New Year - New Priorities

Hi all.  Sorry for the extended absence.  Sometimes life has a way of spinning you around and knocking you from the path you were traveling.  Such has happened to me.  Family has become a renewed priority, and blogging and visiting blogs must take a backseat.  With sad regrets, I've resigned from both the Outlawz and From the Heart Stamps design teams.  I'll miss my fabulous team leaders and members, and the followers of those groups.  However, I am staying on as a Sweet November gal!  Amy is going to an every other month release, so I can still devote the time I need to family and friends, and also have a bit of fun crafting cards.  Hope you all will check in here for the Sweet November releases...the first one being January 1, 2014.  Hugs to everyone and best wishes for a fantastic 2014! 

A Brief Leave of Absence

My husband's father passed away today.  During this time of mourning, my husband needs my attention and support.  I'll be taking a brief leave of absence from card making, blogging, and visiting blogs.  Thank you to all of you who have sent warm and sympathetic wishes, thoughts, and prayers.  Tentative plan is to be back online the week of December 8th.

Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!  And hug your family members and those dear to you very tightly!

Tress

Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge - Thankful

It's the time of year when we reflect and give thanks for the many blessings we are privileged to have in our lives.  So it is no surprise that the theme this week for the Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge is "Thanks".  If you read my earlier post today, you'll know I'm on a candle binge at the moment.  Love them!!  I've already amassed quite a collection ready to give as gifts for Christmas.  And I had to craft a few additional ones for occasions such as birthdays, and of course, Thanksgiving!  The image is a There She Goes Stamp from the set "Bountiful Blessings", and the sentiment is from TLC.

 

Please join Carla, Dawn, Jen, Linda, Penny and me over at the Outlawz to share your creations!  Looking forward to seeing your Thanksgiving or Giving Thanks projects!

 

FTHS November Stamp of the Month Challenge - Mid Month Reminder

Hi Everyone!  I'm here today with a reminder for the FTHS November Stamp of the Month Challenge and something a bit different from my usual cards.  I tried my hand at using an image on a candle.  And I am hooked!  So much fun!  Without further ado, here is Balloon Ride!

A few things I learned in this process: 

1.  Use MUCH darker colors than you normally would.  To give you an example...the darkest green you see on the candle is YG17 which now looks similar to YG25.  And my little mousies don't show up very dark even though I used W5 on them.

2.  Be careful with the amount of ink you use...It will bleed!  I had to let each color dry a bit before adding the next or the surface was entirely too wet.

3.  Speaking of wet...you'll need to place a scrap piece of cardstock under your tissue paper.  I taped my tissue paper down to keep it from moving about while I was coloring.

4.  Make sure you pull the wax paper tightly and SMOOTHLY around your candle.  Otherwise you'll end up with a crazy pattern melted into your candle.

You can click here for directions on how to create this project.  The directions are from Kim O'Connell for My Favorite Things.  Or you can do a Google search for videos.  There are several on the web.

My supply list for this project:
FTHS image, Balloon Ride
Tissue Paper
Copic Markers
Wax Paper
Heat Gun

If you played along in the challenge last month, you were emailed this image for FREE! If you missed out, you can still play along with the challenge by purchasing the image, Balloon Ride. Then you can enter the challenge and receive next month’s digi free. OR if you spend $10 in the From The Heart Stamps store this month, you can enter code CELEBRATE to receive this as a free gift. (Make sure your purchase doesn’t include this image or you will receive 2). 

Hope to see your creations using Balloon Ride in this month's Challenge!

 

From the Heart Stamps Sketch Challenge 42 - Even Germs Love You

 Ready for a giggle?  I couldn't resist pairing this From the Heart Stamps image, Sick Chick, with this sentiment from Create With TLC.  Sick Chick looks so pitiful and poorly...he needed a sentiment that would elicit a smile and maybe even a giggle.

Using Sketch 42 as the design layout made this card come together rather quickly.  I didn't have to agonize over where to place elements!  Please consider joining in the challenge...using a sketch really does make your card crafting less stressful!

My recipe for this week's Sketch Challenge card is:

Image: Sick Chick
Paper: My Mind's Eye Hootenanny and American Crafts Card Stock
Coloring Medium: Copics
Other Supplies: Digital Sentiment from Create with TLC
Sketch: Sketch 42

Hope you play along with the design team at the From the Heart Stamps blog.  Remember, EVERYONE who enters will receive $1 credit to the From the Heart Stamps digital store.  Use it as a discount, or save the credits up to earn a free stamp.  Linky will close on Sunday at 10 pm CST.

Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge - Cellulite

TGIF!  Today's Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge theme is "Tickle My Funny Bone".  You can choose any occasion as long as the card has a humorous element to it.  I've been a fan of Bugaboo for quite awhile, and today seemed the perfect time to use one of the Stella images.  I love this sentiment on the Frame it Stella Cellulite image!  Seems the older I get, the more of Stella's attitude I adopt (much to hubby's dismay, hehe)!

Not sure why this yellow cardstock continues to photograph as electric neon.  In real life it is a soft yellow.  One of these days I'll have to set up a better way to snap photos of my cards, and look to upgrading my camera.  Anyone have info on a camera they love?

Please join Carla, Dawn, Jen, Linda, Penny and me over at the Outlawz to share a giggle or two with us this week!  Everyone can use an additional humorous card in their stash! 

Sweet November November 2013 Release Preview - Midnight's Christmas

Happy Wednesday!  Just look what happens when Santa turns his back for a moment!  These four adorable little kittens found plenty of mischief to make!

These darling little critters are from Amy's Sweet November November 2013 (not a typo with the double November, lol) Release entitled Midnight's Christmas!  While they are individual stamps, they are being sold as a set.  At first I was going to make a card featuring each little kitten, but since we only have one preview day this month, I decided to create a scene and use them all on one card!  The table is a digi stamp from Little Miss Muffet Stamps Tea Party Set.  Sorry, I do not remember the artist/company of the fir tree in the pot.  After getting all the stamps laid in the design, I drew in a baseboard.  Voila!  A scene was created!  The wall and floor are chalked, and a bit of colored pencil was added to the floor for some shadow.  A string of lights, a rub-on sentiment, and a bow for the little girl kitten were all that was needed to complete the card.

Please visit Amy's blog and Nancy's blog to see what they've created with these sweet, but mischievous  kittens.  We adore reading your comments, and Amy, generous as always, has candy!  She'll be drawing names from a hat, and you can increase your chances of winning by commenting on all three of our blogs.  This set will be available for sale tomorrow at C.C. Designs.

From the Heart Stamps Sketch Challenge 41 - Take Me Away

I'm really going to date myself here and ask, does anyone remember the commercial tag line, "Calgon, Take Me Away!"?  Well this card was inspired by that commercial tag line.  This image, Birdbath Chick, reminds me of the blissful ladies in their bathtubs full of Calgon bubbles.  To maintain that calm, soothing feeling, I limited the color palette to blue, white, and peach.  It doesn't show very well in the photo, but I added Paper Glaze to the bath bubbles after lightly coloring them to give them a glossy look.

Today's FTHS Sketch, number 41, is getting earmarked to use again!  I like the flexibility and simplicity of this design.

My recipe for this card is:
Image: Birdbath Chick
Paper: Doodlebug Up,Up, and Away, Digitally created blue stripe, and American Crafts cardstock
Coloring Medium: Copics
Other Supplies: Quickutz die cut bubbles


Hope you play along with the design team at the From the Heart Stamps blog.  Remember, EVERYONE who enters will receive $1 credit to the From the Heart Stamps digital store.  Use it as a discount, or save the credits up to earn a free stamp.  Linky will close on Sunday at 10 pm CST.

Update on Greg's Dad:  He is out of the hospital and in a rehab/nursing home facility.  No intestinal blockages or cancer was found!  The doctor's best guess as to the cause of his deterioration is spinal stenosis.  At this point they are concentrating on physical therapy and medication as the course of treatment.  He is not strong enough for any surgery.  The immediate goal is to get him walking. 

Thank you again for visiting and for your well wishes and prayers.  The family and I so appreciate it!!!  Even though I haven't been to your blogs for a visit, I do see the thumbnails of your cards in my blog list.  Such amazing cards you all create!  Cannot wait to get back to visiting your blogs and commenting!  Hugs to you all!

From the Heart Stamps November 2013 Blog Hop

Welcome to our From the Heart Stamps November blog hop. We are celebrating birthdays today!

As you hop along, please leave a comment on each entry. One random commenter will be selected on each blog to win the image that the designer used. And additionally, one commenter on the From the Heart Stamps blog will be selected to win a $5 gift voucher to the store!

We are also having a little word search today. As you stop on each blog collect the special letter they have for you. Put the letters together for a message. Everyone who figures out the message can use it as a code to receive 50% off of one image in the birthday section of the FTHS shop. How cool is that?!?  Why not take advantage of Faith's generosity and pick up a birthday digi at HALF PRICE!  The code will be good until Monday Nov. 4th at 6 am, EST. My letter for you is “E”.

