Anyone For Some Hot Cocoa?

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Today I have another Christmas card to share with you! I’ve told you about my weakness for snowmen before and I just could not resist the cute snowman images from Whimsie Doodles. I bought them all and hope I have time before Christmas to use each one.

Gosh! I just want to give him a squeeze. Do you think he would melt?

Have a great day! Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies

• Stamps: Cup of Cocoa (digital stamp) by Whimsie Doodles, Holiday Treats by Papertrey
• Inks: Close to My Heart Barn Red
• Papers: Neenah Crest Solar White, Papertrey white CS, misc. cranberry CS, Echo Park Winter Park DP pad
• Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Stampin’n Up circle punch, Ek Success punch
• Embellishments: Papertrey bakers twine, misc. button, Chocolate Cherry Dew Drops
• Techniques: Paper piecing

Challenges:

• 2 Sisters Challenge – Holiday
• Addicted to Stamps – Christmas
• Alota Rubber Stamps – Dots
• AUD Sentiments – winter holiday sentiment
• Cooking it up with Katie – Anything goes
• Crafty Calendar – Winter Wardrobe
• Crafty Catz – Snowmen
• Crazy 4 Challenges – Snow
• Deep Ocean Challenge – C = Cocoa, cup
• DigiStamps4Joy – Christmas – no animals
• For Fun Challenge – Christmas
• Gingerloft Challenge – Winter Christmas
• I Did It Creations – Eat, Drink, be merry
• Kaboodle Challenge – Bundle up for winter
• Lollipop Crafts – “B” buttons, blue, boy
• Mad for Markers – Christmas
• My Mum's Craft Shop – Keeping warm
• One Crazy Stamper – Food or drink
• Paper Crafting Journey – Anything goes
• Pattie's Creation Challenge – Christmas
• Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge Blog – Tie one on
• Sassy Cheryl’s Challenge – Winter
• Sew Many Challenge – Twine
• Simon Says Stamp – anything goes
• Sisterhood of the Crafters – Polka dots
• Speedy the Cat Challenge – Masculine
• Stampin' with the Dragon – Christmas
• Stamptacular Sunday Challenge – Christmas
• Sunday's W/Chrissy – Non-traditional Christmas colors
• Totally Stampalicous - Non-traditional Christmas colors
• Tuesday Throwdown – Masculine Holiday card
• Made Especially for You – 3 of something (3 different DP’s used)

Winter BFF’s

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Only 25 days until Christmas! Yikes – where has the time gone? Have you started your Christmas shopping? I’ve am almost done. (I did a lot of it yesterday evening. There were some great Cyber Monday sales.) I am trying to stay away from the malls and big-block stores as much as possible this year and have been doing more shopping on Etsy.com and other similar sites. I can’t wait until the packages start arriving.

I am almost done making Christmas cards too! I still need to order photo cards for family, but since I need a picture to put on them I’m not quite ready to order them yet. Today I wanted to share a Christmas card I made using an image from Whimsy & Stars Studio. Aren’t these little guys sweet?

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Winter Friends (digital stamp) by Whimsy and Stars Studio, Holiday Treats by Papertrey
• Inks: Close To My Heart Cranberry
• Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey Kraft & Pure Poppy CS, My Mind’s Eye 12 Days of Christmas paper pad
• Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Papertrey Journal Tabs die & Edgers #4 die, Martha Stewart circle punch, EK Success snowflake punches, Copic markers
• Embellishments: Misc. twine and dew drop, Frosted Lace Stickles, Marvey Twinklette gold glitter pen

Challenges:

• 2 Sisters Challenge – Holiday (Christmas)
• 4 Crafty Chicks – Snowflakes
• Addicted to Stamps – Christmas
• Alphabet Challenge - V=vibrant
• AUD Sentiments – Winter sentiment
• Card Mad Fairy's Digi Day challenge - Winter wonderland
• Craft Your Passion – Holiday or winter related
• Crafty Calendar – Winter Wardrobe
• Crazy Challenge – Stars or snowflake
• Cupcake Inspirations – Photo Insp
• Delicious Doodles – hairy legs
• Digi Doodle Shop's Best – Animals
• Gingerloft – Winter Christmas
• Kaboodle Challenge – Bundle up for winter
• Lil Red Wagon – Christmas
• Mad For Markers – Christmas
• Pile It On – “P”= present
• Scrappy Frogs – kraft
• Sew Many Challenges – twine
• Simply Create Too - Christmas
• Stampin' with the Dragon – Christmas
• Stamptacular Sunday Challenge – Christmas
• Sunday's W/Chrissy – non-traditional Christmas colors
• Sweet Stampin' Challenge – punches & dies
• That's Krafty Thursday – kraft
• The Kraft Journal – Christmas
• Totally Stampalicous - non-traditional Christmas colors
• Going Grey w/ Scrap Creations – Christmas
• Party Time Tuesdays – Anything goes
• Sassy Cheryl’s Challenge – winter

Pinterest Inspiration

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I apologize in advance for my short post. I am running out of time to get my project for the Amber Inklings Pinny party posted. I need to get the post up and start on dinner, laundry, etc.

My daughter has found the internet. Now all around the PC, there are little scraps of paper with her passwords, etc. for the websites she likes to visit. After getting a little push from the Pinny party on the Amber Inklings blog, I decided to make her a little book to keep her password info and the phone numbers of her friends.

