Sunday, January 30, 2011

You Rock My World

Thank you to all of my followers for helping me reach 200!  I hope it will stay there so I can offer some yummy fun stuff on Thursday for Blog Candy! Be sure to come back then and check it out! You ROCK my world!

Today's card is from a fun new Sparkle N Sprinkle set called Rock N Roll. I embossed the sentiment with Antique Pewter Embossing Powder and added Crystal Ice to the stars (both from Sparkle N Sprinkle).

My inspiration came from the Splitcoast Featured Stamper Challenge today.  I cased this fun music card of Sue's (today's Featured Stamper - AKA tillymint). We are supposed to change two things from the original. I changed colors, images, and the layout some. Substituted a crystal star for her heart, and added silver thread to look like guitar string. Click on the photo below for a close-up!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Stamps: Rock N Roll by Sparkle N Sprinkle
Paper: Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant, PTI White, DP from Old World Mat Stack (DCWV), purple (CTMH)
Ink: Elegant Eggplant
Accessories: Crystal Ice Glitter, Antique Pewter Embossing Powder, silver thread, star gem, MS punch, tag punch, safety pin, deckle scissors, distressing tool, Cuttlebug EF
Techniques: embossing

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Bees and Turkeys! Oh Honey!

I am allergic to bee stings.  Probably many of you are as well.  I swell up and the stung area gets red and blotchy.  I don't carry an EpiPen, but probably should.  And the weird thing about this is that I like bees and bee images.  I even have a very small collection of bee things. And lots of bee stamps, because I think they are so cute.  I am interested in beekeeping too.  Somewhere I heard that blondes have a scent to their skin that attracts bees and mosquitoes.  Hurray!  That is probably not true, but they sure seem to love me in the summer and spring. So today I want to share one of my cards with bees with you!

I stamped my images (Dani's Garden Swing by Sparkle N Sprinkle) with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and then colored in with Copics and Spica Glitter Pens.  I added Crystal Ice Glitter to Dani's dress and the bee wings. Click on the photo below for a close-up of the glitter!


We have a flock of wild turkeys that live by our house. The most I have ever counted is 23.  Usually we see 7-10 together.  They are kind of adopted by our neighborhood and many people feed them - and even have little turkey houses! It always brings me joy to see them out.  They are either in our yard (which my labs love HA) or across the street or down a block. The other day I was driving to work and there were 5-6 of them across the street.  I always stop and take a good look - sometimes I can even grab a picture or two.  I rolled down my window and this tom started talking and gobbling away!

Makes me feel guilty about enjoying eating turkey so much......Then he walked in front of my car with his friends:

They always bring a big smile to me and it's a great way to start my work day! Joy #13: TURKEYS!

Thanks for all of your comments! I am looking to reach 200 followers by February 1st. I have some yummy blog candy to give away and would like to do that when I reach 200.  I only need TWO more! Click on the "Follow" button in my right sidebar.

Have a great day!

Friday, January 28, 2011

I Don't Want to Have to Use This Card

It seems that we all need sympathy cards in our stash, doesn't it? It is certainly not the type of card we enjoy making, really, because of the occasion.  But it is so much easier for me if I make them when I (thankfully) don't need one.  And that is what I did today.  

I love the simplicity of this design, and it was a quick card for me.  I am one of those people that take two hours to make one card, and I am happy to say this one took me under 20 minutes. You could probably even do it in less time than that, except the pearls were not cooperating! Click on the photo for a close-up view.

The sentiment is from a sheet of stamps called Penguins and More from I Brake For Stamps. Shopping at IBFS? Use this code for 10% off: SAVE10JUDY. Satin-trimmed organdy ribbon, pearls, and an embossing folder round out the supplies.  I hope I don't need to use this card for a long time!

Thanks for all of your comments! I am looking to reach 200 followers by February 1st. I have some yummy blog candy to give away and would like to do that when I reach 200.  I only need 6 more! Click on the "Follow" button in my right sidebar. Have a great day -- I am off to see the dentist for a check-up!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

It's Paper Romance Challenge Day and We Are Hop, Hop, Hoppin'!


It's Paper Romance Challenge Day and the Paper Romance team has some fun stuff in store for you today, so make sure you start at the beginning of the Hop with the Paper Romance Challenge Blog HERE. The Hop goes live at 7:00 AM CST today and closes on Saturday, January 29th at 7:00 AM CST.  Comments left after that time are loved and appreciated, but to be eligible for Amy’s prize (read on!) you must complete the hop by Saturday morning.

