SPENDING OUR TIME

Time is one of those gifts we have (for now)...

but it's taken for granted time and time again...

spend it wisely!!!

Inspired By #77

Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Anything Goes

sentiment: Teresa Collins Tell Your Story Sticker Sheet

stamp:ODBD Time clock

ink: Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores

die: Spellbinders Scalloped Circle,WPlus9 Written on Ribbon

other:Want2Scrap bling,American Crafts ric rac,Crop-A-Dile corner chomper

paper: Authentique Renew,Fancy Pants Park Bench,Georgia Pacific White

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

Papertrey May Blog Hop Challenge

I'm so glad I can participate today in 

Papertrey's May Blog Hop Challenge~

I chose this Bouquet Builder to work with:

 I love the purples, blues and pink~

I brought out elements from Rosie Posie and RP Step 2 sets.

 

Now to hop around and view the inspiration ~ see you there!

stamps: Papertrey Ink (Rosie Posie,Rosie Posie Step 2,On the Links sentiment)

ink: Papertrey Ink (New Leaf,Hibiscus Burst,Enchanted Evening),Memento Ink Grape Jelly

paper: Prima Instrospection,Papertrey Ink Soft Stone,Georgia Pacific white

other: Crop-A-Dile corner chomper,Want2Scrap adhesive pearls

NEVER DIE

ODBDSLC148 He is Risen

Simon Says Stamp:Anything Goes

Word Art Wednesday Challenge#73

~May you have a beautiful Good Friday~

stamp:Our Daily Bread Designs Weave Background,Flourishes He is Risen verse,Papertrey Ink Rosie Posie stamps and Rosie Posie Step 2

dies: Lori Whitlock 4 Life Cards (Silhouette Cameo),Papertrey Ink Rosie Posie

paper:Authentique Renew,Recollections Kraft,Georgia Pacific white

ink:WPlus9 white,Memento ink Dandelion,Papertrey Ink New Leaf,Hero Arts Field Green,Tim Holtz peeled paint

other:Crop-a-Dile corner chomper

~Life is Fleeting~

Whew, life IS fleeting, isn't it????


Where does the time go?

I just received my Prima
paper today and HAD TO PLAY WITH IT.


I inked up Mama Elephant's On Target and added Teresa Collins' elements to reflect this sketch from

Mama Elephant Sketch Challenge 02.

Thank you so much for stopping by friends~I know your time is precious and I appreciate when you spend even a minute here!




stamps: Mama Elephant On Target
ink: Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores, Hero Arts Quiet Morning Ink Cubes (Cup O' Joe)
other: Teresa Collins Tell Your Story Die-Cut Accessory Sheet and stickers
die: Echo Park Arrows (Silhouette Cameo)
other: Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper
paper: Prima Bohemian Bamboo,Georgia Pacific white

Birds on a Wire Card

This is the last day for
Sweet 'n Sassy March Virtual Stamp Day Challenge #5: Feathers

SNSMAR13VSD5



I die cut a "birds on wire square card" ... and added color to a panel with Gelatos.

I used three different colors and swiped with a baby wipe to blend.

I scribbled alongside the edges and wiped to finish.
 

I am also submitting this to

Emphasize the Negative Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

and the

Ombre Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.



~Thanks for stopping by~

stamp: Inspired Stamps strength

other: Faber Castell Red Gelatos,Crop-a-Dile corner chomper
 ink: Hero Arts Quiet Morning Ink Cubes (Cup O' Joe)
 die: Alaa' Studio Birds on a Wire Square Card (Silhouette Cameo)
paper: Georgia Pacific white

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

~Live the Life~

A testimony is powerful, because it is an experience that WAS LIVED


by real people with real feelings, hopes and dreams.

The tear drops were hard for me to use~ they are actually rain drop stickers.


I wasn't even a papercrafter when I bought them-I was moved by their realism!


I splashed them about...because many times the stories that are the most powerful (but hard to share)...are those which involved tears (at least in my life).




I got to play with the beautiful colors from

The Play Date Cafe: PDCC#171.

CASE Study Challenge #130
Teri Anderson

once again inspired me to use more than one sentiment.



