Expressions by DA

Joy Pages

2012-01-15T14:21:00.000-08:00

I began the newest pages for Joy with a tribute to my husband. Those I will keep personal. The first page is one of the cards I made for Christmas 2011. The one with courage is a doodle of my words from 2010, 2011 and 2012 and the word "Love" because it is the foundation of all the other words in my heart.

One Little Word for 2012

2011-12-31T18:21:00.001-08:00

    Looking back I have realized I picked the word “Hope” for my 2011 “One Little Word”.   As best as I can tell I did one blog post for the word. One other page in my art journal but other than keeping the word close to my heart, I did not put to paper what the word was doing in my life. 

    As the year comes to close, it is hard to believe that my life has been turned upside down. Where is my hope? Hope is there but hard to grasp other than knowing there is always “Hope” when you believe that Jesus died for your sins and that you are forgiven if you ask to be forgiven. 

    My hope lies in knowing I have so many people who have been keeping me in prayer for peace and comfort and hope for a new day and way of living that will bring me “Joy”. 

   The word “Joy” has been popping up all around me. How do you have “Joy” when you are suddenly a widow at 61?   Why would joy be the word I would want to focus on?   It is not something I wish to feel right now but regardless of how I feel, I am going to claim “Joy” as my one little word for 2012. 

   I am also going to carry courage 2010, hope 2011 through me on the journey to “Joy”.I am sharing Ali Edwards blog so you can join us by choosing your "One Little Word" or let your word pick you and take the journey of exploring all that word has in store for your life. 

Join my on my journey to "Joy"
ps, I usually post this type of message on my Creatively Living blog but it seems to have lost it's layouts.

Returning to Stampin' Up!

2011-09-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce that I have been able to join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator again.I look forward to sharing with you all the wonderful products they offer for your card making and scrapbooking needs.

OWH Stars and Stamps Sketch #71

2011-05-31T04:23:00.000-07:00

This weekend was busy, I participated in the Operation Write Home Memorial Day Blog Hop. I got so many great idea for cards, thank you to all who participated and I hope those who haven't been able to get through the hop will find the time.

This is the card I made for

Operation Write Home Stars and Stamps blog

my take on Sketch #71.

peace, love and joy,

Memorial Day Weekend Operation Write Home Blog Hop

2011-05-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

Two years ago, I found Operation Write Home online and joined them for a Memorial Day Blog Hop showcasing cards for our Heros. Once again we are BLOG HOPPING to honor our troops and their families.
To start at the beginning you may click on the box below.

If you arrived here from Barbara's
Paper Therapy Ponderings then you are right on track. She shared a beautiful Red, White and Blue heart and star card.

This is the card I made for the Blog hop. I kept it really simple.
The stamp is from The Angel Company tm.
Sponged the sun and colored with markers.
Click on Redonna at
Perpetual Playtime for your next stop in the hop.
Thank you for stopping by and have a safe weekend.

Memorial Day Blog Hop

2011-05-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

I have put out a request to the congregation of the church were I work for Hero letters and cards for Operation Write Home. I hope to get a group of card makers to join us. I made this box to put the letters in.

Join us tomorrow as we blog hop all over the country to honor those who have served and given the ultimate for our country.

Giving up SU!

2011-05-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

As much as I would have loved to stay active, the money to spend on play toys just is not there. I delude myself into thinking I am going to do this a business because I do not have the drive to make it so.

So to all the followers who are from SU, this blog is no longer SU exclusive. It has been great and I love the products but my focus is going to other art areas at this time.

I leave you with this My Design studio card. I love this set.

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T12:08:00.000-07:00

This simple card was made with My Digital Studio. May your Easter be a time of reflection on what is important in life. Family, friends and fun!!

Card Contest for Stampin' Up

2011-01-03T18:32:00.000-08:00

All new demonstrators for 2010 were invited to make a card from the starter kit we received.
This is the card I made. It was fun! Enjoy!

One Little Word Courage

2010-12-31T10:22:00.000-08:00

Today is December 31,2010. The close of this year. My word for 2010 was COURAGE.

It has been a long year filled with a lot of times when courage was needed to keep on keepin' on. So many people have faced difficulties with our economic future bleak. A division has spread across our land has made me very sad. It takes courage to stand your ground and remember Americans are a proud, compassionate people.

Courage is mine as I trust in the Creator who fills my cup full with all I need to get by.

As you can see my one little word for 2011 is HOPE.

Both pages were made with Stampin' Up! My Digital Studio which is copyrighted material.

Wishing you all a Happy, Hopeful, Peaceful, and Prosperous New Year!

Christmas is coming!

