A Pen Friend Thanks

Coffee of the Day - Sleepy Time Tea with extra Valerian (no coffee for the past few days. I've been really sick and tea just tastes better.)

The weekend is almost upon us, thank goodness! :)
I'm here with a bit of pink springtime inspiration to brighten even the gloomiest of winter days.

I have used the adorable "A Pen Friend" image to create a thank you card to send off to a special friend. you can find images similar to this one in Elisabeth Bell's store! some cute digital papers by Adrienne Looman, a little tag, pretty paper flowers, and other fun embellies all combine to create a card that tell my friend how very much I appreciate her kindness. :)

main image die is by Spellbinders, flowers & leaves are from Wild Orchid Crafts, sentiment is from SRM Stickers, buttons are from my vintage stash, pink crochet trim is from Live & Love Crafts, distressed pink seam binding is from Zipper Stop, and little denim tag is re-purposed from a pair of jeans.

have a most amazing day! :)
Jennifer

Challenges:
Crafting By Designs - inspired by a movie (You've Got Mail or Pretty in Pink)
Crafty Creations - anything goes
DL Art - winter with an optional 'thanks'
Crafty Sentiments - anything goes
Inky Chicks - anything goes

Thanks Flower Hat Kitty

Top 3 at Creative Craft Cottage

Coffee of the Day - Irish Creme

Happy Happy Friday! it seems so rare that I actually make a card that isn't for some required project, but that is what I am sharing with you today. I am so very far behind on thank you cards and really need to play 'catch up' on them.

I was super blessed to win some fun images from Sami Stamps a few weeks back. I chose one that I knew would be perfect for this one thank you card I needed to make. a friend I've made over in the Coffee Loving Cardmaker's Facebook group has a cat named Anna. Debra and I have struck up quite the friendship as we talk about coffee, cats and crafting - the 3 'C's! :)

a little while ago she sent me an envelope chocked full of these beautiful Starbucks coffee cards. the stores in my area don't carry them, so I was tickled pink to receive this package from her. 2 of the cards are on my project here. my poor photography skills don't even begin to show the beauty of these cards! most of them are embossed in copper and truly gorgeous! I treasure each one and will use them VERY sparingly.

so for my card I have 'Flower Hat' and paper from Basic Grey's Fresh Cut collection. you can see the only embellishments I've used are the Starbucks items and ribbons & trims from Really Reasonable Ribbon. NO BUTTONS! ;) what is up with that?! grins! they just didn't seem to fit this time. I know - you probably think I have bumped my head. no worries. I'll make up for it on another project! :D

thanks so much for stopping by and I'll see you tomorrow with my last Bugaboo guest designer post.... sniff sniff.....

Challenges:
Ike's World - a little sketchy
Show Us Your Cats - floral kitties
Sami Stamps - anything goes with one of Sami's images
Craft Rocket - spots and/or stripes
DL Art - anything goes with 'thank you' option
Corrosive Ch - animals/nature
A Gem of a Challenge - animals
Creative Craft Cottage - anything goes
Let's Craft and Create - 4 legged friends

Thank You So Much Flowers

Coffee of the Day - Spiced Pecan

Today starts a new challenge over at Catch the Bug, with the theme being 'Flowers Galore.' using flowers is never a problem for me, and I bet it isn't for YOU either! so come play along with us! :)

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

it is NOT part of the card.**

I chose to use the pretty 'Make it Snappy - floral Mom's Day' image, which also comes blank so you can fill it in with whatever sentiment you want. here I have added a thank you sticker from SRM Stickers.

papers are from the Basic Grey Mint Julep collection, flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, seam binding is from Really Reasonable Ribbon as is cutey little yellow chevron bag. faux stitching was added  for funsies. :)   I'll probably add a gift card to the tag when I get ready to send out the card. the tag is the perfect size for one. accents were added with a clear spica glitter pen.

thanks so much for stopping by! enjoy your weekend! :)

Challenges:
Art by Miran - anything goes
Simply Create Too - thank you
As You Like It - fave embossed or patterned papers (I LOVE my Basic Grey papers & so miss this company. it hasn't stopped me from using them though, as you can see from this card. I adore their vintage and whimsical designs which so totally fit my style! )
Craft Rocket - flower power
DL Art - flowers or graduation
Simon Says Stamp Wed - flowers
Crafty Sentiments - tag it
Going Grey with Scrap Creations - spring flowers
Deep Ocean - flowers everywhere
Glitter 'n Sparkle - one for the ladies
A Gem of a Challenge - flowers
Sweet Stampin' - thank you

Thanks, Little Birdies!

