Peace on Earth Wise Man

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Happy Saturday!
I have been so busy with some behind the scene stuff that I completely forgot about getting my project done for the Digi Stamps 4 Joy Progressive Christmas Challenge! I made it this morning, but when I went to link it up, discovered (i.e. 2x4 upside the head, oh yeah, goofball!) the time zone difference. linky closed. bummer. but at least I have another Christmas card to add to my stash. sad to be out of the challenges those. it was nice of them to send along a new image each month for everyone to play with. needless to say with everything going on with my biopsies, my head has so NOT been attached this month! ;)

Everyone who played along in April was sent the image, 'King 1 - Time to Go'. love the camel's expression! papers are from the Basic Grey Aspen Frost collection, poinsettia is from Hobby Lobby, gold stick pin is from Maya Road, and enamel dots are my handmade ones. everything else is from my stash. oh yes, crochet trim is vintage. punched star is inked with craft and sprayed with glimmer mist.  wise man's crown is painted with shimmerz.

Challenges:
Christmas Ch w/sketches - ch #125 farewell ch w/sketch :(
TTCRD - anything goes
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Crafty Creations - all about 'S' (star, spots & stripes on bg paper, sentiment, sand, sketch)
Delicious Doodles - for the love of animals
Jingle Belles - Peace on Earth
Christmas Stamping All Year Long - anything Christmas goes
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Ch - anything Christmas goes
Sister Act - any card goes
4 Crafty Chicks - anything goes
Outlawz Twisted Th - anything goes
Fab 'n Funky - Christmas
Fan-tastic Tues - anything goes

Remember Memorial Day

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Biscotti

To celebrate my wonderful news of no cancer the other day, we bought the movie, 'The Monument's Men'. I had read the book and really enjoyed it, so wanted to see the movie, too. Dave is so not a history nut, like me, but because he likes so many of the actors in the movie, he persevered. thankfully he enjoyed the movie. it seemed such a wonderful movie to help us remember the sacrifices made by so very many as we recognize Memorial Day today. Everyone has their own opinions about war, but we must always support the many men and women who put their lives on the line for our personal liberties.

the card I have today uses a special image from MelJen Designs, 'Pair of Poppies'. I am sure many of you are like me in that you remember buying and wearing poppies made by veterans. My dad faithfully bought one for me every year. each time I see one I think of him. he also served in the Army, and had a brother who died in WW2, so the poppies bring forth many memories.

papers for the card are from the Authentique Pride collection, flower is by Petaloo, star is punched from a Starbuck's coffee cozy, and enamel dots are my handmade ones. shimmerz paint, stickles, and a spica glitter pen accent the main image.  lace is from my vintage stash. postage stamp is one I saved.

thank you so much for stopping by!

Challenges:
Sunday Sketch and Stamp - sketch (flipped on its side to resemble flag)
Sassy Studio - color it patriotic
OSAAT - anything goes
Red Carpet Studio - Saving Private Ryan
Robyn's Fetish - add 3 buttons
Alphabet Ch - H is for handmade embellies (star, enamel dots, sentiment from label maker, and banner was hand cut)
Delightful Ch - red, white, and blue
DL Art - red, white, and blue
Mema's Crafts - May flowers (poppies seem perfect for this)

So Blessed

since I am sitting here by myself today, I have been thinking about how VERY BLESSED I am.....

I might be by myself for these next few days, but I am not alone. I am surrounded by the most amazing people I call my friends. thank you to all of you who have loved me through some very difficult times in the past 2 1/2 years.

I would be remiss if I didn't give a quick shout out to several groups of people:

1. the fabulous people in our District Church community who have provided prayers (LOTS!!), cards, meals, and most of all, support for David & our sons during my cancer battle. I love you all! you show God's love each and every day - no act of kindness was too small! thank you!

2. Jenn C., Michelle V., and Katie C. from Party Time Tuesdays and Paper Makeup Stamps who put together a jaw dropping blog hop for me when I was first diagnosed. Katie also had a digi stamp set drawn to help raise funds for our medical expenses. so many people participated and sent me their cards. I treasure each one of these beautiful hand made creations, just as I treasure each one of YOU!

