Laugh In The Sunshine

 Just a Note

The following post contains some very personal stuff.  I placed it at the end so that you wouldn't have to read it if you are only here for craftiness:)

Good Morning!  I hope you are having a great start to your weekend.  I know that I have been a bit absent.  I apologize.  I had my first Scentsy party this week and was busy prepping for that.  I started a a template by Adela and haven't quite finished it.  Hopefully by Monday.  The weekends are very precious here.  We spend them with my dear husband.  So, there will be no crafting until the weekend is over.

I did want to share a card I made inspired by my mom.  At my LSS, I saw this stamp set by Inky Antics.  I couldn't resist getting it because the wording encompasses something that my mom loved.  Flowers and Sunshine!

.

Live 

among the flowers

Dance

with the petals

Laugh

in the sunshine

This is a card I made a few weeks ago using the scrap from an Amy Butler 5X7 pad.  I also used a a stamp from Thankful Accents by Verve to adorn the sentiment panel.  Each end is topped with a tiny green rhinestone.  The puffy flowers in each corner were a great find at a dollar store...can you believe it?  I colored them with a paintbrush and distress ink very lightly and topped each center with stickles.  You can click on the photo if you'd like a closer look....don't be too critical though.  Pretty sure the stickles aren't dry in the photo.  I love stickles, but man, they take forever to dry!

I would like to mention that I am getting rid of almost EVERY STAMPIN UP INK PAD.  It will have a reinker that goes with it.  I would love to sell them as a set, but might consider selling them as individuals.  I might even have the paper that goes with the color.  

I am also selling every Stampin Up Marker, except red.  That one is a goner:)  I do have the red journaling  marker to replace it.  I also have included a versamarker and a watercolor brush.

Here is the picture.

Cost is $75 plus the cost of shipping.

You can email me (sidebar) and I will figure out shipping to your area.

I also have all this paper....

It does not include the two smaller pads.  These pictures show the same stack of paper from different angles.  There must be at least 200 sheets.  I think that is a very LOW estimate, but I'm not going to count:)  These are 12x12 of SU colors.  Some of the edges are rippled since they have been sitting in racks.  I would suggest them to a cardmaker if that is an issue for a scrapbooker.

Cost is $25 plus shipping to your area.  

Again the SMALL PADS are NOT included.  My friend took those.

I have lots more stuff, but it's just not ready to put up.

One more thing to share on a personal note.  I debated writing anymore about my grief.  However,the one thing I have realized through blogging and reading people's blogs is that you never know how you may be helping someone else.

Something that you say, or write, may be just the thing that someone else needed to hear.  So I will share and the great thing is YOU have the option to stop reading:)

I have had two really good days.  Days of smiling and even laughing again.  It has been a LONG time.  I had such a great time at the Scentsy party and was able to get 3 more parties scheduled from that.  Out of 6 guests, that's a GREAT thing!  I was so happy!   Until yesterday morning when I realized the person I wanted to share that with was not here.  I asked her if she knew.  Did she know how great that was? Does she know that I'm donating a percentage of my earnings to her fund?  Does she know how we are honoring her by donating coats?  Does she see that my dog is shedding like crazy?

Remember this dog that you hugged and loved and commented on how she didn't really shed.

Do you know that your granddaughter is plucking her own eyebrows now?  Do you see how big she is getting?

Does she know all this stuff that I want to tell her?

All these silly things that I need to share with her.  Things that someone else wouldn't care to hear.  I know she would listen to it all...with so much interest.  I miss her voice and her laughter.

And I CRIED!  

I was putting my suitcases away in room.  I always keep them in her closet now.  I had been in and out of there several times.  I managed to just cry and do the things I needed to do.  I had to go into her room one more time.  I was going to sweep (cause there's a lot of dog hair here) and my dog had left her half eaten chew toy on the floor in my mom's room.  As I bent down to pick it up, there was one of her earrings.  Do you believe in signs?  I do.  That earring was not there.  We have been in and out of her room everyday.  We like to go in there.  That earring was not there.  You could say that it dropped out of the closet, but I don't know how.  There are only a few of her clothes left in there.  I do have her earrings, but they are in my room, in a jewelry box at the other end of the hall.

That was the first of several signs yesterday that she was answering my questions.  She is here.  I got another piece of mail addressed to her yesterday.  Her Rite Aid card was sitting out on my counter.  My mom hasn't lived her in over a year and a half.  Coincidence?  I don't think so.  Last night I got on Facebook and there was a song that I will share.  I had to write a friend back who was checking on me.  Her mom died the same day as mine...eleven years earlier.  If you are on FB you know that your friends pictures will pop up on the right side.  As I was writing my friend back, I looked up and there was my mom's picture and photo album of her and my kids.  I took that as another sign.  Some may say I'm reaching.  That's ok.  Even if I am, it brings me comfort.

I just wanted to share that story because it helps me and it may help someone else. 

Here is the song that I heard yesterday....

