The Res-Q-Challenge

2011-05-05T15:14:00.002-04:00

I am taking a hiatus to re-do the RESQ challenge....it has been getting very hard to come up with new challenges and make them all "medical" -like...KWIM? SOOO, I am thinking with my little brain and hope to have some new kind of challenge blog for you by the time I get settled in my new house in Florida. Look for me again around September! See you soon....

Vacation...

2011-04-21T09:06:00.002-04:00

I'm on vacation in Florida and just realized I didn't have the next 2 challenges set up.....I'll be back next week, I promise!

Get your tissues! RESQ77

2011-04-08T07:00:00.002-04:00

It's officially Spring and that means my allergies will be starting up soon...if you suffer from seasonal allergies like me you know this is the time of year to stock up on tissues and allergy meds!

SO this week your challenge is to use tissue paper...you can use it in a technique like the faux silk technique, or use them to make flowers from die cuts, you can use it to stamp on candles, or just use it make a pretty gift bag.

Here is an old card (my elbow is still casted up, thank you for all your get well wishes BTW!) I used the faux silk technique for it...

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ77 if you are uploading to an online gallery or use the inlinx below:

Thanks for stopping by!

Fractured Elbow! RESQ76

2011-04-01T07:00:00.004-04:00

APRIL FOOLS!

...not really but I wish it was not true!

This time it was all too true....I fractured my elbow while mopping! I know it sounds ridiculous, but I banged my elbow on the corner of the medicine cabinet in my bathroom while mopping the floor. If that isn't cause for my husband to get me a cleaning lady then I don't know what else is! So, sorry I won't have a sample this week, it took me almost an hour to type this out one handed!

But, your challenge for this week is to use your corner rounder...it reminds me of the angle that my poor elbow is casted in and the dang corner that fractured it! Just incorporate some rounded corners in your project...easy! And say a prayer for my elbow...I can't go that long without crafting!

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ76 if you are uploading to an online gallery, or use the inlinx below:

Scrub it up! RESQ75

2011-03-25T07:00:00.005-04:00

I have always loved scrubs. My Mom is a nurse and even though she hated the white or blue things, she always looked sooo comfortable when she went to work! Nowadays, scrubs are really pretty looking! My friend who is a Cardiac nurse always has the prettiest tops and always looks great! I just took a peek at one website (there are a ton!) and picked out a few fresh, springy looking ones.

Choose one of the scrub tops above as your inspiration....you can use the color combos, style, flowers, whatever! Just let us know in your post which one you chose.

Here is mine based on the 3rd one. I used the trendy, color combo of grey, lime and white:

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ75 if you are uploading to an online gallery, or use the inlinx below:

Be a Surgeon! RESQ74

2011-03-18T07:00:00.006-04:00

MY younger cousin is graduating High School in a few months and wants to be a Doctor. But not just any doctor...he wants to be a Cardiac SURGEON! Crazy! SO I told him he better learn to sew. He just looked at me kinda funny but then he figured it out...smarty pants that he is....

SO for today's challenge....be like a SURGEON! I want to see some fancy tied ribbons, sewing, and stitching. And if you have no sewing skills, try a faux stitching or even a button will do.

Here is my surgeon's best attempt at sewing with my little machine:

recipe: stamps- Papertrey Ink Love Birds

paper- PTI kraft, white, spring rain

ink- palette noir, spring rain

accessories- button, twine, ribbon, PTI embossing plate

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ74 if you are uploading to an online gallery or use the inlinx below:

Thanks for stopping by today!

oh no, it's PINK EYE RESQ73

2011-03-11T07:00:00.002-05:00

Yes, yes...sadly my little girl came home with a case of pink eye. I say sadly because she has no other real symptoms besides a runny nose but can't go to school because she is still contagious. Now she is home driving me crazy! LOL

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is redness and inflammation of the membranes (conjunctiva) covering the whites of the eyes and the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids. It can be caused by many things, they can be either contagious or not, and can occur in children and adults. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and requires medication but the symptoms can last up to 2 weeks.

So, in honor of the illustrious pink eye your challenge is to use PINK....BUT not as the dominant color. I only want to see hints of pink here and there as an accent color, ribbon, or button maybe.

Here is my touch of pink card:

recipe: stamps- Papertrey ink bitty baby blessings, garden of life

paper- kraft, white

ink- raspberry fizz, black, old olive

accessories- PTI ribbon, embossing plate

Don't forget to add the keyword RESQ73 if you are uploading to an online gallery or use the inlinx below:

Thanks for stopping by today!

Come back next week!

2011-03-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Sorry but I will be in Florida this week house hunting! I'll be back next week with a new challenge! Wish me luck!

Get Packing! RESQ72

2011-02-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

Tonight is the first night of Virtual Stamping Night over on Splitcoaststampers! I am hostessing a challenge tonight...come on over and check it out!

We are moving over the summer from New York to Florida! I am looking forward to nice weather all year round but until then I have to face something I despise....PACKING! I have a bad back so I am always in fear of causing more injury by packing and lifting boxes.

For your challenge this week, I want to see BOXES! You can make a square card, or use a square/rectangle die cut or just use some kind of square/rectangle on your creation!

Here is my sample:

I used rectangles of patterned paper for mine...super easy!
recipe: stamps- Papertrey ink Signature Greetings

Paper- SU DP, unk scraps, tempting turquoise, black

ink- PTI fresh snow

accessories- PTI die, pearls

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ72 if you are posting to an online gallery, or just use the inlinx below:

Thanks for stopping by....come check out the fun over at

Virtual Stamp Night on SCS tonight!

Don't be S.A.D. RESQ71

2011-02-18T08:40:00.001-05:00

AT this time of the year we all say it...."Oh this weather is DEPRESSING!" But did you know there is an actual syndrome to prove it?

It's called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D. for short. Symptoms include:

1. sleep problems- oversleeping but not refreshed, needing a nap in the afternoon, cannot get out of bed

2. overeating- craving carbs and gaining weight

3. depression, despair, misery, guilt, anxiety- normal tasks become difficult

4. family/social problems- avoiding company, irritability, loss of libido

5. lethargy- too tired to cope, everything in effort

6. physical symptoms- often joint pain and/or stomach problems, lower resistance to infections

The problem comes from lack of bright light in winter. Researchers have proved that bright light makes a difference to the brain chemistry, but why some people suffer and others don't is still unclear.

The treatment is obviously...BRIGHT light! You need at least a 2500lux (lux is the technical measure of brightness) which is roughly 5 times brighter than a well lit office. Also, LED lights, lightboxes and sunlight simulator lamps are useful.

**Ok, now these are severe cases of people and if you feel you have any of the above symptoms, I strongly encourage you to seek professional help.

So how do WE handle this lack of bright light and the winter blues???

I'm so glad you asked.....You have a challenge! LOL This week's challenge is to beat the S.A.D. in your life and make a project with something that makes YOU happy! You can use a picture of your kids, hubby or dog, make a Valentine for a friend, use a beach scene to remind you of summer vacation, or make a celebration card to remind you of the things in life that are important! Anything that makes YOU happy works here!

Here is my HAPPY card...my Happy BIRTHDAY card!:

What makes me happy about this card is the vellum strip and the background...the vellum strip because I NEVER use vellum and I did this for a Papertrey challenge and I Love how it came out...and the background because instead of pulling out a separate BG stamp, I used the cake square instead! Cool, huh?

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ71 if you are uploading to an online gallery, or use the inlinx below:

Thanks for stopping by and SMILE!

Heart Sounds RESQ70

2011-02-11T07:00:00.002-05:00

Valentine's Day is on the way and I have been thinking about our hearts....so today's challenge comes from our resident Cardiologist!

Heart murmurs are fairly common...I have one and so does my Dad. You know your heart sound like this: lub-dub, lub-dub...well, with a heart murmur your heart beat sound more like lub-dub whoosh, lub-dub whoosh.....

A murmur is usually present when there is a heart valve problem. The doctor will perform a variety of tests to determine what kind of valve problem you have and if the valve problem is serious. Some of the tests performed are: an echocardiogram, an electrocardiogram, a chest x-ray, or cardiac catheterization.

Most of the time heart murmurs are normal and do not indicate that there is anything wrong with the heart. However, talk with your doctor about treatments and precautions.

There are two main types of heart murmurs: diastolic and systolic. A diastolic murmur occurs when the heart muscle relaxes between beats. It occurs after the second heart sound. A systolic murmur occurs between the first and second heart sounds.

SO, in honor of all those out there like me with a heart murmur, I want to see projects with lots of words...murmurs if you will....murmurs of LOVE! You can use a sentiment as a focal point, cut out words, an all word card using my favorite site Wordle...as long as there is a lot of words on it! Show me the LOVE!

Here is my murmur of LOVE:

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ70 if you are uploading to an online gallery, or use the inlinx below:

Grey Matter RESQ69

2011-02-04T07:00:00.003-05:00

The brain is our most complex but least understood organ. One of the great mysteries lies in the GREY matter. The senses of the body (speech, hearing, feelings, seeing and memory) and control of the body's muscles are part of the grey matter's function. But the amount and distribution of the grey matter shapes a one's personality, higher order thinking, and memory.

For this week's challenge, use your GREY matter and create something with GREY as the dominant color! Go to your favorite color combo and replace the black or brown with grey. use metallic silver embossing or even metal embellishments. Just let me see the GREY!

Here is my Grey creation:

Remember to use the keyword RESQ69 if you are uploading to an online gallery, or use the inlinx below!

Thanks for stopping by!

Get in Line! RESQ68

2011-01-28T07:00:00.003-05:00

This week we are visiting the chiropractor! When my back hurts I know I need to get to my chiro for a little adjusting. He gets my back and neck, back in line! Then I can do more crafting LOL!

So, this week's challenge is to get it IN LINE! That means have something on your project in a line. It can be 3 small images in a line, some rhinestones in a line, or even some lines of embossing. Whatever, just make sure something is in a straight line on your project!

Here is my in line card:

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ68 if you are uploading to a public gallery, or just use the inlinx below:

Thanks for stopping by!

Ouch my Bunions hurt! RESQ67

2011-01-21T07:00:00.003-05:00

OK my bunions hurt!

Its time to visit the good old podiatrist (actually mine is super young and even cute!)...

A bunion is when your big toe points towards the second toe. This causes a bump on the inside edge of your toe.

**Did you know....bunions are most commonly seen in women and tend to run in families! So go take a good look at your Mom's feet and then take the proper precautions:

1. wear proper fitting shoes

2. take a break from pointy toed heels and let your feet stretch out in some Crocs or Uggs

3. Go get that pedicure you have been aching for! LOL

So for today's challenge, let's see your Bunions...I mean BUMPS.... Dry embossing please, and lots of it! Let me see you break out your stencils or your cuttlebug folders (if you are like me you have a ton that you have never even used!), let's see you rub some chalk over the tops, run the sandpaper over it....let me see your bumps!

Here is my bumpy Valentine!

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ67 if you are uploading to a public gallery or use the inlinx below:

Thanks for stopping by today!

Time for Therapy...RESQ66

2011-01-14T07:00:00.004-05:00

...Color Therapy that is!

