Birthday Blog Candy!

Here is the post all of  you have been waiting for - my Birthday Blog Candy! The theme for this package of crafty items is not just birthday, but all reasons to celebrate! One winner will receive goodies for Birthdays and other holidays.

for this candy draw, I am asking this time that you please be a follower of my blog. only follow my blog if you truly like what I post and you intend to stay for a bit. please leave a comment letting me know that you have read the post and be sure to add your blog link via the little blue froggy. pretty easy peasy! if you don't have a blog, be sure that you at least leave your email address so that I have some way to contact you.

the blog candy will be open until Tuesday, June 30 at midnight. I will post the winner within a day or so afterward so that I can hopefully get it mailed out by the weekend. I will also be doing a 'Christmas in July' blog candy, so look for that one in a few weeks! (edit for the Christmas blog candy - I will be giving this one away NOW to another winner, not in July!!!)

Included in this prize:

• Crate Paper Maggie Holmes Confetti 6x6 paper pad
• 2 pkgs Prima flowers
• 2 rolls washi tape
• SRM Stickers - birthday cupcakes
• Tim Holtz Vial Labels
• Webster's Pages bows
• JoAnn's Crafts Assorted Holiday Fabric & Metal Stickers
• Stamps by Unity & Pebbles
• Want 2 Scrap Pearl Nestabling
• Pkg of 2 glass beads
• Decorative Scissors
• Assorted ribbons and tags not shown in photo
• Multi Color Sequins
• Cork stickers
• a few other goodies I will also add to the package! (waiting on one thing to arrive in the mail)

Please be sure to add your link below. Thanks so much for your continued kindness and support! y'all are the best of the best! :)

p.s. a handfull of folks who signed up for my last blog candy, but did not win the grand prize, received a small gift certificate to Tiddly Winks to do a fun bit of digi shopping. so it always pays to play! you never know if I might decide to do something like that again! ;)

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

Feeling a Little Horse...

Coffee of the Day - Toffee Cream

I have come to discover that painting horses is so not my thing. after spending  more than 2 1/2 hours working on just the watercolor portion of one, I ended up throwing it in the trash and starting over. NOT FUN, needless to say. you would think after growing up around them that this wouldn't be a difficulty for me. nope. trouble city.

but I was asked to make a get well card for someone who's aunt loves horses. so I persevered. and it came out okay, but let's hope I don't have to do another one anytime soon. oh ick. I DO! I still have my western cards to finish this week.... oh well. bring it on, says the woman who loves to wear her brave boots! ha! ;)

so the horse image is from QKR Stampede, papers are from the Soleil collection by Basic Grey, ribbon is from SU!, buttons are all vintage, and flowers are Wild Orchid Crafts. a small piece of burlap ribbon from May Arts sits under the flowers.

as with the photo from the prior post, this had to be taken quickly so hubby could get it to the person who requested the card. didn't have time to get my proper photo set-up put together.

Tomorrow is the last day to enter my Birthday Blog Candy, so be sure you have added your name!
Have a great week! :)

Bzzzz Bzzzzz - A Floral Thank You Note

Coffee of the Day - Sweet Potato

I am going to apologize in advance for the photo quality on this one, folks. hubby had to take it with him just as soon as I finished making it, so I barely had a chance to take the piccy. this is one of the cards I was asked to make by someone who works out at Camp. doing the other one today. I am a verrrrrry slow crafter. I am happy to get one card made in a day. :)

anyhow, I didn't have any guidelines to go by as far as whether this was to be girly, masculine, whimsical, or whatnot, so for me, when in doubt, go PINK! :) tee hee! not really, but that just happens to be what the end result turned out to be....

I so rarely know how a card or project is going to look when I first start crafting, so it's as big a surprise to me as it is to everyone else! ha!

the pretty floral thank you image is by Eureka, papers are from the Basic Grey Urban Prairie collection, grosgrain ribbon and vintage buttons are from my stash, and flowers are by Wild Orchid Crafts. the flower stamen and bee's wings were painted with shimmerz. I sure do love that stuff! :)

btw - if you happen to enjoy Wild Orchid Crafts flowers, Live and Love Crafts has a sale at their website to celebrate their birthday, but it ends today. hurry over to get 15% off your entire purchase!

and my birthday blog candy ends on Tuesday, so be sure you have entered!
I've started to get caught up on visiting blogs. if I haven't stopped by yours yet, I'll be there soon! :)

So We Live in a Nut House....