2010-12-13T04:22:00.000-08:00

I have been so lack in posting because I have not done much with Stampin' Up! products and did not want to post here because of that. If you would like to see what I have been up to you can visit my other blog Creatively Living Life.

May you be filled with hope, peace, joy and love this season.

Advent Begins Today!

2010-11-28T16:36:00.000-08:00

I would like to share my favorite Christian Blogger.
She is sharing a wonderful Advent Devotional Book. Check her out.

Stampin Up 50% Off My Digital Studio

2010-11-22T05:05:00.000-08:00

Starting today there is an amazing sale for My Digital Studio. I swore I would never go digital, I am a purist when it has to do with card making. Well, My Digital Studio is quickly changing my mind. Does it replace stamping? No, but it is a wonderful addition. This card was made with My Digital Studio which you can purchase online this week for 50% off. Visit my online store to purchase, we also have some other great discounts going this week.

We are still offering the starter kit at 50% off also, if you order the digital kit it would be included in your kit. If you have ever thought of joining this is a great time to do so.

My password to fill out the application is darsue5960.

May your thanksgiving week be filled with family, friends and gratitude for all that we are blessed with even in these tough economic times. Remember all things are possible to those who believe.

Demonstrators wanted !

2010-11-11T16:05:00.000-08:00

Starting November 15, and lasting until November 30, 2010, you can join Stamping Up! for only $87.50. You can purchase the Standard or Digital + Starter Kits for only $87.50--that is 50 percent off the regular price of $175 for over $310 worth of paper or digital crafting and business supplies!

This is a great kit and a great time to get ready for holiday shopping! Either kit is a great value for the hobbyist, part time business person, or someone looking to build a business. That is all up to you as to how you would like to use this fantastic opportunity.

Start your own business Remember to wait until November 15th to begin your application.

You may contact me with any questions and get the password to sign up via the internet.

What's New at SU!

2010-11-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

Click on the pix to see what is new at Stampin' Up! We have some great special packages for the holidays. Book your workshop now so you can share in the fun and fabulous deals!!

Stampin' Up Clearance Sale

2010-10-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

There is a great sale going on on my Stampin' Up online website. Lots of items that will be retired are flying off the shelves. It's a great time to stock up some of those items you have been meaning to order.

SU My Digital Studio

2010-10-02T19:02:00.000-07:00

I recently bought the My Digital Studio by Stampin' Up!

I haven't had much time to play with it but today I worked on a project to share

"My Why" I love Stampin' Up!

Do you love what you do?

I do!

This page is my expression of that joy that I receive when I create. Regardless of whether it is with paper and ink or if it is drop and drag! This was fun and I can't wait to learn more.

Visit My Digital Studio to see how you can win free digital downloads.

The other great thing that is happening at Stampin Up! is all NEW DEMONSTRATORS will receive in addition to their kit this really neat tote to carry it all in. Click here to Start your own business today! You will need this password darsue5960 to order your kit online. Or you may contact me for more information.

Sunny Day Saturday Morning !

2010-07-31T05:03:00.000-07:00

Good Morning. Today is Saturday and a group of us are going to go on a road trip to a Scrapbook Store in The Villages, Lady Lake Florida. Which should be fun.

I wanted to share this photo with you. These flowers were in a basket for a lady's memorial at the church I work for and they were just beautiful. I took a few pixs and wanted to share them.

Extra! Extra! Stampin' Up $$

2010-07-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

Extra! Extra! Read all about it... Stampin' Up! hostesses get extra hostess awards July 27-August 31, in addition to the already fantastic hostess benefits!

From July 27 to August 31, Stampin' Up! hostesses can earn an EXTRA $25 to use toward Stampin' Up! products of their choice when they host a workshop totaling $350 or more!

This extra benefit is included along with the standard hostess benefits they receive when they host a workshop. The standard hostess benefits include:

* A free 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog worth $9.95!
* Free stamp sets only available to hostesses (with qualifying orders; select from the products on pages 10-16 of the Idea Book & Catalog)!
* Free Stampin' Up! products of your choice!

You have Hostess Options!

* Catalog Party - just pass around your catalog to friends and family and collect orders.
* In-Home Workshop - Book a date with me and we will have a fabulous time with your family and friends learning fun, new techniques and projects.
* Virtual Catalog Party - just have your group of friends view the catalog online from the comfort of their own homes and have them email you their orders.

This special offer is NOT available for website online orders. You must contact me directly to receive the hostess benefits.

Look Who's 60!

2010-07-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

Yippie skippy look who's 60! I usually try to ignore birthdays, but for some reason this one just seems special. As I reflect over the past 60 years it is hard to say which decade was the best.

What is so special about this year is I just feel so grown up! I am doing what I love which is playing with all different types of art. Clay, paper, watercolor, altered art, you name it...I am enjoying creating. Oh, the joy when time stands still as you bring a project together. Working the idea into something that had been floating in your head for days. Sometimes it comes together just like you envisioned it and sometimes it is totally different. The satisfaction of completion is the best HIGH!

My husband and I went to Twisty Cone last night for Ice Cream. It is one of those old time ice cream stands that has frozen custard. This KID was in heaven!

Celebrate with me all those who have turned 60 this year!!

With this ice cream cone card.

Image from Sweet Scoops Stampin' Up!

Designer Paper Greenhouse Gala Stampin' Up!

Corner Bookmark

2010-07-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

I worked on a simple corner bookmark today. This idea came from Splitcoaststampers which is just one of the greatest places to find all kinds of neat papercrafts.

The paper and ribbon are from Stampin'Up! The flower is a diecut and then sponged Melon Mambo ink with a dauber and added a pearl to the center.

We are doing to be making a similar version at a workshop on Friday, July 23rd. I am looking forward to getting together with one of the greatest stamping groups out there!

Just one more for 100!

2010-07-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

I am so excited. I am up to 99 followers. I will hit 100 soon. Will you be my one hundreth person?

Melon Mambo Stampin' Up! In Palm Bay

2010-07-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

Well the kit arrived and I am having a hard time deciding what I am going to do for my Open House Launch Party.

I have been playing with the products that I received in my kit and one of the really fun things to so as a stamper is make something with items you might not have picked.

I do like this stamp set "Watercolor Trio" Item # 120084. I would have chosen it but I am not so sure about Mambo Melon but it is becoming a favorite. With limited supplies for someone who has a studio full of supplies this is a challenge to only use Stampin'Up! products!

Here is a simple easy pl-easy will be good for new stampers.

Happy 4th of July!!

2010-07-03T06:05:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day of 2009 someone had posted about Cards for Heroes which is now Operation Write Home. I gathered all the old cards I had here and sent them off. It is a way to support our troops and have fun doing it. I have continued to add to a box I have just for OWH. So far I just work alone, I have used swap cards after asking those who sent them if they minded me sending them on. I would like to get a monthly group going but that is still in the planning stages.

Made with Stampin’ Up! stamps and wheels. I have made a quick birthday card and after snapping the pix thought I really need to get things more centered and started to redo the card. After some consideration I decided it did not need to be perfect. Made with Stampin’ Up! stamps and wheels.

I have also included a Hero Card. With each box of cards we send to Operation Write Home, they ask that we include Hero Cards. I make these and send them blank with a type written letter to insert into the card. Stampin’ Up! set called Courage.

Today Operation Write Home Stars and Stamps blog is celebrating

Independence Day with a Blog Tour.

So go visit to see all the great cards that have been

made for the birthday of United States of America.

Sending a huge thank the men and women who volunteer to serve today and their families for the sacrifice they make in being in a military family.

May our troops remain safe and return home soon!

Happy Independence Day!

Happy July 1st in Palm Bay

2010-07-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

Today begins the new year for Stampin' Up! with the release of the new Idea Book. It is full of great new items and I am so excited to be able to share it with you.

My day was brighten up by a lady who came in the office today bearing gifts. She brought me this beautiful hydrangea which goes so perfectly with our Hostess Set Because I Care. I used Marina Mist and Old Olive paper to make her a thank you. Embossed with black and colored with aqua painter.

Kit is Here!!

2010-06-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

I have it all unpacked and quickly made a card. I have more colors coming tomorrow so I will get to play more. This was made with 118571 I{Heart} Hearts and the saying is from 117050 Watercolor Trio that both came in the $99.00 kit. Which you can still order up until Wednesday, June 30th. I used Melon Mambo ink and paper was melon mambo, old olive and whisper white.

Happy Day...the man in brown is due to visit

2010-06-28T03:59:00.000-07:00

My Stampin' Up! kit is due to arrive today. I can't wait to get me hands on new goodies. May my muse be with me...so I can whip up some samples. More later.

Newest Venture!!

2010-06-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

Yep, I am at it again. Stampin' Up! has a great promotion going on until June 30, 2010 for new demonstrators. Check out the kit is only $99.00. Who could pass that up?

I have always loved their stamps but they were wood mounted and years ago they did not have an angel policy. So I took another ventures along the way. They now have clear mounts and and Angel policy that works for me. I will just order me a personal stamp that has my name and their copyright! Can't beat that!

So my dear friends you will be hearing from me very soon. My kit is due to arrive on Monday and I can't wait.

When I first started stamping it was at a Stampin' Up workshop. I still have the project we made. I have saved it all this time.