Let's Hear It For The Boys

Popping in very quickly this morning to share a few masculine birthday cards I made recently.  As usual, I don't have much time.  I tried to pull an all nighter to meet some deadlines this week and DEAD is what I feel.  I remember when, what seems not so many years ago, I could stay up all night and function the next day.  I guess I have gotten old ( How the H$&& did that happen) because I was so tired yesterday morning that I put my facial moisturizer in my hand and then it went straight on my HAIR!  Thank goodness I had no place to go because I looked like a grease monkey yesterday.  I do not advise putting facial products on your hair.

Moving on to my cards...

This one was made for my LSS store, Simply Scrapbooks.  The inside is a  computer generated saying that I made up.  "Make Believe you are still a kid.  That's what birthdays are all about," is how it should read.  This little guy image cracks me up.  He is by Stamping Bella and his name is Miles ( the dragonfly.)  I call him FLY GUY.  I used the papers by Cosmos Cricket called, "Lil' Man."

Here is another card using this same line of papers and the Embellishment paper to go with it.

 This is probably one of the quickest cards I've ever made.

Here's the inside:

I made this for my neighbor.  He is a quarterback on his football team.  It says, "Hope you SCORE BIG." 

IIIII  thought it was cute.  My son said that I have made a lot better cards.  Well let me just tell you that no boy cares about the card.  He only cares if it has THIS in it....

Yes, I'm aware that the money doesn't fit.  Oops!  It was originally supposed to hold a gift card.  That was the week I was sick or my daughter.  Anyways, no trip to Toys R Us happened.  Cash is always good, right?

Ok, over and out here.  I need to walk the dog and then head to school to treat the kids and teacher to some birthday cookies.

( I deleted my name....I think it's Nikki, but I'm too tired to be sure)

Fall Is In The Air

Are you ready for another Challenge today from A Crafty Little Place?  Today's challenge is perfect for the weather here.  It's an Autumn themed challenge.  It's been a bit nippy here.  I love, love, love fall, but I like to EASE into it.  We went from 90 degrees to the 50's in a matter of days.  It been dreary and rainy.  PERFECT for staying in my basement crafting.

Here's my Autumn themed creation using paper by Basic Grey's Indian Summer:

Supplies Used:  Stamps: American Crafts Blue Skies

Ink: Choc Chip Craft, TH Vintage Photo Distress, Colorbox Dark Peony

Paper: Indian Summer by Basic Grey, Choc. Chip, Ivory, Kraft

Other: Manila Tag, Glimmer Mist, brown grosgrain, brown twine, Wanted Button, oval and scalloped oval punch, EK Success border punch, Zing brown embossing powder

I used some glimmer mist and spritzed my tag.  I then embossed the tree from THIS set using Choc Chip Craft ink and some Zing embossing powder.  My scalloped oval was cut out of Kraft cardstock and then I colored it using some Molasses Smooch.  Now doesn't that just sound "fall-ish?"  Oh my Grandma used to make the best Molasses cookies ever!  Speaking of cookies, I'm off to make a big batch of Chocolate Chip for my son's class tomorrow.  We are surprising his teacher.  It's her birthday.  

I hope you have time to join in our challenge this week.

I should be back tomorrow with a few creations for you. 

See you then!

The 7 (Current) Wonders of MY World

1.  Will we ever be healthy in this house again???

2.  Will I ever get back to posting more than once or twice a week

3.  Will I ever find a groove to my day?

4.  Will my house ever stop smelling like puppy pee? Old dog pee too?

5.  Will we or won't we.....move that is?

6.  Will my house ever get organized again?  Craft room included?

7.  What on Earth did I ever do to deserve my two, AMAZING kids?

These are the things I've been wrestling with lately.  We have been hit and HARD by the Hand, Foot and Mouth virus here.  My son seems so proud that he passed that on to his sister and then me.  My husband NEVER seems to get this stuff.  I find that a blessing though because we all know how men are when they are sick.

  I have been creating a bit lately between cleaning up vomit (sorry), making soup, taking temps, administering meds, staying up nights and feeling like poo myself.  I just don't have the energy to show them.  Maybe, God willing, this will be the week that we find our rhythm to the day.  It is getting there....kinda.