3. some of the most fun ladies over at SplitCoastStampers who sent me, of all things, SOCKS! as I was going through radiation treatments, they bombarded me with fun socks to keep my toesies warm and stylin'! I still wear them all, and smile when I put them on! y'all rock the casbah!

also, there were some pretty talented and inspiring women who took part in the 'Hope You Can Cling To' challenges I was honored to hostess. you encouraged me as together we helped make cards to bring smiles to others going through this same battle. thank you!

4. and finally, a hugey huge huge thank you to each of you who stopped by my blog, sent a card (Jenn Borjeson - you will forever be my angel!!!), popped a message to me just to make sure I was doing okay, or texted. you let me know that I never once walked this path alone.

you didn't know that you were God's light in the darkness, did you? you didn't realize that He was using your voice to speak His love to me when I was feeling sad and overwhelmed, did you? you didn't know that in those rare moments when I so longed to just give up, He used YOU to send THAT message to say, 'hey, I'm thinking about you,' did you? and when I needed someone to reach out and hold my hand, He sent YOU to grab it.

thank you, from the bottom to the top of my heart. because thank you will never ever be enough. but it is all I have. and you are all I need! :) <3 p="">

Metal and Steampunk and Mermaids, Oh My!

Coffee of the Day - Butter Rum

The new challenge over at Pile it On is to use metal on your projects. We are sponsored by a new to me store, Add a Little Dazzle. they were very generous and sent all of the DT several sheets of their metal for us to try. gosh, what a beautiful assortment of colors I received! the winner of this fortnight's challenge will receive a $25 gift certificate to the Add a Little Dazzle store. whoa nelly, that is a fabulous prize!!!

for my project I decided to play around with one of my metal sheets a bit. I took the turquoise one and first cut it down to size - 5" x 5". I then ran it through  my Big Shot using the Tim Holtz Steampunk embossing folder. I used several shades of alcohol inks and sponged them over the metal. it was fun to see how the colors reacted with the metal.

the image is by Rick St. Dennis and is called Atlantis.  boy howdy, did this ever take me a while to paint, and ever so intricate, too. I added pearl drops to her crown, lots of touches with a spica clear glitter gel pen to highlight the water swirlies, and then shimmerz paint to her tail & crown. oh yes, stickles were added to the bubbles. flowers are Petaloo and ferns were punched with a Martha Stewart punch to look like seaweed.

Challenges:
Kathy's Sketch File - May sketch
Crafty Creations - recipe: flowers, die cut, ribbon
Divas by Design - anything goes
Paper Pretties - flowers
Rick St. Dennis Progressive Ch - steampunk
Inky Impressions - bingo: punch, stamp, ribbon OR flower, ribbon, bling OR die cut, stamp, flower
Emerald Faeries - flowers, ribbon, and/or lace
Crafting Cafe - creatures
Artistic Inspirations - anything goes/punches and/or dies (both)
Craft-Dee BowZ - anything goes w/a handmade bow
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Digi Makeover - sting/twine/ribbon
Incy Wincy - embossing and bling
Love to Scrap - anything goes
Little Miss Muffet - anything goes
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - anything goes/use metal or foil
DRS Designs - feeling punchy
Crafty Catz - embossing
Brown Sugar - anything goes
Craftitude - anything goes/use a die
Sister Act - any card goes
SanDee & Amelie's Steampunk - Heavy Metal Steampunk
Open Minded Crafting - fairy tale or fantasy
Craft Hoarders Anonymous - use metal or glass (stash: fern punch, ribbon)
Add a Little Dazzle - Father's Day or anything goes (thank you for the wonderful metal sheets!)
Corrosive Ch - anything goes
Glitter 'n Sparkle - add some metal

NO CANCER!!! :)

just heard the news from biopsies that I have NO CANCER!!!!!

and I refuse to accept any mail that tells me otherwise like I had arrive last year. that was so stinky..... stinky not allowed here no more, no more, no more! ;)

thanks for the love, prayers, support, and just flat out being here with me on this journey.

