Gutsy Lady

Told you I was chugging away at that Melody Ross set-I wanna make Mrs. G proud!!!

I spritzed some Dylusion on there for a bit of play~

The Play Date Cafe: PDCC #172

Let's Be Friends

Those bright colors are speaking to me loud and clear!



Have a great day~

 

 die: WPlus9 Written on Ribbon,Spellbinders Wonky Rectangle

 paper and sticker: Melody Ross Soul Food Collection

Georgia Pacific white cardbase,American Crafts Sketchbook

other: Dylusions Ink Sprays Vibrant Turquoise

~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

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

Baby Sketch

I've really enjoyed the Papertrey Ink festivities...this time it's a sketch.

Papertrey Ink Sketch

I love this simple layout...there are so many possibilities~

There are other sketches to choose from...I hope you have time to participate!

stamps: Papertrey Ink Hello Sunshine and Bitty Baby Blessings

 ink: Memento inks (Pear Tart,True Black,Teal Zeal)

 dies:Spellbinders Classic Circle

paper:Georgia Pacific white cardstock

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

Old Timey Love

I want NEW ideas, NEW hopes and dreams, NEW strength and joy.


But, I want OLD timey love forever....


it's the best kind...that stands the test of time.

I was smitten with this old timey cut and used it for my favorite guy in the whole wide world. ;)

I stamped florals from Hydrangea and tiny sentiments from Tiny Flowers and Tags around a Spellbinders die cut for the background.

I was inspired by

Flourishes Love Letters Challenge


to make the MOST IMPORTANT VALENTINE CARD on my list. ;)

stamps: Flourishes Hydrandea,Tiny Flowers and Tags
dies: (Jamie's Couple on a Vintage Bicycle) Silhouette Cameo,(Spellbinders Label 25),(Tipsy Heart) Sizzix
paper: Georgia Pacific white cardstock,white printer paper,American Crafts black
ink: Memento Tangelo,Papertrey Ink True Black,Tim Holtz Spiced Marmalade

~Happy New Year~

I woke up yesterday morning in a PANIC~

it was the last day of 2012.

WHAT have I done that was important???

What NEEDS to be done next year???

This is BIG....am I ready to transition???

Then, I took a DEEP BREATH and was reminded....

it's ONE MORE DAY....

~~~~ to tell Jesus I love him

~~~~ to tell my husband I love him

~~~~to hug my girlies...they KNOW I love them...but I'll tell them BECAUSE I CAN


~~~~to call my parents and ring my grandma's cowbell through the phone,   land and ocean that divide us
(I have been bestowed the honor of keeping the precious bell~I know that everyone who was around her can hear it in clanging in their memories of happy times when she was around)

~~~~~to laugh until my sides hurt ...

Lately I've been IN PAIN with giggles...totally gifts from God when silly silly things happen and there is someone RIGHT THERE to share the memories with...better yet...3 girlies who mean the world to me....

~~~~to pray....

for those who can't

for those who won't

and for those who don't know how.

Let's not freak out with over-preparing on the FIRST day of this fresh New Year...


 I want to celebrate the ordinary day.

EACH ordinary day can be wonderful

...leading up to a wonderful week


....a wonderful month



...and eventually,



another wonderful year.

 The following challenges inspired me:

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #60:Faith/Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp and Show:The totally mad (no rules) tea party

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday#202

I chose this card from challenge #196.

The theme was to make a card that makes you feel happy.



We are blessed that happiness doesn't have to fall on just the special days...

it's possible in the ordinary days too! 

 

 

 

 Here is to your NEW year and my NEW year!!!

~May the Lord bless us and keep us and fill us with His joy~

 

 

stamps: Technique Tuesday Ali Edwards Ordinary Days,Flourishes Hydrangea

ink: Memento Ink Teal Zeal,Ranger Tim Holtz Peeled Paint

die: Spellbinders Label 25

other: Ellison Tim Holtz Rays embossing folder,Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Bazzill blue dot cardstock,Little Yellow Bicycle Acorn Hollow DP,Want2Scrap bling,white uniball pen,staple

 

~Fly High~

There is whiteness ALL AROUND my corner of the world today...gorgeous puffs of snow.


I'm sure it sunk into my consciousness while I created this card.

The inspiration challenge at

Fresh Squeezed Stamps:Squeeze-A-Palooza #3

has three scenes to choose from and I picked this neutral beauty~

There's a sweet free digi there to download if you don't have their stamps to work with.


