Work It Wednesday

Oh how we crave sunshine....





and color....even the littlest bit!!!

Simon Says Stamp

Something new...this embossing folder is new to me~I've never used it. In fact, I honestly don't remember how it ended up in my stash~that scares me crafty people!!!!


Do I sleep shop????


Do I~ you think????


Yikes.


Simon Says Anything Goes with Twine or String


Yes, just a few wraps of twine brightens the card further.


I AM GRATEFUL, though, for temps above zero.


Yes, that is almost balmy around these parts!


Have a blessed day friends~



stamp: Hero Arts Thoughtful Messages
other: Tim Holtz Sizzix Patchwork Texture Fades embossing folder,Ranger Super Fine Black Detail Embossing powder,Hemptique twine,Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper
dies: Ellison Tipsy Heart,Michelle Renee More Artisan Labels
ink: Versamark,Tim Holtz (Black Soot,Frayed Burlap)
paper: Carta Bella Hello Again,Susiebee Studios Bouquet

Oh Hello Love

One more for CAS-ual Fridays CFC126

I love the ready-to cut sections from Studio Calico's Snippets....you don't need much but a steady hand and a great trimmer~which managed not to trim off a finger~ HA!

paper: Studio Calico Snippets

other:Want2Scrap bling

NEVER BE AFRAID

NEVER be afraid....

Amen?!!!

ODBDSLC188 Pink, Red & White Only Color Challenge

This went faster than I expected...the leaf was already cut from the red panel~which is Christmas paper.

No one knows that but you and me~ 

~wink~

stamp: Our Daily Bread Designs As You Graduate

die: Sweet 'n Sassy Season of Change

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

other: Want2Scrap bling,Stampendous Blushing Pink embossing powder

ink: Versamark

Thank You Q Colors

One more thank you for my stash....

I love the rich colors here at

ColourQ Challenge #225

Hope you started your week with some stamping fun too!

dies: WPlus9 Written on Ribbon,Papertrey Ink Beautiful Beads

stamp: WPlus9 Written on Ribbon,Papertrey Ink The Sweet Life

ink: Hero Arts (Cup 'O Joe,Soft Olive),Papertrey Ink True Black

Color Blocked Leaf

Color blocking has grown on me~

I was excited to see CAS-ual Fridays host a challenge highlighting it.

CAS-ual Fridays:CFC126

I used some post-it notes to block off the die cut leaf and applied Tim Holtz Distress Inks directly to the panel.

Talk about RICH color with Salty Ocean and Picked Raspberry!!!

I'm a big fan of leaves and don't want to wait for fall creations~

hope you like my take!

Thanks for stopping by friends~

stamp: Verve Words of Wisdom

die: Lifestyle Crafts Maple Leaves

ink: Tim Holtz Distress inks Picked Raspberry,Salty Ocean.Mowed Lawn,Mustard Seed,Papertrey Ink Raspberry Fizz

other:Want2Scrap bling

A is for Amanda!!!

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: A is for...

 AMANDA!!!!

It's your birthday my girlie...and I can't believe you're a teenager for reals now Ms. 13 year old.

How does that even happen????

I blinked, that's what happened baby girl....

sigh.

I'll try not to do it again!!!!

Here's a waterfall card for my "waterfalls of caramel"...LOL...who used to have long curls of hair just like that!


I watched a tutorial and everything to do this....

Friday Feature and Challenge:Birthday

You're cool, SO KIND and berry sweet~


it's a NEW year for you hon...


Timeless Tuesday #255~In With the New



My brand new 13 year old will be just as awesome as my 12 year old was....probably even more awesome. ;)


SAVOR EACH DAY of this year girlie and don't grow up too fast...just 'cause you have older sisters to lead the way....


 be a 13 year old as long as you can so mommy can catch up...




stamps: Flourishes (Numbers in Blossom,Tiny Flowers and Tags),Papertrey Ink Friendship Jar Summer Fillers,bits and pieces from Mama Elephant (Cup Of Wishes smile under cool and heart),Technique Tuesday (Incredible "cool"),Hero Arts (So Kind "so kind")
die: a2 Lori Whitlock Waterfall Card Silhouette Cameo
paper:BoBunny Zip-A-Dee-Doodle,Bazzill yellow,Georgia Pacific white

A Better Place

Some people beautifully color this world, don't they????

