Friday, April 30, 2010

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #51

2nd posting today
Please scroll down for my 
Raise The Bar Challenge creation!

I finally got around to creating a card for the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge.  I have never missed one of their challenges from the very first and shoulder pain or not ... I wasn't about to miss this week.

Here were our choice of sketches to follow.  This week, I chose the more elaborate sketch.  My friend Dawn Burnworth (My Stamping Thyme) from Mooreshead, N.C.  (who was just added to the "Dirty Dozen" over on SCS by the way) surprised me with an RAK filled with amazing vintage "stuff"!  Since this challenge usually allows me to spread my "vintage wings", I couldn't wait to use one of the awesome postcard images Dawn sent me from Scenes from The Past.  Aren't these ladies adorable!!!
(click on image to enlarge)
Here is the recipe for this creation:
Stamps/Ink - NONE
Papers:  Whisper White, Basic Black, Orchid Opulence, Recollections designer paper
Accessories:  Sizzix Corner Design die, Fiskars Apron Lace border punch, Kaiser half pearls, Prima flowers, Making Memories brad, purple Stickles

If you enjoy sketch fun ... be sure to check out this challenge!!  They even give you a SNEAK PEEK every Friday for the Tuesday challenge!  Oh that reminds me, I'd better jump over and check out next week's sketch ... MAYBE I'll bet a jump start on next week's creation!  (yeah, right!!!  LOL)

Raise The Bar - My RETREAT

WOW ... it's the end of yet another week (and month)!  

Goodness ... the kids will be out of school before you know it and summer will be in full swing.  BUT ... before that all begins, we are really having fun over at the RAISE THE BAR challenge !!  


We are creating using our "retreat" (bedroom) colors as our inspiration.  Above is a photo of the quilt that adorns the king size bed in our "retreat".  
 
(click on image to enlarge)
The Stampin' Up "Toile Blossoms" stamp set was the perfect image to use for my creation today.  Although it is difficult to see, my base card is KRAFT which represents the tan/beige tons in the quilt.  I have used Not Quite Navy & Pacific Point cardstock as well as Whisper White for my card today.  

The image was stamped with Versafine Black then embossed with Detail Clear ep before coloring with Prismacolor markers.  I then used the Nestabilities Blossom die and the "outside the Nestie" technique which required some detail cutting with my Fiskars swivel craft knife.  Stampendous diamond dots & liquid pearls were used to accent the blossom .

This was a really fun way to choose a color for my creation.   Now it's your turn ... why not give it a try and share it with us over on the Raise The Bar challenge blog.  I look forward to seeing your creation!!     

Need more inspiration???   Please check out my co-Bar Tenders blogs ... links can be found in my sidebar!  

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

SISTERHOOD & Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges

MID-WEEK means two DT challenges for me!
First I'd like to share my creation for THE SISTERHOOD OF CRAFTERS Challenge. Today we are playing with Tips, Techniques & Tutorials and our very talented Sistah ... Tanis has requested we make a 3x3 Note Card Box or Treat Box. If you need assistance, you can get the details HERE using this youtube Video.
 


 I'm not very good at making "projects" such as this but I have to admit this was a lot of fun and I will be making up a few more sets to keep on hand for "quick gifts".


I used 110# raspberry cardstock for the box and Basic Grey Euphoria designer paper to decorate the lid and base of box.  

Here is the recipe:
Stamps:  Hero Arts, Wordsworth
Papers:  Raspberry cs, Whisper White, Basic Black, Basic Grey Euphoria dp
Inks:  Versafine black, Versamark
Accessories:  chalk, cotton balls, Nestabilities classic & scallop ovals, Fiskars Apron Lace border punch, Creative Memories black round tip marker

Please be sure to check out the wonderful creations my "Sistahs" have created to help inspire you!  You can find links to each of their blogs on my sidebar.

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My other challenge today is for Penny's Paper-Craft Challenge.  Today we are playing with  

SHAPES ... as in a shaped card or other shaped project.

