Easy Breezy Coneflowers

Spring is on the way.  I 've seen robins in the yard, red wing blackbirds at the feeders, and the sandhill cranes are back in the field next to our house.   At the back of our yard we have an area of wildflowers.  We planted milkweed seeds this fall and I hope some of the seeds grow into plants which will attract butterflies.  Even if the milkweed doesn't grow, we always have plenty of coneflowers to attract butterflies and bees.  

When I saw this image from Power Poppy, I wanted to color it and think about the coming summer days.

Before I go I thought I would share a photo of my girls.  This was taken on the way home from the park after a long walk.  They are also happy that the weather is getting nicer so that we can take longer walks and enjoy the outdoors.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Stamps:  Easy Breezy Coneflowers digital stamps from Power Poppy, Say It In Pieces digital stamp from Hero Arts
• Paper:  Neenah Solar white card stock, My Mind's Eye Six by Six A Beautiful Life 6x6 paper pad, Paper Trey white card stock, Stampin' Up Vellum, Starbuck coffee sleeve
• Copic Markers

Challenges:

• Crafty Creations  M, 1st W, 2E - Always Anything Goes
• Creative Moments M, Wed 3E, Anything Goes
• Simon Says Stamp W, 5E - 2 or More Patterned Papers
• The Paper Funday M, 4E, #25 - Anything Goes/Optional Twist Green
• Digi Choosday Challenge -W,E2, - #11 - Anything Goes
• Through The Craft Room Door W, 2E - Always Anything Goes
• Academy ScrapArt Challenge (M, P1, E2) March - Purple
• Jan’s Digi Stamps Challenges (M,5E) - MAR - ANYTHING GOES

They Say It's Your Birthday

Hello!  This week my dad celebrated his 78th birthday.  When making a card for his special day, I decided to make two birthday cards at the same time - 1 for him and 1 for my stash.

I enjoyed coloring this cute penguin from 2 Cute Ink.   I used a few pieces of DP left over from a paper pad and some washi tape.  The sentiments is from a very old Stampin' Up set.

This is a photo of my dad my brother took earlier in the week.  3 days after finishing radiation therapy, he is up this ladder caulking a crack in the cross bar.   I swear he never sits still.

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

Cheryl

Supplies:

Digital stamp - Celebration Penguin by 2 Cute Ink

Copic Markers

White Gel pen

Vellum

Black card stock

Stampin' Up white craft ink

White embossing powerder

My Mind's Eye 6x6 Fine and Dandy Tickled Pink paper pad

Washi tape

Misc. embellishments

American Crafts 4 x 5-1/2" card base

Challenges:

613 Avenue Create - M (1st Sunday), 8E, Any Craft Accepted (check for recognition each week, top DT choices, winners, and crafter's voting by on-line community) - (July) Anything Goes w/ Optional Twist: Sentiment as Focus

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - 2W (1st & 3rd Sun) E3 Always Anything Goes

Stamping Sensations        - M, 3E, Winner + Top 3, must use stamp (no pre-colored digis) Stamp must be focal point of project – (July) All Creatures Great & Small

The Corrosive Challenges - M, 3E - Always Anything Goes

A Gem of a Challenge  2W, 3E  - #15 - Anything Goes (W1 of 2)

Crafty Friends Challenge 2W, 3E, - #140 - Happy Birthday (W1 of 2)

Di's Digis Designs 2W, 3E,SIO  Use Your Paper Scraps (W1 of 2)

Colour Crazy Challenge - W, 2E  - Wk 27 (W2 of 2)  and Wk 28 (W1 of 2) -   ANYTHING COLORING GOES

2 Crafty Critter Crazies (M, P1, E5, must have a critter) #40 - Anything Goes with a Critter

Crafty Animals (M P1, must have animals) Always Anything Goes

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper (M, P1) July - Anything Goes with Patterned Paper

Creatalicious Challenges (2W, P15/last day of the M) #191 - Anything Goes with optional 3 of a kind

Stinkin' Inkers - M, E3  July- I See Spots

Tuesday Throwdown W -   #461 - Polka Dots (week 2)

 

Catered Crop–Think Green Recipe Swap

The latest Catered Crop recipe swap is up!  With Earth Day on April 22 and National Arbor Day on April 25, it’s the perfect time to Think Green. Just make a project that includes the color green and come join our party at the Catered Crop.

For my project, I dug out a photo of of our sweet Summer was taken about a year ago.   Although I have been pretty lax about scrapbooking the last few years, I really wanted to make sure I created a page with this photo for my daughter’s scrap book.   We lost Summer, who was a member of our family for almost 15 years, in February so this page seemed especially important to me.

 

 

After finding some paper that used a lot of green in it, I used lots of various odds and ends that I found in my craft room.  I mixed various stickers and die cuts from other projects to create this page. 