If you have arrived from Michelle P, you are in the right place, if not why don’t you start on the From the Heart Stamps blog, so you don’t miss anything.

Here is my project, using Birthday Chicks.

Since I have so few birthday cards for men, I decided to use a more masculine color palette for this card.  The Doodlebug papers Surprise Birthday and Stars and Stripes, along with the dotted teal from The Paper Studio fit the vibe I was going for.  And since most men I know don't care for, as hubby calls them, "fussy cards", I kept the embellishments to a minimum by adding just a few Queen and Co red pearls.

Thank you for visiting my blog, and to continue on your journey, please head over to Wendy's and see what she has created.

Thanks for hopping with us today. The hop will end on Monday November 4th at 6am, EST. Winners will be posted on the From the Heart Stamps Blog on Wednesday November 6th.

Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge - Pumpkins

Happy November 1st!  Can you believe it is already November?  For us this starts the sprint to Christmas!  I'm so excited...I adore this time of year!  And I'll be sharing more about it as the month goes by, so I won't bog you down with details today.  Welcome to the Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge, the theme of which this week is Celebrate Pumpkin Toss Day!

This image is a freebie from Marianne Walker's blog for Copic.  Along with freebie is a Coloring Pumpkins for Beginners Tutorial.  I remember bookmarking this tutorial back in October last year.  I am delighted to see how far my coloring has progressed since then.  Both Marianne's blog and the Copic website have some great free tutorials and tips for improving your coloring.

Once again I printed the image in brown on textured cream paper rather than in black on Copic cardstock.  I really like the softer look for Autumn cards.  The plaid paper is an old K&Company and the cut out leaves are Sandylion Essential stickers to which I added a touch of green color pencil.  Four red pearls finish the card.

Please join Carla, Dawn, Jen, Linda, Penny and me over at the Outlawz for this week's challenge!  Thanksgiving is almost here and you are running out of time to complete enough cards for all those lovely special people on your list (did I use the appropriate amount of prodding, hehe?)!

Sorry I haven't been to visit your blogs.  Still awaiting a diagnosis and prognosis on Greg's father.  Should have results of upper and lower GI later today.  If neither shows any blockage, the doctors are stumped as to the cause of his syptoms.  One moment he appears to be doing okay, the next he's out of it.  One day he can walk unassisted to the nurses station, the next he cannot.  Etc., etc.  Hopefully tomorrow will bring some news.  Thank you for leaving comments even though I am not currently returning the favor!

Happy Halloween!

Just a quick step card with cutouts made with my Silhouette.  Have a fun and safe fright night everyone!

Happy Halloween!

From the Heart Stamps Sketch Challenge 40 - Autumn Flower Jar

Happy Monday!  Today's card features the From the Heart Stamps image Autumn Flower Jar, and was designed using the FTHS Sketch #40.  Love this image for Fall cards!  The variety of leaves and flowers really allows your creativity to play.  As for the Sketch, it was a definitely a challenge for me.  So unusual and tough for me to envision.  However, I didn't give up, and am quite pleased with the results!

For this card, my recipe is:
Image: Autumn Flower Jar
Paper: Bazzill cardstock, Bella Blvd Thankful patterned papers
Coloring Medium: Copics
Other Supplies: Momenta Wooden Leaves, Reflections Rhinestones
Special Techniques: Chalked image background

Hope you play along with the design team at the From the Heart Stamps blog.  Remember, EVERYONE who enters will receive $1 credit to the From the Heart Stamps digital store.  Use it as a discount, or save the credits up to earn a free stamp.  Linky will close on Sunday at 10 pm CST.

Update on Hubby's Father:  He is still in the hospital.  One day he appears to be getting stronger; the next he's not able to feed himself or get out of bed unassisted; then cycle begins again.  Hopeful today will bring some more definitive answers about his condition and prognosis.  Thank you for your kind words of support, and keeping us in your prayers.

Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge - Noel

Another Friday down and only eight more until Christmas!  So, why not take advantage of the Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge this week and create another Christmas card to mark off your list?  The image I've used on this card was a freebie from Dover Publications.  They offer many free coloring pages/images on their website.  Definitely worth a look.

There is not a lot of alcohol maker use on this card, but enough to meet the challenge I think.  The silver swirl on the middle box is colored with a Clear Sakura Gelly Roll pen.  I chalked the green background to pop the white boxes.  The greenery sprigs were made with a CC designs holly die.  A big red bow and a Noel sticker complete the card. 

Please join Carla, Dawn, Jen, Linda, Penny and me over at the Outlawz for this week's challenge!  Christmas is almost here and you are running out of time to complete enough cards for all those lovely special people on your Christmas list (did I use the appropriate amount of prodding, hehe?)!

