Cre8tive Play: It's Cheaper than Therapy

Umbrellas and Rain Puddles

2012-01-28T06:00:00.002-06:00

It's the 28th of January! That means it's time for the Calendar Girls (a blog group I enjoy being a part of) to post their monthly creations. YAY!

I happen to be Miss January, and for this month I challenged the Calendar Girls to use one of the images for one of their cards for the Calendar Girls in 2011. They were to use the same image, but nothing else was to be the same on their card.

I chose this adorable Stamp Fairy image. She's truly one of my favorite rainy images. I guess I'm kind of in an umbrella and raindrops frame of mind, since the swap I am currently hosting on Splitcoast Stampers is RAIN in the Forest. But I digress.

I also asked the Calendar Girls to post a picture of the card they made last year, using the same image. Mine is here on the right. It was my April 2011 Calendar Girl card. If you'd like to see the details about it, click here.

I tried something a bit different with this card. I have heard of twisted easel cards, but have never made one. Now... so as not to confuse you, I didn't look up a tutorial and example, I just played with scoring and bending my paper. LOL! So this isn't a true twisted easel card. It is just my take on one.

Be sure to pop over to each of the Calendar Girl blogs and see what they came up with. This is such fun!!! (You can find their blogs by clicking on the links in my left sidebar.)

I'm so glad you stopped by today. I hope you'll come back again soon!

Image: Stamp Fairy Patsy April Showers

Ink: Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black and Marina Mist

Designer Paper: American Crafts Umbrellas, DCWV Glitter Flower Dots, and Paper Studio Water Droplets Photo

Embellishments: Michael's Rhinestones, Recollections Paper Flowers, and Flower-shaped Brads (vendor unknown)

SomeBUNNY Loves You...

2012-01-26T06:00:00.002-06:00

... and that someBUNNY is me! ;)

This is a friendly little reminder that there's a fabulous challenge going on at

Craft Us Crazy

Theme: VALENTINE'S/LOVE and/or ANIMALS

Dates: January 19 through February 1

Sponsor: Stamp Fairy

Prize Package: A $10 gift certificate from Stamp Fairy

Now, with a prize like that, why wouldn't you want to participate!?!?!?

See, this someBUNNY loved you enough to remind you to join the fun at Craft Us Crazy!

Image: Stamp Fairy Clementine Love (given to me by Stamp Fairy... THANK YOU!)

Ink: Copic Markers:

Cardstock: Stampin' UP!

Designer Paper: from my scrap file

Embellishments: Recollections rhinestones

Love Is In the Air

2012-01-19T06:00:00.010-06:00

I just LOVE a fun challenge... and my favorite challenges are the ones at

Craft Us Crazy!

The current challenge theme: VALENTINE'S/LOVE and/or ANIMALS

Dates: January 19 - February 1

Sponsor: Stamp Fairy

Stamp Fairy is offering a WONDERFUL prize to one lucky challenge participant - a $10 gift certificate! Woo Hoo!!!

Stamp Fairy has also provided images for the Craft Us Crazy design team to use to promote this challenge. THANK YOU, Stamp Fairy! I am so excited. I got to use the Stamp Fairy Donna and Danny image!

I put just a little bit of decoration on the inside of my card, too.

I hope you'll join along in this Craft Us Crazy Challenge. It's all about Valentine's/Love and/or Animals!

Image: Stamp Fairy Donna and Donny

Ink: Copic Markers

Cardstock: Michael's and Stampin' UP!

Designer Paper: from my scrap file

Embellishments: Recollections Brads and Stampin' UP! Ribbon

I Can't Imagine...

2012-01-18T06:00:00.003-06:00

... I can't imagine having more fun (or being more challenged) by a group of swapping friends, that I am with the Mysterious swappers over on SCS.

Every other month we are up to the challenge. The hostess for the month sends images - they are a mystery until we receive them - and then we create four cards and mail them to the hostess for swapping purposes. WOW! Our hostess this month is Darlene (THANK YOU, Darlene!!!) and she sent us the most incredible image. It's a D. Morgan stamp, which has all kinds of wonderful detail... to stretch our coloring skills to the max.

I love this stamped image!

Because the image is large and gorgeous, I went with a very very simple layout and supplies list to let the image be the focus. (You notice I said "image" and not my coloring. LOL! I can see I need a lot of practice with my coloring for these realistic looking images. But I gave it the good ol' college try.)

I did add a touch to the inside of my card, too. You knew I would. ;)

Image: Stamps Happen D. Morgan stamp called "A Better Friend"

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Wausau White and Stampin' UP! Black and Mellow Moss

Designer Paper: Paper House Pine Porch

Embellishment: Stampin' UP! Black Grosgrain Ribbon attached with a common stapler

Whoo Whoo! Whoo Loves You?

2012-01-17T06:00:00.002-06:00

I truly do love and appreciate all my blogging friends who regularly come to my blog to see what I've been working on. You are a treasure in my life!

I am sure that we all have cards that we've made that we really like..... and then there are the cards... you know the ones I mean. The ones we look at and say, "UGH!"

Today's card is an "UGH!" card. (I'm sorry!) I had the assignment to make a card using a Taylored Expressions image. I love Taylored Expressions stamps so thought this would be an easy task. WRONG! I chose he adorable pair of owls in a tree image... this stamp was a gift to me from my online friend Joan. THANK YOU, Joan!!! I love this stamp!!!

However, "UGH!" is all I can say about my card.

Truthfully, the only thing I do like about my card is the simple aspect I added to the inside of the card.

I used my Stampin' UP! trio-heart punch to punch three hearts onto the front card base before adding the layers to the front of the card, which allowed the Early Espresso cardstock to show through.

I'll try to do better with the next card I make and show you............. as I see it, it can't get much worse.

Image: Taylored Expressions

Ink: Early Espresso and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP!

Designer Paper: from my scrap file

Embellishments: Michael's Rhinestones

The Little Things

2012-01-15T06:00:00.012-06:00

There is just one moon and one golden sun

And a smile means friendship to everyone.

Though the mountains divide

And the oceans are wide

It's a small small world.

It's a small world after all

It's a small, small world.

Perhaps you're wondering why I posted the words to the famous Disney song. If you were here with me, you'd even hear me humming the tune. I just want you to know... it's all Melina's and Joan's fault! (snickering)

Who are Melina and Joan, you ask? They are two of the Dueling Darlings, and this is the day for the Dueling Darling post. In case you're new to my blog, there is one day each month (the 15th) that the Dueling Darlings post their kit cards. This month the hostess for the Divas is none other than Joan and the Dazzlers hostess is Melina. They put their heads together and came up the with the theme The Little Things! And their instruction to us was to not only create with the kits they sent us, but to also put onn our blogs the first thing we thought of when we saw the theme for this month's duel. For me, when I saw the theme, I immediately thought of the song "It's a Small, Small World."

Now that that's out of the way, here is my card:

The kit Melina sent was wonderful, so I had no trouble making a card... well, except for the sentiment. EEK! Melina's instruction was to "think of some witty sentiment for your card." I tried, really I did, but I came up with ZILCH!!! So finally I gave up and came up with something quite silly/dorky! Sorry, Melina!

Now it's time to hurry off to the other Darling's blogs and see what they made.

DAZZLERS

April

Darlene

Deb

Melina

Michelle

Paola

Terry

DIVAS

Barb

Carol

Jamie

Joan

Judy

Kelly

Tami

Images: Crab (Stampin' UP!), Turtle (Stampin' UP!), and Snail (Inkadinkado)

Ink: Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Early Espresso and Marina Mist

Designer Paper: DCWV, My Mind's Eye, and Stampin' UP!

Embellishments: Twine and Ribbon (Stampin' UP!), Button and Paper Clip (Walmart), and Pearls (Queen & Co.)

I've Been Good!

2012-01-12T06:00:00.001-06:00

Or have I???

Only Santa knows for sure. LOL!

Image: Whipper Snapper

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP!

Designer Paper: from my scrap file

Embellishment: Swirly Brad

Chillin' With Friends

2012-01-11T06:00:00.006-06:00

There's nothing quite like two friends, spending time together enjoying a common hobby.

Of course, unlike Riley and Percy, ice fishing is not my hobby of choice. LOL!

Image: Riley and Company

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP!

Designer Paper: from my scrap file

Embellishment: snowflake brad (vendor unknown)

A Two Cup Day

2012-01-10T06:00:00.001-06:00

I haven't been a coffee drinker for very long, but oh I do love Starbuck's frappuccino's. YUM!

Then a little over a year ago I started drinking coffee... I thought I needed it to get warm. I was freezing! Over time, I've learned to "sort of" like the stuff... though my husband tells me I make it much too weak. LOL! His exact words were, "Some people think it takes more water to make coffee than it does." hmmmmmm!!!

I also have a real love of stamps/images with a coffee theme. That being said, here's my card for today...

It's true, you know.

Some mornings you just know...

it's going to be a two cup day!

Image & Sentiment: Stampendous

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP!

Designer Paper: from my scrap file

Embellishments: Buttons and Crochet Thread

Work It Some More!

2012-01-09T06:00:00.006-06:00

At first glance, you may think this is the same card I posted yesterday. (snickering!) It isn't! It's the same image, colored the same way, but it's different designer papers (from the same collection), different embellishments, a different layout, and a different card.

Gotta love those exercising chicks!

Image: Penny Black Chicky Workout
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP!
Designer Paper: The Paper Studio Farm Fresh Collection
Embellishments: Michael's Rhinestones

Work It!

2012-01-08T06:00:00.004-06:00

This Penny Black image is way too cute. It almost makes excercising look fun!

Image: Penny Black Chicky Workout

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP!

Designer Paper: The Paper Studio Farm Fresh Collection

Embellishment: Stampin' UP! Grosgrain Ribbon

What's Cooking?

2012-01-07T06:00:00.003-06:00

I like to cook! I like trying new recipes. I like watching faces light up when I fix an old family favorite.

Therefore, I like cooking types of stamps/images.... and of course, I like cooking types of designer paper, too.

What's cooking at your house today?

Image: MFT Pure Innocence Fresh from the Oven
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers
Cardstock and Designer Paper: The Paper Studio I Love Baking Kit
Embellishment: Stampin' UP! Grosgrain Ribbon

Fairytales and Sweet Dreams

2012-01-06T06:00:00.001-06:00

Yesterday's post featured an adorable Stampavie hedgehog reading and today's features an equally adorable My Favorite Things Pure Innocence little girl reading in bed. Awwwwwwwww.... this is definitely bliss. To crawl under the covers and indulge in a good book.

Now if I could just figure out how to stay awake long enough to read a few chapters. Tee Hee!

Image: My Favorite Things Bedtime Story

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP!

Designer Paper: from my scrap file

Embellishments: fuzzy brads (vendor unknown)

Read Any Good Books Lately?

2012-01-05T06:00:00.003-06:00

I used to read quite a bit, then a road block in my life seemed to take that joy away from me. I've decided to jumpstart my life again this year by reading a book a month. Wish me luck!

For my first book of the year, I'm reading the curious incident of the dog in the night-time, a novel authored by Mark Haddon and written from the perspective of a person with a disorder similar to Autism or Asperger's. So far, it's pretty interesting.

Of course, I will NOT let reading get in the way of my love for cardmaking. LOL!

Sooooooo... here's a card I made:

Image: Stampavie Hedgehog Reading
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP!
Designer Paper: from my scrap file
Embellishments: Stampin' UP ribbon and dots (vendor unknown)

I'm Pulling for You!

2012-01-04T06:00:00.002-06:00

I love My Favorite Things stamps. They are some of my favorite things! Tee Hee! I love the Pure Innocence ones... and the Fred Bear ones.... and the al a modes! Oh, and I love Flopsey!!!

It may not exactly be gardening time (though my husband is anxiously awaiting the time to plant his garden), but I had to pull out my Flopsey stamps and create this a gardening card anyway. It was just too tempting. Beides, I felt warmer just thinking about the sunny days of summer!

