"As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness,
you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you"

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Monday, August 24, 2009

Verve's 2nd Anniversary Sketch


Click on one of the pictures to see how Sparkly the Jackpot sign is..




I totally loved this sketch when I saw it on Julee's Verve splitcoast post. We really love to play games at our house and with friends. This card is so funny to me. I have never pull a handle on a slot machine in my life.. Basically I just don't gamble.. When we were in Vegas It was so sad to see people sitting at the slots with there credit cards on a retractable string inserted into the slot machines. Isn't the whole inserting the coin into the machine part of the fun?? What do I know. Maybe they should make an in home machine that gives you chocolate.. If you are meant to have chocolate... JACKPOT it's your luck day. If you don't win you have money to buy the chocolate that you store inside.

My Sweet Grandmother that just passed away LOVED to go to Wendover Nevada with her Senior group.. She would always give her self a budget of like $20 and get so excited when she would come home $20-$100 dollars richer in Nickels... She would have loved this cards...ahhh that makes me sad thinking about that...

Come back later today and I will post another Mojo Sketch..
Thanks for stopping buy.
Hugs
Brooke


All supplies used on this card are STAMPIN' UP except Ice stickles...

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Cinema Saturday Creative Challenge #46 Field of Dreams

The Boys of Summer

Thanks for joining us this week as we present a classic movie..
"Field of Dreams"

Did you know this is the 20th anniversary of Field of dreams I didn't. I knew that is was a while a ago and I wasn't a kid.. But I had know idea that it was 20 years ago... This movie was made while Kevin was defiantly on a roll. "Bull Durham" was just before this movie and "Dances with Wolves" was after...

Cool things about Kevin Cosner... He just had his 6th child... When he graduated from High school he was only 5'2" now he is 6'1"... His first wife played Snow White at Disneyland and he sang in the church choir as a teen...

Movie Facts:
Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 8 nominations

Tom Hanks was originally offered the role of Ray Kinsella but turned it down.

During filming, Iowa was in the middle of a drought, and the cornfields surrounding the diamond had to be given lots of extra water in order to grow tall enough for the actors to disappear into the stalks. As a result, the corn grew too fast for the Costner shots. In the one scene where corn is above his shoulders, he is walking on an elevated plank.

More cool facts found here on Imdb.com

Card Recipe:
Stamps~ Sporting, Just Baseball, Corn stocks- ??
Ink~ Baja Breeze, Real Red, Close to Coco. Real Red Stamp write marker.
Card stock~ Baja Breeze, Read Red Kraft, Whisper White.
Ribbon~ Real Red 3/4 in Grosgrain.
Build a Brad, Silver Brads, Crystal Effects, Stampin' Dimensionals, Snail, ATG Gun, Tombo mono, Stick Strip.
Tooth pick, Fiscar scissors.

Thanks for Stopping by!
Hugs
Brooke

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Back to school


BACK TO SCHOOL!

Have I ever told you that I have an addiction to school supplies... It's true I {LOVE} clean and new supplies.. New CRAYONS are my favorite.. I will only buy CRAYOLA brand.. I have a hoard of them in my office closet.. I love to give crayons as gifts as well.. When I was little I think on of the coolest gifts I ever received was a box of 120 crayons with a sharpener on the back... I really didn't want to share...

Andrew is a Junior this year Spencer is in 8th grade.
Abbie is in 6th grade...

Zach will start Kindergarten next week... How sad is that... Where did the time go.. We were just dying last night as we talked about how fast the kids have grown up. And how in the world are we old enough to have kids almost done with school... We must be young at heart to feel so young still.

Andrew is playing Football again this year. Spencer just finished Swim team and Abbie is about to start a new competition dance team in a week... so get your game on we are about to get crazy again..