GOD IS SO VERY VERY GOOD! TO HIM GOES THE GLORY! :)

Epic Day on a Bike

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Nut

Today I share with you my  next installment in the Jellypark Post Pals card drive. this little guy on his bike makes me smile so big! I have made my card for Alan S., who is a big fan of Dr. Who - of course I HAD to send him a card! :)

if you would like more info about Post Pals or the card drive Claire has put together, check out the Facebook page. you will see so many fabulous cards as well as wonderful stories of the children receiving them. :)

I knew that the fella needed a sidewalk for his bike, so I painted one in. papers are from the Basic Grey Capture collection, since it had lots of blue in it - Alan's fave color! I wanted to be sure to include some bright colors, but make it kinda hip, too. wood veneer pieces are by Studio Calico, and enamel dots are some of my handmade ones.

Challenges:
Sketch 'n Stash - sketch ch #139 (stash-ribbon, ticket, button)
Brown Sugar - anything goes
Jellypark - bold and bright
Simply Create Too - Father's Day or for a male
Sister Act - any card goes
Wags 'n Whiskers - one for the boys
A Song in Your He{art} - Let's Hear it for the Boys
Baffies Creative Shop - male
Penny's Paper Crafty - spots and/or stripes
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Cards Galore Encore - anything goes
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes with patterned paper
Crafty Sentiments - inspired by a song: "Let's Hear it for the Boys"
Fan-tastic Tues - one for the guys
Papertake Weekly - oh, so cute
Glitter 'n Sparkle - for a male or male colors

Peace Like a River

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Biscotti

Hello everyone! no news yet from the doctor about my biopsies.... gosh waiting on them is SO HARD! I will find out one way or the other tomorrow because I am calling the office to see what is up. ;)

I did make a few cards to take my mind off of the waiting, waiting, waiting....
I wanted to make one for a dear friend of mine. an image & sentiment over at From the Heart was just perfect. I also used the current sketch in their challenge, so it worked out for a two-fer!

papers are from the Basic Grey Kneehighs collection, flowers are Wild Orchid Crafts, butterfly die by The Cat's Pajamas, and pretty circle die is Spellbinders. the card base was sprayed with glimmer mist.

Thanks so much for all of your prayers and encouragement! it means so much to me! :) love ya!

Challenges:
i {heart} sketches - sketch # 67
4 Crafty Girls - anything goes
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Hanna and Friends - dies
Hobbybook - for Mom or a special lady (for my friend)
Die Cut Divas - use at least one embellishment
Feeling Crafty - one for the girls
Seemacrafts - butterflies and rainbows (no actual rainbows, but lots of the colors!)
Sparkles - celebrate mom or a special lady (for my friend)
Tiny Fairy Tales - butterflies
TTCRD - anything goes
Ooo La La - quotations (scripture)

Memorial Day ATCs

Coffee of the Day - Maple Walnut

Yesterday I was playing around with some ATCs  for Memorial Day. as I have said before, these little cards are really addicting! the small size is a challenge for a palette, but great for using those itty bitty scraps from your paper pads. every piece of paper here is a scrap.

the adorable images come straight from The Doodle Garden. all papers are from the Authentique Pride paper collection. Basic Grey really needs to get on the ball and come up with a patriotic collection of its own. otherwise, I think Authentique has the most beautiful 2 sets around with this one and Glory. I really really hoard the few pieces I have remaining! little flowers are Wild Orchid Crafts and stars are punched from my ever present Starbucks coffee cozies, which were then inked with MFT whipped cream.

first ATC uses 'America the Beautiful' image and wood veneer stars by Studio Calico. some faux stitching and a wooden button tied with twine from a bag of dog food finish the little card. you know how I love to re-purpose as much as I possibly can! :)

next card uses the image 'Patriotic Posies' and a belt loop cut from a pair of old jeans before they hit the trash can. I love using these on projects!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and for your continued support for both myself & my family. it means so very much to all of us! :)

Update ----> today I received a call from the nurse who was there for my biopsies. she said it should be any day now that we hear the results. thought it was very nice of her to call to check up on me!

