AURA of DESIGN

Its about time I returned from the land of confusion....

2009-12-19T02:16:00.000-08:00

WHEW!!!! What a year......so I will have my craft room perfected by the end of March and the creations will begin to flow again. Therapy of old but with a new twist. Focus is changing this year for me and I am excited about it! Mike and I have an entire life ahead and we will be going full spead ahead. New home, (which I will get pictures up as soon as the snow goes away again), new goals and a happy life ahead.

Happy Holidays to all and I hope to see all of you creative ladies at it throughout the end of 2009 and into 2010.

LIVE LAUGH LOVE

OK IM BACK....

2009-07-13T05:47:00.000-07:00

I still dont have a computer at my new house so it will be awhile till I have picture posts but I cant wait to share my great new room with all!!!! YAY Its amazing and talk about getting the creative juices flowing! Im loving my job in the ICU and have been ultimately busy moving and getting organized. I will share soon all the progress......welcome back to the blogger world to me!!!

Breast Savers

2008-10-20T23:40:00.000-07:00

So it is coming up quickly. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3Day walk in San Diego.

I will be walking 60 miles for a cause that is near and dear to my heart. Many of us are touched by Breast Cancer in some way or another and 1 in 5 women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in their life time......

Time to stand up and FIGHT!!

Please visit my personal site at http://www.the3day.org/ and "find a walker". Put in my name and the city I will be walking in. Here you will find my participant page and may donate if you are so inclined.

Save the TaTa's

Im walking for those who have passed on and earned their wings, those who are currently fighting with all their strenght and for those yet to be diagnosed!!

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS!!

Ok I really have been slacking!!

2008-08-24T23:28:00.000-07:00

Ok so we dont have internet at home so there arent pictures yet but I had to blog. I will get better, winter is coming. I found this on Stacey's blog and thought it would be a good "no picture post"

1. Where is your cell phone? pocket
2. Your significant other? Mike
3. Your hair? brown
4. Your mother? Barbara
5. Your father? Jim
6. Your favorite thing? Crafting
7. Your dream last night? working
8. Your favorite drink? water
9. Your dream/goal? Balance
10. The room you're in? work
11. Your hobby? cards
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Zen
13. Where were you last night? work
14. What you're not? dissatisfied
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. One of your wish list items? passion
17. Where you grew up? Snohomish
18. The last thing you did? email
19. What are you wearing? scrubs
20. Your TV? Sony
21. Your pets? dogs
22. Your computer? Dell
23. Your life? Blessed
24. Your mood? happy
25. Missing someone? hubby
26. Your car? Audi
27. Something you're not wearing? Belt
28. Favorite store? craft
29. Your summer? great
30. Do you love someone? YES
31. Your favorite color? blue
32. When is the last time you laughed? today
33. Last time you cried? huh?

NO TIME TO PLAY

2008-05-29T02:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, as you can see I am making this little entry when all the rest of the pretty heads I know are sleeping. I am finding that between planning my best friends wedding showers/bachelorette parties, yard work, house work, regular (paying) work and making time for my dogs I am getting less and less time to stamp and create lately. Also doesnt help that my craft room got disorganized when I tried to combine it with the office since I took over all the bill paying.

So, as I take a little break from my patients I will just make quick little notes to let everyone know I am alive.

I AM ALIVE.

I couldnt sleep when I got home yesterday morning so I was very busy with stuff all day to try and make myself tired. I ran errands, worked on planning, mowed the lawn, raked the lawn, washed my car, did some laundry etc....wait a minute I am making myself tire now, just thinking about it. I should sleep good when I get home in the morning though. Two days without sleep usually lends to a short nap at least. Obviously I am a little loopy since I am rambling about nothing.

Ok I will spare you all.

LOTS OF LOVE TO THOSE I LOVE

notimetostamp challenge

2008-05-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

This card is for "Bug" ie Krista my brother-in-laws girlfriend. It is her birthday today and this card was also for the notimetostamp challenge. It was perfect due to her nickname and it being her birthday. I even made wrapping paper to match.

A man and his dog

2008-05-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

I just loved this picture. I was standing below on the river bank and Mike and Axel were walking along the cliff and they got near the sun and they turned into shadows. They didnt know I was taking a picture so who knows Mike could be picking his nose for all I know but I loved the silhouette of the two of them.

Bath day and....Repeat

2008-05-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

Bath time for the babies. They were running around the yard crazy like and rolling in the grass trying to get all their good smell off. We were working in the back yard, tilling and leveling so we could lay sod later that day. I turned around and noticed Axel and Zeus had stopped running around. I took some tools to the back yard and caught Axel doing this (below) in the freshly tilled dirt.

Both Mike and I started cracking up and couldnt help but laugh. I ran to get the camera and then called him over (still laughing) and this is the face he gave me after he came over. I was almost crying at this point but it was so great to laugh like that. Needless to say, Axel and Zeus both got bath #2 for the day.

Gotta love Dogs!!!! This face was priceless.

ZEN

2008-05-08T01:48:00.000-07:00

I have been taking my yoga outside now that the weather is getting warmer and WOW did I ever have a great session yesterday. I took my mat and went to a special spot I love on the water. The river is down so I went out to the very point near the water. (The way the water runs by and the distance you are from the true shore is quite a long way so it feels like you are in the middle of the river. I set up and ran through some of my favorite Sun Salutations. Then I started into my Asanas. Balance poses were true bliss and my state of Zen was reached in no time. I really felt refreshed and after the week I have had, I really needed some refueling.

Just to share some of my yogi thoughts with those who need a little inner cleansing.

The 8 Limbs of Yoga
Yama- Eithical practice of right living: truthfulness
Niyama-Personal practices to be observed: contentment, and passion.
Asanas- Yoga postures: steady and joyful.
Pranamaya- Yogic breathing: Regulation and refinement
Pratyahara- Drawing in the senses from the external world.
Dharana-Uninterrupted concentration: focused and steadfast.
Dhyana- Meditation: encompassing and contemplating.
Samadhi- Transcending state.

