Ghosts and Goblins Don't Scare Me.....

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

Happy Halloween to all of you, if you celebrate the holiday that is.... Please read to the bottom of my post for my costume this year. it still gives me the giggles, but then y'all know I'm kinda twisted. ;)

(image from The Graphics Fairy)

Every year for Halloween, we get together with several other families at one of their houses to set up what has grown to be called 'The Hot Dog House'. rather than give out candy, we grill hot dogs, pass out hot cocoa, water, and chips to everyone out trick or treating. it is a HUGE hit in our little town. one year because of illness in the homeowner's family we weren't able to do it. there were so many concerned people the following year who were worried we had stopped. We don't charge a penny for anything we pass out - it's all free. and oh my gosh, is it ever so much fun! Still waiting to find out if we're doing it today or not because of the weather. still raining and oh so, cold, but then again, we've done this in the snow. we DO live in northeast Ohio afterall..... I won't be able to go this year, which makes me sad, but hubby and Ryan are really looking forward to it.

So on to my costume for this year.... I haven't worn a costume in years. really. just not a fan of Halloween and all it's become. but that is a story for another time.
while checking out an online t-shirt store for Walking Dead stuff..... yep, zombie love rules!, I came across this one. cracks me up! (click on photo to see all of the saying....)

I'm working on the 'surviving' part, but boy howdy, ain't this the truth!

have a great day! love to all of you! :)

p.s. today is the last day to enter my Hope You Can Cling To blog candy. thank you to those of you have played along & are sending cards to MD Anderson!

Still Around...

Coffee of the Day - Toasted Coconut Macadamia

I know I havw been missing for a bit, and I do apologize. it's been a rough week or so with my radiation. every day the burns & blisters seem to spread farther across my body & become more painful. as it stands now I have 3 more weeks of treatment. David & I have some very difficult decisions ahead of us, so we are doing a lot of praying. but in the midst of all this I still have so much peace. God is so good! He blesses me abudantly every single day.

We tried to go out for a while yesterday to enjoy the fall day, but had to cut it short when I had a bad episode. It's so hard to watch my family see me when the bad times hit. it tears my heart right open. but before hand we were able to enjoy a special time at a nearby apple orchard & farm as we used to when the boys were younger. They had apple dumplings while I munched on the most yummy maple bacon doughnut. oh gosh, it sure was tasty! :)  Brought home some fresh apple cider and sugarless apple butter.

The most beautiful blue jays have taken over the nest on my front porch. I haven't seen any jays quite this size in quite a long time. I think they are hiding out from the storm that is approaching. Our porch will be the perfect place for them to stay nice and dry. :) My baby squirrel friend is still around gathering  his winter nuts & berries.

All of you in the path of the storm please stay warm & safe. my love to everyone who pops by! :)
Jennifer

Hope You Can Cling To Blog Candy Reminder

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Happy Friday to ya!

 


Just wanted to post a little reminder to all of you about my Hope You Can Cling To blog candy..... you can link a card for ANY of the HYCCT challenges for the entire month. it does not have to be for only mine. right now there aren't any entries at all, so your chances of winning are pretty good. ;)  you have until midnight on Oct. 31 to link a project.

I can only ship the Big Pro die to a winner in the USA.

sorry I haven't been around much. haven't felt well this week. thank goodness every day of treatment means one day closer to being DONE, at least with this portion! ;)

enjoy your weekend!

Hope You Can Cling To - Peaceful Pink...blog candy, too!

Coffee of the Day - Salted Caramel White Mocha

Today is the big day for me - the day I am so very honored to be a Hostess over at Split Coast Stampers for Hope You Can Cling To!!!! I truly hope you will join me and the other hostesses in creating cards to send to breast cancer warriors at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas. As I have mentioned before, I have participated in this card drive ever year since it started. To be asked to play along as a Hostess is such a thrill! :)  So many amazing companies and individuals have donated prizes. Please consider making a card or several to send along. if you bear with me, you might even find a bit of blog candy at the end of this post....... ;)

The theme for my challenge is called 'Peaceful Pink'. many of you know that pink is one of my most fave colors, especially in crafting. when I was told that I had breast cancer, one of my first thoughts was, "well at least I got the pink one and not a yucky pea green one!" my oncology nurse just thought that was hysterical! :-D  But really, if you read my blog very often, you know that nature is very important to me, and has been even more so as I have been battling this dreaded disease. The birds singing brings me such comfort when the side effects of treatments get so horrible. I can sit and gaze out my window watching the squirrels and chipmunks play on my front porch for hours and my mind is brought to ease. So when I was asked to be a Hostess, I knew immediately that I wanted a challenge that could help bring a sense of peace to someone else who is fighting cancer. You can find more details about the challenge here in the HYCCT forums.

