wOnDeRfUlLy AvErAgE dAy

The Play Date Cafe #183

I'm so grateful for ordinary days.

When my husband retired from the Army 5 years ago...I rejoiced in the fact that we could finally have the "average".

The melody of his tires coming up the driveway...even the rhythm of the trashcan being dragged down the road (by him, not me) is SWEET and oh so PRECIOUS.

"Hey hon, can you get this BIG BUG for me???" I squeal...batting my eyelashes.

He rolls his eyes, because he knows that I can handle these "muscle man" jobs...but to have him around to do them...

IT'S SO SPECIAL!

sigh.

He's my prince. ;)

"YOU'RE MY HERO!!!" I yell after he's rescued me from these killer insects.

He may not be saving the world at the moment, like so many dedicated soldiers, 

but HE IS at home saving mine.

I APPRECIATE and RECOGNIZE the sacrifices of so many military, missionary, and "out of the ordinary" families that crave...

and HOLD OUT for the days when their lives will be ordinary and average.

We lived that roller coaster lifestyle for quite awhile.

There are so many who won't have ordinary again~because of the death of their loved one.

Treasure the ordinary and average.

For some...

those days are novel and extraordinary~

stamps: Technique Tuesday Ordinary Days

ink: Papertrey Ink (New Leaf,Enchanted Evening),Memento Ink Dandelion 

other: Want2Scrap bling,Crop-A-Dile corner chomper

paper: Georgia Pacific white,Bazzill blue

~Washi Glow~

Want motivation to use that washi tape?



Take a look at the

Washi Tape Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

I love this funky tape my girlie got me~it has tons of patterns and colors to add to a simple card.



~Go on and glow now~






stamp:Hero Arts Glow Girl
tape:K&Company Section Smash Tape
ink: Hero Arts Neon Pink
paper: Authentique Fresh,Bazzill yellow,Georgia Pacific cardbase
 die: Spellbinders classic circle

So ThAnKfUl

I love these recycled "so" tags...

they don't last long on my desk.

Check out the fun inspiration at

Runway Inspired Challenge RIC#31.

I was also driven by the

Chevron Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

Maybe I've had too much caffeine today...LOL, hence the overflow of creating and blogging.

I don't want to stop while I feel inspired~hope you are getting some crafty time in also, friends!

stamps: Papertrey Ink Counting My Blessings

dies: Papertrey Ink Counting My Blessings,My Favorite Things Die-namics sentiment strips,Verve Pennant Banner

other: recycled tag

paper: Bazzill gold,American Crafts Sketchbook,Georgia Pacific white

ink: WPlus9 White Pigment Ink

other: My Mind's Eye twine,Crop-a-Dile corner chomper,Xyron,stapler

Praying for You & Me

It's one of those days~

yuck.

No reason....

just yuck.

My grandma would call me on days like this...when the Lord laid on her heart that I needed encouragement and prayer.

That was really special...and it was when long distance calls actually COST YOU SOMETHING.

May I be used by God to do the same!

Runway Inspired #30

I am intrigued by bold, graphic patterns mingled with soft florals...I am seeing that more and more~there is something so....

relevant about that.

Harsh realities softened by bits of loveliness and hope.

I am also inspired by the

CASE Study Challenge #128

based on a pretty card by Teri Anderson.

I like the blues and yellows she combined, and the patterned background which adds interest.

Also, she included lots of fun embellishments...I've only included a few...but it's more than I usually pile on a card.

I'm patting my shoulder...I'm proud of using up these beautiful die pieces.

Ok, now I am less yuck...a bit of creating and prayer can really lift my mood!!!

Hoping you have a "non-yuck" day also~ ;)

stamps: Verve Wonderfully Made,Mama Elephant Trifecta 

paper: Georgia Pacific white,Bazzill yellow and blue

dies: Spellbinders Label 25 and Large Labels 

ink: Papertrey Ink True BLack

other: Pink Paislee (Daily Junque Ephemera Pack),waxed ribbon

Posh Baby

I created a POSH BABY card for

Make It Monday: The Diecut Double-Up

and the lovely challenge at

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #66:Anything Goes.

