Boys and Their Pumpkins...

Winner at Joy Clair

Coffee of the Day -  Bourbon Pecan

Please forgive the tardiness of my post, but a new challenge began YESTERDAY over on Elisabeth Bell's beautiful challenge blog. I was so busy working out at Camp for several groups that were there through yesterday that I completely forgot to schedule my post. shame on me! please pop over to see the lovely projects created by my teamies to inspire you for our new theme, 'Autumn or Halloween.'

I chose to go with the 'Autumn' theme for my card, using this adorable little fella from Elisabeth's line at Whimsy Stamps. he is 'Little Jack Happy Harvest' and just as cute as can be! I stamped him with a neat ink by Ranger called graphite that looks just like pencil lead. it is super cool irl. almost gives that 'no ink' look you see on some digital projects that some of the really talented folks do, but is easy for the not talented people like me! :)

papers are from the Authentique Grateful collection, seam binding is from Zipper Stop, and flowers are by Wild Orchid Crafts. pumpkin template is from Shape EZ and little wooden veneer leaves are from SU!. matting die is by Spellbinders. some vintage buttons and ribbon snippets along with a sentiment from a label maker complete the card. the little pumpkin he is holding was paper pieced.

thanks so much for stopping by! hope your week is fabulous! :)

Challenges:
Catch the Bug - color inspiration
Double D - plaid
{pin}spirational  - photo inspiration (plaid, pumpkin, colors)
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Joy Clair - color inspiration
Crafty Gals Corner - anything goes
Simon Says Stamp Wed - anything goes
Sisterhood of Crafters - pumpkins or orange
Kraftin' Kimmie's Wonderful Wed - anything goes
Dare 2B Artzy - fall

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice, of course! ;)

Today begins a new challenge over on the Elisabeth Bell challenge blog. the theme is one that is near and dear to my heart - 'Buttons and Bows'. :) how much fun is THAT?! and an easy one to combine with lots of other challenges, too, if you are like me and enjoy linking to lots of them!

I'm using the adorable 'Willow with Hot Chocolate' image, but have her drinking my fave pumpkin spice instead. it is that time of year, you know. ;) the fabulous sentiment is by Create with TLC, pumpkin is actually a Shape EZ card template file, and digital papers are from the Carta Bella Fall Blessings collection.

I have re-purposed a label from one of my precious bags of pumpkin spice coffee. it's fun to use them in this way! gorgeous flowers are by Wild Orchid Crafts and buttons are from my vintage stash. seam binding is by Zipper Stop, plaid ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and pretty lace is from SU! main image die is by Spellbinders.

thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you are having a most glorious weekend so far! be sure to grab yourself a cup of something especially wonderful today! :)

Challenges:
Fall Coffee Lover's Blog Hop
Fussy and Fancy - my favorite things (pumpkin spice coffee!, bow, vintage buttons, mulberry flowers, EB images!, re-purposing)
4 Crafty Chicks - colors of fall
CRAFT - Autumn/ Halloween/ Thanksgiving
Star Stampz - it's fall y'all
Anything Goes with TLC - anything goes with a TLC image
Little Miss Muffet - anything goes
Pile it On - autumn colors
Corrosive Ch - anything goes
Crafts and Me - anything goes optional twist: autumn
Crafting Circle/Crafty Awesomeness - anything hand colored goes
Di's Digi Designs - ribbon, lace, and/or twine
Sweet Stampin' - buttons and/or ribbons
Creative Corner - autumn

Autumn and Apples Are Here - Digi Bell Blog Hop

Top Pick at Crafty Ribbons
Winner at The Stamping Boutique

Coffee of the Day - Pecan Toffee

Today is a fun hop for The Digi Bells featuring the adorable 'Apple Blossom and Milkshake Baking' image. you might remember that this used to be a stamp over at Whimsy, but then it retired. well now you will be able to get it as a digi! hooray! :)

if you are following the hop, then you will have arrived here from LYNDA's absolutely GORGEOUS blog. if at any point along the hop you ever get lost, just pop on over to The Digi Bells blog for the complete list.

for my card I've used papers from the Basic Grey Nook & Pantry collection, a fun sentiment by Create with TLC, apple from a Shape EZ card template file, and leaf dies by Prima. main die is from Spellbinders. little flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and seam binding (which I distressed with several shades of ink) is from Zipper Stop. vintage buttons, sequins, a tiny ribbon snippet, and some fun little dots with a marker around the border were added to complete the card.

now off you go to SEBRINA's lovely blog to see what wonderful goody she has created to inspire you! :) be sure to leave her a comment while you are there!