It's now time to post my project for Sandra Caldwell's Etsy store new digi releases! this is always fun, since she sneaks in a few images the DT doesn't know about either. ;)

I have used the oh, so fun 'Birdy Hair Salon #301' on my card.

papers are from the Basic Grey Kneehighs collection, mini sweetheart blossoms are from Wild Orchid Crafts, baby pink seam binding & pink burlap string are both from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and buttons are from my vintage stash. main image die is by Spellbinders and larger die is by SU!.  a wink of stella clear glitter pen was used on her hair bow for some sparkle. :) the little sentiment is an SRM Stickers product.

also feel free to join Sandra's Facebook group page for more fun! you never know if she is going to have an impromptu game or challenge! :)

Challenges:
L'il Patch of Crafty Friends - anything goes
Outlawz Paper a la Mode - Welcome Spring
A Gem of a Challenge - Spring
Allsorts - International Women's Day
Suzy Bee's - anything goes with a touch of spring
Digitally Sweet - Spring is in the Air
Wags 'n Whiskers - Spring Fun
Craft Rocket - feathers and/or fur

"14 Things I Love About You" Pocket Tags

Winner at Die Cut Divas

Coffee of the Day - Butterscotch

Hello, everyone!

I am here to share a special project with all of you today and on the Really Reasonable Ribbon blog. but there is a small catch - we have to keep this hush, hush quiet until Valentine's Day because my oldest son is giving this to his girlfriend! we don't want to ruin the surprise, now do we?! ;)

some of you might remember the Tag Advent Calendar I created for Christmas. this is similar, but the theme is "14 Things I Love About You!"  I took the photos before my son wrote on the tags. had to give the guy a BIT of privacy! grins!

you will see many ribbons and trims from the Really Reasonable Ribbon store. I'll share the complete list at the bottom of the post to make things easier.

to keep things as flat as possible, I only added flowers to the very first piece. doilies, washi tape, vintage buttons, die cuts from Sizzix, and various other little goodies decorate each pocket.

papers & some small tag elements are from the Authentique Crush collection, a few stickers are from SRM Stickers, number stickers are from Melissa Frances, digital numbers are from Miss Kate Cuttables, coffee cup die is from Simon Says Stamp. lots of stickles used! :) chipboard cupid is from Blue Fern and bark heart is from Live & Love Crafts. hard to see, but each tag is stamped with a beautiful cupid stamp by Deep Red Stamps. other various stamps used are by My Favorite Things and SU!

Ribbons and Trims:
Brenda white crochet lace
Sweetheart Stripe Grosgrain
Diamond Satin Mineral Ice
Lipstick Red Seam Binding
Sun Rose Seam Binding
Red Burlap String
Pink Burlap String

Mulberry Flowers:
Magnolia (watercolored just a bit to match pinks)
Aster Daisy
Open Roses

don't forget to play along in the new challenge over at RRR. it's a theme we all love - "Anything Goes with ribbons or trims."  thanks so much for stopping by!

Challenges:

Outlawz Sat Paper a la Mode - Tag, You're It

A Gem of a Challenge - Love is in the Air
Brown Sugar - Valentine/Love
Creative Corner - Valentine's Day/Love
Crop Stop - anything goes with a product from their store (Authentique, Sizzix)
Crafty Girls Creations - anything goes
WAW - anything goes
Dragonfly Journeys -Queen of Hearts
Corrosive Ch - love, love, love
Die Cut Divas -  Love, Marriage, & Anniversaries
Paper Creator's Crafts - Must Be Love
Pink and Main - Love
Double Click Skittles - use a heart
Inky Chicks - love (letters) and/or hearts
Digi Choosday - not a card

Many Thanks Sunflower Bunny

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice (yep, again!)

I have been one busy little bee behind the scenes, making things for the upcoming hops as well as a guest designer gig. but I figured it was high time I made something just for 'funsies' that I could post and share with all of you NOW! :) not to mention that I needed a thank you card to mail out.

