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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Christmas Robin, with Bells On!

Coffee of the Day - Sweet Potato (don't knock it 'til you've tried it - it's so yummy! a sweet buttery caramel flavor with brown sugar and a bit of pecan. oh my gosh, so tasty!)

for those of you who have asked, we have started getting some of these yummy decaf flavors of coffee from The Coffee Fool. every one we have tried so far is just fabulous! they are a little more pricey than other decaf flavors, but well worth it. as much coffee as we drink, it's worth it to spend a bit more on something so tasty. I also buy it on Amazon. life is too short to drink bad coffee. ;)

Well I woke up this morning in a panic because I realized it is the last day of the month and I still hadn't made my card for the Digi Stamps 4 Joy monthly progressive Christmas challenge. bad me! I hurried over to the site to make sure I still had time to get one made today and uploaded. whew.... still a very few hours left. so into the craft room I ran!


I actually like the way this one turned out, since I thankfully had already printed out the Christmas Robin image that was sent. papers are from the Basic Grey Figgy collection, embossing folder is by Tim Holtz, little burlap ribbon piece is May Arts, and flower is one from Hobby Lobby. the berries were topped with distress stickles. I tied some antiqued and distressed jingle bells to the grosgrain bow. the card has such a natural, rustic feel.

thanks so much for stopping by! hope you are having a great week! :)

Challenges:
Weekly Christmas Card Ch - anything goes
Crimbo Crackers - jingle bells
Winter Wonderland - no sentiment
Holly Jolly Christmas - embossing
Completely Christmas - anything goes
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Ch Extra - anything Christmas goes
Jingle Belles - all bundled up (3 or more layers)
Glory of Christmas - bows
Craft-Dee BowZ - anything goes with a handmade bow
Glitter 'n Sparkle - ribbon

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Shake it Up Baby!

yet another day with 2 posts! amazing, isn't it? but then you are probably going to have to wait several days to see anything else because I feel like melted poo on a stick.... blechity blech blech. heading straight to bed as soon as I post this....


but I sure did have fun making this one. I saw yesterday that Pretty Pink Posh was having a blog hop, asking people to make a sequin shaker card and play along. I also was days behind getting my guest project made for Darlene over at The Sisterhood of Crafters (challenge theme is 'things with wings'). seemed like the perfect time to combine both into one project! :)  of course it did take me 2 days to get it finished, but that is okay.


the cutey image is from The Doodle Garden and is called 'Darcy Dragonfly'. it's hard to see, but I used lots of touches with various colors of glitter pens to add accents to the fairy, the flower, and the little dragonfly. I also used my white gel pen on the flower. papers are from the Basic Grey Fresh Cut collection, flowers are Prima, and sentiment sticker is by SRM.

Spellbinders dies were used to make the shaker card. the tiny leaf flourishes (up know how much I love these!!!) and dragonflies are all dies by Cheery Lynn. the sentiment is a punch by SU!, accented with a white gel pen. clear packaging was re-purposed for the top of the shaker.


Challenges:
Sketch 'n Die - sketch #5
Cheery Lynn - bling it up (sequins and glitter pens)
{pin}spirational - photo inspiration (fairy w/a winged friend and teal)
613 Avenue Create - anything goes
SRM - celebrations (I hope spring counts as a celebration because my only other SRM stickers are thank you, love, or girly....)
Fairy Tale Stampers - bingo: lace, die, flowers
Scribble and Scrap - anything goes
Crafty Calendar - things with wings
We Do Doobadoo - embellishments
Craft for the Craic - Something for Spring or Easter
Fairy Tale - cute
Simply Create Too - stack em up (more than 2 layers)
Sister Act - any card goes
Wags 'n Whiskers - lots of layers
Frosted Designs - Spring Has Sprung: Spring, flowers, green, grass (under the sequins - you can see a bit peeking through), blue
As You Like It - fave item to recycle and why: well I am back again with same items as before, clear packaging and buttons! as I mentioned on my other post, clear packaging can just be used for SO many things. here it is the topper for the shaker, but it can be used for so many neat project elements, especially when paired with dies. buttons just happen to belong on all of my papercraft projects. :)
Little Miss Muffet - anything goes
Whimsy - anything goes
Crafts Galore Encore - fave color (pretty pretty pink!)
Ladybug Crafts - Here Comes Spring
Lia Stampz - pastels
Creative Card Crew - girly
Everybody Art - cute
Card Mania - faeries
Outlawz Greetings - anything goes w/a greeting