Thanks so much for stopping by! :)

Challenges:
Brown Sugar - anything goes
Jo's Scrap Shack - anything goes
Stamping Boutique - apple season
Digital Delights by Louby Loo - anything goes
Crafty Ribbons - sweet treats with ribbon (seam binding, twine on button, and ribbon snippet on apple)
Kraftin' Kimmie's Wonderful Wed - anything goes
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Come and Get it - lots of layers
Anything Goes with TLC - anything goes with a TLC image

It's a Nutty Birthday Squirrel!

Top 5 Pick at Creative Corner
Top 3 Pick at Animal Friends Challenge

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Cupcake

Today we have a birthday in the house, so of course I had to make a card to celebrate! :)

My son just loves squirrels, he has ever since he was a very little boy. we used to go to the park to feed them back when it was just the 2 of us, so that tells you just how long his love of them goes back! :)

so it seemed appropriate to make him a squirrel birthday card as he turns 26. gosh, those years have certainly flown by! sigh..... I am so proud of the man he has become! :) pardon my proud momma moment.

I used a Sandra Caldwell image and did my best to take the 'angry' out of him. ;) I just don't have any other little squirrel images in my collection, as hard as that is to believe. papers are from the Basic Grey Vivienne collection. The card base is another of Tammy's adorable card templates from her Shape EZ store on Etsy. trims are from my stash and buttons are vintage. sticks for the acorn top are from my yard! grins!  leaf dies are by Tim Holtz.

the inside of the card reads, "We are nuts about you! Happy Birthday!" :) yes, I am goofy that way....

Hope your week is off to a great start! :)

Challenges:
613 Avenue Create - anything goes w/fall color twist
Addicted to Stamping - trees, branches, and/or leaves (actual branches & leaves)
Dare 2B Artzy - Happy Birthday
Catch the Bug - the great outdoors
Di's Digis - autumn
Creative Corner - woodland creatures
Simply Create Too - fall colors
QKR - fall colors
Animal Friends - animals with fur
Die Cut Divas - fall

Mermaids and Sea Shells

Coffee of the Day - Macadamia White Chocolate

Hello! Starting to get my craft back on, so today is my first post back over on the Elisabeth Bell blog.  sure did feel good to get back in my craft room again! :)

Even though my project is late for the current challenge going on over on  The Digi Bells' blog, I still wanted to play along. I mean, WHO could resist a chance to use our adorable Elisabeth Bell images?! I hope you have had the chance to enter your own project, or are in the midst of working on it.

The theme is 'Make a Splash' and this cutey little mermaid image, 'Catch of the Day' seemed the perfect one for my card. my friend, Tammy, owns an Etsy shop that sells Shape EZ card templates. I have used her fun sea shell template here.

I am a goof for all things Basic Grey, so even though the company has retired, I've used their papers (South Pacific) and die here for the shabby feel that I oh, so love! this die (Curly #2) is my 'go to' for waves.  it's a bit quirky & fun, and I absolutely adore it. :) I hope you do, too!

sea horse and sand dollar dies are by Tim Holtz while main image die is by Spellbinders. little fern punches are by Martha Stewart and hopefully look like seaweed as they sit by the actual shells I have added.

ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon and flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts. netting was distressed with ink to look more shabby and aged.

thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a most fabulous day! :)
Jennifer

Challenges:
Love to Craft - anything goes
Li'l Patch of Crafty Friends - anything goes
Ribbon Girls - any card with ribbon goes
Mark's Finest Paper - anything goes
Crafty Catz - anything but square
Morgan's Art World - use kraft
The Stamping Boutique - your inner child or for a child
Crafter's Cafe - use 2 patterned papers
Doodle Pantry - anything digital goes
Fantasy Crafters - anything fantasy goes
Happy Little Stampers Dies Ch - anything goes with dies (Tim Holtz, Spellbinders, & Basic Grey)
Sparkles Forum - lots of layers

Find Your Wings Butterfly

My 2nd post for the day, with one more to follow. I told you it was going to be busy here! :)

We have a new challenge over at Aud Sentiments and it's a fun one! there is a bingo board for you to use, and our sponsor is none other than the very talented Art by Miran.

I have used the beautiful Maria Mariposa on my card along with a pretty butterfly template from Shape EZ.

papers are from the Basic Grey Urban Prairie collection, sentiment is by Create with TLC, flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, black seam binding & pink burlap string are from RRR, and button is from my vintage stash. sequins are by Lawn Fawn. lovely butterfly die is from Cat's Pajamas, and sentiment is punched with an EK Success tag punch. her wings are accented with a wink of stella glitter pen.

