It's ALMOST here . . .

Happy Sunday my friends!

I had hoped to post this card yesterday ... BUT, again time zinged by and I didn't get it done.

Can you believe the 4th of July is only a few days away?

Here's a card I created for the Progressive Challenge #2 at Sassy Studio Designs over on Paper Craft Planet.  If you belong to PCP go check it out ... you could actually get THREE free SSD images to create with ... what a fun challenge.

Here is my first entry using "Army Honey" ...

As long as you create and share using this adorable "Army Honey" image, you can then request the next image which is "Airforce Honey" 

and then "Navy Honey"

Aren't they awesome ... and so perfect for our military friends!

Here are a few other challenges I'd like to enter into:

Craft Lovin Challenge #3 - Independence Day

QKR Stampede - Anything Goes

Sister Act Card Challenge - Anything Goes

Stampin' for the Weekend - Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by ... hope you have a FABULOUS Sunday!

As Always . . .

A.R.T. #3 Challenge

Hello my friends!  

I hope you're having a fun week!  I'm headed out to run some errands but before I go I wanted to share with you my DT card for the new challenge over at A.R.T. (A Random Thursday Card Challenge).  Today's theme is one of my favorites:

ANYTHING GOES

Today I tried my hand at a card that is a little more CAS than what I typically do.  But, I think it turned out pretty and will keep this design in mind for the next time I need some fast Thank You cards for an order!

We are so thrilled over at A.R.T. with all the fabulous entries we've been having for our challenges since we are a brand new challenge blog!  Thank you so much for joining in the fun and if you haven't had a chance to check it out yet ... today's the day ... especially since it is an ANYTHING GOES theme!  

So, COME ON what are you waiting for?
AND ... I promise to come check out your creation and leave you some love!!

Thanks so much for stopping by and as always . . .

Recipe for this card:
Paper:  White cs, Scrap of design paper
Stamp/Ink:  SU Elegant Greetings, Versafine Onyx
Accessories:  Cheery Lynn Designs DL112 Exotic Butterflies small, Memory Box # 98189 Catalina Wreath die, Tim Holtz black distress marker for doodling edge

Sisterhood of Crafters Challenge

Holy Moly ... where is the time going?????????

Can you believe it's time for another challenge over at The Sisterhood of Crafters?  Well it is and we are hoping you'll come join in the fun.  Today Lisa B is your hostess and she has asked us to create with this theme in mind:  STARS and STRIPES!

I must admit time got away from me and I was QUICK to create for this challenge.  So, here's what I came up with  . . .

Yes, I know, they are very similar and there's a good reason for that . . . they were both created by using design paper from the Webster's Pages 'Postcards from Paris & Sweet as Cherry Pie' petite papers!

On the 1st one the only thing I added was a strip of red satin ribbon to cover the seam from the strip of paper I cut from the edge of the second card and the sentiment on both cards were STICKERS that came on a sheet of address labels from 'Save The Children' where we send donations.  I simply matted and/or distressed them before adding them to the front of my cards.  (Hey, I didn't want to throw them away!!)

Other than the sentiment, the only other addition to this card are the stars which were punched using a Creative Memories star punch and were actually punched for a different project but never used!  They were just 'laying there' so you know I had to pop them on the front of this card ... PERFECT!

Here are a few additional challenges I'd like to enter into:

ABC Challenge - Red-White-Blue

Get Inky Challenge - Red-White-Blue

Lexi's Creations #93 - Summer Holidays (4th of July - Independence Day)

Paper Playtime - Red-White-Blue

Simon Says Stamp and Show - Stripes

Creative Inspirations Paint - Red-White-Blue
Scrap Creations - Patriotic
 Loves Rubberstamps - Red-White-Blue
Our Daily Bread - Red-White-Blue / Patriotic
City Crafter Challenge - Quilt Pattern using photo colors

Thanks so much for your visit today and I hope you'll come join us!

See you there ... and as always . . .

A Prima Doll for Emily!

Good Morning All!

Today I would like to share with you a birthday card I created (at the last minute of course) for our little neighbor girl Emily who turned 9 over the weekend.    She (and her sister) are SO ADORABLE and if you follow my blog, you'll know who I'm talking about because I showcase these cute kids probably as much as I do my own grandchildren!  LOL!