If you came here from Cindy Haffner's Corner, you are in the right place! Cindy always amazes me with her eye for design! Amazing stuff!

Our Design Team Challenge for this week is “ANYTHING BUT A CARD.” My “Anything But a Card” project today is a treat bag made with Drink Lemonade by High Hopes.


I stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and then colored in with Copics and Spica Glitter pens. I added Crystal Ice Glitter to the ice cubes. My designer paper is Lemonade by Basic Grey (go figure!)! :)


Amy is offering a $20 gift certificate to one hopper today that completes the hop, so be sure to leave a comment on all of the Design Team’s blogs to have a chance to win! Play along with us and you could win a $5 gift certificate to Paper Romance too!

Next up on the hop is Bonnie. You will love what she has made!

Thanks for all of your comments! I am looking to reach 200 followers by February 1st. I have some yummy blog candy to give away and would like to do that when I reach 200.  I only need 8 more! Click on the "Follow" button in my right sidebar. Have a great day and enjoy the rest of the hop!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Inspired by Barbie!

For today's Splitcoast Inspiration Challenge 268: Barbie Collectibles Steph had us choose something from the Barbie Collectibles website. I chose this Miss Garnet Birthstone Barbie. I love the rich color of garnet.

My heart image is by I Brake For Stamps and is called Small Primrose Heart Collage. I stamped it using a combination of Rich Razzleberry and Riding Hood Red ink, then sponged the edges with Encore Metallic Gold. K & Co. Madeline Designer Paper, Cuttlebug folders, Spellbinders dies, and a lot from my stash of supplies make up the rest of this card!

"Miss Garnet" makes me think of Miss America.  You may not follow that pageant at all or even like it.  When I was a little girl, and even up into my early married life, I never missed a pageant.  I always loved seeing the pretty dresses and watching the talent competition.  I have not watched for many years - probably since I lived in Utah and Miss Utah won (at least 20 some years!). And I didn't watch this year either. But, I surely heard the next day who had won: Teresa Scanlan, from Gering, Nebraska -- the youngest in more than 70 years and the first from Nebraska. She is the same age as my daughter - they are about a month apart in age.  That kind of freaks me out a little! But Nebraska is proud, and I wish Teresa the very best!

On the way to school the other day, the moon was up and full and giant and golden. I really need to start carrying my good camera with me, instead of trying to get a phone picture!  It's rather pixelated (is that a word?). But Joy #12 is all about surprises and this was a wonderful surprise on my way to work! Snow in the foreground with evergreen trees and a gorgeous moon! What could be a nicer start to my day?

Have a great Saturday!


Stamps: Small Primrose Heart Collage by I Brake For Stamps
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Bravo Burgundy, Very Vanilla, Textured Darks (The Paper Studio), Madeline DP (K & Co.)
Ink: Rich Razzleberry combined with Riding Hood Red, Encore Metallic Gold
Accessories: lace, EK Success border punch, large pearl brads, jewelry findings, metal word charm, Cuttlebug EF

Thursday, January 20, 2011

It's Paper Romance Challenge Day! Get In Shape!

Cindy's challenge for us at Paper Romance today was to make a card of any shape (except the normal rectangle of course!).  I used one of my Spellbinders Nestabilities for my basic shape.

I used stamps from the Cute Companions Celebration set.  I love this set - it's got everything I need for birthday cards! I stamped the sentiment with Real Red ink. The little mouse and candle were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black and colored with Copics.  I added Vanilla Ice Glitter to the candle.

Come play along! Make a card using any theme - just get in shape! You could win a $5 gift certificate to Paper Romance!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Love Blooms

Today I want to share a card I made a few weeks back but haven't had a chance to post here.  Rubber Stamp Tapestry has such an AMAZING variety of beautiful florals, word sentiments, and fun complementary images. 

For today's card I used Heart Deco.  This darling little set has so many wonderful hearts in it! Can you tell my favorite accessory is pearls? My sentiment is called Love Blooms and is a 3 inch block stamp.  I love the font!

Rubber Stamp Tapestry may be coming to a show near you.  Check out their current schedule of upcoming fun!

