Happy Birthday, Calypso! :)

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Happy Birthday, Calypso!

Calypso is having a birthday today!  We are so excited to share with you a Surprise Birthday Blog Hop!!!  Every stop along the hop has a surprise birthday card or project for Calypso created by members of two Design Teams... 

Sentimental Sundays and Scribbles Designs.

Calypso keeps all of us so organized; is such an inspiration to all of us and also is right there with unfailing support and compassion for any of the team members.  

Her talents abound and we adore her!

Please join us in the (surprise)

Birthday Hop for Calypso 

and stop by her blog at the end to wish her Happiest of Birthdays! 

Happy Birthday, Calypso!

Here is my card:

I used the Leaf Doodle and a sentiment from Create with TLC. papers are Bo Bunny Vicki B, and I added accents with a bright green glitter gel pen to match them. the ribbon flower scanned really bright, but is a perfect match to the paper irl. the skeleton leaf is retired from SU!, but I thought a birthday celebration was a good reason to use one of my last, hoarded stash! :)

Next head on over to 

ARCHANA's blog for the next project!

Be sure to comment on the Birthday Hop post on one or both blogs 

Sentimental Sundays and Scribbles Designs.... 

one person will be randomly chosen (on October 8th) from all comments collected from both blogs to receive a prize in the mail.  

The prize will be sent to you and we welcome you from anywhere in the world you reside in!   

Here's the lineup in case you get lost 

(Make sure your last stop is CALYPSO so you can wish her a Happy Birthday!)

We'll start with Angi of Sentimental Sundays....

Doreen of Sentimental Sundays...

Vicky  of Scribbles Designs...

Jennifer  of Scribbles Designs... (you are here!!!)

Archana of Sentimental Sundays & Scribbles Designs...

Deanne of Scribbles Designs...

Sharla  of Scribbles Designs...

Julie of Sentimental Sundays...

Karolina of Sentimental Sundays...

Lisa of Scribbles Designs...

Cely of Scribbles Designs...

Sam of Scribbles Designs...

Tracey of Sentimental Sundays...

Nick of Scribbles Designs...

Sandy of Sentimental Sundays & Scribbles Designs...

(Your last stop is CALYPSO so you can wish her a Happy Birthday!)

Calypso 

Save the Rack

Coffee of the Day - Eggnog

Today's card is by no means intended to offend anyone. I come from a family of hunters and live with a family of hunters. We all have great respect for animals as well as for women. but at the same time, we have a fun sense of humor. we can't get through life without it, especially when difficult times come along. I hope you can see that when you look at my card. believe you me, if I myself am not offended by this and I'm going through breast cancer, then I think it's probably okay.... ;)

As I was browsing through Etsy last month, I noticed that the latest catch phrase for breast cancer awareness is 'Save the Rack' with deer antlers as the symbol. Unity Stamps recently came out with a new line of hunting stamps. Yesterday LuvLee challenged all of us to use pink camo on her Hope You Can Cling To challenge. so I have taken all of the above and created this card.

I colored the deer stamp with my SU! markers. the deer was then covered in walnut distress stickles. the card base & senti tag were sprayed with 2 shades of pink glimmer mist. The senti tag was made with a combo of the sentiment from the 'Nice Rack' stamp and 'Big or Small' sentiment stamp. The fabulous camo rose trim comes from Shabby Rose Trim over at Etsy. I bought a gorgeous autumn paisley one at the same time that I'm excited to use on a later project. buttons, pink camo ribbon, and SU! linen thread finish the card. oh yes, that cool shield die is from Spellbinders.

Don't forget to enter the Pinktober Blog Candy! :)

Challenges:
Catch the Bug - anything goes
Papertake Weekly - anything goes
Cut it Up - think pink with die cuts
Digi Haven - use 2 colors (pink and brown)
Pattie's Creations - ribbon
Totally PaperCrafts - bring humor
Wags 'n Whiskers - pink/breast cancer awareness
Crafty Ribbons - anything goes with ribbon
LUFP - breast cancer awareness linky party
Cardz TV - breast cancer awareness

Love to Create - candy inspired (tootsie rolls & raisinettes, some of my  most fave candies EVER! also, breast cancer support M & M's)
DL Art - breast cancer awareness linky party
Shopping Our Stash - pink/breast cancer support (stash: buttons, tag punch)

World Card Making Day 2013!

Coffee of the Day - Oatmeal Cookie Crumble

Welcome to my happy little blog today! :) so glad you could stop by!

I love love love World Card Making Day! there is just something about the idea of people all over the world making great cards all at the same time that they will share with the people they love. isn't that just the coolest?!

Be sure to sign up for my Pinktober blog candy while you are here. anyone can enter!

First card up uses images from Scribbles Designs. the cancer support ribbon is currently a freebie and is actually on the inside of the card, popped up on foam tape. the frame image is printed on the card front. card base is sprayed with 2 shades of pink glimmer mist and Mr. Huey's calico white mist. 'scribbles' on frame are highlighted with either fruit punch stickles or beeswax shimmerz paint.  edge of card is framed in doodles I added. ribbon is paper pieced with Basic Grey Green at Heart paper.

