A Wonderful Day - (and a healthy dose of natural therapy).

What a beautiful, wonderful weekend!  The weather was perfect, and my lifelong dream of having a horse has finally come true.  After several weeks of hard, physical work with my mom and dad, the fences and shelter were ready on Saturday. 

It seems like a small thing to celebrate, but there is more to this story than just bringing a horse home. Receiving affection from an animal is a therapy unlike no other.  I've grown up with dogs, cats, fish, and even hamsters.  Horses are different.  Building a trust relationship with a horse requires no talking.  It's a slow and quiet process - and simply put - a dose of natural therapy.  I've found a quiet place with them inside my mind, and it settles my spirit and brings a calm that I've never known before.

Look at that face!  This is Tanner, a Fresian Cross/Foxtrotter Colt born on May 4th.  He's a curious guy - always stealing my sunglasses and hat when we play together.

I had no idea when I began this journey that I would end up with not one, but two horses.  Teacup is a Cremello Foxtrotter  rescued from an animal cruelty case by Seminole County in April 2013. She was taken in by Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue in Jones, Oklahoma.  Unknown to the Blaze group, she was carrying Tanner and foaled him on May 4th.  By the grace of God, he was healthy despite Teacup being malnourished and underweight.  They are both doing wonderful thanks to the work of Shawn and Natalee Cross at Blaze's Tribute.   I decided some weeks after visiting them, that Teacup and Tanner were a good match.  It has been a wonderful journey, and the beginning of a new phase in my life.

There is no better way to relax than to receive a healthy dose of natural therapy from my beautiful new family members! God has a purpose in everything, and I am feeling blessed that He led me to these two wonderful horses.

In His Grip,


Angi
John 10:28

Coffee & Friends

Every month I have the opportunity to participate in a one-to-one card swap.  Sherry, a fellow demonstrator, organizes this swap for our group of demonstrators  (the Ink Demos).  This is such a fun swap - no pressure, and it comes by the old fashioned US Post Office. 

How fun to receive a hand made card in the mail!   This month the card I received was made by Gayle.  I love this color combination - and this is my favorite stamp set of late!

What have you made this week?

Have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!

In His Grip,

Angi Lay

John 10:28

Ribbons Galore!

What a busy week - back to school for the kids and a new routine.  Rene is in color guard this year, and her schedule requires a 6:35 am drop off at the high school! That's not too early, but still enough of a change to make me tired this week.  On the brighter side, it does give me an extra 30 minutes of alone time in the morning, and I have been taking the dog on a walk after I drop her off. 

In July I anticipated how tiring this week would be, and decided that a back to school celebration was in order for today.  The first Saturday of the school year - and no better way to relax than to stamp with friends.

Ribbons, ribbons, and more ribbons! That was the theme. Tips and tricks on how to use ribbon for embellishing cards.  I recently discovered a technique using clear blocks to tie flat nots and beautiful bows that helps to conserve ribbon.  If you missed out on this class today, be sure to ask about this technique!  

Didn't this one turn out elegant and soft?  This ribbon technique is called rouching - or you can just say gathering.  It is accomplished by using a simple slip stitch up the ribbon, sewing diagonally across the ribbon back and forth.  It is not a technique that I use on a daily basis, but it is a nice touch when you want to send something special.  

We finished the afternoon with a sneak peak at the new Envelope Punch Board.   I've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of my pre-order, and it arrived just in time!  Keep an eye out for an upcoming class for this product - you will receive a free package of designer series paper when you order the Envelope Punch Board!

A big thank you to Laura, Joan, and Debbie for coming to stamp with me today!

In His Grip,

Angi Lay

John 10:28

Sneak Peak: Stock Up Stamp-A-Stack!

I love to host a Stamp-A-Stack!  It is a good opportunity to use new supplies and create 5 unique designs for the event.  I like for the projects to be a surprise, but I wanted to give you a sneak peak of two of the cards we will be making on Saturday. 

