Merry Christmas

Good day to all!

It's Monday, which means it's back to work for me.  I would LOVE to stay home with R and my daughter, but it's too busy at work to take time off at the end of the year.  I'm thankful that they will keep each other company, and truly love spending time together.  That makes it so much easier, for everyone. :-)

Here is the next card I made with the January SSS Card Kit.  This is pretty CAS, for me, which I'm getting more comfortable with.

These colors together are one of my favorite!  The contrast of the dark purple, and light aqua are so appealing, to me.  I have a feeling I'll be using this color combo again.  It's also my first time using Perfect Pearls.  I really love the sparkle they give to the snowflakes.  To tie the flowers into the rest of the card, I added a bit of ink to the petals, which I then used to sandwich some silver and white twine from Pretty Pink Posh.  Simple and beautiful.  I dig!  I'm going to submit this card for the following challenges...

Pile It On Challenge #49: Christmas/Holiday Cards
Friday Bloggers Challenge: Holiday Cards
Christmas Card Challenge #4: Anything Goes

That's all for me today.  I'm hoping to get some more time in my craft room this week, so I have more to share with you.  I am excited about Friday though.  Be sure to stop by, to see why!

Have a wonderful day!

What's In It?
Paper: SU! Whisper White Cardstock, Light Aqua Cardstock, White Grid Journaling Card
Stamps: Simon Says Stamp Holiday Envelope Sentiments, Simon Says Stamp Holiday Hellos, CASual Fridays Snowflake Greetings
Ink: VersaMark, Simon Says Stamp Fog Dye Ink, SU! Coastal Cabana Dye Ink
Accessories: White Paper Flowers, Pretty Pink Posh Silver Twine, Ranger Grape Fizz Perfect Pearls

Matthew 1:21

Good day!

How is your week going, so far?  Between work, workouts, and school sporting events, I have had very little time to do anything else, and it's only Tuesday. lol  The silver lining to all of the chaos this week is that R will be here with Hulk, for the holiday weekend.  I'm super excited.  It's the first time we get to meet Hulk since R got him.  I have a feeling it's going to be very difficult to let them leave.  I can't wait until they're with us, full time.  Long distance stuff is hard. :-(

Anyway, here is the next card I want to share with you. 

This is probably the MOST non-traditional Christmas card I've ever made.  But, by now you know how I LOVE the non-traditional holiday stuff. ;-)  The sentiment is beautiful, but I probably would have never paired it with these colors on my own.  I do love the simplicity of the card, quite a bit, because the message stands out.  I'm going to enter this into the following challenges.

Wanna Sketch #19: Sketch
Word Art Wednesday #146: Anything Goes
Christmas Card Challenge #38: Inspiration Photo

I'm off to work, and then workout, and then another volleyball game.  I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Stay crafty my friends!

  




What's In It?
Paper: Purple Shimmer cardstock, SU Melon Mambo & Whisper White cardstock, SU Designer Series paper
Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs Christmas Verses
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black dye ink, Salty Ocean distress ink
Accessories: Zva Creative gems, PTI Tag Sale die, SU Hello Honey Stitched Satin Ribbon

Winter Wishes

Greetings!

It's kind of gray and overcast this morning, so I plan on doing very little today, with the exception of spending time with my daughter.  School starts on Tuesday, so we're trying to get one more day of fun laziness and movies in, before she goes.  I can't believe how rapid this year is going by.  It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the New Year.  Wow...

Anyway, I have another card to share today.

I love these snowflakes!  Even though you can't tell in the picture, the snowflakes are very sparkly.  Thank goodness for glitter glue.  I think I'm the only papercrafter out there who does NOT like glitter.  I don't own any, except for a bottle of Dazzling Details from Stampin Up. lol

I'm excited to combine the following challenges.

Christmas Cards All Year Round August: Sparkle & Shine
Cardabilities #105: Sketch
Jingle Belles: Hanukkah Song (a winter or winter holiday card other than Christmas)
Just Us Girls #254: Blue, Green & Any Neutrals
Christmas Card Challenge #38: Embossing (the polka dots are embossed in clear)

That's all for me.  I'm off to cook a few meals for the week, and wait for her to wake up so we can start our movie marathon.  I hope everyone has a great day!

