Clever Box Challenge Midway Post

Coffee of the Day - Iced Butter Pecan from Dunkin! :)

Today is the midway post for Tip Top Tuesday Challenges 'Clever Boxes'.  I'm afraid my box isn't all that 'clever', but it did suit it's purpose way back when I made it. You should stop by the challenge blog to see all of the gorgeous boxes the team has made!

I needed a box for Jocelyn's birthday goodies, so I made a fairly simple lidded one. Paper is Basic Grey Soleil, flowers are Prima, leaf die is SU!, bow die is MFT, and vintage buttons are from my stash.

please excuse my poor photo. I took it with my phone....

tomorrow the library opens - hooray!!!! :)

Challenges:
Loves Rubber Stamps - anything but a card
Digi Darla - 3D project
Get Inky - die cuts
TTCRD - anything goes

No Star Trek for me..... :(

Coffee of the Day - Moon Pie

My fam is off to see one of the most anticipated movies of the summer - Star Trek: Into Darkness. I so wanted to go along with them, but just don't have the energy for it... poo. they were nice and offered to stay home, but there was absolutely no way I could do that do them. can't wait to hear their take on it when they get home though....

To top it all off, I have finished all but 1 book, have about 8+ waiting at the library for me, but the library is closed for several days due to a big catalog overhaul. major poo. you can't imagine what it is like to feel horrid, spend almost all of your time in bed, and have NOTHING to read. poo on a stick. one of those big ol' ugly sticks, too.

gotta gear up for some major dr.'s visits in the days and weeks ahead. does this now become colonel poo? I don't know my rankings, obviously, but we are most certainly climbing the poo ladder in a rather quick fashion. in case you haven't figured it out yet, cancer is not a nice thing. it just. doesn't. go. away.

but the sun is still shining. the birds are still singing. and there is still a Starbucks open somewhere! :)  hey, I heard that Dunkin Donuts has $0.31 iced coffees tomorrow. go check it out and have one for me! :)

love to all of you! I'll get crafty as soon as I can.

Floral Thinking of You

Coffee of the Day - Creme Brulee

Happy Saturday to everyone! I hope you are enjoying your weekend so far! it's very quiet here.... all of the guys are off at work. Just the dogs and I hanging out, watching the baby robins in their nest on the front door. it amazes me at how fast they grow! Probably won't be much longer before Momma Robin will be giving them their first flying lessons. that will be quite the treat to watch! :)

I've had a few complications and setbacks in my cancer battle. haven't done any crafting in about a week .... maybe I'll get a dash of energy this weekend and feel like heading into my craft room later on. I sure hope so.... I do miss it, but just don't have the gumption to get in there right now. just so very sore and tired and very very fuzzy headed.

anyway, thought I would share with all of you the card I had submitted for the Paper Crafts Stamping Royalty contest. it was a reject, but on the positive side it has been sent to troops for Operation Write Home. that does make the rejection so much easier to take... in fact it's nice knowing, or hoping anyhow, that this card will make someone's day a bit brighter.

Stamps are from Penny Black 'A Bunch' set, papers are Basic Grey Soleil, buttons are vintage, harlequin die is MFT, and twine is Maya Road. a ticket and some washi tape complete the card. pretty simple, but I do like the way it turned out.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend! Jennifer

Challenges:
Simon Says - flower power
Basic Grey - inspired by a song (In the Garden)
Crafty Calendar - blooms and blossoms
My Sheri Crafts - flower power
One Stop Craft - anything goes
Penny Black Saturday - anything goes
Creative Corner - a song (In the Garden)
Stamping with the Dragon - a flower for Mum
Wags 'n Whiskers - anything goes
A Little Bit Crafty - kraft
Always Something Creative - plants
Country View Crafts - how does your garden grow
Fresh Brewed Designs - flowers
Catch the Bug - bingo: twine, die cut, starts with 'g' (green)
As You Like it - fave 2 color combo: pink, pink, pink, pink, pink...... okay, y'all know how much I love my pinks! grins! but really, I do love the way pinks of all shades go with kraft. I use my crumb cake ink and pretty in pink shades of ink more than any others.... so sad pretty in pink has retired. :(  don't know what I'm gonna do 'cause it's all sold out. boo hooo hooo! (my card here has brighter shades of pink ink)
Delightful - bingo: buttons, add dimension (main image and tag are popped up on foam tape), pattern paper
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - spring has sprung
Nutkrafters - kraft
Whimsy Inspiration - anything goes

Fun News and Little Birdhouse Notes

Coffee of the Day - more Moon Pie 'cause it is THAT good!

I am so excited about today's post! first off, Mick's most fabulous girlfriend, Jocelyn, is here staying with us through the weekend. we love every time she comes for a visit! she's also working out at Camp, but I'd much rather focus on the time she spends here at the house! ;)  she has been a part of the family for so long, it's a delight to have her around.

Next, did you know that so many movies are either already out or coming out soon for those of us of the 'geek' persuasion? between Iron Man 3 and Star Trek: Into Darkness, I am almost jumping up and down in my chair..... also want to see The Great Gatsby, but that appeals more the history buff in me..... a few days ago we went to see Oblivion. very good movie, but hubby was shocked that I called almost every  moment of it. made me laugh! we watched Django Unchained last week. what a phenomenal movie. Quentin Tarantino is pure genius in my opinion. everyone in that movie deserved awards. we have the soundtrack and I listen to it almost every day.

anyhow, I am so happy to be a permanent guestie with Sandy and her DT over at Scribbles Designs! thank you, Sandy, for the invitation!  The new challenge is to create projects for Mom or a special woman with flowers.