I have been digging through my digital files to actually use some of these wonderful images I have had for a while. One such image is here on today's card. it's by Digital Delights by Louby Loo and called 'Flowering Bertie.' I colored the flower to look like a sunflower. papers are from the Basic Grey Indian Summer collection, leaves are by Prima, dies are Spellbinder, orange ribbon is SU!, sentiment sticker is by SRM Stickers (sorry about the glare - it's  not like that irl), and buttons are from my vintage stash. I'm not sure who makes the golden burlap twine, as I bought it on Etsy.

the sunflower center on the image was covered in distress stickles, as was the edge of that die. I added a few border dots with my white gel pen. oh yes, if you look VERY closely, you will see an itty bitty brass acorn charm hanging from the bow. :)

Hope your week is off to a grand start!

Challenges:
Craft-Dee Bow Z - anything goes with a handmade bow
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Choux Choux Paper Art - Halloween Blog Hop Linky Party (fall project)
Melonheadz - try something new (it's my 1st attempt tying one of those loopy bows with twine. you don't even want to know how long it took my goofy fingers to tie this thing!)
Little Claire - autumn
QKR - 3 is a Crowd (3 buttons and 3 loops of twine)
Really Reasonable Ribbon - 'orange' you glad it's autumn with ribbon or trim
Emerald Faeries - thank you
Dream Valley - autumn colors
Creative Fingers - anything goes

"Live" Definition Paper Doll

Coffee of the Day - Marzipan

I just have to say that I have the nicest people who follow my blog and leave me comments! y'all are the best! :) thank you for your encouragement and the kind things you say!

Today I am sharing the 2nd of cards made for publication, but forever lost. I am just so glad I took photos before sending them off.

As with yesterday's card, the paper doll images are from A Day for Daisies, digital paper & elements are from the Basic Grey Out of Print collection, and flowers by Wild Orchid Crafts. trim and buttons are vintage. I simply ADORE the little piece of an old button card I added to this one. card base was decorated with glimmer mist and a Crafter's Workshop mini Harlequin stencil. the sentiment is a sticker from SRM Stickers. again, the doll and dress are paper pieced. I just love how the doll itself looks printed onto the newsprint paper and then inked. really adds to the old feel! :)

Happy Friday!

Challenges:
Crafty Girls - anything goes
DL Art Sept - anything goes
Crop Stop - anything goes with a product they carry (Crafter's Workshop stencils)
Simply Papercrafts - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Tues Throwdown - anything goes
Craft Your Passion - anything goes
Crafty Cardmakers - floral embellishments
Where the Heart Is - add some text
Come and Get it - buttons and bows (small bow in her hair)
Quick Quotes - anything goes
Chocolate, Coffee, and Cards - fancy and feminine
Bloggers Ch - stencil it

Enjoy Life Paper Doll

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Today's post is a bittersweet one for me. The card was supposed to be published. sadly, the magazine not only closed down before publication, but my cards were lost. They were supposed to be returned to me, but I never received them. so this photo is all I have left of all my hard work. :(  I will share the other card tomorrow.

The paper doll pieces are by A Day for Daisies. I don't think Tammy ever added them to her shop. she did add complete dolls though, so you can find some similar to this one and the one I post tomorrow. digital paper and elements are from the Basic Grey Out of Print collection. the doll itself was paper pieced and then lightly inked. dress was paper pieced as well with highlights added using both a wink of stella clear glitter pen and black spica glitter pen.

flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and Prima. the card base was created by using a Prima stencil (LOVE this doily!!!) and pink glimmer mist. trim is Prima also. all buttons and button card are vintage. the sentiment is from SRM Stickers.

I loved playing with paper dolls when I was a young girl. I hope you enjoy this card I have made. :)

Challenges:
Word Art Wed - anything encouraging (Congrats on Celebration!)
Little Red Wagon - digi do
Kraftin' Kimmie's Wonderful Wed - anything goes
Fan-tastic Tues - make it feminine and square or rectangle
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Love to Scrap - do a double take (I think I have 4 patterned papers here...)
Not Just Cards - anything goes
Stempelsonne - anything goes
Aud Sentiment - anything goes plus a sentiment
Hanna and Friends - use kraft cs
Fab 'n Funky - shabby chic (my fave!)