Coffee of the Day - Irish Cream

Thank you to those of you who took the time to leave comments on my post yesterday. we all have our own opinions, thoughts, and personalities which is what makes this world so great! I did post EVERY comment.

for those of you who have trouble receiving prizes you win, boy howdy, do I ever hear you on that one. but over the years I have come to accept that I am only going to receive about half of the prizes I win. it's just the way it goes. and there are some companies/stores/challenge blogs that I no longer visit just for that reason - they don't follow through on what they sponsor.

I do agree that there are some fabulous challenge blogs out there. some are just amazing about leaving comments, and for that I am most appreciative! :)
for the others, I do put a lot of blame on people who over-burden themselves by joining far too many DTs and then can't fulfill the commitments. I think we all know some people like that. my complaints have NEVER been for those that have life struggles get in the way from time to time. it  happens to all of us, and I truly do understand.

so back to crafting fun!
our wonderful son, Mick, is moving about 5 hours away..... sigh.... so of course I needed to make him a card. a little while back I came across a handfull of stamps from this neat company called Lavinia Stamps. I did a bit of investigating and discovered they are based in the UK, went to their site, and good golly! what gorgeous stamps and digis! I need to do some shopping very soon! grins!

Mick is our nature/woodsy guy who is studying wildlife conservation. so of course this cute little acorn fairy house stamp seemed just perfect to wish him all the best in his new home.

papers are from the Authentique Durable collection, flowers are by Prima and Petaloo, neat grey buttons are MFT, while the little clear one is from my stash, great natural wired trim is some I found at World Market at Christmas, zipper pull piece is off of a pair of jeans that were going to be tossed, and ticket is from my stash as well. little 'home' word was printed on the label maker. some faux stitching was added to paper edges, but my white gel pen is almost out of ink, so it's a bit faint. sorry! twigs from the yard finish the card.

Today is filled with loads of laundry, as my guys are here just until this evening from Camp. trying to get all of their things washed before they head back out. have a few card commissions to work on as well, so it's a busy, busy day!

be sure to sign up for the blog candy! have a great weekend! :)

Hello, Little Hedgehog!

Coffee of the Day - Cinnamon Macadamia

Well, I think Mocha and I are finally getting the hang of things here with just the 2 of us. I leave the door to my craft room open, and she knows where I am. she still gets freaky deaky, but eventually calms herself down, knowing that I DO come out after a while. ;)

One of the cards I needed to get finished was this one for the Progressive Challenge over at From the Heart. Our image this month is the cutey 'Prickles Says Hello.'  I have also used this week's sketch from their challenge, adding my own little touches, as I am wont to do!

papers are from the Simple Stories Summer Vibes collection, flowers are a mix of Wild Orchid Crafts, Prima, and Michaels. burlap ribbon is by May Arts, and orange satin ribbon is from my stash. main image is cut with a Spellbinders die, sun & clouds are cut with a La La Land die, and little banner is cut with a Lawn Fawn die. buttons and washi tapes are from my stash as well, linen thread is SU!

I added the little butterfly trail with my black spica glitter gel pen. shimmerz was painted over parts of the butterfly, while I painted in accents to the butterfly, banner, and hedgehog using white craft ink. his glasses are covered in crystal effects. some faux stitching around the card base completes the card.

Don't forget to pop your entry into my Birthday Blog Candy! :)

Challenges:
From the Heart sketch - sketch 112
Clear it Out - theme: your style (shabby), stash: fave craft item (probably buttons because I use them on EVERYTHING I  make!!!)
Fan-tastic Tues - any square card goes with a twist of summer
Loves Rubberstamps - use a die cut (Spellbinders, La La Land, and Lawn Fawn)
TTCRD - anything goes
Love to Scrap - anything goes
Not Just Cards - anything goes
Stamp and Create - summer fun
Come and Get It - cute animals
L'il Patch of Crafty Friends - anything goes

Quirky Rosettes Guest Designer - It's a Sweet Summer!

