Olympics!

I love the Olympics! Always have, always will. I have memories of watching the Olympics as a child. It was one activity we actually did as a family.  I think the most memorable Olympic moments of my childhood are from 1984 when the games were held in Los Angeles.  My father was in the Army and was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, near Colorado Springs.  The U.S. National Olympic Training Center is also located in Colorado Springs and the Olympic flame was making its way across the country.  I remember my parents hearing that the flame would be coming through the city so they hurried to pack us in the car and drive to the other end of town to one of the big parks.  It was dusk, I believe, and the Colorado Springs Symphony Orchestra was playing.  Just as the flame entered the venue, the orchestra began to play Chariots of Fire.  We got to see the flame be passed from one relay runner to another.  It's a moment I will never forget.  Nowadays, I get so excited when the Olympics are approaching and basically clear my schedule of everything else so I can watch as much as possible on television.  Attending a summer Olympics is on my Bucket List.  (1984 was also when Mary Lou Retton got a perfect 10 to win!)

The Opening Ceremonies are always one of my favorite parts.  I love the tradition, the ritual, the symbology, the history.  I enjoy that all the nations are "under one roof".  Tolerance and peace seems to be within our grasp. Everyone is there for one common goal, to do their best at their given event. I always stay tuned until the very end, waiting to see who will light the cauldron.

Thankfully, my hubby really enjoys the Olympics as well, and we decided to host an Opening Ceremonies party this past Friday night.  I made these invitations a few weeks ago and sent them to some friends.

Then, I thought we might might need a little ambiance, so I made these table decorations.

I also thought it would be fun to have an opportunity for our guests to win a medal.  I put together a trivia game and the top three scorers won a medal and candy.

I made the medals on top of these cheap children's party games, the kind where there are several little balls inside where you have to try to get them to stop in the holes.

And, here is my hubby with his first place medal. Such a silly guy!

So, now, I must get back to watching some events on television!

Mary
Products Used:

If You Believe

Last week I went to the Re-Art Swap at Absolutely Art here in Madison.  You bring unwanted art supplies and get to take home whatever you want, for free! (or, $5 donation if you don't bring anything with you to swap)  They have everything from paper, fabric, wall paper, computer parts, metal parts, wood, calendars, greeting cards, paints, tiles, glass, beads, ...and the list goes on.


I brought home lots of things, but specifically the items shown below.  

 
I was excited to see how I could work them all into one layout.  So, today I created this page adding only the "If You" letters (Amy Tangerine Thickers), a few strips of paper (Stampin' Up! and My Mind's Eye), a small chipboard piece (My Mind's Eye) and the "believe" wire-word (found at Goodwill). I also added a few drops of paint (October Afternoon Sprinklers "Buttermilk"). I ended up not using the twine. I was so wrapped up in the rest of the elements, I just forgot about it!  The verse is Matthew 22:21: "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

 
I really like how it turned out.  Hope you do too!
Mary

I'm Back!

I'm sure all 7 of you, my blog followers, have been sitting on pins and needles waiting for my next post.  Well, wait no more!  I'm back!  Surely, I jest.  :-)   I'm not sure what has kept me away but, never the less, I'm ready to share a couple of cards with you. Neither are spectacular but I like them.

First up is a graduation card I made. I actually made several, one for each graduation party we attended this spring.  I really like the school theme.

Second is a card I made for a co-worker who just bought her first home.  I really like the embossing folder used to made the "roof".

Well, I'll try not to be gone so long this time.  Hope to have lots of projects and inspiration for you soon!

Mary

Adorning Accents & Mixed Bunch

I love this simple look that I can add a greeting to as needed.  I also love the coordinating Adorning Accents Textured Embossing Folders and Edgelit Dies along with the Bordering on Romance stamp set...the combination makes for an elegant look!

Can't wait to pick up one of these stamp sets, or punches?  Click on the links below and order now!  Remember, Sale-A-Bration goes until March 31st!  You can get a free item from the Sale-A-Bration catalog for every $50 order - no limit!

