Just another day in paradise.....not!

Again it's been a couple of days since I've posted and again I apologize. I always feel bad when I don't post. Guess it's that "don't like to let anyone down" problem I have.

On the weekend we had a little mishap here as you can see in the picture below. Frank's wood pile caught on fire. The only thing we can think of is that the wind was really blowing on Saturday and a spark came down on the pile. It was very old, dry wood so it didn't take long. Luckily the wind was blowing the opposite direction of our house and there was no damage to the house, but let me tell you, not so much to my nerves. It was a rather scary situation and even Frank got a little worried.

Our neighbors came and helped fight the fire until the fire trucks got here.

No silly not those neighbors! Bhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!! Ok, I needed to throw in a little humor here after such a bad week. It was a good thing that Frank hadn't gotten around to putting the winter cover on the swimming pool last fall because that water came in really handy to fight the fire. God works in mysterious ways and for that we are very grateful. It all worked out and there was no damage except some burns to Frank's forehead, but it looks like they will heal ok. Unlike George and Brad he's not real concerned with his looks. LOL We feel very blessed that things weren't any worse and than that.

Now here's the stamping project I have for you today.

Nothing real fancy, but fun none the less. Hope you enjoy it and I promise I will be back tomorrow, unless life throws another curve ball.

Blessings,

Renee

I'm Back and OK

First off let me say I'm sorry I haven't posted any stamping this week. As I had told you on Monday, Frank had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday. Well let's say that the news we received wasn't what we had expected. We assumed he'd see this doctor and that the doctor would say, no big deal, you can have this thyroid goiter removed at your local hospital. Not quite that easy. Has has to see an endocrinologist surgeon on the 21st of April and he will be having surgery at William Beaumont Hospital in Detroit sometime after that. It is rather large and has started to grow down into his chest area. They don't think it's cancerous, but won't know until they do the surgery. So that's that. I've had a couple of rough days digesting all that the doctor had to say. I'm doing better now and I do know that God will take care of him. I think with me it's that control issue thing. Anyone relate? Frank on the other had is not concerned at all. Not sure what it would take for him to get concerned. He's a pretty tough guy.

So now that I've updated you I want to get to the stamping part of this post. My BFF Leigh has a birthday on Sunday. Yes, one week to the day from mine. Leigh and I are so much alike although you wouldn't know it to look at us. She's very tall and thin..........well you get the picture. *grin* I wanted to make something special for her and this is what I came up with. Hope she likes it and that you do too.

Blessings,

Renee

Sorry no stamping today

Hey Stampers,

I'm sorry I have no stamping for you today. I'm just headed out the door this morning with hubby who has some medical tests in West Bloomfield (Detroit) today. He has a goiter on his thyroid that needs to be removed, but his local doc wants him seen by these specialists first. We would so appreciate your prayers that all goes well and that this can be taken care of without too much problem. If all goes well I'll be back here tomorrow. To my ladies who need to close parties and to the one having one this week, I will be in contact tomorrow as well. Thanks for your patience and have a blessed day,

Renee

A Secret Sister Birthday Gift

Thought I'd share what I whipped up this morning with the neat paper/cardstock I received from my secret sister at church. As most of you know I love paper, but I admittedly can be a SU paper snob. *gasp* Well since I sell paper I try not to buy eleswhere, but I'll always take a gift. *smile* Not that I advertise this, but occasionally I do find paper I just love and let me say this paper I received from my secret sis is awesome. It's heavy and almost like cardstock. It's a glitter stack and is by DCWV, whoever that is. I immediately thought of making this little three tired box set and filling it with jelly beans. The ribbon and the stamped piece are all SU! Thanks secret sis, whoever you may be! Thanks as well to all those who sent me birthday wishes. It was so nice of you to take the time to drop me a line. I love when you all leave comments and you made my day yesterday very special. And a special shout out to my friend/pen pal Gisela in Germany. First time I've ever received Happy Birthday wishes from another country! *grin*

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Renee

Happy Birthday to Me!

Since it's my birthday today, I thought I'd share a couple of birthday cards with you. The first one is the one I received from my sister and BIL. She made the letters and flower with her Cricut, but the rest is SU! Thanks Carin for such a nice card.

