Still here!

Yep, I'm still around. Just going to lots of dr.s' appts. and hanging in there. But I did want to pop in to say "hello" to everyone. Haven't had a chance to stamp yet, but still longing for the day when I feel up to it again. Hopefully it won't be much longer!

In the mean time, there are a few 'must see' sites you need to check out if you are the least bit interested in the digi stamp craze. I am so very impressed with the quality of work that I see available, and so much of it is for free or next to it! With the exception of one, I'm not involved with any of these sites, just WOWed by the artistry and wanted to share.

*Angel's Landing
*KLM Designs
*Mo's Digital Pencil (this is the blog, but a free download appears!)
*Mel Stampz (this is her blog, but check for the free digi downloads)
*Hambo Stamps (look for the freebies, too. the cat that Edith used in her cute card that she sent me is one of them.)
*Shirley's 2 Girls (this is the challenge blog that has 2 free digis - also check out their other cute digis for sale on the home page!)


obviously MANY more exist out there in cyberspace, but these are some of my faves. now if someone will just create some vintage digi images.............

love to all of you!
Jennifer

Great Friends Coffee Card

Lemon Lime Gatorade - yum, yum!!! :) Back to coffee again soon!!!!!!

I did manage to do a wee bit of stamping last night - most certainly not my best effort ever, but glad to be getting inky again! Seemed to take me forever to get even the most basic things done. That is okay. Sure does prove that you need to stay in the groove to keep the creativity flowing.

I had printed out this sentiment from the free samplings over at Digiments a while back. (go check out the site in case you have missed any of the weekly giveaways that Michelle has provided. new releases are out, too!) Printed on some of my infamous 'coffee paper' that I am just loving. Used some of my lonely craft stamps from Stamps Happen by the Janlynn Corp. that I have sadly not inked in a while. I used a marker and omitted the rectangle borders around the cups. Stamped each one a second time, cut out with those amazing paper snips from SU!, and then mounted on super duper thick foam stickies to give lots of lift and 3D effect (after coloring, of course). Paper is Basic Grey Archaic collection. Lightly sponged artichoke ink over the word 'friends' to help highlight and sponged edges as well. Pulled out those swanky new corduroy brads from SU!, and gosh, are they swell! Added a few more baby buttons in the other corner, (after dropping some on the wood floor which will stay there until I can go track down my glasses and then start crawling around 'cause those little buggers BLEND!!! and then of course Mocha thinks I want to play with her which starts a whole other story.........)

anywho....... will try to catch up on my blogging comments this weekend. I am so dreadfully sorry that I haven't been able to leave love for all of my marvy peeps! But I think of each of you daily and will venture into blog land pronto! Have ideas perculating in my head for a project with some great images from Angel's Landing, so hopefully will have something PHENOM to show you next week. If not, then maybe you will settle for something adequate?!?! ;)

love you and take care!
Jennifer

Just Chillin' from Edith!

Tea of the Day - Orange Ginger Mint with Chamomille (not quite ready for coffee yet, but hopefully soon!)

It has been for-ev-er since I last updated everyone on what's going on - and I am sooooo sorry about that. Been feeling icky and just not up to gettin' on the computer. But the funky fog is s-l-o-w-l-y starting to pass ( we're whispering here so no bad mojo comes creeping back in! wink, wink!! ) so I decided to come do a quick post. And I had to share this ADORABLE card that my super special friend Edith sent to me the other day. Isn't this just a 'make ya break out in a big ol' goofy smile' kinda card?!?!?! :D She is just the sweetest thing this side of the Mason Dixon line (even though she does live in Canada!) and that says a lot comin' from this transplanted Southern girl! Thanks so much, Edith! I love it!!!!

