Happy Halloween!

Wow, I've been really bad about posting to the blog this past week! I feel like it's been crazy here. I've started going to the OB every two weeks, believe it or not! I can't believe I'm already 31 (and a HALF!!) weeks pregnant! I am also doing physical therapy for a lower spine problem twice a week, so that on top of all of the usual craziness has made for a busy couple of weeks! Today should be the worst this week for busyness, so I'm hoping for a little rest tomorrow and Friday!! Anyway, I have one card to show you! Let's get to that and then I'll show some cute pictures of Cameron in his Halloween costume!!

Stamps: Dotted Autumn. Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Pumpkin Pie, Glossy White. Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Pumpkin Pie, Close to Cocoa. Accessories: Chocolate Taffeta Ribbon, Neutrals Beads. Technique: Faux Tearing.

On Saturday, we went to a Halloween party at our good friends' house (hi, Lanny and Jaime!!). It was a lot of fun to get the little ones together and dress them up in their little costumes and take pictures! Jaime did the coolest thing...for dinner, we had quesadillas in tortillas that she cut in Jack-o-Lantern shapes!!! I should have taken a picture- It was too cool! Here are a few pictures of Cameron in his costume. He is dressed as Mumble from the movie Happy Feet. He LOVES Happy Feet!

Don't you love the smile in this picture?? Cameron just keeps looking more and more like a little boy!!! Know what I mean? This picture was taken in front of our house before we left for the party. Ya GOTTA have a picture by a pumpkin, right??

This picture is of Cameron with his buddy David (our friends' sweet little son) and his new friend Michael (who we met at the party). Cameron is (obviously!) the oldest child of the three, so that explains why the other two are kinda toppling over! How cute!

A Few Pickups!

Are you tired of pictures yet? Well, I have a couple of cards to post for you! Both of them feature Loads of Love, which is actually really not one of my favorites. However, that truck is just perfect for some people, isn't it?!?



This card was made for a (belated, unfortunately!) birthday card for my uncle. I watercolored the images and filled the bed of the truck with JustJohanna's mini cupcake! I popped a few cupcakes up on dimensionals and added dots to the Canvas background with a white Signo gel pen for interest. I added the crystal for a headlight (I've always thought the truck needed a headlight!).
Stamps: Mini Cupcake (JustJohanna); Loads of Love, Loads of Love Accessories (SU!). Paper: Brocade Blue, Whisper White, Basic Black. Ink: StazOn Black, Brocade Blue. Accessories: Celery Ribbon, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, AquaPainter, White Signo gel pen, Xmas Red and Crystal Stickles, Heidi Swapp clear jewel.


This card was sent for my Monday Mailer partner. I like the headlight on this card better, although it didn't turn out as great in the picture! I used a green Ice Rhinestone brad and it really looks cool on the card!
Stamps: Loads of Love, Loads of Love Accessories (SU!). Paper: Brocade Blue, Whisper White, Basic Black. Ink: StazOn Black, Brocade Blue. Accessories: Pumpkin Pie Ribbon, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, AquaPainter, White Signo gel pen, Ice Rhinestone brad, Black Brads.

My Gym Birthday Party

Okay, we really did have a busy weekend! But Cameron had a BLAST! People have always told me to get Cameron involved in a baby/toddler gymnastics class, and I've kind of bucked the idea. I mean, he's a boy, right? Gymnastics??? Then we got invited to a birthday party at a place called My Gym...HOW MUCH FUN!!! Cameron had so much fun running from activity to activity. He got lots of good exercise and just had fun! We were surprised at how well he did at some of the activities! His favorite was definitely the trampoline...and he doesn't even jump yet! :) I'll share a few pictures here of Cameron playing at My Gym... If you have itty bitties and ever get the chance to take them, GO!

Okay, after we went to the party, we met our good friends the Colemans for dinner at Chili's! We had a great time visiting with them! Cameron loves all of them, and especially the two girls, Jessica and Amy. Here is a super-cute picture of Jessica and Cameron giving eskimo kisses! Thanks, girls, for loving Cameron and being so sweet to him!

Friday at the Museum

We went to the Greensboro Children's Museum on Friday with Cameron's friend Colton and Mommy's friend Emma (Colton's mommy)! We met up with a couple of Emma's friends and their children, so there were lots of children to play with! We had a great time playing with all the fun stuff they had to do! Cameron's favorites included an airplane cockpit (he LOVES pushing buttons....both literally and figuratively!), a firetruck (he wanted to drive, "dove", it!), and a thing they had set up where the kids put plastic balls into a tube and they roll down. Lots of fun! Enjoy the pictures!

