Birdie Wishes

Happy Thursday!  I've got a card to share today that uses quite a few challenges.  This is one of those cards the took a different direction than I had planned.  I worked for hours on this.  It's one of those cards that I may never give away.  I love the end result, but I had to walk away from it yesterday.  NOTHING was working the way I wanted.  I think that is what I have to do a lot when I am creating.  Just walk away.  Take a breather.  Then come back refreshed.   Voila!  It all falls in place.  I so envy those that can just whip up a card.  Presto...just like that and it is awesome.  Not me.  I'm like that turtle from yesterday.  SLOW.   I think that crafting is the only area in my life where I am a bit anal.

This card using several of the things sitting in my reject pile.  I think that is my last, rejected, embossed bird:)  The heart is from Basic Grey Cappella collection.  The adhesive on the back of those things is awful!  It's like slime.  I removed it and adhered it with my glue gun.  That crinkled ribbon is my own.  I really hope to have that up for sale when I get back from vacation.  I think I may take the Etsy "plunge."    One thing that I have to note because I know you can't tell from the picture is that side panel. It is card stock that is wrapped in Tulle.  I love tulle lately.  This card is full of texture and layers.  So unlike anything I've been doing lately.

So here are the challenges that inspired this card:

Caardvaarks-  July Birthday Challenge
Allsorts- Love/Heart
Stamp Something- Recipe~ 1 image, 1 DP, 1 ribbon ( I technically only have one stamped image)
The Sweetest Thing Sketch
Just For Fun Color Challenge- Cream, Brown, Light Blue
Moxie Fab- Let's Do Vintage and Shabby  (my favorite!)


I should have one more post before I leave for camping.  See you tomorrow!

What's In It?
Stamps: Always, Wishful Elegance (verve)
Ink: Choc Chip Craft, Vintage Photo Distress
Paper: Cream, Pink Paislee Cupid, Prism blue
Other: MS lace punch, BG Cappella Heart, brown EP, dimensionals, crinkle ribbon, button, tulle, Sizzix die frame

A Little Help, A Little Info, A Little Crafting

I can't believe how long it's been since I last posted.  I have one more vacation and then life will resume to normal I think.  I do have a few cards to share with you today.  First though, I would like to ask a favor.  My friend, Priscilla, contacted me last week asking me to spread the word about a project she is working on.  She is hosting a drive to collect scrapbook supplies/stamps for a woman who lost everything to a tornado a few weeks ago.  Near Toledo, Ohio, several families were devastated to lose their homes to a tornado that came through in the night.  One family was killed.  Priscilla is someone that I tried to raise money for about a year ago. You can read about that HERE.  She has already organized a very successful garage sale to raise money to help pay for household items for these families.

This is part of her email to me:

I'm sure you heard that on June 5th/6th we had horrible tornadoes here nearby.  We actually didn't get any damage from the storm at our house but it hit hard in my hometown and completely destroyed many homes, leaving many with absolutely nothing!  So, I was asked to organize a fundraiser and of course, I was honored and jumped at the opportunity!  I decided to have a huge garage and bake sale and asked for people to donate their unwanted items so we could sell them at the sale.  We had over 100 families donate and made a little over $5500.  It was amazing!  Now, we have been contacting the families who were affected by the storms and asking them to compile a wish list of items that they need right now, as well as items they don't think their insurance is going to cover.  It's so awesome to be able to help, even if in just a small way.  (I'm thrilled to be able to "Pay It Forward" and do something for someone else like you did for me!)

