tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822694283167494282024-03-13T08:54:08.332-05:00Jill's JemsJill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.comBlogger293125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-59722280117042175872015-01-04T14:09:00.002-06:002015-01-04T14:09:45.567-06:00HAPPY NEW YEAR - HAPPY NEW BABY!<span id="goog_1830492882">When I got onto blogger this morning, I signed in using my google account, wrote & posted my entry for today, went to my blog to view the post and it wasn't there. So I signed out, went back in and it showed it posted but when I went online to view it, it still isn't there. Apparently I have 2 blogs with the same name - the log-in is just different. Go figure!</span><br />
2015 has arrived and with it the promises I make to myself to to things better.
Eat better, be more active, be more creative, be better about posting what I
create, etc. So it is now the 4th of January and I want to share a card I made
yesterday to celebrate the birth of my new great-nephew, Ellis, who was born
last night at 6:33 p.m. Welcome to the world Ellis!!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2xpXLicGME/VKmSH-Dq9tI/AAAAAAAAACY/6VMxZX_t9lg/s1600/BABY%2BELLIS%2B-%2BFRONT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2xpXLicGME/VKmSH-Dq9tI/AAAAAAAAACY/6VMxZX_t9lg/s1600/BABY%2BELLIS%2B-%2BFRONT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The idea is not an original. I saw something
similar on Pinterest (I think) but thought it was so cute I wanted to make one
myself. The original used a Teddy Bear popping out of the dresser drawer and an
image by Mo Manning of a child dressing itself. After spending hours looking
though my stamps and online through images of babies, I came to the sad
conclusion I would have to either draw my own or pay money for an image I would
probably only use one time. So, I drew the image of the sitting baby and colored
it using Copics.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJU2CHNPuMs/VKmVpIPAbEI/AAAAAAAAACk/diNRt4kcHQ8/s1600/BABY%2BELLIS%2B-%2Bside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJU2CHNPuMs/VKmVpIPAbEI/AAAAAAAAACk/diNRt4kcHQ8/s1600/BABY%2BELLIS%2B-%2Bside.jpg" width="150" /></a>I personally think every little boy needs a puppy, so
instead of the teddy bear sticking out of the dresser drawer, I found an image
in my stamp stash of this cute little patchwork puppy. The original card used
white brads for the drawer pulls, but I liked the idea of the little buttons. A
little designer paper for the dresser front and the wall behind the baby - and
it was finished. I love the way the cuts and folds to the card make it stand up.
Too cute.<br /><br />Until Next Time - <br />God Bless & happy stamping!<br />Jill Jill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-27485806982300847572012-08-02T08:09:00.001-05:002012-08-02T08:09:49.172-05:00HAPPY HARVEST (A little early)JUST A THOUGHT....<br />
How did the scarecrow even know he didn't have a brain?!?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FCYXqie3cg/UBp7hwFeOsI/AAAAAAAABhk/hyRoggD1b88/s1600/08-02-12+-+HAPPY+HARVEST+SCARECROW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FCYXqie3cg/UBp7hwFeOsI/AAAAAAAABhk/hyRoggD1b88/s640/08-02-12+-+HAPPY+HARVEST+SCARECROW.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
Saw that saying on the web the other day and just had to put it into a card. This is the result.<br />
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The scarecrow is an old Stampin'Up! image from the retired set "HAPPY HARVEST". I love the old SU! stamp sets. The artwork was amazing back then. I used Copics to color him - cut out the image then popped it up on a background of woven, textured WALLPAPER. (Just another reminder to not throw anything away!)<br />
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The sentiment was computer generated onto a piece of Neenah Solar Classic White cardstock - which is what I use for coloring with Copics. Seems to work very well.<br />
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Thanks for visiting - <br />
Until next time - <br />
Happy Stamping!<br />
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JillJill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-34295572731424005662012-07-14T08:04:00.001-05:002012-07-14T08:04:36.476-05:00WALLPAPER SAMPLEGood Morning Friends!<br />
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It's early Saturday morning here in Central Illinois and I'm HAPPY to say, "It is raining!!!!!" It's been so hot and dry that I am truly thankful for this. My prayer however is that it will stop by about 3:00 p.m. so we can still have a family picnic that is planned for this evening.<br />
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I want to share a beautiful, fall leaf card I made last week. I know it's mid-summer - with temperatures holding steady now in the mid 90's here - but I am DREAMING of AUTUMN. I know I am not the only one either. My son is on the count-down for deer hunting season to begin (October 1st) and one of my nieces posted a similar sentiment on facebook yesterday.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAGBi4DMw5w/UAFsN8SbjqI/AAAAAAAABhY/fayZ9S8hVrg/s1600/07-07-12+-+FALL+LEAF+PEELS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAGBi4DMw5w/UAFsN8SbjqI/AAAAAAAABhY/fayZ9S8hVrg/s640/07-07-12+-+FALL+LEAF+PEELS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I had fun making this card using Starform Peels from Elizabeth Craft Designs. There are so many different designs and techniques - it's very addicting - and EASY!!!!!</div>
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For this card I simply used the outline portion of a peel and placed it on a light rose red designer paper and cut around the ouline. For the 2nd leaf, I used the leftover "innards" from the same peel and carefully cut around the shape left by the outline peel to create a 2nd outline. I then temporarily adhered it to a piece of transfer paper (also available through Elizabeth Craft Designs), transferred it to a piece of purple designer paper, and cut it out.</div>
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I added some gold thread, a couple of brads, and some gold ink around the die-cut rectangle to finish.</div>
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Like I said, very EASY!!!!</div>
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Thanks for visiting with me today -</div>
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Until Next Time - </div>
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Happy Stamping!</div>
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Jill</div>
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</div>Jill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-57336084305019483052012-05-27T12:15:00.001-05:002012-05-27T12:18:53.864-05:00TECHNIQUE: GLITTERED ROSESGood Sunday morning to everyone. I've been productive this morning - up early, to church by 7:00 a.m., out to breakfast with hubby, and now ready to post a gorgimous card I made last week and show you, photo by photo, how to do the technique. <u>NOTE: Alanna, this technique is not for you!</u> - nor is it for anyone who doesn't like to work with glitter.<br />
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First, here's the card:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1wRxdVWHvUE/T8JBwm1W-jI/AAAAAAAABf4/4ECk_8Y4zMg/s1600/05-28-12+-+CORAL+ROSES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1wRxdVWHvUE/T8JBwm1W-jI/AAAAAAAABf4/4ECk_8Y4zMg/s1600/05-28-12+-+CORAL+ROSES.jpg" /></a></div>
Isn't it goregous???? You should see the sparkle in real life - it really is beautiful.<br />
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Now, for the technique. <br />