Thanks So Much

Thanks SOOOO much for all of the wonderful comments that you have been leaving me in regards to my mom.  It means so much.  I am comforted by hearing the wonderful stories of the kindness of others or how my story touched you.  It does not make my life feel better, but I am comforted to know that I am not alone.  I think only time will make things feel better.

I know it has been too long since my last post.  I've had a card made for awhile.  It's been a tough week.  I did not realize that each day is different as you heal.  I am happy to say that the PTO is donating the money from popcorn sales in January to my Mother's Fund.  I also got so many coats last week that will be delivered to various schools this week. I will share pictures of that too. It has been amazing....the support.  Still, my week was tough.  I imagine that will continue to happen. 

I have some things to share.  First, I will be drawing for my blog candy and announcing the winner tomorrow.  There is still time to enter HERE.

Second, I am taking place in a "JUST FOR FUN" Valentine Blog Hop with an old friend of mine from my very first Design Team ever.  That will be so fun.  I LOVE making Valentines.  This year my daughter is old enough that she is only making a few of her own and my son is helping with his.  That makes it even better when you don't have to make 50:D

The blog hop will take place this Friday and go all weekend.  There will be a few prizes along the way.  So stay tuned for that.

  My card today uses the sketch from Verve's VLV weekly challenge.  I love Verve.  Think I may have mentioned that before...*wink*  It has been so long since I have been able to participate in these weekly challenges.  I really hope I can win a free set from the new release.  That would be nice considering that black cloud is still hovering over me.  Really!  I can't say more now, but I truly need some prayers in that department.  OAI!  I'm still trying to find the "silver lining" Sally:)

I used some Amy Butler papers that were on clearance at Joann's and combined them with some old Linen Closet papers by DCWV.  I also paired my favorite Verve stamp set, Thankful Accents, with a PTI set.  This greenish blue color is becoming such a favorite of mine.  It's very soothing.  I also used some Kiwi Kiss satin ribbon that I've had forever.  My goal in the new year is to use more scraps and old stuff. 

I should have another card to share tomorrow using the scraps from this card and a story to share tomorrow.  Also the announcement of the BLOG CANDY WINNER tomorrow.  See you then!  Tomorrow...did I mention tomorrow...lol.  Sometimes I go back and re read my post and realize how redundant I am.  I decided to leave it and just laugh at myself;)

Finally Back and Creating...a little.

Howdy!  I'm  back from vacation and finally had a chance to get a little creative.  We had such a fabulous trip!  To  be honest I wasn't as excited about going to Gettysburg as I was about just GOING.  I'm not much into history.  It's not my "thing."  I have to say though that I LOVED it.  I think history class would be so much more exciting if you could have a sense of what it was really all about. What it sounded like, felt like, LOOKED like.   At least for me.  I'm so glad that my husband planned this trip.  It was so beautiful and emotional.  Funny thing....Hershey, PA ended up being the least favorite part of the trip.  Who would have thought, huh?  We did indulge in the MOST divine cookie I have ever eaten.

Chocolate and Peanut Butter!  There is nothing better for me:)  

It took all 4 of us to eat this because it was so big and rich.

Speaking of eating, if you ever are near Ortanna, PA you MUST go eat at this fabulous restaurant.  

It is called Hickory Bridge Farm and it's very close to Gettysburg.  Wow!  The food was so amazing!  It's all home cooked and the ambiance of the place is the perfect touch.  I will tell you it is a bit pricey, but you will leave feeling very full and happy.  When I say full, I mean FULL!

In fact you may look like this....

Just warning you:)  They also have an old fashioned candy counter and a barn full of antiques to check out.  

This place was one of my most favorite parts of our trip. Really, GO to this place.  It is so worth it.

Ok, I guess you came here for a card, right!?  Well, you're in luck.  I have TWO!

My nephew and niece are coming to spend next week with us and it will be the only time I see my niece before her birthday.  So I made her this using a slightly altered version of the SFYTT this week.  I am also entering this into TPE challenge to use Pink and Black.  I do have to point out that my coloring of this image isn't so great.  I got some Prism card stock for Copics and I guess that Bazzill has bought them out or something.  Anyways, it's NOT the same and I find blending to be very difficult.  So, I'm still searching for the Copic  friendly card stock that works for me.  I think I'm going to try PTI.  Anyone have any suggestions?

Because I wasn't overly thrilled with this card I had to make another one with that lovely "Strawberry Jam" paper from Fly A Kite Collection.  Dots!  I love dots!

This card started out using a Twisted Sketch.  Um... it became a bit altered.  I rearranged this thing in so many ways and then realized that I needed that black panel to be crooked.  That was it!  My life is in such chaos lately that perfectly straight and defined was just too much for my brain to grasp.  Chaotic and crazy?  Now, THAT  I'm in touch with. ( As I type this there are 4 kids running around screaming...need I say more?)

Speaking of crazy.  What do you think of the "flower?"  That was just me playing around with crepe paper, ribbon and a glue gun.  I kind of like that wonky thing.  I literally just crumpled and glued, glued and crumpled.  There is no rhyme or reason to it.  Oh, how I love the freedom of crafting:D.