This year is huge for our family we are in public school. We have been in charter for years and with lots of prayer and though we decided to go public. The kids were so excited to not wear uniforms this year. We had a great time school shopping and getting new wardrobes for school.. Abbie will ride her bike to school or walk with friends. Andrew and Spencer can take the school bus. And I think I will let Abbie of the hook and take Zach every day. He is the king of distraction.. We have 2 parks in our neighborhood that he WILL get distracted by to and from school... Besides... He's my baby and you know...

So what will I do with my self while they are at school? STAMP! Well maybe.. I will have to shower and clean the house... And last night I actually joined the PTA(totally not my thing I like to just be in the class room) and signed up for loads of volunteer hours at the school.. Not a big deal really we had to give lots of volunteer hours to be a part of the charter school. The best part about being at the school... You really get to know the kids that your children are friends with. And see what is going on in the classroom...

Best of Luck to you all for a good school year.

Hugs
Brooke

I really wish that I could keep the kids home for ever.. I really hate it when summer is over :(

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Mojo Monday ~ Maria



I haven't ordered any of the new D.S.P. from the new Holiday Catalog (that is amazing by the way) yet. So I created some of my own.. I LOVE the new In-Color Bermuda Bay. But is doesn't come in Craft so I used Taken with Teal When you emboss is turns even darker and richer....closer to Bermuda Bay.. The way this pattern paper turned out it reminds me of a patter you might find on China or toile fabric. When you pair it up with the new Soft Suede and Kraft it has such a crisp clean modern feel...
I really enjoyed making this card.. I even used Craft ink.. I love the depth that the craft ink gives.. Plus it's sooo much easier to emboss with.. If you look at just the right angle you can see that I embossed the leafs with clear embossing powder.


(note I used Taken with Teal craft ink not Bremuda Bay the in-colors don't come in Craft ink) Sorry



I have totally forgot to add what movie I have been watching while I have been making my cards.. Weird!

Movie Watched:
"Hitch"

We have so many movies but as I look over and over and try to decide what to watch nothing has been exciting me.. So I went next door and borrowed a few from my BFF Cassie... Next week we are switching to Comcast to cut a few corners... My DH's work said they will not be paying for internet any more... What ever.... Like the healthcare industry is hurting... We all still get sick... So we are switching phone, Direct t.v., and internet to Comcast and we will save $70 plus dollars a month.. Cross your fingers for us... But guess what... I get cable in my studio for no extra cost... YAHOO!! maybe I will get to watch the new and actually know what is happening around me know... We just don't watch a lot of night time t.v. with kids in school we have know idea what is really on.. We have just DVRed things like Food network, Burn Notice and Dancing with the Stars and House. Then watch them when we get a chance.. We just aren't that into the hip and trendy reality show's GASP and AHHH's I know... The more we keep the t.v. off the less distracted the kids get..

Come play with the Mojo gang... and Help Celebrate the 2nd Anniversary.

Thanks for Stopping by:
Hugs
Brooke

Card Recipe: (all Stampin' Up)
Stamps~ Autumn Serene(New Holiday mini Sept 1st),
Card Stock~ Kraft, Whisper White, Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay.
Ink~ Bermuda Bay, Soft Suede.
Ribbon~ Organza- Whisper White
Brads~ Silver
Punches~ Corner Rounder, Horizontal slot, Scallop edge Punch.
Misc~ Mat Pack, Paper piecer, Paper trimmer, Heat Tool, Stampin' Dimentionals, Snail, ATG gun.

Mojo Monday #100



















This was an interesting sketch.. I tweaked the bottom just a bit... I love the way it turned out.. The black, white and ....... are so great together... I love all the texture and dimension that black and white give while popping what ever color you compliment it with at the same time.. I have been really hooked on MOJO so get ready to see a few more in the next few posts...

This week is VERVE stamps 2nd anniversary so there are lots of great MOJO and VERVE sketches to play with this week... Jump over and check them out...

Thanks for stopping buy!

