Poinsetta Time of Year ...

Some Digi Friends and I have decided to all create something using this wonderful poinsetta image from Teri (Teri's Cards and Toppers). You see, Teri also has her own Digi Stamp Shop called Delicious Doodles and we'd really like to help get her name out there ... she is also in this group of Digi Friends ... and very talented!! Please pop on over and check out Teri's images ... they are awesome ... you will recall the Deer & Fawn creation I posted recently ... found HERE ... that too is one of Teri's images.

We had decided to create and post for Sunday after Thanksgiving ... but with all the hub-bub of the holiday, some of us are a little late. Hopefully this week there will be more time to "play" and as the others get their creations completed, I will edit this post to add those links so you can see all the different ways you can use this image.

NOW, as far as my creation, I chose to print out the poinsetta image twice ... color and stack ... giving my card a little extra touch of dimension. The background papers are from a holiday DCWV 12x12 stack which have been cut diagonally. Nestabilities scallop circles were used to mat my poinsetta and Prisma pencils/gamsol were used for the coloring. Stampendous diamond dots were used to accent the scallops as well as embellish the upper left corner & lower right corner.

So, there you have it! Very easy layout for this beautiful poinsetta image. As you know, poinsettas come in a variety of colors so you can really open your mind to creating with this image. Happy Stamping my friends ... now I really must get busy! I've done nothing but clean & decorate for the last 3 days ... not done yet!!! What's up with that ... must be moving slower in my "old age" ... LOL!! Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by!!!

*** EDIT to add links to other creations ...

Please check out the amazing Stationery Set Teri has created using her poinsetta image!!! You'll definately want to case this one! You can find it HERE.

Blogaversary Candy

My friend Lyneen, (I am Dreaming of Castles) is celebrating her Blogaversary with some awesome Vintage Candy!! If you like vintage, (and you all know I do!!), you really must check out Lyneen's blog ... she has so many wonderful projects to share with you. And while your there, leave a comment and tell her I said Hi!! Here is a close up view of some of the goodies in her candy offering:

I don't want you to miss out on your chance, so please be sure to pop on over to Lyneen's today and enter for your chance at some wonderful vintage goodies!! Most printed pages in the pack are pre 1950's and some are even early 1900's. WOW ... how awesome is that! The deadline is midnight PST - Dec. 15th! Good Luck!!

Saturday Spotlight - Hats On!

Happy Saturday Everyone!!

I hope your Thanksgiving was as wonderful as mine!! It was so nice to have the kids here and just relax and enjoy each others company! Of course we ate "way too much" but that's what you're supposed to do on Thanksgiving ... right??

It's time for another Saturday Spotlight Challenge and today Vicki's challenge is all about HATS ON. We don't have a particular sponsor this week ... BUT ... there is blog candy available from the Spotlight Prize Vault for one lucky winner!! Also be sure to check out Vicki's Blog where she also has a small give away for an extra chance to those playing along in the HATS ON challenge. When playing our challenge, be sure to upload a DIRECT LINK to Mr. Linky over on the CHALLENGE BLOG and if uploading to other online galleries, please use the keyword SSHP09. We are so thrilled with the wonderful participation we've been having for our challenges and want to thank you for your continual inspiration and support!!

For my creation today, I chose to use these wonderful vintage images from online friend Kris Dickinson (Parkerquilter on SCS). Aren't they cute!! They are a product of Collagevisions. I've used my Fiskar's swivel craft knife to cut them out and positioned one in front of the other for depth. My sentiment is by The Cutting Cafe. I've used Nestabilities scallop ovals for matting and Kaiser half pearls for added color. The background paper is by DaisyD and the punched snowflakes are by Martha Stewart. For that added holiday sparkle, I've used silver Stickles around the edge and centers of the snowflakes.

I hope you enjoyed my HATS creation and please be sure to check out what the other Spotlight Diva's have created for you today ... these ladies continue to outdo themselves week after week ... what wonderful inspiration for us all!!!

*Vicki (creator/coordinator) ... *Chris (Coordinator) ... Boni ... Crystal ... Darlene ... Dawn ... Debbie ... Erin ... Jessica ... Maria ... Susan ... *Jodi (Guest Diva)

Thanks for taking the time out of your busy weekend to stop by!!

*************************
On a DIFFERENT NOTE, I wanted to share with you that Mark & I are celebrating our 15th Anniversary today!! It has certainly been a whirlwind year for us and I'm just so blessed to be able to share another anniversary with this wonderful man!! We have no big plans ... doing some holiday decorating and maybe go out some place nice for dinner but other than that ... we're just happy to have each other to share the day with!! Mark is more & more like his old self everyday and that is certainly enough of a gift for me!!!! Thanks ... just wanted to share my good news!!