Here is sweet little Emily getting ready to blow out the candles on her 'very colorful' birthday cake!  Emily is very much a 'girlie girl' and, she loves the color PINK (can you tell? LOL).

Here's the card I created for Miss 'M' (as we call her).  Emily ALWAYS wears a flower in her hair ... hence the flower on the prima doll's headband!

My original plan was to just have the Prima Doll as a stand up but then realized she was smaller than the Tim Holtz easel stand I planned on using.  SO ... I created a 'card' (5 1/2" x 8 1/2") from chipboard and popped up the Prima doll on the front.  I wanted to create something special for Miss M that she could display in her bedroom if she wanted to.

I found an entire 8 1/2 x 11 pack (25 sheets) of 40 PT chipboard at Michael's for a very reasonable price and it was perfect for this project.  I stamped my #910143 Prima doll using Versafine Onyx ink first onto the chipboard then onto white cardstock and lastly Prima Sweet Fairy design paper.  (Remember I was just going to make the doll ... not a card.) As it turned out, I used the remaining part of the chipboard to create my card base.  I wasn't sure how difficult it was going to be to cut the doll from the chipboard ... but this weight of chipboard was very manageable!

After fussy cutting the dolls ... and the dresses, I decided on the more solid pink paper dress and used the other paper in the design of the card since they both came from the same paper pack.

Once done I thought ... oh no!  where am I going to put her birthday money?  (Like I said ... I was doing this 'last minute' ... actually started it 2 hours before the party was to begin!)  So I just made a little pocket on the back side of the card using the same design paper as the dolls dress and tucked the money in there.  Emily thought it was a clever surprise!

So here is Miss 'M' with her birthday card and sporting one of the many NEW hair flowers she received for her birthday.  I'd say my card 'fit the occasion' quite well!  

AND ... here is Miss 'M's big sister Miss Olivia!  Olivia played a big part in planning M's party (see her party planning notebook) ... from the decorations, the games, the prizes ... she did a lot of fun things!  GREAT JOB Miss 'O'!!

Here are a few other challenges I'd like to enter this card into:

ABC Challenge - P for Pretty in Pink

paulaholifieldcrafts ALBC - Something Sweet

Crafting Musketeers - Use a Stamped Image

The Cupboard Trilogy - Birthday

Fairy Tale Challenge - Happy Birthday
The Cutie Pie Challenge - Paper Piecing

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you're having a fabulous week!

As always . . .

Recipe for my card:

Paper:  Michaels 40 PT chipboard, Hot Off The Press Pink Polka Dot dp, Prima 'Sweet Fairy' 6x6 dp, black cs, white cs

Accessories:  Tim Holtz Easel die, Wild Orchid paper roses, Martha Stewart butterfly border punch, Cheery Lynn Designs DL113 Exotic Butterflies dies, peel off foam letters from Jo-Ann's, Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, Prima Julie Nutting mixed media doll stamp # 910143 (purchased at Joan's Gardens), xPress It Foam Mounting Tape, Mod Podge, sponge brushes,

I MUST CONFESS:  I added EYES to the doll image with a TH black distress marker because I didn't think Miss 'M' would understand why she didn't have a face! 

It's WEDDING month . . .

. . . and even though I don't have any weddings to attend this month, I do have a wedding card to share with you today!

Good Monday Morning friends!

The challenge over at Cheery Lynn Designs is "Wonderful Weddings".  Since I didn't have a particular theme or color of any upcoming weddings, I thought it best to stick with white-on-white for today's creation.

I wish you could see the sparkle on this card ...  I've added Diamond Stickles to all the butterfly wings as well as on the straight edge of the lacy borders.  And, the ribbon is sheer with just a little shimmer to it. Here's a close up that hopefully you can see that detail . . .

I think this lacy border and the butterflies are some of my all time favorite Cheery Lynn Design dies.  

Other challenges for this creation are:

Catered Crop - Die Cuts and Punches

Challenges 4 Everybody - Anything Goes

Opus Gluei #159 - Wings

Crafty Calender June Challenge - Things with Wings

 Hiding in my Craftroom - Wedding

Emerald Faeries Challenge - Dies/Punches

Animal Friends Challenge - Butterflies and/or Bugs

 Country View June Challenge - Die Cuts

Scrap It Girl - Use your Dies

Crafty Catz #188 -  Pick and Mix (I chose Anything Goes AND Embossing)

Wags 'n Whiskers - Wedding/Anniversary/Love

 Happy Campers - White on White

Creative Belli #172 - Wedding

Little Red Wagon - No Pattern Paper

Pollycraft Challenge - Anything Goes

Everybody Art Challenge - Wedding

Inky Chicks #6 - Love
Fashionista Challenge - Wedding or Birthday

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!  

