Celebrate Christmas with Jellypark! Blog Candy Winners, too!

Coffee of the Day - Hazelnut

Today begins a new challenge over at Jellypark, and Mel was kind enough to invite me to be a guest designer! it was truly a delight to be back playing with the fun images found at Jellypark, so thank you for the invitation, Mel!

the theme for the month of November is Christmas. I do hope you will play along! my former teamie, Lisa Sumpter, so do stop by to see the great cards she has made. :)

I made 2 projects, both using papers from the My Mind's Eye Winter Wonderland collection.

for my holiday tag, I used the cutey image 'Skater Girl' and fussy cut her once I had finished painting. shimmerz paint adds shine to her skates while stickles add a bit of texture and sparkle to her hat.

the tag base was embossed using the Cuttlebug Snowflakes folder. several shades of ink were watercolored for the bg, and then white craft ink was applied to the snowflakes. blue glimmer mist was lightly sprayed over the top.

snow mounds were cut from lyrics I printed of the song, 'Let it Snow.' shimmery Mr. Huey's spray was added and stickles was applied to the borders. same treatment for ice skating pond oval.

pom pom trim, button, baker's twine, silver cord, tag, sequins, and vintage holly leaves complete the tag. can't wait to add this to a gift at Christmas! :)

my next project is a card implementing the popular chalkboard look. I used the 'Christmas Window' image by Jellypark. lots of sparkle and shine on the main image thanks to shimmerz paint and stickles!

I created the chalkboard tag by drawing lines with a white gel pen and then lightly sponging white craft ink over the entire tag. embellishments include baker's twine, gorgeous wide, white ribbon, buttons, a Petaloo poinsettia, and holiday lights created with dies by Memory Box and matching paper. I added crystal effects to the lights to give them extra gloss.

thanks so much for stopping by! it was wonderful to be crafting again! hopefully it won't be so long between times in my craft room.....

I also now have the winners of my Pinktober Blog Candy. it took me a bit to figure out how to get piccys of the random.org generator, but finally have them! I need the following 3 people to get in touch with me at (jenscull at yahoo dot com) please:
3. Terriavidreader
7. stef h
4. Mel H :)

Thank you to everyone who entered! I wish I could give all of you a prize for being so fabulous!!!

Challenges
Tag:
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Extra - anything Christmas goes
Emerald Faeries - non-traditional Christmas colors
Mema's Crafts - anything goes
The Crafting Cafe - not a card
Pile it On - feeling cool
Christmas at Sweet Stamping - snowflakes
Crafts 4 Eternity - tags & tickets
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas - sparkle (shimmerz paint, glimmer mist, stickles, sequins)
Crafty Calendar - all about Christmas
Little Claire's - Christmas
Catch the Bug - anything goes
Brown Sugar - anything goes
Delicious Doodles - Baby, It's Cold Outside
MAWTT - winter
Paper Shelter - Christmas
Crafting for All Seasons - Tag It
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - anything goes
Divas by Design - anything goes
Simon Says Stamp Wed - anything goes
Word Art Wed - anything encouraging goes
Creative Card Crew - bows
Craft-Dee BowZ - anything goes w/handmade bow
Crafty Boots - music
Eureka - buttons and bows
Incy Wincy - buttons and bling (sequins)

Card:
Papertake Weekly - sketch (turned on its side)
Animal Fiends - It's Cold with an animal (kitty)
Bearly Mine - Christmas Cards
Emerald Faeries - non-traditional Christmas colors
Really Reasonable Ribbon - anything goes w/ribbon
Pile it On - feeling cool
Crafty Ribbons - tag w/ribbon
Crafts 4 Eternity - tags & tickets
Crafty Calendar - all about Christmas
Little Claire's - Christmas
Brown Sugar - anything goes
QKR Stampede - 3 of a kind (buttons)
Sister Act - any card goes
Aud Sentiments - 2 or 3 words sentiments
MAWTT - winter
Crafting for All Seasons - Tag It
Crafty Creations - brads, buttons, or bows
Divas By Design - anything goes
Penny's Paper-Crafty - anything goes
Simon Says Stamp Wed - anything goes
Word Art Wed - anything encouraging goes
Creative Card Crew - bows
Craft-Dee BowZ - anything goes w/handmade bow
Eureka - buttons and bows

Big Stuff Coming Up!