We also have a very gracious sponsor for our challenge this week!  Please check out BUSY BEAUTIES BOUTIQUE!  One LUCKY winner will receive a $15.00 gift voucher ... it could be YOU!!!  So why not join in on the fun!!!


 I chose to use the Scallop Heart Nestabilities for my base card today and Basic Grey Euphoria dp for the background.  Isn't this "BBB" couple adorable ... they looked like they were ready for a little "smooch" ... hence the love/heart theme.  

Here is the recipe:
Stamps:  Busy Beauties Boutique, Flourishes
Paper:  Whisper White, Basic Grey Euphoria dp
Inks:  Versafine Black
Accessories:  Nestabilities classic & scallop hearts, Fiskars swivel craft knife, Prismacolor markers, Darice satin ribbon, gold Pilot marker
We had an AMAZING turn out for last challenge ... we would love to see you again for this challenge.  Remember you have TWO weeks to complete & upload your creation.  Be sure to check out my co-team members creations for added inspiration.  Their blogs are listed on my sidebar.

Thanks so much for the visit!  I've been a bit delinquent with my blog posting ... sorry!  I've been dealing with Rotater Cuff Tendinitis in both shoulders which is a bit painful and has slowed me down a bit in crafting and typing!  Therapy is helping so I'll be back in full swing very soon I hope!    PLUS ... Blogger was playing games with me last evening and I couldn't get my photos uploaded ... they must have gotten a lot of complaints because things were back to normal today! 

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

FUN with PHOTOS ...

It's Crafty Secrets time and there are all sorts of things happening with Crafty Secrets right now.  Here's a hint:

6 DAYS if FUN with over $500.00 in BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAYS from our Design Team, Free Printables, a Cool Contest, SPECIALS and NEW PRODUCT Releases!  ... you can check out all the details HERE.
It's also time to play the SCS forum Crafty Secrets Challenge which is tied in with all this fun!  We are to use PHOTOS on our creations and since I'm in the process of creating MY OWN 8x8 Vintage Style Album ... this tied in perfectly.


Now ... as long as you can hold the LAUGHTER ... I will share my "vintage" photo creation with you ... REMEMBER ... NO LAUGHING ALLOWED!!   A little chuckle, snicker or smile is acceptable!!


(click on image to enlarge)
OKAY ... there you have it!  This is my older sister, Linda & myself way back in 1956 posing for one of our dance recital routine photos.  We started dancing when we were 3 & 4 years old and took dancing for 13 years.  We did go back to dancing together as adults and even competed in N.C. at the "Showstoppers" competition.  Did pretty darn good ... if I do say so myself!!  LOL!!   Then came the grand kids and arthritis .... so, THAT WAS THE END OF THAT!!


I have used the Crafty Secrets "Couple of Cuties" stamp set and also their "Classic dp" on this creation.  I've used ZIG Photo Markers for the coloring on my black/white photo ... Prismacolor markers for the ribbon and a gold American Crafts glitter pen for the angels wings.  On the inner edge I have added a strip of black cardstock then tied them together with vintage lace trim.  Kaiser pearls and Creative Memories sticker numbers helped identify the time frame on this image.


I hope you enjoyed my "Fun with Photos" page!  Thanks for stopping by today!  Please hop on over the CRAFTY SECRETS and see what all the excitement is about!  There are also a lot of new products Sandy has to share with you too ... please ... check it out!!


Monday, April 26, 2010

*Wink *Wink Ink DT Monday

GOOD MONDAY MORNING!!

Such a busy weekend with Adventures in Stamping being in town ... granddaughter's talent show and hubby's birthday!  Didn't leave time for much crafting but I do have my *Wink *Wink Ink DT creation to share with you today!

I had fun coloring & playing with this cute little "SLEEPYHEAD" image!  I also used some Crafty Secrets Pastels designer paper to do paper piecing on the pillow.  As well as the Crafty Secrets "Feeling Yucky" stamps for the sentiment.