Hugs
Brooke

Recipe:
Stamps~ Great Friend, Itty Bitty Backgrounds.
Card Stock~ Bermuda Bay, Whisper White, Basic Black.
D.S.P~
Ribbon~ Organza - Whisper White, Basic Black, Gingham black and white.
White Gel pen
Texture Plates~ Stampin' Up basic Backgrounds 1
Punch~ Butterfly - Martha Stewart
Stampin Dimentionals, Pop dots. ATG gun, Mono Tombo glue.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Sweet Ride Mom!

This was in my driveway tonight.
Ok, how cool is this!

My mom just retired and this was her request she gave to my dad.. A Jeep. You have to know this about my mom... She always thinks of others first. She happily drives what ever car my dad brings home.. She always says I don't want anything new, just a car to get me to work and back.. So she is trading out her Nissan for this cherry red off road machine...

My Parents are on totally different pages when it comes to their hobbies, vacation etc.. My mom figured if she got a Jeep then dad would be happy with his driving vacations and she could at least feel like she was outside experiencing nature with the top off. My mom is a get dirt under your fingernails kinda gal.. So really this is still not even a selfish request. It's a way to bring them closer..
Happy Trails Momma!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Mojo Monday #99 "Lucky Friend"


LOVING THE NEW IN-COLORS from
STAMPIN' UP 2009-10 Catalog

Ok So I was so excited to get my last post up I totally mess it up.. Here is the correct card that matches the mojo #99 post..


I have been sneaking in little moment here and there down in my studio. I am on a roll I have to say.. I hope the mojo keeps coming I am going to share a few new projects I have been making and some I am preparing for our next CATTY CRUSE so you will have to come on back and visit me.. My tween/teens all start school on Thursday.. But I get to have Zachy for another week all to my self... He will start Kindergarten on the 27th :( Next year I will cry for sure.. No more babies at home.. How time flies... So... Long and short of it all I don't know what to expect. Will I take a shower and clean the house or make cards.....hmmm..... I don't want to know. lol



Card #1

To create the polka-dot background I used the un-used end of my pencil dotted in "Versa-mark" ink. I love how Versa-mark creates such a subtle look and not as overwhelming as some ink can create. All other background on this card were created using stamps from the "Always" stamp set form Stampin' Up. The Pocket that houses the little "Lucky" message was a cinch to make here a a few pics to show you how.






The size of the pocket can be customized to what ever size you need the only special thing I did was cut off 1/4 in off both sides of one side of the folded paper. Glue them together brayer it for a crisp fold. Last punch with a circle punch that fits the scale of your pocket. Punch a second circle with the same circle punch or the next size up with coordination paper so the tag topper fits nicely.

Card #1

OK. So I totally didn't think I was ever going to love the new in-colors this year as much as I did the last.. I think I found a few new favorites... I started out making a card for the #99 mojo challenge and got a little carried away...


This card is for our friends son that is getting married in Sept.. I really love the faux ribbon. I just broke the fibers of the paper by rubbing it on the edged of my desk them bunched it up as I sewed it to the paper. Finished by sniping the edges. I used the "Always" stamp set again. The sentiment "For the Newlyweds" is from my new stamps set "Teeny Tiny Wishes"

Card #2

Card #3

At our last stamp club we learned how to sew on paper and we made this block. You just simply run 5 different colors of paper through your sizzix Big Shots machine with the "Top Notes" die. The 5th color is the quilt base so the color doesn't matter. Swap all the pieces until they look good to you. To keep in place while I pieced the sample I used a little touch of "Snail" adhesive right in the center of each color piece. Then stitched them all together with my "Sew Mini" sewing machine. I used the "Always" stamp set and the new Sentiment stamp set "......" that will be available to purchase Sept 1st. This is a FAB new holiday sentiment set you will totally add to your wish list.. I am loving the new in-color polka-dot ribbon... I might have to add more colors to my wish list...