Cameron's Day with Nana and Grandpa

Cameron had such a big weekend! The next few posts will share all that he got to do! This first one shows Nana feeding Cameron an ice cream cone! Cameron was *supposed* to eat the sherbet and leave the cone for Nana, but he was under the impression that he should eat ALL of it! :) We were all able to spend several hours with Drew's parents on Saturday, and it was great! Cameron loved every second of it! He didn't want to leave. We went to lunch, a toy store, and where Grandpa works with them.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

Happy birthday! Wish we could spend the day with you! Hope it is a GREAT day for you!

ALL Cards Need Glitter.

It's just an unwritten rule. Except for the fact that I just wrote it, so now I guess it is just a rule. ;) I love adding glitter, bling, etc. to cards! Do you see the first card posted? Do you see what is in the background? GLITTER. What's on the candles? GLITTER. And look closely....what is that on the distressed edges? Could it be? Yep. GLITTER! I just love sparkles!


I was needing a few cards all at once for some girls in our church youth group. Two are similar in style, layout, everything except for the stamp used! The third card is for a girl who loves bugs! I thought Bugs and Kisses would be the perfect set to use for her! The final card is one I made for the Monday Mailer program I am doing. I used the faux stained-glass technique on that one. With the stained-glass, you stamp your image on vellum, color the other side (watercolor, whatever you want...) and layer it on top of a piece of white cardstock.



Stamps: Eat Cake. Paper: Whisper White. Ink: Pretty in Pink, Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Barely Banana, VersaMark. Accessories: Yellow Stickles, Stardust Stickles, Iridescent Ice EP, Pink Ribbon from either American Crafts or May Arts- I can't remember, Pink Jewel from Heidi Swapp, Distresser.
















Stamps: Eat Cake. Paper: Whisper White. Ink: Basic Black, Orchid Opulence, VersaMark. Accessories: Stardust Stickles, Iridescent Ice EP, Black Polka Dot Ribbon, Distresser.























Stamps: Bugs and Kisses. Paper: Certainly Celery, Whisper White. Ink: Certainly Celery, Ruby Red, Garden Green, Ballet Blue. Accessories: Lime Green, Xmas Red, and Waterfall Stickles, Sponge, Scallop Punch, Celery, Red, and French Blue Ribbons.

Stamps: Doodle This, Loads of Love Accessories. Paper: Certainly Chocolate Chip, Vellum, Whisper White, Apple Cider DP. Ink: StazOn Black, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Garden Green. Accessories: Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Antique Brass Brads.

This last picture was just something that made me laugh. I was doing the laundry and noticed that the label on one of my shirts is fading. I just bought this white t-shirt from Motherhood Maternity (I am pregnant, remember...) a couple of weeks ago, and it's one of those shirts where they print the label inside the shirt instead of on a tag. The name of the store USED to read "Motherhood". But after one wash, what does it say now??? Oh, yes.... "Otherhood". I guess I buy my clothes at the Other Hood now! Just made me laugh!

JustJohanna Stamps!

I received my first JustJohanna stamp order in the mail yesterday...WOW! What fast shipping! I am loving the whimsical, unique little images. I had a little time to play today, so I stamped a few really quick cards.

This first card is for Cameron's Sunday School teacher. She loves hot tea, so it will go along with a little gift we picked up for her. I am planning on creating a card similar to this one to submit for the JustJohanna design team call. Do you see the little vellum teabag tag? :) I stamped the little flower flourish on the tag and put Stardust Stickles on it for some shimmer.

Stamps: grandteacup, Allison little, steeped in love, floral flourish left(all justjohanna). Paper: Certainly Celery, Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink, Chenille by Basic Gray, vellum. Ink: StazOn Black, Brilliance Graphite Black. Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, AquaPainter, Orange Peel and Stardust Stickles, thread.

I was actually just sitting here stamping my new images and had the idea to stamp just the bottom of the mini cupcake and put the pumpkin cap hat on top of it! It's a little PUMPKIN CUPCAKE! HA! I have a great recipe for that, so I will have to use this on tags, mini cards, etc.