Inside I have sections for passwords, address/phone numbers, and note pages. Here is a link to the template I made for the inside pages. I warn you they are not great but they serve the purpose. Feel fee to download and use as you would like at http://www.mediafire.com/?66wg24i4j0649xn. I think I set it up so that it works. Let me know if you have a problem.

I was inspired by this address book

and this password book that pinned on Pinterest

This was the first time I used the Zutter Bind It All that I bought from a friend. Here is a link to the tutorial I used to figure out how to use it.

You still have a few hours to join the Pinny party. It looks like will be fun. Next week I will plan my time better so that I am not so rushed.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Computer Love (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs
• Inks: None
• Papers: Misc. cardboard (for the covers), Georgia Pacific CS, Close To My Heart Cherry-O paper pack, misc computer paper (for inside pages)3
• Tools: Zutter Bind It All & tools , Sewing Machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic markers, Papertrey Journal Tabs die
• Embellishments: Misc. velvet rick rack, October Afternoon stickers

Challenges:

• Alota Rubber Stamps – Dots
• Crafty Purple Frog – For some one special
• Creative Crafts – Free for all
• Deep Ocean Challenge – “C” as in computer
• Fussy & Fancy Friday – Anything but a card
• Paper Crafting Journey – Anything goes
• Sisterhood of the Crafters – Polka dots
• Tuesday Throwdown – Lots of Circles

Meljen’s Designs Use Twine Challenge & a Sale!

Happy Thanksgiving to my readers in the US! Now that Thanksgiving is here, it means that the big push to Christmas is starting. I thought I would share a couple of gift card holders that I made using digital stamps from Meljen’s Designs.

I think a handmade gift card holder is a great way to warm up or personalize a gift card. Using the Gift Card Greetings metal die from Papertrey and a digi stamp from Meljen’s Designs is a a cute and easy way to make a holder for any gift card.

To decorate this gift card holder, I used one of the new images that Melissa is putting into the store today. Since Melissa has really been in the Christmas spirit lately, she has designed a lot of new, fabulous, Christmas themed images. Check all these out!

The new challenge on the Meljen’s Designs blog is “Use Twine or String”. I can’t wait to see what you come up with. To link up your project or see the challenge rules, see the Meljen’s Designs blog.

To help get you in the holiday spirit, Melissa is having a sale on her digital stamps. 50% off – is that awesome or what? (Click on the banner below to go to the store)

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a fabulous day!

Supplies:

Mittens Gift Card Holder

• Stamps: Cozy Mittens (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs, Snow Wonderful from Verve Stamps, Signature Christmas by Papertrey, Tiny Talk by Stampin’ Up
• Inks: Distress Inks Old Paper, Close To My Heart Garden Green
• Papers: Papertrey kraft CS, Crate Paper Snow Day Collection pad
• Tools: Big Shot, Sewing Machine, Papertrey Gift Card Greetings die
• Embellishments: The Twinery Honeydew bakers twine, misc. button, Martha Stewart doily, Frosted Lace Stickles

Tree Gift Card Holder

• Stamps: Little Wood Star Tree (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs, Snow Wonderful from Verve Stamps, Signature Christmas by Papertrey, Tiny Talk by Stampin’ Up
• Inks: Distress Inks Old Paper, Close To My Heart Garden Green
• Papers: Papertrey kraft CS, Crate Paper Snow Day Collection pad
• Tools: Big Shot, Sewing Machine, Papertrey Gift Card Greetings die
• Embellishments: The Twinery Honeydew bakers twine, misc. button

Challenges:

• ABC DT Challenge – Christmas
• Catered Crop – FTR25 (recipe: kraft, Christmas, Distress ink, die cuts)
• Creative Crafts – Free for all
• Daisy Doodles Creative Challenge – Christmas
• Fresh Brewed Challenges – (monthly) anything goes
• Hooked on Crafts – Punches or die cuts
• One Stitch at a Time – Anything goes
• Papertake Weekly – Christmas
• Pile It On – anything with P (paper piecing, pink)
• Ribbon Carousel Challenge – Any holiday
• Sarah Hurley challenge – Buttons
• Sassy Cheryl’s Challenge – Anything goes
• Scrappy Frogs – kraft
• The Kraft Journal – Christmas gifts
• Wags N Whiskers – Christmas
• That’s Krafty Thursday – Kraft
• Deep Ocean Challenge = C as cozy mittens, Christmas, country feel
• Little Red Wagon – Christmas
• Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge Blog – Tie one on
• Scrapbook Sisters – Christmas Time
• Paper Crafting Journey – Anything goes

Ornament Angel

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This week I used the sweet image “Ornament Angel” for my Whimsy & Stars Studio DT card. Mabelle gave this image away to the fans of the Whimsy & Stars Studio Facebook page last month but she is now avalable in the store. If you haven’t already, you might want to go “Like” the Whimsy & Stars Studio Facebook page because you never know when Mabelle might post another free digi.

There are some fun things going on over at the Whimsy & Stars Studio. Stop by the blog and join in the Gratitude blog hop. To play along, just link up your project using a Whimsy & Stars Studio image (it does not have to be Gratitude themed) and add your favorite gratitude quote or something you are grateful for and would like to share for your chance to win one of three winners of a $9.00 gift certificate to the Whimsy & Stars Studio store. For all the details and to link up your project, check the Whimsy & Stars blog.

