What's Your Sign?

 Happy Small Business Saturday!  I hope you are supporting your favorite small businesses this holiday season! I know I am!  For today, I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges and for The Paper Shelter DT call. The Paper Shelter is one of my favorite digi stamp companies, their images are just so cute and well-drawn, fun to color!

And here are the challenges I'd like to enter:

Cut it Up - Sparkle & Shine

Classic Design Challenge - Anything Goes/Optional Bells & Baubles

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Anything Goes

The Paper Shelter - Include a Sentiment

I created my background by blending Cracked Pistachio & Peacock Feathers Distress Ink on watercolor paper, then sprayed some water on it and dried it.  I then spritzed some Mica Spray Stain on it, and dried again.  I used the same paper to die cut a waffle die from AlteNew, cut it up a bit and used part on the bottom and part in the upper left corner.  I added a sand dollar die, which was also cut from a scrap of previously distressed cardstock and embossed with clear embossing powder. I stamped "what's your sign?" from Mama Elephant in Versafine Black and embossed it with clear embossing powder ("Aquarius" in the upper right corner is from the same set). The image is Aquarius from The Zodiac Collection at The Paper Shelter, colored with alcohol markers and glitter pens - I used some Diamond Stickles to highlight some parts also. Peace.

Love lights up the holiday season

Woke up feeling like I got hit by a train.  :(  Resting and trying to consume lots of fluids today.  I'd like to enter this into the following challenges:

The Paper Shelter #620 - Include a Sentiment

As You Like It - Gold, Silver, or Glitter (and why)

I love glitter, it just adds a little pizzazz to everything! LOL

C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - Christmas

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Anything Goes

Krafty Chicks #744 - All Occasions

I used Santa Selfie from The Paper Shelter, colored with alcohol markers and some Christmas Red Stickles on Rudolph's nose.  Papers are from Doodlebug Designs, sentiment is from Unity Stamps. Peace. 

Sprinkle of Magic

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!

 This is my final week as a guest designer for the Just Us Girls Challenge blog - I was honored that they asked me to join this month and I thoroughly enjoyed creating projects using their prompts.  My final challenge is Just Us Girls #755

I would like to enter this into the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Anything Goes

Creative Knockouts #535 - 'Tis the Season

The Sisterhood of Crafters - Anything Goes

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge #585 - Anything Goes

The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up #116

I created my background by blending Distress Inks on watercolor paper and misting with water.  I then used a stencil and applied the opposite colors through the stencil to each side with my blending brush, going pretty heavy on the ink through the stencil.  I stamped the sentiment from My Favorite Things to finish it off. Peace.

a sprinkling of christmas magic

Good morning!  It's the day before Thanksgiving and I'm about to spend 15 hours in my kitchen, so I am hopping on here quick to enter this card into a few challenges:

All Dressed Up - Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp Monday - Trees

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Anything Goes

Creative Inspiration - Anything Goes

Tic Tac Toe #261 (diagonal sparkle, free, red)

I created my background by spraying some Tim Holtz Mica Spray Stains all over watercolor paper and using my air blowing tool to blow it around.  My digi stamp is from All Dressed Up, colored with alcohol markers.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Peace. 

Oh deer!

 I love the holidays.  I'm big into traditions and stuff - and having my own grandchildren has been so much fun, creating our own new traditions!  Jeremy and I are picking up our oldest granddaughter, Raeana (RaeRae) from school today and she's coming over for a sleepover.  We are going to make cards, talk about what it means to be a witch (she's absolutely fascinated that I am a witch), and she's going to help me prep for Thanksgiving dinner!  I'm so excited to spend time with her, she's so much fun to hand out with.

I would like to enter this card below into the following challenges:

Cheerful Sketches #138

Christmas with the Cuties - Sparkle & Shine

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Sparkle & Shine

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - Anything Goes

Digi Choosday Week 46 - Anything Goes

This adorable digi stamp is called Sweet Reindeer from Rachelle Anne Miller, colored with alcohol markers.  I love the velvety look of his fur, so sweet.  Papers are from Doodlebug Designs.  I added a sparkly red gemstone to his nose for the "sparkle and shine". ;)  Peace.