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice (because it's my all time fave!)

first of all, Happy Father's Day to all of the dads, grandpas, uncles, and single moms who have had to be all of the above.... days like this I miss my dad like crazy, but am so very thankful for the short time we had together and the wonderful example Dave is to our sons! :)

For my card today, I was asked to be a Guest Designer over at Quirky Crafts. the theme for the new challenge is 'Quirky Rosettes.' now I had never in my life made a rosette, so okay, challenge here we come! ;)

Thankfully I had a die I had never used before (shock! horrors! none of you have any of those, do you?!?) to the rescue marches the Tim Holtz mini snowflake rosette die. I know you are thinking, snowflakes? in the middle of summer? well, hey. it's all I had. so this gal was gonna make do!

I was provided this cutey pie image, 'Siannie,' by Kaz Kraftz at Stitchy Bear Digi Outlet. all of the papers and elements are from the Echo Park Country Drive collection.  her little dress was paper pieced, while the edges of each rosette were covered in stickles. her socks & the flowers in her hair were painted with shimmerz. buttons are from my stash, and flowers are an assortment of Wild Orchid Crafts & misc.  a doily peaks out from behind the main image.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! I'll have my blog candy up in just a bit. :)

Challenges:
Sweet Sketch Wed - sketch
Double Click Skittles - summer fun
A Gem of a Challenge - summertime
Di's Digi Ch - summer fun
Really Reasonable Ribbon - sizzlin' summer colors
The Stamping Boutique - summer fun
Aud Sentiments - summertime sentiment
Hanna & Friends - in the garden
Crafting By Designs - summertime fun
Inky Impressions - summertime
Crafting Musketeers - Shades of Summer
Crafty Time Ch - girls, girls, girls
Lia Stampz - anything goes
Craft Your Passion - anything goes
Love to Scrap - anything goes
Melonheadz - bright colors
Stamp and Create - summer fun
613 Avenue Create - anything goes with optional sights, tastes, and sounds of summer (flowers & butterflies from sights column; child from sounds column)

Sending Christmas Blessings with Gruffy in a Box of Ornaments

Coffee of the Day - Maple Walnut

Today is my birthday - wooo hoooo!  so this is going to be a fast post. we are heading out for lunch and a movie soon. plus I needed to get this card posted to make a challenge deadline.  Mick will be coming over later this afternoon once he gets off work. will be FABULOUS to have the entire family together! we're also celebrating Father's Day since everyone will be back at work/Camp tomorrow.

I have totally fallen short on getting started on Christmas cards this year, so was glad to see the House Mouse challenge of Holidays. can you believe this is my first Christmas card so far?! normally I have at least a dozen made by this time. oh well. we can only do what we can do.

The main image stamp is Gruffies Decorating Bear, sentiment stamp is by Unity, papers are Simple Stories Cozy Christmas, flowers & leaves are Petaloo, buttons are from my stash as is the white satin ribbon. little twine piece is re-purposed from a bag of dog food and then a doily portion was added to the lower right hand corner. oh yes, the ornaments are covered in shimmerz paint. lots of distressing, as per usual! :)

will hopefully have my blog candy up tomorrow!

Challenges:
House Mouse and Friends - Holiday
DeConstructing Jen -  final sketch :(
Allsorts - use a stamp (House Mouse and Unity)
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Ch - merry and bright
Catch the Bug - bingo: flower, ribbon, player's choice (twine)
Christmas Stampin' All Year Long - ribbon or lace (ribbon)
Moving Along with the Times - inspired by a song ('It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas')
ABC Christmas - 'L' is for lyric ('It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas')
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas extra - anything Christmas goes
Let's Craft and Create - add some sparkle (shimmerz paint on ornaments)
Sparkle's Christmas - Christmas Animals
Bunny Zoe's - Furry Animals

Happy Father's Day, You Silly Lumberjack Beaver!