I chose the image for this card because while going through my own cancer battle, I have found great peace listening to the beautiful birds that sing outside my window. even when the chemo was at it's most horrible, I could listen to those birds, find comfort, and get through the next few minutes.


Image is from A Day for Daisies, papers are K & Co. Flora and Fauna, trim is Prima, buttons are vintage, leaf flourish die is Cheery Lynn. butterflies are covered in spun sugar distress stickles, flowers are accented with pink spica glitter pen, and water is covered in frost shimmer spray.

Even in the midst of winter, these bare trees are full of beauty. They remind me that while my hair is gone and my body is going through so many changes, spring DOES come again.....


the image is from A Day for Daisies, papers are Basic Grey Serendipity, sky was first watercolored and then sponged with SU! inks. snow on fence was painted with shimmer spray, as was the snow line among trees. button & seam tape are both vintage. seam tape was lightly sprayed with tea rose glimmer mist. chevrons accents were cut with a MFT die. rose is a Prima. after scanning this card I went back and added some rock candy distress stickles to the Prima rose for just a hint of sparkle.

Now for the blog candy....
I was a true Goober Queen and accidentally ordered 2 of these fun stamps from MFT - Fix-it Fred. So one of you will be the lucky winner to get not only this stamp, but also a roll of Prima Craftsman washi tape and bottle of Peeled Paint Distress Stain to go with it. I will also add a few other fun little goodies to the package. BUT you need to do a little something in order to qualify - please create a card for Hope You Can Cling To. it does NOT have to be for my challenge, but can be for any of the challenges going on all month. link your card from the SCS gallery or your post in the HYCCT forum so I'll know you have played along.

you do NOT have to be a follower of my blog to enter. but IF I reach 500 followers or more by the end of the month, I will add an ADDITIONAL blog candy for another winner. :)

I am adding another BIG candy for y'all - I bought this gorgeous Rosettes Big Pro die from Sizzix. Sadly the store I bought it from did NOT mention anywhere that it is ONLY for the BIG PRO machine, which I do not have and don't have the almost $400 to buy. IF you have one of these spunky machines and would like to have this beautiful die, please enter your info in the below Mr. blue froggy linky thingy. I would love to pass this cutie along. isn't is wonderful? there are some fab dies for the Big Pro, but I sure can't even imagine having an extra $400 in my lifetime that isn't going toward medical bills that seem to hit our mailbox on a daily basis.... sigh. anyhow, ONE of you can most certainly have this and I would be delighted! it's a value of $59.99!!!!!!
btw - this does need to be for USA residents only. the die is very heavy for shipping. sorry.

Winner(s) will be drawn on Nov. 1 and posted the next day. if you are not a member of SCS, you are more than welcome to send cards to me and I will put them in the card box at my Cancer Centers. just let me know in your post. Thank you so much! Jennifer

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

A Few Cool Things to Check Out...

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! :)

Jar of Love

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice (thank you, Gina!!)

this card is made for Theresa's Hope You Can Cling To challenge, 'Read All About It'. I love the added use of text themed items on my cards, so this was a fun challenge to play along with!

The beautiful image comes from A Day for Daisies, pretty vintage ad paper is Melissa Frances, flair button (which also contains text) is Pink Paislee, tickets are Maya Road, buttons are from my vintage stash. crochet trim and floral spray are also from my stash. flowers were sprayed with tea rose glimmer mist. flowers in main image were covered in shimmerz paint.

Tomorrow is my day to serve as Hostess at SCS Hope You Can Cling To. I do hope you will stop by both here and over in the chat forums to join me! :)  There are soooooooooo many prizes up for grabs thanks to the generosity of many wonderful sponsors.

Challenges:
LUFP

Dreams of Hope

Coffee of the Day - Eggnog (yeah, I know it isn't the season yet, but it sounded good!)

I was so excited to create this card for Bridget's 'Hope is the Thing' challenge for Hope You Can Cling To 2012.

the precious image is from A Day for Daisies, papers are My Mind's Eye The Sweetest Thing Lavender, button & lace are vintage, and all inking is watercolor with SU! inks. some washi tape, a pretty pink rose, twigs, and Pink Paislee flair button finish the card. shimmerz paint and glimmer mist add a hint of shine.

