Mojo Monday/Not as Visioned. . .

At times my Hubby laughs at my design techniques because to come up with a card, may make my Stamp Studio look like a tornado flew threw it! Top that off with not being happy in the end result and he may go into hysterics!! LOL He is not really any help either because he’s one of those guys that when you take clothes shopping his opinion is the same “yes, that looks fine” (you know the type), I want constructive criticism!! Anyways, I felt it would be okay to post my “design disaster” if for nothing more but to help others avoid my mistakes!! This layout originally started out on a scratch piece of paper with lots of scribble around it (trust me, it looked better than the card came out) and then lots of cardstock all around my Studio!! Well, I do think the SU colors are a great match to my new cardstock pad by Basic Grey, but the elements came out way TOO BIG which prevents you from really seeing the other elements on the card. Note to self: find a smaller stamp set and retry or make it a bigger card. Anyways, now that I’ve straightened up my Stamp Studio somewhat, I’ll go back to the drawing board and let another tornado begin! LOL Here is the link to Mojo Monday if you’d like to participate:

Here is my disaster: Recipe:

Stamp Set: Echoes of Kindness

Paper: Euphoria by Basic Grey, Perfect Plum, Gable Green, Pink Pirouette, Purely Pomegranate, and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Gable Green, and Pink Pirouette

Accessories: Nestabilities, Scallop Edge Punch, sponges, and Dew Drops

Thank you for looking and have a great day!! Happy Stamping!!

Check out this Blog Candy. . .

I was out cruising the Blog World and ran across this awesome blog at: http://sugarcrystals-crystal.blogspot.com/2009/04/celebratory-blog-candy.html

A lovely lady by the name of Crystal is giving away these goodies in celebration of Spring, Birthday, Anniversary, 3-month Blogging Anniversary, and 2000 hits – whooohoooo!!  Truly a reason to celebrate!!  This is too fun!!  Congrats Crystal!!

Mojo’s Mother’s Day

Well I really wanted to make sure I had my Mother’s Day cards ready for my Mom and my MIL for when I need them!  Not sure what day exactly Mother’s Day is but I know it’s coming up real soon.  So, I was sitting in my Stamp Studio this morning (since I didn’t have to work) trying to come up with an idea and thought I would hop on over to Mojo Monday and that is how my inspiration began.  Oh, and believe it or not – it is actually Monday!!  That’s a first for me – Mojo Monday actually done on a Monday!!  Anyways, here is this week’s sketch:

and here is my version of that sketch:Uh huh, yep, pulled out this oldie but goodie from 2003 – recognize the stamp set????

Let me know what you think (I LOVE comments)!

 

Recipe:

 

Stamp Set: A Mother’s Hands

Paper: Close to Cocoa, Pixie Pink, Barely Banana, Blush Blossom, and Sage Shadow

Ink: Craft White, Blush Blossom, Pixie Pink, Sage Shadow, Barely Banana, and Basic Brown

 

Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, MS border punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Brayer, Cuttlebug Folder, and White grosgrain ribbon (dyed in Pixie Pink)

 

Have a wonderful day/week,

SCS #CC214 Color Combo Challenge

WhooHoo!!  Had some time to stamp during Spring Break!!  I decided to take the SCS Color Combo Challenge this week because I LOVED the color combo.  Here is my card:

Recipe:

 

Stamp Sets: Botanical Blooms and Sincere Salutations

 

Paper: Not Quite Navy, Pretty in Pink, Naturals Ivory, and Delicate Dots DSP

 

Ink: Bordering Blue, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, and Certainly Celery

 

Accessories: Nestabilities, Scallop Edge punch, Wide Oval punch, and Certainly Celery Organdy ribbon

 

I’ve got 5 other ovals punched and stamped to start assembling the other 5 cards – if you are participating this month’s CardExchange, you will get one!!

Enjoy,

It’s Time to Bloom

Well at least Mother Nature is not bothered by what I refer to as terrestrial winds that we get here in April every year in Central California – uggggghh, I no likey!!

Anyways, I’m so excited by this month’s local card exchange theme – it is RIBBON!!!  I LOVE ribbon – I just couldn’t own enough!  I can’t wait to see what the other participants come up with!  Here is my entry:

Recipe:

 

Stamp Sets: A Flower for All Seasons, and Bella’s Bloom

 

Paper: Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss, Pumpkin Pie, and Whisper White

 

Ink: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Certainly Celery, Creamy Caramel, Ballet Blue, and Versamark

 

Accessories: Scallop Punch, Black embossing powder, Pig Tails Ribbon, and Whisper White Organza Ribbon 

Sweet Spring

Yes, I’m so behind with posting on my blog – so sorry. I realized I never posted this fun card I did last month and really wanted to share it with you all. I know I got the inspiration from another share, just can’t remember who and I apologize. The template is from a Paper Crafts magazine. Hope you like it!

