~Aloha Christmas and Silver Numbers~

I made a Christmas card for my dear friend who loved these numbered paperclips (Studio Calico) on another card she saw in my stash.

The center image is a stamp I purchased in HI~since that was where I was raised...I'm sure she will appreciate it. ;)

I added other fun elements ...probably way more than I've ever done.

In fact, I went over my "200 character" limit on labels...never saw that warning on blogger before!

So, I just labeled it with the challenges.

Timeless Tuesday #197

Use Gold or Silver

The paper clips are silver and so is the sentiment strip I colored with a silver Gelato stick.

DYSU Challenge #99:Numbers

I was

Inspired By #51

The red,creams and whites gave me the striking colors I wanted. I drew some tick marks along the edges to represent the stool topped with rulers.

Simon Says Stamp: Dawny's Sketch

Thanks for stopping by today~it's always a blessing to see friends~

stamps: Stampettes (made in HI),sentiment from Sweet 'n Sassy Seek Him Still

other: Studio Calico Yearbook Paper Clips,Sassafras buttoned flower,Fiskars crimper,zig red pen,Crop-A-Dile corner chomper,Scor-Tape

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

ink:Versamark,Memento Ink Rhubarb Stalk,Ranger black embossing powder,silver Faber Castell Gelato

dies: Spellbinders large labels,Postage stamp and Deckled rectangles,Papertrey Ink Photo Finish,My Favorite Things Sentiment strips,

~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

i miss you tree

CASE Study Challenge #116

Angeline Yong

I love the simplicity of her card featured this week!




I tried to mimic the minimalist look by stamping my "tree", which is really one of the rays and a burst from PTI's Hello Sunshine.

I inked up with Versamark and embossed with Stampendous Aged Embossing Enamel~I highly recommend the stuff.



There is nothing like it....it's gritty, sparkly and packs a punch!

I don't mean to be a bummer with the sentiment...


but many times Christmas brings about nostalgic memories of those we can't be with on that special day.



I'm sure the feeling is reciprocated~

DYSU 97 Leaves and Trees

Stampendous November challenge
~Stampendous essentials~

Hope your week is starting off smoothly~




stamp: Papertrey Ink Hello Sunshine,Unity Present in My Heart sentiment
ink: Versamark,Memento Rich Cocoa,Ranger Tim Holtz Tea Dye
embossing enamel: Stampendous Aged Embossing Enamel Teal
paper: Papertrey Ink Soft Stone

~Bring Your Own Thankful~

Make It Monday #90:

Creating Focal Point Sentiments With Stamps and Dies

Betsy's technique added mileage to my sentiment dies.

We are challenged this week to match sentiment stamps and dies together-which inspired me to look beyond the stamp set the dies were intended for.

I taped over the last line of this sentiment from PTI's Hello Sunshine and married it with the sentiment from PTI's Counting My Blessings Die set.

 I love the nightfall colors of the

Color Throwdown #217.

I just had to participate there!!!

DYSU #97 Leaves and Trees

I stamped my leaves from Papertrey Ink's Rosie Posie in Jenni Bowlin Spice Tin.

How is your weekend so far?

I spent almost a week at home sick (many times in bed)...so it was nice to go out, face the world and be somewhat "with it".

Nasty colds going around out there folks...bust out the anti-bacterials!!!

Hope you stay healthy....

stamps: Papertrey Ink Hello Sunshine and Rosie Posie
dies: Papertrey Ink Edgers #1 Die, Counting My Blessings
inks:Ranger Jenni Bowlin Spice Tin, Tsukineko Memento Ink Pear Tart,Papertrey Ink True Black
paper: Georgia Pacific White cardstock, Little Yellow Bicycle Acorn Hollow DP
 other: Xyron Sticker Maker

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

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

~BaCk To ScHoOl~

Although we are a homeschooling family....back to school is

BaCk tO sChOoL...bUsY, BuSy, bUsY crazy for us too!!!

We have to get up earlier and be all serious like around here.

I created a card to showcase the chaos and excitement swirling around.

I stamped the letters in with Hero Arts/Basic Grey Best of the Best.

The panel is a Spellbinders Large Label stamped with KaiserCraft Numbers and a masked Jenni Bowlin Composition stamp (isn't he the cutest wittle notebook?).

The following challenges inspired me to create at the last minute:

CAS-ual Fridays CFC68

(last couple of days submission)

DYSU #87:Back To School

(last hour submission)

Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes

(last day submission)

I'd say there's movement across the card...enough for the

Movement Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

Thanks for stopping by...it was nice to take a little time to craft and share~

Supplies: 

Stamps: Hero Arts/Basic Grey Best of the Best,Jenni Bowlin Composition clear stamp,KaiserCraft Numbers clear stamp

Ink: Tsukineko Memento ink Morocco and Tuxedo Black,Ranger Tim Holtz Walnut Stain for edging

Die:Spellbinders Large Labels

Paper:Georgia Pacific White

~LIM Blue and Green/DYSU Polka Dot~

Less Is More Week 79:Colour

Blue & Green

I stamped and stamped and stamped some more.

