Wild Rose Stamper

Sugared Star Card and a National Blood Supply problem?

First, all about the card!  Then, I have a very important announcement to make regarding the safety of the National blood bank which I hope you'll read and pass on to your family and friends.

I love this sweet Daisy D's paper.  It's discontinued now, but I scooped up a bunch of it last year.  I didn't want to cover up the pattern, so I kept all the embellishing at the bottom of the card.  The felt was cut out with a Nestabilities die and the star was punched from red cardstock, then covered with glitter that looks like sugar.   Materials listed at the end of this post.  :)

The national blood supply could be tainted with a retrovirus, XMRV, that may cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, leukemia, and other infections.  I've spent the last two days watching presentations about XMRV online (the YouTube video is in several parts which are listed to the right of the video), broadcast live from the CDC's Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advisory Committee meeting in Washington, DC.  An official from the Department of Health and Human Services gave a statement that the gov't is aware of the problem and is working to develop a sensitive test to detect XMRV in the blood.  He couldn't officially tell CFS patients NOT to donate blood or organs, but I could read between the lines.  However, the problem is, according to the study published in Science, as many as 10 Million Americans could be infected with XMRV and not know it.

We need to let Congress and the President know that we need an answer SOON and that this should be the highest priority.  There needs to be federal approval for diagnostic testing and Millions of dollars need to be allocated by Congress for research of XMRV as it relates to CFS, atypical MS, cancer, Autism, and other diseases.  Believe me, you, your children, and your loved ones, do NOT want CFS or any of the problems that come with it.  Remember, I was completely healthy before I contracted CFS and now I require a pacemaker and am housebound, only able to be out of bed 10 or 15 minutes at a time.  My life, as I knew it, has been completely taken away from me.

The really sad part is, this could have been discovered as early as 1990 when a promising researcher, Elaine DeFreitas, found evidence of a retrovirus in CFS patients' blood.  But, the CDC squelched her research and ruined her career, and thus scared off other researchers from looking for a retrovirus in CFS patients.  How many of us now have needlessly become sick or died because of the CDC's actions?  There needs to be a Congressional inquiry into what happened and why it happened, and hold those guilty ones accountable for their actions.

Thanks so much for visiting and I hope you'll make your voice heard regarding these important things.  As soon as the NIH archives the CFSAC meeting's webcast, which will be here, I'll update with links in this post.

  National Cancer Institute Press Release

Whittemore-Peterson Institute XMRV Q&A

Here's a video of part of Dr. Peterson's presentation that addresses the blood supply issue:

Materials:

Stamps: So Many Sayings (hostess set)

Paper: Garden Green, Real Red, Summer Sun, Daisy D's pattern paper, ivory card stock

Ink: Garden Green

Accessories: Large Star Punch, Large oval punch, Apron Lace border punch, 1/4 inch red gingham ribbon, hemp twine, Crystal glitter by Sulyn, green felt, Nestabilities scalloped circle, button, sewing machine, red thread

Sweet Girl

This card was made for Crafty Secret's World Card Making Day challenge on Splitcoaststampers a couple of weeks ago.  Unfortunately, I missed the deadline, but at least I have a cute card to show for my efforts.  The adorable image is from a Crafty Secrets Journal Notes pad, but I don't know which one.

Thanks for visiting!

Materials:

Stamps: none

Paper: Kraft, Perfect Plum

Ink: Papertrey Ink Vintage Cream

Accessories: Crafty Secrets Journal Notes image, Cuttlebug folder, Pinking shears, buttons, crochet thread, cream grosgrain ribbon, Prima hydrangea, Prima rose, Nestabilities Labels one

Autumn Roses and great news about chronic fatigue syndrome research

 

Finally, my latest card! I hope it's worth the wait.  (Where did that month go???)  I was really inspired by the gorgeous autumn colors in this Country Living vignette and knew I had the perfect idea for my newest (to me) stamp.  The combination of plum and orange was intriguing to me and a real challenge to translate them into a card.  In the end, just a touch of plum seemed to be just the right amount of contrast.  There's more green in my card than in the Country Living photo, but it just seemed right and I really like the results.

