Sassy & Sweet Notes

Let's Celebrate December 1st...

               ...with BLOG CANDY!

Today was filled with wonderful surprises! Not only did it snow today here in Texas - something I certainly didn't think I'd see any time soon. But today my mailbox was filled with little treasures from a distant sweet friend who has the kindest heart.

Big Thanks and Hugs to Viv!!

She sent me treasures to share with you -- goodies to offer on my blog as gifts. How delightful for us all! So with a snowy wintery theme and in the spirit of gift giving and doing good things for others, here's the first of several Blog Candy offerings that will be made this month.

To be considered for this wonderful trio of stamps, post a comment *including your name* to this entry and tell a friend to do the same (that's where the "doing good things for others" part comes in for you!) But do it QUICK! The drawing for this Blog Candy will be made at 11:59pm Friday, December 1st. One name will be chosen, and I'll post the winner at midnight!

Hurry Hurry!

You've only got 1 day!

Chop chop!

Peaceful Wishes...

I thought I would post another one of the holiday cards I'm making this year. With snowy weather EVERYWHERE, frosty tree boughs seem to be a fitting image regardless of where you live. This card was created using the new Stampin' Up set called Peaceful Wishes. I stamped the images on Fabriano paper, and added Stardust Stickles to the branches and pinecone for the sparkle of winter frost. It's a simple design - I'm diggin' simple this year for the holidays.

A Texas Blizzard!

I never thought I'd see the day when our place here in Texas got snowed on...but, today was the day! We had a blizzard for a short while this afternoon. Of course, the wind was blowing the snow sideways so very little of it actually stuck to the ground, but it was certainly snowing!

The weather here is a bit unpredicable. Yesterday the high was 76 degrees...today, it got down into the 20's for a great portion of the day. Add the crazy blowing wind to that temperature, and you've got a chilly, icy mess for sure.

Here's the old Ford tractor that sits outside by the garage. The snow was just WIZZIN' by! Tonight will be cold and icy all night, but tomorrow promises temperatures back up into the 50's.

Wonder if the chickens laid any eggs today...

More cold weather is supposed to hit the nation tonight and tomorrow - hope you're able to stay safe and warm! If the roads are slick and dangerous in your area, stay home from work! Missing one day will not only be good mental health, it will also keep you safe at home. Where you can stamp. And drink hot totties. All day long! Cheers!

An A Muse Holiday

I've always loved A Muse Artstamp images, and ooohhhhh how I would love to join the ranks of the A Muse designers! For now, I'll just have to pretend!

I believe it was again miss Julie Ebersole who ultimately was the inspiration for these quick holiday cards. In fact, probably this exact card!

The Giga and Mega scallop punches make it so easy to create a fun holiday design. Or any seasonal design for that matter. And I love how the ribbon brought around the top of the card makes it look like an ornament.

On these cards I've used all A Muse Artstamp images, Pearlized (shimmery) White paper, Bazzill blue, and even used some Stardust Stickles for added glitz. I used Prismacolor markers to color in the carolers, and Bashful Blue ink for the icey snow on both cards, and snowflakes around the snowman. And, as always, Black Stazon ink for all black stamped images. The ribbon is by May Arts. Have I ever mentioned how much I  * l o v e * ribbon?    

By the way, I've got more scallop punches and Stardust Stickles on order! Stay tuned for another posting!

Happy Winter!

I'm participating in a swap with some fabulous stampers where we're exchanging Artist Trading Cards (ATC's). They're small cards, like these, that measure 2.5x3.5, just like baseball trading cards. This is what I came up with for the swap.

This is the first time I've done an ATC, and it was fun! It's a smaller area than a standard card so it was great to play around with different ideas for elements and design.

I'll be swapping with 9 other stampers, so I created 10 "Happy Winter" trading cards (9 for them, and 1 for me!). Can't wait to see what I receive in exchange!

This card reminds me of all the snow that has fallen in the Pacific Northwest in the past couple of days. Friends and family, stay safe and warm... and enjoy a hot tottie for me!

Oh, and by the way...for those of you who've asked, Mister Farley is feeling MUCH better these days! No more pukey puppy! (THANK GOODNESS!!)

ETA: Snowman stamp by Penny Black and is titled "Frosty". Have fun shopping for him! I bought him last year because of a few adorable cards by CardsbyCarla. Check out her gallery! *Amazing!!*

Doodled Snowmen

Today I made a few holiday cards. I pulled out all of my holiday stamps and stared at them. I stamped a few, and stamped a few more, and then I thought I'd start doodling and these snowman cards are what I ended up with. (Notice, I had to pull out one of my A Muse sentiments for these!) These snowmen are hand drawn on Fabriano paper, and painted with ink from my reinkers and my aquapainter. I added Stardust Stickles around the edges of the snowmen, and along the snow to give them lots of sparkle. I'm thrilled with how they turned out! These will be sent to special people, that's for sure!