It was fun to grab colors and a pattern I wouldn't normally throw together and just "play".

I even added a bow~not my usual embellishment~aren't you proud???

LOL

stamps: Papertrey Ink Bitty Baby Blessings

dies: Papertrey Ink Mat Stack 3 and Bitty Baby Blessings,Spellbinders Label 25

ink: Versamark Ink

paper: Bazzill,My Mind's Eye Breeze,Georgia Pacific white

other: Ranger super fine detail black embossing powder,American Crafts satin ribbon

Pink and Purple CASE

Papertrey Ink's Team and Project Favorites

I was inspired by Melissa Phillips' stunning pink and purple tag-it's a winning combo!




 

 

I layered a flower with scalloped circles that were inked with elements from Rosie Posie. The center flower was created with multiple fancy circles stamped around the center fancy circle.

I really like these colors married...a bit of gray was added to mimic the silver in her creation.

Yay for another day of stamping fun!!!

stamps: Papertrey Ink Rosie Posie and Grunge Me

inks: Memento (Lilac Posies,Gray Flannel and Grape Jelly)

paper: Bazzill and Georgia Pacific white

dies: Spellbinders scalloped and classic circles,Wonky Rectangles
other:Sizzix Texture Fades Retro Cirque embossing folder,Crop-A-Dile corner chomper,Kaisercraft Basics rhinestone

Rosie Posie and a Gradient Look

It took me a few tries to achieve this gradient look with two powders (pink and lime).

The only downside was, I couldn't pour the extra powder back in the containers...I didn't want to contaminate the pure colors.

I designated a "mixed" container for times like these...it will be interesting to see what color combo results after a few months.

These two stems are from Papertrey's Rosie Posie~they are easy to line up and fun to work with.

Use 10 Embellishments Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

I brought out my beads and sequins and scattered them about with Glossy Accents glue.

Make It Monday #101 Layered Embossing

is hosted by Heather.

After getting my image the way I wanted it, I took the plunge and embossed the sentiment in yellow over it.

I must admit~I was a bit nervous about overheating it.

I love the outcome though!

This is a great way to use up that gorgeous embossing powder.

Thanks for stopping by~have a blessed day now~

stamps: Papertrey Ink (Rosie Posie,Counting My Blessings Mini stamp set)

ink: Versamark

embossing powders: Recollections and Whispers

other: beads and sequins

paper: Bazzill,BoBunny Weekend Market DP

die:Papertrey Ink Counting My Blessings

Dapper Mr. Mustache Man

I'd like to introduce dapper Mr. Mustache Man.
 

My husband pulled the word "dapper" from his arsenal of wit last night~
I haven't heard that word in AGES!


LOL


However...I think this fits Mr. Mustache Man~and my husband for that matter!



 *wink*



Mr. Mustache Man is from Silhouette (Jamie's Assorted Gentleman Dress Up) and the sentiments are from both Hero Arts and Skipping Stones.

Hero Arts:Try Something New
(this file was one of the first NEW items I ordered for my NEW Silhouette and one of the first that I cut).



I had the mustache man finished on the Mat Stack, sentiments and all.


However, it sat around on my desk because I didn't know where to go from there.



 The Inspired By challenge helped me finish this card.

Inspired By #57

Stripes are what I needed to give the focal point some shazaam!




Now I can send this card out~


yay for Dapper Man!


dies: (Jamie's Assorted Gentleman Dress Up Accessories)Silhouette Cameo,Papertrey Ink Mat Stack 3
stamp: Hero Arts Best of the Best,Skipping Stones Design You Know You're Getting Old Birthday
tag: American Crafts Bits Tags Margarita
paper: Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Bazzill
ink: Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores,Memento Pear Tart
other: Papertrey Ink Herringbone Impression Plate

~Let Us Not Become Weary~

Because of the heaviness in the air today...I am grateful for any motivation to create, among many things.