I must admit there is a disclaimer to this sneak peak.  These are two designs that I have created today, but if you end up seeing something different on Saturday, don't be upset!  I tend to add and enhance things as I go, and these are rough designs to start the process.

What is  your creative process?  I would love to hear  your story on Saturday.  Don't forget to RSVP to receive your free gift!

In His Grip,

Angi Lay

John 10:28

Stamp-A-Stack

I am gearing up for Saturday's Stamp-A-Stack!  Paper, ribbons, adhesive, ink, bone folder, .......it seems like my craft room is full of little elves that keep leaving things on the table?!  How does that keep happening?

If you have not already sent your RSVP, we still have seats available on Saturday.  As a bonus, everyone who sends an RSVP will receive a FREE GIFT.  You can thank my fellow demonstrators who brought home fabulous ideas from convention.  I just couldn't wait to try a few out, and am passing along the joy to you. 

Bring a friend to the event and you both will attend for free! (and don't forget to RSVP for your friend too so I can include the free gift for her - or him.)

I am also hoping that my order will come in so I can demonstrate the new Thinlits card dies! You are going to love how easy these dies make creating "flip" cards. 

You can find out more about these wonderful dies on the Stampin' Up! You Tube channel:
http://youtu.be/CwdGSYeIn44

Check back tomorrow for a Sneak Peak of Saturday's Stamp-A-Stack!

RSVP to: Anginettel@yahoo.com or Call 618-8717
Time: 3 PM to 7 PM - Drop in - it will take at least one hour to complete your projects.
Place: My home - 701 S Indian Meridian, Choctaw

In His Grip,

Angi Lay
John 10:28

Embossing Success!

It was a wonderful class today - thanks to Laura and Melody for stamping with me (and Denna for coming to visit!).  I presented a sneak peak of a few products from the Holiday Catalog, and we used dry embossing and heat embossing techniques.  

These two cards were inspired by projects on the Stampin' Up website, and I even used the new Envelope Liner framelits to customize the envelope for the wedding/anniversary card. Wow, those framelits make the liners easy to create and add such elegance to a project like this.

 The second card featured stamps from several of the 25th Anniversary "Best Of" stamp sets including the Best of Flowers, Best of Greetings, and the Best of Butterflies.  The Afternoon Picnic designer series paper added just enough color and gave it a nice accent.

We missed everyone who couldn't make it today, and hope to see you at the next class!  Don't forget to check the schedule and send in your RSVP!

Class Schedule can be found at:

www.bluegalestudios.stampinup.net

Happy Stamping!

In His Grip, 

Angi Lay

John 10:28

Beat the Heat!

Don't get me wrong, I love to be outside and work in the yard.  But sometimes, in the middle of July and August, I just avoid going out unless I'm in my bathing suit and headed to the pool.  I find myself stamping during the hottest part of the summer, because I enjoy it, and also to beat the heat!

I was so excited to receive my pre-order from the Holiday Catalog that is coming out. I already have my fall projects planned, and I can't wait to share them with you...so be sure to check back often so you don't miss the fall schedule.

There are several promotions right now:

1. Buy One Get One Free! On Select Designer Series Paper
2. Pick a Free Project! Sign up to be a demonstrator, and receive a free project kit in addition to the demonstrator starter kit. (Need to know more? Come with me August 3rd to the regional Ink the Beginning Demonstrator meeting!)
3. Photo polymer stamps- if you have seen these or used them yet, you will definitely want to attend the next class on Saturday, July 27th from 1 pm to 3 pm

{ Current Promotions! }

 The other exciting announcement I have to make is the launch of my GIVING TREE project.  For several months, I have felt a gentle "pulling" on my heart to start a ministry for our community.  There are so many people in my church, and that I work with that just need a little boost now and again.  I don't have much to give, but I enjoy making cards and writing notes of encouragement to send to family and friends.  I don't have anything big planned, but I have to start somewhere! The first meeting for the group will be on Tuesday, July 30th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.  To find out more, read the July Newsletter.

