Sally's Creative Corner

162 Christmas Sparkle

# 86 Make a Christmas Card

Papertake Weekly

Last Christmas Card of the year

Anything Christmas

# 133 Merry Christmas...must have the word Christmas

Crafting For All Seasons

# 16 Christmas cards and projects

Paper Cutz Challenge

All hearts come home for Christmas...Must have hearts

The next few cards are all Tilda images....An invasion of them... Been a long

time since I inked these little cuties up... Actually I think I colored a

lot of them during the year...Sometimes I do that... Just stamp them out

color them up...put them in a box for future use. LOL..Does anyone else do that?

I have already colored Christmas images for next years cards...& Easter

Challenges:

# 134 Blue & Brown

Sunday Sketch and Stamp

# 86 Clare's sketch

Sweet Stamp Blog

1 ribbon/border, 2 DP, 3 embellies

love those little corner embellies..found them in a clearance bin in a

close-out store. They were pink and I colored them brown with

my copic markers

Spots and stripes.

Inside my card will say

...for being so sweet...Thus the use of hearts

challenges:

# 137 sketch and piggy back this month...no flowers of any kind

That's a challenge all in it's self for me... I love flowers.

Magnolia Down Under

# 127 red, cream, gold

Crafty Creation

A card or gift of gratitude

Dutch Dare Card Challenge

#112 Inspiration photo

I am always reluctant to join in these because I am afraid it won't be the right thing

but this was my inspiration from the photo...the reds from the berries, browns from the

vines, cream from the candle, gold from the candle light. That's what I saw when I looked at it.

Lots Of White For The New Year

2011-12-21T13:30:00.001-05:00

No, I'm not talking snow here...At least I'm hoping we don't have a lot of the white stuff for the New Year. For the past several years when it starts snowing we hardly ever see the ground again until sometime toward the end of March or mid April. I like snow...just not a lot of the white stuff.

I wanted to make a New Year's card, but have no suitable image...so I found the balloon stamp that I use for Birthdays by Anitia's stamps. It's a very old inexpensive stamp but one of my favorites. I think it worked rather well for a New Year's card! Check out all that glitter on the balloons... I do love glitter!

Challenges:

Secret Crafter

#165 New Year Celebration

Paper Play Time

# 63 Say It with Sentiments Anything Goes

I found this image over at Becky's Place. This truly reminds me

January in Northern Ohio...Cold and bare trees! I added glitter to give it an even

frostier look. I decided to go different again with the image and use it as a

Happy New Year...From our Home to Yours!

Challenges:

tic tac toe

I used distressing (distressed the edges of my images with teal ink)

Digi image (from Becky's Place)

Ribbon (teal velvet ribbon...just love it)

Do You Stack Up

# 50 Winter

Baby It's Cold Outside

Image again came from Becky's Place

He is just too cute. Since our wedding anniversary is also in the frigid

month of January (What was I thinking when I said I wanted a winter wedding?) Must have been totally out of my mind. I digress..sorry... Anyway I thought to use this Christmas image in a different way

than Christmas. After 42 years, hubby doesn't care if he gets a card or not, so we will see if this

little guy brings a smile to his face.

Challenges:

Colour Create

#86 Blue, Silver, White

There is silver mirri paper as a mat and the fringes on his scarf are

colored with silver glitter pen by MS.

Be different... Use an image for something other than it was intended)

This card looks better in real life. My photo doesn't do

it justice. Love the embossing, layers and texture to these

white cards. Of course there is glitter galore on the butterfly wings.

Challenges:

#172 Blue & White

Clearly I Stamp

Birthday

Creative Inspirations

#143 Anything Goes

Anyone need a favor for a Bridal shower? LOL I think I have a few....Like about

60 of the little buggers. Will someone do me a favor. Mark your calendar to send me

an email next year reminding me to NOT say that I can do something like make 60 shower favors in less than a week, especially when a major holiday is thrown in the mix. That is what happened here. I got an email on Monday asking me if I could do them. Not being one to disappoint...I naturally said yes....She needs them by the week following Christmas. They are not fancy, but in real life they are very stunning. Very formal.

I embossed one strip up the center of each paper, then tied black ribbon added a tag with the name and date on them....Fortunately with burning the midnight oil a couple nights....I was able to get them completed and they are now in the mail winging their way to their destination. Sure they like them. Those tiny little bows are really hard on the fingers.! Oh yeah by the way those are snack size Hershey bars.... It was all I could do to keep from eating them... LOL
Sorry for the poor quality photo....would retake it...but they are gone!

#93 Anything Goes

#152 Anything but Christmas

http://opus-gluei.blogspot.com/

#68

I know I posted this last week, but I totally love how this turned out and this

week's challenge at

The Kraft Journal

is to show your "favorite" project of 2011 featuring

kraft cardstock.

A New's Party at Sentimental Sundays

2011-12-18T09:06:00.000-05:00

http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/ will be back January 1st, with some new changes, faces and of course a new year filled with amazing challenges and sponsors!!! YEAH!!!

To celebrate this exciting moment, we will are having what I am calling a

NEW YEAR's PARTY!!!!

But it will be blog hop style!!!! Double yeah!!!

There will be fantastic giveaways and I wish I could tell you more, but you will just have to come back on January 1st, 2012 to see exactly what I am referring to!!!

So to end 2011 on a positive, we are asking that you help us spread the news about our
New Year's Day Party.

"Can't Catch Me, If You Can....I'm The....

2011-12-16T15:12:00.000-05:00

Gingerbread ~~Man~~ Woman....At least that's the way it feels at this time of year. I only make gingerbread at Christmas. My granddaughter starts early in October making sure that I am going to make gingerbread cake...not cookies...she doesn't like them, but she loves, loves, loves my cakes. This is a recipe I have used for years. I am not sure where I got it. I remember as a little girl (believe me that was a long time ago) my grandmother making gingerbread cake and I thought it was the best stuff in the world. Obviously my granddaughter feels the same way. I made 6 cakes to put in the freezer for Christmas and already she has conned me into cutting two of them....! Sometimes I think she could eat a whole one if I would let her...

One of my many cakes. Will cut them in little squares and dust them with
Confectioner's Sugar. Yummmmy!

Recipe

Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cake

1/2 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup butter 1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 egg 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1 cup molasses 1/2 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup hot water

1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F) 175 degrees (C) Grease and flour a 9 inch square baking pan .

In a large bowl cream together sugar and butter. Add egg and mix well. Mix in molasses and mix well.

In another bowl sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Blend into the creamed mixture. Slowly stir in hot water. Mix well. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake 1 hour in a preheated oven, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. (I keep a close watch on this as it seems to burn easily). Depending on your oven you may not need to bake it for an hour. Cool in pan before serving. Dust with Confectioner's Sugar just before serving. Serves 12

When you see the rest of my post you will understand the gingerbread..LOL

Next Up:

A Tag using a digi image from

Bows N Berries

Just too adorable and it fit my cakes. Well almost.

The border stamp is an oldie $1 stamp from Michaels by

Studio 6. To/From stamp is by rubberstampede (that's an oldie too)

Challenges:

#119 Gingerbread

Scrappy Frogs

Stitching (mine's faux...bet you couldn't tell that???)

Craft Your Passion

#88 Tag You're It

Delightful Sketches

Anything goes

# 113 Santa's Hat

This is a little box I made out of Kraft cardstock to put gingerbread in and

give as a gift. I'ts just too cute... Love the way it turned out

I handmade the flowers and added lots of bling and glitter to them. Glittered my holly leaves too!

Did you know that when you cut out those little 1/2 inch tall gingerbread men, they run away? I must have cut 10 of them and could only find 5 after cutting them out. Just like the story... Wonder what ate mine..I don't think I have any foxes in my craftroom...Hummm....guess I had better check under my desk.
Gingerbread stamp is by Sudio 6 and I am not sure who the Merry Christmas is by , I want to say Hero Arts, but then it could be Inkadinkadoo...Don't have the stamp package in front of me at the time of this posting and my memory..ain't what it used to be!

Challenges:

#142 Christmas Glitz...Lots of bling and glitter

Ribbon Carousel

#RCC33 Tangled Twine

For Fun

Christmas..Anything Goes

#46 Use red and green as your main colors in a Christmas card or project

Grouped Together It Makes a Great Gift Ensemble

Challenges:
Crafty Card Makers
Use the same stamp 3 ways
I have used mine as a border on the tag, Part of the sentiment on my box
and cut them out and used the ones that didn't run away in my floral arrangement on my box
Papertake Weekly
I'm dreaming of a (your favorite color) Christmas...
Obviously mine is red, green and gold
Top Tip Tuesday
#64 A Gift
Tuesday Throwdown
# 78 "For Someone Special" (this is for my best friend)
Glad she doesn't have a computer, my
surprise would be ruined.

No Christmas In Sight

2011-12-16T11:34:00.000-05:00

I truly needed a break from making Christmas Stocking Stuffers and last minute gifts. I used this digi image from Becky's Place... Decided to use Turquoise and Green. Not a color scheme that I often use, but it fit my mood and I sort of like how it turned out. It might be colors that I will use again.

Ya just never know about me.

It Takes 2 (two colors...I'm not sure if white is a color...if it is just delete my entry)

#85 Thank you

#136 Sketch

#151 Send someone a smile. No birthdays or Chrismas.

Sending this to a friend to thank her for just the way she is....Special!

For Special People

2011-12-12T18:46:00.000-05:00

These are some items that I have made for some special people, who are special to us.

First up is this adorable little gift card holder that looks just like a package. These are not only for Christmas but would make a fabulous gift card holder for a birthday, bridal or baby shower. This can be found on Frenchie Stamps Blog

Open it up and inside is a place for a gift card! Don't ya just love it?

Challenges:

Paper Crafting Journey

Linking up Christmas Creations

Crafty Catz Challenge

anything goes

Fussy N Fancy

Inspiration photo

(a Christmas tree reminds me of wrapped gifts)

Dutch Dare Card Challenge

#67

I needed for this one to be a little more gender neutral as this is made for my MIL's neighbor who watches out for her when we can't be there and mows her lawn.

Challenges:

Crimbo Crackers

embossing Christmas

Delightful Challenges

Blue Christmas

The Play Date Cafe

lime green, royal blue, crystal blue red...

(I hope my colors are close enough to qualify)

Heart Song Inspirations

snowflakes or doilies.

I have used embossed snowflakes

This is made for a special friend. there is glitter in the circle and on the angel wings and halo.

Ths is really pretty in real life. The picture doesn't do it justice.

Challenges:

For Fun Challenges

Make a Card and make it sparkle

Stamping For The Weekend

Special Christmas Card

Alphabet Challenge

W is for White Christmas

Winged Things (angel wings)

All creatures Great and Small.

Now I know this is not what you had in mind, but this is my interpretation.