I've used Prismacolor markers and Prisma pencils/gamsol for my coloring.  For my borders I've used the Fiskars Apron Lace border punch and matting was accomplished using Nestabilities classic & scallop ovals.  I've also used the "Out of the box with Nestabilities" technique.  I just love doing this technique ... it's so easy and really gives extra dimension to your creation. 

  Just a reminder ... TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO PLAY THE *WINK *WINK INK CHALLENGE ... you could win not "one" ... but "THREE" *Wink *Wink Ink stamp sets!  You can find all the details HERE.  We will be drawing a winner tonight and making the announcement over on the *Wink *Wink Ink Blog over the next day or two.

Melanie also has a fun contest going on right now to name her latest creation which is an adorable "fishy" stamp!  Be sure to pop over and check it out!  You can get in on all the fun HERE.

It's going to be a busy week over at *Wink *Wink Ink ... please be sure to pop over often and get involved!  Once you play with these cute images you'll be hooked ... they are so much fun to create with and the fact that you not only get the b/w to color yourself, you also get a PRE-COLORED image & a TRANSPARENT image.  One to fit any creation you might be working on!!!

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On a personal note ... today is my sweet husband, Mark's birthday and we are so blessed to have him cancer-free this year for his birthday! Last year he spent his birthday in Cleveland Clinic going through his transplant ... not a fun time ... but this year was a lot of fun!!  

The grandkids came up and spent the day with us on Saturday and surprised him with a birthday cake & balloons!  The "boys" played around with some target practice outdoors with their pellet guns while Morgan & I worked on creating & finishing her Graduation Party Invitations ... then we went for dinner and came back for cake.  Here are a couple of photos to share   ...

What a silly family ... between the "goofy" smile on Mark's face in the one photo and the "odd" look on Mo's face in the other ... only Jonathan looks normal!!  LOL!!

It was wonderful to have the kids spend the day with us and share in "Pappy's" birthday this year!!  Time goes by so quickly ... we are certainly blessed!!
 

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Talent Show Fun ...

Last evening Mark & I went to our granddaughter Morgan's school to see her participate in the Senior Talent Show and what a fun night it was!  (LONG but fun)  The talent among these kids was outstanding and I am so glad we were able to witness it!!

Morgan is going on to college after graduation to study Speech Pathology/Audiology.  She took a couple of classes last summer in "sign language" and just loves it.  That is what she chose to do for her part in the show.  She put together a PowerPoint presentation to the song "Imagine" by John Lennon and signed the words to the song throughout the presentation.  Sorry my photos aren't the best but hopefully you'll get the idea.  She did an AMAZING job and the audience was so attentive you could hear a pin drop ...


Morgan is very passionate about helping people and does what she can to spread the word about various issues.  I guess this is why she is so passionate about learning to help those who can not hear ... experience the sounds of life through her.  She did an amazing job and we are VERY PROUD of her! 

It wasn't your typical "talent show talent" and I guess that is why everyone was really paying attention and gave her a large round of applause at it's conclusion ... she did help to spread a very powerful message ... WAY TO GO "MO"!

The seniors put on this show for the elementary kids & junior high kids before the public performance last evening.  I was so tickled to year a young boy of age 10 or 11 sitting next to me comment when they announced Morgan's entrance with "Aww cool ... I love this one!"  How nice to know that she was able to make an impact on someone so young!!

We are proud to say Morgan won 2nd Place for her performance only to be topped by a group of senior boys who stole the show!!  These guys, with their interpretation of guys in the WORKOUT ROOM ... were absolutely hysterical and deserved to win 1st Place! 

There were several skits and they were wonderfully entertaining!!  Everything from Monty Python's Lumberjack skit to Family Feud (where the kids enjoyed poking a bit of fun at their teachers).  

(You can click on any of the photos for a larger view.)

This senior class has a lot of members involved in the high school band and of course Morgan is a big part of that as well.  She has played clarinet since elementary school and BAND has always been a huge part of her high school experience.  She was "FIELD COMMANDER" the past two years with the senior high band and did such a great job!