I'm sure you've been hugging your family like crazy, as have I.

 

I needed and wanted to create for the hard working Sunday School teachers that faithfully minister and pray for my girlies.

I created some ornament/gift holders today.

This one took exactly 9 minutes and 48 seconds.

I was inspired by Paulina's 10 Minute Craft Dash #8.

I'm so glad I bought the cinnamon car freshener clips and cranberry gels~

they were fun to coordinate with.

Here is the side that shows the gifts in a clear bag...they are secured by a strip of Scor-Tape.

The base is simply a strip of white cardstock 3 1/2" wide and 11" long, scored in the middle and finished with holes for the twine handle.

The ends are secured with three staples.

These are simple designs like these ornaments I made last year.

The main thing I changed, were lighter embellishments for gift giving.

I stamped the back, so it's pretty from every angle.

Here is another version, a few seconds off the 10 minute mark...using  the colors from

The Play Date Cafe #161

I used my FAVORITE ink, Rhubarb Stalk, for 

Simon Says Stamp: What's Your Favourite?

May the Lord lift your spirits and help you to cope with the tragedies this season...

May you not become weary.

May you not give up.

supplies:

paper: Georgia Pacific Paper,Bazzill green and red

ink: Memento Ink Rhubarb Stalk and Pear Tart,Papertrey Ink Hibiscus Burst and New Leaf

stamps: Verve Galatians 6:9 Plain Jane and Treasured Words Rectangle frame,Papertrey Ink Rosie Posie, Hero Arts Classic Holly

Other: Verve rounded rectangle,Martha Stewart snowflake punch,holly berries,twine,Scor-Tape,stapler,plastic ornament,hole punch,Spellbinders deckled Rectangles

~Paper Knots Tag~

Word Art Wednesday: Giving/Anything Goes

I can't imagine a greater gift...than opening your home to a child.

I have not had the honor or calling yet...but I know a handful that have dedicated their lives in this special way.

I want to be ready when another couple takes that big step.

For this tag,

I experimented with paper shreds...after being inspired by 

Tracey Sabella's lovely use of denim shreds here.

I thought, why not try knotting up paper remnants???

It worked like a charm with glossy accents.

CAS-ual Fridays: CFC81

Well, another Friday in December...the next two will fly by quick...mark my words!!!

stamps: Papertrey Ink Bitty Baby Blessings

dies: Papertrey Ink Mat Stack 3 and Bitty Baby Blessings

other: Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper,American Crafts satin ribbon

paper: Authentique Fresh,BoBunny Country Garden,Bazzill orange

ink:Memento Potters Clay

LIFE is Good

I love Botanical designs in black and white.

Add some snowflakes and you've got a winter scene.

The Play Date Cafe #159

Thanks for stopping by today~

stamps: Papertrey Ink Winter Penguin snowflake circle, Technique Tuesday Life is Good sentiment,Hero Arts Sweet Threads Set florals

ink: Papertrey Ink True Black,Memento Ink Rhubarb Stalk

paper: Georgia Pacific white,Bazzill

die: Papertrey Ink Winter Penguin

Recycled Clothing Tag and a Pink Notepad

I obviously don't have willpower when it comes to neon....
and when enabled by challenges. ;)

CASE this SKetch #7

Keen On Neon Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

The tag is a recycled clothing tag, and I glittered the plastic "U" for the challenge:

Make It Monday #94 Detail Glitter Technique.

Crafty Friends Challenge #12:CAS Card



stamps: Papertrey Ink Winter Penguin sentiment
dies: Papertrey Ink Photo Finish Strips Die,My Favorite Things Sentiment strips,Sizzlet
other: Papertrey Ink Herringbone Impression Plate,Bazzill cardstock,hot pink post-it note,clothing tag,Papertrey Ink Soft Stone cardstock,stapler,K.I. Memories Alphabet soup letters,Memento Pear Tart ink

Mailbox Numbers in Neon

I'm hooked on the 

Keen On Neon Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

This time, I found THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS embellishments in my leftover 

Mailbox Numbers stash.