Hugs!

What's In It:
Paper: Papertrey Ink Kraft cardstock, SU Very Vanilla cardstock, Blue & White Snowflake patterned paper, Green Polka Dota patterned paper
Stamps: Verve Glad Tidings, CASual Fridays Snowflake Greetings & Out Loud, Papertrey Ink Polka Dot Basics 2
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black dye ink, VersaMark, Frayed Burlap distress ink, WPlus9 Ocean Drive dye ink
Accessories: Simon Says Stamp Kate & Eliza Snowflake dies, Studio Calica Green Gems, SU Dazzling Details

Peace, Love and Sparkly Stuff

Happy Sunday!

I can't believe the weekend is almost over already.  It seems like just a few minutes ago, the weekend was just beginning.  I'm happy that it was pretty relaxing around here, and that I was able to spend lots of time in my crafty space.  I feel so refreshed to have my creative mojo back.  I love being able to build my stash again too.  Here is the next card I have to share with you.

I think this is one of my favorite Christmas cards this year, so far.  And, I love that the jingle bells jingle. *giggle*  I am determined on mailing cards out this year, with a photo of the four of us, so I'm glad I have another to add to the box.  I'm going to enter this into the following challenges.

Jingle Belles: Taking A Header (create a card based on their blog header)
Merry Monday Challenge #118: Ribbon & Buttons (thanks MarieB for introducing me to this challenge)
Christmas Card Challenge #35: Anything Goes

This card helped inspire something we have been working on lately.  As of 9pm last evening, we now have colors chosen.  The wedding will be small and intimate, with family and close friends only, surrounded by deep purple, silver and black.  We're still working on the guest list, but at least we're making progress on everything.

I really love the deep, rich purple and since it's a winter wedding, I think it fits perfectly.  I think he'll look very handsome in a gray suit with a black vest and deep purple tie.  I'm off to finish laundry, and head out to watch some of my daughters friends play in the beach volleyball tournament today.  It's only supposed to be a high of 76, so it's going to be fabulous outdoor weather.  I hope ya'll have a great day!

Stay crafty my friends!

What's In It?
Paper: Papertrey Ink Kraft cardstock, SU Very Vanilla cardstock, SU Purple patterned Paper, Bo Bunny Cream patterned paper
Stamps: Reverse Confetti Tinsel 'N Trim
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black dye ink
Accessories: Jingle bells, Silver trimmed white satin ribbon, Maya Road wood button

Happy Holidays

Yola!!

As mentioned in my last post, I was busy last weekend, crafting up a storm.  I don't think I've made more than one card in months.  Here's the next one I want to share.

I haven't created a Christmas card in months!  It's weird not making them, after having to create one every week, for the last four years. lol  I used my June Simon Says Stamp card kit for this card as well.  Who says you can't use regular papers for holiday cards, right?  I love how this turned out! 

I've combined the following challenges in my card today:

Jingle Belles - Sketch
Christmas Card Challenge #28 - Lace (I have just a hint of lace peeking out from under my sentiment)

I'm off to work.  I'll be back soon with another something crafty.  Hope your week is going well.
Hugs!

Papercraft Star Challenge #124

Hiya!

My goodness time is flying by!  Here we are at another Wednesday, and it doesn't even feel like it's been more than a day since I posted my last PCS card. lol  I hope you've had a good week, and are looking forward to the weekend, like I am.  Only two more days and I get to sleep in again. lol

This post is going to be a bit short, as I've got lots to do this week.  The theme this week at Papercraft Star is:

A Christmas Tree!

Here is the card I created for this weeks challenge.

Are you shocked that I created another traditional red and green Christmas card? lol  This seldom happens, but I was looking through some older papers I found, and decided I wanted to use them.  I love how it turned out!  I now have another Christmas card to take to work.  I'm also happy to have found the following challenges to include in my card today.

