Workshop Fun & Wink Wink Ink

Happy RAINY DAY Monday to you all!

What a fun weekend I just had!!!  As you know I attended a workshop in Indiana this weekend along with my friend, Carol Smuts.  We arrived back home around 5 PM last evening and after getting the car unpacked, I headed out the door to get the grass cut before today's predicted rains came through ... and raining it is!!  Guess that means I will have to stay INDOORS and PLAY with my new "stuff" I bought at Joan's Gardens over the weekend.

Selma Stevenson from Washington was our workshop hostess (along with Joan) ... WOW, what a talented and sweet lady!  I was glad I went out early and had some extra time to enjoy the company of Joan & Selma. The projects we made were awesome and so much fun!!  I can't wait to make more of these boxes ... isn't it beautiful!  And so easy too!  

This is Webster's Pages designer paper & lace trim.  All products used are available at Joans Gardens.  

The other two projects we made at the work shop are this cute little "Cherry Picking Girl" and beautiful "Shadow Box Card".

My photographing ready don't do these projects justice!  There is so much dimension and detail that the photo just doesn't pick up ... but you can imagine how sweet these projects are IRL.

There were 25 ladies at the workshop ... some friends I had made in the past at Joan's Workshops and some NEW friends which I hope to see again at future workshops/get togethers.  It was a little snug but Joan was able to keep us all in one area and we had a GREAT time!  Joan & her husband, Jon are such wonderful hosts and I can't thank them enough for all their kindness!

The ladies decided Joan should schedule another workshop while we were all there and could decide on a good date.  The next one will be on August 28th and I hope to attend and link up with many of these lovely, fun-loving ladies again.

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Also on Monday I like to share with you my *Wink *Wink Ink Design Team card.  Today I was really working "outside the box" with these adorable "Outer Space" and "Little Green Man" images.

All images are from the *Wink *Wink Ink store with the exception of the sentiment which is from Inky Impressions.   To save time, I have used the PRE-COLORED images for today's card.  That's one of the wonderful benefits of these fun *Wink *Wink Ink sets.  You  not only get the image you can color to your personal preference ... but you get a pre-colored version that all you have to do is print and create!

Please be sure to pop on over to *Wink *Wink Ink ... Melanie has created some new FANTASTIC images you don't want to miss and don't forget, today is the last day to get YOUR IDEA submitted for next month's challenge.  You could be the winner of  a 30% off coupon for *Wink *Wink Ink and you will get your card using YOUR idea posted on our blog right along with our DT's cards!

May's challenge continues through MAY 24th and we would LOVE to have you join us!!  You can check out all the details HERE!

Guess I'd better get something done around here!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Hope your day is filled with joy & laughter!!

 

Raise The Bar - Color Challenge

Happy Friday Everyone!  

I am having a good time at a stamping workshop out in Indiana with Joan Fricker and this has been pre-posted so I hope it works properly.

Today challenge over on RAISE THE BAR is a color challenge to use YELLOW, GRAY & WHITE.  My card is simply paper & sentiment with a ribbon embellishment.  My designer paper is from the DCWV Mariposa pack and the sentiments are both from Impression Obsession.  A little Crystal Effects was placed on the butterfly for added dimension.

I hope you will come join us on this fun color challenge.  Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek.  Happy Weekend to you!!

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #53

Hello Everyone!  As you know I am out of town but didn't want the week to go by without my creation for Midnight Madness being posted.  I'm proud of the fact that I haven't missed any of these fun challenges and in my haste to get ready to go out to Indiana ... I nearly forgot to play along this week ... that would have been TERRIBLE!!!  So, here ya go!!

 Be sure to check out all the Blogaversary fun going on over at the Midnight Madness Challenge Blog.  Everyday they are doing something new and FUN!!  Today there's a dance party going on ... what a hoot!!

The recipe for this card is as follows:
Papers:  Graphic 45 "Domestic Goddess" & "On the Boardwalk" designer paper, Whisper White, Basic Black
Accessories:  Images is from TJ Designs "Fashion Collage Pack" purchased from Marco's,  Offray black satin ribbon, Joann's black satin bows with pearl centers, Prima flowers, Hero Arts gems

I was afraid you couldn't really see the little black satin bows w/pearl centers so here's a close up.  Aren't they cute?  And just perfect for a "Black Tie Affair" ... don't you think!  They also have them in white satin.

Thanks for stopping by ...  

Darlene

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge - Recipe

It's time for another Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge but first I would like to thank everyone who played in our last challenge ... WOW, what a great turn out!