5 Koshas
Annamaya = Matter: physical being
Pranamaya = Vital Air: breath
Manamaya = Mind: thoughts and focus
Vijnanamaya = Ego and Intellect
Anandamaya = Bliss

Dogs will be Dogs

2008-05-08T01:43:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love the area where we live. Sun, water, snow.....what more could you want. Mike and I took the dogs for a swim the other day and Axel (the pointer) loves the water and you can hardly keep him out of it. Zeus on the other hand, hasn't quite fallen in love with it yet. He wades in about knee deep and waits for Axel to bring the stick back to shore then proceeds to try and take it from him.....hilarious. While Axel is taking his victory lap, Zeus is happier than a clam thinking he is helping.

papertakeweekly challenge

2008-04-29T03:01:00.001-07:00

This card challenge was all about embossing. Well I didnt add as much embossing as I was going to but I loved this green, brown and white print paper and didnt want to cover it up.....and of course Ihad to make her yoga top out of that print.

MFT stamps are being well used late. For some reason MFT and Bella's always come out more when it gets sunny outside....go figure

Beate's Weekend Sketch

2008-04-29T02:57:00.000-07:00

This is for Beate's Weekend Sketch. Yes I am a little late but hey, yard work has been calling.

I used a couple Bella stamps. This challenge was quick so I might keep this one around for one of those "oh quick we are heading to a birthday party and I didnt make a card sketches......"

Cute Card Thursday Challenge

2008-04-29T02:54:00.001-07:00

This is a challenge for "The girls in our life" Challenge is on cutecardthursday.blogspot.com

This MFT set was perfect!! Shopping and Pink. Cant get more girly than that.

The big 40

2008-04-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Today is a friend of ours 40th birthday! We are surprising her this evening with a small dinner party at a local "posh" Italian restaurant. I was going to go all black for her card, but I couldn't resist putting a little color in. I also had a ribbon that matched perfectly (even better in real life, the shimmer added a little more sheen in the picture)

Here is the cake I made her. 4 layer Vanilla with Raspberry filling. I was going to put it on a cute pedestal but since we are going to the restaurant with it, I figured foil covered cardboard was more durable. Picture came out a little dark but the fresh raspberries on top look delicious.

Baby News

2008-04-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

We just found out that some friends of ours are expecting. They have been trying for some time now and it is a very exciting time for them. Congrats to Josh and Ashely

No time to stamp challenge

2008-04-19T16:39:00.001-07:00

This challenge was to use black accents. I have been doing that a lot lately so this challenge was great.

The sentiment is from MFT and the back ground stamp is SU jumbo roller Stems and Silhouettes
The papers are Basic Black cardstock from SU and then some colored cardstock from an unknown company.

Have a good weekend playing everyone. I am headed off to work tonight and tommorrow night so I will be back to the stamping world monday afternoon. (or sooner if I can sleep)

Iheart2stamp challenge

2008-04-19T14:47:00.001-07:00

This is for iheart2stamp's weekend challenge. You can find it at iheart2stamp.com

I used all Manhattan Papers in the design Autumn Leaves.
I used SU Lovely Labels and Lovely as a Tree
Ink Chocolate Chip and the background cardstock SU Chocolate Chip as well.
I used all SU punches for the sentiment: Large round scallop and the 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" round.

Beate's Weekend Sketch #42

2008-04-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

I was so busy last week that I missed the challenge (very sad thing) I really enjoyed this sketch challenge but I think I picked a "too big" image because I lost a little of the background. But here it is.

Supplies:
Paper: Bazzil cardstock, Printed paper from DCWV
Stamp: Bella Golfer
Embesslishments: ribbon from target, baubbles from Bella Stamps

Cute Card Thursday

2008-04-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

This weeks cute card thursday challenge was all about those men. (The cards we make for the boys in our lives.

This one is going to go for my brother in law who my Hubby (his brother) drags out pheasant hunting every year. This should get a chuckle.

I used SU papers and a hodgepodge piece of hardware from the bronze set.

I heart2stamp challenge

2008-04-16T17:22:00.001-07:00

I am a little late on all these challenges this week but I had to do this one before going to work tonight.

This is for iheart2stamp.com sketch challenge.

Papers: SU Wild Wasabi, Basic Black and Whisper White, felted hand made paper (Costco Pack)
Ink: SU Basic Black
Embellishments: Baubles from Bella Stamps

I love this color combo and will have to use it more often.

Have a good night everyone.

Papertakeweekly challenge

2008-04-15T17:15:00.001-07:00

This card is for the paper take weekly challenge. The challenge was "all things glitter" I usually like al ot of bling on my cards so this wasn't too hard!! I loved doing this card.

I used black card stock and embossed it with a cuttlebug folder. I then layered a black and white print paper from DCWV. I then layered shimmer lilac card stock over then with white card stock stamped with a daisy/swirl background stamp (from Great Impressions) in violet from colorbox. I tied a great polkadot ribbon around the top two layers and atached those with dimensionals. I stamped three images from Denami Designs onto the shimmer card stock and cute them out which I also attached with dimensionals. I then used a great little tag stamp from SU for the final sentiment. I had a lot of fun with this one.

Cute Card Thursday Challenge

2008-04-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

This is for the Cute Card Thursday Challenge. The theme was "all that has wings" So I decided to use my favorite butterfly stamp and color it to match some cute paper from DCWV. I also used some babbles from Bella Stamps and then some stickles to make the wings shimmer. I cute out extra wings to make it look like it was flying off the paper.