Thank You Garden Fence

Coffee of the Day - Sweet Potato

still working at making cards off of my long list to get sent out. then was reminded by several friends that I haven't made even ONE Christmas card yet this year. holy schmoleys, normally I have made at least a dozen by this time! so more cards to add to my personal 'honey do' list. grins!

anyhow, today's card uses an image by From the Heart as well as their current sketch challenge. papers are from the Basic Grey Vivienne collection, which just so happens to be part of one of the blog candies I'm giving away! I hope you have entered! :)

main image die is Spellbinders, watering can & leafy branch dies are Impression Obsession, pink ruffle ribbon is May Arts, sentiment sticker is SRM, little flowers are Prima, all buttons except big brown one are vintage, and ticket is from my stash.

faux stitching was added to all decorative paper, and stickles was added to Prima flower centers as well as the hyacinths.

Challenges:
From the Heart - sketch 106 w/twist of 2 word sentiment
DRS Designs - Bloomin' Beautiful
Inspiration Destination - anything goes
Penny's Paper Crafty - spooled items (twine & ribbon)
Fan-tastic Tues - stitching (faux)
Creative Card Crew - sentiment
Die Cuttin' Divas - Garden month with dies
Inky Chicks - stitching (faux)
Loves Rubberstamps - add flowers
Papertake Weekly - cute as a button
TTCRD - anything goes
Artistic Inspirations - anything goes with a twist of spring
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Craft Your Passion - anything goes
Eureka - buttons and bows
Incy Wincy - fake it (faux stitching)
Love to Scrap - anything goes
Mema's Crafts - use a die or punch (Spellbinders & Impression Obsession dies)
Not Just Cards - anything goes
613 Avenue Create - anything goes w/optional diamond twist
A Gem of a Challenge - spring is in the air
The Stamping Boutique - spring
Wags 'n Whiskers - flowers

Sketched Roses for Mr. & Mrs.

Coffee of the Day - Almond Joy

I mentioned yesterday that I have several wedding cards to make. I was doing my usual stop by Create with TLC today (I get there as often as I can anyhow) and saw that Paulette had posted a beautiful sketched roses image. I thought it would make a pretty wedding card, so I quickly printed it off this morning. got busy in the craft room, and here is what I ended up with. ;)

The floral bg paper is by Free Pretty Things for You. not sure who made the music sheet paper. I normally add the store's name to each one I save, but this only says, 'free'. I'll try to track it down for you and then post.....

******I found the site for the paper. it is Free Vintage Digi Stamps, and here is the link to the actual page. if you like vintage, then you should follow her blog. way cool stuff on there! *****

image was first shaded with SU! inks and q-tips. I then applied the cracked glass technique. once I cracked the image, I lightly sponged kraft ink over the top.

sentiment is a sticker by SRM, flowers are a combo from Wild Orchid Crafts, Prima, and Making Memories, rhinestone flourish is by Zva Creative, satin ribbon is May Arts, doily is from stash, and buttons are vintage.

hope you have a most AMAZING weekend! :)

Challenges:
Creative Fingers - anything goes
Digitally Sweet - anything goes (digital papers & image)
Quick Quotes - Celebrate (wedding)
Wags 'n Whiskers - flowers
QKR - spring flowers
Fussy and Fancy - springtime flowers
Scrap & Craft - use ribbon or twine (ribbon)
Digi Choosday - pearls and gems (gems)
Top Tip Tues - 3 of something (vintage buttons)
Craft-Dee BowZ - anything goes w/handmade bow
Corrosive Ch - Floral Fantasy

Thank You, Friend Bunny!

Coffee of the Day - Gingerbread

Hello to all of you! I hope to be back to posting several times a week if all goes well. thank you so much for the lovely and gracious comments so many of you have left for me! it truly makes my heart sing! :)

I had a BIG project I was working on behind the scenes for the past few weeks, so now that is has gone postal, I can get to the projects I also need to work on for upcoming events in our lives.

I have several thank you cards that need to get out (actually waaaay more than several, but I'm taking them a few at a time!), so today's card is the first I'll post.

a VERY dear friend sent me the most pinkalicious coffee hoodie in the mail about a month ago. little does she know, but I wear it ALL the time! :) I made this card to tell her how much I just LOVE the hoodie and her, too!

the image is by From the Heart and happens to be on sale as I am posting. it's called 'Bunny Hello.' isn't it adorable?!

papers are from the new Basic Grey collection, J'Adore. twine is from The Twinery, flowers are by Wild Orchid Crafts and Petaloo, canvas banner is SU!, thank you sentiment is a sticker by SRM Stickers, and buttons are a mix of vintage as well as from my stash. some faux stitching and a little doily snippet finish the card. oh yes, the bunny's tail is coated in flower soft to make it puffy!

