Merry Christmas to YOU!

Hey, I miss you all ! I miss my stamping and I certainly miss checking out your blogs but I have been good and put the whole stamping / blogging fun on hold while taking care of holiday business here at home. Come January, I plan to become re-aquainted with my craft room , yeah, yeah ... AND come by to visit YOU! I'm sure I have tons of things to feast my eyes on . We will be traveling over the next couple of weeks... prayers appreciated . In the meantime, I just want to wish you all a wonderful Christmas filled with warm family moments and a heart FULL of joy towards Jesus, our very Reason for the Season. --Crystal

Give Thanks / Mojo #114

Ah, to have a moment to post something ... yes ! How are you friends ? Life is crazy busy at the moment as I'm sure yours is too. I've put myself on a restriction diet ... that is ... less computer , more work ... so the blogging ( boo hoo) has taken a back seat ... well, sort of !
Here's my card for Mojo Monday ... a really simple card ... recipe is below.
Hope you, dear friends in the USA, have a blessed Thanksgiving and the rest of you have a super rest of the week.
Thanks for stopping by ... your comments are just the best ! Hugs !

Recipe:
Paper: Neenah cream, Quick Quotes dp, Night of Navy
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Prismacolor pencil
Stamp: a very old SU sentiment
Other: Circle / scallop Nesties, EK Success punch, Pumpkin grosgrain ribbon, Navy button

A Gift Idea

Good morning, friends ... I have a quick post for you today and I'm again out the door... such is my life right now ! My DF Laurie reminded me one day of an old technique we had learned from our dear SU demo... stamping on tissue paper, wrapping the tissue to a white candle and melting with your heat tool. Now I don't have a tutorial for you , but I'm pretty sure you can find one on SCS... I have used the Lighthouse from ODBD, stamped in Memento Black on one thin piece of tissue, colored with a blue and a gray Copic and cut to fit the candle... just wrap around well and heat til it melts to your candle. I have used Crackle Accents to the finished look as well as Stickles to the light... You can measure and stamp again so that you have two of the same images around your candle. Is this confusing ? If you have any questions, jot me an email. Have a blessed day now. Hugs to you all .

SSCC12 Honoring our Heros

This week at Stamping Sisters in Christ , Candance is offering the challenge based on John 15:13 : " Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." The challenge for this week is to make a card for a soldier and as a bonus, donate it to Operation Write Home. Candace has reminded us of a quote: " Only two people have ever died for you; one is Jesus Christ and the other is the American soldier." I don't know about you but I am always so deeply moved by these men in uniform and their willingness to serve. May God bless them . If you would like more information on this challenge , head on over to Stampin Sisters in Christ for the details on how to make a card to donate .
My card uses Stampin Up's Brilliant Blue, Real Red and white . I've cut triangular panels of blue and red then ran them through the new Stars CB folder and secured . I added the striped ribbon ( Hobby Lobby) over the seam and trimmed the edges. I then added a ribbon in the middle to resemble a medal ribbon and added a punched star and then a foil star atop that. The image is a piece of clipart from an old Memorial Day program that I resized to fit. I have matted that with opposite red and blue panels. The sentiments ( computer generated) were cut and embossed with a Tag nestie and secured. As you can see, I tried to keep everything flat for easy mailing. Don't forget to pray over your card that the soldier who receives your creation will feel God's presence and your love and prayers lifting him/her up.
Have a fabulous day ! { hugs !}

We Have Come to Worship Him

Two posts in two days... yay! This stamp is an old stamp from Stampington I've had for a couple years now, at least and happily pulled it out again . I love the postcard/ collage look of it. I have stamped the image on Neenah cream with Memento Rich Cocoa. I then used Encore Gold to create a bit of shimmer with the direct to paper technique. The dp is Spiceberry from Memory Box which has a nice little matte gold to it. It was layered over shimmery gold foil paper. The border was stamped with a MS punch out of coordinating dp. I've used a CB folder on the underlying strip of gold. The sentiment is computer generated and cut and embossed with a Labels nestie. Shiny gold satin ribbon and some yellow gold gems and that's it . Hope your week is off to a fabulous start. Hugs to YOU !

Grace

Hey everyone ! It's been awhile , I know. We've been so busy here , there's just no time to hit the stamping room and my, have I missed it ! Tomorrow I meet up with the girls for a full day of stamping . Now , if I am good, I will not spend all my time gabbing but instead get a good stash of cards made which I really need to do. We'll see !
My card today uses the new CB folder which I think is called Herringbone, but don't take my word for it just yet... look it up to be sure. The dp is from a friend and I think from the K&C pack Que Sera Sera ... again , I'm not sure . Gee, I am no help here today, am I ? The sentiment is from Our Daily Bread 's " Grow in Grace" and was stamped with VersaColor in Mountain Lake. The sentiment was cut out and embossed with an oval Nestie. The paper is Neenah cream. Bright yellow paper is from Archivers. Gemstones are from K&C. And really, that is all there is to it !
Hope you are all enjoying some beautiful weather this weekend ! Thanks for stopping by ! Hugs !

Let It Snow !

Hi All ! Am back in chilly OH after a brief and welcomed vacation in sunny FL . Now isn't this " little man" cute ? Lest you think the sentiment is fitting my mood ... NOT ! But I just had to ink up this fancy fella. This is a really simple card. I chose to go for an "icy" monochromatic look . Recipe will be posted below. I'll be back later with more ... gotta tend to the family, ya know. Hope you are all doing well and staying healthy. { hugs !}

Recipe:
Paper: Dewfrost by Memory Box, Neenah white
Ink: Color Box black, Copics
Stamp: Inkadinkado
Other: Rectangle nesties, black detail EP, clear gems, satin ribbons, mini pop dots, Martha Stewart snowflake punch, Dazzling Diamonds glitter

A Brief Note ...