The reason I am telling you all of this is because I wanted to ask for your help!  During my conversations with many of the families it was brought to my attention that one mother had a huge scrapbooking and stamping room dedicated and full of nothing but supplies...she was one of the families who lost everything.  Scrapbooking and stamping are close to my heart and I just couldn't walk away with that information and do nothing...so what I decided to do is contact everyone I know in the scrappin' and stampin' world and ask for help!  I am asking for people to donate any scrappin' or stampin' items that they have just laying around not being used or stamp sets that have been used are retired or have made their way to the bottom of the collection...only to be forgotten about.  Having said all that...would you be interested in helping me collect items to give to this mom?  Her name is Jackie and she has three young children.  Two girls, 4th and 6th grade and one boy age 4.  My goal is to deliver five huge boxes full of cardstock, stamps, adhesives, ribbons, brads, flowers, etc...to her and hopefully help put a smile on her face for the first time in a month.  Not only did she and her family lose everything they own but across the street her in-laws lost their home and everything they own too...in fact, her in-laws are still in the hospital.

I would also love to have help spreading the word!  Any help you can spare would be greatly appreciated! 

She included photos of the area in her email.

 

So what do you say?  Do you have supplies just laying around?  I know I do.  I would love it if you could help out with this Scrapbook drive.  You can either email me ( nikkischmaltz@gmail.com ) or Priscilla
( misscill@yahoo.com ) for the address on where you can send your supplies.

If you live by me I would be happy to take the things to Toledo for you.  Just email me.  Thanks!

 One more thing.....  I recently started another blog that has simple, quick recipes.  I did this for all the busy moms out there who need ideas for surviving football or any other season.  Thought I would share that link for you.  www.vvplanb.blogspot.com  PLAN B.  Thanks to those of you who have submitted recipes.   They will eventually be showing up.  I just thought you may want to pop over for a quick look.  I will be adding recipes each day or so.

Now on to the cards:

 This card is for several challenges.   The Color Throwdown is having a big celebration for their 100th Color Combo.  The colors:  Baja Breeze, Celery, Regal Rose and Red.  This card looks way better IRL.  I also used the Stamptacular Sunday Sketch this week.

This is another card I made for our neighbor boy.  He has been feeding our turtles while we are away.  This is no small task.  They eat a LOT for 2 babies.  He has to come over twice a day to keep them full.  I love this digi image from The DigiStamp Boutique.  I used one of Practicing Creativity's sketches this week.  I'm also entering this into the Hip To Be Square Crazy Challenge.  At Stamp Something they have a recipe challenge: 1 image, 1 DP and 1 ribbon.  I definitely thing this qualifies for the Let's Do Fun and Cute Challenge over at Moxie Fab.  Don't you just want to pinch those cheeks on the turtle?  Ours are not this cute.  The inside of the card says, " You Turtley ROCK!"  I'm also entering this into today's TCP 118 challenge to use twine. 

Gotta go.  Sorry for no details.  Time is not on my side.  I should be back to regular posting after next week.  I think I will have one more card before I leave.

We are finishing up those darn 4 H projects tonight and tomorrow is "SHOW TIME."  Wish us luck!

Combining Elegance and Comfort

I gotta say that I love the card I'm sharing today.  I never thought I would make a card, look at it and think, "Hey, this is totally ME!"  But I have.... 

I think this card completely represents my style and personality.  I love pretty things (who doesn't?), but I am all about comfort.  Being comfortable, having a comfortable home and hopefully making people feel comfortable around me.  I'm a "jeans" sort of gal who loves a bit of elegance thrown in the mix.  I have a passion for many things (red.)  I like to have fun ( polka dots are fun.)  My life is filled with wonkiness (ric rac.) I'm pretty touchy feely (fuzzy paper and embossing.)  And like the sentiment on the bottom, you can add some glitz on the outside of me, but inside I'm still comfortably worn and imperfect in so many ways.

I made this card with the Moxie Fab Fun with Fabric Challenge and over at FlourishesTimeless Tuesday #68 they have a challenge to make your own flower. I used the CPS sketch as my inspiration (with a slight alteration.) Stamp Something is to use 2 of something.  I used 2 colors....provided cream does not count....if it does then I used two papers:) Lastly, this is for the Pile It On challenge~ out of the box.  I think my card is pretty out of the box in all the elements.  After my analogy of the card and my personality you may just consider me "out of my mind."  Hopefully. that will count too:)

I will have more details on how I made this card Saturday.  It will be featured on my Guest Designer spot over at A Little Crafty Place( the Die Cuts R Us Design Team Blog.)