Color therapy, also known as chromotherapy, is often facilitated in the healing rooms of alternative health practitioners. Color therapy is classified as a vibrational healing modality. Vibrational medicine incorporates the use of chi energies within living organisms such as plants, gemstones and crystals, water, sunlight, and sound.

Color is simply a form of visible light, of electromagnetic energy. All the primary colors reflected in the rainbow carry their own unique healing properties. The sun alone is a wonderful healer! Just imagine what life would be like without sunshine. It has been proven that lack of sunlight contributes to depression for some people.

At this time of the year, we need a little more color in our lives, as well as sunshine!

For this challenge, give yourself some color therapy and make a card with bright bold colors!

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ66 if you are uploading to an online gallery or use the inlinx below:

Here is my bright and happy card!

recipe: stamps- Unity KOTM, Papertrey Ink Make a Wish, A little Argyle

paper- real red, white, black

ink- Palette Noir, copic markers, real red

accessories- none

**I will continue to feature one card each week on the side of the blog,

so look for yours!

Thanks for Stopping By!

coming soon....

2011-01-08T10:32:00.002-05:00

The RESQ-Challenge will be back this FRIDAY, January 14th, 2011!

Hope you will join me!

I Miss you!

2010-12-12T18:20:00.001-05:00

I'll be back soon! Look for a new RESQ challenge in the new year!

In the meantime have a happy and blessed Holiday and New Year!

Break time...

2010-10-17T09:05:00.004-04:00

Since there were only 2 participants for this contest I will send a gift certificate to both of them .... you for playing!

I will be taking a break from RESQ Challenge for the rest of the month. I need to regroup and come up with some new challenge ideas. Any ideas are welcome of course.... Thanks to all who have supported me this past year here on RESQ...Happy Halloween!

Scrubs are COOL! RESQ65

2010-10-01T07:00:00.005-04:00

* CONTEST details at the bottom of post!*

This challenge and Contest will be up until 10/15.

The winner will be posted on October 18th.

My Mom has been a nurse for almost 40 years! She graduated Lenox Hill Nursing School in Manhattan and wore an all white uniform skirt with white stockings, heels and a small white hat! Today most nurses wear scrubs and they come in a WIDE array of styles, colors and prints.

Also, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month...make sure to schedule a mammogram, do a self-exam, or say a prayer for everyone battling this horrible disease.

Today's challenge is an inspiration challenge...I found so many cool scrubs in the online catalog, Scrubs and Beyond... I love this Breast Cancer Awareness one...

Use this scrub top as your inspiration...use the colors, prints, pattern, whatever! Just have fun!

Here is my sample:

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ65 if you are posting to an online gallery or use the inlinxz below:

Thanks for stopping by!

*And especially in honor of WORLD CARD MAKING DAY, I will draw a random winner on October 15th from all those who play along to win a $10 gift certificate to either Papertrey Ink or Gina K Designs (your choice!)! Good Luck and Happy World Card Making Day!

The next challenge will be posted on October 22nd so I can have a bit of a break...having a crazy month!

I'll try again Friday...

2010-09-29T14:06:00.003-04:00

OK I guess no one wanted to play with Bleach this week...me either! I'll be back on Friday with a new challenge for the new month!

Hospital Clean RESQ64

2010-09-24T07:00:00.009-04:00

Hospitals are clean, right? Of course they are! There are so many old sayings about being "hospital clean." I used to joke that my Mom cleaned my house like it was a hospital...she used bleach for everything!

So for this week's challenge, use bleach on your card! There are many tutorials for using bleach but here are few I found on SCS...

stamping with bleach

bleached out images

alchohol ink faux bleach

color wash faux bleach

foxi oxi

**Depending on what brand of cardstock you use you will get different results! For example I used Papertrey Ink New Leaf and the bleached imaged showed as a bright yellow! On SU Garden Green it showed up a lighter shade of green.**

Here is my sample:

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ64 if you are posting to an online gallery or use the inlinxz below:

Thanks for stopping by!

Listen and Relax! RESQ63

2010-09-17T07:00:00.003-04:00

We are all under so much stress these days...form work, family and just the world we live in. One ways researchers have proven to help relieve stress is through your auditory sense! YES! Listening to relaxing music can positively affect your physical being!

Research has shown that music has a profound effect on your body and psyche. In fact, there's a growing field of health care known as Music Therapy, which uses music to heal. Those who practice music therapy are finding a benefit in using music to help cancer patients, children with ADD and others, even hospitals are beginning to use music and music therapy to help with pain management, to help ward off depression, to promote movement, to calm patients, ease muscle tension and more.

Well, we can use this in our stamping room too! Listening to calm soothing spa music may produce a soft, simple card, while listening to Opera music may produce an intricate, vintage look!

For this week's challenge, listen to both of these pieces of music. Choose one and create a card inspired by it. You can do 2 cards if you like! * I couldn't figure out how to add just a song so I found music that had videos attached....enjoy!

Inspiration # 1

Inspiration #2

Here is my sample....I was listening to inspiration piece #1 and it reminded me of the piano piece Edward plays for Bella in Twilight...LOL yes, I know, I can't help it I {heart} Twilight.....

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ63 when uploading to an online gallery or use the inlinxz below:

Thanks for stopping by!

Physiologist is Back RESQ62

2010-09-10T07:00:00.002-04:00

Let's welcome back our resident Physiologist this week!

A physiologist can tell you all about the parts of the body and how they work together...in other words, this is our SKETCH Doctor! And here is this week's sketch:

The sketch is just an idea to get you started, I'd like to see how you interpret it!

Here is my sample:

my last summer Hurrah! (I miss Mr. Softee all winter...)

recipe: stamps- Unity, Papertrey Ink Cupcake Basics (sentiment)

paper- white, rustic cream, kraft

ink- memento black, copics

accessories- ribbon, stickles

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ62 if you are uploading to an online gallery or you can use the inlinxz below:

Thanks for stopping by!

Tools of the Trade RESQ61

2010-09-03T07:00:00.005-04:00

Almost every profession has it's own tools of the trade. An artist has paints and brushes, a musician has their instrument, beautician has their scissors...you get the point! Well, an Emergency Medical Provider has ALOT of tools of the trade. One of the first things you need on your person is a small pack of necessities....

Believe it or not I used to carry a few different kinds of scissors. The big ones in the picture are called shears, you use these most of all. Most especially for cutting clothes off an accident victim (sorry!). Another important kind of scissor is ones that look bent at the end. These are best for cutting off bandages (because they fit under the bandage well). Also important is bottom one, called a Kelly Forcep. It's not really a scissor, more like a clamp to hold things out of the way. And lastly, an important tool is the orange looking rectangle with a blade. That is the seatbelt cutter. Trust me it cuts a seat belt QUICK! Something you may want to have in your car too! The other items in the picture are a penlight, a window punch and of course a stethoscope. Oh and don't forget your gloves!

Anyway, that is a basic tool set for each EMS person...everything else is usually provided by your employer or volunteer department.

SO this week, in honor of the tools of the trade, and my personal intro to EMS scissors and shears (LOL), let's see you use YOUR scissors! Cut out an image, use those neglected fancy cut scissors that you bought when you first started this craft (you know you have them!), use scissors to distress the edges, or anything else you can think of!

Here is my sample: (I used my scissors to make the "grass" fringe)

recipe: stamps- Papertrey Ink Signature Greetings, garden of life

paper- SU DP, old olive, white

ink- old olive, black

accessories- PTI flower die, scissors, button, twine

Don't forget to add the keyword RESQ61 if you are uploading to a public gallery, or you can use the inlinxz below:

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hospital Food RESQ60

2010-08-27T07:00:00.008-04:00

Ewwww.....HOSPITAL FOOD!

Ok so no one likes hospital food much.....but...these days hospital cafeterias have come a long way! I was recently visiting a friend in the hospital when she was having a baby, and had a very good lunch there! But every time I myself have been in the hospital, the food has been awful! So bad in fact, that I always made sure anyone who came to visit brought me food! LOL

SO, this week in honor of the hospital food we HATE....use crafting items, colors and images that you normally would not choose. For example if you hate the color pink and animal images, let me see you use a pig! LOL

It is a well known fact that I absolutely HATE using glitter.... it never sticks for me, falls off after, and stays in my hair and clothes for at least a day afterward! And stickles! ACK! They takes years to dry! But for this challenge I pre-medicated and used some glitter...a whole lot of it! (just for you Lee!) Here is my sample:

recipe:

stamps- SU medallion, PTI asian fusion

paper- black, rustic cream, SU newsprint DP

ink- real red, versamark, black

accessories- red glitter EP, black EP, dazzling diamonds,

ribbon, SU embossing folder, rhinestone, PTI dies

I actually found glittered embossing powder that sticks and still looks like glitter. I versamarked a square of white paper, embossed using the red glitter embossing powder and then used a die cut for the flower. The black circle behind it I added dazzling diamonds to regular black embossing powder and it gives a nice glittery, shiny look.. Hard to see in the photo, of course.... ;)

Don't forget to add the keyword RESQ60 if you are uploading to an online gallery, or just use the inlinxz below:

Thanks for stopping by!

Time For Some Therapy!!! RESQ59

2010-08-20T04:20:00.003-04:00

Oh we all need some "me time"!!!! Mental health is just as important as any other health issue....maybe more!!! I don't know about you all........but this summer was far from relaxing!!! LOL Now that we have our daughter moved into her dorm room and our son scheduled with his homeschooling for the year......it's time for some stampin' time to enjoy the things I love and renew and refresh!!

This challenge has such potential for huge variety!!! What helps rejuvenate you?? This card shows 2 types of therapy for me............ 1) Coloring with my Copics, which I find very therapeutic!! 2) PINK!!! Yes, I do so LOVE my pink!!! It makes me happy!!!! So my challenge to you is to indulge in some "you time" and show what your therapy is!! It could be a stamping technique, a favorite image or color, or something else!!!!

I used the Rubber Stampede Wild Rose background stamp and Gina K. Designs Pure Luxury cardstock in White, Wild Dandelion and Grass Green. I really enjoy my quiet stamping time just coloring and listening to music!! My music....not my teenagers'!! LOL

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ59 if you are uploading to a public gallery or site. Or, you can use the inlinxz below:

Thanks!!! Have a creative day!!!!

Flash Those Pearlies!

2010-08-13T07:00:00.005-04:00

Sorry this post is late--relishing in my last lazy days of summer before returning to a new school year on Monday. Speaking of summer--much of mine is taken up with care and maintenance appointments--physical, new haircut, eye doctor, and of course, going to the dentist--and that's what my challenge involves for you today. Create a project that is all about smiles! Use an image that is smiling or use the word "smile" in your sentiment. After all, my summer is coming to a close and I could use a grin or two. Flash me those pearlies!
Don't forget to add the keyword RESQ58 if you are uploading to an online gallery or just use the inlinxz below.

(Poppy by "I Brake for Stamps"; sentiment by "Verve.)

Thanks for stopping by!
Cheers!
Pat

RESQ57: Tape it up!