Ridge to River Race 2008

2008-04-12T18:09:00.001-07:00

This is me! Doing the last leg of the Ridge to River Race. My team was called the "Queens of Hearts" (All cardiac/Critical Care/ER/or Progressive Care Heart RN's)

First from right: Liz our Runner (ER Nurse) second from right Secret our Cyclist (Cardiac Cath Lab Nurse). third from right Christine our Cross Country Ski/Skater(Progressive Care/ Cardiac Step down Nurse. fourth from right Me the Kayaker (Critical Care). Fifth from right Kat our downhill skier (Progressive Care/ Cardiac Step down Nurse. We came in third in the Pro Division Yeah!!!!! The Ridge to River starts at our local ski mountain and then ends on the Columbia River that separates East and West Wenatchee. 5 Legs!! We were even more competitive than we expected to be......

Me with our little trophies

Me and my Hubby (my primary support person!!)

Good job ladies....we rocked!

papertakeweekly challenge

2008-04-10T14:31:00.001-07:00

I made this set for a friend of mine whose daughter is turning 5. Her favorite colors are blue and purple and I ran with it. Then on papertakeweekly challenge there was this adorable box challenge (I also made a lid) and so I thought I would tie it all together and give it to her like this!!!

Cupcake Challenge

2008-04-06T16:40:00.001-07:00

This is the cupcake challenge over at tayloredexpressions.blogspot.com I actually found a cupcake and had to do the challenge. Headed off to work now. Will play more tomorrow I am sure!! Have a good rest of the weekend y'all.

I heart2stamp challenge

2008-04-05T16:23:00.001-07:00

I had some fun on iheart2stamp.com The sketch challenge is the top two photos and then these adorable little mini pizza boxes were too much fun! I have made a few already and they all are coming out so cute.

Card supplies.
Bulk cardstock from Bazzil Papers
Stamps: MFT Punny Farm stamp set.
Tools: Cuttlebug circle folder, Creative Cafe jewel brads, SU watercolor pencils
Ink: SU Regal Rose
Ribbon: American Crafts in Mother Goose 6

Notimetostamp challenge

2008-04-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

This challenge was to do color blocking. You can check out the challenge at www.notimetostamp.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com and play also.

Paper: Bazzil basic pastels along with SU black
Tools: Aqua glue, dimensionals, brushed silver book plate, crystal brads
Ribbon: Silk had dyed ribbon from a little shop in town
Stamps: SU Seasons and SU Garden Whimsy

Beate's Weekend Sketch #41

2008-04-04T11:53:00.001-07:00

This card is for Beate's weekend sketch challenge.

I used all kinds of things on this card.

Paper was some misc. cardstock in red, black and white. The print paper is Autumn Leaves from the Winter Garden collection. The stamp I used is from SU Friendship Flowers set and there are also some SU rub-ons around the sentiment. The red flower is a rub on from Creative Cafe. The ribbon is some bulk ribbon I got at the local craft store and well....here it is.

Cute Card Thursday Challenge

2008-04-03T23:29:00.000-07:00

Wow!! Girliest card ever!! I think I went a little over the top on the old flower power on this card but owell. This is for the challenge over at cutecardthursday.blogspot.com. The theme was trains and planes and automobiles or any type of transportation. I have not used my little bella girl yet so I thought the wagon would fit just right. Got a little carried away on the "girl" aspect though.

Cute Card Thursday

2008-04-01T15:01:00.001-07:00

This is for the Cute Card Thursday challenge and obviously I am a little late. The challenge was to use People. I chose to use my chefabella and the cutest saying that goes with her. SU and Cosmo Cricket papers and some hodgepodge hardware from SU as well.

Cheers to all, I start night shift tonight and well, I woke up earlier than I usually do this morning so bring on the Starbucks later!!

Cupcake Challenge

2008-03-31T23:11:00.001-07:00

This was a weekend challenge that I was a little late on from tayloredexpressions.blogspot.com It is acutally a cupcake challenge but since I do not have a cupcake stamp I opted for a little summer fun. I really need to go be productive and do laundry or something.

A cute little Pick me UP

2008-03-31T21:25:00.000-07:00

Found a new blog challenge today. www.papertakeweekly.blogspot.com It has a blog every Monday. So I just need to find a Sunday and a Wednesday challenge and I will officially have no life outside my craft room, work and the gym. O-well it could be worse and it all keeps me sane.

For this card I used the adorable SU "Loads of Love" set and all American Crafts paper. This challenge was to use scalllops or zigzags so I used scallop paper, "clouds" fiskars scissors and all cordinating colored papers. I have just the person to get this card also. A friend of mine is in the last long stretch of the Nursing program and I know EXACTLY how she is feeling right now. I am so glad it is all over for me and I am in a permanent job!! Yeah. So this is a little pick me up for Meegan.

Iheart2stamp challenge

2008-03-30T18:04:00.001-07:00

This was another fun weekend sketch from my trusty inspiration blogs. I love the weekend sketches because they are so relaxing and it gets me going for a good few hours of card making.

NOTIMETOSTAMP challenge

2008-03-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

This is a paper patching technique that I have used before but this challenge reminded to pull it out of the back of my brain. I love how the different papers always add a different dimension. I had fun with this one.

Beate's Weekend Sketch #41

2008-03-28T21:54:00.001-07:00

For this card I used all SU papers and a fun stamp that was back in the corner getting lonely. I used some brass brads and of course my cuttlebug (I love that thing more and more). Some fun ribbon that matched the brads and well here it is. A great sketch while I was waiting to go to work tonight. Cheers to all.

April Birthdays come in....well lots!!

2008-03-28T15:35:00.001-07:00

April is the multiple birthday month for our family so I thought I would get started.

My Sisters birthday April 3rd and I made the pink butterfly card for her.
They Mikes sisters birthday is also April 3rd and she gets the Bella Birthday card.
Mikes mom gets the sparkly card for April 16th
Mikes brothers card is still to come for April 8th
They my Grandmas bday is April 19th so I will be turning out birthday cards this month.

