YOU are My Happy Place!

Winner at Dare 2B Artzy

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

I hope you are having a most beautiful week so far. :) the card I'm sharing with all of you today is guaranteed to bring a spot of sunshine and smiles into your day! why, you ask? well it has an image by Elisabeth Bell, of course! don't her images always make you smile?!

I'm using "I Love You This Much" along with the photo frame die by Lawn Fawn and stitched sun die from La La Land. papers are from the Pink Paislee Hey Kid collection, flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, and red seam binding is from Zipper Stop. stitching stamp is by Gina K and sentiment stamp on photo die is a SMASH one. buttons are from my vintage stash.

a friend needs a bit of cheering up, so I knew this adorable image would certainly do the trick!

here is a reminder that YOU are indeed a special person, too, and bring sunshine into the lives of those around you. :) thanks so much for stopping by!

Challenges:
Dragonfly Dreams - anything goes
Lemon Shortbread - anything goes
Crafting By Designs - anything goes
Creative Moments - anything goes with a twist of ribbons and/or bows
Inspiration Destination - anything goes
Paper Shelter - sunny days
Kraftin' Kimmie's Wonderful Wed. - anything goes
WAW - anything encouraging goes
A Snowflake's Promise - summer
Fairy Tale - summer
Craft Your Passion - anything goes
Ooh La La - 'F' is for frame, flowers, faux stitching, bare feet :)
Dare 2 B Artzy - lots of layers
Ribbon Girls - any card goes with ribbons
Doodle Pantry - anything goes

Happy Mother's Day with Bugaboo!

Coffee of the Day - Coconut

Since I am a Guest Designer with Bugaboo, I get to play along in their challenges. A new one begins today with a fun, "Anything Goes" theme. I thought this would be the perfect time to make a Mother's Day card for my neighbor who is expecting her baby in the next week. (you might remember the little purse I shared on yesterday's post for her daughter.  check back in just a little bit for a baby gift I made.)

I don't know if you check the Bugaboo store very often, but every day a different stamp goes on sale for only $1. Between the daily sale and Freebie Fridays, it's a great way to stock up on cute images for not a lot of money! :) I happened to get this 'Mom Flower Trio' image a few weeks ago when it was on sale for $1. sure can't beat that!

**the watermark I've been given by Bugaboo is the little lady in the car.

it is NOT part of the card.**

I kept the card simple because I remember what it was like back in those days of having little ones in the house. no matter how much you tried to keep things out of reach, they still managed to get their hands on things that were supposed to be off limits. ;)

papers are from the Pink Paislee Hey Kid collection, sweetheart blossom is from Wild Orchid Crafts, and vivid pink seam binding is by Really Reasonable Ribbon. doily and buttons are from my stash. you can see I've used that ever present banner punch by SU!, too.

see you in just a little while with another post! :) and be sure to stop by the Bugaboo Challenge blog to see what the DT has come up with to inspire you!

Challenges:
Outlawz Paper a la Mode - Mother's Day
Brown Sugar - Mother's Day
Pattie's Creations - Mother's Day or flowers
QKR - feminine/Mother's Day
Stamping Boutique - Mother's Day
Cr8tive Hands Friends - anything goes
DL Art - Mother's Day
Sasayaki Glitter - Mother's Day
Crafty Gals Corner - Celebrate Mom
Creative Craft Cottage - 3 of a kind (buttons)
Paper Minutes - Mother's/Father's Day

You Make Happiness Bloom

My second post today is for the new Aud Sentiments challenge  where our theme is to use an Easter or Spring sentiment on your project. We are sponsored this fortnight by Lacy Sunshine Stamps. Be sure to stop by the challenge blog to see what the other DT members have made to inspire you!