This is also for TPE challenge and Allsorts Embossing Challenge.  At Stamp Something we are to do something vintage and add flowers.  This is a bit vintage, I think. I'm also entering this into the Pile It On Challenge. Do something fancy, cool or extravagant on the top of your card.  I'm thinking that wonky flower may qualify.  I also think I need to try that paper that the challenge is talking about.  One last challenge to enter...the CCEE challenge is a summer card with flowers.

That's it for me today.  I hope to have something else this week, but I honestly won't be posting much in July, I'm afraid.  The next 3 weeks are FULL of a family activities.  I will be back in full force in August.  I have a few exciting announcements that I will share soon.

In the meantime, I hope you are all having a great summer!  I also apologize for not visiting your blogs like I would like.  Summer...it's so busy.  Goes to fast and too slow.  Remembering the sound of silence...ahhh!





What's In It:
Stamps: Jolinne  Birthday Balloon MFT
Ink: black memento
Paper: Strawberry Jam, berry sorbet, black, white 
Other: rub on, berry sorbet satin ribbon, oval punch, horizontal punch, nesties, copics, sewing machine

Stamps: Verve Plain Jane and All About You, Hearts and Hugs by HA, Elegant Flourishes by Clear Dollar Stamps
Ink:  Versafine Black, antique linen, PTI cream
Paper: Strawberry Jam, black textured, vellum
Other: crepe paper, tattered angels postcards, satin ribbon, black pearl, EK success border punch, Copic R22

You're So Sweet!

  First, I must apologize.  I forgot to post the winner of the Absorber stamp cleaner.
  I used random.org and still can't figure out how to imbed that picture onto my post.  Anyways, the winner was #4.  That's :

Lisa Foster said...

Love your craft area! You've got lots of goodies to play with! I think I'm going to "borrow" your idea for your photo box...your pics are so good..and your solution is one I can afford! LOL...Also love how you store your Nesties...so many fab ideas! Thanks so much for sharing! Hugs, Lisa

If you have never checked out Lisa's blog please do.  She is AMAZING!  Her coloring is to die for...seriously.  I'll be getting in touch with you Lisa.

Now back to the business at hand.  Today is my day over at the PaperWorks Blog.  I decided to do a quick little project using just papers and Nestabilities.  I love the new dies they came out with this spring.  I used some yellow paper and the new large scalloped circles to make my flower on this card.

After I cut 2 different sizes out I simply bent and crimped along the edges.  It's all very technical you see:)  I added a button that coordinates with the Garden Variety papers by Cosmo Cricket.  My circle is sewn with embroidery floss and I added that polka dotted ribbon to resemble leaves...kinda.  You can find that ribbon here.  The great thing about it is that it's dotted on BOTH sides.

Don't forget that FRIDAY is the BIG DAY.  It's the first ever blog hop for PaperWorks Co. and this release is HUGE.  I have been having so much fun creating with these stamps.  They are the cutest!  Just wait.  I'm bursting to show you:)

So Friday, ok? Be here.  It's a date:)

I will be entering my card into a few challenges. 
Lucy's Card Challenge~ stitching
Pile It On~ Is It Spring
Die Cuts R Us~ One Earth related embellishment

Today I have a few projects to finish up and in honor of EARTH DAY tomorrow I am planting 3 grape vines and 2 raspberry bushes.  Oh how the country girl in me longs to create that setting at my house in town.  My family has become quite addicted to homemade jam.  Are you doing anything special for Earth Day?

See you tomorrow:)

I've Had a Really Blessed Week.

 This is my second post today.  Please scroll down for the PWCO creation.

WOW!  What a week I've had.  I've been really blessed to add a few new banner's to my sidebar.  I recently became Copic Certified.  What an amazing class that was.  I have been practicing what I learned.  The best bit of advice I have heard so far in regards to coloring is to do what works best for you.  Sure, you need the knowledge and there are many different techniques, but I think it's more important to take what you learn and kind of "make it your own" so to speak.  Anyways, I hope to be able to teach a few classes on this in my area in the fall.  I'm taking the summer to practice up.  So, a New Copic Certified Banner is now on my blog.

This week I had a really fabulous stroke of luck over at Moxie Fab World.  I WON the new Sketch issue....EEK!  And Cath gave me a "shout out" for the creation for the Tuesday Trigger.  That card also got me a spot in the Top 5 over at Hope Stamps Eternal Cupcake Challenge.  Woo hoo!

As if that wasn't enough....I got another shout out from Julee (VerveGirl) whom I adore for my Project Parade card using that little ribbon rose I did a tutorial on last week.  I am on Cloud Nine people.  Really!  That's almost better than winning $25 in Verve cash...well, almost;)

When you feel this blessed you have to pay it forward.  Today I'm making dinner for a family at our church who is having a bit of a rough time.  So, I'm doing a bit there.  I may have to come up with some other way here on the blog.  I need to think about that for a bit.  So stay tuned.