The next one is the card we made yesterday at Pam's workshop. Thanks for the great time ladies (even though there were a few rowdy ones). *wink* I know you are just helping to keep me on my toes. *grin*

I just love using the exclusive SU Big Shot scallop envelope die. We used the SAB DSP and the Polka Dot Punches stamp set. Don't forget that Sale-a-bration ends the 31st of this month so be sure to place your $50 order (before tax and shipping) by then so you don't miss out on your free item from the SAB mini catalog.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Renee

It's Renee Eve!

I know I've talked a lot about my birthday, but you have to understand that growing up my mom made birthdays a really big deal for us. My mom grew up pretty poor (they really didn't know how poor they were then) and my grandparents didn't really make that big of a deal about birthdays when in fact they couldn't afford it. So mom has always made birthdays a very special occasion. So yes it is Renee Eve. Didn't know it was such a special day, now did ya? *wink* With my b-day always being around Easter time, my mom would put a white chocolate Easter bunny on my cake and I loved it. So in honor of that and Renee Eve and all, here is a card making the Sock Monkey into an Easter Bunny! I know you were wondering if I was ever going to get to the point of this post. I don't call this blog Renee's Rubber Stampin' Ramblings for nothin'! LOL

Isn't he cute? I must confess I've had the accessory set to Sock Monkey for sometime now and hadn't used it until now. *Gasp!* Can you also tell I got batteries for my new camera again? The quality of the pictures is amazing compared to my old one. Don't' ya think? Well I'm now off to do a SU workshop this morning. Have a wonderful day and I'll meet you back here tomorrow. As always, thanks for stopping in!

Blessings

Renee

It's Friday!

I don't know about you, but this week seemed to go on forever and I'm glad it's the weekend, even though I have a busy weekend. It is my B-day after all and I'm getting a really cool present because I picked it out. LOL

The first card I wanted to share is a card I made for a young lady from our church. She has to be in the hospital for an extended period of time to do some healing and I feel so bad for her. She deals with a lot of pain, but handles it with the grace you can't believe. She is pretty feisty and doesn't seem to let much get her down, but I know she's having a hard time being still. I thought I'd send this card and some chocolate to her. I used the set Good Friend. I saw the idea on SCS to make the birdie into a whale. Now how cute is that? Even the spout of water coming out is from the same set. The words I did on the computer. I think she'll like it. Her mom is one of my customers and I know her mom shares cards with her all the time so she knows the value of a homemade card. *grin* Get "Whale" soon Carmen!

This second card is one I just received this morning from my friend Anne. She used the retired Unfrogettable set. Didn't she do a great job? Makes me miss those retired colors as well. I also got a gift certificate for HarJo's Ben Franklin and some cute flip flop candle holders. Thanks Anne I love it all.

Hope you are having a wonderful Friday!

Renee

They're Done!

Our taxes that is. Why do I put it off like I do? I think it's the fear of the unknown or the fact that it is a chore that I just hate to do, but I'm going to be better this year. Lindsay set me up a spread sheet so that entering my info will be easier and not so time consuming. That college education is already starting to pay off and she's only a sophomore. Thanks Linds! Mom is so proud of you.

So doing taxes has kept me from posting as well as my SU workshops this month. Sale-a-Bration time is always a busy and fun time. Speaking of a SAB workshop I will be having one this Saturday, March 21 hosted by Pam Bucholtz in Bad Axe. Want to come and take advantage of getting in on SAB and making a couple neat projects. Feel free to contact me or Pam. We'd love to have you attend.

And speaking of the weekend, this Sunday is my birthday. Yes, I'm probably one of those rare people who loves birthdays or maybe I'm still a kid at heart. Yesterday I received my first birthday card from my good friend and customer Joni. She's always so sweet and I truly loved the brightness of her card. Thanks Joni!

As you can probably tell I'm using my old camera. Hopefully some (hint, hint to my family) will get me a lithium battery charger for my B-day. Now that the have to do stuff is done for today, I think I'll do some stampin'. Thanks for stopping by.