Hope your week got off to a smooth start~

stamps: Verve Words of Wisdom,Waltzingmouse Stamps Paris Nouveau

paper: Teresa Collins Tell Your Story DP,Papertrey Ink Soft Stone
ink: Hero Arts Just Beachy ink cubes (Soft Cantaloupe)
 dies: Spellbinders Label Twenty-Five
other: Teresa Collins Tell Your Story Die-Cut Accessory Sheet and Sticker Sheet,raindrop stickers,sewing machine,Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper

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

80th Birthday

Challenges stretch my creative muscles and inspire me to get cards done.

I might actually mail this card in time for my Aunt's 

80th birthday.

Yes.

80th!

I am in awe of her!!!

She's strong and fiercely loving.

A real class act.

I attempted to create a classy card (rather then my usual funky fun/graphic type).

I used the beautiful

Waltzingmouse Sketch #128.

The lovely colors at

Colour Q #169.

Finally,

CASE Study Challenge #122:Windy Robinson

inspired me to put on some glamor and floral for this card.

I realize I am the least glamorous gal ...but my Aunt deserves a card with flourish and loveliness...so am grateful for the push in that direction!

Thank you for stopping in~

stamps: Waltzingmouse Chicken Wire and Teeny Trees 

ink: Papertrey Ink True Black,Memento Rhubarb Ink

paper: Bazzill,Authentique Carefree, My Mind's Eye All is Bright,Georgia Pacific white

other: Martha Stewart corner punch,Crop-A-Dile corner chomper,Papertrey Ink Photo Finish Strips,Spellbinders Scalloped Ovals

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

~Sweet Baby Christmas~

One more blues card for the road...

CAS-ual Fridays CFC79

 I used Erin's Chipboard technique from MIM #34

to add fun dimension here.

How's your Monday so far?

stamps: Papertrey Ink Winter Penguin and Bitty Baby Blessings

dies: Papertrey Ink Bitty Baby Blessings and Photo Finish Strips,My Favorite Things Die-namics Sentiment Strips

ink: Ranger Tim Holtz Broken China,Ranger Jenni Bowlin Spice Tin

paper: Papertrey Ink Soft Stone,Authentique Journey

other: Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper

Let Us Adore Him

Papertrey's challenge this week,

Make It Monday #92 Layered Vellum Die Cuts

hosted by Melissa

will take your card to a new 3D level.

Bring on the bright DP and layer it with vellum for a muted effect.

I love the inner belly goodness I was able to throw in between the vellum and DP layer-glitter and snowflakes.

I used the

Authentique November Sketch Challenge.

My colors are from

Color Throwdown #219.

I couldn't do it....I could not bring myself to face the shopping madness.

Kudos to you who were brave enough to go out there and try! ;)

stamps: Papertrey Ink Shape Up Snowman Accessories,Sweet 'n Sassy Seek Him Still

dies: Papertrey Ink Shape Up Snowman, Winter Penguin,Photo Finish Strips Die,Spellbinders Label Eleven,Verve Pennant Trim

paper: Authentique Fresh,Journey,Lively and Georgia Pacific white

ink: Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores, Staz On black,Ranger Tim Holtz peeled paint

other: Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper,Scor-Tape,Tombow glue,Zig marker,sewing machine

~Much Obliged~

When I laid eyes on the new sheriff badge at Waltzingmouse...I had to get it-fast!


It's the perfect compliment to the Back in the Saddle Set I recently received.

I love the badge...it was exactly what I was looking for~


Big and bold!

I used my classic Creative Memories oval cutter (one of my earliest investments in this paper crafting adventure).

I utilized the fun sketch at

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #124

CASE Study Challenge #118

Angeline Yong

I mimicked her overlapping of stamping on the perimeter of the card, using these colors...

The PlayDate Cafe #158

Thanks for stopping by, it's always a blessing when you visit!



stamps: Waltzingmouse Sheriff,Back in the Saddle,Teeny Trees, French Country
ink: Papertrey Ink New Leaf and Hibiscus Burst,Ranger Jenni Bowlin Weather Vane,Memento Ink Pistachio,Ranger Tim Holtz Peeled Paint
paper: Georgia Pacific white, Little Yellow Bicycle Acorn Hollow DP
other: Crop-A-Dile corner chomper,Creative Memories oval cutter,Spellbinders classic circles,hole punch,cord

~Rainbow Stache~

I got some cutie pie duck tape the other day.

Ack, aren't those 'staches the cutest???

DYSU #98 Rainbows

Word Art Wednesday #54:Anything Goes

Is it really Monday already????

Hope your week is starting off well....