Sorry I haven't been to visit your blogs.  This is on auto post.  Will type an update on Greg's father when time allows.  Thank you for leaving comments even though I am not currently returning the favor!

Sweet November October 2013 Review - Gingy Candy Cane Heart

Popping in for a quick post as I didn't want to miss this month's Sweet November Review!  I adore the cute Gingerbread men Amy created this month, and had to color up Gingy Candy Cane Heart at least one more time!

This time I colored Gingy up a little darker and used some very old Doodlebug Christmas papers I had in my stash (2009...yikes!).  While I love the new Doodlebug Christmas papers, I kinda miss the pink from years past.  This year's additional color is silver...not bad...but not a happy color like pink!  Please check out the rest of the Sweet November Review at C.C. Designs!

Thank you for your prayers for my FIL and the rest of our family!  We truly appreciate them!

From the Heart Stamps Sketch Challenge 39 - Hoppy Christmas

It's Monday, and time for another fun From the Heart Stamps Sketch Challenge!  The image I used for this card is Hoppy Christmas.  My daughter adores frogs, so guess whose Christmas card this is?  But shhhhh...don't tell her!  Thankfully she doesn't read my blog..."Boring" as she calls it, lol.  Hopefully she won't think the card is boring as this little frog is too adorable to be anything but fun and fabulous.

 
Sketch #39 looks good no matter which way you rotate it.  I've used it as drawn, but I've already got ideas for cards using the sketch with a quarter turn, half turn, and three quarters turn.

For this card, my recipe is:
Paper:  Bazzill cardstock, Echo Park Reflections Christmas (I used the digi version from Jessica Sprague's online shop)
Coloring Medium:  Copics
Other Supplies:  Queen and Co Berry Red Pearls, Quickutz holly die

Hope you play along with the design team at the From the Heart Stamps blog.  Remember, EVERYONE who enters will receive $1 credit to the From the Heart Stamps digital store.  Use it as a discount, or save the credits up to earn a free stamp.  Linky will close on Sunday at 10 pm CST.

Just a brief heads up...I won't be around much for awhile other than fulfilling my DT duties.  My husband's father is not well.  Family is arriving Wednesday and as of now, my time will be devoted to being there for my husband, hosting family, and doing whatever I can to help them through this difficult time.  Sorry I will not be visiting your blogs, but I feel certain you will understand.  I'll be back when I can.  Hugs to all.

Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge - Trick or Treat

It's Friday!  And I'm hosting this week's Outlawz Alcohol Markers Challenge!  We have a color theme for you this week using one of the fabulous color palettes from Design Seeds.  The palette is Sushi Hues 3. Although when I saw it, I immediately thought Halloween rather than sushi.  What?  Me not thinking about food?  How did that happen?  Must be the time of year...holiday vibes are in the air!  So, my card is all about Halloween!  I used the adorable A Day for Daisies image Cat for Halloween, and a combo of misc. Halloween papers.

Please join Carla, Dawn, Jen, Linda, Penny and me over at the Outlawz for this week's challenge!  Looking forward to seeing your cards/projects with this color combo.   Enjoy your weekend!

FTHS October Stamp of the Month Challenge - Mid Month Reminder

Goodness!  Wasn't the title of today's post a mouthful?!  Try saying that phrase 3 times fast, hehe!  I'm here to remind you (as mentioned in the title) to join us in the FTHS October Stamp of the Month Challenge. 

If you played along in the challenge last month, you were emailed this image for FREE! If you missed out, you can still play along with the challenge by purchasing the image, Harvest Medley. Then you can enter the challenge and receive next month’s digi free. OR if you spend $10 in the From The Heart Stamps store this month, you can enter code HARVEST to receive this as a free gift. (Make sure your purchase doesn’t include this image or you will receive 2).  

I love how Faith integrated the quote by Robert Louis Stevenson as part of the design for this image.  It makes creating cards so much more pleasurable when I do not have to search for a sentiment to add (one of my least favorite aspects of card making).  

This image was so enjoyable to color!  I used my Copics to color around the objects prior to coloring the objects in the event I didn't like the effect or had an oops moment.  The patterned papers are from the Happy Harvest collection from my favorite company, Doodlebug Design Inc.  Adding an orange ribbon and bow from Reasonable Ribbon completed this card.

Hope to see your creations using Harvest Medley in this month's Challenge!

 

From the Heart Stamps Sketch Challenge 38

Hello All!  I'm here today with this week's From the Heart Stamps Sketch Challenge #38 card.  There is no wedding on the horizon at the moment, so I'll be putting this card in my stash. 

