I like to share with you ...

... what I've been up to the last few days.

I was visiting my sister at her hair salon the other day and was showing her a few of my projects. Including the box set of monogram cards I made for my sister-in-law (shared a few postings back). She loved them and ask if I'd make some for her to sell there at the shop. Here are the 3 sets I have ready and I have 3 more sets cut out and ready to put together. I'm trying to use the letters that I think would be most useful for either a first or last name.

She also commented that she thought Easter cards would be well received by her customers. They like something "unique" ... and would I make some up for her. So that evening I pulled out the few Easter stamps I have and stamped off a few images. This image is by Paper Inspirations and I decided to use this same image but color and mount it 3 different ways. (click for larger view)

Today I had a couple of hours to sit at the hospital while DH was having another bone marrow aspiration (OUCH!) so I decided to take along my inking nibs, various SU inks and a couple other images which I've also stamped off onto white glossy paper using India Ink Black. I figured I'd use the time to get them colored in, since that is the time consuming part anyways, then this afternoon/evening I put together these cards. What do you think??

The little duckie image is by Great Impressions and the egg & flowers image is by Northwood Rubber Stamps. I've used colored vellum on both duckie cards as well as the purple background egg card. Do you think they are TOO BRIGHT??? I'm thinking I'd best make a few cards that are done with pastels. Either way ... this is what I've been up to the past few days. Thanks so much for stopping by and don't forget to come back tomorrow when I'll share my creation for Sharon Johnson's "Stamp Simply Challenge".

Update on DH: As I mentioned, today he had a bone marrow aspiration as well as 8 tubes of blood drawn ... then on Monday, he's scheduled for a pulmonary function test & echo cardiogram ... and sometime this week, chest x-rays. These are all preliminary tests prior to the stem cell harvesting process (which isn't scheduled yet). I must tell you, Mark hasn't yet decided if he wants to go through with the stem cell transplant. The risks involved have him giving this some serious thought before giving the final okay!! Again I ask you, my friends, to pray that the Lord will guide him in this decision.

Color Throwdown #30

Well, I'm back and STILL complaining!!!

WOW ... THIS WAS HARD!!! Yes folks, I do have my days and evidentally today is one of them!!! Maybe it's the YUCKY weather outside ... I need more sunshine & Vitamin D!! Enough of the gloom & doom winter crap! OK ... I'm done now!! On to my card ...

LeAnne Pugliese picked today's colors for the Color Throwdown Challenge and even though I think I ended up with a pretty cool card ... it took me FOREVER!!! Thanks LeAnne ... Today's colors are Tangerine Tango, Brilliant Blue & Ballet Blue. After getting the card all together I wasn't happy with using the Tangerine Tango as my card base so I cut it in half ... stamped a larger card with a Hero Arts flourishes stamp and used that as my base. I'm happier now!!! LOL!! My main image is by Impression Obsession. I've stamped it using Versafine Black and then clear embossed it. I colored in the ribbon using an American Crafts copper glitter pen. My ribbons both came from Michael's and the brads are from Making Memories. I used dimensional tape in between my Nestabilities Label panels in order to ran the ribbons through.

Well, that's probably it for today! I think I need to get some housework & laundry done!! Thanks so much for stopping by ... please come back!! What ever you do today ... try to make it a happy day!!!

SCS Sketch Challenge #216

Either today's challenges are REALLY tough or I'm just having an OFF day ... don't know which!! Either way, I've had a really difficult time this morning getting my mojo flowing and my cards completed. Oh well ... here we go!

This is the card for today's Sketch Challenge over on SCS. Even though it gave me a little trouble, I'm happy with the outcome. I just love the "Fruit Stand" set by Stampin' Up and I don't use it nearly enough. I also love the "Wine Lover's" set by Crafty Secrets so today I decided to put them together and this is what I came up with.

Papers used are: Whisper White, Garden Green, Grape cs, Creative Imaginations dp and BoBunny dp. My coloring is all done with SU watercolor pencils and blender pen. I used my trusty Swivel Craft Knife to cut out the wine bottle image and popped it up using dimensional tape.

Those who know me best know I have a hard time with "white space" or in this case ... purple. So using yet another image from the Crafty Secrets "Wine Lover's" set, I stamped the grape cluster at the top center using Versafine Black. So ... what do you think??

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!!

Feeling Yucky Ducky

Here is my card for today's Crafty Secrets challenge over on the SCS forum. PammyJo is our hostess this week and she's challenged us to use BRIGHT COLORS and WHITE.

This little guy is in one of Crafty Secrets new releases called "Feeling Yucky". There are something like 21 stamps on this set and you can do so much with them!! My background paper is also Crafty Secrets ... from their Pastels paper pack. I've used SU watercolor pencils and blender pen for my coloring ... once dry, I went over the colors a second time to make them brighter. The buttons are from a bucket of buttons that I purchased from a store that was moving their business for $2.50 for the whole bucket. I used gold cording for the button centers. A pretty easy card to make and quite fun!! This would also make for a cute kids birthday card or even an Easter card! Hope you like it!

Thanks for stopping by ... I'm so glad you did!!

New Header ...

Well I finally broke down and got a NEW blog header. SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK??? Someone commented that it was "more ME" ... I'd tend to agree. Hope you like it. I was bored over the weekend so I got online and did a little "shopping" ... this was one of my purchases. Thanks for looking & commenting!!