Recipe:

Stamp Set: Everyday Flexible Phrases

Paper: Sweetwater patterned paper, and SU Marigold Morning

Ink: Basic Brown

Accessories: Scallop Punch, Paper Piercing Pad, embroidery thread, small tag, and ribbon

Have a glorious day!

With Sympathy

We had a neighbor that lost his Father last week and I realized I didn’t have one sympathy card on hand in either of my card organizers!  Obviously, not my favorite type of card to have to send, but definitely should have on hand.  Here is my card I came up with: and decided to make a few extra to add to this month’s CardExchange Group just in case anyone may find they need one some day just like me.

 

My thoughts and prayers are with the Adam’s Family.

 

Recipe:

Stamp Sets: Lovely as a Tree and Loving Memories

Paper: MM Neutrals, Chocolate Chip, and Naturals Ivory

Ink: Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, and Close to Cocoa

Accessories: Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, and Ticket Corner Punch 

 

Polka Dot Daisies

The other day I received my SU order with Delicate Dots DSP in it and really wanted to play with it – I also wanted to do something with the Scallop Circle punch again because that is also fairly new to my SU collection.  Well I went on over to SCS and was looking at the recent postings and WOW, I found this absolutely beautiful card made by Lisa: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1282248 – I was stumped on how she did the stems because they just looked so perfect.  I emailed her a note asking her how she did them and I was so appreciative that she wrote me back to let me know she did the piercing free-hand and then sewed them!  I thought um, ok, I can do this and I love to sew – so wha-la, here is how mine came out: It was really a fun and relaxing card to make.  In fact, I made a few of them and here’s a little secret, if you are participating in this month’s swap at:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cardexchange/?yguid=356376302 you will be receiving one of these cards!

Recipe

Stamp Set: Polka Dot Punches

Paper: DSP Delicate Dots, Sahara Tan, Whisper White, and So Saffron

Ink: So Saffron and Versamark

Accessories: SU Scallop Circle Punch, CM 1” Circle Punch, MM Willow Thread, Paper Piercer, White Embossing Powder, Sponge, Certain Celery 5/8” poly-twill Ribbon, and Whisper White grosgrain Ribbon

 

Scallop Punch Butterfly

Oh no, I’m guilty of blog neglect, but going to try and make it up today with a few posts.

I just joined a Local Swap with six talented women (I know this because the Hostess gave me a sneak peak) and I’m so excited – can’t wait to get the cards later this week. This swap will go through July and the theme for the first month is punches! WhooHoo, I love punches! All I needed was some inspiration, so I went blog hoppin’ and found an absolutely wonderful idea here: http://flowerbug.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/01/mercedes-scalloped-punch-butterfly.html

isn’t her card just awesome!! So here is my version of her artwork:

I sure hope the other gals will like it!

Recipe:

Stamp set: Garden Whimsy

Paper: DSP Tea Party, Going Gray, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, and So Saffron

Ink: Going Gray and Pretty in Pink

Accessories: Photo Corners, Scallop Circle, and Window Punches, and Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon

Clone of a Cinnabon

For those of you who have been wondering where I’ve been – well, my Stamp Studio has been under major re-organization – the process has been emotional, physically tiring, and in case Hubby reads my Blog – just a little financial – LOL.  Once it is complete I will post some pictures.

Since Hubby was in my Stamp Studio working on building another shelf and putting together a small bookcase, I decided to play in the kitchen.  I made a batch of cinnamon rolls from a recipe entitled Clone of a Cinnabon with a couple of changes because the recipe was orignally for use in a bread machine and even though I do own one I really just felt like using the Kitchen Aid Mixer instead.  Anyways, I’ve decided to post this on my Blog because a couple of you have asked for the recipe after hearing my Hubby’s opinion which was “these are the kind of cinnamon rolls that one would think would only be served in Heaven” – I was so touched!  So here it is with some pictures:

CLONE OF A CINNABON

1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F) 

2 eggs, room temperature                              

1/3 cup butter, melted        

4-1/2 cups bread flour

1 teaspoon salt                                                

1/2 cup white sugar

1 pkg. + 1/2 tsp. dry active yeast

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2-1/2 tblsp. ground cinnamon

1/3 cup butter, softened

1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter, softened

1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/8 tsp. salt

Dissolve yeast with a little bit (about 1 tblsp.) sugar in warm milk in a large bowl. 

Once the yeast is activated (about 15 min.), mix in the sugar, butter, salt and eggs.

Add flour, using your dough hook, knead the dough into a large ball.  Put in large oiled bowl and turn to distribute oil around dough.  Cover with warm, moist towel and let rise until doubled, about an hour.

