Sweet Threads is sooooo SWEET!

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Creme

I printed out this precious image, "Holiday Mail" from A Day for Daisies the other day and was just waiting for the right moment to make something with it. I had the new paper collection from Basic Grey arrive last week, Sweet Threads, and oh my gosh, I think I am in love! but I say that all the time about my beloved Basic Grey don't I?! ;) one of the challenges I ran across the other day was for shaped cards, so I thought I would give that a go as well......

Trims are from a variety of places, May Arts, Recollections, and 'not so sure'. grins! the flowers on the image & pink wellies were painted with shimmerz. I covered the little pale yellow rose in it, too for some fun! seam tape is Martha Stewart that was tea stained.

Summer Camp Staff Training begins this weekend, so I will lose my entire family for the rest of the summer. I have enjoyed these few weeks of having everyone home sooooooooooooooo much! it will be strange to just have me, the dogs, & cats for the summer. hope to gets LOTS of crafting done as well as catch up on a bunch of chick flicks! they aren't allowed in the house when the guys are home! suggestions are more than welcome!

Have a great evening and I will see you in another day or so! :)


Sugar Creek Hollow - shaped cards
Card Cupids - ribbons or fibers
Paper Sundaes - vintage or shabby chic
Delicious Doodles - lovely lace
Use it Tuesday - flowers & stamp not previously used
Basic Grey - shabby chic
Little Claires - shaped card
Paper Crafting Journey - anything goes with fave whatevers
Party Time Tuesday - Anything Goes
Fab 'n Funky - whatever

Happy Memorial Day!

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Bean

Please go here for my stop in the Operation Write Home blog hop.....

I just wanted to take a moment to pause and remember all of those brave soldiers who have given their lives to protect our beloved United States and keep us safe. I pray for those troops currently on duty who selflessly put their lives on the line every day so that we might know freedom. thank you! and my family says thank you! we will forever be in your debt.

OWH Memorial Day Blog Hop

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Nut

Welcome to my stop on the Operation Write Home Memorial Day Blog Hop! so happy you could join me for a cuppa! haven't the projects along the hop been fabby so far?! so much talent for such a great cause!

My card features a digital image from Create with TLC. I did my standard watercoloring, stippled the sky, and then washed the entire piece in crumb cake ink to age. The papers are from the K & Co.Americana collection. the stars were punched from a Starbucks cup holder and then inked in white craft. the gorgeous ruffle ribbon is from May Arts. buttons are tied with red & white baker's twine.

I hope you enjoy your weekend with family & friends! and say a prayer for the troops who are serving away from home to keep us safe! :)

----> btw..... I have been hopping along, but blogger is being oh, so naughty and not allowing me to leave comments on many blogs. I love what I am seeing, but sadly am unable to leave the comments I would like. I will try to go back to visit in another day or so to see if blogger has been fixed.

your next stop on the hop is
****TRISH @ MOUSE PRINT CREATIONS****



Challenges:
The Stamping Boutique - red, white, & blue
Fairy Knoll - red, white, & blue
Charisma - boy oh boy
Moving Along with the Times - holiday
Paper Romance - distressing
Stamp Insanity - red, white, & blue
DigiStamp4Joy - boys, boys, boys
For Fun Challenges - patriotic colors
Scrapalicious - Memorial Day #4
Simon Says Stamp - stars & stripes
Digital Tuesday - texture
Tuesday Throwdown - stripes
2 Sisters - Anything Goes
Challenge Up Your Life - recycling

Pink Saturday Life of the Party!

Coffee of the Day - Chocolate Peppermint

Welcome to the 3rd birthday celebration of Pink Saturday! I am so thrilled to be able to play along!
I wanted to create an extra special card to commemorate this grand day, so I grabbed this most amazing new pad of papers from My Mind's Eye, Stella & Rose Hazel. I just love the sweet flowers and patterns contained within this collection! and of course there is plenty of pink to keep this girlie happy! :) even though I love my shabby/vintage stuffins, I wanted something fun & whimsical to celebrate this big birthday. This cutie mousie from Torico was waving at me, saying, "oh please, I am sooooooooooo ready to party!!!!" and Ann's sentiment from her line at Raindrop Echo Designs agreed! tee hee! don't ya just want a sweater like this one, too?! of course the shoes are all sparkly shiny compliments of shimmerz paint. the bows on the gifts & the party hat, too! the banner was cut with a fancy die from My Favorite Things. easy peasy! the papers were sprayed with sparkle shimmer spray, as were the Prima roses. trim comes from Etsy and buttons are from my stash. be sure to stop by the other blogs taking part in this big day! Happy 3rd Birthday Pink Saturday!!!!!

