A caffeine RAK and a tilt card

Happy Aloha Friday!!! I love the smell of coffee! Can't get enough caffeine! What an appropriate rak I found in my mailbox the other day! My sweet friend, Jean Y., designer of the cute Dandelion Designs sent this RAK to me. She said that stamps "always make you feel better" and she's right!! I am feeling much better. THANK YOU Jean! This is such a cute gift card holder and the stamp is just perfect if you're going to give a coffee gift card. These three stamps were all used in the making of this gift card holder, don't you just love the dragonfly and flowers too? Here's the inside of the card holder where she stamped the flowers and dragonfly, cute! If you haven't already, be sure to stop by Jean's blog, Dandelion Designs. Also, if you are interested in purchasing some of the cutest stamps created, check out her website too! (there's a link on her blog that will take you right to her store site) If you are a local gal, you can find Dandelion Designs in a bunch of stores here.

Here's a fun card that I made following a tutorial by Charmaine. This card is called a "Tilt" card and in my card, the dog's head tilts from side to side. Huh? It's a secret! No, not really, but if you 'd like to learn how to make this cute card, check out Charmaine's blog called Oodabug Alley here. She has some of the cutest projects!!

I used my new CB embossing folder called distressed stripes, kinda looks like a fence yeah? Image is from SU's retired set called Ruff Day and ribbon is by American Crafts. Well, the weekend is finally here! Well, after I come home from work, that is. Enjoy your day!!

Creative way to use your round tab punch

I found this cute and clever card on Nancy Riley's blog called i stamp. I just love Nancy's creations, they are so crisp and creative! Check out her post about this card and the tab punches HERE
I loved this card so much, I had to create a card of my own so here is my version of the card. Below is a close-up of the purse itself, it's so cute! I punched out a "purse" with my tab punch and then cut it in half. You now have pieces to make two purses. I'm saving the other purse to use later since I wanted to have different colored purses for this card.

The handle is a piece of silver cord and I taped it to the back of the purse. Punch out a 3/4" square and cut it in half to make the flap for the purse and added a rhinestone. That's it!

Card recipe: designer series paper Fall Flowers, designer series paper Bali Breeze, chocolate chip poly twill ribbon, round tab punch, 3/4" square punch, old olive and purely pomegranate cardstock, rhinestones.

Thanks for sharing a part of your day with me! I'm so excited to post tomorrow! I received a wonderful surprise in my mailbox!!

Cute card by Lianne of Cute Stuff

Isn't this card CUTE!?! This card was made by Lianne Higa, owner of Cute Stuff! I just wanted to post a copy of Lianne's card that I saw on her yahoo group photo album. Isn't this the cutest card??? I love this image. These are the kinds of cute, cute, cute cards Lianne makes. Her double shaker boxes are way cool and you can find all of the materials to make cards like this at her shop - Cute Stuff. Hi Lianne! Hope you didn't mind me posting this card to show off your cute work!!

Just wanted to post a one day belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY to sister Jen!! Happy Birthday Girlfriend!! You card is leaving my table shortly!! I loved reading about your fun day with Ida and mom, can't wait to read what Mr. Charles had in store for you! Happy 35th!!

*grin* and Berlin

I didn't intend for the title of this post to rhyme...

I finished my new page for the road of knives yesterday... It looks like a drawing of a bat getting hit in the face by two chicken drumsticks...


I'll be in Berlin for the Belio book launch from March 24th - April 1st... If you live in the city, or plan of visiting it during that time, email me and maybe we can meet up... I'm really looking forward to the trip... I'll be spending my 27th birthday on the plane coming back to Toronto on the 1st, I haven't looked at my ticket yet, but I really hope I get in before last call...

I'll post all of the info about the launch soon...

A tisket, a tasket - a cute Easter basket!