I know the world can hand out a beating at times...but sometimes God steps in and places angels on earth.....

I used this technique from Make It Monday #148:Generation Stamping with Line Images

to get a soft, blurry effect with the images.

I mimicked the gentle pastels and pops of rainbow in this gorgeous spring dress~


thank you for stopping in and softening my world friends!!!



 stamps: Papertrey Ink (Year of the Flowers:Roses,Holiday Photo Finishers flourish,Teach & Inspire pencil)
ink: Papertrey Ink (Hibiscus Burst,Raspberry Fizz,Autumn Rose,Hawaiian Shores,Enchanted Evening,New Leaf),Memento Ink Pear Tart
paper: Georgia Pacific White,Carta Bella Hello Again,Studio Calico Snippets

What's Up and Obsessing Over Giraffes

I believe my mom still loves giraffes...

I've wanted to make her a giraffe card for TWO YEARS now...


and I've obsessed over the PERFECT giraffe stamp to own...until the one I finally settled on changed company hands and the design disappeared before I could buy it.


Fast forward to now and I'm thankful for my Silhouette Cameo.


I found this cute,tall guy and added the punny "up" sentiment for

Simon Says:Let's Have a Laugh

WHEW! I sure hope she still loves giraffes...LOL

paper: DCWV naturals stack,Bazzill,Georgia Pacific White,Fancy Pants Filter Paper
dies: My Favorite Things Sentiment Strips,Giraffe by Silhouette Cameo
other: Tim Holtz distress tool
stamps: The Craft's Meow Let's Face It,Sweet 'n Sassy Precious Poppies

Passion Changes Everything

I have to be passionate~

it affects the way I craft and learn~

If I'm not feeling it...it isn't happening!

I mean, something might get created...but it won't be the same.

Simon Monday Challenge:Anything Goes



I don't feel that way about my "usual stuff"...cooking,cleaning, chauffeuring...


those need to get done no matter how I feel about it.

 

 

I'll try my best, but I don't think passion is the word I would use to describe how I feel during my "have to" work. ;) 

 

 

I'm more passionate about the people I am doing them for...I guess that counts!

stamp: Unity Passion Changes Everything Donna Downey

die:  Lori Whitlock Bird on Branch (Silhouette Cameo)

paper: BoBunny Zip-A-Dee-Doodle,Echo Park Reflections Lori Whitlock

other: Recollections embossing powders (Sapphire Pearl,Glacier Opaque)

ink: Versamark,Memento Bahama Blue 

Cherish This Moment

A MAGICAL moment happened on this card that I believe only you crafty

 people would appreciate....

See that wood veneer frame?

It fit the focal point of the patterned paper PERFECTLY.

I mean like peas and carrots people!

I tried to explain to my girlies how special it was....

ummm, they don't get it. ;)

I think you can grasp the amazingness of this right????

Sweet 'n Sassy January 2014 Release Challenge #2 Hearts

SNSJAN2014RC2

stamp: Unity Wishing You Joy (Itty Bitty)

die: spare hearts from a Silhouette Cameo design (scraps)

paper: Echo Park Reflections Lori Whitlock

other: Studio Calico Take Note wood veneer frames,Our Craft Lounge Sparkly Fluff (store closed),Fiskars Deckle blade

Your Part In My Journey

My high school senior quote BACK IN THE DAY

was 

"I can only know that much of myself, which I have had the courage to confide in with you" ~author unknown

I find this still to be true.

ColourQ Challenge #223

Thank you for your listening ears and eyes, crafty friends.

 

Your visits and comments have encouraged and blessed me,

as I share things "out loud" here on the blog.