Coffee of the Day - Creamy Chestnut

big events coming up in the crafty world - World Card Making Day on October 4 and Hope You Can Cling To for the entire month of October. plenty of opportunities to get inky!!!

 I'm spending the day putting finishing touches on my personal pink blog candy for next month to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness. will also do some sorting and arranging in the craft room so I am ready to be a craft warrior!

 don't feel as if everything you make next month has to be pink. there are so many amazing organizations that collect cards for people with debilitating illnesses. check with them for any specific needs or requests they might have before sending them your cards though. one of my faves is the Jellypark Post Pals Club, sending cards to children and teens with terminal illnesses.

the important thing is to pass the gift of kindness along.... have a great weekend!

and this is the latest news - I was just invited to be in a great Coffee Lover's Blog Hop on Monday!

sure hope you will stop by! lots of bloggers and lots of prizes! of course lots of coffee inspiration, too. ;)

Messy Face Chocolate Boy

Coffee of the Day - Irish Creme

I've been slow getting caught up on my cards for Jellypark Post Pals, but I finally got another one made. this card is going to a young boy by the name of William S.  I couldn't resist, as that is Tyler's first name. :)

the next image given for everyone to use was a clown. well clowns and I get along about as well as me and monkeys, so I begged and pleaded with Claire to please please please use a different image. she was very kind and said yes. so I chose to use this cutey boy with his chocolate bar for my card.

papers are from the Basic Grey Hopscotch collection, sentiment is by Create with TLC, linen thread and sentiment punch are by SU! I thought the candy bar wrapper would make a fun touch and also added a belt loop cut from a pair of shorts. a few buttons finish the card.

keep your eyes open, because I will be posting my big 50th birthday blog candy soon! I am waiting on a few last things to come in so I can take a photo for all of you! :)

Challenges:
A Little Bit Crafty - Child's Play
Creative Corner - Just for boys
Papertake Weekly - for the boys
Aud Sentiment - any sentiment for a guy
WAW - anything encouraging goes
TTCRD - anything goes

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

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

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... 

Lots of Love for Lauryn

Olga Jewell Craftieodamae

Mary Anne Kelemen Lakeside Stamping

Lisa Haines The Purple Place

Patti Painter Patti’s Paper Creations

Jennie Harper Stampin Away the Day 

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 

Jerusha Borden I Love Paper Crafting 

Jenn Borjeson Stampin' Angel Jenn 

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

Debbie Ebat Debbie’s Stamping Adventures

Tera Fujan Stamp Queen 

Patti Gilliam Cherish Each Precious Gift

Joy Hadden Pieces of Joy

Danielle Haddon The Musings of a Chocoholic

Karen Knegten Studio at the Lake 

Lori McAree Smiling While Stamping

CG Merrill CG Says (something loudly)

Rhonda Miller Rhonda’s Place to Shine

Lee Murphy My Reality

Betty Neville Betty Neville's Blog

Jackie Randolph Paper Moments 

Shirley Ross Card Art, Etc.

Melissa Shultz Coffee Stamps and Stitches

Carla Suto Carla’s Stamping Spot 

Cat Tidwell Cat’s Creations 

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)

Ewe are SO Sweet!

Coffee of the Day - Moon Pie

Hello! More cool stuff to tell you about - I am back with the Pile it On Design Team again! it was so nice of everyone there to allow me to come back to the DT! the challenges are so much fun to play in, and y'all know I can't seem to keep away from challenges!

the challenge starting this week is called 'Lamb or Lion' and is sponsored by Jellypark, another one of my old teams! the idea is to use either a soft and sweet theme (lamb) or go bold and bright (lion). I kinda mixed them up a bit on my card. I chose a soft and sweet image from Jellypark, Ewe Are So Sweet, and then added bright colors.