Another ATC! :)

Coffee of the Day - Maple Walnut (in honor of our local Maple Festival!)

yep, I've done it! I've made another ATC - artist trading card. these little things are pretty addicting! I have no idea whatsoever what I am going to do with them, but they are fun to make! the one this time is for our new challenge over at Pile it On - Ink on Paper Stamping. our sponsor is a new one for me, Rogue Redhead Designs. they were so kind and sent everyone on the DT who is participating this week a set of stamps to use!  isn't that nice!??! One winner will be chosen from all participants to receive a $25 gift certificate to their amazing store! you KNOW you want to play along now! :)


I was sent the fabulous stamp set, 'Nature Notes.' papers used are from the Basic Grey 'Hey You' collection. burlap ribbon is by May Arts, and all inks are SU! everything else is from my craft stash. I did use my SU! ink squirty tool on the sentiment portion, as well as one of the small flourish stamps. the wood grain bg stamp is the perfect size for ATCs! hubby gave it the 'manly' thumbs up....phew. I never know if they will pass muster or not with my guys. ;)

Challenges:
Wicked Wed ATC - quotes & words
Penny's - one for the boys
Paper Shelter - for the boys
Little Claire's - lots of layers
Card and Scrap - add metal (coin charm and brads)
Scrapping 4 Fun - use a stamp or digi
House That Stamps Built - for the guys (also loosely based on sketch)
Art Impressions - anything goes masculine
Just Inspirational - bingo: blue, die, twine, distress, brads
Party Time Tues. - anything goes

Saturday, April 26, 2014

A Berrylicious Apron

Coffee of the Day - Maple Walnut (in honor of our local Maple Festival!)

Melissa over at MelJen Designs has not only a cute free image for the weekend, but a fun FB challenge for anyone who makes a project using it. I was feeling up to crafting, so off to my craft room I went! :)


Papers and the little tag are all from the Basic Grey Herbs and Honey collection. the apron was paper pieced. I added faux stitching to the main image and used a pink spica glitter pen to accent the cute little squiggles. main dies are Spellbinders while the mini leaf flourish is by Cheery Lynn. spot embossing was done with a Tim Holtz embossing folder. flower is Prima. some buttons and gingham ribbon complete the card.

TIP - try embossing only a portion of your card. it adds a great focal point, especially if you add a light inking over the top of the embossing. inking also highlights the embossing on the matted die piece under the main image. it is actually cut from kraft cs.

hope you are having a great weekend so far! it's a gorgeous sunny day here, following yesterday's day of cold rain. the dogs have spent today barking at everyone walking by the house on their way up to the Square for the Maple Festival. they most certainly protect our house! :)


a big shout out, thank you so much, to Arielle of A Day for Daisies! she featured an older card of mine on their challenge blog yesterday. y'all know how much I love ADFD! :)


Challenges:
Catch the Bug - sketch (I switched sides for the main image)
Crafting at the Weekend - anything goes
613 Avenue Create - anything goes w/optional sweet treats twist (I do so love chocolate covered strawberries!)
Brown Sugar - anything goes
Get Inky - die cuts (2 Spellbinders dies and Cheery Lynn)
Sister Act - anything goes
Stamping Boutique - food (strawberries)
4 Crafty Chicks - embossing
DRS Designs - tag, you're it
Divas by Design - Let's Go to the Movies: 'Julie and Julia' (I just love this movie!!)
Rhedd and Rosie's - Tag It
Fan-tastic Tues - anything square or rectangle goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Top Tip Tuesday - paper piecing
Squirrel and Fox - use a die cut or punch

Friday, April 25, 2014

Spring is Sure to Follow

Can you believe it? I actually made it into my craft room! really hope to get back in later today if I can. :)

the mother of a special bloggy friend of mine recently passed away after a long battle with breast cancer. it's a nasty beast, isn't it? I wanted to send her a card to let her know I was thinking of her, but also send her a bit of encouragement, too. I so remember the days feeling so hopeless after my dad died. it was really hard to find the joy, even though I loved Dave and  my boys so very much. the little bits of pink pay tribute to her mom's hard fight and the hearts represent not only the love the 2 of them shared, but the love she can find in so many of her friends.