Don’t forget about the sale on Whimsy & Stars Studio digital images! You can find all the details on the sale on the Whimsy & Stars Studio blog.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Ornament Angel (digital stamp) from Whimsy & Stars Studio
• Inks: Old Paper Distress Inks
• Papers: Neenah Crest Solar White CS, Papertrey kraft CS, Stampin’ Up Old Olive CS, Lily Bee Design Jingle DP pad
• Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Papertrey Edgers collection #1
• Embellishments: Stampin’ Up Ribbon, Diamond Stickles, Close To My Heart Stardust Glitz, Marvy Twinklette gold glitter pen,misc button & twine

Challenges:

• 4 Crafty Chicks – Paper Piecing
• ABC DT Challenge – Christmas cards
• Annabelle's Stamps Challenge – Buttons & Bows
• Bunny Zoe Challenge – Christmas & Pearls
• Catered Crop – FTR25 (used kraft, red & green, Christmas, distress ink, die cuts, ribbon, layers)
• Creative Craft Challenge – Free for all
• Daisy Doodles Creative Challenge – Christmas + a digi
• Delightful Challenges – Bingo (used stitching, ribbon, patterned paper)
• Desert Island – Recipe (used wings, ribbon, buttons, 3 DP)
• Digi Doodle Shop's Best - Red & Green
• Dream Valley – Stitching
• Emerald Fairies Garden Challenge – Christmas w/main color green
• Everybody Art Challenge – Christmas
• Frosted Designs – Die Cuts
• Fun with Shapes – use 3 (3 pearls, 3 dp)
• Hooked on Crafts – Something punched or die cut
• Just Some Lines – Bingo (Used glitter on wings, digi, punch or die cut)
• Just Us Girls – Red, white, green
• Lil Red Wagon – Paper piecing
• Lollipop Crafts – Anything goes
• Lothian Crafts – Christmas
• One Stitch At A Time – anything goes
• Papertake Weekly – Christmas
• Phindy's Place challenge – Christmas cards
• Pile It On – Anything with a P – pearls,paper piecing
• Ribbon Carousel Challenge – Any holiday
• Sassy Cheryl’s Challenge - Anything goes
• Truly Scrumptious – Christmas with pearls
• Wags N Whiskers – Christmas
• Whoopsi Daisy – Christmas
• Winter Wonderland – Awww, what a cutie

Happy Turkey Day!

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Thanksgiving is just a week away! Do you have your stretchy pants ready? Just kidding. Although I love seeing my extended family on Thanksgiving, turkey and the rest of the Thanksgiving fixin’s are not my favorite meal. Why couldn’t the pilgrims eat pasta? And chocolate? Can’t forget the chocolate.

Anyhow, whether you like turkey or not, this little guy is looking for a pardon this year. He would like you to eat some of his farm yard friends like the cow or pig. Or how about Tofurky this year? Do you think the farmer will be able to find him in his cute disguise?

The new Meljen’s Design challenge is “Thanksgiving or Thank you”. Melissa is putting some new Thanksgiving themed images in the store today. Aren’t the perfect for the challenge or any last minute Thanksgiving projects you might have?

If you like the paper I used, check out my blog candy! The paper I used is from the Darling Dear paper pad.

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Save the Turkey (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs
• Inks: None
• Papers: Neenah Crest solar white, Papertrey Kraft cs, Stampin’ Up Ruby Red, My Mind’s Eye Six by Six Darling Dear paper pad
• Tools: Sewing machine, Copic markers
• Embellishments/Other: Burlap, Papertrey button twin, misc. buttons

Challenges:

• Sketch for you to try - November Sketch For You To Try
• 2 Sisters challenge – Anything goes
• AUD Sentiments – Thanksgiving
• Card Mad Fairy's Digi Day challenge – Texture
• Crafting for all seasons – Thanksgiving
• Cupcake Inspirations – photo insp
• Desert Island – recipe – used wings, buttons, fussy cuts
• Dream Valley – Stitching
• Gingersnap Creations – Random Redhead challenge – livestock
• Mad for Markers – anything goes with copics
• Order of Opus Gluei – what’s on your head (bunny ears)
• Pattie's Creation Challenge- Thanksgiving
• Sassy Cheryl’s Challenge – anything goes
• Scrappy Frogs – kraft
• Sentimental Sundays – Thanksgiving
• Shelly's Images-Terrifically Thrilling Thursday – anything goes
• Simon Says Stamp – Thanksgiving
• Speedy the Cat Challenge – Favorite Technique (coloring with copic markers)
• Delightful Challenges – Bingo (Buttons, dimension, patterned paper)
• Sarah Hurley – Buttons
• Dare to be Sassy – Season of Thanks
• Rainbow Lady – Thanksgiving

U Rock!

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My baby turned 10 yesterday. I can’t believe we are now in the double digits. Time is just flying by!

Since she wants to be a rock star when she grows up (in between the time she spends as a vet, teacher, writer, actress, spy, mom, and CSI tech), I thought this image from Pink Cat Studios would be perfect for her birthday card. Of course I had to add some glitter and bling because that is all part of the rock star style.