Happy Spring

2008-03-19T22:01:00.001-07:00

This was a new layout I found on cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com and I had a little fun with it.

I used dark chocolate card stock, dusty rose and then coordinating paper that had a great green in it along with the matching pink. I used SU stamps and stamp pad. I "glitterized" some chip designs that I had for some extra bling and dimension. Great sketch!!

Toy's Haven Challenge

2008-03-16T22:10:00.001-07:00

THis is a sketch I found on a new blog. toyzhaven.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com I love this dogwalkerbella and she just seemed to fit so well with this saying. I am an avid dog lover and have the two greatest dogs in the whole world (Im serious, just ask my sister) My baby boy Zeus is almost 10 months now and he is a four legged giant. 155lbs and 36inches at the shoulder he is well on his way to growing into his name and his breed (Great Dane). Then there is Axel, the most charming animal on the planet. He created the definition puppy dog eyes. He is a 3 year old German Shorthair Pointer and is earning quite the reputation out in the hunting world with my Hubby.....so needless to say. I like the stamp.

Beate's Weekend Sketch #39

2008-03-16T18:13:00.001-07:00

This is for Beate's weekend sketch. I am not sure where this shadow came from especially since it doesnt show up on my camera .....creepy. Anywho....For this sketch I used SU garden Silouettes and some great paper I picked up the other day. I used this great new hemp twine that I found also and the cuttlebug for the distressed lines in the background.

I heartstamp challenge

2008-03-15T15:52:00.001-07:00

This is another challenge from iheart2stamp.com I went all spring on this one. I had some darker colors out and it just wasnt goign together.

I used a MakingMemories rub-on for the sentiment and all Around the Block papers. I used creative cafe brads and then some stickles around the cut out flowers.

I heart2stamp challenge

2008-03-13T23:06:00.001-07:00

I had fun with this challenge from www.Iheart2stamp.com It is a different size card and I always like those. I used MFT for the sentiment and pearl embellishments. I also found some great colored cottom cord that looked too cute with this paper. I used my paisley embossing folder for my cuttlebug on blue paisley paper. I love the oval on the long card. Thanks for inspiration!!

Fun and Fancy

2008-03-12T23:36:00.001-07:00

This is a "just because I wanted to play card" that I made up with some new "felted" paper I bought recently. I used my cricut to cut the flowers, attached them with SU jeweled brads and used SU sets In My Thoughts and Priceless. The light paper is actually white but for some reason in photographed sorta pink. Ok cheers to all... Happy stamping.

Simply Stated

2008-03-11T16:25:00.001-07:00

Simply flourished. I have been doing some simple cards lately. I made this one with some great new embossed paper flowers that I got at a newer scrapbooking store we have in the mall here. What fun things that I found!!

I embossed the background paper with my cuddlebug, layered four paper flowers on each other attached with a pearl brad. I then used a fun little flourish word and that was that. Definately not a mailer due to the big flower but the colors are very spring like.

A little LUCK

2008-03-09T16:35:00.001-07:00

I have been wanting to make little St. Patricks Day because I love that Holiday. I think it has to do with the fact that I had the opportunity to go to Ireland for in Band when I was in High School. Talk about a memorable trip. I thought Ireland was the most beautiful place I had ever been and hope to go back in a few years. Since my Hubby and I got married in March (Anniversary tommorrow, year #1) I am hoping to go there for our 5 year!!!

I just threw this one together so it really isnt anything special but I just loved all the GREEN.

Beate's Weekend Sketch #38

2008-03-07T19:32:00.001-08:00

I had fun with this sketch. I started out making a St. Patricks day card but it evolved into Beate's Sketch. A very different color combo for me but I really like the end result. More later maybe.

Body Wise Weekend with my SISTA!!

2008-03-02T18:05:00.001-08:00

Sara came over this weekend and we had a great time all around. Started out with a long walk to the park with my dogs then we had a nice relaxing yoga session. After running to the store for some GREEN food, we cooked ourselves a beyond healthy dinner of asparagus, broccoli, avocado and yams. Then we sat down for some serious card making. This morning we got up, went for a run by the river, some stretching and team ab work and then a stop at Starbucks for a short cup of joy before heading home for showers. After a great breakfast of dried sprouted buckwheat, banana, yogurt, dates, and coconut we sat down for session #2. Sara was in the craft seat this morning and I tried to let her do her own thing.

Sara is new to the card making thing and brought a list over of about 9 cards she wanted to make. We started ticking them off right away. She just watched me for awhile and then, took off on her own....a true natural I might add. Following are some of the cards we made:

A fun little PIF from Stacey

2008-03-01T14:57:00.000-08:00

Stacey at thequeenscreations.blogspot.com sent me this cute little care package in the mail after a conversation we had on her stubborn new snaps too large for the cropadile. Her and I tore up Craftwarehouse the other day and we found this adorable monkey stamp in the clearance bin. (Always the best place to find stamps!!) Thanks Stacey, and .....adorable card!!

Beate's Weekend Sketch #37

2008-03-01T00:08:00.001-08:00

This is for another one of Beate's great weekend sketches. I had fun with this one. I used SU set, Heartfelt Thanks and some great new paper I found. Also my cuttlebug for the embossed background and some ribbon from who knows where.

For Stacey

2008-02-27T21:34:00.001-08:00

This is for my friend Stacey. (Stacey for you!!!) She was down in Wenatchee a couple days ago and I was her "partner in crime" for a trip to Craft Warehouse. Turned out to be more crimeful for me....Anyway I went outside the box on this paper (I usually do not go for pastels too often). She noticed it first and I have another friend who loves tulips so I sure the paper will come in handy. Great fun Stacey, course we cant do it again for a little while for the wallets sake but it was fun!!!!

