Santa is coming . . .

Morning All!  

Here we are at the end of another month and the beginning of another week!

Time is certainly buzzing on by and it will be the holidays before you know it!
(Note the COUNT DOWN at the top of my sidebar!)

With that being said, over on Squigglefly today they are asking you to 'get started on your Christmas cards' and even though I am not on the Rhonda's Rascals team, I just had to play along.  Check out the fun little scene I've created by combining three different images from Squigglefly.

 Here's the run down on the images:

Christmas Tree w/Candle & Holly - Pam Lehto

Santa with Bag - Judith Hart

Merry Christmas Sentiment - Charlene Mitchell

How much fun is it to bring similar digis together to create a fun scene!  

I used Word as my grouping software. 

UH OH!  I just noticed that it looks like Santa is leaving and didn't put any presents under the tree!  OH DEAR ... looks like someone was on the 'Naughty List' this year!  LOL!  

OR ...

Maybe he's just going to sit and rest a spell before unloading his sack of toys!

 

I've used White Liquid Applique on Santa's beard, hat & coat cuff.  I just love that added dimension when you PUFF IT UP with heat.  Kids really get a kick out of it too!

I've used Spectrum Noir alcohol markers for my coloring ... Graphic45 design paper for the background and grosgrain ribbon from Michaels.

A few additional challenges:
2 Sisters Challenge - Anything Goes
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge - Three Main Colors (red, green, gold)
Totally Gorjuss - Traditional Christmas Colors 
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge EXTRA for September -  Christmas
Christmas Card Challenge - Anything Goes
Challenges 4 Everybody - Anything Goes

I hope you'll come join in the fun at Squigglefly!  See you there!

As always . . .

Need your advice!!!!

Good Sunday afternoon my friends!

I need your advice!

There's a website called 'Our Beautiful World' and to help you understand what this site is all about, I've copied and pasted part of their 'About Us' tab here for you.

We are a happy bunch of crafters with a love for photography and the beauty around us. Here we're sharing photos from our daily life and seasonal events around the world. We'd love for you to join in and share your photos and tips too!
On Our Beautiful World you'll find weekly linky partties for you to share your beautiful photos and world. You'll also find lots of photography inspiration, and posts on blogging tips and photo (editing) DIY. We love to share with you tips and tricks to make your own blogging and photography experience even more beautiful and inspiring as it is now.

Anyways ... I've played along the past couple of weeks and have so enjoyed seeing things from other people in other parts of the world's perspective.  

This week the word is TOGETHER.

We are sharing photos & stories of what that word means to each of us!

My dilemma is I can't choose which photo to enter so I'm asking for YOUR ADVICE ... please leave me a comment telling me which photo you would chose!

#1

My daughter & granddaughter ... love their time TOGETHER sharing not only their same interests, but they even share the same smile!!

#2

My daughter's horses Meg (left) and Romeo (right).  They are always TOGETHER ... where one goes the other one goes ... even if they break through the fencing ... they stick TOGETHER!!

#3

Me and some high school friends who are finally making the time to get TOGETHER and catch up on what's happened in our lives over the past 30+ years!

#4

Granddaughter picked out her own Jack Russel puppy (which was actually the runt of the liter) from this TOGETHERSOME trio.  I think 'Lylla' is the one on the far right ... aren't they cute!!

#5

A Morgan Family reunion photo taken back in 2010.  In the past we've had as many as 100+ come TOGETHER for this reunion and for the past 25 years plus, it's turned into an entire WEEKEND reunion with 1st & 2nd cousins coming TOGETHER for Friday/Saturday fun then ALL coming TOGETHER on Sunday for the FULL FAMILY reunion.

Well there you have it!!

WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE???

Thanks for your help!!

As always ...

HUGS!

Joan's Gardens Challenge and More

Good Sunday Morning Everyone!

Last evening I took a break from craft show projects and concentrated on trying a new technique which was one of the requirements for this week's challenge over at Joan's Gardens.  Now I must admit, I would not have thought to do this myself, so I was happy for the insight!

This weeks challenge requirements are:

Your choice of a simple card or a more detailed card

Red and Green

Paper Piece (as shown in video that I linked - Pam Sparks Video)

You must use a product sold at Joan's Gardens. Also, mention that you are doing the card/project for Joan's Gardens Challenge. It would be nice if you would add this link to your post: www.atjoansgardens.com

I decided to use the same main die image at Joan (since I purchased it on my last visit to her store in Indiana) ... Glowing Candle Die - 98661 - Memory Box.  I also used the Precious Stars Die - 98546 - Memory Box.  Other than the green, red & silver metallic cardstock, the only other item used on this creation was the Provo Craft Cuttlebug  - Grace's Frame' embossing folder (which had never been out of the package and I know I've had for over a year ... yikes!)