Joy #11: I love my house.  It's not fancy or huge. But it's perfect. I have a big basement (don't we all in Nebraska?) where I spend most of my time - either watching movies, or in my stamp room. My laundry room is bigger than my bedroom. It sits on a corner, with lots of sunshine. My deck is covered by a beautiful big tree, and my yard is surrounded with lilacs and crabapple trees that are beautiful in the spring and summer. I have a nice gathering room with a fireplace and lots of windows that look out on the deck and back yard. I have a garage door opener. Life is good.



Stamps: Heart Deco by RST
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Sage Shadow, Naturals White, Basic Grey DP
Ink: VersaColor various
Accessories: Kaiser Blush Pearls, Cuttlebug EF, Diamond Stickles

Monday, January 17, 2011

Hambo Hoedown FREEBIES!

I am so excited to announce the start of the Hambo Hoedown Challenge Blog! Each Wednesday beginning February 2 Hambo Stamps will have a challenge for you to play along with.  The best part?  FREEBIES!  Details will be let out of the barn soon, but if you head over there now, and grab the challenge button, you might win a free digi image by none other than Timbo himself!

Check out all of Timbo's current Hambo digi images HERE. You can even grab a free one today if you look closely when you get there!
Here is one of my favorite digi images that Timbo drew called  
I used Copic Markers to color. Ornare piercing template, Spellbinders dies, DCWV DP, and Cuttlebug EF round out the supplies!

Now get on over to the Hambo Hoedown and dance your way to some FREE STUFF!
And if you have time, check out this post. :) 
And don't forget the Design Team Call going on right now for Hambo Stamps.
DEETS HERE.
Stamps: Butterfly Baby and For You by Hambo Stamps
Paper: PTI White, Bashful Blue, Brilliant Blue, Ballet Blue, DCWV DP
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories: PTI twine, Spellbinders dies, Cuttlebug EF, oval punch, Ornare piercing template

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Sweet Girl


Today's Inspiration Challenge at Splitcoast was really something.  Hundreds of nail designs to inspire us! You can read all about it and join in here. It took me awhile to decide because I was so enamored (enameled? Haha) with all of the possibilties. I finally chose Nail 0119 from this group. I liked the color combination.

My images are from Sparkle N Sprinkle's Daddy's Princess Stamp Set 413. There is Starfire Glitter on the butterflies and her little collar. Click on the picture below for a close-up. This set is 15% off for the rest of the month! Read about all the fantastic deals and sales at Sparkle N Sprinkle HERE.

AND that is not all! The January Card contest is going on through tomorrow night! There is still time to enter for a FREE stamp set of your choice.  Details HERE.


AND even more!  SEVEN new sets and some wonderful tinsels and glitters are now available.  Check them out HERE. I love the new music sets and that JAR set I will have to have to put JOY in!  Sometimes I crack myself up.....must be why I have so many face wrinkles! :)


Today's Joy #10 is a THANKFUL joy.  My very good friend, Alex, was in a farm accident on Thursday.  The grinder (a HUGE truck and machine to grind hay and so on) he was driving rolled into a ditch.  He was not buckled and sustained minor bruises and cuts - but a serious concussion.  I was very concerned about his memory loss and personality change when I saw him on Thursday at the hospital, but by Friday morning, he was almost back to normal.  I am so thankful that he was not hurt more seriously.  Good friends are precious!
Yes, it's a python!



Stamps: Daddy's Princess by Sparkle N Sprinkle
Paper: Basic Grey Green at Heart DP, The Paper Studio Textured Brights, PTI White
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories: Hero Arts flower gem, Kaiser red pearls, lavender organdy ribbon, SNS Starfire Glitter, MS doily lace punch

Thursday, January 13, 2011

It's Paper Romance Challenge Day with Birthdays for Men!

This is for Andrea's challenge at Paper Romance today.  This week’s challenge is all about birthdays and the men in our life! Come play along! Make a birthday card for your husband, son, brother, uncle, teacher, co-worker..... Just gear it toward the masculine side! You could win a $5 gift certificate to Paper Romance!

I used Popcorn the Bear "Fishing" for my card today.  I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo Black (my go-to ink!) and then colored it in using Copic Markers. My designer paper is from The Green Stack by DCWV.  I added some crazy sewing, and all done!

Check out what the rest of the Paper Romance Design Team made today!

In the market for some new rubber or Spellbinders? Take a look at my $5 SALE. 