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I was lucky enough to purchase all my supplies at a local business, <a href="http://www.tremontgallery.com/">TREMONT GALLERY & RUBBER RAINBOWS</a>. If you don't have a local stamp store willing to special order for you, call Carla or Ann at the Tremont Gallery (866-925-4438). They will order and ship direct to you. Make sure to tell them I sent you. Otherwise, you can purchase the supplies online.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Id45D5bDcw/T8JJPAVdIvI/AAAAAAAABgE/ochjyNWeLV4/s1600/2012-05-27+09.15.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 261px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 210px;"><img border="0" height="200" qba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Id45D5bDcw/T8JJPAVdIvI/AAAAAAAABgE/ochjyNWeLV4/s200/2012-05-27+09.15.54.jpg" width="150" /></a>To begin you will need some type of outline sticker. I used <a href="http://www.starform.com/starform_pro/pro_stickerResult.asp?lang=EN">Starfoam</a> #1282 in black for my sample card but any brand will work. You will need a double-sided tape large enough to cover your design. I have a huge 4.5" wide roll of <u>"</u>BE CREATIVE TAPE" I recommend using Glitter Ritz Micro Fine Transparent glitter. You can try others - but make sure it is micro-fine. I have been told that other brands tear away at your marker nibs. </div>
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The last items you will need are as follows:</div>
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Markers</div>
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Glitter Container with Lid</div>
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White Cardstock</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3RxcztT9zs/T8JJu1D9YGI/AAAAAAAABgM/7dfS6NdWUFk/s1600/2012-05-27+09.35.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3RxcztT9zs/T8JJu1D9YGI/AAAAAAAABgM/7dfS6NdWUFk/s320/2012-05-27+09.35.47.jpg" width="320" /></a><strong>Step One</strong>: Choose your design and cut a piece of double-sided tape large enough to fit the design. Place the sticky side face down on the white cardstock (right side of photo), remove AND KEEP the backing (now referred to as the transfer sheet).</div>
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<strong>Step Two</strong>: Gently peel off the outline sticker and place it <u><strong>STICKY SIDE UP</strong></u> on the back (non-printed side) of the transfer sheet. </div>
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<u><strong>It is important that you place it sticky side up</strong></u> on the transfer sheet, otherwise you will end up with glue and glitter on the sticker outline. You can still use it - but it doesn't have the "pop" that the sticker will have if you do it correctly. In the photo to the left, you can see the difference. The photo on the left was placed sticky side down.</div>
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I would like to tell you I did that purposely to show the difference between right and wrong - but unfortunately, I did not do it on purpose. It was a mistake. :(</div>
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Step Three: Flip transfer sheet with the sticker image onto the double sided tape so that the sticker is now sandwiched between the transfer sheet and the double-sided tape.</div>
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Step Four: With the transfer sheet still attached, carefully trim around the sticker, removing most of the excess cardstock.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EV5eqedD0_w/T8JUhUsb8II/AAAAAAAABgw/lSl-VQdYSyU/s1600/2012-05-27+09.37.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EV5eqedD0_w/T8JUhUsb8II/AAAAAAAABgw/lSl-VQdYSyU/s200/2012-05-27+09.37.48.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Step Five: Peel away the transfer sheet.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KMpKj-ai7B0/T8JUsQFtkvI/AAAAAAAABg4/uxUcJuf38c4/s1600/2012-05-27+09.39.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KMpKj-ai7B0/T8JUsQFtkvI/AAAAAAAABg4/uxUcJuf38c4/s200/2012-05-27+09.39.10.jpg" width="200" /></a>Step Six: With glitter container under the sticker, apply glitter to the sticky side of the design. Gently move around with your finger so that the entire image is covered with glitter, then tap off the excess into the glitter container. * This stuff is expensive $8.49 per 10 gram bottle - so use sparingly and catch as much in the container as possible.</div>
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Step Seven: Lay the image on the desktop and firmly burnish the glitter into the image with your finger.</div>
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Step Eight: Using a soft-bristled paint brush, brush off the excess glitter into the glitter container and close lid.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIOTfQulDbY/T8JVPduTyyI/AAAAAAAABhA/-mndsXgKPF8/s1600/2012-05-27+09.48.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIOTfQulDbY/T8JVPduTyyI/AAAAAAAABhA/-mndsXgKPF8/s200/2012-05-27+09.48.03.jpg" width="200" /></a>Step Nine: Closely trim away the excess cardstock.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IQk_fXosGDs/T8JXuiuGwaI/AAAAAAAABhM/TKbeHBgm2wI/s1600/05-28-12+-+CORAL+ROSES1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" qba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IQk_fXosGDs/T8JXuiuGwaI/AAAAAAAABhM/TKbeHBgm2wI/s200/05-28-12+-+CORAL+ROSES1.jpg" width="200" /></a>Step Ten: Color the design. If using Copics or any other alcohol based marker, use the chisel end of the marker and "dot" on the color. The usual coloring motion will cause the glue to soften (from the alcohol) and the circular motion will move it and the glitter off the cardstock, leaving unglittered spots. </div>
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***NOTE: you will have glitter residue on your marker nib which is why I recommend using the chisel end of the marker.</div>
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That's it. It's a fairly simple technique but the results are stunning.</div>
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Thanks for visiting - </div>
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and until next time,</div>
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Happy Stamping.</div>
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Jill</div>
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<br /></div>Jill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-55560143296418652982012-05-26T19:07:00.000-05:002012-05-26T19:07:41.250-05:00I'M BAAAAACK!If you are familiar with the movie "INDEPENDENCE DAY", then I'm pretty sure you can hear the inflection when I announce, "I'm baaaaack." I just looked at my last post and was shocked to see that it was from 6 months ago! I recently was notified that I have 2 new subscribers - if you recently subscribed to this blog, I promise to try to do better with updating posts.<br />
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I have spent the past 2 weeks "re-doing" my office/stamp room. It consisted of taking out some furnishings and replacing them with items that offer more storage so I could de-clutter. It also allowed me to remove the cabinets hubby put up for me. With the removal of the overhead cabinets, I was able to decorate the wall above my computer desk. This is what it looks like. Can you guess the theme of the room?????<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzsFjAXgN_4/T8Fp6dg3JzI/AAAAAAAABfY/ep2yphbZ7lE/s1600/MY+OFFICE+WALL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" qba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzsFjAXgN_4/T8Fp6dg3JzI/AAAAAAAABfY/ep2yphbZ7lE/s640/MY+OFFICE+WALL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I haven't painted the walls yet - I'm thinking a pale green - for this wall only. The rest of the room has the furniture in place but I haven't finished decorating the walls - so no photos yet.<br />