  Puppy training is going well.  We still have an accident every few days.  I'm sure it doesn't help that the older dog has accidents too.  I'm shampooing carpets this week, I hope.  In the meantime, I'm going to a Scentsy party and loading UP:)  I hope that new carpet is in my future.

Since moving here, we have been trying to leave.  It is very difficult to be so far from family.  For those of you that live so close to your family and never see them....well, shame on you.  You never know how lucky you are until your family isn't around.  Simple things like Grandparents Day or having someone come watch your kids in a sporting event or school play are things that we don't get much.  I love this little town, but I miss being a part of something more.

My house feels in chaos at the moment.  I just realized this week that I've never really wanted to do much to it because it has always felt temporary. It's taken me 6 years to figure out that I don't care about painting or fixing things up here since our initial moving in "redo."  I used to love to paint.  I still don't mind, I just don't want to do it for someone else.  Wow!  What a revelation!   

Which takes me to #5 on my list.  My husband has an interview today!  This could be it.  I know that whatever God has in store for us is where we will go.  I'm ok with that.  I'm asking for prayers.  I feel like that hamster in the wheel.....going....going...going, but never getting anywhere.  

It will all work out I know. I really do because I believe that "you are right where you should be."  Unfortunately, that means I'm sitting in the middle of a VERY cluttered craft table, with a slew of projects to finish, inside a stinky, messy, in need of a NEW paint job, dishwasher and carpeted floor house. 

  I just need to tackle it one thing at a time. Today I'm going to clean the bathrooms...again this week.  But first I have to make 15 cards for a friend, do any inspiration project for DCRU and a challenge, make 5 sheriff badges and package candy bags for the Homecoming Parade.  Tonight we are making the float.

Um...maybe the bathrooms will have to wait til tomorrow.  These are the days when I really wish I was "I Dream of Jeanie."  I want it all too.  Not just the powers, but the boobs, hair, voice, looks.  I don't need the Major though cause I've already got the Deputy Chief at home and one man who thinks he's in charge is enough;D

  Thanks for listening to my babble.  I do want to share few projects using The Greeting Farm Stamps.  These stamps are so cute you can't help but smile.

Pretend this is filled with chocolate and it's just for YOU!

The template can be found here.  I did make mine taller though by just extending the lines on the sides.  I also used the new Cosmo Cricket Togetherness paper, a MFT die cut, and some Offray ribbon. I bought this little die that cuts out a whole sheet of letters and it's the perfect size for so many things.

Here's one more cute card using the same image.  I love this sketch too.  It's from PaperCrafts magazine.  I used more of that purplish paper, Retro Glam, by WERMemory Keepers.  The button is by Cosmo Cricket and the flowers are Prima, I believe.

This is my BIG THANKS to you all for being patient with me as I work to get my life in order again!

Hugs!

Green...Orange...and Brown? Oh MY!

Good Morning!  Cruddy Blogger here today inviting you to take part in ACLP challenge.  It's super easy!  

Use these colors to make a card:

Supplies Used: Paper: Chocolate Chip, Orange Prism, Neenah White, AC Blue Skies Good Thing

Ink: Antique Linen Distress, Chocolate Chip

Stamps: Birthday Owen

Other: Copics, Baker's Twine, ric rac, cuttlebug EF, Wanted buttons, distress tool, EK Success border punch

I love the total wonkiness of this card.  Blogger is giving me fits and my life is very wonky right now.  So making something cute out of wonkiness gives me a bit of joy.

I hope you can play along this week.  I really think that I might be back to normal blogging by next week.  Lord knows I have a ton of things to share.  See you soon!

A Recipe Challenge

 Good Morning !  It's time for a recipe....challenge that is:)

It's over  at A Crafty Little Place today

 

The recipe is to use 1 flower, 2 designer papers and 3 buttons.

Flowers and buttons are some of my favorite things.  The Design Team was asked to use papers by BG's Nook and Pantry Collection.  I loved the tiny, yellow flower paper provided to me.  