Bingo: ribbon, paper punch, 2 patterned papers and die cut, flowers, 2 patterned papers

don't forget to stop back for my last post of the day! and be sure to play along in the bingo challenge, too! :)

Challenges:
Outlawz Paper a la Mode - National Butterfly Day
Jade's Sparkling Butterflies - anything goes/use die cuts and punches
Creative Knockouts - Spring is on the Way
Star Stampz - think Spring
Inspiration Destination - anything goes

Mid-Month Inspiration Post for Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Extra

Favorite at Happy Little Stampers Christmas Challenge

It's now time to share my mid-month post for Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra. because of the time difference I have to post my card the evening of the 14th so it coincides with the post going live in the UK on the 15th. ;)

Our challenge is always sponsored by Bugaboo Stamps, but  mid-month DT projects can feature images from anywhere.

Today's card has a cute little image from Sandra Caldwell called 'Head Elf' because he was a perfect match to the Boot Card Template from Shape EZ. don't you think so?

paper is from the Basic Grey Evergreen collection, flowers & holly leaves are from Wild Orchid Crafts, striped satin ribbon & gold twine are from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and pretty little doilies are an Etsy purchase. I added some stickles accent dots to the boot and white gel pen & glitter pen accents to the main image.

playing along in the Christmas Extra challenge is a great way to get a jump start on your holiday cards! hope to see you there. :)

Challenges:
Christmas Card Ch - anything Christmas goes
Crafty Friends - anything goes
QKR - add some sparkle (stickles, gold/silver ribbon, gold twine, & glitter pen highlights)
Simply Papercraft - anything goes
DL Art - anything goes
Happy Little Stampers Christmas Ch - shaped card
Christmas at Sweet Stampin' - cute Christmas
12 Months of Christmas - anything Christmas goes with optional decoration twist

Show Me the Pink Challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon!

Coffee of the Day - Cinnamon Hazelnut

Happy Friday to all of you ribbon lovers! it's been quite the week here at our house.  so happy to see that it's Friday at last! how about you? ready for the weekend?

well let's get it started off right with a fun new challenge over at the Really Reasonable Ribbon blog. it's all about pink with our theme of "Show Me the Pink!" adding ribbons and trims of course! :)

Our neighbor is expecting a new baby girl in the next few months, so it seemed the perfect time to make a card for her.

I used one of the pretty ribbons from this month's ribbon kit to make the big bow. I actually ordered more of this gorgeous  3/8" hot pink quatrefoil satin, and still only have a tiny smidge left after finishing this card. yep, time for another shopping trip! :)  vintage buttons were also added, with one being tied with pink burlap string.

the card is made with a fun template from Shape EZ, papers are from the Authentique Crush collection, and the adorable little baby card is a printable from Free Pretty Things for You.

When the gorgeous flowers don't quite matchy match the papers I'm using, it's super easy to watercolor them! I took one of the white magnolias and painted it several shades of pink. so very easy and lots of fun to do. a quick hit with the heat gun causes the flowers to dry super fast if you don't feel like waiting.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you play along in the challenge with all of us! :) and have a great weekend!

Challenges:
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - anything goes with baby/toddler twist
Crafting With an Attitude - anything goes
Crafty Girls Creations - anything goes
Little Miss Muffet - anything goes
Scrap & Craft - new beginnings
DRS Designs - color challenge
Crafty Gals Corner - new for you (new ribbons and papers!)
WAW - anything goes
Craftin' Desert Divas - shaped card
Crafty Boots - ribbon or lace
Crafty Cardmakers - new (this time I have it right!)
Crazy Ch - ribbons
Classy Cards 'n Such - buttons
Morgan's Art World - add ribbon
Crop Stop - anything goes with a product from their store (pink burlap string, Authentique)

Sending Warm Winter Wishes

Coffee of the Day - Maple Fudge

I realize my post is late in the day, but it's actually going live over in Europe at the proper time. ;) and it's a two-fer, too! not only am I here with a reminder for Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra, but I was privileged to be asked as a Guest Designer over at Paradise of Stamps for their newest challenge.  because the themes coincided, I thought I would combine it all into one fun card for you! I hope you enjoy! :)

The theme at Paradise of Stamps is 'Winter', and what says winter here in northeast Ohio more than SNOW! while we didn't have much before Christmas, we have been making up for it this week. I wanted to add a sentiment on the outside, but just ran out of space. so I did add it to the inside and it reads, "Sending Warm Winter Wishes." this makes it perfect for any kind of a winter holiday card!