2010-08-06T07:00:00.002-04:00

Tape is an essential ingredient in any first aid kit! You can find it in narrow and wide widths, with a cloth finish, in several colors. You can use it to adhere bandages or as extra support. And now tape has also become an essential ingredient in crafters' toolkits! Japanese washi tape has become all the rage this year, and lots of scrapbook companies have introduced their own versions of pretty tape. With that in mind, today's challenge is all about tape! Please use tape as a decorative element on your card! You don't have to have fancy tape, either. If you have red sticky strip, you can use it to adhere glitter or sparkly fluff. Or you can use plain old masking tape to create a faux leather background. See the tutorial HERE!
For my sample card, I used some decorate tape from Pink Paislee, as well as a strip of red line sticky tape to adhere glitter down the right side. Now let's see what you can do with tape!

Please use the keyword RESQ57 if you are posting to an online gallery or just use the inlinxz below to link up your card so we can check out your taped up creations!

Thanks for stopping by!

VROOOOOOOOOM! RESQ56

2010-07-30T07:00:00.033-04:00

We’ve had big happenings in the family this month. My nephew, a firefighter and EMT, was promoted to Driver-Engineer! This means he gets to wear a new shiny RED (rather than YELLOW) helmet, SOUND the siren, and DRIVE the big rigs! He’s TRAVELING around to several stations now for orientation in order to give him some time behind the WHEEL of different TRUCKS! Anyway, he thinks he’s pretty HOT STUFF now and come to think of it, we think so, too! To celebrate Shaun’s achievement, I challenge you to use any of the words in BOLD CAPS to inspire you and design your card to post here using the link tool below. Oh, and next time you see a truckload of firefighters out for a non-emergency—give ‘em a wave!

Card Specs: Size: A2 (4.25 by 5.5) Cardstock: Real Red, Summer Sun, White Stamps: Roller Wheel by Stampin' Up; TPC Studios Clear Stamps "Greetings"; computer generated text banner Accessories: Jolene Firetruck, silver brads

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ56 if you are posting to an online gallery, or just use the inlinkz below:

Thanks for stopping by!

Put your Glasses on...RESQ55

2010-07-23T07:00:00.004-04:00

Well, my poor baby boy has to wear glasses....{sigh}

He has lazy eye so it's hopefully not permanent but as many of you know he is certainly a wild and crazy boy! I think we may break the record for most pairs broken....

But he sure is cute with them on!

Today's challenge is to use something that looks like or reminds you of glass...it can be clear page pebbles, dew drops, or even acetate. You can even try a technique such as

acetate and tissue

cracked glass

faux sea glass

shattered glass with pearl ex

stained glass

Here is my sample...I went simple and used dew drops!

recipe:

stamps- Impression Obsession Martinis, SU unk wheel

ink- palette noir, versamark

paper- kraft, night of navy, bashful blue, white

accessories- clear EP, string, dew drops

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ55 if you are uploading to an online gallery or you can use the inlinx below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Don't be Anemic...eat a hamburger! RESQ54

2010-07-16T07:00:00.002-04:00

SO almost every month around "that time" I get a little anemic. Sometimes it's bad enough that I need some iron pills or I fall asleep standing up! Anemia is basically low red blood cells and happens for a variety of reasons. Some causes are:

1. certain medications may cause anemia

2. diseases such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis

3. genes - some forms of anemia are inherited (my mother in law has anemia which is prevalent in those of us from the Mediterranean areas of Europe)

Some treatments for Anemia are:

1. blood transfusions (for severe anemia)

2. iron containing medications

3. eating more foods with naturally occurring iron like red meat, dark green vegetables, liver

As for me, I make sure to eat one medium rare hamburger a week! I also have to supplement with a multi vitamin that contains iron.

For this week's challenge you need to keep your red blood cells high by using metal on your card! It can be a metal embellishment, faux metal technique or even stamping on thin metal sheets. One more requirement is to use the color red for your blood cells!

As always, don't forget to use the keyword RESQ54 if you are posting to an online gallery or just use the inlinx below:

Thanks for stopping by!

Drink Your Water! RESQ53

2010-07-09T07:00:00.006-04:00

Here on the East Coast we are looking at temperatures in the HIGH 90’s and possible 100’s this week! Yikes! With the temperatures and humidity being so high it’s important not to get dehydrated!

Along with trying to stay cool, you need to be sure you drink enough
fluids. People often blame the heat when they start to get headaches, light-headedness and fatigue. These are often the first signs of dehydration, even if you are not thirsty.

The warm weather encourages people to be outside - working, exercising or just enjoying the sun. All of these activities speed up the loss of body water, with dehydration close behind. Even minimal dehydration (2% to 3%) can negatively impact your physical and mental performance.

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. Dehydration can upset the delicate fluid-salt balance needed to maintain healthy cells and tissues. The human body is generally over 60 percent water. The body works to maintain water balance through mechanisms such as the thirst sensation. When the body requires more water, the brain stimulates nerve centers to encourage a person to drink in order to replenish the water stores.

So here are some tips to stay hydrated in the upcoming hot days:

Tips for Keeping Hydrated

1. Have a glass of water when you first get up.

2. Keep a glass of water next to the bed.

3. Enjoy an herbal tea in the afternoon or evening.

4. Carry water with you if away from home for long periods.

5. Drink before you get thirsty.

6. Limit sugary, caffeinated beverages.

7. Choose drinks with 10 or fewer calories.

Know the signs of dehydration. The best choice for fluid is WATER!

*courtesy of Brigham and Women’s Hospital

So for this week’s challenge we want to see any technique that keeps you hydrated...any technique using water and/or a spritz bottle!

Here are some ideas:

Watercolor Spritz:

http://stamptv.ning.com/video/watercolor-spritz-1

Mottled Mist:

http://www.stampin.com/tips/mottledmist.htm

Misting with Markers:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/misting_with_markers/

Misting with Alcohol Markers: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/misting_with_alcohol_markers/

Watercolor Wash:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/color_wash/

Ink, Spray and Smash:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/inkspraysmash/

Pearl Ex-Luminous Pearls: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/pearl_extrade_luminous_pearls/

Salted Background:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/salted_background/

Here is a sample of the salted background technique I did a while ago....sorry I was swamped this week and didn't have a chance to do a new card!

As always, don't forget to use the keyword RESQ53 if you are posting to an online gallery, or just use the inlinx below:

Thanks for stopping by!

Res-Q 52: Sunshine

2010-07-02T08:02:00.004-04:00

Hi everybody! This week's guest hostess for the Res-Q Challenge is the fabulous Karolyn from Paper Therapy. Here's what's she's got for you this week:

Has summer arrived where you live? Not so much where I live . . . good ole’ Seattle. Nothing but rain, rain, and more rain. So you can imagine that we pretty much crave sunshine here in Washington State. When the sun finally appears here, everyone puts on their shorts and tank tops and heads outside, including me! We also tend to stay out in the sunshine for as long as we can . . . sometimes too long, and we pay for it later.

Sunburn – it’s something that I’m sure we can all remember as children to be a miserable experience. Some of us are paying for it now, in our older age. Skin cancer and sun damage are very serious problems. I think we’ve finally realized that protecting our skin is imperative.

BUT! Did you know that as a nation we are Vitamin D deficient? Especially those of us that are “lucky” enough to live in Washington, where we so seldom see the sun. Sunshine is a wonderful source of Vitamin D, and there are studies that have been done that actually say that getting enough Vitamin D can PREVENT some types of cancer. To be specific, the exposure to UVB sun radiation has been shown to reduce the risk of 19 major types of cancer through the production of vitamin D! So some sunshine is absolutely okay!

Here are a few tips to get your supply of Vitamin D, without exposing yourself to skin cancer:

*Get 20 minutes of unprotected sun-to-skin exposure every day. This will meet our most basic needs for Vitamin D. After 20 minutes, though, it’s recommended that you take measures to protect your skin, i.e., hats, clothing, umbrellas, and sunscreens.

* Make every effort to avoid burning your skin. There is sufficient data to know that sunburns cause serious, long-term damage.

*Cover up! The use of hats, shirts and umbrellas offer safe and effective protection from the sun.

*Buyer beware. Before purchasing a sunscreen, consult with a website such as www.ewg.org to ensure you are purchasing a product that is both safe and effective.

YOUR RES-Q CHALLENGE: Create a project that includes some “sunshine”, whether it’s the color of sunshine or a sun image. Perhaps it’s a “sunny” sentiment. The sky’s the limit! Go out and spread some sunshine!!

Don’t forget to use the keyword RESQ52 if you are uploading to an online gallery and feel free to link up below so we can check out your sunny creations! Thanks for playing!

Ack, SUNBURN! RESQ51

2010-06-25T07:00:00.003-04:00

Everyone remembers this ad with the cutie girl and her famous "sunburn!" Well, when summer comes it is one thing I try hard to avoid! While I am half Sicilian and half Southern Italian (yes they are both Italian technically, but Sicilians like to think they are different!) and should get nice and dark brown like the rest of my family, sadly I do not. I am very fair and bun all the time! So to avoid problems I use lots of sunblock.

SO for today's challenge I want to see some BLOCK...as in resist...as in Emboss Resist! I haven't done any resist for a while and I felt the need to break out my embossing powders!

Here is my sample (sorry it's so late...I'm fighting bronchitis!)

As always, use the keyword RESQ51 when posting to an online gallery or just link it up right here!

Thanks for stopping by!

*I'll add my card as soon as I get back from my baby's graduation!

Winner!! Congrats!

2010-06-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who participated and left comments! It's nice to see how many people really check out this little blog challenge every week!

And so, the winner of the prize pack is............

MARY C!

Mary, email me your address and I will send you your goodies!

Thanks to everyone who played this week!

RESQ 50 and a GIVEAWAY!

2010-06-18T07:00:00.001-04:00

I just can't believe this little challenge blog is up to FIFTY already! I even went back and counted...there really were 50 challenges since MARCH of 2009!

*Right now I am "glam" ping (AKA: camping in a cabin with A/C, shower, and cable TV) in the beautiful mountains of NY State! Hope you all enjoy the challenge! I'll be back on Sunday night to start commenting...

SO this week is extra special and first of all I want to say thank you to everyone who has played along, left a comment or hosted a challenge. Today's challenge is in celebration of the 49 challenges that came before!

Here are MY top five Favorite RESQ challenges:

1. RESQ 24 The podiatrist

2. RESQ 01 The Scavenger Hunt

3. RESQ 41 The Mental Health Break

4. RESQWCMD2 The Eye Exam

5. RESQ 35 The Medical Report

This week's challenge is to do ANY one (or more if you feel like it!) of the five challenges above! The titles are linked to the actual challenge itself so just pick one and roll with it!

Don't forget to use the keyword for THIS challenge RESQ50 and NOT the previous keyword. Then you can leave a comment or link it here.

There is also a GIVEAWAY this week to help us celebrate!

Leave a comment and get one entry.

Link a challenge card and get 2 entries.

You will get 2 entries for every challenge card you enter

but only one comment per person please.

I will choose a winner and post it on Thursday June 24th.

The prize is a box of STUFF like ribbon, clear stamps, a crop in style tool organizer, a personal fan, a tool taxi, buttons and prima flowers and more!

Rx from the Pharmacist! RESQ 49

2010-06-11T07:00:00.013-04:00

Today we would like to welcome a Guest Crew Member for this week's challenge...

Lisa (countrybeamer on SCS) and here is her challenge for you!