I'll be traveling for the coming week and since I have yet to figure out how to do scheduled posts , I won't have any cards posted for you but check back here next week. I will be crazy itching to stamp, blog and visit your blogs when I return ! Have a really good week , everyone ! { hugs !}

Blog Hop tonight ! / SSCC #8

Happy Friday everyone!
Tonight is the blog hop for Nina Brackett's new Lord of the Season set . I will be gone all day and weekend and must post early so if you will check back here at 10PM tonight , the Gina K team as well as others will have their posts up. Be sure to join the hop. You are sure to be inspired and wowed by everyone's creations. Now to my card... I wanted to use this set for baby shower invitations / registry inserts and am so pleased at how versatile this set is and how you can make it work for many different occasions. This is also my post for this week's Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge . I will leave the recipe below. Let me know what you think . Thanks so much for stopping by ! Remember, everyone will have their posts up at 10:00 tonight ...

Gina K designers joining in on the hop tonight :

Nina
Carolyn
Cathy
Donna
Erika
Jessica
Kurtis
Lee
Melanie
Theresa

September's Center Stage Spotlight Team:

Janice
Joy
Kay
Lori

Nina's Guest DT and friends :

(me... you are here !)
JenMarie
Lisa

Enjoy the hop ! Remember , you can purchase this set in the Gina K store here . For more inspiration , be sure to check out Stamp TV here .

Recipe:
Stamps: Lord of the Season
Paper: DCWV Nursery pack , Neenah white
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black , Copics, sentiment ( computer generated)
Other: Labels 3 Nesties, large pinking circle Nesties , grosgrain ribbon, sage gemstones, mini pop dots

Blog Hop tomorrow !

Hey friends :
Hope you are having a super Thursday and looking forward to the weekend! I don't have a card for you at the moment but just wanted to remind you to stop by here tomorrow. There will be a blog hop for Nina Brackett's new "Lord of the Season" set with Gina K and gang as well as yours truly. It's sure to be filled with some uber special creations that will inspire. See you tomorrow !

Delight Yourself in the Lord ...

G'Morning, All !
I could not wait to use this gorgeous paper that my friend Laurie shared with me... unfortunately, I can't remember the exact name but it's from K&C's holiday pack so hopefully that will help. My sentiment is from Verve and was cut and embossed with a square scalloped Nestie. I'll leave the recipe below as I am out the door this morning. Have a blessed day everyone and please let me know you've come by for a visit . { hugs !}
Recipe:
Paper: K&C
Stamp: Verve
Ink: Memento Bamboo Leaves
Other: satin ribbon, Martha Stewart border punch, button slide ( JoAnn's) , mini pop dots, Sizzix flourishes, gemstones

SSNOTIME108 Krafty Black

Hi All !
I decided to play along with Sharon's Stamp Simply challenge this past week which is to use kraft and black cardstock. I rarely use kraft as my ideas just do not go in that direction . Nothing like something to stretch the mind a bit! Now this card was easy peasy ... I took a piece of kraft and ran in through with a large pinking circle in the middle thus cutting out a circle . I then folded the cardstock in half. I then added a folded black scrap on the inside , gluing it so that it fills the hole. I then cut a smaller pinking circle out of a kraft scrap to add to the black . Oh, I punched two holes into the black and threaded the black striped ribbon. The ribbon was black and white ... I colored the white with a Copic that matched the kraft pretty closely. The ribbon was knotted and trimmed. The sentiment was stamped as you see above. The paisley flower is from Heidi Grace stamps. It was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black and embossed with detail black. Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Graphite was then sprayed lightly onto the kraft panel and once dry, black gemstones were added to the center of the flowers. And really that 's all it took ! What do you think ? I think I will pull out the kraft and try using it a little more ! Have a super evening wherever you are . { hugs !}

Flourishes "Season that Sparkles" Challenge

Hope you all are having a great weekend ! Now, if you didn't know, Flourishes will soon be releasing 6 new sets . Yes, you read that right ... SIX ! If you would like to add your name into the drawing to win all six sets , then this challenge is for you . Hop on over to the Flourishes page here to read all the details.
I am using paper from the new Eskimo Kisses pack from Basic Grey. Love that paper ! The image is a free digi but I am so sorry to say, I can't remember exactly where I found it but I promise when I locate it, I will come back and post it for you. I've colored with Copics to match the paper, used a Quickie Glue pen and Dazzling Diamonds glitter to the details in the image and after cutting with a scalloped circle Nestie, left the image in the die and went around the edges with the glue pen and then added glitter to the scalloped edges. If you click on the photo , it will enlarge for you. I'll leave the recipe below. Thanks again for coming by and leaving such sweet comments.

Recipe:
Paper: Basic Grey " Eskimo Kisses", SU
Digi image
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Other: Scalloped Circle Nestie, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Quickie Glue pen, white satin ribbon, button, twine, snowflake CB folder, mini pop dots

A Touch of Homespun Christmas

Happy Saturday , All !
Today I'm showing another card using Nina Brackett's new Lord of the Season set . The tree was stamped and colored with Copics. I sponged distress ink onto the panel before removing it from the Labels 4 die. I used a glitter glue pen to draw the garland on the tree and then added gold glitter. The star on the treetop was a bright blue. I just colored it with a gold Zig Painty pen and then added the same glitter glue while still wet and that worked just fine . The red embossed paper was from Archiver's but I don't have a name for you . And lastly, the sentiment on the lower right corner " tis the season" is by Martha Stewart. The recipe is below . You can see many more ideas using this set on Stamp TV. Don't forget there will be a blog hop on Friday , the 16th using this set so make sure you stop by to savor all the gorgeous creations from the DT at Gina K.
And lastly , if I might, my friend Laurie is having a birthday today so pop on over to her blog to wish her a Happy ! Have a super Saturday !

