alexandra’s Sunday scrapbooking – Mosaic Pattern Card
Five Videos in Five Days AND Runs with Scissors
If you are here to catch up on the thoughts, talents, art and antics of our very own Mrs. Runs with Scissors, Judy Jung, don’t worry, she’s here! But first we have an exciting announcement that we wanted to share with you today.
Want to be the first to view five brand new PB&J video tutorials? It’s easy and free… just join the Penny Black Club! Sign up before Sunday, August 20, and beginning August 21 we will email you a link to view a video for each of the cards shown above. Click HERE for more information about our club and to sign up.
Note: If you are already a club member, you do not need to sign up again, just watch your inbox on Monday for your first look at this video fun.
And now be sure to scroll down for inspiration and smiles with Judy!
Once again, hello Penny Black friends. Ahhh, August is galloping along, not to be outdone by his speedy friends June and July. I wonder where the summer months go to escape the winter months. Do you suppose they linger awhile to enjoy beautiful September and October? Perhaps they tuck themselves away behind the last page of the calendar until it is once again their turn to be a “calendar girl”.
There is no question that Penny Black’s Be Merry release is amazing! I am so enamored with the Be Merry release that I haven’t even test driven the Hello Autumn release. I promise to devote time to the Hello Autumn stamps and dies next week. It’s only fair and appropriate. For now, here is what happened in the Penny Black studio today:
There are at least five brush stroke stamps in the Be Merry release and I chose to work with the Holly Sprig first. By stamping the image on kraft paper, I did not have to worry about creating a background. I applied ink to the stamp directly from my Distress ink pads and using my MISTI just inked and stamped until I liked the look. A twine bow and a little red bird from the Joyful Ornaments die set completes my card.
The first step in making this card was blending three shades of blue Distress Oxide inks and then drying thoroughly. Again, using my MISTI I stamped the Three Kings images with VersaMark ink and heat embossed with white. The star was cut from the Adore Him die cut. This set is one I plan to use quite often for my own Christmas cards. It is versatile enough that I can make several variations even changing background colors.
There are two large background stamps in the Be Merry release and this one is the Parade of Squares cling stamp. For a tone on tone look, I stamped it with VersaMark ink on silver paper and heat embossed with clear powder. I must have been in a contemporary mood as I liked that bright green paper against the silver better than any other color I tried. Those Modern Xmas Trees are so versatile. They can be a focal point or just tucked in here and there for interest.
My Address Books
First, a disclaimer. The idea to write about my address books came from an article titled The Joys of Keeping an Address Book by Patricia Gould in the September issue of The Reader’s Digest. The premise of the article was “The contacts list in a smartphone is convenient, but it can’t hold memories the way a handwritten directory can”.
I realized after I read that article that I have saved every address book I owned. How they survived the many relocations in my life is a mystery. They were not stored together which had me searching through various stashes of memorabilia to locate them all.
The poor book without its cover is also missing the pages for A through D. It is my first address book as a young bride. As I browse through its pages I see high school classmates’ names. Over the years, as Christmas cards either went unanswered or were “returned to sender”, those names didn’t make the next address book. In this book is the address for my Dad when he served in Korea; a housemate from college; and my many aunts, uncles and cousins. Most of the young couples we spent time with are also here, a convenience when it came time to send Christmas cards. Seeing those couples’ names brings back memories of new babies, new homes, job promotions and sharing pot luck suppers and card games. My friend Dorothy’s name is in this book and reminds me of the many years we’ve enjoyed her recipe for Spam rolls.
Unfortunately, my sister’s and her Army Officer husband’s names were lost when the “B” page disappeared, but I imagine there were many addresses listed for them as their military way of life kept them on the move.
The plain beige book is titled “Names and Dates” and came next and served a dual function. Alongside each name and address was a chart that enabled you to track the sending and receiving of Christmas cards. I am assuming I purchased this book because of the decrepit condition of my first address book. As I browse its pages, I see fewer high school classmates’ names although my college roommate is still there. I see documented my sister’s last name change from a “B” to an “S” as she remarried.
The new names reflect the fact that we moved from Madison, Wisconsin to our new home in Prairie du Sac where I raised my family. Not all the friends from Madison are in the new book, perhaps proof that not all friendships are forever, no matter how much we vow they are.
I can track my brothers’ moves from their first apartments to their starter homes. This book also contains the name of my oldest son’s first teacher, Ms. Molly whose move to Des Moines Iowa is documented. Incredibly, I documented the sending and receiving of Christmas cards in this book for at least six more years.