The image is True Love and can be found here.

And the Sketch is no. 38

For this card, my recipe is:
Paper:  Bazzill cardstock, Doodlebug Cap and Gown, and unnamed clearance remnant
Coloring Medium:  Copics
Other Supplies:  Rub ons - Bellisimo and Die Cuts with a View, Really Reasonable Ribbon, Dress it Up Wedding Florals wedding rings, Modern Romance Floral Accents lilies, Modern Romance Tulle veil
Special Techniques:  Her veil has Stickles added for sparkle.  A piece of tulle was cut, gathered at one end, and attached with a glue dot.  Rub-ons were used to create the dotted boxes.

Hope you play along with the design team at the From the Heart Stamps blog.  Remember, EVERYONE who enters will receive $1 credit to the From the Heart Stamps digital store.  Use it as a discount, or save the credits up to earn a free stamp.  Linky will close on Sunday at 10 pm CST.

Thank you for visiting and welcome to my new followers!  See you on Friday for the Outlawz Friday Alcohol Markers Challenge!

Guest DT for Quirky Crafts Challenge #21

Happy Sunday!  Hope you all are enjoying your weekend!  It's a quiet day for us watching football and having my mother over for dinner.  Greg is cooking a chicken recipe Mom posted on her Facebook page with the caption "Someone needs to cook this for me".  Was that subtle or what, lol?

Anyway, if you recall, back in September I entered a Quirky Crafts Challenge with my Konnichiwa card and won!  Cazzy asked if I would consider doing a guest stint for them, so I'm here today as a Guest DT for Quirky Crafts Challenge #21 with the theme of Favorites.  This adorable image was provided to me from Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps.  How does this card meet the challenge of favorites you ask?

Let me count the ways!
1.  little girls' hair worn in doggy ears (too darn cute!)
2.  cooking (I'm a passionate cook)
3.  green (my color)
4.  chocolate chip cookies (yummy)
5.  shoes with embellishments (thankfully they still make sandals for women with flowers on them, lol)
6.  Copic markers (the ultimate marker!)

When you get a moment, please go check out the Quirky Crafts Challenge blog.  The theme of "Favorites" should make it easy for anyone to participate!  See you tomorrow with another From the Heart Stamps Sketch Challenge!

Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge - Faith

TGIF!  Today at the Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge our theme is Awareness.  While there are many Awareness campaigns out there, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Even the NFL teams are supporting this campaign with the wearing of pink shoes, gloves, towels, etc.  Thankfully, my immediate family has good breast health.  However, a dear friend of mine was diagnosed last year, and this summer WON a long battle with this horrible disease.  Through it all...the chemo, the radiation, the surgeries, the reconstruction...she remained positive and courageous.  And most importantly she kept her faith.  So, Kara, my dear friend, this card is a tribute to you (even though you said you didn't want any "pink" stuff or inspirational cards).  So happy you are still in this world with us!  By your actions, you are a true testament to Faith.

This stunning image is from Ike's World (Suzy offered it as a freebie to play in her challenge).  I'm still in awe of the strength and beauty in this image.  To stay away from the "girlie" pink that Kara so detests, I went for the hot pink in the Lola & Luca paper pack from The Paper Studio.  No embellishments were needed.  I added the word Faith and the card was complete.

Please join Carla, Dawn, Jen, Linda, Penny and me over at the Outlawz for this week's challenge, and support your chosen Awareness campaign!

Have a fabulous weekend, and I'll see you Sunday with a surprise post!

From the Heart Stamps Sketch Challenge 37

Happy Monday!  Did you have a fun weekend?  We had a quiet weekend with lots of football watching.  Mixed bag of winners and losers this week, so we had both happy and disappointing moments.  But life is good!  The humidity is beginning to ease, and the store shelves are stocked with holiday items.  Speaking of holidays...are you ready to see another Christmas card?

Today's card is my second as a new DT member for From the Heart Stamps!

The image is Seven Christmas Birds (so adorable and fun to color). 

 

And the sketch is no. 37 (versatile and easy to execute).

Do not be surprised if you see this image and this sketch again on my blog (not necessarily together in the same card).  After the image was colored with Copics, this card came together rather quickly.  A My Favorite Things die cut snowflake, that I glittered with Stickles, and a red pearl were all that was needed to complete the design.

Hope you play along with the design team at the From the Heart Stamps blog.  Remember, EVERYONE who enters will receive $1 credit to the From the Heart Stamps digital store.  Use it as a discount, or save the credits up to earn a free stamp.  Linky will close on Sunday at 10 pm CST.