I find it really difficult to get a good photograph when using 'shiny' paper such as this SILVER metallic so here's a closeup in hopes of you being able to see the variation in color on the leaves.  Unfortunately, it shows the reflection of the shirt I had on (hence the bronzy color in the left side leaves).   I forgot to mention that I also added a touch of Gold Stickles for the flames on the candles.

Joan used gold metallic paper on her cards (which are gorgeous BTW) and is the typical holiday color along with the red/green ... but I didn't want to completely 'copy' her card so went with the silver and really like the outcome.  

I hope you'll give this technique a try and come join in the fun challenge at Joan's Gardens.  YOU could be the winner of a Nellie Snellen Embossing Folder.  I'm proud to say I was last week's winner --YIPPEE and thanks Joan!

A few additional challenges:
2 Sisters Challenge - Anything Goes
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge - Three Main Colors (red, green, silver)
Drunken Stampers Thing Challenge - Die Cuts
Totally Gorjuss - Traditional Christmas Colors
One Crazy Stamper - Christmas in September
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge EXTRA for September -  Christmas

***

Since my title says I have MORE to share I'd better follow through, lol!

Here are a few more craft show tissue box covers I've been working on  . . .

 Someone had mentioned to me that people like to have ANIMAL themes and that monkeys were popular right now ... hence Monkey tissue box covers.

Of course we can't forget those dog & cat lovers ...

And, how about those Western lovers?

I'm still working on more Breast Cancer Awareness tissue box covers too!

Well I'm sure you're as tired of looking at these tissue box covers as I am making them!  LOL!  Not really ... they aren't difficult to make and I think they are fun!!  I do have another 'tissue related project' to share with you but I'll save it for another time!

Have a fabulous day my friends ... 

Now I think I'll go outside and do some much needed yard work (before the rain) and enjoy the beautiful sunshine / cool fall air.

As always ...

Thanks for stopping by and ...

Fall Craft Show Goodies

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Even though it's going to be a beautiful day outside today, I have to keep plugging away here in my crafting 'cave' to be sure I have enough 'goodies' for my upcoming Fall Craft Shows.

The other day I shared with you one of my new items for this years show ... Hershey Nugget boxes made with the Sizzix ScoreBoards XL Die - Box w/Scallop Flap & Flowers.  I'm hoping they'll be a big hit so wanted to be sure to have at least enough for my first show and thankfully my daughter, Carolyn (waving 'HI' and saying 'THANKS' again)  was able to come give me a hand with getting them put together.

What started out as this . . .

 

 Turned into this . . .

I was able to get approximately 18 boxes from one bag of Hershey's Nuggets purchased at the local warehouse club store.

Each box has 8 nuggets in it and most have 2 of each of the 4 different flavors.

As you see in the closeups below, some have a belly band closure and some do not.  Those that do not have a Velcro closure.   

 

I found that they fit quite nicely in one of the drawers from my 'three drawer cases' that I use to house most of my papers and stamps.

This way, they can see they all and thumb through to find the designs that best suit their needs.

While my daughter was putting these cute little nugget boxes together, I was working on another project that is always a hit at the craft shows ... Tissue Box Covers.  

This year I'm trying to come up with some different themes that I hope will 'hit the mark'.  You just never know what folks are looking for at these shows so I'm trying to have a variety.  What do you think?  

I also have boxes cut (not finished yet) for these themes:  Musical, Dogs, Cats, Monkeys, Horses, More Breast Cancer Awareness

If there are other themes that you think would be good, please leave me a comment!  OH ... and I already have some made for Baby & Christmas.  Please let me know what you think ... I'm sure I'm forgetting something!

Well, I'd better get back to completing these tissue cover boxes and I'm also working on the cute (new to me) Kleenex Travel Tissue covers that I spotted over on Patricia St. Martin's (Rubber Stamping Is My Game) blog. 

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you have a FABULOUS weekend!

As Always ...

A.R.T. #16 - Anything Goes Challenge

Happy Thursday dear friends!

It's time for another fun challenge at the

 A.R.T. (A Random Thursday) Challenge Blog.

 Today's Theme is one of my favorite . . .