Papercraft Planet CS Challenge w/RAK

I am hosting a challenge over on Papercraft Planet in the Crafty Secrets Group starting tomorrow (2/16/09) and it will run through the end of the month (2/28/09). You can also find the challenge details listed on the EVENTS tab of PCP and it will also be highlighted on the Homepage Newsletter on Monday (2/16).


If you haven't checkout Papercraft Planet ... you really should take a look. Tons of fun Groups to join, Color Challenges, Sketch Challenges, tutorials, product sales ads ... and the list goes on!!! I'll make it easy for you to check out ... just click HERE to see the mainpage and then you can "go from there".


The theme for this challenge is SPRINGTIME! Sandy Redburn (owner of Crafty Secrets) is offering up some awesome products for the RAK. We're talking goodies like Clear Art Stamps, Image Booklets ... WOW, how generous is that!!! The only stipulation is that you MUST use Crafty Secrets/Heartwarming Vintage/Clear Art Stamps somewhere on your SPRINGTIME card or project and when uploading to your PCP photo gallery, use HVCS021609 as your TAG. I'm anxious to see all the entries!!

On my sample card, I have used designer paper from two Crafty Secrets Paper Packs ... EARTHY and RADIANT. My main image is from the Crafty Secrets Homespun Cotton Scraps. These images are actually printed onto cotton fabric and are so cool to work with!! The cardstock I've used today are SU Gable Green, Garden Green and Whisper White. My sentiment is from Close to my Heart. The embellishments I've used are dew drops, rafia, Offray grosgrain ribbon, flower antique button, sewing machine stitching and Nestabilities.

Thanks for stopping by today. Please check out the challenge & the new Papercraft Planet. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!!

Featured Stamper #106

Today's Featured Stamper Challenge over on SCS is honoring Julie M Lacey. Click HERE to check out Julie's gallery ... loaded with beautiful work you'll enjoy seeing. Today, I chose THIS card of Julie's to case.

I don't use my SU Top Note Die nearly enough so when I saw Julie's card using it, I knew immediately that was the card for me to case. Also, I've been wanting to ink up this adorable new small set called "Bouquet of Joy" just released by Crafty Secrets ... isn't it cute!! Using white cardstock, I first cut my main panel using the Top Note die. I then stamped my image with India Ink Black and colored in using SU watercolor pencils & blender pen. I've used 2 Martha Stewart punch butterflies (1 pink/1purple) then layered them ... drew on the antenna's and trail marks with a Creative Memories fine tip blk marker. My background papers are Not Quite Navy cs, Wild Wasabi cs and Basic Grey (Boxer) designer paper. The ribbon is SU double stitched grosgrain. I also used dimensional tape to pop up my main image.

Thanks so much for stopping by ... hope you are having a great weekend!!!

OCC - Sketch Challenge

Here is the card I made for this weekend's challenge over on Our Creative Corner. It's a sketch challenge and you know how much I LOVE sketch challenges!!! (click on image for larger view)

The base card is 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 in size and I've cut my card from a 12x12 sheet from the DCWV Luxury pack. The other papers I've used are SU Chocolate Chip, Ivory cardstock and my floral designer paper is from the Basic Grey Sugared 6x6 pack. I've used my new Martha Stewart border punch for the ivory panels. For the hearts I used the yellow sized Marvy heart punch and punched them from Pixie Pink & Pink Pirouette paper. I've used mauve Stickles to add a little sparkle. My main image is by Stampabilities and the sentiment comes from the new Crafty Secrets set "Bouquet of Joy".

Here is how the shadowing around the main image is achieved: Stamp your image, die cut it with Nesabilities and BEFORE removing the image from the stencil, sponge out around with your color matching ink. When you remove the stencil, you have this nice little edge and the sponging really brings focus to your image. A little trick I learned from one of my favorite stampers ... Sharon Johnson (notimetostamp).

Thanks for stopping by ... please come back! Have a great day!!

Giving a Project Tutorial a try ...

Hello my friends! Please bare with me as I try to explain (in tutorial form) how to make this awesome Stationary Set that my friend, Lana Edwards shared with me and let me copy. Here is Lana's set in closed form (isn't it cool) now I'll try to step you through the directions to make your very own and I'll show you my "finished project" at the end of this post.


This Stationary Set is made from a rectangular placemat purchased at WalMart. I purchase the exact same mat as Lana has here but I also purchased a few others with are 2-sided and a little bit longer to make my sample + additional gifts. Lana's style mat is by Home Trends, sells for $1.00 and measures 19 x 13 1/4. The placement I used is a little more expensive ($3.00), double sided, by Better Homes & Gardens and measures 19 1/2 x 13 1/4.


The items you will need for this Stationary Set are:
1. placemat
2. sewing machine
3. ruler
4. seamstress chalk or other means of marking
5. straight pins
6. ribbon
7. scissors
8. paper, envelopes & pen

Step 1: Lay your placemat flat then turn the bottom upward 3-1/2" and pin to hold in place. Matching seams on left & right sides, sew closed running your stitch down the existing stitch line.

Step 2: Coming in 6" from each side, place a "mark" then stitch at the mark. From the RIGHT side, stitch another line at 6-3/4" (this will give you a slot for a narrow pen).


Step 3: Turn your mat over and fold each side top portion in from the side and "tack" in the corner to hold the flap in place.

Step 4: Add ribbon for closure by cutting 2 strips 8-10" long. Stitch one tie on the "INSIDE" seam of the left side and then stitch the second tie to the "OUTSIDE" seam of the right side at the 6" stitch line.

