WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY . . .

Thanks to all of you who sent GOOD THOUGHTS & WISHES for Morgan's Grad Party yesterday! 

 IT WAS WONDERFUL!!!

VERY hot & humid but the rains held off and everyone had a great time!  We were all working feverishly to get everything done in time and the chicken took a little longer than first anticipated but that's okay, because everyone said it was "the best chicken they had ever tasted!"

There just wasn't enough time to get everything done and snap photos too but I did catch a few for Mo's scrapbook. 

Morgan & her dad went to both ends of the road posting signs & balloons to help people find their way.  Living out in the country ... the GPS doesn't always find the road so they tried to help by posting indicators!  AND .. I'm happy to say... even though it took some folks an EXTENDED amount of time, they did find the party and had a great time.  

I didn't get a photo of ALL the food (pasta/meatballs, scallop potatoes/ham, fruit salad, taco bar,  tossed salad, orzo salad, cupcakes, cookies, homemade strudel) and of course these delicious sausage stuffed chickens ... cooked over this open rotisserie! 

MORGAN'S BIG SURPRISE!

CJ is HERE!!

For those of you who follow my blog ... you will know that Morgan's boyfriend, CJ had a very serious car crash back in March that nearly took his life!!  We are thrilled to say that he is improving with every given day.  He is still in a rehab center and hasn't been permitted to put any weight on his legs yet (broke his pelvis in 4 places - along with several other broken bones) but he is working really hard toward that goal and is actually ahead of schedule!  

Several of us knew his Dad had rented a wheelchair accessible van in order to transport CJ to the party ... but Morgan didn't know!  SHE CRIED & CRIED to see him there!  The best present ever!

We had friends & family of all ages, and from ALL OVER come to share in Morgan's special day!  Here are a few of her friends ...

... and here is some of the older generation family members.  These two lovely ladies are MY mother's sister's (Aunt Glory-left-age 84 and Aunt Ruth on the right - age 91) ... we were so glad they were able to come and share the day!

Besides eating, sitting around socializing & drinking lots of water to try and stay hydrated in this heat & humidity ... there was fun to be had!  Here is Mo's brother Jon showing off some of his trampoline skills ... there was also volleyball/badminton ... and of course the little ones loved being able to pet the horses.  Yes, they have two horses (Romeo & Meg) ... sorry no photo, couldn't watch the kids around the horse & take a photo too!  

Even though she was HOT, TIRED & STICKY ... I think this was a day that Morgan will always remember and cherish!

CONGRATULATIONS OUR SWEET MORGAN!

WE LOVE YOU!!

GRAD PARTY TIME!!

HAPPY SATURDAY EVERYONE!

Yep, it's June 12th and today is granddaughter, Morgan's graduation party!  We are having an outdoor open house (please pray the rain doesn't come pouring down like they are predicting) and we've been working really hard to make it as nice as possible!

A few weeks back Morgan asked me to make her a guest book for her friends & family to sign as well as something to house the envelopes.  It's so difficult to buy a gift for a graduate because of course you really don't know what they might be needing.  And with college right around the corner ... most times MONEY is the best gift a young college student can use.  So here are the items I created per her request.

 (click on image to enlarge)

MO (that's what we call her) didn't want to use ALL school colors for her party and she is partial to HOT PINK & BLACK so that is the avenue I took.


Using my Bind-It All, I created this 8x8 guest book.  I found some really cool graduate paper at Archiver's for the outside and the inside is of the same colors but has "2010" all over it.  I created the inside pages (not shown) out of hot pink card stock which I ran through the computer to incorporate the Welcome Message and lines for folks to sign on.  The pink glitter letter's are from TPC Studio and the grad embellishments are K&Co.  Ribbon is by Offray.

 (click on image to enlarge - closed view)

I found this unique Treasure Box at Hobby Lobby and instantly thought it would be a different idea for Mo's envelope box.    It is made of paper mache and I painted it with Hot Pink & Black.  

(click on image to enlarge - Open View)

 My dear sweet husband came up with the idea to glue strips of molding along the front/back edges of the box so I could put this removable panel to cover the opening which can be taken out later to remove the envelopes.  Smart guy!!

(click on image to enlarge)

 Since Mo is going to attend Kent State in the fall to pursue her career in Speech Pathology ... and all her grad money is going in that direction ... I came up with this idea to let folks know (for those who don't already) what her college intentions are.

She was very happy with my ideas (thank goodness) and is so excited about today's party!  She has a big surprise coming today but I'll have to tell you about it later ... (she reads my blog ... LOL)!

