Thursday, December 26, 2013

My Christmas Mantle

So Christmas is over, but I have a few things I'd like to share today.  The Design Team at Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps were asked to do a holiday post that could be about anything, so I decided to share my little "Christmas Mantle" and the story behind it:



We have a cat who thinks he's still a kitten (he's about a year and a half old), and he loves to climb trees and hang out in them, so I knew a Christmas tree was out of the question this year.  My friend Linda knew I was bummed about it, so she gave me this gorgeous garland to decorate with instead and I think it came out lovely!  I basically used my favorite ornaments and Christmasy things to decorate - that picture hanging up is actually a limited edition print of Independence Day at Goodale Park in 1965 in my town - Goodale Park is literally a stone's throw from my house, so it's cool that I have this picture hanging up (Jeremy's dad gave it to us).

But the most important part of my Christmas mantle is this guy:


This little guy was given to me by my buddy Meg the Christmas before she died (saying that still makes me feel like someone punched me in the stomach), that's a pic of her hanging off of his cute little antler.  This reindeer is my all-time most important Christmas decoration and always will be.  If you want to read about Meg, you can do it here but be warned, you might want to get some tissues.

I will forever be grateful to Meg for being a part of my life, and for introducing me to her mom Teresa, who has become a lifelong friend to me.  Cancer sucks, but it never wins.  We get to keep our memories and feel our loved ones spirits with us forever.  Merry Christmas.  Peace.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Wicked Wednesday & JSL Reminders

Good morning!  I went to a Christmas party last night with a group of people I've been friends with since I was a kid, and we had a great time.  Here's a pic:
 Kerrilynn, Amy, Gina, me, and Michelle (my sis).  :)  There's nothing like old friends, I love these girls so much!
.......................................................
So we have a reminder post for you today at:


I'd like to enter this ATC into the following challenges:

Stampin' for the Weekend: Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp: Bling it On/Time to Party

Our sponsor is Aurora Wings and my image is called Masquerade Owl Mask, I colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits and used lots of Stickles.  The background was done with alcohol inks and sprays, and I outlined the edge with Glitz Stickles in Mermaid.

We also have a reminder post at:


I'd like to enter the above card into the following challenges:
 

Come see what the rest of the DT did and play along with us - don't forget to use an image from Just Some Lines (there's a freebie for you at the original post).  Peace.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Dilly Beans: Christmas or Winter

Hello there - we will be moving to bi-weekly challenges at Dilly Beans moving forward, starting with today's new challenge theme of:


 So you've got 2 weeks to play along - don't forget to use a Dilly Beans image.  Have a great weekend!  Peace.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge: Snow Birds

Good morning!  Well, we have gotten 2 decent snow storms since I got here, and I've decided that shoveling is a good workout!  I'm just thankful I have friends to plow my driveway, I don't think I'm ready for that much of a workout!  LOL  Today we have a new challenge for you at:



Our sponsor is Aurora Wings, they have the most gorgeous and detailed images.  This one is called Baby Owl Trio, and I colored it with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits and kept it simple.  Go check out what the other DT members did and play along with us!  Peace.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Just Some Lines December Challenge Week 2: Christmas or Winter & WW ATC Saturday Reminder: Creepy Christmas

Good morning!  Today's card is for our reminder post at:



I would like to enter this into the following challenges:

AllSorts:  Snowflakes
Simon Says Stamp: Let it Snow

I used P-p-p-penguin, from our home to yours - colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits.  Papers are from echmo park and My Mind's Eye, and I added a few snowflake punches with pop-up dots.  Remember to use an image from Just Some Lines when you play along with us!  Have a great weekend.  

