Your Kindness Means So Much

I used the Rubbernecker Azalea Sunrise stamp set on one of the cards that I made for VSN and I liked the set so much that I decided to make another card with it. This is actually a stamp set that I recently purchased second-hand, but I think it is quickly becoming a favorite.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp/Die Sets: Rubbernecker Azalea Sunrise stamped with Lawn Fawn Raspberry and Soot Inks and Taylored Expressions Simple Strips Background stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink

Papers: Cougar 110# White and Fun Stampers Journey Rock Candy CS

Die: Gina Marie Pleated Lace Rectangle

Embellishments: Eyelet Outlet Enamel Dots

2021 Travel the World - Week 13

I started a 50-week series in 2019 that I called Travel the World. Each week of the series I visited a randomly-selected country, sharing bits of information about that country. I then chose one tidbit of information about that week's country as inspiration for a card. As I explored those 50 countries in 2019, I knew I would continue on until I've visited every one of the 195 countries in the world, so I continued the series in 2020 and here I am in 2021, the third year of traveling the world. 

This week's country is...

Iran

Iran is a country located in the Middle East and Asia, that was known as Persia for thousands of years until 1935.

The names Iran and Persia are still interchanged in cultural contexts but Iran is always used in political contexts. 

Iran ranks 18th largest country in the world. It is slightly smaller than Alaska.

Iran shares borders with ten countries, namely Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq and Turkey.

Almost half of the country has a desert climate, receiving less than 4" of precipitation per year.

Almost 70 percent of the population of Iran is under 30 years of age.

Iran’s capital and largest city, Tehran, has some of the worst air pollution in the world. An estimated 27 people die a day from air pollution-related diseases

Iran has eight main rivers, but only one of them - the Karun River - is accessible to boats, and only for short distances at that.

Iran is home to the highest population of refugees in the world. 

Iran ranks second in the world's natural gas reserves and fourth in proven crude oil reserves. Both are essential in the government revenues and overall economic activity of the country.

Fesenjan is a gourmet dish of meat and beans with a walnut sauce served with fried onion on top. It is served with rice.

Iranian cuisine benefits from the influence of all the different cultures and ethnic groups in its melting pot. Herbs are used for seasoning, along with fruits like as quince, plums, prunes, pomegranates, apricots, and raisins. Iranian is caviar is also famous. Iranians eat their meals on cushions on the floor; they have no tables and chairs.

Iranians love drinking tea. Iranian tea is brewed black tea without milk. Tea is served at every gathering in Iran and most Iranians drink tea after each meal.

When invited to an Iranian’s house, the guest should bring flowers, or pastry to the hosts. When giving a gift, one should always apologize for its inadequacy!

Also, when invited to an Iranian’s house guests check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, they remove theirs at the door.

Persian culture boasts of its lush gardens, luxurious rugs, and beautiful poetry. The English term ‘paradise’ originated from a Persian word which means ‘enclosed garden.’

Poetry is very popular and special to the Iranian people. All can recite some portion of a favorite poem. Famous Western poets were influence by Persian poetry, from Ralph Waldo Emerson to Wolfgang Von Goethe.

Iran is home to the highest volcano in Asia.

Soccer is the most popular sport in Iran.

The world-famous Persian Longhair or Shiraz Cat is native to Iran. Endemic to Iran, Persian cats have distinct features of woolly fur and round, grouchy faces. It is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world.

Iran is the world's largest producer of caviar, pistachios, and saffron. 

Iranians refer to yogurt as Persian Milk.

Yogurt is almost literally used in everything in Iran. It i used s food, medicine, and even as a beauty product. Iranians believe that yogurt can make you less sleepy, treat your  ulcers, and prolong your life in general.

Iranian or Persian rugs are world famous. These world-renowned rugs have been part of the Persian culture for more than 2,500 years.

Iranian weavers make a mistake on purpose when weaving Persian rugs. This is to symbolize their belief that only God is perfect. 

Iran holds the Guinness World Record for the largest handwoven carpet.

Iran is prone to frequent and violent earthquake activity.

In December 2003 a earthquake struck the southeastern city of Bam, Iran, killing more than 30,000 people.

Iran is the only home to the critically endangered Asiatic Cheetah.

The three Bible characters who brought gifts to the newborn Christ in the Nativity story originated from Iran. 

The founder of eBay is Iranian.

In 2012, Iran’s police chief announced that Google is a tool for spying. 

In Iran, police can force a man to marry his rape victim, even against her assent. However, the rapist could divorce the victim immediately after the ceremony. This practice is in place because a divorced woman is more marriageable than a tarnished woman.

Girls are marriageable at the age of 13 and boys at 15. Iranians may vote at 15. Polygamy is legal in Iran but the limit is four wives. Once a girl is married, she may no longer attend high school.

Iran’s adult literacy rate is 93 percent, up from almost 37 percent in 1976.

Men in Iran can be arrested for wearing shorts or being shirtless.

Women and girls, including tourists, who have to wear a hijab (head covering) in public starting at the age of nine.

The first day of spring is a festive day with huge feasts. Mothers eat one hard-boiled egg per child to represent their children. They set the table with seven items that begin with the letter “s” in their native Farsi.