Christmas Card Challenges Week #2 - To Die For (use die cuts)
Kaboodle Doodles #129 - Use The Color Red
The Pink Elephant #178 - Photo Inspiration
ColorQ #167 - Real Red, Always Artichoke, Sage Shadow, Lucky Limeade, White (hope I got close enough)
Use It Tuesday #45 - All About Christmas/Hannukah (the papers have been in my stash for over a year, and i've had the stamp set for about six months)
Die Cuttin Divas #94 - Holiday Spirit (must include a die cut)

I do hope you'll head over to the PCS blog to see the other gorgeous projects that are posted for you today.  So inspiring!!

I'll see you guys next year!
Hugs!

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #45

Happy Sunday!

I'm currently basking in the cool weather that has me wanting to curl up on my mom's front porch with a sweater, a book and a cup of hot chocolate.  It gets down into the 20's at night here, and man, do I wish I could take a little bit of this home to DFW with me. lol  Yesterday was only up in the 50's there though, which is unusual, and only temporary.  I'll be back home to 85 degree weather by weeks end.  *sigh*

Anyway, I have another Christmas card to share with you today.  This weeks theme is a non-traditional color combo.  For all of the details, click HERE.

 

Here is what I came up with.

 



You know how I am about non-traditional Christmas colors, so this was right up my alley.  Blue paired with yellow is one of my favorite color combos of all time.  They're very complimentary and go really well together.  I should use it more often, but there are so many other color combos I want to try. lol  I kept it simple, and used THIS sketch.  Love my results!

I do hope you'll head over to see what the lovely design team, and our October guest designer, have created for you today.  Everyone's take on the color combo this week was fantastic.  I hope you enjoy their cards!

Have a lovely day!
Hugs!

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #44

Hola!

How has your weekend been?  Good I hope!  It has been a nice, quiet weekend here.  I haven't really done much, but I did manage to make a few things.  I've also come to the realization that I'm in need of diet and exercise.  I had a physical recently, and they threw the word "obese" at me.  That's such a harsh word, but realistically, it's true.  I've always been overweight, but never has anyone told me I was obese before.  Hearing that cuts deep.  I don't usually post too much about that kind of thing on my blog, but I think I'm going to hold my self accountable, and make my struggle with weight loss and my new journey to take control of it, public.  I won't be posting in excess, but I will be including monthly photos, starting tomorrow.  I HATE to be in front of the camera, so I'm hoping this will keep me on track this time.  I'm assuming I'll be including little tidbits here and there, but I promise not to bore anyone with a lot of negativitiy or whining, even though I'm doing it over here. lol  Maybe some of you out there are struggling with the same thing, and it will help you as well.  The bottom line is getting healthy, and that's my goal.  I want to be around to watch my daughter grow into the beautiful woman I can already see coming out in her.     

Anyway, enough rambling.  Onto why you're here today.  Looking through my files, I hadn't realized that it had been such a long time since I'd made a Christmas card.  It's time to get back into the swing of that, and start making them every week.  This week we were asked to use chipboard on our projects.  For all of the details on this weeks challenge, click HERE.

Here is my card for this challenge.

I've had the chipboard flourish in my stash for over a year.  I embossed it in my Cuttlebug and inked it with Pumice Stone distress ink.  I have to say, I totally dig these colors together, and my card did turn out quite nice.  I'm glad to have another one for my stash.  Now I'll just have to continue making them every week.  I've combined the following challenges in my card too.

Deconstructed Sketch #71 - Sketch
AI Stamps Challenge #82 - Banners & Bunting
Do You Stack Up #91 - Scallops
Fabulous Friday - Embossing
HIMCR #65 - Anything Goes (show your style - mine is clean lines, for sure)
Totally Gorjuss #151 - Punches & Dies

There are some fantastic projects posted over on the CCC blog.  I do hope you get the chance to check them out, and hopefully, join us this week. 

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs!

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #35

Happy Sunday y'all!

This post is going to be short and sweet today.  I have to finish laundry, and get ready.  My friend is taking me to the Ragers game tonight.  It's only the second time I've ever been to a Rangers baseball game, and I couldn't be more excited.  They play the Chicago White Sox, so I'm told it's probably going to be televised.  Yay, maybe we'll be on tv!  lol

Anyway, I have a new Christmas card for you today.  The challenge this week is no stamping.  Talk about a challenge...ugh!  For all of the details, click HERE.