I decided to make a set of 3x3 notecards. I make most of my cards 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" square, so quite often I have that 3" strip of cs left over. I've started immediately cutting a 3" x 3" notecard from the strip so that after a while I have several ready to be made for a set. they come together fairly quick - well it's all relative for me anyhow. ;)  not the usual 3+ hours it takes me to make a card.

I used several of Sandy's fun birdhouses and papers from the Basic Grey Serendipity and Fact collections. chevrons were cut with a MFT die. flowers are Prima; buttons & ribbons are from my stash. I thought it would be fun to send these to my MIL since she likes to give little notes to her friends.

Challenges:
Basic Grey - mix 'n match (Serendipity & Fact collections)
Clear it Out - 2 or more designer papers
Loves Rubberstamps - May Flowers
Shopping Our Stash - scrap attack
Kaboodle Doodles - ribbon & at least 1 button
Love to Create - pretty flowers
Songbird - bloom and grow
Hiding in my Craft Room - super scraps
Pumpkin Spice - flowers
Creative Corner - things with wings
Simon Says Stamp - flower power

Clever Boxes at Top Tip Tuesdays

Coffee of the Day - Moon Pie (I was gifted with 2 bags of this yummy coffee for Mother's Day!)

Today brings a fun challenge over at Top Tip Tuesdays - Clever Boxes. no cards for this challenge. it's all about making great boxes! We are sponsored by MelJen's Designs. you should stop by the challenge blog to see all of the fun and VERY creative boxes made by the DT! you will certainly be inspired!

I chose to use the absolutely adorable Chili Chihuahua image for my little box. this guy soooo makes me smile! doesn't he look like he's ready to fiesta at the drop of his big sombrero? I don't know that my box is necessarily clever, but it sure was fun to make!

I first printed out the box template, cut it out, then stamped it with Unity's 'Dots for Sure' bg stamp. I used my SU! barely banana craft ink to stamp, but sadly it is almost bone dry, and refills are no longer available. I threw away way too many craft pads the other day when I was making this because they had dried out & I can't get ink to refill them. :(

anyway, the sentiment is from Create with TLC, gorgeous burlap flower is Prima sprayed with glimmer mist. the little pom poms on the dog's sombrero and the fringe on his serape were accented with a yellow glitter gel pen. some corrugated cardboard helps add to the rustic feel, while the yellow pom pom trim edging the box mimics that on his hat. a die cut flourish finishes it off! :)

Challenges:
Craft Room - stamp your own bg
Anything Goes - shaped, but not square
Forever Friends - anything goes
Get Inky - die cuts
Incy Wincy - animal antics
Lacy Sunshine - anything but a square
Delightful - stash it (bg stamp, flourish die, pom pom trim)
Stamping Chef - animal
WAW - anything goes
Clearly iStamp - celebrate

Happy Mother's Day and Pile it On challenge.....

Coffee of the Day - Salted Caramel Hazelnut

Happy Mother's Day and/or Happy Sunday! :)

All of my guys are off at work, so it's a quiet crafty day for me and the dogs. We have new babies that were born a few days ago on our front porch, so I'll show photos to you in a few days. We're the proud foster family of little robins! it's just so wonderful to watch these birds, so peaceful.

well, onto my card for today. The new challenge at Pile it On is to create a card for a teenager. I have several that need to get done for upcoming graduations, but as soon as I saw this image from our sponsor, Simply Betty, I knew I HAD to have it. ;) it's called 'Mad Scientist Christian,' and he is one of my very favorites from Simply Betty. guess you aren't too surprised knowing how nerdy my family is! grins!

I used a selection of papers from the Basic Grey Fact collection, some washi tapes, a K & Co. painted paper clip, metal tag, SU! linen thread, and some buttons to create this card. the green splatters were accented with a green glitter pen. Lots of distressing here.....
I absolutely love the quotes I have found from Albert Einstein. it seems that he would have been quite a remarkable man to know. Most people don't know that he was also a man of faith. it just goes to show that science and a belief in God CAN go together.  :)

Challenges:
Our Creative Corner - anything goes
Paper Creator's Crafts - for the boys
Crafty Catz - anything goes
Simply Create Too - anything goes
Stampin' for the Weekend - button it up
Crafts 4 Eternity - tic tac toe (inking, scraps, 3 of something: buttons)
Southern Girls - you can say that again
Paper Crafting Journey - anything goes
Crafting By Design - remembering childhood (chemistry was one of my fave classes in school!)
Divas by Design - anything goes
House That Stamps Built - masculine
Penny's - die cuts and/or punches
Crafty Sentiments - use a sentiment
Loves Rubber Stamps - anything goes
Papertake Weekly - anything goes
Digi Sketch - theme: for the boys
Love to Scrap - anything goes
Annabelle Stamps - anything goes
Corrosive - my sentiments exactly
Mayzy Art - for the boys

Looking Forward

Coffee of the Day - Coconut Marshmallow

Today is Friday, do I hear a big cheer and hooray!??!? even though I haven't worked outside the home for several years, there is still something about a Friday that says, "let's celebrate! the weekend is here!"

My guys will all be home later today, and I am one happy happy momma! of course as life would have it, they are all working on Mother's Day, so David and I will be by ourselves for the entire day. but just knowing that all of my sons are home for the summer makes my heart soar to the heavens!

