Fifty-Five

It feels like it has been forever since I blogged.  And in all honesty, it has been.  This is a week of reflection.  This is the week that I turn 55 years old.  55.  5. 5. There was a time in my life when I didn't think I would see 30 much less 55.  There was a time in my life that I didn't care if I reached 30.  My, how times change. Now I need to make it to at least 75 to see my granddaughter graduate college.

Life is funny.  I look back and wonder where the time has gone.  It seems like yesterday I had two babies, 1 and 2 years old.  Today my kids are 24, 25, and 26.  I couldn't be prouder of them.  Are they perfect?  NO!  Would I give everything for any of them? YES!  None of them have had and easy life.  Easier than a lot of people, but with trials and tribulations.  One of them has had more than their fare share of grief. 

Maybe that's why I haven't blogged in so long.  It's easy to write when things are happy like Mikaela's baptism.  It's hard to write when you want to scream and say STOP hurting someone I love. 

Today is a new day.  All three of my children are happy and moving in a forward direction.  My son comes home tonight for 9 days.  I can't wait to see him.  It's been since Thanksgiving.  When he leaves, my oldest and her daughter will be home for a few days.  Even though I just saw them a week ago, I know that over the next few months they will be moving far away and it will be more difficult to see them.  So I will treasure this visit.  My middle child has moved back to this area and it is such a comfort to know she's close by.

55.  What have I accomplished in this life?  A big part of me want to say not much.  But inside, I know that's not true.  I have an amazing husband, who loves me unconditionally and who I feel the same about.  As I said, I have these three amazing children who are all successes in their own right.  I have the most amazing friends a person could ever have.  I know that I could call any of them at the drop of a hat and they would be there for me.  Friendship is truly a gift from God.  I have spent my adult life working and volunteering to make a difference in the life of children from Germany to Florida to Tennessee to Kentucky.  I have been graced with the opportunity to do what I love.  Create.  Not many people can say they get to do what they love every day.  I can. 

I am blessed.  I am thankful.  I love and I am loved.  I am going to be 55 this week.  My husband asks what I'm going to do the next 55 years.  I believe I'll continue to do what I've done for the past 55.  Who could ask for more.  Hugs to you all!

Mikaela's Baptism

This past weekend we went to Hazard for our grandaughter's Baptism.  It was a beautiful ceremony.  Being Baptist, I'm not familiar with baptizing a baby.  My daughter's husband is Catholic and that is what they do.  So Mikaela was baptized Easter Sunday.  Her mommy was baptized Easter Sunday when she was six.  Her Aunt Sara, Opa, and Uncle Justin were all baptized on an Easter Sunday also.

The dress she wore was a simple dress my mom had made for me when I was a baby.  My daughter took it to a seamstress and had lace removed from her wedding dress and added to my baby dress.  It turned out beautifully.  What a wonderful day!  Here are some pictures!


Father Mike reading scripture.

She was so good throughout the water and the oil.




Such a happy girl.  Truly a gift from God!



Tired out!



Mommy and her girl.



Precious girl!

Mikaela means "miracle" and she truly is.





Ranger Crackle Paint

I thought this was an amazing product when it first came out several years ago.  Boy has my mind changed!

I have several bottles that I have never opened.  So today, with a little time to play, I decided to open them and "create".  Every single one of them, even though still sealed with plastic, has dried out!  These cost me over $6.00 a bottle!!  Nine bottles, two previously opened, seven dried out!  The two that were previously opened are okay.  I'm am fit to be tied!  So...

I googled homemade crackle paint.  Did you know you can make this with cheap Elmer's Glue?  It seems like every time I get creative, I come back to the tried and true...Elmer's!  This actually works!  It does take more time/steps, but it's so much more economical.  I will NOT buy any more Ranger Distress "Tim Holtz" crackle paint (know matter how much I love Tim).  They will not get my money when I can make it myself with Elmer's and create any color I want.

Hopefully, I'll have pictures soon to show you how it turns out!  Happy Crafting!

A Proud Mom

My son and two of his friends playing their trombones
in my shop, Your Staming Cottage, spring 2012.

Many of you know that my son is an accomplished trombone player.  He has played since Middle School when I insisted he do band or chorus.  He didn't want to do either.  I was determined he was NOT going to sit around playing video games and I gave him no choice other then "band or chorus". He chose band.  He chose trombone. 

Many, many hours of practice.  Notes that I thought would make me lose my mind.  Over and over and over again.  "Please, enough for today."  "I've got to practice." "Oh my gosh, use the mute you had me buy you."  "It isn't the same."  Years.  Years. I say years of this!   He fell in love with this instrument.  We rented one.  He saved his money and paid for half of the first one he ever bought.  I believe he still owns the old Yamaha.  Of course we got him a much better one for graduation from high school. (They're very expensive, lol)  Then while getting his undergraduate degree in performance and education he bought a better one. 