Hope you will stop back then for all the details on this card and a few more.

Happy Thursday!  Mine is FULL of kid stuff~ lunch on the bleachers, a play at school, ortho appts, a play again!  I'll be hopping for sure!

Celebrate Rejection!

Happy Saturday!  I know I said I would show pics of my craft area today, but I took A LOT and I won't have time to make up my post until later.  So they will be in another post that may just show up tomorrow.  We have a busy day of birthday celebrating.   I would have done it last night, but my son had a friend spend the night and my daughter and I treated each other to a spa extravaganza.  So fun!  We did each other's feet.  She massages my feet and since she hates massages I just have to paint her nails.  I think I'm getting the better deal:)

For now I just have a card to share. I used  another Moxie Fab sketch.  I think I am going to have to get that new release because I'm a girl that needs a sketch.  Here's the sketch:

And here's my take:

I also had to include the requirements for a few other challenges this week.  First up is Die Cuts R Us challenge 33.  I missed out last week so I just had to play along this week.  I had to put a bird on my project along with a stamped image.  This is another one of those "Bird REJECTS".  The embossing on it was not so good, but it goes with the aged texture of my paper this time around.  Actually, the glittered circle was in that pile too.  That's why I'm celebrating rejection:) I used a silhouette stamp for the CCEE challenge this week.  I know on another challenge blog I had to use pink, but I forgot to write it down.  Gotta find that one.  Also these are the colors  over at The Color Throwdown...grey, pink and olive.

My paper is from The Digi Chick and it's called, Beginnings.   I got some textured paper and printed it on that.  It's fun to touch now too!  Being that TEXTURE is the word over at Totally Gorjuss, I 'm entering there too:)

Yikes, gotta go.  I can hear the rowdy boys are up.  I'm sure they are hungry.

Have a blessed day!





What's In It?
Stamps: Life and Autumn Abundance PTI, Always
Ink: versamark, pink pirouette, going gray, antique linen
Paper; white, beginnings digital
Other: MS punch, circle nesties, dazzling diamonds, pink Offray ribbon, flowers, wintage buttons, dimensionals, corner rounder

Fabulous!

So I finally got a little time to play this week.  I love having my kids home, but it really makes it difficult to do any crafting.  Today is my little boy's birthday.  YES, "little" boy.  I refuse to admit just yet that he is getting big.  Today we are hanging out at home because we are getting new windows installed.  We jokingly told him, "Happy Birthday!  You get a new window in your room for your birthday!"  He totally believed us...hee hee.   We aren't celebrating til tomorrow though.  My hubby is gone today.  So D is making a book for his tutor and I am playing with my stamps.  It's all good:)

I got some new paper that I LOVE!!!! MME Mary, Mary Quite Contrary.  Isn't it purdy???? I have to say that over at DCRU they sell a coordinating pack of Prism paper.  Is that not GENIUS!  Love it!

I used the Tuesday Trigger Sketch over at Moxie Fab for my inspiration. Lots of FABULOUS sketches to try out this week over there.  I created my own string flower in the corner.  Wish I had used a different button with a bit more pop.  Subtle can be good though.  I am entering this into several challenges.  EBTKS is about using string.  Ok, mine is twine...they're still the same I think.  In the corner I have also used the twine to add a stitch.  This week's CAS challenge 61  is to just use a sentiment. This also falls into the category of Nature over at The Pink Elephant.

Over at Hope Stamps Eternal Cupcake Inspiration 53 it's all about fun, flowery cupcakes. Check out the photo:

And one of my favorite challenge blogs, Stamptacular Sunday Challenge is all about Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice.  This is my first time participating as a NON DT member.  Bittersweet.  I think this is a great card to give to my beautiful daughter.   She will be going to Middle School next year and I'm already trying to instill that being HER is the best person she can be.  I fully remember Middle School...UGH!  So this is going in my stash to give to her on a "rainy day."

Hope you are all having a great one.  I will have a few pictures up here tomorrow of my "not so clean" craft room.  See you then!