We also have  reminder post for you at:

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge: Creepy Christmas



I mounted my little ATC onto a card - head on over to see the rest of the DT's creations.  Peace.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Dilly Beans: Traditional Christmas Colors

Happy Friday the 13th!  ;)  We're expecting a big snowstorm tomorrow night - and I'm feeling really thankful that I have a few friends who've offered to plow my driveway for me!  LOL  You can bet I'll be taking them up on that.  I went and got some food & alcohol this morning, figuring the grocery stores will be a zoo tomorrow.  I can get snowed in for 4 days and be fine.  :)  As a matter of fact, it might even be fun.  As long as I don't lose power.  So keep your fingers crossed.  LOL

Today we have a new challenge for you at:

  
I used 162: Zombie Christmas Elf 2, colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits (red Stickles added to the berries).  Papers are from My Mind's Eye, ribbon is from my stash.  Have a great weekend, stay warm!  Peace.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

All Dressed Up: Christmas

Hello friends!  Finally, a card for a challenge!  This is for the:



I colored my sweet All Dressed Up girl with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits.  Papers are from October Afternoon.  Buttons & flowers are from my stash. Peace.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Just Some Lines & Prickley Pear

Good morning!  I'm finally feeling like I'm getting back into the swing of things, but it's been a whirlwind for sure. I've been keeping busy with just getting the house in order, cooking, baking, shoveling (ha!), and trying to get some crafting done.  It's funny how your creativity really does suffer when you've got a lot going on in your head.  I got a new laptop yesterday and stayed up late setting it up and all that - it's the new HP Envy and it's got the touch screen and apps, it's almost like a big phone.  Everything is just different on it, and it was frustrating at first but I'm getting the hang of it.  LOL  I hope to be back on track with my blog posts now that life is settling down. 

Anyway, we have a new month-long challenge for you at:
 



I am entering this into the following challenges:


I love this image, she's called Mistletoe Fairy and I colored her with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits with lots of Diamond Stickles added to her wings.  Paper is from October Afternoon, ribbon & button are from SU! and the gemstone stickers & bead letters are from my stash.

And here is my Monday DT project for:



I would like to enter this one into the:


Sometimes it's fun to leave an image out and let the sentiment be the focus, especially with such pretty papers.  :)  This sentiment is a rubber stamp from Prickley Pear called "to be jolly".  Ribbon & buttons are from Stampin' Up!  Paper is from echo park.

Have a great day, my friends.  If you're in an area where it's snowing - be careful!  Peace.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Catching Up!

OK so hey - I'm back!  :)  My life has been a crazy whirlwind and I had no computer or Internet service for like 2 weeks and it drove me NUTS!  Cass and I are all settled into our  new (rented) house and Jeremy went back to California to get Trev off to the Navy and stuff.  Tomorrow I'm spending the day crafting and I am so looking forward to it!

So here's some of the stuff I missed posting along the way, some of the challenges close tomorrow or Friday so be sure to check them out if you want to play along.
 
 
 
 closes Thursday 12/5/13

Closes 12/14/13
 
Image is from Saturated Canary, our sponsor for this challenge.
 
Closes Friday 12/6/13
 
OK I'll be back in the groove now, so stay tuned.  :)  Peace.
 

Monday, November 25, 2013

Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps - Rudolf

Hello there - today is my day to post my DT creation for:




I used hh0145 Rudolf Headlines (PPRS) and b358 Chain Mesh Border Die (Cheery Lynn Designs).  Paper is from My Mind's Eye - diamond brads are from Stampin' Up!  Button is from my stash.  Peace.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Digi Stamp Boutique: Baby's 1st Christmas

Happy Sunday!  Today I have a card I'd like to enter into the:



I used Baby's 1st Christmas - this is a card I made for my cousin's baby, who was born prematurely this past Summer and has been one strong little guy.  His name is Liam, and he's just a little cutie pie.  I colored him with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits and added some white Fun Flock to the Santa hats.  Isn't he just darling???   I just want to pick him up and squeeze him.  LOL    Have a great day, my friends!  Peace.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Just Some Lines: 3 or More Different Embellishments Week 4 & WW Reminder

Hi there - today we have our 3rd post for our November challenge at:



The image I used is called Em - Joy, and I colored her with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits.  I kind of struggle with blonde hair, I seem to do best with brown - but I wanted her blonde, with that cute sunshiney background paper.  I added some ribbon, ribbon tags, brads, and a die-cut file tab with a sticker from SRM Stickers.  

