Thanks

Good day everyone!

I was up before daylight this morning, making sure my girl was fed and taken care of, before she was off to take her ACT's.  As the days go on, the more it's starting to sink in that I'll be an empty nester very soon.  I still stop to wonder where time has gone.  My baby is technically an adult, and headed into her last year of school, before moving on to college. *sigh*  I'm thankful that she's such a great person, with a good head and a big heart.  I know she'll go on to do great things.

Anyway, since I was up, I decided to participate in a few challenges.  I actually made two cards.  Here is the first.

I debated about whether or not to actually post this card.  I had an idea in my head, but it didn't quite turn out how I wanted.  And, I still suck at masculine cards. lol  This paisley stencil from MFT though, is awesome!  I can see many uses for it in the future.  I was excited about using my new Abandoned Coral distress ink too.  That baby had been sitting on my desk, unopened, for months.  I guess this card isn't too terrible.  I think it needs a little "something" though.  Maybe I'll come back to it at a later date and figure it out.  At least I've got another card for my stash.  I'm going to submit this for the following challenges.

The Challenge #38:  Coral, Navy & Kraft
Freshly Made Sketches #190:  Sketch
Bloggers Challenge:  For The Boys
Crazy 4 Challenges #290:  Masculine Cards

Below is the second card I made.

This card was a bit over a week in process.  I colored the image with my Copics (I know, right?! lol) while on layover in Dallas, a bit over a week ago.  This is one of the better coloring jobs I've ever done, so I wanted to use it.  I added a vellum sentiment, embossed in gold and some Pretty Pink Posh sequins, and called it good.  I love how simple it is, and how the image stands out.  These colors together are lovely as well.  I'm going to enter this for the following challenges.

Word Art Wednesday #187:  Anything Goes
Just Add Ink #266:  Pink Pirouette, Night of Navy & Gold
YNS Challenge #16:  Sketch & Color Challenge (I only used the sketch, manipulating it a bit)
 
That's all for me today.  I'm going to attempt to take a nap, and catch up on some crafty YouTube videos.  I wish all of you a great day!

Hugs!

 

Word Art Wednesday #172 - John 15:9

Welcome!

I'm so happy to have you stop by today.  I am always excited when Wednesday comes around.  It means there are only two days until the weekend, and this weekend I am hoping to have tons of fun crafting with some new friends.  When I moved here, I was sad to learn that there aren't very many people in my area, who are into papercrafting.  I haven't been to a crop in over two years, and until recently, didn't have any friends to craft with locally.  I bumped into a woman at our new Hobby Lobby, and we got to talking.  Next thing I knew, I was invited to a crafty gathering at one of her friends' homes.  I'm excited!

 I'm also excited to share another Word Art Wednesday card with you.  Sadly, this is my last card for them, as guest designer.  I had an amazing time, and everyone was so wonderful.  I am truly blessed to have been a part of their group this month.  As always, these challenges are Anything Goes, with the option to use their word art files.  This weeks sponsors are: Heart & Soul Rubber Stamps (2 mounted or 4 unmounted stamps of choice) and Deedee's Digis digital sponsor (3 images of choice).

Here is the card I made for this weeks challenge, with our verse, John 15:9.

I'm so excited to have been able to get a better picture of my card today.  Yay for sun!  I wanted to go CAS with my card, but still have fun with some bright colors.  I kept it as simple as I could, and love how it turned out.  I really wanted this weeks verse to be the key focus on my card again, and think I achieved this pretty well.  I added a bit of embossing, some sparkly butterflies (although you can't tell in the photo) and some beautiful Pretty Pink Posh sequins.  I am going to put this card with a few others, and send them to my sister.  I know she'll love them!

I do hope you'll head over to the Word Art Wednesday blog to see the other gorgeous cards that were created for today.  They're all amazing!

Blessings,

What's In It?
Paper: SU! Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Hello Honey & Coastal Cabana Cardstock, Aqua Polka Dot Patterned Paper
Stamps: Word Art File, Clearly Besotted With A Flourish
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink, Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Pen
Accessories: SU! Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, SU! Beautiful Butterflies Die, Sierra Scroll Embosing Folder (by Anna Griffin), White Pearls, Pretty Pink Posh Lemon Drop Sequins

Word Art Wednesday #171 - Mark 12:30

Hola!

It's Wednesday, which is great because the week is half over, and I am looking forward to sleeping in again.  I have had a nasty bout with a couple of kidney stones recently, and am super exhausted from the lack of sleep and overwhelming pain.  I'm hoping I never have to experience that again!

Since today is Wednesday, I also have another Word Art Wednesday card to share with you.  As always, these challenges are Anything Goes, with the option to use their word art files.  This weeks sponsors are: The Kraft Journal ($15 in product) and Moonlighting by Mary Etsy Shop (digital sponsor).