God is Great....He came as a babe to bring Salvation to the world. In the shadow of His

greatness we are small. If this is not what you had in mind. Just delete my entry.

These adorable little bag/boxes can be found on Frenchie Stamps Blog .

These are so much fun and easy to make.

When I get my candy made these will be filled with homemade goodies for those special friends.

Image is a digi from Delightful Sketches.

Challenges:

Crafty Ribbons

Traditional colors for Christmas

Paper Play Challenges

# 49 Snowman

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Charisma Cardz

No Cards

2 Sister Challenge

# 69 Christmas

Craft Your Days Away

# 35 Snowman

The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop

# 161 Traditional Christmas colors

Christmas with a bow

Use a digi...I think this is from Delightful Sketches

This is another bag-box that has a vintage feel. I made it out of

kraft cardstock. It is much more stunning in real life.

Side view

Inside the front behind the Santa is a place for a gift card. Sneaky huh?

Challenges:

Moving Along with The Times

Vintage Christmas

Do You Stack Up

Something old (vintage style or image)

Last minute Christmas

A Nordic Christmas

(hope this qualifies)
Cutie-Pie Challenge
#7 use a sentiment

Snowman Invasion & Lots of Snowflakes!

2011-12-07T15:59:00.002-05:00

I am well on my way with catching up on my stocking stuffers and last minute hand made gifts. I feel so relieved, however I still haven't finished my parent's shopping for the family, haven't begun to decorate, nor have I given any serious thought about baking or what my menu will be for Christmas Eve! Yikes! I'm thinking Christmas will be here all too soon and I won't be ready. Seems to me, I feel that way every year and it always seems to come together at the last minute.

When I saw these little guys/gals at my friend Ritas ,
I just knew that I had to make them. So with her permission to go shopping, off I went to Joann Fabrics to get my fabric. Everything else I had. She is such an enabler. LOL If you want to know the particulars about how to make these lovely little Hershey Candy Bar wrappers, visit her blog by clicking on her name. Also be sure to leave her some love and thank her for posting the link to these little guys.

These little snowmen are just too adorable for words! I spent a whole afternoon making them and the time just flew by. They are not hard to make and if you can sew a straight seam, then no problem. I did think once I got them done that I should have tried that stitch witch or that fabric glue to see if it works. If any of you give it a try let me know how it works. I made 15 in just a couple hours and will probably be making more as I have a feeling some of my friends will be wanting them. Actually a lady bought 15 of them from me.... LOL
(I have 5 extra so if anyone is intersted in purchasing any please
contact me via the link in my side bar for prices and shipping)

Challenges:

#66 Anything papercrafts. The body is paper

The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop

Tis The Season

Top Tip Tuesday (entry 2)

Let It Snow...What better way to make a Snowman?

#5 Christmas With a Bow. These little guys are full of ribbons and bows

ABC Christmas

Y is for Yippee....It's almost Christmas so Anything Christmas

This is something I was always going to make but never got around to it....until now. I needed several of these. Quick and easy. I have seen these on blogs before...but couldn't remember where so I just winged it. They didn't turn out too badly for not knowing what I was doing... Love this little sentiment stamp. It was a $1 stamp from JoAnn Fabrics. Just love those little things.

Challenges:

Tuesday Throwdown

#77 Celebrate The Season

Just Some Lines

Handmade Gifts.

Party Time Tuesdays
#45 Holiday Greeting as the focal point...
Crafty Creations
#147 Christmas Sentiment
Clearly Inspired Challenges
#CIC41 Christmas (stamps or digi)

Challenges:

Cutie-Sunday

Christmas Present

(I think all the projects on this page but one would fit this challenge)

Ribbon Carousel Challenge

RCC32 Peppermint Twist With Wendy

Sweet Stamp Blog

#44 Christmas Bling ( added little peppermints to the last bag. There is also

glitter on the first one, but it doesn't show well)

Don't ask me how this project got into my "christmas gifts" This is a wedding favor that I made sometime ago. A friend wanted to see what I could do with a candy bar so I made this as a mock-up. If she likes it, I may be busy.....LOL Hope the wedding is not this month:(
FROM THIS....

TO THIS...

Just love those embossing folders. They seem to turn any project into something special

Challenges:

The Ribbon Reel Challenge

Anything Goes...Be sure to use ribbon

Another planner and check book cover
FROM THIS.....

TO THIS...

AND THIS WITH CHECK BOOK COVER

CLOSE UP OF CHECK BOOK COVER

The Crafty Pad (entry 2)

#150 Give it a Punch... My butterflies are a MS punch.

Craft Your Passion (entry 1)

# 87 Anything Goes + glitter

I have been working on these little stocking stuffers for the past two weeks. I have made lots and lots of them, not only for my own personal use, but for other people as well. I was looking at the ones I had left today and realized they fit several of the challenges this week. This is too funny since they were made without any challenge in mind. I just needed quick stocking stuffers and so did several other people!

We started with Tic Tacs

When this picture was taken I had 6 left, now I only have 4...LOL
sorry for the poor quality photo... Seem to be going through batteries like water.

The 2nd one from the left (dark blue and kraft has a charm snowman, hope that qualifies for dangly)

Papertake Weekly

Anything Goes with option to add something dangly

Top Tip Tuesday (entry 3)

Let It snow...

Delightful Challenges

Let It Snow

This was an experiment and I loved it. It is herringbone paper piecing with thin strips of paper.

The tutorial can be found here. I Can Stamp That

It was so easy. I had these scraps laying on my desk so that is what I

used only to find out this fits a theme for a challenge...

You can also sign up for her videos

Here

Challenges:

Craft Your Passion (entry 2)Anything Goes + glitter

Challenges:

Paper Playtime

# 62 Cricut Creation, Holiday theme with butons

( I used the cricut for the snow flakes and small labels

cartridge...Accent Essentials)

Creative Inspirations

Snow Much Fun

Heart Song Inspirations

# 27 Christmas and/or red, green white

These are the 4 I have left. If anyone is interested in purchasing them please contact

me using the link in my side bar.

More Folded Stars
I made these in an earlier post and a lady asked
me to make a bunch for her. These are a completely diffrent batch from the first ones.
For first ones, I used MS snowflake stamps, but this time I wanted to showcase
this gorgeous snowflake stamp from
Heart and Soul Rubber Stamp Co
It is so intricate and delicate. Lucky me.. I won it earlier this year! I had forgotten I had it along with my poor neglected beads that I used to anchor the star open and shut. Be sure to check out the last star to see how delicate that snowflake really is... Stunning...I am afraid I have not done it justice. I used 2 shades of blue ink.
Thanks Sue

Challenges:

Prairie Fairy Fridays

# 67 Beat The Winter Blues

Must contain Blue and something white

Ruby's Rainbow

monochrome

I have used 3 shades of blue...

slate blue, nautical blue, for-get-me-not to create my monochrome.

Winter & Christmas

Button "Needle"

2011-12-06T20:19:00.000-05:00

All of you out there in the crafting world probably already knew this, but me...well maybe I'm a slow learner because I just figured it out. I love buttons, but hate using them on my projects because I can never find a needle that will fit my button holes and the thread that I am using.....So today I had another eureka moment! I had a roll of florist wire sitting on my desk...You got it. I cut off a length, folded it in half to make my own "needle" that I could easily handle. I made it long enough so that if I needed leverage to get the thread through the button hole, I could give it a good pull! The smaller the button hole, the thinner wire you will need to use.

Below are pictures to hopefully clarify my written explanation.

you will need twine/thread, buttons, wire

fold wire in half to create your "needle"

mash the "eye" together as much as you can so it will
go through the button hole

Instead of threading the "eye" of your needle, just pull your twine/thread

down between the two pieces of wire.

Pull through your button, staring on the top side of the button.

That way you will have the two ends on the top to tie in a knot.

Perfectly "sewn" buttons.

Challenges: (Yep, there's a challenge for that) LOL

No Christmas Cards...Not So Fast...There's More!

2011-12-04T21:10:00.001-05:00

And you thought after my last post you could trust me to not post anymore Christmas Cards...Really.... especially after I told you I had drawers full? I will start off with two non Christmas Cards, after that I'm afraid it's all Christmas.

We have several male birthdays in the month of January. I thought these

colors looked wintery but still happy birthdayish for a guy.

Love these gatefold cards and those little button brads.

I colored them with copic markers to match my color theme.

Challenges:

Monochromatic

Penny Black at Allsorts (entry1)

entry 2 at the bottom

Happy Birthday

I need some stocking stuffer gifts and these are always a favorite. I buy those 2-yr planners with a theme, example (lighthouses)

FROM THIS.....

the inside has pictures of lighthouses

next I stamp up a lighthouse, color it and cover the front with my stamped image. I dug out my eyelets so that I could add jute thread to make it look more
nautical with a knot, then I came across the challenge at lil red wagon where you were to use eyelets. Too funny! Hope that's a good omen.

TO THIS....

Challenges:

eyelets

Dutch Dare Challenges

sketch

(thought this planner would fit the sketch)

Anything Goes

Wee Memories

#78 Free For All

I made a couple of these cards...there is another one further down in the post in different colors.

Challenges:

Fussy N Fancy

Photo Inspiration... I used the trees and green from the photo

Raise The Bar

# 86 It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

Inspiration image.

The trees and green color are my inspiration

Christmas Cards All Year Round (1)

Any Thing Goes

# 150 Give it a punch

use at least 3 punches. My trees are negative punches..

I made cards similar to this one last year as my Christmas Cards. They were such a hit,
that I was asked if I would be sending out cards this year with a different recipe?? I have yet to decide on the recipe I will be adding to this card. In the meantime I just added one from last year. I think it will
be a cut out cookie recipe this year. I just haven't had time to decide on my image and print out my recipes. That will be done this week as time is definitely running out:( ( My cards are all done and ready for the recipe cards)

December Flowers...holly...narcissus

I only had holly stamps.

Christmas All Year Round (2)

Anything Goes

Love, love, love this little tree punch. I have used white, silver and a touch of blue with glitter in my trees.
It makes them look silver. Embossed the sentiment in silver...don't you think this looks so elegant?

Challenges:

Crafting For All Seasons

White on white

silver, white and a hint of color

My TIP. when glittering a punched out image use double sided tape behind the image rather than trying to use glue. Much less messy and it adheres perfectly. When you add a color cardstock behind the image, such as I have done here, the glitter changed it from blue to silver. Also, to clean up your glitter, use a swifter sweeper cloth. This works great for getting rid of all that glitter on your work area.

# 84 Use Your Favorite Embellie

Mine is ribbon and glitter...I've used both in this card

Christmas All Year Round ( 3)

Anything Goes

Another December birthday, so I made this matching gift ensemble.
Wish you could see this in real life. It has so much sparkle to it, it nearly blinds you when the light hits it.
The designer papers I have used are all about glitter.
The snowflakes on the green paper are all glitter and the
swirls on the red paper is all glitter, plus I glittered the center of the large snowflake.
Can you tell I love glitter?