papers are digital ones from the Echo Park Beautiful Life collection., gorgeous gilded rose is Prima. everything else is from my stash. I did add some faux stitching, 'cause y'all know I can't 'real' sew to save my life! flower centers are dotted with a pink spica glitter gel pen. the sentiment banner was sprayed with glimmer mist.

since I am adding this to the Top Tip Tuesday challenge, I will give you a little tip: when I went to add the sentiment banner, I decided it needed some extra dimension, so I wanted to pop it up on foam tape. the main image was already adhered with foam tape of its own. I wanted the banner to go to the edge of the card, and a little staple would be perfect. problem - I couldn't staple the banner to the card AND also use foam tape. soooooooo I stapled the banner FIRST, then added the foam tape. that's right, the banner is stapled to nothing at all. extra thick foam tape pieces are added to make it stand taller than the main image, but without really really really looking close, no one would ever know that it wasn't stapled right to the card!

Challenges:
Pile it On - Lamb (soft and sweet) or Lion (bold and bright)
Card Makin' Mamas - stack it up (more than 3 layers)
i {heart} sketches - sketch #55
Challenges and Candies - spring around the corner
Digitally Sweet - anything goes (papers, image, and sentiment are all digital)
Get Inky - buttons everywhere
Jo's Scrap Shack - florals
Simply Create Too - shop in your stash - all of these things are old stash
Aud Sentiments - sentiment for a girl
Cute Card Thursday - spring
Sweet Stampin' - cute
DRS Designs - button up
Little Miss Muffet - anything goes
Paper Shelter - animal
Word Art Wed - anything encouraging goes
Oldie but a Goodie - buttons (I think everything here is older than 6 months....)
Top Tip Tuesday - stitching (faux!)
Tuesday Throwdown - anything goes
Crafting by Designs - colors of spring
Catch the Bug - anything goes
613 Avenue Create - anything goes optional twist use old stash (everything here is old stash)
Outlawz Paper a la Mode - friends

HYCCT - Put Your Brave Boots On!

Coffee of the Day - Moon Pie (it's almost gone, boo hoo hoo!)

Happy happy Friday! this post is going to be loaded with LOTS of cards, so I won't go into much detail about products. if you would like more info, please either email me or head over to my gallery at Split Coast Stampers. each card will have a list of items used. :)

We also have a new challenge over at Jellypark today, so please stop by to see what everyone has created. We are celebrating Pinktober and breast cancer awareness, so get your pink on! :)

I am thrilled beyond measure to be today's 'Hope You Can Cling To' hostess at Split Coast Stampers! My challenge theme is one very near and dear to my heart. I am calling it 'Put Your Brave Boots On' after a stamp set made by Unity. the saying in this set has become my mantra during my cancer battle. it seems that every time I have another test, scan, or 'whatever' I have to face, I tell myself to put on my brave boots. in fact, as you are reading this, I am at the hospital going through more of those tests and scans. and oh my goodness, am I ever so weary of this battle sometimes. but I wear these brave boots not just for myself, but also for my husband and sons. I want them to know that we do not EVER give up in this family. things may get tough, but we can still find joy every single day.

So for my challenge I am asking everyone to make a card with images of boots and shoes. you can see some great samples created by other HYCCT hostesses in the gallery by entering 'HYCCT1318' in the search engine at SCS. also use this tag if you yourself create a card and upload it. thank you! :)

here are my projects:

my first card uses a fun image from Jellypark called 'pattern wellies.' I believe it was a freebie at one time or another. papers are Basic Grey True Love; sentiment was typed on computer. dew drops, rhinestone flourish, glimmer mist, and glitter gel pen are just a few of the embellishments used.

this card uses the 'Brave Boots' itty bitty set from Unity and Basic Grey Green at Heart papers. glimmer mist, enamel dots, tulle trim, and some wood veneer help add to the feminine touch. boots were stamped onto patterned paper.

this last card is done with the same Unity Brave Boots, but with a masculine feel. the barbed wire and star charm dies come from MFT, papers are My Mind's Eye Stella & Rose Mabel. lots of shading with inks give a rustic touch. this fabulous sentiment is also Unity. one of my fave sayings of late.

thanks for your patience! have a most wonderful weekend! :)

Hi Typewriter

Coffee of the Day - Coconut Pecan

Sorry I missed a day of posting.....I spent part of Sunday and all of Monday in bed. went to bed early last night as well, so haven't been quite up to my crafty self. have a LOT of emails and blogging to catch up on, so please be patient with me.