Happy stamping!
Mary

Real Real 8-1/2x11 Card Stock 102482	Crumb Cake 8-1/2x11 Card Stock 120953	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad 103133	Versamark Pad 102283	Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder 109130
Heat Tool 100005	Mixed Bunch - Clear-Mount Stamp 125537	Bordering On Romance - Clear-Mount Stamp 125482	Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folders 125601	Adorning Accents Edgelits Die 125595
Big Shot 113439	Blossom Punch 125603	3/16" Brads - Neutrals Collection 119736	Paper-Piercing Tool 116631	Mat Pack 105826
Bone Folder 102300	Stampin' Dimensionals 104430	Snail Adhesive 104332

InLinkz.com

Jesus, Our "Undercover Boss"

Have you seen the TV show "Undercover Boss"?  You know, the one where the CEO of a large corporation goes undercover in his/her own company to see how things are working or, in some cases, not working.  I like hearing the back story of each CEO...their humble beginnings, the people that encouraged them, their stories of hard work and dedication, and the lives they are living now.  It's always interesting to watch these CEO's change their image (so their employees don't recognize them) and, in most cases, enter into a work environment they've never been in before...everything from fast food to home appliance repair, from shipping and receiving to being a plumber, from driving a truck to bottling wine.  However, the two most interesting parts of the show for me are the interactions of the CEO with his/her employees and when he/she reveals himself/herself to their employees and is able to reward or reprimand them.

I was watching an episode recently where the CEO was riding along with a guy who delivers the company's wine to various restaurants.  The employee spoke freely about not following company rules, had extremely colorful language, arrived late for his deliveries and talked back to the restaurant owners who weren't happy that he was late.  The CEO obviously did not like the behavior of his employee and was upset that this was the image their customers were getting of the company.  This moment in the show grabbed me. I began to wonder how I would act differently if I could see Jesus standing next to me.  How many times a day do you think about Him being in the same room with you or remember that He is taking each step with you throughout the day?  Would your words be kinder or would you continue to gossip?  Would your actions be more heartfelt and compassionate or would you act without thinking about how it affects others?  Would your work be done with more effort or would you do just enough to get by?  Would you make more of an effort to please Him or just pretend He wasn't there?

I believe that I try to be nice, kind, hard working, honest, and considerate.  But, I also believe that if I thought about Jesus sitting right next to me during the day, I would probably be a little bit more of each of those things. 

The last part of the show is always the most fun to watch.  Probably 90% of the time, the CEO brings the employees to headquarters, reveals himself/herself, tells the employee all the things he was impressed with (and, in some cases, not impressed with), and usually presents them with some kind of monetary reward or other incentive (such as giving them more responsibility or asking them to be part of a training team).  How great it will be when we arrive in heaven and Jesus says to us, "‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!" (Matt. 25:21)

I am praying that Jesus will reveal Himself to me more throughout the day and that I will strive to please Him with my words and actions.  I want to remember that He is sitting next to me in the car when somebody cuts me off; that He is with me on the phone when I'm talking with an angry client; that He is with me I am alone and no one else can see me.

Mary

I had my first Open House!

My first Stampin' Up! Open House was last weekend.  We had fun making cards and scrapbook pages, eating food, laughing, looking at catalogs and hanging out.  If you missed it you'll definitely not want to miss the next one!  Here is a look at the three projects we made.