I do have another card to share today.

This was my really quick creation using some new crinkle ribbon and a CAS sketch.  A super easy, fun card.  I used so many different stamp companies on this.....Verve, PTI, Heidi Grace and MFT all played together to make this creation.  I also did something I haven't done before.  I stamped using SMOOCH.  Did you know you can apply that directly to your stamp as an ink.  I never knew....  It's fun!  My flowers and the Mother's Day greeting are all stamped in Taffy Smooch.  LOVE it~!  If you haven't tried this....Go...Do it....Now.  It gives such a pretty shimmer to your image.  I added tiny rhinestones to the center of each flower and used up my scrap of Origins paper.  I'm so proud of how much I am using my scraps.

Ok, off to finish my Beef and Noodles.  That is one thing I can actually cook.  I also have a great recipe that I found this week to share....later.  I've got a billion things to do now.

Thanks for popping in!




What's In It?
Stamps: Friendship HG, Turning a New Leaf PTI, Because Of You Verve, MFT retired set
Ink: New Leaf, Vintage Photo
Paper: Cream, BG Origins DP
Other: crinkle ribbon, taffy smooch, Tiny Twinkles, Nestie Labels, dimensionals, scor tape, sponge

Thanks So Much!

I had a pretty productive day yesterday in the crafting area.  Not so much anywhere else though:)


I haven't made a card for 2S4Y in a long time.  The sketch was perfect for creating this card for another challenge......Die Cuts R Us.   The challenge there was to use the colors from MME's new Lush Collection and white.  I had to use off white though so I hope that is ok. My background paper just happens to be from MME.  It's not the lush collection though.

I used a heart from a sticker set I got at the dollar store and decided to add a bit of bling to the flowers  on it using Taylor's Tiny Twinkles.  I love those little rhinestones.  I was able to pull many little items from my stash to create this card.  Yeah!  I love the trim by Webster's Pages.  I am really falling in love with the whole vintage look.  Ahh... the olden days:)  My little pearls are by Recollections and were a Halloween clearance item.  Never underestimate the use of a clearance item.

  Another gorgeous day here.  I hope it's beautiful in your neck of the woods.  We are going to be spending our day outside I'm sure.  We may check out the Diary of a Wimpy kid movie too.  My son got his birthday gift a bit early.... A new bike:)

 Thumbs Up to the bike AND to the weather!

Have a great Saturday!

What's In It?

Stamps: Thankful Accents (verve)

Ink: Aegean Ocean, vintage photo

Paper: MME, K&Co, vanilla, vellum cardstock, 

Other:pearls, rhinestones, WP trim, heart sticker, clearance flowers, dimensionals, sewing machine

Pastel Sweet Heart

Wow!  I can't believe it's FRIDAY.  Where did this week go?  I finally got a chance to finish my card that I started a few days ago.  This card uses a bunch of stuff that was just laying on my desk.  I'm so happy to be able to use it.  It helps with the process of cleaning off my craft area.

  I know I need to show you pictures of my more organized area, but I really need to clean things up a bit.  I'm one of those people who seem to create better in a messy area.  Anyone else like that?  I'll work on getting pictures around for next week.  Promise.  This card uses Mercy's sketch and I'm also entering it into the Pile It On challenge using Pastel colors. You may recognize the heart that was leftover from my sister's invites.  I also used that stray button that I added stickles to for a bit of sparkle.  That paper is from the Digi Chick and it's a scrap. Since I have several recycled projects on my card I am going to enter it into the Inky Impressions challenge to RECYCLE.  Love to recycle!

All Things Unity is also "going green."  Check out the challenge HERE to see the 3 different ways you can interpret the challenge.

My blog friend, Georgia, suggested I enter this into the Shirleys2Girls challenge as well.  Thanks Georgia!
This is for my aunt in Michigan.  She came down the day of my dad's surgery and took his wife out to lunch and a bit of shopping while I waited in the waiting room.  That helped out sooo much.  So, I wanted to thank her.  She also told me that today is one of 2 days during Lent that you can have meat and the thing that you gave up. Gotta thank her for that too! Woo Hoo!  Guess what I had for breakfast???  CHOCOLATE covered peanuts!  HEE HEE!!!  What a GLORIOUS day it is:D  Hmmmm.  I really should have something a bit healthier for lunch.  Do you think a Chocolate covered banana or a Reese's Cup is more nutritious????...LOL!


Feeling very springy around here.  I love it.  Today I'm washing my sheets and  hanging them out on the line.  There is nothing better than the smell of spring fresh sheets at bedtime.

Have a good one!