Coffee of the Day - Caribbean Coconut Hazelnut

Well it's been a long time coming, but I finally have a card to show all of you. and boy was it ever tough to get made!

poor Mocha hasn't been doing very well since Latte died. she has never been alone in all of her 13 years, so if I try to go anywhere or do anything, she panics and starts to freak out. crafting has NOT been allowed, needless to say. I've tried leaving the door open in my craft room, but she won't come in. so this card was made in bits and spurts.

when I had all of my computer woes, as I went through my files cleaning things out, I realized I have a LOT of images I have never done anything with. this summer one of my goals is to remedy that! so you will be seeing some fun images that will hopefully either introduce to some long forgotten stores or remind you of some files you might have hidden in your computer, too. :)

(if you click on the photo, it will take you to another screen to see the card much larger)

my hubby loves to do woodwork whenever he has the spare time, (which isn't that often, sadly), so I combined the QKR Stampede carpenter beaver with a fun Tool Time template/cutting file I won over at The Cutting Cafe. I took a sentiment from Eureka and cut it apart - almost looks like this little guy got at it with his saw! tee hee!

digital paper is Prima Craftsman, burlap ribbon is May Arts, seam binding is SU!, buttons are from my stash, flower is Prima, belt loop is from a pair of shorts that were about to be tossed, and cardboard is re-purposed packaging.

the cardboard is actually on the inside of the card. seam binding was distressed with ink and wrinkled prior to tying bow.

here's a little tip for you regarding masculine cards - guys DO actually like flowers, believe it or not. they just don't want a LOT of them or frou frou ones covering their cards. stick with neutral colors or even better, those flowers made from fabrics, especially burlap. same goes with ribbon.

Thank you again for your loving comments about Latte and your patience as well. you make my heart so very happy! :)

be on the lookout for more crafty stuff coming soon. Mocha and I WILL get through this. ;) blog candy to post over the weekend, I hope!

Challenges:
Ribbon Girl - masculine project with ribbon (2 types of ribbon)
Creative Moments - anything goes with a masculine twist
Mod Squad - Father's Day
Paper Shelter - make it digital (paper, image, & sentiment)
Whimsy - use ribbon, lace, or twine (2 types of ribbon)
WAW - anything goes family friendly
Cardz 4 Guyz - Father's Day
Going Grey with Scrap Creations - Father's Day
Loves Rubberstamps - masculine
TTCRD - anything goes
Top Tip Tues - cut it out (waving to my old teamies!!!)
Tuesday Throwdown - Mr. Handyman
Digi Galore - Father's Day with digis
Craft Dee BowZ - anything goes with handmade bow (sorry that it's hard to see the one loop of the bow)
Craftin' Desert Divas - masculine or Father's Day
Eureka - Father's Day
QKR - Father's Day
Get Creative - for the boys or Father's Day
Kraft Journal - anything goes krafty and masculine (kraft cs used)
Come and Get It - it's a guy thing
One Stitch at a Time - anything goes with men
That Craft Place - anything goes
Little Claire - Father's Day
Creative Corner - just for boys
Jo's Scrap Shack - Father's Day
Left of Center - for the boys
Simply Create Too - masculine
Simply Papercraft - anything goes
Sister Act - any card goes
DL Art Thankful Thurs - for a man or boy

Thank You

Coffee of the Day - Marzipan

Thank you so very much for all of your kind and loving comments about Latte. They mean a great deal to me!

We are all still having a tough time with her being gone. My sons call me in the middle of the night in tears because they miss her so much. I wake up crying because I dream of her. Mocha, her sister, keeps looking for her outside and refuses to come in until she finds her.

I haven't been able to do any crafting. that will come in time, I know. so please be patient with me. my birthday blog candy will probably be put off a bit, but I will see.

Just know that your kindness has touched my heart. and you are each loved - truly, deeply.
Jennifer

A Sick Pup....and an Update :(

Coffee of the Day - Kahlua and Cream

I haven't done any crafting for a bit because I have a very, very sick puppy at home. :(  my beautiful Princess Pup, Latte, isn't doing very well. not sure if she will make it through the day.