What's In It?
Stamps: Love's Flower VERVE
Ink: Warm Red Colorbox, antique linen
Paper: Quite Contrary, Vanilla Prism
Other: Baja Breeze grograin, corner rounder, twine, PTI button

Grateful Heart

 

It's a bright and cheery day here and I've got a bright and cheery card.  This is for several challenges today.

My inspiration comes from the Tuesday Trigger over at Moxie Fab.  I've always wanted to participate in that and never make the deadline.  So glad I did today.  This is also for the Die Cuts R Us challenge to not use DP.  Over at The Pink Elephant the focus is on Ribbon.  I've got lots of that going on with this card.  I have to say that lately I've been making a lot of cards that are a little out of my typical style.  That's good.  I like challenging myself and stepping out of my normal bounds.  However, this card felt really good to make.  Like a breath of fresh air.  Ahhh!  Now this is my normal style.  Actually, over the next few days I will have several cards that "feel" like me.  Do you know what I mean?

I made this card for my son's teacher.  We have been going through a lot of testing to try and figure out what it is that makes things more difficult for him to learn.  She has been so amazing through it all.   She really "gets" that something is a little off.  We still haven't figured it out, but we are working on it.  She is so wonderful at building him up and praising him.  She makes sure he is getting the extra help he needs.  He is an amazing little boy and works so hard.  She tells me often what a wonderful little boy he is and how proud we should be of him.  I know that, but I appreciate her taking the time to tell me.  I appreciate all she has done and continues to do for him.  I don't think people always take the time to really thank the ones who spend so much time educating our kids.   I am just so grateful that my son has her this year.

Gotta go.  I have a hot date with my hottie hubby today.  Hope you have a good one.  I'll be back tomorrow with another creation.

 

What's In It?

Stamps: Verve Plain Jane

Ink: Memento Black, Real Red

Paper: DCWV text black, barely banana

Other: yellow grosgrain, poppy red dotted satin ribbon, May Arts ribbon, various buttons, white embroidery, pom pom trim, EK success punch, dimensional tape, paper piercer

.

POP!

I can't believe it's Sunday already!  Where did the weekend go?  It's already time for another Stamptacular Sunday Challenge.  This week should be fun.  We'd like to see you create a project where the inside POPS up.  There are so many great examples by the DT to get your creative juices flowing. Make sure you check them out and leave em a little love.

  I decided to make a basic pop up card.  I need a few more birthday cards this month.  I think this one will be super fun to get.  I am also submitting it to the Start to Finish challenge over on the Moxie Fab blog.  My last card didn't turn out very well on the inside:(

Here's the outside:

Here's the inside:

I love the super fun colors on this card.  I used some of my Jolly by Golly paper by Cosmos Cricket.  It makes me very happy that I could take "Christmas" paper and make a birthday card.  Also thanks to Sally and Shawne for the tips on sewing!  Several different things I used on this card were Liquid Applique (the wrong way) and glitter on the cupcake.  On the inside I colored a No. 2 Thicker with Copics and added glitter to that as well.

Are you ready to play along?  You could win this beautiful set from Verve that our very own DT member Sarah is sponsoring!  I love VERVE!

So get popping and show us what you've got:)

Don't forget to check out my post later in the day for the Whimsy Stamps Blog Hop!  See you then!




What's In It?
Stamps: Clear Cupcake Design by Hero Arts, Celebrate U
Ink: Black memento, So Saffron
Paper: Kraft, Jolly by Golly, US White Prism, DCWV light blue
Other: Doodlebug Glitter in yellow and pink, Thickers, paper piercer, dimensionals, Copics, So Saffron grosgrain ribbon, sewing machine

Hugs and Kisses

Hugs and Kisses!  There's not a lot of kisses being exchanged here as we try to avoid the stomach flu.  At this point, my little guy is the only one who got it.  Hoping to keep it that way:)

My card today is for 2 challenges.  I combined the Die Cuts R Us sketch challenge with the Moxie Fab Start to Finish.  However, my white EP has found the trash because it is NOT working well.  I need to redo ( for the 4th time) the inside.  You'll have to check back for the "finish" at a later time today.  I'm heading into town to find some different and hopefully better white EP:)

For now I can show you the front.