What's In It?
Stamps: Ever After, Sweet Valentine (verve)
Ink: Lemon Tart, Rose Romance, Spring Moss
Paper: Tiny Princess, Vanilla, Spring Moss
Other: Iridescent Ice EP, dimensionals, celery organza ribbon, flower, button, stickles, double ended tags Spellbinders, Lush Kaiser pearls,

Wedding Invitations

I  wanted to share my sister's wedding invitations.  By now I would think my family has received theirs.  My sister is having a very small wedding and I was happy to help her by making her invitations.  You can't see the sparkly of these hearts very well in the photo.  They are embossed with iridescent ice embossing powder.  That has to be my favorite EP ever.  I used Lemon tart ink and satin ribbon by PTI.  Yep, I stamped, embossed and cut out 72 of those hearts.  I wouldn't do it again for anyone but my sister.  NO ONE...not even for money:)  Actually it wasn't that bad.  These just took me a while to make.  My PTI order ended up taking a REALLY long time to ship and then I had to get them done before I left for my dad's.  All that made it a bit stressful.  It all got done and turned out fine.  I hope she likes them.
 

Here is the inside:

I have smudged out the details.  We can't  have any extras coming...sorry:)  

What's In It?
Stamps: Ever After, Verve Anniversary Birds
Ink: Lemon Tart, memento black
Paper: vanilla, vellum cardstock, premade cards
Other: Lemon tart satin ribbon, dimensionals

Thank You for the Difference

I know that I've been really quiet this week.  It's been very hectic in my life at the moment.  I have many things to share today.  It's actually a bit of an emotional week for me.

A few weeks ago I got a call from my dad.  Normally a conversation with my dad is full of fun and laughter.  However, this was not one of those calls.  My dad informed me that he has prostate cancer and will be undergoing surgery next week.  While I believe the prognosis is good I am asking that you all please pray for my dad.  While this is all very difficult,  it is compounded by the fact that his wife has Alzheimer's and he is the one that takes care of her.  Now he needs someone to take care of both of them for a few weeks.  I am so lucky to have a wonderful husband ( who has a wonderful boss) who is willing to take time off work to be a Stay at Home Dad for a few weeks.  I will be leaving next Wednesday to go stay with my dad for two weeks to take care of him, as well as, his wife.  You can say a prayer for me too please!  I'm not sure I will be that great of a nurse, but I'm all he's got at this point.  So, he'll just have to suck it  up...LOL.  My dad is a very positive, upbeat person.  He has a great attitude towards all of this.  My quote this week at the top of my blog is in his honor:)

  Also, this is the first time I have ever been away from my kids for so long.  I think we will all need quite a few prayers over the next few weeks.  I am the one constant in my kids' lives.  I'm ALWAYS here. (A curse as well as a blessing:)  My hubby will do a fabulous job I know, but it will still be hard on everyone.  So prayers all the way around, ok?  Thanks!

I have a lot on my plate at the moment.  Being on THREE design teams and trying to get my sister's wedding invitations done before I go has been a bit stressful.  I am so fortunate to work with amazing people who have given me permission to do what I can and not stress.  I hate not fulfilling commitments.  I had to make a difficult decision.  I have decided to step down as a Design Team member for Stamptacular Sunday Challenge.  This Sunday will be my last project with them.  I am so thankful to Priscilla for understanding and being so kind.  My card today is for her.

 I owe a lot to Priscilla.  She is the first person to ever take a chance on me as  a designer.  I have grown so much in my crafting skills in the last year and I attribute most of that to her challenge blog.  It is truly one of the greatest ones out there.  You never know from week to week what challenge she has thought up.  I have stepped outside of my comfort zone many times using her challenges.  Just knowing her has helped me grow as a person.  I think she is AMAZING!  When I'm having a bad day or week I think about her and her strength to push on and just get things done.  To look at the bright side.  If she can go through all the things that have come her way and still keep a positive attitude than how can I NOT do the same.  If you are reading my blog for the first time you can read about Priscilla HERE.  She is a wonderful, inspiring person.  How blessed I am to" know" her and even better, to be inspired by her.

I will have several posts over the next few days and then a few pre scheduled posts for Whimsy stamps while I am away.  I am actually contributing to one of the challenges on the NEW Whimsy Inspirations blog.  This is  a challenge that is dear to my heart.  Please stay tuned for that.

My card today uses the Mojo Monday Sketch 127 and I got my color inspirations from the Curtain Call Color Challenge.

I realized as I was putting this up that I forgot to add the Kraft card stock to the back of my image.  So let's just pretend that this is all adhered to a Kraft base, shall we?:D  I have to pretend quite a bit in my life.  I'd love to pretend that my sister's wedding invitations are done, but that's a reality that's SLAPPING me right in the face.  My supplies have STILL not arrived.  Wish me luck with that please!

Hope you have a great day!  We just got a blanket of beautiful WHITE snow.  It's so pretty out.






What's In It?
Stamps: Love's Flower, Because of You VERVE
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, antique linen TH, Spring Rain PTI, ballet blue
Paper: Cosmos Cricket's Material Girl and Girl Friday, Vanilla, watercolor, white dotted
Other: Labels Nestie, sponge, rhinestone brad, dimensionals, Enchanted Evening satin ribbon, Kaiser pearls, scalloped edge punch

So Sweet Treat

 

Good Morning!  It's another Stamptacular Sunday Challenge today.  Priscilla would like everyone to make a PROJECT for a SWEET TREAT.  