Hope you are having a great week so far! the weekend is juuuuuuuust around the corner!

Challenges:
From the Heart - sketch #104
4 Crafty Chicks - die cuts (main image and banner)
Little Miss Muffet - anything goes
Pile it On - die cuts and/or punches (die cuts - main image & banner)
Crafting for All Seasons - Animal Magic
Inky Impressions - Spring is in the Air
Simon Says - April Showers or April Flowers
Whimsy Inspires - use a die cut (main image and banner)
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Crafty Sentiments - lots of flowers
Digi Choosday - dies (main image and banner)
Fan-tastic Tues - anything sq. or rect. goes with die or punch (dies - main image & banner)
Inky Chicks - stitching (faux)
Papertake Weekly - anything goes with option to add a bunny
Party Time Tues - anything goes
Bunny Zoe - spring colors
Card Mania - Flowers
Eureka - spring flowers
613 Avenue Create - anything goes
Dragonfly Dreams - Spring
Corrosive Ch - hop into spring
Hiding in My Craft Room - think spring
Fussy and Fancy - buttons and bows
Wags 'n Whiskers - buttons
Die Cut Divas - in the garden and die cuts (main image and banner)
Mema's - anything goes with a die or punch (main image and banner)
Sisters of Craft - anything goes

Happy Birthday, Amy! :)

Coffee of the Day - Hazelnut

Betty, of Simply Betty Stamps, wanted to surprise her sister, Amy, with lots of big bright Happy Birthday wishes today, so she got together some folks in her Simply B Facebook group to make a few cards.

my card uses the image, "Let Me Take a Selfie Amy" and papers from the Basic Grey Life of the Party collection. flower is by Petaloo, sentiment stickers are by SRM, and stars were punched from Starbucks coffee cozies then inked with white craft. red twine was salvaged from our huge bags of dog foot. I love that stuff and use it on so many projects! buttons and tickets are from my stash. I almost forgot, I added a little wood veneer star that was inked with a marker to her hair. :)

Challenges:
Sweet Sketch - sketch
Inky Impressions - primary colors
Sister Act - any card goes
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - celebrations
Double Click - birthday
Paper Pretties - buttons
Paper Shelter - ribbon, twine, and/or floss (used ribbon & twine)
City Crafter - diagonals
Inky Chicks - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Crafting Musketeers - buttons
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes w/patterned paper
Ladybug Crafts - anything goes
Cheerful Stamp Pad - birthday
Crafty Bloggers - anything goes
Crafty Boots - anything goes

A Very Special ATC

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Vanilla Creme

Today I want to share with you a very special little bear on a very special little ATC.

September 11 is a day of sadness for many of us, but the world lost a shining star this year in the sudden passing of Amanda Reed. I hadn't known her for very long, but what I did know what a most kind and talented lady. You can find her Facebook page here, and if you are so inclined, make a donation to her family here.

The very amazing folks over at Polkadoodles created this adorable digi image to honor Amanda. Alyce has a challenge in her FB Kit and Clowder group for anyone who uses the cutey.

I made an ATC using papers from the Basic Grey Fresh Cut collection. you might remember that this is one of my faves that BG has recently released. LOVE the colors! flower is Prima that I accented with stickles, sentiment sticker is by SRM, and everything else is from my stash. stickles were also used to accent the heart and flower center on the bear.

Challenges:
Wicked Wed ATC - fave color combo (pinks, kraft, and bluish greens)
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Eureka - use a floral paper
Stamp and Create - circles or dots
Opus Gluei - ATC
Pile it On - flowers and/or feathers (hey there to my former teamies!)
Craft for the Craic - circles on your project
Crafts 4 Eternity - fave color combo (pinks, kraft, and bluish greens)
Pattie's Creations - dog or cat
Double Click Skittles - animal

Love is Sweet

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Biscotti

First I want to thank all of you for being so very loving and supportive. it means so much to me! :) as I said, I'm sure I will still post here from time to time. right now I just need to focus on our poor Mocha. she is hanging in there, but still not up to par by any means.

