Getting Lighter And So Is My Wallet

Hi All, This is just a little update on my weight loss journey/change of lifestyle.  🙂

I am now down 26 lbs!  I celebrate each pound lost.    I also think of my weight loss in food/beverages.  For instance, I have taken off more than 5 gallons of milk or 26 pounds of butter.  I feel lighter and more energetic.  I know I have quite a way to go yet, 40 more pounds to be exact, but whose counting, lol.  🙂

Russ is also on this journey with me.  Whether he wants to or not (evil grin).   He has actually lost more than I have.  What’s up with that?  He looses weight faster because he is a man.  I say not fair!     By the way, we are both doing the old Weight Watchers plan at home.

So what is in those 8 large trash bags in the picture, well we cleaned out our closet and we are donating all the clothing that are to big for us.     Yep, I need to go shopping now.  Dang!  (She says with a smile).

I want to thank those of you that have contacted me and congratulated me on my weight loss and cheer those of you on that are on the same journey as we are on.   Cheers!  to a slimmer us.  🙂

May your day be out of this world terrific!

Until my next post. . . . . .  . . . .

Hugs,

Michelle

   Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to the following locations, click the location name for more information.       

La Porte, Indiana       

Orlando (Davenport), Florida       

St. Cloud, Minnesota       

Colorado Springs, Colorado       

Ottumwa, Iowa       

Owings Mills, Maryland (Baltimore Area)      

Cleveland (Euclid), Ohio       

Staley , North Carolina (South of Greensboro)       

Monroe, Connecticut       

Dayton, Ohio     

Leesburg, Florida       

Montreal, Wisconsin       

Savannah, Georgia       

Lincoln, Illinois       

Jefferson, Louisiana (New Orleans Area)       

Here is a link to my workshop calendar where you can see all of my travel schedule and to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops:   http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar        

Don’t see a workshop in your State?  Interested in hosting the workshops in your area in 2012?   Click HERE to get hostess information.       

Link to my Stampin’ Up website where you can order all of your must have Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net   

 Link to my Scentsy website where you can order the best smelling, safest wickless candles from me 24-7:  https://zindorf.scentsy.us/Home


Silhouetted Deer – Tutorial #413

Hello there,

Anytime I need a manly card I turn to Stampin’ Up’s Nature Silhouettes stamp set, Item number 111542.  I paired it up with the Stampin’ Up set Plant Hope and this is my result.    I went with a very simple format with no frills.  Frills are not usually appreciated by men anyway and the simple format brings the scene right into focus immediately.   Hope you like it to.

Let’s get started. . . .  . .

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up! Nature Silhouettes and Plant Hope
Paper: Stampin’ Up! Whisper White, Basic Black & Old Olive
Ink: Stampin’ Up! Basic Black, Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive and So Saffron
Accessories: Stampin’ Up! Sponges, Old Olive and Basic Black markers, White Gel Pen, Brayer, Post it Note
Techniques: Brayered Sky, Direct to Paper

The Stampin’ Up USA Idea book and Catalog is here.   For your copy, please send a check for $9.95 to Michelle Zindorf, P.O. Box 116, West Alexandria, OH 45381 or send it via paypal to mzindorf@aim.com USA only.     My current customers will receive a new Occasions Mini Catalog automatically from me.   Not a current customer and want a free copy of the new Occasions Mini Catalog ?  E-mail your mailing address to mzindorf@aim.com and I will get one in the mail to you.  )  Are you getting inspiration from this blog?   One way you can help support it is to order your Stampin’ Up products through me.   Click HERE to place an order.    Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator , receive a 20% discount on product and earn instant income on orders?  Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team and start your own business or become a Hobby Demo just for the discount.  Click HERE for more information.

Brayered Marina Mist ink at the top of a 3″ square piece of Whisper White card stock.

Masked the bottom of the card stock and stamped the tops of the pine trees using Marina mist on the card stock.

Removed the mask, using the edge of the So Saffron ink spot swiped the ink on the card stock bottom.

Using the edge of an Old Olive ink spot added some green at the top of the ground area.