Even though I don't have a project to share, I'd like to direct you also to the reminder post today at:

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge:  Spots & Stripes

Please go check out my fabulous DT's projects and play along for your chance to win some cute digis from the Heather Ellis Digital Stamps Shop.  Peace.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Dilly Beans: Brads or Eyelets & Jellypark: Scarecrow New Release

Happy Friday!  Today we have a new challenge for you at:



I totally stepped out of my comfort zone for this one - most of you know I normally gravitate towards the creepy-cute images, but Megan knows about my "thing" for peace, so when she came up with this beautiful image I just knew I'd find a use for it some day!  It's called #547: Peace Framed, and I paper-pieced it with digi paper and added a bunch of coordinating colored brads.

And this next card is showcasing our new image, 266: Scarecrow at:



I colored him with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits, fussy-cut him out and attached him to my card front.  Papers are from Authentique - I added some gold pearl stickers, a sentiment from SRM Stickers, and some hay I borrowed from the barn... hee hee
Peace.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

All Dressed Up: Add Ribbon or Lace

Good morning!  Linking up quickly today with the:



I was on a Christmas-card-making-roll when I made this one - I printed the image (Little Autumn Girl 02) on DP and colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits, and added Stickles to her boots.  Paper is from Authentique, ribbon is from SU! and the other embellishments are from my stash.  Peace.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge: Spots & Stripes

Hi everyone - today we have a new challenge for you at:

Our sponsor is:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/digistampcharacters



The image I used is called Pure Innocence 049, she's colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits and Prismacolor markers.  I added some Dazzling Diamonds glitter from SU!  Paper is from My Mind's Eye.  Peace.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Whimsie Doodles - PJ Leah Tag

Hello there!  Popping in quick to post a little tag I made for the:
 
 
 
I love this sweet image called PJ Leah - she reminds me of my daughter Cass, especially with that little kitty.  LOL  I colored her with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits and lots of Stickles.  Thanks for stopping by!  Peace.

Monday, November 18, 2013

A Day for Daisies - Add Some Gold

Hello friends - what a busy weekend!  I've got today to finish up one final ATC, then pack up the rest of my crafty stuff.  I still have one final load of laundry to do, and some kitchen stuff to pack and then I'll be ready to get on my plane in the morning.  I'm super excited, full of optimism and anticipation.  Feels almost like Christmas Eve.  LOL  I cannot wait to hug my mom.  And my sister.  And my friends.  hee hee  I'm kind of a hugger.  Anyway, I will be checking in from my parents computer for the next week - I hate being away from my laptop.  LOL

Today I have a card for the:



I used the current freebie, Fairy Wish, colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits and paper-pieced (her dress) - then I added Stickles to her wings.  Paper is from Authentique - ribbon is from Stampin' Up!  I added some gold pearl stickers and a sentiment made with my Dymo Caption Maker.  Peace.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Swiss Pixie Santa's Helper & From the Heart Balloon Ride & Sketch

Good morning!  We went and had dinner at Jeremy's mom's house last night so Cass and I could say goodbye to her and her husband David.  She made us a yummy ham dinner with the most delicious potates au gratin - she is such a good cook.  Today I have 5 final projects to finish up before packing up all of my "stuff".  I kind of get anxiety packing it all up - but it should only be 2 weeks before I'm unpacking it all in my new home.  I leave in 2 days.  TWO!  Talked to my mom yesterday and she sounded much better, they removed the artificial bone that her body was rejecting (from her elbow).  She was in a lot of pain the first day or two, but she's starting to feel a bit better now.  She's got a long recovery ahead of her and will never regain 100% function of her right arm, but she is a trooper and not one to feel sorry for herself, so she'll be just fine.  Thanks to everyone for keeping her in your thoughts & prayers, I appreciate it.  :)
Today I have a card for the:
 (sketch removed at request of CCWS)

I would also like to link this up to the following challenges:
I used Swiss Pixie Santa's Helper from CC Designs, colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits and added lots of Stickles, then I paper-pieced her clothes, hat, and socks (I colored over the paper-pieced socks).  Paper is from Authentique.  Added some buttons and a sentiment made with my Dymo Caption Maker. 
And my next card is for the following challenges:

 
I colored my Balloon Ride image with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits - DP is from My Mind's Eye and I found that little heart button in my stash, how perfect is that?  ;)  Well, I'm off to attempt to finish up my final projects before throwing a pot roast in the oven (I make the best pot roast in the world, if I do say so myself.... hee hee).  Have a wonderful Sunday!  Peace.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Just Some Lines & Wicked Wednesday Reminders

Hi friends - today we have a reminder post for you at:

(must be an ATC)


I'd like to enter this into the:

Simon Monday Challenge: Add Ink
Totally Papercrafts: Clean & Simple

Our sponsor is Stampotique, and the stamp I used is called 7074: Peace Definition.  I created my background ATC using alcohol inks and blending solution, stamped my sentiment in the middle and added those sparkly peace sign stickers, then inked the edges with black ink.

And this next ATC will be entered into the following challenges:
Tiddly Inks: Anything Goes
Delicious Doodles: Clean & Simple
Jo's Scrap Shack: Anything Goes
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge: Use a Sentiment


I simply printed out my Tiddly Inks digi paper, cut a piece to ATC size (3.5 x 2.5 inches), spritzed some Silver Foil Smooch Spritz all over it and then fussy-cut out one of the flying hearts and popped it up with a foam dot.  Text is from SRM Stickers.

We also have a reminder post for you at:



I'd like to enter this into the following challenges:

Sister Act Card Challenge
Card Crafter's Circle: Tread Lightly/Pastel Colors

My sweet image is called Em- Thank You Sign, she's colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits with some Stickles added in.  Papers are from Authentique - my embellishments are all from my stash:  paper flower with button center, ribbon tag, gemstone stickers, and the big "XO" cardstock stickers.  Peace.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Dilly Beans: Anything But a Card & DICC: Bombshell Stamps

Happy Friday!  We have a fun new challenge for you today at:



I made a couple of pages in my mini art journal, which I thoroughly enjoy doing.  The image I used is #339: Frida's Flower Headband, and I colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits and some Stickles.  Come play along for your chance to win some Dilly Beans digis!

We also have a new itinerary challenge for you today at:


Due to an internal glitch (ie: me screwing up - hee hee), we have 2 itineraries for you to choose from this week.  Our sponsor is Bombshell Stamps and we were given this gorgeous set called Indian Princess to use for our challenge.  This set also happens to be the Muse Monday set featured on the Bombshell Stamp blog this month, which means it's on sale all month long in both rubber and digi format!  I love how this came out - my papers are from My Mind's Eye, and I colored her with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits with lots of Stickles added in. Come see what the rest of the DT did with this beautiful digi set.  I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Have a fabulous weekend!  Peace.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

All Dressed Up: Autumn Colors

Good morning!  Today I have a little card I made for the following challenges:



I used Little Autumn Girl 3, colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits and paper pieced with paper from Authentique.  I added a little sticker embellishment I had in my stash and tied a ribbon around it to finish it off. Peace.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge: Anything Goes with Stampotique

Hello everyone - we have a new challenge for you today at:
(as long as it's an ATC)

Our sponsor this week is Stampotique, and I am also entering my ATC into the:


My sentiment is a stamp from Stampotique, stamped on digi paper from Tiddly Inks that I cut to ATC size and mounted on a heavy piece of cardboard.  I sponged the edges and added some glitter to the bee's wings. Peace.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Ugly Christmas Sweater

OMG - one week from today I'll be on a plane right now headed back East.  I am excited, nervous, hopeful, and happy.  Looking forward to seeing the house we're renting, seeing my friends, hugging my mom & my papa & my sister & my nephews.... LOL  It's going to be a whirlwind when I get there between visiting my friends & family, celebrating the holidays, moving into a new home.... etc.  I have a feeling I won't feel like "real life" hits me until after the new year!  And by then Jeremy & Trev will be making their plans to come visit in February, so at least I won't have time to miss them too much!  :)

Today I have a little Christmas card I'd like to enter into a few challenges:



I used Ugly Christmas Sweater from Saturated Canary, colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits and Prismacolor markers.  Papers are from October Afternoon, buttons are from my stash.  Peace.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Blogging Buddies & a Christmas Card