The cute bear image comes from Sandra Caldwell, papers are from the My Mind's Eye Winter Wonderland collection, snowflake template is by Shape EZ, pale blue ribbon and burlap string are from Really Reasonable Ribbon, flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, and buttons are vintage. beautiful doily die for the iridescent vellum is by Prima and the pretty tree dies are by Sue Wilson for Creative Expressions. I added snow to the trees with acrylic paints and to the main image with stickles.

I hope you will play along in both challenges since you've seen how easy it is to combine them into one card! :) and just think - you'll be getting a head start on your holiday cards, too!

thanks so much for stopping by!
Jennifer

Challenges:
Crafty Time - make it sparkle (stickles on the snow & snowballs)
Creatalicious - snowflakes (template & paper)
Southern Ridge Trading - anything winter
Stempelgarten - Winter Wonderland
Creaine Ch - bingo: blue, flowers, glitter (stickles)
Craft for the Craic - January Blues
The Stamping Boutique - winter
Christmas at Sweet Stamping - bows

A Big Snowman Thank You

Winner at Paper Sweeties

Coffee of the Day - Dulche de Leche

Today I am honored to be the Guest Designer over at My Sheri Crafts! thank you so much for having me! :) the theme for the new challenge is "Let's Build a Snowman."

I am always in need of thank you cards, but most especially at this time of year. I thought it would be fun to incorporate a winter theme with my thanks, and it's always fun to create a shaped card!

I started with a base of Paper Temptress  Desert Storm Kraft cs and cut out my Shape EZ snowflake template. other shapes were cut from Basic Grey Aspen Frost paper. edges were covered with either Prima chalk ink or white acrylic paint and stickles. the white pure elegance organza ribbon ties such pretty bows, and you can see how the iridescent stripes catch the light! just gorgeous!  the absolutely precious red satin with white polka dot 1/8" ribbon ties a few little twigs to the bow, mimicking the snow angel's arms stretched ever so wide. :)

cutey snowman angel image is by Sassy Cheryl, sentiment is from Create with TLC, flowers are all from Wild Orchid Crafts, and cute little dew drops are from Double Click Skittles. I just received them in the mail as part of a prize package I had won. couldn't wait to put them to use! :) stickles on main image for snow and wink of stella pen on wings for some sparkle. he sits on a ticket and is surrounded by mini doilies from Etsy.

whew.... lots going on, but it turned out so nice, I think. :) perfect way to say thank you to someone for their kindness!

Challenges:
Double Click Skittles - something new (my skittles and new stamps from them!)
Di's Digi Designs - new to you (skittles and stamps on sentiment piece)
Allsorts - what's new (skittles and stamps on sentiment piece)
Card Mania - winter fun
Cute Card Thurs - anything goes
Pile it On - anything Christmas/Winter
Crafty Calendar - something new (skittles and stamps on sentiment piece)
Bastel-traum - winter
World Wide Open DT Ch - anything goes
Paper Sweeties - photo inspiration
As You Like It - anything goes
Star Stampz - Winter Wonderland
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Crafty Boots - snow and sparkle
Eureka - snowman or snowflakes

Gonna Miss U, Sweet Pea Stamps!

Coffee of the Day - Spiced Southern Pecan 


 Welcome to the Sweet Pea stamps Blog Hop!

This hop is from a loyal group of Sweet Pea Stamp fans who want to let Lynette know that we appreciate all her hard work bringing us the wonderful stamps in both rubber and digi format over the years.  Thanks so very much for all the wonderful images we have collected from you!

There are some random prizes along the way, as certain blog owners, myself included, have decided to include a prize, so please leave some comments along the way as you see everyone's gorgeous Sweet Pea Stamp creations.

Also, the store closes at the end of the day on the 25th, so if you see some wonderful stamps on this blog hop, today is the last day to get them, so please drop by the store! here is a great coupon to use, too. :)

You should have come here from Jane Bradshaw's oh, so fun blog! if at any point you ever get lost, you can find the complete list of hoppers over at the Sweet Pea Stamps blog.