As always, Linda has curated a fabulous Pinterest board to get our create mojo working.  (Don’t you just love her boards?)    You can go directly to Linda’s “Green”board by clicking on the photo below.  (I was totally excited to see that one of my projects was on the board!  Woo hoo!  It makes me feel like a crafting celebrity.)

 

 

 

After being inspired, don’t forget to come back and link your “Green” project at the Catered Crop.

 

 

 

Supplies:

• Papers:  Papertrey Kraft & Ripe Avocado CS, My Mind’s Eye Indie Chic Citron 6x6 paper pad, Starbucks coffee sleeve
• Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shoot,  Die-namics Simply Scallop die, Fiskars edge punch, Papertrey Journaling Tabs die, Sweet ‘N Sassy Stacking Hearts die
• Embellishments:  Jillibean Soup kraft mini brown alpha stickers & Vacation Soup labels, Cosmo Cricket Storytime Tiny Type stickers, Thickers Cupboard chipboard stickers, misc button, May Arts burlap twine

Challenges:

• All Crafts Challenge - 2M, 1st Monday of the month every other month, NO CARDS - (April / May) Anything but a Card

• Craft-Dee BowZ - M, E3, project must have bow - (April) Anything Goes with a Handmade Bow

• Crafty Bloggers Network - M, SIO - (April) Die Cuts or Embossing

• My Craft Creations - 2W, Challenge links on top, occasionally SIR - (Week 1) Always Anything Goes

• Unstampabelles - M, 3E, NO STAMPS allowed (rubber nor digi) - (April) Incorporate Animal or Bird

• 613 Avenue Create - W - #67 Anything (Optional – Reuse / Recycle Something) (heart from recycled starbucks coffee sleeve)

• Challenges 4 Everybody - M, 3E - April - Anything Goes

• Lasting Memories Layout - W, Layouts - #186 It's the Little Things

• The Squirrel & The Fox - 2W, 2E - #67 All Creatures Great and Small (week 2)

• Crafty Catz - W, 1E – No.226 – Animals

• Crafty Hands Challenge Blog - 2W, 3E (no complete digital projects, digi images ok) -No. 12 - (W1 of 2) - Anything Goes

• Inklings and Yarns - 3E, JFF - Always Anything Goes

Catered Crop Recipe Swap – Put A Bird On It

Hello & Happy Monday!

Linda over at the Catered Crop has cooked up another fun recipe swap – Put A Bird On It!   How fun is that?!

I love birds.  I love watching them at my many feeders, their antics in the bird baths, and building nests.  I love keeping an eye on their eggs and watching the progress of their hatchlings.  I love watching them fly across the sky in big flocks or long V’s signaling the change of the seasons.   Given my love birds, you can probably guess that I have tons of stamps and digital stamps of birds in all their various shapes and sizes, bird nests, and bird houses.  But, when I was looking for something to use for my Catered Crop project, nothing caught my interest.

As I was digging through my stash, my little Senegal parrot, Corky, was working really hard to get my attention.  He was whistling, blowing kisses, and using all his best phrases like “You are such a good, good boy”, “Give me a kiss”, “What are you doing?”, and “Come on, come here.”    Then it hit me, I had the perfect bird to put on it!   Meet Corky!

 

 

This little guy has been with me almost 23 years!  When I got him, I was told Senegals generally live 10-12 years and may learn 1 or 2 words .  Wrong!  Now life expectancy estimates are up to 50 years and I have lost track all the words, phrases and sounds he knows.

As always, Linda has curated a fantastic Pinterest board to get our creative mojo flowing.  Here is a peek.  Click on the photo below to go to the board.

 

After creating your bird project, be sure to stop back and share creation by linking up at the Catered Crop.

 

 

Before we go,  here is one more look at Corky while he is enjoying a bit of banana.

 

 

Have a great day!  Thank you for stopping by!

 

Supplies:

• Stamps:  Bountiful Backgrounds from the Verve Stamps
• Papers:  Bazzill Basics kraft CS, Prima Alla~Prima collection 6x6 paper pad
• Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Papertrey Banner Basics die, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Stampin’ Up photo corners punch, Fiskars edge punch, Sweet N Sassy heart dies
• Embellishments:  May Arts burlap twine, October Afternoon Midway Designer brads and Green & Cream Mini Market alpha stickers, Cosmo Cricket Tiny Text stickers, Jenni Bowlin Malted Milk paint dabber, Tatter Angle Apple Glimmer Mist, Cork, misc button

Challenges:

• 613 Avenue Create - W - Anything Goes
• One Stitch At A Time - W, SIO – Anything goes
• Challenges 4 Everybody - M, 3E - #39 March - Anything Goes
• One Stitch At A Time - W, SIO - #206 TBA
• Scrapbook Blessings Club Tutorial Challenge - 2W, must fit feature to YouTube videos, E3 – Anything – one week only
• Scribble and Scrap - 2W, SIO, E3, C15, F - Always Anything Goes
• Crafty Calendar - M, 1E -  Animal Antics
• Hiding in my Craft Room - W, 1E - #143  Freestyle
• My Sheri Crafts - 2W -  #130 (W1 of 2)  Anything but a card
• Open-Minded Challenges - 2W, 3E  (W1 of 2) #7  Animal Antics
• Bloggers - W, JFF – Animals
• 4 Krafty Girlz - 2W, E3 (W2 of 2) # 14 Anything Goes
• Dream it Up - M SIO Anything Goes
• Outlawz Twisted Thursday - W - Anything Goes...  Adda butterfly
• Paper Crafting Journey - 2W - (W1 of 2) Anything Goes
• Creative Moments - 2W, 3E - #39 Anything goes/Things with Wings
• Inklings and Yarns - 3E, JFF - Always Anything Goes

• Through The Craft Room Door W, 2E - Always Anything Goes

• Craft It Up & Link It Up Linky Party by Craftin Desert Divas - 2W - (Week 1) Anything Goes

• The Paper Nest Dolls Challenge - 2W, E2, SIO - (Week 1) Anything Goes

Fencing is Hard Work

Happy Monday!  Over the last couple of weeks, I decided to go back to my paper crafting roots and try my hand at some scrapbooking pages. 

 

I love this photo of Liz.  My husband snapped it during fencing practice a couple of weeks ago.    When I watch fencing, the athletes make it look so easy and balletic, that I almost forget that is it such a physical sport.  I took some fencing lessons last year so that I could learn more about the sport that is my daughter’s passion.  To say I was a “hot mess” when I was done is an understatement.

 

 

 

 

If  you would like to learn more about fencing, here is a info graphic from the Guardian for the 2012 London Olympics that gives a great over view.   (slide 8)

 

In other, related news, earlier this month, we found out that Liz was picked to be a Taste Agent for Skratch Labs.   Skratch Labs products are designed to optimize performance using real, all-natural ingredients.  (You can read all the details on the Skratch Labs website.)

 

 

 

That’s all I have for you this week.  I hope you have a fabulous week!  Thank you for stopping by.

 

Supplies:

• Paper:  Bazzill Basics CS, Simple Stories Say Cheese 6x6 paper pad, Georgia Pacific white CS, Paper Studio black CS
• Tools:  Big Shot, MFT Die-namics Stacking Stars Die
• Embellishments:  Black Patio Pain,  cork, misc washi tape & buttons
• Font:  Traveling Typewritter

Challenges:

• 613 Avenue Create - W - Challenge #64 Anything Goes w/Optional Twist: Birds of a Feather
• Challenges 4 Everybody - M, 3E - (4th Week) Challenge #39 Anything Goes.
• Scribble and Scrap - 2W, SIO, E3, C15, F (Must be a follower to qualify)Challenge #14 (2nd Week) Always Anything Goes.
• Crafts and Me Challenge & Inspiration Blog - M, P4 , 2E Anything Goes
• Just For Fun - M, P1, F, 3E Anything Goes
• Pumpkin spice - W - #64 Dots
• Crafts 4 Eternity Recipe Challenge - W, 3E – No. 168 - Anything Goes
• Cut it Up- 2W, 1E, Must have Die Cuts - No. 41 - (W1 of 2) - Anything Goes
• 4 Krafty Girlz - 2W, E3 (W1 of 2) # 14 Anything Goes
• Crafting By Designs - F,M - Anything goes
• Inklings and Yarns - 3E, JFF - Always Anything Goes
• All Crafts Challenge - 2M, 1st Monday of the month every other month, NO CARDS - (February/March) Anything but a Card
• My Craft Spot - W, 1E - Anything Goes

• Through The Craft Room Door W, 2E - Always Anything Goes

Catching Up

I was looking through my craft photos and realized that I had not posted this card yet.  I made this for my brother’s birthday.   I can’t believe I forgot to post it because I like the way it turned out.

 

 

I tried to keep it relatively CAS and even used some of my washi tape.   The paint was left over outdoor paint.  I poured some in a Dixie cup, diluted it with water, and flicked it onto the paper. 

 

I have lots of other stuff going on.  One of the most exciting things is that I have a new job which I will start next Monday.   Woo hoo!  I’m very excited to get started.   

 

I have a few pictures of my daughter fencing that I thought I would share.  These were all taken by my hubby’s iPhone over the last few weeks.   I didn’t do any photo editing.

Liz & her pirate socks.  She is known for her crazy socks (except in tournaments).

 

Liz’s game face.

Tournament in Chicago on Sunday.  Check out that lunge. You go girl!

 

I recently started taking an adult fencing class so that I can better understand the sport.  I really enjoy the class.  The other students are really fun.  I’m not very good but I have a blast.  I have to admit it is probably the only 90 minutes of the week where I am not thinking of my “To do” lists.   I have to focus solely on what is going on when fencing or I walk away with even more bruises.