Loaded the tree with Pumpkin Pie ink, dabbed on a bit of Cherry Cobbler ink at the top of the leafy area and the bottom of the grassy area, colored in the tree trunk with a Basic Black marker, huffed my breath on the stamp to moisten and then stamped the image on the left side of the card stock.

Using the Edge of an Old Olive ink spot created grasses at the bottom of the card stock.

Added White Gel Pen highlights to the leaves of the tree and grasses.  Added a few grasses using the Old Olive marker.

Sponged the top left corner in with Marina Mist ink.

Stamped the Deer using Basic Black ink.

Distressed the edges of the card stock using Basic Black ink and a sponge.

Cut a Basic Black Panel 4.75″ x 6″ and then cut the bottom 2.5″ off.  This gave me my two black panels.

Also cut a 5″ x6.5″ piece of Old Olive card stock and a 3.25″ piece of Old Olive.

Assembled my card and here it is finished measuring 5″ x 6.5″.

May your day be filled with people that love you.

Until my next post. . . .  . . .

Hugs,

Michelle

   Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to the following locations, click the location name for more information.       

La Porte, Indiana       

Orlando (Davenport), Florida       

St. Cloud, Minnesota       

Colorado Springs, Colorado       

Ottumwa, Iowa       

Owings Mills, Maryland (Baltimore Area)      

Cleveland (Euclid), Ohio       

Staley , North Carolina (South of Greensboro)       

Monroe, Connecticut       

Dayton, Ohio     

Leesburg, Florida       

Montreal, Wisconsin       

Savannah, Georgia       

Lincoln, Illinois       

Jefferson, Louisiana (New Orleans Area)       

Here is a link to my workshop calendar where you can see all of my travel schedule and to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops:   http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar        

Don’t see a workshop in your State?  Interested in hosting the workshops in your area in 2012?   Click HERE to get hostess information.       

Link to my Stampin’ Up website where you can order all of your must have Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net   

 Link to my Scentsy website where you can order the best smelling, safest wickless candles from me 24-7:  https://zindorf.scentsy.us/Home


Inspired Butterfly – Tutorial #412

As promised, here is today’s tutorial.   Hope you enjoy it.  🙂

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up! Strength & Hope and Inspired by Nature
Paper: Stampin’ Up! More Mustard, Early Espresso and Old Olive
Ink: Stampin’ Up! Whisper White and Old Olive
Accessories: Stampin’ Up! Sponge, Mat Pack, Piercing Tool, Brayer, Old Olive Brads, Whisper White Ribbon, Versamark Pad, Clear embossing powder, Heat gun
Techniques: Emboss Resist

 

The Stampin’ Up USA Idea book and Catalog is here.   For your copy, please send a check for $9.95 to Michelle Zindorf, P.O. Box 116, West Alexandria, OH 45381 or send it via paypal to mzindorf@aim.com USA only.     My current customers will receive a new Occasions Mini Catalog automatically from me.   Not a current customer and want a free copy of the new Occasions Mini Catalog ?  E-mail your mailing address to mzindorf@aim.com and I will get one in the mail to you.  )  Are you getting inspiration from this blog?   One way you can help support it is to order your Stampin’ Up products through me.   Click HERE to place an order.    Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator , receive a 20% discount on product and earn instant income on orders?  Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team and start your own business or become a Hobby Demo just for the discount.  Click HERE for more information.

Stamped the new butterfly using Versamark only on a 4″ square piece of Whisper White card stock.

Heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Stamped the grass stamp by loading the stamp with Versamark and then with More Mustard ink before stamping it.    Heat embossed the images using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Brayered Old Olive ink from the top of the card stock.  

Wiped the ink from the embossed images using a paper towel and then dried the Old Olive ink using a heat gun.

Stamped the flourish stamp using Versamark only at the top of the card stock.

Heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Brayered Early Espresso ink over the entire piece of card stock.

Immediately wiped the ink from the embossed images using a paper towel.

Added 2 Old Olive panels and a Whisper White panel.  Used my mat pack and piercing tool to pierce holes around the outer 2 panels.  Added 2 Whisper White photo corner punches, Whisper White ribbon and Old Olive brads.

