Faith Can Move Mountains

Most Inspiring and DT Favorite at Path of Positivity
Coffee of the Day - The Coffee Fool Vanilla Macadamia Nut

Today's card is another special one, this time for a fundraiser being held in honor of a wee babe who spent some time at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital NICU. His mom, Lea, has put this fundraiser and card drive together to raise money for Starbuck's gift cards and handmade cards to put them in for other family members who have to experience times such as what she went through. You can find more information here on her blog.

Using the mood/inspiration board, I created this card with a beautiful digital image that I purchased on Etsy. my faith has brought me through some very difficult times in my life, so hopefully this sentiment will bring hope and comfort to someone in need.

papers are from both Echo Park and Kaisercraft, ribbons are from Really Reasonable Ribbon, the main image die is by Spellbinders while the tree die is by Tim Holtz for Sizzix. vintage buttons & doily are from my stash and the little banners are actually sticky notes from Target. I used a Wink of Stella clear glitter pen to accent the word 'faith' on the main image and the gold dots on the sticky notes. some re-purposed grey tissue paper adds a bit of interest & texture behind the main image.

I had to work hard to keep this card as flat as possible to make it easy to mail as well as to deliver. not an easy task for me. ;)

if you have a moment, please consider a donation or making a card for this very worthwhile fundraiser. thanks for stopping by!

Challenges:
A Bit More Time to Craft - anything goes
Crafts Galore Encore - anything goes
Creative Craft Cottage - dies and/or punches (Spellbinders & Tim Holtz dies)
Let's Craft and Create - anything goes with lace, ribbon, twine (I have 2 of the 3 here)
Addicted to Stamps - ribbons galore
Dragonfly Journeys - grey is the new black (used as card base, tissue paper, vintage button, and ink for both painting & distressing)
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Path of Positivity - anything positive goes (hopefully this sentiment brings a bit of hope to someone going through the tragedy of having an infant in the NICU. my faith has sustained me through some of the most terrible times in my life, as well as brought me to the mountain tops. I hope this sentiment and the prayers I poured into the card bring some comfort. the greens, my favorite color, are soothing, while the yellow brings the hope with the sun)

Big Stuff Coming Up!

Coffee of the Day - Creamy Chestnut

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Messy Face Chocolate Boy

Coffee of the Day - Irish Creme

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

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

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

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

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

Epic Day on a Bike

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Nut

Today I share with you my  next installment in the Jellypark Post Pals card drive. this little guy on his bike makes me smile so big! I have made my card for Alan S., who is a big fan of Dr. Who - of course I HAD to send him a card! :)

if you would like more info about Post Pals or the card drive Claire has put together, check out the Facebook page. you will see so many fabulous cards as well as wonderful stories of the children receiving them. :)

I knew that the fella needed a sidewalk for his bike, so I painted one in. papers are from the Basic Grey Capture collection, since it had lots of blue in it - Alan's fave color! I wanted to be sure to include some bright colors, but make it kinda hip, too. wood veneer pieces are by Studio Calico, and enamel dots are some of my handmade ones.

Challenges:
Sketch 'n Stash - sketch ch #139 (stash-ribbon, ticket, button)
Brown Sugar - anything goes
Jellypark - bold and bright
Simply Create Too - Father's Day or for a male
Sister Act - any card goes
Wags 'n Whiskers - one for the boys
A Song in Your He{art} - Let's Hear it for the Boys
Baffies Creative Shop - male
Penny's Paper Crafty - spots and/or stripes
WAW - anything encouraging goes
Cards Galore Encore - anything goes
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes with patterned paper
Crafty Sentiments - inspired by a song: "Let's Hear it for the Boys"
Fan-tastic Tues - one for the guys
Papertake Weekly - oh, so cute
Glitter 'n Sparkle - for a male or male colors

Let's Play!

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

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

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

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

Fuzzy Wuzzy Was a Bear.... Having a Pic-A-Nic!

Coffee of the Day - Salted Caramel Pecan

Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms out there! I hope you have a most beautiful day today!