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In honor of my frog themed room, I thought it only fitting that the first card I created in this space should keep with the theme.<br />
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The FROG stamp is #1122 from Inkadinkadoo. I saw this little word stamp (#H166 "Thank You Swirl" from Stampendous) and thought it was the perfect addition since the frog seems to be pointing a something - starting at one hand and ending with the other. </div>
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Mr. Frog was colored with Copics YG00, YG05, YG99, RV32, & R27 then outlined using B41.<br />
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I added "googley eyes" with mini glue dots. The center of the Prima Flower is a fabric covered button from Hobby Lobby. <br />
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Cardstock is Rich Razzleberry and Pear ???? from Stampin'Up. Can't tell you the name of the designer paper because it is from a paperpack that I've had for so long the cover is missing. (See why it's not good to let go of those old papers - this had the perfect shades of frog green. :)<br />
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Thanks for popping in and visiting with me today.<br />
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Until next time - <br />
Happy Stamping.<br />
Jill<br />Jill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-29541888769670902242011-11-23T07:31:00.007-06:002011-11-23T07:42:31.522-06:00HAPPY THANKSGIVING!Just sharing the holiday spirit. The inside reads ...and give thanks to the Lord for your many blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!"<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678185272002047122" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTGwYlm1Te0/Tsz3a6qJbJI/AAAAAAAABfQ/I9jVxLuuNfo/s400/2011-11-20%2B18.38.51.jpg" />The turkey is an image I found online. I don't know who the artist is - but he/she is good with a wonderful sense of humor. It was a pre-colored image - so I had to redraw it before I could color it - but well worth it. At least I think so. The sentiment comes from a card I saw online - just too cute all around.<br /><br /><p>Hope all of you have a blessed, and happy day of thanksgiving.</p><br />JillJill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-80215281493712328062011-10-08T15:36:00.008-05:002011-10-08T15:54:13.038-05:00Christmas Penguins<div>Just a quick post today. I spent the morning sorting & filing stacks of papers (bills, receipts, DSP, etc) then rearranged the desk tops in my craft/computer room. I have 3 desks in here - one that is the computer desk and two others that I use for stamping. I decided it was silly to have two desks for stamping and nowhere to set up my sewing machine - so now I have one desk used exclusively for stamping and the other primarily for sewing - but it can be easily converted back to a stamping desk if I have a friend in to play. We also use the computer desk for stamping when I have more than one stamping buddy visiting.</div><br /><div>I played around all last evening with an idea for a Christmas Card and just couldn't pull it together. I was at a friend's house working on it - so I don't know if I just got to chatty and wasn't concentrating, if I was tired or if the mojo was just not there - but whatever the reason it didn't work. All I had complete was the green border attached to the colored image. The REALLY sad thing is I had stamped and colored the image the night before that! Today however, after cleaning and re-organizing the room, I sat down and put this together in about 15 minutes.</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661225410808322626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IoImPF_Z23I/TpC2hESlGkI/AAAAAAAABfE/pg2ovSYO2nY/s400/2011-10-08%2B15.07.09.jpg" /> <br /><div></div><br /><div>Sorry the photo is so washed out. I took it with my cell phone and it just doesn't do what my camera can. The penguins and the wreath are from a Stampin' Up! set called "Polar Party". Aren't they adorable????? The set also has a trio of decorated Christmas Trees, a polar bear, and a stack of presents. It's a really cute set and loads of fun to color.</div><br /><div>I applied Dazzling Details to the berries on the wreath and under the penguins feet to add some pizazz. It turned out pretty cute - but unfortunately, it doesn't show up well in the photo.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Thanks for visiting - </div><br /><div>until next time - </div><br /><div>Happy Stamping.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Jill</div>Jill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-27004531920059889262011-09-29T08:44:00.012-05:002011-09-29T16:56:30.514-05:00WHERE HAVE ALL THE CARD POSTS GONE???I've taken up ANOTHER crafting hobby and unfortunately there are just not enough crafting hours in a day to accomplish all that I want to. And though this isn't the only reason I've not been posting many cards- knitting has been sucking up all that spare crafting time since I began in late July. Since I picked up my first pair of needles and some yarn, I've made a ruffled scarf<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5HA7m9h4up0/ToR-DPbDXrI/AAAAAAAABeU/b671gfl2-TM/s1600/SCALLOPED%2BEDGE%2BSCARF.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657785626028891826" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5HA7m9h4up0/ToR-DPbDXrI/AAAAAAAABeU/b671gfl2-TM/s200/SCALLOPED%2BEDGE%2BSCARF.JPG" /></a> & matching headband, <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PsG6lWsG8Mw/ToR-DZ3jgxI/AAAAAAAABec/Cqm03acraPw/s1600/FLORAL%2BHEADBAND.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657785628832793362" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PsG6lWsG8Mw/ToR-DZ3jgxI/AAAAAAAABec/Cqm03acraPw/s200/FLORAL%2BHEADBAND.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>2 pumpkin hats,<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_ultKJdH5A/ToR-EAkW8PI/AAAAAAAABes/6UNrlLmNLVU/s1600/PUMPKIN%2BHAT.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657785639221260530" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_ultKJdH5A/ToR-EAkW8PI/AAAAAAAABes/6UNrlLmNLVU/s200/PUMPKIN%2BHAT.JPG" /></a> a cupcake hat,<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KASsdDq08L0/ToR-EupaHPI/AAAAAAAABe0/JTGx1xUkx1o/s1600/CUPCAKE%2BHAT.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657785651590470898" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KASsdDq08L0/ToR-EupaHPI/AAAAAAAABe0/JTGx1xUkx1o/s200/CUPCAKE%2BHAT.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div>3 stuffed hedgehogs, <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inG5Eu_XRHk/ToR-D8ZRHvI/AAAAAAAABek/yxsbBXOsk0g/s1600/HUGGABLE%2BHEDGEHOG.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 168px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657785638100999922" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inG5Eu_XRHk/ToR-D8ZRHvI/AAAAAAAABek/yxsbBXOsk0g/s200/HUGGABLE%2BHEDGEHOG.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>a camoflauge hat with ear flaps (no photo)</div><br /><br /><div>and this turquoise, green & yellow hoodie. </div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 245px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657796538110819410" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-elkf2NQisK8/ToSH-aGHvFI/AAAAAAAABe8/6VvWton2oN8/s400/HAIDEN%2527S%2BHOODIE.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I've started felted slippers now - but hopefully will have time to make some cards to post over the weekend.