 

Well that’s all for me today!  Thank you for stopping by!  Have a great day!

 

 

 

Supplies:

• Stamps:  Birthday Sentiments (digital stamp) from Ann Vento of Raindrop Echo Designs
• Inks:  None
• Papers:  Papertrey white CS
• Tools:  Big Shot, Die-namics Stacking Stars
• Embellishments:  Misc washi tape, button, black pain, Spica clear glitter pen, black burlap twine

 

Challenges:

• Crafty Bloggers Network - M, SIO - (Feb) Anything Goes
• Digi Darla Challenge - W, SIO – Masculine
• Love to Create - 3E - String, Twine or Fibers
• Make it Monday - W - always Anything Goes
• MyGrafico - 2W, SIO - Anything Goes
• The Paper Girls - 2W, layouts, cards - (2nd week) Washi Tape
• The Pink Elephant Monday Card Challenge - cards - Anything Goes
• 613 Avenue Create - Anything Goes
• Catered Crop - 2W - (2nd week) Stars
• Creative Inspirations Paint - 2W, SIO - (1st week) Anything Goes
• Eclectic Ellapu - 2E – Masculine
• Platypus Creek Digitals - 2W, SIO (freebie available) - (2nd week) Black, White and One other Colour
• Robyn`s Fetish - Use Ribbon or Twine
• Addicted to CAS 2W, 3E, 5C  must be clean and simple - #7 (W1 of 2) Masculine
• Daisy Doodles Creative Challenge - 2W, 2E, SIO, F, must use digi - (2nd week)Anything Goes
• Broken Box Stock – 2W, 3E, SIO  – Week 2, Happy Birthday
• Card Makin' Mamas - 2W, 2E, cards only –week 2 Birthday
• Clearly Inspired - 2W, 1E, SIO - Week 1, Black and white pop of color
• Inspire Me Fridays – Anything Goes always
• Stamp n Doodle - music on site - Anything goes

Tea for Two

Our new challenge at ShopPumpkinSpice is “Coffee/Cocoa/Tea”.   I decided to make a 6x6 scrapbook page of my daughter, Liz, and I having high tea when we were on vacation.   

 

 

My daughter was so cute!  All morning she was very excited about “going to tea.”  Then, when we were getting ready, she asked me “What do people do at tea?”   I explained to her that you drink tea, have little sandwiches and sweets and talk.   When get were seated in the tea room, I swear her bottom barely touched the cushions before she said “So, Mom, what do you want to talk about?”    We ended up having a really nice time together and she still talks about what kind of tea she is going to try when we go back. 

 

I included a little pull out with some information on that day.  I’m terrible at journaling on my scrapbook pages.  I decided that I wasn’t going to stress about journaling.  If I have to journal, I would never get any scrapbook pages done.

 

 

I know it is a little hard to read, but the stamp in the corner reads “You & Me the perfect blend”, which I thought was perfect for the day.

Don’t forget to link up your “Coffee/Cocoa/Tea” creation HERE for the third ShopPumpkinSpice challenge.    You can also see the challenge details there.

 

Thank you for stopping by!  Have a great day!   Have a cup of coffee/cocoa/tea and stay warm!

Supplies:

• Papers:   Bazzill Kraft Cardstock, Echo Park This & That Graceful 6x6 paper pad, HP Photo paper
• Stamps:  Cup of Tea (rubber stamp) by Darcie’s Heart & Home from ShopPumpkinSpice
• Embellishments:  Echo Park This & That Graceful Element Stickers, misc. doily
• Tools:  Sewing machine,  HP Photosmart 5510 printer

 

Items from ShopPumpkinSpice

InLinkz.com

 

Challenges:

• ShopPumpkinSpice – Coffee/Cocoa/Tea
• LEJ Designs SIO -  #37 Stitching Real Or Faux
• Papelitos Stamps 3E - #25 Anything But A Card
• Created With Love - 3E, C10 - Anything Goes
• Make it Monday - W - always Anything Goes
• 613 Avenue Create - Anything Goes (twist: Kraft Paper)
• Crafty Catz - 1E – anything but a card
• Inspire Me Fridays – Anything Goes

Merry Christmas

 

Pet Sympathy

My sister in-law recently lost 2 of her cats so I made her a sympathy card using Meljen’s Designs “Kitty Angel”. 

 

 

I experimented with coloring on kraft paper for this card.  I’m not sure if I love the results but it was a learning experience.

Last week was also a hard week for my family.  We lost Allie who was a member of our family for over 14 years.    It was such a sad day.    Below are a few photos of my girl.  We miss her.

 

 

Thank you for stopping by!

 

 

P.S.   Stop by Annette’s blog and help her celebrate meeting her crafting goals this year and her many blessings.   See her blog  HERE for a chance to link up and win.