Challenges:

Colour Create

# 85 red, white, green...extra...snowflakes

Paper Play Challenges

tags & wrappings

Christmas/winter birthday

colors of Christmas with option of sparkle.

punches or dies.

I used both

Let It Snow

I've got lots of snowflakes in this creation

Penny Black At Allsorts (entry 2)

Happy Birthday

entry 1 at top of post.

Challenges:

Sketch # 130

I thought my bag layout would fit the sketch?

Christmas Cards All Year Round (4)

Anything Goes

First of all I am so sorry for the bad photo. I don't know if it is because it was clear that I couldn't get a picture that is not blurry. I tried all afternoon and this is the only picture that was blurry. Humm.....My camera doesn't like see-thru. Couldn't possibly be the operator???

This was a project my granddaughter and I did together. Don't you just love the little light bulb bottle. I had never seen one of these, but when Miss V saw it, she thought it would make a great Christmas ornament. We stamped the image with Stazon and colored it with Sharpie Markers. The hardest part was waiting fo the glitter to dry. She couldn't wait to take it home and put it on her tree, which went up yesterday. LOL Oh to be young!

Challenges:

Paper Cutz Challenge

# 118 Jingle All The way

# 132 Going Round In Circles (circular Project)

Christmas Cards All Year Round (5)

Anything Goes

I'm A Winner!

2011-12-03T19:13:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it. I have wanted to try this digi scrapbooking software forever, but it just didn't fit into my budget...When I saw it being offered for a chance to win it for free over at, Create With Joy , I just had to sign up. Every chance I got I Tweeted about it and believe me for me that was no easy feat, since I don't know the first thing about Tweeting, but I really, really wanted that software. I guess all the Tweeting paid off (I still don't know what Tweeting is:) LOL

Be sure to stop by Create Wtih Joy. Check out her wonderful blog. It is really unique and if you love to cook...she has some wonderful recipes and pictures so wonderful that you want to just eat the photo. Makes my mouth water thinking about the lovely pumpkin french toast she just posted.

Anyway thank you so much Create With Joy and My Memories for such a fabulous prize.

I think I feel a digi scrapbooking session coming on SOON! I am so far behind in my digi scrapbooking because I dislike the program I am currently using. They say this one will make all the other programs obsolete...Stay tunned...I'm sure there will be pages posted in the near future.

Just click on the photo and it will take you over to My Memories

The Last Christmas Cards

2011-11-30T18:45:00.000-05:00

Yikes! I can't believe the amount of cards I have made and I don't need one of them...LOL. I made so many last year, that I have a whole drawer full. I'm not talking little craft drawer here...I'm talking dresser drawer full, packed, jammed!. I probably wouldn't have to make another Christmas Card for 5 years, but I love making them. I will have lots to choose from, thats for sure. Anyway I made up my mind, after today's cards, it is time to start working on those stocking stuffer gifts and last minutes things for when unexpected guests stop by, no more Christmas Cards, however I do have plenty that I have not posted yet so if they fit the challenges,...watch out, they'll be posted! Will also not be crafting as much as I now need to start working on addressing the cards I will be sending, decorating and beginning my baking. Before I know it, the big day will be here. Thankfully most of my shopping is done, but I need to start wrapping and I also have to do my parents shopping yet.

Here is the last of my Christmas Cards (not all I have made)

This little Nativity is a favorite stamp. I do love the meaning of Christmas and this portrays it perfectly.

Challenges:

Alphabet Challenge

V is for Very Vibrant

Nativity...

Thank you so much for choosing this topic,

since this is the reason for

Christmas.

# 67 Holiday

Penny Black

# 179 Christmas, red + embossing

# 162 Borders & Flowers

Sketch Saturday

# 183 Sketch

# 90 Seeing red

Challenges:

Crimbo-Crackers

# 3 Santa

# 134 Sketch

# 149 Theme recipe of 3's

Use 3 papers, 3 brads or buttons, 3 ribbons

Santa

Challenges:

# 131 Pennants or bunting

Sunday Sketch and Stamp

# 83 Maggies Sketch

Magnolia Down Under

# 124 Let It Snow

Challenges:

black, silver & bling

Crafty Card Makers

# 57 Heat Embossing

# 62 Silver, white and a hint of color (mine is black)

Tuesday Throwdown

# 76 Masculine holiday card (this is the one I have made for my hubby)

Our Creative Corner

O Christmas Tree

My next project was inspired by this little $1 box of candy that I found in Target in the Hot Spot isle.

I thought these would make great stocking fillers but I didn't want to just wrap them or pop in the stockings plain, so I made a tall crayon type box for them to fit into.

These would be great for the guys in your life because it is so hard to find little things for them. What do you think?

From This.......

This one looks so masculine! I forgot I had this pine stamp. Bought it at a resale a few years back.

Perfect for making something for men.
To This......

Challenges:

# 65 Anything Goes

# 83 Make it Masculine

Stamptacular Sunday

#140 Anything Goes

# 144 Anything Goes

Craft Your Passion

Tis The Season

Anything Christmas or Winter Related

Fab N Funky Challenges

# 101 Anything Goes

These little critters just make my day! How can you not smile when you see them?

don't know why my kraft card base looks so dark. In real life it is

normal kraft color:?? The second picture shows the gate fold. I used natural

color jute to dress up the sides.

Challenges:

Housemouse Challenge

Warm & Fuzzy

(this was the closest image I had of something that resembled warm and fuzzy)

The Kraft Journal

Christmas Card...Use kraft base

Ribbon Carousel

RCC31 Color Our World With Stephanie

Kraft, Red, Brown

Sweet Stamps Blog

Gatefold Card

For Fun Challenge

Christmas Card

Snowmen Friends

2011-11-28T19:42:00.000-05:00

Of all the Christmas stamps, my first love is the Nativity and that is followed by snowmen and penguins. I just love these little characters.

I only have one card today...I must be ill...LOL

Not really just no time for crafting. Sorry for the poor quality photo. Have you ever had one of those days, that you spend 45 minutes taking a picture of the same image and it doesn't look any better than the first one you took? Well that is definitely what happened to this one.

Challenges:

# 129-33 sketch

Card Makin Mamas

# 34 Sentiments

#110 Snowmen

Stampin For The Weekend

# 21 Friends

Craft Your Days Away

# 34 Buttons or bows

Cutie Pie Challenge

# 6 pastel Christmas

Paper Play Time

# 61 Any Stamped image & sentiment

Guest Designer For Raise The Bar

2011-11-25T00:01:00.008-05:00

Whoop, Whoop, Whoop....I have been chosen as a Guest Designer for Raise The Bar. It has been a long time since I did any design team work and I am very excited to do so. Hope you enjoy my creations. Their theme this week is Thank You/ Gratitute, etc. You get the idea. Please pop on over and join us in this Challenge . As I wasn't quite sure of the challenge, I sent these two cards.

Challenges:

Dutch Dare

Receipe (use at least 3)

ribbon, images, patterned paper, layers, rhinstones, brads, buttons, etc

I Would also like to enter this in the following challenges:

Moving Along with The Times

Thanks

Crafty Creations

Thanksgiving/thanks

Ribbons & Bows

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T23:59:00.000-05:00

It doesn't matter if you live in the USA or somewhere else in the world. I'd like to wish you ALL a very

Happy Thanksgiving

It doesn't have to be just a tradition here in the USA, everyone can take the time to reflect on things they are thankful for.

I have so many things to be thankful for, but first I am thankful for a loving, God, whom I strive daily to serve, I am thankful for my husband and for my family. I am thankful for the blessings I receive each day from sun rising to air we breathe. Sometimes the wonder of these blessings just overwhelm me. Simple things that I take for granted like those I just mentioned are truly things to be thankful for. I am thankful for the wonderful memories of times past with my family, the memories we are currently making and those we will make in the future.

So this thanksgiving, no matter where you are or what your traditions might be, please take the time to reflect on things you are thankful for. Give your hubby/wife, kids, parents, family and friends an extra kind word or if you are close enough, a big hug. Tell a military person or their family thanks for their sacrifices.

Thanksgiving Blessings To All

It's All Blue

2011-11-24T22:54:00.000-05:00

I must be ill... I have nothing to talk about this evening. Just my cards... Maybe that is a good thing, especially since my last few posts have been extra long. I have only created two today since we were so busy celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends. Way too much food... I'm stuffed. I think I feel like the turkey....Totally stuffed.

Challenges:

Monochromatic

(my cardstock is the blue, blue/gray family)

CInspirations

#139 winter colors, blue, grey and white

Sunday Sketch and Stamp

#82 Sam's Sketch

Found this little reindeer in the $1.00 bin at Michaels a couple years ago. Don't know why I haven't used it before now. It is perfect for tags... Too cute.

Challenges:

Wee Memories

Woodland Creatures

Crafty Ribbon

Make a tag

If my baker's twine doesn't count...just delete my entry. Thanks

Music And Festivities = Gifts

2011-11-24T08:40:00.003-05:00

All of my creations today project music and gifts... As we celebrate birthdays we sing and we give gifts....as we celebrate Christmas...we sing and we give gifts... At least my Miss V is hoping we give lots of gifts, especially since we will be celebrating her birthday on Thanksgiving. She has asked that we not have Thanksgiving dinner at home again this year, but at the local restaurant so the Wait Staff will come and sing happy birthday to her. That seems to be one of the highlights of her birthday. Anyway all of my family....All 11 of us will making the trip to the local restaurant for our Thanksgiving festivities. Since they are very family oriented it will be no problem to also celebrate our Miss V's birthday. She has been reminding me that in 1 month after her birthday.....IT WILL BE CHRISTMAS...Don't you just love little ones? I adore her... Can you tell?

My Miss V's favorite image is Tilda. She loves everything about her. I don't have very many stamps, so each year I am using the same stamps over and over again. Thankfully she never seems to tire of the same images.

Challenges:

# 123 Debby's Sketch

Birthday

#100 Happy Birthday

Ribbons

It has been awhile since I did decoupage. Actually I did this card last year, (but didn't post it), eventhough I love decoupage, I decided not to make anymore because here in the States these cards are very costly to mail. Are they as costly elsewhere? When I mailed my first one I thought it was an additional .20 because of bulk, plus the cost of postage. I quickly found out that was an additional .20 per ounce plus postage. OUCH! It cost me almost 2.00 to mail a small 5.50 x 4.25 inch card.

Challenges:

Ruby's Rainbow

music

Delightful Challenges

Red & Green

Red & Green-gold or silver

I have used red, green and there is gold in the edges of my ribbon.

This card I made using Glimmer Mists and resist stamping for the star.
Not sure I like the results, but it's growing on me.