Well, esentially we stilll have no clue what is going on with me. yeah, no big shocker there! ;) I'm a mess, plain and simple! I went to the surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic and spent several hours meeting with him, and his diagnosis is "you have lots of problems, but none of it is related to what is going on with your pancreas. go see your hematologist/oncologist." so I had to wait for him to get back from vacation to make an appointment, which is now set for next week. aggghhhhhh! feels like we are back to square 1 again. but I am starting to feel a wee bit better - so that is the great news and I am happy. May even attempt to stamp a little bit in the next few days. (crossing fingers here!)

so thank you mega tons for your prayers and sweet words of encouragement!!! I was able to go to Tyler's graduation though, although none of his announcements ever got sent out (yep, horrible of me!), but I think I'll just send them with pix of him in his cap and gown. Better late than never I guess. He is home taking care of me this summer and doing such a great job. Mick and Ryan are working with David out at Camp Burton for the summer. I'm proud of the work they are doing as well.

Everyone take care and I will hopefully be back soon with some stamped items. Love to each of you!!!

Jennifer

As One Door Closes....

Yesterday I received the news that a newly opened door for me has now closed. I have been removed from the Digiments Design Team. Michelle has a new business to run and needs people who can give her their full effort right now. Unfortunately, that isn't me because of all my health yuckies. So I wish her and the rest of the team the very best! Please be sure to continue to visit the Digiments site each week to see the new contest sentiment as well as the monthly releases. Good luck, Michelle!

But as God always does for us, He has opened another design team door for me with the oppotunity at Angel's Landing. As I had mentioned in my previous post, Judi has been so good to offer me a position on her new team knowing about all of my health issues. I look forward to being able to be a contributing part of her team in the NEAR (fingers crossed!!) future!

We must always remember to not lose sight of God's best intentions for us, even when we ourselves can't see beyond the 'right now'. As I sit and type this, an owl is serenading me with his glorious call. The other morning birds are beginning their calls to one another. My 2 beautiful labs are sitting at my feet. I am able to sit and smell the roses in my own little corner of the world because that is what I am choosing to do. God will ALWAYS bring us through whatever trials we are facing. That is what He does because He loves us. and He is always opening doors.................

A Quick Update...

Hello to all my dearest friends!
I am sorry to have taken so long to post any updates. I just have a rough time getting out of bed and even coming downstairs to where the computer is these days. Life at the Ritz can be so demanding....... ;)

I have been to see my dr. and had some tests done at the hosptial & the consensus seems to be that I need to have a biopsy done on my pancreas. Evidently this is not a 'everyday, run of the mill' kind of thing since there are only several drs. in the Cleveland area who will even do it. So I go in next week for an appt. to get the surgery scheduled.

You will be happy to know that I have now 'upgraded' from Gatorade to Powerade. I keep asking the pool boy to put the cute little umbrellas in my drinks, but he just rolls his eyes at me......... good help is so hard to find these days! wonder what he'll do when I ask him to serve it to me in a big pineapple!!! gotta keep the help on their toes! But really, my family has been tremendous throughout all of this. I am one blessed woman indeed!!! :)

and Judi over at Angel's Landing has so graciously allowed me to be a part of her new Design Team! Thank you so very, very much for the wonderful opportunity! I hope to be up and stamping again soon!

Going to be gone for a little bit.........

Just wanted to let all of you know, that I am taking a wee break per doctor's orders. Rather than be in the hospital, I am 'enjoying a restful vacation at home lying in bed all day sipping the elixir also known as Gatorade, being waited on hand and foot by my adoring family as cool breezes from the lake cause the curtains to flutter while birds twitter from their nearby nests.' Sounds better than, 'you are stuck in bed' doesn't it?!?! ;) But really, I don't know how long I'll be out of commision, as it depends upon the tests that the dr. ran yesterday and whether or not I start improving.

Just trying to keep you in the loop. of course it's a loop made of pretty ribbons! :)
enjoy your wonderful weekend! love ya bunches!

It's Here! Digiment Grand Opening!!!!! :D

The big day is finally here! Race over to Digiments to see the many wonderful images that Michelle has to offer! You will surely find something for any and every occasion, plus beautiful scripture that will comfort and encourage.

I used the 'Happy Birthday, My Friend' digiment for the 2 cards I feature here. I wanted to show both a masculine and a feminine version of the same sentiment. As I had mentioned in a previous post, these print out so clear and crisp - no wavy lines or incomplete areas. Michelle really knows what she is doing! ;)

The masculine card uses Cosmo Cricket Halfway Cafe` paper - both sides. I added some great burlap ric rac from JoAnn's and buttons in co-ordinating colors. Added some faux stitching and distressing, a star punch, and the card is complete! It measures 9" x 3 1/4" so that it fits in a legal envelope.