Check back tomorrow too - I'll be posting some sneak peak pictures of projects for the upcoming classes.

In His Grip,

Angi
John 10:28
 

 

A trio of fathers

Father's Day........

What a blessed life.  As I recall the memories of my childhood with my father, I feel so very blessed to still have him in my life.   His humor has made me laugh, his love has provided comfort, and his anger has given me understanding.   There is no greater man than a father.  And my father is no exception.

For the three special father's in my life, I spent some time at my stamping table.  My youngest daughter, Kaia, was my assistant this afternoon.

For my dad, I chose to use the Open Sea stamp set along with the new Dictionary background stamp.   This color combination - midnight muse, smoky slate, cherry cobbler, and basic black - is masculine and provides just enough warmth.  In my early 20's, I was an enthusiastic scuba diver.  My dad is the one who has always made me believe I could accomplish the impossible.  He puts the wind in my sails and helps me to move forward when I just feel like giving up.  

For my father-in-law, I chose the Clockworks stamp set and used the Soho Subway designer series paper.   I really liked how the color combination on this card turned out (baked brown sugar, midnight muse, and smoky slate).  He is a direction giver - and is always finding ways to teach my children something in everything they do.  His time and energy are such a blessing for my children, and I am very thankful he freely gives his love and energy to them.

And lastly, for my knight in shining armor, Kaia and I used Modern Medley designer series paper, and a stamp from one of the Paper Pumpkin kits (I love these kits!  I find myself using the stamps on many of my projects and they are a wonderful addition.)  And of course, we couldn't resist using a little versa mark to put her footprint on the card (and emboss with black).  Kaia loves to watch the magic happen when we emboss, and I really enjoy it too! It never gets old watching the powder melt and give the card just the right touch of elegance or "wow".

How did you show the men in your life you are thankful for them?  

In His Grip,

Angi

John 10:28

Wild About Paper Pumpkin

Paper What?

It's amazing what Stampin' Up! develops, markets, and sells.  Quality products, excellent design, and all with the busy woman in mind.  Of course, for those ladies that have a little more free time, they have something for that too.

Paper Pumpkin.

One of the new product lines that is out that I am in love with......we have a monthly meeting...just my paper pumpkin and my stamping table.    My life right now is packed with work, children ranging in ages from 2 to 16, and my goals to develop healthy living by eating right and spending some time at the gym sweating.  My stamping table only gets a small portion of my time right now, which is exactly why I love the Paper Pumpkin.  It is delivered to me every month in a cute orange box, all dressed up and filled with something new.  A surprise every month! I never know what the project will be, but everything I need is inside.  I just add a little adhesive (my adhesive of choice is usually the Snail), ink up the stamps, put it to paper, and Voila!

Here is the latest I created - all within about 15 minutes.  Love this stamp set!

The wonderful thing about this Paper Pumpkin magic: it keeps me stamping even when I think I don't have the time.  

I'd love for you to join me at my Paper Pumpkin table this month.  Order by the 10th at  MyPaperPumpkin.com and be sure to select me as your demonstrator.  Or you can give me a call and I will sign  you up.  The Paper Pumpkin celebration will occur on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.  

In His Grip,

Angi

John 10:28

Living the Retired Life.....

Every year I look forward to retirement......I get to browse through my most cherished memories with my stamp sets, and mark them retired to live the happy life.

Ok, so maybe that's a little stretch, but I do get excited this time of year.  The buzz of the new catalog that will come out, sneak peaks, lists of my favorite stamps and accessories that will no longer be offered ... And my favorite part: DISCOUNTS GALORE!  As the Stampin' Up! Home office prepares for a new year and new product line, they are trying to clear the warehouse of any items that will no longer be available.  That means up to 60% off!  Check it out today before your favorites are sold out! 