My inspiration for this week's card is based on this fact about Iran... Iranian Intelligence officials arrested 14 squirrels in 2007. The officials claimed that these rodents were serving as spies for the Western enemy nations; determined to chip away at the Islamic Republic.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp Set: The Greeting Farm Forest Friends stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Paper: Cougar 110# White and SU Cajun Craze CS and DP from my scrap file

Dies: MFT Stitched Rectangles

Embellishments: Craft Essentials Ribbon and Paper Studio Mini Brads

Friends Make the World More Beautiful

I've been a member of the Technique Tuesday Greenhouse Society for a long time now... receiving the club flower stamp set each month. I hoarded them for a while, then started a series on my blog, committing to using them. 

I thoroughly enjoy this series because flowers are my favorite thing to color. 

This month's Greenhouse Society stamp set is Carnation Friends.

Friends make the world more beautiful.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp Set: Technique Tuesday Carnation Friends stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers (the Sentiment was stamped with Taylored Expressions Sugar Cube Ink)

Papers: Cougar 110# White, Recollections Black, and SU Lemon Lime Twist CS

Dies: Gina Marie Pleated Lace Rectangle and MFT Stitched Rectangle

Embellishments: Recollections Rhinestones

World Literacy Month

One of my favorite challenge groups is the Challenge Your Stash group on SCS, under the capable and organized leadership of my friend Barb. The idea is we can't shop for anything when making our monthly challenge card (which we post on the 28th of each month). 

We take turns choosing the theme. This month it was Kelly's turn... and today is her birthday, too, so let's all wish her a Happy Birthday...

Happy HAPPY Birthday, Kelly!

In honor of World Literacy Month, Kelly asked us to make a card based on any book or book character. After much consideration (and a perusal of my stamps - since we can't buy anything), I finally decided to go with one of the books that Brock loved as a child. In fact, he still sometimes pulls it off the shelf and reads it - If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp: High Hopes Mouse Tales stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Cougar 110# White and SU Real Red CS and DP from my scrap file

Dies: MFT Stitched Mod Rectangle and MFT Stitched Rectangle

Embellishments: Paper Studio Mini Brads

Crop on the Cape Challenges, Part 2

If you were on my blog yesterday you saw three cards that I made for challenges at the Crop on the Cape virtual event. Today I have three more cards to share with you and as a bonus I'll also show you the two cards I made in Jenn Shurkus' Lawn Fawn class that was part of the crop.

Hello Spring Challenge

We were to make a Spring-themed card.

Stamp Sets Used: Waffle Flower Tulips and Taylored Expressions Simple Strips Background

Somewhere Over the Rainbow Challenge

There was a photo for some inspiration, all rainbow-related.

Stamp Used: Stampendous Rainbow Promises (given to me by my friend Barb - THANKS Barb!)

Cape Cod Challenge

Again there was a photo for inspiration, but this time it was sea-worthy.

Stamp Set Used: Our Daily Bread Anchor the Soul

Here's the inside:

Jenn's Lawn Fawn Card Class

Obviously I didn't design these cards, Jenn did. I learned some things about coloring/shading and had fun putting together the two cards.

I did change the orientation of this card from Jenn's Vertical to my Horizontal.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Crop on the Cape Challenges, Part 1

I was able to participate in the Crop on the Cape virtual event hosted  by Jenn Shurkus last week. There were classes, demonstrations, and challenges to keep us busy, that's for sure. I made cards for all six of the challenges. I'll share three of them here on my blog today and the other three will be on my blog tomorrow.

Inspiration Challenge 

The picture for this challenge was of balloons, birthday cake, and more. There was also the option of using the colors for inspiration.

Stamp Used: Simon Says Birthday Messages

Die Used: MFT Perfect Balloon

Three Things Challenge

For this challenge we were to use three items that we received in our box of goodies.

Items from the Box: Ranger Washi Tape, Tim Holtz Button, and Hero Arts Stamp

Get Cracking on Christmas Challenge

Stamp Set Used: Unity Elf Christmas

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

VSN Parks and Recreation, Part 3

I hope you've been enjoying the VSN cards you've been seeing on SCS, social media, and here on my blog. I have three more to share with you today. There are four challenges I haven't yet completed, and truthfully, I doubt I will get them made, but that's okay. I've thoroughly enjoyed the ones I've participated in.

Rebekah's Swing Hi, Swing Lo Challenge

It took me 40 minutes to make this card

Stamp Set Used: MFT Start Each Day with Whee

Shelly's The Moon Challenge

It took me 40 minutes to make this card

Stamp Set Used: Cat's Pajamas Constellation Prize

Misti's Take a Ride Challenge

It took me 45 minutes to make this card

Stamp Used: Penny Black Easy Rider

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

VSN Parks and Recreation, Part 2

Today I am excited to share three more cards that I made for the SCS Parks and Recreation VSN Challenges that were posted this past weekend.