Here's wishing you a WONDERFUL day ... 

The sun is shining right now ... keeping my fingers crossed it continues!  MORE TO COME (of course, I'm the proud Nana!!)  Happy Day my friends and thanks for stopping by!

Raise The Bar - Musical Theme

WOW Friday again already and that means it's time for another Raise The Bar Challenge and today we are making MUSIC!  That's right use something MUSICAL on your card/project! 

(click image to enlarge)

This wonderful vintage image is from TJ Designs and I was intrigued by the fact that this BRAVE lady was the ONLY woman in the all man band!  YOU GO GIRL!!

Please be sure to pop on over to the challenge blog and check out the inspirational creations by my Co-Bar Tenders!  And you can find links to their personal blogs on my sidebar ... please stop over and show them some love!  

Before I forget I just wanted to thank everyone for their support in our challenge!  Your participation last week was AWESOME and the creations were AMAZING!!  Thanks so much ... hope you are enjoying Joni's challenges as much as I am!  

Happy Day ... 

 

GRANDMA'S PARLOR ... You've GOT to check these out!!

LOTS OF EXCITEMENT going on over on the *Wink *Wink Ink Blog today!  Melanie has been a VERY busy lady creating several sets in her new

GRANDMA'S PARLOR COLLECTION!

AND, they are already available to purchase in her STORE.  Please be sure to pop over to the blog and checkout the samples she has created using these new sets ... they are ADORABLE and you will see how versatile her sets are to use together to create the most wonderful scenes for those special people in your life!!

  (click on image to enlarge)

This creation shows you only a "small fraction" of what's available in these new sets! 

I was lucky enough to play just a little with these new sets (before they were even complete) so here is just a small sample to "wet your creative tastebuds" ... but please, I urge you to go see the samples Melanie has on display for you!  They are amazing!

****

Here is another fun creation I came up with using a combination of Melanie's images.  I know this is a little "out there" but I sometimes think there are aliens in my house while I am sleeping (like this cute little "catnap" kitty) so that was the inspiration for this creation! 

A couple reminders for you:

... CHALLENGE #3 is now going on over on the *Wink *Wink Blog ... please come play along and be our next lucky winner of THREE FREE SETS and be next month's Guest Designer, and 

... there's still time to get your suggestion in for the CHALLENGE CHOICE to be used for July's challenge.  You could win a 30% Certificate towards your purchases over the next THREE MONTHS and have YOUR challenge choice creation showcased along with the Challenge Winner & DT!

SO, DON'T MISS OUT ON THE FUN ... hop on over right now and get involved!

Hope To See You There!!!

NEW CHALLENGE ... you're going to love it!!!

My friend JOAN FRICKER (Joan's Gardens) has started a new THURSDAY CREATE A CARD CHALLENGE today!  It is unique and going to be so much fun!  I'll just give you a hint of how it's going to work ... you'll have to pop on over to her blog for ALL the details!

Joan will pick a product to use ... that she carries in her store.  You will have a week to create using an item from that product line and link back to her blog for a chance to win a prize or gift certificate!  

Today Joan is using any JUSTRITE FLORAL image along with the colors PINK, YELLOW & GREEN.  What a fabulous idea!  Here's what I've come up with to play along in this first, very exciting challenge!  

  Here's the recipe for this creation:

Stamps:  JustRite (Plant a Little Love)
Paper:  Whisper White, CM yellow gingham, SU old olive, 
Ink:  Brillance Pearlescent Orchid
Accessories:  ScorPal (technique from GinaK Stamp TV - Recessed Diamond Background), Cloud9 rub-on sentiment, Martha Stewart border punch, Cuttlebug floral border die, Offray satin ribbon, Nestabilities scallop circles, Prismacolor Markers, Kaiser Pearl

Please take the time and pop on over to Joan's Gardens and check out her latest idea ... trust me ... you won't be sorry!  While you're there check out all the latest sales she has going on and the beautiful samples she has to show you!  Enjoy!

YAY! IT's SISTERHOOD TIME ...

Are you ready for another unique challenge at The Sisterhood?  Well come on over, check it out and play along!  

This week Terri (Terri's Card n' More) is our hostess and she is honoring the children & grandchildren in our lives.  Be sure to pop over to the Sisterhood and check out the inspirational creations from the Sistahs.  

My teenage granddaughter was the inspiration for this creation.  She always has a phone to her ear or in her hand texting.  I guess she talks more through texting then actual verbal talking.  Either way she's very special and was my inspiration today.  