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thanks for being patient with me - </div><br /><div>and until next time - </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Happy Crafting - no matter what your hands are finding to do!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Jill </div></div></div></div>Jill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-83465089518053792012011-09-16T15:14:00.007-05:002011-09-16T15:46:02.868-05:00BREATHTAKINGOkay. I'm sorry. I know this is probably bragging - but, really - this card in real life almost takes my breath away! I think it just might be the most beautiful card I've EVER made. All the elements came together - in one single card - and honestly - that rarely happens for me. Usually there is something about every card I wish I had done differently - but not this one. I love it!!!! (And to my non-stamping nieces who are reading this - I understand that you won't understand my enthusiasm. It's okay - you can think I'm crazy. I'll still love you.) Here's the card.<br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653058558381792818" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6CNoiWkgl7Q/TnOyzsLUHjI/AAAAAAAABd8/lTM2Yj8ROXM/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B091611.jpg" /></p><br /><p>Unfortunately the photo doesn't do it justice. The color cast is very yellow on my monitor and the shimmer on the cardstock doesn't show. I took a close-up detail photo so you can get the idea of what I'm seeing and what isn't showing in the photo of the entire card.</p><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653059189550039794" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QCqTp6JQTiA/TnOzYbdjQvI/AAAAAAAABeE/1wPTjaqcjxk/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B091611B.jpg" /><br />Supplies:</p><br />Four the Holidays Stamp Set<br />Day of Gratitude Stamp Set<br />Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla Cardstock<br />Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint<br />Rubbing Alcohol<br />Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy & Real Red Markers<br />Dazzling Details<br />Ribbon from Big Lots<br />Antique Brads<br />Snail Adhesive<br />2-way glue pen<br />Dimensionals<br />1/8" hole punch<br /><br /><div>If you are coming to my workshop tomorrow, you'll get to see this card as well as see some ideas on how to use this stamp set (DAY OF GRATITUDE) in some less traditional ways. We will also be previewing an item coming up for sell from Stampin'Up! in October. It's a totally different product line - and I'm lovin' it.</div><br /><br /><div>Thanks for visiting today and until next time - <em>Happy Stamping</em>!</div><br /><br />JillJill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-34170832219886167372011-09-09T22:03:00.007-05:002011-09-09T23:02:27.870-05:00AUTUMN OFFERINGThe weather has begun to change here in Central Illinois. It has been in the mid- to lower 70s all week and it has put me in the card-making mood again. The inspiration for this card came from <a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1938885?perpage=48&thumbsonly=0&thumbcheck=">this one </a>by Charlene Merrick.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650572104218974450" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rRMZkA4V_p4/TmrdZAm0GPI/AAAAAAAABds/21zUz6QY5BE/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B090911.jpg" /><br /><br />The photo isn't the best - I took it with my phone and the light fell off towards the bottom right corner making it appear a little blurry - but you get the idea.<br /><br />All product, except the pumpkin, is Stampin'Up! The cardstocks used are Whisper White (sponged in More Mustard and Soft Suede Inks), River Rock and Cajun Craze. The stamp sets are Hugs & Wishes and Simply Soft (colored using More Mustard, Real Red, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie and Real Rust markers.)<br /><br />I stamped the Simply Soft image twice on a piece of 3" x 3" Whisper White cardstock using Memento Black Ink then colored the image using the SU! markers. I cut the cardstock into 4 - 1 1/2" squares and removed the bottom, right square. I replaced it with a 1 1/2" square of whisper white cardstock and stamped and colored the pumpkin image. I used the corner rounder on two opposing corners of all squares then sponged all four squares in the inks mentioned above.<br /><br />Next I cut 4 - 1 3/4" squares from Cajun Craze and used corner rounder punch on two opposing corners, then layered them under the stamped images.<br /><br />The button was tied with Early Espresso Baker's Twine and colored with Pumpkin Pie and Real Red markers to match the Cajun Craze. Of course it would be much easier just to use the Cajun Craze marker - but since I don't own it, I had to make do.<br /><br />The sentiment was stamped in Chocolate Chip Ink.<br /><br />Thanks for visiting again with me.<br />Until Next Time -<br />Happy Stamping!<br /><br />JillJill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-28560582911268545732011-09-07T07:55:00.005-05:002011-09-07T08:16:50.503-05:00THANK YOU PRECISION AUTO CLINIC<div>I had an oil change a couple of weeks ago at a local car dealership. While there, they checked the fluid levels, tire pressure and brakes. All was good, the back brakes would need to be changed at the next oil change and the front tires before Winter. With that information we traveled to Kentucky from Central Illinois over the Labor Day weekend for a family reunion. Just as we pulled into our motel in Russellville, KY the front brakes went out!!!!!</div><br /><div>What to do? It was a holiday weekend - and already late on Saturday afternoon. We called the local Walmart - they don't do brakes and the woman who answered the phone wasn't from the area and didn't know where to send us. (Of course she didn't offer to see if anyone else was from the area and might have a suggestion.) The motel owner overheard the conversation and offered to make some phone calls for us while we relaxed and refreshed in our room. In less than 5 minutes he was at our door with the news that he had contacted a friend who, though he wasn't open for business, would take a look at the brakes and see what could be done. Not only did Dan of Precision Auto Clinic look at our brakes, he drove us to the family reunion, gave up his evening plans, fixed our brakes and brought our car back to us at the reunion center.</div><br /><div></div><div>Dan - this is for you.<br /></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 330px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649604488278571362" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr5RZKARrek/TmdtWWVL-WI/AAAAAAAABdk/2nkHdGKpRb4/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B090711.jpg" /> <br /><div>It's a quick, CAS (Clean and Simple) card - Whisper White cardstock with the image stamped in Memento Black Ink and colored using SU! markers, aquapainter and inkpads. The sentiment is from SU! Much Appreciated. To create the outlined border I simply cut a piece of chipboard to the size I wanted and traced around it with a black marker then added little dots at 3 of the corners. To finish, I sponged Bordering Blue Ink around the vehicle to give the appearance of a skyline.</div><br /><div></div><div>Sometimes CAS is just as nice as the cards that take hours to assemble.</div><br /><div></div><div>Thanks for visiting today - </div><div>and until next time - </div><div>Happy Stamping!</div><br /><div></div><div>Jill</div>Jill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-41212812593486317602011-07-09T11:44:00.003-05:002011-07-09T12:01:22.956-05:00GERONIMO!!!!Silly me! I meant PERGAMANO not GERONIMO! I'm getting ready for a class in a few weeks and Perganamo (aka Parchment Crafting) is one of the techniques I will be teaching. There are a kazillion patterns, tools, and accessories out on the market for this crafting technique, but for my class we will be using Stampin'Up! supplies (with the exception of a white pencil) - and yes, it is a bit challenging!