Spring In Winter

The Christmas craziness is winding down which brings with it the dawning of a new year. I thought since we are in this little holiday pause that I would put a little spring into this dreary weather that we are having in the DFW area right now.


This is my card for the 2nd Bella color challenge and the 4th Bella sketch challenge. I didn't have the Certainly Celery or Pretty In Pink cardstock so I matched DCWV cardstock and came pretty darn close. Everything else is very self-explainatory.

I just got a new book from Borders tonight that just hit the shelves today called the Writing Diet by Julia Cameron. I have another one of her books and LOVE her so I am off to curl up in my new fluffy robe and sip on a nice Tazo tea and introduce myself to a new book. :)

P.S.-Today is my friend Meli's bday so head over to her blog, The Glitter Goddess, and show some love!

Stamps: Butterfly of Happiness, Daintybella
Paper: Bashful Blue, Very Vanilla, DCWV cardstock
Ink: Palette Hybrid Nior, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Bashful Blue grossgrain ribbon, Prismacolors/Gamsol

From My Family To Yours

Remember to take a moment and think about the true meaning of Christmas and enjoy this special time with the people that you love.

Merry Christmas from the Thorsen family!

Run Run Rudolph!

Well, we're on the home stretch. In a few short days it will be Christmas. Even though it is down to the wire and many are rushing to get everything done it is still such a fun time, isn't it? I've been at my table literally all day working to get my Christmas treats done for my family. I haven't fun-stamped in almost a week and was having withdrawals so I thought I'd take a break from the holiday rush and show off one of my new Bella's that my mom bought me for Christmas.

I have two cousins that are pregnant and due in February as well as four friends online that are expecting anywhere between January and March, and all of them but one is having a boy, so I know I will not have a problem giving this card out! LOL This is actually for the first Bella Sketch Challenge and first Bella Color Challenge over on SCS. I LOVE black and turquoise together so I knew I was going to love this card. I had a harder time with the sketch than what I would've liked and even looking at it now I think I should have done more with the stars...maybe distressed the edges or something? I dunno...just looking too plain for my taste. I did add Stickles to the stars but it's hard to see in the picture.

I guess that's enough of a break for now. Back to more Christmas prep! 'Tis the season to be busy...fa la la la la...

Stamps: Mamabella, Starlight Starbright (Verve Visual)
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise
Ink: Palette Hybrid Nior, Craft White
Accessories: Prismacolors/Gamsol, Waterfall Stickles, Tempting Turquoise grossgrain ribbon

Comfort & Joy

Another quick post tonight! Busy, busy, busy!!


My mom wanted a cute little gift card to go with some gift sets that she made for her co-workers so I whipped this one up for her. She wanted blues and snowflakes so what better set to use than my Winter Wonder set. She wanted simple so I put a little organza ribbon and waterfall Stickles for a little glitz and there ya go!

I got my new Bellas in today (yipee!!) so be expecting a lot more Bella cards. :)

Stamps: Winter Wonder (Verve Visual)
Paper: Night of Navy, Ballet Blue, Whisper White
Ink: Night of Navy
Accessories: organza ribbon, waterfall Stickles

You Make Me Smile

Short post tonight peeps! I've been working on Christmas all day but I had to take a small break and do the Featured Stamper Challenge on SCS. Today's Featured Stamper is Lisa aka LZappa. I have never seen her gallery before and was pleasantly surprised to see her amazingly awesome vintage style. It was hard to decide on which card to case and I finally decided on this card. For a person who "doesn't do pink" I sure have been using it a lot lately. LOL I basically changed everything except for the pink base and the layout. I even added a layer to the main image and took away a ribbon from the bottom. So there ya go.

I am off to watch a movie with Todd and snuggle in my nice warm bed. Happy stamping!

Stamps: Polka Dots & Paisley, Like It A Latte, Thoughtful Phrases (Verve Visual)
Paper: Purely Pomegranante, River Rock, Whisper White
Ink: Purely Pomegranante, Wild Wasibi
Accessories: Purely Pomegranate and River Rock double stitched ribbon, staples

Hustle & Bustle

Man, this is a busy time! With Christmas almost here, Todd starting his new jobs, and this funky Texas weather we're having it has made me crazy. I have been working on Christmas goodies for the fam the past few days and haven't had any time to stamp anything. :( I know, I am having withdrawals. I made this card Monday for the SCS technique challenge which was to make a gift card or 3x3 card using paper piecing. I have never done paper piecing before (scared) so I thought this was the time to get over my fear and just go for it.

