Proud Mom of a College Graduate

After all the pomp and circumstance, all the long hours of worry, plays, recitals, after 4 years of dedication... I am changed. I am now and forever more will be the proud mother of a college graduate! 

Kara graduated Magna Cum Laude on May 1, 2010, with a B.A. in Theatre, an emphasis in Music. The culmination of many long hours in the theatre, both on stage and behind the scenes.

Are there any words in the English language that truly convey the feelings of a parent when their child graduates college? For us, Kara has accomplished something neither her parents, grandparents, or siblings have been able to do... and that's attend and graduate from college. And, in normal Kara form...  she's doing it in style.

Kara will begin working in her field, starting May 18 at the Shadowbox in Newport, KY.

Graduation Season - Part 1

Spring is here! Blooming flowers, birds singing, and graduation festivities. This weekend Kara, had her Senior Recital at the University of Findlay. She really blew us all away with her amazing voice and stage presence.

The best part -- we were blessed with many friends and family who came in from all over the country to share in the celebration of her accomplishments. Some for the first time, and others were the usual suspects!

We truly appreciate their support through attendances at performances, whether here in Cincinnati, or the long trip to Findlay. Sometimes risking life and limb as we traveled in the worst weather possible.  The journey is not over. We look forward to many more adventures in the days and years ahead -- and invite you to join in the fun!

(Matching thank you card and gift box given to teachers, advisors, friends and family.)

Nostalgic Sympathy

Too often we hear of the loss of a friend, or family member... and there really are no words to comfort those left behind.  The best we can do is let them know we care.  Whether in person, a phone call, or a card... we help in the healing process.                 

  (Created by R Wilkinson) 

This month, our card club theme was sympathy and get well... and we brought back one of our favorite retired Stampin Up stamp sets "Terrific Tulips".  Perfect to brighten anyone's day.

If you'd like to be part of a card club, contact me to find out how  rwilkinson13@gmail.com

(Created by Jeanne Brauns)

You Crack Me Up

Sometimes it is difficult to find the right words for the person in your life that makes you laugh. Especially, when it's the man in your life. Easter can be so frilly and pastel... and it really makes some men uncomfortable. I think this card is both masculine and fun.... and yet, still conveys a nice Easter message.  Have a very Happy Easter and a glorious springtime.

         (A Good Egg stamp set, Thoroughly Modern DSP)

More Inspirations by Vera Bradley

My mother-in-law came to visit recently and had a new Vera Bradley purse with the summer pattern Poppy Fields.  It had so many great colors in the pattern...  and the flowers coordinated with so many of our punches, I wanted to see what type of card I could make using her purse as an inspiration.  I had so much fun... and just loved how it came out. 

We would love to see what inspires you.  Send me pictures of your cards and your inspirations, and we'll post them.

What Inspires You?

I attended an Open House for Vera Bradley and fell in love with their new summer patterns.   Sitting in a Tree really caught my eye. 

The color palette of Certainly Celery, Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay and Whisper White really were a surprise in complementing the bird and tree pattern. 

I couldn't wait to get home to make a coordinating card using the new Large Bird punch and this amazing color palette.  Check out this one, and more in the slideshow to the right.  (Stamp sets used:  Thoughts & Prayers, Medallion, and Good Neighbors)

April Class - Eastern Blooms

Whether for Mother’s Day or any day, this Eastern Blooms card set makes the perfect gift. The bright bold Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper adds such a beautiful splash of color to the oversized cards, coordinating envelopes and gusseted envelope holder that your recipients are sure to be wowed!

Date:          Monday, April 19
Time:          Between 5p - 9p  (class will take approximately 2 hours)
Cost:          $17 per person
Location:    955 Paul Vista Dr, Loveland OH 45140

Please email me to sign up for this class no later than April 10: (rwilkinson13@gmail.com)

Go Green...

Everyone needs a little luck of the Irish, and today is the day to celebrate.  Whether it's with a cold green beer and a corned beef sandwich, a pot of gold and a leprechaun, or a kiss and a pinch... St Patrick's Day is a day filled with fun, food and family.  Wishing you and your family much luck today and always.  

Time to Start a Blog...

Shut Up and Stamp -- what an unusual name for a blog.  Not really...  if you know me and my stamping friends.  It seems like whenever we get together to stamp we ALWAYS run out of time, and have to finish our cards on our own later.  Maybe it's because we spend most of the time talking:  laughing and sharing our lives. And that's the best part of getting together.  But when you're not with friends, it's time to Shut Up and Stamp! 

Please stop by for a bit of cheer, some inspiration -- and drop a line to let us know how you're doing. 

Everybody needs to have goals (so I'm told) -- so my goal will be to share 1 or 2 stamping projects a week, and to post at least 3 times a week until I get the hang of this...  so let's Shut Up and Stamp.