WOW - It's Been AWHILE........

OMG - I can't believe it's been almost a year since I updated my blog....how time flies when you're having fun...NOT ! It's been a LONG year - lots of changes in my life. I've been busy learning how to live alone after many, many years of married life. No, no...not a divorce or anything like that. After 25+ years living in Maryland, Steve and I decided to pack up and relocate to Georgia, setting ourselves up for retirement. Having made that decision, we never imagined that it would take sooooo long for Steve's transfer to come through. That's right - after selling our home, putting all our belongings in storage and 14 long months, Steve is still in Maryland and I'm in Georgia with 2 Rottweilers and my precious Shih Tzu, Ko-Ko. I could write a book on the Rotties terrorizing the neighborhood - if left alone for 30 minutes, they dig out of the 8 foot fence and enjoy chasing the ducks, swimming in the neighbors pond, scaring helpless little old ladies and causing sheer panic on my part. Oh and did I mention I've been working mids (10 pm - 6 am) ? My body and mind are too old for that !! Needless to say, it has not been an easy year !! BUT - I 'm finally adjusting and starting to feel somewhat in control again. That being said - I think I'm ready to start enjoying my two favorite things again - STAMPING and SCRAPBOOKING ! Here's a peak at some of the limited stamping and scrapbooking I have enjoyed this past year. I did post several pictures for 2 other events I hosted - The Cards for Lydia Project and Cards for the Troops events. Through those events, I made several new stamping friends - which is always fun !

The following cards are from a Christmas Card Class I held, using the Snow Swirled stamp set. Advanced registration included the stamp set, mounted and ready to use to make 10 Christmas cards. Here are samples of 3 of the 5 designs. These designs were all cased from other demonstrators. Aren't they lovely ?

Here are some of the 12x12 double page spreads from my monthly Scrapbook Club this past year. I provide the designs and all supplies needed to make the pages. Scrapbookers must place a minimum $25 order that day. There's always something for everyone - beginners and advanced scrapbookers. New scrapping and stamping friends are always welcome to join the fun, so let me know.

These spreads use lots of coordinating products. Notice how the cardstock, ink, ribbon, and buttons all match ? That's one of the many GREAT things about Stampin' Up ! products - everything coordinates !! We even have some stamp sets that coordinate with our designer series papers.

I host a 12x12 double page spread swap every year at Convention and Leadership. I received the above layout at one of those swaps - not sure which one or who originally designed it but this layout was perfect for my winter themed scrapbook class this year.

Well - that's it for today, I hope you've enjoyed all the samples I've shared. In my next post, I will share some of the exciting rubber stamping techniques that I've been teaching at my monthly Technique Club. Until then.....Happy Stampin' !!