 

Supplies:

• Stamps:   Kitty Angel (digital stamp) from Meljen’s Designs,  With Sympathy: Loss of Pet from Papertrey Ink
• Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink Frayed Burlap
• Papers:  Papertrey kraft CS, Paper Studio black CS, Memory Box Valise paper pack
• Tools:  Sewing machine, Big Shot, Papertrey Tiny Tags die & Linen texture plate, Fiskars edge punch, Copic markers
• Embellishments:  Hug Snug black seam binding, Vintage Baker’s Twine, button, Spica gold and clear pens, Sakura white pen

Challenges:

• Meljen’s Designs Challenge – Anything goes
• One Stitch At A Time - SIO - Use a Digi
• Make It Monday – Anything goes
• Hiding in my Craft Room - 1E NSD1  #76 Go Digital
• Card and Scrap - 2W, P1/15 - (ends Dec. 28) Anything goes
• Inspire Me Fridays – Always Anything Goes
• Wags 'n Whiskers - 2W, SIO - Week 2, Anything Goes
• MyGrafico - 2W, SIO - (2nd week, ends 23rd Dec) Anything Goes
• Tammy's Scrapin Corner - 2E on anything goes weeks - Anything Goes
• Digital Tuesday - include a digital element -#191 Layers
• Papelitos Stamps 3E - #24 Anything Goes
• Through The Craft Room Door 3E - Always Anything Goes!
• Vickie's Challenges **NEW**-M- Anything Goes

Happy 11th Birthday

Today is my sweet girl’s birthday!  I can’t believe she is 11 years old today. 

About a week ago she told me, “Mom, I can’t wait to see my special card you’re making.”   I’m so happy she appreciates my cards, but man, oh man, now the pressure is on to make a card she will really like.  I hope she will like this one.

 

 

 

Since my crafty mojo has been lacking since I was laid off in September, I had to search my Pinterest files for inspiration.  I found some in this gorgeous card from Anna Marie Nelson.

I wanted to share some pictures of my baby with you.    I don’t have any digital photos from the day she was born but here is one from her 1st birthday. 

 

 

And here is a recent photo.   Both show the same sweet smile.

Happy Birthday Liz!

 

 

Supplies:

• Stamps:   Rosie by Stacie Yacula at Purple Onion Design
• Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black
• Papers:  Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey kraft CS, October Afternoon Cakewalk DP pad
• Tools:  Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Oval Nestabilities, Papertrey linen texture plate, Stampin’ up edge punch, Copic markers
• Embellishments:  Sakura clear glitter pen, Papertrey silk ribbon & button twine, Thickers letters, misc. buttons, glitter, & tag, Adirondack pearl & snow cap paint dabbers, Tattered Angels Starfish glimmer mist

Challenges:

• Anything Goes Challenge - 2W, 5E - #81 Stitching Real Or Faux
• Craft Room Challenge - 2W, 3E -  Punches & Die Cuts
• Papelitos Stamps 3E - #19 Anything Goes
• Through The Craft Room Door 3E - Always Anything Goes!
• Tuesday Alchemy - Anything Goes
• Creative Craft Challenges - 2W, 3E -  Bingo* (distress, stamp, bling)
• Make it Monday - always Anything Goes
• MyGrafico - 2W, SIO - Anything Goes
• Ooh La La Creations - 2W, SIO - (1st week) Someone Special
• Tammy's Scrapin Corner - 2E on anything goes weeks - Anything Goes
• Dream Valley Challenges - 2W, 3E - (1st week) Anything Goes
• Penny Black and More - M, 3E, SIO, no digis - (Nov) Any Die will Do
• Robyn`s Fetish - Anything Goes
• The Ribbon Girls - 2W, Must use ribbon - (2nd week) Add Sparkle
• One Stop Craft - 2E W - #204 Anything Goes
• Sweet Stampin - 2E, must Stamp - Anything Goes
• Clearly Inspired - 2W, 1E, SIO - Week 2, Critters
• Inspire Me Fridays – Always Anything Goes
• Pattie's Creations - 2W, 2E, SIO, include a digi / stamped image – Birthdays
• Raise The Bar - W – Birthday
• Totally Papercrafts – Cute & Girly
• Divas by Design - 2E - #61 anything goes
• Penny's Paper-Crafty - 3E - #102 anything goes

Pumpkin Teddy Wine Bottle Tag

Since I needed another autumn-themed wine bottle tag, I decided to make one using Acorns Pumpkin Teddy.    I love his little acorn hat.

 

 

I printed this image several times.  Once on my white CS so I could color the teddy and 3 times on book papers for the layers of the pumpkin, acorn and leaf.    To color them, I dabbed on ink using a sponge and then added a little shading using Copic markers.  

 

 

My family and I  visited Disney World last week and attended Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party.  We had so much fun!   I thought I would share a couple of photos of our costumes.

