Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge #40

This is Mary Jo's Techno Stamper Monday Lunchtime Sketch #40. I did finish it yesterday, but my kids took over the computer, so I didn't get it scanned until this morning after they went to school.

My card is made with the Stampin' UP set Inspired by Nature and the sentiment is from the set More Great Greetings. I stamped the flowers on natural c/s with versamark and then used chalk to color them in. Then I cut the c/s out with deckle scissors. I used my close to cocoa ink pad to distress the edge and then added some brown chalk and sponged a little so saffron ink to brighten the edge a little. The circle with the sentiment was die cut with my sizzix, stamped with pumpkin ink and then the edges were distressed as above. I then sponged the entire circle with so saffron ink to give it some punch. I layered it on pumpkin c/s and cut that out with scallop scissors. The close to cocoa background c/s was stamped with Stampin' UP! b/g stamp Script. I again used versamark ink and then brushed brilliant gold PearlEx over it until I had the look I was going for. It has a subtle shine. The whole card was layered on pumpkin c/s. Then lastly I added some natural rafia and tied it in a knot. The card measures 6 1/4 X 5". Thanks for looking!

My New ETSY Shop

I have just set up a shop to sell my cards and other stamped projects. You can find it here. The name of my shop is Stamping Susan's Shop. To find me using the Seller's username search, type in StampingSusan. I added a link to the right sidebar. A lot of the cards that I have featured here on my blog are now for sale. If you visit and don't see a project that you are interested in buying, just let me know. But, please be patient, I'm still figuring out all the features of ETSY. My pictures, in the listing have the tops cut off. WHY?! I will try to figure it out soon. To see the entire card or other project, just click on the picture and you will see the entire picture. Hopefully I will get this fixed quickly. Thanks for looking!

MOJO Monday Sketch #56

This is the first time I have joined in the MOJO Monday sketch challenge at Poetic Artistry. This was the sketch. This is the card that I came up with. I have been in the mood to use my Christmas stamps and I had some left over snowflake paper, so there ya go.The snowmen are from the Stampin' UP! set Great Groupings. The Merry Christmas is part of a sentiment stamp I bought years ago from DOTS. I added some silver and while snowflakes as my embellishment. Then decided to add the blue snowflake with a brad at the bottom. I added glitter and liquid applique to the snowballs and just glitter to the accents on the snowmen. Thanks for looking!

Techno Stamper's Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge #39

This is Mary Jo's Techno Stamper Monday Lunchtime Sketch Callenge #39.

I'm a little late on the Monday Lunchtime Sketch. Yesterday was one of those days... So, here is my version of the sketch. I need to get in the Halloween spirit because my kids are bugging me about getting costumes and candy. So, here is the first Halloween card I've made this year. The witch stamp is from the stamp set Just for Fun by Stampin' UP! The sentiment is from Print Works. Thanks for Looking!

Monday Lunchtime Sketch #38

This is Mary Jo's Monday Lunchtime Sketch #38. I'm a little late posting, but I had some computer issues yesterday. So, here is my card. I used the snowman from Just For Fun, the Snowflakes and Sentiment are from Penguin Pals, and the background used the snowman wheel. I used Brilliant Blue and Tempting Turquoise c/s and ink. Then added glitter to the snowflakes that the snowman is holding and embossed the sentiment with silver ep. Thanks for looking!

Bookwormabella Friendship Card

This is Bookwormabella! I really love her! I added some Stampin' UP! stamps - the tea cups and books on the background paper and the sentiment. The background was done by stamping in versamark on white c/s and then brayering rose red over it using my foam brayer. Directly behind Bella is a background paper made using a friendship b/g stamp by Inkadinkadoo. It is also stamped in rose red. I stamped Bella in rose red and then watercolored her in with a blender pen and my rose red ink pad. I then cut her out and mounted her on grey c/s and cut her out again to leave a shadow behind her. Friendship was embossed using silver e/p. Thanks for looking!

Symptoms of DVT and Pulmonary Embolism

I am adding this to my blog, because DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and PE (pulmonary embolism) are two more medical conditions that need prompt and even emergency treatment. It is important to know what symptoms to look for. The following is from Web MD.



Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis -- a blood clot in a deep vein -- may be difficult to identify. That's because deep vein thrombosis symptoms are similar to many other health problems.
If you're at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), know your risks and stay alert to DVT symptoms. If you have symptoms, learn what you can do to confirm a diagnosis.
What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in a calf or thigh muscle. DVT can partly or completely block blood flow, causing chronic pain and swelling. It may damage valves in blood vessels, making it difficult for you to get around. A blood clot can also break free and travel through your blood to major organs, such as your lungs or heart. There, it can cause damage and even death within hours.
Signs and Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Half of all DVT cases cause no symptoms. If you do have any of the DVT symptoms below -- especially if they occur suddenly -- call your doctor right away:
Swelling in one or both legs
Pain or tenderness in one or both legs, which may occur only while standing or walking
Warmth in the skin of the affected leg
Red or discolored skin in the affected leg
Visible surface veins
Leg fatigue
If a blood clot breaks free and travels to your lungs it's called a pulmonary embolism, and it can be fatal. Pulmonary embolism may not cause symptoms, but if you ever suffer sudden coughing, which may bring up blood; sharp chest pain; rapid breathing or shortness of breath; or severe lightheadedness, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.




Pulmonary embolism is the sudden blockage of a major blood vessel (artery) in the lung, usually by a blood clot. In most cases, the clots are small and are not deadly, but they can damage the lung. But if the clot is large and stops blood flow to the lung, it can be deadly. Quick treatment could save your life or reduce the risk of future problems.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms are:
Sudden shortness of breath.
Sharp chest pain that is worse when you cough or take a deep breath.
A cough that brings up pink, foamy mucus.
Pulmonary embolism can also cause more general symptoms. For example, you may feel anxious or on edge, sweat a lot, feel lightheaded or faint, or have a fast heart rate or palpitations.
If you have symptoms like these, you need to see a doctor right away, especially if they are sudden and severe. Know your risk factors.
In most cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by a blood clot in the leg that breaks loose and travels to the lungs. A blood clot in a vein close to the skin is not likely to cause problems. But having blood clots in deep veins (deep vein thrombosis) can lead to pulmonary embolism.
Other things can block an artery, such as tumors, air bubbles, amniotic fluid, or fat that is released into the blood vessels when a bone is broken. But these are rare.

Pocket Silhouettes

This card was made with Pockect Silhouettes and Script background stamps. The ink and c/s colors are So Saffron and Certainly Celery. The background paper is by Stampin' UP! I cut the circles out using my Sizzix. Thanks for looking!

I decided to add this to my blog too, because strokes are another medical emergency that need medical intervention immediately to increase the chances of not only survival, but also to decrease the chances of permanent damage. Knowing these warning signs could save your life or the life of a loved one.

Warning Signs of a Stroke

1) Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
2) Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
3) Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
4) Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
5) Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

* Not all of the warning signs occur in every stroke. Do NOT ignore the signs of a stroke even if they go away!

What to do

1)Check the time. When did the first warning sign or symptom start? You'll be asked this important question later.

2)If you have one or more stroke symptoms that last more than a few minutes, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical service (EMS) number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can quickly be sent for you.

3)If you're with someone who may be having stroke symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1 or the EMS. Expect the person to protest — denial is common. Don't take "no" for an answer. Insist on taking prompt action.

Things to Think About

1)Always be prepared for an emergency.

2)Keep a list of emergency rescue service numbers next to the telephone and in your pocket, wallet or purse.

3)Know (in advance) which hospital or medical facility is nearest your home or office.

4)Keep all your medical information in an easily accessible place, so that you can grab it and go. This includes your complete medical/surgical history (including hospital stays with the dates and what they were for), what medications you are currently taking (keep this updated when you have a change in your medications), a list of your allergies, especially to medications and what reactions you have to them, and a list of all of your doctors and their phone numbers. This information is very important and can impact how quickly the doctors can start your care. It's also not unusual to forgot important details like this when you are under stress.

5)If you have children or an adult that needs taken care of, make these arrangements ahead of time. Make sure they know who their emergency caretaker is. Have the name, phone number and address written down, so their is no question who that person is.

6)If you have pets, know who is willing to care for them if you are admitted to the hospital. Once you are settled in the hospital, give them a call.

For more stroke information, call the American Stroke Association at 1-888-4-STROKE or visit their Web site.

*most of the above information is from the American Heart Association website. Please check there for more information.