I didn't have "just the right" soft brown to use within the color scheme.


 I improvised by inking up the lovely feathers with Memento's Rich Cocoa and stamping on a scrap piece of paper before the panel.


I stamped a third time for the shadow effect on the larger feathers.



You know what I love about snow?



It's pure,clean and fresh.


Also, it's kind of funny.


It transforms the landscape into one giant playground.


I couldn't keep from smiling as I walked to the mailbox yesterday...puffs of snow kept flying from my boots.


It was like walking on cotton balls or wading through a ball pit (the fun foamy ones).



I might just take the plunge and sled through this stuff~wish me luck!



PS: If you help Fresh Squeezed Stamps get their 40 gallery uploads at Splitcoaststampers using the keyword FreshSqueezedStamps,
they will pick a random winner. Info here



This was also submitted to

Simon Says Stamp: Anything Goes





stamps: Fresh Squeezed Stamps Tickle My Fancy
ink: Memento Rich cocoa (off stamped for a lighter effect)
dies: Our Daily Bread Designs Chickadee die,Spellbinders Wonky Rectangles
paper: Georgia Pacific White cardstock

~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

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

~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

~Leany Tree~

Here's another for Retro Sketches...

I remember almost 12 years ago....I was big big pregnant with my littlest girlie, and our Christmas tree fell


3 TIMES IN A ROW...


decorations and all.


There was water all over the carpet...it was a disaster and I was bawling my eyes out.

Now, the older girlies and I reminisce about how funny it was...


with me, big as a HOUSE (with one more month to go)...struggling with straightening a tall, decorated tree all by my lonesome.


(Hubby was at work and couldn't save me. The kiddos were only about 3 feet high or so-just munchkins...they couldn't really help either-all they did was point tearfully at the wee head of a mousy ornament that broke off.


they. were. horrified of his demise).






At the time it was chaotic and...


not so funny!



Now, it's one of our favorite "when things go terribly wrong" stories to retell....



This sketch here at

Retro Sketches #38

is the perfect platform to highlight this fun tree from Verve.



Paper piecing it made it doable to tilt it just a wee bit for character.



May your Christmas tree stand tall this year....




If it should fall...



may you stash it in your fond memories for years to come!!!



stamps: Verve Winter Tree Plain Jane,sentiment from Waltzingmouse Teeny Trees
ink: Papertrey Ink True Black,Memento Rich Cocoa
dies: Spellbinders Deckled Rectangle Die,My Favorite Things Die-namics Sentiment Strips,Verve rounded rectangle
paper: Georgia Pacific white,Authentique Fresh,Lively and Journey
other: gold pen,stapler

~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

~The Whites of Their Eyes~

I heard that someone I know was run over by a Moped-

a hit and run.

He's hurting mighty bad right now.

ROUND UP THE POSSE 

 

 

 

seems to be in order.

I hope he'll like this.

 "The Whites of Their Eyes" came to mind as I was folding the bigger scalloped circle.

It took a lot to rough it up...I had to bend and tear until I saw the whites.

The whites of them eYeS....

that is.

LOL

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #122

Y'all take care and watch yourselves, now, ya hear?

stamp: Waltzingmouse Back in the Saddle

ink: Ranger Jenni Bowlin Weather Vane and Spice Tin,Ranger Tim Holtz Mustard Seed

paper: BoBunny Weekend Market, Authentique Genuine,Georgia Pacific White

punch: MS double link trim

die: Spellbinders Scalloped Circle

other: Tim Holtz Distress Tool,Scor-Tape, Xyron sticker maker, Tombow glue

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

~Last Card for Papertrey October Blog Hop~

This was the day to invest my time in creating Christmas cards!

So here is my last for Papertrey Ink's October Blog Hop.

Papertrey Ink's Blog Hop

I am also entering this in the

Journaling Cards Challenge in the Moxie Fab World and

 Make It Monday #88

(positive and negative die cuts)

Have a wonderful evening~thanks for dropping by!

stamps: Papertrey Ink In the Meadow
ink: Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores and Aqua Mint,Staz On black,Memento Rose Bud
paper: My Mind's Eye Six By Six Everyday Flair,Georgia Pacific white
other: Pink Paislee (Daily Junque Ephemera Pack) journaling card
 dies: Papertrey Ink In the Meadow,Spellbinders classic circles

~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