Be Happy with Flowers and Ribbons

Coffee of the Day - Salted Caramel Pecan

Hello! can you believe it? 2 posts in a row? must be some kind of miracle.... grins! nah, just rushed around yesterday and actually finished a card in spite of feeling yuck. thought some bright colors might bring a bit of sunshine to my day, and they DID! :)
Don't know when I'll be crafting again. I have 2 projects I really want to finish for August, but other than that don't have any idea when I'll be up to it again. just feel so blech. wish I could snap my fingers and it would all disappear. but sadly life isn't like that. thankfully good moments come along that remind me to smile and stay focused on what really counts. :)

Today starts new challenges at both Party Time Tuesdays (anything goes) and Top Tip Tuesdays (focus on the ribbons). thankfully my card covers BOTH challenges! always a cool thing when that happens.....



My card uses the cute 'Courtney with a Flower' image from The Digi Garden. All trims, flower, & ribbons except the green polka dot come from Martha at Creating is Fun. papers are Pink Paislee She Art - I sooooo love this collection of papers! buttons are from my vintage stash. washi tape is My Mind's Eye. some faux stitching finishes the card. I have to add that this card has already headed off to Camp to be given to a lucky girl (well, hopefully she thinks she is lucky to get it!).

Tip: a fun way to adhere ribbons and trims, especially if you have several to add at once as I did on my card above, is to use a stapler. I keep several in various sizes on my craft desk at all times. super easy and a great look, too! :)

love and squishy hugs to all of you!

Challenges:
Love to Create - add a tag
Paper Pretties - 2 or more dsp
Ribbon Reel - photo insp plus buttons and ribbon/twine
Secret Crafter - bright & cheerful
Phindy's Place - button it
Stamping Boutique - anything goes (waving hi to my old teamies!!)

Keep Your Face to the Sunshine!

Coffee of the Day - Maple Pecan

Happy Monday to ya! Last week on my one day of feeling good, I had a chance to play with the wonderful "Jen's Sunshine" digi stamp set created by Paper Makeup Stamps. every time I see all of the fun bits from that set I just smile so BIG! :)


well the challenge today at the Digi Makeover is 'Endless Summer", so what better time to have a card about sunshine! There are 2 fab designers playing along, too: Carla Aerts is a new full time DT member and Sammibug is our Guest this week. Please stop by their blogs to tell them hello!




My card uses the sun, which I paper pieced, and the Helen Keller quote from the set. You can find it here in the Paper Makeup Stamps store. thank you again to Katie, Michelle, and Jenn for all they are doing to help my family! papers are Bo Bunny Vicky B, flowers are Prima, seam tape is vintage from our fave little antique store, and washi tape is from Etsy. the main senti piece was left in its Spellbinders die and sprayed with 2 colors of glimmer mist. the card size is to fit in a legal envie.

A blog hop is planned for Aug. 29 if you would like to join along. you can get in touch with Jenn through the Digi Makeover blog or send me an email if you would like. there will be prizes and lots of fun. I hope you will join us! :)

Challenges:
Crafty Bloggers - anything goes
Creative Stamp Friends - summer, sun, beach, and sea
Cupcake Craft - Great Outdoors
Squigglefly - speak to me
Tammy's Scrappin Corner - anything goes
Victorine Originals - summertime
Dream Valley - summer
One Stitch at a Time - use a digi
Robyn's Fetish - summer fun

Never Give Up!

Coffee of the Day - Salted Caramel Pecan

I must begin this post by saying thank you. Thank you to every one of you who stopped by my blog to leave a kind message of encouragement. you are loved more than you can know! consider yourself hugged BIG! :)


When I first came upon this wonderful sentiment over at Word Art Wednesday, it really touched a special place in my heart. oh how easy it is to just give in, to give in to 'whatever'. we each have that 'whatever' that plagues us....it tempts us.... it tries to tackle us to the ground and make us cry Uncle. but we can't let that 'whatever' rule us or keep us from finding the beauty and joy EVERY single day brings with the sunrise.