This month, my hubby and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary! Of course, those years have included some great times and also some challenging experiences. To add to the fun of it, we are also raising our (11) children!

Because I have learned a little over those twenty years (sometimes form my own mistakes), I wanted to share my "Top Three" Rx for a Happy Marriage or relationship. I'm sure you have your own tope three as well!

1. Give 100% whenever possible! (It s almost always possible!)

2. Don't keep a mental (or written) account of "wrongs"...

3. Speak kindly about your spouse in front of others!

Because this is a month when we oftnen think of brides, this week's challenge is to create a wedding, anniversary or related card!

Here is Lisa's sample:

To remind us of our "Top Three," somewhere on your card place three of something: three brads in a row, three hearts, or three words...

Now, start creating something lovely!

Don't forget to add the keyword RESQ49 if you are uploading in an online gallery or use the inlinx below:

Thanks for stopping by!

Close it up! RESQ 48

2010-06-04T07:00:00.002-04:00

Back in the old days, when you had surgery or an injury you were sewn up with stitches. I think surgeons must all belong to sewing groups because their stitches are just perfect! Lately, staples seem to be more prevalent but either way they hold you together!

When I was in college I tore a bunch of stuff (ligaments, tendons and muscle) in my knee playing softball. I had OPEN reconstructive surgery, something you rarely see anymore thanks to technology. I had 67 stitches to close it all up! Nowadays, this surgery would have been done arthroscopically (with a small incision and a micro camera) but since I had this surgery in 1989 this scar is that I am left with!

yes, this is my UGLY knee.... at least I shaved...LOL

Here is my sample...For my Dad, the biggest Yankee fan ever!

So, for this week's challenge I want to see you close it up! I want to see sewing, faux stitching, staples or even buttons on your creations! Make my ugly knee happy!

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ48 if you are uploading to an online gallery or use the linking tool below. Thanks for playing!

Happy Memorial Day!

2010-05-28T12:12:00.007-04:00

Happy 7th Birthday GIA!

My baby girl's birthday is always on or around Memorial Day! She has worn red white and blue for every birthday since she was born!

But, this year she says she is too grown up to wear the red white and blue dress I got her! WAHHH! So she chose her own outfit this birthday....(still cute though if I do say so myself!)

She is also a fabulous card maker and has her very own gallery on SplitCoast (her name is Miss Gia)...she will be making a challenge card this weekend...

So... In honor of my "baby" who has just turned SEVEN (ugh I still can't believe it!) let's make a red, white and blue birthday card!

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ47 if you are uploading to an online gallery or blog. You can also use the linking tool below.

***ETA Here is Gia's sample card!

Time for an X-Ray RESQ46

2010-05-21T07:00:00.006-04:00

Time for an X-RAY!

Everyone has to get an xray at some time...some of us more than one! One of the most common x-rays is a chest xray to check for pneumonia. Anther common reason for x-rays is to check for broken bones.

For this week's project, I'd like to see you make it look like an x-ray! That means a monochromatic project using black, white and shades of grey. I will allow ONE small additional color but it has to be small like a brad or ribbon.

Here is my sample... I tried a new technique called ZENTANGLE...it's basically doodling but how cool is it? This was also for the Ways to Use it challenge on SCS...use a black pen and be creative!

recipe: stamps- Papertrey ink Background Basics retro

paper- PTI rustic cream, black

accessories- rhinestones, lak marker, nestibilities

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ46 if you are uploading to an online gallery or blog. You can also use the linking tool below.

Super Foods! RESQ45

2010-05-14T07:00:00.006-04:00

Today's challenge is brought to you by the resident nutritionist....always trying to keep us healthy!

As a permanent member of Weight Watchers, I am constantly reading about nutritious foods and trying to introduce my family to healthy eating.

I feel like I have seen this list of the top 10 Super foods a million times but it doesn't hurt to see it again!

Top 10 Multitasking Foods*:

Low fat or fat-free plain yogurt is higher in calcium than some other dairy products and contains a great package of other nutrients, including protein and potassium. It can also be enhanced with other good-for-you substances. Look for plain yogurt fortified with vitamin D, and add your own fruit to control sweetness and calories.
Eggs make the list because they are nutritious, versatile, economical, and a great way to fill up on quality protein. Eggs also contain 12 vitamins and minerals, including choline, which is good for brain development and memory. Enjoy them at any meal or hard-cooked as a portable snack.
Nuts have gotten a bad rap because of their high fat content. But their protein, heart-healthy fats, high fiber, and antioxidant content earn them a place on the top 10 list. Whether you prefer pistachios, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, or pecans, an ounce a day of nuts help fill you up. Nuts add texture and flavor to salads, side dishes, baked goods, cereals, and entrees.
Kiwis are among the most nutritionally dense fruits, full of antioxidants. One large kiwi supplies your daily requirement for vitamin C. It is also a good source of potassium, fiber, and a decent source of vitamin A and vitamin E, which is one of the missing nutrients, and kiwi is one of the only fruits that provides it. Kiwifruit can also have a mild laxative effect due to their high fiber content.
Quinoa is now readily available in many supermarkets and is one of the best whole grains you can eat. It is an ancient grain, easy to make, interesting, high in protein (8 grams in 1 cup cooked), fiber (5 grams per cup) and a naturally good source of iron. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) also has plenty of zinc, vitamin E, and selenium to help control your weight and lower your risk for heart diseaseand diabetes, she says. Quinoa is as easy to prepare as rice and can be eaten alone or mixed with vegetables, nuts, or lean protein for a whole-grain medley. Try to make at least half your daily grain servings whole grains. In addition to quinoa, try barley, oats, buckwheat, whole wheat, wild rice, and millet.
Beans, beans, good for your heart -- really! Beans are loaded with insoluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol, as well as soluble fiber, which fills you up and helps rid your body of waste. They're also a good, low-fat source of protein, carbohydrates,magnesium, and potassium. Edamame (whole soybeans) also contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Beans can easily substitute for meat or poultry as the centerpiece of a meal, but they also work as a side dish, or tossed into soups, stews, or egg dishes. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend 3 cups weekly.
Salmon is a super food because of its omega-3 fatty acid content. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids help protect heart health. That's why the American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish like salmon twice weekly. Salmon is low in calories (200 for 3 ounces) has lots of protein, is a good source of iron, and is very low in saturated fat.
Broccoli is one of America's favorite vegetables because it tastes good and is available all year long. It's a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and bone-building vitamin K, and has plenty of fiber to fill you up and help control your weight.
Sweet potatoes are a delicious member of the dark orange vegetable family, which lead the pack in vitamin A content. Substitute a baked sweet potato (also loaded with vitamin C, calcium, and potassium) for a baked white potato. Other dark orange vegetable standouts include pumpkin, carrots, butternut squash, and orange bell peppers.
Berries pack an incredible amount of nutritional goodness into a small package. They're loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, low in calories, and high in water and fiber to help control blood sugar and keep you full longer. And their flavors satisfy sweets cravings for a fraction of the calories in baked goods. Blueberries lead the pack because they are among the best source of antioxidants and are widely available. Cranberries are also widely available fresh, frozen, or dried.

* COURTESY OF WEB MD*

So in honor of all these fabulous SUPER foods, make a project using one of these foods, or it's color, texture, etc. Leaves this week's challenge pretty open, huh?

Make sure to add the keyword or tag RESQ45 if you are uploading to a community or use the linking tool below.

Oh no! Not Hospital GOWNS!

2010-05-07T07:00:00.007-04:00

Don't you just hate hospital gowns? I have had quite a few trips in and out of the hospital myself and one thing that I always do is bring my own clothes. I know the nurses hate it but it's the one little thing that makes me comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. And besides, the hospital gowns are THE WORST! Not to mention your booty hangs out....;)

So, I was thinking as I passed my hand over all the gorgeous new fabrics at my craft store today, what if they made hospital gowns look GOOD? Take this awesome fabric I found...so bright and cheery, and NON-hospital gown-ish at all.

For today's challenge, make something that looks not so great (a hospital gown) and make it look awesome by changing the colors and pattern. You can re-do one of your old cards, find a postcard you got in the junk mail and make it pretty, whatever! Or, just make a card inspired by this awesome fabric!

** I'll be back with my sample, this week end has been hectic!***

And don't forget to use the linking tool below to link us to your creation and if you're uploading to an online gallery, use the keyword or tag RESQ44.

Tuck in those hospital corners! RESQ43

2010-04-30T07:00:00.005-04:00

One of the first things you learn in nursing school used to be how to make a bed. All tucked in nice and neat. You also need to know this in the military and for camp. When I started out in nursing school it was one of the things I haven't forgotten and ALWAYS do (to the dismay of my husband who like the sheets all hanging out!)

Here is a video on how to do it:

So today I want to see some unique folding on your cards! You can make any kind of special fold card or go crazy and try some origami! Here are some sites and suggestions for you:

1. Origami Instructions.com - this site has so many awesome instructions for everything from simple stuff the kids can do to more elaborate things like a VASE! so COOL!

2. Dahlia Fold - this fold makes the prettiest flowers...make one or a bunch! And this is a great tutorial...

3. Diaper Fold Pouch - this one makes cute little quick and easy favors! Plus this has a video tutorial from Beate Johns (love her cute little accent!)

4. Easel Card - with just a few different folds you have a card that will stand up anywhere! Perfect for a desk or mantle!

5. Folded Picture Frame- I just did one of these for the VSN mini challenge by Carol on SCS this past weekend...makes such a great focal point!

I would love to see some new folds so if you have one (with a tutorial would be AWESOME) I wanna see it! In the meantime I will be making my beds with hospital corners just to piss off my hubby! LOL

And don't forget to use the linking tool below to link us to your creation and if you're uploading to an online gallery, use the keyword or tag RESQ43.

Here is my sample...I used the Folded Picture Frame technique with one of my favorite SU sets, Beautiful Beach....It's hard to see in the picture but there is a layer of acetate that I stamped the sentiment on over the center shell....and yes, that is a REAL shell in the corner!

Thanks for stopping by!

** PPS SO SORRY I forgot to add the inlinks! It's up now, can't wait to see your beautiful creations!

April Showers

2010-04-23T07:00:00.009-04:00

It's April, and you know what that means -- rainy weather! Getting wet and chilled can be bad for your health. Stay dry and stay warm. Get out the slickers, ponchos, and umbrellas, and keep them handy.

Today we have an Inspiration Challenge. Look at the beautiful umbrellas here. Then make a card inspired by one of them. You might be inspired by the colors, the designs -- anything. Let your creativity flow! I can't wait to see what you create!

I was inspired by the beautiful poppy umbrella here.

And don't forget to use the linking tool below to link us to your creation and if you're uploading to an online gallery, use the keyword or tag RESQ42.

Take A Mental Health Break!!!

2010-04-16T07:00:00.004-04:00

Howdy friends!!!! I'm baaaack!!!! Life has been a crazy ride indeed...........but one thing that is completely necessary in order not go off the deep end............is a mental health break now and then!!! Besides just stamping in general being my sanity saver...........I especially get such a smile and mood-lift when I use pastel colors...........I don't know...........it just seems to make me feel happy!!! Could be that I live where we have 8 months of winter! LOL Now I LOVE winter...........but I do need to see pretty colors and flowers too!!! And bling.........now any of you who know me know I ADORE my bling!!!! LOL

This Friday's challenge is two-fold...........1. Use pastels.........2. Use an image (or more) that makes you smile!! What better prescription could you get for your mental health??? Something that brings you a smile simply to look at!!! I guarantee you will feel happy as work away on this challenge!!!