Challenges:
Wicked Wed ATC - red, white, and blue
613 Avenue Create - anything goes or incorporate 3 shapes: 2 stars & 1 rectangle (2nd ATC)
Ditzie Digi Design - anything goes
Red Carpet Studios - Saving Private Ryan: commemorate Memorial Day
Craft Room Ch - recycle: coffee cozies for stars, twine from dog food bag, and blue jean belt loop
Outlawz Paper a la Mode - flowers (2nd ATC)
Outlawz Greetings - Armed Forces/masculine (1st ATC)
Top Tip Tuesday - here comes summer (for many here in the USA, Memorial Day signals the start of summer)
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - anything goes
Rhedd and Rosie's - texture (2nd ATC)

Let's Play!

Coffee of the Day - Sweet Potato (brown sugar, butter cream yumminess!)

Claire Keay of Jellypark has started up a new group over on Facebook to help collect cards for children who are facing terrible illnesses. I was happy to join to hopefully bring some smiles to these children. You can find out more about these children here at Post Pals.

Yesterday I was able to make my first card, and it is going to Tie D. He likes red, Transformers, and Star Wars. I thought this fun sock monkey paper from Basic Grey was perfect to go with Claire's cutey image! all papers are from the Hey Boy collection. sticker is from SRM and dies are Spellbinders. nothing fancy since it's going to a little boy.

Challenges:
Crazy 4 Challenges - sketch
Jellypark - anything goes w/Jellypark image
Word Art Wed - anything encouraging goes
Glitter 'n Sparkle - cards for men or male colors

Make a Wish Picket Fence

Coffee of the Day - Gingerbread

Hello to all of you!
I am recovering from 2 biopsies yesterday. we should have the results by the end of next week. I would ask for prayers for my hubby and sons, please, if you don't mind. they are having a tough time with all of this. I'm a bit on the sore side, but doing pretty well considering.

I did get to my craft room for a while today. Wanted to play along with the monthly progressive challenge at From the Heart while I was feeling up to it. rather than using their weekly sketch, I opted to use the 'twist' of felt on my project. can you believe, no Basic Grey papers? I know.... I was pretty shocked myself when I finished!

image is by From the Heart, as I mentioned. flowers are all by Prima. main image die is Spellbinders, banner strip die is MFT, and tiny leaf flourish die is Cheery Lynn. I added cotton candy stickles to dots in the flower centers of the main image as well as all along the banner die. btw, that die cut the felt like it was butter! first pass, too! I was impressed! card base is partially inked with the inside of a bubble envelope and then sprayed with glimmer mist. sentiment is a sticker by SRM. I seem to be using so many of these lately.

just an FYI, if you ever want to see all of the projects on my blog, for instance that have glimmer mist or Basic Grey papers or SRM stickers or whatever, just click on the labels down below each individual post. that will sort the posts for you. I try to be on top of labeling each post properly. I actually use this feature a lot when trying to find certain projects. it's pretty handy! :)

Challenges:
From the Heart - monthly progressive challenge
i {heart} sketches - twist: felt (banner)
SRM Ch - birthday
QKR Stampede - punches or dies (dies - Spellbinders, Cheery Lynn, & MFT)
Feeling Crafty - one for the girls (this is going to my SIL)
Sketch 'n Dies - sketch #7
My Sheri Crafts - use at least 3 flowers
Outlawz Greeting - flowers
Speedy the Fox -  no designer paper
Craftitude - use a die (dies - Spellbinders, Cheery Lynn, & MFT)
Crafts 4 Eternity - to die for (dies - Spellbinders, Cheery Lynn, & MFT)
Sister Act - any card goes
A Little Bit Crafty - flower power
CCC Digi Creations - use a digi
Dies 'r Us - May Flowers (dies - Spellbinders, Cheery Lynn, & MFT)
Mema's Crafts - May Flowers
The Cupboard Trilogy - flowers
Seize the Birthday - birthday flowers
Inky Impressions - flowers
Simon Says Stamp - die crazy (dies - Spellbinders, Cheery Lynn, & MFT)
Whimsy Inspires - 2 or more dies (dies - Spellbinders, Cheery Lynn, & MFT)
Crafty Sentiments - flowers
Fitztown - feminine (for my SIL)
{pin}spirational - photo insp (flowers)
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Digi Makeover - sparkle (stickles and glimmer mist)
Incy Wincy - birthdays

Welcome Baby Boy!