The feminine card uses Basic Grey Urban Prairie papers. Lots of little embellies here to catch the eye! I used the spica glitter pen to outline the word 'friend' on the digiment as well as to outline the large butterfly on the BG paper. Really adds lots of sparkle irl, that sadly doesn't show in the scan. The little butterfly punches also have touches added with the glitter pen. The prima flower was painted with pink shimmerz. The main digiment is popped up on thick foam tape to add extra dimension. Tiny hot pink seed beads were added to the circle of cs just below the digiment portion.

Well I hope that these cards inspire you to check out the offerings over at the new store! Michelle has really outdone herself with the great digiments she has provided. I hope you have enjoyed my creations as I much as I did making them for you!

Have a beautiful day!

Jennifer

It's a DIGIMENT Sneaky Peeky!!!! ;)

Coffee of the Day - Gatorade - will be glad when I can drink coffee again! ;)

You are being treated to a little sneaky peeky of one of the brand spankin' new sentiments comin' from DIGIMENTS on Wednesday!!!!! I hope you are ready to have your socks blown off when Michelle opens her doors, 'cause man, oh man, she has some great images ready for you to download! Perfect for any and every holiday!

I chose to use the graduation digiment since Tyler graduates in just a few weeks, (no, we are NOT thinking about that yet - notice I said it is still a FEW WEEKS away!!!!!! - hence it isn't happening yet and my little baby boy isn't becoming a man and all that stuff that makes mamas cry and get mushy!) Anyway, I know that I am gonna be needing several (ahem!!) grad cards, so why not get the jump on them with this very cool sentiment.

One of the great things I have noticed about Michelle's images is that when you readjust the sizes, none of the edges get cropped off like happens with some digis that I have downloaded. I love that! And hers stay crisp and clean - the lines don't get all hazy or distorted, which is another plus.

I used some DCWV paper for the bg and Basic Grey for the matting pieces. All of this was sprayed with pearl glimmer mist to give a nice shine. All edges were inked with black and then silver inks. The silver organdy ribbon was heated briefly with my heat gun to age. Velvet trim is from Prima. Chipboard was covered in black ink, lightly sponged in silver, and then sprayed with the same glimmer mist. Button is a gorgeous one I found at Wally world - actually bought it for a different project, but didn't use it on that one. bet none of you ever do that, do ya?!?! ;)

Everyone take care and don't forget to download the free digiment over on the site to enter the contest! have a glorious day! :)

Grand Opening of Digiments coming SOON! :)

You have only a few days left to participate in the way cool fantastic contest going on over at Digiments to celebrate the Grand Opening on May 13!!!!!!

There is an amazing verse available for FREE to download and create a card. Link your creation to the website using Mr. Linky (wouldn't you love to have a name like Mr. Linky?!?! it just makes me smile to type it! grins!!!) You will then be entered into this phenom contest for your chance to win ~

The ENTIRE set of new release Digiments!!!!!!

yep, you read it right!!!!! :D

isn't that just the coolest?!?! The Design Team has been working hard gathering up supplies from far and yon (yon was the hardest place to get shipping from - rates and delivery schedules are TERRIBLE this time of year! wink wink wink!) to make the most wonderful cards and projects to ever be seen this side of Paradise. well, okay, maybe a SLIGHT exageration, but they promise to be cool! you might even see a little sneaky peeky somewhere in the blogs...............

but you gotta get busy printin' that Digiment! come on - what are you waiting for? this is your PERSONAL invite baby! ;)

An Oldie but a Goodie

Coffee of the Day - Green tea today for my tender tummy! ;)

I am pulling out one of my fave cards that I made a while back for a VSN over at SplitCoast Stampers. I was the lucky winner with this card and I just love the way this one looks. Since I've been sick and haven't done any stamping for several days, I thought that I would post this one for you. Call it an 'oldies, but goodies' Day! Kinda like a Nick at Night but without the commercials or beehive hairdos.