I was looking for some pictures of Elizabeth from when she was a baby, but I couldn’t find any to share. I can’t believe we didn’t have a digital camera back then (even though I know it is true). Instead I thought I would share a couple pictures from her fencing tournament last weekend. She won the silver medal! I am such a proud momma!

Action shot! She is the one on the right.

Here she is showing off her silver medal after some really hard matches.

She wears that Hammer hat under her fencing gear to keep her hair out of her face.

Happy Birthday, Baby! I love you and am so proud of you!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Lily Rock Star (digital stamp) by Pink Cat Studios
• Inks: None
• Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Paper Studio black CS, My Mind’s Eye Six by Six A Happy Heart paper pad
• Tools: Copic markers, Fiskars edge punch, Cricut, Plantin Schoolbook cartridge, Xyron
• Embellishments & extras: Cardboard from a cereal box, Mrs. Grossman’s alphabet stickers, Close to my Heart Stardust Glitz, Paper Studio gemstones, Sakura gellyroll star dust glitter pen

Challenges:

• Sketch for your to try – SFYTT November 2011
• ABC Challenge – D is for Dazzle
• 2 Sisters Challenge – Anything Goes
• Alota Rubber Stamps – Dots
• Crafty Catz – use a digi
• Crafty Purple Frog – Orange
• Daisy Doodles Creative Challenge – anything goes with a digi
• Dare to Be Sassy Thursday Challenge – For a child
• Hooked on Crafts – Punched or die cut
• Mad for Markers – Anything goes with Copics
• Sassy Cheryl’s challenge – Anything goes
• Saturday Challenge – Spots & Stripes
• Speedy the Cat Challenge – Favorite Technique (coloring with copics)
• Stamp Fairy Challenge – Glitter
• Stamps R us – Bling it on
• Stamptacular Sunday Challenge – Punch it (or die cut)

Winter Friends

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I love snowmen! This time of year I could just go nuts buying every snowman ornament and knick knack I see. Good thing I have a little self control or my house would be filled. Of course with digital stamps, you can have as many as you want and it doesn’t clutter up your house. This is one of the snowmen that I fell for this year, a sweet digital stamp by Whimsy & Stars Studio.

I tried to fancy this card up a bit more than my usual style. I have glitter, pearls, bling, ribbon, lace, die cuts, stitching, buttons, flocking, paper piecing - oh my! That is a lot of stuff on one card for me. I might have to keep this card for myself!

There are some fun things going on over at the Whimsy & Stars Studio. Stop by the blog and join in the Gratitude blog hop. To play along, just link up your project using a Whimsy & Stars Studio image (it does not have to be Gratitude themed) and add your favorite gratitude quote or something you are grateful for and would like to share for your chance to win one of three winners of a $9.00 gift certificate to the Whimsy & Stars Studio store. For all the details and to link up your project, check the Whimsy & Stars blog.

I’ll share this opportunity with you to share my favorite quote about gratitude.

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~ William Arthur Ward

I think this quote is perfect, especially at this time of year. Not only should we make a conscious effort to be aware of all the things we feel grateful for, but we should take the time to express that gratitude to others.

Don’t forget about the sale on Whimsy & Stars Studio digital images! You can find all the details on the sale on the Whimsy & Stars Studio blog.

If you like to stamp with rubber stamps, Whimsy & Stars Studio now has 5 rubber stamp sets, including this new, sweet Christmas stamp set.

I think I have remembered to everything that I needed to share with you. I hope you have a great week!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Snowman and Girl (digital stamp) by Whimsy & Stars Studio
• Inks: Distress Inks Antique Linen
• Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey kraft CS, misc. blue & lavender CS, Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather
• Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Memory Box Bianca Snowflake, Papertrey Edgers #1 collection, Copic markers
• Embellishments: Sakura Gelly Roll Stardust clear glitter pen, Marvy Twinklette Gold glitter pen, Close To My Heart Stardust Glitz, Stampendous white fun flock, cotton crochet thread, misc. lace, ribbon, button, pearls & gemstones

Challenges:

• 2 Sisters Challenge – Anything goes
• ABC DT Challenge – Christmas card
• Addicted to Stamps – Lace & Pearls
• Bunny Zoe Challenge – Christmas & pearls
• By the Cute & Girly – Christmas Girls
• C.R.A.F.T. Challenge – Cute
• Catered Crop – FRT25 (I used kraft, winter scene, distress ink, die cuts, lace, ribbon, pearls, & layers)
• Card Mad Fairy's Digi Day challenge – Texture
• Craft Your Passion – Let it snow
• Crafting for all seasons – Texture
• Cupcake Craftroom – Sweet Christmas
• Delightful Challenges – Snowflakes
• Di's Digi Designs challenge - Ribbons & Bows
• Do You Stack Up – Inspired by song (Walking in a Winter Wonderland)
• Dream Valley – Stitching
• Ellephantastic Challenge – Weather related (Snow!)
• Fresh Brewed Challenges – Monthly – Anything goes
• Gingerloft Challenge – Lace, fabric, felt
• Hooked on Crafts – Punch something (or die cut)
• Inky Impressions – Glitter it up
• Jellypark Friends – Non-traditional Christmas colors
• Lothian Crafts – Christmas
• Mad for Markers – Anything goes (w/copics)
• Mami Doodles – Christmas
• One Stop Craft Challenge – Ribbons & Lace
• Ooh-La-La creations – Bingo (Ribbon, die cut, sparkle)
• Order of Opus Gluei – What’s on your head?
• Scrappy Frogs – kraft
• Speedy the Cat Challenge – Favorite technique (coloring with copics, including my ribbon)
• Stamp Fairy – Glitter
• Stamps R Us – Bling it on
• Stamptacular Sunday Challenge – Punch it (or dies)
• Sunday's with Chrissy – Christmas using non traditional colors
• Tiffany’s Doodles Challenge – Glitter & Sparkle
• Totally Gorjuss – Christmas Traditions (playing in the snow)
• Truly Scrumptious – Bingo ( Glitter, punch/die cuts, ribbon)
• Wags N Whiskers – Christmas
• Whoopsi Daisy – Color of winter
• Crimbo Crackers – Sparkle
• Creatalicious – Christmas with sparkle
• Digital Tuesday – Christmas time