Thank you for stopping by, and I'll see you on Friday for the Outlawz Friday Alcohol Markers Challenge!

From the Heart Stamps Blog Hop and My Big News

Welcome to our From the Heart Stamps blog hop!

We are welcoming fall today as well as welcoming some new team members!  And my big news is....drum roll please...I'm one of the new design team members!!!  I've admired Faith's drawings for quite awhile, and have participated in a few of her monthly free image challenges.  When she issued a call for new DT members, I waffled over entering, but could not resist the urge.  Yippee!  I was chosen to serve a 6 month term, and it begins today with this blog hop!

As you hop along, please leave a comment on each entry. One random commenter will be selected on each blog to win the image that the designer used. And additionally, one commenter on the From the Heart Stamps blog will be selected to win a $5 gift voucher to the store!

If you have arrived from Lyn's blog, you are in the right place, if not why don’t you start on the From the Heart Stamps blog, so you don’t miss anything.

Here is my project, using Happy Harvest which you can find here in the shop.  This card is a bit of a departure from my norm.  I printed the image on a marbled cardstock rather than Copic X-Press and in medium brown rather than the standard black.  I also used Prisma Pencils rather than my Copics.  The muted tones give the card more of an Autumn vibe, in my humble opinion.

Now head over to Wendy's blog and see what she has created.

Thanks for hopping with us today. The hop will end on Monday October 7th at 6am, EST. Winners will be posted on the From the Heart Stamps Blog on Wednesday October 9th.

Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge - Here's a Bear Hug

Hi!  This is the first of two posts for me today.  Can you believe I have two posts for today?  Yes, it's true!  This post is for the Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge where our theme this week is World Animal Day and featuring an animal.  Of course Pandas immediately came to mind, and this image by A Day for Daisies, Comfort, was a favorite the minute I saw it.

For the background paper I used a bamboo stalk image.  After replicating it multiple times, I altered the color, shrunk, enlarged, flipped, and digitally layered the images to create a bamboo thicket.  I also printed out several pieces, fussy cut them, and adhered them over the top of the background to create some additional dimension.

Please join Carla, Dawn, Jen, Linda, Penny and me over at the Outlawz for this week's challenge, and show us your animals!  

Sweet November October 2013 Release Preview - Day Three

Today is a sniffle day.  These are the final two Gingerbread Men, Gingy Icing and Gingy Rolling Pin....sigh, sniffle, sigh.  I've had so much fun coloring and creating with these stamps, I'm sad there are not more.  However, I'm going to buck up, celebrate my good fortune at being a part of this release preview, and smile at the happy little faces on these two Gingys!

I did something a bit different for Gingy Icing.  I printed him in brown on a cream background rather than printing him in black on a white background.  With the yellowed antique look of the October Afternoon Very Merry paper, I thought the brown would create a softer look.  The holly was made using a Joanna Sheen Signature Die.

There is a story behind my choice of colors for the rolling pin on the next card.  My grandmother's rolling pin had tealy green handles, so I used teal for Gingy Rolling Pin.  While my grandmother's rolling pin (which my mother used while I was growing up, and I've used, and will be passed to my daughter....when I can bear to part with it) has a tan barrel, I took some liberties with the color.  To pop the Gingy, I used light teal rather than the tan.  The cookie patterned paper is from K&Company.  A red ribbon, red bow, and red twinkle goosebumps complete the card.

Please visit Amy's blog and Nancy's blog to see what they've created with these two sweet gingerbread men.  We adore reading your comments, and Amy, generous as always, has candy!  She'll be drawing names from a hat, and you can increase your chances of winning by commenting on all three of our blogs.  These two cuties, along with three others will be available for sale tomorrow at C.C. Designs.
 

Sweet November October 2013 Release Preview - Day Two

How about a "two-fer" today?  Yep, you get to see two previews today!  Gingy Gumdrop and Gingy Popcorn Garland are our stars today!  For Gingy Gumdrop, to coordinate with this awesome paper from the American Crafts' Merrymint collection, I used more yellow tones.  When my mom saw the card, she exclaimed, "he's unbaked!"  Lol, no, he's a sugar cookie rather than a gingerbread!

For Gingy Popcorn Garland I created a popcorn and cranberry strand to use as an embellishment.  The popped corn kernels were hand cut and the cranberries were punched out.  I glued them on a length of black thread, then attached the whole strand to the card with glue dots.

Please visit Amy's blog and Nancy's blog to see what they've created with these two sweet gingerbread men.  We adore reading your comments, and Amy, generous as always, has candy!  She'll be drawing names from a hat, and you can increase your chances of winning by commenting on all three of our blogs.  These two cuties, along with three others will be available for sale at C.C. Designs on October 3rd.

