E.A.S.Y. = Sleep Schedule

Hey there ladies, here's the lowdown: Day 1 through 16 weeks: This is the schedule for the first 6 to 8 weeks or if the baby hits 11 pounds, whichever comes first.  It should take about three days or less to get this schedule down.  Always swaddle baby with a miracle blanket (I just use a receiving blankie) every time they go down.  They outgrow or wiggle out of it around 4-5 months or earlier if the baby rolls over in the swaddle.  Now, when you wake baby from a nap (except for the 10pm feeding), you'll immediately unswaddle him/her, and if you want, change diaper and then feed.  Or, however you want to do it... we've taken the schedule and made our own changes to fit our lifestyle, and this is just how we do it. 7am - Feed Playtime (Just a note on "playtime": me and my husband were wondering how we could play with our daughter, being that she was so young! Well, we just started by laying out a blanket on the floor, brought out some rattles, books, stuffed animals, etc. and would talk silly to her, show her toys, sing, put on music and just kept her occupied. Turns out she LOVES playtime now. She "talks" a lot more, and just loves being engaged! I'm so glad we were pushed to find this out. But, sometimes my daughter just likes to sit in her swing and chill out-- we don't ALWAYS do such vigorous play, as they like to just chill out too! Plus, sometimes she's just not into it.) 8:15-8:30 to 10am - Nap 10am - Feed Playtime 11:15-11:30 to 1pm - Nap 1pm - Feed Playtime 2:15-2:30 to 4pm - Nap 4pm - Feed Playtime 5:15-5:30 to 7pm - Nap 7pm - Feed Playtime (great time for a nice, soothing bath) 8:15-8:30 to 10pm - Nap 10-10:30 - Feed  (Note: no playtime here, and this feeding is a dreamfeed, this means you keep baby swaddled, lights low, no talking or engaging him/her, so they go right back to sleep with a nice, full belly. 3am/4am - Feed (Note: if baby wakes up earlier, try to keep him/her asleep with a pacifier (if you use one-- we do) until at least 3am. I will feed my daughter if she's really hungry and I  know it, I don't condone starving the poor kid! The person who gave us this schedule recommended using a (pumped) bottle for this feed, as it's easier for baby... I just nurse her, but that's just what works for us. ____________________ Your goal is to make sure baby gets a full feeding each time, as this keeps him/her cozy enough to sleep through naptime and through the night. Newborns are super sleepy, so the challenging part is waking them up from naptime.  Try blowing on face, use a wet washcloth, change diaper or tickle ears. I HATE that part, it is hard when I see my girl sleeping so well, so it's hard. I give her time to wake up, and don't do it too fast, or try to rush her. Additional playtime activities: bouncing, mat, tummy time, watching mobile, walking around with them showing them stuff, bath, listening to music & dancing (they like the motion you give), very limited TV (baby likes seeing the colors, but obviously we use this in moderation) The 3am/4am feeding is the first one to go when they hit 5/6 weeks or 11 pounds.  Try to keep them down with a pacifier (if you like) until you get to 4am, then 5am... all of a sudden (it just happens one night) it's 7am! Remember: don't change diaper if you can help it, and don't talk. Now, the diaper changing thing... I only change my daughter's diaper if I know it's too much. She doesn't mind, but sometimes it bothers me too much and I'll change it. Most times, she's really woken up after that and it's harder to get her back down (especially late at night), so for her last awake diaper change, I'll slather on the Desitin or Butt Paste to protect her little buns from moisture and that helps with rash. The 3am/4am feeding is dropped at 7-8 weeks.  Once it's dropped, the 10/10:30pm feed becomes the dreamfeed. Around 11/12 weeks, you can change to a 4 hour schedule: 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm, and 10/10:30pm. Naps are from 9-11am, 1/1:30-3pm, and a catnap at 5 to 5:45/6pm. At 16 weeks, you can drop the 10/10:30pm, they start not to consume as much because they'd rather sleep.  Remember, all babies are different, so you can change the program to fit your needs!    Each feeding is different, sometimes it takes half an hour, sometimes 20 minutes, it just depends how hungry my 9 week old is. As it says below, I unswaddle for feedings, except for the dreamfeed at 10pm and in the middle of the night. I burp her when I know she has one, I can usually tell 'cause she's fussy. She's fine and we haven't burped her after every feed, but when I have, I just picked her up swaddled - easy. I always wake her at correct time even if she's sleeping. It's part of why she sleeps so well. And if she didn't eat enough at a feed, she'll fuss early and sometimes I will get her up before scheduled time and feed her. As I said, it's not to be taken super rigidly, sometimes you'll improvise according to your baby's needs. GOOD LUCK, mamas! We are sleeping so well here, it's so worth it. Just know that at first (and even later) it's not easy to keep such a strict schedule, so it does take determination and patience, but it's worth it for us. Also, don't force things (feed times, etc) if you think you need to let him/her eat a bit earlier or later. I'd love to hear if it works! Much luck to you all, Angie Rindge PS: If you have any questions, feel free to email me: angierodriguez77@att.net PPS: Someone asked how to get baby to sleep, here's how I do: I swaddle baby, place her on a pillow and rock her. Sometimes it's quiet, sometimes it's just low noise level, and she still cries when it's naptime, but just give him/her time. She will whimper until I quiet her by rocking, shushing, stroking her head/hair, and she always has her pacifier. I know some of you don't use one, but mine loves hers! Also, sometimes I'll rock her in the rocking chair and when it's time to put her in her crib (she sleeps there always), she might need a bit more comforting, and it takes time, but she'll eventually fall asleep. This is something that takes time and training, so have patience! I feel for you mamas whose babies have to sleep in your arms, it must be rough... good luck!