Step 5: You can make you own stationary by cutting 8 1/2 x 11 paper in half, border punching one end and adding a small stamped figure to the left or right side. Also add the same image to the back flap of your envelopes.


Step 6: To complete your project, you can add a charm, flower or whatever you wish to decorate the front closed flap. Here I have used a metal butterfly charm (purchased in the beading dept. of JoAnn's) to tie in with the butterfly theme on the stationary. It's adhered with a brad.



I hope you like this little project and could understand my tutorial well enough to try it yourself. If you find I have made a mistake in the directions, PLEASE contact me so I can edit this post and not confuse anyone.


Thanks so much for stopping by today and thanks so much to my friend LANA for letting me share this great idea. Please stop back again.

Stamp Simply #74 - Monograms

Happy Friday the 13th Everyone!!!

Today's Stamp Simply Challenge over on Sharon Johnson's notimetostamp blog is to use MONOGRAMS. Either on a card, scrapbook page, 3d project ... whatever you choose. Since my sister's in law both have birthdays coming up, I thought I get a jump on things and make them each a boxed set of notecards. Since neither Mark or I know what their middle names are, I chose to just go with the last name initial ... obviously that will be "P" for Pavlick.

I recently saw this box & notecard set posted on Kay Squires blog and asked her if she minded me "casing" them ... we had a good chuckle when she said she had originally cased them herself from none other than Sharon Johnson ... Imagine that!!

A short while back I purchased this awesome BoBunny paper from my friend Tammy Hershberger at Toyrifix and thought since it was 2 sided, it would be perfect for this project. The two sheets of 12x12 made the box and 8 cards. I know my photo only shows 6 cards but I went back and used the little scraps I had left and made 2 more ... couldn't bear to waste the little that was left. I've used the JustRite Special Occasion Monogram kit for my monogramming and the image on the front of the box is by Outlines Rubber Stamps. The bottom border on the cards are both Martha Stewart border punches.

A quick & easy set that I'm sure my sister-in-law will enjoy. Guess I'll have to pay Tammy a visit and pick out the paper for the other set ... and see what else I NEED while I'm there! LOL!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to pop back later today when I'll be posting my FIRST TIME EVER TUTORIAL. It's a really fun project that you won't want to miss. See you then!!

SCS Sketch Challenge #215

Today's SCS Sketch Challenge is a pretty basic layout that you could certainly do a lot with, should you choose to. In looking through my scrap designer papers, I discovered I had several within the same color palette so I decided to "work with that".

My main heart image is by Stampa Rosa and the little pattern heart stamp is by Magenta. My striped dp is by DCWV and the other two are by Sandylion. After laying it out I didn't like the white background (just didn't have any "punch") so I used a teal Creative Memories fine tip marker and did faux stitching around each panel. (Now, you explain to me why I did FAUX stitching when I have not 1 but 2 sewing machines set up right across from me ... what's up with that?? Too lazy to get out of one chair and into another I guess, LOL!!) Anyways ... back to the card ... I stamped the heart image using Versafine black and embossed it with detail clear embossing powder. I also stamped the image onto a scrap piece of the blue checked dp and cut out the flower which I popped up for dimension. The leaves were colored with SU watercolor pencils and the ribbon with a red Spica glitter pen. My solid blue panel is actually a wide strip of satin ribbon from one of those $1.99 variety packs at Hobby Lobby. Why not ... have to use it on something!!

This was a fun, easy sketch and certainly one I'll use again. Thanks so much for stopping by. That's my last post for today ... I really need to spend some time commenting on other blogs!

Color Throwdown #29

For today's Color Throwdown Challenge, I've created a very simple card and I'm very happy with how it looks.

Looking through my "floral based" designer paper I stumbled across this 12x12 sheet of Colorbok Dogwood paper that is inspired by Thomas Kinkade AND it contained ALL the colors for today's challenge. The image is beautiful, but I just had to cut into it and take the portion I wanted for today's card. The only other steps to this card were to stamp my sentiment in Versafine black which was clear embossed, double mounted it with the appropriate colors and upon each new layer I distressed the edges and punched a hole to tied a bow. That's it!!

Thanks for stopping by today ... please come back later when I'll have my card for today's SCS sketch challenge. That's always fun too!! Happy Stamping!!

Crafty Secrets Challenge - SHOW US YOUR LOVE

Today is MY day to host the Crafty Secrets challenge over on SCS and I have TWO cards to share with you. Last week LoriLynn brought to our attention that we've been hosting these challenges for a year and had us doing birthday/anniversary cards. Along those lines, I decided to go back through the challenge archives and sent out a "special invitation" to all those who have played this challenge in the past but haven't popped back in for one reason or another. Unfortunately only half of the ladies have read my message but I have received responses from several of the others and am looking forward to their participation!!

My challenge today is "SHOW US YOUR LOVE". This is totally open to your interpretation! It could mean showing love to your sweetie with a Valentine's Day card ... using a Crafty Secrets stamp set that you just LOVE ... maybe incorporating some chocolate into your creation ... or maybe a "Just Because" card for the sole purpose of putting a smile on a friend's face who is having a rough time. I always LOVE being able to do that!!! The choice is yours - just have fun with any of the awesome Crafty Secrets products you may possess!!

As you can see, my cards today spotlight my LOVE for Vintage Design! Several years ago I found that I truly enjoy anything from "yester-year". Love vintage photos, dresses, jewelry, decorating ... just love it all. Of course, I'm sure you've kind of noticed that about me if you've been following my blog. I guess that's one reason I enjoy Crafty Secrets so much!