Sweet November October 2013 Release Preview - Day One

Hello, and welcome to the first day of the Sweet November October 2013 Release Preview!  Are you ready for some Christmas Cuteness?  Just look at the adorable Gingerbread Man Amy has created for you!  Introducing, Gingy Candy Cane Heart.  I couldn't wait to get this little guy colored up and placed on a card! 

The candy cane drops and the green striped paper are from a Martha Stewart paper pad.  A Spellbinders label die was used to create the frame for Gingy and a base for the sentiment.  I added some rub-on stitches to the frame after printing the sentiment.  Using a scrap of the patterned paper, I cut out three of the candies to use as embellishments.  Gingy was fussy cut and popped up with foam dots.  Adding two white pearls finished the card.

Please visit Amy's blog and Nancy's blog to see what they've created with Gingy Candy Cane Heart.  We adore reading your comments, and Amy, generous as always, has candy!  She'll be drawing names from a hat, and you can increase your chances of winning by commenting on all three of our blogs.  This Gingy and four others will be available for sale at C.C. Designs on October 3rd.

Thank you for visiting and commenting.  I truly do appreciate you taking time from your day to brighten mine!

From the Heart September 2013 Stamp of the Month Challenge

How is everyone on this Sunday night?  Did you have a good weekend?  Hubby and I spent time researching items for our kitchen renovation.  And today I actually was fortunate to watch two of my favorite football teams play...and they both won their games!!  Yippee!!

This evening's card features the From the Heart September freebie, Bobbing for Apples.  I also used the i {heart} sketches #26...rotated one quarter turn to the right.  The color red was prominent in so many of the cards I've been working on this week that I decided to go a different route with the apples in this image.

Btw, has anyone noticed a new item on my blog?  I'll have a bit of news for you on Friday.  In the meantime, please stop back by tomorrow, and the rest of the week, as I'll have some Sweet November October image previews for you!

Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge - Joy

Yep it is once again Friday, and time for the Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge!  Being the last Friday of the month, the theme is Anything Goes with an optional Christmas twist.  I can be a procrastinator, so making at least one Christmas card each month is helping me make a dent in my list!  Today's card features a freebie design from Mary Corbet's Needle and Thread.  This image is an embroidery pattern entitled Holly and Joy.  When looking for card images, sometimes looking beyond the traditional digi or rubber stamps can provide new and exciting designs. 

While it is difficult (okay, impossible) to see in the photo, the trim around the letters was colored with a Spica Pen.  As usual, with the image being so busy, I kept the card very CAS.

For the month of September our sponsor is Digi Stamps 4 Joy.  Our very creative Jen is an illustrator for them, and through her connection has secured five, yes 5, digi stamps for our winner this month!  Please join Carla, Dawn, Jen, Linda, Penny and me over at the Outlawz for this week's challenge, and give yourself a chance to win FIVE digi stamps.  Also, you could get a jump on your Christmas cards for this year!

Enjoy your weekend!

Another Dearie Doll Christmas Card

Happy Wednesday!  Popping in for a quick hello and to show you another Dearie Doll Christmas Card (I just cannot get enough of these sweet images).  The image is from the Dearie Doll Paper Doll Series.  I used the paper doll (with her legs swapped with an image that had a smaller shoe) and her Christmas outfit.  Doesn't she look ready for a Christmas party?

Have a wonderful rest of your week, and I'll see you on Friday!

   

Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge - Konnichiwa

Konnichiwa!  Can you guess the theme of today's Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge?  No, it is not a Japanese theme, but you're close.  Around the World (featuring a country) is today's theme!  So, you already know the country I chose to honor with my card.  I've never been to Japan, nor do I have any close relationships with anyone who has.  However, I find the culture, which is steeped in tradition, and now rapidly changing due to their affluent, tech savvy, youngsters fascinating to read about.  For my card, I chose a Sister Stamps image reflecting a part of Japan's past.  Sweet little Yoshimi is outside on a lovely Spring day, with the cherry trees in bloom, practicing her fan dance.

For the month of September our sponsor is Digi Stamps 4 Joy.  Our very creative Jen is an illustrator for them, and through her connection has secured five, yes 5, digi stamps for our winner this month!  Please join Carla, Dawn, Jen, Linda, Penny and me over at the Outlawz for this week's challenge, and give yourself a chance to win FIVE digi stamps.  Cannot wait to see what country you chose to feature in your card!  Thank you for visiting, and have a wonderful weekend!