I also created some simple cards with my prized Polar Express Stampin' Up set. Images were stamped on Fabriano paper and watercolored with ink from my reinkers and my aquapainter. Stamping a white image (like a polar bear) on white paper causes some people to question how to color the image, but actually it's quite simple. Adding hints of blue actually make the image appear whiter than the surroundings. Using blue to accent shadows really gives the image depth, and life! Here I've used Bashful Blue for the body of the bears and the snow. I also added Stardust Stickles for sparkle and shine.

I did a set of four using the main images from the Polar Express set. The ribbon on the ice skating bear (far right) is giving me fits... I might just have to cut that sucker off and re-do it! On the inside of these cards I used an A Muse sentiment that reads "Wishing You Laughter and Cheer Throughout the Year". I think it's a fitting sentiment for the fun these bears seem to be having!

I've certainly enjoyed having the long weekend to play. I hope you've been able to spend time with friends and family, and also spend some time doing whatever it is you like to do best.

Get Well, Mister Farley!

Poor Mister Farley came down with a brutal case of the doggy flu Wednesday night, and it was only getting worse this morning. So, just to be sure that he didn't eat something he shouldn't have (like a cat toy), or that it wasn't something more serious, we made a visit to the vet's office today. Blood work, two Xrays, and half a dozen shots later and Mister Farley is feeling a bit better - still not himself, but a little better for sure! (Oh ya, and the whoppin' bill, ringing in at nearly $400...so much for putting his "I'm gonna be famous" photo money in the bank!)

Poor Mister Farley...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you loads of happiness and turkey this Thanksgiving day!

Zesty Oyster Crackers

If you've been a frequent visitor to my blog, you'll know that I only share things I really love (spiders were the exception).

Here's another favorite recipe I thought I'd share!

This recipe was made by my Grandma during the holidays - and I think it's delicious!

Zesty Oyster Crackers

2 packages oyster crackers (get the brand that are rounded, like shown - they're the best!)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 package dry Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1 tsp lemon pepper
1 TBS dried dill weed
1 tsp garlic powder

Directions:
In a large bowl mix together spices, dressing mix, and oil. Once mixed, gently fold in the crackers until coated evenly. I use a rubber spatula and that pulls the spice mixture off the bottom of the bowl, and doesn't break up the crackers. Store in a zip lock bag or other air tight container. They're the best when made a day before serving to allow spices to really flavor the crackers.

YUMMMMY!

Woodland Santa

Another holiday card before Thanksgiving... but, I had to do it again!

When I first saw this set in the Stampin' Up holiday catalog, I knew I wanted to make him into a Santa wearing somewhat non-traditional colors. For some reason, I always imagine a woodland Santa to wear green wool with heavy fur trims on his hat and coat. So, a woodland Santa he is! ...and he coordinates with the wonderful Basic Grey paper I bought last weekend!

The Sweet Holiday Wishes sentiment is by A Muse. Santa is stamped on watercolor paper and watercolored with ink from my reinkers and my aquapainter. I think he's charming. *wink*

jolly holiday

I tried...and I failed...  I tried not to make any Christmas cards before Thanksgiving, but this jolly santa has been sitting on my desk teasing me for weeks now! I couldn't take it any longer! He's been begging to get inky, and tonight he got INKY!

I stamped him on watercolor paper and painted him with ink from my reinkers using my aquapainter brush. I really like the strong color saturation I get with the inks on the watercolor paper. This might just be my favorite coloring method with stamping.

I used my Sakura Stardust pen for sparkles on Santa. I added swirls to his beard, outlined the fur on the hat and his coat, and jazzed up his belt buckle. I really like how this pen adds just the right amount of shimmer and sparkle to every project. And, it's a subtle enough ink to allow the color of the image below to still show through. A "must have" on my list of stamping supplies!

it's almost turkey time...

...and I love turkey time! This card is going to be sent to my Grandparents. Inside: "Thanksgiving time again, and once again we find ourselves surrounded by turkeys!" *snicker*

Alan and I will spend Thanksgiving with his parents. Alan's mom and I will share cooking duty - I'm making the mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, green bean casserole, candied yams (my favorite!) and pumpkin pie. Should be fun... I'm sure I'll need a long nap before the day is through.

Mmm... yams...

I'm looking forward to all of those days off work!!

and yams....

Congratulations, Mister Farley!

It's about time one of the animals around here start earning their keep!  <wink wink>

Mister Farley is about to be famous for a good cause! I got a call today from a company that helps non-profit agencies raise money. They have requested to license a photo I took of Mister Farley to be sold as greeting cards, address labels and coordinating envelopes.

The items will be sold nationally with the proceeds going to a non-profit agency that helps raise and train Golden Retrievers for people with special needs.

This request is very exciting! This photo of Mister Farley was taken while he was recovering from surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his hip. He spent many many days with me in my office, napping and getting well.

He's so amazing...

Way to go Mister Farley!

            

you're unfrogettable

If I could send this card to every one of my blog visitors I would. You've all just thrilled me to giggles with your kind notes and emails. Some of you have sent me cards as RAK's (random acts of kindness) and some of you have gone totally out of your way to send me stamps I could not find locally or online! You're an amazing group of readers, and I can't say thanks enough for all of your support.