This evening the senior band members played the portion of their "BATMAN" program from earlier in the season and of course they had to really play the part and adorn BATMAN & CATWOMAN masks ... how cute!!!  (Morgan is 2nd from the left)

What a wonderful, fun evening for these kids.  So many fun memories were made tonight and each & every one of them seemed to really be enjoying themselves.  

They don't have many days left in their high school experience ... then "REAL" life begins!  Many of these kids have high goals set for themselves and others ... not so much ... but where ever life leads them, I wish them all the best!

Thanks so much for allowing me to share my joy & pride in my sweet granddaughter's accomplishments.  I hope you enjoyed a glimpse at Senior Talent Show Night!!  

Here are the last couple photos (for this posting anyways, LOL) of my sweet Morgan ... do you think she had a good time??  How fun it was to see life through the eyes of these young people!  Certainly gives one HOPE!!!  (Morgan is the one in the center &  the one with the shades on in the 2nd photo ... just in case you couldn't tell ... tee hee!)

THANKS FOR THE VISIT ...
HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE SHOW!!


Friday, April 23, 2010

Raise The Bar - Color Me Happy!

"HAPPY" Friday to you ALL!!

Yes, here we are at the end of another work week again!  And that means it's time for another RAISE THE BAR CHALLENGE!!  Today our theme is "COLOR ME HAPPY!"  That's right  ... create a card/project using YOUR favorite color (one please, in different hues, plus neutrals).

Anyone who knows me knows my favorite color is PURPLE ... ANY shade of purple!!   I have loved this color since I was a little girl ... don't ask me why??    As a young adult I joined a bowling team ... guess what color my bowling ball is ... YEP ... PURPLE!    As a matter of fact, I repainted my kitchen last year ... guess what color ... YEP ... PURPLE!!  Do you remember??  I shared pictures with you, LOL!!!  Call me crazy ... but it makes me happy!
For my creation today, I have used designer paper from the Basic Grey WISTERIA collection along with Lovely Lilac cardstock for my accent shade.  Here are the deets on this card:
Stamps:  The Stamp Pad Co., Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous
Papers:  Whisper White, Lovely Lilac, Basic Grey Wisteria dp
Inks:  White craft, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories:  Nestabilities classic & scallop ovals, Offray satin ribbon, White Gelly Roll Pen
Technique:  Faux Stitching

Now it's time for you to show us YOUR FAVORITE COLOR.  Please come join in on the fun!  Don't forget to check out my co-design team members for more fun & inspiration.  You can find links to their blogs on my sidebar. 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!  I am having a few stamping friends over today for a "PLAY DAY" and then this evening we are going to granddaughter, Morgan's TALENT SHOW.  She graduates from high school next month then begins college in the fall and will be studying Speech Pathology/Audiology.  For her talent in the show, she has designed a PowerPoint presentation to the song "IMAGINE" and will be "signing" the words.  I can't wait to see it ... she signs so well and it just fascinates me!! 

Thursday, April 22, 2010

AIS and APPLE TREES

SORRY ... no cards to share with you today!  
Hubby came home from work yesterday with a fairly large card order for a co-worker and I've been working on that project.

AIS (Adventures in Stamping) is this weekend here in Akron, Ohio ... YIPPEE!
Of course that's going to cut into my crafting time and I might be MIA from blogland this weekend, but I'll be having fun checking out all the new stamps & products!!




The Apple Tree
Way up high in an apple tree
Two little apples smiled down at me
I shook that tree as hard as I could
Down came the apples
M-m-m-m they were good.