For my card, I chose the Scarecrow Dude digi image by Sandra Caldwell. the acorn card template is by Shape EZ and paper is from Simple Stories. buttons are from my vintage stash, all flowers are by Wild Orchid Crafts, leaves are from Prima, and gorgeous crochet lace can be found at Really Reasonable Ribbon. a few accents made with the white gel pen and some sticks from the yard finish off the card. :)  oh yes, the sentiment stamp is from My Favorite Things.

your next stop on the hop is at my friend, Margaret Ashby's blog, better known as GranMargaret! :) I know you will love what she has made!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Challenges:
Your Scrapbook Place - anything goes (using an image by sponsor)

Altered Table Decoration for Thanksgiving

Winner at My Sheri Crafts

Coffee of the Day - Dulce De Leche

Happy Monday to all of you! and a big hello to my newest followers as well. :)

I have a fun Thanksgiving project to share with you today. it's part 2 of the gift set I began showing you last week on this post.

I mentioned that I am notorious for saving ribbon scraps. what I didn't say was that I save all kinds of things for my crafting. my project for today shows you how fun it is to re-purpose everyday items found around your home! :)

The base to this decoration is actually an almond can. the top 2 pieces are old ribbon spools that were spray painted white. Miscellaneous ribbons, Wild Orchid Crafts flowers, vintage buttons, digital scrapbook paper (from Far Far Hill), burlap and silk leaves, and foam fruit decorate the tower. touches of various stickles add sparkle and shine.

I'll fill this with a yummy nut snack mix and then hubby will give it to some friends of ours this week.

I hope you are inspired to create something fun of your own with things you have around your house! Really Reasonable Ribbon has so many gorgeous trims and ribbons to add the perfect touch! :)

Ribbons and trims used:
tower - autumn diagonal striped grosgrain, delicate stitched satin old gold, wired woven check brown/white, seam binding dusty olive, burlap string orange
card - silky crush olive, shimmer satin tangerine with gold, autumn diagonal striped grosgrain

Wild Orchid Crafts flowers:
10 mm open roses, 15 mm open roses, cosmos, cherry blossoms, rosebuds

Thanks so much for stopping by! :)

Challenges:
Dragonfly Dreams - fall colors
613 Avenue Create - anything goes
My Sheri Crafts - Happy Thanksgiving
Catch the Bug - bingo: button, texture, flower
Art by Miran - anything goes
Simply Papercraft - anything goes
Whimsy Inspires - anything goes holidays
Kraftin' Kimmie Wonderful Wed - anything goes

A Fun Thanksgiving Gift

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

 Wooo Hooo! It's the weekend! So what crafty plans do YOU have?

 I want to show you a fun little Thanksgiving gift I plan to give to our pastor at church tomorrow. something quick and easy and sure to please because it's food! grins!

Last night I made several loaves of banana nut bread. it's a great recipe because there is no sugar added, but also none of the sugar substitutes either - just all natural ingredients. it's so yummy that it doesn't last long around my house. I thought it would make a special treat for our pastor and his wife as a way of saying thank you for all that they do for our church community throughout the year.

the white jute twine was the perfect thing to wrap around the loaf for a bit of decoration. easy peasy to make a fun bow with, too! as I've said before, if this twine ever goes out of stock in the Paper Temptress store, you can be sure I had something to do with it! tee hee!  I added some sticks, feathers, and a leaf to the bow for a touch of autumn.

 it was fun to create a little card to go along with the bread. I used the Desert Storm Kraft cs as a base for the leaf template by Shape EZ. it was lightly embossed, edges were inked, and then distress stickles were added for a touch of sparkle.  a cute turkey digi image from QKR Stampede was added along with vintage button, sticks from the yard, little rose from Wild Orchid Crafts, and 1/8" wine satin ribbon with gold gold edges made into a fluffy bow. All set for gift giving! :)

thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you have a fabulous weekend! :)

Challenges:
Eureka - anything goes
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Brown Sugar - anything goes
Jo's Scrap Shack - gratitude
Quick Quotes - things with wings
As You Like It - fave season and why: I LOVE the Fall with the changing leaves, pumpkins, cooler temps from the awful heat of summer, football season, World Series, Thanksgiving which is my fave holiday, the great foods, gosh, I think I could go on for pages! :)
Creative Knockouts - no square cards
Pile it On - any holiday/celebration (Thanksgiving/thank you)
DL Art - Thanksgiving/thank you
DRS Designs - color inspiration
Double Click - Thanksgiving/thank you
TTCRD - anything goes

A Pumpkin Shaped Card with Shabby Bow

Coffee of the Day - Maple Fudge

Hello, all of you ribbon lovers!

Today I have a cute pumpkin shaped card to share with all of you. it's actually part of a gift set. I'll be sharing the other portion with all of you next week.