Recipe:
Paper: Eskimo Kisses ( Basic Grey) , Archivers, white
Stamps: Lord of the Season ( Gina K)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories: Glitter glue pen, gold glitter, star, gemstones, gold cord, pop dots, Labels 4 Nestie ( Spellbinders )

Eccl.3:1 / Lord of the Season #4/ MoJo Monday sketch 107

Hello stampers ... Happy Wednesday !
I have another sample for you today using one of the sentiments from Nina Brackett's new "Lord of the Season" set ... This card also uses MoJo Monday's sketch for this week . You can find that sketch here .
This verse is so encouraging to me at this time . With transition from busy kid years to a near empty nest, it's a comfort to know that He is with us in our seasons of life also . Even though we are experiencing a little of the heart-sadness that goes with this phase, we can trust the Lord that He does have new service opportunities and new adventures for us.
Have a super day ! ( hugs !)
Recipe:
Paper: Bo Bunny's "Gypsy Spice", Hobby Lobby
Stamps: Lord of the Season ( Gina K)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories: Scalloped Oval Spellbinder Nesties, May Arts ribbon, K&C gems, pop dots, Scor Pal

I Cor. 12:31/ Siku & Shiya

Hey friends :
Hope you have stamping on your to-do list today. My card today uses Mo's Digi adorable image " Siku & Shiya" ... aren't they cute ? I've colored them with Copics and added Liquid Applique to their fur. They were then cut out with a circle Nestie as well as the mat behind it. The white panel was run through the CB snowflake folder and then painted with Moonlight Smooch. It has a wonderful sheen IRL that I have been unable to capture in the photo. Papers are from Archivers and SU as well as Neenah white . Red satin ribbon was added to the base panel. The Scripture verse stamp is an old one from Embossing Arts that I love . It was stamped and then cut out with a Tags Nestie . Silver cording ties it up as well as the image " ornament" . I added a clear gem to the hanger part of the image panel. Really that simple ! Hope you have a terrific Monday. I'll have more for you on the Lord of the Season set this week as well as other posts. Thanks so much for stopping by ! { hugs !}

Recipe:
Paper: Archivers, Neenah white, SU
Stamps: Mo's digi, Embossing Arts
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories: CB folder. circle Nesties, tag Nestie, Moonlight Smooch, silver cording, red satin ribbon, Liquid Applique, pop dots, " diamond" gemstone

#3 Lord of the Season

Hi friends ...
I'm concluding my week with another card using Nina Brackett's new set , Lord of the Season which is now in the Gina K store. Today's card uses vellum and embossing. I have stamped the image onto vellum, embossed with jeweled gold embossing powder and then colored in the image on the reverse side . I chose to focus just on the fruit and leaves, so as to draw attention to those. The sentiment was also stamped and embossed. The vellum is secured on the inside fold between the cs and the vellum with vellum tape. Lastly, a honey gold satin ribbon was added and done ! Really a simple and easy card but , I think, elegant . Recipe will be below.
Remember to hop on over to Nina's
blog to view this gorgeous set in it's entirety and to see Nina's beautiful samples . And check out the Gina K store for all the new releases.
I'll have another post for you next week using this gorgeous set so check back here then. Have a FABULOUS Friday and weekend ! And thanks again for stopping by .

Recipe:
Paper: vellum, white cs
Stamps: Lord of the Season ( Gina K)
Ink: Gold Encore, SU markers
Accessories: jeweled gold EP, vellum tape, gold ribbon

#2 Lord of the Season

Is it Thursday already? Today I have another sample to hopefully inspire using Nina Brackett's new set, " Lord of the Season". I tell you, the more I use this set, the more I love it ! The ideas just keep coming ! I have used the dp and the tole idea for the tree. I used a Spellbinders rectangle die to frame the tree by sponging inside and outside the die. I will leave the recipe below. If you'd like to see more samples using this set , hop on over to Nina's blog . Gina K and her DT also have samples posted this week. And don't forget, tonight is the release party at SCS beginning at 7:00 CST. There will be games, prizes and previews so be sure and hop over there to join in the fun.
Thanks so much for stopping by . I love and appreciate your comments ! Have a good one ! { hugs !}
Recipe:
Paper: Kaiser, Neenah white, SU
Stamps: Lord of the Season ( Gina K)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, SU
Accessories: Spellbinders rectangle Nestie, sage gemstones, white satin ribbon, dimensionals, sponge

Lord of the Season / Guest DT Creation #1

Good Morning, All !

I'm delighted today to post the first of my creations using Nina Brackett's new "Lord of the Season" set soon -to -be in the Gina K store. What a versatile set and a dream to color. Seeing these topiaries made me think of the entrance to a wedding thus I chose to make this card. Recipe is below.

Hop on over to Nina's
blog to see more samples of her lovely set. Gina and the GinaK DT are showing previews of the new stamps as well. You can start on Gina's blog to find the DT's links. And don't forget the release party will be on Thursday, October 1st over on SCS starting at 7:00 CST. There will be games, prizes and more previews.


I'll be back tomorrow with another post using this set. Thanks for coming by! Have a blessed day, everyone !

Recipe:

Paper: Basic Grey " Porcelain, SU Pretty in Pink

Stamp: " Lord of the Season" Gina K

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (RV11, G24, W1, W3 )

Accessories: Spellbinders Labels 4, petal gemstones ( Michaels), shimmery ribbon ( JoAnn's)

Some Fall Inspiration and an Announcement !

Happy late Monday to you all ! My card for you today uses the new Flourishes leaf set and what a dream it was to color this!
The leaf, acorn and sentiment were stamped with Rich Cocoa by Memento onto Neenah white and colored with Copics . I forgot to write down the colors , oops, me sorry . Gold Encore as well as a light touch of Memento Bamboo Leaves green were sponged onto the image panel . The image was cut out and matted with , I believe, Labels Nine . Paper is by Cosmo Cricket. Ribbons , a slide and some gold sticky dots and all done ! It shouldn't be long before we have some gorgeous Fall color here and I am certainly looking forward to that !

Now for the announcement : I am excited and honored that Nina Brackett from Gina K has asked me to be her guest DT for her new release, " Lord of the Season" available this Wednesday , October 1st. I will have some samples to show you beginning Wednesday so check back here. Don't forget to check out Nina's blog as well as Gina K's beginning tomorrow for the sneak peek.

Have a restful evening and thanks for stopping by ! Hugs !

A New Outfit !