Yep, even the Wisemen were bringing gifts to the Christ Child!

Challenges:

one layer card

OMGosh! Don't ya just love these stinkin little gift purses? I am so hooked on these. One 6x6 sheet of paper plus a few scraps makes them.... Way too cute.

I "borrowed" this idea from my dear friend Rita . She also has the link for the tutorial. Just the perfect size for a gift card with a couple small pieces of candy... Money fits well too... Big denominations take up very little space:) hint, hint.....

I have added a very small bottle of hand sanitizer and lip balm to mine as this is the season for those items.

You can easily fancy them up or dress them down as I have done. If you want to see really, really

cute ones, be sure to visit Rita's Blog. Don't forget to leave her a little love and check out her blog. She has some fabulous inspiration...

How cool are these?

Challenges:

The Kraft Journal

Create a project using this week's theme that features the use of Kraft cardstock

or products purchased from Kraft Outlet

(Since I just found them, I have not had time to shop,

but I do have Kraft paper so I used it to make my little purse)

(If I didn't read this right, just delete my entry:)
Paper Crafting Journey
Anything Goes At PCJ

Inside

When You Wish Upon A Star......

2011-11-23T16:47:00.000-05:00

Sorry this is another looooooong post. I do have lots of pictures of the pop up ornament I am not good at picture taking, but I tried to show how this works. I am so impressed with myself for putting this together, but then why wouldn't it be easy... I found this excellant tutorial over at.... Stamp With Tami Tami made it easy-peasy to follow. I just love , love, love it... Can you tell? Not only does it make an excellant Christmas decoration, but just think, if you were having a December wedding.. you could use these as favors with the name of the Happy couple on each end along with the date of the wedding... Shower favors or what about favors for each person at a Christmas Church Banquet? What about given as a little gift, when meeting friends for lunch during the holidays? Or add them to a package? Oh my mind is spinning with the possibilities....LOL I think I will decorate my tree with them this year! LOL...! I have stamped on mine, but you could use some of that pretty double-sided double sided paper. Oh...now I think I have to go make another!

Doesn't look like much does it?

Pull the bead away from the card and watch it unfold.

Now that it is unfolded, pull the bead back against the card and.....

You now have a beautiful star ornament!

Side View

Now wasn't that easy??? LOL
Challenges:
One Stop Craft
The Color Blue
Top Tip Tuesday
More Than One Fold
Make It Monday
Anything goes
Party Time Tuesday
Snow Us What You Got.
(lots of snowflakes on this creation!)
Ribbon Carousel
Holiday Hoopla With Lindsey
Paper Take Weekly
Christmas Crackers . Can be a Christmas Favor... I am using these for favors.
One Stitch At A Time
Anything Goes

Love this little Christmas tree punch. I had forgotten that I had it. I have really, really been into this vintage, kraft paper look this year.... Am Loving it!

Challenges:

Secret Crafter

Sketch

Christmas Card

Don't Ya just love these little acrylic ATC cards? They make wonderful
picture gifts for Granparents! Guess you know what my Miss V is making for her:)

Challenges:
Fussy N Fancy
Gifts
Lil Red Wagon
Christmas Theme

I made This Take Gender Neutral
at a 'make n take' at Archivers

Challenges:
Raise The Bar
# 84 Feast...food on your creation.
In my book CANDY is one of the 4
Basic Food groups...
It is a necessity. I need it to keep my sanity!
Sweet Stamp blog
Tag
Bows N Berries
Make a Tag...You don't have to use their stamps but if you do
you get 2 chances to win.
Sentimental Sunday
Masculine Gift Tags

Below: this card was a new idea to me. I embossed it using a cuddle bug folder
then went over the top with Champaigne Mist from SU. Love the effect

Challenges:
Speedy The Cat
black, white + 1 color (I chose Kraft)

Bunches...Bunches...Of Cards

2011-11-19T10:04:00.001-05:00

Pull up your chair... Get a cup of coffee. She's been at it again. I don't know how I have found the time to do any crafting this week. Actually I have made the cards/projects, but have not had time to post them and time's runnin' out...if I plan to enter them into any challenges.

First of all I want to apologize for my awful photos... Two reasons, my camera battery is going dead. I forgot to buy one when I was out yesterday and my hands were shaking this morning.

Challenges:

ICsketches

sketch

Challenges:

sketch

Thanks/Thanksgiving

Craftin For All Seasons

Thanksgiving/thanks

Challenges:

#60 Tag

Scrappy Frog Challenge

Use craft card stock

This card below was really a challeng with these colors. I thought they were unique and not a color comb that I would ever choose...WRONG...When I was putting away my summer clothes this past week..Lo and Behold... I found a blouse with these exact colors. Too funny!

Challenges:

Fab n Funky

Baby It's Cold Outside

# 125 Let It Snow

The Play Date Cafe

Maroon, copper, tumeric

Awwww What a Cutie

#109 Snowflakes

Water, water everywhere (frozen water)

Let It Sparkle

I'm thinking Paper Piecing is not my thing. Although I like my color combination

I'm not sure what I was trying to do with this???

Challenges:

#107 Paper Piecing... Not sure this is my thing

# 128 sketch

This Christmas Stamp is my all time favorite this year!

Challenges:

Truly Scrumptious

# 70 Pearls/Vintage

FROM THIS.....

TO THIS!

I am now using this for my rulers. Just the perfect height

and it looks so nice in my craftroom

Challenges:

Crafty Card Makers

#56 Recycle

Crafty Creations

Recycled Item

Challenges:

Ruby's Rainbow

Something with Wings

Eureka Moment = Over Abundance of Creations

2011-11-15T15:08:00.000-05:00

Did you ever sit and worry about..."what if I mess it up card/creation"? I was sitting here worrying about that, and suddenly I had a eureka moment....What does it matter if I mess it up? It's mine and it's only paper, ink, and time. I felt so much better after I came to that conclusion that I created a whole plethora of stuff:) After reading this long post you might wish that I had never had a eureka moment.

My Miss V will be celebrating her birthday soon, so that is the reason

there is no photo. I scrap all my pages to have them ready so when she has her party all I have to do

is print out my photos, crop and add them to my layouts. This is done in very purple merri paper. It looks pink in the photo....Honest it's purple!

Challenges:

Wee Memories

Birthday Party

Challenges

Sketch

Penny Black

#177 Gold & Presents

Cutie Pie Challenge

Bears

Challenges:

Sketch Saturday

Sketch

A Christmas Mouse

Cards For Men

It's nearly Christmas

(I made this card for a little boy)

Challenges:

Paper Take Weekly

When is a card not a....

Challenges:

black n white

Sentimental Sunday

Thanksgiving/Thank you/Thankes, etc

Sunday Sketch N Stamp

Sketch

Sketch

Challenges:

#129 black, white + one color

(I chose to leave my image mainly black and white, my added color is gold)

Punch It.

(I've used leaf and snowflake punches)

I totally loved making this secret box. I found a great tutorial on Split Coast Stampers (sorry I don't have the link). Once you sign in you can find it under resources, by typing in "secret box"

My Miss V's birthday is fast approaching. Not knowing what to get her this year, I have decided to make this box and fill each drawer full of folded money. That way she can have a shopping trip to they toy store to buy what she wants...:)

Challenges:

Anything Goes

Little Present

Tuesday Throw Down

# 75 lots of circles

From Christmas to Fairy Tales, to Gift Cards to Thanks!

2011-11-12T20:56:00.002-05:00

Wow....my cards are all over the place today. They range from Christmas to a scrapbook page. I loved creating the scrapbook page, as the subjects are near and dear to my heart. Hope you enjoy my efforts.

This is my attempt at the "cracked glass". Not sure this technique is for me. It seems that my edges

don't want to stay put...not even with using heavy duty sticky strip. I have even tried glue...any suggestions?

Challenges:

Paper Play Challenges

Cracked Glass

Crimbo-Crackers

Make it Sparkle

sketch

Stamp Insantity

Chill Out

Inky Impressions

#32 Glitter It up

Delightful Sketches

Snowflakes

Close-Up

This is a Digi image that I got from Beccy's Place

I fell in love with the hat so just had to color him up. He reminds me of the

Grinch, but much cuter. He could pass for the Dr. Suess books too!

Challenges:

#108 Use a Digi image

Opus-Gluei

#117 What's On Your Head...

(if this isn't the correct intrepretation just delete from you challenge)

I made this stocking into a card in an earlier post, but loved it so much that I made it again

this time turning it into a gift card holder with the pocket under the flap.

Challenges:

Pocket card or card feating a pocket

Anything Goes

Christmas...Vintage or Traditional (I chose traditional)

Challenges:

Craft Your Days Away

Embellishment Bingo (I chose the column with lace, charm, gems)

#157 Lace and ribbon

# 81 Use your favorite techinque

Mine is definitely distressing paper with the ink to paper technique. It's

quick, easy and always makes whatever you are working on POP!

Challenges:

Fairy Tales (The Frog Prince, by Grimm Bros)

Bling It On (I have a gem in the middle of the flower, lots of glitter on the flower and swirl that doesn't

show up in my photo and gold glitter on the frogs crown)

Out of all the my creations today, I think this one is my favorite. It is near and dear to my heart.

My father served during WWII and I am fortunate to have him with me and my hubby served during the beginning of Viet Nam. The school where my granddaughter goes had a program on Veterans Day to honor those Veterans. The children were so proud of their parents, grandparents and in our granddaughter's case she even had her great grandfather. I have purposely blurred all the faces of those in the group except my family. My original is not blurred. LOL

Challenges:

Fussy N Fancy

Be Thankful and Feature a Sentiment

My sentiment is "thanks Veterans...American Pride"

(if this isn't what your wanted for your challenge, feel free to delete it:)

Raise The Bar

#83 Military/Patriotic

Card Makin Mamas

#33 Thanks

Crafty Ribbons Challenge

Anything but a card

Secret Crafter

# 160 Spots & Stripes

I used the stripes in my flag and the background

paper is embossed with circles that have stars in them

(if this isn't what you wanted for your challenge, just delete the entry..thanks:)
Stamp, Scrap & Doodle Saturday Challenge
Thanks

REMEMBERING OUR VETERANS AND CURRENT MILITARY

2011-11-11T09:13:00.000-05:00

REMEMBERING OUR VETERANS

A Big THANK YOU to our veterans,

especially my dad and my husband.

A great, great big THANK YOU to those serving now

and to their Families for the sacrifices they are making.

Lots of Swirls and Snow Flakes..& Birthdays Too!

