Happy Easter!

Coffee of the Day - Moon Pie (I'll drink their coffee until it's gone, but we no longer eat their treats. discovered that they sadly use palm oil in their products. insert sad face here....)

Happy Happy Easter to each and every one of you! well, at least those of you who celebrate the holiday, that is. ;) Happy Sunday to the rest of you. :) may your day be glorious whether you celebrate the holiday or not!!!

I want to share with you a project I made for our son's fiancee's family. I also made one that I gave to our neighbors.

I started with a cardboard cheese box, pained it several shades of green with acrylic paint, added cs grass, and then topped with some fabulous wooden veneer fencing pieces I found at JoAnn's. the fence pieces were distressed with Tim Holtz distress markers. various sizes of Prima flowers dotted with stickles were added to complete the little garden boxes.

This sure does say 'springtime,' doesn't it?! :)

Have a wonderful day! Jennifer

A Special Delivery For YOU! :)

Coffee of the Day - absolutely no idea because I am in Washington DC right now. ;)

Hello everyone! I hope you are having a great week so far. Today starts a new challenge over at Elisabeth Bell's Challenge World.  Our theme for this go 'round is Hearts & Lace or Anything Goes - your choice. :)

I opted to go with the Hearts & Lace theme, using the adorable 'Bella Sole, Special Delivery' stamp from Whimsy Stamps.

papers are from the Designs by Dani Lucky in Love digital collection, main image dies are from Spellbinders, border die is from Whimsy Stamps, and flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts. a few pieces of wood veneer and pretty heart doily were added for fun. of course I had to include some lovely vintage buttons! :)

oh yes, the red lace tied in a bow is a bit of vintage, and the little piece of white peeking out beside the flowers is some that I won. :)

thanks so much for stopping by and I do hope you will play along in our new challenge! :)

Holiday Die Exchange Cards

Coffee of the Day - Bourbon Pecan with Eggnog

Woooo Hoooo! It's Saturday!

So have all of you recovered from holiday and new year festivities? has life gotten back to whatever form of normal is at your house? hopefully it will at our home in the next few days. we have had company in and out ever since before Christmas. it's been wonderful seeing so many people, but I do confess it will be nice to have a bit less stressful environment again. ;)

The Digi Bells Design Team had a fun card and gift exchange over the holidays. Each of us created a card for one team member and then also sent a collection of dies. it was a wonderful treat to receive such a beautiful handmade card from one of our teammates and know that they had spent so much time creating it just for us. :)

I'm sharing with you both the card I made as well as the fabulous gift package I received. I sent my card to Alethea along with some fun dies I found from Whimsy Stamps. I also included one of Elisabeth's lovely rubber stamps, because at the time, Alethea had been having trouble with her printer. this way she would have a back-up anytime she wanted to use one of Elisabeth's wonderful images! :)

First up is the card I made. I used 'Sweet Country Christmas' and lots of fun holiday embellies. papers are from a pack I found at Hobby Lobby, buttons and holly sprigs are from my vintage stash, and distressed seam binding is from Zipper Stop. 'Believe' wood veneer is from Michael's, poinsettia is by Petaloo, and other flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts. main image and matting dies are by Spellbinders. banner die is from SU!

This is the GORGEOUS card and die assortment I received from the VERY talented, Lynda! isn't it fabulous??!!!? and I know that I will use these dies quite a bit on projects. :) she used the cutey 'Meadow Magic' image on the card she made for me.

Enjoy your weekend! :)

Challenges:
Crafty Friends - anything goes
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Ch - anything Christmas goes
Creative Corner - anything goes
Creative Fingers - anything goes
Jingle Belles - no time like the presents
Fab 'n Funky - little girls

Welcome Autumn! and a Digi Bell Blog Hop!

Coffee of the Day - Bourbon Pecan (it's a tasty new one! yum!)