Good morning, stampers ! I don't have a card for you this morning but hope to post one tomorrow. But I do have a new look ... what do you think ? I've tried many times to change my banner and background but it would just keep reverting to the old...so this is refreshing ! Many thanks to Evan Todd , who volunteered to make me a new blog banner . I am really liking that beautiful leaf ! So thank you, Evan ... if you leave a comment , I'll be sure and pass it along to him. Have a blessed day, everyone !

Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge #5

Hi All and Happy Tuesday ! You in the mood for Fall ? There's a fun challenge going on at SSCC this week. Kathy Winter chose for this challenge, Ecclesiastes 3:1. " There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven." Read the chapter when you can. This very chapter makes me want to bow down and worship the Creator... what a great God ! Now the challenge is to use Fall colors. I thought long and hard about this. One of the things I love about Fall is taking a hayride, going to the apple and pumpkin farms , etc. I didn't find any dp in my stash that came close to what I wanted to do , but then I remembered I had this CottaMesh. The base panel was run through a Swirls CB folder . The image is from Mo's Digital and was stamped and colored with Copics ( YR09, YR16, E35, E55m E00, R20, YG17, B97, 00 ) . I then sponged Bliss Blue lightly around the image and cut out with a square Nestie. Next I took this wood grain dp and doubled up two square Nesties and cut out to frame the main image. The CottaMesh was then cut to fit underneath and frayed. The leaf brads are by Spare Parts and were painted with Smooch ( Pumpkin and Siren) and left to dry. Once dry, I added them to the corners. A jute bow was added to the top left with a mini pop dot . The sentiment is computed generated, cut with a Labels 4 die , cut in half , sponged with Distress Ink and secured to the edge of the " window" . And that does it! I really like the "looking out the window of the barn " effect that the CottaMesh gives. Make it a super day! The Lord bless you !

Time for a Christmas Card , eh !

I'm not normally in the mood to make Christmas cards this early, but with all the cute snowman cards out and a new Spellbinders pendant in my possession , the motivation moved in ! The poinsetta is layered with the tole idea and Liquid Pearls and glitter were added which don't show up very well in the photo but might show up if you click on the photo. I'll leave the recipe below. I've not been feeling so great today so I'll keep this short. Have a good Thursday evening and thanks a bunch for stopping by ! { hugs !}
Deets:
Stamp: Stampabilities
Ink: Color Box silver pigment, Copics (R81,R83,R85)
Paper: Neenah white, silver foil cardstock
Accessories: Spellbinders Fleur de lis pendant, snowflake CB folder, Pink Poinsetta Shimmerz, Liquid Pearls, dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, fern punch, pearls

SSCC4 "The Places You'll Go "

Happy Tuesday, All !
I've managed to hit the stamping room today to put together my card for this week's challenge at Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge. The Scripture for this week is found in Jeremiah 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future ." This verse is such an encouragement to me ... wow ! For my card which is to follow the sketch this week , I knew what I wanted to do right away. Taylored Expressions has this adorable set out called " The Places You'll Go " with Dr. Seuss quotes and sweet images. Here's my mini how -to. I've stamped the balloon and sentiment onto Barely Banana with Memento Black ink. I again stamped the balloon onto a Banana scrap. Images were then colored with SU markers , the clouds were colored with a white Inkssentials pen and the main image sponged lightly with Bliss Blue. I then brushed on some Candlelight Shimmerz to the yellow stripes of the balloon. Click on the picture for a close up. The main image was then cut out with a large circle Nestie. The balloon will be slightly outside of the circle, which is fine. Then cut the second image just for the balloon part and the clouds and mount onto the main image for dimension. I then cut two large pinking circles with contrasting dp and mounted these behind the main image. The base dp as well as the contrasting dp is by Making Memories . I then colored the white in this red / white stripe ribbon with a yellow (Y15) Copic marker and added just to the other side then what is called for in the sketch. After attaching a corner of the contrasting dp, the lower right corner was folded up. I could not resist adding this cute little " worm" by Art Impressions ( ok, it's a caterpillar but let's pretend it's a worm ... you know, as in bookworm ?!) which was stamped , colored and cut out and added with a mini pop dot. Lastly I added mini buttons from Hero Arts to the upper right corner. I think it's a fun card for a student , young or old. What do you think ? I appreciate you stopping by as well as your sweet comments. You, blogging friends , are just the best ! Have a blessed day !

Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge 3

Happy Friday all ... and Happy weekend too!
This week's challenge at SSCC3 is " Back to School" which is to make a project for a student or teacher. Two of my sons head back to The Ohio State University this next week and my goal was to make cards for them to not only encourage them to work hard, to make good choices and to keep the big picture in mind but to not forget the Lord . College is such an exciting time ... the feel of independence and freedom ... remembering my own college years ... I want them to have fun , to study but most of all to not forget all that we have taught them ... that ultimately they belong to Christ , to pray for His guidance and to seek His wisdom. Not an easy thing to do or remember on a college campus.

The sentiment for this card is from Our Daily Bread. The gray base panel was run through a CB folder for texture. The image was cut out with circle and scalloped circle Nesties. Gray and OSU papers are from my stash . I'm not quite sure who makes them. Ribbon and sticky dots were added. And there you have it ! Thanks a bunch for stopping by today ! { hugs!}

SSCC2 You Make My ...

Whew ... I see I'm getting my card for the Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge #2 in by the skin of my teeth ! Tonight is the deadline so if you are so inclined , hurry ... you have until 11:59PM . This week's challenge Scripture is from the Song of Solomon 6:3 ... " I am my Lover's and my lover is mine ; he browses among the lilies ." The challenge is to make a card for your spouse or significant other , or if you are not married, someone you care for such as a dear friend and you MUST give it to them. Here's my card. This adorable stamp is by American Art Stamp and was stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa and colored in with Copics ( BG000, BG72, E70, E71, E27, E00, W1 and 00). I then cut out the image and the mat with Labels Four Nesties. The paper pack is Basic Grey's " Offbeat" . I chose to stamp the image twice and cut out and paper piece the umbrella and layer up for dimension. The sentiment was computer generated and cut out with a tag Nestie. I then added gemstones to the umbrella and each side of the sentiment. And lastly, but certainly not least, it's off to my DH who has been SO sweet and thoughtful today ... Thanks again for visiting . Be sure and check out Stampin Sisters in Christ blog for a new challenge beginning tomorrow. Hugs to you !

