Scrubs are COOL! RESQ65

* CONTEST details at the bottom of post!*

This challenge and Contest will be up until 10/15.

The winner will be posted on October 18th.

My Mom has been a nurse for almost 40 years! She graduated Lenox Hill Nursing School in Manhattan and wore an all white uniform skirt with white stockings, heels and a small white hat! Today most nurses wear scrubs and they come in a WIDE array of styles, colors and prints.

Also, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month...make sure to schedule a mammogram, do a self-exam, or say a prayer for everyone battling this horrible disease.

Today's challenge is an inspiration challenge...I found so many cool scrubs in the online catalog, Scrubs and Beyond... I love this Breast Cancer Awareness one...

Use this scrub top as your inspiration...use the colors, prints, pattern, whatever! Just have fun!

Here is my sample:

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ65 if you are posting to an online gallery or use the inlinxz below:

Thanks for stopping by!

*And especially in honor of WORLD CARD MAKING DAY, I will draw a random winner on October 15th from all those who play along to win a $10 gift certificate to either Papertrey Ink or Gina K Designs (your choice!)! Good Luck and Happy World Card Making Day!

The next challenge will be posted on October 22nd so I can have a bit of a break...having a crazy month!

Hospital Clean RESQ64

Hospitals are clean, right? Of course they are! There are so many old sayings about being "hospital clean." I used to joke that my Mom cleaned my house like it was a hospital...she used bleach for everything!

So for this week's challenge, use bleach on your card! There are many tutorials for using bleach but here are few I found on SCS...

stamping with bleach

bleached out images

alchohol ink faux bleach

color wash faux bleach

foxi oxi

**Depending on what brand of cardstock you use you will get different results! For example I used Papertrey Ink New Leaf and the bleached imaged showed as a bright yellow! On SU Garden Green it showed up a lighter shade of green.**

Here is my sample:

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ64 if you are posting to an online gallery or use the inlinxz below:

Thanks for stopping by!

Physiologist is Back RESQ62

Let's welcome back our resident Physiologist this week!

A physiologist can tell you all about the parts of the body and how they work together...in other words, this is our SKETCH Doctor! And here is this week's sketch:

The sketch is just an idea to get you started, I'd like to see how you interpret it!

Here is my sample:

my last summer Hurrah! (I miss Mr. Softee all winter...)

recipe: stamps- Unity, Papertrey Ink Cupcake Basics (sentiment)

paper- white, rustic cream, kraft

ink- memento black, copics

accessories- ribbon, stickles

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ62 if you are uploading to an online gallery or you can use the inlinxz below:

Thanks for stopping by!

Tools of the Trade RESQ61

Almost every profession has it's own tools of the trade. An artist has paints and brushes, a musician has their instrument, beautician has their scissors...you get the point! Well, an Emergency Medical Provider has ALOT of tools of the trade. One of the first things you need on your person is a small pack of necessities....

Believe it or not I used to carry a few different kinds of scissors. The big ones in the picture are called shears, you use these most of all. Most especially for cutting clothes off an accident victim (sorry!). Another important kind of scissor is ones that look bent at the end. These are best for cutting off bandages (because they fit under the bandage well). Also important is bottom one, called a Kelly Forcep. It's not really a scissor, more like a clamp to hold things out of the way. And lastly, an important tool is the orange looking rectangle with a blade. That is the seatbelt cutter. Trust me it cuts a seat belt QUICK! Something you may want to have in your car too! The other items in the picture are a penlight, a window punch and of course a stethoscope. Oh and don't forget your gloves!

Anyway, that is a basic tool set for each EMS person...everything else is usually provided by your employer or volunteer department.

SO this week, in honor of the tools of the trade, and my personal intro to EMS scissors and shears (LOL), let's see you use YOUR scissors! Cut out an image, use those neglected fancy cut scissors that you bought when you first started this craft (you know you have them!), use scissors to distress the edges, or anything else you can think of!

Here is my sample: (I used my scissors to make the "grass" fringe)

recipe: stamps- Papertrey Ink Signature Greetings, garden of life

paper- SU DP, old olive, white

ink- old olive, black

accessories- PTI flower die, scissors, button, twine

Don't forget to add the keyword RESQ61 if you are uploading to a public gallery, or you can use the inlinxz below:

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hospital Food RESQ60

Ewwww.....HOSPITAL FOOD!

