Retired Stamp Sale!

The new catalogue is just around the corner...ok...well, not until after Christmas, but it seems like it's not that far away. I can't wait to get some new stamps, but I need to clean out the ones that are not receiving their fair share of play time. Here's my list...prices do not include shipping. Send me an e-mail if there's anything you're interested in. These sales cannot be counted towards workshop orders, sorry. These stamps are all retired and no longer available. Most are used, but still in great shape.

Expressive Flexible Phrases $45
Chaleureuses pensees (french hostess from last year, unmounted/unused) $15
All the Best $15
All Natural $20
All Year Cheer 2 $35
All Year Cheer 3 $35
Shape Ups $10
In Full Bloom $30
Love Matters $20
Word by Word BG $20
Wishing You $20
Seaside Sketches $25
Whirly Twirly wheel $5
In color '06 ink pads - Cool Carribbean, Marigold Morning, Cranberry Crisp, and Vintage Violet - $5 each.

Family History

Is anyone else out there into Geneology? I've been an amateur geneologist, on and off for about 15 years...my first project proved how a classmate and I were actually cousins in Grade 11. With the surge in the Internet, I've been able to access numerous websites related to my family geneology. There are so many generous "real" geneologists out there who will share their findings with you if you just ask. Anyhow...about 8 years ago, my research came to a standstill on my Chapman family line. It stopped in 1840. Just stopped. So I put it away, discouraged, and kind of forgot about it.

Recently Dave got interested in his family history and got me to help him fill in some of his family lines to prove he was related to someone. That got me going again and just last night I finally found someone who had George W. Chapman born in 1840! I nearly had a heart attack. It doesn't seem like it would be too exciting, but I'll tell you...when you've been searching and wondering for 8 or more years, it starts to get to you. I thought maybe he was adopted...or an alien, one or the other. Anyhow...there he is. So, in just a few clicks, I had 5 or 6 more generations of family history. I'm just a few more clicks away from finding out how I'm related to the much larger Chapman family of England and, come to find out, Germany...now that was a surprise.

If you're into geneology, I'd love to hear about the great internet resources you use...heck, maybe we'll be related...wouldn't that be fun to try to figure out?

October PMS Club Cards

These are two of the cards I did with the PMS Clubs this month...it IS time to get started on your Christmas cards, you know. After all, Halloween is next month!

The first is with the new set Star Studded Season from the Holiday Mini. I love it because it's not a traditional color comob. It uses More Mustard, Always Artichoke and Rose Red.

The next one is beautifully simple...just some layering and a little bit 'o embossing powder makes the snowflakes really pop. And the great thing about this card is that you can do it in just about any color combo you have on hand.

We also did a flowery card, but I used my sample before I got a photo...duh!

Christmas Stamp a Stack 2

If you missed the first Stamp a Stack and want to get in on the fun, here's your chance. I've got four completely different designs for holiday cards ready to go on November 3. For just $30 you get to make three of each design, plus one "gift box"-type item. I'll even include lunch, drinks and snacks, door prizes and extra goodies in your bag. This is stamp as you go, so all instructions are in your bag when you arrive, but I'm always there to assist if they aren't clear. There is limited space for this event, so please RSVP right away if you'd like a seat.

PMS Club SWAPs for October

So...I made it through a whole club meeting without forgetting anything related to the projects...all I forgot were the swaps I stayed up until nearly midnight doing. Sheesh...doesn't this baby brain ever go away! Well ladies, here's the swap card you'll be getting when your orders arrive :)

And here's a card I'm giving to someone as a thank you. I actually made this card over a year ago...inspired by a magazine layout. I posted in my meager gallery over at Splitcoaststampers and it got picked up as the layout challenge that month! I was flabbergasted. Anywho, I needed a thank you card tonite and this one fits the bill.

Christmas Stamp A Stack Cards

Here are the cards we did at today's Christmas Stamp A Stack.

This one was CASED from splitcoast stampers (as per my usual). It's a really cool combo of Soft Sky and Chocolate Chip. Stamps are from The Snowflake Spot. The ribbon in the new Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon...I didn't like it until I used it on this card. With the sheen it has, it almost looks like the soft sky is intertwined in the ribbon...it's a perfect match.

This one is a really simple, quick and elegant card I found on splitcoast last year...I just didn't get around to doing anything with it until this year! It's done with Mellow Moss and Always Artichoke.

This is my version of the "snowflake wreath" that is all over splitcoast. To match with the Dashing Designer paper, I used Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss and Old Olive for the wreath. One quick tip...start by stamping the snowflake in a 4 point diamond. This will help you get the wreath centered before you add all the layers of colors.

And finally...a card that I DID NOT CASE from splitcoast! Can you believe it? When I got the new Snow jumbo wheel there were so few samples in the gallery (and still are) that I was FORCED to come up with something on my own. Sigh...a demonstrator's work is never done :) A tip for this one...use regular ol' Whisper White craft ink, not Staz-On white...it works better.

Ok. I finally did it.

I finally created a blog...now what? Guess I'll have to start by scanning some Stampin Up! cards to include...

Cards for Sale

I have the following cards for sale, but I can also create customized sets for you! Just let me know what you're looking for and I'll find it :) All my cards include an envelope and shipping to you. They are made from top quality cardstock (mostly Stampin Up!), inks and supplies. Unless otherwise noted, each card is one-of-a-kind...you don't get that at Hallmark! To buy any of these cards, or to enquire about custom-made cards, please e-mail me at ahovey@eastlink.ca.

Simple Christmas Card $2 each

Image by Bugaboo Stamps
$4

Image by High Hopes Stamps
$4

Image by Whimsie Doodles
$4

This card is fully customizable in your choice of colors and sentiments

$3 each, set of 6 for $15 (set must all be same colors)

Images from Stampin Up!

Froggy Card $4
Image & Sentiment from Tiddly Inks

$3
Maya Fairy by Paper Makeup Stamps

Shear Sheep image by Doodle Pantry
$3

Remember $4
Image by Stampin Up!

Snail Tac Toe $4

Images from Paper Makeup Stamps

This card is fully customizable in your choice of colors $4 each

This card is fully customizable in your choice of colors and sentiments

$3 each, set of 6 for $15 (set must all be same colors)

Images from Stampin Up!

Baking Tilda $3
Image by Magnolia Inc.

Little Girl Happy Birthday $3
Image by Inktegrity

Kat Fairy $4
Image by Paper Makeup Stamps

This card is fully customizable in your choice of colors and sentiments
$3 each, set of 6 for $15 (set must all be same colors)
Images from Stampin Up!

This card is fully customizable in your choice of colors and sentiments
$3 each, set of 6 for $15 (set must all be same colors)
Images from Paper Makeup Stamps and Stampin Up!

Snail Mail $3
Images from Paper Makeup Stamps

This card is fully customizable in your choice of colors and sentiments
$4 each, set of 6 for $20 (set must all be same colors)
Images from Stampin Up!

Baby Boy Card $5
This card can also be done in other colors
Images by Paper Makeup Stamps and Stampin Up!

Happy Bird-day $4
Images from Paper Makeup Stamps

Birthday Card $4
Images from Stampin Up!