A Fond Farewell to Rusty Pickle......

Coffee of the Day - Creme Brulee

The end of the year brings a time to say goodbye to many things, one of which is the end of my term with The Rusty Pickle DT. I was truly blessed to serve on this team with such amazing talent. and blessed, too, because what was supposed to be a short one month term was actually extended to two. Most of the women will be continuing on, and I know you will visit their blogs and the store often, as will I. Best of luck to you, Michelle!

It just seemed appropriate for my last card with them to be a coffee card! and isn't this little guy adorable?! oh my, I am like him most days, begging for 'another please......'! :) The paper here is K & Co. Wild Raspberry. I think for me the sentiment would be better if it said two POTS rather than two cups....... but addicted to coffee..... nah!

I hope as this year closes out, you can reflect upon all that you have learned, all those you have loved, and most of all, the One who has never left your side!

Smooches! Jennifer

A Get Well Squirrel

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Holy Toledo, Batman, do you realize it has been almost a week since I last posted?! shame shame shame on me! Well hopefully now that the holidays are over and there are no more icky yucky blechy trips to the hospital for tests on the horizon, things will settle back down to the normal chaotic hum of life around here. ;) don't get me wrong - Christmas has a LOT of meaning, but goodness, we let it get so crazy sometimes. and the people at the hospital and doctors' offices are very nice, but gosh oh me, I am so tired of going for tests and stuff. so there. back to crafty fun time! as Cptn. Jon Luc Picard says, "Make it so......" giggles! yep, there is that nerdy side coming out in me again......

On to the card for today......

I found a neat challenge blog called The Sweet Stop and it is sponsored by Sweet n Sassy Stamps. I decided to play in this week's challenge, as I found I needed a get well card. A dear blogging and crafting friend, Stef of Glitterbabe Greetings, let us know Christmas Eve that her husband had been rushed to the hospital with a heart attack. All around the crafting community people have been gathering together to pray for them. Hopefully Clyde will be coming home today, but there had been a few complications that arose while he was in the hospital. Stef has just the brightest outlook and has been trusting that her dear hubby is resting in God's healing hands this entire time. Well, we all know that, but it can still be a lonely time, and a scary one, too. So dear sweet Holly over at the Squigglefy SNR forum decided to host a challenge for people to create get well cards for Clyde. I was gonna make one anyhow, but wanted to do my part to rally around. Isn't it cool how people from different stamping companies, etc. can come together to just love on someone?! man, that is the love of Jesus in action right there for ya! gives me goosebumps thinking about it! and makes my heart sing LOUD!!!! :)

So here is my creation. Had to keep the frills and frou frou to a minimum, but wanted it to be a little fun also. Used the squirrel digi from The Rusty Pickle and typed out a sentiment. Did some repurposing of materials on here as well. The leaves in the upper right hand corner were actually punched from a Starbuck's coffee cozy I had saved and wrinkled prior to punching. The twine in the buttons came from a bag of dog food. papers are Making Memories.

By the way, while on the subject of recycling, repurposing, & re-using, last night I was honored to receive an invitation from none other than Deanne Burton herself to become a member of her card DT at Create It - GREEN. There will be challenges and other fun things coming up in the new year, so be on the look out! I am very excited about this, as doing a lot of repurposing is at the top of my resolution list for 2010.

Christmas Cheer with Tuesday Morning Sketches!

Coffee of the Day - Cinnamon Hazelnut

Happy Tuesday morning to all of you! Guess what? I awoke to a beautiful SNOWY morning!!! you know how much I have been wanting one, and God so graciously provided!!! thank you, precious Father!!! I absolutely LOVE IT!!!! :)

today is also the morning that the DT at The Rusty Pickle has been invited to play along with the gang over at Tuesday Morning Sketches. How blessed are we?! :) that is one talented group of ladies! We were given a fun sketch to follow and then told to play to our heart's content. So play I did! :D

I used these beautiful papers from K & Co.'s Christmas Cheer pack. I love the colors in here! so different and yet so rich! I printed off probably my fave ever of Michelle's images, this adorable Santa gnome. I think it's because he reminds me of so many Santas that I have in my collection. He just makes me smile so big! :) To keep with the vintage feel of the papers, I added some green sequins and the gorgeous Prima poinsettias with leaf. He has some shimmerz painted on his gloves and stickles on his hat and coat for some shine. His belt buckle is covered in my spica glitter pen. A bit of May Arts burgundy ric rack finishes it off. The edges of the card base were inked with white craft and the matting behind Santa was distressed.