The new challenge over at Hope You Can Cling To is called Strength of Steel. the idea is to use metal elements on your card. I tried to emboss a piece of aluminum foil and add ink accents, but it ended up looking so horrid. went another route entirely! there are some pretty cool samples in the gallery though of soda can flowers and the foil embossing if you would like to see.

I used the typewriter image from Jellypark, papers from the Basic Grey Hello Luscious collection, metal flair from Webster's Pages, flower from WOC, stick pin from Maya Road, and enamel dots from Teresa Collins. a piece of zipper trim attached with staples adds more metal to the card. hi ho silver shimmerz and a clear spica glitter gel pen accent all of the silver metal portions of the typewriter.

enter the Pinktober blog candy here! I'll try to stop by your blogs in the next few days as I get caught up and start feeling better...... thank you for making cards to pass along a 'hello' to others! :)

Challenges:
Crafty Sentiments - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Twisted Tuesdays - layers and metal
Craft Your Passion - heavy metal
Eureka - anything goes
613 Avenue Create - anything goes
Robyn's Fetish - use a digi

Love You to the Moon and Back.....

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Macadamia Nut

Happy Friday! the weekend is right there... can you see it yet? it's around the corner, and I am excited! World Card Making Day is tomorrow, too, so be prepared for a TON of fun with that! :)

New releases and a new challenge are on tap over at Jellypark today. also some waaaaaaaaay cool news AND a DT call! Claire is also doing several different promos to help raise money for breast cancer awareness,  so you know you want to stop by to see it all.....

Our new challenge is Anything Goes, so grab any one of those fun Jellypark images you have and create whatever makes your heart happy! I decided to use this adorable Wish Upon a Star image with one of Claire's sentiments. papers are from the Basic Grey Shine On collection, stars are punched from a Starbucks coffee cozy, flower is Petaloo, and shimmerz paint was added to both the main image as well as the senti for some sparkle.

Challenges:
Aud Sentiments - sentiment for a child
DRS Designs - harvest moon
Charisma Cardz - bingo: square, kraft cs, pink (on wings and shoes)
Crafter's Cafe - just a bit out there (as in outer space!)
Crafty Creations - winged things
WAW - anything goes with encouraging sentiment
Eureka - wings and things
Lady Anne's - must have wings
Digitally Sweet - anything with wings

But What I Prayed For...

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Nut

Happy Friday! boy, it couldn't get here fast enough this week. my days were all out of whack for some reason. I had the hardest time remembering what day it was all week long. weird head, I guess.

so anyhow, I'm happy to finally be able to say with ACCURACY, Happy Friday!
Today is a fun day over at Jellypark Friends, because it's not only a new challenge, but it's new release day as well. Our new challenge is all about the cuddlly wuddly. How much fun will THAT be when you sit down at your crafting table?! you know you want to play along! and just wait until you see the cute images Claire has drawn to go along with this theme. fantastic!

My card uses the oh so adorable new image, 'Boy with Dog.' the sentiment is from Create with TLC, and I couldn't resist putting these 2 together! papers are from the Basic Grey Max 'n Whiskers collection. I actually painted in highlights with my brush and white craft paint rather than using my white gel pen on this card. sometimes it's fun to mix things up a bit! the zipper trim and staples seemed so perfect with this 'boy' card.

hope you have a most wonderful weekend!