Welcome to my happy little spot on the Digi Bells Blog Hop today! Grab a nice piping hot cup of coffee to keep you toasty warm on this rainy Ohio Friday.... let me tell you, God is truly in His splendor this fine Fall day. it's absolutely GORGEOUS here! while it might be raining and cool, the changing leaves are fabulous to behold! squirrels and chippies scurrying here and yonder, birds serenading us at the feeder - oh, life is so very beautiful indeed! :)

so let's celebrate it all with this precious new image Elisabeth has brought forth from retirement called 'Fall Errands.' she is just as sweet as can be with her packages and jaunty little hat! and that messenger bag! adorbs!!! of course I had to color my cookies to look like Walker's shortbread. ;) if someone were bringing me a tin of cookies, that is what I would love to have delivered. tee hee!

you should have arrived here from the absolutely AMAZING blog of FIKI, my sweet friend!!!! if at any time you get lost on the hop, just head over to the Digi Bell's blog for the complete list.

for my card I've used papers from my most fave ever fall paper collection, Basic Grey's Indian Summer. main die is by Spellbinders, pumpkin die is from Sizzix, and leaf dies (sprayed with glimmer mist) are by Tim Holtz. seam binding on tag is from Zipper Stop and crochet trim across top is vintage as are teh buttons. little wood veneer pieces ans washi tape are from SU! all flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts. sentiment stamp is from Shady Tree Studios.

now hop on over to my dear friend, LYNDA's blog to see what simply breathtaking project she has made to knock your fluffy socks off! she is some kind of talented! :) be sure to leave her a comment, too. it just makes people feel a little extra special when you take the time to say hello on their blogs. :)

thanks so very  much for stopping by! enjoy your weekend!
Jennifer

Challenges:
Fussy and Fancy - shades of autumn
Love to Scrap - anything goes
Cardz 4 Galz - use at least 1 die
Crafty Sentiments - anything goes
Crafty Ribbons - ribbon or lace
Moving Along with the Times - trees and/or leaves
Sasayaki Glitter - Autumn/Harvest/Halloween
Kraftin' Kimmie's Wonderful Wed - anything goes
{pin}spirational - photo inspiration (colors, leaves)
Scribbles by Sandy - fabulous fall
Ooh La La - shades of autumn
Whoopsi Daisy - die cuts/punches
Eclectic Ellapu - autumnal
Ribbon Girls - use any image
Dare 2 B Artzy - fall

Water Play and the Digi Bells Blog Hop!

Winner at Crafty Sentiments

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Bread Pudding

Welcome to my stop on this summery Digi Bells Blog Hop! :) if you have been following along, then you would have arrived here from LINDA's absolutely gorgeous blog. should you get lost at any point along the way, then just head over to the Digi Bells blog for the complete list. while you are there, be sure to submit your project application for the Guest Designer call out! I have had the absolute BEST TIME as a guest these past few months. :) everyone is just as nice as can be!

as y'all know, each of us are showcasing the adorable images, 'Beach Ball Baby' and 'Big Splash,' former rubber stamps at Sweet Pea. these 2 are so precious! but then, aren't all of Elisabeth's images?! :) You will be able to find them in the digital store here, along with lots of other cuties.

I used papers from the Basic Grey Picadilly collection, flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts, a little ribbon snippet from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and red twine from Michael's. let me tell you, that twine was quite the deal! it was marked on sale for only 30 cents for 20 yards! yes, I grabbed several spools at that price! :) it's the same quality as what I have ordered from other stores for much more.

main image die is by Spellbinders, banner die is by SU!, and stitched sun die is from La La Land. cute wooden veneer 'play' is also from Michael's. I added a bit of orange stain and white Mr. Huey's to it for some summertime fun. a touch of wink of stella glitter pen was added to the water spray coming from the hose.  a bit of burlap doily and my ever fave vintage buttons complete the card.

now pop on over to ALETHEA's fun blog to see what wonderful project she has created to inspire you! thanks so much for stopping by! have a most amazing weekend! :)

Challenges:
Tuesday Throwdown - fave embellishments (vintage buttons!)
Crafty Sentiments - anything goes
Creative Moments - anything goes
Crafty Addicts - anything goes/friends
Kraftin' Kimmie's Wonderful Wed. - anything goes
WAW - anything encouraging goes
A Snowflake's Promise - summertime
Crazy Challenge - summer fun
Fab 'n Funky - tic, tac, toe (die cut, digi, flowers)
Di's Digi Designs - hot or bright colors

Coffee...

