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It had been quite a long time since I used this stamp set and forgot how cute these little flowers are. I was inspired by a card I saw from demonstrator Chat Wszelaki.

Stamps: Bright Blossoms, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Pacific Point, Pear Pizzaz, Melon Mambo

Paper: White, Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, Retired DSP

Misc: 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Stripes Embossing Folder, Dimensionals, Rhinestones

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I was inspired to do this cute dress with the doily apron by a card done by demonstrator Sarah Willis. You can see her card on her blog here. I really like the combination of gingham and polka dots. It gives an old fashioned look. This would be a great card to use when you are giving something homemade from the kitchen. You could include the recipe. I added a strip of the polka dot and gingham DSP inside the card with another punched heart.

Stamps: Kind & Cozy

Ink: Island Indigo

Paper: White, Island Indigo, Black, Gingham Garden DSP, Regals DSP Paper Stack

Misc: Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Modern Label Punch,Small Heart Punch, Hearts a Flutter Framelits, Dress Up Framelits, Dimensionals, Rhinestones, Doilies, Eyelet Border Punch (retired), White Taffeta Ribbon (retired)

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I spent last weekend at another craft get-away with girlfriends in Georgia. We went to the same place/cabin where we went 6 months ago. That was the time my garage door was accidently left open for two days. There were five of us this time and everyone works on whatever they want. I had to spend some of my time working on taxes. Ick! I also worked on some cards and the spring wreath from the occasions catalog. I'll post a picture of that later. And there were plenty of breaks for playing mahjongg. It was a good thing we didn't have any plans to go anywhere because the campgrounds are right in the middle of a pine Forrest and the pine pollen was thick. Everything had a dusting of yellow. Even though we were not outside much allergies have kicked in full force.

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The watercolor look of the background on this card, inspired by Nikki Spencer,  was fun and so easy to do. I used a Teflon craft sheet and swiped my ink pads across it keeping the colors separate. Any kind of "slick" sheet would work for this. Mist the ink with water and use this to ink your stamps. I found that if there was too much water the ink pooled on the stamps. So I looked at the stamp after inking and if there was too much ink I would stamp off first on some scrap paper. If you try this I would suggest stamping a whole sheet of cardstock which would give you stamped pieces for several cards. The white flower is popped up with a dimensional. Use glue to attach the embossed strip of Elegant Eggplant cardstock. Because of the heavy embossing it won't stick with double sided tape.

Stamps: Secret Garden, Banner Greetings

Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, Perfect Plum

Paper: Elegant Eggplant, White, Old Olive, Perfect Plum

Misc: Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Secret Garden Framelits, Pearls, Dimensionals

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Have you ever thought about joining Stampin' Up? Sale-a-Bration is the perfect time and there are only a few more weeks. It ends March 31st. When you join you will get an additional $25 in products of your choice. For the $99 sign up fee you select $150 worth of anything you want from any catalog. Contact me for additional details.

I can just imagine these cute little animals at a birthday party. I love the simplicity of the card. I first thought I would color the animals but liked the look of them without color. It's hard to see but there is a little glitter on the balloon. I also put a Candy Dot on the hat pompom but it was after I took the photo.

Stamps: Storybook Friends, Itty Bitty Banners, Birthday Candles Wheel

Ink: Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Black StazOn

Misc: Jumbo Wheel Handle, Dimensionals

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Some of you know that I have been having some issues with my back which have been off and on for some time. Lately it's been pretty much daily so my doctor said it was time to get an MRI to see what is going on. I have had MRI's in the past but only once when my head was inside that tube and I was drugged. I don't like closed in spaces or being confined. So with a prescription for something to relax me, I made an appointment to have them (yes, two of them!) done.  During my 34 years working at the hospital my insurance required all testing to be done there for full insurance coverage. So it was just habit that I scheduled the tests there. But about  two days before the tests at midnight I was struck with this thought like a lightening bolt: I didn't have to have testing done here, I could go where ever I wanted. So with my computer it took about two minutes to find a truly open MRI in Orlando. You sit, there is nothing in front of you. So Monday I had them done. It was the most amazing procedure. If you have ever had the traditional, noisy MRI and didn't like it this is what you should try if you are local or can find one in your area.

In addition to sitting while having the procedure done, I watched TV. The noise of the MRI was not the jackhammer I had previously experienced. I was able to hear TV and had no need of ear plugs or other sound protection.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by,