And if you place an order online, be sure to use Hostess Code: 3BGD7YBA.  For every order you place between now and May 10th, you will be entered into the Mystery Hostess challenge.  One lucky person will receive the hostess benefits for all orders placed - and will be announced on May 11th.  So, call today to place your order or order online at www.bluegalestudios.stampinup.net

Annual Dirty Santa

What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday!  The Ink Demos annual Dirty Santa gift exchange was this past Saturday.  This is my favorite event of the year.  Not only do I get to visit with a fabulous group of creative women, but I also get to see their talents!  This year our gift exchange ended up being exclusively Christmas decorations - which were ALL beautiful. 

My contribution was  this Christmas tree made out of an old Stampin' Up catalog.  A little glue, a little spray paint, A LOT of giltter, some ribbon........And I even figured out how to use our Heat and Stick powder to adhere the glitter to the center of my star.......I feel very accomplished having done this.

 

Happy Stamping!  Have a wonderful week!

Joyfully & Stampfully, 

Angi Lay

#12 - Ornamental Greens

This week Color Me Beautiful! has a combination of green hues to inspire and challenge every stamper.  I started to do a Christmas theme, but decided that I wanted to use the Postage Due (item # 126397) stamp set since I hadn't used it more than once. 

I have fallen in love with this color combination - which caught me by surprise.  I have a hard time with green's most days, but this particular combination of Lucky Limeade, Certainly Celery, and Old Olive really work well together.  Adding the Soft Suede and Sahara Sand really gave the final layout a sense of balance. 

I used the One in a Million (#126382) stamp set for the greeting on the inside, and the Memorable Moments (#126682) stamp set for the birthday/anniversary wish on the front of the card.  The Memorable Moments stamp set works well with the clear mount because the "Happy" stamp can be mounted on the same block with the "Birthday" or "Anniversary" stamp.  This allows you to line up the greeting and stamp it together, which greatly increases your chances of stamping it straight! Well, at least for me.  I normally use my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig® when stamping greetings, because I am a natural "crooked" stamper.  I actually didn't have to use it this time because I was able to line the text up on the block.

What do you think about this color combination?  I would love to see your own creation, so be sure to post your project to the Color Me Beautiful! Challenge blog by next Thursday.

Thank you to everyone who came to class today!  I am having fun with my new bow maker, and I hope you are too!

 

 If you missed out on class and want to know more about this fun tool that will change your perspective on tying bows, stay tuned for a video following Thanksgiving.

Give Thanks, for the day is good and our God is in control.  May your week be filled with blessings and gratitude fill your heart.

Joyfully,

Angi

Black Friday Shopper?

Admittedly, I am not a "shopper".  I do enjoy spending time with friends browsing stores, but only because of the company and the time spent together. 

I'm going to try something a little different this year with my stamping friends!  Stampin' Up! has an Online Extravaganza this year offering discounts up to 50% off!  But, if you're like me, sometimes shopping online can be a BORING event......it's much better to shop with friends.  And how about throwing in a little project and free gift with purchase? 

Join me on November 27th for a come and go event from 5 - 8 pm to celebrate the start of the Christmas season, and to take advantage of the Online Extravaganza!

Ink-Redible!

What a wonderful way to kick off November and December!  A free collection of ink pads (that's 10 colors), when you host a qualifying workshop or join my team.  That's a deal!

And, I'm also excited to announce the new Stampin' Trimmer is available to order! I've been using this trimmer for 2 weeks now, and I love it! It's not too big, and not too small!  It's also more stable and allows me to keep my scoring and cutting blades on at the same time.

Not enough excitement for you?  Then try this on for size!  FREE DIGITAL Downloads this week!  I've become a big fan of the digital scrapbooking world....and I was thrilled when I found out there were free downloads!  Haven't tried this yet?  Just go to my website ( Blue Gale Studios )and download the free trial!

A Little Love

This time of year is full of birthdays and anniversaries for our family.   I will be celbrating my own 5 year anniversary this year with my wonderful husband, Nate, in November.  It always makes me relfect on how blessed I feel, how glad I am that he challenges me, and how very thankful that I get to spend my life with him.

