All That Scraps and Hanna & Friends

Good morning!  Today's card is for the:

All That Scraps Challenge: Anything Goes

and

Hanna & Friends: Sketch

I used Birgitta in the Rain from CC Designs, colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits.  I found this fun digi paper at Scrappiness Designs, and I fussy-cut some of the clouds from the paper to attach with pop dots.  Sentiment was done with my Dymo Caption Maker.  Peace.

Cheerful Stamp Pad: April Showers Bring May Flowers

Hello everyone!  Did you all have a nice weekend?  I did - we had a cookout with some friends and laughed a lot.  It was a lot of fun.  We have a new challenge for you today at:

Cheerful Stamp Pad: April Showers Bring May Flowers

Our sponsor this time is Floppy Latte Designs, and I used the cute little image called Delayed Delivery.  Head on over to see the rest of the DT's creations and to play along with us!  Peace.

Movie Magic Monthly Reminder: LOTR vs Harry Potter and Graphicat: For Maci

Hello everyone!  We have a reminder post up for you today to hopefully encourage you to play along at our new challenge blog, Movie Magic Monthly.  This month, we put Lord of the Rings up against Harry Potter and we'd like to see which movie can get more entries!  My first creation was an altered journal cover based on Harry Potter - you can see it here.  Today's card uses a stunning image from Rick St. Dennis - this is Gandalf Wizard from Lord of the Rings:

Isn't he fabulous?  I printed him directly onto some DP, as I wanted to leave him uncolored but also wanted him to have some character.  While searching for appropriate LOTR quotes, I found this one.  After the bombings in Boston, it just really struck me and I thought it was perfect. In case you can't see it, it says "The world is indeed full of peril and in it there are many dark places.  But still there is much that is fair.  And though in all the lands, love is now mingled with grief, it still grows, perhaps, the greater."  I printed it out in my word processing program on the same DP, sponged the edges and attached it at an angle with pop dots.  I added a ribbon tag and some black pearl stickers.  

My next card is a special one for a special little girl.  Her name is Maci and you can read about her here:

Graphicat Sketch Challenges

I am also entering this into the:

Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Anything Goes

I used one of my favorite mermaid images from Dilly Beans, paired with some fun paper from MME, a paper flower with a button center, and some plastic word charms attached with glue dots.  Peace.

Butterflies, Owls, and Birds

Good morning!  Today we have a reminder post for you at:

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge: Things with Wings

 I am also entering this into the:

A Day for Daisies Challenge: Use Newsprint

I printed the butterfly from ADFD onto DP, then fussy-cut and sponged the edges before attaching with pop dots.  DP is from Authentique.

For this ATC, I used my Prickley Pear stamps and die-cut, along with the birdcage die-cut from MFT, all using scraps of DP from My Mind's Eye.  I love the way this came out - I attached the owl's pieces with pop dots and stamped the sentiment along the side.  I'd like to enter this into the:

Prickley Pear Challenge: Earth Day

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We also have a reminder post for you today at:

Just Some Lines: Earth Day

I used Emo Springtime, paper-pieced and colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits.  Sentiment was done with my Dymo Caption Maker.  Have a great weekend, everyone!  Peace.

Think Pink!

Happy Friday!

We have a new challenge for you today at:

Dilly Beans: Think Pink!

I am also entering this into the:

Whimsy Stamps Challenge: Pretty in Pink

and

Simon Says Stamp: Anything Goes

and

Sparkle n' Sprinkle: Use a Digi Image

I used one of the adorable new mermaid images, colored with Prismacolor pencils and mineral spirits and lots of glitter.  DP is some old retired papers from SU!  I love using up scraps.  Added a pink flower with button center, sentiment (rubber stamp from Kraftin' Kimmie), a ribbon from SU! and some little shells.  Peace.