ALL the Multi Colored backgrounds using the heart stamp from "Always" stamp set I used the Diaper Whipe tecnique.
Card Recipe's~

Card #1 (all Stampin' Up inless stated)
Stamps~ Always, My Pencil top.
Card stock~ Rich Razzleberry, Kraft, Dusty Durango, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede.
Ink~ Rich Razzleberry, Dusty Durango, Versa-mark, Soft Suede.
Dusty Durango Polka Dot Ribbon, Linen thread.
Punches~ Scallop Square, Corner rounder, 1 in circle. 1/16 circle punch.
Paper Piercer and mat pack, Stampin' Spounges.

Card #2 ( All Stampin' Up inless stated)
Stamps~ Always, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card stock~ Rich Razzleberry, Kraft, Dusty Durango, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede. (all Stampin' Up)
Ink~ Rich Razzleberry, Dusty Durango, Versa-mark, Soft Suede.
Orange beads, Crystal Effects, Stampin' Dimentionals
Punches~ Large Oval & Fiscars dotted wave.
"Sew mini" Sewing machine

Card #3 (All Stampin' Up inless stated)
Stamps~ Always, Grateful Greatings
Card stock~ Rich Razzleberry, Kraft, Dusty Durango, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede. (all Stampin' Up)
Ink~ Rich Razzleberry, Dusty Durango, Versa-mark, Soft Suede.
Orange beads, Crystal Effects, Stampin' Dimentionals
Punch~ Curly Label
Ribbon~ Dusty Durango Polka-dot & linen thread.
Big Shot die S.U. Exclusive "Top Note"
Stampin' Dimentionals


Thanks for stopping by:
Hugs
Brooke

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Cinema Saturday Creative Challenge #45- "Sixteen Candles"


This week at "Cinema Saturday Challenge" We are enjoying the "80's"
I am a child of the "80's" and wore Guess jeans, pink pants with multiple pockets, leg warmers, real Moon boots, and roller skated to Olivia John you get the picture. I still love "80's" movies and music. When I thought of the challenge requirement This came to mind:


What would a book about how to be a Preppy be with out a plaid cover...

You know you all made there barrettes in ever color you could ever want.. I know I did..
I searched for the pink and green "Sporto" Duck shoes... no luck.. I think my mom still has a pair of these for gardening..


The Ultimate men foot wear from the 80's Boat shoes... You never know when you might need skid grips(as my DH calls them) especially for those of us who DON'T live on a yacht.

Just a little cake for the birthday girl who thought everyone had forgot all about here..

As I was viewing this movie I just started laughing, Here are just a few things that made me giggle.
Long Duck Dong, Head Gears, Braces, Haircuts, Michael Anthony Hall, Nerds, Preppy's, Menstrual Cramps.

I couldn't not do a card inspired from this movie and not use pink and green... I also had to add a little over the top big bow and jewelry. I really should have added a little Duck or Lacoste alligator "but you know like"..... it might "totally" look lame... like don't you know.

I totally missed my mojo layout these last few weeks so I couldn't resist.

Like I totally hope you all enjoyed this movie..

S.W.A.K.
Brooke

Monday, August 10, 2009

Don't miss out on the FUN!


You know you want to have as much fun as I am having as a Stampin' Up Demonstrator. How about getting paid and or supporting your crafting habits... Well now is the time to sign up...

I have meet so many amazing people with my association with Stampin' Up and contuine to do so everyday. Do you love to create. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner, Stampin' Up has all you need to fuel that desire.. There on-line technique how to videos, workshop ideas, on-line training, on-line forums and personal love and support from ME :) ... You are never alone... There are thousands of other Demonstrators that want you to succeed just as they have... Best of all you get to decide how busy you are with your business.. There is no pressure.. This has been a sanctuary for me. Where else can you find other people who share a love of creating as you do. Stampin' Up will lift you up and build your confidence just by being around the product and people alone. Did I mention Stampin' Up has the best Demonstrator/Customer support I have ever received. They are alway there to help you answer any questions and always lift your spirit.