So dear friend, grab your Brave Boots. you know you have a pair, they just might be hiding in the closet somewhere. put those boots on and hold your head high! You can do this! Because I am right there, wearing my boots, too, right along beside you, holding your hand, as we take those steps into this beautiful world. Never give up! We can do this! :)

My card was created for the new challenge over at Jellypark Friends Friday Challenges - Olympics/Sports. Papers are Basic Grey Clippings and memo receipt card is Jenni Bowlin. lots of punches and dies, buttons from stash, washi tape from Etsy, and office supply clip holds vintage seam tape. be sure to check out the new Jellypark Club at the store, too. lots of fun benefits to joining! and it's FREE!

Challenges:
Paper Play - sports/Olympics
SJ Papercrafts - Olympics
Crafty Creations - buttons
Little Red Wagon - chevrons
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
Jacksons Digital Expressons - anything goes
One Stop Craft - Olympics/sports
Cute Card Thursday - distressing (both ink and paper)

Kinda Overwhelmed....

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice


I confess to spending a great deal of today pretty much in shock and awe... it isn't often you find me speechless. just ask my friends - it's tough for me to write an email message that doesn't turn into the Great American Novel. but today has been so very different. it's been hard to express every emotion that has passed through both my wonky head and heart.


You see, yesterday, the most lovely Cath, editor extrodinaire over at Paper Crafts magazine and writer of all things Moxie Fabilicious, sent me an email. She asked ever so politely if she could mention on her Moxie Fab blog about the Paper Makeup Stamps digi set that is being sold for my family. wow! now you have to understand that Cath has been emailing me almost weekly since my cancer diagnosis to check in with me. even in the midst of some of her own health issues, she still took the time to make sure I was doing okay. how freaking amazing is THAT?!?! I mean, she is like the Queen of papercrafting, and she was checking on ME? whoa nelly.....talking about feeling unworthy.... sheesh yeah! then she sends me this email yesterday. okay. I was done. tears they were a' falling!

So I emailed a few of my peeps to let them know what was going on, all the while in this weird fog, trying to wrap my head around all of this kind stuff happening..... not because I want stuff for or about me, but because a LOT of REALLY nice people have put a LOT of time and energy into this. I want them to see something good come their direction in any way I can. me, I'm over here hiding in my cave. truly.

then I wake up this morning after tossing & turning all night.... I'm serious when I say that this has really not been my thing and has me wanting to run for the hills... I sign into my email account and find a message from the lovely ladies over at Milk Coffee. they tell me that there is a little something on the main blog for me to stop by to see. I'm just gonna send you over there yourself so you can take a looksie, but suffice it to say, Niagra Falls. (quote from a family fave movie around here, "Scrooged" with Bill Murray). yep, the tears started all over again.

so if you could please do me a HUGEY HUGE favor. stop by Moxie Fab and tell Cath what a sweetheart she is. then hop over to the Paper Makeup Stamps blog and let Katie, Michelle, and Jenn know what angels they are. then make one last trip over to Milk Coffee and let them know that you are all about "Fighting Like a Girl" with them and how fabby they are.

I am humbled. there are so many beautiful people out there in this big ol' bloggy world. and I really do thank God that He has blessed my life by allowing me to know YOU! I am the one who has been made richer. I am the one who is so very thankful. and I rejoice in every moment! :)

Running in Circles with Top Tip....

Coffee of the Day - White Chocolate Coconut

Shhhhhh....... I am starting to FINALLY feel a weeeee bit better from my last nasty chemo, so let's keep it on the down low...... I don't want my body to find out and cause a revolt! ;)

I managed to craft a bit early this afternoon. trying to do some backward crafting - a bit of makeup DT work if you will. I've got several other projects to finish if I'm able, so we'll see how it goes. then I would start to actually work on current stuff. better start drinking caffienated coffee if I'm gonna pull that one off. ha!

anyhow, the current challenge over at Top Tip Tuesdays is All About Circles. I call it more appropriately 'running in circles' because that is how you are more apt to find me! tee hee! One of our sponsors is the fun Redonkulous Designs. This was a new store for me, and I gotta tell you, I'll be going back! these images are fun on a stick!