it's a lot to pack into a card, isn't it? this is the reason I prefer to make sympathy cards as I need them. I try to put little touches into the card that might not be noticeable to anyone else but me, but are so representative of the people. I also like to pray for the ones I'm making them for and think about them the whole time I'm crafting.

the image is by From the Heart and papers are from the Basic Grey Highline collection. flower is Prima, leaf flourish dies are Cheery Lynn while the heart banner die is from La La Land. little touches were added to the flowers on the main image with my spica clear glitter gel pen and faux stitching to the 2 decorative paper panels. the heart banner was cut from a piece of transparent packaging, and then the edges were painted with acrylic paint. buttons & floral trim finish the card.


Challenges:
i {heart} sketches - sketch #63 (flipped on side) and insp. photo twist (colors and flowers)
From the Heart - monthly progressive ch
As You Like it - fave item to recycle and why: I really like to re-use the transparent packaging. it's great because it can be die cut into so many shapes and then either left clear or painted. I re-use many of the containers as they are for altered projects. my other fave item is buttons. I take them off of any clothing that is too worn to go to a charity store. of course almost every project I make has buttons somewhere on it! :)
Card and Scrap - add metal (staples)
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - anything goes
Shelly's - April showers bring May flowers
Crafting by Design - April showers bring May flowers
Creative Moments - anything goes/spring
Inky Impressions - recycle it (clear packaging & buttons)
WAW - anything goes encouraging
Card Makin' Mamas - recycle (clear packaging & buttons)
Creative Fingers - anything goes/bingo: die cut, pearls, flower
Craftitude - anything goes or Spring/Easter
Sister Act - anything goes
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - Spring or Easter
Fan-tastic Tues - anything square or rectangle goes
Created with Love - in the garden
Squirrel and Fox - use a die cut or punch

Happy Friday!

Coffee of the Day - Maple Walnut (for the Maple Festival!)

Hello and happy Friday!


Just wanted to ask all of you to hang in there with me a bit.... I've been in bed sick again, so nothing crafty has taken place in well over a week.  But I am hoping to hit my craft room later today so I'll have some goodies to show you soon! :)

I'm a happy momma bear 'cause my Ryan is home until Fall now. Dave went to Indiana yesterday and picked him up. Classes end early there, so he has finished until school resumes in September. You should have seen the dogs all day yesterday - they knew something was up and were on pins and needles all day long. boy howdy, were they ever excited when the guys pulled into the driveway!

Speaking of critters, the nest on the front porch is doing well. I haven't checked to see how many eggs we have, but the guys said they thought at least 3 or 4. I have seen mourning doves the past few days both on the front porch and in the big tree in the front yard. they sound so beautiful as they talk to one another!

then we have the most rascally critter of them all - Latte. sneaky thing drank half of my coffee this morning while I wasn't looking. she does love her lattes! Dave says he has no sympathy for me since I 'trained' her to drink them. good thing we drink decaf here!

enjoy your weekend, and I'll be back later with some crafties for ya! :)


oh yes, it's our big Maple Festival weekend here in Chardon. lots of fun, and of course, mapley goodness to be found! hopefully I can convince someone to pick me up some maple caramel corn or maple cotton candy! yum yum! :)

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Have a Most Blessed Easter!

Coffee of the Day - Salted Caramel Pecan

image by Far Far Hill

Wishing you and yours a most beautiful, blessed Easter! He lives! :)

Friday, April 18, 2014

Blog Candy Winner and Easter Weekend

Coffee of the Day - Hazelnut

I still haven't heard back from the winner of the Lots of Love for Lauryn blog candy  -
8. Verna Angerhofer  
  if I still haven't heard from her by Sunday, I will choose another winner.


it's Good Friday. a day filled with the emotional ups and downs of our faith. so glad the hope of Sunday is coming. my prayers are with the Jewish people of the Ukraine right now. how terrifying that something like this is taking place in this day and age.

edit - just heard from Verna, so blog candy is claimed. makes me wonder just how much of my email I never receive or of what I send, never makes it to its destination. hmmmmm..... those rascally yahoo email gremlins!