Next card is made with a fun Smoochie from The Stamping Boutique, and sentiment from Create with TLC. paper is Basic Grey Serendipity, ribbon is May Arts, memo note is from K & Co Smash, flower is WOC. buttons, washi tape, and rhinestones were also added. pink distress stickles and touches with a clear spica glitter gel pen were added to the main image. LOTS of sparkle on here!

Challenges:

Breast Cancer Support Ribbon Card:
Wags 'n Whiskers - pink/breast cancer support
LUFP - breast cancer support linky party
DL Art - breast cancer support linky party
4 Krafty Girlz - anything goes
MAWTT - anything goes
Penny's Paper Crafty - anything goes
Loves Rubber Stamps - anything goes
Oozak - anything goes
Make it Monday - anything goes
Sparkle 'n Sprinkle - glitter (stickles), flock, and/or embossing
Tammy's Scrappin' Corner - monochromatic

Classy and Fabulous Girl Card:
Creative Fingers - anything goes with ribbons or lace
Create with TLC - WCMD linky party (thanks, Paulette!)
Crafty Catz - anything goes
Pattie's Creations - ribbon
Crafty Ribbons - anything goes with ribbon
By Lori Designs - washi tape
TTCRD - anything goes
My Craft Creations - anything goes
613 Avenue Create - create your own: image, senti, patterned paper, die cut, paper punch, stickles, bling, buttons, flower, ribbon
Catch the Bug - anything goes

Hope on a Clothesline

This is my 2nd post today and it is for Hope You Can Cling To. the newest challenge is called 'Punch it Out.' we are encouraged to use punches and die cuts on our project. well I picked up this FABULOUS MFT Support Hope die after a wonderful friend gave me a gift certificate. isn't it amazing??!!? I knew this image from A Day for Daisies would be so pretty with it....

papers are Basic Grey Serendipity, other dies are MFT chevron stripes and mini rolled rose as well as Spellbinders, punch is Jenni Bowlin, linen thread is SU!, and Hope senti is from MFT 'Have Hope' stamp set. rock candy distress stickles covers the felt rose and shimmerz paint is on the flowers of the main image as well as both bra bows.

Challenges:
LUFP - breast cancer awareness linky party
DL Art - breast cancer awareness linky party
MAWTT - anything goes
Simon Says - dotty
Crafty Sentiments - fave technique (die cuts, distressing, sponging) or colors (pinks with greens and shabby!)
Inky Chicks - 2 die cuts (I actually have 4)
Shopping Our Stash - pink/cancer awareness (clothespins and buttons are old stash)
Live and Love Crafts - pink
ADFD - flowers
Chocolate, Cards, and Coffee - flowers

Love You to the Moon and Back.....

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Macadamia Nut

Happy Friday! the weekend is right there... can you see it yet? it's around the corner, and I am excited! World Card Making Day is tomorrow, too, so be prepared for a TON of fun with that! :)

New releases and a new challenge are on tap over at Jellypark today. also some waaaaaaaaay cool news AND a DT call! Claire is also doing several different promos to help raise money for breast cancer awareness,  so you know you want to stop by to see it all.....

Our new challenge is Anything Goes, so grab any one of those fun Jellypark images you have and create whatever makes your heart happy! I decided to use this adorable Wish Upon a Star image with one of Claire's sentiments. papers are from the Basic Grey Shine On collection, stars are punched from a Starbucks coffee cozy, flower is Petaloo, and shimmerz paint was added to both the main image as well as the senti for some sparkle.

Challenges:
Aud Sentiments - sentiment for a child
DRS Designs - harvest moon
Charisma Cardz - bingo: square, kraft cs, pink (on wings and shoes)
Crafter's Cafe - just a bit out there (as in outer space!)
Crafty Creations - winged things
WAW - anything goes with encouraging sentiment
Eureka - wings and things
Lady Anne's - must have wings
Digitally Sweet - anything with wings

Believe Impossible Things

Post #2 today....
I will get the blog candy link going, too, I promise. got tied up with my doctor's appt. yesterday. have to start seeing a new oncologist. our insurance co-pay on specialist visits has gone up to $60 ..... can we all say 'YUCK' together! every dr. I see is a specialist! oy! they don't make it easy to be sick.... think of the fun craft supplies I would MUCH rather spend my money on.... oh well.

on to more pleasant things, like another card for the HYCCT challenges! This is a card I made for Beate's first day challenge of Flat is Fabulous. now all of you know me and a one layer card is so very NOT me! this was quite the challenging card for me to make! but Sandy of Scribbles Designs made it so much easier for me.... I told you yesterday that she has quite a few free images in her store. this wonderful cancer support ribbon is one of them! yep! hurry over to the store so you can grab it! :)

I sprayed my card base with 2 shades of pink glimmer mist (yes, I have several shades of pink glimmer mist. I'd have more if I could afford them.... you know I love both pink AND glimmer mist!!!) as well as calico white Mr. Huey's mist. once it was dry, I added the paper pieced ribbon (Basic Grey Urban Prairie) and a phenom sentiment from the Unity set, ' You Will Shine.' a few little doodles in the corners with a black sharpie and the card was finished. the longest part was waiting on all of the mists to dry. I actually like how it turned out, even if it doesn't have any ribbons, trims, or buttons on it. tee hee!

