#cardsforUkraine

Our hearts are heavy this week. We stand with Ukraine 🇺🇦💙🇺🇦

Gel Press Thanks

Here's my take on the new challenge over at the Beyond The Blue blog—to use what we've got—using a background I had in my stash of gel press prints. I have so many from all the techniques I've learned from Lydia Fiedler. If anything, I realized how few bold sentiment stamps I have.
The background is on watercolor paper. The image is Mama Elephant's Botanic Thanks.
I used Karin Markers to enhance the image to help it stand out a bit. This was so fun!

2020 Is a Jerk

I'm not going to blather on about how long it's been since my last post. To be honest, I hate feeling like I MUST do all the things. Life is just dang busy, and blogging was not a priority for me #sorrynotsorry.

I saw each of my girls graduate high school, and college x 2 and my youngest joined the Navy 2 years ago (HOOYAH! Just like her PopPop, my dad). My hubby and I moved into our dream home, and both my parents have passed away.

I'm grateful my parents are not alive during this Covid-19 pandemic--because I would be yelling at them on the daily because I know they would HATE the order to stay at home. STUBBORN. I miss them terribly, but glad they are in Heaven and not dealing with the craziness of dumb people and washing our hands/don't touch your face and trying to just get. some. dang. toilet. paper. #freakinghoarders

I work in a level one trauma center in a city of 2 million. We've reduced our surgery case-load by half. We haven't seen a lot of Covid-19 patients--but we're all bracing for impact. We're anticipating seeing a surge within two weeks. I have friends who have volunteered to work in NYC for a few weeks.

I miss eating out--bottomless chips and salsa lol. I'm tired of doing dishes. I am grateful my kids are grown and I am not home-schooling because I'd have fired myself on day 3. I miss my Chibi Pooh, our Bichon Frise who passed away last year. We'd get another one, but my husband, who gets to work from home 100% now would be the one potty training the dog while I'm at work most days. We'll wait until all this is over....maybe next year?

I'm grateful for online communities and groups via Facebook and Instagram, and my bestie Lydia (UnderstandBlue) who has this incredible service to provide the best watercolors--for a fraction of the price of full tubes--by panning and selling them through her blog and facebook page. AHHHmazing. Take all my money lol.

Stay safe, stay inside, wash your hands, don't touch your face.
XOXO

2017 needs to slow the HECK DOWN!!!

I tell ya...I was thinking I JUST POSTED my Christmas Card...and what do I realize? It is FREAKING APRIL 12th!! It is quite annoying to feel like I'm in a perpetual time suck!

Anywho--I've been spending lots of time crafting--painting, hand lettering, watercoloring...I've just been stingy about sharing it with you all. I know. So selfish. **wahh wahh**

You can see some of my art via my Instagram account @darth.sunshine it's a smattering of all things Dana, but some of it is fun, and artsy.

The new Stampin' Up catalog launches in a few weeks--and I'm quite excited about the new stamps and accessories! I'll share more soon!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Watercoloring

My watercoloring set up: I used a popsicle maker to hold my water and brushes (OMSQUEEEE)! Saved space and my sanity when using 6 colors on one card!

Christmas is coming....

Christmas cards are coming....BEFORE Christmas people! BEFORE the 25th! I can't believe it...no New Year's cards from me this year. Big accomplishment...HUGE! LOL

2016 has been incredibly busy for me--my job is demanding and fulfilling (working in the Operating Room--LOVE IT!), and while I haven't crafted as much as I planned to this year (or blogged as much as I intended), I am happy with what I did make, and the time spent was more fun.

Hope you're able to make some time for crafting for 2017

Annual Craft Sale is August 20th!!

It's that time of year again! I've cleaned my craft room, sorted retired stamps and it's time to sell! I only hold this sale once a year, and all stamp sets are $5 each so come see what should belong in your craft room!! Saturday 8/20 7-11 am!!
Details are here on my Meetup page:

http://www.meetup.com/Darth-Sunshine/events/232409089/

I'll have Stampin' Up annual and holiday catalogs available!

#imbringingbirthdaysback

These arrived this week and I'm breaking them in!! Shannon West from Stampin' Up has challenged us to take birthdays back from Facebook and send real cards.

I've realized over the years I've stopped sending cards in the mail and 2016 is my reboot! I can't guarantee they will be on time, but my goal is to send real cards to all that want them!

I've started a spreadsheet to keep track of all the friends and addresses....if you'd like a card, and haven't already communicated it to me via Facebook then leave a comment below and I will add you to my list!!

GIANT CRAFT SALE!!!!

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE!!!!!!

GIANT CRAFT SALE is happening next Saturday, August 22th, 8 am - 1 pm
I've completely reorganized my stamp studio and am selling all things crafty! Paper, ink, stamps, big shot dies, punches, accessories, storage solutions, tools, etc!!!

Special BONUS for those who place online orders: Order $50 (from new catalog; before tax/shipping) on my website www.darthsunshine.stampinup.net and you will receive $25 credit towards anything at my sale! SQUEEEEEE!!!!!!
Details are under "EVENTS" on my Stampin' Up blog! www.darthsunshine.stampinup.net

Baby Prints shower invitations

This is a fabulous article. Excellent points for all parents....tell your kids "no", read fiction to them, run errands with them....and 6 other suggestions.

http://nypost.com/2015/03/11/how-not-to-raise-a-narcissist-in-9-easy-steps/

This week I made some baby shower invitations for my friend Lauren who is having a baby girl this summer *SQUEEEEEP* so excited for her!!
She and her husband love beachy vacations...and anytime one of our "BFF" trips involves sand and water we take pictures of our feet on the beach. How fitting to have an invite with that theme! I loved making these! I used the "Baby Prints" stamp set.