Here is the finished card stock that measures 5.25″ square.

a

M

   Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to the following locations, click the location name for more information.       

La Porte, Indiana       

Orlando (Davenport), Florida       

St. Cloud, Minnesota       

Colorado Springs, Colorado       

Ottumwa, Iowa       

Owings Mills, Maryland (Baltimore Area)      

Cleveland (Euclid), Ohio       

Staley , North Carolina (South of Greensboro)       

Monroe, Connecticut       

Dayton, Ohio     

Leesburg, Florida       

Montreal, Wisconsin       

Savannah, Georgia       

Lincoln, Illinois       

Jefferson, Louisiana (New Orleans Area)       

Here is a link to my workshop calendar where you can see all of my travel schedule and to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops:   http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar        

Don’t see a workshop in your State?  Interested in hosting the workshops in your area in 2012?   Click HERE to get hostess information.       

Link to my Stampin’ Up website where you can order all of your must have Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net   

 Link to my Scentsy website where you can order the best smelling, safest wickless candles from me 24-7:  https://zindorf.scentsy.us/Home   

 Donate cards to the Give Thanks Project and help out Cancer Patients.   CLICK HERE TO HELP

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A little Share

Canadian Invasion, LOL 

I just wanted to share this picture with you that I just received.  When I was in Bridgeport, NY recently, these ladies ( Janet Marr and Kelly Holtz-Moss) came down from Canada to attend my brayer workshop.   Since I haven’t been able to teach in Canada, they came to me.    They also decided to make me part of the Canadian Flag by presenting me with this great Maple Leaf tee-shirt they hand stitched to go with their red shirts.    Thanks ladies, it was a pleasure to create with you!     But if I catch you back in the USA I’m going to make you wear stars and strips, LOL.

More Canadians that attended. . . . I’m telling you we were invaded. . . . .

Sylvie, Me, Linda and Rae

Well I just wrapped things up here in St. Peters, Missouri where I have had the best time teaching some very talented students.   I’ll be driving home tomorrow morning.    Hopefully, I’ll be creating a new tutorial for you on Tuesday, stay tuned.

Have a wonderful evening everyone.

Until my next post. . . . . .

Hugs!

Michelle

   Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to the following locations, click the location name for more information.       

La Porte, Indiana       

Orlando (Davenport), Florida       

St. Cloud, Minnesota       

Colorado Springs, Colorado       

Ottumwa, Iowa       

Owings Mills, Maryland (Baltimore Area)      

Cleveland (Euclid), Ohio       

Staley , North Carolina (South of Greensboro)       

Monroe, Connecticut       

Dayton, Ohio     

Leesburg, Florida       

Montreal, Wisconsin       

Savannah, Georgia       

Lincoln, Illinois       

Jefferson, Louisiana (New Orleans Area)       

Here is a link to my workshop calendar where you can see all of my travel schedule and to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops:   http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar        

Don’t see a workshop in your State?  Interested in hosting the workshops in your area in 2012?   Click HERE to get hostess information.       

Link to my Stampin’ Up website where you can order all of your must have Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net   

 Link to my Scentsy website where you can order the best smelling, safest wickless candles from me 24-7:  https://zindorf.scentsy.us/Home   


Along the Way to St. Peters, Missouri

Hey Everyone, I have a quick post today.  I’ve been traveling from Ohio to St. Peters, Missouri.    This was one of my shorter journeys so I took my time getting here.     I love to visit St. Louis, Missouri and guess what, I had to drive right through it.    Since I had some time I decided to stop at 2 of my all time favorite places in St. Louis.  First stop, the River City Casino.   I love the casino, the sights and sounds just excite me.    But I left there shirt less, if you know what I mean, lol.  Not really, let’s just say I didn’t win.  🙂  

The next stop was a must, Pappy’s Smoke House Restaurant.   If you are ever in or near St. Louis you have to try out Pappy’s.   Their BBQ is out of this world great!   Never, ever had anything as wonderful.

Make sure you get there early for dinner.  Once they run out of something it is gone for the day since they smoke it all night.