Well Deserved Rest for Santa!

 Poor Santa - he must be absolutely exhausted on December 26! Don't wake him up, he looks very comfy and deserves to sleep for a month!  LOL

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

The Paper Shelter - Add a Number

C.R.A.F.T. #741 - Christmas

Inkspirational #329 - Word Prompt: Santa

Digi Choosday Week 46 - Anything Goes

A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything Goes

My digi is from The Paper Shelter, colored with alcohol markers and some Fun Flock. Papers are from Doodlebug Designs. Peace.

May Your Season Sparkle With Magic!

 Kids are coming over today, always makes me happy! Tomorrow I'm picking my oldest granddaughter Raeana (RaeRae) up from kindergarten, she's got a half day, and she's coming to sleep over and help me with my Thanksgiving preparations!  I'm really looking forward to it - she's such a sweetheart and so much fun to spend time with!

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

Little Red Wagon #783 - Monochromatic

Papercraft Challenge #112 - Monochrome

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Sparkle & Shine

The Crafter's Cafe #314 - Anything Goes/Optional Monochrome

Everybody Art #568 - Blues

I created my background by using Lindy's Magicals on watercolor paper, then drops of Tim Holtz Mica Spray Stains for the darker blue, and I used my air blower thing to move it around on the paper. I used thte Little Christmas Angel digi from Sweet November Stamps, colored with alcohol markers and Stickles Glittler Glue, then fussy-cut her out and attached her with foam dimensional tape. Peace.

Coffee is always a good idea!

 Oh my good goddess - I cleaned my house yesterday and when I say cleaned, I mean like "it's-almost-Thanksgiving-and-people-will-be-here-judging-me" cleaned!  ;)  My whole body is sore this morning.  LOL  Our friend Tim is coming over to watch the Patriots get beat by Miami today (yes, we're Patriots fans but I know when to accept that we're having a bad year!) and I'm making BBQ chicken & ribs, cornbread, and sweet potatoes.

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

Sketch Saturday #764

Simon Says Stamp Monday - Emboss It

Creative Inspiration #20 - Anything Goes

Crafts Galore Encore - Anything Goes

Make My Monday #239 - Food & Drink

My papers are from an old pad from My Mind's Eye.  Coffee cups & sentiment are stamps from Newton's Nook, stamped with Versafine Black and embossed with a clear embossing powder, then colored with alcohol markers.  Peace.

The Magic of Christmas...

 I'm on a roll with the holiday cards this week - I don't normally make many Christmas/winter cards, but I guess I'm in the spirit this year!  I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge #451

Simon Says Stamp Monday - Emboss It!

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Sparkle & Shine

C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - Christmas

Gem of a Challenge Week 23 - Anything Goes

I created my background by blending the colors above using Distress Inks on watercolor paper and then I used a snowflake stencil to apply some extra red ink.  I stamped Stamping Bella - Tiny Townie - Astrology Chart and the sentiment (from Gina K) with Versafine Black and then embossed with clear embossing powder.  I colored the girl with alcohol markers and added some Stickles glitter glue to her shoes and the stars in her hair. Peace.

Bad Kitty!

 Hey there!  Happy Friday!  I have absolutely no responsibilities today so I'm going to spend the entire day in my craft room, I am so looking forward to it!  I'd like to enter this card below into the following challenges:

Newton's Nook Inky Paws Challenge #234 - Sketch

Crafty Gals Corner - Anything Goes/Optional 3 Layers or More

Fab n' Funky - Dies and/or Punches

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Anything Goes

A Cut Above - Anything Goes/Optional Warm it Up

My papers are from Doodlebug Designs and the stamps are from Newton's Nook - I colored the image with alcohol markers.  The plant die-cuts are from Crafter's Companion (Scrapbook.com).  Peace.