 I couldn't throw those away...they are sticky and durable!

They are paintable too~yay!

So I used my Elmer's Neon Paint Marker~

 The message of Christmas is a NOW MESSAGE

and totally acceptable in NOW colors, if you ask me.

Simon Says Anything Goes 

 Word Art Wednesday: God's Goodness/Anything Goes

 It's the first Monday in December...what a special month ahead!

stamp: Sweet 'n Sassy Seek Him Still

 paper: Studio Calico Abroad DP,Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Bazzill green

 dies: Spellbinders Deckle Rectangles,Papertrey Ink Mat Stack 3, Sizzlet snowflakes,My Favorite Things Die-namics Christmas Ornaments

other: Papertrey Ink Herringbone Impression Plate,Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper,glittery ribbon,Scor-Tape,Tombow glue,Elmer's Neon Paint Markers,Papertrey Ink True Black ink

A Dash of Blues and Brown

I was 29 when I came to know Jesus.


I relate to the wise men who traveled many miles...


except my journey was

in years.



I wouldn't go back to being Marlena alone~
 
without Him.

This was a 10 minute card on the dot....


I used the last 45 seconds to finish the card off with a light blue (I forgot about that color being in the challenge).

10 Minute Craft Dash #7

Simon Says Anything Goes

Word Art Wednesday: God's Goodness/Anything Goes

stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Seek Him Still
ink: Memento Rich Cocoa,Ranger Tim Holtz walnut stain
dies: Spellbinders Deckled Rectangles
paper: Authentique Genuine,Georgia Pacific white,Bazzill light blue,DCWV Naturals stack
other: Crop-a-Dile corner chomper,Want2Scrap bling

~Snowman and a Torn Sketch~

I love snowmen...they are so darling!

This particular guy is such a sweetie~

I combined two fun challenges.

CAS-ual Fridays CFC78

&

Retro Sketches #37

Are the days REALLY flying by as quick as I think they are?

stamp: Unity Snow Wonderful,Papertrey Ink Hello Sunshine

inks: Memento Pear Tart,Rich Cocoa and Rhubarb Stalk

paper: Georgia Pacific white cardbase, Authentique Carefree, Carta Bella Beautiful Moments Echo Park,Bazzil red

~Torn Edges and a Simple Embossed Tree~

One lovely embossing folder and the right journaling paper (with numbers up to 25) set the stage for this CAS card.

No sentiment needed...just circle, tear and staple ~adhere the ends if you want.

I've got another for

DYSU Challenge DYSU97

I had the

CASE Study Challenge #116

Angeline Yong

challenge in mind when I put this together.


The muted colors and simple format was perfect for the elements I had on hand.


I am taking advantage of this week's

CAS-ual Fridays CFC 78

It's a fun one~let your inner rebel loose!

If you are hesitant...take that DP that you aren't sure what to do with and tear away~

embossing folder: Sizzix Textured Impressions Seasons Greetings

paper: Papertrey Ink Soft Stone,Bazzill metallic silver,Authentique Journey

other: stapler,gold pen

The Blessing of an Ordinary Day

Appointments, commutes, lessons and the like are what ordinary days are made of.

ORDINARY, AVERAGE DAYS ~ are what make life,

well,

LIFE...

the building blocks of a home, the stairsteps to normal or a new normal.



In the midst of chaos and transition...



an ordinary lifestyle is





EXTRAORDINARY.

I used one of the beautiful sentiments from TT's Ordinary Days.

Brayed Walnut Stain distress ink on an embossing folder pulled up the retro design.