They will all be working out at Camp with David again, as they have for so many years now. Tyler and Mick will continue to work weekends at Buffalo Wild Wings in Kent, where they have been working for the past few months, and Ryan will continue to work weekends at Home Depot as well. They don't want to give up their summer Camp jobs just yet.... which says so much for the wonderful way God moves every summer through both the staff and campers.

Sorry that I don't have anything crafty to show today. in a few more days I'll have several projects for you, I promise! :)

God has really been working on my heart and soul about seasons of my life and letting go, especially how they relate to some of the DTs I've been on.

Ecclesiastes 3

3 'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:'

Seasons come and go, some end while others begin. I can't hold on to what 'was' while still trying to look ahead to what is on the horizon. So I have to put old hurts aside, leave them on the edge of the road, and not look back. Because I'm not going that way.... I'm looking forward - to days of sunshine, hearts filled with joy, the sounds of the birds & my house full of men laughing at the silliest things. if something is bringing me down, it's time to let it go and leave it by the roadside. the season is over and a new one is just beginning.

Perhaps you, too, have some things to set down so that you can walk free into your new season. I urge you to take some time to pray, think, and most especially pray some more. Seasons of life are important, but we must let go of them in order to move on to the next.... God has amazing things in store for us if we can only move ourselves out of the way and allow Him to work in our lives.

my love to all of you!
Jennifer

Floral Thinking of You

Coffee of the Day - Butter Rum

Ryan & I were able to get quite a bit of gardening done yesterday. hope to do more today. As we were planting some of the herbs, Ryan looked up to discover that we had a visitor. Our neighbor's dog, Ruby, had escaped from her pen and stopped by to see us. We tried several times to put her back in, but she kept getting back out again. She had broken the bungee cord on the gate, and even though we put a new one on, she somehow managed to escape!

So Ryan put her on one of our leashes and tied her to our basketball goal. Then we tag-teamed doing the gardening. One of us would hang out with Ruby while the other would do some planting. Ruby's owner came home a little bit later to let us know that she is scared of storms. The thunder we had going on during the afternoon was enough to cause Ruby to break through the gate to come find comfort with us. She is such a sweetheart! :)

My card today uses several products from Basic Grey and a fun image from Crafty Secrets called 'Bouquets of Joy.' after I watercolored the image, it was covered with 2 shades of distress crackle paint - rock candy all over the main image and old paper on its edges. Papers are from Basic Grey Knee Highs and Paper Cottage.

Lots of fun embellies were used - crochet trim, SU! linen thread, button, wooden veneer butterfly, washi tapes, Prima rose, a doily, and finishing with Basic Grey pins, flair button, & tag. 

I have several fun guest designer positions coming up soon, so stay tuned for those! I'm very excited! :)

Enjoy your day!

Challenges:

Crafty Secrets - blog linky party

Basic Grey - mix & match (papers - Knee Highs & Paper Cottage, pins & tag - Lucille, flair button - Fact & Fiction)
Crafting by Design - remembering your childhood (I loved to pick flowers when I was little!)
Fresh Brewed Designs - flowers
Penny's - die cuts and/or punches
As You Like It - die cuts and/or punches (Spellbinders Nesties - these are used on 9 out of 10 of my projects. I LOVE them!)
Whimsy - anything goes
Clear it Out - anything goes w/stash and 2 or more papers
Inky Chicks - shabby chic
Card Mania - flowers
Cutie Pie - lots of layers
Fashionista - shabby or vintage
Get Inky - fabulous florals
Ooh La La - vintage or nostalgic
Three Scrappy Gals - flowers
One Stop Craft - flower power
Sugar Creek Hollow - spring flowers
Card Makin' Mamas - washi tape
A Little Bit Crafty - kraft cs
Card and Scrap - use a doily and/or cake napkin
Country View - how does your garden grow?
One Crazy Stamper - flowers
Cupboard Trilogy - spring flowers

It's a Christmas Mouse!

Coffee of the Day - Creme Brulee

There is one week left of the current challenge over at ABC Christmas Challenges. we are sponsored by MelJen's and have a fun photo to inspire your projects!

I have used Ornament Mouse on my card and the wreath that is 2nd down on the right for my inspiration. Papers are from the Authentique Festive collection, which I was blessed enough to win from a great contest from The Paper Parade. I encourage you to stop by the store because not only is there a fun sale going on, but there's also a follower's candy contest going on at the blog.

I added shimmerz paint to the ornament hanger and stickles to the mouse's hat & the heart on the ornament. the glitter poinsettia is from Prima, buttons are SU!, and trim is some from my vintage stash. it's hard to see, but I did add a bit of faux stitching with a distress marker.

David and I went to several nurseries yesterday to get herbs for my garden. what was the hot pepper and tomato garden last year will be a large herb garden this year. for the past few years I have kept herbs in large pots. I'll put several types of mint in the pots this year. They are about 2 feet across, so they are pretty big pots! ;)  The peppers and tomatoes will get moved to behind our barn, as we found that the area we had them in last year just didn't give them enough sun. We'll also plant some sunflowers as a backdrop along the back of the barn. I think it will look wonderful, plus we'll have yummy treats! Everyone in our family enjoys gardening, so it's really a family affair. I hope to also plant a few lilac bushes alongside my craft room to go with the one that is already there. 