Now I have to tell you not to look too closely at this.  I have LOTS of mistakes.  I swear that I am the only person who can be ahead of schedule and yet behind.  

I made my project this week and sent it to Priscilla on Thursday.  That's when it's due.  On Friday afternoon I checked my email and found out that I had actually made my project for the NEXT WEEK'S theme.  So, I'm ahead of schedule there.  However, I had no project for this week.  Now, I'm behind.

My entire day on Friday was meetings, Vday Parties, running kids.  Then yesterday we had the morning FULL of kid activities and my hubby decided to take us into town for various things.  I truly had no time to get my project done until this morning.  So, it's late and won't be up on the SSC blog.  

Go check out some of the really great ideas that the DT has made though.  They are pretty awesome!

Then play along.  Who doesn't want or need a sweet treat in their life?

You could win THIS:

Line is our sponsor this week and you could win this cute Hanglar stamp.

Just a few quick details about my project.  I used a template by Kelleigh Ratzlaff called, "Top Heavy Box."

I created my own mat template for the front, top and sides, by marking on a piece of vellum cardstock.  That way I can keep it with my file folder to just trace and cut.  That heart was leftover from my son's valentines and I created the flower using some tissue paper and a flower die by cuttlebug.  So easy.

I hope you can play along this week.  I'm entering this into the Verve Treats and Tins project parade.  I'm hoping my error can possibly get  me a few free stamps:)  I love Verve stamps! 

Have a great day!  I'll be back later with another creation for Whimsy!

What's In It?
Stamps: Verve Sweet Valentine
Ink: Real Red, Antique Linen (Tim Holtz)
Paper: Bo Bunny, white
Other: heart nestie, box top, red glitter, MS punch, satin ribbon, tissue paper, cuttlebug flower die, velvet brad, embroidery floss, horizontal slot punch, paper piercer.sponge

PS....It's a Late Post:)

This is a SUPER quick card I managed to squeeze in today. (Took longer for the stickles to dry than anything) I had hopes for another card and tutorial, but no such luck.  My daughter's room is taking up a lot of time.  It is looking amazing though.  I truly am quite jealous.  I will show some pics if it's ok with her at a later date.

I had to point out that this card was inspired by that pink ribbon.  It came on a shower gift pack that my DD got at Christmas.  I knew I had to use it somehow.  I also used that giant heart brad that I picked up on clearance last year.  It's by We R Memory Makers...is that right?..hmmm...you know who I mean.  I love a cheap, repurposed card!  Thickers were colored with Copics and Stickled.  That's It!

Hope your day is going well.  I'll be back tomorrow with the Little Loud Stamps...Charlotte and Jacob!

See you then!

Turkey Time?

I don't think so.

The challenge today at Stamptacular Sunday Challenge is to create a card or some other sort of project that can be used at or sent at Thanksgiving time...put a TURKEY on it and get entered TWICE to win this week's fabulous prize!

Well, I made card that is Thanksgiving themed, but it doesn't have any turkey on it.

The chances of me ever having a turkey stamp are pretty slim.

  I don't like turkeys.  Oh, I like to EAT turkeys.  It sort of a "revenge" thing.  See, when I was a kid I was tormented by a turkey.  Yes, the following is a true story.  No matter how far fetched it may seem it is totally and completely true.  My family will vouch for that.

 So here goes..... When I was in high school we lived out in the country.  It was my dad's escape back to the country boy in him. My dad would always get these "ideas." One blessed year he decides we are going to raise turkeys and then sell them.  I think we had around 25 of them and one "rooster."  This rooster liked to get out and walk around the yard.  I soon learned that he would run right towards me like he was going to attack me.   I would have to check to make sure he wasn't out when I wanted to leave the house.  My family thought it was funny.  Aren't they nice?  Believe it or not, I hold no emotional scars from them.
Well, one day when I was leaving the house HE was out.  I think I had to go to work so I made a dash for the car.  He chased after me and then proceeded to circle my little car, pecking at it.
We later discovered that he would attack my brother's  RED and blue basketball too.  I think this turkey was part bull and the color red made it attack.  I have RED hair!  That is my theory, anyway.

The day we loaded those turkeys up into my dad's truck to be hauled off to the butcher was a happy day for me.  He joked about keeping the "DEVIL TURKEY" around.  In the end he became a Thanksgiving dinner:)
Honestly, those turkeys that we raised were the best turkey I have ever eaten.

I hope I didn't offend any vegetarians or turkey lovers out there, but you can see why I may not be that fond of the little fellows when they are alive.

 I do have a picture of a turkey to share though.  This was created by my son for school.  He was to disguise a turkey so that it can't be recognized and eaten at Thanksgiving.

He decided to put it in camouflage to make it look like the turkey is the hunter.  We also added  glasses with a fake nose and mustache.  That part cracks me up.

I hope you will join in our challenge this week.