Stamps: mini cupcake, pumpkin cap hat, hi pumpkin(all justjohanna). Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla. Ink: StazOn Black, Brilliance Graphite Black. Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, AquaPainter, Stardust Stickles, sponge, Very Vanilla ribbon.

This is just a quick card for my husband. He's not had the best day! :(

Stamps: Allison little, hi pumpkin, pumpkin cap hat(all justjohanna). Paper: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie. Ink: StazOn Black, Pumpkin Pie. Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, AquaPainter, Velvet Ribbon from Sherbet Ribbon Originals, and Stardust Stickles.

Pumpkin Picking in the NC Mountains

We went to the mountains this weekend, and we all had a great time! This first picture is from our room Friday night. Cameron was SO excited to be on a trip! He kept running around the room and laughing and pushing buttons, etc. He had so much energy!

We visited Hickory Nut Gap Farm for pumpkin and apple picking, petting and watching the animals, and taking in the sights! Cameron has come to love pumpkins...and it is the cutest word to hear him say! :) He tried to pick up several of the pumpkins, which were too big for him! Of course he LOVES apples, too. He enjoyed sampling the cold fresh apple cider, and whenever he got his hands on an apple, he would put it straight toward his mouth! Yes, he did get a bite or two... Enjoy these pictures from our trip! And for those of you who know me, GUESS WHAT?? The farm is an ORGANIC one!! :)

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Sparkle and Shine Challenge

Okay, one more challenge completed! I made this card for the Shimmer and Shine Shimmer and Shine Challenge. I used the Holiday Tag Team stamp set on Blue Bayou and Whisper White cardstock. I sponged Soft Sky on the "snow" for a less stark look, then VersaMarked and glittered the edges with Iridescent Ice EP. There is Iridescent Ice EP on the snowflakes in the background. Of course, THAT was not enough sparkle , so the snowman is covered with Icicle Stickles and a rhinestone on his hat. There are rhinestones around the sentiment as well. I LOVE glitter so this was lots of fun!

GOOD NIGHT! :)

Ahh! Some color!

This challenge required a monochromatic palette. I love it! I used Elegant Eggplant, Almost Amethyst, and a little bit of Lavender Lace. The stamp sets used are Roses in Winter and Floral background and Wonderful Words for the sentiment. I used a touch of Dew Drops Brilliance for the sentiment in Platinum Planet. I love that color! Of course there are StarDust stickles all over the roses, which are curled and raised up. White taffeta ribbon and Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware finish this card off.

World Card Making Day Challenges

We drove back from the NC Mountains late last night, so I was not able to actually stamp on World Card Making Day! :( However, I really wanted to take part in the JustJohanna challenges, so I was THRILLED to see that submissions are not due until midnight tonight! I have made a couple of cards this afternoon and will continue to make more. I am taking a break here to post a couple cards for you!
Let's start with this one. The challenge was to use a transparency AND paint on it! I actually don't have any paint around at all, so I made some using Crystal Effects mixed with reinkers. My first thought was to make a rainbow, so that is what I did with these three colors. I painted those on the back of the transparency, then sponged white craft ink on the front with a sponge dauber for the clouds. This card needed a little bling, so I embossed (carefully!) with Iridescent Ice EP. I actually really like how the clouds came out! The sentiment is by A Muse. This is my first attempt at painting and transparencies, and clearly I have some practice to do. (Get it??? CLEARLY!?!?!? Haha...)


This card was for a one-layer card challenge. I fought the temptation to keep adding more. It is easy to get into that habit, isn't it? But I really liked this challenge because often my favorite cards are the simplest. I used the scallop punch and punched the top fold of the card. I also punched a Post-It note with the scallop and lined it up under the punch on the front. I used that as a mask in which to stamp this cute image from Batty For You and sponge Lovely Lilac all around. I used Only Orange and Basic Black markers to ink the sentiment, which is from Everyday Flexible Phrases. I then just tied black and pumpkin grosgrain ribbon around the top and called it done!

Birthday Blog Candy Winner!

I used www.random.org to generate a random number between 1 and 30, and it looks like lucky number 13 has it! The winner is nettystamps!
Nettystamps said...
Hey Mandy, Happy Birthday to you...Oh to be in my 20's again.... So anyway, I love the cards...to cute!Keep the creative juices flowing...:)

So, nettystamps, please let me know your address, and I'll get your goodies out to you!

In love with rhinestones...and BLOG CANDY, too!