Ok so no one likes hospital food much.....but...these days hospital cafeterias have come a long way! I was recently visiting a friend in the hospital when she was having a baby, and had a very good lunch there! But every time I myself have been in the hospital, the food has been awful! So bad in fact, that I always made sure anyone who came to visit brought me food! LOL

SO, this week in honor of the hospital food we HATE....use crafting items, colors and images that you normally would not choose. For example if you hate the color pink and animal images, let me see you use a pig! LOL

It is a well known fact that I absolutely HATE using glitter.... it never sticks for me, falls off after, and stays in my hair and clothes for at least a day afterward! And stickles! ACK! They takes years to dry! But for this challenge I pre-medicated and used some glitter...a whole lot of it! (just for you Lee!) Here is my sample:

recipe:

stamps- SU medallion, PTI asian fusion

paper- black, rustic cream, SU newsprint DP

ink- real red, versamark, black

accessories- red glitter EP, black EP, dazzling diamonds,

ribbon, SU embossing folder, rhinestone, PTI dies

I actually found glittered embossing powder that sticks and still looks like glitter. I versamarked a square of white paper, embossed using the red glitter embossing powder and then used a die cut for the flower. The black circle behind it I added dazzling diamonds to regular black embossing powder and it gives a nice glittery, shiny look.. Hard to see in the photo, of course.... ;)

Don't forget to add the keyword RESQ60 if you are uploading to an online gallery, or just use the inlinxz below:

Thanks for stopping by!

Close it up! RESQ 48

Back in the old days, when you had surgery or an injury you were sewn up with stitches. I think surgeons must all belong to sewing groups because their stitches are just perfect! Lately, staples seem to be more prevalent but either way they hold you together!

When I was in college I tore a bunch of stuff (ligaments, tendons and muscle) in my knee playing softball. I had OPEN reconstructive surgery, something you rarely see anymore thanks to technology. I had 67 stitches to close it all up! Nowadays, this surgery would have been done arthroscopically (with a small incision and a micro camera) but since I had this surgery in 1989 this scar is that I am left with!

yes, this is my UGLY knee.... at least I shaved...LOL

Here is my sample...For my Dad, the biggest Yankee fan ever!

So, for this week's challenge I want to see you close it up! I want to see sewing, faux stitching, staples or even buttons on your creations! Make my ugly knee happy!

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ48 if you are uploading to an online gallery or use the linking tool below. Thanks for playing!

Time for an X-Ray RESQ46

Time for an X-RAY!

Everyone has to get an xray at some time...some of us more than one! One of the most common x-rays is a chest xray to check for pneumonia. Anther common reason for x-rays is to check for broken bones.

For this week's project, I'd like to see you make it look like an x-ray! That means a monochromatic project using black, white and shades of grey. I will allow ONE small additional color but it has to be small like a brad or ribbon.

Here is my sample... I tried a new technique called ZENTANGLE...it's basically doodling but how cool is it? This was also for the Ways to Use it challenge on SCS...use a black pen and be creative!

recipe: stamps- Papertrey ink Background Basics retro

paper- PTI rustic cream, black

accessories- rhinestones, lak marker, nestibilities

Don't forget to use the keyword RESQ46 if you are uploading to an online gallery or blog. You can also use the linking tool below.

Super Foods! RESQ45

Today's challenge is brought to you by the resident nutritionist....always trying to keep us healthy!

As a permanent member of Weight Watchers, I am constantly reading about nutritious foods and trying to introduce my family to healthy eating.

I feel like I have seen this list of the top 10 Super foods a million times but it doesn't hurt to see it again!

Top 10 Multitasking Foods*:

1. Low fat or fat-free plain yogurt is higher in calcium than some other dairy products and contains a great package of other nutrients, including protein and potassium. It can also be enhanced with other good-for-you substances. Look for plain yogurt fortified with vitamin D, and add your own fruit to control sweetness and calories.
2. Eggs make the list because they are nutritious, versatile, economical, and a great way to fill up on quality protein. Eggs also contain 12 vitamins and minerals, including choline, which is good for brain development and memory. Enjoy them at any meal or hard-cooked as a portable snack.
3. Nuts have gotten a bad rap because of their high fat content. But their protein, heart-healthy fats, high fiber, and antioxidant content earn them a place on the top 10 list. Whether you prefer pistachios, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, or pecans, an ounce a day of nuts help fill you up. Nuts add texture and flavor to salads, side dishes, baked goods, cereals, and entrees.
4. Kiwis are among the most nutritionally dense fruits, full of antioxidants. One large kiwi supplies your daily requirement for vitamin C. It is also a good source of potassium, fiber, and a decent source of vitamin A and vitamin E, which is one of the missing nutrients, and kiwi is one of the only fruits that provides it. Kiwifruit can also have a mild laxative effect due to their high fiber content.
5. Quinoa is now readily available in many supermarkets and is one of the best whole grains you can eat. It is an ancient grain, easy to make, interesting, high in protein (8 grams in 1 cup cooked), fiber (5 grams per cup) and a naturally good source of iron. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) also has plenty of zinc, vitamin E, and selenium to help control your weight and lower your risk for heart diseaseand diabetes, she says. Quinoa is as easy to prepare as rice and can be eaten alone or mixed with vegetables, nuts, or lean protein for a whole-grain medley. Try to make at least half your daily grain servings whole grains. In addition to quinoa, try barley, oats, buckwheat, whole wheat, wild rice, and millet.
6. Beans, beans, good for your heart -- really! Beans are loaded with insoluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol, as well as soluble fiber, which fills you up and helps rid your body of waste. They're also a good, low-fat source of protein, carbohydrates,magnesium, and potassium. Edamame (whole soybeans) also contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Beans can easily substitute for meat or poultry as the centerpiece of a meal, but they also work as a side dish, or tossed into soups, stews, or egg dishes. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend 3 cups weekly.
7. Salmon is a super food because of its omega-3 fatty acid content. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids help protect heart health. That's why the American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish like salmon twice weekly. Salmon is low in calories (200 for 3 ounces) has lots of protein, is a good source of iron, and is very low in saturated fat.
8. Broccoli is one of America's favorite vegetables because it tastes good and is available all year long. It's a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and bone-building vitamin K, and has plenty of fiber to fill you up and help control your weight.
9. Sweet potatoes are a delicious member of the dark orange vegetable family, which lead the pack in vitamin A content. Substitute a baked sweet potato (also loaded with vitamin C, calcium, and potassium) for a baked white potato. Other dark orange vegetable standouts include pumpkin, carrots, butternut squash, and orange bell peppers.
10. Berries pack an incredible amount of nutritional goodness into a small package. They're loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, low in calories, and high in water and fiber to help control blood sugar and keep you full longer. And their flavors satisfy sweets cravings for a fraction of the calories in baked goods. Blueberries lead the pack because they are among the best source of antioxidants and are widely available. Cranberries are also widely available fresh, frozen, or dried.

* COURTESY OF WEB MD*

So in honor of all these fabulous SUPER foods, make a project using one of these foods, or it's color, texture, etc. Leaves this week's challenge pretty open, huh?

Make sure to add the keyword or tag RESQ45 if you are uploading to a community or use the linking tool below.

Tuck in those hospital corners! RESQ43

One of the first things you learn in nursing school used to be how to make a bed. All tucked in nice and neat. You also need to know this in the military and for camp. When I started out in nursing school it was one of the things I haven't forgotten and ALWAYS do (to the dismay of my husband who like the sheets all hanging out!)

Here is a video on how to do it:

So today I want to see some unique folding on your cards! You can make any kind of special fold card or go crazy and try some origami! Here are some sites and suggestions for you:

1. Origami Instructions.com - this site has so many awesome instructions for everything from simple stuff the kids can do to more elaborate things like a VASE! so COOL!

2. Dahlia Fold - this fold makes the prettiest flowers...make one or a bunch! And this is a great tutorial...

3. Diaper Fold Pouch - this one makes cute little quick and easy favors! Plus this has a video tutorial from Beate Johns (love her cute little accent!)

4. Easel Card - with just a few different folds you have a card that will stand up anywhere! Perfect for a desk or mantle!

5. Folded Picture Frame- I just did one of these for the VSN mini challenge by Carol on SCS this past weekend...makes such a great focal point!

I would love to see some new folds so if you have one (with a tutorial would be AWESOME) I wanna see it! In the meantime I will be making my beds with hospital corners just to piss off my hubby! LOL

And don't forget to use the linking tool below to link us to your creation and if you're uploading to an online gallery, use the keyword or tag RESQ43.

Here is my sample...I used the Folded Picture Frame technique with one of my favorite SU sets, Beautiful Beach....It's hard to see in the picture but there is a layer of acetate that I stamped the sentiment on over the center shell....and yes, that is a REAL shell in the corner!

Thanks for stopping by!

** PPS SO SORRY I forgot to add the inlinks! It's up now, can't wait to see your beautiful creations!

Let's Play!

It's time for another game with the Diagnostician....

The Diagnostician here on the RESQ is dedicated to helping find the source of mojo difficulties--posing problems and puzzles to help get your mojo on the road to recovery! Her “tests” may challenge you to think a different way or explore alternative treatments.

So today you need to solve the word find puzzle to get clues on what you need to create your card...