  

I got my ribs to go.   Enjoyed them here in my hotel room.   Hmmmm, ribs, pj’s, 2 different sauces……………dangerous for the diet, lol.  Good thing there is a refrigorator and microwave in this hotel room for left overs.

This is a teeshirt that you can pick up at Pappy’s.  Russ has one and I made him swear he would never have it on and walk beside me, NEVER!

May your weekend be one great adventure!

Until my next post. . . . . . .

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

A Letter from My Sis. . . . .

Hey Sista,

Just a quick note to say Thank You for sharing Project Give Thanks with your “peeps.”  The card-artist community has started the project by sending me about 200 cards!  Isn’t that great!  The first, Project Give Thanks, box of cards was delivered to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center’s chemo therapy room last week. During the hour and a half that I was there 4 Cancer Fighters selected three cards each.  They really enjoyed looking at every unique & beautiful card while trying to choose and were happily distracted from the infusion process. Also, they were genuinely grateful that someone made those cards for them!   I know from experience that sending those cards to family, friends, doctors… will remind the Cancer Survivor that they are cared for and supported!   
The Project Give Thanks box will be refilled on Monday and I will look for my mailbox to be filled with more cards from your creative and generous friends too.  We’ll keep the cycle of thankfulness going that way.
Thank you again Michelle and everyone else who is making Project Give Thanks a success.  Please subscribe to the blog for a daily reminder of something to give thanks for. 
Hugs, Sonja
P S  I am touched by all of the personal cancer stories that have been shared with me.  I can’t say enough about how wonderful you all are!  

 

   Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to the following locations, click the location name for more information.       

St. Peters, Missouri       

La Porte, Indiana       

Orlando (Davenport), Florida       

St. Cloud, Minnesota       

Colorado Springs, Colorado       

Ottumwa, Iowa       

Owings Mills, Maryland (Baltimore Area)      

Cleveland (Euclid), Ohio       

Staley , North Carolina (South of Greensboro)       

Monroe, Connecticut       

Dayton, Ohio     

Leesburg, Florida       

Montreal, Wisconsin       

Savannah, Georgia       

Lincoln, Illinois       

Jefferson, Louisiana (New Orleans Area)       

Here is a link to my workshop calendar where you can see all of my travel schedule and to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops:   http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar        

Don’t see a workshop in your State?  Interested in hosting the workshops in your area in 2012?   Click HERE to get hostess information.       

Link to my Stampin’ Up website where you can order all of your must have Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net   

 Link to my Scentsy website where you can order the best smelling, safest wickless candles from me 24-7:  https://zindorf.scentsy.us/Home   

 Donate cards to the Give Thanks Project and help out Cancer Patients.   CLICK HERE TO HELP


Shadowed Tree – Tutorial #411

 

I’m getting so excited, I’m back on the road this weekend and heading to St. Peters, Missouri, Woohooo!! 

How about a tutorial before I leave.   This tutorial has a bit of everything thrown in, brayering, direct to paper, emboss resist, even a shadow.  🙂

An FYI for you before the tutorial, today is the last day for Stampin’ Up’s Sale-a-bration period.    So if you would like to receive a free stamp set with each $50 in product you purchase check out this link.   http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotions   You can order at that link also and your purchase will be shipped directly to you.  🙂

Let’s get started. . . . . . . .

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up! Season of Friendship
Paper: Stampin’ Up! Whisper White, Bashful Blue and Early Espresso
Ink: Stampin’ Up! Basic Black, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand, More Mustard, So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Pacific Point, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Stampin’ Up! Gold Brads, White Gel Pen, Basic Black Marker, Versamark Pad, Sponges, Brayer, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Photo Corner Punch
Techniques: Emboss Resist, Brayering, Direct to Paper

  My Stampin’ Up customers that order $50 in Stampin’ Up merchandise will receive this handmade card though March 31, 2011.

Don’t forget it is Sale-a-bration time at Stampin’ Up.  Receive a free Sale-a-bration set for each $50 in merchandise purchased.   Click HERE to place an order.   Your order will be shipped directly to your door step from Stampin’ Up!