I am seriously in love with this card! I have it setting on my dresser in my bedroom so when I wake up it is sparkling at me. The sentiment is from Verve Visuals Starlight Starbright set (loving that set!!) and I thought the sentiment was perfect with the little bling I added to it. At first I thought it was a little gaudy but it works.

Today I'm going shopping with my mom. Todd got his first route on his own today so he'll be gone for awhile (poor thing...he's been coming home exhausted every night and that was with his trainer helping him). I am taking the opportunity to spend time with my mom and my boys as well as get some last minute items on my Christmas list. We're not exchanging gifts (Todd and me) but I need to find something for Santa to bring to the boys. They are SO spoiled! My mom bought Eric one of those kid laptops and a bicycle, my MIL got him a motorized Jeep, and they already have quite a few toys. Now I don't know what to get him!! LOL I guess that's what family is for, right?

Have a great Saturday and I hope to be back later with Jen's Sketch For You To Try challenge! Oh and congrats to Jen for being the Gina K's guest designer this month!! Jen, you rock!!

Stamps: Time Well Spent, Starlight Starbright (Verve Visual)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Rose Red, Whisper White, DCWV dsp
Ink: Palette Hybrid Nior, Rose Red
Accessories: Certainly Celery grossgrain ribbon, jeweled brads, rhinestones, prima flower

Hugs & Kisses

This card started out being the sketch challenge for today but I went in a different direction and LOVE the results. I really struggled tonight with my idea for the sketch challenge so I thought I would set that card aside, pull out my favorite colors (Chocolate Chip, Blue Bayou), and pick a set I haven't used in awhile and search SCS until I found some inspiration. The first card that caught my eye was a card that was done for the sketch challenge but I loved how she did the petals in the box. You can see the card that inspired me here.

Looking at this card makes me happy. I think I'm going to keep this card displayed so when I'm having a bad day I can look at this card and get happy. I think I'm going to have to skim the gallery more and find more uses for this set. Do you have sets that you love but when you go to ink them up nothing comes to you? This was one of the sets in my starter kit and since then I've felt stumped on what to do with it. Maybe I've gotten over my block. What do you think?

Stamps: Pick A Petal, Polka Dots & Paisley, So Many Sayings
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Blue Bayou, Whisper White
Ink: Blue Bayou, Chocolate Chip, Craft White
Accessories: Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon, pearl (from Paper Pretties kit)

Bella Possibility

How long as it been since I've done a Mojo Monday challenge? Too long in my book! If you've never done one of Julee's Mojo Monday challenges you can check out what it's all about here. You also need to check out Verve Visuals new releases. They have decided to switch from rubber stamps to Photopolymer stamps and have release six sets! Here is the link so go check them out and show Julee some love!

So here is my card. I don't think that I found my mojo on this card but I do like how it turned out. I haven't really distressed too much so I got out my distresser and got a little overzealous. I also love this Basic Grey paper and haven't had a chance to use it yet. I love this sentiment from Verve's Starlight Starbright set. What do you think?

I have entered a challenge on SCS to make 30 cards using 30 different stamps sets and I am starting with the Bellas since I am on that kick. It's supposed to help use stamps or stamp sets that you haven't used in a long time so be expecting to see things I haven't used either in a long time or ever. I'm excited about this challenge!

Todd officially starts his postal carrier job tomorrow. He met a few of his co-workers and boss today and feels very confident about the whole thing. I think tomorrow he's going to learn how they sort the mail and then spend half his day riding along with a carrier. He is so excited. I told him I would get up early and make a special breakfast for him so I'd better get to bed! Good night!

Stamps: Prezzibella, Starlight Starbright (Verve Visual)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Blue Bayou, Very Vanilla, Basic Grey DSP
Ink: Palette Hybrid Nior, ColorBox Chalk-Chestnut Roan
Accessories: Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon, brads, corner rounder, edge distresser

I Won!!

I am not a lucky person by nature. Anyone who knows me knows that. I enter things all the time and get my hopes up when I don't win. I don't let this get me down. If anything it fans the flame. My losing streak has stopped as of today because....

ONE OF MY CARD WON ONE OF THE BELLA BALL CHALLENGES!!!