Everything about this card is from Stampin' Up! I distressed the card base with sand paper and then sponged on white craft and gold inks. The organza ribbon was heated quickly with a heat gun to age.

Finally went to the dr.'s today and discovered I have a nasty virus. 2 weeks? yeah, I guess 'nasty' works. The bugs have settled in and decided to throw a party..... wish I hadn't been invited to this one!!! ;) guess it means I am a good hostess though.......

hopefully I'll be back to 'normal' and stamping again soon.

Enjoy your weekend!

p.s. check out this way cool blog hop and candy!

Be Still and Know.......

no coffee today - sorry!

God has really been putting this verse on my heart lately - I mean a LOT!!! so I knew that it was time to make a card using it: Psalms 46:10 "Be Still and Know that I am God." So often life gets busy and we (I) don't slow down enough to REALLY listen to the still small voice of a mighty God who has such an amazing love for each one of us. So He has been reminding me to get to some quiet moments that I give completely to Him. Not just slowing down or getting quiet, but really giving the time to Him to listen to all that He has to say to me. and gosh, what wonderful times we have together when I do this!!!! :) I pray the same for each of you! Listen for His gentle voice calling out to you. It's like listening for a butterfly - you may not hear it the first time until you totally clear yourself of all distractions. and then you will never again be the same! :D

The card uses more of the K & Co. Que Sera Sera papers and the retired SU! set Long Time Friend. This is such a beautiful set. The verse is SU! as well. All buttons, and yes there are a ton of them!, are vintage Etsy finds. The trim is from Jo Ann's. baby flower is a little one from Prima that I added a bead to. Card didn't exactly turn out the way I wanted it to, but it ends up being perfect for a thank you that hubby needs tomorrow for someone coming out to Camp. The ribbon on the tag is long organdy and heat set to help age it. But I cropped the photo some which ended up cutting off the pretty tail. wish you could see it irl!

Have a beautiful evening!

A most beloved blog award!

I think that this is my most prized blog award ever! It was given to me by my dear friend, Edith of Come..... Walk with Me. She is a most amazing woman and one I feel honored to call 'friend'. I don't know how many of you have seen the blog badge that I have had for a while for the site 'Women to Women Sharing Jesus'. This is a beautiful site that truly uplifts me on a weekly basis by providing deep, thoughtful, spirit-lifting devotions to both inspire and challenge. Guest writers often come in to share their insights, and Edith was one of those gifted writers! What a wonderful devotion she had to share!

The Exalting Christ blog award is given to bloggers who consistently exalt the name of Christ on their blogs. What a joy to see crafters blend their passion for Christ and papercrafting. This award is given to bloggers who share Christ through their posts or through the design of their artwork. We are commanded in Scripture to be "salt and light" sharing the Good News of Jesus no matter where we are (Matthew 5:13-16). This award is just a way members of Women to Women: Sharing Jesus can say thanks for exalting Christ with us!

Rules:

1. Post the blog award in a regular post on your blog with the explanation, including the original link to WTW and the rules for passing the award along

2. Name five people (more or less is fine!) to whom you want to offer this award and link to their blogs. The blogs need to obviously exalt Christ in some manner.

3. Contact the bloggers you have named to let them know they can pick up their blog award from you.

4. Invite them to permanently display the WTW blog badge and/or the award on their blogs. The badge can be obtained on the WTW site.

I would like to present the award to the following people:

Karen from Karen's Escape
Lori from Make a Difference

these women don't just say that they are Christians and leave it at that - they talk about their faith on their blogs. They mention the ups and downs of life as a Christian and how hard it is to hold on sometimes, but yet still get down on their knees and praise Him through both the storms and sunshine. and I think that is pretty cool! :)

I am still creating just can't post some of the things since they are for the Digiments Grand Opening next week on May 13! Will try to make a few things to share on my blog - God has really laid a verse on my heart in the past week that I need to get on a card. Hope you have a glorious day! May you have sunshine in your heart even if it isn't outside your window! :) Love ya!

Jennifer

p.s. How could I forget this - run over to the Digiments site right now for a freebie sentiment and contest!!!!!!!! hurry! it's a really cool deal-ie-o!