Joy #9 today is something that people either love or don't! For Christmas, I got my husband a Keurig Coffee maker. It brews one cup at a time using K-Cups. I am sure you saw ads during the holiday season, or perhaps you have one of your own.
In any case, I LOVE it! We don't drink a lot of coffee here, so brewing a whole pot seemed wasteful. This works so well for us! My daughter can choose a flavored coffee, my husband chooses Chai Tea, and I go for the hot cocoa.  One cup each and we are good for the day! And besides that, I purchased it on sale at WalMart and got a $30 gift card on the spot! A great deal for a great gift! 

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Calling All Teapot Tuesday Fanatics!


For today's Teapot Tuesday Challenge, we were inspired by this teapot:
Our challenge was to use flower of some sort and gold.  I chose the Garden of Love stamp set by Rubber Stamp Tapestry.  It is so cute with the little heart.  It can be used for all sorts of occasions. I stamped my images using various VersaColor and Encore Metallic Gold inks (see recipe below).  The sentiment is also from RST and you can find it here.
 Click on the picture below for a close-up view!


Joy #8: Some days I really miss my dad.  For those of you that are new to my blog, he passed away last December 9, 2009. It's weird how some days you are just going along fine, and others you are really struck by the emptiness left.  A lot of times it is because I start looking at pictures, and remembering what an incredible man he was and how much I miss him.  I wish he could have met my son's bride. He would have loved her sweet spirit and heart. So today is a bittersweet joy. Joy that I had such an awesome dad for as long as I did, and bittersweet in that I wish he were here so I could tell him.  I love you, Dad.


Stamps: Garden of Love Stamp Set and "Flowers Feed the Soul" 3 Inch Block Stamp by RST
Paper: PTI White, SU! DP
Ink: VersaColor Peony, Atlantic, Green Tea, Encore Metallic Gold
Accessories: MS punch, gold satin embossed ribbon, pearls

Monday, January 10, 2011

What is the Temperature of a Penguin?

For today's Splitcoast Technique Challenge 307 Mojo Motivator Challenge . . . my good friend, Holly, is the hostess today and she had us choose one technique challenge, one color challenge and one sketch challenge from the past challenges. I loved this challenge - it made it so easy! (How many times can I say challenge in one paragraph?)
I chose:
TLC160 - Cuttlebug, The Negative Effect (so easy and a cool effect)
CC110A - Cool Caribbean, Whisper White Basic Black
SC276

My images are from Penguins and More available at I Brake For Stamps.This card measures 6" square. I stamped the penguins and sentiment with Memento Tuxedo Black ink (the best!) and added Diamond Stickles to the bottom of the image for a sparkly snow effect. I sponged Cool Caribbean ink into my Cuttlebug Snowflake embossing folder and then ran my white cardstock through it. It picked up nicely and subtley! I have a large stash of snowflake stickers and love using them!
 
If you would love a discount at I Brake For Stamps, use my code to get 10% off! SAVE10JUDY

We have a snow day today and about 10 inches of snow on my deck with more coming down. It's 10 degrees with a windchill of -8. Balmy compared to the forecasted -25. BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!

As the snow was starting yesterday
This morning when I got up (look at my fire pit!)
 Joy #7: A beautiful snowfall, a warm fire inside and a SNOW DAY!  Teachers love snow days!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Amazing Grace

For today's Splitcoast Featured Stamper Challenge 205 . . .

LOVE UKJem's (Julie) gallery and her style! I chose this card to case (copy and share everything). I changed the image, added pearls, used a purchased flower instead of handmade, and added Champagne Pearlized paper to mat my sentiment instead of one continuous piece. It was fun and fast to make!



Joy #6:
I spent seven hours today in a rehearsal for a fundraiser gala for our Community Theatre.  It was so much fun and I love the people that I work with there.  We are doing two shows next weekend on Friday and Saturday called "A Night at the Movies."  Tons of fun skits and songs from movies. I love the theatre!

Friday, January 7, 2011

Necks To You I Am JOY-full

Good morning!

A quick post today as I have a huge "To-Do" list to get through before the snow storm predicted tomorrow!

For today's Free for All Challenge 46 . . . and yesterday's Ways To Use It Challenge: Twine. . .

I used my absolute favorite image by Hambo Stamps and a cute sentiment that goes along with it. The little button in the corner with the twine is a heart, although you can't see the shape from the picture's angle.

I love this little giraffe that Mr. Hambo (Tim) drew (I begged and begged for a giraffe!), and it was perfect for today's Splitcoast F4A challenge!