And now for the great news!   A recently discovered retrovirus, XMRV, previously found in prostate cancer tumors, has now been found in chronic fatigue syndrome patients.  The study was published in Science journal, which is highly respected by the medical and science community.  Check out the press releases on the National Cancer Institute website and on the Whittemore Peterson Institute website.  This is a huge discovery with implications for future research, treatment, and possibly a cure for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome!  I'm waiting for a test to become available to the general public to see if I have the virus and I'm going to also apply to participate in research studies at the Whittemore Peterson Institute.  CFS/ME patients have been ridiculed and looked down on for so long by people who thought we were malingerers or just crazy, but this is our vindication!

Thanks for visiting and letting me share my exciting news!

 

I used Copic markers

Copic Colors:

R20, R22, R35, R37, R39, YR04, YR09, Y38, YG03, YG63, YG23, YG00, YG91, E43, G24

Prismacolor pencil colors: Cream PC914, Jasmine PC1012

Materials:

stamps: Stippled Rose retired SU!

Paper: vintage music paper, Neenah Solar White Classic Crest, Perfect Plum, Riding Hood Red, Marigold Morning

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Barely Banana, So Saffron, Ranger Distress Ink Vintage Linen

Accessories: New Leaf grosgrain ribbon from Papertrey Ink, distressing tool, dove punch Martha Stewart, lace, braid trim, rose sticker, sewing machine, Copic Markers, Prismacolor pencils, gamsol

Sweet Peas

It seems like I've been on a big paper buying kick, lately!  (I'm not exactly sure why, since I like making my own backgrounds with stamps.)  Pretty paper is just too hard to resist, especially when it comes in a gorgeous box and I have a 40% off coupon!  Michaels has two different boxes full of 150 K&Co. papers.  I got the romantic one (I think it was called) and the other had more contemporary-style patterns.

Tall skinny images can be a little challenging for me, so when I see a card that has a great layout for such an image, I make sure to save it.  I found this card on Splitcoaststampers by Doodledop and knew it would be perfect!  Actually, this card started with a gorgeous iris image that I was watercoloring for my cousin, Rebekah's birthday, since the iris is her fave flower.  Unfortunately, just before it was almost done, I botched it up and couldn't do another, since I don't own the stamp.  So I hope Becky likes sweet peas!  ;)

All the shading around the flower is done with chalks and various sized sponges.  That square thing in the lower right corner is actually a silver brad with an "R" for Rebekah!  I just couldn't get a great photo of it.

Thanks for visiting!

Materials:
Stamps: Penny Black
Paper: Sage Shadow, ivory, K&Co designer paper
Ink: Antique Linen Distress ink, Sage Shadow, Mellow Moss, Lovely Lilac, Lavender Lace markers
Accessories: SU! chalks, Basic Grey chipboard, Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch, lace, ribbon, Sewing machine, Prima flowers, brad

Caroling Mice

Aren't they the sweetest!  I was inspired to post this card by the Moxie Fab holiday card-making challenge.  The snowflakes, a la Anna Wight, are covered in two kinds of glitter.  They're messy, but I know I'll be making more of them because they look so cool!

I've been ruthlessly sorting out my stamping magazines and I have about 20 Somerset Studio magazines that I'm willing to part with (it was a difficult decision and I'm actually still keeping 30!)  Please email me if you're interested and we can discuss shipping and all that good stuff.  Each magazine is $4 and all are in good, used condition from a non-smoker's home.  Or make me an offer!

