Thank You Thursday

Well, this Thank You Thursday is dedicated to Amy Tsurata of Tsurata Designs.  This weekend I was lucky enough to win blog candy at her site.  And yesterday it arrived in the mail!  OMG Amy!  You have really outdone yourself!  And my favorite item had to be the beautiful card and sweet note!  She is definitely one of my fav blogs!  If you haven't visited her site before, check it out!

My photographic skills do not do this card justice.  Amy used wood grained textured cardstock for the base, stitched borders, paper piecing and oh the amazing buttons and pearls!    

Thank You Amy!  

Barkley Card

For those who don't know me, I have a son.  He's a furry child with 1 inch legs, long body, floppy ears and the cutest face.  He's my son Barkley the dachshund!  Barkley is an only child, a.k.a. spoiled rotten and truly is my pride and joy.  Don't let the 1 inch legs fool you.  Barkley and I have entered the "SPCA Doggie Dash" and were the first dachshund/owner to finish the 5K run.  He even helped me train for my first marathon back in 2005.

Needless to say, I have collected dachshund items over the years that remind me of my best friend.  And that includes stamps.  

Stampers tip...for those of you who have copics - Use them to customize your adhesive pearls.  I used T8 and T6 to color the pearls.  Gives them pigment to match your paper, but at the same time allows the pearls to still show their opalescent qualities.

Although he lacks opposable thumbs, he is truly a stamper/paper crafter at heart.  He spends hours in the stamp room with me crafting away.  And at times, I will find him sneaking away to the stamp room for quiet time and naps by himself.  

Barkley with his best friend Mini-Me.  

Supplies:

Paper:  Basic Grey - SU, Daisy White - CTMH, The Stack patterned paper

Stamps:  Dachshund - A Muse, Tiny Tags - SU

Other:  Self Adhesive pearls - CTMH, Copics, Ribbon - SU, Ticket Corner punch - SU, Jewelry tag punch - SU, Waxy Flax - CTMH

Running Bucket List

I picked up the most recent issue of Competitor Magazine and noticed they had an article of Top 10"Bucket List" races runners must compete in before they die.  Well, being the runner enthusiast that I am, I was intrigued.  Luckily for me, I've already completed 20% of the list.

1.  Boston Marathon (Most Historic Race) - Not Completed
2.  OfficeMax Hood to Coast Relay (Best Relay Race) - Not Completed
3.  ING Bay to Breakers (Best Running Festival) - Not Completed
4.  Western States 100 (Best Ultra Marathon) - Not Completed
5.  Comrades Marathon (Best International Race) - Not Completed
6.  ING New York City Marathon (Best Big Urban Marathon) - COMPLETED
7.  Big Sur International Marathon (Best Scenic Race) - Not Completed
8.  Bank of America Chicago Marathon (Best Set a PR) - Not Completed
9.  Tough Guy (Best Obstacle Race) - Not Completed
10. Rock 'N' Roll Las Vegas Marathon (Best Party Race) - COMPLETED

A couple of these races are in my own backyard, so I have no excuse for not trying them.  If I was asked to write my own race bucket list, the majority of the races would be in Hawaii!  LOL!

What is on your running bucket list?  Or your non-running bucket list?

Thank You Thursday

Every third Thursday of the month, my work hosts a "Thank You Thursday."  We are encouraged to tell a co-worker how much we appreciate their help with a thank you card.  Holding a door open, help with software issues, etc.  The examples are endless.  In the spirit of Thank you Thursday, I am inspired to do the same on my blog.

Recently, I got married to my long-time love of my life.  After 8 years, we decided to tie the knot.  And if you are going to wait 8 years, you might as well do it in style.  And that's just what we did.  With paradise as our backdrop, we were married on the beach in Maui.

Shortly after the wedding I received a beautiful tropical floral arrangement and gift card from everyone in my department!  I was completely blown away by their thoughtfulness and generosity.

There isn't enough cardstock, adhesive, glitter, ribbon or brads in the world to make a card that could show my appreciation.  But, I attempted to do so with this card.  (the box of Honolulu Cookie Company goodies sure did help too)

My inspiration for this card came from the June issue of Paper Crafts Magazine.  The plumeria stamps were purchased from Island Paperie in Kahului while on my honeymoon.  If you are ever in Maui, check out the store.  It's small, but they have the best selection of tropical papers.

Happy Thank You Thursday!

Supplies:
Stamps:  Plumeria Stamp Set - Island Paperie, Thank you - CTMH
Paper: Crumb Cake - SU, Black - CTMH, Colonial White - CTMH
Other: Cuttlebug embossing folder, Circle punch, stitched ribbon, adhesive jewels

Maybe it's time for an Intervention

About 2 years ago, my world changed when I purchased my first Copic Marker.  I will never forget that day.  After browsing through all the Copics at my local scrapbook store, I finally settled on a Copic Sketch E35 Chamois.  I brought it home, started coloring all my dogs, bears and squirrel stamps.  And my life has never been the same.  Ever!

Since E35 Chamois, my collection has grown a bit.  And what's sad is, I want SO MANY MORE!  Do I need an intervention?  Am I crazy?

What is your favorite medium for coloring?  Copics?  Watercoloring?  Prismacolor w/ gamsol?  Traditional markers?