Here is the recipe for my creation today:
Stamps:  Stampabilities, Inkadinkado
Paper: Bashful Blue, Basic Grey Wisteria dp
Inks:  Versafine Black
Accessories:  Darice flower, Martha Stewart lace butterfly punch, Inky Dink Drops (periwinkle), Offray ribbon, Martha Stewart Heart border punch, 2-way glue and glamour dust

Okay .. now it's your turn.  I look forward to seeing your creation honoring your children and/or grandchildren.  Show them that you care with a little "special" creation JUST FOR THEM!

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge - Inspiration

Happy Wednesday Everyone!   

It's so good of you to stop by and say Hello!  

It's time again for a challenge over at Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge Blog.  There's been a few changes in our challenge ... our friend Courtney has taken over for Penny so she can take more time to pay attention to her digi business blog.  Everything will be the same ... just a new "head honcho".  Congrats to Courtney for taking on this challenge ... she's doing a great job and has some amazing challenges coming up in the upcoming weeks.  Courtney has the photo "After_the_Rain_by_saiyagina"  as inspiration for our challenge today! 



Today we are being sponsored by *Wink *Wink Ink  and one lucky winner will receive their choice of 3 digi stamp sets.  That winner could be you!

So please show Courtney your support as you have for Penny and join in on our fun!  Now would you like to see my creation inspired by this amazing photo?  This really  made me think but then I thought about the *Wink *Wink Ink image called Rainy Days and it all came together from there!

 Here is the recipe for this creation:
Stamps:  *Wink *Wink Ink digital image, Heather's Stamin' Haven (sentiment)
Papers:  Dark Grey cs, Whisper White, Basic Grey Wisteria
Ink:  Versafine Black
Accessories:  Prima Flowers, Darice brad, Prismacolor markers, Kaiser pearls, Offray ribbon, Fiskars apron lace punch, Nestabilities scallop rectangles

 Thanks again for stopping by and I hope to see you over at the challenge blog with your inspirational work of art to share.  Have a great day!

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #57

Last blog post for today ... promise!

I just had to share with you the card I created for the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge this week!  I FINALLY acquired a few of Priscilla's own digi images and what fun I had making this card for my sister's birthday on the 10th (sure hope that Stickles dries fast, I need to get it postal by today... yikes).

 How cute is this corset image!!  I couldn't resist!  My "older" sister is quite the Diva and by no means would you suspect she is in her 60s ... what with the body piercings, stamp tramp tatoo (well that's what they call it) ... etc., but she's really cool and I love her immensely!

(Just in case you couldn't see the Stickle details)

Here's the recipe for this creation:
Stamps:  Priscillastyles corset, sentiment by BLine Designs
Papers:  K&Co. dp, whisper white, lavender cs, mint green cs, bubblegum pink cs
Inks:  versafine blk
Accessories:  Darice flowers (cut in half), Basic Grey Opaline pearls, Prismacolor markers for coloring, Stickles for a little glitz (she'll like that)

Thanks so much for stopping by and putting up with my added postings today ... just happens to be a busy challenge day I guess ... Ooops ... I just remembered I didn't show you my Crafty Secret Challenge card ... okay ... it will wait until tomorrow!  

Thanks to my friend Kim (Memoriesinthyme) informed me that this week's challenge over at Practical Scrappers is EYELETS and this corset certainly fits that request!  So I will be sharing this creation with those folks as well!  Thanks friend!

Just Us Girls ...

This week *Wink *Wink Ink is the sponsor over on the "Just Us Girls" Challenge Blog.  So of course I had to play along!  What a fun group!  This week is a sketch challenge to play with ... here's a peek at the sketch.

These ladies are a VERY talented bunch and pretty feisty too I think!  "Girls just want to have fun ... right?"  Here is the card I created for the challenge using the *Wink *Wink Ink image called "sleepyhead" ... so cute!

Here is the recipe for this creation:
Stamps:  *Wink *Wink Ink digi
Papers:  Whisper White, Pacific Point, DCWV Nana's Nursery
Inks:  computer ink
Accessories:  Fiskar's apron lace punch, Cuttlebug swiss dot ef, Bucket o' buttons, Michaels ribbon, Prismacolor marker for faux stitching, pop dots.

This is my first time playing the challenge with this group ... I'm sure I'll come back for MORE fun!!  Pop on over and "check 'em out".

NEW COMMUNITY ...

Have you heard???  

There is a new community (note the link at the top of my sidebar) called Crafters Digital Art Center.  It was started by Priscilla ... famous for her Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge Blog and this new community is all about DIGITAL stamps.