Well I goofed up. When I planned my February projects, I totally did not think that Easter was early this year!! The Easter bunny is scheduled to hop on over on March 23rd this year!! Well, too late to include Easter projects next month since my classes are at the end of the month!! So...my customers were treated to yet another bonus! We made cute baskets using dixie cups. I see this idea on many of the blogs so decided to give it a try. I tore one cup apart to get the pattern. Traced it on a cardboard and ta-da! the pattern...We then traced the pattern on DS paper, cut out and using the SU glue stick, adhered it to the cup. We embellished it using last year's cutie bunny...I just love this bunny!! The tiny flowers were punched out using the punch from the Three for You punch box. We used 2 flowers to form "the flower" making sure that the top flower was scrunched up a bit to give it some dimension. Of course, we needed to add some bling to it! You can see the flowers better in this photo. We added some chocolate chip satin ribbon for the handles! I ordered these cute jelly bean shaped containers and filled it with jelly belly.

Had to mention that the Pan Pacific Championships were in town this past week and Nolan wanted to go so bad and since Eric was able to switch his work shift with someone, it was set. Nolan invited his buddy Errol to come along with us. I really didn't feel up to going out and was really going to stay home, but decided last minute to go anyway. We were able to get tickets at half price! The price of the food was another story ($7 for a 12 inch hotdog? - sheesh!) This lady that was walking in with us said she spent $60 for her ticket but I'm sure she had choice seats. She said she came to see David Beckham - I guess that was one of the highlights...also Hawaii's own, Brian Ching. Here's a picture Nolan took of David Beckham, not bad considering we didn't have one of those awesome cameras with a humungous zoom. All in all, it was an exciting evening, although my advil was beginning to wear out and I kind of fell asleep towards the end...zzzzz

Thanks for being patient with my posting...this weekend was hard getting back into the swing of things. I'm feeling a bit better but still have those shocks of pain every so often. Can't wait to feel normal again!!

Fabulous February Class!

Yesterday was my customer Fabulous February class. While I was setting up, I was getting worried because all of a sudden - whoa! BIG RAIN!! and then all of a sudden - it stopped! Only in Hawaii - big rain, then sunshine with no trace of rain. Thank you to the ladies who attended my class. I had the pleasure of meeting some new people! We had so much fun. Here are the projects: Love this joyfold card. One of my favorite cards to make. I liked it so much that we also did the "bonus" joyfold card featuring the stamp set "A Good Egg".Love this embellishment. Saw this cool embellishment on Cambria's blog called Stamp a Little Love, Baby. Cambria is a very talented and creative lady. Stop by and visit her blog to be inspired! Stampin' Up! used to carry this punch, but now, you can find it in your favorite craft store or even online.

This fancy fold card idea came from Dawn's blog - Dawn's Stamping Spot. She's one of my favorite gals! To learn how to make this cool fancy fold card, pop on by to Dawn's blog to watch her step-by-step video!

Here's the inside of the card. We used the flowers (looks like cherry blossoms, don't it?) from the Embrace Life set and the words are from the FREE sale-a-bration set called Lots of Thoughts.

This was the scrapbook page we made. It's a 6X6 size and is such a fun page! I know you already saw this on one of my earlier posts.

The last project was a simple 3X3 birthday card featuring the jumbo roller Spunky Spots and the words again from the Lots of Happiness SAB set. This year, I am including envelopes for the cards.

The ideas are brewing in my head for the upcoming months. Please email me if you would like to be on my mailing list announcing my classes. My classes are held on the last 2 Sundays every month from 10 AM to 1 PM.

Zak's book review

Zak Smith wrote a review of my book... I'm pretty pumped about it because, aside from being buds and co-collaborators, he's also an artist I have shitloads of respect for... You can read the review here.

My February RAK from Phoebe!

Double post today! I just HAD to post this as I was so excited when I went out to get the mail today. Yippee Yi Yay! I got my February RAK from Phoebe who is right here from the islands! Phoebe is from Hilo (the Big Island of Hawaii) and lookee what she sent to me! This cute card for Chinese New Year using stamps by Mari & Me. Mari & Me stamps have been around forever and made locally right here in Hawaii. Other goodies? A roll of ribbon by American Crafts and 2 packages of clear stamps by Studio G.