~You have been so kind and supportive~

stamps: Verve Borderline,Unity Your Part My Journey,Hero Arts Best of the Best

ink: Memento (Rhubarb Stalk,Morocco,Pistachio,Gray Flannel)

die:Papertrey Ink Rosie Posie (sprayed with Krylon Citrus Dream Glitter Blast glitter)

other:Fiskars deckle blade

WE CLICK

There's something magical about the way friendships start.



Some conversations are just that...conversations.



There are others, however, that just click...



and grow to become life long friendships...

ME Challenge January 2014

I've been blessed with many, many special friendships over the years...and I still marvel at how they began.



Like a great outfit that comes together with accessories and shoes....LOL...


I appreciate that magical moment when the individuals involved just CLICK! ;)



stamps: Mama Elephant (Cup of Wishes) (We Click) (Trifecta)
dies: American Crafts Grid Tag (Silhouette Cameo)
ink: Papertrey Inks (Autumn Rose,Hibiscus Burst,Raspberry Fizz),Versamark
other: Ranger Super Fine Detail black embossing powder,Studio Calico wood embellishment

Military "Brats" Are Anything But

Military brats aren't really brats.



They are actually pretty awesome.



Of course, I'm biased...raising three of my own~plus my mother and her sisters belonged to the same club.


On that note...



when I saw CASology Week 77 Challenge

I wanted to bring out this bubble blowing girl again.


The "color with camo" idea seems to be my latest theme....

Military kids ARE different...but that can be a good thing.


They have lots of cool experiences and perspectives to share with the corner of the world they settle in.


There are other kids who also move around a lot and share the same vein~missionary kids...sales/marketing kids....I bet even witness protection kids.



I have mentioned before and I'll mention again this book
 (clinical but informative and healing).

It was a big answer when I was praying for guidance in raising our kids normally in a "settling in" type of town vs a military one.


I remember crying out to God about how "different" and weird we all felt since retiring and He practically threw this in my lap!


I soaked it up and it encouraged me on this journey~


One day those nomad kids will grow up and may struggle with explaining where "home" is ....or may trip up over who they are and where they belong.



That's ok.


I think we all struggle with that.


However, most are not usually called brats.



I think brats can call each other brats...because they get the inner joke that it's pretty tough living that sort of life.


The good news is that they are a culture all their own...


which means they are NOT ALONE.





die: Jamie Koay Girl Blowing Bubble (Silhouette Cameo) filled with Digital Pink Ink Hunting print (Silhouette Cameo)
stamp: Hero Arts Glow Girl
inks: Memento Pistachio,Hero Arts Cup 'O Joe,Papertrey Ink True Black
paper: Georgia Pacific White

Speak the Truth

Speaking the truth isn't the easiest thing to do~

and hearing it can be just as painful! LOL


Know what I mean? ;)

I added a heart....because lovingly spoken helps~especially coming from someone who you know loves you~

Smitten:January Diva Dare

Sweet 'n Sassy January Release Challenge

Encouragement

SNSJAN2014RC1

This is to encourage someone who is learning to speak up for herself...

(as long as it isn't directed to me! LOL...just kidding...but not really...)


You know who you are friend. ;)

stamp: Verve Words of Wisdom

dies: Papertrey Ink Bubble Talk and Mighty oak dies,Echo Park Houses (Silhouette Cameo)

other: Sakura Souffle orange pen,Versamark ink,Recollections Glacier embossing powder,Martha Stewart fringe scissors

paper: Georgia Pacific white,Bazzill,Studio Calico Snippets

hey and small letters

i love this hey in small letters

it's cool.


like my kids.


whatever. ;)


check out this cool, cas design.

CAS(E) this Sketch #59

it's cool too.


like, whatever.


;)



CAS-ual Fridays: CFC125

i want to be a "hey" kind of gal....like, hey...good to see ya


and hey...i'm not obsessive and all CAPITAL LETTERS LIKE....


and hey...


whatever.


;)

dies: American Crafts Grid Tag & Karla Dudley hello hey hi (Silhouette Cameo)

GO CONFIDENTLY

This was a sketch I could do....