Feel of Fall Challenge at Flourishes

Flourishes is kicking off Fall with some new releases and to be into their fabulous drawing to win all FOUR of their new sets , all you have to do is play their challenge using their sketch . Interested ? Head on over to the Flourishes newsletter for the deets. Here's my card. This is one of my favorite sets from Flourishes called Swing Set . I , however, was seeking for a way to make it more Fall-like and this is what I came up with. Instead of paper piecing the sleeveless dress , I paper pieced using long sleeves and colored the leaves with Fall Copic colors. Ta Da ! I am so pleased ! Papers are from Basic Grey's "Mellow" pack. The red panel was run through a CB folder on reverse , the punch is from EK Success and ribbon and buttons ( Hero Arts ) were added.

Have a fabulous rest of day and a super Labor Day weekend . I'll be back with more soon.

FIL Birthday

Good morning, Friends ...
I'm posting a card from my older stash for you today. I made this card for my dear FIL for his birthday. This stamp set is from Clear Dollar Stamps . I've stamped the image with Memento Rich Cocoa twice. The main image was cut out with a Spellbinders Nestie and lightly colored with Prismacolor pencils. I then cut individual sails from the second image after coloring them and layered them for dimension. Stickles were added to the water for shimmer. The paper is from Basic Grey's " Granola" pack . I've punched large burnished eyelets to the corners of the base panel and then threaded with May Arts twine. The sentiment was cut with a tag Nestie and added with pop dots. I think that about explains it. If you have questions at any time about a card, feel free to email me. Thanks so much for stopping by to visit today. Praying you will have a fabulous day ! { Hugs !!}

You Answer Me ...

Happy Wednesday ! I've a late post today. Been playing with my new Spellbinders which you can see here. This scripture verse is from Our Daily Bread and is stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black then cut out and embossed with the Labels Four die. Some distressing from TH's Distress Antique Linen was sponged onto the panel. The gray frame is also cut out and embossed from the same set. The orange frame is from the Classic Frames set. What a gorgeous set! Papers are from Basic Grey's "Ambrosia" pack. Punched dots were added to the corners and gems from K&C to the main image. Super easy ... just layer everything up and mount with dimensionals.

Have a restful evening. I'll be back tomorrow with another post. Blessings !

Fall is in the Air !

Hi everyone ... hope you are all doing well this first day of September. I have a quick and simple card to show you this afternoon. I just love this little leaf from Basic Grey . It was stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa and then colored with watercolor pencils and an aqua painter. This wonderful textured pumpkin ( looks more salmon in the photo ) paper is from Bazzill and the brown and cream are SU! The sentiment ( Flourishes Sweet Violets) was stamped with Rich Cocoa also . I colored the pearls with a brown Copic marker. I also added some rich satiny ribbon to the base panel . Everything was layered up with dimensionals and done ! We are out the door to a baseball game. Hope to be back here tomorrow with more . Have a good one now.

Artful Sentiments CC #22 / Rainy Day

Hey, friends... hoping you are having a terrific Thursday. This card is made with My Favorite Things " Rainy Day" set . What a fun set to color. I've used Copics E57, E31, G94,YG17, YG03, V15, R27, Y11, Y17, Y19 and O on this card. Artful Sentiments CC is to use the three greens listed above. The paper is from Cosmo Cricket's Snorkel pack. Twine was added for a drawstring for her hood and buttons added to her rain slicker. I've used a pale blue colored pencil to lightly color the image panel and then a silver metallic pencil to add some raindrops. They don't show up very well in the photo. If you have any questions, just email me. That's all for today. I'll be back with more this week. { hugs !}

Timeless Tuesday challenge/Your Kindness Leaves ....

Is it Wednesday already ... wow ... I had hoped to post this card on Monday but the camera battery went dead then couldn't find the charger from vacation, then... but then I know you know how it goes ! Life is filled with the unexpected ... Here's my card for today... a really simple thank you. I love this paper from the K&C Wild Raspberry pack and with Fall soon upon us, I wanted to use this summery gorgeous floral while it was still " in season". The background mat and frame is Ruby Red . The frame is from Spellbinders Classic Frames and was cut out and embossed. The sentiment is from Verses and was stamped on a scrap of dp and positioned to the back of the frame. The Timeless Tuesday challenge at Flourishes this week is to use pearls. I've added pearls to the corners of the frame and to the butterfly. The pearls were colored with a Copic marker (BG15). The butterfly was cut out from a scrap of dp then Stickles were added . I had to resist adding ribbon and other embellies , instead letting the glittery dp have center stage. Hope you like it . I'll be back with more later . Have a super rest of Wednesday. Hugs !

Friday Flourishes is Distressing !

Hi Everyone ! I'm "playing" another challenge today ( woo hoo) which is the Friday Flourishes Challenge. This week it is to make a card with distressing.

I buy paper already distressed when I need that rough hewn look so hardly ever think to distress a good piece of paper but I tried it here. This gorgeous paper is by Graphic 45 and I've used both sides. I've taken super fine sandpaper and roughened the edges, especially the corners. It doesn't seem to show up very well in the photo . Next , I pulled out this old sentiment from Stampin Up 's retired " All I Have Seen" set and stamped it with Memento Rich Cocoa onto Very Vanilla. I then pulled out this nifty potted plant from Flourishes " Chairs" set and stamped it alongside then colored in with Copics. The image and mat were cut out with Labels 4 and popped up with dimensionals. I used Distress Ink " Antique Linen" and sponged around the edges of the panel. I've also layered strips of the dp which also doesn't show up very well in the photo. Next , I took this sheer ribbon and tied it over the image. If you look closely ( click on the picture for a close up) you can see that this sheer ribbon lies over the words ..." for all I have not seen..." I think that gives such a visual picture... our vision of the future is cloudy ... we can not see or know what our future holds but our Creator knows and we can trust Him . Finally, tiny gems were added to the image and that does it for this card. Have a wonderful summer weekend and thanks again for stopping by . I'll see you back here on Monday . { hugs !}

Blog Award to Pass Along

Good morning, everyone ! I received this beautiful award from Grace

which is just the sweetest because she is such a sweetheart... an inspiration to me too ! What more, her blog is gorgeous ... you must run over and take a peek if you haven't already!