Zen state, a wounderful thing

2008-02-27T13:51:00.000-08:00

This is just how I feel today. Spring is in the air and as much as I love winter, I am ready to get my kayak in the water. Im a 4 seasons girl and the transitions between seasons, kill me because my body gets antsy.
I used American Crafts paper in Jacks and Pillow Fight and the new SU set, text and texture which I love. Bold but basic. I also used a paper piercer for the detail on the rust red card stock and the mega cropadile for the brad settings. And.....NO GLITTER, I know I am amazed myself.

Cheers to all and Smile, its a great day!!

"Make it POP" Challenge.

2008-02-24T16:27:00.001-08:00

I am offering another challenge for everyone. Make as many things POP on the page as you can. For my sample I used my cuttlebug and three different embossing folders for the dots in the background. (SU punch 1 3/8") Then I used pop dots for multiple layers of the dots and the paper. I used one of my Bellas for the stamp design and put the main image off the page the furthest. Quite a bit of dimension but it turned out cute. Have fun with this one.

Beate's Weekend Sketch #36

2008-02-22T23:36:00.001-08:00

This is my sketch for Beate's Challenge. I hit the jack pot at Costco today and got their bundles of handmade paper for 10 dollars off so of course I had to use it. There are so many textures and colors it is great. I used my new MFT stamp set Serenity and did a little detailing on the top. I also cut out the hands so they pop off the page slightly. Ok I am off to bed, I work early in the morning.

SCS #164

2008-02-22T12:58:00.000-08:00

Stacey sent me this great sketch from Split Coast Stampers and once again I loved it. They do some great sketches. Thanks Stacey. I used my SU sets, Baroque Motifs and True Friend for the stamp design and then just layered some papers to great a great color mix if I do say so myself. I put the background layer a little low for the sketch but it looked better this way because of the dark colored background. I used some pop dots for the brown little flowers for a little dimension.

All Scraps Challenge

2008-02-17T21:02:00.000-08:00

I have been enjoying everyone else challenges they put out so much that I decided to put out one of my own. You know that box of all the scraps that I know everyone has, well dust it off and have some fun.

Rules: All paper, ribbon, and "fluff" has to come out of the scraps box. You may use any stamp, and ink but all the paper has to come from the scraps bin. (This was actually to get me to use the scraps I have in my bin so have fun)

iheart2stamp challenge

2008-02-16T22:00:00.001-08:00

I found another sketch challenge to try. For this one I used a MFT things stamp set which has some of the cutest sayings with it. This one turned out a little bright but it works.

Stamp Simply Challenge #22, Leslie Sketch

2008-02-16T20:02:00.000-08:00

This was a fun challenge, fun sketch and I love how the colors turned out. I found Sharon Johnson's blog and thought I would have fun with her challenge she has posted at notimetostamp.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com

For you Sara

2008-02-16T14:43:00.001-08:00

This is for my little Sis. Cheer up sista!! Bad days come and go just to allow you to remember the pure joy of the good days. If we all had good days all the time, we would be the Valium Nation with no real true joy. Happiness comes to those who are courageous enough to get through the bad days with a smile. I love you!! Cheer up.

My Hubby's Valentine

2008-02-15T17:49:00.001-08:00

This is the Valentines card that I made for my hubby (of almost 1 year now, March 10th) We don't really do the Valentines thing and when I handed him the card today (he worked yesterday and all night) he said "but I didn't get you one...." We laughed and had the mutual understanding that usually it is not our thing to get all mushy but you know me, any reason to make another card.

Beate's Weekend Sketch #35

2008-02-15T13:57:00.000-08:00

This card is for my Hubby's birthday. I usually have such a hard time making masculine cards but this sketch turned out to be the perfect inspiration. I used Northwoods Pheasant circle for the design, brass colored brads and paper from ?? I have had this hunting print paper forever. The ink is SU close to cocoa and well here it is.

2008-02-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

I PASSED!!!!

Is there anything else to say....Nope not today. The best Valentines Day present ever. I am now......Aura Battis, RN

Wow does it ever feel amazing to say that.

I want to thank everyone who has helped me through from the bottom of my heart. You all know who you are and I appreciate you more than words can say. It has been quite a journey but it feels really good to be done with such an accomplishment. Dad, Mom, Sara and Arlen you have all kept me smiling the whole time and have given me little pick-me-ups along the way that have made all the difference. There are so many people who have touched my life in very special ways that there isnt really time or room to got into it all.

Just a big THANK YOU to all of you and guess what. You have Mrs. Reliable back again...Need anything...I am your gal (what else am I going to do with all the time on my hands....hahaha)

Cheers to all....and ME

A great Thank You.

2008-02-13T22:06:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow is the last day of my Surgical Internship rotation. I will be moving on next week to the Post Cardiac Unit, spend 2 weeks there and then on to Critical Care. I have worked with an amazing nurse who brought out the best in me and gave me a great experience. We just clicked and it really showed in my progress. I have gotten great opportunities and her and I really had a good time during the whole process. I made this card for her. Thank you Dianne R. You are a true Nurse inside and out.

Carefree Bella

2008-02-12T23:28:00.001-08:00

This is another creation from my anxious waiting. I am headed to bed now because I do have to work tomorrow. I used one of my bellas and embossed some bronze shimmer cardstock. The poppy stamp is from stampendous and the sparkle is Stickles. Turned out to be a great color combination. Cheers to all. Goodnight.

PIF from Laura

2008-02-12T23:21:00.000-08:00

I was sent this card by a very talented card artist Laura. Here is her blog that shows some great talent. wishyouwerehere-laura.blogspot.com I made a comment on this card and she sent it to me with an extra stamp set she had. THANKS SO MUCH!!! 2 cute!

Sisters and Chocolate!!!!

2008-02-12T16:52:00.001-08:00

This is also a MFT stamp set that is well....for my sister. I took my boards today and she has been so sweet the last couple days. She has been calling to check up on me to make sure I have not crawled into a hole a died. This is for you sis. Have a great time in UTAH!! Get some powder turns in for me!!
I put Stickles on the little hersey kisses so they didnt show up like I would have liked but hey what is better than chocolate? Chocolate that is sparkly......Stacey that was for you, my sparkle everything twin.