Currents & Recent Works

CURRENTS (and then some of my recent workings below!):

time: 9:30 pm
location: in my bid, three pillows behind me, two under my swollen feet :/
eating: just finished a Fiber One Oats & Chocolate granola bar -- the best ones out there, folks.
drinking: some good ol' unsweetened iced tea
listening: to "Alfred Hitchcock Presents"
creating: Aha, I finally have something to share! I've been having tons of fun with embroidery (on paper, of course).  I realized on our last trip that I could lightly pencil ANYthing onto a card front, poke holes in it along those lines, take some colored embroidery thread and do the do!  I've been doing simple phrases, but plan on trying some simple drawings.  You can check them out below.  I should also post pics of the banner and sea creatures I made for my baby shower -- maybe next time. ;)
wishing: for a rootbeer float... seriously.
wanting: to get going with putting our crib together!  After that, baby's room will just about be done!!! :) 
needing: to get going with having this baby.  Seriously, my feet aren't looking so good, and I'm a whale.
thinking: about the kid in my belly who is doing jumping jacks... again.  I guess I can't complain -- I get worried when he or she is too still, so this way at least I know he/she is okay.
doing: relaxing, about to call it a night... it's been a long day!


Now, here's the stuff I've been working on...  I plan on finding some baby clothing patterns this week and begin trying to make some clothes on my sewing machine.  I can stitch simple stuff on paper, but I'm ready for a new challenge ;)

This was the first one I did... on the Amtrak, it was so relaxing to be on a moving train, sewing...

This one is for my husband's grandfather, but commissioned by his mother, so that's why it's made out to "Dad".  I think I'll put it on a light blue background, or brown.... we'll see.

This one I had in mind for a card (for a friend who is away for the summer) at first, until I started thinking about using it for a scrapbook page.  We've had so much fun this summer, I'll need something like this for at least one layout... not sure yet.

 

 This can be for a few different people who I have reason to thank recently... we'll see!

That's all for now.  Hopefully I'll have lots more to share very soon, all this embroidery has gotten me back in the crafty mood, and I'm ready to go!