Images/Sentiments: My Favorite Things

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black and Creamy Caramel

Designer Paper: from my scrap file

Embellishments: Michael's Rhinestones

Scrapbooking Was My First Papercrafting Hobby

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

My first encounter with designer paper (I do love that stuff!!!) was years ago when I decided I needed to scrapbook the pictures we have taken over the years of our married life. You know, the boxes overflowing with baby pictures, vacation trips, holidays, and so much more. It was an overwhelming notion... and one that soon got put on the back burner (so to speak) when I discovered the joy of making cards.... and my happy place (the forest on Splitcoast Stampers). hmmmmmmmmm.... I'm not even sure when I last did a scrapbook layout.

That being said, I do like scrapbooking and so admire those of you who are caught up in the efforts to leave that legacy for your families.

Perhaps that is why this House Mouse image touched my heart. See, the thing is, I don't really care for most House Mouse images (don't clobber me, please!) But I do like this one.

So........... being the wonderful scrapbooker that I am (snickering!) I made a card! ;)

Image: House Mouse Mice Memories
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black and Brocade Blue
Designer Papers: from my scrap file
Embellishment: Stampin' UP! Black Grosgrain Ribbon

Ringing in the New Year in the Forest

2012-01-02T06:00:00.002-06:00

I had so much fun this New Year's Eve! Normally the evening is actually quite boring for me. Brock, my autistic son, doesn't change his routine, so he is in bed by 8:15. My husband isn't one to celebrate either. So I just do my own thing..................... can anyone say B - O - R - I - N - G?!?!?!

This year I was excited when earlier in the day, Darlene, one of my forest friends, suggested we have a Virtual Cardmaking event as we awaiting the midnight hour. I eagerly anticipated the 8:00 (EST) hour so we could begin.

There was a different hostess for each hour of the four hours of the Virtual Cardmaking event. As soon as the hour arrived, she would post her theme and we had an hour to create and post a picture in the What To Do In the Forest card swap thread. There were several who participated. It was great fun!!!

Darlene was the first hostess. She challenged us with MEMORIES! We were to think of someone in our lives (past or present) and create something that reminded us of them. My grandfather was such a joy in my life. He would take me to town for ice cream when I was visiting, or sometimes we made homemade ice cream together.... so I created an Ice Cream card in his memory.

LJ was the next to hostess our event. She chose the theme Roses, Red, Football.......... hmmmmmmmmmmm.... wonder where she was going with that theme? Woo Hoo! LJ's Badgers are playing in the Rose Bowl!

Not having any football stamps... nor roses stamps... I had to dig into my designer paper stash looking for roses. It was a stretch, but i was able to get the card made with even a few minutes to spare.

Sam's Challenge was to be inspired by a piece of designer paper when making a card. At first I didn't quite understand her challenge, then realized I was just making it too difficult. Thanks to Sam, I was able to plunge in and create a snowy card.

Our final hostess was Lauren, who was creating with us from Australia! She wanted us to use BLING - beads, glitter, sparkles, etc. I love all those things, but don't use them very well. They seem to be a real struggle for me. So I went simple. I used a strip of that red sticky tape to create a row of glitter and I used Stickles.

Oh, and the paper - Cinderella at the stroke of midnight - is an actual page from an old children's Cinderella book.

I want to thank all of my forest friends.... you've made not just my New Year's Eve, but my life so much more fun! I'm glad you are my friends!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-01T06:00:00.011-06:00

It's difficult to believe that 2011 is now history and 2012 has begun. Where does the time go?

As much as I dislike the speed with which time seems to be moving, I do like the feeling that a new year brings. Each year I use this time to re-group and prioritize my life a bit.... and while I don't make resolutions, I do make Annual Goals each year. The two really are different, in my thinking. Resolutions are an all or nothing sort of thing. Like, I'm going to lose weight (which is the #1 resolution, according to surveys). Either you do or you don't. There's no middle ground. Goals are things to work toward and you can celebrate the success along the way.

Goals give focus to my life, so every year I set some goals.

Now, you may be wondering why I'm telling you all of this. After all, isn't this a crafting blog??? Well, yes, it is... usually! But for today, I'm using it as an accountability partner. I hope you don't mind. I promise you that tomorrow I will get back to blogging my cards/creations. How's that?

But for today, let me share with you my 366 Project.

The year 2012 has 366 days in it, thanks to leap year. That made me think... I have an extra day, what should I do with it? Then I thought, but EVERY day is a precious gift, why should this one EXTRA day get special attention? Soooooooooooo I decided to make one of my 2012 Annual Goals into a project. Thus the 366 Project was born.

In 2012 I'm going to make EVERY day count by each day striving to do a Random Act of Kindness (RAK). Some of these will be quite simple (hold the door for an elderly person, offer to let another person go before me in the checkout line, etc.) and some will be more elaborate (take a meal to a family who is struggling, watch a single mom's children so she can have a day to invest in herself, etc.).... and yes, I'll include this hobby that I love in my 366 Project, too, because I'm certain that some days the RAK will find me mailing a handmade card (to someone who needs some encouragement, to a chemo patient, etc).

My plan is to use this blog post throughout the year to post a list of my RAKs. I am placing a link/icon in my left side bar to make it easy to find (it's the same sunrise picture found in this blog post). Truthfully, I am doing this for me... so that I will stay focused on this important Annual Goal, but you're welcome to check it out any time you'd like to as well.

JANUARY

1 - I sent an encouraging email to a special friend who is dealing with some tough things right now.
2 - The person behind me in line at the store had fewer items than I did, so I invited him to go ahead of me, which he graciously accepted
3 - Mailed my first Chemo Angel card of the year.
4 - Took time to chat with a disabled employee at a store I frequent. Her smile showed how much she appreciated it.
5 - Mailed a requested card to a special someone in my life.
6 - Mailed another Chemo Angel card today.
7 - Though my husband said I could choose where we ate dinner, I let our son choose, knowing he would have a different preference than I would.
8 - Helped our church secretary with a computer template.
9 - Donated items for prizes at the local nursing home's Bingo games.
10 - Helped provide a cooked meal for someone recently released from the hospital.

Please join me in making the most of each day of 2012!

Surprise!

2011-12-28T06:00:00.007-06:00

It's December 28.... time for the Calendar Girls blog group to post their montly card creations. Wow! Where has this month gone? Where has this YEAR gone???!?!?!??

There are only 10 Calendar Girls, so instead of having a hostess for November and December, we've done things a bit differently. This month each Calendar Girl gave another one of the group a secret word/theme and we were to create cards with that "secret". How fun!

Tami gave me a word weeks ago.... but I procrastinated until last night in making my card. Hmmmmmmmm.... not a good thing, I guess. But I've been having way too much fun both getting ready for Christmas and THOROUGHLY enjoying every moment of the holiday - with all of my children here at home for nearly a week!!! YAY!

So, when I went in search of my word, I couldn't find it. EEK! I had to go on my memory! uh-oh!!!

SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!

(seriously, I think that's the word Tami gave me. Tami, if it isn't, I am so sorry!!! Please let me know and I'll make another theme-appropriate card soon!)

Nothing says SURPRISE! to me like balloons and confetti and streamers!!!

This cute little BIgsby image is a Karen Doodles digi image. Isn't he cute?

Another SURPRISE! about this card is the fact that I didn't use any ribbon on it. You've probably realized that I love ribbon and use it on almost every card I make. I also used shaped bling (kind of like rhinestones, but in a shape instead.) I don't usually use that sort of thing... another SURPRISE! One last SURPRISE! is the fact that I put an embellishment on top of the image. I don't ever remember doing that before. I've seen others do it and have liked the look so decided to try it. Truthfully, I am less than happy with the way that looks on my card. hmmmmm... guess I might need some practice.

Here's a sneak peek of the inside of my card:

I thought about putting the sentiment SURPRISE! inside the card, but decided against it.

This picture shows some of the depth on the card:

Be sure to check out the other Calendar Girl blogs today (the links are in my left sidebar) and see what they came up with using their own Secret theme/word.... and leave them a comment along the way. It will make them so happy!

Image: Karen Doodles Bigsby

Ink: Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black and Marigold Morning

Designer Paper: My Mind's Eye (Plaid) and Paper Studio (Balloons)

Embellishments: Recollections Bling

Craft Us Crazy Is Back!!!

2011-12-15T06:00:00.002-06:00

I was sooooooooooo excited to receive an email from Jeri (of Craft Us Crazy Challenges) last week, telling me she was going to host some Craft Us Crazy Challenges again. You might remember she is preparing for a move and had temporarily postponed postings to the Craft Us Crazy Challenges.

Of course I quickly told her YES I would love to create a card... couldn't wait to get started again.

Craft Us Crazy

Theme: Christmas and/or Humor

December 15 - 28

The design team was gifted with images from our wonderful sponsor (KennyK)... THANK YOU!

Here's the card I made with KennyK's Madison Attitude:

Please be sure to check out the Craft Us Crazy Challenge blog to see the creations of all the design team members........ and of course to find out all the details on joining this wonderfully fun challenge!!!

You'll also want to check out the KennyK site, with all of their incredibly fun images!!!

Here are a few more pictures of my card... Madison was so photogenic, I just couldn't help myself. Tee Hee!!!

Image: KennyK Madison Attitude

Ink: Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black and Real Red

Designer Paper: from my scrap file

Embellishments: AMuse twisted cord, Michael's rhinestones, and a Paper Studio button

Sweet Asian Girl

2011-12-12T06:00:00.001-06:00

I don't usually do Asian cards; I am challenged in that area. Nothing seems to go well for me.

Sooooooooooo... when my sweet friend Paola (Sama on SCS) opened an Asian card swap, I joined with great trepidation. What to do? What to do???

I decided the first thing to do was to go hunting for a new stamp. After all, isn't that what all addicted rubber stampers do? LOL! Because I live far away from LSS, or even big box craft stores, I utilize the internet for many of my stamping purchases. I found a darling Asian girl stamp set on ebay at a good price, so I bought it. I think the little Geisha girl is adorable!

I colored her with my Copics, in mostly very soft colors, thinking that lended a more Asian-feel to the card. I used Asian papers from DCWV (I purchased the Asian paper stack from JoAnn's - online, of course).

I hope Paola wasn't too disappointed with my attempt. I still have much to learn before I feel comfortable with the Asian-styled cards.

Image: FLOMZ

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP!

Designer Paper: DCWV

Embellishment: Stampin' UP! Black Grosgrain Ribbon

I'm Having SNOW much Fun!

2011-12-10T07:02:00.007-06:00

Oh my goodness! I haven't posted to my blog in about 10 days - that's CrAzy! Have you missed me? I've missed all of you!!!

My life has just been WILD! We had all of our children home for Thanksgiving - which I thoroughly enjoyed! Then soon after they went back to their respective homes, I started transforming our home into the Christmas forest that it now is. If you follow my blog, you'll remember seeing the pictures of all my Christmas trees last year - if I recall, I took 3 days to post them. LOL! Yep, I have way too many trees for most people. In fact, my daugher's 9th Grade English students think her mom is totally bonkers. (hmmmmmmmm... they might be right.)

You also probably remember that we moved this summer - to a house less than half the size of the one we left. I was so worried about how I would cope when it was time to decorate for Christmas, and I will confess it hasn't been totally without tears. I've had a melt-down or two. But now - with my 25 Christmas trees in place - I'm a happy woman!

I digress, though. You didn't come here to hear about my crazy addictions. Well, maybe you did..... but most likely you came to hear about my OTHER addiction - cardmaking - and to see one of my creations! Soooooooooooo...

Here she is:

The sad thing is, I actually made this card back in November (for Barb's Whipper Snapper / Penny Black swap) but didn't have time to even attempt to post to my blog, so she's just now making an appearance here.

I hope you like her, nestled in the brances of one of our trees.

The snowflake on the card is actually a Christmas ornament. I bought them at Wal-Mart and thought they made adorable, glittery embellishments for cards! YAY! My two addictions meet!!!

Now, just in case you're curious, here are a couple of pictures of some of our decorations for this year. Tee Hee! (I couldn't resist.)

Image: Penny Black

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP!

Designer Paper: from my scrap file

Embellishment: Wal-Mart Snowflake ornament and Recollections brad

Calendar Girl Christmas

2011-11-28T06:00:00.012-06:00

Today is November 28th... a day that will go down in history............ well, perhaps only for a small group of online friends who are known as the Calendar Girls. Tee Hee!