I had lots of fun with this one...

It makes my head all swimmy! ;)

Polka dots and circles inspired by

DYSU #83:Polka Dots

I really enjoy my dots~they are my favorite elements in any stamp set.

It's Monday, folks~time to face the world~ ;)

Have a great week.

Stamps: Clear & Simple Circus Fun,Waltzingmouse Teeny Trees

Paper:Georgia Pacific White,BoBunny Ambrosia Flowers

Ink:Tsukineko Memento Ink Bamboo Leaves, Cottage Ivy,Bahama Blue

Other:Stapler

~Bullseye~

This past week of Archery Camp was a blast.

The girlies and I were so blessed to be a part of it!

I made thank you cards for the incredible coaches~I also created one for the new friend I made.

Forgive the dark photos~it was dreary when I photographed these~

I felt they would fit in Laurel's Inspired By #34 Challenge

It's funny, before this week, I would have said, "Those are lovely rosettes"~now, I'm looking for a point of reference to aim for! ;)

Yes, "point of reference,stance,nock,aim..."

I have a STACK of new words to add to my vocab list!

I am also entering this in Simon Says Stamp:Anything Goes

and DYSU #82:For a Friend

for my new friend~

Thanks for stopping by~it's always a pleasure!

Blessings~

Stamps: JustRite You're So Sweet

Ink:Tsukineko Memento Ink Tuxedo Black

Dies:Spellbinders Classic Circles

Other:toothpicks,yellow streamer,Zig red marker,Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper

Adhesive:Scor-Tape 1/4"

Paper:October Afternoon Sidewalks,colored cardstock,Georgia Pacific white

~I Will Sing~

I created a card for ODBDSLC115:Tearing or Distressing.

 It's for my friend who has a beautiful voice~

you'll always hear her singing!

I praise God that He has given her a blessed voice to serve Him.

My voice isn't as blessed, LOL, but that's ok...that's why I make cards! ;)

I embossed the verse and the bird (on the background panel) with yellow.




I sponged a bit around the verse to make it visible.

I am also linking up to DYSU #80:Cool Colors.

Thank you for stopping by~it's always a pleasure! ;)

Stamp: ODBD You Will Find Refuge

Ink: Versamark,Ranger Tim Holtz Pine needles and broken china

Embossing powder:Whispers yellow

Papers:Georgia Pacific white base,Authentique Genuine and Fresh,Bazzill grey and sand

Other:Sewing,Tim Holtz distress tool

~ Red Recycled Coffee Jar ~

I keep coffee jars for projects like these~I can't bring myself to throw them away!

DYSU #79 Red

I love this humongous heart from Waltzingmouse Stamps (Nordic Spring).

I looped some embroidery thread behind the heart and attached a backing so there won't be a raw side to view through the jar.



The unique sentiment is from Papertrey Ink's In the Meadow.


I used Viva's Inka Gold to add a bit of shine to the obvious red cover, and


 attached some loopies around the circle too.


The loops took some time, but otherwise, it's a pretty quick project to package a gift.


Hope you are having a wonderful day, thanks for stopping in. ;)

Patterned Paper: (Carefree Collection) Authentique  Paper

 Clear Stamps: (Heart from Nordic Spring) Waltzingmouse Stamps, (Warm Winter Birthday Wishes from In the Meadow) Papertrey Ink   

Dye Ink: (Morrocco) Tsukineko   

Adhesive: (Double-Sided Adhesive Dots) Zva Creative, Stix2   

Die: Spellbinders Classic Circles   

Other: (Inka Gold) Viva, white embroidery floss,recycled coffee jar

~We Bought a Zoo~

DYSU #77:Inspired By a Movie

I just saw the movie "We Bought a Zoo" ....I highly recommend it!

Rarely will I watch a movie over and over...but I watched it again with my Mom and then my sister within two weeks (I wanted to be there when they watched it).

I cried everytime.

There are some intense emotional scenes (I wouldn't recommend it for kids under 10).

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge#103

My colors were chosen for

 The Play Date Cafe #137

I love the color splash challenges they host!!!

Thanks for stopping in today. ;)

Stamps:Waltzingmouse Chicken Wire and French Country

Paper:Georgia Pacific White

Ink:Memento Ink Tuxedo Black and Bahama Blue

Other:Martha Stewart Fringe Scissors,Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper,Copic black marker for edges

~Life~

I enjoyed combining a few challenges today.

This one is going out as soon as possible-so I kept it "mailable".

The following challenges were helpful:

DYSU Challenge Blog #73

Color Throwdown #193

Retro Sketches #12

Thank you for stopping by today~I appreciate it!