I used the image, Trendy Teen Boy, and Basic Grey Clippings papers. you will have to excuse his unnaturally white teeth.... couldn't seem to do anything to get them to look real or not so bright. either that or he looked to have a constant milk moustache. oh well. there are worse things......

Not only are there circles all over my BG papers, but I punched some out as well. one was punched from a note card and then a SU! rub-on senti was applied. added some fun grid washi tape and metal buttons. a price ticket tag from a trip to The Salvation Army was the perfect match. you'll also see part of a belt loop stapled here.... you just never know what I am going to re-puropse on my stuff, do you?! once the card was complete, I sprayed the entire thing with clay Mr. Huey mist.

now for my tip:

My sons are past the point of 'outgrowing' clothes, so we don't donate as much to The Salvation Army as we used to. they are more into 'wearing out' anything they wear these days! I have trained them, and hubby, too!, to bring everything to me first so that I may take what I first need for crafting before any items get tossed into the trash. here you will find both buttons and a belt loop from a worn out pair of shorts. in fact, the pair of shorts looked quite similar to the pair this young fella is wearing in the digi!! ;)

you will have fun re-purposing these items, and whomever receives the card will get quite the kick seeing some of their fave pieces of clothes coming back to them. just ask my sons at college! they now only want cards that have some bit of their clothing on them.... grins!

Challenges:
Paper Shelter - metal embellies
Jacksons Digital Expressions - anything goes
Sassy Cheryl - polka dots everywhere (I've got all sizes, too! grins!)
Shopping our Stash - something new (papers & washi tape), stash (linen thread & re-purposed items)
House of Gilli - back to school (sending to one of my sons in college)
Kaboodle Doodles - what's in (twine & washi tape)
Love to Create - spots & dots
Ooh La La - recipe
Paper Cupcakes - waste not (waving hi to my old teamies!!)
Catered Crop - washi tape (hi, Linda!)
Robyn's Fetish - kraft cs
Squirrel & the Fox - kids or babies
Inky Impressions - dies or punches

Paper Makeup Stamps ROCKS!!!

Coffee of the Day - Girlfriends Blend (so appropriate today! hazelnut, cinnamon, vanilla, & chestnut)

I have to tell y'all about the most amazing, kind, wonderful thing being done over at Paper Makeup Stamps..... Katie, Michelle, & Jenn got together with artist Diem Pascarella and created the most precious digi stamp set for ME! :) You coulda knocked me over with a feather when they told me what they were doing.


This adorable digi stamp set goes on sale today in the Paper Makeup Stamps store. you can check it out here. You can also stop by the Digi Makeover challenge blog to see some of the cutest projects this side of heaven created by members of the DT.

I confess, I don't deserve this kindness. not in the least. but I am so very thankful to be surrounded by so much generosity, so much love. I am in awe and the tears just flow.

------> I will keep saying it - the sun is still shining, the birds are still singing. and this just proves that there are still blessings EVERY day. thank you from the bottom of my heart.

p.s. There will be a blog hop using this stamp set on Aug. 29. Be sure to watch the Paper Makeup Stamps blog for more details if you are interested in participating. :)

Yahoo Email

Coffee of the Day - White Chocolate Coconut

It's a glorious day today and I am going to focus on that..... I am NOT going to let the horrible person who has once again hacked into my yahoo email account and sent out spam to my beloved friends & family telling them to 'click here' for fabulous deals on who knows what so that they get nasty bugs infecting their computers to ruin this glorious day. that people exist in this world who find delight in spreading their own angst and sorrow upon others is just something that the rest of us have to put up with..... but we do NOT have to let it ruin our day. that means we give in to them. and I refuse to do that.

I am not going to change my email address. yes, it would be the easy thing to do, but gosh, I have so much stuff attached to that email. it would be a huge pain to change it, but more than that - it would be giving it to whomever that person is. I will not do that. yep, I am stubborn. I admit it. but they are not going to barge into my life, cause havoc (or so they think!), and imagine I am going to let them claim victory. nope. not gonna happen. I will continue on as if they are no more than a pesky mosquito.


so please, wonderful friends & family, if you received one of those hateful spam emails from 'me', just calmly hit delete and go about your day. do not click on the link contained in the email. just delete it and don't give it more than the 30 seconds attention needed.

there is so much beauty that deserves our attention. so many people who deserve our smiles, hugs, and love. let us not give in to the hate, the darkness, the anger. instead we will pray that somehow beauty will come to their lives and their hearts will be softened. we can hope.