That's right, the first Blog Candy at You Made Me Ink! :) "What is the occasion?" you may be asking yourself... Well, this Friday is my birthday! Leave a happy birthday comment to this post (hey, I'm not too proud to beg!), and I will choose a random number on Friday. The winner will receive the following: the August/September issue of Stamper's Sampler, a Target Fall Scrapbooking Paper set, Target Fall Ribbons, a Target Halloween Scrapbooking accents kit (don't you LOVE the Target Dollar Spot?!?), and two Stampin' Up! incentive stamps! :) You may notice the head of a small child in the photo. NO, HE IS NOT INCLUDED! Ha! He just would not back up while I took the picture.

Okay, I've been pretty busy making cards lately. And all of them have tended to include this fantastic little rhinestones by Heidi Swapp. I get them from my local scrapbooking store, Family Memories in Charlotte, and I use them all the time! I hope you enjoy!

A neighbor of ours is having a sweet little baby boy in March...this was for her when she had her ultrasound recently! I used the Pebbles Pastel Shimmery Chalk for the maternity dress, so it REALLY sparkles!
Stamps: A Muse Maternity Dress, SU! Rough Edges. Paper: Basic Black, Shimmery White, Bashful Blue. Ink: StazOn Black. Accessories: May Arts ribbon, Heidi Swapp Rhinestones, SU! Pure Color Pencils, Pebbles Shimmery Chalk, Corner Rounder Punch.


I needed a quick birthday card for my cousin, and this is what I came up with. I LOVE using Liquid Applique on cupcakes, furry animals, etc.! But I do love the rhinestones more...
Stamps: A Muse Frosted Cupcake. Paper: Cool Caribbean, Whisper White, Pixie Pink, DP from Basic Grey Blush Collection. Ink: StazOn Black. Accessories: Liquid Applique, Heidi Swapp Rhinestones, Ticket Corner Punch, White Taffeta Ribbon, Silver Elastic Cord.



I had to make this card again but with a few modifications! You know, it's nice to have an extra on hand. I love gray!
Stamps: A Muse Frosted Cupcake. Paper: Going Gray, Whisper White, Pixie Pink, DP from Basic Grey Phoebe Collection. Ink: StazOn Black. Accessories: Liquid Applique, Heidi Swapp Rhinestones, Ticket Corner Punch, White Taffeta Ribbon, Silver Elastic Cord.

HAVE A HAPPY DAY!

Blog Candy for a Cause

I was browsing blogs this morning, and I came upon Andrea Vernagus' blog and offering of blog candy. Please click on this link below and check it out! She is asking for RAK cards in exchange for an entry for her blog candy. These cards will go to encourage a family whose twin baby girls both have cancer. :( Please help them out! Crafty Engineering: Blog Candy for a Cause.

On another note, I will be posting my own blog candy later today....and some cards!! Stay tuned!

Funny Pictures!

Okay, we were in Bi-Lo tonight picking up a few things we needed at the grocery store. Drew and I are pretty easily entertained, so we had a great time looking at the packaging of some food items, etc. :) I want to share a couple of pictures of what we found, just for kicks...Dad, you will especially appreciate this!

I love finding mistakes in signs, etc. Can you spot the mistake here?? Nothing like supporting the local football team! ;)

And then we saw this bottle of Dr. Bob soda. It's generic Dr. Pepper. The name in itself was funny, but check out what it says below and to the right of the name of the soda! This cracked us up!

Okay, I have to also share a couple pictures of Cameron. I took him for a smoothie yesterday because he has had a little cold/allergies. Look at how happy he is about his smoothie! Too cute!:)

SCS Challenge Card

I made this card as part of the Splitcoast Stampers Featured Stamper Challenge. Jenn Balcer was featured, and I chose to CASE/change this card: Splitcoaststampers Gallery - Favorite Card Yet! Mine is a little more plain because of time restrictions...I would love to have added a little more in the background...maybe the Canvas Background stamp for some texture at least! But anyway, here it is! The colors are Purely Pomegranate and Pumpkin Pie. The stamp set is Fabulous Flowers. The ribbon is from the Sherbet Ribbon Originals, and I used the ticket corner punch. I used a good tip I was reminded of recently for the brads...put a mini glue dot on the brad and then dip it in glitter for a quick sparkly brad! :) This card really sparkles. I made it for my Monday Mailer partner this time around...hope she likes it! :)