Creative Craft World - use 3 or more flowers Sisterhood of Crafters - buttons Scrap Creations - use 3 or more DP Paper Sundaes - pop it up (banner flags are popped up as well as main image) Ellephantastic - birthday Paper Cutz - banner Totally Papercrafts - pink & girly

Celebrate Good Times!

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Creme

Howdy folks! sorry it has been a week since I last posted. Blogger has been giving me some fits again lately, so it was tough for me to post. hoping hoping that this one goes through...... keeping fingers crossed that they can get all of the problems fixed. honestly, in light of the tragedies with the storms across our country and around the world, blogging woes pale in comparison. my prayers to all of those affected.

Be prepared - in the next few days (again, crossing fingers Blogger co-operates!) you are going to be bombarded with lots of papercrafting posts here! so grab your coffee or tea and get ready! :)

This evening's card uses a fun cupcake turtle image from Whimsy & Stars. I paired it with a sentiment from Raindrop Echo, which was sprayed with candy apple glimmer mist. the cupcake icing, hat ruffle & pompom have been covered in stickles. the candle flame was painted with shimmerz. papers are from the new Basic Grey Hellow Luscious collection - what a fabby one!!!!! The gorgeous flower is a Prima. buttons were salvaged from a shirt David was throwing away...... love to do that!

see y'all tomorrow! love ya!
Jennifer

Do You Stack Up - animals
Crafty Sentiments - Special Occassions
Digi Doodles Shops Best - Anything Goes
Paper Pretties - birthday
Crafting For All Seasons - Anything Goes
Truly Scrumptious - Anything Goes
Creative Card Crew - anything goes
Partytime Tuesday - animals
Karen's Doodles - make it sparkle
Stamps R Us - going digital
Simply Create - special event
Corrosive Challenges - cupcakes

I Need a Hero! :)

Coffee of the Day - Mocha

Has everyone been having Blogger issues or is it just me? so in comes a SuperHero to save the day! :) I made this card several days ago, but just haven't been able to get into Blogger to get it posted. crossing fingers it stays active long enough for me to finish typing! ;)

I read about a young 9 year old boy named Dylan with some serious health problems over on Dustin Pike's blog last week and was inspired to make a card to send off to him. Since all of my compy woes wiped out my stash of digis, I was rummaging through my little bag of 'already printed out images' for something that might work. I came across this Super Hero from Mo at Digital Pencil that just seemed perfect! I know it isn't one of Dustin's, but hope that it will work nonetheless.

Papers are from the K & Co. Americana collection. not sure where the baker's twine is from as I purchased it on Etsy a while back. buttons are just part of my ever-growing collection. as soon as I un-earth the proper letters, I will place a monogram on his chest in the circle using stickers. I haven't found the right colors in my collection yet, but will keep digging.

Everyone have a most glorious weekend! love to you all! :)

Sentimental Sundays - Anything Goes plus a sentiment
Tuesday Taggers - One for the Boys
Cards for Men - masculine for someone special
Craft Your Passion - Check it Out (use checks, plaids, or gingham)
Kaboodle Doodles - Lots of Layers
Pollycraft - Boyz 2 Men
Ribbon Reel - Color Challenge
Stamps R Us - Masculine
Stamp Something - Anything Goes (Happy 3 year Anniversary!)
Digital Pencil 2 - Here Comes Summer (patriotic colors for both Memorial Day & July 4th)

Boy when life gets away from ya........

Coffee of the Day - French Vanilla

.......... it REALLY gets away from ya! ;)

things have been so crazy around here. I must begin by saying thank you so very much to those of you who have emailed me or left comments expressing your kind thoughts and prayers for my family. life is starting to 'adjust' I guess would be the best word to use. David is still getting used to his diagnosis, as are we, and the rest of the guys are doing great. Ryan only has minimal bruising and a small bump left on his arm from the hematoma. Tyler has finished his final exams and returns home this weekend. he just might have made Dean's list again....... woooo hooooo! Mick's finals are next week. I know he will ace them as well. I am blessed with such smart sons! summer camp starts up in just a few weeks, so I won't have them around for long, but will treasure each and every moment we have together.

now on to my card! I haven't had much access to a compy, but did make a Mother's Day card for Dave's mom. I pulled out some of my ab fab fave Daisy D's paper from the Beacon Hill collection and paired it with this pretty daisy/sunflower from Shady Tree Studio. the flower is actually part of the fall set, Come to me Autumn, but it worked perfectly for a bright springy card, too. the main tag flower was accented with red glass glitter and green stickles. I also stamped the flower in the lower right hand corner as a bg accent on the decorative paper, using the masking technique. the big flower is a Prima, buttons are from my vintage stash, and the tea tag is one I saved to use as a fun embellie. the sentiment is a SU! rub-on.

hopefully as our life returns to a more 'normal' pace I will be able to post more frequently. and maybe someday someday someday the Good Fairy will fix my compy and I won't have to beg & borrow in order to go online! ;)
love y'all! Jennifer

Update

Coffee of the Day - Butter Rum

Just wanted to thank all of you who have left such kind and thoughtful comments and emails. My family & I truly appreciate your love and heartfelt wishes! Seems this past week has been filled with travels back and forth to hospitals and doctors' appts. - for almost everyone in the family but myself.