I need to give a HUGE shout out to Cindy Coutts who gifted me with the entire set of new SU! in color inks, markers, and papers, which I used on this card. Thank you, Cindy!!! I just love them all! :) I was the recipient of a prize of Cindy's several months ago, and then she surprised me with this lovely package of goodies from SU! What a kind and generous heart!

I also want to thank all of you who have so kindly sent me care packages of socks and slippers! :)  I haven't worn a pair twice yet, and the medical staff comment every day on what I have on my feet! it just cracks me up! tee hee! thanks to all of you my toes stay nice and warm as the temps are in the 30's and 40's, but oh am I stylin'! unfortunately my skin is getting burned from all of the radiation, but then that is to be expected. I seem to sleep ALL the time, but they told me that would be typical as well.

I must say that I am blessed beyond belief.....this callenge at SCS is all about hope and y'all have given it to me in spades. every day I wake up knowing that I am loved. that is nothing to take lightly, and believe me, I don't. I hold onto each of you so tightly in my heart. I might not get a chance to say it to you directly, but know that I think about y'all every single day. thank you. for being there with me each step of this journey - thank you! :)

Challenges:
LUFP
Simon Says Stamp - dies and punches
Papertake Weekly - all creatures great and small

It's World Card Making Day! :)

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Pumpkin Pie

Happy World Card Making Day to all of you! I truly truly love this day! I've been participating since Paper Crafts magazine first started it several years ago, and I most certainly wasn't going to let a thing like cancer keep me from taking part again! you know sassy little me! tee hee!

If you look around bloggyland, you will find some fun challenges, great sales, and some of the most wonderful people you'll ever come across. I hope you get a chance to do so blurfing, but also get a bit crafty.

Please hop over to the Jellypark challenge blog. Claire is offering up the  most adorable free image for everyone and a fun challenge for the weekend. I hope to play along today if I can.

I have made this card for giogio's HYCCT challenge of '3 dies or punches and a sentiment' as well as Party Time Tuesday's color/multi fold challenge.


The beautiful mermaid image comes from Krista at Saturated Canary. the card fold is one I had never tried before, so thank you to Beate for her diamond fold tutorial in the Split Coast Stampers resources area. :) papers are Graphic 45, button is vintage, cheesecloth was dyed with SU! crumb cake ink, shimmerz paint and my spica clear glitter pen added accents to the mermaid.

punches used were from Martha Stewart and SU! I also added a Spellbinders die, but if you count that, I go over for a total of 4. eek! I added little dots of water droplets with my shimmer spray.

Last night we had the most fun Friday evening with all of the guys home, sitting around the television, eating pizza, and watching Season 2 of The Walking Dead. pizza, zombies, and family - what could be better in life?! ;)

Challenges:
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
Craft's Meow - WCMD
A Gem of a Challenge - for the girls
Crafty Mess - anything goes
Paper Crafting Journey - mythical creatures

Those Brave Boots...

Coffee of the Day - Coconut White Mocha

I made this card for Kathy's HYCCT challenge of 'Courage'. as I have been going through my own battle with cancer, each time I have to face yet another aspect of treatment that I really don't want to have to go through, I say this to myself..... "gotta put those brave girl boots on!" so of course when I saw Kathy's theme of 'courage', there was no doubt in my mind which stamp set I would pick up to create a card. ;)

stamp set comes from Unity, papers from Basic Grey Soleil, baby tickets from Maya Road, itty bitty flower from Prima, linen thread is SU!, buttons are from my vintage stash, and washi tapes come from Etsy. main tag was tea stained. I took my largest watercolor brush very lightly over the main image of the cowboy boots after all coloring was done to help soften the look.  since I was using all dye inks, this caused them to run ever so slightly, which is just what I wanted. hooray! lastly I used the SU! ink squirty tool over the tag.