Special Delivery! JUGS #754

 This is my 3rd week guest designing for the Just Us Girls Challenge.  We have an inspiration board for you this week:

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

Christmas Crafts All Year Long - Deer/Reindeer

A Perfect Time to Craft- Anything Goes

We Love to Create #10 - Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp Monday - Emboss It

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Sparkle & Shine

I used a stencil on watercolor paper, and used some washi tape to leave the edges white - then blended Candied Apple Distress Ink over the paper.  I printed out my reindeer/penguin digi stamp from Whimsie Doodles (no longer an active company) and colored it with alcohol inks, then attached with foam dimensional tape.  I stamped the sentiment from Mama Elephant on the same watercolor paper that I used some extra red ink on, and embossed it with a sparkly clear embossing powder.  I added some Stickles glue to the reindeer's nose & the Christmas lights, then some Fun Flock to the reindeer's chest and the penguin's hat.  Peace.

Winter Greetings

This is my 2nd post today because I TOTALLY forgot to post this card and the challenge closes tomorrow!  So I'd like to enter this into the following challenges:

Tic Tac Toe #260 (I used CAS, ink blending, and die cut)

Papercraft #112 - Monochrome

Everybody Art - Blue

The Folk Snowflake stamp and die cut are from Pink Fresh Studio (Simon Says Stamp). I created the background by using Distress Inks on watercolor paper and then adding some Lindy's Magicals.  I did a big piece of watercolor paper so I could then stamp/die cut the image from the same paper.  The greeting is stamped with Versamark ink and embossed with silver embossing powder. Peace. 

Pixie Dust

 Hello friends - I have a card to share today for the following challenges:

Stay Crafty with a Blog Named Hero - Card for a Family Member

Try it on Tuesday - Sparkle

A Perfect Time to Craft - November - Anything Goes

Classic Design Challenge - Anything Goes/Optional Baubles & Bells

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Anything Goes

I created my background by blending Distress Inks on watercolor paper, then I used a baby wipe swiped through a stencil.  The texture stamps are from Hero Arts, stamped with Versafine Black and embossed with clear embossing powder.  Tinkerbell is a digi from Chi Chi Memories (no longer an active company), colored with alcohol markers and Stickles glitter glue.  I added some gemstone stickers to finish it off..  Peace.

Elves are Watching!

 Another Christmas card for today!  I'd like to enter this one into the following challenges:

My Time to Craft Christmas #99 - Elf/Elves

Sweet Stampin - Gnomes, Elves, and Tomten

C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - Christmas for Children

Stamping Sensations - Magic is in the Air

Tic Tac Toe Challenge #260 (I used tree, DSP, festive sentiment)

I used some papers & sticker embellishments from Doodlebug Designs and an old Elf digi stamp from Pollycraft, colored with alcohol markers.  The sentiment is a digi stamp from Whimsie Doodles.  Peace.

Sending Love at Christmas and Always

 Monday rolls around so quickly, doesn't it?  I'd like to enter this card below into the following challenges:

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - Anything Goes

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Anything Goes

We Love Stamping - Christmas/Anything Goes

Gem of a Challenge Week 22 - Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp Monday - Emboss It

So I used the sketch from Try a Sketch on Tuesday (#658) but I guess I didn't pay attention to the deadline because I missed it!  AND - I actually made 2 cards for it!  LOL  But that's the sketch I used for inspiration if you want to go check it out!  :)  I created my background by blending Tim Holtz Distress Inks on watercolor paper and then spritzing with water.  Stamps are from Tracey Hey, stamped with Versafine Black and embossed with clear embossing powder then colored with alcohol markers and little spots of Stickles glitter glue. Peace.