2011-11-10T19:20:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that all summer I was so busy that I hardly had time to check my email much less do any crafting. It was such a hard summer and after visiting the doctor a couple times for stress issues, it was recommended that I take some time for myself. I was told to do something everyday that I enjoy doing to help relieve the stress, thus the cards... I'm loving it, but feel so guilty that I am taking time for me rather than doing what needs to be done for the rest of my family. I don't know when I became such a wimp! I don't know what I did with the other me....but I sure would like to have her back. Most of the time she was tough as nails and just let things slide off her back. Her motto used to be...."God gave me broad shoulders to handle all kinds of situations and for those that slides off , He gave me a butt big enough to sit on!"

Onto this batch of cards

I found this cute little digi image at Anne's Cards 4 U. It is so cute.

My Miss V thinks I need to send her dog a Christmas card every year,

so I think this fits the bill! How adorable is this? Spiffed up his beard and hat

with polar white flower soft.

Challenges:

IC Sketches

#139 Sketch

Crafty Creations

Peanut Butter & Jelly

(kraft/brown, cream/white and one other color...No other colors)

Dutch Dare-Card Challenges

Anything Christmas

Use punches and dies.. snowflakes is MS punch kraft circle

nestabilities die.

Love the image, papers and layout....card not so much.

Challenges:

House Mouse Challenge

Thankful

Mojo Monday

Sketch

Paper Playtime

Thank you projects using the cricut Used the cricut for the florish and

thanks phrase

Thank you

CInspirations

#137 All stitched up

Again I used my faux stitching

Challenges:

Fab 'N' Funky

It's White All Night

white and 1 other color

#167 Advent

Paper Take Weeklly

First Christmas (first Christmas Card or Christmas)

Paper-Crafting Journey

embossing

Challenges:

Penny Black & More

All Creatures Great & Small

Priscilla Styles

MMSC129 sketch

Challenges:

Paper Piercing

It has been a long time since I did paper piercing. Now that I've

discovered it again..I will use it more often. This card shows

better in real life.

An Array Of Cards

2011-11-07T20:27:00.002-05:00

Not sure where to start blogging about this array of cards. I guess I should just say grab a cup of coffee sit back and scroll down for awhile. I'll let you be the judge of whether they were worth the time or not. As I was looking at these cards, I thought for someone who doesn't need a Christmas Card... I sure have made plenty of them:)

Challenges:

Lots of glitter.

(There is glitter on the light, all fur and the ground, hard to see in my photo)

Christmas All Year Round Entry #2 sketch

Challenges:

Sketch

I found this template for this stocking on Waltzing Mouse

It is supposed to be a gift card holder but I modified it to make a card. Next time

will try making the gift card holder:)

Challenges:
Raise The Bar

No embellishments

Anything Goes

Challenges:

Fussy and Fancy

Thank you or Thanksgiving...featuring a sentiment

Paper Cutz Challenge

Thansgiving Card...incorporate your favorite Thanksgiving recipe

Love this image. Thought it would make a great card for someone celebrating an anniversary of more than 50 yrs. Hummm could be for my parents who will be celebrating # 64 soon.

Challenges:

Sentimental Sundays

#80 Anniversary or Wedding

Challenges:

All Sorts

Anything but a square

Penny Black

(this is one of my few but favorite PB images)

Christmas, snowflakes & Silver

Found this digi at May Birt's Hobby Blogg. Great image to color

Challenges:

use a digi

Sketch

I know this image is usually used for Christmas, but I found the sentiment stamp at Adventures in Stampin and just couldn't resist using it with this image. Sort of changes the whole concept of this image. Don't ya just love it?

Challenges:

Stampin For The Weekend

sketch (I flipped it sideways)

Challenges:

Sketch

(I flipped it sidways)

Challenges:

flowers, lace, ribbon

#156 3 is a magic number (3 flowers)
Truly Scrumptious
Bingo (lace, flowers ribbon..there is brown ribbon at the top
of the lace)

Inking Up A Couple Old Friends

2011-11-05T00:52:00.000-04:00

It has been a long time since I have inked up a Penny Black or WOJ stamp. That could be, because I don't have many of them and I use the same couple over and over and over again, but hey..that's ok. what good is a stamp if you can't use it more than a dozen times? Who said you have to have a new stamp everytime you want to drag out the ink pads? I know as crafters we think we need the latest and greatest of everything including stamps...that is if you are like me and I'm sure we are not that different! However I have to say, I am learning to use what I have and to use my stamps again and again...just finding new ways to present them on my cards. It's a challenge but one that I am learning to embrace.

Challenges:

Christmas All Year Round Entry #1

Fallin for you

The sketch is from Icsketches

however I can't enter it in their challenge this week because it is Christmas themed.

I just wanted to use the sketch with this image and paper.

Cinspirations

Lashings of sparkle. You are not able to tell, but all the hearts are glittered and

there is sparkle and shine on the swirls on the background paper, plus there are threads of sparkle

in the ribbon. My photos

just don't show it off. Honest it is really there.

This next card....I wasn't too sure about, but the more I look at it the better I like it.

It will be one of those ones that my Miss V will love, because it has PINK in it!

Challenges:

sketch

Colour Create

colors Turquoise, deep pink, ivory
( the cup is ivory, as are the most of the holly leaves and mat behind the sentiment)

Food & Drink

With Sympathy

2011-11-03T11:44:00.001-04:00

Tough title and even more difficult to make these type of cards. At least for me it is. This week my uncle passed away so I have been beavering away trying to make some sympathy cards that convey my thoughts, however these have definitely fallen short of that mark, so I will be going out today to buy cards that I need.

After the service yesterday my cousins and I were sitting talking about how we have suddenly become the "older generation". We all feel that it just sneaked in without any warning. One day we had a housefull of Aunts and Uncles and now there are only 2, my parents being one of them. I am truly blessed to still have them.

We talked about the legacy that our parents had left and will leave us. Without hesitation we all agreed that our parents have and will leave us something worth far more than anything tangible. We all feel they left us the gift of "family love & caring". That is not something money can buy. It is beyond measure one of the greatest gifts any parent could leave their children. We talked about how as children we may not have had everything that we wanted, but we never lacked for love. Since having had that conversation with my cousins, I wonder if my son will feel that I have left him with the legacy of "family love". I certainly hope so.

Now onto these cards.....Still not thrilled with them. At the time I thought they were perfect...not too much and not too little, but now they just don't feel right. Since they are not ones that I am going to send at this time, I thought I would add them to a few challenges that they fit.

With this first card I made my own background using a fall color palate of inks and a stippling brush. Love that background technique. It is quick and easy and always seems to work well.

Challenges:

Top Tip Tuesday Make your own background
***(My tip is to use inks and a stippling brush to make a quick and easy, yet classy background)

Challenges:

Card Patterns

Sketch

Challenges:

Sentimental Sundays

Use your birthflower or colors of your birthflower

Mine is a cosmos.. Since I didn't have one

I used the colors of orange and yellows.

Paper Play Challenge

Button Up

Fruits of My Labors--More Cards

2011-11-01T09:23:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but I am sort of glad Halloween is over. I think I have made more cards this year than I have ever made. Although it is not my favorite holiday it is one I enjoy, especially when those cute little beggers come to the door begging treats! They are just too adorable. I found a little time to craft this weekend and these are the fruits of my labors.

This first card I cut out a tree, then overstamped it and added blue gems to pick up the color in the background. Found this gorgeous green ribbon and an easel card was born!

Challenges:

Christmas Easel Card

Papertake Weekly

Anything Goes. Optional add a bit of bling. I have added gems to my tree

and the background is sparkly but you can't see it in my photo.

Back to these adorable little critters. They look like they are having tons of fun jumping in the leaves. This certainly brings back some fond childhood memories. My dad used to rake leaves and then we kids would spend hours jumping in them.

Challenges:

Raise The Bar

Sew What.. I did faux stitching around my tag and the scallop border

#145 Friendship

House Mouse

Fall/Autumn

Priscilla Styles

Sketch
Cutie Sunday
Autumn Colors

I won this stamp some time ago and I never used it until the other day. I was pretty pleased with the outcome. I am sure it is a stamp that I will use again, now that I remember I have it.

Challenges:

No Girls Allowed

I started with one of those $1.00 sewing kits from Joanne Fabrics. Thought they would make a nice item to keep in your desk drawer for those "little" emergencies. However you know how we crafters are....Ya just gotta alter it.

Challenges:

Paper Play Time

Anything Goes - past or present.

Christmas Cards, Folds, Halloween & More

2011-10-30T22:51:00.001-04:00

The more I look at my cards the more I realize they truly are eclectic. I think I like having a style that fluctuates with my mood and my time to craft.

Challenges:

#155 No Sentiments

Borders and frames. Used my deco scissors to make the border and cuttlebug to make the frame. Loved stamping this flower. I turned it over and stamped the backside of the flower to give the blue solid background then turned the stamp over and stamped the flower in darker blue.

There is nothing really creative or exciting about this fold, but it is one of my favorites.

Challenges:

Our Creative Corner
Fancy folds

This card is full of Whimsey

Challenges:

CIinspirations
Black, purple orange

Delightful Sketches
purple, orange, green, black

Opus-Gluei
#116 Something wicked this way comes

Secret Crafter
#158 Spooky or Whimsical

Crafty Catz
Halloween
Paper Play Challenges
Halloween Inspiration

Challenges:

Alphabet Challenge
T is for Tea Time. Not sure if this is tea or coffee, but for this challenge we will call it tea. LOL

I am truly a traditional person, but I really love this tree. To me it is a cross between modern and whimsey

Challenges:

#86 Christmas

Paper Take Weekly 3 shapes...your card can be one. I have scallops, rectangles and squares

Clean and Simple

One Odd Card Out!

2011-10-26T19:42:00.000-04:00

They say their has to be one in every crowd. That is certainly the case for this group of cards. All but one is Christmas, thus the title... Odd Card Out.

Challenges:

Sentimental Sunday Halloween and a sentiment

Delightful Sketches Halloween

Fab N Funky Hubble, bubble, toil and trouble.

Top Tip Tuesday Be Trick or Treat Inspired.

I wish you could see this card in real life. I am beginning to think this marcasite embossing powder is fast becoming my favorite. Hummm.... I wonder if I can still buy it? I have no idea where I got it or how long I have had it... Scary huh? I have tried to take several photos in hopes you could see how it changes sparkles in the light. It shows blues, greens, reds, etc. Very stunning. Great way to add bling to your Christmas Card!

Challenges:

Fussy and Fancy 3 B's Black, border punch Bling

Christmas All Year Round One of these colors orange, green, purple, black and a punch out or die cut. (I punched out my border...If this is not what you had in mind just delete it from your challenge.)

I made this "Pink" tree because my granddaughter asked me to make one in her "favoritest" color....PINK

Challenge:

Paper Cutz In The Pink

Not sure I like this card. Love the image I stamped, but it didn't color up the way my mind thought it would and the card certainly didn't go together like my mind wanted it too... Do you ever have those days?