The rules for this award are that I must list five things I love to do and then pass it along to five other people.

Now this is going to take some thought because I love to do SO many things but here are five :

1. I love doing things with my family. Humor reigns in my house!

2. I love to create beautiful things... whether it be stamping or decorating, I take alot of joy in the visual arts.

3. I love to travel. Going overseas is quite an experience but even more, I'm loving seeing more of the USA.

4. I love shopping for bags, and shoes and stamps/ supplies and kitchen gadgets and flowers and ... I'm probably more of a window shopper than a buyer ... I don't need/ want to have them all ... does that make sense ?!

5. I love to show hospitality, as the Bible says we should. I bake, cook and take great joy in opening my home to others whether for a week or when they drop in. And yes, I've had to learn to relax my standards and just welcome and enjoy and love the people , not worry about the dust bunnies or the pile of newspapers.

Boy, would I love to pass this on to EVERYONE on my blog list as reading your answers would be so fun and enlightening ! OK , probably not feasible for me to do that so how about these five :

Connie

Lisa

Betty

Rita

Jane

I'll be back to post a card later on. Have a blessed day ! { hugs !}

Stampin Sisters in Christ ( SSC) Challenge #1

WooHoo ... two cards posted in two days ! That's a good feeling ! First , I want to apologize for the " busy" photo. I take my shots in my stamping room right by the big picture window which ,unfortunately, is also where my mess is, so I really hope you can see the card for the clutter ! One day I'll get the photo "cube" which should make things better. Now onto the card. This card was made for the Stampin Sisters in Christ #1 challenge which is use to food or drink on your card. I've had this cookie stamp ( Mail Expressions) for years and thought it would be fun to ink it up again. The sentiment( Darcies ) was broken up into two . Both the cookies and the sentiment were stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa. The sentiments were cut out with a tag Nestie. The cookies were embossed slightly and then the chips were colored in with a Chocolate Chip ( !) marker to make them pop a little. They were then cut out and popped up with dimensionals. The papers are by K&C 's Wild Saffron pack. The upper left corner of the dp was paper pierced on reverse to make it stand out a little better. Buttons ( Hero Arts ) and ribbon finish off the look . I would so love to have some real chocolate chip cookies today( yum, yum ) but gotta watch that cholesterol !

Have a good Wednesday !

II Timothy 1:7

It's starting to feel like summer is winding down with the boys getting ready to go back to college and school thus my time in the stamping room will increase. I am SO looking forward to that ! Now don't get me wrong, I love having the boys home, they are just the best but a woman has to have some stamping time ya know! I love the Scripture collections from ODBD and this one from this set is the first I've inked up. I've pulled the dp's from the K&C " Wild Raspberry" pack. The white punched borders are from a Martha Stewart punch. The image was stamped on Barely Banana and then cut out and embossed with circle Nesties. I then cut and embossed the two separate mats with large pinking circle Nesties. The bird is from a MS punch also. Ribbon and dew drops were added to finish it off. What do you think ? The forecast is calling for rain for the next few days which will be welcome here. What better thing to do on a rainy day then to stamp! I love that you've chosen to stop by today! Have a good one now, ya hear !

Vintage Lottie and an award

Hi All ! Hope you are having a fantastic week. I am sorry to have been MIA. My days are filled to the brim with activity and must - do's as I'm sure yours are too. My card today is a little on the vintage side; a style that's not very " me" but with this sophisticated " Lottie" from Impression Obsession, I wanted to give it a go. The image was stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa onto Very Vanilla cs and then colored with Prismacolor pencils. I then added tiny beads to her ribbon choker . The image was cut out and embossed with Spellbinders oval Nesties as well as the mat behind the image. The background paper is from K & C's McKenna pack. Beaded trim and satiny ribbon trim was added and the sentiment ( computer generated) was cut out with a Nestie's tag and then added. You can click on the image for a close -up. Next ...

Christina recently sent me this award which I am thrilled to receive . Thank you so much , dear friend ! It's taken me awhile to post and pass along. Here's the rest of the scoop:

To pick up the Circle of Friends Blog Award :

Cut and paste the award logo and use it on your own blog. Nominate at least five other bloggers you feel have become part of your circle of friends. Link to your nominees , within your blog post and include these instructions on how to pick up the award on your blog post. To show your appreciation to the person who gave you the award, link back to their blog. Finally, comment on the recipents blogs to let them know they've received the award.

OK , here are my five nominees:

NinaB

Dottie

Grace

Laurie

Lisa

It was certainly hard to choose just five because I consider all of you such great stamping friends... what an awesome bunch of women ! Thanks for stopping by ! Have a good Friday and weekend. I'll be back early next week with more.

Blog Candy you won't want to miss !

http://http://stephaniecastrodesigns.blogspot.com/2009/08/some-thank-you-blog-candy.html

http://http://bevscrafts.blogspot.com/2009/08/thank-you-collab-blog-candy.html

Tea-licious !

Hi friends ! How wonderful to be back ! We had a fabulous vacation overseas ! The wedding, the weather, the sightseeing, the resort ... everything made for a memorable time we won't soon forget. A group of us women met one day in Melbourne for afternoon tea and scones. Talk about a beautiful table and yummy food not to mention the laughter and conversation. The card above is a thank you I'll be sending way Down Under to the dear lady who hosted the tea. I've used paper from the new Basic Grey Lemonade pack. The stamp and sentiment are from My Favorite Things. The image was colored with Copics , sponged while in a Nestie and then cut out. Candlelite Shimmerz was brushed over the image and then Stickles were lightly added to the teacup. The yellow mat was run through a CB folder to resemble a tablecloth and then everything mounted up with dimensionals . Dew drops and ribbon were added and that's it !