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Nut

I was blessed to be asked as a Guest Designer over at Crafting with Dragonflies for their first Anniversary Celebration! in fact the theme for this fortnight is all about the Celebrations! :)  I so appreciate the honor of being included in this special time!

my card is for some special friends of our who just welcomed their first baby into the family, a little boy named Charlie. the image, 'Special Delivery,' is from Doodle Garden, papers from the Basic Grey Shine On collection, sentiment sticker by SRM, and ribbon by May Arts. some of the stars were punched from Starbucks coffee cozies and then inked with white craft. accents to main image were made with a white gel pen.

thank you so much for the many emails, messages, well wishes, and prayers. they mean so much to me. I know God has complete control over every part of my journey. y'all are the best! :)

Challenges:
Craft Room - recycle (Starbucks coffee cozies for stars)
Paper Minutes - stars
TTCRD - anything goes
Deconstructed Sketch - sketch #150
Aud Sentiments - any sentiment for a child
Craft for the Craic - for a baby
Creative Corner - baby
Digi Galore - kraft

A Not So Fun Update....

Coffee of the Day - Cinnamon Butter Rum

Well as I had mentioned before I have been going through a lot of tests and scans lately. I just returned from spending the morning at the hospital for one batch.... it seems I have to undergo another biopsy. will find out no later than tomorrow morning when it will be.

I will keep everyone updated as I get information. I do have a post for tomorrow, but things might be a little sporadic for a while after that.... know you will all be in my thoughts even if I'm not posting! love ya!

Thank You Lighthouse

I finally had a chance to get my remake done for the thank you card we needed. thankfully this one met with Dave's approval! it's pretty simple, but that is how he seems to like cards for guys. as long as it makes my hunny bunny happy! :)

lighthouse image and sentiment are by From the Heart, papers are from the long retired Basic Grey Boxer collection, flower is Prima, and wood veneer stars are by Studio Calico. accents to the lighthouse were made with shimmerz paint. buttons were some I found a long time ago at Joanns. I knew they would come in handy one day!

Challenges:
i heart sketches - sketch #65
Outlawz Greeting - water or beach
One Stitch at a Time - use a digi
Cards Galore Encore - anything goes
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes with patterned paper
Ladybug Crafts - use your fave embellies (buttons!)
Creating in Faith, Hop, and Love - anything goes with scripture
Lexi's Creations - for the man/boy in your life
Cardz 4 Guyz - bingo: twine, image, buttons
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - water
A Creative Romance - one for the boys
Left of Center - masculine

Fuzzy Wuzzy Was a Bear.... Having a Pic-A-Nic!

Coffee of the Day - Salted Caramel Pecan

Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms out there! I hope you have a most beautiful day today!

My card today is two-fold - it's for the new challenge over at Pile it On, but also for a special young lady I'll tell you about in just a moment.....

first up is the Pile it On challenge - our theme is all about the fuzzy wuzzy! We are sponsored by Stitchy Bear's Digi Outlet. One participant will receive a $10 gift certificate to the Stitchy Bear store! :)

my image is from Stitchy's own collection and it's called 'Lunch Time.' isn't it just the cutest? it reminded me of the tongue twister - 'Fuzzy Wuzzy Was a Bear'.....  papers are from the Basic Grey Knee Highs colllection, ribbon is May Arts, and enamel dots are my handmade ones. sparkly touches to the main image were made with shimmerz paint and various colors of spica glitter pens.  sentiment sticker is from SRM. several dies were used: tiny leaf flourish by Cheery Lynn, main image & mat by Spellbinders, and beautiful butterfly by The Cat's Pajamas. (thanks, Chris!!!)

Now on to the young lady who will be receiving my card ~
I read about a precious little 5 year old girl named Katlynn who is very sick right now and in the hospital. her mom, Valou Allard, a most talented papercrafter, is asking people to send cards to her daughter to help brighten her day. You can read more about the card drive and blog candy here on Valou's post. I am not entering the blog candy, but just wanted to send along a card to hopefully bring a smile! I know as a mom I would do anything to help my children feel better.