Some days....

Some days....

HAHAHA :)
I have an enormous list of people I'm making cards for....just need to take pictures and share!! (And I don't want to post them here until they receive them...ask me how I know.)
So just wanted to share a funny
My friends are all in Orlando with Stampin' Up's Leadership Conference while I am wrapping up my last week teaching nursing (for now) as I move on to bigger and better things!

Truly grateful...

As an RN I've had the privilege of working with many great doctors....and some not so great...but when I meet a doctor that exceeds my own expectations (rare), I'm quite impressed!
My husband had a recent scare--a mole that appeared very "melanoma-ish" was removed. (I need to write another post just as a PSA for skin cancer.) Long story short--we were referred to an amazing dermatologist who was able to fit us in the same week to excise a larger margin on Dean's shoulder.
I was so impressed with this doctor I of course HAD to stamp him a thank you card!! :)

I used Stampin' Up's new stencils with the new In-Colors Blackberry Bliss, Lost Lagoon & Tangelo Twist. I inked up the stencil (with paper towels underneath), spritzed it with water then placed my watercolor paper down on top. I stamped the greeting in Blackberry Bliss, layered it on another color-washed piece of watercolor paper and a Lost Lagoon card base, accented with a Moonlight paper stack paper under that.
Thanks for stopping by!!

Happy Birthday Lydia

Today is Lydia's birthday (AKA Understandblue)! In my usual fashion, her birfday card will be late (remember I put the PRO in procrastination)! But I wanted to acknowledge her today so here's a peek at her card! Haha
It's ok because even if I had mailed it on time, she probably wouldn't have checked her mailbox until next week anyway. Bwahahaaa!!
I used the Dolled Up Birthday card kit (offered last year from Stampin Up!)--but embossed the papers (dots on the dress form and scripted on Very Vanilla rectangle). Then I stamped a different sentiment (from a retired set) in Soft Suede ink, and splattered ink from a Real Red marker.

Anywho--here's to Lydia! Happy birthday my friend!! I'll eat some bacon and have some migas in your honor today!!

Stamp Carving

Stampin' Up's Undefined stamp carving kit (comes with 4 wood blocks, rubber, foam layer, 2 carving tools) has been sitting on my shelf, shrink wrapped, for MONTHS and I finally got up the courage to try and carve a stamp. I probably should have chosen a design with so much detail....but it was easier than I expected and also rewarding because I totally SQUEEE'd when I stamped the image on the wood block in Staz-On ink!

Want a stamp that SU doesn't carry...? MAKE IT!! :) so much fun! Ordering the refill kit!!

Why HELLLLLooooooo there, stranger!!!

I was quite horrified when I saw that it has been EXACTLY one year since I've posted on this blog!! HOLY CRAP! lol

Last year was a rough year....my dad was diagnosed with Stage III lung cancer (Thank GOD he is doing well right now!)....I changed jobs and went back to night shift nursing in the NICU. God Bless it I love those babies...but my body cannot work the mother truckin' night shift. But now....NOW thank GOD I've got a regular day schedule, life is good.
I held my monthly stamp class in June and it was FABULOUS to get back together with my friends and make some cards! So I have a lot to post! :D

But mostly.....look at the blinkie to the right of your screen....you see it? Understand Blue's UNWIND retreat that will be held before Stampin' Up's convention next Wednesday, July 16th! If you're going to be in Salt Lake City and want to learn some FUN crafty stuff, then sign up today! Space is limited!!!

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

CONVENTION WEEK!!!

I'm in Salt Lake City this week for Stampin' Up's annual convention! This year is their 25th Anniversary....so it's a four day long party beginning Wednesday!!! Yay!!!
Here is my swap--which I started yesterday and my stamps friends all helped me finish them today. We are touring the Stampin' Up manufacturing plant tomorrow...so excited!

Obi-Wan for me

Hellllooooooo there!!!
Yes, I'm alive & well....I changed jobs earlier this year (I work nights in the NICU now!) and just now getting my bearings again!!
I've got several events I need to stamp cards for....but TODAY, May 13th is my wedding anniversary, so I really had to make a Star Wars themed card for hubby.
I wish I could remember where I got this idea of the R2-D2 card so I could I give credit...because this is a total CASE! But ERMAGERSHHHHHH how cute is he!!! And that phrase!! I used Stampin' Up's new all clear photo polymer stamp set Designer Typeset for the sentiment. I used SU's Clear Mount Perfectly Placed Guides to help line up my letters.

So...Happy Anniversary honey!!
Love,
Me

Stampin' Up Regional!!!

Lydia & I are here in Dallas making some gorgeous stuff & watching demos make some amazing projects!! Squeeee!!!!!
Here's one of the cards we made and I'll be sharing the amazing notebook cover we made as well!!

Love a Challenge!!

It's only taken me a month...but I finally stamped a card for the Stamping Challenges blog!
Squeeeee!!!!

It's a sketch challenge...

 

And here is my card:

Stamps: Secret Garden, Four Frames, Fabulous Phrases
Paper: Crumb Cake cardstock, Vanilla Naturals cardstock, dictionary page, Love tickets from Embellishment Artisan Kit
Accessories: Decorative Label Punch, Rose Red seam binding ribbon, Shimmer Smooch Spritz, white gel pen, ribbon rosette

Thanks for stopping by! My first stamp class of 2013 will be in February! I'll post details on my blog and Stampin' Up website soon!