This week we are being inspired by Mark 12:30.  I am excited about this verse, as we are studying it for our bible study group this month.  I think I'm going to make a few of these cards, in different colors, and send them to the people in my group.  I think they'd enjoy them.

Here is the card I have to share with you today.

 
I recently purchased a couple new things from MFT.  I absolutely HAD to have this Damask background stamp.  I have to say, it's just as gorgeous in person, as it is in the pictures I've seen online.  SO happy that I bought it.  I wanted the verse to be the main focus on this card, so I kept it fairly simple.  I hope the people in my bible study group like their cards.

I hope you'll head over to the Word Art Wednesday blog to see the other wonderful cards that are posted today.  They're all so wonderful!

Have a blessed day!

What's In It?
Paper: SU! Basic Black Cardstock, SU! Very Vanilla Cardstock, SU! Blushing Bride Cardstock, SU! Cherry Cobbler Cardstock
Stamps: Word Art File, Simon Says Stamp Beautiful Words & Just A Love Note, MFT Damask Background
Ink: SU! Strawberry Slush Dye Ink, Wink Of Stella Clear Glitter Pen
Accessories: Kaiser Kraft Pearls, Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangle Dies

Word Art Wednesday #170 - Proverbs 10:12

Hello!

How's your week going?  I'm so excited!  Today is my Friday.  I am headed to Dallas tomorrow, to see R for Valentine's weekend.  I'm beyond happy!  Supposedly he's got something fun planned.   This is the first Valentine's Day we'll actually be together, in years, so it makes it extra special.  Guess we'll see what kinds of fun stuff we're going to do.

Onto today's Word Art Wednesday challenge.  As always, these challenges are Anything Goes, with the option to use their word art files.  This weeks sponsors are:  Mark's Finest Papers (free stamp set) and Crafty Secrets (digital sponsor)  

This week we are being inspired by Proverbs 10:12.  This is a great choice, in my opinion, because Valentine's Day is on Saturday and there is no doubt that love conquers all.  And, there is no deeper love than the love I have for Him.  Here is the card I made.

I printed the word art file on some patterned paper, and then die cut it out, using my SSS Stitched Rectangle dies (I LOVE THESE THINGS!!).  I've had this amazing chocolate striped ribbon in my stash for over a year now, and decided I needed to build a card around it.  This was my result.

I do hope you'll head over to the Word Art Wednesday blog to see what the other designers have created for you today.  They're nothing less than amazing...   

Have a wonderful day!

Hugs!

What's In It?

Paper: SU! Whisper White Cardstock, SU! Chocolate Chip Cardstock, SU! Bella Rose Patterned Paper

Stamps: Proverbs 10:12 Word Art File

Ink: Wink of Stella Clear Pen

Accessories: Simon Says Stamp String of Hearts & Stitched Rectangles Dies, Clearly Besotted Large Geometric Rose Die, Paper Studio Doddle Hearts Embossing Folder, Chocolate & White Striped Satin Ribbon, Doodlebug Design Pearl Bon Bon Assortment

Word Art Wednesday #169 - 1 Corinthians 16:14

Hi ya'll!

I'm SO excited to have you visit me today!  I know that I've been talking about something very exciting for me, that starts this month, and I'm happy that I can finally share.  This month I am the guest designer over on the Word Art Wednesday blog.  I am so thrilled to be joining these amazing women for the month of February!  I've loved their weekly challenges, and have made it a goal to join them more often this year.  I think this is a fantastic way to start!  I'd like to send a huge Thank You to Karen, for allowing me to be a part of these challenges.

As always, these challenges are Anything Goes, with the option to use their word art files.  This weeks sponsors are:  Verses Rubber Stamps ($20 in product), My Craft Spot (free stamp set), Imagine That Digital Sponsor (3 images of choice). 

The verse chosen for this week is 1 Corinthians 16:14.  I love this verse, as it's very near to my heart.  I try to do as He would, by giving and helping others.  I'm kind, and caring, and I give unconditionally.  Not just to people I know, but to everyone.  I want to lead by example, so that my daughter will also live her life in this manner.  I feel as if doing for others is becoming less and less popular, unfortunately.  I'm hoping that as long as she and I can continue to show kindness to others, I will have accomplished one of my goals, and other people's lives will have been touched.


Here is what I created for this weeks challenge.

I really liked THIS sketch from Cardabilities, and wanted to use it, even though it's from weeks ago.  I seldom use circles on my cards, and I rarely use orange, so I wanted to challenge myself use both.  I love the contrast of the light blue against the bold orange background paper.  I also love those delicate Memory Box dies.  They're beautiful.  I think I have just about every die they make on my wish list these days. lol   

I do hope you'll head over to the Word Art Wednesday blog, and see what everyone else has created for you today.  I can't wait to see what you create! 