Stamps: Gina K. - A Beautiful Life
Paper: Gina K. - Pure Luxury in Green Apple, Lemon Tart, Bubblegum Pink, White.
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers
Accessories: Kaisercraft Rhinestones, Stickles

I'm going to beg Denise to help me get the Linky Dinky stuff posted so you all can link your wonderful creations here as I definitely can't wait to see them all!!!! And I think life has settled down at least enough for me to pop in regularly with some challenges to share!!!! Have a truly FABULOUS FRIDAY and happy stamping!!!!!

**got your back Lee, XOXOX

Don't forget to use the linking tool below to link us to your creation and if you're uploading to an online gallery, use the keyword or tag RESQ41.

Let's Play!

2010-04-09T08:00:00.003-04:00

It's time for another game with the Diagnostician....

The Diagnostician here on the RESQ is dedicated to helping find the source of mojo difficulties--posing problems and puzzles to help get your mojo on the road to recovery! Her “tests” may challenge you to think a different way or explore alternative treatments.

So today you need to solve the word find puzzle to get clues on what you need to create your card...

D T H J V P U N C H B E Q N I A R F H K S N B L U E M L S V O E R H W K G O S O Q E I E D V L W I E E S V D T S M E Z Y R N F O P T A R X P A O D H H B A S B D U T N S R B N P I D Q T G N I R P S K Q S U R K N I P X J V A B E Y T Y E L L O W
blue punch
buttons rain
dies spring
flowers square
pattern yellow
pink

Once you have solved the puzzle, use the clues to make your card!

Choose at least 2 clues to work with (you can use more if you want!)

Here is my sample...I used the clues yellow, square, punch, and flowers for mine.
recipe: stamps- HA italian script, Papertrey ink Papertrey, Spiral Bouquet

paper- PTI white, lemon tart, spring moss

ink- lemon tart, spring moss, black

accessories- corner chomper, fiskars oval punch

And don't forget to use the linking tool below to link us to your creation and if you're uploading to an online gallery, use the keyword or tag RESQ40.

Holiday Madness! RESQ39

2010-04-02T08:00:00.001-04:00

Well, I don't know about you but in my house the holidays are the times when things tend to go crazy! Like someone gets a 103 fever on Easter morning, someone slices open a hand on Thanksgiving or twists an ankle playing football in the snow on Christmas day. And you know what that means.....

A trip to the ER!

*** note: I was late posting today because we DID have an emergency! My DS had a bad ear infection which landed us in the doctor's office this morning! I TOLD YOU SO!

Now, I know I sound excited about it but I'm not excited when someone gets hurt or sick but I just LOVE to be in the Emergency Room! It goes back to my past as a Paramedic...I love the adrenaline rush, figuring out a patients diagnosis, looking at x-rays! I know, I'm crazy...but then again you already knew that!

So, our challenge today comes from the Emergency Department....it's always so hard to find people when you go there. People are running around, behind curtains...what you need is a map! But how about a sketch instead?

Yup, a sketch challenge for today....enjoy!

Use the linking tool below to link us to your creation and if you're uploading to an online gallery, use the keyword or tag RESQ39.

Here is my sample:

recipe: stamps- Kitchen Sink Stamps Hydrangea, Papertrey Ink Asian Fusion, Distressed Stripes

paper- rustic cream, black, ballet blue, old olive

ink- brilliant blue, bashful blue, almost amethyst, certainly celery, old olive, black

accessories- ribbon, fiskars border punch, circle nestabilities, rhinestone

Thanks for joining us today!

Hope you have a blessed and wonderful holiday!

A visit to the OB/GYN!

2010-03-26T07:30:00.003-04:00

Please welcome a new hostess to RESQ....Taylor Usry (aka stagccva on SCS)

Eggs, Eggs, Eggs!

This week our challenge is coming to us from the OB-GYN's office! I know, I know - -not always the favorite place to go. But when you're there to talk about eggs it is! Personally, I love to go -- 7 more weeks until this egg I've been tending is all ready to hatch :)

The doctors and midwives over at the clinic wanted to make sure everyone was taking good care of those precious eggs. So let's see how well you are doing! Color them, paint them, put them on scrapbook pages, use them on cards, or decorate your house with them. Have they hatched into sweet little chickies already? Those will work too! Let's see all of those wonderful creations you can come up with!

Here is my card. I used the Lizzie Anne Designs set Lucky You, which is the monthly mix for March. Because of my little egg, I totally have that forgetful brain, and didn't notice that I used the wrong image on my card! When I stamped my eggs I made a little mistake, and one of them doesn't have a solid outline. I re-did it, but still managed to pick up the wrong one and use it anyway. Oh well!! It's ok with me that not all of my eggs are always perfect -- I love them anyway!

Use the linking tool below to link us to your creation and if you're uploading to an online gallery, use the keyword or tag RESQ38.

Thanks for joining us today! Have a blessed and wonderful holiday!

Let's Work on Your Two Lips!

2010-03-22T15:16:00.000-04:00

I'll bet you didn't know we had our very own Nip and Tuck specialist right here on the Res-Q, did you? Well our plastic surgeon on call is hosting today's challenge and she wants to help get you on the A-list! We're talking Meg Ryan, Goldie Hawn (in First Wives Club), Dyan Cannon, Cher, and dozens of others who have (for unknown reasons) chosen to pump 'em up! That's right, Mick Jagger lips, baby, TWO LIPS in fact!

Not so fast, I wouldn't put you, our loyal followers, through the torture OR the end result. Make that TULIPS, one of my favorite flowers. I just love this time of year and the tulip festivals that abound.

For some reason, when I see a bouquet of different colors of tulips, my two lips just get all smiley. There's so much spring in all that color. Today's Res-Q is a color challenge. Use the palette provided to design your layout or card.

For you Stampin Up gals, the colors are pretty close to apricot appeal, regal rose, certainly celery and tempting turquoise, but don't worry yourself into frown lines trying to match the colors exactly. Use them for inspiration to make a card that turns up the edges of those two lips of yours! Most of all, have fun and let us see what you've done.

Use the linking tool below to link us to your creation and if you're uploading to an online gallery, use the keyword or tag RESQ37.

Thanks for playing. My two lips send you big old MWAH!

Card measures 4.5 x 4.5. Sentiment "Well-Scripted" by Stampin' Up. "Tulips" by I Brake For Stamps, image masked and stamped again to make bouquet, watercolored with "Regal Rose" and "Certainly Celery" ink. Corner Punches and bling used on the edges. Apricot grosgrain ribbon by Stampin Up.

A Visit to the Pediatrician!

2010-03-12T08:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday CHRIS!

Since today is my baby boy's 5th birthday, he is due for a check up at the Pediatrician!

Our Pediatrician, Dr. Z, is totally awesome! My kids love to go see him (it's the nurses they don;t like, they give the shots!). His appointment is actually next week so he can enjoy his day and be shot free (he is due for 2 of them! OUCH!)

Normally the Peds Doc leaves a cool challenge and he went through lots of different ideas (which are tucked away for another day) but today my son overruled!

Today's challenge is somewhat easy...Make a boy's birthday card and you have to use at least 2 of my guy's favorite things!

Here is the list of his current favs:

1. The color blue (always has been)

2. Dinosaurs

3. Wii and Nintendo DS video games (especially Super Mario)

4. All animals (especially sea life and dogs) PS he is getting a tortoise for his birthday!

5. Bubble wrap (I swear, I can't get a package without him going through the box looking for it)

6. Macaroni and cheese (every meal needs mac n cheese)

7. Anything Disney!

8. The fish from the McDonald's commercials ("Give me back that Filet O Fish, Gimme that Fish...")

9. Play-Doh

10. Monster Trucks, Cars and Emergency Vehicles

Well, if you can't make a card from this list then you have to come back for my Daughter's birthday where everything is the opposite...very pink and girly! LOL

Speaking of my DD.... she made the sample for today's challenge! She made this card for her brother with all my stuff (and she is a messy crafter!)...but with all her heart too!

Please use the keyword RESQ36if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. You can link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section or try out the new inlinkz below! I will pick one entry each week to showcase on the blog! Thanks for playing along!

You can link your project directly using inlinkz right HERE:

Thanks for stopping by today!

Writing Your Reports!

2010-03-05T08:00:00.016-05:00

Having been in the medical field for a lot of years, I can tell you that writing reports is a major part of any kind of job having to do with medicine. You have to account for everything!

Today's challenge comes from the Medical Records Department! These people are tired of always being too busy with their charts, reports and books to play with us each week!

Text has been showing up all over in many types of art. Check it out...

So, the medical records department has decided to make up a challenge for us!

Use text in a prominent way on your card...whether it is a quote as a main image, large letters or even just words themselves.

Here are some sites to acquire more fonts (if you are like me, you have a ton of fonts!)

http://www.1001freefonts.com/

http://www.fontfreak.com/

http://fonts.tom7.com/

http://www.fonts.com/

http://www.urbanfonts.com/

You can even check out this awesome site that takes a bunch of words and makes it into ART!

http://www.wordle.net/

I used wordle to make the "patterned" paper for my card....

You just insert a bunch of words (mine all had to do with friends) and pick a color scheme, font an arrangement and viola!

Here is a close up of the sentiment and butterfly...

recipe: BG paper- my own creation @wordle.net

acrylic stamps- Papertrey Ink Friends till the end

cardstock- SU almost amethyst, apricot appeal, white

ink- Memento London Fog, SU almost amethyst

accessories- ribbon

Please use the keyword RESQ35 if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. You can link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section or try out the new inlinkz below! I will pick one entry each week to showcase on the blog! Thanks for playing along!

** NEW FEATURE!***

I will show one entry each week in the upper right corner of the RESQ-Blog!

You can link your project directly using inlinkz right HERE:

I am still learning about the inlinkz system...I don't know why the winner I chose was different but you are ALL winners in my book! Thanks for playing along this week!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Heartbeats....#2

2010-02-26T08:00:00.008-05:00

It's time for another addition of Heartbeats from our resident Cardiologist!

The Card-iologist keeps us up to date on what's new and exciting in the world of Crafting and ways that you can incorporate it in your life!

As we head to the end of a long hard winter, it seems everywhere you look, spring is being embraced! From soft muted pastels to cute bunnies and chicks, it seems Spring is a reason to be happy! Personally this winter has been long and hard with lots of snow, so I am more than happy to think of spring rain, Easter eggs, and crocus tops...

Another trend I see being used all over the paper crafting world is HYBRID crafting. Everyone is finding ways to use digital images, sentiments, papers and templates to incorporate with their basic paper crafting supplies. I have tried digital scrapbooking before and while I find it fast and easy, I miss the feel of paper and the simple joy of coloring with markers! But HYBRID scrapbboking is kinda the best of both worlds! And you can use the same idea for cardmaking as well.