Our sponsor is Simon Says Stamp .

The prize is a $25 gift certificate and FREE shipping!

Go have a look at all the fun and beautiful creations by the design team.

What's In It?

Stamps: Tall Oaks (Verve)

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa

Paper: K&Co Classic and scraps from my stash

Other: Copics and Prismacolor pencils, blending stumps, baby oil, crystal effects, vintage brads, recollections pearl, TPS button, twine, dimensionals, paper piercer, vine trim ( Papierloftet)

Twinkle, Twinkle Big, Bright, Beautiful Star!

I just have a very quick post today.  We only have 2 more days til our vacation and I have sooo much to do.  I read a blog by Shawne, who is an AMAZING artist for Clear Dollar Stamps.  This is another stamp company that I truly want to try out.  However, I have so many wants and so few monies.  Isn't that the way it goes.  Anyways, they have started a new Challenge and she invited me to participate.  The challenge is to use 5 of anything on your card.  Mine has 5 pearls, 5 Tiny Tinkles and it did have 5 layers, but I had to remove one cause I messed up....SHOCKER!  This is also for the CAS challenge on Splitcoast which is to use white and ONE other color.  I was so excited to get to play with the Verve Stamp set I just won from the last release party.  It's so pretty!  Alright, now go check out the challenges and play along!

Stamps: Star of Wonder (verve)

Ink: colorbox silver

Paper: white

Other: Tiny Twinkels, dimensionals, silver EP, Melissa Frances Pearls, TPS pearl brad, circle nestabilites, dazzling diamonds, 2 way glue pen, Quickkutz EP, May Arts satin ribbon

Friendship- Stamptacular Style

 Today we are celebrating friendship at Stamptacular Sunday Challenge.  We'd love to have you play along and make a card for a special friend in your life.

We have TWO sponsors this week.  Our very own Liza is sponsoring THIS:

and Doodle Street by Cassandra is offering:

ONE FREE DIGITAL IMAGE....Winner's choice

My card today has so many different elements to point out.  I was really inspired by this Wassail paper I got on clearance.  I love the blend of white with cream and tan.  I never think to use white and cream together.  I only ever use one or the other. It's really kind of an interesting look to combine them don't you think?  I layered a sheer, cream ribbon over a white satin one in my attempt to mesh these two colors.  That tiny white frame is by Melissa Frances and has a small stamped area that is the same as the main image.  I used a new stamp set by Heidi Grace.  It is stamped on watercolor paper that was colorwashed with Sahara Sand.  I then stamped the image in  Sahara Sand and then again using versamark and white embossed.  The butterfly is stamped in Vanilla craft and embossed in iridescent ice.  It is layered on another butterfly that is clear embossed.  Don't you hate when the last thing you stamp comes out CROOKED?  I was not starting over though.  So this will go to a crooked friend that knows how crooked my life really is and accepts that....My Sister.  Boy I miss her.  She is my best friend.  The person who is most like me, yet different enough to make things interesting.  She is the person who gets me and my jokes and I get her. We have our own language.  Eventhough she lives far away, I know that she will always be there for me as I will be for her.

Here is a picture of the inside:

So go ahead and get started.  Let someone special to you know just how you feel.  Make sure you check out the design team's great creations and let them know how you feel too;)

Have a great Sunday!

Nikki

What's In It?

Stamps: Bevy of Butterflies (unity), Because of You (verve), For You (heidi grace)
Ink: sahara sand, versamark, close to cocoa craft, vanilla craft

Paper: Wassail, Sahara Sand, watercolor 

Other: TPS buttons, white EP,white linen thread, dimensionals, ribbon, iridescent ice EP, white Kaiser pears, Labels 4 Spellbinders

Fall Leaves

With the beauty of fall comes the work of yard clean up.  Blek!  My hubby is a stickler for raking.  It's almost insane how much he wants to rake.  We have many leaves in our yard.  I remember our first year in this house.  My hubby raked up EVERY SINGLE leaf.  I thought him insane, but said nothing.  About an hour later I caught him standing at the window with his arms crossed as gently the leaves continued to fall....on his immaculate yard.  Tee hee:)  Oh, too be so anal.  Luckily, I don't have that problem.  He has since then mellowed a bit.

I made this card not for my hubby.  That would have been funny though. But, I made it for my brother.  His birthday is coming up.  I thought I'd share our fall weather with him all the way over in California.  I used Beate's Weekend Sketch 103.  

This card took me WAY too long, but I would do it all again 'cause it's for my little bro.  Well, at least I MIGHT do it all again.  I had some troubles with that corner punch.  I mean, really, who else can't punch a corner correctly.  Do you see why I can't be anal.  It just doesn't work in my life.  I used a new product (to me) by Tim Holtz.  The distress paint is on that big chipboard circle.  I have to say I was sooo impressed that the lid is also a paint brush.  BRILLIANT!  I watercolored those leaves with my inks and a paintbrush.  I have to say that I am totally in love with this new K&Co paper called Ancestry.com.