Mojo Monday 327 Contest

Smitten:January Diva Dare

~use hearts~

Thanks for stopping by friends...it encourages me so! ;)

stamp: Verve Words of Wisdom,Unity All About Balance

dies: (Decorative Tabs by Loni Stevens) Silhouette Cameo,Our Daily Bread Designs bookmark die,Papertrey Ink (Bubble Talk and Mighty Oak)

ink: Memento Peanut Brittle,Hero Arts Cup 'O Joe

paper: Bazzill,Georgia Pacific white,Echo Park Reflections

Like He Deploys Tomorrow

This Unity sentiment melted my heart the moment I laid eyes on it...

Unity Friends With Flair

My husband has been retired for five years now...after serving 22 years.


Suffice it to say I know a thing or two about deployments and the toll it takes on a family.


I also remember that petty things stay on a shelf, because they really DON'T MATTER.

It doesn't hurt to live each day with that memory of him bravely heading toward a hostile environment with


NOT. ONE. COMPLAINT.


sigh.


He really was


and WILL ALWAYS BE~


my biggest hero.

ODBDSLC185 2-0-1-4 Recipe Challenge

2-die cuts

0-ribbon

1-sentiment

4-staples

This stamp from ODBD sucked the air out of me the moment I laid eyes on it too.

It took me to a memory about 10 1/2 years ago...when my husband spared me the "big goodbye" on his way to a war that had just begun.


He wouldn't let me drive him,


because he wanted me to stay home with the girlies (6,4,2).


He knew it would be long and drawn out...and we were already crying.


I can still see him walking away with all his gear on his back~


I wasn't sure I would see him again.


There aren't many words for a moment like that.

dies: Spellbinders Wonky Rectangles, Jamie Koay Victorian Couple Dancing (Silhouette Cameo)...I filled the design with a camouflaged print and offset

stamps: Unity Live Each Day,Our Daily Bread Designs Not Forgotten

ink: Versamark

other: Ranger Super Fine Detail black embossing powder,staples

Always Blooming

Always blooming...that's the name of the stamp set.

LOVE the title.

The image and sentiments back it up.

I stamped a small splat from the TCM office set in the center of each flower and embossed with copper.

Black and white paired with copper smatterings are what I pulled from this photo.

Inspired By #102

May we ALWAYS bloom...regardless the size or vibrance!

stamps: Flourishes Always Blooming, TCM/The Craft's Meow (store closed) Welcome to the Office,Waltzingmouse Paris Nouveau border

ink: Versamark,Papertrey Ink True Black,VersaMagic Cloud White,Tim Holtz Black Soot

other: Copic gray,Ranger Super Fine Detail black embossing powder,Whispers Copper embossing powder,Tim Holtz distress tool

dies: Spellbinders scalloped circles,My Favorite Things sentiment strips

paper:DCWV naturals stack,kraft,Bazzill brown,Georgia Pacific white cardstock

hello gorgeous

Hello gorgeous!

Yes, you! ;)

I love, love, love this typewriter....it makes me smile and I've been looking for inspiration to print it up and use it.

Check out this sketch that stuck in my brain long enough to materialize...

retrosketches #96

Word Art Wednesday #114 Anything Goes

Have a blessed day gorgeous!!! ;)

die: Glitz Design Typewriter (Silhouette Cameo)

paper: Echo Park Style Essentials,Prima Instrospection,Carta Bella Hello Again,Kraft

other: Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper,Want2Scrap bling,American Crafts satin ribbon

Blog Worthy...

The sentiment that came with these Cameo labels

CRACKS ME UP!!!

If I lacked complete self-control...oh the stories you would hear...

But,I CONDENSE what I want to blurt out...because when something makes me happy or cracks me up....

I BURST at the seams, seriously!

But, I know your time is precious, so I take up "word room" here when I truly feel led to.

I am not a pastel gal...but the colors from this challenge got me inspired and crafty~

Color Throwdown #274

CAS-ual Fridays: CFC125

Be BLISSFUL for another year whenever possible???

YESSSSSS, PLEASSSSSSE!