So - here's to each and every one of you... you're all unfrogettable!

This card is made with a base layer of chocolate chip cardstock by Stampin' Up (one of my *favorite* colors!) and a layer of patterned paper by Wild Asparagus. I punched out an oval in chocolate chip cs and trimmed it into the shape of a lily pad. I'm pretty sure I didn't dream up this idea on my own...but dang if I can remember who to credit. More than likely it was the jolly Julie Ebersole, as she's always dreaming up new ideas with her punches.

The flower is a silk flower folded in half and attached to the card with the yellow brad. I drew white lines around the edges with my Stampin' Up white gel pen. This pen is *super*! ...and believe me...I have a drawer of white gel pens, and not a single one of them is as reliable as the Stampin' Up one. I'm not sure why, but it's the way it is.

The frog is stamped on Pearlized (shimmery) White paper by Paper Accents, and colored in with Prismacolor colored pencils. I finished the card off with some pinking sheared edges, a Word Window punch tab, and a fun dusting of Pearl-ex shimmery powder (it makes the card shimmer and sparkle like nothin' else!) The Word Window punch is also by Stampin' Up -- and is one of my all time favorite punches!

HOPPY FRIDAY!

Someone's a Winner!

Once again, I am blown away by the comments left on the Blog Candy post earlier this week! You girls are serious about your free goodies, and I *love* it! Thank you to each of you for playing along. I hope that even though only one name can be drawn as the winner, that you all feel like you're getting something - anything - from visiting my little piece of the internet pie. I read every comment, even visited your blog site if you linked to one, then put all the names in a box and Alan drew out the winning name. I'm thrilled that the whole idea of winning Blog Candy draws some of you out of lurking and enourages you to comment. It makes my day to read your messages.

And the winner of the RED BLOG CANDY is... Kerry Davis!
cheer, cheer, clap clap clap, cheer, clap clap, cheer, clap...

Kerry, email me your address, sit back and relax as you wait for your Blog Candy to arrive!

Blog Candy is a monthly event here - check back often! No particular day of the month - just when it comes to mind.

We're one day closer to the weekend!
And one day closer to Thanksgiving!
Mmmm...yams.....

More Blog Candy!

I'm giving away more BLOG CANDY!! This time, it'll all be red! Why red? ... because I *love* red!

Have you seen or used any of the snap-together boxes that Stampin' Up sells? They're great! I use similar boxes by Karen Foster for storing all of the cards I've made that I have yet to mail or sell.

These boxes are also great for storing and organizing 4x6 photos. This particular box is 6.5 x 6.5 x 5.  Karen Foster boxes come in a variety of colors, including red of course! (This box is new, I just snapped it together for the photo.)

I also *love* stickles, and the stickles I'm including in this give-away is Candy Cane Red... and, as you might have guessed by the photo, you'll receive some Red Rose ribbon as well. Deliciously Red!!

So... if you want a chance at winning this months blog candy , leave a comment on this thread. Be sure to leave your name ("anonymous" doesn't count). *grin*

The winning name will be randomly selected by Alan on WEDNESDAY (11/15) at 9:00pm Central time. So, get your comment posted!

Oh! Spread the fun and tell a friend to comment too! ...if she wins there might just be a little something in it for you! (think of it as doubling your chances of winning!)

Yippeeee, it's almost Tuesday!! That means it's almost no longer Monday!! That means it's just that much closer to FRIDAY!!

Anna Banana Bread

Banana Bread is one of my favorite things, and today I made two loaves! Yum! I've been tinkering with a few different recipes, and finally found what I think is worth repeating.

Anna Banana Bread
1/2 cup butter or margarine softened
8 oz cream cheese softened
1 1/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
3 ripe mashed bananas
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
3 TBS brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter/margarine and the cream cheese together. Gradually add the white sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one egg at a time, beating well after each egg. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla. Slowly add the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, baking powder and baking soda. Mix until the batter is just moist. (careful not to mix too long after you've added the flour.) Fold in your choice of chopped nuts.

Pour the batter into two greased/floured 8x4" loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes on middle rack, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Once baked, let loafs rest in pans for 5 minutes, then carefully turn out of pan onto a cooling rack.

Mmm-mmm Good!

found a few...

...minutes for stamping tonight. It's strange I think, how when I'm away from my stuff for a while, that my stampin' mojo seems to diminish a bit. I need to fix that.

I was able to make a couple of simple cards with the stamps that were on my table. I guess they hadn't been put away yet, so tonight they got inky!

I think this snowman image is pretty adorable, and I couldn't help but make his scarf match the patterned paper by Flair Designs. The cord on this card is actually navy blue hemp twine. I thought it would coordinate well with the paper that looks like a loosly woven hippy shirt. I lived in Eugene for 10 years...and believe me, this is certainly something a happy hippy would wear!

Have a happy evening!

Love...exciting and new...

Hi all! I'll be away from the computer until Monday or Tuesday of next week. My sister is getting married this weekend, so we'll be spending time with family.

Enjoy yourself!