My card today is two-fold - it's for the new challenge over at Pile it On, but also for a special young lady I'll tell you about in just a moment.....

first up is the Pile it On challenge - our theme is all about the fuzzy wuzzy! We are sponsored by Stitchy Bear's Digi Outlet. One participant will receive a $10 gift certificate to the Stitchy Bear store! :)

my image is from Stitchy's own collection and it's called 'Lunch Time.' isn't it just the cutest? it reminded me of the tongue twister - 'Fuzzy Wuzzy Was a Bear'.....  papers are from the Basic Grey Knee Highs colllection, ribbon is May Arts, and enamel dots are my handmade ones. sparkly touches to the main image were made with shimmerz paint and various colors of spica glitter pens.  sentiment sticker is from SRM. several dies were used: tiny leaf flourish by Cheery Lynn, main image & mat by Spellbinders, and beautiful butterfly by The Cat's Pajamas. (thanks, Chris!!!)

Now on to the young lady who will be receiving my card ~
I read about a precious little 5 year old girl named Katlynn who is very sick right now and in the hospital. her mom, Valou Allard, a most talented papercrafter, is asking people to send cards to her daughter to help brighten her day. You can read more about the card drive and blog candy here on Valou's post. I am not entering the blog candy, but just wanted to send along a card to hopefully bring a smile! I know as a mom I would do anything to help my children feel better.

Challenges:
Little Claire's - spots and stripes
Open Minded Crafting - use ribbon
Pumpkin Spice - about a girl
Speedy the Fox - use a punch (to create end of sentiment banner)
We Do Doobadoo - lots of layers
Crazy 4 Challenges - bingo: flowers, sentiment, bling (enamel dots)
Digi Haven - bear hugs
Savvy Handmade Cards - zoo animals
Sister Act - any card goes
4 Crafty Girls - anything goes
Aud Sentiments - any sentiment for a child
Crafty Ribbons - sweet treats
In the Pink - fluttering by
Paper Crafting Journey - spots and/or stripes
Crafting for all Seasons - lots of layers
Divas by Design - in the pink
Little Red Wagon - seeing spots
Penny's Paper Crafty - 2 or more dec papers (I have used 3)
Scrapper's Delights - anything goes
Whimsy Inspires - 2 or more die cuts (Spellbinders, Cheery Lynn, & Cat's Pajamas)
Outlawz Paper a la Mode - special ladies
Crafty Sentiments - anything goes
Die Cuttin' Divas - sketch
Digi Choosday - make it for the kids
TTCRD - anything goes
Craft-Dee Bow Z - anything goes with a handmade bow
Crafty Bloggers - pink with ribbon
Created with Love - critters
The Kraft Journal - for her

Lots of Love for Lauryn Card Drive Blog Hop!

Coffee of the Day - Maple Walnut

Isn't this little girl just precious? Let me introduce you....
Lauryn was diagnosed with Leukemia on March 27, 2014. She is currently hospitalized in the DC area undergoing chemotherapy to fight this terrible disease.  Lauryn is Linda Payne's granddaughter...many of you in the stamping community probably already know sweet Linda!

As news of Lauryn's illness spread via social media, many of you have asked if there is anything you can do to help, so we have come up with a plan. We decided to have a Card Drive and would like to invite YOU to help by sending "happy mail" to Lauryn and her family.

Please create cards to share your love and encouragement for Lauryn and her family. Lauryn's parents are Josh and Elizabeth and she has two older siblings: Lily and Logan. We thank the Lord for this dear family and need to pray for them as they are seeking to glorify the Lord throughout this trial. 

Cards can be mailed to:

Children's National
Hematology/Oncology RM 437
Lauryn Newsome
111 Michigan Ave NW
Washington DC 20010

You can find updates on Lauryn via a Facebook page that has been set up by some family. It is Fight on Little Lauryn. They have shared how encouraging it is receive a simple "like" on a Facebook status or words of love and encouragement that is posted.

Here is the fabulous group of bloggers who have joined us in promoting this Card Drive. We would love for you to hop with us as numerous bloggers have blog candy and all you need to do is leave a comment... 