The special, limited-time Mini Starter Kit shown below contains

many of the items you need to get started in your new business.




including:

  • For All You Do stamp set
  • In Color Classic Stampin' Pads (6)
  • Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11") 40 sheets
  • In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11") 36 sheets
  • Catalogs Order forms and business tools

Join My Team before August 31 and get a pack of in-color markers FREE offer good only with me.

OR if you want to buy the standard $199 Starter Kit, in addition to the supplies listed below, you'll get all six of the new In Color Classic Stampin' Pads and one pack of In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")--a $43 value! The standard Starter Kit includes: (THIS IS A LIMITED TIME OFFER DON"T MISS OUT)

  • Five stamp sets
  • A Stampin' Around wheel, handle, and ink cartridge
  • Stampin' Pastels
  • Card stock
  • Eastern Blooms Décor Elements and applicator tool
  • Five Classic Stampin' Pads
  • VersaMark Pad
  • Stampin' Scrub and Mist
  • Blender pens
  • SNAIL
  • Business forms and tools
If you have any question you can e-mail me at brooke_stockman@yahoo.com I am happy to answer any questions.

If you just can't wait and you have to sign up a.s.a.p. you can sign up here:

My recruiter password is designsbybrooke no spaces or caps..

I look forward to having you on my team.

Hugs
Brooke

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

SUfriends4ever Wow Convention Swap group



Ok so I am really going to bed this time... I just wanted to post the pick of one of the cards I make for my convention Swap.. I have 2 other I am taking... Until later...

Hugs
Brooke

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Convention 2009 and Artisan Award Entries



I am off to convention this week for STAMPIN' UP.. Yahoo... I thought I would post the projects I submitted for the "ARTISAN AWARD" Stampin' Up awards each year at convention... I could not be more happy and proud of the entries I submitted.. I don't think I would have changed a think.. These projects are truly me... The coolest thing about working on this contest was..... THE LOVE AND SUPPORT I RECEIVED FROM MY FAMILY... Especially my Sweetheart.. They were always giving me such sweet comments and boosting me up... I was trying to keep my cool... I REALLY wanted to win this contest. You never know what the next year will bring and if you will have the opportunity to make all these projects the next time around.... I did feel a little disappointed that I didn't win because of all the time I had invested in the projects.. And all the time my family allowed me to create... When I told them I didn't win they all told me that I was still the best ever and I didn't matter.. Hopefully I can get over the guilt and try again next year...

My girlfriend that works at Stampin' Up said she had posted some of the project on the board so keep an eye open I know I will be looking for them. I will defiantly be taking pictures... I have a few blogger friends that did win and I am soooo excited to see what their project look like.. They have not been able to post any pictures because of the contest... CONGRATS to ANGIE TIEMAN for winning the Artisan Award this year.... check her out here.. She is soooo Amazing...

I am not sure if will be able to share picture with you each night like last year... While I am at Convention My DH will be taking my {MAC} in to have the DVD player fixed... This is good timing because I don't think I could go very long with my computer gone and me at home... Sad but true... Good luck macky boy...

If you are attending the convention please stop me and say hi I would love to meet you...

I finally finished my WOW swap cards tonight due to having to much fun with the kiddos and just plain being a busy mom and getting kids to and from activities and getting ready for school... I have a few swaps left from last year so if you didn't trade with me last year you are in luck....

I am of to bed so I can get an early start. I get to be one of the first to shop at Memento Mall in the A.M. SWEET no 4 hour line for me... Wish me luck.. I am NOT a morning person...

I hope you all enjoy the projects below..
Hugs
Brooke



This project was sooooo fun to make I only wish I could keep this one.. some of these flowers I even grew in my flower garden..






I have a full tutorial I will post for easter...


Elegant Wedding..


This card has a clear window using window sheeting..


Happy Birthday "2" you..


Beautiful simplicity...


This is one of my all time favorites.


My Abbie Angel..

I just so hard to be three... You mean I have to share :(

My favorite little chef.. he keeps us young...

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