Coffee of the Day - Creme Brulee

Hello and Happy Tuesday!

I have a fun post on the Really Reasonable Ribbons blog, sure to make you run for your coffee cup! I am usually sharing shabby or vintage styled projects here on the blog, so thought I would mix it up with something completely different today.

most of you know about my coffee.... ahem.... addiction. I have this 'thing' about coffee. like REALLY REALLY REALLY like it a LOT! ;) so when I saw this brand new digi image from Bugaboo called 'JJ Coffee', it just suited me so perfectly I couldn't resist making a card with it!

The tangerine crosshatch satin ribbon from the new monthly ribbon kit was a perfect match to the Basic Grey Grand Bazaar paper. I love to tie my bows with a tiny snippet of mini ric rac, so I grabbed a piece of aqua. it's currently out of stock, but there are several other great colors you can use on your projects. :)

Wild Orchid Crafts mulberry flowers include pink aster daisy stems, a chrysanthemum I watercolored to match, carnations, and a pink open rose. I have also used a burlap doily and neat coffee piece I picked up at Starbuck's. little wood veneer coffee cup is from Latina Crafter.

don't forget RRR also has a great new challenge going on now, too! thanks for stopping by! :)

Challenges:
Cheerful Sketches - sketch
Crafting From the Heart - anything goes
Craft Your Passion - anything goes
Crazy Ch - bingo: ribbon, digi, flowers
Imagine That - tic tac toe: buttons, patterned paper, ribbons
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - anything goes with patterned paper
As You Like It - fave food or drink (COFFEE! grins! I love not only the way it tastes, but its amazing aroma and all of the flavors it comes it, plus you can cook with it - gosh the reasons just go on and on! )
TTCRD - anything goes
Shopping Our Stash - coffee or tea related (paper is very old stash)

Under the Sea Octopus Card Set

Winner at Crafty Ribbons
Winner at The Male Room

Coffee of the Day - Coconut Macadamia

Today begins a new challenge over at the Really Reasonable Ribbon blog, with a theme of 'Masculine plus ribbon or trim.' the DT has created some gorgeous projects to inspire you, so stop by to see their pretties! :)

since our son, Mick, was heading off to Canada for a work/study program, I wanted to make some cards for him to take along from me - notes of encouragement and filled with love. :)  his course of study is Wildlife Resource Management, so nature themed cards are always a hit with him. for a while, he was fascinated with the octopus, so when I came across these vintage postcard digital downloads in the Cameo Shoppe, I snapped them right up. I paired them with the seashell domino prints from the same store.

I made the paper for each of the cards using gelatos, SU! ink refills, and glimmer mist on watercolor paper.  each card also uses the same 2 1/2" natural cotton ribbon, sometimes cut into smaller strips. this is one of my fave of all the ribbons in the RRR store! :)

a Martha Stewart fern punch works well to mimic coral or seaweed. cardboard that has been torn and inked creates the perfect texture and backdrop to the vintage postcards. miscellaneous octopus embellishments include charms that I distressed with various inks as well as wood veneer from Michael's. one of my big finds while out on an antique adventure with hubby was a jar of seashells. perfect to use on these cards!

other ribbons used include: natural burlap string, brown burlap string, moss mini ric rac, orange plaid ribbon, and brown wrinkled ribbon. this last card shown also has tiny beads and Prima micro beads added to it for even more fun. Tim Holtz clips were added to several of the cards. all of them have vintage buttons.

I hope you have enjoyed the cards I sent along with Mick. I sure will miss that guy, but I also know that he is going to have a once in a lifetime experience! :)

have a most amazing weekend, dearest friends! love ya & thanks so much for stopping by!
Jennifer

Challenges:
Crafts and Me - anything goes with optional shabby chic/vintage theme
Creative Craft Cottage - include an animal
Lunagirl Moonbeams - Fathers/Grandfather/Brothers or for a man (my son)
Our Creative Corner -  A Beautiful Mess (handmade watercolor paper)
Petal Lu - anything goes
Southern Ridge Trading - masculine
4 Crafty Chicks - masculine
Crafty Ribbons - masculine or transport with ribbons
DL Art - boys and/or men
Male Room - critters and/or bugs

Happy Kid Balloons

Coffee of the Day - Maple Fudge

Tuesdays mean new releases in the Bugaboo store, so it's a day for cuteness overload! pop over to the inspiration and challenge blog to see what myself and a few other designers have created with one of the fun new images!