My card uses the cutey 'Petals' image and a fun sentiment from Create with TLC. paper is from the Pink Paislee Hey Kid collection. main die is by Spellbinders, flower and leaf dies are Prima, and the border die is Find It Trading. sentiment is punched with a SU! punch. as per usual, buttons are from my vintage stash. vivid pink and noble peacock seam binding are from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

that is it for me today. check back again tomorrow for another goody! thanks so much for stopping by! :)

Challenges:
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - anything goes with 'dies and/or punches' twist
Die Cut Divas - something for Spring
Creative Moments - anything goes with a sentiment on the front
Fresh Brewed Designs - Spring
WAW - anything encouraging goes
ABC Ch - 'C' is for cute
Paper Creator's Crafts - spring colors
Pink and Main - spring
Crafty Sentiments - spring
Lacy Sunshine Color and Craft - anything goes
Di's Digi Designs - use 2 or more dies

Altered Vintage Valentine Bingo Card for RRR Blog Hop!

Coffee of the Day - Chocolate Peppermint

Hello to all of my fellow ribbon addicts! tee hee! I know there are secret (and not so secret!) ribbon hoarders out there who have a ribbon addiction like myself. well today is your day to swoon as the Really Reasonable Ribbon Design Team shares projects featuring the ribbon club kit for January on our monthly blog hop. :)

If you have come here by way of GINNY's gorgeous blog, then you are indeed in the right spot! grab a cuppa and settle in! :) if at any time you get lost during the blog hop, just head back over to the Really Reasonable Ribbon blog for the complete list of players.

Many of you know that I love to find vintage goodies for crafting while my hubby and I are out antiquing. we came across these fun old bingo cards a while back, and I knew immediately that they would make some neat projects.

wouldn't you know that I actually had an old bingo marker in my collection, too?! just had to add it on here. :) a beautiful old Valentine, dated 1921, steals the show. normally I would scan the vintage piece and then print out a copy rather than use the actual old card on a project - at least with something that old. but this project is being sent to someone very precious to me, so I was glad to put the real deal on here for her. :)  this has already been mailed to my dear cousin, so she will be quite surprised when she receives it in the mail. :)

papers are from the Authentique Crush collection, chipboard cupid is by Blue Fern and was brushed with gold ink & gold spica glitter gel pen, rose flair button is from Pink Paislee, flourish die is Sizzix, banner die is SU!, sentiment stamp on banner is by MFT, buttons and button card are vintage, and doily is from my stash. all ribbons are from the monthly club kit with the exception of the little piece of Judy crochet trim, which is dyed with glimmer mist. Wild Orchid Crafts flowers were used: sweetheart blossoms, baby pink aster daisies (these are my new fave flower!! I love these precious little sweeties!), 2 tone pink large rosebuds, as well as hip rosebuds and lilies.

your next stop on the blog hop is to AMBER's  lovely blog. please be sure to tell her hello! :)

thanks so much for stopping by! :)
Jennifer

Challenges:
Deep Ocean - something new (paper, chipboard cupid, little flower asters, ribbon)
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - hearts
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
613 Avenue Create - anything goes
Craft Your Passion - anything goes
Inky Chicks - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Crafty Gals Corner - buttons and bows

Room In Your Heart for the Unimaginable

Coffee of the Day - Chipotle

Today's Hope You Can Cling To challenge at Split Coast Stampers is a really fun one - Impossible Things Happen: a fairy tale theme. everyone loves a fairy tale! what is your favorite? I am a Sleeping Beauty fan from the word go..... I think that is probably my absolute favorite movie in the whole wide world!

I have many images I could have chosen from for this challenge, but the one that spoke loudest to me of hope was 'Dreams Do Come True' by A Day for Daisies. The great sentiment is once again from Ginger's House. paper is She Art by Pink Paislee, stitching is from an Inky Antics stamp set, pink shimmerz was added to both the sentiment tag and Cinderella's shoe, button is vintage as is the sheet music used to cut stars. a pretty flower, a heart doily, pink seam tape, and pink rhinestones complete the card.

