  This is the perfect stamp set to reach out and 'touch someone'.

Deployments now a days are not as harsh as years ago when it comes to communication with our loved one's.  Now a days technology has made it possible to continue working on my blog while deployed.

If you have a smart phone you can even make calls home using a variety of apps like Magic Jack, Viber, Tango, and Skype.  I know there are more, but they are too many to mention.

Of course, this is assuming the base has great WIFI.  I am considered one of the lucky one's.  Work schedules and so many other variables exist, so it's still a little unpredictable.  More often it is difficult to have a normal conversation.

But, that's deployment life and although my plans include lots of stamping, I miss my craft room at home.

Hello There

I have this 'thing' for old fashioned phones.  I am building up a collection of them.  I shop for them in antique stores and I can't wait to get the one I really want… an old fashioned dial antique similar to the stamp.  That was my whole reason for buying this stamp set the moment I saw it.  The big wheel bicycle is also in the set.  You can see it here.

Card Sketch Challenge

At the last moment I decided to enter my card in The Paper Players Challenge #159.  I've never joined them before, so I figured why not… I have nothing to lose.

New Product:  THINLITS CARD DIES

Get yours today and get a head start on your Christmas cards!

Item
Description
Price
133479
Label Card Thinlits Die
$32.95
133480
Circle Card Thinlits Die
$32.95

Hello There

Top Products Used:
Please tell me my friend… what do you think of the new social network buttons I put down below?  Sharing is sexy isn't it?  Please do share me.  Don't feel guilty to throw me around to your friends and tell them about my blog.  Especially your  non-stamping friends… forward them this post… I dare you…. LoL  Double dog dare you… LMBO.
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Clean & Simple: Pursuit of Happiness

I wish so bad you could see the new contest going on with the Pals.  Clean & Simple is the name of the game and this was my design.  It’s really a common card made by so many, but I think it’s classy.

Why can’t you see the contest and all we have to share? =(  Because it’s private and only open to Pals.  I see many of you in my future though… LoL.  My Circle of Pals welcomes anyone!  Yes, anyone!

Today marks my 24th Air Force Anniversary and I am beside myself wondering where all the time went.  I remember at 10 years my mom said to me, “You’ve been gone for 10 years, is it time to come home?”  What did I say?

If the answer wasn’t obvious… I said, “…but mom I’m having so much fun.”  LoL.  I went around the world twice before the age of 20.  When people ask me where I have traveled to my response is, “Gosh, it would be easier to tell you were I haven’t’ been.”  (this is where my AF career flashes before me in less than 5 seconds).

As time comes closer and closer to retirement (someday), not yet though… I’m still having fun… LoL, I know what I will be doing after that.  I will be on top of the World with Stampin’ Up!

Stampin’ Up! Supplies Used:

Pursuit of Happiness Clear Stamp Set
Basic Gray Card Stock
Whisper White Card Stock
Cherry Cobbler 1/2″ Seam Binding Ribbon
Silver Glimmer Paper
Basic Black Classic Stampin’ Pad
Owl Paper Punch
Retired Vine Street Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Next week I will be announcing the give-a-way of a Big Shot…

stay tuned for details!

A Sweet Surprise from My #1 Fan… Lynn G.

 

Nothing in the world is much sweeter than making new friends, especially when those friends have the most wonderful hobby in common… crafting!

These projects were sent to me by my #1 fan… Lynn Gautheir.  She says I inspire her… but truly SHE INSPIRES ME.  Lynn and I became friends after she won some blog candy.  We write each other often and I love her to pieces.

She is living proof that a hobby, especially paper crafting (LoL… I’m biased) is a form of therapy that helps us to become happier and even healthier.

In an article by By Julie Schimmelpfennig, GateHouse News Service she wrote…

“The socialization and bonding from activities, such as clubs, travel groups, attending classes, etc., have opened participants’ worlds to connections, and studies show it leads to longer life and better health,”-Dr. Joy Miller.  Read more here.

The first project is a container that holds beverage packets and she filled it up with various flavors… I LOVE IT!  The one above is a box that holds more beverage powder.  She affixed velcro to it to keep it from opening and made the most adorable belly band.

The last project is another cute as a button tea bag holder.  OHH EMM GEE!  It’s so adorable I don’t want to open it, but I did just to show you the inside of it (below).  The pictures really do not give these project any justice.  They are absolutely stunning.

Within the package Lynn wrote me a very touching letter that I read through blurry eyes (remember my allergies) LoL.  You are my forever friend Lynn and I am so grateful for your friendship.

Lynn does not have a blog, but it would be so sweet of you to leave her comments about her wonderful projects.  She has arthritis and suffers from dizzy spells, yet she keeps up with her hobby, which brings her much joy.  She is living proof that a hobby can make you happier and feel so much better.

Lynn writes, “I’m so glad that I found your site as it has inspired me to get back into working with paper, inks, punch’s, etc.  It sure helps me cope with losing my mom.  So… I can’t thank you enough…”

Lynn, you INSPIRE me! =)

Have you Ever Seen a Floating Window Framelit

My post Stampin’ Up! convention Floating Window Framelit card.  I didn’t realize how much I was going to love it until now… LoL.  I used two different size frames to cut out the patterns and I used the larger cut out for a different card and you can see it here.

I may have missed the convention in person, but my Pal, Barbara Chatzkel made sure I was there in spirit.  I felt as if I was really there each day of the fun.  My group posted every moment on our private Facebook page and I even had tears as the announcement were made of my fellow teammates as they won award after award.  I couldn’t be more proud to belong to a fabulous group of stampers.