Blessings!

What's In It?
Paper: Neenah Solar White Carstock, SU! Whisper White Cardstock, Papertrey Ink Kraft Cardstock, Bazzill Peach Textured Cardstock, Orange Polka Dot Patterned Paper (old paper from my stash), Light Blue Graph Patterned Paper (also from my stash)
Stamps: 1 Corinthians 16:14 Word Art File
Ink: Mister Huey's Opaque White, Sakura Clear Stardust Pen
Accessories: Simon Says Stamp Stitched Circles & Stitched Rectangles Dies, Memory Box Whimsy Circle & Lorelai Leaf Outline Dies, Avery Elle Dotted Banner Die, Martha Stewart Small Butterfly Punch, Freckled Fawn Aqua Glitter Dew Drops

Thankful For You

Hello my friends!

I hope you're having a good weekend, and creating lots of crafty stuff.  It's freezing here, which is perfect for staying indoors, making a big pot of soup, watching movies, and making stuff.  I got some time in my craft room yesterday, which I was thankful for, and I'm hoping to spend more time in there today.

I'm excited to share my card today.  It's my very first shaker card!  Shaker cards continue to be more and more popular, so I thought I'd give it a try.  Here is how it turned out.

I am pretty excited, although I'm thinking that next time, I should not add glitter.  I rubbed my acetate with a dryer sheet to try to remove the static, but it didn't work.  And yep, you read correctly, I said glitter.  I finally broke down and bought a few different colors, so that I could use them in shaker cards.  I will handle it with great caution, and pray I don't get it everywhere. lol  The sketch I used for this just screamed shaker card to me, so I went with it.  I embossed the sentiment on vellum again, and added a bit of twine and a couple of tiny paper flowers that I inked in red.  I am totally loving this card, and I can see many more shaker cards being made, very soon.  I am going to submit this card for the following challenges.

CAS(E) This Sketch #105: Sketch
Card Concept #26: One Year Anniversary/Photo Inspiration (I chose the classy & elegant style, hope I understood correctly)
Word Art Wednesday #165: Anything Goes

Hopefully, I'll have more cards to share over the next few days.  I'm not planning on leaving the house, and am going to try to spend lots of time in my craft room today.  I do hope you'll stop by again soon.  Lots of fun stuff happening over the next few weeks.

Stay warm!

  





What's In It?
Paper: SU! Very Vanilla Cardstock, Dark Green Cardstock, Prima Stationers Desk Patterned Papers, SSS Acetate
Stamps: CASual Fridays Calm & Gentle
Ink: VersaMark, Simon Says Stamp Lipstick Red Dye Ink
Accessories: Silver Embossing Powder, Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles Dies, Maya Road Natural Twine, I Am Roses Paper Flowers, Simon Says Stamp Seed Beads (red & clear), Pretty Pink Posh Sequins (gold & mossy green), Pretty Pink Posh Silver Confetti, Wow Red Glitter

No Longer Two

Happy Friday!!

So, while I have been waiting for R and Hulk to arrive, I was able to create one more card for my collection.  As you've probably noticed, I don't make many shabby or vintage cards.  That's because I totally SUCK at that style. lol  Today, I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone and attempt something shabby.  Here is how it turned out.

I have to say, I'm quite impressed with myself. lol  I tried to channel a couple of my favorite shabby cardmakers, Andrea Ewen and Becca Feeken, and think they might actually approve of this one. :-)  There are more layers on this card, than any of my cards recently.  I think I'll have to continue this, as it looks awesome.  I love the old Bible print, and the background stamp with VersaMark too.  You can't really tell in the photo, but I gently sponged the roses with Spun Sugar distress ink.  They're really pretty in real life.  The only thing I think I need work on, is tying bows with seam binding ribbon.  I just couldn't get it to smooth out, once I had tied my bow.  It looks a bit awkward in the picture, but it's a little better, in person.  Eh, maybe I just need to practice more.  I'm going to submit this for the following challenges.

Mojo Monday #360: Sketch (it's not tall and skinny, i hope that's ok)
Shabby Tea Room #233: Celebrate (Photo Inspiration)
Simon's Wednesday Challenge: Anything Goes
Word Art Wednesday #147: Anything Goes

I hope that all of you have a wonderful, and safe holiday weekend.  I will be back next week with another something crafty, hopefully.

Hugs!

What's In It?
Paper: SU Blushing Bride & Very Vanilla Cardstock, Papertrey Ink Kraft Cardstock, Page from an old Bible
Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs Love Scriptures, Hero Arts Flourish Background
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink, VersaMark, Spun Sugar Distress Ink, Sakura Clear Stardust Pen
Accessories: Memory Box La Rue Heart Die, Spellbinders Labels 4 Small Die, SU Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Martha Stewart Scalloped Border Punch, I Am Roses White Paper Roses, I Am Roses Green Leaves, Zva Creative Pearl Flourish

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

Key To Heaven

Good day!