A lot to be Thankful for ...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

We are especially thankful this year for Mark's successful stem cell transplant and for the cancer to be GONE!!! We are certainly blessed!

We wish you all a wonderful, joyous Thanksgiving Day! I hope you are enjoying family, friends, food and fellowship! Enjoy!!

Penny's Challenge #17 - NO DP

Good Morning!

It's Wednesday and time for another Penny's Challenge but before I share my card with you I wanted to let you know about a CHANGE to Pennys Challenge ... here it is in Penny's words:

First, an announcement: starting this week Penny's
Challenges is now a bi-weekly challenge blog. So today's challenge is good until
December 8th. A New challenge will be posted December 9th. Hopefully we will see more participants this way too!

Now with that being said ... on to today's challenge! Today over on Penny's Challenge we are to use RANDOM STAMPING - NO DESIGNER PAPER! This was so much fun and I'm sure you'll LOVE getting involved in this one!! Be sure to use PC17 when uploading to other online galleries like PCP, SCS, etc. And, don't forget to upload a direct link to your creation to Mr. Linky on the Penny's Challenge Blog.

I decided to use an unusal color for today's holiday creation in order to use this beautiful K&Company chipboard "Dickens" image. The color I'm using is SU Bermuda Bay. Both the base card and the ink I've used with my Inkadinkado Snowflake image is Bermuda Bay. It seemed to match perfectly with this beautiful image. The only thing I added is this JoAnn's holiday ribbon. Easy peasy card to add to my long list of cards needed for sending to friends and family this year!

I hope you enjoy it and I hope you'll come play along! Please be sure to check out my design team sister's blogs for more NO DP inspiration. All links are available in my right sidebar.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Are you ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow??? Granddaughter, Morgan drove up early and will be helping me with the finishing touches! How much fun is that!! Well, I'd better get started ... oh wait ... she's not even out of bed yet ... what's up with that??? That's okay ... I guess that's one of the perks of staying at Nanna's house! Have a wonderful day!!

Midnight Madness #29

Yep ... it's that time again ... time for another MIDNIGHT MADNESS SKETCH CHALLENGE!! And even though at first glance I thought ... OH, this is going to be easy! WRONG!! I finally got it made and here I am to share it with all of you!!!

I actually cut into my Graphic45 Christmas pack for this creation. Have you seen this vintage paper??? OMGosh ... it is so beautiful, it took everything I had to cut into it ... taking deep breath now!! ANYWAYS ... I have used parts of both sides of this designer paper for my background and square panels on my A-6 sized card. The center strip (though hard to see since I covered it up) is a panel of garden green cs which was run through the cuttlebug using the snowflake embossing folder. Then in order to pick up the hint of blue (chalked) snowflakes in my image, I decided to use this blue snowflake holiday ribbon I purchased a Michael's a year or so ago. NOW, about my main image.

My friend (from across the pond), Jackie (Day's in the Life of ...), was sweet enough to send me a few of this Santa image ... isn't he awesome and I thought he would work well for today's sketch! I know it's difficult to see in the photo but I have used a Marvy Snow Marker for his eyebrows & beard and it looks really cool IRL!! I simply used a makeup applicator and some chalk for his cheeks and a gold Pilot marker to border the edge. I've also added a bit of red Stickles to the holly berries in the little square panels for a touch of dimension.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I could go on and on about this creation and others (as I'm sure you know I'm a bit chatty by nature ... teehee ...) but I really must get my work done ... drat!!

Please stop back tomorrow when I will have a PENNY'S CHALLENGE creation to share with you ... see you then!!

Crafty Secrets - Sing, sing a song challenge

Hello Everyone ... are you all busy getting ready for turkey day?? I have a ton of things to do but I figured since I have HALF of my house cleaned and the Cranberry Relish is made, I would take time to play a couple of my favorite challenges.

This creation is for today's Crafty Secrets Forum Challenge over on Splitcoast Stampers. Marcy has challenged us to ... well, here it is in her words:

This week our projects are going to sing!

Make a project with a musical theme, or be inspired by your favorite song lyrics, hymn, or Christmas carol - use the lyrics as background paper or a line from a song or the name of a song for a sentiment. This is a theme challenge, so interpret it however the spirit moves you and make it your own! You could even alter a CD or a record (if you have any laying around!)