Renee

Camera Problems

Sorry about no posts for the last few days. I don't know if I told you, but my sister and my girls bought me a new camera for Christmas. It's a great camera and takes wonderful pictures in case you've noticed they were better than they use to be, but the only thing I don't like is that is takes a lithium battery. Lithium batteries are not cheap, nor do they last very long. I'm going to have to do something about this since I do take a lot of pictures. Anyone know where to get the best deal on a charger for these babies? The only ones I've found are pretty pricey.

So anyway here is what I have for you today. I took the picture with my old camera and boy can I tell the difference with the new one. Can you? This picture is bad and maybe by tomorrow I can get a new battery and get a better picture, but I wanted to get something posted for today. I used the Basket and Blooms die to make this cute little basket. Yes you read that right. You don't have to make just round baskets with that die. I just love the versatility of the sizzix dies.

Blessings

Renee

Give me the Goodies!

Sorry for such a late day post. Did I mention I hate housework? On to why you've visited today. The first is a very quick box I made using my new Sizzix Box #2 die. This is too fun and very quick to put together. I'm sure I'll be showing you more with this one in the days to come. I used the Curly Label punch to punch my hole and then covered the hole with acetate, which by the way will be available from SU on April 1. And even in printed patterns. Woo Hoo!

The second thing I wanted to share was some cupcakes I made today. I just received part of my Pampered Chef order today and had to try the new silicone cupcake pan. I was hesitant about this pan because I've tried silicone bake ware and have to say I haven't been too impressed. Maybe because I'm a cake baker, I don't know, but this pan is very sturdy and a great quality. I'm so glad I got it. Aren't' the cupcakes cute? They were still a little warm when this picture was taken, but I think I'll sprinkle some powdered sugar on them when they are cool enough.

Well that's all for now. Have a wonderful evening. It's American Idol night! Yeah!

Renee

Make and Takes

Just a quick post today. I've got lots on my plate today. These are the two Make & Takes we did at Kim Booms party on Saturday. Sorry for the bad picture, but hope you like them. If you need more details please feel free to contact me.

Have a great day!

Renee

Sunday, My Fav Day!

Sunday! My favorite day. It's my favorite for lots of reasons. Church, Frank doesn't have to work, I get to take a nap without guilt. What's your favorite day? Well I don't have anything real exciting to share today, but I hope it inspires you just the same.

This card was made using the Botanical Blooms (free stamp set choice during SAB) and the Delicate Dots DSP (free choice as well). The punches I used to make this were Large, Small and Wide Oval, Eyelet Border. You check this post out HERE to find out how I made the scallop edge around the oval. The ribbon I used in the new White Organza. I just love this ribbon because it is so soft. And a couple of Vanilla Hodgepodge Brads. Ok, that's all for today.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Renee

Party Gifts

I'm off today to a workshop in Harbor Beach this afternoon, but I wanted to share a couple of things I made to give away at my workshop. This first one is the gift for my hostess Kim Booms. Kim is a real sweetheart and one of my biggest blog fans. I hope she likes it. This is filled with candy now, but wasn't at the time of taking the picture.

This one is a recycled can that had peaches in it. I always use my Pampered Chef can opener to open cans. Contact my sister Carin if you are interested in purchasing one. She just recently signed back up after taking a couple year break. She doesn't have her Pampered Chef site up yet so just visit her blog to contact her or contact me and I'll get you in touch with her.

I then filled this can with candy kisses and glued the bottom back on using Crystal Effects from SU. I leave the pull tab all in tact. The DSP is the Sale-a-bration paper and the stamping was done with the Botanical Blooms SAB set as well. The ribbon is part of the SAB promotion as well. Used my Big Shot to make the flower on the front. Very easy!

Hope you are having a good Saturday!

Renee

Book to Look

I know I should be doing a million things today, but I wanted to try making a Scallop Envelope Die box and make it bigger than just the 4 sided one that I've shown you before. This one is 5 sides. Isn't it adorable? It is even better IRL. Inside are some of the pillow boxes made with the Pillow Box Die and inside them are some awesome little gifts for anyone who books a workshop with me. They range from a Sizzlet die to ribbon. Want one? Contact me to set a date for your very own workshop where you can earn free stamp sets and accessories from our catalogs.