<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627394844868766434" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q86hDYbCNL0/ThiFy9NEauI/AAAAAAAABdU/9SbEzcEMPuc/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B070911.jpg" />This is my first attempt using only Stampin'Up! Supplies - and honestly - I don't think it's half bad. It's actually very soft and feminine in real life and the flaws you see in the photo don't show up at all IRL (unless you use a magnifying glass.) Here is a close-up so you can see the detail.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 215px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 173px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627394850345303634" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UoZrCzxbuzo/ThiFzRmxvlI/AAAAAAAABdc/DLldK5kuUTU/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B070911B.jpg" /> The technique, though a little tedious and time consuming, produces a beautiful result. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Supplies Used:</div><br /><div>Whisper White Cardstock</div><br /><div>Pretty In Pink Cardstock</div><br /><div>Vellum (Parchment Paper works better)</div><br /><div>Piercing Tool</div><br /><div>Mat Pack</div><br /><div>Stylus</div><br /><div>Paper Snips</div><br /><div>Morning Soft Stamp Set</div><br /><div>Much Appreciated Stamp Set</div><br /><div>Personal Cutter with Embossing Blade</div><br /><div>Snail Adhesive</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thanks for looking.</div><br /><div>Jill<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div>Jill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-86895461045031374692011-07-08T19:06:00.005-05:002011-07-08T19:24:59.663-05:00Embedded LeavesI am so happy that Spring/Summer is here - except for the humidity in Illinois - it's a great time of year. Bright colors, fresh air, picnics, swimming - all the things I love. So in honor of the season, I created this card - complete with bright, fresh colors in a style reminding me of the great outdoors.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 313px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627140944892371346" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FhsyKAAQASA/Thee4CFdoZI/AAAAAAAABdM/ksi-QsOMDaM/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B070811.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Cardstock:<br />Melon Mambo<br />Pear Pizazz<br />Pretty in Pink<br />Very Vanilla<br /><br /><br />Paper:<br />Vellum<br /><br /><br />Dies:<br />Beautiful Wings Embosslit<br />Little Leaves Sizzlits<br /><br /><br />Embossing Folder:<br />Perfect Polka Dots<br /><br /><br />Stamp Set:<br />Sincere Salutations<br /><br /><br />Ink/Marker:<br />Chocolate Chip<br />Pretty In Pink<br /><br /><br />Embellishments:<br />Adhesive back pearls<br /><br /><br />Thanks for visiting with me today.<br />Until Next time -<br /><br /><br />Happy Stamping!<br />JillJill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-5335443148606082672011-06-04T16:51:00.003-05:002011-06-04T17:04:49.388-05:00My niece/god-daughter is graduating high school tomorrow and this is the card I made for her.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 236px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614488611201803954" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDirV7cWCnk/TeqrpSIo5rI/AAAAAAAABdE/Fl621CcEgtc/s400/2011-06-04%2B14.02.15.jpg" /><br />I used the Stampin'Up!Owl punch then hand-cut and created the white cap & tassel. The button is the smallest of self-adhesive pearls from SU! The background paper is from the local scrapbook store and has the school name and mascot name on it. The background cardstock is Certainly Celery and Night of Navy.<br /><br />On the inside of the card, I created a half flap and attached it to the bottom and the left side. There is a greeting stamped and matted then attached to the top right of the flap. This allows me to place $$$$<br /><br />Thanks for visiting with me today.<br /><br />Until next time,<br />Happy Stamping!<br /><br />JillJill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-25231437012857751912011-03-10T13:35:00.007-06:002011-03-10T14:03:38.155-06:00SIMPLICITYNormally I don't send Easter cards. Not because I don't celebrate the resurrection - it's just that it's not "traditional" in my family. This year, however, I decided to make a few Easter cards to send out to a few friends and family members who are fellow believers just how much God loves us.<br /><br />This card is very simple, and easily constructed but because of all the detail it remains eye-catching and elegant. I love the look of white on white (which I've probably said at least "once" before on this blog). It is such a clean, fresh look and I think it suits the simplicity of the image perfectly.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nhPn8VuE3I/TXkoK3lFOJI/AAAAAAAABc4/nmfUOEtdE7c/s1600/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B03102011.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582537380285724818" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nhPn8VuE3I/TXkoK3lFOJI/AAAAAAAABc4/nmfUOEtdE7c/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B03102011.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />The cardbase is a piece of Whisper White cardstock from Stampin'Up! and has been dry embossed using the Cuttlebug Floral Screen Embossing Folder. <br /><br />The image is from Stampin'Up! Easter Blessings. It was stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink on Neenah Classic Solar White cardstock, colored with Copic Markers then cut out using a Spellbinders Oval Nestabilities die. This was layered on top of a piece of white cardstock which was cut using a Spellbinders Nestabilities Beaded Circles die and then popped up off the cardbase - again using Dimensionals.<br /><br />I added mini half-back pearls to each of the "beads" and a touch of Stardust Stickles to the center of each flower to finish. Very quick. Very simple.<br /><br />Thanks for visiting with me today.<br /><br />Until next time -<br />Happy Stamping.<br /><br />JillJill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-84575572797580325142011-02-16T09:18:00.005-06:002011-02-16T12:42:56.364-06:00FEELING BLUEI look at this card and wonder to myself, "WHO MADE THIS????" It is so not me - hearts AFTER Valentine's day? That NEVER happens and mostly blue? Rarely. But the fact is, I DID make this card AND I like it!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 308px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574307186890496402" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vGndlSWxK3U/TVvq2j-D2ZI/AAAAAAAABcw/7m5ylgcEUMw/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B021611.JPG" /><br />Unlike most my cards, this one didn't start with the image. It began with the ribbon.<br /><br />I was learning a new "no-tie bow" technique which called for the use of a wide ribbon and this happened to be the only wide ribbon I had in my stash. After I finished the bow, it didn't really work with any images I have - there was just too much formal pattern on the ribbon - so I thought I might be able to use it if I kept the card image free.<br /><br />I cut out the Spellbinders LATTICE die from WHISPER WHITE cardstock and placed it in the center of a BALLET BLUE (retired) cardbase. Next I stamped the medallion image in Ballet Blue ink, cut it out and used dimensionals to pop it up in the center of the lattice cut-out. Then the bow was glued down with Elmer's Glue All to hold it securely.