I always enjoy creating with my Crafty Secrets products and my favorite are those related to the holidays ... I just LOVE the Vintage Christmas Style and Crafty Secrets certainly makes it easy for me to achieve what I have invisioned in my head! This creation is so much prettier IRL than in the photo. By using BOTH, the image and the journaling note portions from my Crafty Secrets Christmas Image & Journal Notes Booklet, the inside matches the outside image and just makes for such a nice card. (See inside card view.)



Another fun part to making today's card that I was able to use some of the many sheets of "musical" designer paper my friend Linda Davis gave me recently. {waiving Hi! to Linda} I've also used red Stickles (for the berries) and a Marvy Snow Marker for the snow border around the birds. After heating and puffing up the snow, I added a little glue & glitter for that extra sparkle. I found my holiday poinsetta at Michaels. They are Prima and come in a round tin filled with various poinsettas, glittery leaves & paper ornaments. (very cool set !) My ribbons came from The Flower Factory ... a local wholesaler and I see the name JoAnn's on the spool of Red & White Striped ribbon. The Red Glitter ribbon is beautiful in person (see closeup & click on image for an even closer look) ... I also purchased a spool of silver and blue ... just couldn't resist!!


Here are the items used in the creating of this card:

Stamps: (inside only) Northwood, Paper Inspiration
Papers: Kraft, Red Sparkle (from Hollos), The Paper Studio dp
Inks: Versafine blk
Accessories: Crafty Secrets Christmas Images & Journal Notes booklet, Prima flowers, Basic Grey brad, holiday ribbon, Bow Easy, Red Liquid Applique, Marvy Snow Marker, Heatgun, Creative Memories corner rounder, Creative Memories Red Round Marker (for edging)


Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a peek! I'll be back shortly to share with you my creation for today's Midnight Madness Challenge.

Crafty Secrets DT Challenge - Christmas

I AM SO EXCITED!!!

Any of you who know me ... know that Vintage is my first love and I'm hooked on the vintage images & products by CRAFTY SECRETS.



So, needless to say, when Sandy Redburn (owner of Crafty Secrets) asked me to join the design team in their challenge today as a GUEST, I immediately said YES and I couldn't be more thrilled!!! Thanks so much! PLEASE, be sure to check out all the amazing creations by the Design Team (listed at the end of my post) ... you won't be disappointed ... these ladies are amazingly talented!!! Today's challenge is of a CHRISTMAS THEME and I've decided to make a set of 6 cards with matching tin for my daughter.

My daughter and her family will be here for Thanksgiving so the timing is perfect. She's always making wonderful homemade gifts for her "special friends" and I thought she might like a "special" card to include with her gifts. I know she is really busy this year and will be short on time for creating her own cards to send out and thought this might help her out a bit!

I've had several tins I purchased at Michaels last year and have never done anything with them until today that is!! The card base is White 80# paper from Hollo's and the designer paper is from the Crafty Secrets RADIANT pack. My main panel dp is gold but I have sponged around the edges with Ruby Red ink and used the Martha Stewart Loop punches for a little added interest. The two Crafty Secrets Christmas sets I have used today are Vintage Christmas and Christmas Joy. I've used chalks and makeup applicators to color in my santa image. Nesabilities were used to diecut my circle/scallop circle matt and the holiday ribbon came from JoAnn's.

I enjoyed making this set and hopefully will find time to make a few more. Enjoy your day and be sure to hop on over to the DT blogs as well as the Crafty Secrets Website. All link are listed below:

Vicki Chrisman ... Pam Hooten ... Heidi Blankenship ... Marisa Grosson ... Michele Kovack ... Linda Duke ... Michelle van Etten ... Florence Teixeira ... Melissa Phillips ... DT Guest: Darlene Pavlick (me - teehee) ... Crafty Secrets Blog ... Crafty Secrets website

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today! I'm sure you are just as busy as I am this week so I really appreciate you taking the time! Enjoy your day ... now I must get my grocery list completed and get to the store! Happy Day!!

Delicious Doodles ... check 'em out!

If you are looking for an awesome digi to create masculine cards with ... you'll find it over at my friend Teri Sherman's (Teri's Cards & Toppers) site. On her left sidebar, you will find a link to her store where you can see all of her digis available for purchase ... Delicious Doodles Digi Store. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this Deer & Fawn image because I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it!! I know my SIL and grandson will LOVE this image!!

While you are at Teri's blog ... check out her personal works-of-art for inspiration. She's very talented in her creations! I just love how she adds a lot of dimension to her cards by cutting out and popping up! Well ... you'll see what I mean when you scan down through her work.
What do you think?? My background paper is from the DCWV Rustic 12x12 pack and I've used Stampscapes images/Versafine black ink to stamp over the dp for my "wooded scene". Using the Nestabilities Labels 9, I've diecut my image and gold metallic mat. I've used Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol to color the deer and although it's difficult to see, I've used a makeup applicator and blue chalk to soften the white backing around the image. Added a strip of brown gingham ribbon and my creation was complete.