Namaste

2008-02-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

Not a huge fan of out the picture turned out. The colors dont even look like they match but IRL it looks pretty cute. I just got this set from MFT and I couldnt wait to play with them. I am making a project that I will put up soon, but I was just playing with the stamps on this one.

Just a great reminder for everyone. Beates weekend Sketch #34

2008-02-10T21:51:00.000-08:00

I went simple but fun on this one. I inked my embossed paper layout with SU Ruby Red and cut out the daisy for the second square. The papers are Deja Views and the smile stamp is from Heidi Swapp. I made this card for a little reminder for myself. I take my boards this week and whew.....IM NERVOUS....Smile. Breathe, Focus and dont vomit (those are my goals) Thanks for the little hint of therapy Beate!!

Daddy's Birthday...Feb. 8th

2008-02-06T20:21:00.001-08:00

Well its my Papa's birthday on Friday and since I am late sending this card off, I thought I would post it. Him and my little brother have gotten even more into fishing this past year than before and I have some great memories fishing with Dad. I even won the biggest fish contest at Oasis Park in Ephrata when I was like....oh 10. This is for you Dad, I love you and Happy Birthday!!

TAG you are it.

2008-02-04T12:45:00.001-08:00

The middle Name Game and this is what you have to do:

These are the rules: You must post the rules before you give your answers.You must list one fact about yourself for each letter of your middle name. Each fact must begin with that letter. If you don't have a middle name, just use your maiden name. After you've been tagged, you need to update your blog with your middle name and answers. At the end of your post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and need to read your blog for details.

N- Naturalistic
I - Intellegent
C -Creative
O- Old fashioned
L- Loving
E- Entergetic

I have tagged jimandbarbbrazill.blogspot.com, thequeenscreations.blogspot.com, derekandsara.com, Robin, Horsebroad, and Show and Tell.

A little Womanly shout out.

2008-02-04T09:46:00.001-08:00

When I finished this card I realized I had crossed that "girly" line. In life Women need 4 things: People to love, Wine, Chocolate, and Bubble Baths. Without any of those, we are disjointed, incomplete and well to be honest....pretty hard to live with. We are instinctively made to love others (even at the cost of neglecting ourselves) we have to have wine and chocolate to keep our mind sane and well the Bubble Baths, those are just necessary once in awhile.

Cheers to all the ladies, who through thick and thin remember what matters most and who maintain a big smile to go along with it. I tip my glass to the other women in my life who I admire, love and will cherish my whole life.

You all know who you are!!

Passionately Purple

2008-02-02T21:50:00.001-08:00

Yet another snowy day creation. I really was not very productive outside my stamping haven today but what great therapy. This was a fun card to make. I used my cricut to make the black/white flowers, purple snaps with purple crystal brads in the middle. My cuttle bug for the background and then a great stamp from a flourish word set.

Beautiful Bella

2008-02-02T15:24:00.000-08:00

Another creation from a great morning in my craft room. A snowy saturday morning, my hubby is working and the dogs are sleeping by the wood stove and I am really trying to get some laundry done but this.....is so much more fun. I used ArtisaBella along with MFT stamp set BoHo Blossoms, my cuttlebug and my favorite find Stickles in pink, yellow, orange peel, starry night lime green and star dusk. Gotta have the bling.

Weekend sketch #33

2008-02-02T11:39:00.001-08:00

This is for Beate's weekend sketch. I loved this one and had a lot of fun with it. Once again my camera is taking good and bad pictures but o-well. I am off work this weekend so I am playing a little bit this morning before hitting the studying and house cleaning. I think I might have to create a few more before I start the not so fun stuff. Cheers.

For My Mama

2008-01-31T21:13:00.001-08:00

This card started out for my sister who really enjoys the stamps with a Pun in the saying but as it evolved I couldnt help thinking about my Mama. Well this isnt really a true depiction of what she would look like but I will probably never be able to find a stamp with a lady wearing a MooMoo. We really did grow up with a fun childhood of feeding the chickens, goats, cows, my sisters horse and all the other fun things that come with barnyard living. Cant say in the city I have ever delivered baby goats at 3 in the morning on a school night and then put them in the bathtub for the night on a sleeping bag. No life in town is a bit more predicatable. But Mom and Dad always did it with a smile and a few good laughs. Thanks for the memories Mama. And Dad, drive safe home from Montana. LOVE you both.

A little BUZZZZ

2008-01-29T22:36:00.000-08:00

This was a sketch for MY PAPER WORLD #3. I have never posted a sketch here before but here it is. I used the MFT "Hot Stuff" stamp set and all SU papers. I love the little beans and the saying is quite perfect.

I actually made this a couple days ago but my camera is on the fritz so I was not able to get the picture taken before now. I give the poor camera about 2 more days and then its off to get another one. (Sorry for the poor picture quality the last little bit) I have focus sometimes but most often than not I get this.

Cheers to all. I am off tommorrow to help my best friend try on wedding gowns. Yeah. She is the last of the group of us so it is going to be great fun being her maid of honor.

Weekend Sketch #32

2008-01-25T20:36:00.001-08:00

This is my sketch for Beate for her weekend sketch challenge. I used multiple different papers, SU All about U stamp set and a layered paper flower over the square of the sketch. The U is letting part of the flower play peekaboo. I used Dimensional effects for the "dew drops". I love this color combo and it was a great sketch to play with.

I had to play a little. I had a pretty good workout day today and now I am going to study a little more for my boards. Mike and his crew were up for dinner and now I am home alone with my babies (dogs). Off to work tomorrow and Sunday so I wanted to get in some play time before a busy weekend.

