Peace, Joy and Love

Hi everyone!

I do hope you had a wonderful holiday and weekend.  It's back to work for me today, and I'm dreading it.  I have been gone and can only imagine the piles of stuff that are waiting for me to tackle on my desk. lol

I got some extra time to create some more stuff, just for fun.  If all goes well, I'll have something posted two or three times this week.  Here is my first card.

I love the very non-traditional look these colors give to this Christmas card.  If you know me, you know how I love the non-traditional colors for my cards at Christmas time.  It was a bit challenging to get everything how I wanted it, but all in all, it turned out pretty well.  I've got another card to add to my pile, and that's all that really matters.  I've combined the following challenges for this card:

Unscripted Sketches #134 - Sketch
Crazy 4 Challenges #115 - Snow
OCCC 11/26 - O' Christmas Tree (include a Christmas tree of some sort)
Crafty Contaigon Challenge 11/26 - Leftovers (use your scraps, just about everything on my card is a scrap of some sort)
PDCC #108 - Maroon, Copper, Tumeric (I got as close as I could)
Paper Sundaes #97 -  Winter Wonderland
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #140 - Anything Christmas

I hope you have a good week.  I'm off to get ready and make the dreaded drive to work on a Monday after a holiday. lol  I'll be back soon with another something crafty.

Hugs!

Drunken Stampers #79 & Christmas Card Challenge Week #52

Hello everyone!

I hope you and your families had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  If any of you were brave (or crazy) enough to hit the Black Friday sales, I hope you got some great stuff.  My sister wanted to go Black Friday shopping this year, but after thinking about it, we changed our minds. lol

I have one card for two of my design team challenges today.  Fortunately for me, both of the DT's for this card were nice enough to let me combine challenges.  For this weeks CCC, which is to use vellum, click HERE.  For this weeks Drunken Stampers challenge, which is to create a monochromatic project, click HERE.

I'm so bummed, and feel a bit lame.  In all of the hoards of crafty supplies I have, I couldn't find one piece of vellum to use.  You'd think that I'd at least have a small scrap, but no.  Not one piece.  I guess I will have to see about investing in some vellum now.  I really like how this turned out.  I used like 5 different shades of blue, and some new (to me) seam binding.  I also used some more new Verve goodies on this card too.  I know just who will get this card, now that I think of it.  Hopefully, they'll like it.  Blue is their favorite color.  I've combined the following callenges in my card today:

Sweet Stop #136 - Sketch

Hiding In My Craft Room #22 - Holiday (any holiday)

My Sheri Crafts 11/26 - Let's Decorate for Christmas

Sweet Stampin 11/26 - Punches and/or Dies

Addicted To Stamps #18 - Christmas Cards

Christmas Inspirations #37 - No Image Christmas Card

I do hope you'll head over to see what my friends at the CCC and Drunken Stampers blogs have created for you today.  As always, I'm inspired by their projects.

Hope you have a great day!

Hugs!

2012 Christmas Card Challenge DT Announcement & Blog Hop

Hi ya'll!

Thanks for stopping by!  I'm SO excited today!  Today we're announcing the new Design Team for the first 2012 term at the Christmas Card Challenge blog.  I have been invited to stay on another term as the DT Coordinator, and I couldn't be more honored.  It's been a fun journey with some of the most awesome women, and I couldn't leave them. lol  We also have some AMAZING new designers, and I can't wait for you to see what they come up with each week.  They will begin on the 4th of December. 

Now, we're doing this DT announcement a bit different.  We have never had a blog hop at the CCC, and decided that we're going to announce everyone via blog hop.  Almost like a scavenger hunt to find out who the new designers are.  Fun, huh?  What does that mean exactly?  Well, it starts at the CCC blog, and then you're directed to the next blog, which happens to be all of the new, and some returning, designers blogs.  Along the way, you'll get to know each of the new designers, as they share a project and tell you a bit about themselves.  We have a few returning designers, and six new designers, along with 6 new guest designers. 

Don't forget to leave some blog love for each of them, as there will be one lucky winner of some cool Christmas goodies.  I mean, what's a blog hop without some candy, right? :) 

So, if you've arrived here at my blog from Sparkle's blog, you're on the right path.  If not, you can start HERE, at the CCC blog.  Please make sure to check back every Sunday, that's when the new challenges are posted.  Now, it's time to head over to Alanna's blog.

Happy blog hopping my friends!
Hugs!

With Gratitude

Greetings!

I hope you're having a good week.  I'm currently on vacation at my sisters in Austin, and enjoying every minute of being a bum. :)  By now, I'm sure you've come to read how close I am to my sister, so any chance I get to spend time with her (and my bil), is awesome.  We will be cooking the full spread for Thanksgiving, and I can't wait to eat. lol  I do hope you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

I created this card, just for fun.  I love it when time allows me that option, it doesn't happen often.