I look forward to doing some serious blog hopping in the next few days. Can't wait to see all the wonderful creations you've been putting out . { hugs !}

Scripture Magnets

Hey Everyone! Happy Tuesday to you ! Today I thought I would show you a couple of the Scripture magnets I am making . This idea started when I was thinking of ways to encourage my college- age sons . Making Scripture cards would be a great idea but then I thought adding a magnet will allow them to stick to the metal around their desks or add to the bathroom mirror so they'll see while shaving ! These are so easy to make. I used Basic Grey papers here and created the verses via computer . The shapes were cut with Nesties and layered up with dimensionals. You can do them in a theme to reflect a child's personality, school colors or interests. After embellishing, I just added a magnet to the back as you can see below. That's it ! What do you think ?

I will be off the computer for a couple of weeks but will be back soon. I have some big ideas to try when I return . Have a great week ! { hugs , hugs ! }

Seaside Shack

It's Friday, Friends ! Where has the week gone? It was fun to finally have a bit more time for creating and coloring. This Seaside Shack is from Impression Obsession and boy, does it make me want to head for the water ! I colored it up with Copics and the colorless blender and a little bit of Prismacolor metallic silver. I then sponged around the edges with Bliss Blue and Creamy Caramel. The border is made with a EK Success punch. Dp is from the new Basic Grey pack , " June Bug". Buttons ( JoAnn's) were threaded with twine from May Arts and glued on. Voila... done ! May you have a wonderful summer weekend ! Thanks so much for visiting . I'll be back here on Monday .

Artful Sentiments Challenge and an award

Morning , All ! I needed a masculine card and so here is what I came up with. This stamp is an old one by Stampington . I stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa onto Neenah white and then stamped two more times , one on each side of the main image. The center image was colored in with the Artful Sentiments Copic colors for the week . The sentiment is from Clear Dollar Stamps " Smooth Sailing" . The paper is from Basic Grey and the green dp by an unknown source. The upper left corner was pierced and the edges were all distressed with Antique Linen ink. I added ribbon tabs to the right edge of the image and left everything as simple and masculine as I could. I think it will be just right for the recipient.

Now for the award :

Dottie surprised me with this really sweet award the other day. Isn't this a creative and colorful award ?! Dottie, thanks so much !!! I hope you all will go visit her blog . She puts together such gorgeous and creative floral arrangements AND she has some blog candy going on. Go check her out.

Here are the rules for this award :

#1 . By accepting this award you acknowledge that the giver LIKES YOUR STYLE !

#2. You agree to post this proudly on your site and include a post linking back to the giver.

#3 And because there are so my blogs out there that you" like their style ", you will share this award with them, however many there might be .

After pondering this for a good while , I just have to share this award with every single one of you ! You all have terrific and unique styles and I have learned and been inspired by every single one. So don't be shy ... post this on your blog from me. I would be thrilled if you would!

Have a delightful day ! { hugs !}

Shimmery Reminder

It feels wonderful to be back in the stamping room after a week away. The kitchen remodel is pretty much done and the room put back together . Oh, I do love a new and organized kitchen! And the men in the family are loving a mom back to cooking some "real food" as they call it ! Let me tell you about this card. The photo isn't the best but click on the picture and you'll get a close up view. I found this shimmery paper at the local scrapbook store and happily cut it in half to share with Laurie ... the half that she has has the company name , so I don't have that for you. The card base is white then layered with Going Gray and Mint Melody. The dp has been quartered and layered up. The sentiment ( Our Daily Bread ... I LOVE this company) is stamped with Memento London Fog onto a reverse panel of dp , cut out with Labels Four and layered with a Mint Melody panel. Can you see the little butterflies on the sentiment panel? I added those tiny little gem flowers and that's it. Hope you are all doing fantastic. I'm looking forward to some serious visiting on your blogs this week .

Let's send some encouragement !

Hi Friends :

No card for you today but do have a request ... any encouragers out there ? Yes, I thought you would say , " Yep !"... A fellow blogging buddy , Lisa Foster lost her job a few weeks ago and times have been hard . Let's send a TON OF LOVE her way . You can log on to her site : www.stampinforsanity.blogspot.com ...

Hugs to YOU!

Crystal

Day by Day MoJo Monday # 94

Hi All ... and Happy Monday ! Hope you all had a fabulous 4th weekend . My card for you today uses this really lovely paper I picked up at a scrapbook store last week . It's by Dream Street Papers . Using the MoJo sketch for the week , I used both sides of the dp along with a scrap from the Basic Grey Offbeat collection. The stamp is by The Paper Company and was stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa. I drew a frame with a brown marker . The flower was stamped with a SU punch, the butterfly and leaves are from MS punches. The butterfly was run through a Spellbinders folder for texture and them embellished with Liquid Pearls. Pop dots were used for dimension. That about explains it, I think . Thanks a bunch for coming by!
{ hugs !}

Wishing You Well / Using Smooch

Hope you are all having a relaxing evening . Wanted to get my post in while I had a moment. Have you tried this new pearlized accent ink called Smooch ? After hearing all the hoopla from the CHA go-ers , I was thrilled to get my hands on some to try . Woo hoo, do I love the look ! While I've seen many use just as an accent ink, I wanted to actually paint my main image with it . This is a digi image that I printed off several weeks ago , and I am so sorry I can not remember where it came from . If you know, please send me a comment so I can give credit rightfully. The only tip I have for you using this great " ink in a nail polish bottle" is to stay within the lines of your image. It's thickness will cover up any details which could " muddy " your image. I've used the white and the gold for the flowers and the leaves were simply colored with a Copic marker. The base and dp are from the Two Scoops BG pack. Lace and satin ribbons are from Hobby Lobby. The sentiment is from Hero Arts. I used a MS punch for the left border and pearls and a stick pin to add the final embellishing . What do you think ? Have a good night and a safe Fourth celebration. And I want to encourage you, if you have not visited Women to Women blog , please do so . There's a wonderful devotional from Diane . { hugs to all my blogging buddies !}

MOJO93 / I WANT YOU ...