This sweet angel in a kimono is also a Mari & Me stamp. The wings are shiny, such a sweet card. Phoebe made this secret card following the tutorial by my sweet friend Dawn of Dawn's Stamping Thoughts. Here is the inside and the "secret" part of the card. Kanji stamp by SU. Thank you Phoebe!! Phoebe says she doesn't have a blog, yet, right Phoebe! I love this RAK and it made my day :)

Mama & baby duckies by Dandelion Designs

Happy Aloha Friday! Here's a simple and sweet card I made using the cute mama and baby duckies stamp by Dandelion Designs. I think this sweet card could be used as a baby card or Mother's Day, don'tcha think?? I used my nestabilities rectangle scallop and classic rectangle dies. DS paper is Berry Bliss and since it's double sided, I turned up a corner revealing a solid pink. Held it down with a square rhinestone brad. Finishing touch with light pink taffeta ribbon.

Speaking of Dandelion Designs, I just wanted to give a toot for my friend Jean Y. who is the designer and owner of Dandelion Designs rubber stamps. Since she's a local gal, alot of her stamps reflect some of our local sayings as well. All of her stamps are little 1 1/2" blocks and the price is just right. Well, since braving blogland and opening up her very own blog, Jean is now giving away her first blog candy! Yipee! Check out the candy info here Go on over NOW ladies...there's only 5 comments so far, so you might wanna mosey on over to put your name in for a chance. She's selecting a winner tomorrow! (Saturday). Speaking of tomorrow, she will be doing a make 'n take over at Scrapbook Heaven in Waipio - pop on over to say hello to Jean!

Cleaning House

Hey all! I've decided to do a little cleaning up on my blog. If you would like me to add your link to your blog or store on mine, drop me a email tjaysuzuki@gmail.com with your link. I will be making the adjustments soon. Hope to hear from you!!

Wow! for me??

I know Valentine's Day is over, but I forgot to take a pic of this cute goodie given to me from Joy. Love the Berry Bliss DS paper and the stamp from the hostess level 1 set called For a Friend. Lots of glitter here and a bling! pretty! and the peanut butter kisses - yummy! Thanks Joy!! hugs to you! OMG! Look what I got from cousin Pam...these pens are also Copics but they are Spica pens that sparkle with glitter almost, so pretty!!! She also included 3 sketch pens too - colors I don't have! Wowee!! I am speechless. Thanks Pam! hugs to you too!!

How sad that I still feel terrible. I know, I am home and I am blogging, but I just took my advil and I feel somewhat "okay" for the time being. I went to the doctor and he said I have something called neuralgia (pronounced noo ral ja) which is inflammation around your nerves that randomly spase causing a shocking like pain. Oh great! It affects my ear mostly, but also my cheek, throat and scalp all only on the left side of my face. He said it could last from 1 to 2 weeks, or less, and you just have to let it run its course. I'd rather be back to myself and at work! Well, thanks for sharing your Thursday with me. Hopefully, I will have some time to create something fun when my nerves are taking a break from spasing...

A Good Egg

Happy Wednesday everyone! I've been trying to recover from all of the activities this past weekend! To top all of this off, I have an ear ache. Well, I'm not sure what it really is but the whole side of my left face isn't feeling well. Wierd, huh! My ear aches, my cheek, my head and even swallowing hurts some. Going to the doctor today to find out what the heck is going on!!
I had my demo girls over on Monday since it was a holiday. We did all of the fabulous February projects and this was the bonus project for all who attended. This project was one of those spur of the moment projects. As one of this month's projects was a joyfold card, I saw this layout over on Beate's blog a while back. Here's my version using the stamp set "A Good Egg". Love this cute chickie! I'm in love with these new felt flowers too! They aren't your ordinary felt either, feels sturdy - not soft and flimsy. You just have to get your hands on them to know what I mean :) Other supplies: purely pomegranate and close to cocoa CS, DS paper is Berry Bliss and the pretty in pink CS was stamped with the flower image from the same A Good Egg stamp set. You can't see the ribbon too well, but it's the new poly twill ribbon that will be available beginning March 1st from the Occasions mini catalog. This ribbon also comes in the old olive color. I will be posting the rest of the projects after Sunday. Sunday is my customer Fabulous February class. Don't want to spoil it for the girls who will be attending! Here is a late post of a Valentine's card I sent out. Again, one of my keeping simple cards, but I like it! The DS paper is by Junkitz, Kraft cardstock for the base and pretty in pink using my marvy giga scallop circle punch. Happy Heart Day stamp set - love this cute little mouse!