The little images/sentiments from BoBunny's Remind Me Clearly Calendar Set created the "sentiment background" for my card.

I love that they capture "ordinary" activities.

I went with the striking colors from Moxie Fab's

Tuesday Trigger: Ready for Red

DYSU #96 Brads





Crafty Friends Challenge
CFC #10 Sentimental


~I wish you an ordinary, average day my friends~

stamps: BoBunny Remind Me Clearly Calendar Stamps,Technique Tuesday/Ali Edwards Ordinary Days

embossing folder: Sizzix/Tim Holtz Retro Cirque Set
inks: Versamark, Memento Ink Rhubarb Stalk, Ranger Tim Holtz Walnut Stain
dies: Verve Pennant Trim Die, Spellbinders Scalloped Circle
paper: American Crafts Cardstock,Georgia Pacific White, Bazzill red
other: Copper embossing powder,brads,brayer

~ENJOY~

Yesterday smelled like summer & felt like summer~it was so weird!

Today looks like another chance of the same~YES!!!

One last second to

enjoy

the warmth!

This week at

CAS-ual Fridays CFC76,

the goal is to create a clean and simple project using Kraft.

The leaves may be crunchy and losing color...but we can still enjoy them~

CASE Study Challenge #114

Julia Stainton

I love the texture going on with her card!!!

I have a mini-texture strip on mine-created from a rosette die.

 Have you had a burst of sunshine in your corner of the world?

I say take it and run!



~ENJOY the sunshine and warmth while you can friends~

stamp: Technique Tuesday Fly

ink: Memento Ink Pistachio

dies: My Favorite Things Rosette Die-namics,Sizzix Sizzlits Flowers Branches Leaves

paper: Bazzill kraft and yellow,Georgia Pacific white

other: Tim Holtz Distress Tool,stapler

~Life Changes~

Sweet 'n Sassy Virtual Stamp Day

Challenge #6:Tag It

inspired me to put the teeniest, tiniest tag here...

I LOVE the bright colors of this week's throwdown.

Color Throwdown #213

I'm not always into embracing life's changes...are you?

However, WITH us or WITHOUT us accepting them~ they happen.

Can you imagine some things

 NOT CHANGING?

Ummm, that could be depressing or even boring.

What would there be to look forward to~

~where would the mystery be~

~what would be the point of praying~

stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy New Beginnings

dies: Sweet 'n Sassy Season of Change Leaf Die,Spellbinders Classic Circles,MFT Die-namics Christmas Ornaments (tag) and Sentiment Strips

border punch: Martha Stewart Laurel Leaf Trim

twine: My Mind's Eye Lime Twist "Life of the Party"

 ink: Tsukineko Memento Ink Tangelo

paper: Georgia Pacific White,Bazzill

other: Xyron,Scor-Tape 1/4"

~11 seconds to spare~

tappa tappa tappa tappa tappa tappa tappa....

That's the sound of me desperately inking up a HUMONGOUS background stamp with a Memento Ink Dew Drop when I

dove in today for...

Paulina's 10 Minute Craft Dash #4.

(while mentally placing a larger ink pad in my "virtual mind cart" to order  online later...) ;)

(9 minutes, 49 seconds)

You never heard such desperate tapping!!! LOL

It was my SECOND attempt, mind you....because my first card was CRASH AND BURN.

Note to self:make sure you have enough letter stickers to spell what you want.

Don't wait until the last "y" of Happy Birthday to realize you only have one "y" which was used for "Happy".

eekers.

That's ok, I like this second card better.

Live and learn, right?

There's still some time left to dive in...you got 10 minutes, right?

stamps: Verve Psalm 37:4 Plain Jane,October Afternoon Midway

dies: Spellbinders classic circles,Sizzix Framelits Kite die

other: Studio Calico Frames Wood Veneer,1/8" and 1/2" Scor-Tape

ink: Tsukineko Memento Ink Lady Bug

paper: Georgia Pacific white,Bazzill blue