We are still smiling though! and Easter is just around the corner!!!! :)

So Sorry.....

Coffee of the Day - Kahlua and Cream

I am sorry to have been a bit in posting..... it was a really crazy week last week and we are just starting to come out of it.

David received some pretty devastating news from the dr. on Thursday. we are all coping with it as he makes huge changes in his life. I will share more later as we make adjustments and get used to everything......

Ryan did well in the musical, but did miss the entire production Friday as he was in the Emergency Room. he has a hematoma on his arm that we are carefully watching. all that we can figure is that it is from a fall he took several weeks ago that had just recently caused blood vessels to rupture. the feeling in his fingers is gone, so that has me concerned, but his outlook is good and he was more concerned about letting everyone down in the musical. what a guy!

The sun is still shining, the birds are still singing, and we can still smile. Life doesn't stop being good because some bad things happen. love to you all! Jennifer

Chocolate Bunnies and Peeps.... kinda

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Nut

Hello! sorry I am moving slow this morning getting this post up..... last night was the dress rehearsal for Ryan's musical at the high school. by the time we got home and everyone wound down, it was close to midnight. whew! and it all happens again tonight with Opening Night! :) lots of fun! Tyler comes home tomorrow to see it, so that will be great!

Today's project is all about CANDY!!!!! yummmmmm...... Ryan is our big candy-a-holic. gosh, that guy is a sugar addict from the word go. he cracks me up with his love of every sweet morsel, nothing escapes his desire for candy, candy, candy! I love to cover these great big candy bars for something a little different to do, so when I saw the wonderful rabbit and duck in the Shady Tree Studio set, 'Eastertide', I knew at some point I wanted to create a chocolate bunny and Easter Peep with them. Hopefully I have accomplished that look here. I embossed the images by first stamping in versamark ink and then into the various SU! classic inks. I did this because I don't have craft inks that correspond to the colors I wanted to use - marigold morning and early espresso. this is a great trick I learned from the master, Michelle Zindorf. gosh, that woman is truly a master!

a month or so ago I was blessed to win a My Favorite Things gift certificate. I have quite a few of their fabby stamps, so decided to get some of the dies that they have started to carry. I bought the grass and flat bottom clouds dies with my certificate and have used them here. the papers are all from the Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety collection. I punched the little baby flowers with my SU! flower trio punch. Ribbons are from an assortment I won a while back, as is the felt flower & button, so I apologize that I don't know manufacturers for those. the mulberry flower is Prima.

Try making one of these yourself! it is a great way to dress up a fun giftie! :)

Washing Dishes can make you BLUE! :)

Coffee of the Day - Texas Turtle

Happy Monday to you! it is pouring down rain over here in Ohio..... but I happen to really love rainy days, so this one brings a smile to my face. and if it's cold, even better! I think it is going to warm up quite a bit, well at least for here.... into the 60's today. should be good for the maple trees and tree tapping. Our big Maple Festival that celebrates the maple syrup our county is known far & wide for is coming up, so we pay attention to these kinds of things......

okay, on to the crafty! Don't let my title mislead you..... I actually spend a LOT of time hand washing dishes these days. our dishwasher broke several years ago, so Dawn detergent & I are close buds. I must admit that I don't put on my pretty dress to wash mine though.... although I did get a spunky short hair cut over the weekend, so I guess I look a bit more like this wonderful vintage image from A Day for Daisies. Working on getting as thin as she is, too! :)

I was thrilled when I found this digi in my stash of 'already printed off, but waiting to color' things that I keep in a big Ziploc bag. I no longer have this image since my old compy died, so this was exciting indeed! after watercoloring, I sponged over the apron with my white craft ink to give a little distressed look - almost like denim. Papers are Basic Grey Marjolaine, pretty resin flower is from SU!, buttons are from my vintage stash, stitched ribbon is retired SU!, and baby flower in bow is a Prima. the doily behind the image was sprayed with both walnut ink & walnut gold glimmer mist. a Martha Stewart border punch was used as well.

Believe it or not, washing dishes really does make me happy. I have learned that it is a perfect time to relax, ponder things going on in my life, pray, look out my back window at the trees & wildlife in my backyard, and just do a small thing that helps to take care of my family. so the tag is appropriate! for me anyhow......... just don't ask me to iron! giggles!