I have one last project from Whimsy Stamps to share with you. this was one of those that no matter what I did, I just couldn't seem to get it to turn out quite right. finally had to stop and declare it done. oh well. everyone has those days.

image is by Lia Stampz called 'Strawberry Girl,' paper & cute little arrows are from the Basic Grey Herbs and Honey collection, flower is Prima, sentiment & stitching stickers are by SRM. main dies are Spellbinders and strawberry/floral border die is Sizzix.

btw, I am not giving up all of my crafting supplies. I will not  part with my beloved Basic Grey. that would be like cutting off a major body part. ;) I have a few projects I still want to make for my guys. I love altered things and this is the perfect time to work on some of those.  who knows what the future brings? :)
it's all good!!!

Challenges:
Penny's Paper Crafty - anything goes
Crafty Girls - anything goes
Lia Stampz - anything goes
Crafting by Designs - use a sentiment
Scrapper's Delight - cute and girly
A Girl Who Crafts - anything goes
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes w/patterned paper
Die Cut Divas - buttons and bows
Fan-Tastic Tues - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Glitter 'n Sparkle - anything goes
My Sheri Crafts - food, food, and more food

Bloom .... and Grow with Whimsy Digi Stamps!

Coffee of the Day - Coconut Macadamia

Happy Friday to everyone! wooo hooo! it's the weekend! there's just something magical about a Friday, isn't there? not sure if I will see my family or not this weekend, but it's going to be a good one just the same.

Today is my very first post over on the Whimsy Inspiration and Challenge blog. gosh, it is so VERY exciting! I know that I don't measure up by any means when it comes to talent as compared to everyone else on the team, most especially the stamp team. whoa nelly, those ladies are FABULOUS!!!! but I do the best I can, which is about all anyone can ask. my style is so very different from everyone else's. guess that is okay, too. some people like it; some people don't. and that is okay, too. :)

but anyhow, I am using this cute image, 'Savannagh,' from the Marika Collins collection for my card. I really need to be busy doing more of what she is doing in my own garden, and that is weeding. but rains lately have kept that from happening. oh well. it will eventually get done.

papers are from the Basic Grey True Love collection, buttons are all vintage (aren't those pastel ones luscious?!), sticker sentiment is from SRM, & main image and matting die is MFT. the glassine envelope was stamped in pastel pink craft ink with the inside of a bubble mailing envelope to create polka dots. watering can and flower dies are Impression Obsession. tiny leaf flourish die is Cheery Lynn. on main image, flower centers were dotted with stickles and watering can was accented with a clear spica gel pen. washi tape, a doily, and pink satin ribbon complete the card.

have a great weekend whatever you do! :)

Challenges:
Aud Sentiments - anything goes
Art Impressions - use a doily
Crafting by Designs - use die cuts (MFT, Cheery Lynn, and Impression Obsession)
Penny's Paper Crafty - anything goes
Scrapper's Delight - anything goes w/summertime twist
Shabby Tea Room - polka dot love with flowers (polka dots are on the glassine envelope)
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Crafting for All Seasons - tic tac toe: pink, ribbon, square
Digi Choosday - punches and/or dies (both)
Fan-tastic Tues - anything square or rect. goes
Sailing Pineapple - nature calls
TTCRD - anything goes
Die Cut Divas - buttons and bows
Creative Craft Cottage - color inspiration
Craft-Dee Bow Z - anything goes w/handmade bow
Digi Sketch Ch - in the garden
Incy Wincy - summertime activities
Love to Scrap - anything goes
Hobbycutz - fave color combo (pinks, greens, and kraft)
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - anything goes with fun in the sun twist

Bloom and Grow

Coffee of the Day - Toffee Cream

The new challenge this week at Pile it On is 'Flowers' and we are being sponsored by the lovely & unique Dilly Beans! I so miss being part of this Design Team. everyone there was always so nice & friendly! plus Megan just has the most beautiful style to all of her artwork.

I have used the image, "Daisy Girl Framed" for my card. I kept the overall design very simple because I didn't want to distract from this lovely image. pink flowers are dotted with stickles. papers are from the Basic Grey Fresh Cut collection, flower is Prima, and buttons are vintage. sentiment sticker is by SRM.