Again, I went non-traditional with the colors for my card today.  There is no stamping though, as I printed the sentiment on my computer and punched them out.  I dig it.  I'm happy to have another Christmas card in my stash too.  I've actually combined the following challenges into my card as well.  It's been a while since I've played along with other challenges.

Fall To Sketch Layout #201 - Sketch
CASual Fridays #63 - CAS with the colors lime, aqua and navy (yes, it's navy not black, i swear!)
Bloggers Challenge - Christmas In July

I do hope you'll head over to check out the cards that the other designers have created today.  They're pretty creative with not being allowed to stamp. 

I'll try to get some pictures from the game, so that I can post them. 
Hugs!

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #34

Hi!

How has your weekend been?  Mine has been wonderful!  It has been very laid back, relaxing, and low key.  I worked on some upcoming DT stuff during the day, then I went to church last evening, and then went to dinner.  I wasn't really in the mood to do much else, so I hit the Redbox, and came home to watch my movies.  Ahh, very nice evening.  Today I have zero plans, with the exception of going swimming.  It's going to be another HOT day here in the DFW area, so the pool sounds like a fantastic idea.  I do hope you've had as nice of a weekend as I have.  Tomorrow starts end of month stuff, so I'll be working tons of hours over the next few days.  Thank goodness I'll be rewarded with getting to spend more time in the pool! 

Anyway, enough about that.  I have another Christmas card to share with you today.  The challenge this week is to create some kind of window card.  For all of the details, click HERE.

I wanted to create a different kind of window for my card.  By embossing the main panel, and then die cutting the ornament, I think I accomplished my goal.  I really like the simplicity of this card.  I really like these colors together also.  I'm happy to have another card in my Christmas card stash for this year too!

I do hope you'll get the opportunity to check out the projects posted by the other designers.  As usual, they're all pretty fantastic!

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

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #33

Hi ya'll!

I'm back from my much needed vacation, and I'm feeling totally refreshed.  I wish I had another week to just stay home and be a bum, but alas, work is waiting for me to return tomorrow.  *sigh*  On a happier note, I'm super content that I got to spend a whole week with the people I love the most.  I'll post a few pics soon, if I remember. :)

I'm happy to say that I was able to get another Christmas card done.  This weeks challenge over at the CCC is to incorporate the emboss resist technique in your card.  For all of the details, click HERE.

I've gone back to taking my photos outside.  Although my light box was functional, I am MUCH happier with my outdoor photos.  For this card, I did something out of the norm for me, I distressed.  I've used my distress inks before, but I seldom distress my edges, or have anything that looks like it has been distressed.  I like the added texture, but I'm not sure I'll do this too often.  I'm a clean lines kinda girl, so everything has to be that way. lol  I'm loving these colors together, and I like how my card turned out.  I'm happy to have another card done as well.  I'm entering my card into the following challenges as well.

Card Caravan #22 - Christmas in July
Totally Gorjuss #140 - It's Christmas
Card Crafter's Circle #31 - Christmas in July
Jellypark Challenge - Christmas in July
Winter Wonderland - Sentiment as focal point.

I do hope you'll head over to see what the other elves have created for you today.  They're all pretty fantastic. 

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

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #32

Hola!

This is another scheduled post, as I am enjoying day two of my week long vacation.  I'm sure I'm thinking of all of you while enjoying my drink by the pool too. *grin*

I have a Christmas card to share with you today.  I was looking through my photos, and realized that I hadn't created a Christmas card in a few weeks.  Doesn't seem like it's been that long.  Wow!  Anyway, this week there is a sketch to follow.  You can see it, and all of the details by clicking HERE.

I stuck pretty close to the sketch, and used the colors below, from Design Seeds.  All in all, it's pretty simple, and I suppose could be mass produced without issue.  I love the non-traditional colors, and how it turned out.  I know just who's going to get this card too. :) 

I do hope you'll head over to the CCC blog to see the other wonderful cards posted today.  I love the different interpretations of the sketch.