My husband and sons will quickly agree with me when I tell you that I save even the smallest ribbon snippets. (I save LOTS of neat things to use on my projects, but that would be enough for another post entirely! grins!)

Have you ever cut the tail from one side of a bow that was just a smidge too long? yes, I save those. or maybe you have a piece a few inches long from the beloved piece of crochet trim that started out many yards long, but you've been using portions and parts on specials projects.

I keep all of those pieces on my craft desk so that can come to life again in what can easily be called 'shabby bows.' just gather the small pieces and tie them into your bow. it's so easy to do, but adds such a pretty, shabby chic look to your project!

Here I have used the Autumn Diagonal Stripe Grosgrain from Really Reasonable Ribbons to tie pieces of  Silky Crush Olive ribbon and Tangerine Shimmer Satin with Gold.  I also added a variety of flowers by Wild Orchid Crafts - cosmos, 10mm open roses, 15 mm open roses, and rose bud.

digital papers are by Far Far Hill, digi image is no longer available, but was from Whimsy Stamps, pumpkin card template is by Shape EZ by TLC, doily die is from Sizzix, and leaf flourish die is from Cheery Lynn. both the actual doily and the doily die cut were sprayed with kraft glimmer mist. the milk cap and buttons are vintage. sunflower centers on main image are covered in distress stickles.

Thank you so much for stopping by! I'll see you next week with the rest of this gift set. :)
Jennifer

Challenges:
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Craft Your Passion - anything goes
Dream Valley - shaped cards
Ribbon Girl - use any image
Scrapper's Delights - anything goes
Di's Digi Designs - tic tac toe (bow, die, flowers)
Jo's Scrap Shack - anything goes
Polkadoodles - autumn/fall colors
The Stamping Boutique - fall
Cute Card Thurs - birds or animals (little crow on scarecrow's shoulder)

Happy Bear with Leaves

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

I have the honor today to have been invited as a Guest Designer over at Crafting By Designs! thank you so much for the privilege of joining in with your team for this week's "Autumn Colors" challenge theme! I had such fun making my project. :)

I started with a wonderful leaf card template by ShapeEZ by TLC using papers from the Basic Grey Pyrus collection. the cutey bear with autumn leaves image is by Sassy Cheryl. ribbons are from Really Reasonable Ribbon, flowers are by Wild Orchid Crafts, and buttons are from my vintage stash. fun little doily is from Etsy. the leaves on the main image were covered in distress stickles, and I added a few dots along the card base with my marker.

I do hope you will join the challenge with all of us! there are so many neat projects you can make for fall! :)

thanks so much for stopping by! we are still on the look-out for another vehicle, so I'll be around to visit all of you later. :)

Challenges:
Craft-Dee BowZ - anything goes with a handmade bow
Eureka - autumn leaves/colors of fall
Simon Says Stamp Mon Ch - autumn is in the air
TTCRD - anything goes
Pile it On - 1, 2, 3 recipe (1 image or doily, 2 ribbons or dec. papers, 3 buttons)
Robyn's Fetish - real or faux leaves
Fussy and Fancy - autumn colors
Simply Create Too - autumn splendor
Scrap & Craft - colors of autumn
Creative Moments - anything goes with autumn colors
Mod Squad - get your fall on

This Squirrel is Nuts About Coffee!

Coffee of the Day - Oatmeal Raisin Cookie

Well it's the last official day of the Fall Coffee Lover's Blog Hop... there have been so many amazing projects made, and I haven't seen even half of them yet! :) I hope to get around to a few more blogs, but also need to get my home in order because we have company coming later today... guess I need a few more cups of coffee to get me going! ha!

I had to have my final project honor the cutie squirrels that live all around our house. and of course, any squirrel around here would HAVE to have a coffee cup in his little bitty hands!

this adorable image comes from Toadstool Printables. isn't he just so much fun?! the great acorn card template is from ShapeEZ by TLC. not sure if she has it in the shop right now or not, but you could certainly send her a message if she doesn't. Tammy is just as nice as can be! since I don't have an electronic cutting machine, I appreciate people who include files for folks like me who have to cut things out by hand.

the paper on the acorn is by Simple Stories while the leaves are cut from Basic Grey Indian Summer papers. they were cut with a Tim Holtz die and then sprayed with 2 shades of glimmer mist. the acorn top was also sprayed with glimmer mist. yes, I do like that stuff!

the mulberry leaves are by Prima, the burlap ribbon is May Arts, the burlap twine comes from Etsy, buttons are vintage, and that fab sunflower is from Factory Direct Crafts.

please be sure to sign up for my coffee themed blog candy at this post. I will announce the winner in the next few days. :)

Have a great weekend!