Seriously, I love the 28th because that is the day that we Calendar Girls post our monthly blog group creations, based on the theme that the Calendar Girl of the month has selected. FUN!!! However, if you notice in my sidebar, there are only 10 Calendar Girls (Miss January through Miss October) so for this month and next, we have no hostess. Instead, we have some simple themes and fun posts to go with them.

For this month, we are simply supposed to post a Christmas card we've made. Easy Peasy! Oh, and also, for those who are willing to expose their workspaces (oh, the embarrasment), we will also be posting pictures of our work desk/counter in all of its glory (or, as in my case, all of its humiliation).

First things first, though. Here is my card...

Santa Claus!!! Woo Hoo! Gotta love the man in red!

After all, when you stop believing in Santa, you get underwear (or so the saying goes).

Because this Whipper Snapper stamp is rather large, I went with a rather weird fold to allow Santa to be used on a regular-sized card and still have a view of designer papers, which you know I love so much. I actually made this card for Barb's (barbaralynn on SCS) Big Guy in the Red Suit card swap, so I couldn't really make it a larger card.

This picture shows the card with both flaps open:

Now for the humiliation - and a DISCLAIMER!

Disclaimer: I moved in June. I left behind a wonderful Hideout - with lots of space and lots of organization for my stamping toys! I moved to a house that is less than half the size and has NO place for a playroom. Sooooooo we created a Cubbyhole in the garage to house my stamping toys. To refresh your memory, you can find pictures of the boxes and stuff in the garage here.

My Cubbyhole is still a work in progress. It is a very VERY slow process, but I do hope to finally be able to find/use any and all of my toys eventually. LOL!

Here is a picture of my stamping desk:

UGH! What a mess!!! No wonder I find myself stamping at the kitchen table quite often these days... oh, it has something to do with the temperature in my Cubbyhole, too... since it is not heated. Brrrrrrr!!!

Just for fun, here are some pictures of the rest of my Cubbyhole:

It will get better! I promise!!!

Now, let's go see what the other calendar girls have to show us............

Miss January (that's me)

Miss February - Kelly

Miss March - April

Miss April - Terry

Miss May - Barb

Miss June - Carol

Miss July - Michelle

Miss August - Debbie

Miss September - Paola

Miss October - Tami

Stamp: Whipper Snapper

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black and Cherry Cobbler

Designer Paper: Vendor Unknown

Embellishment: Hobby Lobby Ribbon

Let's Go to the Movies!

2011-11-20T06:00:00.002-06:00

And what do we all want when we go to the movies? POPCORN!!!

Apparently, so does Riley!

And a BIG glass of Coca Cola to go with it!

Image: Riley & Co.

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black and Cherry Cobbler

Designer Papers: Glittery Popcorn from DCWV Snack Pack and Coca Cola Papers from my scrap file (if my memory is correct, they are made by EK Success)

Embellishments: Stampin' UP! Brads

The Mysteries of Life!

2011-11-18T06:00:00.003-06:00

You may have noticed, in my sidebar where the links of other bloggers is located, that one particular image is getting a lot of visibility today. There's a good reason for that. It's because today is November 18.......... so it's the day when we can finally post our pictures of the cards we've made for the Mystery Image swap.

We are a group of swappers who every other month swap cards, all with the same image. How fun! This round, Barb (barbaralynn on SCS) is our hostess and she sent us the cutest Whipper Snapper snowman image.

Here he is... Prescott!

Isn't he cute?!?!?!?

Thank you, Barb, for a wonderful Mystery Image swap!!!

Image: Whipper Snapper Prescott

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic markers

Cardstock: Neenah Classic Solar White and Stampin' UP! Black and Garden Green

Designer Paper: Cloud 9 Designs Seasonal Mat Stack

Embellishments: Oriental Trading Post Organdy Ribbon and Stickles Glitter Glue

Get Your Duel On with a Fashion Sense

2011-11-15T06:00:00.004-06:00

It's the 15th of November! That means it's time for another DUEL!!! Yes, the Dueling Darlings are at it again. This month, Kelly and I are the hostesses, and we put our heads together for some "out of the box" type of creating. Our theme?

What NOT to Wear (to this year's holiday party)!

We wanted the Divas and the Dazzlers to have a challenge - where they had to think creatively how to use items that at first glance didn't look like they went together at all.

Now in case you're new to the Duel, you may not have a clue what I'm talking about. Each month, the two members of the two teams are mailed kits in advance, along with details about the theme, etc. and they have to create cards with the items they receive. The two hostesses agree on a theme, but other than that, they keep their kits a secret from each other. Soooo I don't have a clue what Kelly mailed to the Divas, nor does she know what I mailed to the Dazzlers. Fun!!!

I hunted for wild papers, mismatched embellishments, and a humorous image. I think I succeeded in sending the Dazzlers a "classy" (NOT!), elegant (NOT!), outlandish (DEFINITELY!) kit with which to create. Tee Hee!

The Dueling Darlings were told that they could alter the items any way they chose (paint them, distress them, etc.) but I decided to use my items as is. The result? A much more busy (bizarre) creation than my normal style.

Pictures, they say, are worth a thousand words, so here are some pictures...

Kelly and I also thought it would be fun to add a twist to the Duel this month... so we issued this challenge: we asked the Dueling Darlings to find a picture of themselves (if possible) or someone else depicting something NOT to wear and to include that in their blog post.

Since I have very few pictures of my childhood and my parents live in a different state, I couldn't find a picture of myself to show. Therefore I searched the internet and found several. LOL!

This first one made me laugh, because it reminded me of my own teenage years. Yes, we DID wear our skirts and/or shorts that short even back when I was a teenager.

These two definitely show what NOT to wear (in my opinion):

But this picture is my favorite! When watching the wedding of the century (Prince William and Kate), it was nearly impossible not to notice the attire of the guests, especially those who wore QUIRKY hats. LOL!

This collage surfaced shortly after the wedding. Apparently I wasn't the only one who thought Fergie's girls' hats were noteworthy.

As fun as this fashion show has been, I'm sure you will want to check out the blogs of the other Dueling Darlings to see their cards and their fashion photos.

Dazzlers:

April

Darlene

Debbie

Janet (a Guest Designer this month - WELCOME, Janet! We're glad you're dueling with us this month!)

Melina

Michelle

Paola (who's kit has not yet arrived, so stay tuned for her post at a later date)

Divas:

Tami

Kit Contents

Image: American Art Stamp Body By

Designer Papers: Colorbok Beautiful Music; Paper Company Double Sided Mulberry; Paper Pizazz Yummy Chocolate Chips; and Paper Studio Girly Graffiti, Hibiscus Flowers, Multi Colored Bursts, Watercolor Floral and Watercolored Balloons

Embellishments: Eyelet Outlet Brads, Heidi Swap Anywhere Stickers, Karen Foster Designs Scrapper's Floss, Making Memories Ribbon Words, Simplicity Buttons, and a vintage key

DRATS! I forgot to use the key on my card! That's the pits, because I was so excited about putting it in the kit. I got so excited trying to figure out how to use stickers on my card (who uses stickers anymore anyway!??!?!) that I totally forgot about the key. Oh well... too late now. I just hope some of the Dazzlers used their keys.

Gobble! Gobble!

2011-11-09T06:00:00.002-06:00

This past Saturday, I hosted a women's meeting at our church. It was mostly a time of fellowship and getting acquainted with one another. I loved being able to do this!

I told the women we'd do a simple craft, and since it is autumn (and almost Thanksgiving), I decided it should be this cute little turkey.

Mr. Tom Turkey's body is a little Hershey chunky candy bar, covered with a strip of paper.

Googly eyes - of course! And the use of several punches! Easy!!!

Gobble! Gobble!

Warm Winter Wishes...

2011-11-04T06:00:00.002-05:00

If you've been checking my blog this week, you know I've been posting pictures of cards we're making at this week's Craftmaking Stack-a-Thon. Here's another one...

This is one of my favorite snowman images. It's made by Darcie's and is quite difficult to find. I'm so glad I happened upon a set and snatched it up before they were sold out!

I wanted the ladies attending my Cardmaking Stack-a-Thon to have an opportunity to color with Copics (I love my Copics!) but I didn't want it to be too much coloring. I know some people find coloring to be a bit scary or overwhelming. So a snowman image seemed perfect..... they can leave the bulk of it uncolored. ;)

Thanks for checking out my blog this week. You've now seen 4 of the 6 cards we'll be making (plus one on my A Muse blog, if you checked it out). The other card will be a shaped card.

I'm looking forward to a fun time with the ladies who come!

Image & Sentiment: Darcie's Toastie Snowman

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Cardstock: White, Black and Red (vendor unknown)

Designer Paper: Cloud 9 Design Harvest Holiday 2 mat stack

Embellishments: Oriental Trading Grosgrain Ribbon and Recollections Rhinestones

Uh-Oh... Santa is Stuck in the Chimney!

2011-11-03T06:00:00.005-05:00

I wanted to make a punch-art card with those attending my Cardmaking Stack-a-Thon this Saturday, so dug out some punches and started playing.

Here's what I came up with:

oh! oh! Santa is stuck!!!

Here's the inside of the card:

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Merry Christmas!!!

Sentiments: Clear Letter stamps
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Cardstock: Red, White, Black, and Craft (vendors unknown)
Designer Paper: ProvoCraft Rock Pathway
Embellishments: Recollections tiny brads

Holiday Hello

2011-11-02T06:00:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I showed you an Autumn card that we're making at my Cardmaking Stack-a-Thon this coming Saturday, so today I thought I would show you one of the Christmas cards we'll be making.

Those of you who check my blog often know that I love Love LOVE designer paper. However, I also wanted to make sure that the women attending my Cardmaking Stack-a-Thon can see how fun it is to make a card even without designer paper. *gasp! (That was a stretch for me!!!)

I used an embossing plate to give depth to the background cardstock and went with simple images and embellishments.

I acutally like this card, which is surprising, since I'm such a fan of designer paper!

Image: Stampin' UP! Circle of Friendship
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Hunter Green, Ivory, Real Red, and Soft Suede
Embossing: Cuttlebug Season's Greeting
Embellishments: Recollections Pearls

Autumn Blessings

2011-11-01T06:00:00.004-05:00

Our yard has two very large trees. The leaves are falling. (I'm not sure my husband considers that a blessing. LOL!) I love the beauty of Autumn!

So I created a card reminiscent of the beautiful fall colors:

It reminds me of a story from the past; way back when our oldest son was just three years old. My mother was traveling with my son and I on our way home from a visit at their house. As we drove along, I admired the beautiful fall leaves and said to my son, "Jeremy, look at the beautiful leaves." He responded, in a voice of confidence, "No, mama, FLOWERS!"

I'm hosting my first ever Cardmaking Stack-a-thon this Saturday and this is one of the cards we'll be making! I'm so excited about this new adventure! Wish me luck!!!

Enjoy the Autumn colors!

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.

Albert Camus

Image & Sentiment: A│Muse Autumn Beauty

Ink: Stampin' UP! Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, and Crushed Curry

Cardstock: Michael's Brown and Stampin' UP! Cherry Cobbler and Crushed Curry

Designer Paper: Cloud 9 Designs Harvest Holiday 2 mat stack

Embellishments: ribbonFX ribbon and Studio 18 Acrylic Gem Autumn Days leaf

Wishing You a Glittery Happy Halloween

2011-10-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

It's the 28th of October... that means it's time for the Calendar Girls Monthly Challenge. YAY!

Our amazing Miss October (Tami) has challenged us to glitter it up, layer it up, and to shout celebrate Halloween in style. I love it!

Here are Tami's exact plans for us...

Theme: Halloween

Layers: At least three layers somewhere on the card, one layer being a designer paper (I love me some DP)

Colors: Somewhere on your card please use the color purple

Embellishments: Two for sure - and are you ready Carol - one needs to be a glitter product *gasp*

That last comment, directed to Carol (our Miss June), is a reminder that she (Carol) loves glitter! Tee Hee! I, on the other hand, do not consider glitter my friend! In fact, I sometimes get very VERY frustrated trying to use glitter........ so, yes, Tami... *gasp*

My solution? I used Stickles GLITTER glue! LOL!

Here's my card:

I know the Stickles doesn't show up very well, but look closely. It's on the angel wings and also on the purple designer paper. I met the GLITTER requirement!