It is easy to determine, as I added new addresses and crossed out others, that this book documents the changes that took place in my life as I ended my first marriage. Coincidentally, I no longer tracked Christmas cards; most likely I stopped sending them for a while.
The book with the woman’s face on it marks the start of my new life, married to Mr. RWS. I remember the day I purchased it in a book store. I spent quite a long time considering what my new address book should look like. No more plain beige vinyl covered address book for me! I loved the “museum” look of that front cover.
As I browse these pages, I notice none of the names from my early years as a bride made it to this book. My friends from Prairie du Sac are there, co-workers and physicians from several specialties as by now we have added a family cardiologist and oncologist. By the time this book was retired, the adult children had homes of their own; the brothers were in their forever dream homes and my sister was settled here in Huntsville. This is the book that traveled with us during our full time RV days and lost its back cover in the process.
The little, purse sized address book used to have my name on the front cover, but it was worn off by the many times it was pulled from my purse while we were traveling. This book was my “Reader’s Digest condensed version” of an address book. Only the names I might need while on the move were kept here. This was in the days before cell phones and I wanted phone numbers handy if we came across a pay phone along the way.
Because I always loved the look and feel of the brown address book with the lady on the cover, I hung onto it as long as I could. When I look at the address book with the “J” on the front, I notice the date I transferred the addresses to what may be my last address book: June 25, 2010. That means we lived in this house for five years before I finally gave up and bought a new book. This one came from Target and was purely a practical purchase. No sentimental feelings toward it at all. It is a looseleaf book, which I thought was a good idea. No more messy pages of address changes with the crossing out and squeezing in of new info. But it hasn’t worked that way.
This address book is the first one that I’ve owned that contains not only addresses crossed out, but names also. Next to those crossed out names is the date of their death. How could I ever throw those pages away? There are friends and family who may have been crossed out in my book, but never in my heart.
I have never considered myself a “saver” or scrapbooker, but there is something in me that wouldn’t let me discard my life time accumulation of address books. They have become precious keepers of memories from the various stages of my life. No smartphone could ever have done that for me.
I smile to myself now, thinking of all the people who have kept my name in their address books over the years. I calculated that since my young bride days I have lived at fourteen different addresses. There are a lot of crossed off, messed up address books out there and it is all my fault.
Plaid paper and a snowman: what’s not to love? This red and green plaid designer paper is from the new Festive & Frosty paper pack. This snowman, made from the Snowman Smile die, has been moved indoors next to the Snowflake Tree just long enough for a photo. The die set doesn’t include arms, so I cut scraps in order to give him hug power!
I have used one set of stamps, three die sets and a sheet of designer paper for this happy card. The hedgy is from the Hedgy Joy mini transparent set and I used the Hedgy Joy Cut Out die set to cut him out. He has his eye on the Layered Stockings and it’s all framed up using the Snowflake Stitch Frames set. I love the size of this hedgy: large enough to be a focal point.
I am almost afraid to work with this Snow Family stamp. I have been in a support group for those of us who can’t get enough of Snowy; him, her and the little ones! But who can resist these adorable snow people? I’ve tucked a Winter Branch behind them and added a few snowflakes. This is a perfect winter stamp, not just for holidays.
I was able to get a photo of Cooper that shows his unique way of sitting. That back leg always sticks out to the side. I don’t think he always sat that way, but I am not remembering when this first started. I suspect it is more comfortable for him since he’s injured that leg twice. He is walking and running normally and gives no indication he is in pain. It just makes him more endearing and unique, I say.
Barely time to say good-bye today. I do ramble on. Just know I appreciate how much you share with me in your comments. It makes me sad so many of you as children had to sit at the table until you cleaned your plate. But I am happy that we no longer have to eat “yucky” stuff. I am off to the Penny Circle Flickr Gallery where only cookies and ice cream are served. Ooops, I almost forgot to put the scissors away!
Shop for today’s featured Penny Black supplies
Card No. 1: 30-434 Joyful Wishes, 40-538 Holly Sprig, 51-366 Joyful Ornaments
Card No. 2: 30-435 Three Kings, 51-379 Adore Him
Card No. 3: 40-568 Parade of Squares, 51-382 Tis the Season, 51-400 Modern Xmas Tree
Card No. 4: 51-363 Snowman Smile, 51-369 Snowflake Tree, 80-017 Festive and Frosty
Card No. 5: 30-447 Hedgy Joy, 51-370 Layered Stockings, 51-375 Snowflake Stitch Frame, 51-389 Hedgy Joy Cut Out, 80-017 Festive and Frosty
Card No. 6: 30-443 Under the Mistletoe, 51-372 Winter Branch, 51-395 Snowy Family Cut Out, 2526K Snow Family
Fun Friday with the Lovely Layers Ladies
Once a month the Lovely Layers Ladies dazzle us with their detailed and fun creations. Today we’re pleased celebrate Fun Friday with this dynamic duo.