2008-01-24T20:38:00.001-08:00

I looked at the past few cards and realized that all my cards were beginning to look the same. I went outside the box a little with this one and I am not sure I like it yet. I used my Fabulous Finds cartridge for my cricut to cut out brackets for the saying and all SU papers and stamps. Stickles of course for the little glittler dots and my cuttlebug for the embossed background. Also for some reason the picture makes it look a little crooked but it all looks fine in person so who knows....maybe my camera is finally on its last legs. Have a great night....more tomorrow.

Break Time

2008-01-22T22:32:00.000-08:00

Tonight I spent more time studying for my nursing boards and this is what I did on my break time. I used another Bella (which I love) and also Dimensional Magic on the hearts. They werent quite dry in the picture so it looks a little weird but o well. Bella's dress is acutally pink paper cut out and but on top. I will probably put some stickles on it as well to add more glitter but I will wait till the "glass" dries. Well off to study a bit more before bed. Ciao.

Weekend Sketch #31

2008-01-18T21:44:00.000-08:00

I have been waiting to use this stamp and this seemed like the perfect time. This is for the weekend sketch #31 for Beate. I love this!! What a great way to start a weekend! The Stickles didnt show up very well but it makes the fur on her coat and boots look like they are covered with tiny ice crystals. This stamp is so me!! I love winter and am enjoying every minute of it.

For Robin

2008-01-16T21:53:00.001-08:00

I made this card for my dear friend Robin who is my partner in crime for all things "saving the boobies" Her and I went to dinner at my favorite restaurant "Dragonfly" this evening and had such a great time. Robin thanks for the treat!! My turn next time. We have rolled out of there a little uncomfortable due to eating enough for a small army but it was worth it.....Robin has been a great inspiration to me and also has opened the door to my breast cancer supporting. Her and I will be doing the 3Day walk in San Diego this year and I cant wait.

This is for you Robin....LOL

My Hubby and Me!

2008-01-14T20:35:00.000-08:00

Mike and I got a short snowshoe in last evening before it got too dark. The dogs loved it! The snow was so deep though that they could hardly walk! Zeus was jumping around like a very clumsy dear and Axel was plowing through like a bulldozer. They both kept stuffing their faces in the snow and then came up for air blowing snow out of their nostrils. Mike a I got a few good laughs!! This picture took me 4 tries because every time I looked at the picture, Mike was making some hilarious face!! I am amazed we got a half way decent one. It felt so good to get out in the mountain air and just PLAY.

2008-01-14T20:30:00.001-08:00

I had to have a little play time last night. I tried to go outside the box a little and play with different colors and layered paper. The saying for the bottom card is on the inside. I just couldnt seem to make any saying fit right on the front. It took away from the multidimensional flower.

A little crafty time

2008-01-11T19:12:00.000-08:00

Tonight I finished cleaning, studied for my boards for a bit and created this card from a sketch courtesy of SCS. (Weekend sketch #30) My friend Stacey gave me the link and I thought it would be fun. I used the Baroque Motifs SU stamp set and some coordinating papers from Provo Craft. I also used Platinum Stickles for the glitter accent. I love these colors together and I know just the person to get this card. I am having a quiet night tonight, my brother is on his way over and tomorrow, well you all know what tomorrow is. SEAHAWK SATURDAY against the Packers. The basement is ready and well I still have some popcorn balls to make in blue and green and then some football coco crispy treats......Oh the joys of football. Go Seahawks.

One BIG happy family

2008-01-07T22:05:00.000-08:00

The four of us make quite a pair. Zeus has already grown out this picture!! I still love it though

Our New Basement!!!! Go HAWKS

2008-01-06T23:33:00.001-08:00

This is our new basement detail... Superbowl ready and also a little scary for Green Bay next week. Bring on the Packers because our 12th man basement is ready to rumble.

The full effect. All hand painted by Mike and me with true hawk colors courtesy of Home Depot NFL collection. The green stripe is actually a chair rail and the detailing was hand painted. We had a great time and yes are pretty proud of ourselves. Brings an entirely new meaning to SEAHAWK FANS!!!! We are ready for the playoffs.....
FOOTBALL ANYONE?

2008-01-05T15:16:00.001-08:00

Here are another couple cards. I used my cricut cutter for these designs which turned out pretty cute. All SU papers also. The colors worked perfectly if I might say. Also what cute sayings.

More cards

2008-01-05T12:22:00.001-08:00

These are just a couple cards using the same sets but one is just a bit busier. I love these colors together, very fresh and springlike....I cant help but love that little bird also. Simple and not so simple but they both work I think. I also have glitter accents on both cards but they didnt show up very well in the photos.

Some ME time

2008-01-03T22:05:00.001-08:00

Ok so tonight I made a couple cards and for some reason my computer is acting up and will not let me load them so....Mom I used the cartridge again for the cricut and they turned out really cute but I guess everyone will have to imagine them until my computer will let me upload them. Also a shout out to my Sister and her Hubby.....GET over here already, you are missing some great powder and.....it just keeps falling.
Seahawks play this saturday of course and we will be having our playoff party with all the fixings. Should be a great game and of course we will send the Redskins packing....not that there was any doubt.

Have a great day....Love to all.

2007-12-28T16:34:00.001-08:00

This is for my Mama. Dad and her bought me a couple of cricut cartridges for Graduation and I finally got to make this one to send off as a thank you. How handy!! They cut just about anything. Thank you Mom, you know what my therapy is and how to support my habit.....Love you.

Sloppy Kisses

2007-12-28T09:54:00.000-08:00

Me and My dog, who continues to grow at a crazy rate. Him and I are home alone this week because Mike and Axel are in S. Dakota decreasing the pheasant population again. Sounds like they are getting lots of birds and Axel is resting in his own chair back at the hotel at night. Zues and I are getting some quality time together at the park and some cuddle time in the evenings. Back to work tomorrow so there might be some card making tonight. Have a great day.
HAVE YOU KISSED YOUR DOG TODAY?