P.S.  I entered this card in the Quirky Crafts Challenges #19 as it so nicely met their theme.

P.S.2  I won first place!  Thank you ladies! 

Joy

Happy Tuesday!  How is everyone?  Enjoying some crafty time?  This week we're in the midst of a tropical wave weather pattern, which translated means RAIN!  Thankfully it is not the gully washer rain that Colorado and other places to the West are experiencing, but more of an on and off type.  It makes going to the pool or beach rather iffy, but is great for settling in for some crafting!  At this very moment I'm watching the rain and listening to the thunder roll.  Don't mind the rain a bit when I'm warm and dry inside, and spending time card making.  Speaking of card making...I couldn't wait to show you this little sweetie, Poinsettia Girl, from Dearie Dolls!  She was a dream to color as a mini Mrs. Clause with her red outfit and black gloves and shoes.

Hope you all have a creative week!  See you on Friday!

Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge - Chocolate

It's Friday, and we have a yummy challenge for you this week at the Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge!  Our theme this week is....CHOCOLATE!  I must admit to being somewhat of a chocolate snob.  I grew up enjoying the usual candy bars and chocolate treats, but after an experience at Fauchon's in Paris, my taste for chocolate changed forever.  The rich, luscious, decadent chocolate creations were amazing!  The standard Hershey or Nestle candies were fine when I was a child, but as an adult I seek out gourmet chocolates.  Three of my current favorite chocolate shops are Norman Love Confections, Woodhouse Chocolate, and Ethel M Chocolates (I adore the pecan caramel raptures....their version of "turtles").  If you are looking for a special treat, any of the three of these shops have delectable offerings.  Anyway, getting back to today's card, I've had this Lili of the Valley stamp, The Chocolate Factory, since last year, and what better time to ink it up!  Since there is so much going on in the image, I decided to keep additions to the card very minimal.  I printed a double line border and called it good.

 

For the month of September our sponsor is Digi Stamps 4 Joy.  Our very creative Jen is an illustrator for them, and through her connection has secured five, yes 5, digi stamps for our winner this month!  Please join Carla, Dawn, Jen, Linda and me over at the Outlawz for this week's challenge, and give yourself a chance to win FIVE digi stamps!  Cannot wait to see your delicious creations!  

It's All About the Beach

Found a bit of time to play and make a card that wasn't for a DT assignment, special order, or immediate need (like a get well or sympathy card...I really should have some on hand, but never seem to get around to creating a stash of them).  This cutie is a digi stamp from Faith of From the Heart Digital Stamps.  Don't you just adore the peaceful look on that little bird's face?  The image is fussy cut and popped up with foam dots.  The sand is torn Kraft cardstock with a few dabs of Stickles.  Two die cut clouds, a die cut starfish, and a sentiment from TLC finished off the card.

See you tomorrow, and thank you for stopping by!

Outlawz Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge - So Many Books

TGIF!  Welcome to the first Friday in September, and another Outlaws Fridays Alcohol Markers Challenge!  The theme for this week is "Read All About It".  With so many fabulous images out there, especially on Elizabeth Dulemba's blog (she's all about books!...and she has a freebie every Tuesday), it was a challenge to pick just one image to color.  I finally settled on this adorable little fairy sitting on her stack of books.  And the sentiment by Paulette, of Create with TLC, appeared to be made especially to pair with this cutie.

 

For the month of September our sponsor is Digi Stamps 4 Joy.  Our very creative Jen is an illustrator for them, and through her connection has secured five, yes 5, digi stamps for our winner this month!  Please join Carla, Dawn, Jen, Linda and me over at the Outlawz for this week's challenge, and give yourself a chance to win FIVE digi stamps!  Thank you for stopping by, and enjoy your weekend!

Sweet November September 2013 Release Preview

Step right up folks, and get a glimpse of the amazing Sweet November September Release Preview! 

Hehe, sorry, I couldn't resist the dramatic opening!  You'll understand why when you see the fun image for this month.  Introducing Ring Master Bailey (and her monkey)!

For this card I used the circus tent digi by Cre8tive Hands as the background and layered Bailey over the top before printing.  I also digitally added red to the stripes, then outlined with Copics after printing.  I chalked the sky and ground, and added some die cut clouds and a sentiment to finish the card.  Hubby kindly pointed out that the cloud would not be in front of the circus tent, but I'm claiming artistic license here!

Please visit Amy's blog and Nancy's blog for more creations made with Bailey.  We adore reading your comments, and Amy has candy!  She'll be drawing names from a hat, and you can increase your chances of winning by commenting on all three of our blogs.  Also stop by C.C. Designs as today is preview day there as well!