Temps are definitely dropping here. it's frosty and rainy. our heater has been out of commission since last week, so we are hoping the part to fix it comes in SOON! it's a bit nippy in the house these days! ;)

don't forget to sign up for the Pinktober blog candy! :)

Challenges:
Creative Craft - anything goes
Ladybug Crafts - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Crafty Sentiments - bingo: die cut, doily, flowers
Perfectly Rustics - patterned paper
Bunny Zoe - ribbon
Craft Your Passion - pink
Crafty Cardmakers - shabby chic
Melonheadz - fairy tale
Paper Playtime - ribbon and buttons
My Craft Spot - color inspiration
Great Impressions - buttons and bows
That Craft Place - pink
Allsorts - ribbons and bows
A Creative Romance - pink
Crafty Ribbons - anything goes with ribbon

Enjoy Every Moment

Coffee of the Day - Texas Turtle

Hello everyone! Happy Friday! Today is one of those posts I told you about yesterday - one of those 'behind the scenes' projects I've been working on. See, I was nice and didn't make you wait tooooo terribly long, now did I?!

Several weeks ago I received a very nice email from a small company based in China that sells items on Etsy. they wondered if I would be interested in a blog sponsorship with them. I took a look at their 2 Etsy stores and was intrigued. They are a small company, only 5 employees, but nice quality items. Shipping is super fast!

So let me introduce you to Stamp Cow (handmade stamps) and Craftpon (buttons, washi tapes, charms, etc.) .

My card uses a combination of the items sent to me. You will find extras added, so I'll be sure to tell you which are sponsored items.

First I printed a sentiment from Create with TLC and then cut my cs into a tag shape. I stamped the Stamp Cow antique watch stamp multiple times. a kraft sticker was added to the punched hole, May Arts ribbon tied with a Craftpon vintage key charm , Basic Grey Fact dsp chevron added, and edges distressed.

A strip of Basic Grey Fact dsp was added to the card's edge. this was topped with a Craftpon leaf ring 4 hole dark brown wood button. (these are fabulous!!!)  I added the same SU! linen thread that I used to tie the charm to the tag's ribbon.

All other goodies on card are from my own stash. the other buttons are vintage, rose and trim are Prima, stamps in lower right corner are Pink Paislee. watch & fob were cut with a Tim Holtz die from a piece of clear packaging. I used silver distress paint sprayed with black mist to color, then sponged part of it off. the clock face on the card base was made by painting a piece of clear packaging cut with another Tim Holtz die with brass distress paint and then pressing it down onto the cs. (p.s. you will see that die cut piece show up on another card.... hint, hint, hint!) the droplets were made with glimmer mist.

thanks so much for stopping by. I do hope you will head over to Etsy and look around Stamp Cow and Craftpon. gosh, I would buy up every one of their wooden buttons if I could. they are all gorgeous! :) you know me and my buttons! grins!

Challenges:
A Creative Romance - ribbon or twine (both are on this card)
Crafts and Me - anything goes
Lady Anne's - anything goes with stamping
Scrapper's Delight - die cuts or punches
WAW - anything goes with inspiring sentiment
Bearly Mine - anything goes
Loves Rubber Stamps - anything goes
Paper Minutes - die cuts
TTCRD - anything goes
Artistic Inspirations - anything goes
Crafty Bloggers - metal magic
An Inky Situation - anything goes
Simon Says Stamp and Show - anything goes
Delicious Doodles - heavy metal

A Card for a Courageous Young Woman

Coffee of the Day - Spicy Chipotle with Bacon Syrup (yes, this IS my coffee, and yes, it IS very tasty for something different)

A few weeks ago I saw a post on the Simon Says Stamps blog that they were asking for cards for Maddy once again. I don't know if you remember her or not, but they had a card drive for her last year, too. she is a young woman who was fighting leukemia. Unfortunately she has relapsed, so they are once again trying to get as many cards for Maddy as possible. I knew without a doubt I would be making one to send. it's the very least I can do for a fellow fighter in the cancer wars.  :)

I have these gorgeous new images from Crafty Secrets Flower Garden collection that I wanted to use. (I also made an almost identical card for Mick's girlfriend, Jocelyn, who had her wisdom teeth removed last week). Once I finished coloring the image, I used my SU! ink squirty tool over the top to help age. papers are from Prima's Sweet Fairy paper collection cut with a Tim Holtz border die, butterfly is Petaloo, trim is vintage, and chipboard sentiment is Pink Paislee She Art. I am sorry that I don't know who the lovely little rose & leaf are from. they came in a blog candy win, and I couldn't wait to use them! the card is fairly simple, but I knew it was going to be passed through a lot of hands on its way to Maddy.