Take care, see you tomorrow, and know that you are truly loved! :)

Challenges:
WAW - anything goes with encouraging senti
Flourishes - paper piecing
Loves Rubberstamps - anything goes
Shopping Our Stash - pink/cancer awareness/support (dsp is old)
Red Carpet Studio - pretty in pink
LUFP - breast cancer awareness linky party
Artistic Inspirations - anything goes/one layer
Lexi's Creations - pink
Sister Act - anything goes
DL Art - breast cancer awareness linky party
4 Krafty Girlz - anything goes

Watching the Sunset with my Best Friend

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Nut

Today I'll have 2 posts of projects for the Hope You Can Cling To challenges going on over at Split Coast Stampers. I hope you will be able to join along at some point this month. It is not only a great deal of fun, but you get to make cards that support such a phenomenal cause.

The challenge starting today is a Pinterest inspired one. Bridget is our hostess and she has shared several beautiful photos she found on Pinterest. you can take one or a combo of several and use them as inspiration for a card. I was actually surprised by the photo I used. it isn't the one I would have expected. but as soon as I saw this digital image from my friend, Deidre, and her Etsy shop, it was easy to see how the card was going to come together.

papers are from the Basic Grey Soleil collection, gorgeous flower is WOC, and everything else is just stash stuff. the moon is painted with shimmerz, and the sunset is painted over with my frost shimmer spray. I used the inside of a bubble envelope to create the bg on the card base.

All of you know just how much my labber dogs mean to me and what they have done to help ease my cancer journey. this image speaks volumes to that. I wouldn't have made it this far with what sanity I have left if it hadn't been for my dogs. :)

Challenges:
Crafting by Designs - anything goes
Paper Shelter - shabby chic
Creative Craft - anything goes
LUFP - breast cancer awareness linky party
Just Inspirational - bingo: 3 papers (I actually used 4), gems, lace
Oldie but a Goodie - bingo: lace, flowers, glitter (shimmerz paint on moon)
oldies are pretty much everything on here except flower and image.
Just For Fun - buttons and bows
Natalie and Amy - shabby chic
Crafty Cardmakers - cute and furry
Melonheadz - animals
A Gem of a Challenge - add black
Pattie's Creations - animals

Autumn Acorn Girl

I think this is the last post today, folks.... whew.... you can now breathe a sigh of relief! ;)

I was also asked to be a guest designer over at the wonderful Heck of a Challenge blog. their new challenge is 'Autumn Colors.' what a great challenge! I so love fall and the leaves changing. as we were driving on our crazy Indiana trip yesterday, we saw some beautiful colors of autumn. some of the views were truly breath-taking!

I decided to use this most fabulous image from A Day for Daisies, 'Acorn Cutie A' on my card. this is my 2nd card today with an image from ADFD, so you know how much I love them! :) papers are Basic Grey Indian Summer, flower is WOC, leaves were cut from clear packaging with a Tim Holtz tattered leaves die. one of the leaves was then edged in white acrylic paint. buttons, doily, and lace are from my stash.  image bg was sprayed with the SU! ink squirty tool and 2 different markers.

Challenges:
ADFD - buttons and bows
Basic Grey - autumn photo insp. with Basic Grey
Seema Crafts - autumn colors
Creative Moments - anything goes/autumn
House That Stamps Built - fall
Going Gray with Scrap Creations - fall
Kreativeinkauf Challenge - autumn leaves
Memas Crafts - fall/autumn colors
One Crazy Stamper - thankful/autumn
Tok Bobok - autumn
Pile it On - leaves

Be Who You Are

The current challenge (Pens, Pencils, Paper) over at Scribbles Designs is still going on until Oct. 14. there is even a cute free image for you to use if you would like. in fact, if you stop by the store, you will find several free images available! can't beat that! :)

I admit when I saw the challenge theme I thought I had to only use pens or markers or pencils to color in my image, but I was told that the image itself could have one of these in it. whew..... that made it much easier for me!

I chose to use Artsy and the Be Who You Are quote on my card. papers are Basic Grey Sweet Threads, ribbon rose was made with May Arts pink satin, lace, ticket, & buttons are from my stash. metal portions of pencils and brushes were painted with hi ho silver shimmerz.

Challenges:
Penny's Paper Crafty - anything goes
365 Cards - swirls (flourishes & on bg paper))
Lady Anne's - anything goes
WAW - anything goes with encouraging verse
TTCRD - anything goes
LUFP - pink linky party
Loves Rubberstamps - anything goes
Catch the Bug - photo inspiration

Zombies Need Pumpkin Spice Lattes!