CURRENTS:

time: 4:25 pm
location: kitchen
eating: just finished a nice big bowl of rice krispies with strawberries... mmmm!
drinking: a little bit of chocolate milk -- gotta be careful of high bloodsugar :/
listening: to my husband trim the palm trees outside, just finished an awesome 80's cd mix
creating: I'm guilty of not having created jack s@#t in a very long time.  I will make birthday (or any other occasion) cards when family or friends order one, but it's been a very slow few months in the way of crafting. The funny thing is, my husband just got me this awesome sewing machine for my birthday, so I should be having fun in my craft room, but I haven't been. That's going to change... I'm feeling VERY motivated today!
wishing: I could take a break from gestational diabetes and have a huge banana split... just this ONCE? I've been so good since my diagnosis!
wanting: Some Mister Huey's mists and some stencils from Studio Calico -- they are on point lately with their kits, I may have to cave and finally get a monthly subscription. 
needing: to figure out what to make for dinner... the "gardener" will be hungry soon! :)
thinking: about making banana bread... or maybe some oatmeal cookies.
doing: relaxing for a minute after having taken my mom to breakfast for her birthday, going to my sister's house to pick up some hand-me-down baby stuff, and a light cleaning of the house... I feel like watching a scary movie tonight!! :)

Stay tuned for some projects... I actually have pics to post of cards I've made in the last few months, which I'll do on my next post.  (whoever you are that I'm talking to!)

CURRENTS:
time: 8:21am
location: office/craft room
eating: nothing. having a spot of tea and wishing I had a nice blueberry scone to go with it. :/
drinking: see above
listening: the quiet house... love it
creating: still in the planning phases of making a new scrapbook layout, scouring awesome blogs for inspiration
wishing: for a tidal wave of said inspiration... and the momentum to keep it movin'
wanting: endless spending privileges at simonsaysstamp.com - dies to die for!
needing: to do some gardening this morning... all in due time ;)
thinking: that I am so happy in my life today, I mean, here I am crafting on a weekday morning! life is good....
doing: today? visiting with the soon-to-be mother in law and niece for swimming & lunch, tending to my new snapdragons in the backyard, picking up a finished piece of jewelry, digging up old photographs for a slideshow, (hopefully) getting going on a project, and doing a few loads of laundry. i have a mind to go and see "The Raven" tonight at Triangle Square :)

Again.. been awhile.

I haven't made many cards in the last few months... it's been due to many things, but I hope that will change very soon.  I remembered I HAD a blog yesterday, and so here I am.  Let's get to it.

(The description to each card will appear underneath the photo)

This card was created for Tom's mom's friend/neighbor, who I found out later is a woman, not a man, named Billy.  I tried to stay within the manly colors of blue, brown, red, etc... I guess it all worked out, because I put glitter on it, ha!  I got into a bookmark making phase there for a minute, and now all the readers close to me have new ones.  Oh well.

Here's a card I made using the Everyday Pop Up Cards cartridge.  I like it, no mystery there, but I do have to say: the cartridge as a whole was sorta disappointing.  I have NO idea how to actually USE the pop-up feature, and so I haven't yet.  It's nice to have something new and challenging to work on, but this is sort of silly, it's so confusing.  Anyway, I like this card.  I have to admit, the simpler ones are ALWAYS my favorites.  The scalloped circle was made from a Spellbinders Nestibilities die, and I definitely need more of those, so much fun.  Plus, I get to use my Vagabond more... win-win.  (Uh-oh, just realized I posted two cards in a row that I used the same polka dots paper for... well, it's a pattern I liked, sue me!)

Now, this card is another one that really made me smile... it's for Tom's sister-in-law, and since I haven't met her, and only know OF her, I had to guess as what she might like.  You're thinking girl=flowers, right?  No, not really how I meant it.  I just found those jars (on a patterned paper) and was dying to use one... the dots were lonely all by themselves, and so... well, so what if we like flowers?! :)  I am also realizing I need to utilize more of my Sew Easy stitching heads, and not just that boring one (above).  Again, simple is best, I think.

Again with the Pop Up cartridge that I claimed not to have had any fun with... am I losing credibility here?  I guess it's not so bad. :)  I used colors on the text and the sewing machine that matched with the stitching that I had done FIRST.  I think I stitched that little square about five months ago... so much has changed since then...

That's all I have today!  I'm going to face my first day without a job and not much to do... YIKES! :/  I guess that means: expect more cards! :)

It's Been A While...