I am going to be away the rest of the weekend spending time with my family. I feel absolutely horrible right now - guess  my food shopping adventure on Thurs took much more out of me than I originally thought. I want to try to give as much time and energy to my family since everyone will be here for Sunday. Ryan came home last night and Tyler arrives today. Mick comes Sunday since he still has to work.

no crafting, as I just don't have the energy. I really really want to stay out of bed if I possibly can. so the computer is going off for the next few days. whatever I have to give goes straight to my guys. they are the reason my heart keeps beating.

love to all of you! my prayers for a most beautiful and blessed Easter for each of you! :)

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Zombie Easter Bunny

Coffee of the Day - Highland Grog (tastes like pecan praline or butter pecan - yum!!!)

We have a new challenge starting up over at Oddball Art Stamps - create a Spring or Easter themed project. well everyone on the DT had the option of going cute or zombie. go ahead - guess my choice? it wasn't too hard was it? nope, didn't think so. zombie will win over cute any day, especially with Lizzy's fabulous images!!! just wait until you see my card...... I LOVE IT!!! actually so did Dave. he laughed and laughed!


I combined several of Lizzy's images - Zombie Big Eye Girl & Bunny and the matching Zombie Easter Basket. every bunny needs a basket, right? the basket was printed twice, with the 2nd one popped up on foam tape. the eyeballs were covered with crystal effects to give them an even shinier, slimier appearance! the sentiment is one I came up with on my own and then printed out on the computer.

papers are from the Basic Grey Urban Prairie collection, flower is Prima, ribbon is May Arts,  flourish piece is from a Cheery Lynn die, main image was cut with a die from MFT, while senti was cut with a Spellbinders die. buttons, sequins, and faux stitching complete the card. oh yes, our little bunny has a fluffy stickles tail!

to help add to the 'zombie' feel, I first painted the image as usual, then gave the figures & basket a light wash with grey ink to help 'muddy' them a bit. rather than add more healthy tones to her skin, I used greys & tans to highlight. kinda hard for the undead to have pink undertones to their skin! grins!

***and the winner of yesterday's Lots of Love for Lauryn blog candy is #8 - Verna Angerhofer  Please send me your mailing address so I can get this out to you!  (jenscull @ yahoo.com) thank you to everyone who stopped by! :)


Challenges:
Deconstructed Sketch - sketch #146
Fitztown - pick 3: buttons, ribbon (under the flower), flower
Craftin' Desert Divas - color inspiration
Eclectic Ellapu - Easter
One Stitch at a Time - use a digi
Outlawz Greeting - Happy Easter
That Craft Place - anything goes/Easter
My Sheri Crafts - a moment of laughter
Chocolate, Coffee, and Cards - stripes
Delicious Doodles - Easter
Left of Center - anything goes dark
Sister Act - any card goes
East Wind - humor
The Stamping Chef - anything goes
Simon Says Stamp - Happy Easter and/or Sweet Treats with Basic Grey (oh yeah, got that covered no prob!)
TTCRD - anything goes

Monday, April 14, 2014

Lots of Love for Lauryn Card Drive Blog Hop!

Coffee of the Day - Maple Walnut



Isn't this little girl just precious? Let me introduce you....
Lauryn was diagnosed with Leukemia on March 27, 2014. She is currently hospitalized in the DC area undergoing chemotherapy to fight this terrible disease.  Lauryn is Linda Payne's granddaughter...many of you in the stamping community probably already know sweet Linda!

As news of Lauryn's illness spread via social media, many of you have asked if there is anything you can do to help, so we have come up with a plan. We decided to have a Card Drive and would like to invite YOU to help by sending "happy mail" to Lauryn and her family.

Please create cards to share your love and encouragement for Lauryn and her family. Lauryn's parents are Josh and Elizabeth and she has two older siblings: Lily and Logan. We thank the Lord for this dear family and need to pray for them as they are seeking to glorify the Lord throughout this trial. 

Cards can be mailed to:

Children's National
Hematology/Oncology RM 437
Lauryn Newsome
111 Michigan Ave NW
Washington DC 20010

You can find updates on Lauryn via a Facebook page that has been set up by some family. It is Fight on Little Lauryn. They have shared how encouraging it is receive a simple "like" on a Facebook status or words of love and encouragement that is posted.
Here is the fabulous group of bloggers who have joined us in promoting this Card Drive. We would love for you to hop with us as numerous bloggers have blog candy and all you need to do is leave a comment... 

