Spring Cards

My computer is sort of mended. I still find missing bits each time I use it, but it's getting better. Here are the spring cards that I had hoped to show you in May. Since all 3 of my sisters-in-law have birthdays in May, these function as both Mother's Day cards and birthday cards.

All paper and stamps are Stampin' Up. The 3rd one is in the Top 3 of my all time favorite cards that I've created.

In a Funk

It's been a while since I posted, not that I had been posting that frequently anyway. In addition to the usual with work and family, it's been a long spring. I've been dealing with some chronic pain issues, which have been affecting me more than I'd realized. Neither physical therapy or medication have had much effect. Since it's my shoulder that's experiencing the pain, I haven't been stitching. I've made a few cards, which I intended to show you, but then my computer met with some ill will last week, and I'm still waiting to see what can be recovered. I wept when I thought my data and photos were all gone for good and managed to scare DH. Let's hope that the final outcome isn't so dire.

I realized yesterday that I was in a real funk, and that the computer incident was not the initial trigger, but more akin to being the last straw. I look back and can now see that I've been swimming through molasses since February, which is why I feel like I've not been able to accomplish or focus on anything. I'm easily distracted... LOOK! Otters! (Much cuter than squirrels.)

Happy St Pat's Day

I don't think there's a lick of Irish in my heritage, but we always celebrated growing up. Mom always made corned beef and cabbage.

My card was inspired by this color challenge:

 

My Fiskers heart punch has been getting quite a work out. Words: My Sentiments Exactly! Stem, paper, and ink: Stampin' Up!

March Swap Card & 250

For the monthly card swap hosted by my SU! demonstrator. Theme was "manly" cards. Pinwheel is 2.5" square, cut on the diagonals, and folded in.

This is my 250th post. Since I first started blogging Christmas 2007, I've mostly posted about cross-stitch, stamping, and books. I've also had my hands full raising twins who are now 4.5 years old!

In honor of my 250th, I'm offering a small give away. Comment on this post by March 16, 2013, and I'll pick one person from those who comment to receive a surprise package, which will include some cards and possibly other items hand-made by me.

Flipping Fairies

Have you paid any attention to children's television lately? I'll admit, we watch too much of it. And it's starting to get under my skin. Anything that's not marketed to the 3 and under set is ... well... kind of outrageous when you think about it. And I do think about it, sometimes. I know a lot has been written about this topic; I've read some of it over the years. It's really hitting home now, though, as I see what my girls are absorbing.

For example, what is wrong with this picture?



It's worse when you realize that the mythology of these fairies says that a fairy is born when a baby laughs. Then why the impractical, overly sexual clothing, folks? And why is there a focus on pairing up with the boys in the latest movie? They don't need to pair up.

Lately, NickJr has been promoting Winx dolls, which seemed cute, so we watched an episode tonight.



Egads! These are worse bodies than Barbie has! This show is marketed to the 7-10 year old crowd. I told DH that we won't be putting this into the regular rotation.

Since I don't see us curing ourselves of our TV addition any time soon, I would like to find some shows or movies that present somewhat normal looking girls who aren't looking -- or dressed -- for a hook up. Suggestions?

Happy Heart Day

Stampin Up! paper, ink, ribbon, sentiment

Passion Pink, Real Red, Creamy Caramel

Friskers heart punch

Retired Stamps Swap Cards

For February's card swap, the theme was retired stamps. I outdid myself. Instead on one retired stamp, I managed to use four. My design was based on this card. Sorry the card is so blurry; it didn't scan well.

All products: Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Friendship's Journey, Noteworthy, Canvas, and Bella Toile

Paper: White, Creamy Caramel

Ink: Creamy Caramel
Embellishment: Hodgepodge Hardware (antique brass)