The Octopode Factory: Flowers & HDH MM: Skeletal Remains

Hi everyone - have I ever told you that I have the cutest kitty in the world?  Well, I do.  His name is Oliver and we think he's part Maine Coon - he has the softest fur and big paws and he is a giant love bug.  Cass found him on Craigslist last year and our best guess is that he'll be turning a year old sometime in May.  I have pretty much had cats my whole life but this cat is special, he's like my baby.  hee hee  He crawls into my lap in the mornings and at night, and he just "flops" when  you pick him up.  I adore this silly kitty.  Here he is stalking the birds at my bird feeder:

Isn't he adorable?  LOL

So for today I have a card for:

The Octopode Factory: Flowers
BUT - I forgot to post and link up this morning and the linky is now closed.  *sigh*  :)  But I'm publishing anyway because I'm also entering this into the:

HDH Macabre Monday: Skeletal Remains

This skull and roses image is one of my favorites from TOF.  I colored with Prismacolor markers and added pearl stickers to the center of his (her?) eyes.  DP is from my SU! scrap pile, ribbon is from my stash.  Peace.

WW #81: Things with Wings & Loves Rubber Stamps

Good morning, everyone.  I can hardly believe it's less than 2 weeks now that I get to see my daughter, and of course the rest of my family!  It seemed such a long time away last week, and now it seems so close.  I can't wait to hug her.  :)

So anyway - we have a new challenge for you today at:

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge: Things with Wings

Our sponsor this week is A Day for Daisies, one of my all-time favorite digi stamp companies.  I used 2 of their gorgeously enchanting images to create a couple of ATC's.  This first one uses Owl Nephew, colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits.  I used some fun wood-grain DP from MME for the base, and another coordinating piece for the sentiment, which is from SRM Stickers.  A ribbon tag and some star brads finished it off:

I am also entering my owl ATC into the:

Loves Rubberstamps Challenge: The Great Outdoors

And this next one uses Wonder Pixie, colored with Prismacolor pencils and mineral spirits and glitter.  Text is a digi stamp from Tiddly Inks.  DP is another pretty one from MME, looks like siding on a house:

Head on over to see the rest of the DT's gorgeous creations and to play along with us.  Peace.

Space Travel & Dad

Good morning!  Today I have a card for the:

Simon Says Stamp: Travel or Cityscape

and

Digi Stamp Boutique Monthly Competition 

I used Spaceman Henry, to fit in with the travel theme (space travel, of course!), colored with Prismacolor and Copic markers, Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits.  I added star brads and the sentiment was made with my Dymo Caption Maker.

Next is a card I have for the:

Inky Impressions Challenge: Punches and/or Dies

and

Sunday Sketch & Stamp

I used stamps and a T-shirt die cut from My Favorite Things.  Paper is from My Mind's Eye - this was a fun and simple card to put together, actually.  Added a button and some brads to finish it off.  Peace.

Happy 18th Birthday, Cass!

Today is my daughter Cassidy's 18th birthday - born on Earth Day.  :)  She's my baby, and my best friend, and she's 3000 miles away from me right now.  It's her first birthday away from us, and we miss her so much.  She'll be back in a few weeks, but it's hard being away!  I made her this special card, which I can share because she got her birthday package on Saturday.  :)  So I'm entering it into the following challenges, because I think it's extra-special:

The Corrosive Challenge #172: Life's Special Occasions

and

Stampotique Designers #96:  Birthday

and

Paper Pretties: Happy Birthday To...

and

 The Squirrel & the Fox #42: Furry Friends

and
Eureka Stamps: Animal Catwalk
and
Paper Makeup Stamps: Animal Friends

The stamp is from Saturated Canary (I love that Cass has been reading a lot lately), and I had to add the 2 kitties from Digi Darla to represent Cubby & Oliver, as Cass is super obsessed with cats.  :)  I spent a lot of time coloring her hair and I love how it came out.  I added freckles, of course, and the sentiment is from Desert Diva.  Papers are from My Mind's Eye.  The big pink "C" is a sticky-backed chipboard piece with gemstones.

I also have a card for the:

All That Scraps Challenge:  Spring Fling

and

Loves Rubber Stamps: Colors of Spring

In the spirit of Earth Day, I used all papers from my stash. That stamp is from All That Scraps  called Sweet November Bufly.  The sticker was also in my stash, it feels good to clean stuff out!  I put together a big box of stuff I want to list on a local trading site, too - I'll donate it to the right people, but I wouldn't mind getting a box of fruits or vegetables in return.   It's such a great way to live, bartering and trading.  We hope to do more of it when we have an abundance of fruit & veggies from our own garden.  Have a great week, my friends.  Peace.