Trust me, you'll hear about it on this blog! ;)

dies: Silhouette Cameo (Jillibean Soup-Funny Sayings Soup Labels)(American Crafts-Dear Lizzy Blissful Bicycle),Papertrey Ink Photo Finish Strips Die

paper: Carta Bella Hello Again,Georgia Pacific white

other: Studio Calico wood piece,satin ribbon

MAKE A SPLASH

Another goal of mine this year is to make some splashes~

spiritually, creatively, or what have you. ;)

May it be big enough to be used~

without me losing God's direction or grounding.

CAS-ual Fridays: CFC125

 I love the blues in

Color Throwdown #273

~I'm barely linking this up in time~

dies: (Splash by American Crafts)(Decorative Tabs by Loni Stevens) Silhouette Cameo

paper: Bazzill,Authentique Journey

stamps: Verve Strong Anchor

Your Heart

Create in me a clean heart, O God...

Psalm 51:10

I love that the challenges are starting up again~such fresh, new chances to create!

Inspired By #101

My lines are stacked like the blankets.

Also, check out the poms on the fringes of the blanket...I dotted the city die with my SSS Circle Border die for the textured look.

Today is COLD COLD COLD in my neck of the woods...these blankets are SO APPEALING right now!!!

I pray you stay warm friends~

dies: Simon Says Stamp Circle Border Die,My Favorite Things Solid Skyline,Sizzix Tipsy Heart

paper: DCWV Chickadee,Kraft,Georgia Pacific White

other: Teresa Collins Tell Your Story Sticker,Xyron Sticker Maker

New Baby

You're lucky the sun went down last night...because I would have overposted.




Here is a pregnancy/new baby card~

There is a row of Verve hearts for

Smitten:January Diva Dare.

I based this card off of a sketch but missed the link up...

Retrosketches #95

I am also submitting this to


Simon Says ...Something New (New Baby)



Here is another I did with similar colors....

ODBDSLC184:Anything Goes With ODBD


 (I used ODBD You Will Find Refuge sentiment)


I'm glad I took the time to "play" in the craft room while I was feeling it...now I'm feeling a nap, LOL.



Have a blessed day friends!



CARD 1


stamps: Verve Borderline,The Crafts Meow (store closed) Welcome to the Office (" Welcome"),Papertrey Ink Bitty Baby Blessings (stroller),Sweet 'n Sassy Vintage Baby (booties),Ordinary Days (dot and "life")
ink: Hero Arts soft olive,Memento Ink Pistachio,Papertrey Ink (Hibiscus Burst,Raspberry Fizz)
dies: My Favorite Things sentiment strips,Pregnant Silhouettes Sarah Bailey Silhouette Cameo,Papetrey Ink Eyelet Lace


CARD 2

stamps: ODBD You Will Find Refuge, The Crafts Meow (store closed) Welcome to the Office ("Hold it...),Sweet 'n Sassy Precious Poppies
die: Papertrey Ink Mighty Oak
other: Melody Ross Soul Food Collection bird
ink: Hero Arts soft olive,Memento Ink Pistachio,Papertrey Ink Hibiscus Burst

Life and Everyday Moments

Goodness I'm having a fun time creating lately...

I'm encouraged, even though we are getting back to the grind soon.

It's what most of our days are filled with, though, right?

Check out the gorgeous color at

Runway Inspired Challenge RIC#50

I saw citrus glitter spray at the store and thought of this outfit~

see how these challenges ENABLE at times? LOL

I figured, if it's a hot color...might as well have it on hand!

I used it to spray this unusual-shaped wooden frame~I think it looks like a flower now...esp. since it has some color.

Ok, the sun has gone down, so it's too late to take pictures in case I'm up all night inspired, LOL.

stamp: Sweet 'n Sassy Keep In Touch frame,Technique Tuesday Ordinary Days,Papertrey Ink Rosie Posie

other: Krylon Citrus Dream Glitter Blast glitter spray,sequins

ink: Hero Arts Soft Olive,Memento Pear Tart,Papertrey Ink True Black