Challenges:
Little Claire's - spots and stripes
Open Minded Crafting - use ribbon
Pumpkin Spice - about a girl
Speedy the Fox - use a punch (to create end of sentiment banner)
We Do Doobadoo - lots of layers
Crazy 4 Challenges - bingo: flowers, sentiment, bling (enamel dots)
Digi Haven - bear hugs
Savvy Handmade Cards - zoo animals
Sister Act - any card goes
4 Crafty Girls - anything goes
Aud Sentiments - any sentiment for a child
Crafty Ribbons - sweet treats
In the Pink - fluttering by
Paper Crafting Journey - spots and/or stripes
Crafting for all Seasons - lots of layers
Divas by Design - in the pink
Little Red Wagon - seeing spots
Penny's Paper Crafty - 2 or more dec papers (I have used 3)
Scrapper's Delights - anything goes
Whimsy Inspires - 2 or more die cuts (Spellbinders, Cheery Lynn, & Cat's Pajamas)
Outlawz Paper a la Mode - special ladies
Crafty Sentiments - anything goes
Die Cuttin' Divas - sketch
Digi Choosday - make it for the kids
TTCRD - anything goes
Craft-Dee Bow Z - anything goes with a handmade bow
Crafty Bloggers - pink with ribbon
Created with Love - critters
The Kraft Journal - for her

Poppy Remembrance

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Nut

I know Memorial Day isn't until the end of the month, but I did want to get my card entered into the Crafty Secrets monthly linky challenge. Too often Memorial Day is now associated with picnics, the end of school, and the start of summer. but I wanted to make a card that reminded all of us of it's true meaning. I am so thankful to live in a community that celebrates and recognizes those who have made sacrifices for our country.

both images come from the Crafty Secrets set, 'Poppies.' the wonderful die is by Spellbinders, but I did have to cut it down a bit so that it fit the images better. a bit of handy dandy finagling with the Big Shot!  papers are from the Basic Grey Lucille collection, rhinestone flourishes are from Michaels. distress stickles fill the flower centers, and my SU! ink squirty tool was used on the main image. lots of distressing with my sponge here, too.

Challenges:
Crafty Secrets - monthly linky party
Stella Says Sketch - sketch #209 flipped on its side
Pause, Dream, Enjoy - floral linky party
QKR Stampede - anything goes w/twist: use gems or rhinestones (rhinestone flourishes)
3 Girl JAM - anything goes (badge on sidebar above former DTs)
Sister Act - any card goes
Stamping with the Dragon - flowers
Sweet Pea - use kraft (card base as well as ink and seam tape colors)
Wags 'n Whiskers - ribbon & bling
4 Crafty Chicks - flowers
It's All About the Vintage - anything goes
WAW - anything encouraging goes (thank you for the win last week!)
Bunny Zoe - distress
Fitztown - shabby chic

A Mother's Day Teapot

Coffee of the Day - Maple Nut

I haven't been doing much crafting, but really needed to get a Mother's Day card made & mailed for my MIL. lots of dr's appts, tests, scans, and such on the horizon. some stuff has been discovered that was not in the least bit expected, but so very thankful it was found. just adds a bit more 'fun' to this journey. I will pop in as I can..... know you are in my thoughts and heart, even if I'm not on here.

floral teapot image is from Bugaboo, papers are from the Basic Grey Highline collection, starburst die is from Taylored Expressions, banner & scallop dies are by Spellbinders, tiny leaf flourish die is Cheery Lynn, and flower is Prima. sentiment was typed out on my compy. I used my spica clear glitter pen to add highlights to the main image.