ANYTHING GOES

As I commented on our last challenge, I'm in desperate need of masculine cards in my 'birthday' collection for the upcoming Fall season craft shows.  So ... again, today I'm taking advantage of our theme and have created another Masculine Birthday card.  Hope you like it!

I have really kept this card EASY PEASY with simply sponging 3 colors of Tim Holtz distress ink across a white piece of cardstock then stamping my Stampscape images to create this calming scene.    I restamped the focus image on the inside of the card using SU River Rock ink and positioned my sentiment and birds over top.  

What guy (or girl for that matter) wouldn't like to spend his (or her) birthday in a quiet forest, in a cabin (fully furnished and comfy of course!) on a beautiful calm lake!?!  Aahhh, I feel more relaxed already!

ANYWAYS ... where was I??  Oh yea!  I'm looking forward to having you join in our challenge fun and by all means, if you need more inspiration, be sure to check out the amazing creations by my team mates!!  What a talented group of ladies!!!

A few additional challenges:
The Male Room Challenge #5 - Animal/Bird/Fish (must be masculine)
Paper Pretties - No Design Paper
Rhedd and Rosie Challenge - Something for the Men 
Whimsy Stamps September Challenge - Masculine
 

Thanks SO MUCH for all your support and for just taking the time to stop by!  I so appreciate it!!

As always and until next time . . .

Recipe:

Paper:  white cs, black cs

Inks:   Versafine Onyx, Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Tattered Rose, Iced Spruce, Evergreen, Tea Dye, SU River Rock (inside)

Stamps:  Stampscapes - Lakeside Cabin (147F), Cattails Lg (017D), Crooked Limb (097E), Ducks in Formation (027A), Gulls (302A - inside)

Sentiment stamps:  Endless Creations, Impression Obsession

Accessories:  Large Sponge Daubers

The Sisterhood of Crafters Challenge

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Are you ready for another fun challenge at The Sisterhood of Crafters??  Well, I'm your host today and I hope you'll stop over and join in the fun!!

Today's challenge is:

TAG YOU'RE IT!!

I first thought of simply creating a TAG ... which I really don't do a lot of, but then of course I resorted back to creating a card ... with a tag on it!!  

(Cards seem to sell better than tags do at my craft shows ... go figure!)

So here's what I came up with . . .

I just love this design paper from The Paper Studio 'Kirby Teesdale Studio' pack.  It's so pretty that it really doesn't need much added to create a breath taking card.

Here I've simply sponged the outside edges of a premade Paper Reflections tag using the direct ink to paper technique with VersaColor 'Heliotrope' ink spot and stamped my Serendipity sentiment on the front with Versafine Onyx ink.


The satin ribbon is from Offray (purchased at either Jo-Ann or Michaels) and my beautiful butterfly is from the Cheery Lynn Designs DL113 Exotic Butterfly Small die set.

 

Of course, I'm playing with my Envelope Punch Board again and created a matching envelope out of lavender paper and lined the inside flap with the same design paper as the card.

What do you think??  

I've left it blank on the inside figuring it could be used for a variety of occasions.

A few additional challenges:

 4 Krafty Girlz Challenge #2 - Anything Goes

Crafty Ribbon Challenge - Anything Goes with Ribbon

DL.ART: September Linky Party - Anything Goes
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards - Anything Goes
Sister Act Card Challenge - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a FABULOUS day!

God Love Ya!

and as always . . .

Guest Designer ... YIPPEE!!

Morning!!

Earlier this month I was lucky enough to be chosen as the winner over at Delightful Challenges and they've also asked me to be their Guest Designer for today's challenge.

For my winner's prize I chose this lovely fall image called 'Sunflower Arrangement' as well as 'Leafy Fall Sentiment' stamp.  I did go into Word and modify the color on my sentiment stamp to reflect more of a 'fall' color versus black. That is one of the fun things about digi images ... besides of course you can make them whatever size your project needs.

I've used Spectrum Noir alcohol markers for my coloring and I just love how it came together.  How do you like that 'wonky' stitching (ssshhh ... I cheated ... I used a paper piercer and a coffee ZIG marker).

My background paper is OLD (DCWV I think) and doesn't that burlap look REAL???  Well, it's not ... it's paper and I got it at either JoAnn's or Michaels.   LOVE the added texture it gives this card.

I hope you'll come join in the challenge fun today!