The Stampin’ Up USA Idea book and Catalog is here.   For your copy, please send a check for $9.95 to Michelle Zindorf, P.O. Box 116, West Alexandria, OH 45381 or send it via paypal to mzindorf@aim.com USA only.     My current customers will receive a new Occasions Mini Catalog automatically from me.   Not a current customer and want a free copy of the new Occasions Mini Catalog ?  E-mail your mailing address to mzindorf@aim.com and I will get one in the mail to you.  )  Are you getting inspiration from this blog?   One way you can help support it is to order your Stampin’ Up products through me.   Click HERE to place an order.    Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator , receive a 20% discount on product and earn instant income on orders?  Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team and start your own business or become a Hobby Demo just for the discount.  Click HERE for more information.

On with the tutorial. . . .

Stamped the tree on a 3.75″ x 6.25″ piece of Whisper White card stock by first loading the stamp with Versamark and then loaded it with So Saffron ink before stamping it.

Heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Ripped the very edge off of a post it note and then masked the bottom of card stock.

Brayered Bashful Bliss ink at the top of the card stock.

Brayered Pacific Point ink at the bottom of the un-masked area.

Make sure you gently wipe the ink from your embossed image using a paper towel every time you get ink on it.

Sponged a hill in using Chocolate Chip ink.

Sponged a Basic Black hill in, over lapping the Chocolate Chip hill.

Removed the post it note mask.  Using the edge of the So Saffron ink pad, smeared ink across the ground area in the scene.

Using the corner of an More Mustard ink pad, smeared ink across the ground area.

Added a bit of Sahara Sand ink.

Stamped the tree using Basic Black ink to create a shadow for the tree.

Added Basic Black marker to the sides of the branches, next to the embossed image.   The marker will not stick to the embossed image.

Wiped the ink from the embossed image.  Found the Basic Black ink stained the middle of the tree trunk when I put in the hill, so I purposely stained the bottom of the tree trunk by smearing ink on the embossed tree using the corner of the ink pad.  Let the ink sit for a moment and then wiped it off.     Be careful with this step so you don’t get any on your background.

Added Soft Suede ink using the corner of the ink pad.

Added White gel pen to the left side of the tree.

Added a 3 7/8″ x 6 3/8″ Bashful Blue Panel, 5″ x 6.5″ Early Espresso Panel and 6 small Bashful Blue Photo Corner Punches.

Added 6 Gold Brads.  Here is the finished project measuring 5′ x 6.5″.

Have a super weekend!

Until my next post. . . .  . . . . .

Hugs,

Michelle

   Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to the following locations, click the location name for more information.       

St. Peters, Missouri       

La Porte, Indiana       

Orlando (Davenport), Florida       

St. Cloud, Minnesota       

Colorado Springs, Colorado       

Ottumwa, Iowa       

Owings Mills, Maryland (Baltimore Area)      

Cleveland (Euclid), Ohio       

Staley , North Carolina (South of Greensboro)       

Monroe, Connecticut       

Dayton, Ohio     

Leesburg, Florida       

Montreal, Wisconsin       

Savannah, Georgia       

Lincoln, Illinois       

Jefferson, Louisiana (New Orleans Area)       

Here is a link to my workshop calendar where you can see all of my travel schedule and to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops:   http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar        

Don’t see a workshop in your State?  Interested in hosting the workshops in your area in 2012?   Click HERE to get hostess information.       

Link to my Stampin’ Up website where you can order all of your must have Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net   

 Link to my Scentsy website where you can order the best smelling, safest wickless candles from me 24-7:  https://zindorf.scentsy.us/Home   

 Donate cards to the Give Thanks Project and help out Cancer Patients.   CLICK HERE TO HELP


Emboss Resist Bunny Tutorial #410 and a Blog Candy Winner

 

Gotta create a Bunny card in the Spring, right?    Especially after hanging out at the Tracker Supply Company looking at the baby bunnies, chicks and ducks.  You know they are in the stores right now.   It was so funny when my son, Jesse (age 30) and I popped into the store last week.  Here we are out in farm country looking like city folk, taking pics of the baby bunnies, chicks and ducks using our cell phones, lol.  I’m sure the farmers were thinking, what the heck, as they scratched their heads.