He's been in marching band for way too many years.  He was in a ska band in high school.  He was in The Cliftones while in college.  They won the Cincinnati Entertainer of the Year Award for reggae music the year he was in it.  (They also won again this year, without him)  He had several graduate schools recruit him and he chose the one with the person he had dreamed of studying with.  He moved last June to the Boston area and was immediately recruited by another reggae/rock band.  (hey, it helps pay the rent). On weekends they play all over the New England area.  He's also in a Brass Quintet.  He takes his music VERY seriously and dreams of being in an orchestra/philharmonic someday.  He would like to teach college eventually. 

He has just been honored by becoming the Creativity Foundation's Legacy Award winner for his conservatory.  This is a HUGE honor.  Check out www.creativity-found.org for more information.  I copied this from their website - "Benjamin Franklin's Legacy is the symbolic link from extraordinarily creative Laureates, who explain and inspire creativity, to those curious, innovative and motivated individuals at the start of their careers who deserve greater recognition, encouragement, and mentoring. The Legacy's Mission derives from the 1789 codicil to Benjamin Franklin's will, which helps creative youths advance to fulfill their potential and to perpetuate the Mission."

The letter from the dean had this quote in it, we "are asked annually to nominate students and representatives of outstanding distinction, individuals who bring clarity, vision, and accomplishment to their work and lives. It is clear you embody these attributes in abundance. "

My son chose me to be his mom when he was 19 years old.  I'd been his step-mom for 9 years.  I adopted him and became his legal mom at the age of 20. I am so thrilled that he chose me.  I'm so proud of him and thank God every day for bringing him into my life.

Thank you for letting me brag about my wonderful son.
Hugs!

A Card for my Valentine

 Holly Berry House is one of my FAVORITE stamp companies!  I love all the different things you can do with their stamps.  I have used them in classes many times and used them for my daughters wedding invitations as well as her favors and programs for her wedding.  I have made favors for other weddings with them.  They are located in Colorado Springs, Colorado and as you know I was just out there two weeks ago. But more on that in another post ;).

I have had this heart stamp for several years and have never used it.  It is quite large and, frankly, I was a bit intimidated by it.  However, I gave in and made this card for my wonderful husband.  Using Versamark, I stamped the imaged on different shades of pink and embossed it with Sparkle n Sprinkle's white detail embossing powder.  I fussy cut the hearts out, going smaller and smaller on each color. 

I stamped the word love, which I believe is from a Hero Arts set, using Versamark and some random pink embossing powder that I've had for 7+ years.  I used Washi tape acrosss the top of the square card and attached the largest of the heart images.  I then used pop dots or foam tape to attach each additional layer.  I love the way it turned out and my husband loved it, too. 

Online Store Is Up and Running

There are stamps on the online store as of today!  WhooHoo!  Every day I will try to add more stamps to sell.  Remember that once a stamp (set) is gone, I may not have another one like it, so don't hesitate to get it when you can.  I literally have thousands of stamps to list for sale on the store so you will never get bored.  There will be other things for sale on there also, so keep an eye on it.

Also, check out the gallery and the blog there.  Tutorials will be coming soon!  Have a great day!!
www.cshorecreations.com

Changes in the works...

Mikaela 12-26-12

Grandma & Mikaela 12-26-12

As my company has changed the past year, so have my priorities (as you can see by the pictures of my beautiful grandaughter). 

I have launched a new website:  www.cshorecreations.com
If you go to the website there is a blog, gallery, tutorials, store, calendar and more being added all the time.  The online store will be up with product Monday, February 11, 2013.  I will be blogging there daily regarding crafting/stamping/scrapbooking.  This blog, www.ramonabonita.blogspot.com will become more of a personal journal for me. 

I am going to make every effort to blog here as well as there as much as possible.  There are changes in the works.  In my life, my husband's life, my children's lives, my friends' lives.  I will share my thoughts here and who knows what else.  Join me as I embrace these changes.

Stamp Set Found

Thanks to all those looking for the Sew Suite stamp set by Stampin' Up.  It has been found!  Now if anyone has the one that has what I call the "Marlboro Man", let me know.  Have a great weekend!

Looking For a Special Stamp Set...

If you are in possession of the Stampin Up set called "Sew Suite", and would like to part with it, please contact me as I have someone who would like to purchase it.  Thanks!