Don't forget to check back here tomorrow for a special Stamptacular Sunday!

We are headed out to the LAST football game for my little guy.  BRRRR!  It's going to be cold!

What's In It?

Stamps: Autumn Splendor MM, Wishful Elegance Verve

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Baroque Burg, Old Olive, Choc Chip, versamark

Paper: Old Olive, Ancestry.com, vanilla, watercolor, burgundy

Other: hodgepodge kit, jeweled brad, twill, nesties labels and circle, chipboard, dimensionals, fiskars border and corner punch

5 Kids....

... an hour delay and a cranky baby make for a late post.  We had an hour delay for school this morning which means I had extra children and a bit of a rough morning.  It is now quiet.  Well, except for my husband, who is doing his best to intentionally annoy me at this moment.  You don't need to know all that though...moving on...

Today I have a new card to share that is for the Verve release week challenges and the Moxie fab challenge. ( I decided combining 2 challenges was probably the most I want to do again.  Otherwise it seems a bit too creatively restricting...at least for me.  Anyways, unlike yesterday's card,  I (heart) this card.  I used my favorite Verve stamp set ever and this paper by MME just called to me at the store....I swear.  This card is made with all of you in mind.  You could say it is a card made by me, from Priscilla, to all of you.

Here is the front:

And here is the inside:

I have had so many people ask me about how Priscilla's doing.  So, I asked her to write a few words to put on my blog.  Here is what she sent to me.....

I would like to send out a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has so generously opened up your hearts and sent my family and I your thoughts, prayers, donations and love!  Words can't even begin to express how the kindness and generosity of mere strangers has made me feel!  I am absolutely amazed at how many people, I have never even met, have so generously jumped up to help us during what has been the most trying times of our lives!  Please know that YOU are all appreciated and that I am sending lots of hugs and kisses right back at ya!"

Nikki has also said that many of you have been asking how we are?  Well, 2009 has definitely proven itself to be a bit of a struggle but we'll continue to wade through it and learn whatever lessons there are along the way.  Many people often say to me, "I don't know how you are able to go through what your family is going through and yet still keep going and always with a smile on your face."  The answer to that question is quite simple..."It's because, even though our lives have been turned upside down, we have been reminded of the GOODNESS still left in this world of ours!"  We constantly see and are reminded of the horrible and senseless things people do every time we sit down and watch the local news...it's just so sad and makes me feel completely helpless because I have no solutions to make it better!  ...But, because of people like all of you I have been able to forget about all the hatred, crime and bitterness of our world and FEEL the love that still exists, even if just for a brief moment...YOU have reminded me to continue to believe and have faith! 

I have recently had two more surgeries and continue to go through treatments.  Once my body has healed and becomes stronger, I will be scheduled for two more surgeries.  (The doctors say they split up my procedures so it's less trauma on my body all at once.)  Meanwhile, I'll still get my treatments and be thankful for the small breaks in between rounds.

After Mack's second seizure they put him on seizure medication for the rest of his life and thankfully he hasn't had any other seizures, that we know of for sure.  However, I have suspected that he has had at least one more because one evening he was sitting up on the sofa and "appeared" to be sleeping.  I tried to wake him and couldn't.  Finally, after shaking him and yelling, he opened his eyes.  I asked him if he was ok and he was "talking" to me but I couldn't understand a anything he was saying.  He started drooling, his eyes rolled back into his head and then, he simply appeared to be sleeping again.   

Kaela has continued to see the doctors.  Unfortunately, we did not get good news and she will also be on medication for the rest of her life.  It's nothing life threatening, thank God, but all the same still hard to deal with!  On top of this, she also has to see an orthopedic surgeon for her shoulders and back from the four-car-pile-up we were in a few months ago and will possibly need to have surgery.

So...without babbling on and on forever, that's what's been going on and how we are.  Please know, we will be just fine because we have each other AND all of YOU who have so graciously touched our lives!  Thank you for your kind words, support, donations and most importantly of all...your LOVE!  Please feel free to e-mail me anytime at misscill@yahoo.com.  I would love to hear from each of you and keep in touch!

Lots of love,

Priscilla

As you can see, it hasn't been easy for her.  Please continue to keep Priscilla in your prayers.


  I also wanted to let everyone know that we have having our "BONUS FUN CHALLENGE" on Stamptacular Sunday Challenge this coming Sunday.  Priscilla always does such an amazing job of thinking up fun and new things each time.  Make sure you join us for that.  We always have extra fun and prizes on that day, in addition to our regular weekly  challenge.  Make sure you pop on over for a visit and join in.


Here are the details of my card...

Stamps: Just Because (Verve)
Paper: Penny Lane (MME), DCWV off white textured, whisper white
Ink: Sahara Sand for distressing, MS green craft, Pretty in Pink (marker)
Other: Vanilla taffeta, TPS button, lace, oval nesties, distress tool, dimensionals, scalloped edge punch, Kaiser Lush pearls, twine, sponge


Hope you have a fabulous Thursday!
Nikki