Here's to a great weekend!

Renee

Makeovers

Good TGIF! The sun is shinning and it's warming up. May get to around 60º today. Pretty good for Michigan and March, but I am a little skeptical. You see I'm a March baby and I've seen way too many snow storms on my birthday. Which by the way is the 22nd. (hint, hint) Yes I am one of those people who DOES NOT say, "oh you don't need to give me a gift or even a card." No I'm one of those who says, "I will gladly accept all." Does anyone really mean no gifts please? If most people were honest they really don't. So I'm just being honest. Right? *wink* I think everyone should be treated special on their birthday. Want to receive a card from me for YOUR birthday? Just leave a comment on this post and I will be more than happy, in fact I'll be excited to send you a card. I think birthdays are the best.

Ok, onto the stamping part of today's post. If you know anything about me you know I love to alter and recycle stuff. A couple of weeks ago Lindsay cleaned out her "Kid" cupboard in the kitchen. Guess it was time since she will be 20 in June. LOL She found a couple of items and gave them to me. They are just little metal containers which I covered with Bella Rose DSP. If you need anymore details just feel free to contact me.



Have a Blessed Day!
Renee

Another Top Note Box

I know I said I would do a tutorial on this, but instead I had to try another one and make it the tall way. *grin* I promise I'll do one for you. It really isn't hard and I'm sure most of you could figure it out. I used the cardboard that comes in the DSP and glued DSP onto it before putting it through my Big Shot. As you can see I had to buy some pretty pencils yet again. Remember the pencil addiction. LOL Now to work on that tutorial...............................

Until Later,

Renee

Oh the things you can make with the Top Note Die!

I've had this idea in my head for sometime now, but didn't know exactly how it would come out. I cut out four Top Notes and made a bottom for my basket. I will try and do a tutorial and give measurements for this since this first one was really an experiment, but I did want to share it with you. This die is really so versatile, everyone should own it. I used a Texturz plate on on the pieces and used the flower (embossilt) and leaves(sizzlet) and are both are exclusive SU dies as well. Until later...............................Renee

File Pretty

Don't you just hate to file or maybe it's that you can't find the things you should have filed? *grin* Well while browsing over on SCS I came across this file idea box made by stampnsk8r. I always have small things that I still need to keep handy, but have no place to put them for safe keeping so I thought this box would be perfect. Of course you could use it for storing cards and such as well. I changed mine up a bit and added the eyelet border punch and some ribbon.

I also drew up a pattern since stampnsk8r only gave measurements, but I'm giving stampnsk8r full credit for the great idea.

Hope you enjoy it!

Renee

Exciting News!

As most of you know there will be a new mini catalog released on April 1, called Occasions Mini Catalog. This catalog is filled with lots of fun new stamp sets and accessories. As demonstrators we get to pre-purchase items ahead of time so we can make samples and fun new projects to show you, but this time Stampin'Up! has decided to release several of the stamps early to you as well. Just click HERE and you will be able to view the selection of stamp sets available now. The best part is you can order any of these and if your order totals $50 or more (before tax and shipping) you get to choose a Sale-a-Bration item as well. Now how fun is that? You can either contact me to place your order or visit my Stampin'Up! website and click on the Shop Now button to place your order. Whatever is most convenient for you. If you order through my website you will receive a FREE 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog as well, but don't delay this offer is only good only through April 30, 2009.
Would you like to host a workshop during Sal-a-Bration? I still have several dates open. Contact me soon and you will be well on your way to earning great stamp sets and accessories absolutely FREE!
Have a wonderful day!
Renee you will be able to view the selection of stamp sets available now. The best part is you can order any of these and if your order totals $50 or more (before tax and shipping) you get to choose a Sale-a-Bration item as well. Now how fun is that? You can either contact me to place your order or visit my Stampin'Up! website and click on the Shop Now button to place your order. Whatever is most convenient for you. If you order through my website you will receive a FREE 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog as well, but don't delay this offer is only good only through April 30, 2009.

Would you like to host a workshop during Sal-a-Bration? I still have several dates open. Contact me soon and you will be well on your way to earning great stamp sets and accessories absolutely FREE!

Have a wonderful day!

Renee