Challenges:
Art Impressions - for the dogs and cats
Sketchy Colors - sketch turned on its side
The Male Room - anything goes
Crafty Sentiments - animals
Oldie but a Goodie - boy/male cards (have had both papers and border punch for a long time!)
365 Cards - smiles
Cards for Men - heavy metal (zipper & staples)
Digi Sketch - anything goes (sketch from Sketchy Colors)
Great Impressions - square card
Sentimental Sundays - child's play

Just Married Getaway Car

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Hello and happy Tuesday! the weather has been so very nice and cool here. I hope all of you are enjoying the summer days wherever in the world you are..... I must say that my soul just smiles with the sun shining, light breezes in the air, and the sound of the birds singing their songs. life is beautiful indeed! :)

I have a card to share with all of you today for a wedding this weekend. David was kindly asked to officiate at another wedding of 2 former employees from Camp. it seems that every summer there is at least one wedding of Camp employees. I can't really explain the special bond everyone there shares. it really is a unique relationship that is so very close and precious. Couples who met over 20 and 30 years ago at Camp will still drop by on their wedding anniversaries just to take a walk down memory lane. Camp Burton has been around for over 50 years. We are so blessed to be part of something pretty amazing God is doing in this little corner of the world! :)

I am using this cute little Just Married couple from Jellypark, papers from the Basic Grey Lucille collection, Prima flowers, Spellbinders dies, buttons from my stash, and some seam binding that was sprayed with Studio Calico Mr. Huey's shine spray. the glass on the car windows and rear view mirrors was coated with crystal effects, while the big bow, flowers in the bride's hair, and tail lights were painted with shimmerz.

Have a grand and wonderful week! :)

Challenges:
Die Cuttin' Divas - anything goes with die cuts
LEJ Designs - distressing or paper tearing (distressing - with ink and tool)
Party Time Tuesdays - anything goes (badge is about half way down on sidebar)
Artistic Inspirations - celebrations
Card Mania - summer blooms
Eureka - anything goes
My Craft Creations - die cuts
Stamp with Fun - celebrate
Di's Digis - wedding/anniversary/congratulations
Little Claire's - wedding/anniversary
One Stop Craft - flowers and ribbon
Brown Sugar - Love
Crafts 4 Eternity - anything goes
Pattie's - recipe (I used buttons, flowers, sentiment, glitter via shimmerz paint, ribbon/seam binding)
QKR Stampede - transportation
Stamp Sun - travel
Paper Crafting Journey - die cuts and/or punches (I used both)
Crafting with Dragonflies - weddings

Christmas in July - Let it Snow! :)

Coffee of the Day - Coconut Marshmallow

Let it snow, please! no really, the weather has cooled off tremendously, of which I am truly truly thankful. last week it was over 100* in my craft room, and that was with the windows open. waaaaay too hot to craft, even without the fever I've been sporting. so I am a happy clam that the temps have dropped to manageable and much more comfortable climates.

Jellypark Friday Friends has a new challenge of Christmas in July. you bet your sweet bippy I was all over that! how wonderful to create a project that would remind me of cooler weather! :) plus I love Christmas papers and embellies so much.

On my card, I combined a bit of old with the new. I used an older snowman image with a new holiday sentiment circle. papers are Basic Grey Figgy, one of my ab fab fave EVER holiday papers, Studio Calico Mr. Huey's white spray, washi tapes, LOTS of stickles which of course don't scan well, hand dyed seam binding (yes, my hands are still burgundy!), and a pretty Petaloo flower. snow was created with a pearl white Viva Decor pen, holly was die cut from the Night Before Christmas story & then accented with distress stickles, and the little snowman had black rhinestones added for his coal pieces.

Challenges:
Crimbo Crackers - anything goes
Christmas at Sweet Stampin' - snowmen
Penny's Paper Crafty - bling: stickles snow & sentiment accents, distress stickles on holly, coal rhinestones, pearl snow dots
Scrapper's Delights - inspired by a song: Let it Snow and I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas (both are on sentiment circle), but then we can't forget Frosty the Snowman either! grins!
Stamp and Create - Christmas in July
Sentimental Sundays - Christmas in July
Sweet Stampin' - Christmas in July
Holly Jolly Christmas - snowmen
Sweet Stamps - Christmas Greenery
Digi Darla - Christmas in July

Give Thanks with Jellypark Friday Friends

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Happy Friday! there is just something wonderful about a Friday, isn't there?! doesn't matter if you are no longer in school or working, this day just always has a little extra sparkle. you KNOW that Saturday is right around the corner! hope you have some fun things planned with family and friends! :)

A new challenge begins over at Jellypark Friday Friends - Give Thanks. pop by the blog to see the oh, so cute projects by other DT members, as well as some fun new release images! Claire always comes up with the cutest stuff! I had taken a little break from the team, so I appreciate them welcoming me back with open arms. my card is for all of them!