I discovered a handful of  wood violets growing beside our house when Dave & I were outside looking at everything yesterday. they have long been my absolute very favorite flower forever and ever, so that truly made my day! I'll carefully dig them up and put them into the beds in the next few days so they don't accidentally get mowed over like my peony bush the other day.... or all of my columbine a year ago..... or the day lilies several years ago.... or I could just go on and on. my guys (hubby included) all mean well, but sometimes they just get in a hurry.....

take care and enjoy the rest of your week!

Challenges:

Creative Craft - all about animals

Clear it Out - stash plus 2 or more designer papers (stash - SU! buttons are so very old)

Deep Ocean - let's sparkle (stickles, shimmerz paint, & glitter Prima)

Loves Rubber Stamps - anything goes

Paper Take Weekly - anything goes

TTCRD - anything goes

Pause Dream Enjoy - outdoor critters (I don't know about you, but I'd much rather mice stay OUTSIDE!!!)

Digi Haven - digi plus buttons

Sparkles Christmas - fave festive colors

Mel Jen's Designs - what's the point? (ornament hanger, mousie tail, mousie nose!, tip of heart)

Sassy Studios - all about the hats

Stamping Chef - animals

Stamp 'n Doodle - distressed

Pink Hope at Paper Makeup Stamps

Coffee of the Day - Butter Rum

Several things in the post today, including the winner of my blog candy, so be sure to read through.....

First I will go ahead and announce the blog candy winner. I was smiling so so big when I saw who our Mr. blue froggy friend chose as the winner! She is such a dear friend of mine, and I can picture her reading The Secret Garden with her grand-daughter, Jade.  Stef, congratulations! send me an email with your address so I can get your goodies right out to you!

Thank you to everyone who entered! You know me, and I'll be doing another blog candy again soon!

Next up is my card for the new challenge at Paper Makeup Stamps - favorite color. well y'all are gonna strain yourselves trying to figure out mine, I'm sure! ha! yep, my card is loaded for bear with PINK!!! I made another card for the chemo patient card box I have set up at my oncologist's office. I do hope to have quite a few to take when I go in for my next appt.

I used the Hope Silhouette Fairy from the Breast Cancer Awareness digi set. Both the main image and the matted die cut were sprayed with Cadillac Pink glimmer mist. papers are Basic Grey Knee Highs, felt roses are made with the MFT mini rolled roses die, the metal tag is stamped with the word, 'hope'. the edges of the main image were coated with spun sugar distress stickles. some faux stitching, a pretty pearl button, and a bit of lace trim complete the card. Hopefully this will bring a smile or comfort to someone going through chemo treatments. I sure remember only too well how rough those days were.

Enjoy your day!

Challenges:
Glitter and Sparkle - anything goes
Creative Corner - flowers and/or Mother's Day
Artistic Impressions - monotone
Lacy Sunshine - monochrome
One Stitch at a Time - anything goes
Eclectic Ellapu - anything goes
Allsorts - add some sparkle (glimmer mist & stickles)
Catch the Bug - anything goes
One Stop Craft - flower power
Our Creative Corner - anything goes
Crafting Musketeers - anything goes
Crafter's Cafe - mothers or for a female
As You Like It - fave dies or punches (Spellbinders & MFT dies are my 'go to' dies!)
C.R.A.F.T. - stitching (hope faux counts!)
Happy Campers - use lace
LUFP - breast cancer awareness
Paper Crafting Journey - anything goes
Crafting for all Seasons - monochromatic
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - women are special (yes, we are!!!)
Paper Pretties - pink and green
Bunny Zoe - fave color
Craft Your Passion - floral delight
Kaboodle Doodles - for the ladies
Love to Create  - for mom or a special lady
Whoopsi Daisy - Mother's Day or for a special lady

500+ followers blog candy!

Coffee of the Day - Spiced Hazelnut

Thank you for your patience as I have gathered together some fun springtime goodies for all of you who so faithfully stop by my little blog! what you see in the photo is not all that will be included, but just a portion.

You do NOT have to be a follower of my blog to sign up for the candy. you also do NOT have to place a photo anywhere on your blog, although you can if you want to. I don't like making people jump through hoops to participate in my blog candy prizes. for me, I'm just happy you stop by and leave a comment every once in a while! :)  the only significance to the 500+ followers is that it reminds ME that it's time for another blog candy for all of YOU! :p

what is included:

• The Secret Garden book and DVD (because after all, here in the States most of us are happy to see those springtime flowers peaking their little heads above the ground!)
• Kaiserkraft Tigerlily 6 1/2" paper pad (this is gorgeous! many of the papers are embossed or foil)
• My Favorite Things clear stamp set - Cupcake Flopsey
• My Favorite Things clear stamp set - Disco Queen A La Mode 
• 3 Webster's Pages Modern Romance Quick Picks - pins, twine, & ribbon with deco. bag
• mini clear block for stamps
• pink stripe washi tape
• Mr. Huey's Dewey color mist
• Stampin' Up! buttons
• My Mind's Eye burlap trim
• assorted ribbons, trims, and flowers

The drawing will be open through *Sunday, May 5* to give everyone plenty of time to enter. this also happens to be Cinco de Mayo, so we'll celebrate with plenty of Mexican food and margaritas! tee hee! yes, my ring tone on my phone now plays 'Tequila,' which couldn't be more appropriate! ha!

A winner will be announced on *Monday, May 6*.

thank you again for all of your support and kindness! be sure to add your link with our fun little blue froggy friend!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Coffee of the Day - Cinnamon Hazelnut

 Happy Cinco de Mayo to all of you! yes, we recognize this day and celebrate it big at our house! :)  Tyler even made it a point to come home smack dab in the midst of finals so he could be here for our big fiesta. we may live in Ohio, but we are still Texans at heart!