A Few Great Book Reads....

Coffee of the Day - Iced Coconut Mocha ('cause it is stinky hot outside!)

Hello everyone! sorry I have been away for a while. that last round of chemo has taken it's toll on me. oh lawsie, do I ever hurt deep down in my bones. I've spent so much time in bed, mainly sleeping, but also doing some reading. I can't seem to get the energy to move, but this fever I've had since chemo isn't helping things either. yep, I'm whining like a proper 2 year old today! just wait until I throw myself down on the ground and start pitching a fit.... but wait, that would require much more energy than I have right now, so we'll just pretend...

I. do. not. feel. good.
not pretty, proper English, but right now I just don't care. we'll get out the red marking pen and proof read my blog for errors later..... ;)


anyhow.......I have read a LOT of books lately. some good, some stinkers, but one I feel compelled to tell you about. you know that I am a nerdy sort. this is a non-fiction book, but one that really touched my heart. It is called 'The Immortal Life of HEnrietta LAcks'. my goodness, was it a book that just reached out and grabbed me, not just because of the science, but because of the people. It will most certainly make you think. and ask questions - important questions.


another book I thoroughly enjoyed was 'Sarah's Key'. This is a work of fiction based on a true time in history.

hopefully the next time I post I will be feeling better. looking forward to being able to craft again. I really miss it, but gosh, just don't feel much like doing anything yet.....

y'all take care and know you are loved!
btw - I have linked the books to the Barnes and Noble website, but I get almost all of my books and movies from the public library. what a remarkable place! :)

p.s. A quick birthday shout out to our son, Mick! I am so proud of the man you are becomiing. God has blessed me as a mother, indeed! :) may your day be filled to overflowing with all you could ever hope for!

Christmas in July at Jellypark

Coffee of the Day - Mocha Mint (it just seemed appropriate for the challenge!)


Today marks a new challenge and digi release over at Jellypark Friends! I do hope you will pop by to see all of the fun projects created by the DT as well as our guest this month, Diane. prepare to be amazed! :) The challenge for this go 'round is "Christmas in July." We are also doing something else fun on the weeks that we don't have a new challenge going - Stamp Spotlight. we will be featuring a different digi image from the Jellypark store. Make sure you stop by!

I mentioned to all of you yesterday that I would be sharing another card inspired by the challenges from the Stretch Your Stamps online class. This one also comes from Day 1 - using your background stamps: technique - Stamped Elements.


I stamped my SU! woodgrain bg stamp across 3 small white tags that had first been sprayed with candy apple glimmer mist. the edges were then sponged in the same early espresso ink used for stamping. I painted my cute Jellypark kitty to look like a calico or tortiseshell. this was one of the first digis I bought from Claire, as I am such a softie when it comes to cat images!

stickles was applied to the Santa hat & edges of punched senti. papers are Echo Park Season's Greetings, poinsettia is Prima. scallops across bottom were created by punching half circles from scrap pieces of EP paper and then overlapping. this is a wonderful way to use up some of those small or thin scraps of your cute papers! kitty is popped up on foam to give a bit more dimension. faux stitching with my white gel pen completes the card.