Be sure to check out the other amazing creations of both the Tuesday Morning Sketch Challenge DT and The Rusty Pickle DT.

Tuesday Morning Team:

Theresa

Tammy

Joni

Melissa

Chupa

Rusty Pickle Team:

Heather

Billie

Rachel

Kim

Nancy

Ali

In other Rusty Pickle news, today is the owner, Michelle's birthday! Drop by and wish her a happy one! There you will also see some neat news about a new weekly contest for free digis, (as well as a free digi for you to grab!) and the Copic giveaway info. Don't forget to take advantage of all the different ways you can qualify for your chance at the HUGE set of Copics!

I'm using this card for several challenges. Love to play in them when I track 'em down! Have a great day! :)

Do You Like PIE??!!?! :D

Coffee of the Day - Creme Brulee

I came across two adorable teddy bear images over at The Rusty PIckle the other day and had to snag them. I had hoped to post both cards made with them, but to be honest, I don't have 2 cards done yet 'cause I am livin' the high life over here with the guys gone! :D giggles! the pups and I are listening to all kinds of music and watching (well really, listening) to programs on television that the guys wouldn't normally watch unless under extreme diress. PBS had some neat programs on the other night - an Andrea Bocelli Christmas special that was absolutely phenom!!! and a Frank Sinatra one that was almost as good. neither would have floated any boats but mine around here, so I cranked up the volume and sang along........... loved it loved it loved it!!!! the dogs occasionally sang along too, YES they sang, not howled....... :) I have also had Godspell playing TWICE, my wonderful Jars of Clay, and lots of others........ it has been GREAT! I'm sure the neighbors are wondering what kind of party is going on over here between me, the dogs, and the cat which is now allowed in the house since Dave is away..... shhhhhhhh.... don't tell....... wink wink wink!

oh yes, they are texting me from the hunting fields. it just cracks me up! I come from a Native American bg, so I can just picture my dad looking down from the great beyond, shaking his head at these mighty 'warriors' with rifles in one hand and their cell phone in the others, texting all of their friends the latest updates. makes me chuckle every time. somehow I think GrandPa might be keeping those deer away on purpose....... tee hee hee!

okay, now on to the card.... you have been patient far longer than you should have been! I have used this adorable navy bear called "As American As Apple Pie", but I added some cherry paper from the Cosmo Cricket paper line called Early Bird. The other papers are from the same line. Pie is more favored around here than cake on any given day. you say the word 'pie', and 4 male heads will immediately pop up from whatever they are doing and eyes will grow twice their normal size. A standard size pie doesn't last more than 10 minutes. we have never had leftovers of any given pie. They will devour an entire one..... I am getting off subject again... sorry. anyhow, now you see why I HAD to get this cute image! I added some fun tan ric rack and buttons tied with linen thread.

Have a wonderful day! love ya! and thanks for putting up with me and my ramblings...
Jennifer


p.s. I forgot to add - you have GOT to go to the Rusty Pickle blog site for a most AMAZING contest for some Copic markers!!!!! hurry hurry hurry!!! Michelle is so generous!

and I am also entering this in the challenge to use a hat for the Saturday Spotlight blog. this is a great challenge site of some fabby peeps you will find you know from all across blog land! :) neato bandito people!

Rusty Pickle Winners and Happy Thanksgiving!

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

First to get to the part you all have been waiting for - the winners of the cute digis from The Rusty Pickle. The winner of the bunny is Linda from Payne Holler Cards and the bear is Sue from Sue's Sentiments. Congrats ladies! I hope you have a great time with you adorable new digis! I will send these right out to you!