My first card utilizes designer paper from the Crafty Secrets Pastel paper pack, the "Saying our Prayers" image and "Hear My Dollies Prayer" sentiment from the Little Dolls booklet. I have also used the Crafty Secrets Flourishes and stamped directly onto the designer paper. The foreground image is from the Internet and I've used a Nestabilities negative to showcase this sweet little girl. The stars are punched using a Creative Memories star punch ... sticker pearl centers are by Mark Richards and the little gold touches are Stampendous Diamond Dots. The lace I actually purchased in the sewing department of JoAnn's ... the manufacturer is Wright. My "Amen" sentiment was created using clear alphabet stickers.

My second card not only spotlights my love for vintage ... but my LOVE for my GIRLFRIENDS! I don't know where I'd be today without them!!! This image comes from the Crafty Secrets Girlfriend booklet and the background designer paper is from Crafty Secrets Earthy paper pack. The dp was mounted onto SU pink pirouette paper which was mounted onto an A-6 premade white card from Michael's. I've used a gold Pilot marker to edge each panel to give the illusion of matting without the bulk. Two ribbons were used on this card. First pink Offray grosgrain was placed horizontally ... then mauve Darice ribbon was positioned and tied vertically. The pearl accented flower if by Offray was purchased at JoAnn's and the gold thread is left over from the holidays and came from Michael's. My Girl Friend sentiment is from the Crafty Secrets Sew Special set and was embossed with gold sparkle embossing powder.

(Feel free to click on any image on my blog for a more DETAILED VIEW! )

Do you have any Crafty Secrets products in your stash?? Why not come play the challenge ... it's a lot of fun and we enjoy being able to inspire each other. Today's challenge is WIDE OPEN to interpretation ... pretty much anything would fit!! You have a full week before the next challenge is posted ... we would love to see you join in!! Thanks for stopping by!

CCEE Stampers Challenge & one silly card ...

First for the silly card!

My nephew, Kevin, just celebrated his birthday yesterday and the card I made for him was at the request of his Uncle Mark. (Kevin is my nephew through marriage). Needless to say, Mark knows Kevin pretty well and they both have an, how should I put it, ODD sense of humor!! Keeping in mind when you look at this card, Kevin is "not a child" (physically anyways) he's in his 30's but is certainly a KID at heart!!

This monkey was made using various SU punches ... isn't he cute!! I actually was shown how to make him at a "get-together" recently for another card. Mark liked it so well he wanted me to make a card with him for Kevin ... PROBLEM ... I don't have all the necessary punches ... PLAN "B" ... I took the monkey off the original card and reused him here! The background was made using glossy white paper, Kaleidocolor inks & a brayer. Really "makes him shine" don't you think!! Either way, I just received an email from Kevin ... he LOVED the monkey card so I know it's safe to post this now!!

----

Now for my CCEE Stampers Challenge card. Today is a color challenge using PINK, WHITE & KRAFT. I rarely use kraft because I just don't like it ... to be quite honest! But after today, I might be willing to give it another try. I'm actually quite happy with the outcome of this card.

I inked up the negative side of the Cuttlebug Stylized Flowers embossing folder before running it through onto very vanilla cs. Love this affect!! Then matted it using the Kraft cs. My sentiment is by Wordworth and I've used my Nestabilities - Label One for the panels. I was going to go the next size up for the Kraft mat but decided that wasn't the look I wanted so I used the same size die for both the Pink & Kraft then cut the Kraft in half and layered over the Pink panel. Did a little paper piercing ... little dimensional tape for dimension and now THAT was the look I was after!! The organza ribbon is by May Arts ... the gingham is SU. The birds are from one of the Martha Stewart bird punches. Ta Dah ... complete!! What do you think??

DID YOU HEAR?? Mark is CANCER-FREE!! Still have to go through the stem cell transplant process but this is the first time in nearly a year that he's been "clean" ... we're excited!!

Technique Challenge

Today I thought I'd check out the Try a New Technique challenge over on SCS. Today's technique was to Cut It Out. You could create a border or other page element by just cutting out part of an embossed design, patterned paper, or a stamped image, and use it as a part of your card.


I decided to use my Cuttlebug Stylized Flowers embossing folder and cut them out to use in my design. My base card is pink pirouette and I've covered it with a piece of Anna Griffin designer paper. After running my vanilla cs through the Cuttlebug, I used pixie pink & garden green ink spots to color over the raised images. Then, with my trusty swivel craft knife, I cut out the embossed flower images and adhered them atop my designer paper.


Isn't this vintage image awesome!! I found it HERE and plan to use it again to enter the challenge on this blog. When I originally printed this image, my printer messed up and misprinted a portion of it ... so instead of tossing it in the trash, I chose to use it for today's card. The matting for my image is a scrap Nestabilities cut and the ribbon is I believe from May Arts (purchased at Toyrifix ... Hi Tammy!). To add a little sparkle, I used Stampendous Diamond Dots on the corners & ribbon center. My sentiment is by The Stamp Pad Co.


Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by my blog today ... please do come back again!!

!!!!!! GOOD NEWS !!!!!!