I have some big decisions to make over the next few days regarding my cancer journey, so I ask for prayers for my family please. I know where the journey is taking me..... it's my family that matters most to me right now. thank you so much for being with me through all of this. hugs to all of you! :) Jennifer

Challenges:
The Stamping Boutique - pink, pink, pink
LUFP
Art Impressions - pink
Happy Campers CC - pink & brown
Crafts & Me - my sentiments exactly
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - you've been tagged
Paper Shelter - distressing

Strip Please - She Loved Behaving Badly! ;)

Coffee of the Day - Salted Caramel White Mocha

So did my post title catch you off guard? 'Strip Please' is the name of the newest challenge over at Hope You Can Cling To on Split Coast Stampers. the idea is to use strips of paper or cs behind your main image. I went a weeeeeee bit sassy with my interpretation and grabbed this oh, so fun digi from That's Fabulous on Etsy for mine. She has the most outrageous digis that capture vintage and a bit of sass all at the same time. some are flat out beautiful, too.

When Victoria was trying to come up with a challenge theme for HYCCT, I was telling her that I was constantly being told to dis-robe by one doctor, nurse, or medical technician for test after test, exam after exam.  She loved the idea so much she named her challenge after it! :)

papers are Basic Grey Serendipity cut with a MFT chevron die. perfect way to use those thin scraps! pretty flower is also from Etsy. buttons are from my vintage stash. lots and lots of shimmerz paint, stickles, and spica glitter pen accents on here for that glam touch. the ribbon was part of a gift, so I'm sorry I don't have the mfg.

I had some bad news today from my radiation oncologist regarding my cancer. I have a lot of tests and biopsies to go through in upcoming days, so will only be posting short messages with my cards for HYCCT and World Card Making Day. I want to spend as much time with my family as I can. all of the boys will be home this weekend and I need the time with them desperately. I do hope you can understand.

hugs and lots of love to you! :)

5 Words of Hope

Coffee of the Day - Salted Caramel White Mocha

Hello! As we get into October, every few days I will be posting cards I have made for the Split Coast Stampers Hope You Can Cling To challenges. As a hostess, I was able to help some of the other hostesses with their sample cards. I must tell you, these are some of the nicest ladies who have so kindly welcomed me into their midst. I do hope you can stop by to play along in a few challenges and enjoy some fun chats. You won't believe the prizes up for grabs as well.

In addition to HYCCT, Link Up For Pink is going on all month as well. most of my projects will link up there as well. I am a receiving station for cards for LUFP, as I will be taking them to the 2 cancer centers I visit.  I do ask that you make sure you have plenty of postage on anything you mail to me though. I've had quite a few envelopes arrive in the past month owing $3 or $4. I don't mind helping where I can, but it does add up after a while.

anyhow, off to the card.....
I have made this card for Edna's beautiful '5 Words of Hope' challenge for HYCCT. I just loved the idea behind this challenge! :)

the image comes from A Day for Daisies, paper from Basic Grey Soleil collection, words from Melody Ross Soul Food, trim from Pink Paislee, and leaf flourish die from Cheery Lynn. button is vintage and flowers are dried. flowers on main image have been accented with shimmerz paint.

Challenges:
Link Up For Pink
A Day for Daisies - anything goes
Paper Pretties - flowers
Divas by Design - texture
Penny's Paper Crafty - die cuts and punches
Whimsy Inspiration - anything goes

'Hope You Can Cling To' starts today!

Coffee of the Day - Cinnamon Hazelnut

 

Happy Monday to ya! Today starts the 'Hope You Can Cling To' challenges over at Split Coast Stampers. If you aren't familiar with these, for the entire month of October, a new challenge (or sometimes several!) will be released all based on the theme of breast cancer support and encouragement. Cards are made to send to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas. I have played along every year since it started, but obviously this year has an even different meaning to me.

I want to tell all of you that this year not only am I playing along as a participant, but I am honored (and do I ever mean honored!!!) to be a challenge hostess! I am the first hostess to participate who is undergoing breast cancer treatment while during HYCCT. of course I don't even begin to measure up talent-wise with all of the other hostesses. man oh man, that list reads like royalty! ;) I am truly at the bottom of the totem pole, but so thrilled to be a part.

Please stop over when you get a chance, and hopefully play along. Thankfully I was able to get a few cards made before my radiation treatments started. no crafties seem to be going on these days, as I feel pretty pukey and tired most days. oh well. it won't last forever, thank goodness. ;) enjoy your week and listen for the birds' songs! :)

So What's the Big Deal about my SOCKS?!?!

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Hello! I am officially on my way to becoming a mutant super hero now..... really hoping for some good super powers outta this deal and not some lame-o ones like being able to hear ants talk or some such thing..... radiation is not liking my body very much, and so it's retaliating by being oh so pukey and tired. don't know when I'll be back to crafting. thank goodness I was able to get a bit done last week. this feels like the after-effects of chemo all over again. blech!