Here are some sites that offer FREE downloads:

1. Free Digital Scrapbooking.com

2. Shabby Princess

3. Bee Crafty Downloads

4. My Grafico

Also recently Kristina Werner (two peas garden girl) did a video fro her Finally Friday series at Two Peas in a Bucket with a little tutorial on making a hybrid card...check it out:

You can use papers, embellishments or digital stamps...just print them out on cardstock. I print mine on Georgia Pacific 110lb. paper (I get it at Walmart) because my go-to white paper (Papertrey ink Stampers Select) is very thick and tends to get stuck in my printer (it's kinda old).

SO......for this week's challenge from the Card-i-ologist...use some happy Spring colors and try out the HYBRID method and use something digital.

Here is my sample....I used a freebie digital image form Papertrey Ink from when they were having their special release countdown, and some digital paper I downloaded (I don't remember if it was free or not) from Nicole Seitler at www.SugarplumPaperie.com.

recipe: digital paper- SugarplumPapiere.com Nicole Seitler

digital image- Papertrey Ink

satin ribbon, rhinestone star

Please use the keyword RESQ34 if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so everyone can check out your creations! Thanks for playing along!

Thanks for stopping by today!

You are what you eat!

2010-02-19T07:58:00.001-05:00

Well, I certainly hope that's not entirely true!

But anyway, today's post comes from the Nutritionist! With lots of people making New Year's Resolutions last month to lose weight (myself included), I have gathered some tips and tricks on losing weight that have helped me in the past (I lost 30 pounds last year and have kept 2o of it off!)

1. DON'T SKIP BREAKFAST! - I am not a breakfast person in general but I find that if I eat cereal, fruit or toast with my coffee, I am more able to wait for lunch than waste a snack at 10am.

2. DON'T SKIP OUT ON A FAVORITE FOOD! - when you pass on one of your favorites, you FEEL like your dieting and it makes you want it more. Have a small portion of a favorite and be happy.

3. EATING OUT - when going to a restaurant, look at the menu on line and decide in advance what you are going to have, something grilled and light on the sauce!

4. NOT COUNTING EVERY BITE- all those little "tastes" add up in the end! Even if you are not going to account for it, it still happened! Setting some rules like, "I don't eat in the car or watching TV" can help.

5. EXPECTING TOO MUCH TOO SOON - "Well, I have been dieting for a week and I haven't lost anything!" The only healthy way to lose weight is "slow and steady"...around 2 pounds per week. When you set your expectations too high, you are easily dissapointed.

~adapted from Weight Watchers online

OK so on to our challenge for today! "You are what you eat!" Make a card using anything that is edible...food, drinks, whatever!

Well, if we are living in fantasy land, I am a CUPCAKE! Since I bought this Martha Stewart cupcake punch I am anyway! I just love this thing! I have made myself a cute and yummy stash of these cupcake cards using up all my scraps, how awesome is that!?

here is a baby card...

and a birthday cupcake card....the possibilites are endless! I crimped a piece of creamy caramel for the cupcake base first and then punched it so it looks like a cupcake cup.

recipe (for both cards)- stamps- Papertrey Ink Birthday Basics, Mega Mixed Messages, polka dot basics

cardstock- certainly celery, tempting turquoise, white, creamy caramel, scraps of PP

ink- tempting turquoise, black

accessories- ribbon, scallop punch, black sharpie marker, crimper

Here is a card my 6 y/o daughter Gia did for this challenge too...she wants to be a cupcake also!

Please use the keyword RESQ33 if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so everyone can check out your creations! Thanks for playing along!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Snakeskin...a new way!

2010-02-12T08:02:00.002-05:00

I love to learn new techniques! I also like to use things I have lying around instead of actually buying things! SO I saved this plastic netting from a bag of oranges....and I came up with a great way to make a snakeskin looking background!

Here's a short tutorial!

Supplies:

- 3 coordinating ink colors (I used Dusty Durango, Creamy Caramel, and Crushed Curry)

- The plastic netting from the supermarket (I have found it on oranges and sometimes broccoli...just give it a rinse)

- Daubers, Sponges or makeup wedges (I buy them at the dollar store, they are great for blending)

1. Lay the netting flat as you can....you may want to tape it down

2. Start tapping with the sponge using the color you want to be most dominant (I used the Durango)

3. Move the netting slightly up or down, like a 1/4 of an inch and using a clean sponge go with the lighter color and tap it on. You can see here what it starting to look like...

4. Move the netting again in the opposite direction you moved it last time and add in the last color (creamy caramel) in a small amount as an accent.

Now it should have the look of snakeskin! (see second picture for final look)

5. If you turn the netting 180 degrees you will get a completely different look...you can even try it with glimmer mist sprays... The sample on the right is what happened when I turned it 180 degrees...

This is what it looks like using Glimmer Mist Sprays...

And here is the sample I made...I used this cowboy image I had sitting in a box of all my other stamped images! Perfect card for a rough and riding Dad (of which mine is NOT) LOL
recipe: stamps- SU Bronc Buster, PTI Men of Life

paper- Dusty Durango, Creamy Caramel, White

Ink- Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, Creamy Caramel, close to cocoa

accessories- large eyelets, ribbon, stapler

So, give it a try! Find something that looks like a net to use as a mask! I'd love to see what you come up with!

Please use the keyword RESQ32 if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so everyone can check out your creations! Thanks for playing along!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

Just a Minor Change here....

2010-02-05T12:52:00.005-05:00

I am changing the day I post a new challenge from Monday to Friday....there are just wayyyy too many challenges that I like to play along with on Mondays! I hope to see you all here on FRIDAYS for a new challenge starting next week!

SO the next challenge will be on FRIDAY, February 12th....I have a great tutorial for you so come on back!

Check Up Time!

2010-02-01T08:02:00.001-05:00

Well, I don't know about you but I am due for my yearly check up!

Yes, it's hard to think about going to the doctor when you are NOT sick but really, it's the most important thing you can do for yourself! Go and get your blood workup, height, weight, and all around check. Your doctor can tell you if you need to eat better, lose weight, etc.

And, after you get an A+on your report, you really feel good about yourself!

So for today's challenge....

Do an inventory check up!

- Go through your stamps....pull out ones that haven't seen ink in a while and give them a try!

- Also, you could try to use up some scraps but even better is using a sheet of patterned paper you have been hoarding for a while! Go ahead and use it already!

- You may find some things you want to get rid of to make room for some new things! - And if you are like me, you can put together a list of necessities you need to order (I am running so low on dimensionals!)

Here is my sample...I used an old SU set that I borrowed from my MIL, some ribbon and patterned paper I received in a swap but have been hoarding for who knows what reason and I even made a box of things I am going to send to my friend's DD who loves to scrapbook!

recipe: stamps- SU Vases in Vogue

paper- UNK patterned paper, crushed curry, dusty durango, white

ink- pallette noir

accessories- felt ribbon, rhinestones

technique- paper piecing

Please use the keyword RESQ31 if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so everyone can check out your creations! Thanks for playing along!

Cruisin'

2010-01-25T08:02:00.004-05:00

Sorry I am not here today...I am on a Disney Cruise! But I figured I would send over a special challenge for today....

First of all the winner from last week is JDMOMMY! I'll be sending her a special surprise from 'da islands mon!

So, while packing and getting ready for the cruise this week, I was thinking about an even more interesting ship than this beauty from Disney Cruise Lines...

The USNS COMFORT

This floating hospital just made it to Haiti to help out with a total of 500+ medical personnel, room for 1000 patients and even operating rooms. They are so desperate for this medical assistance in Haiti, I am sure this ship was a welcome sight.

Here is more information about this amazing FLOATING HOSPITAL.

So, for today's challenge, Use the salted background technique to represent the salty sea of the Caribbean. I have used this technique before, it's easy and fun!

Here is my sample:

recipe: stamps- SU Beautiful Beach, Papertrey Ink Birthday basics

paper- glossy white, taken with teal, creamy caramel, vintage cream

ink- tempting turquoise, bashful blue, creamy caramel

accessories- dew drops, twill ribbon

*salted background technique

Please use the keyword RESQ30 if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so everyone can check out your creations! Thanks for playing along!

Flu Update!

2010-01-18T08:02:00.001-05:00

Hi and thanks for stopping by the RES-Q-Challenge! Our resident Internist is here with some news about the H1N1 Virus...

I know everyone has been going batty following all the news regarding the H1Ni virus this winter. We actually had quite a few kids come down with it at my daughter's elementary school already! Some easy helpful tips for staying healthy this year are:

1. WASH YOUR HANDS!

2. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and throw the tissue away

3. Take a Multi-Vitamin

4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to avoid getting infected by germs

5. Avoid close contact with sick people

6. If you do get sick consider staying home form work or school if possible

7. Did I mention washing your hands with SOAP AND WATER OFTEN?

**Guidelines courtesy of AMA

I hope you all stay healthy for the rest of this season!

For today's challenge...let's break it down to a limited supplies challenge!

A) Use acetate somehow, somewhere on your card or project

B) Try out a NEW (to you) technique or revive an old favorite (one you loved and used all the time and haven't tried in a while)

C) and because it is nicknamed the "Swine" flu you must use pink somewhere on your card to represent the piggy!

Here is my sample:

I used a "new to me" technique....Acetate and Tissue Paper. OMG I am in love with this one! I made about 4 others using this technique so don't be surprised if you see them everyone in my gallery! You can find the instructions and awesome video by Beate HERE on SCS's resources page.

Here is a close up so you can see al the glittery awesome-ness!

Thanks so much for stopping in today! I am leaving for vacation this Thursday but there will be a fun new challenge up on Monday January 25th!

And for the BLOG CANDY......

All you have to do is comment on this post to be entered (once per person please). I will choose a winner on January 25th along with the Monday Challenge. The prize is .....are you ready?

A special surprise that I will get while on my cruise! Check back here during the week and I may even give you a peek!

Please use the keyword RESQ29 if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so everyone can check out your creations! Thanks for playing along!

BLOG CANDY!

2010-01-11T08:02:00.000-05:00

Sorry there was no challenge posted today....I kinda mixed up my dates! Check back here next Monday for a brand new challenge and some BLOG CANDY!

The Transplant List

2010-01-04T07:00:00.006-05:00

Today's challenge comes from the Transplant Team! We are going to be using things from one project on another!

On a serious note....On average, 66 people receive transplants every day from either a living or deceased donor.The national waiting list for most transplanted organs continues to grow every year. Each organ and tissue donor saves or improves the lives of as many as 50 people. Giving the "Gift of Life" may lighten the grief of the donor's own family. Many donor families say that knowing other lives have been saved helps them cope with their tragic loss.

If this is something you are interested in finding more about please check out the following sites:

- http://organdonor.gov/

- http://www.donatelife.net/

- http://www.unos.org/

- http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4697

- http://www.marrow.org/

Now back to the challenge!

Today we will be doing some of our own transplant surgery. This may take some time but who cares? We're not going anywhere!

There are a few ways to play along...

1. Use a part of a favorite Holiday card, tag or ribbon. Kinda recycling, but still counts as a "transplant"

2. While cleaning off your workspace, put together an envelope of some things you aren't planning to use or are just done with (out with the old and in with the new I always say!)...mail them off to a friend who may find them to be a perfect Mojo Boost! And likewise, you may be able to take some things off her hands to use!