Our appointment at the Oncologist today resulted in hearing that at the present time, Mark is in remission ... cancer free! Yippee!! Unfortunately, that doesn't mean we are finished with the cancer journey. It simply means that now the Cleveland Clinic can get moving on harvesting his stem cells in preparation for the upcoming Stem Cell Transplant. At least, this is the FIRST TEST that has come back TOTALLY clear!! We were beginning to wonder if that was ever going to happen. I will keep you informed of the upcoming venture as best as I can (don't know if I'll have internet access available to me in Cleveland). Either way, PLEASE continue to keep Mark in your prayers as this next step from what I've heard is a tough one!! Thanks SO MUCH to you all for your kind thoughts & prayers ... God Love Ya!!!

Papercraft Planet Sketch Challenge

What a cool sketch over on the Papercraft Planet. You can find the details HERE. I needed a birthday card for an online friend whose birthday I totally missed last week. Well in all fairness, I really didn't know she was celebrating a birthday until I saw another crafter's post of a card she had made for Dawn (flowergal36). HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY DAWN!!!

This was a really fun sketch and since I just purchase two new Martha Stewart border punches, of course I had to utilize one on this card. The background paper is from the DCWV Old World pack and the bird image is by Inkadinkado. The vertical sentiment is by Magenta. Sorry about the brads being crooked ... they were an afterthought to tie in with the bluebird.

That's it for now ... thanks for stopping by!! Update: We have an appointment with the Oncologist later this morning to hear the results of last week's Pet Scan. Unfortunately I don't feel too optomistic ... but we'll wait to see what the doctor says!

Featured Stamper Challenge

Happy Day Everyone!!!

Just wanted to share my card for today's Featured Stamper Challenge over on SCS. Today we are honoring K Dunbrook. Karen's gallery is packed with wonderful inspiration. THIS is Karen's card that inspired me today.

I chose to use "soft" colors today ... pink pirouette and pale plum. This Basic Grey Euphoria designer paper worked perfectly after I sponged the edges with perfect plum ink. I really like the affect of the main image panel and I never think to use this technique often enough! I stamped and embossed the image in perfect plum first then stamped again using the pink pirouette. My sentiment is from the Crafty Secrets (glamour girls) set and after sponging around the edge with pink pirouette, I used one of my piercing templates for the corner design.

Other details are the use of SU slit punch for the corner cuts on the dp, Colorbok metal dots in the corners, Hobby Lobby black organza ribbon and I used a Creative Memories round tip black marker to edge the pink pirouette panel to give the illusion of matting.

Hope you are having a wonderful, restful day and enjoyed my card. Isn't it wonderful to be creatively inspired by others ... I know that's what keeps my mojo going!! Thanks for stopping by and please come back!

Time to Share the SURPRISE ...

From the beginning ...

the other day my friend, Anita Kurtz, emailed me and asked if I would be "up to a visit" on Thursday evening since she had some shopping to do in my area. Of course I said YES ... always LOVE when friends come to visit! Well she called when she "got in the area" and as she came up the sidewalk I noticed she wasn't alone ... my friend Tammy Hershberger was with her and they were "baring gifts!" I thought "now what are these two up to???" Joyfully I learned that the STAMP SIMPLY ladies were talking and decided to all go together and with the local help of Anita & Tammy ... put together this AWESOME goodie basket as well has hand-made cards from each of the ladies!



Needless to say, my jaw hit the floor and I got so excited!!! I still can't believe these ladies would take the time out of their busy lives (and the expense) to do something like this for Mark & I ... WOW, that just blows my mind!!!


We went into the livingroom where my husband, Mark was to share in opening these beautiful cards and fun gifts! He too was very impressed and overwhelmed with this generous gesture! The beautiful basket was filled with Movie Going Goodies ... you know ... M&Ms, Whoppers, Junior Mints, Raisinets, Starburst, HUGE bag of Twizzlers, and even Werther's Originals ... HOW COOL IS THAT!!! Oh, and it doesn't stop there!!! Since Mark isn't up to going out to the movies these days ... they even got us a gift card for Blockbuster! Now we can have our movie & movie goodies right in our own comfy livingroom!! Since Mark bought himself a new 58" HD Plasma TV when he was diagnosed, figuring he'd be "in the house" a lot ... it will actually feel like we're at the theatre!!! There is also a gift card for Panera Bread in case we need real food like soup & sandwich to go with our Movie Goodies!! Ooops wait ... I forgot to add it to the photo ... Anita walked in with a huge box of Orville Redenbacher's popcorn too! What's Movie Night without popcorn?????? (These ladies thought of everything!!)


WAIT ... there's more!!! (can you imagine!!! ... more!!!) It's a treat JUST FOR ME!! They have spoiled me with 4 - 1 hour sessions at the Kimz Kare Relaxation Massage! OH MY GOODNESS ... pinch me because I think I'm dreaming!! (hang on while I wipe away the tears) ...





Here are the cards these wonderfully talented ladies sent to Tammy to include in our surprise! I was overwhelmed with each & every one of them as was Mark!! I was having a terrible time reading the messages inside (Anita & Tammy thought it was just my "old eyes ... maybe need new glasses") but actually I was having trouble fighting back the tears that kept welling up and causing "blurred vision". Aren't they gorgeous????










Mind you, I've never met any of these ladies in person (which I hope to do someday) but I consider them all "my friends"!!! How do I possibly express to these lovely ladies how touched I am by their kindness other than to just say "Thank YOU and I LOVE you all!!!"

Stamp Simply Challenge - LET'S GET NEGATIVE

Happy Friday everyone!!! The end of another week and it's time for Sharon Johnson's Stamp Simply Challenge. Today she has challenged us to Go Negative ... with negative images that is!!!