Challenges:
Forever Friends - Christmas but include an animal
Little Red Wagon - Christmas in July
Divas by Design - Christmas in July
Crafty Sentiments - Christmas in July
Crafts and Me - stitching, real or faux
LEJ Designs - animals
My Time to Craft - raining cats and dogs
Twisted Tuesday - pick 2 (twine & stickles, also have yellow) with holiday twist
Get Hippity with Ippity - Christmas in July with a tag
Hooked on Crafts - Christmas in July
Crazy Challenge - Christmas in July
Pink Elephant - Christmas in July
Truly Madly - animals
Card Crafters Circle - Christmas in July

Pretty Pieces of Pink

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice (I was needing my good ol' fave comfort coffee today)

oh lawsie.... so much has been happening this week...let's just leave it at this for now - going through lots of testing at the hospital with more next week. had chemo yesterday in the midst of it all. don't know where this road is taking me, but so very thankful I do not walk it alone. :) the sun is still shining, the birds are still singing, a lovely baby squirrel has joined the party as he has been entertaining me on our front porch rafters, and there is still a Starbucks open somewhere even though I haven't been in ages! life is still overflowing with blessings! :)


I was gifted with a seat in the most wonderful class, Stretch Your Stamps, that began this week. while I haven't been able to participate the way I would love to, and honestly don't have any idea when I will be able to do much crafting again, I was able to get a handfull of cards made with the first few challenges. I am going to show the first to you today.


For Day 1 we were to use our background stamps. I will show you one project today and another tomorrow. I am using the Woodgrain bg by SU! and the Poppy Chevron by Unity. The technique is called Pieced Backgrounds. The border die is from MFT. love the hexagon shape! thought it would be fun to combine the trendy hexagons with the woodgrains and chevrons.

The card base was sprayed with 2 shades of Mr. Hueys - clay and white. the beautiful stamp is from My Mind's Eye and was stamped onto vellum. little touches were added with rhinestones, Prima trim & rose, seam binding, and a vintage button.

This card was a wonderful reminder to me today that I don't need to focus on what lies down the road I am traveling. I just need to enjoy today and all of its blessings. there is still so much joy to behold! :)

Challenges:
getting out those brave boots again! - Moxie Fab Hooked on Hexagons
Paper Minutes - shabby chic/vintage
Stamp 'n Plus - anything goes
SirStampsALot - Crafty Passion (pink, vintage buttons, trims)
Card Makin' Mamas - rubber stamping
Paper Pretties - try a new technique

Word Verification...

Just a note to those of you who have word verification on your blogs......

I can't leave comments for you, as much as I would like to. It's not that I am protesting anything, it is that I truly can't. my eyes can not see the letters and numbers that are printed for us to type. I try and try, and I can not get my brain to wrap itself around what is printed. I spent over 5 minutes and a dozen tries on one person's blog one day.

With my seizures and migraines, I guess my brain just doesn't grasp those tightly bound images. add in my chemo brain, and it's now a jumbled up mess. We are finding that I have permanent damage in one of my eyes from the chemo, so you can see why those word verifications are truly impossible for me to see. I have tried listening to the letters, but did you know that they just keep listing things on and on and on? they don't stop! ;)

if you choose comment moderation rather than word verification, you can still stop or keep track of spammers on your blog.

just a little opinion from someone who would love to say hello, but truly can't.

Bring on the sunshine....but you can have the heat! ;)

Coffee of the Day - Toasted Coconut

Yep, I admit it. I like the sunny part of summer, but not the heat. Probably because we don't have a/c in this old house.... and when the temps hit 100*, it is HOT! our ceiling & little box fans are running their motors off to keep air moving. Thankfully it's been a bit cooler these past few days, but now you know why I like the snowy season so much! :) it is far easier for me to warm up than cool down... my prayers go out to those parts of the country hit by drought and wildfires.

Today's challenge at Party Time Tuesdays is Die Cuts and Punches. We have some wonderful sponsors, so please check out the challenge blog for all of their info as well as inspiration from the DT!


I used this fun boy in a hammock image from The Paper Shelter and senti from Create with TLC. papers are from the Echo Park This & That Charming collection. main image was cut with a Spellbinders die, grass & clouds with MFT dies. sun was punched with star and scalloped circle punches, & senti with a SU! tag punch. trim comes from another sponsor, Creating is Fun. little touches were added with my white gel pen, including some faux stitching.