Challenges:

• A Day for Daisies - stitching (stitched ribbon)


• Totally Gorjus - sketch (I switched the oval and rectangle mat)


• Gingerloft - Got the Blues


• Paper Sundaes - Spring Blossoms


• Stampin with the Dragon - Spring Cleaning (tag is tied with string from a tea bag - tea stained, too!, doily)


• Stamp Something - digi


• Pals Paper Arts - punches


• Card Making Mamas - Embellish It


• Little Miss Muffet - stitching (stitched ribbon)


• Shelly's Images - get punchy


• Whimsie Doodles - punch it out

He's Just soooooooooooo Huggable!

Coffee of the Day - Chocolate Peppermint

Last year before Christmas I came across a fun designer by the name of Cheryl Seslar. She draws some of the most adorable images, including prim ones that make me squeal with delight! I saw at the beginning of March that she was doing a fun little contest using this Easter Bunny. you had best believe I was all over that!!!! per usual I am 2 days late for the contest...... too much in life got in the way of my completing the card. But I wanted to finish it up anyhow. She was so kind to gift it to me, plus gosh, it is CUTE! ;)

I have combined several challenges with the making of this card, but one that is brand spankin' new to me is the Etsy Inspired challenge. now any of you who are familiar with my blog know that I am head over heels nutso for Etsy. so this challenge is right up my alley!!!! Here are my inspiration photos from XS Baggage Co.

I used papers from the Cosmo Cricket DeLovely collection. The felt flower, paper flower, and rhinestone flower are all Prima. the button is one of my faves from my vintage stash. The little Easter egg was covered in stickles to give a pretty sparkle! The sentiment comes from Create with TLC - a most PHENOM place!!!! I gave faux stitching a shot again........ man, I just can NOT make straight stitches, but actually they are straighter than my real sewing...... isn't that sad?!

Have a wonderful afternoon! We are relaxing here, as this upcoming week is a biggie here. Ryan is in the musical at his high school and it starts on Thursday. Big fun!

Challenges:

• Etsy Inspired - XS Baggage Co.


• Allsorts - Blooming Blossoms


• Stamp, Scrap, and Doodle - glitz


• Mark's Finest Papers - animal highlight


• Make it Colourful - use bright colors (even though my scanner seemed to wash them all out..... sorry!)


• Sweet Stamps - Easter


• Bee Crafty - Easter


• By the Cute & Girly - cute & girly


• Crafts & Me - use yellow


• Digis with Attitude - Anything Goes


• Your Next Stamp - stitching


• If the Shoe Fits - sewing


• Tuesday Throwdown - florals


• Stamp Something - use a digi


• Crafty Creations - bunnies


• Create with TLC - Sunday Showoff


• The Pixie Cottage - sketch and/or stitching (I just went with stitching)


• Card Cupids - stripes and dots (what a great organization! I am so glad I came across this one!)


• There She Goes - markers down (yep, I watercolored again. I know you are shocked! grins!)


• Crafty Pad - flowers


• Stamptacular Sunday - Buttons, Bling, and Bloom


• Crafter's Companion - Flowers (I used stickles that they carry. you oughta see the flower fairies in their store! wow!)


• Cupcake Craftroom - Fresh & New

I know, I know.... it's about time I posted again! ;)

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Truffle

yep, it's been waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too long since I last posted a card or any crafty project over here on my blog. sorry about that. stuff going on here at home with illness in the fam and dr. visits, weekend guests, Tyler coming home from school :), snow+snow, and just other stuff that seemed to keep me from crafting. but have no fear, I am back tonight to remedy that!

My card uses stamps from the beautiful 'Eastertide' set by Shady Tree Studio. You know how much I have enjoyed playing around with this set. I did decide it was high time I made another actual EASTER card since the holiday is just around the corner. Today a lovely little envie of seam binding arrived from one of my fave Etsy stores, ChristopherPines, in this pretty purple card. I decided to repurpose it by making this card! ;)

I pulled out one of my embossing folder, ran it through my most beloved Big Shot, sponged white craft ink over the embossed portions, sprayed it with purple glimmer mist, and then lightely highlighted certain portions with my white craft ink pad. gorgeous irl!!!! shimmers, white that sits on top but also seems to glow from underneath, & little splashes of purple on the lavender bg. The only bit of patterned paper is a floral piece from Basic Grey, Porcelain collection, cut with my Spellbinders frame die, as was the white cs of the main image. the Basic Grey matted piece was accented with champagne chunky glass glitter by SU!. The Prima flower was spritzed with the same purple glimmer mist and a bit of glitter added to the center. the leaves were sprayed with walnut gold glimmer mist. The gold lace net trim is Webster's Pages. some lavender scrunched seam binding and a pearl pin finish this off. Enjoy your weekend and I hope to see you again before it's all over! :)

• Fab 'n Funky - Shabby Chic


• Basic Grey - recycled (my card base! grins!)


