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

~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

One More White on White

This project was quite a challenge to get a picture of....

another card for 

Papertrey Ink's December 2012 Blog Hop Challenge

I brought out my Hello Sunshine and Stampendous embossing enamel for this thank you card.

~Have a blessed day~

stamps: Papertrey Ink Hello Sunchine

embossing powder: Stampendous Aged Ivory Embossing Enamel

paper: Georgia Pacific White

ink: Versamark and Ranger Jenni Bowlin Weather Vane

Papertrey Ink December 2012 Blog Hop Baby Card

There's nothing purer than a newborn baby~

I created this white baby card for 

Papertrey Ink's December 2012 Blog Hop Challenge

Outside we have white on white EVERYWHERE....

so this challenge is definitely appropriate!

Enjoy the hop~

stamps and die: Papertrey Ink Bitty Baby Blessings 

embossing folder: Ellison Tim Holtz Rays embossing folder

ink: Ranger Jenni Bowlin Weather Vane

paper: Georgia Pacific White

 

~Winter Snow~

(7 minutes, 34 second card)
~Trace MFT solid skyline with a Uni-ball white pen; die cut Papertrey Ink's In the Meadow die; Stamp Sweet 'n Sassy's Seek Him Still sentiment in Versamark and emboss with powder~

Merry Christmas

CAS-ual Fridays CFC83:Dashing Through the Holidays

10 Minute Craft Dash #9

I found this beautiful video here.

This inspired my card.

to Chester

 

to Chester Martin McDeavitt.

the best guinea pig ever.

2010-Dec. 21,2012

~Patchwork Snowman~

Make it Monday #96 Patchwork Die-Cuts

is a fun technique.

Watch the video for Melissa's tips.

I've got leftover "snowman pieces" I hope to create with later...since 4


patterned snowmen were cut to create this card/gift.

That gel gift moves and grooves with the gadgety Papertrey Ink Movers and Shakers spinners die....

I was inspired by the soft blues and natural colors in the new

Tuesday Trigger:Sweet Dreams.
 

The delicate comforter and bench patterns were mimicked by the Acorn Hollow DP.


I used the "other side" of the fall image DP that offered lovely solid colors.

I'm submitting my non-traditional colored Christmas card to the

 Paper Crafts December 2012 Challenge

and Simon Says Merry Christmas.

Remember to take a DEEP BREATH and enjoy the last handful of days before Christmas now~

Stamps: Unity sentiment,Papertrey Ink Shape Up Snowman Accessories stamp set
Dies: Papertrey Ink Movers and Shakers Spinners Die Collection and Shape Up Snowman
Ink: Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores
 Other: Papertrey Ink Coasters,Papertrey Ink Soft Stone cardstock, Little Yellow Bicycle Acorn Hollow DP

~Dancer Ornaments~

We are getting down to the wire, aren't we???

I want to share a couple of ornaments I've made for my girlies' dance instructors.

 They were both made with the chipboard technique that Erin introduced here.

I love the red and white scene at

Inspired By #54.

It inspired me to keep the design simple and "red" oriented.

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #200

 Deck the Tree Trimmings

Word Art Wednesday#58
~God will take care of you~

Simon Says Stamp and Show: Gift-spiration

Christmas at Sweet Stampin' Challenge 1:Anything Goes

I would write more, but my brain is mush at the moment.

I always appreciate visitors~thanks for stopping by friends!!!

You always bless me when you take the time to visit~

supplies: Memory Box Lady Dancing die, Carta Bella Beautiful Moments Cherish DP,Sizzix Hello Kitty frame die (I believe it's retired), Scor-Tape,Tombow glue,Papertrey Ink stone cardstock,Bazzill red cardstock,Xyron sticker maker

~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

PARTY IN MY HEART

AFTER YOU LISTEN TO HIS VIDEO...you're going to want to



 VOTE FOR CHRIS

****story here****






~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Word Art Wednesday#58
~God will take care of you~



 If there is one thing my family has had practice with,



it's saying good bye and starting fresh.



Military life stretches those muscles for sure!



However,



 I AM BLESSED!



Blessed with smaller moments that have taught me many lessons.

Through my dear friends I have learned...

to be loving toward my husband (L friend)...

the power of God through prayer (V friend)....

that the JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH (J friend)...

to be strong...to try it and step forward in faith...to have fun!!! (S family)

to create and give...to laugh at myself...not to take myself SO SERIOUSLY that I get discouraged (S friend)

to be faithful and seek Him...to read my Bible...to connect with others (C family)

to go to Jesus in the first place...to accept Him in my life and ask Him for forgiveness (D friend)

ALL, ALL ALL are precious to me and there are more more more...

I've learned to be REAL (another L friend)


and to love until it hurts (B family).

See what I mean?