Read about the Hambo Stamps DESIGN TEAM CALL here! And I am extending a personal invitation to all my blog readers to apply!  Monica and Tim are delightfully fun to work with and I love the images! You will too!

I LOVE nice grocery stores, where you have more than two brands to choose from, and there is a fresh meat counter and people that can actually help you.  So I have fallen in love with Whole Foods in Omaha.  I spent several hours there recently (grocery stores have always been fun for me if they have STUFF!) and loved the color in these two aisles.  The first is olive oil (and so many to choose from!) and the next is hair and skin care products. Not next to each other of course! So my Joy #5 is Whole Foods in Omaha, Nebraska.  I wish it wasn't three hours away!





Stamps: Giraffe - 2926 and Necks to You - 2914 by Hambo Stamps
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Lovely Lilac, PTI White, DP by The Paper Studio
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, Spica Clear Glitter Pen
Accessories: large oval punch, heart button, twine, ric rac, brads, heart die cut, plastic flowers

Thursday, January 6, 2011

It's Paper Romance Challenge Day and Sunny Days Ahead!

It's a SUNNY challenge at Paper Romance today. This week’s challenge is hosted by Sandra and called "You are my Sunshine!"  Create a love card for anyone and any occasion using the color YELLOW as your primary color. I don't know about you, but I am soooo done with Christmas cards! Hopefully this challenge will bring back the sun to many of the areas of the country that are so cold! Brrrr~


I made my card using the Cute Companions Celebration set. I think that set is adorable and has everything you need for a little sweet celebration!

Check out what the rest of the Paper Romance Design Team did HERE.
Come play along! You could win a $5 gift certificate to Paper Romance!

Today is Joy #4. I know you are probably going to wonder why I didn't post this earlier, but really, the JOYS are in no particular order. But I must say, this one is a GOOD one.  I have been blessed with two beautiful children, whom I love and adore. They are wonderful friends as well, and we have so much fun together. They bring immeasurable joy to my life!

Goofing around

Have a JOYFUL day!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Blue Hive Babies and Tiger Babies!

It's Teapot Tuesday and you know what that means? A totally incomprehensible post unless you read the Tuesday Teapot Challenges!  But, in layman's language, we are making baby cards for Splitcoast stamper Pat Smethers' daughter-in-law, Jamie, and her new little baby boy, Jon! Here is our inspiration teapot:


 There is always a fun story, and lots of laughs in the SCS gallery on Tuesdays!


It's a fine day in Cody, WY where the sun is shining and the town is aBUZZ with news of parades and babies! And my bees have left their blue hive (they are royal bees after all and also have blue blood) in the glittery finest (they are wearing their special party wings) to attend the Parade of the Day! They are all rootin' for Winnie to be Grand Marshall and are on their way to support the teeming crowds! I imagine some of them will get sidetracked and BEE at the tea party, where they will expect their honey to be served with tea instead of sugar lumps!
Congratulations to Jamie and the rest of family, and Grandma Pat and the Buckle Man! A new little blessing to love~
My images are by Hambo Stamps.  I used Tree Hive - 2711 and Tiny Bee - 3114, and the tag sentiment is done with rub-on letters. The hive is stamped twice, and then cut out and popped up on dimensionals. Each little bee has Diamond Stickles on his wings.


And now for Joy #3 (see this post for My 100 Joys).  I am sure that many of my joys will have to do with animals.  I just love them, and should have probably had a career in a zoo.  It is my favorite place to go to relax and just enjoy all of the different creatures in our world.  I will go winter or summer, doesn't matter!  I think that the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha (3 hours from me) is one of the best zoos in the country, and I made a little trip there last month.  One of the highlights was watching a tiger and her six month old baby girl cub play.  I think we stood there for 45 minutes just watching them.  It was so fun to see the strength and gentleness displayed by the mom, and also just their banter with each other. My friend took a great video that I will see if I can get, but I have these three pictures (again from my phone - kind of grainy) to share with you today.  Thanks for the visit!





Stamps: Tree Hive - 2711 and Tiny Bee - 3114 by Hambo Stamps
Paper: So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Very Vanilla, SU! Designer Paper
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Copics, Spica Glitter Pens
Accessories: Spellbinders die, button, twine, tag, rub-ons, EK Success border punch, ric rac, grosgrain ribbon



Sunday, January 2, 2011

Sweet Giraffe --- Sweet Puppy

For today's Splitcoast Featured Stamper Challenge 204 . . .LOVE Marisa's gallery - every card is just amazing. But of course, when I saw THIS ONE with the darling giraffe, I had to choose it! For those that don't know, I collect all things giraffe, and have since the late 70's!