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:
Stamp Sets: Kindness Matters
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Marina Mist, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla
Designer Series Paper: Beau Chateau
Ink Pads: Marina Mist, Sahara Sand
Ribbon: Very Vanilla
Tools & Adhesives: Big Shot, Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Snail Adhesive, Paper Snips, Extra-Large Oval Punch
Embellishments: Basic Pearls Jewels
 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:
Stamp Sets: Mixed Bunch
Cardstock: More Mustard, Night of Navy, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler
Ink Pads: More Mustard, Night of Navy
Ribbon: Cherry Cobbler
Tools & Adhesives: Snail Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, Blossom Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Paper Piercing Pad & Tool
Embellishments: Cherry Cobbler Brad

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:
Stamp Sets: Pretty Postage

Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise
Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack: Brights Collection (Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango)

Stampin' Write Markers: Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango

Tools & Adhesives: Snail Adhesive, 1-1/4" Square Punch


A big "Thank You!" to all the ladies that came and helped to make it a successful day.

Mary

Two Changes!

FIRST, I am happy to announce that I've just become an Independent Demonstrator for Stampin' Up!  I've been using their products for more than 10 years and finally decided to take the leap into the business side of things.  I love creating and sharing what I've learned, so feel free to email me or visit my Stampin' Up! website to place an order or to host a workshop!

SECOND, I've also decided to change the name of my blog to "A Layered Life".  I want to share more about various parts of my life, not just my stamping and scrapbooking.  Also, my cards and scrapbook pages are typically filled with layers of paper, stamps, photos, and embellishments.  What a great way to tie it all together!

I hope you're enjoying sharing my journey with me, albeit kind of slow lately.  I hope to post more soon.  Stay tuned for updates!

Mary

1974

I have always loved this picture of my mom, my younger sister and me.  I'm told by my siblings that I still have this "look" sometimes.  :)  It's hard to believe my mom was only about 21 years old here and that she had two young children.

This is a pretty simple page, mostly because I didn't want to detract from the photo too much.



Mary

 

PRODUCTS USED:
Paper:American Crafts Amy Tangerine: Hello Doily Stitched Paper, "oh Happy Grey" (both sides)
Stickers: American Crafts Amy Tangerine: "Goodness" Thickers
Chipboard Shapes: Heidi Grace Designs: flocked black & white
Cosmo Cricket Glubers (2")
Buttons: Making Memories: Vintage Findings; Basic Grey: Femme Fatale Button Assortment
Lace: found

Real Life Inspires Art

Real life, meaning my slippers.  Love these slippers I got on a clearance rack at the Lands End Outlet!  I just looked at them one day and instantly thought, "I can make a card that looks like these!" They look so warm and inviting, probably because they look like a knit sweater.  I really like the brown buttons on them as well.

Here is the card I made.  It's kind of hard to see the texture on the top of the card.  What do you think?

Supplies (all Stampin' Up!):
Stamps: Kind & Caring Thoughts (retired)
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake and Chocolate Chip
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Corduroy Brad: Chocolate Chip (retired)
Ribbon: Orchard Ribbon Originals (retired)
Textured Impressions Embossing Folder: Square Lattice

Mary

One Little Word - Commit

I'm participating in Ali Edwards' class, One Little Word, over at Big Picture Classes.  My word for 2012 is "commit" and I'm excited!  Here is the cover and my page for January.  I can't wait to see how the rest of the year progresses.

I hope you'll follow along with me as I explore this word more this year!

Mary

Mr. Po-Tate-o Head

After my nephew, Tate, opened his gift and we played for a little bit, Jody asked me if I was collecting pieces of the wrapping for a scrapbook page.  I love that he noticed and figured it out right away! I guess I'm becoming predictable.  :)  But, yes, he was right.  I was ripping off parts of the packaging so I could make this cute page.  I found some great paper from one of my favorite manufacturers, lily bee design, in bright primary colors that I knew would be perfect.  I really like how it turned out.

Mary

PRODUCTS USED:
Paper: lily bee design: Hello Sunshine line, twirl & fly a kite pages; American Crafts AC Cardstock: wave:weave
Die Cuts: lily bee design: Hello Sunshine line die-cut frames
Stickers: Basic Grey: Origins micro mono stickers; October Afternoon: Mini Market Stickers (Red & Cream)
Felt Alphas: Li'l Davis Designs (Fiskars) Castaway Felt Alphas