I LOVE this paper from K &Co called Amy Butler.  I paired it with flower I got for free with my order from Emma's Paperie.  The rhinestone came in the free kit as well.  The heart was stamped in Versamark onto white paper and then embossed with Irisdescent Ice.  I added several strips of trim from my stash and some pretty Melissa Frances pearls.  The " hugs" sentiment was embossed with the cruddy white EP.  I also got a new sewing machine and we are figuring each other out still.  I think my tension must be too tight since my stitches always look like one solid line.  Any suggestions?  I'm not a seamstress by any means.  Tips are VERY welcome.


  Another quick post today before I go get all my errands done.  Have a great one!





What's In It?
Stamps: Chelsea Sentiments (Ink), Hugs and Hearts (HA)
Ink: versamark, fresh snow
Paper: DCWV blue, K&Co Amy Butler, white
Other: Iridescent Ice EP, white EP, dimensionals, sewing machine, velvet flower, daisy d rhinestone, trim, may arts white satin ribbon, melissa frances pearls

Resurrection From the Creative Dead?

Good Morning!  I finally finished a card.  While I really love this, I'm not sure it means I have my Mojo back.  I started this card a few days ago and finally had the gumption to finish it.  I think I currently have 4 projects on my desk waiting to be completed.  Does anyone else do that?  I am so envious of those that can whip up a card in 20 minutes.  I don't think I can do ANYTHING in 20 minutes.  I'm very slow at everything.  It's a family curse. I also wanted to say that  I really  appreciate the words of encouragement yesterday. I know that everyone goes through a creative slump at times.  I am getting ready to go on vacation and I have been trying to get design team work caught up, as well as, projects to show while I am away.  I realized that may not happen.  My blog may be SILENT for a few weeks.  Before it never mattered, but now I KNOW that 64 of you are following my every move..hee hee.  The PRESSURE!  AHHHH!  I don't work well under pressure.  I now know that I am my own worst enemy when it comes to that.  I decided I will do what I can and then come back with a vengence...refreshed, revived and RAAARING to go. ( The raring part is from Father of the Bride II...  Martin Short's character...love that movie)

Ok, enough chatter.  This is a card I started for the MOXIE FAB challenge to use PLUM.  I only know a handful of people who like purple.  I am not one of them.  My mom loves purple though.  I am missing her.  She always reads my blog so she will see her card before she actually gets it.  This ones for you MOM!

 One of my favorite stamp sets was used on this card.  I love the elegance of that "flourish."

I don't know if you can tell from the photo, but I also stamped the little flowers in fresh  snow ink and then embossed with iridescent ice.  Each is topped with a tiny pearl.  They say that "Diamonds are a girl's best friend,"  but I prefer pearls.  This rare beauty encased in a hard shelled creature.  There is something very metaphoric about that, don't you think.  I know a few people like that.   My mom is not one, however.  She oozes sweetness.

I also wanted to point out this ribbon rose.  Here is a close up...

This is so simple to make.  I learned how from my very last demo magazine.  I will work on showing you a mini tutorial for next week.

Ok, I'm off to see if I can be a bit more creative.  My son has the assignment of "disguising a turkey" for school.  So we will be "gettin' crafty " as a family today.  Hope you all have a good one.  Check back here tomorrow for a Stamptacular Sunday Challenge!

What's In It?

Stamps: Baroque Motif, For You (heidi grace)

Ink: Versamagic Purple Hydrangea, Fresh Snow (PTI)

Paper: Plum Pudding (PTI), White

Other: Plum Pudding satin ribbon, lace, Kaiser pearls, Taylor's Tiny Twinkles, iridescent ice, dimensionals, organdy ribbon, pretties kit, cuttlebug EF, corner rounder

Shabby Friday!