Olga Jewell Craftieodamae
Mary Anne Kelemen Lakeside Stamping
Lisa Haines The Purple Place
Colleen Holmes A Card’s Delight
Jennifer Scull Just Coffee Please…& Stamps & Ribbons & Paper YOU ARE HERE! :)
Anita Autore Cards & Coffee 
Sandra Van Blaricum Cards and Creativity 
Nina Brackett Crafting in Croatia
Linda Coughlin The Funkie Junkie
Kathleen Curry Will Stamp for Wine
Melissa Czapor My Many Journeys
Vicki Dutcher All I Do is Stamp
Tera Fujan Stamp Queen 
Joy Hadden Pieces of Joy
Karen Knegten Studio at the Lake 
Lee Murphy My Reality
Betty Neville Betty Neville's Blog
Jackie Randolph Paper Moments 
Shirley Ross Card Art, Etc.
Brenda Turner Stamp It Up
Geri Utterback Geri’s Cards 
Cheri Weston Stamp’n Boomer 
 


The card I have made for Lauryn uses an image offered by Claire Keay of Jellypark for a donation to the family.  Claire drew this from an actual photo of Lauryn! isn't that so cool! there are more images in the set if you are interested. Several other artists donated digital images, too, so be sure to check out the Lots of Love for Lauryn blog to see them all featured.


I won't go into a lot of detail about the products on my card. if you would like more info, please either leave a message in the comments or send me an email. don't want to take up too much of your time in case you are trying to stop by other blogs today.

thank you for popping in! and please consider helping out this family if at all possible. :)


I do have a small prize to offer to anyone who would like to enter. I am keeping it light in weight so that it can be sent anywhere in the world. one randomly chosen winner will receive not only this Spellbinders Corner Sprigs Shapeabilities die, but some ribbons, flowers, and other little goodies! add your entry through our friendly Mr. blue froggy! you only have until the end of today! I will announce the winner tomorrow!

*Inlinkz tool removed per new privacy laws since all prizes have been claimed. thank you for your understanding. :)



Challenges:
Your Next Stamp - inspiration or sketch (sketch)
Aud Sentiments - sentiment for a friend
Hobbybook - 2 or more die cuts (Spellbinders & Cheery Lynn)
Crafty Hands - anything goes
Whimsy Inspires - anything goes
Stamping Chef - anything goes
Crafty Bloggers - die cuts or embossing (there is embossing on the top large, lace die)
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes with patterned paper
WAW - anything encouraging goes
TTCRD - anything goes
One Stitch at a Time - use a digi
Hobbycutz - bingo: die cut, button, bling (stickles & shimmerz)

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Dance with Faeries

Coffee of the Day - Marzipan

The new challenge at Pile it On this week is to add tulle or mesh to your project. Our sponsor is Inky Impressions, and the prize will be a $10 gift certificate to their store!  be sure to stop by the Pile it On challenge blog to see all of the amazing inspiration by the DT!

My card uses the Inky Impressions image 'Wishing Well Fairy'. This card is going to little Lauryn's older sister, so it needed to be as girly as I could make it. :) that meant it was time to pile on the pinks and purples!


papers are from the Basic Grey Green at Heart collection, sentiment is from Create with TLC, die is Spellbinders, punches are Martha Stewart (leaves) and SU! (tag top & postage stamp). white trim and satin ribbon for flower are by May Arts. please forgive me that I can't remember the mfg. of the tulle ballerina fringe. isn't it a delight, though? enamel dots are more of my handmade ones. a doily, some buttons, and an edge of white gel pen dots complete the card.

tip - enamel dots are super trendy right now. it's easy to make your own at home using pony beads. melt them in a toaster oven on parchment paper at 450* for about 15+ min.  keep an eye on them as they melt. it is a bit of a stinky project. best to do it with the windows open. let cool for just a few minutes, then they are ready for your projects! easy to adhere with glue dots.

tomorrow is the big day for the Lots of Love for Lauryn card drive blog hop, so I do hope you will stop back by! lots of prizes, sponsors, but most importantly, lots of inspiration for cards to send the family. :)