Veteran’s Day 11-11-11

Thank you to our brave veterans on this Veteran's Day. The freedoms we have in this country should not be taken for granted. Somebody fought for you. Somebody died for you. We have the ability to vote for our government representatives, choose where to live, read what ever books we want, and say what is on our mind and many other things we consider rights because of our veterans. Thank you to all our veterans for protecting our freedoms!

To celebrate Veteran’s Day, Melissa of Meljen’s Designs is giving away her ARMY BEAR digital stamp. It is free today only. Please stop by the Meljen’s Designs blog for the link to download your free ARMY BEAR digital stamp.

** Edited ** Melissa decide to hold a sale in honor of Veteran’s Day too. 15% off digis today and tomorrow. (November 11 & 12, 2011). Discount code MDvet15. You can see more details on the Meljen’s Designs blog.

Santa Baby

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The weather turned cold and dreary here this week. Brrrr…. Winter is on its way. Although I enjoy curling up near the fire with my blanket, cup of tea, and a good book, I made my way up to my craft room to make another Christmas card. To keep things easy, I used one of the pre-colored digital images from Meljen’s Designs. The colors perfectly matched my new Echo Park papers. This Santa looks so happy that I just want to pinch his rosy cheek. (But I won’t. I don’t want to end up on the “Naughty” list.)

A couple of weeks ago I finally scored at an antique store. Every one always shows off all their great thrift store or antique store finds but I feel like I never find anything “good”. I saw a sign that a local antique store was closing and that everything was on sale. Since I had time, I decided to stop to see if I could find anything “good”. I did! I got 3 quart mason jars full of buttons for $5. Once I got them home and sorted through them, I found there were quite a few lovely vintage buttons, a few other novelty type buttons, and a lot of plain ol’ buttons. I’m happy with my purchase. I plan on dying some of the plain buttons using a tutorial I found on Pinterest. I brought all this up because I used one of the buttons I bought on this card. Plus, I like looking at the jars of buttons on the shelf in my craft room.

Since it’s Thursday, there is a new release and a new challenge for Meljen’s Designs. Here is a look at the new digis going into the store today. Aren’t these mice super cute?

Of course they go perfectly with the new Meljen’s Designs challenge – use Orange and/or Brown. Stop by the Meljen’s Designs blog to see the projects from Team A using the new images.

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Santa’s Jolly Smile (precolored digital stamp) from Meljen’s Designs, Signature Christmas & Just the Ticket from Papertrey
• Inks: Close To My Heart Cranberry, Stampin’ Up Garden Green, Distress Inks Old Paper
• Papers: Papertrey white CS, Echo Park Holly Jolly Christmas DP pad, misc. red CS from stash
• Tools: Sewing machine, Martha Stewart edge punch
• Embellishments: Sakura Gellyroll stardust clear glitter pen, Tiara glitz Stickles, misc. button & twine

Challenges:

• ABC DT Challenge – Christmas
• Anything Goes Challenge – Stitching
• C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - Cute
• Cards for Men – Christmas
• Catch the Bug – Anything goes
• CES Challenge – Song or Film inspired (inspired by song “Santa Baby”)
• Creative Inspirations – Stitching (10 max challenges)
• Digital Tuesday – Anything goes
• Do You Stack Up – Inspired by song (“Santa Baby”)
• Feature Me Fridays – Always Anything goes
• Floweret – Christmas
• I Did It Creations – Winter/Christmas
• Incy Wincy – Stitching
• Lothian Crafts – Christmas
• Mami Doodles – Christmas
• Ooh-La-La creations - Stitching
• Paper Pretties – buttons
• Papertake Weekly – Christmas
• Really Reasonable Ribbon – Christmas
• Top Tip Challenge – anything goes Christmas
• Totally Stampalicous – anything goes
• Christmas Inspirations – Bows

Whimsy & Stars Gratitude Blog Hop

Mabelle is hosting the very first Whimsy & Stars Gratitude blog hop to share the spirit of the season with the fans of her images. Instead of trying to rewrite her post and put it in my own words, I am going to quote directly from her blog. To join in the blog hop and for your chance to win, link up your creation on the Whimsy and Stars Studio blog.

From the Whimsy & Stars Studio blog:

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are
the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
— Marcel Proust
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Happy Fall, dear friends! I hope your are enjoying this glorious season
of gratitude and happy gatherings! I think its the perfect occasion
to have our very first Gratitude Blog Hop! What you think?