Challenges:
Crafting With An Attitude - anything goes
Crafty Girls Creations - anything goes
Hanna & Friends - special card form
Whimsy Inspires - anything goes or Halloween
The Male Room - autumn/fall
Simon Says Stamp Wed Ch - anything goes
Kraftin' Kimmie Wonderful Wed - anything goes
Cardz 4 Guyz - something with 'm' (mug, mist, mulberry leaves)
Creative Card Crew - masculine (yes, I firmly believe it can have a flower on it and still be masculine. my guys all like sunflowers! grins!)
Digi Choosday - something new (image is brand new & I've had the twine less than a month)
Papertake Weekly - take your pick (autumn color theme)
QKR - anything goes
Di's Digi Designs - animals acting like humans
Chocolate, Coffee, and Cards - animals

Sunflower House Mouse Acorn Shape Card

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Can you believe it's Wednesday already?! Yesterday Dave and I had the best time together on his day off. We went to the infamous Hollo's Paper Store where I was able to pick up a few much needed supplies, such as clear envelopes and paper doilies. also went to several of our favorite antique stores so I could get a few more vintage laces and buttons to replenish my ever dwindling stash .... ha! (hope dearest hubby doesn't read that last sentence! tee hee!) he was able to get an old window frame to work on over the winter. he took one this past winter and turned it into the most gorgeous shabby chic mirror for our upstairs hallway. it is beautiful! excited to see what he does with this next one! :)

The card I am sharing with you today uses one of the vintage laces I found yesterday on a fun acorn shaped template from Shape EZ by TLC. I don't see this exact template in her store right now, but I'm sure you could send her a quick message if you were interested. Tammy has a beautiful blog that is filled with gorgeous inspiration using her templates as well as many other projects. I'm a longtime follower of hers! :)

The cutey stamp is a House Mouse one called 'Daisy Face' that I fussy cut, gingham paper is by Simple Stories, leaves are from Prima, lace is vintage as I mentioned above as are the buttons, and little ribbon snippet on stem is by SU!  not sure who makes the sunflower as I took them out of their packaging long ago. same goes for mfg of baker's twine.

acorn cap was sanded, distressed with inks, and then sprayed with walnut gold glimmer mist before inking the edges and adding more vanilla ink.

Thanks so much for stopping by! for those of you who have been asking, Mocha is doing okay for now. thank you for your concern and well wishes. :)

edited to add:  I can't get any of the blogs I follow to show up in my feed.... I will be around to visit as soon as blogger decides to co-operate. this has been going on for a few days now. so sorry I've been absent from your blogs. :(  hopefully it will soon be fixed.

Challenges:
House Mouse - anything goes or bingo: ribbon, yellow/gold, flowers/leaves OR button, ribbon, baker's twine, OR all 3 colors
Sisterhood of Crafters - photo inspiration
Clear It Out - theme: autumn, stash: leaves (these Prima leaves are REALLY old!)
Creative Card Crew -  fall
TTCRD - anything goes
Glitter 'n Sparkle - something that starts with 'g' (glimmer mist, green)
Fantasy Stampers - autumn leaves
Crafting with Friends - anything goes
Craft for the Craic - anything but a square
Crafting Musketeers - autumnal colors
Gruffies and Guests - make it fruity or anything House Mouse/Happy Hopper/Gruffies goes

A Merry Merry Santa Dragon Tag

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Hello! Well I am just all over the place with my holidays today. drinking pumpkin spice coffee and showing you a Christmas tag. what in the world is going on in my wonky little world? probably best to not ever ask THAT question! ;)

but really, I am playing along in the Progressive Christmas challenge over at Digi Stamps 4 Joy. if we participated last month, we were all sent this little Santa Dragon image to use for this month. I thought he would make a fun tag.

the tag itself is embossed and lightly inked with white craft, paper is Basic Grey 25th and Pine, enamel dots are Teresa Collins, flower is a Shape EZ template edged in stickles. shimmerz paint and stickles are also used on the main image, which is popped off of the tag with foam tape.