I'll be back soon with some exciting news, and another crafty post.
Hugs!

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #28

Hi ya'll!

I have another Christmas card for you today.  This weeks challenge is to incorporate woodgrain in your Christmas card.  For all of the details, click HERE.

Here is the card I created.

I didn't want to go with your traditional brown looking woodgrain, so I decided to do a light aqua instead.  These colors together are very appealing to me, love them.  I used the June SFYTT, and dig how it turned out.  I'm happy to have another card for my stash. 

I do hope you'll head over to see wha the DT have created for you today at the CCC blog.  Pretty cool, with the use of woodgrain.

That's all for me as I'm headed out for the day with some friends.  Hope you have a good week!
Hugs!

Creative Belli Challenge #145

Happy Humpday!

I am so glad today is Wednesday!  It means I only have to get up early two more days this week.  The weather here in the DFW area has been hot, so I think I'm going to plan a pool party/BBQ for some friends and I.  Should be fantasic! :)

Since it is Wednesday, I have another Creative Belli challenge project for you.  The challenge is to use a sentiment only.  For all of the details, click HERE.

Now, before you say anything, let me explain. lol  As you know, I'm a HUGE fan of non-traditional Christmas colors.  When I was trying to come up with a card for today, I was totally stumped.  I asked a friend to help me out, by picking a couple of colors, so that I could try to challenge myself.  He chose yellow, black and green, which are the colors of his company's logo.  At first, I didn't really like how it turned out, but he did, and asked if I could make 50 Christmas cards identical to this one for them to distribute this holiday.  I declined, as I'm not one for mass producing anything, but I dig that he thought it turned out well.  As I look at it, I'm thinking it has a "Tim Burtonesque" look to it, if that makes sense. lol  At the end of the day, I'm content with being able to pull off these very difficult colors and make one more card for my stash.  The flowers and ribbon, as well as the patterned papers, are my hoarded/neglected items for this challenge.  I'm pretty sure we all know who will be getting this card for Christmas.  I've combined the following challenges in my card as well.

JUGS #139 - Sketch
Stampalot Challenge (June) - Bingo: I chose ribbon/lace, polka dots & the color green
Christmas Card Challenge Week #27 - Sentiment Only

I do hope you'll head over to the Creative Belli blog to see the wonderful projects that everyone has provided for you today.

Hugs!

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #26

Greetings!

It's time for another Christmas Card challenge!  I have a short post for you today, as I'm getting ready to BBQ and hangout by the pool, with a friend.  This weeks challenge is Bling.  For all of the details, click HERE. 

This is my very first one layer card.  I used masking tape around the edges, so that I'd have the framed look.  I used my distress inks for the emboss resist technique I wanted to try.  The sentiment was embossed as well.  I have to say, this turned out better than I expected.  I love it!  I've combined the following challenges in my card as well.

Drunken Stampers #89 - There Can Only Be One (one layered cards)
Sketchbook Saturday #61 - Sketch (my loose interpretation of it anyway)
Crazy 4 Challenges #138 - One Layer
Marks Finest Papers #109 - Emboss Your Main Image
52 Christmas Card Throwdown #5 - Embossing

I hope you all are having a wonderful, and safe, holiday weekend!
Hugs!

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #23

Hello hello!

Welcome to the next Christmas Card challenge!  I've got a short post today as I've got some friends coming over to swim and bbq, and I need to get things ready.  The challenge for this week is to create a humorous Christmas card.  For all of the details, click HERE.

I've had this Bugaboo digi for a while, but had never gotten the chance to use it.  I think it's perfect for this weeks challenge.  I used the colors from the picture below, and think it turned out pretty well.  I love Design Seeds!  And, I love the non-traditional look to my card that I got from this color palette, of course.

I do hope you'll head over to see what other funny cards are posted today.  I think they'll bring a smile to your face.

Hugs!

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #22

Hola!!

I hope today finds you in good health, and good spirits. 

It's Sunday, which brings us to another Christmas Card challenge.  This weeks challenge is to use Punches.  For all of the details, click HERE.