I also decorated the inside of my card:

I'm learning from Kelly (Our Miss February) that cards just look better when they are decorated on the inside, too.

In addition to the card, Tami asked us to share our favorite candy to receive in our trick-or-treat bags and to share what fun things we do for Halloween.

Well, I didn't really get to go trick-or-treating as a child, so I didn't have a favorite candy to receive. But I will say that my favorite candies are things like Jelly Belly Jelly Beans, Fruit Slices, Mike and Ikes, Swedish Fish, those filled Twizzlers... you get the idea. I prefer chewy/fruity candy over chocolate. I know... I'm a bit weird!

We don't do much for Halloween. About the only thing is a few simple decorations on the porch and passing out candy to the trick-or-treaters who show up. That's Brock's job. He LOVES answering the door and giving candy to the goblins, witches, and others who ring the doorbell and shout "Trick or Treat!" That is until 7:30, when he promptly turns out the light and heads for the shower. LOL! That's our Brock - a man of routine.

So come on over... ring the bell and shout "Trick or Treat"! We'd love to have you!!!

Now, I need to ask you to do something. See the Calendar Girls list in my left-hand side column? Please go to the blogs of my fellow Calendar Girls and check out their cards and their Halloween traditions. And please leave them a comment! They will appreciate it!!!!!!! I do, too!!!

Thanks for stopping by... have a very Happy Halloween!!!

Image: Magnolia

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markesrs

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black, Green Galore, and Only Orange

Designer Paper: DCWV Halloween & Fall Stack

Embellishments: Michael's Paperclip Trombone and Stickles Glitter Glue

High Hopes for Autumn

2011-10-27T06:00:00.003-05:00

Each month, the Sisterhood of the Traveling Cards Swap has a different hostess who challenges us to get inky and have fun. This month, the hostess is Paola. She had great plans for us.

Paola said, AUTUMN is my favorite season of the year, with the gorgeous, changing colours of falling leaves and our mother earth preparing to get ready for the sleepy winter. As such, I would like your October's cards to reflect such beautiful, rich fall colours. Please have your card's images also depicting one of the following: wine fest, harvest, playing with fallen leaves, fall fruits, pumpkins, raking leaves, scarecrows, Halloween, etc. In short, anything you choose should describe and/or reflect this wonderful month. As a lil' twist, I propose to 'think out of the box' when accessorizing your cards by doing or using something on it that you have never used before.

Sweet P, I loved your challenge!!!

For my card, I chose a cute little High Hopes image. This little guy pulling the wagon filled with the adorable little girl holding her pumpkin cries out AUTUMN!

In keeping with Paola's little challenge, I tried to think of something I had never done before. That was challenging! I finally settled on trying to create a dew-like dusting on the top of the pumpkin that I made for an embellishment. I did that by using Ultra Thick Embossing Powder and a Versamark ink pad to add just a touch of gloss, in droplet form. I'm not sure I accomplished the looks of dew (or fresh rain), but I did try something new. ;)

I added just a wee touch of the designer paper on the inside of my card, too.

Like Paola, I love autumn!

Image: High Hopes Wagon Blessing

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Embossing: Versamark and Ultra Thick Embossing Powder

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black and Pumpkin Piie

Designer Paper: Martha Stewart (EK Success) Halloween Pack

Embellishments: Michael's Ribbon and Queen & Co. Pearls

Thank you Forest Friends!

2011-10-26T13:34:00.008-05:00

As most of you know, I am Forest Ranger on splitcoaststampers.com. I host forest swaps and the swappers there are referred to as forest friends. While most of us have never met in real life, we meet regularly in the forest where we share our common love of cardmaking and oh-so-much more. We share our hurts, our joys, our frustrations, our celebrations, in short, we share our lives. It is a beautiful place; my happy place!

If you could see my face right now, you would see the most HUGE smile ever! Want to know why? It's because of this....................

I also cried a few happy tears.

This gorgeous (and sweet smelling) bouquet of flowers was delivered to me just a little bit ago, a birthday gift from my forest friends! Awwwwwwwwwwww.... THANK YOU, my friends! You've made my day!!!

I ♥ my Forest Friends!!!

Fall Is In the Air

2011-10-15T06:00:00.003-05:00

It's the 15th, so it's time for the Dueling Darlings to post their montly creations. We are two teams with a hostess for each. The hostesses (Tami for the Divas and Darlene for the Dazzlers) came up with a wonderful theme - I Love Fall!

Darlene sent the Dazzlers a most awesome kit - filled with way too much stuff to use in one card. Papers, papers, and more papers (I'm hoarding several pieces... LOL!) and embellishments galore, too. Thank you, Darlene!

Here's my card:

You may not be able to tell from the picture, but one of the things Darlene included in her kit was little wooden ovals and such. I was determined to find a way to use one on my card, since Darlene wrote, "I wonder if you'll come up with a way to use them on your card?" I did! See the be grateful oval on my card front? I glued/adhered a piece of designer paper to the oval and then after the glue had dried, I used a nail file to trim off the excess, for an easy embellishment.

Here is a (very poor) picture of the total inside of my card:

Here's the focal part of the inside of my card:

The hostesses this month also asked us to share a favorite fall/autum recipe on our blog posts. I love making soup and thought I'd share a soup recipe, but then realized that most of my soups I don't really use a recipe, I just dump lots of things in the pot, so decided not to post a soup recipe. Instead I will post a recipe that is full of yummy apples (a favorite fall fruit that our family picks off the trees annually).

Snickering Apple Salad

Apples, peeled and chopped

Snickers Candy Bars, chopped

8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed

1 box French Vanilla Instant Pudding

Mix the Cool Whip and pudding in a bowl; add the apples and Snickers. Stir well.

Enjoy!

Have I ever mentioned that I'm a lazy cook? I love easy recipes!!!

Okay, now it's time to check out the other Dueling Darling blogs. Let's go...

Dazzlers...

Divas...

Image: Stampin' UP! Sweet Seasons

Ink: Memento and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stamin' UP! Dusty Durango and Marigold Morning

Designer Paper: Paper Studio and/or DCWV

Embellishments: Paper Studio and/or K & Co.

Thanks a Latte!

2011-10-10T06:00:00.004-05:00

Oops! I made a mistake... a card-making faux pas. I was creating cards that had multiple layers. The inside of the card was supposed to have the same sequence of layers as the card front. I did the inside and glued it down. Then I started layering the outside. I had them all layered and ready to adhere to the front of the card when I realized I'd reversed the white and black layers. Being a bit OCD (eek!) I had to start over. Fortunately, I hadn't added the image yet, since it was going to be popped up off of the card.

sooooooooooooooo... what to do with the mistake??? Make a card with those layered pieces, of course.

Here it is:

I added the black top note piece (so it wouldn't look too much like the card I'm remaking). Oh, and I turned it vertical while the other card plan is horizontal. I added a different image and sentiment, too.

I like it!

Thanks a latte for looking at my mistake-turned-card!

Image & Sentiment: My Favorite Things Hot Stuff

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers, and Copic Spica Pen

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Pumpkin Pie and Black and White (vendor unknown)

Designer Paper: Martha Stewart (EK Success) Halloween Collection

Embellishments: Recollections Brads

I ♥ This Scarecrow

2011-10-08T06:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Fall, Y'All!

Remember the fun little punch-art dog card you saw on my blog a few days ago? I made it for my daughter's roommate. She had actually requested that I make a card for her with a black dog on it, because she has a black dog.

Well, I got to thinking....... it's just not right to send a card to one of my daughter's roommates and not the other. So I was talking to my daughter on the phone and mentioned that, and she said, "Now Anna wants you to send her a card, too." She suggested an autumn card would be good.

So I searched my stamps and found an adorable scarecrow. GASP! This stamp was still waiting to see ink - and no telling how long ago I purchased it. Soooooo he called out to me. "If I only had some ink!" I'd found the stamp - and promptly stamped an image.

What I discovered is that this particular stamped image is quite large and doesn't leave much room on a card for anything else. So I came up with a rather unique fold - I'm not sure if there really is such a fold, but I made one. You'll notice in the following photo that the piece the image is on is the only part of the card that opens. I thought it worked out pretty well that way, allowing a little bit of the designer paper to show on the front of theh card, and then getting a better view of it when the image opens up.

I hope Anna will like this card! I am so glad that my daughter has friends in her life!

Image: Penny Black Trick or Treatin'

Sentiment: A Muse Studios

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Garden Green and scraps from my scrap file

Designer Paper: Flair Designs Going Batty

Embellishments: Paper Studio Buttons and Studio 18 Rhinestones

I Love Soup

2011-10-07T06:00:00.002-05:00

Wonderful, delicious, tasty, YUMMY soup! It is one of my favorite things to cook. Almost every week in the cooler months, at some point my kitchen will boast of a big kettle (or crockpot) of soup, with awesome smells filling the entire house.

Did I mention, I love soup! (I think it's the perfect food!)

My friend Gael (mamadwawa on SCS) is hosting a Soup Recipe Card Swap... I lurked for a while, hoping to glimpse a tasty recipe or get a whiff of wonderful aroma. I finally took out my kettle (well, my crafting supplies anyway) and whipped up a batch......

of these recipe cards:

This is an awesome recipe! I love brocolli, but my husband doesn't like milk-based soups much, so I rarely make brocolli cheese soup (which is one of my favorites). This recipe allows me to enjoy soup with brocolli in it........ though the veggies put in it truly are the cook's choice, so if you don't like brocolli (my dad doesn't), then you don't have to put brocolli in it. ;)

I love the image - it's Crafty Secrets Little Chef. To add the word "SOUP", I first typed SOUP repeatedly in a Word document and printed it out on cardstock. I then inked the stamp (which is clear so it's easy to place it exactly where you want it) and stamped the image with the word SOUP on the placard the little chef is holding. Easy!

Now, if the weather would just cool down, so I could whip up a batch of soup instead of soup recipe cards. ;)

Image: Crafty Secrets Little Chef

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Cardstock: vendor unknown

Designer Paper: Martha Stewart Halloween Collection

Embellishments: Simplicity Buttons, Stampin' UP! Grosgrain Ribbon, and Crochet Thread (vendor unknown)

I ♥ Starbucks!

2011-10-05T06:00:00.002-05:00

It's true! My husband is appalled that I can enjoy a $5 beverage as much as I do... but I truly believe Starbucks' frappuccinos are the most amazing thing! I love them all! (Fortunately, I guess, we live nearly 1 1/2 hours from the nearest Starbucks, so our pocketbook doesn't suffer too much from this craving of mine.)

My online friends know how much I love Starbucks! I must talk about it way too much. LOL! And they knew I was searching for (and coveting) a Starbucks' rubber stamp that I had noticed another stamper using on a card. When Joan found it in her LSS, she bought one...... and GAVE IT TO ME!!! WOW! That is a great friend! Joan, THANK YOU!!! I love my Starbucks stamp!!!

Then, another online friend started a Caffeine Crazy card swap... so of course, I had to use my Starbuck's stamp and take a spot in Barb's swap. ;)

Here is the card I made:

Here's a close up of the image... isn't it wonderful??!?!?

Joan, have I mentioned how much I appreciate you and your gift of this awesome stamp?!?!?!

I ♥ Starbucks!!!

Image: vendor unknown

Ink: A Muse French Roast

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Bravo Burgandy and Natural Ivory and Hobby Lobby Black and Kraft

Designer Paper: Paper Pizazz Yummy Coffee Beans

Embellishments: Paper Studio Brads

This Is an EXCITING Day!

2011-09-30T10:00:00.012-05:00

I have long admired my friend Lorie. She is kind, sweet, generous, and has so many other wonderful attributes that it would take a lifetime to name them all. Besides that, she is the most amazing (super talented!) paper crafter. Wow! No one colors with Copics quite like Lorie! Her cards and altered items are extraordinary!!! If you haven't found her blog yet, you really should check it out.

I was not in the least surprised when Lorie told me that she is now a designing artist for Peachy Keen stamps. Her new line (Country Bumpkin) is making its debut today. WOW!!! Congratulations, Lorie......... and lucky us! We will now have a whole new set of stamps to delight us and provide hours of creative fun! You can purchase them in the Peachy Keen store TODAY!

There was all kinds of fun in the Peachy Keen sites yesterday - sneak peeks, contests, and more! And now, today, we get to showcase Lorie's Country Bumpkin stamps!