I found this very interesting article that tells a bit about the history of this day. of course, David would tell me that you can't put "interesting" and "history" together in the same sentence, but I was a history minor in school, so I find it quite fascinating!

For some of the most amazing recipes and television cooking shows, click here to be taken to the website for Rick Bayless & his restaurant in Chicago, Frontera. Our entire family will sit around the t.v. mesmerized by his cooking program and the bit of culture he adds to each one. would LOVE to be invited to eat at his table some day! you can find a few of his food items at your local grocery store or World Market stores.

Published Again.... Finally! :)

Coffee of the Day - Maple Pecan Pie

Happy Friday to you! I am so happy that I can finally share this news with all of you! yes, I am published again! no, I am not sending out more items to be published, so this will probably be my last one ever, unless another one falls into my lap like this one did. I can never express my thanks enough  to Tammy at A Day for Daisies for having a belief in me and my crafting to include me in this publication. She is amazing!

Complete Cardmaking with Your PC is a UK magazine. Issue #43 is currently available for purchase there, but not here as of yet. I know because hubster spent a few hours going to craft and book stores yesterday looking for it! ;)  once it is here in the States, I will show you  my cards. yes, you read that correctly. I have 2 cards published!

I highly recommend to anyone that you purchase this magazine when it is released. with the magazine comes a CD of at least 8 of Tammy's digital images, in addition to quite a few other downloads. if you shop at ADFD, you know what a great deal this is! The images included on the CD will be perfect for Mother's Day and any new baby cards you need to make. 2 members of her DT, Arielle and Kadie, made the front cover. pop by the ADFD blog to tell them and the other DT membres congratulations! this is a big thing, I tell ya!

don't forget to enter my blog candy..... only a few days left. I'll be showing a few card creations soon. I've been busy crafting, just haven't been able to show anything yet. ;)

enjoy your weekend! and thank YOU for believing in me, too!
love ya! Jennifer

Moving Parts at Top Tip Tuesday

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Caramel

Hello to everyone! the sun is shining here today. the past few days were all rain, so it's nice to see the sun peek it's head out again. mind you, I enjoy the rain as well, but a bit of sunshine does lift the spirits! :)

Yesterday Dave, Ryan, and I went to see Tyler down at Akron. had a wonderful visit with him. enjoyed lunch at a great Lebanese place that Tyler and Dave had gone to before. I was quite worn out from the trip and went straight to bed for the rest of the day when we returned. slept until after 10 this morning.... doesn't take much to wear me out these days it seems. I was glad that I was able to go on the trip though.

Our new challenge at Top Tip Tuesdays is 'moving parts.' this challenge threw me a bit sideways, since it had to be the actual card that had moving parts. but I persevered, and with the help of some kind people over at Split Coast Stampers, found a fun tutorial to try! I'll most certainly be making more of these cards in the future!

Our sponsor is Stamp Fairy, so I used an assortment of images from there: Barry Birthday 3, Balloons, and Mimi Frames Freebie. my card is a suspension card. I show both sides of the hanging ornament.

Papers are Basic Grey Soleil, trim and flowers are Prima, buttons are vintage. leaf die is SU!, circle dies are Spellbinders. balloons are paper pieced. card is fairly simple, but it's fun to play with! circle medallions hang from SU! linen thread.

Challenges:
Celebrate the Occasion - anything goes
Crafty Sentiments - the letter 'B' (buttons, bear, balloons, birthday, brown)
Creative Craft - all about animals
Die Cuttin' Divas - anything goes
Going Grey with Scrap Creations - insects or animals
TTCRD - anything goes
Digi Darla - celebrate
Love to Create - punches and/or dies
Sparkle and Sprinkle - use a digi
Eclectic Ellapu - anything goes
Great Impressions - pastel colors and/or polka dots
Whoopsi Daisy - spots and stripes
Robyn's Fetish - stripes or dots
Squirrel and the Fox - furry friends

May Flowers Sympathy

Coffee of the Day - Creme Brulee

Happy Sunday to you! We have a new challenge going on over at Pile it On this week - 'April Showers Bring May Flowers.' We are sponsored by Gingerloft. I chose to use the image, 'Birdhouse Swirl' for my card.

About a week or so ago we received the sad news that one of David's childhood friends had a son pass away from a genetic disease he has had since he was a young boy. The young man lived until he was 19 years of age. Our hearts are just breaking for them. No matter whether you are anticipating a death or not, the hurt and loss are still devastating. They are in our constant prayers.  I wanted to make a card to let them know we are thinking about them.

Papers are Basic Grey Serenade, flowers are from my VERY old Prima stash, burlap wired ribbon is May Arts, buttons are vintage. the bird is cut from a Tim Holtz die, covered in glitter, and then SU! glass glitter. a vintage button serves as the eye.