But the thing that cracks me up is that every single time I go into the radiation room, they give me grief about  my SOCKS! this has been going on for almost a week now.... yep, every day the technicians question me about where I have misplaced my shoes and why in the world am I wearing just socks.....

ummmm..... let's see. I am a 48 year old woman and don't really just 'misplace' my shoes anymore. ;)  I don't just look down at my feet and 'discover' that lo and behold I have no shoes on! isn't that a riot?! what happens is this - I don't want to wear my big klunky shoes on that cold metal slab for all that time while they shoot me with gamma rays. it's uncomfortable. I'd rather just lie there in my stocking feet. really no big deal in my opinion, but not a day has passed that they haven't freaked out over it.

I did finally tell them to just cover up my feet and 'stop looking at them' if they were so bothered. for goodness sakes, I'm half undressed  as it is, contraptions attached to my chest like some Viking Warrior goddess, and they go on about my FEET! tee hee!

so hopefully by the end of the week I'll be able to pop microwave popcorn  just by waving my hand over it....that would be pretty cool. until then I'm thinking of sending hubby to the store for some outlandish socks to keep me going for the next 7 weeks. yep, this Sassy Sister is gonna play it up big time! oh lawsie, you don't think my Sassy gene has mutated, do you?! better strap in then - it's gonna be a lonnnnnng ride! giggles!

My new home away from home....

Coffee of the Day - Spiced Hazelnut


Starting a week from Monday this is going to be my new home away from home through Thanksgiving. I'll be taking 7 weeks of daily radiation treatments, which is actually a week more than we were initially told. it all boils down to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer and the stage the cells were at upon discovery. (or level, I get the 2 mixed up....) and my age. evidently I am on the young side for this to be taking place, so they want to really zap me good. ;) I just hope I get some mighty fine mutant powers out of this deal!

My hair has started to grow back in, and get this - it's coming in silver! whoa nelly that came as quite the shock! I had a few strands here and there before the diagnosis, but evidently the chemo just flat out bleached away all of the brown and gold from my hair. I had been thinking of a pink skunk stripe, but this is almost all silver. I seriously am not going to recognize myself in the mirror....

as for my shoulder, the surgeon, who is fabulous btw, doesn't want to do anything until all cancer treatments are finished. he'll re-evaluate if necessary next year, but the bulk of my pain is coming from a frozen shoulder, not all of the tears. so I am seeing a massage therapist through the new cancer center to help get me ready for radiation to be able to get my arm into proper position. it's not pleasant, but hey, I can put up with most anything these days.

sadly, my seizures have started up again. don't know if it's from the shoulder pain or just the whole shebang.....but that was another lovely little surprise last night. so for the moment I am sitting with my coffee cup enjoying a chipmunk who is playing games on my front porch and just being.....

know that YOU are loved truly, deeply! :)

Results of Jen's Sunshine Blog Hop

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Good morning! I realized that in all of the excitement of the Jen's Sunshine blog hop, I had failed to give all of you a final report of the amount raised. I know some of you have been asking, so here ya go -
after all of the proceeds I have received from Paper Makeup Stamps, The Stamping Boutique, and the individual donations, all of YOU have so graciously donated almost $600 to my family! isn't that wonderful?!?!?!?!? we are so touched by your love & kindness! already one of my medical bills has been paid off, so your contributions really have made a difference! thank you so very much! :) Also, because so many of you have asked, I will add the paypal donation button to my sidebar for you. (give me some time to figure out how to do this!)

one dr.'s appt. down this week, oh so many left to go..... blech! don't know if I'll have the time or energy to craft, but sure hope I can.

Poor Boo Boo Monster...

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Nut


A young man we all know and love took a bit of a tumble and is in need of a 'pick me up' kind of card.... seems his longboard went one direction that was a bit unexpected, so gravity took over with a lovely THUD! What a perfect opportunity to make a card for the new DigiMakeover challenge - Monster Mash! those monsters at Paper Makeup Stamps always give me the giggles, and this little fella is no exception.


I added a few little white polka dots to our unhappy BooBoo monster with my white gel pen. His teeth and tears were painted with shimmerz. Papers are from the Basic Grey Shine On collection. a few buttons, some washi tape, baker's twine, little ticket, and a printed senti banner finish the card.