It's supposed to be really hot and rainy here in NE Ohio this week, and if so, I'll be spending some quality time in my 'crafting cave'! 

 What ever you are doing today ... ENJOY!  And, as always ...

Recipe for this card:

Papers:  White cardstock

Stamp/Ink:  Penny Black, Versafine Onyx

Accessories:  Cheery Lynn Designs dies - B136 Anastasia Border, DL113 Exotic Butterfly Small, DL112 Exotic Butterfly Small ... Memory Box dies - Tiffany Frame #98401 & Cherise Label #98402 ... Quick Kutz Diamonds & Dots EF, Diamond Stickles, Jo-Ann's organdy ribbon, xPress It Foam Mounting Tape

It's CHERRY PIE time!

 

HAPPY SUNDAY MORNING!

While taking a break from power washing the driveway/sidewalks yesterday I glanced out the kitchen window to our 'picnic' area only to realize our cherry tree was FULL of ripe & ready cherries.   So, I grabbed my new iphone5 and walked up to grab a few photos (always impressed at photos people take on their phones and since I finally 'came up in time' and got my first smart phone I had to give it a try)!

 

 These photos were taken while standing inside/under the tree (click on image to enlarge).  Although it makes it a little difficult mowing under, I leave the branches low so I can easily hand pick these beauties!  They are SO SWEET, and since I don't spray any pesticides on them, I love to just 'PICK & EAT' right off the tree.  Being only 5' 2" tall ... that's not always an easy thing to do!  LOL!  Needless to say, all the beautiful berries on the top of the tree become food for the birds since I am NOT climbing up on a ladder to get them!

 Like I said ... this tree is HUGE and I just love it!!  

You can actually sit at the picnic table and pick cherries from it!

And there are cherries all the way to the top ... which isn't even in the picture!

Well I'd better get moving!  I have a birthday card to get created for a party that starts in 2 hours!  Yikes!  Nothing like waiting until the last minute! LOL!

Have a fabulous day ... going into the 90s here in NE Ohio today ... think I'll be staying indoors!

As always ...

Dare to be Sassy Thursday

Happy Day my friends!  

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Well it looks like another HOT day here in NE Ohio and I still have 2/3 of the driveway to finish power washing so I'm going to keep this short and get outdoors before it gets too hot and I get 'fried' (like I did yesterday)!

The card I have to share with you today is for the Dare To Be Sassy Thursday challenge over at Sassy Studio Designs.  I just love these images and luckily I had this one already colored and just waiting to adorn a card front.  OH!  And a quick thanks to the folks at Sassy Studio Designs for choosing my card as last week's winner!

Anyone who knows me is aware that CAS is not my favorite design style but when you have a beautiful image like 'Holiday Bella Bride', you truly don't need a lot of layers & embellishments.  I have added sparkle to her dress by using a Quickie Glue pen and DecoArt Glamour Dust.  Here's a closeup so you can hopefully see it better.

A few other challenges I'd like to enter into are:

Dutch Dare Card Challenge - Things that begin with "B" ... (Butterflies and Bride)

My Heart Pieces - Use a digi stamp

Southern Girls Challenge - Die Cuts and Punches

Creative Belli Blog - Wedding

Little Red Wagon #190 - No pattern papers - cardstock only

Pollycraft Challenge - Anything Goes

Again, I thank you for taking the time to stop by my blog and if you've left me a comment, I can't tell you how much it means to me to hear from you!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

OKAY ... time to get busy

As Always . . .

Recipe for my card:

Papers:  White cs,  Powder Blue cs
Accessories:  Memory Box Tiffany Frame #98401, MS butterfly punch, Inkadinkado 'wedding' stamp, Versafine onyx, TH black distress marker for doodling under butterflies, xPress It high tack Foam Mounting Tape, Quickie Glue pen, DecoArt Glamour Dust, Spectrum Noir alcohol markers

A.R.T. Challenge Time

Hello again my friends!