I must admit, I was a little confused on what to do here so on my first card I used what I felt to be a "negative image" but wasn't sure so I also used the NEGATIVE portion of a Nestabilities diecut from a previous project to showcase my sentiment. My hibiscus image is by Penny Black and after embossing, I cut it out with my Nestabilities and sponged the image before removing it from the die (a little trick I learned from our wonderful host, Sharon). The background paper is by graphic 45 and I'd love to tell you who this sentiment is by but I can read the markings on the side of the stamp ... I'll have to get back to you on that!!

After making my first card, I thought .... is this what Sharon is talking about??? And after some thought, I decided to do a card THIS way ... using a regular image, I inked it with Ranger Perfect Medium ... embossed with detail clear then sponged around the image with Ranger Antique Linen & Vintage Photo distress inks. I thought this gave the image a (reverse) NEGATIVE appearance.

The background paper on this card is also by graphic 45 (love these papers) and I've used my Nestabilities Label Two diecuts for my main image. I also done some faux stitching and paper piercing on this main panel. The sentiment stamp is by Inkadinkado and I've also sponged it with Ranger distress inks to give it a more vintage appeal. The piece of lace behind my main panel is actually accru seam binding which I've inked over with Ranger Vintage Photo distress ink . The gold thread used on my main image and on the right side of the lace is left over from the holiday's and was purchased at Michael's. I used Martha Stewart pearls on the centers of the clock faces to add a little more dimension.

Okay, so there you have it ... my attempt at GETTING NEGATIVE. (Did I even come close Sharon???? LOL) Be sure to check out Sharon's GORGEOUS card as well as her design team ladies samples ... they are amazing!!!

Please stop back later when I want to share with you the BIG SURPRISE Mark & I received last evening ... you won't want to miss it!!

Sketch Challenge at Papercraft Planet

The Papercraft Planet has certainly grown in leaps & bounds since it's beginning and have so many wonderful groups and challenges available. If you haven't been there ... you really should check it out!! Unfortunately I have been somewhat negligent of the challenges which I SO LOVE to play until today ...

Here is my card for the sketch challenge (sk013109). In my haste, I didn't really catch on to the fact that this was a "double" challenge offer.


The wording went like this:
Using this week's sketch challenge you can be eligible to win Melanie Muenchinger's beautiful stamp set Hand in Hand. All you have to do to enter is use the below sketch with the theme from the movie pick from the Cinema Saturday Creative Challenge blog, where this week we are featuring the movie: The Princess Bride.


Of course, you could just play it as the "sketch" challenge!! Whew ... !! Here are a few details about the card. The butterfly image is by Northwood and the sentiments are by Serendipity. I colored in the image using SU watercolor pencils and blender pen then proceeded to cutting their shape using my Nestabilities circle and scallop circle diecuts.

My sentiment circle was created by stamping and embossing the words ... cutting the shape with a smaller Nestabilities circle THEN ... before removing it from the die, I sponged around it with pink pirouette ink. When removed from the die, it left a nice white border which I then matted using pink pirouette cardstock and the next size up Nestie. A little trick I learned from my your friend and mine ... Sharon Johnson.

The base card is A-6 size premade purchased at Michaels ... background paper is by Paper Pizazz ... Offray ribbon ... Prima flowers and metal butterfly charm by Embellish-It.

Hope you enjoyed my card ... there are other challenges awaiting my creativity so I'd best get busy!!! LOL!! Have a wonderful day my friends!

Why are GUY cards so difficult ...

A long time friend (and ex-boss of DH) who for several years now, lives in Florida with his lovely wife ... was originally from Maine. Mark mentioned today that he has an upcoming birthday and would I make him a card. Well of course I ALWAYS welcome an opportunity to "make a card" so I got right on it! I actually think his birthday is on the 12th but I'm going to drop it in the mail tomorrow ... better early than late, right!!

Knowing this gentleman loves the ocean, ships and that sort of thing ... I thought this type of card would be appropriate. The image on the front of the card is Cape Lookout Lighthouse and the lighthouse on the inside is Marblehead here in Ohio. I have no doubt he will know exactly which lighthouses they are!

The front of the card consists of stamping the image onto glossy white cardstock with India Ink Black and matting with glossy black. Of course I've used my Long Rectangle Nesties for this main panel. The background panel was embossed with the Cuttlebug and matted in both red & blue cardstock to "tie in" with the "sea-going" ribbon. A pretty simple card but I'm sure he'll like it!!

I have another "guy" birthday card to share with you but it will have to wait because I'm afraid he might see it here before he receives it in the mail ... wouldn't want that to happen!!! Thanks so much for stopping by once again ... I ALWAYS love having you here and I hope that somewhere along the line you find some inspiration from my work. I know I draw SO MUCH inspiration from all of you!!! Happy Stamping ...

Love Those Challenges ....

As promised ... I'm back with cards for today's SCS Sketch Challenge and the Color Throwdown Blog Challenge.



First let's start with the Sketch Challenge #214 over on SCS (splitcoaststampers). With it only being about 10 degrees outside, I chose to do a card that would give me a more "warm" feeling. This lovely birdsnest image by Inkadinkado did the trick. I've stamped the image onto glossy white paper using India Ink Black then colored it in using my inking nibs and various SU inks. The turquoise background paper is by Making Memories and the other two panels were scraps I had in my drawer.