Life Happens

Sometimes when you least expect it, life happens.  It gets in the way of the things you would like to do.  That seems to be what's been happening lately in my life.  So, I sat back and thought about what I should and should not be doing.  Things have had to slow down a little for me.  That's okay. 

But now, I'm getting ready to kick it in gear and get it going!!  Check out the calendar below for a list of clubs for January, February and March.  Sign up asap as room is limited! We've added a Valentine Cards Club for Sunday the 27th of January by special request from several of you ladies, so don't miss out on this great afternoon of fun and creating!

The website is up and the check out is ready.  Now I need to find the time to take the pictures and write the descriptions.  That is on the list for this week.  There are so many Valentine and heart stamps, that I'm not sure if they'll all fit!  You can purchase any of the stamps or artwork on the website by using Paypal.  If you're local, then you can pick up your stamps and save the cost of shipping and handling.  Remember the website address is www.cshorecreations.com

Have a wonderful week and we'll talk soon!

Happy New Year - 2013

I can't believe that 2012 has come and gone and we're anxiously awaiting the arrival of 2013!  I'm so excited about all the things that are on the horizon for the new year!  I hope you will join me as we settle down for some stamping, scrapbooking and good old fashioned fun.

 

Take a moment to scan the list of classes below and contact me immediately if you wish to sign up for something. Space is limited and it is on a first come, first serve basis. You MUST sign up at least 48 hours in advance and I have to ask for at least 48 hours notice for cancellation. It takes time to prep for classes and costs money in supplies. If you simply don't show up, then perhaps you've made it where someone else missed out. If you don't give me notice on two seperate occasions, then unfortunately, I will have to have you pay in advance. No classes will be held without a minimum of 3 people. If more sign up, we will add another date!

Let us start the year off right. With lots of stamping and scrapbooking!

JANUARY

Saturday - January 5th at 10:00 a.m. - $20.00 Bakers Dozen - 13 cards of 4 designs (envelopes not included except for unusual size cards)

Sunday - January 6th at 1:00 p.m. - $20.00 Bakers Dozen - 13 cards of 4 designs (envelopes not included except for unusual size cards)

Tuesday - January 8th at 7:00 p.m. - $20.00 Scrapbooking - 2 12x12 double page layouts with Christmas theme

Tuesday - January 15th at 10:30 a.m. - $5.00 House Mouse - 2 cards with House Mouse images (bring your own white cardstock and black stamp pad and stamp images as many times as you would like.)
Tuesday - January 15th at 12:30 p.m - $20.00 Bakers Dozen - 13 cards of 4 designs (envelopes not included except for unusual size cards)

Saturday - January 19th at 10:00 a.m. - $20.00 Bakers Dozen - 13 cards of 4 designs (envelopes not included except for unusual size cards)
Tuesday - January 22nd at 7:00 p.m. - $20.00 Bling Around the Year Scrapbooking (42 12x12 double page Monthly themed using various Bling techniques)

FEBRUARY
Saturday - February 9th at 10:00 a.m. - $20.00 Bakers Dozen - 13 cards of 4 designs (envelopes not included except for unusual size cards)

Tuesday - February 12th at 7:00 p.m. - $20.00 Scrapbooking (theme to be announced)

Sunday - February 17th at 1:00 p.m. - $20.00 Bakers Dozen - 13 cards of 4 designs (envelopes not included except for unusual size cards)

Tuesday - February 19th at 10:00 a.m. - $5.00 House Mouse - 2 cards with House Mouse images (bring your own white cardstock and black stamp pad and stamp images as many times as you would like.)

Tuesday - February 19th at 12:30 p.m. - $20.00 Bakers Dozen - 13 cards of 4 designs (envelopes not included except for unusual size cards)

Saturday - February 23rd at 10:00 a.m. - $20.00 Bakers Dozen - 13 cards of 4 designs (envelopes not included except for unusual size cards)
Tuesday - February 26th at 7:00 p.m. - $20.00 Bling Around the Year Scrapbooking (42 12x12 double page Monthly themed using various Bling techniques)



Classes are already starting to fill up, so don't miss out, contact me today!

Happy Stamping!
Ramona Bonita

So Thankful

      I'm so thankful for all my wonderful friends that I have met through stamping and scrapbooking.  There are too many to name, but I am constantly amazed at what each of your friendships mean to me.  Some of you I have never met personally, only online, and yet you still touch my life in a way that you will never know. 

      To all my customers over the past three years, I can't thank you enough.  It has meant the world to me to get to know you.  Both professionally and especially personally.  I have laughed with you, cried with you, prayed with you and wouldn't trade a minute of any day I have spent with you. 

     Thank you, thank you, thank you.  