3. Look back on old projects...I have received so many cards over the years form friends, RAK's and swaps but I just don't have the storage to keep them all. But it makes me sad to think of tossing them out! Maybe you did an ATC swap a few years ago (like me!) and now have a bunch of ATC's taking up space....why not make them into a new card. They also work great on Scrapbook layouts!

These are just some basic guidelines...anything that uses something that came from something or someone else counts as a transplant to me! Just have fun and expand your horizons!

So here are two beautiful ATC's I received in a swap....as I am doing my new years clean and purge I have to make room. But no way could I throw these beauties away! Time for surgery.....

And fresh out of recovery here is a brand new card using pieces of the 2 ATC's...

For even more inspirtion, we also have a special SCS Surgeon with us today! Anne (jdmommy) has successfully performed a very tricky Double transplant...

She used pieces off of 2 different holiday cards to make this gorgeous masterpiece!

Thanks to Anne for helping us out in Surgery today!

Please use the keyword RESQ28 if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so we can check out your creations! Thanks for playing along with us!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-29T21:25:00.001-05:00

We will be back with new challenges and ideas in 2010! Look for us starting January 4th!

Happy Holidays From Denise

2009-12-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

On behalf of everyone at RESQ, we would like to say thank you to everyone who has been checking us out and playing along ...We hope to have new and fun things in store for you in the coming year! As always, we are open to suggestions and guest challenge hosts so please feel free to email us!

My holiday cards were made in bulk (I made about 50) and the ribbon goes all the way around the card so it can hold a check, cash or gift card. I just gave one to my UPS guy and he came back to tell me his wife loved it and wanted to know if I made it! (Of course I gave him a business card ;) !)

I used scraps of holiday paper I have accumulated over the years so each one has a different BG.

Thanks again for stopping by!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HAPPY HANNUKAH!

HAPPY KWANZAA!

HAPPY WINTER!

God Bless you all.....

Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings, Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T07:00:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank our players and followers for your support this year and to wish you the best of holiday seasons! We really enjoy your work and comments and hope you'll come back and play often in the new year! My Christmas wish is inspired by the work of Silke Ledlow. I borrowed her layout and basic design, changing the color scheme and image slightly. The image is stamped in brilliant blue by Stampin' Up and then versamark'd all over and embossing with holographic embossing powder. Thanks again for coming to the RESQ! See you in the new year!

Happy Holidays from Pat

2009-12-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays to all of our stampers!

Hugs, Pat

Happy Holidays! From Michelle

2009-12-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

Happy holidays from Santa and me! I just wanted to take a moment to wish all of our fabulous Res-Q blog followers and challenge players a happy holiday season. I hope Santa brings you all lots of new stamping goodies for the New Year! Thank you all for participating with us each week in our efforts to Res-Q your stamping mojo!

About my project:
This Santa ornament was inspired by a similar ornament I spotted on SCS. You can see the original here:http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1160780
I used circle and scallop circle punches and nestabilities to create my version of Santa, using textured white cardstock for his beard to give it some texture. I also added rosy cheeks and some googlie eyes just for fun.

Thanks again girls. I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your families!
Michelle

Res-Q #27: Card emergency

2009-12-14T02:00:00.001-05:00

I don't know about the rest of you, but for me, the holiday season can be hectic! I have a million things on my to-do list and never enough time to do them all. Then something unexpected comes up and I find myself in a card emergency! You know how it is - you get a holiday card from someone who wasn't on your list, and feel the need to reciprocate. Or you need a quick card to go with a hostess gift for a holiday party, or a thank you for your boss, but your stash has run dry because you haven't had much time for stamping! That's where today's challenge comes in!

Your challenge this week is to make one (or two, or six!) quick one-layer card to get you through a holiday card emergency!

In my sample, I cut one sheet of heavy weight white cardstock in half, stamped some simple snowflakes in bermuda bay and silver, a sentiment and some ribbon and silver cord. Keep the cards and a couple of envelopes handy and you're ready for any card emergency this holiday season!

Please use the keyword RESQ27 if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so we can check out your creations! Thanks for playing along with us!

Tag....YOU'RE IT!

2009-12-07T23:11:00.002-05:00

In the medical field tags are used on lots of things.....there are tags on IV bags, medication bottles, surgical instruments.....and oh yes, even toe tags on corpses! LOL

One of my favorite things to make for the holidays is gift tags. I know they may seem silly to spend time on something that is going to be ripped off in a rush of excitement but over the years my family has always commented on them and some (ok, my Mom) actually save them every year!

Gift tags can be simple on layer ones, personalized, or intricate pop up ones.

This week my challenge to you is to take some time and make a few gift tags for a few special gifts you will give this holiday. Go for the tri-fecta if you can.....

1. A simple one layer gift tag (I use these for my kids gifts since hey rip them off so quickly!) These are some I've done for the kids this year...

2. A more intricate tag you might put on a small gift to make it seem more important

These have some glitter, layers, paper piecing and the one on the far left that looks old is actually vanilla scented!

3. A very intricate, layered tag...this one may include a gift card, gift certificate or cash!

OK, well these aren't exactly tags....I use these little "purses" to dress up a simple gift card, cash or a check. But they do have tags ON them!

5. And don't forget you can package them up pretty and they make a nice gift for someone who likes to give pretty gifts to others! I sold a BUNCH of these at a craft fair a few weeks ago and still have people asking if I can make more!

Just add a clear pillow box, the cording separately and a nice ribbon. This medium pillow box from Gina K holds 20 gift tags and cording. I sold them for $5 each.

SO let's see how you Tag It!

Please use the keyword RESQ26 if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so we can check out your creations!

Thanks for joining us this week....sorry it's late BTW!

Holiday House Call RESQ25

2009-11-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

RESQ #25 Holiday House Call

Remember the Alka Seltzer ad from the 1970's - "I can't believe I ate the whole thing"? And, what about "Tums for the tummy". Well, it's that time of year...all that wonderful holiday food - what a feast of delights! With such goodies and sweets available during the holidays, who can resist trying "some of this" or a "dab of that". Mmmmmmmm. But don't overdo it or you'll wind up with a tummy ache! If you do, hopefully, it's nothing more serious than some minor discomfort. Luckily there are remedies out there that can make just about anything feel better. Keep some on hand just in case you over-indulge.

Your challenge this week is to make a card (or other project) that includes the following elements:

(1) polka dots to represent the effervescent bubbles of Alka-Seltzer (can be embossed, DSP, stamps, etc.),

(2) any shade of pink to represent Pepto-Bismol, and

(3) a round element to represent Tums/Rolaids.

Oh, and your project must also include a food element.

In my example, I used candy (stamp & DSP) as my food element, scalloped round nesties to represent the Tums/Rolaids, Swiss Dots Cuttlebug A2 embossing folder to represent the Alka-Seltzer (look closely...there are also little dots on the DSP), and SU! Pink Pirouette CS.

Please use the keyword RESQ25 if you upload your project to Splicatoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so we can check out your creations!

Thanks for playing along with the Res-Q Challenge, and happy stamping!

Res-Q #24: The podiatrist

2009-11-23T02:00:00.007-05:00

Oh my aching feet! I spent a long day shopping last weekend, and my feet are killing me today! Since black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year, is this week, I thought I better make a call to my podiatrist and get some relief and make sure my feet are in top shape for more shopping.

The doctor suggested I pick up some felt at the drugstore. Podiatric felt helps to prevent your shoes from rubbing and blisters forming on your feet. I keep a role next to my shoe rack so it's handy when I want to wear my favorite shoes without worrying about blisters.

Felt is also a great prescription for an ailing card or papercraft project, so this week's challenge from the podiatrist is to use FELT. You can use felt as a background, as a layer behind an image, to help create a scene or as an embellishment. If you don't have any felt embellishments, you can use your die-cut machine and dies to create your own.

Check out what two rock star stampers have done with felt this week:

Jenn Balcer
Heather Nichols

Here's my sample. I kept is simple, adding two felt Hero Arts snowflakes to this holiday card. I love the softness and texture they add to the card.

Please use the keyword RESQ24 if you upload your project to Splicatoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so we can check out your felt creations! Thanks for playing along with the Res-Q Challenge, and happy stamping and shopping!

Digital Imaging Center

2009-11-16T06:00:00.009-05:00

The Res-Q crew is really excited about this week’s challenge. Please welcome Erin Bailey, and Doodle Palace Stamps, as our Digital Imaging Specialists on call! Here’s a little bit about Erin who designs for Doodle Palace: “Hi! I am Erin and I love stamping. My stamping journey began when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter and needed something to do! A friend brought over some stamps and I was hooked. Stamping fit perfectly into my schedule as a new mom. Now I have another daughter and work part time. Luckily, I also have an increasingly supportive husband who lets me ramble on about stamps, paper and copic colors and gives me some free time here and there to craft! I recently discovered the world of digi stamps! Each day I print out a sheet for my daughter and one for myself and we spend some time coloring together and creating our projects. Blogging and papercrafting has been such a fun part of my life over the past year or so. I've met so many wonderfully talented people, many of which I happily consider my friends. I draw inspiration from them everyday and sometimes am inspired so much I need to go right out and buy something new. Happy Stamping!” Doodle Palace has generously provided our players with the image for Erin’s challenge this week.

{To access the image, click on it, then right click and save to your computer, resize as needed.)

You are welcome to use this image for this Res-Q-challenge but we know you will honor Doodle Palace’s generosity and talents by using it just this ONE time. Only participants in the Res-Q-challenge may use this image. If you would like to purchase the image for further duplication or any of their great images, please visit their website, Doodle Palace Digital Stamps. Dee and Robin are great people! They’ve offered a prize as well. Upload your project using the Doodle Palace image, leave us a comment about its location below, and we’ll draw one lucky winner to receive TWO FREE images of your choice. All projects must be uploaded by Sunday, November 22nd at 6:00 PM EST. So here’s the challenge from our digital imaging specialist, Erin: Use the Doodle Palace image to create your project. Use any sketch you like for your design, but please incorporate glitter, embossing, a scalloped border, “pull-out” tag, and ribbon. You can use Erin’s sample for inspiration. Her card does not open. The embossed portion is actually the pull-out tag with a place for writing under the image and on the back.

If you upload to an online gallery, please use RESQ23 for your keyword or label and don’t forget to comment below to be eligible for the Doodle Palace free images! Thanks for playing!

Circulation!

2009-11-09T07:28:00.002-05:00

The physiologist is back on duty with another sketch for you! A pretty easy sketch so I had to make a little twist for you....

In most Anatomy and Physiology textbooks the pictures are somewhat standard ...specifically colors of things, like internal organs. For some reason arteries (carrying oxygen filled blood) are always RED, and veins (carrying blood filled with carbon dioxide) are always BLUE. For example, take a look at this diagram of the heart and lungs...

So...in honor of your circulatory system, use this sketch ...

and the colors red and blue or any shades of them. You may also use as many neutrals as you like.

Use keyword RESQ22 when uploading in online galleries so we can all see your creations! You may even be featured here on Res-Q in our Res-Q'd gallery!

Thanks for playing!

Here is my sample:

Thanks for playing and Happy Veteran's Day!

A Breath Of Fresh Air!!!!!!!