I chose to use the charity image, 'Girl with Thank You bunting', for my card. Ruth, one of the DT members, runs a sketch challenge blog called Fetch a Sketch. I'm using her current sketch for inspiration. digital papers & elements are Webster's Pages Citrus Squeeze. yes, you can even get their new collections as digital items! they print out so beautifully! :) the baker's twine is also Webster's Pages so I knew it would be a perfect match in color. (the turquoise is actually a lesser shade on the blue floral paper). buttons are from my stash. I added little touches of rock candy distress stickles to the flowers. can you believe I actually used a white card stock base? yep, surprised me, too. but it seemed the perfect bg for all of these gorgeous colors.

just gotta step outside of that comfort zone every once in a while. seems I've been doing that more than usual with a 'no stamping' card as well as a 'no embellies' card. who knows what you will see next? all black and white? nah...... even that is pushing it for me! ha!

Challenges:
Fetch a Sketch - sketch
Aud Sentiments - 2 words
Digitally Sweet - anything goes with bright colors
Crafting By Designs - thank you
Crafting For All Seasons - bingo:  buttons, digi, ribbon/twine
Papertake Weekly - old, new, borrowed, or blue (old-image, buttons, & ticket; new-papers & elements; blue)
Oozak - anything goes with a girly theme
Art Impressions - twine time 2nd entry
Challenges 4 Everybody - anything goes
Great Impressions - anything goes
613 Avenue Create - create your own challenge: image, solid & patterned papers, sketch, die cuts, stickles, buttons, twine

Teen Gamer Epic Birthday by Jellypark

Coffee of the Day - Santa's White Christmas (last of hubby's fave. we needed it today.)

I'm sharing a special card with all of you today. I personally happen to love it. it reminds me so much of ALL of my guys - hubby included. I tried so hard for this little card to get published, and then when it did, I never got the email! too funny! so if you are a subscriber to the online magazine, Through the Craft Room Door, you will see it there in all of it's glory. if not, I'm sharing it here because it's had a lonnnnnng road to get where it's gotten! grins!

a bit of back history. Dave has been a gaming junkie since Play Station first came out. we had a PS before we had a child. before we had a dog even. ;)  and he is known to stay up all night, for days and nights on end, just to conquer a game. doesn't matter that he is ....... years old now. so when we had 3 sons come along, you bet yer bottom dollar that they were gonna be just like Dad! ;)

When Claire released this gaming teen image over Jellypark, I knew immediately that I was going to be making quite a few cards with it!  the drink, of course, had to be colored like Mountain Dew - the gamers drink of choice. we have gaming stations set up all around our living room to support the different game systems and game choices. The dogs have to wind around all of the chairs, game boxes, stools with computers, etc. It's really quite the comedy to see when everyone is busy.

Card is made with Basic Grey Clippings papers, wood veneer arrow from Freckled Fawn, linen thread from SU!, assorted buttons, chevron dies from MFT, burlap ribbon from May Arts, tag, and belt loops from someone's old pair of jeans.

I was asked not too long ago how I do my paper distressing. I have this handy dandy little pink tool that was gifted to me several years ago by a wonderful friend. I don't know if it's still around or not, but I use it all the time! it's a circle with a notch cut into it. the notch has a blade inside. the blade is what I run across my paper to distress. otherwise I used to just use my fingernail. still do at times, or the edge of scissor blade.

yesterday our precious son, Ryan, was in a car accident. thankfully he is okay, but our Jeep is totalled. bad news is that it is our only vehicle. Dave has a Camp truck, but that is only for work. good news is that Summer Camp starts next week and no one is going anywhere, other than me to all of my dr. appts.  I am just so very very thankful God kept Ryan safe. we will somehow deal with getting through our car situation, but nothing could ever replace that young man. on top of everything else our family is going through, that would have been too much to bear.