(photo taken last year when we got new dog beds)

oh sigh.... she has been my coffee buddy, my nurse, my so much more than a friend. I'm doing my best to take care of her and be strong, but gosh, my heart is breaking into tiny pieces.

I can't leave her side because she starts crying and moaning if she can't see me. so I have been talking to her, petting her, and doing all I can to be in some small way a comfort while she doesn't feel well.

will try to get to a vet later today if she doesn't start showing signs of getting better.

just wanted to let all of you know what is going on.... makes it all the more difficult that my family is gone for the summer.

go hug your four legged friends for me - real tight! and then hug those two legged ones as well! :)

update -

our wonderful Latte died a little after 1pm today. the tears haven't stopped.
I was able to talk to her and pet her head as she passed away. my heart hurts.

13 years together wasn't near long enough, Pretty Girl.....

A Cup of Tea To YOU!

Coffee of the Day - Carrot Cake

yes, you are in shock. I have made a card about tea, not coffee. and I'm linking it to a Summer Coffee Lover's Blog Hop. makes no sense whatsoever if you visit my blog very often. I'm happy to be able to link this to the blog hop though. I miss taking part in these since I'm not on FB any longer.

but if you know me irl, then you know that I was a tea drinker lonnnnnnng before I became a coffee addict. during the summer I make all kinds of blends of iced tea. and this card is going to a very, very special friend.

my bestie in all the world is sickie poo. so she needed a special card. we have gone for tea many times, and I knew she would appreciate the little tea bag I added to the tag. we used to go for coffee, too, but when you are sick, nothing comforts like a cup of hot tea. so I can do that for her. :)

this precious stamp is a House Mouse Gruffie called 'All Warm and Fuzzy'. I still remember the first card I ever made with this stamp. as much as I love the little House Mouse mice, these bears are my faves.

papers are from the Authentique Remembrance collection, flowers are a combo of Wild Orchid Crafts, Prima, and Live & Love Crafts specialties. buttons and lace/crochet trim are vintage. tea border die is Cottage Cutz and was sprayed with my SU! ink squirty tool, while main die is Spellbinders. little punches in the upper corner are SU!. tag with tulle ribbon is in a library pocket that was distressed. the sentiment was computer generated.

and I know all of you are curious as to what the yummy flavor of tea is that I included..... it's a tasty Ginger Peach by Stash. delicious hot or cold. :) the tag slides further down in the pocket, but I left it out so you could see the full sentiment.

btw - if you click on the actual card photo, it will take you to a larger photo to see more of the details, and it won't look quite so blurry.

hope all of you are having a great weekend so far! don't forget I'll have blog candy coming soon for my birthday! :)

Challenges:
Summer Coffee Lover's Blog Hop - the colors are summery to me! :) plus there is nothing worse than having pneumonia at the start of the summer...
Gruffies and Guests - lavender and lace
Catch the Bug - anything goes
Di's Digi Designs - die cuts (Spellbinders & Cottage Cutz)
Your Next Stamp - sketch or color challenge (color)
Aud Sentiments - bingo: patterned paper, rubber stamp, paper punch plus sentiment
Scrap and Craft - tag it
Card and Scrap - use dies (Spellbinders & Cottage Cutz)
WAW - anything goes/family friendly
Crafty Creations - All Creatures Great and Small
Penny's Paper Crafty - anything goes
Kraftin' Kimmie's Wonderful Wed - anything goes
Loves Rubberstamps - anything goes
Papertake Weekly - anything goes
Ribbon Girls - animal
Verve Stamps - eat me, drink me photo inspiration
613 Avenue Create - anything goes with option of making something for your best friend (and I did!)
Corrosive Ch - pile it on (LOVE this theme!)

Great Link for New Stampin' Up! In Color Comparison Charts!