Yesterday began a new challenge over at The Stamping Boutique - Halloween. while we don't really celebrate Halloween as such, you know I love me some zombies! So when I was looking through the store trying to figure out what I was going to do, I came across 'Zombie Girl with Tea.' perfect! only to me she looked to be needing her pumpkin spice latte fix..... I typed up a quick little sentiment on my compy and we were ready to go! :)

papers are from the Authentique Apothecary Emporium collection, cool pumpkins die is Cheery Lynn, flower is Prima, sparkly trim is Making Memories, and everything else is from my stash.  the zipper across her mouth is accented with shimmerz paint.

btw - I have seen World War Z 4 times now... it is so amazing and gets me pumped up every time I see it. poor Dave gets more and more freaked each time he watches it. he likes the slow moving zombies of The Walking Dead much better. tee hee! :)

Challenges:
Crafting by Designs - anything goes
Crafter's Cafe - just a bit out there....
Paper Pretties - purple, green (leaves on cup as well as leaves of Prima), orange
Bearly Mine - Halloween
Inky Chicks - 2 different die cuts
Paper Minutes - bizarre/ weird
2 Creative Chicks - Spooktacular linky party
2 Creative Chicks - Halloween linky party
Cupboard Trilogy - Halloween or fall
Created with Love - Halloween
Corrosive - cute and creepy

You've Been In My Thoughts Fairy

Coffee of the Day - Coconut Hazelnut

okay, folks, fill up your coffee to the tippy top, because today is going to be LOADED with posts..... I have a LOT to share with you..... remember that they are going to be posted backwards so to speak since the first will show up further down the blog.... I will have at least one post every day this month for breast cancer support.

also, my blog candy for the month will get posted a little later today. I have a big doctor's appt. later on, so will get the links going when I return.

First up is a card for the new challenge over at A Little Bit Crafty. the new challenge is to get a little bit shabby. well you know me - no problem there. I'm always a bit on the shabby side! grins! I am so thankful to Paula for asking me to be a guest designer for her.

I have used the adorable image from A Day for Daisies, 'Vintage Fairy Ring 3'. papers are Basic Grey Lucille, sentiment is Create with TLC, punches are SU! and Martha Stewart, die is Spellbinders, ribbon rose is made with May Arts satin, buttons are from my stash. wings are painted with shimmerz and little dots are added to card base & mushroom with my white gel pen. small rhinestones were also added to the punched sentiment.

Challenges:
LUFP - add pink for breast cancer support
DL Art - breast cancer support linky party
365 Cards - sentiment of support
Crafty Creations - winged things
Paper Shelter - shabby chic
Simon Says Stamp - dotty
Whimsy - shabby chic
WAW - anything goes with encouraging verse
LEJ Designs - things with wings
Natalie and Amy - shabby chic
Eureka - wings and things
Lia Stampz - shabby chic

Oh Boy, Cowboy!

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

I took a break from working on my MANY behind the scenes projects to make this cutey little ride 'em cowboy! I just found a new digital artist called 'A Random Fan.' she has such fun images and a Facebook page, too. You can buy her images in the Etsy store.

Sherry offered a free image and challenge for anyone who would make something with it. well, as usual, I am sneaking in by the seat of my pants. only a few hours remain, but I really really wanted to play along. so my card is pretty simple, but I think it will make some boy happy. :)

The papers are Basic Grey Fact collection, barbed wire and country charms dies are from My Favorite Things, linen thread is SU!, and buttons are from my stash. 'boy' sentiment is from a stamp set by Kellie Winnell, 'oh' comes from a K & Co. Smash stamp. nothing fancy, but the image is just so dad gum cute!

take care and see you soon! :)

Challenges:
2 Sisters - anything goes
Drunken Stampers - die cuts
Send a Smile 4 Kids - anything goes for kids
Card Makin' Mamas - for the kids
Sister Act - anything goes
The Cupboard Trilogy - male
4 Krafty Girlz - anything goes
Aud Sentiment - sentiment for a child
Paper Crafting Journey - for a boy
4 Crafty Chicks - bingo: buttons, sentiment, die cuts
Crafter's Cafe - die cuts/punches
Lady Anne's - anything goes
Rhedd and Rosie - masculine

You're Super, Man!

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Today is our youngest son, Ryan's birthday! wooo hoooo! feels strange to not be able to spend it with him, but I hope he is having a most fantastic day with all of his friends in Indiana. We have always called him Super Ry, partially because of his fondness for the Super Hero, Superman. don't ever get him started on the rivalry between Superman and Batman. it's pretty funny to listen to. ;)

So there was no doubt that  his birthday card was going to feature a Superman type image. I found this one over at A Day for Daisies a while back. the sentiment was hand typed and then punched with a SU! punch. papers are from the new Basic Grey Persimmon collection, including that fab golden feather. a little SU! linen thread and some buttons complete the card. kinda simple, but perfect for my super hero!