D T H J V P U N C H B

E Q N I A R F H K S N

B L U E M L S V O E R

H W K G O S O Q E I E

D V L W I E E S V D T

S M E Z Y R N F O P T

A R X P A O D H H B A

S B D U T N S R B N P

I D Q T G N I R P S K

Q S U R K N I P X J V

A B E Y T Y E L L O W

blue	punch
buttons	rain
dies	spring
flowers	square
pattern	yellow
pink

Once you have solved the puzzle, use the clues to make your card!

Choose at least 2 clues to work with (you can use more if you want!)

Here is my sample...I used the clues yellow, square, punch, and flowers for mine.

recipe: stamps- HA italian script, Papertrey ink Papertrey, Spiral Bouquet

paper- PTI white, lemon tart, spring moss

ink- lemon tart, spring moss, black

accessories- corner chomper, fiskars oval punch

And don't forget to use the linking tool below to link us to your creation and if you're uploading to an online gallery, use the keyword or tag RESQ40.

Holiday Madness! RESQ39

Well, I don't know about you but in my house the holidays are the times when things tend to go crazy! Like someone gets a 103 fever on Easter morning, someone slices open a hand on Thanksgiving or twists an ankle playing football in the snow on Christmas day. And you know what that means.....

A trip to the ER!

*** note: I was late posting today because we DID have an emergency! My DS had a bad ear infection which landed us in the doctor's office this morning! I TOLD YOU SO!

Now, I know I sound excited about it but I'm not excited when someone gets hurt or sick but I just LOVE to be in the Emergency Room! It goes back to my past as a Paramedic...I love the adrenaline rush, figuring out a patients diagnosis, looking at x-rays! I know, I'm crazy...but then again you already knew that!

So, our challenge today comes from the Emergency Department....it's always so hard to find people when you go there. People are running around, behind curtains...what you need is a map! But how about a sketch instead?

Yup, a sketch challenge for today....enjoy!

Use the linking tool below to link us to your creation and if you're uploading to an online gallery, use the keyword or tag RESQ39.

Here is my sample:

recipe: stamps- Kitchen Sink Stamps Hydrangea, Papertrey Ink Asian Fusion, Distressed Stripes

paper- rustic cream, black, ballet blue, old olive

ink- brilliant blue, bashful blue, almost amethyst, certainly celery, old olive, black

accessories- ribbon, fiskars border punch, circle nestabilities, rhinestone

Thanks for joining us today!

Hope you have a blessed and wonderful holiday!

Writing Your Reports!

Having been in the medical field for a lot of years, I can tell you that writing reports is a major part of any kind of job having to do with medicine. You have to account for everything!

Today's challenge comes from the Medical Records Department! These people are tired of always being too busy with their charts, reports and books to play with us each week!

Text has been showing up all over in many types of art. Check it out...

So, the medical records department has decided to make up a challenge for us!

Use text in a prominent way on your card...whether it is a quote as a main image, large letters or even just words themselves.

Here are some sites to acquire more fonts (if you are like me, you have a ton of fonts!)

http://www.1001freefonts.com/

http://www.fontfreak.com/

http://fonts.tom7.com/

http://www.fonts.com/

http://www.urbanfonts.com/

You can even check out this awesome site that takes a bunch of words and makes it into ART!

http://www.wordle.net/

I used wordle to make the "patterned" paper for my card....

You just insert a bunch of words (mine all had to do with friends) and pick a color scheme, font an arrangement and viola!

Here is a close up of the sentiment and butterfly...

recipe: BG paper- my own creation @wordle.net

acrylic stamps- Papertrey Ink Friends till the end

cardstock- SU almost amethyst, apricot appeal, white

ink- Memento London Fog, SU almost amethyst

accessories- ribbon

Please use the keyword RESQ35 if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. You can link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section or try out the new inlinkz below! I will pick one entry each week to showcase on the blog! Thanks for playing along!

** NEW FEATURE!***

I will show one entry each week in the upper right corner of the RESQ-Blog!

You can link your project directly using inlinkz right HERE:

I am still learning about the inlinkz system...I don't know why the winner I chose was different but you are ALL winners in my book! Thanks for playing along this week!

Thanks for stopping by today!

You are what you eat!

Well, I certainly hope that's not entirely true!

But anyway, today's post comes from the Nutritionist! With lots of people making New Year's Resolutions last month to lose weight (myself included), I have gathered some tips and tricks on losing weight that have helped me in the past (I lost 30 pounds last year and have kept 2o of it off!)

1. DON'T SKIP BREAKFAST! - I am not a breakfast person in general but I find that if I eat cereal, fruit or toast with my coffee, I am more able to wait for lunch than waste a snack at 10am.

2. DON'T SKIP OUT ON A FAVORITE FOOD! - when you pass on one of your favorites, you FEEL like your dieting and it makes you want it more. Have a small portion of a favorite and be happy.

