A Week of Presents

While I was in Brasil two of my friends sent me little packages.
I love gifts. Who doesn't?

This package was from my friend Marcia. She sent me beautiful ribbons, some hat pins, some rubber stamps, stamped images, a fantastic t-shirt (I love graphic t-shirts), some Pedras da Lua, and a great cake made of Fubu and coconut.

Check out her blogs here -
http://marciamattos.blogspot.com/ - this is her personal craft blog, and

http://estampandoalegria.blogspot.com/ - this is a blog that Marcia started with some friends in which they make cards for people who have cancer - to let people know that they are being thought of and to bring some color and happiness into their lives during their treatment.

This package was from my friend Carla. She is a master teacher of quilling in Brasil. The items in the photo are all used for quilling. Her husband made the template of circles. Carla is a very talented person.

Check out her blog here -
http://www.carla.prediger.nom.br/EnglishVersion.htm - in English, and
http://www.carla.prediger.nom.br/aberturaport.htm - in Portuguese.

Xmas Tree Ornament or Mandala

Here is another mandala or xmas tree ornament I made today. The image is from Outlines Rubber Stamps (www.outlinesrubberstamp.com). Although Outlines has it under their ornament topper section, I consider it a Mandala. It's called Sparkle Topper.

Desk/Note Pad - Stampin Up!

Wow!! Can't believe that I finally completed a project from start to finish AND put it up on my blog. Go figure. I'm in Brasil and had some time to play with stamps, papers, glue, embellishments.

It's a desk/note pad. Stamp set is from SU called Sense of Time. I wrapped a piece of cardstock with papers and then made the back side out of cardboard. Although it's not a real clock, I used some of Tim Holtz' game pieces on the clock face. I have to try to make this using a real clock.

Stamper's Quest - Search For A Trail Master

As many of you know, I have been part of the design team for Stamper's Quest (www.stampersquest.com) since its inception. Well our 1 year anniversary is quickly approaching. To celebrate our 1st anniversary, we're hosting a contest!! We are in search of our first ever Trail Master!! The contest will last the entire month of August, with winners of each round moving on to the next for a chance to win the position of Trail Master for 2009-2010. As Trail Master, you and your blog or website will appear on our Designer's page during your reigning year. You don't need a blog or website to enter - we want everyone to play - but this might be the perfect time to start a blog and show off your talents. Could the new Trail Master be you? You have to enter to win.

For all the details and rules, head over here and enter your creations -

http://stampersquest.com/2009/07/15/in-search-of-our-trail-master-its-a-contest/

Stamper's Quest - August Edition - Sneak Peeks

It's been a while since I've posted anything and I really need to be more proactive with my blog.

Here are 3 sneak peeks at my next 3 projects for the August 1, 2009 edition of Stamper's Quest. So check back then at www.stampersquest.com for the full photos, detailed instructions, and a list of supplies.

Can you guess the theme for August?

Petal Belle Cafe

No stamping related blog entry today. Just sharing some photos I took last night at my friend Elisa's cafe - Petal Belle - in SOHO. She was SUPPOSED to go to a dinner with me last night but had a last minute booking at the cafe. Here are just some fun shots I took of items around her cafe. I love macro photography!! Enjoy.

The pastries through the looking glass.

Birds in the window. I love this photo.

A painting done by Barbara - a friend of Elisa's. A great addition to the cafe.

The famous liege!!

Old fashioned spoons.

Ahhh, Easter M&Ms. Could life get any better?

Ahhhh, jelly beans. Life just got better!!

Announcing mini cupcakes. Delish!! You have to taste these.

Coffee!!

Real sugar.

Those mini cupcakes - again.

What could be better? Great cappuccino from Petal Belle (it really is good coffee), some gelato, and a liege. Get the liege warm and put the gelato on top. Delish.

Mojo Monday

There is a blog I was recently told about - Mojo Monday - http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/. Each week they post a sketch for you to use for the week. Here is my card for this week's sketch. Hope you like.

Paper" Black textured cardstock, patterned paper is from The Angel Company (retired).

Images: 3 flowers from the Botanical Bulbs sheet (INR-024) from Stamping Sensations (www.stampingsensations.com), circle image and phrase from Circle Sampler T2691 from The Angel Company (http://trent.ismyangel.net).