I know it's been pretty quiet here on my blog lately, but I have been VERY busy getting ready for all of the fun coming up in October. I hope y'all are ready for LOTS of posts filled with inspiration for breast cancer awareness as well as LOTS of blog candy! :)

Challenges:
ADFD - buttons and bows
Crafts 4 Eternity - anything goes
A Creative Romance - fairytale or winged creations
Card Makin' Mamas - for the kids
Crafty Catz - birthday card
ART - anything goes
Aud Sentiments - sentiment for a child
Paper Crafting Journey - for a boy
4 Crafty Chicks - bingo: buttons, die cuts, sentiment
365 Cards - speedy (who could possibly be faster?)
Crafter's Cafe - die cuts/punches
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
Whimsy - masculine
WAW - anything goes encouraging
Can You Digi It - primary colors
Clear it Out - masculine with die cuts/punches (SU! punch is old)
Oldie but a Goodie - dies and punches (SU! punch is old)
TTCRD - anything goes
Card Mania - use at least 1 button
Ooh La La - masculine
Stamp and Create - birthdays

There's a Party Going On.... or there WAS! ;)

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Macadamia Nut

Last night there was a fun party over at The Stamping Boutique Facebook page. I was only able to attend for the last 45 minutes, but had a great time! :) Not only were there several games, but also some neat papercraft challenges and a free image from the store given away. Challenges run until tomorrow, so you have some time to get a project made if you would like to play along. coolio prizes, which everyone loves!

I made a card for one of the challenges, which is just to make a party card using the free image. papers are from the Basic Grey Serendipity collection. I used my clear spica glitter gel pen to add lots of sparkly accents to the main image. the gorgeous flower is from Wild Orchid Crafts and was sprayed with glimmer mist to better match the colors. Maya Road twine was added to the party banner. little bits of shimmerz paint were added to the candles on the cake.

Have a great day! :)

Challenges:
Allsorts - button
Chocolate, Coffee and Cards - anything goes
Crafts Too Challenge You - texture plus something shiny or glittery (glitter pen, rhinestones, shimmerz paint, & glimmer mist)
Delicious Doodles - gems and bling
Jo's Scrap Shack  - anything goes
Polkadoodles - candy colors (these remind me of the colors of Smarties. grins!)
Totally Papercrafts - birthday or baby
Wags 'n Whiskers - sparkle (glitter pen, rhinestones, shimmerz paint, & glimmer mist)
Seize the Birthday - anything goes birthday (sorry, no 'topping' for me this week)
Divas by Design - anything goes
Inky Impressions - food (yummy birthday cake!)
Lady Anne's - anything goes with a stamp
Lollipop Ladies - Smarties plus dies & punches
Penny's Paper Crafty - 2 or more patterned papers
WAW - anything goes that is encouraging
TTCRD - anything goes
Parade Your Crafts - birthday (hi everyone! waving!!!)
Stamp and Create - birthdays

Don't Give Up On Me Just Yet..... ;)

Coffee of the Day - Maple Nut

Hello! Happy Saturday to each of you! It's a glorious cool, rainy fall day here in northeast Ohio. I love it! :) Tyler has come home for the weekend, so that makes it especially grand! Mick & Jocelyn went to the Michael Buble concert last night and had a marvelous time. Ryan is off for a big camping weekend with his dorm floor somewhere in the wilds of Indiana. so my family is happy, and we are blessed big time! can't get any better than that folks! :)

I didn't want you to think I had completely disappeared. I'm slowly starting to feel a bit better. am able to stay out of bed for longer bits of time, so that is good. hope to craft today, so that is even better! LOTS of stuff coming up in October, so y'all had better be ready ...... one of my BIG blog candy giveaways with several winners will run all  month long.  see the sidebar for a few other events....

also, tonight is a fun party over at The Stamping Boutique Facebook page. not sure if I will make it, but there will be lots of games and prizes for any of you who happen to pop over! 

WHERE - TSB Facebook Page
WHEN - tonight 8-10 PM EST
WHAT - challenges, chats, games, prizes and LOTS OF FUN!!!!

well off to refill my coffee cup and then to hit the craft room. all of you have a most fantastic weekend! :)

Welcome Autumn Bear with Apples

Coffee of the Day - Oatmeal Cookie Crumble

Hello everyone! this is a super short post. I am so very sick right now. have spent several days in bed, and will go right back there as soon as I write up this post. and oh my, it is a LATE post at that.....

I was so kindly invited to be a guest designer over at Oozak. their new challenge began on Sunday, but I was too sick to get out of bed that day. had wanted to schedule my post, but couldn't even get that done. so I'm trying to make up for time by getting it on here now. so sorry!