Challenges:
Inky Impressions - dots & stripes
Aud Sentiments - sentiment for a friend
Paper Crafting Journey - for a special lady (young lady)
Cards Galore Encore - include your fave color (pink!)
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes w/patterned paper
Faeries Ch - shabby or vintage
Sketch 'n Dies - sketch (die from Spellbinders)
Baffies Kreativladen - for a woman (young woman)
Crafting For All Seasons - dies and punches (die: Spellbinder, punches: Martha Stewart & SU!)
Creative Moments - anything goes girly
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - add wings
Paper Pretties - punches (Martha Stewart & SU!)
Rhedd and Rose's - anything goes
Fan-tastic Tues - anything square goes
Top Tip Tues - cute
Love to Scrap - anything goes
Card Makin' Mamas - buttons, bits, and baubles (buttons & enamel dots)
Chocolate, Coffee, & Cards - use stripes
Savvy Handmade Cards - make believe or mythical creature
Sister Act - any card goes
Catch the Bug - springtime
Bearly Mine - Spring
Sassy Studios - make it creative i.e. make your own embellies (made enamel dots from pony beads, flower from ribbon, and tag from decorative paper)
Crafty Calendar - things with wings

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Love is From God... Card for Lauryn

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

I am sharing with you the first of my cards for Lauryn. if you aren't familiar with her story, you can check other posts in the past 2 weeks here on my blog, head to the Lots of Love for Lauryn card drive blog, or stop by the Fight on Little Lauryn Facebook page.  (not to worry, I will have a card on Monday, the day of the blog hop, too!)

the image for my card was drawn by Tracey Malnofski of The Stamping Boutique. there are actually 2 images in the set, which is available for a donation to Lauryn's family. I used the Bible verse on the inside of the card.


the card is a gate fold, opening in the middle. the main image is adhered on the left with foam tape. papers are from the Basic Grey Serendipity collection. gorgeous die set is Spellbinders. stickles lightly cover the little flowers on the image, leaf flourish is by Cheery Lynn, and everything else is from my stash.

I am getting so excited for the big card drive on Monday! sure hope you can stop by! :)

Challenges:
The Stamping Boutique - distress it
Squirrel and the Fox - all creatures great and small
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - anything goes w/a gate fold
Open Minded Crafting - pastel colors or Easter
Paper Creator's Crafts - spots and dots (polka dot paper behind main image)
Creative Corner - let it hop
4 Crafty Chicks - polka dots (paper behind main image)
Little Miss Muffet - distressed
Creative Moments - anything goes girly
Rhedd and Rosie's - anything goes
Die Cuttin' Divas - pastel colors (Spellbinders & Cheery Lynn)
Paper Minutes - more than 1 fold
Fitztown - fancy folds
Melonheadz - time for spring
Catch the Bug - springtime
Crafting for All Seasons - dies and punches (dies - Spellbinders & Cheery Lynn, punch - EK Success)

Friday, April 11, 2014

Stained Glass Easter Blessings

Coffee of the Day - Hazelnut

I have discovered that I have a little chipmunk friend who has taken up residence in the ceiling above my craft room. he pops his head in every once in a while to say hello, and talks to me on occasion as well. it's been quite interesting listening to his little pitter pattering feet as I sit crafting! my room used to be a porch that was sealed in by the previous homeowner. We (Dave and the boys! I had nothing to do with it other than telling them it was what I wanted.) put in a corrugated metal ceiling in my room. you should hear the way this little guy's feet sound as he races across it! it makes me smile!  anyway, on to my project....


My card today uses both an image and sketch by From the Heart. the image is a new one called 'Easter Morning Stained Glass.' it is so pretty! the papers are from the Basic Grey Euphoria collection, a REALLY old one. I used my buttermilk spica glitter pen to add some accents to the flowers. the itty bitty dies are from Cheery Lynn. flower is pretty Prima. I am sorry I don't remember the name of the Etsy store where I found this FAB stitched and torn floral polka dot fabric trim. I've had it several years and just never found the perfect project for it. this seemed the ideal use! :) at least I like it.

whoops - forgot to add that the sentiment is from an old Shady Tree stamp set. Nancy always has the best sentiments with her stamps!

hope you have a great weekend! will check in with you again later.
still waiting on my blogger dashboard to get straightened out so I can start popping by all of your blogs again. it was okay for one brief shining moment last week, but it happened to be a time I wasn't feeling well. wouldn't you know?