Challenges:
Outlawz Paper a la Mode - all about Family
Catch the Bug - anything goes
Milk Coffee - Mother's Day/special lady
Cut it Up - die cuts and Mother's Day
The Stamping Boutique - Mother's Day
Digitally Sweet - mothers
Get Inky - Mother's Day with flowers
Graph It Color - let's go pink
Pattie's Creations - Mother's Day
Scrapping 4 Fun - use "Happy Mother's Day" in your language
Delightful Ch - petal power
Sassy Studios - Mother's Day
Crafter's Cafe - Mom or special lady
Inky Impressions - Mother's Day
Penny's Paper Crafty - 2 or more dec papers
Fan-tastic Tues - flourishes
Tuesday Throwdown - special lady
Artistic Inspirations - all for mom/anything goes
My Craft Spot - Mother's Day or Spring
The Pink Elephant - Mother's Day
The Squirrel and the Fox - Mother's Day
My Sheri Crafts - celebrating moms
Eureka Stamps - Mother's Day flowers

Many Thanks Mushroom

Coffee of the Day - Salted Caramel Pecan

I needed to put together a thank you card for a gentleman who did something oh, so wonderful for us. of course Dave took one look at this card and said, "what's so special about a mushroom? I don't get it."  oh well. major fail on my part. I thought it looked nice, but maybe not. ;)

The image, Fairy Mushroom One, is from A Day for Daisies, paper is from the Basic Grey Serendipity collection, leaf flourish die is Cheery Lynn, doily die is Sizzix, and main image/mat die is Spellbinders. the burlap ribbon is by May Arts, the Many Thanks sticker is by SRM, and buttons are from my stash. I also used my SU! ink squirty tool on the main image in addition to adding some little touches to the mushroom with a white gel pen.

Enjoy what is left of your weekend! :)

Challenges:
A Day for Daisies - add a doily and/or twine (both)
Challenges 4 Everybody - anything goes
Come and Get it - anything goes
Dragonfly Dreams - how does your garden grow?
Dream Valley - anything goes
Sentimental Sundays - sentiment and lace/doily or shabby chic
Catch the Bug - anything goes
Lexi's Creations - for a male

Oh the Places We Will Go!

Coffee of the Day - Marzipan

Happy National Scrapbooking Day! I plan to spend my day in my craft room - making some cards, doing some much needed cleaning, and packing up a bunch of things that need to get mailed out. if you are waiting on a package from me, hopefully everything will get mailed on Monday after my dr. appt.  Do you have fun plans for today? crafting? scrapbook layouts? Project Life? leave me a comment and let me know!

Today is also a fun new challenge over at The Doodle Garden! we have a great sketch for you to try, so play along with us! There are some cutey freebies available, and you know you want to stop by to see what the rest of the DT has created! :)

I chose to use the adorable little Travel Trailer image on my card. I also turned the sketch on its side. papers are from the Basic Grey Hopscotch collection. my friend, Trina, had sent me some of these papers she wasn't using. she knows what a BG junkie I am! :)  flower is Prima, butterfly is punched with a Martha Stewart punch, sentiment is generated with my label maker, seam binding is actual vintage, and buttons are from my stash.

Challenges:
Sister Act - any card goes
Fan-tastic Tues - square and floral
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes w/patterned paper
Flat Friends - dies and/or punches (both)
4 Crafty Girls - anything goes
Hobbybook - add a sentiment
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Color Throwdown - color inspiration (I have also added soft suede)
Crafty Sentiments - anything goes
Scribble and Scrap - anything goes

We Can Beat This Starburst

Coffee of the Day - Buttered Rum

It's Friday! wooo hoooo! always a happy day, regardless of whether you are still in school or not. there is just something so special about a Friday, don't you think?!

I wanted to play along in the Unity Friends with Flair Friday challenge, but also saw a fun sketch over at The Stamping Boutique today. add that to the Outlawz Paper a la Mode challenge of pink that ends tonight, and I was in a hurry to get a card made today! :)

I have a box of cards I need to get out to MD Anderson in Texas to their cancer center, so thought I would add one more to the mix before packaging it up this weekend. this is the same place all cards for Hope You Can Cling To at Split Coast Stampers are sent. since my previous oncologist moved over 1 1/2 hours away from me, I no longer have a card box to add cards to. my current oncologist is at our local hospital, and they don't do anything like the card box I had set up before. so I need someplace to send all of my cards!