Since I will be studying all week, for my test on Wednesday, I was happy to get some time in my craft room last evening.  Here is the next card I have to share with you.

I'm not sure this turned out exactly how I pictured it, but I think it's pretty.  I don't know if I like the flowers at the top and bottom of the sentiment panel yet, but I think I'll just leave it alone.  I was excited to play along with the following challenges.

Word Art Wednesday #145: Anything Goes
Fusion Challenge: Photo Inspiration & Sketch
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: Anything Goes

I'm off to my busy day of work, and then I'm hosting a "study group" at our house, for those of us who want the extra push to get things absorbed before tomorrow's test.  I hope all of you have a wonderful day!

Hugs!

What's In It?
Paper: SU Melon Mambo & Whisper White cardstock, Bazzil Lemon Yellow textured cardstock, Bo Bunny Yellow Polka Dot cardstock, Teal Chevron patterned paper
Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs Quote Collection 3, CASual Fridays Casual Comfort
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black dye ink, SU Strawberry Slush & Pistachio Pudding Stampin Write markers
Accessories:  SU Arrows Embossing Folder, SU Little Leaves Die, Prima Charlotte Flowers, Prima Say It In Crystals Border

Commit

Hello!

How has your weekend been?  It has been pretty nice around here.  We went to the Albert City Thresherman's show yesterday, and then we were bums the rest of the day.  I woke up this morning wanting something different, for breakfast.  So, I made pumpkin spice waffles with scrambled eggs and bacon, and I can't even tell you how excited I was.  Everything was delicious!  The house smelled of pumpkin pie, and it reminded me of the holidays.  It made me miss my sister and I can't wait to see her.  We usually get together for Thanksgiving each year.  My daughter said she was woken up by the smell, and couldn't wait to come downstairs to see what was going on.  What a great way to be woken up, in my opinion. :-)

I was happy to get back into my craft space yesterday afternoon.  There were so many challenges I wanted to participate in this last week, but just didn't have the time.  Here is one that I did get done though.

   
This really took me a while to put together, as I wasn't happy with my first, or second, attempts.  This didn't even turn out how I pictured it in my head either, but I think it turned out ok.  The colors were definitely challenging for me, and I'm sad to say I used the last couple pieces of Wild Wasabi I had on hand.  I will have to see how I can get more of this cardstock.   It was one of my favorite colors.  I needed a little bit of something, but wasn't sure what, so I used strips of verse from an old bible I had.  This is the second time I've cut pages out of a bible, so I'm hoping no one gets offended.  I do have several others that we do not use for anything other than worship, I promise! 

I'm going to enter this into the following challenges.

ODBDSLC21: Sketch
Word Art Wednesday #144: Anything Goes
Pals Paper Arts #214: Island Indigo, Crisp Cantaloupe & Wild Wasabi

I'm off to try to put another card together, and then cook meals for the week.  I hope everyone enjoys their Sunday afternoon.

Hugs!

What's In It?
Paper: SU Whisper White, Wild Wasabi & Crisp Cantaloupe cardstock, Bo Bunny Blue Polka Dot patterned paper, Pages from an old Bible
Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs Scripture Collection 5
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black dye ink, SU Crisp Cantaloupe dye ink, Sakura Clear Stardust pen
Accessories: Labels 4 Large die, Memory Box Elegant Scrollwork die, SU Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Freckled Fawn Pink & Rustic Enamel Dots

Guidance

Hi!

Today's post is going to be short and sweet.  I am running a bit behind, because I overslept, and I forgot to schedule this post. lol  I'm becoming more and more content with my CAS cards lately.  Here is another I made to share with all of you.

I really wanted the sentiment to stand out, and be the focal point on my card.  I do believe I have achieved what I was attempting.  I love this sentiment, and I remind myself everyday that I need to continue to do this.  I'm entering this card in the following challenges.

Word Art Wednesday #143: Anything Goes
Case This Sketch #87: Sketch (w/additional challenge to add a tag)
Just Us Girls #252: Ribbon
Cupcake Inspirations #272: Mint, White & Gold

I hope everyone has a great week.  I'll be back soon, hopefully, with another card to share.

Stay crafty my friends!

What's In It?
Paper: Papertrey Ink Kraft cardstock, SU Whisper White & So Saffron cardstock
Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs Sentiment Collection 3, Hero Arts Graph & Large Canvas Stripes background stamps, 7 Gypsies NottingHill
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black dye ink, VersaMark, Scattered Straw Distress ink, Simon Says Stamp Mint dye ink, Sakura Stardust Pen
Accessories: Avery Elle Gift Tags die, SU Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Martha Stewart White Lace