I was in total shock when I read it myself. I've only been seriously stamping for a few months but I have felt that I am growing. I guess you're rubbing off on me Shannan. *wink* Do you want to see the winning card? Here it is:

I know I put this in the previous post but I had to showcase the winner. I am so honored and it has really shown me that this is what I am supposed to be doing. I love making cards and scrapbooking but I've always wondered if I was ever good enough. Now I really feel like this is what I meant to do. Thank you Em for these awesome stamps and for the awesome ball.

Do you want to see another Bella creation. I actually entered this one for Shannan's challenge but the girl who won totally blew me out of the water. Shannan challenged us to use all the glitz and bling that we wanted. Me being the "simple" stamper that I am chose just a little bit of bling.

Isn't she cute? I don't have this stamp but one of my SCS Flybabies Paula sent this image to me. I've been saving it for a special occasion and I thought this was it. I love those little baubles don't you? I have two cousins that are preggo right now and quite a few online friends that are also expecting so I've got a few peeps to send this to. Do you love it? I LOVE these colors together!! I can't believe I only have a few short months with this awesome color. :(

I have my aunt over stamping with me tonight so I've got to run and get to stamping but I just had to tell you guys so all of you could share my excitement. The losing streak is over!!

Card #1-see previous post for recipe

Card #2
Stamps: Pregabella
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Blue Bayou
Ink: Palette Hybrid Nior
Accessories: Baubles, Glittery grossgrain ribbon, Waterfall Stickles

Seeing Double Sunday

I love waking up Sunday morning to see who the Featured Stamper is going to be for the day. (I can't wait to see my girl Shannan there and every Sunday hope it's going to be her-one day girl!) Today's Featured Stamper was LilLuvsStampin (Charlene). She is SO sweet! If you look at my gallery she has commented on the majority of my cards. I also LOVE her stamping style and couldn't wait to cruise her gallery while I'm watching the Cowboys game. (I'm not going to say anything...)

As I'm scanning her awesome cards I came across this card. Wow! Wait a second...I have that patterned paper...I have that cardstock...I have that stamp set... I have never completely CASEd a card before but this is the closest I've been. What do you think?

Like seeing double isn't it? I am so proud! I didn't have the same ribbon that she did so I substituted the Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon. I also don't have the Creamy Caramel stamp pad yet so I used Close To Cocoa instead. I also added a brad to the flower and changed the brad pattern in the corner. Other than that I stayed true to her card. I am so proud!

Stay tuned tomorrow for more Bella cards! My mom also bought me four new Bella's tonight for Christmas (love you Mom!!) so I'll have even more coming your way. I think I am becoming a Bellaholic and I lovee it!!

Stamps: Baroque Motifs
Paper: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Very Vanilla, DCWV patterned paper
Ink: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Close To Cocoa
Accessories: Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon, brads

Were You At The Bella Ball?

I was!! It was awesome! I had a blast! This week has been such a hard week for me and my family so this was exactly what I needed. I decided today that I was going to go on strike. No house cleaning! All stamping! And that is exactly what I did. :) Ok, I did do the dishes and took care of the kids but no "deep" cleaning. I have been feeling so down and depressed lately so I knew I needed to stand up and do something for myself. Todd helped me with the kids so I could get as much stamping time in as I could and it felt great!

I started with the Limited Supply Challenge on SCS which was to make a 3x3 card (which I've never done before) with limited layers, any quick tool, and one embellishment.

Would you belive that this little thing took me 2 hours to make? Well, it did! (Don't ask) I love how it turned out! I saw this color combo on a card on SCS and fell in love with it. It's Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, and Wild Wasibi. I haven't had a chance to use my Thoughtful Phrases set in awhile so I thought I'd just use one word from it. Perfect!

By the time I finished this card it was time for the Bella Ball and the Bella Challenges!! The first Bella Challenge was from Kerianne who challenged us to make a Bella trifold card. Awesome! Um...I've never made a trifold card. I've seen them but to be honest they scared me so I never even attempted them. Well, they don't call them challenges for nothing so I did it. Here is my first trifold card:

Isn't it yummy? I completely forgot about this Basic Grey paper that I have been hoarding so I thought it was time to bust out with it. I didn't think a sentiment was necessary. I love how fun this card is. I can't wait until that is me...body and all! LOL

The second challenge was a sketch challenge by Amy Rysavy. I wanted to stay pretty simple but I think I went a little too simple...what do you think?

I love the colors together (I was thinking Christmas since I have only done what 2 Christmas cards?) but I feel like it's missing something.

Once Em got to the chat room and introduced the new Bellas to us I stopped stamping and started chatting. I plan on finishing up the challenges tomorrow so the ball will continue!