Looking for a Justrite Set

I have a customer who is looking for a set by JustRite, JB-08080 Special Occasion Font Set.  If you have it and are willing to sell it, please contact me at 859-466-2164.  Thanks so much for looking!

Where does the time go?

Can you believe that next week is Thanksgiving? Oh my! Last time I was home it wasn't even Halloween and now I have to think about Thanksgiving! Wow! The calendar has been in somewhat of a mess with me being gone and having to change classes, but hopefully things are back on track.  As always, you MUST let me know if you would like to get into a class as I want to be sure I have enough supplies for everyone. I've missed so many of you and can't wait to see each of you. 

Check out the blog at www.ramonabonita.blogspot.com to stay in the loop as well as the blog on the new website, www.cshorecreations.com

The online store should be up and running in the next week! That's exciting! I have SO MANY stamps for your pleasure. Keep an eye on the new website, www.cshorecreations.com for all the new stuff. You will be able to purchase using a credit card on the website, however, classes are still cash or check ONLY.

If you've been busy creating, send me a picture and I will be happy to share it on the website and/or my blog for everyone to enjoy. Can't wait to hear from you!

 

November 2012

Saturday - November 17th 10:00 a.m. $20.00 Bakers Dozen Club, Make 13 cards, 4 different designs. This will last approximately 3 hours. You MUST bring your basic stamping suitcase. Sunday - November 18th 1:00 p.m. $20.00 Bakers Dozen Club, Make 13 cards, 4 different designs. This will last approximately 3 hours. You MUST bring your basic stamping suitcase. Tuesday - November 20th 10:30 a.m. - $5.00 House Mouse Club, Make 2 cards using House Mouse stamps. Bring your own white cardstock and black stamp pad and you may stamp these images as many times as you would like so that you can make more cards with these images in the future. Tuesday - November 20th 12:30 p.m. - $20.00 Bakers Dozen Club, Make 13 cards, 4 different designs. This will last approximately 3 hours. You MUST bring your basic stamping suitcase. Thursday - November 22nd HAPY THANKSGIVING! Tuesday - November 27th 7:00 p.m. - $20.00 Scrapbooking Club, Join us as we make two 12x12 layouts. This month we will make one Thanksgiving layout and one Halloween layout. Thursday - November 29th 6:30 p.m. - $25.00 Terrie's Christmas Club, Join Terrie Jones and make Christmas Boxes and Bags. You know she never disappoints and always has the greatest ideas!!

December 2012

Saturday - December 1st 10:00 a.m. - $20.00 Bakers Dozen Club, Make 13 cards, 4 different designs. This will last approximately 3 hours. You MUST bring your basic stamping suitcase. Sunday - December 2nd 1:00 - 5:00 p.m $20.00 Christmas Card Making Open House Stop by during these hours and make 12 Christmas cards, 6 different designs. Enjoy refreshments and prizes! You only need to bring adhesive! Reservations are required. Tuesday - December 4th 10:30 a.m. - $5.00 House Mouse Club, Make 2 cards using House Mouse stamps. Bring your own white cardstock and black stamp pad so that you can stamp as many of these images as you would like so that you may make more cards in the future. Tuesday - December 4th 12:30 p.m. - $20.00 Bakers Dozen Club, Make 13 cards, 4 different designs. This will last approximately 3 hours. You MUST bring your basic stamping suitcase. Tuesday - December 4th 7:00 p.m. - $20.00 Bling Around The Year Scrapbooking Club, We will make October and November Bling 2 page, 12x12 layouts. Thursday - December 6th 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. $20.00 Christmas Card Making Open House Stop by during these hours and make 12 Christmas cards, 6 different designs. Enjoy refreshments and prizes! You only need to bring adhesive! Reservations are required. Saturday - December 8th 10:00 a.m. $20.00 Bakers Dozen Club, Make 13 cards, 4 different designs. This will last approximately 3 hours. You MUST bring your basic stamping suitcase. Tuesday - December 11th 7:00 p.m $20.00 Scrapbooking Club, This month we will make two 2 page 12 x 12 layouts with a Christmas theme. Sunday - December 16th 1:00 p.m. $20.00 Bakers Dozen Club, Make 13 cards, 4 different designs. This will last approximately 3 hours. You MUST bring your basic stamping suitcase.

Home Again!

Back home in Northern Kentucky after an amazing month with my daughter and new grandaughter.  Gotta look at the calendar and see where classes are.  Haven't created anything in over a month, lol.  Dying to get busy and get stuff on the calendar.  Is there something in particular you would be interested in?  Let me know and I'll see what I can do.  Thinking of a Christmas Open House Stamping Event.  What do you think?  Let me know. Can't wait to see each of you!