Funny....no one else in the house wants to sign the card before I mail it out....go figure! ;)

Patterned Paper at Pile it On - Find a Cure

Coffee of the Day - Peppermint Mocha

The challenge this week at Pile it On is to use patterned paper on your project - wow, that is a lot of P's!
that isn't ever a problem for me, but you need to go over to the PIO challenge blog to see how some of the DT really piled those patterned papers on! anyone else feeling the need for a pickled pepper from Peter Piper?! ;)


For my card I used this very special image from Milk Coffee. It was a freebie over on the blog, and I was so touched when it was introduced there. The senti comes from Create with TLC. you can be sure that I use this one a lot as well! papers are from Basic Grey Serendipity and a special breast cancer collection by Karen Foster. I made sure to position the main image so that a portion of the poem could still be read. the last line reads, "I am a survivor." This seemed the perfect way to encourage someone else going through this horrible disease.

both the senti portion and the pink ribbon were sprayed with Pink Cadillac Glimmer Mist for a little shine. buttons are vintage. I think what I love most about this image is that it lets everyone know that you can be both feminine and strong while still being a fighter of cancer. some days I sure don't feel very feminine or very strong, so this gives me a bit of hope!

Tomorrow begins my week of doctor's appts., tests, and hospital visits every day. I hope to have one or 2 posts pre-scheduled, but otherwise you won't see much of me. on the other hand, the medical staff of our area will be seeing WAY toooooo much of me! grins! have a good week!

Challenges:
Stamp with Fun - button
Digi Haven - anything goes with a free digi
Crafts and Me - add a flower
Crafty Pad - breast cancer awareness/think pink
Little Miss Muffet - add writing, text, or script
Shelly's Images - anything goes
Inky Impressions - anything goes
My Mum's Craft Shop - anything goes
Paper Craft Star - girly
Word Art Wed - love and encouraging verse (one of the biggest examples of love I have seen has come from all of YOU in bloggyland while I have been fighting my cancer! thank you!)
Dawn's Crafting - breast cancer awareness and/or pink (my prayers go out to your mom!)
Cupcake Craftroom - pretty pastels
Ladybug Crafts - anything goes
Natalie and Amy's - anything goes
Mema's Crafts - theme (I chose 'Family Affair: Get Well' it suits for me)
Poodle Parlour - here come the girls

Start Collecting that PINK!

yep, you read correctly.

you need to start gathering that pink stash of crafty stuff, 'cause man oh man, are you EVER gonna need it next month!

you might have thought October was all about orange and black and maybe a bit of gold and purple, but not around here! we are going PINK! there is so much fun stuff going on behind the scenes I am about to burst! ;)

I bet you have enough things already in your stash without having to do one lick of shopping. let's try to use up some of what we have, what do you say? and who knows, there might be some challenges to play in, prizes to win, gosh, the sky's the limit when it comes to PINK!!!!

Nobody Does it Better than Jellypark!

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice :)

for the winners of the Jen's Sunshine blog hop, please go down to the next post.

Today starts a new challenge at Jellypark Friday Friends, 'All About the Children.' We want to see projects that showcase our kids, especially since most of them are now back in school. Let's celebrate them! :) We also have a new guest designer for the month of September - the incredibly talented and VERY sweet Tracy MacDonald. please stop by and give her a big welcome!

My card is hopefully already at its destination - our son Mick's college dorm mailbox! :) He is in a big longboard competition this weekend in Michigan and of course Mom thought he needed a card of encouragment! if you aren't familiar with longboards, they are a type of skateboard. Mick is pretty good with his, I must say. He had it specially designed just for him, and he is constantly tweeking it here and there.


The wonderful image is brand new to the Jellypark store. it is called 'Skateboard Oli' and is one of the special Little Haven charity fundraiser images. Claire drew it based on the idea of the winner of the last Jellypark Junior challenge. isn't that the coolest thing?

Papers are from the Basic Grey Shine On collection, twine & washi tape are from Etsy, wonderful arrow tag is from the monthly kit at Freckled Fawn, flair button is from Evalicious, notebook paper sticker is one I made, and buttons are October Afternoon. arrows were die cut from cardboard and then sprayed with Mr. Huey white. same Mr. Huey white was misted over card base in addition to dewey Mr. Huey. well, gosh, that was fun to type! tee hee!
sentiment is from Create with TLC. little itty bitty senti is from a Smash stamper. it reads 'that deserves a fist pump'.