Instead of buying a cute, cute, cute baby bunny to take care of I created this card instead.  🙂   Stay a while and check out this emboss resist card.

But first, I have a blog candy winner to announce. .  . . . . . . . . . And the winner is. . . .. . . . . . .. .

Nina Babcock who wrote “Each week I so look forward to your new creations. I place my cursor on your e-mail and wait with expectancy to see what you have to share with us. I, along with many others, admire your talent and consistancy just so we can have a part of what you do. Thank you.

Nina Babcock, Congratulations!  Please e-mail your address to mzindorf@aim.com within 30 days and I will get this set right out to you.

Thanks to all who played along!

Now let’s start the tutorial. . . . .

Supplies:

 
Stamps: Stampin’ Up! The Nicest Things, Thoughts & Prayers
Paper: Stampin’ Up! Whisper White, Cajun Craze and Old Olive
Ink: Stampin’ Up! Early Espresso, Always Artichoke, Pear Pizzazz, Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise and Craft Basic Black
Accessories: Stampin’ Up! Sponge, Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Antique Brads, Markers – So Saffron, Peach Parfait, Cajun Craze, Basic Black, River Rock, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Brayer, Versamark Marker, Clear embossing powder and Heat gun, 3″ circle Die, Top Note Di
Techniques: Embossed Resist, Brayering
 
 

 

  My Stampin’ Up customers that order $50 in Stampin’ Up merchandise will receive this handmade card though March 31, 2011.

Don’t forget it is Sale-a-bration time at Stampin’ Up.  Receive a free Sale-a-bration set for each $50 in merchandise purchased.   Click HERE to place an order.   Your order will be shipped directly to your door step from Stampin’ Up!

The Stampin’ Up USA Idea book and Catalog is here.   For your copy, please send a check for $9.95 to Michelle Zindorf, P.O. Box 116, West Alexandria, OH 45381 or send it via paypal to mzindorf@aim.com USA only.     My current customers will receive a new Occasions Mini Catalog automatically from me.   Not a current customer and want a free copy of the new Occasions Mini Catalog ?  E-mail your mailing address to mzindorf@aim.com and I will get one in the mail to you.  )  Are you getting inspiration from this blog?   One way you can help support it is to order your Stampin’ Up products through me.   Click HERE to place an order.    Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator , receive a 20% discount on product and earn instant income on orders?  Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team and start your own business or become a Hobby Demo just for the discount.  Click HERE for more information.

Die cut a 3″ circle from Whisper White card stock using my big shot machine and 3″ circle die.

Stamped the bunny using Craft Basic Black ink and then heat embossed it using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Colored the bunny using So Saffron marker, then Crumb Cake marker, then Soft Suede marker.

Colored over the whole bunny again using a So Saffron Marker to blend it all together.

Colored the pot label using a River Rock marker.

Colored the pot using So Saffron marker, Peach Parfait marker and Cajun Craze Marker.

Colored over the entire pot with the So Saffron marker to blend all of the colors.

Colored over the colored image with a Versamark marker, making sure to stay inside the lines and then heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Stamped the flowers using Craft Basic Black ink and then heat embossed the images using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Colored the center of the flowers using the So Saffron marker and then colored the flowers in with the Versamark marker.  Heat embossed the flowers using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.   Now the images are well protected and will resist the ink that will be put on for the back ground.

Brayered Tempting Turquoise ink at the top of the card stock.   Then Brayered Pacific Point at the top of the card stock, not covering the Tempting Turquoise ink entirely.

 Then Brayered Pacific Point at the top of the card stock, not covering the Tempting Turquoise ink entirely.

Brayered Pear Pizzazz ink at the bottom of the card stock.

Brayered Always Artichoke ink at the bottom of the card stock, not covering the Pear Pizzazz ink entirely.

Wipe embossed images off with a paper towel after you brayer over them.

Stamped the Thoughts and Prayers Tree using Early Espresso ink.

Added highlights to the left side of the tree and dots in the branches using a White Gel Pen.

Added a shadow to the left side of the tree.

Die cut a Top Note Die from Cajun Craze card stock using my Big Shot Machine.