Somerset Studio issues for sale (click here to see photos of the covers and sneak peeks of what's inside):
Mar/Apr 1997
May/Jun 1997
Mar/Apr 1998
Jul/Aug 1998
Sep/Oct 1998
Sep/Oct 1999
Mar/Apr 2000
Jul/Aug 2000
Jul/Aug 2001
May/Jun 2003
Jul/Aug 2003
Sept/Oct 2003
Nov/Dec 2003
Jan/Feb 2004
Mar/Apr 2004
May/Jun 2004
Sept/Aug 2004
Nov/Dec 2004
Jan/Feb 2005

Have a great day!

Materials:
Stamps: Penny Black clear Christmas set
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Cranberry Crisp, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Melissa Frances dp
Accessories: SU ribbon, Marvy Snowflake punches, Martha Stewart twig punch, rhinestone sticker, Martha Stewart doily lace border punch, white Liquid Applique, Nestabilities, buttons, Copic markers, glitter

Stitched Leaves

Well, the card that was supposed to take a few days got stretched into a week, as usual.  An unexpected trip to the doctor and then to Michaels delayed this blog post a bit, but that's life, right?  I've been having the worst time sleeping and my Sonata just isn't cutting it anymore, so I went to the doctor last Monday for some help.  I had to see the NP instead of my doctor, who was on vacation, and it was not a good experience.  So I needed some retail therapy and actually felt well enough to go to Michaels on Thursday.  :)  I had a great time with my friend Kathy and spent way too long there.  We had to look at every single new stamp, of course, and it's a good thing there wasn't a sale, or I would have bought too many!  I had a good time at the dollar bin, too.  (If Michaels can make money on the dollar bin, then why is everything else in the store so much more expensive?)

On to the card!  It's all stamped, no designer paper at all!  I used only two stamps, both from Cornish Heritage Farms.  I think the Leaves backgrounder is my new favorite; I just want to use it on every card!  Anyway, the whole card started with the flower because I was admiring some of the embellishments in an online scrapbook store but was turned off by the prices, so decided to pull out some punches and Cuttlebug dies and make some of my own.  This flower was one of my better attempts and I think it turned out pretty cute.

Thanks for visiting!

Materials:
Stamps: Cornish Heritage Farms Leaves 3 and Scrapblock Music
Paper: Real Red, Naturals Ivory, misc. ivory
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Antique Linen Distress Ink
Accessories: SU Mini Library clips, flower punch, Cuttlebug die, buttons, black embroidery floss, sewing machine, Fiskars Threading Waters border punch

Angel Kitty

Wow, lots of you must have been crossing your fingers for me last week for the Flourishes contest!  I won and got to pick a stamp set of my choice.  You'll be seeing this gorgeous Strawberries set on card soon.  :)

Sadly, this is a sympathy card for my cousin, who had to have her kitty, Timone, put down a couple weeks ago.  He was a special kitty and would come running when she called his name.  Once she caught him on top of the fridge whacking dog treats onto the floor for the dog to eat!  I'm so sorry for your loss, Steff.

I had a difficult time getting a dark black impression because the stamp was so solid, so I used my Warm gray and black Copic markers to enhance the shadows and add depth.  I used BG10 on the wings and added some clear glitter, then used the gold glitter pen on the halo, with a little clear glitter on the sparkle spot.

Steff likes the Americana style, so I kept the card simple and used mainly red and black.  A little stitching, sponging, and distressing give a vintage look.

Thanks for visiting!

Materials:
Stamp: PSX
Paper: Ridinghood Red, Kraft, Neenah Solar White Classic Crest, K & Co.
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Creamy Caramel, Summer Sun, More Mustard
Accessories: Copics, button, twill tape, sewing machine, crochet thread, Nestabilities, Spica gold glitter pen, Sakura clear glitter gel pen, distressing tool

Birthday Snail Ride

This is my card for the Flourishes birthday contest for a chance to win a free set of my choice.  Cross your fingers for me.  ;)

I wanted a thread color other than white, so I found some beautiful thread by Gutermann when they were on sale at Joann Etc.  This one is #602 and coordinates well with Soft Sky and Making Memories' Flower Patch papers.  My Hello Kitty Janome is still going strong, yay!  I've had such poor luck with sewing machines before, that I'm just thrilled to find a machine that holds up well.  It even winds bobbins evenly!