Coffee of the Day - Kahlua and Cream

Any of you who have been around my blog for very long know that there are a few things that are MUST HAVE's for me with regard to my crafting - Basic Grey papers and my Stampin' Up! inks. I use other inks periodically, but pretty much most of my watercoloring and stamping is done with SU! yes, I still have every color/shade they have released. I don't discontinue them from my collection. I use them ALL! :)

so when it's time for the new 'in colors', I'm always curious how they compare to retired colors. I happened upon this amazing post at Crafty Stampin's blog showing some wonderful charts. I wanted to share it with all of you in case there might be another SU! ink junkie out there like me! grins!

if you do stop by Linda's blog, please be so kind as to leave her a comment. you can tell she put a lot of work into making her comparison charts. and I, for one, sure do appreciate it!

now to start saving my pennies....

Rockin' the Pink Cowboy Boots!

Coffee of the Day - Sweet Potato

Well I was finally able to get into my craft room and get one card made. still a bajillion to go, but at least I am off to a start! :) seems as if my 'honey do' card list just keeps getting longer rather than shorter as the days go by....

Since we have a theme at Camp this summer of 'Go West', all of the cards you'll see me post will be of a western theme.

Today's card uses a fun image by Mayzy Art that was actually created for the group over at The Outlawz. I'm no longer a member, but am a huge fan of Mayzy's work. she has some great fan art if you like that sort of thing. you KNOW I do. ;) check out her freebies page, too.

the nature/landscape images are from Eureka. I am using these so so much! you will probably grow weary of seeing them on all of these western projects, but they really do add so much character!

Papers are from the Carta Bella Giddy Up Girl digital collection, buttons are vintage, linen thread is by SU!, pink grosgrain ribbon is from my stash, rose is Wild Orchid Crafts, and bark star is from Live and Love Crafts. those fancy schmancy boots are cut with a Spellbinders die. as soon as I saw it, I knew I really needed to have it! I have this thing about cowboy boots with my crafting...guess it goes back to always needing to put my brave boots on! :)

Hubby was really nice and took the photo for me. on top of the seizures which won't seem to go away, I had some other yuck happen today that has knocked me out for the count. hope it doesn't keep me down too long. I have GOT to get more crafting done! ;)

hope to be back soon with more projects if my health allows. and yes, I WILL get to your blogs one day. really really!

love to all of you! Jennifer

p.s. the inside has also been decorated. I printed out the verse Acts 1:8, which is the verse for Camp this summer. I used a western style font, distressed the edges, and then sprayed it with 2 shades of glimmer mist. sorry there isn't a photo. will try to get one of the next card made.

Challenges:
Crafty Time - girls, girls, girls
Cards Galore Encore - any card goes
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes w/patterned paper
CCC Digi Creations - layer it up
Pile it On - focus on coloring (watercolor)
Paper Creator's Crafts - anything goes
Sisters of Craft - anything goes
Inspiration Destination - anything goes
WAW - anything goes/family friendly
Clear it Out - anything goes stash item: vintage buttons & ribbon
Digi Choosday - use kraft cardstock (card base)
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Not Just Cards - anything goes
Come and Get It - distress it (paper distressing and ink)
Quirky Crafts - put your quirky shoes or shirts on (well I've got my boots! grins!)
Corrosive Ch - anything goes
Little Claire - outdoors
Jo's Scrap Shack - anything goes
Sister Act - any card goes

What's Up....

Coffee of the Day - Coconut Cream

Hello, my wonderful bloggy friends! no, I haven't disappeared, although I am sure it seems that way.

I've been very busy working on my computer still. we were finally able to get another external hard drive yesterday, so I'm trying to get files cleaned up in order to transfer everything over. I'm kinda surprised at how many duplicates of images, etc. I have saved. working to eliminate all of those, but it takes a while.

the few times I come online to do some blog commenting, I find that my following feed has disappeared. it pops up every once in a while, so I do apologize to those of you who are WAY overdue for a comment for me.  hopefully things get back to normal soon.

my family had a wonderful time at the reunion! so glad they were able to go. I'm still waiting for all of the pix to come through.

now here is the part of interest for all of YOU!!!
I'm picking up goodies here and there for another blog candy! wooo hooooo! this month is my birthday, so I thought I would celebrate with all of you! be on the lookout in the next few weeks! :)

hope you have a most wonderful week! I have just GOT to get to my craft room and get busy some time this week. Camp starts this weekend, and I haven't made any of the cards for the staff yet. yikes!