Challenges:

Everybody Art Challenge Sketch

I think this is my favorite card of this batch. The second one I posted is close in the running but there is something about this one that just speaks to me.

Challenges:

ICSketches Sketch

Paper Play Time Say it with sentiments and use buttons and bows.

Another Batch of Ecletic Cards

2011-10-23T18:54:00.003-04:00

The other day someone asked me what my card style was and I told them pretty eclectic. I like to try a lot of different techniques and styles. There is really no one style that intrigues me more than the other. On the flip side of that I can definitely say that I love anything that is floral!

Had a blast with this card. I stamped the image (Hero arts) on white cardstock with versamark ink, then added marcacite embossing powder. When you turn in the light it has a lot of shimmer and sparkle in different colors. If you look closely you can see some of the reds and greens. I love this embossing powder, I had forgotten that I had it. I am sure I will be using it more often. The texture is not smooth. I then adhered it to silver mirri card and added some black and white ribbon. In real life it is really stunning.

Challenge:

Paper Play Challenges Use Black

One Stop Craft Challenge No Designer Paper

One Stitch At A Time Emboss (Lots of embossing on this card)

The image below is from Blue Ridge (something, would have to go look it up again and I just got my stamps cleaned and put away). Love this candle. Have had it for ages but forgot that I had it until I was going through my Christmas Stamps. I added some vintage photo distress ink around the edges to give it that old vintage look. Kind of like the browns and reds.

Challenges:

Fab N Funky Challenge #95 Distressed or torn

Moving Along With The Times Vintage

Christmas Blog Challenge Vintage Christmas

Back to House Mouse stamps. I just love these little critters. I know they are supposed to look spooky for Halloween but with these little characters how can you get them to look spooky?

Challenges:

Raise The Bar Orange & Black

Stampin For The Weekend Spooky

All Sorts Halloween

Stamptacular black, orange, purple oops! my bad, I've been notified by Celine at Stamptacular that I didn't read all of the challenge....It needs to have a pop up inside! Sorry!

The Crafty Pad Halloween

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care..In hopes someone will fill it with crafting supplies:) Sorry about the off the wall humor there!

The stamp is Stacy's Stamps. She is a dear friend who has been making stamps for many years..She gave me this image yesterday at the AIS Show.

Challenges:

Colour Create Burgundy, gold, green, cream

I received this image several years ago in a swap. I finally colored him up and tried my hand at a shaker card. Not sure that is my bag of tricks. It ranks right up there next to quilling. There has got to be an easier way to make one of these than the way I made this one. Anyway, my granddaughter might enjoy it???

Challenges:

Crafty Creations A Christmas Birthday

Truly Scrumptious Shaker card

Crafty Catz Birthday

Happy Birthday To Me:) With a Special Surprise...You'll Have To Read To Find Out Why

2011-10-22T22:54:00.000-04:00

Yep today is my birthday. I don't usually talk about it, however this day ranked right up among one of my favorite birthdays! First of all I was chosen one of the top 3 over at http://unscriptedsketches.blogspot.com/. Thanks so much for making my day.

Next my hubby treated me to a day at Adventures In Stamping. This is an annual event with tons of vendors and lots of fun things to participate in. He even went with me as it is about an hour's drive from where I live. With everything that has gone on this summer, hubby thought I deserved a day out. Thanks hon...You know I loved every minute of it.

I have emailing a dear cyber friend for about 3 - 4 years now. We have often talked about meeting, because we live about 2 hours away from each other, but just never seemed to find the time. Last evening I emailed and asked her if she was going to AIS. This morning before I left I was reading my email and she said she was and we would probably stand side by side and never even realize we had been that close. Well guess what happened? We met...totally by accident. I was waiting at a booth to do a make n take. There was a lady standing by the side of me waiting too. When it was our turn, we sat down, crafted and chatted. The vendor asked if we were on the email list. I wrote my name down on the list and all of a sudden the lady beside me said...Well I can't believe it! Never in a million years.....Hello Sally....I'm Cathy...It was so wonderful to meet her in person. What are the chances of that happening when there are hundreds of people all around? It had to be devine intervention. We must have chatted for an hour. It was like we had been best of friends for years and years! That was the highlight of my day.

On the way home... hubby treated me to DQ...Best day ever. Maybe it's not so bad to get older:)

Fancy Folds, Shapes, To You Choose

2011-10-16T19:39:00.000-04:00

I think I have pretty much covered them all in this challenge. The only things I didn't use are fabric, lace or monochromatic color schemes. Hummm maybe next time I have a few minutes to craft I will have to throw those into the mix. The reason for all the cards lately is because my sister puts a box of my handmade cards on her desk at work and the co workers buy them as they need them. She told me her supply was getting low so I thought I had better take some time to replinish her stock. Not only do I love making them, it gives me a reason to keep my crafting room messy.

First up is a card I made using my stamps from Heart and Soul Rubber Stamps. If you haven't looked at her stamps lately be sure to check them out. She has added new stamps to her store. (I have them, I just haven't had time to play with them...That is next on the list). Anyway this is one of my favorite images. Yeah I know it's floral..What can I say. I colored it with copic markers, then used glimmer glaze just on the background. It really makes it shimmery and makes the flowers pop. I just couldn't get it to show properly in my picture.

Challenges:

Unscripted Sketches #128 Sketch and piggy back was to use fabric... I didn't have any that matched my colorscheme. However I did us the sketch. Instead of squares at the bottom I used 3 elements, half bow, button and ticket.

Crafty Creations 3, 2, 1

3 papers, 2 embellishments, 1 image (my 3rd paper is behind the ticket and button, it has teeny tiny yellow flowers)

Lil Red Wagon Just the ticket.

(I had a bunch of these tickets from the prizes that I didn't win at our family reunion raffle, so being a crafter I just couldn't throw them away. I turned them over and stamped on the back side and added some faux stitching. Love how it turned out.

I made this Mother's Day but never used it as I wasn't sure I liked it. The other day I was looking through my cards and decided it really is kind of pretty.

Challenges:

One Stitch At A Time Shaped card or using lots of shapes. Each layer in this card is a diamond shape except for the base layer.

Scrappy Frog Challenge Something that flies

Sentimental Sunday Challenge #77 Fancy Folds plus a sentiment

Happy Halloween Love this little image. Even if it isn't stamped it is adorable. Thought my granddaughter would love a card made with this cute little spooky ghost. The image is by Elizabeth O Dulemba at
Elizabeth O. Dulemba

Challenges:

One Stop Craft Challenge Halloween

I love making handmade flowers. They are a bit tedious but so worth the time and effort. Each petal is punched using a pear shaped punch. curled, pinched and tweezed to get the shape right. Each petal is placed separately using a thick, quick, clear-drying glue. I have made this card for a very special lady's birthday. I hope she likes it.

Challenge:

Top Tip Tuesday Designer Paper and handmade flowers

This card....well let's just say it was tedious and quilling is not my bag. Our local craft store (Archivers) was having a make and take day to show how to incorporate quilling and stamping in cardmaking. My 6 yr old granddaughter was all gungho on the quilling so I took her. Her card turned out beautifully.... mine...not so much. I can't remember the stamps we used for the branches and dots, but the sentiment I added at home as I didn't want to use their Thank you stamp. My stamp is from the $1 bin at Michaels. It is a Kolette Hall stamp. I masked off the flower part of the stamp.

Challenge:

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge You choose...and be sure to stamp. They also suggested you try something different... I did quilling...Probably not again:)

From Anniversary To Sympathy

2011-10-14T13:35:00.000-04:00

This is certainly a medley of cards that range from Anniversary to Sympathy with some tucked in between

I just loved coloring these gorgeous little House Mouse images. Tons of fun!

These little critters always make me smile no matter how badly I feel. If I could afford them I would own a ton of them, just for the smiles.

challenges:

Everybody Art Challenge Halloween

Fussy N Fancy Challenge Halloween or fall or thank you or Thanksgiving

Creative Card Crew Spooky Fun

Alphabet Challenge S for Soon to be Halloween

Fab N Funky Challenges Fall Colors

Daring Cardmakers Birds in your creation

Raise The Bar Challenge Pink Is In. A really clean and simple card here, but I love it. Of course that could be because I love pink and I have a sister who is a survivor!

Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge Get Well Soon

What better way to get well than with a bowl of soup!

Cards, Cards & More Cards

2011-10-10T22:22:00.000-04:00

It seems lately I do well to post to my blog once a month. I am hoping with the colder weather coming that I will have more time to craft, however I am not holding my breath!

I have not been able to sleep much for the past week so I have spent my insomnia hours making some cards. So pull up a comfy chair, grab a cup of coffee or tea and check them out.

They also fit some challenges

Stamptacular Sunday So Distressing. I sanded my embossed cardstock

Sentimental Sundays Anything Goes plus a sentiment

Crafty Catz A Recipe 1 image ,2 papers, 3 buttons

Cutie Sunday Halloween

Scrappy Frogs Challenge Fruity Tooty... Here's hoping a pumpkin can be a fruit???

House Mouse Challenge black, orange, yellow green Halloween optional

Fussy and Fancy Challenge Fall or Halloween

The Crafty Pad Vintage. I have a very hard time with vintage so this is about as good as it gets for me:(

Raise The Bar Furry Friends

Allsorts Bear With Us

Stampin For The Weekend Colours of Autum

Opus Gluei Getting Back Into The Swing of Things (happy hopper swinging from the balloons)

Secret Crafter Anything Goes as long as it sparkles. You can't see it well but the circle around the flower is all sparkly glitter paper. It is really pretty in real life.

One Stitch At A Time Anything Goes

Crafty Card Makers Anything Goes

One Stop Craft Challenge Anything Goes

A Question and Note Cards with Matching Box

2011-09-23T20:34:00.000-04:00

The other day when my Son and DIL wnt to school for beginning year openhouse, to learn all the expectations of the new year, they were told their children would no longer be required to learn to write or read cursive handwriting. Now I am thinking, how are these kids ever going to sign their names? Will they never have to sign legal documents again? My question is....My granddaughter is going on 7 and I have been scrapbooking about her before she was born. In my scrapbooking it is my journal to her. I journaled in my handwriting, what I was feeling about her at that moment in time. Now she will never be able to go back and read them when she gets older. They will be like a foreign language to her. I have written tons of notes and letters over the years that I have hidden in compartments throughout her many scrapbooks. I guess I could go back and type all of those, but I am afraid if I read them then I will change things in them. I really don't want to do that because that was my thoughts at the time...not my thoughts now. I thought maybe this was just in the school where my granddaughter is, but my brother lives in another state and is a HS English teacher. He told me that it's true everywhere, because if he comments on a student's paper he has to print because they can't read cursive. How truly sad is this to lose another part of our heritage. Believe me my cursive penmanship is much better than my printing. Never could get the hang of printing block style. Any suggestions out there?