my house is getting quiet again. Today Tyler and Mick moved out to Camp for the summer. Ryan will go next week when he finishes his rotation at Home Depot. back to just me and my dogs.....we do have fun together though! ;)

-----> also, in addition to the yahoo gremlins acting up lately, it seems that the ones at Twitter and Blogger have been having their fun as well. some of the blogs and people I had been following just disappeared from my lists. if you happen to notice that I've not been by in a while or I'm not listed as a follower, PLEASE let me know. I haven't done anything on purpose. I'm trying to add everyone back in as I discover you, but it's tough with so many. sorry if I inadvertently hurt any feelings. it sure wasn't on purpose.

take care and have a wonderful weekend!

Challenges:
Simon Says Stamp - card drive
Crafty Secrets - linky party
4 Crafty Chicks - flowers
Aud Sentiments - anything goes
Crafting with Dragonflies - for the girls
Crafts and Me - something old (paper is VERY old as well as image have vintage look)
Paper Shelter - flower power
Whimsical Designs - vintage
WAW - anything goes with encouraging senti
Bearly Mine - dies and/or punches
Creative Card Crew - punches/dies
Little Red Wagon - heavy metal (butterfly antennae and tendrils on leaf & rose. staples, too)
TTCRD - anything goes
Card Mania - shabby chic
Creative Stamp Friends - pastels
Incy Wincy - spring is in the air
Ooh La La - inspired by nature
Whoopsi Daisy - shabby chic/vintage
A Creative Romance - anything goes
Craft Your Passion - haberdashery items (crochet trim & buttons)

Create with TLC Vintage Fashion Show Blog Hop

Coffee of the Day - Creme Brulee

So glad to have you here at my stop on the Create with TLC blog hop! grab a cup of my yummy coffee and sit back for a moment.... you have seen so many wonderful things on the hop, haven't you?!?! lots of talent on Paulette's team! I feel honored that she invited me to participate since it's been a long time since I was last a part of her DT. thank you, Paulette, for including me. :)

you should have arrived here from.....

RHONDA's wonderful blog.

my card uses this beautiful image, Fashion for the Shore and a sentiment from Create with TLC as well.

papers are Pink Paislee London Market, buttons are vintage, linen thread is SU!. ribbon flower and crochet trim tape are from a fab blog candy I won the other day and happened to receive as I was finishing my card. perfect timing! :)

you may either click on the image below to open in a separate page and then save to your computer, or just right click and save directly from this post. please let me know if you have any troubles saving...

thank you for stopping by my blog. be sure to top off your coffee before heading over to.... 

VICKY's fabulous blog!

and be sure to tell Paulette thank you for all of the amazing images she so generously provides day after day! :)

Challenges:
Cut it Up - wet
Catch the Bug - anything goes
2 Sisters - anything goes
Rhedd and Rosie's - vintage/shabby chic
Digistamps 4 Joy - anything goes
Digital Tuesday - new papercraft trends (ribbon flower, staples, map paper)
Ladybug Crafts Ink - anything goes
LEJ Designs - fave style (vintage/shabby chic)
TTCRD - anything goes
Deep Ocean - photo inspiration
A Little Bit Crafty - anything goes
Cards Galore - vintage
Heck of a Challenge - just add water
Really Reasonable Ribbon - buttons and bows
Bunny Zoe - girly
Crafty Bloggers - anything goes
Simon Says Stop and Show - anything goes
Great Impressions - pastel colors and/or polka dots

I Mustache You a Question.......

Coffee of the Day - Gingerbread (it's now all gone until the holidays roll back around.....sigh....)

I've been trying to get some crafting done behind the scenes so to speak, as I am feeling up to it. I've finished one project for the May Arts challenge, but would like to do a few more if I have time. I really really feel the need to make some cards for my family to stash away for 'later'......have a feeling they are going to be needed sometime down the road. So you'll probably be seeing a lot of masculine cards here on my blog in upcoming days and weeks. not sure how much DT work I am going to get done. I really feel a pressing need to get these cards made for my family first, as they truly are my priority.

a week or so ago I was blessed to win a gift certificate from Crafty Secrets. I was able to get some great digital sets, one of them being this fun 'Mustache Men.' Every November my guys all participate in 'Movember', which is a big promotion to raise awareness for prostate cancer. the idea behind it is for men to start the month off clean shaven and see how large they can grow their  mustache, or 'mo' as they are called in Australia where this all began, by the month's end. I knew it would be fun to use this set to make a card for one of the guys.