• Top Tip Tuesday - Nature Inspired


• Cooking it Up With Katie - Sparkle, Shine, Shimmer


• Crop Stop - Shine On


• Craft Us Crazy - Spring or Easter


• Spoonful of Sugar - Easter


• Tuesday Throwdown - floral


• Scrappy Frogs - Flowers and Lace


• Paper Pretties - Bling


• Creative Craft World - Easter


• The Rubber Cafe = Spring Floral


• Gingerloft - die cuts and/or punches


• Verve - Color Me Spring


• Prairie Fairy- Oh So Spring


• Charisma Cardz - Bling and Sparkles


• Paper Romance - Bling


• Bee Crafty - Easter


• Tellen's Place - Embossing


• Stamping Scrapping - Sparkle


• Kaboodle Doodles - Spring has Sprung


• Frosted Designs - Bling


• Colour Create - Pastels with optional Easter


• Karen's Doodles - Easter

A Princess and her Frog

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Truffle

Happy Sunday to you! I hope this finds you having the most glorious of days!

As all of you know, a few months ago my computer died and took with it all of my wonderful, beloved digi images. I am slowly building up my collection again, (and saving them all straight to flashdrive like the good little girl I am! tee hee!) but there were so so many lost. Tammy at A Day for Daisies has been so kind & gracious and has been helping me put back together the collection I had of many of her images. Boy, I can't tell you how good it feels to have some Daisies sitting on my craft desk again! So I decided to make something this weekend with one of the beautiful images we have all come to know and love.

From almost the first time I got to know Mick's girlfriend, and this was before they paired up, I have called her a Princess..... but not in the sense that would first come to mind. We really got to know each other well the summer I was the Kitchen Director for a brief time out at Camp. Sadly illness took over and I had to leave, but Joce and I grew very close. We talked at length about how we were each a Princess in God's eyes. and so that summer the Princess/Tiara Club was formed. You might remember that I have talked about it before. there are several members and we try very hard to remember that God sees us with eyes much differently than the world or even we ourselves see us. So I often will text Joce when she is down and ask her if she is wearing her tiara.

I now tease Mick & Joce that they are the REAL Royal Couple. so it just seemed fitting to make this card for him to send to her. She has quite a collection of cards he has sent, which It hink is wonderful! :) From the time Mick was a wee little boy, he had a fascination with frogs, so this is perfect for the two of them!

Papers are Basic Grey Green at Heart. The ruffle ribbon is May Arts, buttons are from my vintage stash, little rose is a Prima one I topped with stickles to give some extra glittery shine. The crowns were punched from repurposed chipboard and then covered with that delightful SU! champagne glitter glass I mentioned yesterday. The flowers and crown on the main image were accened with spica glitter pens. so lots of subtle little shimmers here!

Tammy has some of the most precious images in her store, as always. She has also just started up a new monthly club that sounds fabby. Be sure to stop by. I might not be on the DT any longer, but I will be a fan for life! :)

Have a fantabulous day!

Challenges:

A Day for Daisies - go green (color as well as repurposed items - chipboard & tea twine)

City Crafter - crowns

Several Challenge & Contest Cards.....

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Nut

Hello to all of you! Sorry my post is so late getting here today. There was a big retreat out at Camp this weekend and David needed his computer. So that meant I had to wait until he came home tonight to get my cards scanned in and posted.... but here I am! :)

My first card is for the contest I mentioned yesterday with CS Designs. I really like the sentiments that Chris has designed, so I used one of them as the focal point for my card. The paper is some old Basic Grey from the Lollipop Shoppe collection. the lace is from a very very old piece David and I found in an antique shop in Akron when we were down visiting Tyler this past fall. I trimmed a bit off, but you will see more in upcoming projects. the beautiful glitter rose is a Prima, the ticket was a gift from an Etsy seller, so I apologize that I don't know any deets on stamp mfg., and the buttons come from my vintage stash. the butterflies and bg paper were sprayed with frost shimmer spray. I added some of the new SU! champagne glass glitter to the main image. oh my stars, I am falling in love with this stuff! sure hope it is in the new catty! :)

Here is the contest info again for any of you who would like to play along!

CS Designs Extravaganza Contest March 1 - March 25, Gather your CSD digis and get ready to start creating. This is your chance to win some of your Favorite Digital Stamps from the CS Designs Shop.

Come Join Us in the Fun !!! There are Prizes to Be Won... Check it Out !!!