Challenges:
Great Impressions Stamps - sentimental
Sweet 'n Sassy - take me away
Wags 'n Whiskers - sports
Eureka Stamps - go team go (well, my son is going to a longboard competition, so I thought this might work...)
Hooked on Craft - cards for men
By the Cute and Girly - cards for boys or men
Tabitha Designs - men's sports cards
Crafty Sentiments - male card
Creative Craft - all about the boys
Twisted Tuesday - make something for one you love & make it colorful

Jen's Sunshine Blog Hop Winners!

I am going to get straight to the chase, because y'all don't want a bunch of fancy chit chat.....

here are the winners from MY BLOG for the Jen's Sunshine Blog Hop. Please go to the Party Time Tuesday challenge blog or the Paper Makeup Stamps challenge blog for a complete list of winners.

if you see your name listed, pop me an email at jenscull at yahoo dot come with your mailing addy (if it applies). If I haven't heard from you by Sunday evening at midnight, a new winner will be chosen for that prize. I will try to get prizes mailed out ASAP. Please be patient, though. I have dr.s' appt.s and testing almost every day next week. On top of that I still have this blasted fever and now a fun cough..... I'll do the best I can to get these goodies out to you quickly pronto fast! :)

btw......winners were chosen using the random blue box thingy. I can't for the life of me get it to post on my blog properly. doesn't help that my head is off in left field picking daisies like a first year Little Leaguer....you are just gonna have to trust me on this. ha!


Complete set of Jane's Doodles digital stamps:
Winner - Lorianna Z.


2012/2014 Stampin' Up! In Color Pattern Stack DSP:
winner - Sue Berker


A*Muse Spooky Boo Day stamp set:
winner - Colleen Holmes


My Blog Candy of Breast Cancer Support & Vintage Items:
Winners - Penny & Esther


Collection of magazines from Paper Craft:
winner - Chris Veneruso

Congratulations to all of you! again, please send me an email with your mailing info or email address so I can make sure your prizes get to you.:)

thank you so VERY much to everyone who participated in the hop, donated so VERY kindly to my family, or stopped by to say hello and wish us well. Our hearts are full with the love you shared! We are blessed in abundance! my love and that of my family goes out to all of you! :)

Coffee and Paper Crafting - Part 1

Coffee of the Day - German Chocolate Cake

I was kindly asked by Jenn over at Just Some Lines to do a tutorial for them. Of course mine had to involve coffee in some form or fashion! and when it comes to coffee and crafting, I have no shortage of ideas, so be on the lookout for part 2 to come later! :)

Ways to Recycle your Coffee & Grounds for Paper Crafting:

Coffee Paper -
1. Take several sheets of plain cardstock and set them on a protected surface.



2. Sprinkle cooled coffee grounds over cardstock & let sit for about 15 minutes.



3. Carefully take each sheet of cs to dumping area, (this could be trash, but I put mine straight into garden for compost! plants eat them up like chocolate! grins!). Flip the cs over so grounds fall into dumping area. it's okay if you still have a few grounds stuck to paper.



4. Let cs dry for several hours until completely dry. You will see a really cool pattern emerge, each sheet different!
5. Gently brush remaining coffee grounds from cs. It's now ready to use! :)


Coffee Stained Ribbons & Trims -
1. Pour cooled coffee (a few grounds added are fun, too!) into a container that has a bit of depth to it. you want your ribbons & trims completely covered in coffee.



2. Add snippets of whatever ribbons & trims you would like to dye. Cotton tends to hold the color better than anything with a high synthetic content. vintage trims are fabulous for this technique!



3. Let soak for at least several hours.
4. Gently rinse under slow tap water to remove any coffee grounds. Be careful to not wash away all dye. If this happens, just repeat steps 2 & 3.
5. Let trims completely dry prior to using.


This is my completed card using the precious Just Some Lines image, 'Fairy Kiss'. papers are from the My Mind's Eye The Sweetest Thing Lavender collection, buttons are vintage, washi tapes are from Etsy, little ticket is Maya Road. card base was also sprayed with Mr. Huey's dewey mist, fairy's wings were covered in stickles, and little polka dots were added to the caterpillar.

Challenges:
Crafty Cardmakers - winged things
There's Magic in the Air - things with wings (hi to all of my former teamies! love your Jen's Sunshine card, Nina!!!)
Tammy's Scrappin' Corner - anything with wings
Creatalicious - fantasy or baby
Live and Love Crafts - lovely lace or terrific trims
Corrosive Challenges - myth and magic
Joanna Sheen - going dotty
Dutch Dare - fantasy

It's Here! The Jen's Sunshine Blog Hop!