The new challenge is for Fall themed projects. I used 2 adorable images by Birdie Brown. flower & petal are by Petaloo. buttons and tickets are from my stash. 'welcome autumn' is from a Shady Tree Studio stamp set.
other items can be found at the Oozak store:

Basic Grey Hipster 6x6 paper pad
Lawn Fawn Say Cheese metal die 
Maya Road Saffron Yellow twine
Scotch ATG tape dispenser

Challenges:
Crafty Sentiments - fall/autumn colors
Deep Ocean - goodbye summer
Die Cuttin Divas - apples
Our Daily Bread - fall colors
TTCRD - anything goes
Craft Your Passion - autumn/fall colors
Crafty Boots - a is for apples
Lexi's Creations - autumn colors
Paper Playtime - apples
Whoopsi Daisy - use more than 2 patterned papers
Crazy Challenge - color inspiration
Card A Day - autumn
Just For Fun - colors of autumn
613 Avenue Create - anything goes with optional 'happy fall y'all' twist
Great Impressions - fall colors
Di's Digis - fabulous fall colors
Crafty Calendar - going on a bear hunt
A Gem of a Challenge - 2 images
Basic Grey - anything goes with BG
My Time to Craft - autumnal colors
Word Play - seasons
Alphabet Challenge - p is for paper piecing
Jo's Scrap Shack - autumn
Aud Sentiments - autumn
CRAFT - paper piecing
Pollycraft - harvest colors

Dare to Be Remarkable and step out of your comfort zone!

Coffee of the Day - Red Velvet Cake

I have been feeling really really horrid of late, and haven't been getting as much crafting done as I should. But I did manage to find the time to squeeze in a project for the Progressive Challenge over at the Sassy Studio Designs group at Paper Craft Planet.....and boy oh boy, is this card ever so NOT me! grins! but it was really fun to make, nonetheless. I think it's important to jump out of our comfort zone every once in a while, and of course I did it with both feet in a grand way! ha! still some little touches of 'me' in there peeking through.... we've gotta express ourselves, friends! it's all about the fun and creativity! even if you feel like blech.

As I said, the image is from Sassy Studio Designs, and believe it or not, the papers are Basic Grey. they are from the Obscure collection, a really old one. sentiment is Create with TLC, flower is Prima, and the cool stencil is from Crafter's Workshop. I added a lot of touches to the main image with my spica clear glitter gel pen.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend! We are having a lovely break from the heat here. hopefully it means that Autumn has arrived in all of its glory! :)

Challenges:
Chocolate, Cards, & Coffee - anything goes
Creative Fingers - add a sentiment
Sister Act - anything goes
DRS Designs - something unexpected (well other than this is such a different style for me, it also goes to show that flowers and a steampunk/funky style CAN go together!)
Creative Belli - orange, red, yellow (buttons and ribbon are old. paper has long been retired)
Rhedd and Rosie - steampunk
Sisterhood of Crafters - use a digi
LEJ Designs - autumnal colors
Loves Rubberstamps - sentiment on front
TTCRD - anything goes

Birthday Chick for Sandy! :)

Coffee of the Day - Maple Pecan

Welcome to the Surprise Birthday Blog Hop for Sandy!!! woooo hoooooo! grab your cupcakes 'cause you are IN FOR FUN! :)

Sandy is having a birthday today! What better way to celebrate our fearless leader's birthday than with a crafty (surprise) hop!? Every stop along the way has a surprise birthday project for Sandy created by each of her design team members. Sandy is such an inspiration to all of us and she has been so supportive and generous. She's a great friend and a very talented and artistic woman! Happy Birthday, Sandy! tossing confetti in the air....... :)

Here is my project for Sandy:

The image is Sandy's Flower Chicklet and the senti comes from Create with TLC. papers are from the Basic Grey Sweet Threads collection. little baby flowers are Prima, senti portion is sprayed with glimmer mist, and trim is an amazing vintage find. cotton candy stickles were added to the chickie and rhinestones dot each flower.

Next head on over to LISA'S FABBY BLOG to see what she has made for Sandy!!!
Here's the line up, in case you get lost :
Archana http://craftcave.blogspot.com
Calypso http://calypsocandycraft.blogspot.com/
Cely http://hawaiipaperparty.blogspot.com
Deanne http://littlebitopaper.blogspot.ca/
Helene http://nicksscrapshack.blogspot.se/
Jen http://justcoffeepleasestampsribbonspaper.blogspot.com (you are here!!)
Lisa http://decossesdynamitedoodles.blogspot.ca
Sam www.samsimpson.co.uk
Sharla http://sharla-thisthingcalledlife.blogspot.ca/
Vicky http://crafting-vicky.blogspot.ca/
The Birthday Girl, Sandy! http://scribblesbysandy.blogspot.com

Challenges:
Come and Get It - sketch
4 Krafty Girlz - anything goes
Paper Crafting Journey - flowers
Creative Moments - birthday/anything goes
Scrapper's Delight - color inspiration
Sisterhood of Crafters - use a digi
Crafty Sentiments - anything goes
Loves Rubberstamps - sentiment on front
Hobby Cutz - anything goes
Sentimental Sundays - something tweet
All That Stickles - appreciation
Digitally Sweet - anything goes
Use Your Stuff - birthday (I have been holding on to the vintage trim a long time)

That's Brilliant - It's Your Birthday!