WW: B&W & One Other Color and JSL: Earth day

Hi everyone!  We have a reminder post up for you at:

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge: Black & White & One Other Color

My first ATC uses an image from Lacy Sunshine, our sponsor this week:

 

And my next ATC uses the fun Queen Bean stamp from The Greeting Farm:

I am also entering my Queen Bean ATC into the:

TGF Farm Fresh Friday Challenge:  Recycle/Alter Something

I had this little piece of stained/painted cardboard left over from another project, so I decided to make an ATC out of it.  I thought Queen Bean would be perfect, since the colors were red.  I stamped her in black and just colored the red sections with red Stickles.  Added a little sentiment with my Dymo Caption Maker and it was done!

Head on over to see the rest of the DT's gorgeous creations!

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We also have a new challenge for you today at:

Just Some Lines: Earth Day

I used Emo Crystal, colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits.  I also paper-pieced her dress.  DP is from MME, ribbon is from SU!  I added the text with a mini alpha set I have.  Come play along with us - random winner gets 4 images of choice and each top 3 pick gets one image of choice from the JSL shop .

Flowers & Funnies

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

Dilly Beans: Flowers

I'm also entering my card into the following challenges:

Crafts & Me: Bling It Up!
and
Whimsical Designs: Flowers
 and
Digi Galore: One for the Girls
 

I used Adriana's Mask Framed, colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits, and red Stickles on her mask.  DP is from Authentique, ribbon is from SU!  Flower and gemstone stickers are from my stash.

We also have a new challenge for you today at:

Jellypark: Make Us Laugh & Smile

I am also entering this into the:

Papertake Weekly Challenge: One Paper Only (one piece of DP)

I used our sweet Monkey digi stamp, colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits.  I found this banana paper online, then printed out the jokes on yellow cardstock.  Tied a ribbon around it to finish it off. Peace.

Birdie Brown

Good morning.  Today I have a card for the:

Birdie Brown Freebie Challenge

I used the freebie image "Camera & Little Bird" colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits and Copic markers.  DP is from My Mind's Eye, ribbon is from SU!  Peace.

My Thoughts on Boston & WW: B & W & One Other Color

Good morning, friends.  As most of you know, I'm from Massachusetts. It's a small state and if you're from MA, you're from Boston.  The bombings on Monday at the Boston Marathon hit me hard, harder than these things normally do.  Which is hard.  And it's sad that I actually have a standard by which to judge these things.  *sigh* It's been a tough couple of days, and I just wanted to say that my thoughts are with everyone in my home state and throughout the entire country.  

  Anyway, my daughter (who turns 18 next week) is in Massachusetts with my family.  I can hardly even put into words how awful it feels to be so far away from her right now.  From everyone I love.  It's more than just missing them, it's a physical ache.  I hate it.  I don't think I've missed my family, friends, and hometown this much since I moved out here. I am heading there for a visit from May 7 until May 16, bringing my daughter back home with me, and it just seems so far away.

I couldn't even write a blog post yesterday, I didn't know what to say.  Because so many thoughts and emotions go through you at a time like this - anger, shock, sadness, more anger... and I sure do love my social media, but man.  People just think that they have a right to say anything at all - to anyone at all.  And I guess they do have the right - but maybe they should also use a teeny, tiny bit of common sense, no?  I'm absolutely 100% sure that being hateful and spouting negativity are not going to make anything better.  If anything, they make things worse.  I'm extremely sensitive and emotional, I cry a lot because I feel things very deeply.  But I still try really hard to be positive, to focus on all of the beautiful and wonderful things instead of the terrifying and horrible things.  So you won't find me posting anything but helpful information and uplifting stories.  It's a small act, but it's something I feel very strongly about and I believe it makes a difference.  Imagine if we ALL did that - refused to help spread the hate, but only spread the good, positive stories and pictures?  I don't know if it will make a difference, but it sure does help me sleep at night.

I'm sending you all a big hug.  Because we're Americans, and things like state lines, religions, economical classes - they just don't matter when tragedies happen.  We're all Bostonians.  Just like we were all New Yorkers when 9/11 happened.  And by the way, New York, thank you for playing our Sweet Caroline after the 3rd inning last night - so classy.  And thank you, Chicago, for posting this on the front page of one of your newspapers Tuesday morning:

Yes, we're all Boston.  And it doesn't matter if I'm living right next door or 3000 miles away, I'll always be Boston.  Thank you for your support, everyone.  Please pray for peace and love and send positive energy to those who need it.