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T15:39:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. Hope everyone is having a Merry Christmas. A special hello to my family, Dad, Mom Sara and Derek, Arlen, Chad and Stephanie Mason and Corbin. I love you all. Have a great day and I will have more pictures for you all later.

Crazy Girls

2007-12-14T09:39:00.000-08:00

Sara and I are hamin it up for Derek on our 6am bike ride. Sista thought I was crazy but I did love those bikes. It was a great Saturday morning, complete with a tour around the capitol building.

Great Modeling Morning. Catalog shoot...hahahah

2007-12-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

We were slightly more catalog friendly in this shoot. Pictures courtesy of Derek Pearson Photograpy (Sista's Hubby) We really didnt even try to match on purpose! I know what I want for my birthday. A cruiser bike...Electric blue complete with skulls and daisy's. Thanks guys for a great day!

TIme with my Sister 2-Day

2007-12-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today was great!!! I went to Olympia to visit my Sister Sara and her Hubby Derek and do some much needed Christmas shopping for my Hubby at Cabellas. To say the least, I got my Christmas shopping done, for Mike and Myself but we had the best day. To top it all off we went for a great bike ride in the amazing cruiser bikes Sara and Derek have. More pictures to come for sure!!

YIPEE!!

2007-12-02T18:43:00.000-08:00

Well I found out some great news and I just have to share it. I was accepted for the Critical Care Internship at CWH. This is such a great opportunity because they will be grooming me for a full time position. I absolutely loved being in the Intensive Care Unit and this will just get better and better. I start in January for a short time and then in March I continue on strictly in ICU for 12 weeks.
I am loving being out of school and have my actual graduation on thursday. WOW such a long road finally complete. I still find it hard to believe that I will only have a job now instead of a job, school, clinicals, group projects, meetings, and paperwork. I will get all kinds of creating and cleaning done.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF ~ STRIVE FOR PERFECTION ~ LOVE THE END RESULT

I AM DONE!

2007-11-25T19:49:00.000-08:00

Today I finished my last day of clinicals and I have one more test and a scenario day and I am outtie five in the school department!!! I cant even believe it. I had such a great time in the Critical Care Unit this past quarter and really feel that it is the place for me!!! Tomorrow is the interview that might just start it all. Whew!! I AM EXCITED!! Well anywho, I have a night of studying ahead of me and a short paper to write so I should get started.....once I have come down off cloud nine!! Have a great week everyone! Chao.

Turkey Day

2007-11-21T22:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I will be working on this fine Thanksgiving so I will extend a hello to all my family as they stuff themselves. Please have an extra helping of candied yams for me please. Also an eggnog latte will be in order for tommorrow morning as I have to be at work at 545 am. The hubby is going hunting and then off to dinner at his folks house so he will get in a good turkey nap after football I am sure. This are continueing to wind down in school. I class day, I test and 2 clinical days left......whew! Cant wait. My little sister is making the trip as well so I will get to see her! Happy Turkey day to all.

I need a play day!

2007-11-19T20:04:00.000-08:00

Whew even the weekend was busy but when isnt it. I took my ACLS class this weekend so I didnt get much time to play but this morning I got up, went for a good run and then off to class. I will be doing homework tonight and then maybe get a bit of card making after that. Mike got our fireplace in tonight so I cant wait to curl up in front of it with a cup of hot chocolate and read a REAL book when I graduate. But I suppose that I will be up to my eyeballs into studying for State boards so maybe next year I will read a real book. I got a new toy for my card making so I will be updating my card displays soon.

LIVE WELL~LIVE FREE~LIVE HAPPY~LIVE LOVED~LIVE HEALTHY

Monday Night Football

2007-11-16T17:06:00.000-08:00

WOW!! What a game. Yep we went to the Monday night football game agains the blowout of the 49ers and it was crazy!! I completely lost my voice about the 3rd quarter and my throat still hurts.
It was a great game and since it was Veterans Day there was a flag presentation with a slide show that brought tears to my eyes. I thank every person out there in the armed forces PAST~PRESENT~ ALIVE~OR PAST ON. This country was founded on freedom and you all keep it close to home. THANK YOU~ My Dad is a Veteran of Vietnam and that day will forever be special in my heart. A special Thank You to my Dad, my hero.
Seahawks dominated the 49ers in a complete shut out which was great to see. We of course got quite dressed up which you can see down the page a bit. Great night!! The ride home was interesting though. We got to test out my new cars snow driving abilities and it passed with flying colors. We could see about 10 feet in front of us and had to use the rumble strip to even know for sure if we were still on the road. Golf ball size flake of snow coming down in flurries!!! YESSSSSS its finally coming down.

A puppy is a puppy

2007-11-08T23:11:00.000-08:00

Tonight my dog Zeus found out what a sugar high feels like. A few days ago we stopped at the store for some "movie candy" and then headed home. We struck gold with a 3lb bag of twizzlers. We maybe have made a half a lb. dent in them since then (if that). Tonight, Zeus was so quitely entertaining himself and ATE THE WHOLE BAG. I am not kidding, 2.5lbs of twizzlers sit in my dogs tummy. He has been bouncing off the walls all night and is very uncomfortable with a huge tummy ache I am sure. Laughter is stopped only at the thought that I probably threw my dog into SUGAR SHOCK.

~Memorize your moments of pure elation~

TOO DARK

2007-11-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

The winter is coming and I wish the snow would start falling already. If it is going to get dark at 5pm or earlier, there at least needs to be snow on the ground. It feels quite a bit later than it is. Life is good though and I think I am going to spoil myself and do some stamping. Its just me and the puppy so we will just hang out and get creative. BRING ON THE SNOW, my snowboard and snowshoes are getting lonely.

SNOWFLAKE ~ Winters Butterfly