Don't you just LOVE those satin ribbons that are in all the stores ... it ties a bow so nicely!! I've added a little touch of gold holiday thread to my bow and Stampendous gold diamond dots in the corners. Just needed a little touch of "something"! I find myself liking to "cut images out", as I've done here and popping them up ... gives it a nice dimension ... don't you think!!


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Second card is for today's Color Throwdown Blog Challenge using Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip & Riding Hood Red. Looking through my drawer of "floral" designer papers I came across this beautiful 12x12 Daisy Bucket Designs dp. It was the perfect shade of chocolate chip ... so that was my starting point. The chocolate chip flower is from the Inkadinkado garden delight set which I've embossed using detail clear embossing powder. I then used my circle & scallop circle Nesties for the matting. My side borders were punched with a Martha Stewart punch and of course the butterflies are also Martha Stewart. I couldn't help but use this luscious SU Chocolate Chip satin ribbon ... (I'll be so sad with it's all gone!). From the same Inkadinkado set I've stamped a background image behind my sentiment using Pink Pirouette ink on Pink Pirouette paper. The "friends" stamp is by My Sentiments Exactly and was also embossed after stamping with Chocolate Chip SU ink. Oh yea, I popped a few Martha Stewart branches in & around my flower panel. They were just laying on my worktable begging to be utilized, LOL!!!


Well, there you have it! My two favorite Wednesday challenges are complete!! Now I just learned that I need two MALE birthday cards for tomorrow's mail ... guess I'd better get busy ... you know how difficult MALE cards can be sometimes!! I'll be sure to share them with you before popping them into the mail! Thanks so much for stopping by ... hope to see you again real soon!!

CCEE Challenge

Happy "Over the Hump" Day to you all!!!

Here is this week's CCEE Stampers Blog sketch challenge. This week's hostess is Tosh Leyendekker. If you are not familiar with Tosh's work ... you really MUST check out her blog HERE!! Tosh has offered up a nice basic sketch that you can really have fun with ... as they say, "you can dress it up or dress it down"!!

Here is my card which I chose to dress up a little just by using this lovely vintage designer paper by The Paper Studio. On the horizontal panel I used a scrap of another The Paper Studio dp which I had on my worktable ... only in a different pattern. Over this panel I used a piece of ivory satin ribbon from Hobby Lobby and on top of that, I used SU Purely Pomegranate double stitched grosgrain ribbon. The circle & scallop circles are both cut using my Nestabilities. The rose image if from an Inkadinkado clear set and the little sentiment Thank You is from Flourishes. It needed a little extra something so I added the butterflies which were made using my Martha Stewart butterfly punch.

Please stop back later when I hope to have my SCS sketch challenge and my Color Throwdown cards to share with you. Mark is working from home today. He went into the office yesterday but it was just too difficult since he can all of a sudden just be exhausted. This way, when he gets tired, he can rest for awhile and then go back to it later. Other than that, he's feeling pretty good ... just waiting to hear back from the Oncologist as to the test results from Monday. I will keep you posted.

Vintage Valentine Swap

I was graciously invited to join in on a "Vintage Valentine Postcard" swap by Denise (papercuties) over on Splitcoaststampers. These are the postcards I came up with for swap.

With being "postcards" vs. regular cards, you are limited on how many layers, embellishments, etc. that will be allowed by the Post Office (at least I think that to be the case). I have downloaded/printed these lovely vintage images from a website called www.vintagepostcards.com. I then used stickles and glitter pens to enhance the hearts. This should be fun ... I can't wait to see what the other ladies come up with. What do you think??

Crafty Secrets Challenge with a Technique Twist ...

Hi everyone ... one quick post before getting dinner started. Mark ventured into the office today and has stayed all day ... that's a good sign!!

Here is my card for today's Crafty Secrets Forum Challenge - CSSC54 over on SCS. LoriLynn was our hostess today and she reminded us that we had something to celebrate ... 4 or 5 of us ladies have been doing the weekly challenge over on this forum for a YEAR now!! Wow ... where has the time gone!! So, in honor of our milestone, we are CELEBRATING!

In Lori's words: Your challenge this week is an easy one~ make a birthday or anniversary card to celebrate this creative milestone.

I rarely do the Monday SCS challenge (Try a New Technique - TLC206) but after seeing some of the cards the ladies were making, I just had to check it out. This week's challenge was the Recessed Window technique. I didn't do it exactly right, but you get the gest!! I was actually inspired by THIS card made by TOY (Holly). In fact, as I was working on my card my mind "wondered" and I nearly cased Holly's card to a tee ... that's when I added the extra ribbon!!

Recipe for this card:

STAMPS: Crafty Secrets (Sweet Stuff & Glamour Girls)

PAPER: A-6 premade white card, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Basic Grey (sugared) dp

INK: Versafine black, Pink Pirouette

ACCESSORIES: Detail clear embossing powder, Nestabilities (Label One & Scallop Rectangles), Marvy (yelow) heart punch, Offray pink grosgrain ribbon, SU Watercolor pencils, SU blender pen, Michaels' gold holiday thread, Making Memories pink brads, dimensional tape, Martha Stewart doily lace border punch.

Thanks so much for stopping by and don't forget ... ALL COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED!! Have a great day all!!

FREE Vintage Valentine's Images

If you love vintage, you will love this WEBSITE. Lisa is very generous with her images each holiday and she offers free downloads. Each day she posts a new set of images to download. Here is an example of one of Lisa's downloads! Isn't it awesome!! Please go check it out ... you won't be sorry!!

Outline Sticker Card

Happy Tuesday Morning All!