Today we have a RECIPE CHALLENGE for you ...  (1) ribbon (2) designer papers and (3) embellishments.  

We are thrilled to tell you that we have *WINK *WINK INK as our sponsor this week and One Lucky Winner will win their choice of 3 stamp sets ... so be sure to get in on the fun!

Since I am also a member of the *Wink *Wink Ink DT, I felt it only proper to use one of their cute images on today's challenge card.  Please meet "JEWEL" ... isn't she adorable!!

 Here's the details on the recipe:  1) ribbon - JoAnn's double stitch grosgrain ... 2) designer papers - both from 7Gypsies ... 3) embellishments - Kaiser half pearls, Prima flowers, JoAnn's satin flower/bows

I used a glue pen & DecoArt Glamour Dust on Jewel's wings and SU Crystal Effects on the "gem" and her "eyes" for added affect and dimension.  

Now it's your turn ...

Thanks for stopping by today and taking a peek!!  Early tomorrow morning I'm headed to North Liberty, Indiana to visit with Joan Fricker from Joan's Gardens and to part-take in a workshop hosted by Selma Stevenson.   I'll be sure to get photos and tell you all about it upon my return (or maybe while I'm there ... "have laptop will travel" ... LOL).

The Sisterhood ... All About Family

Today over at the Sisterhood of Crafters, Linda is our hostess and the theme is All About Family.  Linda has decided to look at the FUNNY side of family matters.   

I realized I don't have very many "funny" card creating images but I did come up with this "Judith" image.

 (click on image to enlarge)

Be sure to pop on over to our challenge blog to see what the "sistahs" have created for your inspiration and then why not join in on the fun!!!  I can't wait to see your creation!

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps:  Judith, Verses Rubber Stamps
Papers:  Basic Grey dp, Paper Pizzazz dp, Whisper White, Basic Black, Close to Cocoa
Inks:  Versafine black
Accessories:  Detail Clear EP, Kaiser half pearls, Offray satin ribbon, Bow Easy, Prismacolor Markers, Sizzix Flourish die, Creative Memories corner rounder, green double stitch grosgrain, Prima flower,
Technique:  Faux Stitching

Crafty Secrets Challenge #119

Today it's my turn to host the Crafty Secrets Forum Challenge over on SCS.  Our theme today is FRIENDSHIPS.  

I received new Crafty Secrets goodies in the mail yesterday and was showing my dear husband so HE's the one who picked out the image used for today's card.  Although it is actually a St. Patty's Day image ... he's right, it's a good one to show how our pets are certainly our friends too.  In fact, in most cases they become another member of the family!!

How cute is this little girl with her doggie.  They certainly look like close friends to me and even though I, personally, am not an animal lover ... my kids had to put their family dog to sleep last fall and are still suffering the affects of that sad event.  Yes ... Josie had certainly become a member of their family and is greatly missed on a daily basis.

So why not come share your thoughts/creations on FRIENDSHIPS with us?  All you need is to use any Crafty Secrets/Heartwarming Vintage product on your creation to qualify.  

Thanks for the visit.  Now I really must get busy or I'm not going to be ready to leave for my trip to Indiana to see Joan Fricker (Joan's Gardens) and several other lovely crafting ladies for a fun crafting weekend.  Have a great day!!

Sneaking one in ...

Although I have a ton of things to get done before leaving Thursday morning, I just had to play my friend, Angie's new challenge over at the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge Blog.

(click on image to enlarge)

This week they've ask us to create a BIRTHDAY CARD.  Since I was in a bit of a hurry, I decided to use "pieces & parts" I had laying around.  Here is the recipe:


Stamps:  Magenta, All Nite Media
Papers:  White glossy, Whisper White, Homemade alcohol ink designer paper
Inks:  Alcohol ink, Versafine black, Kaleidocolor Blue Breeze
Accessories:  Offray Wedding White ribbon


Thanks for stopping!!

HOW DID I GET SO FAR BEHIND?????

WOW ... is it Monday already???  

What a busy (but fun) weekend!!!  

WOW!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day Weekend!!  Mine was fantastic ... I am so blessed with loving family!!! 

OKAY ... so I'm sitting in the doctor's office at 8:15 this morning thinking about what challenges, etc. I had coming up this week before leaving for my trip to Indiana to visit with Joan Fricker (Joan's Gardens) Thursday morning (through Sunday) and it suddenly dawned on me that "I" was this weeks host over on the Crafty Secrets Challenge Forum of SCS.  YIKES!!!  I hadn't even thought about what I wanted to do and I should have had the clues posted THIS MORNING for the gals to ponder on!  SO, in between that doctor's appointment and my physical therapy at 9:30 I quickly ran home and posted my clues (now I need to make the card to back it up, LOL)!  Stop back tomorrow when I hope to have a creation to share with you!!!

