Where does the time go?

I cannot believe it has been a month since I last posted.  Obviously, my schedule has gotten very busy since school and sports have started again.  I hope you will forgive me.
Autumn is officially here and the trees here in Michigan are showing their Autumn Splendor!  I love Fall with all of the colors but I have to admit that Spring is my favorite season.  I love to see everything waking up from the long winter and the smells of flowers and fresh dirt.
I haven't had a lot of time to stamp or be creative but I did manage to copy (from Patty Bennett's blog) this little Santa made from punches!  I need to get some little pom poms for his little hat, but otherwise, I think he's adorable!
Have a great evening.
Stamped Blessings,
~Arlena

Another Monday done!

Today was a very busy day and went by very quickly. Two of my daughters had their first soccer practice of the season and my other daughter is trying to figure out hair styles and outfits for school pictures! I made chicken shish-ka-bob on the grill and it was so yummy! All of this after working a full day at my "day job"! Tomorrow will be another day at work and high school orientation tomorrow night. And the rest of the week continues to be busy. I'm sure many of you know exactly what I am talking about as you too are probably just as busy, if not, more!

I found this card in my favorites and thought I would share it with you. It is made entirely of punches and there is no stamping on it. There are a few marks made with a marker on it, dots on the nose and "nails" on the paws. It was a lot of fun making it and wished I had made more while I was taking time punching everything out!

Well, I think this gal is off to bed. That alarm clock goes off way too early!

Stamped Blessings,

~Arlena

Beautiful Summer Day

What a gorgeous day today in Michigan! However, my prayers are with those that are having horrible weather due to Hurricane Irene. For those who have lost their lives and for those who have suffered damage and are without power.

Summer is coming to an end and the school hallways will soon be full of laughter and reconnecting with old and new friends!

I'm going to share with you tonight, another card that I demonstrated at my workshop Thursday night. It is using the new Penant Parade stamp set and punch. The Designer Series Paper is Just Add Cake. There are a few more days left for the Stampin'Up! special where you can purchase 3 packages of designer series paper and receive a fourth package FREE! Let me know if you'd like to take advantage of this great offer!

Have a great week !

Stamped Blessings,

~Arlena

New Technique!

Hello Friends!

It's been a long day with a magic show over in Grand Rapids and 2 more tomorrow in the same location! We love it when God keeps us busy with sharing His love and stories with others through the art of illusion.

I had fun Thursday night demonstrating my love of stamping with a wonderful friend and 11 of her guests! I get so excited and want to share everything I know, however there just isn't enough time in one evening, or twenty evenings for that matter! Here is one of the cards I demonstrated. It is using a technique I learned on line. It is called reverse imaging. I have seen it on cards and could never figure out how it was done. Now I know. (smile)

Well, I better call it a night as we have an early and long day tomorrow.

Stamped Blessings,

~Arlena

Stamping with Friends!

Today I spent the afternoon with four friends stamping beautiful cards. As you can see by these cards, they are very talented and creative ladies. Two of the gals were unable to make it today and they certainly were missed. The Autumn Tree card was designed by Charlene Merrick. The Boat card was designed by Deb Schultz. The Country card was designed by Lynn Schultz. And the Wine Glass card was designed by Lynn Caudy-VanEpps. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to stamp the afternoon away with these ladies.

It's a quiet night in the house as two of my girls are at a birthday slumber party for one of their friends. I'm sure they are having fun!

I hope you enjoy the cards. I sure had a lot of fun making them. I'm pretty tired so I'm ready to turn in for the night. So until next time...

Stamped Blessings,

~Arlena

I obviously had trouble the other night when trying to post this picture with my text. I hope it works tonight as I really do want to share the card with you.

Two of my daughters went to their first concert tonight! They went with their best friend to see BTR (Big Time Rush). They are a group of 4 young men on the Disney Channel. They remind me of the Monkeys from my time. Yes, I am dating myself! They have a show where they all act goofy, but their music and voices are pretty good.

Well, I want to try posting this pic before I get too far on this post.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Stamped Blessings,

~Arlena

I love lighthouses!

Tonight I want to show you a card I made a long time ago. The stamp set is retired but it is one I am hanging onto. It is a set of 4 lighthouse stamps. There is so much you can do with them. You can use pastels or your aqua painter, just for a couple of ideas.

Two of my daughters are very excited as they are getting ready to go to a Big Time Rush (BTR) concert! They were invited by a friend and her family. I kind of wish I was going so I could see them at their first concert! I'm sure they will take pictures and text me and let me know how much fun it was!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a good week.

Stamped Blessings,

~Arlena