Graduation Time!

A special fold card using the Star die cut, Newsprint DSP and a little Very Vanilla rolled up as a diploma

Spring Blossoms with Embossing

It never occurred to me to emboss over a print paper and then sand for a bit more dimension but I’m glad I did and love the results! Isn’t that the amazing thing about stamping - the ideas are endless. No boredom here!

Stamp sets: Pretty Postage #123097
Cardstock: Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Whisper White and Spring Blossoms DSP
Ribbon: Marina Mist and Rich Razzleberry 5/8" grosgrain
Accessories: Antique Brad #117273
Punch: Postage Stamp #122344
Embossing: Elegant Lines #119277

Congratulations, Graduate!

You know how sometimes you're happiest with the results when you work with what you have and don't worry about the fact you don't have what you think you need? (like a graduation stamp) That's how this card came to be. I love the Word Play stamp set and use it over and over. Stars seemed kinda "graduationy" to me, so that's what we put together. I like words that aren't really words but get the point across! I also discovered there are no rules limiting how you use the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, so I just centered it on the 5" square card stock - makes for a simple border on each side. Stars #2 die cut gave me the stars - how I love the Big shot! Smile!

Simple Pocket Notecards

I love to present notecards in pretty pockets - just adds a special touch. You can custom size your inserts by running the Big Scallop Square through the Big Shot a second time.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake!

I thought today I would share an amazing recipe with you - this was our Mother's Day dessert and it was incredible!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake
1 chocolate cookie crust
4 - 8 oz pkgs cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 T vanilla
1 - 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
8 large Reese’s peanut butter cups, coarsely chopped

Place pan of water on bottom rack of over. Preheat oven to 300 degrees
Line 8" round springform pan with foil and spray sides and bottom with vegetable oil spray
Pat prepared cookie crust into bottom of pan evenly
In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, about 3 minutes
Add sweetened condensed milk and continue beating until smooth
Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition
Blend in vanilla
While mixing, slowly pour in melted chocolate - only mixing until there are no lumps and completely blended
Gently fold in all but ½ cup chopped peanut butter cups
Pour into prrepared pan
Sprinkle reserved peanut butter cups on top
Place on center rack in preheated oven
Bake for 65 - 75 mins. You’ll know it’s done when center still jiggles a little and sides are raised slightly
Cool completely and then refrigerate until it’s time to serve
Cut by running a knife in warm water, cut, rinse knife in warm water again .....
Cheesecake freezes well and what a great dessert to have on hand

Happy Mother's Day, Holly!

Happy Mother's Day to one of the most beautiful Mom's in the world! We are so proud of you and the incredible woman you are and the outstanding Mom you are to our grandchildren. Have a wonderful day!

Note: Here's a sneak preview of your card which did not get mailed in time to arrive for Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

A refrigerator magnet just for Mom! This wonderful flower comes to us from Stampin' Up!'s BigZ Flower Die. Keep checking back for more great ideas using this versatile die. I'd like to credit Becky Roberts - thank you for the original flower you presented to me! Have a wonderful Mother's Day!