As my title suggests, it's time for a new challenge at the  A.R.T. (A Random Thursday) Challenge Blog.  Today, we have a SKETCH for you ...

I must admit, when I started making cards I was drawn to any/all sketch challenges.  That truly helped me get started on creating from my own mind and of late, I really haven't done many sketches other than those that pop into my head so this was great fun and actually a bit challenging!  LOL!  Here's what I came up with ... what do you think?

I just LOVE these PRIMA Doll Stamps and waited a long time to receive my very own collection of them (seems they are hard to come by).  I was introduced to them by my friend Diane (Nellie's Nest) and while linking up with her & a few other crafting friends out in Indiana a few months back, she was kind enough to  let me stamp a few of her images and also let me use some of her design paper to stamp again so I could PAPER PIECE this adorable lady when the time came I wanted to create with her.  Paper piecing is a great way to use up those scraps of design paper you have laying around.

WELL ... today's the day!!  (sorry I don't know the maker of the design paper ... Diane if you remember can you please leave me a comment?)  My card is A-6 in size since these gals are pretty tall but I'm really happy with the outcome of this creation.

I sure hope you'll join in our challenge fun this week!  So please pop on over to the A.R.T. Blog and be inspired by my team mates.  See you there!

Other challenges:

Pollycraft Challenge - Anything Goes 
Clear It Out Challenge - Paper Piecing/use scrap paper

Through The Craftroom Door - Anything Goes

Cards in Envy - Stitching (faux or real)
Love to Create - Paper Piecing

Thanks SO MUCH for all your kind comments and for taking the time to stop by!

As always . . .

Recipe for this creation:

Papers:  KaiserCraft 'The Lake House' dp (background), white cs, Forest Green cs
Sentiment:  Computer generated
Accessories:  Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, Offray green satin ribbon, Fiskars swivel craft knife, Tim Holtz black distress marker for faux stitching

Shelly's Images Challenge

Hello my friends!

It's time for another Thrilling Thursday Challenge at Shelly's Images!  

Before I share this week's DT creation with you, I wanted to make you aware of a few changes going on at Shelly's Images.  Beginning in July, we will be switching to a MONTHLY challenge.  Challenges will begin on the first Thursday of the month and end on the last day of the month.  We will continue to have our Tutorial/Technique Tuesday (prior to the Thursday challenge) so you'll want to be sure to be watching for that! The team has some great ideas to share with you!

ALSO ... to make it even easier for you, we have posted all the upcoming challenge themes through the end of the year over on the sidebar of the challenge blog ... please take a peek!  And, remember for each challenge there will be a PRIZE WINNER!

Okay ... time for today's challenge and today's theme is:

STARS, STRIPES and SPARKLE

featuring  "Wish Upon A Star"

This will be the last time we will be using a special "featured" image for our DT creations.  From now on, the team will be using a variety of Shelly's Images (that fit the theme) to create inspiration samples for you!  

What fun! 

This young lady is doing what I wish I was doing right now ... walking the beach and Wishing Upon a  Star (fish that is)!  I can feel the ocean breezes already!

 I so hope you'll come join in our challenge fun this week and PLEASE, be sure to pop over and check out the beautiful creations the team has created ... they are fabulous!

Here are a few other challenges I like to enter:

Craft-room Challenge - Here Comes Summer

Crafty Sentiments Designs - Fun in the Sun

Deep Ocean Challenge - Welcome Summer

Loves Rubberstamps - Summer Theme

 Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a fabulous day and as always . . .

Recipe for this card:

Papers:  Paper Pizazz dp, Red cs, White cs, Gold metallic cs
Stamp/Ink:  Just For Fun, Versafine Onyx
Accessories:  Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, Creative Memories star punch, Spellbinder tag dies, Michael's grosgrain ribbon, Gold Stickles

Once Upon a Time . . .

Good afternoon my friends!

This is my second post for today but I just couldn't help myself!  LOL!  After finally getting outside (it rains everytime I head that direction) and getting the lawn mowed, I came back into my cave to complete a card I've been trying to get finished all week!

The challenge this week over at Sassy Studio Design is a DISNEY VACATION!

What fun and I've had Jasmine colored and ready for a card for a while now.  TODAY'S the day!!  I just love coloring these adorable images from Sassy Studio's!