Challenges:
i {heart} sketches - sketch #61
Crafts 4 Eternity - Easter
Alphabet Ch - 'E' for Easter
Craft for the Craic - Easter or Spring
Digi Haven - Easter and use brown
Digitally Sweet - Easter
Jellypark Friends - Happy Easter (waving hi!!!)
Jo's Scrap Shack - Easter
QKR - Easter
Totally Papercrafts - Easter
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Get Inky - spring or Easter
DL Art - Easter
Moving Along With the Times - Easter
Milk Coffee - Easter (hello!!!)
Always Something Creative - Easter
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes w/patterned paper
Bearly Mine - Spring
Sparkles - Easter Parade
Add a Little Dazzle - Spring/Easter
Crafting with Dragonflies - Easter
Divas by Design - Easter/Spring
House That Stamps Built - Easter
Paper Shelter - Easter
Simon Says Stamp - Happy Easter or Sweet Treats with Basic Grey focus (well, no surprise, I happened to use BG papers!)
Artistic Inspirations - Easter animal
Path of Positivity - peace (it comes from my precious Saviour!)

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Bam! Awesome! It's Spiderman! well..... almost!

Coffee of the Day - Coconut Macadamia

I'm continuing along in my effort to make a card for everyone in precious little Lauryn's family. today's card is for her big brother, who happens to be a big fan of Spiderman. I remembered that several years ago I had found a cute freebie given out by the kind folks at Whiff of Joy. believe it or not, you can still download this image here. I tried to make the card as bright and cheerful as I could, especially for a young boy.


papers are from the Basic Grey Cupcake collection, word art is from Create with TLC, sentiment stamp and linen thread are SU!, and enamel dots are some of my homemade ones. buttons are from my stash.

don't forget the card drive blog hop on Monday for Lauryn and her family! check out the Lots of Love for Lauryn blog for all the information. :)


Challenges:
TTCRD - anything goes
Cardz 4 Guyz - numbers
Love to Create - anything goes for kids
Ooh La La - for a child
Feeling Crafty - anything for a child
The Crafting Cafe - one for the boys
Dragonfly Dreams - make it for the boys
Ditzie Digi Designs - anything goes
Eclectic Ellapu - one for the boys
Mojo Monday - sketch #340

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

White on White Easter

Coffee of the Day - Salted Caramel Pecan


Today I have the honor of being a guest designer over at The Sisterhood of Crafters. thank you, Darlene, for inviting me to be a part of your team this month! I'm so excited! :)

the theme for this fortnight is 'White on White.' when I first heard the challenge theme, I knew it would indeed be a challenge for me. I have never made one of these cards before, so took a deep breath or two and away I went! :)


I started with the Tim Holtz Fancy Frame embossing folder and layered a cross from the Spellbinders Cross collection in the center. a Cheery Lynn Fanciful Flourish die wraps around the cross and embossed frame. the butterfly is from the Cheery Lynn Tiny Things with Wings die set. I actually die cut 2, stacking one on top of the other. the top butterfly's wings bend upward. roses are from Wild Orchid Crafts, and sentiment is from  a Shady Tree Studios stamp set. I used sahara sand ink to lightly distress all edges. some pearls, a stick pin, and a pretty satin bow add finishing touches. rock candy distress stickles add touches of glitz and shimmer.

I hope you will try your hand at this technique and play along with us! thanks so much for stopping by! :)

Challenges:
Crafty Sentiments - Easter
Going Grey with Scrap Creations - Easter
Just Inspirational - embossing
Sweet Stamps - Easter
Bunny Zoe - monochromatic
Card Mania - Easter
Craft Dee Bow Z - anything goes with a handmade bow
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes/Easter
Craft Your Passion - no designer papers
Crafty Bloggers - die cuts or embossing (both)
Eureka - ribbons and bows
My Craft Spot - Happy Easter
Cheery Lynn - anything goes
Dream Valley - Easter
Sweet Stampin' - Easter
Craft for the Craic - Easter or Spring
Cut it Up - die cuts and Easter
Get Inky - Spring or Easter
Sister Act - anything goes
Emerald Faeries - Easter and/or color combo (used 2 of the colors in palette)
Crafting Musketeers - monochromatic
Natalie and Amy's - embossing
WAW - anything encouraging goes

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Happy Easter Chicks with Egg Cart

Coffee of the Day - Hazelnut

I have to start out my post with a great big apology to everyone. I have been feeling absolutely horrid for so long, and have really been taking it out on everyone around me - both online and in person. I am so very sorry and ask your forgiveness. no matter how I am feeling, it is no excuse to be anything less than kind. all I can say is that I will try to do better.