Join me to celebrate Thanksgiving!

• Please post a card using any of my designs either rubber stamp or digi stamp
• Post your card on your blog
• Add your favorite gratitude quote, something that you are grateful for or anything special you would like to share.
• Then "link in" your blog post using the link below and the full extension of your blog post.
• This blog hop will be open for several days (ends Thursday, November 29th at 6:00 pm Eastern Time USA)

★★ I will be giving away BLOG CANDY! ★★
3 RANDOM WINNERS from the Blog Hop Participants will
WIN a Gift Certificate of $9.00 toward Digi Stamps from my store :)
(you must post a card using any of my designs to qualify for the random prize)

If you don’t have any Whimsy & Stars Studio digis, don’t worry! Right now you can buy 2 and get 1 free!

I hope you will link up your beautiful Whimsy & Stars creations for your chance to win!

Feel Better Soon

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Last week my DH asked me to make a card for his boss, errr…. his boss’ dog. The poor pup was hit by a car and originally was not given much of a chance to survive. Well, the little guy surprised everyone, including the vets, and not only survived but is doing really great.

I used the need for a card as an excuse to finally purchase an image from K ‘n K Designs. I always love Katlyn’s dog images but with haven’t had time to use them with DT commitments. It also gave me a chance to use some pet themed papers from Pebbles that I won from Paper Crafts Connection.

Once I had the image colored, I had a really hard time making the card. My mojo was missing. In the end, I was inspired by the design of this card from Amy Rohl.

That’s it for today. I hope you will take a minute to check out the K ‘n K Designs shop.

Don’t forget to check out my MME blog candy HERE.

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Kolar’s Bandage (digital stamp) from K ‘n K Designs
• Inks: None
• Papers: Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, Pebbles Cats & Dogs DP, Neenah Crest solar white CS,
• Tools: Copic markers, Big Shot, Papertrey Edgers #1 collection die
• Embellishments: Misc. twine & buttons
• Sentiment printed using Architect’s Daughter free font

Challenges:

• Catch the Bug – Anything Goes
• CES Challenge – Song or Film Inspired (“You’ve Got A Friend in Me” from Toy Story)
• Daisy Doodles Creative Challenge – Anything goes with a digi
• Digital Tuesday – Anything Goes
• Forever Friends – (monthly) Something old (buttons, twine) Something new (image & DP)
• Fresh Brewed Challenges – (monthly) anything goes
• Heart Song Designs Challenge – Anything goes
• My Partner in Crafting Crime – Use something you got for free (the DP was free)
• One Stitch at a Time – use a digi
• One Stop Craft Challenge – Groups of 3 (3 buttons)
• Paper Crafting Journey – use a digi
• Paper Play Challenge – buttons
• Simon Says Stamp – Buttons
• That's Krafty Thursday - kraft
• Totally Stampalicous – Anything goes

A Little Blog Candy

**** THIS BLOG CANDY IS NOW CLOSED *****

I was looking at my calendar and reflecting on all the reasons that I have to celebrate over the next few months. We have our daughter’s birthday, our wedding anniversary, Thanksgiving, a chance to see family that lives far away, my brother’s birthday, my husband’s birthday, friends’ birthdays, Christmas and that is just the start.

Since all this put me in a good mood, I decided I would offer up a little blog candy to my crafting friends. I have 2 My Mind’s Eye Six by Six pads (Darling Dear & All Spice) to give away to 1 random winner. (Both can be seen HERE on the MME website. Sorry for the fuzzy picture.)

What do you have to do?

• FOR 1 ENTRY - Be a follower of my blog and leave me a comment. Tell me what you are looking forward to over the next few months or even just say “Hi”.
• FOR A 2nd ENTRY – Let your friends know about my blog candy give away either in a post or in your blog sidebar. Please post the above photo and linking it back to my blog, http://shestamps.blogspot.com/
• Maximum of 2 entries per person.
• No candy only blogs please.

Enter using the linky tool below by 12-15-2011. I will post the name of the winner (chosen using random.org) on my blog by 12-17-2011. The winner will have 1 week to email me to claim their prize or I will use random.org to pick another winner.

You Had Me At Hello

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Today my hubby and I are celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary. When we met in 1991 at a dance club, little did I image then that we would be married and still together 20 years later. I’m so glad he asked me to dance.

Here is a picture of us on the big day.

Happy Anniversary, Honey! I am looking forward to many, many more years together!

Don’t forget to check out my blog candy HERE.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a great day!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Dancing Love (digital stamps) by Whimsy & Stars Studio, Just the Ticket by Papertrey
• Inks: Close To My Heart Cranberry
• Papers: Neenah Crest solar white, Papertrey Dark Chocolate & Kraft CS, October Afternoon Sidewalk & Farm Fresh DP
• Tools: Sewing machine, Martha Stewart punch, Big Shot, Papertrey Just the Ticket die, Copic markers
• Embellishments: Papertrey red bakers twine, misc. blue twine, button, & dew drops

Challenges:

• 4 Crafty Chicks – Die cuts
• Anything Goes Challenge – Stitching
• Catch the Bug – Anything Goes
• CES Challenges – Song or Film inspired (“You Had Me From Hello” by Kenny Chesney)
• Crafts & Me – Music inspired (sheet music)
• Crafty Catz – Anything Goes
• Creative Card Crew – Fallin’ in love
• Dream Valley – Anything goes
• Fresh Brewed Challenges – (monthly) anything goes
• Frosted Design – about / for family
• Incy Wincy – Stitching
• One Stitch At A Time – use a digi
• One Stop Craft Challenge – groups of 3 (3 dew drops, 3 rows of each color twine)
• Ooh-La-La creations – Stitching
• Paper Crafting Journey –Use a digi
• Paper Play Challenge – Button
• Papertake Weekly – anything goes
• Ribbon Carousel Challenge – Anything goes
• Sentimental Sundays – Wedding / anniversary
• Simon Says Stamp – Button
• Southern Girls Challenge – Song inspired (“You Had Me From Hello” by Kenny Chesney)
• Stampavie – Anything goes
• That's Krafty Thursday - Kraft

Purse Bling and a discount for you!

I generally try to keep my blog about paper crafting and my music post on Saturdays, but I decided I had to share this with you. I found a company where I love the product and, even better, I was impressed with their customer service.

I saw a review of the Purseket Purse Organizer from Purse Bling on another blog and had to check it out. The purse I am currently using has a dark colored interior and hardly any pockets. I can never find what I am looking for unless I practically dump the entire purse. After looking at the pictures and reading customer reviews, I ordered one (in a light color) for my purse.

It shipped the same day and was on my door step in no time. I immediately dumped out my purse and put my Kleenex, gum, aspirin, Epi pen, pens, check book, lipstick, etc. in my new purse organizer and slipped it into my purse. I have to say I LOVE IT! I can find anything I am looking for so easily now. See that loop on the top? I love that feature. You slip your keys over the stiff loop of fabric and they are easy to find when you need them.

Although I don’t frequently switch purses, I love the fact that when I do, all I have to do is pull out my purse organizer and slip it into my new bag to be ready to go.

Purse Bling carries several brands of purse organizers. Each brand comes in various sizes and colors. Be sure to read the FAQ’s so that you get one the correct size for your purse.

I always have a problem finding my cell phone in my purse. By the time I dig it out, I almost always miss the call. While looking at the Purse Bling web site, I saw they had “Finders for Cell-Phones”. You got it; I bought one of those too. (Actually, I purchased a monogram key finder and they altered it free of charge to be a phone finder.) I love this too! No more digging through my purse trying to find my ringing cell phone.

I was so pleased with my purchases that I placed a second order for another purse organizer, in a different size, to use in the tote bag I take when I work out. I know I am going to be doing some Christmas shopping at Purse Bling.

Purse Bling’s products are not limited to purse organizers and key/cell-phone finders. They carry a lot of other products like purse hooks, Pish Posh Mommy Stuff, luggage tags, and eyeglass holders just to name a few.

Now, if you stuck with me through this entire blog post, I have a little treat for you. Jerilyn Stein, President of Purse Bling, gave me a discount code to share with my blog readers. If you use the discount/promo code of STAMPS during check out, you will get a 10% discount off your order. (Offer valid through March 31, 2012) Purse Bling offers FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $9.95 (to USA and US territories)! Click HERE to go to Purse Bling! Don’t forget to use the discount code of STAMPS for your 10% discount.

Music Saves My Soul

Hurray!  The week end has rolled around again!  Next week, my hubby and I will be celebrating our 13th anniversary.     I picked this song in honor of our anniversary.     Enjoy!

 

 

If you would like to play along, link up your blog on Marcea’s blog.

 

Have a great week end!

Meljen’s Designs Challenge #83–Brads

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It’s time to announce the new Meljen’s Designs challenge and give you a look at the new images going into the store today. As you probably guessed, the challenge this week is to use BRADS. I used one of the new images, Pumpkin Crow, to make this card. (My brads are the flower centers.)

Here is a look at the new digital images going into the store today.

While you’re checking out the Meljen’s Designs store, be sure to check out the new pre-colored digis Melissa added earlier this week. Using precolored digis makes creating cards (or other paper crafts) a snap.

Stop by the Meljen’s Designs blog to see the projects using the new digis from the rest of the DT.

Have a great day!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Pumpkin Crow (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs
• Inks: Antique Linen distress inks
• Papers: Neenah Crest solar white, Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, Bo Bunny Forever Fall Collection DP pad
• Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Stampin’ Up edge punch, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Papertrey flower die, Copic markers
• Embellishments: Spica clear glitter pen, Felt Works wool felt, Papertrey button twine, misc brads

Challenges:

• The Sweet Stop – SSS77 sketch
• Anything Goes Challenge – Stitching
• Card Makin' Mamas – Die cuts
• Catch the Bug – Photo insp (I was inspired by the rust colored flowers)
• Celebrate the Occasion – Fall w/pumpkin
• Come & Get It challenges – Anything Goes
• Craft Your Days Away – Autumn
• Cupcake Craft Challenge – Leaves (in image and DP)
• Dream Valley – Anything Goes
• Fresh Brewed Challenges – (monthly challenge) Anything Goes
• Scrap Creations – Pumpkins please
• Incy Wincy – Dots & Stripes
• Inky Impressions – Photo Insp (inspired by colors & leaves)
• Lollipop Crafts – Anything goes
• One Stop Craft Challenge – no sentiment
• Ooh-La-La creations - Stitching
• Paper Crafting Journey - Use a digi
• Pattie's Creation Challenge - Autumn Colors
• Polly Craft Challenge – Anything Goes
• Quirky Crafts – Autumn leaves (leave a comment)
• Raise the Bar – Stitching
• Ribbon Carousel Challenge – Anything goes
• Simply Create – Pumpkins
• Stampin' Sisters in Christ – Fall colors
• Sweet Stampin' Challenge – Anything goes

Whimsy & Stars Studio and the Catered Crop Challenge

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I have a rather lengthy post today but I have lots of information to share with you. All good stuff, I promise!