Remember that cool candy sleeve made by Margie I posted a few posts back? The one with the huge chocolate bar in it?? BTW, I didn't touch the candy YET! Here's a simple card I sent to Margie to tell her how much I loved her creation!
Supplies: The base of the card is pretty in pink CS, Berry Bliss DS paper, real red and left over DS paper and light pink satin ribbon. The Thank You stamp came from the Enjoy Every Moment stamp set. That set is becoming one of my faves!

Thanks for sharing a part of my Wednesday with me. I need to get some rest before I go the doctors. Cross your fingers that it's nothing serious!!

Another monkey card

Can't get enough of Changito. Isn't this stamp so cute?! I love the simplicity of this card. I'm working on not being so "complicated" about making cards. Oh, and BTW, did you see?? Stampendous is coming out with MORE changito stamps! I checked them out on the Eclectic Paperie site, those new monkey stamps are too cute!!! and the spending continues ...

Here's someone so simple. Mochiko loves that dollar basket. I took my supplies out of the basket and she jumped right in and took a nap! Aahhh, the simple life of a cat....zzzzzz

Hope you are all having a fabulous weekend. Yippee! It's a 3-day weekend!

Awards and Tags!

Does anyone know the real reasons for these tags?? Sorry for being so tardy in posting these tags. Have to be honest, been too darn busy for tags, but Thanks to Jen for this "Bitch" tag...yeah, aren't we all at one time or another! But I love her explanation of bitch and I agree, I am a bitch! Thanks Jen! Got this Excellent award from Rita Santos - Thanks Rita!! You're so sweet to give me this award. I tell ya, in the blogging world, you make so many kind and sweet friends and Rita is one of them. There are so many of you out there that deserve this Excellent award but I believe that alot of you already have been nominated. Since I'm so tardy on this post, I'd say that if you would read this post and haven't been nominated with this cool award, consider yourself tagged with this excellent award!

I've been tagged by Stephanie Earls. She had 2 tags on her post and you could choose either one. Here's the one I chose. I have to share six non-important things/habits/quirks about me and then tag five random people. I won't be tagging others because most of the ladies that I want to tag already have done this one, so here's the 6 non-important things/habits/quirks about me:

1) I have to put "my face on" everyday whether I go out or not. The only time I don't put any make up on is when I'm sick. I think it's a habit of mine to get ready when I get up and put my contact lenses in - wierd huh.

2) I don't like condiments. I'm a plain food eater. I won't eat a hamburger if it had ketchup on it even if you wiped it off!

3) I don't like lizards (geckos) - they give me the creeps especially if they are in my house! I once rolled over one with my foot and skinned it - I freaked out and my BIL had to pick it up and take it outside!! yuck!!

4) I don't watch TV and I'd rather work in quiet - no noise. The no TV watching is because I get up so early and have such long days, once I stop moving, you know, to sit still to watch the TV, I will fall asleep! The quiet because since my day is filled with so much activity, I like the peace to wind down, I know, wierd!

5) I love to buy scrapping and stamping idea books and seem to have this collection that I rarely refer back to. How dumb is that??

6) I love to eat sweets! It's a wonder I haven't gained weight or have bad complexion. I know that as some of you who personally know me are thinking in your head that the reason why I don't gain weight is because I'm a hyper person - haha! It's true, I am and I can't sit still!!

Thanks for sharing a part of your weekend with me!

Froggie Kisses

Here's a card I made with this CTMH set called Froggie Kisses. I thought it was so cute so I ordered it. Did nothing with it til now, don't know the reason. Here's the inside of the card - I guess they are the frog's lips? Kiss, kiss!

These stamps are all clear stamps by CTMH. If you are interested in checking out the latest catalog, contact my favorite CTMH consultant, Jean Cox! Tell her I sent ya!

Andrew in Celery Magazine

My friend and studio assistant Andrew Wilson is featured in the new issue of CELERY Magazine... Check it out...