I created my "flower" by punching out 4 circles and scrunching them up.  I know that in life most flowers have more petals, but in art you get to do whatever you like and more importantly whatever LOOKS good.  Five circles was too much.  I stitched a stem and tied some ribbon for my leaves.  My rub on is NOT crooked, even though it looks that way in the photo. Easy Peasy card.

Supplies Used:

Paper: Prism Yellow, Nook and Pantry DP

Ink: TH vintage photo distress

Other: American Crafts rub ons, sewing machine, circle punch, buttons, May Arts ribbon, twine, distress tool

I've been learning so much from seeing all the great entries for the ACLP challenges.  I hope you can join in this week.

Now for a REAL recipe:

It's that time of year.  Apples, apples everywhere.  So here are TWO recipes I use in the fall.

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce

5-6 apples

4T sugar

1-2 tsp cinnamon

water

Directions: Peel, core and cube the apples.  Place in a med saucepan and add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan.  The apples will cook down and produce some liquid so don't add too much.  Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over the top of the apples.  Cover and cook on low until apples have softened and your house smells heavenly.  Mash with a potato masher to whatever consistency you like.  I like CHUNKY:D

  This is so yummy served over pancakes in the morning especially if you warm it up

One more.....

Apple Turnover

1 pastry sheet, cut into 4 sections ( find this in the frozen food department)
2 apples ( granny smith is good, but I just use whatever I have in my fridge)
2 T sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
touch of milk

Directions:
Cut pastry sheet into 4 pieces.  Thinly slice the apples.  Add sugar and cinnamon.  Mix well.

Place a small portion of the mix into the center of each square.  Fold each of the 4 corners to close the square.  Brush the edges with milk and press down with a fork to seal.

Sprinkle remaining apples on the top and cook in the oven at 400 degrees until brown.

Two Hearts

Hello again!  Wow, posting two days in a row.  That's a record lately:)  I've got another card to share today using a TGF set called Rock The Farm.  This little heart "flower" is one image that comes in the set.  Now, once you read that sentiment you will have that song in your head all day, I swear.  I had that song by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston (totally looked that up, BTW) in my head the WHOLE time I made this card.    Anyways, I used Mercy's Tuesday sketch...kinda:)  The paper is by Cosmo Cricket and the colors just make me HAPPY!   I'm also entering it into the spots and stripes challenge at Stamp Something.

Honestly, I've been in a bit of a slump lately.  I feel like a dog chasing my tale.  Is that because I have a new dog and I'm really trying to train her?  I don't know.  I do know that my creative spark has fizzled a bit.  I'm slowly getting it back.  Lucky for me I'm a very simple girl.  Little things give me great big JOY.  Like yesterday.  I went to Kroger with my coupon box FULL of great coupons and Kroger had all of the same stuff on sale.  I saved a little under $90...yes NINETY dollars on groceries and supplies.  That makes  me tickled pink.  I drive my hubby crazy looking at the receipt.  He should be happy, right?  I know...what's up?  Like getting a 4 serving packet of Activia  for 88 cents!  HAPPINESS!  I got butter for FREE!  hee HEE!  Ok....the thing is I was supposed to go shopping on Thurs.  It was going to be a really rushed trip and I know I wouldn't have saved as much because of time restraint.

  Here's what happened.  Feeling ho hum, I went into Simply Scrapbooks ( my LSS) to turn in my projects.  I decided to look around and try to find something to spark creativity and for a boy bday card.  I spent WAY too much time looking around and just decided to get some paper ( which I need like a whole in the head.)  As I was standing at the register I heard it....the voice... the most recognizable voice in the crafting world...especially if you watch Splitcoast videos.  I turned around and there she was.....

BEATE JOHNS!

 I went up to her and as soon as she saw me she jumped up and gave me a hug.  We have been emailing a bit trying to figure out how we could meet up.  She lives close to me now and I knew she was going to give a class at SS.  We talked about meeting in Sept and having lunch.  As luck would have it, we ended up going to SS on the same day.  She is SOOOO incredibly nice and FULL of stamping knowledge.  I loved just chatting with her.  I'm hoping that we can work out a day that we can stamp and color together.  I'm also going to take her class.  Because I chatted with her so long I couldn't go to the grocery store.