The other day I showed you a photo of our young apple tree ... planted in the front of our home and I promised you a photo of the 100+ year old apple tree that is in our side yard.  I am SO GLAD they didn't bulldoz over this wonder work of nature when they were building the home we live in!!  Oh if this tree could talk ... I can only imagine the amazing stories it could tell ...
  Isn't it magestic!!
You can tell by how the chair & table sitting under this tree are dwarfed ... just how MASSIVE this beauty is in size!  This old timer still has more blooming to do, but they are calling for rain/wind over the next few days and I was afraid to wait any longer to get my photo.  I'm pleased to say too that the birdhouse that Mark made and hung in this apple tree before he got sick is once again occupied ... this time by a family of chickadees.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Sisterhood Challenge Time ...

Happy Over the Hump Day to you all!!

It's Wednesday and that means time for another Sisterhood Challenge and today our urber-talented Teri (Teri Doodles we call her!) is our hostess.   This week's theme is AROUND THE WORLD and our location is SCOTLAND!!!  Teri lives in Scotland so it's the perfect location!!   

We also have a sponsor for today's challenge ... and it is Teri!!!  If you have never been to her Delicious Doodles Store ... you are missing out on some A-M-A-Z-I-N-G digi images!!

For my creation I am using one of Teri's adorable "Scottish" images and had so much fun with it!  I actually went online and found a true Scottish tartan for my background and decided to print my little "Scottie dog" on this same pattern and cut him out with my Fiskars swivel craft knife.

Researching the information for this challenge was very enlightening and I truly enjoyed learning more about this wonderful country!  That's what makes this challenge so unique and so much fun!!!
(click on image to enlarge)
Is this little guy adorable or what!!!  Here are the other items used on this creation:
Stamps:  Crafty Secrets (Couple of Cuties)
Paper:  Whisper White, Basic Black, Glorious Green, Tartan pattern from internet
Inks:  Versafine black
Accessories:  Nestabilities scallop squares, Creative Memories round tip black marker for dots, Martha Stewart fence border punch, Offray black satin ribbon

Now it's your turn ... won't you please come join us for some AROUND THE WORLD fun and show us your SCOTTISH creation!!  Pop on over to The Sisterhood of Crafter's for all the details and to find inspiration from some of my other SISTAHS

SEE YOU IN THE "HOOD" ... Sisterhood that is !!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Playing the Challenges and a need for your Prayers!

2nd Post Today
Please scroll down for SCS Crafty Secrets Fun.


How adorable is this "Little Stinker" image from *Wink *Wink Ink!!  I have used the PRE-COLORED image you receive when you purchase any of Melanie's stamp sets.  You get a Black/White, a Transparent & a Pre-Colored image with every set!    I also chose to use the "Out of the Box with Nestabilities" technique ... that is how the little skunks tail is outside the circles.  This is a fun technique!  I first saw it done over on GinaK's StampTV site but last week SCS came out with the tutorial I have linked for you.

(click on ANY image for a larger view)
This card fits three different challenges.  Today's MIDNIGHT MADNESS SKETCH CHALLENGE, the CCEE CHALLENGE to make a Get Well card and the STAMP SOMETHING CHALLENGE to use Layers.

I chose to use the CAS sketch this week ... it just fit better with what I was trying to accomplish and I've given you a little sneak peek at the inside.  Cute huh!!!

Here is the recipe for this creation:
Stamps:  *Wink *Wink Ink digi, AMuse, Inkadinkado
Papers:  Bo Bunny dp, Basic Black, Whisper White, Taken with Teal
Inks:  Versafine black
Accessories:  Nestabilities classic & scallop circles, White Gelly Roll pen, Kaiser flowers, Basic Grey brad, Fiskars swivel craft knife, Offray black satin ribbon

I'm sure this little cutie will put a smile on the face of anyone who is a little down in the dumps or dealing with a stomach virus (like so many are right now!) or whatever is ailing them at the time.  Speaking of that ...

I would like to ask you to keep a local crafting friend of mine in your prayers today!  Her name is Mary Frances Cornell and she was just diagnosed with Leukemia!  She a very sweet, giving lady and she could certainly use all the help we can give her to help fight this battle.  She has been in the hospital for the past week and it looks like she might be there for another 3-4 weeks.  She's in isolation so is not allowed visitors but if you'd like to send her a card, please email me at akadafney@yahoo.com and I will get the address to you!!    Thanks for your prayers ... they are very appreciated!!