Challenges:
Clear it Out - button up
Stamping with the Dragon - spring has sprung
Stampin' for the Weekend - die cuts and/or punches
Digi Haven - digi and button
My Time to Craft - kraft
Pumpkin Spice - nature
Shelly's Images - April Showers Bring May Flowers
Art Impressions - layer it up
Creative Belli - spring (flowers are all old Prima stash)
QKR Stampede - favorite things (vintage buttons, Basic Grey, kraft, Prima, birds)
Crafting by Design - anything goes
Creative Moments - spring
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
Die Cuttin' Divas - flowers
Love to Scrap - cut it out
Stamp and Create - use at least 1 die cut
Dream Valley - things with wings

Pink Power

Coffee of the Day - Maple

It's absolutely gorgeous here! also our big Maple Festival is going on, so lots and lots of people visiting our little town. first year in many that the sun is actually shining for the festival, so that is nice. Ryan is in the bathtub races tomorrow morning, so that should be fun. it's weird to not have anyone marching in the big  parade. that's what happens when everyone goes and graduates from high school! ;)  since we only live a block from the town square, I can smell the yummy foods when I step outside my door. oh my gosh, all of the maple aromas are divine! we let friends park in our driveway so they can just walk up from here. traffic gets really jammed up, and the dogs pretty much spend the entire weekend barking at all of the people walking by the house.

anyhow, I wanted to share a card I made for several challenges. main reason I made it though is to work on my stash of cards to take to my oncologist's office when I go again for the card box I have set up there. When I was there the other day, the box was almost empty. Can't have that! :) so I want to make plenty more cards for all of the folks going through chemo to grab if they want to. hard to believe it was a year ago that I was going through all of that myself. my hair is still growing in. it's all curly wurly now and looks so goofy. some of it is almost about 3" long! almost! tee hee! probably closer to 2", but I'm like the little toddler who's birthday is ALMOST to the next one.....

this fun boxing gloves image comes from Oak Pond Creations, papers are Fancy Pants Time for Spring, ribbons are all May Arts, and sentiment is Create with TLC. the bright pink ribbon is really tied in a bow, but I cut it off in the scan. it got all smooshed in the scanner anyhow....faux stitching finishes the card.

Challenges:
Oak Pond Birthday Bash - use an Oak Pond image
Link Up For Pink - breast cancer awareness
Dilly Beans - think pink
QKR Stampede - fave things (PINK!!!)
Sweet Pea Stampers - support your fave charity (cancer patients, see above)
In the Pink - ribbons and/or ruffles
Crafty Ribbons - anything goes with ribbon
Rhedd and Rosie - stitching
Whimsy - pretty in pink

Little Holiday Helpers

please see the next post for my Guest Designer at Digi Stamps 4 Joy card..... thank you!

The current challenge at ABC Christmas Challenge is 'H is for Holiday Helpers'. well I thought these cutie little elves from Tammy over at A Day for Daisies would be the perfect helpers for Santa!

Papers are from Basic Grey Figgy collection. I had so much fun making the patchwork bg the other day that I made another one! it's a fun way to use scraps, plus it's such a great look! :) I just make sure to ink all of the edges before I adhere to my white cs base.

a few vintage buttons and bingo markers, pretty little poinsettia, delicate lace trim, tag with seam binding, and FABULOUS holiday washi tape complete the card. a rounded corner on the main image adds just a little bit of interest to all of the other straight lines.  now I wonder where I can find a bunch more 2, 5, and 25 bingo markers!??!?!  anyone need a 57?

have a great day! :)

Challenges:
Sweet Stamps - use 3 of any one item (butons)
TTCRD - anything goes
Stamping Sensations - special occasions (Christmas)
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas - red and green must be seen
Christmas Challenge Extra - anything Christmas
Clear it Out - anything goes with 2 or more buttons

Guest Designer at Digi Stamps 4 Joy

Coffee of the Day - Red Velvet Cake

I recently won a challenge over at Digi Stamps 4 Joy and they so kindly asked if I would be interested in also being a guest designer. I was happy to say yes! :)  the challenge is to create an easel card that also has bling.

I used the image 'Tropical Sunset' and Basic Grey Shine On paper. the sentiment is from Create with TLC. it reads, "A Sunbeam to warm you."  Spellbinders Reverse Wonky Rectangles dies were used for the shapes.

The card base was sprayed with glimmer mist for some added shine. the main image was first watercolored. The sun and water were then over-painted with various shades of glimmer mist to add more sparkle. it really has a gorgeous shine irl - subtle. 

those of you who are regular blog readers know the strict criteria my guys impose on any masculine cards I make. so because this card is going to a guy, I had to be sure to not add any bows or that other 'girly' stuff that makes my  men roll their eyes at me! ;) I did add some rhinestones to the corner, but hopefully the burlap (manly man grunt!) and coconut button (another manly man grunt!) will keep their rolling eyes diverted! ha!

thank you so much to Margy at Digi Stamps 4 Joy for the lovely guest designer invite! I had so much fun making this card! I do hope all of you will give it a go! :)

Challenges:

Paper Pretties - fabulous folds

Loves Rubberstamps - great outdoors

Papertake Weekly- weather with you

Cards for Men - anything goes

Melonheadz - fancy folds

Ooh La La - easel cards

Paper Playtime - more than one fold

Basic Grey - masculine

Word Play Saturday - weather

Mad Props with Top Tip Tuesday!

Coffee of the Day - Chocolate Bourbon Pecan (yes, it is THAT good!)

Today is a midway post over at Top Tip Tuesday. we are sponsored by the most fab Krista of Saturated Canary. Our challenge is to use faux stitching of some kind on your projects.

I chose the fun 'Starla' for my card. I love her quirky attitude and that great 'stache she is carrying! Papers are Basic Grey 'Clippings.' I love this new set of embossing folders from Tim Holtz that I came across on the JoAnn's website. all of you know that I can't sew worth beans, so the funky, shabby stitching of these is right up my alley! I took several scrap pieces  and adhered them to a piece of plain white cs. I then ran this through my embossing folder. I then lightly sanded the tops to give a more distressed look.