Time is getting short so hurry and submit your entry. You can create as many wonderful entries as you want so get out those CS Designs digis and inspire us with your art. :)

Challenges:
Your Next Stamp - Make it Sparkle
Sugar Creek Hollow - Anything Goes


My next card uses images from Doodle Pantry. the papers are Basic Grey Lilykate. I added a BG rub-on to the cachepot the violets are in. (please don't look to close, as the rub-on isn't as centered as I would like..... oh well, can't fix it though I wish I could!) the sentiment piece was sprayed with 2 shades of glimmer mist and then outlined with little dots from my white gel pen. I dotted the brown paper as well to mimic the ones found on that same paper. the flower is Prima with a Recollection rose center. the buttons are more from my vintage stash. the heart doily was sprayed with walnut gold glimmer mist, too. the violets on the main image were accented with stickles for some glittery shine.

Challenges: Doodle Pantry - use a DP image

Fresh Brewed Designs - spots & dots

MelJens - dots

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Contest at CS Designs

Coffee of the Day - Chocolate Peppermint

I wanted to tell you about a fun crafting contest going on over at CS Designs. this is a new-to-me digi store that I am excited to have found. I am hoping to make something this weekend to play along and I would love for you to join me!

CS Designs Extravaganza Contest March 1 - March 25, Gather your CSD digis and get ready to start creating. This is your chance to win some of your Favorite Digital Stamps from the CS Designs Shop.

Come Join Us in the Fun !!! There are Prizes to Be Won... Check it Out !!!

Time is getting short so hurry and submit your entry. You can create as many wonderful entries as you want so get out those CS Designs digis and inspire us with your art. :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Coffee of the Day - Irish Creme, of course! :)

Top o' the Morning to ya, lads and lassies! May ye find yourselves blessed beyond all possible belief on this lovely St. Patrick's Day!!!!

okay, this Texas gal has just exhausted her supply of blarney, so on to the crafties...... :)

I decided it was time to make something fun for the day using Shady Tree's "Eastertide" stamp set once again. I am loving this egg for all sorts of neat, out of the box things! what better way to celebrate St. Patty's than with a shamrock. I found some retired SU! vintage verdigris embossing powder that seemed just the perfect shade on the natural cs. the bits of gold really add a true life sparkle. the stem comes from the flower trio in "Backyard Springtime". I used a versamarker pen to go over just the stem, and then embossed from there. the gold button is from my vintage stash. it seemed perfect for the celtic theme! paper is Basic Grey Origins. some lace trim and a few green holographic sequins finish this off. this is the most CAS card I have done in a while. and yes, for me, this IS CAS. grins!

I think I will save it for Tyler for finals time, which will be coming up in a little over a month. since he loves all things celtic and about Ireland, I think this will be perfect for him!

take care and have a most glorious day!
Jennifer

Challenges:
Creative Card Crew - green
If the Shoe Fits - St. Patrick's Day
Fab 'n Funky - green or St. Patrick's Day
Paper Sundaes - Keep it Simple
For Fun Challenges - green or St. Patrick's Day
Tuesday Throwdown - lace
Pixie Dust - go green
Paper Play - embossing
Digi Doodle Shop - Anything Goes

Oh No........

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Macadamia

There is a story behind this card ~ I colored this image about a year ago and then tucked it away in my pack of Basic Grey Origins paper. it was for a challenge over at Sassy Cheryl, the designer of this cutie pie image, and I ended up being late getting something put together. (okay, stop snickering. yes, I know I am frequently late for challenges...... :p) so I was working on a card for Thursday for Shady Tree (yep, anticipation folks!!!) when I came across this precious patiently waiting for my return. You must understand that when I typed out this sentiment, it was something I was quite known for saying myself. have I improved over the past year? nope, not one itty bitty bit. sigh........ maybe by next year. but then again..... maybe not. tee hee!

I am glad I have at least one card with this image, since I no longer have it. and she asked me ever so politely if she could wear her fave in the whole wide world pink tennies. how could I possibly tell her 'no'? I know how much I love every single pair of my pink shoes, and yes, I have more than one! :) as mentioned above, papers are Basic Grey Origins, buttons are all from my vintage stash, little yellow rose is Prima painted with just a touch of shimmerz, and a bit of crochet trim. her shoes, socks, and bow were also painted with shimmerz. I used my gold glitter pen to outline the flowers on the border die. have I mentioned today how much I am enjoying my Big Shot?!

have a most glorious day! love ya!