Card #1:
Stamps: Butterfly Kisses (Papertrey Ink), Thoughtful Phrases (Verve Visual)
Paper: Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Wild Wasibi, Whisper White
Ink: Wild Wasibi, Night of Navy, Colorbox Chalk French Blue
Accessories: Wild Wasibi double-stitched ribbon, stickles

Card #2:
Stamps: Emmybella
Paper: Isaac (Basic Grey), Summer Sun, Night of Navy, Whisper White
Ink: Palette Hybrid Nior
Accessories: Night of Navy grossgrain ribbon

Card #3:
Stamps: Prezzibella, Thoughtful Phrases (Verve Visual)
Paper: Whisper White, Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasibi
Ink: Palette Hybrid Nior
Accessories: Purely Pomegranate & Wild Wasibi double-stitched ribbon, Prismacolors/Gamsol, brads

Still Fighting It

Ugh! I am so tired of this cold!! I hate it even more when the whole family is sick. Todd called me from his training earlier and he sounded horrible. I feel so bad for him. This is the time that he is supposed to be feeling good so he can focus and he said that he's all achy and can't think straight. Poor baby. He also found out that he is just a temp for the post office and after 180 days if they don't like him they're going to let him go so now he is all worried (so am I). There is too much to tell but all I can say is pray, pray, pray for me and my family. Ok, now to my favorite subject...stamping!!

The color challenge on SCS today was Summer Sun, Old Olive, and Certainly Celery. I'm not a big yellow person so this was a real challenge for me. The other challenge was not having any Certainly Celery paper or ink and no Summer Sun ink. I also wanted to try the latest Bella Sketch Challenge so I combined the challenges. My mother-in-law is a realtor and gives cards to all of the people that she sells her houses to and she wants me to make her some "welcome to your new home" cards. This is my first sample:

My mother-in-law actually bought me these stamps (and the Bella dream house stamp) just for these cards (how awesome is she?). She is also going to pay me for each card at full price and once I get business cards she's going to pass them out as well. She is the best! I know the circle is too big but it was the smallest size that I had. Other than that (and the yellow) I like this card.

After hearing the news about Todd's job I think I'm going to have to have a little more stamping therapy. Thanks for letting me vent a little and looking at my very bright Bella card. Happy stamping!

Stamps: Sellabella, Bella sentiment , Baroque Motifs; Paper: Whisper White, Summer Sun, Old Olive ; Ink: Palette Hybrid Nior, Old Olive, So Saffron, Basic Grey, Basic Black ; Accessories: Old Olive grossgrain ribbon, rhinestones

Colds & A Triple Threat

Sorry guys but my boys have been sick the past few days so I've been MIA. Dylan had a horrible accident Friday afternoon. Big brother Eric decided to pull his high chair down with him in it and he went head-first into the kitchen floor. He is doing fine but still has a little swelling and a cut. Now we're dealing with a nasty cold. I think this crazy weather is to blame!

I did manage to do a little stamping on Thursday and did a triple SCS challenge. I combined the color challenge (tweaking it just a tad since I didn't have Basic Gray), sketch challenge, and ways to use it challenge all in one. I guess I had a feeling that my stamping time was going to be slim. Here is my triple challenge card:

I wasn't feeling it at first but it is growing on me. The Cuddlebug background is actually tin foil that I embossed. I did not have any metallic paper so I thought I would improvise. It was hard to work with because of being so thin but I really like how it turned out. I also LOVE this color challenge and plan on doing another card when I get some Basic Gray and Certainly Celery in.

Just an FYI Todd passed his test and he is an official USPS employee!! We are so thrilled. He is up for the city carrier position right here in Grand Prairie but he has to go through driving training all next week and take a test. If he passes he will have his own route that next week but if he does not fail he is still guaranteed a job but will probably be somewhere in the warehouse. I'm very confident that he's going to pass but please continue to keep him in your prayers.

I am exhausted from taking care of these sick little boys so I am off to bed. I plan on decorating my house tomorrow for Christmas but I am going to squeeze a little stamping time in there...promise! I'm also trying to learn the world of digiscrapping so if any of you are into that and have any tips feel free to email me or leave me a comment and give me some pointers! :) Good night all!

Stamps: Prezzibella, Make A Wish (Gina K); Paper: Basic Black, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery; Ink: Basic Black, Close To Cocoa, Old Olive, Bashful Blue ; Accessories: Bashful Blue taffeta ribbon, square brads, tin foil