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

it is NOT part of the card.**

I've used 'Kid Balloons' with Basic Grey RSVP papers, flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts, a fun wood veneer sentiment from Michael's, vintage buttons, cream seam binding (distressed) & foxglove hand dyed silk ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and a re-purposed Starbuck's coffee cozy that was inked. I thought it made the perfect back drop! :)

my MIL is here visiting from Texas until tomorrow. we are having such a great time! it's been several years since I last saw her, so we're catching up on lots! she's having me send her a huge box of my cards, too, so she can give them to her friends and neighbors. this card was one of the first ones she added to the pile. always makes me feel good to know my cards are going to happy homes! :)

hope you have a most amazing day!

Challenges:
Outlawz Paper a la Mode - anything goes
Fairy Tale - girly
{PIN}spirational - anything goes
Get Creative - bingo: buttons, printed paper, ribbon
Crazy Challenge - fave color (pink and aqua)
Cupcake Inspiration - photo inspiration
Chocolate, Coffee, and Cards - bingo: distress, patterned paper, ribbon
Polkadoodles - birthday
QKR - birthday

It WILL Be Okay

Top Pick at Path of Positivity
Voter's Choice Winner at Path of Positivity
Most Inspiring Winner at Path of Positivity
Design Team Delight at Path of Positivity

Coffee of the Day - Sweet Potato

Hello, everyone! I hope you are doing well! sorry I've been hit and miss around here lately. still dealing with not feeling so whippy and this nasty headache/migraine that has been plaguing me since the first of the month. makes it so difficult to be on the compy. hope you can understand. I don't mention things like this often 'cause I know y'all don't want to listen to me moan and whine.

so let's get to the crafty stuff, shall we? that is much more fun! :)

today begins a new challenge of 'Anything Goes + a sentiment' over at Aud Sentiments as well as it being Oldie But Goodie day over on the Bugaboo blog where I am still doing my Guest Designer stint. I hope you will pop over to both blogs to see what everyone has created to inspire you! :) there are just so very many talented crafters! :)

for my card I started with the Bugaboo image, 'Frame It Greeting It'll Be Ok.' the bg was created with a stencil by The Crafter's Workshop, embossing paste, gelatos, and glimmer mist on watercolor paper. decorative paper is from the Basic Grey Fresh Cut collection. Lyndsey crochet lace ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon, aqua chrysanthemum is from Wild Orchid Crafts, wood veneer is from Lawn Fawn, and buttons are from my vintage stash. accents with the wink of stella glitter pen were used on the main image.

I'm sending this card to my cousin who has been taking care of her parents for almost her entire life. sadly, my uncle has just passed away. her mom has dementia, so her caretaking days are not over. I just wanted her to know that she is not alone.

thank you so very much for stopping by! see you tomorrow as we start the weekend! :)
have a most amazing day!

Challenges:
Outlawz Twisted Thurs - anything goes
Country View Ch - use a stencil
Happy Little Stampers Mixed Media - shine (glimmer mist, metallic gelatos, wink of stella glitter pen)
Path of Positivity - empathy

Tag, You're It with Elisabeth Bell

Coffee of the Day - Irish Creme

 

Happy Wednesday! Since I am serving as a Guest Designer with the Elisabeth Bell and the Digi Bells, that means I get to play along in their fun challenges. Today starts a new one with the neat theme of '1, 2, 3 - Tag You're It.' so you add 1 of something, 2 of something else, and then 3 of something else along with a tag and an Elisabeth Bell image. the image can be one of her stamps or digis. 