I did manage to get to my craft room today for a little while. I really want to get a card made for everyone in Lauryn's family. if you aren't familiar with Lauryn's story, you can read more about her on the Facebook page that has been created by her family. she is the 2 year old grand-daughter of Linda Payne, who many people know for her talent and contributions in the crafting community.


I used images from the Crafty Secrets digital set, 'Spring Chicks.' papers are from the Basic Grey Fresh Cut collection (I've told you how much I love this one, haven't I?!?!), flower is Prima, twine is from Target, ticket punch is EK Success, kraft reinforcement sticker is from The Kraft Outlet, and everything else is from my stash. I added a cute little yellow envelope, a doily, some buttons & sequins, a bit of washi tape, and faux stitching. oh yes, I also used my SU! ink squirty tool. so love that thing! :)

I hope Lauryn's mom and dad like the card. make sure you stop by the Lots of Love for Lauryn blog to see what's up in preparation for the card drive blog hop on Monday. I had to pull out of helping out with it, but I still plan to take part in the hop. so many artists have provided artwork available for a donation and lots of prizes, too. :)

Challenges:
Crafty Secrets monthly linky party - anything goes with Crafty Secrets products
Clear it Out - anything goes with real or faux stitching and stash items
Creative Card Crew - spring
Fan-tastic Tues - anything goes
Papertake Weekly - spring has sprung
{pin}spirational - photo inspiration (chicks, flowers, colors)
Artistic Inspiration - Easter animals
Card Mania - Easter
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes/Easter
Crafty Boots - Easter
Created with Love - Easter
Digi Makeover - anything goes w/a digi
Incy Wincy - 3, 2, 1 recipe (3 designer papers, 2 digital images, 1 twine bow)
Lexi's Creations - Easter
Lunagirl Moonbeams - Victorian Spring
Melonheadz - time for spring
613 Avenue Create - anything goes with twist of sights/sounds/smells/tastes of spring
Dream Valley - Easter
Hobby Cutz - fauna and flora
Robyn's Fetish - Easter
Outlawz Paper a la Mode - animals
Simply Create Too - Easter or bunnies
The Stamping Boutique - Easter
Always Something Creative - Easter

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Love You So Peas

Coffee of the Day - Gingerbread

The response to our very first challenge over at The Doodle Garden was outstanding! thank you so much to everyone who played along! A new challenge begins today and the theme is a beautiful color palette you may use any way that inspires you! Design Seeds has the  most beautiful color palettes every day. I have long been a subscriber!


Please be sure to stop by the Doodle Garden challenge blog to see how all of the DT used the colors. it's fun to see the different ideas! you might find a free image (hint, hint) you can use on an Easter card! ;)


I chose to use the cutey 'Sweet Pea' image for my card. the paler hearts are covered in distress stickles. papers are from the Echo Park Everyday Eclectic paper collection. sentiment is SU!, flower is Prima, twine is from Target, enamel dots are my homemade ones, wooden clip is one I painted, and then some washi tape and faux stitching were added to finish it all off. :)

just a happy little card I can pop in the mail to surprise my hunny bunny at work one day!

the card drive/blog hop for Linda Payne's grand-daughter is coming along nicely! it will be on April 14 and we have so many generous folks who are donating some great prizes. head over to the blog to see the fabulous digi images that are available for a donation. grab a badge for your blog! let me know if you would like to be a part of the hop. We want to flood this family with cards and love! :)


Challenges:
Tuesday Morning Sketches - sketch turned on its side
Fan-tastic Tues - square and use patterned paper
Craftitude - anything goes or add cardboard
Scrapping 4 Fun - anything goes
Sister Act - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Stampin' with the Dragon - spring
STAMPlorations - stamps and your fave technique (distressing)
Totally Papercrafts - pastels
Craft for the Craic - something for Easter or Spring
Crafts Galore Encore - include your fave color (pink)
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes w/patterned paper
Flat Friends - include a sentiment
LEJ Designs - fave dies (Spellbinders)
Mema's Crafts - anything goes w/ optional Easter or Spring twist
Catch the Bug - anything goes
4 Crafty Chicks - color a stamped image
Delightful Ch - hip to be square
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - anything goes w/ twist to use fave color
Crafting By Designs - anything goes
WAW - anything encouraging goes