Well, what can I say?  Things happen and one forgets she has a blog at all.  What are you gonna do?  I have only a few cards to share from over the last couple months... well, I guess since right before Valentine's Day.  Lots going on, busy busy busy and the cards have taken the back seat for a moment.  I will be back at it very soon once I'm home from work (May 4th - woohoo!) and I'll be sure to share at least once a week then. 

For Valentine's Day, I made these cards for my three BFF's here at the office:

After I got my Sew Easy tool and lots of cute baker's twine, I sorta went crazy with the stitched edging, and it was on EVERYthing for a minute, there.  I got every attachment head that goes with it (unless there are more now, sheesh) when my local scrapbook store had a 40% off sale.  I ended up buying each for about 1.50.  What a steal!  But, I'd still rather have a little sewing machine... we'll see. :)

Here's a birthday card that I made for one of Tom's friends who he hadn't seen in many, many years.  I asked him what the guy liked, and Star Wars it was!  Here it is:

The inside reads, "He'd say, Happy Birthday!".  I had fun making this card, because it was like the old days when I didn't have a Cricut, and I had to make all my dies by hand, free form.  I seem to feel more proud of those cards than the ones where all I had to do is glue the pieces together.  Whateves, I still adore my Cricut!  (FYI: the Silhouette is pretty freakin' cool... is that something I should get?)

This next card is what I made for my sister's 32nd birthday, which just passed.  We celebrated at Benihana, and I am STILL thinking about all that rice and meat.  MMMMMM!  Here it is:

I made the cupcake die from my new Cricut cartridge, Everyday Pop-Up Cards.  I have yet to understand the dynamics of the pop up element, but I'll figure it out.  I have occasion to send out many thank you cards very soon, and I'd love to do a pop up for that... at least for some. 

I'm going to sign off now since I really need to get down to business at work.  I'd much rather watch You Tube videos and play in my craft room, but somebody needs to make a little money!  The way things are going, I'll surely be back after the beginning of May.

xooxoxoxoo

Valentine's Day Already?

I have begun making my Valentine's Day cards for this year's fiasco. I love Valentine's Day, but only because I get to tell the people I love that I love them, and not seem like a maniac.  I grew up in a home that those words were given freely, often, and I miss that.  One day, I'll give my own kid that kind of love. :)  For now, I'll just make cards so that other people can get the point across in a tasteful manner.  Here's what I've come up with so far:

This little card is a remake of one I made last week, the one I said would be perfect for duplicating.  It was easy enough, and if it sells fast, I'll make more.  I can use different paper, colors, etc.  I like the simplicity, and can see it being given to a person who isn't super mushy, like a guy.

Now, this is an idea I got off Martha Stewart's site, I think... she had the lollipops on birthday invites, or something and I couldn't resist knowing I had lollipop sticks from Christmas.  I used my glue gun to adhere the bow, and dimension dots to make the hearts pop. 

Here's a card I made in about one minute.  I used most of that minute trimming the frayed edges off the cut strips of paper, too.  I like the raw look of this card, it just might be another duplicated card made in bulk.  What a hustler I am! :)

After Valentine's Day, we have a little break from holidays, until Mother's and Father's Day, and this will give me time to work on the new website and get my arsenal built up again.  I've been thinking of making better use of my space in our shared office, and have some really good ideas. I need to organize my paper and have a better storage plan.  I found some paper the other day at the bottom of my pile(s) that I haven't seen in a year, so I'm thinking vertical files of some sort.  Separate them by size, color and pattern.  Project time.

Oh!  I will be making my niece's first birthday invitations next month, I just remembered.  I'd also like to do some party favors, or a banner... Anabella will be one year old, I just can't believe how time flies.  She is walking now, and wearing shoes regularly, look:

Look at those cool shoes!  I heard that over the last few days she began walking... YES! :)  I can't wait to see her, see her walking...

Here's Bella playing with the hippo that Auntie and Thomas got her for Christmas:

My sweetiepie!  Her smile is so sweet, I swear I could just scream.  It looks like she just woke up, or is ready to go down for a nap. 

That's all for now, as if I haven't rambled on for long enough. 
XO

Thank GOD it's Monday! Not.