I may have had to say goodbye in the flesh to these awesome friends and families...but in the spirit...



my mind and heart are filled with memories and laughter...and love for the friends God has given me, is giving me and will give me.



There is a party in my heart...with room for all the friends that



 represent snippets of HIM and what He wants me to learn.



God takes care of me and He will take care of you...no matter where you go or who you are with.





Stampendous CAS Christmas Cards




stamps: Stampendous Cling Life Path
paper: Bazzill and Georgia Pacific white
embossing folder: Sizzix Texture Fades Retro Cirque Set
other: Crop-a-Dile corner chomper,Memento ink Lilac Posies,piercing tool, twine,Spellbinders classic circles

for Sebastian

My card today is for Sebastian and I'm linking it up to the fabulous hop that Amy has arranged.

You can read more about Sebastian on Ginger's Blog.

He sounds like a cool little guy who deserves cool ink.

The coolest ink I have is neon orange!!!

I'm sure he'll be encouraged by the sweet cards that everyone has been creating and sending~

Thank you Amy for letting us in on this!

Chris K Needs Your Vote!!!

Would 



you please 



vote at Dr. Pepper

 for this young man, Chris K.




It's for a scholarship and he needs your vote!

He's a Godly young man who will do great things!!!!




THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU IN ADVANCE MY FRIENDS!!!!

~Neon Snowflake~

 Still gloomy here...but get your eyeballs ready....

 

 Keen On Neon Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

 I popped that snowflake out from a notepad that a store owner generously hands out~

I believe this card will suit her perfectly!

 I should make another for my hairdresser too...it would brighten her desk and everything around it, LOL~

other challenges:

 Simon Says: Snowflakes

Crafty Friends Challenge #12-CAS Card

Word Art Wednesday: Giving/Anything Goes

stamps: Hero Arts Glow Girl, Hero Arts/Basic Grey Borders

inks: Memento ink tuxedo black,Hero Arts Neon Pink

paper:Georgia pacific white,neon pink notepad paper

die: Sizzix Kites Framelits

other: Martha Stewart snowflake punch,Crop-a-Dile corner chomper

 

Sunny Day Birthday

It's gloomy here today...so how about a bright color???

 

I love that the Crafty Friends are hosting a CAS challenge.

Crafty Friends CFC#12:CAS card

These colors are bold and fun....for those that love orange~

Runway Inspired Challenge #25

Word Art Wednesday: Giving/Anything Goes

the crafters there will inspire your heart for sure~



Now don't panic...but you know that tomorrow takes us to the

2 WEEK MARK...right?


I am just enjoying each and every day I'm blessed to be here...we only really have today, right?



Have a good one...



stamps: Verve Happy Days
dies: Sizzix Kites Framelits
ink: Memento ink tuxedo black
paper: Bazzill orange and silver, American Crafts tan,Heidi Swapp Sugar Chic
other: Fiskars crimper

~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

Upside Down Clouds and an Orange House

I don't buy embellishments often...

but these layered chipboard elements were too cute to pass up.

Simon Says Stamp and Show House Rules

Crafty Friends Challenge #12-CAS Card



Check out the newest

Runway Inspired Challenge #25

Wowzers!


Orange dress=Orange house.


I've learned to love orange since that's my husband's favorite color.


I hope to create another for the RIC!



stamps: Kaisercraft Fine & Sunny Clear Stamp,Hero Arts Thoughtful Messages
other: Kaisercraft Fine & Sunny Printed Chipboard Layered,Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Papertrey Ink True Black ink

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

~Neon Tag~

 I'm from the 80's.

 I remember neon and my eyes had their booster shots.

Now you go get yours...

 

Keen On Neon Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

will make your eyes pop!!!

Cath is not kidding you...neon is IN RIGHT NOW....

just step into your nearest Justice store 

and set your eyes on this baby.

 

 Ok.

you can rub your eyes now.

LOL.

I got a great deal on it and my girlie LOVES IT.

So,

she glows

and so does everyone in her midst!  hee hee

As for the challenge and lovely inspiration at the MOXIE...

I was inspired by the brown baby shoes with neon caps.

I think brown takes neon to a whole new "now" and doable level,

where you don't have to get a headache.

See?

Not too blinding. ;)

I dabbed the "cap" of this tag in Versamark and embossed with a bright pink powder.

I did the same with the snowflake

and the

little circle frame...the hardest thing was to

 keep that on the paper when I used the heat gun.

I am also participating in 

Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Anything Goes

&

 

CAS-ual Fridays CFC80

I don't make as many tags as I should....but with this challenge..I might just 

create more!

Have a blessed day~thanks for stopping in.

Stamp: Unity sentiment

Dies: Sizzix tag and Sizzlet snowflakes from a long time ago

Paper: Bazzill

Ink: Versamark,white and pink embossing powders by Recollections

Other: Darice twine,Tombow glue,two circle punches