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend! We made the 2 hour trip to Pittsburgh, PA yesterday to celebrate Thanksgiving with Mark's Mom. She didn't know who we were but she seemed happy to have the companionship. My Brother & Sister in Law live close by the home where my MIL resides and my SIL is a true saint!! She goes over EVERY day and spoon feeds Mom since she's unable to feed herself anymore. It was a nice visit and they were happy to see Mark too since we haven't made it back to Pittsburgh but once since his transplant.

We will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year and the kids are joining us. I purchased the turkey today and it's in the fridge thawing (I hope) ... I'm always afraid it will still be half frozen come Thanksgiving morning! Have a wonderful remainder of the weekend!

I have a surprise for you tomorrow !!! I've been asked to be a Guest Designer for >>>>>>>>> ooopps, can't tell you yet ... you'll have to stop back tomorrow to see WHO it is. See you then!!

Saturday Spotlight (SSHP08) - Ornaments

Happy Weekend Everyone!

It's Saturday again and that means it's time for another SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT with Hidden Potential Challenge. Today's sponsor is The Cutting Cafe and one lucky winner will get to chooseTHREE of the awesome Cutting Cafe sets. So be sure to get your entry in before Friday! I know it's Thanksgiving week and all ... but you deserve a little craftying time for yourself with all the extra work you will be doing this week! RIGHT!!!



Regina at The Cutting Cafe has given the design team some awesome images to work with this week and our notorious leader, Miss Vicki, has challenged us to create with "ornaments". To MAKE an ornament ... not necessarily Christmas ... what ever type of ornament you'd like OR create using an ornament on your card. I chose the later!!



My ornament was created using The Cutting Cafe images and is detachable from the card to be hung on the family tree this year!! My card is A-6 in size and the designer paper is by K&Company. The Red Sparkle cs and the metallic Green cs came from a local paper warehouse called Hollo's. If you are ever near Brunswick, Oh (outside Cleveland) you really must check this place out!!


Be sure to stop over to the blogs of my Diva Sistas (links in my sidebar) for some amazing creation inspiration! And as always, thanks so much for stopping by today!

We are in Pittsburgh, PA today visiting with my MIL to celebrate Thanksgiving. My sweet MIL suffers from alzeheimer's and is in The Sunrise Assisted Living Home. Even though she probably won't even know who we are, she will enjoy the company and festivities. This will be Mark's first visit to the home since his transplant and I'm sure he'll enjoy seeing his mom again!

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!!

The Play Date Cafe Challenge

My friend, Julie Campbell (A Vintage Chic), is hosting today's Creativity Challenge #5 over on The Play Date Cafe. This is my first time playing and I just had THE BEST time!

I, like Julie, LOVE anything vintage and so it was great fun creating today's Vintage Work of Art! If you have never been to Julie blog ... oh my gosh, you are really missing something wonderful!! She is SO creative not only in cardmaking but she shares recipes, home made projects, childhood stories ... and much, much more!!! Please stop over and when you do, tell her I said Hi!! You won't be sorry ... just the opposite, you will be hooked!!

With these lovely, rich colors to work with, I started going through some of my vintage images I've had sitting aside for some time now. I stumbled upon these "Angels" from http://www.craftyindividuals.co.uk/ and thought this particular image was perfect!! Aren't they adorable!! I also started digging through my scrap bin for designer paper I just knew I would have to match in with this image before having to cut into yet another 12x12 sheet. (I just hate cutting into my vintage paper .. it's too pretty to mess up ... wow, do I have a problem, LOL)!

As you can see, I did find various dps that worked beautifully. As far as embellishments, I used a "scrap" of this luscious organza ribbon for my bow, Martha Stewart punched branches, Creative Memories punched stars, Basic Grey half pearls and silver Stickles. (I wish you could see the sparkle ... so much prettier IRL). I also used the Labels 9 Nestabilities for the matting of my image and popped it up with dimensional tape. The lace is from a spool I purchased at JoAnn's a good while back ... can't have vintage without lace!!! That's the rule!!!

I hope you enjoyed my creation. I'm sure I'll be playing along in this challenge again soon! That Julie ... she's such an enabler!!! {hugs Jules!!}. Thanks so much for stopping by today. Don't forget to come back tomorrow for the SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT CHALLENGE!!! See you then!!