AND ... I also realized I should have posted my *Wink *Wink Ink DT card this morning ... MY BAD!!  So here ya go ...

These images are so cute and so much fun to work with!!  I've colored this "Sourpuss" image with Prismacolor Markers and cut out with a Fiskars swivel craft knife.  The background papers are DCWV Marisposa & medium blue cardstock.

If you don't own any of these adorable images yet, be sure to pop on over to the store and check out all the images including some NEW sets available now!  While you're there why not add YOUR IDEA for the next challenge and possibly WIN the chance at 30% your entire order (3 month limit). 

Thanks for stopping by!!  I need to get back to the crafting cave ... I'm still behind ...YIKES ... running out of time AND I'm having computer issues today too!!!!!  Hope you're having a better day than I am!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

to all you Mom's, Grandma's, and Great-Grandma's out there in blogland!!  Yesterday we spent time in Pittsburgh, PA with my sweet M-I-L and today I'm joining my Mother at her church (Darlington, PA) for morning services then headed back to her house for a little family gathering and lunch.

The minister of my Mother's church has requested everyone bring a photo of their Mother's to church with them.  In whatever size & form they can ... snapshot, framed, old, new ... or in my case, I created a collage card creation with various photos of my Mom.  The upper right corner is her graduation photo (there were only 18 people in her graduating class) ... and the bottom photo is the same one you saw in my post yesterday ... this is one of my Mom's favorite photos so I thought I'd include it for her.

HOPE YOU ARE HAVING A WONDERFUL, FUN-FILLED, MEMORABLE DAY!!!   

*Wink *Wink Ink Fun and a FREEBIE

Having a great weekend I hope!  

I'm currently in Pittsburgh, PA visiting with my MIL and enjoying a "Mother's Day Afternoon Tea" at the Sunrise Nursing Home where she resides.  So my post today is on AUTO-PILOT ... sure hope it worked!!

I have a FEW new *Wink *Wink Ink creation to share with you and also some exciting news to share in regards to these fun images.  Of course you already know that Challenge #2 is underway ... please won't you come join in on the fun ... we would love to have you!!  You can find all the details HERE.

Recipe for card is as follows ...
Stamps:   *Wink *Wink Ink "falling apart", My Sentiments Exactly
Papers:  DCWV dp, Summer Sun, Whisper White, Basic Black
Inks:  Versafine black
Accessories:  Prismacolor Markers, Prima flower, Dear Lizzy (American Crafts) crochet flower, Nestabilities Blossom dies, EK Success Floral & Flourish border punch, Creative Memories fine tip black marker for faux stitching
Technique:  Faux Stitching, Outside the Nestie

 Melanie has been extremely busy creating and not only does she have some NEW images  (hint:  Fiona, Secrets, "new" Catnap) in her store for you but she also has a NEW FREEBIE for you to grab.  Be sure to hop on over to the BLOG and STORE to see what's going on!


Below is another little creation I came up with last week but never posted to my blog.  I actually have a few more to share ... but I'm sure you've seen enough for one day!!  LOL!!   I just want to share with you the wonderful ways you can use these cute images and encourage you to check 'em out and get some for yourself.  

Recipe for card is as follows ...
Stamps:  *Wink *Wink Ink "moon baby",  Shabby Chic Papirskatter music paper image,
Papers:  DCWV designer paper, Whisper White
Inks:  Not Quite Navy
Accessories:  Martha Steward bird punch, Hobby Lobby organza ribbon, Fiskars Swivel Craft Knife, sponge, crystal effects

At the beginning of next week, I  will be posting another  CHALLENGE CHOICE blog post over on the *Wink *Wink Ink Blog so get those CHALLENGE IDEAS ready and share them with us.  If you offered a suggestion last month and it was not selected ... don't give up!!!   Re-enter your suggestion and maybe this month it will be YOUR idea we choose for our next challenge theme!! 

The challenge idea choice will be used in conjunction with *Wink *Wink Ink images for our June Challenge and if YOU are the LUCKY WINNER ... you will receive this *Wink *Wink Ink 30% OFF CERTIFICATE  good for 3 months and YOU will also be asked to play along with the DT in our next challenge.  So, get those ideas ready and when entering ... be sure it hasn't already been suggested by someone ahead of you ... sorry!  First Come First Serve!!

That's it for today!!!  Thanks for stopping by!  HUGS to you all!!!