Inspired by my overwhelming feeling of greatfulness and love during this time of year, I just couldn't help but make a simple but sweet card for a newly married couple (or even for an anniversary).  Of course, I'm in the process of coming up with something extra special for Nate - but I'll have to wait and share that after I give it to him.

And, of course I really can't resist sharing a little picture of my helper.  Did you know the Big Shot doubles as a stool?  Kaia definitely loves to "ink" with me, and I enjoy sharing my space with her. Obviosuly, she is still learning the tricks of the trade.....but maybe in a month or two she'll learn to turn the "wheel" on the Big Shot instead of sitting on it! Henestly though, how can I not smile at her when she gives me this look........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One-Step Watercolor

Just to prepare you - this is my first attempt at creating a technique video.  It's imperfect in every way, but I did enjoy the process and learned along the way!

This video focuses on a watercolor technique for the non-artist.  It's a simple way to create that watercolor effect without investing too much time. And for the busy mom, you'll hear in this video I had a little help along the way.

Thanks for joining, and I welcome your comments!

Happy Stamping!

A parade time

There may be times when I am weary - but the effort is always worth it for these little smiles.  Homecoming week for Choctaw High School included  a parade on Thursday night.  Since my oldest is in the marching band, I took Dorian and Kaia to see her march in the parade.

It was a fun, but tiring time.  We parked a 1/2 mile from the school to watch the parade, and then had to walk to the school to find Rene after it was over.  By the end of the evening, Dorian and Kaia had walked nearly a mile!  Their little legs held up well, and even though we didn't eat dinner until after the parade they were perfectly content with a few pieces of parade candy.  (As you can see in the picture, Kaia enjoyed the Tootsie Rolls the best! She thought they were gum......)

My beautiful children - I feel so blessed.  Some days may be challenging, but well worth the energy.

Color Me Beautiful Challenge #7

If you haven't had the opportunity to look at this challenge series, you are missing out!  Connie Stewart, a fellow demonstrator, is part of the design team for this challenge.  This week, I had a little extra time (amazing!), and was so inspired by this color combo, that I just had to participate!

This card uses a watercolor technique using markers, water color paper, and a light misting of water.  I love the effect this created......I'll be posting a technique video later in the week on how to create this card, so check back in a few days.

I hope you enjoy this card.  To see more bout the challenge, please visit the Color Me Beautiful blog at http://colormebeautifulchallenge.blogspot.com/

Thanks for sharing the challenge, Connie!

New Events!

Looking for something fun to do? 

Join me at my stamping table on October 23rd from 6 pm to 8 pm.  This class will feature Embellishing How To's to get your creative juices flowing.  Fast and Easy ways to step up that card that you just feel "Needs a little something more.....".

OR

Join me for the Annual Choctaw Early Learning Center Stamp-A-Stack Fundraiser on November 3rd.  This event will include 15 All-Purpose Greeting Cards.

Pre-K Already? A scrapbook day.

It is certainly a challenge to keep my scrapbooks updated, but I'm determined!  With my middle child, Dorian, starting Pre-K this year, I've made myself a promise that I would try to "pre-scrap" big events (like his first day of Pre-K).  Now when I take those precious photos, I have a place to put them.  In the digital age, it is so easy to leave them on my computer, but I do prefer having something to hold. 

A few tips and tricks

1. To create a photo mat, cut the mat 1/2 inch larger than the photo.  This gives a 1/4 inch border around the photo.  To create a double mat, cut the second mat 1 inch larger than the photo.  This method works nicely to create a 5 x 7 space for a 4 x 6 photo.

2.  Keep it simple.  When cutting your photo mats, use a stampin' write marker to indicate the size photograph that can be placed on the mat.  This allows you to create layouts with different size photos without having to remember or re-measure the space when you are ready to mount your photos.