I was Rosie the Riveteer.  (I hate pictures of myself!  But, I am biting the bullet and sharing anyways.)

 

 

Here is a picture of all of us.   My DH is a replacement ref.  (We ran into some other Wisconsin-ites and they really gave him some ribbing!)  The girls, my daughter and a friend, are black cats.  (Hey, check out that bicep!  Thank you Jazzercise!)  Although in this photo it doesn’t look like many people are dressed up, but by nightfall I think about 90% of the people were in costumes.

 

 

In case you don’t know who Rosie is, here is a picture of her.  (Image by J.Howard Miller)

 

Thank you for stopping by!   I hope you have a fabulous Halloween and hope all my friends on the East coast in the path of Sandy stay safe.

Supplies:

• Stamps:  Acorns Pumpkin Teddy (digital stamp) from Whimsy & Stars Studio, Tiny Tags & Bitty Background Blocks from Papertrey Ink
• Inks: Close To My Heart Autumn Terracotta, Honey, & Chocolate ink, Distress Inks Antique Linen ink
• Papers:  Neenah Crest Solar White CS, Papertrey Kraft & Dark Chocolate CS, Bo Bunny Apple Cider collection paper pad, misc. book papers
• Tools:  Sewing machine, Big Shot, Papertrey Wine Bottle Tag & Tiny Tags die, Spellbinders Nestabilities
• Embellishments:  May Arts burlap twine, misc. button

 

Challenges:

• Cards by Lady Anne / Monday Anything Goes Challenge - M, E3 - Always Anything Goes
• Crafty Bloggers Network - M, SIO - (Oct) Anything Goes
• Digi Makeover Challenge - SIO, must use digi - Lots of Layers
• Eureka Stamps - 3E, F - Buttons & Bows
• Fashionista Challenge - M, (Running 3wks + voting week) - (3rd week) Anything Goes
• Kaboodle Doodles - Fall-themed items
• Love to Create - 3E - Lots of Layers
• Make it Monday - always Anything Goes
• Paper Playtime - 2W, F - (1st week) Anything Goes
• Stamps & Fun = Creativity - JFF – Stitching
• Tammy's Scrapin Corner - 2E on anything goes weeks - Anything Goes
• Totally Stampalicious - SIO - Anything Goes
• Victorine Originals - 2W, SIO - (1st week) BINGO (buttons, bows, coloring)
• Great Impressions - M, 3E, SIO - (Oct) Fall
• Quirky Crafts - 2W - (2nd week) Anything BUT a Card with Autumn Colours
• Scrappy Frogs - M - (Oct) Fall/Halloween
• Sentimental Sundays - must include a Sentiment – Pumpkins
• 2 Sisters - #115 Halloween or Fall colours
• Allsorts - 1E - #178 In stitches
• Colour Me Creative Challenge -3E, 2W - 1stW #55 Anything with a twist of Orange
• My Sheri Crafts - 2W - 1stW #97 Fall
• Chocolate, Coffee & Cards - 3E, 2W - Week 2, Stitching
• Fussy and Fancy - 2W – Week 2, Anything Goes
• Inspire Me Fridays – Always Anything Goes
• Pattie's Creations - 2W, 2E, SIO, include a digi / stamped image – Week 2, Autumn Colors
• Stampin' For The Weekend - 2W, 1E – Week 1, Anything Goes
• Sweet n' Sassy Digi Challenge - SIO, must use digi – Stitching
• Wags 'n Whiskers - 2W, SIO - Week 1, Fall Colours
• Delightful Challenges - 1E, SIO – Stitching (real or faux)
• House That Stamps Built - SIO - Anything but a card
• Inky Impressions - SIO - Fall/Halloween

Autumn Thank You

** I have 2 posts today, please click here to see my Paper and Such challenge post **

 

It is getting to be my favorite season – autumn!   I know it might be  a little early for some but I really felt like digging into my fall themed images and papers this weekend.  I coupled this fabulous, autumn themed image with some dp scraps that I still have stashed away from last year to make a simple thank you card.

 

 

I have my new laptop set up and am only missing my Photoshop soft ware.  Since I have heard some great reviews on Light Room, I decided to give it a try.   I’m not sure what I think of it yet.  I was so used to editing my photos in Photoshop I could have almost done it with my eyes closed.   If you use Light Room, let me know what you think and what your favorite presets are.

We had a wonderful experience over the weekend.  We attended Field of Honor:  A Salute to the Greatest Generation.    When WWII vets are passing away at a rate of 900 per day, it was a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to their greatest accomplishment,  the allied victory in WWII.    As the main event, the movie “Honor Flight” was premiered.  If you get a chance to see it where ever you live, I would say it is worth the time and price.   I have to admit that I had tears in my eyes a few times during the evening. 