Yenni Natalia kicks things off with her bright, yet delicate, creation.
Next, Emilia Sieradzan, AKA Lady E. has for us a charming and luscious design.
One more thing… TGIF!
“Like” our page on Facebook for exclusive inspiration by Birgit Edblom!
Shop for today’s featured Penny Black supplies
Card One: 30-426 Cheerful Critters, 51-353 Cut Out Borders, 51-051 Tabs & Toggles, 51-151 Whirl Wreath
Card Two: 51-300 Light as a Feather, 51-353 Cut Out Borders, 51-014 Nature’s Song, 30-338 Special Thoughts, 2025M Music Note Background
Absolute Elegance
Thanks for joining us as we continue to take a closer look at our newest holiday stamps, dies, and designer paper pad from our Be Merry collection. All new products are NOW AVAILABLE in our online store.
Be Merry. Be Elegant. Be Creative.
That’s certainly the theme for today’s holiday inspiration.
Watch directly on YouTube HERE.
Introducing 40-556 Snowy Perch
Card above also features 30-387
Introducing 40-557 Starry Tree
Card above also features 30-251, 51-080, 51-171
Introducing 40-559 Berry Circle
Card above also features 51-387, 30-316
Introducing 40-570 Tree of Holly
Card above also features 30-251, 51-095, 30-307
Introducing 30-442 A Festive Season
Card above also features 40-556
Introducing 30-435 Three Kings
Card above also features 30-438, 51-379
With today’s post we finish up our “come take a peek” videos for our Be Merry collection. Thank you for joining us and be sure to stay tuned as our designers have lots of NEW holiday card ideas, with complete supplies and instructions, coming your way featuring this beautiful and versatile collection! Plus, there’s still time to enter…
What better way to BE MERRY than a giveaway! We have for you THREE WAYS TO WIN… pick which works best for you, or enter on all three social media platforms! THREE happy stampers will win a $25 shopping spree to our online store. Here’s how to enter:
1: “Like” our Facebook page and leave us a comment there.
2: Leave a comment here on the blog during the next two weeks of BE MERRY posts.
3: Follow us on Instagram and leave us a comment there.
Note: You don’t need to do all three to qualify, please pick whatever works best for you, although we’d certainly love to connect with you in all three places. We will be choosing one winner from the Facebook entries, one from the blog entries, and one from the Instagram entries so the more ways you enter, the greater your chances of winning. Giveaway closes Sunday, August 20, 2017 at 11:59 PM PST.
Seasonal Sentiments
Thanks for joining us as we continue to take a closer look at our newest holiday stamps, dies, and designer paper pad from our Be Merry collection. All new products are NOW AVAILABLE in our online store.
The perfect sentiment can add so much to holiday card designs. Whether you love stamped or die cut sentiments, or both, we’ve got you covered.
Watch directly on YouTube HERE.
Introducing Creative Die Set 51-382 Tis the Season
Card above also features 40-578
Card above also features 40-574
Introducing Creative Die 51-367 Peace and Holly
Card above also features 40-568, 51-007
Introducing Creative Die Set 51-368 Ornamental Branch
Card above also features 40-559, 51-136, 30-238, 51-352
Introducing Creative Die 51-380 Feliz Navidad
Card above also features 40-577, 30-247
Introducing Creative Die 51-377 Blessed Night
Card above also features 40-561
Introducing Creative Die 51-379 Adore Him
Card above also features 30-435
Introducing 30-434 Joyful Wishes
Card above also features 30-446, 51-363, 51-273, 51-095
Introducing 30-436 Sweetest Moments
Card above also features 40-573
Introducing 30-438 Peace & Love
Card above also features 40-560
Introducing 30-440 Joy & Happiness
Card above also features 51-400, 30-441, 30-435, 51-271, 51-353
Introducing 30-444 Full of Merriment
Card above also features 40-583
What better way to BE MERRY than a giveaway! We have for you THREE WAYS TO WIN… pick which works best for you, or enter on all three social media platforms! THREE happy stampers will win a $25 shopping spree to our online store. Here’s how to enter:
1: “Like” our Facebook page and leave us a comment there.