The idea in my head would have produced a card that looked like a gift wrapped Christmas present.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make the idea work to my liking.  I wanted to keep the big, bold bow though, so this is what I did with it instead.  I've had this gorgeous ribbon in my stash for over a year, and have never used it.  It took me a while to get the bow somewhat decent, but I'm happy with it.  I like the teal and rust with the cream color combo.  I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but it's pretty cool.  It's very different for me.  I'm going to enter this into the following challenges as well.

Dare To Be Sassy Thursday #122 - Christmas with a sentiment.
Christmas Stamping All Year Long #8 - Anything Goes
Jingle Belles - Celebrate Earth Day (Recycle - use your scraps.  The patterned paper and cream punched piece were both scraps on my desk)
52 Christmas Card Throwdown - Embellishment Challenge #4: Buttons or Bows
Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge #70 - Sentiment without the word Christmas.

The cards posted at the CCC blog today are fabulous, as usual.  I do hope you'll head over and check them out, and maybe, just maybe get started on your Christmas cards for this year.  You think?

Have a great day!
Hugs!

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #21

Hey ya'll!

I had this post scheduled to go live, on time, but now that I'm home, I realize that the post didn't work.  Are any of you guys having Blogger issues like this too?  I'm curious if it has anything to do with the new look.  Anyway, I guess it will all work out once they fix all the bugs.

I have a new Christmas card to share with you today.  The challenge for this week is a Recipe challenge.  For all of the details, click HERE.

Here is the card I made, using the above recipe.  I apologize for the washed out look.  Not sure what happened there.

I love these Webster's Pages papers.  They're so pretty together, and I love the vintage feel to them.  I don't do vintage often, or hardly at all actually.  I think this card looks really nice with all of the elements put together.  Another card down for this year.  I've combined the following challenges in my card.

Crazy 4 Challenges #133 - Add black.
Mark's Finest Papers #104 - Stitching
52 Christmas Card Throwdown #4 - Snowflakes
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge #69 - Lots of Layers

I hope you'll head over to the CCC blog to see what the other designers have created for you today.  They're lovely, as usual.

Hugs!

Christmas Card Challenge Week #20

Hiya!

I apologize for the delay in posting this.  It's been a busy weekend.  I don't even remember the last time I've had more than one thing to do on a weekend.  Fortunately for me, it has been such a great time.  I went to lunch and to see The Hunger Games with a co-worker yesterday, then I met up with some old friends after church for dinner, and then today I'm having brunch with a couple of other friends.  Whew, talk about being a social butterfly! lol 

Anyway, enough about that.  Here is my card for today's CCC.  For all of the details on this weeks challenge, click HERE.  Also, we're holding our next DT call!

I've had this image and the papers for a while now.  I wasn't sure how well it would work out, but I like everything, now that it's put together.  I used some liquid applique on their hats, and then some stickles on the snow under their feet.  Its much better in real life, but you get the idea.  Also, I'm still working on sewing in straight lines.  For now, I'm content with my progress. hahaha

The cards my friends have created for you today are pretty cute.  I do hope you'll head over and check them out.

Hugs!

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #18

Hello everyone,

I appreciate all of the cards, and kind thoughts.  Even though everyday is difficult, I have decided that I need to do something that makes me happy, rather than sit and stare at the TV.  I know time will heal, but hopefully being distracted by crafting will help.

I have a new Christmas card for you today.  The challenge this week is a sketch, created by our dear Peggy.  For all of the details, click HERE.

Here is the card I created, based on the sketch.

You know how I am about non-traditional Christmas colors, and this card is no exception.  I got the color combo from the photo below.

I love how it turned out.  It's a bit smaller than a normal A2 card, but I think I'm going to use it as a card for a gift come Christmas time.  I've combined the following challenges as well.

Stampin For The Weekend #6 - Anything Goes
Alphabet Challenge Blog - D for Dry Embossing
Mark's Finest Papers #101 - Square Card
52 Christmas Card Throwdown - Anything Goes

I hope you'll head over to see what our lovely design team, and new guest designer, have created for you today.  They're all pretty fabulous, as usual.

Stay crafty my friends!