Happy birthday, Lily!  My bf's niece turns 9 on Thursday, so we sang to her yesterday and gave her this card (and another, older one).  She rides horses, so it's quite fitting.  I am in love with my Vagabond, and now that I have a few embossing folders and some dies to use with it, it's even more fun.  So, I used the tiny dots folder to emboss the white cardstock that the horsey is standing on, and the patterned paper's edges were inked in glue and then dipped in brown glitter.  It's really subtle, but I think in person it pops more.  The grass was an afterthought, and now that I look at this card, I realize I should've added a little carrot for the horse -- rats!  Next time.

I have been trying to get more stuff to go with my Vagabond and use it more, so this weekend, I raided a Michael's sale and (with my 40% off coupon) got myself a Nestibilities (scalloped circles).  I brought it home and ran one through my Vag, but nothing happened!  I was SO confused, so I read the directions (durrrh) and found out that I'd need an extra shim, or whatever they're called, an adaptor shim (sounds like a tranny).  So, after I cursed Tim  Holtz, I decided I wasn't going to go out and buy another part, but I'd make it on my own.  I gathered all my cardboard (backs from paper pads, etc) and cut them into the shape of the shim, and made it the exact thickness of it, as well.  After gluing all the pieces together, I ran it through again and it worked!  SO, the moral of the story is: don't buy it if you can make it, ya big dummy!  I outsmarted old TH, and it feels pretty good.

Here's another card I made recently:

It's not such a great pic, but you get it, right?  I used my scallops cutter (Fiskars, I think, it's only broken down once) and then cut out each individual scallop to make little tags.  I used some yellow & white baker's twine to hang them on and that's it.  I think this is a good one to duplicate for Valentine's Day, coming up.  I need to supply the office with tasteful handmade cards. ;)

I made this sympathy card for a co-worker who just lost her brother... so sorry, Vilma! :(

I LOVE the paper on this card... it's double-sided, and the black newsprint banner is the backside.  I used my die to cut the little placard and inked the sentiment with individual letters.  These butterflies are from a LONG time ago... I've held onto these suckers for years, I'm sure.  Finally, I've used the last ones!  It's tough to make a sympathy card, you must be sincere, not too flashy or bright, but not so depressing that the point of the card is missed.  I think I shoudn't have used black on it, but next time I'll know that going in. 

That's all for now, folks.  I'm going to work on Valentine's cards this week, until the 14th and will post them as I go. :)

XO

Mama's back!

Here's something I made in about five minutes the other day.  I already had the yellow background and patterned paper ready to go (probably from an earlier project, abandoned).  I took one look at it and slapped it on a card, then saw the word "sweet" in my desktop paper stash and glued that on.  The icecream joined the party seconds later after I remembered I had that same green... and there you have it!  I like it.  I do think I need to make more of these types of cards, smaller, simple and not too complicated.

This little card here took a bit longer, but not much.  It began with a new embossing folder I got at Joann the other day.  By the way, those things are like $4, what a deal!  I embossed the front panel of this window card and then filled the window with those cute elephants.  Once I realized I had some similar green handy for the sides, I rememberd that I also had buttons too!  It came together quite effortlessly, and I was done with two cards in less than a half hour.  How awesome are those embossed dots?!  Love it, love my Vagabond.

Now, this is the corkboard in the hallway of my office - I decorated it last week to cheer the place up.  I used my Cricut (Plantin Schoolbook & Create A Critter) and listed all the programs in our building.  I think it's pretty darn cute. 

This day is CRAWLING by, and I'm so tired I can barely type... that's all for today, folks.  Let's try it again tomorrow.

XO

All I got today...

My baby girl has teeth!  I look at this photo and it just makes me so happy, I couldn't resist. :) 

Back to the grind

My holiday away from work was long!  I had a whole 12 days off, and I have to admit, I am ready to be back at work... it just got to be way too lazy a time!  I enjoyed it, though, and here are a few cards I made:

I got a new Sizzix Vagabond for Christmas (thanks, T!) and this is the first card that I actually got to use my embosser with -- I think it's nice!  I had to buy an embossing folder and a die, and I love it.  I can't wait to try out some more. 