I am so proud to say I am a "Member of the Board" for this wonderful new community and you just have to pop over and check it out!  I'm sure you will see many familiar faces and will have the opportunity to meet new folks too!!

The first challenge to "kick off" this new community offers up SEVERAL FREE digital images from a variety of artists ... some that will be familiar to you and some who are new!  Please join in on the fun and share your digital creations with the community.

Here are cards I've created with only a FEW of the freebies being offered:

 Butterfly by Priscillastyles

Shoes by Shelly's Images

Bunny in a Box by Delicious Doodles

 Flowers on the vine by Isabella's Sketchbook

Cat & Mouse by Karen's Doodles

 Birdhouse by Glitterbabe's

So there ya go ... how's that for incentive to check out this new, fun community!  You won't be sorry and new things are happening everyday!!  If you are familiar with Priscilla's Style at all ... you know that she will keep you (and us) hopping with fun & excitement.  I know I'm excited!  Please come join us!!

First Monday of the Month ...

 ... and that means it is time for another *Wink *Wink Ink Challenge.  Please be sure to pop on over to our challenge blog and check out all the details.  You'll want to play along with this one!

This month's Challenge Choice winner is Crystal Irwin (Crystal's Crafty Creations) and she has come up with a very clever idea for this month's challenge.  Go ahead ... pop on over and see what it is!!

I'll give you a clue ... the word WINK is involved!!

Here is the card I came up with using ALL the WINK items ... (sssshhh, don't tell anyone ... I didn't realize we didn't HAVE TO use them all ... yikes!)  Oh well, I've been accused before of being an over-achiever!  Guess they were right!  Poor little "Pearl" looks like she's been out in the sun a bit too long doesn't she!  This is what I look like when I go to the beach! 

Don't miss out on YOUR chance to win THREE *Wink *Wink Ink sets.  You have to play to win!!  So what are you waiting for?

ALSO ... you still have ANOTHER chance to win *Wink *Wink Ink goodies by entering our CHALLENGE CHOICE posting.  You can find all the details HERE.  You have until June 21st to enter your idea ... who knows next time it might be YOU being honored just like Crystal is this month!  It doesn't cost anything to check it out!!

Please be sure to also check out all the new images Melanie has been working on.  She still a few surprises up her sleeve which will be revealed later this week!  Hope to see you there!  Thanks for stopping by today!!

Raise The Bar - Celebrate Summer

Hello Everyone and Happy Friday to you!!!

It's time once again for the challenge over at Raise The Bar!  Today it's all about Celebrating Summer!  As a young girl growing up, we didn't have a lot of money and my parents both worked very hard to give us girls a fun time during the summer.  Many times that just meant packing the three of us girls in the ole' station wagon and going on a day trip somewhere.  We never knew where we'd end up and that's what made it so much fun.  

It was never anything real fancy but my parents always tried to make our fun day out educational too.  I remember once when we ended up at Niagra Falls ... WOW, what a view and would you believe my parents actually set us out in the water on a rock to take our picture!!!  My mother still says she doesn't know what she was thinking ... YIKES!!!  Another time we drove to Washington, D.C. to see the monuments and the cherry trees in bloom ... fantastic memories!!  

Anyways ... here is my card ... created from my memories of those summer time trips.

Please be sure to check out the other wonderful creations by my co-bar tenders!  What a fun challenge ... why not join in!  Just hop on over to our challenge blog to check out all the details.

I'm on my way over to PA to join a group of my 1st cousins for breakfast (there are actually 42 first cousins all together) then headed to my mother's to plant some flowers for her.  Hope the rain holds off!!  Catch you later ... have a wonderful day!!

*Wink *Wink Ink DT fun & a challenge ...

Hello again ... how's your day going?  With Monday being a holiday, I didn't get to share with you my *Wink *Wink Ink DT creation ... so here I am on Wednesday afternoon ... better late than never they say!!  LOL!!

Before I share my DT creation with you, I would like to let you know that *Wink *Wink Ink is proud to be sponsoring the challenge over on Butterfly Crafts.  Although I think this site is geared more towards scrapbooking, I hope it's okay that I came to play along and created a card layout vs scrapbook layout. 

This month's challenge is a visual one and you are to use the image they provided as the inspiration for your layout.  Here is what I've come up with ...

 I chose the *Wink *Wink Ink image called "Blossom Baby" for my card along with designer paper from the Basic Grey Euphoria pack.  The sentiment is by Inkadinkado and I have used Quickie Glue & Deco Art Glamour dust for added sparkle.