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We have a new challenge for you today at:

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge:  Black & White & One Other Color

Our sponsor this week is Lacy Sunshine, head on over to see the rest of the DT's creations and to play along.

I am entering my "poppies" ATC into the:

Digi Galore Challenge: One for the Girls

and

One Crazy Stamper: Black & White & One Other Color

 and

The Crafter's Cafe: ATC or Fat Page

Stay safe, my friends.  Peace.

Birthdays & Rain

Happy Monday!  Since today is also the 15th of the month, we have a brand new itinerary challenge for you at:

Desert Islands Crafts Challenge

And here is our itinerary - you must use at least 3 of the items (and mention what they are in your post) from the itinerary for each challenge:

1. No Flowers

2. use Black or Red or Teal or a combo of all three

3. No markers

4. follow a sketch

5. use a birthday sentiment

6. use glitter/stickles

7. bling it up

8. go dimensional

9. Make is square, not rectangle

10.  use stripes and dots

I used #'s 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.  Our sponsor this week is Digi Darla, and I used the sweet Brittney's Balloons image.  I colored her with Prismacolor pencils and mineral spirits and a tiny bit of marker (which threw off my ability to also use #3!). 

I also have a card I made for the following challenges:

TGF Farm Fresh Friday:  Clouds

and

Simon Says Stamp: April Showers or Spring Flowers

and

Digi Haven: Rain or Umbrellas

I used the sweet Rain Rain digi stamp from The Greeting Farm, paper-pieced with some fun digi paper (clouds, polka dots, pinwheels) I found at Design House Digital. 

Peace.

Busy Sunday!

Good morning!  Our eggplant parmesan came out great last night, and tonight I'm using the leftover sauce to make stuffed peppers.  I absolutely love stuffed peppers, and this time I bought yellow & red peppers to make them not only yummy, but pretty too.  :)  So I have a busy day of cleaning and cooking ahead of me, just popping in quick to post some challenge cards I worked on this week.  First up is for the:

There She Goes Challenge (any shades of following colors)

I had won a gift certificate to the There She Goes store a few weeks ago, and I bought this adorable clear stamp set called Cutie Pi.  I used that to make this card paired with papers from Authentique.

Next is my card for the:

Dutch Dare Card Challenge: Photo Inspiration

I used 071 - Best Friends from Jellypark, printed on DP and colored with Prismacolor pencils and mineral spirits.  DP is from MME, ribbon is from SU!  Sentiment is a sticker that was in my stash.

And last for today is my card for the:

Loves Rubberstamps Challenge:  Pop Your Image

and

TGF Retro Fresh: Polka Dots and/or Plaids

I used the absolutely adorable fun new Cheshire Bean stamp from The Greeting Farm, stamped on DP and colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits, then fussy-cut and popped up with foam dimensional dots.  Her dress is paper-pieced.  DP is from MME, ribbon is from SU!  The little felt paw sticker was in my stash.  Peace.

Cards and Kids and Colorful Skulls

Hi there - whatcha all up to this weekend?  I've got some cleaning and laundry to do, and today I'm making spaghetti sauce and eggplant parmesan.  Yum.  I love cooking!  This morning, I'm using the leftover carnitas meat to make breakfast burritos.  So good!

Today we have a couple of reminder posts for you - first up at:

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge: Show Us Your Suit

Stop by the blog to see the rest of the DT's interpretations of this fun theme and to play along with us!

Our next reminder post is at:

Just Some Lines:  For a Child

I am also entering this into the:

QKR Stampede Challenge: For a Child

and

Digital Tuesday: Boys

I used used O' Little Fireman, colored with Prismacolor pencils and mineral spirits and I also paper-pieced his clothes and hat.  Paper is some digi paper I found from Kindred Creations, and I added some little fireman brads from my stash.  Sentiment is from TLC Creations.

And last for today is my card for the:

Anyone for Anya Challenge (photo inspiration)

 

I used the skull from the Sweet & Toxic set, stamped in rainbow overlapping colors, along with some fun printable paper I found online.  I added some red rickrack and then tied a turquoise ribbon and a lime green stitched ribbon around it. Peace.