Rita's Flower Challenge 

It took me 40 minutes to make this card

Stamp Set Used: Rubbernecker Azalea Sunrise

Jen's Sports at the Park Challenge

It took me 45 minutes to make this card

Stamp Used: Your Next Stamp Lisa

Dana's Beach Challenge

It took me 25 minutes to make this card

Stamp Used: Stampabilities Beacon of Light

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

2021 Travel the World - Week 12

I started a 50-week series in 2019 that I called Travel the World. Each week of the series I visited a randomly-selected country, sharing bits of information about that country. I then chose one tidbit of information about that week's country as inspiration for a card. As I explored those 50 countries in 2019, I knew I would continue on until I've visited every one of the 195 countries in the world, so I continued the series in 2020 and here I am in 2021, the third year of traveling the world. 

This week's country is...

Belize

Belize is located on the northeast coast of Central America. Until 1973, it was known as Honduras.

Belize is also known as the “Jewel in the heart of the Caribbean basin”. 

The total land area of Belize is 8,867 square miles. The country’s greatest length, north to south, is 170 miles and its greatest width, east to west, is 68 miles. 

Belize is the only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean.

Belize is among the top 5 least populated countries. With only 355,000 people living in an area the size of Massachusetts, Belize has the lowest population density in Central America, an average of 6 per square miles. 

Belize is the only Central American Country where English is the official language. Apart from English, there are many recognized regional languages: Kriol, Spanish, Garifuna, and Mayan.

Belize is filled with 450 cayes (pronounced keys), which are small islands. The islands may have remained uninhabited for years, but each Caye has a watchman which is appointed by the government.

Belize is subtropical, with a mean annual temperature of 80 degrees F.

Close to 1 million tourists’ visit Belize annually of which 70% of are Americans.

There is only one international airport in Belize. It is located in Belize City.

The entire country has only 4 highways.

Those who like to eat at fast food centers like McDonalds, Burger King, Starbucks or KFC should not travel to Belize. There are none of these in Belize. 

Belize’s Black Howler Monkeys are one of the top 10 loudest animals in the world.

More than 400 species of fish live in the waters of Belize’s 185-mile long Barrier Reef.

The forests in Belize yield an amazing variety of cashew trees. Some are deliciously edible while some are actually poisonous.

The country’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture, agro-based industry, tourism, construction and merchandising.

These are the top three revenue earners of Belize: tourism, agriculture, and cocaine. The first two are government controlled and the third is controlled by the South-American mafia cartel.

Many Belizeans travel to the US for work but they return back to their tropical paradise to retire.

Half a dozen great cats, including jaguars and pumas, are indigenous to Belize and Central America. Belize is the only country in the world with a nature sanctuary dedicated to preserving these magnificent animals, a protected area called the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve.

As part of the second-largest barrier reef system in the world (only Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is bigger), the Belize Barrier Reef is an incredibly diverse marine ecosystem stretching for more than 180 miles off the coast of Belize. The reef is an ideal place for fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and sailing.

The Great Blue Hole is the world’s largest sea sinkhole and a paradise for deep sea divers. It’s a huge 984 feet across and 407 feet deep depression in the middle of the sea. It is said that the deeper one goes, the water becomes more clear and the formations, more complex.  It is also a part of the larger Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System.

Superstition fact: it’s bad luck to swim on Good Friday in Belize.

The Belize Rainforest is home to the “jabiru stork”, which is the largest flying bird in all of North, Central and South America.

Most of Belize is unspoiled tracts of jungle, rainforest, and verdant hills. In order to enforce speed limits inside towns and villages and near schools, Belize uses speed bumps instead of traffic lights.

High-quality food is cheap in Belize, including fruit, grains and nuts, fresh coconut water, free range chicken and eggs, natural grass fed beef.

The Belize Rainforest is home to over 500 species of orchid.

The national flower of Belize is the black orchid, a true black beauty indeed.

Belizeans are laid-back people with a go-slow attitude. Most of the country live in small towns and villages and socialize a lot.

Thumb locking is a sign of greeting in Belize.

It is considered rude to greet Belizeans by their first name.

The national animal of Belize is a biological mix of a horse and a rhinoceros but is named Mountain Cow. Locally, it’s known as tapir and looks like a giant Guiana pig, weighing over 500 pounds.

The worst enemy of Belize is also Mother Nature. Hurricanes and storms destroy a large portion of coastal infrastructure each year.

My inspiration for this week's card is based on this fact about Belize... The canopy of the forests has inspired the national motto of Belize which is “Under the Shade I flourish”. It can be found everywhere and everything which is official.

I attempted a technique that I heard about at the Crop on the Cape virtual event last weekend, but I think I did something wrong. The idea is to take an acrylic block and lay down color on it using dye-ink markers (I used Stampin' UP! markers), then spritz it with water and place it on a piece of white CS to absorb the pooled water. I tried numerous times with more and then less water and none of my end results looked like what I thought they should. I finally chose the best of them and went ahead and finished the card.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp Set: Unity No Better Words stamped with Gina K Amalgum Ink

Markers (for background): SU Dapper Denim and Tranquil Tide

Paper: Cougar 110# White and SU Dapper Denim and Tranquil Tide CS

Dies: MFT Stitched Rectangles and MFT Stitched Rounded Rectangles

Embellishments: Recollections Rhinestones