Coffee of the Day - Oatmeal Cookie Crumble

Today is our oldest son, Tyler's, birthday. and while we all are avid Dr. Who fans, I think he might tip the mark just a bit more than the rest of us. :) so it was easy peasy to decide what to  use to make his birthday card - my Dr. Who stamps from Viva Las Vegas. (I'll try to link these later. the store seems to be down right now.)  thankfully I've been crafting like a mad woman and will be able to go along this afternoon to visit Tyler and Mick to celebrate. they are having such a great time in their house! that makes me one happy Mamma!

papers are from the Authentique Original collection. I really need to find some more that have this perfect shade of blue in them. I know I'll be making more Tardis cards, especially with the big 50th anniversary special coming up. so frustrated that our cable provider doesn't carry BBC America.

whoops, got sidetracked there for a mo....... must have been a time warp. ha!
little burlap ribbon snippet is from May Arts, clock piece is from Spellbinders, birthday wishes senti is SU!, and the rest is from my stash. That's Brilliant banner was sprayed with glimmer mist. little accents were made with my clear spica glitter gel pen.

Expect to see LOTS of stuff coming to my blog in the next few days. better stock up on the coffee!
enjoy your day! :)

Challenges:
Crafting By Design - anything goes
Creative Moments - birthday/anything goes
Paper Pretties - distress (both ink and paper on here)
Penny's Paper Crafty - anything goes
Whimsy Inspiration - masculine
Loves Rubberstamps - sentiment on the front
TTCRD - anything goes
Twisted Tuesday - primary colors with buttons
Bunny Zoe - something blue
Digi Sketch - use a rubber stamp and/or sketch
Paper Playtime - use 3 different papers
Squirrel and the Fox - it's raining men
Sweet Stampin' - got the blues
Quick Quotes - anything goes

Best and Finest

Coffee of the Day - Moon Pie

I was able to get a bit crafty yesterday, and it was truly delightful! this is what this hobby/passion is all about folks....the joy that comes from making something from the heart that will hopefully make someone's day just a little bit brighter. Sharing a bit of God's love with someone else. it's not about the blogs or the teams or the notoriety. it's about joy in creating, plain and simple.

I realized that I was getting under the wire to play along in the new Crafty Secrets monthly linky party. it's such a great party to join because everyone who plays gets a $6 credit to the store. I love their vintage images and papers! :)

Now this little fella is quite dapper.... his outfit might not quite match, but he thinks he looks fabulous, and that is what counts! I paired him with Basic Grey's Hipster paper collection, of course!, and a little tag remnant from American Eagle. because you bet your sweet bippy that is where this hip cat would be shopping if he could! tee hee! ribbon is May Arts and little metal clip is Basic Grey. buttons are from my stash.

on a side note, if you haven't watched the biographical movie of Charlie Chaplin starring Robert Downey, Jr., I thought it was quite good.
Have a most wonderful day!

Challenges:
Crafty Secrets - monthly linky party
Deconstructed Sketch - sketch #117
Basic Grey - anything goes Basic Grey (oh how I love my BG.....)
Bugaboo - anything goes
Digi Haven - vintage or old with a digi
Digitally Sweet - anything goes digi (image & senti)
Simply Create Too - vintage or old
4 Krafty Girlz - anything goes
Aud Sentiment - any sentiment
Crafty Ribbons - anything goes with ribbon
Penny's Paper Crafty - spooled item
Crafting Musketeers - vintage
Perfect Sentiment - ribbon, seam binding, or baker's twine (I used ribbon)
Ruby's Rainbow - a male thing
Whimsy Inspiration - masculine
WAW - anything goes
Can You Digi It - very vintage
Just Inspirational - ribbons
Country View - layers
Creatalicious - for the boys
Cupboard Trilogy - male
613 Avenue Create - anything goes with optional Grandparent's Day
Creative Knockouts - masculine
Squirrel and the Fox - it's raining men

Lovey Dovey Birds

Coffee of the Day - Oatmeal Cookie Crumble

Today I am sharing with you the last of the cards I made for my guest designer stint over at Inky Antics. this one never did get shown on their blog, but I like the way it turned out. everyone has different tastes.....I understand. hope wherever it ended up, someone is enjoying it. ;)

I used the Swirly Birds stamp set, stamped on kraft cs. I never know how the different card stocks are going to take the watercoloring each time, so it's always a surprise to me to see how it turns out. papers are from the Basic Grey Kissing Booth collection. the border was cut with a Tim Holtz die. the tab is a Jenni Bowlin punch. sorry the leaf got a bit wonky in my scan. whoops! I used a re-purposed postage stamp that seemed absolutely perfect for this card. I'm always saving them whenever I can, much to David's dismay. grins! but I have a great old muffin tin that keeps them tucked away for me until I'm ready to put them on a project. the heart is from Webster's Pages. not sure where the flower came from because I mailed this out to Inky Antics so long ago. I think it is from some blog candy I won.....sorry I don't have more info for you.

Just to let you know, I have left almost all of my Design Teams. I'm not feeling that whippy right now and feel stretched pretty thin with my crafting. I have some guest positions coming up that have me excited, and that is about as much as I can handle with the few teams that remain.