 if you haven't already, make sure you sign up for the newsletter & Creative eBook. not only do you get some cutey images free right off the bat, but every Friday a free image is sent straight to your email! can't beat that with a stick! :)

for my card, since it's my first time playing along in a challenge, you know I had to go for a coffee theme, right?! ;) the image is actually called 'Willow with Hot Chocolate,' but hey, it's a girl with a coffee cup in my eyes! tee hee! :)

papers are from the Crate Paper DIY Shop collection, bay leaf seam binding that I distressed is from Really Reasonable Ribbon, flowers are by Wild Orchid Crafts, and buttons & crochet lace trim are from my vintage stash. both dies are by Spellbinders. tag was sprayed with glimmer mist and wood veneer corner piece was painted with acrylic paint then distressed with inks. it is from Michael's. oh yes, I also added a little smidgen of torn cardboard along the side in addition to one of my fave little punched banners. 

my 1, 2, 3 items are 1 wood veneer corner piece, 2 designer papers, and 2 vintage buttons.

thanks so much for stopping by! I'll be back again tomorrow. hope you have a most amazing day! :)

Challenges:
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - anything goes with ribbon
Open Minded Crafting - fave technique (distressing - you'll see examples of both paper distressing and with ink on this card. I love to distress anything I can get my hands on! grins!)

It's All About the COFFEE!

Winner at Fresh Brewed Designs

Coffee of the Day - Creme Brulee

This is a double Guestie post, since today I have the honor & privilege of being a Guest Designer over on the Coffee Loving Cardmaker Blog as well as my position through July with Bugaboo.

You could have knocked me over with a feather when Amy asked me if I would be interested in being a guest for her on the CLC blog. I'm a member on their Facebook group and play along in as many of the seasonal hops as I possibly can, but to be a guest designer?! whoa nelly! that is big time!!!

so of course I said YES!, spilled my coffee all over the place, brewed another cup, and then started planning what to make. could I stop with one project? heck no. had to make 2! :) 'cause that's just how I roll....

as soon as I saw the image that was going to be this week's Friday Freebie at Bugaboo, my twisted sister mind went all googly and came up with this sentiment. so I typed it out on my compy and got busy crafting! isn't this "I'm Cute" monster just so much fun?

bg was created by stamping an old coffee bean bg stamp from Rubbernecker Stamps on watercolor paper with versamark. I embossed it with copper ep. then I went to town with my gelatos and watercolors using lots of bright, cheerful colors. spritzed it with an overcoat of glimmer mist. paper is from the Basic Grey Highline collection.

burlap doily is from Hobby Lobby, flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, vivid pink seam binding (distressed with several shades of ink) & pink burlap string are from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and wood veneer coffee cup is from Latina Crafter. buttons are from my vintage stash. Starbucks coffee cozy and clothespin were painted with acrylic paint and then sponged with inks.

next card is made using a template from The Cutting Cafe and papers from the Basic Grey Grand Bazaar collection. I simply adore this coffee themed digi set from Bugaboo! made me smile the first time I saw it! meet 'Ruby Tidbits - Coffee.' :) isn't she a hoot? Bugaboo has lots of great coffee images!

bright pink swiss dot grosgrain & plum grosgrain ribbons are from Really Reasonable Ribbon and floral sequins are from Paper Sweeties. button is vintage and coffee cozy & stirrer are re-purpsed from a Starbucks trip. :)

thank you so much for stopping by! and thank you again to Amy for asking me to be a guest with the Coffee Loving Cardmakers!

I have several posts on my blog today, so grab a cuppa and stay a while if you'd like. :)

Challenges:
Cute Card Thursday - food or drink
Brown Sugar - anything goes
Crafty Catz - anything goes
Cr8tive Hands - anything goes
Tuesday Throwdown - embossing (top card - embossed bg)
Crafting for all Seasons - add some embossing (top card - embossed bg)
Double Click Skittles - something yummy (for me it is ALWAYS all about the coffee!!!)
Fresh Brewed Designs - coffee (wooooo hoooooo!)