It was incredibly moving to see such a large gathering of so many veterans.   Although the focus was  on WWII vets, there were also vets from Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, etc. and current service members.    Below you can see a picture of my daughter proudly wearing the jacket that my husband has from his time spent in the US Navy.

 

 

The grand finale of the evening was to find out that we helped set a new record in the Guinness Book of World Records.  We were part of the largest movie premier with over 28,000 people in attendance.    Here a snippet of the crowd.  (Yes, we were in the nose bleed seats.)

 

If you are interested, you can see more about the movie or how you can help out  at Honor Flights.    Although the movie focuses on the Wisconsin, there are Honor Flight chapters across the country.

Thank you for stopping by!  Have a great day!

 

Supplies:

• Stamps:  Blessed Harvest from Whimsy & Stars Studio, Wings and Such from Paper and Such
• Inks:  Close To My Heart Autumn Terracotta
• Papers:  Papertrey white and kraft CS, American Crafts Night Fall
• Tools:  Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders circle nestabilities, Stampin’ Up Word Window & Scalloped edge punch
• Embellishments:  Close To My Heart button, May Arts burlap twine

Challenges:

• Make it Monday - always Anything Goes
• Paper Pretties - SIO - Anything Goes
• Stamp and Create - M, 1E/week - (Aug) Stitch It Up
• Whoopsi Daisy - SIO - Anything Goes
• Joanna Sheen Challenge - 2W, SIO, F - (2nd week) Try Something New  (uncolored image)
• One Stitch At A Time - SIO - Anything Goes
• Inspire Me Fridays – Always Anything Goes
• Simply Create Too - 2W - Week 2, Anything Goes
• Paper Crafting Journey - 2W - (ends Sept-12) Anything Goes
• Crafts and Me - #96 use a digi
• Waste Not Wednesday - JFF - always "use your forgotten stuff" (old papers)

Catching Up

I feel like I haven’t been able to get online much lately.  Besides being busy, I am having some issues with my laptop.  It sounds like my hard driving is failing so I need to figure out what I’m going to do pretty quick.  Meanwhile, I have been trying to back up all my files.  Knock on wood for me.  I hope I can get a new laptop before this one goes kaput.

 

I also need to announce the winner of the Just Rite Curlz Monogram stamp set.   

 

 

And the lucky winner is …….     #17 - Tracy MacDonald

 

 

Congrats Tracy!   Email me at shestamps11-blogs(at)yahoo(dot)com with your mailing address and I will get your candy in the mail.

 

I also have a heads up on a great sale.    Do you remember the adorable digital stamps from Wings & Willows?   (You can see my project here.)  Rebecca is having a SUMMER CLEAN OUT SALE! Take 40% off your total order when you use code wandw!   (enter in the coupon code section)   Don’t forget to check out the sale section -- Everything in there right now is just a dollar!     The sale will last until the end of the month.  You can check out the Wings & Willows shop HERE.

 

My daughter and I had a wonderful trip to visit my aunt and uncle in Virginia last weekend.  We spent a lot of time relaxing on Smith Mountain Lake, visited Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the Roanoke farmers market, and downtown Charlottesville.  

 

 

This is a picture of my daughter with her big catch.  She caught an 18” catfish off the dock.   After the photo op, she released him back into the lake.  Look at that big smile!

 

Before I go I have a new song to share with you.   I heard this song on Songza.com and it has been going through my head the last couple of days.  It’s a catchy little tune. 

 

 

 

Have a  great day!

Wings and Such

I’m so excited!  This is my first post as a member of the Paper and Such design team.   Today I get to share a sneak peek of the new stamp set, Wings and Such, which will be available next week.

When I saw this set, I immediately thought of these pictures that I had of my daughter and wanted to scrap.   The rest just flowed together. 

 

 

I think this might be my quickest lay out ever.   I completed the entire thing, including editing and printing the pictures, in a little over an hour.  That is a record for me.   I guess when your mojo is flowing and you have some beautiful stamps and papers to work with, everything just goes together. 

I know it is a little hard to read the sentiment stamped on the tag in the photo, so I’ll tell you what it says.

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun

And find your shoulder to light on,

To bring you luck, happiness, and riches

Today, tomorrow, and beyond.

~Irish Blessing

Isn’t that beautiful?   What a perfect sentiment for a child.

 

Be sure to stop by the Paper and Such blog every day until  Wings and Such is released to see sneak peeks from the design team.   Stop back here on August 9th for the new release blog hop!

 

Don’t forget that now through August 4th, you can get FREE SHIPPING on any order at Paper and Such.  (No coupon code necessary.)

 

Thank you for stopping by!  Have a great day!

 

 

 

 

Don’t miss out on my Followers Blog Candy.  Click on the picture below to go to the details.