If you'd like a chance at winning THREE *Wink *Wink Ink Stamp Sets ... pop on over and join in on the fun.  You can't win if you don't play!!  


OKAY ... NOW FOR MY DT CREATION ...

I just LOVE this new set Melanie has created called "Hangin' Out"!  Isn't he just the cutest little guy!!  There's also a little girl and sentiments with this set ... be sure to pop on over to the *Wink *Wink STORE to see this adorable set and all the other new, fun stamp sets Melanie has been busy creating for you!!

I used chalk & a make-up applicator to create the sky and even added a few birdies with one of my Stampscapes stamps.  The fence is a Martha Stewart border punch and I've added the little Amuse flowers to help set the scene.

So there you have it!  Sorry I'm late with my posting but I hope you enjoyed them both.  Remember ... Challenge #3 over on *Wink *Wink Ink will be posted on Monday, JUNE 7th.  I hope you can come play along!!  It's going to be a unique, fun challenge this month.  AND ... be thinking about what you'd like to suggest for July's challenge ... that's coming up too and gives you another chance for *Wink *Wink Ink images.

Thanks for stopping by!!

The Sisterhood ... June with a *wink

WOW ... it's WEDNESDAY already and that means it is time for another challenge at The Sisterhood of Crafters.  Today our hostess is Kim and we are celebrating the month of JUNE ... birthstone / color / anything that says JUNE to you!!

I have used the June birthstone of PEARLS along with the colors light blue, creme & white.  My creation is a birthday card and this adorable image is from *Wink *Wink Ink and is called "Little Bird".   

Please be sure to pop on over to the Sisterhood to see more inspirational creations provided by my "sistahs" then come join in on the fun!  We would love to see what you create!

See you in the "hood"!! 

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #56

It's time for another MIDNIGHT MADNESS SKETCH CHALLENGE and here are the two sketch choices you have to choose from this week:

Again this week, I have picked "somewhere in between" these two options.  With using the image I wanted to use for my focus, I didn't have room for the little ribbon tags so I did "MY VERSION" and am really happy with the outcome. 

Before I show you today's card creation, I would like to thank all of those followers/friends who voted for me last week in the "Priscilla Award" competition!  I didn't win (boohoo!) but that's okay ... I was in the running with some VERY TALENTED ladies and was just honored to be in the top 20!!  I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to vote for me ... it truly warms my heart!  THANKS!!

OKAY ... now on to today's card.  

While at the workshop in Indiana last month at my friend, Joan Fricker's, I purchased this lovely JustRite set called "Plant a Little Love" and finally decided to get it opened & inked up!!  Tho it's a bit difficult to see in my photo, I have stamped the image several times, colored the flowers and popped them up ... it looks really nice IRL!!

Hope you like my creations today!  Now I really must get outdoors and plant some of my flowers before the rains come again! Going to be a "wet" week by what the weather people show but I will try to get something accomplished in between the raindrops.  Happy Day to you all!

Digital Two for Tuesday

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

How was your weekend ... awesome I hope!

Last week my good friend, Terri Snode (Terri's Cards N' More) and I got together for a little crafting & chit chat time.  She is this week's guest designer for Digital Two For Tuesday Challenge #50 and was sweet enough to share the images with me ahead of time so I could play along. (Thanks girlfriend!)  These past couple of weeks my crafting time has been very limited and she knew I wouldn't get around to printing them off myself, let alone get a card created ... so we did them together.  Please be sure to pop on over and check out the cards she created ... they are too adorable!!

Here's what I've come up with using these awesome vintage images offered up over on the Digital Two for Tuesday blog.  Be sure to check 'em out and while you're at it, why not play along like I did!

(click on image to enlarge)

First is an image called "Boy with Birds".  Here's the recipe for this card creation:

Stamps:  Digi from Digital Two for Tuesday, SU retired 

Paper:  Basic Grey Marrakech dp, navy cs, medium blue cs, ballet blue cs, whisper white

Ink:  versafine black

Accessories:  MS bird punch, Nestabilities classic circles, MS arch lattice border punch, Prismacolor markers

(click on image to enlarge)

Secondly is this lovely image called "Girl in Garden" and here's the recipe for this card creation.

Papers:  DCWV Mariposa dp, pink cs, whisper white

Accessories:  Prismacolor markers, chalks, makeup applicator, Fiskars swivel craft knife, dimensionals, Nestabilities Labels 10, flowers from an old wreath

Technique:  Faux Stitching

Thanks for stopping by today!!  If you're anything like myself ... your TODO list isn't getting any shorter ... which means I'd better stop playing and get some work done around here!  LOL!!  Catch you later!