Challenges:
Art by Miran - anything goes
Brown Sugar - anything goes
Craft for the Craic - fave colors: PINK!!!
Sister Act - anything goes
Art Impressions - use a doily
Crafty Girls - anything goes
Crafty Ribbons - anything goes w/ribbon
Delightful Ch - fave things: vintage buttons, flowers, ribbons, doilies, stickles
Crafting by Designs - anything goes
Divas by Design - ribbons and flowers
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Cards Galore Encore - use a digi or rubber stamp
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes w/patterned paper
Ladybug Crafts - summer flowers
Clear it Out - in the garden w/ribbon stash
Fan-tastic Tues - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Craft Your Passion - ribbons
Aud Sentiments - anything goes

Life is Good if You're a Cat on the Beach

Coffee of the Day - Coconut Macadamia

Today starts a new challenge at Add a Little Dazzle, based on this inspiration photo. someone will win a $15 gift certificate to the store, and it could very well be YOU if you play along!  :)

for my card I decided to make some waves - well, not the kind I usually make (tee hee!), but this time by using a bit of perfect peacock metal run through my Big Shot using the Basic Grey Curly 2 die. you can actually punch out the inner portions, but I chose to leave them in to help mimic the look of waves. I then sponged 2 shades of alcohol inks over the top to help create a bit more color as well as age. in certain parts, I was able to distress the metal, which is just sooooo cool for me! you know how I love to distress things! :)

the cutey image is 'One Cool Cat' by Crissy Armstrong for Whimsy Stamps. papers are Spice Market by Basic Grey, sentiment sticker is by SRM, buttons are all vintage, large rose colored flower is Prima while tiny orange flowers are WOC. crystal effects was added to the glass of lemonade and sunglasses. some sequins and cord finish the card.

Challenges:
SRM - summer
Craft-room Ch - sun, sand, & surf
Fan-tastic Tues - summer at the beach
Paper Pretties - summer fun
Penny's Paper Crafty - fave embellies (vintage buttons, flowers)
WAW - anything encouraging goes
PDE Linky Party - beach/ocean
TTCRD - anything goes
Artistic Inspirations - anything goes/summer
Craft Your Passion - 3 or more embellies ( metal waves, buttons, flowers, sequins, cord)
Incy Wincy - bright funky colors
Ditzie Digi Design - anything goes
Squirrel and Fox - use metal
Just For Fun - here comes summer
Natalie and Amy - 4 legged friends
Sparkles - at the beach/summer fun
Catch the Bug - summertime
Outlawz Paper a la Mode - use metal
Brown Sugar - summer
Craft for the Craic - something summery or with flowers
Crafty Catz - use 2 different dies (Spellbinders and Basic Grey)
Get Inky - summer
Lia Stampz - summer fun

Life is Sweet with You

Coffee of the Day - Toffee Cream

I am pleased to announce that I was asked by a lovely lady by the name of Diane Noble to join her team at Diane's Daydream Designs! you might recognize some of the other artists and designers that have teamed with Diane. they are some of the most talented, kind, friendly women in the crafting community! I am so tickled to be part of this group of Christian women! :)

I hope to bring you a project every Monday featuring products from the Daydream Designs store. Today I have a card for you using 2 images from Diane's Preserving Sweetness Outline set and digital paper from her Poppies for You collection. btw - you can grab this paper as a freebie over on Diane's blog right here! :)

I really wanted to play up the homespun theme with my card, so I used a doily and gingham ribbon. a sentiment from the Jam Packed with Love sentiment set was turned into a little banner. the flower and matching leaf are by Petaloo. they remind me of the blossoms on strawberry plants. the little bee is a sticker by SRM. some sequins, vintage buttons, and faux stiching complete the card. mixing the ginghams with shads of kraft helps bring the country feel to heart!

I apologize that I didn't get my blog candy uploaded yesterday. Mick popped in for a surprise visit, so that was a nice treat! will try to get that done today.

Challenges:
Ditzie Digi Design - anything goes
A Gem of a Challenge - use gingham ribbon and/or paper
We Do Doobadoo - ribbon
Digi Haven - picnic related (gingham and berries and bees mean picnic to me)
QKR Stampede - anything goes
Stamping Boutique - flower embellishment
Crafty Ribbons - anything goes with ribbon
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Sailing Pineapple - Home Sweet Home
Digi Makeover - stitching (faux)
Cheerful Stamp Pad - fruits and veggies
Craft Dee BowZ - anything goes with a handmade bow

Let's Play!

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

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

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

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

Make a Wish Picket Fence

Coffee of the Day - Gingerbread

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

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

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

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

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