These colors are gorgeous together, and I'm quite pleased with my outcome.  I have to say, again, that every time I break out the distress inks, I'm always amazed at how beautiful they work together.  I've got some more new Verve goodies on this card as well.  I knew who I wanted to give this card to immediately.  I hope she liked it.  I've combined the following challenges into my card:

Mojo Monday #216 - Sketch
Shabby Tea Room #89 - Inspiration Photo (The Colors of Nature)
The Pink Elephant #126 - Give Thanks
Victorine Originals #21 - Thanks
Clear It Out Challenges - Orange & Brown (Must use old stash, I used some older ribbon and flowers)
ColorQ #112 - Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight & White (I got close!)
Going Grey With Scrap Creations - Thank You
The Stamping Boutique #20 - Thanksgiving
Tuesday Throwdown #75 - Lots of Circles
Use It Tuesday #20 - Giving Thanks (I used some older ribbon and flowers)

That's all for me.  I'm off to go pick on my brother in law and joke with my sister.  That's our favorite thing to do. :)  Don't forget to check back on Saturday.  I've got an exciting announcement, and there's a fun blog hop scheduled. 
Hugs!

Christmas Card Challenge Week #51

Hola ya'll!

I hope you're having a good weekend.  The weather here in DFW is strange for the end of November this year.  I was hoping it would be cold by now, but alas, we're in the 80's this weekend.  Bleh!  It just doesn't feel like fall to me yet.  Boo!

Anyway, enough rambling.  Here is my card for this weeks CCC, which is a color combo of Black & White.  Remember, the challenges are optional.  Any Christmas/Winter/Holiday card will do.  And, you don't have to use a SCRS stamp on your card, but we sure love it when you do!  For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

I got a really nice gift certificate to Verve Stamps for my birthday, so I ordered some new Christmas stamps to play with.  I love their Christmas stamps!  I wanted to keep it simple, and clean, and hoped it would have more of an elegant look.  I think I accomplished my goal, and I love this card.

I do hope you'll head over to the CCC blog to see what everyone else has created for you today.  They're all so different, and lovely.

Hugs!

FYI Challenge #18

Hi everyone!

So, in the craziness that is my life these days, I completely spaced it off and forgot to create something for FYI challenge #18.  I will probably post something later, if time allows. 

I may not have a project to share, but I didn't want you to miss out on seeing the inspiration photo.  Check it out!

My gosh, it's absolutely breathtaking!  The magnificent sunrise (or sunset), the texture and sharp edges of the rocks, the brilliant colors, how you can see for miles from this point, all amazing.  After finding this photo, I have come to realize that maybe I need to prioritize some things in my life so that I can see these kinds of places with my own eyes.  Life's short and I don't want to miss anything.

Please, please, please head over to the FYI blog to see what my Lovelies have created for you today.  I must admit, they've outdone themselves.  Absolutely stunning.  Click HERE for this weeks challenge.

Have a great day!
Hugs!

Christmas Card Challenge Week #50

Greetings!

I'm totally in shock that we're at challenge 50 already.  It doesn't even seem like it's been a whole year that we've been creating Christmas cards.  Time has definitely passed me by this year, quickly. 

Our challenge this week is Deck the Halls.  You can use holly or wreaths or you can interpret it in however you like.  All challenges are optional, as always, so any holiday card will do.  For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

I started out with a completely different look, in my head.  Unfortunately, this wasn't a card that turned out anything like I had hoped. lol  I'm kinda digging it, but haven't really decided as to whether or not I'm going to leave it as is, or re-do it.  I guess we'll see what happens.  I used THIS sketch.  I {heart} their sketches. :)

I do hope you'll head over to see what the other elves have made for you today.  They're very cute!

Hugs!

Drunken Stampers Challenge #78

Hey everyone!

I hope you're having a good weekend.  I apologize for the delay on this but blogger didn't cooperate with me this morning, and my post didn't go live as scheduled. 

I'm excited to bring you the next challenge over at Drunken Stampers, which is, Up In The Air.  You can interpret this in any way you like.  For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

I had hoped to use some kind of hot air balloon on my card, but alas, I don't have anything with hot air balloons.  Boo! lol  Instead, I took a different route and went masculine-ish, with this antique airplane.  It paired really nicely with the sentiment I found in one of my other stamp sets.  I used November's Sketch For You To Try and think it turned out pretty well.

I do hope you'll head over to the Drunken Stampers blog to check out what my friends have come up with for you today.  They're adorable!

I'll be back soon with another something crafty.
Hugs!

Thankful for You

Hi everyone!