Crystal's Candy

Have you ever been over to Crystal's blog?? No you say ... well hop right on over and check out all the amazing creations and fun projects she comes up with! Crystal is now offering an AMAZING blog candy to celebrate 25,000 hits ... WOW is she a busy lady and VERY generous! This candy runs until Crystal's anniversary ... December 9th with the winner announced no later than December 12th.

Midnight Madness #28

OH MY GOSH ... is it Thursday already??? Where has the week gone! I just seem to be getting more and more behind ... yikes!! Am I the only one dealing with this or are you finding yourself in the same situation?? Just not enough hours in my day ... heck, my week these days!! Okay, enough complaining, on to today's challenge posting.

Today I have my creation for the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge to share with you. I just LOVE the sketches they come up with and the DT is always inspirational with their creations. If you haven't been over to the "priscillastyles" blog (home of the Midnight Madness Challenge), then by all means hop on over there and check it out ... there is ALWAYS something new going on !!!

NO stamping or ink on this creation except for the inside of course! Today I chose to use a few of the many holiday embellishments & paper I have in my stash. The background paper is from K&Company as is the Santa 3d sticker. The flowers and red paper ornament are by Prima and the candycane charm/stocking charm/holiday ribbon came from JoAnn's. My green metallic and sparkle red cardstock came from Hollo's (a local paper company in Brunswick, Ohio). It's probably hard to see, but I have used large sequins in the upper right corner in the snowflake centers and behind the gold brad ... they were a gift to me from Kris Dickinson (Nostalgic Collage) oh so long ago. If you like vintage and you've never visited Kris's blog please be sure to stop over soon ... her work is amazing!!!

I hope you are having a good day and thanks so much for stopping by! Back to the Crafting Cave I go ... I picked up a few orders yesterday while visiting over in PA. And, we all know how quickly time is going ... I'd better get started on them!

Penny's Challenge (PC16)

Yippee ... it's time for another Penny's Challenge and today we're doing a COLOR CHALLENGE.
Before going any further, I want to bring it to your attention that beginning in December, Penny will be doing her challenges on a bi-weekly shedule.


After looking through my designer papers ... I decided the Basic Grey June Bug papers worked the best for this color combination. I've also used SU Brillant Blue, More Mustard and Close to Cocoa cardstocks. My main image is by Sugarloaf and I purchased it for $.50 a LONG time ago at Pat Catan's.

I recently had the pleasure of being offered various sets of the new Prismacolor PREMIER Markers and that is what I've chosen to color with today along with a little "paper piecing". My sentiment is by Great Impressions and it is stamped with Versafine Black ink.

I wanted to show you the inside of my card today too. Unfortunately, I don't always share that aspect of my creations with you and that's something I need to do more often. Mind you, I don't typically get too elaborate with the inside but I will try to share them with you here and there!

For the inside of today's card, I've used the remainder of the designer paper I cut for the front main panel then simply stamped my sentiment next to it. Didn't do much ... but I think it really has an impact on the overall creation.

Please stop by the blogs of my co-team members (listed in my sidebar) for additional inspiration on this color challenge and we can't wait to see what you create. Be sure to link your creation back to our Challenge Blog on Mr. Linky so I can pay you a visit and see what you've come up with. Trust me ... I can ALWAYS use new inspiration!!

Thanks for stopping by!! Have a great day!!

Crafty Secrets - Red and Green

Today's challenge over on the Crafty Secrets Challenge Forum of SCS is hosted by Pammyjo and she, being the very clever lady she is, has come up with a RED and GREEN challenge but it does NOT have to be Christmas. Please check out the gallery HERE for some very creative ideas on using this color combination in a non-holiday way.

I happen to be working on gift card holder to take to my sister's beauty shoppe tomorrow to sell and decided to make yet another holder for today's challenge. Here are some of those I've made for my sister. Most are in sets of 4 ... so I'm getting closer to the number I need completed.

For my Crafty Secrets creation, I have used the Crafty Secrets "Christmas Joy" & "Vintage Christmas" sets. This ornament from the Christmas Joy set was stamped onto metallic gold paper with India Ink Black then clear embossed and cut out with a Fiskars swivel craft knife. The red sparkle paper (sorry you can't see the sparkle in the photo) ... comes from a wonderful (local) paper wholesale company called "Hollo's". The metallic gold and green also came from Hollo's. My base is Whisper White and I've used a gold Pilot marker to edge both the outer red panel and the inside gift card holder panel.

The basic format for creating these gift card holders is as follows:

Using an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper, cut it lengthwise at 4-1/4" ... then score it at 3", 5-1/2" and 8". Fold accordian style to create your pocket in the center.