I was going through my posts and found these items in a draft that for some reason I never finished. I made this project early in the year and it has been hanging around unposted all this time. Maybe I was a little disappointed in the photos as they really don't show how pretty these cards are eventhough they are clean and simple.

I found this template at papertreyink and fell in love with it. I contacted the Lauren Meader who made the template and asked her if it was ok if I used her box to house these cards and she gave me permission as long as I gave her credit. Her shop is My Time Made Easy, however this template was purchased from papertrey ink. Anyway the instructions were for a ribbon closure at the top but I used a magnet instead. I am hoping that was ok.

I made 8 note cards to match the box. They are plain inside so you can write your own message and use them for whatever you need them for. I used designer paper from DCWV Rustic Stack. I have not had much time to craft so they are not as detailed as I usually like to do, but at least it has given me some "me time"

These might fit the following challenges:
Fab N Funky A Hard Theme...anything difficult for you to create.. Mine is Clean and simple. Everything always looks so plain when I get finished with it.
Truly Scrumptious Clean N Simple
Alphabet Challenge Q is for Quick and simple
One Stitch At a Time Punch it. (My square punch is dull after punching out so many squares)...

The cards may not be so great, but the box is a show stopper in my book. Love this template...

Catching Up And A Little Crafting Too!

2011-09-12T23:06:00.000-04:00

Oh good gracious. I can't believe it is the 12th of September already. Where oh where has the summer gone? I seem to have misplaced it. Not much crafting this summer season. We have had a bit of a situation, which started on the 28th of June and didn't end until Sept. 10. Maybe when I get to the point I can talk about it without crying, I will post about it in hopes it will save someone else from the same grief.

On to happier things. Today my son celebrated his 36th birthday! We met early this morning and did some work together, then out to lunch and later this evening his six yr old daughter planned a surprise birthday party for him. With the help of her mommy we had homemade birthday cake and ice cream. Her decorations were gorgeous. (for a 6 yr old). She forgot that she was decorating for a man, but then I am not sure little girls look at their daddys as men. Anyway lots of sparkle and shine for her decorating and her handmade card were the order for this party! We had a blast! Who knows she may end up being a party planner:)

I have been working on a baby girl scrabook album. I have not made it for anyone in particular so have added it to my website for sale. (Sally's Cards) I thought I would share a few pages with you here and you can check out the rest on my website.

These might fit the following challenges eventhough they are not cards.

One Stitch At A Time Anything Goes
Don't ya just love the funky teeth?

Alphabet Challenge P is for Pastel

Stampin For The Weekend Tickled Pink

(loved stamping the clothesline full of baby clothes)

Paper Play Challenge 2 or more stamped images

I stamped the hearts along the sides of my layout and added the setiment.

Crafty Catz Challenge Challenge 99 -- Ribbons

Thank You Cards With A Manly Influence

2011-08-18T19:59:00.000-04:00

Absolutely no time for crafting this summer. Once everything is back together at my house, I am hoping to attack my crafting "want to" pile with a vengence. I have so many pictures to scrapbook, which I hope to be sharing and lots and lots of ideas for cards.....Stay tuned.

I can't believe that school will be starting for most of the kiddies in our area next week. Our Miss V is excited about being a big first grader and showing off the empty spot where her two bottom teeth used to be. LOL...Where or where did the summer go? Does anyone else feel that time is just slipping away beside me?

Cards with a male influence are so hard for me to make that I find myself shying away from making them, however my son asked me to make some thank you cards for him and he didn't want girly so this is what I came up with. I have not given them to him yet...what do you think? Do you think they are manly enough? This plaid paper is so old and I have kept it for at least 5 years because it was the only piece I had.. It was one of those papers to save, however it is time to use it. These certainly are Clean and Simple.

Tooting My Own Horn

2011-07-20T09:51:00.001-04:00

I was notified yesterday that I had been published in SNR Magazine. I am really pleased. Never in a million years did I think my scrapbook pages would ever be good enough to be published.

Here is my entry..Bet you couldn't guess it was my favorite subject....Miss V...

In early Spring I was cleaning out my sewing box and found lots and lots of unused fabric. I thought I could make Miss V some outfits for summer wear out of them. These were the fruits of my labors. Miss V just had to model them and of course I JUST had to photograph her modeling. I used a lot of the fabrics from the materials for my embellishments along with buttons, etc.

No Crafting This Past Week.

2011-07-03T10:39:00.001-04:00

Happy 4th Of July USA.....

Boo Hoo...I wanted to craft, but between going over and helping our son with his yard work and the contractors beginning work on our house from the hail storm we had in June I haven't had time.

Look From inside my house looking out

Hodge-Podge/Mish-Mash

2011-06-26T15:39:00.000-04:00

I have been sitting here looking at the cards I have created this week and all I can say is that there is no connectivity between any of them, thus the title hodge-podge/mish-mash. Not sure I like any of them, however it was interesting to go outside my comfort zone and create with colors and styles that are not typically in my zone.

Asian Flair Card

Challenges:

Sweet Sketch Wednesday Sketch

Creative Card Crew Asian Flair

Belli Challange Something with the letter G... I used Gold embossing poweder

Alphabet Challenge H is half dozen... use 1/2 dozen of something on your card. I stamped 1/2 dozen small flowers in the corners.

Red, White & Blue Card

Challenges:

Paper Play Challenges Stars & Stripes

Penneys Challenge Red, White & Blue

Stamp Challenge 4th of July Red, White & Blue

Sentimental Sundays Patriotic Use the Colors of Your Flag
Stamptacular #117 Stars & Stripes

Blue, Pink, Orange Card

Challenges:

Play Date Cafe Hollyhock, sky blue, orange

Daring Card Makers Something old, something new, something borrowed blue...old agapanthus stamp, new get well stamp, borrowed embossing folder, blue ribbon

One Stop Craft Get Well Soon

The Crafty Pad Bold n Bright or Soft and Pastel..think you can figure out this is BOLD!

Orange & Pink Card

Challenges: Secret Crafter embossing

Paper Cutz orange, pink, white

Shopping My Stash

2011-06-22T23:28:00.000-04:00

Have you ever bought those large packages of paper just because you loved one or two sheets in the whole pack and put the rest aside, not necessarily because you didn't like them but because you really didn't know how to use them? Well that is me....so...I have been busy shopping my stash and making myself use some of those sheets of paper. I have to say, it has caused me to step outside of my comfort zone. Here is some of what I came up with...

Ooops! For the life of me I just can't seem to lose that butterfly punch... Love that thing..

Challenges:

A Spoon Full Of Sugar Ribbons & Bows

Top Tip Tuesday Cross It

Everybody Art Challenge #147 Anything Goes

One Stitch At A Time Things With Wings

Challenges:

Sentimental Sundays Sparkley/Shimmery with a sentiment (Hope you can see all that glitter on the ice cubes)

Stamptacular Fun In The Sun (this image always reminds me of summer)

House Mouse Challenge Summer

Crafty Creations Let It Shine Sparkly/Shinny

Close-up so you can see the glittery ice cubes. Makes you just want to drink that lemonade on a nice hot summery day!

Card Patterns Sketch (I left off the sentiment as I am not sure how I am going to use this card)

Secret Crafter Something around the house--household item (cup)

Cutie Sunday Animals

Challenge:

All Sorts #108 3, 2,1 3 Papers, 2 ribbons, 1 flower

I added a tiny little flower down by the sentiment

To me this card is questionable...Not sure I like the outcome at all

Challenges:

Copic Creations #52 Doodling (I used the copic spica markers and made the hearts and lines:( I'm thinking doodling is not my thing)

The Crafty Pad # 126 Something new...home...baby

Challenges:

Sunday Sketch and Stamp Sketch (I didn't have an oval that would fit my image so I rounded the corners)

Magnolia Down Under #101 Acetate/transparency (I found the acetate flourish in my stash...Perfect fit)

Scrappy Frogs Simply Red

Fab n Funky Summer Loving

Surprise--Not All Floral Cards!

2011-06-17T08:38:00.001-04:00

**EDITED**

I was wondering why it seemed that I had more time to craft a little this week. I figured out it is because my granddaughter is finally out of school so I am not having to do so much running at the moment!

Anyway onto my next batch of cards for today:

First up I made this shirt card because I thought it was cute, but I am not really liking it...It is too plain, but as my son would say..."It is what it is"!

Challenges:

Paper Cutz Challenge #96 Father's Day

I love this image it is another rubber stamp from Heart & Soul Rubber Stamp Co.

Challenge:

Cinspirations Green, Blue and 1 other color (I chose yellow)

Sketch Saturday Sketch. I flipped it to fit my image

***EDITED TO ADD LINK FOR TUTORIAL ON HOW TO MAKE THIS CARD***

This next card didn't turn out exactly how I imagined it...Not really sure what else I would have done with it.

Love the folds. Sorry I forgot to add this link: http://inspirationaltechniquesandtutorials.blogspot.com/search/label/mulit-fold%20card

Challenges:

Fab n Funky Challenges Tempting Templates

Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge #87 Fancy Folds

Back to Butterflies:)

Challenge:

Alphabet Challenge G is for Get Well

Another image that makes me smile:)

Challenge:

Colour Create #73 Blue, Grey, White

This is not my normal colors...so a little out of my comfort zone, but I liked it once it was finished.

Challenges:

Cutie Sunday Sketch

Moving Along With The Times #103 Inspired by A Song

"Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head"

recorded by: B.J. Thomas

written by: Burt Bacharach & Hal David

From Anniversary, Father's Day, Wedding To Just Because

2011-06-15T14:36:00.001-04:00

I have been having some time to craft lately and I'm loving every moment of some "me" time. It is good for all of us to have those days once in awhile.

I have been noticing more and more Challenge Blogs are limiting the number of challenges you can enter your card in. If for some reason I enter my card in too many challenges to fit your criteria please feel free to delete my entry. My Challenge is that I create my cards before I ever look at a challenge blog, when my card/creation is complete, I then look to see what challenges it fits. It is amazing to see that sometimes my card/creation will fit several and at other times maybe only one. There are times I start a card and it is 2 weeks or more before I finish it because it is "missing something". Then when I visit a blog I might find inspiration on what I need to add to make it perfect and then it will fit your challenge. Again always feel free to delete my entries if for some reason they don't fit.

Now with having said that here are the cards I have completed this week.

Don't ya just love this colorful "dad" card? This will be sent to my son as he loves anything to do with lighthouses/nautical.