Here's the one I got to play with:

Gobble! Gobble!

Isn't this just the cutest turkey every???

Of course, I had to do something inside my card, too....

I have several more pictures... this turkey was just so photogenic and I couldn't choose just one picture to show you.

Be sure to go to the Peachy Keen store to see the rest of the Country Bumpkin stamps!

And stop by Lorie's blog and Congratulate her!!!

Image: Peachy Keen Country Bumpkin

Ink: Copic Markers and Copic Spica Pen

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black, Dusty Durango, Kiwi Kiss, and Marigold Morning

Designer Paper: Paper Studio Four Seasons Collection

Embellishments: Michael's Rhinestones and Stickles Glitter Glue

I Was Having a RUFF Time in July

2011-09-29T06:00:00.003-05:00

I had moved! It was hot! (over 100 degrees kind of hot!!!) I couldn't seem to get my stamping supplies unpacked! And my stamping/creating opportunities were being left unfinished! It was ruff! RUFF!!!

The July challenge in the Calendar Girls blog group was a fun one, selected by our Miss July, Michelle. I didn't get it made! And now, the end of September, I am just now doing so. EEK! I am sooooooooooooo sorry, Michelle!!! I hope you understand and will forgive my tardiness!!!

Michelle's theme was a Free for all - anything goes - but with one catch!

Our cards were to be created with anything EXCEPT a stamped image. We could use punch art, stickers, embellishments, patterned paper, whatever we chose... just NO stamped image.

Easy! I knew immediately that I would use punch art! I love punch art!!!

Fast forward to September. My daughter Brittney moved in August and now has two roomates and a petmate, too. I've mailed Brittney several cards over the years, and now her roomates admire them, too. Kacee, the petmate's owner, told Brittney she wanted me to make her a card with a black dog on it. Sooooooo, my punch art card features a black dog.

What's not to love about this face???

I didn't originally plan to make an easel card, but it just kind of evolved.

The dog's ears fold in making it easy to mail this card in a normal square envelope.

Ruff! Ruff!

I hope my doggie card wins first place in the dog show! Oh, and I hope Michelle likes it, too, since it was my July Calendar Girl Anything Goes card!

And I hope Kacee likes it - I'll be mailing it to her! (Do you think it will remind her of her dog Diesel?)

And I hope Brittney thinks I did okay creating this card for her roomate.

It's been fun!

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Real Red and scraps from my scrap file

Designer Paper: Reminisce Good Dog (double-sided)

Embellishments: black brads

An Apple for the Teacher

2011-09-28T05:00:00.011-05:00

Today is a special day... it's September 28th, so it's the day that we post our Calendar Girl monthly challenge cards! I'm so excited about this month's cards; can hardly wait to see what my friends created. Paola, our Miss September gave us choices!

Here are her words:

Hello wonderful Calendar Girls
well, sassy Miss September is finally ready to challenge YOU all....*wink*
I'd like this month to continue to be about choices,
therefore I would like YOU to pick your own challenge
by selecting ONE of the THREE choices provided below.

*choice one* MUSIC:
Select one of the three youtube songs I added below, and have your card reflecting part of the lyrics from your song of choice.
The possibilities are absolutely ENDLESS! )
I would also like YOU to gift your finished card to a close neighbour, or a friend that lives close to you that could use a 'pick me up'.

'September Song' by: Nat King Cole

'Wake me up when September ends' by: Green Day

*choice 2* EDUCATION:
Create a card with a special teacher in mind, and please remember to add at least one apple somewhere in your card. Teacher's {heart} apples! )
I would also like YOU to gift your finished card to a teacher (past or present) who has been a true inspiration in your life. (or in your child/children life/lives)

*choice 3* CHILDREN:
Your card should reflect anything a child may like to do: playing, reading, toys,sports etc....but with a twist!
It should be both cheerful and also reflect the fast approaching Fall, a colorful season I love very much. )
I would also like YOU to gift your finished card to a child (other than your own!) that could use a little lift, a lil smile.....just because....

** PLEASE NOTE **-----> Once you post your September creative cards on your blogs, please explain why you chose option 1, or 2 or 3
and also let us know who are you going to gift your card to and the reason why..............)

I am thrilled about hosting this month and very excited to see what you decided to create!!
**Have FUN!!** xoxoxox
~Paola~ aka sassy Miss September~

I just HAD to go with the second choice - EDUCATION! I admire so many teachers. They work hard to create a learning environment where their students can excell. It is often a thankless job. The responsibility is overwhelming. Thank you to all of you who are teachers!!!

While I knew immediately which option I would use, I couldn't seem to settle on an image until much later. I finally went with Stamping Bella's Teachabella (and notice the APPLE, per Paola's instructions). There is one on Teachabella's desk, but I also added an apple brad to my card.

Truthfully, I considered printing the image that Paola has used as her avatar for this month and using it as the image on my card... Pinup Teacher:

LOL! Common sense finally won out, though, so I went a different route.

Here is the card I created:

The front of the card is slightly smaller (not as wide) as the inside, so you can see the righthand side of the card both when the card is closed and when it's open.

The designer papers I used were quite bold, so I went with a simple layout. To add some appeal to the card, I also decorated the inside.

Here is the inside of my card:

School Rocks!

I don't think this is exactly what Paola had in mind, but I'm going to send this card to my favorite teacher, my daughter! (Brittney, did you notice? I colored the teacher's hair brown just for you!) I am so proud of my daughter. In the world that we currently live, with the restrictions placed on schools and their teachers, I admire anyone who would choose to become a teacher. My daughter is one of those individuals. And she does an outstanding job!!! She is creative (I love some of the lessons she's put together for her students!), she is hardworking and dedicated to the task of teaching, and she strives to treat her students with respect and fairness.

Goodness, it sounds like I'm nominating her for Teacher of the Year, doesn't it? Well, if I could, I would!

Now.... before I gush on and on about my wonderful daughter, let's go see what the other Calendar Girls did with Paola's September challenge...

April

Barb

Carol

Debbie

Kelly

Michelle

Paola

Tami

Terry

Image: Stamping Bella Teachabella

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Brilliant Blue and Pumpkin Pie

Designer Paper: Paper Studio Four Seasons Collection

Embellishments: Recollections Apple Brad and Stampin' UP! Grosgrain Ribbon

Paint Isn't Just for Walls!

2011-09-27T06:00:00.002-05:00

I love using found items (recycled things, etc.) in my cardmaking. On these cards, I used paint chips (samples) to create the Christmas trees.

Aren't they fun?

Sentiment: Artful Inkables Holiday Treats and Tails

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black

Cardstock: White and Black (vendor unknown)

Designer Paper: Heidi Grace Designs (Let It Snow Circle Words) and Paper Studio (both kinds of word paper)

Embellishments: Rhinestones from Michael's

Happy Harvest

2011-09-24T06:00:00.007-05:00

It's THAT time of year... apple picking time. It is a long-standing tradition in our family. For many many years now, every fall we have gone to a U-Pick apple orchard as a family and had an enjoyable time picking apples.

As our children grew up and left home, we continued to go. Now it's just Brock and he does love going to the apple orchard... so we still plan to go. The problem is, we've moved and we can't find the "perfect" apple orchard. For Brock, it's not just about picking apples. LOL! He wants to ride out to the orchard on a wagon pulled by the big tractor! And he wants to feed the goats and sheep and even a llama or two at the petting zoo. And of course he wants to sample the fresh apple cider (they give free samples at our "old/perfect" orchard) and even purchase a treat - apple pie, apple donuts, fudge, pastries! YUM!!!

So, our search continues. We are looking for the right apple orchard for this year's outing.

In the meantime, I have created a Happy Harvest card, complete with a basket filled with gorgeous apples!

Yum! Now, where is the caramel dip to go with those apples?

Image & Sentiment: Papertrey Vintage Picnic

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Creamy Caramel, Old Olive, and Riding Hood Red

Designer Paper: DCWV Red Apples

Embellishment: Brown Grosgrain Ribbon (vendor unknown)

Zucchini and Cheese = Perfect Side Dish!

2011-09-23T06:00:00.003-05:00

I'm not normally one to lurk. LOL! I guess I should explain.

Kristyn (tryingtofindtime over on SCS) has a Side Dish Recipe Card Swap going on. I've been lurking for weeks and weeks, hoping to find time to join it. She didn't know. I was sneaky!

Time was running out... the deadline was looming. Soooooooo a couple of days ago, I created the prototype and then I asked to join. It's official. I am a Swap Lurker.

Here is one of the two recipe cards I created:

This is one of my favorite side dishes. I love zucchini, and this one is full of zucchini! I also love cheese, another ingredient. (Okay, there's that thing about eggs, I know my Forest Friends are going to wonder about that, since they know I do not like eggs... but this time, eggs are okay. Trust me!)

Perhaps one of the reasons why I like this recipe so much is because it was given to me by a dear Christian woman who was a member of one of our churches years ago. Felma was a beautiful woman and she had a beautiful soul! No one in our church loved to worship quite as much as our Felma did. She would sing in the coir with all of her heart in tune with the Savior.

Felma was not very old when she got the news - she had a brain tumor. We all prayed and wanted a complete healing, but Felma was content with whatever God wanted. He wanted her to come to Him, and she left us all too soon. So when I prepare this wonderful Zucchini Casserole for my family, I think of Felma, and I smile. I smile because I know that she is worshiping in Heaven with all the enthusiasm and joy that she has.

I'm so thankful that I got to know Felma!

Oh, and if you'd like to see the other recipe card I made for Kristyn's swap, you will find it on my S'more Inky AMUSEment blog.

Image & Sentiment: My Favorite Things Farm Friends

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Red and Black (vendor unknown)

Designer Paper: TPC Everything But the Kitchen Sink

Embellishments: Spare Parts Brads

Cheering for Craft Us Crazy

2011-09-22T06:00:00.004-05:00

I just want to cry!

Have you heard??? This is the last week of the Craft Us Crazy Challenge - until next February! Jeri, the owner of Craft Us Crazy Challenges is preparing for a move and has so much going on in her life right now that she's decided to put the challenge blog on hold until February 2012. I totally understand and wish the very best for Jeri and her family!!! She is really a tremendously caring and wonderful person! Jeri, I hope you know how much I've enjoyed the Craft Us Crazy adventure with you! THANK YOU for letting me be a part of the design team! I will be counting he moments until February! Hugs!!!

Craft Us Crazy Challenge

September 15 - 28

Theme: Goodbye to Summer and/or School Themed Projects

This week's sponsor is Kelley Kid's Digi Stamps, who is offering a prize package of 3 images of the winner's choice.

Thank you, Kelley Kid's Digi Stamps!!!

For my card, I used the Kelley Kid's Cheer Digi Image:

Hip Hip Hooray!!!

Be sure to join the fun this week at Craft Us Crazy...... it's your last chance until February!

Image: Kelley Kid's Digi Stamps

Ink: Copic Markers

Papers: from my scrap file

Embellishment: brad

It's a Mystery!

2011-09-20T06:00:00.002-05:00

I love stamping and creating cards, that's no surprise to you who follow my blog. I own many many stamps (too many, in fact, which is part of the reason why I'm having a Stamping/Scrapping ONLY yard sale this weekend.... wish you lived close enough to stop by. There will be lots of fun, great bargains, and even some Make and Takes, if you arrive early enough.)

I also love my stamping friends - I have many online friends (thanks to Splitcoast Stampers)! One of the fun things about online friends is that we share encourage one another in this creative outlet that we love.

Karly is the hostess of the current round of the Mystery group. What is the MYSTERY group? We are a group that swaps cards every two months, with a different hostess each round. When the cards are mailed back to us, included in the envelope is the images for the next round, provided by the one who will be the hostess. No one else knows what they will be until they arrive in our mailboxes....... and no matter what they are, we are to use them to create cards for the next round. FUN!!!

Oh, and we aren't supposed to post pictures of our cards until the due date, so the rest of the Mystery swappers can't see our cards until after they have created theirs. ;) These were due September 18, so now I'm posting pictures of mine!

Karly sent us an adorable hedgehog image (Penny Black Acrobat).