Embossed the Top Note die and a 4.75″ Old Olive panel using the Paisley Texture plate and Big Shot Machine.

Added a 4 7/8″ Cajun Craze Panel and a 5.25″ Old Olive Panel.  Distressed the edges of the card stock panels and the main image panel using Early Espresso ink and a sponge.

Assembled the card adding Baja Breeze Seam Binding and Antique Brads.

Here is the finished card measuring 5.25″ Square.

Before I close, I want to share something that I received via e-mail.   I found it very inspiring.

 
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER – by Erma Bombeck 
(written after she found out she was dying of cancer).
 

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day. 
  
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. 
  
I would have talked less and listened more. 
  
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded. 
  
I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. 
  
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. 
  
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. 
  
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. 
  
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
 

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life. 
  
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. 
  
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
 

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, ‘Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.’ There would have been more ‘I love you’ More ‘I’m sorry’s.’ 

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it, and really see it . . live it and never give it back.       
STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!! 

Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what.  Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.


May you feel Spring in the air today.

Until my next post. . . . . . .

Hugs,

Michelle

   Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to the following locations, click the location name for more information.       

St. Peters, Missouri       

La Porte, Indiana       

Orlando (Davenport), Florida       

St. Cloud, Minnesota       

Colorado Springs, Colorado       

Ottumwa, Iowa       

Owings Mills, Maryland (Baltimore Area)      

Cleveland (Euclid), Ohio       

Staley , North Carolina (South of Greensboro)       

Monroe, Connecticut       

Dayton, Ohio     

Leesburg, Florida       

Montreal, Wisconsin       

Savannah, Georgia       

Lincoln, Illinois       

Jefferson, Louisiana (New Orleans Area)       

Here is a link to my workshop calendar where you can see all of my travel schedule and to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops:   http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar        

Don’t see a workshop in your State?  Interested in hosting the workshops in your area in 2012?   Click HERE to get hostess information.       

Link to my Stampin’ Up website where you can order all of your must have Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net   

 Link to my Scentsy website where you can order the best smelling, safest wickless candles from me 24-7:  https://zindorf.scentsy.us/Home   

 Donate cards to the Give Thanks Project and help out Cancer Patients.   CLICK HERE TO HELP


Along The Way to New York

 

Hi Peeps!  I made it to Syracuse, New York today from Ohio.  Here are some of the pictures I took along the way.  Most of them where taken in the small town of Geneva, Ohio in the Lake Erie area.   I love, love, love small towns.    I plan on bringing Russ back here for a little vacation.  Such a quaint town.  I ate breakfast at a local restaurant, The Honey Bee, very cute.   The restaurant does not take credit cards, whew, I thought I was going to have to do dishes, but I found enough cash in my purse to cover the meal and tip.  It’s scary how little cash I carry on my person.

 It was a little hard to take a picture of the old men on the restaurant stools without them see me, lol.    There were about 7 elderly gentlemen enjoying each others company at the counter.  I assume this is a daily ritual.  I like the finished shot.

 

Don’t you just love old buildings?

          

As I mentioned, the town is near Lake Erie where I took this shot.

Now the rest of the pictures were taken at Geneva local Wineries.  I visited quite a few wineries today and I kinda lost track of the winery names, lol.   Nope, I wasn’t doing any tasting either.  🙂  But I did purchase quite a few bottles to take home.   Even if you are not into wine, visit some wineries just for the views.  They are very beautiful.   Even in the off season.

     

The winery below is a converted church. 

                     

More winery views.

       

I hope you enjoyed riding along with me today.  🙂  Well pictures are the next best thing, right?

Have a super weekend!

I’m off to bed to rest up for the workshops tomorrow.  ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Until my next post. . . . . . . .

Hugs,

Michelle

   Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to the following locations, click the location name for more information.       