Tests at the hospital yesterday didn't go so well. I must be turning into a vampire... you know I much prefer zombies or werewolves, but alas, we don't seem to get a choice in the matter. they had a doozy of a time drawing blood and had to call in the head of the dept. finally to get it done. even then she had to draw an i.v. to get what was needed and wiggle that blasted needle all around before finding any blood in my body. yikes! it was a bit on the painful side! my poor arm is now covered in even more bruises than before. They were telling me that is all very typical for chemo patients. oh chemo, how you are so not my friend.... and I go back tomorrow for yet another treatment. yuck. do not want to go, Sam I am.....if I have to pass this way again, I don't think I will opt for the chemo. it has done so many horrible, permanent things to my body. I'm sure not everyone has the reactions to it that I have and for many it is very helpful. but anyway....still looking for the sunshine. just keep the heat! grins!

Challenges:
Incy Wincy - summertime
Creative Mondays - for men
Cupcake Craft - number cruncher (designer paper)
Stamps & Fun - summer
There She Goes - sewing and stitching
One Stitch at a Time - sun
Cardmad Fairy - summertime
Delicious Doodles - summer holidays
Simply Create Too - summer/vacation
Totally Papercrafts - here comes summer
Paper Crafting Journey - summer
Dude Time Doodles - fun in the sun for men
Fresh Brewed Design - summertime

Monochromatic DigiMakeover

Coffee of the Day - Salted Caramel Pecan

Happy Monday! bet no one has said that to you in a long time, have they? grins! well we must find something to smile about each and every day, so let's just smile that we are friends and can come together through cyberspace to share our fun crafties, shall we?! :) then of course coffee is ALWAYS a great reason to be happy & smile!



Today begins a new challenge at Paper Makeup Stamps DigiMakeover and I have been invited to join the team again! Be sure to also stop by the wonderful blog of Sarah, who is this week's guest!


The other day I received a text from Ryan..... it seems that his girlfriend had seen the cards Mick had been taking to Jocelyn and she wanted some as well. Poor thing was feeling a bit left out from receiving homemade cards. I texted right back that I would be sure to make some for her as long as he let me know all of the things she really liked. I would make sure that by the end of summer, she would have a full collection to take home with her. oh yes, they all work together at Camp! yes, it's one big happy family! :)

So I went through the cutey images from PMS and loved Caliope with a flower for this challenge and card. I had picked up some great papers at Michael's a while back that I knew would be perfect! paper piecing here I come! Ashley's fave color is light blue so I set to work gathering all of my embellies to match - ribbon, rose, and gorgeous rhinestone flourish. the senti is also PMS. stickles, glimmer mist, and my white gel pen add plenty of fun highlights.

now I must dash out the door to the hospital....a morning of tests.

Challenges:
Crafty Bloggers - anything goes
Creative Stamp Friends - paper piecing
Make it Monday - anything goes
Cutie Pie - glitter and bling
That Craft Place - anything goes
Catch the Bug - anything goes
Craft Punked - monochrome
Chocolate, Cards, & Coffee - anything goes
Crafty Ann's - paper piecing
Tammy's Scrapping Corner - anything goes

Create with TLC Blog Hop!

Coffee of the Day - Texas Turtle (pecan, caramel, & chocolate)

Welcome to my happy little spot on the Create with TLC blog hop! I was so excited to be invited to play along with the new DT! :) thank you, Paulette! please be sure to stop by the TLC blog to thank her as well for her constant generosity!

good golly gosh, there is some TALENT on this team, isn't there?! I don't know about you, but I am so inspired by everyone here!


Grab your cup of of coffee, or tea if you lean that direction, or maybe you start your mornings with a big ol' diet coke or glass of o.j. - whatever your beverage of choice, top it off and settle in. we have loads of fun in store! :)

You should have arrived at my stop from the fabulous blog of RHONDA. she is a superstar when it comes to making printables.

I used several of Paulette's images for my card, one is the freebie which you will find further down in this post, and the other is from the coolio set, Vintage Backdrops Set 6. Papers are Pink Paislee London Market that were so kindly gifted to me by my dear friend Lisa. thank you, girlfriend! I told you I was putting them straight to use! :) the herringbone paper is from Mel Stampz. tag was coffee stained before adding vintage themed washi tape. this stuff is sooooo addicting! little touches of stickles were added for some shine. buttons are all vintage. cheesecloth as was colored with distress stain. baby rhinestones were a precious gift from another friend, Barbara. don't I have the nicest people around me?! yep, I think so, too! :) blessed indeed!
I actually burned the edges of the window image. adds so much to the overall effect of the card.