Here's my card:

This closeup picture shows some of the details, like the Stickles (glitter glue) on the flower centers and the teeny tiny brad eye:

I decorated the inside of my card, too:

I hope Karly and the Mystery swappers like my card! I can't wait to see theirs, too!!!

Thanks for a great image, Karly! You're fantastic!!!

Image (colored with Copics): Penny Black Acrobat

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Buckaroo Blue, Kiwi Kiss, and Regal Rose

Designer Papers: Deja View Blue Raspberry Blossoms and KO Addison Blue Gingham

Embellishments: Recolllections brad and Stickles glitter glue

School Days

2011-09-15T06:00:00.002-05:00

It's that time of year.... School is in Session!

Let me warn you, this is going to be a long blog post. I have so much to share with you and it's all in this one blog post. You'll want to see it all, too, because I have two different cards for you to check out. So fasten your seat belt and get settled in for a long and enjoyable ride. ;)

Today is the 15th of September. That means it's time for the Dueling Darlings. You know who we are. We are two groups of online friends who each month are given a kit by our respective hostesses and then create cards - all with the same theme. The Dazzlers (I'm a Dazzler) hostess this month is April. The Divas hostess is Jamie. They chose School Days as their theme.

April's kit included all of these wonderful items:
me & my BIG ideas and DCWV cardstocks;
Reflections blue star glitter tape;
CTMH red abc ribbon
Assorted clips
School bus courtesy of Jamie;
Stamps by Perfectly Clear Stamps/Stampendous ~ "School for Changito"
Black waffle paper from SU!

I couldn't use them all, there were so many items! THANK YOU, April! All I had to add was some red and black cardstock.

Here's the front of my card:

I used one of the images April sent for "inside" the bus; isn't that just the cutest little bus driver you've ever seen?

But look, I also used one of the images inside my card:

I'm so excited to see what the other Dazzlers did with April's kit... April, Darlene, Debbie, Melina, Michelle, Paola, and Terry!

I'm equally excited to see what Jamie gave the Divas and to see what they created... Barb, Carol, Jamie, Joan, Judy, Kelly, LJ, and Tami!

However, before we head off to check out their blogs, I must tell you about an INCREDIBLE challenge that begins today.

It's sooooooo cool, because the Dueling Darlings creations are appropriate for the Craft Us Crazy Challenge! Want to know why?

The Craft Us Crazy Challenge Theme: Goodbye to Summer (Summer Themed) and/or School Themed!

September 15 - - 28

This week's Craft Us Crazy Challenge Sponsor is Meljen's Designs. They've provided an awesome gift for one of the participants, so be sure to join the fun... you just might win!

I created this card with a Meljen's Designs image and sentiment:

I wonder what that dog is digging for?

I hope he finds it, whatever it is.

Image & Sentiment: Meljen's Designs

Ink: Copic markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Marigold Morning and Real Red

Other Papers: from my scrap file

Embellishments: brads

CAS for a Dear Friend

2011-09-09T06:00:00.002-05:00

I don't do CAS! It scares me to try... I am afraid of failure. LOL!

I love CAS! Others do it and I think it is gorgeous! When I try, it looks plain and boring. UGH!

So when Gael challenged us to make CAS cards for the August Sisterhood of the Traveling Cards theme, I was petrified! What to do? What to do??? If my memory is correct, she instructed us to use no more than 2 layers (and the base counted as a layer) and 1 embellishment (not one type of embellishment, but ONE EMBELLISHMENT)! Me-oh-my!!!

I spent some time searching the web, looking for ideas... and I happened upon a card that had cut the image apart into a mosaic kind of configuration. Hmmmmmmmm... could I do that? I decided to give it a try.

Here is what I came up with:

It's the first CAS card I've ever made that I didn't totally hate, so that's an improvement.

Here's a close up of the image:

I do love the image I used! And I really like the colors, too. If Gael had allowed a few more layers, I would have put a dark piece of cardstock under the three pieces of the image (to anchor them). But she didn't, so I went with the ivory base.

Gael is a dear friend, so I used the Dear Friend sentiment from the stamp set. I hope my dear friend likes my CAS card!

Image & Sentiment: Stampin' UP! Bella Blossoms
Ink: Stampin' UP! Cherry Cobbler and Peach Parfait and Versamark
Embossing Powder: Stampin' UP! Clear
Cardstock: Gina K Ivory
Embellishment: Darice Pearl

Whoo! Whoo!!!

2011-09-08T06:00:00.002-05:00

Whoo thinks this little owl is darling? I do!

I was inspired to use autumn colors and one of my favorite embellishments when making this card. Do you know why? That's right! It's the theme for the current Craft Us Crazy challenge!

Craft Us Crazy Challenge

September 1 - 14

Theme: Autumn Colors and/or Favorite Embellishment

This week's Craft Us Crazy sponsor is Sweet 'n Sassy, who is providing an amazing gift for a lucky participant.

By the way, the owl on my card, that I paper-pieced... it's a Sweet 'n Sassy stamp, from the stamp set called Owl Occasions!

Here's a close-up view so you can see how darling he is:

Now, WHOO wants to join the fun at Craft Us Crazy???

Image: Sweet 'n Sassy Owl Collection

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

All Papers: from my scrapfile

Embellishments: Stampin' UP! Pearls

Traveling the Globe

2011-09-06T06:00:00.002-05:00

I love to color! It is so relaxing and fun! I also love My Favorite Things stamps! Sooooooo I took two spots in Lauren's Coloured Image card swap and for my second spot, I used a My Favorite Things stamp.

Here's the card I made:

Image: My Favorite Things (a la' mode) You Mean the World to Me

Here's close up of part of the image:

Isn't she cute???

I hope Lauren thinks so!

Image: My Favorite Things You Mean the World to Me

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black and Sahara Sand

Designer Paper: Cloud 9 Studios Travel Collection (Going Places and Travel Stripe)

Embellishments: Kaiser Droplets

An Apple for the Teacher

2011-09-02T06:00:00.006-05:00

Can you believe it? I'm making a blog post two days in a row! YAY!!! It seems since moving two months ago, things are still too chaotic (not to mention I still don't have my stamping toys all unpacked) to do as much creating and blogging as I like to do.

I made this card for a Coloured Image card swap hosted by my Australian friend, Lauren. I hope she likes it!

I found the Loralie Designs stamps a few months ago. I immediately fell in love with this image (it's called Schooling) and had to have it. She is oversized and such fun to color.

I had to decorate the inside of my card a bit, too.

Here's a closeup so you can get a better look at the Loralie Designs image:

I sure hope my cards get to Australia soon, I'm anxious to see what Lauren thinks.

Image: Loralie Designs Schooling Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Crushed Curry, Glorious Grean and Real Red and Black (Vendor Unknown) Designer Paper: Paper Studio Embellishments: Pearls (Vendor Unknown)

Pumpkin Patch

2011-09-01T06:00:00.004-05:00

Just yesterday, my husband was telling me that fall is in the air. Seriously? I looked at him like he had lost his marbles. LOL! I said, "You've got to be kidding?" It was 90 degrees outside just a few hours before he made that comment!

Fast forward 24 hours. Today we got a freebie paper that tells about the upcoming events in all the little towns around where we live. I love it! That's just one of the fun things about moving to a new town... getting to check out all sorts of new happenings. Things like fall festivals, craft shows, threshing/farming events, chowders and chil cookoffs, parades, and even pumpkin patch and apple orchard events.

hmmmmmmmmm... maybe my husband was right! Maybe, just maybe, fall is in the air.

Sooooooooooooo... I bought this cute scarecrow image from Digital Delights and created a fall card.

I love digital images. They are resonably priced, accessible, and can be resized to fit my needs!

I created this card for this week's Craft Us Crazy Challenge

Craft Us Crazy's theme is:

Autumn Colors and/or Favorite Embellishment

September 1 -14

By the way, I used both autumn colors (gold, orange, rich green, burgandy, brown) and my favorite embellishments (ribbon and brads).

The Craft Us Crazy sponsor for this week is Digital Delights

Oh, you're going to love their images. The cute little scarecrow (called Haystacks the Scarecrow) I used is just one of many!

Here's another picture, showing you the depth of my image.

Here are a couple of closeup pictures so you can see how very cute he is.

Yes, Fall is in the air - at Craft Us Crazy, where everyone is using Autumn Colors and/or their Favorite Embellishments!

Image: Digital Delights

Ink: Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Crushed Curry, Green Galore, and Soft Suede

Designer Paper: Target Dollar Aisle

Embellishments: Michael's Ribbon and Brads from the local Dollar Store

"Sew" Glad We're Friends

2011-08-28T06:00:00.003-05:00

I have the distinct pleasure of being part of a blog group - the Calendar Girls. We are a group of ten online friends who love to make cards. We encourage one another in our creativity and we just love hanging out together on Splitcoast Stampers.

Each month, one of the Calendar Girls is the hostess of our challenge, which we post to our blogs on the 28th of the month. That simply means that she is the one who determines the parameters around which we will make our Calendar Girls card.

Debbie (affectionately known as lil' dj in our group) is Miss August. Here's the challenge she gave us:

“SEW” Glad We Are Friends!!!

Because I just love this entire group and it feels that we have been friends forever, I just wanted to say…”Sew” Glad We Are Friends!

So for this month’s card here are the requirements.

1. Please use the above sentiment on the card somewhere. Some of you may have a stamp with that sentiment-if so, that’s great!! But if not, just type it up on your computer and print it out. (Sorry…making you work.) LOL

2. Please use at least one button on your card. (Use as many as you like...but there has to be at least one.)

3. Please have stitching of some kind on your card. You can use a sewing machine, hand stitching or faux stitching using a pen.

4. Once your card has posted to your blog, please send your card to a friend telling them how much you appreciate them and that you are “sew” glad you are friends! If you want, you can tell us in your blog post who is receiving your card and how special they are to you.

5. I know there is a lot of cute DP and stamps out there with a sewing theme, so if you have those go ahead and use them. But if you don’t have them, don’t fret-they are not necessary. Just please have the sentiment, button and stitching on your card for sure.

Hope you enjoy the theme and HAVE FUN!!!

Easy peasy, right? Well, perhaps for some of us. (Tee Hee!) Be sure to check out the blogs of all the Calendar Girls (you can find links to them in my lefthand sidebar). You will discover that not all of us are handy when it comes to sewing. LOL!

Many of my stamps are still in boxes, waiting to be unpacked. I'm pretty sure I have some that have a sewing theme, but nope! I couldn't find them. So I decided to use a cute little Sugar Nellie stamp that I have. After all, it shows the sweetest little girl with her friend - Teddy Bear!

Here's my card:

You must must look at this precious image a bit closer. Isn't she sweet?

Did you notice the hand stitiching I did? I stitched an "X" on the cardfront (there's also one inside) and of course I just had to stitch the buttons on, too.

I really do hope to drag out my sewing machine one of these days and try using it to sew on a card, but that didn't happen this time. I'm sorry, Debbie. I hope you aren't too disappointed.

See, I told you there was an "X" sewn inside. I also put my computer-generated sentiment inside.

I hope you don't mind, but I prefer to keep the identity of the friend I'm sending my card to a secret. But I do love the idea! Thanks for a GREAT challenge, Debbie! I loved it SEW much!!!

Here's one last look at my card:

Now, let's go see what the other Calendar Girls created!

Image: Sugar Nellie Bedtime Maggie

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Buckaroo Blue and Soft Suede

Designer Paper: K & Co. (Buttons) and scraps from my scrap file (Check)

Embellishments: Paper Studio Buttons and Crochet Thread (Vendor Unknown)

Love Ya a Latte

2011-08-25T06:00:00.008-05:00

Craft Us Crazy Challenges last TWO weeks so you still have time to participate in the current ANYTHING GOES challenge.

This week's sponsor of the Craft Us Crazy Challenge is

Pixie Cottage!

Pixie Cottage is offering a very nice prize package. In addition to that, they graciously gifted the Craft Us Crazy design team with images/stamps to use for the challenge.

I was sooooooo excited to receive the Love Ya a Latte stamp set!!! Thank you Pixie Cottage!!!

This stamp set is fabulous!!! It features several images, so I couldn't choose just one.

I put two delcious cups of yumminess on the front of my card, along with the sentiment.

Inside the card, I put the larger cup of delight!

Remember, the Craft Us Crazy Challenge is ANYTHING GOES... so come on and join the fun!

