Stamp and Scrap with Nona

Travel Journal

This post began as one of those online discussions going something like this: "Have you ever ....?  Well, that made me think about something I did last summer but never posted about so I thought I'd share here.  I haven't done one of these in a class but have thought about it.  I made this for my 9 year old grandson last summer.  He was visiting here and would be traveling I-40/Rt 66 back to California after spending time in Canada and the northeast earlier.

  

I knew he would be spending long hours in the car and might get bored so I thought this would give him something to work on.  I also made up a little kit to go with it so he could write and/or attach things in it.  I made the pages from paper from a sketch pad and incorporated pockets for memorabilia etc.  He chose the binding color.  This designer paper is Newsprint from the 2010-11 catalog and seemed perfect for a travel journal.  I made (almost, it's not finished) one for myself earlier and used the Very Vintage wheel to decorate Certainly Celery cardstock.  I used water color paper for the pages for mine since I hope to use it as an idea and technique journal.  Of course you can also cover and decorate a composition book for speed.  I think the "Nature Walk" set as well as the Botanical Gazette paper from the new Occasions mini would be great to use on one of these.  If you'd like to order or host a workshop making one of these during Sale-a-bration be sure to email me here.  To order these or any Stampin' Up! products online go to my SU web site or send me an email. Until next time, hope you are able to spend some time creating.  Nona

 

Christmas favors

Well, so much for a challenge.  I had hoped to post several times this season but I guess it was not to be.  It seems there is always something going on that I'm rushing around trying to get ready for. Recently that was Thanksgiving.  We had a wonderful time with lots of family. The kids had fun and of course it was even better for us. Just a week later we had our big Advent event for women at our church.  Each hostess decorated her table and provided a dessert for those seated with her.  What a wonderful way this was to start the Christmas season. The music was beautiful and the message from Kristen Myers was inspirational. It was so good to be reminded that our real purpose now and always is to share the love of God with others. 

My silver and white color scheme was a bit pale with so much red and green in the room so I spiced it up a bit with purple. The emory board favors were on each of the tables.  I made several versions of this and finally decided the Nativity scene was the most appropriate. It is a retired set from Stampin' Up.  
You can let your imagination go wild on these little items.  I want to try one with the reindeer from the "Winter Post" set (#111780).  I think he would be so cute embossed over a vintage style background. These were made by cutting gold or silver cardstock 2 1/8" by 11", score and fold at 5 1/2".  Design as you please then using the 3/4" punch make a thumb slot on both the front and back matching them up. I used Tombow Multipurpose glue (#110755) in a very thin line along the edge to adhere.  There is barely enough space for the emory board so you have to stay near the edge.  Here's a shot of them finished for Advent by Candlelight.  Each bundle has eight of them. The tag is made with the large oval punch and the scalloped oval punch and tied to the Raven lace trim (from the Holiday mini catalog) with linen thread. The bundles are tied with some ribbon from my stash. Hope you are all enjoying this wonderful time of year. Don't forget the "reason for the season" and take time to let the peace and joy of Christ's birth bless you.

What's in a challenge?

Hi stampers.  It's been a while since I posted.  In fact I've noticed that I've posted very few times this year.  I'm going to try to remedy that.  I've been challenged to post more often for a month and I'm going to see if I'm able to do that.  At any rate it's good motivation. I've lost or hopefully misplaced my camera so right now I will have to concentrate on a card I made a couple of weeks ago.  I got the idea right from the Stampin' Up! catalog, page 171.  The title of the catalog is the Idea Book & Catalog and this is why.  It is a great resource for ideas.  

  

I used Greenhouse Gala designer paper with Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, and Daffodil Delight cardstock.  The flower center is Chocolate Chip with an Antique brad (pg. 187). The finished card is 3"x6". 

Stamping with Friends

My friend and new customer Shirley came over today for some basic cardmaking ideas.  She brought some of her supplies and we set about designing a card.  We had a great time and she came up with two lovely cards.  One of her cards uses a retired hostess set along with our wonderful extra large two-step bird punch and the other features one of my favorite stamps, Vintage Vogue.  Stamping is a wonderful hobby and especially fun when you stamp with a friend. Don't forget to give me a call at 405-837-4941 or send me an email here if you need anything from Stamping Up!. And as always you can order directly from my web site found here . Here's hoping you do something you love to do today and share it with a friend.  

Great Birthday gift!