Jennifer

challenge:

Stampin with the Dragon - green, yellow/gold, white

Crafty Ho's - green, gold, white

Stamp Fairy - show us your green

Whimsie Doodles - use green

Cherry Thanks

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Pecan

hello! I have been so busy crafting, but had to wait to borrow David's compy so I could post! ;)

I spent this past weekend trying to do a bit of blurfing and catching up on my comments. please forgive me that it has taken me so long to make the rounds. it's tough when I don't have my own computer any more to get around the way I would like. we aren't even gonna talk about all my beloved digis that I lost....... but I have a flashstick that I am slowly filling up as I am able. I will NOT lose digis again! I must say this has given me a whole new appreciation for my 'regular' stamps again though - no waiting to borrow a computer, no trying to figure out how in the world these weird programs on his compy work when I was happy as a clam with MINE, no trying to find a compatible program for this or that - just good ol' stamping! grins!

So with all of that said, I made a card for several challenges I came across. Back in January I contributed to the fundraiser for Katie and printed out a few of the images. thank goodness I did since I lost all of those in the crash. these 2 were part of the pack for anyone who made a donation.

I added crystal effects to the cherries and some wonderful glass glitter from Meyer Imports to the heart on the bowl. the papers are Cosmo Cricket Early Bird. the border punch is from SU! & I have to say that I am absolutely in love with my new Big Shot!!!!! it is the best prize (other than hubby! tee hee!) I have ever won!!! the frames were obviously cut using a die, Cherry Pickin' is the name I believe, and it is so cool because it actually embossed these adorable little cherries around the border. they show up much better irl. I added a collection of my beloved vintage buttons and this fun pom pom trim.

Challenges:

Stampin Sisters in Christ - something you treasure (vintage buttons)

Sweet Stop Sketch Challenge - sketch

Do You Stack Up - layers

Crafty Pad - buttons

Shady Tree Studio Release Day!

Coffee of the Day - Maple Pecan

Hooray, hooray, today is release day at Shady Tree Studio!

Stop by the store blog to see all of the gorgeous new stamp sets as well as samples by the fabby DT!

My card for today uses several of the stamps from the beautiful set, 'Eastertide'. I truly, truly love this set that Nancy has designed. it is just so versatile! I

used the wonderful quote for the main image, in addition to the pretty little flower. but what you might not notice right off the bat is that oh, so fabby egg stamp is back in action again today! if you look at the bird & flower chipboard buttons, you will see that they have been embossed. while the embossing powder was still wet, I quickly stamped the Easter egg right onto the chipboard. it created that most amazing textured effect! isn't that great?!?!?! I used a combo of pink & pearl powder on the flowers and just the pearl on the bird. irl it is so pretty to see.

the leaves behind have been covered in rock candy distress stickles to add a bit more sparkly shine. paper is from K & Co. Que Sera Sera collection. the main sentiment image was sprayed with both walnut ink & rose glimmer mist. it was then edged in warm lipstick distress stickles. some black rhinestones, satin ribbon, & pretty trim help finish off the card. I think this will make a beautiful Easter card to present to someone special - perhaps YOU!!!!

thanks so much for stopping by each day of the sneaky peeks and release for Shady Tree Studios! I have most certainly had fun and I hope you have, too! :)

Shady Tree Studio Sneaks Day 2!

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Nut

Aren't sneaky peeks so exciting?!?!?! I love to see samples of new stamp sets! I hope you have been enjoying the things being shown so far for this fabby release from Shady Tree Studio! I know I have! Please be sure to stop by all of the DT members' blogs, as well as visit our Guest Designer this month, Kristine. you will be amazed at all of their fantastic creations! of course Nancy, the mojo and high Queen behind Shady Tree, has some beautiful samples as well on her blog. not only that, she has a neat contest going on for those of you who leave comments! hurry on over! :)

As I had mentioned yesterday, my projects for the next few days are going to show you the versatility of the set, 'Eastertide'. I had such fun creating with this one!

As soon as I saw the gorgeous egg, I immediately thought how beautiful it would be as a flower, with the egg being used as the petals. so this was one of the first cards I made when the set arrived. I used some retired SU! embossing powder, blue enamelware, to emboss the egg on Stampin' Up!'s natural ivory cs. I then watercolored the flowers and leaves prior to cutting each one out. I used an old zipper saved from a pair of jeans that was being tossed as the flower center. I love this look and will most certainly do it again! the flower has an almost cloisonne look to it irl. so neat!!! as you can see I saved the pocket from the jeans as well. I used the 'joy' sentiment as a pocket label, adding a bit of faux stitching. Daisy D's paper, crochet trim, and vintage buttons finish off the card. I know just who to deliver this one to! :)

think 'outside the box' and you will open up the possibilities for your stamps! and Shady Tree makes those possibilities beautiful! :)

Shady Tree Studio Sneaks Day 1

Coffee of the Day - Butter Rum


Hello and welcome to Day 1 of the Shady Tree Studio Sneaky Peeks! I am so excited to share my creations with you! Please be sure to pop by the store blog as well as the blogs of the other DT members. We have a wonderful Guest Designer this month as well, Kristine, so you will want to visit her and welcome her, too! :)


I was sent the gorgeous set, Eastertide, to play with. My projects today are of an Easter theme, but then for the next few days I will show you how you can get fun and creative with this versatile set!