Raise The Bar - MOM

Time for another Raise The Bar Challenge and today we are remembering the Mother's and/or Mother Figures in our lives.  

As you all know I love the vintage style and that is the direction I took today!  I found this touching image over on the Magic Moonlight Free Images site and just thought it was perfect!  You can find the link to this site and other vintage image sites on the "Vintage Creations & Links" page of my blog.

  (click on image to enlarge)

Here is a list of items used on this creation:
Papers:  Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Basic Grey "Sugared"
Inks:  Ranger Vintage Photo
Accessories:  Image - Magic Moonlight Free Images, TPC Studio gems, Inky Impressions charm, Prima flowers, Darice antique brass brad, Wright antique lace, sponge

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With Mother's Day being this weekend, I thought I might share a few family photos with you today.  Please forgive the long posting but I just had to do this ... you understand I'm sure!

This is my Grandma Eva (seated) Morgan's Engagement picture.  The story goes that my grandfather was very close (and I believe raising) his younger sister and that is the reason she too is in their engagement photo.

Here is Grandma Eva in later years all dressed up for church photos.  She looks pretty good for a lady who had 12 children (10 before she was 30 years old) ... yikes!!

Here's my parents with my baby sister Charlotte who is 4 years younger than myself ... so I guess that would have made me 4 & my sister, Linda 5 in this photo.

(Oh dear ... they  could have at least given me a shirt to put on before taking this photo!!)

Another photo about 3-4 years later on Easter morning before going to church.  My Mom always made sure we girls had a new dress, hat & gloves for Easter!

Now here's a treat for you ... being a Mom too ... I thought I'd show you my graduation picture!  Not bad ... other than being 40+years older and 50+ lbs heavier ... I still look the same, LOL!!  Well ... at least THIS is who I see when I look in the mirror ... WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?


I think I've shared this next photo with you before but what the heck ... maybe you missed it so here we go again!!  LOL!!  This FOUR-GENERATION photo was taken 2 years ago at Morgan's 16th birthday party.  (L-R:  Me, granddaughter Morgan, daughter Carolyn, my mother Pat)  Check out whose the tallest, LOL!!

Okay ... Last but not least, here is a photo of my red-headed, Irish Mother-In-Law, Claire Pavlick in better health days!  Isn't she just the cutest little "leprechaun"!   Claire will be 90 in June, has Alzheimer's and a little more frail ... but on a good day, you still see that "spunk" come out!  God Bless her for still trying!!

Thanks for letting me look back on fond memories ... and I hope you will take the time to do the same.  Here's wishing you a wonderful MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND!  It's going to be a very busy one for me, but that's okay ... I'm just so thrilled at age 80 ... I still have my Mom by my side!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU MOM'S OUT THERE!!!

More PHOTO Fun ...

Good Afternoon Everyone!!!  

It's been a busy day with physical therapy, grocery shopping and a little crafting!!  I was busy making a NEW Mother's Day card for my Mother (more on that creation this Sunday, Mother's Day) and decided to play along in the Crafty Secrets and Heartwarming Vintage Challenge over on Papercraft Planet.  Following along with the HUG HOP going on over on the Crafty Secrets Site, Jan has challenged us to use PHOTOS on our creation along with something CRAFTY SECRETS.  My sentiment comes from the "Story of Me" Crafty Secrets stamp set. 

 

(click on image to enlarge)

This photo goes "way back" to the 1950s and it is my sister's and I all ready for church.  I'm thinking it was probably EASTER since we always got FANCY dresses, gloves, hats & purses for Easter Sunday.  Do you know which one I am???  I give you a hint ... I have an OLDER sister and a YOUNGER sister!  Yep, I was one of those problem, middle children!  LOL!!

Thanks for stopping by today!  For those who have inquired ... the physical therapy for my rotater cuff tendinitis (in both shoulders) seems to be finally helping.  I actually spent a lot of time yesterday crafting without having to stop due to the pain ... that's a good thing!!  LOL!!  I'm a little sore today but that's because I had PT this morning ... tomorrow should be better.  Thanks for all your kind thoughts & concerns!   HAPPY DAY my friends!!

The Sisterhood Challenge ...

Here we are mid-week again and that means it's time for The Sisterhood of Crafters Challenge and today our talented SISTAH ... Tanis is our hostess.  

Today's theme is "Celebrate the Month" and Tanis has decided to celebrate by using the color for MAY which is one of HER favorites ... EMERALD!  You can read all the challenge details over on the challenge blog ... as well as be totally inspired to join in on the fun with the creations my other SISTAHS have created.