First I want to share another card that I made using the beautiful image, Felicity, from Whimsy & Stars Studio. (You can see my first card HERE.) I decided to try something a little different and not use the entire image. I know, a lot of you do this all the time, but it is new for me. I love the way it turned out. I’m going to try to remember to do this more often.

This is the entire image. Isn’t she sweet?

Mabelle, the creative genius behind Whimsy & Stars Studio, is giving a way a free image on Facebook to the fans of the Whimsy & Stars Studio page. This adorable image (below) will be available for free download on Facebook November 1 – 3rd (noon Eastern time) and then it will move to her Etsy shop. Hurry on over and download her now! Don’t forget to share your creations with us on the Whimsy & Stars Studio page.

There is also a sale going on at Whimsy Stars & Stamps! Buy 2 digis and get 1 free! This offer is valid until December 10, 2011.

I know this post has been a bit long but I have one more thing to share with you.

Two of my cards where picked as the inspiration for the current recipe challenge at the Catered Crop! I am excited to play along as a guest baker for the current challenge. How do you play along? (I copied the wording right from the Catered Crop blog instead of trying to put it into my own words.)

Playing with us at the Catered Crop "Follow-the-Recipe" linking party is easy as pumpkin pie. Here's how it works:

1. Use any of the ingredients (themes, colors, techniques, etc.) in Cheryl's projects. You don't have to use all the ingredients or the same brands. Just pick a few ingredients and then add your own spices to cook up something uniquely yours.
2. Add your project using the InLinkz (froggy) button below and join the party.
3. Be sure to list your recipe or tell us what ingredient you used from the sample recipe.
4. Don't forget to link back to this post or include the "I Followed the Recipe" button on your blog (see the side bar to the right).

Here's your FTR24 recipe – hold on to your hats because it's a fun one!

• Stamps: girls, banners, farmer, crow
• Colors: pink/burgundy, green; jewel tone fall colors
• Theme: Christmas or Fall
• Inks: Distress Ink, markers
• Papers: stripes and polka dots, kraft
• Tools: sewing machine, die cuts, circle punch
• Embellishments: Fun Flock, seam binding, gemstones, glimmer mists, glitter, jingle bells, lace, buttons, burlap, twine, and cord

To make it even more fun, the Fawn Lawn is the sponsor for this recipe challenge! How can you pass up this challenge?

Thank you for sticking with me through this long post! I hope you have a fabulous day!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Felicity (digital stamp) from Whimsy and Stars Studio, Signature Christmas from Papertrey
• Inks: Distress Inks Old Paper, Close To My Heart Cranberry
• Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey kraft CS, Stampin’ Up Old Olive CS, Echo Park Season’s Greetings paper pad
• Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Papertrey Pine Boughs die, Papertrey embossing plate, Copic markers
• Embellishments: Marvy Twinklette gold glitter pen, Clear Spica glitter pen, Pssst! Sparkle Sheer Shimmer Sprintz, Papertrey Bakers Twine, misc. lace, buttons, natural bakers twine

Challenges:

• Anything Goes Challenge – stitches
• Catered Crop - FRT24 (I used girls, green, Christmas, markers, stripes, kraft, sewing machine, die cuts, buttons, lace, twine)
• Card Makin' Mamas – Die cuts
• Clear it Out – Favorite holiday (Christmas)(All the trims & buttons were stash)
• Come & Get It challenges – Anything Goes
• Crafty Purple Frog – Sparkle
• Cupcake Craftroom – Sweet Christmas
• Digi Doodle Shop's Best – Anything Goes
• DigiStamps 4 Joy – 2 identical embellies (2 pine boughs)
• Dream Valley – Anything goes
• Gingerloft Challenge – Bingo (Buttons, DP, glitter)
• Hanna & Friends – Glitter
• Inky Impressions – Anything Goes
• Lollipop Crafts – Anything Goes
• One Stitch At A Time – Christmas
• Ooh-La-La creations – Stitching
• Paper Crafting Journey – use a digi
• Paper Play Time – Sentiment + buttons + bows
• Paper Shelter – Anything Goes
• Papertake Weekly – anything goes + option of bling
• Polly Craft Challenge – Anything goes
• Raise The Bar – Anything goes
• Ribbon Carousel Challenge – Anything goes
• Really Reasonable Ribbon – Christmas
• Scrapbook Sisters – Anything goes
• Simon Says Stamp – Anything goes
• Stamp with Fun – buttons & twine
• Sweet Stampin’ Challenge – anything goes
• That’s Krafty Thursday – kraft
• Ribbon Girl – Christmas
• Whimsy Inspirations Challenge – Button it
• Bah Humbug – Die cuts