<br /><br />Okay so far - but now what? Not a circle because once I made the bow, it came out with circles in the pattern - and not a square shape (much too plain) - so hearts it is. I stamped the Punch Potpourri heart in Ballet Blue ink and punched it out with the coordinating punch from Stampin'Up! Then stamped it again on another piece of cardstock and cut around the outline so that it was larger than the stamped image. I sponged the edges of the back and used that as a mat for the stamped heart. These were joined together with a DIMENSIONAL, then added to the center of the bow.<br /><br />To finish, I punched corners using corner dies from Cuttlebug.<br /><br />So, are you feeling a little "blue" now?<br /><br />Enjoy your day -<br />and until next time,<br />Happy Stamping.<br /><br />JillJill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-891186176690588292011-02-08T06:29:00.005-06:002011-02-08T08:31:52.953-06:00IZZY'S 2ND BIRTHDAYIzzy is the now 2-year-old son of a friend of my son's. This was a fairly last minute request, as was Tristan's invitation to the party. Seems to me that's how alot of people do things - VERY last minute.<br /><br />In searching for an image for a toddler, I realized I really don't have alot of choices - so I used this image from the retired Stampin'Up! set "LITTLE TRUCKS". It's definitely cries out "little boy birthday" to me.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571295272904229010" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5flsf0Ikwg/TVE3iGBFAJI/AAAAAAAABco/Ypy4sQSmFsU/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B020711.jpg" /><br /><p> </p><p>I used a handful of Copics to color the image, sponged around the edge of the cardstock and used the TICKET CORNER PUNCH from SU! on both the image piece and the BASIC BLACK mat. The PACIFIC POINT cardstock is embossed with an SU! EMBOSSING FOLDER (sorry but I can't think of the name right now - but it's current) and is adhered to a TANGERINE TANGO cardbase. Once it was all put together, I added the 'GOOGLEY EYES" for an extra bit of fun!</p><p>The number is computer generated and also colored with Copics. The little stars are buttons I found. I clipped the shanks off with my CRAFT RUBBER SCISSORS from SU! and stuck them into place using MINI GLUE DOTS.</p><p>The card was pretty quick to make - the coloring took the longest - but it worked to make a little guy quite happy.</p><p>Thanks for stopping by<br />Until Next Time <br />Happy Stamping.</p><p>Jill</p>Jill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-30885817451048488262011-02-06T07:12:00.006-06:002011-02-06T07:47:11.126-06:00HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!<div>Today my husband and I celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary! It's amazing to me how quickly the years have gone and how wonderfully blessed I feel to have met, loved and married such a wonderfully kind, sweet and generous man. He's lucky too - because after the request for the Valentine's for three other women - I could have decided to boot him out the door! He's fortunate that I'm not the jealous type! LOL!!!</div><div></div><br /><div>I made this card for him for our anniversary and will give it to him at dinner (Red Lobster - yum!) tonight.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570571081955660706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5flsf0Ikwg/TU6k4ogH06I/AAAAAAAABcg/_lNfQb7U4e4/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B020611.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>I was at Walmart the other day and found a card that had a beautiful verse inside. It perfectly put into words how fortunate I feel to be married to my hubby so I put it in the cart to buy it. On my way to the checkout line I got to thinking he might get offended if I bought him a card so instead, I took a photo of the saying with my phone and computer generated it on the inside of the VERY VANILLA cardbase. I DID reword it so it wasn't TOTAL plagiarism though - I just borrowed the basic theme.<br /><br /></div><div>I layered a piece of designer cardstock from SU!'s TO THE NINES paperpack onto a piece of BRAVO BURGUNDY cardstock then stamped my image from SU! WITH GRATITUDE in BRAVO BURGUNDY ink onto VERY VANILLA cardstock. My plan was to leave the image uncolored but it looked too "naked" so I added a touch of color with COPIC markers in BG10, B000 & YG00. I used a stamp from ITTY BITTY BACKGROUNDS and stamped over the image piece in SOFT SUEDE ink then distressed the edges with my fingernail. <strong><em>NOTE: For you ladies out there who pay to have someone do your nails - you might consider buying a distressing tool or using the grated edge of a butter knife for this.</em></strong></div><br /><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><div>After adhering the image to the BRAVO BURGUNDY mat, I added the BRONZE METAL CLIP . To get the right spacing for the brads I used the MAT PACK and PIERCING TOOL from SU! After placing the brads, I glued the finished pieced to the cardbase then added a touch of ICICLE STICKLES to the leaf image. Normally I don't add bling or glitz to masculine cards - but the leaf really just needed that extra something - and the STICKLES make it look like dew drops sparkling in the sunlight. Just the right finishing touch.<br /><br /></div><div>Until Next Time -Take a minute to remember all the wonderful qualities that caused you to marry the person you did. I'm sure they're still there somewhere! :D<br /></div><div></div><br /><div>Happy Stamping!</div><div>Jill</div>Jill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-65110970512817091992011-02-05T09:17:00.009-06:002011-02-05T10:06:54.715-06:00AHEAD OF THE GAMEHah! For once, I am actually ahead of the game and have several of my valentine cards already made! Not that I don't have a stash of greeting cards for general occasion and birthdays, but I am rarely prepared with holiday cards and am always hurrying at the last minute to come up with ideas and time to actually put the ideas to paper. I don't know what's happened to me! Perhaps it was hubby's request for the ladies at work that spurred me to action. Whatever it was I managed to create 3 treat boxes and 4 cards last night into the pre-dawn hours this morning. Four down with several more to go - but I'm off to a good start.<br /><br />This is my favorite of the 4 cards and the third one I created. I really like everything about it - and the shabby chic poppy was just too fun to make - even tho' it's just a tad bigger than planned.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570226566768646050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N5flsf0Ikwg/TU1rjNawV6I/AAAAAAAABcA/0cBqQ_ompaE/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B020511.jpg" border="0" /><br />The first three cards were created using basically the same supplies.<br />Stampin'Up!:Raspberry Tart Designer Paper; Whisper White, Real Red and Basic Black cardstock, Punch Potpourri Stamp Set, Heart Punch, Old Olive & Pretty in Pink markers (Copics were used on the card above) and Black & White Gingham Ribbon.<br /><br />The embossing folder used is Cuttlebug's Love Language and the buttons were purchased at Hobby Lobby years ago.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570226572545736466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5flsf0Ikwg/TU1rji8HvxI/AAAAAAAABcI/6kTeUq9DqiY/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B020511-03.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p>This next card was created after the card above and uses left-over pieces from rejected ideas. I made this at about 3 a.m. this morning - and looking at it now, I realize it should have been made in the vertical format because my embossed hearts are floating sideways. Oh well - at that time of the morning my brain was probably floating sideways and only functioning because of the amount of caffeine being pored into my veins!