Linen thread is SU!, faux stitching was done with a black spica glitter pen, sentiments come from my SMASH date stamp (gosh, I love that thing!), and just a little button from my stash. oh yes, can't forget the little touches of washi tape and flowers! :) I also used both my clear spica glitter pen and a gold glitter pen to accent the stars on her face as well as the gold highlights I added to her hair.

Tip - a fun, new way to add faux stitching is with some of the great embossing folders on the market now. you can even lightly sand the tops once you emboss for a great distressed look! Check both Stampin' Up! and Tim Holtz to name just a few.....

Challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge - distress
My Time to Craft - stitching
Delightful Challenges - color my world
Saturated Canary - anything goes
Sarah Hurley - projects with character
Lollipop Ladies - moustache (on a prop stick)
Nutcrafters - anything goes
WAW - anything goes with encouraging senti
TTCRD - anything goes
Bearly Mine - digi days

Sweet Flowers

Coffee of the Day - Chocolate Bourbon Pecan

Today is a new challenge over at Paper Makeup Stamps Digi Makeover - Animal Friends. I know all of you have some great critter images in your stash, and the prize is some fun images from the Paper Makeup store.  I sure hope you will play along! :)  new images have been added to the store, too, so I know you'll wanna go take a peek!

I used the soft and pretty Felicity Fawn image for my card along with a sentiment from Create with TLC. papers are from Basic Grey's Kioshi collection. the flower is Prima and silk ribbon is May Arts. not much fancy here, but I love these colors together. the little pearls were actually colored with a Copic marker. hooray, I used a Copic!!! grins! the little bit of cardboard underneath the main image is actually a scrap from a Starbucks coffee cozy. I tore the edges and lightly inked it to distress.

I want to thank all of you who have been so very encouraging to me. as you might know by now, I didn't win, place, or even show in the May Arts contest. pretty much was low man on the totem pole. didn't place with any of the other challenges I entered with it either. so that lets me know that this project was a failure from the get-go. some are like that. you put hours into them, but no one likes how they turn out. that's okay though because it was a big lesson learned. it's all already been torn apart, thrown away, and some of the pieces salvaged for another project down the road. most definitely didn't want THAT reminder sitting around to stare in my face.

it has definitely changed how I will enter (or not enter) contests from here on out. I'm done with publication submissions and anything that isn't made for my family or someone I know. I spent money we didn't have getting ribbon, spent money we didn't have mailing projects out, and it all comes to naught. I've taken my chances and seen the results. I will continue to enter challenges because that is how I earn my crafting supplies. I win enough to keep me in paper and embellishments, so that is good enough for me. you would be surprised at the number of challenge blogs and companies that don't follow through with sending out prizes, but that would be a story for another post......I'm thankful for the ones that do.

and above all, I'm thankful for each of you. you are loved and appreciated! :)

Challenges:
Eureka - animal catwalk
Inky Impressions - dies/punches
Penny's - use a sentiment
Paper Crafting Journey - use a sentiment
Paper Shelter - make it bloom
QKR Stampede - punches/
OSAAT - use a digi
Allsorts - passion for flowers
Digi Darla - recycle for Earth Day (Starbucks cozy)
Forever Friends - lots of flowers
Kaboodle Doodles - spring
Kraft Journal - recycle or reuse (Starbucks cozy)
Sparkle and Sprinkle - use a digi
Stamp and Create - use at least one die

Keeping it all in perspective..... Smile!

I've been having a tough past few days....not the greatest news in regard to my health stuff, but what has hit me the hardest has been my May Arts project. some of you have been very supportive and kind here on my blog, so I must begin by saying this is NOT what I am making reference to....

over on the May Arts blog all of the projects have been posted. I do hope all of you have had a chance to stop by because man oh man, there are some jaw dropping gorgeous projects! I am being completely honest when I say that mine in no way compares to what some people made. I knew at the time I saw the list of contestants that there were going to be some fabulous creations. I just flat out don't have that kind of talent, and I truly am in awe of the folks that do. they are my inspiration!

but of the over 200 comments left at the time I'm writing this, not one comment has been left for my project. every project has been mentioned except mine. not one person has said, "nice job" or "cute ribbons" or anything. that is not the reason I entered the contest. but gosh, I worked really hard at a time when I felt absolutely horrible to make something that I thought looked nice. I realize it doesn't compare with all of the other projects. but it flat out hurts. and I'd be lying to say it hasn't affected the way I think about future crafting, posting to my blog, and entering any other contests/challenges. we all want to hear nice things about what we make. to say otherwise isn't being honest.

I've been taking part in quite the little pity party since Monday, and hubby knows it. Today he sent me a link to this youtube video. I'm posting it here to share with all of you. it helped me put everything in perspective.

 

what I make is part of what I do, but it is not who I am. my life is more than paper and ribbons. hard to believe some days, but it is true. my life is also more than cancer. it's about smiling, regardless. it's about a deeper joy that comes from something other than a comment left or not left. it's about being the daughter of a King. and for me, that is enough. it is always enough. :)

Awesome Birthday

Coffee of the Day - Chocolate Bourbon Pecan

Yesterday was Paulette's birthday from over at Create with TLC. many of her DT members got together to surprise her with cards made using the same image. her daughter, Bri, put them up on the TLC blog first thing yesterday morning so that Paulette would see them wishing her a happy, happy birthday when she logged on to her computer!