Lots of Love for Lauryn

Olga Jewell Craftieodamae

Mary Anne Kelemen Lakeside Stamping

Lisa Haines The Purple Place

Patti Painter Patti’s Paper Creations

Jennie Harper Stampin Away the Day 

Colleen Holmes A Card’s Delight

Jennifer Scull Just Coffee Please…& Stamps & Ribbons & Paper YOU ARE HERE! :)

Anita Autore Cards & Coffee 

Sandra Van Blaricum Cards and Creativity 

Jerusha Borden I Love Paper Crafting 

Jenn Borjeson Stampin' Angel Jenn 

Nina Brackett Crafting in Croatia

Linda Coughlin The Funkie Junkie

Kathleen Curry Will Stamp for Wine

Melissa Czapor My Many Journeys

Vicki Dutcher All I Do is Stamp

Debbie Ebat Debbie’s Stamping Adventures

Tera Fujan Stamp Queen 

Patti Gilliam Cherish Each Precious Gift

Joy Hadden Pieces of Joy

Danielle Haddon The Musings of a Chocoholic

Karen Knegten Studio at the Lake 

Lori McAree Smiling While Stamping

CG Merrill CG Says (something loudly)

Rhonda Miller Rhonda’s Place to Shine

Lee Murphy My Reality

Betty Neville Betty Neville's Blog

Jackie Randolph Paper Moments 

Shirley Ross Card Art, Etc.

Melissa Shultz Coffee Stamps and Stitches

Carla Suto Carla’s Stamping Spot 

Cat Tidwell Cat’s Creations 

Brenda Turner Stamp It Up

Geri Utterback Geri’s Cards 

Cheri Weston Stamp’n Boomer 

 

The card I have made for Lauryn uses an image offered by Claire Keay of Jellypark for a donation to the family.  Claire drew this from an actual photo of Lauryn! isn't that so cool! there are more images in the set if you are interested. Several other artists donated digital images, too, so be sure to check out the Lots of Love for Lauryn blog to see them all featured.

I won't go into a lot of detail about the products on my card. if you would like more info, please either leave a message in the comments or send me an email. don't want to take up too much of your time in case you are trying to stop by other blogs today.

thank you for popping in! and please consider helping out this family if at all possible. :)

I do have a small prize to offer to anyone who would like to enter. I am keeping it light in weight so that it can be sent anywhere in the world. one randomly chosen winner will receive not only this Spellbinders Corner Sprigs Shapeabilities die, but some ribbons, flowers, and other little goodies! add your entry through our friendly Mr. blue froggy! you only have until the end of today! I will announce the winner tomorrow!

*Inlinkz tool removed per new privacy laws since all prizes have been claimed. thank you for your understanding. :)

Challenges:
Your Next Stamp - inspiration or sketch (sketch)
Aud Sentiments - sentiment for a friend
Hobbybook - 2 or more die cuts (Spellbinders & Cheery Lynn)
Crafty Hands - anything goes
Whimsy Inspires - anything goes
Stamping Chef - anything goes
Crafty Bloggers - die cuts or embossing (there is embossing on the top large, lace die)
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes with patterned paper
WAW - anything encouraging goes
TTCRD - anything goes
One Stitch at a Time - use a digi
Hobbycutz - bingo: die cut, button, bling (stickles & shimmerz)

Dance with Faeries

Coffee of the Day - Marzipan

The new challenge at Pile it On this week is to add tulle or mesh to your project. Our sponsor is Inky Impressions, and the prize will be a $10 gift certificate to their store!  be sure to stop by the Pile it On challenge blog to see all of the amazing inspiration by the DT!