 Hey!  Did you guys know that tonight is the release party for Verve?  I absolutely adore Verve stamps.  I can't wait to see all the new sets.  I adore the classy, elegance of Julee's designs.  Here is another sketch from the release week challenges.  I don't think I 'm going to make the deadline for ALL the sketches.  At least not if I want to have food in the house.  I must go get some groceries:)  As tempting as it is to stay home and craft, I guess that wouldn't make me a very good mom, huh?  It's killing me though!  I also wanted to make sure that I share the fact that Julee is offering a free digi download HERE! 

That link is only available through today so hurry!

I decided to add ruffles of lace and will enter this into the Moxie Fab challenge as well.  BTW!  That lace is NOT crooked IRL.  I don't know why it looks like that in the photo:(

I'm headed out into the dark, cloudy yonder of rainy-ness so that my husband and children may have FULL bellies.  Who says I'm not a good mom ( if not bit melodramatic:)?  I'll be back later with the deets.

nikki

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

The Apple of My Eye

Happy Monday! I think that it has been forever since I have actually posted on a Monday. I don't usually get to stamp enough during the weekend to have anything to post. I did get to finish up one quick card.

Just a quick update on how things are going for Priscilla's Medical fund.

We are almost half way to my goal. I have a goal of 1,000 dollars. That isn't much when you consider what medical bills are, but I think it is something we can achieve. Keep spreading the word. Everyday donations trickle in. Thank YOU!


This is for the Moxie Fab challenge again.

I did a few things to focus on the gradient of colors. The ribbon at the bottom are pretty obvious. I did that by coloring my celery ribbon with my Copics in 3 different shades. There is also a gradient of using 3 buttons with 2,3,4 button holes. The leaf at the top is colored in a gradient of greens, as well as, the apple being colored in a gradient of reds.


I hope that you can see it a bit better in this picture.

I used 2 stamps from my Unity KOTM for this. I can't believe how many stamps I have inked up from that sheet in less than a week of receiving it. As far as the sentiment, I only used the first 2 words. The inside of the card says " the world a better place."
How true is that for a teacher?

I'm not sure which teacher will get this yet. My daughter really LOVES her language arts teacher. I have had to try and do her hair the same as Mrs. F's and now my daughter wants fake nails because Mrs. F has them too.

Yesterday she and I went shopping while my son was at a bday party. I took her to get a few things at the mall. She needs some new earrings so we stopped at Claire's. As we were leaving she saw some fake press on nails. I told her she had to use her own money for those.

Here's the thing....my Daughter has THE MOST BEAUTIFUL nails. We have had people comment on how beautiful they are...long, strong and gorgeous. Just like my sister's. She started cutting them off over the summer and now she wants FAKE ONES?! Her REAL ones are much prettier than fake. (Heavy sigh) The years of hair pulling, frustration are starting as my little girl is entering prepubescence . I am NOT ready for this. The bright side....at least it's only fake nails and not other fake things if you get my drift.

Hope you have a nicer Monday than it is here. I've been singing, "The sun'll come out TOMORROW...." It's not working:(

Toodles!

What's In It?
Stamps: Unity KOTM Sept, Verve All about You (inside)
Ink: Choc Chip Craft
Other: Choc Chip marker, paper piercer, dimensionals, Copics, Signo gel pen, grosgrain ribbon, buttons (TPS), corner rounder, embroidery thread

Is this MOXIE FAB?

I just love saying, "Moxie Fab." It is becoming my second favorite word...Serendipity is my first. Go ahead... say it out loud..... It's fun to say.

"A Moxie Fab Serendipity of a day to ye." ( in my best English accent)

Did you ever pretend to have an accent when you were a kid? I did. Like anyone believed that I was from Ireland or Australia. Still it was fun. I find my daughter doing it occasionally. She also pretends to be from Texas. The funniest thing she says in that Southern drawl is, "Stop pullin' ma chicken leg." Crazy kid!

I had to come back and add that after I had uploaded this card to my Splitcoast gallery the advertisement at the top had the definition of SERENDIPITY!!! How funny is that? It was for a company called Serendipity Stamps.
I just had to share that.