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570226576557477394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5flsf0Ikwg/TU1rjx4mDhI/AAAAAAAABcQ/cj1d_DmcQjA/s400/2011-02-05%2B08.47.46.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>The last card created (finished at 4:45 a.m.) goes in a totally different direction than the first three and was made with a particular "red-hating" friend in mind. It still incorporates the main heart image, punch, markers, Soft Suede ink and Whisper White cardstock - but the change in cardstock colors and embossing folder has given it a softer, more romantic effect. I used Pink Pirouette Cardstock, the floral spray is from SU! GENTLER TIMES and is stamped in Pretty In Pink ink, and the embossing was done using Cuttlebug's Textiles Embossing folder and Nestabilities Scalloped Rectangles.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570226588007142738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5flsf0Ikwg/TU1rkciaFVI/AAAAAAAABcY/aAhT0M6Hm0o/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B020511-02.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>I'm not crazy about the placement of the heart - maybe it's too small or maybe it's the sponging around the edge that makes it look "off" - I can't quite decide - but with the floral sprays in the opposing corners it was the only placement that seemed to work. Suggestions?</p><p><strong><em>TIP: Use the STAMP-A-MAJIG to get the perfect placement of the floral sprays. It works BEAUTIFULLY!!!!</em></strong></p><p>So what do you think? Do you have a favorite?</p><p>Stay tuned - there'll be more to come in the next few days.</p><p>Until then - Happy Stamping!<br /><br />Jill </p>Jill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-35211062252118339092011-02-04T22:02:00.014-06:002011-02-04T22:41:58.786-06:00VALENTINE TREAT BOXWhat would you do if your husband called you from work and asked if you would make 3 Valentine cards for the ladies he lunches with every day???? Uhm - hello???? You want me to make a Valentine card for not one - but three - other women - and you can't even remember my birthday without a reminder????? If he were a different type of man - I might be jealous. If he were a different type of man - I wouldn't even consider it. But because he is the man he is, I promptly said "sure", hung up the phone and then began thinking about how I could make a Valentine card without it being an invitation to one or more of those women to "be 'his' Valentine". LOL! I finally decided that a treat box and not a card was the safest way to go with this - especially since one of the women is single and we don't want her thinking he's making a play for her affection. The treat box and the fact that he is giving all the women the same thing at the same time should help with that.<br /><br />Here's the box. It's finished size is 3"x3"x1".<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570051220126612770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5flsf0Ikwg/TUzMEsRgvSI/AAAAAAAABb4/V6Gj5m8OdVU/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B020411-02.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>The box is created using PRETTY IN PINK cardstock cut to 9" x 5", scored at 1" on all sides then scored at 4" and 5". I embossed the top with the Cuttlebug Embossing Folder: Swiss Dots. The heart was stamped with the heart image from PUNCH POTPOURRI in SOFT SUEDE INK with the stems colored with an OLD OLIVE MARKER. I colored the flowers, after the image was stamped, with a PRETTY IN PINK marker. Then I punched out the image with the SU! HEART PUNCH and sponged around the edge with REAL RED INK. I tore "hearts" from REAL RED and BASIC BLACK cardstock then lightly sponged the edges with CRAFT WHITE INK. The red paper heart was adhered to the black heart using SNAIL ADHESIVE, while the stamped heart is popped up with DIMENSIONALS to allow the length of ribbon to slide underneath and around the box. I placed the little heart-shaped plastic button from Hobby Lobby to add an extra bit of "pop".<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570051210389454354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 343px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5flsf0Ikwg/TUzMEH__fhI/AAAAAAAABbw/YTVXukRVVeA/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B020411.jpg" border="0" /> For the inside top of the box, I cut a 2.75" square of designer paper, punched out the center with the HEART PUNCH, and sponged the edges with REAL RED INK. The sentiment is from the SU! set HOLIDAYS AND WISHES and stamped in BASIC BLACK INK. I punched holes for the brads but then attached the sentiment using Glue dots rather than have the brads poking through the designer paper. I originally used the Satin Ribbon shown in this photo to tie up the package - but decided it was too formal for the torn edges of the black & red hearts, so I changed it to the red & white gingham ribbon shown in the first photo. The gingham worked MUCH better.<br /><br />The treat is a a LITTLE DEBBIE "BE MY VALENTINE" cream filled cake and purchased at Walmart. They come packaged two to a pack - so I cut the package open, ate one of the cakes (yes, I REALLY DID!!!!) and then taped up the end of the package before putting it in the box. THAT was my favorite part - and the good news is I have two more to make! LOL!<br /><br />Thanks for visiting -<br />and until next time -<br />Give thanks for all those blessings we take for granted.<br /><br />JillJill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-70895480717923570292011-01-19T04:53:00.004-06:002011-01-19T05:12:05.642-06:00THAT OLE BLACK MAGICThis was soooooo much fun to make and I love the way it turned out.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N5flsf0Ikwg/TTbDDUbOCOI/AAAAAAAABbk/cK9oe3LDjJY/s1600/MY+CREATION+-+011511.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563848851452725474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 381px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N5flsf0Ikwg/TTbDDUbOCOI/AAAAAAAABbk/cK9oe3LDjJY/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B011511.jpg" border="0" /></a> The main cardbase is <strong>Pink Pirouette</strong> and is double scored at 1/4" and 3/8" around all sides then pierced between the score lines. I used the <strong>Medallion</strong> stamp set from SU! on <strong>Basic Black</strong> Cardstock and the <strong>Spellbinder's Shapeabilities die: Lattice</strong> to create the center medallion then adhered it to the center of a piece of 4"x4.5" pink pirouette card stock. I used a <strong>decorative corner punch</strong> on the pink pirouette square, added mini <strong>black gemstones</strong> to the points of the decorated corners and in the "points" of the lattice and placed it on a mat of Basic Black. The entire center piece was popped up off the cardbase using <strong>dimensionals</strong>.<br /><br />I wish you could see this card in real life. The photo really doesn't do it justice. It really is beautiful and the colors seem to "pop" right off the card.<br /><br />Thanks for visiting with me today -<br />and until next time -<br />Happy Stamping.<br /><br />JillJill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-9594996883234859932011-01-13T08:35:00.003-06:002011-01-13T08:39:54.008-06:00THANKFUL THURSDAYToday is "Thankful Thursday" on one of the local radio stations.<br /><br /><br />I'm thankful for my family today - all of them - but especially my hubby and this sweet, funny guy (my son, Tristan).<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561679847448269618" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5flsf0Ikwg/TS8OWq2aUzI/AAAAAAAABbc/dNVsCPNk3FM/s400/TRISTAN%2B-%2BSELF%2BPORTRAIT%2B-%2BJAN11.jpg" /><br /><br />What are you thankful for today?