Papers are My Mind's Eye Union Square, crochet trim is Pink Paislee, buttons are from my stasth. hi ho sliver shimmerz was painted on the barber pole, the shaving cup and light at top of barber pole were covered in crystal effects.

I've added some buttons to my sidebar to make following and getting in touch with me a bit easier. for email, hover your mouse over the email button to see my email address in your lower taskbar. you can always click on 'my profile information' to see my email address as well. for all others, just click the buttons to be taken directly to each site.

Challenges:
Crafty Secrets - linky party
Crafty Catz - anything goes
2 Sisters - anything goes
Catch the Bug - anything goes
Moving Along with the Times - kraft
Digistamps 4 Joy - anything goes
LEJ Designs - fave style (vintage)
Loves Rubberstamps - anything goes
Papertake Weekly - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Cards Galore - vintage
Sparkle and Sprinkle - use a digi
Love to Create - tag you're it
Simon Says Stamp and Show - anything goes
There She Goes - masculine
Kraft Journal - anything goes with kraft
Kaboodle Doodles - 2 different patterned papers
Crafty Bloggers - anything goes

Patterned Paper at Pile it On - Find a Cure

Coffee of the Day - Peppermint Mocha

The challenge this week at Pile it On is to use patterned paper on your project - wow, that is a lot of P's!
that isn't ever a problem for me, but you need to go over to the PIO challenge blog to see how some of the DT really piled those patterned papers on! anyone else feeling the need for a pickled pepper from Peter Piper?! ;)


For my card I used this very special image from Milk Coffee. It was a freebie over on the blog, and I was so touched when it was introduced there. The senti comes from Create with TLC. you can be sure that I use this one a lot as well! papers are from Basic Grey Serendipity and a special breast cancer collection by Karen Foster. I made sure to position the main image so that a portion of the poem could still be read. the last line reads, "I am a survivor." This seemed the perfect way to encourage someone else going through this horrible disease.

both the senti portion and the pink ribbon were sprayed with Pink Cadillac Glimmer Mist for a little shine. buttons are vintage. I think what I love most about this image is that it lets everyone know that you can be both feminine and strong while still being a fighter of cancer. some days I sure don't feel very feminine or very strong, so this gives me a bit of hope!

Tomorrow begins my week of doctor's appts., tests, and hospital visits every day. I hope to have one or 2 posts pre-scheduled, but otherwise you won't see much of me. on the other hand, the medical staff of our area will be seeing WAY toooooo much of me! grins! have a good week!

Challenges:
Stamp with Fun - button
Digi Haven - anything goes with a free digi
Crafts and Me - add a flower
Crafty Pad - breast cancer awareness/think pink
Little Miss Muffet - add writing, text, or script
Shelly's Images - anything goes
Inky Impressions - anything goes
My Mum's Craft Shop - anything goes
Paper Craft Star - girly
Word Art Wed - love and encouraging verse (one of the biggest examples of love I have seen has come from all of YOU in bloggyland while I have been fighting my cancer! thank you!)
Dawn's Crafting - breast cancer awareness and/or pink (my prayers go out to your mom!)
Cupcake Craftroom - pretty pastels
Ladybug Crafts - anything goes
Natalie and Amy's - anything goes
Mema's Crafts - theme (I chose 'Family Affair: Get Well' it suits for me)
Poodle Parlour - here come the girls

Start Collecting that PINK!

yep, you read correctly.

you need to start gathering that pink stash of crafty stuff, 'cause man oh man, are you EVER gonna need it next month!

you might have thought October was all about orange and black and maybe a bit of gold and purple, but not around here! we are going PINK! there is so much fun stuff going on behind the scenes I am about to burst! ;)

I bet you have enough things already in your stash without having to do one lick of shopping. let's try to use up some of what we have, what do you say? and who knows, there might be some challenges to play in, prizes to win, gosh, the sky's the limit when it comes to PINK!!!!

