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There comes a time...

...when ones life gets too busy to write about. For the last 6 months, that has been the case for me. When I think of the years I've kept this stamping diary, I'm amazed with how long I've kept it up. What an achievement. I'm going through a stage in my life where I need to re-evaluate my daytime routine and prioritize things.

I'm not saying goodbye to blogging, but you will see less posts here than I was accustomed to writing in the past. I'm spending more time on my banner service blog here: http://www.laycockdesigns.com.

My husband has picked up some of the slack and has started a blog here: http://capnfrank.blogspot.com/. Along with other miscellaneous weird stuff he's into, he will be posting photos and information about all our foster kitties we take in.

I also have a newly redesigned Stampin' Up! website here: http://www.michellelaycock.stampinup.net and I will start mailing out regular newsletters again soon. To get on my newsletter mailing list Click Here

Sometimes life moves too fast and one needs a chance to breathe. Please excuse my absence on this blog. I needed to give myself a chance to breathe.

Cookie Exchange

Diane Zechman got an idea to host a Cookie Exchange... She chose a particular stamp set and gathered a few people to come up with designs using the stamp set. She chose to feature "Big Bold Birthday" by Stampin' Up!. I was a bit limited in that I borrowed the stamp set images (I don't actually own this stamp set). This was the first time I designed a card without using the stamps directly somehow on my background. It was hard, but I think I came up with an acceptable creation.

Recipe:
Stamps: Big Bold Birthday, Linen
Inks: Groovy Guava, Purely Pomegranate, Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi, Blue Bayou, Basic Black
Paper: Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Blue Bayou, Purely Pomegranate, Groovy Guava
Accessories: silver brads, Mat pack, Designer rick rack from SU, glitter, Hologram Highlights embossing powder, linen thread

This is a greeting slider card. The greeting slides back and forth under the focal point image. The balloon was stamped with Blue Bayou ink and then embossed with Hologram Highlights embossing powder. This was a rather simple card to make if you don't count all the time spent cutting. The time was worth it, however, as I am pleased with the results.

Thanks for the Cookie Exchange idea, Diane! Wanna see the other players in Diane's Cookie Exhange? Visit: Jen Del Muro and Paula Bloom

I got an award...

just for being nice... fun!



My friend Lisa Somerville nominated me for a Nice Matters Award. What is a Nice Matters Award?

This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. It is also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world.
Once you've been awarded please pass it on to others who you feel are deserving of this award."

You are then to name 5 bloggers whom I think deserve this award!
1) Julie
2) Cindy
3) Linda
4) Vanessa
5) Gwen

New Cat-y Designs!

I'm taking a moment out of my busy day to upload a few new catalog creations! Take a look!

Yarn Kitty


I made this card for a recent swap.
Stamps: Here Kitty Kitty, Priceless, Aida Cloth, Fine Lace
Ink: Brocade Blue, Orchid Opulence, Black Staz-on
Paper: Brocade Blue, Orchid Opulence, So Saffron, Sahara Sand, Confetti White, Whisper White
Accessories: Silver Brads, Grosgrain ribbon, 1/16 punch, Mat Pack, White signo gel pen, Watercolor pencils

Kitty Cat Joy



This card was designed for the recent Dirty Dozen Anniversary Challenge as a challenge sample for Paula Bloom's challenge. It is a Latch card:
Stamps: Here Kitty Kitty, Polka Dots & Petals
Ink: White Craft, Always Artichoke, Cameo Coral Black Staz-on
Paper: Brocade Blue, Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Cameo Coral, Confetti White
Accessories: Gold eyelets, organdy ribbon, Tab punch, Spiral punch, Horizontal Slot Punch, 1/16 punch, rectangle punch, Watercolor pencils

Paws, Petals, and Polka Dots



This card was designed for the recent Dirty Dozen Anniversary Challenge as a challenge sample for SweetMissDaisy's challenge. I was tickled when I discovered how nice the paws look when stamped inside the circles - kinda like "Polka Dot Paws"
Stamps: Here Kitty Kitty, Priceless, Little Flowers, Paw print stamp from retired SU bear set
Ink: White Craft, Basic Black, Brocade Blue, Black Staz-on
Paper: Brocade Blue, Pixie Pink, Confetti White
Accessories: Black brad, ribbon, 1/16 punch, Watercolor pencils

Simple, quick Kitty




I designed this one for a swap. The idea for the swap was to design simple, demonstratable cards.
Stamps: Here Kitty Kitty, So many Sayings
Ink: Basic Black, Black Staz-on
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Basic Black, Confetti White
Accessories: 1 Inch Circle punch, Watercolor pencils, rectangle punch, ribbons, Corner punch

Where's Michelle?

Yes, I know.... I haven't been posting. I've been occupied doing too many events lately. I'll be back... I just need to take care of business. I've got a lot going on.

Last month I received lots of beautiful birthday cards that I didn't have time to post. Thanks so much to those who have sent birthday cards to me. I truly appreciate it.

I wish I could post more here, but it looks like my August will be as busy as my July!

I'm working on my August newsletter right now - and putting together some projects for upcoming stamping events.

I'll be back... sit tight...

Greetings from CHA!

I'm spending the day today at CHA (Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show) here at Rosemont in Chicago!

I've already seen Lisa Somerville and I've done a few make & takes.

Just thought I'd pop in briefly to report.

This event is a crafter's dream come true!