There is so much symbolism on this card for where I am in my life right now....the inside of the card has this verse, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5 & 6. The pink ribbon obviously signifies my fight with breast cancer, the window represents my hope in what lies ahead, the fire that burned the paper signifies the battle I currently fight that refines me, the butterflies represent the 'new' me that will emerge with God's help, the vine is my friends & family who wrap me in their love, the little touches of sparkle help me remember that there are miracles to be found every day, and the rose is the beauty that can still flourish in the midst of pain and sorrow.

Below you will find the image I used on my card that Paulette is offering so kindly for free for all of you! To save to your computer, just right click with your mouse and choose 'save' or 'save target' from the drop down menu. you can also click the actual image to open in a new window prior to saving. it's easy peasy! :) let me know if you have any troubles.

now hippity hoppity off to the most amazing blog of HETTY!!! she will astound you with what she has created! and be sure to tell her congrats on her new grandbaby! :)
Thanks for stopping by!

Sparkler Super Hero

Coffee of the Day - Cinnamon Hazelnut

Hold on to your lug nuts folks, this post is jam packed with fun! ;)

Once again I must tell all of you again how touched I have been by your love and support for me through all of my cancer journey. It's not been an easy road to walk by any means, but each of you has been cheering me on along the way, offering the most wonderful comments, cards, emails, texts, phone calls, and sometimes even little gifties. Thank you again for all you do to encourage me on a daily basis! :) Physically I haven't been doing so hot these past few days, so you really do brings touches of sunshine into my life!

With this, one very kind person, Samantha, reached out to me last week and asked me to join her on not one, but TWO Design Teams. how could I possibly tell her no? ;) She knows my limitations right now and is so accepting of what I am able to do. Thank you, Samantha!



So today's card is a 'two-fer' - for my new team at Top Tip Tuesdays as well as a Party Time Tuesday contribution. how wonderful to have people surrounding me with so much support! thank you!

Top Tip Tuesdays is also welcoming another new member, Lisa S. so please pop by her blog and give her a big ol' howdy! The challenge for the week is - One for the Men - Masculine.

Top Tip: Sometimes small buttons have holes that are just too tiny to try to get even the thinnest of twine through. Pull out your handy dandy white gel pen and draw a few well placed lines between the button holes. It looks just like twine! :)

Party Time Tuesdays challenge this week is to be patriotic and show your country's colors.

Please be sure to go by the blogs to see ALL of the amazing inspiration by the Design Team! whoa nelly, can every one of these people on both teams really craft their little hearts out! :) you will be so impressed!

My card is made with an image from The Digi Garden, senti from Create with TLC, papers from K & Co. Americana, natural ribbon from May Arts, and washi tape from Etsy. I used stickles to accent the badge I made. the image was paper pieced and highlighted with my white gel pen. the lilttle ticket I actually found on the ground coming out of JoAnn's one day a long time ago. my sons laughed at me when I picked it up, but I knew it would be perfect for a project one day! it had been stepped on so many times it was already pre-distressed for me. I picked up litter and re-cycled it onto a project! wooo hoooo! can't beat that with a stick! ;)

Challenges:
Jessica's Craft Shaque - July 4
Outlawz - colors of your country
3 Girl Jam - beautiful bows
Incy Wincy - patriotism (USA)
Kaboodle Doodles - a boy's life
Love to Create - stars & stripes
My Craft Spot - July 4/Canada Day
Digital Tuesday - kids
Tammy's Scrappin Corner - July 4/Celebrations
Cutie Pie - one for the boys
Gingerloft - red, white, & blue

This Little Piggie Talked on her Cell Phone.....