After using 1/8" red line tape to hold the two center panels together (pocket panel portion), I've used the SU word window punch and punched slightly in from each end. This leaves a "notch" in the center which you simply remove by using a circle punch part way down to cut it out and create a slot where your gift card goes in and be seen to grab ahold of. (Am I making sense???)

Decorate as you wish and you are one step closer to your holiday gift giving!! If you have questions, please feel free to ask .. I'm sometimes not real good an explaining things. Thanks for stopping by today ... now I really must get back to work ... still have money holders to create for my sister before my trip to her shoppe tomorrow! Happy Day Everyone!!

Digital Ink Co. - SKETCH challenge

Here we are ... MONDAY already!! These weekend's sure do go by quickly, don't they!!! I hope yours was fun-filled!!

Well with that being said, it is time for even more fun with today's Digital-Ink Co. Challenge and today we have a sketch to play with! Personally, I LOVE sketches and had a great time creating with this one!!!

We can't wait to see your entries this week. Use Mr. Linky over on the challenge blog and please use Code DIC011 for SCS, PCP and SNR. Don't forget, all the images we (the DT) are using are available in the Store plus more!!

Today I am using this adorable "SALLY" image by Lil Diva Stamps for my creation!! I've used Prismacolor Markers and the new Prismacolor PREMIER Markers for my coloring. The designer paper is Basic Grey June Bug and the sentiment is by Hero Arts. Nestabilities were used to double mat my focus image & sentiment.

Be sure to check out the creations designed by my Co-Team Members for more inspiration with this sketch. It always amazes me how everyone can use the same sketch and they all turn out looking so different one from the other. What fun!!

Boni, Jackie, Diane, Micki, Raquel, Tanny, Kim, Teri, Linda, Terri (Nov. Guest Designer), Lisa (Nov. Guest Designer)

Thanks for stopping by today and if you've taken time to comment ... a double thank you comes your way!!

Now THAT'S A "PLAYHOUSE"

I heard hammering going on outside my house yesterday so of course I had to be nosey and see what was going on! When I lifted the garage door, there was our neighbor's work truck in our driveway and the guys were still unloading parts to this very "unique" playhouse! I just had to run back in the house and grab my camera so I could share this with you all!!

Phil & Christine Adkins are the wonderful couple who live next door and they have 2 little girls that I just ADORE ... Olivia and Emily. Phil is always doing something SPECIAL for "his girls" and they were thrilled when they saw their new playhouse. Our properties ajoin and Phil was concerned that I might be upset with this HUGE RED HOUSE at the corner of our property but I told him I thought it was adorable and I knew the girls would have great fun with it.

By the time the guys got it all put together last evening it was dark and the girls didn't have a chance to check it out. But as soon as they were home from church today they ran for the FIREHOUSE PLAYHOUSE and were having a ball checkout out all the neat things inside & out.

Look at the smiles on their faces ... PRICELESS!! This unique playhouse comes complete with a slide down pole, a bell that you pull the rope to ring, a loft inside for sleeping, photos of past & present fire dogs on the walls, SPARKLY the firedog, a hydrant, and a firetruck ... (see Emily driving, teehee) ... HOW COOL IS THIS PLAYHOUSE!!!

The girls are planning a "picnic" at the firehouse playhouse the next nice day and Mark & I are invited! How special is that!!!!!

No cards today. After all the playhouse excitement, we also had a visit from my Harley riding cousins ... they were riding in the area and stopped to say HI! Having a half dozen Harley's in my driveway should raise a few comments in the neighborhood!!! LOL!!! The stayed for a couple of hours ... the guys watched the football game and the girls were downstairs going through all of my cards and making purchases. Yes, of course I gave them "a deal" ... after all, they are my relatives!! Before they left, I gave them each a jar of my homemade Piccalli ... we are all "country kids" so I knew they'd be thrilled and they were! WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY I'VE HAD!!! I hope you have too! Don't forget to stop back tomorrow for the DIGITAL INK CO challenge ... see you then!!

Christmas Cards with the Girl Scouts

At last week's local craft fair, I was thrilled to be asked if I would consider doing a couple Christmas cards with a local Girl Scout troop. Of course I immediately said YES!! Here are the creations I have come up with for 11 - 11 year olds. I hope they have fun with them.

For this first card, the designer paper is double sided so they can use which ever side they choose. They will be coloring with Prisma pencils and they will also be able to give the "fur" on Santa's suit dimension by using a Marvy Snow Marker & heat tool to "puff it up". For the inside of this card, they will have a seperate white panel to stamp their sentiment on (I will have a variety for them to choose from) and punch a snowflake in the corner.