Peace on Earth Angel

Winner at Crimbo Crackers

Coffee of the Day - Creme Brulee

It's time for our mid-way post over at Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Extra Challenge! believe me when I say it's never too early to start working on your Christmas cards! we'd love to see you  play along and get a head start! :)

I have used the oh, so adorable Peace Angel digi from QKR Stampede on my card. papers are from the My Mind's Eye Winter Wonderland collection, all flowers except center rose are by Wild Orchid Crafts. the glitter rose is from Michael's as is the glittered wood veneer snowflake. lipstick red seam binding and Christmas plaid ribbon snippet are from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

the stars are painted with shimmerz and her wings are covered in wink of stella gitter pen. vintage buttons, ticket portion, and a doily finish with embellishments.

hope your weekend is truly marvelous so far! thanks so much for stopping by! :)

Challenges:
Outlawz Sketch - sketch
Crimbo Crackers - anything Christmas goes
Sparkles Christmas Ch - Christmas cuties
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas - pink, a little or a lot
Kitty Bee Designs - girly
Polkadoodles - things with wings
Quick Quotes - things with wings
Creative Knock-outs - doily delights
Pile it On - You're a Star

XOXO Puppy Love

It's almost Valentine's Day. are you ready with a sweet card for the loves in your life?

The card I'm sharing with all of you today was mailed off to one of my sons. Last year he rescued a wonderful dog from the pound, so it seems that almost every card I make for him has a dog on it. ;) but gosh, those 2 are inseparable! since it was going in the mail, I tried to keep embellishments to a minimum, which you know is fairly hard for me to do!  

I started with a base of Paper Temptress Spirit Red Feltweave cs and distressed the edges with several shades of inks, one being Prima chalk ink, which I really love to use.

puppy image is from Dustin Pike and is accented with stickles and crystal effects, decorative papers are part of the Gnome Sweet Gnome collection, and embellishments include vintage buttons, wood veneer piece, and dog bone clip. I tied some of the fabby red twine around the card for a spot of color.  finally, a little banner punched from Desert Storm Kraft cs draws attention to the stamped sentiment. stamp is by My Favorite Things.

thanks for stopping by!

Challenges:
Crafty Calendar - Love is in the Air
Outlawz Festive Friday - Valentine's Day
One Stitch at a Time - Love is in the Air
Crafting with Friends - anything goes
Creative Fingers - anything goes
Pattie's Creations - Love is in the Air
Simply Create Too - Love/Valentine
The Stamping Boutique - I Love You
Craft Rocket - Valentine/Love
Star Stampz - All About Love
If You Give a Crafter a Cookie - photo inspiration

Merry Christmas with Dies and Paper Temptress

Coffee of the Day - Spiced Pecan

Are you as behind on making your Christmas cards as I am? Paper Temptress makes it easy to use the dies in your stash for quick to make Christmas cards.

thank goodness it's easy to pull out a few dies, some great card stock from the PT store, a handfull of embellies, and complete a card in less time than you can finish singing all the verses from "The 12 Days of Christmas"!

for my card I used Red Basis card stock for the base and olive Basis for the trees.  the 'Merry Christmas' was cut twice with Cryogen White Iridescent. the 2 pieces were then glued together for extra thickness. 1/4" red grosgrain ribbon was tied into a bow around the bottom of the card.

paper is from the Basic Grey Evergreen collection, flowers and berry sprays are by Wild Orchid Crafts, wooden veneer snowflakes are from Studio Calico, and buttons are from my vintage stash. the beautiful dies are by Sue Wilson and Creative Expressions. I was blessed to win a wonderful selection of these dies a bit ago. :)

and I simply must do a quick shout out to our youngest son, Ryan. hubby and I did a quickie trip to Indiana on Sunday to surprise Ry at his church. it was his first time to preach, and we knew that we couldn't miss it.  a few tears, of course, but most importantly, lots and lots of laughter and JOY! God truly used this amazing young man to spread His message! I am so very proud! :)

thanks so much for stopping by! :)

Challenges:
Eclectic Ellapu - use more than 1 die
Robyn's Fetish - add a Christmas die cut
That Craft Place - Christmas
Allsorts - golden days (doily)
Creatalicious - something old (flair, buttons, doily, wood veneer snowflakes), something new (dies)
Southern Ridge Trading Co - Christmas words
Through the Purple Haze - Christmas
Choux Choux Paper Art - Visions of Sugar Plums Linky Party