  Besides being happy about meeting her ( she is really tall...well, when you are 5'2" she is really tall) I got to save even more money at the grocery store.  See what a "Simpleton" I am.  Oh yeah, the girl who I can't stand bagging my groceries at Kroger also left my line when I got up there....I don't think she cares for me either.

 AHHHH!  Life is GOOD:) I finally met Beate, saved money and didn't have my apples bagged with my soup cans.  What more can you ask for in life...really?

So what simple things in life make YOU happy?  I'd love to hear.
It's a football day...gotta run.

My Sweet Fishing Boy

Hey All!   I have been the WORST blogger lately.  I'm so sorry.  I am having a hard time adjusting to my new school schedule.  My daughter now goes to school about an hour and a half  before my son.  I have to get her up around 6:15am.  Then I run her to school and come back and wake my son up and then take him to school.   Next I try to walk my dog, feed both dogs and then I finally get a chance to get ready.  Quite honestly, it's all  cut into my crafting time.  I'm still trying to figure it all out.  I've said before that time management is NOT a strength of mine.  Give me a few weeks and it will all work out, I'm sure. 
  I've also been doing a lot of reading on dog training.  I'm one of those people that can either read or create...not both.  Throw in a few sleepless nights from my son being sick and me trying to meet my Simply Scrapbook deadline, along with an all day seminar for my Dental Hygiene License renewal and I feel a bit CRAZED.

I did finally get my projects done and delivered yesterday.  TGF image above is from a set I got to work with.  I LOVE HIM!  My son has fallen in love with fishing.  I made this little project for him out of a lunchbag.  I just folded it over and sewed to create a pocket.  The great thing is that it created TWO pockets.  

Oh how I wish I could have taken a picture of the final project with the little snacks I put in, but I didn't:(  So imagine this with 2 mini bags of Swedish Fish in the very back pocket.  Swedish Fish are so yummy!  I also made a little card to put in the front pocket.  It  has a picture of my son and his first BIG CATCH.  He got that when we went camping this summer.  He was the only one who caught a fish that day.  That made him feel pretty proud since he was with older people.

This looked so cute with the snack bags of fish popping out the top.  It kills me that you don't get to see it all.  I made this using the Card Patterns Sketch this week.  It's turned on the side. 

This also has lots of layers including those pockets, so I'm entering it into the Pile It On Challenge.

The Shabby Tea Room has a Tag Challenge.


 I've gotta run.  We have no food in the house.  I was supposed to get groceries yesterday, but I had a big surprise when I dropped off my projects at the scrapbook store.  I'll tell you about that tomorrow when I share another SS creation using Mercy's sketch. 

Til then~!

Whimsy Birthday

OOPS!  A big apology.  I thought I had preposted this and have been sick so I didn't even notice that it wasn't posted yesterday.  My life is very out of sorts at the moment.  Hoping it will get better after this week.

Make sure you read about the challenge over at A Crafty Little Place.  Claudia has a prize up for grabs this week.  Yippee!

Good Tuesday Morning to you.  It's time for a Sketch Challenge over at A Crafty Little place this week.  I got to use a newly released Claudia and Co stamp called Birthday Lily.  Isn't she cute?  We also got to work with Whimsy Paper by DCWV.    My image is colored with a combination of Copics and Prismacolor pencils.

Supplies Used:  Stamps: Birthday Lily,  So Random Up and Down Sentiments

Ink: Memento Black

Paper: Whimsy DCWV, Blue Prism, Neenah White

Other: Basic Grey Buttons, yarn, orange twill, Copics, dimensionals, prismacolored pencils.

I had a lot of fun seeing all the entries for the challenge last week.  It was really hard to choose the winners.  I learned and was very inspired to try out a few things that people did.  Now if I could just find that groove and get back into a routine I'd be all set....lol.  Still working on that.  I hope you can join in with our Sketch Challenge this week.  Pop on over and check out the great designs by the DT  here. 

Have a goodie!