Images/Sentiment: Pixie Cottage Love Ya a Latte

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic markers

Papers: from my scrap file

Embellishment: a scrap of ribbon

Going Hogwild

2011-08-18T06:00:00.005-05:00

It's Time for another Craft Us Crazy Challenge

August 18 - 31

ANYTHING GOES

It seems that everyone loves an ANYTHING GOES challenge. The last Craft Us Crazy Challenge was ANYTHING GOES, too... and it had 665 participants!!! WOW! That's fantastic! I hope you were one of them... and I hope you'll join the fun again with this challenge!

Robyn's Fetish is this week's sponsor of the Craft Us Crazy Challenge. Not only are they offering a very generous prize package to a challenge participant, but they also gifted the Craft Us Crazy design team with an image to use for this week's challenge.

Here's my card (made with the Robyn's Fetish Hog Wild Over You image):

Oh, and did I mention... Robyn's Fetish has a sale going on! YAY! All of the digi imges are 20% off through the end of the month, so rush over there and check them out! Oh my goodness! There are so many fun images to choose from!

Going Hogwild!

Image: Robyn's Fetish Hog Wild Over You

Ink: Copic markers

Papers: from my scrap file

Embellishments: brads

It Is HOT!!!

2011-08-15T06:00:00.008-05:00

-- Let's Keep It COOL!!!

This is the 15th of August - which means it's the day for the Dueling Darlings to post this month's cards.

If you aren't familiar with the Dueling Darlings, we are a group of online friends who have a bit of a challenge each month. We are two teams - the Divas and the Dazzlers (I'm a Dazzler). Each month each team has a hostess and the two hostesses choose a theme for that month and then send out kits to their team members. Kits include images, papers, and embellishments. The team members create and we all post on the 15th. It's great fun to see what each Dueling Darling creates... and to see the items each team has to work with.

This month Paola was the Dazzler hostess and Judy was the Diva hostess. They gave us the theme IT IS HOT!!! LET'S KEEP IT COOL!!!

Paola sent us the most incredible kits... so many mny goodies with with to play. I tried, but I simply could not use all of them, there were so many. Thank you, Paola, for making the August round so much fun!!!

I decided to try something really different for my card this month. (I'm not sure I like the outcome, but one never knows unless one tries, right?)

My card is a bit of a mystery card. LOL! I created a band that wraps around the card and put the fun beachy designer paper and the vellum sentiment on the band, which actually covers up about 1/3rd of the card front.

When the band is removed, you get to see the entire card which includes the adorable image of a chick floating along in the water.

I thought you might want to see a closeup of the image.

Paola gave us a challenge along with our kit. We were instructed to share a fond memory of our favorite way to keep cool during hot summer days. For me, it would be to stay inside (where it's air conditioned) and stamp the day away. LOL! Does that count, Sweet P?

Paola also asked us to share our favorite cool drink and a recipe, too, if we are willing. Truthfully, we drink a lot of iced tea at our house - year round! So that is the beverage I enjoy most often when trying to stay cool. However, my favorite treat is a Starbuck's Frappuccino (why is no one surprised by that???)... and currently, my favorite flavor of those is the Mocha Coconut Frappuccino. It's really a very good thing that the nearest Starbuck's is well over an hour away... otherwise I'd gain a lot of weight and be much poorer, too.

I have done some searching (I love google!) and have discovered a copycat recipe, which I do plan to try very soon. Here it is:

Mocha Coconut Frappuccino Recipe

Ingredients
1/2 cup shredded coconut
3/4 cup double strength coffee
1 cup low-fat milk
1/3 cup Hershey's chocolate syrup
2 cups ice
whipped cream

Instructions
First things first, prehead the oven to 300 degrees F. Spread the 1/2 cup of shredded coconut on a baking sheet. Put in the oven to toast. In order to get the coconut evenly toasted, you will need to stir the coconut around about every 10 minutes or so. It should take 25 to 30 minutes to get the shredded coconut a nice light brown. Let it cool.

Now to make the double strength coffee. It's really quite simply. Use your drip coffee maker but use twice as much coffe as you normall would. This means use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for each cup of coffee that you wish to make. Chill coffee.

Now, on to the fun part of actually making the drinks! In a blender combine 1 cup of cold coffee with 1 cup of low-fat milk, 1/3 cup of toasted coconut, 1/3 cup of chocolate syrup, and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Blend for 15 to 20 seconds in order to dissolve the sugar.

Now, add ice and blend until the ice is crushed and the drink is smooth. Pour the contents of the blender into two (2) 16-ounce glasses. Garnish each drink with whipped cream. Drizzle chocholate syrup and add a pinch more of the toasted coconut to top off the drinks. Enjoy!

Now, let's go see what the other Dueling Darlings have for us...

DAZZLERS

April

Darlene

Debbie

Melina

Michelle

Paola

Terry

DIVAS

Barb

Carol

Jamie

Joan

Judy

Kelly

Tami

I must give my sincerest apologies to Paola (and to all of you viewing this post, too). I'm sorry, but I cannot find the product list, so I can't tell you what items were used for this card.

A Cute Little Handyman

2011-08-11T06:00:00.010-05:00

Craft Us Crazy is having an ANYTHING GOES Challenge this time... be sure to join the fun!

Di's Digi Downloads is a sponsor for the Craft Us Crazy Challenge. What a delightful company... with some really cute images. I ♥ Di's Digis!!!

Di's Digi Downloads is offering a prize package of 5 free digital images of the winner's choice! Thank you, Diane (the creator of Di's Digi Downloads)!!!

My card features the Di's Digi Downloads Handyman Bear image:

He is so precious and was such fun to color, I simply couldn't resist giving you a closeup picture of the Handyman Bear on my card:

Isn't the little helper adorable?

Image: Di's Digi Downloads Handyman Bear

Ink: Copic markers

Papers: from my scrap file

Embellishments: brads

2011-08-04T06:00:00.002-05:00

It's time for a new challenge at Craft Us Crazy!

August 4 - 17

ANYTHING GOES

The sponsor for this challenge is Kelley Kid's Digi Stamps

As a Craft Us Crazy design team member, I was given a Kelley Kid's Abby's First Camera digi image to work with. Isn't she darling???

Thank you, Kelley Kid's, for sponsoring Craft Us Crazy and for giving me the image, too!

Now, everybody get crafting... remember, it's Anything Goes at Craft Us Crazy!

Image: Kelley Kid's Digi Stamps (Abby's First Camera)
Ink: Copic markers
Papers: from my scrap file
Embellishments: rhinestones and a large black dot (vendor unknown)

Something New!!!

2011-08-03T06:00:00.005-05:00

I love brand new things... new clothes, new gadgets for my kitchen, new cars! Since moving a month ago, I've had the joy of buying some new things, too (new sofa and matching reclincer, new chest for the bedroom, new bright red KitchenAid mixer, etc.) I am a happy woman! LOL!

I'm also HAPPY to tell you about a BRAND NEW challenge! Kelley Kid's (the digital stamp company with lots and lots of cute images) now has a weekly challenge. And today is the first day of the very first challenge! It's ANYTHING GOES and you have an entire week to participate. (You can only submit one entry). Check out the details on the Kelley Kid's blog and be sure to snag the FREEBIE image while you're there!

As a Craft Us Crazy design team member, I was given the privilege of receiving the freebie just a tad early so I could create a card and promote the Kelley Kid's new challenge. I love being a Craft Us Crazy design team member!!! (Which reminds me, be sure to come back to my blog tomorrow - I'll have a Craft Us Crazy Challenge post then.)

Here's the card I made with the Kelley Kid's FREEBIE image:

Here's the inside of my card:

Congratulations, Kelley Kid's... I wish you much success with your BRAND NEW weekly challenge!

Image: Kelley Kid's

Ink: Copic Markers

All Papers: from my scrap file

Embellishments: Black Brads

Crafty Ho's Anything Goes Blog Hop

2011-07-31T05:00:00.007-05:00

Today is a special day - but also a bittersweet day.

On February 9, 2010 a group of friends started a challenge blog. Perhaps you were there on our very first week. Perhaps you've played along a few times during the past 17 months. Perhaps you've never heard of us and have missed the fun.

We are the Crafty Ho's and our challenges have continued weekly since that first post in February of 2010.

But as often happens with things such as these, life has a way of getting too busy... and good things fall along the path of busy-ness. That is the case with the Crafty Ho's Challenge. We will miss presenting challenges for you each week, but we will always treasure the memories we've created along the way.

To celebrate our time together, we have invited all past designers as well as some close friends to have a Crafty Ho's Anything Goes BLOG HOP this week... along with some really awesome PRIZES!!! Be sure to check the Crafty Ho blog for ALL the details... and leave comments along the blog hop so you can have a chance to win a prize!!!

In fact, you should have arrived here from the Crafty Ho blog because I am the first of several stops along the hop.

I wanted to make this post EXTRA special so I've hang on and check this out.

What do you see???

A simple little pack of designer paper. Yep! That's what it is. However, you may not realize it, but this is a treasure! I moved last month and have only had a couple of weeks to go on treasure hunts in my new town. And this is what I found on one of the hunts, for a mere 25 cents.

Speaking of moving... check out my card:

I used a Bugaboo image - Moving Truck

Here's the inside of my card:

My move has put me behind... far, far behind! In fact, I've made a mere 4-5 cards in the past month. Quite a change from someone who usually makes at least one card a day. I hadn't even had a chance to create my Calendar Girls card for June yet. And Carol had given us an awesome challenge. She told us to make a card (or 3D item) based around something we liked doing or planned to do this summer and to write a ditty on why we were looking forward to doing that. Sooooooo I chose a moving image, because I moved this summer. Tee Hee! I really do like moving! And it had been 11 years since we'd moved so I looked forward to it and was happy to be able to move. I like moving because it gives me a chance to get everything in order in my house. I also like setting up/decorating our home and meeting new people. THANK YOU, CAROL, for a great theme! And thank you Calendar Girls for forgiving me my tardiness! (EEK! I'm still tardy because I now need to get my July card made. Soon, I promise!!!)

Well, this blog post is fast approaching epic proportions, so it's time to cease typing and send you on to the next blog on the blog hop... Rae Anne!

And don't forget to leave a comment and check out all the blogs in the Crafty Ho's Anything Goes Blog Hop.

Prizes! Prizes! Prizes!!!

Image: Bugaboo Stamps

Ink: Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Black and Bordering Blue

Designer Paper: Miss Elizabeth's

Embellishments: Recollections Brads and Stampin' UP! Grosgrain Ribbon

Paper Cupcakes Layers It On

2011-07-26T05:00:00.006-05:00

Oh, dear! I'm late!!!

As you know, I have been a guest designer for Paper Cupcakes this month. It's been a blast - the icing on the cake has been the opportunity to get too work with Nina, the owner of Paper Cupcakes, and some incredible women (the Design Team) who are so so creative.

Well....... I was supposed to post a card Tuesday morning for this week's challenge. It's all about LAYERS! Participants are encouraged to used lots and lots of layers on their cards. I created my card and my blog post (scheduled it to go live), and then never made it to my own blog to see that it all worked as planned. BIG mistake. I just discovered it didn't work. UGH!!!

Nina, I'm sorry to be almost two days late. :(

THE GOOD NEWS IS............ there's still time for all of you who are checking out my blog to play along in the Paper Cupcakes Challenge!

The Challenge doesn't end until Sunday, July 31.

Here's my layer card:

Paper Cupcakes Heart Cupcake Under Dome

If you count the card base, my card has 10 layers.

I hope you will check out the Paper Cupcakes Challenge and have fun layering, too!

Image: Paper Cupcakes Heart Cupcake Under Dome

Ink: Copic Markers

Cardstock: from my scrap file

Designer Paper: Paper Studio Sugar & Spice with Glitter Collection

Embellishments: Pearlized Brads

Many Thanks

2011-07-18T05:00:00.003-05:00

I am delighted to be able to participate as a guest designer for the Paper Cupcakes challenges this month. There's Magic in the Air!

This week's challenge is a sketch challenge.

Here's the sketch:

Here's my card, based on the sketch:

The image I used is the Paper Cupcakes Orson Many Thanks image.

There are so many possibilities with this sketch. I can't wait to see the cards that you and the other crafters come up with. Have fun with it!