I made this card for a friend who had her birthday on New Year's Eve... actually the wife of a friend.  Uhhh, anyway... I am getting a little obsessed with the stitched border lately, I've gotta be careful not to play it out.  I love this paper, though, with the little bikes!  The thing is, she got a bike for her birthday, a pink one, so this was quite fitting.

I just had to use my Sew Easy tool to try these flags, but I'm not sure I got the colors right.  I should have done the top line in brown or tan or something, but hey, I like it still.  I feel it is a bit of a simpleton, but that's okay. :)

Now, this was the first time I got to use a die in my Vagabond... I love that little die!  I sat for about an hour trying to find the right layout for this card, it was a challenge.  I like the weaving idea, but I think next time I'll do skinnier pieces of paper and see what happens.  I love all the new paper I'm finding at the scrapbook store down the street, and even though it's overpriced, it really is nice and inspiring.  I can't wait to get my Studio Calico sets every month!  Hopefully that'll begin soon. 

I am happy to be back at work, I have missed my co-workers, strangely enough.  I came back to a clean office, an empty voicemail and neat piles of phone messages... I am so appreciative of these folks! 

:)

For Big Daddy

This is a card I made for my boyfriend's father... I did NOT think of this message, and am a little worried he's going to get a bad, smartass first impression of me!  He had better tell him it wasn't my idea! :)  So, how funny are those little pics?  The washboard & tub, the potbelly stove?  How freakin' funny is it that I have a Cricut cartridge that makes that?  Yep, I'm a farmer.  I can hear chickens in the morning (on weekends, they don't get up as early as ME during the week), and I milk the cows, aren't you jealous?  Just kidding about the cows.  So, here's the inside:

I am quite pleased with this card, and I loved the idea.  I also made a Christmas card for him, and here it is:

I am in LOVE with this card... I like it more each time I look at it.  I made a border with the Sew Easy tool, and stitched the holes with a light brown & white string.  I used my Winter Frolic Cricut cartridge for the candy border and sentiment.  The tree came from an eBay purchase years ago.  See how long I hang onto little pieces of paper?  Sheesh.  The background paper came from this new scrapbook store I found in the Howard Hughes mall, The Bridge... it's a little store with cute stuff, if a bit overpriced. 

I have been working on our new website, and it should be up at the start of the New Year, I'm pretty excited to see how things will turn out!  If I am working in a sweatshop, I'll need help, and I have my eye on somebody now.... ;)

That's all for now.
XO

Happy Holidays!

Well, I finally began Mom's holiday cards... I have been SERIOUSLY putting that off.  And why?  I'll tell you: I've had a block.  A card-maker's-block... it's been diagnosed as "treatable", or so they say.  We'll see.  Honestly, though, I used to have a surplus of ideas, I'd have two or three notebooks with sketches in them, ideas for sentiments, color combination ideas and layout plans... I don't know what happened!  I think it may be that I've just slowed down on it altogether, and so it's all slowed down.  I've gotta remedy that, and quick because we are getting my website going soon and I will be selling these puppies.  That's right, after I've thought about it for years, T has taken the initiative to get the ball rolling... wish us luck!

So, for the cards you see above, I began with the die cut.  I decided I wanted something colorful and festive, so the darn partridge in a pear tree is what you have.  I cut out the phrase that went with another die cut set and made it 2'... those babies weren't easy to take off my sticky Cricut mat, let me tell you!  I had to toss about three of them because they ripped.  It may be time for me to get one of those spatulas they sell that I always thought were a pointless ripoff.  Anyway, I used four different green patterned papers for the background, and did you notice that I didn't mat it over solid cardstock?!  For a 20 card order, this is what you get.  I used some dimension dots to raise the sun shape a bit and stapled the heart over it for some extra color.  I'll have used many different border on the bottoms of each card, all in non-traditional Christmas colors, what the heck do you THINK?!  I'm liking it...

As for my own holiday cards, I don't know what I'll do... I will probably just buy some, I don't have the time to make my own!  I am looking forward to my monthly Studio Calico kits to start coming... that will be inspiration for me, I'm sure. 