Hello friends!  I had the best weekend - first of all, my buddy Glo visited me yesterday and we had a great day.  Her hubby brought her and they stayed for dinner and we had a lot of laughs - they learned that I'm a crazy-psycho-fly-freak and that I cannot rest until I kill it once I see one in my house.  hee hee   Here's me and Glo:



I just love her!  (And on a total side note here - if you know what is on my wicked awesome new T-shirt, then you totally rock.  Leave me a comment if you do, I'm always curious to see who shares my obsession with... ha!  I'm not gonna tell ya.  ;) LOL)

And then this morning Cass and I drove about an hour and a half to Walnut Creek to meet 3 more of my blogging/crafting buddies for breakfast, and here we are:



Me, Donna, Kim, and Denice.
So here's the thing - I just adore these ladies, and I didn't even have to meet them in person to know that.  But it was awesome being able to chat and visit together in real life.  I'm very thankful for the great friendships I've formed as a result of the blogging and crafting community.  Love you girls - thanks so much for making the effort to get together!
.....................................
Just a quick little Christmas card today for a few challenges:



I used Hugs for Santa from Redonkadoodles (formerly Redonkulous Designs), printed on DP and colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits and Prismacolor markers.  Papers are from my stash - added a little ribbon and some pearl stickers.  Peace.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Just Some Lines & WW

Hello friends - I'm SUPER excited because my buddy Glo from Creepy Glowbugg is coming to visit and hang out with me today!  :)  So psyched - and then tomorrow I get to go have breakfast with 3 more of my crafting/DT buddies - what a fun weekend!  I'll be sure to share some pics.

Anyway - today I have a card for our reminder post at:



I used one of our new images, Em - Thank You String, paper-pieced and colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits. Papers are from my stash - my embellishments are ribbons, gemstone stickers, and a metal charm.
We also have a reminder post for you today at:

As the DT leader, I was a total slacker on this one and didn't get my reminder ATC done.  I've been super busy trying to get everything ready for my move, so I guess I just have to give myself a break - but do head over and see what the rest of my awesome Design Team came up with.  Have a great weekend!  Peace.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Dilly Beans: Thanks

Hello and happy Friday! Today we have a new challenge for you at:



We do require the use of Dilly Beans images in our challenges - the image I used is called 554: Penny's Heart.  I colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirts and paper-pieced her clothes and hair.  Added some Stickles to the little heart she's holding.  "Thanks a bunch" is from SRM Stickers, gemstone stickers and that little metal corner sticker charm are from my stash.

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:

 
Thanks and I hope you all have an awesome weekend - I get to visit with some of my stamping buddies this weekend, and I'm super excited about it.  Stay tuned for pics.  :)  Peace.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge: Add a Feather

Good morning!  Today we have a new challenge for you at:



I used Garden Dreams from A Day for Daisies (this week's sponsor at Wicked Wednesday), colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits.  DP is from My Mind's Eye - and I simply added a plain white feather as an embellishment.  Peace.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Happy Fall ATC - Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps

Hello friends.  Today's little ATC is for my DT spot at Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps, and I'd like to enter it into the following challenges:



I used CLR037 Fall Leaves, D037 Leaf Set Die.  Papers are from My Mind's Eye, ink is from Stampin' Up!  Peace.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

One Last Halloween Card and.... Fall

Hello friends.  Thanks for all of your kind words and support on my post yesterday.  It's funny - there are some of you who I have never even spoken to personally, yet when I see your Blogger ID's pop up on my comments page I just know it's going to be something to make me smile.  I'm so very grateful for our supportive little community.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Today I have 2 cards that I made for specific challenges but I forgot to blog them in time!  Geez, I can't imagine where my mind could be.... LOL  Anyway, I'm going to enter this final (?) Halloween card into the following challenges:



I used Halloween Kitty from Sami Stamps, printed on DP and colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits.  Top & bottom sentiments are stickers from SRM Stickers.

And this next one is being entered into the following challenges:



I used an image by From the Heart called Harvest Medley, which was last month's freebie, printed on DP and colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits and Stickles.  Peace.