I want to share my birthday surprise with you today.  While I was in Albuquerque visiting my daughter and family (I'll post about that excitement soon - we have a new grandson!) My DH spent his b-day with his mom and then doing some shopping.  When he went in to an antique mall in my hometown he spotted a painting.  He told me today (my birthday) that he had bought an original for me and that he thought I might not like it but too bad.  You have to know what a tease he is - and of course he could have been right since we don't always have the same taste.  Anyway I unwrapped it from the top and immediately when I got the first glimpse of branches I recognized the style.  This was something I never expected to find and was blown away and thrilled.  Though the artist will never be famous it doesn't matter to me since she was my mother!  I nearly cried.  I don't remember the exact piece but it was very familiar and I was certain long before I saw the signature.  It is dated - "finished 2-5-58".

Have a great day!  Mine was terrific. 

Nona 

April 19 - A Day of Remembrance

Today is the 15th anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.  This event marked the end of innocence for many Americans and especially those of us who live in the heart of the country.  It seemed unreal that someone would take out their anger toward the government on middle America.  To discover that the person responsible was an American was even more shocking.  To our dismay we now know that there are those who would do any American harm around the globe.

But Oklahomans showed the country and the world what the "Oklahoma Standard" was and how to respond to disaster with grace, courage, and resolve.  Many who came here to help from other parts of the country discovered that they would have no expenses while staying here.  Restaurants and individuals saw to it that rescuers never paid for their meals. Snacks and beverages were handed out regularly. If they needed supplies they were provided. We were blessed that people came from everywhere to donate blood and to volunteer in whatever way they could.  We really saw the best in people following this disaster.  

There were those who thought we would not be up to the task when the news first broke but they learned that Oklahomans were well prepared to go to their neighbors aid when needed. These are lessons learned from dealing with mother nature from the earliest times in our history. 

Most of all we sought help, guidance, and comfort from our Lord and we found it in abundance. That knowledge served us well when our nation experienced an even greater attack on 9-11. We continue to live in perilous times and on this anniversary we need to remember that we can depend on the source of real strength and power - our Creator and Savior.  God continues to desire to be our ever-present help no matter how big or small the problem. 

May He bless and watch over you this day and always. 

Nona

First Day of Spring?

Hi Stampers. The weather in Oklahoma has always been good for a conversation starter so nothing new about that but this weekend has given me a good excuse to touch base with friends in other locations. Yesterday it was 70 degrees here and then a cold front came in last night and we awoke to SNOW.  It's not like we didn't expect it but it is always fun when there's such a big change.  It's not really too cold and we didn't have to go anywhere today so it's a perfect time for it. Much better than the blizzard that came on Christmas Eve when everyone was trying to get somewhere.  So here's a look at what we hope will be the last snow storm of the season.  

Dear Hubby had to fill the bird feeder three times today.

Stay safe, happy stamping and all good wishes. Nona 

Happy St. Patrick's Day

We seem to associate being Irish with a happy attitude so it seems everyone wants to be just a bit Irish today.  I'm no exception and though I've never been to Ireland the color green seems especially fitting since the landscape there is apparently refreshed with moisture regularly which keeps everything lush and what else but green.  Here in Oklahoma the winter weeds are greening up like crazy and the daffodils are up and beginning to bloom but we will have to wait a little longer to see much green.  However, in honor of the day we can all wear something green and here's what I'll be wearing today.

  This was made using the Big Shot and the Flower Folds die.  You can find these here and here.   I used a broken earring for the center but a button also works nicely. If I can help you with this or any other Stampin' Up! product don't hesitate to contact me any time at [email protected] or by calling me at 405-837-4941.  

Sale-a-bration is coming to a close soon.  Until March 31 you can earn free products with every $50 purchase.  This is the perfect time to get together with your friends and get free stuff or have a catalog party as a terrific time saver.  You can also order 24/7 at my website found here.   If you are interested in learning about the real St. Patrick you can find out about him on this page and also at Wikipedia. I hope you all have a Happy St. Patrick's Day. Bye for now.

Time for a birthday card

Hi stampers.  It's that time of year when I want to come up with a card for my grandson's birthday.  You know how sometimes things just won't come together easily.  It took me forever to decide what to make for him this year.  In the end I used some current products and some retired stamps that I can't part with.  For the background on the center panel I also used a retired wheel but in the end I was happy with it. I love the color combination of Garden Green and Only Orange and I don't think I've ever used that before.  It is so cheerful.  Hope you have a "cheer" filled day and if you need something green or orange from Stampin' Up! you can always go here.

   

A Valentine with a difference

Hi stampers, I wanted to share another Valentine with you that is a little different.  This could be a birthday card as easily as a Valentine.  In fact in doesn't even say "Happy Valentine's Day" on it.  I did use the I {Love} Love jumbo wheel but it seems appropriate for a non-Valentine card for someone you love, in this case my grandson.  As always, if I can help you with a Stampin' Up! order call me at 405-837-4941 or you can shop at my web site 24/7 here.