For my first project I made a card with the beautiful cross stamp. I first stamped it in versamark and then into my colored ink. this allowed me to clear emboss and allow the color to show through on the vintage hymnal page. I then cut this music sheet into a tag. papers are First Blush by Prima. tag was sprayed with walnut ink to age. buttons are from my vintage stash. little rose is a Prima that was sprayed with walnut gold glimmer mist to age.


I wanted to do something a little different and make something other than a card with this fun easter egg basket image, so I decorated a candy bar. this one happens to be an XL Butterfinger bar. I love the bright yellow colors! and I know it will be yummy as well! :) some bright yellow crepe paper was folded and then topped with Prima trim. the candy bar was topped with daffodil paper from Flair Designs. I made a little flower using some old ones from my stash that were pinched together at the base. it scunched up a bit in the scan, but irl it pops up so pretty. ;) fairly simple, but a fun way to dress up a gift!

See you tomorrow!

Finally...... some cards to show

Coffee of the Day - Maple Vanilla

Phew! it has taken me forever and a day to get the scanner configured to Dave's computer, but have finally somewhat mastered the task. I was getting to the 'sweating bullets' point, I tell you what! I have been busy crafting away for the big Shady Tree Studio release next week, and really didn't know what I was going to do if I couldn't post any pix for all of you. I had resorted to my shaky picture taking skills, which leave a lot to be desired, so 'hoorays of joy' were heard throughout the land when the scanner & computer got in sync! ;)

so without further adieu, here are several cards featuring images from Nicecrane Designs. I really enjoy Ignacio's vintage work!

The first card uses paper from K & Co and the Ancestry.com line. I added some vintage lace & buttons, a ticket that was stamped, sprayed with walnut ink as well as frost shimmer spray, a baby Prima rose and pretty pearl floral pin. fairly simple, but I like the vintage look.

The next card I made to send off to Tyler at school. it just seemed the perfect sentiment to add to this adorable little kitten and mouse image! papers are Basic Grey Pyrus, big gorgeous button is again from my vintage stash, and isn't that burlap ric rac fabby? hopefully it will keep hubby from noticing the blue bow on the side.... well at least it is a BLUE bow..... and there is manly burlap on the card! grins! but the card really just needed that extra little bit of color and texture.... REALLY! tee hee! speaking of blue - Mick and David painted our upstairs hallway that same shade of blue as is in the paper. isn't it yummy? it looks beautiful and oh, so soothing with the white ceiling and baseboard trim.

everyone have a wonderful day, and I will see you back in a day or so! love ya!

Jennifer

p.s. I just hopped over to the Shady Tree blog and noticed that Nancy has a great little contest going on. leave a comment for a chance at winning the ENTIRE new release!

Heart Song Designs

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Twist

Just a quickie post today to introduce all of you to a fun new store called 'Heart Song Designs'. Some of the images might look familiar to you. Leah used to design some of the digis for Sweet & Sassy, where I was blessed to be a Guest Designer last year. When I heard she had opened her own store, I was super-dee-duper excited! I hope you get a chance to visit both her store and blog. She has a fantastic DT on board as well.

I have been busy working on cards for the Shady Tree new release coming up in another few weeks. Will have something else to show you later on this week. and don't forget that I will have some blog candy coming in March.

love to you all! Jennifer

Nesting....

Coffee of the Day - Maple Pecan

I had to come post........

from the first year we moved into our wonderful little Century home, we have had the most delightful birdie couple build their family nest on our front porch. I have no idea whatsoever what type birds they are, but they bring us such joy year after year with their songs. We eagerly watch as the eggs are laid and then those same chicks mature and fly away. The nests are created from all kinds of treasures found around our yard.

Well the couple has returned and has spent the past 10 minutes sitting on both the front door wreath and porch light right next to it. This is the first time in over 10 years that I have seen the daddy. He has the most brilliant red head and chest. I will most certainly have to do some investigating to see if I can discover what kind of birds they are. But my heart is soaring to see them return!

Funny how God can bring a little message into our day through His creations. How is He speaking to you today? are you taking the time to listen, to see? if I hadn't been sitting in this exact spot, I would have missed the moment. if I hadn't looked up, it would have passed me by. don't get so caught up in 'stuff' that you forget what is really important. You are loved. truly. madly. deeply.