2: Leave a comment here on the blog during the next two weeks of BE MERRY posts.
3: Follow us on Instagram and leave us a comment there.
Note: You don’t need to do all three to qualify, please pick whatever works best for you, although we’d certainly love to connect with you in all three places. We will be choosing one winner from the Facebook entries, one from the blog entries, and one from the Instagram entries so the more ways you enter, the greater your chances of winning. Giveaway closes Sunday, August 20, 2017 at 11:59 PM PST.
Have you added some new goodies to your wishlist? We can’t wait to see what you create with them for our “Holiday Head Start Challenge.”
Cute Christmas
Thanks for joining us as we continue to take a closer look at our newest holiday stamps, dies, and designer paper pad from our Be Merry collection. All new products are NOW AVAILABLE in our online store.
Today is all about cute… from critters to whimsical snowy scenes, these stamps and dies capture the joy of the season.
Watch directly on YouTube HERE.
Introducing 30-445 To All…
Card above also features 30-258, 30-387
Introducing 30-443 Under the Mistletoe
Introducing 30-441 Christmas Hugs
Card above also features 51-372, 51-395, 30-448, 51-287
Introducing 30-439 Gather Around
Introducing 30-437 North Pole Treasures
and Creative Die 51-364 Ornament Tree
Card above also features 51-400, 30-446, 30-307, 51-090
Introducing 51-400 Modern Tree
Card above also features 30-441, 30-443, 30-439
Introducing 51-369 Snowflake Tree
Card above also features 30-434, 40-572, 51-271, 51-088, 51-090
Introducing 51-381 Trees and Hills
Card above also features 51-387, 30-448, 51-090, 51-066, 51-273, 30-387
Introducing 51-386 Tree Silhouettes
Card above also features 30-380, 51-352, 51-353
Introducing 40-572 Trimming Time
and 40-575 Getting Ready
Tag above also features 51-387, 40-570
We hope all of these Christmas critters have you ready to deck the halls. Or at least trim the trees on your holiday creations!
What better way to BE MERRY than a giveaway! We have for you THREE WAYS TO WIN… pick which works best for you, or enter on all three social media platforms! THREE happy stampers will win a $25 shopping spree to our online store. Here’s how to enter:
1: “Like” our Facebook page and leave us a comment there.
2: Leave a comment here on the blog during the next two weeks of BE MERRY posts.
3: Follow us on Instagram and leave us a comment there.
Note: You don’t need to do all three to qualify, please pick whatever works best for you, although we’d certainly love to connect with you in all three places. We will be choosing one winner from the Facebook entries, one from the blog entries, and one from the Instagram entries so the more ways you enter, the greater your chances of winning. Giveaway closes Sunday, August 20, 2017 at 11:59 PM PST.
And before you go, don’t miss this week’s card on our SIMPLICITY site…
Hello Autumn
Today we’re excited to share with you a special addition to our Be Merry collection… come take a closer look at Hello Autumn! All new products are NOW AVAILABLE in our online store.
Introducing Creative Die Set 51-360 Pumpkins & Leaves
Card above also features 51-397, 30-414, 30-404, 51-033
Introducing Creative Die 51-361 Witches Duo
Card above also features 51-360, 51-327, 51-247, 30-249
Introducing 40-555 Chubby Witch
Introducing 40-554 Hello Autumn
Introducing 40-553 Witchy
Introducing 40-552 Same Tree
Card above also features 40-581
So even if the leaves aren’t changing quite yet, do any of these autumn-themed stamps and dies have you anxious for the golden glow of fall?
What better way to BE MERRY than a giveaway! We have for you THREE WAYS TO WIN… pick which works best for you, or enter on all three social media platforms! THREE happy stampers will win a $25 shopping spree to our online store. Here’s how to enter:
1: “Like” our Facebook page and leave us a comment there.
2: Leave a comment here on the blog during the next two weeks of BE MERRY posts.
3: Follow us on Instagram and leave us a comment there.
Note: You don’t need to do all three to qualify, please pick whatever works best for you, although we’d certainly love to connect with you in all three places. We will be choosing one winner from the Facebook entries, one from the blog entries, and one from the Instagram entries so the more ways you enter, the greater your chances of winning. Giveaway closes Sunday, August 20, 2017 at 11:59 PM PST.