I will have cable tv tonight... I will have cable tv tonight... I will have cable tv tonight... (if I keep saying it, I might believe it, it might actually happen!)  Wish us luck, that the cable guy doesn't piss T off.  ;)

 

Inspired!!!

Not my design, I found this after I Googled "stitched cards", how beautiful is that?  I have been thinking about how I can incorporate something like this into my cards, after I did a border with my Sew Easy thing on that last snowman card, and I have SO many ideas.  I would love a sewing machine, both for my cards and so I can make little clothes, but I think I can do this with a pencil and needle!  Still, I think I'll get one soon.  Those cards above have inspired me and I want to try something different...  I like how adding stitching brings texture to the card, but what worries me is the weight, will it be too heavy to send?  I guess that's secondary when you have such a pretty card.  Must get Mom's card order done THIS weekend.

I have no new work to share, but feel like I have neglected my blog lately... I had my head in the clouds for a minute, but I am back. ;)  I hope to have some pretty stuff to share on Monday... HAPPY FRIDAY, woohoo!

Warm Holiday Wishes

I like this card, it is a simpleton. ;)  The most difficult part about it is the die cut, the owl... It probably took me about 15 minutes to make it, but when you think about it, that isn't that long... I've spent two hours on a card, you get me?  I can make a whole bunch of these babies and get some help (ahem, T) to put them together... that'll make things easier, maybe.  Anyway, I have to get my butt moving, I have a 20 Christmas card order that I need to get going, and that doesn't count the two (?) stores that I may be able to sell at.  I've GOT to stop sitting on my butt after work, and start working some more, on cards!  Once it becomes a second job, maybe I can go part time at the salt mine... we'll see. ;)

Oh, here's the table centerpiece I made for Thanksgiving, I actually made two, I think they are okay... could've been much nicer with more greens in there. 

I like the green berry things, whatever they are.  My parents brought a centerpiece, also, so we had three!  :)  How pretty are the roses?  Sigh...

That's all for now.

Three Card Long Weekend

This card is just a regular piece of cardstock, I used my score pal to make it a trifold and there you have it. I got this cute little snowman from a new Cricut cartridge and did the border with the Sew Easy thingy.  I keep trying to make a simple card, but I just can't do it!  The middle is just space for the greeting, and the last fold is where the gift card sits.  I like this one. :)

I made this card on Friday night... I was alone, so I took my time, and lots of it!  Took me two hours, now WHAT the heck is so complicated???  I guess it just isn't really coming so easy anymore... I'm not sure why. :(  Anyway, I stamped the greeting and used some real sheet music paper for the border, the bottom of the tag is stitched, as well.  Hmm, I like it, but it's not simple enough to mass produce -- rats!

Now, if you've followed Card Core from the beginning, you'll know that this is a throwback; yep, I made this card before, but this time I just used some different paper and threw on that snowflake.  I also stamped the To and From so that whoever gets this card (before Christmas) can actually USE the darn things on gifts.  Why not add utility to the things when you can?  Tonight I will attempt (again) to make a simple card... a simpleton, if you will. 

Happy Birthday x's 2

Happy birthday, right?!  Yes, this card is for a man, this is why it's so... dark.  I try to make them not girly, but jeez, it's tough.  I began this card a few times and just couldn't get it right; I'm even a little iffy about this.  Anyway, I finally got to use my new "Sew Easy" tool to stitch a bottom border.  I used some floss I already had -- it was a pack rat moment, I had that saved for a few years now!  I had some striped floss, but the black is better, don't you think?  I cut out the sentiment on a paint chip, I'm so sneaky! 

Now, this card I LOVE.  I have been really feeling lighter colors, a la Studio Calico, but felt the need to brighten it a bit with some red.  This card is also for a man, what are you gonna do?  I found that cute little placard from a Nantucket themed die cut set, LOVE it.  I should have distressed the edges of the alphabet paper, maybe ripped the sides a bit and inked the edges... next time.  These two cards took me about an hour for both! That isn't bad, I can take up an hour just planning a color scheme!  I have to get going on my holiday cards for the stores I may be selling at, plus, will we send out handmade cards this Christmas?  Many decisions to make.  I'm always nervous about showing my work to others; will they like it, will they think it's silly?  I guess what matters is that I'm having a lot of fun doing it, so hopefully that shows.