Anyways, my card today is for the MOXIE FAB Challenge. We were to make a card using a gradient of colors.


I had to use this big bird stamp...Not the Sesame Street version. I decided to take my Martha Stewart pigment inks and apply them in strips. These are pigment inks so they didn't blend as well as I would have liked. Then I pulled out my Stampamajig and stamped it again in versamark and applied Iridescent Ice EP for some shimmer. The edges have just a hit of ink added to them and the whole card is layered on a strip of black. BOTH of these stamps are in this months UNITY KOTM. I used a sentiment stamp from Inkadinkado (I think) on the inside.

It reads, " Life's most beautiful things are not seen with the eyes, but felt with the heart."

I love this saying because I think it holds so much truth. Don't you think a person can become more or less beautiful on the outside to you depending on how beautiful or not they are on the inside?

I'm not sure the sun shall ever shine so that my pictures can come out better, but we shall hope. Hope you have a fabulous weekend. I'm going to take the day and just sit in my craft room without guilt. I may have something for you tomorrow. If not, make sure you check back here on Sunday for another Stamptacular Sunday Challenge.

Citrus Fun!

Ok...so my card isn't very "citrus-y",but I used the colors offered up for the Moxie Fab challenge this week. I LOVED the inspiration photo...so beautiful. Go have a try at this fun color challenge. It's always amazing to me the process my cards go through to get to COMPLETION. Sometimes it's exhausting really. This is not at all how I envisioned this card. I'm very happy with how it turned out though. I was really just happy to be able to spend yesterday stamping. AAHHHHH! My therapy:)

Today is a beautiful day and this card reminds me of how much I love spring and summer. So many beautiful flowers sprouting up everywhere. This image is from a Stamptacular Sunday Challenge posted HERE. A big thanks to Sketching Stamper for the image. I love experimenting with the digital stuff. I still have a ton of learning to do with it. It's just fun to use a different medium and have it stored in my computer and not on my overstuffed shelves. I have several more things I hope to work on and share using digital paper that I got for really CHEAP:) So...stay tuned for that.



Several things to note on this card. I used some embossed paper by DCWV called, oddly enough, Green Embossed Dots. I added stickles to my image for some sparkle and embossed the butterflies from Essence of Love with Iridescent Ice. The added sparkle is Tiny Twinkles from Taylored Expressions. LOVE THOSE! I also added some pearl details to the scallop at the bottom. My ribbon at the top has the added feature of a Hodge Podge kit element with a glued half pearl from the Pretties Kit (all SU). On a whim I decided to add some SU rub ons along the top. My image is colored with the Gamsol Magic technique.

Here are the details:
Stamps: Tulip Bowl digital stamp, Essence of Love, All About You (verve)
Ink: River Rock, Versamark Paper: Barely Banana, White, DCVW
Other: Labels 4 nesties, Curly Label Punch, Tiny Twinkles, Kaiser Pearls, MS punch, Hodgepodge kit, Pretties Kit, Stardust Stickles, SU retired rub ons, primsacolor pencils, baby oil


I also wanted to let you know that the challenge for Sunday's STAMPTACULAR SUNDAY CHALLENGE is AWESOME! I can't wait for you to see my project and ALL the DT member's stuff. What an amazing amount of talent. So make sure you check in this weekend. I'm tellin' ya, you won't be disappointed. I will also have a tutorial on Monday to go with my project. So make sure you check your computer a few times this weekend while you are out celebrating, ok?:)

Last thing I wanted to share...my BEAUTIFUL daughter. She was Shirley Temple in a play on Monday and she did a fabulous job. It was her last acting class and now she can go on to audition for some plays. Very exciting. Here is a picture of her and some of the props. Yeah, that scary "dummy" is hers. Freaks the whole family out, but she has fun with it. Her play was called "Pinocchio in Equal Opportunity Land." A revised version where Gepetto must choose between a boy and a girl. It was so cute!



Have a fabulous weekend!