For the second card, they will be using the Cuttlebug to create the snowflake background panel, do a little coloring and punching snowflakes. This is a pretty simple card because I thought the coloring on the Santa card might take them a little more time than alloted. I've given them each both images so they can choose one and take the other home and hopefully be inspired to make a card on their own.

So what do you think?? We will only have 30-35 minutes to do cards and I didn't want to get too involved ... yet didn't want to make them too elementary! Hopefully they will enjoy trying a few new things like the Cuttlebug, snowflake punch, and puff paint! I'll let you know how it goes. The meeting isn't until Dec. 2nd but since I'm having Thanksgiving here ... I wanted to get a head start on this project.

Thanks for taking a peek and if you have any ideas for girls of this age (hoping I get asked back again) ... I would love to hear them. I was thinking maybe bookmarkers or little pizza boxes with chocolate squares inside. Happy Weekend!!

Stamp Simply #113 - Matchbook Fold

Now this is a "fold technique" that I had yet to try!! Thanks Sharon for coming up with this idea ... what a fun challenge!! If this sounds like fun to you (and it is!!) ... please check out Sharon Johson's No Time To Stamp Blog for all the details ... then be sure to check out her DT ladies who have some really cool variations on this technique!!

In "Stamp Simply" fashion, after making my cuts & folds, I'ved used K&Co. holiday paper, Martha Stewart border punch, Nestabilities pine tree diecut and Creative Memories snowflake punch. Oh yea ... and a little Red, Green & Gold Stickles for holiday sparkle!! How much fun and how clever an idea!! I hope you like my creation and give it a try for yourself! Happy Stamping Everyone!!

SSHP07 Saturday Spotlight - Masterboard

Happy Weekend Everyone !!!

It's Saturday and that means it's time again for a SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT with HIDDEN POTENTIAL Challenge. Today we are creating a "Masterboard". Using your stamps (any!) to create your own "masterboard" or your own designer paper to create several cards/projects at once...good way to get several holiday cards done! If you are unfamiliar with this concept, Vicki has a tutorial for you over on her blog, found HERE.

Our sponsor today is Digital-Ink Co. and they have provided the images used by our Design Team's creations. Be sure to upload your entry on the Saturday Spotlight Challenge Blog ... Mr. Linky ... for your chance to win and choose THREE free sets from Digital Ink Co. The images provided today are by three of the nine creators they have on board. Today's creators are Jules Junk, Whimsy Design Studio and Stitchy Stamps. Please be sure to check out all the awesome digi images available at the Digital-Ink Co. Store. The "pumpkin" images I chose to use today are by Whimsy Design Studio. I paired them up with one of the first stamp sets I ever purchased from Stampin' Up (Sweet Seasons).

My masterboard was created using the oak leaf image from another SU stamp set ... "Country Blessings" and Kaleidocolor "Autumn Leaves" ink. My Whimsy Designs pumpkins were perfect with this cute fall image and I've used Prisma color markers/pencils for my coloring. A little dimensional tape was used to pop up the front pumpkin for added dimension.

Please be sure to visit my Diva sister's for additional inspiration on this theme!!

*Vicki (creator/coordinator) ... *Chris (Coordinator) ... Boni ... Crystal ... Darlene ... Dawn ... Debbie ... Erin ... Jessica ... Maria ... Susan ... *Jodi (Guest Diva)

As always, thanks so much for stopping by today and I wish you a WONDERFUL weekend!

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I just had to quickly share with you an award I JUST received from my new friend and co-team mate on Digital Ink Co. ... Kim - Memories In Thyme! l am honored and thrilled to receive this award! I will display it with pride. I'm so happy to be able to call you my friend!! Thanks Kim!

Wonderful Online FRIENDS ...

I received this award awhile back from my friend and co-team member for Digital Ink Co ... Kim at Memories in Thyme. In the rules, there is a long list of questions which you are to give one word answers to ... but since Blogger won't let me cut & paste these days, that part will have to wait for another day ... sorry! I've been trying to get it to work so I could post this earlier but nothing seems to be helping!! ?? !! Thanks Kim for your kindness ... it's been so much fun getting to know you and all the others on the team!! What an awesomely talented group that I am so proud to be a part of!!

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Kathy (Stitchy Stamps) over on Digital-Ink Co. created this AWESOME Blog Award (isn't it beautiful) for our DT, to show her appreciation for us showcasing her images in our creations. If you haven't seen Kathy's digi images ... please, rush right over ... check them out ... then make your purchase!

I have been so blessed to be working on this design team with these amazing creators, the other DT members and of course our LEADERS! What an awesome group and what fun!!!

Thanks Kathy for this honor! I'm proud and thrilled to be able to play with all your wonderful creations ... PLEASE ... keep 'em coming!!