Here are a few additional challenges!
Craftin Desert Diva's - Autumn/Fall Linky Party
Created with Love Challenge #59 - Fall Colors
Paper Makeup Stamps - Digi Makeover Challenge #107 - Anything Goes (use digi)
House of Gilli - Anything Goes Fall
Lexi's Creations - Fall Colors
Paper Nest Dolls Challenge - Happy Fall Ya'll
Creata Challenge - Color Inspiration

The Crazy Challenge - Color Inspiration

Dream Valley Challenge - Autumn
Great Impressions - Fall Colors


HAPPY FALL YA'LL . . .

Who's the Leader of the Club who's made for you & me . . .

Today I have another fun challenge to share with you and I hope you'll come join in the fun!  I've only been playing this challenge for a few weeks and I'm LOVIN' the inspiration I have found on this site!  Please ... be sure to pop over and check it out!

(OH!  And did I mention I won last week?  LOL!  happy..happy!)

This is the inspirational Magazine cover from this weeks challenge at

PaperCrafter's Corner Monday Magazine Challenge Week 24.

 

 OMG is this too cute or what!

Of course, being at the age I am, my first thought was to all those Mickey Mouse Club episodes my sisters and I used to watch.  I used to think I was pretty special way back then since one of the original Mouseketeers was DARLENE!! 

Anyways here's what I came up with for the challenge.  I'm in need of more tissue box covers for my upcoming craft shows so this fits that need as well as this fun challenge.

The 'mouseketeer' image on the front is called 'DISNEY FAN' from Sassy Studio Designs.  I've used Spectrum Noir alcohol markers for my coloring ... did some fussy cutting with my trusty Fiskars swivel craft knife and then added xPress It foam mounting tape to the upper portion so the lid would fit down over the box without covering the image.  Other than that, I've kept it pretty simple ... but really cute I think.

The Red Dots design paper is from Michaels - by Recollections.

The Mickey Mouse - Disney design paper is from JoAnn's  - by Sandy Lion.

I'll be back a little later to share this cute tissue box cover with a few other challenges.  But right now time is ticking and I really need to get outside and mow the lawn!  
 WELL, the lawn is mowed, birds are fed, almost time to make dinner but let's check out a few other challenges first:
Anything Goes Challenge - Out with the Girls (just like winning the Super Bowl - Let's Go To Disney!)
Bearly Mine - Anything Goes
Crafty Sentiments - Anything But a Card
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #239 - Build it with Dots
Party Time Tuesday #139 - Anything Goes
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Try It On Tuesday - Going Dotty
All Crafts Challenge - Anything Goes/Anything But A Card
Digi Make Over Challenge - Anything Goes
DL.ART: September Linky Party - Anything Goes
 

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today ... your kindness is certainly appreciated!!

I will leave you today with the Mickey Mouse Club Alma Mater.

I don't know about you, but I sang along with this song more times than I can count!

As always . . .

Something a little different . . .

Good Late Morning All!

Eeeks ... it's almost lunch time already!

I have something a little different to share with you this fine day!  I've recently discovered the adorable images called "My Besties" by Sherri Baldy and have been having fun coloring/creating and playing along in some of the challenges they have.  These images can be purchased through Scrapbook Stamp Society.

There are three challenge sites that I am aware of.  

Here's a list and what the current challenge requires.

1.  Besties Challenge - Use Lavendar

2.  My Besties Aussie Challenge - Anything But A Card

3.  My Besties UK Challenge - Orange, Yellow, Brown

Today I'm joining in on 2 of the 3 challenges ... Use Lavendar and Anything But a Card.

I've had a few of these foam door hangers that I purchased at Michaels several years ago from their bargain bin ... hanging on my peg board just waiting for me to do 'something' with them.  Well, today's the day!  I thought this cutie called "LUV U" would make an adorable  door hanger for a little girls room and, I even have a little girl in mind to give it to. 

Recipe:

Papers:  Doodlebug Designs 'Petite Prints'

Accessories:  Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, MS 'Monarch Butterfly' punch, Stickabilities letters, Studio18 Rhinestones

A few other challenges:
All Crafts Challenge - Anything Goes/Anything But A Card
Artistic Inspiration #60 - Anything Goes/Bright Colors
The Cheerful Stamp Pad #69 - I Love Your HAT!
The Crafty Bloggers Network September Challenge - Things with Wings
Digi Make Over Challenge - Anything Goes
Stamp with Fun - Decoration
Party Time Tuesday #139 - Anything Goes 

I've kept it pretty simple.  I might add more 'fluff' before I give it to this little gal ... but, unfortunately I have a full schedule today and must admit I just don't the time right now!  Sorry!!

With that being said I'd better quit playing around and get busy!!

As always . . .