2009-11-02T03:28:00.006-05:00

You ever need some fresh air???? Feel like too much "stuff" weighing down your breathing??? Well........the Respiratory Therapist is ON CALL!!!!!!!!! And has just the breathing treatment prescription you need to clear the passages!!!! It's time to get rid of the excess and enjoy some clean air!!! What does that mean for your challenge??? It means ONE good, deep breath!! ONE.........and that means..........MONOCHROMATIC!!!!!! Yes.........create a monochromatic card with a holiday theme!!!! You can choose ONE color, ONE neutral and ONE holiday!!!!!!

Stamps: GKD First Christmas
Paper: GKD Pure Luxury White & Rocket Red
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Vivid Brick, Copics
Accessories: Snowflake Brad, Ribbon, Rhinestones, Nesties

I chose a Christmas theme........well, I guess with all the snow we've had lately that was a natural choice for me!!! LOL I used this beautiful cardinal image from one of the new Gina K. Designs sets, First Christmas. I used red and white.........of course you may stamp your image in black ink if you'll be coloring!!

Please play along and post your card or scrapbook page in an online gallery or on your blog. If you post in a gallery, don't forget the keyword RESQ21. Then post a link to your card in the comments section below. I can't wait to see all the beautiful creations!!!!

~ Have A Creative Day! ~

Calling Dr. Stitch!

2009-10-26T06:00:00.005-04:00

It's Dr. Stitch on call this week. I don't know about you, but whenever my mojo needs a little boost, I visit the button department of my local craft store. Buttons come in every color, every size, and many, many shapes. Buttons can be shiny or dull, pretty or cute, plastic, metal or wood. I find buttons inspiring.

So my challenge to you this week, to jump-start your mojo, is to make a card or scrapbook page using buttons. You can use buttons you have, or (better yet) you can go out and browse the button department at your nearest fabric or craft store. Find one or more buttons that inspire you and use them on your project. Then, post your card or scrapbook page in an online
gallery or on your blog. If you post in a gallery, don't forget the keyword RESQ20. Then post a link to your card in the comments section below. I can't wait to see your button creations!

Trick or Treats

2009-10-19T06:00:00.004-04:00

Trick or Treat Containers

I love Halloween and I’ve already started looking at treats I might do for the neighborhood kiddos or co-workers. I thought I might share some of the ideas I’ve seen with you :

Sour Cream Containers
I’ve seen these done the traditional way, but at a recent stamping retreat, one of the stampers there did a similar treat by wrapping small candy bars (Kit Kats for example) with pattern paper and crimping the ends.

Triangle Treat Boxes
Look at these cute triangle treat boxes by Shelly Tapp. There is a good tutorial here by Barb Mulliken.

Broom Treat Bags
Carolina has come up with a very cute and creative use for brown lunch bags! She’s got more bags, boxes, and containers on her blog.

Envelope Treat Bags
Change the stamps and patterns to Halloween images in this video from ChicnScratch.

Halloween Treat Holder
Another video tutorial from ChicnScratch

Peek-A-Boo Boxes
Heidi did a really cute job with Qbee’s template here.

Halloween Treat Bags and Boxes
The ideas in the slide show from Parents.com were just so cute I had to share them.

Mr.and Mrs. Frankie Treat Boxes
Cambria Turnbow did such a cute rendition for Halloween of the 2-5-7-10 box found here.

Digital Treat Bag Topper
Here’s a blog freebie from Tracy Blakenship.

Batty for You Treat Topper
This particular design comes from Stamping Sharon, but I’ve seen punchies done like this for an owl topper like this here by Rebecca Wheeler

Stamped Recycled Candy Bags
Jennifer McGuire of Hero Arts does the BEST treat bags using the clear packaging from so many products! You have got to see her “Watch It Wednesday” episode on this!

Boo Treat Holder
One of our crew, poppy or casep, gave me this idea for a simple and quick treat holder made from an envelope. Read her description for the directions!

Sweet Treats
Stampin' Up has a cute "Sweet Treats" set that includes the clear adhesive containers for candy and this Halloween image:

So, in the spirit of the upcoming "holiday season," I thought I'd do a tutorial on another treat container for your ghoulish fiends!

Halloween Kiss Boxes

1. Cut a piece of cardstock to 5" by 5-1/2" as your project base (here I used black).

2. Score from the 5" side (see below) at 1-1/2", 2-1/2", and 4".

3. Turn the scored cardstock so that the 5-1/2" side with the two wider panels is at the top. You will decorate the second wide panel (see below).

4. Add "kisses" to the small panel with snail glue or glue dots.

5. Fold up into a triangle and adhere the flap with a little piece of double sticky tape or redline tape.

So, give it a try. If you make a Halloween treat bag or box, let us take a peek. Post the location here in the comments section. If you post in an online gallery, use keyword or tag RESQ19. Have fun!

The Answer Is. . .

2009-10-16T16:29:00.000-04:00

Hello! I'm back from my junket to Western NY and although I had fun with family, it is good to be back in the warm South. (Although I'm hearing that the cold weather may have followed us!) The location for our Flight Medic Challenge was ACADIA NATIONAL PARK near Bar Harbour, Maine. No one guessed the location correctly, although some of you were close. So I put our commenters' names in a bucket and drew one out and the winner of the SIX CUTTLEBUG PUMPKINS is "Opthalmologist." Email us with your real name and snail mail address and I'll get those out to you right away so you can use them for your fall cards. Thanks to all of you who stopped by and played the challenge. I'm off to look at your creations!

Crackle paint Tutorial

2009-10-12T08:02:00.003-04:00

Hi there! Today the Pharmacist

is in the house to give you the Rx!

Here is a fun "prescription" for a great Holiday decoration for your walls!

I have been making alot of frames lately and thought I would give you the how-to on crackle paint!

I made this Spooky Halloween Frame (that I found in the Clearance section at Michael's for $2!) using acrylic Paint and Crackle Paint.

Here are the supplies you will need:

1. 2 different colors of Acrylic Paint (one light and one dark)

2. Crackle Paint (I used Plaid Brand)

3. Foam brushes

4. Wood Frame

5. Assorted stamps (I used Boo To You and Spooky Sweets II from PaperTrey ink)

6. Assorted Embellishments

Directions:

1. Paint your frame with the color you want to see through the crackle (I used bright Yellow to show through black). Usually this is your darker color

2. Let it dry (or if you are impatient like me use your hairdrier!)

3. Paint over with an even coat of the crackle paint. This will be clear but will leave a shine on top of the color. Make sure you evenly cover it and try not to reapply or paint back and forth.

* see the shine?
4. Let it dry...try to let this coat dry a little longer....In the meantime, stamp out some embellishments to add on your frame. I stamped and cut out a bunch of things not knowing what I may want.

5. Be brave! Paint right over your nice shiny color with your top coat. Again, go for even strokes in one direction. DO NOT keep painting back and forth, you will lose the crackle effect. You will start to see crackles as it dries.

** after 5 minutes of drying....
***see the crackles! :)
6. Embellish your frame as you like!

The felt leaves were self adhesive...
I cut a circle for the moon and stamped the witch on it. Then, I cut a circle the same size out of clear acetate and inked the edges with white craft ink. I attached it behind the frame with a stapler. The other embellishments I added with craft glue dots.

Aren't my little Pirates adorable??

Hope you enjoyed this Prescription...See you next time!

winner...

2009-10-11T16:50:00.001-04:00

Since no one was successfully able to decipher the Medic's location....Jean will pick a number at random and send some fun die cuts to the winner....

which she will announce later this week!

MEDICS ENROUTE!!!!

2009-10-05T09:00:00.002-04:00

Note from our 911 Dispatcher: "Our medics are on a special mojo mission this week. Can you guess where they are? Include your guess in the Comments section below! We’ll announce their location next week when we post a new challenge. Everyone with the correct location will be entered into a drawing for a set of 6 of the cuttlebug pumpkins in the sample card! Sorry but Resq crew are ineligible!"

Flight Journal, [DATE] The flight up here from the heliport was pretty scenic at this time of year. The leaves are beginning to peak and the reds, yellows, and oranges along the ridges are really spectacular. We took off from the central heliport in downtown Manhattan around 2 PM and we were enjoying schooners of beer and fresh sweet and buttery treats on the wharf by 6:00! We’ve been looking forward to this pretty simple mission as we’re ready for some cooler weather and awesome scenery. I love the rocky coastline here and the winding road to the top of the mountain (with an automotive name) will provide the eyes with some pretty amazing leaf-popping. I just hope we don’t get behind a tourist bus! We’re hoping for a clear day atop the mountain as we’ve heard you can see foreign soil sometimes. This area is known for windstorms and even a hurricane on occasion and I’m sure we’ll think about Hurricane Bill’s recent pass-by and the tragedy here as we make our way to our mission. One thing for sure, when this mission is over, you can find us soaking up some sun lying on the grass near the pond and enjoying some of the famous tea and popovers in this beautiful spot, nationally preserved now, but long ago discovered by “Cajun” folk.

THE MOJO CHALLENGE
Our rescue plan is to reacquaint our client with the beauty of her surroundings. We’ll point out some of the natural elements that may serve to jumpstart her mojo. The REDS, YELLOWS, GOLDS, ORANGES, COPPERS, AND BROWNS alone should do the trick. We’ll suggest that she use a combination of at least THREE of these colors and utilize some ELEMENTS FROM NATURE in designing her card or scrapbook layout. The one stipulation we’ll insist on is that her design carry a CHEERFUL OR UPLIFTING SENTIMENT. If you’d like to help us with our mission, please provide us with a link to your creation in the Comments section. If you upload to an online gallery please use RESQ18 for your keyword, label, or tag! Don't forget to guess the location!

Image: Cuttlebug 3 x 3 Combo Pumpkin Spice shaded with Pumpkin Pie ink by Stampin's Up Paper: Papertrey Ink Text-style Autumn Abundance (leaves); white cardstock; old olive and chocolate chip cardstock by Stampin’ Up Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive by Stampin’ Up Stamps: Studio G Dollar Stamps from Michael’s (leaves); Sentiment by Stampabilities Embellishments: “Harvest” for Hobby Lobby (gingham)

World card Making Day Challenge #4

2009-10-03T18:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Res-Q-Challenge Health Fair for World Card-Making Day. Your final stop at today's health fair is the dreaded vaccination station!

Now don't worry, I'm not going to make you roll up your sleeve for a shot today. Instead, I want you to put your needle to work on a card with some paper-piericing. Paper piercing is a great way to add a little fun detail to your card projects. You can use a simple line, add a few pierces to your corners, or pull out a piercing template to create an ornate flourish or other design. You don't need any special supplies - you can use an old computer mouse pad and a thumb tack, push pin or sewing needle to do your piercing if that's what you have on hand. Just be careful not to pierce your finger, or we'll have to send the Res-Q squad over! :)

When you're done with your creation, upload it to your blog or an online gallery and post a link here in the comments section. Don't forget to add RESQWCMD4 to the keyword, tag or label of your card when uploading to an online gallery.Everyone who comments on or participates in all four of today's health fair challenges will be entered in a prize contest! Thanks for playing and Happy World Card-Making Day!

blue	punch
buttons	rain
dies	spring
flowers	square
pattern	yellow
pink