Belated Heart Day Wishes

I hope you all had a wonderful day of love yesterday. I know I'm a day late in posting my heart day goodies but oh well. Here's what I made for V-day for my friends at the office and at the Hawaii State FCU. Thanks Joy for taking the pics for me. I had to finish my sweet treats at my desk before starting work yesterday and guess who forgot her camera?? This pic was taken with a cell phone :) They are just simple treats - I had a bunch of 2"X 4" kraft boxes leftover from a class I did at the Berry Sweet shop last year, perfect for these little sweet treats. I filled the boxes with an assortment of hershey kisses. Have you seen all of the variety of kisses that they sell now?? Truffle, caramel filled, cherry, peanut butter, dark & milk chocolate wrapped in white creme...yummy!! The box was tied with red 5/8" organdy ribbon then I attached a cute heart tag to it. Here's a close-up of the tag. I used the marvy giga scallop heart punch (real red CS) and then put them in my cuttle bug (sorry, forgot the name of that folder). The smaller heart was punched out using the marvy mega heart punch (basic grey paper). I stamped Happy Valentine's Day from SU Holidays & Wishes stamp set. The cute piggy is from Juju's Tiny Treasures (I think...Joy, is that right??). I put the 2 hearts together and punched a hole with the 1/8" hole punch and tied it to the box with gold cord.

Happy Aloha Friday to you! Thanks for stopping by today. Busy weekend again. Demo get together on Monday, President's Day!!

Prepping for a Special Delivery

I had the honor of designing a baby announcement for my buddy Lynne. She liked the Joy fold card so this is what I came up with. Well, talk about being prepared, Lynne asked me to help her with a baby announcement because she wants to start now! Baby is not due yet, but it's good to start early. Of course, if you know me, starting early isn't always an option! Oh how I wish it were!! Okay, being the non-tradtional color person that I am, I came up with this color combo. I tried using pretty in pink, but it just didn't look right. Somehow, the softness of this blush blossom just jumped right out to me and the certainly celery gave it the right contrast don't you think?? I just love this sweet butterfly by Whipper Snapper (it's a old stamp). It's cute and sweet, just like Lynne! Coloring the butterfly was another challenge. I tried all combos using blush blossom, certainly celery and apricot appeal and finally broke down and used my copic yellow green YG03 to color the butterfly. I stamped the image using my staz on black ink. Of course, it wouldn't be complete without dazzling diamonds!

Here's a close up of the butterfly - and I took Jen and Rita's advice from the past and took the pic at an angle so the shiny stuff would show. Thanks ladies!! What do you think??

Supplies used: blush blossom, certainly celery, chocolate chip, very vanilla cardstock. stamp sets - bundle of joy (dotted swirls), nursery necessities (it's a girl), all year cheer (baby), whipper snapper (butterfly), ds paper by Basic Grey Sweet Pea Alyssa collection, dazzling diamonds, scallop circle punch, 1 3/8 and 1 1/4 circle punches and very vanilla taffeta ribbon.

That's it for today! Stay tuned for another Changito post tomorrow - are we tired of seeing him?? I hope not. It's Wednesday everyone! Have a Wonderful day!!

Bunny card and a yummy RAK!

I just didn't get enough of this stamp set called "A Birthday Wish" from CTMH. Isn't this bunny adorable?? I know I used it in another card I posted, but here's one more! I used pixie pink, apricot appeal, close to cocoa and old olive cardstock. Also used a scrap of DS paper. Love the photo corner punch. I added some bling that I got from TLC.

I got this yummy RAK from Wini's friend Margie. This candy bar holder is just so beautiful! I am so speechless as I look at all of the details that Margie put into making this. This photo doesn't do anything for this gorgeous piece of art. The hearts are all raised with foam tape and the ribbon is not an ordinary ribbon, she even had beads on it. The bonus was the huge yummy chocolate bar inside. Thank you so much Margie!! I totally love this!! I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday!! Thanks for popping in today!

CHA - I love the unveiling of new stuff

What does this pic have to do with new products? Well, nothing! I just hate posting without pics! Here's Mochiko cruising on her towel - she's just thrilled that I want to share this info with you!, Really! can't you tell?