Your Kindness Touched My Heart

Happy Sunday!  I spent the ENTIRE day in my craft room yesterday - I swear I was having withdrawals - and it felt so good.  I got so much done, including several DT projects, challenge projects, and holiday cards for my 4 adorable grandchildren!  For today, I'd like to share the card below for the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Monday - Thanks/Thankful

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Thanks/Thankful

My Time to Craft #547 - Thank You

Creative Knockouts - Thankful

Color Throwdown #819

I created my background by blending Distress Inks on watercolor paper and then using a baby wipe to swipe over a tie-dye patterned stencil.  My owl stamp is from Dina Wakley and the sentiment is from Mama Elephant, both stamped with Versafine Black and embossed with clear embossing powder.  I spot-colored part of the owl for texture.  Peace. 

Witch, Please!

 OK I have to try to post these Halloween cards before it's freaking Christmas. LOL  So this one is for the following challenges:

Cut it Up: Favorite Colors (I love using black & red)

As You Like It - Favorite Embellishment & Why (I love using die cuts as embellishments because you can personalize them however you want!)

Polkadoodles Week 45 - Anything Goes

Two Old Bats - Anything Halloween Goes

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Anything Goes

I made my background by blending Distress Ink on watercolor paper and then misting water through a stencil. I applied some black ink to the edges and I spritzed the black piece of cardstock with some Tim Holtz Mica Spray Stain. The witch hat & bat are die cuts - stamped sentiment is from My Favorite Things. Peace.

You Are Something Magical

OK so I apologize in advance but you're all gonna have to tolerate Halloween cards randomly thrown in for challenges throughout the year.  LOL  I'm absolutely addicted to making witchy, gnome-inspired, creepy, spooky shit.  So yeah, just deal with it.  ;)  I'd like to enter today's cute lil gnome card into the following challenges:  

Try it on Tuesday - Sparkle All the Way

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - Anything Goes

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Anything Goes

A Cut Above - Anything Goes

Crafts Galore Encore - Anything Goes

Lost Coast #191 - Gnome-Vember

I created my background paper by blending Distress Inks and then using Lindy's Magicals on watercolor paper, then I spritzed the whole thing with some Tim Holtz Mica Spray Stains.  I used the Halloween Gnomes stamp set from Ink n' Splatter, stamped directly on the background and colored with alcohol markers and Stickles. Added a spider web die cut, stamped a crescent moon with some clear embossing ink and gold embossing powder and then stamped some stars in the top right corner. Peace. 

JUGS #753 - JOY

 This is my 2nd week being a guest designer for the Just Us Girls Challenge blog! This week's challenge is a word prompt:

I'm entering my creation into the following challenges:

Die Cut Divas - Merry Christmas

A Cut Above - Anything Goes/Optional Warm it Up

Passion for Markers #765 - Dies and/or Punches

AllSorts - Christmas

We Love Stamping - Christmas/Anything Goes

The adorable donkey stamp is from the Happy Holidays set from Tracey Hey - colored with alcohol markers and Dazzling Diamonds glitter.  I found some Christmas papers in my stash and used them to die cut the circle and the sentiment "JOY". Finished off with some oversized gemstone stickers.  Peace.

Thanks for not being an... ;)

 What a week!!!  I had my big event last weekend, and I am thoroughly exhausted!  LOL  But it all went well and now I can take a few weeks off before starting to plan all over again for next year!  ;)

For today, I have a card I'd like to enter into the following challenges and I guess I should warn you that there's a swear word (I firmly believe we're all adults and words are just words but I understand some people get offended so there's your warning):

Simon Says Stamp Monday - Thanks

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Thanks

Stencil Fun - Anything Goes/Optional Sparkle/Shine

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - Anything Goes

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Anything Goes

I created my background by blending Distress Inks on watercolor paper and then rubbing a baby wipe over a floral patterned stencil.  I then stamped the texture stamp from Visible Image and the Bokeh Flower from Funky Fossils (on sale for $10 right now) with Versafine Black and embossed with clear embossing powder.  The sentiment is from Ink Road Stamps. Peace.

it's okay to not be okay

 Today is the day!  My event is this weekend and it all starts today - I'm leaving in about a half hour to go get started, so I figured I'd squeeze one more post in between now and Monday!  I'd like to enter this into the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Monday - Thinking of You

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Thinking of You

We Love 2 Create - Anything Mixed Media/Paper Crafting

Polkadoodles #44 - Anything Goes

I made my background with Distress Inks blended on watercolor paper with blending brushes and spritzed with water.  My stamps are from Visible Image and now I gotta run! LOL  Peace.