Stamps: BoBunny Alora bird,BoBunny Welcome Home sentiment,The Craft's Meow Owl Be Thinking of You hearts

Ink:Memento sweet plum and tangelo,Papertrey Ink true black

Paper:Bazzill,BoBunny Ambrosia,Georgia Pacific white

Other:Zig orange pen,Crop-A-Dile corner chomper,sewing machine

~Favorite Flourishes and Stripes~

Timeless Tuesday #165

Favorite Flourishes Set

Tiny Flowers and Tags has become a new favorite of mine.

I love to stamp the little images in windows and small spaces.

*Flourishes Tiny Flowers and Tags~Ranger Tim Holtz Distress ink peeled paint~Ranger Jenni Bowlin Spice Tin~Authentique Genuine~Georgia Pacific White~Spellbinders Postage Stamps dies*

DYSU #68: Stripes

My stripes are there...very subtle, but there. ;)

I am also linking this up to Word Art Wednesday#24.

There is a beautiful verse there for you to pick up.

I know BLOOM is one word, but it's one word that can lift one's spirits.

So many times, it was that ONE FRIEND whom God gave me on this journey who's words and actions told me to BLOOM.

I pray I be that encourager to those around me!

Bloom!

Be who God created you to be!

Don't be held back by weeds of deception and discouragement!

Will it be messy?

Sure!

Is it scary?

YOU BET!

But if you don't bloom, you'll wither and die.

BLOOMING sounds so much better, doesn't it?????  ;)

~No Winter Lasts Forever~

Apricot and turquoise-a lovely combination!

*Verve Beautiful You,Oak from Summer's End/Fancy Pants,Bazzill kraft cardstock,Spellbinders scalloped circles,Versamark ink,Recollections sapphire pearl embossing powder*

I got my inspiration from

Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger:A is for Apricot

I recycled my tissue from my recent Verve order and cut out layers of Spellbinders scalloped circles. I stitched down the "flower".


There's a bit of sparkle in it, just like the plate!



I love the sentiment.


A perfect centerpiece for

CAS-ual Friday CFC 43

I'm "going green" by recycling the wrapping from my stamps.


DYSU #62 Go Green






Thanks for stopping by.


Have a blessed week!

~A Butterfly~

I have such beautiful paper to work with since receiving the generous prize from Linda via Savannah (World Card Making Day Hop).

What a blessing!

I just had to cut out the butterfly from the K&Company SW Nature pad. 

 I touched it up with a Sakura Gelly Roll and "redid" the antennae with skinny strips that I quilled.

I paired it with the sentiment from Flourishes "He is Risen".

 

Some little leaves from Flourishes "Tiny Flowers and Tags" are stamped in a window I cut out.

 Supplies:Flourishes Tiny Flowers and Tags,Flourishes He is Risen,K&Company SW Nature pad,Sakura Gelly Roll,MS fringe scissors,Marth Stewart inks,Memento ink rich cocoa,Ranger Tim Holtz distress ink pine for edging,Georgia Pacific white cardstock

 Tammy is hosting Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #158.

The challenge is country comfort.

I am a city girl at heart, but have lived in the country now for almost 4 years.

When I think of the country, I think of INSECTS!

Butterflies are the prettiest. ;)  

I snuck in the leaves because we have a lot of those too.

 The Play Date Cafe PDCC121

I saw all these colors in the butterfly and paper!

 DYSU Challenge #61:Things With Wings.

Nothing else to share about this card except that I LOVE when I can bust out my fringe scissors. 

It was one of those "gadget" buys that I purchased before I was even a card maker. 

It sat on my shelf, unopened for 6 months or so-I didn't know where to apply it!

It always feels GREAT when I use it and fit it in somewhere.

Thank you for stopping by.

~5th Anniversary Day 4~

The party is still going on...fun fun fun!

Today Nichole Heady's challenge is to pick a color combo from one of the PTI designers.

I chose Maile Belles' colors

and used what I had.

One of my girlies saved her money for an I-Touch and just received it this week.

Not to sound like a dinosaur, but how far technology has come!

I kept her case graphic to make this card:

(Papertrey Ink Grunge Me,Papertrey Ink eyelet lace border die,Bazzill cardstock,MS ink,Memento ink and marker)

I am also entering this in DYSU #57 Anything Goes.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by. ;)

~Good Vibrations,Good Times~

Inspired By #8 has an inspirational photo that just took me way back to when life was simple (for me). ;)

 Electric Company, Sesame Street, Mister Rogers....

Television that had grown-ups and children having fun together.

Washed out colors.

Public television for children.

4 channels.

 (Unity You+Me=Bliss,K&C Company Citronella Clear sentiment,American Crafts AC cardstock,Zig pen for lines on DP,Piggy Tales DP,Scor-Pal for scoring,Ranger Tim Holtz Distress ink Tea Dye)

Inspired By #8

This totally speaks retro to me....the 70's.

DYSU Challenge #56 Ribbons

My ribbon is traveling too.

Card Patterns Sketch 150

Thank you for stopping in today.