In my card I used one of the very first giraffe images that I ever got - years ago - from Daisy Kingdom.
For the Featured Stamper Challenge we are to change at least two things from the original. Besides the images, I changed the way the sentiment was done, added a tag, and substituted DP for her solid CS.
I actually plan to mail this to someone! Stampers have been lamenting the fact that we don't often enough mail what we make.  It's true and I need to mail more too (another resolution)! This is going to my new baby second cousin!

And now for Joy #2 (see yesterday's post about My 100 Joys):
You have heard the saying about wanting to be the person your dog thinks you are, right?  I SO want to be the person my white labrador thinks I am! She is such a sweetheart.  I rescued her from a shelter two and a half years ago.  She has the sweetest disposition, and is always so happy.  She loves me unconditionally and listens to me gripe and whine and moan, and still thinks I am amazing. HAHA.  Well, she brings me a TON of joy, so today's Joy is all about Fiona, my sweet almost 3 yr. old lab. Isn't she cute?


The picture was taken on my phone last night, so it's a little grainy.  And yes, she is on the couch - the one downstairs that is the only piece of furniture she is allowed on! She was watching the new "Star Trek" movie with me. I love her!

My last of Christmas vacation - back to school and work tomorrow! I did get in another 4.6 miles this morning before church so I am up to 13.6 for the week so far. Thanks for the visit and have a wonderful day!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year and Welcome to 100 Joys

HaPpY NeW YeAr!
It's another one of those fun "number" days today: 1/1/11. 
I hope you all enjoyed a safe and fun New Year's Eve.
A long post today, but I hope you will stick with me.

Yesterday I posted a few resolutions that I wanted to make for this new year.  I have a huge list besides those, and plan to share them along the way.  I think sometimes people are afraid to make resolutions because they are afraid of failure.  If you don't make them, it's one less thing to not feel guilty about, right?  Well, I make them every year.  And many times I don't stick to them.  But I would never tell my child or a student to stop trying, so I need to take my own advice and try. Learn from mistakes and failures, and maybe stick with a few in the process!

One of my resolutions from yesterday (and the basis for my card) was to ride my bike more (both inside and out).  I got up this morning at 7 and dragged myself downstairs to ride. I popped in Star Trek and rode away.  Nine miles done! More than I would have done had I not done it the first thing this morning. And now I feel like I can start my day!

Another resolution for this year is to show more kindness.  I tend to be an impatient person, and I need to bring back some gentleness and kindness.  So I made this card late last night as part of my "Celebrate Those Resolutions" challenge to myself.

I used the Brambly Rose Fabric Stamp Set and Plant Kindness Block Stamp for my images.  You can find them at Rubber Stamp Tapestry.  I stamped with VersaColor and Encore Metallic inks and then embossed with Clear Detail Powder. Edges are embossed as well.  The bottom half of the card was stamped with a VersaMark pad.

If you are familiar with my stamping style (I don't even know what that is, really, or what that means!), you have probably noticed that I tend to use designer or patterned paper on just about every card I make. I didn't use any on here and think it turned out okay! :)
Which brings me to another one of my resolutions:
NO DESIGNER PAPER PURCHASES UNTIL MY BIRTHDAY.
My birthday is in July, so I am hoping I don't weaken on this one! I have more paper than I will ever use in two lifetimes, but it is a weakness.  I don't need it, so I resolve to use what I HAVE!

And that brings me to Joy #1.  I mean, my blog name is JOY in a JAR (my initials are JAR).  I got this idea from Sarah Markley, whose blog is incredibly inspirational. Check it out. She wanted to highlight and photograph and remember 100 Joys in her life - all in the month of December. And she did!
I am going to take 100 days - one a day.
But it will show me so many things about life that I love and can be joyful about.
And it will show me that there truly is
Joy in a JAR.
And here is the first:

A beautiful sunrise to greet me after my bike ride and to greet the new year.  I live on a slight hill and look over a beautiful city park across the street. This was what greeted me on the first day of the first month of 2011.

Find joy. Don't be afraid to make resolutions. Failure at something is inevitable. And so is success.
Happy New Year!