I chose to made an Anniversary card using this beautiful Basic Grey "origins" designer paper.  Here are the other items used to create my card:

Stamps:  Paper Inspirations
Papers:  Whisper White, Garden Green, Basic Grey "origins" dp
Inks:  Versafine black
Accessories:  Martha Stewart Arch Lattice border punch, BOW EASY, Offray emerald grosgrain ribbon, Prima flowers, Basic Grey brad, detail clear ep, Kaiser emerald half pearls, Fiskar postage stamp scissors

Why not come join in on the fun ... AND ... we've got a prize this week for the winner!  That's right ... the very generous Heather at  Digisparkle has offered up a gift voucher for one lucky entry!

I look forward to seeing your DIRECTLY LINKED creation and if you upload to other online galleries, please use the keyword/tag TSOC08.  So what are you waiting for ... STRESS FREE FUN is what the Sisterhood is all about ... please join us!!

Going Grey Challenge with a *Wink

2nd Post Today

Please scroll down for

Midnight Madness Fun

This week *Wink *Wink Ink is sponsoring the GOING GREY - Anything Goes challenge over at Scrap-Creations by Kristen and I couldn't wait to play along!!!  Not for the winnings, of course,  but just to support this blog and have some fun along the way!  They are a relatively new blog ... this is only their 9th challenge so if you are looking for some fun (and love Basic Grey paper) ... pop on over and play along.  My friend, Crystal Irwin (Crystal's Crafty Creations) is on the DT and I'd like to show her a little support too!  Hey Girlfriend!!! Waving "Hi!"

(click on image to enlarge)

Today's challenge is an "OPEN THEME"  which is really awesome and all you have to be sure to do is use Basic Grey dp ... NO PROBLEM since I love their paper!  Today I chose to use the *Wink *Wink Ink image called "Blossom Baby" and can be purchased HERE.  The Basic Grey paper I decided to use is "Euphoria" ... I thought it worked perfectly with my pre-colored image.  What do you think?? 
  

Recipe:
Stamps:  *Wink *Wink Ink digi, Inky Impressions, Flourishes
Papers:  Basic Grey Euphoria dp, Lime cs
Inks:  Versafine black
Accessories:  Martha Stewart picket fence border punch & branch punch, Kaiser paper flowers, Basic Grey brad, Quickie Glue, Prisma glitter, pop dots

Why not pay Kristen, along with Crystal and the rest of the DT a visit and play along.  I'm sure glad I did!!  

Back to the Crafting Cave I go ... my shoulders are still feeling pretty good so I'm crafting & uploading while I can.  LOL!!  Hugs to ya!  Hope you are having sunshine today like we are here in N.E. Ohio ... LOVIN' IT!!!

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #52

It's time for another MIDNIGHT MADNESS SKETCH CHALLENGE and today's I'm going for the "fancy sketch".  If you prefer the CAS sketch option, be sure to pop on over to their blog and check it out!  Their sketches are always so much fun and SO UNIQUE!! 




It took me a bit of time to figure out the image I wanted to use but once that was decided it was fun to put the other pieces all together.  I decided on this image from Shabby Chic Papirskatter and since it says "Mode de Paris" ... I thought maybe this beautiful lady would have been seen on one of those FANCY  CRUISE SHIPS where only the "elite" could afford to cruise.  Don't you just LOVE her hat with all the feathers!! 

Here's the list of items used:

Image from Shabby chic papirskatter
Papers:  Basic Grey Two Scoops, Very Vanilla, Glorious Green
Inks:  Ranger Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Accessories:  Distresser, Creative Memories fine tip black marker, K&Co gem & vintage button brad, Fiskars Apron Lace border punch, Crafty Secrets Adventures-Travel Tag, Feathers

OH DID YOU SEE???   I have enjoyed this challenge from Day 1 and they are celebrating their 1st Blogaversary (check out the goodies they are giving away HERE) and have honored those of us who "haven't missed a sketch challenge" with this cool  "Princess" badge and are sending "goodies" ... I am so honored!  


So with this challenge, Year 2 is off to a fun start!  I hope I can continue to play each week for the NEXT year ... wouldn't that be cool!!   It's kind of like "going all through the school year without missing a day" ... that was always a HUGE accomplishment for me!!  (Don't think I ever made it though ... that darn flu always got me over the winter!)



Thanks for stopping by today!  My shoulders are feeling pretty good today so I'm PLAYING THE CHALLENGES!!  Sorry about multiple postings but I'm sure you understand!!  HUGS to you all!  Happy Day!