My card uses the Inky Impressions image 'Wishing Well Fairy'. This card is going to little Lauryn's older sister, so it needed to be as girly as I could make it. :) that meant it was time to pile on the pinks and purples!

papers are from the Basic Grey Green at Heart collection, sentiment is from Create with TLC, die is Spellbinders, punches are Martha Stewart (leaves) and SU! (tag top & postage stamp). white trim and satin ribbon for flower are by May Arts. please forgive me that I can't remember the mfg. of the tulle ballerina fringe. isn't it a delight, though? enamel dots are more of my handmade ones. a doily, some buttons, and an edge of white gel pen dots complete the card.

tip - enamel dots are super trendy right now. it's easy to make your own at home using pony beads. melt them in a toaster oven on parchment paper at 450* for about 15+ min.  keep an eye on them as they melt. it is a bit of a stinky project. best to do it with the windows open. let cool for just a few minutes, then they are ready for your projects! easy to adhere with glue dots.

tomorrow is the big day for the Lots of Love for Lauryn card drive blog hop, so I do hope you will stop back by! lots of prizes, sponsors, but most importantly, lots of inspiration for cards to send the family. :)

Challenges:
Inky Impressions - dots & stripes
Aud Sentiments - sentiment for a friend
Paper Crafting Journey - for a special lady (young lady)
Cards Galore Encore - include your fave color (pink!)
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes w/patterned paper
Faeries Ch - shabby or vintage
Sketch 'n Dies - sketch (die from Spellbinders)
Baffies Kreativladen - for a woman (young woman)
Crafting For All Seasons - dies and punches (die: Spellbinder, punches: Martha Stewart & SU!)
Creative Moments - anything goes girly
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - add wings
Paper Pretties - punches (Martha Stewart & SU!)
Rhedd and Rose's - anything goes
Fan-tastic Tues - anything square goes
Top Tip Tues - cute
Love to Scrap - anything goes
Card Makin' Mamas - buttons, bits, and baubles (buttons & enamel dots)
Chocolate, Coffee, & Cards - use stripes
Savvy Handmade Cards - make believe or mythical creature
Sister Act - any card goes
Catch the Bug - springtime
Bearly Mine - Spring
Sassy Studios - make it creative i.e. make your own embellies (made enamel dots from pony beads, flower from ribbon, and tag from decorative paper)
Crafty Calendar - things with wings

Love is From God... Card for Lauryn

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

I am sharing with you the first of my cards for Lauryn. if you aren't familiar with her story, you can check other posts in the past 2 weeks here on my blog, head to the Lots of Love for Lauryn card drive blog, or stop by the Fight on Little Lauryn Facebook page.  (not to worry, I will have a card on Monday, the day of the blog hop, too!)

the image for my card was drawn by Tracey Malnofski of The Stamping Boutique. there are actually 2 images in the set, which is available for a donation to Lauryn's family. I used the Bible verse on the inside of the card.

the card is a gate fold, opening in the middle. the main image is adhered on the left with foam tape. papers are from the Basic Grey Serendipity collection. gorgeous die set is Spellbinders. stickles lightly cover the little flowers on the image, leaf flourish is by Cheery Lynn, and everything else is from my stash.

I am getting so excited for the big card drive on Monday! sure hope you can stop by! :)

Challenges:
The Stamping Boutique - distress it
Squirrel and the Fox - all creatures great and small
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - anything goes w/a gate fold
Open Minded Crafting - pastel colors or Easter
Paper Creator's Crafts - spots and dots (polka dot paper behind main image)
Creative Corner - let it hop
4 Crafty Chicks - polka dots (paper behind main image)
Little Miss Muffet - distressed
Creative Moments - anything goes girly
Rhedd and Rosie's - anything goes
Die Cuttin' Divas - pastel colors (Spellbinders & Cheery Lynn)
Paper Minutes - more than 1 fold
Fitztown - fancy folds
Melonheadz - time for spring
Catch the Bug - springtime
Crafting for All Seasons - dies and punches (dies - Spellbinders & Cheery Lynn, punch - EK Success)

Bam! Awesome! It's Spiderman! well..... almost!