Hope all of you have a most wonderful weekend! find the joy in the day! :)

Challenges:
Brown Sugar - animals
Crafts Too Challenge You - texture with a twist (texture: heart & fringe trim, my style: shabby)
Art Impressions - bird brains
Lady Anne's - anything goes
Penny's Paper Crafty - spooled items (ric rack & fringe trim)
Simon Says - animal antics
Whimsical Designs - something old (postage stamp, papers, die, punch), something new (stamps)
City Crafter - birds and blue
Creative Card Crew - things with wings
Loves Rubberstamps - anything goes
Emma's Cards - birds
Oozak - anything goes with die cuts and punches
613 Avenue Create - anything goes with optional twist
Basic Grey - anything goes with BG (you have no idea how easy that is for me!!!)
Bugaboo - anything goes

Christmas at The Stamping Boutique

here is my 2nd post for today in the game of catch up.....

The Stamping Boutique is back in action, both the store and the challenge blog! Tracey has been busy drawing some fun images for all of us. for the challenges, we're starting off with a Christmas theme so everyone can get a start on those holiday cards. you know me though, I like to make Christmas cards all year long! :)

I have used one of the new images, 'Nativity,' for my card. it is just so precious! my hubby really likes this one. :) papers are Basic Grey Aspen Frost, flower is Petaloo, dies are from MFT, leaf punches are Martha Stewart, and buttons & seam binding come from my stash. the doily was sprayed with 2 shades of glimmer mist. star and halo were painted with shimmerz. a piece of twine was added across the banner. some faux stitching with my white gel pen completes the card.

I intentionally masked a circle around the halo to draw attention to Baby Jesus. He should always be our focus, in my opinion. :)

thanks so much for stopping by! have a most wonderful day!
Jennifer

Challenges:
WAW - anything goes
Bearly Mine - anything goes
LEJ Designs - something shiny (glimmer mists & shimmerz paint)
Papertake Weekly - anything goes with optional Christmas twist
One Crazy Stamper - Christmas
Challenges 4 Everybody - anything goes
Christmas Card Challenges - something new: both dies & image
Robyn's Fetish - add leaves
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas - get inky or painty (image is watercolored with SU! inks)
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Extra - anything Christmas goes
Crazy 4 Challenges - buttons or bows
Alphabet Challenge - 'O' for one word sentiment: rejoice
Sister Act - anything goes
Stamping with the Dragon - buttons and bows
Christmas at Sweet Stamping - winter animals
Glory of Christmas - anything Christmas goes

Keep Your Face to the Sunshine

Coffee of the Day - actually not sure, hubby made it before he headed out for work....

Hello after a bit of a break! I ended up going to Indiana and Chicago after all. it was a great trip - bittersweet in that we dropped off Ryan at Indiana Wesleyan University to begin his new adventure there, but a fun time in Chicago celebrating our anniversary. I loved everything about the city, as I knew I would. we spent most of our time driving around to look at the architecture, which is was the main thing I wanted to do. We did get to have lunch at Frontera's, a fabulous restaurant owned by Rick Bayless. we sat next to the most charming gentleman who dines there every Saturday. he kept us entertained for the entire meal! But I knew the whole time we were in Chicago that as much as I enjoyed it, I could never live there. it is a beautiful city, of that there is no doubt. but I need my hills and trees and woods. :)

I'm going to slam y'all with several posts, so hold onto your seats. I wasn't able to get these scheduled before I left, so I'm very late adding them to my blog now. please forgive me for being tardy. once we came back home, the  traveling took it's toll, and I've not been doing well. I'm trying to get caught up slowly but surely.....

I was blessed to receive an invite to be a guest designer over at Quirky Crafts Challenges. There new challenge is called 'I Like to Move it, Move it.' They want to see movement of some kind on your papercraft projects. The sponsor is The Cutting Cafe. There is also a new challenge over at the Digi Makeover - pearls and lace. I combined all of these challenges into one card!

First I printed Kat the Pinwheel Fairy and one of the sentiments from Jen's Sunshine onto white cs. these were cut with a Spellbinders circle die to create a suspension card. papers are Basic Grey Mint Julep, flower and leaves are Prima, linen thread & pinwheel punch are SU!  her wings are painted with shimmerz. the pinwheels do actually turn, so there is more movement on the card there. I did add a light wash to the pinwheels to tame the white of the dsp. the pink lace is vintage. the sentiment side was sprayed with glimmer mist.

Challenges:
WAW - anything goes
Bearly Mine - anything goes
Creative Card Crew - things with wings
TTCRD - anything goes
Emerald Faeries - magical creatures
Mema's Crafts - lace and flowers
Oozak - anything goes with dies/punches
Flutter By Wed. - anything goes with a butterfly or fairy
Allsorts - it's about the sentiment
Pattie's Creations - anything goes
Sister Act - anything goes
Aud Sentiment - any sentiment
Delightful Challenges - make the cut