Challenges:

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #115 Dads or Grads

Sentimental Sunday Challenge Father's Day or Masculine Card. I also used the "freebie sentiment on my card this week... thank you

The Secret Crafter A Male Card

One Stop Craft Challenge Father's Day Card

Everybody Art Challenge Distressing. (I distressed the edges with black ink)

Paper Take Weekly Dads and Lads

Little Red Wagon Father's Day

I started coloring this image about 6 months ago and didn't like the direction it was taking, so with loving my copic markers, because you can work with them to change the colors, this is what I finally came up with. Once it was complete I found it fit the following

Challenges:

The crafty Pad Just Because

i copic Brown only

Creative Card Crew Ribbons and brads

Altered bag with matching tag

Challenges:

One Stitch At A Time Tag It

Love, love this image from Heart and Soul Rubber Stamp Co. It is one of my all-time-favorite-go-to-images

Challenges:

Paper Play Time Show us you "Z" Folds

Top Tip Tuesday Open Challenge

These images always make me smile!

Challenges:

House Mouse Adorn it with jewels. Think I have done that.. Notice all the jewels on the top!!! Jeweled Confetti!

Unscripted Sketches Sketch (I took a few liberties...added sentiment in place of one embellishment spot.

Folded, Folded and ReFolded

2011-06-10T12:54:00.000-04:00

Thank goodness it's Friday! I am having a bit of a blogger problem. For some reason my followers are missing in action and I don't know how to make them come back. By the same token when I try to become a follower of another blog....it won't let me. Then when I try to post comments to your blogs, it won't let me...keeps asking me to sign into google. I do and it doesn't:( Hopefully Blogger and Google will get it sorted out soon. I see from some of your blogs that you are also missing your Followers List.

Anyway onto the cards I have made for today.

This card I CASed from Cindy's Blog. I know she won't mind me "borrowing her idea", Her's is much prettier than mine. Be sure to stop over and see how gorgeous a professional can make the card look! I loved the style and have been dying to use these Brads that look like screws since I bought them 2 years ago. Perfect for Father's Day don't you think?

Challenges:

Alphabet Challenge F is for Father's Day

Next up...another card with flowers and butterflies. I know, I know I told you yesterday I would put the butterfly punches and stamps away. Honest I did, but then this morning I got them out again...I am on a butterfly kick.. I promise this too shall pass...

I saw this folded card at

Inspirational Techniques and Tutorials

You will want to stop over as she has some pretty tutorials on her blog.

Challenges:

Top Tip Tuesday More than one fold

Can you see the glitter on the butterflies and stamped swirls. I just love the glitz!

More Butterflies, however no flowers this time. I really had to fight hard with myself to not put any on it. I thought they might be too bulky for a bookmarker. These colors are out of my comfort zone, but I thought they turned out well.

Challenges:

Stampin For The Weekend Lemon-Lime

Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge Book Markers

A Medley Of Cards

2011-06-09T14:21:00.000-04:00

This is quite an array of cards. All different but yet alike.I didn't realize just how many had butterflies on them until after I was going through them. Hummmm must be on a butterfly kick. I promise I will put away the butterfly stamps and punches. Maybe... It is only the 9th of June and already it has been a busy month as far as needing cards go. Let's see, birthdays, graduations, funerals, babies, father's day, weddings and anniversaries. I think I have come full circle. To me some of these cards are pretty "iffy"... not sure they will be used. I may end up buying a card. (I know sacriledge)!

Last night when I was working on this card, it appealed to me. Today not so much. I am wondering, what am I thinking. Way too much texture.

Challenges:

All Sorts #106...It's all white with colored image

Paper Take Weekly Anything goes.. optional extra all white with 1 accent color

This card was made using alcohol inks and a $1 stamp from Joanne Fabric.

Challenges:

Creative Card Crew Wings

Colour Create Purple, Blue, Silver

Used my mists and stencils. The picture really doesn't do it justice. There is glimmer and shimmer everywhere. I also couldn't get the colors to show true in my photo. Battery must be going dead. That seems to be the case when that starts to happen.

Challenges:

Sketch Saturday Sketch

A Spoonfull Of Sugar Here comes summer...summer colors, images, etc

Truly Scrumptious Summer sparkle, gems, bling, flowers, butterflies, etc

Lil Red Wagon Mist It

Challenges:

Fab n Funky Magnifient Men

One Stop Craft Challenge Texture

Fussy And Fancy Card for men or boy

Creative Inspirations/ Card for dad or man in your life

Another one I am not so fond of today, but liked yesterday, however, I love the sketch which can be found at:

Challenges:

Sunday Sketch and Stamp Sketch

Challenges:

The Crafty Pad #124 Stripes

Belli Challenge Branches

Tag with a twist. I have added a message between two tags. I'm sure you have already thought of that, but I was pretty impressed with myself. I have to say, it doesn't take much to impress me these days. Obviously! LOL

Challenges:

Moving Along Times Anything but a card

Not sure this fits the challenge, but if not...just delete the entry.

Challenge:

Our Creative Card Corner Wedding Beauty.. sheer fabric or tulle (I didn't have any so I use sheer ribbon) trim, ribbon, (I used white ribbon) lace, bakers twine, crochet, etc, a flower, at least one pearl.. I used a pearl heart, and stitching faux or real. Of course mine is faux.

No Crafting Today---Pics Of Our Storm

2011-06-08T12:32:00.001-04:00

Now I am not normally bothered by storms, however this one was one that kept me walking from window to window. I don't know if it was because my hubby was out driving in this mess or just that I had never seen hail this large before that I can remember. This took place at 9:30 AM and it looks like night time. These photos have not been edited, they are..just how the sky looked. We got 2 1/2 inches of rain in 45 mins, according to the rain gage in our backyard. We had some damage to our patio porch roof so the adjuster from the insurance will be coming out to make an assessment within the week. I am really tired of these storms. We have had more hail storms that I ever remember. It seems to be a weekly thing . The lawns can't seem to dry up from all the rain we have had. We have been mowing the lawns in the mud , I call it swap mowing. Yep.. I'm ready for a break!

Those white blobs are hail coming down fast and furious

This stuff was huge...some the size of golf balls

The street in front of our house.
It got much darker than this. This was a 2 ft river running down Lake Hidden Tree (as we have come to call our street over the years, after a hard fast rain)

This was about 15 feet into my yard from the edge of the street.

The corner. (after the storm passed) It was rippling just like a running river.

Card For A New Baby Girl

2011-05-31T23:18:00.001-04:00

This weekend while my sister was home, I made a 20 page scrapbook for her to give as a gift for a baby shower and I also made a couple cards. Dumb me... I didn't take one photo of the any of the scrapbook pages I made. For doing a "quickie" job I was really pretty pleased with the outcome, but since I didn't take a photo you will just have to take my word for it. LOL However I did manage to snap a couple photos of the card I made. I took these photos at 5 this morning so they are not the best. I just love this stamp... It is so easy to use. It is by inkadinkadoo, definitely one of my "baby favorites"!

The above card fits the following challenges:

Crafty Sentiments Special Occasions

http://aspoonfullofsugarchallenge.blogspot.com/ Flower Power

Creative Card Crew Diva (I think it would be safe to say this little baby with be the Diva in her parents life)

Everybody Art Challenge Use a banner or flags (the girl sticker is a banner)

This card fits the following challenges:

Top Tip Tuesday Use ribbons (the use of my ribbon sure isn't anything unique, but it is there..lol)

Flowers, Flowers And More Flowers

2011-05-30T20:22:00.000-04:00

First of all A Big Thank You to all the veterans here in the USA!

Hard to believe it has been so cold and raining here. We had begun to think that we were never going to have warm weather, but.....today our temps were in the 90s. OUCH! We went from upper 30s to 90s in a matter of no time. It has really been hot and humid. I thought the rain would never stop long enough for my flowers to grow so I started making my own! LOL Today we celebrated my mother's 80th Birthday. I had a cook-out for the family and my sister was home this time so it was really special!

Now to My Cards...ERrrr. the first 3 pictures are not cards. It is an altared box to hold my card!

The card I made wouldn't fit in an envelope so I hunted high and low until I found this box. Cut it down, added a thumb tab on the side to open it with and then embellished it with flowers and a sentiment. Instant envelope.

This card and box is for my MIL. We will be celebrating her birthday on Friday. She will be 90 and still going strong. I made this very special card for a very special birthday and a special lady! I hope she likes it.

The box above fits the following challenges:

Crafts 4 Eternity Altar Something. I altared a box

Craft Challenge Altar/recycle I recycled a box that I altared

Woodware USA Forgotten embellishment (my butterfly punch and the small star flower punch. I hadn't used them in a long, long time until this week.

Challenge Up Your Life Recyling (I recycled a box, by cutting it down to size and embellishing it)

Sentimental Sundays Anything but a card

Digi Design House Anything but a card

CARD

(below)

All flowers are handmade using various punches. Some of these punches had not seen the light of day in a couple year I'm sure. Don't you just want to pick them?

The card above fits the follwing challenges:

Crafting For All Seasons Anything Goes

2 Sisters Challenge Blog Anything Goes

Paper Crafting Journey Anything Goes

Paper Play Challenges Blossoms and Blooms

The Paper Shelter Anything Goes

Hippity With Ippity Flowers

Crafty Card Makers Love the lasting kind (love my MIL this card is especially for her)

Scrappy Frogs Challenge Happy Birthday

Sympathy Cards Are so Hard To Make

2011-05-23T22:16:00.001-04:00

I find making Sympathy such a hard card to make and this one was no exception. It seems that we have had our fair share of family and friends having to leave us lately.

When this card started out, I had no idea what direction it would end up being. I am not sure that I like it, but this is how it ended up. I do have to say it is much prettier in real life than my photo. It just doesn't do justice to the colors and detail. I made a matching box again because of the popped up parts of my card.

Card Front

Card with Matching Box

Challenges

Creative Inspirations #112 Lace and Pearls Lace is behind my flowers and pearls are in the centers of my flowers.

YNS Challenge Pop It Up my sentiment and flowers are popped up with foam and thick pop dots

Colour Create Challenge White, Cream, Brown...Extras..flowers and buttons

Moving Along With The Times sketch

Raise The Bar Challenge Sympathy Card

Crafty Card Makers embossing with inks or dry.. I used both

Birthday Card With Matching Box

2011-05-22T22:21:00.001-04:00

At the end of this month my wonderful Mother will be celebrating her 80th birthday. I am so blessed to have her with me. She is my best friend and always there to listen or give me advice when I need it. She is my sounding board and prayer partner and my cheerleading champion in whatever endeavor I choose to do! I always tell my sibblings that Mother loves me the most...however we all say that! LOL

I wanted my card to be really, really special for her this year. Since she loves flowers , (when she was a little younger her flower gardens were the envy of the neighborhood), I thought what better way to honor her than with handmade flowers. With that being said I have sat for two days making lillies as they are one of her favorites.

I am sorry about the photos... I could not get the glare off the mirri paper or the reflection to go away.

Happy Birthday Mother

I love you!

Front of Card

Card With Matching Box

Box

Close Up Of Flowers--Used Lillium Feather Punch by Punch Bunch

Entering in the following challenges: