JAMSquared

I browse numerous blogs and enjoy the challenges posed by many of them. When I got together with Lori this past Sunday for some stamping time, I worked two challenges into the below 5.5-inch square card. This card is going to my brother-in-law for his birthday. His birthday was actually a month ago, but since I took a while trying to figure out what to get him and since we’re visiting them in two weeks for my nephew’s 1st birthday, he had to wait for his card and gift. So Sarah, don’t let him look at this post.  Not that I think Brian actually reads my blog.

Sheet Load of Cards is a site that puts out a free monthly ezine that contains a sketch and cutting instructions to make a sheet load of cards. The ezine also contains various takes on the sketch by their staff of sample artists. Typically, the samples use stamps by that month’s sponsor company. Check out March 2009’s issue here. They also do two monthly contests. One gives people who give a shout out to SheetLoad on their blog a chance to win. The other gives people who make their own take on the sketch a chance to win. So this post is doing double duty by shouting out and displaying my take of the sketch.

Stamp Something’s challenge this week is to use the color green. So I used 2 shades of green cardstock, 2 green-based designer papers, green ribbon, and green markers to color part of my stamped image. The sketch challenge and color challenge worked very well together and I am quite pleased with how cute this card turned out. Don’t you just love the fuzzy  feel  that the flock gives to Riley’s horns?

Happy Birthday Card with Fishing Riley

Stamps: Hanna Stamps Fishing Riley; Stampin’ Up Birthday Whimsey (sentiment)
Cardstock: Stampin’ Up Always Artichoke, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Designer Paper: Stampin’ Up  Prints Certainly Celery, Petals & Paisleys
Ink:  Stazon Black
Accessories:  A*Muse Palm grosgrain stitch ribbon; tan flock (Riley’s horns)
Markers:  Stampin’ Up Always Artichoke, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Ballet Blue, Only Orange

A few weeks ago, I made this utterly delicious Choco-Holic Cake for my friends when we got together to make cards for the troops.  I actually didn’t make the glaze, as I had run out of time, but the cake was still delicious and so moist. I found the recipe on one of the baking sites I like to go to, VeryBestBaking.com. You can set up an account and put recipes in your recipe box for later perusal.

Choco-Holic Cake

A few nights later, I made Chicken Pasta Toss for dinner and it turned out beautifully. We enjoyed it and James said I could make it again. That’s a big thumbs up from my picky husband.

Chicken Pasta Toss

Chicken Pasta Toss

Source: Taste of Home’s Simple & Delicious, March/April 2008, page 25

Ingredients:

• 10 ounces uncooked spaghetti
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1/3 cup chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon salt (I use kosher salt)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• dash cayenne pepper
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley (I used less dried parsley since I forgot to pick up some fresh at the store)

Directions:

Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute garlic in butter. Add chicken, onions and seasonings; cook, uncovered, for 3-5 minutes or until juices run clear.

Stir in cream. Bring to a boil. Reduc heat; simmer, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Drain spaghetti; toss with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Yield: 4 servings

I’ve been meaning to post the cards I made for Valentine’s Day for a while, but time has gotten away from me. The first picture shows the card I sent mine and James’s family and my friend Kristy. The ribbon matched perfectly.

Valentine's Day Card

Stamps: Hero Arts Clear Design February (sentiment)
Cardstock: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Rose Red
Designer Paper: Stampin’ Up  Loves Me
Ink:  Stampin’ Up Rose Red
Accessories:  Michael’s Megaroll 5/8″ polka dot ribbon
Tools:  QuickKutz Heart w/ Flourish set (Archiver’s exclusive)

This second picture shows the card I made for my sweet husband and the gift bag I decorated to wrap a little something I gave him.

James' Valentine's Day Card & Gift

Stamps: Stampin’ Up Riveting (sentiment on card), Love Matters (hearts on bag)
Cardstock: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black; Doodlebug Sugar Coated Cardstock Red
Ink:  Stampin’ Up Real Red, Rose Red, Regal Rose
Accessories:  Spica Red; dimensional
Tools:  QuickKutz Heart w/ Flourish set (Archiver’s exclusive)