Roll dough into a 16x21 inch rectangle.  Spread dough with 1/3 cup butter and sprinkle evenly with sugar/cinnamon mixture.  Roll up dough and cut into 12 rolls.  Place rolls in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pan.  They will look like this:   Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about another hour.  Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Bake rolls in preheated oven, on lower rack, until golden brown, about 20 minutes. When they are done – immediately turn over onto cooking sheet lined with parchment paper so all the gooey, yummy drippings poor back into the crevices. They will look like this when they are done:

While rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract and salt.  Spread frosting on warm rolls before serving.  They should look like this:

I doubled the frosting recipe because all my boys love extra frosting.  Everyone that has had them really LOVE them!  I hope this will inspire you to make a batch.  If you do, let me know what you think!  Happy baking!

SCSC #LSC207 Stretch Yourself and SS Something Chocolate Challenges

I’m posting this a day later, but yesterday I thought I could incorporate my creation to meet two challenges. The first one is Split Coast Stampers Limited Supply Challenge which requires you to use two or more “things” that are a “stretch” for you on your card, you can check out this site to participate or for more information at http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=418976 Well for my creation, one was making a “shaped card” and the other was to use my Scor-Pal in as a “decorative form” rather than just scoring a typical card in half. Not sure if you can see it in my cards – but the Scor-Pal is used to create the pleated look in the cupcake liner. The second challenge you can check out at Stamp Something Blog – the requirements are to create something with chocolate in mind – doesn’t the chocolate on my cupcake look tasty? LOL

Here is my creation (sorry the bows look off, I had to press hard on my scanner to get a clear picture which caused them to move slightly from the glue dots, they’ve since been fixed):

Notice how the chocolate frosting is different on both cupcakes. I made four total, two of each – just because I wanted them to look a little different (what do ya think?) – I simply just rotated the cutout. Just an idea for variation.

The original cupcake idea came from Valita’s Designs & Fresh Folds Blog – she is one creative Lady!

For this card I used:

Cardstock: Orchid Opulence, Barely Banana, and Close to Cocoa

Inks: Orchid Opulence, Barely Banana, and Close to Cocoa

Accessories: Cuttlebug folders, Crystal Effects, sponges, CM 3/4” circle punch and Ribbon from Michael’s

Have a Great Day!

Another version of Belli Challenge #54

Thought I would play with the colors a little, so I changed the Organdy ribbon to a light blue and added the Ticket Corner Punch to the corners. I think it really softened it. Whatcha think?

Belli Challenge #54 – Doilies - CBC54

I’ve been wanting to participate in Chris’s Belli Challenge since forever and finally just jumped in and did it!! If you would like to jump into the fun too, you can get all her details at http://chrissyd723.blogspot.com/2009/02/belli-challenge-54-doilies.html

I took out an SU stamp set I’ve had forever and have never used – please don’t ever mention that to my Hubby – he knows I use all my stamp sets over and over and always need more and more – RIGHT GIRLS!?!? LOL Anyways, here is my creation:

Stamp set: Nice & Easy Notes

Paper: Eggplant Envy, Apricot Appeal, DCWV Petite Purple Posies (has glitter in the print), Bashful Blue, and Whisper White

Ink: Jet Black StazOn

Accessories: Doilie, Mega and Giga punches, Watercolor Pencils, Organdy and Grosgrain ribbon

I did today’s stamping with tons of interruptions as usual and am hoping that I get an uninterrupted stamping day to myself soon.

FYI – I LOVE comments and constructive criticism. Hey, if you just want to let me know how your day is going or even vent – I’m listening (or reading rather)!

Make it a GREAT DAY!

Cupcake Challenge

Seems I’m not the only one that hasn’t stamped for a while! There are a few of our Fellow Stamp Sistas that need to have a “fire lit under their toes” to get back into the swing of things – LOL. So last Thursday, I searched high and low for a Friday challenge for one of my dear friends to do. In fact I Double Dog Dared her to do it – LOL!! I finally found an awesome sketch challenge by Taylor for her to do! You really need to check out her blog at http://tayloredexpressions.blogspot.com/

This was her challenge for Friday, Feb. 6th:

Although, life through me a ball, I felt that I too should also do the challenge. I also discovered that I am in dire need of more supplies and really need to get my SU order in! Well here is my take of Taylor’s Cupcake Challenge:

Enjoy,

Priscilla

Mojo Monday on Thursday!

You know constantly telling yourself you are going to get back into stamping when life settles down is like telling yourself you’ll have a baby when you can afford it! If I followed any one of those mantras, I would have never had children and never gotten back into stamping! Dang-it, you just gotta do it!! Well, I’m slowly but surely jumping back into my “passion" with the help of a couple of SIC Sistas (thank you Dana and Holly!)

What better way to jump back in than participating in a contest – so I thought I’d give Julee’s Mojo Monday contest a whirl – check out the details here: http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/2009/02/mojo-monday-72-contest.html

So here is my go at it:

Then I thought I would just whip up five more and use them for this month’s swap:

If you want to know what all that fun is about – visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cardexchange/

Make it a great day everybody!