Well ... it's past lunch time (haven't eaten yet ... too busy crafting, teehee) and I really need to get outdoors so I'd best get off my 'puter and get my work done!!  Happy Day to you!

Crafty Secrets Challenge #116

HAPPY TUESDAY EVERYONE!!

Over on the Crafty Secrets Forum of Splitcoast Stampers, a group of us Crafty Secrets lovers have a weekly challenge.  There are four of us who take turns hosting and today it's PammyJo's turn and she has requested us to use a CALENDAR in our creation ... "be a Calendar Girl"!  Well that can be interpreted a couple of ways and this is what I've come up with.

(click on ANY image for larger view)
 
I chose to use a MONTH from the calendar for a birthday card.  Both the main image and the calendar month are from the Crafty Secrets Seasonal Booklet.  A little distressing, a little doodling ... add a fence & a flower ... Viola!!

I hope you like this little creation!  I'm very happy with the outcome!  If you have any Crafty Secrets products ... why not come join in on the fun!  There are even Challenge Clues given on Monday for the Tuesday challenge! 

Hope you are having a wonderful day!!  The sun is shining though the air is still a bit cool ... but I think I'll get outdoors this afternoon and give my flower beds some much needed attention!!  Catch you later!!

Monday, April 19, 2010

It's *Wink *Wink Ink Time Again ...

GOOD MONDAY MORNING EVERYONE!!

For today's *Wink *Wink Ink DT creation, I have used Melanie's image called "Sourpuss".  Isn't he (she) adorable!

(click on image to enlarge)
Here again I have used the PRE-COLORED image provided when you purchase any of the sets from *Wink *Wink Ink.  All I had to do was add paper,  sentiment, a few embellishments and 'viola' ... card complete! 

Don't forget you still have time to play the CHALLENGE going on over at *Wink *Wink Ink until next Monday, April 26th.  You can check out all the details HERE.  No *Wink *Wink Ink images you say ... (well, why not??) ... No problem ... Melanie still has her FREEBIE available so everyone and anyone can play along!!  How cool is that??

Hope you are having a wonderful creative day and thanks for stopping by!  I truly appreciate your visits!! 

Sunday, April 18, 2010

God's wonderful creations ...

Although it is still early on this Sunday morning ... and a bit of a nip is in the air with it only being 39 degrees outside ... I just love watching all of God's creations waking up in the springtime and wanted to share some of my happiness with you! 
We planted this little crab apple tree in the front yard a few years ago and with each passing year it gets more beautiful when in bloom!  We do have another crab apple tree in the side yard that is well over 100 years old and it is just starting to pop out it's blossoms ... so I will share it with you when it is at it's best.
Aren't these blossoms beautiful!! 
 (click any image for a larger view)
Another one of my spring time favorites is the Bleeding Heart plant.  This is a small one I have at the side of the garage and there is a very large one up in our picnic area that I should have already split out this spring because it's getting toooo big ... but it is GORGEOUS with all the hearts.  Here is a close up of the hearts.
Aren't they just beautiful and so delicate looking!!  This plant is very low maintenance but like the hosta plant ... should be split out every couple of years to stay healthy.  This plant does well in shade or part shade.

I wished I had grabbed my camera last evening because the cardinals and gold finch have been VERY busy at the feeders.  The squirrels  ... well, I think they are having family reunions ... seems to be more gathering in one spot then there had been in the past.  They are so much fun to watch and now that I have feeders that they can NOT get into .. they are even more fun to watch.  They have their own feeder and areas where I spread corn & peanuts ... they don't need to be eating all the sunflower seeds too!!  We also had our pair of Mallard Ducks come to visit last evening.  They come every spring and spend time under our feeders and in the picnic area then in a few weeks they are gone.  Off doing what ducks do I guess!!

Here's wishing you a blessed Sunday and wonderful week ahead!