<br />JillJill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-75759896728295888342011-01-12T08:25:00.006-06:002011-01-12T08:58:35.443-06:00AHOY MATEY!I received some email feedback on yesterday's post (thank you) and wanted to answer a question and also share the answer to one of my own.<br /><br />First - the little thingy on the back of a button that you have to cut off to make it lay flat is called a "shank". I DID know this, but couldn't pull the word out of my befuddled brain when I was posting. Thanks to Sarah J. for the answer to that piece of trivia. Thanks too Sarah for providing another sentiment for the Polar Bears - "Thanks for "bear"ing my Burden" is a winner!<br /><br />Gloria W. wanted to know which Copics I used to give the Polar Bears definition without changing them from white. In this case I used 3 shades of cool gray - C3, C1, C00 - just small amounts of each. I tried to leave ALOT of white space.<br /><br />Today's card uses another "oldie but goodie" from Stampin'Up! called <strong>SCHOONER</strong>. I'm really drawn to the artistic renderings of some of the older SU! sets and have been happy to see more of that style coming back into the most recent catalogs.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561312426210522642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5flsf0Ikwg/TS3AL8E-dhI/AAAAAAAABbU/bVIANXtSFbw/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B011211A.jpg" border="0" /><br />I used two images from this set - the ship and the captain's wheel. Again because the ship's sail is white I didn't want to add too much color - but did want a little color in the shadow areas. I used <em><strong><span style="color:#ffcc00;">Y21 - Butternut Yellow</span></strong></em> over the shadowed areas then used <em><strong><span style="color:#ffcc00;">B000 - Pale Porcelain Blue</span></strong></em> here and there around the edges of each sail, in the clouds and in the water. I chose to use the Butternut Yellow because it matches the So Saffron card base perfectly and unifies the theme. The ship hull was colored using <em><strong><span style="color:#ffcc33;">E57-Light Walnut</span></strong></em> and <span style="color:#ffcc33;"><strong><em>E31 - Brick Beige</em></strong>.</span><br /><br />I sponged around the edges of all the white and <strong>So Saffron</strong> pieces of the card using So Saffron and Soft Suede inks. The main image is backed in <strong>Marina Mist</strong> and <strong>Early Expresso</strong> cardstock and the greeting and wheel are back in Early Expresso and popped up on dimensionals.<br /><br />I added the brad to the wheel, scoring to the card base and piercing to add a little extra texture and dimension.<br /><br />The greeting is computer generated.<br /><br />I had fun making this card. I'm challenging you to pull out some of your old sets and put them to use again and don't be afraid to play with color. Who would think you could use butternut yellow to shade a white sail!<br /><br />Until Next Time -<br />Happy Stamping!<br /><br />JillJill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-84377854771827331512011-01-11T17:13:00.007-06:002011-01-11T17:46:55.449-06:00BRRRRR! BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!It's been snowing here in Illinois for the past 18 hours - mostly lightly - but long enough to have accumulated about 5" of the white stuff. I don't mind really - other than when I have to be out in traffic - otherwise, I love the stuff. I like it falling from the sky and freshly falling in the yards and the on the branches of the huge pine trees in the neighborhood park. It's actually very pretty. The snow that is. Unfortunately, here in the Midwest, we can't just get the pretty snow without the frigid temps - 11 degrees is the high they are prediciting for this weekend. Which isn't bad if you're a polar bear!!!!!!<br /><div></div><br /><div>Which brings me to my card for today and it's appropriate theme - POLAR BEARS!</div><div>(My main computer has died the death and I'm using a VERY old laptop with a VERY old monitor - so if the colors look different than described - please "bear" with me!)</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561077534752853138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 328px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5flsf0Ikwg/TSzqjdNZTJI/AAAAAAAABbM/7kTvgv4Vvl8/s400/MY%2BCREATION%2B-%2B011111.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>The image is from a retired Stampin'Up! Tis the Season stamp set - and I think it's waaaaay too cute to retire from use! I used Copics (of course) to color it then cut it out with a Nestabilities Label Two Die. I pierced holes around the edges using the SU! Mat pack and a piercing tool and chose an orange glittery DP that a friend gave me as the "frame". I know - ORANGE!!! but doesn't it POP against the Marina Mist cardbase? I think this color combo is a new favorite!</div><br /><div>I embossed the cardbase with two Cuttlebug embossing folders SNOW DOTS and SWISS DOTS and placed the image centered vertically and toward the top of the card.</div><div></div><br /><div>The silver medallion is from a cheap piece of costume jewelry I found at a garage sale some time ago. I colored a small portion of it with an Orange Copic Marker then added a snowflake button to the center. Of course to make it lay flat, I had to cut off the little thingy on the back with my Stampin'Up! Rubber/Craft Scissors - they are the BEST! btw - what do you call that little thing on the back of a button?</div><div></div><br /><div>To finish it I added the little orange bow. Now all I have to do is figure out a greeting for the inside. Any suggestions? I came up with "thanks for your help" but am open to suggestions.</div><div></div><br /><div>Thanks for taking the time to visit with me today - and until next time -</div><br /><div></div><div>Enjoy doing whatever it is you're doing!</div><div>Jill</div>Jill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582269428316749428.post-46221156625623732032010-11-21T08:07:00.006-06:002010-11-21T08:23:37.682-06:00CHRISTMAS IDEAS #4 - VOTIVE HOLDERThis little votive holder is not an original idea - but I fell in love with it when I saw it and had to try it for myself. In case you haven't seen the idea, I also wanted to share it here with you.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542004692070364306" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5flsf0Ikwg/TOkn55Zm9JI/AAAAAAAABaw/vYKB1gkkqso/s400/IMG_0968.jpg" /><br />I made my sample using heavy metal sheets I picked up at Hobby Lobby but they are still so flexible that I will use aluminum flashing for any more that I make. Aluminum Flashing can be picked up at your local hardware store. The advantage of using the metal sheets from Hobby Lobby is that they come in SILVER, GOLD and COPPER so you have a wider variety depending on your decorating color scheme and they WILL hold their shape easily - they just bend in transport.<br /><br />This was sooooooo easy to make - and FAST! I completed this one in under 3 minutes (including cutting the metal sheeting.) Using the SIZZIX SNOWFLAKES #2 DIE (available from Stampin'Up!) and a die cutting machine that will accommodate the die, cut out 3 snowflakes. Attach the pieces in the center by alternating each snowflakes that the "arm" of the one on top falls between the "arm" of the one below it. I attached the pieces together using Tombow Adhesive, though if using Aluminum Flashing, I would use a metal glue to make sure they hold. Raise the arms of each snowflake to create the desired shape, pop in your votive and it's finished! See, I told you - they are quick to make.<br /><br />Thanks for visiting with me today.<br />Until next time,<br />I wish you happiness.<br /><br />JillJill Haddadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304922472212108792noreply@blogger.com0