Coffee of the Day - Coconut Macadamia

I'm continuing along in my effort to make a card for everyone in precious little Lauryn's family. today's card is for her big brother, who happens to be a big fan of Spiderman. I remembered that several years ago I had found a cute freebie given out by the kind folks at Whiff of Joy. believe it or not, you can still download this image here. I tried to make the card as bright and cheerful as I could, especially for a young boy.

papers are from the Basic Grey Cupcake collection, word art is from Create with TLC, sentiment stamp and linen thread are SU!, and enamel dots are some of my homemade ones. buttons are from my stash.

don't forget the card drive blog hop on Monday for Lauryn and her family! check out the Lots of Love for Lauryn blog for all the information. :)

Challenges:
TTCRD - anything goes
Cardz 4 Guyz - numbers
Love to Create - anything goes for kids
Ooh La La - for a child
Feeling Crafty - anything for a child
The Crafting Cafe - one for the boys
Dragonfly Dreams - make it for the boys
Ditzie Digi Designs - anything goes
Eclectic Ellapu - one for the boys
Mojo Monday - sketch #340

Happy Easter Chicks with Egg Cart

Coffee of the Day - Hazelnut

I have to start out my post with a great big apology to everyone. I have been feeling absolutely horrid for so long, and have really been taking it out on everyone around me - both online and in person. I am so very sorry and ask your forgiveness. no matter how I am feeling, it is no excuse to be anything less than kind. all I can say is that I will try to do better.

I did manage to get to my craft room today for a little while. I really want to get a card made for everyone in Lauryn's family. if you aren't familiar with Lauryn's story, you can read more about her on the Facebook page that has been created by her family. she is the 2 year old grand-daughter of Linda Payne, who many people know for her talent and contributions in the crafting community.

I used images from the Crafty Secrets digital set, 'Spring Chicks.' papers are from the Basic Grey Fresh Cut collection (I've told you how much I love this one, haven't I?!?!), flower is Prima, twine is from Target, ticket punch is EK Success, kraft reinforcement sticker is from The Kraft Outlet, and everything else is from my stash. I added a cute little yellow envelope, a doily, some buttons & sequins, a bit of washi tape, and faux stitching. oh yes, I also used my SU! ink squirty tool. so love that thing! :)

I hope Lauryn's mom and dad like the card. make sure you stop by the Lots of Love for Lauryn blog to see what's up in preparation for the card drive blog hop on Monday. I had to pull out of helping out with it, but I still plan to take part in the hop. so many artists have provided artwork available for a donation and lots of prizes, too. :)

Challenges:
Crafty Secrets monthly linky party - anything goes with Crafty Secrets products
Clear it Out - anything goes with real or faux stitching and stash items
Creative Card Crew - spring
Fan-tastic Tues - anything goes
Papertake Weekly - spring has sprung
{pin}spirational - photo inspiration (chicks, flowers, colors)
Artistic Inspiration - Easter animals
Card Mania - Easter
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes/Easter
Crafty Boots - Easter
Created with Love - Easter
Digi Makeover - anything goes w/a digi
Incy Wincy - 3, 2, 1 recipe (3 designer papers, 2 digital images, 1 twine bow)
Lexi's Creations - Easter
Lunagirl Moonbeams - Victorian Spring
Melonheadz - time for spring
613 Avenue Create - anything goes with twist of sights/sounds/smells/tastes of spring
Dream Valley - Easter
Hobby Cutz - fauna and flora
Robyn's Fetish - Easter
Outlawz Paper a la Mode - animals
Simply Create Too - Easter or bunnies
The Stamping Boutique - Easter
Always Something Creative - Easter

Love You So Peas

Coffee of the Day - Gingerbread

The response to our very first challenge over at The Doodle Garden was outstanding! thank you so much to everyone who played along! A new challenge begins today and the theme is a beautiful color palette you may use any way that inspires you! Design Seeds has the  most beautiful color palettes every day. I have long been a subscriber!