I have several things going on 'behind the scenes' so to speak and have been really busy working on getting some organization done in my craft room. now that could take me til the end of next year, but I try to do little bits here and there....

hope to be back in another day or two with another project. take care! :)

Challenges:
Digi Stamps 4 Joy Progressive Christmas Ch
Outlawz Twisted Thursday - 3 of something
Crafty Ribbons - anything goes
Crimbo Crackers - Santa (if my Santa Dragon doesn't count, please just delete my entry. thanks!)
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - dies or punches (used both)
Lil Red Wagon - anything but a card, with paper
Paper Shelter - punches and dies
Penny's Paper Crafty - lots of layers
Shopping Our Stash - make your own embellies (flower)
TTCRD - anything goes
{Pin}spirational - anything goes
All Crafts - anything but a card
Eureka - animal friends

Q is for Quick Christmas

Coffee of the Day - Chocolate Peppermint

Sorry folks, this is going to be a quick post. I'm really not doing too well. spent most of yesterday in bed, and plan to head back there as soon as I type this up.

guess quick is the name of the game for today, as that is the new challenge theme over at ABC Christmas Challenges. We want to see your quick projects. The fabulous Shape EZ templates are our sponsors.

I went for a super quick set up with my project today, using pre-colored images and card fronts from the Doodle Pantry. they have so many beautiful images and designs to choose from! The 'Holly Stag' set comes with papers, images, tags, sentiments, and card fronts. perfect for a quick project! I combined this with the Shape EZ poinsettia. the petals were outlined with candy cane stickles. some Spellbinders dies, buttons, & vintage trim make the project come together fairly fast. cutting out the flowers and waiting on the stickles to dry took most of the time! ;)

Challenges:
Doodle Pantry - anything goes with DP image
WAW - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Twist of Faith - animals
C is for Challenge - animals
Crafty Boots - Christmas
Lexi's Creations - sparkle and shine
Crazy Challenge - animals
All That Stickles - great outdoors (I really don't want a reindeer in my house! ha! candy cane stickles)
Sister Act - anything goes
Stampin' with the Dragon - Christmas
CRAFT - Christmas

Sweet Christmas Mousie

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Swirl with Bourbon (that's the coffee flavor, not what I added to my coffee! grins!)

I want to begin my post by thanking those of you who left me such wonderful birthday comments last week! I really appreciate your thoughtfulness! :) had a quiet day with just me and the dogs, but on Saturday did celebrate with the entire fam. went to our fave paper store, since Jocelyn had never been before, and also got in a bit of antiquing. had both lunch and dinner out, which was quite the treat! then everyone headed back to Camp to get ready for the next group to arrive. While we were out and about, they surprised me with my gift from all of them - they are buying me my next tattoo! I am so excited! trying to decide which of 2 I want to get. I really want to get a pink bow for my cancer battle, but also want a tat on my foot, and think that during the summer is the ideal time to get that one. my tats have to be symbolic, and for the most part are related to my faith walk. I'll keep you posted!

now on to my card - we have a new challenge over at ABC Christmas Challenges: M is for Men or Mice. We are sponsored by Tammy and her fabulous Shape EZ templates. these are so much fun to work with!

I am using the Shape EZ Tipped Scalloped Flower template, digital papers from the Carta Bella Merry & Bright collection, a cutey image from Bugaboo called 'Christmas Mouse - Cocoa'. the sentiment is from a PTI set, flourish die and border are both Tim Holtz, gorgeous twine is Maya  Road, stitching stamp is Gina K. shimmerz paint was added to the bow, spoon, shoes, and heart on main image. stickles were added to the Shape EZ flowers. I have a 'thing' for polka dots, if you haven't already been able to tell, so I added dots to the mug with my white gel pen. some rhinestones on the sentiment punch, a doily, and a button complete the card.

colors are a bit off in the scan because I didn't want to put the lid down on the scanner & crush the flowers. I did the best I could with the editing, but I am no Einstein in that area. please forgive me.

enjoy your day! sending you big hugs!

Challenges:
WAW - anything goes with encouraging senti
Creative Craft - a stitch in time
Party Time Tuesdays - anything goes
Crafting By Design - anything goes
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Tuesday Throwdown - glitz & glimmer (shimmerz paint, stickles, rhinestones)
Digi Sketch - theme: Christmas
Pause, Dream, Enjoy - anything goes
Paper Nest - animal love
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Extra - anything goes Christmas
A Little Bit Crafty - something sweet
Sparkles Christmas - buttons and bows
Docerela - kraft cs
Jingle Belles - a digital Christmas (papers and image)
Sister Act - anything goes
Stampin' for the Weekend - anything goes
Sweet Stampin' Christmas - cute & cuddly with non-traditional colors (pink & blue)