Image: Paper Cupcakes Orson Many Thanks

Ink: Copic Markers

Cardstock: from Archivers

Designer Paper: Cloud 9 Design Chocolate Chalet Collection Luster Raspberry Ripple

Embellishments: Michael's Celebrate It Ribbon, Gartner Brides Flower, Basic Gray Opaline Pearls, and Recollections Brad

Garden of Friendship

2011-07-15T06:00:00.004-05:00

Today is the 15th so that means it's time for the Dueling Darlings to post their creations. YAY!

What's a Dueling Darling? I am! Tee Hee! The Dueling Darlings are two groups/teams of crafters. Each team has a hostess for the month (this month Terry is the Dazzler hostess and LJ is the Diva hostess). The hostesses choose a theme and send out card kits to their team members based on the theme chosen. Neither team knows what the other team is using.

While I love creating with these very special kits, I think I enjoy seeing what each of the Dazzlers and Divas create even more! Soooooooo after you've checked out my card, let's go to see what the other ladies made, okay?

The theme Terry and LJ chose is Garden of Friendshp. Terry sent me (and the other Dazzlers) an incredibly fun kit - it's a good thing, since my stamping supplies are still in boxes from my recent move - with loads of embellishments, designer papers, and the cutest image. THANK YOU, TERRY! (hmmmmmmmmm... I wonder what LJ sent the Divas???)

Here's the card I created:

Oh, and a sneak peek at the inside of my card:

Here's the inside:

I hope Terry likes my card!!!

The challenge that Terry and LJ included in this month's Dueling Darlings is tht we are to share a story or memory of a good friend! That's kind of tough for me, because honestly I don't want to narrow it down to one friend. Instead I'd like to mention my forest friends over on Splitcoast Stampers. That's the group of chatty swappers that participate in my card swaps. They have become such dear friends to me over the past couple of years. We laugh together; we cry together, too. We tell funny stories of what's going on in our lives; we share our burdens, too. We cheer each other on; we lend a shoulder to cry on, too. We are there for one another. That's what friendship is about! And I'm so glad the forest friends are in my life!!!

Okay, now it's time to go check out the other blogs...

DAZZLERS

Darlene

DIVAS

Image & Sentiment: My Favorite Things Fred Bear "Oopsie Daisies"
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers
Cardstock: Vendor Unknown
Designer Paper: Me & My Big Ideas Stripe and DCWV Flower Words
Embellishments: Favorite Findings Felt Flowers, American Crafts Ribbon, JoAnn's Buttons, and Martha Stewart Crafts Doily

Who Has Exciting News?

2011-07-12T05:00:00.002-05:00

I am sooooooo excited! Today is an incredible, marvelous, wonderful day!!!

As you know, I have been in the midst of a move. It has taken a long time - and I still haven't unpacked my wonderful toys nor set up my new stamping space which will be lovingly called my Cubbyhole. However........ I did get the opportunity to make a card!!! I hadn't done that in about a month - and even though I had to sit at my kitchen table and use very limited supplies that I could find in my chaotic mess of a stamping supplies - it felt soooooooo good to create!!! I now remember why I love this hobby so much - it is so relaxing to sit and color and play with paper, etc.

I must give a GREAT BIG thank you to Nina for forcing (ummmmmmm... that might be too harsh/strong of a word, she didn't force me really) to create. See, it happened like this. A few months ago, Nina asked me to be a Guest Designer for Paper Cupcakes. I had no clue I'd be moving the end of June, so I excitedly said yes. Then the move entered my life. LOL! Nina graciously offered to let me out of the commitment I had made, but I asked to be allowed to continue, thinking I'd surely be ready. So, ready or not, here I am!

Pinch me to see if I'm dreaming! Woo Hoo!!! I really AM a guest designer for Paper Cupcakes!!! Isn't that awesome!?!?!? THANK YOU, Nina!!!

If you have never heard of or check out the Paper Cupcakes store, you really should go there. WOW! Nina has some of the cutest digital images!!! There is also an incredible gallery there, where you will surely find all kinds of inspiration for your own creativity.

Nina also has a challenge blog, where each week participants have the opportunity to showcase their papercrafting projects.

This week's challenge is BIRTHDAYS! Participants are to create birthday cards!

I couldn't resist using this adorable Paper Cupcakes image - Who Loves You

I generated the sentiments on my computer and transformed this card into a Birthday card without any difficulty at all.

I sure hope you'll join the birthday fun and make a card for this week's There's Magic in the air with Paper Cupcakes Challenge!

Image: Paper Cupcakes Who Loves You

Sentiment: Computer Generated

Ink: Copic Markers

Cardstock: Vendor Unknown

Designer Paper: Making Memories Animal Cackers Ella Glittered Dot and Sandylion Harlequin

Embellishments: Brads (Vendor Unknown)

Happy Birthday, America!

2011-07-04T12:24:00.013-05:00

My son Brock and I had planned to celebrate the birth of our nation with a picnic at the park in our new town, but it's raining, so here's Brock, enjoying his picnic at the kitchen table. LOL!

Happy Birthday, America!

In case you wonder where I've been, let me tell you... it is a lot of work to move. Tee Hee! I do love to move, though, so it's all good.

Here's a picture of our new home:

We moved in 6 days ago, and I'm making progress in the unpacking. Most rooms inside the house are up and functional, though each room still has a few boxes to be unpacked and put away.

This house is much MUCH smaller than our previous home (half the size, in fact) so there is no room for my crafting space. My husband and I looked at things creatively and decided to take one bay of the two-car garage and line it with shelves (we have lots of those, due to the downsizing of our online book business). This area will become my Cubbyhole, perfect for stamping except in the most cold spells. It will also provide space for storing our many many boxes of Christmas decorations. Tee Hee!

I must admit, I am a bit overwhelmed with that task though,

since this is what it currently looks like:

Everywhere you look in the entire 2-car garage, there are boxes and shelves sitting every which way. What a job this is going to be!!!

And just so you won't think that's the way the entire house looks (me-oh-my!), here is my office area of the living room (a work in progress, but much tidier than the garage/Cubbyhole area).

Okay, I must get back to my task of unpacking. EEK! So much to do, so little time. I want to get things finished and my Cubbyhole set up, so I can start stamping again.

See you soon!

Dueling Darlings Celebrate The Great Outdoors

2011-06-15T06:00:00.005-05:00

It's that time of month again - the 15th! That means the Divas and the Dazzlers are Dueling it out. This month, Barb and Michelle were the hostesses. They chose The Great Outdoors for their theme.

If you are unfamiliar with our monthly duel, it's actually quite fun. There are two teams, each has a different hostess each month. The two hostesses decide on a theme and then each hostess sends identical theme-appropriate card kits to each of her team members. Neither hostess knows what the other one is sending, nor do the teams know what the other team received.

I'm a DAZZLER! Michelle was our hostess and she sent us a marvelous kit filled with all kinda of wonderful goodies - stamped images, designer papers, ribbon, buttons, twine, a brad.

Here's the card I created:

The hostesses this month asked us to share an experience... be it good or bad... relating to the topic. Well, this might come as a surprise to my online friends (since my online name is Forest Ranger) but I'm really not an outdoorsy kind of gal. I never have been. Growing up, my family's idea of camping was to take out our RV, with all of its modern conveniences, such as indoor bathroom (with potty and shower) and comfy beds.

My first real camping experience (in my opinion) happened when my daughter was a Girl Scout. I was her Girl Scout leader and our troop's co-leader was the grandmother of one of the other scouts in the troop. Grandma was a seasoned Girl Scout AND a seasoned camper. So with her help, we took the troop camping at least a couple of times a year - usually in tents. How fun!!! I loved it! But of course, the girls did all the challenging work - setting up the tents, gathering the stuff for the camp fire, etc. I supervised. ;) Oh, and I enjoyed the S'mores! I also enjoyed hearing the girls giggle and tell stories around the camp fire. I enjoyed hearing their sweet voices singing silly songs. I enjoyed the meals cooked on the open fire (nothing tastes better!) I enjoyed walks in the woods, admiring nature. I enjoyed the Great Outdoors. Thank you, Brittney, Grandma Bev, and all the Girl Scouts in our troop!

One of the fun things about the Duel is going to see what everyone else created (and what the other team received for their kit), so let's go...

DAZZLERS

April ♥ Darlene ♥ Debbie ♥ Melina ♥ Michelle ♥ Paola ♥ Terry

DIVAS

Barb ♥ Carol ♥ Jamie ♥ Joan ♥ Judy ♥ Laura Jean ♥ Kelly ♥ Tami

Image: Whipper Snapper Roasting Mellows Bear

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Neenah Solar Crest White and Stampin' UP! Cherry Cobbbler, Crumb Cake, and Early Espresso

Designer Paper: Imaginisce Happy Camper Collection

Embellishments: American Crafts Ribbon, Eyelet Outlet Brad, October Afternoon Campfire Buttons, and Twine (unknown vendor)

Fresh Brewed Designs New Digi Release and Blog Hop

2011-06-10T05:00:00.002-05:00

If you have been checking out the Fresh Brewed Blog this week, you know something special is happening! It's a blog hop to celebrate the new digis being released this week.

There has been a different image featured each day this week. Today's digi is Scooters BBQ and I am delighted that Heather (the owner of Fresh Brewed Designs) asked me to create a card featuring this amazing image.

I told you it was a great image, didn't I? And it's perfect for this time of year when so many of us are heading outdoors to cook our dinner.

I used lots of layers of designer paper and a few black pearls for accent on my card.

Now, if you happened to miss the previous days of the Fresh Brewed Designs New Digi Release and Blog Hop, you'll want to go back and check them out.

Day 1 was Linda

Day 2 was Gale

Day 3 was Stacie

I am Day 4

Leave comments along the way... and be sure to go to the Fresh Brewed Blog to see what you need to do to have a chance to win an amazing prize!!!

Have fun on the Fresh Brewed Designs New Digi Release and Blog Hop!

Image: Fresh Brewed Designs Scooter's BBQ

Ink: Copic Markers and Spica Pen

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Bashful Blue and Black

Designer Paper: Miss Elizabeth's

Embellishments: Queen & Co. Black Pearls

Fetch!

2011-06-09T06:00:00.002-05:00

It's time for another Craft Us Crazy Challenge! YAY!

This time it's a card using masculine colors or Father's Day.

June 9 - 22

Lauretta's Digital Stamps is the sponsor this week. Lauretta's has provided an awesome prize package for one lucky participant, as well as complimentary images for the Craft Us Crazy design team to use for this challenge. THANK YOU, Lauretta's Digital Stamps!!!

Here's my card:

Cocker Epagnaul by Lauretta's Digital Stamps

Here's the inside of my card:

I hope you'll participate in the Craft Us Crazy Challenge! I'd love to see your masculine colors and/or Father's Day creations!

Image: Lauretta's Digital Images

Ink: Copic markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Pear Pizzazz and Real Red

Designer Paper: from my scrap file

Embellishments: Paw brads and ribbonFX

We All Scream for Ice Cream

2011-06-08T06:00:00.003-05:00

It's time for a Fresh Brewed Challenge

June 8 - 14

Theme: Lots of Yellow

I love this theme... reminds me of my Grandma, who has been gone for way too many years! Yellow was her favorite color! I loved going to the farm to visit my grandparents. There was always so much to do there - exploring the pastures/fields, wading in the creek (though Grandma could never find out because she was terrified of water), gathering eggs from the chicken house (but ewwwwwwwww, the smell, not to mention the occasional black snake stealing eggs), and on warm summer evenings, making homemade ice cream!!! I always got to sit on the freezer to hold it in place while my Grandpa and Uncle took turns turning the crank. My reward? I got to clean the ice cream paddle as soon as it came out of the freezer. Yum! Yum!!!

So, in memory of my Grandma (and her favorite color), I created an ICE CREAM card for this week's challenge!

Image and I Scream Sentiment: Fresh Brewed Designs

Simple Joys Sentiment: Vendor Unknown

Ink: A Muse French Roast and Copic Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, and Real Red

Designer Paper: Corina Nielson Breathe Paper Collection and Paper Studio Yellow With White Polka Dots

Embellishments: Studio 18 Rhinestones and Grosgrain Ribbon (Vendor Unknown)