I don't normally post about stuff like CHA but just wanted to share this with you. If you like to read about the latest and greatest in the craft industry, then you must check out CRAFT CRITIQUE. These bunch of ladies report on the L&G products on the market today. Check their site out here. They are running a contest right now so go check them out. I'm not posting about their site to enter the contest, I've been a subscriber to their site for a while, just got excited seeing all the new stuff that will be arriving at favorite craft stores soon. Check out the new machine called Slice by Making Memories, really neat! Here's the video I took off from the MM site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9D9o7BEMQw Cool, huh. I'm sure Cheryl is getting new product overload right now!

Love is in the air!

It's Valentine's week! Have you made your cards yet?? I was asked by a friend to make a couple of V-day cards. I'm still in love with these new Changito stamps, I just had to use them! I made both of these V-day cards using the Joy fold technique. I'm stuck on making those cuz they are so neat! This Changito stamp is called "Love Balloon". I colored with my copic markers. DS paper is from Junkitz' Love Line series, real red, pretty in pink cardstock and regal rose 5/8" grosgrain ribbon. I used the heart punch to keep the flap closed. I love this heart punch - too bad SU discontinued it! Here's the inside of this card. The verse if from an old CTMH stamp set. I think it's still available! For your CTMH stamps, you can contact my favorite consultant, Jean for the latest! (Thanks Jean!)

Here's the second card I made. I just love this Changito Bouquet stamp. Same color theme and papers used. I used the SU scallop circle punch on this one to hold the flap closed. The sentiment "Love You" is from Tiny Talk, one of my old time favorite sets. I believe that it's retired.

I used a Penny Black sentiment for the inside - so cute, yeah? Happy Valentine's Day is from Holidays & Wishes stamp set.

Oh, BTW, these pics were taken at my desk at work. I made these cards last week in the AM before leaving for work - so crazy! I think I do my best work when I'm under pressure! How wierd is that??? Happy Monday to you! Thanks for stopping by today! Happy Heart week!

Inking up Changito and another too busy weekend!

Whose never had a busy weekend?? I don't think I can credit my name with too many relaxing, do nothing weekends. For me, it's a time for catch up for all of the projects that I wasn't able to accomplish during the week. Well, this weekend, I was able to make some cards, hopefully to use as RAKs. Here's one of my new Changito stamps I just got from Jen. Isn't he so cute?? I used him on one of the Valentine's Day cards I made too, that will be posted during the week. I was playing with color combinations and came up with this funky one. I like it! The card base is chocolate chip. I layered ballet blue and apricot appeal. Then I found a DSP scrap to add to the layer. The image needed something to frame it because it looked too blah...I liked the old olive! Of course, althought I "try" to keep it simple, I can't resist adding more embellishments. I added some mini rhinestones to the middles of the flowers and then the 5/8" grosgrain old olive ribbon. I used my brown copic pen to color the body of the monkey, all other pens were my SU pens.

Here's a close up of the bling:

Well, cousin Jeff was back in town for a little R'nR. Last night, our family celebrated Chinese New Year. Our celebration really is celebrated by eating the traditional chinese food. Sister Cara helped mom do the cooking of the Jai (monk's food - vegetarian) and the pork and chinese potato. So much work to prep and cook. We ordered "normal" chinese food from Yen Yen for everyone else who didn't want to be traditional :)

Here's a pic of my brothers-in-law Rick on the left and Clyde on the right. Jeff traveled to the islands with a friend, Linda, as she was attending a convention at the Hawaii Convention Center. (Thanks Ally for taking this pic!)

This pic is too funny. I just don't know how to take self portraits. I tried to take one with my two sisters, but I think I have short arms - hahaha!! We asked the girls and they told us only "young" people can do this. Maybe so!

We came to the conclusion that maybe Ally was right and gave up doing self portrait photos. Ally (Cara's daughter) took our photo.

Guitar Hero seemed to be the highlight of the night for the kids. Nolan had a classmate come over for the night and he brought his own guitar. They had a blast!

The girls pose for a pic - where was Jodi?? Sorry Jodes, I missed taking a pic of you tonight!!

Well, today, I'm spending the rest of the day finishing up 40 of these babies. Speaking of baby, it's a baby shower invitation for my buddy Lynne. She and hubby Tony are expecting their first baby! I did keep this one simple as I need to make 40 of them! Have a great Sunday everyone! Looking foward to sharing more with you this week!