Jasmine Pinup Sassy is from the Make A Wish Collection and can be found at the store HERE.

After checking out some of the sketch challenges that came up today, I decided upon this fun sketch over at Seems A Little Sketchy.

I really need to get back to playing more with some of the sketches out there ... it's always fascinating how quickly a card can come together once you have a design in mind!  Let's see if there are any other challenges I can share this fun creation with:

Tuesday Throwdown #152 - Fantasy

Lady Anne's Fond Farewell to Nana Vic - Anything Goes

365 Cards - Fairy Tale Romance

The Cutie Pie Challenge - One for the Kids

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you've had a crafty afternoon too!

As always, tell those that you love how important they are to you and know I am send you . . .

Recipe for my card:

Papers:  DCWV Once Upon a Time & The Glitter Cardstock Stack
Accessories:  5/8" & 3/8" Teal satin ribbon by Celebrate-It purchased at Michaels, Express It High Tack Foam Mounting Tape, Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, Fiskars swivel craft knife, TH black distress marker, Bow Easy

Being "Krafty" . . .

Good Morning!  

How's your day going so far?  Mine is GREAT!

I'm here today to share with you a card that TRULY was a challenge for me!  Yep!  And when I tell you what caused me such grief, you're going to laugh!!

I'm trying to stay in the running to win the "eBosser" over at Cheery Lynn Designs this month and today's challenge made me GASP IN FEAR!!  Want to know what had me on the edge of my seat?  Are you ready ... this is really scarey stuff . . .

The challenge this week at Cheery Lynn Designs is to use KRAFT PAPER!

OMG ... this terrified me ... I have no clue what to do with kraft paper!  It just looks like a paper sack from the grocery store to me and I can't seem to visualize anything 'pretty' using it!  I know, I know ... that's crazy thinking so I just jumped in with both feet and here's what I came up with . . .

OMG ... I'm not sure what to think of this creation!  On one hand I think it's pretty "okay" and on the other hand I'm thinking ... "this is so plain"!  You know me ... I LOVE all those layers, flowers, flourishes, blah ... blah ... blah!   But honestly, this is really starting to grow on me!  What do you think?

You have to use at least one Cheery Lynn Designs product for the challenge ... GOT THAT COVERED!!  EVERYTHING on this card is Cheery Lynn Designs with the exception of the faux stitching which I used a Sakura Gell Pen and the cardstock.  I actually had to make a special trip to the craft store to purchase the Kraft paper!  REALLY!  I have $100's of dollars worth of paper in my crafting cave and NOT ONE sheet of Kraft paper!  (well I do now!!)

I would also like to enter this card into the current challenge over at Joan's Gardens.  The challenges at Joan's Gardens are always so much fun and sometimes kind of tricky ... but luckily, (while I'm still catching my breath), Joan has an easy one for us this week ...  

ANYTHING GOES ... BUT you must use a product sold at  Joan's Gardens!  

AGAIN, NO PROBLEM!  Other than the cardstock, everything was purchased from Joan's Gardens.

Here's a few other challenges I'd like to enter into:

Card Mania #23 - Use Kraft Paper

Cards in Envy - Stitching (faux or real)

Creative Stamp Friends #79 - Birthday

Cupcake Craft Challenge - Let's Get Sentimental

Melonheadz Friends - Die Cuts

There She Goes - Anything Goes

BEFORE I GO ... Remember I said I FINALLY made it out to the race track to watch my grandson race his junior dragster (never did see granddaughter race ... BAD NANA!)  Well of course I forgot my camera so I attempted to grab a couple photos on my 'old' flip phone ...

 Here's granddaughter Morgan sitting in the stands with me explaining the whole 'drag racing' thing!  It was very exciting to see what all goes into this sport since my 'kids' are SO INVOLVED!

And here's a couple quick photos I grabbed before the light turned green and he was off like a flash!!

Things were moving so fast I never even got a photo of Jon & I together like I had hoped!

Next time for sure!  I will be back!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you've enjoyed your visit!

Have a fabulous day and as always . . .

Recipe for this card:

Paper:  Kraft cs, Black cs, Christmas Red cs
Accessories:  Cheery Lynn Designs B211 Happy Birthday die, B165 Lace Corner Deco E dies and B117 Fanciful Flourish
Sakura white gel pen
Technique:  faux stitching