Syracuse (Bridgeport), New York      

St. Peters, Missouri       

La Porte, Indiana       

Orlando (Davenport), Florida       

St. Cloud, Minnesota       

Colorado Springs, Colorado       

Ottumwa, Iowa       

Owings Mills, Maryland (Baltimore Area)      

Cleveland (Euclid), Ohio       

Staley , North Carolina (South of Greensboro)       

Monroe, Connecticut       

Dayton, Ohio     

Leesburg, Florida       

Montreal, Wisconsin       

Savannah, Georgia       

Lincoln, Illinois       

Jefferson, Louisiana (New Orleans Area)       

Here is a link to my workshop calendar where you can see all of my travel schedule and to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops:   http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar        

Don’t see a workshop in your State?  Interested in hosting the workshops in your area in 2012?   Click HERE to get hostess information.       

Link to my Stampin’ Up website where you can order all of your must have Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net   

 Link to my Scentsy website where you can order the best smelling, safest wickless candles from me 24-7:  https://zindorf.scentsy.us/Home   

 Donate cards to the Give Thanks Project and help out Cancer Patients.   CLICK HERE TO HELP


Stampin’ Up So Cute Stamp Set Blog Candy

Well, this weekend I am off to Snowy Bridgeport, New York to teach my brayer workshops.   It’s been Spring like weather here in West Alexandria, Ohio for a while so I guess I better break out that winter coat for the weekend.  🙂    I love New York and cannot wait to get there.  I hope you New Yorkers are ready to get your brayer on, because here I come. .. . . . .

Since I will be gone for the weekend, how about some Stampin’ Up So Cute Stamps for blog candy?  

All you need to do to enter for this blog candy give away is leave a comment at the bottom of this post, telling me to enter you.  If you are getting this blog update via e-mail, please CLICK HERE and then leave a comment at the bottom of the post.  Please no e-mail entries.

I will select the winner using a random number generator on Tuesday, March 29, 2011.   Good Luck to Everyone!!!  Remember, you will not win if you don’t enter.

 I’ll post some pictures of my travels this weekend if the weather is such that I can stop and sight see along the way.

May your weekend be filled with those you love.

Until my next post. . . .  .

Huge Hugs,

Michelle


Tool Time – Mat Pack & Piercing Tool

I love my mat pack (Stampin’ Up item number 105826) and piercing tool (Stampin’ Up item number 116631).   I’ve used them so much so I thought I would do a little tool time segment on them.

The mat pack comes with a self healing mat, foam mat and paper piercing template.   The template is priceless.   It keeps those pierced rows of holes in your card stock on the straight and narrow.  🙂

To make a row of pierced holes, put the foam mat on the self healing mat.  Place your card stock on top of the mats and then  just line the template up and poke the piercing tool in the holes on the template.

There is a set of holes on the template that are close together and then another set that are further apart.

There are holes in the template that can be used with a marker to create dots in a row.

The large holes in the template are really to be used lining eyelets up straight.   There are holes that for the smaller eyelets and larger holes for the large eyelets.

Add a white gel pen to make faux stitching with your pierced holes.  Just make a dash in between the pierced holes.

I know there are many uses for these handy tools.  If you want to share your unique use, please share it below in the comments section.

That’s all for today.

Until my next post. . . . . . . . .

Hugs,

Michelle

   Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to the following locations, click the location name for more information.       

Syracuse (Bridgeport), New York      

St. Peters, Missouri       

La Porte, Indiana       

Orlando (Davenport), Florida       

St. Cloud, Minnesota       

Colorado Springs, Colorado       

Ottumwa, Iowa       

Owings Mills, Maryland (Baltimore Area)      

Cleveland (Euclid), Ohio       

Staley , North Carolina (South of Greensboro)       

Monroe, Connecticut       

Dayton, Ohio     

Leesburg, Florida       

Montreal, Wisconsin       

Savannah, Georgia       

Lincoln, Illinois       

Jefferson, Louisiana (New Orleans Area)       

Here is a link to my workshop calendar where you can see all of my travel schedule and to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops:   http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar        

Don’t see a workshop in your State?  Interested in hosting the workshops in your area in 2012?   Click HERE to get hostess information.       

Link to my Stampin’ Up website where you can order all of your must have Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net   

 Link to my Scentsy website where you can order the best smelling, safest wickless candles from me 24-7:  https://zindorf.scentsy.us/Home   

 Donate cards to the Give Thanks Project and help out Cancer Patients.   CLICK HERE TO HELP