Tell the people you love that you love them. and all of you really do matter to me. :)

Challenges:
Bearly Mine - dies and/or punches (MFT die and ticket corner punch)
Clear it Out - male cards with metal (staples from tiny attacher - had this forever!)
Creative Card Crew - punches/dies (ticket corner punch and MFT die)
Paper Take Weekly - anything goes
Digi Darla - masculine
Kaboodle Doodles - for the kids
Love to Create - Father's Day or special guy
Melonheadz - Father's Day or male inspired
Country View - die cuts
Ladybug Crafts - for the men in our lives
Really Reasonable Ribbon - masculine with ribbon or trim
Crafting Cafe - here come the boys
Cupboard Trilogy - birthday
Here Come the Boys - use ribbon (on tag)
Pan Pastel - tag it
Robyn's Fetish - use a digi
Ribbon Girls - add a die cut
Brown Sugar - masculine birthday
Creative Corner - boy oh boy
Stamping with the Dragon - tag
4 Crafty Chicks - recycle (belt loops)
Paper Crafting Journey - masculine

A Little Bunny Just for YOU! :)

Coffee of the Day - more Coconut Marshmallow (yes, it is tasty!)

Today is a fun day over on the Jellypark Friday Friends Challenge Blog - new release images and a new challenge to boot! Please pop by to see so many gorgeous creations by the DT to inspire your weekend crafting, plus some great new digital images to get you in the mood for spring! Our challenge is 'pretty pastels', so I hope you will play along with us! :)

I am using the precious little Rose Bunny image on my card. the sentiment actually comes from another of Claire's images - Flowers in Vase. You will see that image coming up on a card later....
Papers are Basic Grey Soleil, flower is from Michael's, buttons & lace are vintage.

This is also my entry in the new Paper a la Mode challenge of anything goes over at The Outlawz. it's always fun to see what everyone creates over there, and so many great prizes, too! :)

Challenges:
Aud Sentiments - girl power
Paper Crafting Journey - ribbon or lace
Creative Moments - animals
Inky Impressions - flowers
Paper Shelter - spring (flowers, pastel colors, bunny)
Simon Says Stamp - Easter/Spring
Stampotique - Spring
Crafty Sentiments - flowers
Die Cuttin' Divas - use a bunny
Card Mania - lots of layers
Craft Your Passion - ribbons or lace
Crafty Boots - flowers
Digi Darla - Easter/Spring
Eureka - what's in your Easter basket?
Stamp and Create - fur or feathers
Brown Sugar - anything goes
QKR - what's in your Easter basket?

Time for Tea with my BFF

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Nut

Now I know all of you will find this hard to believe, but I have actually been a tea drinker much longer than I have a coffee drinker. even though I would drink 'coffee milk' with my Dad on weekends when I was a little girl, I have always loved tea - both hot and cold. I love to mix up my own brews, most especially cold blends in the summer.

So when Claire drew this most adorable, precious image of 2 little girls having tea and cakes, I jumped right on the chance to play with it! This is one of the new releases at Jellypark this week. we also have a great new challenge - Bunny Hop: use your bunny images on projects. This is also my submission for our new Paper a la Mode challenge at The Outlawz - anything goes.

Of course my little girls on the card had to have loads and loads of PINK! ;) I used papers from the My Mind's Eye Lavender collection, a fab vintage button, this heart border die by Memory Box that has captured MY heart, a fun fabric flower by Jolee's, and baker's twine. The doily was sprayed with glimmer mist.

Now I suddenly feel the need for a cup of lavender earl grey! :)

Cupcake Inspiration Challenge photo - colors and the girls' cute little cakes

Challenges:
4 Crafty Chicks - die for dies
Divas by Design - buttons and bows
Paper Shelter - punches or dies
Party Time Tuesdays - die cuts
Crafty Sentiments - pretty in pink
Can You Digi It - little ones
365 Cards - cake
Crafty Bloggers - spring or pastels
Fashionista - make it pink
My Craft Spot - tasty treats
Ribbon Girls - ribbon or twine
Clearly Inspired - die cuts