The crocheted flower is one I made myself.  I just wanted to try it to see if they were something I could do quickly enough to be worth making more of for my cards.  Nope!  I'll be quite happy paying 50 cents a piece for them from someone else, thank you very much.  ;)

And check out this blog candy!  Wednesday, Aug. 5 is your last chance to enter an amazing giveaway from Melissa Bove at Creations from the Heart blog.  And when I say amazing, I mean it!!

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Materials:
Stamps: Penny Black clear stamps
Paper: Soft Sky, Making Memories dp, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Bloom Journaling frame from Creative Imaginations, Autumn Leaves buttons, Papertrey ribbon, Nestabilities, Copic markers, sewing machine, handmade crocheted flower

Strawberry Picnic Basket

I have always loved picnic baskets, so naturally I had to get Papertrey's Vintage Picnic stamp set!   This picnic basket came blank and I stamped the strawberry on it and colored in with my Copics.  I got lots of inspiration for coloring ideas from Flickr by doing a search for picnic baskets.  Apparently I'm not the only one who loves them!

The gingham background is actually a large stamp from Impression-Obsession.  I decided that I "needed" to be able to make my own gingham paper in any color I wanted, so I had to get this stamp!  I wish the pattern was more of a realistic fabric look, but I still like it.

Thanks for visiting!

Materials:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Vintage Picnic; Impression-Obsession Large Gingham Background
Paper: Real Red, Neenah Classic Crest solar white
Ink: Real Red, Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: lace, button, trim, Copic Markers, Marvy Giga and Mega Scallop circle punches, crochet thread #10

Morning Glory Convolvulaceae

I just love it when a card finally comes together and I get that feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction.  It took a while with this one because I'm trying to incorporate all the embellishing and techniques that I see other stampers and card makers using, but don't necessarily come naturally to me.  And look!  I'm not hoarding my pearls, although, I confess, I did have to order more this week because I would be sad if I ran out!  lol

Ribbon cutting tip: I've just discovered how to cut notches in the ends of a piece of ribbon more evenly.  Simply fold the ribbon end in half horizontally pinching it with your fingers, then cut at an angle, starting from the open end into the fold.  Otherwise, the ribbon is likely to splay open and you'll get an uneven cut.  Maybe everyone else knows this already, but it was a lightbulb moment for me!

Card making tip:  It helps me when I get frustrated with balancing the elements of a card to walk around the other side of my desk and look at the card upside down from a few feet away.  It's amazing how all of a sudden I'll see where I need to either take something away or add an element.

Notice my zig-zag stitching, how there are no skipped stitches?  Yay!  I'm still loving my new Janome Hello Kitty machine.

I have to give props to Bethany Paull, as I took the sketch from her card as the base for my card.  Isn't her card beautiful?

Thanks so much for visiting my blog.  I know I've been sporadic with my posting lately, so I appreciate your patience.  I've actually done a lot of stamping and coloring this past week, just not a lot of card making.  Papertrey Ink's Vintage Picnic set is so much fun!  Hopefully, next week I'll have a picnic basket card to share with you, if I can just stop stamping and actually get a card finished.

Copic Markers: B60, BV00, BV02, BV04, RV10, Y11, Y15, G21, G28

Materials:
Stamps: PSX Morning Glory Botanical
Paper: Garden Green card stock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, SU retired dp, DCWV Nursery Stack
Ink: Memento Black
Accessories: self-adhesive pearls, satin ribbon, button, lace, cotton crochet thread, sewing machine, Nestabilities Labels One, SU slit punch for scallops, Copic markers
Meaurements: My card measures 5x7 inches.