I have a few challenge cards to work on today but I've had this card sitting on my desk and thought I'd share it with you. I have several of these "outline sticker" sheets in my craftroom that I don't use nearly enough. This particular image came from an Anita's Vintage Outline Sheet which I received from my friend, Linda Davis.

Here's the quick details on putting this card together. I carefully removed this vintage lady sticker from the sheet and adhered it to a piece of white cardstock. Using American Craft & Gelly Roll pens, I colored it in starting with the flowers on the dress & hat. Then using my long rectangle Nesties, I cut my main image & gold metallic mat. The background panel was cut, edged using a gold Pilot marker then run through the Cuttlebug using the Textile embossing folder. The gold metallic heart was punched using the "yellow" Marvy heart punch. The ribbon is organdy from JoAnn's and the sentiment was also cut using a Nesties (tag diecut), outlined using the gold Pilot marker and attached using a Making Memories gold brad.

Actually a pretty simple card but I love how it turned out. It's really much prettier in real life because it's so difficult to get a good photo without a reflection in the gold metallic paper. Oh well ... you get the jest!! Have a great day and stop back later when I should have a couple more cards to share with you!! Today is the SCS Crafty Secrets challenge ... I didn't figure out yesterday's helpful clues so I have to wait until the actual challenge is posted to start my card! See you back here later ... until then, have a WONDERFUL day!!

A Proper THANK-YOU!!

Before I post any more cards, I MUST acknowledge these lovely ladies who have so sweetly honored me with the following awards. Please accept my apology for being so delinquent in my acknowlegement!! I am truly thrilled that you think enough of my blog to pass this award on to me! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

First is the "One Lovely Blog Award" which I received from Marie Jokanovic (Marie/bat3) in Melbourne, Australia! Thanks so much Marie ... I'm so thrilled that you like my blog and come to visit!!! I am always so tickled to meet ladies from different parts of the world ... how wonderful is that!!! I will be back to nominate 7 other bloggers for this wonderful award!!

Next is the "Your Blog is Fabulous!" award from Lindsay Weirich. Lindsay is a VERY talented stamper whom I had the pleasure of sharing time on The Rubber Cafe design team with ... please check out her blog and be ready to be amazed!! This award requirements are to list 5 of MY obsessions, so here we go:

1. Stamping/Crafting 2. Chips & Dip 3. Working in my yard/flower gardens 4. Spoiling my grandkids and 5. Staying away from people who are negative in any way (this is my latest obsession)!

Last but not least ... I received this award from a great blogging friend Robin Woodward. She is a very caring blogger who always takes the time to comment on my blog. She has awesome vintage artwork that inspires me to "think outside the box". Please stop by her blog and see for yourself!! The rules behind this award are: I would like to pass this award on to the following wonderful people who are first and most importantly ... CARING bloggers who take time to comment on others work. Also they have fabulous blogs with excellent artwork themselves.

I will give this proper thought and be back to nominate those caring bloggers!! Of course, all of you who comment on my blog deserve this award! Even if you've only stopped by periodically ... at least you took the time to do that!! Thanks!

Featured Stamper Challenge

For today's Featured Stamper Challenge over on SCS, the honored guest is "BevR". What an awesome gallery this lady has. I heard it described as "fairy-tale" and I guess I would have to agree with that statement. Check it out ... if you like layers, bright colors and cute images ... you'll love BevR's gallery!!

THIS is Bev's card I chose to case. I changed up the theme, colors and image ... but kept her layout. The background papers are pieces from older SU holiday papers I had in my scraps drawer. The main image is Whiff of Joy, the teacup is from Close to my Heart and the background "let's talk" image & sentiment are from the SU Like It A Latte set.

If I'm going to do anymore stamping ... I'd better get on it! The SUPERBOWL begins in just a few hours and there will be NO stamping during the game (unless my team Pittsburgh Steelers start playing dumb ... then I'll probably hide in my craftroom). Either way ... have a great day everyone and thanks so much for stopping by!!

DH Update: Tomorrow morning is the PetCT scan which will determine the next steps to be taken on this cancer journey. As I posted before, if they find he's in remission at the moment ... they will move very quickly to begin the harvesting/stem cell transplant process ... if he is not, then they'll order another round of ICE chemo. I will keep you posted on our findings and ask that you continue to keep Mark in your prayers. This has been a tough week for him and I know he's really getting tired of feeling this way. Thanks so much for all your thoughts & prayers ... I don't know what we'd do without you!!

Our Creative Corner Challenge Card

Here's a card I made for the OCC challenge ... using 2 hearts or more.

I've had all of these awesome vintage images in my craftroom that I've just started finally putting to use. They make such beautiful vintage cards but I somehow feel like I'm cheating because I haven't done much stamping on the card.

Anyways, isn't she adorable!!! This image is from a Vintage Children CD that I purchased on Ebay from the CD Shack Media company. The flowers were white and I colored them in using my blender pen and SU Rose Romance ink ... the leaves were done with Old Olive. The base card is a pre-made A-6 white card from Michael's which I've covered using designer paper from The Paper Studio and edged using my Gold Pilot Marker. I used my new Label One Nesties to die cut my image and matting. The pink cs hearts were cut using the small (yellow) Marvy heart punch and strung together with gold elastic cording. A couple of gold Anita's Outline Stickers were used to accent the corners of my image. The only stamping on this card was done with a $1 Valentine set I purchased at Target.

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek ... it's always so good to hear from you all!!