Coffee of the Day - Maple Pecan

Paper Makeup Stamps & Party Time Tuesdays Challenge Blog
proudly present
"Jen's Sunshine" Blog Hop

This hop will remain open till Tuesday Sept.4th
Winners announced Sept. 7th

I would be terribly remiss if I didn't begin by saying a most heart felt thank you to the ladies behind this blog hop - Jenn, Michelle, and Katie. they have gone above and beyond putting everything together for all of us. My family and I can not express enough how much we appreciate every single person who is participating in the blog hop as well as the numerous stores, companies, and individuals who have so graciously donated prizes. Please please take a moment from the blog hop to stop and tell these people thank you. I am so overwhelmed and blessed! :)

My card uses the fairy image from the Jen's Sunshine set as well as the 'You add sunshine' senti. paper is My Mind's Eye The Sweetest Thing Lavender, wings were coated with shimmerz paint as were her shoes (hey, every girl needs at least ONE pair of pink shoes! I myself have several!!! grins!) buttons are vintage, flower is Prima, leaves from a Martha Stewart punch, washi tape & baker's twine are from Etsy. little touches of rock candy distress stickles edge the main image and pink mat. my white gel pen was used to accent image as well as to add a dotted border.

I'm sending this card to a 9 year old girl who is currently going through treatment for leukemia. you can find more information about her battle here. I know how much the cards I have received mean to me. I hope to share a bit of sunshine with someone else fighting this awful cancer monster. hope she likes it!

Also, a friend of mine of fellow DT member is kinda sorta playing along in the hop. I would love it if you could take a moment to pop by her blog and see what she has made! Lisa - Adventures in Paper Land

We ask as you hop along with us, please consider donating at least $1 using the paypal donation button at any stop along the way. Your donation will go directly to Jen. Thank you. (I have to add this..... thank you for helping my family!)

It wouldn't be a hop without prizes. To see a full list of the prizes up for grabs, please visit

Paper Makeup Stamps
and
Party Time Tuesdays Challenge Blog

To be eligible to win a prize from our sponsors, collect the hidden letters located throughout the hop. Once you spell out the secret phrase, please email ---> Jenn Cochran at partytimetuesdays@hotmail.com. <----This will get you entered to win one of several fabulous prizes throughout the hop. ***Prizes up for grabs on my blog will be selected from comments left ONLY on my blog.***


Paper Pretties has kindly donated one digi of the winner's choice to be chosen from comments left on my blog! :)


Jane B of Jane's Doodles is so very generous to one lucky winner! That person will receive not one digi, but EVERY digi in the Jane's Doodles shop! wowza!

an anonymous donor has given me this fun, brand new A*Muse stamp set, 'Spooky Boo Day' (retail value $24.95) to offer one person who leaves a comment on my blog!


another anonymous donor is offering this great pack of Stampin' Up! 2012/2014 in color designer series paper (retail value $21.95) for one person who leaves a comment on my blog.

$15 gift certificate to Paper Makeup Stamps to one lucky person who leaves a comment on my blog!


and then there is the grand kahuna prize from those who leave a comment on my blog - Cath, a dear friend, editor at Paper Crafts mag, and writer extraordinaire of Moxie Fab blog has offered this ginormous selection of special edition PC mags, shipping included, to one lucky winner! whoa nelly! that is one fabby prize! :)

Now these are just a portion of a Cancer Support Prize package I am putting together for one person who leaves a comment on my blog. I am also adding some pretty pink vintage goodies that you know I love so well! :) then you can make projects to encourage someone going through this battle and who needs a little dose of love & smiles! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by and bearing with my longer than usual post..... hope you had a BIG cup of coffee to keep you going! grins!

p.s. I have to add, as I have been slowly going through the hop, because the compy hurts my head to do too much at once, I've been listening to a most fabulous CD. It is called "Here for YOU", worship music by David Crowder and Chris Tomlin. Several songs have popped out at me - 'Lord, I Need You', 'Always', and 'Forever Rein'. if you don't get anything else from today, know this - God is good, always. almost every day I can say without fail I have felt peace through this battle because He goes before me. He does not ever fail me. He is always always faithful, and His blessings are neverending. oh how thankful I am! and how God has blessed me with all of YOU! :)