Holiday Happiness Hexagons

Coffee of the Day - White Chocolate Mousse


A new challenge begins over at ABC Christmas Challenges - Q for quilting. This was a fun challenge to play in! I have this weird 'thing' for hexagons lately.... don't know why really, but gosh, I am so fascinated by them! as soon as I saw the theme for this week, I knew immediately that I wanted to try to make something using this shape and faux stitching. you didn't think I would attempt to REALLY pull out my sewing machine now, did you?! tee hee! although, gosh, lately, it has been tempting as I see all of the neat things people do with sewing on their cards... if it weren't for that dratted bobbin I would be all over it.


anyhow, I grabbed this cutie pattootie freebie image from over at Milk Coffee. there are several other fun Christmas images in their Etsy store, too, if you are interested. I still had my Pink Paislee Spring Jubilee papers out on my craft desk, so thought I would use a few of the scraps with some others. the hexagon die is from MFT. so love this die! the main image was accented with stickles, Viva Decor pearl paint, chunky glitter, and a gold glitter gel pen. poinsettia is from Prima, string/twine trim is from Etsy, button is vintage, and itty bitty clothespin was covered with washi tape. card base was sprayed with white Mr. Huey's mist. faux stitching was done with a white gel pen. oh yes, ornament die is Basic Grey for Sizzix.

Don't forget to sign up for my big blog hop on Aug. 29! lots and lots of prizes will be up for grabs from so many different sponsors. you can be a participant or just plan to hop along. Check this post at Party Time Tuesdays for more information. Can't wait to see you there for all of the fun! :)

Challenges:
Bearly Mine - anything goes
Creative Card Crew - Maps/Newsprint/Sheet Music/Script
My Time to Craft - Christmas
House of Gilli - add a senti
Stamp and Create - stitch it up
Desert Island Crafts - 1. Blue (sky, although it doesn't show so well in the scan), 2. Green, 3. something wet - snow, 4. make it sparkle
Just Keep on Creating - Christmas
Mema's Crafts - anything goes with a twist of red
Unique Crafters - sparkle and shine
Corrosive Challenges - cute as a button
Great Impressions - anything with an animal
Stamptacular Sunday - let's hear it for the girls
The Crafty Pad - dies and punches
52 Christmas Card Throwdown - Carols or Hymns ('Let it Snow', 'cause y'all know how much I love the snow!!!)
Challenge Up Your Life - Christmas
Totally Gorjus - string's the thing
Crafty Ann's - Christmas or Olympics
Paper Shelter - anything goes
Crafting for All Seasons - stitching

Beautiful in Green

Coffee of the Day - Spiced Hazelnut

Happy Tuesday! Are you ready to party? grab the noisemakers, balloons, and confetti because it's a new challenge at Party Time Tuesday! We have a wonderful color inspiration photo for you to use for your papercraft projects this week. it immediately brought to mind freshly mowed grass, fields of corn which grow everywhere around here & are so beautiful to see, trees standing in majesty; so many examples of nature. As I have gotten older, the one thing I know for certain is that I need to be surrounded by trees and nature. I don't think I could live in a big city again. my soul needs green, so I was really happy to see this color palette.


Now for crafting, well, it's not a color combo I use often at all. so here comes the 'challenge' part! tee hee! but we as crafters always need to be nudged out of our comfortable box every once in a while. One of our sponsors this week is the fun store, Paper Parade. (btw - there is a big summer sale going on right now with 20% off everything in the store!!! wowza!) They were very kind and provided a few goodies for everyone on the DT to play with, but after seeing what was in my envie, I went to the store and picked up a few more things. early anniversary giftie from hubster! thanks, hunny bunny!! :) oh yes, he says to tell all of you thank you for the birthday wishes. he was surprised that y'all would think of him, so he was really touched.