I always appreciate when you stop by~thanks for visiting me today!

stamps: Verve Words of Wisdom

dies: Spellbinders classic circles,Verve arrow

ink: Memento bahama blue

other: orange and yellow Copics,MS fringe scissors,duck tape,Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper

paper: Georgia Pacific white,Basic Grey Lauderdale,Bazzill yellow

~Berry Sweet~

Funny how we stamp things that we abhor.

Love the berries.

The ants?

Not so much.  

But, aren't they cute in stamp form???

I went with the kitchen theme and reds and blues for

Inspired By #50

I was also inspired by

CASE Study Challenge #117
Angeline Yong


Her card was simple and sweet...with a touch of red.


Thanks for stopping by today~



stamps: Papertrey Ink Friendship Jar Summer Fillers
die: Spellbinders scalloped ovals,Papertrey Ink Pint Jar
ink: Memento Lady Bug and Rich Cocoa,Papertrey Ink True Black
paper: Papertrey Ink Rustic Cream,Authentique Fresh
other: Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper,toothpick

~Squash Soup~

We love V8 Squash Soup...but can't find it at our local store anymore.

Waaaaaahhhhhh!!!

But, I can make a card INSPIRED by it.

Here's my squash soup card~

It's fun to assemble elements with Erin's chipboard technique here.

 I swiped the buggy with Mod Podge for a nice finish.

Here is the soup pic from Inspired By #49

Laurel's source link under the photo will take you to a recipe I will have to try~

I used Lenet's sketch from Waltzingmouse Sketch #123.

The Waltzingmouse stamp I used was the shadow from My Island...isn't that a fun stamp???

My sentiment and die are from Papertrey Ink and the border die is from Verve.

I recently purchased Papertrey's Beautiful Beads die...and thought it would be the perfect platform for the sentiment~

Bet I have you thinking of warm soup now, too, huh?!!!

Misery loves company...LOL.

At least it's a healthy craving~

stamps: Waltzingmouse My Island,Papertrey Ink Bitty Baby Blessings

dies: Verve Pennant trim die,Papertrey Ink Bitty Baby Blessings, Winter Penguin Die snowflake and Beautiful Beads die

embossing folder: Sizzix Textured Impressions Seasons Greetings

other: Martha Stewart border punch,Crop-a-dile corner chomper

paper: Little Yellow Bicycle Acorn Hollow DP,Georgia Pacific white cardbase

ink: Memento Rich Cocoa,Tim Holtz Walnut Stain

thankful

Thankful for this new day~

Thankful for a fresh start~


Thankful for being able to post that I'm thankful~

 I took another try at The Play Date Cafe PDCC #155.

This time, I broke out my Stampendous Aged Ivory Embossing Enamel.

I drew "stitches" across the sentiment die with an embossing pen and sprinkled that magical powder and heated.

I then inked up the cardbase with my damaged Versamark pad 

(read the sidebar about that oopsies...#5 on my list of YOU KNOW WHEN).

I can't bring myself to throw that old Versamark pad away...it was one of my first cardmaker investments!

I am also entering this in the 

Square Punch Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

 I used my square punch to create notched borders on my focal panel.

 I created with dry AND wet embossing for 

DYSU #95: Embossing Wet or Dry.

supplies: Papertrey Ink Count My Blessings die, square punch, Cuttlebug Embossing folder, Zig embossing pen, K&Company SW Nature pad,Georgia Pacific white cardbase, Stampendous Aged Ivory Embossing Enamel,Piggy Tales DP,My Mind's Eye Six By Six Everyday Flair,Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper

~Glitz and Glam~

Crafty Friends Challenge

CFC #9: All Things Glitz and Glam

made me reach for the obvious Glitz paper and sticker.

The "vintage blue" DP design was also the obvious choice for the

DYSU Challenge #94 Vintage

I don't normally create elegant cards...but I just got Verve and needed an anniversary card, like NOW.



I stamped the sentiment on the rectangle die cut and the glitzy sticker fit right on top!


Don't you love it when the shoe fits???



I avoided a bow since it's going in the mail,...but knots are a great alternative!

paper: Glitz Paper Layers Vintage Blue,Bazzill silver,Georgia Pacific white
stamp: Verve Love Story
other: Glitz Glitzers Vintage Blue sticker,Verve Rounded Rectangle die,Spellbinders Lattice Rectangle Die,American Crafts satin ribbon,Crop-A-Dile corner chomper
ink: Memento Ink Teal Zeal