Wow, there are tons of fall/autumn themed challenges out there.  I can't believe I actually made a card, just for fun, in the midst of all of the craziness that is my life these days. lol  Check it!

After getting my photo edited, I realize that it's super busy.  Maybe that's because my brain is on overdrive and I couldn't help but project that onto my card. lol  Anyway, after creating this last week, it fits the following challenges this week.  Yay!

Papercraft Star #69 - Flourishes
Card Makin' Mama's #32 - Die Cuts (my rolled flowers are dies, and I used my Nesties)
2 Sisters Challenge #64 - Ribbon
Card Caravan #5 - Handmade Flowers
Come And Get It - Autumn Blessings
Cupcake Inspirations Challenge #135 - Photo Inspiration with cute pumpkins and fall colors.
Stampin Sisters In Christ #114 - Use A Very Old Stamp (the sentiment hasn't been used in over a year)
Sparkles Forum #24 - Autumn

I hope ya'll have a wonderful day!  I'll be back soon with another crafty post.
Hugs!

Christmas Card Challenge Week #49

Yola!

I hope everyone has had a good weekend, and got in lots of crafty goodness.  My post is going to be short and sweet as I have tons to do today.

Here is my card for this weeks Christmas Card Challenge, which is a sketch, created by the wonderful Peggy Toole.  For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

You know how I am about my non-traditional Christmas colors, and this was no exception to that.  I love how this turned out.  My favorite part is probably the teal colored chevron striped background paper, LOVE!  I've combined the following challenges in my card as well.

Delightful Challenges - A Very Sparkly Christmas (my snowflake is super sparkly)
Crimbo Crackers #1 - Anything Goes (you must check out this new, all Christmas challenge blog)
Do You Stack Up #44 - Teal
Colour Create #83 - Turquoise, Deep Pink, Ivory
Crafty Purple Frog Challenge #2 -  Sparkle (on my snowflake)
Digi Doodle Shop #81 - Winter
Crafty Ribbons Challenge #5 - Bingo (I chose glitter, lace and punches/dies)
Jellypark Challenges 11/4 - Non-Traditional Christmas Colors
Mami Doodles Challenge #37 - Christmas
Winter Wonderland 11/4 - Make Your Christmas Card Sparkle (my snowflake is very sparkly)
Crafty Hazelnuts Challenge #45 - Bright colors and/or sparkle

There are only three challenges left for this years CCC term.  Are you able to join us this week?  It is the first of the month and there is a cute SCRS stamp up for grabs too, don't forget.  Please check out what the other DT members have created for you today.  They're all very nice!

Hugs!

FYI Challenge #17

Hiya!

I can't believe we're already into November.  I'm still in shock at how fast the year has gone by.  It's the start of a new month of challenges at FYI, which means we have a new sponsor.  This month's sponsor is the fabulous, Paper Pretties.  Here is a bit about them.

Paper Pretties – Where YOUR Creativity Comes To Life! 

Paper Pretties is an online stamp boutique, and home to Zac, Lily, Sophia and Cooper – the cutest kid stamps around! (At least we think so).   We have many exclusive stamp lines, from elegant to whimsical, sweet to clever; there is something for every stamper in our Prettie Boutique! In addition to our high quality clear stamps we also have a wide variety of digital images.  In case you haven't heard yet, Paper Pretties has a NEW owner, Heather Lee-Reppen.  Now located in Madison, WI, we are pleased to offer you amazing customer service and faster/cheaper shipping.  All orders are shipped within 24 hours.  You should check them out.  They're offering 5 free digi's to one lucky participant.  They were also very generous in letting my Lovely Lotuses work with some of their images.  Super sweet Heather is. :) 

And here is this weeks inspiration photo.  For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

I'm not sure what it is about this photo that is so striking to me, but I love it!  The contrast between light and dark are phenomenal, and the reflection and the architecture are stunning.  I would totally live in a house like this. lol  Below is the layout I created, based on the photo.  And yes, I said layout.

Yep, it's been a while since I've created anything other than a card.  I'm slowly, and I mean S L O W L Y, still working on updating all of my sisters wedding layouts.  This is the next one in the book.  I think the colors are neutral enough that the photo stands out, like I wanted it to.  I love this revised layout, and I'm sure she will as well.  I've also combined the following challenges into my layout:

Speedy The Cat's Friends Challenge #79 - Use Scraps (everything but the black polka dot paper was a scrap of some sort)

Corrosive Challenge #136 - Flourishes

Sweet & Sassy #132 - Sketch (blast from the past, originally sketch #77)

I do hope you'll head over to see what my Lovely Lotuses have created for you today.  They're fantastic, as usual! 

Have a wonderful day!

Hugs!