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Now if that wasn't enough ... (I AM SO BLESSED!!!) ... today I received this wonderful award from my friend and Crafty Secrets buddy Julie Campbell - A Vintage Chic. If you have never been to Julie's blog ... PLEASE, click on the link and check it out ... she is so talented!! Not only in her card making abilities, but cooking (shares recipes) ... photography (shares beautiful scenes) and her wonderful, bubbly personality is very contagious!! If I ever make it back over to the "other" coastline ... I'll surely be knocking on Julie's door!!! Thanks girlfriend for this honor ... I'll display it proudly!!


For this one I'm supposed to tell you 5 things you don't already know about me!! So, here goes! (A couple of these I posted a long time ago on another award ruling ... sorry if I repeat myself ... my life isn't all that exciting!! teehee)

1. I've been married THREE times (third time's the charm) and the first time was at age 17 (what was I thinking?????)

2. I took DANCING (tap & ballet) from age 3 until age 16 along with my sister, Linda, who is 13 months older than myself.

3. Linda & I went back to DANCING together again when we were in our 40's and won a ShowStopper Competition in N.C. (not bad for dancing grannies, LOL).

4. I can type 90 words a minute with zero errors. As long as I have my fingers, I'll always have a job!! (Not that I want one mind you!!)

5. I am TERRIFIED of loosing my husband ... I've always known he is the best thing that has ever happened to me (other than giving birth to my DD) ... but after this last year's bout with cancer ... I am even more afraid but I put my trust in the Lord that if that time comes ... he will guide me through it!


Thanks everyone for letting me boast a bit! I can remember not all that long ago I made the comment to my daughter ... "I'll never have a blog ... I wouldn't know where to start or what to say" !! Well it didn't take me long to figure it out and THANK GOD I DID!! I have met SO MANY wonderful, supportive people through blogland ... I can't imagine my day without them all! And that means YOU!!! Blessed Day To You!!!

It's Digital-Ink Co. REVEAL time ....

Well, it's time to "let the cat out of the bag" ... so to speak!!

It's REVEAL TIME over on Digital Ink Co.!!!

Earlier in the week I showed you this little "snippet" of my creation using a NEW IMAGE by Lil Diva Stamps which you can now purchase at the Digital Ink Co. Shoppe for your very own. And please, while you are there, be sure to check out the other NEW RELEASES by our other very creative creators. Okay ... are you ready??? Here is the entire creation:

Isn't this image wonderful! I just couldn't help but use these soft blues/greens to hopefully bring more focus to our lovely "peace" dove. The papers used are Mellow Moss, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White and designer paper given to me by my friend (and this month's Guest Designer) Terri Snode. I've used Nestabilities classic oval and scallop oval for my matting and sponged around the image with light blue chalk before removing it from the Nesties die. Prismacolor markers have been used for coloring my image. My embellishments are Darice satin ribbon, Clear Dew Drops, Prima flowers and Basic Grey brad.

Please be sure to pop on over to my DT sisters blogs (links are in my sidebar) to check out the creations they've been teasing you with all week. Then be sure to make a bbbbbbbbb-line to the STORE to make your purchases ... (how do they say that ... While Supplies Last)!!

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a WONDERFUL day!!

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #27

Another week of being late with my Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge creation! Just seems to be so many things going on lately ... Oh man ... and the holidays are right around the corner, YIKES!!! Anyways, I finally took time today to do a little creating and this is what I've come up with. I turned the sketch and am really happy with the outcome. What do you think??

I had this image amongst some images I had downloaded off the internet MONTHS AGO and though it was precious and would work perfectly for today's sketch. Now, it's no secret that I am NOT an animal lover ... not a hater mind you ... just don't want them in my house anymore. Been there, done that and don't care to do it again. BUT, with that being said, I did think this image was quite sweet with this young lady and her "friends".

There is NO stamping or ink on this creation ... and that's okay! I enjoyed just playing with embellishments on this creation and sometimes I enjoy creating without stamps/ink ... just to see what I can come up with. Here I've used Fiskar decal scissors, Bazzill Paper Flowers, two different Darice satin ribbons (one on top of the other), Glitz Stickles (tiara), Basic Grey BLING IT gems and Wright's lace. I've also used real red cs, chocolate chip cs, whisper white cs and DCWV designer paper.

I hope you like it and I hope you give this challenge a try! I am ALWAYS inspired by the creativity of this group of ladies and the sketches are ALWAYS unique & fun!!

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for the Digital Ink Co. BIG REVEAL!!! You don't want to miss it!! Until then ... hope you've had a wonderful day!