Just Us Girls #752 - Guest Designer!

 Hello friends!  I was honored to be asked to be a guest designer for the month of November for the Just Us Girls Challenge blog!  Here's what we've got for you this week:

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

Stencil Fun - Anything Goes/Optional Make it Sparkle or Shine

Simon Says Stamp Monday - Thinking of You

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Thinking of You

Crafter's Cafe #313 - Anything Goes/Fantasy

Pammie's Inky Pinkies #2444 - Anything Goes

I used an adorable digi mermaid from Caperuza Sketch, colored with alcohol markers.  My background was created by using Distress Inks through a stencil on watercolor paper, then misting with water.  I used Versafine Embossing Ink and gold embossing powder on the edges. Peace.

Naughty or Nice?

 I had a mini breakdown last night.  My event is this weekend, we had Afroman booked for over a year for our After Party.  We paid a $5000 deposit and our contract called for the balance due (another $5K) at the event.  His mom died about a month ago and his management called us telling us he was canceling most of the rest of his shows, but that he was "probably" going to follow through with ours and then asked us for the balance due. My husband replied that our contract stated the balance was due at the event, and that we weren't willing to pay early knowing he might end up canceling.  They assured us that he wasn't going to cancel because he had another commitment close by during the same timeframe.  Well, we got a text message from his manager yesterday letting us know he was canceling.  4 days before my event.  My husband and I were both super stressed all day and he's, like, normally "husband of the year" but he snapped at me last night and I just lost it.  I could NOT stop crying, for like 3 hours.  I looked like Shrek when I woke up this morning.  SIGH  But you know, we're both only human and we spend a LOT of time together... LOL  We managed to find a replacement band that our people seem to be excited about, so I guess it's all good. Deep breaths.

You know, crafting is truly therapeutic to me and I think that's part of the problem - this time of year, it's really hard for me to find time to get in my craft room, but it's actually THE most important time to make sure I AM taking care of myself!  I tend to make many projects in one day and then I share them throughout the month, so I rarely have to take a day off from blogging and sharing my creations.  That helps a little!

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

Stencil Fun Challenge - Anything Goes/Make it Sparkle or Shine (optional)

All Dressed Up - Anything Goes

The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up - Optional All Stitched Up

We Love Stamping - Christmas/Anything Goes

Stamping Sensations - Anything Goes/Make it Magical

I created my background by using Distress Ink and a stencil from The Crafter's Workshop on watercolor paper.  I added a strip of kraft cardstock and a couple of colored pearl stickers. So as you read above, I had a crappy day yesterday.  LOL  I went into my craft room to color to try to calm myself down.  I colored this entire image, Halloween Dress Up from All Dressed Up Digi Stamps, and then I accidentally swiped my Versafine black ink pad over her dress.  It wasn't pretty.  But I had spent too much time on this card to start over, so I just grabbed my little box of embellishments and found something to cover it up with!  LOL  Peace.

the good life

 Sliding in sideways to make the deadline for one of these challenges...

The Paper Shelter - Make it Sparkle

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Anything Goes

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Anything Goes

Two Old Bats - Anything Halloween Goes

Digi Choosday Week 43 - Anything Goes

My digi stamp is called Witch on a Beach from The Paper Shelter, colored with alcohol markers, glitter pens, and Dazzling Diamonds glitter from Stampin' Up!  Papers are from Doodlebug Designs. Peace.