Please be sure to stop by the Doodle Garden challenge blog to see how all of the DT used the colors. it's fun to see the different ideas! you might find a free image (hint, hint) you can use on an Easter card! ;)

I chose to use the cutey 'Sweet Pea' image for my card. the paler hearts are covered in distress stickles. papers are from the Echo Park Everyday Eclectic paper collection. sentiment is SU!, flower is Prima, twine is from Target, enamel dots are my homemade ones, wooden clip is one I painted, and then some washi tape and faux stitching were added to finish it all off. :)

just a happy little card I can pop in the mail to surprise my hunny bunny at work one day!

the card drive/blog hop for Linda Payne's grand-daughter is coming along nicely! it will be on April 14 and we have so many generous folks who are donating some great prizes. head over to the blog to see the fabulous digi images that are available for a donation. grab a badge for your blog! let me know if you would like to be a part of the hop. We want to flood this family with cards and love! :)

Challenges:
Tuesday Morning Sketches - sketch turned on its side
Fan-tastic Tues - square and use patterned paper
Craftitude - anything goes or add cardboard
Scrapping 4 Fun - anything goes
Sister Act - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Stampin' with the Dragon - spring
STAMPlorations - stamps and your fave technique (distressing)
Totally Papercrafts - pastels
Craft for the Craic - something for Easter or Spring
Crafts Galore Encore - include your fave color (pink)
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes w/patterned paper
Flat Friends - include a sentiment
LEJ Designs - fave dies (Spellbinders)
Mema's Crafts - anything goes w/ optional Easter or Spring twist
Catch the Bug - anything goes
4 Crafty Chicks - color a stamped image
Delightful Ch - hip to be square
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - anything goes w/ twist to use fave color
Crafting By Designs - anything goes
WAW - anything encouraging goes

Miss U

Coffee of the Day - Marzipan

Today at Oddball Art Stamps we are starting a challenge in the Facebook group. unlike the challenge blog where you can use ANY image, on the FB group we are going to require the use of an Oddball Art Stamps image. Our challenge theme will be 'anything goes,' as will all of them on FB. all challenges will run for one month and the prize for winning will be 3 digis from the Oddball Art Etsy store.

so on to my card -
I used 'Big Eye Girl image 2' and paper from the Basic Grey Lucille collection. the designer paper was cut with the new SU! hexagon thinlits die. I am proclaiming right here that as cute as that die is, I do NOT recommend it to anyone. it is a nasty beast to cut with and tore up several sheets of paper before I could get one to produce a fairly decent cut. it took more than a dozen passes through the Big Shot to even cut this one little thin piece of paper, turning it all different directions. even then it was hard to get all of the pieces out. doubt I will ever use it again, which is a real shame. it's been more than 30 days since I received it, so it's too late for a return. :(  not up to the usual standard for SU!

okay, off of my rant. sorry.
deep cleansing breath.....
the piece underneath is stamped with the SU! script and woodgrain bg stamps. ribbon is also SU! and flower is Prima. if you look closely you can see that I popped up some separate hexagons on foam tape over the solid hexagons. lots of dimension irl - quite a few different thicknesses of foam tape. LOVE this image!!!!! sentiment is from the same cutey little MFT stamp set I've been using a lot lately.

be sure to stay updated on the card drive for Linda Payne's grand-daughter. I'll post info as I have it. :)

Challenges:
Craft-Dee Bow - anything goes with a handmade bow
Craftin' Desert Divas - anything goes
Catch the Bug - recipe: at least 4 layers, flower, and ribbon
Cutie Pie - cute with dies and punches (SU!, Spellbinders, and EK Success)
Outlawz Greeting - anything goes
Timbro Scrap Mania - only for girl
Use Your Stuff - die cuts (SU! and Spellbinders)
One Stitch at a Time - anything goes
Quirky Crafts - Spice Girls
Allsorts - use those dies (SU! and Spellbinders)
{pin}spirational - photo inspiration (shapes from turtle's back and colors)
Alphabet Ch - 'd' is for die cuts (SU! and Spellbinders)
Art Impressions - getting girly
Paper Crafting Journey - anything goes
WAW - anything encouraging goes
TTCRD - anything goes

Fight On Little Lauryn

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Biscotti

I need to tell all of you about something that is quickly becoming a passion for me.

Just a few short days ago, a friend of mine, Linda Payne, discovered that her 2 year old grand-daughter has leukemia. Linda and I have known each other for several years, serving on a few DTs together. my heart is breaking at the news and what this family is having to endure.