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Nut

Paulette over at Create with TLC gifted me with one of her new sets, Pig Latin, thinking I might be able to do something fun with it..... I don't think she had any idea just quite how 'fun' I was going to be! ha! as soon as I heard the words 'pig latin', this wonderful oldie but goodie image, 'Piggy Call', from Phindy's Place popped right into my wonky doodle head. hope you like how it turned out! :)



Papers are Basic Grey Serendipity, an exclusive (and VERY hard to track down set!) from JoAnn's. I found this one paper pad and haven't been able to find any more...there is a companion paper and I can't seem to find that one either. they only sell them in stores and I just don't get out much these days. ack! if any of you run across any of these papers, please let me know and I'll be happy to send you the $$ to have you pick one up for me if you don't mind. you KNOW what a goober I am for my Basic Grey....I get mushier than an old can of peas when I am around them....but I digress....

the little accents for the most part are all part of the same Serendipity collection. I distressed the flowers before putting them together. I did add a bit of netting for more texture. the little butterfly was coated in rock candy distress stickles before adding the dew drop. everything is pretty self explanatory, but as always, post here or pop me an email if you ever have a question about how I did something.

you wouldn't believe just HOW MUCH I look like this little piggie - bald and very round! ha! but not the topless part. nope. not happening. ;)

Brave Boots are back on again!! do they match the tutu?....Hello card challenge at Moxie Fab
Crafty Cardmakers - create your own flowers
Use Your Stuff - button up
One Stitch at a Time - use a digi
Quirky Crafts - make us laugh
Robin's Fetish - distressing
Stampin' Sisters in Christ - use something new (entire Serendipity line of products)
Hybrid Chick Card Caravan - stitching
Phindy's Place - song inspiration ('Call Me' by Blondie is the first one that came to mind! giggles!)
Poodles Parlour - cute and/or cuddly
Stamping for the Weekend - show us your style (a bit cute, a bit shabby, just a teeny bit frilly, & a whole lotta pink!)
Craft Room Challenge - friendship
Digital Tuesday - amazing animals
Basic Grey - fave color combo (PINK and anything, especially kraft! tee hee!)
Jessica's Craft Shaque - pink

You are SO Awesome!

Coffee of the Day - White Chocolate Coconut



Pile it On has a fun new challenge starting today - make something for a guy, with an emphasis on sports. well around here that is so easy to do! Our sponsor this week is Dude Time Doodles. Since all of my guys played baseball, Dave too, it was a given that this handsome pitcher was the fella for me! In fact, David was an all star pitcher back in high school. hmmmmmm..... wonder who this card might be going to? ;) Ryan was an all star player as well, playing 3rd base and pitcher. these days the guys are more into extreme sports like rock climbing, kayaking, long boards, and such.

papers are from the most fab Authentique Glory collection, that great metal senti badge is from Making Memories, chevron dies are MFT, patriotic bakers twine is from Etsy as is the coolio washi tape. I used my white gel pen to add some accents to the pitcher. the game ticket is from one of the Indians games Ryan attended earlier this spring. we do love our baseball! :) the stars were punched from a Starbucks coffee sleeve, inked with white craft, and then sprayed with glimmer mist.

Challenges:
Crafty Boots - sports
Cards for Men - sports with senti
House of Gilli - red, white, & blue
Paper Pretties - red, white, & blue
Cutie Pie - one for the boys
DRS Designs - stars & stripes
Paper Shelter - punches/dies
Simon Says Stamp - sporty/patriotic
Sisterhood of Crafters - stars
Crafty Sentiments - red, white, & blue
Totally Stampalicious - red, white, and ?
Card Makin' Mamas - red, white, & blue
Crafty Catz - metal
Pattie's Creations - red, white, & blue
Stamping with the Dragon - red, white, & blue
Sweet 'n Sassy - stars & stripes
Totally Papercrafts - use a digi
Phindy's Place - inspired by a song: 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame', of course! :)
Here Come the Boys - metal and/or embossing
Delicious Doodles - 1, 2, 3 (1 ticket & 1 metal senti badge, 2 stars, 3 buttons)
Create with TLC linky party - patriotic (baseball, stars, & stripes are about as patriotic as you can get here in the States!!!)
Outlawz Greeting - tradition of your country
Word Art Wed. - encouraging senti (please go check out the verse this week. it's one of my faves and so uplifting)