My card uses stamps from both the Pink Paislee London Market and Spring Jubilee sets. paper is Pink Paislee Spring Jubilee. the fab die is from Cottage Cutz and was covered in rock candy distress stickles. all inks are Tim Holtz distress inks. I confess that this was my first time to actually use them for stamping. oh gosh, I truly squealed out loud when I stamped that darker green - peeled paint. you know me, I had to add a little touch of pink - spun sugar. it's only a hint, so I hope I can be forgiven. grins! frayed burlap is the brownish shade you see and shabby shutters is the lighter green. the darker green cs turned out almost black in my scan - sorry about that. I used colors that were the closest I had to the photo. the pretty pins were made for me by a friend. aren't they gorgeous?

I do hope all of you are gearing up for the big blog hop on Aug. 29. You can find more info here on the Party Time Tuesdays blog if you are interested in taking part. This is sooooooooo much bigger and more grand than I could have ever imagined! thank you so much to everyone who is involved! I just read an email this morning about the number of participants already as well as the amazing amount of prizes being donated. slap me silly!!! y'all are soooooo in for a treat! and it falls on the day before our 26th anniversary, so that is an even bigger bonus! :) hope to see YOU there!

Challenges:
Jackson's Digital Expressions - inks and such
Lollipop Crafts - anything goes
Made Especially for You - 3 pearls (mine is 3x2 with them being on stick pins)
Simon Says Stamp and Show - anything goes
Tammy's Scrappin' Corner - anything goes
Crazy Challenge - anything goes
That Craft Place - vintage
Catch the Bug - bingo (starts with 'b' button, ribbon, die cut)
Craft Room Challenges - pins and/or charms
Emerald Faeries - punches and/or dies
LEJ Designs - vintage

Courage

Coffee of the Day - Pecan Pie

Happy Monday to you! oh you think I don't hear the grumbles over here?! it's a brand new day of a brand new week - all brought to you in its glory for some wonderful bit of blessing just for YOU! can't wait to hear what beauty is just outside your door! :) hope the bluebird of happiness is singing sweet songs beside your window!


Today also brings a new challenge over at the Digi Makeover by Paper Makeup Stamps. the challenge this week is to create a Tent Topper card. I had never made one of these before and was surprised at how easy it was. you can find a tut here at Split Coast Stampers. Please be sure to stop by the blog today. We have a new DT member, Ardilla, as well as a guest designer, Rachel Fisher. You can also see all of the lovely inspiration projects by the rest of the DT. so many reasons to pop by to tell everyone hello! :)


My card uses the 'Courage is Not' sentiment and Pink Paislee Declaration paper. This sentiment touched my heart in a special way and is so very, very true. It can apply to so many aspects of life. As I have said many times lately, gotta put those brave boots on and plow right on through! I am also reminded of what God tells us in Psalms, we walk THROUGH the valley of darkness, we don't stay and hang out. the only way to do that is with Him by our side. gosh, that brings a lot of comfort! :)

I picked up these fun tickets at the paper store last week. David took me for a little splurge once I got out of the hospital and those icky poo tests. Color actually matches perfectly irl. senti is borderd with distress stickles as is the little cardboard banner. buttons are vintage, stamps happened to come on an envie last week & I knew they would be perfect on some upcoming papercraft project. didn't know how fast I would be using them! giggles! trim is May Arts & rose is Prima. card base is embossed and then highlighted with vanilla craft.

Don't forget the big blog hop is coming Aug. 29! There is still time to sign up if you would like to participate. Check out this post at Party Time Tuesdays for more info. I hope all of you can make it! :)

Challenges:
Cupboard Trilogy - embossing
Joanna Sheen - Totally Sentimental
Robyns Fetish - use a digi
Sentimental Sundays - banners/pennants
Stampin' Sisters in Christ - no images, sentis only
Crafty Pad - dies & punches (MFT & Spellbinders)
Crafty Mess - words only
Card Makin' Mamas - try something new (technique)
Word Art Wednesday - inspiring senti
Paper Play - upcycle/recycle (postage stamps, cardboard)
Paper Pretties - primary colors

Be Happy with Flowers and Ribbons

Coffee of the Day - Salted Caramel Pecan

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

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



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

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

love and squishy hugs to all of you!

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

Keep Your Face to the Sunshine!

Coffee of the Day - Maple Pecan

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


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




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

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

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

Create with TLC Blog Hop!

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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