Here is the 'Fight on Little Lauryn' page on Facebook. Some of us are also putting together a card drive/blog hop to help get cards for Lauryn and the family. it looks as if that will take place on April 14. Several digi artists have already agreed to draw images to help raise money for the family medical expenses, and prizes are being donated! what generosity!

if you would like to send a card or some other fun little something to brighten their day, contact me or leave a comment for the address at the hospital.

When I received my cancer diagnosis, some very kind and loving people got together and put on a blog hop and fundraiser for my family. it truly touched our hearts. I still treasure each of the cards I received. even though my battle is far from over, if I can help another family to know that they are not alone going through this, then I know I will have in some small way, 'passed it forward'.

I will be posting updates to the card drive as I have them. but remember, the most important thing is that we shower this family with love and support.

It's Your Birdday!

Coffee of the Day - Salted Caramel Pecan

Happy Friday!  wooo hoooooo! it's the weekend! isn't that such a wonderful feeling? Tyler came in this afternoon to help work at Camp this weekend, and Ryan comes home next weekend for a long Spring Break. doing some cooking for my guys, which always makes this momma happy! hopefully Mick can get here for a day or two when Ry is here to visit, too. :)

I have a very special bird-day card to share with all of you today. I have started back up on Facebook again, in case any of you weren't aware. several friends invited me to 'like' a page about a special young man celebrating a birthday in just a few weeks. I knew I wanted to make him a birthday card, and when the new image was sent out for the 'From the Heart' progressive challenge, it was absolutely perfect!

I also used the sketch from this week's i {heart} sketches challenge. papers are Basic Grey Cupcake, bg was made with gelatos and Mr. Huey's white spray mist. I also used the gelatos on the edges of the main image. these little gel sticks are fun, fun, fun! :)  since the card is for a young boy, I wanted it to be something to hopefully make him happy, so I added the candle and balloons for the primary embellies. shimmerz paint accents the candle flame.

sorry the card scanned a bit wonky due to the bulk of the candles and balloons.
have a most wonderful weekend! :)

Challenges:
From the Heart progressive Ch - use required image
i {heart} sketches - use sketch #54
Sister Act - anything goes
Outlawz Greeting - animal planet
The Stamping Boutique - punch or die (Spellbinders die)
4 Crafty Chicks - things with wings
Aud Sentiments - bingo: 3 word senti, die cut, texture (candle & balloons)
Crafty Ribbons - anything goes
Little Miss Muffet - happy birthday with balloons
Paper Pretties - ribbon (on the left under my watermark)
WAW - anything goes with encouraging sentiment
Crafty Sentiments - anything goes
Loves Rubberstamps - use a funny sentiment
TTCRD - anything goes
Tuesday Throwdown - anything with wings
Artistic Inspirations - anything goes/masculine
Eureka - animal friends
Melonheadz - for the boys
613 Avenue Create - RAK for someone who might not expect to receive it (the boy doesn't know about the card drive)
Floral Fantasies 5th Anniv - fave item: buttons and Spellbinders dies

A Card for a Courageous Young Woman

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

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

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

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

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

take care and have a wonderful weekend!

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

A Few Cool Things to Check Out...

Please see next post for today's HYCCT card....

I want to share with you a few things I have come across while catching up on my bajillion emails from last week. I'm down to less than 100! woo hoo! hey, it doesn't take much to excite me these days! ;)  I'm happy 'The Walking Dead' started its new season even though I won't be able to watch it until next year when it comes out on DVD! pathetic, aren't I?!

anyhow.....
first up is a HUGE blog candy opportunity over at Bev's blog, Bearly Mine. you should see all of the great things you have a chance to win! wowza!

have you been to Blitsy yet? every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday new items are added to the store for one week only. prices are amazing and the shipping is really fast. be sure to stop by if you get a chance. the latest things added include Tim Holtz distress special edition inks & refills (thank you, Lisa, for introducing these to me!!), Cosmo Cricket, and Spellbinders.

next is a great opportunity to do something REALLY nice for some people who often get overlooked these days - the elderly living in nursing homes. Vera Yates is heading up a holiday card drive now through Nov. 30. Please pop by her blog for more information and consider sending along a card or 2. There are some neat prizes being offered, too.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! :)