Pastels and Ribbons

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

Dilly Beans: Pastels

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:

Crafting When We Can: Name That Tune (Going to California: Led Zeppelin)

and

Moving Along with the Times: Inspired by Song or Film

I used Led Zeppelin's "Going to California" because of the lyrics "Someone told me there's a girl out there, with love in her eyes and flowers in her hair."  This is one of my fave Led Zep songs.  I used one of our newer images, #555 - Paige, colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits and paired with some pretty pastel papers from Authentique.  Sentiment is a sticker from SRM Stickers.
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My next card is for the:

Left of Center Challenges: Ribbons or Twine
and
House of Gilli: Anything Goes with Flowers and/or Ribbon
 

I used a skull image from The Octopode Factory, printed on DP and colored with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits (eyes) and a glittery gel pen (teeth).  I tied a pink ribbon around it and added a black ribbon tag, then added a pink flower with a cute Glow Skull center.  Hope you all have a great weekend! Peace.

ADFD, Inky Impressions, and Forever Friends Monthly

Hello friends!  Trying a new recipe today, I'm making carnitas in the crock pot - basically a boneless pork shoulder roast slow-cooked for 10 hours with a spice rub, should come out all shredded and yummy for tacos or burritos. We shall see!  :)  For today I have a card for the:

A Day for Daisies Challenge:  Favorite Technique

and

Inky Impressions: Paper Piecing

and

Forever Friends Monthly Challenge: Paper Piecing

I used the freebie they are generously offering this week called Little Striped Dress, and my favorite technique which is paper piecing!  Papers are from Stampin' Up!  Sentiment is from Dilly Beans.

Peace.

Wednesday :)

Happy Wednesday!  :)  We have a new challenge for you today at:

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge: Show Us Your Suit

We are being sponsored by DRS Designs, who have some really awesome rubber stamps and are offering a $15 gift certificate to one random winner this week.  Head on over to play along!

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Next up - we have a new challenge for you today at:

Movie Magic Monthly:  Harry Potter vs. Lord of the Rings

I used a book image from Tiddly Inks and the Harry/Hermione image is from Jade Dragon (she does ask that you request permission before using her images in challenges - thank you for understanding).  I made a cover for an art journal that I had made from an old book.  Wrapped some twine around it and added a charm.  I'll be coming up with a Lord of the Rings project soon, so stay tuned.  Head on over to see the rest of the DT's creations and to play along with us!

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And last for today is a card I made for the:

Mama Elephant Challenge: Sketch

 

I used the Taurus from the Cosmic Stars set, stamped 3 times onto DP with Bravo Burgundy ink, then fussy-cut.  I used a glitter gel pen on his horns and popped him up each time with dimensional dots.  Used my little alpha set to create the "i love you" and "no bull" text.  DP is from My Mind's Eye.  Peace.

TGF FFF: Bling It & Simon Says Stamp: Happy Birthday

Hi all - have you seen the adorable limited edition Wonderland Bean release at The Greeting Farm?  They are the most adorable little stamps, check them out.  I just had to use Alice Bean to make a card for the:

TGF FFF Challenge:  Bling It!

 and

Created with Love: Recipe - 1 image/2 DP, 3 embellies (ribbon, gemstones, glittery mushrooms)

and

Forever Friends Monthly Challenge: Paper Piecing

 

I colored Alice with Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits after stamping her on DP and then paper-piecing her dress, hair, and bow.  DP is from My Mind's Eye.  Her shoes are covered in glitter, as is the little mushroom embellishment.  I added some ribbon and gemstone stickers to make it really sparkle.  She's definitely my new fave at TGF - don't tell the other million TGF stamps in my drawer... ;)

Next up is my card for the:

Simon Says Stamp Challenge:  Happy Birthday!

and

One Stop Craft Challenge: Birthdays

and

Dutch Dare Card Challenges: Birthday Fun

 

I used 478 - Little Monster & Bat from Dilly Beans, colored with Prismacolor pencils and mineral spirits and Stickles.  I used a sticker from my stash along the side and added the "happy birthday" with my Dymo Caption Maker.  Peace.