'Morning, All ! I wanted to squeeze in a sketch challenge for this week and MoJo Monday's sketch seemed like it would work for what I had in mind. All weekend as I straightened the stamp room , I felt convicted to pull out the " oldies" and get to using them again . What you see, except for the Nesties and dp is OLD stuff from my collection. Uncle Sam is from Stamp Happy and was stamped with Night of Navy. The red dp is from Archivers and the mat under the image is from the old DCWV pack. The stars were punched with an old punch and the brads and button also ... probably from JoAnn's or Michaels. I added twine ( May Arts ) to the button . The striped ribbon is from Archivers . And as you can see ... the image base was cut with a scalloped square and the sentiment ( computer generated ) was cut with a scalloped oval. The inside of the card is simply decorated with stripes and punched stars and the sentiment continues to read: " ... to have a star sprangled day ! " I apologize for the glare in the window. I didn't notice it until after this was posted . Have a super day , everyone ! So glad you stopped by ! { hugs !}

GOLDEN Anniversary !

Happy Monday, friends ! I have a simple card for you today using these pretty Primas I found on the clearance aisle at Michaels. The card base is Very Vanilla, then some shimmery copper also from SU . I wrapped some double -sided satiny ribbon , stamped the Stampington sentiment with Memento Rich Cocoa and cut out with a Labels 4 die. I added black brads to the center of the primas and then used some Candlelite Shimmerz to soften them just a tad. I then brushed some " Lichen" glitter ( Art Institute ) over the card for a little more shimmer. I confess I wanted to add much more but this card is for a couple that loves simple things so I think it's elegant for this wonderful occasion but still not too fancy . What do you think ? I'm off to have a very productive day today, I hope. The weather here is gorgeous and breezy so I hope I can enjoy the outdoors at some point . Hope your day today is a good one ! Blessings to you !

Midnight Madness SC 7 / Hope

'Evening , Friends ! Hope your week is going well. I've been MIA for a couple of days trying to catch up with an asssortment of to-do's . It sure feels good to be sending off a post at the moment. This card is my entry for Midnight Madness . Dp is Basic Grey's Wisteria , stamps are by Flourishes and The Paper Company. The image was stamped with Memento London Fog twice and colored with Copics BV00 and BV02 as well as G12 for the leaves, two blossoms were cut out and mounted atop the main image for dimension then cut out with an oval Nestie and matted with a scalloped oval . Satin ribbon was added to the panels as well as the bow. The dragonfly is a button from JoAnn's. Gems were added to the corner. I think that does it. Bless you for stopping by ! { hugs!}

Sending Happy Thoughts !

Happy Monday , friends !
I was thrilled to see that the local Archivers had the " new" Cosmo Cricket paper packs in. Woo Hoo , did I rush over to claim a couple ! This card today took less than 30 minutes and is made with two of those wild and fun papers. That wide ric rac is from Hobby Lobby as is the buttons and sentiment. The sentiment was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black , then run through the CB with a pinking circle Nestie. I than took some dp and ran through the CB again for the dp trim on the sentiment. The seahorse is a CB die and was cut out , his eye was added with a Sharpie and then mounted " him" with a pop dot. The buttons were glued onto the ric rac with Mono adhesive. That's it ! A simple, summery card . So glad you stopped by today ! Have a good one ! { hugs!}

A quick hello and a Happy Father's Day!

Hi All ! Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful dads out there ... we women couldn't do it all without them .
I'm spending a few days getting my new kitchen put back together . Woo Hoo ! I'll hit the stamping room soon and get back to posting. Wishing you all a sweet Sunday with all the terrific men in your life. Don't forget to let them know ! { hugs !}

Bon Voyage !

Whoa, is it Wednesday already ?! How are you today, friends ? Here's my card today. I love, love , love that Martha Stewart crab punch ! The punch was the inspiration for my card . I stamped speckles with Night of Navy on the crabs to look a little like barnacles. I think most everything else is self explanatory from the picture. The ribbons are from Hobby Lobby . The sentiment is computer generated and cut with the large pinking circles. If you have any questions, just let me know. Have a joy-filled day . { hugs !}

Sending Smiles

Happy Monday, All!
Been wanting to post this all day but so much happening around here . Hope your week is off to a fabulous start !
I've had this Impression Obsession stamp for a couple months now and let me tell ya ... this is so much fun to ink up and color . I stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black on Neenah white twice and colored with Copics and SU markers. I then cut out with a square Nestie and a little larger mat for behind it. I cut out the one lemon and mounted atop the other with pop dots for dimension. I then added pink gems to a few of the berries and atop the umbrella. The sentiment was also stamped with Memento , cut out with a circle Nestie and then matted with a scalloped circle Nestie. The dp is by Kaiser and the green base is Green Galore. I cut out and added strips of the green for definition and fun . This is a little bit brighter and funky ... not my usual but I think it looks fun and summery , whatda you think ? Have a good night ! I'll post again soon . { hugs !}

SSNOTIME#91/ What's the Dirt ?

This week the challenge at Stamp Simply is to use half circles. That sounds easy enough and quick so I pulled out this new set from Our Craft Lounge . The images were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black and colored in with Copics then cut out and embossed with circle Nesties. The pup was colored with a black SU! marker and a white gel pen. I then cut the circle in half and layered up as you see in the photo. Sorry about the photo again . I was leaning sideways to take the picture and as you can see, I wasn't exactly level so everything looks a little off . But IRL it's all even... really ! The dp was a scrap I had left over. The center is layered with brown satin ribbon and then some woven ric rac. Half circles were cut out of the upper left and lower right , brown satin ribbon added underneath and then sticky gold dots. Sticky gold dots added also to the top right and lower left bottom. That about explains it , I think. What do you think ? Thanks for stopping by ! Hope your weekend is filled with great summer weather and a fun moment or two to make you smile. I'll be back on Monday with another post . { hugs!}