I have a big dr. appt. on Monday and start up tests & scans next week. not looking forward to that. you won't see much of me .....

stamps are from the Unity Angie Girl set, 'Cure Girls.' papers are from the Basic Grey Highline collection. starburst die is from Taylored Expressions, leaf flourish die is Cheery Lynn, and die for main image is Spellbinders.  the sentiment banner is actually attached with pink staples. I love these, but save them for very special projects! flower is Prima and sequins were just scattered over the card. I glued them down where they fell. love the random look!

will see you back here tomorrow! enjoy your weekend! :)

Challenges:
Unity Friends with Flair - anything goes with Unity products
The Stamping Boutique - sketch
Outlawz Paper a la Mode - all about the pink
Brown Sugar - patterned paper
Crafty Ribbons - anything goes with ribbon
Creative Card Crew - girly
Just For Fun - ribbon or lace
Sister Act - any card goes
Ooh La La - faithful friends (believe me, it makes a big difference to have people stand by your side during a cancer battle. not everyone does, sadly)
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes with patterned paper
Sassy Studios - so bright ya gotta wear shades
Crafting By Designs - anything goes
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Nutcrafters - bingo: bling (sequins), girly, paper punch or die cuts (dies listed above)
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
Going Grey with Scrap Creations - anything goes
One Stitch at a Time - anything goes
Robyn's Fetish - get well

About a Girl... Having a Birthday

Coffee of the Day - Hazelnut

Happy May Day! I hope your day is filled with beautiful flowers! I so remember celebrating this day when I was a little girl. I loved to make baskets at school and fill them with handpicked flowers to deliver to neighbors. I really hate that we don't celebrate it anymore. I think that is why I enjoy lilacs so much - they were a 'must have' in every May Day basket I ever made. the lilac bush outside my craft room is just beginning to bud. can't wait for the gorgeous flowers and aroma to fill my room! :)

Today is the start of a new 'anything goes' challenge over at the Oddball Art Facebook page. the only requirement is that you use one of Lizzy's adorable Oddball Art stamps on whatever you make. this month the DT were all given the same image to use. stop by so you can see how one image can be used in so many different ways! I hope you will play along as well. :)

As I mentioned, the DT were all given the image, 'Big Eyed Girl 3' for our projects. I felt like she needed a sidewalk, so I painted one in for her to stand on. then as I was walking from the kitchen to the living room, I noticed a pretty blue spot on the floor. (we have all hard wood floors in our house, so blue really stands out!) as I had been watering the hydrangeas that Dave gave me for Easter, one tiny dried blossom had fallen off of the plant as I took it back into the dining room. of course it couldn't go to waste! I quickly sprayed both sides with hair spray to help preserve it, and then knew it would be perfect on this girl!

so then I needed papers. I am one of those who has to have papers before I start my coloring/painting. I had just been to the Basic Grey blog and they were showcasing the Spice Market collection. ta da! so there ya have it. the wacky way I put things together. of course after I painted the sidewalk, I knew in order to make it more realistic, it needed little grass tufts growing through it - just like mine out front!

gorgeous flowers are Prima, enamel dots are some of my homemade ones, fab sentiment sticker is SRM. a piece of clear packaging was used to cut the photo frame that highlights her cutey face. die is from Lawn Fawn.

and the birthday girl? well it's our niece, Ellen. we don't get to see her or her family anywhere near as often as we would like, but I hope this card lets her know just how very much we love her!and she's not really a girl anymore, but the wishes are there for her just the same.  Happy Birthday, Ellen!  :)

Challenges:
Sketchy Colors - sketch
Catch the Bug - color inspiration
Crafty Ribbons - anything goes with ribbons
Delightful Ch - add dimension
Milk Coffee - use bright colors (waving hi to my old teamies!)
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - anything goes with bingo twist: layers, digi, ribbon
Seize the Birthday - anything birthday goes
Hobbybook - add a sentiment
Inky Impressions - anything goes
Paper Shelter - use that ribbon
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Die Cuttin Divas - girly (dies - Spellbinder and Lawn Fawn)
Digi Makeover - for a special lady
Fitztown - lots of layers
Eclectic Ellapu - birthday
Glitter 'n Sparkle - add ribbon
Quirky Crafts - beginning with 's' (sidewalk, sundress, sneakers, socks, sentiment, Spellbinders)
Di's Digi Designs - birthdays