Next I want to show you this card I made with this fun digi from Squigglefly. I had planned to show you a different card, but hadn't finished it up yet. Perhaps later on in the next few days. I used papers from K & Co. Wild Raspberry. The trim is from JoAnn's. the flower is Prima centered with stickles. buttons are from my vintage stash. shimmerz are painted on her beautiful bow. I love this adorable digi. her expression is just priceless! the card is sized to fit in a legal envie.

Have a glorious Thanksgiving with you family and friends! I am most thankful for all of you who so faithfully visit my blog and put up with me day in and day out! thank you from the bottom of my heart! love you bunches!!!!
Jennifer

More Rusty Pickle Sneak Peekies

Welcome to the FIRST EVER New Release at The Rusty Pickle!!! Michelle is introducing a fun new line of baby themed images that are truly adorable! Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday you will find sneaky peekies of these images on the DT members' blogs. Hop around to the blogs and you are going to see some AMAZING creations!!! Plus you will have the opportunity to win some way cool digis from RP! how can anyone resist that?! :) don't forget that even though this is a new release, there are a TON of great digis already in the store!

Here is my card for today's new release. I used this adorable little bear and more of my gorgeous Prima papers. I cut the paper with a scalloped circle punch and then added little dots of distress stickles. The bear's bow has been sparklefied with December Sky blingz by shimmerz. I added some of my beloved vintage buttons and a velvet prima flower.

Now on to the prize opportunities ~

There are several ways to have a chance to win some fun images ~

1.Be sure to leave a comment here and become a follower of The Rusty Pickle. On Wednesday evening, I will draw 2 winners - One winner will win the bunny I’m showcasing today and the other winner will receive the image I’m showing Wenesday! I will announce winners on my blog, so be sure to check back Thursday.

2. GRAND PRIZE - For a chance to win the ENTIRE set of digital images that are being showcased MONDAY, TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY on the DT's blogs, PLUS three more images of YOUR choosing, make sure you leave comments on ALL the DT blogs on all the days they are showcasing, PLUS comment on and become a follower of The Rusty Pickle blog!
3. RUNNER UP - For a chance to win the ENTIRE set of digital images that are being showcased MONDAY, TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, make sure you leave comments on all the DT blogs AND become a follower on The Rusty Pickle blog AND leave a comment on The Rusty Pickle blog!
4.Get THREE additional entries into drawing #2 and #3 above by mentioning The Rusty Pickle on YOUR blog and linking it up in your comment on The Rusty Pickle blog!

Now be sure to leave comments on both today's and Monday's posts for your chance to win these 2 cute digis. Head over to my fellow DT members' blogs for not only a chance to win there, but also to see their amazing creations!

Have a wonderful day! :)

New Releases at The Rusty Pickle!

Welcome to the FIRST EVER New Release Day at The Rusty Pickle!!! Michelle is introducing a fun new line of baby themed images that are truly adorable! Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday you will find sneaky peekies of these images on the DT members' blogs. Hop around to the blogs and you are going to see some AMAZING creations!!! Plus you will have the opportunity to win some way cool digis from RP! how can anyone resist that?! :) don't forget that even though this is a new release, there are a TON of great digis already in the store!

First my project ~

I used some of the beautiful Prima Nursery Tales paper along with some Jenni Bowlin mini paper for the crinkled heart. The main image as well as the card base and matting piece have been sprayed with walnut gold glimmer mist to give a gorgeous vintage sheen. The ticket is from Making Memories, flower is also Prima, trim is from JoAnn's, and buttons from my vintage stash. what is super cool is that the flourishes are part of the paper and are actually flocked. I love that!!! this bunny just asked me to be made into a vintage baby card. how could I look into those precious eyes and tell him 'no'?! grins!

Now on to the prize opportunities ~

There are several ways to have a chance to win some fun images ~

1.Be sure to leave a comment here and become a follower of The Rusty Pickle. On Wednesday evening, I will draw 2 winners - One winner will win the bunny I’m showcasing today and the other winner will receive the image I’m showing Wenesday! I will announce winners on my blog, so be sure to check back Thursday.
2. GRAND PRIZE - For a chance to win the ENTIRE set of digital images that are being showcased MONDAY, TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY on the DT's blogs, PLUS three more images of YOUR choosing, make sure you leave comments on ALL the DT blogs on all the days they are showcasing, PLUS comment on and become a follower of The Rusty Pickle blog!
3. RUNNER UP - For a chance to win the ENTIRE set of digital images that are being showcased MONDAY, TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, make sure you leave comments on all the DT blogs AND become a follower on The Rusty Pickle blog AND leave a comment on The Rusty Pickle blog!
4.Get THREE additional entries into drawing #2 and #3 above by mentioning The Rusty Pickle on YOUR blog and linking it up in your comment on The Rusty Pickle blog!