3. EATING OUT - when going to a restaurant, look at the menu on line and decide in advance what you are going to have, something grilled and light on the sauce!

4. NOT COUNTING EVERY BITE- all those little "tastes" add up in the end! Even if you are not going to account for it, it still happened! Setting some rules like, "I don't eat in the car or watching TV" can help.

5. EXPECTING TOO MUCH TOO SOON - "Well, I have been dieting for a week and I haven't lost anything!" The only healthy way to lose weight is "slow and steady"...around 2 pounds per week. When you set your expectations too high, you are easily dissapointed.

~adapted from Weight Watchers online

OK so on to our challenge for today! "You are what you eat!" Make a card using anything that is edible...food, drinks, whatever!

Well, if we are living in fantasy land, I am a CUPCAKE! Since I bought this Martha Stewart cupcake punch I am anyway! I just love this thing! I have made myself a cute and yummy stash of these cupcake cards using up all my scraps, how awesome is that!?

here is a baby card...

and a birthday cupcake card....the possibilites are endless! I crimped a piece of creamy caramel for the cupcake base first and then punched it so it looks like a cupcake cup.

recipe (for both cards)- stamps- Papertrey Ink Birthday Basics, Mega Mixed Messages, polka dot basics

cardstock- certainly celery, tempting turquoise, white, creamy caramel, scraps of PP

ink- tempting turquoise, black

accessories- ribbon, scallop punch, black sharpie marker, crimper

Here is a card my 6 y/o daughter Gia did for this challenge too...she wants to be a cupcake also!

Please use the keyword RESQ33 if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so everyone can check out your creations! Thanks for playing along!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Snakeskin...a new way!

I love to learn new techniques! I also like to use things I have lying around instead of actually buying things! SO I saved this plastic netting from a bag of oranges....and I came up with a great way to make a snakeskin looking background!

Here's a short tutorial!

Supplies:

- 3 coordinating ink colors (I used Dusty Durango, Creamy Caramel, and Crushed Curry)

- The plastic netting from the supermarket (I have found it on oranges and sometimes broccoli...just give it a rinse)

- Daubers, Sponges or makeup wedges (I buy them at the dollar store, they are great for blending)

1. Lay the netting flat as you can....you may want to tape it down

2. Start tapping with the sponge using the color you want to be most dominant (I used the Durango)

3. Move the netting slightly up or down, like a 1/4 of an inch and using a clean sponge go with the lighter color and tap it on. You can see here what it starting to look like...

4. Move the netting again in the opposite direction you moved it last time and add in the last color (creamy caramel) in a small amount as an accent.

Now it should have the look of snakeskin! (see second picture for final look)

5. If you turn the netting 180 degrees you will get a completely different look...you can even try it with glimmer mist sprays... The sample on the right is what happened when I turned it 180 degrees...

This is what it looks like using Glimmer Mist Sprays...

And here is the sample I made...I used this cowboy image I had sitting in a box of all my other stamped images! Perfect card for a rough and riding Dad (of which mine is NOT) LOL

recipe: stamps- SU Bronc Buster, PTI Men of Life

paper- Dusty Durango, Creamy Caramel, White

Ink- Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, Creamy Caramel, close to cocoa

accessories- large eyelets, ribbon, stapler

So, give it a try! Find something that looks like a net to use as a mask! I'd love to see what you come up with!

Please use the keyword RESQ32 if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so everyone can check out your creations! Thanks for playing along!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

Cruisin'

Sorry I am not here today...I am on a Disney Cruise! But I figured I would send over a special challenge for today....

First of all the winner from last week is JDMOMMY! I'll be sending her a special surprise from 'da islands mon!

So, while packing and getting ready for the cruise this week, I was thinking about an even more interesting ship than this beauty from Disney Cruise Lines...

The USNS COMFORT

This floating hospital just made it to Haiti to help out with a total of 500+ medical personnel, room for 1000 patients and even operating rooms. They are so desperate for this medical assistance in Haiti, I am sure this ship was a welcome sight.

Here is more information about this amazing FLOATING HOSPITAL.

So, for today's challenge, Use the salted background technique to represent the salty sea of the Caribbean. I have used this technique before, it's easy and fun!

Here is my sample:

recipe: stamps- SU Beautiful Beach, Papertrey Ink Birthday basics

paper- glossy white, taken with teal, creamy caramel, vintage cream

ink- tempting turquoise, bashful blue, creamy caramel

accessories- dew drops, twill ribbon

*salted background technique

Please use the keyword RESQ30 if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so everyone can check out your creations! Thanks for playing along!