She even made sure I made the video highlights and you can find Barbara and me at marker 1:30.
Thank You so much Barbara.  I am so ever grateful to call you a friend.

Supplies Used:

A Round Array clear stamp set, Window Frames Collection Framelits, 7/8″ Scallop paper punch, 1-1/4″ Scallop paper punch.

JOIN STAMPIN’ UP! AND MY CIRCLE OF PALS AND GET A FREE PROJECT KIT!  Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Starter Kit thru me (just $99 and you pick $125 of your choice of product), get a FREE project kit and enjoy all the benefits of being part of the Stampin’ Up! family and my Circle of Pals.  What are you waiting for?  Ends Aug. 31.  LEARN MORE!

Thank you Maggie Mata for introducing me to my new love, Stampin’ Up!” –Joy Cinotto (Circle of Pals)

Always Thinking of You & Blog Candy Give-a-Way Winner

For the last 2.5 weeks I was finishing up some very important professional military education (PME) and I got used to staying up until 3:00 a.m. (0300 for you military folks)… LoL.  I posted about PME here.  Well, now that my sleep cycle is off and I couldn’t sleep, I decided to find another card challenge to compete in.

I found a Clean and Simple on Sunday sketch challenge.  Challenge #10 called for a ‘Black, White plus One’.  What do you think?

This is what the inside of the card looks like.  I really have this thing for butterflies and I can’t help myself, but use my butterfly paper punches over and over again. =)

Now for the Blog Candy Give-a-Way winner!  I know you scrolled all the way down just to see if it was your name.  Without further suspense….. the winner is

Liz… this is what she said

[dropshadowbox align=”center” effect=”lifted-both” width=”250px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]Liz says: JUNE 12, 2013 Thank you for serving in the Air Force. It’s nice to know there are gals who give their time to do this. I love your cards, nice and clean look. I’ve never tried the clear stamps or pumpkin kit. Guess I’ll have to consider them soon. Good luck with your deployment and the boards.[/dropshadowbox]

Liz, email me your mailing address at maggie@maggiemadecards.com
and I will put your My Paper Pumpkin kit in the mail ASAP! 

Today the weather in Kyrgyzstan was 70 degrees with rain and clouds.  It was an uneventful day and I’d rather have uneventful days because it means no one was hurt.  What made my whole day was being featured on my upline’s blog… Mary Fish.

I am without words to express my appreciation of Mary.  Her Pals are all over the world… nothing can separate us… not the thousands of miles, oceans, or countries, because we are all virtually connected!

 

Until the Next Post…

Get Your My Paper Pumpkin Today!

There’s Only One You

As the card says, we are all only one and so is this stamp set.  If you didn’t get it during Sale-a-bration, it may be very difficult to get it now.  But, I am willing to part with it soon.  When?  With the very next person who decides to get $125.00 worth of Stampin’ Up! products for only $99!  Read about it now. Continue reading

World Treasures in a Friendship

Peacock Thanks2

Famous for their showy feathers, peacocks are also a symbol of fidelity.  My cup runneth over when it comes to friendships with peacock personalities and special qualities of genuine love.

The World Treasures stamp set will always send the love your friends give you right back to them and you can see it here.  The card measured 4 x 4 inches and added a tiny word of ‘thanks’ because although it’s small it leaves a large impression.
Peacock Thanks4 The peacock is great with or without the added color.  I added some color just to make it stand out just the “standout” friends who received this card.  I won’t tell anyone who you are Mark & Shannon… LoL… I don’t want you to be embarrased because you are what true friendship is about.
Peacock Thanks1

Now you find yourself wanting this stamp set you can definitely get it because it is available right now!  Just don’t do what I did and wait too long to use it.  Stamp lesson #101:  Never let your stamp sets collect dust.  It’s bad for your allergies.

Time is coming quickly and I don’t want you to miss out on My Paper Pumpkin kit.  There are currently over 6,000 kits that will be mailed out on March 10th and one of those belongs to one of my luckily Paper Pumpkin Players.

Peacock Thanks5

Have you ever watched the TLC show, “My Strange Addiction?”  I never have, but I wonder if my addiction to the Circle of Pals qualifies as a strange addiction…… LoL.

Until the next post………..

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Butterfly Wishes From Me to You


This post is dedicated to two of my lifetime friends Carmel and Joy (also one of my Circle of Pals).  Why?  Because today they celebrate their birthday’s.  Happy Birthday ladies.

I love the Papillion Popourri butterflies stamped on the First Edition specialty paper.  The butterflies gracefully float up and away.  I just love it!  The Natural Composition specialty paper has an embossed feel to it, naturally.  The pictures just don’t give the beauty of the paper any justice!

If you have this paper, leave a comment letting other visitors know how the paper feels to you.  Don’t forget to visit Friday’s Post for your chance to win a FREE stamp set!  Mon., Dec. 17th is the last day.  I haven’t had any orders and if only one person places an order by midnight Monday, they will get that FREE stamp set.

Stamping is my hobby and I love sharing my cards and other crafts I make with you.  I sometimes have stressful days and when I do, I sit in my craft room and turn my anxiety into positive energy by making cards and sharing my love of stamping.  Two months ago I celebrated my first year anniversary with Stampin’ Up!  and my stress level has dropped so much… I LOVE IT!

Keeping up with my blog takes a lot of work, but it’s a positive addiction I cannot and will not let go of.  I sometimes don’t know what to write, except to write what I’m feeling and thinking of a card that I have made.  Thank you so much for stopping by and a special thank you to my faithful subscribers!  You guys/gals ROCK!

Other Supplies Used:
Punches: Modern Label (119849), Word Window Punch (119857)

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