man oh man, that is a lotta chances to win some fun images!!! what are you wating on - start commenting! :D

A Beautiful Flower for YOU! :)

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Another beautiful image for you from The Rusty Pickle. I love the simplicity of this flower. and the great thing about it is that you can color it for any season and to match any papers. Put a few together and you have a lovely bouquet. Big news is that sneak peeks start on Monday for a neat line Michelle has designed! All of the DT will have peeks, so be sure to check out everyone's blogs!!

I went back to one of my all time fave EVER Basic Grey paper collections for this card - Stella Ruby. I haven't used any of these papers in a while and figured it was about time. I love the colors, flowers, gosh, just pretty much everything about them!!! Only certain parts of the flower have been painted with my shimmerz. Much to my absolute horror, I discovered that I was almost out of my beloved, treasured, pink shimmerz paint. oh my goodnes gracious me!!! what was I to do?!?! I just automatically grab that paint for EVERYTHING, so didn't rally pay attention to the fact that the pot was almost empty. So thankfully i {heart] papers came to the rescue!!!! my new pink shimmerz will be here the first of next week - phew....... what relief..... I was almost in panic mode!!! grins! doesn't take much to keep me happy, but what does is usually pink and shiny! giggles! The pink trim is from Webster's Pages. The little leaves are from some May Arts leaf ribbon. a few buttons & baby primas with distressed stickles in the centers complete the card.

Enjoy your day! Talk to you soon!

From Me to YOU! :)

Coffee of the Day - Almond Roca


Sorry for the lateness of the post and to have been missing for a day or so. I haven't been feeling so great lately, so haven't been able to do much crafting. Have had some setbacks with my health and we are in the process of trying to get things all straightened out, but so far no luck. yucky poo icky blech! :( I really don't like not feeling well - but guess no one does. we're trying to avoid the i.v. meds - I soooooo don't want to go that route. anyway, enough of that mess. trying to rest as much as I can.


on to my card with these great new images from The Rusty Pickle! I love the cuteness and sweetness of this one. just makes me say "awwwww....." everytime I see it. Paired it with papers from both K & Co. Wild Raspberry and Basic Grey Dasher. The snowman is covered in clear glitter glue and the ground in chunky glitter. Added this fun felt snowflake glitter sticker along with baby buttons and trims from Webster's Pages. Thought the snowman would look so adorable with some bright pink cheeks.


Have a wonderful evening, and I will check in with you later! love to you all!
Jennifer

p.s. there is a Grand Opening drawing for 5 free digis going on until Nov. 15 on the website! hurry over to get your name in the drawing! :)

A Rusty Santa...

I wanted to show you this fun new digi from The Rusty Pickle. Isn't he just wonderful?! I love the rustic look to him.


The papers are not even Christmas ones, which goes to show you that you can use lots of different kinds of papers for the holidays, just dress them up a bit with your images and embellies. Same goes in reverse for the holiday papers. Try it out sometime and see how neat it feels to put a neat twist on your creation!


These papers are from the Basic Grey June Bug collection. The beautiful poinsettia and leaf are Primas. The garland I found at Pat Catan's several years ago, and ahem...... forgot I had. (shhhhhhh...... you can NOT tell David 'cause he would have fits thinking I had stuff in my stamping room that was LOST! grins!!) I tell him all the time that "there is a great bit of organization in this stuff you call clutter." I didn't tighten up the scan so you could see the full impact of the bow. when I tried cropping, the bow just got lost - thus the larger scan. There are frosted stickles along the mittens, coat front, and hat. A tiny bit brushed along the ground gives the feeling of a light coating of snow. The card base was edged in 2 shades of ink to help give the more rustic feel.

Happy Weekend to you! Jennifer