I want to share my card with all of you here.....

image and senti are obviously from Create with TLC, papers are Basic Grey Knee Highs, gorgeous flower is Prima, pins are Maya Road, border die at bottom is MFT, buttons and trim are vintage. accents of stickles were used to add a bit of sparkle. few touches were also made with my spica clear glitter gel pen.

I put my card in the mail to Paulette, so hopefully she will have it by the weekend. that way it helps to extend the birthday wishes a little bit longer! :)

Challenges:
Clear it Out - anything goes with 2 or more buttons
Inky Chicks - happy birthday girl!
Oldie but a Goodie - make it girly (old - pins are over a year old, as is Spellbinder die)
TTCRD - anything goes
By the Cute and Girly - vintage
Digi Galore - one for the girls
Forever Friends - paper piecing
Pink Elephant - paper piecing

May Arts Spring Challenge Projects!

Coffee of the Day - Maple Pecan

Well today is the big day that all of the projects for the May Arts Spring Challenge are being featured over on the blog! I would love for you to stop by to see the fabulous things made by those chosen, including me! :)  I'm not sure if comments count for votes, but it would sure make the designers feel happy to see happy thoughts and wishes left for them if you have a moment.

I have to take just a second to say a huge thank you to the very kind people over at May Arts who believed in me and my idea for a project! it means so much that you allowed me to take part in this contest! :)

please be prepared for LOTS of photos here.....
I also need to add that while May Arts DID provide 2 yards each of 4 styles of ribbons, I was allowed to add any extras of their products that I wanted to complete my projects. these were purchased on my own and were not provided by May Arts.

everyone was given this beautiful photo for our inspiration. you will see how I used various elements in my 2 projects.

My first project is an altered vintage milk bottle.

Please forgive my photographs. my tremors keep my from taking very nice nice pictures of my projects, which is why I scan as much as I possibly can. it's really hard to scan something like this though, so we will press on! ;)

The bird was cut with a Tim Holtz die from a popcorn box of all things! I cut 2 pieces to give extra strength, as well as a piece of white cs to cover the back. I then cut a bird and wings from Butterfly Garden digital papers, adhered to chipboard with ModPodge, covered in fine glitter for body and SU! glitter glass for the wing, and added a vintage button for the eye.

Ribbon roses were made with the pink satin ribbon, teal organza ribbon (used on next project), and the pale blue silk ribbon combined with the blue satin ribbon for a 2 tone flower. I also have to add here that my SU! silicone craft sheet is an invaluable tool when it comes to making ribbon roses, or flowers of any kind. this includes those made with the dies that are so popular now. this thing is fabulous!

I took a length of the natural wired burlap that was long enough to go around the bottle and cut it in half.  I pulled several strands away to fray the edge. I then took the teal cord and wove it through the top edge. this will later be used to tie a bow and hold a metal edge tag of vintage music paper.

Fuchsia ruched ruffle trim and white eyelet trim were glued along the burlap.

Pale celery green leaf trim was added.....

and then the other final embellies added before adhering to the bottle. the bird rests on several small twigs accented with Webster's Pages bead pins. I used a hot glue gun to add the decorative burlap piece.

White eyelet trim was glued around the lip of the bottle with several vintage buttons adhered as accents. The bottle was then filled with twigs.

May Arts products used: teal string white eyelet trim fuchsia ruched ruffle natural burlap leaves pink and blue double faced satin Pale blue silk ribbon

My next project is a card featuring a beautiful image from Tammy at A Day for Daisies. I chose 'Bird's Nest' because it reminded me of the birds that are currently flying around my front porch, so busy building their new family nests.

Papers are Basic Grey Hello Luscious, chipboard bird is Maya Road inked with summer starfruit and then covered in scattered straw distress stickles. I used a piece of the burlap string that was removed from fraying to tie the vintage button on the bird.

white eyelet trim was dyed with soft suede ink and a few drops of water. this was then braided with teal organza ribbon around a twig. the same teal organza ribbon was made into a ribbon rose (see above project photos) and then added to metal tag. the galvanized metal tag was sanded to distress. a few leaves cut from the ribbon accent the rose. vintage buttons complete the card.

May Arts products used: teal string white eyelet trim - dyed natural burlap leaves sheer organza ribbon

I hope you can see how I used the inspiration photo in my 2 projects. the metal containers played into both pieces, as did the bird, twigs, and beautiful soft colors. I had a wonderful time working on this contest entry! I tried to come up with something a bit different as far as using the ribbons, so I do hope you take away a few new ideas for your own crafting projects!

thank you so much for stopping by! :)
Jennifer

p.s. I will post my blog candy on Wed.

Challenges:
Party Time Tuesdays - anything but a card (bottle)
Catered Crop - just add glitter
Eclectic Ellapu - put a tag on it
Great Impressions - pastel colors and/or polka dots
Joanna Sheen - spring into spring
Scrappy Frogs - think spring
One Stop Craft - pastels
A Day for Daisies - fave technique (distressing, watercolor) card
Crafts 4 Eternity - wings
Hot Shot Craft - anything but a card (bottle)
Totally Papercrafts - get krafty (card)
Crafting by Design - spring flowers
Creative Moments - things with wings
Divas by Design - flowers (bottle)
Paper Pretties - buttons
Paper Shelter - spring delights
Simon Says Stamp - april showers and/or spring flowers
Anything Goes - heavy metal (metal tags on both projects)
Creative Craft - alter it (bottle)
TTCRD - anything goes
Shabby Tea Room - photo inspiration and recycled item (bottle)
Incy Wincy - fur or feathers