Thanksgiving coming up, I am planning on making two centerpieces for our table, and maybe some name cards for place settings, that's if I have time.  I have been combing the 'net looking for ideas, but I think hollowed out pumpkins with flowers in them is the way to go, for the centerpieces.  Plus, I think I have some fake cranberries that I can work with , as well... hmm.  We'll see what happens. ;)

XO

Soft colors, who knew?

Happy Birthday to Barb, my boyfriend's aunt... she's a cardmaker, so I felt like this one had to be good.  I am so pleased with it!  I looked around the Studio Calico blog for awhile before I even began, and got inspiration with all their soft colors and monochromatic themes... I don't usually favor pastels or soft colors, not that I don't like them, but I am loving them here.  I used all new paper for this card, and some of the colored baker's twine.  I have to say, the scraps I used for the top and bottom accents were from a project I did about a year ago, and can you believe I finally got to use some?!  I am such a pack rat, but I justify it with the fact that I'm saving money, how can you mess with that?  I went through my paper bin yesterday, also, and found that I have lots of stuff I just forgot about, their being buried under all the newer stuff.  I want to go through it this week and sort stuff out, maybe get over to a storage store and find a rack for paper.  My craft room/boyfriend's office is slowly changing, I hope I can keep it under control. ;)  BUT, the good thing about paper racks is that it'll keep my paper out of those bins and where I can see them, making them more accessible for projects.  I'll buy less paper!  (I should be a lawyer.)

My next project, after one last card for an order I have to fill, will be a small batch of holiday cards for a friend's parent's store.  I may try to sell my stuff again, and get my little side piece business going once more.  It's always good to have a little backup, don't you think?  It could very well be a second job, which I'm super okay with, being that the holidays are right around the corner.  I think it's a photo store, of some sort, so I'll play on that theme making cards with slots to slide Christmas photos in, or a window on the front for display.  I'll have to keep it simple so that I can make them in bulk; that's going to be my biggest challenge.  Good luck to me.

XO

21st Birthday

I can still remember my 21st birthday, matter of fact, I think I had about five of them. ;)  I wanted to stay 21, sue me.  I guess I'm glad that I'm not the same jerk I was then; maybe that's the only advantage to aging (besides eventually getting the senior specials at Denny's): not being foolish forever, that kind of recklessness shouldn't last.
Ah, but I digress... this card is for Stephanie's nephew, Bradford; he's going to be 21, bless his heart.  I got the cute paper at this new store on Brookhurst ("The" OC) called Scrapbook Heaven, or something, on Sunday.  The owner had a pretty nice setup, small but packed with cute stuff.  Prices were so-so, but she makes up for it in her taste.  I got paper, a new clear stamp, some colored baker's twine and a die cut packet with a Nantucket theme.  Very cute.  I inked the edges of the paper blue, and chalk inked the "B" so it'd stand out a bit.  I used my separate letter alphabet stamp set to do the "happy birthday" part; I think it looks nice.  Hopefully the ribbon doesn't give it a feminine feeling... I worry about that everytime I make a card for a man. 

Tonight I'll make the last card on my birthdays list and then begin a scrapbook page; I printed out a bunch of photos from my vacation and from T's blockparty show to do that... no more excuses!  I have lots of new stuff to use, so I'm antsy to get home and start.

That's all folks!  It's nice to be back.
XO

Black Swan Update

Well, our little Black Swan wore her costume very well!  Her tutu was a bit too big on her, but that's okay, she'll be able to wear it again.  Her toe shoes were too cute for words!  I'm so glad I got to be a part of her first costume ever, and am already thinking about next year... hmm, A Clockwork Orange, perhaps? ;)

Here's some more:

And here's Bella with her bestie, Isla:

I think they had a good time, even if they don't even know what Halloween is!  We passed out candy and watched Twilight Zone.  A kid dressed up as a juice box (or something) fell down on our doorstep... hil-fuckin'-larious.  I laugh at children falling EVERY TIME.

XO