 

Supplies:

• Stamps:  Wings and Such from Paper and Such,  Bountiful Backgrounds by Verve stamps
• Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Close To My Heart Blush, Distress Ink Tea Dye
• Papers:  Papertrey kraft CS, Carta Bella Beautiful Moments paper pad
• Tools:  Sewing machine, Copic marker
• Embellishments:  Misc. tag, bakers twine

 

Challenges:

• Bearly Mine - 2E, SIO - #46 Anything Goes
• Creative Craft Challenges - 2W, 3E -  Summertime  (Week 2)
• Everybody-Art-Challenge - #201 Summer (Until 28th August)
• Ladybug Crafts Ink TLT Challenge - 2W, 1E, SIO - #65 Summer Fun
• The Stamping Boutique - Anything Goes
• Cupcake Craft - The Great Outdoors
• Make it Monday - always Anything Goes
• Paper Playtime - 2W, F - (1st week) Anything Goes
• Amusing Challenges - 2E, No Digi - Anything Goes
• Come and Get It Challenges - Anything BUT a Card
• Dream Valley Challenges - 2W, 3E - (2nd week) Summer
• Fashionable Stamping Challenges - 3E, 2W, no digi allowed - (1st week) Anything Goes
• Pile It On - Cute as Can Be  (my DD is as cute as can be)
• Robyn`s Fetish - Summer Fun
• Inspire Me Fridays – Always Anything Goes
• Pattie's Creations - 2W, 2E, SIO, include a digi / stamped image - Week 1, Animals / Insects
• Whimsy Inspiration - 3E, SIO - #49 Summer Fun
• Make it Monday - always Anything Goes
• Scrapbook Sisters - 2W - #93 Things with wings

Walk on the Ocean

Remember that song from Toad the Wet Sprocket?  I use to love it.  Anyhow, that song was running through my head when I was working on this scrapbook page.  I wanted to scrap these pictures from our trip from Virginia Beach this spring.   Liz wanted to swim in the ocean SO BAD, but it was too cold.  You can see her pouty face in the bigger pic because I wouldn’t let her put on her swim suit.  (I’m such a meanie!)  The round pic is her running out of the ocean after I gave in and said she could put her feet in. 

 

 

 

I’m going to keep this short.  We are having people over later today so I’m off to clean the house.   Have a great weekend!  Thank you for stopping by!

 

In case you forgot about Toad the Wet Sprocket, here is the video for “Walk on the Ocean”.

 

 

Supplies:

• Papers:  Papertrey kraft CS, Pink Paislee Nantucket paper pack
• Ink:  Distress Ink Antique Linen
• Tools:  Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Papertrey Edgers #1
• Embellishments:  Twinery Caribbean baker’s twine

Challenges:

• Inspire Me Fridays – Always Anything Goes
• Simply Create Too - 2W - Week 1, Summer / Vacation 
• C.R.A.F.T. - 5E - Splashy/water
• Little Red Wagon - #140 beach
• Creatalicious Challenges - M, P15, F - (ends Jul-14) Anything goes
• Cupcake Craftroom - 3E, P1 - Lots of layers
• Crazy Amigo Challenge – Vacation
• Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
• Crafty Bloggers Network - 2W, SIO - (1st week) Anything Goes
• Lexi's Creations - 2W - (2nd week) At the Beach
• Make it Monday - always Anything Goes
• Catch The Bug - 3E, SIO -  Anything Goes

Blog Candy Winner and Other Stuff

 

 

First, and probably most importantly, I have to announce the lucky winner of the gift certificate to the Whimsy & Stars Studio shop.   (Thank you Mabelle for sponsoring my stop on the Polkadot Door blog hop!)   Thank you to every one who stopped by my blog and signed up to win.

Drumroll please…..

 

 

The random winner is #6 -  Calypso.    

Calypso said that Balloon Baby is her favorite image from the store.     He is a cutie!

 

 

Congratulations Calypso!   Email me at shestamps11-blogs(at)yahoo(dot)com to find out how to collect your $6 GC to the Whimsy & Stars Studio shop.    Happy shopping! 

 

 

I also have a song to share for Music Saves My Soul.  If you would like to play along, link up your blog post to Marcea’s blog.

 

 

 

I had a upsetting episode with my dog, Summer, on Friday.   Very suddenly, she started falling down,  walked almost like she was drunk, and was panting and drooling heavily.   Since she’s almost 14 years old, I freaked out and thought she had a stroke or something.   I called the vet and brought her right in.    After about 2 hours and several tests they diagnosed her with idiopathic peripheral vestibular disease.   In a nut shell, my poor dog has a horrible case of vertigo that may last a couple days or several weeks.  All we can do it try to make her comfortable, give her some anti-nausea meds and hope that it passes quickly.

 

 

 

Here is a picture of Summer from a couple of months ago.    Doesn’t she look happy wearing her sombrero?  (Not!)  I like to call this her Desperado look.     (You might recognize this hat from here.)  Let’s hope she is feeling better soon.   

 

That’s it for this week.   I hope you have a fabulous weekend!  Happy Mother’s Day!