Spooky Squad

Popping in to post for a few challenges:

Di's Digi Designs - Add a Pumpkin

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Anything Goes

Papercraft Challenge - Spooky Season

Digi Choosday Week 43 - Anything Goes

Sweet Sketch Wednesday #288

My image is called Spooky Squad from Di's Digi Stamps, colored with alcohol markers.  Papers are from Cosmo Cricket. Peace. 

batty about you

 Yeah, OK, I'm not done making Halloween cards.  Actually, I'm NEVER done making Halloween cards!  LOL  Someone came in my house around mid-September and said "Oh I love how you decorated for Halloween!" and I was like "um, thanks, but these are my year-round decorations..."  ROFL  Anyway!  I would like to enter the card below into the following challenges today:

Simon Says Stamp Monday - Stencil It!

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Anything Goes

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Anything Goes

Crafts Galore Encore - Anything Goes

Two Old Bats - Anything Goes Halloween

I created my background by using Distress Ink on watercolor paper, then stenciling more Black Soot Distress Ink, then misting with water and blotting with a paper towel. This adorable stamp set is called Batty About You from Tracey Hey Designs, I stamped him on a piece of white cardstock with Versafine black and embossed with clear embossing powder. I then used my blending brush to color him in with Black Soot Distress Ink.  I colored his boots and hat with alcohol markers. Peace.

be amazed and happy holly days

 Last post for me for this particular DT (the Christmas (or not!) BINGO Challenge board) - make sure you choose at least 3 items from any column, you can only go up-and-down, not across:

I made 2 cards for this round, I'd like to enter the above card (column G:  enamel dots, frame, patterned paper) into the following challenges:

Gem of a Challenge Week 21 - Anything Goes

Try it on Tuesday - Make it Magical

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Anything Goes

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Anything Goes

Inkspirational #328 - Layer It

We are being sponsored by Polkadoodles and I used the Magician Wanda image above, colored with alcohol markers.  I made my background by using Distress Inks on watercolor paper and spraying with water.  Wanda was fussy cut and attached with foam dimensional tape to a plain white panel that I cut out with a die cut. I layered another circle die cut of designer paper behind her and finished with a tiny sticker sentiment.

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And I'd like to enter this card here (column N: buttons, pink, ribbon) into the below challenges:

Christmas with the Cuties #86 - Christmas Pink

Cutie Pie Challenge - Pink & Pretty

I Love ProMarkers - Anything Goes/Flowers

613 Avenue - Anything Goes

For this one, I used Desert Cactus, colored with alcohol markers.  Papers are from Doodlebug Designs, I used a die cut inlay for the Christmas paper to show through.  I added a piece of green ricrac and a cute button with some more ricrac.  Peace.

Christmas and Birthdays!

 We have some new challenges for you and these will be my last for these particular teams, which I have thoroughly enjoyed!  We are being sponsored by Polkadoodles for these 2 challenges.  First up is the Love to Craft challenge, where the theme is always Anything Goes - I used Penguin Gifts from Polkadoodles:

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

Digi Choosday #42 - Anything Goes

Jingle Belles Rock 2422 - Animals on Christmas Card

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Anything Goes

Crafty Calendar November - Anything Goes

The digital image I used is called Penguin Gifts from Polkadoodles, colored with alcohol markers.  My papers are from Doodlebug Designs and I added some giant pearl stickers.  

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Next up is the Birthstone Challenge.  The birthstone for November is Topaz and I used Holly Flower Basket from Polkadoodles:

 The birthstone for December is Turquoise and I used the Birthday Mouse from Polkadoodles:

. I'd like to enter my mouse birthday card into the following challenges:

Alphabet Challenge - P is for Party

613 Avenue - Anything Goes

Passion for Markers #763 - Birthdays

Dream Valley - Anything Goes

I colored my mouse with alcohol markers and Stickles and used some papers from My Mind's Eye. Finished off with a button and some gemstone stickers. Peace.